bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALYSIS OF EFFICIENCY OF TECHNICAL AND FACTORS AFFECTING IN AROMATIC RICE FARMING IN THE SELUMA REGENCY
Authors: Mulyadi Maheran , Sukiyono Ketut , Sriyoto Sriyoto
Published: August 2021

The research objective is to determine the level of technical efficiency and the factors that influence the level of technical inefficiency, to analyze the relationship between input and output in the production process of aromatic rice farming in Seluma regency.Total number of respondents were 73 farmers who planted Aromatic rice. The Cobb Douglass of Frontier Stochastic approach was used, whereas for the factors that influence the inefficiency function as the initial answer of the above analysis results of the production function parameter were obtained through the Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE), with an LR value of 14.3620 which was higher than t table 99% (2.39). It had a significant effect on the 99% confidence level. It was seem that, there was no meaning that all aromatic rice farmers in the regency were 100% efficient. It could be seen that the MLE log-likelihood value of 29.9157 was higher than the OLS log-likelihood value of 22.7347. The lowest technical efficiency value was achieved by the farmers by 0.55 and the highest by 0.97.  In the research area, the majority of the use of production factors was efficient, from 73.34% already in the value of efficiency between 0.90-1.00, meaning that 73.34% had approached the maximum efficiency. The result of the disseminated coefficient (R2) of 0.277 could mean a significant effect of 27.7 percent on the inefficiency variable while the remaining 72.3 percent is influenced by other factors not included in this research variable.
DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY OF CASSAVA ADDED VALUE INTO KAOPI IN LAPODI VILLAGE PASARWAJO SUBDISTRICT
Authors: Juhasri Juhasri , Ajo Antasalam
Published: August 2021

Cassava is a food plant that has many advantages. For example, when there is a shortage of food reserves (grain), cassava can still be relied on as a source of substitute material because cassava is a food material that is resistant to water scarcity so that it can still be produced in critical land and easy to cultivate .The strategy of developing cassava itself is to increase the durability of cassava so that it is suitable for consumption for a long time and is not easily damaged in order to obtain a high selling value in the market by using modern technology such as a shredding machine to make it easier to smooth the cassava and jack technology in the process of pressing the caopy more quickly. With the existence of cassava processing business activities that change the shape of the primary product into a new product with a higher economic value after going through the production process, it will be able to provide added value due to the costs incurred so that a new higher price is formed and a bigger profit if compared without going through the production process. The problem faced in the strategy for the Development of Added Value of Cassava into Kaopi is that the processing of cassava still uses traditional technology so that the processing of cassava into caopy is very slow in the processing process, it takes a very long time starting from grating the cassava using hand grater, if using a grater machine. It will be faster and the pressing of the kaopi is done on by one compared to pressing using a jack which can be done by more than one kaopi and the packaging of the kaopi is undesirable so that it does not have an appeal to consumers until it is marketed outside the region.
Nutrisi Organik Sistem Hidroponik Wick Pada Tanaman Sawi dan Kangkung
Authors: Bunga Nurfhin Ilma
Published: August 2021

Hidroponik merupakan cara bercocok tanam tanpa tanah namun bukan hanya air media pertumbuhannya. Sistem hidroponik dapat menggunakan media tanam (substrat) seperti sabut kelapa (cocopeat), arang sekam, busa (spons) ,serbuk gergaji dan sebagainya. Selain media tanam, salah satu faktor yang mempengaruhi pertumbuhan tanaman adalah nutrisi. Nutrisi adalah faktor terpenting dalam budidaya tanaman khususnya dalam system hidroponik. Untuk mendapatkan hasil yang optimal maka nutrisi tanaman harus terpenuhi. Pemberian dosis yang tepat pada larutan nutrisi dapat memberikan hasil yang produktif. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa Hidroponik wick system dapat diaplikasikan pada tanaman kangkung dan sawi dengan dosis pemberian nutrisi pada tanamankangkung sebesar 20 ml/L dan 10 ml/L untuk tanaman sawi.
On the Generalized Uncertainty Principle
Authors: Chen Ming-Cheng , Lu Chao-Yang , Pan Jian-Wei
Published: August 2021

Generalized Uncertainty Principle (GUP), which manifests a minimal Planck length in quantum spacetime, is central in various quantum gravity theories and has been widely used to describe the Planck-scale phenomenon. Here, we propose a thought experiment based on GUP – as a quantum version of Galileo's falling bodies experiment – to show that the experimental results cannot be consistently described in quantum mechanics. This paradox arises from the interaction of two quantum systems in an interferometer, a photon and a mirror, with different effective Planck constants. Our thought experiment rules out the widely used GUP, and establishes a Quantum Coupling Principle that two physical systems of different effective Planck constants cannot be consistently coupled in quantum mechanics. Our results point new directions to quantum gravity.
Insight Series, University of Birmingham
Authors: Moulin-Stozek Maria
Published: August 2021

Ethical behaviour from a normative perspective is usually understood as following rules, decisions based on any potential consequences and fostering internal moral qualities for human flourishing. Although the process of codifying professional conduct is in itself deontological (rule-focused), a code of ethical conduct should still depict a balanced orientation towards compliance with rules, consequences or ethical development. The analysis of the examined documents, however, indicates that professional codes seem to emphasise conformity among its own members to the rules of the codes rather than developing their autonomous interest in ethical professional practice.
Particle Filters
Authors: Bashir Muhammad Salman
Published: August 2021

Both the particle and Kalman filters attempt to approximate the minimum mean-square error (MMSE) estimate of the time-varying parameter. In this scenario, a prior model of the time evolution of the parameter of interest is assumed before the MMSE estimation takes place. The Kalman filter is the (optimal) MMSE estimator for a linear dynamical system with Gaussian noise. For a nonlinear system with nonGaussian noise, the particle filter approximates the mean of posterior distribution at each discrete time step with a finite number of samples or particles. For these general nonlinear systems, the particle filter approaches the MMSE estimator as the number of particles approaches infinity.
Moving in the presence of others - a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: van Meurs Edda , Greve Jona , Strauss Bernd
Published: August 2021

Social facilitation is an old research topic in psychology with diverse results: Performance in cognitive or motor tasks is either facilitated, inhibited or not affected, argued to be a function of task complexity. In his narrative review, Strauss, B. (2002. Social facilitation in motor tasks: A review of research and theory. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 3(3), 237–256. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1469-0292(01)00019-X) found the presence of others to positively affect condition-based tasks (general drive hypothesis, Zajonc, R. B. (1965). Social facilitation. Science, 149(3681), 142–146. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.149.3681.269), and to negatively affect coordination-based tasks (capacity hypothesis, Manstead, A. S. R., & Semin, G. R. (1980). Social facilitation effects: Mere enhancement of dominant responses? British Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 19(2), 119–135. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2044-8260.1980.tb00937.x). This systematic review and meta-analysis focused exclusively on movement-based tasks, identifies the prevalence and magnitude of social facilitation, moderated by condition- and coordination-demands. Through forward searches (Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Academic Search Premier, ProQuest Dissertations, OvidSP) and backward searches, we identified N = 82 human studies (7008 participants) over 100 years. In the systematic review, condition-based tasks are generally facilitated, while results of coordination-based tasks performed under time and precision pressure differed (cf. Bond, C. F., & Titus, L. J. (1983). Social facilitation: A meta-analysis of 241 studies. Psychological Bulletin, 94(2), 265–292. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.94.2.265). The meta-analytic moderator analysis of coordination- and condition-based tasks aligned with the systematic review. The experimenter’s influential presence was emphasized. We support the capacity hypothesis and draw conclusions for the state of the theory and experimental limitations specific to social facilitation research.
“It doesn’t work at all, that’s my experience”: Swedish forensic interviewers’ views on interpreter-mediated child interviews
Authors: Ernberg Emelie , Magnusson Mikaela , Koponen Linnea , Landström Sara
Published: August 2021

Background: Legal practitioners have expressed concerns regarding the quality of interpreter-mediated forensic interviews with child witnesses.Objective: This mixed-methods study aimed to examine Swedish forensic interviewers’ experiences of conducting child interviews via a language interpreter. Participants and setting: Forty-one forensic interviewers from the Swedish Police Authority with experience conducting interpreter-mediated child interviews participated in a digital survey. Methods: Their responses were analyzed using both qualitative (thematic and content analyses) and quantitative (descriptive and inferential statistics) approaches. Results: The forensic interviewers’ general experiences of conducting interpreter-mediated child interviews were negative. Limited access to authorized legal interpreters and doubts regarding the accuracy of interpretation were described as major obstacles in these investigations. The presence of an interpreter could negatively impact children’s disclosure process and limit their chances of expressing their views during legal proceedings.Conclusions: According to Swedish forensic interviewers, the quality of interpreter-mediated child interviews urgently needs to be addressed. Our results are consistent with previous surveys from Australia and the United States, highlighting the international relevance of these topics. Future improvements are vital to ensure that all children are provided an equal right to be heard during criminal investigations, regardless of the native language.
Do you know the Wooly Bully? Testing Cultural Knowledge to Verify Participant Age Online
Authors: Hartman Rachel , Moss Aaron J , Rabinowitz Israel , bahn nathaniel , Rosenzweig Cheskie , Robinson Jonathan , Litman Leib
Published: August 2021

People in online studies sometimes misrepresent themselves. Regardless of their motive for doing so, participant misrepresentation threatens the validity of research. Here, we propose and evaluate a way to verify the age of online respondents: a test of cultural knowledge. Across six studies (N = 1,543), participants of various ages completed an age verification instrument. The instrument assessed familiarity with cultural phenomena (e.g., songs and tv shows) from decades past and present. We consistently found our instrument discriminated between people of different ages. In Studies 1a and 1b, age strongly correlated with performance on the instrument (mean r = .8). In Study 2, the instrument reliably detected imposters who we knew were misrepresenting their age. For impostors, age did not correlate with performance on the instrument (r. = .077). Finally in Studies 3a, 3b, and 3c, the instrument remained robust with people from racial minority groups, low educational backgrounds, and those who had recently immigrated to the US. Thus, our instrument shows promise for verifying the age of online respondents, and, as we discuss, our approach of assessing “insider knowledge” holds great promise for verifying other identities within online studies.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: A community-based study
Authors: Williams Sophie , Fido Dean , Sheffield David
Published: August 2021

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine condition that has been associated with atypical emotional regulation strategy use as well as elevated levels of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. Despite the existence of clinical screening guidance for this population, there is still little to know understanding of how non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal ideation and intention manifests in women with PCOS, and how this might differ from women without PCOS. Within this cross-sectional investigation, women with and without a diagnosis of PCOS (n = 418) completed validated metrics of emotion dysregulation, rumination, and non-suicidal self-injury, as well as self-reported indices of previous suicidal ideation and future suicidal intention. Group comparisons indicated that women with, relative to those without PCOS reported significantly greater metrics across all variables. Moreover, serial mediation analyses were conducted to test the ideation-to-action framework of suicide in women with PCOS, with the positive relationship between a PCOS diagnosis and future suicidal intention being explained through the indirect pathway of increased emotion dysregulation, recent suicidal ideation, and NSSI. Our findings call to action the need for international screening for suicide intention and self-harm in women with PCOS.
Greater negative affect reduction expectancies moderate the interactive relationship between emotion regulation difficulties and distress tolerance in predicting loss-of-control eating
Authors: Burr Emily , Dvorak Robert , Peterson Roselyn
Published: August 2021

Loss-of-control eating (LOCE) is often conceptualized as a negative reinforcement mechanism. However, LOCE does not consistently reduce negative affect (NA). One explanation for continued LOCE, despite a lack of NA reduction, may be expectations of NA reduction. Emotion regulation difficulties and low distress tolerance often predict LOCE, but have not been examined in the context of NA reduction expectancies. This study examined the main and interactive relationships between emotion regulation difficulties, distress tolerance, and NA reduction expectancies on LOCE in US adults (n =3331). Results indicate NA reduction expectancies are robust, eclipsing the predictive effects of other emotion regulation variables.
Effectiveness of Specific Lumbar Stabilization Exercise for LBP among Postpartum Women: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Afrin Urme Nadia , Alam Fabiha , Jahan Nusrat
Published: August 2021

Background: Postpartum back pain is common, with up to 75% of women experiencing back pain immediately following birth due to ligament laxity and postural changes. Besides the lack of pelvic floor muscles strength, urine leakage problem during coughing and sneezing also arises in this condition. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of stabilization exercise (SE) and Kegel exercise.
Objective: To evaluate the pain intensity in rest and different functional activities before and after introducing spinal stabilization exercises in postpartum women with low back pain and also find out the effect of Kegel exercise.
Study Design: A Quasi-Experimental (one group) pretest-posttest design was used.
Methodology: 27 patients who were fulfill inclusion criteria within this study period with postpartum low back pain, attended at Gynecological and Women's Health unit, CRP, Mirpur, Dhaka was purposively chosen to conduct the study. Spinal stabilization exercise was applied to the participants to find out the effectiveness of this exercise. Kegel exercise was also introduced who have urine leakage problem among 27 patients. Participants received the exercise for 45 minutes, 2 times a week & total 6 weeks. Besides this they performed the exercises at home 5 times a day also. A numeric pain rating scale was used to measure pain intensity in different functional activities such as swiping, squatting, chair sitting, heavy weight lifting, walking, and journey by bus or rickshaw, and stair climbing. Pain score was analyzed by calculating the "Wilcoxon Signed Ranked Test".
Results: Results showed that relative improvement occurs in all participants in the experimental group. Pain scores on numeric pain rating Scale on different functional activities such as during toilet sitting, stair climbing, walking, during weight lifting, were relatively reduced which was also statistically significant (p≤ .05). Participants who have a urine leakage problem also recover from this problem.
Conclusions: Lumbar stabilization exercises has effect on reducing pain and improving functional activities, and to solve the urine leakage problem Kegel exercise effective.
Food Product Development Lab Manual
Authors: Gilbert Kate , Prusa Ken
Published: August 2021

A practical how-to illustrating the process of developing a new food product from ideation and formulation to processing and lastly commercialization. This book highlights the overall process and gives instructions for each of the steps along the way.
Model Direct Instruction on Service and Service Understanding in Badminton Game
Authors: Agustan Boby
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to determine the effect of the direct instruction model on serviceability in badminton games. This research is a mixed method. The population in this study were VIII grade students at SMP Negeri 3 Sindangwangi Majalengka totaling 93 students. The sampling technique used was random sampling so that the study sample was obtained, namely students of class VIII.B, which amounted to 28 students. The research instruments used in this study were service tests and interviews about understanding service. The data analysis technique in this study is the normality test, and the hypothesis test is used to determine the effect of the direct instruction model on serviceability in badminton games. Based on statistical calculations for service tests obtained by Z Hit (4.59)> Z daf (2.35), the Hi received means the influence of the direct instruction model on serviceability in badminton games at a level of confidence (α) of 0.05. As for understanding service excellence, as you know, service excellence is the first attack to get points. This study concludes that there is an influence of the direct instruction model on service in badminton games. The finding is that the direct instruction model still has that is all teacher-centered instruction.
Effect of Kinesthetic Perception, Eye-Hand Coordination, and Motivation on Lay Up Shoot
Authors: Ramadan Gilang , Gani Ardin Abdul , Haryanto Arief Ibnu , Samin Giofandi , Fataha Iwan , Kadir Sulasikin Sahdi
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there was a direct or indirect influence between kinesthetic perception, hand-eye coordination, and motivation for the shoot lay-up. The research method used in this study is Path Analysis to look for effects or relationships that affect variables. The subjects used in this study were Kuningan basketball athletes with 35 athletes. The results of this study show 1). There is a positive influence between kinesthetic perception (X1) on lay-up shoot skills (Y) in basketball athletes, 2) There is a positive influence between hand-eye coordination (X2) on a shoot (Y) lay-up skills in basketball athletes, 3 ) There is a positive influence between motivation (X3) on the skill speed of the lay-up shoot (Y) in basketball athletes, 4) There is a positive influence between kinesthetic perception (X1) on motivation (X3) on basketball athletes, 5) There is effect positive between hand-eye coordination (X2) to motivation (X3) in basketball athletes, 6) There is a positive influence between kinesthetic perception (X1) on shoot shoot-up skills (Y) through motivation (X3) in basketball athletes and 7 ) There is a positive influence of hand-eye coordination (X2) on a shoot (Y) through motivation (X3) lay-up skills in basketball athletes.
A Human Resources Administration Document Analysis of theState of the States(2013–2019)
Authors: Lyles Chelsea Haines , Adams Venice , Michael Grote Dustin
Published: August 2021

P–12 and higher education finance policies and resources impact human resources administration. By examining education finance policy analyses covering 50 states written from 2013 to 2019, we illuminate human resource trends and challenges that emerged during this time. The purpose of this document analysis was to synthesize and share emerging human resources trends in education finance from across 50 states with a wide audience of P–12 and higher education administrators, graduate students, and policymakers, paying particular attention to issues of educational inequities. We identified key human resources administration areas where state financial support for P–12 has increased (pre-K, special education, and English language learning), areas of priority for state policymakers for both P–12 and higher education (career and technical education, performance-based funding), and challenges for P–12 (stagnating teacher pay coupled with rising health insurance and retirement costs and increasing student enrollment).
The surgical challenge of ossified ventrolateral spinal meningiomas: tricks and pearls for managing large ossified meningiomas of the thoracic spine
Authors: Thakur Jitendra , Ulrich Christian T. , Schär Ralph T. , Seidel Kathleen , Raabe Andreas , Jesse C. Marvin
Published: August 2021

The authors present an illustrative technical note on microsurgical resection of ventrolateral completely ossified spinal meningiomas (OSMs) and a literature review of the surgical management of calcified spinal meningiomas or OSMs. These tumors are surgically demanding due to their solid consistency, especially when in a ventrolateral location with dislocation of the spinal cord. A challenging case with significant thoracic cord compression and displacement is described. Due to the firm consistency and the ventrolateral localization of the meningioma, a piecemeal resection was necessary. This could have resulted in a free-floating tumor remnant adherent to the spinal cord, impeding safe tumor resection. To avoid such a remnant, an anchoring burr hole was drilled at the border between the spinal cord and the adamantine tumor mass. Then, a microdissector was placed within the anchoring burr hole and the tumor was gently pulled laterally while drilling away the medial parts of the ossified tumor. This procedure was repeated until separation of the tumor from the spinal cord was possible and a gross-total resection (Simpson grade II) was manageable. Throughout the procedure, continuous intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring was performed.
Improving long-term outcomes in pediatric torcular dural sinus malformations with embolization and anticoagulation: a retrospective review of The Hospital for Sick Children experience
Authors: Ku Jerry C. , Hanak Brian , Muthusami Prakash , Narvacan Karl , Girgis Hidy , terBrugge Karel , Krings Timo , Rutka James T. , Dirks Peter
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVE

Torcular dural sinus malformations (tDSMs) are rare pediatric cerebrovascular malformations characterized by giant venous lakes localized to the midline confluence of sinuses. Historical clinical outcomes of patients with these lesions were poor, though better prognoses have been reported in the more recent literature. Long-term outcomes in children with tDSMs are uncertain and require further characterization. The goal of this study was to review a cohort of tDSM patients with an emphasis on long-term outcomes and to describe the treatment strategy.

METHODS

This study is a single-center retrospective review of a prospectively maintained data bank including patients referred to and cared for at The Hospital for Sick Children for tDSM from January 1996 to March 2019. Each patient’s clinical, radiological, and demographic information, as well as their mother’s demographic information, was collected for review.

RESULTS

Ten patients with tDSM, with a mean follow-up of 58 months, were included in the study. Diagnoses were made antenatally in 8 patients, and among those cases, 4 families opted for either elective termination (n = 1) or no further care following delivery (n = 3). Of the 6 patients treated, 5 had a favorable long-term neurological outcome, and follow-up imaging demonstrated a decrease or stability in the size of the tDSM over time. Staged embolization was performed in 3 patients, and anticoagulation was utilized in 5 treated patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors add to a growing body of literature indicating that clinical outcomes in tDSM may not be as poor as initially perceived. Greater awareness of the lesion’s natural history and pathophysiology, advancing endovascular techniques, and individualized anticoagulation regimens may lead to continued improvement in outcomes.
Papież a promulgacja zbiorów powszechnego prawa kanonicznego
Authors: Burczak Ks. Krzysztof
Published: August 2021

Do początków XIII w. zbiory prawa kanonicznego były gromadzone przez osoby prywatne. W 1210 r. papież Innocenty III dokonał pierwszej w dziejach Kościoła promulgacji zbioru prawa kanonicznego, przesyłając go wraz z bul­lą do uniwersytetu w Bolonii. W 1226 r. zbiór własnych dekretałów z dołą­czoną do niego konstytucją cesarza Fryderyka II promulgował papież Hono­riusz III, przesyłając go wraz z bullą do uniwersytetu w Bolonii. Tak też uczynili: w 1234 r. papież Grzegorz IX, Bonifacy VIII w 1298 r. i Jan XXII w 1317 r. Papież Benedykt XIV w 1744 r. przesłał zbiór swoich konstytucji wraz z bullą promul­gacyjną do uniwersytetu w Bolonii. W 1917 r. papież Benedykt XV promulgo­wał Konstytucją apostolską Codex Iuris Canonici. Również Jan Paweł II promul­gował konstytucją apostolską Kodeks Prawa Kanonicznego w 1983 r. Papież ten promulgował konstytucją apostolską Kodeks Kanonów Kościołów Wschodnich w 1990 r. Do przebiegu procesu wprowadzenia prawa w życie należy obowiązek ustawodawcy publicznego ogłoszenia zbioru prawa, aby adresaci mogli zapo­znać się z normami prawa w zbiorze zawartymi i by mogły one stać się obowią­zującym prawem.
THE ISSUE OF THE ULTRA VIRES PRINCIPLE IN TURKISH COMPANY LAW: HAS IT BEEN ABOLISHED OR JUST HIDDEN?
Authors: Yasan Mustafa
Published: August 2021

The Turkish Code of Commerce (TCC) numbered 6102 contains numerous radical regulations as reforms in the Turkish company law. One of these provi­sions is the TCC A.125 which regulates the capacity of commercial companies to have rights and obligations. This article deals with the ultra vires principle which was transferred to the Continental European law system, including the Turkish legislation from the UK law system. The ultra vires principle had previously ex­pired in the continental European legal system (in particular the Swiss Code of Obligations) which has inspired the TCC as a referring codification. As a result of these developments by the TCC A.125, in contrast to the ultra vires principle, commercial companies are allowed to be entitled and liable for all kinds of mat­ters, except those which are human-specific. For this reason, companies’ legal per­sonalities may have the capacity to have rights and obligations in matters other than their fields of operation. In other words, thanks to the TCC A.135, the ultra vires principle has been abandoned. It can be assumed that harmonization be­tween the TCC and the EU directives has been achieved in the sense of abolishing the ultra vires principle. However, when several provisions randomly scattered in the TCC are taken into consideration, it is obviously seen that the legislator still accepts the field of operation issue as a criterion in about 20 articles. This leads to a question about the actual abolishment of the ultra vires principle. To put it brief­ly, the legislator’s choice in the new company law regime shows that the TCC has not abandoned the ultra vires principle completely, but it still retains its validity in a hidden way by only changing its form and scope.
Developing Engineering Identity in an Introductory Engineering Course: A Multi-Case Analysis
Authors: Gray Christine Allison , Gray Ron E. , Canipe Martha M. , Armfield Shadow W. J. , Tuchscherer Robin
Published: August 2021

Research in engineering education has identified several factors relevant to the development of students’ identity as engineers. Here we examine the engineering identity of undergraduate engineering students after an introductory engineering course. The specific research question explored here is: "How do engineering students in an introductory engineering course interpret competence, performance, and recognition in relation to their identities as engineers?” We used a modified engineering identity framework to explore the development of engineering identity within the undergraduate engineering context through a multiple case study approach. Six students majoring in engineering participated in the study. The students had divergent perspectives on what it meant to be competent as an engineer. In all cases, students connected both competence and performance as an engineer with persistence. At this introductory stage, self-recognition as an engineering person took center stage for each student. All were able to identify themselves strongly as an engineering person. The findings add to the current understandings about the development of engineering identity, and suggest that engineering identity may be critically important in conversations about the steps faculty may take in working with students to promote increased retention of undergraduate students in engineering.
COPRIME ARRAY PARAMETERS OPTIMIZATION FOR DOA ESTIMATION
Authors: A. Salman Fatimah , M. Sabbar Bayan
Published: August 2021

Sparse array such as the coprime array is one of the most preferable sparse arrays for direction of arrival estimation due to its properties, like simplicity, capability of resolving more sources than the number of elements and resistance to mutual coupling issue.  In this paper, a new coprime array model is proposed to increase the number of degree of freedom (DOF) and improve the performance of coprime array.   The new designed array can avoid the mutual coupling by minimizing the lag redundancy and expand the central lags in the virtual difference co-array. Thus, the propose structure can resolve more sources than the prototype coprime array using the same number of elements with improved direction of arrival estimation. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed array model is more efficient than the others coprime array model.
EMULATION OF THE POX CONTROLLER AS A LOAD BALANCER
Authors: A. Al-Hasnawi Sally , K. Ibrahem Mahmood
Published: August 2021

Abstract- The servers’ nature of having bottleneck situations makes the load balancing one of the essential services in the networks, particularly with the users’ increasing load. This current paper investigates the technique of load-balancing related to Software-Defined Network (SDN). Due to the nature of the paper, there shall be processes of analysis and simulation to the software-defined network of the two servers. The following parts constitute two servers, four clients, a pox controller, and an open virtual switch. To have the proposed topology connected with the pox controller, there shall be the utilization of the OpenFlow protocol. The results demonstrate that the use of the technique of load balancing assists in equally distributing the requests among the servers.
Argumentation schemes for clinical decision support
Authors: Sassoon Isabel , Kökciyan Nadin , Modgil Sanjay , Parsons Simon
Published: August 2021

This paper demonstrates how argumentation schemes can be used in decision support systems that help clinicians in making treatment decisions. The work builds on the use of computational argumentation, a rigorous approach to reasoning with complex data that places strong emphasis on being able to justify and explain the decisions that are recommended. The main contribution of the paper is to present a novel set of specialised argumentation schemes that can be used in the context of a clinical decision support system to assist in reasoning about what treatments to offer. These schemes provide a mechanism for capturing clinical reasoning in such a way that it can be handled by the formal reasoning mechanisms of formal argumentation. The paper describes how the integration between argumentation schemes and formal argumentation may be carried out, sketches how this is achieved by an implementation that we have created and illustrates the overall process on a small set of case studies.
Examining the efficacy of short foot exercises as an effective stand-alone treatment for mechanical low back pain associated with foot overpronation
Authors: Mahmoud Waleed S.
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND:

Abnormal foot mechanics in foot over-pronation has an identified relationship with mechanical low back pain (MLBP).

OBJECTIVE:

To explore the use of short foot exercises (SFEs) as a standalone treatment for MLBP with foot over-pronation.

METHODS:

Forty-six patients with MLBP (PwMLBP) presenting with and foot over-pronation were analyzed. They were randomized into the SFE (short foot exercise), SFE plus traditional physical therapy treatment (SFE[Formula: see text]TPT), and control (CG) groups. Functional disability and pain level were measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS), respectively. Ultrasonography measured the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the abductor hallucis (AbdH) muscle. The foot posture and navicular drop (ND) were investigated using the foot posture index-6 (FPI) score and ND test, respectively.

RESULTS:

The CSA of the AbdH and VAS scores improved significantly ([Formula: see text] 0.001) between the groups, more in the SFE[Formula: see text]TPT group than in the SFE group ([Formula: see text] 0.001). The ND, FPI, and ODI measures improved significantly among the groups ([Formula: see text] 0.001), with no significant difference ([Formula: see text] 0.002) between the SFE and SFE[Formula: see text]TPT groups. The CG did not show significant differences in the outcome measures ([Formula: see text] 0.002). Based on the effect size, SFEs significantly improved all the variables of interest ([Formula: see text]1).

CONCLUSION:

SFEs, with or without TPT may offer an effective treatment for PwMLBP with foot over-pronation.
Performance-based salary distribution ratio in clinical departments of public hospitals based on improved DEA method
Authors: Wang Lei , Huang Rongjing , Ding Shuai , Li Guofu , Wang Shaohua , Wang Jun
Published: August 2021

Performance-based salary distribution is one of the important contents of modern hospital management system. In general, the distribution of performance salary in public hospitals of China can be divided into two stages: one is from hospitals to departments, the other is from departments to individuals. It is of great significance to improve the performance-based salary distribution system in clinical departments of public hospital, which is beneficial to ensure the public nature, motivate hospital staff to work hard, and raise public healthcare service quality. Therefore, this paper focuses on the issue of performance-based salary distribution in clinical departments of public hospital, adopts super-efficiency DEA model to evaluate the performance of each clinical department, introduces a new utility function for processing the original values of DEA efficient DMUs in order to encourage more clinical departments to pursue higher performance, and finally verifies the comprehensive model by empirical analysis. The result of empirical analysis shows that the performance of DMU7 is highest with an efficiency value of 1.53, followed by DMU3, DMU8, and DMU1. The efficiency value of DMU9 is lowest in all clinical departments.
Lightweight design of car body mechanism based on fatigue life
Authors: Song Dongfang , Ji Hong , Yin Guanfei
Published: August 2021

In order to reduce the fatigue life of the car body caused by the dead weight of the car body, a lightweight design of the car body mechanism based on the fatigue life is proposed. The modal analysis of the car body is carried out by establishing the finite element model of the car body. According to the generated modal neutral file, a rigid-flexible coupling multi-body dynamic model is established, which enables the comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the fatigue life of the car body. According to the analysis results, the topological optimization theory is adopted, and the constraint conditions are established based on the static stiffness characteristics of the car body. Specific design schemes are put forward from two aspects of bending stiffness and torsional stiffness, and these two variables are limited to obtain the optimal value of the car body structure and realize the lightweight of the car body. The test results show that the proposed method can reduce the weight of car body structure, and the variation range of torsional stiffness and bending stiffness is within 5%, which can improve the fatigue life of car body. It shows that the proposed method has certain reference value for lightweight design of side body.
Novel neural observer based fault estimation, reconstruction and fault-tolerant control scheme for nonlinear systems
Authors: Taimoor Muhammad , Lu Xiao , Shabbir Wasif , Sheng Chunyang , Samiuddin Muhammad
Published: August 2021

This research is concerned with the adaptive neural network observer based fault approximation and fault-tolerant control of time-varying nonlinear systems. A new strategy for adaptively updating the weights of neural network parameters is proposed to enhance fault detection accuracy. Lyapunov function theory (LFT) is applied for adaptively updating the learning parameters weights of multi-layer neural network (MLNN). The purpose of using adaptive learning rates to update the weight parameters of MLNN is to obtain the global minima for highly nonlinear functions without increasing the computational complexities and costs and increase the efficacy of fault detection. Results of the proposed adaptive MLNN observer are compared with conventional MLNN observer and high gain observer. The effects of various faults or failures are studied in detail. The proposed strategy shows more robustness to disturbances, uncertainties, and unmodelled system dynamics compared to the conventional neural network, high gain observer and other existing techniques in literature. Fault tolerant control (FTC) schemes are also proposed to account for the presence of various faults and failures. Separate sliding mode control (SMC) based FTC schemes are designed for each observer to ensure stability of the faulty system. The suggested strategy is validated on Boeing 747 100/200 aircraft. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of both the proposed adaptive MLNN observer and the FTC based on the proposed adaptive MLNN compared to the conventional MLNN, high gain observer and other existing schemes in literature. Comparison of the performance of all the strategies validates the superiority of the proposed strategy and shows that the FTC based on proposed adaptive MLNN strategy provides better robustness to various situations such as disturbances and uncertainties. It is concluded that the proposed strategy can be integrated into the aircraft for the purpose of fault diagnosis, fault isolation and FTC scheme for increasing the performance of the system.
The adapted symbol digit modalities test: Examining the impact of response modality
Authors: Costa Silvana L. , Schwizer Ashkenazi Simone , Strober Lauren B. , Chiaravalloti Nancy D. , Vakil Eli
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND: Information processing speed is often impaired in neurological disorders, as well as with healthy aging. Thus, being able to accurately assess information processing speed is of high importance. One of the most commonly used tests to examine information processing speed is the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), which has been shown to have good psychometric properties. OBJECTIVES: The current study aims to examine differences between two response modalities, written and oral, on the performance of an adapted version of the Symbol Digit Modalities Test. METHODS: Ninety-nine individuals completed two alternate forms of the adapted version of the SDMT (aSDMT). Participants were instructed to complete the five lines of the task as quickly and accurately as possible. On one form participants were instructed to provide their response in writing and on the other one, orally. Form and response modality (oral vs. written) were counterbalanced to control for practice effects. RESULTS: On average, there was a significant difference between response modalities, such that participants needed more time to respond when the response modality was written. For both response modalities, time to complete each line of stimuli decreased as the task progressed. While changes in response time on the first four lines of stimuli on the oral version were not found, there was a substantial improvement in response time on the fifth line. In contrast, on the written version a gradual learning effect was observed, in which response time was the slowest on the first two lines, an intermediate response time was noted on line 3, and the fastest response time was achieved on lines four and five. CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrates that response modality, oral versus written, can significantly impact performance efficiency (the length of time it takes to complete a task), but not accuracy (total correct responses), on a new adaptation of the SDMT, the aSDMT.
Influence of Financial Leverage on Financial Sustainabilit: A Case of A Microfinance Institution in Kenya
Authors: Bitok Stephen Kosgei , Cheboi Josephat , Kemboi Ambrose
Published: August 2021

Microfinance institution plays a crucial role in economic development and financial inclusion. Financial sustainability is the key dimension to microfinance institutions growth. Which further indicate the importance of which Financial sustainability is. Therefore, the present study investigated the effect of financial leverage on MFI financial sustainability. The specific objective was to establish the effect of financial leverage on the financial sustainability of MFIs. The study was guided by agency theory and life-cycle theory. The study adopted an explanatory research design where a panel approach was used as well as the positivist paradigm. The study adopted the census approach method. Panel data was drawn from 30 MFIs for a period between 2010 and 2018 from the mix market database using the data collection schedule. The study used both descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze data with the help of STATA software. Fixed effect model based on Hausman test (X2 = 45.41, p= 0.000 ≤ 0.05). Based on the findings of the study financial leverage ( the study had a positive and significant effect on the financial sustainability of MFIs. The study recommended MFIs managers to engage in the prudent use of financial leverage so that they enhance their overall profitability and boost investor confidence in their strategic decision-making resulting in financial sustainability. The results have an implication to business managers and policymakers given the vital role in service delivery and the challenges hindering the sector from the realization of financial sustainability in the economy.
How does Financial Development and Petroleum Price cause Trade Openness in Pakistan?
Authors: Honey Damian
Published: August 2021

In the past financial development and petroleum prices have been identified as acrucial factor influencing economic growth. This provoked us to explore the way financial development and petroleum prices influence the trade openness in Pakistan. The sample of yearly data is collected from 1980 to 2016 in order to apply ARDL cointegration method. Our results reflect the presence of long term cointegration between trade openness and its factors. This suggest that with the rise in credit in private sector there is eventual impact on imports and exports whereas the international petroleum prices also impact the same by pushing the prices of goods. Hence it is recommended that hedging the oil prices and the expansion of credit in Pakistan is worthwhile in terms of trade openness.
When to Adjust Alpha During Multiple Testing
Authors: Rubin Mark
Published: August 2021

In this new paper (Rubin, 2021), I consider when researchers should adjust their alpha level (significance threshold) during multiple testing and multiple comparisons.
Project of educational program for institutions of specialized education of scientific direction
Authors:   Institute of Gifted Children of the National Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine, Polikhun Nataliia , Postova Kateryna ,   Institute of Gifted Children of the National Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine, Slipukhina Iryna ,   Institute of Gifted Children of the National Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine, Horban Lesia ,   Institute of Gifted Children of the National Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine
Published: August 2021

The project of the educational program for establishments of specialized education of a scientific direction is the normative document containing a complex of educational components for achievement by pupils of education of the results of training defined by the Standard of specialized education of a scientific direction. The project is the basis for integration processes between formal and non-formal education, convergence of educational systems, different types of educational institutions and institutions that can provide educational services. It contributes to the creation of optimal conditions for the implementation of specialized education in the scientific field and the development of an integrated educational space of relevant educational institutions. The key goal of the project program is to ensure the development of research competence through the direct involvement of students of basic and specialized schools in educational research, design, invention and exploration activities in accordance with the Standard of specialized education. The project is developed on the basis of modern state educational policy and strategy of reforming the education system of Ukraine. The project of the educational program for institutions of specialized education of scientific direction is an open, dynamic resource intended for creative pedagogical communities ready to carry out innovative activity on development of specialized education of scientific direction.