bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A REVIEW ON WETLAND PLANT DIVERSITY OF GUJARAT
Authors: Radhanpuri Falak
Published: May 2023

Gujarat is a state in India that has a lot of wetlands. Gujarat is actually the top state when it comes to the size of the wetlands because its wetland area makes up an incredible 23% of the nation's total wetland area. According to Space Applications Center (SAC-ISRO), there are 34,749.50 square metres of wetlands overall. In the study on plant diversity of Gujarat, information on primary types of wetlands and their uses as well as their capacity to store water was also obtained. Moreover, some species of plants that thrive in nearby wetlands were also investigated for Gujarat wetland plant diversity., Gujarat wetlands include medicinal plants. Some of their species were found. The paper identified 124 species, 56 genera and 29 families from Gujarat. In 24 herbs, 4 creepers, 4 shrubs and 4 trees were found.
EXACERBATING LAND USE PATTERNS IN URBAN AREAS: A SPATIO - TEMPORAL STUDY OF URBANIZATION IN PATAN CITY, GUJARAT
Authors: Darji Prince , Desai Nirmal , Bhavsar Dhara , Pandya Himanshu
Published: May 2023

This study examines the urbanisation and alterations in land use in Patan, a city in Gujarat. Rural areas are transformed into urban areas through the process of urbanisation. The study investigates the effects of this procedure on Patan's land use. Satellite images from 2012 and 2022 are used in the study to map and track changes in the study area. The study examines the many land classifications in the region, including water bodies, built-up areas, vegetation, agriculture, agricultural fallow land, riverbeds, and barren land. It does so using tools like QGIS and ArcGIS. The study's conclusions show that Patan's land use has changed significantly during the previous ten years. While agriculture and agricultural fallow have reduced, the built-up area has expanded. These changes are attributable to the urbanisation and expanding population of the region. This study underlines the requirement for efficient land use laws and rules that support Patan's sustainable urban development. Urbanization can have detrimental effects on the ecology, the loss of agricultural land, and other factors if it is not planned for properly. The study emphasises the significance of efficiently managing urban areas through the use of GIS and remote sensing technology. These technologies can offer insightful information about how land use is changing and how urbanisation affects the environment. This study sheds light on Patan's urbanisation and shifting land use patterns and emphasises the necessity of sustainable urban planning and management.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF NUTRITIONAL VALUE IN MORINGA OLEIFERA CHOCOLATE
Authors: Chachapara Jatin , Chaudhari Kruti , Stacey Christian , Pandya Himanshu , Maitreya Bharat
Published: May 2023

Everybody loves chocolate if it’s tasty and with health benefits its variety of chocolate known as herbal chocolate with Moringa contains, which used for its medical benefits for many years. Moringa is a fantastic complement to chocolate since it is a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals; Moringa chocolate made with herbal ingredients has several possible health advantages. Moringa chocolate contains dark cocoa powder, pea nut cardamom and cinnamon, cocoa butter, and Moringa powder. The present study shows that chocolate has a little nutty, mouth fresh and earthy flavor that balances off its sweetness, and quality evaluation were done for Moringa. Physiochemical analysis was done for Moringa chocolate to check the amount of protein, fat, energy, Fiber, and carbohydrates which indicates the presence of different bimolecular present in Moringa chocolate.
COMPARISON OF NORMAL LANDSCAPING AND WATER-WISE LANDSCAPING OF SELECTED FARM IN THE AHMEDABAD AREA
Authors: Prajapati Rinku , Pandya Isha , Maitreya Bharat
Published: May 2023

Water-wise landscaping is regarded as an essential landscaping method in countries with water scarcity. Estimating the water demand associated with urban green infrastructure is crucial for the management of water resources and sustainable design in arid campus settings. This study focuses on analyzing urban wise water landscape quantities to help university campus decision-makers reduce urban water consumption and preserve the urban campus water content for asset management and life quality. According to the research, herbaceous flowering plant-only water-efficient landscapes were both significantly more popular and less expensive than other landscape designs. Except for the combination of deciduous and evergreen plants, all water-wise design trends were chosen over water-demanding landscapes.
A REVIEW ON ETHNOMEDICINAL USES, PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF COCCULUS HIRSUTUS (L.) DIELS AND COCCULUS PENDULUS (FORST) DIELS
Authors: Sadhu Sweta , Modi Nainesh , Prajapati Mayur
Published: May 2023

Menispermaceae is an important angiosperm family containing several medicinally important plants including Cocculus. This review presents a comparative report of two species of this genus, namely, Cocculus hirsutus (L.) Diels and Cocculus pendulus(J. R. Forst. & G. Forst.) Diels. While both species are immensely used by the tribal folk in various forms, they are also abundantly utilised in western medicine. Phytochemical analysis of both species report the presence of several important phytochemicals like alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, sterols, etc. The pharmacological studies of C. hirsutus(L.) and C. pendulus (Forst)report that the plants contain many properties such antibacterial, anticancer, antiviral, wound-healing, diuretic, analgesic, among others that are quite beneficial to human health. Though much analysis and research work has been reported for Cocculus hirsutus(L.), there are yet many studies to be done on the aspects of Cocculus pendulus (Forst).
ASSESSMENT OF ENERGY AND WATER AUDIT OF SELECTED SCHOOL OF AHMEDABAD
Authors: Mansuri Almas , Bhavsar Dhara , Mankad Archana
Published: May 2023

Climate change is one of the most significant environmental and societal issues of our time. This increase in temperature would have catastrophic consequences for the planet. To mitigate the impacts of climate change, urgent action is required at both the individual and societal levels. Energy audit is an essential process of identifying, analyzing, and evaluating the energy consumption patterns of a building or facility. Water audit is the process of analyzing water usage and identifying opportunities for conservation and efficiency improvements. A water audit can help individuals and organizations understand how much water they are using, this general structure of the energy assessment has undergone a few changes, It includes collecting data on water usage, identifying leaks and inefficiencies, and implementing measures to reduce water waste Which Was Created By American Water Works Association (AWWA) And International Water Association (IWA) In 2000.
Pemodelan Aplikasi Pendeteksi Pelaksanaan Social Distancing dalam Membantu Pengawasan Program 3M
Authors: Nasir Arnold , Baralangi Stefany Yunita
Published: May 2023

The Coronavirus has made severe damage to the society around the world. Every aspect of human life was affected. As the result, the government propose the “new normal” policy to be applied as the new standards for regulating people in doing their activities. One of the rules within the new normal policy is to implement social distancing in a public space. In order to enforce the rule, the implementation of computer vision technology by using CNN becomes one of the solutions, especially in the university environment.
Simulasi Sistem Monitoring Kondisi Pasien Serangan Jantung Menggunakan Arduino dan Sensor Detak Jantung
Authors: Whiliams  , Sumarta Sean Coonery
Published: May 2023

Coronary heart disease is the most common cause of death in developed countries. The number of sufferers of this disease is increasing every year, WHO data states that 17.3 million people are estimated to die from cardiovascular causes in 2008, representing 30% of all global deaths. From the death data, it is estimated that 7.3 million are caused by coronary heart disease. CHD is still difficult to detect by the public because heart rate measurements are still using tools that are not yet portable. Therefore, the need for a portable heart attack detection device. Based on the problems that have been described, the researcher will design a system that aims to help monitor cardiac arrest patients where in an emergency situation they can immediately perform first aid. Through the interview process and literature studies that have been carried out, the researchers have designed a simulation using the waterfall method and carried out implementation tests on Cardiologists. Based on the research that has been done and testing the program to doctors, it is concluded that the program is good enough, but if you want to implement it, use a more accurate sensor to determine your heart rate when you are having a heart attack.
STIMULUS RESPONSE APPROACH USED BY THE TEACHERS IN TEACHING ENGLISH AT SMA NEGERI 5 ENREKANG
Authors: Yusmita  , Ummi Khaerati Syam  , Firman Firman
Published: May 2023

This research aimed to find out the stimulus response used by the teachers and how do teachers provide stimulus to students in English learning at SMA Negeri 5 Enrekang.The method used in this research was descriptive qualitative. This research used a semi-structured interview as an instrument to collect the data. This research used ten questions as a data collection instrument. The subjects in this research were teachers of SMA Negeri 5 Enrekang. The research subjects consisted of three teachers.The result of this research show that teachers apply all types of stimulus in the teaching and learning process such as the application the law of readiness, the law of exercise, and the law of effect in English learning. Teachers apply the law of readiness to ensure the readiness of students in receiving material for example by checking student attendance. As for the application the law of exercises was used by teachers to ensure students’ understanding of the material that has been given, for example, by providing questions to be done individually, and the application the law of effect itself was used by teachers to reward students for what they achieved during the learning process, for example giving praise and good grades. The stimulus used was very beneficial to increase their learning motivation, especially in English Learning process.
THE IMPACT OF THE GOVERNMENT POLICY STRINGENCY OF LEARNING FROM HOME DURING PANDEMIC COVID-19 ON STUDENTS’ BEHAVIOR IN ENGLISH LEARNING AT SMP NEGERI 2 TANETE RILAU
Authors: Anisyah  , Mannong Andi Bulkis Maghfirah , Paturusi M. Arief
Published: May 2023

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui bagaimana perilaku siswa selama proses pembelajaran bahasa Inggris berlangsung baik dari segi perilaku positif maupun perilaku negatif siswa di SMP Negeri 2 Tanete Rilau. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif deskriptif yang melibatkan satu jenis instrumen dalam pengumpulan data yaitu wawancara. Subyek penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas VIII SMP Negeri 2 Tanete Rilau yang terdiri dari satu kelas. Objek penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas VIII.Data dianalisis dengan melihat perilaku siswa selama proses pembelajaran.Dampak yang dialami siswa selama proses pembelajaran adalah dampak positif dan dampak negatif. Dampak positifnya siswa dapat membantu sebagian pekerjaan orang tuanya di rumah, siswa tidak merasa lelah di sekolah. Sedangkan dampak negatif yang dialami siswa adalah tidak pahamnya materi pembelajaran, kurangnya akses internet yang terkadang kehabisan kuota saat pembelajaran.
ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS' ANXIETY IN SPEAKING PERFORMANCE IN MUHAMMADIYAH UNIVERSITY OF MAKASSAR
Authors: Qadri Nurmuslimah , Bte Abdul Nurdevi , Maharida Maharida
Published: May 2023

This study aims to determine the factors that cause students' anxiety in speaking performances and to determine the level of student anxiety in speaking performances in 3rd semester students, especially in speaking courses for the intermediate level at Muhammadiyah University of Makkassar.This research is a descriptive qualitative with a case study conducted on 8 students in semester 3. It consists of interviews and checklist observations. Each interview was used to find out the factors that cause students' anxiety in speaking performances. While, the observation checklist was carried out to determine the level of students‟ anxiety in speaking performance.The results of the study indicate that there are 2 factors that cause student anxiety, namely internal factors and external factors. Internal factors and external factors are very influential on students' anxiety on speaking performance. This can be seen from the results of data analysis at the student level in speaking performance. Therefore, it can be concluded that the factors that cause students‟ anxiety in speaking performance were internal and external factors. While at the level of students‟ anxiety there are three types, namely: low level of anxiety, medium level of anxiety and high level of anxiety.
THE STUDENTS' ATTITUDES TOWARDS READING COMPREHENSION IN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Authors: Ayudhia Cindy , Ariana  , Hafid Hilda
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine and find data about the attitudes experienced or felt by students or attitudes that often appear in class in learning English in class. To obtain the data, researchers used a research tool, namely Observation Checklist. This type of research was qualitative using descriptive methods. The subject in this study was a class VIII student at SMP Negeri 2 Bangkala Barat while the object used was 20 students. The results of this study that have been obtained are students' attitudes in English in class, feelings of fear and shame of students including fear of communication or speaking or reading in front of the class. Based on the three aspects of the attitude discussed in this study, researchers found that in the aspect of behavior there were 30% or as many as 6 students who had that attitude, whereas in aspects of cognitive attitudes there were 20% or as many students who had this attitude and aspects Emotional attitude is 90% or as many as 18 students who have that attitude. In addition in this study, researchers used coding techniques to explain the results that had been obtained during the study
Microbial Composting of Press mud and Its Impact on Soil Productivity for Sugarcane
Authors: Keshav Shukla
Published: May 2023

A field trial was set up at U. P. Council of Sugarcane Research Farm, Shahjahanpur, U.P. (INDIA) during 2007-2010 to assess the impact of decomposed pressmud (organic matter) on soil productivity for Sugarcane yield and quality. Four replicates of 5 treatments: control (no amendment), 2/3 RDN through inorganic source, 100% RDN through inorganic source, 1/3 RDN through biocompost + 2/3 RDN through inorganic source and 1/3 RDN through biocompost. The data showed that sugarcane yield and other quality parameters were influenced by the different treatments. Its impact on soil productivity was found that 1/3 of recommended dose of nitrogen given by the biocompost plus 2/3 by inorganic source gave more than 10 percent higher sugarcane yield over 100 percent recommended dose of nitrogen through inorganic source. Slight improvement in juice quality was also observed in biocompost application.
Modern Management System in Libraries
Authors: Neeraj Kumar Singh
Published: May 2023

Libraries today are coping with change and searching for tools to assist them to deal with it, as well as creatingstrategic partnerships with other libraries. Cooperation appears to be the key to library survival. Cooperationefforts vary depending on geographic areas and cultural traditions, but they appear to be present around theworld: on the one hand, nations with strong libraries that are used to strengthen cooperation and sharing haveseen a flourishing of new cooperative initiatives and formal consortia; on the other hand, nations, where thiscollaborative practise was not within their culture, have received a boast towards it. The first libraries wererepositories for the earliest sort of writing, clay tablets in cuneiform script discovered in Sumer, some datingback to 2600 BC. These written records mark the end of prehistory and the start of history. In the 1980s, theintroduction of online searching, i.e. digital databases, began to replace the library's print indexes andabstracting reference tools. While expensive and difficult to use, such resources were frequently mediated byhighly skilled librarians to provide broader access to print library materials (at least for the untrained).Although this finding was touted as revolutionary once more, it simply represented a more efficient and effectivemethod of offering basic library services.
Proposta de um estudo sobre o legado da pandemia para as novas relações de colaboração e modelos de trabalho para o mercado de Tecnologia
Authors: Ávila Lorena S. , Machado Letícia dos S.
Published: May 2023

Durante o ano de 2020 uma pandemia atingiu diversos países e pessoas, mudando o dia a dia e a forma de trabalho, afinal, as pessoas precisavam manter um distanciamento social para evitar contrair a doença do COVID-19. Nesse período, o modelo de trabalho remoto prevaleceu na maior parte das empresas, mudando muito as interações feitas durante o trabalho. Diversos estudos trouxeram dados sobre os efeitos na produtividade, colaboração, comportamento entre outros aspectos para os profissionais da área da tecnologia durante esse período do mundo. O objetivo dessa pesquisa é compreender como as relações e os novos modelos de trabalho estão impactando a colaboração dos profissionais de tecnologia pós-pandemia do COVID-19. Como abordagem metodológica está previsto o uso de survey e entrevistas com as pessoas que atuam nessa área.
Desenho de Linguagem de Chatbots: influência da variação da linguagem na experiência do usuário com chatbot assistente de turismo
Authors: Chaves Ana Paula
Published: May 2023

Este artigo é uma versão resumida e traduzida para o Português do Brasil do artigo “Chatbots Language Design: The Influence of Language Variation on User Experience with Tourist Assistant Chatbots”, publicado no periódico “ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction, Vol. 29, No. 2”. O objetivo desta publicação é expandir o alcance dessa publicação para a comunidade brasileira de sistemas colaborativos e fomentar a discussão da comunidade sobre a necessidade de utilizar linguagem apropriada ao contexto no desenvolvimento de chatbots para garantir o engajamento e interação a longo prazo com estes agentes conversacionais. O experimento apresentado neste artigo utilizou um chatbot no contexto de turismo. Os resultados mostram a relevância do uso apropriado da linguagem para a credibilidade do agente e presença social, o que são importantes para garantir a interação a longo prazo. A versão original do artigo com resultados completos pode ser encontrada em https://doi.org/10.1145/3487193.
Optimised PVDF Placement Inside an Operating Hydrodynamic Thrust Bearing
Authors: Youssef Andrew , Matthews David , Guzzomi Andrew , Pan Jie
Published: May 2023

In our previous work we demonstrated the feasibility of using Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) sensors inside an operational thrust bearing and were able to measure the blade passing frequencies (BPF) due to an asymmetric flow around different propellers. In that work however the sensors were positioned inside the flat surface of the stationary portion of the bearing with the tilted pads rotated on the opposite side. Due to this configuration the output signal of the PVDF consisted of a superposition of the pad passing frequency (PPF) and the blade passing frequency (BPF) making it difficult to extract useful information from the results. Here, an improved bearing pad-film configuration is proposed in order to minimise the effects of the PPF. By embedding the films inside the pads, positioned on the stationary side of bearing, and rotating the flat surface, it was possible to eliminate the PPF and significantly increase the signal to noise ratio. The measured results give a better understanding of the fundamental vibratory components that arise from the propeller-shaft system.
Remdesevir Antiviral Therapy in Pregnant Women with COVID-19
Authors: Shaimerdenova Gulbanu Ganikyzy , Abuova Gulzhan Narkenovna , Saltanat Serikbayeva , Baimbetova Saltanat , Aidana Atabay
Published: May 2023

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is difficult to treat in pregnant women due to pregnancy itself and the lack of standard treatment for the disease. As of August 2021, the etiotropic drug remdesivir has been added to the prescription list for women during gestation. There are few publications in the global scientific community regarding the use of this antiviral drug in pregnant women. Moreover, there are only sporadic scientific studies in Kazakhstan, so the question remains open. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of remdesivir in pregnant women with probable or confirmed COVID-19. Methods: The study comprehensively examined 120 pregnant women with severe to very severe COVID-19, who were divided into two groups of patients. The study group consisted of women who received remdesivir and standard therapy. The control group included patients who received standard therapy per the protocol. Results: Statistically significant age differences were observed between the main and control groups (P = 0.019). The differences detected were due to a higher frequency in the age group of 33 and 42 years in patients taking remdesivir than in the control group (P = 0.036). Women in the main group (Median = 9.00; Q1 - Q3 = 8.00 - 11.0) had longer hospital stays than the control group (Me = 8.00; Q1 - Q3 = 7.00 - 10.0). This was due to the more severe condition of the patients in this group. There were statistically significant differences in amniotic fluid changes according to ultrasound between the control and main groups (P = 0.013). When comparing the groups in pairs, amniotic fluid was more common in women who received remdesivir (P = 0.316) than in the control group. Our study found that a decrease in temperature to normal levels occurred earlier in the control group (68%) than in the main group. Further SpO2 increases of more than 95% were seen on days 3 - 4 in the main group (71%) and days 1 - 2 in the control group (43%). After three days, there was an improvement in respiratory rate (41.6%) and a reduction in subjective dyspnea (66.6%) in the main group. Conclusions: The study found that repeat mothers have a more severe course of COVID-19. The older age group and the third trimester of pregnancy are risk factors for progression to severe disease.
The Effects of Preimplantation Genetic Testing and Blastomere Biopsy Sampling on ICSI/IVF Embryos’ Development and Implantation
Authors: Niusha Mina , Rahmani Seyed Ali , Kohan Leila , Nouri Mohammad , Sadeghi Ladan
Published: May 2023

Background: Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a diagnostic approach in assisted reproductive technology (ART) to detect and select unaffected embryos to be transferred. Obtaining biopsy samples from embryos (polar body, blastomere, or blastocyst) is a key step in preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), which has many technical issues. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of biopsies from 3-day embryos (blastomere) on the quality of embryos and implantation success in couples who requested sex selection before embryo transfer. Methods: On the third day after fertilization, 352 high-quality embryos (> six cells on day third with < 10% fragmentation) were collected from 77 women and were tested for sex selection using FISH testing. A laser beam was used to obtain blastomere biopsies by removing a significantly small portion of the zona pellucida. One blastomere was gently biopsied by an aspiration pipette through its hole. After biopsy sampling, the embryo was immediately returned to the embryo scope until transfer. Embryos’ integrity and blastocyst formation were assessed on day 5. Results: A total of 595 embryos were studied, including 352 embryos that were biopsied on day 3 for gender selection (i.e., the intervention group) and 243 intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) embryos that did not undergo biopsy (i.e., the control group). Overall, 17.1% of the embryos were abnormal for X or Y chromosomes. Biopsy for PGD was performed 67 - 73 hours after ICSI. Blastomere biopsy taking was significantly associated with blastocyst quality and implantation success. Conclusions: In this study, after obtaining blastomere biopsies, we investigated the growth process of the embryos according to morphokinetic parameters. Our results showed that blastomere biopsy taking could affect the blastulation of embryos and decrease the success rate of implantation.
Developing Dirasah Islamiyah Materials Based on Character Values for Afkaaruna Islamic School
Authors: Zahrah Siti Fatimatuz , Kholis Adhan
Published: May 2023

Integrating character values on materials is essential. This research aimed to develop Dirasah Islamiyah teaching materials based on character values for the fifth-grade students of Afkaaruna Islamic School Yogyakarta. The learning materials, especially Dirasah Islamiyah presented, still needed to be fully integrated with character values. This research was a research and development (R&D) study referred to the Thomlinson model, which included need analysis, stating goals and objectives, designing a syllabus design, developing methodology/material, and conducting testing and evaluation. Needs analysis questionnaires were employed as the instrument for collecting data. The data obtained from the need analysis was analyzed quantitatively. Afterwards, the course grid was developed. The material developed was I Love Good Muamalah and developed into three sub-themes. Although each sub-theme had a different number of tasks, it followed the unit design of which the components were: (1) introduction; (2) main lesson; and (3) reinforcement. The results of the expert judgment showed that the developed materials were appropriate and deserved to be used. The mean values of all aspects were 71, categorized as "good" in the 61 < x < 80.
Teacher Perceptions of Multicultural Education and Diversity Values in the School Environment
Authors: Hariyadi Bachtiar , Rodiyah Siti Kholidatur
Published: May 2023

A comprehensive education system is essential to promote peace in a diverse, multicultural society. Teachers have a critical role in organizing the classroom environment, and it is vital to understand their perceptions of Multiculturalism and the extent to which educational programs adopt multicultural principles. This study investigated teachers' perceptions of multicultural education and diversity and evaluated their awareness of these issues. A qualitative research design with case studies was used, and six teachers from an elementary school in Surabaya were deliberately selected for this study. The data were collected through interviews, observation, and document analysis, and the results were analyzed using content analysis techniques. This study found that teachers have adequate knowledge about multicultural education and a positive attitude toward it. However, their understanding and prejudices related to specific concepts still need more. In addition, the inclusiveness of Multiculturalism in annual plans and teaching programs still needs to be improved. Learning transformation is required that encourages active student collaboration, such as the project-based learning (PjBL) model.
The Construct and Predictive Validity of a Self-Assessment Scale
Authors:   Fudan University, Fan Jason Jinsong ,   University of Melbourne
Published: May 2023

Guided by the theory of interpretive validity argument, this study investigated the plausibility and accuracy of five sets of warrants which were deemed crucial to the validity of a self-assessment (SA) scale designed and used in a local EFL context. Methodologically, this study utilized both the Rasch measurement theory and structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the five warrants and their respective rebuttals. Results from Rasch analysis indicated that the scale could reliably distinguish students at different proficiency levels. Among the 26 can-do statements in the SA scale, only one statement failed to fit the expectations of the Rasch model. Furthermore, each category was found to function as intended, though the first category was somewhat underused. Confirmatory factor analysis of the SA data supported the tenability of the Higher-Order Factor model which is consistent with the current view of L2 ability. Structural regression analysis revealed that the association between students’ self-assessments and their scores on a standardized proficiency test was moderately strong. The multiple strands of evidence generated by various quantitative analyses of the SA data generally supported the validity of the SA scale. Future research, however, is warranted to examine other inferences in the validity argument structure, particularly in relation to the utility of the SA scale in English teaching and learning.
Using dictation to measure language proficiency: A Rasch analysis
Authors:   Kindai University, Leeming Paul , Wong Aeric ,   Konan University
Published: May 2023

Groups are used widely in the language classroom and, particularly in classes where there is a wide range of English proficiency among students, teachers may want to construct balanced groups based on the language proficiency of individual students. In order to construct such groups, teachers need a reliable measure that effectively differentiates between different levels of proficiency, and yet there are contexts where information regarding student proficiency may not be available. This paper reports on the use of an in-house dictation test to measure the English proficiency of students in a Japanese university. Rasch analysis was used to determine the degree to which the dictation differentiated between the range of proficiencies in the classes, and to assess the reliability of the test. Correlation with scores from TOEIC and SLEP tests was used to confirm that the dictation tests English proficiency. Results show that dictation is a simple, cheap, and effective means of assessing the relative proficiency of students in this context, and can be used for constructing balanced groups.
Identification and assessment contexts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners of Standard Australian English: Challenges for the language testing community
Authors:   Education Queensland, Angelo Denise
Published: May 2023

The paper discusses the contexts of language backgrounds, language learning, policy and assessment relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) students who are learning Standard Australian English (SAE) as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D) in the state of Queensland. Complexities surrounding this cohort’s language situations and their language learning are explained in order to reveal why existing processes are not reliably identifying nor assessing those Indigenous students who are indeed EAL/D learners. In particular, it is argued, EAL/D processes and assessment instruments need to acknowledge and respond to the challenges posed by the rich and varied Indigenous language ecologies generated through language contact. System-level data does not disaggregate Indigenous EAL/D learners, nor correlate their levels of second language SAE proficiency with their academic performance data. Indigenous students are, however, over-represented in Queensland’s National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) under-performance data and raising their performance is a national priority and targeted through many government initiatives. Indigenous students comprise a highly heterogeneous group in terms of their cultural, linguistic and schooling backgrounds, and Indigenous EAL/D learners, too, represent a diverse grouping which has only been included relatively recently in Australian second language assessment tools, and around which there has been little extensive discussion, despite significant complexity surrounding this cohort. This paper explores the background contextual issues involved in identifying and assessing Indigenous EAL/D learners equitably and reliably.
Democracy, Interpassivity, and the Cognitocratic Fallacy
Authors: Chmielewski Adam ,   Polish Academy of Sciences
Published: May 2023

Conceptions of deliberative democracy attach a particularly important role to the cognitive or epistemological competence of the agents of the political process. Such competence is viewed as a primary or even exclusive prerequisite qualifying one for the exercise of political power. The belief is amply illustrated by the contemporary debate between, on the one hand, the advocates of the broad participation of the people in democratic governance, and, on the other, the proponents of the deliberative ideal which presupposes that political power should be entrusted only to the people endowed with appropriate cognitive abilities. In my analysis of such cognitocratic conceptions, I stress the perils of the ascription of a prominent role to cognitive competence in the political process. In opposition to the cognitocratic approaches, both in their universalist and egalitarian, as well as elitist or meritocratic versions, I claim that they are marred by what I call the cognitocratic fallacy, and I argue that a more adequate understanding of governance in democratic systems should instead be based upon a political rather than epistemological capital. I also claim that the concept of political ability should be seen as potentially universal and that the potential may be activated through actual participation in democratic politics.
Liberal Democracy: Between Epistemic Autonomy and Dependence
Authors: Grygieńć Janusz ,   Polish Academy of Sciences
Published: May 2023

Understanding the relationship between experts and laypeople is crucial for under-standing today’s world of post-truth and the contemporary crisis of liberal democracy. The emergence of post-truth has been linked to various phenomena such as a flawed social and mass media ecosystem, poor citizen education, and the manipulation tactics of powerful interest groups. The paper argues that the problem is, however, more profound. The underlying issue is laypeople’s inevitable epistemic dependence on experts. The latter is part and parcel of the “risk society” in which people question the scientific consensus and thus are able to manipulate the facts. It is a powerful weapon in the hands of illiberal democrats, though liberal democrats can make no use of it. The latter downplay the problem of citizens’ epistemic deficits and of the epistemic asymmetries be-tween them. The third and fourth generations of deliberative democrats are a perfect example. The paper argues that the concepts of interactional expertise and epistemic dependence explain why understanding between experts and laypeople is impossible. The said phenomena undermine liberalism’s unrealistic assumptions concerning citi-zens’ decision-making competence.
Human Dignity, Democracy and other Challenges of the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sinaci Maria ,   Polish Academy of Sciences
Published: May 2023

Human dignity has been a much-discussed topic in contemporary debate, and it has benefited from numerous approaches stemming from the fields of philosophy, politics, ethics, psychology or the legal, social and cultural domains. Yet, the meaning of the concept can vary in clarity, leading to ambiguity of usage and approach. The aim of this paper is to examine the concept of human dignity and to assess its potential as a funda-mental value for contemporary democracies. A conceptual analysis of human dignity was conducted in the first part of the paper, embracing two essential coordinates of democracy, the political and the ethical approach. An extension of the notion of human dignity, with applications on the collective level rather than simply on the individual one, implies a set of obligations and responsibilities for the democratic state, a context that involves exploring the relationship between human dignity and human rights. In turn, democracy is a means for the constitutional state to provide both the opportunities and the adequate framework for the fullest affirmation and realisation of human dignity. The global challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic triggered a growing list of changes that highlighted new faces of democracy and respect for human dignity, aspects that were analysed in the final part of this paper. The author promotes the idea that hu-man dignity emerges as a fundamental value of democracy and that recent global chal-lenges call for a new momentum on debates of this concept.
European Union Investment Funds in the Western Balkans with International Audit Standards
Authors: Protić Marina ,   Polish Academy of Sciences
Published: May 2023

The European Union conceives IPA preaccession assistance funds as an instrument of support to the countries of the Western Balkans in the process of European integra-tion. The components of assistance include the most important spheres of public life, embracing regional integration and service economy as segments of social development of the countries. The regional interconnection is realized through various forms of cross-border cooperation between countries in their accession to the European Union project. In order to use the funds, joint local and regional initiatives are formulated in the context of achieving sustainable economic and social development. Those projects comprise adequate arrangements for all relevant subjects with the use of modern technologies and modalities of implementation. Funds contribute to the improvement of inter-state cooperation, reducing regional disparities and ensuring balanced development of the Balkan countries. The generally accepted international auditing rules and standards recognize financial statements, in order to determine the accuracy of project implementation.
The Practice of Composing Regional Complex Historical Atlases
Authors:   Institute of History and Archeology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Grishin Evgeniy S.
Published: May 2023

This article is devoted to the methodology and practice of composition of regional complex historical atlases on the example of historical and thematic mapping of the Crimean Peninsula as part of the Taurida Governorate. As part of a comparative analysis of the distinctive features of regional complex historical atlases the authors presents representative examples of regional and national mapping in the second half of the 20th century which contributed to the emergence of a niche for national historical atlases. The practice of composition of national historical atlases promoted to the noticeable development of historical cartographic research, but it does not allow to solve the problem of continuity and coherence of historical maps of different themes qualitatively due to its specificity. Regional complex historical atlases can more accurately convey spatial information of various themes owing to more stable mapping object within their boundaries and the vastness of the source base at the polyscale level. Crimea (1768–1917) was chosen as a representative object for compositing the regional complex historical atlas due to the diversity of the peninsula’s geographical environment, dynamic socio-economic and demographic processes and the presence of a wide base of various primary sources from statistical reviews to travelers’ reports. The main theoretical approaches to the grouping of maps and sections, potential topics of regional historical mapping and possible typological solutions for their representation were highlighted based on the structure of the Crimea atlas. Particular attention is paid to the problems of navigation and review of such atlases, which should consider the specifics of the theoretical composition and content of regional historical maps.
Antioxidant Activity Test of Caulerpa racemosa Extract from Takalar District Using the FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) Method
Authors: Utari Andi Ulfiana , A Nurhikma , Astuti Eka
Published: May 2023

Sea grapes or Caulerpa racemosa contain alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols and steroids. These compositions work as antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that can contribute one or more electrons to free radicals, so that the free radicals can be suppressed. The goal of this study was to determine the antioxidant activity of sea grape (Caulerpa racemosa) extract using the FRAP method. Extraction of sea grapes (Caulerpa racemosa) applied maceration and methanol methods. Absorbance of antioxidant activity was measured using a UV-VIS spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 700 nm. The results showed that sea grape extract (Caulerpa racemosa) had an antioxidant activity of 152 mg AAE/g extract. It means that in each gram of extract, it is equivalent to 152 mg of ascorbic acid.
Antioxidant Effectiveness Test on The Formulation of Combination Facial Soap Ingredients of Ethanol Extract Lemon Peel Citrus limon and Forest Honey Apis dorsata
Authors: Sadsyam Sriyanty , Basir Nasrawati , Nurfadillah Arafah , Awaluddin Nurhikmah , Selviana
Published: May 2023

Citrus limon and Apis dorsata are claimed to have several active compounds namely: alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and saponins. These compounds are known to have antioxidant activity in preventing skin damage due to free radicals and preventing premature aging. In this study, Citrus limon and Apis dorsata were formulated into facial soap ingredients. The purpose of this study was to find out whether the ethanol extract formulation in the lemon peel and the Apis dorsata forest honey has the effectiveness of antioxidants in preventing the free radicals. This research was an experimental study with physical and chemical evaluation of ingredients. The DPPH test was used to determine the antioxidant activity of the ingredients. This research used three types of formulation of Ethanol Ethanol Extract Formulation were lemon and honey forest, they were : FI (5%: 2%); FII (5%: 3%) and FIII (5%: 4%). The results of the DPPH test respectively were FI 6,16; FII 5,53 and FIII 4.39. The ingredients of Facial Soap Combination of Ethanol Extract Lemon Feel and Apis dorsata had the best antioxidant and antioxidant energy in Formula III with concentration of 5%: 4%
Electron affinity measurement of hydrogen negative ion
Authors:   Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Tech University, Lubbock-79415, USA., Ghani Muhammad Usman , Jamil M. Imran ,   Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Tech University, Lubbock-79415, USA., Ahmad Afaq ,   Department of Physics, University of Management and Technology, Lahore-5459, Pakistan., Tariq Saad ,   Department of Physics, University of Management and Technology, Lahore-5459, Pakistan.
Published: May 2023

Photodetachment Microscopy experiment was first carried out in the presence of an electric field by Blondel et al in 1996 for Bromine negative ion. It measures the spatial distribution of ejected electrons on the detector screen which is a direct view of the spatial structure of the wave function of an atomic electron in the form of a ring pattern. From a semi-classical point of view, this ring pattern is formed because of the interference between two electron waves; one is direct while the other is reflected from an electric field. Following Blondel's photodetachment microscopy experiment, a formula that displays the Newton Rings is derived using a theoretical imaging technique or hydrogen negative ion near a plane interface. The interface means an elastic plane in the vicinity of the source of photoelectrons. The direct and reflected electron waves in this formula generate quantum interference in the form of Newton Rings. It is found that the number of rings increases as we increase the photon energy of the laser light. This finding is in accordance with the very well-known Einstein photoelectric effect which finally provides help to find the electron affinity of the hydrogen negative ion very accurately.
Singer and Genre recognition using deep learning
Authors:   Department of Computer Science/Information Technology, Quad-e-Awam University of engineering science and Technology Nawabshah, Yasrab Zainab Iqra , Jalbani Akhtar Hussain ,   Department of Computer Science, Quad-e-Awam University of engineering science and Technology Nawabshah, Soomro Saima Siraj ,   Department of Information Technology, Quad-e-Awam University of engineering science and Technology Nawabshah
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we try to solve the two mostly occurred problems which are genre recognition and singer identification from common pieces of music. For that, we use a system that helps us to achieve our target that is based on a music information retrieval system, in which the system can process our files and the system can generate the desired results. The system is divided into different phases and for the music recognition, first, there is a need to separate the vocal features of the singer from the music clip because, with the background music, it’s slightly difficult to analyze the vocal of the singer, then extract music features, here we work on some of the music features like tempo, RMS, song duration, frequency, dynamic range, and tonality. The RNN (recurrent neural network) has been used for training the model and testing our data set. After the training of the models, the test classifier with different unknown audio files, and the results are 91% accurate for singer identification and 90% for music genre recognition. The system will identify the singer as well as the genre of the song from the same segment of the file. For the data set, the training data used 10 different Indian and Pakistani male and female singers’ audio files in Sindhi, Hindi, and Urdu language for six types of genres like rock, pop, jazz, disco, hip-hop, and classic. The songs were sung by only one singer, the group singing and live concerts music are limitations of our system.