bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disturbance observer-based controller for inverted pendulum with uncertainties: Linear matrix inequality approach
Authors: Vu Van-Phong , Nguyen Minh-Tam , Nguyen Anh-Vu , Tran Vi-Do , Nguyet Nguyen Tran Minh
Published: August 2021

A new approach based on linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique for stabilizing the inverted pendulum is developed in this article. The unknown states are estimated as well as the system is stabilized simultaneously by employing the observer-based controller. In addition, the impacts of the uncertainties are taken into consideration in this paper. Unlike the previous studies, the uncertainties in this study are unnecessary to satisfy the bounded constraints. These uncertainties will be converted into the unknown input disturbances, and then a disturbance observer-based controller will be synthesized to estimate the information of the unknown states, eliminate completely the effects of the uncertainties, and stabilize inverted pendulum system. With the support of lyapunov methodology, the conditions for constructing the observer and controller under the framework of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) are derived in main theorems. Finally, the simulations for system with and without uncertainties are exhibited to show the merit and effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Development of durian leaf disease detection on Android device
Authors: Sabarre A. L. , Navidad A. S. , Torbela D. S. , Adtoon J. J.
Published: August 2021

Durian is exceedingly abundant in the Philippines, providing incomes for smallholder farmers. But amidst these things, durian is still vulnerable to different plant diseases that can cause significant economic loss in the agricultural industry. The conventional way of dealing plant disease detection is through naked-eye observation done by experts. To control such diseases using the old method is extensively laborious, time-consuming and costly especially in dealing with large fields. Hence, the proponent’s objective of this study is to create a standalone mobile app for durian leaf disease detection using the transfer learning approach. In this approach, the chosen network MobileNets, is pre-trained with a large scale of general datasets namely ImageNet to effective function as a generic template for visual processing. The pre-trained network transfers all the learned parameters and set as a feature extractor for the target task to be executed. Four health conditions are addressed in this study, 10 per classification with a total of 40 samples tested to evaluate the accuracy of the system. The result showed 90% in overall accuracy for detecting algalspot, cercospora, leaf discoloration and healthy leaf.
Transfer deep learning approach for detecting coronavirus disease in X-ray images
Authors: Al-Smadi Mohammed , Hammad Mahmoud , Baker Qanita Bani , Tawalbeh Saja Khaled , Al-Zboon Sa’ad A.
Published: August 2021

Currently, the whole world is fighting a very dangerous and infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus, called COVID-19. The COVID-19 is rapidly spreading around the world due to its high infection rate. Therefore, early discovery of COVID-19 is crucial to better treat the infected person as well as to slow down the spread of this virus. However, the current solution for detecting COVID-19 cases including the PCR test, CT images, epidemiologically history, and clinical symptoms suffer from high false positive. To overcome this problem, we have developed a novel transfer deep learning approach for detecting COVID-19 based on x-ray images. Our approach helps medical staff in determining if a patient is normal, has COVID-19, or other pneumonia. Our approach relies on pre-trained models including Inception-V3, Xception, and MobileNet to perform two tasks: i) binary classification to determine if a person infected with COVID-19 or not and ii) a multi-task classification problem to distinguish normal, COVID-19, and pneumonia cases. Our experimental results on a large dataset show that the F1-score is 100% in the first task and 97.66 in the second task.
A new system to detect coronavirus social distance violation
Authors: Botella-Campos Marta , Gacía-Navas José Luis , Rego Albert , Sendra Sandra , Lloret Jaime
Published: August 2021

In this paper, a novel solution to avoid new infections is presented. Instead of tracing users’ locations, the presence of individuals is detected by analysing the voices, and people’s faces are detected by the camera. To do this, two different Android applications were implemented. The first one uses the camera to detect people’s faces whenever the user answers or performs a phone call. Firebase Platform will be used to detect faces captured by the camera and determine its size and estimate their distance to the phone terminal. The second application uses voice biometrics to differentiate the users’ voice from unknown speakers and creates a neural network model based on 5 samples of the user’s voice. This feature will only be activated whenever the user is surfing the Internet or using other applications to prevent undesired contacts. Currently, the patient’s tracking is performed by geolocation or by using Bluetooth connection. Although face detection and voice recognition are existing methods, this paper aims to use them and integrate both in a single device. Our application cannot violate privacy since it does not save the data used to carry out the detection and does not associate this data to people.
Fog computing security and privacy issues, open challenges, and blockchain solution: An overview
Authors: Alzoubi Yehia Ibrahim , Al-Ahmad Ahmad , Jaradat Ashraf
Published: August 2021

Due to the expansion growth of the IoT devices, Fog computing was proposed to enhance the low latency IoT applications and meet the distribution nature of these devices. However, Fog computing was criticized for several privacy and security vulnerabilities. This paper aims to identify and discuss the security challenges for Fog computing. It also discusses blockchain technology as a complementary mechanism associated with Fog computing to mitigate the impact of these issues. The findings of this paper reveal that blockchain can meet the privacy and security requirements of fog computing; however, there are several limitations of blockchain that should be further investigated in the context of Fog computing.
Detection of ICMPv6-based DDoS attacks using anomaly based intrusion detection system: A comprehensive review
Authors: Bdair Alghuraibawi Adnan Hasan , Abdullah Rosni , Manickam Selvakumar , Alkareem Alyasseri Zaid Abdi
Published: August 2021

Security network systems have been an increasingly important discipline since the implementation of preliminary stages of Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) for exploiting by attackers. IPv6 has an improved protocol in terms of security as it brought new functionalities, procedures, i.e., Internet Control Message Protocol version 6 (ICMPv6). The ICMPv6 protocol is considered to be very important and represents the backbone of the IPv6, which is also responsible to send and receive messages in IPv6. However, IPv6 Inherited many attacks from the previous internet protocol version 4 (IPv4) such as distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. DDoS is a thorny problem on the internet, being one of the most prominent attacks affecting a network result in tremendous economic damage to individuals as well as organizations. In this paper, an exhaustive evaluation and analysis are conducted anomaly detection DDoS attacks against ICMPv6 messages, in addition, explained anomaly detection types to ICMPv6 DDoS flooding attacks in IPv6 networks. Proposed using feature selection technique based on bio-inspired algorithms for selecting an optimal solution which selects subset to have a positive impact of the detection accuracy ICMPv6 DDoS attack. The review outlines the features and protection constraints of IPv6 intrusion detection systems focusing mainly on DDoS attacks.
Implementing data-driven decision support system based on independent educational data mart
Authors: Hamoud Alaa Khalaf , Hussein Marwah Kamil , Alhilfi Zahraa , Sabr Rabab Hassan
Published: August 2021

Decision makers in the educational field always seek new technologies and tools, which provide solid, fast answers that can support decision-making process. They need a platform that utilize the students’ academic data and turn them into knowledge to make the right strategic decisions. In this paper, a roadmap for implementing a data driven decision support system (DSS) is presented based on an educational data mart. The independent data mart is implemented on the students’ degrees in 8 subjects in a private school (Al-Iskandaria Primary School in Basrah province, Iraq). The DSS implementation roadmap is started from pre-processing paper-based data source and ended with providing three categories of online analytical processing (OLAP) queries (multidimensional OLAP, desktop OLAP and web OLAP). Key performance indicator (KPI) is implemented as an essential part of educational DSS to measure school performance. The static evaluation method shows that the proposed DSS follows the privacy, security and performance aspects with no errors after inspecting the DSS knowledge base. The evaluation shows that the data driven DSS based on independent data mart with KPI, OLAP is one of the best platforms to support short-to-long term academic decisions.
Multipurpose medical assistant robot (Docto-Bot) based on internet of things
Authors: Hossain Md. Anowar , Hossain Md Ebrahim , Rahaman Mohammad Anisur
Published: August 2021

The world's population is growing every day, and so is the number of patients. People's life expectancy is increasing due to technology's welfare, but the problem is that the health sector has always faced a shortage of inadequate doctors. This research main objective was to design and implement a biomedical-based medical assistant robot named "Docto-Bot" to deal with this problem. This research concerns this medical assistant robot's design and development for the disabled and the patients in need. Such a robot's prime utilization is to minimize person-to-person contact and ensure the cleaning, sterilization, and support in hospitals and similar facilities such as quarantine. This prototype robot consists of a medicine reminding and medicine providing system, Automatic hand sanitizer and IoT based physiological monitoring system (body temperature, pulse rate, ECG, Oxygen saturation level). A direct one-to-one server-based communication method and user-end android app maintaining system designed. It also included the controlling part, which control automatically and manually by users. Docto-Bot will play a very significant factor in bio-medical robot applications. Though the achievements described in the paper look fruitful and advanced, shortcomings still exist.
Entre visada e apreensão: questões sobre corpo e discurso na obra de Jacques Fontanille
Authors: Gomes Junior Edison
Published: August 2021

A obra teórica de Jacques Fontanille é marcada por temas que interessam ao campo da semiótica e ainda não foram totalmente resolvidos, tais como a questão do sensível, da percepção e do corpo no enunciado, que são objetos cada vez mais abordados pelos semioticistas da escola francesa. Focalizando a questão do discurso na semiótica, Fontanille procura estabelecer um diálogo entre o inteligível e o sensível, de modo a tentar compreender como a instância do discurso projeta um corpo através da enunciação e como essa projeção pode ser percebida no enunciado, de modo que a língua estabelece diversas formas de ancoragem da “carne falante”. O corpo sensível fornece ao seu corpo inteligível a percepção de equilíbrios e desequilíbrios, continuidades e descontinuidades, euforias e disforias, que partem de categorias tímicas de se amalgamar ao mundo, e se projetar nele, buscando uma solução entre a aparência e o aparecer dos fenômenos. As sensações, sempre fugidias, são armadas pela linguagem em diferentes sentidos. A instância do discurso, ao representar o real através da linguagem, cria efeitos que são resolvidos por sensibilidades e inteligibilidades, elos sensíveis e inteligíveis, visadas e apreensões de uma instância enunciativa corporal. Nesse artigo, pretende-se fazer um pequeno resumo sobre a relação entre corpo, enunciação e sentido, levando em conta algumas das discussões propostas por Jacques Fontanille, tais como propriocepção, tomada de posição, ponto de vista, campo posicional, actantes, práxis enunciativa e forma de vida.
Análise semiótica morfodinâmica da “glocalização” urbana
Authors: Marcos Isabel
Published: August 2021

Este artigo visa apresentar a pesquisa que temos vindo a desenvolver há alguns anos. A perspetiva da análise é a da semiótica morfodinâmica, sendo o nosso objeto de estudo o desenvolvimento da mundialização e o seu impacto nos fenómenos  urbanos. Esta reflexão iniciou-se com o estudo das quatro mundializações: terrestre, marítima, aérea e virtual. No decorrer do presente artigo, mostraremos, no espaço da cúspide, de que forma a cidade na sua dimensão local (Fl – Forças locais) e simultaneamente global (Fg – Forças globais) (Cf. Figura 1 – espaço interno (x,y) da cúspide) se estrutura ao ritmo progressivo de cada inovação tecnológica (possibilitando novas condições de significação) e nos confronta com novos sistemas de produção de espaço2 (b) e tempo3 (a) (Cf. Figura 2 – Espaço externo (a,b) da cúspide, desdobramento da morfogénese da glocalização | no lado esquerdo da figura 2, de baixo para cima, integrei os diversos estados internos da cúspide, representando o espaço que se retrai cada vez mais e o tempo se vai reduzindo ao instante). A cidade mundializada obriga-nos a repensar o conceito de cidade e a propor um paradigma diferente para o seu futuro. O processo tecnológico abriu um “mundo dentro do mundo”, isto é, súbita e repentinamente, o “instrumento tecnocientífico” tornou-se um “mundo virtual” na Web, provocando uma duplicação da nossa noção de espaço. Assim, o sujeito deixa de se representar apenas no espaço concreto do território (local), surgindo, igualmente, no espaço interativo da comunicação (global). O mundo virtual torna visível um determinado mundo da comunicação, que se expressa concretamente no espaço das nossas cidades, formando progressivamente aquilo que denominamos “território glocal”. Para comprovar este modelo, mostraremos algumas consequências deste mundo virtual no espaço concreto das cidades, através do exemplo da obra Harvard Project on the City de Rem Koolhaas.
Increased Inpatient Mortality for Cardiovascular Patients During the First Wave of the COVID‐19 Epidemic in New York
Authors: Mountantonakis Stavros E. , Makker Parth , Saleh Moussa , Coleman Kristie M. , Husk Gregg , Jauhar Rajiv , Singh Varinder , Epstein Laurence M. , Kuvin Jeffrey
Published: August 2021

Background

The acuity and magnitude of the first wave of the COVID‐19 epidemic in New York mandated a drastic change in healthcare access and delivery of care.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively studied patients admitted with an acute cardiovascular syndrome as their principal diagnosis to 13 hospitals across Northwell Health during March 11 through May 26, 2020 (first COVID‐19 epidemic wave) and the same period in 2019. Three thousand sixteen patients (242 COVID‐19 positive) were admitted for an acute cardiovascular syndrome during the first COVID‐19 wave compared with 9422 patients 1 year prior (decrease of 68.0%,
P
<0.001). During this time, patients with cardiovascular disease presented later to the hospital (360 versus 120 minutes for acute myocardial infarction), underwent fewer procedures (34.6% versus 45.6%,
P
<0.001), were less likely to be treated in an intensive care unit setting (8.7% versus 10.8%,
P
<0.001), and had a longer hospital stay (2.91 [1.71–6.05] versus 2.87 [1.82–4.95] days,
P
=0.033). Inpatient cardiovascular mortality during the first epidemic outbreak increased by 111.1% (3.8 versus 1.8,
P
<0.001) and was not related to COVID‐19‐related admissions, all cause in‐hospital mortality, or incidence of out‐of‐hospital cardiac deaths in New York. Admission during the first COVID‐19 surge along with age and positive COVID‐19 test independently predicted mortality for cardiovascular admissions (odds ratios, 1.30, 1.05, and 5.09, respectively,
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions

A lower rate and later presentation of patients with cardiovascular pathology, coupled with deviation from common clinical practice mandated by the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic, might have accounted for higher in‐hospital cardiovascular mortality during that period.
Evaluation and Comparison of Two Deep Convection Parameterization Schemes at Convection-Permitting Resolution
Authors: Zhang Xu , Bao Jian-Wen , Chen Baode , Huang Wei
Published: August 2021

Coarse-grained results from a large-eddy simulation (LES) using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model were compared in this study with the WRF simulations at a typical convection-permitting horizontal grid spacing of 3 km for an idealized case of deep moist convection. The purpose of this comparison is to identify major differences at the subgrid process level between two widely used deep convection parameterization schemes in the WRF Model. It is shown that there are considerable differences in subgrid process representations between the two schemes due to different parameterization formulations and underlying assumptions. The two schemes not only differ in trigger function, subgrid cloud model, and closure assumptions but also disagree with the coarse-grained LES results in terms of vertical mass flux profiles. Thus, it is difficult to discern which scheme is more advantageous over the other at the subgrid process level. The conclusions from this study highlight the importance of establishing benchmarks using observations and LES to develop and evaluate convection parameterization schemes suitable for models at convection-permitting resolution.
The Surgical Apgar Score Predicts Postoperative Complications in Elderly Patients After Surgery for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Sugimoto Atsushi , Fukuoka Tatsunari , Nagahara Hisashi , Shibutani Masatsune , Iseki Yasuhito , Wang En , Okazaki Yuki , Tachimori Akiko , Maeda Kiyoshi , Ohira Masaichi
Published: August 2021

Objective

The surgical Apgar score (SAS) has been validated as a risk assessment tool for postoperative complications. However, the utility of the SAS in elderly patients with colorectal cancer remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the utility of the SAS for predicting the severe complications in elderly patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 295 patients underwent radical surgery for colorectal cancer in elderly patients ≥75 years old. The SAS was calculated based on 3 intraoperative parameters: estimated blood loss (EBL), lowest mean arterial pressure, and lowest heart rate. Severe complications were defined as Clavien-Dindo classification grade ≥ IIIa. We divided all patients into 2 groups according to with or without severe complications. The optimal cut-off value of SAS for severe complications has been determined by receiver operator characteristic curve. Predictors for severe complications were analyzed by logistic regression modeling.

Results

Severe complications were observed in 57 patients (19.3%). Male, rectal cancer, operation time (>240 minutes), EBL (≥120 mL), and a low SAS (≤6) were significantly associated with severe complications in univariate analysis. A multivariate analysis revealed that male, rectal cancer, and a low SAS (≤6) were independent predictors for severe complications.

Conclusions

A low SAS (≤6) was associated with severe complications after colorectal cancer surgery in elderly patients. The SAS is a valuable predictor for severe complications in elderly patients with colorectal cancer.
C. S. Lewis on the Problem of Divine Hiddenness
Authors: Dumsday Travis
Published: August 2021

Along with the problem of evil, the problem of divine hiddenness has become one of the most prominent arguments for atheism in the contemporary philosophy of religion. Roughly it is this: if there is a loving God, surely he would make his existence apparent to us, and in a way that we could not rationally doubt. Why? (i) Because it is of the nature of love that the lover will seek open relationship with the object of love, and (ii) because on most traditional theisms it is claimed that our ultimate well-being requires having a positive relationship with God, which relationship presupposes belief in God's reality. Yet as a matter of fact many people fail to believe in God, and that through no fault of their own. Such nonbelief is incompatible with the truth of theism. Therefore God does not exist. Here I explore how the writings of C. S. Lewis (probably the twentieth century's most popular Anglican author) can be brought to bear on the problem.
Ketamine treatment for depression: A model of care
Authors: Bayes Adam , Dong Vanessa , Martin Donel , Alonzo Angelo , Kabourakis Michael , Loo Colleen
Published: August 2021

Objective:

Ketamine and related compounds are emerging as rapidly acting therapies for treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine differs from standard antidepressants in its speed of action, specific acute and cumulative side effects, risk of dependence and regulatory requirements. However, there is currently little guidance offering translation from research studies into clinical practice. We therefore detail a comprehensive model of care for ketamine treatment of depression.

Method:

We formulated a set of policies and procedures for a ‘compassionate use’ ketamine programme that developed out of our clinical research in ketamine. These policies and procedures were formulated into a detailed model of care.

Results:

The current Australian and New Zealand regulatory frameworks and professional bodies’ recommendations regarding ketamine are detailed along with clinical governance and infrastructure considerations. We next describe a four-step model comprising initial assessment, pre-treatment, treatment and post-treatment phases. The model comprises thorough psychiatric and medical assessments examining patient suitability, a rigorous consenting process and structured safety monitoring across an acute treatment course or maintenance therapy. Our ketamine dose-titration method is detailed allowing flexible dosing of patients across a treatment course enabling individualised treatment.

Conclusion:

The model of care aims to bridge the gap between efficacy studies and clinical care outside of research settings as ketamine and related compounds become increasingly important therapies for treatment-resistant depression.
The Moderation Role of Transformational Leadership in the Effect of Instructional Leadership on Teacher Professional Learning and Instructional Practice: An Integrated Leadership Perspective
Authors: Bellibaş Mehmet Şükrü , Kılınç Ali Çağatay , Polatcan Mahmut
Published: August 2021

Aim: While integrated leadership has received significant scholarly attention in the past decade, most existing research in this vein has focused on its impact on student achievement and often dismissed how it might be related to instructional practices, which are at the center of many school reforms. In this research, we examined the relationship between integrated leadership and teacher professional learning and teacher practices in Turkey, where educational policy makers have recently introduced several school reform initiatives. More specifically, we aimed to examine the moderating function of transformational leadership in the relationship between instructional leadership and teacher practices, with an emphasis on the mediating role of teacher professional learning. Research Design: We conducted this study with a cross-sectional design and moderated mediation model. Data collected from 616 teachers working in a mix of primary and secondary schools in Turkey were analyzed using structural equation modeling and bootstrapping tests. Findings: We found evidence that transformational leadership acted as a moderator of the indirect effect of principal instructional leadership on teachers' instructional practices through teacher professional learning. Implications: This study adds to the accumulated body of knowledge on the effects of school leadership by concluding that the effect of instructional leadership on teacher learning and practice is contingent upon the extent to which principals enact transformational leadership. School principals who adopt a more comprehensive leadership approach that combines instructional leadership and transformational leadership practices can maximize their effects on student achievement through teacher learning, and better address the ever-growing demands of educational reforms.
Subjective experiences of dissociative and conversion disorders among adolescents in India
Authors: Moyon R Shangmi , Thomas Bino , Girimaji Satish C
Published: August 2021

Dissociative/conversion disorders affect almost 31% of children and adolescents in a clinical setting. These children experience significant impairments in their academics, and daily functioning, with high chances of developing other psychiatric comorbidities such as anxiety and depression. However, there are no studies that explore the experiences of suffering from dissociative/conversion disorders from perspective of the sufferer. Therefore, the paper has aimed at exploring the subjective experiences of dissociative and conversion disorders among adolescents in the Indian context by examining their understanding about the illness and the reason they ascribe to the cause of their illness. The study used a qualitative semi-structured interview to understand their illness. In total, 10 adolescents of age group between 12 and 16 years participated. Eight out of the 10 participants were female and the mean age was 12 years. All of them were in-patients in the department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NIMHANS, which is the tertiary mental health care Institute India and pioneer Institute of mental health in Asia. All participants have had at least one or more consultation history either with a traditional healer or/and physician. Thematic analysis identified vital themes such as (1) Adolescents’ attributing factors of the illness, (2) Cognitive and emotional appraisal of stressful situation/s, (3) Adolescents’ appraisal of different explanatory model, (4) Living with the Impact of the illness. This analysis about dissociative/conversion disorders from adolescents’ perspective has a major contribution in enhancing the clinical knowledge and practice in planning and managing children/adolescents diagnosed with dissociative/conversion disorders.
Dynamics of Pakistan’s Nuclear Doctrine: Implications for Strategic Stability in South Asia
Authors: Ali Iftikhar , Sidhu Jatswan S
Published: August 2021

This article seeks to discuss Pakistan’s nuclear doctrine and its significance for strategic stability in South Asia which is challenged by complex interactions between different players in political, military, and technological dynamics. In particular, India’s easy access to technology and the challenges for Pakistan associated with fears of low-intensity conflicts due to Indian offensive strategies have resulted in dangerous instabilities. The Indian technological advancement has inevitably brought revolutionary changes in the strategic thought process thus continuously forcing Pakistan to modify or upgrade its nuclear doctrine. We argue that Pakistan’s nuclear doctrine is ambiguous, and the changing contours of Pakistan’s nuclear doctrine are within the framework of how technological advancement navigates strategic stability in the South Asian region.
Social justice in counseling psychology practice: Actualizing the ethics of compassion
Authors: Amari Nicola
Published: August 2021

This article articulates how compassion can be integrated into counseling psychology practice to augment the commitment to social justice. Drawing on a humanistic–existential paradigm that asserts the primacy of ethics, a multilayered understanding of compassion is explored in its implication for practitioners. First, as acknowledgment of the other’s suffering, compassion means being aware of the relational dynamics that extends from the therapist–client dyad to include the wider communities to which they belong. Second, as appreciation for suffering as an existential given, compassion expresses connectedness through the shared experience of otherness while revealing the inherent potential toward growth in clients. Third, as access to the suffering other, compassion exposes the societal power dynamics that threaten the therapeutic relationship. Fourth, as acceptance of the response to the suffering other, compassion requires to embrace the intrapersonal and interpersonal experience evoked in meeting clients. Fifth, as alleviation of the other’s suffering, compassion becomes the expression of a value-based practice that can drive the shift that sees psychotherapy as an interpersonal process based on connectedness to foster healing. Therefore, compassion is put forward as the foundation of counseling psychology ethics of social justice.
The ERDs: Part One – The Social Mission of Catholic Health Care Services
Authors: Sybert Christine
Published: August 2021

The Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services (ERDs) exist to guide administrators, providers, and patients regarding the Church’s principles for maintaining human dignity while providing ethical patient care. A brief history of the document itself is presented followed by a discussion of selected portions of Part One of the ERDs, which relate directly to the mission of Catholic healthcare and why this is important as the secular culture becomes increasingly hostile to religious beliefs.
Andrew Malkinson: A miscarriage of justice?
Authors: Samuels Alec
Published: August 2021

In the case of Andrew Malkinson, a number of concerning or disturbing features about the conduct of the case by all involved have emerged. Application is therefore being made to the Criminal Cases Review Commission to reconsider and refer the case.
Impacts of Personality on Job Performance Through COVID-19 Fear and Intention to Quit
Authors: Deniz Günaydin H.
Published: August 2021

Recent studies have examined the association between personality and job performance; however, this relationship remains to be elucidated within the context of COVID-19 fear and intention to quit. Therefore, we aimed to develop a structural equation model (SEM) by exploring the effects of personality on job performance through COVID-19 fear and intention to quit. Accordingly, 447 employees participated in the study and completed the Job Performance Scale, the Scale of Intention to Quit, the COVID-19 Fear scale, and the Big Five Inventory. It was revealed that extroversion, conscientiousness, and neuroticism predicted job performance via COVID-19 fear, as well as intention to quit.
Evaluation of some physical performance properties of ultrasonic seaming, conventional seaming and sealing adhesive tape on waterproof polyester knitted fabrics with polyurethane
Authors: Macit Ayşe Şevkan , Tiber Bahar
Published: August 2021

Ultrasonic seaming has become an important issue in recent years due to its various features. In this study, waterproof polyester knitted fabrics with polyurethane coating were used and the bursting strength, bending property and water permeability property of ultrasonic seaming were examined by changing various parameters. Besides, the ultrasonic seaming method was compared to conventional seaming and adhesive tape application. It is observed that there were high water permeability values generally in ultrasonic seaming and also fabrics with no water penetration were seen in this method, although, in some ultrasonic seaming parameters, values are lower than adhesive tape sealed ones. On the other hand, the bursting strength values of the ultrasonically sewn fabrics are found to be comparable to conventional seam and sealing adhesive tape when the optimum seaming parameters are determined. Also, it can be said that for the bending property according to increasing bending length values in this method compared with the others, ultrasonic seaming may find more usage areas where fabric stiffness is more advantageous. It has been observed that it is important to determine the fabric and ultrasonic sewing parameters according to the required performance property.
Explaining Arctic peace: a human heritage perspective
Authors: Crawford Beverly Kay
Published: August 2021

The Arctic is on fire. Warmed by the world’s soaring greenhouse gases, its ice cap is melting, and it is heating twice as fast as the rest of the planet, deepening the earth’s climate crisis. As its ice thaws, buried resources, trade routes, and new tourist opportunities are suddenly accessible. The borders of the earth’s two largest nuclear rivals, the US and Russia are less than 3 miles apart in the Arctic region and their hostility is growing. Seeking new trade routes and investment opportunities and rapidly rising above its rank as the earth’s third most powerful country, China, has declared itself a ‘near Arctic state’ and is exercising a voice in Arctic affairs. Russia and Arctic NATO members have expanded their military presence in the far North. Despite potential tensions and rapidly melting ice, there is no effective overarching governing regime in the region that can mitigate the climate crisis or manage conflicts were they to arise. Nonetheless, the Arctic remains free of interstate violence. The explanation for the absence of violent conflict cannot be found in traditional International Relations (IR) Theories. Looking below the radar of IR theory and expanding the Human Heritage approach, I show that the region contains a web of overlapping local, regional, national, and pan-Arctic institutions and agreements, built on both traditional and Western knowledge and often steered by indigenous knowledge holders in Arctic governance. This informal web of governing regimes manages Arctic resources to protect human heritage and guard human security. In doing so, it creates a cooperative environment which guides dispute settlement among Arctic states. It is the power of these networks, their normative commitments, and the knowledge that informs them that help to explain the absence of violent interstate conflict in the region.
Identification of glycerol as a novel accelerator for sulphur vulcanization of unsaturated rubbers
Authors: Bhadra Sambhu , Mohan Nitin , Krishna R LNVG , Nair Sujith S
Published: August 2021

Different organic polyols were investigated as accelerators for different type of vulcanization system such as sulphur, metal oxide, peroxide with different rubbers such as natural rubber (NR), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), butadiene rubber (BR), butyl rubber (IIR), nitrile rubber (NBR) and chloroprene rubber (CR). Among all the polyols studied, glycerol found to be the most efficient accelerator for sulphur vulcanization of unsaturated rubbers. Moreover, from rheometric study glycerol was found to be reversion free and scorch safe accelerator. A detailed study was performed with glycerol for sulphur vulcanization of silica filled, SBR + BR-based standard passenger car radial (PCR) tire tread compound and plausible mechanism of acceleration was proposed. Finally, from the PCR tyre tread compound 70% of conventional accelerators, namely N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide (CBS) and di-phenyl guanidine (DPG) were replaced with 5 phr (parts per hundred gram of rubber) of glycerol and properties of the vulcanized compounds were measured. The results evidenced that glycerol could efficiently replace 70% conventional accelerators (CBS + DPG), with additional improvement of scorch time by 68%, tensile strength by 31.5%, elongation at break by 75.6% and tear strength by 9.4% of the PCR tyre tread compound. The increase in mechanical properties was due to the improvement in compatibility between silica and rubber in presence of glycerol. Moreover, glycerol is an environmentally benign (nitrogen free, halogen free), fossil free, low-cost material.
Social Support as a Mediator of the Personality-Physical Functioning Relationship in a National Sample of African Americans: A Two-Wave Longitudinal Study
Authors: Clark Eddie M. , Ma Lijing , Williams Beverly R. , Park Crystal L. , Knott Cheryl L. , Schulz Emily K. , Ghosh Debarchana
Published: August 2021

The present study investigates whether social support mediates the relationship between personality traits and physical functioning among African Americans over 2.5 years. Data were collected from a national probability sample of African American adults (analytic sample N = 312). Telephone surveys included measures of the five-factor model personality traits, social support, and physical functioning. Personality traits were assessed at Time 1 (T1), and social support and physical functioning were assessed 2.5 years later at Time 2 (T2). Physical functioning was assessed using the SF-12 at T2. Results indicated that T2 social support mediated the relationship between T1 personality traits and T2 physical functioning for the traits of conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism, but not for openness to experience. This information may be useful to healthcare providers and community members in developing strategies targeting personality traits in cultivating social support for health promotion.
Birth Defects and Visual Impairment
Authors: Zimmerman David R.
Published: August 2021

Epidemiological studies on birth defects and blindness that may be of research or practical value to blindness workers are surveyed. Two of those studies, the Collaborative Perinatal Project and the Birth Defects Monitoring Program, both federally operated, were described to a recent American Foundation for the Blind “Research Seminar on Birth Defects/Blindness and Severe Vision Impairment.” * Recent advances in genetic counseling and genetic diagnosis–particularly fetal diagnosis through the study of fetal cell samples obtained by amniocentesis–are explored as new tools through which blindness workers can assist clients who may wish to minimize their risk of bearing a blind or otherwise defective baby, through therapeutic abortion of afflicted fetuses.
Orientation & Mobility for Persons with Low Vision
Authors: Allen Dennis
Published: August 2021

Orientation and mobility for persons with low vision should not be a mere extension of programs for the totally blind. Since seeing is a learning process, low vision clients, if encouraged and correctly taught, can make full use of their sight to perform tasks hitherto believed impossible, such as locating items in a supermarket.
The Model Vision Project: A Conceptual Framework for Service Delivery
Authors: Bourgeault Stanley E. , Harley Randall K. , DuBose Rebecca F.
Published: August 2021

The first of a series of articles describing the conceptualization, implementation, and results to date of the George Peabody College for Teachers Model Center for Severely Handicapped Multi-impaired Children with Visual Impairment as a Primary Handicapping Condition.
Assessment and Programming for Blind Children with Severely Handicapped Conditions
Authors: Bourgeault Stanley E. , Harley Randall K. , DuBose Rebecca F. , Langley Mary Beth
Published: August 2021

The second of a series of articles describing the conceptualization, implementation, and results to date of the George Peabody College for Teachers Model Center for Severely Handicapped Multi-impaired Children with Visual Impairment as a Primary Handicapping Condition.
Rehabilitation and the Visually Handicapped Consumer
Authors: Klebaner Ruth Perlman
Published: August 2021

Since it is the Visually Handicapped Consumer who makes possible the existence of specialized social and educational institutions for the blind, he or she must be free to exercise certain rights. Among the more important are: the right to accept or reject all or part of an agencies’ services, the right to determine priorities, the right to confidentiality of information given, the right to proof of educational accomplishment, and the right to knowledge of information contained in filed reports.
Electronic Aids: Can They Help Blind Children?
Authors: Baird Anne S.
Published: August 2021

Discusses some potential applications of the pathsounder, laser cane, and sonicguide as aids to concept development in blind children. The devices, suitably adapted, may help to bridge many of the developmental gaps that sometimes follow a blind child into adulthood.
The Orientation and Mobility-Vocational Placement Combination
Authors: Bauserman Charles M. , Wright Samuel T. , Messer William J.
Published: August 2021

Orientation and mobility for the blind is a professional teaching area within the field of special education. Competitive vocational placement is the expressed goal of vocational rehabilitation programs for the blind. A combination of these two roles is an innovative and pragmatic concept developed and currently used by the Vocational Rehabilitation Field Services Program within the Virginia Commission for the Visually Handicapped. A case study is given of how this combination was used in practice.
Intelligence Testing for Visually Impaired Persons
Authors: Kolk Charles J. Vander
Published: August 2021

A review of research on intelligence testing with blind persons is presented. Comparisons between sighted and various visually impaired groups are made. The relationship between intelligence and blind subgroups is analyzed: Congenital and adventitious, degree of vision, visual diagnosis, attendance at residential versus public schools, length of education, family and social status. While sighted and visually impaired groups are similar in mean IQ scores, evidence was found to support the notion of intellectual factors that are differentially developed in the blind. Subgroup comparisons within the blind population suggest differences on the basis of age, education, and damage to the central nervous system.
The Model Vision Project: Training and Evaluation
Authors: Harley Randall K. , Merbler John B. , Corbett Michael P. , Bourgeault Stanley E. , Dubose Rebecca F.
Published: August 2021

The last in a four-part series describing the conceptualization, implementation, and results to date of the George Peabody College for Teachers’ Model Center for Severely Handicapped, Multi-Impaired Children with Visual Impairment as a Primary Handicapping Condition.
A Survey of National Record Keeping Systems for Visually Handicapped Children
Authors: Jones Robert , Spungin Susan Jay
Published: August 2021

The American Foundation for the Blind survey on reporting systems for school-age visually handicapped children and youth concludes that there is no uniform retrieval system for educational, medical, or demographic information on blind and visually handicapped students. To collect information on the current state of educational services for school-age visually handicapped children and youth would be virtually impossible. Agencies responsible for coordinating educational services for the visually handicapped are making little use of technology designed to assist in collecting, storing, or retrieving information. However, many state mandates now require more careful accounting for services.
Training Eccentric Viewing
Authors: Goodrich Gregory L. , Quillman Robert D.
Published: August 2021

The development of a central scotoma, or decreased central vision, particularly in a person with a history of visual impairment, may severely interfere with an individual's ability to function visually. The nature of the impairment and current techniques for training an individual to use the peripheral retina are discussed.
Problems in the Construction of Reality in Congenitally Blind Children
Authors: Santin Sylvia , Simmons Joyce Nesker
Published: August 2021

Argues the position that, given different sensory equipment, and therefore a different data base, the congenitally blind child necessarily develops and organizes his perceptions of the world in an intrinsically different way from the sighted. Aspects of sensory, cognitive and affective development are examined within this conceptual framework.
Attitudes of Classroom Teachers toward their Visually Handicapped Students
Authors: Keilbaugh William S.
Published: August 2021

Thirty-three suburban elementary classroom teachers were surveyed to determine their attitudes toward their mainstreamed visually handicapped students. Teachers were asked about their knowledge of the handicapping condition, materials and instructional techniques, responsibility for the students, and supportive services. Those having previous contact with the visually impaired and those who had previous exposure to special education were slightly more positive in their attitudes toward the students. On the whole, little difference was found between groups. Most teachers thought the four areas investigated were important, but showed a lack of agreement over standards that the visually handicapped student should be required to meet in the regular classroom.
Interagency Cooperation in an Adult Discussion Group for Visually Impaired Older People
Authors: Emerson Donna L. , Long Marla
Published: August 2021

The National Association for Visually Handicapped Adult Discussion Group offered a workshop to change the attitudes of a group of visually impaired older people. From an examination of the group process, four discernible stages of development were observed. Also outlined is a specific model of community cooperation among agencies for the visually handicapped and sighted elderly people.
O&M Instruction for Blind Children in Rural Areas—Whose Responsibility?
Authors: Olson Myrna R.
Published: August 2021

Although large schools in metropolitan areas are generally able to provide blind children with orientation and mobility instruction from certified mobility specialists, small schools in rural areas often find this impractical. The result of this situation is that the resource or itinerant teacher of the visually handicapped may also become the first orientation and mobility instructor for young blind children. This article offers several specific suggestions to facilitate the effectiveness of the resource or itinerant teacher in this role.
A Second-Generation Interactive Classroom Television System for the Partially Sighted
Authors: Genensky S.M. , Petersen H.E. , Clewett R.W. , Yoshimura R.I.
Published: August 2021

A second generation interactive classroom television system (ICTS) is now in use in two California classrooms for partially sighted children. The various components of the system and how they interact are described, illustrating its versatility in presenting video and audio information to individuals or groups of students. Educational consequences of ICTS in special classrooms are discussed.
Mannerisms of the Blind: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Eichel Valerie J.
Published: August 2021

A review of the literature in which manneristic behavior in blind children is described. Although much has been written about the blind, a minimum of research has been devoted to the description and remediation of manneristic behavior. Literature on mannerisms usually constitutes a small part of larger surveys of general information about the behavior of the blind. To aid in understanding manneristic behavior, the subject has been divided into four sections: definitional problems; classification systems; etiological theories; and social and functional dimensions and remedial techniques. An attempt has been made in this treatment of the literature, to provide an in-depth look at manneristic behavior of the blind, and to illustrate’ the need for additional research on this topic.
Talking Calculator Survey
Authors: Sinclair Fred L. , Sanderson Joyce
Published: August 2021

Presents data from a survey of all state consultants, superintendents of residential schools, and ex officio trustees to the APH Federal Quota Program, to investigate current uses of standard and talking calculators in special and regular classes. Ninety per cent of respondents indicated they would use talking calculators in instructional programs if they were readily available.