bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Process Monitoring of Quality-Related Variables in Wastewater Treatment Using Kalman-Elman Neural Network-Based Soft-Sensor Modeling
Authors: Liu Yiqi , Yuan Longhua , Li Dong , Li Yan , Huang Daoping
Published: December 2021

Proper monitoring of quality-related but hard-to-measure effluent variables in wastewater plants is imperative. Soft sensors, such as dynamic neural network, are widely used to predict and monitor these variables and then to optimize plant operations. However, the traditional training methods of dynamic neural network may lead to poor local optima and low learning rates, resulting in inaccurate estimations of parameters and deviation of predictions. This study introduces a general Kalman-Elman method to monitor the effluent qualities, such as biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total nitrogen (TN). The method couples an Elman neural network with the square-root unscented Kalman filter (SR-UKF) to build a soft-sensor model. In the proposed methodology, adaptive noise estimation and weight constraining are introduced to estimate the unknown noise and constrain the parameter values. The main merits of the proposed approach include the following: First, improving the mapping accuracy of the model and overcoming the underprediction phenomena in data-driven process monitoring; second, implementing the parameter constraint and avoid large weight values; and finally, providing a new way to update the parameters online. The proposed method is verified from a dataset of the University of California database (UCI database). The obtained results show that the proposed soft-sensor model achieved better prediction performance with root mean square error (RMSE) being at least 50% better than the Elman network based on back propagation through the time algorithm (Elman-BPTT), Elman network based on momentum gradient descent algorithm (Elman-GDM), and Elman network based on Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm (Elman-LM). This method can give satisfying prediction of quality-related effluent variables with the largest correlation coefficient (R) for approximately 0.85 in output suspended solids (SS-S) and 0.95 in BOD and COD.
The Effect of Sol-Gel Coatings on the Phosphorus (P) Adsorption Capacity of Calcareous Materials for Use in Water Treatment
Authors: Jensen Solvei Mundbjerg , Søhoel Helmer , Blaikie Frances Helen , Brix Hans , Arias Carlos A.
Published: December 2021

(1) Phosphorus (P) removal has proven difficult in decentralized wastewater treatment systems, and P binding material, installed as an external filter, has been proposed for improving P removal. Especially, calcium (Ca)-rich materials have shown promising results. (2) Five calcareous materials were tested with isotherm batch experiments. The material with the highest P adsorption capacity was selected to undergo different Sol-Gel coatings, i.e., different coating dilution ratios (1:10, 1:5, and 1:1) and exposure periods (5, 10, and 15 min). The seven coated materials were evaluated by isotherm experiments. (3) The maximum adsorption capacity (Qmax) was determined by fitting the Langmuir equation. Qmax for the non-coated materials, and ranged from 0.7 (sand) to 35.1 (Catsan) mg P g−1 DW, while the coated materials ranged from 7.8 to 24.7 mg P g−1 DW depending on the coating. Based on the rotated Principal Component Analysis, the most important parameters for Qmax were the texture and the Ca content. (4) Catsan was the most promising material, but when performing a Sol-Gel coating, a trade-off between preserving Qmax and the coating thickness were evident, as the materials with the thinner coating preserved more of the sorption capacity. The development of P binding materials constitutes a useful technology in decentralized wastewater treatment systems.
Determinants in the Adoption of Alternate Wetting and Drying Technique for Rice Production in a Gravity Surface Irrigation System in the Philippines
Authors: Samoy-Pascual Kristine , Yadav Sudhir , Evangelista Gio , Burac Mary Ann , Rafael Marvelin , Cabangon Romeo , Tokida Takeshi , Mizoguchi Masaru , Regalado Manuel Jose
Published: December 2021

Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) is a well-known low-cost water-saving and climate change adaptation and mitigation technique for irrigated rice. However, its adoption rate has been low despite the decade of dissemination in Asia, especially in the Philippines. Using cross-sectional farm-level survey data, this study empirically explored factors shaping AWD adoption in a gravity surface irrigation system. We used regression-based approaches to examine the factors influencing farmers’ adoption of AWD and its impact on yield. Results showed that the majority of the AWD adopters were farmers who practiced enforced rotational irrigation (RI) scheduling within their irrigators’ association (IA). With the current irrigation management system, the probability of AWD implementation increases when farmers do not interfere with the irrigation schedule (otherwise they opt to go with flooding). Interestingly, the awareness factor did not play a significant role in the farmers’ adoption due to the RI setup. However, the perception of water management as an effective weed control method was positively significant, suggesting that farmers are likely to adopt AWD if weeds are not a major issue in their field. Furthermore, the impact on grain yields did not differ with AWD. Thus, given the RI scheduling already in place within the IA, we recommend fine-tuning this setup following the recommended safe AWD at the IA scale.
Circular Economy Development in the Construction Sector in Japan
Authors: Husgafvel Roope , Sakaguchi Daishi
Published: December 2021

The circular economy (CE) is about a system-level change towards sustainability, and it aims at keeping products, components, and materials at their highest utility and value at all times, covering both technical and biological cycles. This study aimed at exploring, discovering, describing, and synthesizing the characteristics of CE development in the construction sector in Japan based on the perspectives of sectoral organizations and focusing on the following themes: (1) sustainable production; (2) sustainable consumption; (3) creation and maintenance of value in a CE; (4) CE innovations; (5) CE of material and energy use; (6) technological, economic, and social barriers to CE; (7) CE guidance; and (8) specific CE aspects in the construction sector. This study applied a qualitative research approach, including a questionnaire survey as the specific method. This study addressed a gap in the research and helps to improve understanding of the CE development priorities based on the perspectives of organizations operating in or related to the construction sector in Japan. The findings indicate that the priority CE development focus areas in the construction sector in Japan encompass, for example, the use of sustainable and renewable raw materials; consumer awareness; and the design, use, and manufacturing of sustainable, recyclable, reusable, and repairable products, components, and materials. The barriers to CE that need to be overcome encompass, for example, the lack of general knowledge about circular economy opportunities and of seeing the “big picture” as well as issues related to economic benefits and the development of CE and sustainability-oriented products, components, and materials. Particularly important CE aspects in the construction sector include the maintenance of existing buildings; sustainability and the long-life cycles of products, components, and materials; CE-oriented product design; and sustainability criteria and cooperation between parties covering the whole life cycle of construction.
Efektivitas Hand Sanitizer Alami Ekstrak Daun Cengkeh (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry) terhadap Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Najiah Putri Sabilla Aulia , Hernawati Diana , Meylani Vita
Published: December 2021

Daun cengkeh mengandung senyawa antibakteri, dan komponen utama ekstrak daun cengkeh adalah eugenol yang memiliki aktivitas antibakteri. Berdasarkan efek tersebut, penelitian ini menggunakan ekstrak daun cengkeh untuk membuat hand sanitizer alami. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengukur efektivitas ekstrak daun cengkeh sebagai hand sanitizer dalam pengendalian Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode eksperimen sejati dan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL), dengan 6 perlakuan dan 4 ulangan, terdiri dari kontrol dan 5 perlakuan. Uji penghambatan diuji dengan metode difusi cakram. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah uji one way ANOVA 0,05 dan uji lanjutan Tukey HSD. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa hand sanitizer yang mengandung ekstrak daun cengkeh efektif menghambat pertumbuhan MRSA. Selain itu, penelitian ini menemukan bahwa konsentrasi terbaik untuk menghambat MRSA adalah konsentrasi pembersih tangan 20% dengan ekstrak daun cengkeh.
Aquaculture Production and Consumption of Fish in India
Authors: Das Dhanya Sai , Govindasamy R
Published: December 2021

Aquaculture and fisheries emerged as an important source of food, protein, nutrition, livelihood and employment for the majority of the rural population. The fisheries sector has registered a sustainable and astounding growth rate over the last decade. The sector offers an attractive and promising future for employment, livelihood and food security. The study is based on the available secondary data from different aspects of fishery statistics published in Handbook on Fisheries Statistics 2020 by the Government of India and other related articles. Data for the time series analysis was taken from 2001-02 to 2017-18. It is found that the world per capita apparent consumption of fish has been increased by 10.4 kg from the 1960s (i.e., 9.9 kg) to 2016 (i.e., 20.30 kg). By analysing the time-series data, it is evident that the total fish production, including both marines and inland, has shown an astounding growth with a Compound Growth Rate of 4.58. The regression equation was Y = 5.182X – 12267, R2 value was 0.9414 where Y is the total fish production (dependent variable) and X is the total fish seed production (independent variable). There exists a positive relationship between fish seed and fish production in the country. It can be concluded that aquaculture plays a significant role in the country’s GDP rate and food security.
A Study on Willingness to Pay of Household Solid Waste Management in Kureepuzha of Kollam District, Kerala
Authors: Pooja Vardhini S , Vanitha B
Published: December 2021

Since the origin of human beings, there exists a parallel waste generation. Human wants are unlimited; the generation of waste also differs. With the increase in industrial growth and urbanisation, waste generation was also going at an alarming rate. The improper disposal of waste will lead to a rise in the pollution level. It can be managed from the household level. So the study was based on the willingness to pay by the household for the household solid waste management and the reasons behind the non-willingness to pay.
Teachers’ Narratives as a Lens to Reveal their Professional Identity
Authors: Kahveci Pınar
Published: December 2021

This study adopts a narrative approach to revealing how English as a foreign language teachers construct their teacher identities. Kelchterman’s five dimensions of teacher identity; i.e., self-image, self-esteem, task perception, job motivation and future perspectives, were used as the theoretical lens to explore eight participants’ identity construction via the narratives they told in an online written interview form. Participants were eight EFL instructors who worked at higher education institutions around Turkey. Data was collected via an online survey tool and analysed via thematic analysis and open coding. Data revealed that the five dimensions of teacher identity do not develop in isolation from each other but a dynamic interaction among these identity dimensions exists.
Analyzing the Correlation Between Ideal L2 Self and Willingness to Communicate in L2 among EFL Learners
Authors: Bal Samet
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to investigate the learners’ levels of ideal L2 self and Willingness to Communicate (WTC) not only inside but also outside the EFL classrooms and the correlation between these two constructs. Thus, the research was designed as a qualitative study, and the correlational research design was implemented to seek answers to research questions. The participants were 61 EFL learners who studied at the preparatory school of a state university. The data collected by conducting the ideal L2 self scale and WTC survey for inside and outside the classroom were analyzed through descriptive statistics, and Pearson correlation test after the normality of the data was ensured. The findings showed that the vast majority of learners had moderate levels of ideal L2 self and WTC, and a small minority reported low levels of WTC and ideal L2 self. Besides, the findings pointed out that WTC and ideal L2 self are correlated with a statistically significant relationship in a positive manner. The study first discusses the contradictory and concurrent findings with respect to previous studies conducted in different contexts like Japan, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Iran and Turkey, then concludes with recommendations for teachers and further research.
An Investigation of Parents’ Use of Digital Media
Authors: Yaman Fatih , Çubukçu Ahmet , Küçükali Mustafa , Yurdakul Işıl Kabakçı
Published: December 2021

As the use of digital tools and the Internet becomes widespread and easier, the age of use is also decreasing. The decrease in the age of use makes opportunities as well as risks an important factor in digital environments. Children who are not aware of the risks in these environments may be exposed to various risks, especially as the age of Internet usage decreases. Parents are primarily responsible for protecting their children from risks in these environments. Parents can protect their children if they use digital media consciously and safely. In this context, the aim of this study is to investigate the parent’s conscious and safe use of the Internet across Turkey. In accordance with this purpose, the study was designed as a survey study and the data of the study were collected from 9581 parents from 26 provinces with the Conscious and Safe Use of the Internet questionnaire developed by the researchers in the study. Descriptive statistics (%, f, X ̅, SS), t-test for independent samples, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and correlation were used in the analysis of the data. As a result of the analysis of the data, it was determined that the parents’ use of the Internet on weekdays and weekends was similar, but this situation differed in children. It has also been determined that the leading situations that worry parents in digital environments are the harmful and illegal content and excessive time spent in these harmful and illegal environments.
The Effect of Peer Assessment Application on Writing Anxiety and Writing Motivation of 6th Grade Students
Authors: Tunagür Muhammed
Published: December 2021

This research, aims to investigate whether peer assessment application has an effect on writing anxiety and writing motivation of 6th grade students. It is one of the quantitative research designs. The study group of the research consists of 6th grade students attending a secondary school in Turkey. There are 35 students in the study, 17 are in the experimental group and 18 are in the control group. The data of the study were collected with “Writing Anxiety Scale” and the “Writing Motivation Scale”. For six weeks, a peer assessment application was carried out and the texts written by the students were evaluated by their peers with a peer assessment form. In the analysis of the data, firstly t-test was performed for unrelated groups, and two-way ANOVA was used for complex measures. According to the findings obtained in the research, it was concluded that writing anxiety of the experimental group students, who have lessons with peer assessment method, decreased significantly compared to the control group students who have lessons with the current program. When the students’ writing motivations were examined, it was found that writing motivation scores of the experimental group students were higher than the control group students. In line with these findings, it can be stated that peer assessment application reduces students’ writing anxiety and increases their writing motivation. Based on the results obtained, some recommendations were made.
Thematic Analysis in The Edible Women
Authors: Udhayakumar S
Published: December 2021

The Edible Women is one of the most outstanding novels of Margret Atwood which has set a big milestone in her writing career. The novel leaves multiple of interpretations since its subject touches the most sensitive and deepest chord of the society. The novel is more a social novel that it deals with the major issue of gender roles and relationships in general. Atwood has used the novel to magnify even the minute errors and ills of the society which is not touched by other writers of her time. She has clearly portrayed the actual problems of Canadian women of 1960s who have been suppressed by the patriarchal society. She has tried to name their problems which have no names and moreover her approaches to those problems are strange and new.And hence, the novel is called as a proto-feminist novel. Beyond the feministic point of view, the story conveys various themes such as self-discovery, marriage, love, sex, modernity, cultural attitude, relationship and many. Besides, the novel is filled with various symbolic and metaphorical elements that support the author’s presupposition of her world view. Therefore, the paper has made an inquiry in to various thematic elements and symbols to explore the hidden meanings bound with in the story.
Speaking Tamil Language is Prohibited for Primary Children by Bilingual Private Schools at the School Premises in Tamil Region in Sri Lanka
Authors: Remoshan Vanmathy
Published: December 2021

This study presents an overview of the students those who study in the medium of English Language at the private bilingual schools about the prohibition of Tamil Language even though they live in the Tamil Region as a native speaker of Tamil Language. The bilingual children of primary section who have become dominant in English Language learning by the private bilingual schools. On the other hand speaking their mother tongue Tamil is highly prohibited at the schools premises in Tamil Region. The study identifies the term “Bilingual Education” and why speaking of Tamil Language is restricted for the Tamil native children. If there is a student in the bilingual education, he/she can study his/her whole subjects in English Language, at the same time there is no any necessities to stop talking Tamil language at the school premises. So while learning or studying in the medium of English, the student can speak in Tamil language. At last according to the quote of Albert Einstein “Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.” But unfortunately nowadays it is changed by these bilingual private schools in Tamil Region. Our children really suffer by the domination of their second language instead of using their mother tongue Tamil.
Obsolete Worship
Authors: Mangaiyarkkarasi G
Published: December 2021

Man, who at first feared the power of nature, worshiped nature so as not to succumb to its wrath. He worshiped many deities such as nature worship, tree worship, Murugan worship, Shiva worship. Worship of Indra, Varuna, Kaman, Brahman, Balarama and Nadukal, which were once worshiped as special deities, are not in use today.
Honors of the Poets as Stated in the Sangam Literature
Authors: Amarraj T
Published: December 2021

Literature are not forget to convey a wide variety of messages such as love, heroism, culture, and profession. Kings, however, were revered as deities in those days. When the king’s nobles forgot his position and went astray, the poets followed the advice and saved the country. We will see that such poets have been studied from the perspective that persists to this day.
ASPECTS OF USING CYBERSPACE FOR CORPORATE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Authors: ЗАКАЛКИН П.В.
Published: December 2021

Даны определение термина «киберпространство» и описательное представление киберпространства как пространства. Проведено сравнение свойств физического пространства и киберпространства,а также системы связи и киберпространства. Выделены ключевые отличия киберпространства от систем связи. Рассмотрена роль киберпространства в предоставлении услуг корпоративным системам управления. Показано, что использование результатов исследования в совокупности со структурно-функциональной моделью киберпространства позволит разработать его аналитико-имитационную модель.

A definition of the term "cyberspace" and a descriptive representation of cyberspace as a space are given. A comparison of the properties of physical space and cyberspace, as well as the communication system and cyberspace, is given. Key differences between cyberspace and communication systems are highlighted. The role of cyberspace in providing services to corporate management systems is considered. It is shown that the use of the results of the study in conjunction with the structural and functional model of cyberspace will allow to develop its analytical and simulation model.

CYBERSPACE, INFORMATION SERVICES, COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM, CORPORATE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
partidos socialistas de Ricardo Falcón
Authors: Herrera Carlos
Published: December 2021

El trabajo analiza desde una perspectiva historiográfica la obra de Ricardo M. Falcón sobre el Partido Socialista. El artículo se centra en las principales hipótesis trabajadas por el autor, así como en su perspectiva teórica y política, la cual se puede ver reflejada a lo largo de las casi cuatro décadas de trayectoria académica, sintetizadas en el presente escrito. Paralelamente, se realiza una retrospectiva de sus aportes a la historia social, centrada en los sectores populares, que fue el otro gran tema presente en los escritos de Ricardo Falcón.
ORTAOKUL ÖĞRENCİLERİNİN SU AYAK İZİ, SU FARKINDALIĞI VE SU OKURYAZARLIĞI HAKKINDAKİ GÖRÜŞLERİ
Authors: ÖZERDİNÇ Fatma , HAMALOSMANOĞLU Mustafa
Published: December 2021

Bu çalışmanın amacı Bilim Uygulamaları dersini alan ortaokul altıncı sınıf öğrencilerinin su ayak izi, su okuryazarlığı ve su farkındalığı hakkındaki görüşlerinin ortaya çıkarılmasıdır. Bu çalışmada nitel araştırma desenlerinden biri olan betimsel araştırma deseni kullanılmıştır. Bu araştırma kapsamında Bilim Uygulamaları dersinde bir eğitim yılı boyunca su ile ilgili etkinlikler yapan altı öğrenci çalışma grubu olarak seçilmiştir. Çalışma grubundaki altı öğrenci 2020-2021 eğitim öğretim yılında bir devlet okulunun altıncı sınıfında okumakta olup Bilim Uygulamaları dersine katılmışlardır. Çalışmada veri toplama aracı olarak araştırmacı tarafından hazırlanan yedi soruluk görüşme formu kullanılmıştır. Veri toplanma sürecinde öğrencilerle görüşmeler yapılmış ve bu görüşmeler kayıt altına alınmıştır. Daha sonra görüşmelerin ses kayıtları yazıya aktarılmıştır. Çalışmadan elde edilen veriler içerik analizi ile açıklanmıştır. Görüşmelerden elde edilen veriler anlamlandırılmış ve temalar, kategoriler ve kodlar oluşturularak sunulmuştur. Bu araştırmanın geçerlik ve güvenirliği araştırmacı tarafından desteklenmiştir. Bulgulardan elde edilen kodlardan bazıları su ile ilgili olarak yaşam kaynağı, su kaynakları ile ilgili olarak barajlar, su okuryazarlığı ile ilgili olarak suyun farkında olmak, su ayak izi ile ilgili olarak harcadığımız su miktarını hesaplamak ve su farkındalığı ile ilgili olarak bilinçlendirme çalışmaları örnek verilebilir. Bu çalışmada elde edilen sonuçlar su okuryazarlığının ortaokul seviyesinde kazandırılabileceğini göstermektedir.
Gestational Age, Exclusive Breastfeeding, Attitude Complementary Foods Associated with Stunting Infants
Authors: Atik Atik Pramesti Wilujeng
Published: December 2021

Introduction : Many factors influence the occurrence of stunting in toddlers, but the most important factor influencing the incidence of stunting comes from the mother. Objective: This study aims to analyze the relationship between gestational age of infants, exclusive breastfeeding and mother's attitude in giving complementary foods with the incidence of stunting in infants aged 6-24 months. Method: The research design is Cross Sectional. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling involving 125 mothers of infants aged 6-24 months. Result: The results found that gestational age (p value = 0.016), exclusive breastfeeding (p value = 0.027) and complementary feeding (p value = 0.00) have positive correlation with attitude and complementary feeding. The babies born with a small gestational age are at risk of stunting. Exclusive breastfeeding for infants aged 0-6 months followed by a positive mother's attitude in preparing and providing quality complementary foods can reduce the risk of babies experiencing stunting, so nurses' efforts are needed to provide health education to mothers to optimize their role in infant care and nutrition. Recommendation: Health workers, both nurses and midwives, should increase their role in providing health education to mothers with babies aged 6-24 months about the importance of Antenatal Care, health education about the benefits of breastfeeding and forming of breastfeeding motivators and providing health education to mothers under five how to arrange a supplementary food menu for toddlers
Computed Tomography (CBCT) Services by Product Quality, Customer Trust and Customer Loyalty: A Linear Regression
Authors: Rizki Rizki , Pamungkas Rian Adi , Purwati Wahyuni Dian
Published: December 2021

Introduction: In a hospital service, there must be a superior service that can be used as a weapon in capturing patients in carrying out treatment through doctor referrals, in this case the presence of CBCT services. Word of Mouth (WOM) occurs when customers talk to others about their opinion about a particular brand, product, service or company to others. There are several factors that are believed to increase the desire of a referring dentist to do word of mouth, including the quality of the CBCT product itself, loyalty and the level of trust of a dentist as a consumer. Objective: The study aimed to examine the relationship between product quality, customer trust, and customer loyalty with word of mouth on CBCT services. Method: The descriptive study was undergone with cross-sectional approach. A total of 134 dentists as were selected using the systematic random sampling. The linear regression was used to analyze the data to test between the dependent and independent variables. Results: The findings showed that there are significantly associated between the product quality, customer trust, and customer loyalty to word of mouth of customer for using the CBCT services. Recommendation: Further researchers need to develop path analysis or SEM methods to predict the word of mouth of customer for using the CBCT services
Home as a mixture of spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic: The case of migrant families in Poland
Authors: Popyk Anzhela
Published: December 2021

The spread of the coronavirus has led to significant modifications in the majority of social and private institutions. For most families, home is now the location of many activities that are usually kept separate, such as work, school, entertainment, and socialising. Migrant families, for whom the school was the primary place for socialising, were forced to “host” school at home. As a result, migrant families’ homes have been reconstructed from a private household and intimate dwelling place into a mixture of spaces. This paper applies the theory of social diffusion developed by Dodd and Winthrop, and the concept of social solvation designed by Sarnowska et al., to study the diffusion of places at the time of lockdown. The data are derived from a qualitative study of migrant families in Poland during the school shutdown. This study investigates how the mixture of various places within the home has affected the lives of family members.
A Proposição e Resolução de Problemas na aprendizagem de Matemática: possibilidades para o Ensino Superior
Authors: Gieseler Leonardo Cristiano , Schneider Bruno , Possamai Janaína Poffo , Allevato Norma Suely Gomes
Published: December 2021

Pesquisas recentes constatam a importância de os estudantes desenvolverem o seu papel de forma ativa no processo de ensino e aprendizagem. Nesse sentido, este artigo objetiva analisar contribuições da proposição e resolução de problemas como concepções de ensino a fim de proporcionar aos estudantes do Ensino Superior que estes sejam ativos no desenvolvimento da sua aprendizagem em Matemática ao propor e resolver problemas associados ao conteúdo de análise combinatória. A investigação ocorreu durante o primeiro semestre de 2021, desenvolvida com 56 estudantes matriculados em duas turmas de bacharelado em Ciência da Computação, na Universidade Regional de Blumenau, em Santa Catarina, Brasil. Caracteriza-se como uma pesquisa empírica, sendo os dados de natureza qualitativa-quantitativa e, no que diz respeito aos procedimentos adotados, constitui-se como uma investigação-ação, na qual o registro de dados foi realizado por meio de diário de campo, registro de documentos e gravações audiovisuais. Como resultados obtidos, constatou-se que as concepções de ensino de Matemática adotadas permitiram desenvolver habilidades associadas à aprendizagem matemática, bem como a outras habilidades específicas relacionadas ao contexto de formação profissional dos próprios estudantes. Entretanto, a pesquisa apresentou possibilidades de ensino e de aprendizagem de Matemática a serem investigadas em futuras pesquisas e práticas de ensino, indo além do desenvolvimento exclusivo do pensamento matemático associado ao conteúdo abordado ao permitir que os estudantes tragam para a sala de aula as suas próprias habilidades e conhecimentos, oriundos de suas vivências e contextos pessoais.
Broadband, large-numerical-aperture and high-efficiency microwave metalens by using a double-layer transmissive metasurface
Authors: Liu Yong-Qiang , Ren Zhongru , Shu Yingchao , Wu Lujun , Sun Jinhai , Cai He , Zhang Xutao , Lu Lan , Qi Kainan , Li Liangsheng , Che Yongxing , Yin Hongcheng
Published: December 2021

Broadband metalenses consisting of sub-wavelength phase gradient elements are indispensable in modern science and technology. So far, several broadband optical metalenses are demonstrated but mostly with either small NA or relatively low focusing efficiency. Herein, an ultra-thin broadband microwave metalens (frequency range from 8.0 to 10.5 GHz) with a relatively high-efficiency above 40% and a large NA of more than 0.6 is presented. The metalens is also fabricated and the measurement results agree with the simulations very well. The performances of the presented broadband metalens can surpass nowadays microwave metalenses largely and open up new vistas for low-profile, low-cost and light-weight microwave components.
The influence of current ratio, debt to equity ratio, and return on assets on dividend payout ratio
Authors:   Accounting Department, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Widyatama, Bandung, Indonesia, Shabrina Widya , Hadian Niki ,   Accounting Department, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Widyatama, Bandung, Indonesia
Published: December 2021

Abstract Purpose: This study aimed to determine whether the current ratio, debt to equity ratio, and return on assets affected the dividend payout ratio of mining companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the 2016-2018 period. Research Methodology: The research method used in this study was an explanatory method. The sampling technique used in this study was non-probability sampling with a purposive sampling technique so that the total sample size was 34 mining companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the period 2016-2018. The analysis method used in this research was panel data regression analysis using Eviews 9. Results: The results showed that the current ratio, debt to equity ratio, and return on assets affected the dividend payout ratio. In addition, the research results also showed that the magnitude of the influence of the current ratio, debt to equity ratio, and return on assets in contributing to the dividend payout ratio was 51.5%. Limitations: The study was limited to only a few factors, namely the current ratio, debt to equity ratio, and return on assets to the dividend payout ratio. Contribution: This research is expected to be of benefit to the company in determining the policy of dividend distribution from several financial performance factors including current ratio, debt to equity ratio, and return on assets. Keywords Current ratio; Debt to equity ratio; Return on assets; Dividend payout ratio
Pengaruh Fraud Pentagon terhadap Kecurangan Laporan Keuangan dengan Komite Audit sebagai Variabel Moderasi
Authors:   Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta, Depok, Luhri Afifah Sentani Rahma Nia , Mashuri Ayunita Ajengtiyas S ,   Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta, Depok, Ermaya Husnah Nur Laela ,   Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta, Depok
Published: December 2021

Abstract Purpose: This study aims to determine the effect of the five components from fraud pentagon, namely pressure, opportunity, rationalization, competence, and arrogance moderated by the audit committee on fraudulent financial statements. Research Methodology: This research is a type of quantitative research using secondary data in the form of annual reports and company financial reports. The regression model used in this study is logistic regression which is processed using the STATA version 16. Results: The results of this study are pressure has a significant positive effect on fraudulent financial statements. Meanwhile, opportunities, rationalization, competence, and arrogance do not have an effect on fraudulent financial statements, besides that the audit committee also cannot moderate the effect of the pressure, opportunities, rationalization, competence, and arrogance on fraudulent financial statements. Limitations: The lack of supporting literature obtained by the authors regarding the audit committee that oversees management in the company is used as a moderating variable on the topic of financial statement fraud. Contribution: This study's results can be used as a reference for further researchers and take into consideration for company management, investors, and creditors in making decisions.
Pengaruh Ukuran Perusahaan, Net Profit Margin, dan Total Asset Turn Over terhadap Pertumbuhan Laba Article Sidebar Main Article Content Abstract
Authors:   Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta, DKI Jakarta, Razak Arfandi , Guritno Yoyoh ,   Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta, DKI Jakarta, Putra Andi Manggala ,   Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta, DKI Jakarta
Published: December 2021

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of company size, net profit margin, and total asset turnover on profit growth in manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in the 2018-2020 period. Research Methodology: This type of research is a quantitative research that uses secondary data in the form of annual reports. This observation used a sample of 105 companies in the manufacturing sector. The technique for analyzing the data in this study used multiple linear regression, classical assumption test, and partial hypothesis test (t-test) with data processing using the help of the STATA v.16 application. Result: Based on the results of data analysis, it can be concluded that firm size has no effect on profit growth, and total asset turn over has a positive effect on profit growth, total asset turn over has no effect on profit growth. Limitation: The limitations of this study are some companies are late in reporting their financial statements, the study only focuses on the manufacturing sector, and the limitations of the variables used. Contribution: This research is expected to contribute for investors and companies to find out the factors that influence profit growth.
The impact of hotel attributes on room rate in star graded hotels in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Authors:   Department of Tourism Studies, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka, Karunarathne A.C.I.D. , Silva D A C ,   Department of Economics, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Published: December 2021

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine how the availability or absence of different hotel attributes affect the room rate during a given period. This study identified the impact of various hotel attributes on the room rate. Research methodology: Published data on available hotel attributes, and room rates of selected room categories of star-graded hotels in Colombo district, Sri Lanka, were gathered online through booking.com. The Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) method was used to estimate the impact of key determinants under hotel amenities, quality signals, and locational attributes. Results: The results revealed eleven key attributes of the room rate in star-graded hotels, illustrating the positive impact from seven determinants and the negative impact from four determinants. Hotel class or star grade was the most significant determinant in the room rate, which generally determines the pricing behavior and service quality and most of the attributes and characteristics in a hotel. Availability of a business center, location of the hotel, fitness center/spa, total number of rooms in the hotel, room size, and view from room also significantly determined the room rate. Limitations: Booking.com, as the most popular Online Travel Agent (OTA) used in Sri Lanka, it was assumed that the information is frequently updated. The study was extended for the hotels in the Colombo district, and hence, the results were based on the point data, which may not be an islandwide representation or year through data. Contribution: As theoretical applications are underused in pricing and revenue decisions in the Sri Lankan hotel sector, results will lead to advance the decision making of practitioners, and this study will be a complement to the lack of literature in the field of revenue management in Sri Lankan context and may encourage future researchers laying an inspiring beginning.
Strategic Agility: A prospect for sustainable performance of micro-businesses in South-Eastern Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria, Francis Monyei Ezieshi , Anene Okeke Patrick ,   Department of Business Administration, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, Chike Nwosu Kanayo ,   Department of Marketing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
Published: December 2021

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the role strategic agility plays in the sustainable performance of micro-businesses, while specifically, it sort to examine the link between micro-businesses decision-making and technology adoption in South-eastern Nigeria Research methodology: A survey research method was adopted with a population quoted at 210 Micro-business registered owners in South-eastern Nigeria. The sample size of 136 was arrived at using Krejcie and Morgan's (1970) formula. A questionnaire set was designed for data collection and analyzed using the Linear Regression Statistics at a 5% level of significance. Results: Decision-making and technology adoption have a statistical significant relationship with Micro-businesses in South-eastern Nigeria (R2 = .959; F = 1180.390; p-value < 0.05). Limitations: The study did not cover all the five states in the region where the study was conducted. Contribution: The study excruciates strategic agility's role, its prospect for Micro-businesses, and its link with sustainable performance in a turbulent and dynamic business environment.
DPb-MOPSO: A Novel Dynamic Pareto bi-level Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Aboud Ahlem , Rokbani Nizar , Fdhila Raja , Qahtani Abdulrahman M. , Almutiry Omar , dhahri habib , Hussain Amir , Alimi Adel
Published: December 2021

Particle swarm optimization system based on the distributed architecture has shown its efficiency for static optimization and has not been studied to solve dynamic multiobjective problems (DMOPs). When solving DMOP, tracking the best solutions over time and ensuring good exploitation and exploration are the main challenging tasks. This study proposes a novel Dynamic Pareto bi-level Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization (DPb-MOPSO) algorithm including two parallel optimization levels. At the first level, all solutions are managed in a single search space. When a dynamic change is successfully detected, the Pareto ranking operator is used to enable a multiswarm subdivisions and processing which drives the second level of enhanced exploitation. A dynamic handling strategy based on random detectors is used to track the changes of the objective function due to time-varying parameters. A response strategy consisting in re-evaluate all unimproved solutions and replacing them with newly generated ones is also implemented. Inverted generational distance, mean inverted generational distance, and hypervolume difference metrics are used to assess the DPb-MOPSO performances. All quantitative results are analyzed using Friedman's analysis while the Lyapunov theorem is used for stability analysis. Compared with several multi-objective evolutionary algorithms, the DPb-MOPSO is robust in solving 21 complex problems over a range of changes in both the Pareto optimal set and Pareto optimal front. For 13 UDF and ZJZ functions, DPb-MOPSO can solve 8/13 and 7/13 on IGD and HVD with moderate changes. For the 8 FDA and dMOP benchmarks, DPb-MOPSO was able to resolve 4/8 with severe change on MIGD, and 5/8 for moderate and slight changes. However, for the 3 kind of environmental changes, DPb-MOPSO assumes 4/8 of the solving function on IGD and HVD.
Clustering students according to their proficiency: a comparison between different approaches based on item response theory models
Authors: Fabbricatore Rosa , Palumbo Francesco
Published: December 2021

Evaluating learners' competencies is a crucial concern in education, and home and classroom structured tests represent an effective assessment tool. Structured tests consist of sets of items that can refer to several abilities or more than one topic. Several statistical approaches allow evaluating students considering the items in a multidimensional way, accounting for their structure. According to the evaluation's ending aim, the assessment process assigns a final grade to each student or clusters students in homogeneous groups according to their level of mastery and ability. The latter represents a helpful tool for developing tailored recommendations and remediations for each group. At this aim, latent class models represent a reference.
In the item response theory (IRT) paradigm, the multidimensional latent class IRT models, releasing both the traditional constraints of unidimensionality and continuous nature of the latent trait, allow to detect sub-populations of homogeneous students according to their proficiency level also accounting for the multidimensional nature of their ability. Moreover, the semi-parametric formulation leads to several advantages in practice: It avoids normality assumptions that may not hold and reduces the computation demanding.
This study compares the results of the multidimensional latent class IRT models with those obtained by a two-step procedure, which consists of firstly modeling a multidimensional IRT model to estimate students' ability and then applying a clustering algorithm to classify students accordingly. Regarding the latter, parametric and non-parametric approaches were considered.
Data refer to the admission test for the degree course in psychology exploited in 2014 at the University of Naples Federico II. Students involved were N=944, and their ability dimensions were defined according to the domains assessed by the entrance exam, namely Humanities, Reading and Comprehension, Mathematics, Science, and English. In particular, a multidimensional two-parameter logistic IRT model for dichotomously-scored items was considered for students' ability estimation.
The role of the extra-man play actions in elite water polo matches: which elements lead to a good shot?
Authors: Lubisco Alessandro
Published: December 2021

In water polo, two teams comprised of six outfield players and a goalkeeper compete for four quarters of 8 minutes’ real play in a playing area of 30x20m. Each team has 30 seconds to complete an action.
A frequent situation thought to be very significant to the final result of a match is the extra-man play action. After a major foul a player is sent out of play for 20 seconds. The attacking team, with a series of passes and player movements must quickly try to disrupt the defence and enable a shot. And defence has to work on coordination of movement between players so that the attack finds it difficult to score too easily. Coaches dedicate a lot of time to training their team to attack and defend in an extra-man situation. This paper investigates the issue of extra-man play actions in detail. A study is performed into data from the 2020 European men’s water polo championships, whose aim is to identify whether man-up play actions have any elements that lead to a good shot, meaning a ball in the goal even if it is saved.
Several characteristics were recorded on each extra-man play action, but only few of them seem to influence its outcome. This may be explained by the fact that the outcome of a play action is not only linked to the execution of a strategy, but it is influenced by factors which may not all be measured.
Measuring the impact of healthcare indicators on academic medical centers’ scientific production
Authors: Cuccurullo Corrado , D’Aniello Luca , Aria Massimo , Spano Maria
Published: December 2021

The Italian public-owned Academic Medical Centers (AMCs) are hospitals where the activities of scientific research, teaching, and patients care are fully integrated. AMCs have an enormous impact on society and country health. Recently, policymakers and practitioners give more and more great importance to the AMCs’ scientific activity for both welfare and national competitivity. The scientific production and its impact on the research community could be obviously affected by different factors related to the structural and operational characteristics of each AMC. Healthcare institutions could be different for the typology of services that they offer, their geolocation, the presence/absence of Emergency Departments, the number of employees, and so forth. In this sense, our study aims to investigate and determine which are the possible factors impacting the research productivity of AMCs. We develop a model to assess the academic value of AMCs by taking into account these factors and how they are related to healthcare performance, measured in terms of scientific production (e.g. scientific publications) and impact on the research field (e.g. citations). To face this issue, for each of the public AMCs we collect data about research productivity from bibliographic indexing databases (e.g. Web of Science, PubMed) and we retrieve structural information mainly from their official websites.
This work has been partially financed by the research project “Leading Change in Academic Medical Centers”, funded by the competitive call for projects V:ALERE 2019. The project aims to provide evidence, advice, and remarks to help the agents of the public health system to address the many challenges that they face.