bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A diverse assemblage of Late Eocene woods from Oregon, western USA
Authors: Wheeler Elisabeth A. , Manchester Steven R.
Published: February 2022

Well-preserved silicified woods from a site near the town of Post, Oregon, western USA, provide insights into the late Eocene vegetation and climate ca. 36 million years and data for comparing with both older and younger wood floras regionally and globally. The composition of this wood flora, taken into consideration along with taxa identified from silicified fruits and seeds of the same locality, provides a more complete picture of the former vegetation. We recognize woods belonging to the families Anacardiaceae (Pistacia terrazasae sp. nov.), Cannabaceae (Celtis popsii sp. nov.), Cercidiphyllaceae (Cercidiphyllum cf. alalongum R.A.Scott et E.A.Wheeler), Fagaceae (Fagus dodgeii sp. nov., Lithocarpoxylon ashwillii sp. nov., Lithocarpoxylon sp., Quercus sp.), Hamamelidaceae (Hamamelidoxylon crystalliferum sp. nov., H. cf. suzukii E.A.Wheeler et T.A.Dillhoff), Juglandaceae (Pterocaryoxylon sp.), Malvaceae (Wataria kvacekii n. sp.), Platanaceae (Platanoxylon cf. haydenii (Felix) Süss et Müll.-Stoll, Platanus sp.), Sapindaceae (Acer, 2 spp.), Trochodendraceae (Trochodendron beckii (Hergert et H.K.Phinney) R.A.Scott et E.A.Wheeler). This assemblage, which we refer to as the Post Hammer flora (UF 279), is comparable in age to the nearby Teater Road flora known mainly from fossil leaf impressions. Comparing the functional traits of the Hammer woods to the older Clarno Nut Beds woods attests to changing climate in the region, including an increase in seasonality.
Associated Sectors of Magnetic Recording Systems Using Spatially Coupled LDPC Codes
Authors: Khittiwitchayakul Sirawit , Phakphisut Watid , Supnithi Pornchai
Published: February 2022

In traditional magnetic recording systems, non-associated sectors are mainly adopted, whereby two consecutive sectors are decoded independently by the low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes. In this paper, we propose a magnetic recording system with associated sectors, constructed using spatially coupled low-density parity-check (SC-LDPC) codes. If the SC-LDPC decoder cannot correct the erroneous bits in the current sector, it can request information stored in previous sectors to improve decoding performance. Moreover, we modify protograph-based extrinsic information transfer (P-EXIT) charts to examine the theoretical performance of SC-LDPC codes applied to both non-associated and associated sectors. Our theoretical results show that the associated sectors achieve significant performance gains compared to the traditional non-associated sectors.
10 kW Inductive Wireless Power Transfer Prototype for EV Charging in Thailand
Authors: Thongpron Jutturit , Tammawan Wuttikai , Somsak Teerasak , Tippachon Wiwat , Oranpiroj Kosol , Chaidee Ekkachai , Namin Anon
Published: February 2022

The electric vehicle (EV) market is rising despite the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand and the rest of the world. The Energy Policy and Planning Office, Ministry of Energy, is supporting the development of EV charging stations in Thailand. However, recent research published by Thais on the subject does not involve more than 1.24 kW wireless power transfer (WPT), whereas commercial EVs need at least 3.5 kW charging facilities. This study aims to develop a 10 kW WPT for EV charging in Thailand. The experimental procedure firstly required the design of block ferrite EE55 cores. Secondly, the transmitter and receiver coils were constructed from homemade Litz wire. Thirdly, the prototype magnetic parameters were measured and simulated. A 10 kW high-frequency inverter was then built and tested. The 10 kW prototype IPT system was subsequently simulated, constructed, and characterized. The results revealed that when the prototype IPT system was applied to the resistive tungsten halogen load during the first stage of the research, at 369.4 V DC input voltage and 32.33 A DC input current, the DC output voltage, and currents were 362.4 V and 29.67 A, respectively, while the maximum DC output power and the dc-to-dc efficiency equated to 10.75 kW and 90.00%, respectively.
Aquatic macroinvertebrates in Madeira Island (Portugal) streams: diversity and distribution
Authors: Raposeiro Pedro , Balibrea Ana , Riva Julie-Camile , Ritter Catarina , Gonçalves Vítor
Published: February 2022

The Madeira Island (Portugal; 32°24’–33°07’N, 16°16–17°16’W; 796 km2) is an oceanic island located in the North Atlantic, about 980 km south of Portugal and about 700 km west of the African coast. The presence of freshwater invertebrates in oceanic islands has always raised questions concerning dispersal, colonisation and evolution. Therefore, the freshwater fauna of Madeira Island has attracted the interest of many researchers in the past, the first publications going back to the nineteenth century. Initial studies were mainly taxonomic, resulting in a checklist of the Madeira freshwater macroinvertebrates with 240 taxa. As typical from oceanic islands, freshwater invertebrates are characterised by low diversity, with some taxonomic groups absent. Although freshwater Madeiran macroinvertebrates are a well-studied group, geographical information of diversity distribution is still scarce. Therefore, more studies are needed, especially georeferenced data of diversity and distribution of macroinvertebrate assemblages, to provide valuable information for improving knowledge and the development of typologically appropriate monitoring and conservation programmes and restoration strategies for local stakeholders.

The results of the present study revealed 713 occurrences in 40 sampling points in Madeira Island streams. The occurrence data showed 70 different aquatic taxa belonging to 21 orders and 53 families. Amongst our occurrence data, 15 endemic taxa (22.1%) from Madeira Archipelago were found. In addition, different families of Collembola and different taxa of Copepoda (Onychiuridae, Poduridae, Isotomidae, Entomobryidae, Sminthuridae) comprised new records for the Madeira streams. Therefore, further taxonomic and ecological studies on freshwater invertebrates from Madeira Island should be done with a particular focus on these lesser-known groups. Thus, our data increase the geographical data distribution of freshwater macroinvertebrates and their diversity in Madeira Island. This database is an update of geographical information of diversity distribution of Madeira freshwater macroinvertebrates known groups. This information is essential for a better understanding of community composition, diversity, occurrence or spatial distribution, which will help explore different research questions on different research areas, such as community ecology and biogeography.
Biofluorescence in the herpetofauna of northeast Bangladesh
Authors: Maria Marjan , Al-Razi Hassan , Borzée Amaël , Bin Muzaffar Sabir
Published: February 2022

Fluorescence is a poorly documented phenomenon in vertebrates and has been suggested to play several biological roles. With increased study, the number of species in which biofluorescence has been identified is increasing steadily. We conducted a UV light survey for biofluorescence in the herpetofauna in Lawachara National Park, Bangladesh and found biofluorescence in one amphibian (Microhyla berdmorei) and three reptile species (Boiga cyanea, Cyrtodactylus tripuraensis and Hemidactylus platyurus).
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA): What it Means for Your Patients and Families
Authors: Lea Dale
Published: February 2022

Human genome research is creating new opportunities for a more individualized approach to the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of rare and common diseases. Concerns about insurance discrimination, however, have led many people who could benefit from genetic testing to choose not to have it. Other individuals have chosen to pay for genetic testing on their own. In May 2008, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, known as GINA, was signed into law. GINA is a federal law that protects United States citizens from health insurance and employment discrimination based on their genetic information. Nurses, who are on the frontlines of healthcare delivery, need to become familiar with the scope and limitations of GINA. This article describes the need for GINA, the scope and limitations of this law, and health provider resources relating to this law. Case studies that illustrate typical situations nurses and their clients may face with regard to genetic and genomic information are provided. Activities that nurses can carry out in their own institutions to facilitate GINA compliance are outlined.
Promoting Health Literacy Through Storytelling
Authors: Day Vivian
Published: February 2022

Patient education is becoming increasingly important in today’s healthcare environment as chronic conditions become more prevalent. Yet even when education is provided, patients may fail to follow recommendations given by healthcare providers because they do not understand the information provided to them. This article encourages the use of storytelling to present healthcare information in an easily understandable and captivating manner. After discussing health literacy concepts, the author compares the linear and experiential ways of learning and describes how storytelling can be an especially effective way of teaching experiential learners.
Behavioral Determinants of Health Aging Revisited: An Update on the Good News for the Baby Boomer Generation
Authors: Potkanowicz Edward , Hartman-Stein Paula , Biermann Jeanette
Published: February 2022

On October 15th, 2007, Kathleen Casey-Kirschling became the first Baby Boomer to ride the "silver tsunami" by applying for her social security benefits. Riding a wave is an appropriate analogy for Baby Boomers given the expectations they have for their later years. Now, just as it was in the original 2003 Behavioral Determinants article, the answer to the question, “Can this generation of Americans expect to achieve a satisfying, high- quality life as older adults?” is still a resounding yes. But now, there is greater clarity and more specific detail as to exactly what the Baby Boomer generation should, and can, be doing to insure that they have the quality of life as older adults that they have become accustomed to in their younger years. To that end, this article will examine the updated recommendations for physical activity and psychological elements associated with healthy aging.
Where Have All the Young Ones Gone: Implications for the Nursing Workforce
Authors: Drury Vicki , Francis Karen , Chapman Ysanne
Published: February 2022

The global nursing shortage, coupled with an ageing nursing workforce, has placed significant pressure on the Australian Government to implement strategies to meet future nursing demands as well as develop strategies to manage the current crisis. In response, the Australian government funded additional undergraduate places at universities between 2002 and 2008 and offered financial incentives for nurses who were not currently employed to return to practice. Many undergraduate places at the university (in all disciplines) have been taken up by mature-aged students. The high percentage of graduating, mature-aged nursing students is helping to alleviate the current nursing shortage, but runs the risk of exacerbating the shortage projected to occur around the year 2020. This article postulates that graduating this high percentage of mature-aged nursing students is making a significant contribution to nursing today, helping to alleviate the current nursing shortage. However, it runs the risk of exacerbating the shortage projected to occur around the year 2020. In this article the authors explore the current nursing shortage and the changing educational opportunities that affect recruitment of mature-aged students into tertiary-based nursing programs. Recommendations are provided for appropriate succession planning for the future.
Pratiques d’évitement des contraintes de genre
Authors: Lettieri Carmela
Published: February 2022

Le texte explore la place des femmes au sein de la revue il manifesto (1969-1971). Une double perspective, à la fois biographique et thématique, permet tout d’abord de retracer les parcours comparés des intellectuelles qui ont contribué à un phénomène de féminisation de cette revue. En répertoriant ensuite les textes signés par les femmes de la rédaction, les dynamiques de spécialisation et le traitement spécifique de chaque thème – dont la question des femmes, toujours située à l’intérieur d’une réflexion politique bien plus large – sont mis au jour. Ces journalistes / intellectuelles participent à une véritable reconfiguration des règles de l’assignation de genre dans les médias et lèguent aux générations suivantes, à travers le quotidien créé en 1971, non seulement un dispositif d’écriture mais aussi un dispositif d’action.
Des luttes éthiques aux luttes sociales
Authors: Berrebi-Hoffmann Isabelle , Chapus Quentin
Published: February 2022

Depuis quelques années, les salariés des GAFAM et les contractuels et indépendants de la Tech californienne développent des modes de contestation qui empruntent des formes variées, virtuelles ou physiques sur leur lieu de travail – pétitions, arrêts de travail, marches et manifestations, création de coalitions et collectifs sur les réseaux sociaux, tentatives de syndicalisation. Ces actions collectives regroupent le plus souvent une minorité d’employés, mais reçoivent une attention publique marquée tout en suscitant des réactions fortes des employeurs. Prenant appui sur l’analyse empirique d’un corpus de 275 actions menées au sein du capitalisme High Tech – essentiellement les GAFAM et leurs filiales et sous-traitants – depuis 2015, cet article vise à poser de premières analyses et interprétations de ces mobilisations, inédites par leur ampleur dans la Silicon Valley. Le mouvement de syndicalisation est resitué dans l’histoire syndicale et anti-syndicale des États-Unis. L’hypothèse d’une double convergence de l’action collective que permettrait le capitalisme numérique : entre luttes éthiques et luttes sociales d’une part entre cols blancs et cols bleus d’autre part est avancée. Ces convergences interrogent la façon dont les sciences sociales ont coutume de classer et distinguer entre différents types de mouvements sociaux d’une part et entre différentes formes de critique d’autre part.
La critique du numérique par les « travailleurs du milieu »
Authors: Mabi Clément , Régnauld Irénée
Published: February 2022

Cet article rend compte d’une enquête sur le collectif “Onestla.tech” qui rassemble des développeurs, designers, chefs de projets, “agilistes” et toutes ces fonctions qui contribuent à façonner la réalité du numérique en entreprise. Ces “travailleurs du milieu” se sont d’abord mobilisés contre la réforme des retraites en 2019, contribuant à rendre visible la critique portée par cette catégorie de travailleurs souvent invisibilisée. L’article montre que le collectif a permis de créer une dynamique collective pour sortir du trouble ressenti par certains d’entre eux en rapport avec le monde de la tech et particulièrement la “startup nation”. Une communauté s’est rapidement agrégée autour d’une vision critique du numérique et de la technologie. Cependant, d’importantes divergences idéologiques et stratégiques traversent le collectif. L’enquête montre que ces fragilités sont, pour le moment, compensées par le partage de la culture du numérique et de modes d’action que nous qualifions de “mobilisation par projets”.
Penser le sabotage à l’ère du capitalisme numérique
Authors: Lamoureux Samuel
Published: February 2022

Cet article propose d’envisager la thèse suivante : le sabotage en tant que pratique de résistance qui consiste à endommager, perturber ou subvertir les opérations d’une machine ou d’une organisation, se retrouve à chaque forme institutionnelle du capitalisme. Trois types de sabotage sont envisagés pour penser cette pratique à l’ère du capitalisme numérique : le sabotage classique, le sabotage subtil et la résistance aux technosciences. Si le premier sabotage tend à disparaître des lieux de travail, le deuxième type consiste plutôt en la réappropriation des outils numériques pour des fins alternatives. La résistance aux technosciences correspond quant à elle au sabotage de l’idéalité cybernétique associée aux nouvelles machines algorithmiques, notamment le droit à la déconnexion et les pratiques de non-usage des technologies numériques.
La justification des pratiques de co-création sur les plateformes de crowdsourcing
Authors: Renard Damien
Published: February 2022

Les plateformes de crowdsourcing d’idées favorisent le travail de co-création. Pour les internautes, elles se révèlent comme des espaces d’expression reflétant leur pouvoir d’agir. De manière paradoxale, elles peuvent être considérées comme des espaces de mise au travail, la pu-blicisation de l’idée impliquant un transfert de propriété au profit de l’entité organisatrice. L’objectif de cette recherche, basée sur l’analyse empirique d’une plateforme, est de mieux comprendre le système des valeurs et les arrangements mis en œuvre par les acteurs pour justifier leurs pratiques. En nous appuyant sur le modèle conventionnaliste des « Economies de la grandeur » de Boltanski et Thevenot, nous mettons en avant la juxtaposition de différentes cités. Si le principe de rivalité constitue un puissant levier de captation des internautes, le registre de justification de la cité par projets s’impose comme modèle de référence chez les acteurs les plus centraux.
Soins infirmiers en pratique avancée : représentations des acteurs de ce nouveau dispositif
Authors: Aghnatios Matthieu , Darloy Théo , Dictor Julien , Gasparovicova Martina , Drouot Cyril , Gasperini Fabrice , Bouchez Tiphanie
Published: February 2022

Introduction : Le statut d’infirmier en pratique avancée (IPA) s’inscrit dans la loi en France en 2018. En acquérant des compétences relevant du champ médical, l’IPA suivra des patients volontaires et adressés par un médecin. Une évaluation de l’impact de cette innovation de l’organisation des soins français doit être remise au Parlement français en 2021. Ce travail de recherche a été mené pour recueillir des données visant à accompagner l’implémentation du dispositif et à constituer un point de départ au suivi du dispositif dans le temps. But de l’étude : Explorer les représentations des différents acteurs du dispositif d’IPA pour les maladies chroniques stabilisées en soins primaires, en région Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur : patients, médecins généralistes, infirmiers libéraux et étudiants infirmiers en pratique avancée. Résultats : Dans cette étude qualitative prospective par théorisation ancrée, 58 entretiens individuels semi-dirigés ont été menés. Les participants ont exprimé des représentations hétérogènes du rôle de l’IPA. Ils ont fait part d’un flou autour du dispositif et ont exprimé le besoin d’une meilleure communication afin de faciliter son intégration. Le suivi des plans de soins, la prise en charge des patients à domicile, l’éducation thérapeutique et la prévention ont été identifiés comme des besoins auxquels l’IPA pourrait participer. Les zones sous-médicalisées ont été suggérées comme propices à son implémentation. La principale crainte a été le changement de répartition des tâches professionnelles avec le risque de concurrence. L’intégration de l’IPA a été perçue comme plus simple au sein d’établissements de soins car les rôles y sont bien définis avec peu de confusion identitaire entre les acteurs contrairement au milieu libéral. La collaboration entre acteurs de santé a été évoquée comme une condition de réussite du dispositif IPA. Une attitude prudente a été relevée et un besoin de rodage a émergé, les premiers IPA étant considérés comme des précurseurs. Conclusions : La mobilisation des acteurs de santé est un critère de bonne réussite d’intégration de l’IPA, une politique de sensibilisation semble donc nécessaire. La formation des professionnels de santé dans leur cursus ou en formation continue permettrait de développer des compétences collaboratives nécessaires à l’intégration de l’IPA.
Facteurs associés aux barrières d’accès au dépistage du cancer du col de l’utérus à Yaoundé
Authors: Antaon Jesse Saint-Saba , Essi Marie-José , Ngo Um Meka Esther , Mawamba Yvette Nkene , Ndom Paul , Tebeu Pierre-Marie
Published: February 2022

Introduction : Plusieurs études rapportent que seulement 10 % des femmes à risque de cancer du col de l’utérus ont déjà eu à se faire dépister au Cameroun. Objectif : Cette étude vise à analyser les facteurs qui limitent l’accès au dépistage du cancer du col de l’utérus dans la capitale du pays (Yaoundé). Méthodologie : Il s’agit d’une étude transversale analytique (participée/non-participée), menée du 1 er  mai au 10 août 2020. La population d’étude était composée de deux groupes, le groupe sujet, incluant des femmes sans antécédent de dépistage, et le groupe contrôle, composé de femmes ayant bénéficié d’au moins une séance de dépistage. La collecte des données a été réalisée au centre hospitalier universitaire et à l’hôpital gynéco-obstétrique et pédiatrique de Yaoundé. Les données ont été collectées à l’aide d’un questionnaire prétesté et validé, puis analysées à l’aide du logiciel SPSS ® (v. 20). L’analyse par régression logistique a été réalisée pour apprécier l’association entre les différentes variables et la participation au dépistage. Le seuil de significativité était fixé à p  < 5 %. Résultats : Sur 300 femmes interrogées, 150 n’avaient jamais participé au dépistage (50 %). En analyse multivariée, les facteurs associés aux difficultés d’accès au dépistage du cancer du col de l’utérus étaient le niveau d’études primaires ([AOR : 5,12 (3,42-7,65)]), le manque d’emploi ([AOR : 5,44 (3,32-8,92)]), le niveau de connaissances insuffisant [AOR : 7,11 (5,70-8,88)]) et l’attitude défavorable ([AOR : 5,58 (4,41-7,06)]). Conclusion : Les facteurs associés au non-dépistage sont multiples. Il est donc nécessaire de développer des stratégies afin d’améliorer l’accès aux services de dépistage du cancer du col de l’utérus au Cameroun.
Comparison of caproic acid and monolaurin with zinc oxide and benzoic acid; effect on growth performance of weaned pigs
Authors: Portocarero N.
Published: February 2022

Medium chain organic acids (MCOA) offer the potential to replace zinc oxide, without dependence on antibiotic use, and can replace or reduce the use of benzoic acid in pig production. A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of caproic acid (C6) and C12 monolaurin (C12M) on the growth performance of weaned pigs, in comparison with zinc oxide (ZnO) and benzoic acid (BA). Specifically, the trial examined whether MCOA, at a reduced inclusion level of BA, could maintain performance levels of pigs similar to those receiving a higher inclusion level of BA. In total, 240 pigs from weaning until 27 d post-weaning were used in a completely randomised block trial with six treatments and eight replicate pens per treatment. Treatments were: (1) control (CON), basal diet (BD); (2) BD+ZnO (ZnO); (3) BD+5,000 mg/kg BA (BA); (4) BD+2,500 mg/kg BA+2,000 mg/kg C12M+700 mg/kg C6 (BAlow/MCOA); (5) BD+2,000 mg/kg C12M+700 mg/kg C6 (MCOA); (6) BD+1000 mg/kg C12M+700 mg/kg C6 (MCOAlow). Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Pigs receiving BA or BA low/MCOA had improved feed conversion ration (FCR) during the period 0-14 days, compared with control pigs (1.02 vs 1.17, P<0.05; 1.06 vs 1.17; P=0.084, respectively). The FCR of pigs receiving BAlow/MCOA was similar to those receiving BA at the higher inclusion-level. Pigs showed good health throughout the study, as indicated by clinical and faecal scores. Replacement of ZnO was inconclusive and further studies with more challenging health conditions are required to conclude benefits.
Evaluation of nano-silica, microwave heating, and ultraviolet irradiation effects on zearalenone detoxification in sunflower oils
Authors: Ghafari N. , Paimard G. , Sadeghi E. , Choobkar N. , Lalabadi M.A.
Published: February 2022

In the present study, we report three methods of silica nanoparticles (SNPs) as adsorbent, ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, and microwave heating and evaluate their capabilities in reducing and eliminating zearalenone (ZEN). The offered method not only was used for ZEN detoxification, but also greatly enhanced the sensitivity of ZEN measurement. The aim of this study was to evaluate ZEN concentration in sunflower oil samples by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. This method was successfully validated for sunflower oil samples while the limit of detection (LOD) method (signal-to-noise ratio of 3:1) was 0.5 μg/l. The acquired removal data with the HPLC method through SNPs were fitted well with Freundlich isotherm, denoting that the multi-layer adsorption took place on the adsorbent. The equilibrium adsorption capacity of ZEN was 61.02 μg/g in an optimum time of 240 min on SNPs. The experimental results were evaluated by the adsorption kinetic model, which specified the adsorption kinetics of ZEN on SNPs, obeying the pseudo-second order model. This model demonstrated that the sorption rate depended on the sorption capacity but not the concentration of the sorbate. Moreover, the method presented to determine ZEN based on the use of SNPs in sunflower oil was accomplished by the adsorption process. Furthermore, the removal efficiencies of ZEN by SNPs, UV irradiation, and microwave heating were compared and obtained to be 92.1, 96.22, and 37.30%, respectively for determined times. These results confirm the removal efficiency of these methods is sensitive enough to ZEN analysis in sunflower oil samples.
Numerical analysis of a problem in micropolar thermoviscoelasticity
Authors: Bazarra Noelia , Fernández José R. , Quintanilla Ramón
Published: February 2022

In this work, we study, from the numerical point of view, a dynamic thermoviscoelastic problem involving micropolar materials. The model leads to a linear system composed of parabolic partial differential equations for the displacements, the microrotation and the temperature. Its weak form is written as a linear system made of first-order variational equations, in terms of the velocity field, the microrotation speed and the temperature. Fully discrete approximations are introduced by using the finite element method and the implicit Euler scheme. A discrete stability property and a priori error estimates are proved, from which the linear convergence is derived under some additional regularity conditions. Finally, some two-dimensional numerical simulations are presented to demonstrate the accuracy of the approximation and the behavior of the solution.
To investigate a class of multi-singular pointwise defined fractional $ q $–integro-differential equation with applications
Authors: Samei Mohammad Esmael ,   Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Basic Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran, Karimi Lotfollah , Kaabar Mohammed K. A. ,   Department of Mathematics, Hamedan University of Technology, Hamedan, Iran,   Jabalia Camp, United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), Palestinian Refugee Camp, Gaza Strip Jabalya, Palestine,   Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
Published: February 2022

In the research work, we discuss a multi-singular pointwise defined fractional $ q $–integro-differential equation under some boundary conditions via the Riemann-Liouville $ q $–integral and Caputo fractional $ q $–derivatives. New existence results rely on the $ \alpha $-admissible map and fixed point theorem for $ \alpha $-$ \mathtt{ψ} $-contraction map. At the end, we present an example with application and some algorithms to illustrate the primary effects.
Free-free resonance method for the mechanical characterization of carbonate rocks used as building stones
Authors: Ávila F. , Puertas E. , Azañón J.M. , Gallego R.
Published: February 2022

Nondestructive testing techniques have attracted growing interest in the last few years due to their ability to assess material properties without damaging the specimens. The free-free resonance method is a nondestructive testing technique based on the analysis of the natural frequencies of a sample. This study presents and discusses the applicability of this technique, traditionally used on soils, for the mechanical characterization of rocks. With this aim, the free-free resonance method is used to obtain the dynamic elastic modulus and shear modulus of four carbonate rocks that have been widely used as construction materials in southern Spain. The results from the nondestructive evaluation of dry and saturated rocks, in combination with petrographic characterization and uniaxial compression tests, make it possible to assess the existing relationships between the mechanical properties of carbonate rocks and to evaluate the impact of porosity and moisture content on their mechanical behavior.
Impact of Using Flipped Classroom Strategy in Developing the Mathematical Thinking of Pre-Service Teachers in Open Education Systems in Jordan
Authors: Altakhayneh Bahjat Hamid
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to investigate the impact of the use of the flipped classroom strategy in developing the mathematical thinking of pre-service teachers in the Faculty of Education in open education systems in Jordan. The sample of the study consisted of students enrolled in the program of educational studies for the year 2019/2020 in the open education systems.

To achieve the objectives of the study, the validity and reliability of a mathematical thinking test was verified. The methodology of the study was used in a quasi-experimental design, and the results of the study showed statistically significant differences between arithmetic means of mathematical thinking (α=0.05) in favor of the post mathematical thinking test and showed no statistically significant difference (α=0.05) between the arithmetic means of the employee in the field of education and non-employee in mathematical thinking.
Institutionalizing Technologies in South African Universities towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Authors: Moloi Tankiso Steven , Salawu Mary Kehinde
Published: February 2022

This study investigated the essentials for institutionalizing technologies for teaching and learning across the three types of universities in South Africa. This was with a view to determining the skills required for teaching and learning in the 4IR era. In order to obtain the data needed for the study, cross-sectional survey design was employed and online interview was conducted on Microsoft Teams and Zoom with the participants to elicit first-hand information. The population consisted of all the Executive Deans/Deans of Faculties in twenty-six (26) South African Universities. A total of twenty-two (22) Universities were purposefully selected to allow fair representation to make the findings generalizable. Seventy (70) Executive Deans/Deans participated in the online data collection via Microsoft Teams and Zoom. Content analysis and descriptive statistics were employed for analyzing data. Findings revealed that the universities in the Republic deployed fifty-seven different technologies to facilitate their teaching and learning activities, and teaching platforms had been supplemented with new technologies such as WhatsApp, Zoom, and MS Teams. Although resistance had been experienced in the past, the teaching staff is competent to moderately competent in the use of existing technologies for teaching because most faculties had provided training in an on-going basis. Improvements in the standard and quality of teaching and learning were observed with the aid of emerging technologies. The study concludes that while Universities are settled to adopt blended learning as the strategy to implement the convergence between human and machines in the era of the fourth industrial revolution, there is a need to have a national policy in place that deals with funding (special grant) to plug the gap on the digital divide.
Inconsistency in Information Resources of Modern Education
Authors: Rakhinsky Dmitry V. , Yatsenko Mikhail P. , Sinkovskaya Irina G. , Shtumpf Svetlana P.
Published: February 2022

The article investigates the problem of the ambiguous influence of modern information technologies on education. The authors analyse not only the positive effects of computerisation. They also identify the problems faced by the subjects of the educational process under the influence of digitalisa-tion. As outlined in the article, uncontrolled information flows prevent stu-dents from forming the holistic worldview. The dominance of information technologies in education also leads to the transformation of subject-object relations in the process of cognition. The teacher, whose role is changed sig-nificantly, acts more frequently as a coordinator. The usage of gadgets in the educational process provides an opportunity to receive an education at a dis-tance. However, the widespread use of distance learning technologies leads to a decline in the quality of educational services. This resulted from the need to develop new methods. In addition, the constant updating of infor-mation technologies does not allow the teacher to develop a sustainable methodology for teaching their subject. The authors prove that the active use of digital technologies in the information society implies the harmonious combination of traditional and modern information technologies. This fully applies to the modern Russian education system, which is in an intermediate state between traditional pedagogical methods and modern computer tech-nologies. As the authors point out, the problem is to find the optimal educa-tional option for the formation of a harmonious global-regional educational system. It should not only include all the advantages of the latest information technologies, but also preserve all the positive achievements of great practi-tioner-teachers and scientists.
Instructor Attribute and Feedback to Empower Mature Learners in ODL Education
Authors: Abdullah Zaleha , Mohamad Said Mohd Nihra Haruzuan
Published: February 2022

With the outbreak of Covid-19, Open and Distance Learning (ODL) has be-come even popular particularly among those who aim to pursue postgradu-ate studies. ODL provides alternative for many to study while working or while raising a family. Nevertheless, the lack of student engagement and non-completion rate in ODL programs were reported higher than in tradi-tional programs. One of the main factors is due to the instructor-student in-teraction issue. The objective of this qualitative study was to understand the issue by looking at instructor attributes and types of feedback required by the students. The data were collected via semi-structured interviews with a small sample of university postgraduate students and academics in Malaysia and were analysed using thematic analysis and data triangulation. The results show two factors that need attention to improve instructor-student interaction and make ODL a better learning option for mature learn-ers: instructor empathy and feedback to empower learners. These findings cannot be generalised without further research but are able to provide some information on the important factors to consider in preparing instructors for learning delivery completely online.
A Diagnosis Model for College Teachers' Teaching Ability Based on Big Data and its Evaluation
Authors: Zhang Yi , Du Yanjiao
Published: February 2022

The mining of big data provides new ideas, methods, and technical support for the evaluation of college teachers’ teaching ability. Existing studies generally over-emphasize outcome evaluations and the evaluation methods are not scientific or objective enough, thus the evaluation results are often trapped in large errors and single pattern of manifestation. To overcome such defects, this paper took college English teaching as an example to develop a diagnosis model for college teachers’ teaching ability based on big data and evaluate its feasibility. At first, the evaluation indexes of college teachers' teaching ability were determined and the entropy weight method was adopted to assign weight values to the evaluation indexes. Then, based on the Gradient Boosted Decision Tree (GBDT), the diagnosis model was constructed and the steps were detailed. After that, an improved Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm was adopted to optimize the proposed model. At last, experimental results proved the feasibility of the proposed diagnosis model.
Integrating the Feedback of Training Deficiencies to the Knowledge Map Construction of Corporate Training Needs
Authors: Shao Yinjuan , Lin Chih-Cheng , Hung Hsiu-Yu , Deng Hui
Published: February 2022

Training needs reassessment at times requires extra time and effort in asking questions, doing surveys, or doing interviews. By extracting themes and key concepts from trainees’ online narrative feedback after training, this research explored a mixed way of human and computational analysis on trainees’ perception of training deficiencies to weave individual narrative feedback as supplementary features into a semantic knowledge map of training needs. The case study was conducted in an international company with over 100000 employees at dispersed locations. This research provides a method for any specific companies with unique characteristics to construct a dynamic knowledge map, leading to a possible automatic improvement of the training program.
An Interoperability Mobile Application for Location and Travel Planning Services in Ghana
Authors: Dumedah Gift , Marfo Charles Ofosu , Andam-Akorful Samuel Ato
Published: February 2022

Mobility and access to social, economic, and cultural opportunities are facilitated by the availability of practical location data. Practical location data are scarce in Ghana and most of Sub-Sahara Africa where cities are typically characterized by informal settlements and a lack of standard address system. The problem is compounded by limited use of indigenous languages for travel services even though the majority of the population lacks familiarity with English. This study attempts to address these issues by developing a mobile app which takes advantage of local location data integrated into OpenStreetMap through Mapbox to provide location and travel planning services in English and indigenous Akan language The developed mobile app called ‘myTroski’ provides key capabilities to describe landmark information, find nearby landmarks, search and find, travel routing and planning, GPS assisted map use, and text and audio assisted navigation. The study shows the formalizing and modernizing location data from paratransit Trotro service and landmarks to mainstream local address systems.
Flooding Along the Fence
Authors: Martinez Adriana Elizabeth
Published: February 2022

In the summers of 2010, 2013 and 2014, Eagle Pass, Texas along the U.S.-Mexico border experienced three large flood events that inundated the border fence along the Rio Grande floodplain. The initial construction of the border fence is thought to have impacted lower socio-economic residents given its location and exacerbated flooding along the Rio Grande. I examine inundation using Nays2DFlood to model flooding extents in fence and non-fence conditions Results are then subtracted from each other to determine the impact of the border fence. I found that water depths do not differ between fence and non-fence conditions, but the fence plays a significant role in decreasing water velocities at the fence line and increasing water velocities at fence gaps and flood margins. Given on-the-ground observations by residents during flood events, this decrease in velocity can pick up debris and trap it against the fence, prolonging flood inundation times and thus delaying flood recessional flows. In addition, these conditions may lead to dangerous water velocity conditions near populated areas.
Flipped Learning and Linguistic Self-Confidence
Authors: Leis Adrian
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of what kind of student benefits most from studying under the flipped learning method. A total of 43 Japanese university students studying in a language pedagogy course participated in this quasi-experimental study. Qualitative data was taken from 385 study journal entries and interviews with 15 of the participants. The language (i.e., English or Japanese) used by students in the journals and interviews was used to measure their linguistic self-confidence. The results suggested that students with high linguistic self-confidence perceive the videos used for the flipped class as beneficial for their learning but that they preferred to challenge themselves by reading the textbook without scaffolding from the videos. Students with medium and low linguistic self-confidence, however, indicated that they found the videos were beneficial for increasing their understanding of the content of the textbook and thus participate actively in discussions held during class.
Digital Gaming in the Language Classroom
Authors: Li Ke , Peterson Mark , Wan Jiahui
Published: February 2022

Despite the increasing awareness of digital games’ potential for language learning, only a handful of studies focus on their integration into classrooms. Informed by bridging activities, this mixed methods case study recruited six students to engage in instructed gameplay in class and game-related activities after class. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analyzed so as to measure participants’ learning outcome, document their engagement, and explore their perceptions of game-based language learning. Results suggest progress in vocabulary recall and transfer. Participants also reported gains in writing and listening, satisfaction with the project, along with a positive attitude towards GBLL. Moreover, it is found that the instructor has a pivotal role to play in pre-game set-up, in-game guidance and post-game feedback. The study yields empirical evidence regarding the benefits of GBLL and may hold pedagogical implications for the integration of games into educational settings. The limitations of this research and future directions are also discussed.
University Student Use and Perception of Listening Comprehension Strategies
Authors: El-Dakhs Dina Abdel Salam , Masrai Ahmed , Yahya Noorchaya
Published: February 2022

The current study aimed to explore undergraduate students use and perceptions of listening comprehension strategies (LCS) in online EMI lectures, and the extent to which LCS use depends on the students’ general language proficiency and language exposure. A total of 76 English majors completed a language proficiency test, an LCS inventory and a language exposure survey. Additionally, 60 of the participants answered 8 open-ended questions on their perceptions of LCS in online EMI lectures. The results of this mixed-methods approach showed that students used a wide variety of metacognitive, cognitive and socio-affective strategies to comprehend online EMI lectures. The students also seemed aware of the particularly challenging nature of online EMI lectures, and thus took several measures before, during and after class to facilitate comprehension. Additionally, the results showed that the students’ choice of LCS is partially dependent on their English language proficiency and exposure.
Video Captioning Effects on EFL Listening Comprehension and Vocabulary Learning
Authors: Wu Huizhen , Yu Ping , Yang Shenshen , Chen Xuanyuan
Published: February 2022

This study investigated how enhanced video captioning types affected comprehension and vocabulary acquisition regarding form recognition, meaning recall and meaning recognition. 158 low-intermediate Chinese EFL undergraduates were randomly assigned to English captions (EC), English captions with highlighted target words and L1 gloss (ECL1), Chinese and English captions (CEC), Chinese and English captions with highlighted target words (CECGW), and no captions (NC). For listening comprehension, results revealed the CECGW scored higher than CEC, EC and NC while the NC performed lower than other groups with statistical significance. Captioned videos and videos bilingually captioned with glossed target words aided listening comprehension. For form recognition in vocabulary tests, no statistically significant differences were detected across the caption types. ECL1 was the most effective in meaning recall and recognition. Pedagogical implications are proposed for teachers’ adoption of L1 in captioned videos for learners’ optimal learning.
Facilitating the Creativity of Governmental Employees via High-Involvement Human Resource Management Practices
Authors: Obeidat Ahmad M.
Published: February 2022

The study examines some of the facilitators of governmental employees’ creativity by developing and testing a model linking perceived high-involvement human resource practices (HIHRPs) to an employee’s creativity (EC), via the mediating mechanism of an employee’s felt trust (FT). Online questionnaires were used to collect data from 241 staff members at a main governmental university in Jordan. Structural-equation modeling (SEM) via AMOS and the PROCESS macro in SPSS were used for data analysis. The study found: 1-HIHRPs as a bundle had a positive significant influence on EC, however, as discrete practices, only empowerment and competence development had significant relations with EC. 2-HIHRPs (as a bundle and as discrete practices) had positive significant influences on FT. 3-FT was positively and significantly related to EC. 4-FT mediated the relations between HIHRPs (as a bundle and as discrete practices) and EC.
Technology Marketing
Authors: Lewis Eugene J.
Published: February 2022

A business’s ability to properly market their services and products is a critical aspect of business strategy. Having an effective marketing strategy is essential to the longevity, growth, and sustainability of a business. The critical technological competencies require shifts in the marketing profession especially within the real estate market. This study aims to discuss the gap in the literature across competency levels for real estate professionals along with technological applications needed in the marketing field in relationship to the real estate industry.
Beyond Burnout and Resilience: The Disillusionment Phase of COVID-19
Authors: Gee Perry M. , Weston Marla J. , Harshman Tom , Kelly Lesly A.
Published: February 2022

In caring for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses are experiencing a crisis of emotional highs and lows that will have lasting implications for their professional and personal well-being. As a result, much attention has been focused on nurse burnout, but the range of nurses’ experiences is more nuanced, complicated, and profound. With the recognition that the nursing workforce was already experiencing burnout before the pandemic, this article explores how individuals respond to disasters and the detrimental effects of the repeated surges of critically ill patients, which have led nurses to experience an extended period of disillusionment that includes secondary traumatic stress, cumulative grief, and moral distress. This article describes the range of psychological responses to the COVID-19 pandemic so that nurse leaders can better identify resources and interventions to support nurses.