bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building National Resilience in the Digital Era of Violent Extremism
Authors: Tan Jethro , Wang Yingmin , Gomes Danielle
Published: March 2020

The threat of violent extremism in the Internet age has undoubtedly become one important focus of research, policy, and government bodies all over the world. Understandably, many resources have been invested into counter violent extremism efforts, such as the identification of possible radicalised individuals, and understanding the psychology behind violent extremism. These methods adopt a resistance stance and attempt to prevent violent extremism. However, this chapter argues that resilience is equally, if not more important given the unpredictable nature of violent extremism. The first part examines ‘systems' within a nation such as critical infrastructure and how concepts such as ‘resilient-by-design' can be incorporated to ensure continuity in times of attacks. The second part will explore ‘person' factors of crisis communication, cohesion, and social capital, and how these factors can afford a cohesive society that can overcome the cracks in social order and harmony often caused by violent extremism.
Evolution of Business-Government Interaction Models
Authors: Zhaleleva Sofiya , Zhaleleva Raziya , Pasternak Alexandr
Published: March 2020

In this article public-private partnership issues are considered. The purpose is to offer a partnership trio model for the Republic of Kazakhstan. This is possible taking into account international experience, as well as by exploring the possibilities of partnership among government agencies, business entities and scientific organizations within the national economic system. A model of forming a trio partnership, which is one of the most developed forms of public-private partnership, has been proposed. This is important from the point of view of the development of the state as a whole. The article also discusses the forms of contribution of each of the participants of the partnership to achieve the goal of improving efficiency. The research methodology is based on the developments of scientists in the field of partnership between science and business, institutional economics, the use of an integrated approach and the principles of dialectics to identify the essential characteristics of partnerships, as well as the conditions for their successful application in the national economy.
Improvement of Sustainable Employment Through Increasing Access of Enterprises to Financial Resources in Developing Countries
Authors: Mahmadov Shokirjon
Published: March 2020

Enterprises have traditionally played a vital role in providing sustainable employment, thus contributing to overall social and economic growth of countries. However, many developing countries such as Tajikistan face unemployment because enterprises are not fully functioning there. Evidence from this study shows that enterprises, especially SMEs, could help improve sustainable employment if not faced with obstacles to flourish. The main challenges causing enterprises in developing countries to fail include lack of skills, access to bank credits, access to markets, high tax burdens, insufficient state support, inability to compete, etc. This study looks at the role enterprises, especially SMEs, could play in improving sustainable employment through increasing their access to financial resources in Tajikistan.
Sustainability of Agriculture Territories in South Kazakhstan
Authors: Assylbekova Aizhan , Tsychuyeva Natalya
Published: March 2020

The increasing anthropogenic impact on the soil and vegetation cover, insufficient effective land management, and climatic changes, the degradation process of soils and agrolandscapes is accelerated, and as a result, lands have low productivity, and agrolandscapes have poor environmental sustainability. In this regard, on the basis of modern digital technologies of remote sensing and geoinformation systems (GIS), an initial study in Karasai district of Almaty region in Kazakhstan was conducted, which is aimed at the timely identification areas of degradation agrolandscapes for the adoption of preventive measures. Based on spatial analysis of remote sensing data and field data, a soil-geomorphological map and landscape map of the region was compiled on a scale of 1:100000, which covers several taxonomic units: classes, subclasses, and types of landscapes. The territory of the Karasai region is a complex biogeosystem, as the analyzed territory consists of 52 types of landscape. This data allows a modern analysis of the agrolandscapes of the region.
Needs of the ‘Bilingual Schools' Program in Andalusia Regarding EFL Classrooms and Language Assistants
Authors: Sánchez-Torres Jorge
Published: March 2020

Since the implementation of Bilingual Education in Spain, research has focused on studying ways to improve the quality of this educational model. However, although there are aspects that threaten its correct functioning and/or implementation, little has been done to find solutions to those issues. Thus, this chapter presents findings from a research conducted in Seville, Spain, and compare them to those of some current studies in different autonomous communities to conclude that some important issues that have been previously reported but have not been solved are the lack of linguistic and methodological training for the stakeholders and time for coordination or planning, and confusion regarding specific information (roles, functions, procedures, etc.), among others. Most importantly, the chapter concludes that a number of actions should be taken by the regional Board of Education and/or schools to improve the quality of the bilingual education offered in Andalusia.
Negotiation of Form Among the Displaced
Authors: Jones Alexander H.
Published: March 2020

This chapter presents a mixed-methods study of error sequences in an English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom comprised of refugees from multiple countries to answer the question: What does the negotiation of feedback look like among displaced, preliterate learners? Teacher-student dialogue at an international language learning centre was recorded and coded, totalling 12.5 hours of data. A total of 146 error sequences consisted of a learner error, followed by the teacher's feedback and the student's uptake. Results show that when content errors occurred among this population, elicitation, feedback that many scholars suggest is the most effective form, is not as effective as metalinguistic feedback. The reasons for this difference are consequently explored. Findings also indicate that certain types of feedback (metalinguistic feedback, elicitation, clarification request) lead to self-repair better than others (recast, explicit correction).
A Review of Research on the Application of Digital Games in Foreign Language Education
Authors: Peterson Mark , White Jeremy , Mirzaei Maryam Sadat , Wang Qiao
Published: March 2020

The use of digital games represents an expanding domain in computer-assisted language learning (CALL) research. This chapter reviews the findings of 26 learner-based studies in this area that are informed by cognitive and social accounts of SLA. The analysis shows that massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) are the most frequently investigated game type and the majority of studies involved EFL learners in higher education. Mixed methods were the most frequent research tool utilized by researchers. Limitations of current research include the preponderance of small-scale experimental studies that investigated only a limited number of factors. Although the research is not conclusive, findings indicate that game play facilitates collaboration, the production of target language output, vocabulary learning, and reduces the influence of factors that inhibit learning. This chapter concludes by identifying promising areas for future research.
Using Digital Storytelling to Handle Second Language Writing Anxiety and Attitudes
Authors: Çapan Seyit Ahmet
Published: March 2020

Digital storytelling (DST) is an innovative outgrowth of traditional learning/teaching through stories and has gained vast popularity in language classrooms thanks to findings indicating positive impacts on the four major skills. This chapter investigates the influence of DST (i.e., the independent variable) on English as a foreign language (L2) learners' writing anxiety and attitudes (i.e., the dependent variables). Moreover, it examines if engagement in DST affected L2 writing errors. This chapter reports on the findings of a quasi-experimental study that elicited quantitative and qualitative data collected from pre- and post-study questionnaires and learner-created stories. The discussion documents that DST compared to traditional print-based stories reduced L2 writing anxiety while it fostered positive attitudes towards L2 writing. Analysis revealed fewer errors in stories written by a DST group compared to a comparison group over the course of the study period. Accordingly, this chapter proposes practical applications for the integration of DST into L2 writing classes.
Considerations for Future Technology Development Based on EFL Teachers' Integration of Technology
Authors: Kochem Tim , Muhammad Ananda Astrini , Karatay Yasin , Jin Haeyun , Hegelheimer Volker
Published: March 2020

Technology-enhance language learning (TELL) continues to grow in use within language classrooms. However, a number of hurdles still remain when it comes to the effective integration of technology for skill-specific language learning, such as a lack of training and an overabundance of tools to choose from. This chapter identifies and describes three major hurdles that still plague effective TELL practices. Authors describe 2 current efforts to overcome these hurdles: a Global Online Course (GOC) on effective educational technology integration, and a year-long comparative case study on the GOC that explores the trainees' perceptions of educational technology. The chapter presents potential avenues for overcoming the above hurdles based on insights gained from four teachers of the GOC, as well as the trainees' perceptions and integration of educational technology in the language classroom.
Corpus-Informed Pedagogy in a Language Course
Authors: Vyatkina Nina
Published: March 2020

Data-Driven Learning (DDL), or a corpus-based method of language teaching and learning, has been developing rapidly since the turn of the century and has been shown to be effective and efficient. Nevertheless, DDL is still not widely used in regular classrooms for a number of reasons. One of them is that few workable pedagogical frameworks have been suggested for integrating DDL into language courses and curricula. This chapter describes an exemplar of a practical application of such a pedagogical framework to a high-intermediate university-level German as a foreign language course with a significant DDL component. The Design-Based Research approach is used as the main methodological framework. The chapter concludes with a discussion of wider pedagogical implications.
Business Competencies Within Unstable Business Environments
Authors: Sebestova Jarmila , Lejková Monika
Published: March 2020

Entrepreneurial competencies and reaction to solve business problems coming from the external macroenvironment are closely linked together. Here, we explored the individual business competencies that support export activities within a business cycle context. The aim of the chapter is to present a model, which covers a mixture of competencies and factors, which has an influence on entrepreneurial reactions. The results are based on primary research (210 respondents) in the Czech Republic. Those findings are presented in the form of “entrepreneurial” prototype models. Moreover, the study confirmed a negative relationship related to business age, business cycle and company branch. Based on these results, implications for further research on this topic, as well as implications for practitioners in the form of the competency model, are discussed.
The Importance of the Impact-Driven Business Model (IDBM) for Social Enterprises
Authors: Beirens Ronny Jerome , Tavernier Jef
Published: March 2020

This chapter presents a model that is suitable for government and practitioners and education practitioners as an alternative to the Business Canvas Model. The purpose of the IBDM model is to offer an alternative to the stakeholders who have no business educational background. This chapter first describes the model. This chapter makes a comparison with the Business Model Canvas BMC. From a value point of view the BCM is “value” free model. The main purpose is to create interest or added value for the customer. The underlying, tacit assumption however is the assumption that the invisible hand of the free market will regulate for the best of worlds. The impact driven business model puts the impact on the society on the forefront.
Youth Work and Digital Technologies
Authors: Zaremohzzabieh Zeinab , Ahrari Seyedali , Krauss Steven Eric , Abu Samah Asnarulkhadi , Omar Siti Zobidah
Published: March 2020

In today's digital world, digital youth work is rapidly becoming a novel area of specialization. The digital environment in professional practice is an up-to-date dynamic force that places us at the forefront of the hi-tech revolution, inspiring youth work both as a scientific field and as a profession. First, this chapter provides a synopsis and a serious perspective on digital technologies in youth work practice. Researchers believe that the functions of digital technology have an impact on a wide range of youth service settings. Various nations have reacted in different ways in terms of policy and practice. Second, research concerns, as well as a new policy development plan, research accuracy, more theoretical complexity, and awareness of the need for multidisciplinary work, are discussed. Moreover, there is a need for participatory research that can provide a better understanding of the experiences and needs of youth workers using digital technologies as well as how these needs can be met.
Sharing the Stories
Authors: Ramey Heather L. , Lawford Heather L. , Mahdy Sharif S.
Published: March 2020

Digital technologies can provide youth work researchers with the power to conduct large-scale research on processes and outcomes of youth work services. This includes collaborative evaluations across programs, as a way of capturing the story of what happens in youth services, as a form of digital storytelling. Where this collaborative evaluation work is founded in youth-adult partnerships, it is a form of youth work. In this chapter, the authors outline the need for collaborative evaluation in their own context of Canadian youth work, and their experience of collecting digital program data in youth services. They offer a working model for digital youth service evaluation, which places the collective engagement of youth and other partners at its centre. Drawing on the model, they discuss the lessons we have learned in this process. To be successful, digital youth services evaluation requires building relationships and connections across digital space and adherence to youth work principles.
Optimized Path Planning for Electric Vehicle Routing and Charging Station Navigation Systems
Authors: Elgarej Mouhcine , Khalifa Mansouri , Youssfi Mohamed
Published: March 2020

With the increase in the number of electric vehicles (EV) on the street in the last years, the drivers of EVs are suffering from the problem of guiding themselves toward the nearest charging stations for recharging their batteries or finding the shortest routes toward their destinations. Although, the electric vehicle planning problem (EPP) is designed to achieve several transactions such as battery energy restrictions and the challenge of finding the nearest charging stations to the position of the electric vehicle. In this work, a new distributed system for electric vehicle routing is based on a novel driving strategy using a distributed Ant system algorithm (AS). The distributed architecture minimizes the total travelling path for the EV to attain the destination by proposing a set of the nearest charging stations that can be visited for recharging during his travels. Simulation result proved that our prototype is able to prepare optimal solutions within a reasonable time and forwarding EVs toward the nearest charging stations during their trips.
A Nearest Neighbor Algorithm to Optimize Recycling Networks
Authors: Monsreal-Barrera Mario M. , Cruz-Mejia Oliverio , Marmolejo-Saucedo Jose Antonio
Published: March 2020

This article analyses the processes of collecting used non-returnable packaging to improve the recycling of material. A collection system is proposed by applying a profitable visit algorithm based on the widely-known Nearest Neighbor Algorithm. A comparative study is performed to achieve a higher volume of recycled material while decreasing the cost of collection. The proposed algorithm shows a much better performance than the reference. The developed algorithm was evaluated in a real scenario and confirmed by a simulation runs. Savings in material sourcing processes can be achieved in real operations. The proposed algorithm shows some advantage.
Social Media Influence and Mobile Government Adoption
Authors: Hebbar Sunith , Kiran K B
Published: March 2020

The study focuses on developing a mobile government (MG) adoption framework with a key consideration on social media (SM) influence. As social media is now becoming a prominent channel for various marketing activities knowing its impact on MG adoption is crucial. Further, as MG is constantly evolving, a deeper understanding on the adoption behaviour of the citizens is quintessential for strategizing its implementation. Thus, a detailed review of the articles on citizen's perspective on MG adoption and social media, was performed. It was found that the integration of theories like DOI and URT, which are critical during the evolving stages of MG adoption is significant. The other key contribution is the consideration of social media and its impact on MG adoption. Further, the factors such as awareness, social influence, and facilitating condition were also found to be very crucial. The SM-MG adoption framework developed integrating the theories like DOI, URT along with Social media is validated using a Structural Equation Modelling and results of which are discussed in detail.
A Rule-Based Monitoring System for Accurate Prediction of Diabetes
Authors: Srivastava Anand Kumar , Kumar Yugal , Singh Pradeep Kumar
Published: March 2020

Diabetes is a chronic disease that can affect the life of people due to high sugar level in their blood. The sugar level is increased due to a lack of production of insulin in the human body. Large numbers of people are affected with diabetes and it can increase tremendously due life style behavior. Diabetes can also affect the other human organs, like kidneys, hearts, retinas and lead to the failure of these organs. This article presents a diabetic monitoring system to determine the risk of diabetes based on the personal health record of patients. In this work, several rules are designed based on the clinical as well as non-clinical symptoms. The effectiveness of the diabetes monitoring system is tested on a set of two hundred forty people. The simulation results are also compared with well-known techniques available for diabetes prediction. It is stated that proposed monitoring system obtains 90.41% accuracy rate as compared with other techniques.
Monitoring IaaS Cloud for Healthcare Systems
Authors: Prasad Vivek Kumar , Bhavsar Madhuri D.
Published: March 2020

Healthcare functionality is enriched by cloud services which offers a perspective for broad integration and interoperability. Cloud-based facilities support healthcare systems to remain connected to remote access devices to various tasks and information. The healthcare actors should have an understanding of the risks and benefits associated with the usage of Cloud Computing resources utilization. Also, they must launch an appropriate contract-based relationship between the Cloud Service Providers and the actors of healthcare systems by means of Service Level Agreements (SLAs). The variation in both demand and supply within the healthcare information affects the use of information technology. Hence, monitoring resources can play an important role in accommodating the healthcare data. To deal with the aforementioned problems; reinforcement learning mechanisms along with the metrics has been used and experimented with the various dynamics of workload to deliver services with quality assurance.
Brain Tumor Detection Based on Multilevel 2D Histogram Image Segmentation Using DEWO Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Kumar Sumit , Vig Garima , Varshney Sapna , Bansal Priti
Published: March 2020

Brain tumor detection from magnetic resonance (MR)images is a tedious task but vital for early prediction of the disease which until now is solely based on the experience of medical practitioners. Multilevel image segmentation is a computationally simple and efficient approach for segmenting brain MR images. Conventional image segmentation does not consider the spatial correlation of image pixels and lacks better post-filtering efficiency. This study presents a Renyi entropy-based multilevel image segmentation approach using a combination of differential evolution and whale optimization algorithms (DEWO) to detect brain tumors. Further, to validate the efficiency of the proposed hybrid algorithm, it is compared with some prominent metaheuristic algorithms in recent past using between-class variance and the Tsallis entropy functions. The proposed hybrid algorithm for image segmentation is able to achieve better results than all the other metaheuristic algorithms in every entropy-based segmentation performed on brain MR images.
Seismic Performance of Soil-Ash and Soil-Ash-Foundation System
Authors: Reddy M.V. Ravi Kishore , Mohanty Supriya , Shaik Rehana
Published: March 2020

In this study, a 3D seismic response of soil deposit, soil-ash deposit and soil-ash-foundation system was investigated. Homogeneous sand deposit of 80m × 9m × 20m was initially analyzed. A pond ash layer is on top of the sand deposit with varying thicknesses and the efficiency of the pond ash layer on the sand deposit was evaluated for its best suitability. The optimum sand-ash deposit overlain by a shallow foundation has been analysed under the excitation of the Nepal (Mw:7.8) and North East India earthquake (Mw:7.5). A seismic response analysis was performed using finite element software PLAXIS3D. The finite element model adopted for the present study has been validated using 1D nonlinear ground response analysis programs. e.g. DEEPSOIL and Cyclic1D. Results of the response analysis have been determined in terms of acceleration, displacement, excess pore pressure, and excess pore pressure ratio. It was observed that, the sand-pond ash-foundation system experienced liquefaction when excited under the Nepal earthquake motion whereas it is safe against the North East India earthquake.
Mobile Crowdsourcing Technology Acceptance and Engagement in Crisis Management
Authors: Yaseen Saad G. , Al Omoush Khaled Saleh
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study is to examine the determinants of the intention for the continuous acceptance and use of mobile crowdsourcing to participate in refugee crisis management. A questionnaire was developed to collect data from 389 Syrian refugees in Jordan's Za'atari camp. Smart PLS was used to analyze the data. The findings indicated that the individual and crowd performance expectancy, the social influence, and perceived risks on the individual and crowd levels have a significant influence on the intention for the continuous acceptance and engagement in mobile crowdsourcing to participate in refugee crisis management. In addition, the results revealed that cultural values of masculinity, power distance, and long-term orientation have no effect on the intention. At the same time, cultural values of collectivism and uncertainty avoidance have a significant effect.
Does Using Social Network Sites Reduce Depression and Promote Happiness?
Authors: Yu Sen-Chi
Published: March 2020

Positive interventions based on theories in positive psychology have proven effective in contributing to well-being. Although college students frequently use social networking sites, few studies have investigated the use of these sites to facilitate positive interventions. For this research, two positive interventions, photo diaries and the expression of gratitude, were developed and implemented in Facebook using a randomized controlled trial. 136 college students were recruited and randomly assigned them to one of two experimental groups or a control group. Results indicated that photo diary reduced depression during the posttest stage, and these effects continued during the follow up stage. Concerning happiness, the photo diary presented no significant effects in the posttest but did present significant effects in the follow up. Expression of gratitude showed no significant effects on happiness in the posttest but did show significant effects in the follow up. The results of the study demonstrate that social networking sites can be used to implement positive interventions.
Flat Metal Rolling Simulation by Finite Volume Method
Authors: Suranuntchai Surasak
Published: March 2020

In Thailand, the sheet metal products that were produced by rolling process have high demand and the consumption trend to grow in the future. Many new products, which made from rolling steel sheet, had been developed with various design. Thus the manufacturers have to improve the productivity through the investigation and analysis of different process parameters, which affect to the quality during the production. In this paper, finite volume method FVM had been applied to analyze different effects of processes parameters such as temperature, roller speed, friction, size and capacity of rolling machine. The commercial software MSC.SuperForge was used in the modeling and simulation of metal deformation under the flat rolling process. Considering the predicted results compared with the experimental data, the different in dimension error data were within an acceptable range of quality specification. The error in width of finished steel sheet was 1.17%, the length was error of 1.50%, and the thickness was error of 2.32%. By using this technique, different factors affected during rolling process can be investigated and controlled such as the metal flow, the distribution of stress and strain, and the deformation zone.
Synthesis and Characterization of Plasmon-Enhanced SERS Substrate Based on Au-Ag Alloy-Coated, Large-Area Photonic (Methyl Methacrylate+Styrene) Co-Polymer
Authors: Kassim Syara , Mukhtar Nor Abidah , Tahrin Rabiatul Addawiyah Azwa
Published: March 2020

Enhancement of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) by metal nanoparticles has attracted considerable interest on account of their widespread popularity of SERS-based measurements and devices ranging from life science until materials science. Current study focuses on noble metal SERS substrates with attempting to achieve high and enhanced effect by describe a plasmon-enhanced SERS substrate based on gold-silver, alloy-coated co-polymer (methyl methacrylate-styrene) colloidal sphere. Copolymer was synthesised via surfactant-free emulsion polymerization and was successfully produced a homogeneous colloidal spheres. The homogenous spheres of copolymer would promote periodic array upon fabrication and more, introducing the copolymer medium had improved the thermal degradation of the material compare to single polymer. Gold-silver alloy nanospheres was synthesised via one pot reduction method using citrate stabilizer. The nanoalloy obtained are well within the nanoscale domain (<100 nm) supported by the maximum surface plasmon resonance peak at 436 nm using UV-Visible spectroscopy. The perfect combination of our proposed alloy nanoparticles and copolymer present an ability to enhance Raman scattering by higher than 90 %. The region of high electron density of the substrate is expected to develop a new opportunities for SERS detections in wide analytical area.
Calculation of Carbon-Titanium-Oxygen Conductivity by First Principle
Authors: Guo Ya Qin , Liang Duo Qiang , Deng Yong
Published: March 2020

It is the hot point of the present study to obtain the metal titanium by using the carbon-titanium-oxygen electrolysis. The electrical conductivity, melting point and hardness of C-Ti-O have great influence on the feasibility of electrolysis process. In this paper, the conductivity of rutile titanium dioxide, carbon replacement solid solution (20%, 50%, 80%) and titanium carbide are calculated by first principles. It was found that the more carbon substituted rutile titanium dioxide, the better its conductivity. The electrical conductivity of objects are changed from semiconductors to good conductors. The experimental results show that the conductivity of the experimental results is higher than that of the calculated ones, which may be due to the existence of a large number of hole-excited elements.
Effect of Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) Addition on the Mechanical and Tribological Performance of Al-Fe-Si Alloy (AA8011)
Authors: Fayomi Juwon , Popoola A.P.I. , Popoola O.M. , Oladijo O.P.
Published: March 2020

This research examines the effect of ceramic particulate of Si3N4 on the hardness, tensile, corrosion, and microstructure of reinforced AA8011 composites. The composites were developed by two steps stir casting process where both the particulates and the alloy matrix were preheated and melted respectively before mixing. 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% Si3N4 particulates compositions were varied to fabricate the composites. Vickers microhardness tester was employed to study the hardness, the universal testing machine was used to analyze the ultimate tensile strength, the tribological performances of the developed composites AA8011-Si3N4 were analyzed under dry sliding condition using Universal Tribometer. The results of the experiment clearly revealed the improvement in the mechanical properties of the composites compared to the primary Al-Fe-Si alloy with excellent strength mechanism recorded at 20% reinforcement. Composites with 20% Si3N4 was found to have a better wear resistance hence, lowest wear rate.
Operational sex ratio and paternal age sway mating and reproductive performance inMenochilus sexmaculatus(Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Saxena Swati , Mishra Geetanjali , Omkar
Published: March 2020

Operational sex ratio and paternal age are known to independently affect mating behaviour and reproductive performance. We conducted experiments to assess the effects of operational sex ratio and paternal age on mating, reproduction, and total development duration ofMenochilus sexmaculatus(Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Three male-biased sex ratios, no (1:1), modest (1:2), and extreme (1:5) competition treatments, were formed using young, middle-aged, and old males. The reproductive performance ofM. sexmaculatusat all ages under extreme competition (1:5) surpassed the other two treatments. More competition among males decreased the time of commencement of mating and increased the duration of copulation. Females laid a greater number of eggs in extreme competition treatments. The operational sex ratio (irrespective of age) had no significant effect on the total developmental duration of offspring. Among different age groups, older males took more time to commence mating and mated for longer durations in all the sex ratio treatments. The number of eggs in the first clutch was lowest when females were mated with older males with increased offspring development duration. Thus, it can be concluded that male-biased sex ratio elevates the performance ofM. sexmaculatus. Among different age groups, older males were poor performers than young and middle-aged males.
The role of the styloid apophysis of the temporal bone in the biomechanics of the tongue, mandible, hyoid system: a case study
Authors: Messina Giuseppe
Published: March 2020

Temporomandibular disorders are characterized by ear pain, tinnitus, difficulty in chewing, dysphagia and also dizziness, cervical limitation of range of movement (ROM) and other less common disorders. Numerous recent studies associate the presence of these signs and symptoms with an elongated styloid apophysis, as in the case of Eagle syndrome. The purpose of this clinical case is to support the thesis of a common syndrome that temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders with an elongated styloid process affirming the relationship between temporal bone, mandibule, hyoid bone and tongue. The patient was a 57-year-old woman who reported having ear algia and tinnitus all on the right side with difficulty chewing accompanied by odynophagia and dysphagia of solid and liquid foods, as well as cervical disorders. Computed tomography (CT) scans of the neck showed elongation and ossification of the styloid processes of the temporal bone. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an anterior right dislocation of the TMJ articular disc. The patient presented classic symptoms of temporomandibular disorders, with the primary examinations showing an anterior right dislocation of the articular disc of the TMJ, as well as a longer styloid process on the same side. We therefore suggested that, in this case report, TMJ disorders may be associated with a longer styloid process on the same side.
Towards an AIDS free generation: Is stigma still an issue in Zambia? Results from a legal environment assessment of the HIV/AIDS/TB program of the Churches Health Association of Zambia
Authors: Biemba Godfrey , Menda Dhally M. , Siame Yoram , Sichinga Karen Sichali , Macleod William
Published: March 2020

This paper reports on HIV related stigma based on results from an HIV legal environment assessment (LEA) within the Churches Health Association of Zambia HIV/AIDS program. We conducted 9 Focus Group Discussions and 20 Key Informant Interviews with key HIV/AIDS stakeholders that included representatives from network of Zambian people living with HIV. We administered a Survey Questionnaire to 337 people living with HIV (PLHIV) and 233 health workers. Quantitative data were analyzed using SAS v9.4; qualitative data was analyzed using QRS NVIVO version 11.0 Pro. Internalized stigma ranged between 20.8% and 31.8% of PLHIV; more among females than males. About one third (31%, n=104)) of the 337 participants reported that they were aware of being gossiped once, a few times, or often; more among females than males. 62.3%, 63.1%, and 55.1% of the 233 health workers said it was somewhat true or certainly true that in their catchment areas, PLHIV struggle to have an HIV test because of stigma, were hesitant to start ART due to stigma; told them that they had challenges taking their ARVs because of stigma respectively.
Health impact assessment in Nigeria: An initiative whose time has come
Authors: Chilaka Marcus A. , Ndioho Ibiangake
Published: March 2020

Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is increasingly applied in many developed countries as a tool for advancing healthy public policy. This research was carried out to obtain a HIA situation report for Nigeria and to assess ways of enhancing the use of HIA to promote healthy public policy. Semi structured questionnaires were administered both online and by hand to health and nonhealth professionals in Nigeria. Inferential statistics was used in the analysis of the 510 responses that were received. Only 29% of the respondents had ever heard about HIA; similarly, only 19.3% of those who were aware of HIA had received any form of HIA training. However, 93.2% of respondents were convinced that HIA would be beneficial to the Nigerian health system. Using the approach of SWOT Analysis to discuss the findings, this research concludes that the time has now come, and the right conditions are in place, for the integration of Health Impact Assessment into public policy in Nigeria. Raising awareness and political commitment are the two major strategies to help drive this agenda forward.
Factors associated with stock out of malaria test kit in Oshana region, Namibia
Authors: Magesa Emmanuel , Mitonga Kabwebwe Honore , Angula Penehafo
Published: March 2020

Malaria continues to be a serious communicable disease whose impact on public health in Namibia is massive. Some improvement in reducing the number of malaria cases has been made in the country, but the sporadic availability of malaria diagnostic test kits (mRDT) continues to slow down government efforts to eliminate malaria in the country. Given the nature of current conditions, justification exists for a study to determine the factors associated with stock out of malaria rapid test kit (mRDT) in Namibia. Mixed method approach was employed, whereby in quantitative aspect, the study adopted a descriptive approach to acquire data from a period of five years retrospectively (2012 - 2016). To gain insight into qualitative aspects of the study, key informants at all levels of the supply chain in Oshana region were interviewed. Pharmaceutical knowledge of ordering mRDT is needed to prevent stock out of mRDT. It is a recommendation of this study that training is needed for staffs who are involved in ordering of pharmaceutical items.
Cost analysis of integrated community case management of childhood malaria, diarrhea and pneumonia enhanced by mobile health technology in rural Zambia
Authors: Biemba Godfrey , Mulenga Arnold , Chiluba Boniface , Griffiths Ulla K. , Yeboah-Antwi Kojo , MacLeod William , Lunze Karsten , Hamer Davidson H.
Published: March 2020

Integrated community case management (iCCM) of malaria, diarrhea, and pneumonia is a comprehensive, equitybased strategy to improve treatment access for underserved children under five years old. This paper presents data on cost of iCCM and incremental costs of mHealth enhanced supervision and supply chain management in Zambia. We collected cost data using three questionnaires applied at national, district, health facility and community levels. We interviewed 40 health facility supervisors and 75 community health workers. A provider perspective and an ingredient costing method was used. We entered and analyzed data in a customized excel costing tool. The result shows that total iCCM cost per patient contact was USD 18.43. The incremental cost of using the mHealth intervention per child contact for all iCCM conditions was USD 11.35. The incremental cost per treatment of diarrhea, pneumonia, and malaria with mHealth intervention was USD 9.58, USD 10.37 and USD 12.82. Program costs accounted for 67% of the total, and the largest share was associated with supervision estimated at 36%, followed by supply chain management at 27%. This study has provided valuable information to policy makers on how much it costs to implement iCCM program using mHealth interventions.
Mentored postdoctoral training in Zimbabwe: A report on a successful collaborative effort
Authors: Zhou Danai T. , Maponga Charles C. , Madhombiro Munyaradzi , Dube Admire , Mano Runyararo , Nyamhunga Albert , Machingura Ian , Manasa Justen , Hakim James , Chirenje Z. Mike , Mudzviti Tinashe , Nhachi Charles , Ma Qing , Di Francesco Robin , Masanganise Rangarirai , Morse Gene D.
Published: March 2020

Low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) have high disease burdens, necessitating increased research. However, LMIC research output constitutes only 2% of global total. To increase output, researchers must be capacitated. The University of Zimbabwe (UZ) and the University at Buffalo (UB), developed and implemented the AIDS International Research Training Program (AITRP), in 2008, that focused on graduate scholars. The subsequent HIV Research Training Program (HRTP), begun in 2016, and piloted post-doctoral training to enhance research productivity at UZ. This report discusses the collaboration. As of 2016, prospective candidates applied by submitting letters of intent, research proposals, curriculum vitae and biographical sketches. The scholars research training included hypothesis and project development, completion of grant applications, research project budgets, research presentations to diverse audiences and the application of advanced statistics to research data. The first cohort of five postdoctoral scholars were trained at UZ and UB, between 2016 and 2019. Through the formalized postdoctoral training approach, scholars identified areas of focus. In 2017, one of the scholars obtained a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Emerging Global Leader Award and is now a highly-rated researcher based in South Africa. A second scholar made NIH D43 and K43 grant applications, while the remaining three are academicians and early researchers at UZ. Although research output in Africa and many LMICs is low, it can be built through cooperation similar to the UZ-UB HRTP. This manuscript reports on an effort aimed at building individual and institutional research capacity in Zimbabwe. This can serve as a model for building other similar training programs.
Factors associated with multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis in Dakar, Senegal, 2010-2016
Authors: Ndiaye Mbouna , Yanogo Pauline Kiswendsida , Sawadogo Bernard , Diallo Fadima , Antara Simon , Meda Nicolas
Published: March 2020

According to the World Health Organization, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) represents a major obstacle towards successful TB treatment and control. In Dakar, MDR-TB management began in 2010 with the strengthening of diagnostic resources. The objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Dakar between 2010 and 2016. We conducted a case-control study from January 10 to February 28, 2017 in tuberculosis centers in Dakar. of 169 cases and 507 controls. We used logistic regression with Epi-info version 7.2.1. to estimate the odds ratios of association. Factors significantly associated with MDR-TB were: residing in a periurban area (ORa=1.8; 95% CI (1.5-4.9); p=0.024), presence of MDR-TB in the entourage of patient (ORa=7.0; 95% CI (6.1-9.5); p=0.002), previous treatment failure (ORa=29.5; 95% CI (27.3-30.1); p=0.000), treatment not directly observed by a health care provider (ORa=4.3; 95% CI (4.1-7,2); p=0.000) and irregularity of treatment (ORa=1.7; 95% CI (0.5-5.4); p=0.037). Focusing interventions on population at-risk will prevent MDR-TB.
Prevalence and factors associated with hypertension in Anonkoi 3, a peri-urban area in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)
Authors: Sackou Julie K. , Tiadé Marie L. , Hounsa Annita A. , Malik Simone K. , Coulibaly Madikiny , Desquith Angèle A. , Kadjo Florence K. , Agoua Serge A. , Oga Serge , Kouadio Luc K.
Published: March 2020

Hypertension affects more than a quarter of the world adult population, with ruralurban disparities. In Côte d’Ivoire, the prevalence was 21.7% in 2005. The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with hypertension in a peri-urban community in Abidjan. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Anonkoi 3 a peri-urban area in Abidjan. The sample was of 360 subjects aged 18 and older. Behavioral, anthropometric and blood pressure characteristics were determined using WHO STEPS questionnaire and multivariate logistic regression was performed. Prevalence of hypertension was 18.61%. Subjects were low fruit and vegetable consumption (3.3%), low level of physical activity (64.2%) and abdominal obesity at 40%. The risk of hypertension was significant from age 45, in subjects living with a partner and in those with low level of physical activity. Health education programs are essential to prevent cardiovascular risks.
An approach to the management of obstructive airways disease
Authors: Blackwood S. H.
Published: March 2020

No abstract available.
A physiotherapist's view of the modular system of prosthesis
Authors: Bjore Donna , McLaren Heather
Published: March 2020

No abstract available.
The treatment of psoriasis as evolved at The H. F. Verwoed Hospital, Pretoria; and a comparative study of the results of a clinical survey on psoriasis
Authors: Beattie M. A.
Published: March 2020

No abstract available.
Validation d’une méthode de valorisation matière et énergie des huiles de vidange
Authors: Louis Merlin Mbomen Mbomen , Ferdinand Nanfack-Minkeu , Raoul Nangue Mbomen , Rémy Bertrand Teponno , Armand Kagou Dongmo
Published: March 2020

More than 22,500 tons per year of waste lubricating oil are non-regulatory managed in Cameroon. They are burned in very dangerous conditions when they are not simply dumped in nature. Yet, these wastes are classified as very dangerous for human-beings. The aim of this work is to promote safer methods of disposal of waste lubricating oil in Cameroon by stressing on materials recovery and energetic valorisation in a steam boiler. A combined method of action of melted salt, distillation under low pressure and treatment on activated adsorbed earth (ASFDPRTTA) is efficacious for the task. The oil, treated by this method strips it of polluting chemical in order to obtain a fuel (ecofuel) meeting up the energetic and environmental expectations as required by standards. On the other hand, the fuel presents physicochemical features nearest to the ones of gasoil so that it has been used in a gasoil steam boiler without risk. Also, the fuel served as a base for the regeneration of a new lubricant (envilub) by adding additives in suitably chosen proportions. Our method is using a low cost investment, simple equipment at the point where inexperienced staff with a minimum of training can master it. It also permits job employment opportunities as well as environmental preservation.

Au Cameroun, plus de 25 200 tonnes d’huiles de vidange sont gérées annuellement par des méthodes non réglementaires comme par exemple la combustion en foyers non adaptés, voire le rejet direct dans le milieu naturel. Or, ces huiles sont classées parmi les déchets dangereux tant pour l’homme que pour tous les compartiments de l’environnement. Ce travail a pour objectif la valorisation matière et énergie en chaudière de ces huiles par une méthode combinant l’action des sels fondus, distillation sous pression réduite et traitement sur terre absorbante activée (ASFDPRTTA). Il s’agit d’un enchainement de techniques chimiques simples dans des conditions opératoires particulières pour un résultat tout aussi particulier. L’huile usée, traitée par cette méthode, fournit un combustible (écofuel) avec des taux de polluants extrêmement réduits respectant les normes en vigueur. D’autre part, ce combustible présente des caractéristiques physico-chimiques très proches de celles du gazole, permettant son utilisation directe sans restriction dans une chaudière à gazole. Ce combustible a également été utilisé comme base pour la régénération d’un lubrifiant nouveau (envilub) moyennant l’ajout d’additifs dans des proportions convenablement choisies. Notre méthode à moindre coût, utilisant des équipements simples, peut être mise en œuvre par des personnes sans qualification spécifique, associant ainsi la création d’emploi et la préservation de l’environnement.
Effective preparation of nitrogen-doped activated carbon by aniline thermal chemical vapor deposition for arsenate adsorption
Authors: Yoo Pyunghwa , Amano Yoshimasa , Machida Motoi
Published: March 2020

Nitrogen-free phenol resin fiber was used to examine the effect of nitrogen-introduction via thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using nitrogen-containing chemicals. In this study, a combination of heat treatment, steam activation, aniline CVD was conducted to prepare the nitrogen-doped activated carbon (AC) and the effective procedure was studied to enhance arsenic adsorption capacity. As a result, consecutive treatment of steam activation as pre-treatment, aniline CVD, steam activation for porous structure, and at least heat treatment was the best processing order for the preparation of ACs. Heat-treated samples demonstrated their robustness against steam activation; therefore heat treatment should be conducted as post treatment for effective CVD process. One of the samples which was prepared by this procedure, 8ST30-8ANL10-8ST50-9.5HT30 (sample #5) showed 0.112 mmol/g of arsenate adsorption capacity, and it was at least 70% higher than that of any other prepared samples. To inspect the high adsorption capacity of this sample, the effect of solution pH, pore structure parameters, elemental analysis, and Boehm titration was conducted comparing with the other prepared samples.