bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Links between biodiversity and human infectious and non-communicable diseases: a review
Authors: Crump Lisa , Martinoli Danièle , Zinsstag Jakob
Published: April 2021

INTRODUCTION
Biodiversity has intrinsic value and a fundamental role in human health. The relationship between them is complex, and the specific sustaining processes are still not well understood. In view of the rapidly evolving landscape, this literature review investigated scientific evidence for specific links between biodiversity and human infectious and non-communicable diseases to characterise identifiable relationships.

METHODS
A search of the PubMed and Web of Science databases using keyword algorithms identified relevant manuscripts published between 1 January 2000 and 18 April 2019. Qualitative data were extracted from 155 studies investigating links between or mechanisms linking biodiversity and infectious disease, non-communicable disease, allergic/inflammatory disease and microbiomes.

RESULTS
None of the reviewed studies documented causal evidence for a mechanism linking biodiversity and human health. The main mechanisms proposed to link biodiversity and transmission of infectious disease were dilution and amplification. The dilution hypothesis argues that an increase in species diversity leads to a decrease in pathogen prevalence. The amplification effect is the converse, that there is a positive correlation between species diversity and disease risk/infection prevalence. Several driving factors are postulated, including encounter reduction, interspecies competition and predation. In addition, it appears that scale, both spatial and temporal, highly impacts diversity-disease relationships. There is strong evidence that the early environment of a child, including maternally transferred prenatal signals, affects immune maturation, modifying later disease risk. Bi-directional axes communicate between the gut microbiome and the brain, as well as between the skin microbiome and the lung, leading to direct and indirect immune, humoral and neural mechanisms. The main challenges in assessing links between biodiversity and human health are the wide variation in definitions of health and biodiversity, and the heterogeneity in types of studies encountered, as well as the complexity of interactions in dynamic systems.

CONCLUSIONS
Contextually adapted integrative approaches, which maintain dialogue across disciplines and amongst all stakeholders, are most likely to generate robust evidence. Because of the relevance of local scale, research engagement must occur across levels to generate legitimate practices and translate into sustainable, equitable policies. Recommendations for future action include: improve the knowledge base on contribution of biodiversity to health, increase awareness of health effects of natural and near-natural environments and biodiversity, and promote synergies by increasing policy coherence.
Optimization of the step feeding ratio for nitrogen removal by SBR using technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS)
Authors: Mang Ngun Za Luai , Hwang Yuhoon , Lee Tae-Jin
Published: April 2021

The performance of nitrogen (N) removal was investigated by altering the influent step feeding in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR). The optimum condition for influent step feeding was analyzed using Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) with entropy weight method, considering the C/N ratio range 1.5 to 4.5. The results showed that the SBR with the multi-step-feeding system achieved a high nitrogen removal rate of 92.7% at the three-step influent feeding mode. Nitrogen removal was significantly improved due to the multi-step influent feeding, which provided the required carbon source in the anoxic phase for the removal of nitrate that enhanced the denitrification process. The highest nitrogen removal rate at real-time operation was observed at the three-step feeding mode with 60% primary feeding, 30% secondary feeding, and 10% tertiary feeding, respectively. TOPSIS analysis results also showed that the optimum step feeding ratio was identical to the real-time operation of the SBR.
Turnover Intentions Among Hotel Employees in the Accra Metropolis of Ghana
Authors: Deri Mildred Nuong , Zaazie Perpetual , Bazaanah Prosper
Published: April 2021

The objective for this study was to analyze the factors which influenced turnover intentions of hotel employees in the Accra Metropolis of Ghana. The two-factor motivation theory of Frederick Herzberg was used as the lens to analyse employee turnover intentions in the hotel industry. A quantitative research method – encompassing the explanatory and simple random sampling approach – was used to collect the data from two hundred hotel employees in the Metropolis. Chi-square analysis and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. The study found that there was no significant relationship between the demographic features and turnover intentions of employees. Promotion chances were the best indicator of the turnover intentions of hotel employees. This implies job promotions are likely to reduce employees turnover among hotels in the Metropolis. The findings provides sufficient knowledge and information to scholars, policy makers and hotel managers that by providing opportunities for employees promotion, hotels can significantly reduce employees turnover in the future.
CRITICISM IN TURKISH TEXTBOOKS
Authors: BİLGİN Dilek
Published: April 2021

The aim of the study was to investigate the texts in the sixth-grade Turkish textbook published by the Ministry of National Education Publishing House for the 2018-2019 academic year, which provide the basis for criticism. The data were collected through document analysis, which is a qualitative research method. The analysis results showed that the texts that provide the basis for criticism are subsumed under each theme. The elements that form the basis for criticism and seem to contribute to analytical thinking and expression were identified in the following components of the book: in the texts “This Is My Story”, “I Am Looking For”, and “My Dear Library” under the theme of Reading Culture and the activities of these texts; in the activity questions of the texts “Courage of the Turkish Soldier” and “July 15” and in a dialogue in the text “Old Granny” under the theme of the National Struggle and Atatürk; in the texts “Aziz Sancar”, “How Did People Use to Measure Time?”, and “Technology Addiction” under the theme of Science and Technology and the activities of these texts; throughout the text “Giving is Gaining” and in an activity of the text “Silver Wing” under the theme of Virtues; in the texts “What We Wonder”, “Afyon” and “Water Pollution” under the theme of Nature and the Universe and the activities of these texts; in the texts “Anatolia” and “the Story of Tarhana” under the theme of Our National Culture; in an activity of the texts “Time to Bicycle” and “10 Questions about Obesity” and in the text “Eating, Drinking and Digesting” and an activity of the text under the theme of Health and Sport; and in the texts “Yes Sir/Madam”, “Do a Favour” and “On Friendship” under the theme of Individual and Society and the activities of these texts. Keywords: Criticism, Turkish Textbooks, Analytical Thinking, Literature, Education.
THE SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER CANDIDATES' ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE TEACHING PROFESSION AND THEIR VOCATIONAL SELF-ESTEEMS
Authors: ALTUNAY Furkan , YAZICI Kubilay
Published: April 2021

With this research, it is aimed to examine the attitudes of social studies teacher candidates towards the teaching profession and their professional self-esteem in terms of various variables. In this context, the gender, class, age, type of high school graduated from social studies teacher candidates, whether you chose the teaching profession, the status of being a teacher of social studies and their attitudes towards teaching profession and their professional self-esteem. It is tried to determine whether or not it has effect. The study group of the research consisted of 200 social studies teacher candidates studying at Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University. The data of the study were collected, with the "Occupational Self-Esteem Scale" developed by Arıcak (1999) and the "Teaching Profession Attitude Scale" developed by Çetin (2006), in the 2017-2018 academic year . The obtained data were tabulated and interpreted by performing the necessary statistical analysis via IBM SPSS 24.0 program. In the study, there is a positive, low-level and significant relationship between teacher candidates' attitudes towards the teaching profession and their professional self-esteem, It has been determined that teacher candidates who willingly chose teaching profession have higher professional self-esteem. At the end of the study, various suggestions were presented in the light of research findings. Keywords: Attitude, Social Studies, Teaching, Vocational Self-Esteem.
CONSENSUS ORIENTED PUBLIC RELATIONS AS A SOCIAL THEORETICAL APPROACH
Authors: AYDIN Ali Fikret
Published: April 2021

Consensus-oriented public relations, which is considered within the social theoretical approach, is a model developed by Roland Burkart. The basic point on which the model is based is the concept of "consensus" mentioned by Habermas in his communicative action theory. Achieving consensus in communicative action depends on the efforts of the parties to understand each other. However, it is important to ensure equal conditions in the communication process and to create a democratic discussion environment. Thus, it may be possible to reach an consensus between institutions and target audiences in terms of public relations. The consensus-oriented public relations approach emphasizes that conflict resolution can be achieved when both sides develop the potential to understand each other in the face of a problem to be experienced between the institution and the target audience. At this point, it can be said that symmetrical public relations will facilitate understanding. As Habermas emphasized, a rational discussion and dialogue is the most effective way to bring the parties to an consensus. Consensus-oriented public relations model is explained within the scope of the study as a compilation. It is thought that this approach can contribute to institutions, especially in conflict management. Keywords: Consensus-Oriented Public Relations, Burkart, Theory of Communicative Action, Habermas.
EDUCATORS’ ATTITUDE AND PERSPECTIVES TOWARDS THEIR USAGE OF MATERIALS AND THE TECHNOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN DISTANCE EDUCATION OF TEACHING TURKISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Authors: ÜSTÜN DUMAN Gül Banu , YURDAKUL Yalçın
Published: April 2021

Distance education, rapidly developing with the developments in global communication advances, has become widespread due to Covid-19 pandemic. Teaching Turkish as a Foreign Language synchronously via distance education has been conducted across a wide geography both in and outside Turkey. With the sudden appearance of the pandemic, educators have had to switch into distance education without having sufficient preparations. A successful distance education period is solely possible with the sufficient technological, curricular, and pedagogical preparedness. In this study, educators’ attitude and perspectives towards their usage of materials and the technological infrastructure in distance education of Teaching Turkish as a Foreign Language are being under examination. A questionnaire with open and closed ended questions is applied and the results are evaluated in the study. The problems regarding the usages of the materials and infrastructure are being identified and the solutions are offered to improve the period of distance education. Keywords: teaching Turkish to foreigners, distance education, material use, technological infrastructure
TRITIUM DETERMINATION FROM WINE SAMPLES USING LIQUID SCINTILLATION COUNTING
Authors: Vagner Irina , Varlam Carmen , Costinel Diana
Published: April 2021

Tritium measurement from aqueous fraction of the wines of known vineyard can be a useful tool in reconstruction of the tritium activity in different areas and makes possible to date the time of the harvest of the grapes. The goal of this study was to develop a suitable method for purification of the aqueous phase from the wine samples, obtained from different type of wines, in order to determine tritium activity concentration using liquid scintillation counting. In this work the influence of the purification method applied to the aqueous samples resulted from wine distillation was assessed by deuterium and tritium measurements, content of organic carbon, pH and conductivity. The most reliable purification method used for wine aqueous fractions, according with the results obtained for pH, and total organic carbon content is chemical treatment followed by lyophilization.
DOĞUM AĞRISININ GİDERİLMESİNDE REBOZO TEKNİĞİ
Authors: TANDOĞAN Özden , OSKAY Ümran
Published: April 2021

Doğum ağrısı kadınların yaşamlarında deneyimlediği bilinen en şiddetli ağrılardan biridir. Bu deneyimde algılanan ağrı, eylem ile ilgili bilgi veren doğal bir sürecin parçası olarak görünse de arka planda rahatsızlık, huzursuzluk, sinirlilik gibi anneyi zorlayan duyusal farklıkları da ortaya çıkarmaktadır. Günümüzde bu farklılıkların gözardı edilmeye başlanıldığı, doğumun doğallığından uzaklaşıldığı, ağrının giderilmesinde müdahaleli ve sezeryan doğumların rol aldığı göze çarpmaktadır. Doğum ağrısının giderilmesinde basit ve ucuz olan ayrıca kadınların içlerinde zaten varolan güçlerini ortaya koyabilen noninvaziv yöntemlerin kullanımı, anne ve fetüs sağlığı üzerinde olumlu etkiler yaratmaktadır. Çok eski zamanlardan beri kullanılan Rebozo Tekniği Latin Amerika kökenli olup invaziv olmayan pratik bir uygulamadır. Batı ülkelerinde kullanımı ivme kazanan Rebozo Tekniği; doğum öncesinde, doğum sırasında ve doğum sonunda kullanılabilmektedir. Rebozo Tekniği’nin kullanımının yaygınlaştırılması ile kadınlar doğumun doğallığını deneyimlerken doğumdaki memnuniyetini de doğrudan etkileyebilir. Bu durumda ebe/hemşireler tarafından Rebozo Tekniği nonfarmakolojik bir yöntem olarak doğumhanelerde kullanılması yaygınlaştırılmalıdır. Bu derlemede, Rebozo Tekniği ele alınmış, doğumun ikinci evresinde kullanımları ve etkilerinin önemi vurgulanmıştır.
IMPROVEMENT OF ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY OF THE GRAPHITE AND APATITE DEPOSITS AVAILABILITY IN THE AREAS OF NEW DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Dadykin V.S.
Published: April 2021

The relevance of improving the methodology of economic assessment of the availability of deposits reserves is due to the need to use the expert-analytical method in the calculations, which is based on the data of geological mapping and forecast studies, the geography of the location of mineral deposits and the economic characteristics of the forecast resources of the territory and reserves of deposits. The object of the study is the mineral resource base of reserves and forecast resources of graphite and apatite deposits on the territory of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). The subject of the study is the improvement of the methodology of economic assessment of the cost of geological exploration works. The purpose of this study is to improve the methodological support of geoinformation modeling of the availability of deposits reserves for the subsequent transfer of the forecast potential of minerals to the proven reserves for deposits in the areas of new development of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). To achieve this goal, it was necessary to solve the following tasks: to determine the methodological justification of geological and economic zoning; to form the principles of geological and economic modeling. The scientific novelty of the study is that the author improved the methodology for economic assessment of the availability of graphite and apatite deposits in the areas of new development. The practical significance lies in the possibility of using the results of the study to assess the mineral resource potential of field reserves and forecast resources in the areas of new development.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF COMPANIES: ESSENCE AND EMPIRICAL ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT ON EFFICIENCY
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Head of the organizational and analytical direction of the Project Office for the implementation of the national program ", Kochetkov E.P. ,   Digital Economy of the Russian Federation",   of the Analytical Center under the Government of the Russian Federation, Zabavina A.A. ,   Project Coordinator of the Project Office for the implementation of the national program "Digital Economy of the Russian Federation" of the Analytical Center under the Government of the Russian Federation, Master of the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Published: April 2021

In the context of the fourth industrial revolution and the development of digital technologies, their implementation in all areas of the economy has become a necessity. Currently, digital transformation as a set of measures to modernize the company's internal processes is becoming a key element on a highly competitive market and it is one of the few ways to survive. The current economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic has sharply demonstrated the need for digital transformation of business. In this regard, the problem of successful digital transformation has become a key issue for almost all companies in various sectors of the economy. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of the digital transformation process of the business on its effectiveness. The theoretical analysis of the digital transformation process was used as a methodological basis. On the basis of statistical data and digital strategies of companies, an analysis of the reasons for the success and failure of such strategies implementation, as well as a correlation analysis of the main indicators of the company's performance and the process of its digitalization, is carried out. In the course of the study, the essence of the concept of company digital transformation is established, the key features of this process are identified and generalized, the main prerequisites for digital changes and their results are determined by the example of large multinational corporations – representatives of various sectors of the economy.
RESEARCH OF RESIDENTS INTERRELATIONS OF THE SAMARA REGION CONSTRUCTION CLUSTER
Authors:   Samara State University of Economics, Makarov S.I. , Boldyrev M.A. ,   Samara University of Public Administration "International Market Institute"
Published: April 2021

The article is devoted to the study of the interaction of the construction cluster participants, which determines the dynamics of the volumes and paces of construction in the region. The main subjects of this process are construction organizations and manufacturers of building materials. The main requirements of regional construction companies to suppliers of building materials are defined. The factors are revealed reflecting the dependence of the results of the construction companies' activities on the production and economic activities of the companies producing construction materials. Based on the available observations for 7 years, a statistical analysis of the samples was carried out and regression models of dynamics were constructed, the significance and adequacy of the obtained models were checked. The constructed mathematical models reflect the dependence of the volume of performed work in construction from the production indicators of manufacturers of building materials and supply organizations. The conducted research allows us to conclude that the most significant negative factors affecting the volume of work performed are the dynamics of prices for finished metal products and the dynamics of prices for the transmission and distribution of electricity.
PHASE CONSTRAINTS IN MATERIAL MEANS SEPARATION MODELS IN MICROECONOMICS
Authors:   Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Chernyaev A.P. , Sukhorukova I.V. ,   Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Fomin G.P. ,   Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Meerson A.Yu. ,   Economics of the Russian State University of Economics, Moscow
Published: April 2021

One of the important and urgent tasks of microeconomics is the problems of research of the economic system, in which there are restrictions associated with the planned volume of output or the size of the enterprise production capacity. These constraints are set by the requirement that the analyzed trajectories do not leave some given region of the control existence space. Most often, such restrictions for all time points are set in the form of inequalities, and certain requirements are imposed on the function of the phase coordinates of the object, their value at a given time. This problem is classified as an optimal control problem with mixed and phase constraints. In general, this area is of scientific interest and requires consideration. In this case, we study the microeconomic model of the household economy as the most stable object in the conditions of crises. The accumulated savings are subject to a natural phase constraint of non-negativity. This led to the study of the features of the microeconomic formulation of the problem of finding a method for the optimal division of material resources into consumed and accumulated parts, since the imposition of a natural phase restriction on the non-negativity of accumulated savings makes everything much more complicated. Just as in macroeconomics, consumption is optimized, but not in its pure form, but the integral discounted utility of consumption is maximized. The relation equation in this paper differs from a similar macroeconomic equation, since the household exists and survives in crisis conditions in a different way than do social organisms and large enterprises. That is why the article formulates and proves sufficient conditions for solving the problem with a phase constraint.
Exploring Cherishing: A Qualitative Approach
Authors: Bhattacharyya Pratishtha , Pradhan Rabindra
Published: April 2021

The word cherishing is frequently used in our daily jargons. It is also very often mentioned in empirical literature on cherished possessions. However, despite the relevance of the term in the empirical literature on cherished possessions, very little is known about the way it operates in people’s lives. The only link with cherishing happens to be the studies conducted in individualistic cultures on cherished possessions. Besides, there is hardly any consensus on how cherishing operates in collectivistic culture such as India owing to the scarce literature available on the topic. Hence, the present study addresses the gap in the literature with the objective to explore the concept of cherishing. The present study examines cherishing through qualitative investigation by using semi-structured interviews in India. Forty-eight participants were interviewed for the study. Analysis of the data based on grounded theory techniques revealed three major themes: (i) the attributes of cherishing, (ii) functions of cherishing and (iii) the objects of cherishing. The attributes of cherishing convey a sense of protectiveness, a tendency to care, affective orientation and reminiscence. The functions reveal the benefits experienced from cherishing. The objects of cherishing convey the targets towards which one experiences cherishing. Recommendations for further study, along with theoretical and practical implications of the study findings, are also discussed.
Serving the Less-Commonly-Trained Teacher: Perspectives from Arabic Instructors
Authors: De Felice Dustin , Lanier Amanda , Winke Paula
Published: April 2021

As proficient speakers of less-commonly-taught languages seek to meet the demand for qualified instructors, they face a range of personal and professional challenges. In an effort to understand the perspectives of these instructors and their particular educational experiences and needs, we conducted a phenomenological case study of two aspiring Arabic teachers. Specifically, we sought insights into their lived experiences, their motivations for pursuing a graduate degree, their attempts to connect coursework with pedagogical practices, and their needs in terms of professional development. Our findings illuminate the intersecting objectives these instructors must achieve. They need to position themselves as qualified candidates for the available positions as instructors, but they also need to reconcile a number of different roles as they develop their teacher identities and connect their backgrounds to ambitions for students’ growth. As teacher educators, we find that we need to facilitate career placement as well as the negotiation of these roles.
Watching “Insidious” – On the Social Construction of Fear
Authors: Renda Charlotte
Published: April 2021

As mass media are an integral part of our everyday lives, their role in constituting emotions and feeling rules receives heightened attention. However, content analyses and psychoanalytical/reaction analyses focus on a film-viewer-relation that does not consider the group character of media consumption. This article deals with the question of how fear is socially constructed and interactively negotiated by taking an ethnomethodological look at videos that teenagers have taken of themselves while watching the horror movie Insidious. It puts forward two inter-related forms of ambiguity: the ambiguity of what emotions are appropriate, that is, the ways in which feeling rules are treated as topics and as features of the viewing settings, and, secondly, the ambiguity of belonging that concerns the question of how several viewers can draw themselves out of a terrifying situation while simultaneously ensuring that the group is held together. Fear is regarded as a separating emotion insofar as actors withdraw, actively locate their bodies as barriers against the movie’s sensual impressions and thus simultaneously constrain interaction by blocking central channels of communication. Special attention is given to the ways in which this affects interaction. The article contributes to the understanding of visual spectatorship and the undertaking of bringing affect into media studies by bringing together audience research and emotion sociology.
Frenemies in the Academy: Relational Aggression among African American Women Academicians
Authors: Williams Wendi , Packer-Williams Catherine
Published: April 2021

Black women academicians represent a highly educated group that at times hold positional power within institutions of higher education. In this paper, the authors utilize a critical race feminist frame to explore their experiences with relational aggressive dynamics within higher education work settings. Using auto-narrative qualitative methodology, they collected data through scholarly personal narratives in the form of journals. The entries were analyzed by utilizing an intersectional lens with a focus on coping. Data analysis yielded four themes framed as coping with frenemy dynamics between individuals and contexts. The authors consider the contribution of individual, institutional and structural elements.
Generalising from Qualitative Research (GQR): A New Old Approach
Authors: Guenther John , Falk Ian
Published: April 2021

In this paper, the authors debunk a long-held myth that generalisation is primarily the domain of quantitative research. Based on a review of modern and historical approaches to generalisation, they argue that generalisation from qualitative research (GQR) can be achieved, not through a process of self-justification, but through defensible and rigorous research design and methods. The authors go on to consider examples from their own qualitative research work spanning the last 20 years. From these examples they offer mechanisms that qualitative researchers can employ to generalise from their findings. They suggest that generalisation is achieved through a process of generalisation cycles (GCs) which produce normative truth statements (NTSs), which in turn can be contested or confirmed with theory and empirical evidence.
“They can speak English, but they don’t want to use it.” Teaching Contents through English in a Bilingual School and Policy Recommendations
Authors: Mukminin Amirul , Sari Siti , Haryanto Eddy , Habibi Akhmad , Hidayat Marzul , Marzulina Lenny , Nurulanningsih Nurulanningsih , Ikhsan Ikhsan
Published: April 2021

The growing need for English as a key to global communication, relations, and information, is noticeable in schools around the world. In response to these imperatives of global competitiveness, one of the private bilingual schools in Indonesia has adopted English as a medium of instruction (EMI). The aim of this study was to explore the implementation of English as a language of instruction in a bilingual school in teaching contents in one private bilingual school in Jambi City, Indonesia. The data were collected through demographic profiles, documents, and semi-structured in-depth interviews. The documents were used to find out the comprehensive overview of the bilingual education program while the in-depth interviews were used to ask participants to narrate their accounts and perspectives on the use of English as the medium of instruction at a micro (classroom) level. Overall, the findings of this study revealed that the successful implementation of English as a language of instruction in a bilingual school were interrelatedly challenged by teachers’ attitude and ability to use English, language policy, teaching materials, students’ English proficiency, curriculum, student assessment, and admission policy. Implications and suggestions for future research are also discussed.
Effects of a Cooperative Learning Intervention Program on Cyberbullying in Secondary Education: A Case Study
Authors: Hortigüela Alcalá David , Fernández Río Javier , González Calvo Gustavo , Pérez Pueyo Ángel
Published: April 2021

The goal was to assess the effects of an intervention program, based on cooperative learning and involving the whole school community, on the emotional and social evolution of a student who had suffered cyberbullying. The student, her parents, the school administration, a teacher and the student's classmates agreed to participate in the study. A qualitative research design was used, which included interviews, discussion groups and diaries. The information obtained was structured in three categories: cyberbullying detection and response, psychoeducational intervention program, and emotional and social evolution. Results showed that the program produced significant improvements in the cyberbullied adolescent's emotional and social state. The teacher, the school administrators and the parents observed these positive changes in the adolescent and her classmates, since the class' social climate had improved too. It seems important to establish protocols to detect cyberbullying behaviours, as well as intervention programs to deal with this problem that involve the whole school community.
Implementing Narrative-Pedagogical Approaches in a Teacher Education Classroom
Authors: Goh Pauline
Published: April 2021

Preservice teachers can no longer be prepared using conventional teaching approaches as these are inadequate to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills they require to perform the tasks of teaching effectively. Teacher educators need to use new pedagogies, and narrative pedagogy is seen as a teaching method which can better prepare preservice teachers for the challenging classrooms of today. My study explored nine preservice teachers’ experiences after the enactment of a narrative pedagogical approach in one of their courses within their teacher education program. I used Ricoeur’s framework of the prefigured and configured arena of education to analyse the rich interview and reflective data which emerged. Three themes for the prefigured arena emerged: (a) feeling the sense of responsibility, (b) feeling anxious, and (c) feeling the lack of experience and confidence. Similarly, three themes were found for the configured arena: (a) learning through emotions, (b) learning through insights, and (c) learning through discussion. The preservice teachers have interpreted and discussed “lived” stories and this has shifted the way they think about teaching. The results do offer teacher educators and educational stakeholders a stepping-stone to further pedagogical insight into using narrative pedagogy in teacher education.
In Search of Themes – Keys to Teaching Qualitative Analysis in Higher Education
Authors: Boström Petra
Published: April 2021

Teaching research methods in psychology involves communicating a number of methods stemming from diverse philosophical traditions. The process of searching for themes is a central part of various qualitative methods of analysis and involves the transformation of coded raw data into a thematic structure. This process has often been briefly described which can create a problem for students who encounter qualitative analysis for the first time. The aim of the present paper is to explore how the process of transforming codes into a thematic structure can be described and communicated through higher education teaching. Literature on research methods and related teaching methods was explored and subsequently related to experiences of teaching and using qualitative methods in research. The essay-writing process was used to develop a language and pedagogical methods for teaching of thematic analysis. The reflective journey started off with concepts such as sorting and using visual tools found in the literature review, and continued with more active concepts such as abstracting and re-organising. I found the illumination of dominating epistemologies in psychological research to be a key element for understanding a more fundamental problem impeding students’ learning processes. The reflective journey ended in a proposition of teaching exercises aimed at encouraging students’ research creativity.
Technology in University Physical Activity Courses: A Mini-Ethnographic Case Study
Authors: Cox Dannon , Krause Jennifer , Smith Mark
Published: April 2021

As younger generations become increasingly reliant on technology, higher educational institutions must continually attempt to stay with or ahead of the curve to foster 21st century teaching and learning. College and university physical activity courses (PACs) are encouraged to incorporate technology for effective pedagogical practices. No qualitative research has specifically examined the culture of PACs instructors’ attitudes and experiences with technology as a pedagogical tool. A mini-ethnographic case study explored the use of technology among seven graduate teaching assistants who shared their pedagogical experiences, teaching practices, and perceptions of technology within PACs. Using an interpretive phenomenological analysis, composite narrative accounts were presented to highlight unique characteristics of PAC instructors and develop meaning from their lived experiences. The findings revealed that PAC instructors use varying forms of technology, but all instructors rely on learning management systems as a pedagogical tool, which can be influenced by campus environment, pedagogical experiences, and social support. This pilot study contributes to the current gap in research related to technology in PACs and addresses the need to properly prepare instructors to teach in the digital age.
Parents’ Perceptions of Smartphone Use and Parenting Practices
Authors: Johnson David , Hertlein Katherine
Published: April 2021

Technology use in one’s life has generally explored why people use certain technologies, how they use technology, and the effect of such usage on our personal relationships. To date, however, few studies have explored the use of using smartphones and its effect on parenting practices. The present study sought to understand parents’ perceptions of their smartphone use’s effect on their children and parenting practices. Grounded in a social constructionism perspective, interviews were conducted with 12 parents inquiring about their smartphone usage. Five themes emerged: (1) Disengagement, (2) Concern for Future, (3) Change in Social Norms, (4) Boundaries, and (5) Cognitive Dissonance. These findings indicate some remarkable effects parental smartphone use is having in the lives of study participants. Results and implications are discussed.
Examining Researcher Identity Development within the Context of a Course on PAR: A Layered Narrative Approach
Authors: Call-Cummings Meagan , Hauber-Özer Melissa , Dazzo Giovanni
Published: April 2021

In this paper we explore the ways in which a group of doctoral students grapples with the epistemology of participatory action research (PAR) in relation to their own personal and professional identities and research agendas while taking a course on PAR. As a professor of research methodology and two doctoral students, we examine the entangled and often hidden processes of teaching and learning PAR in order to identify experiences or events that seem to prompt or deepen novice scholars’ understanding and foster confidence in their ability to enact the methodology themselves. Through analysis of participants’ course journals as a type of reflexive researcher identity development record, we draw on narrative inquiry and Carspecken’s concept of identity claims to systematically explore the participants’ experiences and trace their journeys as they encounter concerns about ethics, power dynamics, and the logistics of a “messy” methodology.
Using Facebook Secret Groups for Qualitative Data Collection
Authors: Medley-Rath Stephanie
Published: April 2021

The popularity of Facebook (FB) has led researchers to seek ways of using the social media platform in their empirical research. One approach is to use FB’s secret groups tool to conduct asynchronous online focus groups. In this research note, I outline the steps to using FB secret groups along with the strengths and weaknesses of this approach. I used FB’s secret groups function to conduct three asynchronous online focus groups. I recruited caregivers of children with sensory processing disorder or “sensory issues” who took part by writing about their experiences online. By using Facebook secret groups, the researcher can meet participants in a setting they are familiar with (i.e., FB) which reduces the barriers to participating in a research study. The researcher, however, gives up some control over the research setting. This report fills a gap in the literature with a description of the logistics of using Facebook for online focus groups; this description is designed to help future researchers use this method in their studies of harder-to-reach populations (e.g., parents or caregivers).
Building Constructivist Learning Environment at Senior High School in Indonesia
Authors: Harjali Harjali
Published: April 2021

Constructivist learning environment enhances students to be actively participating in the classroom activity. The way is through relating students’ real-life situation with the knowledge that will be learned, thus, students are able to develop their comprehension of constructing a conceptual meaning of knowledge. It is essential to consider the students’ perspectives toward constructivist learning since they are the center of learning. The objective of this study is to investigate the teachers’ perception towards the implementation of constructivist in a language lesson. Six teachers were selected as the participants using purposive sampling technique. The data were obtained through in-depth interviews and participant observations. The data were evaluated and analyzed using observation, documentation, and filed note into relevant themes through triangulation strategy. The result of this study indicates that most of students’ participation to learn was influenced by some factors such as teachers’ supports, task-oriented in learning, deliberating cooperative activities, cohesively and closely related to their life using relevant, critical, and negotiable learning. By implementing constructivist classroom learning, the teachers and the students engaged in mutual positive relationship especially in building the students’ motivation.
Workplace Ostracism and Employee Reactions among University Teachers in Pakistan
Authors: Fatima Tehreem , Bilal Ahmad Raza , Imran Muhammad
Published: April 2021

This study investigated the positive and negative behavioral outcomes resulting from the pragmatic and psychological impacts of workplace ostracism experienced by university teachers in Pakistan. Using a qualitative and phenomenological approach, the data were gathered from 20 ostracized teachers working in public and private sector higher educational institutions in Pakistan. The results revealed that participants faced both the psychological and pragmatic impacts of workplace ostracism. Most of the ostracized teachers indicated positive behavioral outcomes due to being collectivist and placing a high value on social relations. Ostracized teachers used resource investment strategies by improving in-role and extra-role performance that reflect their re-inclusion expectations and less chronic prevalence of workplace ostracism. But participants showed their intention to engage in negative behaviors such as withdrawal, decreased performance, and resignation if they constantly face ostracism in future. The results of this study can be used by the university administration to develop an inclusive and non-discriminatory culture and policies to minimize the occurrence of workplace ostracism.
Using Emphasis-Purposeful Sampling-Phenomenon of Interest–Context (EPPiC) Framework to Reflect on Two Qualitative Research Designs and Questions: A Reflective Process
Authors: Kalu Michael
Published: April 2021

A satisfactory research question often signifies the beginning point for many researchers. While this can be true for quantitative studies because of pre-defined research questions, qualitative research questions undergo series of revisions through a reflective process. This reflective process provides the framework for the subjectivity associated with qualitative inquiry. The continuous iterative reflective process is an essential component for developing qualitative research questions that correspond with the various qualitative study designs. Although qualitative inquiry is term exclusively subjective, there is a need to use a framework in developing qualitative research questions. The Emphasis- Purposeful sampling- Phenomenon of interest – Context (EPPiC) framework guides qualitative researchers in developing and revising qualitative research questions to suit a specific qualitative approach. This article addresses both the development of a research question using the “EPPiC framework” and demonstrate how to revise the “developed” research question to reflect two qualitative research design. I developed a qualitative research question for Sally Thorne’s Interpretive Description design using the EPPiC Framework and subsequently revised the research question to suit a grounded theory design.
Corona-bedingte Finanzhilfen des Bundes zur Entlastung der kommunalen Haushalte, Eine finanzwissenschaftliche Bewertung
Authors: Döring Thomas
Published: April 2021

Durch die Corona-Krise haben die Kommunen nicht geplante zusätzliche Ausgaben und gleichzeitig hohe Ausfälle bei den Steuereinnahmen. Im Gegensatz zu Bund und Ländern sind die Kommunen haushaltsrechtlich deutlich stärker beschränkt, wenn es um die Kompensation von Einnahmeausfällen geht. Daher droht vielen Kommunen kurzfristig eine finanzielle Notlage. Dies zu verhindern ist in erster Linie die Verantwortung der Länder. Aufgrund des historischen Ausmaßes der Krise kann auch der Bund zeitlich begrenzt zur Stabilisierung der Kommunalfinanzen beitragen. Dieser Beitrag ist eine überarbeitete Fassung einer Stellungnahme des Autors als Sachverständiger im Rahmen einer öffentlichen Anhörung des Haushaltsausschusses des Deutschen Bundestages am 7. September 2020 und konzentriert sich auf eine ökonomische Bewertung der direkten Finanzhilfen des Bundes für die Kommunen.
Reduzierung der Algorithm Aversion durch Erfahrung
Authors: Filiz Ibrahim , Judek Jan René , Lorenz Marco , Spiwoks Markus
Published: April 2021

Wir untersuchen experimentell die Persistenz der Algorithm Aversion im Hinblick auf Lernprozesse. Probanden sind aufgefordert in 40 Runden je eine Aktienkursprognose (steigend oder fallend) abzugeben. Es steht ein Prognosecomputer (Algorithmus) zur Verfügung, der eine Erfolgsquote von 70% aufweist. Intuitive Prognosen der Probanden führen in aller Regel zu einer deutlich schlechteren Erfolgsquote. Feedbacks nach jeder Prognoserunde und ein klarer ökonomischer Anreiz führen dazu, dass die Probanden ihre eigenen Prognosefähigkeiten besser einzuschätzen lernen. Dabei geht auch die Algorithm Aversion signifikant zurück.
ESTIMATION OF BIT ERROR PROBABILITIES OF COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS WITH FM BROADBAND SIGNALS
Authors: Kubrak O. M. , Cholpanov V. O. , Dyukov I. M.
Published: April 2021

Today, wireless communication is one of the most promising areas in the field of communications. Modern radio communication systems and facilities operate in a complex electronic environment. The development of next-generation wireless networks depends on both transmitting and receiving equipment, which must provide the high data rates needed to maintain a reliable level of interference protection. The main factors influencing the quality of radio communication are natural and intentional interference in the radio wave propagation channel, multi-beam propagation, bandwidth limitation and the need for asynchronous access. One of the possible methods of partial solution of the above problems is the use of extended spectrum communication systems.
The article investigates the effectiveness of different types of phase modulation used for Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum systems. An idealized channel with additive white Gaussian noise was chosen as the radio wave propagation channel. It has been observed that Binary phase shift keying radio systems achieve better Bit error rate values than other systems. The research was conducted in the environment of dynamic interdisciplinary modeling of complex technical systems - Simulink (the main tool for model-oriented design), whose main interface is a graphical tool for charting and a flexible set of libraries of functional blocks.
The simulation results showed that for a given data rate and under the influence of AWGN on the propagation channel, DSSS-BPSK was more resistant to the negative effects of white noise. Future research will focus on evaluating the effectiveness of the SSS communication system in the event of different types of interference.
Evaluation of Power Receiving Signal of 5G Small Cells for Outdoor/Indoor Environment at Millimeterwave Bands
Authors: Hamid Nagham
Published: April 2021

This paper presents a simulation study of the outdoor and indoor propagation losses utilizing 5G small cells at suggested millimeter-wave frequencies of 26 GHz, 28 GHz, and 38 GHz. The environment of this study is conducted with penetration loss of new and old
building characteristics. The simulation is performed with help of 3D ray tracing model NVIDIA OptiX engine and MATLAB. The targeted frequencies are 26 GHz, 28 GHz, and 38 GHz that specified by International Telecommunication Union ITU-R organization. The
simulation routes are investigated in term of signal strength at multiple receiving points. The strength angular spectrum are represented for fixed points and the power receiving delay is presented by their attributes. The simulated responses showed an efficient and sufficient outdoor and indoor service might be provisioned at 26 GHz and 28 GHz. The received signals at 28 GHz and 38 GHz are found around 4.5 dB and 11 dB with comparison with signal received level at 26 GHz. However, at 38 GHz the indoor signal strength and power receiving delays demonstrate a weak signal reception which offers a poor solution to indoor user by outside fixed base station.