bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19-related acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis: risk factors associated with mortality
Authors: Ebied Kamal , Yacoub Abraam , Gamea Mohamed , Mahmoud Mohammad Salah
Published: October 2022

Background

Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFRS) is a rare aggressive life-threatening infection that affects immunocompromised individuals. Recently, an increase in the incidence of this infection has been reported in patients who have SARS-CoV-2 infection or recently recovered. This study was to assess the outcome and define risk factors that might affect the outcome in SARS-CoV-2-related AIFRS. A prospective observational study included 54 patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2-related AIFRS. Controlling the predisposing factors, systemic antifungal, and early surgical debridement was performed. The mortality rate was calculated. Age, sex, underlying risk factors, the extent of the disease, debridement technique, and other biochemical variables were evaluated regarding their impact on survival. Patients were followed up for 3 months.

Results

Fifty-four patients with a mean age of 48.1 years. Diabetes mellitus was the most common comorbidity affecting 52 patients (96.3%). Intracranial and intraorbital extension had a predictive value for mortality (P value 0.050 and 0.049 respectively). However, only intracranial extension was the independent predictor of mortality. Biochemical variables were higher than the normal range, but only serum ferritin level above 165 ng/ml was an independent predictor of mortality in patients with AIFR. The mortality rate was 38.9%.

Conclusion

The extent of the disease has a major impact on survival, so early diagnosis of AIFRS within patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 or recently recovered is essential to reduce mortality.
Deep-learning missing well-log prediction via long short-term memory network with attention-period mechanism
Authors: Yang Liuqing , Wang Shoudong , Chen Xiaohong , Chen Wei , Saad Omar M. , Chen Yangkang
Published: October 2022

Underground reservoir information can be obtained through well-log interpretation. However, some logs might be missing due to various reasons, such as instrument failure. A deep-learning-based method that combines a convolutional layer and a long short-term memory (LSTM) layer is proposed to estimate the missing logs without the expensive relogging. The convolutional layer is used to extract the depth-series features initially, which are then input into the LSTM layer. To improve the feature memory and extraction capabilities of the LSTM layer, we construct two LSTM-based components: the first component uses an attention mechanism to optimize the LSTM units by adaptively adjusting network weights, and the second component uses a period-skip mechanism, which enhances the sensitivity of aperiodic changes in the depth series by learning the information of the shallow sequence. In addition, we add an autoregressive component to enhance the linear feature extraction capability while learning the nonlinear relationship between different logs. A total of 13 wells from two different regions are used for experiments, including 11 training and two test wells. We use one well to calculate the uncertainties of four time-series networks, i.e., our proposed network and three benchmark models (recurrent neural network, gated recurrent unit, and LSTM), to demonstrate the stability and robustness of the proposed method. Furthermore, we evaluate the performance of our proposed method in several crossover experiments, e.g., different logging intervals, depths, and input logs. Compared to a state-of-the-art deep learning method and a classic LSTM network, the proposed network has higher reliability, which is reflected in the feature extraction of depth series with a larger span. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed network can accurately generate sonic and other unknown logs.
Low-frequency ambient ocean-bottom node surface-wave seismology: A Gulf of Mexico case history
Authors: Girard Aaron J. , Shragge Jeffrey , Olofsson Bjorn
Published: October 2022

Long-time marine seismic recordings are becoming more common with the increased use of ocean-bottom nodes (OBNs), which can measure ambient seismic energy at frequencies lower than the typical minimum values in active-source compressed air-gun surveys. Interferometric processing on long-time ambient multicomponent data allows for the extraction of low-frequency (sub-2.0 Hz) responses in virtual source gathers (VSGs). Using 40 days of continuous OBN recordings acquired on a large dense array during a field experiment in the Gulf of Mexico, we find that sub-2.0 Hz surface-wave energy in the computed VSGs is strongly coherent and exhibits an identifiable spatially varying character. In particular, after rotating the data components from a Cartesian geographic into a polar wave-vector reference frame, we find that radial VSGs (i.e., oriented along the vector connecting the virtual source and receiver) clearly indicate that surface-wave propagation is influenced by salt bodies as identified in a colocated active-source survey situated at a minimum of 0.7 km depth below the seafloor, an observation consistent with calculated 0.25–0.50 Hz surface-wave sensitivity kernels. This suggests that low-frequency ambient OBN surface-wave seismology could be important for estimating the long-wavelength elastic material properties (particularly S-wave velocity) and identifying the lateral boundaries of salt bodies without any prior knowledge of subsurface geology.
In and Out of This World
Authors: Finley Stephen C.
Published: October 2022

With In and Out of This World Stephen C. Finley examines the religious practices and discourses that have shaped the Nation of Islam (NOI) in America. Drawing on the speeches and writing of figures such as Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm X, Warith Deen Mohammad, and Louis Farrakhan, Finley shows that the NOI and its leaders used multiple religious symbols, rituals, and mythologies meant to recast the meaning of the cosmos and create new transcendent and immanent black bodies whose meaning cannot be reduced to products of racism. Whether examining how the myth of Yakub helped Elijah Muhammad explain the violence directed at black bodies, how Malcolm X made black bodies in the NOI publicly visible, or the ways Farrakhan’s discourses on his experiences with the Mother Wheel UFO organize his interpretation of black bodies, Finley demonstrates that the NOI intended to retrieve, reclaim, and reform black bodies in a context of antiblack violence.
Case Report: Tropical sprue, diagnostic challenges of an old but unrecognized disease
Authors: Guissouma Jihene , Ben Ali Hana , Allouche Hend , Trabelsi Insaf , Hammami Olfa , Yahia Yosra , Mchirgui Ilhem , Mabrouk Marwa , Ghadhoune Hatem
Published: October 2022

Tropical sprue (TS) is a post-infective disease of the small bowel characterized by a malabsorption syndrome affecting tropics inhabitants and visitors. Diagnosis of TS remain challenging since it can be confused with common diarrheal diseases, especially in non-endemic areas. We report a Tunisian case of latent TS.

A 58-year-old male with a history of chronic watery diarrhea, was admitted to the intensive care unit for confusion which was related to severe metabolic acidosis. Despite the neurological improvement after hydro-electrolytic resuscitation and acid-base disorders correction, the patient continued to have three to five loose stools daily.

A nutritional assessment showed a malabsorption syndrome: iron, Vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies; normochromic normocytic anemia and hypoalbuminemia.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy showed duodenal villous atrophy and biopsy confirmed subtotal villous atrophy with increased intraepithelial lymphocytosis and a thickened hyalonalized sub-epithelial basal lamina. Celiac disease was evoked, however the patient did not improve on a gluten-free diet and the celiac serology was negative.

On re-interviewing, we discovered that the patient had spent two months in India three years prior.

Given the travel history, clinico-biological and histological data TS was highly considered and a good response to a five-month antibiotic course combined to nutritional supplementation supported this diagnosis.

Clinico-biological, endoscopic and histological findings were overlapping between TS and other malabsorption diseases, explaining diagnosis difficulties. TS should be systematically discussed in tropics visitors presenting with chronic diarrhea. Improvement after micronutrient and vitamin deficiencies replacement combined to a prolonged antibiotic course supports the diagnosis of TS.
Online academic satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic in medical students: role of sleep, psychological issues, college adjustment, and digital skills
Authors: Medina-Ramirez Sebastian A. , Rojas-Humpire Ricardo , Canaza Josue F. , Hernandez Fiorella , Huancahuire-Vega Salomón
Published: October 2022

Background: The measures taken to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, led to significant changes in university education, resulting in the new normal standard of virtual teaching in many undergraduate medical schools worldwide. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to determine the factors related to academic satisfaction with virtual teaching in medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A cross-sectional-analytical study was conducted on medical students at a private university in Peru, through self-reported questionnaires divided into sociodemographic data and variables of interest that could influence academic satisfaction during the pandemic. To evaluate possible factors related to academic satisfaction, stepwise regression models were performed for both sexes.

Results: In total, data from 310 medical students, 117 males and 193 females, were analyzed. Academic satisfaction reached a score of 11.2 ± 2.9, which was similar in both sexes. The best regression model for males (AIC: 544.32; RMSE: 2.42; R2: 0.30) showed that adaptation to university life (favorable change) and depression (unfavorable change) explained 30% of changes in students' academic satisfaction. While in females (AIC: 907.59; RMSE: 2.49; R 2: 0.22) the model integrated favorable factors such as adjustment to college life and anxiety; while depression and poor sleep quality were unfavorable factors.

Conclusion: Factors that contributed to academic satisfaction in medical students were determined in this study, which differed by gender. Thus, it is important to take into account the particularities of male and female medical students in order to improve their academic satisfaction during their university careers.
Transplantation in the opinion of operating nurses
Authors: Majchrowicz Bożena
Published: October 2022

Transplant surgery has become the standard method of treating many diseases that were fatal until recently. Doubts in this matter, regardless of the effectiveness of this method of saving human life, still exist in the public opinion. There are still stereotypes that inhibit the development of transplantology as a field of science.
The aim of the research was to present the opinions of the surveyed operating nurses on transplantation
Material and methods: The research was conducted on social networks in a group associating operating nurses in January and February 2021. 193 medical nurse nurses participated in them. The research method was a diagnostic survey and the tool was the original questionnaire. During the statistical analysis, the Chi2 test as well as the Kendall Tau-b and Kendall Tau-c correlations were used to check the significance of the relationship between the variables built on the qualitative scales.
Results and conclusions: 95.1% of the surveyed nurses considered transplantation saving lives. 49.5% of the respondents believe that the best way to regulate the procurement of organs for transplantation is consent given in life. An equally large group of respondents, 34.0%, say that it is enough not to object while living. The respondents support the transplant procedure due to their high awareness in this regard. They know that transplant operations save people's lives and are safe for living donors.
Oral anticoagulation – current knowlegde
Authors: Karaś Anna , Kawałko Kinga , Bielewicz Krzysztof , Chmura Anna , Głodek Antonina
Published: October 2022

Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are two groups of drugs used in the prevention of thromboembolic events. Although DOACs are currently the preferred option in such prophylaxis, there are still indications for the use of VKAs. Thromboembolic episodes may occur as a result of many cardiovascular diseases, inter alia cardiac dysrhythmias. Atrial fibrillation is an arrhythmia that may be asymptomatic or manifested by chest pain, syncope, dyspnea or fatigue. Moreover, it is associated with a high risk of serious complications. An ischemic stroke or myocardial infarction can result from poorly treated AF and may sometimes be the only symptom of an arrhythmia. Therefore, the assessment of a patient's eligibility for anticoagulation therapy is an important element in the prevention of thromboembolic events. Demographic aging and the associated comorbidity may pose a clinical problem in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. The selection of an appropriate anticoagulant therapy should be individualized to the patient's needs.
Product Market Competition and Corporate Relocations: Evidence from the Supply Chain
Authors: Chen Chen , Dasgupta Sudipto , Huynh Thanh D. , Xia Ying
Published: October 2022

We show that intensified competition changes the location of business activity and, in turn, affects supply chain relationships. Using establishment-level data, we find that, when upstream product markets become more competitive, suppliers are more likely to relocate their establishments closer to customers. Following the supplier’s relocation, its sales to the customer increase, its relationship with the customer is less likely to be terminated, and its innovation is more aligned with the customer’s innovation. The relocated supplier also experiences more analyst following and institutional ownership that are in common with the customer and is more likely to issue equity than debt. However, the improved relationship, by causing the supplier to engage more in innovation dedicated to the customer, adversely affects creative innovation, which is known to drive growth.

This paper was accepted by Gustavo Manso, finance.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4586 .
Scoring a Touchdown with Variable Pricing: Evidence from a Quasi-Experiment in the NFL Ticket Markets
Authors: Arslan Hayri A. , Tereyağoğlu Necati , Yılmaz Övünç
Published: October 2022

Although variable pricing enables sports teams to respond to changing demand across games, reports point to somewhat limited implementation. In this paper, we study the implications of a switch to variable pricing on the primary and resale ticket markets using quasi-experimental data from the National Football League. Applying a difference-in-differences technique with propensity score weighting, we first show that the adoption of variable pricing increases primary market ticket sales by 1.59% per game. We then explore the mechanism behind this positive impact. We find that lower prices for the less attractive games are well received by customers, and customers do not have an unfavorable response to higher prices for the more attractive games. Our analysis of the customers’ activities in the resale market shows that the minimum resale market prices increase for the more attractive games following the switch to variable pricing. This analysis provides evidence for the increase in the option value created by the resale market and explains the positive response to higher prices for the more attractive games. Finally, we investigate when variable pricing is likely to be the most effective. We find that variable pricing has greater success in team hometowns with lower income levels and higher income diversity, and creating more game tiers in variable pricing leads to higher sales.

This paper was accepted by Gabriel Weintraub, revenue management and market analytics.

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4588 .
Follow the Crowd with Uncertain Service Capacity
Authors: Yang Liu , Shang Weixin , Liu Liming
Published: October 2022

Problem definition: Customer joining behavior is of major concern for service systems where the service capacity is uncertain. Academic/practical relevance: It remains unclear whether customer inference of uncertain service capacity can lead to follow the crowd (FTC) behavior. Management can release capacity information, but how it affects system performance needs to be understood. Methodology: We use a single-server queue to analyze the joining behavior of customers who infer the actual service capacity based on the queue length upon arrival. We also characterize the impact of capacity information disclosure both analytically and numerically. Results: We find that when other customers’ tendency to join the service increases, a tagged customer can make more accurate inferences of service capacity based on queue length. This inference effect arises together with the congestion effect and can lead to FTC when it outweighs the latter. When multiple equilibria exist, we characterize the conditions under which the inference effect is significant at the aggregate customer level so that the joining equilibrium with a larger joining threshold is Pareto-optimal. Managerial implications: Management needs to be careful in setting the information disclosure policy, as the key problem parameters may affect its impact on system throughput and social welfare in opposite directions.

Funding: L. Yang was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 71991461 and 71532006]. W. Shang was supported by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council [GRF Project LU 13502219].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2022.1139 .
Shaping towns for young people
Authors: Price Dan
Published: October 2022

Too many town centres offer little for young people, but the Future High Streets Fund can tackle this
Self-Defense for Theists
Authors: Hereth Blake
Published: October 2022

According to Theistic Defensive Incompatibilism, common theistic commitments limit the scope or explanation of permissible self-defense. In this essay, I offer six original arguments for Theistic Defensive Incompatibilism. The first four arguments concern narrow proportionality: the requirement that the defensive harm inflicted on unjust threateners not exceed the harm they threaten. Hellism, Annihilationism, and Danteanism each imply that narrow proportionality is rarely satisfied, whereas Universalism implies that killing never harms. The final two arguments concern wide proportionality, or the requirement that defensive harm not excessively harm non-liable third parties. Omnisubjectivity and Divine Love imply that wide proportionality is rarely satisfied.
Closeness with God
Authors: Mullins Ryan
Published: October 2022

Have you ever wondered what God’s inner emotional life might be like? Within Christian thought, there are conflicting answers to this question. The majority of Christian theologians throughout history have said that God cannot be moved by creatures to feel anything. God does not literally have empathy, mercy, or compassion. Instead, God only feels pure undisturbed happiness. This view is called divine impassibility. In the 20th Century, Christian theologians by and large came to reject this understanding of God in favour of divine passibility which affirms that God can be moved by creatures, and God can literally have empathy, mercy, and compassion. Yet the 21st Century has seen a renewed interest in this more historical understanding of God. How Christianity came to have two radically different portrayals of God is a puzzle, to be sure, but that is not one that I shall try to address here. Instead, my interest is in unpacking these two different conceptions of God, and briefly offering reasons for affirming divine passibility. The reasons that I discuss centre around a central theme within Christian thought—the goal of entering into a close, personal relationship with God. I start by defining some key terms, and then proceed to offer two arguments in favour of divine passibility. The first is the problem of knowing God well, and the second is based on the human desire for empathy.
Good Enough to be God
Authors: Ward Thomas M.
Published: October 2022

This paper develops a view of worship according to which worship is a certain sort of life orientation, and argues that according to the Bible, the worship of God normatively is non-instrumental, comprehensive, unconditional orientation of one’s life toward God. It then develops a biblical view about how this sort of worship of God is possible. Finally, it argues that it is good to worship God in this way only if God is an Anselmian being—that than which nothing greater can be conceived—and suggests that the God of the Bible, the Psalms in particular, is in fact an Anselmian being.
What’s So Bad about Worshipping Other Gods?
Authors: Goldschmidt Tyron
Published: October 2022

Many religious traditions teach that we should worship God, and philosophers have explored the requirement to worship God, and what might make God worthy of worship. These religious traditions also prohibit worshipping other gods. This essay explores, from a Jewish perspective, what it might mean to worship other gods, what the rationale behind the prohibition might be, and why the prohibition might be so grave.
Worship, Apophaticism, and Non-Propositional Knowledge
Authors: Yang Eric
Published: October 2022

This paper addresses the alleged tension between the kind of strong apophaticism endorsed by Maimonides and his view of worshiping God. After considering some extant resolutions to this problem, I offer a proposal that utilizes the role of silence and imitative activity in Maimonides. While this solution may not have been one that Maimonides would have offered, I argue that Maimonides had conceptual resources for offering a promising solution within his theological framework.
Design of an ultra-broadband and low-loss 3  dB power splitter from the 1.25 to 2.04  µm wave band
Authors: Zhou Yanru , Yin Chengyu , Liu Wenyao , Xing Enbo , Tang Jun , Liu Jun
Published: October 2022

As a
key
component of the beam
splitting and combining in photonic integrated circuits, an optical
power splitter requires the characteristics of compactness, broadband,
and low loss. Here, we propose a

1

×

2

ultra-broadband 3 dB power
splitter with a 5 µm long beam splitting area, based on the
structure of a subwavelength grating. The 0.45 dB bandwidth of
the TE mode achieves 790 nm from 1.25 to 2.04 µm. This
power splitter has a large fabrication tolerance, exceeding more than
30 nm (

±

15

n
m

) and obtains the desired power ratio.
It is suitable for high-speed and large-capacity communication,
wavelength division multiplexing systems, and other multi-wave
interconnection applications.
Multistatic fiber-based system for measuring the Mueller matrix bidirectional reflectance distribution function
Authors: Scarboro Clifton G. , Doherty Colleen J. , Balint-Kurti Peter J. , Kudenov Michael W.
Published: October 2022

Bidirectionality effects can be a significant confounding factor when
measuring hyperspectral reflectance data. The bidirectional
reflectance distribution function (BRDF) can effectively characterize
the reflectivity of surfaces to correct remote sensing measurements.
However, measuring BRDFs can be time-consuming, especially when
collecting Mueller matrix BRDF (mmBRDF) measurements of a surface via
conventional goniometric techniques. In this paper, we present a
system for collecting mmBRDF measurements using static optical fiber
detectors that sample the hemisphere surrounding an object. The
entrance to each fiber contains a polarization state analyzer
configuration, allowing for the simultaneous acquisition of the Stokes
vector intensity components at many altitudinal and azimuthal viewing
positions. We describe the setup, calibration, and data processing
used for this system and present its performance as applied to mmBRDF
measurements of a ground glass diffuser.
Super-multiplexing excitation spectral microscopy with multiple fluorescence bands
Authors: Chen Kun , Li Wan , Xu Ke
Published: October 2022

Fluorescence microscopy, with high molecular specificity and selectivity, is a valuable tool for studying complex biological systems and processes. However, the ability to distinguish a large number of distinct subcellular structures in a single sample is impeded by the broad spectra of molecular fluorescence. We have recently shown that excitation spectral microscopy provides a powerful means to unmix up to six fluorophores in a single fluorescence band. Here, by working with multiple fluorescence bands, we extend this approach to the simultaneous imaging of up to ten targets, with the potential for further expansions. By covering the excitation/emission bandwidth across the full visible range, an ultra-broad 24-wavelength excitation scheme is established through frame-synchronized scanning of the excitation wavelength from a white lamp via an acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF), so that full-frame excitation-spectral images are obtained every 24 camera frames, offering superior spectral information and multiplexing capability. With numerical simulations, we validate the concurrent imaging of 10 fluorophores spanning the visible range to achieve exceptionally low (∼0.5%) crosstalks. For cell imaging experiments, we demonstrate unambiguous identification of up to eight different intracellular structures labeled by common fluorophores of substantial spectral overlap with minimal color crosstalks. We thus showcase an easy-to-implement, cost-effective microscopy system for visualizing complex cellular components with more colors and lower crosstalks.
A review of avian mycobacteriosis: An emerging bacterial disease of public health concern
Authors: Abd El-Ghany Wafaa A.
Published: October 2022

Avian mycobacteriosis is a chronic debilitating disease of birds which poses a public health threat. In avian species, the disease is primarily caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies avium. Nearly all bird species are susceptible to this infection, with older birds being more susceptible than younger ones. Ingestion of feed and water contaminated by the excreta of infected or chronic carrier birds is the main route of Mycobacterium infection and transmission; however, the respiratory route is also possible. Migratory wild or free-living birds play an important role in mycobacteriosis transmission, and affected birds show severe depletion, emaciation, anemia, diarrhea, and respiratory manifestations. The appearance of characteristic tuberculous nodules in the digestive system, especially in the intestine, liver, and spleen, is pathognomonic. Confirmation of Mycobacterium infection can be achieved through isolation on specifically selected media, direct smear for detection of characteristic acid-fast bacilli, and detection of the bacterium using molecular diagnostic methods. Serological and allergic tests can also be applied. Different species of Mycobacterium, especially M. avium, have public health significance and can be transmitted from birds to humans. Such zoonosis is especially dangerous in human immunocompromised patients. Authorities and governments have implemented strict and comprehensive eradication programs for avian mycobacteriosis. These biosecurity measures, including surveillance monitoring programs and antimicrobial susceptibility testing, are essential for the prevention and treatment of Mycobacterium infection in poultry production systems. This review was designed to focus on avian mycobacteriosis in birds and humans.
The effect of feeding black soldier fly larvae on growth performance, protein, and fat content of red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis spp.)
Authors: Aisyah H. N. , Athirah Z. A. R. , Hanani W. R. , Arshad S. S. , Hassim H. A. , Nazarudin M. F. , Ina-Salwany M. Y.
Published: October 2022

Background and Aim: In the aquaculture industry, the crucial goal is to minimize production costs, especially feeding costs, without significant side effects. Black soldier fly larva (BSFL) is a locally available, eco-friendly, and sustainable source that is high in crude protein (42% dry matter [DM]) and fat (35% DM). This study aimed to determine the growth performance along with the composition of crude fat and protein in red hybrid fingerlings after the addition of BSFL into the diet.

Materials and Methods: A total of 120 fingerlings of uniform size (mean initial weight of 1.46 ± 0.06 g) were randomly assigned to one of four groups (n = 10) (A, B, C, and D) per tank (1 m × 2 m × 1 m). For 21 days, Group A (control group) was fed with 100% commercial diet; Group B was fed with 90% commercial fish diet + 10% BSFL; Group C was fed with 80% commercial fish diet + 20% BSFL; and Group D was fed with 70% commercial fish diet + 30% BSFL. Feed efficiency, growth performance, and proximate composition analysis were performed on the fish.

Results: The results displayed that the group with the highest BSFL percentage had a greater effect on protein and fat composition than the control group. The proximate composition analysis of fish-fed diet revealed that an increase in the level of BSFL inclusion increases the protein content in the fish. In comparison to the other groups, the experimental diet with 30% BSFL inclusion has the highest levels of crude protein (80.30% DM) and fat (2.90% DM).

Conclusion: It is concluded that incorporating BSFL into a commercial diet for red hybrid tilapia fingerlings increased crude protein and fat composition, providing an alternative protein and fat source in fish diets.
Eating Behaviors and Body Image Perception among College Students
Authors: Martin Shadai , Velasco-Cruz Ciro , McCormack Lacey
Published: October 2022

Objective: In this study, we assessed college students’ eating behaviors and determined the association between their eating behaviors and body image perception (feelings about body, shape, and weight). Methods: We surveyed college students (N = 184) enrolled at least parttime and actively living on campus during the 2019-2020 academic year. We used 4 validated surveys (EDE-Q, NEMS-P, SATAQ-3 and SATAQ-4) to collect all data. Two trained facilitators aided students in completing the surveys in the campus’s nutrition lab. We used weighted linear regression to assess the association between eating behaviors (frequency of fruit, vegetables, candy, and chips consumption available in dorm rooms, and meal consumption frequency at restaurants) (independent variables) and body image perception (dependent variable). We also calculated odds ratios. Results: We found statistically significant associations between students reducing their consumption of available fruit, vegetables, candy, soda, and chips in their dorm rooms to control weight and shape, choosing meals more frequently at fast-food versus sit-down restaurants, and unhappiness with weight and shape. Conclusion: Our results may assist college campus personnel in providing students with the necessary skills to develop better eating habits and improved body image. Students with a positive body image and a healthy relationship with food are more likely to have better mental and physical health.
Determination of the Potassium Content in Fruit Samples by Gamma Spectrometry to Emphasize its Health Implications
Authors: Saleh Dedawan S. , Ahmad Saddon T. , Kareem Sarmad R.
Published: October 2022

In this study, the activity concentration of 40K and its’ concentrations in 24 different types of fruits were determined using high purity germanium (HPGe) and sodium iodide scintillation (NaI) detectors. The results of the two measurements are consistent. The Maximum and minimum activities of 40K in dry samples were 750.61 ± 11.88 and 15.64 ± 0.86 Bq kg−1 in apricot and olive, respectively, while in fresh samples they were 152.27 ± 2.12 and 1.99 ± 0.11 Bq kg−1 in dates and olive, respectively. The highest and lowest potassium contents were 489.81 and 6.42 mg/100gm in fresh dates and olives, respectively.  Drupe and Tropical fruits, as a fruit family, typically had the highest level of 40K activity and potassium concentration, whereas pome fruits showed the lowest levels. Many of these commonly consumed fresh fruits with rich potassium and water contents are lowering hypertension and improving the hydration status (HS) in people's nutrition. The rate of potassium-40 and total potassium concentration intake for a single unit or portion of the fruits was calculated.
Politik Uang dalam Pemilihan Kepala Desa: Benarkah Penentu Pilihan bagi Pemilih?
Authors: Astuti Puji , Marlina Neny
Published: October 2022

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan praktik politik uang pada pemilihan kepala desa yang dilaksanakan di Desa Kemiri Kecamatan Sumpiuh Kabupaten Banyumas (membandingkan pilkada tahun 2015 dan 2021). Fokus penelitian adalah bagaimana masyarakat memaknai politik uang dan apakah uang menjadi penentu utama masyarakat sebagai pemilih dalam mendukung calon? Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif dengan pendekatan kualitatif. Alat pengumpulan data menggunakan wawancara mendalam yang merupakan informan kunci yang telah ditetapkan secara purposive. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pada umumnya masyarakat lebih menoleransi praktik politik uang karena mereka menganggap menerima uang dan materi lainnya dari calon adalah bagian dari tradisi panjang dan bukan merupakan pelanggaran moral. Penelitian ini juga menemukan bahwa uang dan materi lainnya bukanlah alasan utama yang mempengaruhi masyarakat dalam mendukung kandidat. Mereka juga melihat kapasitas calon, pribadi, serta latar belakang kehidupan keluarga mereka. Meski semua calon menawarkan uang kepada rakyat tetapi mereka hanya menerima uang dari calon yang mereka putuskan untuk dipilih. Di masa depan, politik uang merupakan praktik yang buruk karena dengan demikian praktik tersebut akan merusak nilai-nilai moral dan menghalangi calon dengan kapasitas penuh untuk berpartisipasi dalam proses pemilihan kepala daerah dengan alasan mahalnya biaya proses politik. Oleh karena itu perlu diberikan pendidikan politik yang meningkatkan kesadaran masyarakat untuk memerangi politik uang sebagai kegiatan yang berbahaya.
Learning Analytics implementations in universities: Towards a model of success, using multiple case studies
Authors: Clark Jo-Anne , Tuffley David
Published: October 2022

In these pioneering days of Learning Analytics in higher education, universities are pursuing a diverse range of in-house implementation strategies, with varying degrees of success. In this exploratory study we compare and contrast the approaches taken at three demographically different Australian universities. The comparison is made in the context of Delone and McLean’s information system success model (1992). In time, a consensus-driven method for using Learning Analytics to improve student learning outcomes will eventuate, including individualized learning, but we are still some distance from this level of maturity. It seems likely that user-friendly proprietary platforms will prosper in the climate of uncertainty. Participants in the study see potential in Learning Analytics but are not sure about how best to realize that potential as the implementation of Learning Analytics systems at Australian universities are still very much in their infancy. Proprietary approaches offering sophisticated functionality seem likely to emerge and take precedence over the trial and error approach. This study addresses an apparent gap in the research as limited studies exist targeting both learning analytics and information system success. The methodology taken explores the research topic through a qualitative lense utlising thematic analysis. The study concludes that digital interventions such as Learning Analytics has great potential to optimize teaching and learning practices. Information systems success research can provide insights into what works and what does not in terms of Learning Analytics implementations. The discipline needs to be systematized for efficient implementation, and must deliver tangible benefits over time.
Using discussion forums to support continuing education of workplace learning supervisors: enabling a community of practice
Authors: Clarke Deb
Published: October 2022

Workplace learning (WPL) supervisors play a significant and fundamental role in enhancing university students’ experiences during their placements. Supervision is a multi-faceted and complex interpersonal and professional activity, which requires continued education to ensure contemporary knowledge, practice and capacity. Increasingly universities are viewing the offering of continued education for industry supervisors as an aspect of their mandate. This research reports on the design, facilitation and evaluation of an online learning module, supported by an asynchronous discussion forum aimed at building capacity of WPL supervisors, and developing cross-disciplinary WPL relationships.

Using a mixed method approach, data were gathered using crude statistical measures including frequency counts of discussion postings, layered with thematic analysis of supervisors’ postings to weekly learning activity stimuli. The results of the research illustrate the powerful opportunities for continued education offered by participation in a purposely designed and supported discussion forum. Participants felt empowered, supported by their online colleagues and enlightened by their enhanced awareness of others’ practices and perspectives. Participants’ capacity to further disseminate their embellished understandings of WPL supervision bought to the fore the far-reaching possibilities of discussion forum use in building professional communities of practice and professional capacity.
Infographics, assessment and digital literacy: innovating learning and teaching through developing ethically responsible digital competencies in public health
Authors: Darcy Raya
Published: October 2022

Infographics are eye-catching one-page documents that provide a concise overview of a topic through visually representing information or data using graphics, icons and/or images, with minimal words. They are an emerging key form of communication in society, government, research, education and industry, and can be found widely in social media, advertising, teaching, policy documents and scientific journal publications, for example. Due to their user- friendly, quick-read format, infographics are highly influential in shaping the opinions of their audience. An emerging issue with infographics, however, is the capacity to mislead or misrepresent information or data. In the contemporary higher education environment, providing students with digital literacy skills, including the capacity to critically evaluate digital media forms such as infographics, is vital. This paper will provide a review of the use of infographics in learning and teaching in the literature, including as assessment, examining the benefits as well as the potential issues, and how some of these challenges might be met.
Barriers, enablers, and motivations for staff adoption of learning analytics: Insights for professional learning opportunities from an Australian university
Authors: Jones Hazel
Published: October 2022

Understanding the capabilities and motivations of academics towards adopting and using Learning Analytics (LA) to support their development of technology-enhanced learning is an important first step in designing an effective and flexible adoption plan. Situated in a regional university, this paper reports on the initial data-gathering stage of an on-going study aimed at designing and trialing an adoption plan to support individual staff to engage deeply with LA to inform and enhance their teaching practice and their students’ experiences. This paper analyses a staff survey (N=74) and transcripts from 28 semi-structured interviews conducted over 22 months with eight academics. Survey respondents reported low levels of knowledge about, and use of, LA, as well as a lack of confidence in accessing, interpreting, and acting on, data. Inductive and deductive thematic analyses of interview transcripts support these findings. Analysis further identified three main themes of indicators of successful LA adoption: effective learning design and enhanced teaching practice; improved student experience; and academic recognition. Based on these results, this paper proposes elements that can be included in a suite of professional learning opportunities that will enable academic developers and institutions to support individual staff to successfully adopt of LA.
Game-Based versus Gamified Learning Platform in Helping University Students Learn Programming
Authors: Kurniawan Oka , Lee Norman Tiong Seng , Sockalingam Nachamma , Pey Kin Leong
Published: October 2022

Novice learners of programming may benefit from some prior knowledge in programming before taking their first introductory programming course. In this study, we describe a workshop aiming to do so, that is offered to undergraduate students before their first programming course. Two online platforms are used in this study, a game-based platform (CodeCombat) and a gamified online tutorial (CodeAvengers). We compare the effects on learning of the two platforms on their academic performance, and investigate students’ preferences and subsequent usage of these platforms. Results show that the workshop participants prefer the gamified platform over the game-based platform for learning, and use during their programming course for revision and more practice. We found no significant difference in learning outcomes amongst those who participated in the workshop and those who did not. We discuss the findings and implications of this study in the paper.
Predicting At-Risk Students for an Introductory Programming Course: A pilot study
Authors: Lee Norman Tiong Seng , Kurniawan Oka
Published: October 2022

Some novice learners of computer programming are at risk of doing badly in their first programming course. In this pilot study, we develop a logistic regression model to predict at- risk students in our introductory programming course. The model is developed using students’ high school grades on mathematics, features calculated from log data, and scores from a programming quiz. The model suggests that students who have lower mathematics grade, who submit their homework assignments late, and who have lower scores in the programming quiz are more likely to be at-risk. We discuss some implications of this result on our teaching and learning strategies in our course.
Feeling supported: Enabling students in diverse cohorts through personalised, data-informed feedback
Authors: Lim Lisa-Angelique , Fudge Anthea , Dawson Shane
Published: October 2022

Students entering enabling programs as an alternative pathway to University tend to have higher rates of attrition than their peers admitted via more traditional pathways. Students in enabling programs require high levels of personalised feedback to support their transition to study. However, the size and diversity of the enabling student cohort presents formidable challenges for instructors. The field of learning analytics offers a viable solution for scaling the communication of personalised, data-informed feedback to support student learning. This study describes the use of a novel learning analytics-based feedback system called OnTask, to provide personalised feedback and support to students in an enabling course at one Australian higher education institution. An end-of-course student survey (N=41; 17% response rate) was employed to gain insights into their perceptions of personalised, data-informed feedback messages. Using importance-performance analysis (IPA), the survey results indicated that this technology-mediated form of feedback exceeded students’ expectations of learning support, as well as the enhancement of their overall course experience. The implications for using learning analytics and data-informed feedback mechanisms in teaching and learning are discussed.
E-learning: Working-adult Performances
Authors: Lim Kin Chew , Low Wai Ping , Chapman Elaine
Published: October 2022

This paper’s objective is to examine how the working-adult students' attitudes influence their e-learning performances. This research study involved two cohorts of students in the Principle of Project Management course at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS). The research methods comprised a questionnaire survey and analysis of their learning assessments. In the first study, the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Pearson Correlation were used to determine the factors and their items that influenced the students’ e-learning attitudes. The second study involved determining the students’ familiarities with technology as used in teaching and learning. Students indicated their usage frequency for daily, weekly and monthly accesses. In the third study, the repeated measures ANOVA (ANalysis Of VAriance) and comparison of average scores were used to compare the students' performances in four different assessments. Subsequently, the results were used to compare the students’ performances in the traditional face-to-face learning and the online virtual classes. Conclusions were made on the students’ e-learning attitudes, their familiarities with technology and comparison in the learning performances between the traditional classroom learning and virtual learning. Results from this study will contribute to the e-learning strategic development in the SUSS.
Using TEL for TEL: Building confidence of sessional staff to enhance their students' experience
Authors: Logan Danielle , Jones Hazel , Foster Trevor , Boorer Lenka
Published: October 2022

Sessional staff capacity building, and the role this plays in overcoming internationally recognised challenges for the provision of quality Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL), continues to present a priority for the Higher Education (HE) sector. These sessional staff undertake approximately 40% of the teaching in the Griffith Business School and yet their contribution to quality learning and teaching has largely been unmeasured. This paper describes the backgrounds and experience of sessionals, their career aspirations, and their desires for professional learning and support to enhance the quality of their teaching. This is the first step in a five-stage project adopting an evidence-based approach using TEL to improve the TEL capabilities and confidence of sessional staff. The results of the survey described in this paper (N=47) show that many sessional staff are focused on careers in academia and are motivated to participate in professional learning that leads to formal qualifications. They express interest in engaging in this learning through face-to-face and online formal workshops, informal networking events with each other and faculty, and access to online support resources. The premise for this study and the model introduced, represents an adoptable and adaptable opportunity for the wider HE sector to more effectively deliver sessional staff professional development.