bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic Analysis of Grafting and Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation for Tomato Production in South Carolina
Authors: Donahoo Tanner , Zhang Lisha , Cutulle Matthew , Hajihassani Abolfazl
Published: August 2021

Increasing regulations and restrictions regarding on-farm chemical use and growing consumer demands for organic food products warrant the development of efficient biological methods for plant disease control and pest management. Grafting and anaerobic soil disinfestation are two sustainable crop production techniques developed to control and regulate weeds, root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita), and soilborne pathogens. Therefore, the present study explores the economic impact of using grafting and anaerobic soil disinfestation, independently and in conjunction, to determine the best combination in terms of yield and net returns for producers. This study drew from tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) field trials conducted in 2020 on a 0.5-acre plot at the Clemson Coastal Research and Education Center in Charleston, SC, where five grafting and three anaerobic soil disinfestation treatments were used in combinations for comparisons. Each treatment combination was subjected to sealed (plastic mulch covering a plot punctured 5 weeks after applying anaerobic soil disinfestation treatment) and unsealed (plastic mulch covering a plot punctured immediately after the application of anaerobic soil disinfestation treatment) plot conditions during the anaerobic soil disinfestation phase of plant bed preparation. Treatment combinations with cottonseed meal carbon-sourced anaerobic soil disinfestation were unviable because of lower net returns compared with treatment combinations without anaerobic soil disinfestation in nearly every case. Grafting (‘Roadster’ self-grafted) combined with molasses and chicken manure carbon-sourced anaerobic soil disinfestation under unsealed plot conditions was the most optimal treatment combination in the field trials with the greatest gains (net return per acre) to producers. The positive synergistic effects of combining these methods suggest that grafting and anaerobic soil disinfestation yield better results in conjunction than separately.
Descriptions of two new and one known species of Parkellus Jairajpuri, Tahseen and Choi, 2001 (Nematoda: Mononchidae) and their phylogenetic position among Mononchida
Authors: VU Tam T.T. , Rybarczyk-Mydłowska Katarzyna , Susulovsky Andrij , Kubicz Magdalena , Flis Łukasz , Linh Le Thi Mai , Winiszewska Grażyna
Published: August 2021

Two new species of Parkellus (Jairajpuri et al., 2001) from Vietnam and a population of Parkellus zschokkei (Ahmad and Jairajpuri, 2010; Menzel, 1913) from Ukraine are described, illustrated and their phylogenetic position among the Mononchida is presented. The molecular data (18S and 28S rDNA) are given for the three investigated species – first time for the genus Parkellus. Parkellus hagiangensis sp. nov. is characterized by a medium-sized buccal cavity, posterior position of the dorsal tooth located below the beginning of the pharynx, males having the ventromedian cuticular pores above and below the excretory pore, short spicules with conical proximal part; females with very faint pars refringens vaginae and small teardrop-shaped pieces, short pars distalis vaginae, the presence of small ventromedian vulval papillae. Parkellus tuyenquangensis sp. nov. is characterized by a medium-sized buccal cavity, posterior position of the dorsal tooth located above the beginning of the pharynx, males having the ventromedian cuticular pores above and below the excretory pore, medium-sized spicules with a cylindrical proximal part, very short lateral guiding pieces, females with very strongly sclerotized pars refringens vaginae, medium size teardrop-shaped pieces, short pars distalis vaginae thickened at the junction with pars refringens vaginae. The newly described species are morphologically most similar to P. parkus and P. zschokkei. An identification key to Parkellus species is presented.
Synthesis and Characterisations of Reduced Graphene Oxide Prepared by Microwave Irradiation with Sonication
Authors: Fauzi Fika , Azizi Fayyad , Musawwa Muhammad Miqdam , Dwandaru Wipsar Sunu Brams
Published: August 2021

Recently, reducing graphene oxide (GO) through microwave irradiation has been extensively explored in order to scale up the mass production of graphene. We report the simple technique to reduce GO by means of microwave irradiation combined with a sonication technique. The microwave-reduced GO (MWrGO) is formed by exposing a microwave onto GO powder in order to reduce the oxygen functional group and then followed by exfoliating via a sonication method. The time exposure of the microwave irradiation was 20 min with the powers of 450 W and 800 W. The UV-visible (UV-vis) spectra showed the evolution of GO into MWrGO indicated by the red shift of the absorption peak from 230 nm to 267 nm and disappearance of the shouldering peak at 300 nm. The reduction of the oxygen functional group has been proved by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. Furthermore, the scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) data demonstrated further confirmation of the reduction of GO and the formation of basal planes of sp2 carbon clusters of the sample due to the treatment. The EDS spectra revealed that the MWrGO by 800-W-irradiation had much less oxygen functional groups and much more carbon content than GO. The proposed synthesis method is simple and readily controlled for a mass production of graphene from GO.
Co-precipitation Synthesis with a Variation of the Sulphur Composition of Kesterite Phase Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZSS) without Annealing Process
Authors: Pal Krishan , Maurya Dheeraj Kumar , Chaudhary Priyanka , Thapa Khem Bahadur , Yadav Bal Chandra
Published: August 2021

Commercially available compound CuInGa (S, Se) can be replaced with emerging quaternary compound Cu2ZnSnS4 (Copper Zinc Tin Sulphur or CZSS) for photovoltaic applications due to the high absorption coefficient and optimum bandgap. Unstable sulphur and the co-existence of binary and ternary phases in CZSS are the main obstacles for a single-phase kesterite quaternary compound. To overcome these issues, the researchers are synthesising the CZSS in presence of sulphur and selenium environment. The sulphurization and selenization are the constraints for the synthesis of CZSS and these processes make it costlier. In the present work, the wet-chemical method (i.e., co-precipitation method) was used to synthesise CZSS without vacuum annealing where the sulphur constituent was controlled by changing the stoichiometric ratio. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman analysis confirm that the synthesised CZSS was in polycrystalline and single-phase kesterite nature. The average crystallite sizes for thiourea 16, 18, 20 mmol were found 15 nm, 17 nm and 17 nm, respectively. Surface morphology of the as-prepared film was identified by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and optical bandgap of the film was obtained ~1.33 eV by UV-visible (UV-vis) analysis. The 18 mmol of thiourea with stoichiometric ratio 4:2:2:9 is found the best optimisation for synthesising the CZSS without vacuum annealing by the co-precipitation method. Thus, the thin film of such synthesised CZSS may be employed for the low-cost photovoltaic application.
Mechanical and Structural Properties of Nanocarbon Particles Reinforced in Plasticised Polylactic Acid for High Strength Application
Authors: Segun Ajidasile , Adewuyi Benjamin Omotayo , Ojo Daramola Oluyemi , Gideon Olaiya Niyi
Published: August 2021

High strength application of biopolymers requires good mechanical strength. The tensile properties of polylactic acid (PLA) are relatively low for major industrial applications such as packaging, biomedical and automobile spare parts. In this study, the mechanical strength of polylactic acid was enhanced with nanocarbon isolated from diesel engine combustion soot. The isolated nanocarbon was characterised using spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis. After that, the nanocarbon was used as a reinforcement in plasticised PLA to produce a composite. The PLA-nanocarbon composite was produced using the compression moulding technique. The nanocarbon composition was varied between 2 wt% and 8 wt% in the PLA matrix. The tensile, hardness and morphological properties of the composite were analysed with the tensile test, hardness test, optical microscope and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The ultraviolet (UV) spectrometer and FTIR analysis results confirmed the successful isolation of nanocarbon from the diesel engine combustion soot. The tensile and hardness properties of the PLA matrix increased with addition of nanocarbon. The morphological images showed good miscibility between the PLA and the nanocarbon reinforcement, responsible for the increase in mechanical properties. The potential use of the composite for high strength application showed great possibility based on the result obtained.
Spanish Colonial Period Bricks from Churches in Laguna, Philippines: A Preliminary Chemical Characterisation Using X-ray Diffraction, Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence and Fourier Transform Infrared
Authors: Cayme Jan-Michael C. , Bermejo III Arturo F. , Francia Chris Allen Earl T. , Asor Jr Aniano N. , Miranda Eric T.
Published: August 2021

Spanish Colonial Period brick samples dating to the 19th century from the Municipalities of Liliw and Pagsanjan in Laguna, Philippines was investigated. These samples were obtained from two church structures, a church bell tower from Liliw and a church convent from Pagsanjan. Combined X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy allowed the determination of chemical elements and minerals attributed to clay and sand, such as montmorillonite, quartz, corundum, hematite and calcite. On the basis of these compositions, the possible kilning conditions employed to fire the bricks during manufacture was also proposed. MATLAB™ programme was utilised in this study to interpret the data from XRD and FTIR to rationalise the overlapping peaks in the spectrum. Results show that both brick samples were made of clay material that is non-calcareous with low refractory. The firing was performed in an oxidising atmosphere or an open-air environment at an estimated temperature of between 650°C and 850°C. This preliminary study provides a baseline chemical characterisation data of colonial period bricks in the Philippines which will be useful for future conservation and restoration work not only locally but also within the Southeast Asian region.
Study on swage autofrettage of steel sleeve for the high pressure plunger pump
Authors: Liu Jiahui , Zhang Chunguang , Liu Guangheng , Chu Shuai , Li Shangqing , Zhang Junfeng
Published: August 2021

Based on bilinear hardening material model, the swage autofrettage technology of steel sleeve for pump is analyzed. The theoretical calculation formulas of stress, strain, residual stress and strain and punch thrust of swage autofrettage steel sleeve are derived by the elastic-plastic analysis. The accuracy of the theoretical formulas is verified by the swage autofrettage experiment. The result of theoretical calculation is consistent with that of the experiment, and the process of the second loading does not affect the autofrettage result. The theoretical calculation formulas can be used to guide the swage autofrettage technology design of the steel sleeve for the pump.
Amplitude and frequency estimator for aperiodic multi-frequency noisy vibration signals of a tram gearbox
Authors: Wolf Maik , Rudolph Mathias , Kanoun Olfa
Published: August 2021

Sinusoidal parameter estimation for determining frequency position and amplitude is challenging for noisy short vibration signals, e.g. from machines or human vibrations. In this paper, we propose the “Trimmed Window Discrete Fourier Transform” (TWDFT) estimator, which uses for every frequency a one-point discrete Fourier transform (DFT) to determine the corresponding spectral amplitude. To avoid leakage effects, it cuts the time interval so that it corresponds to an integer number of period durations. To evaluate the estimator performance, we compare it with relevant estimators such as the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) and the spectral spline interpolation applied on a noisy mono-frequent test signal with a fractional frequency. For the estimated parameters, the mean squared errors (MSE) are calculated and compared as a function of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The advantages of the TWDFT estimator can be seen over the whole SNR range. The TWDFT estimates are better than the fast Fourier transform (FFT) starting at a SNR of –6 dB. At a SNR of 30 dB, the estimator meets the real value of the frequency and reaches similar results as the CRLB. The application of the TWDFT estimator as a short-time analysis on a vibration signal of a tram gearbox shows a significantly more differentiated time-frequency analysis compared to a short-time Fourier transform (STFT).
Modelling of time-varying meshing stiffness under tooth wear condition for nonlinear dynamics in compound planetary gear set
Authors: Yang Chao , Zhang Haibo
Published: August 2021

Under tooth profile wear condition, with running time increasing, the tooth chord length of the gear tooth is thinner and the tooth profile is not involute profile any more, which results in the changes in amplitude and fluctuation of time-varying meshing stiffness. In this work, in order to reveal the influence of tooth profile wear on time-varying meshing stiffness, an analytical model for calculating the time-varying meshing stiffness under tooth wear condition is built and incorporated with a “translational-rotational” dynamic model of compound planetary gear set. Poincare section, the phase trajectory and bifurcation diagram are employed for analysis of periodic and chaotic motion. The results indicate that, tooth wear accumulation result in the reduction in the amplitude of meshing stiffness at the meshing region of double-pair teeth, but makes no difference in meshing stiffness for the meshing region of single-pair teeth. In order to avoid the system being in Chaos motions, under large tooth wear condition, the input speed should be avoided away from 3700 r/min-6725 r/min, so as to keep the system in a stable periodic motion state.
Modelling streamflow and sediment yield using Soil and Water Assessment Tool: a case study of Lidder watershed in Kashmir Himalayas, India
Authors: Gull Sarvat , Shah Shagoofta Rasool
Published: August 2021

The conjunction of heavy snowfall during winters and intensive rainfall during monsoons along with the mountainous topography expose the Lidder watershed to serious erosion and flood aggravation issues. Barely any attempts have been made for an in-depth examination of the Lidder watershed for precise estimation of sub-basin level runoff and erosion. In this study, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was calibrated using the Sequential Uncertainty Fitting algorithm (SUFI-2) for modelling streamflow and sediment yield of the Lidder watershed. Daily runoff and sediment event data from 2003–2013 were used in this study; data from 2003–2008 was used for calibration and 2009–2013 for validation. Model performance was evaluated using various statistical tools, which showed good results revealing excellent potential of the SWAT model to simulate streamflow and sediment yield for both calibration and validation periods. The annual rate of average upland sediment drawn from the watershed was approximately 853.96 Mg/ha for an average surface runoff of 394.15 mm/year. This study identifies the vulnerable areas of the Lidder watershed, which can be thoroughly examined by decision-makers for effective management and planning. Further, the calibrated model can be applied to other watersheds with similar characterization to influence strategies in the management of watershed processes.
Improving biological treatment of textile wastewater
Authors: Laizer Alpha G. K. , Bidu Jerome M. , Selemani Juma R. , Njau Karoli N.
Published: August 2021

Textile industries are among the primary contributors of water pollution. Treatment of textile wastewater is very important before discharging it to the environment. In the present study, laboratory-scale anaerobic batch reactors were used for co-treatment of a mixture of textile and domestic wastewater at 37 °C. The objective of this work was to investigate optimum conditions for the anaerobic co-digestion of textile wastewater and domestic wastewater. Domestic wastewater as a carbon source to enhance treatment of textile wastewater in color and other pollutants removal was examined. Textile and domestic wastewater were mixed at different proportions to make a total volume of 500 mL. Proportions of domestic wastewater and retention time were two main factors studied in influencing pollutant removal efficiency. Optimum conditions for removal of pollutants were 18 days' residence time at 60 and 40% textile and domestic wastewater respectively. The removal efficiencies were 52.8, 58.3 and 51.6% for Color, BOD and COD, respectively. Phosphorus (PO43−), Ammonium (NH3-N) and Nitrate (NO3-) increased at 78.5, 49 and 87% respectively. However, the concentration levels were above Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) discharge limits. Post treatment is suggested to achieve standard discharge limits.
PLGA-Based Curcumin Delivery System: An Interesting Therapeutic Approach in the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Shahbaz Sanaz Keshavarz , Koushki Khadijeh , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Majeed Muhammed , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: August 2021

:

Progressive degeneration and dysfunction of the nervous system because of oxidative stress, aggregations of misfolded proteins, and neuroinflammation are the key pathological features of neurodegenerative diseases. Alzheimer's disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder driven by uncontrolled extracellular deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ) in the amyloid plaques and intracellular accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Curcumin is a hydrophobic polyphenol with noticeable neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects that can cross the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, it is widely studied for the alleviation of inflammatory and neurological disorders. However, the clinical application of curcumin is limited due to its low aqueous solubility and bioavailability. Recently, nano-based curcumin delivery systems are developed to overcome these limitations effectively. This review article discusses the effects and potential mechanisms of curcumin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles in Alzheimer’s disease.
Feasibility of Telephone-Based Cardiology Consultation: Comparison of Resource Use and Outcomes vs In-Person Consultation
Authors: Matsumura Martin E. , Austin Kelly , Khalil Yasser , Blankenship James C. , Martin Bryan
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus infectious disease 2019) pandemic has highlighted the need for alternative modalities to connect with outpatients beyond in-person clinic visits. In the present study, we evaluated the feasibility of a telephone-based teleconsultation cardiology service and compared the use of testing and outcomes between teleconsultation and traditional in-office consultations

Methods:

The study took place prior to the COVID-19 pandemic July 2019 to March 2020. Consult lists were reviewed by a cardiologist for patients appropriate for teleconsultation. Those patients were contacted directly and, if agreeable, a consultation was completed and any required testing was arranged. A series of patients seen in the clinic, matched for a reason for consultation and consulting a cardiologist, were compared in terms of testing frequency and outcomes.

Results:

Of 157 patients who felt appropriate for teleconsultation, 100 (63.7%) were successfully contacted and a teleconsultation was completed. Comparing patients undergoing teleconsultation with a matched series of patients seen in person in the clinic, there were no significant differences in testing utilization or outcomes, including emergency room or hospital admission within 30 days of consultation or death or adverse cardiac events at six months following consultation.

Conclusion:

Telemedicine can be successfully utilized as an alternative to traditional clinic consultation for selected patients needing cardiology consultation. This consultative modality does not appear to lead to utilization of increased testing or decreased quality or patient outcomes. Larger studies are needed to assess this mode of consultation.
Local Dental Emergencies and Mitigation Strategies Adopted by Private Dental Practitioners of South India during COVID-19 Shelter in Place Warning - Multi-Centric Online Survey
Authors: Purayil Tina Puthen , Pentapati Kalyana-Chakravarthy , Muliya Vidya-Saraswathi , Gadicherla Srikanth , Nutalapati Rajasekhar
Published: August 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the common dental emergencies reported to dental practitioners and to compare the mitigation strategies implemented during the Shelter-In-Place (SIP) warning with dental practitioners’ age and sex.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional online survey among the dental practitioners of south India during the period of COVID-19 SIP warning. An initial pool of items was prepared to capture the mitigation strategies in managing local dental emergencies. A structured questionnaire was then prepared in English based on the inputs of four expert dentist panel. Age and sex of the practitioners were also recorded.

Results:

The mean age of the dental practitioners was 37.11(range: 23 - 63) years.Of 159 dental practitioners that responded to survey, 90 were male. Most dental practitioners responded that they were contacted through a phone call (n=140) and WhatsApp messaging (n=108). The common dental emergencies reported were tooth pain (100%), swelling (91.7%), a decayed tooth (81.3%), and gum pain (78.6%). A higher number of male than female dental practitioners had “scheduled the treatment immediately” (OR=3.45; P=0.002) after adjusting for age.

Conclusion:

The most common dental emergencies during COVID-19 SIP were tooth pain, swelling, decayed teeth, and gum pain. Males and older dental practitioners scheduled appointments immediately.
A Qualitative Study on Challenges Chinese Nurses Face while Working in Japanese Hospitals
Authors: Tuo Jinmei , Kabayama Mai , Kamide Kei , Aimi Yoshinari
Published: August 2021

Background:

Considering the increased numbers of Chinese nurses in Japan, we hypothesized that Chinese nurses in Japan are confronted with many difficulties, although few studies have been performed. Therefore, in-depth analyses of their experience to explore significant factors and aspects are required.

Objectives:

To clarify the problems and difficulties faced by Chinese nurses during their work and life in Japan and to address their future challenges.

Methods:

We performed semi-structured interviews with 13 Chinese nurses working at 2 Japanese hospitals with Chinese and Japanese registered nurse licenses in 2017. We analyzed data using a qualitative inductive method.

Results:

We found that Chinese nurses were motivated to work at Japanese hospitals for several reasons. Many Chinese nurses working in Japan had difficulties with the language barrier, interpersonal relationships related to cultural differences, and loneliness in their daily life, and also experienced fewer opportunities for promotion than Japanese nurses and insufficient support from Japanese hospitals. Many Chinese nurses were anxious about their future in Japan. More than half did not have a clear future direction for their working life in Japan.

Conclusion:

This study clarified the circumstances and difficulties of Chinese nurses working in Japan. One novel finding was that the main reason for their difficulties is due to their unknown career path and future workplace setting. Therefore, support for overcoming the language barrier and improving cultural understanding from hospitals is necessary to help nurses make better decisions based on their future plans.
Lesson Learned: Developing Life Skills in Youth for Reducing Inequality and Elevating the Quality of Life in Highland Rural School Dormitories of Omkoi District, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Authors: Chupradit Priyanut W. , Chupradit Supat , Kumkun Chanakarn , Kumkronglek Jedbordin , Joompathong Natthanit
Published: August 2021

Background:

Youth dormitory management in Thailand’s education system reveals evidence of discrimination. This is due to the high deviation in educational policy in aspects such as high cost or budget of educational management with dormitory provision in some programmes, when compared to the lower number of youth who receive the benefits of these programmes. Moreover, some programmes are not fair in the selection criteria and had the objectives that responded only to a specific group of population.

Objective:

The objectives of the study were to implement a group intervention programme in life skills development for youth in highland rural school dormitories of Omkoi District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.

Methods:

This study used a qualitative research method to recruit and select 30 participants. Semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions were used to collect data from the participants. The thematic analysis method was used for analysing the collected data.

Results:

The findings revealed three themes: 1. The result of analysing and synthesising the context, 2. the result of developing the model, and 3. the result of the life skills development activity programme for youth who lived in the school dormitories.

Conclusion:

Further studies would be required in order to compare the situation between rural and urban areas. Furthermore, youth life skills development programmes should be developed in the appropriate contexts. Moreover, the researcher must pay more attention to the society and culture of the target audience in order to achieve development that would be consistent with the area.
Effect of Insecurity of Security Officers on Nigeria’s Economic Prospects
Authors: Mufutau A. Popoola  , Simba P. Lateef  , Shittu M. Olawale
Published: August 2021

This study examined the effect of insecurity of security officers on economic prospects in Nigeria. This work seeks to explain the meaning of security, insecurity, types of security, causes of insecurity of security officers, and its effect on Nigeria’s economic prospect. The security officials whose statutory assignment is to secure the citizens’ and aliens’ lives and properties must be first safe to discharge their duties diligently. Therefore, a random sampling was done through the distribution of 130 questionnaires to respondents. Also, secondary data, such as, relevant books, newspapers, research articles, and government publications in Nigeria, were adopted. After the data analysis was conducted, the findings testified that insecurity of security officials is evident in Nigeria due to many identified factors responsible for their insecurity. This hinders Nigeria’s economic prospect from discouragement caused to both existing and prospective investors locally and internationally. It also led to the displacement of investors from the crisis zone to a peaceful area, sometimes leading to the relocation of industry to assured security countries. After rigorous findings, this research concluded and recommended that the government, civil society, and every arm of society must take a proactive approach to ensure that the safety of every security official in Nigeria is given needed attention to address the issue.
Study on Job Autonomy and Job Proficiency of Private School Primary Teachers in Chennai Region
Authors: Chitra S.  , Vanitha Allavaram
Published: August 2021

In earlier days, employers felt the job satisfaction component is the only avenue to make employees happy. A lot of research studies proved that internal motivation/drive is also needed for improving employees, thereby giving way for enrichment avenues. One such enrichment avenue is autonomy given in job areas. This study focuses on job enrichment aspects for school-level teachers concentrating primary level teachers in the Chennai region. The enrichment tool analyzed in this paper is job autonomy for teachers that can have a significant effect on task crafting and curriculum analysis. The job proficiency level is compared after skill set improvement. This study is carried out to check the job level independence given to teachers and certain decentralization areas based on interest level. The study is also done to identify the related factors of the job proficiency level of teachers. The method used for collecting data is a convenient sampling method using a well-designed questionnaire. Two hundred samples are collected that are used for the data analysis section. Data analysis is done using statistical methods using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software and analysis of a moment structures (AMOS) software. Statistical techniques used for this study are linear regression and confirmatory factor output used to check the model fit. Research findings are teacher’s work-based competency levels that significantly affect students’ creativity using mind-mapping techniques. Task autonomy has a significant relationship with curriculum analysis and task crafting. This study recommends analyzing hidden factors of learner’s behavior to improve reflective teaching, leading to the teachers’ proficiency level in their job.
A Comparative Study of Teacher Effectiveness of Secondary School Teachers of Sonepat District
Authors: Manjeet Kumari
Published: August 2021

The teaching profession is a highly sophisticated profession that regularly reaches out past academics. Besides ensuring that students experience scholastic success, teachers must also work as surrogate parents, guides and counselors, and even almost-politicians. There is almost no limit to the jobs a teacher may play. The purpose of the present study was to study the teacher effectiveness of secondary school teachers of Sonepat district. For this study, a sample of 120 secondary school teachers was selected. The teacher effectiveness scale developed by Puri and Gakhar (2010) was used to measure teachers’ teaching effectiveness. The study’s findings revealed no significant difference between the teacher effectiveness of male and female secondary teachers of Sonepat district. It also revealed that gender does not affect teaching efficiency or effectiveness.
Engaging Learners during Online Teaching
Authors: Sah Ruchie , Sah Mridu
Published: August 2021

All the great things may not start from your comfort zone. Also, it is undeniable and something very usual that one needs to step out fromthe comfort zone to achieve something big. But Nature has its own plans. The way it taught everyone recently during the pandemic, to stepout of their comfort zones. It has also given them a chance to achieve whatever plans people had from their very own comfortable dwellings i.e.,their very own homes. WORK FROM HOME is something that is in everyone's mouth in the present times when the world is hit hard bya pandemic known as COVID 19 that can be expanded as Corona Virus on December 19. The pandemic brought down every aspect ofhuman productivity and made it confined to their own homes. We have seen the world-famous names such as Walt Disney, Bill Gates, andmany more who started their journey from their own very homes, and now we are stuck in a scenario where we have no other option but toeat at home, work at home, work from home. the kids had no more parks but they need to study at home and play at home. Working fromhome is not only by choice but also a necessity or the need of the hour. Equally important is to keep the students involved and engaged inthe online classes. The paper discusses various measures for the same. This paper is a case study of how teachers gradually shifted toonline teaching and the challenges they had to face while engaging learners while working from Home.
Farmers and Herdsmen Conflicts and His Consequence on Basic Necessities in Nigeria
Authors: Akanmu Popoola Mufutau , Olawale Shittu Muili , Olubukola Animashaun Aminat
Published: August 2021

This research examined the consequences of herdsmen and famers conflicts in middle belt region Nigeria. The study delved into vividly investigation of bloody conflicts between the two parties with the interest to provides information about the consequences of said conflict on basic necessities in Nigeria. Using descriptive method with the application of conflict theory while carrying out the findings. Thus a random sampling through distribution of questionnaire administered to 65 respondents with the aim to dish out tangible information on the consequence of conflict between herdsmen and farmers on basic necessities in Nigeria. The uses of data from secondary sources, such as personal experience, quantitative survey, relevant books, national and international journals, even online sources played enormous role in the reality of this study.
Digitalization and Employee Engagement in Nepalese Banking Sector
Authors: Hakuduwal Kishor
Published: August 2021

The objective of the present study is to analyse the impact of digitalization on employee engagement in the Nepalese banking sector.Digital usefulness, security, privacy, digital efficacy, and technology support are independent variables, and employee engagement is adependent variable. Using the Convenient sampling technique, 384 employees were selected, and a questionnaire survey was carried outto collect data in Kathmandu Vally of Nepal. Using F-test and t-test, the study found that digital usefulness, security, privacy, digitalefficacy, and technical support significantly impact employee engagement in the Nepalese banking sector
Customer Perception and Preferences towards Banking Services in India – A Case Study of Varanasi Region
Authors: Yadav Shashi
Published: August 2021

Marketing is an important function of business and viewed as an important instrument for attaining competitive advantage in the field ofservices. It is also considered a potent tool for attracting, holding and satisfying customers for the organization offering services. In India,the banking industry has been experiencing ups and downs for a long. In order to solve these problems and manage the challenges, it is verymuch essential for the banks to evolve and implement effective marketing strategies based on a customer-centric approach. This study focuseson the one of the essential elements of service marketing i.e., Process: Process used in the marketing of banking services, customers’perception towards this process and suggestive measures to improve the process of delivering the banking services to their customers.The study is based on primary data gathered with the help of a survey method. Survey has been conducted with the help of a structuredquestionnaire. With a view to obtaining opinions and views of customers of different banks, a sample of 100 customers has been taken forthe purpose of gathering information. With different statistical tools such as the weighted average method and ranking, the paper concludesthat most of the customers of banks are moderately satisfied with the service delivery process.
Volvió a Cantar el Viento
Authors: Vergara Guillermo
Published: August 2021

La poesía, lo sabemos todos, es la expresión del yo. De un hombre que revela su ser, exterioriza sus emociones, sentimientos, en fin, sus estados del alma. En Volvió a cantar el viento, el poeta escribe desde una práctica auténtica; en él se da una perfecta identificación entre el Yo lírico y el yo social. La experiencia vivencial, la intuición y la expresión poética son las mismas en ambos: el hombre y el poeta. Fernando Pessoa creía que la situación de emisión del mensaje lírico es idéntica a la situación vivencial del poeta. Guillermo Vergara Soto parece compartir ese parecer. Estamos, sin duda, ante una consciencia o inconsciencia exaltada del yo y sus circunstancias.
Delivery Outcomes During the COVID-19 Pandemic as Reported in a Pregnancy Mobile App: Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Noddin Katie , Bradley Dani , Wolfberg Adam
Published: August 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented obstacles for providers and patients in the maternal health care setting, causing changes to many pregnant women’s birth plans, as well as abrupt changes in hospital labor and delivery policies and procedures. Few data exist on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the maternal health care landscape at the national level in the United States.

Objective

The aim of this study is to assess the incidence of key obstetrics outcomes (preterm delivery, Cesarean sections, and home births) and length of hospital stay during the COVID-19 pandemic as compared to the 6 months prior.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women aged 18-44 years in the United States who delivered between October 1, 2019, and September 30, 2020, had singleton deliveries, and completed a birth report in the Ovia Pregnancy mobile app. Women were assigned to the prepandemic cohort if they delivered between October 2019 and March 2020, and the pandemic cohort if they delivered between April and September 2020. Gestational age at delivery, delivery method, delivery facility type, and length of hospital stay were compared.

Results

A total of 304,023 birth reports were collected, with 152,832 (50.26%) in the prepandemic cohort and 151,191 (49.73%) in the pandemic cohort. Compared to the prepandemic cohort, principal findings indicate a 5.67% decrease in preterm delivery rates in the pandemic cohort (P<.001; odds ratio [OR] 0.94, 95% CI 0.91-0.96), a 30.0% increase in home birth rates (P<.001; OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.23-1.4), and a 7.81% decrease in the average hospital length of stay postdelivery (mean 2.48 days, SD 1.35). There were no overall changes in Cesarean section rates between cohorts, but differences were observed between age, race, and ethnicity subgroups.

Conclusions

Results suggest a need for continuous monitoring of maternal health trends as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses and underline the important role of digital data collection, particularly during the pandemic.
Kidney Sellers From a Village in Nepal: Protocol for an Ethnographic Study
Authors: Shrestha Bijaya , Adhikari Bipin , Shrestha Manash , Sringernyuang Luechai
Published: August 2021

Background

Kidney selling is a global phenomenon, with higher-income countries functioning as recipients and lower-income countries as donors, reflecting the gaps due to poverty and vulnerability. In recent years, an increasing number of residents in a village near the capital city of Nepal have been selling their kidneys; however, the factors embedded in the local social, cultural, political, and individual context driving kidney selling are poorly understood.

Objective

The aim of this study is to explore the drivers of kidney selling and its consequences in Hokse village in central Nepal, using ethnographic methods and multistakeholder consultations.

Methods

An ethnographic approach will be adopted along with in-depth interviews and key informant interviews among the residents and kidney sellers in the village. Relevant participants in the village will be selected purposively using a snowball approach. The number of participants will be predicated on the principles of data saturation. In addition, consultations with relevant stakeholders will be conducted at various levels, which will include authorities within and outside the village, and policymakers. All interviews will be conducted face to face, audio-recorded for transcription, and subjected to a thematic analysis.

Results

This study was approved by Mahidol University Central Institutional Review Board (MU-CIRB 2020/217.1808) in September 2020 and by Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC 716/2020 PhD) in January 2021. The fieldwork started in February 2021 and the data analysis was completed in September 2021.

Conclusions

This study is expected to provide insight into the reasons underlying the practice of kidney selling based on the example of Hokse village, along with the perspectives of multiple stakeholders.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/29364
A integração do léxico português no ensino da língua cokwe
Authors: Silva Ana Alexandra , Eduardo Albano Agostinho
Published: August 2021

A língua portuguesa, enquanto entidade cultural abstrata, é exteriorizada como um instrumento de comunicação, presente em África, com maior expressividade em Angola e Moçambique (HAGEMEIJER, 2016), desde o século XV, num período de contacto continental. O presente artigo pretende contribuir para a discussão em torno do papel da língua portuguesa em Angola, ou melhor, para a multiplicidade de papéis que a língua oficial acaba por assumir no quotidiano dos seus falantes. Iremos centrar a nossa análise numa das línguas nacionais, o cokwe, tentando mostrar em que medida esta língua nacional interage com a língua oficial. Destacamos a integração desta língua nacional no subsistema de ensino primário, através de um programa de ensino bilingue. Haverá, pois, lugar a interferências que ocorrem no sentido cokwe–português e, mais tarde, português–cokwe. Para tal, iremos destacar as estratégias de integração lexical (mudança, nasalização e assimilação) e processos de acomodação dos estrangeirismos. Recolhemos exemplos que visam demonstrar como as unidades afixais são determinadas pela atração da natureza estrutural e semântica da raiz.
Os dicionários Aurélio: análise das Expressões Idiomáticas sob o olhar da Lexicografia Pedagógica
Authors: Caldas Ariane Donizete Delgado Ribeiro Caldas , Nadin da Silva Odair Luiz , Orenha-Ottaiano Adriane
Published: August 2021

O presente artigo visa empreender uma análise a partir de dois verbetes (pão e ovo) em três dicionários da série Aurélio (Mini Aurélio, Aurélio Júnior e Aurélio), a fim de verificar a forma como as Expressões Idiomáticas são abordadas em cada dicionário. Os verbetes apresentados nesta pesquisa foram escolhidos por meio de uma análise quantitativa, que buscou evidenciar os dois verbetes mais frequentes a partir de uma lista de expressões idiomáticas compiladas por Seco (2017). A partir desta seleção e sob a ótica da Lexicografia Pedagógica, a qual nos diz que os dicionários destinados ao ensino de um idioma, seja ela materno ou estrangeiro, devem atender as necessidades dos alunos que os utilizarão, buscamos analisar como os dicionários selecionados abordam as Expressões Idiomáticas, com a finalidade de verificar como se dá a apresentação destas expressões aos alunos. Os dados analisados, embora parciais, demostraram que os dicionários deixam a desejar pedagogicamente, pois identificamos a falta de informações que são relevantes para os consulentes.
Variação lexical no falar amazonense: um estudo dialetal e metalexicográfico das denominações para riacho/córrego
Authors: Sá Edmilson José de
Published: August 2021

Este artigo tem o intuito de analisar as variantes lexicais para riacho/córrego tanto do ponto de vista diatópico quanto metalexicográfico. Para tanto, apropriando-se das denominações registradas por Cruz (2004), no Atlas Linguístico do Amazonas e por Maia (2018), no Atlas Linguístico do Sul do Amazonas, serão verificados os limites onde se registram as variantes lexicais mais acentuadas e, investigando em dicionários produzidos por Houaiss (2009), Ferreira (2010) e Michaelis (2015), será apurado como são tratados os regionalismos diacronicamente, permitindo, assim, a percepção das convergências e divergências entre essas obras lexicográficas. Com base na análise, foi possível constatar algumas divergências no que concerne ao registro das denominações para os referidos itens de estudo e o que se encontra apregoado nos dicionários, suscitando a necessidade de atualização lexicográfica a partir das acepções regionalistas do Norte do País.
As unidades fraseológicas dos contos Le Petit Nicolas em dicionários bilíngues francês/português
Authors: Sampaio Angelo De Souza , Ribeiro Silvana Soares Costa
Published: August 2021

Estudos em Fraseologia (BOLLY, 2011; MONTEIRO-PLANTIN, 2017) apontamque falantes estrangeiros de uma determinada língua demonstram maior dificuldade em compreender o sentido global de unidades fraseológicas (UF), mesmo conhecendo o sentido individual que, habitualmente, é empregado a cada lexia que as compõem. Um bom exemplo disso está na compreensão das UFs presentes nos contos da coletânea de livros infanto-juvenis Le Petit Nicolas, comumente utilizada como leitura paradidática durante as aulas de Francês Língua Estrangeira (FLE). Pesquisas indicam que a maioria dos estudantes de línguas estrangeiras em níveis iniciais fazem uso de dicionários bilíngues para dirimir dúvidas quanto ao vocabulário da língua estrangeira em aprendizagem (ZUCCHI, 2010a). Em trabalhos anteriores (SAMPAIO; RIBEIRO, 2018), observamos que, embora as expressões idiomáticas tenham ganhado alguma atenção dos dicionários bilíngues e/ou fraseológicos no Brasil, os demais tipos de UFs não estão contemplados em tais obras lexicográficas, o que, possivelmente, aumenta a complexidade da leitura. Assim, o presente trabalho buscou identificar e catalogar as UFs presentes na série já mencionada, de modo que se pudesse melhor averiguar a dicionarização em obras lexicográficas bilíngues mais frequentemente consultadas por aprendizes de FLE no Brasil. Foram consultados cinco dicionários bilíngues (dois de uso geral e três fraseológicos). Para este artigo, o corpus foi limitado aos contos do primeiro livro da série. Os resultados mostraram que os dicionários bilíngues de francês no Brasil ainda carecem de atenção quanto à presença de UFs.
Wine Quality Prediction Using Machine Learning
Authors: Sangodkar Vrusha P.
Published: August 2021

Abstract: Nowadays people are living a luxurious lifestyle, wine has become a part of one's culture. consumption of wine is very common throughout the world so its quality is very important. hence its important to analyse wine quality quality of the wines are usually checked by humans through tasting but it has other physicochemical attributes which affects the taste but the process is slow hence machine learning methods can be used for the same. dataset is taken and feature selection is done using pca feature selection and then accuracy is find using SVM, backpropagation neural network and Random forest algorithm to find which model fits best and gives greater accuracy. Keywords: Data Extraction, PCA, SVM,BP neural network, Randomforest
Digital Assistant for Sound Classification Using Spectral Fingerprinting
Authors: Sinha Ria
Published: August 2021

Abstract: This paper describes a digital assistant designed to help hearing-impaired people sense ambient sounds. The assistant relies on obtaining audio signals from the ambient environment of a hearing-impaired person. The audio signals are analysed by a machine learning model that uses spectral signatures as features to classify audio signals into audio categories (e.g., emergency, animal sounds, etc.) and specific audio types within the categories (e.g., ambulance siren, dog barking, etc.) and notify the user leveraging a mobile or wearable device. The user can configure active notification preferences and view historical logs. The machine learning classifier is periodically trained externally based on labeled audio sound samples. Additional system features include an audio amplification option and a speech to text option for transcribing human speech to text output. Keywords: assistive technology, sound classification, machine learning, audio processing, spectral fingerprinting