bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiotherapy versus chemoradiotherapy alone in locally advanced head and neck cancer
Authors: Dhaka Saroj , Jakhar Shankar Lal , Sharma Neeti , Kumar Harvinder Singh , Kumar Rajesh
Published: May 2021

Objective:

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CTRT) is the standard treatment for patients with unresectable, nonmetastatic Locally advanced squamous cell cancer of head and neck (LASCCHN). The aim of this study to compare the efficacy and toxicity of induction chemotherapy (ICT) followed by CTRT versus standard CTRT alone in patients with LASCCHN.

Materials and Methods:

Between January 2017 and September 2017, 100 patients with LASCCHN (Stage III and IV) were randomly assigned to two arms: 50 patients in each. Arm A treated by standard CTRT alone (a total 66 Gy in 33fr 2 Gy/# administered daily 5 days/week with 3 weekly inj. cisplatin 100 mg/m2 divided in two days) and Arm B received two cycles of ICT (TPF - inj. paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 on day 1, cisplatin 100 mg/m2 divided in 2 days and inj. 5FU 1 gm/m2 iv d1 and d2) followed by same CTRT. Assessment was done weekly during RT and 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months posttreatment for treatment response, toxicities, and progression-free survival (PFS).

Results:

Total response was observed 79.1% and 82.1% in Arm A and Arm B, respectively (P = 0.705) at 6–8 weeks after the completion of treatment. Acute toxicities were significantly higher in ICT arm. The 18 months PFS was 57% versus 55% in Arm A and Arm B, respectively (x2 = 0.039, P = 0.8414).

Conclusion:

Among the patients followed, this study failed to show benefit of ICT-CTRT over CTRT alone in patients of LASCCHN.
Impact of COVID-19-Related Fear and Anxiety on Job Attributes
Authors: Rajabimajd Nilofar , Alimoradi Zainab , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: May 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had different effects on different occupations. The present study was designed to systematically review the available evidence to investigate the pandemic on occupational effects. The academic databases of Scopus, PubMed Central, ProQuest, Science Direct, and ISI Web of Knowledge were searched systematically between December 2019 and February 2021. COVID-19-related fear, concern, worry, anxiety, and stress in combination with job-related MeSH terms were used to search the databases. The methodological quality of included papers was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale checklist. To synthesize data, a qualitative synthesis of findings was performed due to the small number of included studies (n = 4) and the heterogeneity of the assessed outcomes. Four studies were included in the final analysis. All four studies were cross-sectional, collected the data online, and comprised 1654 participants from four different countries. Fear of COVID-19 was associated with increased future career anxiety, perceived job insecurity, organizational and professional turnover intentions, and decreased job satisfaction. COVID-19 Anxiety Syndrome was associated with scores on the Work and Social Adjustment Scale. As so few studies have been conducted, there are no conclusive findings. More studies using valid and reliable measures to assess fear/anxiety related to COVID-19 and its' association with job attributes are needed. It is also recommended that these associations are examined in variety of different jobs.
Willingness to Vaccinate against COVID-19 Might be Systematically Underestimated
Authors: Rieger Marc Oliver
Published: May 2021

Estimations of the willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19 are important to plan the vaccination process and also to coordinate efforts to reach herd immunity. Aims and Objectives: In this article, we test standard measures of vaccination willingness against systematic biases caused by misunderstandings and lack of information. We use a survey among 730 persons living in Germany at the start of the official vaccination program. We elicit willingness to vaccinate first in a standard form, and then again after clarifications and after providing additional information. We find that a substantial number of persons who state initially that they do not want to get vaccinated does so simply because they want to let people with higher risk be vaccinated first. Appropriately rephrasing the question increases the willingness by around 5 percentage points. Information about herd immunity increases the willingness by additional 7%, confirming previous findings. Standard survey-based estimates of vaccination willingness might underestimate the real number of persons who want to get a vaccination. This number can be increased even further by simply providing appropriate information on herd immunity. In our sample this increased vaccination willingness from 71.4% to 83.6%.
Machine-learning methods for hydrological imputation data: analysis of the goodness of fit of the model in hydrographic systems of the Pacific - Ecuador
Authors: Heras Diego , Matovelle Carlos
Published: May 2021

Computational methods based on machine learning have had extensive development and application in hydrology, especially for modelling systems that do not have enough data. Within this problem, there are data series that are missing, and that should not necessarily be discarded; this is achieved by means of the imputation of the same ones, obtaining complete sets. For this reason, this research proposes a comparison of computer-learning techniques to identify those best suited for hydrographic systems of the Pacific of Ecuador. For the elaboration of this investigation, the hydro-meteorological records of the monitoring stations located in the watersheds of the Esmeraldas, Cañar and Jubones Rivers were used for 22 years, between 1990 and 2012. The variables that were imputed were precipitation and flow. Automatic learning machines of the Python Scikit_Learn module were used; these modules integrate a wide range of automated learning algorithms, such as Linear Regression and Random Forest. Finally, results were obtained that led to a minimum useful mean square error for Random Forest as an automatic machine-learning imputation method that best fits the systems and data analyzed.
Value of Seed Protein Profile in the Taxonomy of cultivars of Capsicum in Nigeria
Authors: Adepoju A.O. , Ogunkunle A.T.J. , Azeez M.A. , Femi-Adepoju A.G.
Published: May 2021

Over a decade, the taxonomy of the genus Capsicum in Nigeria  has remained largely unrevised, unclassified and unidentified. As such, there is a dearth of information on the proper identification of Capsicum spp and relatives found in the country. The aim of this study was to re-examine the taxonomic status of the Capsicum in Nigeria in order to establish genetic diversity between them for proper identification and classification. Sodium dodecyl  polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of total seed protein was performed on five varieties of Nigerian Capsicum spp., following standard procedures. Six protein bands were observed across the five cultivars of Capsicum, of which 12-14 Kda was the only polymorphic band. Only C. fructescens var. ijosi and C. fructescens var. sombo were unique for manifesting 20-24 and 15-16 Kda bands respectively. Dendrogram of analysis obtained resolved the taxa into two distinct groups. In the first group were cultivars of C. fructescens var. ijosi and sombo while in the second group were C. chinense, which was distinctly separated from C. fructescens var. bawa and C. annum. Artificial dichotomous key was constructed for the identification of members of the genus Capsicum available in Nigeria based on the protein profiles of their seeds.

Keywords: Capsicum, seed protein, electrophoresis, identification, diversity.
Biodegradation potential of bacterial isolates from dye wastewater at Marina, Sokoto metropolis
Authors: Adegbite M.A. , Ibrahim K. , Yusif S.A.
Published: May 2021

This study was carried out to determine the biodegradation potential of bacterial isolates from dye wastewater at Marina Area, Sokoto. Three (3) of the bacteria were identified; Bacillus subtilis, Luteimonasaestuarrii and Bacillus cereus and were used for further studies based on their degradation ability of green, red, yellow and blue dyes. Bacillus subtilis, Luteimonas aestuarii and Bacillus cereus have the potential to degrade all the four dyes used during the present investigation. However, efficacy of the various bacterial strains was found to vary at different concentration levels in degradation of a particular dye. Thus, by this study it can be concluded that Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis and Luteimonas aestuarii can be used as a good microbial source for dye waste water treatment. The selected bacterial species represent a promising tool for application in biodegradation of dye waste water and the potential observed would allow for the application of the bacterial isolates for treatment of dye effluents before disposal.

Keywords: effluents, isolates, biodegradation, dye and bacterial.
Screening of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata ( L.)Walp) Varieties for Resistance to Leaf Spot in Southern Guinea Savannah Agro- Ecology of Nigeria
Authors: Ekhuemelo C. , Igbor H.U. , Ocheje S.J.
Published: May 2021

Five cowpea varieties (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) namely UAM 09 1055-6, UAM 09 1051-1, IT 99k-573-1-1, IT 90k-277-2 and IT 99k-573-2-1 were investigated for fungi associated with the seed, leaf spot disease incidence and severity in Makurdi (07o 45’- 7o 50’N and 08o 45’ - 08o 50’E ; 98 m)and Otobi (7°07’ - 7°11'N and 8° 05- 8°10'E) in Benue State, Nigeria under natural infection. The effect ofleaf spot incidence and severity on the growth and yield of cowpea varieties were also evaluated. Fungi associated with the seeds and leaf spot lesions were isolated and identified. Diseased leaf samples from the study locations were found to be infected with Fusarium verticillioides, Curvularia lunata, Aspergillus tamarii Kite, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Aspergillus flavus Link and Aspergillus niger van Tiegh, Pythium spp, Fusarium solani, Macrophomina phaseolina and Phoma sp. Otobi field had significantly higher incidence and severity of leaf spot disease than the Makurdi field. Cowpea variety IT 99k-573-1-1, IT 99k-573-2-1 and IT 90k-277-2 were classified as moderately resistant in Makurdi with a mean incidence of 22.23%, 16.97% and 16.67% respectively while varieties UAM 09 1051-1 and UAM 09 1055-6 were classified as Moderately susceptible and Highly susceptible with mean leaf spot incidence of 41.67% and 99.17% respectively. In Otobi, all the cowpea varieties screened were classified as Susceptible to leaf spot incidence with the exception of variety IT 90k-277-2 which was classified as moderately susceptible to leaf spot disease.

Key words: Cowpea, leaf spot, screening, resistant, susceptible.
Molecular characterization of fungi associated with stored soybean (Glycine max L) seeds
Authors: Ikechi-Nwogu C.G. , Okene F.C.
Published: May 2021

Soybean is an important legume that has high quality protein and oil for food and feed. Despite the importance of this legume, the crop is affected by several post-harvest diseases caused by fungi. A study was carried out to identify the fungal species associated with the seeds of soybean using molecular techniques. The DNA of the isolate, was molecularly characterized using Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS-1) molecular marker. The isolate DNA sequence, was aligned using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool for nucleotide (BLASTN) 2.8.0 version of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. The results showed that the isolate sequence was 98% identical to Diaporthe spp. Voucher VP51, 98% identical to Diaporthe schini isolate L5N71 and 98% identical to Diaporthe schini strain B125. These findings showed that Diaporthe spp. is one of the causal fungal pathogens of post-harvest diseases of soybean seeds. It is anticipated that these results will provide information on culturing Diaporthe species also provide the basis for further study to show their antibiotic and anti-cancerous, enzymes and secondary metabolites producing ability.

Keywords: Soybean, Diaporthe schini and RBCL marker
Assessment of genetic diversity of selected cowpea landraces from Nigeria based on simple sequence repeat markers
Authors: Iseghohi I.O. , Adesoye A.I. , Oludare D.A. , Agunbiade F.V. , Unachukwu N.
Published: May 2021

Understanding the genetic diversity of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) landraces is useful for effective characterization and ex-situ conservation of germplasm. The analysis of genetic diversity of eighteen cowpea landraces collected from five agro-ecological zones in Nigeria was reported in this study. Five individuals per landrace were genotyped with six polymorphic microsatellite markers. Three to 5 alleles with a mean of 3.833 were detected. Mean Polymorphic information content (PIC) and observed heterozygosity of the markers were 0.5721 and 0.2433, respectively. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) showed that variation due to agroecological zone constituted 24%, while variations among and within landraces as well as within individuals constituted 25%, 17% and 33%, respectively. Landraces collected from the humid rainforest zone showed high within landrace diversity and were not significantly different (P ≥ 0.001) from other landraces collected from the same zone. Landraces from the savannah zones showed low within landrace diversity and homozygous across all loci. Consequently, among landrace diversity was higher in the savannah zone with landraces collected from guinea savannah been the most diverse, followed by landraces from the derived savannah and Sudan savannah. Mantel test showed positive and significant correlation (r= 0.377, p= 0.01) between genetic and geographical distance of landrace collections. The findings are important for up-to-date characterizations of cowpea germplasm in Nigeria for improved breeding programs.

Keywords: Genetic diversity, cowpea, Alleles, Polymorphic information content, AMOVA,
Pharmacognostic Studies of the Stem Bark of Enantia chlorantha Oliver (Annonaceae)
Authors: Ohemu TL , Agunu A , Dafam DG , Olotu PN
Published: May 2021

Enantia chlorantha Oliver (Annonaceae) is commonly known as African yellow wood used as hepatoprotective, antiviral, antimalarial, antibacterial and antiulcer agents. The study was aimed to investigate the pharmacognostic and physiochemical parameters of E. chlorantha stem bark. The macroscopy, microscopy and chemomicroscopy of E. chlorantha were carried out using standard methods. Cell wall materials, cell inclusions and other diagnostic characters, which can aid in the easy and proper identification of the plant, were identified. The microscopic studies revealed the presence of sclereids, fibres, medullary ray, and calcium oxalate prisms. The physiochemical evaluation of was done, in order to ascertain quality and purity. This study provides additional useful information needed for determination of its identity and quality that can be added as enrichment of the pharmacopoeia of the plant.Keywords: Pharmacognostic, Stem Bark, Enantia chlorantha
Evaluation of Anti-Fertility Property of Lawsonia Inermis L. (Lythraceae) Roots in Rats
Authors: Samagoro CT , Agunu A , Nuhu H , Mohammed Z , Abdurrahman EM , Ambali SF
Published: May 2021

Traditional contraceptive practices and use of medicinal plants is a common occurrence in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Lawsonia inermis L. (Lythraceae) roots which is the most frequently used anti-fertility agent was evaluated in rats. Apparently healthy female and male Wistar rats were used. Pre-implantation and mating ratio, determinations of implantation sites and Corpora lutea were also conducted. The effects of extract on weight of the rats were also determined. There were loss of implantation sites and decrease in body weight. The number of implantation sites showed dose–response relationship significantly (p£0.05) among the doses of extract and to standard drug (ethinyl estradiol). There was also significant (p£0.05) difference observed in the number of Corpora lutea in all experimental and control groups. Similarly, there was significant (p£0.05) difference observed in all the experimental and control groups on percentage pre-implantation loss. The plant extract exhibit anti-fertility effects. The finding may explain the traditional use of the plant as antifertility agent.Keywords: Traditional Medicine, Contraception, Methanol Extract, L. inermis Root, Medicinal Plants
“Dispersed” Public Authority in Labour Law: Systematic Dilemmas in Law Continued
Authors: Musiała Anna
Published: May 2021

The doctrinal discussion on personal data protection regulated by the EU regulation, i.e. the GDPR, appears to re-create a vibrant and never-ending debate on the private law nature of the employer who does not implement the principle of freedom of contract when concluding a contract of employment. Because it is simply an entity pursuing public interests. The social labour inspector is a prototype of data protection officer in the field of labour law. As a matter of fact, he is also executing this “dispersed” public authority in labour law.
Snowball Sampling vs. Respondent Driven Sampling in Regional Research. Comparing the use of the Methods to Study Migrants Working in Elderly Care
Authors: Kubiciel-Lodzińska Sabina
Published: May 2021

The aim of the article is to compare the effectiveness of the snowball sampling and Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) for research on migrants working in elderly care. Analyses are based on results of in-depth semi-structured individual interviews conducted among 42 migrants working as caregivers in the Opole region (Poland). This group can be considered as a “hidden population” because, due to the work they provide in the household, frequently illegally, they often demonstrate a strong desire to remain invisible. The methods were compared in terms of: (1) duration of the survey, (2) diversity of the sample, (3) difficulty in applying both sampling methods. In the conducted survey, snowball sampling made it possible to find and reach the required number of respondents faster than the RDS. Both groups differed in terms of gender (more men were recruited by snowball sampling), legality of employment (there were fewer lawfully employed in the RDS group) and average length of stay in Poland (migrants recruited by snowball sampling stayed in Poland for an average of 3.3 years and enrolled by RDS for 1.7 year). In both groups, recruitment was not self-driven by the chain of social networks of respondents. The reason was, inter alia, the structure of the social network of the migrant, which only to a small extent covered other migrants employed in senior care. The article closes the research gap for comparative research using snowball sampling and RDS on the same hard-to-reach population. The survey also attempts to verify to what extent face-to-face RDS can be used to survey hidden and rare populations scattered over a larger area than a city or agglomeration. Therefore the RDS method has been used to recruit respondents from the whole region without limiting the scope to one city or agglomeration.
Migracje z ziem polskich w XIX wieku we współczesnych podręcznikach do historii dla szkoły podstawowej
Authors: Wojdon Joanna , Skotnicka-Palka Małgorzata
Published: May 2021

19th century migrations from the Polish lands in contemporary primary school history textbooks
The article presents the problem of political, economic and forced migrations of people from Polish lands in the 19th century, discussed in recently published history textbooks for elementary school students. Textbooks based on the old and the new core curriculum were compared.
The analysis of textbooks was based on the model developed by Raymond Nkwenti Fru of the National University of Lesotho. This model allows us to see explicit and implicit content and take into account different types of textbook narratives.

Artykuł prezentuje problem migracji politycznych, ekonomicznych oraz przymusowych przesiedleń ludności z ziem polskich w XIX wieku przedstawiony we współczesnych podręcznikach do historii dla uczniów szkoły podstawowej. Porównano podręczniki napisane w oparciu o „starą” i „nową” podstawę programową.
Podręczniki przeanalizowano w oparciu o model wypracowany przez Raymonda Nkwenti Fru z Narodowego Uniwersytetu Lesotho (National University of Lesotho). Model ten pozwala dostrzec treści jawne i ukryte, uwzględnić różne typy narracji podręcznikowych.
Hydrolytic performances of different organic compounds in different lignocellulosic biomass during anaerobic digestion
Authors: Yang Haifeng , Deng Rui , Jin Junwei , Wu Yuling , Jiang Xin , Shi Jinhua
Published: May 2021

Hydrolytic performances of different organic compounds in lignocellulosic biomass (LB) during anaerobic digestion (AD) are worth investigating due to the complex and refractory structure of lignocellulose. This study aimed to clarify the hydrolytic performances of different lignocellulosic components (hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin) and other typical organics (saccharides, protein and lipid) in AD process. Furthermore, an in-depth study of different lignocellulosic components mono-/co-digestive performances, as well as their effects on digestive systems were also designed to explain the mechanism. Kinetic models were specially applied to evaluate the hydrolytic process and make comparison among different lignocellulosic components. Results showed that hemicellulose obtained high degradation ratio (77.2-85.0%) during anaerobic digestion, while cellulose was difficult to hydrolyze without sufficient acidity. And organics (saccharides, protein and lipid) were much easier to be hydrolyzed than lignocellulose. Results also depicted that lignocellulose addition could efficiently enhance the volatile solid (VS) removals of digestive systems, while lignin existing in systems reduced the VS removal. The limited hydrolysis of lignocellulose hindered the degradation of total VS in digester. It is quite important to obtain high bioenergy conversion, pretreatments, which can destroy the lignin wrapping in LBs digestion. This study could provide a reference for the AD of LBs.
Partition-theoretic formulas for arithmetic densities, II
Authors: Ono Ken , Schneider Robert , Wagner Ian
Published: May 2021

In earlier work generalizing a 1977 theorem of Alladi, the authors proved a partition-theoretic formula to compute arithmetic densities of certain subsets of the positive integers N as limiting values of q-series as q → ζ a root of unity (instead of using the usual Dirichlet series to compute densities), replacing multiplicative structures of N by analogous structures in the integer partitions P. In recent work, Wang obtains a wide generalization of Alladi's original theorem, in which arithmetic densities of subsets of prime numbers are computed as values of Dirichlet series arising from Dirichlet convolutions. Here the authors prove that Wang's extension has a partition-theoretic analogue as well, yielding new q-series density formulas for any subset of N. To do so, we outline a theory of q-series density calculations from first principles, based on a statistic we call the "q-density" of a given subset. This theory in turn yields infinite families of further formulas for arithmetic densities.
A heuristic guide to evaluating triple-sums
Authors: Mortenson Eric
Published: May 2021

Using a heuristic that relates Appell-Lerch functions to divergent partial theta functions one can expand Hecke-type double-sums in terms of Appell-Lerch functions. We give examples where the heuristic can be used as a guide to evaluate analogous triple-sums in terms of Appell-Lerch functions or false theta functions.
A localized Erdős-Kac theorem
Authors: Dixit Anup B , Ram Murty M
Published: May 2021

Let ω_y (n) be the number of distinct prime divisors of n not exceeding y. If y_n is an increasing function of n such that log y_n = o(log n), we study the distribution of ω_{y_n} (n) and establish an analog of the Erdős-Kac theorem for this function. En route, we also prove a variant central limit theorem for random variables, which are not necessarily independent, but are well approximated by independent random variables.
War, Displacement, and Refugeehood: Existential Encounters of Religion in the Syrian Refugee Crisis
Authors: Løland Ingrid
Published: May 2021

How and to what extent does religion play into the life-rupturing experiences that characterize forced migration? This article provides a novel look at how issues of religion and identity (re/de)constructions are entangled with the Syrian refugee crisis and mirrored in the diverse experiences relating to a sample of Syrian refugees now residing in Norway. The study aims to delve more deeply into the Syrian scene of war as a determinant backdrop to the Syrian refugee crisis, thereby tracing the intersection of religion in people’s experiences of conflict, displacement, and refugeehood. It argues for a lived dimension approach when analysing the variable ways in which empowering and disempowering aspects of religion cut into their migration trajectories. Additionally, it applies a theoretical lens derived from existential anthropology to explore how narrative negotiations veer between chaos, crisis, and disruption, on the one hand, and resilience, hope, and restitution, on the other. The study reveals an ambiguous empirical reality in which the nexus between religion and forced migration involves highly contradictory identification processes. Furthermore, it provides vivid polyvocal testimonies on how Syrians have navigated the liminal in-betweens of vulnerability and agency in their escape from Syria as well as during their journeys of displacement into refugeehood.
The Tipping Point – when, how and why did We start thinking “Pandemically”?
Authors: Vertovšek Nenad
Published: May 2021

Suspended between theories of manipulation and the public health catastrophe that continues to shake our world, there is a whole range of answers to the questions posed by scientists, doctors, politicians and ordinary folk – when, where, how and why did it all begin? Given the various concepts and ideas on the future corona world, it is important to keep asking and (still) avoid simple and mind-numbing answers. The world of media has also reached or surpassed a tipping point – can we even shake the illusion we deserve some “new normal”? Or perhaps the future holds a “new abnormal” world, alongside the “old abnormal”. On the one hand the pandemic has changed our behavioural patterns, and will continue to do so, but it has also changed our way of thinking, reaching conclusions and perceiving the external world and the world within us. On the other hand, are we in part historically regressing through our acceptance of half-dictatorship, lockdowns, immovability, blandness and hiding our smiles? Why and how might the philosophy of the media help with this challenge of views in some new techno-feudalism? Will we adopt any new lessons? We must first remember the legendary children’s show Sesame Street and its revolutionary insight – you can teach children only if you attract their attention first...
VACCINE HESITANCY SCALE IN PANDEMICS: TURKISH VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY STUDY
Authors: ÇAPAR Haşim , ÇINAR Fadime
Published: May 2021

Objective: The aim of this study is to make the Turkish validity and reliability of the vaccine hesitation scale to be used in combating experienced or possible pandemics in the future. Methods: It is a methodological study in which the Turkish validity and reliability of the "Vaccine Hesitancy Scale" developed by Larson et al. (2015) was modified for pandemics. Explanatory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were conducted with the data collected from 617 volunteers for construct validity. Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient and language and construct validity were performed for reliability and validity. Results: As a result of EFA and CFA, the 10-item "Vaccine Hesitancy Scale in Pandemics" showed a two-factor structure. The two-factor structure explains 68.53% of the total variance. Factor loadings related to the items of the scale vary between 0.638 and 0.887. Confirmation of EFA results with CFA results was found to provide construct validity. It was observed that the reliability criterion was met by determining the Cronbach Alpha Coefficient as 0.901. Conclusion: It is thought that the "Vaccine Hesitancy Scale in Pandemics", which has been conducted with the data obtained from people with different socio-demographic characteristics of the Turkish people, can be a reference that can be used by researchers as a valid and reliable measurement tool.
ANALISIS KOMPETENSI PROFESIONALITAS GURU PAK DALAM MENINGKATKAN KREATIFITAS BELAJAR SISWA IX SMP NEGERI 1 SIANTAR NARUMONDA TOBA SAMOSIR TAHUN 2017/2018
Authors: Purba Niki Astrina
Published: May 2021

Abstract, This study aims to determine the percentage of Professional Teacher Competence Christian Educatin In Improving Student Learning Creativity Class IX SMP Negeri 1 Siantar Narumonda Toba Samosir Year Learning 2017/2018. This research uses descriptive quantitative method. With the research population is all the students of class IX SMP Negeri 1 Siantar Narumonda which amounted to 117 people with samples taken 30% so that the sample in the study of 36 people determined by simple random sampling technique.The data were collected by closed questionnaire as many as 40 items and the instrument validity test results were between 0.465 to 0.816 0.361. Instrument reliability test results obtained are in very strong category.From the results of data analysis obtained value Application of Professional Teacher Competence Christian Educatin In Improving Creativity Learning = 81.64% is in very good category, meaning Christian Educatin teachers have applied Professional Competence In Improving Creativity Learning very well. This research suggests if it will improve students' learning creativity then it is necessary to apply professional competence on learning Christian Religious Education. Keywords: Professional Competence, Learning Creativity
STUDI DESKRIPTIF ANSAMBEL MUSIK KOLINTANG SEBAGAI PENGIRING NYANYIAN PADA UPACARA BENDERA DI SMP SW. ST. PAULUS SIDIKALANG
Authors: Sihombing Aprilia Dame Christanty
Published: May 2021

This endeed of  research is to describe the place of the kolintang music ensemble to accompany the singin of the flag ceremony at SMP Sw. St. Paulus Sidikalang. This research is a qualitative descriptive research. The subject of this research is flag ceremony. The research focussed on the role of Kolintang music ensemble as song chanting. The data of the final research was obtained from the observations of the flag-raising activities, interview with teachers, student adan kolintang’s players in junior high school and take a documentation. Data were analyzed with qualitative descriptive analysis techniques. Data validity is obtained through data triangulation, observer triangulation, theory triangulation and method triangulation. The purpose of this research is to know and descriebing  kolintang music. Example, in this research is by using numbered data such as document, archieves, interview results, observation result or also by interviewing more thn one subject that is consideret to have a different point of view.The result showed that : (1) In accompaniying singing at the flag-ceremony, students used the basic notes G, C and F. (2) the tecnic to performed kolintang    were not wheeled with a kolintang played general. (3). After carrying out their duties as chanting accompaniment in the ceremony, students who performed kolintang first practice on kolintang extracurricular activities. (4) in the process of playing kolintang, each player must have a strong feeling so that the technic kolintang is harmonious. Keywords : Descriptive Study, Ensemble, Kolintang music
Hubungan Kepercayaan Diri Siswa dengan Hasil Belajar PAK Kelas VII Di SMP Negeri 4 Sumbul Kabupaten Dairi Tahun Ajaran 2020/2021
Authors: SIHOTANG IRNA YULITA
Published: May 2021

AbstrakPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui besarnya hubungan Kepercayaan Diri Siswa Dengan Hasil Belajar PAK Di Kelas VII SMP Negeri 4 Sumbul Kabupaten Dairi Tahun Pembelajaran 2020/2021, dengan hipotesis terdapat hubungan yang positif dan signifikan antara Kepercayaan Diri Siswa Dengan Hasil Belajar PAK Di Kelas VII SMP Negeri 4 Sumbul Kabupaten Dairi Tahun Pembelajaran 2020/2021. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif deskriptif inferensial, dengan populasi seluruh siswa kelas VII SMP Negeri 4 Sumbul yang berjumlah 86 orang dengan sampel berjumlah 65 orang. Data dikumpulkan dengan angket tertutup sebanyak 31 item yang disusun oleh penulis berdasarkan indikator variabel sesuai teori ahli. Uji coba angket dilakukan kepada 21 siswa yang bukan responden penelitian, dan telah diuji validitas dan reliabilitasnya. Hasil analisis data menunjukkan bahwa terdapat hubungan yang positif dan signifikan antara Kepercayaan Diri Siswa Dengan Hasil Belajar PAK Di Kelas VII SMP Negeri 4 Sumbul Kabupaten Dairi Tahun Pembelajaran 2020/2021 dengan koefisien korelasi rhitung  rtabel atau 0,612 0,244 dan uji signifikan hubungan diperoleh thitungttabel sebesar 6,148 2,000, dengan demikiandapat disimpulkan Ho ditolak dan Ha diterima .Katakunci : Hasil belajar, Kepercayaan diri Abstract This study aims to determine the magnitude of the relationship between Student Confidence and PAK Learning Outcomes in Class VII Sumbul, Dairi District, 2020/2021 Learning Year, with the hypothesis that there is a positive and significant relationship between Student Confidence and PAK Learning Outcomes in Class VII SMP Negeri 4 Sumbul Regency. Dairi Academic Year 2020/2021. This study used an inferential descriptive quantitative approach, with a population of all students of class VII SMP Negeri 4 Sumbul, totaling 86 people with a sample of 65 people. Data were collected using a closed questionnaire of 31 items compiled by the author based on variable indicators according to expert theory. Questionnaire trials were conducted on 21 students who were not research respondents, and had tested their validity and reliability. The results of data analysis show that there is a positive and significant relationship between Student Confidence and PAK Learning Outcomes in Class VII SMP Negeri 4 Sumbul Dairi Regency 2020/2021 Learning Year with a correlation coefficient r count r table or 0.612 0.244 and a significant correlation test is obtained t count t table of 6, 148 2,000, thus it can be concluded that Ho is rejected and Ha is accepted.Keywords: Learning Outcomes, Self-Confidence
Pendampingan Pastoral Dengan Paradigma Spiritual Care Pada Pernikahan Beda Agama
Authors: Simanungkalit Robinson
Published: May 2021

AbstrakPernikahan beda agama adalah sebuah fenomena dan realita yang tidak bisa dihindari. Fenomena ini telah menimbulkan berbagai reaksi bahkan kontroversi dari berbagai kalangan. Apologetika Teologipun berkembang untuk merespons fenomena ini. Terlepas dari kontroversi dan apologetika yang berkembang, isu ini telah menjadi sebuah konteks berteologi khususnya dalam perspektif Teologi pastoral yang kontekstual dan kontemporer. Metode penelitian yang dipakai dalam penelitian ini adalah metode penelitian kualitatif deskriptif melalui studi literatur. Tujuan penulisan artikel ini adalah untuk melihat bagaimana pendampingan pastoral dengan paradigma spiritual care yang menekankan prinsip person centered dihubungkan dengan fungsi-fungsi pendampingan pastoral.AbstractDifferent religion marriage is quite a phenomenon and an unavoidable a reality. This phenomenon has provoked various reactions and even controversies from various circles. Theological apology has also evolved to respond to this phenomenon. Despite the growing controversy and apologetics, this issue has become a theological context especially in the contextual and contemporary perspective of pastoral theology. The research method used in this study is a descriptive qualitative research method through literature studies. The purpose of writing this article is to see how pastoral ministry with a spiritual care paradigm that emphasizes the principle of person centered is associated with pastoral care functions.Kata kunci: Pendampingan pastoral, paradigma spiritual care, pernikahan beda agama
Qualitative Analysis on Investment Decisions of Nepalese Stock Market Investors
Authors: Vaidya Rashesh
Published: May 2021

The paper attempts to examine the experience of the Nepalese investors at the secondary market. The paper explored the investment decisions process of the Nepalese investors. The paper has adopted the grounded theory to generate the theory from the data collected from the semi-structured interview from the stock market investors having an academic background in management. The findings revealed that the investors are eager to invest in the stock market and go for a better experience from their trading at the NEPSE floor. The study exposed a mixed opinion in context to the understanding of the macroeconomic aspects and their influence on investment decisions. The investors forwarded that there is no relation between their investment decision-making process and the macroeconomic factors, while some of the investors stated that they see a connection of the economy with the stock market directly or indirectly. The study came out that the major concern of the Nepalese investors is a fundamental aspect of the listed companies while selecting for an investment. At the same time, investors stated that they go for technical analysis or follow the market trend for the short-term trading at NEPSE floor. The investors are seen at one point that the unstable political situation and insider trading have been major challenges, in context to the Nepalese stock market. Finally, the excessive flow of information related to the listed companies either with some validity or not, makes an investor’s investment decisions go wrong.
Promoting healthier diets in India through “Front of Package Food Labeling”
Authors: Bera Om Prakash , Saleem Sheikh Mohd , Bhattacharya Sudip
Published: May 2021

The rising NCDs are attributed to an epidemiological health transition resulting from rapid urbanization, sedentary lifestyle, and transforming nutritional preferences. The behavioral risk factors like the adoption of a sedentary lifestyle and changing dietary pattern have resulted in the consumption of an unhealthy diet, building up and less burning of calories. It has been observed that nutrition labeling has played a crucial role in shaping consumer level food behavior. Many labeling systems have been proposed and designed as per country specific needs. Consumers face many challenges while accessing the food packets, small fonts, labeling on the back side, not understanding its language, and unable to evaluate the nutritional information which is described on the packets. Our aim should be to improve the information available within the food package, increase food information accessible to the people, and more importantly, the use of this information must be brought into service by the consumers as to make healthy food choices. Chile's approach to warning labels is currently considered the gold standard in the FOPL system, which have significantly reduced the consumption of unhealthy foods by people. There is a need to introduce the replica of the same Chile’s FOPL system in India. It's time to make the right move and make India a global leader in FOPL food systems by the introduction of strong and stringent FOPL laws that may help consumers with informed food choices and FSSAI may play a leadership role in this.
Technology connects patients to tertiary care for non-COVID illnesses in pandemic times: A case study from India
Authors: Kumar Jitender , Singh Tarundeep , Singh Amarjeet
Published: May 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic times, non-COVID patients faced many difficulties to access health care because of diversion of health resources to manage the pandemic, partial or complete closure of routine OPD services and travel restrictions due to lockdown. Increased use of technology enhanced the effectiveness of the healthcare system to maintain treatment avenues in this challenging time. Also, the pandemic accelerated diffusion of technological innovations like teleconsultation among healthcare workers and patients. The present case study is about a young, breast cancer, female patient from rural India who was diagnosed with the disease just before the pandemic times. She was put on neo-adjuvent chemotherapy in a tertiary care hospital about 150 kms away from her native place but meanwhile lockdown was imposed in India to control COVID-19 spread. She was maintained on follow up through teleconsultation services. She was facilitated through travel restrictions for chemotherapy cycles by e-pass. Her concerns regarding disease, treatment options, follow ups, effect of treatment on her fertility and adverse effects of chemotherapy during her treatment course were satisfactorily addressed through teleconsultation. Necessary investigations done nearby were sent digitally to treating doctor that minimized her visits. After completion of chemotherapy she underwent breast conservation surgery.
Mobile Medical Units: An alternate Pathway to address the burden of Non Communicable disease in Urban Slums of India
Authors: Nawaz Ayesha Siddiqua , Hegde Shailendra Kumar B , Pathania Vivek , Bambhrah Hardeep Singh
Published: May 2021

Background: In India despite the increase in health coverage, a small but significant proportion of people in several parts of the country still do not get access to health care services. Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) are a key service strategy to reach such vulnerable population. The present study intends to know the socio-demographic profile of population attending the MMU and the prevalence of Non-Communicable disease (NCD) among them. Materials and Methods: The MMU are located at five different locations in two states. The MMU is equipped to provide primary health care services, essential lab investigations, medications and counselling. The secondary data of beneficiaries attending the MMU during March 2018 to March 2019 was analysed. Results: A total of 84,239 beneficiaries attended the MMU, which comprised of 39 % males and 61% females. There were 55,934 beneficiaries aged 30 years and above. Out of these majority (62.6%) were females and 44.4% beneficiaries were aged between 30 to 45 years. The prevalence of Diabetes and Hypertension among the beneficiaries above 30 years of age was 38.8% and 46.2%respectively. Conclusion: MMU can help in delivering quality health services to the vulnerable population and help early diagnosis of NCD.
Maximizing the potential and outreach of Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health in COVID 19
Authors: Goel Sonu , Upadhyay Kritika , Singh Amarjeet
Published: May 2021

Teaching and learning has existence from the earliest times of human civilization. Socrates in 300 BC involved his learners by dialectic method which has inspired philosophers for more than two thousand years. The argumentative dialogue based on oral questioning and answering process to stimulate critical thinking in the dialectic method allowed others to learn by self-generated deeper understanding.(1) The Gurukul teaching in the ancient vedic time encourages the students to stay in guru’s place (termed as Gurukul) where the education was delivered through scriptures describing vedas, rules of sacrifice, understanding secrets of nature and correlating them with their real life. In these times, the education was more organized and disciplined focusing upon memory retention and concentration(2). The learning through script and writing started in 3500BC where Egyptians developed alphabets from hieroglyphs prototype which was used either on stone monuments or on papyrus, a flexible paper like material.(3)The script was later adopted by Greeks (Phoenician writing system)(4) in 11th century and thereafter by China in 1400-2100BC (oracle bone script)
Constraints and Solutions for the Profit-Optimization of Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis) Food Business in Colombia
Authors: FARHAB Muhammad , IQBAL Muhammad , FAROOQ Umar , QADRY Ayesha
Published: May 2021

Passion fruit is grown in several countries in Latin America including Colombia. But the profit with this is very unstable and normally their production costs have not been optimized, additionally, their offer to the international market is mainly fresh product and only seven percent is processed fruit, creating economic constraints and again reducing their possibilities to profit. Development and improvement of fruit production represent an opportunity for supporting the economic growth in Colombia because of their favorable conditions regarding climate and fruit diversity. This could result in job creation and equity in the development in the different regions across the country. This review illustrates the constraints within the food business development of the Passion fruit which are discussed under the subheadings of pests and diseases, sub optimal genetical utilization of passion fruit, un-rational usage of pesticides and fertilizers, soil quality poor handling resulting in the harvest contamination of the harvest, Post-harvest disease, insufficient grading, packaging, storage and transportation and recommendations.
Implikasi Pandemik COVID-19 terhadap Ekonomi Global dan Ekonomi Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Farique Mohd Asyraf , Mohd Fauzi Mohd Aiman
Published: May 2021

Situasi semasa dan cabaran yang dihadapi oleh semua negara menunjukkan bahawa pandemik COVID-19 yang sedang berlaku ini merupakan sebuah krisis berskala global. Dalam penulisan ini, pendapat dan penulisan daripada ahli akademik, pemerhati politik dan laporan-laporan daripada institut-institut kajian telah ditinjau dan disaring untuk mendapatkan idea-idea utama yang dilontarkan terhadap setiap implikasi yang dibincangkan. Bagi menghadapi kesan kegawatan ekonomi ini, negara-negara di seluruh dunia melancarkan Pakej Rangsangan Ekonomi untuk mengurangkan risiko kegawatan pada masa hadapan. Malaysia juga mengeluarkan pakej rangsangan kewangan sebanyak RM250 bilion. Sekiranya pakej rangsangan ini terus bertambah, jumlah hutang negara akan semakin meningkat dan negara-negara di seluruh dunia tidak dapat lagi menanggung beban hutang yang tinggi. Ini akan membawa kepada situasi yang seterusnya, iaitu negara-negara tersebut terpaksa meminjam daripada institusi-institusi kewangan dunia yang didominasi oleh elit kuasa iaitu Amerika Syarikat dan China seperti IMF, World Bank dan AIIB.
Konsep Bandar Menurut Peradaban Melayu
Authors: Md Bahrudin Mohd Zul Fahmi
Published: May 2021

Peradaban Melayu memanifestasikan falsafah kehidupan mereka ke dalam bentuk sebuah kota. Kerajaan Melayu agraria mengutamakan ekonomi pertanian dan bertempat di sepanjang sungai. Manakala kerajaan Melayu maritim pula yang melaksanakan perdagangan di pesisiran laut. Kedua-dua jenis kerajaan dalam peradaban Melayu ini membina kota mereka berlandaskan kepada keperluan setiap kerajaan. Seni ukiran merupakan antara salah satu unsur terpenting dalam aspek estetika Peradaban Melayu. Lima jenis motif yang biasa digunakan adalah flora, fauna, kosmos, geometri dan khat. Seni ukiran ini berkonsepkan keseimbangan alam daripada aspek komposisi, pemilihan motif dan bentuk ukiran. Nilai-nilai yang diterapkan ialah penghormatan kepada sesama manusia, alam dan menyingkir sifat sombong yang diwakili dengan gaya daun yang sentiasa menunduk ke bumi. Prinsip kelestarian alam dan hubungan harmoni antara manusia dan alam diterapkan melalui pantang-larang dan adat dalam pemilihan kayu yang akan ditebang, jenis-jenis kayu dan waktu pokok boleh ditebang. Masa lapang orang Melayu pula digunakan untuk menghasilkan peralatan rumah dan keperluan harian, menghasilkan alat permainan kanak-kanak dan peralatan-peralatan lain. Kota Melayu Melaka yang merupakan model Bandar Melayu dibina berasaskan falsafah Islam tidak lari daripada memaparkan unsur-unsur keislaman dalam seni binanya. Konsep pembandaran Islam di Alam Melayu pula merujuk kepada struktur binaan bandar atau kota yang kompleks yang lengkap dalam segala aspek seperti unsur pentadbiran,ekonomi mahupun agama, seperti yang terdapat dalam pusat kota Kesultanan Melayu Melaka.