bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broadening the Native Republic Thesis: De-siloing Comintern histories
Authors: Drachewych Oleksa
Published: July 2023

After the Sixth Comintern Congress in 1928, the Native Republic Thesis, or Black-Belt Thesis, became a noted platform for the Communist Parties of South Africa and the United States. The platform called for self-determination for Black Africans and Black Americans respectively. Historians
have often reframed this platform as a call for selfdetermination on racial lines, and the thesis has become a prominent part of histories of these communist parties. Taking a comparative and transnational approach, this article argues that the Native Republic Thesis and its key tenets (including
calls for a workers' and peasants' republic or for a nation within a nation) may have extended beyond the issue of racial selfdetermination. These tenets can be found, with some variation, in similar contemporaneous communist platforms in Latin America, Australia, Belgium and the Balkans.
In the process of developing this argument, this article highlights the benefits of taking a fresh look at Comintern platforms from a transnational and comparative perspective; here this approach has suggested new questions about communist or Soviet perspectives on self-determination and nationhood,
and about Comintern leadership.
Julian Mischi, Le parti des communistes. Histoire du PCF De 1920 à nos jou
Authors: Ducoulombier Romain
Published: July 2023

The centenary of the French Communist Party (Parti communiste français, PCF), founded in December 1920 at the Congress of Tours, did not lead to any major turning points within its historiography. Despite a handful of newly published books, no central debates or major
breakthroughs have arisen from the low-intensity commemoration of the event.
Communist Anti-Militarism in France and Anti-Colonial Wars in Morocco and Syria
Authors: Sayim Burak
Published: July 2023

This article explores the intersection of Middle Eastern anti-colonialism and European anti-militarism in the interwar period through a case study focusing on French communist activities within the army during almost simultaneous anti-colonial revolts in Morocco and Syria. It argues
that the interaction between revolutionary militancy in these two regions was not unilinear. Just as the impact of European revolutionary traditions was instrumental in shaping Middle Eastern communist militancy, so Middle Eastern anti-colonialism had an – underappreciated – impact
on European communism. Through this case study it shows how the Communist International strove to give anti-militarism in the global north and anti-colonialism in the global south a common political language through which the two aspirations could converge. Instead of focusing on high-level
decisions, this study takes a tentative step towards situating this alliance – or lack thereof – in the trenches of colonial wars.
Editors' Introduction: Communist Anti-Racism and Anti-Colonialism In The Comintern Era
Authors: Beaumont Thomas , Rees Tim
Published: July 2023

The articles assembled in this special issue of Twentieth Century Communism explore the related themes of Communist engagement with the politics of anti-colonialism and of anti-racism during the Comintern era. This special issue represents the first publication to emerge from
the AHRC-funded 'Rethinking International Communism' research network. The articles were among those presented at the workshop, 'Communist Anti-Racism and Anti-Imperialism', held at the University of Exeter in April 2022. 1 The authors approach the subject with research interests and interdisciplinary
backgrounds that illustrate the contrasting, but complementary, perspectives in the expanding body of studies on the relationships between interwar international communism and struggles for liberation from colonialism, imperialism and racial oppression. They also represent the intersection
of two mutually enriching approaches that have driven this new research and more nuanced interpretations: studies that are largely concerned with fitting communist involvement into the wider histories of interwar anti-colonialism and anti-racism; and studies focusing on the role of anti-colonialism
and anti-racism as an important aspect of interwar international communism. Together they demonstrate the myriad ways in which anti-colonialism, anti-imperialism and anti-racism were often defining elements in the commitment of a great many communists to the international communist movement.
2 They also show how pivotal their involvement in liberation struggles often was in the wider development and success of those causes in the longer term.
Retinal diseases classification based on hybrid ensemble deep learning and optical coherence tomography images
Authors: Pin Kuntha , Han Jung Woo , Nam Yunyoung
Published: July 2023

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive, high-resolution imaging technique widely used in clinical practice to depict the structure of the retina. Over the past few decades, ophthalmologists have used OCT to diagnose, monitor, and treat retinal diseases. However, manual analysis of the complicated retinal layers using two colors, black and white, is time consuming. Although ophthalmologists have more experience, their results may be prone to erroneous diagnoses. Therefore, in this study, we propose an automatic method for diagnosing five retinal diseases based on the use of hybrid and ensemble deep learning (DL) methods. DL extracts a thousand constitutional features from images as features for training classifiers. The machine learning method classifies the extracted features and fuses the outputs of the two classifiers to improve classification performance. The distribution probabilities of two classifiers of the same class are aggregated; then, class prediction is made using the class with the highest probability. The limited dataset is resolved by the fine-tuning of classification knowledge and generating augmented images using transfer learning and data augmentation. Multiple DL models and machine learning classifiers are used to access a suitable model and classifier for the OCT images. The proposed method is trained and evaluated using OCT images collected from a hospital and exhibits a classification accuracy of 97.68% (InceptionResNetV2, ensemble: Extreme gradient boosting (XG-Boost) and k-nearest neighbor (k-NN). The experimental results show that our proposed method can improve the OCT classification performance; moreover, in the case of a limited dataset, the proposed method is critical to develop accurate classifications.
Solving bi-objective bi-item solid transportation problem with fuzzy stochastic constraints involving normal distribution
Authors: Buvaneshwari T. K. , Anuradha D.
Published: July 2023

In today's competitive world, entrepreneurs cannot argue for transporting a single product. It does not provide much profit to the entrepreneur. Due to this reason, multiple products need to be transported from various origins to destinations through various types of conveyances. Real-world decision-making problems are typically phrased as multi-objective optimization problems because they may be effectively described with numerous competing objectives. Many real-life problems have uncertain objective functions and constraints due to incomplete or uncertain information. Such uncertainties are dealt with in fuzzy/interval/stochastic programming. This study explored a novel integrated model bi-objective bi-item solid transportation problem with fuzzy stochastic inequality constraints following a normal distribution. The entrepreneur's objectives are minimizing the transportation cost and duration of transit while maximizing the profit subject to constraints. The chance-constrained technique is applied to transform the uncertainty problem into its equivalent deterministic problem. The deterministic problem is then solved with the proposed method, namely, the global weighted sum method (GWSM), to find the optimal compromise solution. A numerical example is provided to test the efficacy of the method and then is solved using the Lingo 18.0 software. To highlight the proposed method, comparisons of the solution with the existing solution methods are performed. Finally, to understand the sensitivity of parameters in the proposed model, sensitivity analysis (SA) is conducted.
A new difference of anisotropic and isotropic total variation regularization method for image restoration
Authors: Zhang Benxin , Wang Xiaolong , Li Yi , Zhu Zhibin
Published: July 2023

Total variation (TV) regularizer has diffusely emerged in image processing. In this paper, we propose a new nonconvex total variation regularization method based on the generalized Fischer-Burmeister function for image restoration. Since our model is nonconvex and nonsmooth, the specific difference of convex algorithms (DCA) are presented, in which the subproblem can be minimized by the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM). The algorithms have a low computational complexity in each iteration. Experiment results including image denoising and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrate that the proposed models produce more preferable results compared with state-of-the-art methods.
El trabajo no es una mercancía. Contenido y sentido del trabajo en el siglo XXI
Authors: Supiot Alain
Published: July 2023

Ni en el desmantelamiento del Estado social ni en los esfuerzos por restaurarlo como monumento histórico se encontrará una salida a la crisis social y ecológica. Sí se dará con ella al repensar la arquitectura de aquel a la luz del mundo tal como es y como querríamos que fuera. Y, hoy como ayer, la piedra angular de esta arquitectura será el estatuto que se atribuya al trabajo.

Ante la bancarrota moral, social, ecológica y financiera del neoliberalismo, el horizonte del trabajo en el siglo XXI es el de su emancipación del reinado exclusivo de la mercancía. Las formas de trabajo que resisten al Mercado Total, como la investigación, no son “fósiles” destinados a desaparecer, sino la simiente de un régimen de trabajo realmente humano que contemple su sentido y su contenido, es decir, la obra realizada.
Organizzazione infermieristica nella presa in carico del paziente con massaggiatore automatico LucasÂ®: elaborazione di una procedura
Authors: Pugiotto F. , Biasuzzi G. , Tonello N.
Published: July 2023

Lâ€™arresto cardiaco improvviso Ã¨ una delle principali cause di morte in Europa con una sopravvivenza del 2%. Il tempo Ã¨ prezioso nella gestione di questo tipo di eventi, la possibilitÃ  di rimanere in vita, infatti, diminuisce del 50% dopo soli 5 minuti di no-flow. Per questo motivo Ã¨ fondamentale il riconoscimento precoce dellâ€™evento e lâ€™intervento tempestivo dei soccorsi. In alcuni centri specializzati Ã¨ possibile utilizzare il massaggiatore automatico per compressioni toraciche LUCASÂ®, che permette di eseguire un massaggio maggiormente efficace rispetto alle normali tecniche rianimatorie. Dopo il posizionamento di tale device, Ã¨ possibile procedere allâ€™Extracorporeal CardioPulmonary Resuscitation (ECPR), ovvero allâ€™impianto di unâ€™assistenza meccanica al circolo extracorporeo (ECMO) permettendo unâ€™adeguata perfusione degli organi in attesa di una diagnosi appropriata.
A randomised control trial study of early post-operative pain and intraoperative surgeon workload following laparoscopic mesh repair of midline ventral hernia by enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal and intraperitoneal onlay mesh plus approach
Authors: Choudhary Anil , Ali Shadan , Siddiqui Azaz Akhtar , Rattu Pawan Kumar , Pusuluri Rahul
Published: July 2023

Introduction:

The aim of this study was to compare the peri-operative outcomes, especially intraoperative surgeon workload and early post-operative pain, following midline ventral hernia repair by laparoscopic enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) approach and laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh plus (IPOM plus) approach.

Patients and Methods:

This single-centre randomised control trial study was conducted from January 2020 to June 2022. A total of 60 adult patients undergoing elective ventral hernia surgery with small- and medium-sized midline defects were included. Intraoperative surgeon workload and early post-operative pain were systematically recorded and analysed for each procedure.

Results:

Out of 30 patients assigned to each group, 29 patients underwent eTEP mesh repair and 27 patients underwent successful IPOM plus repair. The intraoperative surgeon’s workload, especially mental demand, physical demand, task complexity and degree of difficulty as reported and felt by the operating surgeon, was significantly higher in the eTEP mesh repair group compared to IPOM plus group (P < 0.001) with comparable operating room distractions (P = 0.039). The mean overall post-operative pain score on post-operative day 1 was slightly less in eTEP mesh repair (4.28 ± 1.12) group compared to IPOM plus group (4.93 ± 1.17), which was statistically insignificant (P = 0.042). The eTEP group had significantly longer operative time and length of hospital stay compared to the IPOM plus group.

Conclusion:

Our study revealed significantly longer operative time, higher surgical workload and increased length of hospital stay in the eTEP group with comparable early post-operative pain in both groups, thus making eTEP mesh repair a more difficult and challenging procedure.
Effect of Silicon Carbide/Tungsten Carbide on Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of Aluminum 6061 Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites
Authors: Pendhota Vijay , Brahma Raju K. , Ramji K. , Kamaluddin Syed
Published: July 2023

Aluminum hybrid composites are driving a new trend in metal matrix composites for high strength-to-weight ratio applications such as the automotive industry (piston–cylinder, brakes, shafts), aircraft (engines, airframe), aerospace (space panels), and marine (body frame). Al 6061 is chosen as the matrix for its compatibility and excellent castability in the current work. The reinforcements were silicon carbide (SiC) of size 65μ and tungsten carbide (WC) of 3–5μ due to their enhancing mechanical and corrosion behavior with low density. Composites were prepared through stir casting using different quantities of SiC wt.% 10 and 15, while WC is 0–6% by weight in 2% increments. The results show that mechanical properties such as tensile strength and hardness enhanced due to the gradual strengthening of grains leads to high wear resistance. SEM images of tensile failure show that pits, voids, cracks, burrs, and grain fractures characterize composite failure. Corrosion tests show that the 15% SiC/6% WC composite has higher corrosion resistance than the 10% SiC composite. The corroded surface morphology indicates that the pit size of Al 6061/SiC 15%/WC 0–6% composites decreases with increasing WC weight %.
Dataset to accompany Clustering and Visualising Documents using Word Embeddings
Authors: Reades Jon , Williams Jennie
Published: July 2023

Dataset to accompany Clustering and Visualising Documents using Word Embeddings, a lesson for the Programming Historian.
Folk Christian Community pada Jemaat Kristen di Gereja Kalimantan Evangelis (GKE) Resort Pendahara Katingan
Authors: Tumbol Stynie Nova , Wainarisi Yane Octavia Rismawati
Published: July 2023

Keterbukaan kultural masyarakat Dayak di Kalimantan Tengah telah membuat orang-orang Dayak mengadopsi tradisi-tradisi Kristen dengan cepat sejak Kristianitas masuk ke sana pada akhir dekade 1830-an. Namun, tidak semua komunitas Kristen dapat mendamaikan iman mereka dengan budaya asli. Banyak orang Dayak yang terus menghadapi dilema antara hidup sebagai orang Kristen “sejati” yang meninggalkan segala tradisi asli sama sekali, namun diperhadapkan dengan kekhawatiran akan punahnya budaya lokal, atau, di sisi lain, hidup sebagai orang-orang Kristen yang masih taat tradisi namun terhisab dalam praktik sinkretisme. Kabupaten Katingan secara umum merupakan daerah yang fenomenal karena memiliki cukup banyak komunitas Kristen yang masih terus hidup dalam agama asli mereka, Kaharingan. Kaharingan sendiri bukan sekadar agama melainkan sebuah aspek budaya dari masyarakat Dayak di Kalimantan Tengah. Penelitian kualitatif menggunakan metode-metode fenomenologis untuk meneliti GKE Resort Pendahara Katingan yang jemaat-jemaatnya masih terlibat aktif dalam praktik-praktik ritual dan tradisi leluhur Kaharingan. Data dikumpulkan melalui observasi langsung, wawancara-wawancara, dan penelitian kepustakaan, serta triangulasi data sebelum analisis dan penarikan kesimpulan. Dari penelitian ini tim menemukan bahwa pada prinsipnya tidak semua budaya asli dari folk religion adalah buruk karena cukup banyak budaya yang justru menumbuhkan nilai-nilai susila, termasuk pemeliharaan pelestarian ekosistem dalam bingkai ekoteologi. Kearifan susila lokal mendukung dan sejalan dengan tradisi gereja, sebagaimana tampak dalam terminologi belom bahadat—sebuah istilah yang merujuk pada kehidupan yang arif dan benar seturut dengan kebenaran dari tradisi—yang berbicara tentang keramahtamahan terhadap sesama makhluk ciptaan dan bumi tempat manusia tinggal di dalamnya.
Konstruksi Teologi Persahabatan Kontekstual
Authors: Sipahutar Roy Charly
Published: July 2023

Dalam satu dekade terakhir muncul ketertarikan teolog Indonesia untuk memperbincangkan berbagai aspek persahabatan. Sayangnya, tidak banyak yang menggalinya dari sisi Perjanjian Lama (PL). Padahal, ada beberapa narasi PL yang secara eksplisit mengisahkan persahabatan interpersonal, salah satunya adalah narasi relasi persahabatan antara Yonatan dengan Daud yang terdapat di dalam beberapa bagian Kitab 1 dan 2 Samuel. Artikel ini bertujuan untuk memperoleh pengayaan makna dan kebaruan nilai dari narasi Yonatan-Daud, yang akan dibaca ulang dengan lensa persahabatan orang Batak Toba sebagaimana direpresentasikan oleh dua terminologi penting: marpadan dan maraleale. Nilai-nilai sosiologis, antropologis, dan spiritual persahabatan berkelindan dalam kedua terminologi tersebut. Dalam pembacaan ulang narasi Yonatan-Daud, marpadan (ikatan solidaritas) dan maraleale (persahabatan yang dalam) akan berdialog dengan bĕrîth (perjanjian dalam teks Perjanjian Lama) secara konstruktif. Hasil pembacaan ulang narasi dengan perspektif Batak Toba menunjukkan bahwa relasi Yonatan-Daud bukan saja sebatas relasi interpersonal tetapi kemudian berkembang mencakup relasi interkomunitas. Persahabatan adalah kebersedian kedua belah pihak untuk membuka diri, meleburkan diri, serta secara progresif bersedia selalu untuk saling mengevaluasi diri.
Cinta, Keperawanan, dan Rasa Malu
Authors: Siahaan Melinda , Sianturi Reymond Pandapotan , Lumbantobing Agustina , Rajagukguk Rolima , Gea Cahaya Julita
Published: July 2023

Tulisan ini membahas fenomena Kekerasan Dalam Pacaran (KDP). Meskipun pelaku KDP terbukti mengancam keselamatan hidup mereka, namun para korban cenderung membela dan merasionalisasi perbuatan negatif pelaku dengan menilai KDP sebagai suatu bentuk unik dari cinta, perhatian, dan kasih sayang. Pada satu sisi, pendirian ini melanggengkan KDP, dan, pada sisi lain, menyulitkan upaya advokasi bagi korban. Tim penulis melakukan riset pengalaman KDP terhadap sebelas mahasiswi di Kabupaten Tapanuli Utara. Memakai lensa feminis interseksional yang digagas oleh Kimberlé Crenshaw, tulisan ini menemukan bahwa faktor-faktor budaya, agama, gender, dan ekonomi berperan kuat di balik pendirian korban mempertahankan hubungan KDP. Korban KDP terkungkung oleh ketidakadilan yang tumpang tindih, baik yang ditimbulkan oleh pelaku KDP, budaya relasi gender yang diskriminatif di masyarakat patriarki, kekeliruan interpretasi teologi cinta dan pengampunan, maupun kemiskinan. Tulisan ini menawarkan tiga poin rekonstruksi teologi: teologi cinta dan pengampunan, teologi imago Dei, dan teologi rasa malu yang bertanggung jawab.
How to Study Global Christianity: A Short Guide for Students
Authors: Choi Byung Ho
Published: July 2023

A book review of How to Study Global Christianity: A Short Guide for Students.
Higher binding affinity in mutant G614 SARS-CoV2 may explain the higher prevalence of Anosmia in European countries
Authors: Priyanka S  , Harshita S.S  , Geethamani P.R  , Pooja M  , Brinda.L  , Manohar G M
Published: July 2023

Anosmia is a condition where there is a loss of smell in people affected by covid 19. The prevalence of anosmia differs according to the geographical location. The prevalence of chemosensory dysfunction in Europeans was found to be three times higher than that in Asians. We observed that these geographical locations are also characterised by the occurrence of unique mutant strains G614 found in European countries and D614 wild-type strain of the SARS-CoV2 in Asian countries. Assuming that there may be a correlation between the mutation and the infection efficiency that in turn might affect the anosmia prevalence we analysed the binding affinity (with its receptor ACE2) and other features of the mutation. Using FoldX we built a mutant model G614 and found that the stability of the protein is not much affected. However, the difference in interaction energy with the receptor ACE2 showed a difference of around 10 kcal/mol. FoldX analyze complex analysis showed that the interaction energy is stronger in mutant strain hence high binding affinity. Pymol visualisation showed that the mutation was on the surface of the Spike protein. A phylogenetic tree of available ACE2 human sequences showed that Anosmia prevalence is not correlated with the variation in ACE2 sequences of different ethnic/geographical samples. Our study finds that the binding affinity of the mutant strain is high and therefore a possibility of explaining the correlation observed with the mutant strain and prevalence of anosmia.
1,4 - ß cellobiosidase (CbsA) in Xanthomonas bacteria involved in switch to non vascular infection phenotype shows large scale deletions and structural changes
Authors: Varshini A  , Shreya S  , Kruthika T R  , Shilpa S K  , Keerthi B  , Manohar G M
Published: July 2023

Vascular plant pathogens spread through the veins of the host causing systemic infections whereas non vascular pathogens are confined to infection sites and cause localized symptom development. CbsA -1,4 beta cellobiosidase is a cell wall-degrading enzyme responsible for causing vascular infection and a mutant version of it is found in non vascular infection. Here, we investigate the sequence variation and structural changes accompanying a mutant CbsA gene present in some pathovars exhibiting non vascuar infection by Xanthomonas bacteria and also chalk out the evolutionary history of the non vascular phenotype. Among X.oryaze pv oryaze and X. oryzae pv oryzicola , X.oryzicola showed a number of large scale deletions and amino acid substitutions. Protein structure of X. oryaze pv oryaze showed 12 helices and X. oryzae pv oryzicola showed missing 2 helices. X. citri pv vignicola did not show the same large scale deletions however the sequence had accumulated large variation. The non vascular phenotype may have evolved in the ancestor of X. citri, X.oryzae and X. oryzicola pathovars, but may have reverted back in X. oryzae. We elaborate that sequence and structural changes accompanying just one gene might have had a major role in the phenotypic swift from vascular to nonvascular infection. This may have implications in plant disease because vascular infecting pathogens are efficient in invading the whole body of the plant while non vascuar infection is localized.
The Phylogenetic Tree Of The ‘Nod D’ Host-Specific Factor Is Incongruent With The Rhizobial Species Tree And Shows a Possible Hgt Event Between Highly Unrelated Rhizobial Bacteria
Authors: Vanitha T  , Pratiksha B  , Hemalata M S  , Sahana B R  , Poornima M  , Manohar G M
Published: July 2023

Rhizobium is a symbiotic biological nitrogen-fixing (BNF) bacteria. and has high diversity in different geographical regions worldwide. The BNF associated with the legume trees in tropical environments improves the efficiency of nitrogen and increases the soil organic matter, and soil fertility. Rhizobium consists of Mesorhizobium, Sinorhizobium, and Bradyrhizobium, the species belonging to each genera infecting a specific host. This host specificity is dictated by several factors among which Nod D was secreted by the bacterium and plays an important role. We investigated how Nod D gene sequences may have evolved to confer host specificity. We constructed phylogenetic trees of 16srRNA and Nod D trees and compared the trees with a manually built host tree. We find that the Nod D tree is incongruent with the 16srRNA tree and the topology does not show any specific pattern correlative of the host tree. We also uncover a possible HGT of the Nod D gene between highly unrelated bacterial species. This finding may have implications for the development of Rhizobium strains specific to a particular host for Agricultural purposes.
Theoretical Study on Embedded Processor and Networking
Authors: Shreya Mane
Published: July 2023

Embedded processors are specialized microprocessors designed to perform specific tasks within a larger system or device. They are commonly used in various applications such as consumer electronics, automotive systems, industrial automation, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This abstract focuses on the role of embedded processors in networking applications. Networking refers to the interconnection of devices and systems to enable communication and data exchange. Embedded processors play a crucial role in networking by providing the necessary computational power and functionality to handle networking protocols, data processing, and network management tasks. They are often integrated into network devices such as routers, switches, gateways, and network interface cards. The utilisation of networked embedded systems in contemporary network situations is undeniably significant, and they are receiving an increasing amount of attention. For network connectivity, data processing, and service delivery, the research community and industry are putting forth cutting-edge embedded solutions, frequently based on network processors. Despite this, it appears to be quite difficult to get quantitative performance comparisons of such systems.
INFLUENCE OF INSTAGRAM USE ON BODY SURVEILLANCE AND FEAR OF MISSING OUT IN YOUNG PAKISTANI ADULTS
Authors: Zara Haroon  , Youmna Batool  , Prof. Dr Masha Asad Khan
Published: July 2023

The increasing use of Instagram use leads to internalization of unrealistic standards of society that youth intend to be a part of is likely to lead to a number of psychological concerns. The current study investigates the relationship of Instagram usage with body surveillance and fear of missing out. The study also aimed to find gender difference in instagram usage, body surveillance and fear of missing out. Correlational study design was used. A sample of 200 males and females were included between the ages of 18-25 years recruited from different universities of Lahore. Instagram addiction scale, Body Surveillance Scale and Fear of missing out scale were used in the study. Pearson Product Moment Coefficient and Independent Sample t test were used to test the objectives of the study using SPSS-21. The finding showed a positive association among Instagram usage with body surveillance. Among study variables an essential gender difference was observed. Males scored higher on Instagram usage and fear of missing out whereas female scored higher in body surveillance. The findings suggest that body related concerns and disorders have high associated when it comes to social media therefore activities and awareness can be carried out at preliminary levels to reduce the negative impact on young minds.
The CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF COMPETENCY-BASED TRAINING IN ART & DESIGN: PAKISTANI TEACHERS’ PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Mohni Saif  , Ali Irha Ali , Rashid Dr Farzana
Published: July 2023

Globalisation has demanded expert labour markets, diversified skills, and high levels of vocational education. To refine the skills and knowledge of the people is central  to gaining and sustaining economic empowerment, particularly in the context of continuing globalisation. CBT is based on specific, measurable objectives related directly to instructional activities. In favourable situations and settings, The passage discusses the effectiveness of Competency-Based Training (CBT) as a training methodology, but emphasizes that it is not the only approach to designing training. It suggests that trainers and curriculum consultants should have a clear understanding of the concept and standards underlying CBT and other curriculum models to design more effective programs.
This study also highlights the significance of Art & Design Education and Training in the development of a country, and how CBT can be used to provide learners with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitude. The success of competency training is said to depend on effective curriculum implementation.
This case study explores the challenges and opportunities of Competency-Based Training in Art & Design from the perspectives of Pakistani teachers.
Keywords: Globalisation, Workforce, Economic competitiveness, CBT (Competency-Based Training), Art & Design Education, Curriculum Implementation
ANALYSIS OF THE LEGAL EDUCATION PROCESS IN PAKISTAN IN RELATION TO AUSTRALIA, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND THE UNITED KINGDOM
Authors: Idris Dr. Muhammad , Khan Dr. Abdus Samad , Minaz Maksal
Published: July 2023

This paper provides an analysis of legal education in Pakistan with that of the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US), and Australia. The main objective of the study was focused on examining the similarities and variations in curriculum, teaching strategies, faculty credentials, assessment and evaluation, professional training certification, and continuing education. The study found that legal education in Pakistan places more emphasis on theoretical knowledge, with limited opportunities for practical training, while legal education in the UK, US, and Australia places a strong emphasis on practical training, critical thinking, and professional development. The paper emphasises the value of practical training and professional development in legal education therefore it is recommended that Pakistan's legal education system could benefit from incorporating these elements into its curriculum to prepare graduates in the field of social sciences for legal practices in Pakistan and internationally.
GEOCHEMISTRY OF SANDSTONES FROM BEDUH FORMATION IN NORTHERN THRUST ZONE, KURDISTAN REGION, NORTHERN IRAQ: PROVENANCE AND TECTONIC SETTING
Authors: Tobia Faraj H. , Shangola Sirwa S.
Published: July 2023

Petrographic, major, trace, and rare-earth element data for the sandstone of the Beduh Formation, Northern Thrust Zone, Kurdistan Region, were analyzed to constrain their provenance, weathering, and tectonic setting during the Early Triassic. The chemical index of alteration (CIA), chemical index of weathering (CIW), and plagioclase index of alteration (PIA) values and the A-CN-K diagram revealed moderate weathering in the source region. The index of chemical variability (ICV) suggests non-steady-state weathering conditions probably due to the intensity of tectonic activity in the source area. A statistically significant correlation observed between total rare earth elements (ΣREE) versus Al2O3 and Zr indicated that REE are mainly housed in detrital minerals. Petrographic study, microchemistry of heavy minerals, REE patterns, Eu/Eu* anomalies, chemical ratios {(La/Lu)n, Th/Co, Cr/Th, and La/Co} and the diagrams (TiO2 vs. Ni; La/Th vs. Hf) indicate the study sandstone was likely derived from felsic with some effect of intermediate source rocks (igneous and metamorphic). Tectonic discrimination diagrams (SiO2 vs. K2O/Na2O, TiO2 vs. Fe2O3 + MgO, and DF1 vs. DF2) based on major elements, multi-element patterns, REE characteristics, and diagnostic trace element ratios {Ti/Zr, (La/Sm)n} imply that the tectonic setting of the source area was a passive margin and active continental margin; the former confirm with the Arabian Shield and Rutba Uplift and the latter with the volcanic activity at Lower Triassic.
PALYNOFACIES AND PALEOENVIRONMENT OF LATE JURASSIC-EARLY CRETACEOUS FORMATIONS AT DUHOK BASIN, NORTHERN IRAQ
Authors: Mamaseni Wrya J. , Naqshabandi Srood F. , Al-Jaboury Falah Kh.
Published: July 2023

This study was covered palynofacies and paleodepositional environment of the Chai Gara, Garagu, Sarmord and Qamchuqa formations along Atrush, Shaikhan and Sarsang oilfields in Duhok Region northern Iraq. Six main types of palynofacies were recognized within the studied formations. The palynofacies one (PF.1) and two (PF.2) are appeared in Chia Gara Formation, these two types of palynofacies are characterized by dominant amorphous organic matters (AOM), especially in PF.2 which reaches to 90%, moderate palynomorphs content ranges between 5 – 59%, whereas the phytoclasts are relatively low percentages (1 – 5%). The identified palynofacies indicate that the paleodepositional environment of the Chia Gara Formation is distal suboxic-anoxic basin (IX) to dysoxic-anoxic shelf (VII). Garagu Formation is represented by palynofacies three (PF.3) and palynofacies four (PF.4), the former one is characterized by the abundant of palynomorph, ranges between 41 – 85% (comprised mainly of pollen, spores, foraminifera test lining and few dinoflagellates), while the latter one is rich by amorphous organic matter which is between 55 – 63%, in both palynofacies the percentage of phytoclast is low to moderate ranges change from 7 – 19, and 3-35% respectively. Paleodepotional environment of the Garagu Formation is oxic shelf (V, VIII). The Sarmord Formation is represented by palynofacies five (PF.5), this palynofacies is characterized by high percentage of phytoclasts which reaches to 74%, with moderate palynomorphs and amorphous organic matter ranges between 11 – 31%, 12 – 38% respectively. Shelf to basin transition (IV) is the claimed environment for the Sarmord Formation. Qamchuqa Formation is represented by palynofacies six (PF.6), this facies is also high percentage of phytoclasts content but more than PF.5, which the range is 48 – 85% with a moderate percentage of palynomorphs (12 – 43%) and a low percentage of amorphous organic matter (3 – 15%). The Qamchuqa Formation was deposited under proximal oxic shelf (III) condition.
WELL LOGGING AND ELECTROFACIES OF ZUBAIR FORMATION FOR UPPER SANDSTONE MEMBER IN ZUBAIR OIL FIELD, SOUTHERN IRAQ
Authors: Al-Jafar Methaq Kh. , Al-Jaberi Mohanad H.
Published: July 2023

The Lower Cretaceous Zubair reservoir is a main producing horizon in the Zubair oil Field, southern Iraq. The reservoir consists of a number of isolated vertical major sandstone units. Sedimentary characteristics can be determined using the well log data as one of the most fundamental methods for reservoir characterization in the oil and gas industry. The reading of high gamma-ray response indicates the presence of shale which contains clay minerals, K-feldspar, and organic material that emits natural gamma radiation. The clean sandstones emit less radiation so it has a lower gamma-ray count analysis. Five of electrofacies were identified in the upper sandstone member of Zubair formation in Zubair oil field, in more details H layer divided into three sub-units. Zubair formation delta deposited through sea regression followed by sea progression because shelf facies overlies other delta facies as shown H layer between K and C units both were shale rocks. Porosity and permeability of the upper sandstone member of Zubair Formation were identified in twenty oil-wells. The relationship between the porosity and permeability after correction with data obtained from the core analysis data showed an improvement to the north part of the field precisely in Hammar-Shuaiba domes. On the other hand the grain sizes varied from coarse to medium; medium to fine in Hammar dome while fine to medium fine to very fine with clay influence led to a decrease the porosity and permeability thus reduced oil production.
THE IMPACT OF EXPLICIT TEACHING OF VERB COLLOCATIONS ON IMPROVING UPPER-INTERMEDIATE EFL LEARNERS’ WRITING SKILL
Authors: Moghadam Sajjad Poori , Pourmohammadi Majid
Published: July 2023

Although impeccable development of collocation is of critical concern to second language acquisition, EFL learners may find it excessively demanding to deal. Therefore, the present study investigated the impact of teaching verb collocation as an assimilated element of collocations on improving Iranian upper-intermediate EFL learners’ writing ability via explicit teaching as the leading method. Results of numerous studies have shown learners’ understanding of collocations may highly depend on their levels of English language. In this study, first, 100 upper-intermediate candidates have been invited to meet the required standards accordingly. Then 40 participants were selected by conducting an Oxford Placement Test. A quasi-experimental design was applied with the steps of inquiring about the outcome, a pretest and subsequently a posttest administered based on MELAB paper-based writing test to assess their competence by the standards of the MELAB writing rating scale. The findings acknowledged the problematic elements and suggested rational solutions which may have further implications for syllabus designers, learners, and teachers principally.
 

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FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT AND GROWTH: A LITERATURE REVIEW FROM 1990 TO DATE
Authors: Kostoulis Dimitrios
Published: July 2023

The aim of this paper is to study the concepts of foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic growth as well as the relationship between them through a literature review of papers published from 1990 until today. In order for better results to be achieved, the review is divided into three phases, each of them reviewing a different decade. In particular, the first phase reviews the period from 1990 to 2000, the second phase the period from 2001 to 2012, while the third phase the period from 2013 up to date. Prior to reviewing each period separately, we will elaborate on the two main concepts of the present paper. Finally, the conclusions of this paper will be recorded, which are very interesting, since there is obviously a significant correlation between Foreign Direct Investment and Growth over at least the last 30 years. Based on the literature, the scientific community seems to be particularly interested in the concepts discussed in the present paper.     

 

JEL: F21, F43, F63, O40

 

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CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND PROFITABILITY OF LARGE-SCALE RETAIL SUPERMARKETS IN KENYA
Authors: Nyongesa Andrew Shitanda , Omondi Margaret Otieno
Published: July 2023

Capital structure decisions ensure that supermarket managers stipulate optimum capital structure for the organization. Despite the implementation of capital structure decisions, poor financial performance has plagued most of large-scale retailers for the past 20 years, forcing some to close some of its outlets. Uchumi supermarket, Tuskys supermarkets among other supermarkets have been making heavy losses leading to the closure of some of their branches. Uchumi has closed 3 5(95%) branches, Tuskys 61(95.3%) branches, and Choppies 13(87%) branches. According to an external audit report in 2020, Nakumatt owed creditors Ksh.38 billion yet the company gave over Ksh. 1 billion as interest-free soft loans to its directors. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of capital structure decisions on the profitability of large-scale retail supermarkets in Kenya. The study was anchored on the pecking order theory. The study employed a cross-sectional research design. A census sampling technique was employed where all the selected supermarkets were considered. Secondary data was collected from audited financial statements. Panel data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics comprised of minimum values, maximum values, mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics consisted of correlational analysis and random effects models. The study findings indicated that capital structure decisions have a negative and statistically significant effect on the profitability of large-scale retail supermarkets in Kenya. This is supported by a regression coefficient of –0.3479 and a p-value of 0.000. The study suggested that the management of retail stores should balance between debt and equity financing to ensure an optimum capital structure that maximizes profitability.

 

JEL: O10; O12; L81

 

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ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL DISTRESS IN PLANTATION COMPANIES ON THE INDONESIA STOCK EXCHANGE FOR THE 2018-2021 PERIOD
Authors: Ramadhan Imam , Sadalia Isfenti , Ayu Sri Fajar
Published: July 2023

This study aims to predict and analyze how the financial distress of companies in the plantation sector are listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2018-2021 using the Altman modified Z-Score, Springate, Zmijewski and Grover methods and to test the accuracy of financial distress predictions by calculating the level of accuracy of each number of predictions and error rates from the Altman modified Z-Score, Springate, Zmijewski and Grover methods for plantation sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for 2018-2021. The data analysis method used was Altman's modified Z-Score, Springate, Zmijewski, Grover, and paired sample t-test. Based on the results of the assessment of financial distress, the most accurate method for predicting financial distress in plantation sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange is the Springate method with the highest accuracy rate of 85.00%, then the Altman Z-Score method with an accuracy rate of 57. 50%, the Grover method with an accuracy rate of 38.75% and Zmijewski with an accuracy rate of 17.50%

 

JEL: Q10; Q13; M10

 

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MANAGING CHANGE TO UPGRADE ENGLISH TEACHING IN VIETNAM
Authors: Nguyen Hai-Ha Thi
Published: July 2023

Managing change in English Language Teaching (ELT) has been implemented to meet the changing requirements and expectations of language learners in a globalized society. This paper investigates the application of change management models in the field of ELT, with particular emphasis on Vietnam. The research employed a document analysis approach by reviewing and analyzing relevant academic papers on change management and managing change in ELT. The study identified five change management models, including Lewin's Change Management Model, ADKAR Model, Kotter's 8 Step Change Model, McKinsey 7S Model, and Kübler-Ross Five Stage Model. Many of these models have been employed in the ELT sector. The best practice of applying change management models in EFL is recommended to Vietnam in order to improve English teaching in its institutions and centers. The paper is expected to provide an in-depth analysis of various change management models and their potential application in the Vietnamese context.

 

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L2 WRITING ANXIETY AND TEACHER’S COMMUNICATION BEHAVIOR AS PREDICTORS OF RESEARCH SELF-EFFICACY OF STUDENTS
Authors: Lumakang Jivina V. , Miralles Tessie G.
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine whether second language writing anxiety and teacher’ communication behavior significantly predict students’ research self-efficacy. The working group for the present study, in which quantitative descriptive-predictive design was employed, included 187 students enrolled in Research 1 and 2 subjects at UM Digos College. The participants answered adapted standard questionnaires to quantify which dimension/s of Second Language Writing Anxiety and Teacher’s Communication Behavior significantly predict/s research self-efficacy. The gathered data were interpreted using the mean in determining the central tendency and Pearson-r. Regression analysis was used to predict the value of research self-efficacy based on the value of writing anxiety and teachers’ communication behavior. The results revealed that the level of L2 writing anxiety of students is moderate. Likewise, the level of teacher’s communication behavior was revealed as high and the level of research self-efficacy is also high. The result also shows that there is no significant relationship between L2 writing anxiety and research self-efficacy but indicators of L2 writing anxiety posed a significant relationship with research self-efficacy while teachers’ communication behavior resulted in no significant relationship to research self-efficacy, but two indicators of TCB posed a significant relationship to RSE. The findings corroborated the four domains for SLWA and TCB, which are cognitive, somatic, challenging, and encouragement and praise; significantly predict research self-efficacy. The findings obtained in this study suggest that students look for ways to enhance their confidence in performing tasks related to research papers.
 

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THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE ANXIETY ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CLASSROOM LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND COPING STRATEGIES
Authors: Abule Merafel Grace S. , Miralles Tessie G.
Published: July 2023

This study investigated the mediating effect of English language anxiety on the relationship between classroom learning environment and coping strategies among first-year college students of UM Digos College. In order to do so, this study employed the quantitative research design using the descriptive and correlational method via mediation analysis. Using proportionate stratified random sampling, primary data were gathered through the use of online survey questionnaires addressed to 271 respondents who are first-year students with GE 2 subject. In addressing the hypotheses of the study, correlation analysis using Pearson product-moment correlation and mediation analysis using Sobel z test was used. The level of classroom learning environment, coping strategies, and English language anxiety were similarly high among college students. Results also revealed classroom learning environment has significantly predicted coping strategy. However, the classroom learning environment did not significantly predict English language anxiety. Further analysis through Sobel z test confirmed that the mediating effect of English language anxiety on the relationship between classroom learning environment and coping strategies is insignificant.
 

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MISCONCEPTIONS AND PERCEIVED IMPORTANCE OF LITERACY ACROSS THE CURRICULUM AMONG STUDENT TEACHERS IN GHANA
Authors: Arthur Rebecca , Addae Aikins , Nyarko Isaac Owusu , Fenyi Daniel Arkoh
Published: July 2023

The study sought to ascertain misconceptions and perceived importance of Literacy Across the Curriculum (LAC) among student teachers of Basic Education, University of Education, Winneba. Out of a targeted population of 1,386 student teachers of Basic Education, 490 were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. A closed-ended questionnaire was used to gather data and frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, independent samples t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation were used to examine the data obtained. The results, among others, revealed that the misconceptions held by Basic Education students at the University of Education, Winneba, was the fact LAC shoul be restricted to the Arts, and not the Sciences. They were of the view that students from the arts background should focus on developing their literacy skill in order to excel in their field. However, the students were of the view that LAC is important since through the use of language, symbols, and text, literacy is promoted across the curriculum to give students the ability to share information about themselves and their experiences. Based on these findings, it was suggested that literacy should be integrated in all aspects of the curriculum. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing are to be taught to students as fundamental abilities for many facets of daily life, not only in English Language lessons. Lecturers and student teachers should ensure that literacy across the curriculum is promoted regardless of the course(s) they teach and study respectively.
 

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