bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Augmented Reality-Based Learning Media for Engineering-Physics Teaching
Authors: Sriadhi S. , Hamid A. , Sitompul H. , Restu R.
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to determine the effect of augmented reality-based learning media and cognitive ability as well as their interaction on student learning outcomes in engineering-physics teaching. The results of the study revealed that augmented reality-based learning media improved student learning outcomes for activity-centered models and exploratory tutorial models. Furthermore, cognitive ability had a positive effect on learning outcomes, and the learning outcomes of students with high cognitive abilities were better than those of students with low cognitive abilities. Augmented reality-based learning media developed by an exploratory tutorial model proved effective for all students, while those developed by an activity-centered model was effective only for students who had high cognitive abilities.
COMPUTER-AIDED THERAPY USING AUTOMATIC SPEECH RECOGNITION TECHNIQUE FOR DELAYED LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT CHILDREN
Authors: Abuelmakarem Hala S. , Fawzi Sahar Ali , Quriba Amal , Elbialy Ahmed , Kandil Ahmed Hisham
Published: March 2022

Objectives: This study aims to develop a computer-aided therapy (CAT) application to help children who suffer from delayed language development (DLD) improve their language, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The implemented system teaches the children their body parts using the Egyptian dialect. Two datasets were collected from healthy children (2800 words) and unhealthy children (236 words) who have DLD at the clinic. The model is implemented using a speaker-independent isolated word recognizer based on a discrete-observation hidden Markov model (DHMM) classifier. After the speech signal preprocessing step, K-means algorithm generated a codebook to cluster the speech segments. This task was completed under the MATLAB environment. The graphical user interface was implemented successfully under the C# umbrella to complete the CAT application task. The system was tested on healthy and DLD children. Also, in a small clinical trial, five children who have DLD tested the program in an actual trial to monitor their pronunciation progress during therapeutic sessions. Results: The max recognition rate was 95.25% for the healthy children dataset, while 93.82% for the DLD dataset. Conclusion: DHMM was implemented successfully using nine and five states based on different codebook sizes (160, 200). The implemented system achieved a high recognition rate using both datasets. The children enjoyed using the application because it was interactive. Children who have DLD can use speech recognition applications.
Role of Assistive Technology in Teaching Students With Disabilities in K-12 Classrooms
Authors: Khazanchi Pankaj , Khazanchi Rashmi
Published: March 2022

With the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1990 (Public Law 101-476), it has become mandatory to address assistive technology for every student with disabilities. The Assistive Technology Act of 1998 provides students with disabilities equal access to assistive technology. Despite the grants available to assist students with assistive technology in every state, stakeholders struggle in integrating assistive technology in K-12 classrooms. Many teachers strive to implement appropriate assistive technology to educate students with disabilities in K-12 classrooms because of variations of the needs in students, lack of proper knowledge and training in assistive technologies, and the higher costs of some of the emerging 21st-century technology. The purpose of this chapter is to analyze the role of assistive technology to improve student learning and engagement and highlight some of the available no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech assistive technology equipment used with students with disabilities in K-12 classrooms.
Promoting Assistive Technology Competencies Among Preservice Teachers
Authors: Wachira Patrick W.
Published: March 2022

Current research shows that low achieving students including those with learning disabilities are not achieving at the most basic level. The performance outcomes for these students becomes worse as they progress from elementary to later grades. However, even with an increased availability of assistive technologies (AT), many researchers have identified teachers' lack of AT knowledge and skills as a significant barrier to AT integration. Since teacher preparedness has been found to be a primary significant predictor of student AT use, it is important that both prospective teachers be equipped with the training to be able to identify and effectively implement AT in the classroom and thus be able to support students in their learning. This chapter examines the efforts in teacher education programs to prepare preservice teachers in the use of assistive technology.
Are Green Bonds Really Green?
Authors: Yilmaz Binhan Elif , Ataer Sinan
Published: March 2022

In this study, the authors aim to examine green bonds with a broad view and evaluate their different components. They have handled green bonds over their relationship with global public goods. Then, the green bonds are examined as a financial tool to support environmental sustainability. The definition of green bonds and their growing popularity are mentioned before the factors attracting investors to the green bonds market. From the public finance perspective, the most important advantage for investors is explained as the tax advantages and the main characteristics of the tool itself, being transparent and having high standards. They have tried to explain the governance forms of green bonds (private, public, and hybrid). They have pointed out some facts from the green bonds market with the figures. As a whole, this study tries to express the importance of green bonds to finance sustainable energy and production investments for a greener environment. Surely, the authors tried to emphasize the public finance-related areas and they conclude by underlining the importance of that sustainable financial tool.
Citizen Commitment in City-Organized Air Quality Monitoring
Authors: l'Her Gwendoline , Servières Myriam , Siret Daniel
Published: March 2022

Based on a case study from Rennes, the chapter presents how a group of urban public actors re-uses methods and technology from citizen sciences to raise the urban air quality issue in the public debate. The project offers to a group of inhabitants to follow air quality training and proceed PM2.5µm measurements. The authors question the impact of the ongoing hybridisation between citizen science and urban public action on participants' commitment. They present how the use of PM2.5-sensors during 11 weeks led to a disengagement phenomenon, even if we observe a strong participation to workshops. Finally, the authors present a spatial analysis of the measurements produced and analyse how the inhabitants use the sensors in their daily lives. These results come from an interdisciplinary methodology using observations, interviews, and data analyses.
Digital Instructional Leadership
Authors: Sezen-Gultekin Gozde
Published: March 2022

This chapter presents digital instructional leadership. But, to understand digital instructional leadership, it is a must to know what leadership is thoroughly, and how instructional and digital leaderships matters. So, this chapter explains these terms in detail. It is believed that this chapter will contribute to the literature in four ways. Firstly, this chapter will explain what leadership is and what types of theories it has. Secondly, it will address how digital instructional leadership seems in terms of instructional, digital leaderships, and the COVID-19 pandemic. So, this chapter will be an important cornerstone for expanding leadership in such a way that instructional and digital leadership are merged into one type of leadership. Thirdly, it will scrutinize digital instructional leadership in educators' eyes. Fourthly, it presents what to do to improve digital instructional leaders' behavior of educators. In this way, it will pioneer the field of educational administration to review the current leadership types and to merge some of them in the direction of needs.
Design-Based Research for Virtual Learning
Authors: Alvarado Sonia Reneé
Published: March 2022

This design-based research dissertation study provides a holistic perspective on the pedagogical and contextual factors of interactive mobile technology on English learners. Specifically, the study explored current virtual technologies designed to model face-to-face EL instruction due to the COVID-19 pandemic-prolonged school closures. After evaluating three cycles of interventions founded on Stephen Krashen's and Lev Vygotsky's language learning theories and utilizing a teacher survey and researcher observations, the study identified an onslaught of key takeaways including the need for investment of necessary infrastructure, ed-tech policies and standards, and comprehensive pedagogical frameworks to effectively operationalize virtual learning and leverage best practices of interactive mobile technology. The study discusses the impact of the sudden shift in educational contexts and provides suggestions for overcoming challenges in educational technology integration within the computer-assisted language learning contexts.
“Suspending Classes Without Pauses for Learning”
Authors: Wen Huijing , Chen Lei
Published: March 2022

This qualitative study investigated Chinese secondary teachers' perceptions and experiences of remote teaching immediately following the pandemic. Forty-two secondary teachers participated in the study. Data included 30-hour interviews and were analyzed using inductive methods to identify emerging codes and themes. Findings showed a wide variability in teachers' experiences with online teaching ranging from the workload change, parental involvement, and availability of technology resources. However, teachers developed a negative attitude toward remote learning while feeling underprepared to teach online. In addition, greater access to technology use during online teaching did not change Chinese teachers' views towards the goal of education and their overall teaching philosophy and pedagogy. The study provided practical implications regarding how to prepare effective classroom teachers using technology and improves distant education development and management.
Digital Disruptors
Authors: Qureshi Niema , Baez Marilyn E.
Published: March 2022

This chapter provides insight into how two educators researched, planned, and co-taught a remote learning arts-integrated project during the pandemic. Student interest in video games generated an inquiry-based collaboration centered around pixel art and video game narratives. The authors combined digital animation with cross-stitching and language arts to address the multiple ways that students learn. The authors believed that by combining technology and language arts with visual arts, students could take a more project-based approach to their learning, which they hoped would lead to greater student engagement. The authors share their challenges and future opportunities that were made visible during this project.
Promoting Student Agency in the Classroom Using the Hybrid Teaching Model During the Pandemic
Authors: Ruiz Karen
Published: March 2022

When teachers promote student agency, student learning improves. Students take ownership of their education and an active role in the lesson, such as participating fully in discussion and creating solutions. Students take pride in their accomplishments and want to complete tasks. Students think independently. Student agency involves student-centered learning, which supports self-efficacy, as students accomplish work and believe in their ability to work effectively. As students learn to revise their work and improve after receiving feedback, they attain self-regulation. Completing challenging tasks and feeling the support of teachers causes students to actively participate instead of experiencing school passively. Promoting student agency is possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pivots During COVID-19
Authors: Msengi Shadrack Gabriel , Laster Barbara
Published: March 2022

Multiple stakeholders in literacy clinics around the world were affected by pivoting from face-to-face or online to totally remote platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic. This chapter, after providing some contextual descriptions and theoretical framing, explores findings from two literacy clinics in the United States, one in a rural Midwest area and the other in an urban region along the Eastern Seaboard. The implications from these two sites are representative of other literacy clinics across North America and elsewhere as they made necessary adaptations because of COVID-19.
Collaborative Self-Study of an Online Literacy Master's Program Pilot Year
Authors: Silvestri Katarina N. , Adams Brittany , Pass Charlotte , Wilson Nance S.
Published: March 2022

This chapter illustrates the authors' intradepartmental, collaborative self-study of their literacy master's program through use of an adapted collaborative conference protocol to surface problems and solutions related to policies, procedures, and pedagogies. The department prioritized pedagogies fostering deep engagement with literacy education content as well as relationship-building with students. This intradepartmental case study leverages self-study methodology to structure collective inquiry, identifying “critical events” for deeper questioning, reflection, observation, and guidance for future practice. Three critical events created tensions relating to the literacy master's program's implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic: field experience placements, community-building with students, and student-teacher workload.
Communication Between Learners and Instructors in an Online Learning Environment During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Özden Şule Yılmaz
Published: March 2022

With the COVID-19 pandemic, emergency remote teaching practices have come into play all over the world, and what can be done about effective online learning and teaching has become one of the important challenges for instructors. Online communication is an important factor for having a sense of belonging to the learning community, learner satisfaction, engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the communication experiences between learners and instructors in online learning environments. Qualitative data collected from preservice teachers enrolled in teacher preparation programs during the 2020-2021 academic year. Data provided participants' insights about positive and negative communication experiences. Instructors' communication skills including active listening, empathy, and nonverbal communication skills, as well as efficient pedagogical approaches, are important factors for positive communication experiences.
Applications of Design of Experiments to Pharmaceutical Quality Control
Authors: Gutiérrez Moreno Evelin , Rodriguez Ávila José A. , Cruz Borbolla Julián
Published: March 2022

Quality control in the pharmaceutical sector as in other areas of industry should ideally be developed from the design to avoid the emergence of problems in the future. Endless quality control tests do not always represent a solution. Quality is considered to be designed according to the needs and use of a product. This chapter briefly presents a description of the use of experiment designs in pharmaceutical analysis; for example, the factors involved in the drug delivery system are described, and the variables are measured to define the level of quality achieved according to the objectives. This chapter includes information on using factorial, fractional, composite central, Taguchi, Plackett-Burman, Box-Behnken, and mixture experimental designs.
Machine Learning for Healthcare
Authors: Undavia Jaimin Navinchandra , Vaidya Nilaykumar Mohitkumar , Patel Atul Manubhai , Bhagat Krishna Kant Ram Pravesh , Shukla Abhilash Maheshchandra
Published: March 2022

The advancements in various technologies have changed the way various industries approach their work and also the way they took corrective steps for betterment in their routine work. The healthcare industry is also one of the adopters of innovative technologies. In recent times, artificial intelligence and its counterpart machine leaning becomes a vital part of healthcare industry which may handle new medical procedures and effective maintenance of patient data. Such advanced technology like machine leaning has a huge trend in the industry and is widely used in many applications. Pattern discovery from versatile medical data sources, prediction of diseases, drug reaction and applications, etc. are the major applications of machine learning in the healthcare domain. Such unprecedented opportunities in the healthcare domain are available because of the explosive growth of health-related data. The chapter will highlight the various applications and techniques of machine leaning in the field of healthcare. It will bridge the gap between available data and effective implementation.
Compressive Strength of Palm Oil Lightweight Aggregate Concrete Containing Industrial Waste as Partial Sand Replacement
Authors: Muthusamy Khairunisa , Jamaludin Nur Farah Aziera , Md Jaafar Mohd Faizal , Budiea Ahmed Mokhtar Albshir , Ismail Mohamed A.
Published: March 2022

Palm oil fuel ash (POFA) and palm oil clinker (POC) are by-products from palm oil mill which disposed as environmental polluting wastes. Excessive sand mining activity by sand traders for the widely used concrete production, harms the river’s ecosystem. Success in discovering alternative material that can function as partial sand replacement for concrete production would reduce the dependency on natural sand supply. This research investigates the effect of POFA as a partial fine aggregate substitute on the workability and compressive strength of palm oil clinker lightweight aggregate concrete. Five mixes have been prepared by integrating diverse percentage of POFA ranging from 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 as fine aggregate substitute by weight of sand. Then, concrete mixes were subjected to slump test and compressive strength test. The outcomes have shown the combination of 5% POFA in this lightweight aggregate concrete produces concrete with the targeted strength and has the potential to be used for structural application. Utilization of POFA in concrete would save the consumption of river sand and contribute to sustainable environment.
RETRACTED: A Review on Structural Performance of Bamboo Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Solahuddin B.A.
Published: March 2022

Retracted article: The technique of using small diameter whole-culm and split bamboo has been often suggested as an alternative method for concrete strengthening. Bamboo is widely available in tropical and sub-tropical locations, while the quest for a new sustainable alternative is a new and recent trend in the construction industry. Using bamboo in reinforced concrete is discussed in this paper and it is analysed as a structural and environmental alternative to steel reinforced concrete. Reinforced concrete is widely used in many countries where bamboo reinforced concrete might be used as a design alternative to determine the life cycle of reinforced concrete. However, bamboo was extraordinary material. Therefore, it is used in reinforced concrete due to significant durability and reduced stiffness problem, which positively impacts the environment. Hence, this paper discusses a review on the structural performance of bamboo reinforced concrete based on previous research.
Water Holding and Release Properties of Bacterial Cellulose Produced from Oil Palm Frond Juice
Authors: Abu Rohana , Mohamad Shahril , Zakaria Junaidi , Amin Wardatun Nadrah Mohd , Yin Cass Goh Chiu
Published: March 2022

Water holding and release properties are important characteristics for a dressing material in wound healing. In the present study, the water holding capacity (WHC) and water release rate (WRR) of BC films produced from oil palm frond (OPF) juice were investigated. The juice was inoculated with Acetobacter xylinum in 24-well plates and incubated at 30 °C for 7 days under static conditions. The films were further dried by three different methods; air-, oven-and freeze-drying. The dried BC was characterized for its size and surface morphology by field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and for its water holding and release properties. BC produced from OPF juice exhibited good WHC and WRR comparable to BC films produced from Hestrin and Schramm (HS) medium. The loosely arranged fibrils in freeze-dried BC has also resulted in highest WHC and WRR value compared to the oven-and air-dried BC. This study suggested that water holding and release properties are greatly dependent on the use of fermentation medium and drying method.
Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) Based Composites Photocatalyst for Wastewater Purification
Authors: Hasan Fakhira Faaiqah , Mohd Zahidi Nur Aisha Wahida , Bahar Vivi Safitri , Remli Umi Rabiatul Ramzilah P. , Abd Aziz Azrina
Published: March 2022

A comparative study of the Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) based composites photocatalyst for water purification was carried out. New finding of CQDs and TiO2 have demonstrated significant advantage since it provides environmentally friendly for photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) dye. CQDS and TiO2 were prepared by using hydrothermal method. The CQDs and CQDS/TiO2 were fully characterized by using transmission electron microscope (TEM) to identify the size range and shape that involve in the adsorption process. The synthesized CQDs and CQDs/TiO2 had small semi spherical morphology with 5 nm in size. The result of photocatalytic activity revealed that there is photocatalytic degradation of MO in the presence of only pure CQDs and CQDs/TiO2 composites which the value of concentration decreased against time. CQDs/TiO2 exhibited higher photocatalytic activity, which indicated that both CQDs and TiO2 played important roles for the high photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation.
Surface Modification of PVDF Membrane Using Formic Acid for Enhance the Hydrophobicity for Desalination
Authors: Agamparam Hematharshini , Rahman Sunarti Abd
Published: March 2022

Membrane distillation (MD) is a thermally driven membrane separation process. In recent years, MD is considered as a key technology for desalination applications. It has been proven that it has numerous advantages compared to other desalination processes such as reverse osmosis. The thermal driving force, no osmotic pressure effect on membrane fluxes are among the advantages of this MD process. Membranes fabricated from hydrophobic polymers such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) can be a great choice for MD for the desalination process. However, MD membranes are still held back by some problems, most notably due to pore wetting effects, thereby limiting their use in treating seawater for desalination propose. This study proposes the use of carboxylic acid to modify the PVDF membrane to increase its hydrophobicity as a solution to avoid wetting in MD for water desalination. As a first step, membrane produced using PVDF pellets under the phase inversion method. Then the membrane underwent modification using 5wt%, 10wt% and 15wt% of formic acid via immersion technique. The characteristics of membrane produced observed by the contact angle, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and membrane performance test. The impact of the concentration of formic acid solution and feed temperature on the membrane was evaluated. The result showed that by modifying the membrane with formic acid resulted in the increase in contact angle from unmodified PVDF membrane, 83.03° to 100.88° when the membrane modified with formic acid with concentration was 10 wt%. It was subsequently shown through FTIR peaks that formic acid successfully modified the PVDF membranes. Highest salt rejection percentage was also obtained with 68.9% when the feed temperature is 60 °C.
Enhancement of Fermentable Sugars Obtained from Amorphophallus Spp. Tuber for Bioethanol Production by Optimizing Temperature and Pretreatment Concentration
Authors: Bhuyar Prakash , Trejo Marlen , Ramli Aizi Nor Mazila , Govindan Natanamurugaraj , Unpaprom Yuwalee , Ramaraj Rameshprabu
Published: March 2022

Biofuels have been regaining popularity due to the increasing price of non-renewable fuels and the higher carbon dioxide emissions. Biofuels are manufactured from plant products and are mainly composed of lignocellulose and starch materials. This investigation aims to produce increased fermentable sugars for enhanced bioethanol production from tubers procured from northern Thailand. Varying concentrations of H2SO4 is used to pretreat the tubers. Before hydrolyzing with cellulase enzymes, the tubers were chopped into small pieces (1-2 cm), dried in a solar oven, powdered. The obtained results confirmed that the fermentable/ reducing sugar content of Amorphophallus spp. (suweg) tuber increased from 2.6 g/L to 19.01 g/L after enzymatic hydrolysis. The enzymes act as an excellent way to speed up the hydrolysis process. The theoretical potential of bioethanol production was calculated under ideal conditions, with the highest bioethanol concentration obtained is 9.69 ± 0.12 g/L at 0.4 % H2SO4 (pretreatment conc.) and 75 °C. The enhanced fermentable sugars obtained from starchy tubers may be utilized for bioethanol production to overcome depleting fossil fuels.
Study on the Development of Ceramic Ball Based on Selendang Clay
Authors: Zainal@Zulkifli Norshaheeda Mohd , Sutjipto Agus Geter Edy
Published: March 2022

An inert ceramic ball was prepared by using three kind of raw materials i.e. Selendang clay, silica sand, feldspar and distilled water. Selendang clay, silica sand, feldspar and distilled water were pre-mixed manually and compounded using a beaker. Universal testing machine (UTM) was used to test mechanical strength. Electron scanning microscope (SEM-EDX) was used for the study morphological feature and element mapping in the ceramic balls. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) was used to determine the phase of crystalline material. The optimum sintering temperature was 1300 °C23 and got the strength of 238.8 kgf.
Oil Palm Empty Bunches Adsorber Membrane for CO2 Reduction of Biogas TPA Gunung Kupang in South Borneo
Authors: Hidayah Nur , Elma Muthia , Darsono Putri Vidiasari , Syauqiah Isna
Published: March 2022

Biogas is one of the renewable energy alternatives. The heat of burning biogas depends on the percentage of CH4 (methane) gas and CO2 (carbon dioxide) gas. Biogas with high impurity gas components, such as CO2 and H2S (hydrogen sulfide), can cause a decrease in heating value. Therefore, purification efforts are needed. The adsorber membrane was successfully made from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) which were pyrolyzed as physical activation. The adsorber membrane is activated to form a porous structure and a usable surface area for gas separation. This study aims to see the effect of variations in the carbon weight of OPEFB on reducing CO2 levels in the Gunung Kupang landfill biogas. Preparation of OPEFB adsorber membrane by mixing PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) and PEG (polyethylene glycol) polymers into OPEFB with varying weights, namely 12.5, 15, and 17.5 g (grams). Membrane performance is determined based on the results of the flame test and gas chromatography test results. Based on the results of the flame test of the biogas that has been passed on the adsorber membrane, overall all samples showed a predominantly bright blue flame color. Meanwhile, the chromatographic test results showed a decrease in CO2 levels in samples of 12.5, 15, and 17.5 g, respectively 19.6%, 32.02%, and 61.58%. The results of the flame test and gas chromatography test prove that the difference in mass weight affects the performance of the samples tested where the greater the mass of adsorber membrane used, the greater the increase in absorbed CO2 gas content.
Review of Mechanical Performance of Oil Palm Fiber and Coconut Fiber as an Additional Material in Concrete
Authors: Zaimi Muhammad Nor Syahrul , Ariffin Nur Farhayu , Mohsin Sharifah Maszura Syed , Hasim Abdul Muiz , Nasrudin Nurul Natasha , Ashaari Muhammad Rafie
Published: March 2022

Waste can be categorized as organic waste and chemical waste. Organic waste generated from agriculture industry had been proofed to be use in concrete production to enhance the concrete performance. The main purpose of adding the fiber in concrete structure is to control cracking due to plastic shrinkage and to drying shrinkage. Besides, it can also reduce the permeability of concrete, thus, reduce the bleeding of water. Some types of fibers produce greater impact, abrasion, and shatter resistance in concrete. Therefore, this paper reviewed the mechanical properties of concrete containing oil palm and coconut fiber as an additional material in concrete. Coconut fiber length is longer than oil palm fiber. Therefore, in comparison, by adding coconut fiber in concrete up to 5% may reduce the flexural and tensile strength of the concrete due to agglomerate effect of the fiber. In contrast, for oil palm fiber, beyond 5% of addition in concrete will improve the flexural and tensile strength of the concrete due to the length effect of the fiber. By discussing both organic fiber as an additional material to strengthen the concrete, it can contribute to the body of knowledge in term of reducing cracks in concrete. Besides, it will give a better understanding to readers regarding the function of the materials in concrete.
A Review: Utilization of Waste Materials in Concrete
Authors: Nasrudin Nurul Natasha , Ariffin Nur Farhayu , Hasim Abdul Muiz , Zaimi Muhammad Nor Syahrul
Published: March 2022

Concrete is the most important material in building construction. It had been used widely around the world and is made of cement, fine aggregates, coarse aggregates and water. These materials come from natural resources which had a depletion and environmental pollution issues. On the other hand, tonnes of waste are generated around the world especially in developed country which are having rapid industrialization, increasing population growth, technological developments and urbanization. Most of the waste materials from those causes are not recyclable. The methods managing of the waste materials are usually done by dumping in landfills or burning. Thus, in order to overcome both issues, alternative replacements from waste materials can massively give huge differences to the industry that will reduce the usage of natural resources and gives benefits to the industry itself and also to the environment. Studies on waste materials had been conducted by many researchers before. Hence, in this paper, some materials which are coal bottom ash, slag, ceramic waste and glass powder will be discuss as waste materials that have been used from many backgrounds of industries. This paper attempt to summarize the investigation of the following materials as substitution materials in concrete, with the following discussion. The properties such as workability, compressive strength, ductility etc. of these replacement materials are compared with the normal concrete. A lightweight concrete that is safe and eco-friendly will be produced as a construction material. This shows that some of the materials can improve the performance of concrete itself. Thus, this study is crucial in finding the other waste materials that can act as a replacement.
Bimetallic Prussian Blue Analogues: An Efficient Electrode Alternative for Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Javed Omama , Abd Aziz Radhiyah
Published: March 2022

In the past few years Prussian Blue Analogues (PBAs), as advanced metal organic framework compounds, have gathered a lot of attention due to its three-dimensional structural network and properties. PBAs are famous for their multitasking ability as they have shown an efficient role in scientific research and development with their excellent performance in various fields like, electrochemical sensors, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and energy storage applications. Apart from their high-tech productivity, PBAs also have some other advantages associated to them such as benign nature, economical and facile synthesis, extensive surface properties, higher theoretical capacity and exceptional electrochemical behavior which makes it more promising material for energy storage application. To further tune its properties according to the application of interest, the chemical modification by metal incorporation is the most commonly adopted strategy. For this purpose, the major research is done in the synthesis of bimetallic PBAs. The presence of metal atoms with different oxidation states can bring about dramatic reinforcements like finer microstructures with better crystallographic features, ultimately giving rise to more stable electrochemical behavior. In this article, we aim to list out all the bimetallic PBAs with focus on the synergistic effect of more than one metal within the structure of PBA and thorough analysis of their Electrochemical properties in energy storage applications.
Cutting Edge: Effect of Disease-Modifying Therapies on SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine–Induced Immune Responses in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Yuzefpolskiy Yevgeniy , Morawski Peter , Fahning Mitch , Speake Cate , Lord Sandra , Chaudhary Anu , Morishima Chihiro , Wener Mark H , Kita Mariko , McCarthy Lucas , Buckner Jane H , Campbell Daniel J , Bettelli Estelle
Published: March 2022

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating inflammatory disease of the CNS treated by diverse disease-modifying therapies that suppress the immune system. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 mRNA vaccines have been very effective in immunocompetent individuals, but whether MS patients treated with modifying therapies are afforded the same protection is not known. This study determined that dimethyl fumarate caused a momentary reduction in anti-Spike (S)-specific Abs and CD8 T cell response. MS patients treated with B cell–depleting (anti-CD20) or sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor agonist (fingolimod) therapies lack significant S-specific Ab response. Whereas S-specific CD4 and CD8 T cell responses were largely compromised by fingolimod treatment, T cell responses were robustly generated in anti-CD20–treated MS patients, but with a reduced proportion of CD4+CXCR5+ circulating follicular Th cells. These data provide novel information regarding vaccine immune response in patients with autoimmunity useful to help improve vaccine effectiveness in these populations.
Research output of Iran over the past two years: Contributions from the European Journal of Translational Myology
Authors: Khosravi Mohsen
Published: March 2022

Over the last two decades, all branches of science and technology have rapidly progressed, including the medical area. In Middle Eastern countries, including Iran, the increased growth of technology and science production has led to this rapid medical progress. Recent evidence has revealed that the increase in the number of scientific papers generated in Iran after the Iraqi imposed war against Iran has been eight times that in six main countries in the Middle East, including Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Syria. Although Iran’s output in sciences has been still small in comparison to developed countries, it has significantly grown in the last decade, which is hoped to continue to increase and improve. The current paper shows a portion of the science production in Iran over the past two years based on papers published in the European Journal of Translational Myology in 2020 and 2021. Although the Issue 32 (1), 2022 in a special section contains several typescripts from Iran, they were not included in our analysis since they have not been yet indexed in the Scopus database. However, our report would encourage researchers of diverse nationalities to take part in research works and author joint papers. Further, this paper can be used to rate the universities and research centers regarding their science output, as well as being beneficial to university students, lecturers, and governments.
Fatal multiorgan dysfunction following repeated iodinated radiocontrast injection in a patient receiving low-dose oral methotrexate -a case report-
Authors: Vaithialingam Balaji , Muthuchellappan Radhakrishnan , Sundaram Mouleeswaran
Published: March 2022

Background: Methotrexate is an antimetabolite drug that blocks dihydrofolate reductase and impairs cellular DNA synthesis. Administration of intravenous iodinated radiocontrast agents can cause life-threatening toxicity in patients receiving methotrexate. Case: A 60-year-old female patient with rheumatoid arthritis underwent a craniotomy and clipping of a distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysm. The patient had been on low-dose oral methotrexate for the previous 5 years, which was discontinued two days before surgery. The patient received the first intravenous contrast agent injection (iohexol) during diagnostic cerebral angiography one day prior to surgery (50 ml) and the second contrast dose on the first postoperative day (60 ml). The patient developed severe methotrexate toxicity, leading to fatal multiorgan failure and death following repeated contrast imaging with intravenous iohexol. Conclusions: Even though low-dose oral methotrexate has minor adverse effects, life-threatening toxicity can be precipitated in the presence of iodinated contrast agents.
Effects of postural changes on measured intraocular pressure and repeatability of PT-100 tonometer and agreement with applanation and indentation tonometry
Authors: Tairi Ahmed I. , Ogbuehi Kelechi C. , Zafar Hamayun , King Matthew D. , Obinwanne Chukwuemeka J. , Mashige Khathutshelo P. , Osuagwu Uchechukwu L.
Published: March 2022

Background: Repeatability and validity are important components of precision in any measurement system.Aim: This study aimed to determine the effect of change in head and neck position and body posture on the repeatability of intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements with PT-100 non-contact tonometer and compare with Goldmann, PT-100 and Schiøtz tonometer readings.Setting: Optometry clinic, Saudi Arabia.Methods: The IOP was measured in one selected eye of 84 healthy participants (mean aged 21.9 ± 2.0 years) using PT-100 in three head and body positions, Goldmann tonometer and Schiøtz on two separate visits, in a randomised fashion. Central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured using an ultrasound pachymeter. The repeatability, agreement and correlations between CCT and IOP differentials were assessed.Results: The IOP measured in three head and body positions with the PT-100 were similar and comparable to Goldmann IOPs in sessions one and two with 74% and 86% of PT-100 measurements within ±3 mmHg of the Goldmann tonometry, respectively, for sessions one and two. The Schiøtz tonometer-measured IOP was higher than the Goldmann IOPs (p  0.05) with 60% and 44% of Schiøtz IOPs within ±3 mmHg of the Goldmann tonometer IOP in sessions one and two, respectively. The limits of repeatability and reproducibility were best with the PT-100 and worst with the Schiøtz tonometer. The mean CCT (552±36 µm) was negatively correlated with differences between Goldmann and both PT-100 and Schiøtz-measured IOP.Conclusion: Postural changes did not affect the validity and repeatability of PT-100 readings. PT-100 measurements were interchangeable with Goldmann tonometer. Schiøtz overestimated Goldmann IOP in thicker corneas more than the PT-100.
Pandemic ecclesiology: Church re-actualisation during the pandemic
Authors: Pakpahan Gernaida K.R. , Nugroho Fibry J. , Benyamin Priskila I. , Pantan Frans , Wiryohadi Wiryohadi
Published: March 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought significant changes to the life of the Christian church in Indonesia. Such changes can degrade the essence of the fellowship of believers. The reality of the COVID-19 pandemic, which became the church’s starting point, has triggered a change in the pattern of carrying out its duties and services to the people and their environment. The church can adapt and transform its ministry innovations as a living organisation. The church needs to reinterpret the effectiveness of its presence through adapting new service patterns, namely onsite services to virtual services or hybrid services, to remain relevant to every dimension of rapid change in all aspects. This research study analyses the actualisation of church ecclesiology in the midst and after the pandemic. Using descriptive qualitative methods with interactive data analysis from Miles and Huberman, the following points have been found: (1) virtual ministry as a church reality, (2) a pneumatic encounter spirituality characterises the church, (3) ecclesiology in the context of universal communion and (4) the sacrament as a means of manifesting divine power.Contribution: This study provides the concept of collaboration between ecclesiology as a principle and technology as a method. Ecclesiology and technology can realise the ministry of church unity. Collaboration between principles and methods in the church will build a flexible church in all conditions. However, the principles and duties of the church vocation are not neglected.
Use of management accounting practices and factors affecting its use: A survey of small and medium-sized enterprises in Durban
Authors: Cele Sicelo , Nyide Celani J. , Stainbank Lesley J.
Published: March 2022

Orientation: The sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa is important, mainly because of their contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) and their creation of work opportunities. The high rate of SME failure in South Africa is largely attributable to the lack of management skills by their owners and managers.Research purpose: The objective of the study was to examine owners and managers of Durban SMEs’ perceptions of the use of management accounting practices (MAPs) and the factors affecting its use. In addition, the challenges faced by SMEs were also investigated.Motivation for the study: Although the use of MAPs has been investigated in other parts of South Africa, research on Durban SMEs’ use of MAPs and factors affecting its use is lacking in KwaZulu-Natal, which is an important contributor to South Africa’s GDP. If MAPs are not being used, what strategies could be recommended to advance their use? This important question provided further motivation for this study.Research approach/design and method: The research adopted a quantitative approach in the form of a self-administered questionnaire, which was e-mailed to SMEs.Main findings: Management accounting practices were perceived to be used mainly in assisting planning and in assessing business performance. Factors affecting the use of MAPs were the lack of management accounting knowledge and education and skills. Challenges faced by SMEs were identified as being mainly financial and human resource challenges. Small and medium-sized enterprise owners and managers supported the recommendation that they should go for management accounting training.Practical/managerial implications: The study recommended that SMEs’ owners and managers should attend management accounting training. Bodies such as government agencies or educational institutions should ensure that training aimed at SMEs is offered.Contribution/value-add: The study provides new information about the perceptions of owners and managers of SMEs on the use of MAPs, factors affecting its use of MAPs and other challenges. It further provides impetus for the need to provide management accounting training aimed at SMEs.
Debt relief: Tax inconvenience for companies already in financial distress
Authors: Hassan Muneer E. , Wessels Riaan
Published: March 2022

Orientation: The Income Tax Act has tax consequences for both the debtor and the creditor when a debt is waived as a result of a concession or compromise. This article focuses on the income tax implications for the debtor.Research purpose: Even though symmetry is achieved when calculating the tax implications for the debtor, it causes inconvenience and economic hardship. The research identified examples of where deferral relief has been granted in the Income Tax Act, and this is used as a motivation to extend similar relief for the distressed debtor.Motivation for the study: Companies were already trading under tough economic conditions before the advent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) The pandemic has compounded the situation and introduced new challenges; hence, debt waivers have become increasingly prevalent.Research approach/design and method: A qualitative research methodology was applied using the doctrinal approach in conducting the research.Main findings: Where a debt is waived in a company that is already in financial distress, this may lead to a recoupment and or capital gains that trigger immediate tax consequences for the company.Practical/managerial implications: The recoupment and/or capital gain, which is subject to tax, creates undue hardship, inconvenience on the already distressed debtor and further impacts the ability of South African Revenue Service (SARS) to collect the tax debt.Contribution/value-add: The authors seek to rectify the identified problem by suggesting that a legislative amendment be introduced to allow the distressed taxpayer relief through a deferral of inclusion in taxable income.
Social well-being, job satisfaction, organisational citizenship behaviour and intentions to leave in a utility organisation
Authors: Hennicks Eugeny , Heyns Marita M. , Rothmann Sebastiaan
Published: March 2022

Orientation: Employee social well-being is likely to influence individual and organisational outcomes, especially in African countries where a high premium is often placed on one’s personhood being rooted in one’s relations with others.Research purpose: This study investigated the associations between social well-being, job satisfaction, organisational citizenship behaviour and intentions to leave in a South African utility organisation.Motivation for the study: Given the history of relationships amongst diverse people in South Africa, social well-being seems to be a critical component of the overall well-being of employees. However, few studies in South Africa have focused on social well-being in organisational contexts.Research approach/design and method: A cross-sectional survey design was used, targeting permanent employees in a South African utility organisation. Consenting participants (N = 403) completed previously validated measures of social well-being, job satisfaction, organisational citizenship behaviour and intentions to leave. Structural equation modelling was performed to test hypotheses.Main findings: Social well-being was positively associated with job satisfaction and organisational citizenship behaviour and negatively associated with intentions to leave. Social well-being indirectly affected organisational citizenship behaviour and intention to leave through job (dis)satisfaction.Practical/managerial implications: Managers and human resources practitioners are alerted to practical ways of sustaining employees’ social well-being such as by implementing tailor-made policies that support social aspects of well-being and by ensuring the alignment of well-being programmes with changing circumstances in the modern world of work.Originality/value-add: This study illuminated social well-being associations with selected outcomes in a developing African country workplace context.