bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FACTORS AFFECTING HOUSING PRICES IN MALAYSIA: ANALYSIS OF THE SUPPLY SIDE
Authors: Olanrewaju Abdul Lateef , Lim Xin Ying , Tan Seong Yeow , Lee Jia En , Adnan Hamimah
Published: November 2021

Buying a house is a major decision that homebuyers will make because expenditure on homeownership has an influence on the homeowner’s quality of life. The housing price also influence developers’ revenues and profit margins. Developers produce houses to make profits, however, with the increase in housing prices, homeownership rate and developers’ profit performance will be affected. This study examines the reasons why housing prices are increasing in spite of the government’s ‘cooling’ measures. Through a cross-sectional survey questionnaire, comprising 24 causes and 115 members of the housing developers and designers teams, 13 influential factors to the increase in housing prices were found. Additionally, the participants were also inquired on the five most influential factors causing the increase in housing prices. The factors include the shortage of materials, quality of materials, strategic factors, housing location and availability of transportation system. The results of the study are useful to developers, homebuyers and policymakers towards reducing housing prices.
IDENTIFYING THE LEVEL OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THE COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AT KG. KUALA TELANG, KUALA LIPIS, PAHANG
Authors: Yaman Maheran , Baharuddin Zainul Mukrim , Mohd Jani Haza Hanurhaza
Published: November 2021

A community is a particular group of people that are bound by a similar cultural practice and activities. The continuation of the practising the local culture developed an identity for the community. Through time, the identity is strengthened by the level of community involvement in response to their participation in preserving the culture. The lack of community involvement would result to decreasing number of cultural practices. Eventually, the process contributed to a negative impact on the local identity. This paper addresses the importance of a community involvement concerning safeguarding the local culture and practices. Two objectives are outlined in achieving the aim. Firstly, to identify the list of the community activities. Secondly, to determine the level of community involvement at Kg. Kuala Telang, Kuala Lipis. A quantitative method of analysis is adopted in the paper to achieve the objectives. The survey questionnaire is distributed to 58 respondents, and the result is analysed using descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation tests. The findings from the data collection are arranged into four categories, and the result is discussed accordingly as to answer the aim and objectives of the paper. As a final remark, the paper highlights the importance of community involvement and the methods to ensure the level of participation in response to community activities in the village.
HOUSING FOR DISABLED PEOPLE: WHAT DO THEY NEED?
Authors: Ab Rahman Syakir Amir , Samsudin Nasriah , Mohamed Osman Mariana , Bachok Syahriah , Rabe Noor Suzilawati
Published: November 2021

Across the world, people with disabilities, advocacy companies, key nonauthorities and government stakeholders are trying to find approaches to enhance housing assist preparations for the disabled people. In order to do so, the housing industry should be more adaptive to meet the demand of the people with special needs. The government also needs to plan for suitable housing policies for all groups of people. Housing is the central focus for human being including the disabled people and houses that follow housing standard for the disabled will improve their quality of life. The objective of this paper is to study the preferences in terms of price, location and design factors in owning a residential property among the disabled community in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. A survey questionnaires was distributed to 400 respondents of the disabled community. The survey focused on two categories of disability, which are the physical disability and visual impairment. The outcome of this study describes the preferences in owning a residential property in term of price, location and design of the property. Recommendation was then made on housing strategy in planning for the price, location and design of residential property for the disabled community in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
ASSESSMENT ON SITTING POSTURE RELATION TO RISK FACTORS BY USING CHI-SQUARE TEST AMONG ELDERLY TAXI DRIVERS IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA
Authors: Abdul Majid Ahmad Zuhairi , Md Yusoff Irwan Syah , Mohd Tamrin Shamsul Bahri
Published: November 2021

There are numerous factors to take into account to ensure the elderly taxi drivers perform well at work while maintaining a good health. This paper is aimed to assess sitting posture of elderly taxi drivers in Peninsular Malaysia using chisquare test. A cross-sectional study was conducted with elderly taxi drivers using a self-administered questionnaire. The survey results deliver details of sociodemographic, work characteristics and sitting comfort of older taxi drivers. Purposive sampling was used targeting at 60 years old and older, self-driving taxi for at least 1 year, no disabilities and registered with Land Public Transport Commission (LPTC). A total of 120 respondents participated in the study. Most of the respondents used ‘hired’ car (76.7%). More than half of respondents had back pain in the past 12 months and 67.5% felt back pain in the last seven days. There are significant relationships (p< 0.05) between discomfort due to seat design and (i) BMI, (ii) smoking status, (iii) driving until midnight, (iv) feeling back pain for the last 12 months and last seven days. The lower body parts are susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) symptom and low back pain (LBP) injuries. Inappropriate sitting posture may cause discomfort and lead to MSDs. The lack of awareness on ergonomics design for sitting comfort lead to poor lifestyle and health issues among elderly taxi drivers in Malaysia.
PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND POZZOLANIC PERFORMANCE OF ULTRAFINE TREATED RICE HUSK ASH (UFTRHA) AS ADDITIVE IN CONCRETE
Authors: Saad Siti Asmahani , Shafiq Nasir , Ali Maisarah
Published: November 2021

Rice husk ash (RHA) contains high amount of amorphous silica that is ubiquitous in the pozzolanic reaction of SCM in concrete. However, usage of conventional RHA is currently unfavourable in concrete industry due to its properties inconsistency. In this regard, improvement on the RHA properties by introduction of thermochemical pre-treatment prior to burning procedure is seen as an excellent way to reach the goal. In this paper, raw rice husk was pre-treated using 0.1N hydrochloric acid (HCl) and heated at 80oC. It was then mechanically activated by high energy planetary ball mill for 15 minutes at speed of 300rpmand ball-to-powder ratio (BPR) of 15:1. The chemical composition, mineralogical properties, particle size analysis, specific surface area as well as microstructure properties of ultrafine treated rice husk ash (UFTRHA) were determined accordingly. As for amorphous silica content of the optimum sample was recorded as 98.60% incinerated at 600oC with four hours of pre-treatment soaking duration. In terms of particle size and specific surface, it was also observed that, burning temperature of 600oC, pre-treated at four hours were recorded to produce finest size of UFTRHA where d(0.1), d(0.5) and d(0.9) were obtained as 1.416?m, 4.364 ?m and 14.043 ?m respectively. Largest specific surface area value was obtained at 219.58 m2/g with the similar pre-treatment conditions. Meanwhile, the strength activity of UFTRHA from the optimum pre-treatment process was measured by testing the compressive strength of mortars. The highest compression value obtained was 50.17MPa with 3% UFTRHA replacement at 28 days.
INHALABLE AND RESPIRABLE DUST CONCENTRATION OF SOILED STONE, METAL AND CERAMIC ARTEFACT INSIDE NATIONAL MUSEUM MALAYSIA
Authors: Mohd Din Shamzani Affendy , Mat Husin Nur Baiti , Othman Rashidi
Published: November 2021

Airborne particulate matter is a key indicator of air pollution brought into the air by a variety of natural and human activities. As it can travel in distances and suspended in the atmosphere, it affects human health and museum artefact. The primary idea of this paper is to discuss the mass concentration of airborne particulates matter in terms of inhalable and respirable dust from the stone, metal and ceramic display showcase. The fluctuation of temperature and relative humidity, the museum cleaning activity, the usage of HVAC system and construction activity affect the soiling defect of stone, metal and ceramic artefact. The approach selected to collect primary data for this research is by conducting case study at the National Museum of Malaysia. Personal air sampling was conducted using Casella 7-Holes and Cyclone sampler head. Results revealed high abundances of inhalable dust at stone and ceramic artefact both in Galley A and B. This study is beneficial towards the Jabatan Muzium Malaysia (JMM), Department of Environment (DOE), Ministry of Health (MOH) and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) by emphasising that reducing air pollution will reduce soiling defect of the museum artefact. Thus, it can reduce government expenses to the museum management towards cleaning procedure for the damaged artefact.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF CLASSICAL MALAY ARISTOCRATIC ARCHITECTURE: IDENTIFYING GENERIC AND VARIANT FORMS
Authors: Raja Abdul Kadir Tengku Anis Qarihah , Jahn Kassim Puteri Shireen , Abdul Majid Noor Hanita , Kamaruddin Zumahiran
Published: November 2021

The paper reports on a basic classification based on formal and morphological similarities of large vernacular buildings across the Malay region, based on their frontages; with the aim of developing a universal regional language and set of rules of local architecture for urban and multi-storeys typologies. Generally, seen as idiosyncratic and individualistic, Malay regional palaces and mansions across different states and regions under former Sultanates, exhibit different vocabularies, yet have underlying similarities. While form and architecture may arise from the local technology and construction methods of the era, aesthetic expressions of these palaces recall formal archetypes which can be described, and characterised, regardless of location. Focusing on palaces in Malaysia and East Sumatran region from the late 1800s onwards, recurring forms of a Malay-Classical language are observed and classified into generic morphologies of frontages. The aim is towards formal taxonomy that can represent a more inclusive architectural identity of the region, rather than identities based on nations. By defining the ‘generic’ and the ‘variant’, significant palaces across the Malay region are discussed and positioned within a classification based on a range of generic archetypes. Variants include cases which have absorbed external influences yet retain the essences of local form, while some examples, refer to elements that have modernised been yet represent the last offshoot or branch of the same region. To identify generic rules and frameworks of design, the regional roots of form, including frontages, for public buildings is crucial for urbanscape and the urgency of developing guidelines and a set of compositional rules and language of urban architecture derived from the essences of tradition and past forms.
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE OF URBAN RESIDENTS. CASE STUDY: SRI PAHANG PUBLIC HOUSING, BANGSAR, KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
Authors: Ling Hoon Leh Oliver , Shaharom Nur Hidayah , Marzukhi Marlyana Azyyati , Syed Marzuki Sharifah Zannierah
Published: November 2021

The natural ecosystems are increasingly being replaced by urban built-up area due to fast urbanisation. The urban development pressure brought urban areas to the uncontrolled built environment which, in turn, significantly compromises the quality of public spaces and facilities. Furthermore, the urban environment discourages active living. Thus, research on the relationship between urbanisation and physical health is rapidly coming to the force. Urbanisation can have detrimental effects, particularly on physical health, which further attributed to unsustainable urban development. A study was carried out at Sri Pahang Public Housing (Flat), Kuala Lumpur with the aim to investigate the healthy lifestyle among residents and the relationship with the public facilities available at study area for the physical activity. Data was obtained through questionnaire survey. The relationship between healthy lifestyle particularly the level of physical activity and the facilities in the study area was analysed using correlation test. It was found that most of the respondents were physically inactive and their healthy lifestyle can be related to the planning aspects of facilities in the study area.
Inovação, inclusão digital e educação ao longo da vida
Authors: Joaquim Bruno , Pesce Lucila
Published: November 2021

O artigo situa-se como um estudo teórico-conceitual, que objetiva discutir os conceitos de inovação, inclusão digital e educação ao longo da vida. Em meio à pandemia do COVID-19, a discussão em torno de inovação e tecnologia, na relação com o binômio inclusão/exclusão digital, vem ganhando corpo. Demarca a latência da desigualdade social desvelada pela exclusão digital e a reflexão sobre o modo como a linguagem hipermídia é inserida nos diferentes contextos escolares. No debate educacional, os conceitos de inovação, inclusão digital e educação ao longo da vida vêm se apresentando como arenas de disputa semântica entre concepções antagônicas. O polo hegemônico procura situá-los a partir de uma racionalidade instrumental, com viés econômico, individualizante e autoritário. O polo de resistência posiciona seus significados sob enfoque humanístico, de subversão das relações de poder, com vistas à construção de uma sociedade democrática. Este estudo procura contribuir para o campo da educação e comunicação, ao propor uma chave analítica para os conceitos supracitados, em tempos de pandemia e recrudescimento do autoritarismo.
Ferramentas do design no ensino de Geografia
Authors: Durães Fabíola Alice dos Anjos , Cacete Núria Hanglei
Published: November 2021

Este artigo trata do desenvolvimento de uma inovação no Ensino de Geografia baseada no alinhamento do Design Gráfico e Web Design voltado à Educação. Os projetos apresentados articulam métodos do Design aliados aos princípios da Educação Aberta e materializam-se na forma de Recursos Educacionais Abertos (REA) dotados de tecnologias assistivas e disponibilizados de forma estruturada na internet, via e-book e website. O relato não se limita à mera apresentação dos projetos a partir de seus produtos, mas apresenta-os tomando como um processo de desafios, tomadas de decisões e soluções. Ao relatar esta experiência de forma pragmática, pretendemos contribuir com referências e dados que evidenciam o potencial dos conhecimentos e ferramentas do Design para o fortalecimento de trabalhos comunicativos no âmbito da Educação. Dessa forma, evidenciamos a relevância de uma inovação educacional que integre questões técnicas, sociais e pedagógicas.
A Inclusão Educacional dos povos indígenas pelo Ensino Superior a Distância
Authors: Burci Taissa Vieira Lozano , Costa Maria Luísa Furlan
Published: November 2021

O artigo visa compreender como a modalidade a distância democratiza o acesso e a permanência dos alunos indígenas no ensino superior por meio das políticas públicas e de ação afirmativa nos cursos a distância na Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM). O objeto de estudo é dividido em três eixos: o Sistema Universidade Aberta do Brasil, as políticas de ação afirmativa dos povos indígenas no Paraná e a modalidade a distância da UEM. O estudo de caso foi realizado com os tutores da universidade e os dados foram apreciados a partir das contribuições da análise do discurso de Bakhtin (2011). O resultado destaca que a junção dessas políticas públicas associadas à oferta inovadora e pioneira de vagas específicas na modalidade a distância pela UEM, que tem como base o uso das tecnologias, tem assegurado o direito à educação para os povos indígenas, à inclusão e à democratização do ensino superior público. As políticas foram analisadas a partir do ciclo de políticas de Ball, Bowe e Gold (1992).

Palavras-chave: Tecnologias; Inclusão; Inovação; Políticas; Ensino Superior.
(Co)autoria de Recursos Educacionais Abertos e inovação educacional:
Authors: Jacques Juliana Sales , Mallmann Elena Maria , Mazzardo Mara Denize
Published: November 2021

Na esteira de quefazeres e saberes ético-estéticos, investigamos em que medida a (co)autoria de Recursos Educacionais Abertos (REA) potencializa inovação na Educação Básica. Em movimento cíclico-espiralado de pesquisa-ação, (co)autoramos o Small Open Online Course “REA: Educação para o futuro”, ofertando-o a professores da Educação Básica da rede pública estadual do Rio Grande do Sul. Ao longo das atividades de estudo, produzimos dados teórico-práticos que potencializaram, neste artigo, a análise interpretativo-crítica de discursos de professores participantes, sob o recorte temático inovação didático-metodológica e fluência tecnológico-pedagógica. Defendemos que, nas relações dialógicas dos REA com o tripé Educação, tecnologias e inovação, a disruptividade acontece à medida que (co)autoramos em rede à luz de atos éticos e estéticos. Assim, a (co)autoria de REA, responsável e responsiva, depende da fluência tecnológico-pedagógica para fomentar e consolidar inovação educacional disruptiva.
Technology 4.0 for Education 4.0
Authors: Sharma Ramesh Chander , Garg Suresh
Published: November 2021

There is no denying the fact that education is the greatest tool to solve our problems. Education has been transformed from centuries in its form, levels, and format. Depending upon our needs and times, be it peace or exigencies (natural or human induced), educational pedagogies, assessment strategies, infrastructural provisions, student enrolment, faculty recruitment, finances, knowledge management and technology adoption, all have changed over a period of time. Such change in teaching and learning practices is constant. Flexibility of operations, rapidity of knowledge generation and transfer, creative practices and spatial arrangements have given rise to innovations in education. New pedagogies and technologies have opened up new possibilities. Students are offered new learning paths. This article discusses the innovations, challenges and opportunities as presented to us by the technology 4.0 for education 4.0.
Fontes de autoeficácia computacional docente como caminho para a inovação pedagógica
Authors: Santos Elis Renata de Britto
Published: November 2021

O estudo propõe um debate crítico sobre o uso das tecnologias digitais no ensino pressupondo que estas são artefatos culturais porque estão inseridas nos costumes dos indivíduos. Essa investigação pauta-se nos ensinamentos de Albert Bandura sobre crenças de autoeficácia e o objetivo é analisar como as fontes de autoeficácia computacional docente podem contribuir para fortalecer a confiança do professor da Educação Básica. A pesquisa qualitativa foi desenvolvida durante 2014-2016 em 8 escolas municipais do Rio de Janeiro, entrevistando 64 professores. Os resultados indicaram que as fontes experiências direta e vicária e a persuasão social foram as mais expressivas no fortalecimento da crença de autoeficácia. Entretanto, os estados emocionais percebidos como ansiedade e dúvida enfraqueceram essa mesma crença. Conclui-se que as fontes de informação representam um caminho significativo para a inovação pedagógica explorando o potencial disruptivo da tecnologia.
Recalibrating Institutional Choreographies for future-focused learning and teaching.
Authors: Naidu Som , Yusuf Javed , Bhartu Dhiraj , Bhartu Deepak
Published: November 2021

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, educational institutions worldwide have had to immediately pivot to online distance learning and teaching. While institutions with a grounding in open, distance and flexible learning have done reasonably well in the circumstances, the majority of institutions have struggled with this sudden move away from their conventional campus-based operations. Examples of the few successful adoption and implementation of online learning and teaching are however, boutique and small-scale operations in one program of study, one Department or Faculty. Clearly missing from this scenario are examples of large scale and institution-wide adoption of open, online, distance and flexible learning. This is a consequence of the limitations of existing operational infrastructure as well as mindsets. These are hard to change in the best of times, although they are long-term benefit and resilience against future disturbances of the sorts we are currently experiencing, they must change. This kind of change requires institution-wide reimagination and reengineering of conventional practices.
Difficulty Regulating Social Media Content of Age-Restricted Products: Comparing JUUL’s Official Twitter Timeline and Social Media Content About JUUL
Authors: Valdez Danny , Unger Jennifer B
Published: November 2021

Background

In 2018, JUUL Labs Inc, a popular e-cigarette manufacturer, announced it would substantially limit its social media presence in compliance with the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) call to curb underage e-cigarette use. However, shortly after the announcement, a series of JUUL-related hashtags emerged on various social media platforms, calling the effectiveness of the FDA’s regulations into question.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to determine whether hashtags remain a common venue to market age-restricted products on social media.

Methods

We used Twitter’s standard application programming interface to download the 3200 most-recent tweets originating from JUUL Labs Inc’s official Twitter Account (@JUULVapor), and a series of tweets (n=28,989) from other Twitter users containing either #JUUL or mentioned JUUL in the tweet text. We ran exploratory (10×10) and iterative Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic models to compare @JUULVapor’s content versus our hashtag corpus. We qualitatively deliberated topic meanings and substantiated our interpretations with tweets from either corpus.

Results

The topic models generated for @JUULVapor’s timeline seemingly alluded to compliance with the FDA’s call to prohibit marketing of age-restricted products on social media. However, the topic models generated for the hashtag corpus of tweets from other Twitter users contained several references to flavors, vaping paraphernalia, and illicit drugs, which may be appealing to younger audiences.

Conclusions

Our findings underscore the complicated nature of social media regulation. Although JUUL Labs Inc seemingly complied with the FDA to limit its social media presence, JUUL and other e-cigarette manufacturers are still discussed openly in social media spaces. Much discourse about JUUL and e-cigarettes is spread via hashtags, which allow messages to reach a wide audience quickly. This suggests that social media regulations on manufacturers cannot prevent e-cigarette users, influencers, or marketers from spreading information about e-cigarette attributes that appeal to the youth, such as flavors. Stricter protocols are needed to regulate discourse about age-restricted products on social media.
New Approach for Analyzing Marine Ecosystem Structure Using Bayesian Networks
Authors:   Russian Federal Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography (``VNIRO''), Azov-Black Sea Branch of the ``VNIRO'' (``AzNIIRKH''), 344002,  Rostov-on-Don, Russia, Krivoguz Denis , Chernyi Sergey ,   Kerch State Maritime Technological University, 298309, Kerch, Russia, Manukov Artur ,   Kerch State Maritime Technological University, 298309, Kerch, Russia
Published: November 2021

Aquatic ecosystems of the Black Sea are complex multiparametric systems with a hierarchical structure. Thus, the main goal of our research was to investigate possibilities of using Bayesian networks to study the structure fo the natural systems in the Black Sea. We used CMEMS Black Sea environmental dataset, which consists of 7 different variables, that, in our opinion, can describe structural relations in the Black Sea ecosystem -- sea surface temperature and salinity, concentrations of nitrates and phosphates, amount of chlorophyll-a and net primary production and also dissolved oxygen concentration. We think, that these variables can generally define interactions in water environment of the Black Sea, organisms, that live there and human activity. As a modelling result, we receive a structure of environmental variables interactions. At the top of this structure is a dissolved oxygen, as a final result of the ecosystem functioning. Further, we think it's more appropriate to use Dynamic Bayesian networks for investigation of spatio-temporal changes to distinguish main drivers of changes and provide more balanced management of natural territories.
A Research on the Improvement of Business English Teachers’ Competence in an Internet Plus Era
Authors: Chunmei Yu
Published: November 2021

In an Internet Plus era, the internet technology has brought an unprecedented change to people’s ways and habits of learning, so the traditional BE instructional design cannot meet the talent needs of international business practice. BE teachers’ lack of business knowledge and practical experience forms an obstacle to BE teaching. BE teachers in transition should make more efforts to improve their competence and teaching quality, so as to cultivate comprehensive and practical talents of high quality. This paper aims at discussing how to improve BE teachers’ competence in an Internet Plus era.
Adverse Childhood Events and Their Association with Adverse Health Outcomes: A Sacramento County (California) Study
Authors: Allison Tara R. , Wambuguh Oscar
Published: November 2021

Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs) may negatively impact mental, emotional, and physical health. The study’s main goal was to understand ACEs and associated adverse health outcomes, specifically focusing on the ACE exposures to Sacramento County residents. Sacramento County was chosen as it includes a big metropolitan community of about 1.5 million people. PubMed was used to identify research articles on the correlation between ACEs and adverse health outcomes during adulthood, and the disparities in healthcare services provided to County residents. Generally, the results demonstrate that ACEs are associated with a range of negative health outcomes. There is a need for interventions to mitigate the adverse impact that ACEs have on the health of both pediatric and adult populations. Studies indicate that County residents have a high probability of experiencing an ACE exposure or a set of circumstances that exacerbate the effect of ACEs. Some examples of ACEs specific to residents include low socioeconomic status or severe economic hardship, medical trauma, household dysfunction, discrimination, hunger, limited resource accessibility, and poor mental health. Despite the incomplete knowledge on ACEs from a biological standpoint, unpredictable range of ACE health outcomes, and non-standardized treatment protocols, data support that ACEs adversely impact the health status of residents, and studies support intervention.
Importance and Application of Mathematics in Everyday Life
Authors: Sharma Pranshi
Published: November 2021

Abstract: Mathematics is a field of science that studies numbers and how they are used. It includes calculations, computations, and problem solving, among other things. It is a subject that is accurate, precise, methodical, and logical. Mathematics has been defined in a variety of ways throughout history; it is an indispensible component of science and is utilized in virtually every discipline, including natural science, engineering, art, and economics. Mathematics is a vital instrument in our lives and in every scientific field that promotes personal growth and development on a broad scale. To avoid chaos and confusion, mathematics makes life smoother and more organized. Problem solving, creativity, critical thinking, and reasoning capacity are some of the traits and talents fostered by mathematics. Other unique skills include analyzing and communicating effectively. Everyone requires mathematics in their daily lives, whether they are a cook or a farmer, a carpenter or a mechanic, a shopkeeper or a doctor, an engineer or a scientist, a musician or a magician. Therefore, it would be impossible to summarize mathematics applications in each field. Through this research document, it is intended to talk about the importance and applications of mathematics in our daily lives. Keywords: Mathematics, Importance of Mathematics, Application of Mathematics, Analysis, Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Abilities.
Financial Modernization Act - Enterprise value and Reputation
Authors: Oniha Kelly
Published: November 2021

Abstract: The Financial Service Modernization Act of 1999 has been crucial to the financial service industry ever since its creation. There are two primary reasons this Act was mandated to aid the financial service industry- the merger/barrier reason and consumer privacy reason. This paper evaluates whether this policy has achieved this object and how the effect the policy has had on the financial service industry compares to the non-policy effect on wholesale trade industry, retail trade industry and service industry. This paper finds that this policy is one of the significant reasons, If not the primary reason, for the increase in the Enterprise Value (EV) of firms within the financial service industries over the industries. Furthermore, the findings suggest that customer complaints may have lessened within the financial service industries more than Wholesale and Retail trade industries but not the service industries.
Investigation of Photometric Flicker Phenomenon Effect on the Perception Level of Office Workers in Different Age Groups
Authors: Yavuz Cenk
Published: November 2021

Abstract: Today, under the conditions where the number of office workers and artificial lighting applications have increased, although the effects of the Photometric Flicker phenomenon are serious, it is an issue that has not been understood in detail and people are not aware of it. Photometric Flicker phenomenon, which is a direct result of using ballasts or drivers with low power factor and lacking the necessary filtering features; It causes results such as decreased visual performance, loss of attention and perception. Considering that the conversion of LED luminaires is still not completed in many office buildings in the country, it is seen as an important requirement to investigate the Flicker effect in interior spaces that are considered to offer similar lighting levels and conditions, and to make a concrete due diligence by correlating this with the average age of office workers. For this reason, in this study, various tests and experiments were carried out with volunteer participants aged 18-30, 31-45 and 46 years of age and older without any significant vision problems, and the outputs of these studies were aimed to shed light on the relationship between age and lighting conditions. Keywords: Photometric Flicker, Interior lighting, Age and lighting relationship, Disruptive effects in lighting
Efficient and Secure Multi-party Computation for Heterogeneous Environment
Authors: Kumari Surabhi
Published: November 2021

Abstract: MPC (multi-party computation) is a comprehensive cryptographic concept that can be used to do computations while maintaining anonymity. MPC allows a group of people to work together on a function without revealing the plaintext's true input or output. Privacy-preserving voting, arithmetic calculation, and large-scale data processing are just a few of the applications of MPC. Each MPC party can run on a single computing node from a system perspective. Multiple parties' computing nodes could be homogenous or heterogeneous; nevertheless, MPC protocols' distributed workloads are always homogeneous (symmetric). We investigate the system performance of a representative MPC framework and a collection of MPC applications in this paper. On homogeneous and heterogeneous compute nodes, we describe the complete online calculation workflow of a state-of-the-art MPC protocol and examine the fundamental cause of its stall time and performance limitation. Keywords: Cloud Computing, IoT, MPC, Amazon Service, Virtualization.
Roots, Rights and Risk: Canada, Childhood and the COVID-19 Global Pandemic.
Authors: Ciotti Sarah , Moore Shannon , Connolly Maureen , Newmeyer Trent
Published: November 2021

The COVID-19 global pandemic highlights pre-existing inequities as well as the challenge of ensuring the protection of children’s human rights in countries like Canada that have ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. SARS-CoV-2, referred to as the 2019 novel Coronavirus disease or COVID-19, presents a significant threat to public health. Although children are considered to be low risk of contracting, spreading, and serious complications of the disease, are considerably impacted by COVID-19 government-sanctioned distancing measures. COVID-19 is a persistent public health threat, thus, the long-term consequences are largely unknown. This qualitative research study, a content analysis of online Canadian media reports of COVID-19 and children, engaged transdisciplinary social justice methodology, social constructions of childhood at the intersection of race, socio-economic status, gender, and disability. The findings suggest COVID-19 reinforces the impact of social exclusion and economic disparity on equity-seeking young people and families in Canada.
Le jeu libre sur le chemin de l’école : Un besoin fondamental ou une activité frivole pour l’enfant ?
Authors: Camponovo Sara
Published: November 2021

Le chemin de l’école fait partie du quotidien de tout enfant scolarisé-es. Il se révèle être l’un des rares moments non structurés et non strictement surveillés par les adultes où les enfants sont libres et autonomes. Issu d’un projet de recherche portant sur les expériences enfantines sur le chemin de l’école dans trois cantons suisses, cet article étudie plus spécifiquement les activités ludiques qui s’y déroulent. Ce faisant, un paradoxe est mis en évidence. D’une part, les données montrent que le chemin de l’école offre aux enfants un espace-temps de liberté, d’amusement pendant lequel ils et elles peuvent se livrer dans des jeux spontanés et autodirigés. D’autre part, elles dévoilent l’influence – plus ou moins marquée selon les cas – de contraintes parentales sur l’organisation de ces déplacements qui par conséquent réduisent la marge de liberté de l’enfant. Leur droit au jeu est donc mis en question.
Missed opportunities. Why is Canada missing out on the opportunity to implement a National Children’s Rights Commissioner?
Authors: Gallitto Elena , Ladouceur Patrick , Celebi Seyda
Published: November 2021

Policies can impact the well-being of children both directly and indirectly. Despite the growing acceptance of children as active citizens, they are often neglected in decision-making regarding policy. The Canadian government, which is built on principles of liberty and respect of human rights has the duty to guarantee that children’s views and needs are taken into account. In this regard, the creation of a National Children’s Rights Commissioner is an essential step to the establishment of a system that is accountable to children and the entire community. In this paper, we present the arguments in support of the need for a National Commissioner of Children and Youth in Canada. Recent research on the beneficial impact of the National Commissioner and their successes across different Commonwealth countries will be presented, and implications will be discussed.
Youth First: A Canadian Youth-led Initiative in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Shin Reah (Hyun Ju) , Kaur Harleen , Howe Catherine , Whitty Justin , Quigley Kyla , Katerenchuk Regan , Bonnell Victoria , Cao Ronglan , Liu James , Pearson Geoffrey
Published: November 2021

This reflection writing was co-written by seven young people and three Master of Arts Child and Youth Care (MA CYC) students from Ryerson University. Our writing centres around a Canadian youth-led initiative called Youth First, developed as a MA CYC placement due to the lack of placement opportunities available during the pandemic. Youth First focused on creating safe and interactive spaces in cyberspace for young people during the pandemic. Through this reflection, we hope to share our experiences, accomplishments, lessons learned and overall reflection of being part of this initiative during a global pandemic.
Invisible Childhoods: Mexican Children Facing the COVID Pandemic
Authors: Corona-Caraveo Yolanda , Pérez y Zavala Carlos , Navarro-Montalvo Sergio
Published: November 2021

This essay provides a brief introduction to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on children and adolescents in Mexico.  It argues that children have been left behind and made invisible in the actions taken by governments to counteract the contagion. This article also analyzes what has happened as a result of changes regarding confinement, play, the use of streets and public spaces and educational institutions – from a children´s rights perspective.  The results of several studies that have been carried out in our country are mentioned, ending with some recommendations regarding recognition of the important place children hold in our society.
Examiner les Résultats Relatifs aux Pratiques Parentales et les Facteurs Prédicteurs issus du Programme Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting (PDEP)
Authors: Broussard Cathy
Published: November 2021

Le programme Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting (PDEP) apporte des techniques alternatives à la punition physique, aux parents, en promouvant la discipline positive. Cette étude évalue de façon préliminaire l’efficacité du programme sur des pratiques parentales telles que la discipline positive, l’utilisation de la punition physique et non-physique. Nous examinons auprès de parents si les changements post-programme sur ces pratiques parentales sont prédits par les variables appartenant au modèle cognitif du programme et celles appartenant au modèle des buts et actions. Les résultats montrent une diminution significative sur l’utilisation de la punition non-physique suite à la participation au programme, comparé aux parents sur la liste d’attente. De plus, les parents les plus impulsifs ont tendance à profiter le plus du programme. Ces résultats ont des implications importantes concernant les facteurs déterminants pour le succès du programme et les éléments qui peuvent influencer des changements dans l’utilisation de stratégies parentales punitives.
Les droits à l’éducation et l’autonomisation à l’action climatique comme vecteurs du droit à un environnement sain
Authors: Lefebvre Isabelle
Published: November 2021

Ce texte a pour objectif d’explorer le droit à l’éducation  et l'autonomisation à l’action climatique comme outils indispensables à la réalisation du droit à l’environnement sain pour tous mais de façon plus particulière, pour le bénéfice de la jeunesse actuelle et des générations futures. Il démontre comment la mise en œuvre effective d’une éducation aux changements climatiques de qualité pourrait contribuer à assurer un environnement sain et examine l’interdépendance des droits fondamentaux.  Il se divise en 4 parties : une analyse des principaux instruments juridiques onusiens leur garantissant les droits à l’éducation et le droit à un environnement sain, une rétrospective de l’évolution de la notion d’éducation au développement durable, un examen  du rôle que devrait jouer l’Autonomisation à l’action climatique prévue dans le cadre juridique des Nations Unies et se penche sur les efforts déployés par l’Unesco pour mettre à profit le rôle de l’éducation comme vecteur d’un environnement sain.
UNICEF's 'The Necessity of Urban Green Space for Children's Optimal Development': A Discussion Paper
Authors: Chawla Louise
Published: November 2021

A review and discussion of UNICEF's report titled "The Necessity of Urban Green Space for Children's Optimal Development."
Museums as social and cultural spaces for active ageing: evidence, challenges, and opportunities
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Hernández Lara Oscar Gerardo , Toney Benjamin ,   University of Southern California
Published: November 2021

The work addresses access to Museums as cultural spaces by older adults in Mexico. The access, use, and knowledge they have regarding museums are analyzed. The analysis is carried out by rural or urban origin, travel time, gender, education levels, among other variables. The database used is the Museum Statistics for 2017 published by INEGI in 2018 and the method used consisted of crossing variables. The National Statistical Directory of Economic Units database was accessed to cross-check statistical information with georeferenced points of museums throughout the country. The work adds two different dimensions of study, 1) to the studies of aging and old age, when verifying the mobility, cultural interests and social connectivity of the elderly and, 2) to the studies on museums and cultural spaces, by demonstrating the persistence of access and interest on the part of older adults.
The Impact of Remote Urology Outpatient Clinics during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Abdelmotagly Yehia , Noureldin Mohamed , Paramore Louise , Rajkumar Govindaraj , Nedas Timothy , Neal Naomi , Hindley Richard , Emara Amr
Published: November 2021

Introduction: The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020 had a major impact on NHS services. From the 23rd of March 2020, the Urology Department in Basingstoke initiated telephone-led consultation clinics instead of face-to-face outpatient appointments, in accordance with U.K. guidance.

Objectives: To evaluate patient experience and satisfaction following the introduction of remote (telephone) consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Patients and methods: The first 200 remote patient appointments between the 30th of March 2020 and the 16th of April 2020 were sent a postal questionnaire (19 questions relating to their experience and level of satisfaction with the interaction). Telephone consultations were conducted by 6 consultants, 3 registrars, and 2 specialist nurses. The patients were not prewarned to expect a questionnaire after the remote appointment. The associated cost saving resulting from a switch from face-to-face appointments to remote telephone appointments was also calculated.

Results: 100 out of the 200 patients responded within 1 month (response rate 50%). A total of 44% of the patients were new referrals, while 56% were follow-ups. Overall, the feedback was positive regarding the telephone consultation, with 88% rating the care received as excellent or very good. In addition, 90% would recommend a telephone consultation to family and friends. However, 35% would prefer in the future to have another telephone consultation rather than face-to-face consultation, with 46% preferring a face-to-face appointment in the future and 19% unsure. For new patients, the proportion wishing to have a face-to-face appointment, in the end, was unsurprisingly higher than it was for those undergoing a follow-up (39% vs. 7 %). In these 2 weeks, the cost reduction to the NHS from shifting from face-to-face consultation to telephone consultation was estimated to be £6500.

Conclusions: Telephone urology clinics are a satisfactory alternative to face-to-face appointments for many of our patients now and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. They are efficient, cost-effective, and feasible to undertake urological consultation and can be implemented successfully in selected patients. The feedback from this questionnaire would suggest that priority should be given to face-to-face appointments for new patients and for complex follow-up appointments. Telephone follow-up appointments, however, are a good approach for the majority of patients.
The queen, but not the brood, drives brain gene expression in bumble bee workers
Authors: Santos Priscila , Starkey Jesse , Galbraith David , Amsalem Etya
Published: November 2021

Worker reproduction in social insects is often regulated by the queen,
but can be regulated by the brood and nestmates, who may use different
mechanisms to induce the same outcomes in subordinates. Analysis of
brain gene expression patterns in bumble bee workers (Bombus
impatiens) in response to the presence of the queen, the brood, both or
neither, identified 18 differentially expressed genes, 17 of them are
regulated by the queen and none are regulated by the brood. Overall,
brain gene expression differences in workers were driven by the queen’s
presence, despite recent studies showing that brood reduces worker egg
laying and provides context to the queen pheromones. The queen affected
important regulators of reproduction and brood care across insects, such
as neuroparsin and vitellogenin, and a comparison with
similar datasets in the honeybee and the raider ant revealed
that neuroparsin is differentially expressed in all species.
These data emphasize the prominent role of the queen in regulating
worker physiology and behavior, and the need to consider components
other than the queen when examining regulators of worker sterility.
Genes that serve as key regulators of workers’ reproduction are likely
to play an important role in the evolution of sociality.
Involvement of MAP3K7 in FMD2 and CSCF, delineation of genotype/phenotype correlations.
Authors: Woerden Geeske van , Senden Richelle , Konink Charlotte de , Trezza Rossella Avagliano , baban anwar , Bassetti Jennifer , Bever Yolande Van , Bird Lynne , Bon Bregje van , Brooks Alice , Guan Qiaoning , Klee Eric , Marcelis Carlo , Morales-Rosado Joel , Schimmenti Lisa , Shikany Amy , Terhal Paulien , Weaver Kathryn , Wessels Marja , Wieringen Hester van , Hurst Anna , Gooch Catherine , Tartaglia Marco , Niceta Marcello , Elgersma Ype , Demirdas Serwet
Published: November 2021

Mitogen-Activated Protein 3 Kinase 7 (MAP3K7, MIM 602614) encodes the
ubiquitously expressed transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)–activated
kinase 1 (TAK1), which plays a crucial role in many cellular processes.
Variants in the MAP3K7 gene have been linked to 2 distinct disorders:
frontometaphyseal dysplasia type 2 (FMD2, MIM #617137) and
cardiospondylocarpofacial syndrome (CSCF, MIM #157800). The fact that
different variants can induce 2 distinct phenotypes suggests a
phenotype/genotype correlation, but no side-by-side comparison has been
done thus far to confirm this. Here we significantly expand the cohort
and the description of clinical phenotypes for individuals with CSCF and
FMD2 who carry variants in MAP3K7. We show that in contrast to
FMD2-causing variants, CSCF-causing variants in MAP3K7 have a
loss-of-function effect. Additionally, patients with pathogenic variants
in MAP3K7 are at risk for cardiac disease, have symptoms associated with
connective tissue disease and we show overlap in clinical phenotypes of
CSCF with Noonan syndrome. Together, we provide evidence for a molecular
fingerprint of FMD2- versus CSCF-causing MAP3K7 variants and conclude
that variants in MAP3K7 should be considered in the differential
diagnosis of patients with syndromic congenital cardiac defects and/or
cardiomyopathy, syndromic connective tissue disorders and in the
differential diagnosis of Noonan syndrome.