bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parametric Study on Moment Redistribution of Fiber Reinforced Concrete Continuous Beams with Basalt FRP Bars
Authors: Abushanab Abdelrahman Hamdi , Alnahhal Wael I
Published: December 2020

The state of Qatar is suffering from its harsh environment and coastal conditions, which stand for most of the year. As a result, steel-reinforced concrete structures are subjected to rapid corrosion and deterioration. Therefore, there is a necessity to replace the conventional steel reinforcement by fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) bars. Apart from FRP bars corrosion resistance, their strength to weight ratio is higher than steel reinforcement, which made the FRP, bars a viable alternative to steel reinforcement. Continuous concrete beams are commonly used elements in structures such as parking garages and overpasses. In such structures, forces could be distributed between the critical sections after cracking. This phenomenon is called moment redistribution. It reduces the congested rebars in connections and enhances the ductility of the members. However, the linear-elastic behaviour of FRP materials makes the ability of continuous beams to redistribute loads and moments questionable. This study aims to investigate the capability of moment redistribution of basalt fiber reinforced concrete (BFRC) continuous beams reinforced with basalt FRP (BFRP) bars. Eleven reinforced concrete (RC) continuous beams of 200 x 300 x 4000 mm were tested up to failure under fivepoint loading. The main investigated parameters were the reinforcement ratio (0.6rb, 1.0rb, 1.8rb and 2.8rb; where rb is the balanced reinforcement ratio), stirrups spacing (80 and 120 mm) and volume fractions of Basalt-macro fibers (BMF) (0.75 and 1.5%). A parametric study was then conducted using a validated finite element (FE) model to extend the investigated parameters that may affect the moment redistribution of RC continuous beams. It was concluded that moment redistribution occurs in beams that have at least a ratio of bottom to top reinforcement of 0.3.
A Novel Modified Switched Inductor Boost Converter with Reduced Switch Voltage Stress
Authors: Sadaf Shima , Al-Emadi Nasser , Iqbal Atif , Meraj Mohammad , Bhaskar Mahajan Sagar
Published: December 2020

DC-DC power converters are necessary to step-up the voltage or current with high conversion ratio for many applications e.g. photovoltaic and fuel cell energy conversion, uninterruptible power supply, DC microgrid, automobile, high intensity discharged lamp ballast, hybrid vehicle, etc. in order to use low voltage sources. In this project, a modified SIBC (mSIBC) is proposed with reduced voltage stress across active switches. The proposed mSIBC configuration is transformerless and simply derived by replacing one diode of the classical switched inductor structure with an active switch. As a result, mSIBC required low voltage rating active switches, as the total output voltage is shared between two active switches. Moreover, the proposed mSIBC is low in cost, provides higher efficiency and required the same number of components compared to the classical SIBC. The experimental results are presented which validated the theoretical analysis and functionality, and the efficiency of the designed converter is 97.17%. The proposed mSIBC converter provides higher voltage conversion ratio compared to classical converters e.g. boost, buck-boost, cuk, and SEPIC. The newly designed configurations will aid the intermediate power stage between the renewable sources and utility grid or high voltage DC or AC load. Since, the total output voltage is distributed among the two active switches, low voltage rating switches can be employed to design the power circuit of the proposed converter. The classical boost converter or recently proposed switched inductor based boost converter can be replaced by the proposed mSIBC converter in real-time applications such as DC microgrid, DC-DC charger, battery backup system, UPS, EV, an electric utility grid. The proposed power circuitry is cost effective, compact in size, easily diagnostic, highly efficient and reliable.
Biological Control of Mycotoxigenic Fungi and Ochratoxin by the In-Vitro Application of a Qatari Burkholderia cepacia Strain (QBC03)
Authors: Zedan Randa Hisham , Ul-Hassan Zahoor , Al-Thani Roda , Migheli Quirico , Jaoua Samir
Published: December 2020

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites synthesized by mycotoxigenic fungi belonging mainly to three major fungal genera that are Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium. The latter mycotoxigenic fungi contaminate plants and different food commodities and cause various health concerns (carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, nephrotoxicity, etc...) due to their corresponding mycotoxins. One of the most studied mycotoxins is ochratoxin A (OTA) owing to its toxicity level (classified in 2B group as possible human carcinogenic). To remediate the mycotoxins’ contamination, physical and chemical techniques can be proposed. However, the safest among all is the biological control approach. In this research, we have used the Qatari strain Burkholderia cepacia (QBC03) as a biological agent against mycotoxigenic fungi and the strain has possessed a wide antifungal spectrum against 21 species from different genera. Additionally, the antifungal activity of QBC03’s supernatant was explored on the fungal biomass and OTA synthesis of A. carbonarius in liquid media, and interestingly; both the biomass and OTA’s concentrations were massively reduced upon treatment. The effect of QBC03’s supernatant on the fungal spores’ germination was examined as well, and it was shown that the conidial germination was completely inhibited. Moreover, the supernatant of QBC03 has induced morphological alteration in the mycelia of the fungal strain. The thermal stability of the antifungal compounds in QBC03’s culture supernatant was investigated, and it was shown that metabolites of QBC03 were distinctively thermostable and they were still active even when heated at 100C. The findings of this research prove that Burkholderia cepacia strain QBC03 is an excellent candidate for the biological control of mycotoxigenic fungi and their mycotoxins particularly in local regions.
Non-invasive Electrochemical Detection of Glucose using CuO-NiO/MXene Modified Electrode
Authors: Elsafi Alaa Mohamed , Krishnasamy Vinotha , Kannan Karthik , Cabibihan John-John , AlAli Abdulaziz Khalid , Malik Rayaz A. , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar
Published: December 2020

High levels of glucose or acetone in breath confirms diabetes disease. One of the analytical devices that detect changes in breath is the electrochemical sensor having high selectivity, easy to use and being able to meet diabetic patient’s needs. In this study, sensors were made by fabricating metal oxide coated glassy carbon electrodes and using nafion as a proton conductor. Characterization methods such as X-ray diffraction, FTIR and morphological analysis have been performed for metal oxides to characterize their atomic arrangement and composition. In addition, electrochemical studies were done using Gamry instrument and curves plotted as current in amperes versus voltage to test the coated electrodes conductivity. High selectivity sensors provide promising applications in any field.
Corrosion Behavior of Epoxy/Zno-Nio Nanocomposite Coating on Steel Substrate
Authors: Ibrahim Muna , Parangusan Hemalatha , Kannan Karthik , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar
Published: December 2020

Corrosion is a very common natural phenomenon, which leads to huge losses especially in the building construction, turbines in the industries and several other fields. In this research we synthesized and developed new coating materials containing ZnO-NiO. The fabricated coating was characterized by using different techniques such as SEM, XRD etc. The efficiency of the coating against corrosion was examined using the Tafel experiments and it was observed that the fabricated coating exhibit excellent anti-corrosion under seawater.
Detection of Acetone in Breath Solution using Nanocomposite Ceo2-Nio-Zno
Authors: Shafath Sadiyah , Krishnasamy Vinotha , Kannan Karthik , Cabibihan John-John , Al-Ali Abdulaziz Khalid , Malik Rayaz A. , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar
Published: December 2020

Acetone level of diabetic patients from their breath can be detected. The effect of CeO2 -NiO-ZnO nanocomposite was studied by adding different concentration of acetone. Structural (XRD, Raman) and morphological (SEM with EDAX) studied were done. The CV response of modified GCE with and without acetone was studied. It was observed that the current gets reduced in the presence of acetone. The sensor shows excellent sensitivity, selectivity and durability. The flexibility is an additional advantage of the sensor.
Evaluation of an Intensive Education Program on the Treatment of Tobacco-use Disorder for Pharmacists: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: El Hajj Maguy , Awaisu Ahmed , Kheir Nadir , Haniki Mohamad , Shami Rula , Saleh Rana , AlHamad Noora , Almulla Ahmad , Mahfoud Ziyad
Published: December 2020

Tobacco use is one of the main causes of premature deaths and preventable diseases in Qatar. The aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to design, implement, and evaluate an intensive education program on tobacco-use treatment for pharmacists in Qatar. The study objectives are to assess the effectiveness of the program on pharmacists’ knowledge, skills, attitudes and perceived self-efficacy toward tobacco cessation. Methods: Community pharmacists practicing in Qatar were eligible for participation in the study. Consenting participants were randomly allocated to intervention or control groups. Participants in the intervention group received an intensive education program on treatment of tobacco-use disorder. A short didactic session on a non-tobacco-related topic was delivered to pharmacists in the control group. Outcomes were assessed using survey instruments. Results: Participants in the intervention group (n=57) achieved significantly higher total tobacco-related knowledge scores (mean=33 points) than those in the control group (n=37) (mean=24.5 points) with a p-value of <0.001. Post-intervention total knowledge scores were significantly higher than the baseline scores for participants who received intensive tobacco education with a mean difference of 6.6 points (p-value <0.001). Overall attitudes toward tobacco cessation and self-efficacy in tobacco cessation interventions were better in the group of pharmacists who received tobacco education compared to those who did not. For instance, 43.4% of pharmacists in the intervention group “strongly agreed” that their counseling will increase a patient’s likelihood of quitting tobacco use compared to 14.7% in the control group (p-value=0.014). Furthermore, 20.4% of pharmacists in the intervention group reported that they are “extremely confident” to use appropriate questions to ask patients when providing tobacco cessation counseling versus 5.9% in the control group (p-value=0.005). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that provision of an intensive educational program on the treatment of tobacco use disorders results in improved tobacco-related knowledge and self-efficacy in tobacco cessation interventions.
Systemic properties of Carcinogenesis: Lessons from studies on the Earth and in the Space
Authors: Souchelnytskyi Serhiy
Published: December 2020

proteins and genes act in coordinated ways, and their relations are visualized as networks. Networks are more accurate descriptions of cancer regulatory mechanisms, in comparison to lists of oncogenes and tumor suppressors. To extract essential regulators (nodes) and connections (edges), interrogations of these networks are performed, e.g. cancer cells are subjected to different treatments. Interrogations force cancer cells to engage nodes and edges essential for maintaining cancer properties, i.e. drivers, and nonessential followers. The challenge is to discriminate which of the mechanisms drive tumorigenesis, and which are followers. Interrogation of cancer cells under variable g-forces is the treatment to which cancer cells are not normally exposed. Therefore, low (weightlessness) and high (acceleration) g-forces may trigger responses, which may differ in part of followers from responses on the Earth, but still engage carcinogenesis-essential drivers nodes and edges. Methodology: Experimental interrogation of human cancer cells to generate carcinogenesis-related regulatory networks was performed by using proteomics, cell biology, biochemistry, immunohistochemistry and bioinformatics tools. We used also reported datasets deposited in various databases. These networks were analyzed with algorithms to extract drivers of carcinogenesis. Results: Systemic analysis of human breast carcinogenesis has shown mechanisms of engagement of all known cancer hallmarks. Moreover, novel hallmarks have emerged, e.g. involvement of mechanisms of virus-cell interaction and RNA/miR processing. The breast cancer networks are rich, with >6,000 involved proteins and genes. The richness of the networks may explain many clinical observations, e.g. personalized response to treatments. Systemic analysis highlighted novel opportunities for treatment of cancer, by identifying key nodes of known and novel hallmark mechanisms. Systemic properties of the cancer network provides an opportunity to study compensatory mechanisms. These compensatory mechanisms frequently contribute to development of resistance to treatment. These mechanisms will be discussed. Cancer cells are not “wired” to function in weightlessness. The cells would have to adapt. This adaptation will include preserving mechanisms driving carcinogenesis, in addition to the space-only-related adaptation. Key carcinogenesis regulators in the space would be the same as on the Earth, while “passenger”-mechanisms would differ. Systems biology allows integration of a space- and the Earth-data, and would extract key regulators, and, subsequently lead to better diagnostic. Conclusion: Systemic analysis of carcinogenesis studies with different ways of interrogation delivered better diagnostic and novel modalities of treatment.
The Contractual Principle of Good Faith and the Duty of Honesty in Bhasin v. Hrynew
Authors: O'Byrne Shannon , Cohen Ronnie
Published: December 2020

This article explores the Supreme Court of Canada’s 2014 decision in Bhasin v. Hrynew. This includes an assessment of the new duty of honesty in contractual performance and the newly identified organizing principle of good faith. The authors also discuss contracting out of the duty of honesty — which Bhasin itself raises as a possibility — by assessing both Canadian and American law on point, including the Uniform Commercial Code. The article concludes that Bhasin’s largest and most lasting contribution is likely in how it expressly legitimates and defends the role of good faith in the common law of contract.
The Difficulty of Constitutional Amendment in Canada
Authors: Albert Richard
Published: December 2020

Scholars of comparative constitutional law would suggest that the United States Constitution is the world’s most difficult democratic constitution to change by formal amendment. This article suggests that the Constitution of Canada may be even harder to amend. Canadian constitutional politics have proven the textual requirements for major constitutional amendment so far impossible to satisfy. But the extraordinary difficulty of formal amendment in Canada derives equally from sources external to the text. Major constitutional amendment also requires conformity with extra-textual requirements imposed by Supreme Court decisions interpreting the Constitution of Canada, parliamentary and provincial as well as territorial statutes, and arguably also by constitutional conventions — additional rules that may well make major constitutional amendment impossible today in Canada. These as yet underappreciated extra-textual sources of formal amendment difficulty raise important questions for Canadian constitutionalism, namely whether in making the Constitution virtually impossible to amend they weaken democracy and undermine the purpose of writtenness.
Aboriginal Youth Overrepresentation in Canadian Correctional Services: Judicial and Non-Judicial Actors and Influence
Authors: Jackson Nate
Published: December 2020

The crisis of Aboriginal over-incarceration in Canada is one of the most well-documented features of our Criminal Justice System. This crisis is especially profound in the youth context. While the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) has reduced Canada’s overall youth incarceration rate in recent years, the relative proportion of detained Aboriginal youth has actually increased. This article explores Aboriginal youth overrepresentation in correctional services under the YCJA in an attempt to discern why it has been less effective at reducing custody rates for Aboriginal youth compared to their non-Aboriginal peers. This article suggests that the YCJA has failed to remedy Aboriginal youth overrepresentation because it has focused too heavily on sentencing principles and judicial discretion. It is argued that more attention must be paid to the earlier stages of the criminal justice process during which Police, Crown Attorneys, and Probation Officers exercise low-visibility discretion in ways that disproportionately circumscribe the eventual range of sentencing options available to Aboriginal youth offenders.
Litigating Shut-in for Lack of a Market: A Comment on Stewart Estate v. TAQA North Ltd.
Authors: Renke Wayne
Published: December 2020

No abstract.
Desperate Softwood Lumber Companies?: The Canada–U.S. Softwood Lumber Dispute and NAFTA Chapter 11
Authors: Reif Linda C.
Published: December 2020

The international trade law area is an arena where international tribunals are increasingly being used for the settlement of disputes. The Canada–U.S. softwood lumber dispute is a key example of how trade disputes have been made even more convoluted and intractable by the availability of multiple international and domestic fora for dispute settlement.The author of this article explores the use of NAFTA c. 11 in the softwood lumber disputes and argues that it will be of limited use for both Canadian and U.S. softwood lumber companies in future disputes. The author posits that c. 11 will remain available solely to contest U.S. measures affecting Canadian softwood lumber to the extent they do not fall within U.S. antidumping and countervailing duty law (as defined under NAFTA c. 19).
The Importance of ATCO Gas and Pipelines: A Response to H. Martin Kay
Authors: Woolley Alice
Published: December 2020

No abstract available.
Taylor v. Canada (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration): Discrimination, Due Process, and the Origins of Citizenship in Canada
Authors: Saufert Stacey A.
Published: December 2020

No abstract available.
Distinguishing Charity and Politics: The Judicial Thinking Behind the Doctrine of Political Purposes
Authors: Parachin Adam
Published: December 2020

This article identifies and critiques the rationales articulated by courts in support of the doctrine of political purposes in charity law. The author argues that courts have failed to cogently account for the doctrine. The author traces the doctrine back to a judicial misstatement of the law in an early twentieth century decision. The author then points out the flaws and limitations with the various justifications that have since been developed in the Canadian and English jurisprudence in support of the doctrine. The article concludes with the observation that the shortcomings with the doctrine are symptomatic of a larger theoretical failing in the law of charity.
Once More Unto the Breach: James v. British Columbia and Problems with the Duty of Care in Canadian Tort Law
Authors: Brown Russell , Brochu Shannon
Published: December 2020

In the wake of the Supreme Court of Canada's reconfiguration in Cooper v. Hobart of the test for establishing a duty of care in negligence law, commentators predicted and have since described a more conservative approach to imposing liability in the law of negligence. In general, a phenomenon of retrenchment seems indisputable. Both summarily and after trial, courts have dismissed claims that might arguably have passed muster under the more relaxed "foreseeability" test for a prima facie duty of care first articulated in Anns v. Merton London Borough Council and later endorsed in Kamloops (City of) v. Nielsen. Even the Supreme Court of Canada's own pronouncements confirm Cooper's constrictive effect on negligence liability. Such developments have led Allen Linden and Bruce Feldthusen to lament that Cooper has "largely halted the expansion of negligence law in Canada." There are, however, exceptions to this litany of woe for plaintiffs. In this comment, we propose to examine one of the more remarkable and, in our view, unfortunate examples - the pronouncement of the British Columbia Court of Appeal in James v. British Columbia, certifying the class proceeding brought by an unemployed sawmill worker against the Minister of Forests. As we will demonstrate, James instantiates the very mischief that Cooper was intended to overcome in failing to give appropriate regard to the requisite "proximity" between a plaintiff's loss and a statutory public authority's impugned conduct. We will also consider how James implicates Cooper's prevailing conception of duty of care in Canadian Negligence law, both generally and in cases against statutory public authorities. Specifically, we will argue that the outcome in James affirms earlier arguments that Cooper's duty analysis is conceptually flawed, inasmuch as it conflates what is a fundamentally juridicial question with non-juridical "policy" concerns. As such, we will be concerned with the universal requirement which any truly legal theory of tort liability absolutely requires as a condition for an award of damages.
Negligent Investigation: A New Remedy for the Wrongly Accused: Hill v. Hamilton-Wentworth Regional Police Services Board
Authors: Chamberlain Erika
Published: December 2020

In Hill v. Hamilton-Wentworth Regional Police Services Board, the Supreme Court of Canada affirmed that the tort of "negligent investigation" exists in Canada. Chief Justice McLachlin, for the majority, noted that negligent police conduct is "a significant contributing factor to wrongful convictions," and argued that a negligence action was necessary to round out the available remedies for the wrongly accused (previously limited to malicious prosecution, false imprisonment, and misfeasance in a public office). Given the media and public support offered to the wrongly convicted in recent years, the decision in Hill will be generally welcomed. Few would oppose the expansion of compensation for those who have suffered a miscarriage of justice. However, the deferential standard adopted by the Court leaves room for doubt as to the efficacy of the new tort as a remedy for the wrongfully accused. Although the majority paid lip service to the cause of justice for the wrongly convicted, it is not clear that Hill will provoke a noticeable change in police practices or increase the probability of recovery for plaintiffs. Thus, while it is a step forward in the pursuit of police accountability, it is not the magic solution that society seeks. If anything, it points to the inadequacy of tort law as a means of addressing wrongs within the justice system.
Aligning Energy Development with the Interests of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada
Authors: Laurin William M. , Jamieson JoAnn P.
Published: December 2020

Canada’s economic future is dependent upon energy and natural resource development, and has therefore become inextricably linked to the rights and interests of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples. These rights and interests include the desire to continue with their traditional ways of livelihood, to protect their many cultures and the environment, the need to foster healthy and thriving communities, and the opportunity to participate in and benefit from development on their traditional lands. In Canada, the rights of Aboriginal people are constitutionally protected. However, despite considerable advancements in domestic law on consultation and accommodation, growing unrest and dissatisfaction among Canada’s Aboriginal peoples prevails.Significant progress in international human rights law and international norms lend support to Indigenous aspirations and are creating pressure on energy and natural resource developers to embrace change and move beyond the consultation requirements under domestic law to obtaining the consent of Aboriginal communities to development on their traditional lands. This article posits that the willingness of Aboriginal communities to constructively engage with industry and consent to natural resource and energy development on their traditional lands can be facilitated by aligning the interests of the affected Aboriginal communities with those of project proponents through the proactive creation of thoughtful and innovative commercial relationships. These relationships can be structured to create value for the proponent while providing meaningful economic participation for the affected Aboriginal community by utilizing a combination of passive resource revenues, employment and procurement opportunities and direct equity participation in the development.
A Gathering Storm: Water Conflict in Alberta
Authors: Block Randall W. , Forrest Joel
Published: December 2020

This article explores water conflict in Alberta. It discusses new allocation requirements, legislative issues with the relatively new Water Act and the general legal backdrop to water conflict. There is then a focus on recent examples where entitlement was raised, but not definitely resolved.
Bill C-45 and the Canadian Petroleum Industry
Authors: Keith Norm , Ferguson James
Published: December 2020

This article examines Bill C-45 and its possible impact on the Canadian Petroleum Industry. Bill C- 45, An Act to amend the Criminal Code, establishes a new occupational health and safety (OHS) duty in the Criminal Code. If the duty is breached, either by individuals or organizations, it may result in a criminal charge of occupational health and safety criminal negligence.

Bill C-45 also changes the means by which organizations, including corporations, are held liable for offences under the Criminal Code. The "identification theory" of corporate criminal liability has now been replaced by two provisions in the Criminal Code to address the criminal liability of organizations. The first provision, which deals with offences such as the new OHS criminal negligence offence, requires proof of negligence. The second deals with a more classic objective fault element or mens rea.

The Canadian petroleum industry, especially in Alberta, has often relied upon outsourcing, contract provisions and structuring of relationships to minimize OHS legal liability under applicable OHS statutes. However, there is no legal basis to contract out of the Criminal Code. It is more important than ever to emphasize proper contract language, indemnity provisions and OHS management systems.
The Gas/Bitumen Dispute: The Clash of Fact, Technology, Policy and Law
Authors: McLarty Allen L. , Lepine George V.
Published: December 2020

This article examines the conflict between gas production and the preservation of bitumen resources in Alberta's oil sands area. After providing a synopsis of the relevant technical and legal issues facing the industry, the authors then focus on the clash of factual, technological, legal and policy issues facing both regulators and industry in the gas/bitumen dispute. The authors then conclude with an analysis of the current status and future of the gas/bitumen dispute.
Error Analysis Found in Students’ Writing Composition in Simple Past Tense of Recount Text
Authors: Fitria Tira Nur
Published: December 2020

This study was to find the types of error analysis and the most dominant form of error analysis found in the Simple Past Tense Writing Composition of Students, especially in Recount Text. This study used a mixed-method both qualitative and quantitative approach. From the study, it was shown that the error of the students in writing Simple Past Tense composition consists of certain elements of writing, such as grammar, punctuation, and spelling. There were 57 data in grammar, or 53.37 %, consisting of errors in class terms like in determiner/article (25 data or 43.86 %), in verb (14 data or 24.56 %), in a preposition (11 data or 19.30 %) and the last in a noun (7 data or 12.28 %). While the most dominant error was in determiner/article. Second, in the aspect of spelling, there were 26 data or 21.70 %). Third, in the aspect of punctuation, there were (23 data or 24.53 %). It is shown that the most dominant error found in the students’ writing composition in the grammar aspect is 57 data or 53.37 percent based on the frequency of each aspect of error.
Online Learning amidst Global Pandemic: EFL Students’ Challenges, Suggestions, and Needed Materials
Authors: Nartiningrum Novrika , Nugroho Arif
Published: December 2020

Covid-19 pandemic brings changes in many aspects of peoples’ lives throughout the world. The spread of Covid-19 in Indonesia affects the education system in this country. Face-to-face instructions are shifted into full online learnings from home. Despite this quite drastic change, the literature on students’ insights of this matter has still been silent. Thus, the present study elucidates 45 EFL students’ challenges, suggestions and needed materials during these online classes. Rely on qualitative data analysis from written responses and semi-structured interviews, the findings disclosed that these EFL students’ main challenges in attending online courses were the unsteady networks and the less direct interactions. These students mainly suggested the use of video conferencing applications such as zoom or Google meet, though some students chose assignments over those applications. The students also mentioned that they basically needed grammar related materials within the online classes. The findings bring forward the picture of full online learning condition during Covid-19 outbreak on EFL setting in Indonesia.
Localized English for Ngapak Javanese Speakers as Language Instruction
Authors: As Sabiq Agus Husein
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to investigate the use of local dialect as language instruction in the English classroom and its demotivating factors for Ngapak Javanese speakers. There were four English teachers and 132 students from four schools in the Ngapak Javanese community participating in this research by semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. The findings showed that local variety influenced students’ phonological features, stressing, and intonation. The teachers were indicated having positive attitudes toward the use of local dialect of English. However, they provoked the students to use Bahasa Indonesia as their second language in switching and mixing the code in the teaching and learning process. Lack of vocabulary mastery was also one of the obstacles faced by the teachers. Teachers' perception of the most appropriate implementation of language instruction, teaching strategies, learning resources, and media may lead them to deliver the instruction properly and effectively in improving students’ proficiency. Ngapaknese English could be suggested as a pedagogical implication in the sense of Western Central Java because it is more popular, feasible and practical for students. It also has realistic values in classes, including inspiring students to practice speaking, feasible and cost-efficient.
PENGARUH KEMTRAAN TERHADAP KINERJA USAHA MIKRO DAN KECIL TAHU DI INDONESIA
Authors: Fachrysa Halik Rizky Ariesty , Rifin Amzul , Jahroh Siti
Published: December 2020

A partnership is a form of cooperation that is needed to be done for business development so that it can be globally competitive. With the existence of a partnership, it can improve the ability of small businesses through capital support and professional resource training to increase business income and continuity. In Indonesia, tofu business is one of the micro and small businesses that have the potential to be developed. To improve business performance, it is necessary to collaborate among tofu businesses and large businesses or state-owned enterprises. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of partnerships and other factors on the performance of the tofu business in Indonesia. Tofu businesses can be grouped into two categories, namely partner and non-partner businesses. To estimate the performance of tofu businesses in Indonesia, multiple linear regression method was used. The data used in this study were collected from the Central Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs, in which 237 tofu businesses were taken as samples. The results showed that partnership had a positive and significant impact on tofu businesses income. Besides, business life, raw material cost, labour force and marketing allocation also positively significant affected tofu businesses income. However, the level of education, the age of the entrepreneur, the number of tools used, business capital, training, sales distribution, and cooperatives did not significantly affect tofu businesses income.
DISTRIBUSI PENDAPATAN PETANI PADI ORGANIK DI KABUPATEN PURBALINGGA PROPINSI JAWA TENGAH
Authors: Hartati Anny
Published: December 2020

The study was to determine the magnitude of the costs and income of farmers and to determine the distribution of farmers' income. The research uses a survey method by taking census samples and data are analyzed by the Gini Index and Gini Ratio analysis. The results showed that organic rice farming benefited farmers because the net income of farmers per hectare per season was Rp 14.645.643 or farmer revenue is Rp 20.095.247,00 and the total cost of farming was Rp 5.449.604 with R/C of 3,687. It means that for each Rp 1.000 will result in Rp 3.687 revenue. The distribution of income of organic rice farmers amounted to 0,4012, meaning that organic rice farming can evenly distribute farmers' income distribution.
Central nervous system diseases associated with blood brain barrier breakdown - A Comprehensive update of existing literatures
Authors: Rajib Dutta
Published: December 2020

Blood vessels that supply and feed the central nervous system (CNS) possess unique and exclusive properties, named as blood–brain barrier (BBB). It is responsible for tight regulation of the movement of ions, molecules, and cells between the blood and the brain thereby maintaining controlled chemical composition of the neuronal milieu required for appropriate functioning. It also protects the neural tissue from toxic plasma components, blood cells and pathogens from entering the brain. In this review the importance of BBB and its disruption causing brain pathology and progression to different neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington’s disease (HD) etc. will be discussed.
Epilepsy due to Neurocysticercosis: Analysis of a Hospital Cohort
Authors: Marcellin Bugeme , Adjratou Djeynabou Sow , Olivier Mukuku , Athanase Millogo , Oscar Numbi Luboya , Kamadore Touré
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a common helminthic infection of the nervous system that occurs when humans become intermediate hosts in the life cycle of the pig tapeworm (Taenia solium) after ingesting its eggs. The objective of this study was to analyze socio-demographic, clinical and paraclinical features of patients with NCC in Lubumbashi, DRC. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted over a period of 2 years within the Neuropsychiatric Center of Lubumbashi. Socio-demographic, clinical, paraclinical and therapeutic features were studied. Results: A total of 18 patients with NCC were listed. Epilepsy was found in 72.2% (13/18) of the cases. The mean age of the patients was 30.2 ± 13.5 years; males accounted for 61.2% of the cases. 84.6% were consumers of pork. Generalized epilepsy was found in 84.6% of the cases and hypereosinophilia in 38% of the cases. On the neuroimaging, the parietal location of lesions represented 92.3%; calcifications were the type of lesion in 53.8% of the cases and 69.2% of the cases presented lesions in the 4th evolutionary stage. Electroencephalogram was normal in 84.4% of the cases. Phenobarbital was the antiepileptic drug used in 69.3%; albendazole and prednisone were used in 53.9% of the cases. Conclusion: This study shows that NCC is one of the causes of epilepsy in Lubumbashi. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures are the most common form of presentation and calcified parenchymal lesions are the most common radiological feature of NCC. So, any patient with acute onset of afebrile seizure should be screened for NCC provided other common causes been ruled out.
Post-stroke dizziness of visual-vestibular cortices origin
Authors: Nobuhiro Inoue , Satoshi Goto
Published: December 2020

Many patients with chronic cerebrovascular diseases complain “dizziness”, which is a distortion of static gravitational orientation, or an erroneous perception of motion of the sufferer or of the environment. In the vestibular cortical system, the parieto-insular vestibular cortex (PIVC) serves as the core region having the strong interconnections with other vestibular cortical areas and the vestibular brainstem nuclei. By forming the reciprocal inhibitory interactions with the visual cortex (VISC), it also plays a pivotal role in a multisensory mechanism for self-motion perception. In a line of our studies on post-stroke patients, we found that there was a significant decrease in the cerebral blood flow in both the VISC and PIVC in the patients who suffered from dizziness. In this article, we provide a new concept that due to dysfunction of the visual-vestibular interaction loop, low cerebral blood perfusion in the PIVC and VISC might elicit post-stroke dizziness.
Micro-nutrient related malnutrition and obesity in a university undergraduate population and implications for non-communicable diseases
Authors: Olatona Foluke A , Aderibigbe Sunday A , Amu Eyitope O , Onabanjo Oluseye O , Nnoaham Kelechi E
Published: December 2020

Background

Micronutrient deficiency and obesity are increasing globally. This study determined the prevalence of micronutrient-related malnutrition, patterns of obesity using different methods of assessment, and the predictors of obesity among the university undergraduate population in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Methods

A multistage sampling technique was adopted to select 506 students from the three universities in Lagos State. A pre-tested, semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data on socio-demographic and economic characteristics. Nutrient intakes were estimated from 24-hour dietary recalls, obesity was assessed through anthropometric measurements and Bio-electrical Impedance Analysis, following standard procedures. Associations between variables were tested using Chi-square, Fischer’s exact tests, and logistic regression analyses. Twenty-four-hour diet recall was analyzed using the Total Diet Assessment soft-ware. Anthropometric indices were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) standards and classified.

Results

Mean daily intake of almost all micronutrients was low except sodium which was in excess compared to the recommended dietary allowances. The prevalence of underweight was 6.6%, overweight (16.4%), and obesity (3.2%) based on body mass index (BMI). Abdominal obesity was higher than general obesity. Obesity assessed using the percentage body fat had the highest yield of 54.4% in males and 37.1% in females.

Conclusions

Micronutrient-related malnutrition and central obesity were higher than reported in previous studies. Male gender, inconsistent income, and increased amount of folate were significant predictors of obesity. The students will benefit from nutrition education that emphasize the consumption of micronutrient dense foods and different methods of weight management.
Medication beliefs among people living with HIV taking antiretroviral treatment in Zimbabwe: a qualitative study
Authors: Croome Natasha , Potter Lucy , Bere Tarisai , Nyamayaro Primrose , Machando Debra , Hughes Lyndsay D , Chibanda Dixon , Abas Melanie , Kidia Khameer
Published: December 2020

Background

The beliefs that patients hold about their medicines are known to influence treatment adherence. This study’s objective was to explore and identify specific antiretroviral (ART) beliefs from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients in Zimbabwe.

Methods

In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 21 (female = 9; 42.9%) purposively sampled HIV-positive adults attending an urban HIV clinic. All participants had been prescribed ART for at least one month. Two additional key informant interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals. Data were analysed inductively using grounded theory framework.

Results

Participants’ beliefs about ART were grouped into two themes: perceived importance, and concerns about ART. The majority of participants viewed ART as necessary for staying alive and healthy. Participants who had attempted alternative treatments experienced health deterioration and subsequently returned to using ART. There were several medication concerns, including: the short- and long-term effects of the medication; the number of doses; potential interactions with other medications; and fear of stigma. However, the more necessary ART was perceived to be, the less these concerns affected self-reported adherence behaviour.

Conclusions

Healthcare professionals need to be aware of these beliefs so they can provide tailored, adequate adherence support. Further research is needed to explore whether reducing concerns and enhancing necessity beliefs improve adherence in this population.
Physician knowledge and attitudes towards screening and referral for obstructive sleep apnea: a mixed methods study in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Beck Nicole , Ebrahim Aref G , Shetty Samarth , Afshar Salim , Sigamani Alben , Salins Paul
Published: December 2020

Background

Cardiovascular diseases have risen to be the top cause of mortality and morbidity globally and at a faster pace in developing countries. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an established common denominator, severely underdiagnosed, and a potentially modifiable risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Our study is a mixed methods evaluation of knowledge and attitudes among physicians about OSA, from a tertiary care hospital in Bangalore, South India, and how it is integrated into their practice of screening and referral for OSA diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

We did an interview, semi-structured and qualitative, along with a validated questionnaire; OSAKA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea Knowledge and Attitudes). The objective of the study was to gain insights into how knowledge and attitudes about OSA reflected qualitatively in physicians’ daily practice of screening and referral for suspected OSA.

Results

The mean OSAKA knowledge score across our sample was 12.31 (± 2.7). This level of awareness was as high as other OSAKA studies that have been conducted worldwide. However, the qualitative data from interviews highlights that physicians are not regularly screening for and thinking about OSA on a daily basis, yet these clinicians discussed regularly managing other symptoms and chronic conditions strongly associated with OSA. There were five key themes across the interviews that were used to inform recommendations for improving integration of physicians’ knowledge about OSA into clinical practice.

Conclusions

Despite a relatively high knowledge score among the clinicians, it did not influence the clinician behavior to implement a screening and referral system for OSA in their daily practice. Knowledge and attitudes alone cannot change clinician behavior. Given that OSA is a modifiable risk factor for various NCDs, there is an urgent need to implement better screening and efficient referral systems for correction of OSA.
Strategi Menghindarkan Indonesia dari Ancaman Resesi Ekonomi di Masa Pandemi
Authors: Blandina Selena , Noor Fitrian Alvin , Septiyani Wulan
Published: December 2020

Pandemi Covid-19 telah melanda dunia khususnya Negara Indonesia. Pandemi Covid-19 tidak hanya berdampak pada peningkatan korban jiwa, tetapi juga berdampak luas dan langsung terhadap penurunan perekonomian dunia. Data dari Badan Pusat Statistik melaporkan pertumbuhan ekonomi Indonesia mengalami kontraksi sebesar 5,32% pada triwulan II tahun 2020. Kemudian pada triwulan pertama mengalami kontraksi sebesar 6,13% yang merupakan rekor terburuk perekonomian sejak tahun 1999. Prediksi bahwa ekonomi global akan memasuki resesi yang sangat tajam hingga akhir kuartal I tahun 2020 telah diinformasikan oleh International Monetery Fund dan World Bank. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis strategi-strategi yang dapat ditempuh oleh Indonesia dalam menghadapi ancaman resesi ekonomi. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah kualitatif deskriptif, dimana data-data diperoleh dari studi literatur yang dianalisis mendalam. Hasil kajian ini diperoleh strategi bagi pemerintah Indonesia untuk menghadapi ancaman resesi antara lain kemampuan fiskal dan moneter pemerintah; perbaikan produktivitas; daya saing; investasi; dan perekonomian dunia. Selain peran pemerintah, masyarakat juga memiliki peran untuk seperti melakukan pengembangan inovasi bisnis startup dan mendukung para pelaku usaha UMKM sebagai upaya mendorong pertumbuhan ekonomi agar tetap berjalan di tengah krisis ekonomi akibat wabah Covid-19.
Modul komputasi matematika untuk meningkatkan motivasi mahasiswa
Authors: Arigiyati Tri Astuti , Sulistyowati Fitria , Kusmanto Kusmanto
Published: December 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan modul pembelajaran komputasi matematika dengan menggunakan program Matlab. Matlab merupakan salah satu program komputer yang digunakan untuk menyelesaikan berbagi persoalan matematika. Penelitian ini menggunakan model pengembangan Borg and Gall yang telah disederhanakan dengan tahapan: (1) analisis produk; (2) pengembangan produk awal; (3) validasi Ahli dan revisi produk; (4) uji coba lapangan terbatas dan revisi produk; (5) uji coba lapangan utama dan produk akhir. Tiga tahapan pertama telah dilaksanakan pada tahun sebelumnya dan dihasilkan modul Komputasi Matematika yang valid. Pada uji coba lapangan terbatas, diperoleh bahwa respon mahasiswa terhadap modul Komputasi Matematika terkategori baik dengan skor rata-rata 3,86, sedangkan pada uji coba utama diperoleh skor rata-rata 3,98 yang terkategori baik untuk 6 aspek yang dinilai. Berdasarkan hasil tersebut dapat disimpulkan bahwa modul ini layak digunakan dalam pembelajaran komputasi matematika. Modul ini diharapkan dapat memotivasi mahasiswa untuk belajar Komputasi Matematika sehingga tujuan pembelajaran dapat tercapai.
Pengaruh penerapan meaningful learning berbantuan LKPD bertema terhadap pemahaman konsep matematika dan kemampuan metakognitif peserta didik
Authors: Pertiwi Putri , Handoko Hendri , Toheri Toheri
Published: December 2020

Matematika dianggap pelajaran yang abstrak dan membosankan bagi peserta didik, ini diperngaruhi juga karena kurangnya media yang mendukung kebermaknaan selama pembelajaran. Penggunaan LKPD bertema diupayakan mendukung terjadinya pembelajaran bermakna sehingga membangun pemahaman konsep matematika dan kemampuan metakognitif peserta didik. Penelitian ini mengkaji pengaruh penerapan pembelajaran bermakna berbantuan LKPD bertema terhadap pemahaman konsep matematika dan kemampuan metakognitif peserta didik. Penelitian ini menggunakan desain penelitian kuanitatif tipe One Shoot Study Case yang dilakukan di SMPN 1 Weru dengan kelas VIII I sebanyak 32 peserta didik. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan angket dan tes. Analisis data secara deskriptif kuantitaif dengan hasil (1) Respon peserta didik terhadap penerapan pembelajaran bermakna berbantuan LKPD bertema sebesar 73,62 %. Skor tersebut tergolong kategori “baik”, (2) Adanya pengaruh penerapan meaningful learning terhadap pemahaman konsep matematika dengan persamaan regresinya yaitu , (3) Adanya pengaruh penerapan meaningful learning berbantuan LKPD bertema terhadap kemampuan metakognitif peserta didik dengan persamaan regresi yaitu .