bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influences of farming practices on the development and phenological cycles of the major weeds of irrigated rice in Central Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Kouamé Kra Frédéric , Sylla Moussa , Touré Awa
Published: March 2021

The influence of farming practices on the development and the phenological cycles of the main weeds of irrigated rice was studied in Central Côte d'Ivoire. The objective of this study was to assess the influences of weeding operations on the development and phenological states of major weeds in irrigated rice. The tests were carried out in a cultivated environment over two consecutive farming cycles. Four elementary plots of 100 m2 each were delimited for the observations. On each elementary plot, the usual cropping practices in rice cultivation was practised. Two weeks after transplanting, chemical weed control was performed with 3 selective post-emergence herbicides. The different herbicides were applied at 14-day intervals. Manual weeding took place 49 days after transplanting. The weekly observations consisted in noting the different stages of development of the major weeds according to the weeding operations. The results showed that chemical and manual weed control 14 and 49 days after planting out, respectively, reduce weeds harmfulness. In view of these results, the use of herbicides coupled with manual weeding can be recommended to rice growers.

L’influence des pratiques culturales sur le développement et les cycles phénologiques des adventices majeures du riz irrigué a été étudiée au centre de la Côte d’Ivoire. Cette étude avait pour objectif d’évaluer les influences des opérations de désherbage sur le développement et les états phénologiques des adventices majeures du riz irrigué. Les essais ont été réalisés en milieu cultivé sur deux cycles culturaux consécutifs. Quatre parcelles élémentaires de 100 m2 chacune ont été délimitées pour les observations. Sur chaque parcelle élémentaire, l’itinéraire technique habituel de la culture du riz a été pratiqué. A 14 jours après le repiquage, le désherbage chimique a été effectué avec trois herbicides sélectifs de post-levée. Les différents herbicides ont été appliqués à intervalle de 14 jours chacun. Le désherbage manuel a eu lieu 49 jours après le repiquage. Les observations hebdomadaires ont consisté à noter les différents stades de développement des adventices majeures en fonction des opérations de désherbage. Les résultats ont montré que les désherbages chimiques et manuel effectués respectivement 14 et 49 jours après le repiquage réduisent la nuisibilité des adventices étudiées. Au regard de ces résultats, l’utilisation des herbicides couplée à un désherbage manuel peut être recommandé aux riziculteurs.
Soil moisture in forest island and adjacent ecosystems in Sub-Saharan Region
Authors: Bougma Amelie B. , Ouattara Korodjouma , Compaore Halidou , Nacro Hassan B.
Published: March 2021

Forest islands are widely distributed throughout West Africa savanna landscape. Stated as direct outcome of anthropogenic activity, these mosaics are often found around villages and are known for their unique and luxuriant characteristics of tropical rainforest. Althought significant studies focus on their ecology, works on edaphic factors that govern their establishment are very scare. The objective of the current study was to evaluate soil moisture dynamics in forest islands compared to that of surrounding savannas and farmlands at five sites located along a precipation gradient in Burkina Faso. For two years, from 2016 to 2017, soil moisture was monitored at a depth of 0-80 cm using a neutron probe. The results highlighted a seasonal pattern ranging from 42±2% during the heavy rainy month (August) to 16±1% during the dry season (October-November). Significant differences in soil moisture content soil water profile and water stock at depth 0 to 80 cm were recorded between locations and land use patterns. In general, soil moisture was on average 58% less in forest island than in croplands across sites. Soil moisture content was lower in topsoil (0-20 cm) compared to deeper soil (40-80 cm). The Study demonstrated evident link of soil moisture dynamic with rainfall and the vegetation pattern.
Evaluation of trace metal content in soils subjected to inputs of solid urban wastes
Authors: Ye Lambiénou , Lompo Désiré Jean Pascal , Sako Aboubakar , Nacro Hassan Bismarck
Published: March 2021

Large amounts of solid urban waste (SUW), sometimes containing trace metal (TM), are used to fertilize agricultural soils. The aim of this study was to assess concentrations of TM in peri-urban agricultural soils exposed to SUW inputs around Bobo-Dioulasso. Composite samples of fourteen soil profiles (0-20 cm, 20-40 cm and 40-60 cm) were collected in the classified Dindéréso forest in the outskirts of Bobo-Dioulasso. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP/MS) was used to analyze TM concentrations in the samples. Concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn varied broadly according to the sampling sites and soil horizons. The maximum concentrations of the analyzed elements in all sites were lower than the limit concentrations. Regardless soil horizons, the pollution index were less than 1, suggesting that the sampled soils were not subject to multiple contaminations of TM.

D’importantes quantités de déchets urbains solides (DUS), renfermant parfois des éléments traces métalliques (ETM), sont utilisées pour fertiliser les sols agricoles. Le but de cette étude est d’évaluer les concentrations en ETM des sols péri-urbains de la ville de Bobo-Dioulasso soumis à l’épandage des DUS. Des échantillons composites de sols ont été prélevés, suivant les horizons 0-20 cm, 20-40 cm et 40-60 cm, sur quatorze sites dans la forêt classée de Dindérésso située à la périphérie de la ville de Bobo-Dioulasso. L’analyse des échantillons de sol a été effectuée par spectrométrie de masse avec plasma à couplage inductif (ICP/MS). Les résultats montrent que les concentrations en Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb et Zn des sols sont très variées. Elles varient en fonction de l’ETM, du site et de l’horizon du sol. Les concentrations des différents ETM dans les sols sont inférieures aux valeurs limites sur tous les sites. L’index de pollution de chaque site est inférieur à 1, quel que soit l’horizon de sol, suggérant ainsi que les sites de la zone ne font pas l’objet d’une contamination multiple de leurs sols par les ETM.
Study of the free residual chlorine concentration in drinking water in Benin: case of Cotonou municipality
Authors: Coffi Sydney M.S. , Yalo Nicaise , Ahamide Bernard , Mama Daouda
Published: March 2021

The drinking water is very qualitatively monitored. Despite this monitoring, there is a deterioration in the Free Residual Chlorine Concentration (CCRL) along the drinking water distribution network of the commune of Cotonou. The objective of studying areas of consumer vulnerability where the CCRL reaches critical thresholds (<0.1 mg / l). To achieve this, water samples were taken from various locations in the supply network every day, from 04/30/2018. The assay method used is called N-Diethyl-P-phenylene Diamine (DPD) with the use of a DR / 890 colorimeter. This work reveal that the CCRL undergoes degradation during its delivery to the consumer's taps with average concentrations mainly above the standard in force [0.1; 0.8 mg / l] at the 5% threshold. The work made it possible to establish a linear model for predicting CCRL concentration as a function of distance and to identify areas of vulnerability in the study area.

L’eau de consommation est très surveillée sur le plan qualitatif. En dépit de cette surveillance, on constate une dégradation de la Concentration en Chlore Résiduel Libre (CCRL) le long du réseau de distribution d’eau potable de la commune de Cotonou. L’objectif d’étudier les zones de vulnérabilité du consommateur où la CCRL atteint des seuils critiques (< à 0,1 mg /l). Pour y parvenir, des prélèvements d’échantillons d’eau ont été pris à divers endroits du réseau d’approvisionnement chaque jour, du 1er au 30/04/2018. La méthode de dosage utilisée est dénommée N-Diéthyl-P-phénylèneDiamine (DPD) avec usage d'un colorimètre DR/890. Ce travail à révéler, que la CCRL subi une dégradation lors de son acheminement vers les robinets du consommateur avec des concentrations moyennes majoritairement supérieures à la norme en vigueur [0,1 ; 0,8 mg/l] au seuil de 5%. Le travail a permis d’établir un modèle linéaire de prédiction de la concentration en CCRL en fonction de la distance et d’identifier les zones de vulnérabilité de la zone d’étude.
Seasonal variation of some major ions in a tropical lagoon waters, Aby lagoon (Côte d’Ivoire): Relationship with temperature, salinity and pH
Authors: Assemian-Niango Sylvie , Kpan Kpan Kouakou Gains , Aka Natchia
Published: March 2021

In response to continental inputs, the aim of this study was to know some major ions contents in Aby lagoon waters, according to seasons and in relation to temperature, salinity and pH. To do this, concentrations of major ions such as (sodium (Na +), potassium (K +), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+) and sulphates (SO42-) of Aby lagoon waters are determined, according to seasons and in relation to temperature, salinity and pH. From September 2007 to July 2009, during monthly sampling campaigns, temperature, salinity and pH of lagoon’s waters were measured, in situ, at twenty (20) stations distributed along lagoon. Water samples were taken at these stations, at the depth of 0.2 m below the surface, to determine in laboratory, concentrations of major ions using standard methods (Atomic Absorption Spectrometry methods for sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium and Nephelometric method for sulphates). Seasonal variations of sodium, potassium and calcium concentrations are proportional to temperature, salinity and pH. These ions are under influence of oceanic waters inputs. In contrast, magnesium and sulphates are under anthropogenic influence, these concentrations are not proportional to temperature, salinity and pH. There are significant seasonal differences between major ions concentrations of waters from one season to another. Aby lagoon is under strong anthropogenic influence.
Comparative study of the physicochemical quality of water of wells and drilling consumed in the commune of Sinthiou Maléme in the area of Tambacounda (Senegal)
Authors: Hane Maoudo , Diagne Ibrahima , Ndiaye Momar , Ndiaye Birame , Dione Cheikh Tidiane , Cisse Dame , Diop Abdoulaye
Published: March 2021

In Senegal, the majority of the regions are not served by the drinking water supply networks. The phenomenon is more pronounced in rural areas, particularly in Sinthiou Maléme commune. For example, communities living in these areas often use well water and borehole. This work has been undertaken to evaluate the physicochemical quality of the water resources consumed by these populations. A total of 24 water samples were taken from the single borehole and 02 publics wells, let be 8 samples per source of water. To assess the quality of these different sources, the physical parameters (electrical conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids and hardness) and chemical parameters (F-, SO42-, PO43-, Fe and NO2-) were analyzed by the photometric method. The results obtained show that, from the physical point of view, drilling water is highly mineralized, slightly hard and has a basic tendency, unlike wells. Chemical analysis shows that well waters are heavily loaded with phosphate ions and nitrites. Based on the parameters analyzed, the quality of the drilling water is chemically acceptable. Studies on the elements of metallic traces will be envisaged to better assess the quality of this drinking water.

Au Sénégal, la majeure partie des régions n’est pas desservie par les réseaux d'adduction d’eau potable. Le phénomène est plus accentué en milieu rural notamment dans la commune de Sinthiou Maléme. Ainsi, les communautés qui vivent dans ces zones ont souvent recours à l'eau des puits et des forages. Ce présent travail a été entrepris en vue d’évaluer la qualité physico-chimique des ressources en eaux consommées par ces populations. Au total 24 échantillons d’eaux ont été prélevés de l’unique forage et de 02 puits publics, soit 8 prélèvements par sources d’eaux. Pour apprécier la qualité de ces différentes sources, les paramètres physiques (conductivité électrique, pH, totale des solides dissous et dureté) et chimiques (F-, SO42-, PO43-, Fe and NO2-) ont été analysés par la méthode photométrique. Les résultats obtenus montrent que, du point de vue physique, les eaux de forage sont fortement minéralisées, légèrement dures et présentent une tendance basique contrairement à celles des puits. L’analyse chimique montre que les eaux de puits sont fortement chargées en ions phosphates et nitrites. Sur la base des paramètres analysés, la qualité des eaux de forage est chimiquement acceptable. Des études sur les éléments des traces métalliques seront envisagées pour mieux apprécier la qualité de ces eaux de consommation.
Fermented Parkia biglobosa seeds as a nitrogen source supplementation for bioethanol production from cashew apple juice
Authors: Nitiema-Yefanova Svitlana , Agbangnan Dossa Cokou Pascal , Gbohaïda Virginie , Kanfon Rose Estelle , Mossi Issiakou , Beakou Buscotin Horax
Published: March 2021

Nutritional requirements in the fermentation process are key parameters for optimal yeast development and ethanol production. Natural nutritional supplements rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and micro-elements can improve the performance of yeasts and offer a sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals. This study aimed at investigating the effect of a natural yeast nutrient (fermented Parkia biglobosa seeds) on bioethanol production from cashew apple juice by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The proximate and mineral compositions of fermented seeds were evaluated. Their powder was added to yeast medium at a concentration of 4–12 g/L. The behavior of two yeast strains (Angel brand super alcohol (S1) and Angel brand thermal-tolerant alcohol (S2)) was inspected. Titratable acidity, pH, °Brix, and density were evaluated during 144 h of fermentation. Sugar consumption was maximal after 72 and 48 h of fermentation for S1 and S2 yeast strains, respectively. The best ethanol yields of 0.19 and 0.22 g/g were obtained with S1 and S2 yeast strains, respectively, using 12 g/L of nutrients for the first and without nutrient supplementation for the second (control sample). The non-conventional nutrients from fermented P. biglobosa seeds seem to be favorablefor ethanol production using only S1 yeast strain.
Quantitative determination of chemical and biochemical parameters during « soumbala » manufacturing process in two communities of Burkina Faso
Authors: Kabré Elie , Bandé Moumouni , Karfo Raoul , Bazié Raoul , Soulama Doulmouhaye , Nikiéma Fulbert , Sakandé Jean
Published: March 2021

« Soumbala » is traditionally used in Burkina Faso as a food condiment in different communities. This study was conducted to evaluate « soumbala » manufacturing process on its nutritional value in two communities. During this descriptive and analytical study, samples were taken in the « Gouin » and « Moose » communities. The results show that, the humidity rate was higher in « soumbala » and waste in the « Gouin » processus, whereas in the « Moose » one, the highest humidity rate was observed after the cooking step and in peeled boiled seeds. The ash level was higher in raw seeds and after cooking step in the « Gouin » community whereas in the « Moose » community, it was higher in raw seeds and waste. The pH determination showed a progressive increase in pH values during the « soumbala » manufacturing process in the two communities. Mineral elements assays showed a slight variation in grades along the « soumbala » manufacturing process. For biochemical analysis, lipids content increased during the « soumbala » production; protein levels increased a little at the early stages of « soumbala » manufacturing process in both communities and carbohydrates contents were higher in waste in the « Moose » community, whereas in the « Gouin » community, the highest contents were found in the raw seeds. The aflatoxins determination in « soumbala » showed levels below the detection limit of the used method. These results showed that it was imperative that approved standard protocols be adopted to maintain the nutritional quality of « soumbala » wherever it is produced.
Carriage of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae by healthy school children from two remote villages in western Cameroon
Authors: Nguekap William Lelorel Nankam , Lontsi Thérèse Ingrid , Betbeui Anicette Chafa , Fewou Simon Ngamli
Published: March 2021

Carriage of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae by healthy children can increase the risk of developing a lethal pathological infection. The objective of this study was to determine the rate of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae carriage among children in remote villages in western Cameroon. We collected fresh stool samples from 110 healthy primary school children between 2 to 5 years old in two remote villages. The bacteria isolates were characterized using the Api 20E gallery, disc diffusion, and double-disc synergy test. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors associated with the carriage of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Data analysis indicated that a total of 24 children in 110 (22%) investigated were positive to ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Moreover, 24 (67%) out of 36 bacteria isolates were ESBL producers and 15 (61%) out of 24 being Escherichia coli. Other ESBL-producing bacteria were Klebsiella pneumoniae (3%) and Kluyvera spp (3%). We also isolated a small proportion of bacteria showing resistance to high-level cephalosporins, which overall represented 33% of the total bacteria isolates. Furthermore, risk factors associated with the carriage of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae were the use of pesticides in agriculture and farming practice. The current result suggests that frequent contact to antibiotics is not the only reason for the development of resistance and confirm that resistance can be induced by chemicals from pesticide origin.
Promoting critical-analytic thinking through teacher discourse moves and pedagogical principles: The case of a rural South African secondary school
Authors: Sefhedi Sheila Tshegofatso , Omidire Margaret Funke , Ebersöhn Liesel , Murphy P. Karen
Published: March 2021

This article reports a case study in a rural South African school on promoting critical-analytic thinking through teacher discourse moves and pedagogical principles. The study investigated the use of teacher discourse moves and pedagogical principles as a component of the Quality Talk model. The Qualitative research methodology and a case study design that entailed the use of interviews, classroom observations and document analysis were used. Data was gathered from an English teacher and 52 Grade 8 students. The data was coded using Quality Talk model indicators and analysed thematically. The findings revealed evidence that teacher training and support in the use of a range of teacher discourse moves and pedagogical principles could enhance students’ development of critical-analytic thinking. It is therefore recommended that teacher training in the use of pedagogical approaches that enhance the development of critical-analytic thinking should be incorporated in professional development programmes.
The effects of language and communication training on nursing students’ self-perceived communicative competence
Authors: Pretorius Marilize
Published: March 2021

Nursing students are typically unable to identify and label their language-learning needs accurately, which can impact on their learning behaviour and learning outcomes. Gathering information about learners’ perceptions of their communicative competence, as indicators of their learning needs, can guide pedagogic decisions made during training as well as being used to evaluate the effects of training. This study focuses on changes in nursing students’ perceptions of their communicative competence from before to after training. A pre- and post- training questionnaire on self-perceived communicative competence is used to investigate changes in nursing students (n=27) self-perceptions during an English language-training programme. The results show that the participants’ self-perceived communicative competence increases significantly from before to after training. However, while the Culture and Rapport components of overall communicative competence show significant increase from before to after training, the Comprehension component does not. These results indicate the effects of the training on the changes in learners’ perceptions of their communicative competence, which holds implications for the design and implementation of training, particularly in terms of awareness raising activities that can help language learners become competence accommodators.
Optimisation of a microelectronic assembly package using response surface methodology
Authors: Ekpu M.
Published: March 2021

This article addressed heat conduction in microelectronics applications. ANSYS finite element design software was used to design the model, while Design Expert software was used for the response surface methodology (RSM) analysis. The components analysed were heat-sink base (HSB) thickness, thermal interface material (TIM) thickness, and chip thickness. A design of experiment comprising of 15 central composite design (CCD) for the coded levels (low (-) and high (+)) of the factors were generated. Heat flow was applied to the chip while a convective coefficient was applied to the heat-sink. The temperature solution was used to calculate the thermal resistance response for the 15 CCD experimental runs. The results from the RSM study proposed an optimal (minimization analysis) combination of 3.5 mm, 0.04 mm, and 0.75 mm, for HSB thickness, TIM thickness, and chip thickness respectively. While the optimal mean thermal resistance of 0.31052 K/W was achieved from the proposed optimal parameters.

Keywords: RSM; CCD; thermal resistance; temperature; microelectronics
Production, characterization and application of ternary phase diagrams for the purification of biodiesel produced from tropical almond seed oil
Authors: Adama K.K. , Onochie U.P. , Gbeinzi E.
Published: March 2021

This study presents the application of ternary phase diagrams to tropical almond biodiesel components separation and purification at two temperatures. The seed oil was extracted mechanically and alkaline transesterified to produce biodiesel. The oil and biodiesel were characterized using standard methods. Tie lines and binodal solubility curve data were determined using modified cloud point titration procedures. Gas chromatographic method was employed in the analysis of the phase compositions. The mixture of biodiesel, methanol and glycerol were investigated at 20 °C, 30 °C and withdrawal times of 2 to 32 minutes at 2 minutes intervals. Distribution coefficient, K and solvent selectivity, S analysis were performed. Results obtained showed that S > 1 indicating the ability of methanol to promote phase separation and purification. K < 1 implying that there was lower quantities of methanol solubilized in the biodiesel phase. The ternary phase diagrams provided the means of predicting the components distribution.

Keywords: Production, Characterization, Tropical Almond Biodiesel, Purification, Ternary Phase Diagram
Issues and perspectives of capacity development in embodied energy indices for building materials sourced in Nigeria: A review
Authors: Nwanya S.C. , Ononiwu H.N.
Published: March 2021

Embodied energy (EE) property of building material is a great determinant of the performance of a building. The dearth of information on EE of locally sourced building materials (LSBMs) constitutes a challenge to affordable housing in Nigeria. In this paper, a review of the previous literature, unfilled gaps in those works, and future directions in embodied energy research for LSBMs is presented to evolve a Nigerian perspective. A constructive non-meta analytic methodology was adopted for the paper. This was followed by classification and comparison of snapshot literature in the embodied energy of building materials. Insightful sources of information for the study were drawn from a vast body of knowledge both documented literature and some interviews with  knowledgeable personnel in the area of a built environment. From the survey, energy management opportunities were revealed, which would not have been apparent from a specific building case study alone. There are distinctions in the literature with this currentpaper for a Nigerian case study: none have addressed the embodied energy coefficient of materials. Also, the status of embodied energy studies, for these materials, is at a low profile and the few investigations carried out focused on life cycle operating energy of buildings. These research gaps evidently imply abundant research opportunities that await exploitation in the building industry. This paper adds to an existing body of knowledge on the use of EE index to promote and optimize the selection of LSBMs as alternative to imported building materials. We hope engineers, estate developers and architects would find it useful for making an informed decision in the design of resilient buildings using indigenous materials.

Keywords: building material, embodied energy, system boundary, capacity, building information modelling, Nigeria.
Media motion-based resource distribution for mobile video networking
Authors: Ukommi U.S.
Published: March 2021

Wireless video communication is challenging due to vulnerability of media bitstreams to channel distortions. Investigation has been carried out on wireless video channel under tight networking resource budget. One of the challenges is the impact of channel errors on the quality of media streams with high motion activity. Motion activity in this context defines the magnitude of activity displacement in video sequence. Based on the analysis, Media Motion-based Resource Distribution (MRD) is proposed to maximize the average received video quality over wireless system, by regulating the resource distribution of the media streams based on their motion activity characteristics. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed scheme can improve the average received video quality performance under tight resource constraints budget.

Keywords: Wireless video communication, resource constraints, received video performance, media motion
Structural reliability-based assessment of Nigerian Anogeissus schimperi timber bridge beam in shear and bearing forces
Authors: Abubakar P. , Iorkar A. , Adedeji A.A. , Aguwa J.I. , Wilson U.N.
Published: March 2021

This research investigates the reliability of Anogeissus schimperi timber specie grown in North Western Nigeria as a bridge beam in shear and bearing forces. Specimens for laboratory tests were prepared using the timber specie in accordance with BS 373 (1957). Tests were carried out to determine the physical and mechanical properties at 12% moisture content in line with BS 5268 (2002). Statistical analysis was carried out using strength properties obtained and the specie was classified to strength class D60, confirmed to be Hardwood. Anogeissus schimperi timber bridge beam was designed in accordance to BS5268 (2002), using deterministicapproach. While, reliability analysis to confirm the safety level of the timber bridge beam designed was carried out using constant failure rate model in accordance with Jimoh, (2018). Sensitivity analysis to ascertain the safety margin of a simply supported timber bridge beam subjected to Shear and bearing by varying the span, depth, width and live load was carried out. Results of reliability analysis showed that Anogeissus schimperi met the minimum reliability index of 0.5 under ultimate state of loading in Shear and bearing. Safety index was found to be directly proportional to the depth and width but inversely proportional to the span and live loadof the timber bridge beam during Sensitivity Analysis. The result confirmed that Anogeissus schimperi specie from north western Nigeria at 400mm depth, 150mm breadth and 5000mm span under ultimate limit state loading in Shear and bearing can be used as a reliable timber bridge beam material.

Keywords: Bridge Beam, Nigerian Anogeissus schimperi Reliability, Structural Material, Timber, Ultimate Limit State.
ROLE OF HR TECHNOLOGY AND TRAINING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF EMPLOYEES
Authors: Batool Narjis , Hussain Sajid , Baqir Muhammad , Islam K. M. Anwarul , Hanif Muhammad
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this article is to explore the factors and importance of training for developing the employees and focus that how HR technology and e. practices help the HR consultants to make the training more efficient, and what type of technology used in training, and how to improve the training that helps in employees development. The data collection is done by online questionnaire. For this study, 305 respondents fill the questionnaire, and for data, use the primary data. For the imperial foundation of this article, we use the PLS software for analysis. The analysis found that the training plays an essential role in developing the employees. There are positive responses of people about the role of technology and training in organizations. Many employees agree that they need training in the organization to benefit both employees and the company. For this study, we collect the data from different responses and use the convenient approach. This study's challenge is what types of technology improve the quality of training and how employees understand it easily. Training the employees becomes more proactive and how they influence the activity. 

JEL Classification Codes: O15, N7, P36, J54.
Exploiting Weak Diffusion of Gimli: Improved Distinguishers and Preimage Attacks
Authors: Liu Fukang , Isobe Takanori , Meier Willi
Published: March 2021

The Gimli permutation proposed in CHES 2017 was designed for cross-platform performance. One main strategy to achieve such a goal is to utilize a sparse linear layer (Small-Swap and Big-Swap), which occurs every two rounds. In addition, the round constant addition occurs every four rounds and only one 32-bit word is affected by it. The above two facts have been recently exploited to construct a distinguisher for the full Gimli permutation with time complexity 264. By utilizing a new property of the SP-box, we demonstrate that the time complexity of the full-round distinguisher can be further reduced to 252 while a significant bias still remains. Moreover, for the 18-round Gimli permutation, we could construct a distinguisher even with only 2 queries. Apart from the permutation itself, the weak diffusion can also be utilized to accelerate the preimage attacks on reduced Gimli-Hash and Gimli-XOF-128 with a divide-and-conquer method. As a consequence, the preimage attacks on reduced Gimli-Hash and Gimli-XOF-128 can reach up to 5 rounds and 9 rounds, respectively. Since Gimli is included in the second round candidates in NIST’s Lightweight Cryptography Standardization process, we expect that our analysis can further advance the understanding of Gimli. To the best of our knowledge, the distinguishing attacks and preimage attacks are the best so far.
Número completo
Authors: AAVV
Published: March 2021

Número completo
Marxismo e historia intelectual en la Argentina (y más allá): notas para una investigación
Authors: Acha Omar
Published: March 2021

La trayectoria de la historia intelectual en la Argentina de los últimos treinta años participa de un proceso correlativo a la crisis del marxismo en términos culturales, académicos y políticos. Ese tránsito historiográfico encuentra semejanzas con trayectorias historiográficas occidentales, pero revela también particularidades nacionales. En la Argentina, la práctica y la teoría de la historia intelectual tuvieron una menor distancia con el marxismo, cuyas peculiaridades son aquí analizadas. La reinterpretación de la teoría crítica marxista de las últimas décadas sitúa en otro marco conceptual –prolongando una hipótesis de José Sazbón formulada en 1997– la posibilidad de que el marxismo intervenga en las proyecciones de investigación de la historia intelectual. Este trabajo interrelaciona historia y teoría enfocando en los derroteros historiográficos argentinos como índices de debates más amplios.
Mujeres que trabajan. Labores femeninas, Estado y sindicatos (Buenos Aires,1910-1960) (2020)
Authors: Roucco Laura
Published: March 2021

Reseña de Mujeres que trabajan. Labores femeninas, Estado y sindicatos (Buenos Aires,1910-1960), Buenos Aires, Grupo Editor Universitario-EUDEM, 2020, 178 pp.
Magalí Andrea Devés, Guillermo Facio Hebequer. Entre el campo artístico y la cultura de izquierdas (2020)
Authors: Piemonte Augusto
Published: March 2021

Reseña de Magalí Andrea Devés, Guillermo Facio Hebequer. Entre el campo artístico y la cultura de izquierdas, Buenos Aires, Prometeo Libros, 2020, 302 pp.
Silvana Ferreyra y Federico Martocci (eds.), El Partido Socialista (re)configurado: escalas y desafíos historiográficos para su estudio desde el “interior” (2019)
Authors: Fortezzini Juana
Published: March 2021

Reseña de Silvana Ferreyra y Federico Martocci (eds.), El Partido Socialista (re)configurado: escalas y desafíos historiográficos para su estudio desde el “interior”, Buenos Aires, Teseo, 2019, 330 pp.
Exploring Family Change Processes: A Dynamic Qualitative Analysis of Family Trajectories, Change and Coordination in Child Protection Cases
Authors: Teixeira de Melo Ana , Alarcão Madalena
Published: March 2021

This paper reports an exploratory discovery-oriented study aimed at inspecting change processes and dynamics in families referred by the Courts and Child Protection Services for family assessment in the Integrated Family Assessment and Intervention Model (IFAIM; Melo & Alarcão, 2011, 2013) due to child neglect. The families received support for change during an assessment aimed at facilitating and exploring their potential for change. The parents reported, in quantitative diaries, their family’s experiences and changes inside and outside the sessions. We coded the data with a qualitative coding-scheme emergent from a preliminary qualitative exploration based on grounded theory methods and sensitizing concepts from Complexity Science and Dynamic Systems Theories. Core categories of Trajectories of States, Trajectories of Coordination and Influence and Other Coordination Effects emerged as relevant indicators to understand the families’ potential for change, describing basic dynamic change processes and contributing to understand therapeutic outcomes. We discuss the implications of the results and directions for future studies.
A Woman as a Decision-Maker: Exploring the "Lived Experience" at Home and Outside
Authors: Titus Ray , Sengupta Debashish , Madan Sahana
Published: March 2021

In this research paper, we look at decision-making by women in India from a contextual perspective. This study looks at decision making by women as based on four possible contexts that may arise, and where decisions are called for. These contexts are qualified based on two broad parameters, namely the level of involvement (dictated by the stakes at play) and the predisposition displayed. Involvement is qualified as high or low (on a continuum), whilst predisposition is stated as either cognitive or affective. The results of the research study reveal a difficult act of balancing that women have to do in terms of decision making at home. They need to get their decisions, whether it is about their career, or their choice of mate, about home, marriage, children ratified by their husbands or parents, women also try to ensure that such decisions do not reflect poorly on their homes. This calls for them to balance between options and often sacrifice their self-interest in the interest of their “home.”
Twenty Years of Technology Integration and Foreign Language Teaching: A Phenomenological Reflective Interview Study
Authors: Becho Sullivan Nilsa , Bhattacharya Kakali
Published: March 2021

The evolution of the use of technology in the foreign language classroom has proven to be a challenge. In this paper, we highlight a study whose purpose is to understand how one retired foreign language educator reflected on the ways in which she integrated different modes of technology in her classroom. In this interview study, the participant discussed how technology has evolved in the span of her twenty-year career as a foreign language educator and how she integrated various technologies as they evolved in her classroom. The researchers employed a modified van Kaam method as defined by Moustakas (1994) to analyze the data collected through phenomenological interviews. The results revealed a complex negotiation process, a thoughtful reflection of advantages and disadvantages of technology integration in foreign language classrooms, and the value of understanding the cyclical nature of technology integration in education.
Developing Competency Model Using Repertory Grid Technique: The Case of Spinning Master
Authors: Srivastava Praveen , Jaiswal Bhavna
Published: March 2021

This paper aims to develop the Competency Model using Repertory Grid Technique. 15 Spinning Master of a large textile company in India were interviewed using repertory grid technique. The study identified 9 competencies in 3 competency clusters that are Interpersonal Relationship, Operational Efficiency and Individual Traits. The study is the first attempt to develop competency model in any textile company and can be useful in implementing competency based HR practices in the organizations. The Repertory Grid Technique used in the study helps in developing competency model in a quick and comprehensive manner that may reduce the time, labor and cost involved in the same.
Cricketing Dad: An Autoethnography into the Unknown
Authors: de Vries Peter
Published: March 2021

The qualitative research methodology of autoethnography has been used by the researcher to explore his own lived experience as a father, specifically focusing on his experiences with his son playing cricket. As an autoethnography, the article unfolds as a first-person narrative that endeavours to connect the personal experiences of one particular father to wider social and cultural aspects of being a parent today. The narrative draws on data spanning 18 months to explore the researcher’s “unknown” world of being a cricketing Dad.
Academic Problem-Solving and Students’ identities as engineers
Authors: Koro-Ljungberg Mirka , Douglas Elliot , McNeill Nathan , Therriault David , Lee Christine , Malcolm Zaria
Published: March 2021

Socially constructed identities and language practices influence the ways students perceive themselves as learners, problem solvers, and future professionals. While research has been conducted on individuals’ identity as engineers, less has been written about how the language used during engineering problem solving influences students’ perceptions and their construction of identities as learners and future engineers. This study investigated engineering students’ identities as reflected in their use of language and discourses while engaged in an engineering problem solving activity. We conducted interviews with eight engineering students at a large southeastern university about their approaches to open and closed-ended materials engineering problems. A modification of Gee’s analysis of language-in-use was used to analyze the interviews. We found that pedagogical and engineering problem solving uses of language were the most common. Participants were more likely to perceive themselves as students highlighting the practices, expectations, and language associated with being a student rather than as emerging engineers whose practices are affected by conditions of professional practice. We suggest that problem solving in an academic setting may not encourage students to consider alternative discourses related to industry, professionalism, or creativity; and, consequently, fail to promote connections to social worlds beyond the classroom. By learning about the ways in which language in particular settings produces identities and shapes problem solving practices, educators and engineering professionals can gain deeper understanding of how language shapes the ways students describe themselves as problem-solvers and make decisions about procedures and techniques to solve engineering problems.
Contextualizing the Young Adult Female Breast Cancer Experience: Developmental, Psychosocial, and Interpersonal Influences
Authors: Froude Cameron , Rigazio-DiGilio Sandra , Donorfio Laura , Bellizzi Keith
Published: March 2021

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women (American Cancer Society [ACS], 2016b). Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) as a group have a worse prognosis when compared to older adults (e.g., Tichy, Lim, & Anders, 2013). Due to limited understanding of the biology of cancers for AYAs, inadequate representation of AYAs in clinical trials, and AYAs’ unique psychosocial healthcare needs, the prognosis for this group, as compared to older women, is comparatively poor. One step in addressing the survival gap for AYAs is to explore the developmental and psychosocial factors that shape their illness experiences. This qualitative study explored the illness experiences of women diagnosed with breast cancer between the ages of 18 and 39 years old. Using a phenomenological approach, 23 breast cancer survivors were interviewed using a semi-structured interview. Findings indicated the centrality of developmental, sociocultural, and psychosocial systems in shaping women's health care experiences. Future studies should explore the ways in which medical providers attend to these systems across the breast cancer trajectory.
Perception and Articulation of own Cultural Otherness in Elite Interview Situations: Challenge or Repertoire?
Authors: Ganter Sarah
Published: March 2021

Increasingly, researchers are conducting studies within a diversity of cultural contexts This paper discusses whether and how the researcher’s own cultural otherness plays a role in academic interview situations. The argument is based on Goffman’s theory of interaction under conditions of otherness and the empirical data from 118 interviews and notes during the years 2007 and 2010 and between 2013 and 2014. The empirical data presented in this paper illustrate how a lack of education, socialisation, and cultivation within the fieldwork context—one’s own cultural otherness—assumes ceremonial and substantial meaning in academic interview situations and merits being the subject of methodological considerations.
Challenges and Facilitators of Recruitment: Lessons Learned from Conducting a Focused Ethnography in a Vulnerable Rural Population
Authors: Kramlich Debra , Kronk Rebecca , Jakub Karen
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this article is to describe the challenges and facilitators of recruitment encountered in an ethnographic dissertation study of rural women with substance use disorders during the perinatal period. While the study is being conducted in the hospital setting post-delivery, potential participants who meet inclusion criteria are identified by practitioners through a number of perinatal practices within a wide geographic area as well as by inpatient social workers. Recruitment in this vulnerable and often socially disadvantaged population has been found to be challenging with regard to ethical approval, participant eligibility and availability, practice changes, and discrepancies in the recruitment process. The authors discuss these challenges and describe the process of practitioner engagement to facilitate participant recruitment and lessons learned in the process.
A Narrative Inquiry: A Black Male Looking to Teach
Authors: Bell Edward
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to understand how a Black male experienced the interview process while seeking a teaching position. The participant and I attempted to answer how race and/or gender played a role in his interviewing experiences. The researcher used a qualitative approach to interview this individual. Data analysis revealed major findings contributing to this Black male’s interviewing experiences: Racism played into the hiring process in subtle ways, and just because this candidate was prepared to teach, that preparation did not guarantee his employment. The findings from this narrative account might prove helpful in understanding why there is currently a shortage of Black male teachers.
Change in Everyday Life and in the Communication World: A Co-Constructed Performance Autoethnography
Authors: Rivers Katie , Gloviczki Peter
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we use a co-constructed performance autoethnography to explore change in everyday life and in the communication world.
Impacting Audiences: Responses to Oral Histories of Persons with Schizophrenia
Authors: McDonough Tracy , Crane Lynda , Phelps Kory , Vice Sara
Published: March 2021

The current article focuses on the impact for listeners of oral histories of persons with schizophrenia, presented to 241 audience members. Post-presentation feedback was obtained. Findings from a mixed-methods design combining chi-square analyses with qualitative presentation of emerging themes present evidence to support new learning, emotional impact, and motivational inspiration in listeners.
Boxing Culture and Serious Leisure among North-American youth: An Embodied Ethnography
Authors: Ribeiro Nuno
Published: March 2021

In this paper, I discuss how I followed in the footsteps of Loïc Wacquant (2004) and took a closer and personal look at boxing as a leisure activity, from the point of view of those who participate in it, using embodied ethnography as the means of research. I was curious as to how and/or if leisure theory relates and applies to boxing, given the latter’s peculiar characteristics, which seem to equate it more with “work” than with “leisure.” I sought to answer a basic question, "Why do you box?" within these theoretical and methodological frameworks, and discovered that, while Robert Stebbins' casual/serious leisure dichotomy applied to boxing, the reality was far more complex than I had anticipated. The ethos of boxing did not fit neatly into any theoretical classifications, and the participant nature of the research allowed for a more nuanced analysis of boxing culture, with surprising results. Implications for leisure theory and directions for future research are discussed.
U.S. Principals' Interpretation and Implementation of Teacher Evaluation Policies
Authors: Reid David
Published: March 2021

In the United States policymakers, states, and researchers are increasingly reliant on teacher evaluations as a means for identifying high-quality teachers. School principals are the primary school-based actors responsible for implementing teacher evaluation policies at the school level and must make sense of these policies at an ever-increasing pace. These sensemaking processes have great implications for how teacher evaluation policies play out in practice. In this paper I ask (a) what factors influence principals’ sensemaking of changing teacher evaluation policies and (b) how these factors influence both decision-making by principals, as well as the ways the policies are implemented. I use an exploratory case study approach, drawing on interviews and district specific documents from six public school principals in the U.S. state of Michigan. Findings suggest that, because teacher evaluation policies were tied to the employment of their teachers, principals made sense of and implemented these policies in very specific ways. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.