bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Reflection of Vocabulary Implementation Through Educational Texting on EFL Learner’s Reading Skill
Authors: Behforouz Behnam , Frumuselu Anca Daniela
Published: January 2021

This paper investigates the efficiency of using text messaging in the EFL reading classroom at the Islamic Azad University-South Tehran Branch, Iran. After the administration of an Oxford Placement Test (OPT), 74 participants who scored one standard deviation above and below the mean were selected. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups, an experimental and a control, each including 37 individuals. The reading part of the Preliminary English Test (PET) was administered as a pretest. The experimental group received 108 words via short messages during 18 sessions. During each session, they received 6 sentences with 6 words in a meaningful context. In contrast, the participants of the control group received traditional instruction. They were given the same structural points through inductive and deductive instruction in the classroom and the words were presented while teaching each unit. After the treatment, the participants in both groups were assigned to do a reading posttest. The results of the ANCOVA revealed no statistically significant difference between the control and the experimental groups regarding their reading scores. Thus, the vocabulary learning via short message did not have any significant effect on Iranian EFL learners' ability to comprehend pre-intermediate level texts.
Developing Interactive Mobile Mathematics Inquiry to Enhance Students' Problem-solving Skill
Authors: Arifin Moch. Bahak Udin By , Sholeh Makherus , Hafiz Abdul , Agustin Ririn Dwi , Wardana Mahardika Darmawan Kusuma
Published: January 2021

The research aimed to develop interactive multimedia based on scientific inquiry to improve student mathematics problem-solving as a provision for the era of Society 5.0. The research method used is the Agile Method, which is a software development method. This study involved 120 students from the first, second, to third years who were programming mathematics-related subjects at the Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Teacher Education department, Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo. The results of the development of Interactive Mobile Mathematics Inquiry (IMMI) were valid and proven to improve student problem-solving abilities. In particular, this increase is significant in planning and implementing student plans for a problem. The significance is due to the training in the inquiry aspects during the use of IMMI. The implication of this research in the field of educational technology is that IMMI can be a preliminary study and a pioneer for lecturers, experts, and practitioners to use and further develop IMMI to improve students' mathematical problem-solving skills at the tertiary level more broadly as preparation for media availability following the values of technological advances in the future Society 5.0 era.
« Ils ont transformé la divinité Yuma en Dieu ! »
Authors: Vandenhelsken Mélanie
Published: January 2021

Cet article porte sur les transformations récentes des rituels limbu au Sikkim et discute en particulier le désaccord entre, d’une part, un nouveau mouvement religieux appelé yumaism, centré sur le culte d’une jeune femme considérée comme une réincarnation de la divinité domestique des Limbu Yuma, et, d’autre part, ceux qui considèrent le chamanisme comme unique représentant de la tradition limbu. Ce désaccord reflète non seulement des conceptions divergentes de l’« identité » religieuse des Limbu, ainsi que de la définition et du rôle des frontières ethniques, mais aussi une valorisation différente de la question de l’autochtonie des Limbu au Sikkim. Rappelant l’association de Yuma au pouvoir népalais et à l’hindouisation des Limbu du Nord-Est népalais mise en avant par Philippe Sagant, cette situation révèle une nouvelle forme d’opposition à un culte à Yuma renouvelé, qui illustre la tension entre l’ancrage dans le territoire limbu et l’adhésion à des réseaux religieux et politiques élargis.
Being an assistant to a shaman
Authors: Subba Tanka
Published: January 2021

This article is built around the author’s experience as a shaman’s assistant. This autobiographical account touches upon the poverty, beliefs in ghosts, and shamanistic practices in a Limbu hamlet of Kalimpong, which is a piece of land between Sikkim and Bhutan. Starting with a brief discussion on who a shaman is, the author describes the situation under which he became an assistant to a shaman whom he had to fetch to deal with the sickness of his brother. The author also brings out the issue of the shaman, or phedaṅgmā in the Limbu language, becoming rare because one could not become one by wishing so or by undergoing training under a senior shaman. He says that to become a shaman is a destiny and the signs of becoming one start to show quite early in childhood in the form of abnormal behaviour in specific cycles of months and on partaking of certain foods. In the end, the author shows concern for the future of shamanism, as it seems to be losing out to organised religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity.
Leaders With Spirit
Authors: Ucanok Tan Basak
Published: January 2021

With the dawn of a new century, there is an emerging and exponentially accelerating force for global, societal, and organizational change. The socio-cultural and economic turbulence, the fast-paced technological developments are leading people towards a search for meaning especially at work. An average individual spends most of their adult life working and therefore seeks meaning via their work. This implies that our workplaces are one of the most important determinants of our well-being. Spiritual approaches to work are on the rise among today's working population. People search for solutions to be more grounded and not to get lost between the tensions created by their external world. Krieger underlines that there is clearly a deep crisis in human affairs at all levels from the individual to the organizational and to the societal. In this respect, this chapter aims to highlight the importance of spirituality in the workplace and discuss the role of spiritual leadership in the search for meaning both in the individual and the organizational realm.
Exploring Superior-Subordinate Communication From the Perspectives of African American and Latino American Subordinates
Authors: Gates Denise
Published: January 2021

Utilizing phenomenology, this research presented the salient themes which emerged from interviews with 37 professionals who were African American and Latino American men and women from various organizations. Several themes surfaced from the interviews, but the most notable was that employees regarded supervisors as friends or non-friends/professionals. Employees who reported being friends with their bosses seemed to also report having more rewarding superior-subordinate interactions. These relationships with bosses sometimes created other opportunities for employees in their respective organizations, opening doors employees may not, otherwise, have been able to open. This study explored some of the advantages and disadvantages of reporting to various bosses, and it detailed a plethora of experiences along the way as they related to race and gender.
Organizational Dynamics Around Sexual Harassment Interventions and Occurrences in Clinical Training Healthcare Environments
Authors: Burrell Darrell Norman , Shufutinsky Anton , Duncan Terrence D. , Springs Delores , McLester Quatavia , Mozes Rebecka
Published: January 2021

The clinical training of healthcare professionals and the delivery of safe healthcare is reliant on a vigorous organizational safety culture, one where the workplace and medical training environment is free of hostility and harassment. Sexual harassment and sexual misconduct are significant problems for women in healthcare. For all staff members, it is imperative that the hospital has clear, solid policies and, even more importantly, procedures and communication of those procedures for reporting problems concerning harassment. This research inquiry uses case study action research in the context of an OD intervention in school of health science and medical center that provides clinical and medical training and community patient care. The organization has significant organizational cultural issues around harassment. Results indicate the need for more proactive strategies around leadership and organizational cultural change that can apply to medical schools, schools of health science, and medical centers.
Exploring Diversity and Inclusion Leadership in Complex Organizations
Authors: Barrett Stephanie J.
Published: January 2021

Even with affirmative action legislation and diversity programs, organizations struggle to create a diverse and inclusive 21st-century workplace. The purpose of this qualitative, classical Delphi study was to gain consensus among diversity leaders in the federal contractor community about best practices for the successful employment of diversity and inclusion in the workforce, both to meet affirmative action regulations and to incorporate 21st-century social categories, such as veterans, males, females, age, sexual orientation, minorities, disabilities, and LGBTQs. Incorporating a diverse workforce above and beyond the requirements of affirmative action gives companies a competitive advantage over companies that fail to do so.
Exploring the Strategies Needed to Successfully Migrate Ground Campus Instruction to Fully Online Higher Education Courses
Authors: DiPeri Dawn , Daryousef Marlena , Burrell Darrell Norman
Published: January 2021

The impact of COVID-19 has put immediate stress on institutions of higher learning to properly and successfully migrate their traditional face to face courses to fully online. There are several components to be considered in the rapid migration of courses online including the management and support of teaching faculty which includes instructional design and training support. Faculty are under extreme stress preparing for multiple modalities but some of the practices put into place over Spring are important as we move forward in the quest for high-quality online migration of land-based courses. This study seeks to explore strategies needed by higher education administrators to successfully migrate face to face teams to fully online ones and the components of helping to support the development of online courses from face to face in a short timeframe. The study investigates management theory, instructional design theory, and the perspectives of 12 administrators tasked with supporting the rapid migration of online instruction.
Exploring the Adoption of Sports Brand Apps
Authors: Byun Hyun , Chiu Weisheng , Bae Jung-sup
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this article was to apply the modified technology acceptance model (TAM) to examine factors influencing consumers' intention and actual behavior in using sports brand apps. Convenience sampling was conducted for Korean consumers (N = 261) of sports brand apps. Data were analyzed by partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS 3.0. The results found that the level of enjoyment had a significantly positive effect on the perceived ease of use, while perceived ease of use also positively affected perceived usefulness. Behavioral intention to use sports brand apps was most significantly influenced by perceived enjoyment, followed by perceived usefulness, and then perceived ease of use. Moreover, behavioral intention positively affected actual behavior. In addition, a multi-group analysis carried out found differences between three age groups (20s, 30s, and 40+) regarding the use of sports brand apps. The findings provide a better understanding of consumer behavior when using sports brand apps.
An Endorsement Selection Model for Sports Celebrities in China
Authors: Hsu Pi-Fang , Hsu Chia-Hui
Published: January 2021

Celebrity endorsement is a critical and positive commercial promotional tool. With the increasing number of international sports celebrities, many sporting and non-sporting goods companies use such celebrities to promote their products. This study develops a model for selecting sports celebrity endorsers. A Chinese sporting brand company is the target of this study. The proposed model adopts the modified Delphi method to identify suitable criteria and applies the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to determine the criteria's relative weights. The selected company exemplifies how the model can guide the selection of sports celebrity endorsers. The model ranks the importance to the target company of five criteria: trustworthiness, match-up, attractiveness, risk and expertise. The proposed model allows the company to select sports celebrity endorsers effectively, and contributes to academia and commerce.
Public Relations and Advertising in the Context of E-Sports
Authors: Tomazic Tina , Druks Luka , Vilela Noemia Bessa
Published: January 2021

E-sports within the gaming industry characterize an economic sector that is engaged in the developing, marketing, and sale of video games. They represent many opportunities for advertising and public relations, which are very important to increase the visibility of e-sports. The use of both has proved far more effective, because it allowed a rapid increase in their popularity. The aim of this chapter is to compare the use of public relations and advertising in e-sports and to determine their appropriateness. So, the relationship between public relations, advertising, and e-sports is developed and researched for the first time here. The authors used qualitative comparative analysis between public relations and advertising in the context of e-sports based on Natus Vincere, one of the most important Ukrainian organizations in the gaming industry. The rise of the gaming industry and recent success of e-sports demonstrate the profitable economic potentials of gaming spectatorship.
Gamification and Advergaming
Authors: Aggarwal Aanchal , Arora Nupur
Published: January 2021

This chapter will expound on the concept of gamification and its adoption by various brands. It will be focusing on advergaming, which is one of the very famous applications of gamification. The chapter will elucidate the various launch details of advergaming applications by various firms and brand websites including online games, social network sites, and interactive digital television. It will also discuss the techniques underlying gamification, which include game mechanics and game dynamics, which will also reveal the impact of advergaming on consumer engagement and decision making to buy a product or not and also the benefits to the brand site. The chapter will also explain the techniques and strategies of advergaming used by various product websites nationally and internationally and their effect on consumers and the product or brand websites.
Getting Supporter Engagement in Sports
Authors: Baena Veronica
Published: January 2021

This chapter attempts to provide a better understanding of the impact that sport marketing is having on achieving customer engagement. To accomplish this goal, the case of the Real Madrid F.C., estimated at having over 200 million supporters worldwide, is analyzed. Moreover, the team is among the top three clubs of the world in terms of followers and engagement on social media. As regards brand value, the Real Madrid F.C. is worth more than any team in the world. The combination of the aforementioned factors made the Real Madrid F.C. the appropriate brand to choose for this study, representing a leading organization in sports, business, and marketing. A number of methods were used to collect data for this study; specifically, information about the team was gathered by repeatedly browsing its website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram accounts, and apps. Data from interviews published in business press and posts were also compiled. Additionally, a focus group was conducted to discuss the customer engagement of Real Madrid's fans.
A Social Influence Perspective on Uses of Online Football Forums
Authors: Sayan Anıl , Gorgulu Vehbi , Erhart Itır , Aslanbay Yonca
Published: January 2021

This study aims to shed light on Turkish football forum users on the Internet from a social identity and uses and gratifications (U&G) perspective in order to reveal joint intentions among football fans online. The research model of the current study applies a uses and gratifications approach to examine whether fan motivations while using online football forums determine we-intentions among forum members. Social influence processes are also essential in the context of research on online forums, since they determine changes in attitudes and actions produced by the virtual social influence that may occur at different levels. Findings reveal uses and gratifications of football forum participation as maintaining interpersonal interconnectivity, generating entertainment and purposive value along with affective social identity construct determined we-intention among forum users.
Rivalry Influences on Fan Engagement Within Twitter
Authors: Harrolle Michelle Gacio , Wells Janelle E.
Published: January 2021

Rivalries and social media influence the way individuals consume, produce, and experience sport. Thus, the purpose of the study was to understand the effects of sport rivalries on fan engagement within Twitter for segments of the Manchester United Football Club's business ecosystem (i.e., team brand, news-based fan club, unofficial fan club, and firm). First, the authors examined how specific Twitter content affected fan engagement during rivalry matches. Second, the authors compared fan engagement and virtual maltreatment within the segments of the Manchester United ecosystem. An analysis of 2,750 tweets from Manchester United's ecosystem during the 2015-2016 season was conducted. Results demonstrated a significant rivalry effect on fan engagement across all segments of Manchester United's ecosystem, and a significant virtual maltreatment effect on fan engagement during rivalry matches for the news-based fan club, unofficial fan club, and firm. Findings from the study provide practical and theoretical implications for marketing competitive relationships.
Technology and Ethical Behavior in Running Sports
Authors: Smith Norma
Published: January 2021

Wearable technologies' popularity in sporting practices continues to grow. Runners use GPS watches and activity trackers to track steps, log miles, map courses, and monitor heart rates. Likewise, wearables are integrated into long distance running events, with race officials relying on technologies to effectively execute events. However, technologies can also enable and monitor cheating. Many studies focusing on the individual explore why cheaters make unethical decisions. Actor-Network Theory shifts cheating's focus from the individual and moral failings to an assemblage that includes not only the runner, but nonhumans, such as technology, as well. A 2015 Canadian Ironman cheating incident case study illuminates intricate relationships and networks between humans and nonhumans. By examining the intersections of cheating and technology in running sports, the authors see where and how technology works as intended or is repurposed. Whereas a human-centered approach to sport and cheating dismisses wearables' agency, Actor-Network Theory reveals their underexamined, sociotechnical complexities.
An Integrated, Multi-Agency, Consumer-focused, Safety Management Approach in the Sports Industry
Authors: Yiapanas George , Thrassou Alkis , Vrontis Demetris
Published: January 2021

Over the past decades, European football went through a large number of tragedies, mainly due to the absence of an integrated framework that could enable every involved agency to operate under specific safety procedures and laws. It is commonly perceived that disorder behaviour has adverse effects on football, minimising potential revenues and obliterating the consumer's experience. Football's unique structures involve a large number of agencies that need to constantly adopt specific safety approaches in order to create a sustainable environment and provide entertainment and pleasure to the consumers. The purpose of this chapter is to theoretically recognise the generic football safety management guidelines introduced by the European institutions over the years in order to minimise the problem and create a safe atmosphere for the consumers. In addition, the research will identify and decode the key actions taken by the authorities in Cyprus as a response to the problem in order to draw critical lessons both for and from the case study.
Reflections of the Use of Technology on Sports Education and Sports Products
Authors: Arikan Neslihan
Published: January 2021

Because of the rapid technological developments taking place today, it is inevitable that these developments will show themselves in every aspect of human life. These rapid transformations constitute many changes in the structure and living conditions of society. Technology, having started to show itself with all of its aspects especially in the present century, is important in terms of making people reach whatever there is in the field of technology and innovation as soon as possible through mass media. In this context, many countries create systems that produce sports technology by integrating technology into sports. These technologies, which are not limited only to sports products, have also shown their effect on the materials used by referees who are the head of decision mechanisms in sport. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effects of sports, sports education, technological uses, and their effects on sports education. The study is a descriptive one based on qualitative research methods. Document review has been implemented as a data collection method.
Infrared Thermography as a Means of Monitoring and Preventing Sports Injuries
Authors: Sillero-Quintana Manuel , Gomez-Carmona Pedro M. , Fernández-Cuevas Ismael
Published: January 2021

Sports injuries are one of the most important problems in sports. Moreover, professional sports injuries lead to a difficult recovery process for the athletes, reduced athletic performance, and large economic costs. Infrared thermography (IRT) is a safe, non-invasive and low-cost technique that allows for the rapid and non-contact recording of Skin Temperature (Tsk). Recent research results have demonstrated new applications for this technique; among them, the monitoring and prevention of sports injuries appears to be one of the most interesting applications. Although IRT is not as objective as other methods, it may be sufficiently accurate and reliable as a complementary tool considering the theory that musculoskeletal structures should be in thermal equilibrium when in a healthy state. Therefore, the main contribution of IRT is to help identify an injury before it occurs, providing an opportunity for preventative action.
Nutraceuticals for Healthy Sporting
Authors: Mudila Harish , Prasher Parteek , Khati Beena , Kumar Satyendra , Punetha Himanshu
Published: January 2021

Sport nourishment is one of the most promptly and constantly evolving area, these dietary supplements are marketed for muscle building, recovery or to improve athletic performance. Consumers use nutraceuticals as fat burners and to find competitive edge in sports. These supplements may include plant extract, carbohydrates, proteins, etc. For elite sport person, energy expenditure during heavy drill may be enormous thus nutritive supplements or sports drink acts as an ergogenic aid in augmenting performance, recovery and improve rough training adaptations. Apart from regular consumption of nutraceuticals/drugs it is mandatory for a individual to maintain an energy balance through strategic food habit, prudent training and refueling. Apart from health benefits drugs can generate various side effects like hypertension, addiction, dependency on supplements, etc., so it is obligatory for the sport professionals to have through awareness of scientific value of articles and endorsements regarding nutraceuticals and workouts so as to keep themselves isolated from marketing puff.
Moral Disengagement Strategies in Videogame Players and Sports Players
Authors: McLean Lavinia , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: January 2021

Research in the area of video game play and sports psychology has suggested that specific strategies are often employed by players to justify aggressive behaviour used during gameplay. The present study investigates the relationship between game play and moral disengagement strategies in a group of 605 adults who played violent videogames or regularly played competitive sports. The results suggest that sports players were more likely than violent game players to endorse moral disengagement strategies. The video gamers were more likely to use a specific set of moral disengagement strategies (i.e., cognitive restructuring) than the other groups and this may be related to the structural characteristics of videogames. The findings add to recent research exploring the mechanisms by which individuals engage in aggressive acts both virtually and in real-life situations. The results are discussed in relation to similar relevant research in the area, along with recommendations for future research.
Entertainment and Physical Activities
Authors: Finco Mateus David
Published: January 2021

It is possible to observe that gameplays are a big success in many different places. From arcade games to the most recent games, users have been trying different games to entertain and lately exergames are supporting users to enhance physical activities level in their daily basis. This chapter analyzes how players of Pokémon GO are producing new connections for social benefits and an active lifestyle meanwhile or after using the game. This study involved 176 players in the cities of Pelotas and João Pessoa (Brazil). As a result, it was evident that users had changed many habits, specially regarding physical activity gains, such as running, walking, or cycling more frequently, and many of players were getting into an active lifestyle, practicing exercises with friends and family. Authors conclude that Pokémon GO is a successful mobile-based gameplays that can be used to promote a healthier lifestyle with a new way of interaction, changing lifestyles with a big potential to be used to motivate people to be more active and healthy.
Theoretical Perspectives on Understanding Gender-Based Violence
Authors: Kurebwa Jeffrey
Published: January 2021

This study focuses on the various theoretical perspectives that have been developed by various scholars to understand gender-based violence (GBV). These theories are very important as they influence on the interventions that can be taken to reduce GBV. The following nine theoretical perspectives will be discussed in this article: psychological, sociological, feminism, exchange, resources, stress, economic exclusion, intersectional, and ecological. This study will look at the strength and weaknesses of all the theoretical perspectives.
A Preliminary Study: Central Vestibular Sensitivity Affects Motion Sickness Susceptibility through the Efficacy of the Velocity Storage Mechanism
Authors: Chua Kenneth Wei De , Kek Tze Ling
Published: January 2021

Background/Objective: Slow-Phase Eye Velocity Time constant (SPEV TC) and Perceived Rotational Duration (PRD) are measurable objective outcomes of rotational chair step-velocity test. These two variables are dependent on the efficacy of the central velocity storage. If sensory conflict from the step-velocity of the rotational chair elicits motion sickness, the SPEV TC and PRD in individuals with varying susceptibility to motion sickness should be affected. We determined if Central Vestibular Sensitivity (CVS) characteristics differ among individuals with a range of Motion Sickness Susceptibility (MSS). Methods: Participants were allocated to two groups based on MSS (low and high) as identified on the short version of the Motion Sick Susceptibility Questionnaire (MSSQ-S). We evaluated the specific relationship between MSS and the characteristics of CVS through the SPEV TC and PRD from the step-velocity test. Results: Results showed significant differences in the PRD between these two groups. 180°/s Per-rotatory PRD is most significantly different (p = 0.005) followed by 50°/s post-rotatory PRD (CCW, p = 0.007; CW, p = 0.021) and log of 180°/s post-rotatory PRD (p = 0.042). Multiple regression analysis indicated that CCW post-rotatory PRD at 50°/s was a strong predictor of MSS. Conclusions: High MSS individuals were observed with elevated PRD in general, indirectly suggesting greater velocity storage efficiency, hence, greater CVS; CVS is therefore positively correlated with MSS. PRD could be a reliable clinical indicator of motion sick susceptibility and may help with the selection of personnel working in motion sick environments and with the verification of motion sickness therapeutic interventions.
Metastatic pulmonary calcification diagnosed by transbronchial cryobiopsy
Authors: Samolski Daniel , Duré Roberto , Bentolila Gonzalo , Castiglioni Teresa
Published: January 2021

Metastatic pulmonary calcification is a rare disease characterized by calcium deposits in the lung. We describe a case where this pathology is observed associated with bone lithic lesions and kidney failure and it was diagnosed with transbronchial cryobiopsy.
Honorary Authorships in the Ophthalmological Literature
Authors: Hardjosantoso Hannah C , Dahi Yalda , Verhemel Alex , Dahi Ingri , Gadjradj Pravesh S.
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

To report the prevalence of honorary authorship (HA) among different journals in the ophthalmological literature

Methods:

An online survey was conducted among corresponding authors of six journals with the highest impact factors in the ophthalmological field. The survey consists of questions regarding (1) demographics, (2) awareness of authorship guidelines, and (3) application of authorship guidelines on their current surveyed article. Furthermore, respondents were asked if they felt that according to their understanding of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJEs) guidelines, a coauthor on their current article did not deserve authorship (perceived HA). Furthermore, respondents were asked if coauthors performed solely nonauthor tasks (ICMJE-defined HA).

Results:

Out of the 1688 surveys sent, 333 were returned, leading to a response rate of 19.7%. Eighty-four and a half percent of all respondents were aware of the ICMJE guidelines. When deciding on order of authorship, most authors decided as a group (43.8%), followed by the senior author deciding (30.1%), and 77 articles were decided by the first author (23.4%). When asked if respondents believed that any of their coauthors did not make sufficient contributions to be included as an author, 8.8% affirmed. One hundred and thirty-one respondents stated that any of their coauthors performed only one or more nonauthor tasks, making the rate of ICMJE-defined HA 39.8%.

Conclusions:

HA is present throughout all journals surveyed despite endorsement of the ICMJE guidelines by these same journals. The discrepancy between self-perceived HA and ICMJE-defined HA suggests the necessity for modifications to our authorship system or a contemporary revision to the ICMJE guidelines.
Artifacts in Macular Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Bazvand Fatemeh , Ghassemi Fariba
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

To identify and explain different artifacts in macular optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods:

For this comprehensive review, a PubMed and Google Scholar (January 1995–October 2018) search was conducted by the researchers, using the keywords such as OCT, artifacts, artefact, and macula.

Results:

We reviewed the main OCT artifacts including software break-down or misidentification of retinal layers, incomplete segmentation error, complete segmentation failure, mirror artifact (inverted artifact), cut edge artifact, degraded image scan, out-of-register artifact, off-center artifact, motion artifact, foveal duplication, segmentation shift, blink artifact, static or fixed image artifact, linear artifact, and perfluorocarbon liquid-producing artifact.

Conclusions:

There are various artifacts in OCT image scans. The identification of these artifacts may help in accurate interpretations of OCT images in clinical settings that can affect the diagnosis and management of different retinal disorders.
Optimization of Slash and Clear Community-Directed Control of Simulium damnosum Sensu Stricto in Northern Uganda
Authors: Jacob Benjamin , Loum Denis , Munu Denis , Lakwo Thomson , Byamukama Edson , Habomugisha Peace , Cupp Eddie W. , Unnasch Thomas R.
Published: January 2021

Onchocerciasis, caused by infection with Onchocerca volvulus, has been targeted for elimination by 2030. Currently, onchocerciasis elimination programs rely primarily on mass distribution of ivermectin. However, ivermectin alone may not be sufficient to achieve elimination in some circumstances, and additional tools may be needed. Vector control has been used as a tool to control onchocerciasis, but vector control using insecticides is expensive and ecologically detrimental. Community-directed removal of the trailing vegetation black fly larval attachment sites (slash and clear) has been shown to dramatically reduce vector biting densities. Here, we report studies to optimize the slash and clear process. Conducting slash and clear interventions at Simulium damnosum sensu stricto breeding sites located within 2 km of afflicted communities resulted in a 95% reduction in vector biting. Extending slash and clear further than 2 km resulted in no further decrease. A single intervention conducted at the first half of the rainy season resulted in a 97% reduction in biting rate, whereas an intervention conducted at the end of the rainy season resulted in a 94% reduction. Vector numbers in any of the intervention villages did not fully recover by the start of the following rainy season. These results suggest that slash and clear may offer an inexpensive and effective way to augment ivermectin distribution in the effort to eliminate onchocerciasis in Africa.
Molecular Identification of Parasites Causing Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Panama
Authors: Miranda Aracelis del C. , González Kadir A. , Samudio Franklyn , Pineda Vanessa J. , Calzada José E. , Capitan-Barrios Zeuz , Jiménez Ana , Castillo Juan , Mendoza Yaxelis , Suárez José A. , Ortiz Betsi , Méndez Juan , Pascale Juan M. , Grögl Max , Sosa Néstor , Saldaña Azael
Published: January 2021

Isolates from 475 cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) patients from three endemic regions were studied by three typing techniques. The molecular analysis from lesion scrapings based on hsp70 PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) showed that 78.1% (371/475) restriction patterns corresponded to Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis, 19% (90/475) to Leishmania (Viannia) guyanensis, and 3.0% (14/475) to Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. Promastigotes isolated by culture from lesions of 228 patients (48.0%, 228/475) were identified by multi-locus enzyme electrophoresis. Of them, 95.2% (217/228) were typified as L. (V.) panamensis, 1.3% (3/228) as L. (V.) guyanensis, 2.2% (5/228) as L. (V.) braziliensis, and 1.3% (3/228) as hybrids (L. [V.] braziliensis/L. [V.] panamensis). However, a partial sequencing analysis of the hsp70 gene from 77 selected samples showed 16.9% (13/77) typified as L. (V.) panamensis, 68.8% (53/77) as Leishmania (V.) sp., 1, 3.9% (3/77) as L. (V.) guyanensis, 1.3% (1/77) as L. (V.) braziliensis outlier, 2.6% (2/77) as Leishmania (Viannia) naiffi, 2.6% as (2/77) Leishmania (V.) sp., and 2 and 3.9% (3/77) hybrid isolates of L. (V.) braziliensis/L. (V.) guyanensis. These results confirm L. (V.) panamensis as the predominant species and cause of CL lesions in Panama and that L. (V.) guyanensis, L. (V.) braziliensis, and L. (V.) naiffi are circulating to a lower degree. Furthermore, the determination of parasite isolates belonging to atypical clusters and hybrid isolates suggests the circulation of genetic variants with important implications for the epidemiology and clinical follow-up of CL in Panama. No evidence of the existence of parasites of the Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana complex in Panamanian territory was found in this study.
The Hajj and COVID-19: How the Pandemic Shaped the World’s Largest Religious Gathering
Authors: Hashim Hashim Talib , Babar Maryam Salma , Essar Mohammad Yasir , Ramadhan Mustafa Ahmed , Ahmad Shoaib
Published: January 2021

The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, is held in Saudi Arabia in the second week of Dhu’l-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. It is one of the world’s largest mass gatherings, constituting more than 2.5 million Muslim pilgrims from more than 180 countries. The COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant public health threat for such mass gatherings. Thus, a health risk assessment for the 2020 Hajj was held by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health and the WHO Collaborating Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine, which concluded that foreign pilgrims should be excluded from the 2020 Hajj and that the number of pilgrims should be significantly reduced. Timely decisions allowed the Saudi government to conduct the Hajj, despite an initial postponement. However, the number of pilgrims was significantly downscaled, and extensive new protocols were set in place because of the pandemic. This article aims to shed light on the challenges faced and efforts made by Saudi Arabia to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 during the religious proceedings of the Hajj.
The effect of graphite composition on polyaniline film performance for formalin gas sensor
Authors: A. Akbar S. , Mardhiah A. , Saidi N. , Lelifajri D.
Published: January 2021

The invention of formalin gas sensors based on polyaniline (PANI) has been developed which arranged by PANI|graphite composite form. The reaction between amine and formaldehyde produced a Schiff base that alters the resistance of PANI film as a function of formaldehyde concentration. The response of the sensor was measured in variations of graphite composition with 3%, 10%, and 25%. The results showed similar patterns in all concentrations of formalin. However, the sensor response at 10% and 25% graphite decreased dramatically. The formalin with concentration 400 ppm shown the response with 3% graphite was 1.62 times greater than 25%. Addition of too much graphite makes the absorption area on the PANI surface becomes less because the graphite covered it. In this case, the sensor performance was still stable and functional, but the measured resistance seems smaller because the sensor conductivity level more dominated by graphite. Therefore, composites of polyaniline and graphite can be used as sensors to detect the presence of formaldehyde gas.

                   

KEY WORDS: Formalin, Graphite, Polyaniline, Resistance, Sensors

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2020, 34(3), 597-604. 

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v34i3.14
Levels of selected metals in teff grain samples collected from three different areas of Ethiopia by microwave plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy
Authors: Gebregewergis A. , S. Chandravanshi B. , Redi-Abshiro M.
Published: January 2021

The levels of selected essential and non-essential metals in the white, red, and mixed teff grains collected from Bure, Debre Markos and Bahir Dar (Ethiopia) were determined by microwave plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (MP-AES). After proper sample pretreatment, the powdered teff was wet digested with the acid mixture (5 mL HNO3:1 mL HClO4) at 240 oC for 2:30 h over Kjeldhal digestion block. The accuracy of the optimized procedure was evaluated by analyzing the digest of the spiked samples with a standard solution of metals, and the percentage recoveries varied from 92% to 104%. The mean concentrations of metals determined (mg/kg, dry weight) were in the ranges of Al (713-1513) > Fe (252-1195) > Ca (233-348) > Zn (69-102) > Mn (20-45) > Cu (13-15) > Pb (1.8-2.8) > Cd (0.8-1.8). In this study, Al and Cd were determined in the teff for the first time. Analysis of variance indicated no significant difference between the mean concentrations of Cu and Mn among the white teff samples, Mn among the red teff samples and Cd and Pb among the mixed teff samples, but there was a significant difference for the other studied metals among the corresponding teff samples at 95% confidence level.

                   

KEY WORDS: Teff grain, Eragrostistef (Zucc.) Trotter, Essential metals, Non-essential metals, Ethiopia

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2020, 34(3), 449-462.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v34i3.2
Purification of pickling wastewater from the steel industry using membrane filters: Performance and membrane fouling
Authors: Zhang Jinfeng , Chen Guanyi , Ma Yanning , Xu Miao , Qin Songyan , Liu Xiaoliang , Feng Haijun , Hou Lian
Published: January 2021

A new technique for treating pickling wastewater discharged from the steel industry using membrane filters was developed and membrane fouling was characterized in a full scale membrane filter. The morphological and chemical properties were examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) etc. The results showed that inorganic elements such as phosphates, chlorides, and sulfates were severely blocked in membrane surfaces and pores. The porosity, permeability, hydrophilic contact angle, and surface charge capacity of fouled membranes were all lower than those of new membranes, while the optimal neutralization reaction pH region for fouled membranes shifted and narrowed. Charge neutralization is a critical reason to membrane fouling. By increasing the Zeta potential of the pickling wastewater, the membrane fouling could be controlled. This method is proven to effectively improve the separation property of precipitates after pickling wastewater was neutralized. Moreover, Neutralization helped to reduce the unit number of treatment processes. This investigation could assist in obtaining a better understanding of the fouling properties and behavior in the full-scale membrane filters in the pickling wastewater treatment.
A NUMBER OF FINANCIAL FACTORS AFFECT THE EFFICIENCY OF USING CAPITAL OF VIETNAM DAIRY PRODUCTS JOINT STOCK CORPORATION (VNM-VINAMILK)
Authors: TRỰC NGUYỄN TRUNG
Published: January 2021

Determining a number of financial factors which affect the efficiency of using capital of a corporation in general is very important. Due to the size of the company, it becomes a matter in Vietnam Dairy Products Joint Stock Corporation (VNM-Vinamilk) in particular. Because analizing these not only increases the profit, and the earnings of stock, but also its market value, as well as shareholders’ wealth, will be grown. Quantitative research method, using Eviews software, is being used in this research. The data source is the quarterly financial statements of Vietnam Dairy Corporation from 2006 to 2018. The research results are references for not only investors, credit institutions to consider investing in Vietnam Dairy Products Joint Stock Company (VNM- Vinamilk) but also business for managers, and state management agencies who have proposed effective economic and financial solutions and policies……..
Brain Tumor identification by Convolution Neural Network with Fuzzy C-mean Model Using MR Brain Images
Authors: Isselmou Abd El Kader , Xu Guizhi , Shuai Zhang , Saminu Sani , Javaid Imran , Ahmad Isah Salim
Published: January 2021

Medical image computing techniques are essential in helping the doctors to support their decision in the diagnosis of the patients. Due to the complexity of the brain structure, we choose to use MR brain images because of their quality and the highest resolution. The objective of this article is to detect brain tumor using convolution neural network with fuzzy c-means model, the advantage of the proposed model is the ability to achieve excellent performance using accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, overall dice and recall values better than the previous models that are already published. In addition, the novel model can identify the brain tumor, using different types of MR images. The proposed model obtained accuracy with 98%.
Research on Vision System Calibration Method of Forestry Mobile Robots
Authors: Yao Ruting , Zheng Yili , Chen Fengjun , Wu Jian , Wang Hui
Published: January 2021

Forestry mobile robots can effectively solve the problems of low efficiency and poor safety in the forestry operation process. To realize the autonomous navigation of forestry mobile robots, a vision system consisting of a monocular camera and two-dimensional LiDAR and its calibration method are investigated. First, the adaptive algorithm is used to synchronize the data captured by the two in time. Second, a calibration board with a convex checkerboard is designed for the spatial calibration of the devices. The nonlinear least squares algorithm is employed to solve and optimize the external parameters. The experimental results show that the time synchronization precision of this calibration method is 0.0082s, the communication rate is 23Hz, and the gradient tolerance of spatial calibration is 8.55e−07. The calibration results satisfy the requirements of real-time operation and accuracy of the forestry mobile robot vision system. Furthermore, the engineering applications of the vision system are discussed herein. This study lays the foundation for further forestry mobile robots research, which is relevant to intelligent forest machines.
Kajian Biblika, Sistematika dan Misi tentang Pentingnya Doa Bagi Gereja
Authors: Laoly Nepho Gerson
Published: January 2021

The church is God's representative on this earth. For this reason, an appropriate teaching for the church is needed. Prayer is a church activity that must be done. How prayer can continue in the church. Is prayer a part of church. What is the benefit of prayer. What is the degree of prayer for the Christian life. How God has promised help, then that promise is kept through prayer. Let prayer be an act that will continue in the midst of God's people until the end of time.

Abstrak

Gereja merupakan wakil Allah di bumi ini. Untuk itu diperlukan suatu pengajaran yang tepat bagi gereja. Doa merupakan suatu aktivitas gereja yang harus dilakukan. Bagaimana doa dapat terus berlanjut dalam gereja. Apakah doa merupakan bagian dari bergereja. Apakah manfaat doa. Bagaimana derajat doa bagi kehidupan Kristen. Bagaimana Allah telah menjanjikan pertolongan, maka janji itu ditepati melalui doa. Biarlah doa menjadi perbuatan yang akan terus berlanjut di tengah-tengah umat Tuhan sampai akhir zaman.
Melampaui Eksegesis dan Eisegesis: Tinjauan Kritis terhadap Hermeneutika Teologi Pembebasan
Authors: Kriswanto Agus
Published: January 2021

Liberation Theology as a movement and theological method has a unique hermeneutical approach. The way they study the Bible begins with studying their real life situations, then they identify the answers the Bible gives to their real problems. Interpreting the Bible starting from the context by some scholar was considered as an act of eisegesis, and not exegesis. Thus, this paper aims to review the hermeneutical approach used by Liberation Theology movement. This research is a qualitative research using descriptive-analytical method. Liberation Theology's hermeneutical approach is clearly outlined. Furthermore, the analysis of this approach is carried out by tracing its philosophical basis. In this way, one can judge the hermeneutics of Liberation Theology fairly and proportionally. The view being argued in this paper is that criticism of the hermeneutical approach of Liberation Theology is not properly positioned in the contradiction between exegesis and eisegesis, but it needs to be understood as beyond the contradiction. Although this approach starts its hermeneutic circle from context to text, that does not mean it cannot be justified. Pre-understanding before reading the text is raised clearly so that it can be spoken about with the intention of the text being read. It is in the process of dialoguing the context with the biblical text that the "meaning" is formed. The relationship between text and context is not understood as a linear one-way movement, but as an interconnected circle.