bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial structure and factors determining tree mortality in Beninese forest formations
Authors: Atindogbe Gilbert , Laly Gabin Finangnon , Akpo Hospice Afouda , Adjinannoukon Arios , Fonton Noël Houédougbé
Published: March 2021

Dead wood plays an important role in the functioning of forest ecosystems through nutrient cycles, soil fertility balance and temporary carbon storage. This research evaluates the dead wood potential, spatial structure of dead trees and factors influencing tree mortality in natural woodlands in Benin. Data were collected in eleven square plots of 10,000 m2, established in six classified forests and hunting areas of the W and Pendjari national parks. The spatial structure was investigated using Ripley's K function, and a multiple regression with variable selection allowed the identification of the biotic and abiotic factors that have an effect on dead wood density in the study areas. The density of dead wood was 32 stems/hectare, while mean quadratic diameter and basal area were 17.2 cm and 0.88 m2.ha-1, respectively. There was random and regular spatial distribution of dead trees without a positive interaction between dead and living trees, thereby pointing to fire as the main factor of tree mortality. Other factors influencing tree mortality included attacks by saproxylic animal species and other wood pests, and senescence. This study suggests that an integration of dead trees in management plans may be essential for the proper functioning of Benin's forest ecosystems.

Le bois mort joue un rôle important dans le fonctionnement de l’écosystème forestier de par sa position dans les cycles de matière, le maintien de la fertilité des sols, le stockage temporaire du carbone, et par son rôle dans la structuration physique des sols. Cette recherche évalue sur la base de onze placettes carrées de 10.000 m2, installées dans six (06) forêts classées et des zones cynégétiques des parcs nationaux W et Pendjari, le potentiel en bois morts, la structure spatiale des arbres morts et les facteurs influençant la mort des arbres dans les formations naturelles du Bénin. La structure spatiale est étudiée au moyen de la fonction K de Ripley et une régression multiple avec sélection de variables a permis d’identifier les facteurs biotiques et abiotiques qui ont un effet sur la densité en bois morts dans lesdites formations. Les paramètres dendrométriques des arbres morts dans les formations naturelles étudiées sont caractérisés par avec une densité à l’hectare de 32 tiges, un diamètre quadratique moyen de 17,2 cm et une surface terrière de 0,88 m2.ha-1. La structure spatiale affiche une distribution spatiale aléatoire et régulière des arbres morts sans aucune interaction positive entre arbres morts et vivants suggérant le feu comme principal facteur de mortalité des arbres. Les autres facteurs influençant le recrutement en bois morts sont les attaques des espèces animales saproxyliques ou autres ravageurs des bois et la sénescence. L’intégration des arbres morts dans les plans aménagements est alors indispensable pour assurer un très bon fonctionnement des écosystèmes forestiers du Bénin.
Contribution to the ethnobotanical inventory of medicinal plants used for the treatment of typhoid fever in Adamaoua region, Cameroon
Authors: Fodouop Chegaing Simeon Pierre , Yemele Mefokou Didiane , Talom Tangue Benjamin , Sokoudjou Jean Baptiste , Telemgone Menoudji Serge , Tchuente Kamsu Gabriel , Gatsing Donatien
Published: March 2021

Since ancient Greek-Roman times, the use of plants to cure many human diseases is still common. The present ethnobotanical survey was conducted to contribute to the knowledge of medicinal plants used for the treatment of typhoid fever in three sub divisions of Vina division, Adamawa Cameroon. After having explained the importance of this study to interviewees, 41 traditional healers have agreed and delivered information regarding the medicinal plants they use as well as the different preparation and administration through a well- structured questionnaire that was given to them on this matter. Among 41 traditional healers whose attended this study, 32 were men and 09 were women. The ethnobotanical survey allowed the identification of 70 plants belonging to 38 families. With a frequency of 11/70, the Fabaceae family was the most represented followed by that of Rubiaceae and Asteraceae (04/70 each). The leaves are the most used parts (34.28%) followed by leaves + roots (14.28%) and the whole plant (12.86%). The majority of the recipes consisted of four to six plants (34.66), and were prepared by decoction (50%), with water as the main solvent (87.80%). 41.56% of typhoid preparations are administered twice daily for a duration of 14 days (46.77%). This is the first report on antityphoid herbal remedies in Vina division-Adamawa Cameroon. It would therefore be judicious for our government and research institution to investigate on their therapeutic properties in order to develop ameliorated and efficient phytomedicines.
Students’ motivation for studying isiZulu first language modules at the University of KwaZulu-Natal
Authors: Zulu N.S. , Ndebele Hloniphani
Published: March 2021

This article presents findings of a study conducted at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Department of African Languages on the motivation of isiZulu first language (L1) undergraduate students for studying isiZulu first language modules. In this paper, we postulate that students’ motivation for learning an African language in the South African context is a result of multiple variables that relate to relevance and socio cultural implications of the concerned language, and the effects of the pervasiveness of English in the social, cultural, economic and political spheres of life. Understanding student motivation for studying African languages as L1 is vital as an additional measure in transforming curricula in order to satisfy the multilingual needs of the global world by enforcing additive bilingualism that embraces African languages. Questionnaires were used, and the responses were analysed thematically to determine students’ motivation to enrol for isiZulu modules. The findings of the study reveal intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors, among them, the use of isiZulu for teaching and learning, cultural affi liation and identity, career trajectories, peer and/or family pressure and a poor selection, or a lack of course alternatives.
Akademiese taalvermoë en nagraadse studie – ’n gevallestudie
Authors: Van Dyk Tobie , Louw Henk , Taljard Marlies , Meihuizen Elsa
Published: March 2021

Academic language proficiency has a significant impact on students’ academic performance. According to existing literature underdeveloped language competence is a common problem amongst postgraduate students (Bammett, 1989; Grabe, 1991; Ellis, 1994; Cohen, 1998; Tercanlioglu, 2004; Brown, 2008; Young et al., 2013). Reasons for this situation include the fact that postgraduate students often have to write in a language other than their mother tongue or that they lack abilities in critical reading, the handling of sources, academic argumentation, and text structuring. Students at masters and doctoral level therefore often struggle with handling prescribed material and with producing well-written academic texts, and supervisors are challenged to act proactively in order to manage potential risks. This article is a report on the use of the Test of Academic Literacy for Postgraduate Students – TALPS (ICELDA, 2020) to determine the academic literacy needs of postgraduate students for the purpose of course development. TALPS was used in combination with needs reported by supervisors in order to identify performance requirements and gaps in students’ profi ciencies. In combination with guidelines for best practice available in the existing literature this knowledge was used for the creation of a short course in academic writing for postgraduate students. This context specific intervention focused on the writing of a literature review, text structuring, cohesion and coherence, academic argumentation, scholarly identity, and text editing. Exceptionally positive feedback from both students and supervisors and significant improvement in students’ writing testify to the success of this intervention.
Performance of a prototype windmill for water pumping in Kpakungu community of Niger State Nigeria
Authors: Dalero M.S. , Musa N.A.
Published: March 2021

Water is the primary source of life for mankind and one of the most basic necessities for rural development. Most rural communities in Nigeria do not have access to potable water. This research considers the provision of water to a community in Nigeria using power from wind. The design results show that a 2.076m diameter windmill is required for pumping water from borehole through a total head of 45m to meet a daily demand of 3.5m3 of water. Performance test of the horizontal axis wind pump was carried out. The lowest measured wind speed during the test was 0.4 m/s, while the corresponding water discharge flowrate was 0.032 l/s. Thehighest flowrate of 0.113 l/s was recorded at a wind speed of 2.4 m/s. Computer simulation was carried out to validate the  performance test of the prototype windmill. The results showed that water discharge is proportional to the wind speed.

Keywords: Energy, Kpakungu, mean wind speed, plunger, windmill
Investigating the effect of vibration on the stability of the three-wheeled scooter taxi
Authors: Ojolo S.J. , Ajayi O.O. , Asuelinmen G.A.
Published: March 2021

The present three wheeled scooter taxi (TWST) that are widespread in Africa and Asian Countries are fuel economical and inexpensive. However, they are unstable due to their schematic layout. This instability places limitation on the usage of the vehicle. Researchers have investigated the rollover and lateral stabilities of this vehicle, including the effect of vibration on the comfort of the riders. However, not much work has been done on the impact of vibration on the stability of the vehicle. These instabilities could be induced by trenches, potholes, uneven and ungraded roads that are prevalent in developing countries. Therefore, this work modelled and analysed the effect of vibration on a TWST using a standard road bump as reference point. The results proved the vehicle to be unstable in the vicinity of excitation frequency of 15.95rad/sec and spring constant of 68,600N/m due to resonance. This would affect safety of life and property. Therefore, it would be appropriate for some of the manufacturers of these vehicles to provide for enough safety margins in the design and selection of springs where the vehicles are rollover and laterally unstable. This will enhance the vehicle safety and receptivity.

Keywords: Three wheeled Vehicle, Vibration Modelling and Analysis, Design, Safety of Life and Property
Typical performance reductions in pv modules subject to soiling in a tropical climate
Authors: Njoku H.O. , Ifediora K.M. , Ozor P.A. , Dzah J.M.
Published: March 2021

Soiling severely hinders the ability of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules to absorb incident solar radiation, causing significant  deterioration of module performances. In this study, the thermal profiles and the electrical power outputs of PV modules were  evaluated in order to establish the impact of soiling under tropical field conditions. Two case-study PV installations in the Universityof Nigeria were considered. Assessments of the PV systems, undertaken both when soiled and after they had been cleaned, involved the measurement of electrical power outputs and the acquisition of infrared (IR) thermograms. It was found that soiling had noticeable impacts on both module surface temperature distributions and their power outputs. The IR images, which showed spatial distributions of module surface temperatures, revealed the occurrence of hotspots on the modules when soiled. Furthermore, as a result of soiling, up to four-fold declines in module electrical efficiencies were observed. These declines were more significant in theground-mounted PV system at the University Staff Primary School compared to the roofmounted system at the University Energy  Research Centre. Simple cleaning of the modules led to the disappearance of hotspots and significant improvements in output, showing that it is an effective means of maintaining PV modules performance and recovering the performance potentials lost due to soiling.

Keywords: solar PV, PV soiling, infrared thermography, module failure, PV performance
Factors affecting the performance of small-scale construction firms in Nigeria
Authors: Ali I.F. , Awad S. H. , Abdulsalam D.
Published: March 2021

Small-Scale Construction Firms (SSCFs) in Nigeria are confronted with several problems that tend to limits their contributions to the country’s GDP, employment generation as well as infrastructural development. Although the prospect for improved contribution towards development still exists, there is the need for implementation of good management practices and support measures. Therefore, this study uses focus group to explore factors affecting the performance of small-scale construction firms and possible remedial measures. The study identified 113 factors that negatively affect performance. The interview further helped in grouping the variables into seven (7) groups. The focus group participants helped to identify and classify eighty-two (82) measures into internal and external measures. Internal measures are to be implemented by the construction firms towards solving internal constraints and external measures to be implemented by government and other stakeholders towards minimizing problems that are outside the control of the small-scale construction firms. Results revealed critical factors affecting performance such as financial indiscipline by contractors, lack of experience and track records, poor policy by commercial banks on SMEs, corruption, effects of globalisation, multiple taxation, stringent prequalification criteria, poor design and specifications, lack of entrepreneurship skills and delay in payment for work done. The study recommends the implementation of remedial measures by management of small-scale construction firms and governments with other stakeholders that could improve performance.

Keywords: small-scale constructions firms, focus group, problems, remedial measures and performance.
A low-cost printed circuit board design technique and processes using ferric chloride solution
Authors: Obe C.T. , Oti S.E. , Eya C.U. , Nnadi D.B.N. , Nnadi O.E.
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a low-cost printed circuit board (PCB) design technique and processes using ferric chloride (𝑭𝒆𝑪𝒍𝟑) solution on a metal plate for a design topology. The PCB design makes a laboratory prototype easier by reducing the work piece size, eliminating the ambiguous connecting wires and breadboards circuit errors. This is done by manual etching of the designed metal plate via immersion in ferric chloride solutions for a given time interval 0-15mins. With easy steps, it is described on how to make a conventional single-sided printed circuit board with low-cost, time savings and reduced energy from debugging. The simulation and results of the printed circuit is designed and verified in the Multisim software version 14.0 and LeCroy WJ35Aoscilloscope respectively.

Keywords: Etching, Ferric Chloride, Insertion, Multisim, Metal Plate, Printed Circuit Board
Evaluation of collapse mechanism of telecommunication tower
Authors: Yanda M. , Abejide O.S. , Ocholi A.
Published: March 2021

This paper presents evaluation of a 67.12m high telecommunication tower with the objectives of applying the Finite Element Method (FEM) in modelling it, analysing it under Nigerian wind loads from five different wind zones (Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3 Zone 4 and Zone 5 with basic wind speeds as 42m/s, 45.8m/s, 50m/s, 55m/s and 56m/s respectively). The collapse mechanism of the tower was predicted using the Mechanism Method. The tower was modelled and wind load was calculated on it and analysis shows that there is  mechanism for the tower to collapse under dynamic wind loads as plastic hinges are developed at the joints and along bracing  members. The most severe wind load was used in the plastic analysis conducted and it shows that when the plastic hinges developed at the lower section of the tower, the three mechanisms are more critical compared to when it develops at other sections of the tower. Also, using such load as the collapse load, when the plastic hinges developed at any section of the tower, combine mechanism is more critical and hence the tower is likely to collapse due to failure of both leg members and bracing members.

Key words: Collapse, Mast, Steel Structure, Analysis
Biodiesel production from the black soldier fly larvae grown on food waste and its fuel property characterization as a potential transportation fuel
Authors: Park Jo-Yong , Jung Sungyup , Na Yong-Gyu , Jeon Cheol-Hwan , Cheon Hwa-Yeon , Yun Eun-Young , Lee Sang-hoon , Kwon Eilhann E. , Kim Jae-Kon
Published: March 2021

Insects have a great potential to be used as feedstocks for biodiesel production due to their intrinsic high lipid contents. In particular, biodiesel production from black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) is promising because of its advantages in engineering aspects such as a rapid proliferation, more lipid storage due to long-development time in larva stage, self-separation from organic waste. In this study, biodiesel was synthesized through (trans)esterification of BSFL grown on food waste to achieve both biofuel production from organic waste materials. In addition, all fuel properties of the biodiesel were examined to evaluate its feasibility as a potential transportation fuel in Korea. The highest yield of biodiesel obtained in this study was 86.51%. All the parameters of biodiesel produced from BSFL satisfied the Korea fuel standard (KS M 2965) except oxidation stability. The quality criterion of oxidation stability met the fuel standard with an addition of small quantity of tert-butylhydroquinone.
PARTICIPANTS OF SOLVING MILITARY CONFLICT IN THE SOUTHERN EAST OF UKRAINE
Authors: Riabinin Yevhen
Published: March 2021

The article is devoted to analysis of steps and activities of different actors of international relations as for solving military conflict in Donbass. It was analyzed diplomatic steps done by such countries as France, Canada, Germany, the USA in order to solve the conflict as quickly as possible. It was shown that only France and Germany were very active in the peacemaking process, whereas the rest of the countries helped Ukraine in another way. Canada provided Ukraine with military instructors who consulted and trained Ukrainian soldiers. Together with Norway Canada tried to solve the problems of humanitarian sphere. It was analyzed that these countries helped civilians to overcome the problems of the hostilities. It was proved that Lithuania was the only country that provided Ukraine with lethal weaponry, mainly of Soviet production. It was done due to the fact that Russia and Lithuania have very tense relations and the latter wanted to help Ukraine cope with Russian policy. It is emphasized that France is willing to become very active at least in European region and became initiator of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Nowadays French president says that it is necessary to improve relations with Russia because it is impossible to create European security system without it. Germany’s behavior was thoroughly analyzed due to the fact that it is a leader of European Union and a lot depends on its position. The author showed attitude of German government towards Ukrainian conflict and proved that it has changed because of the Nord Stream – 2. Being interested in its building Germany has softened its position towards Russia and now we can see that it can be even pro-Russian than pro-Ukrainian.
THE SPIRIT OF MUNICH
Authors: Rozumiuk Volodymyr
Published: March 2021

The article is devoted to the analysis of continuing destabilisation of the post-Cold War international security regime. Contemporary destructive and destabilizing trends indicate a deep crisis within the Euro-Atlantic community, which is manifested by the aggravation of political contradictions in the U.S. politics, the British decision to leave the EU, as well as the stalemate of European integration project, the decline of traditional systemic political parties, the triumphant rise of different radicals and populists, etc. Comparing the Russia’s ‘hybrid war’ against Ukraine with the aggression of Nazi Germany in 1938-1939 the author draws parallels between the contemporary international situation and the events of the eve of the Second World War. It is approved that the so called ‘diplomatic isolation’ approach to the aggressor is unrealistic and dubious while the soft form of freezing sanctions are substantially ineffective. It is alleged that the assets of Russian oligarchs and high-ranking officials, as well as the property rights, legal abilities and banking accounts of the members of their families were not limited in the majority of EU jurisdictions. Such kind of a soft treatment resembles the ‘spirit of Munich’ as a notorious phenomenon of European mass political consciousness in the 1930s. It seems wrong that the responsibility for the policy of appeasement was laid exceptionally on a group of stupid and short-sighted politicians, whose decisions let to the occupation of many countries and millions of deaths. On the basis of historical facts the author proves the thesis that the 1938 Munich agreement was the result of a consensus of the French and British ruling elites, which was supported by an overwhelming majority of the population in these countries. The current European international situation also clarifies the failure of legal fetishism, dubious efficacy of international guarantees and makes evident the inefficiency of collective security mechanisms. Analysing the probability of termination of appeasement policy approach towards Russia it is likely that the European public leaders still reject the more principled and realistic containment strategy. It reminds the European reaction on Danzig incidents and denial of allied guaranties under the pretext that some people were “quarreling among themselves in a distant country about which we know almost nothing”.
A Metallurgical Perspective on the Birth of Ancient Israel
Authors: Amzallag Nissim
Published: March 2021

The re-emergence of the copper industry in the Arabah valley between the twelfth and ninth centuries BCE stimulated wealth and economic development across the whole Southern Levant. Combining this reality with the metallurgical background of ancient Yahwism provides a material basis for the spread, from the early Iron Age, of the worship of YHWH in ancient Israel and neighboring nations, especially Edom. These findings strengthen the Qenite hypothesis of the origin of the Israelite religion. They also suggest that an official cult of YHWH, replacing a traditional esoteric dimension, is the main novelty of the Israelite religion. The claim of YHWH’s intervention in history, apparently absent from traditional Yahwism, is the other theological novelty advanced by the Israelites. This article suggests that both innovations are rooted in a desert-shaped form of Yahwism especially adapted to the way of life and the environment of Northwestern Arabia, the land of Biblical Midian.
When and from Where did YHWH Emerge? Some Reflections on Early Yahwism in Israel and Judah
Authors: Frevel Christian
Published: March 2021

The paper addresses two crucial questions of the history of Israelite religion. Did YHWH emerge in the southern steppe and when did YHWH become the God of Judah? After discussing the available evidence for YHWH’s origin in the South, the paper tests the extra-biblical evidence for the worship of YHWH in Israel and Judah and questions his widespread importance in the tenth and early ninth centuries BCE in the mentioned territories. By presenting the theophoric personal names, the hypothesis is corroborated that YHWH was significantly introduced at the earliest by the Omrides. Moving then to the epigraphic evidence, the additional evince for YHWH’s origin in the South is reviewed negatively. YHWH of Teman from Kuntillet ʽAjrud cannot prove the origin of this deity in the South. It is rather a piece of evidence that the worship of this deity in the South was not natural even in the mid-eighth century BCE. That YHWH’s true origin is in Midian, Paran, Seir, etc. remains a speculative hypothesis that is built on the tradition-history of some biblical passages and the biblical Sinai tradition. This particular feature is indeed related to the South and its struggle to claim independence for the Southern YHWH from the North. YHWH was only introduced to Judah as a patron deity of the dynasty, and that is the state of the Omrides ruling in Jerusalem.
Towards Key-recovery-attack Friendly Distinguishers: Application to GIFT-128
Authors: Zong Rui , Dong Xiaoyang , Chen Huaifeng , Luo Yiyuan , Wang Si , Li Zheng
Published: March 2021

When analyzing a block cipher, the first step is to search for some valid distinguishers, for example, the differential trails in the differential cryptanalysis and the linear trails in the linear cryptanalysis. A distinguisher is advantageous if it can be utilized to attack more rounds and the amount of the involved key bits during the key-recovery process is small, as this leads to a long attack with a low complexity. In this article, we propose a two-step strategy to search for such advantageous distinguishers. This strategy is inspired by the intuition that if a differential is advantageous only when some properties are satisfied, then we can predefine some constraints describing these properties and search for the differentials in the small set.As applications, our strategy is used to analyze GIFT-128, which was proposed in CHES 2017. Based on some 20-round differentials, we give the first 27-round differential attack on GIFT-128, which covers one more round than the best previous result. Also, based on two 17-round linear trails, we give the first linear hull attack on GIFT-128, which covers 22 rounds. In addition, we also give some results on two GIFT-128 based AEADs GIFT-COFB and SUNDAE-GIFT.
Provably Quantum-Secure Tweakable Block Ciphers
Authors: Hosoyamada Akinori , Iwata Tetsu
Published: March 2021

Recent results on quantum cryptanalysis show that some symmetric key schemes can be broken in polynomial time even if they are proven to be secure in the classical setting. Liskov, Rivest, and Wagner showed that secure tweakable block ciphers can be constructed from secure block ciphers in the classical setting. However, Kaplan et al. showed that their scheme can be broken by polynomial time quantum superposition attacks, even if underlying block ciphers are quantum-secure. Since then, it remains open if there exists a mode of block ciphers to build quantum-secure tweakable block ciphers. This paper settles the problem in the reduction-based provable security paradigm. We show the first design of quantum-secure tweakable block ciphers based on quantum-secure block ciphers, and present a provable security bound. Our construction is simple, and when instantiated with a quantum-secure n-bit block cipher, it is secure against attacks that query arbitrary quantum superpositions of plaintexts and tweaks up to O(2n/6) quantum queries. Our security proofs use the compressed oracle technique introduced by Zhandry. More precisely, we use an alternative formalization of the technique introduced by Hosoyamada and Iwata.
Resistance of SNOW-V against Fast Correlation Attacks
Authors: Gong Xinxin , Zhang Bin
Published: March 2021

SNOW-V is a new member in the SNOW family of stream ciphers, hoping to be competitive in the 5G mobile communication system. In this paper, we study the resistance of SNOW-V against bitwise fast correlation attacks by constructing bitwise linear approximations. First, we propose and summarize some efficient algorithms using the slice-like techniques to compute the bitwise linear approximations of certain types of composition functions composed of basic operations like ⊞, ⊕, Permutation, and S-box, which have been widely used in word-oriented stream ciphers such as SNOW-like ciphers. Then, using these algorithms, we find a number of stronger linear approximations for the FSM of the two variants of SNOW-V given in the design document, i.e., SNOW-V σ0 and SNOW-V⊞8, ⊞8. For SNOW-V σ0, where there is no byte-wise permutation, we find some bitwise linear approximations of the FSM with the SEI (Squared Euclidean Imbalance) around 2−37.34 and mount a bitwise fast correlation attack with the time complexity 2251.93 and memory complexity 2244, given 2103.83 keystream outputs, which improves greatly the results in the design document. For SNOW-V⊞8, ⊞8, where both of the two 32-bit adders in the FSM are replaced by 8-bit adders, we find our best bitwise linear approximations of the FSM with the SEI 2−174.14, while the best byte-wise linear approximation in the design document of SNOW-V has the SEI 2−214.80. Finally, we study the security of a closer variant of SNOW-V, denoted by SNOW-V⊞32, ⊞8, where only the 32-bit adder used for updating the first register is replaced by the 8-bit adder, while everything else remains identical. For SNOW-V⊞32, ⊞8, we derive many mask tuples yielding the bitwise linear approximations of the FSM with the SEI larger than 2−184. Using these linear approximations, we mount a fast correlation attack with the time complexity 2377.01 and a memory complexity 2363, given 2253.73 keystream outputs. Note that neither of our attack threatens the security of SNOW-V. We hope our research could further help in understanding bitwise linear approximation attacks and also the structure of SNOW-like stream ciphers.
MOE: Multiplication Operated Encryption with Trojan Resilience
Authors: Bronchain Olivier , Faust Sebastian , Lallemand Virginie , Leander Gregor , Perrin Léo , Standaert François-Xavier
Published: March 2021

In order to lower costs, the fabrication of Integrated Circuits (ICs) is increasingly delegated to offshore contract foundries, making them exposed to malicious modifications, known as hardware Trojans. Recent works have demonstrated that a strong form of Trojan-resilience can be obtained from untrusted chips by exploiting secret sharing and Multi-Party Computation (MPC), yet with significant cost overheads. In this paper, we study the possibility of building a symmetric cipher enabling similar guarantees in a more efficient manner. To reach this goal, we exploit a simple round structure mixing a modular multiplication and a multiplication with a binary matrix. Besides being motivated as a new block cipher design for Trojan resilience, our research also exposes the cryptographic properties of the modular multiplication, which is of independent interest.
Diálogo sobre el concepto de “nueva izquierda” en la historiografía argentina
Authors: Mangiantini Martín , Pis Diez Nayla , Friedemann Sergio
Published: March 2021

Con el objeto de profundizar los debates existentes alrededor de determinadas conceptualizaciones y nociones que hacen a los objetos de estudio pertinentes a las izquierdas, presentamos una polémica tanto conceptual como historiográfica entre Sergio Friedemann, Martín Mangiantini y Nayla Pis Diez alrededor de la utilización de la nomenclatura “nueva izquierda” como definición de determinadas expresiones políticas y militantes que emergieron en los años 60 y 70 en la Argentina. Este intercambio tiene dos antecedentes. Por un lado, sendos trabajos de reflexión de los tres autores, publicados en diversos momentos en los que, indirectamente o a través de estudios de caso particulares, se polemizó alrededor del uso de este tópico. En segundo lugar, una puesta en común de las respectivas posiciones desarrollada en el marco del seminario de doctorado Entre la “Nueva Izquierda” y los múltiples peronismos. Problemas conceptuales y categorías de análisis en los estudios sobre la radicalización política en la Argentina de los años 60 y 70 dictado en la Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata en octubre de 2020 en el que se intercambió abiertamente a la vez que se recepcionaron comentarios e inquietudes del estudiantado. La presente sección se convierte entonces en un corolario de estas instancias de discusión y, al mismo tiempo, en una sistematización y puesta en común de los matices y posicionamientos divergentes. Se parte de un convencimiento colectivo alrededor de la necesidad de establecer canales de diálogo e intercambios abiertos entre diversas miradas que permitan dar cuenta de los debates existentes de un modo franco y abierto.
Nicolás Iñigo Carrera: Acervos familiares, experiencias universitarias, exploraciones teóricas: la formación de un historiador en Argentina, del primer peronismo a la dictadura
Authors: Herrera Carlos M. , Camarero Hernán
Published: March 2021

Desde los años 1990, Nicolás Iñigo Carrera se convirtió en uno de los historiadores marxistas que marcó las discusiones y los estudios sobre la clase obrera argentina, en particular a partir de su concepto de “estrategia”. El fruto de este trabajo se materializó en la década siguiente, en particular en su libro La estrategia de la clase obrera. 1936 (2000). Estos últimos años, el programa se completó con otras obras, como La otra estrategia. La voluntad revolucionaria (2016), o más recientemente Las estrategias de la clase obrera en los orígenes de peronismo (2019), investigaciones donde destacan la preocupación metodológica y la minuciosidad empírica, más allá de los debates que han podido generar, incluso en las páginas de esta revista. Nicolás ha jugado también un rol importante como animador del Programa de Investigación sobre el movimiento de la Sociedad Argentina (PIMSA). Si estas facetas son conocidas, quisimos abordar en esta entrevista el camino previo, lo que podríamos llamar sus años formativos, a partir de tres ejes: la vida familiar, marcada por la impronta socialista al ser nieto de Juan B. Justo y vivir con Nicolás Repetto, el tiempo de la formación historiográfica en los años 1960, en plena renovación de la Facultad de Filosofía y Letras de la UBA, y finalmente, las primeras experiencias en el campo de la investigación durante las dos décadas siguientes, llevadas a cabo en torno del Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Sociales (CICSO). Un arco de vida que cubre tres décadas de la historia argentina, del peronismo a la dictadura militar, en un marco de radicalización política. Una versión más extensa de esta entrevista se halla en nuestro sitio web: www.cehti.org/
Los (presuntos) “sartreanos argentinos” Algunas memorias impresionistas
Authors: Grüner Eduardo
Published: March 2021

El artículo presenta un panorama de las lecturas, relecturas y reinterpretaciones de la obra de Jean-Paul Sartre en la Argentina, en las décadas del 60 y 70, enfocándose particularmente en las implicancias políticas de su obra leída desde un país periférico. Tras un primer momento de acercamiento a Sartre por los miembros de la revista Contorno, los años 60 observan la confluencia y superposición de ideas sartreanas con el primer estructuralismo.
Historia intelectual y marxismo: Una conversación con Elías J. Palti
Authors: Roggerone Santiago M.
Published: March 2021

Elías J. Palti es uno de los mayores referentes de la historia intelectual en América Latina. Es Doctor en Historia por la Universidad de Californiaen Berkeley y se desempeña como Investigador Principal del CONICET con sede de trabajo en el Centro de Historia Intelectual, dependencia dela Universidad Nacional de Quilmes de la que actualmente es director. Ejerce la docencia, asimismo, tanto en esta última Universidad como en la Universidad de Buenos Aires. Entre sus numerosas publicaciones, destacan los libros Giro lingüístico e historia intelectual (1998), La nación como problema (2003), El tiempo de la política (2007), ¿Las ideas fuera de lugar? (2015) y Una arqueología de lo político (2018).
“It’s Not a Life or Death Thing”: A Grounded Theory Study of Smoking Decisions among Chinese Americans
Authors: Lu Yu
Published: March 2021

Smoking results in a high mortality rate for Chinese Americans. Little is known, however, about the decisions members of this group make that lead to these unhealthy behaviors. Examining smoking decisions could help us understand these choices as well as develop effective prevention strategies. This grounded theory study was conducted to understand Chinese Americans’ smoking decisions. Fifty-four individual interviews and three focus groups were conducted with Chinese Americans of different smoking statuses. The findings describe five smoking decisions including the trajectory of these behaviors. Optimistic bias is identified as one of the main reasons that regular smokers decide not to quit. Some Chinese Americans decide to smoke in order to protect themselves from secondhand smoke because of the perception that secondhand smoke is more dangerous than active smoking. Finally, many Chinese Americans change their smoking behaviors after immigration, with their social environment after immigration playing a key role.
Opening Up about Birth: An Autoethnographic Account of Prolonged Labour
Authors: Elias Petra
Published: March 2021

A woman’s first pregnancy can be both emotionally exciting and daunting. There are many changes to make, but there is little emotional support to adjust to the role, the focus being on the physical process which is most often managed medically (Spear, 2008; Zasloff, Schytt, & Waldenström, 2007) though warnings about what could occur are not routinely told (Kaitz, 2007, pp. 720-721). This paper presents an autoethnographic story of first time pregnancy and the unfolding labour. The methodology of autoethnography is a useful tool for conveying stories of lived experience at a level of detail often previously unrecorded, evoking for the reader a powerful insight into sometimes very personal but universal human experiences. Utilising the tools of narration, autoethnography is a powerful device for conveying plot, character and events. This autoethnography provides the vehicle to juxtapose the joy and excitement of a first pregnancy and the plan for a natural delivery with a developing complicated labour and the ongoing difficulties of breast feeding, and concludes with some thoughts about how better to support first time mothers through the process.
Leaving Home for African Americans in the Emerging Adulthood Era: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Wilson Natosha , Sailor Joanni , Calix Shaun , Carney William
Published: March 2021

There has been limited research regarding how minority culture youth experience leaving home. Eight African American individuals who had “launched” from their families-of-origin were interviewed. By using Moustakas’ Transcendental Phenomenological method, several themes emerged to describe the lived experience of leaving home. The themes included need for independence, a comparison of privilege for others and oppression for self, obligation to family, and pride in self-sufficiency. According to the findings in this study, leaving home for young African Americans is a culturally distinct experience which aligns more closely with traditional patterns of leaving home. Although the emerging adulthood era functions as a context in which the participants exist, the young African American participants in this study identified delayed launching as a “failure.”
Meaning of Pregnancy Terms Among African-American Women
Authors: Solomon Stephanie , Suther Sandra , Lopez Ivette , Ashford Alicestine , Amankwaa Linda , Dutton Gareth
Published: March 2021

The concept of pregnancy intendedness is complex and may not bear the same meaning to all women. Moreover, researcher definition and women’s meaning were thought to be different. Some researchers have indicated that it is unclear how well women understand and relate to questions used by the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) and how the classifications relate to women’s lives. The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning of terms such as planned and/or intended pregnancy among African-American women of childbearing age using a qualitative exploratory descriptive method. Although African-American women want children, they are three times as likely to experience an unintended pregnancy as white women. Data extracted from transcripts were coded and analyzed for recurrent patterns and themes. For this study, the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen & Fishbein, 1980) was employed to frame interview questions and to interpret data. Findings suggest participants and partners often did not have the same perceptions or meanings of pregnancy planning or intentions. These findings have implications for research and family planning policy.
Reflexivity in Qualitative Research: A Journey of Learning
Authors: Palaganas Erlinda , Sanchez Marian , Molintas Ma. Visitacion , Caricativo Ruel
Published: March 2021

Conducting research, more so, fieldwork, changes every researcher in many ways. This paper shares the various reflexivities – the journeys of learning – that we underwent as field researchers. Here, we share the changes brought about to ourselves, as a result of the research process, and how these changes have affected the research process. It highlights the journey of discovering how we, as researchers, shaped and how we were shaped by the research process and outputs. All these efforts were done in our attempts to discover and understand various social phenomena and issues such as poverty, development, gender, migration, and ill health in the Philippines. This article includes the challenges encountered in our epistemological stance/s and personal and methodological concerns shown in our reflexivity notes/insights. Indeed, it is when researchers acknowledge these changes, that reflexivity in research constitutes part of the research findings. It is through this consciousness of the relational and reflective nature of being aware of personal and methodological concerns that we honor ourselves, our teammates/co-researchers and all others involved with the research project. As researchers, we need to be cognizant of our contributions to the construction of meanings and of lived experiences throughout the research process. We need to acknowledge that indeed it is impossible to remain “outside of” one's study topic while conducting research.
Participant Observation: Enhancing the Impact Measurement in Community Based Participatory Research
Authors: Hammer Brent , Fletcher Fay , Hibbert Alicia
Published: March 2021

Participant observation parallels the principles of community based participatory research (CBPR), recognizing that each community should be understood in its own context. Using fieldnotes from the Métis Settlements Life Skills Journey (MSLSJ) program, the authors explore the benefits and challenges of using participant observation in CBPR program evaluation. Participant observation was incorporated in 2014 and 2015 as researchers sought a complementary perspective and context to determine the impact of the program. The authors explore relationships with a large number of stakeholders (children, facilitators, community members, and project staff) and discuss ensuring the participant observer’s perspective is not privileged above others.
Employing Polyethnography to Navigate Researcher Positionality on Weight Bias
Authors: Arthur Nancy , Lund Darren , Russell-Mayhew Shelly , Nutter Sarah , Williams Emily , Sesma Vazquez Monica , Kassan Anusha
Published: March 2021

Researchers often focus on the content of their research interests but, depending on the research approach, may pay less attention to the process of locating themselves in relation to the research topic. This paper outlines the dialogue between an interdisciplinary team of researchers who were at the initial stages of forming a research agenda related to weight bias and social justice. Using a polyethnographic approach to guide our discussion, we sought to explore the diverse and common life experiences that influenced our professional interests for pursuing research on weight bias. As a dialogic method, polyethnography is ideally suited for the reflexive work required of researchers seeking to address issues of equity and social justice. Beyond more traditional approaches such as journaling, personal interviews, or researcher notes, the intersubjectivity highlighted by this method affords a richer space for exploration, challenging ideas, taking risks, and collectively interrogating both self and society. Following a discussion of positionality, the dialogue between researchers is presented, followed by their critique of the discussion, informed by professional literature.
What Demotivates Foreign EFL Teachers? A Case Study in Turkish Context
Authors: Han Turgay , Mahzoun Zinat
Published: March 2021

This article is the report of a qualitative case study proposed to investigate the demotivation factors of foreign EFL teachers in Turkish context. To that end, two foreign teachers of English language were chosen as the subjects at a primary/ secondary school in east of Turkey. Face-to-face interviews, profile forms, field notes and diaries were used to obtain the necessary data for the research. The findings indicated that lack of effective communication with school administration and colleagues and lack of interest, attention and respect from behalf of students were the main causes of demotivation at work for both teachers.
Ethnographic Experiences with Female Plantation and Apparel Workers of Sri Lanka: A Methodological Reflection
Authors: Seneviratne Prajna
Published: March 2021

Over the years, feminist ethnographers have engaged in a debate critiquing the practice of ethnography in the light of feminist research principles (Enslin, 1994; Patai, 1991; Stacey, 1988; Visweswaran, 1997). However, such literature has left space for further debate on whether ethnographic practices indeed are paradoxical to feminist values in research. Furthermore, while a few writers claim familiarity with conditions outside of the “west” (e.g., Enslin, 1994; Visweswaran, 1997), the majority of these debates and discussions fall outside the boundaries of the third world. As such there exists a gap between “ethnography as a way of feminist research” as prescribed by western authors and as experienced by third world feminist researchers. This paper where I reflect upon my ethnographic experiences with female plantation and apparel workers of Sri Lanka is an attempt at bringing this gap. Here I ask the question “what is the extent to which existing methodological doctrines of feminist ethnography embody the ethical political consideration as applies to third world locations”? Embedded throughout my reflective account are instances where principles of feminist ethnography had failed to fully reflect ethical political considerations specific to the third world, highlighting a need for “new knowledge on feminist methodology” that gives space for the voice of third world feminist researchers to be heard.