bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Libras and Articulatory Phonology
Authors: Silva Adelaide H. P. , Xavier André Nogueira
Published: October 2020

This paper proposes a new approach to the phonological representation of Brazilian Sign Language (Libras). We depart from the observation that traditional analyses have overlooked features of signed languages which have no (exact) correspondence in spoken languages. Moreover, traditional approaches impose spoken language theoretical constructs on signed languages analyses and, by doing so, they disregard the possibility that signed languages follow different principles, as well as that analytical categories for spoken languages may be inaccurate for signed languages. Therefore, we argue that an approach grounded on a general theory of movement can account for signed language phonology in a more accurate way. Following Articulatory Phonology, we propose the analytical primes for a motor-oriented phonological approach to Libras, i.e., we determine which are the articulatory gestures that constitute the lexical items in a signed language. Besides, we propose a representation for the sign BEETLE-CAR in terms of a gestural score, and explain how gestures coordinate in relation to each other. As it is discussed, this approach allows us to more satisfactorily explain cases of variation attested in our data.
Estudo acústico sobre a dupla marcação de plural em adjetivos derivados em -oso(s) no português brasileiro
Authors: Belando Mariane Garin , Seara Izabel Christine , Agostinho Ana Lívia
Published: October 2020

Este artigo apresenta um estudo acústico sobre a duplamarcac?a?o de plural em adjetivos derivados em *--osos* no portugue?sbrasileiro, observando possi?veis comportamentos metafo?nicos,compreendidos como a alterac?a?o de timbre da vogal to?nica induzida pelavogal postônica. Um experimento de produção com quatro condições deteste foi realizado, duas com os adjetivos introduzidos em sintagmasnominais objeto e duas com os adjetivos inseridos em sintagmas nominaissujeito. Foram coletados dados de fala de quatro participantes do sexofeminino de dois municípios do Estado de Sa?o Paulo. Com base naFonologia de Uso e na Teoria de Exemplares, observou-se que o fenômenometafônico se apresentou em maior número na primeira condição de teste,na qual as palavras-alvo foram apresentadas pela primeira vez àsparticipantes. Nesta situação, a frequência de tipo tornou-se maissignificativa do que a própria frequência de ocorrência, uma vez que opadrão no singular é o mais recorrente. Os resultados mostraram que adupla marcação de plural foi produzida em 75,52% das emisso?es. Ametafonia foi encontrada em 8,86% dos dados. Pelas análises acústicas,em 14,58% das produções, foram verificadas vogais com qualidadeintermedia?ria entre a vogal aberta e a fechada, destacando o carátergradiente na produção das vogais, caro aos estudos baseados no uso. Porfim, os resultados ainda mostraram que as mudanças sonoras foneticamentemotivadas, como a redução ou apagamento da vogal postônica [?], bemcomo as mudanças sem motivação fonética, como a analogia ao tipo maisfrequente, atingiram tanto as palavras pouco frequentes quanto as muitofrequentes estabelecidas para o presente estudo.
Detecção automática de fronteiras prosódicas entre unidades entonacionais
Authors: Teixeira Bárbara Helohá Falcão , Raso Tommaso , Barbosa Plínio Almeida
Published: October 2020

A fala é segmentada em unidades entonacionais marcadas por fronteiras prosódicas. Este trabalho tem como objetivo investigar os parâmetros fonético-acústicos que orientam a produção e a percepção de fronteiras prosódicas e desenvolver modelos para detecção automática de fronteiras prosódicas em fala espontânea. Duas amostras de trechos de fala espontânea masculina foram segmentadas em unidades entonacionais por dois grupos de segmentadores treinados. As fronteiras percebidas pelos segmentadores foram anotadas como terminais (TB) ou não-terminais (NTB). Um script foi utilizado para extrair parâmetros fonético-acústicos ao longo do sinal de fala. Os parâmetros extraídos compreendem medidas de: 1) Velocidade e ritmo da fala; 2) Duração normalizada; 3) Frequência fundamental; 4) Intensidade; 5) Pausa silenciosa. Foi desenvolvido um treinamento de modelos compostos por múltiplos parâmetros projetados para a identificação automática das fronteiras marcadas pelos segmentadores. Utilizou-se o algoritmo Linear Discriminant Analysis e considerou-se como fronteira posições em que pelo menos 50% dos segmentadores indicaram uma fronteira do mesmo tipo. O modelo de detecção automática de fronteiras terminais mostra uma convergência de 80% em relação às fronteiras terminais observadas pelos segmentadores na amostra I. Para fronteiras não-terminais, foram obtidos três modelos de classificação estatística. Juntos, os três modelos mostram uma convergência de 98% em relação às fronteiras não-terminais observadas pelos segmentadores na amostra I. Os modelos foram validados posteriormente na amostra II. Os resultados da validação indicam que o desempenho do modelo TB é de 74% e o dos modelos NTB é de 88% na amostra II.
proposta metodológica para o estudo da sincronização da fala em interação com a semântica
Authors: Penteado Siqueira Verônica , Raposo de Medeiros Beatriz
Published: October 2020

Este trabalho apresenta uma proposta metodológica que possa viabilizar aobservação da fala sincronizada e sua possível relação com o nívelsemântico do enunciado proferido na situação em que duas pessoas leem emvoz alta o mesmo texto. Apresentaremos as bases teóricas e experimentaisdo estudo que constituiu um experimento preliminar. A questão central doestudo refere-se à interação entre um nível mais físico e concreto dalinguagem, a fala, e um nível mais abstrato, a semântica, formulada aquicomo: em que medida a tarefa de sincronização da fala pode sofrerinterferência da quebra de expectativa semântica? A fala sincronizada secaracteriza como um tipo de fala em que duas pessoas leem o mesmo textoao mesmo tempo, o que é fácil e rapidamente obtido. A quebra deexpectativa semântica refere-se a palavras que ocorrem fora de contextoe, portanto, podem causar um estranhamento em relação ao significado doenunciado ou do texto. Neste estudo preliminar, foram utilizados doistipos de texto (narrativo e expositivo) e duas condições experimentais(original e alterada), gerando cinco textos diferentes. Trazemos aqui osresultados das gravações de um par de participantes. Não foramobservadas diferenças significativas entre as condições experimentais;entretanto, destacamos a diferença, em valores brutos, entre as versõesdo texto narrativo. Este estudo, embora preliminar e exploratório,permite, por um lado, investigar a interação entre falantessincronizados, e por outro, indica passos futuros quanto à metodologia.
Walter Andrews'in Şiirin Sesi Toplumun Şarkısı Adlı Eseri Çerçevesinde Bâkî'nin Hazân Gazeli'ne Bir Bakış
Authors: ÜMÜTLÜ Selim
Published: October 2020

Walter Andrews (ö.2020), Şiirin Sesi Toplumun Şarkısı adlı eserinde Divan şiirinin toplumdan kopuk, soyut bir şiir olduğu şeklindeki klişe görüşleri sorgulamış ve Divan şiirinin kendisini üreten kültürle olan irtibatını ortaya koymuştur. Yazar, gazel incelemelerine dilbilimsel bir yaklaşım getirerek sözdizimin duygu değeri oluşturmadaki rolüne değinmiş, küçük bir örneklem üzerinden divan şiirinin kelime dağarcığını tasnif etmeye çalışmıştır. Uzun bir zaman dilimi boyunca anlam genişlemesine uğrayan kelimeleri "şiirsel kelimeler" olarak tanımlayan Andrews, divan şairlerinin sınırlı sayıdaki kelimeyle yakaladıkları anlam zenginliğini, Osmanlı toplumunun karmaşık yapısına uygun çok katmanlı okumalarla ilişkilendirmiştir. Böylece Divan şiirini sosyal hayatla bağlantısız gören Gibb'in görüşlerine de bir eleştiri getirmiştir. Ona göre herhangi bir şiirin niteliğini anlamaya başlamak için onun farklı perspektiflerden görülmesi gerekir. Andrews, Osmanlı toplum hayatını yansıtan anlam örüntülerini "tasavvufun ve dinin sesi, iktidar ve otoritenin sesi, duygunun sesi ve gazelin ekolojisi" başlıkları altında ortaya koymuştur. Bu çalışmada Walter Andrews'in gazel incelemeleri bağlamında ortaya koyduğu anlam örüntüleri ışığında Bâkî'nin Hazân Gazeli'ne bir yorum denemesinde bulunulacaktır. Giriş bölümünde Bâkî'nin Türk şiirindeki yeri çağdaşı Fuzûlî ile karşılaştırmalı olarak ele alınacak, Tanzimat'la birlikte başlayan Batılılaşma hareketlerinin bir sonucu olarak kültür hayatımızda oluşmaya başlayan Divan şiirine dair olumsuz algılara değinilecektir. Ana bölümde ise Hazân Gazeli'nde tespit edilen dört farklı anlam katmanı (ekolojik anlam katmanı, tasavvufi anlam katmanı, patrimonyal anlam katmanı, duygusal anlam katmanı), dört farklı söyleyici ile ilişkilendirilerek yorumlanmaya çalışılacaktır.
II. Mustafa Dönemi’ne ait 1701 Tarihli Bir Masraf Defteri’nin Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: BULUT Büşra
Published: October 2020

Masraf Defterleri, Cumhurbaşkanlığı Osmanlı Arşivi’nde müteferrik defterler fonunda bulunmaktadır. Bu defterler içeriği bakımından oldukça önemli bir yere sahiptir. Nitekim Masraf Defterlerinin incelenmesi ile söz konusu bölgenin yanı sıra defterin tutulduğu döneme ait fiyat tarihi, halkın gelir düzeyi ve tüketim alışkanlıklarına dair birçok bilgiye ulaşılabilmektedir. Yine bu defterler sayesinde elçilerin ağırlanması, sefere gidiş masrafı ya da askeri sınıfın maaşlarının dağıtılması gibi harcamaları da tespit etmek mümkündür. Osmanlı Devleti’nde Masraf Defterleri serisinin içeriği incelendiğinde bu harcamalara ek olarak saray harcamalarından, askeri harcamalara ve bazı kişisel harcamalara kadar birçok kalemde masraf dökümüne erişmek mümkündür. Çalışma konunun bu önemine binaen kaleme alınmış olup, araştırmada 1701 tarihli bir masraf defteri incelenmiştir. İlgili defter Sultan II. Mustafa’nın ailesiyle birlikte İstanbul’dan Edirne’ye gidişinin yol masrafı ve 1701 yılına ait olan giderleri ele almaktadır. Temel amaç; 1701 tarihli Masraf Defteri incelenerek II. Mustafa’nın İstanbul’dan Edirne’ye giderken harcanan yol masrafı ve ihtiyaç duyulan malzeme ve tedarik unsurlarının tespitini yapmaktır. Çalışmada ilgili tespit ve değerlendirmeler için 1701 tarihli Masraf Defterinin transkripsiyonu ve II. Mustafa dönemi Osmanlı Devleti’ni ele alan eserlerden istifade edilmek suretiyle kavramsal bir çerçeve oluşturulmuştur. Bu minvalde 1701 tarihli defterdeki masraf dökümüyle ilgili genelden özele bir değerlendirme yapılmıştır. Nitekim söz konusu defterde yalnızca taşınma masraflarının değil döneme ait pek çok giderin kalem kalem kaydının tutulduğu görülmüştür.
Investment attractiveness rating and factors affecting
Authors: Windhyastiti Irany , Hidayatullah Syarif , Khouroh Umu
Published: October 2020

This research aims to determine: 1) rating of investment attraction based on investor assessment; and 2) the factors which have significant effects on investment attraction of the city. Location research is in Batu city Indonesia with number of samples as 65 investors. The data analysis technique of this study uses a Multiple Regression Analysis. The independent variables used in this study are: 1) infrastructure; 2) labor availability; 3) agglomeration; 4) natural resources, 5) markets; 6) licensing system, and 7) leadership. Investment attraction is indicated with rating assessment by investors. The results show: 1) rating of Batu city investment attraction is high; and 2) licensing system and leadership have significant influences on investment attraction. Based on the result, it is very important for a city to create a conducive climate (pro investment) to attract investors, especially in the ease of the licensing system. In addition, local governments must be able to provide positive signals in the form of commitment for the investment development in Batu city. This is necessary since the city development process really needs investor support.
Examining the random walk hypothesis in the Amman stock exchange: An analytical study
Authors: Obeidat Samer Fakhri , Akram al-qudah Laith , kharabsha Faris Irsheid al
Published: October 2020

The current study aimed to examine the weak-form efficiency of the Amman Stock Exchange using the weekly stock closing prices of shares for the period 2017-2019. In order to achieve the research objective, the study used the time lags that occurred between one and three weeks through the following tests: simple regression, Pearson correlation coefficient, and Spearman correlation coefficient. The study sample consisted of 179 companies. The current study concluded that the weekly stock closing prices of the shares of public joint-stock companies in the Amman Stock Exchange do not follow the Random Walk Hypothesis of prices, and therefore, do not follow the characteristics of a normal distribution. Therefore, the Amman Stock Exchange is inefficient at the weak-form level. Consequently, the lack of randomness in weekly stock closing price movements does not comply with the hypothesis of the first study. Likewise, the lack of independence of the changes in the current weekly stock closing prices from the previous ones also does not correspond to the hypothesis of the second study.
The estimation of banking industry staffing level benchmark: A case study on Kuwaiti banks
Authors: AlKulaib Yaser A. , AlAli Musaed S.
Published: October 2020

This study aims to examine whether or not Kuwaiti banks are overstaffed based on the data of ten Kuwaiti banks listed at Kuwait stock exchange (KSE) over the period 2010-2018. Using panel regression analysis, the results show that six banks were overstaffed while the remaining four banks were understaffed. Kuwait Finance House (KFH) was the most overstaffed bank in Kuwait while Commercial bank was the most understaffed bank. Gulf bank was the closest to the estimated number of staff followed by AlAhli bank. The results also revealed that there was a statistically significant inverse relationship between staffing level and return on assets (ROA) while, on the other hand, there was a statistically significant direct relationship between total assets and the number of branches with staffing level.
Taxpayer awareness, tac knowledge, tac sanctions, public service account ability and taxpayer compliance
Authors: Anto La Ode , Husin Husin , Hamid Wahyuniati , Bulan Nofian Lepong
Published: October 2020

This study aims to determine and analyze the effect of taxpayer awareness, tax knowledge, tax sanctions, and public service accountability on taxpayer compliance. The population of this study is the motor vehicle taxpayer in Kendari City. Samples are determined using accidental sampling techniques and the number of samples is determined using the Slovin formula. Based on the results of data analysis using multiple linear regression, the study found that taxpayer awareness, tax knowledge, tax sanctions, and public service accountability had positive and significant effects on taxpayer compliance in meeting tax obligations. This means that the higher the level of taxpayers’ awareness, tax knowledge, tax sanctions, and public service accountability, the better the taxpayer compliance.
Corporate social responsibility disclosure and financial information environment
Authors: Hassan Nasr Taha
Published: October 2020

This study aims to explore whether or not social responsibility disclosure contributes to improve the financial information environment, through examining the impact of quantity and quality of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure on the accuracy of analysts' forecasts and audit fees. Content analysis technique has been used to measure quantity and quality of CSR disclosure in annual reports of Saudi registered companies. OLS regression model is used to examine the relationship between the quantity and quality of CSR disclosure in the annual reports and the quality of the analysts' forecasts, and the audit fees. The results indicated that CSR disclosure provides useful information for outsiders, where it is associated with more accurate analysts’ expectations and reduced audit fees. These results suggest that CSR disclosure is associated with high quality financial information environment. This paper provides comprehensive analysis for financial information environment in Saudi companies. The findings of paper provide useful insights concerning the importance of social responsibility disclosure in Saudi business environment.
Fair pricing: A framework towards sustainable life insurance products
Authors: Setiawan Agus , Sugiarto Sugiarto , Ugut Grace Shinta S. , Hulu Edison
Published: October 2020

This research aims to fill the gap in sustainable insurance product study. The central research question of this research is how to develop a fair pricing framework in order to design a sustainable financial product. Current profit testing method is arguably lack of policyholder considerations. The profitability decision under current method only considers profit margin for company. There is no profitability measurement for policyholder. To improve fairness under current pricing, the proposed study proposes a concept of equity in risk between company and policyholder. In order to establish equity in risk, profitability for policyholder needs to be defined and risk measure Conditional Tail Expectation (CTE) for company and policyholder is proposed as a solution. Fairness is achieved if CTE between company and policyholder falls within certain range. CTE generated under new framework could be used as a reference point to all stakeholders to assess the fairness of Unit Linked price. The target population for the study was any regular premium Unit Link product. This research used simple random sampling. From the population consisting of 34 companies 20 samples were drawn. Data is taken from the Indonesian Financial Service Authority. The data used is from the time period between 1 January 2015 and 30 June 2019. Using the CTE, this study finds that most of the Unit Linked pricing are far from fair. It is recommended that companies could be more efficient in their operating and distribution cost in order to be fairer to policyholder and therefore will make the product more sustainable.
Measuring the effect of international financial reporting standards on quality of accounting performance and efficiency of investment decisions
Authors: Malo-Alain Alaa , Aldoseri Mahfod Mobarak , Melegy Magdy Abdul Hakim
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study is to verify the impact of international financial reporting standards (IFRS) adoption on the quality of accounting performance and efficiency of investment decisions in the Saudi business environment as an emerging economy. In this study, content analysis approach is adopted for examining the annual reports of Saudi companies listed in Saudi stock exchange market during two periods: the pre-adoption of IFRS period during the year of 2016 and the post-adoption of IFRS period during the period 2017-2018. The study uses accounting information, accounting conservatism, earning management as alternative variables of accounting performance quality. In addition to accounting profit quality, liquidity and cost of capital are also used as alternative variables for the efficiency of investment decisions. The study finds that there was a positive impact of IFRS adoption on the quality of accounting performance, since it was positively related to both the qualitative characteristics of information and accounting conservatism, while it was negatively related to earning management. IFRS also improves the efficiency of investment decisions, as it was positively related to both profit quality and liquidity while it was negatively related to cost of capital.
Key success factors in implementing international public sector accounting standards
Authors: Haija Ayman Ahmad Abu , AlQudah Alaa Mohammad , Aryan Laith Abdallah , Azzam Mohammad Jamal
Published: October 2020

There is a worldwide debate regarding the implementation of IPSAS due to the potential obstacles that may face governments when they start moving to the full accrual basis. Of equal importance is that each country has its own needs and thus it must be examined separately to find out the factors that may motivate or limit the effective adoption of IPSAS. This study, therefore, aims to explore the key success factors when it comes to adopting IPSAS in Jordan. A 39-item questionnaire was devised and sent to 500 employees who were working in public entity departments. Only 326 questionnaires were returned, yielding a response rate of 65.2%. The results suggested that the most important factors were local legislation and the infrastructure, while the training of staff came at the bottom of list. These results are important to regulators for drawing up a clear road map for transferring fully to IPSAS.
Firm size and supply chain finance in Indian pharmaceutical industry: Relational firm analysis of size determinants and cash conversion cycle
Authors: Ali Anis
Published: October 2020

The sales revenue, total resources, and Working Capital (WC) of the business organization measure the size of the firms. The Cash Conversion Cycle (CCC) defines the Supply Chain Finance (SCF) of the business organization and is affected by the size determinants of the firms. The components of the WC are considered to measure the CCC and define the status of the SCF of the business organization. The study is based on the secondary data obtained from the financial statements of the selected leading Indian pharmaceutical companies. The objective of the study is to find out the relation and degree of governance of size determinants on the SCF. The analysis is based on the ranks of size determinants and relative ranks of inventory days, accounts receivables days, and accounts payables days. The Spearman rank correlation is applied to get the qualitative relationship between the ranks of size determinants and ranks of components of CCC. The study reveals that size determinants affect the SCF positively but moderately while WC governs directly as WC comprises the components of CCC. The study suggests the shortening of the CCC by focusing on size determinants on WC and especially accounts payables in Indian pharmaceutical companies.
The effect of information technology on the quality of accounting information
Authors: Abdelraheem Abubkr Ahmed Elhadi , Hussaien Asaad Mubarak , Mohammed Mohammed Abaker Ahmed , Elbokhari Yosra Azhari Elamin
Published: October 2020

This paper aims to study the effect of using information technology on the quality of the accounting information by studying the dimensions of information technology (collecting, processing, storing, and sending data, and information) with a field study on the Nile Bank in Sudan. The researchers followed some descriptive analytical approach to conduct the field study. Researchers distributed (120) questionnaires and (104) of them were collected. The study concluded that dimensions of information technology (collecting, processing, storing, and transmitting data, and information) impact the dimensions of accounting information quality (relevance, reliability, understandability, consistency, comparability).
Factors affecting business performance of manufacturing enterprises
Authors: Tuan Le Anh , Tram Nguyen Thi Huyen
Published: October 2020

The study has surveyed 285 manufacturing enterprises in central Vietnam as a representative sample, through which the research has analyzed the current status of operation of manufacturing enterprises in Central Vietnam. The research results also pointed out 5 factors: (1) Labor; (2) Enterprise size; (3) Financial management capacity (4) Capital structure and (5) System of policies and legislation in descending order of affecting the performance of enterprises through regression model. Besides, the study has given specific policy suggestions through the current situation and research model to improve business performance for manufacturing enterprises in Central Vietnam in the future.
Saccharification of Sawdust with Aspergillus Niger Cellulase
Authors: Ndukwe Nelly A. , Sibiya J. Boitumelo M. , Van Wyk J. Pieter H.
Published: October 2020

Accumulated sawdust is a major waste product produced by numerous active sawmills around the Lagos Lagoon in Nigeria. The potential of this wood waste as a resource for bio-product development through the hydrolysis of its cellulose component into glucose, a fermentable sugar is not
yet appreciated. Not only is the environment exposed to this organic pollutant but the health of humans is also at risk. The cellulose content of wood sawdust from five different tropical tree species dumped along the Lagos lagoon has been saccharified with cellulase from Aspergillus niger.
In order to increase the amount of fermentable sugars released from the cellulose content the various sawdust samples have been delignified with the Kraft process and hydrogen peroxide treatment prior to A. niger cellulase catalyzed degradation at incubation temperatures of 30
0C, 400C, 500C and 600C, respectively. The delignification process was successful by triggering an increase in sugar formation during cellulase catalyze hydrolyses of all waste cellulose materials with different amounts of sugar produced from the various
celluloses.
Reducing and Recycling Waste in Zambian Schools: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Namusonga Suzana , Carter Margaret-Anne
Published: October 2020

The perplexing problem of sustainable practices for proper waste disposal, across all levels of society, is frequently disregarded in developing countries. The paper presents the findings of an exploratory study of 94 participants (pupils and teachers) at a private school in Lusaka,
Zambia on school-based waste management practices. The article begins with general background information on the current waste management practices in developing nations. Next, school recycling programs are introduced, with a specific reference to waste management in Zambia. An explanation
of our exploratory case study on waste management at Mary Queen of Peace Girl's school in Lusaka Zambia follows. The contributions of the school community to recycling practices, achieved through a three-phase actioned research approach to education for sustainability, are detailed. Final
results are reported highlighting the role of school culture transformation, radically changing from reliance on waste disposal toward practices of waste recycling.
Potential Beneficiation of Readily Available Gold Tailings and Paper Wastes: Development of a New Building Material
Authors: Mashifana Tebogo , Sithole Nastassia
Published: October 2020

Gold mine tailings (GMT) generated from gold mining processes are readily available in South Africa. The generated GMT is disposed to the environment by land filling. This occupies considerable land area, which subsequently results into environmental pollution. Numerous industries use
paper for a number of applications on daily basis and its generation is inevitable. Unrecycled paper ends up in the landfill, which has a negative impact on the environment, as it is not degradable. This study investigated the blending of GMT and waste paper for the production of building
bricks (papercrete). The chemical composition of GMT in terms of elemental, mineralogy and micrograph before and after paper stabilization was examined. Developed composites were cured for 7, 14, 21, 28 days, and the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and absorption tests were conducted.
The results obtained showed an improvement in both the UCS and the water absorption of the bricks with the increment in curing period. The brick cured for 28 days had the highest UCS of 7.76 MPa and the lowest water absorption of 80.43% when compared to the bricks cured for 7,14 and 21 days.
The developed papercrete was relatively light in weight; however, they proved not to be suitable for outdoor walls and water logging areas due to their high capability to absorb water.
Improving Municipal Solid Waste Collection System Through a Gis Based Mapping of Location Specific Waste Bins in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Adedotun Abdullahi A. , Sridhar M.K.C. , Coker Akinwale O.
Published: October 2020

Scope/Aim. Solid waste management in Ibadan Metropolis, the capital of Oyo State in Nigeria has been a serious concern to the government and the public for several years. The waste generated at the rate of about 0.51kg per capita per day from 11 Local Government Areas is transported
to the existing four landfill sites and dumped indiscriminately. This study recorded various collection points using GPS, available collection bins, number of households using the facilities and identified the gap. Methods. The waste transportation routes used currently in respect
of distance and travel time was assessed using a GIS analytical distribution and optimization mapping. Results. The results indicated that there is need for provision of 837 waste bins (5m3 capacities) to meet the demand gap. By following the optimized transportation
routing, the waste management authorities can clear the waste 15 per cent more efficiently and save NGN 1.2 million (USD 3,335) on energy every year. Conclusions: The GIS analytical distribution and optimization mapping tool will help the city authorities in improving waste collection
with significant saving in operational cost. It is replicable in other parts in African countries.
Recycling of Waste Originating Form Flexible Pavements for Bound-Base Courses of Flexible Pavements
Authors: Monu Kumari , Ransinchung R.N. G.D. , Singh Surender , Raghav Gaurav Singh
Published: October 2020

Reclaimed Asphalt pavement (RAP) is a C&D waste originating from the reclamation of asphalt pavement which has completed its service life. Using RAP would potentially reduce reliance on primary aggregates and lowers the environmental impact of construction. The present study is
an attempt made to utilize RAP judiciously as a bound base course of the flexible pavement. Natural coarse aggregates were replaced by RAP in proportions of 50% & 100% with & without Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA), for production of bound-base course mixes. To ensure the long run performance,
the aging condition was simulated in the laboratory and mechanical properties such as Marshall Stability, Tensile Strengths, Marshall Stability Retained, Indirect Tensile Ratio, rutting resistance, Fatigue life, and abrasion resistance were considered. With the incorporation of 50-100% coarse
RAP, the Marshall Stability, rutting resistance and abrasion were found to be improved by 30-32%, 43-104% and 11-17% respectively. Similarly, total cost saving is about 15-35%, which is quite significant. However, the addition of WMA enhanced the cost by 3-4%, which is insignificant when combined
with RAP, furthermore, the reductions in fume emission enhance the sustainability aspect of the technology.
Medium of Curing and the Influence on Concrete Made with Magnetized Water and Clay Brick Powder
Authors: Ben Ngene , Gideon Bamigboye , Olayinka Olajide
Published: October 2020

This study examined the effect of curing medium on the strength characteristics of concrete made with magnetic field treated water (MFTW) and clay brick powder (CBP) in partial replacement. Clay brick powder as part replacement of cement at 10, 20, 30 and 40% and MFTW was used to prepare
concrete cubes which was cured for 7, 14, 28 and 56 days. Three curing environments used were seawater, acidic water (HCL) and magnetized water. It was observed that the slump test on fresh concrete indicates good workability for MFTW and higher compressive strength than others cured in seawater
and HCL condition. Concrete made with 10% CBP using magnetized water and cured in seawater have the highest strength at 56 days. The implication is that construction of bridges and other marine structures may consider the use of MFTW as mixing water to ensure strength development and enhance
design life of concrete members.
Solid Waste Recycling: A Severe Problem in Nigeria
Authors: Ogunseye Nathaniel O. , Odufuwa Bashir O. , Owolabi Muhydeen A. , Tella Idris O.
Published: October 2020

Solid waste management is a disturbing issue in Nigerian cities as waste generation is increasing. The informal waste management sector has intensified efforts partly due to failure of government to manage waste effectively in the country. Hence, this study focuses on activities of
waste recyclers in a rapidly growing city of Nigeria Ota in Ogun State. Its specific objectives are to examine spatial attributes of recycling depots, and examine recycling potentials and challenges. Data were obtained through semi-structured interview and observation. 11 recycling depot operators
(recyclers) were purposively interviewed out of 20 operators making up the Recyclers Association. Majority of recycling depots are secured on a lease agreement with monthly rent ranging from N4,000 (US$11.11) to N21,667 (US$60.19). 72.7% recyclers are motivated by job opportunities
made possible by recycling: 65% of recycling workers at the recymonthly salary is between N4,500 (US$12.50) and N15,000 (US$41.67). Major challenges of recyclers are lack of funds, complaint by neighbors and non-recognition by the government. Recycling depots are not regulated
by government agencies and thus, recycling depots develop without planning permits. Finally, recommendations toward achieving sustainable recycling were presented.
A Systematic Review of Effectiveness of Automated External Defibrillators Delivered by Drones
Authors: Shirane Tomoya
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND: According to the 2019 annual report by Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA) in Japan, the survival rate of patients with Out-of-Hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) who were rescued by Automated External Defibrillators (AED) was 6.2 times higher than those who were not treated appropriately. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) have been evaluated as the means of delivering medical equipment and goods. This study was therefore designed to evaluate the effectiveness of UAV technology applied to AED delivery through a systematic review methodology.

METHODS: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses (PRISMA) statement was utilized to guide the review. Electronic databases such as Medline through PubMed and CiNii were searched. Search terms were used in a variety of combinations, including AED, UAV, and drone in English and Japanese.

RESULTS: Nine articles were identified through the review process. Most of the studies were conducted in Western countries, and all of them were done after 2016. Seven studies evaluated the time reductions in the delivery of the defibrillation in OHCAs by simulation study methods and/or test flights of UAV. All the studies showed the positive results regarding the time reductions to AED access by bystanders compared with the current setting of no UAV networks.

CONCLUSION: The studies included in this review showed UAV technology around AED delivery would have the potential to reduce the time of the defibrillation in OHCA patients. More evidence especially around the real-world utilization and the cost-effectiveness of the technology deployment are expected for the future adaptation.
The Influence of Social Support to the Quality of Life of Tuberculosis Patients in Depok, West Java Province, Indonesia
Authors: Anisah Siti Nur , Djuwita Ratna , Sudaryo Mondastri K.
Published: October 2020

The quality of life of Tuberculosis (TB) patients is very important to be considered due to infectious disease is chronic that it can affect quality of life. In order to improve quality of life is by providing social support to TB patients. This study aims to discuss the influence of social support to the quality of life of TB patients. This was a longitudinal study (repeated measurements). Data collection with interviews to respondents using the WHOQOL-BREF and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Data analysis using General Estimation of Equotion. The results showed that social support has a strong influence to the quality of life of TB patients (OR = 7.9); An influential source of social support to improve the quality of life of TB patients were family, friends and significant others. Family support provides the highest contribution with an OR of 19.7; An influential type of social support to improve the quality of life of TB patients were emotional, informational and companionship support. Emotional support provides the highest contribution with an OR of 7.4. Social support to TB patients given at the 5th month of treatment have a positive impact on the quality of life with PAR% was 70%. This study recommends improving the social support to TB patients to increase quality of life of TB patients.
Knowledge and Compliance Levels Regarding Hand Hygiene Practices among Nurses in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Princess Margaret Hospital, Nassau, Bahamas
Authors: Francis Dorothea , Onuoha Philip , Daniel Esther , Victor Virginia
Published: October 2020

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess knowledge and compliance levels of hand hygiene among registered nurses at the Princess Margaret Hospital, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Nassau, Bahamas.

METHOD: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in June 2019. A 32-item self-administered questionnaire was provided to 40 registered nurses to assess their knowledge and compliance levels to hand hygiene practices.

RESULTS: All respondents were females. The results showed that 45% of the nurses had excellent knowledge, 27.5% had good knowledge on hand hygiene, while 27.5% had an average knowledge level. There was a statistically significant association between their knowledge level and their age, years of experience, length of time in the NICU and their level of education (p≤0.05).  There was no statistically significant association between their compliance level and their socio-demographics (p≥0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Nurses’ knowledge levels were rated as good and so were their practice levels.
Attitude and Practice of Aesthetic Surgery among Plastic Surgeons in Nigeria
Authors: Nnadozie Ugochukwu Uzodimma , Maduba Charles Chidiebele , Umeokonkwo Chukwuma David , Anikwe Christian Chidebe , Opara Kingsley Okechukwu , Isiguzo Markson Chimaobi , Modekwe Victor Ifeanyichukwu , Nwankwo Ezekiel Uche , Ekwedigwe Chinedu Henry , Omoke Njoku Isaac
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND: Aesthetic surgery in developed countries is growing at an exponential rate. There is an increasing demand for cosmetic procedures in Nigeria but still, the practice is at a slow pace. Significant clients from Nigeria seek for these procedures outside Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at determining the attitude and practice of aesthetic surgery among plastic surgeons in Nigeria

METHOD: We conducted a cross-sectional study among the attendees of the annual conference of the National Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons held at Calabar, Nigeria, using a questionnaire on consented participants.

RESULTS: A total of 73 out of 84 Plastic surgeons participated in the study with a response rate of 86.9%. The mean age of the respondents was 45.4±7.2 years. Only 14 (19.2%) had undergone extra training in cosmetic surgery. Most respondents 53.4% prefer Nigerian over foreign hospitals for cosmetic surgery for various reasons. Poor awareness (42.5%) and religious beliefs (42.5%) contributed most to the poor acceptability of cosmetic surgery in Nigeria. The vast majority (97%) of Nigerian plastic surgeons want the public to be engaged in awareness sensitization on cosmetic surgery and their preferred mode of sensitization was through internet / social media (80.8%), television (74%), and radio (65.8%). Scar revision (78.1%) abdominoplasty (69.9%) and breast reduction (67.1) were the common cosmetic procedures performed by Nigerian plastic surgeons.

CONCLUSION: The attitude of Plastic surgeons in Nigeria to cosmetic surgery is influenced by the low acceptance of cosmetic surgery procedures by Nigerians. Attitudinal change programs, especially through social and other mass media, are desired to increase awareness and acceptance of cosmetic surgery in Nigeria.
Solving An Inverse Problem For The Sturm-Liouville Operator With A Singular Potential By Yurko's Method
Authors: Bondarenko Natalia P.
Published: October 2020

An inverse spectral problem for the Sturm-Liouville operator with a singular potential from the class $W_2^{-1}$ is solved by the method of spectral mappings. We prove the uniqueness theorem, develop a constructive algorithm for solution and obtain necessary and sufficient conditions of solvability for the inverse problem in the self-adjoint and the non-self-adjoint cases.
FakeSpread: Um framework para análise de propagação de fake news na Web
Authors: Cordeiro Anderson , Sampaio Jonice  De Oliveira , Ruback Lívia
Published: October 2020

O avanço das mídias sociais como ferramenta de comunicação impulsiona a disseminação de notícias, tornando-a mais rápida, escalável e consequentemente dificultando a avaliação quanto a veracidade de uma informação, fazendo com que as fake news sejam um fenômeno com desdobramentos cada vez mais sérios no contexto político, social e humano. Identificar a procedência de uma notícia falsa e compreender os caminhos que a tornam popular é uma importante estratégia de combate à indústria de fake news. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a propagação de fake news na Web, a partir de métricas da teoria dos grafos, considerando a sua estrutura de rede. Apresentamos como estudo de caso uma análise da propagação de fake news por sites listados pela CPMI das fake news, proposta pelo congresso brasileiro.
Uma investigação sobre o uso de interfaces de voz como ferramenta para prática de idioma estrangeiro
Authors: Aguiar Douglas Fabris , Silva Marcos   Arrais e
Published: October 2020

Apenas 5,1% da população brasileira de 16 anos ou mais afirma possuir algum conhecimento do idioma inglês. Esse que, com o fenômeno da globalização, tornou-se a língua internacional e dos negócios. Com o mercado de trabalho cada vez mais competitivo, o papel do inglês mudou, passando de um privilégio de poucos, para uma necessidade de muitos. Através de uma revisão de literatura e pesquisa quantitativa, o estudo tem o objetivo de explorar os problemas que os brasileiros encontraram no processo de prática da língua inglesa. Como resultados, a aplicação do questionário revelou algumas dificuldades latentes entre os aprendizes, tornando oportuno a intenção de evoluir com estudos de interfaces de voz na prática de inglês.
Construction of a New Reference Data for Body Mass Index of Schoolchildren in Yazd (Iran)
Authors: Fallahzadeh Hossein , Momayyezi Mahdieh , Salahshouri Marziyeh , Mozaffari Khosravi Hassan
Published: October 2020

Background: Monitoring and evaluating physical growth in children is an important way to determine their nutritional and health status. Health personnel can diagnose growth impairment and malnutrition in children by growth monitoring from growth indices. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the cut-off points of body mass index (BMI) in children and adolescents and compare them with the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) standards. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 4,320 students (6 - 11 years old) were selected by cluster sampling in 24 primary schools. A class (a cluster) was randomly selected from each base in each school. Then, 30 students from each class were randomly selected. The height and weight of students were measured, and then BMI was calculated for students. After data collection, height, weight, and BMI tables were calculated based on age and sex and compared with the WHO standards using the LMSchartmaker Pro software 2.3. Results: The results showed that height, weight, and BMI percentiles in both gender were close to NCHS standards features in all ages, but some percentiles were higher in children in Yazd than NCHS standardsNCHS standards, including the 97th percentile of height for boys, the 97th percentile of BMI for both gender, the 97th percentile of weight for boys, the 75th percentile of weight for boys aged 9 and 10 years, and the same percentile in girls ages 7 - 11 and 9 - 11 years, respectively. Conclusions: According to the results, the researchers recommend using the indices of the present study according to the differences observed between height, weight, and BMI in children studied with NCHS standards.
Comparative analysis of the regional efficiency in Serbia: DEA approach
Authors: Radonjić Ljubivoje
Published: October 2020

The main aim of the paper is to offer a statistical identification of differences in efficiency between Serbian regions. The regional resources covered by the analysis are presented in the form of infrastructure, investment in new fixed assets and employment levels. For the researching purpose, data envelopment method (DEA) is used as a major component in identifying regions that use their resources effectively. This approach of mathematical programming optimization tends to evaluate the efficiency of the analyzed regional spatial aspects. Moreover, studying regional differences and generally spatial efficiency creates a significant basis for mapping key problems of regional development in Serbia and provides important guidelines for the creation and implementation of regional policies.
Will the COVID-19 pandemic change anything?: A view from the angle of experts in microbiology
Authors: Delić Snežana
Published: October 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the majority of health systems around the world, pointing out that it is necessary to invest in the modern equipment for molecular diagnostics, as well as to provide an adequate space within microbiological laboratories for this form of diagnostics, according to the standards that are required for such procedures. It is also necessary to increase the number of specialists within the field of medical microbiology, especially in those laboratories where the lack of experts is at an alarming level. Investing in the diagnostic branches of medicine (and microbiology, as well) provides the optimal health protection: fast and correct diagnosis, the application of the adequate antimicrobial therapy as soon as possible, resulting in greater chances for curing. Furthermore, this leads to fewer hospital days and fewer deathly outcomes, while for infirmary patients this means a faster diagnostic procedure and a decrease in the number of specialist examinations, which are sometimes unnecessary. During the Covid-19 pandemic, The Section of Microbiologists of the Serbian Medical Society as well as the Institute for Microbiology and Immunology of the Faculty of Medicine of Belgrade University, have made themselves available to the Ministry of Health of The Republic of Serbia for the identification of potential laboratory capacities and for conducting necessary experts training, for doctors specialists and for laboratory technicians, as well. Although new technologies develop fast and the laboratory work becomes automated, in theory and in practice as well, an educated expert in medical microbiology still presents the main pillar that stands up for a precise, modern, quick and high-quality diagnosis of infective pathogens, especially those with pandemic potential.