bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stories About Ourselves: A Collaborative, International Materials and Teacher Development Project
Authors: Brown Cherie , Ara Huda Shamsi
Published: August 2021

Bangladeshi English teachers indicate that learners struggle with English reading materials because of unfamiliar cultural content presented simultaneously with unfamiliar target language. They report that emphasis on foreign texts and a lack of culturally relevant materials result in demotivated learners and poor classroom participation. Local research into this led to the design of an international collaborative teacher/materials’ development project with Bangladeshi English teachers. An initial teacher-training event evolved into a long-term project, aimed at online publication of “homegrown” graded stories with a Bangladesh content focus, using high frequency English vocabulary and controlled grammatical structures. The goals were to create a bank of free, culturally appropriate graded materials for Bangladeshi learners, to train Bangladeshi teachers how to develop these, to improve participants’ English and professional competencies, and to strengthen ties between participants within Bangladesh and internationally. The presentation outlines the project and provides insights from one Bangladeshi project participant.

バングラデシュの英語教師達は、馴染みの無い文化コンテンツが登場する為に、学習者が英語のリーディング教材と格闘している現状、また海外で作られた教科書の重用や文化的に適切な教材の不足が、学習者のやる気をそぎ、授業への低参加率を招いていることを指摘する。この問題を現地で調査した結果、現地の英語教師との国際共同教師・教材開発プロジェクトが考案され、バングラデシュに焦点を合わせた内容で、使用頻度の高い英語の語彙と統制された文法構造を用いた「自国産」のレベル別読本のオンライン出版が目的とされた。このプロジェクトの目標は、バングラデシュの学習者向けに文化的に適切な無料のレベル別教材バンクを作成すること、バングラデシュの教師がこれらの教材を開発する方法をトレーニングすること、参加者の英語と職業的能力を向上させること、バングラデシュ国内および海外の参加者との繋がりを強化することである。本稿は、バングラデシュのプロジェクト参加者の一人として、プロジェクトの概要とその考察を述べる。
Critical Corpus Analysis of ALTs’ Online Discourse
Authors: Kirkwood Hugh
Published: August 2021

Thousands of non-Japanese nationals work as assistant language teachers (ALTs) in schools throughout Japan. To better understand ALTs’ teaching contexts and motivations, the researcher created a corpus of online discourse about ALTs and used corpus software to identify and analyse key words in context. He also asked questions from critical discourse analysis to examine the relationship of these key words to ideology and power. The findings were that while the discourse often described poor employment conditions and problems for ALTs working in Japanese schools, the discourse itself may also be contributing to the reproduction of these conditions. This is because it seemed to both stigmatise ALTs as fundamentally unprofessional and suggest that ALT positions can be a step towards other types of employment in Japan. Such discourse may encourage people to become ALTs and tolerate poor conditions in the short-term instead of engaging in collective actions to make long-term improvements.

日本で外国語指導助手（ALT）として働く外国籍労働者は何千といる。ALTが働く環境と動機付けを理解するため、筆者はALTに関するディスコースのコーパスを構築し、コーパス分析ソフトを用いて文脈中のキーワードの特定と分析を行った。また批判的言説分析を用いて、抽出されたキーワードとイデオロギー及び影響力の関係を検証した。結果、ディスコースにはALTの劣悪な労働環境と日本の学校で働く上での問題が多くみられた一方で、ディスコース自体がこうした状況の再生産に寄与している可能性が示唆された。ディスコースにより、ALTは基本的に高度な専門性を必要としないというスティグマを形成しうることに加え、ALTは日本で他の職を得るためのステップとなりうることが示唆されているようであった。このようなディスコースは長期的な状況改善のための集団的行動を起こすのではなく、ALTが短期的に現状に我慢することを促している可能性がある。
O mouse, where art thou? The Mouse Position Surveillance System (MoPSS)—an RFID-based tracking system
Authors: Habedank Anne , Urmersbach Birk , Kahnau Pia , Lewejohann Lars
Published: August 2021

Existing methods for analysis of home cage-based preference tests are either time-consuming, not suitable for group management, expensive, and/or based on proprietary equipment that is not freely available. To correct this, we developed an automated system for group-housed mice based on radio frequency identification: the Mouse Position Surveillance System (MoPSS). The system uses an Arduino microcontroller with compatible components; it is affordable and easy to rebuild for every laboratory because it uses free and open-source software and open-source hardware with the RFID readers as the only proprietary component. The MoPSS was validated using female C57BL/6J mice and manual video comparison. It proved to be accurate even for fast-moving mice (up to 100% accuracy after logical reconstruction), and is already implemented in several studies in our laboratory. Here, we provide the complete construction description as well as the validation data and the results of an example experiment. This tracking system will allow group-based preference testing with individually identified mice to be carried out in a convenient manner. This facilitation of preference tests creates the foundation for better housing conditions from the animals’ perspective.
Investigation of The Relationship Between Bitcoin and Gold Prices With The Maki Cointegration Test
Authors: SÖKMEN Ferhat Şirin , GÜRSOY Samet
Published: August 2021

The gold mine has been a commodity used for thousands of years, today it is also an investment tool with the highest reliability. However; cryptocurrencies that are recently used are affecting our portfolio. Bitcoin is the most traded cryptocurrency. Since there are alternative investment instruments involved in portfolios, the relationship between these two independent values inspired the emergence of this study.
The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a causality-cointegration relationship between daily Bitcoin prices and gold prices for the periods between 10,01,2014 and 11,12,2020. In the application section, Toda Yamamoto causality and the Maki Cointegration test were applied. According to the results of the Toda Yamamoto causality test, there is a two-way causality relationship. According to the results of the Maki cointegration test, there was no long-term relationship between the series. As a result, it is expected that in the long term, investors will have a risk-reducing effect by including both investment instruments in the same portfolio.
IMPLEMENTASI PSAK 71 JANUARI 2020 DAN PROFITABILITAS PERBANKAN DI INDONESIA
Authors: Kustina Ketut Tanti , Alit Putra I Gusti Putu Ngurah
Published: August 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui perbedaan profitabilitas sebelum dan sesudah penerapan PSAK 71 yang resmi diterapkan per 1 Januari 2020. PSAK 71 merupakan pencadangan atas menurunnya nilai aset keuangan yang berupa kredit. Objek penelitian ini adalah perusahaan perbankan milik BUMN. Dalam penelitian ini untuk mengetahui apakah terdapat perbedaan profitabilitas sebelum dan sesudah penerapan PSAK 71 peneliti menggunakan metode yang digunakan adalah Paired Sample T-Test. Bedasarkan dari asil uji Paired Sample T-Test mendapat nilai signifikasi 0,000 <0,005 yang artinya terdapat perbedaan profitabilitas yang signifikan sebelum dan sesudah penerapan PSAK 71. Penerapan PSAK 71 menyebabkan penurunan profitabilitas perbankan yang dikarenakan meningkatnya pencadangan kerugian penurunan nilai yang dibentuk perbankan akibat dari kredit yang tidak tertagih. Saran yang dapat diberikan adalah walaupun mengalami penurunan profitabilitas yang signifikan perbankan diharapkan memberikan pelayanan yang maksimal kepada masyarakat dalam pemberian kredit guna meningkatkan perekonomian.
Kata kunci : PSAK 71, CKPN, Profitabilitas
TD 2678 - Distribuição de crédito e crescimento no nordeste: uma comparação entre BNDES e BNB 2010-2019
Authors: Ehrl Philipp , Portugal Rodrigo
Published: August 2021

Este trabalho apresenta uma análise detalhada sobre a extensão em diversas dimensões geográficas dos empréstimos do Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social (BNDES) e do Banco do Nordeste do Brasil (BNB). Compara-se a atuação geral de ambos os bancos ao longo tempo, assim como suas linhas de crédito e tomadores principais. Usando regressões, ainda se analisa os fatores determinantes sobre a distribuição espacial dos empréstimos e a relação deles com o crescimento da economia local. Os achados indicam que, grosso modo, os dois bancos se complementam. O BNDES possui muita experiência no financiamento de grandes projetos de infraestrutura e em investimentos produtivos para empresas de qualquer porte. Ao longo da última década, o BNDES reduzia drasticamente o volume e o número de seus empréstimos e concentrava suas ações no Matopiba (acrônimo criado a partir das siglas dos estados de Maranhão, Tocantins, Piauí e Bahia); no entanto, as atividades do BNB permaneciam relativamente estáveis. Os empréstimos do BNB estão mais concentrados nas áreas de agricultura e nas mãos de pessoas físicas (PFs), em razão do crédito ao Programa Nacional de Fortalecimento da Agricultura Familiar (Pronaf). Estes empréstimos são direcionados predominantemente para regiões do semiárido, no interior do país, longe das capitais estaduais, que são as menos desenvolvidas pela ótica do produto interno bruto (PIB) per capita e do Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (IDHm). Estas regiões, as mais atendidas pelos microcréditos do BNB, são, também, bastante dependentes da agricultura. Em contraste, os empréstimos do BNDES estão mais concentrados nas capitais e, geralmente, em regiões mais desenvolvidas, apesar das modificações do perfil entre 2010 e 2019, com destaque para o Matopiba.
Modeling Stellar Activity-rotation Relations in Unsaturated Cool Stars
Authors: Farrish Alison O. , Alexander David , Johns-Krull Christopher M. , Li Minjing
Published: August 2021

We apply a surface flux transport model developed for the Sun to reconstruct the stellar activity-rotation relationship, L

X
/L
bol versus Ro, observed for unsaturated cool stars (Rossby numbers Ro ≳ 0.1). This empirical flux transport model incorporates modulations of magnetic flux strength consistent with observed solar activity cycles, as well as surface flux dynamics consistent with observed and modeled stellar relationships. We find that for stellar flux models corresponding to a range of 0.1 ≲ (Ro/Ro
Sun) ≲ 1.2, the L

X
/L
bol versus Ro relation matches well the power-law behavior observed in the unsaturated regime of cool stars. Additionally, the magnetic activity cycles captured by the stellar simulations produce a spread about the power-law relation consistent with that observed in cool star populations, indicating that the observed spread may be caused by intrinsic variations resulting from cyclic stellar behavior. The success of our flux transport modeling in reproducing the observed activity relationship across a wide range of late-F, G, K, and M stars suggests that the photospheric magnetic fields of all unsaturated cool stars exhibit similar flux emergence and surface dynamic behavior, and may hint at possible similarities in stellar dynamo action across a broad range of stellar types.
One Year in the Life of Young Suns: Data-constrained Corona-wind Model of κ
1 Ceti
Authors: Airapetian Vladimir S. , Jin Meng , Lüftinger Theresa , Boro Saikia Sudeshna , Kochukhov Oleg , Güdel Manuel , Van Der Holst Bart , Manchester IV W.
Published: August 2021

The young magnetically active solar-like stars are efficient generators of ionizing radiation in the form of X-ray and extreme-UV (EUV) flux, stellar wind, and eruptive events. These outputs are the critical factors affecting atmospheric escape and chemistry of (exo)planets around active stars. While X-ray fluxes and surface magnetic fields can be derived from observations, the EUV emission, and wind mass fluxes, coronal mass ejections and associated stellar energetic particle events cannot be directly observed. Here, we present the results of a three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model with inputs constrained by spectropolarimetric data, Hubble Space Telescope/STIS far-UV and X-ray data, and stellar magnetic maps reconstructed at two epochs separated by 11 months. The simulations show that over the course of the year the global stellar corona had undergone a drastic transition from a simple dipole-like to a tilted dipole with multipole field components and thus provided favorable conditions for corotating interaction regions (CIRs) that drive strong shocks. The dynamic pressures exerted by CIRs are 1300 times larger than those observed from the Sun and can contribute to the atmospheric erosion of early Venus, Earth, Mars, and young Earth-like exoplanets. Our data-constrained MHD model provides the framework to model coronal environments of G–M planet-hosting dwarfs. The model outputs can serve as a realistic input for exoplanetary atmospheric models to evaluate the impact of stellar coronal emission, stellar winds, and CIRs on their atmospheric escape and chemistry that can be tested in the upcoming James Webb Space Telescope and ground-based observations.
Detection of Flare-associated CME Candidates on Two M-dwarfs by GWAC and Fast, Time-resolved Spectroscopic Follow-ups
Authors: Wang J. , Xin L. P. , Li H. L. , Li G. W. , Sun S. S. , Gao C. , Han X. H. , Dai Z. G. , Liang E. W. , Wang X. Y. , Wei J. Y.
Published: August 2021

The flare-associated stellar coronal mass ejections (CMEs) of solar-like and late-type stars profoundly impact the habitability of any expolanets in the systems. In this paper, we report the detection of flare-associated CMEs for two M-dwarfs, thanks to a high-cadence survey carried out by the Ground Wide-angle Camera system and fast photometric and spectroscopic follow-ups. The flare energies in the R band are determined to be 1.6 × 1035 erg and 8.1 × 1033 erg based on modeling of their light curves. The time-resolved spectroscopic observations start at about 20 and 40 minutes after the trigger in both cases. The large projected maximum velocity of ∼500–700 km s−1 suggests that the high-velocity wings of their Hα emission lines most likely result from CME events in both stars, after excluding the possibility of chromospheric evaporation and coronal rain. The masses of the CMEs are estimated to be 1.5–4.5 × 1019 g and 7.1 × 1018 g.
Turbulent Acceleration of Interstellar Pickup Ions at the Heliospheric Termination Shock Forms the Global ENA Spectrum
Authors: Zirnstein E. J. , Kumar R. , Bandyopadhyay R. , Dayeh M. A. , Heerikhuisen J. , McComas D. J.
Published: August 2021

The heliospheric energetic neutral atom spectrum observed by the Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) reveals that the heliosheath proton distribution is consistent with a power law. The origin of the spectrum is likely from interstellar pickup ions (PUIs) accelerated at the heliospheric termination shock (HTS). We present an explanation of the proton spectrum origin using a test particle simulation of PUIs accelerated at the HTS. PUIs experience preferential heating by the motional electric field in the shock foot, but do not develop a power-law tail without the presence of turbulence at wavenumbers (k) close to the PUI gyroradius scale (R
g). Voyager 2 observations of the magnetic field downstream of the HTS indicate a moderate amount of turbulence at kR

g
≅ 1,

δ
B

/

B

0

2

≅
0.01

, which we find to be sufficient for producing a downstream suprathermal PUI tail but not at intensities observed by IBEX. Within the shock ramp, however, Voyager observed the turbulence power at much smaller scales to be nearly 100 times stronger, suggesting the possibility of strong turbulence at the PUI gyroradius scale. We show that a proton distribution can develop a power law downstream of the HTS consistent with IBEX observations if

δ
B

/

B

0

2

≳
0.1

at kR

g
≅ 1 in the shock foot. Shock drift acceleration of PUIs by the motional electric field is aided by interactions with turbulence upstream of the shock overshoot. Steepening of the IBEX proton spectrum in directions farther from the heliospheric nose suggests the HTS compression ratio and/or turbulence power weakens near the heliotail.
Knowledge about antibiotics and antibiotic resistance among health-related students in a Saudi University
Authors: Akbar Zafar , Alquwez Nahed , Alsolais Abdulellah , Thazha Suhas Kaniyarakkal , Ahmad Mohammad Dabeer , Cruz Jonas Preposi
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Antibiotic resistance is a threat to public health and safety globally. The inadequate undergraduate education on antibiotic stewardship may contribute to the clinical malpractice of antibiotics, causing serious consequences toward patient health. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of future healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia on antibiotics, antibiotic use, and antibiotic resistance. The factors influencing the students’ knowledge were also determined.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study using a survey questionnaire was carried out among 284 Clinical Laboratory Science, Nursing, and Pharmacy students in Saudi Arabia from January to April 2019. Multiple regression analyses were performed to identify the factors influencing the students’ knowledge regarding antibiotics, antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance.

Results: The study found that students have above-average knowledge of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance, whereas their knowledge of antibiotic use was inadequate. Several factors, including gender, program, academic level, awareness about antibiotic resistance, attendance to seminars/training, and belief on the seriousness of antibiotic resistance problem, affect students’ knowledge. The findings suggest that the knowledge of students in these areas should be improved.

Conclusions: Misconceptions are prominent in certain areas, such as in the concept of antibiotics and their uses. The findings prompt immediate interventions to improve students’ knowledge of antibiotics and resistance. Curricular contents must be reviewed and enhanced to suit the specific learning needs of students in terms of these concepts.
Carbapenem and colistin-resistant bacteria in North Lebanon: Coexistence of mcr-1 and NDM-4 genes in Escherichia coli
Authors: Al-Bayssari Charbel , Nawfal Dagher Tania , El Hamoui Samar , Fenianos Fadi , Makdissy Nehman , Rolain Jean-Marc , Nasreddine Nadine
Published: August 2021

Introduction: The increasing incidence of infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria is considered a global health problem. This study aimed to investigate this resistance in Gram-negative bacteria isolated from patients hospitalized in North-Lebanon.

Methodology: All isolates were identified using the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was achieved using disk diffusion, E-test and Broth microdilution methods. Phenotypic detection of carbapenemase was carried out using the CarbaNP test. RT-PCR, standard-PCR and sequencing were performed to detect resistance genes and oprD gene. Conjugal transfer was carried out between our isolates and Escherichia coli J53 to detect the genetic localization of resistance genes. MLST was conducted to determine the genotype of each isolate.

Results: Twenty-three carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales of which eight colistin-resistant Escherichia coli, and Twenty carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated. All isolates showed an imipenem MIC greater than 32 mg/mL with MICs for colistin greater than 2 mg/L for E. coli isolates. All the Enterobacterales isolates had at least one carbapenemase-encoding gene, with E. coli isolates coharboring blaNDM-4 and mcr-1 genes. Moreover, 16/20 Pseudomonas aeruginosa harbored the blaVIM-2 gene and 18/20 had mutations in the oprD gene. MLST revealed that the isolates belonged to several clones.

Conclusions: We report here the first description in the world of clinical E. coli isolates coharboring blaNDM-4 and mcr-1 genes, and K. pneumoniae isolates producing NDM-6 and OXA-48 carbapenemases. Also, we describe the emergence of NDM-1-producing E. cloacae in Lebanon. Screening for these isolates is necessary to limit the spread of resistant microorganisms in hospitals.
Saxifraga viridiflorum, an unusual new species from Guangxi, China
Authors: Zhang Xinjian , Chen Jun-Tong , Li Lijuan , Luo Pengrui , Peng Jing-Yi , Huang Xianhan , Sun Hang , Deng Tao
Published: August 2021

Saxifraga viridiflorum, a remarkable new species of the genus Saxifraga sect. Irregulares (Saxifragaceae) from Guangxi, is described and illustrated herein. This new species morphologically differs from all known congeneric taxa by its greenish petals, verruculose sepals, and thick leathery leaf blade abaxially scarlet with white spots.
An annotated checklist of the Crambidae of the region of Murcia (Spain) with new records, distribution and biological data (Lepidoptera: Pyraloidea, Crambidae)
Authors: Garre Manuel , Girdley John , Guerrero Juan , Rubio Rosa , Ortiz Antonio S.
Published: August 2021

The Murcia Region (osouth-eastern Iberian Peninsula) has a great diversity of Lepidopteran fauna, as a zoogeographical crossroads and biodiversity hotspot with more than 850 butterflies and moth species recorded.

In the present paper, based on an examination of museum specimens, published records and new samples, a comprehensive and critical species list of Crambidae moths (Lepidoptera: Pyraloidea) is synthesised. In total, 8 subfamilies, 50 genera and 106 species have been recorded and these are listed along with their collection, literature references and biological data including chorotype, voltinism and the flight period in the study area. The subfamilies are as follows: Acentropinae, Crambinae, Glaphyriinae, Lathrotelinae, Odontiinae, Pyraustinae, Scopariinae and Spilomelinae. Forty nine species are here newly recorded for the Murcia Region.
A new species and a new series of Elatostema (Urticaceae) from south-western China
Authors: Yin Dan-Hong , Huang Teng-Fei , Lu Zhen , Duan Lin-Dong
Published: August 2021

The new series Elatostema section Weddellia series Xingyiensia L.D. Duan & D.H. Yin (Urticaceae) is described. In addition, its new species Elatostema xingyiense L.D. Duan & D.H. Yin, endemic to Guizhou Province, is also described and illustrated with photographs. The new series is morphologically similar to series Melanocarpa W.T. Wang and series Sublinearia W.T. Wang. The new species is most similar to E. melanocarpum, E. sublineare, E. obscurinerve, E. langicuspe and E. youyangense in morphology, but can be visibly distinguished by a combination of characters, including leaf vein, male inflorescences, female inflorescences and persistent tepals.
Les retombées professionnelles des stages internationaux sur la carrière des jeunes professionnels diplômés à la Haute école de travail social et de santé à Lausanne en Suisse
Authors: Mercure Dominique , Anchise Lucie , Dupuis Nicholas , Meyer Sylvie , Girardet Khedidja
Published: August 2021

Le stage international fait partie intégrante de la formation initiale de plusieurs programmes universitaires et vise à soutenir le développement des compétences nécessaires à l’exercice professionnel. Cette étude s’attache à décrire et analyser les compétences acquises par le stage international, dont plus précisément celles maintenues et transposées en début de carrière. Vingt-deux entretiens qualitatifs ont été réalisés en Suisse auprès des jeunes diplômés de la Haute école de travail social et de la santé de Lausanne pour mieux décrire ces retombées professionnelles et comprendre les défis impliqués dans ce parcours d’apprentissage particulier. Les résultats démontrent que divers savoirs, savoir-faire et savoir-être spécifiques y sont développés puis transposés dans l’exercice professionnel au retour. L’étude révèle un lien déterminant entre le contexte du stage, inscrit dans un écosystème porteur d’opportunités et de contraintes, et les compétences qui y sont développées. Un processus réflexif s’installe pour analyser la complexité du terrain et les divers savoirs sont mobilisés en interrelation entre eux en vue de s’adapter au contexte et d’installer une démarche d’intervention.
Erasmus students’ experiences under the COVID-19 VUCA situation
Authors: Saurwein Leena , Hang Xu Frank
Published: August 2021

Le programme d’échange d’étudiants Erasmus+ est l’un des programmes phares de l’Union européenne et vise à développer l’alphabétisation des apprenants et à lutter contre les discriminations. Suite à l’éclatement de la pandémie de COVID-19 en 2020, les mobilités étudiantes ont été fortement perturbées dans le monde entier et en particulier en Europe. Cette pandémie sans précédent a plongé toute la communauté universitaire dans une situation volatile, incertaine, complexe et ambiguë (VUCA en Anglais). Les mobilités étudiantes ont tout particulièrement subi cette rupture et ses impacts.Dans ce contexte, les auteurs de cet article ont conduit une étude comparative des expériences de mobilité d’étudiants au cours d’un semestre normal (2019) et au cours d’un semestre VUCA en pleine pandémie (2020). Les auteurs ont eu recours à la méthode d’analyse thématique pour interpréter les données collectées auprès de deux cohortes d’étudiants ayant terminé leur mobilité respectivement en 2019 et 2020. Sur la base des résultats obtenus (5 thèmes saillants), les auteurs ont cherché à analyser l’impact des quatre éléments du modèle VUCA sur les mobilités étudiantes et les expériences d’apprentissage durant la pandémie, en comparaison avec les mobilités ayant eu lieu au cours d’un semestre non perturbé par la crise sanitaire. L’article s’appuie finalement sur les stratégies et pratiques observées au sein d’une université autrichienne pour analyser les modalités d’accompagnement des étudiants en mobilité pendant la pandémie, afin d’en tirer des enseignements permettant de limiter à l’avenir les impacts négatifs de situations VUCA dans d’autres universités.
« Mais qu’est-ce que la mégalomanie ? »
Authors: Thanh-Huê Ly , Sala Florian , Ouimet Gérard , Calvez Vincent , Drillon Dominic
Published: August 2021

Dans cet entretien, trois experts (psychiatre, psychanalyste, psychologue) répondent à une variété de questions que l’on se pose sur la mégalomanie : Existe-t-il tout d’abord une définition scientifique, est-ce une maladie ou plutôt un trait de personnalité ? La précision des apports nous permet ensuite de faire la distinction entre les différentes notions liées et de comprendre ses prolongements et ses racines (perversion, narcissisme, manipulation mais aussi fragilité du moi). Nous apprendrons aussi que la mégalomanie ne semble pas liée à une culture et semble bien ainsi universelle. Les experts présenteront de plus quelques outils pour tenter de gérer au mieux notre relation avec un ou une mégalomane et nous aiderons à l’identifier dès le processus de recrutement.
Oscillatory and asymptotic properties of higher-order quasilinear neutral differential equations
Authors: Cesarano Clemente ,   Section of Mathematics, International Telematic University Uninettuno, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 39, Roma 00186, Italy, Moaaz Osama , Qaraad Belgees , Muhib Ali ,   Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt,   Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Amran University, Amran, Yemen,   Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Education-Al-Nadirah, Ibb University, Ibb, Yemen
Published: August 2021

The objective of this paper is to study the oscillation criteria for odd-order neutral differential equations with several delays. We establish new oscillation criteria by using Riccati transformation. Our new criteria are interested in complementing and extending some results in the literature. An example is considered to illustrate our results.
Learning to Teach in Mixed-Reality Simulated Virtual Environments at a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI)
Authors: Lopez Estrada Veronica , Pena Carmen , Love Denise
Published: August 2021

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, faculty at a Hispanic serving institution shifted from face-to-face to totally online teaching. The authors describe two assignments for teacher candidates that required them to design and deliver lessons that focused on practicing two high-leverage practices utilizing Mursion, a mixed-reality simulation (MRS) software and platform. MRS sessions were delivered through Zoom video conferencing and were delivered asynchronously. Benefits, challenges, and limitations of using MRS in conjunction with Zoom in online courses were identified and discussed. Detailed logistics for planning, preparing, and executing MRS effectively were provided. The authors describe implications for remote learning as it related to teaching at an HSI located in one of the poorest areas of the U.S., with one of the most vulnerable populations.
The Design of Virtual Laboratories in Microwave Engineering Education
Authors: Sim Man Seng , You Kok Yeow , Esa Fahmiruddin
Published: August 2021

The transformation of physical laboratory to virtual laboratory is necessary for distance learning, especially during the pandemic. The educators face challenges when designing and developing virtual laboratories. Therefore, this chapter aimed to present the implementation of virtual laboratories in microwave engineering education, which can be a reference for the educators. The first section introduces microwave, microwave engineering course, and laboratory experiments in the course. The following section reviews and presents the technological tools for the design and development of virtual laboratories. Furthermore, three examples of virtual experiments are discussed based on their design, pedagogical approach, virtual tools, and laboratory manual. The last part discusses the benefits, challenges, and future direction of virtual laboratories in microwave engineering education.
Cobalt Molybdate Incorporated Thermoset Composites: Preparation and Characterization
Authors: Song Liang , Niu Mao Shan , Wang Yang
Published: August 2021

Piezo-chromic oxides are able to mark pressure or strain by a drastic color change. In this paper, CoMoO4 molybdate compound and related thermoset composites were prepared in lab. The distribution of CoMoO4 oxide in the thermoset matrix was first investigated via SEM. Moreover, the effects on the thermal and mechanical properties with the addition of CoMoO4 oxide were further analyzed. The piezo-chromic characteristic for CoMoO4 incorporated thermoset composites were verified with compression test. The color change can be clear visualized at a strain level close to the yield point of the composite blends. This study has the potential to open new directions to piezo-chromic polymeric materials as early damage detector.
Durability and Mechanical Properties of Self-Compacting Concrete Incorporating Recovered Filler from Hot Mix Asphalt Plants and Recycled Fine Aggregate
Authors: Ghafari Sepehr , Moghadas Nejad Fereidoon , Corbu Ofelia
Published: August 2021

In this research, a sustainable approach is followed to develop efficient mixtures incorporating recycled fine aggregate (RFA) remained from structure demolition as well as limestone filler (LF) from production of hot mix asphalt (HMA). The LF is a byproduct of the drying process in HMA production plant which is not entirely consumed in the production of the HMA and must be hauled and disposed in landfills. The maximum particle size of the LF is approximately 40 µm. Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) mixtures were designed replacing 5% and 10% of the cement with LF. Incorporation of 50%, and 100% RFA with the fines in the mixtures were considered with and without addition of the LF. Due to the formwork and prefabrication restrictions, the paste volume and the high range water reducer content were tuned in such a way that the slump flow of the mixtures remained between 660 mm to 700 mm without segregation. Durability and mechanical performance of the mixtures were evaluated by resistance against freeze-thaw scaling exposed to deicing agents and compressive strength. It was observed that the SCC mixtures containing 10% LF outperformed those without the use of LF while 5% SCC mixtures did not exhibit tangible superiority. Incorporation of RFA as the fine fraction degraded the durability of all the mixtures. While replacing all the fine fraction with RFA significantly impaired durability and compressive strength, 50% RF mixtures could be designed containing 10% LF that remained in the allowable limits.
Contribution of Export Processing Zone for Regional Development: With Special Reference to Biyagama Export Processing Zone
Authors: Wijerathna K. B. P. C. A. , Liyana Arachchi L. A. V. Y. P.
Published: August 2021

Export Processing Zones could be identified as a strategy used by the developing countries to minimize the adverse impacts caused by regional disparities. Biyagama Export Processing Zone (BEPZ) has been established within Biyagama Divisional Secretariat Division (DSD) to overcome the backwardness of development it had for a long period. The objective of this study is to identify the regional development impacts of BEPZ on the Biyagama DSD through the development of infrastructure and employment generation. The sample of 100 residents has been selected through simple random sampling for the questionnaire survey. Other than that, interviews and direct observation method has been utilized for primary data collecting and web sites of relevant authorities, books, and institutional reports have been used for collecting secondary data. Map analysis and Shift Share analysis have been used to identify the contribution of the zone for the regional development. Infrastructure facilities such as road networks, electricity and water supply, educational facilities, and telecommunication facilities have been developed with the establishment of the BEPZ. Living standards of the people in the area have been developed as a result of the indirect employment opportunities created after the establishment of the zone. The majority of the females are engaged in indirect employment activities. As a result, female empowerment is high within the Biyagama DSD. The contribution of the BEPZ for the generation of direct employment opportunities is also at an optimum level. The establishment of the Export Processing Zone results in the social, economic, cultural, environmental, and regional changes within the area. Hence it can be recognized as the major contributor to the development of Biyagama region.
The Articulation of Migrant Spatiality in Kureishi’s Cinema: Revisiting My Beautiful Launderette
Authors: Jayakody J. M. A. K. , Hapugoda H. A. M. A.
Published: August 2021

As a legacy of colonization, the Third World’s fantasy of the West as a utopia of welcoming melting pot with innumerable wealth had nurtured identifications of drastic immigrant influx to metropolitan centers. But their quest for unique spatiality in the Centre was often challenged by catastrophic ordeals that expatriates happened to undergo there. In this context, this paper argues that Hanif Kureishi as a Pakistani cinematographer with tangible experiences has been able to successfully depict the migrants’ quest of a new spatiality in ‘My Beautiful Launderette’ (1989). This literary analysis is qualitative in nature and it deploys theoretical interpretations of Mitchel Foucault and Henry Lefebvre to discover the nature of that spatiality. According to findings of the study, immigrants’ quest of spatiality with their geographical dislocation from the periphery to the Centre had been challenged by their fluctuation in between the native territory and the host locale. The dual existence amidst the migrant turbulence upsized multiple spatiality that immigrants have entrapped within varied trajectories of the ideological shift of Pakistani expatriates within the socio – cultural transition. The controversial socio-political upheavals under Margret Thatcher had not only undermined immigrants’ inclinations to find a unique identity and space with wealth accumulation and embracing western notions but greatly disturbed their fantasy of progress. Expatriates’ incapability to locate themselves in the center owing to prevalent racial polarizations had intensely traumatized their psychology to embrace traditional values. Similarly, such psychological dislocation can be ubiquitously relatable to the Sri Lankan sphere.
Factors Influencing Sri Lankan Family Size: With Special Reference to Colombo District
Authors: Prasangi R. G. D. , Jagoda D. J. , Rathnayake R. M. L.
Published: August 2021

Family is the most basic unit of human society which is a collection of people bound together by relations. The fertility rate refers to the average number of children a woman can have during her child-bearing period. According to United Nations World Population Prospects statistics, the Sri Lankan fertility rate was 2.177, and the fertility growth rate was -0.77 percent in 2020. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to examine factors that affect Sri Lankan family size. Using the multi-stage cluster sampling method, 350 families were selected for the survey of which 272 from those residing in the Colombo district were gathered via structured questionnaires and telephone conversation. The gathered data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) soft-ware along with the Binary Logistic Regression model to achieve the main objective. A woman's age of marriage, inclinations to use contraceptive methods, and the increase in natural abortions were identified as the main factors determining the number of children in a Sri Lankan family. The number of children in the household decreases as a woman's age of marriage is postponed. Similarly, women who use contraceptive methods have fewer children than those who don’t. The serious problem of increasing natural abortions also influences the number of children in a household on the fact that the number of children of a woman who faced at least one abortion shows a significant decrease compared to women who hadn't faced any at all.
Climate-Smart Agriculture in Cascade Minor Irrigation System: Status, Scope and Challenges in Sri Lanka: A Case from Puttlam District
Authors: Sakalasooriya N. P.
Published: August 2021

This paper discloses the status, scope, and challenges in familiarizing the climate-smart agricultural (CSA) practices to the cascades or terraced tank clusters in the Puttalam district in the Dry Zone (DZ) of Sri Lanka. As a tropical country, Sri Lanka faces many challenges reducing the gap of trade balance in the economy. Reducing food imports can be considered as one of the solutions. Consequently, Sri Lanka is paying high attention to introduce the CSA practices for the DZ while identifying the most productive interventions. Karuwalagaswewa DSD of Puttalam district is one of the driest DSDs in the DZ of Sri Lanka and it has been recognized as a hotspot area to improve the agricultural livelihoods of the farming community residing in the highly vulnerable areas of the DZ. The secondary data of the study have been abstracted from the district and DSD level reports while selected PRA tools, FGDs, participatory map, seasonal calendar, Metrix rankings, and survey methods have been applied for collecting the primary data from Neliwewa, Ihala Ralapanawa, and Rambawewa Terraced Tanks Clusters in the DSD. The study discloses that current agricultural practices of Puttalam district are mostly traditional and there is a high probability to introduce the CSA practices. The major challenge of introducing the modern CSA is intragenerational and intergenerational attitudinal conflict and lack of scientific understandings of modern technologies in CSA. A systematic participatory approach is essential to sustain the CSA practices.
Red cell distribution width is a potential predictor of early relapse in polymyalgia rheumatica
Authors: Soddu D. , Sola D. , Bellan M. , Boin E. , Cittone M.G. , Zecca E. , Matino E. , Pedrazzoli R. , Rizzi E. , Pedrinelli A.R. , Tonello S. , Vassia V. , Landi R. , Pirisi M. , Sainaghi P.P.
Published: August 2021

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) has been studied as a prognostic biomarker for different chronic inflammatory diseases. In this paper we aim to evaluate its potential role in the prediction of early relapse in patients affected by polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). We revised retrospectively clinical records of patients who received a diagnosis of PMR, according to 2012 ACR/EULAR classification criteria, for whom baseline clinical and laboratory data were available. The baseline RDW variation coefficient was correlated to the risk of relapse, in the first 6 months of the disease. We identified 44 patients [females 15 (34.0%)/males 29 (66.0%); median age 80 (72-83)], 9 of whom had an early relapse. These patients showed a larger median RDW than patients who did not relapse [13.7 (13.5-14.9)% vs 13.5 (12.7-14.2)%; p=0.04). The two groups were comparable for all the other clinical and laboratory parameters considered. Interestingly, patients in the higher half of the RDW distribution showed a shorter relapse-free survival (p<0.03). In a stepwise logistic regression, RDW (p=0.01) predicted the risk of relapse at 6 months, while age, gender, CRP, ESR, Hb, MCV and prednisone dose did not fit the model. Our results show that RDW is an independent biomarker of early relapse, making this parameter a potentially promising predictive marker in PMR.
Accuracy of synovial fluid analysis compared to histology for the identification of calcium pyrophosphate crystals: an ancillary study of the OMERACT US Working Group - CPPD subgroup
Authors: Sirotti S. , Gutierrez M. , Pineda C. , Clavijo-Cornejo D. , Serban T. , Dumitru A. , Scanu A. , Adinolfi A. , Scirè C.A. , Sarzi Puttini P. , D’Agostino M.-A. , Keen H.I. , Terslev L. , Iagnocco A. , Filippou G.
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of synovial fluid analysis in the identification of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals compared to microscopic analysis of joint tissues as the reference standard. This is an ancillary study of an international, multicentre cross-sectional study performed by the calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD) subgroup of the OMERACT Ultrasound working group. Consecutive patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) waiting for total knee replacement surgery were enrolled in the study from 2 participating centres in Mexico and Romania. During the surgical procedures, synovial fluid, menisci and hyaline cartilage were collected and analysed within 48 hours from surgery under transmitted light microscopy and compensated polarised light microscopy for the presence/absence of calcium pyrophosphate crystals. All slides were analysed by expert examiners on site, blinded to other findings. A dichotomic score (absence/ presence) was used for scoring both synovial fluid and tissues. Microscopic analysis of knee tissues was considered the gold standard. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values of synovial fluid analysis in the identification of calcium pyrophosphate crystals were calculated. 15 patients (53% female, mean age 68 yo ± 8.4) with OA of grade 3 or 4 according to Kellgren-Lawrence scoring were enrolled. 12 patients (80%) were positive for calcium pyrophosphate crystals at the synovial fluid analysis and 14 (93%) at the tissue microscopic analysis. The overall diagnostic accuracy of synovial fluid analysis compared with histology for CPPD was 87%, with a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 100%, the positive predictive value was 100% and the negative predictive value was 33%. In conclusion synovial fluid analysis proved to be an accurate test for the identification of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals in patients with advanced OA.
46 XY Ovotesticular Disorder
Authors: Meenal Bhati , Meenakshi Gothwal , Pratibha Singh , Garima Yadav , Priyanka Kathuria , Poonam Elhence
Published: August 2021

Ovotesticular disorder represents 10% of cases of disorder of sex development characterized by the presence of both ovarian and testicular tissue in the same individual, with karyotype 46 XY being a rare sex chromosomal abnormality. We report the case of a 16-year-old person, who is reared as female, with a complaint of primary amenorrhea along with lack of secondary sexual characteristics, karyotype 46 XY. Prophylactic bilateral gonadectomy was done, and histopathological examination of bilateral gonads revealed ovarian stroma with a few Sertoli cell line tubules suggestive of bilateral ovotestis; hence, we concluded and framed our diagnosis of ovotesticular disorder.
Immunomodulating Therapy by Picibanil-based Imiquimod and Virotherapy for Advanced Uterine Cancer after Laparoscopic Surgery
Authors: Peng Hsiu-Huei , Huang Yi-Ting , Cheng Zhuo-Xin , Lee Chyi-Long , Lin Cheng-Tao
Published: August 2021

This is a case report of a uterine cancer with the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging 3c2 with the initial clinical presentation of postmenopausal vaginal bleeding in August 2015. Endometrium biopsy showed invasive nests of poorly differentiated grade 3 endometrioid adenocarcinoma. The patient received robotic surgery including total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection, para-aortic lymph node dissection, and washing cytology. The final pathology showed an endometrioid carcinoma with myometrium invasion up to 85% and para-aortic and pelvic lymph nodes invasion. The patient received six courses of adjuvant chemotherapy (paclitaxel and carboplatin) with concurrent chemoradiotherapy after the surgery. Later, immunotherapy with Picibanil (OK-432) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) was given, and cancer did not recur for 34 months until tumor recurrence at the liver dome and bilateral lung was noted by positron-emission tomography scan in July 2018. The patient received laparoscopic surgery for intra-abdominal tumor excision in December 2018, and the tumor found extended to the right diaphragm, liver surface, omentum, bilateral flank to pelvic peritoneum, Douglas pouch, and upper rectum. We continued the immunotherapy with OK-432, IL-2, Aldara cream (imiquimod), and later on, virotherapy (human papillomavirus vaccine). The immune risk profiles showed T–cells' proliferation and alteration of the Th1/Th2 activation after immunotherapy and virotherapy. Proctectomy with colon-anal anastomosis and cytoreduction surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) (doxorubicin and paclitaxel) was performed in January 2019. After the surgery, the patient received chemotherapy (topotecan, paclitaxel, lipodox, and carboplatin) and continued the immunotherapy. The immune risk profiles showed CD4, CD4/CD8 increase after HIPEC and immunotherapy. The patient continued the therapy until May 2020.
Novel Use of Hysteroscopy in the Assessment of Tubal Patency in Difficult Cannulation
Authors: Banerjee Kaberi , Singla Bhavana
Published: August 2021

The objective was to assess the method of chromopertubation (CPT) in cases of difficult cannulation to minimize the false-negative cases of tubal block. We had performed laparoscopy and hysteroscopy in 66 females as infertility workup. In all these females, cannulation through the cervical canal was difficult and tubal patency test showed tubal block with Leech–Wilkinson cannula. Then, through the inlet of hysteroscope, methylene blue dye was injected and the patency of tubes was assessed again. In 59 out of the 66 females, we observed that when cannulation and dilation of cervix was difficult, then CPT with hysteroscope showed positive tubal patency test. Introduction of hysteroscope with visualization bypasses cervical factor and reduces false-negative results of tubal patency that is an added advantage of hysteroscope that has not been reported earlier.
Extraperitoneal Laparoscopy in Severe Intra-abdominal Adhesions
Authors: Noor Nilofar , Das Anamika , Roy Kallol Kumar , Bharti Juhi , Nair Vinod G. , Rai Rakhi
Published: August 2021

Surgery in a frozen abdomen can be difficult and dangerous with a significant risk of visceral injuries. We report a case of a 26-year-old lady with chronic pelvic pain diagnosed to have large bilateral adnexal cysts on magnetic resonance imaging with normal tumor markers. She had previous two laparotomies for benign conditions. Laparoscopy was planned, but pneumoperitoneum could not be created due to dense intraperitoneal adhesions. Direct entry was done into the preperitoneal space followed by insufflation of gas in this space. Blunt and sharp dissection of this space was done without breaching the peritoneum to reach the adnexa. The adnexal cyst was found to be encysted collection due to adhesions from previous surgeries. Deroofing was done followed by the visualization of pelvic structures intraperitoneally. Extraperitoneal laparoscopy may be used as a safe alternative to laparotomy in patients with dense intra-abdominal adhesions with the advantage of faster postoperative recovery.