bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Okul Öncesi Dönemde Evde Okuma Süreci: Aile Beklentilerine Yönelik Bir Durum Çalışması
Authors: TEPETAŞ CENGİZ Şule , BAL Mazhar
Published: October 2020

Okumayı alışkanlık hâline getirmeyi sağlayan ve bunda rol oynayan birçok etken bulunmaktadır. Aile bireylerinin ve çevredeki bireylerin okumaya karşı istekli olmaları, örnek olmaları ve çocuk ile etkileşim kurmaları çocukların da olumlu olarak etkilenmelerini sağlayabilir. Okuma sürecinde önem verilen ve etkileşime girilen bu noktalar Okur Yanıt Teorisi’nin de temelini oluşturmaktadır. Bu çalışma ile okul öncesi dönemdeki çocukların evde aileleri ile gerçekleştirdikleri okuma süreçlerinin ailelerin beklentilerine göre Okur Yanıt Teorisi bağlamında incelenmesi amaçlanmaktadır. Nitel araştırma yöntemi ile gerçekleştirilen bu çalışma, durum incelemesi ile desenlenmiştir. Araştırmanın katılımcılarını, okul öncesi dönemde çocuğu bulunan 54 ebeveyn oluşturmaktadır. Veri toplama aracı olarak yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu kullanılmıştır. Çalışmada sonuç olarak ailelerin okuma süreçlerine ilişkin beklentileri ile gerçekleştirdikleri etkinliklerdeki bakış açısının tutarlılık göstermediği belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca ailelerin beklentilerinin daha çok estetik bakış açısını yansıttığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Sadece okuma sonrası sürece ilişkin beklentilerde estetik amaçlı okuma ve bilgi için okuma bakış açısının öneminin aileler için eşit kabul edildiği tespit edilmiştir.
The Rhythms of NEP
Authors: Ginzburg Lyubov
Published: October 2020

The article revisits the story behind Dmitri Shostakovich's orchestration of a popular tune, "Tea for Two," by Vincent Youmans in 1924. The episode is discussed within a broader context of the NEP era and its infatuation with the innovative American art form known as jazz. Steeped with an array of newly revealed circumstances, it is bestowed with unexpected new meanings and symbols that reverberate in such disciplines as comparative cultural studies, international affairs, and Russian-American relations.
Sam Hill's Adventures in Russia, 1899-1916: In His Own Words
Authors: Whisenhunt Donald W. , Whisenhunt William Benton
Published: October 2020

This article explores the travel writings of Sam Hill, an American entrepreneur, during his three trips to Russia from 1899 to 1916. Hill’s observations, drawn from diaries, memoirs, articles, and letters, provide a unique perspective on Russian society, culture, and infrastructure in the late imperial era. His experiences, including encounters with Russian bureaucracy, pogroms, and social norms, reflect his outsider’s perspective shaped by American values. The authors argue that Hill’s narratives, housed in largely overlooked archives, offer significant historical insights into Russo-American relations, travel, and the cultural exchanges of the period
Russian Art and Russian Studies at Dartmouth: Case of Ralph Sylvester Bartlett
Authors: Davis, Jr. Robert H.
Published: October 2020

This article delves into the fascinating story of Ralph Sylvester Bartlett, a Dartmouth College alumnus, and his intriguing connection to Russian art and culture. Through archival research at the Hood Museum, a remarkable 1933 photograph of Bartlett in Soviet Georgia, clad in traditional attire, sparked an investigation into his life and legacy. As a scion of New England, Bartlett's journey took him from his roots in Massachusetts to the Caucasus region, where he developed a deep appreciation for Russian art and culture. This study sheds light on Bartlett's experiences, influences, and contributions to Russian studies at Dartmouth, highlighting the college's rich cultural heritage and its significance in the broader context of Russian-American relations.
The Triumph and Anguish of the Russian Revolution: Bessie Beatty's Forgotten Chronicle
Authors: Ginzburg Lyubov
Published: October 2020

The article gives a long-overdue consideration to a gendered narrative that until recently has been among discourses often excluded from historical scrutiny in the process of understanding and interpreting the Russian Revolutions of 1917. It is dedicated to American journalist Bessie Beatty, one of a dozen foreign correspondents who arrived in Russia to report on the history unfolding in the crumbling empire. The piece is a homage to Beatty's legacy of an ardent suffragist and devoted pacifist, whose life was effervescent with places, individuals, adventures, and events that would reverberate throughout the 20th century and beyond. Whether covering miners' unrest in Nevada, castigating the system for profiting from prostitutes' deplorable plight in San Francisco, or trying to decipher the convoluted social turmoil in revolutionary Petrograd, she would always manifest compassion and humanism, revealing the lives of individuals, rather than drawing an impersonal and generalized picture of the masses. Most importantly, the author strives to prevent Beatty's work from oblivion and amplify her opposition to war, the heavy toll of which she first witnessed reporting from the Russian front a century ago, when she exposed pervasive human suffering, denounced the lust for blood, and lamented the total deprivation of human dignity. While it may not bring to naught an ever-growing anguish in the face of current precarious rivalries and never-ending gnawing strife, it may help to revive Beatty's hope that "the muddled old world" would be once remade "upon a basis of human freedom and safety".
Probabilidade de produção de leite com teores de gordura e proteína desejados pela indústria
Authors: Pacheco R. F. , Sudoski W. , Morais B. C. , Veiga J. O. S.
Published: October 2020

Objetivou-se estimar a probabilidade de vacas leiteiras produzirem leite com teores de gordura e proteína acima dos percentuais desejados pela indústria, bem como os principais fatores que os influenciam. Foram analisadas individualmente amostras de leite de 78 vacas em primeira lactação de 29 propriedades rurais da região do Planalto Norte Catarinense. Os valores de referência para análise do teor de gordura e proteína foram de 4,0% e 3,3%; respectivamente. Para análise das variáveis foi utilizada regressão logística e os parâmetros foram avaliados pela estatística de razão de chances (odds ratio). A raça, a idade, o tempo de gestação e o tempo de pastejo são as variáveis que mais influenciam na chance de produção de leite com teor de proteína superior a 3,3%. Aumentar a produção de leite reduz a chance de obter leite com teor de gordura que permita a máxima bonificação. Melhorias na condição corporal da vaca aumentam a chance de obtenção de leite com teor de gordura que permita atender as exigências da indústria para máxima bonificação.
Factores que Influyen el Aprendizaje de Lengua Extranjera en los eSports. Un Estudio de Caso
Authors: Postigo Fuentes Ana Yara , Fernández Navas Manuel
Published: October 2020

The overwhelming growth of the eSport industry in different countries and the possibility of playing online these videogames have allowed Spanish players to communicate with players from other countries that speak a different language, creating a new learning context. In this case study, we wanted to analyse how the process of language learning occurs in the eSport context through a qualitative research design. For that purpose, we used observations, analysis of the oral output during gaming, interviews with players and organization team in an amateur league and assessment of their communicative skills. The results show the importance of the communication in the interaction with the community and the team, the influence of the social context and inside the game and the intrinsic motivation due to the use value of learning in a pluricultural and competitive context.
Personas Emprendedoras: Vidas Ejemplares y Claves Educativas para la Reorientación de la Carrera
Authors: Arráiz-Pérez Ana , Sabirón-Sierra Fernando , Suárez-Ortega Magdalena
Published: October 2020

En una sociedad neoliberal y globalizada, que comparte mantenidas crisis de empleo, y otras sobrevenidas como el Covid-19, con impacto diverso en las vidas de las personas, emprender se convierte en una opción posible y meritoria para mantenerse activo y obtener recursos para hacer sostenible la vida. Este artículo permite aportar luz sobre el desarrollo de la carrera emprendedora, a través de un estudio biográfico-narrativo con doce informantes. Se utiliza la entrevista para promover un proceso de indagación encadenado con un triple propósito: a) comprender el significado de las trayectorias emprendedoras desde la interpretación subjetiva; b) profundizar en los procesos de transición al emprendimiento; al tiempo que, c) interesa una aproximación educativa a la construcción de la identidad (o identidades) de las personas emprendedoras. Los resultados muestran características de los trazados vitales (educativos, profesionales y personales) y claves para la conformación de procesos emprendedores. En tanto que el emprendimiento es un fenómeno intrínseco a los procesos de construcción de la propia identidad, esta aproximación desvela formas de aprender que se vinculan al “aprendizaje situado” y la “acción contextualizada”. Se plantean conclusiones para la discusión, planteando pistas para una educación emprendedora en tiempos de complejidad y crisis.
Development of Digital Repository system for Knowledge Management by Using Collective Intelligence and Big data for SMEs
Authors:   The Division of Information and Communication Technology for Education, Faculty of Technical Education, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Thailand, Namnual Thanapol , Wannapiroon Panita
Published: October 2020

The purposes of the research were 1) to design a framework for a Digital Repository system for Knowledge management By Using Collective Intelligence and Big data for SMEs. And 2) to evaluate the appropriateness of the framework by experts. The 10 individuals chosen were experts in the field of Information Technology by purposive sampling. The data collection tools were the system and the assessment of an appropriate model using a 5-level rating scale. The statistics used in the data analysis were means and standard deviation. The results showed that 1) The framework for a Digital Repository system for Knowledge management By Using Collective Intelligence and Big data for SMEs consisted of 3 components as followed: a) Knowledge Management, b) Cloud Knowledge Management System, and c) User Interface 2) the expert opinions were that it was absolutely appropriate in overall.
Technical Overview of the Net Metering in Lebanon
Authors: Shabani Issam , Chaaban Mohammad
Published: October 2020

In order to realize the best practices to allow the individuals participate in renewable energy production, a collection of legislation was ratified, and a set of decisions was introduced to encourage the prosumer concept. This notion, which is called Net Metering (NEM), is a billing mechanism that credits PV solar system owners for the energy injected to the grid. Lebanon adopts the NEM policy to reduce the demand and boost the grid through increasing the generation capacity. The decline of solar equipment cost encourages people to subscribe to the NEM service by utilizing the PV solar systems. The implementation of the NEM service provides the customers with leverage over their electricity bills. However, connecting the home micro grid into the vast grid is not easy. It imposes many technical challenges which are discussed in this article.
RELIGION AND PARTICIPATION IN PROTEST MOVEMENTS IN CHINA: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY
Authors: Yi Chengzhi , Qiu Geping , Liang Tao
Published: October 2020

This article examines the relationship between religion and protest movements. Based on the data from China World Values Survey (2010–2014), we analyze the role of religious beliefs and religious practice on protest participation. We find that holding religious beliefs has a significantly positive effect on respondents’ reported inclination or willingness to participate in protest movements—their propensity to protest—but no influence on their actual participation. In contrast, taking part in religious activities—actual religious practice—has a significantly positive effect not only on one’s propensity for participation in protest movements but also on the actual protest participation. These findings seem to help explain the regime’s wariness on organized religions in China in general, and the tight control of unauthorized religious groups in particular.
Analysis of postoperative prognostic factors in patients with long bones metastatic lesions
Authors: Wang Jun , Kharchenko N V , Karpenko V Y
Published: October 2020

Currently, with the development of the concept of cancer treatment, the survival rate of patients has increased significantly, but the percentage of the frequency of various metastatic lesions remains high. The bones of the skeleton are one of the main parts of metastases. In cancer patients, bone metastases usually mean that the disease is at an advanced stage, and the prognosis is not good. These patients often suffer from many complications, including pain, decreased mobility, pathological fractures, etc. The quality of life of patients is seriously deteriorating. Therefore, the main goal of surgical treatment of patients with bone metastases is the earliest possible restoration the function of the affected limb, pain relief, prevention of pathological fractures and the improvement of the quality of life of patients after surgery. This literature review analyzes the incidence of bone metastases in patients, and the dependence of metastatic lesions of long tubular bones on localization incidence of bone metastases in different body parts. The domestic and foreign literature on the surgical treatment of patients with metastatic bone lesions was analyzed. The results of the analysis show that the features of surgical treatment are becoming the main factors influencing the prognosis in patients with metastatic lesions of the long bones.
Possibilities of proteolytic enzymes in the treatment of some forms of male infertility
Authors: Neymark Aleksandr I. , Neymark Boris A. , Nozdrachev Nikolay A. , Davydov Andrej V. , Kablova Irina V. , Yakovets Yaroslava V. , Levin Vladimir P. , Plotnikova Anzhelika Yu.
Published: October 2020

In the study 46 men with impaired fertility and the presence of viscosipathy were included. The patients age ranged from 22 to 45 years, the average duration of infertility in marriage was 3.5 2.4 years. All patients with Longidaza drugs according to the following scheme were treated. First, ten intramuscular injections of Longidaza lyophilisate were performed to prepare a solution of 3000 IU once every five days, then Longidaza suppositories 3000 IU rectally once every three days were prescribed, for a total of 15 suppositories. The total duration of the course of treatment is 90 days. A decrease in sperm viscosity from 2.1 0.05 cm to 0.6 0.07 cm (p 0.05), an increase in total sperm motility (from 32.6 2.9 to 61 3.1%, p 0.05) and the number of sperm with progressive movement (from 22 1.1 to 36.7 2.9 %, p 0.05) after the treatment were revealed. Also, in the course of treatment, the restoration of the antioxidant protection of the ejaculate was noted, as evidenced by an increase in the activity of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase and a decrease in the content of malon dialdehyde. During the first year after the end of treatment, conception in marriage was registered in 21 (45.7%) patients. The results of the study indicate that a violation of the lipid peroxidation system can lead to both an increase in sperm viscosity and a disruption in the activity of acrosomal enzymes, as a result of which it becomes difficult for spermatozoa to penetrate the ovum. Longidaza is able to increase the hyaluronidase activity of the sperm acrosome, thereby improving the fertilizing ability of the ejaculate.
Our experience of application of low-level laser therapy in red spectrum in male idiopathic secretory infertility
Authors: Potapova Maria K. , Borovets Sergey Yu. , Slesarevskaya Margarita N. , Al-Shukri Salman Kh.
Published: October 2020

Introduction. Due to insufficient efficacy of medical therapy of idiopathic secretory male infertility there is a need to develop and apply more resultative methods of treatment.
The aim of our study was to assess the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in red spectrum on sperm parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation (SDNAF) and MAR-test rate in men with idiopathic infertility.
Patients and methods. 85 men with idiopathic infertility were examined, 50 of them (first group) were treated with LLLT and 35 (second group) didnt have course of LLLT. Average age of patients of the first and second groups was 31.4 1.3 and 32.3 1.4 years. LLLT was performed in red spectrum on a Rubin-C device (Russia). 10 laser therapy procedures were carried out every two days with active luminescence for 10 minutes of both testicles. Male hormone panel, semen analysis, MAR-test, SDNAF were assessed before and after the treatment.
Results. LLLT in patients of the first group resulted in significant increase in ejaculate volume, sperm viability, number of morphologically normal sperm forms (by an average of 11, 9 and 23% respectively), and active mobile sperm forms by an average of 14 and 19% one and two months after the therapy respectively. In 12 patients of the first group with initially increased SDNAF its level became normal after the treatment. Significant decrease of MAR-test we searched out in patients of the first group with its initial level less than 30%. As a result of the treatment, pregnancies developed in 10 (20%) out of 50 couples in the first group.
Conclusions. LLLT in red spectrum leads to significant improvement of sperm quality in patients with idiopathic infertility, normalizes sperm DNA-fragmentation level and decreases MAR-test level.
Substitutional urethroplasty with tissue-engineered structures in an experiment
Authors: Gorelova Anna A. , Murav’ev Aleksandr N. , Vinogradova Tatiana I. , Gorelov Andrei I. , Yudintseva Natalia M. , Nashchekina Yulia A. , Samusenko Igor A. , Yablonsky Petr K.
Published: October 2020

Introduction. In order to exclude the difficulties arising in the course of traditional surgical interventions in the scope of substitutional urethroplasty, in recent years, alternative materials have been developed using tissue engineering. This study is devoted to the development of new tissue-engineered constructions for urethroplasty using cells of different tissue origins and biopolymers, which is an urgent problem of modern medicine.
Aim. Experimental provision of a rationale for the possibility of using tissue-engineered constructions to replace urethral defects.
Methods and materials. Two-staged, experimental, controlled study. Dedicated to the development of tissue-engineered constructions (TEC) based on biopolymers seeded with mesenchymal stem cells or buccal epithelial cells. The prepared TECs were implanted into the rabbits urethra wall in a acute trauma model. Comparison of the results of the TECs usage with the gold standard buccal urethraplasty was carried out.
Results. Urethrography showed similar results in all groups of animals, regardless the type of implanted material. No urethral patency was found, and confocal microscopy of urethral cryosections revealed the presence of nanoparticle-labeled mesenchymal stem cells / buccal epithelium cells with signs of their differentiation in the urothelial direction in the mucous layer.
Conclusion. The possibility of using tissue-engineered constructions based on biopolymers containing autologous mesenchymal stem cells or buccal epithelium cells for experimental substitutional urethroplasty was shown. The developed TECs can be used as an alternative to buccal urethroplasty in an experiment.
Effectiveness of melatonin use in treatment of premature ejaculation combined with erectile dysfunction
Authors: Kuzmenko Andrey V. , Gyaurgiev Timur A. , Vishnyakov Artem A. , Tizyo Daler V.
Published: October 2020

The article presents the results of the treatment of 60 patients with premature ejaculation in combination with erectile dysfunction. Patients were divided into three groups, in which patients were prescribed non-drug treatment, or sildenafil 50 mg on demand, or sildenafil 50 mg on demand in combination with melatonin 3 mg at night. Duration of treatment was 6 months. The psychoemotional status, quality of life, quality and duration of intercourse, erectile function and chrono-rhythms of patients were assessed. The results of the study showed that treatment with sildenafil in combination with melatonin was the most clinically effective, which manifested in prolongation of sexual intercourse, improvement of the quality of erection and normalization of the chronobiological status of patients.
Сhild-parent relationship as a predictor of youth’s financial activity
Authors: Zhdanova N. E. , Vorobeva I. V. , Krivoshchekova M. S. , Velkova S. I.
Published: October 2020

Introduction. The study of financial behaviour and human activity in relation to the management of material resources seems relevant both from the point of view of identifying potential risks of deviant behaviour patterns in this area, and identifying training opportunities for effective management of their own financial resources. The studies of financial behaviour of young people in conjunction with parent-child relationships are poorly presented in modern science and are conducted mainly abroad. Due to the lack of data, the value of the Russian research is great due to the high demand for scientific ideas about such relationship.

The aimof the present research is to identify the interdependence between child-parent relationships and the financial activity of young people through the correlation of their models of financial behaviour, as well as the search for determinants of the activity of boys and girls in the system of parenting.

Methodology and research methods. An empirical study was conducted on two related samples – youth representatives (young teenagers aged from 14 to 16 years old) and their parents. The total number of study participants was 144 people, of which 87 parents (57 women and 30 men) and 57 youth representatives (29 girls and 28 boys). For data collection, the authors compiled a questionnaire. This questionnaire contains two blocks: an assessment of the financial activity of the family and an assessment of the financial activity of youth. Also, the authors employed the methodology “Family Relationship Analysis” (by E. G Eidemiller, V. V. Yustitskis) and the questionnaire “Parent Behaviour and the Attitude of Children toward It” (by E. Schafer). Processing of the obtained data was carried out in the statistical package IBM SPSS Statistic 19.0. For mathematical and statistical analysis, the methods of descriptive statistics, cluster analysis, correlation analysis and regression analysis were used.

Results and scientific novelty. As a result of an empirical study, two statistically significant regression models were constructed. According to the obtained models, some features of parent-child relationships really stimulate the financial activity and independence of youth. The groups of financially active and passive boys and girls are identified. It is established that these groups differ only in relation to their own assessments of parental impact by the mother.

Practical significanceof the work lies in the possibility of using the obtained data to form a scientific understanding of the genesis and mechanisms of formation of a person’s financial activity, as well as in identifying target groups and developing effective methods for teaching financial literacy of the population.
IT education as a factor to influence gender imbalances in computing: Comparing Russian and American experience.
Authors: Khenner E. K. , Frieze C. , Zane O.
Published: October 2020

Introduction. The  problem  of  the  relatively  small  number of women professionally employed in computing (computer science and information technology) is relevant throughout the world. Despite the fact that IT professionals are widely in demand, women in many countries, including theUSA andRussia, make up no more than a quarter of their total number, which requires explanation. One of the major reasons for this phenomenon, according to the authors, lies in the education system.

The aim of this article was to analyse the factors affecting gender imbalance in IT professions, by comparing two countries in which information technology has historically played an important role, and which are very different from each other in many ways – economic, political, educational system and others.

Research methodology. The present research is based on the comparison of data on IT education in schools and universities, and the degree of involvement of girls and women in computing in theUSA andRussia.

Results. Both in theUSA and inRussia, gender imbalances in IT professions are formed largely in the field of education. Cultural stereotypes about computing as a male-dominated profession are produced by the media. Such stereotypes can discourage some girls and young women from studying computer science and also result in imbalance formation. The education system needs to increase the confidence of girls and young women in the possibilities of realising their abilities in the field of computer science and information technologies. Educational institutions should help to eliminate the negative attitude towards girls’ choice of IT professions.

Scientific novelty. For the first time, general factors in the field of education were identified that affect gender imbalances among IT professionals inRussia and theUSA – the countries with significantly different traditions and educational systems.

Practical significance of the present work is to justify the conditions for improving school and university education to solve the problem of gender inequality in IT industry.
Effect of Flood Disaster and Long Term Changes during 2011 to 2018 on Community Structure of Zooplankton in the Inner Gulf of Thailand
Authors: Punnarak Porntep , Sojisuporn Pramot , Jitrapat Hattaya , Piumsomboon Ajcharaporn
Published: October 2020

This study of community structure of zooplankton in the Inner Gulf of Thailand was initiated in late 2011 in response to a major flood disaster event and continued intermittently to 2018. Six cruises with 13-20 replicate stations/cruise, provided data for contour maps of zooplankton, nutrients, water hydrography, pigments and algae; this manuscript utilized this diverse data set to focus on mesozooplankton. Immediately after the flood, November 2011, mesozooplankton communities were dominated by calanoid copepods with contributions of about 78% of the total. This changed in 2012 to 2018 which the proportion of calanoid copepods was decreased while the other zooplankton such as hydromedusae, polychaete larvae, barnacle nauplii, pelagic shrimp (Lucifer sp. and protozoea) and chaetognaths were increased. The density of mesozooplankton varied between 1.70 x 104 to 1.26 x 106 ind./100 m3 with noticeably high densities near the four river mouths that flow into Inner Gulf. Distribution patterns of mesozooplankton emerged that are likely similar to the long-term patterns of this region which effected by water circulation in the Inner Gulf of Thailand. However, high density of zooplankton in November 2012 and October 2017 appeared along the north-eastern coast and may be related to the availability of food (i.g., algae). Zooplankton abundances in the Inner Gulf of Thailand were significantly correlated with environmental parameters mainly temperature, salinity and food supplies as represented by chlorophyll a concentrations.
Problems and Directions of Development through Analysis of Virtual Reality-Based Education in Korea
Authors:   Department of Early Childhood Education, Cheju Halla University, South Korea, An Mi Young , Ko Kyung A , Kang Eun Ju
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study is to examine what kinds of virtual reality-based education have been in Korea and what positive effects it has on learners. In addition, this study examines the limitations of current virtual reality-based education and the directions to be developed. For this purpose, the research was conducted through the literature review method that finds and organizes the documents which are the data of this study, such as various papers, research reports and articles. As a result of this study, the virtual reality-based education has a more realistic experience through the development of virtual reality technology, free movement, physical and sensory interactions. Many companies are growing quantitatively and qualitatively by introducing into various services and contents fields such as education, medical, film, military, sports and tourism in anticipation that the development of network and virtual devices will be greatly improved in the future. In particular, many attempts have been made in education, medicine and sports. Virtual reality-based education provides learners with a three-dimensional and realistic environment to deepen and broaden the learning experience. The learner is immersed in learning and gains practical experience, and the learner becomes the self-directed learner who can achieve the output. The limitations of virtual reality include cyber sickness, low vision and lack of content.
A Comparative Study on Quality Characteristics in Designing Educational Applications
Authors:   School of Computing, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, Ngadiman Norzila , Sulaiman Shahida , Idris Norsham , Mohamed Hasnah
Published: October 2020

Traditional learning methods have significantly changed with the adaptation of modern technologies. Teachers and students have become more interested to build their knowledge when exploring learning materials using various devices and applications. ISO/IEC 25010:2011 and ISO 9241-11:2008 are referred to regarding five quality characteristics in designing educational applications. This paper reports the comparative study that investigates the quality characteristics in existing educational applications by applying the Kirkpatrick Model, which comprises four logical levels in the educational process. The investigation of the quality characteristics involved four types of online educational applications. The analysis shows that more than half (56.66%) of the compared characteristics were not found in the selected educational applications. Thus, the study concludes that the compared educational applications remain to have issues if software developers or software engineers do not consider the five quality characteristics, which include user interface aesthetics, appropriateness recognisability, understandability, effectiveness and satisfaction from the users’ perspectives.
Research on Adaptive Learning Prediction Based on XAPI
Authors:   the Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Open Distance Education, Shanghai Open University, China, Xiao Jun , Wang Lamei , Zhao Jisheng , Fu Aizhen
Published: October 2020

In the field of online learning, there is a problem of high student turnover rate. How to accurately identify learners and provide targeted teaching support services is an urgent problem for education researchers. In this paper, 1306 online learners majoring in finance from Shanghai Open University were selected as the subjects, and two kinds of data sets are adopted, which are learning data of online learning platform and learning behavior data of students based on xAPI, to analyze the relationship between learners' various online learning behaviors and learning achievements, and to determine the characteristics related to learning state of learners, describe the personalized learning state portrait, and select a variety of machine learning algorithms to build prediction model based on two data sets, to explore which data is more effective for building prediction models to identify potential risk learners. It is found that data mining analysis based on xAPI data has higher prediction accuracy than traditional online learning data.
Epidemiological and cytological aspects of the cervix in women from the Diourbel region (Senegal) cervical smear screening
Authors: Ndiade Amadou , Thiam Ibou , Diallo Abdou Karim , Diatta Ange Lucien , Senghor Fabrice , Faye Oumar
Published: October 2020

Background: Objectives of the study were to record the results of uterine cervical smear tests of women in the Diourbel region to compare epidemiological data with the results of uterine cervical smear tests.Methods: This was a retrospective study of 201 satisfactory cervical smears performed in the period from 01 December 2018 to 01 December 2019 at the laboratory of the regional hospital Henrich Lubcke of Diourbel. All women with a satisfactory smear were included in our study, so we classified patients according to age and parity.Results: The mean age of the patients was 38.41 years with a standard deviation of 11.51 years. The extremes were 15 and 64 years. The age group (30-40 years) was in the majority at 32.34%. Multiparous patients were in the majority, accounting for 43.28%. The cervix was macroscopically healthy in 61.19% of patients and inflammatory in 12.94%. There was 18.41% low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) accounted for 1% of smears. A statistically significant relationship existed between parity and smear result with p˂0.01.Conclusions: Cervical cancer is one of the most fatal cancers in women and the smear remains the safest and most effective means of prevention.
Maternal and perinatal outcome in severe preeclampsia and eclampsia at the Rivers State university teaching hospital, Nigeria
Authors: Awoyesuku Peter A. , John Dickson H. , John Dickson H. , Lebara Lewis B. , Lebara Lewis B.
Published: October 2020

Background: Severe preeclampsia and eclampsia remain a challenge in tropical obstetric practice. It is a major contributor to feto-maternal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. This study seeks to determine the prevalence, associated risk factors and the feto-maternal outcome of severe preeclampsia and eclampsia at the rivers state university teaching hospital (RSUTH).Method: A retrospective study of all women who had severe preeclampsia and eclampsia and were delivered at the RSUTH in a two-year period, 1ST January 2018 to 31ST December 2019, was carried out. Data on patients’ age, parity, education, booking status, gestational age at delivery, diagnosis, complications, mode of delivery and fetal sex, birth weight and Apgar scores were retrieved using structured pro-forma. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.Results: There were 4496 deliveries of which 128 had severe preeclampsia and eclampsia, giving a prevalence of 2.85%. Of these, 94 (73.4%) had severe preeclampsia and 34 (26.6%) had eclampsia. The mean age of the women ± SD was 29.84±5.44 years, median parity was para 1, and mean gestational age ± SD was 35.38±3.84 weeks. There were 10 maternal deaths giving case fatality of 7.8%. The mean birth weight ± SD was 2.61±0.91 kg and stillborn rate was 14.4%. There was significant association with maternal age, education, booking status, method of delivery and Apgar score of the baby.Conclusion: The prevalence in this study is high with associated high maternal mortality and stillborn rates. Timely and appropriate intervention including primary management and judicious termination of pregnancy will reduce mortality of mother and fetus.
A prospective study to evaluate the role of routine early third trimester ultrasound in the diagnosis of intrauterine growth restriction and prediction of adverse perinatal outcome using color Doppler
Authors: Yadav Shabd Singh , Singh Aditi , Yadav Kalpana
Published: October 2020

Background: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a major and silent cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Rate of IUGR in developing countries is 6 times higher than that of developed countries. 14 to 20 million infants are affected with IUGR in developing countries annually. The highest incidence is found in south central Asia (33%) and India (21%). Aim of study was to evaluate the role of early 3rd trimester ultrasound in diagnosis and role of color Doppler in prediction of adverse perinatal outcome in IUGR.Methods: A prospective case-control study was conducted on 720 women admitted in GMH Rewa for one year. 360 antenatal cases diagnosed as IUGR on ultrasound were taken as study group, same number of non IUGR cases were taken as control. Study cases were followed with Doppler. The umbilical artery pulsatility index (UA PI), middle cerebral artery pulsatility index (MCA PI) and cerebro-placental ratio were calculated and the results were analysed.Results: Inferences drawn from the study were: rate of caesarean section was significantly higher (31%) in study group, perinatal outcome was poor in more number of cases (10.8%) in study group than the control group (3.4%), and the sensitivity and specificity of cerebroplacental ratio was more reliable indicator in comparison to that of UA PI and MCA PI in prediction of adverse perinatal outcome.Conclusions: Looking at the high burden of IUGR cases in our country and its adverse effects on perinatal outcome, if early third trimester ultrasound is made mandatory for all pregnant women, most of the IUGR cases can be detected and managed timely and perinatal outcome can be significantly improved.
Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and autoimmunity among pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus in a tertiary care hospital, Visakhapatnam
Authors: Nemani Srividya , Kurumeti Vamsi Krishna
Published: October 2020

Background: The most common endocrine conditions encountered in pregnancy are gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and thyroid disease which have been known to mutually exist and impact each other to variable extents.Methods: A Cross sectional study was conducted from September 2019 to February 2020 among 150 pregnant women (75 women with GDM and 75 women without GDM) with 24-28 weeks of gestation in a tertiary care hospital. Thyroid function tests (Serum TSH, FT4 and TPO antibodies) were evaluated in all the pregnant women. All the information regarding family history of diabetes mellitus, GDM and thyroid disease was determined in both groups and analyzed by statistical methods in SPSS trial version 21.Results: Obtained data showed that TSH level (p=0.14) and anti- TPO (p=0.04) in women with GDM were more than in euglycemic pregnant women and FT4 (p≤0.001) level was lower. There is higher prevalence of hypothyroidism among GDM patients compared to that of euglycaemic women (29.3% vs 14.6%). TPO Ab was positive among 29.3% of GDM and 8% of the normal pregnant women (p<0.05). High prevalence of hypothyroidism was noticed among TPO Ab positive patients in both the groups, but more in the GDM group comparatively indicating that TPO Ab positivity is associated with a higher risk of hypothyroidism in GDM (p<0.05).Conclusions: The high prevalence of thyroid disorders and autoimmunity among GDM group warrants the importance of evaluating thyroid function in pregnant women with impaired glucose tolerance, in view of their increased risk of hypothyroidism.
Hysteresis control for a grid connected dual-buck inverter
Authors: Bolaños-Navarrete Mario Andrés , Bastidas-Rodríguez Juan David , Osorio Gustavo Adolfo
Published: October 2020

Single-phase inverters are widely used in different renewable energy applications. Although the full-bridge inverter istypically used, dual-buck inverters provide an important advantage, since they eliminate the shoot-through problems. However, solutions proposed in the literature require additional inductors, use linear controllersdesigned around an operation point, or cannot be used in grid-connected applications. This paper presents a hysteresis current control of a single-phase dual-buck full-bridge inverter for grid-connected active power injection. Includes the dynamical modelin state variables, as well as analytical conditions to guarantee the evolution of the error dynamics in a set with boundaries defined by the designer. Moreover, the paper provides guidelines for the design of the dead band required for the transitions between the positive and negative semi-cycles (and vice-versa) of the grid voltage. Finally, simulation results validate the main features of the controller as well as the design of the dead band
Decentralized T-S Fuzzy Control for Solar PV Powered Water Pumping System Driving by Induction Motor
Authors: Safia Zeineb Ben , Allouch Moez , Chaabane Mohamed
Published: October 2020

This paper presents a decentralized Takagi Sugeno (T-S) control scheme for a PV powered water pumping system, which is composed of a photovoltaic generator (PVG) supplying via a DC-DC boost converter, a DC-AC inverter, an Induction Motor coupled to a centrifugal pump. A T-S fuzzy controller is developed for MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) to control the DC-DC boost converter, under variable solar irradiation and ambient temperature. An observer-based T-S fuzzy controller is dedicated to control the IM to guarantee the field-oriented control performances. From the optimal PV power provided in the MPP conditions, the optimal speed is calculated and delivered to control the IM, so that the proposed PV pumping system operates in optimal conditions and thus, maximizes the quantity of water pumped daily. Finally, simulation results are presented for both transient and steady state operation while taking into account all changes in climatic conditions, in order to validate the efficiency of the developed decentralized controller.
Genetic Differentiation and Divergence Time of Chinese Parnassius (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) Species Based on Nuclear Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) Sequence Data
Authors: Si Chengcai , Chen Keke , Tao Ruisong , Su Chengyong , Ma Junye , Li Luyan , Hao Jiasheng , Yang Qun
Published: October 2020

Parnassius (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) is a genus of attractive butterflies mainly distributed in the mountainous areas of Central Asia, the Himalayas, and western China. In this study, we used the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1 and ITS2) sequence data as DNA barcodes to characterize the genetic differentiation and conduct the phylogenetic analysis and divergence time estimation of the 17 Parnassius species collected in China. Species identification and genetic differentiation analysis suggest that the ITS barcode is an effective marker for Parnassius species identification; additionally, a relatively high level of genetic diversity and low level of gene flow were detected in the five Parnassius species with diverse geographic populations. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the 17 species studied were clustered in six clades (subgenera), with subgenus Parnassius at the basal position in the phylogenetic trees. Bayesian divergence time estimation shows that the genus originated about 18 million years ago during the early Miocene, correlated with orogenic events in the distribution region, probably southwestern China about 20–10 million years ago. Our estimated phylochronology also suggests that the Parnassius interspecific and intraspecific divergences were probably related with the rapid rising of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the Tibet Movement, the Kunlun-Yellow River Tectonic Movement, and global cooling associated with intensified glaciation in the region during the Quaternary Period.
Prevalence of Occupational Accidents and its Related Factors in the Qom Province Industries
Authors: Abbasi Milad , Zokaie Mojtaba , Falahati Mohsen , Biabani Azam
Published: October 2020

Background: Analysis of accident data based on social and economic factors can be useful in determining injury patterns and establishing operational policies to improve safety and health. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of socio-economic factors in accidents.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted based on information obtained from the Labor Inspection Office of Qom Province in 2017. In this study, the required information was extracted from recorded accident forms of 1048 accident cases occurred among victims who were over 18 years old. In this study, the dependent variables include the outcome of accidents divided into two groups of accidents leading to death and injury. Data were analyzed using Stata Software version 23 (Stat Crop. USA).
Results: Based on the results, the presence of a safety officer in the industry reduced the risk of accidents leading to injury (AOR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.72-0.91, P<0.05), people who had received safety training were 0.0009 times less likely to experience accidents leading to injury compared to the other group (AOR = 0.009, 95% CI: 0.0-0.16. P<0.05), and people with undergraduate education were 1.98 times more likely to experience accidents leading to injury (AOR = 0.009, 95% CI: 1.25-2.2. P<0.05). It was further found that people who have experienced the accident beforehand are less likely to have accidents leading to injury than the other group (AOR = 0.05, 95% CI: 0.005-0.72. P<0.05).
Conclusions: Therefore, as indicated, many factors have domino effects on different social damages and problems. Accordingly, to lower accidents and modify workforce cul­ture, multi-faceted strategies should be applied properly
Factors Affecting Performance of Permit to Work System: A Case Study in an Oil Refinery
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Mahdi , Karimi Ali , Zakerian Seyed Abolfazl , Jahadi Naeini Mahsa
Published: October 2020

Background: Permit to Work system is a documented system to control activities that are inherently hazardous and may cause incidents. The aim of this study was to evaluate performance of Permit to Work (PTW) system in an oil refinery.
Methods: The Study was a cross-sectional study that was done during 2019 in one of the oil refineries in southern Iran. A total number of 125 participants who were experts that were working in an oil refinery and were in charge of Permit to work (PTW) issuing, were selected based on census method and were entered into the study. The instrument of this study was a questionnaire about evaluating performance of Permit to work system, which was completed by the participants after explaining the aim of the study and training them how to complete it. In order to data analysis SEPPTW software was applied.
Results: The results showed that the performance of Permit to work system in the studied refinery is generally in the moderate level (41.2 score). Also, in the field of hazard identification and risk assessment, the performance of Permit to work system was poor, but its performance in the field of coordination and informing was at a good level.
Conclusion: Identifying the weak points and causes of defect in Permit to work system can result in increased levels of Permit to work system, and then reduced incidents from work related to permit to work in process industries.