bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Vitamin D Level and Nerve Conduction Study Parameters with Cognitive Function in Diabetic Neuropathy Patients
Authors: Fithrie Aida , Fitri Fasihah Irfani , Putra Muhammad Reza
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its major long-term complication, diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN), continue to be a major global health problem and are important contributors of significant disability worldwide. Vitamin D plays a significant role in their pathogenesis as well as in the development of dementia in non-diabetic patients. Nevertheless, the role of Vitamin D in the development of cognitive impairment in DPN patients has not yet been extensively studied. AIM: We aimed to investigate the association between Vitamin D level and cognitive function in DPN patients and to evaluate several potential contributor factors to cognition, including demographic factors, glycemic control, and nerve conduction study (NCS) parameters. METHODS: Thirty-one DPN patients were included in this cross-sectional study. Patients were recruited from the outpatient endocrinology and neurology clinic of Haji Adam Malik General Hospital Medan Indonesia. We used the diabetic neuropathy examination (DNE) scale, diabetic neuropathy symptom (DNS) scale, and NCS to determine the presence and severity of the neuropathy. We measured the levels of Vitamin D, random blood sugar, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Cognitive function was assessed using the Indonesian version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-INA), trail making test A and B (TMT A and TMT B), and verbal fluency test. RESULTS: Most of the patients were female (80.6%), with a mean age of 55.71 ± 8.34 years. The proportion of patients with abnormal cognitive function was higher than cognitively unimpaired patients. The mean of MoCA-INA score and level of Vitamin D was lower than normal, 23.32 ± 3.00 and 24.91 ± 13.59 ng/ml, respectively. Using the Pearson correlation test, we did not find any significant association of Vitamin D level, NCS parameters, and other clinical characteristics with global cognitive function. Age and level of education were significantly associated with MoCA-INA score. Blood sugar level was significantly higher in patients with normal TMT-A and TMT-B tests compared to patients with abnormal results. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D and NCS parameters are not associated with cognitive function. Of the demographic and clinical characteristics, a significant association exists between age, level of education, and blood sugar level and cognition. This might suggest the complexity underlying cognitive impairment in T2DM patients.
Assessment of Competency of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Emergency Medicine Residents during Ultrasound Rotation at the Emergency Department
Authors: Apiratwarakul Korakot , Ienghong Kamonwon , Tongthummachat Nichaphat , Suzuki Takaaki , Tiamkao Somsak , Bhudhisawasdi Vajarabhongsa
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is the core competency in the Emergency Medicine (EM) residency training. However, there are many methods that can be used to evaluate this competency, and the best practices for teaching ultrasonography to residents have yet to be determined.
AIM: The researchers aimed at evaluating the POCUS knowledge and skills of the EM residents after having participated in the POCUS training during their first ultrasound rotation in the Emergency Department.
METHODS: A curriculum was developed in the form of a 2-week rotation in the EM residency program at the Department of EM at Khon Kaen University’s Srinagarind Hospital. It consisted of didactic lectures, bedside ultrasound trainings, the journal club, and the process of reviewing the images. Tools were developed, which included a knowledge exam. For each resident, the assessments were administered before and after the rotation. Furthermore, an ultrasound skills test was developed to be used at the end of the 1st year EM residency program.
RESULTS: Nine EM residents completed their rotations and the tests. The average pre-training score and post-training scores were 5.25 ± 1.03 and 8.50 ± 1.20, respectively. The mean difference score between pre- and post-test was 3.25 ± 1.28. (95% CI −4.321, −2.178). In terms of the ultrasound skills test, the average total score was 26.13 out of 30 (87.1%). Moreover, the residents had higher scores in the aspects of image acquisition (87.5%) and image interpretation (87.5%). However, for the aspect of clinical decision-making, the average score was 75%. The survey questions indicated that with respect to all of the academic activities, the “Bedside ultrasound,” which had encouraged the residents to learn POCUS, was given the highest score (4.75 of 5).
CONCLUSIONS: The 2-week ED ultrasound rotation had improved the residents’ EM ultrasound knowledge and skills.
Species delimitation of Margattea cockroaches from China, with seven new species (Blattodea, Ectobiidae, Pseudophyllodromiinae)
Authors: He Jia-Jun , Jin Du-Ting , Wang Yi-Shu , Che Yan-Li , Wang Zong-Qing
Published: May 2021

Nearly 450 Margattea specimens were collected from 27 locations in China and their morphology was examined. Then 68 Margattea COI sequences were obtained and used to carry out phylogenetic analyses as well as species delimitation analyses using General Mixed Yule Coalescent (GMYC), Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD), and Poisson Tree Processes (bPTP). GMYC analysis resulted in 21 molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) (confidence interval: 20–22), which was completely consistent with the result of the bPTP. There were 15 MOTUs using the ABGD method. The number of MOTUs was slightly different from the assigned morphospecies (16). As to the incongruence between molecular and morphological results, we checked the specimens again and made sure that most morphological differences were determined to be intraspecific differences (except the difference between M. angusta and M. mckittrickae), although a large genetic distance existed. Finally, 16 Margattea species from China were defined in this study, of which, seven new species are established, i.e. Margattea deltodonta J-J He & Z-Q Wang, sp. nov., Margattea cuspidata J-J He & Z-Q Wang, sp. nov., Margattea caudata J-J He & Z-Q Wang, sp. nov., Margattea paratransversa J-J He & Z-Q Wang, sp. nov., Margattea disparilis J-J He & Z-Q Wang, sp. nov., Margattea transversa J-J He & Z-Q Wang, sp. nov., and Margattea bicruris J-J He & Z-Q Wang, sp. nov.
Corrigenda: A new species of Chromis damselfish from the tropical western Atlantic (Teleostei, Pomacentridae). ZooKeys 1008: 107–138. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1008.58805
Authors: McFarland Emily P. , Baldwin Carole C. , Robertson David Ross , Rocha Luiz A. , Tornabene Luke
Published: May 2021

N/A
Maintaining Football Club Identity During COVID-19
Authors: Edgar David , Edgar Steven
Published: May 2021

As a result of COVID-19, the UK imposed quarantine restrictions in March 2020. All large gatherings of people were against the law, and the professional league football ceased. In June 2020, the season was allowed to start again but with strict health policies and procedures in place, minimal backroom staff, regulations for goal celebration, and stringent cleansing routines. A significant part of the measures was no supporters at games. Instead, games were televised and broadcast live on a range of channels. This unique situation has raised many questions about the role of football in supporters' lives and the need for the “football fix” in the weekly routine. This chapter focuses on efforts made by football clubs to create an atmosphere and maintain an identity/attachment with their supporters. To do this, the authors combine principles and underlying theory from identity theory, attachment theory, community theory, and fandom to propose a framework of fan attachment. They apply the framework to the English Premier League to see how all 20 clubs responded to the challenge of maintaining fan identity.
Learning and Teaching Research Methods by Universal Design
Authors: Deegan Catherine M.
Published: May 2021

Diversity in Irish higher education has increased in recent years. Participation by learners with disabilities, part-time learners, culturally diverse learners, and mature learners have all increased to significant levels. Research methods and skills have proven to be challenging topics to both teach and learn at an undergraduate level. In order to shift to a more inclusive, learner-centred, and less didactic teaching approach, a research methods for business module was reviewed and revised using a students-as-partners approach. This was comwpleted as part of a digital badge for universal design for teaching and learning that the author recently completed. From the outset, engaging with the students as partners in the process, informing them about the UDL framework, and engaging with them on the principles of multiple modes of action, expression and engagement resulted in a significantly more holistic and inclusive approach across the module, as well as positive learning outcomes for the students themselves.
Appreciative Assessment in Graphic Design Education Using UDL Strategies
Authors: Jeffery Ken
Published: May 2021

In this chapter, the author shares specific case examples where universal design for learning (UDL) principles were used to deliver formative feedback to graphic design students, beyond giving written feedback. These cases are examined through the lens of UDL and its guiding principles, supported by a theoretical framework of appreciative feedback. Influences of critical pedagogy are also explored. A brief literature scan provides support for effective appreciative feedback strategies that support both theoretical as well as emotional growth in the learner. Case examples are shared, detailing the practical aspects of implementing recorded audio feedback in a face-to-face class, as well as the use of annotated video feedback in an online class. These practical examples outline not just the educational strategies, but provide detail on the technical aspects as well. The chapter concludes with a section outlining some best practices as learned by the author, as well as limitations and challenges faced along the way and opportunities for improvement.
Using UDL in Graduate Programs in Education to Erode Pedagogical Tension and Contradictions
Authors: Fovet Frederic
Published: May 2021

Faculties of education should be at the forefront of universal design for learning (UDL) implementation since their focus systematically includes effective, student-centered, inclusive pedagogy. This is unfortunately not the case. The chapter reviews some of the tension which is often observed around the lack of accessible and inclusive practices in graduate education within faculties of education. The chapter then explores and analyzes the data collected by the author in relation to the implementation of UDL in graduate courses in a faculty of education on a Canadian campus. The last section of the chapter takes a wider perspective and examines some of the opportunities and challenges, which are encountered in the implementation of UDL in graduate education more generally, and offers hands-on solutions. It is hoped the chapter will act as a road map for wider UDL implementation within graduate and post-graduate courses and debunk some of the myths that are perpetuated in this regard.
Mental Health and Employee Performance
Authors: Bari Muhammad Waseem , Khan Qurrahtulain
Published: May 2021

The objective of this descriptive study is to highlight the issues related to the mental health of employees during COVID-19. This chapter reviews the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on mental health of employees, and different diseases (such as anxiety, insomnia, and depression) impact employees' behavior and performance. Post-review of the latest articles, blogs, term papers, reports of the World Health Organization, and newspapers confirms the impact of COVID-19 on the physical and mental health of the employees and performance of the organizations negatively. Specifically, this study has discussed the different psychological problems like anxiety, depression, insomnia, social isolation with employees working in Pakistan. This study also highlights the measures took by the Pakistani government against COVID-19 and their results.
Emergence of Services Business Strategies During COVID-19
Authors: Abrar Muhammad , Shabbir Rizwan , Hussain Iqbal
Published: May 2021

The 21st century has been fighting against COVID-19, an infection caused by a virus SARS CoV-2. On 30th January 2020, the World Health Organization stated this condition as an international health emergency. Furthermore, on March 11, 2020, it was declared a global pandemic. The pandemic COVID-19 destroyed the health systems at a large scale and the businesses globally. Service, as well as manufacturing industries, faced significant challenges during this pandemic situation of COVID-19. Infodemic is one of the biggest challenges that creates severe problems for the business community. In such circumstances, businesses have to adopt unique business strategies to sustain and gain a competitive edge. The current study evaluates different business strategies like digital servitization, travel insurance, skunkworks structural approach, black swan, etc. adopted by different service sectors, based on a systematic review approach. Mostly, the research paradigm is focused on the aviation industry, and less attention is given to other service sectors like education, banking, etc.
COVID-19 Infodemic and Social Responsibility of Ukrainian Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Tryma Kateryna
Published: May 2021

The chapter intends to investigate the influence caused by COVID-infodemic upon the functions carried out by Ukrainian HEIs. As the pandemic and lockdown quickly and unpredictably changed the form of educational activities, HEIs were faced with new challenges and had to demonstrate the updated approaches of their performance not only in educational activities but also as for their social functions. Based on the survey results, the chapter highlights the student's opinion on changes in the performance of the respective universities caused by COVID, infodemic and post-COVID society as well as student understanding of university mission “to contribute to the public good” under the new circumstances. Survey-based research showed that according to the student opinion, modern Ukrainian are to play a more important role in meeting the societal needs of the society, especially under the influence of unpredictable and controversial factors like COVID-infodemic.
Gulf Business Environment for the Arabic Family Firms
Authors: Saleem Irfan , Qureshi Tahir Masood , Hussain Muntazir , Verma Amitabh
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this chapter is to understand the business environment for the family businesses in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) based on the theoretical foundation of organisational ecology and open system perspective during the COVID-19 pandemic. More specifically, the reader can understand the business environment of the family firms and how firms can recover from the pandemic by fighting against the infodemic in the GCC region. The authors have used a survey to collect data online from the family firms from Oman during the first and second waves of COVID-19 (i.e., Feb.-Dec. 2020). The results of the study demonstrate that business infodemic negatively moderates the linkage between the business environment-innovation performance nexus and positively moderates between the business environment-commerce association. This research implies the scanning of the Gulf business environment and continuous innovation by family-owned enterprises is vital to avoid a U-shaped recovery in the Arab economies.
Augmented Reality Towards an Informative Educational Environment
Authors: Nazamudeen Saleem , Ridhauddin Muhammad , Susanto Heru , Mohiddin Fadzliwati
Published: May 2021

There were interesting subjects and future connections between the education sectors and popular views and perceptions of the public for decades between the literature types of the conventional and the technological element. This chapter will analyze the impact on educational areas and the surrounding environment from the interactive learning perspective on how it can enhance learning practices using the augmented reality medium. The purpose of the analysis is to find the direction that the transformation of the knowledge process has evolved over the course of time, and how it supports society and the community through an efficient method of learning diversification.
Three Parties Engagement of Learning Management System
Authors: Mohiddin Fadzliwati , Susanto Heru
Published: May 2021

This study was conducted to investigate e-learning acceptance and factors influencing higher institutions students. Among the factors involved in this study were perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, self-efficacy, technology availability, and usage and intention to use. Technology acceptance models (TAM) were used as a basis for the study and for hypothesizing the effects of such variables on the use of e-learning. The research methods used were inclined to the use of quantitative methods of online questionnaire surveys that consist of 23 items based on a Likert scale. The findings of this study found that there is significant influence of self-efficacy on perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness while perceived ease of use has direct impact on perceived usefulness and perceived usefulness has influence on intention to use towards e-learning systems.
Distance Education in Times of COVID-19 in Mexico
Authors: Cardoso Espinosa Edgar Oliver , Zepeda Hurtado María Elena , Cortés Ruiz Jésica Alhelí
Published: May 2021

The objective of the chapter is to assess distance education in times of COVID-19 through the implementation of the Virtual Plan for Academic Continuity of the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) in order to identify good educational practices at the postgraduate level. A quantitative methodology with an exploratory-descriptive scope was used. The participants of the study were students who were pursuing a graduate degree during confinement. The main results are a positive assessment of distance education in terms of the incorporation and continuous use of digital resources, the use of continuous evaluation, the usefulness of technological tools, as well as an interaction with the teaching staff to review the academic progress of the student.
IT Opportunities for Teacher Training and Support
Authors: Kokkonos Antonios , Korres Maria Pavlis
Published: May 2021

The evolution in the field of internet technologies and the spectacular acceptance of the world wide web have shaped a new framework, not only for teachers' training but also for their distant support. This study provides insights into the utilization of Microsoft Teams digital collaboration and communication environment to improve the ways teachers are trained and supported by educational work coordinators (EWCs), through an action research conducted in Peloponnese Regional Educational Planning Center, Greece. Research results reveal that Microsoft Teams can contribute to the improvement of teachers' training and support in many ways, considering how successfully it has been utilized to improve the ways teachers are trained and supported by EWCs since the COVID-19 outbreak. At the same time, however, policy makers and education officials should take specific steps in order to assist EWCs in utilizing Microsoft Teams for teachers' training and educational work support.
Analyzing IT Opportunities for Inclusive Digital Learning
Authors: Richards Mina
Published: May 2021

COVID-19 caused a drastic closure of universities with traditional campus instruction. The university discussed in this chapter is a large institution out of which two campuses were examined for remote faculty training and student impact. The results from two short surveys for students and faculty are presented. Faculty responses focused on the perspective of facilitating remote courses and what direct impact remote teaching has had on their personal lives. The students' responses were mixed. Some participants stated that remote courses positively impacted their self-engagement and performance, and the remaining said that they had noticed a downward trend in performance. Five lessons learned are derived from observations and participants' provided information regarding the lack of communication and faculty engagement in training. By identifying the lessons learned, recommendations for each are provided for future-readiness and insights on how to influence engagement and approach communications and faculty attitude factors.
Feature Selection and Knapsack Problem Resolution Based on a Discrete Backtracking Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Ghanem Khadoudja , Layeb Abdesslem
Published: May 2021

Backtracking search optimization algorithm is a recent stochastic-based global search algorithm for solving real-valued numerical optimization problems. In this paper, a binary version of backtracking algorithm is proposed to deal with 0-1 optimization problems such as feature selection and knapsack problems. Feature selection is the process of selecting a subset of relevant features for use in model construction. Irrelevant features can negatively impact model performances. On the other hand, knapsack problem is a well-known optimization problem used to assess discrete algorithms. The objective of this research is to evaluate the discrete version of backtracking algorithm on the two mentioned problems and compare obtained results with other binary optimization algorithms using four usual classifiers: logistic regression, decision tree, random forest, and support vector machine. Empirical study on biological microarray data and experiments on 0-1 knapsack problems show the effectiveness of the binary algorithm and its ability to achieve good quality solutions for both problems.
The Work-Life Balancing Act
Authors: Pathak Dhruva , Vijayakumar Bharathi S.  , Padma Mala E.
Published: May 2021

The study investigated the impact of mandatory work from home due COVID-19 on personal and professional lives of people with different demographics. Statistical analysis of an online survey data (N=237) reveals that the impact on personal life dimensions—healthy lifestyle, family bonding, and physical stress—does not differ across people within different demographics. However, impact on emotional well-being is sensitive to gender and industry groups. Family size is also an important demographic factor impacted upon personal life dimensions. Professional dimensions related to work productivity and adopting new ways of working does not differ across demographics except for occupational role. Dimensions related to new skill development and change in professional attitude does differ across occupational roles. The study concludes by stating future research directions for mandatory work from home situation, and prescription to post-COVID-19 strategies for organizations.
Emotional Maturity and Employer Satisfaction
Authors: Tandon Urvashi , Chand Pawan Kumar , Mittal Amit
Published: May 2021

The present research study examines emotional maturity and its relationship with employer satisfaction in recruiting fresh engineering Information Technology graduates. Four hundred sixty-five employers of multinational and national information technology companies in India were considered as respondents. These employers conduct the campus placement drives in the public and private technical universities of India for the recruitment of fresh engineering graduates with specialization in information technology. The collected data was analyzed using structural equation modelling (SEM). Results revealed that all the four dimensions of emotional maturity are defined by emotional stability, emotional progression, social adjustment, and personality integration. Emotional maturity had a significant positive relationship with employer satisfaction. The study is useful for employers investing in India to recognize employability skills in young graduates. The findings of the study will also give insight to academicians to recognize the need for soft skills in their course curriculum.
A Multi-Agent System for Ubiquitous Learning for Hospital Education
Authors: Boudabous Soufiane , Kazar Okba , Laouar Mohamed Ridda , Eom Sean B.
Published: May 2021

Healthcare information systems (HIS) have become an important area of research due to ever-increasing healthcare costs to the national economy. Many recent technological developments such as mobile technology and cloud computing have profoundly affected the current state of HIS and further facilitated the developments of ubiquitous computing and ubiquitous learning systems (ULS). The authors propose a multi-agent system for ubiquitous learning (MASUL) to facilitate various learning tasks. They use JADE (Java agent development framework) for developing the multi-agent system. MASUL provides a series of functionalities that can be used by the patients and clinicians. The system simplifies the mechanisms to access learning information via mobile devices, and it also facilitates the learning-teaching process centered on the physical surroundings of the user.
Predicting End-User Satisfaction With Clinical Information Systems
Authors: Al-Hasson Moatasem Ahmad Mahmood , Abu-Shanab Emad Ahmed
Published: May 2021

Clinical services in hospitals are too diversified and include different kinds of care patient needs. Clinical services need to be supported by clinical information systems (CIS). In this paper, the satisfaction of three categories of clinicians was tested including nurses and physicians working in a governmental hospital in Qatar. The study investigated the key variables affecting CIS users' satisfaction and the levels of users' satisfaction in Al Wakra Hospital. The research model incorporated five independent variables measuring including information quality, system quality, service quality, professional maturity, and personal innovativeness. A questionnaire was distributed to targeted end-users with a total of 296 usable responses. The necessary analyses were conducted, where results supported four out of five hypotheses. The adjusted coefficient of determination R2 was 0.714. Findings provide valuable insights for decision-makers in the healthcare sector in Qatar, where they contribute toward a better understanding of the reasons impacting end-user satisfaction.
Analysis and Modeling of the Impact of Factor Determinants on the Functioning of the Hotel Economy in Ukraine
Authors: Popadynets Nazariy , Skrypko Tetyana , Topchiy Oleksiy , Garasymliuk Mariia
Published: May 2021

The system of indicators that impact the process of forming of competitive advantages in the hotel economy as one of the types of housing sectors is suggested based on the system analysis. Close relationship between the competitiveness level of the hotel economy in Ukraine and influence factors roughly divided into two groups (external and internal) is mathematically proven. The methods of development of prognosis level of the hotel economy competitiveness in Ukraine is formed based on respective values of stimulating and deterrent indicators. The hypothesis that income of population impacts the competitive advantages of the hotel economy is suggested. The model of the hotel economy competitive advantages for Ukraine was developed based on correlation and regression analysis. It allows for determining of the level of hotel industry competitiveness and efficiency of development of new directions to improve the country's touristic attractiveness and for detecting the factors (economic, infrastructural, etc.) that most closely correlate with the real competitiveness level of the hotel business in the region.
Online Accelerated Learning Experiences and Self-Regulated Learning Skills Among Undergraduate Students
Authors: Yen Cherng-Jyh , Ozkeskin Emrah Emre , Tankari Moussa , Tu Chih-Hsiung , Harati Hoda , Sujo-Montes Laura E.
Published: May 2021

Many institutions have adopted an online accelerated learning model in which intensive online instructions are offered during the course of a normal semester to help students complete classes. Current research has focused on comparing different instructional lengths. Mixed findings have been reported. Accelerated instructions are not necessarily superior or inferior to traditional 16-week instructions. Research should focus on what is crucial and how to prepare students to succeed in accelerated online courses. This study examines whether self-regulated learning (SRL) skills may serve as predictors of positive accelerated learning experiences. It concludes that five SRL skills can predict success in online accelerated learning experiences and suggested educators should identify and prepare students with relevant SRL skills prior to attempting accelerated instructions to warrant a positive learning experience.
Impact of Accreditation on Healthcare Professionals' Knowledge on Quality Management
Authors: Gijare Meenakshi Prasad , Bandyopadhyay Prabir Kumar , Bhattacharya Sonali
Published: May 2021

The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of accreditation in enhancing the knowledge of healthcare professionals on management of quality. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to selected healthcare professionals in various hospitals in India predominantly from accredited hospitals. About 600 potential respondents were selected. A 40-item survey was designed and comprised questions on demographic data, knowledge of definition of general quality, healthcare quality and implementation of quality systems in hospitals, and the difference between various standards of measurement of quality in healthcare and quality in support functions. The knowledge of healthcare professionals significantly varies according to their designations, accreditation status of the work place, and their qualification. Overall, good knowledge on quality is suggestive of conceptual clarity among healthcare professionals regarding quality who either have exposure to hospital accreditation or are working in accredited hospitals.
Implementation of Static Telecytology Applications for Remote Evaluation of Salivary Glands Fine Needle Aspiration Specimens
Authors: Archondakis Stavros K.
Published: May 2021

The Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC), which was adopted in 2018, is an excellent tool for the diagnosis and management of salivary glands lesions. A telemedical application is a valuable tool for cytopathologists in order to manage and promote interlaboratory collaboration. The result is better cytological data management and sharing. Telecytological diagnoses should be as reliable as those made using conventional microscopy. There are very few studies available that have focused on the implementation digital images, captured by static telecytology stations for telemedical applications in the field of cytopathology. The present study aims to evaluate the diagnostic reproducibility of telecytology in salivary glands aspiration specimens among three cytopathologists using representative simages captured by a static telecytology station. The study also examined the agreement between contributor and the reviewer diagnoses.
Sustainable Supply Chain Management Practices
Authors: Kottala Sri Yogi
Published: May 2021

This paper made an effort to compile the relevant research articles in the last 18 years on sustainable supply chain management practices. The author has classified the review based on sustainability in manufacturing and supply chain aspects using the dimensions of sustainability (i.e., economic, environment social aspects, and sustainable supply chain management performance evaluation). The authors summarized the relevant work published in noted refereed national and international journals and conference proceedings. The work suggested some research directions as well as propositions for researchers, especially with reference to the Indian context.
Investigation of the Software Code Vulnerabilities' Impact on the Popularity of Open Source Software Projects
Authors: Singh Madanjit , Saini Munish , Kaur Manevpreet
Published: May 2021

This paper has statically investigated the source code of open source software (OSS) projects to uncover the presence of vulnerabilities in the code. The conducted research emphasizes that the presence of vulnerabilities has adverse effects on the overall software quality. The authors found the increasing trends in the vulnerabilities as the lines of code (LOC) increases during the software evolution. This signifies the fact that the addition of new features or change requests into the OSS project may cause an increase in vulnerability. Further, the relation between software vulnerabilities and popularity is also examined. This research does not find the existence of any relationship among software vulnerabilities and popularity. This research will provide significant implications to the developers and project managers to better understand the present state of the software.
Effect of glazing configuration as an energy-saving strategy in naturally ventilated greenhouses for strawberry (Seolhyang sp.) cultivation
Authors: Akpenpuun Timothy Denen , Na Wook Ho , Ogunlowo Qazeem Opeyemi , Rabiu Anis , Adesanya Misbaudeen Aderemi , Addae Kwame Sasu , Kim Hyeon Tae , Lee Hyun-Woo
Published: May 2021

Strawberry cultivation is highly dependent on environmental parameters and energy in winter. Two gothic greenhouses with different glazing material combinations, i.e. polyolefin-thermal screen (PoTS) and polyolefin-thermal screen-polyethylene (PoTSPe), were used for strawberry cultivation. The energy-saving capabilities of the two configurations and their impact on the microclimates of the greenhouses were investigated. Temperature, relative humidity, vapor pressure deficit, leaf temperature, and solar radiation over the experimental period in the PoTS greenhouse were 13.0±2.3°C, 75.8±6.5%, 0.4±0.1 kPa, 13.6±1.7°C, and 168.8±82.3W/m2, respectively, whereas in the PoTSPe setup they were 13.1±2.3°C, 80.0±5.7%, 0.3±0.1 kPa, 13.5±1.6°C, and 183.1±90.5 W/m2. The mean fuel consumption by the PoTS and PoTSPe greenhouses were 5.5 and 3.5 L, respectively. The performance analysis shows that both greenhouses were able to maintain the environmental parameters and leaf temperature within the recommended ranges, although more energy was consumed with PoTS. A higher yield was obtained in the PoTS greenhouse, which, however, was not significantly different from the PoTSPe yield.
Studies on physico-mechanical behaviour of kenaf/glass fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites
Authors: H. Birniwa A. , S. Abdullahi S. , Y. Yakasai M. , Ismaila A.
Published: May 2021

In this study, various treated, untreated, and treated kenaf/glass fiber composites were fabricated using epoxy resin. A portion of kenaf fibers were subjected to treatment with alkali, sub-portion was taken for benzoyl peroxide and potassium permanganate prior to composite fabrication. This treatment on the composite material was undertaken to achieve improved modification of the interface between the matrix and fiber bond. A portion of the glass fiber was used for enhancing the mechanical properties of the hybrid composite. The tensile strength, flexural, density, water absorption and chemical resistance of the composites were analyzed using standard methods. FTIR was conducted on the fiber to ascertain the chemical treatment on the fibers, FESEM was used for the morphological study. The results obtained showed that the tensile and flexural strength improved from 46.45-298.3 kgf, and 10.5-54.7 kgf, respectively, in the composite samples. Chemical resistance of the kenaf fiber treated potassium permanganate composite improved compared to the untreated fiber composite in both cases. The density and water absorption properties of the composites were found to decrease in the treated fibers compared to untreated fiber composites, this treated composites showed less water absorption and density. The FTIR result revealed that reaction has taken place between the fiber and the treatment reagent. Hence, fiber modification has improved the properties of the composites due to increase in fiber-matrix interaction.

                   

KEY WORDS: Chemical properties, Epoxy resin, Hybrid, Kenaf, Mechanical strength, Natural fiber

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2021, 35(1), 171-184.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v35i1.15
Copper-based glass-ceramic as an efficient catalyst in the synthesis of pyrazolo[1,5-a] pyrimidineunder solvent-free condition with docking validation as Covid-19 main protease (Mpro) inhibitor
Authors: M. Abdelghany A. , K. Khatab T. , S. Hassan A.
Published: May 2021

Copper-based oxide glass-ceramic was successfully synthesized through the single-step melt annealing technique. Synthesized glass-ceramics was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) supported with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and mapping. Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines 5a-f were synthesized via the reaction of 5-amino-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide (1) with enaminones 2a-f in the presence of synthesized oxide glass-ceramic catalyst powder under solvent-free condition. The molecular docking study demonstrated that the COVID-19 main protease (MPro) inhibitor.

                   

KEY WORDS: Pyrazolopyrimidine, Enaminones, Copper-based catalysis, Solvent-free, COVID-19

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2021, 35(1), 185-196.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v35i1.16
Influence of Internet-based Mobile Phone Applications on Employees Job Commitment in Agricultural Research Institutes in Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Oose Mathew Olekan , Fapojuwo Oluwakemi E. , Agbabiaka Jibril A.
Published: May 2021

This study assessed factors influencing the use of internet-based mobile phone apps on employees on job commitment in agriculturalresearch institutes in Oyo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 94 employees. The data were obtainedthrough a structured questionnaire and analyzed using percentages, chi-square analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). Result showed that Whatsapp ( x̄ =3.32), Emails (x̄ =3.23) and Opera mini(x ̄ =3.23) were the most frequently used internet-based mobile phone apps. The use of internet-based mobile apps enhances their job commitments ( x̄ =3.86) while using internet-based mobile apps saves time (x̄ =3.54). Fluctuations of internet connectivity (x̄ =2.71) and epileptic power supply ( x̄ =2.36) were factors influencing the use of internet-based mobile phone apps. Significant relationship (P≤0.05) existed between employees use of whatsApp (χ2=9.80), Email (χ2=6.60) and Instagram (χ2=-16.0) and job commitment. PCA reveals that fluctuation of internet connectivity (0.78) was the major determinants of employees’ use of internet-based mobile phone apps. It was concluded that whatsapp and emails positively influenced employees’ commitment to their job with favourable and positive perceive ease of use of these internet-based mobile apps. Therefore, the study recommended that stable and functional internet facilities should be in agricultural research institutes to enable  employees  explore the potentials of internet-based mobile phone apps.

Keywords: Internet-based mobile phone apps, job commitment, employees, agricultural research institutes
Smallholder Sugarcane Farmers’ Participation and Profitability of Factory Contracted Services in Malava Sub-County, Kenya
Authors: Ambetsa Francis Lekololi , Ndirangu Samuel Njiri , Mwangi Samuel Chege
Published: May 2021

This study evaluated the effect of participation in factory contracted services on the profitability of smallholder sugarcane farmers inMalava Sub-county in Western Kenya. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaire from a sample of 384 farmers usingsystematic random sampling and proportionate sampling. Analysis of variance was applied to determine if there was a significant difference between profitability of contracted and non-contracted farmers. The effect of contracted services on profitability among contract farmers was analyzed by multiple linear regression. The results showed that contracted extension, labour and credit services had significant effect on farmers’ gross margins. The Kenyan government should formulate policies that enhance provision of contracted extension, labour and credit services. The need for a review of the existing contract engagement terms among sugarcane farmers is also evident in this study.

Keywords: smallholder farms, sugarcane, contracted services, gross margins
Adoption Determinants of Adapted Climate Smart Agriculture Technologies Among Smallholder Farmers in Machakos, Makueni, and Kitui Counties of Kenya
Authors: Muriithi Lydia N. , Onyari Charles N. , Mogaka Hezron R. , Gichimu Bernard M. , Gatumo Geoffrey N. , Kwena Kizito
Published: May 2021

The study examined the adoption determinants of adapted climate smart agriculture (CSA) technologies among smallholder farmers. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select a total sample of 384 households. Percentages and regression were employed in data analysis. The results revealed that 47.4% adapted to climate change using integrated farming system, intercropping, crop rotation and agroforestry. Sex (0.9%), education level (9.2%) significantly influenced adoption of the adaptation strategies. Moreover, information sources such as mobile phones (0.9%), and neighbors/friends (0.2%) negatively affected the adaptation strategies. Future policy should aim at creating more awareness through different information sources and provide local extension services.

Keywords: Adaptation, smallholder farmers
Use of Improved Production Technologies Among Goat Farmers in Abia State Nigeria
Authors: Obinna Leo O. , Onu Samson Ejike
Published: May 2021

The study provided an empirical evidence on the use of improved goat production technologies among rural farmers in Abia State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were, ascertain the extent of use of improved goat production technologies, determine factors influencing use of improved goat production technologies and identify constraints to access and use of improved goat production technologies. A multi-stage random sampling procedure was adopted in selecting 120 respondents. Data were collected through the use of questionnaire and analysed with frequency, percentage, mean and regression model. Respondents were aware of dipping (100%),deworming (99.2%) fostering of kids (93.3%) and colostrum feeding (71.7%), among others. On extent of use of improved goat production technologies, respondents highly used most of improved goat production technologies [grand mean = X̄ = 3.20]. All the respondents [100%] agreed that lack of access to credit was a constraint to use, 100% agreed on lack of credibility from source of technological information, 99.2% agreed that they were afraid of taking risk, 93.3% agreed on difficulty in technology application, among others. Age education, household size, farming experience, farm size, income and access to credit were the determinants of use of improved goat production technologies at 5% level of probability Greater use of available improved technologies will promote productivity, and therefore there is need for proper sensitization and awareness by relevant agencies. Again, credit should be made available to farmers by relevant governmental and nongovernmental agencies to increase the level of use of available improved technologies.

Keywords: improved goat production technologies and farmers
The five axes of COVID-19 treatment: attacking the disease from several angles.
Authors: Matínez-Daniel Ricardo , Flores-Hernández Jorge Rafael , Farfán-Lazos Karla Cecilia , Tobón -Cubillos Miranda , Montaño-Olmos Daniela , Méndez-Coca Juan Daniel , Peón Alberto N.
Published: May 2021

The emergency situation of the COVID-19 pandemics requires immediate action. As happens with emerging pathogens, there are no specific treatments for this threat, so that the most logical answer in order to find safe and effective candidates seems to be drug repurposing. The main efforts in finding a specific treatment for this disease have been directed to finding antiviral agents, nonetheless, COVID-19 also involves lung and systemic inflammation, coupled with ineffective immunity; bacterial and fungal coinfections; respiratory dysfunction; and coagulopathy. These additional pathophysiologic axes also require a set of treatments, and in this review we will analyze such adjunctive therapies.
Jogos reduzidos de futsal: comparação entre atividades com e sem limitação de passes
Authors: Rigon Thiago André
Published: May 2021

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo investigar a limitação de passes entre os atacantes no comportamento tático ofensivo (ações) em situação de jogo reduzido no futsal. Foram analisadas duas atividades em formato de jogo reduzido que consistiram em 2x1+G (dois atacantes contra um marcador e um goleiro, em meia quadra), nomeadas 2x1a e 2x1b, sem e com a promoção da limitação de passes entre os atacantes, respectivamente. Participaram da pesquisa 59 alunos de nível iniciante, com idades entre 9 e 12 anos, integrantes de cursos extracurriculares de futsal de 4 escolas particulares de São Paulo. Os participantes foram divididos em 7 grupos de prática, entre 7 e 9 alunos cada, que realizaram os jogos reduzidos durante 3 minutos e 30 segundos cronometrados, sendo uma participação em cada formato de jogo. A sessão de coleta de dados foi organizada pelo pesquisador gerente durante uma sessão de treinamento de futsal regular dos alunos nos seus respectivos grupos escolares. Os resultados apontaram que a frequência das ações em cada formato de jogo apresentou diferenças estatisticamente significativas (p<0,05) para os critérios direcionamento para o rebote e a abertura de espaço para o companheiro (jogador sem bola), e passes e duelos 1x1 (jogador com a bola). Isso indica que a manipulação das estruturas dos jogos reduzidos pode atender a diferentes finalidades pedagógicas.
Determinantes sociales asociados a la actividad física recreativa y el cuidado de la salud
Authors: Ballesteros Matías Salvador , Freidin Betina , Wilner Agustín
Published: May 2021

Introducción: La realización de actividad física deportiva y para mejorar la condición física tiene demostrados beneficios psicofísicos, al tiempo que su práctica está socialmente estratificada. El objetivo del artículo fue analizar el impacto de determinantes sociodemográficos, geográficos, y de composición del hogar, así como la interseccionalidad del género con el resto de los determinantes, en la práctica de este dominio de actividad física en las zonas urbanas de Argentina en los años 2009 y 2018. Métodos: Análisis cuantitativo de datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Factores de Riesgo de los años 2009 y 2018. Se utilizó un análisis descriptivo bivariado y un análisis inferencial multivariado con modelos de regresiones logísticas binarias. Resultados: El ingreso, el nivel educativo, el género, el grupo etario, la presencia de los niños en el hogar y la región de residencia generaron desigualdades en la práctica de esta actividad física. Las desigualdades de género se intensificaron en los sectores de menores ingresos, entre la población más joven y para quienes viven en hogares con menores de hasta 10 años. Conclusiones: Se destaca la importancia de una perspectiva interseccional para analizar las desigualdades sociales. También la importancia de implementar políticas públicas con perspectiva de género y la inversión en infraestructura pública como medios para aumentar la práctica de actividad física y disminuir las desigualdades sociales que persistieron durante el período analizado.