bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multidimensional functional fitness score has a stronger association with type 2 diabetes than obesity parameters in cross sectional data
Authors: Patil Pramod , Lalwani Poortata , Vidwans Harshada , Kulkarni Shubhankar , Bais Deepika , Diwekar-Joshi Manawa , Rasal Mayur , Bhasme Nikhila , Naik Mrinmayee , Batwal Shweta , Watve Milind
Published: February 2021

Objectives

We examine here the association of multidimensional functional fitness with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as compared to anthropometric indices of obesity such as body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) in a sample of Indian population.

Research design and method

We analysed retrospective data of 663 volunteer participants (285 males and 378 females between age 28 and 84), from an exercise clinic in which every participant was required to undergo a health related physical fitness (HRPF) assessment consisting of 15 different tasks examining 8 different aspects of functional fitness.

Results

The odds of being diabetic in the highest quartile of BMI were not significantly higher than that in the lowest quartile in either of the sexes. The odds of being a diabetic in the highest WHR quartile were significantly greater than the lowest quartile in females (OR = 4.54 (1.95, 10.61) as well as in males (OR = 3.81 (1.75, 8.3). In both sexes the odds of being a diabetic were significantly greater in the lowest quartile of HRPF score than the highest (males OR = 10.52 (4.21, 26.13); females OR = 10.50 (3.53, 31.35)). After removing confounding, the predictive power of HRPF was significantly greater than that of WHR. HRPF was negatively correlated with WHR, however for individuals that had contradicting HRPF and WHR based predictions, HRPF was the stronger predictor of T2DM.

Conclusion

The association of multidimensional functional fitness score with type 2 diabetes was significantly stronger than obesity parameters in a cross sectional self-selected sample from an Indian city.
Curved-crease origami face shields for infection control
Authors: Bukauskas Aurimas , Koronaki Antiopi , Lee Ting-Uei , Ott Daniel , Al Asali M. Wesam , Jalia Aftab , Bashford Tom , Gatóo Ana , Newman Josh , Gattas Joseph M. , Shah Darshil U. , Ramage Michael
Published: February 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has created enormous global demand for personal protective equipment (PPE). Face shields are an important component of PPE for front-line workers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing protection of the face from splashes and sprays of virus-containing fluids. Existing face shield designs and manufacturing procedures may not allow for production and distribution of face shields in sufficient volume to meet global demand, particularly in Low and Middle-Income countries. This paper presents a simple, fast, and cost-effective curved-crease origami technique for transforming flat sheets of flexible plastic material into face shields for infection control. It is further shown that the design could be produced using a variety of manufacturing methods, ranging from manual techniques to high-volume die-cutting and creasing. This demonstrates the potential for the design to be applied in a variety of contexts depending on available materials, manufacturing capabilities and labour. An easily implemented and flexible physical-digital parametric design methodology for rapidly exploring and refining variations on the design is presented, potentially allowing others to adapt the design to accommodate a wide range of ergonomic and protection requirements.
Acute effects of wearing compression knee-length socks on ankle joint position sense in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Woo Mei Teng , Davids Keith , Chow Jia Yi , Jaakkola Timo
Published: February 2021

Functional proprioceptive information is required to allow an individual to interact with the environment effectively for everyday activities such as locomotion and object manipulation. Specifically, research suggests that application of compression garments could improve proprioceptive regulation of action by enhancing sensorimotor system noise in individuals of different ages and capacities. However, limited research has been conducted with samples of elderly people thus far. This study aimed to examine acute effects of wearing knee-length socks (KLS) of various compression levels on ankle joint position sense in community-dwelling, older adults. A total of 26 participants (12 male and 14 female), aged between 65 and 84 years, were randomly recruited from local senior activity centres in Singapore. A repeated-measures design was used to determine effects on joint position awareness of three different treatments–wearing clinical compression socks (20–30 mmHg); wearing non-clinical compression socks (< 20 mmHg); wearing normal socks, and one control condition (barefoot). Participants were required to use the dominant foot to indicate 8 levels of steepness (2.5°, 5°, 7.5°, 10°, 12.5°, 15°, 17.5°, and 20°), while standing on a modified slope box, in a plantar flexion position. Findings showed that wearing clinical compression KLS significantly reduced the mean absolute errors compared to the barefoot condition. However, there were no significant differences observed between other KLS and barefoot conditions. Among the KLS of various compression levels, results suggested that only wearing clinical compression KLS (20–30 mmHg) improved the precision of estimation of ankle joint plantar flexion movement, by reducing absolute performance errors in elderly people. It is concluded that wearing clinical compression KLS could potentially provide an affordable strategy to ameliorate negative effects of ageing on the proprioception system to enhance balance and postural control in community-dwelling individuals.
Transcriptome survey and expression analysis reveals the adaptive mechanism of ’Yulu Xiang’ Pear in response to long-term drought stress
Authors: Yang Sheng , Bai Mudan , Hao Guowei , Zhang Xiaowei , Guo Huangping , Fu Baochun
Published: February 2021

Pear is one of the most important economic fruits worldwide. The productivity is often negatively affected by drought disaster, but the effects and adaptive mechanism of pear in response to drought stress has not been well understood at the gene transcription levels. Using Illumina HiSeq 2500, the transcriptome from ’Yulu Xiang’ Pear leaves were sequenced and analyzed to evaluate the effects of long-term drought stress on the expression of genes in different biosynthetic pathways. Results showed that long-term drought stress weakened antioxidant systematization and impaired the synthesis of photosynthetic pigment in ’Yulu Xiang’ Pear leaves. The reduced light utilization and photosynthetic productivity finally resulted in the inhibited fruit development. The transcriptome survey and expression analysis identified 2,207 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) which were summarized into the 30 main functional categories. DEGs analysis showed that the enzyme genes involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis under drought stress were up-regulated, and the promoted process of phenylpropanoid synthesis may be beneficial to reduce the transpiration rate and increase water use efficiency of ’Yulu Xiang’ Pear leaves. Up-regulated malate dehydrogenase expression were also observed in drought stress groups, and the activated soluble sugar biosynthesis could be helpful to promote osmotic regulation and increase antioxidant capacity to enhance drought resistance of leaves. The mRNA expression of enzyme genes associated with hormones including ethylene, abscisic acid, and gibberellin were higher in drought stress groups than that in control, indicating a promoted cell proliferation under drought stress. Long-term drought stress significantly decreased photosynthetic productivity, and negatively affected development of ’Yulu Xiang’ Pear. Transcriptome survey and expression analysis reveals that the inhibited photosynthesis could be closely related with drought-induced lignification and hormones synthesis, and the present dataset can provide more valuable information to analyze the function of drought stress-related genes improving plant drought tolerance.
Skewed logit model for analyzing correlated infant morbidity data
Authors: Mwenda Ngugi , Nduati Ruth , Kosgei Mathew , Kerich Gregory
Published: February 2021

Background

Infant morbidity is a topic of interest because it is used globally as an indicator of the status of health care in a country. A large body of evidence supports an association between bacterial vaginosis (BV) and infant morbidity. When estimating the relationship between the predictors and the estimated variable of morbidity severity, the latter exhibits imbalanced data, which means that violation of symmetry is expected. Two competing methods of analysis, that is, (1) probit and (2) logit techniques, can be considered in this context and have been applied to model such outcomes. However, these models may yield inconsistent results. While non-normal modeling approaches have been embraced in the recent past, the skewed logit model has been given little attention. In this study, we exemplify its usefulness in analyzing imbalanced longitudinal responses data.

Methodology

While numerous non-normal methods for modeling binomial responses are well established, there is a need for comparison studies to assess their usefulness in different scenarios, especially under a longitudinal setting. This is addressed in this study. We use a dataset from Kenya about infants born to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive mothers, who are also screened for BV. We aimed to investigate the effect of BV on infant morbidity across time. We derived a score for morbidity incidences depending on illnesses reported during the month of reference. By adjusting for the mother’s BV status, the child’s HIV status, sex, feeding status, and weight for age, we estimated the standard binary logit and skewed logit models, both using Generalized Estimating Equations.

Results

Results show that accounting for skewness in imbalanced binary data can show associations between variables in line with expectations documented by the literature. In addition, an in-depth analysis accounting for skewness has shown that, over time, maternal BV is associated with multiple health conditions in infants.

Interpretation

Maternal BV status was positively associated with infant morbidity incidences, which highlights the need for early intervention in cases of HIV-infected pregnant women.
Molecular characterization and the mutation pattern of SARS-CoV-2 during first and second wave outbreaks in Hiroshima, Japan
Authors: Ko Ko , Nagashima Shintaro , E. Bunthen , Ouoba Serge , Akita Tomoyuki , Sugiyama Aya , Ohisa Masayuki , Sakaguchi Takemasa , Tahara Hidetoshi , Ohge Hiroki , Ohdan Hideki , Kubo Tatsuhiko , Kishita Eisaku , Kuwabara Masao , Takahashi Kazuaki , Tanaka Junko
Published: February 2021

Background

In this study, we performed molecular characterization of SARS-CoV-2 strains in Hiroshima and its mutation pattern between the first and second waves of the outbreak.

Method

A total of 55 nasal swab samples from the first wave in Hiroshima and 13 from the second wave were examined quantitatively by RT-qPCR and qualitatively by nested PCR using specific primers. Four samples from each wave underwent next-generation sequencing and phylogenetic tree analysis including controls and all sequences retrieved in Japan from GISAID and GenBank. Subsequently, mutations were examined.

Results

Viral load ranged 7.85 × 101−1.42 × 108 copies/ml. Of 68 samples, one was Asian type-O, 65 were European type-GR, and 2 were undetectable. Phylogenetic tree analysis indicated that Japan was infected with various Asian strains (L, S, V, O) from January through April. By second week of March, European strains (G, GH, GR) had appeared, and GR strains became predominant after mid-March. The first case in Hiroshima was classified as Asian strain O, and the rest were GR strains. Then, second wave of GR strains appeared independently with 11–15 base mutations. Comparing the first- and second-wave GR strains, mutation rate was 1.17–1.36 × 10−3 base substitutions per site per year; in addition, amino acid changes occurred at S1361P and P3371S in ORF1a, A314V in ORF1b, and P151L in N. All seven GR strains were D614G variants with R202K and G203R mutations in N. A single-nucleotide insertion in ORF8 that causes a defect in ORF8 protein was found in one isolate (S66) from the second wave.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal the evolutionary hierarchy of SARS-CoV-2 in Japan. The predominant D614G variants and a new form of ORF8 deletion in Hiroshima provide the clue for role of viral factor in local outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2.
Acute kidney injury in patients with severe COVID-19 in Mexico
Authors: Casas-Aparicio Gustavo A. , León-Rodríguez Isabel , Alvarado-de la Barrera Claudia , González-Navarro Mauricio , Peralta-Prado Amy B. , Luna-Villalobos Yara , Velasco-Morales Alejandro , Calderón-Dávila Natalia , Ormsby Christopher E. , Ávila-Ríos Santiago
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Some patients with COVID-19 pneumonia present systemic disease involving multiple systems. There is limited information about the clinical characteristics and events leading to acute kidney injury (AKI). We described the factors associated with the development of AKI and explored the relation of AKI and mortality in Mexican population with severe COVID-19.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of individuals with severe pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 hospitalized at the largest third-level reference institution for COVID-19 care in Mexico between March and April 2020. Demographic information, comorbidities, clinical and laboratory data, dates of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and hospitalization, mechanical-ventilator settings and use of vasoactive drugs were recorded.

Results

Of 99 patients studied, 58 developed AKI (58.6%). The risk factors for AKI were older age (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.01–1.13, p = 0.024); obesity (OR = 6.58, 95% CI = 1.8–24.05, p = 0.040); and the need for IMV (OR = 6.18, CI = 1.29–29.58, p = 0.023). The risk factors for mortality were obesity (OR = 5.57, 95% CI = 1.48–20.93, p = 0.011); requirement of vasoactive drugs on admission (OR = 5.35, 95% CI = 1.16–24.61, p = 0.031); and AKI (OR = 8.61, 95% CI = 2.24–33.1, p = 0.002). In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with AKI stage 3 (79.3%) and AKI stage 2 (68.7%) compared with those with AKI stage 1 (25%; p = 0.004). Fifty-three patients underwent the furosemide stress test (FST) to predict progression to AKI stage 3. Of those, 12 progressed to AKI stage 3 (22%). The ROC curve for the FST had an AUC of 0.681 (p = 0.009); a sensitivity of 81.6% and a specificity of 54.5%.

Conclusions

AKI was common in our cohort of patients with severe pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. The risk factors for AKI were older age, obesity and the need for of IMV on admission. The risk factors for mortality were obesity, requirement of vasoactive drugs on admission and AKI. Mortality was more frequent in patients with AKI stages 2–3. The FST had an acceptable predictive capacity to identify patients progressing to AKI stage 3.
Estimating the disease burden of Korean type 2 diabetes mellitus patients considering its complications
Authors: Kim Juyoung , Yoon Seok-Jun , Jo Min-Woo
Published: February 2021

Background

The burden of diabetes is considerable not only globally but also nationally within Korea. The Global Burden of Disease study derived the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of diabetes depending on its complications as individual severity using prevalence-based approach from 2017. Conversely, the Korean National Burden of Disease study based on an incidence-based approach does not incorporate the severity of diseases. This study aimed to simulate incidence-based DALYs of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), given diabetic complications as disease severity using a Markov model.

Methods

We developed a model with six Markov states, including incident and existing prevalent cases of diabetes and its complications and death. We assumed that diabetes and its complications would not be cured. The cycle length was one year, and the endpoint of the simulation was 100 years. A 5% discount rate was adopted in the analysis. Transition cases were counted by 5-year age groups above 30 years of age. Age- and sex-specific transition probabilities were calculated based on the incident rate.

Results

The total DALY estimates of T2DM were 5,417 and 3,934 per 100,000 population in men and women, respectively. The years of life lost in men were relatively higher than those in women in most age groups except the 80–84 age group. The distribution of years lived with disability by gender and age group showed a bell shape, peaking in the 55–59 age group in men and 65–69 age group in women.

Conclusions

The burden of T2DM considering its complications was larger compared to the outcomes from previous studies, with more precise morbid duration using the Markov model.
Draft genome sequence of Marssonina coronaria, causal agent of apple blotch, and comparisons with the Marssonina brunnea and Marssonina rosae genomes
Authors: Cheng Qiang , Chen Junxiang , Zhao Lijuan
Published: February 2021

Marssonina coronaria Ellis & Davis is a filamentous fungus in the class Leotiomycetes that causes apple blotch, an economically important disease of apples worldwide. Here, we sequenced the whole genome of M. coronaria strain NL1. The genome contained 50.3 Mb with 589 scaffolds and 9,622 protein-coding genes. A phylogenetic analysis using multiple loci and a whole-genome alignment revealed that M. coronaria is closely related to Marssonina rosae and Marssonina brunnea. A comparison of the three genomes revealed 90 species-specific carbohydrate-active enzymes, 19 of which showed atypical distributions, and 12 species-specific secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters, two of which have the potential to synthesize products analogous to PR toxin and swainsonine, respectively. We identified 796 genes encoding for small secreted proteins in Marssonina spp., many encoding for unknown hypothetical proteins. In addition, we revealed the genetic architecture of the MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 mating-type loci of M. coronaria, as well as 16 tested isolates carrying either MAT1-1 idiomorph (3) or MAT1-2 idiomorph (13). Our results showed a series of species-specific carbohydrate-active enzyme, secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters and small-secreted proteins that may be involved in the adaptation of Marssonina spp. to their distinct hosts. We also confirmed that M. coronaria possesses a heterothallic mating system and has outcrossing potential in nature.
Distinct clonal lineages and within-host diversification shape invasive Staphylococcus epidermidis populations
Authors: Both Anna , Huang Jiabin , Qi Minyue , Lausmann Christian , Weißelberg Samira , Büttner Henning , Lezius Susanne , Failla Antonio Virgilio , Christner Martin , Stegger Marc , Gehrke Thorsten , Baig Sharmin , Citak Mustafa , Alawi Malik , Aepfelbacher Martin , Rohde Holger
Published: February 2021

S.epidermidisis a substantial component of the human skin microbiota, but also one of the major causes of nosocomial infection in the context of implanted medical devices. We here aimed to advance the understanding ofS.epidermidisgenotypes and phenotypes conducive to infection establishment. Furthermore, we investigate the adaptation of individual clonal lines to the infection lifestyle based on the detailed analysis of individualS.epidermidispopulations of 23 patients suffering from prosthetic joint infection. Analysis of invasive and colonizingS.epidermidisprovided evidence that invasiveS.epidermidisare characterized by infection-supporting phenotypes (e.g. increased biofilm formation, growth in nutrient poor media and antibiotic resistance), as well as specific genetic traits. The discriminating gene loci were almost exclusively assigned to the mobilome. Here, in addition to IS256and SCCmec, chromosomally integrated phages was identified for the first time. These phenotypic and genotypic features were more likely present in isolates belonging to sequence type (ST) 2. By comparing seven patient-matched nasal and invasiveS.epidermidisisolates belonging to identical genetic lineages, infection-associated phenotypic and genotypic changes were documented. Besides increased biofilm production, the invasive isolates were characterized by better growth in nutrient-poor media and reduced hemolysis. By examining several colonies grown in parallel from each infection, evidence for genetic within-host population heterogeneity was obtained. Importantly, subpopulations carrying IS insertions inagrC, mutations in the acetate kinase (AckA) and deletions in the SCCmecelement emerged in several infections. In summary, these results shed light on the multifactorial processes of infection adaptation and demonstrate howS.epidermidisis able to flexibly repurpose and edit factors important for colonization to facilitate survival in hostile infection environments.
E-learning Skill and Use in EU Countries – A Statistical Analysis
Authors: Petákné Balogh Anikó
Published: February 2021

The article investigates the division between member states of the European Union considering the aspect of their level of information and communication technology (ICT) development focusing on e-learning. With the help of discriminant analysis the countries are categorized into groups based on their ICT maturity and e-learning literacy level of development. Making a comparison with a benchmarking tool, the ITU (International Telecommunication Union)’s ICT Development Index (IDI) the results are confirmed partly correct. The article tries to find economical explanations for the re-grouping of the countries ranking. Finally the author examines the reliability of Hungary’s ranking results and the factors which may affect this divergence from the real picture.
Avaliação das temperaturas de superfície obtidas por sensoriamento remoto nas estações seca e chuvosa
Authors: Nunes Leticia Gonçalves , Menezes Filho Frederico Carlos Martins de
Published: February 2021

As ilhas de calor estão presentes no meio urbano possuindo como alguns fatores contribuintes para sua ocorrência, a supressão de áreas verdes e aumento de superfícies impermeáveis. Para estimar a temperatura de superfície, destaca-se a utilização do sensoriamento remoto.  O presente trabalho objetiva avaliar a correlação entre as temperaturas superficiais obtidas por imagens de satélite e as observadas em estação meteorológica, na cidade de Rio Paranaíba – MG. Na verificação da correlação nas estações seca e chuvosa calculou-se: REQM, EMA, R², r, IC e ICmod.  A estação seca apresentou resultados de maior correlação (IC= 0,94; R²= 0,91; r= 0,95) em relação à estação chuvosa (IC =0,43 R²= 0,07; r= 0,26) e a análise de todo o período propiciou resultados favoráveis para as métricas (IC=0,90; R²=0,77; r=0,88). Tal resultado corrobora a utilização do sensoriamento remoto como alternativa para aquisição de dados de temperatura superficial em locais com ausência de dados meteorológicos.
Understanding the effect of sustained use of cloud-based point of sales on SMEs performance during covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Prihatiningtias Yeney Widya , Wardhani Maudina Rahma
Published: February 2021

This study examined the effect of sustained use of cloud-based point of sales on SMEsâ€™ performance during COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, both quantitative and qualitative approaches were employed. The sample consists of the food and beverage industries from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) located in Malang City, Indonesia. The quantitative data which succeeded to collect 91 responses was taken from the questionnaire distribution of the sample SMEs and it was analyzed by using SPSS 21 with the multiple linear regression method, which indicated there is a relationship between sustained-use of cloud-based point of sale on SMEs non-financial performance during COVID-19 pandemic. 9 SMEs representatives, the owner, or the manager, were also interviewed to gain further insights and to confirm the quantitative findings. Technology Continuance Theory (TCT) was used to explain the link between the sustained use of cloud-based point of sale on SMEsâ€™ performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the results from both approaches found that there is a positive relationship between sustained use of cloud-based point of sale on SMEs non-financial performance during COVID-19 pandemic and the relationship between sustained use of cloud-based point of sale on SMEs financial performance is negative.
Political connections: a literature review approach
Authors: Putra Fajar Kristanto Gautama , Harymawan Iman
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study was to highlight the key finding of corporate politicalconnections research. This study used 61 previous studies related tocorporate political connections to develop a structured literature review. Itwas found that most studies were conducted in developing countries as theyprovided a unique institutional setting for conduct political connectionsresearch. In addition, a political connection is used as independentvariables and the previous studies focuses on three related topics, whichare corporate performance, corporate action, and loan and special rights.Literature review study become more important nowadays, as the numberof empirical quantitative research amount has been increased lately. Thisanalysis also has research and practical implementation for researcher,practitioners, and regulators.
Scholars and Literati at the University of Copenhagen (1475–1800)
Authors: De la Croix David
Published: February 2021

This note is a summary description of the set of scholars and literati who taught at the University of Copenhagen from its inception in 1475 to the eve of the Industrial Revolution (1800).
Scholars and Literati at the University of Gießen (1607–1800)
Authors: De la Croix David , Stelter Robert
Published: February 2021

This note is a summary description of the set of scholars and literati who taught at the University of Gießen from its inception in 1607 to the eve of the Industrial Revolution (1800).
Scholars and Literati at the University of Macerata (1540–1800)
Authors: De la Croix David , Spolverini Gaia
Published: February 2021

This note is a summary description of the set of scholars and literati who taught at the University of Macerata from its inception in 1540 to the eve of the Industrial Revolution (1800).
SMEs CREATIVE ECONOMY IN THE COVID-19
Authors: Sungkawati Endang
Published: February 2021

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which experienced a decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic, where MSMEs experienced a decline in terms of capital, marketing, labor, and their assets. MSMEs, which have been said to be productive economic enterprises that are quite strong, are powerless to face the crisis during the Covid 19 pandemic. The government has issued several policies related to decreased income due to the Covid-19 outbreak by providing incentives in the financial sector, namely debt relief for MSME players. The government also encourages MSMEs to innovate and be creative by taking advantage of this geographical advantage into opportunities. In addition, the government also needs to provide a stimulus to maintain people's purchasing power in the midst of this crisis so that the benefits provided to the economy can be felt.
Creating Healthy Golden Generation Without Cigarettes: Demarketing Strategy in Indonesia
Authors: Tielung Maria V.
Published: February 2021

The millennial generation is the golden generation that will become the nation's foundation and agents of change for a country. Creating a healthy golden generation is one of the requirements for an increase in the human development index of an area, which affects increasing the quality and quantity of this golden generation. The smoking lifestyle is one of the problems faced by the younger generation, and a solution must be found so that the dreams of a healthy young generation can be created. This paper is an empirical study that examines the demarketing strategy to reduce smoking lifestyles and intention to quit smoking among the younger generation. This research was conducted by surveying the Indonesian millennial generation with a sample in North Sulawesi Province. Data analysis using SEM analysis of the demarketing strategy model. This study provides an overview of the determinants of the demarketing strategy for the Millennial generation in Indonesia, namely the factors that affect the intention to quit smoking in the younger generation. The implications and limitations of the study are also discussed in this paper.
Investigating the Intention to Use an Electronic Performance Management System at XYZ Holdings Limited: Towards a Revised Technology Acceptance Model
Authors: Joomunbaccus Sheran
Published: February 2021

This paper investigates the intention to use an electronic Performance Management System (e-PMS) through a conceptual framework derived from the Technology Acceptance Model where several constructs were put under investigation. The positivist approach was adopted in view of collecting primary data from a sample of 52 employees working at XYZ Holdings Limited through a structured survey questionnaire comprising of 25 items segregated under 6 sections. Research findings revealed a positive individual relationship between each independent variable; perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude and accessibility with intention to use the e-PMS respectively. Gender, age, grade and working experience were found to be statistically insignificant. However, when analyzing the constructs simultaneously as a whole model, only perceived ease of use and attitude were found to be statistically significant towards the intention to use the software. The derived model will be useful not only to the management of XYZ Holdings Limited but also to other companies which intend to adopt a new technology while at the same time serves as a base for future research in this field.
A Comparative Analysis of Bioremediation of Hydrocarbon Polluted Soil in the Island Forest Ecosystem and the Low land Forest Ecosystem in the Niger Delta through Enhanced Natural Attenuation Process (ENAP)
Authors: Etuk Etiese , Ogboi Kingsley C. , Nwadinigwe C. A. , Elekwachi Wali
Published: February 2021

The Niger Delta region has witnessed environmental pollution arising from oil activities over the years of oil exploration and production. Soil fertility in both the Lowland Forest Ecological Zone and Island Forest Ecological Zone were investigated to establish the consequences of oil pollution on the soil and remedial actions to restore back quality and fertility of the soil. A suitable cost effective and environmentally friendly technology to handle the pollutions in the Niger Delta region can be found in Remediation by Enhanced Natural Attenuation Process (ENAP) which facilitates the activities of microorganisms to biodegrade the hydrocarbon impacted soil. The study compared the bio-physicochemical parameters of the oil spill polluted soil with particular reference to areas of oil production of the two Ecological Systems with those of the unaffected soil as well as their response to bioremediation interventions using ENAP. The results demonstrated significant decrease in the values of the key indicator parameter, the Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH). But for the unenhanced process, the result showed low level of reduction of TPH values for the polluted soils. A degradation trend was demonstrated with time leading to significant TPH reductions and improved key soil fertility indices. The result showed that the level of the nutrient status of soil in the region can be improved through the natural attenuation process.
Encumbrances To Non-Governmental Organisations (Ngos) Efforts Towards Conflict Resolution In The North West Region Of Cameroon, 1990-2010
Authors: Monteh René Ngek
Published: February 2021

Conflicts have existed since the creation of man and have remained an undeniable aspect of the human society. Conflicts have manifested in various ways in Cameroon and the incidence has indeed been high in the North West Region. This study entitled “Challenges of Non-Governmental Organisations in Conflict Resolution in the North West Region, 1990-2010” seeks to examine the difficulties that NGOs involved in conflict resolution faced between 1990 and 2010 in this part of Cameroon. The culture of peace has been difficult to nurture in the region because of the proliferation of conflicts. The present study therefore, seeks to explore the sector of NGOs with special focus on their challenges in conflict management and resolution since many of these NGOs were devoted to human rights issues, capacity building and conflict resolution. A critical study of existing literature on the subject of conflicts and our numerous visits to the field revealed that NGOs in this domain had invested valuable time and resources to prevent the escalation of tension among the antagonist of the region. Despite the influential role and enormous resources deployed by these NGOs, many obstacles perturbed the realisation of their missions. By the end of our research these challenges which constituted the “raison d’être” of the present study turned out to be internal and external.
Psychosocial Support: a path for improving refugees’ mental health and cross-cultural adaptability
Authors: Moreno Anna Carolina , Francischetti Ieda
Published: February 2021

This article aims at analysing how psychosocial support (PSS) projects focused on refugees' mental health might contribute to improving their well-being and resilience in camps or during resettlement. Their journeys usually cause an increase in individuals’ mental health instability, not only related to trauma but also because they require the capability of adjusting to different realities and cultures. This paper works toward answering the question of how PSS potentially capacitates refugees to continuously adapt to new environments through exploratory research of qualitative nature.
Nurses’ Work Motivation and their Demographics: Basis for Human Resource Management
Authors: Dayrit Richard Dennis Juinio
Published: February 2021

This study assessed the level of work motivation of 245 nurses generated through snowball sampling in a tertiary government hospital in Hail City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia using the Multidimensional Work Motivation Scale.  The results indicated that the nurses had a low level of amotivation, moderate levels of all subtypes of extrinsic regulation, and moderate levels of intrinsic regulation leading to an overall moderate level of work motivation.  Significant differences in levels of work motivation were observed in the domain of amotivation when nurses were grouped according to work position; in the domain of extrinsic motivation-social when nurses were grouped according to civil status, monthly salary and years of experience in the institution; in the domain of extrinsic motivation-material when nurses were grouped according to years of experience in the institution; in the domain of introjected regulation when the nurses were grouped according to age and civil status; and in the domains of identified regulation and intrinsic motivation when they were grouped according to civil status  (p≤0.05).  Hospital administrators need to implement specific human resource management strategies such as: (1) the implementation of a fair system of staff performance appraisal through management by objectives; (2) the provision of training needs of staff for learning and career development; (3) mechanisms that foster social support among healthcare teams; (4) mechanisms that promote nurse engagement, autonomy and empowerment; and (5) a consistent and equitable system of rewards and promotions in order to enhance the level of work motivation of nurses.
Blended Learning in Saudi Higher Education Framework, Implications, and limitations
Authors: Alharbi Samar
Published: February 2021

In the modern era of teaching and learning, the education system witnessed many changes. New methods of teaching and learning are utilised in order to adapt to the growth of technology. Teachers used some teaching methods, such as online teaching, face to face teaching or a combination of both online and face to face known as blended learning (BL) environment. BL has been proven its advantages empirically in many studies. One of the significant advantages is that BL is used as an extended learning environment to reinforce knowledge and make learning more accessible by utilising technology and online resources. However, there are some drawbacks of implementing blended learning, such as the demand of time and teachers' efforts to provide feedback and follow up students. This paper examined the use of BL in higher education. The first part of this paper reviewed some empirical studies in BL.  The second part presented the theoretical framework of using BL. Benefits and challenges of implementing BL in higher education regarding Saudi universities are explained. Lastly, the paper concluded with some critical remarks.
MWINGILIANO WA UTANZU WA MODERN TAARABU- MIPASHO NA MAIGIZO
Authors: Murimi Jackline Njeri
Published: February 2021

Muziki wa taarab umepata mabadiliko makubwa na kusababisha kuwepo kwa aina mbili kuu za Taarab: Taarab Asili na Modern Taarab.Utafiti huu ulihakiki mwingiliano tanzu katika Taarab-Mipasho. Malengo ya Makala hii yalikuwa ni  kuchanganua miktadha mbalimbali ya mwingiliano tanzu katika muziki wa Taarab ya Mipasho  na utanzu wa maigizo na kutathmini dhima ya mwingiliano huo katika muziki wa Taarab ya Mipasho. Makala hii iliongozwa na nadharia ya mwingilianomatini iliyoasisiwa na Julia Kristeva (1960) baada ya kuizua kutokana na nadharia ya Mikhail Bakhtin ya Usemezano ambapo imetumika kushughulikia mwingiliano tanzu katika Taarab-Mipasho. Pia nadharia hii imetumika katika kufafanulia uhuru na ubunifu wa mtunzi wa kuingiza vipengele vipya katika kazi. Utafiti huu ulichukua muundo wa kimaelezo. Ukusanyaji data ulihusisha usikilizaji, utazamaji na unukuzi daftarini wa nyimbo za Taarab ya Mipasho ili kupata mistari, vifungu vya maneno na stanza zilizobainisha mwingiliano tanzu. Sampuli ya utafiti ilikuwa nyimbo 32 za muziki wa Taarab ya Mipasho ambazo ziliteuliwa kumaksudi. Uchanganuzi na uwasilishaji wa data ulitolewa kwa njia ya maelezo ya kina yaliyohusisha udondoaji na ufafanuzi wa mistari, vifungu vya maneno na stanza zenye kudhihirisha mwingiliano tanzu kutoka kwa data asili. Kutokana na matokeo ya utafiti, mwingilianotanzu mkubwa ulibainika katika uwasilishaji wa muziki wa Modern Taarab ya Mipasho uliorejelewa. Utafiti huu unawachochea wahahakiki wengine wa fasihi simulizi katika kufanya uchunguzi zaidi katika mitindo mingine ya nyimbo za modern taarab kwa misingi ya nadharia mbalimbali za fasihi. Aidha, kutokana na utafiti huu, ilitarajiwa kuwa watafiti wataweza kulinganisha na kulinganua mitindo tofauti ya taarab. Hatimaye, mtafiti anapendekeza tafiti zaidi zifanywe ili miongoni mwa mengine, kusuluhisha mgogoro kuhusu taarab ya mipasho, uwezekano wa kujumuisha nyimbo za taarab miongoni mwa vipera vya utanzu wa nyimbo katika awamu zote za usomi na uhakiki wa fasihi simulizi kwani muziki wa taarab na hasa mipasho bado unahitaji utafiti Zaidi.
Discursive Practices in Chinese Talk Shows_Semi-institutional Communication Shaped by Multi-dimensional Power Relations
Authors: Yang Chen
Published: February 2021

Similar to American talk shows, the institutional communication of Chinese talk shows is also affected by complicated and mutually influencing power relations. Therefore, through the analysis of discourse practice and power relations, the author hopes to reveal some unique characteristics of the institutional communication of talk shows in mainland China. By utilizing Sinclair and Coulthard’s rank scale model, an episode of A Date with Lu Yu was selected for a case study of discursive communication. The study shows that Chinese talk shows shared the common characteristics of semi-institutional communication with western counterpart. Besides, the hierarchical structure of communication is prominently reflected in Chinese talk shows. The social power relations between hosts, guests and external forces shape the discourse structure of Chinese talk shows. In particular, commercial organizations that sponsor media have great power in determining the goals and shaping the forms of discourse practice.
CONCENTRATION OF STUDENT’S LEARNING THROUGH UTILIZATION OF QUIZLET APPLICATION ON LEARNING EVALUATION
Authors: Sihotang Hotmaulina , Harefa Nelius , Lamsari Leony Sangat , Murniarti Erni
Published: February 2021

Concentration of student’s learning is an important variable that can affect cognitive, affective, psychomotor, and students' scientific process skills. In efforts to improve the concentration of student’s learning can be done by applying models, media, and learning strategies. In the study, interpretation and analysis of data increases the concentration of student learning by utilizing learning media based on the Quizlet application. Data of interpretation and analysis has showed that there was an increase in the concentration of student learning by using the Quizlet application in indicator of the attention gains value of 0.78 in the high category, an indicator of understanding with 0.77 in the high category, an indicator of activeness with 0.77 in the high category, accuracy indicators with 0.76 in the high category, and indicators of calm with 0.78 also in the high category. Thus, based on the interpretation of the values, it concludes that the application of Quizlet has the capability to improve the concentration of student’s learning. The highest increase in learning concentration with the use of the Quizlet application as indicators of attention and calm gains value of 0.78 in the high category. On the contrary, the lowest increase in learning concentration with the use of the Quizlet application on accuracy indicators with a gain value of 0.76 in the high category. Based on the interpretation and analysis of the value of each indicator gain, it is concluded that the application of Quizlet can improve student learning concentration
The Strategies and Practices of Sheikh Azizur Rahman Nesarabadi in the Pursuit of Unity in Diversity and Harmony: The Global Viewpoint
Authors: Huq Fayzul , Islam Arshad , Khatun Kazi Afifa
Published: February 2021

The Muslims of Bangladesh are separated into diverse religious, political, and social groups. Several scholars tried to unite Muslims. One of the most significant Islamic intellectuals of Bangladesh, Sheikh Azizur Rahman Nesarabadi, proposed a paradigm of religious harmony to unite the Bangladeshi people and global nations. According to him, religious harmony with the doctrine of Ittihad Ma’al al-Ikhtelaf (Unity in Diversity) is the only key answer to the current disunity at the national, international, and global levels. This study examines his concept and his role in the society and politics of Bangladesh by textual analysis of primary and secondary data. After analyzing religious harmony itself, we deliver a brief biography of Sheikh Azizur Rahman, presenting his contribution to both Sharia and Sufi education, and their effects on his vision. The study then emphasizes his thoughts on four steps of religious harmony and analyses in light of current social realities in Bangladesh and the Muslim world. This paper concludes that Sheikh Nesarabadi’s thought and theory on religious harmony depend upon three foundations: common good interest, moderation, mutual respect, and the Tawhidic model. These contain the structure for religious harmony of Muslim unity whose implementation by Muslims can achieve the command of Allah to empower the Ummah to continue a leading role in the world as a Khalifah of Allah SWT almighty.
Nature of the Universe: Astrophysical Paradigm Shifts
Authors: Herndon J. Marvin
Published: February 2021

Over my lifetime I have witnessed the decline of scientific capability and integrity in the physical sciences. When a new idea arises, it should be discussed and debated. Attempts should be made to refute the new idea; otherwise, it should be cited in subsequent literature. That is the way science progresses, not by attempting to suppress a new idea or failing that, to ignore it. But all too often, in instances of discoveries or insights that might cause major paradigm shifts, suppression or non-recognition is what happens. Here, I describe, from a first-person perspective, several paradigm shifts in astrophysics that have been systematically ignored, including the thermonuclear ignition of stars, the nature of dark matter, why vast numbers of galaxies have just a few prominent patterns of luminous stars, the origin of chemical elements, and a new speculation about the nature of the Universe.
Assymetric effect of fiscal and monetary policies on the stock market performance in Nigeria
Authors: Adeleke Oluwayemisi , Oyeleke Olusola
Published: February 2021

This study investigated the asymmetric effect of fiscal and monetary policies on stock market performance from 2000:q1-2018q3 in Nigeria. The study used Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Bounds Test technique of cointegration to determine the equilibrium relationship among the series. After the long run relationship has been established, Vector Error Correction Model was used to analyse the data. The results showed that only anticipated fiscal policy had a negative and significant effect on the stock market performance in the third and fourth quarters of the year. In contrast, anticipated and unanticipated monetary policy as well as unanticipated fiscal policy did not exert effect on stock market performance in Nigeria. Government in Nigeria should reduce its expenditure which has the capacity to negatively influence the performance of stock market in Nigeria.
How Did We Get Here? An Examination of Opioid Addiction from A Historical Perspective
Authors: Gallo Ralph
Published: February 2021

America is facing a drug crisis that is rocking the nation at the cost of one trillion dollars since former President Richard Nixon declared war on drugs more than 40 years ago in 1971.  This latest opioid crisis can be identified as the war on drugs 2.0. Research supports that the American public is not interested in fighting the war on drugs; it is interested in creating viable intervention programs that are effective in treating drug addiction and education programs for the drug prescribing medical community. Results revealed statistically significant differences between socioeconomic status and race, family status and criminal background, family status and criminal background related to a drug background, and family status and equally offering drug treatment options.
Development of an Improved Network Security System using Firewall for Securing Organisational Data
Authors: Ele Bassey , E. E. Umoh, , D. O. Egete,
Published: February 2021

It is eminent that the Internet is far from being secure. Insecure networks have caused organizations to lose lots of money as a result of data loss or data corruption, and even worse, some organizations have also lost their reputation hence reduce the client’s confidence. Therefore, this research focused on the development of an improved network security system using a firewall that can secure both the internal and external network of an organization. The system was developed using both packet filtering and proxy server architectures to prevent unauthorized connection or access to the organization server or resources thereby reducing the risk of attacks to the network and loss of organizational data. The system was implemented using PHP and python programming languages and the backend was developed using MySQL as the database server; HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for the frontend layout. The implementation of this firewall system includes a monitoring admin interface from where most activities within the private network can be monitored and also this system can prevent or deny the unauthorized request of services either by an intruder from an external network or personnel within the network. Based on the findings of this study, the developed system is recommended for any organization that depends on computer networks for the running of their daily activities.