bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An efficiency improvement of flexible flow shop scheduling in automotive part company
Authors: Fangrit Waraporn , Yap Hwa Jen , Hamza Mukhtar Fatihu , Chang Siow-Wee , Yap Keem Siah , Wong Shen Yuong
Published: December 2020

Flexible flow shop is becoming more interested and applied in industries due to its impact from higher workloads. Flexible flow shop scheduling problem is focused to minimize the makespan. A metaheuristic model based on Hybrid Tabu Search is developed to overcome this problem. Firstly, Hybrid Tabu Search is modelled based on the factory data. The Earliest Due Date rule is used as the scheduling method for the current status. FlexSim simulation software is used to evaluate the Hybrid Tabu Search model. The outcome is validated with two different basic heuristic solutions; Campbell, Dudek and Smith’s and Gupta’s heuristics. It is found that the proposed model can improve the job sequence based on makespan criteria.
Case-based reasoning for safety assessment of critical software
Authors: Hadj-Mabrouk Habib
Published: December 2020

The commissioning of a new guided or automated rail transport system requires an in-depth analysis of all the methods, techniques, procedures, regulations and safety standards to ensure that the risk level of the future system does not present any danger likely to jeopardize the safety of travelers. Among these numerous safety methods implemented to guarantee safety at the system, automation, hardware and software level, there is a method called “Software Errors and Effects Analysis (SEEA)” whose objective is to determine the nature and the severity of the consequences of software failures, to propose measures to detect errors and finally to improve the robustness of the software. In order to strengthen and rationalize this SEEA method, we have agreed to use machine learning techniques and in particular Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) in order to assist the certification experts in their difficult task of assessing completeness and the consistency of safety of critical software equipment. The main objective consists, from a set of data in the form of accident scenarios or incidents experienced on rail transport systems (experience feedback), to exploit by automatic learning this mass of data to stimulate the imagination of certification experts and assist them in their crucial task of researching scenarios of potential accidents not taken into account during the design phase of new critical software. The originality of the tool developed lies not only in its ability to model, capitalize, sustain and disseminate SEEA expertise, but it represents the first research on the application of CBR to SEEA. In fact, in the field of rail transport, there are currently no software tools for assisting SEEAs based on machine learning techniques and in particular based on CBR.
Quantitative Measurement of Cerebrospinal Fluid Amyloid-β Species by Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Seino Yusuke , Nakamura Takumi , Harada Tomoo , Nakahata Naoko , Kawarabayashi Takeshi , Ueda Tetsuya , Takatama Masamitsu , Shoji Mikio
Published: December 2020

Background: High sensitivity liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was recently introduced to measure amyloid-β (Aβ) species, allowing for a simultaneous assay that is superior to ELISA, which requires more assay steps with multiple antibodies. Objective: We validated the Aβ1-38, Aβ1-40, Aβ1-42, and Aβ1-43 assay by LC-MS/MS and compared it with ELISA using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples to investigate its feasibility for clinical application. Methods: CSF samples from 120 subjects [8 Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with dementia (ADD), 2 mild cognitive dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease (ADMCI), 14 cognitively unimpaired (CU), and 96 neurological disease subjects] were analyzed. Aβ species were separated using the Shimadzu Nexera X2 system and quantitated using a Qtrap 5500 LC-MS/MS system. Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 levels were validated using ELISA. Results: CSF levels in CU were 666±249 pmol/L in Aβ1-38, 2199±725 pmol/L in Aβ1-40, 153.7±79.7 pmol/L in Aβ1-42, and 9.78±4.58 pmol/L in Aβ1-43. The ratio of the amounts of Aβ1-38, Aβ1-40, Aβ1-42, and Aβ1-43 was approximately 68:225:16:1. Linear regression analyses showed correlations among the respective Aβ species. Both Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 values were strongly correlated with ELISA measurements. No significant differences were observed in Aβ1-38 or Aβ1-40 levels between AD and CU. Aβ1-42 and Aβ1-43 levels were significantly lower, whereas the Aβ1-38/1-42, Aβ1-38/1-43, and Aβ1-40/Aβ1-43 ratios were significantly higher in AD than in CU. The basic assay profiles of the respective Aβ species were adequate for clinical usage. Conclusion: A quantitative LC-MS/MS assay of CSF Aβ species is as reliable as specific ELISA for clinical evaluation of CSF biomarkers for AD.
Optimization of a dust concentration measuring device based on the Coanda effect
Authors: Liu Dandan , Jing Mingming , Li Dewen , Liu Chongzhi , Tang Chunrui
Published: December 2020

The accuracy of the existing dust measurement device comprising a straight pipe is not sufficiently high for low particle speeds. In this paper, a measuring pipe based on the Coanda effect is designed, an experimental model is established using Gambit 2.4, and a numerical simulation is performed using Fluent 6.3. In this way, speed nephograms at the middle section of the device pipe were obtained for different dust particle sizes. By comparing the velocity data of a devices comprising a straight tube, a venturi tube, or a Coanda tube, it was found that the velocity of the particles passing through the Coanda tube was higher than that for the other tubes. Therefore, the probability of frictional collision within the Coanda tube increases, thereby increasing the inductive charge of the particles. By calculating the electrostatic induction of the particles using MATLAB, it was found that the charge carried by the particles in the improved device significantly increased (25% on average). It is concluded that these findings are of significance for designing the structure of novel dust concentration measurement devices.
Optimal design and evaluation of a multi-shank structure based neural probe
Authors: Zhang Wenguang , Yin Xuele , Zhou Xuhui
Published: December 2020

In order to develop long-lifetime neural electrodes, the insertion tissue injury caused by two optimized neural electrode (convex streamline electrode and vibration attenuation electrode) models were evaluated compared with a reference electrode. Based on the experimental evaluation system for testing tissue injury, the effects of insertion speeds on tissue injury of the two optimized electrodes with different insertion depths were studied. The maximum tissue strain caused by the two optimized neural electrodes firstly increased and then decreased with the increase of insertion speed at the depths of 3 mm and 4.5 mm. The insertion forces caused by vibration attenuation electrode are steady with the change of insertion speed. The convex streamline neural electrode caused less tissue injury compared with the other two electrodes. The higher or lower insertion speed causes smaller tissue strain for the two optimized electrodes, which is conductive to set implantation parameters to minimize tissue injury.
Development of migrant workers in construction based on machine learning and artificial intelligence technology
Authors: Guang Chen
Published: December 2020

Artificial intelligence technology has been widely used in all aspects of our life. Similarly, the application of artificial intelligence in the field of construction engineering is a necessary trend in the development of engineering industry, especially in the traditional construction engineering department. Under the background of the times, from the perspective of knowledge, artificial intelligence technology has appeared a huge development, which may have an impact on the employment of Chinese labor force, may create new jobs, or replace traditional jobs. This effect on employment is essential. From the perspective of machine learning and artificial intelligence, this paper reviews the transformation prospects of engineering industry and the development of agricultural industry in construction industry, and examines the intellectual transformation of individual human capital in Chinese labor force.
Automatic fuzzy rules production based on clustering and implication selection
Authors: Sfiris D.S.
Published: December 2020

This paper deals with improving the approximation capability of fuzzy systems. Fuzzy negations produced via conical sections are a promising methodology towards better fuzzy implications in fuzzy rules. The linguistic variables and the fuzzy rules are induced automatically following a fuzzy equivalence relation. The uncertainty of linear or nonlinear systems is thus dealt with. In this study, the clustering is optimized without human intervention, but also the best inference mechanism for a particular dataset is prescribed. It has been found that clustering based on fuzzy equivalence relation and fuzzy inference via conical sections leads to remarkably accurate approximations. A fuzzy rule based system with fewer control parameters is proposed. An application on telecom data shows the use of the methodology, its applicability to a real problem and its performance compared to other alternatives in terms of quality.
High equilibrium optimizer for global optimization
Authors: Jia Heming , Peng Xiaoxu
Published: December 2020

With the advent of the information age, people have higher requirements for basic algorithms. Meta-heuristic algorithms have received wide attention as a high-level strategy to study and generate fully optimized solutions to data-driven optimization problems. Using the advantage of equilibrium optimizer (EO) with better balance mode, combined with the strategy of memetic algorithm, different proportion of temperature is introduced in different stages. That is, EO and thermal exchange optimization (TEO) are fused to obtain a new highly balanced optimizer (HEO). While keeping the guiding strategy and memory mode unchanged of EO, the accuracy of optimization is greatly improved. 14 well-known benchmark functions and 7 selective algorithms were used for HEO evaluation comparison experiments. On the basis of the fitness function curve, the optimal solution and other experimental data are tested statistically. The experimental results show that the improved algorithm has high accuracy and stability, but at the cost of running a little more time. Application testing of complex engineering problems is also one of the main purposes of algorithm design. In this paper, three typical engineering design problems (three truss, welded beam and rolling bearing design) are tested and the experimental results show that this algorithm has certain competitiveness and superiority in classical engineering design.
Towards effective link prediction: A hybrid similarity model
Authors: Li Longjie , Wang Lu , Luo Hongsheng , Chen Xiaoyun
Published: December 2020

Link prediction is an important research direction in complex network analysis and has drawn increasing attention from researchers in various fields. So far, a plethora of structural similarity-based methods have been proposed to solve the link prediction problem. To achieve stable performance on different networks, this paper proposes a hybrid similarity model to conduct link prediction. In the proposed model, the Grey Relation Analysis (GRA) approach is employed to integrate four carefully selected similarity indexes, which are designed according to different structural features. In addition, to adaptively estimate the weight for each index based on the observed network structures, a new weight calculation method is presented by considering the distribution of similarity scores. Due to taking separate similarity indexes into account, the proposed method is applicable to multiple different types of network. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms other prediction methods in terms of accuracy and stableness on 10 benchmark networks.
New Dombi aggregation operators on bipolar neutrosophic set with application in multi-attribute decision-making problems
Authors: Gulfam Muhammad , Mahmood Muhammad Khalid , Smarandache Florentin , Ali Shahbaz
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we investigate two new Dombi aggregation operators on bipolar neutrosophic set namely bipolar neutrosophic Dombi prioritized weighted geometric aggregation (BNDPWGA) and bipolar neutrosophic Dombi prioritized ordered weighted geometric aggregation (BNDPOWGA) by means of Dombi t-norm (TN) and Dombi t-conorm (TCN). We discuss their properties along with proofs and multi-attribute decision making (MADM) methods in detail. New algorithms based on proposed models are presented to solve multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) problems. In contrast, with existing techniques a comparison analysis of proposed methods are also demonstrated to test their validity, accuracy and significance.
The Subjective Experience of Living with Parkinson’s Disease: A Meta-Ethnography of Qualitative Literature
Authors: Rutten Sonja , van den Heuvel Odile A. , de Kruif Anja (J.) T.C.M. , Schoonmade Linda J. , Schumacher Eva I.M. , Vermunt Kees , Hagen Rob , van Wegen Erwin E.H. , Rutten Koen
Published: December 2020

Background: A better understanding of the subjective experience of living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and the factors that influence this experience can be used to improve wellbeing of people with PD (PwP). Objective: To gain more insight in the subjective experience of PD from the PwP’s perspective, and the factors that contribute to this experience. Methods: In this qualitative review, we performed a systematic search of qualitative studies discussing the subjective experience of PD and extracted reported themes (first order themes). Using a meta-ethnographic approach, we categorized the first order themes into second order themes, and created a third order construct: a holistic model of the subjective experience of living with PD. Results: We included 20 studies with a total sample of 279 PwP. Data-extraction yielded 227 first order themes, which were categorized into the second order themes: 1) Awareness, 2) Disruption, 3) Adjustment, 4) The external environment, and 5) The changing self. With these themes, we developed the “model of dialectic change” which conceptualizes life with PD as a transformative journey, wherein PwP employ strategies to stabilize their changeable relationship with their external environment, while simultaneously redefining their self-concept. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that not only the symptoms of PD, but also the manner in which these cause disruptions in the PwP’s interaction with their personal environment and self-concept, determine the subjective experience of PD and quality of life. Some PwP experience problems with adjusting, resulting in psychological distress. This calls for a holistic, multidisciplinary and participatory approach of PD.
Functional limitations and worrying to lose employment among individuals with chronic conditions and disabilities during COVID-19: A hierarchical logistic regression model
Authors: Umucu Emre
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND: As an unexpected environmental factor causing significant economic, financial, and health challenges for everyone, it is no wonder that COVID-19 presents significant employment-related worries for people with chronic health conditions and disabilities. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore whether higher levels of functional limitations are associated with worry about job loss for individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions. METHODS: Data for this study were collected to understand the effects of COVID-19 on individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions. A total of 219 employed participants were extracted from a total of 269 individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions. The mean age among participants was 37.83 (SD = 10.97). RESULTS: Our hierarchical logistic regression analysis revealed that (a) demographic variables were not associated with worry about job loss in the first block, (b) perceived COVID-19 stress (AOR = 2.90, p < 0.001) was correlated with worry about job loss in the second block, and (c) functional limitations (AOR = 1.06, p < 0.001) were positively correlated with worry about job loss in the third block. Overall, the entire model containing all predictor variables in three blocks explained 23% (Nagelkerke R2) of the variance in worry about job loss. CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes to the disability and vocational rehabilitation literature by examining the relationship between functional limitations and worry to lose jobs in people with disabilities.
Understanding the impact of isolation due to COVID-19 on employment for Kentuckians with spinal cord injuries
Authors: Adams Chithra , Lobianco Anthony , Moseley Emily , Fitzpatrick Calisa
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND: Obtaining and retaining employment for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) is frequently a greater challenge than it is for the non-SCI population. It is particularly difficult during COVID-19 because all the barriers to employment are compounded for people with SCI as they have to take extra precaution to protect their health and wellbeing. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to understand how isolation related to COVID-19 has had an effect on the employment experiences for persons living with SCI. METHODS: Three virtual focus groups were conducted with Kentuckians who had SCI. RESULTS: The major themes were: the impact of disruption in routine on physical and mental health, importance of having the right accommodations, working from home as an accommodation, and the uncertainty of work. CONCLUSIONS: Accommodations are a critical component for people with SCI to be retained in the workforce. Employers should be proactive in offering various inclusive and accessible accommodations to employees so that people do not have to bear the additional burden of asking for accommodations. Rehabilitation professionals would serve the SCI population well by finding ways to help clients better advocate for themselves, provide adaptive home therapeutic equipment, and help identify diverse employment skill sets.
A tool to measure work adjustment in the post-pandemic economy: The Illinois work adjustment scale
Authors: Strauser David R. , Greco Chelsea E. , Koscuilek John F. , Shen Sa , Strauser D. George , Phillips Brian N.
Published: December 2020

OBJECTIVE: This article introduces the Illinois Work Adjustment Scale (IWAS) and sets out to confirm the internal validity of the IWAS as well as determine if there are meaningful dimensions among the items of the IWAS that can be further defined as instrument subscales. METHODS: In order to meet these objectives, a survey of 738 individuals, all of whom self-reported as having disabilities, was conducted online. RESULTS: As a result of this survey and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, the IWAS was reduced from a 26-question scale to an 18-question scale consisting of two meaningful subscales, Work Context and Work Capacity. Significant and meaningful correlations between the two subscales indicate that Work Context and Work Capacity are related to the broader concept of work adjustment and assess unique aspects of work. CONCLUSION: The IWAS has the potential to be applied to facilitate positive career development and vocational rehabilitation outcomes for people with disabilities and chronic health conditions. This is of greater importance now as the COVID-19 crisis has significantly impacted the economy and workforce, leaving those with the greatest barriers to employment such as individuals with disabilities and chronic health conditions further marginalized and disconnected from work.
The employment impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Americans with MS: Preliminary analysis
Authors: Bishop Malachy , Rumrill Stuart P.
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been associated with unprecedented social and economic impacts in the United States, including significant cuts to the labor force, beginning in the spring of 2020. OBJECTIVE: In this study we examined the employment effects of the pandemic on Americans with multiple sclerosis (MS), a population that has historically experienced low rates of employment relative to the general population. METHODS: Based on a survey of a convenience sample of 69 members of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, we examined employment, health, and economic experiences between May and August, 2020. RESULTS: The results suggest potentially significant job loss. Specifically, in the present sample approximately 20% of participants who were previously employed reported losing employment as a result of the pandemic, and approximately 40% reported other work changes. At elevated risk for job loss were those with lower levels of education, African American workers, and workers reporting Hispanic, Latinx, or Spanish origin. Almost two-thirds of the participants reported that the pandemic had affected their financial status and over half (53.6%) reported that the pandemic had affected their ability to access their MS healthcare. CONCLUSION: We discuss the implications and potentially lasting effects of the current, complex employment situation faced by Americans living with MS, and the broader considerations for vocational rehabilitation professionals.
Management of infants born to mothers with chorioamnionitis: A retrospective comparison of the three approaches recommended by the committee on fetus and newborn
Authors: Sloane A.J. , Carola D.L. , Lafferty M.A. , Edwards C. , Greenspan J. , Aghai Z.H.
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND: Based on the most recently published recommendations from the Committee on the Fetus and Newborn (COFN), three approaches currently exist for the use of risk factors to identify infants who are at increased risk of early-onset sepsis (EOS). Categorical risk factor assessments recommend laboratory testing and empiric antibiotic therapy for all infants born to mothers with a clinical diagnosis of chorioamnionitis. Risk assessments based on clinical condition recommend frequent examinations and close vital sign monitoring for infants born to mothers with chorioamnionitis. The Kaiser Permanente EOS risk calculator (SRC) is an example of the third approach, multivariate risk assessments. The aim of our study was to compare the three risk stratification approaches recommended by the COFN for management of chorioamnionitis-exposed infants. METHODS: Retrospective study of 1,521 infants born ≥35 weeks to mothers with chorioamnionitis. Management recommendations of the SRC were compared to the recommendations of categorical risk assessment and risk assessment based on clinical condition (CCA). RESULTS: Hypothetical application of SRC and CCA resulted in 79.6% and 76.8–85.1% respectively fewer infants allocated empiric antibiotic therapy. While CCA recommended enhanced observation for all chorioamnionitis-exposed infants, SRC recommended routine care without enhanced observation in 44.3% infants. For the six infants (0.39%) with EOS, SRC and CCA recommended empiric antibiotics only for three symptomatic infants. CONCLUSION: The SRC and CCA can reduce antibiotic use but potentially delay antibiotic treatment. The SRC does not recommend enhanced observation with frequent and prolonged vital signs for >44% of chorioamnionitis-exposed infants.
Early balance training with a computerized stabilometric platform in persons with mild hemiparesis in subacute stroke phase: A randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Brunelli Stefano , Gentileschi Noemi , Iosa Marco , Fusco Francesca Romana , Grossi Valerio , Duri Silvia , Foti Calogero , Traballesi Marco
Published: December 2020

Background:

Along with conventional therapy, novel tools are being developed in balance training for the rehabilitation of persons with stroke sequelae. The efficacy of Computerized Balance Training thus far been the object of studies only in persons with chronic stroke.

Objective:

To investigate the effects of an early Computerized Balance Training on balance, walking endurance and independence in activities of daily living, in persons with mild hemiparesis in subacute phase.

Methods:

Thirty-two persons with a recent hemiparesis (within 4 weeks from stroke onset), able to maintain a standing position for at least 30 seconds, were randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. The control group (CG) were administered conventional physiotherapy of 40 minutes twice a day, 5 times a week for 4 weeks, while the experimental group (EG) underwent conventional physiotherapy 40 minutes once a day and Computerized Balance Training once a day, 5 times a week for 4 weeks. Outcomes were evaluated by means of Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Tinetti Balance Scale (TBS), Two Minutes Walk Test (2MWT), Barthel Index (BI) and stabilometric tests.

Results:

Twelve participants for each group completed the training. Each group experienced 8 dropouts. The mean age (years) was 58.1±20.4 for EG and 59.7±14,7 for CG; the days from stroke were respectively 27.9±15.5 and 20±11.7. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant in experimental group for BBS ( p = 0.003), for TBS ( p = 0.028), for Sensory Integration and Balance tests performed with closed eyes on steady ( p = 0.009) or instable surface ( p = 0.023). and for 2MWT ( p = 0.008).

Conclusions:

Computerized Balance Training is an effective therapeutic tool for balance and gait endurance improvement in persons with stroke in subacute phase.
A method for postural critical factors checking: The case of library chairs
Authors: Fiorillo Iolanda , Anzisi Federico Jacopo , Carbone Alfonso , Califano Rosaria , Naddeo Alessandro
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND:

According to ergonomic researches regarding a good sitting posture, it is essential to ensure a natural back-curve in order to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. A brief observation among the Scientific Technology Library inside the University of Salerno showed that students used to complain about neck and lumbar pain, especially after a study day.

OBJECTIVE:

On the light of this background, a sitting posture comfort analysis had been performed on chairs inside the library to check the critical factors that influence the postural comfort and, consequently, the learning.

METHODS:

A prolonged sitting posture, that is common during the daily study activity, had been simulated with fifteen volunteer students performing 1-hour tests (divided into four 15-minutes tasks). Subjective perceptions had been gathered through questionnaires rating on a 5-point Comfort scale, both the expected comfort at the beginning of the experiment and the Localized Postural Comfort at the end of each task have been investigated. Then, postural angles had been gathered through photographic acquisition and Kinovea®. CaMAN software had been used to calculate the objective (dis)comfort indexes. Finally, subjective and objective data had been statistically processed and compared.

RESULTS:

Lumbar area scored the lowest perceived comfort while the perceived comfort was independent of participants and tasks, but dependent on time.

CONCLUSIONS:

After this comfort-driven analysis, critical factors of the chair-design were checked, and a proposal for a future re-design was hypothesized.
Investigating the effects of two fragrances on cabin comfort in an automotive environment
Authors: Gentner Alexandre , Gradinati Giuliano , Favart Carole , Gyamfi Kojo Sarfo , Brusey James
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND:

For passengers in private or public transportation systems, comfort is a major interest. Available comfort models are already used to correlate thermal comfort to influencing factors. However, the available models do not other sensory comfort aspect and specific influences as fragrances and ambient light.

OBJECTIVE:

This publication investigates the impact of fragrances with “warm” and “cold” associated meanings on thermal and overall comfort perception.

METHODS:

Human subject trials ( n = 47) were performed in different temperature-controlled environments following a 3×3 within-subject design considering ambient fragrance (“neutral scent”, “peppermint”, “orange & cinnamon”) and ambient light as variables.

RESULTS:

Olfactory comfort is shown to have the larger effect on overall comfort perception, comparable in weight to the one of thermal comfort. The impact observed on thermal sensation was in line with the meanings associated the fragrances, whereas it was positive on thermal comfort appreciation regardless of the type of fragrance diffused.

CONCLUSIONS:

These initial results suggest that olfactory stimulations have the potential to positively impact thermal and overall comfort. The appreciation of the fragrance appears to have a major impact on these interactions and should be deeply considered in future research and features development.
Desktop lighting for comfortable use of a computer screen
Authors: Han Lu , Zhang Hechen , Xiang Zhongxia , Shang Jinze , Anjani Shabila , Song Yu , Vink Peter
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND:

The contrast between a bright computer screen and a dark ambient environment may influence comfort of the users, especially on their eyes.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this research is to identify the optimal desktop lighting for the comfortable use of the computer screen in a dark environment.

METHODS:

An experiment was designed where seven illumination setups were introduced for the users to perform their leisure tasks on a computer screen. Fifteen healthy subjects participated in the experiments. During each session, durations of the eye blinks, fixations and saccades of the user were recorded by an eye tracker. His/her neck and trunk movements were recorded by a motion tracking system as well. The comfort/discomfort questionnaire, localized postural discomfort questionnaire, NASA task load index and computer user questionnaire were used to record the overall comfort/discomfort, the local perceived physical discomfort, the cognitive workload, and general/eye health problems, respectively.

RESULTS:

Subjective and objective measurement results indicated that users felt more comfortable with high intensity warm lights using a computer screen. We also identified that the eye fixation durations, as well as the scores of two questions in the computer user questionnaire, have significant negative correlations with comfort. On the other side, the durations of blinks and the scores of three questions in the computer user questionnaire, were significantly correlated with discomfort.

CONCLUSION:

The warm (3000K) and high intensity (1500 lux) light reduced the visual and cognitive fatigue of the user and therefore improve the comfort of the user during the use of a computer screen.
Perceived onboard passengers’ experience: Flight attendants’ point of view
Authors: Torkashvand G. , Stephane L. , Vink P.
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND:

Cabin research is mostly based on passenger reports. However, it is also important to consider the perceptions of flight attendants as onboard service providers, since they can convey a complementary view shedding light on important aspects related to passenger experience.

OBJECTIVE:

This study seeks to analyze flight-attendants’ perception regarding passengers’ inflight activities and experience.

METHODS:

Twenty-eight flight attendants were interviewed on more than twenty-three inflight activities that were extracted from a brainstorming session. A survey was designed based on these activities and was distributed to flight attendants.

RESULTS:

Overall, flight attendants perceived the activities ‘resting/relaxing’, ‘sleeping’ and ‘using the restroom’ for comfort as the most important activities to passengers, while activities ‘talking to neighbors’ and ‘thinking and observing’ were the least important ones. Interesting was the fact that flight attendants scored satisfaction of some activities higher then passengers.

CONCLUSIONS:

Flight attendants had a similar idea on importance of activities of passengers, but they valued some activities as more satisfactory.
Comfort and discomfort during smartphone use on a bed
Authors: Udomboonyanupap Sumalee , Boess Stella , Ribeiro Monteiro Luciana , Vink Peter
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND:

The number of smartphone users is immense. People can do ever more with a smartphone. Smartphones are used everywhere, including in bed and on the sofa. The awkward postures taken in these situations affect comfort and discomfort. In designing a bed, it might be useful to know which position is comfortable for smartphone use on a bed.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective was to define the most comfortable trunk angle for smartphone use on a bed.

METHODS:

To study comfort and discomfort, 52 participants were asked to use the smartphone on a bed. The trunk angle of this bed was adjusted to 6 positions from flat to upright and for each angle the comfort and discomfort was recorded.

RESULTS:

The results showed that the participants prefer a trunk angle range around 120 and 142 degrees. At the best trunk angle 29% of the participants felt comfort in the legs, 25% in the upper back and 16% in the shoulders. However, in this position 36% also mentioned discomfort in the lower back and 24 % in the neck.

CONCLUSIONS:

For smartphone use a bed is preferable which enables a trunk angle of around 120–140 degrees. For the legs this is comfortable. However, for the neck and upper back the problem of discomfort still needs attention.
Pelatihan Membaca Puisi Bagi Siswa Madrasah Diniyah Ta’limul Huda Desa Randusanga Wetan
Authors: Yono Robert Rizki
Published: December 2020

Tidak adanya pengajaran puisi di MDTA Ta’limul Huda Desa Randusanga Wetan. Hal ini berdampak pada pengetahuan yang dimiliki santri tentang teknik membaca puisi yang kurang. Kemenag mengadakan lomba porsadin bertujuan untuk menggali dan mengembangkan potensi Madrasah Diniyah Takmiliyah dalam rangka memperkokoh eksistensinya di masyarakat. Diantaranya cabang seni yang dilombakan yaitu membaca puisi islam. Sehingga saat mengikuti porsadin cabang membaca puisi mendapat hasil yang tidak memuaskan. Padahal, banyak manfaat yang didapatkan dari membaca puisi.  Kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini bertujuan untuk memberikan pelatihan membaca puisi bagi santri MDTA Ta’limul Huda Desa Randusanga Wetan dengan mengimplementasikan teknik membaca puisi bagi santri, sehingga santri MDTA desa Randusanga Wetan diharapkan mengetahui tentang puisi dan  mampu membaca puisi dengan baik. metode yang digunakan adalah metode penyajian materi dan pendampingan sehinga mendapatkan hasil yang sesuai dengan yang diharapkan. Berdasarkan pelaksanaan kegiatan pelatihan membaca puisi bagi santri MDTA Ta’limul Huda Desa Randusanga Wetan yang terlaksana dengan baik dan lancar dapat disimpulkan sebagai berikut. Pertama, kegiatan ini menghasilkan pengetahuan baru bagi santri tentang puisi, khususnya teknik membaca puisi. Kedua, peserta memperoleh teknik-teknik membaca puisi yang beragam seperti, vokal, jeda, intonasi, ekspresi, dan penghayatan.
Investigating Sport Fan Attitudes Toward Tanking: The Role of Values-Based Connections
Authors: Aiken K. Damon , Sukhdial Ajay , Campbell Richard M. , Kent Aubrey
Published: December 2020

Abstract: While previous research has found support for the existence of tanking in professional sport, attitudinal complexities surrounding the phenomenon have yet to be investigated. This study utilized Amazon’s Mechanical Turk service to obtain a national sample of National Basketball Association (NBA) fans. The sample contained fans of all thirty NBA teams. Respondents provided data regarding their overall attitudes toward tanking as well as their underlying old school values, time-oriented values, and ethics-based values. Results indicate that fans have a relatively strong dislike for perceived tanking and that a team’s win-loss record has very little influence on fans’ generally negative attitudes. Furthermore, these attitudes appear to be guided by fan values.
The Effect of Attribution on Athlete Scandals: Consumer Responses Toward Scandalized Athletes and Endorsements
Authors: Kim Daehwan , Ko Yong Jae , Lee Joon Sung , Sato Shintaro
Published: December 2020

Abstract: The purpose of the current study, drawing on attribution theory, was to investigate consumers’ attribution process and its impact on their responses to a scandalized athlete and endorsement. The results of the experiment indicate that the distinctiveness of an athlete scandal prompts external attribution while having a negative impact on internal attribution. Additionally, the consistency of an athlete scandal triggers internal attribution. Moreover, the results show that internal (external) attribution has direct negative (positive) impact on attitude toward the scandalized athlete. Lastly, the results show that consumers’ attribution type indirectly determines the consumer responses toward the troubled athlete and endorsement perception. Findings of the current study provide empirical evidence to explain what informational cues consumers utilize when making causal inferences and how such causal inferences subsequently affect the consumer responses. The current study also provides marketing managers with useful implications to make informed decisions in the athlete transgression context.
A.S. Byatt'ın Çeşm-i Bülbülün İçindeki Cin Hikâyesinde Türk Kültürü ve Oryantalist Söylemin Çöküşü
Authors: YILMAZ KURT Zeynep
Published: December 2020

A.S. Byatt'ın olaylarının büyük bir bölümü Türkiye'de geçen “Çeşm-i Bülbülün İçindeki Cin” adlı hikâyesi, Doğu-Batı karşıtlığı üzerine kurgulanmıştır. Avrupalı entelektüel bir kadının İstanbul'da aldığı çeşm-i bülbül bir şişeden çıkan Cin'le ilişkisini anlatan hikâye, Oryantalist Doğu algısı ile Batının kendi ataerkil kültürü arasında paralellik kurarak, batı kültürünün ikili karşıtlıklar üzerine kurgulanmış temeline dikkat çeker. Bu çalışmada, mekân olarak Doğu-Batı arasında eşik konumunda bulunan Türkiye'nin özellikle seçilmiş olmasından yola çıkılarak, yazarın batı kültürünün temelini oluşturan ikili karşıtlıkları yıkmayı amaçladığı ileri sürülmektedir. Hikâyenin temel metaforunu oluşturan çeşm-i bülbül şişenin ise, sadece karma (doğu-batı) yapım tekniği ile değil dört temel elementi barındırma ve hem var olup hem de görünmez olma özelliğiyle bütüncül gerçeklik algısını temsil ettiği vurgulanmaktadır. Batının ayrıştırıcı “ya, ya da” gerçeklik algısına karşın doğunun bütünleyici “hem, hem de” gerçeklik algısı üzerinde durularak, öteleyici tüm sınırların yıkıldığı sonucuna varılmaktadır.
The Ritual of Sacrifice within the Cultural Boundaries in Wole Soyinka's “The Strong Breed”
Authors: BALKAYA Mehmet Akif
Published: December 2020

Fiziksel coğrafi sınırların dışında, bir kültürün bireyi gelenek ve kültürel uygulamalarla şekillenmiş olan toplumdaki kültürel sınırlamalarla karşılaşır. Bu uygulamalar arasında bulunan kurban verme, insanlığın var oluşu ve tarih kadar eskidir. Kurban verme yoluyla, toplumun canlanması ve arınması hedeflenir. Bu türden bir arınma töreni Soyinka'nın oyununda temsil ettiği Yoruba insanlarının gelenekleri arasında da mevcuttur. Kurban ritüeli ile ilişkili olarak rolünü algılayan Eman' in etrafında oyundaki dramatik eylem gelişir. Bu makale, ilk olarak, Yoruba kültürü içinde bireyin özgürlüğünü sınırlayan kültürel kısıtlamaları inceler, ikinci olaraksa, kültürel aynileştirme ve kişisel bütünleşmişlik durumlarını The Strong Breed (1963) adlı oyun özelinde analiz etmeyi hedeflemektedir. Bu bağlamda, The Strong Breed oyununun temsil ettiği sonuç şudur: kültürel sınırların gücü altında hür irade ve kader şekillenebilir ve de kurban sunumu bireyin kimlik ve aidiyetini şekillendirebilir.
Türkçe Öğrenen Yabancıların Kullandıkları Dil Öğrenme Stratejileri
Authors: ALAN Sebahat , GÖKMEN M. Ertan , PEÇENEK Dilek , ÖZDEMİR Hasan Fehmi
Published: December 2020

Bu çalışmanın amacı, Ankara Üniversitesi Türkçe ve Yabancı Dil Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezi TÖMER'de Türkçe öğrenen yabancı uyruklu öğrenicilerin dil öğrenme stratejilerini kullanma/tercih etme düzeylerinin belirlenmesi ve bu düzeylerin çeşitli değişkenler açısından incelenmesidir. Veri toplamak için Oxford tarafından geliştirilen, Cesur ve Fer tarafından Türkçeye uyarlanan Dil Öğrenme Stratejileri Envanteri kullanılmıştır. İlişkisel tarama desenindeki bu çalışma sonucunda, Türkçe öğrenen yabancı öğrenicilerin dil öğrenme stratejilerini kullanma düzeylerinin yüksek olduğu, en fazla kullanılan stratejilerin sosyal stratejiler, en az kullanılan stratejilerin ise duyuşsal stratejiler olduğu belirlenmiştir. Yabancı kursiyerlerin dil öğrenme stratejilerini kullanmalarında cinsiyet ve eğitim düzeyleri açısından fark olmadığı, ancak dil düzeyi ve uyruk açısından anlamlı farklılık olduğu saptanmıştır.
Bruno'yla Birlikte Doğan Yeni Madde Kavrayışının Ardındaki Aristotelesçi Devler Savaşı: İbn Sînâ'yla Birlikte Yükselen Maddenin Sesinin Aquinas'ın Tâbi Olduğu Gelenek Tarafından Bastırılışı
Authors: DEMİR Barışcan
Published: December 2020

Bu çalışmanı temel amacı, taşıyıcı madde kavrayışının Aristoteles'ten Bruno'ya dek nasıl bir yol izlemiş olduğunu ortaya koymaktır. Bu amaç doğrultusunda ilkin, Aristoteles'in ontolojisinde madde ve nous'un nasıl ele alındığı açığa çıkartılacaktır. Bunun ardından, Plotinos'un madde ve nous'u ne bakımdan Aristoteles'in çizdiği çerçevenin dışına çıkacak şekilde yorumladığından ve bu yorumun da, Ortaçağ'a, maddeyi tümüyle negatif ve nous'u ise yüce bir unsur olarak değerlendirme mirasını nasıl bırakmış olduğundan bahsedilecektir. İbn Sînâ ise, kendinde barınan Yeni Platoncu öğeler dolayısıyla, kendi özgün madde kavrayışını bütünlüklü bir anlatıya dönüştürerek geleneğin kabuğunu parçalayamamış olan, fakat Aristotelesçi pozitif madde kavrayışının tekrar doğmasını sağlayarak, Bruno'ya doğru ilerleyen maddeci hattı genişleten bir figür olarak değerlendirilecektir. Daha sonra ise, Aquinas, Plotinos'un yarattığı geleneğe bağlı kalarak ilerleyen, nous'u öte dünya tiniyle özdeşleştirmeyi deneyen dizgesiyle de, İbn Sînâ'yla birlikte yavaş yavaş sesini yükseltmeye başlamış olan maddeci hattı bastıran bir figür olarak ele alınacaktır. Son olarak da, Bruno'nun ve onun kendine özgü madde kavrayışı temelinde yükselen evrenin sonsuzluğu fikrinin, nasıl olup da geleneğin ablukasını parçalayarak düşünceyi euporia'ya ulaştırmayı başarmış olan bir Yeni olarak belirebildiği ortaya konulacaktır.
Visual Perception-Based Categorization in Elementary and Secondary Schoolers
Authors: ÖNAL Özay
Published: December 2020

Bu deneysel çalışmada, ilkokul ve ortaokul öğrencilerinin ulam resimlerini adlandırmadaki ulamsal düzey tercihleri, hangi ulamsal düzeyden daha fazla yararlandıklarını bulmak amacıyla bilişsel ve dilsel yönlerden gözlemlenmiştir. Çalışmada; DOĞAL TÜRLER, İNSAN YAPIMI EŞYALAR ve OLAY/EYLEM ulamsal gruplarından oluşan iki resim grubu kullanılmış ve iki farklı test (R1 ve R2) uygulanmıştır. R1 testindeki resimler katılımcıların kolaylıkla tanıdığı ve adlandırabildiği; R2'dekiler ise, ayrıntılı olarak tanımlanması ve adlandırılması zor resimlerden seçilmiştir. Katılımcılar R1 testindeki resimleri ağırlıklı olarak TEMEL düzeyde (örn, gömlek) adlandırmışlardır. Bu sonuç, TEMEL düzeyin ayrıcalıklı niteliğini doğrulamaktadır. R2'deki resimler ise ağırlıklı olarak ÜST düzeyde (örn. böcek) adlandırılmıştır. Bu sonuç ise, çocukların ÜST düzey ulamları nasıl ve ne zaman kullanacaklarını bildiklerini göstermektedir. ALT düzeyde adlandırma söz konusu olduğunda, katılımcıların çekinceli davrandığı gözlemlenmiştir. Ulamsal gruplar arasında İNSAN YAPIMI EŞYALAR için daha ayrıntılı adlandırmalar yapılmıştır.
Didier Daeninckx'in “La Mort N'oublie Personne” Başlıklı Romanında İşgal, Direniş ve Adalet
Authors: ÖZKAN Ahmet
Published: December 2020

Çağdaş Fransız yazınının en üretken isimlerinden biri olan Didier Daeninckx, özellikle kara roman türünde verdiği eserleriyle Fransa'nın yakın geçmişini mercek altına alır. XX. yüzyılın tarihsel kilometre taşları sayılabilecek II. Dünya Savaşı, Yahudi Soykırımı, Sömürgesizleştirme Dönemi, Cezayir Savaşı ve 1968 Mayıs Olayları gibi hadiselerin ve dönemlerin karanlık yönlerini kendi yaşamından ve tanıklıklarından yola çıkarak anlatır. Daeninckx, eserlerinde söz konusu olayların bireyler üzerindeki etkilerini ortaya koymak için, öncelikle bu olayların bilinmeyen yönlerini romanlarına bir arka plan olarak seçer. Bir tarihçi titizliğiyle karanlık yönlerini aydınlatmaya çalışır. Bireylerin büyük Tarih karşısındaki konumlarının sorguya açıldığı bu romanlarda yazar, mikrotarih yöntemini kullanmıştır. Söz konusu yöntem bireylerin geçmişlerini şekillendiren bu olayların şimdileri üzerindeki etkisini incelemeyi olanaklı kılmıştır. Yazarın olay kurgusunun merkezine koyduğu “sorunlu geçmiş” kavramı Fransa'nın ulusal hafıza sorunuyla açıklanır. Bu çalışmada, Didier Daeninckx'in “La mort n'oublie personne” (1989) başlıklı romanında sıradan karakterler üzerinden İşgal ve Direniş kavramlarına, direnişçilerin faaliyetlerine, işgalle fiziksel olarak bölünen Fransa'nın manevi olarak nasıl iki tarafa bölündüğüne değinmeye çalışılacaktır. Çalışmada, Fransa'nın Pas-de-Calais bölgesindeki sıradan maden işçilerinin oluşturduğu, işgalcilerle birlikte hareket eden Fransızlara karşı mücadele veren küçük direniş gruplarının faaliyetlerinin kimi suçlar için bir kılıf haline gelmesinin Direniş hareketi algısını zamanla nasıl değiştirdiğine odaklanılacaktır. Nazi kamplarının bireysel hafızalarda yarattığı tahribata ve lekelenen Direniş hareketinin savaş sonrası dönemde adalet karşısındaki konumuna değinilirken, II. Dünya Savaşı Fransası'nın bir panoramasının çıkartılması amaçlanmaktadır. Bu doğrultuda Michael Rothberg, Olivier Wieviorka, Marianne Hirsch gibi araştırmacıların görüşlerinin Fransız ulusal hafızasında derin izler bırakan bu büyük savaşın bireysel hafızalarda sebep olduğu travmaları açığa çıkarmada çalışmaya ışık tutması düşünülmektedir.