bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Sri Lanka: A Review of Literature
Authors: Kamburawala Tharindu Udayanga , Abeyrathne Dilmini Hasintha
Published: November 2022

Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project is one of the most dominant trade policies initiated by the Chinese government. It connects one hundred and forty-six countries occupying more than fifty per cent of the world's gross domestic product. Thus, BRI has become an indispensable perspective of forecasting trade performance between regions in the coming years. This study employs an evidence-based approach and critically evaluates the existing arguments on the BRI project and the possible strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of the project with special reference to Sri Lanka. Further, it attempts to summarize some key facts related BRI’s engagement in the regions such as the South-East Asia, Europe, Indo-Pacific, and the South Asia. The findings of the study discover the heavy domestic focus of the BRI objectives. Existing financial incompetence, lack of physical capital, and technology gap are the main motives for developing economies to engage with the project. Geopolitical repercussions, security problems, and the debt trap are the highlighted adverse impacts of BRI. Several developing countries like Nepal have adequately accomplished the BRI projects domestically. Sri Lanka has benefited from BRI in several aspects and experienced several difficulties in power rivalry, autonomy and independence, growing debt burden, transparency and corruption. The study concludes the higher potential of BRI to approach developing countries' growth-related shortages and the possibility of emerging geopolitical repercussions. Thus, it recommends implementing a practical government framework to manage BRI domestically. This study recommends governments to enhance transparency and accountability related to the project’s affairs, while maintaining economic feasibility and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, practicing a rational process for project selection and implementing efficient evaluation are recommended.
Statistical Approach of Identifying Crime Hotspots for GIS Mapping in Sri Lanka
Authors: Munasingha M. A. P. , Napagoda N. A. D. N.
Published: November 2022

Currently, crimes are well organized and difficult to investigate, and hence, the situation is more complex due to technological advancements. Therefore, there is a timely need to plan strategies to reduce crime using historical crime data. The objectives of the study are extraction of crime patterns using trend analysis, identifying the relationship between crime and geographic environment, and recognizing the district where crime is most prevalent. Five types of crimes that have a high impact on society from 2010 to 2019 in Sri Lanka were identified using the high mean cluster. There were House Breaking (HB), Hurt by Knife (HK), Robbery (RB), Rape (RP), and Cheating (CH). The result of Shapiro-Wilk test for normality wasn’t normal therefore Kruskal-Wallis multiple comparisons were used. There was a significant difference between the mean of HB, HK, RB, RP, and CH. Using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient test, a very strong positive correlation was found between RP and HB (0.9472), RB and HB (0.9003) and HK and HB (0.9277). The type of crimes scattered throughout Sri Lanka was analyzed using Geographic Information System (GIS). Thematic maps were generated to identify hotspot areas. The risk of all five types of crime appeared to be high in Kurunegala and Gampaha districts. Prediction Accuracy Index (PAI) values were calculated to compare the predictive accuracy of crime types and the highest PAI value (3.98) was for RB crime. According to the findings of this study, a new security strategy can be developed to eradicate these trends from society.
Pineocytoma with malignant transformation to pineal parenchymal tumor with intermediate differentiation and leptomeningeal dissemination after subtotal tumor resection and adjuvant radiotherapy
Authors: Lieu Ann-Shung , Wu Chun-Chieh , Chai Chee-Yin , Ma Yu-Chun , Su Hui-Yuan
Published: November 2022

Pineocytoma is a rare tumor. It is rare for pineocytoma to present as leptomeningeal metastasis. We present a rare case of pineocytoma with malignant transformation and leptomeningeal metastasis after subtotal tumor resection and adjuvant radiotherapy. This case was a 58-year-old male with an unsteady gait for 2 months. Enhanced brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a heterogeneous mass involving the pineal region. The initial pathological diagnosis of pineocytoma was confirmed after subtotal tumor resection. Two years after adjuvant radiotherapy to the primary site, the magnetic resonance imaging showed C2 and T2 metastatic lesions, with the final pathological diagnosis being pineal parenchymal tumor (PPT) with intermediate differentiation after the removal of T2 intramedullary tumor. After that adjuvant radiotherapy at the cervical and thoracic spinal cord was completed. There was no recurrence of the tumor 1 year after the radiotherapy. We report a rare case of pineocytoma with malignant transformation to PPT with intermediate differentiation and leptomeningeal dissemination.
Correlation between Aβ1–42, Dnmt3a2, urinary AD7c-NTP and cognitive dysfunction in first-episode and recurrent MDD: A case–control study
Authors: Liu Zhigang , Liu Yuxia , Zhao Xiaofeng , Zhang Huijie , Feng Tingting , Pang Jianyue , Li Hengfen
Published: November 2022

Background and Aim:

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most prevalent mental illnesses worldwide and involves cognitive dysfunction that may negatively impact clinical and social outcomes. Previous studies have suggested that beta-amyloid peptide (Aβ1–42), DNA methyltransferase (Dnmt3a2), and urinary Alzheimer-associated neuronal thread protein (AD7c-NTP) are associated with cognitive impairment. However, there are no relevant studies in MDD. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between serum Aβ1–42, Dnmt3a2, and urinary AD7c-NTP and cognitive dysfunction in MDD.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 59 eligible patients were included in the study, including 29 patients with first-episode MDD (FEDs) and 30 patients with recurrent MDD (RMDDs), and 30 matched healthy controls (HCs) were selected. Participants’ cognitive functioning was evaluated using the MATRICS consensus cognitive battery (MCCB). The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to measure the concentrations of the three proteins. Statistical analysis was completed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 20.0. The statistical significance was set as P < 0.05.

Results:

Serum Dnmt3a2 and urinary AD7c-NTP showed significant differences among the three groups (both P < 0.001), but there were no significant differences in Aβ1–42 levels. Upon examining the results of cognitive testing, we found that serum Aβ1–42 was negatively associated with working memory scores in RMDDs (P = 0.020), but Dnmt3a2 was positively associated with working memory and verbal learning scores in the same cohort (P = 0.012 and P = 0.037, respectively). In contrast, urinary AD7c-NTP was negatively correlated with verbal learning scores in FEDs (P = 0.013).

Conclusions:

Serum Dnmt3a2 and Aβ1–42 levels may be associated with cognitive impairment in RMDDs and may act as potential biomarkers of cognitive impairment. Although urinary AD7c-NTP was closely related to cognitive dysfunction in FEDs, this relationship did not hold in RMDDs.
Efficacy of a suicide sensitisation and prevention (SSP) workshop for medical students on their attitudes, beliefs, and factual knowledge on suicide: A pilot study
Authors: Harshe Devavrat , Harshe Sneha , Behere Prakash , Halder Ankit , Ravindran Navna P , Avula Nikhil , Nair Aditya , Harshe Gurudas
Published: November 2022

Context:

Myths and stigma about suicide and mental health among doctors are widely prevalent in India. Didactic methods of teaching alone may not be adequate to bridge the knowledge gap.

Methods:

Fifty-seven MBBS students participated voluntarily by accepting an invitation. They were examined pre-intervention with the Suicide Opinion Questionnaire (SOQ) for their attitudes and beliefs about suicide. Students then underwent a custom-made extracurricular Suicide Sensitization and Prevention workshop. It consisted of a 120-min session that included a didactic session on the bio-psycho-social model of suicide and two role-plays demonstrating Suicide Prevention Early Intervention Communication (SPEIC). Students were examined again after seven days with SOQ, and with the SPEIC checklist.

Results:

Fifty students completed the study protocol. There was a 9.5% increase in SOQ scores post-intervention indicating a change toward positive attitudes/beliefs about suicide. The emotional perturbation subscale showed the highest degree of improvement, whereas the acceptability subscale showed the least improvement. Students were able to recall 40% and 60% from the Do-Checklist and the Do Not Checklist from the SPEIC after seven days from the workshop. There was no difference in SOQ performances pre- and post-intervention in students who knew someone with psychiatric illness, or with a history of an attempt or death by suicide.

Conclusion:

Using role-plays and interactive teaching methods can be effective in teaching psychiatry and mental health issues to medical students. The results indicate not only better understanding of subject matter but also recall after a week from the intervention.
Association of TLR-4 896A/G, TLR-4 1196C/T, and TLR-9 C/T polymorphism with schizophrenia in Indian Bengalee patient
Authors: Gurung Jiwan , Bera Nirmal Kumar , Lama Manoj , Singh Bisu
Published: November 2022

Background:

Chronic low-grade inflammation triggered by viral agents is a suggested etiological factor for schizophrenia. However, the underlying mechanism of inflammation and genetic predisposition to schizophrenia is poorly understood. Toll-like receptor (TLR) is a potential candidate gene to understand the inflammatory process and genetic predisposition to schizophrenia as they are known to express widely in brain cells and can modulate cytokine synthesis through recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns. To date, no TLR mutations or single nucleotide polymorphisms have been established as accepted risk factors for schizophrenia.

Aim:

Therefore, the present investigation was undertaken to study the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the TLR genes in the etiopathology of schizophrenia.

Methods:

A total of 120 India-born Bengalee schizophrenia patients fulfilling diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders-V criteria, and 145 age, sex, and ethnicity-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Previous virally associated SNPs in TLR genes were genotyped by Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. The allele frequency was compared using the odds ratio, and the association was studied under five inheritance models using the SNPStats program.

Results:

The frequencies of G allele (OR = 2.68, P = 0.01) and A/G genotype of TLR-4 rs4986790 (P = 0.04), T allele (OR = 4.09, P = 0.01) and C/T genotype of TLR-4 rs4986791 (P = 0.05), and T allele of TLR-9 rs352140 (OR = 1.77; P = 0.00) were found to be significantly high in patients. The dominant model was the optimum genetic model for TLR-4 rs4986790 (OR = 3.24, P = 0.01) and TLR-9 rs352140 (OR = 2.88, P = 0.005).

Conclusion:

The findings suggest that SNPs in TLR genes rs4986790, rs4986791, and rs352140 may confer susceptibility to schizophrenia among Indian Bengalee patients.
A comparative study of personality profile among violent and non-violent convicts: A cross sectional study
Authors: Singh Paramjeet , Daderwal Mukesh Chand , Faizan Mohammad
Published: November 2022

The conviction-prone personality sees events as external forces and not according to their own or another’s emotion, cognition, or inner forces. This study compared the personality traits and psychopathology of both violent and non-violent convicts. The total number of samples were 60 (30 violent and 30 non-violent) which were recruited from the Central jail of Jaipur (Rajasthan). A pro forma was used to collect sociodemographic variables. The 16-personality factor questionnaire was applied after receiving permission from the concerned authorities. Student t-test was applied to compare violent and non-violent convicts. Violent convicts had high scores for factors E (dominance), H (social boldness), L (vigilance), Q2 (social reliance), and Q4 (tension) and low scores for C (emotional stability) and G (rule consciousness). Whereas non-violent convicts had high scores for factors L (vigilance) and N (privateness) and low score for A (warmth), F (liveliness), O (apprehension), Q2 (self-reliance), and Q4 (tension). All results are statistically significant (P-value was 0.001), except factor I (P-value was 0.745) and M (P-value was 0.314). So, the violent convict group were significantly more dominant, bossy, competitive, bold, self-reliant, individualistic, tense, frustrated, high-energy driven, and self-indulgent as compare to non-violent convicts.
Genetic evidence for association of NOTCH4 variant rs2071287 with schizophrenia susceptibility in the North Indian population
Authors: Priya Indu , Arora Manu , Singh Hemender , Sharma Isar , Mahajan Ritu , Kapoor Nisha
Published: November 2022

Background:

Neurogenic locus notch homolog 4 (NOTCH4) regulates signaling pathways associated with neuronal maturation, a process involved in the development and patterning of the central nervous system. The NOTCH4 gene has also been identified as a possible susceptibility gene for schizophrenia (SCZ).

Aim:

The study aimed to determine the association of NOTCH4 polymorphisms with the risk of SCZ in the North Indian population of the Jammu region.

Methods:

The single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping for NOTCH4 variant rs2071287 was done by Sanger’s sequencing method, and the other variant rs3131296 was done by TaqMan assay method for 207 SCZ cases and 304 healthy controls of North Indian origin.

Results:

This association study suggested that the rs2071287 was found to be significantly associated with SCZ. Moreover, the GG genotype of rs2071287 was observed to be associated with a higher risk for SCZ (P-value = 6.45 × 10 − 5; OR = 1.71; 95% CI, 1.31–2.24).

Conclusion:

To establish the potential biomarker role of this variant, large-scale association analyses in other populations is required.
Isolated bilateral lateral geniculate body necrosis following acute pancreatitis: A rare cause of bilateral loss of vision in a young female
Authors: Murugesan S , Senthilkumar E , Kumar K , Shah VM
Published: November 2022

Sudden bilateral visual loss because of bilateral lateral geniculate body (LGB) necrosis is a very rare entity. The mechanisms causing these isolated lesions have still not been fully understood. We report a case of sudden loss of vision in a 22-year-old female following an attack of acute pancreatitis, just after starting the paleo diet. Neuroimaging revealed bilateral LGB necrosis. Multidisciplinary approach was sought and she was subsequently managed successfully. On follow-up, her visual acuity showed improvement, and neuroimaging revealed resolution of hyperintensities in bilateral LGB with residual blooming suggestive of old hemorrhagic gliosis. The possible reasons for isolated lesions of the LGB are hemorrhagic infarction and osmotic demyelination. In the present case, we postulate a vascular pathology, possibly hypo-perfusion because of shock following acute pancreatitis.
Native tricuspid valve endocarditis presenting as pyrexia of unknown origin
Authors: Singh S , Goel A
Published: November 2022

Native tricuspid valve endocarditis is quite rare without any predisposing factors and poses a diagnostic challenge because of fewer cardiac symptoms and lesser peripheral manifestations. This is a case report of a 25-year-old female who presented with high-grade fever, dry cough, decreased appetite, and weight loss for 1 month with no history of intravenous drug use or evidence of underlying cardiac abnormality and was diagnosed with native tricuspid valve endocarditis.
Real-World Study Evaluating Safety and Effectiveness of Axitinib in Korean Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma after Failure of One Prior Systemic Therapy
Authors: Shin Sang Joon , Lee Jae Lyun , Kwon Tae Gyun , Shim Byoung Young , Chung Ho Seok , Kim Sang-Hee , Park Se Hoon
Published: November 2022

Purpose This post-marketing surveillance (PMS) study was conducted to monitor the usage of axitinib (Inlyta) in clinical practice of Korean patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with disease progression during or after a prior systemic therapy in real world.Materials and Methods In this multicenter, observational study, patients indicated for oral axitinib 5 mg twice daily as second-line therapy for advanced RCC were followed up under routine clinical practices, and their safety and effectiveness outcomes were collected.Results Between 2012 and 2021, 125 patients were enrolled, and data from 111 patients were analyzed. Median age was 65 years (range, 30 to 84 years), 81% was male, and 110 (99%) had clear cell RCC. The median daily dose of axitinib was 10 mg (range, 4.36 to 15.95 mg) with a median administration period of 5.6 months (range, 15 to 750 days). Eighty-three percentage of patients experienced any grade of adverse events, 71% of which were related to study treatment, including diarrhea (36%), hypertension (21%), stomatitis (17%), decreased appetite (14%), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (12%), and asthenia (11%). Most adverse events were generally well tolerated and manageable, with 13% of grade ≥ 3. Axitinib dose reduction was required in 20% of the adverse events and discontinuation in 8%. Median progression-free survival was 12.4 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.6 to 18.9). Objective responses were observed in 30% of patients (95% CI, 21 to 39) with 4% of complete response and 26% of partial response.Conclusion No new safety signal was found in the present PMS study of Korean RCC patients. Axitinib showed consistent outcomes in terms of effectiveness and safety confirming that the drug is a valid option for second-line therapy in patients with advanced RCC in a real-world setting.
Об уровне Ходжа взвешенных полных пересечений общего типа
Authors: Przyjalkowski Victor Vladimirovich
Published: November 2022

Показано, что гладкие многообразия общего типа, которые являются хорошо сформированными взвешенными полными пересечениями дивизоров Картье, имеют максимальный уровень Ходжа, т.е. их крайние правые числа Ходжа ненулевые. Показано, что это неверно в квазигладком случае.
Библиография: 23 названия.
Феномен продолжения Гартогса в почти однородных алгебраических многообразиях
Authors: Feklistov Sergei Viktorovich
Published: November 2022

Изучается феномен продолжения Гартогса в некомпактных почти однородных алгебраических многообразиях и доказываются когомологический и весовой критерии. В случае сферических многообразий получен критерий феномена Гартогса в терминах цветных вееров.
Библиография: 28 названий.
Двумерный осциллятор Дирака в магнитном поле в деформированном фазовом пространстве с соотношением неопределенностей, содержащим минимальную длину
Authors: Dossa Finagnon Anselme Anselme , Koumagnon J T , Hounguevou Jean Vignon Vignon , Avossevou Gabriel Yves Hugues
Published: November 2022

Изучается динамика осциллятора Дирака в магнитном поле, при этом алгебра Гейзенберга строится в некоммутативном фазовом пространстве при условии существования минимальной длины. С помощью метода Никифорова-Уварова получены точные выражения для собственных энергий и соответствующих волновых функций в импульсном пространстве, которые выражаются через гипергеометрические функции.
Асимптотика больших времен для нелокального нелинейного уравнения Шредингера-Кунду, полученная методом нелинейного наискорейшего спуска
Authors: Li Jian , Xia Tiecheng , Guo Handong
Published: November 2022

Изучается долговременна́я асимптотика нелокального уравнения Кунду типа нелинейного уравнения Шредингера с убывающими начальными данными, полученная на основе метода нелинейного наискорейшего спуска, предложенного Дейфтом и Чжоу, и метода Римана-Гильберта.
Таблица эйлеровых разностей и разложение тензорных степеней присоединенного представления алгебры Ли $A_n$
Authors: Perelomov Askol'd Mikhailovich
Published: November 2022

С использованием таблицы эйлеровых разностей получена простая явная формула для разложения $k$-й тензорной степени присоединенного представления алгебры Ли $A_n$ при $2k\le n+1$.
Invasive versus Conservative Treatment Approach among Older Adult Patients Admitted with Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Rozenfeld Keren-Lee , Lupu Lior , Merdler Ilan , Morgan Samuel , Banai Shmuel , Shacham Yacov
Published: November 2022

Background: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the preferred treatment strategy for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI); however, its efficacy remains unclear in very older adult patients with STEMI.Methods: This retrospective single-center observational study included 530 patients aged >75 years admitted to Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center with a diagnosis of acute STEMI. Primary PCI was performed for patients with symptoms ≤12 hours in duration, while the other patients were conservatively treated. We evaluated 30-day mortality and complications occurring during hospitalization based on data from patient records.Results: Among the study patients, only 28/530 (5%) were conservatively treated. In-hospital complications, including the use of inotropes or intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation and the need for mechanical ventilation, did not differ significantly between the groups. The only parameter that showed a trend toward significance was the incidence of heart failure during hospitalization (p=0.042). The risk for 30-day mortality was substantially higher in the conservative treatment group than in the invasive treatment group (27% vs. 10%; p = 0.02).Conclusion: Our data suggested that despite concerns regarding the safety of the primary PCI strategy in the older adult STEMI population, this treatment strategy was associated with a survival benefit.
Using Art to Reveal Democracy (Hint: It’s A Little Punk Rock)
Authors: Montgomery Josh , Moran Peter , Swarts Gabriel
Published: November 2022

What is democracy? We asked this of our pre-service teachers but, instead of soliciting a response via more traditional methods, we assigned them a collage and artist’s statement. The overarching goal was to model curricular applications of art that they may carry into their own p-6 classrooms to enable engagement with complex concepts. In exploring their work, however, we uncovered compelling ideas about the efficacy (and appropriateness) of the use of art to interrogate cultural ideals. If we started the project seeking to model classroom activities, we ended by uncovering many of the themes troubling contemporary democracy. We found in our pre-service teacher’s artistic conceptions clues to the origins of current social discourse. Through assessing their artwork, thematically coding the statements, and follow up interviews, our examination of their experience of working within art and with democracy revealed perspectives about both. In this paper we address ways we as teacher educators may aid in both expanding the curricular choices pre-service teachers make in future classrooms and in creating the informational and reflective space to prepare them for civic engagement.
Examination of the Social Skills Levels of Students Participating in Recreative Activities
Authors: Unlu Cisem , Ceviker Abdulkerim
Published: November 2022

People are social beings and therefore they interact with each other in society. While interacting, their social skill level is also very important in terms of expressing themselves. The aim of this study is to determine the social skill levels of secondary school students who participate in recreational activities. The population of the study consists of students studying at secondary school in the central district of Çorum province. The sample consists of 361 students participating in recreational activities determined by simple random sampling method. The data collection tool consists of two parts. In the first part, the "Personal Information Form" was used by the researcher to determine the demographic information of the students. In the second part, there is the "Social Skills Assessment Scale for Children", which was developed by Matson, Rotatory and Hessel in 1983 and adapted into Turkish by Bacanlı and Erdoğan in 2003. The Social Skills Assessment Scale for Children is a 5-point Likert-type scale consisting of 47 items and two sub-dimensions. Its sub-dimensions are 'positive social behavior' and 'negative social behavior'. Considering the results of the analysis, no significant difference was found between the students' gender, licensed sports status, and the educational status of their parents and their social skill levels. There was a significant difference in the "Negative Social Behavior" sub-dimension according to the age and class variables. While it was seen that the age and class variable of the students participating in recreational activities affected their social skill levels, it was concluded that the status of doing licensed sports, gender and parental education did not have an effect. In the light of this information, it can be concluded that the level of social skills in secondary school students does not change according to demographic characteristics in general.
School Management and Climate to Enhance Parental Involvement
Authors: Koutsouveli Eleftheria , Geraki Akrivoula A.
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the views of parents and teachers on school principal’s role in shaping a school climate that favors parental involvement. The research is based on the theory of bio-ecological systems. Data was collected from 236 parents/guardians and teachers of Primary Education in Western Thessaloniki (North Greece) using a structured questionnaire. The identification of the principal's contribution to the school climate indicated that the general school climate are formed positively at high values in its four dimensions. The role of administration in shaping all dimensions of the school climate is estimated more positively by teachers than the students’ parents. The identification of the principal's contribution to parental involvement revealed particularly positive views of teachers and parents on the active involvement of parents in the educational process on all five dimensions. Differentiations of teachers and parents/guardians emerged regarding three dimensions of parental involvement such as school-family communication, parents’ volunteering and school cooperation with the wider community. The important finding is the strong positive correlations that emerge between the variables that assess the principal’s contribution to climate change and the variables regarding parental involvement.
Mathematical Modelling with Engineering Students PBL Methodology and Proposal of a Quantitative Evaluation Rubric
Authors: Rézio Sofia , Pires João , Pinheiro Patrícia
Published: November 2022

The implementation of a PBL pedagogical experiment intended to understand how 2nd year students of engineering programs of Aeronautics and Materials Sciences applied mathematical contents to problem solving, specifically as regards geometrical modelling of an object and calculating its volume and centre of mass resorting to triple integrals. A qualitative methodology was used, this being a study whose importance consisted in a pedagogical experiment, which drove students to problematization, research and interdisciplinarity. At the end, we can conclude that this experiment has contributed to fostering the motivation and efficiency of significant learning of calculus contents. Students considered they were stimulated to use contents taught in class, deeming it an excellent initiative, which led them to escape the usual format of teaching and proved to be quite effective in grasping and applying knowledge, an initiative that should be maintained. They also stated they had acquired tools that could help them to overcome future difficulties and that their awareness level regarding application of theory to practice increased. The construction of a quantitative evaluation rubric, which is applied, is also presented, and resulted in an 81% grade for the undertaken activity.
Through the Lens of Students: How Online Discussion Forums Affect Students’ Learning
Authors: Gasmi Afef Ahmed
Published: November 2022

The current exploratory study investigated the perspectives of 13 students about the use of online discussion forums in a virtual English Language course at Sultan Qaboos University, Oman. A mixed methods approach utilizing self-report questionnaires, focus group interviews, and researcher observation was used to collect data. The study results showed that the majority of the participants viewed asynchronous discussion forums positively. Most importantly, the study revealed that participation in these forums enhanced various aspects of students’ learning including critical reading, critical thinking and critical reflection skills, behavioral, emotional and cognitive engagement, as well as their social skills. On the other hand, the study results showed that online discussion forums were associated with several challenges. These findings have pedagogical implications on the design and implementation of these forums in the EFL field. The article calls for further research on online discussion forums in relation to students’ level of study, academic achievement, and exam pass rates in various EFL courses.
An Evaluation of Middle School Teachers' Thoughts on STEM Education
Authors: Gok Tolga
Published: November 2022

This study evaluated STEM education from the perspective of science, mathematics, and computer science teachers. The opinions of experienced STEM teachers were obtained and the results were analyzed in three subcategories. Phenomenological design, one of the qualitative research methods, was used for the study. The data for the study were collected from four different public middle schools in Izmir, Turkey, during the 2018-2019 school year. The qualitative data of the study was collected through a semi-structured interview with twelve middle school teachers. The professional experience of the teachers participating in the study ranged from 4 to 37 years. In addition, 6 of the teachers were female. To ensure data diversity in the study, teachers' views on STEM were collected through a 13-item questionnaire. The STEM-TSAS questionnaire used for the study had three sub-factors (teachers, school administrators and students in STEM education). The interviews with teachers revealed that STEM contributes to the development of 21st century skills in both students and teachers. In addition, many teachers indicated that school administrators were unable to provide the materials needed in the implementation of STEM education.
Who’s Zooming Who: A Case Study of Videoconferencing’s Effects on Faculty and Students
Authors: Massner Chandra K.
Published: November 2022

When COVID-19 forced colleges and universities to abruptly transition their in-person courses online in spring 2020, many professors instinctively turned to videoconferencing tools as a substitute for face-to-face interactions. The extensive implementation of synchronous online instruction through videoconferencing presented various opportunities and challenges for faculty and students. Notably, users quickly identified a new phenomenon that the popular press labeled Zoom fatigue. This study presents findings from a qualitative case study on videoconferencing use, its effects, and the problem of Zoom fatigue in higher education. The faculty and student experience with the synchronous, virtual classroom and Zoom fatigue is explored. A theoretical model of Zoom fatigue is presented. Finally, recommendations for the effective use of synchronous online instruction are shared. This study advances a working model of Zoom fatigue to explain the multi-dimensional factors that cause it. The mediated, virtual communication environment offers opportunities and challenges for participants to navigate as they attempt to answer, “Who’s Zooming’ who?”
An Examination of Pre-Service Teachers' Metaphorical Perceptions about Turkish Language Lessons Taught through Distance Education
Authors: Bulut Mesut , Kirbas Abdulkadir
Published: November 2022

This study aims to determine the mental images created by pre-service teachers regarding Turkish lessons taught within the framework of four basic language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) depending on the distance education practices carried out during the COVID-19 epidemic. In this study, phenomenology design, one of the qualitative research designs, was used. Criterion sampling, which is one of the purposive sampling methods, was used to determine the sampling method of the research. The study group of the research consists of 90 teacher candidates, 78 women and 12 men, who participated in the research voluntarily. Pre-service teachers' views on “Turkish lessons taught in the distance education process” were determined through metaphors. In this context, pre-service teachers “Turkish lessons in the distance education process… like/similar; because…” They were asked to fill in the open-ended question form. Content analysis technique was used in the analysis of the obtained data. The general findings of the research are 80 different metaphors related to the Turkish lesson of the teacher candidates participating in the research, and these metaphors were collected in 10 different categories. As a result of the analysis of the findings obtained from the research, it was determined that the pre-service teachers explained Turkish lessons with metaphors that could be described as positive for them, but they also produced some negative metaphors. Especially in the distance education process, it has been determined that negative metaphors are produced due to the problems related to application, communication, interaction, lack of motivation and technological infrastructure arising from systemic problems.
Improving drug allergy label accuracy by supervised safety- and protocol-driven evaluation
Authors: Chong Chiara Jiamin , Choo Karen Jui Lin , Ong Kheng Yong , Tan Vivian , Khoo Janet Beng Neo , Murthee Kavitha Garuna , Hanif Ibrahim Muhammad , Naing Chaw Su , Lee Haur Yueh
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Drug allergies are often self-reported but of unknown accuracy. We carried out a prospective study to examine the utility and safety of formal allergology evaluation, and to identify factors associated with accurate drug allergy labels. Method: All patients who underwent drug allergy evaluation in our clinic during the study period were recruited. Baseline demographics, characteristics of index hypersensitivity reaction and outcomes of evaluation were recorded. Results: A total of 331 patients from March 2019 to June 2021 completed drug allergy evaluation to index drugs of concern. There were 123 (37%) male patients, and the mean age was 49 years (standard deviation 17). There were 170 beta-lactam antibiotics, 53 peri-operative drugs, 43 others, 38 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and 27 non-beta-lactam antibiotic evaluations. Index reaction occurred within 5 years in 165 (50%) patients, with latency of less than 4 hours in 125 (38%) patients. The most common index reactions were rash, angioedema and urticaria. There were 57 (17%) evaluations stratified as low risk, 222 (67%) moderate risk, and 52 (16%) high risk based on multidisciplinary consensus. Allergy label was found to be false (negative drug evaluation) in 248 (75%) patients, while 16/237 (7%) skin tests, 44/331 (13%) in-clinic graded challenge, and 23/134 (17%) home prolonged challenges were positive (true drug allergy). The most common evaluation reactions were rash and urticaria. No cases of anaphylaxis were elicited. Conclusion: Seventy-five percent of drug allergy labels are inaccurate. Risk-stratified, protocolised allergy evaluation is safe. Prolonged drug challenge increases the sensitivity of drug allergy evaluation and should therefore be performed when indicated. Keywords: Drug allergy, drug hypersensitivity, graded challenge, prolonged drug provocation, skin testing
Identification and Evaluation of Factors Influencing Software Quality using Pythagorean Fuzzy DEMATEL Approach
Authors: Joshi Mangesh , Mankar Rahul , Shukla Himanshu
Published: November 2022

One of the recognized techniques for making decisions in ambiguous environment is the fuzzy Decision Making Trialand Evaluation Laboratory [DEMATEL] method. The fuzzy set [FS] and intuitionistic fuzzy set [IFS] conceptsare generalized in the Pythagorean fuzzy set [PFS]. This study focuses on the software quality evaluation problemin software management using the DEMATEL approach with PFS. It is suitable for addressing ambiguous humanjudgments and unclear and inadequate information when choosing the criteria for a software quality review. Themethod discovers cause-and-effect system components while taking into account the independence of the criteriaand provides mutual links among the criteria. Based on information gathered from a group of professionals, theimplemented method is illustrated. Originality: Software quality evaluation is handled first time with Pythagoreanfuzzy set-based DEMATEL approach.
Robust Image Encryption Scheme for Biometric Finger Print Images using Bit Planes, DWT & Cubic Map
Authors: Morankar Gouri
Published: November 2022

UIDAI employs biometric finger print system to generate omnipresent identity card for Indian citizens. Biometric finger print images are therefore accepted by all Banks and Government offices to established identity of the person. Furthermore lots of private organizations employ biometric finger print system to record attendance and personal information of its employees. Consequently these biometric finger print images are stored and transmitted widely enhancing risk of misusing user personal information and cybercrimes. In this paper, robust image encryption scheme for biometric finger print images is proposed through bit planes; cubic map and DWT. The complete encryption or decryption process can be decomposed into three methods. Firstly each 8-bit biometric image is separated into 8 bit planes corresponding to each bit. Secondly DWT is applied that further encrypts the image in frequency domain by manipulating LL subbands through cubic map. Finally inverse DWT (IDWT) converts each image into spatial domain which is synthesis to from a single 8-bit encrypted image. The robustness of the proposed encryption scheme is measured through entropy, correlation coefficient, number of pixel change rate (NPCR) and unified average change intensity (UACI). Furthermore the proposed encryption scheme is also tested successfully for compression and noise attacks.
MELITTOPHILY AND MALACOPHILY IN Ipomoea pes-caprae (CONVOLVULACEAE)
Authors: Solomon Raju A.J. , Suvarna Raju P. , Venkata Ramana K.
Published: November 2022

Ipomoea pes-caprae is a mangrove associate often found along shorelines. It flowers during August–February and is hermaphroditic and an obligate out-crosser due to self-incompatibility. It is both melittophilous and malacophilous. The natural fruit set rate is less than 10% probably due to the wastage of pollen in self-pollination, the ephemeral nature of flowers, predation, and nutrient requirements. Seeds are impermeable to water and germinate readily if they are covered and abraded by sand; those exposed to seawater rot and subsequently perish. The low natural fruit set rate, the mortality of seeds and seedlings due to rotting, burial by sand, space constraint, and shading by established plants appear to be regulating the population size of I. pes-caprae. The plant also propagates vegetatively through the expansion of branches that are broken into fragments by storm waves, transported by water, and then washed onshore into new locations.
A NEW MONTANE SPECIES OF THE GENUS Pareas WAGLER, 1830 (SQUAMATA: PAREATIDAE) FROM NORTHERN MYANMAR
Authors: Vogel Gernot
Published: November 2022

A new species of the genus Pareas is described from northern Myanmar. It differs from all other known species of the genus by coloration, which is mainly uniform, and its size (one of the largest species in the genus). Furthermore it is characterized by a low number of supralabials (six), a loreal that touches the orbit, presence of a presubocular and absence of a preocular. The new species was found at an elevation of 1890 m a.s.l. and is regarded as an inhabitant of high elevation mountainous areas.
Adopsi Inovasi Fintech Berbasis Syariah di Indonesia: Studi Kasus Paylater Platform e-Commerce
Authors:   Institut Informatika dan Bisnis Darmajaya, Lampung, Badri Rico Elhando , Asnusa Soraya ,   Institut Informatika dan Bisnis Darmajaya, Lampung, Pranyoto Edi ,   Institut Informatika dan Bisnis Darmajaya, Lampung, Susanti Susanti ,   Institut Informatika dan Bisnis Darmajaya, Lampung, Gunawan Arif ,   Institut Informatika dan Bisnis Darmajaya, Lampung
Published: November 2022

Technology and automation have become an important part of the global financial services market. Fintech is dramatically changing the way consumers conduct financial transactions. Simply put, it is a paylater service that allows consumers to buy products in installments over a certain period on an e-commerce platform for various needs. Currently, in Indonesia, several fintech companies provide pay-later services. Its implementation appears in many applications, ranging from digital wallets, and ticket bookings, to the most popular on e-commerce platforms and/or online marketplaces. Each provider has different specifications and coverage. The differentiating variables include loan value limits, interest, tenor, loan terms, coverage area, and integration into third-party services. The purpose of this study is to propose an expanded model of the technology acceptance model (TAM) in the use of financial technology (Fintech) in paylater services, in particular, to study and explore the role of image and religiosity in TAM, as well as provide policy recommendations for authorized agencies and providers. services in Indonesia regarding several important factors that need to be considered so that Indonesian Muslims are willing to use Fintech. The sample in this study is a Muslim population aged at least 18 years who use Fintech pay-later to make payment transactions on e-commerce in Bandar Lampung. Testing the data using SEM PLS. The results showed that Islamic Religiosity and Image were able to increase the Attitude toward using fintech payment pay-later through Perceived Ease of Use as a mediating variable, but Islamic Religiosity and Image reduced the Attitude toward using fintech pay-later through Perceived Usefulness as a mediating variable.
Pengaruh Lingkungan Kerja dan Motivasi Kerja Terhadap Kinerja Guru SMK Gajah Mada Bandar Lampung
Authors:   Institut Informatika dan Bisnis Darmajaya, A.K. Yohanson , Hakim Lukmanul ,   Institut Informatika dan Bisnis Darmajaya, Utami Riyadini Riyan ,   Institut Informatika dan Bisnis Darmajaya, Salsabila Aurelia ,   Institut Informatika dan Bisnis Darmajaya
Published: November 2022

This study aims to determine the effect of work environment and work motivation on teacher performance at SMK Gajah Mada Bandar Lampung. This type of research utilizes quantitative studies with associative methods. The results of the study of the results of data analysis and hypothesis testing have been carried out to increase the translation of the results of the study related to the factors that trigger the performance of teachers of SMK Gajah Mada Bandar Lampung, it can be drawn as a summary, namely. The physical work environment has an impact on performance. Work motivation has an impact on performance and the physical work environment and work motivation has an impact on the performance of SMK Gajah Mada Bandar Lampung teachers.
Производственные испытания дисковых пил после ионно-плазменного азотирования и лазерной закалки волокноотделительной машины марки 5ДП-130
Authors: Аброров А.С. , Кувончева М. Р. , Хасанова Н.Н. , Мухаммадов М.М. , Саидов Х.А.
Published: November 2022

В данной статье представлены производственные испытания дисковых пил после ионно-плазменного азотирования. Практическая реализация выполнена для дисковых пил, изготовленных из стали У8Г. Разработана новая методика двухстороннего упрочнения поверхностей ионно-плазменным азотированием с последующей лазерной закалкой зубьев пильных дисков волокноотделительных машин. Теоретически определен рациональный способ ионно-плазменного азотирования и лазерной закалки зубьев дисковой пилы джина с переменными параметрами режима упрочнения. Представлены полученные результаты по производственному испытанию.
TARİHSEL ÇERÇEVEDE TÜRKİYE-SUUDİ ARABİSTAN İLİŞKİLERİ VE DIŞ POLİTİKAYA YANSIMASI
Authors: Büyükbaş Hakkı , Görcüer Ruveyda
Published: November 2022

20. yy’ dan bu yana Suudi Arabistan Orta Doğu siyasetinde önemli bir aktör olarak yerini almıştır. Suudi Arabistan devleti ile Türkiye Cumhuriyeti arasında geçmişten günümüze ilişkiler söz konusudur. Bu ilişkiler, uluslararası ilişkiler disiplininde analiz konusu olmuş ve Orta Doğu siyasetini belirlemede iki ülke ilişkileri önemli derecede rol oynamıştır. Bu noktada öncelikle anılan ilişkinin ülkedeki siyasal kurumların dış politika analizine etkisi bilinmelidir. Çalışmanın ilk bölümünde, dış politika ve dış politika analizi kavramları açıklanmış, Türkiye ve Suudi Arabistan’ın ülke profilleri ele alınmış sonrasında iki ülkenin dış politikalarını belirleyen unsurlara değinilmiştir. Çalışmamızın ikinci bölümü olan son bölümde ise Türkiye ile Suudi Arabistan ilişkileri Osmanlı Dönemi ilişkileri ve Cumhuriyet Dönemi ilişkileri başlıkları altında tarihsel çerçevede ele alınarak değerlendirilmiştir. Buna ek olarak, bu çalışma araştırma yapmak isteyen kişi ve kuruluşlara kolaylık sağlaması açısından tarihsel çerçevede dönem başlıkları altında yaşanan önemli olayları kronolojik bir şekilde sunmayı amaçlamıştır.
Review on Social Media and Digital Security
Authors: Yahya Hussien Amar
Published: November 2022

The emerging social media with inherent capabilities seems to be gaining edge over comprehensiveness, diversity and wisdom, nevertheless its security and trustworthiness issues have also become increasingly serious, which need to be addressed urgently. The available studies mainly aim at both social media content and user security, including model, protocol, mechanism and algorithm. Unfortunately, there is a lack of investigating on effective and efficient evaluations and measurements for security and trustworthiness of various social media tools, platforms and applications, thus has effect on their further improvement and evolution. To address the challenge, this paper firstly made a survey on the state-of-the-art of social media networks security and trustworthiness particularly for the increasingly growing sophistication and variety of attacks as well as related intelligence applications. And then, we highlighted a new direction on evaluating and measuring those fundamental and underlying platforms, meanwhile proposing a hierarchical architecture for crowd evaluations based on signaling theory and crowd computing, which is essential for social media ecosystem. Finally, we conclude our work with several open issues and cutting-edge challenges.