bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Curiosity and other attitudes towards sex robots: Results of an online survey
Authors: Brandon Marianne , Shlykova Nadezhda , Morgentaler Abraham
Published: July 2021

As artificial intelligence and technology advance, mobile robots capable of human intimacy are an inevitable consequence of this progress. Such a profound shift in sexual technology will herald both advantages and disadvantages for human intimate relationships, yet a paucity of research exists on the study of human-robot sexual relationships. We believe a greater understanding of attitudes toward sex robots will be of value as this emerging technology progresses from its currently incipient stage. We conducted an online survey exploring potential gender differences in attitudes and opinions about sex robots. Survey responses were analyzed by gender, age, relationship status, relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction. Results confirm our hypothesis, that men report more positive reactions to sex with robots than women. Indeed, on no question did women report more enthusiasm or optimism about the arrival of sex robots than did men. This conclusion begs the question, what will sex robots mean to the future of gender relations, and in particular, sexual relationships? Engaging one another in a dialogue about the increasing impact technology will have on human intimacy can only strengthen our efforts to mold its effect into a primarily positive one. In addition, it is our expectation that dialogue about these gender differences can assist psychologists, sex therapists, anthropologists, roboticists and couples in navigating technological advancements as they increasingly impact human intimacy. Indeed, this dialogue may be increasingly urgent as the sudden and severe impact of COVID-19 raises increasing safety concerns for human/human sexual relationships.
Interpreting and explaining pagerank through argumentation semantics
Authors: Albini Emanuele , Baroni Pietro , Rago Antonio , Toni Francesca
Published: July 2021

In this paper we show how re-interpreting PageRank as an argumentation semantics for a bipolar argumentation framework empowers its explainability. After showing that PageRank, naively re-interpreted as an argumentation semantics for support frameworks, fails to satisfy some generally desirable properties, we propose a novel approach able to reconstruct PageRank as a gradual semantics of a suitably defined bipolar argumentation framework, while satisfying these properties. We then show how the theoretical advantages afforded by this approach also enjoy an enhanced explanatory power: we propose several types of argument-based explanations for PageRank, each of which focuses on different aspects of the algorithm and uncovers information useful for the comprehension of its results.
Latent Cognitive Class at Enrollment Predicts Future Cognitive Trajectories of Decline in a Community Sample of Older Adults
Authors: Zammit Andrea R. , Yang Jingyun , Buchman Aron S. , Leurgans Sue E. , Muniz-Terrera Graciela , Lipton Richard B. , Hall Charles B. , Boyle Patricia , Bennett David A.
Published: July 2021

Background: Methods that can identify subgroups with different trajectories of cognitive decline are crucial for isolating the biologic mechanisms which underlie these groupings. Objective: This study grouped older adults based on their baseline cognitive profiles using a latent variable approach and tested the hypothesis that these groups would differ in their subsequent trajectories of cognitive change. Methods: In this study we applied time-varying effects models (TVEMs) to examine the longitudinal trajectories of cognitive decline across different subgroups of older adults in the Rush Memory and Aging Project. Results: A total of 1,662 individuals (mean age = 79.6 years, SD = 7.4, 75.4%female) participated in the study; these were categorized into five previously identified classes of older adults differing in their baseline cognitive profiles: Superior Cognition (n = 328, 19.7%), Average Cognition (n = 767, 46.1%), Mixed-Domains Impairment (n = 71, 4.3%), Memory-Specific Impairment (n = 274, 16.5%), and Frontal Impairment (n = 222, 13.4%). Differences in the trajectories of cognition for these five classes persisted during 8 years of follow-up. Compared with the Average Cognition class, The Mixed-Domains and Memory-Specific Impairment classes showed steeper rates of decline, while other classes showed moderate declines. Conclusion: Baseline cognitive classes of older adults derived through the use of latent variable methods were associated with distinct longitudinal trajectories of cognitive decline that did not converge during an average of 8 years of follow-up.
Compressing convolutional neural networks via intermediate features
Authors: Jingfei Chang , Yang Lu , Ping Xue , Xing Wei , Zhen Wei
Published: July 2021

Deep convolutional neural network (CNN) is difficult to deploy to mobile and portable devices due to its large number of parameters and floating-point operations (FLOPs). To tackle this problem, we propose a novel channel pruning method. We use the modified squeeze-and-excitation blocks (MSEB) to measure the importance of the channels in the convolutional layers. The unimportant channels, including convolutional kernels related to them, are pruned directly, which greatly reduces the storage cost and the number of calculations. For ResNet with basic blocks, we propose an approach to consistently prune all residual blocks in the same stage to ensure that the compact network structure is dimensionally correct. After pruning we retrain the compact network from scratch to restore the accuracy. Finally, we verify our method on CIFAR-10, CIFAR-100 and ILSVRC-2012. The results indicate that the performance of the compact network is better than the original network when the pruning rate is small. Even when the pruning amplitude is large, the accuracy can also be maintained or decreased slightly. On the CIFAR-100, when reducing the parameters and FLOPs up to 82% and 62% respectively, the accuracy of VGG-19 even improve by 0.54% after retraining. The source code is available at https://github.com/JingfeiChang/UCP.
A novel fusion model based on deep information mining for wireless propagation modeling
Authors: Lu Zhen-Yu , Wang Xiao-Kang , Wang Jian-Qiang , Cheng Peng-Fei , Li Lin
Published: July 2021

The wireless propagation model is important for accurate 5 G network deployment. However, the traditional wireless propagation model is faced with the problems of limited application scenarios, unstable prediction results and high marginal cost of improving accuracy. In order to solve these problems, this paper constructs new features from the original data from different angles, and uses the random forest model to select the core features, which are used to train the fusion model based on the linear weighted summation of regression models such as KNN, LightGBM, and Bagging. After training, the final fusion model is obtained, it solves the problems faced by traditional wireless propagation models. The results and analysis show that the fusion model outperforms the traditional wireless propagation models and the single models that constitutes the fusion model in terms of prediction accuracy and stability, and is not limited by scenarios and easy to deploy.
Experimental analysis for classification of EEG signals using deep learning framework for optimizing accuracy and cost
Authors: Kaliraman Bhawna , Duhan Manoj
Published: July 2021

Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals are essential in brain-computer interface systems. Nowadays, these signals are employed in various medical applications. In the past few years, EEG signals gain more attention in security systems to identify users, as these signals are unique for each individual. The current study explores deep learning frameworks for EEG-based user identification. Data from 107 users were considered for the study, which is acquired using 64 channels. Several experimental tests are performed over both convolutional neural network (CNN) and recurrent neural networks (RNN) using a 10-fold cross-validation process to check system effectiveness. In CNN, 1-D Convolutional layer is employed for the processing of EEG signals. In RNN, LSTM and GRU are used to check system accuracy. For performance measure various metrices were considered such as accuracy, precision, recall and kappa score. Acquired results suggest that gated recurrent unit (GRU) outperforms other models in terms of accuracy and complexity both. GRU model has 91.2% accuracy and has three layers only, which reduces the model’s complexity. The training cost is also decreasing due to the low complexity of the model.
A new multivariable grey model and its application to energy consumption in China
Authors: Xu Kai , Luo Xilin , Pang Xinyu
Published: July 2021

Based on the nonlinearity of energy consumption systems and the influence of multiple factors, this paper presents a nonlinear multivariable grey prediction model with parameter optimization and estimates the parameters and the approximate time response function of the model. Next, a genetic algorithm is applied to optimize the nonlinear terms of the novel model to seek the optimal parameters, and the modelling steps are outlined. Then, to assess the effectiveness of the novel model, this paper adopts Chinese oil, gas, coal and clean energy as research objects, and three classical grey forecasting models and one time series method are chosen for comparison. The results indicate that the new model attains a high simulation and prediction accuracy, basically higher than that of the three grey prediction models and the time series method.
Optimal product family design with platform modularity and component sharing under uncertain environment
Authors: Song Qinyu , Ni Yaodong , Ralescu Dan
Published: July 2021

The customer demands of various products bring a challenge for manufacturers. They have to design customized products while maintaining economies of scale and low costs. In this paper, to address this challenge, four approaches are argued to help companies find out the optimal solutions of products’ performance and the maximum profit: (i) only platform modularity without component sharing (ii) only component sharing without platform modularity, (iii) using both platform modularity and component sharing to develop products, or iv) the products are developed individually from a given unshared components set. A theoretical model is proposed and the most profitable approach is found to develop a whole new product family when uncertainty exists in the customer demand and economies of scale with pre-defined parameters. We find that, when consumers’ valuation is considered, the manufacturer may prefer to adopt platform or component sharing individually rather than combining them because the performance of high-end products using platform and component sharing strategies is worse than that using two strategies separately. If platform and component sharing are adopted, the high-end product is under designed, but the manufacturer can benefit from economies of scale. When economies of scale of the platform are greater than or equal to that of component sharing, the optimal performance level of low-end products under platform strategy is lower than that under component sharing strategy. Finally, the detailed numerical analysis provides support for the feasibility and effectiveness of the model.
Behavioural Impairment and Frontotemporal Dementia in Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Tankink Maurits , Horlings Corinne G.C. , Voermans Nicol , van der Sluijs Barbara , Kessels Roy P.C. , van Engelen Baziel , Raaphorst Joost
Published: July 2021

Some patients with Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy (OPMD) develop frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The prevalence and clinical correlates of behavioural impairment, including FTD, is unknown in OPMD. 24 OPMD patients and their proxies completed a questionnaire concerning behavioural impairment (ALS-FTD-Q). We examined proportions with mild or severe behavioural changes, according to validated cut-off proxy scores. We examined correlations with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), motor symptoms, genotype and disease duration. In this small patient sample, behavioural impairment was present in 29%of OPMD patients; in 17%the severity of symptoms was compatible with bvFTD. Correlations were small to medium.
Habitual Physical Activity in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis Assessed by Accelerometry and Questionnaire
Authors: Andersen Linda Kahr , Vissing John
Published: July 2021

Background: Physical activity (PA) in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) is considered safe and beneficial, and an active lifestyle is required to obtain the health benefits of exercise. However, as the disease leads to physical impairments an insight into the overall PA habits in this patient population is relevant but lacking. Objective: To measure habitual physical activity in a Danish cohort of patients with MG measured by accelerometer and questionnaire, and to determine relevant predictors for PA intensities. Methods: Habitual physical activity was assessed by; 1) the accelerometer ActiGraph in a cohort of patients recruited from our neuromuscular clinic, 2) the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) in a web-based survey. PA levels were compared to international recommendations. Predictors for PA (age, sex, body mass index, disease severity and duration) were included in the regression analyses. Results: Habitual physical activity was measured by accelerometer for 7 days in 69 patients and by questionnaire in 691 patients. Measured by the accelerometer, 46%of the patients did not meet the international recommendations for PA at moderate/vigorous intensity and 57%were below the recommendations for steps per day. Measured by the IPAQ, 48%did not meet the recommendations. Disease severity and age were predictors for PA intensities. Conclusions: This study found that around half of the included patients did not meet the recommendations for PA. This is a concern, as it increases the risk of life-style related diseases. Disease severity and age may be taking into consideration when counseling the patients about PA.
The removal of Cu(II) and Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions by temperature-sensitive hydrogels based on N-isopropylacrylamide and itaconic acid
Authors: Özkahraman Bengi , Yıldırım Eren , Emik Serkan , Acar Işıl
Published: July 2021

This study deals with the potential use of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-itaconic acid) temperature-sensitive hydrogels as an adsorbent for the removal of Cu(II) and Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions. For this aim, the adsorption properties of hydrogels were examined by adsorption capacities, adsorption isotherm, and adsorption kinetics experiments. To describe the adsorption characteristics of hydrogels, the obtained experimental data were evaluated by Langmuir, Freundlich, Redlich-Peterson, and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm models. Adsorption kinetics experiments were carried out not only in single systems but also in binary systems where both ions were at equal initial concentrations for competitive adsorption studies. To predict the behaviors of the competitive and non-competitive adsorption process of ions onto hydrogels, the experimental adsorption data were analyzed by the pseudo-first-order model and the pseudo-second-order model. According to non-competitive ion removal findings, the adsorption capacities followed order Cu(II) > Pb(II) for all hydrogels, and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model explained the adsorption properties of the hydrogels. Competitive ion removal studies showed that all hydrogels were selective to Cu(II) ion. Furthermore, in the case of comparative investigations both of competitive Cu(II) and competitive Pb(II) removal by hydrogels, the metal ion removal capacity of N10 hydrogel was found as a bit higher than that of N7.5 and N5 in 48 h. That is, as the acidic group content increased in the hydrogel network, the adsorption capacity values also increased. In addition, the reusability of temperature-sensitive hydrogels seems possible without regeneration or after regenerating with acid, in case the temperature is increased above the LCST. Furthermore, even if it cannot be reused, these hydrogels that retain metal ions reach very small volumes by shrinking when the LSCT is exceeded, and thus they can be eliminated more easily than other conventional gels due to their small size. As a result, this temperature-sensitive hydrogel may propose as an alternative environmentally friendly adsorbent candidate for can be used for water purification and wastewater treatment.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on the modulation of cortical and spinal cord excitability in individuals with spinal cord injury
Authors: Mendonça Thyciane , Brito Rodrigo , Luna Plínio , Campêlo Mayara , Shirahige Lívia , Fontes Luís , Dias Rebeca , Piscitelli Daniele , Monte-Silva Kátia
Published: July 2021

Background:

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been applied for modulating cortical excitability and treating spasticity in neurological lesions. However, it is unclear which rTMS frequency is most effective in modulating cortical and spinal excitability in incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI).

Objective:

To evaluate electrophysiological and clinical repercussions of rTMS compared to sham stimulation when applied to the primary motor cortex (M1) in individuals with incomplete SCI.

Methods:

A total of 11 subjects (35±12 years) underwent three experimental sessions of rTMS (10 Hz, 1 Hz and sham stimulation) in a randomized order at 90%intensity of the resting motor threshold and interspersed by a seven-day interval between sessions. The following outcome measures were evaluated: M1 and spinal cord excitability and spasticity in the moments before (baseline), immediately after (T0), 30 (T30) and 60 (T60) minutes after rTMS. M1 excitability was obtained through the motor evoked potential (MEP); spinal cord excitability by the Hoffman reflex (H-reflex) and homosynaptic depression (HD); and spasticity by the modified Ashworth scale (MAS).

Results:

A significant increase in cortical excitability was observed in subjects submitted to 10 Hz rTMS at the T0 moment when compared to sham stimulation ( p = 0.008); this increase was also significant at T0 ( p = 0.009), T30 ( p = 0.005) and T60 ( p = 0.005) moments when compared to the baseline condition. No significant differences were observed after the 10 Hz rTMS on spinal excitability or on spasticity. No inter-group differences were detected, or in the time after application of 1 Hz rTMS, or after sham stimulation for any of the assessed outcomes.

Conclusions:

High-frequency rTMS applied to M1 was able to promote increased cortical excitability in individuals with incomplete SCI for at least 60 minutes; however, it did not modify spinal excitability or spasticity.
Genetic tests based on the RT-PCR reaction in the diagnostics of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Tymoniuk B , Zmora P , Latowska J , Grabowska A , Ciesiołka A , Joachimiak P , Figura G , Borowiec M , Rolle K , Handschuh L , Fiszer A
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION. Since the SARS-CoV-2 emergence in 2019/2020, at least 158 million infections with this pathogen have been recorded, of which 3.29 million infected people have died. Due to the non-specific symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, laboratory tests based on RT-PCR (reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction) are mainly used in the diagnosis of COVID-19 disease.
AIM. The aim of this study is to compare the molecular tests available on the Polish market for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV2 infection.
RESULTS. Based on the data provided by the manufacturers and the performed laboratory analyses, we have shown that the available diagnostic kits differ mainly in the sensitivity and duration of the reaction.
CONCLUSION. due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the indicated parameters are key to effective control of the spread of SARS-CoV2, and therefore should be mainly taken into account when choosing and purchasing by diagnostic centres.

STRESZCZENIE
WSTĘP. Od momentu pojawienia się SARS-CoV-2 na przełomie 2019 i 2020 roku, zanotowano co najmniej 158 milionów zakażeń tym patogenem, z czego 3,29 miliona zakażonych osób zmarło. Ze względu na niespecyficzne objawy zakażenia SARS-CoV-2, w diagnostyce choroby COVID-19 stosowane są głównie testy laboratoryjne oparte o reakcję RT-PCR (odwrotna transkrypcja i łańcuchowa reakcja polimerazy).
CEL. Celem niniejszej pracy jest porównanie dostępnych na polskim rynku testów molekularnych do diagnostyki zakażenia SARS-CoV2.
WYNIKI. Na podstawie danych udostępnionych przez producentów oraz wykonanych analiz laboratoryjnych wykazaliśmy, iż dostępne zestawy diagnostyczne różnią się głównie czułością oraz czasem trwania reakcji.
WNIOSKI. Ze względu na trwającą pandemię COVID-19, wskazane parametry są kluczowymi do skutecznej kontroli rozprzestrzeniania się SARS-CoV2, tym samym powinny być głównie brane pod uwagę przy wyborze i zakupie przez centra diagnostyczne.
A Study of Subway Marketing 4P Strategy
Authors: Ganatra Varsha , Utama A.A. Gde Satia , Puran Puran , Pandey Rudresh , Qi Liang Mei , Kee Daisy Mui Hung , Ling Irene Saw Ai , Sien Lim Hooi , Tien Tan Jia , Ramadhan Hafizh Sasining , Sin Liem Gai , Pandey Madhu Ashok
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study is to examine Subway marketing 4P strategy as the competition in the fast-food industry is extremely high. Subway is needed to keep on striving for better performances to build existing customer loyalty while attracting new customers. Therefore, we examine Subway marketing 4P (product, price, promotion, and place) to ensure that Subway can obtain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. The study used primary and secondary data methods to collect respondents’ perceptions of Subway performances. The findings indicated that marketing 4P strategies are the important prediction of the success of the company.
Innovative Work Management of Teachers of SMA Negeri 1 South Halmahera and SMA AL-Khairaat of Labuha in South Halmahera District (Multi Site Study)
Authors: Tjadi Ridwan La , Rawis J.A. M. , Londa Treesje K. , Lengkong Jeffry S.J.
Published: July 2021

This study aims to find out 1). Innovative work planning for teachers of SMA Negeri 1 of South Halmahera and SMA AL-Khairaat Labuha, 2). The implementation of innovative work of teachers of SMA Negeri 1 Halmahera and SMA Al-Khairaat Labuha, 3). Supervision of innovative work of teachers of SMA Negeri 1 Halmahera and SMA Al-Khairaat Labuha, and 4). The assessment of innovative work of teachers of SMA Negeri 1 Halmahera and SMA Al-Khairaat Labuha. This study used qualitative approach with narrative research method and the research design used was a multi-site study, where first site is SMA Negeri 1 south Halmahera and second site is SMA AL-Khairaat Labuha where the locus located in south Halmahera district. The results showed that 1). The teachers innovative work planning at the two research sites was compiled through a process consisting of two stages, problem identification and alternative problem-solving option. Establishing teachers’ innovative work development plan and applying the principles of deliberation and consensus, 2). The implementation of innovative work of teachers at the two research sites based on the predetermined work plan and is supported by managerial behaviour in the form of providing motivation, communicating face to face and through the electronic medium such as smartphone and supported by teacher behaviour in the form of being committed to achieving innovative work development goal, 3). Supervision of teacher innovative work consists of three types of supervision which include before, during, and after the implementation of the teachers’ innovative work development plan, 4). The assessment of teachers’ innovative work is carried out through an assessment process consisting of three stages of measuring, comparing, and taking managerial action.
Analysis of IKM Perceptions on The Role of Events to Moderate the Influence of Product Quality and Product Value on Brand Image (Study on Denpasar Festival)
Authors: Dewi Ida Ayu Putri Ratna , Sapta I Ketut Setia , Kepramareni Putu
Published: July 2021

The development of the Creative Economy sector in collaboration with the IKM Sector to maintain local culture so it continues to grow and be sustainable. The development of IKM creativity is facilitated by the Denpasar City Government through the Denpasar Festival which is expected to be able to build an ecosystem, brand image and creative economy networking. For this reason, event implementation as one of the promotional media, so that the IKM brand image can be known by the wider community, both domestically and abroad. The purpose of this study is to examine and analyze the effect of product quality and product value on the brand image of IKM and moderated by the event. Respondents in this study were IKM who participated in the Denpasar Festival event for 3 consecutive years (2017 to 2019). The number of respondents used was 154 IKM using a sampling technique called Proportionate Stratified Random Sampling. This research used SEM analysis with SmartPLS 3.0 program. The results showed that product quality has a positive and significant effect on brand image, product value has no effect on brand image, events can moderate the effect of product quality on brand image, and events are not able to moderate the effect of product value on brand image.
International Tax Planning: The Preacquisition Surplus Election: More Than Meets the Eye?
Authors: Fraser Tim , Samuel Jim
Published: July 2021

Regulation 5901(2)(b) permits a corporation resident in Canada (CRIC) to make an election in respect of a dividend paid by a foreign affiliate of the CRIC such that the dividend will be treated as a reduction to the adjusted cost base of the foreign affiliate shares on which it is paid, rather than as a distribution from the foreign affiliate's surplus pools. Making this "preacquisition surplus election" is often perceived as a straightforward, and administratively simple, way for the CRIC to ensure that the dividend does not result in the unwanted, and potentially adverse, distribution of the foreign affiliate's surplus pools. However, as this article points out, it is important that a CRIC undertake a detailed analysis before deciding to make the election, in order to avoid potential exposure to unintended consequences.

This article provides an overview of the legislative history of the election and its underlying policy rationale, and describes the limitations of and restrictions on its use. The authors present some conceptual guidelines (along with examples of their application) for identifying certain circumstances in which the making of the election may be particularly favourable or unfavourable. They also compare and contrast this election with the "qualifying return of capital" (QROC) election under subsection 90(3), which may be available in some circumstances as an alternative mechanism for achieving a similar result.
ANALISIS KERUSAKAN LANDAS PACU BANDAR UDARA DENGAN METODE PCI DAN PERBAIKANNYA
Authors: Wahidah Lahun , Ligina Ayu Retno , Wiyono Eko
Published: July 2021

One method aimed to know the condition of the pavement runway on an airport is pavement condition index (PCI). This method has three parameters, type damage, severity damage, and the number of damage or density. In this research, the assessment of PCI is done on a runway (flexible pavement) at one of the airports in Jakarta with a broad 3000 m x 45 m. PCI’s value is gained by following a method from ASTM D 5340-98 (Standard Test Method for The Airport Pavement Condition Index Surveys) from all total sample. The research obtained shows that runway airports have an average of 75,59 (very good). Consisting of excellent as many as 138 sample (38 %), very good as many as 102 sample (28 %), good 60 sample (17 %), fair 36 sample (10 %), poor 16 sample (5 %), very poor as many as 7 sample (2 %), and failed 1 sample (0.001 %). All repairs to the damaged area which are lower than excellent condition using patching with a cold milling machine.
Challenges of Teaching English Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing Skills at Qawmi Madrasas under BEFAQ in Bangladesh
Authors: Md Abdul Karim Ruman
Published: July 2021

One of the recent aims and objectives of Qawmi madrasa education is to make the madrasa students adequately proficient in English to participate in the competitive sectors of Bangladesh for better career options. Though they consider English as an international language of communication and higher education, they pay very little attention to this language teaching and learning. Using a mixed-methods approach, the present study tried to explore how the 4 macro-skills of the English language are taught in Qawmi madrasas under the BEFAQ board and what challenges the teachers and the students encounter in teaching-learning situations. Analyzing the questionnaires, interviews, and classroom observations, it was found that only reading and writing skills are focused in the syllabus, textbooks, classroom, and testing; whereas listening and speaking skills are either informally practiced very little or avoided from all arenas. Consequently, language learners cannot achieve communicative competence in English. Finally, the researcher attempts to put forward some recommendations regarding the English syllabus, textbook contents, teaching method, and testing system to the Qawmi madrasa board and authority, madrasa teachers, and Bangladesh government for facing the challenges and making the students proficient in all basic skills of English language.
Iconic Morphology and the Study of Ideophones in Ghɔmálá’
Authors: Francine Moguo
Published: July 2021

Speakers of Ghɔmálá’ are unanimous about the fact that certain words, heard for the first time, are immediately accessible to them. This is undoubtedly due to the fact that certain sound sequences are conventionalized in such a way that semantic associations are directly apparent. The language attests seemingly iconic patterns of word formation and thus offers evidence for us to uphold the idea that the relation between the Saussurian “signifier” and  “signified” is significanltly less arbitrary than originally assumed. This paper introduces a language, Ghɔmálá’ where sound symbolism is a feature of the lexicon and even manifests itself in parts of the morphology. The objective of this paper is twofold: (1) to analyze iconic morphology which reveals the sources of some words in the language and results in the formation of pure words, and (2) to analyze ideophones and differentiate them from iconic words.
A Pragmatic Study of Sarcasm in Selected TV Shows
Authors: Hadi Hussam Aldeen Nidhal , AL Anssari Raniah Shakir
Published: July 2021

Sarcasm as a linguistic strategy is a universal property of all languages which means it can be found in any language. However, this research proposes a pragmatic study of sarcasm in the English Language, American TV shows. Sarcasm could also be pragmatically defined by linking it to Grice's Maxims which means that the utterance is violating one of Grice's maxims to communicate something indirectly. This approach suggests that sarcasm is a vital notion in spoken and written language. It shows that the utterance is used to achieve another purpose that is not literal. The research paper contains five sections. Section one deals with the definition of sarcasm pragmatically. Section two shows sarcasm as a pragmatic notion or phenomenon. Section three discusses Grice's Maxims and how they are considered a model that speakers should follow for successful communication. Section four talks about the types of violations of the maxims. Section five tackles how the utterances from a TV show under investigation are violating the maxims to carry out the indirect meaning. The research closes off with the conclusion reached which is followed by the bibliography.
Depiction of Nature in the Poetry of Robert Frost and that of the Romantics: Questing for Similitude and Dissimilitude through a Comparative Analysis
Authors: Hosne Ara Jannat -E-
Published: July 2021

This paper attempts to investigate the depiction of nature in the poetry of Robert Frost and how this treatment simultaneously resembles and differs from that of romantic poetry. Though he belongs to the era of modernism, his poetry carries numerous characteristics of romantic poetry. The researcher tries to compare the poetry of Robert Frost and that of the Romantics how they are identical or dissimilar in the representation of nature. Robert Frost might be called the interpreter of nature and humanity. He shows that he is a close observer of both nature and people. On the other hand, Romantic writers see nature as a source of inspiration, solace in agony, healer in mental illness, rescuer in struggling period, etc. They treat nature as Mother Nature where their poetry tells us the beauty of green forestland, woods, hills and mountains, riverbanks, pastoral scenarios, breezes and winds, fresh air, sunrises, and sunsets, etc. Whereas Robert Frost always tries to make a bridge between nature and humankind as he believes that there is a close relationship between man and nature. He finds a resemblance between the order of nature and human life. Frost depicts the symbolic quality of nature. Nature symbolizes the human world and all creatures including mankind are bound to agree and obey the rules of nature. Thus this article would try to uphold Frost's treatment of nature in comparison with that of the Romantics.
A Brief Review on Beliefs About Language Learning Inventory
Authors: Bidari Samikshya
Published: July 2021

Second language learners have various learning attitudes in different settings. Beliefs are essential elements in any field that deals with human performance and learning. Beliefs assist individuals in defining and understanding the world and themselves; they help define tasks and play an essential role in determining action (White, 1999). Recently, researchers have recognized the significance of language beliefs in the second language learning process; they have also been demonstrated interest in students' perspectives on language learning and their effects on learners' motivation, foreign language anxiety, and efficacy. This review summarized students' beliefs on learning a second language by combining key elements from previous research on this topic. This paper has analyzed five previous published articles (Mori,1999; Ellis, 2008; Tanaka & Ellis, 2008; Horwitz1987) and discussed findings on learner beliefs, potential changes in learner beliefs, and factors influencing learner beliefs changes.
A Qualitative Investigation on the Role of Social Media in Intercultural Communication Competence: The Moroccan Diaspora in Canada as a Case-Study
Authors: Boutabssil Fatima Zahraa
Published: July 2021

This paper aims to investigate how Moroccan migrants established in Canada utilize social media to improve their intercultural communication competence. It employs the exploratory sequential design based on the use of semi-structured interviews followed by a questionnaire. The results show that before migration, social media played an important role in providing the migrants with preliminary knowledge about the host culture via YouTube. Social media also facilitated communication with Canadians via Facebook. After migration, social and direct interaction was proven to be more effective in developing the participants’ ICC. As such, social media only played an informative role, whereas much of the participants’ intercultural knowledge, skills, attitudes, and awareness were developed from face-to-face communication. The study concludes that no matter how important social media can become, improving intercultural communication competencies cannot take place independently from face-to-face interaction.
The Prototypical Meaning of the Verb Κηρυσσειν (to proclaim) in the Gospel of Mark and its Relation to Κηρυσσειν in Homer, Septuagint, and Josephus
Authors: Campbell Kenroy
Published: July 2021

Most scholars seem to purport a very “general” meaning of the verb κηρύσσειν. Often, the meanings are coined as hypernyms: “to herald,” “to proclaim,” “to broadcast,” “to announce” or “to preach.” Ipso facto, they fail to capture the specific meanings within their contexts— a word that is used within its clausal/ discourse construction activates a meaning potential that may or may not reflect the full “general” idea of the word. As such, modern linguists purport the difficulty to arrive at specific definitions for words. Given this dilemma, the concept of prototype emerges unto the linguistic stage with the potentials to resolve the problem. Using prototype as an approach to find meanings, the objective is to find the best representation of a word, object, or concept (under consideration) within a given category, context, or pericope. On this basis, the research has employed this approach to the verb κηρύσσειν in the Gospel of Mark which resulted in the prototypical meaning: Followers or beneficiaries of Jesus’s deeds, publicly transmitting information about good deeds that have been performed by Jesus for the benefit of humans. In relation to the meanings in Homer, Septuagint, and Josephus, the results showed considerable differences, along with few similarities. Therefore, the approach and results of this research contribute in a more comprehensive and in a significant manner to our understanding of the verb Κηρύσσειν in Mark’s Gospel.
Trans-Himalaya Connectivity: Comprehensive Approach to Resolve China-India Political Conundrum
Authors: Sharma Buddhi Prasad , Bhusal Damodar
Published: July 2021

China and India have a long civilization. Even before the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 1950, both countries had a long history of exchanges on educational, cultural-spiritual, and trade in ancient times. But since the mid of 1950, both countries didn't enjoy good bilateral relations and that culminated with the war of 1962. Again rapprochement began in mid of 1980. Border issue, ideological-political model, and approach on global orientation are the issues both countries have different views, which sometimes produce severe bilateral relations problems. June 15 incident in Ladakh has created severe confrontation and new regional geopolitical imbalance. Five-point consensus in Moscow helped to reduce prevailing tension. This study finds that only regular cooperation and open dialogue can provide a fruitful platform to create a trustful environment and search for peaceful settlement of the dispute. Harmony between these two countries will support for peace and prosperity of the Trans-Himalaya region. This research is based on qualitative research and follows the secondary data. It takes a comprehensive approach as a theoretical framework to analyze the issues. The researcher is very serious about testing the validity of data and its analysis. As per the research requirement, this paper is explorative in format.
Building Partnerships by Infusing Kindness: A Social Worker and Librarian's Shared Journey to Meaningful Cross-Discipline Collaboration
Authors: Tllotson Calantha , Ward Amy
Published: July 2021

In this column, the authors will examine an innovative approach to library employee training, as well as reflect on their shared experience through the planning, implementing, and revising process. They will articulate the steps taken in development of a training model that uses a social work simulation lab to provide library employees with the opportunity to practice de-escalation techniques instantaneously with actors demonstrating a spectrum of authentic patron interactions, and experienced professionals, spanning librarianship and social work, providing immediate constructive feedback. To this end, the authors will contribute contemplative best practices for application of techniques relevant across the library discipline, as well as offering evidence of the strategies discussed informing progressive modifications to library-specific safety policies and procedures. The authors will also integrate suggested next steps, including complementary training opportunities based on mental health awareness and self-care.
Creating a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Library Orientation: The Process of Using a Text-based, Interactive Storytelling Tool to Take your Orientation Virtual
Authors: Sewell Amber
Published: July 2021

When in-person instruction was taken off the table, a new virtual orientation to the library was needed. Striving to create a balance of informational and engaging content, this article describes the thought- and creation-process behind a choose-your-own-library-adventure game built with the online tool Twine, and includes feedback and revisions made based on the Fall 2020 semester.
Pandemic as Opportunity : Creating and Implementing a Live Virtual Reference Desk
Authors: MacLeod Reardon Judy , Huddlestun Carey , Doster-Greenleaf Karen
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic presented the Kennesaw State University Library System with the question, " How can the library maintain live face-to-face reference services in a manner that is safe for all involved ?" Challenges to creating a live virtual reference desk that arose included the need to serve two campuses simultaneously, librarians working from home, and using conferencing technology in unexplored ways. The resulting Virtual In-Person (VIP) Reference service was the answer to our immediate situation, yet lessons were learned for future opportunities to push our services beyond the traditional.
Review of Faculty-Librarian Collaborations: Integrating the Information Literacy Framework into Disciplinary Courses
Authors: Troupos Cathy
Published: July 2021

Faculty-Librarian Collaborations: Integrating the Information Literacy Framework into Disciplinary Courses. Edited by Stöpel, M., Piotto, L., Goodman, X., and Godbey, S. (Chicago, IL: Association of College and Research Libraries 2020. 238pp.
DETERMINAN KUALITAS AUDIT DI KANTOR AKUNTAN PUBLIK JAKARTA TIMUR
Authors: Lena Alya , M. Nurrasyidini  , Daram Heriansyah
Published: July 2021

The purpose of This study is to study the effect of accounting knowledge, auditor experience, auditor independence, and auditor integrity on audit quality in East Jakarta public accounting firms. The method used in this research is quantitative method, where the variables studied are accounting knowledge, auditor experience, auditor independence and auditor integrity as independent variables and Audit Quality as the dependent variable. The population used in this study were all public accounting firms registered in the East Jakarta area. The sample selection technique used purposive sampling and the data were collected using a questionnaire and processed using SPSS software. Data processing and analysis techniques used in this study are accounting analysis, descriptive statistical analysis, data quality test, multiple linear regression analysis, classical assumption test, hypothesis testing and coefficient of determination. The results of the study show that Accounting Knowledge, Auditor Experience, Auditor Independence, and Auditor Integrity have an influence on the dependent variable (Audit Quality).
PENGARUH KONEKSI POLITIK, INTENSITAS ASET TETAP, KOMISARIS INDEPENDEN, PROFITABILITAS DAN LEVERAGE TERHADAP TAX AVOIDANCE
Authors: Sahrir Sahrir , Syamsuddin Sofyan , Sultan Sultan
Published: July 2021

Tax avoidance is a business that is conducted legally by the company by utilizing existing loopholes in the tax regulations with the aim of minimizing or even avoiding tax payments. This research aimed to know and analyze the effect of political connections, fixed assets intensity, independent commissioners, profitability and leverage to tax avoidance. The method used is quantitative, where the data used is secondary data formed as financial statements of banking sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the period 2014-2018. The sample determination used purposive sampling, so obtained financial statements that meet the research criteria of 172 observations. The data analysis technique used multiple linier regression analysis. The research result showed that political connections, fixed assets intensity, profitability and leverage affected to the tax avoidance. While independent commissioners is not affected to the tax avoidance
MEKANISME PENGAWASAN PEMBIAYAAN MURABAHAH SEBAGAI UPAYA MEMINIMALISIR PEMBIAYAAN BERMASALAH PADA PT. BANK SYARIAH MANDIRI KANTOR CABANG PEMBANTU (KCP) TAKENGON
Authors: Panetir Bungkes  , Sahyuli Milda
Published: July 2021

Minimizing financing problems PT. Bank Syariah Mandiri Sub-Branch Office (KCP) Takengon needs to supervise murabahah financing, be it supervision before financing or supervision after financing. Because most of the assets of PT. Bank Syariah Mandiri KCP Takengon is in murabahah financing with a total of 1388 financing customers so that the quality of the financing must be maintained. This research method uses a qualitative descriptive approach. The data sources that the authors use are primary sources. Data collection techniques obtained from observation, interviews, and documentation. In addition, data analysis used is data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. The result of this research is that the supervision mechanism of murabahah financing at PT. Bank Syariah Mandiri KCP Takengon uses character analysis, capital, capacity, collateral, and conditions of economy (5C). Meanwhile, the cause of problematic financing is due to internal factors and external factors. Furthermore, problematic financing can be minimized through the 5C analysis process unless it is caused by a natural disaster that is beyond the estimation of PT. Bank Syariah Mandiri KCP Takengon. The conclusion of the researcher is that the PT. Bank Syariah Mandiri KCP Takengon has implemented all murabahah financing supervision procedures that have been arranged systematically and structured.