bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Processability Analysis of the Acquisition of English L2 Syntax by Japanese and Chinese Speakers
Authors: Yamaguchi Yumiko , Kawaguchi Satomi
Published: December 2023

Processability Theory (PT; Pienemann, 1998) argues that there is a universal hierarchy in the acquisition of second language (L2) grammar. As for L2 syntax, PT proposes the Lexical Mapping Hypothesis (LMH; Pienemann, et al. 2005) in which learners are predicted to progress from ‘default mapping’, where the argument hierarchy maps onto the grammatical function hierarchy in a default way, to ‘non-default mapping’, where the strictly hierarchical mapping is disrupted under semantic and/or pragmatic pressure (Pienemann, et al., 2015). More recently, an additional intermediate stage between default and non-default mapping stages has been proposed by Bettoni and Di Biase (2015) accounting for locative, ditransitive, and other constructions containing ‘default mapping plus additional argument.’ Although this intermediate stage has been tested to some extent (e.g., Di Biase, et al., 2015; Kawaguchi, 2015; Liu, et al., 2023; Yamaguchi & Kawaguchi, 2022), more detailed analyses of how L2 learners proceed from the default mapping stage to the non-default mapping stage are needed. The participants in the present study are 139 English L2 learners, that is 88 learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) in Japan and 21 Japanese and 30 Chinese speakers in English as a second language (ESL) environments in Australia. Their speech production in English is examined based on the updated LMH (Bettoni & Di Biase, 2015). Results show that, in terms of additional arguments in the intermediate stage, the oblique (OBL) construction emerges before the double object (OBJ) construction. This finding contributes to the further development of PT hypotheses for L2 syntactic development.
Örgün Din Eğitiminde “Öteki” Problemi
Authors: BATAR Yusuf
Published: December 2023

Örgün Din Eğitiminde "Öteki" Problemi

Bu makalenin temel hedefi, örgün din eğitiminde öğrencilerin farklı inanç, gelenek ve cemaat gibi dinî oluşumlara karşı sağlıklı ve sürdürülebilir bir anlayış geliştirmelerinin mahiyetini, imkânını ve yollarını tartışmaktır. Bilindiği gibi okuldaki din eğitiminin hedef kitlesi bütün öğrencilerdir. Dinle ilgili pozisyonlarına bakılmaksızın bütün öğrencilerin din hakkında bilgilendirilmesini ve bilinçlendirilmesini hedefleyen örgün din eğitiminde, herhangi bir din ya da mezhep esas alınmadan din olgusu öğrencilere tanıtılmaya çalışılır. Böylece her öğrenciye kendisiyle ve çevresiyle uyumlu bir dinî tutum geliştirmesi hedeflenir. İnanma biçimi ve dinî tercihler konusunda bireysel özgürlüklerin gözetildiği bu eğitim sayesinde dinî tutumlardaki farklılıklar da herhangi bir sorun teşkil etmez. Din eğitiminde istenen bu hedefin gerçekleşmesi için dinin doğasında yer alan aidiyet duygusunun ve mensubiyet özelliğinin çözümlenmesi gerekir. Aksi halde istenen kuşatıcılığın gerçekleşmesi güç olacaktır. Bu çalışmada dinî tutumların doğasından kaynaklanan mensubiyet algısının bir yansıması olan “öteki” sorununun eğitsel boyutu ele alınmaktadır. Konuyu temellendirmek için öncelikle öteki kavramı felsefi, psikolojik ve sosyolojik bir gerçeklik olarak tahlil edilmektedir. Bu analizlerden elde edilen bulgular çerçevesinde dinî aidiyetlerin beraberinde getirdiği “öteki” algısının, birey ve toplum açısından sağlıklı bir şekilde oluşması ve ötekinin hem göz ardı edilmemesi hem de ötekileştirilmemesi için din eğitiminde benimsenmesi gereken yaklaşım ve uygulanması gereken yöntemler üzerinde durulmaktadır.

Anahtar Kelimeler:

Din • Öteki • Din Eğitimi • Çok kültürlülük • Eğitim Yaklaşımları
DOWNHOLE MONITORING SUMUR GEOTHERMAL DENGAN METODE PRESSURE TEMPERATURE SHUT-IN SUMUR SR 1#2 DI PT PERTAMINA GEOTHERMAL ENERGY AREA LUMUT BALAI
Authors: Sefilra Andalucia  , Rahman Wibowo
Published: December 2023

SR 1#2 well is one of the Shut-in status production wells owned by PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Area Lumut Balai which will be used for the supply of Steam PLTP Lumut Balai Unit II which is in the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Commissioning (EPCC) stage. Downhole Monitoring activities are carried out to find out the latest data from SR 1#2 wells using the pressure temperature shut-in method. The measurement carried out on April 3, 2023 is a continuation of the pressure temperature shut-in program that was previously carried out in 2014, to process data and analyze the results of the pressure temperature shut-in. The results obtained from processing downhole monitoring data with the Pressure Temperature shut-in method using excel with the VLOOKUP formula and manual calculations, on April 3, 2023, the highest temperature was obtained at 233.67oC and pressure 84.02 bar at a depth of 1770 mKU and the results of the analysis of the Pressure Temperature Shut-in graph on April 3,2023 based on Shut-in Pressure Temperature comparison data in the previous year, namely on July 7, 2013 the highest pressure and temperature were at (88.92 bar and 235.93oC), on May 11, 2014 the highest pressure and temperature were at (85.94 bar and 232.91oC) and on April 3, 2023 with a span of 9 years the highest pressure and temperature at (84.02bar and 233.67oC) Then it can be concluded that the feedzone and reservoir from the SR 1#2 well have not experienced significant changes and will be used as a steam supply for PLTP unit II.
Moderation of supervision in the influence of competence and work motivation on the performance of government goods/services procurement executors in the prevention of corruption crime
Authors: As’ari Rizal , Perizade Badia , Isnurhadi Isnurhadi
Published: December 2023

This research aims to obtain empirical evidence by knowing and analyzing competence and motivation on employee performance with supervision as a moderating variable at Sriwijaya University; this research uses a quantitative approach. The sampling technique in this study was a saturated / census sampling technique, and data collection using a questionnaire. The population selected as a sample represents a population of 120 people. The results show that the competence possessed by the executor of government procurement of goods/services at Universitas Sriwijaya is good enough to improve performance in preventing criminal acts of corruption. Furthermore, good employee performance can be influenced by employee motivation. In addition, supervision becomes a moderating variable in the influence of the competence of procurement executors so that it positively impacts improving performance. The leadership of Sriwijaya University is expected to pay more attention to what factors might cause an increase or decrease in employee performance so that policies can be sorted out that are more effectively used in increasing employee motivation and morale.
Orthodox Poets of the Soviet Era: Aleksandr Solodovnikov, Vasily Nikitin, Sergey Averintsev, Elena Pudovkina
Authors: Darenskiy V. Yu.
Published: December 2023

The article explores the work of Orthodox poets during the Soviet era, particularly focusing on Aleksandr Solodovnikov, Vasily Nikitin, Sergey Averintsev, and Elena Pudovkina. It formulates a general principle of the poetic style of these authors as the principle of soul, word, and world transformation, realized through prayerful and confessional expressions. The distinctive feature of the resurging Orthodox poetry in the 20th century primarily lay in its pursuit of maximum immediacy, simplicity, and originality, deliberately transcending “literariness,” which was particularly burdensome for individuals of the 20th century. In turn, the analysis reveals that due to this aspiration for the primacy of the word, it unexpectedly proves to be far more complex than it appears at first glance. It carries not only profound meanings of Orthodox faith but also the deep tradition of Christian “literariness” in the best sense of the term—an active continuity with the texts of predecessors, reaching back to ancient Russian and Byzantine heritage. Moreover, it strives to reproduce the spirit of the Gospel’s word, as far as it is humanly possible. Literary creation for an Orthodox person is justified and beneficial only when it constitutes a part of their spiritual self-improvement and transmits the experience of this work to others. It represents the work of soul transformation by the grace of God, captured in the word. Spiritual poetry is traditional not only in content but also in form, oriented toward classical poetry of the 19th century as its model. In cases when it diverges from this model, it does not tend toward the modernism of the 20th century but, conversely, delves into the deep archaism of the early centuries of Christianity, sometimes directly aligning with the structure of the Gospel’s word and canonical church hymns. This is logical since the breakdown of classical poetic structure in the 20th century was a consequence of secularization—the despiritualization of the world and language. Accordingly, the reverse process inevitably led to the revival of the style of classical poetry and even its earlier form—the church poetry.
Illegal Church Document from the Era of Persecution (1920–1930 of the 20th Century)
Authors: Kosik O. V.
Published: December 2023

The research of the history of the Russian Orthodox Church of the 20th century is largely based on the study of documents of that era drawn up in the church milieu. Since all kinds of church publications were prohibited, the reproduction of documents in private — by copying or retyping — gained ground in Russia of the 1920s and 1930s. These documents played the role of the church press — they introduced the events of church life, expressed beliefs in the rightness of the author or a group of like-minded people, unmasked ideological opponents, and also served to communicate with foreign church figures. The reproduction of such documents, in case of their discovery by authorities, could endanger not only the authors thereof and the persons mentioned therein, but also ordinary copyists and put them all to punitive measures such as purge. Thanks to the ascetics who preserved them, these documents remain the most important information sources in the field of history of the Russian Orthodox Church in the era of persecution. The article lists the documents that were taken abroad — letters of Bishop Damaskin (Cedric), the collection of church documents “The Case of Metropolitan Sergius”. Moreover, it analyzes documents both originating from the clerical office of Metropolitan Sergius (Stragorodsky) and generated by church figures opposed to Deputy Patriarchal Locum Tenens. A large number of documents was drawn up by Mikhail Novosyolov himself and the circle of his close associates. Also, the most important documents of that era are the letters of Metropolitan Kirill (Smirnov) and replies of Metropolitan Sergius (Stragorodsky). The article pays special attention to the transfer abroad of the collection of church documents entitled “The Case of Metropolitan Sergius”, the role of the journalist Mikhail Brоndsted (pseudonym: Mikhail Artemyev), who left abroad in 1930, and his articles published abroad on underground literature in the Soviet Union. The problem of the authorship of anonymous sources, the authenticity of documents distributed in the church milieu is also raised here. The Joint State Political Directorate of the Soviet Union actively used church documents found during arrests to persecute believers. Fragments of these documents often became the basis for indictments, as evidence of the accused’s anti-Soviet activity. The article also mentions the role of collectors of church documents during the persecution against the Church — Archpresbyter Michael Polsky, Mikhail Gubonin, Metropolitan Manuel (Lemeshevsky).
INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEM AND EFFECTIVE INTERNAL SHARIAH AUDIT FUNCTION: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Authors: AB GHANI NUR LAILI , Shaharuddin Siti Saffa’
Published: December 2023

This study proposes a conceptual framework for the internal control system, as a necessary pre-requisite for an effective internal Shariah audit function in Islamic Financial Institutions (IFIs). To improve a strong management of risks that do not comply with the Shariah, it is imperative that the internal Shariah audit function is effectively operated. This study reviews existing literature on the internal Shariah audit function. By adopting contingency theory, this study then develops a conceptual framework for an effective internal Shariah audit function. The main argument presented in this article is that a strong internal control system leads to a more effective the internal Shariah audit function at managing risks associated with non-compliant events in IFIs. This study contributes to provide a clear direction to the IFIs in reshaping the prevailing Shariah audit function and Shariah governance arrangements.
OVERCOMING IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES FOR SHARIAH GOVERNANCE IN THE MALDIVES
Authors: Waheed Rabsha , Abdul Hamid Baharom
Published: December 2023

Since its introduction to the country in 2003, Islamic finance has found its place in the Maldives. However, it was only recently that a comprehensive Shariah Governance Framework (SGF) was enacted by the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) for the Islamic financial institutions. This study delves into the landscape of Shariah governance prior to the framework's establishment, while also examining the key gaps and challenges encountered during the implementation of this framework. By utilising qualitative methods, the study uncovers that the objectives of the SGF primarily focus on ensuring Shariah compliance, closely resembling Malaysia's framework. Noteworthy challenges encompass a lack of independence, awareness, transparency, competency, and consistency. To address these issues, the study puts forth several recommendations. These include leveraging a proactive regulatory approach through the involvement of the MMA, seeking governmental support, formulating external Shariah audit prerequisites, strengthening fit and proper criteria, enforcing more stringent requirements, allocating funds for continuous training initiatives, creating standardised operating procedures and templates, and systematically evaluating the implementation of the Shariah governance framework.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF CUSTOMERS AND ISLAMIC BANKS TO MANAGE AND RECOVER NON-PERFORMING FINANCING
Authors: Kamaruzaman Nur Hidayah , Hassan Rusni
Published: December 2023

This paper is to study the responsibilities of the customers and Islamic banks in managing the non-performing financing in Malaysia. This research is also to examine the provisions of the facility agreement by three different Islamic banks to analyze the treatment of non-performing financing by the banks. The researcher employs qualitative methodology whereby this study is based on analysis of primary data from an interview with representative of Bank A to determine the mechanism used by Bank A to recover the non-performing financing as well as secondary data. Secondary data was obtained by looking up to the relevant provisions from the facility agreement of the three Islamic banks in respect of an event of default and compensation, collection of information from Bank Negara Malaysia’s Policy Documents and Guidelines, case law from Lexis Nexis, books, articles and journals relevant with the research topic. This study is aimed to reveal the responsibilities of the customers and Islamic banks in managing and handling the non-performing financing as well as examine the measures taken by Bank A to recover its non-performing financing. This research is significant in attempt to highlight the obligations of the customers on their financing as well as the treatment by Islamic banks in assisting and dealing with the non-performing financing.
THE WAY FORWARD WITH SOCIAL JUSTICE IN ISLAMIC ECONOMICS
Authors: Rahim Shafinah , Mohd Yusop Mohd Mahyudi
Published: December 2023

In this conceptual paper, the authors attempt to revive a critical yet fortuitously overlooked idea of justice (al-adl) in the Islamic academic debates. Given its direct and far-reaching effect on the realization of the Maqasid Shariah, the present work begins with evidences of specific emphasis on social justice in the Holy Quran as well as the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) highlighting the relationships between al-adl, al-haqq (truth) and al-qist (equity). Followed by, key literary works by both the past and contemporary Muslim scholars passionate about the subject matter of justice in general. Ultimately, the paper involves a 3R; recollect, refine and restore approach to bridging the theoretical views of social justice to its rightful implementation in forms of economic policies in Malaysia. The underlying short run goal of this research is to motivate others with similar interests to continue seeking solutions within the Turath. The longshot being the added knowledge and better appreciation of the understanding of justice as central to a moral economy, progressing to improved decision making and effective action plans.
PERBANDINGAN AGIHAN ZAKAT SEBAGAI ALAT KEWANGAN SOSIAL ISLAM BAGI MEMBANTU GOLONGAN AL-GHARIMIN OLEH LZS DAN BAITULMAL MAIWP
Authors: Ibrahim Mohd Faisol
Published: December 2023

Tujuan kajian ini adalah untuk menganalisis agihan zakat untuk golongan yang berhutang iaitu asnaf al-Gharimin. Kajian ini membuat penilaian perbandingan terhadap agihan zakat untuk golongan al-Gharimin yang telah dilaksanakan oleh Lembaga Zakat Selangor (LZS) dan Baitulmal-Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan (MAIWP). Kajian mendapati bahawa wujud beberapa perbezaan berkaitan skim agihan zakat yang ditawarkan oleh LZS dan Baitulmal-MAIWP. Selain itu, kajian ini juga akan mengkaji perbandingan jumlah agihan zakat oleh LZS dan Baitulmal-MAIWP untuk golongan al-Gharimin serta menganalisis kesan hubungan yang wujud antara kaedah skim agihan zakat yang ditawarkan oleh LZS dan Baitulmal-MAIWP dengan jumlah agihan zakat yang diperolehi oleh asnaf al-Gharimin. Kajian yang dilakukan ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif yang berasaskan kajian perpustakaan. Keseragaman kaedah agihan zakat kepada golongan asnaf al-Gharimin perlu dilaksanakan agar lebih ramai golongan asnaf al-Gharimin yang masih belum dikenalpasti dapat dibantu khususnya golongan yang berhutang kerana ingin mendapatkan keperluan asas (dharuriyyat) seperti makanan, pakaian dan kediaman.
 

The purpose of this study is to analyze the zakat distribution for the indebtedness group namely asnaf al-Gharimin and conducted by the Lembaga Zakat Selangor (LZS) and Baitulmal Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan (Baitulmal-MAIWP). This study provides a comparative analysis of the zakat distribution for al-Gharimin groups conducted by LZS and Baitulmal-MAIWP. Studies have found that there are some differences regarding the zakat distribution scheme offered by LZS and Baitulmal-MAIWP. In addition, this study will study the comparison of the amount of zakat distribution by LZS and Baitulmal-MAIWP for the al-Gharimin group and analyze the effect of the relationship between the method of zakat distribution scheme offered by LZS and Baitulmal-MAIWP with the amount of zakat distribution obtained by asnaf al-Gharimin. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach based only on library research. The uniformity of the methods provided for the distribution of zakat to al-Gharimin asnaf should be implemented so that more asnaf al-Gharimin as yet unknown can be helped especially those who are indebted to basic necessities such as food, clothing and housing.
A PROPOSED INTEGRATED ISLAMIC CROWDFUNDING - MICROFINANCE (IICM) MODEL FOR POVERTY REDUCTION: A CASE STUDY OF INDONESIA
Authors: Mohd Thas Thaker Mohamed Asmy Bin , Bin Mohd Thas Thaker Hassanudin , Bin Allah Pitchay Anwar , Akbar Mohamed Aslam
Published: December 2023

Poverty is a complex, multi-dimensional phenomena that has captured the attention of numerous scholars and agencies globally including OIC member countries. In order to address this alarming poverty problem, some of the OIC countries have adopted the institution of microfinance as a solution, including in Indonesia. In spite of its expansion, microfinance continues to face the problem of accessing affordable financing. Hence, this paper aims to attempt to offer a viable alternative model of source of financing which is known as Integrated Islamic Crowdfunding- Microfinance (IICM) model for microfinance clients in Indonesia. In order to achieve this objective, literature on the issues of accessing to finance faced by microfinance clients and crowdfunding are reviewed critically and used in the attempt of proposing an alternative model. The proposed model will assist microfinance institutions and clients of Indonesia in identifying sustainable financing source and a viable alternative model for poverty alleviation. Through this, Indonesia will play a leading role among the Muslim countries with the noble idea of Islamic crowdfunding and microfinance in poverty alleviation agenda. It enables policy makers to plan more effective plans/strategies to enhance the potential of Islamic crowdfunding among the Muslim countries in addressing issue of poverty in general.
PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF ECONOMICS – A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ISLAMIC ECONOMICS, CAPITALISM AND MARXISM
Authors: Ullah Asad
Published: December 2023

The philosophy of economics is concerned with the nature of reality, sources of knowledge, and the way knowledge is created. Based on their respective philosophical frameworks; capitalism seeks solution to economic problems through its laissez-faire model, Marxism attempts to resolve the problem through a planned economy model, and Islam on the other hand keeps the balance between the two approaches. The study is based on a comparative qualitative analysis of the philosophical frameworks, making reference to practical world problems. The paper maintains both Capitalism and Marxism have contributed to poverty, economic inequality, unemployment, and financial crises of the world at large. The study provides a model of the righteous economic system based on Islamic teachings for the sound functioning of the economy which can be adopted by the countries intending to switch from the conventional systems to the Islamic economic model.
Effects of Urban Green Space's Physical Features on the Usability of Investment Housing Projects in Erbil City
Authors: Kareem Siham Musheer , Abdullah Hardi K.
Published: December 2023

In the quest to improve urban quality of life, creating functional and visually appealing urban green spaces plays a pivotal role. This study investigates the influence of five key physical characteristics—availability, maintenance, facilities, environment, and design—on the usability of urban green spaces in three case studies in Erbil: Italian City 2, Hewa City, and Ashti City 2 neighborhoods. The research aims to understand how urban green spaces impact investment housing projects, analyze the relationship between physical factors and urban design usability and explore individuals' perceptions regarding the influence of these factors on urban green space design. Through systematic observation and visual analysis of residential areas, the study reveals that these five physical qualities of green spaces consistently scored above 90%, indicating a strong alignment with usability elements. This suggests that these physical attributes significantly enhance the usability of urban green spaces, which, in turn, supports broader urban design goals. This research highlights the importance of integrating these physical characteristics when planning and designing urban green spaces, particularly within the context of investment housing projects in Erbil's case study neighborhoods. Such enhancements can positively impact urban development and residents' quality of life. Future research should delve into the long-term socio-economic effects of these green space improvments.
Mitigating Time and Cost Overruns in Construction Projects: A Questionnaire Study on Integrating Earned Value Management and Risk Management
Authors: Hussein Ahmed Rasul , Moradinia Sina Fard
Published: December 2023

One of the persistent challenges in the construction industry is accurately estimating time and costs for civil engineering projects. Inadequate planning in these areas can lead to unexpected expenses and delays. The main goal of this study is to evaluate the impact of Earned Value Management (EVM) and risk management on factors such as project schedule, project costs, and design defects. For this research, a questionnaire was designed and disseminated to subject matter experts in Iran. Geographically, the participation rates were 38.49% in East Azerbaijan, 31.65% in West Azerbaijan, and 26.86% in the Tehran Province. Data was analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software. Structural equation modeling results indicate that both risk management and Earned Value Management (EVM) have a positive influence on project time (0.53) and cost (0.60). The analysis suggests that the EVM system and risk management directly and positively affect project time management. Moreover, the information phase of the Evam system notably impacts project time and cost management, whereas the performance phase contributes to reducing design defects and enhancing project quality.
The Status Quo of Fecal Sludge Treatment Plant at Khulna and Its Future Prospec-tive About Biomass Energy (Briquette)
Authors: Hosna Asma Ul
Published: December 2023

As many developing countries are moving towards increased sanitation coverage, Bangladesh has been striding successfully towards full sanitation coverage with the proper management of fecal sludge city-wide. Following the situation, Khulna City Corporation built a Fecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) with six units of CW (constructed wetlands) and six units of drying beds in 2017. The main objective of this study is to discuss the current situation of Khulna FSTP based on treatment efficiency and its future perspective on biomass energy (briquette). In Khulna FSTP, the collected fecal sludge from septic tanks and pits is treated, and finally, its effluent is discharged into the environment, satisfying the disposal standards. The removal efficiency of final effluent for Biochemical Oxygen Demands (BOD5) and Total Solids was found to vary between 97.8% - 97% and 98% - 93% in the previous year to the present, respectively. Total Suspended Solis and Fecal Coliform never exceeded the allowable limit 100gm/L and 1000 N/100ml in final effluent. Furthermore, dried sludge is used as handmade processing biomass energy (briquette) without further treatment, which has some procedural problems such as loose compaction and pathogenic contamination.
Deformable Morphing and Multivariable Stiffness in the Evolutionary Robotics
Authors: Feng Huijuan , Xue Yahui , Li Honggeng , Tang Zhao , Wang Wenjin , Wei Zhenhua , Zeng Guosong , Li Mingwu , Dai Jian S.
Published: December 2023

Review Deformable Morphing and Multivariable Stiffness in the Evolutionary Robotics Huijuan Feng , Yahui Xue , Honggeng Li , Zhao Tang , Wenjin Wang , Zhenhua Wei , Guosong Zeng , Mingwu Li , and Jian S. Dai * Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics and Flexible Manufacturing Systems, Institute for Robotics, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China * Correspondence: daijs@sustech.edu.cn     Received: 8 October 2023 Accepted: 20 October 2023 Published: 24 October 2023   Abstract: This paper is to review and discuss the current state-of-the-art and future direction of the evolutionary robotics in its deformable morphing and multivariable stiffness. Structural morphing and shape morphing are the center piece of the deformable morphing and lead to the study of both reversible and irreversible deformabilities in morphing that form a basis for future evolutionary robotics. Having thoroughly reviewed the techniques, this paper reviews the science and technology in multivariable stiffness for evolutionary robotics particularly for reconfigurable evolutionary robots and their various applications. This leads to a review of dynamics with the model order reduction, and leads to a review of actuation strategy of metamorphic mechanisms that is a core of the structure of the evolutionary robotics. As such, the paper further reviews camera-based evolutionary robots with intelligent sensing, intelligent controlling and health monitoring, and then the real-time control of high-dimensional robots which cast light on tackling the evolutionary robot control, with the fault monitoring and maintenance. The paper in general presents the future prospects for the evolutionary robots in their deformable morphing and multivariable stiffness with the control of high-dimensional robots and their applications in intelligent infrastructure construction and maintenance.
ASSESSMENT OF CAUSES OF INTENSIVE CARE UNIT ADMISSIONS IN RENAL DISEASE PATIENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: SIKANDAR MZ , KHAN MAW , KHAN AA , JAVED M , MOEEN SMH , ASGHAR A
Published: December 2023

The incidence of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is on the rise, making it a significant group of patients requiring admission to critical care units. At the same time, the field of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) has flourished, leading to an increased number of patients with kidney dysfunction in critical care units. Our objective is to assess the causes of admission of patients with kidney disease in a large tertiary care hospital, the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU). This is a retrospective electronic case notes study. We collected data from the electronic records of all patients admitted to the MICU with renal problems from 1/7/2022 until 1/10/2022. The data was later analyzed in Microsoft Excel. During the study period, 503 patients were admitted to the MICU, of which 160 (31.8%) had renal disease. The median age was 50 years, ranging from 17 to 92 years. Females accounted for 42.5% of patients, while males accounted for 48.5%. Of the 160 patients, 97 (60.5%) were known to have ESRD, while 63 (39.5%) had AKI due to systemic illness. Fluid overload (40/55, 76.3%), followed by uremic encephalopathy (15/55, 27.2%) and hyperkalemia (12/55, 21.8%), remained the most common causes for initiation of Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) in 55/97 (56.7%) ESRD patients. The mortality rate was 23.7% (38/160) in renal patients in the medical ICU. Our study highlights the increasing number of patients with kidney disease requiring admission to a medical ICU and their high mortality rate. Sepsis remains the leading cause of admission for ESRD patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis (MHD). At the same time, fluid overload was found to be the primary cause of starting RRT in advanced kidney disease.
CHARACTERIZATION OF GASTRIC CANCER ASSOCIATED VIRULENCE FACTOR CAGPAI OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI: AN IN-SILICO STUDY
Authors: MUCCEE F , RAZZAQ F , AYUBE N , IQBAL R , RAFIQUE F
Published: December 2023

Gastric cancer (GC) is reported to be the sixth most prevalent cancer all over the world. Helicobacter pylori is one of its causative agents. Its virulence factor cytotoxin-associated gene pathogenicity island (cagPAI) induces GC via causing gastritis, DNA breakage, inhibiting p53 gene, and stimulating pathogenicity pathways. Present study has targeted this pathogenic factor. Sequences of cag1, cag2, cag5, cag6 and cag8 isoforms were retrieved from Uniprot database and subjected to in-silico tools for characterization. Tools included CELLU, Protparam, AlphaFold database, MEME suite, and STRING tool. Analysis revealed all the cag isoforms to be extracellular. All were diverse for molecular weight, isoelectric point (pI), aliphatic index, instability index, and GRAVY. Most of the conserved motifs and the interacting proteins were common among most of the proteins. Deviation in three-dimensional (3D) configuration was also recorded. This study might help design drugs against H. pylori pathogenicity factors and inhibiting cagPAI genes' interactions with other proteins. Thus, might help in reducing GC incidence.
Serum β-hCG Levels in Pregnant Women with Mild and Severe Preeclampsia During the Third Trimester
Authors: Al-Rubayi Maisoon Hanoon , Rasheed Faris Anwar , Ahmed Alyaa Aziz
Published: December 2023

Background: Preeclampsia is a prevalent complication that frequently arises during pregnancy. It is a disorder of the trophoblasts. Given that human chorionic gonadotropin is secreted by the trophoblast, this complication may have an impact on its serum concentration. Objective: To compare the β-hCG levels of expectant women who are preeclamptic and those who are normotensive. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study design was implemented at Al-Elweyia Maternity Teaching Hospital for this investigation. One hundred fifty expectant women in their third trimester are participating. The study participants were allocated into three cohorts, each consisting of 50 women: normotensive, mild preeclamptic, and severe preeclamptic. β-hCG levels in maternal serum were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in every instance. Results: Compared to expectant women with normotensive conditions and patients with mild preeclampsia, the levels of maternal serum β-hCG were significantly elevated in patients with severe preeclampsia. β-hCG levels were not significantly affected by maternal age across all three groups. Conclusion: β-hCG concentrations are greater in pregnant women with moderate and severe preeclampsia compared to normotensive women, with severe preeclampsia being more pronounced than mild.
Nuclear fusion introduction and artificial fusion status
Authors: Niu Shengjie
Published: December 2023

Nuclear fusion, a process that has the potential to revolutionize the world's energy landscape, is the subject of extensive research due to its promise of providing a clean and safe energy source. The article outlines the essential principles of nuclear fusion and the chronology of its discovery, from early predictions to its initial realization in the first half of the 20th century. It also highlights the extreme requirements and challenges associated with fusion. Furthermore, the article introduces two natural nuclear fusion reactions: thermonuclear fusion and pycnonuclear fusion. In the final section, the focus shifts to artificial nuclear fusion, discussing the progression from the uncontrollable hydrogen bomb to efforts toward controlled atomic fusion since the mid-20th century. The article emphasizes various nuclear fusion configurations (Tokamak, Stellarator, ICF, Magnetic mirrors, and z-pinch) that have been proposed globally, detailing their features, strengths, and weaknesses.
Machine learning in physical design
Authors: Yu Junrui , Li Yanru , Liu Xinyi , Yang Zhide
Published: December 2023

Machine learning is a highly effective instrument in constructing models that can expeditiously produce accurate prognostications. As the complexity of integrated circuit design continues to increase and process nodes continue to evolve, and physical design faces more challenges from modeling and optimization. To address these challenges, machine learning has been introduced into physical design. Thus, in this paper, we discuss the application of machine learning in physical design, covering topics such as Clock Tree Synthesis (CTS), Placement and Routing, IR-Drop and Static Timing Analysis (STA). The essay explores how machine learning can be used to overcome challenges in these areas, such as reducing peak current and clock skew in CTS, optimizing placement parameters and decision-making, predicting routability and reducing IR-drop effects. This paper also discusses various machine learning techniques (ML), such as reinforcement learning, convolutional neural networks and transfer learning. To conclude, we provide insights into how machine learning can be applied to improve various aspects of physical design.
Using upsampling CONV-LSTM with metadata embedding for respiratory sound classification
Authors: Chen Changhe , Zhang Rongbo
Published: December 2023

Respiratory diseases are one of the leading causes of death around the world and they severely affect patient quality of life. Auscultation is an essential method for diagnosing respiratory diseases, and it is low-cost and convenient. However, auscultation requires experts who are highly experienced. Medical trainees suffer from misdiagnosis inevitably. To address this issue, a novel machine learning model is proposed, which consists of upsampling convolutional neural network (CNN), a long short-term memory network (LSTM), and a fully connected network (FCNN) with embedding layers to classify respiratory sounds into seven categories: Normal (N), Rhonchi (R), Wheeze (W), Stridor (S), Coarse Crackle (CC), Fine Crackle (FC), Wheeze & Crackle (WC). The model is trained and evaluated on the SPRSound dataset and obtained the result on the test dataset with a sensitivity of 0.5716, specificity of 0.7882, average score of 0.6799, harmonic score of 0.6626, and total score of 0.6756.
Optimization of asymmetry of Pb-Pb nucleus collision based on Glauber model simulation
Authors: Xu Haotian , Shi Junzhe , Song Ziyan
Published: December 2023

Currently, researchers wanted to optimize the radiation by selecting certain asymmetry to produce high-energy particles in QGP collision. Our research utilized the Glauber-Monto-Carlo Model to simulate the collision and tried to find the domain of different independent variables to maximize the asymmetry of the cross-section. We have conducted relevant analysis and research on the principles of this model and generated relevant images using ROOT. The result shows that at the number level of 106, for the number of bins equals 10, we have (0.4, 0.5) for eccentricity in the second harmonic, (0.9, 1.0) for eccentricity in the third harmonic, (2.51, 3.14) for azimuthal angle difference, and (125, 166) for the number of participants, and, for number of bins equal to 20, (0.45, 0.50) for eccentricity in second harmonic, (0.95, 1.0) for eccentricity in the third harmonic, (2.82, 3.14) for azimuthal angle difference, and (146, 166) for the number of participants.
Handover mechanisms in VMC systems: Evaluating the reliability of V2X as an alternative to fiber networks in handover areas
Authors: He YouLin , Huang Xu , Hu ZhiHang , Tao XingYuan , Su Che , Yu YuChengQing
Published: December 2023

Despite advances in communication ways in autonomous driving, including Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication (V2V), Vehicle-to-Everything Communication (V2X) and Vehicular Micro-clouds (VMC). In this paper, the potential of V2X as a substitution for the artificial connections (mainly optical-fiber cables) between base stations and edge servers are discussed. The quality and latency of communication in Handshake--referring to the scenario of cars moving from one stations operation scope to another ones, is mainly concerned, within the frame of VMC. Additionally, the communication performance, referring to latency performance and data rate performance, for both pure V2X and a combination of LTE and V2X are simulated and analyzed using a Python simulator. Finally, the test results showed that the performance of pure V2X Communication is always superior compared with any combination in every categories as the density of cars gradually increase, which confirms that replace physical inter-station-cables as V2X communication is serious possibility.
Brain tumor MRI images classification based on machine learning
Authors: Tang Muran , Gao Lingyue , Bian Yutong , Xiang Shang , Zhang Kaijun
Published: December 2023

Recent research has shown machine learnings outstanding performance on image classifying tasks, including applications on Magnetic Resonance Images. While the former models are overly complicated, this paper proposes a simplified model, which is proven to be both accurate and much less time-consuming. Our proposed method is learned from former research and combines Bias Field Correction, DenseNet, and SE-Net to form a concise structure. With small datasets of T1-weighted and T2-weighted labeled MR brain tumor images, our model spent a short training time of 2 hours and showed excellent performance on classifying pituitary, meningioma, glioma or no tumor with an accuracy of 91.32%. After evaluation, our model is proven to be accurate in distinguishing between 3 of the tumor types with an f1-score of 0.96.
DTI fiber tractography of human brain
Authors: Zhou Zhengyang
Published: December 2023

DTI fiber tractography is a powerful tool for investigating the human brain's structural connectivity. It enables us to explore the complex network of fiber pathways that connect different regions of the brain and play a crucial role in its function. In this work, I used DWI(Diffusion-Weighted Imaging) data processing software (such as DiffusionToolkit, and Trackvis ) to construct fiber tracks of the human brain based on MRI(Magnetic Resonance Imaging) data and investigated the brain anatomical structure of a human subject using DTI(Diffusion tensor imaging) fiber tractography. The two software I used was Diffusion Toolkit and Trackvis. Diffusion Toolkit did the preparation work for Trackvis, including data reconstruction and fiber tracking on diffusion-weighted MR(Magnetic Resonance) images. Trackvis was utilized for the tractogram visualization and further analyses of the white matter tracts generated by using DTI fiber tractography. In this work, I successfully used Diffusion Toolkit and Trackvis to construct fiber tracks of the human brain, and the results were correct when compared to the standard brain. Besides, I summarized the principle of DTI and the advantages and disadvantages of the technology.
Machine learning-based DDoS detection for IoT networks
Authors: Xie Yafei
Published: December 2023

DDoS attacks are one of the most dangerous threats to IoT networks, and they involve using attacker-controlled botnets to flood the network with malicious traffic that denies legitimate services. The global DDoS landscape is rapidly evolving, and it has become increasingly important for devices to quickly identify the types of DDoS attacks they face so that they can choose and implement effective countermeasures against known attacks. Machine learning has emerged as a popular approach for detecting DDoS traffic in IoT networks. This paper implements four machine learning models, namely Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tree, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), and Random Forest, to perform multiclass classification for DDoS attack detection. The study uses the CICDDoS2019 dataset for evaluation. The results show that all four models can detect most types of DDoS traffic effectively. The Random Forest model achieves the highest overall accuracy of 99.32%, followed by the Decision Tree model with an accuracy of 99.10%. The LSTM and SVM models have slightly lower accuracies at 98.20% and 93.00%, respectively. The study also evaluates the models' performance in terms of precision, recall, and F1 score. Decision Tree outperforms the other models in precision, while Random Forest has the highest recall score. Moreover, the Random Forest model performs the best in terms of the F1 score. In conclusion, this paper demonstrates the effectiveness of machine learning-based approaches for DDoS detection in IoT networks using four popular models. The results illustrate the potential for these models to provide reliable and accurate detection of DDoS traffic, thus enabling effective countermeasures to be taken against this type of attack.
Blockchain beyond cryptocurrencies: An exploration of potential applications
Authors: Ali Yara Maha Dolla
Published: December 2023

Blockchain technology, primarily acclaimed for its instrumental role in underpinning cryptocurrencies, has seen rising prominence in a multitude of applications outside the digital currency realm. Its decentralized infrastructure coupled with cryptographic integrity offers solutions to longstanding challenges across various industries, including supply chain, healthcare, and finance. This research endeavor delves into these multifarious applications, providing insights into the potential benefits and the existing impediments in the broader adoption of blockchain technology.
Personalized learning through AI
Authors: Jian Maher Joe Khan Omar
Published: December 2023

The realm of education is witnessing a transformative integration with Artificial Intelligence (AI), poised to redefine the contours of pedagogical strategies. Central to this transformation is the emergence of personalized learning experiences, where AI endeavors to tailor educational content and interactions to resonate with individual learners' unique needs, preferences, and pace. This paper delves into the multifaceted dimensions of AI-driven personalized learning, from its potential to enhance e-learning modules, the advent of AI-powered virtual tutors, to the ethical challenges it surfaces. As the tapestry of education becomes more intertwined with digital innovations, understanding AI's role in individualizing learning becomes paramount.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Higher Education, Vol. 12, No. 6, 2023
Authors: Sun Susan
Published: December 2023

Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Higher Education, Vol. 12, No. 6, 2023
Kuantum Programlama Açısından Kuantum Derleyicilerin Karşılaştırmalı Analizi ve IBMQ Uygulaması
Authors: KARAKÖSE Mehmet , YETİŞ Hasan , KÜÇÜK Osman Furkan , ÖĞDÜ Çağatay Umut , YAMAN Orhan
Published: December 2023

Kuantum hesaplama, geleneksel bilgisayarların yapamayacağı kadar karmaşık hesaplamaları çok daha hızlı ve daha verimli gerçekleştirmeye olanak tanıyan bir teknolojidir. Ancak kuantum bilgisayarların çalıştırılması için özel olarak tasarlanmış kuantum algoritmalara ihtiyaç duyulmaktadır. Bu algoritmaların kuantum bilgisayarlarda verimli bir şekilde çalıştırabilmek için uygun derleyici ve kuantum bilgisayar seçimi kritik öneme sahiptir. Bu çalışmada kauntum programlama ve derleyicileri hakkında bilgiler verilerek, literatürdeki kuantum derleyicilerin karşılaştırmaları gerçekleştirilmiştir. Örnek bir soyut kuantum devre 5 kübtlik ibmq_belem, ibmq_quito ve ibmq_manila kuantum bilgisayarlarında çalıştırılarak, kuantum devrelerin çalışma mantığı uygulamalı olarak açıklanmıştır. Yapılan analizlerler sonucu L tipi kübit bağlantısına sahip ibmq_manila bilgisayarının ortalama %86 ile daha başarılı sonuçlar ürettiği gözlemlenmiştir. Diğer taraftan T tipi kübit bağlantılarına sahip ibmq_quito ve ibmq_belem bilgisayarlarının ürettikleri sonuçların başarısı ortaalama %82 ve %48 ile sınırlı kalmaktadır. Aynı kübit bağlantısına sahip bu bilgisayarların başarımları arasındaki gözle görülür farkın sebebi kübit ve bağlantılardaki hata oranlarının olduğu sonucuna varılmıştır.