Animality, self-consciousness, and the human form of life a hegelian account
- Authors: Abbott, Mathew
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Speculative Philosophy Vol. 35, no. 2 (2021), p. 176-195
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This article develops a Hegelian account of self-consciousness by grounding it in being animal. It draws on contemporary naturalist and rationalist philosophy to support a transformative picture of the relationship between self-consciousness and animal purposes, setting work by Danielle Macbeth, Terry Pinkard, Michael Thompson, and Matthew Boyle into dialogue with two passages from Hegel’s Aesthetics. Because we are conscious of them as such, the article argues, our ends are never simply given to us and must be determined, which means working them out collectively. But this makes dependency a structural feature of human life, as attaining the right relation to our ends means finding ourselves through the eyes of others instantiating our lifeform. Grounding these Hegelian insights in a naturalistic understanding of organic norms, we see that we should not oppose the self-transparency afforded by rationality to the opacity of animal drives. The article concludes that the mark of rationality is not the capacity to transcend or control animal instinct but that we can be problems to ourselves. Spiritual life is just natural life: natural life finding itself problematic. Copyright © 2021 The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA.
- Authors: Abbott, Mathew
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Speculative Philosophy Vol. 35, no. 2 (2021), p. 176-195
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This article develops a Hegelian account of self-consciousness by grounding it in being animal. It draws on contemporary naturalist and rationalist philosophy to support a transformative picture of the relationship between self-consciousness and animal purposes, setting work by Danielle Macbeth, Terry Pinkard, Michael Thompson, and Matthew Boyle into dialogue with two passages from Hegel’s Aesthetics. Because we are conscious of them as such, the article argues, our ends are never simply given to us and must be determined, which means working them out collectively. But this makes dependency a structural feature of human life, as attaining the right relation to our ends means finding ourselves through the eyes of others instantiating our lifeform. Grounding these Hegelian insights in a naturalistic understanding of organic norms, we see that we should not oppose the self-transparency afforded by rationality to the opacity of animal drives. The article concludes that the mark of rationality is not the capacity to transcend or control animal instinct but that we can be problems to ourselves. Spiritual life is just natural life: natural life finding itself problematic. Copyright © 2021 The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA.
The creature before the law: Notes on Walter Benjamin's critique of violence
- Authors: Abbott, Mathew
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Colloquy: Text Theory Critique Vol. , no. 16 (2008), p. 1-17
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Transforming as it does from an exemplar of meticulous philosophical analysis into an allusive political/messianic tract, Walter Benjamin's "Critique of Violence" is representative of all that is most difficult about his work.
- Authors: Abbott, Mathew
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Colloquy: Text Theory Critique Vol. , no. 16 (2008), p. 1-17
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Transforming as it does from an exemplar of meticulous philosophical analysis into an allusive political/messianic tract, Walter Benjamin's "Critique of Violence" is representative of all that is most difficult about his work.
Global age-sex-specific fertility, mortality, healthy life expectancy (HALE), and population estimates in 204 countries and territories, 1950–2019 : a comprehensive demographic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
- Abd-Allah, Foad, Adebayo, Oladimeji, Agrawal, Anurag, Alam, Tahiya, Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Authors: Abd-Allah, Foad , Adebayo, Oladimeji , Agrawal, Anurag , Alam, Tahiya , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Lancet Vol. 396, no. 10258 (2020), p. 1160-1203
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Accurate and up-to-date assessment of demographic metrics is crucial for understanding a wide range of social, economic, and public health issues that affect populations worldwide. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 produced updated and comprehensive demographic assessments of the key indicators of fertility, mortality, migration, and population for 204 countries and territories and selected subnational locations from 1950 to 2019. 8078 country-years of vital registration and sample registration data, 938 surveys, 349 censuses, and 238 other sources were identified and used to estimate age-specific fertility. Spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression (ST-GPR) was used to generate age-specific fertility rates for 5-year age groups between ages 15 and 49 years. With extensions to age groups 10–14 and 50–54 years, the total fertility rate (TFR) was then aggregated using the estimated age-specific fertility between ages 10 and 54 years. 7417 sources were used for under-5 mortality estimation and 7355 for adult mortality. ST-GPR was used to synthesise data sources after correction for known biases. Adult mortality was measured as the probability of death between ages 15 and 60 years based on vital registration, sample registration, and sibling histories, and was also estimated using ST-GPR. HIV-free life tables were then estimated using estimates of under-5 and adult mortality rates using a relational model life table system created for GBD, which closely tracks observed age-specific mortality rates from complete vital registration when available. Independent estimates of HIV-specific mortality generated by an epidemiological analysis of HIV prevalence surveys and antenatal clinic serosurveillance and other sources were incorporated into the estimates in countries with large epidemics. Annual and single-year age estimates of net migration and population for each country and territory were generated using a Bayesian hierarchical cohort component model that analysed estimated age-specific fertility and mortality rates along with 1250 censuses and 747 population registry years. We classified location-years into seven categories on the basis of the natural rate of increase in population (calculated by subtracting the crude death rate from the crude birth rate) and the net migration rate. We computed healthy life expectancy (HALE) using years lived with disability (YLDs) per capita, life tables, and standard demographic methods. Uncertainty was propagated throughout the demographic estimation process, including fertility, mortality, and population, with 1000 draw-level estimates produced for each metric. The global TFR decreased from 2·72 (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 2·66–2·79) in 2000 to 2·31 (2·17–2·46) in 2019. Global annual livebirths increased from 134·5 million (131·5–137·8) in 2000 to a peak of 139·6 million (133·0–146·9) in 2016. Global livebirths then declined to 135·3 million (127·2–144·1) in 2019. Of the 204 countries and territories included in this study, in 2019, 102 had a TFR lower than 2·1, which is considered a good approximation of replacement-level fertility. All countries in sub-Saharan Africa had TFRs above replacement level in 2019 and accounted for 27·1% (95% UI 26·4–27·8) of global livebirths. Global life expectancy at birth increased from 67·2 years (95% UI 66·8–67·6) in 2000 to 73·5 years (72·8–74·3) in 2019. The total number of deaths increased from 50·7 million (49·5–51·9) in 2000 to 56·5 million (53·7–59·2) in 2019. Under-5 deaths declined from 9·6 million (9·1–10·3) in 2000 to 5·0 million (4·3–6·0) in 2019. Global population increased by 25·7%, from 6·2 billion (6·0–6·3) in 2000 to 7·7 billion (7·5–8·0) in 2019. In 2019, 34 countries had negative natural rates of increase in 17 of these, the population declined because immigration was not sufficient to counteract the negative rate of decline. Globally, HALE increased from 58·6 years (56·1–60·8) in 2000 to 63·5 years (60·8–66·1) in 2019. HALE increased in 202 of 204 countries and territories between 2000 and 2019. Over the past 20 years, fertility rates have been dropping steadily and life expectancy has been increasing, with few exceptions. Much of this change follows historical patterns linking social and economic determinants, such as those captured by the GBD Socio-demographic Index, with demographic outcomes. More recently, several countries have experienced a combination of low fertility and stagnating improvement in mortality rates, pushing more populations into the late stages of the demographic transition. Tracking demographic change and the emergence of new patterns will be essential for global health monitoring. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Muhammad Aziz Rahman” is provided in this record**
- Authors: Abd-Allah, Foad , Adebayo, Oladimeji , Agrawal, Anurag , Alam, Tahiya , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Lancet Vol. 396, no. 10258 (2020), p. 1160-1203
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Accurate and up-to-date assessment of demographic metrics is crucial for understanding a wide range of social, economic, and public health issues that affect populations worldwide. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 produced updated and comprehensive demographic assessments of the key indicators of fertility, mortality, migration, and population for 204 countries and territories and selected subnational locations from 1950 to 2019. 8078 country-years of vital registration and sample registration data, 938 surveys, 349 censuses, and 238 other sources were identified and used to estimate age-specific fertility. Spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression (ST-GPR) was used to generate age-specific fertility rates for 5-year age groups between ages 15 and 49 years. With extensions to age groups 10–14 and 50–54 years, the total fertility rate (TFR) was then aggregated using the estimated age-specific fertility between ages 10 and 54 years. 7417 sources were used for under-5 mortality estimation and 7355 for adult mortality. ST-GPR was used to synthesise data sources after correction for known biases. Adult mortality was measured as the probability of death between ages 15 and 60 years based on vital registration, sample registration, and sibling histories, and was also estimated using ST-GPR. HIV-free life tables were then estimated using estimates of under-5 and adult mortality rates using a relational model life table system created for GBD, which closely tracks observed age-specific mortality rates from complete vital registration when available. Independent estimates of HIV-specific mortality generated by an epidemiological analysis of HIV prevalence surveys and antenatal clinic serosurveillance and other sources were incorporated into the estimates in countries with large epidemics. Annual and single-year age estimates of net migration and population for each country and territory were generated using a Bayesian hierarchical cohort component model that analysed estimated age-specific fertility and mortality rates along with 1250 censuses and 747 population registry years. We classified location-years into seven categories on the basis of the natural rate of increase in population (calculated by subtracting the crude death rate from the crude birth rate) and the net migration rate. We computed healthy life expectancy (HALE) using years lived with disability (YLDs) per capita, life tables, and standard demographic methods. Uncertainty was propagated throughout the demographic estimation process, including fertility, mortality, and population, with 1000 draw-level estimates produced for each metric. The global TFR decreased from 2·72 (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 2·66–2·79) in 2000 to 2·31 (2·17–2·46) in 2019. Global annual livebirths increased from 134·5 million (131·5–137·8) in 2000 to a peak of 139·6 million (133·0–146·9) in 2016. Global livebirths then declined to 135·3 million (127·2–144·1) in 2019. Of the 204 countries and territories included in this study, in 2019, 102 had a TFR lower than 2·1, which is considered a good approximation of replacement-level fertility. All countries in sub-Saharan Africa had TFRs above replacement level in 2019 and accounted for 27·1% (95% UI 26·4–27·8) of global livebirths. Global life expectancy at birth increased from 67·2 years (95% UI 66·8–67·6) in 2000 to 73·5 years (72·8–74·3) in 2019. The total number of deaths increased from 50·7 million (49·5–51·9) in 2000 to 56·5 million (53·7–59·2) in 2019. Under-5 deaths declined from 9·6 million (9·1–10·3) in 2000 to 5·0 million (4·3–6·0) in 2019. Global population increased by 25·7%, from 6·2 billion (6·0–6·3) in 2000 to 7·7 billion (7·5–8·0) in 2019. In 2019, 34 countries had negative natural rates of increase in 17 of these, the population declined because immigration was not sufficient to counteract the negative rate of decline. Globally, HALE increased from 58·6 years (56·1–60·8) in 2000 to 63·5 years (60·8–66·1) in 2019. HALE increased in 202 of 204 countries and territories between 2000 and 2019. Over the past 20 years, fertility rates have been dropping steadily and life expectancy has been increasing, with few exceptions. Much of this change follows historical patterns linking social and economic determinants, such as those captured by the GBD Socio-demographic Index, with demographic outcomes. More recently, several countries have experienced a combination of low fertility and stagnating improvement in mortality rates, pushing more populations into the late stages of the demographic transition. Tracking demographic change and the emergence of new patterns will be essential for global health monitoring. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Muhammad Aziz Rahman” is provided in this record**
Diarrhoeal disease surveillance in Papua New Guinea : findings and challenges
- Abdad, Mohammad, Soli, Kevin, Pham, Bang, Bande, Grace, Maure, Tobias, Jonduo, Marinjo, Kisa, Debbie, Rai, Glennis, Phuanukoonnon, Suparat, Siba, Peter, Horwood, Paul, Greenhill, Andrew
- Authors: Abdad, Mohammad , Soli, Kevin , Pham, Bang , Bande, Grace , Maure, Tobias , Jonduo, Marinjo , Kisa, Debbie , Rai, Glennis , Phuanukoonnon, Suparat , Siba, Peter , Horwood, Paul , Greenhill, Andrew
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Western Pacific Surveillance and Response Vol. 11, no. 1 (Jan-Mar 2020), p. 6
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Diarrhoeal diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the Western Pacific Region. However, data on the major causes of infectious diarrhoea are limited in many countries within the Region, including Papua New Guinea. In 2013-2014, we conducted surveillance for acute diarrhoeal illness in four provinces in Papua New Guinea. One rural health clinic from each province participated in the surveillance activity. Samples were sent to central laboratories and batch analysed for bacterial and viral gastrointestinal pathogens that are commonly associated with diarrhoea. Across the four sites, the most commonly detected pathogens were Shigella spp., Campylobacter spp. and rotavirus. In this paper, we report the results of the surveillance activity and the challenges that we faced. The lessons learnt may be applicable to other parts of the Region with a similar socioeconomic status.
- Authors: Abdad, Mohammad , Soli, Kevin , Pham, Bang , Bande, Grace , Maure, Tobias , Jonduo, Marinjo , Kisa, Debbie , Rai, Glennis , Phuanukoonnon, Suparat , Siba, Peter , Horwood, Paul , Greenhill, Andrew
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Western Pacific Surveillance and Response Vol. 11, no. 1 (Jan-Mar 2020), p. 6
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Diarrhoeal diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the Western Pacific Region. However, data on the major causes of infectious diarrhoea are limited in many countries within the Region, including Papua New Guinea. In 2013-2014, we conducted surveillance for acute diarrhoeal illness in four provinces in Papua New Guinea. One rural health clinic from each province participated in the surveillance activity. Samples were sent to central laboratories and batch analysed for bacterial and viral gastrointestinal pathogens that are commonly associated with diarrhoea. Across the four sites, the most commonly detected pathogens were Shigella spp., Campylobacter spp. and rotavirus. In this paper, we report the results of the surveillance activity and the challenges that we faced. The lessons learnt may be applicable to other parts of the Region with a similar socioeconomic status.
The impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on undergraduate nursing students' study of anatomy and physiology
- Abdelkader, Amany, Barbagallo, Michael
- Authors: Abdelkader, Amany , Barbagallo, Michael
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: CIN - Computers Informatics Nursing Vol. 40, no. 4 (2022), p. 278-284
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- Description: The COVID-19 global pandemic caused major disruptions to the delivery of human Anatomy and Physiology courses to nursing students worldwide. The aim of the current study is to evaluate nursing students' experiences and perceptions of transitioning from a blended to a purely online study mode for first year Anatomy and Physiology courses during the global pandemic. Qualitative and quantitative methodologies were used with a sample of undergraduate nursing students enrolled at a regional Australian university across its three campuses. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to describe the study population. Content analysis was used to evaluate the participants' use of resources, experiences, and preferences in studying anatomy and physiology. There were 101 participants recruited in the study. Results indicated that face-to-face study mode (41.86%) was the preferred method of delivery during the global pandemic and participants were having a renewed appreciation for the blended study mode (38.37%). Online study mode was the least preferred (19.77%), with the participants' opinions of this mode of study not altered by the global pandemic. Although the COVID-19 global pandemic shifted the traditional teaching of anatomy and physiology in nursing programs to an online environment, the long-term impacts of this disruption have yet to be ascertained. Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
- Authors: Abdelkader, Amany , Barbagallo, Michael
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: CIN - Computers Informatics Nursing Vol. 40, no. 4 (2022), p. 278-284
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The COVID-19 global pandemic caused major disruptions to the delivery of human Anatomy and Physiology courses to nursing students worldwide. The aim of the current study is to evaluate nursing students' experiences and perceptions of transitioning from a blended to a purely online study mode for first year Anatomy and Physiology courses during the global pandemic. Qualitative and quantitative methodologies were used with a sample of undergraduate nursing students enrolled at a regional Australian university across its three campuses. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to describe the study population. Content analysis was used to evaluate the participants' use of resources, experiences, and preferences in studying anatomy and physiology. There were 101 participants recruited in the study. Results indicated that face-to-face study mode (41.86%) was the preferred method of delivery during the global pandemic and participants were having a renewed appreciation for the blended study mode (38.37%). Online study mode was the least preferred (19.77%), with the participants' opinions of this mode of study not altered by the global pandemic. Although the COVID-19 global pandemic shifted the traditional teaching of anatomy and physiology in nursing programs to an online environment, the long-term impacts of this disruption have yet to be ascertained. Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
Differences in personality and the sharing of managerial tacit knowledge: an empirical analysis of public sector managers in Malaysia
- Abdul Manaf, Halimah, Harvey, William, Armstrong, Steven, Lawton, Alan
- Authors: Abdul Manaf, Halimah , Harvey, William , Armstrong, Steven , Lawton, Alan
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Knowledge Management Vol. 24, no. 5 (2020), p. 1177-1199
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- Reviewed:
- Description: Purpose: This study aims to identify differences in knowledge-sharing mechanisms and personality among expert, typical and novice managers within the Malaysian public sector. Strengthening knowledge sharing function is essential for enabling public institutions around the world to be more productive. Design/methodology/approach: This quantitative study involves 308 employees from management and professional groups within 98 local authorities in the Malaysian local government. Stratified random sampling techniques were used and the sampling frame comprised 1,000 staff using postal surveys. Data analyses were carried out using analysis of variance and correlations to test the research hypotheses. Findings: The findings reveal that expert managers are more proactive in sharing their knowledge, particularly those with the personality traits of conscientiousness and openness. These two personality traits were also related to expert behaviours such as thoroughness, responsibility and persistence, which led to work competency and managerial success. Originality/value: This study provides theoretical insights into how managerial tacit knowledge differs and can accumulate, depending on the personality traits of middle managers. The paper shows the different mechanisms of knowledge sharing, tacit knowledge and personality among expert, typical and novice managers. Practically, this study is important for guiding senior managers in their attempts to identify the most appropriate personalities of their middle managers. This study found that the expert group was higher in conscientiousness, openness and overall personality traits compared with the typical and novice groups. The paper also highlights the value of sharing managerial tacit knowledge effectively. © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited.
- Authors: Abdul Manaf, Halimah , Harvey, William , Armstrong, Steven , Lawton, Alan
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Knowledge Management Vol. 24, no. 5 (2020), p. 1177-1199
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Purpose: This study aims to identify differences in knowledge-sharing mechanisms and personality among expert, typical and novice managers within the Malaysian public sector. Strengthening knowledge sharing function is essential for enabling public institutions around the world to be more productive. Design/methodology/approach: This quantitative study involves 308 employees from management and professional groups within 98 local authorities in the Malaysian local government. Stratified random sampling techniques were used and the sampling frame comprised 1,000 staff using postal surveys. Data analyses were carried out using analysis of variance and correlations to test the research hypotheses. Findings: The findings reveal that expert managers are more proactive in sharing their knowledge, particularly those with the personality traits of conscientiousness and openness. These two personality traits were also related to expert behaviours such as thoroughness, responsibility and persistence, which led to work competency and managerial success. Originality/value: This study provides theoretical insights into how managerial tacit knowledge differs and can accumulate, depending on the personality traits of middle managers. The paper shows the different mechanisms of knowledge sharing, tacit knowledge and personality among expert, typical and novice managers. Practically, this study is important for guiding senior managers in their attempts to identify the most appropriate personalities of their middle managers. This study found that the expert group was higher in conscientiousness, openness and overall personality traits compared with the typical and novice groups. The paper also highlights the value of sharing managerial tacit knowledge effectively. © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited.
Sincere performance in pentecostal megachurch music
- Authors: Abraham, Ibrahim
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Religions Vol. 9, no. 6 (2018), p. 192
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Drawing on the work of Webb Keane and Joel Robbins in the anthropology of Christianity, furnished with the influential work of Charles Hirschkind in the anthropology of Islam, and the ethnographic studies of Tom Wagner and Mark Jennings on Pentecostal worship music, this article critically examines ideas of sincerity in the musical practices of Pentecostal megachurches. Making use of ethnographic data from research on congregational music in South Africa, including interviews with a variety of Pentecostal musicians, this article argues that the question of Protestant sincerity, understood following Keane as emphasizing individual moral autonomy and suspicion of external material religious forms for expressing one’s inner state, is particularly acute in the case of the Hillsong megachurch. Employing the full array of spectacular possibilities made available by the contemporary culture industry, Hillsong churches centralize cultural production and standardize musical performance whilst simultaneously emphasizing individual religious experience. It is argued that Pentecostal megachurches seek to realize a form of sincere mimicry grounded in learned and embodied practices.
- Authors: Abraham, Ibrahim
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Religions Vol. 9, no. 6 (2018), p. 192
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Drawing on the work of Webb Keane and Joel Robbins in the anthropology of Christianity, furnished with the influential work of Charles Hirschkind in the anthropology of Islam, and the ethnographic studies of Tom Wagner and Mark Jennings on Pentecostal worship music, this article critically examines ideas of sincerity in the musical practices of Pentecostal megachurches. Making use of ethnographic data from research on congregational music in South Africa, including interviews with a variety of Pentecostal musicians, this article argues that the question of Protestant sincerity, understood following Keane as emphasizing individual moral autonomy and suspicion of external material religious forms for expressing one’s inner state, is particularly acute in the case of the Hillsong megachurch. Employing the full array of spectacular possibilities made available by the contemporary culture industry, Hillsong churches centralize cultural production and standardize musical performance whilst simultaneously emphasizing individual religious experience. It is argued that Pentecostal megachurches seek to realize a form of sincere mimicry grounded in learned and embodied practices.
Can optimum solar radiation exposure or supplemented vitamin D intake reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms?
- Abraham, Joji, Dowling, Kim, Florentine, Singarayer
- Authors: Abraham, Joji , Dowling, Kim , Florentine, Singarayer
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 18, no. 2 (2021), p. 1-21
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The foremost mortality-causing symptom associated with COVID-19 is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A significant correlation has been identified between the deficiency in vitamin D and the risk of developing ARDS. It has been suggested that if we can reduce or modify ARDS in COVID-19 patients, we may significantly reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms and associated mortality rates. The increased mortality of dark-skinned people, who have a reduced UV absorption capacity, may be consistent with diminished vitamin D status. The factors associated with COVID-19 mortality, such as old age, ethnicity, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, are all found to be linked with vitamin D deficiency. Based on this review and as a precautionary measure, it is suggested that the adoption of appropriate and safe solar exposure and vitamin D enriched foods and supplements should be considered to reduce the possible severity of COVID-19 symptoms. Safe sun exposure is deemed beneficial globally, specifically in low and middle- income countries, as there is no cost involved. It is also noted that improved solar exposure and vitamin D levels can reduce the impact of other diseases as well, thus assisting in maintaining general human well-being. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
- Authors: Abraham, Joji , Dowling, Kim , Florentine, Singarayer
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 18, no. 2 (2021), p. 1-21
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The foremost mortality-causing symptom associated with COVID-19 is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A significant correlation has been identified between the deficiency in vitamin D and the risk of developing ARDS. It has been suggested that if we can reduce or modify ARDS in COVID-19 patients, we may significantly reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms and associated mortality rates. The increased mortality of dark-skinned people, who have a reduced UV absorption capacity, may be consistent with diminished vitamin D status. The factors associated with COVID-19 mortality, such as old age, ethnicity, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, are all found to be linked with vitamin D deficiency. Based on this review and as a precautionary measure, it is suggested that the adoption of appropriate and safe solar exposure and vitamin D enriched foods and supplements should be considered to reduce the possible severity of COVID-19 symptoms. Safe sun exposure is deemed beneficial globally, specifically in low and middle- income countries, as there is no cost involved. It is also noted that improved solar exposure and vitamin D levels can reduce the impact of other diseases as well, thus assisting in maintaining general human well-being. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
The influence of controlled fire on the mobilization of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTE) in a mined landscape : Implications for land management and environmental health
- Authors: Abraham, Joji
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Controlled fires conducted in fire prone areas are an efficient and economic option to reduce the frequency and intensity of wild fires that result in damage to human property, infrastructure and ecosystems. However, in a similar way to wild fires, controlled fires affect many of the physical and bio-geochemical properties of the forest soil, and may remobilize Potentially Toxic Elements (PTE) from vegetation and soil organic matter. The objective of this study is to investigate the mobilization of PTEs in a mined landscape after a controlled fire and to describe their temporal variations in concentrations. Soil samples were collected two days before and two days after the controlled fire, at the end of each season, and after a major rainfall in September 2016, from a legacy mine site in Maldon, Central Victoria, Australia, and analysed for PTE concentrations. The results revealed PTE mobility after the controlled fire, and most of the PTEs (As, Cd, Cu, Mn, and Zn) evidenced an increase in concentration (1.2, 1.5, 1.1, 2.9, and 1.7 times respectively) and other PTEs (Hg, Cr and Pb) shown a decrease (1.4, 1.1 and 1.1 times respectively) immediately after the fire. The increase in PTE concentration immediately after the fire is postulated to be associated with the addition of PTE enriched ash to the soil and the reduction is due to the volatilization of elements during fire. The PTEs, which increased their concentrations immediately after the fire show a temporal decrease in concentration in the post-fire soil environment due to the removal of ash and surface soil by rainfall runoff, leaching and wind activity. However, Hg shows an increase in concentration after the major rainfall event. Although, median concentrations of As, Hg, Pb, Cu and Zn exceeded the Australian and Victorian top soil averages, only As and Hg are considered to be a risk to human and aquatic ecosystems health due to their elevated concentration and toxicity. Climate change and the resulting projection for increased forest fire frequency illustrates a growing concern given the expected concomitant increase in PTE mobilization. Preparing appropriate land and water management strategies, and addressing environmental health practice and policy, specifically at the legacy mining areas require a review. This study highlights the significant risk these sites pose.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Abraham, Joji
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Controlled fires conducted in fire prone areas are an efficient and economic option to reduce the frequency and intensity of wild fires that result in damage to human property, infrastructure and ecosystems. However, in a similar way to wild fires, controlled fires affect many of the physical and bio-geochemical properties of the forest soil, and may remobilize Potentially Toxic Elements (PTE) from vegetation and soil organic matter. The objective of this study is to investigate the mobilization of PTEs in a mined landscape after a controlled fire and to describe their temporal variations in concentrations. Soil samples were collected two days before and two days after the controlled fire, at the end of each season, and after a major rainfall in September 2016, from a legacy mine site in Maldon, Central Victoria, Australia, and analysed for PTE concentrations. The results revealed PTE mobility after the controlled fire, and most of the PTEs (As, Cd, Cu, Mn, and Zn) evidenced an increase in concentration (1.2, 1.5, 1.1, 2.9, and 1.7 times respectively) and other PTEs (Hg, Cr and Pb) shown a decrease (1.4, 1.1 and 1.1 times respectively) immediately after the fire. The increase in PTE concentration immediately after the fire is postulated to be associated with the addition of PTE enriched ash to the soil and the reduction is due to the volatilization of elements during fire. The PTEs, which increased their concentrations immediately after the fire show a temporal decrease in concentration in the post-fire soil environment due to the removal of ash and surface soil by rainfall runoff, leaching and wind activity. However, Hg shows an increase in concentration after the major rainfall event. Although, median concentrations of As, Hg, Pb, Cu and Zn exceeded the Australian and Victorian top soil averages, only As and Hg are considered to be a risk to human and aquatic ecosystems health due to their elevated concentration and toxicity. Climate change and the resulting projection for increased forest fire frequency illustrates a growing concern given the expected concomitant increase in PTE mobilization. Preparing appropriate land and water management strategies, and addressing environmental health practice and policy, specifically at the legacy mining areas require a review. This study highlights the significant risk these sites pose.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Licorice (glycyrrhiza glabra) extracts-suitable pharmacological interventions for covid-19? a review
- Abraham, Joji, Florentine, Singarayer
- Authors: Abraham, Joji , Florentine, Singarayer
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Plants Vol. 10, no. 12 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Even though vaccination has started against COVID-19, people should continue maintaining personal and social caution as it takes months or years to get everyone vaccinated, and we are not sure how long the vaccine remains efficacious. In order to contribute to the mitigation of COVID-19 symptoms, the pharmaceutical industry aims to develop antiviral drugs to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 replication and produce anti-inflammatory medications that will inhibit the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is the primary cause of mortality among the COVID-19 patients. In reference to these tasks, this article considers the properties of a medicinal plant named licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), whose phytochemicals have shown both antiviral and anti-inflammatory tendencies through previous studies. All the literature was selected through extensive search in various databases such as google scholar, Scopus, the Web of Science, and PubMed. In addition to the antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, one of the licorice components has an autophagy-enhancing mechanism that studies have suggested to be necessary for COVID-19 treatment. Based on reviewing relevant professional and historical literature regarding the medicinal properties of licorice, it is suggested that it may be worthwhile to conduct in vitro and in vivo studies, including clinical trials with glycyrrhizic and glycyrrhetinic acids together with other flavonoids found in licorice, as there is the potentiality to provide natural interventions against COVID-19 symptoms. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Licorice (glycyrrhiza glabra) extracts-suitable pharmacological interventions for covid-19? a review
- Authors: Abraham, Joji , Florentine, Singarayer
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Plants Vol. 10, no. 12 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Even though vaccination has started against COVID-19, people should continue maintaining personal and social caution as it takes months or years to get everyone vaccinated, and we are not sure how long the vaccine remains efficacious. In order to contribute to the mitigation of COVID-19 symptoms, the pharmaceutical industry aims to develop antiviral drugs to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 replication and produce anti-inflammatory medications that will inhibit the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is the primary cause of mortality among the COVID-19 patients. In reference to these tasks, this article considers the properties of a medicinal plant named licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), whose phytochemicals have shown both antiviral and anti-inflammatory tendencies through previous studies. All the literature was selected through extensive search in various databases such as google scholar, Scopus, the Web of Science, and PubMed. In addition to the antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, one of the licorice components has an autophagy-enhancing mechanism that studies have suggested to be necessary for COVID-19 treatment. Based on reviewing relevant professional and historical literature regarding the medicinal properties of licorice, it is suggested that it may be worthwhile to conduct in vitro and in vivo studies, including clinical trials with glycyrrhizic and glycyrrhetinic acids together with other flavonoids found in licorice, as there is the potentiality to provide natural interventions against COVID-19 symptoms. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Does climate play any role in covid-19 spreading? : an Australian perspective
- Abraham, Joji, Turville, Christopher, Dowling, Kim, Florentine, Singarayer
- Authors: Abraham, Joji , Turville, Christopher , Dowling, Kim , Florentine, Singarayer
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 18, no. 17 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Compared to other countries, the COVID-19 pandemic did not severely affect Australia as measured by total deaths until mid-2021. Though a substantial number of daily confirmed cases (up to 698) were reported during the second wave, most of them were from the southern state of Victoria. This study examined the possible correlations between climate variables and the number of daily confirmed COVID-19 cases in Victoria, Australia, from 25 January to 31 October 2020. Appropriate regression models and cross-correlation diagnostics were used to examine the effect of temperature, rainfall, solar exposure, and ultraviolet index (UVI) with the number of daily confirmed cases. Significant positive associations were identified for solar exposure and maximum and average UVI for confirmed cases one and 19 days later. Negative associations for these variables were found for confirmed cases five days later. Minimum temperature had a significant negative correlation one day later and a positive effect 21 days later. No significant correlation was found for maximum temperature and rainfall. The most significant relationships were found for confirmed cases 19 days after changes in the meteorological variables. A 1% increase in solar exposure, maximum UVI, and average UVI was associated with a 0.31% (95% CI: 0.13 to 0.51), 0.71% (95% CI: 0.43 to 0.98), and 0.63% (95%CI: 0.20 to 1.61) increase 19 days later in the number of confirmed cases, respectively. The implications of these results can be used in the public health management of any possible future events in Australia. It also highlights the significance of considering the climatic variables and seasonality in all kinds of epidemics and pandemics. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
- Authors: Abraham, Joji , Turville, Christopher , Dowling, Kim , Florentine, Singarayer
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 18, no. 17 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Compared to other countries, the COVID-19 pandemic did not severely affect Australia as measured by total deaths until mid-2021. Though a substantial number of daily confirmed cases (up to 698) were reported during the second wave, most of them were from the southern state of Victoria. This study examined the possible correlations between climate variables and the number of daily confirmed COVID-19 cases in Victoria, Australia, from 25 January to 31 October 2020. Appropriate regression models and cross-correlation diagnostics were used to examine the effect of temperature, rainfall, solar exposure, and ultraviolet index (UVI) with the number of daily confirmed cases. Significant positive associations were identified for solar exposure and maximum and average UVI for confirmed cases one and 19 days later. Negative associations for these variables were found for confirmed cases five days later. Minimum temperature had a significant negative correlation one day later and a positive effect 21 days later. No significant correlation was found for maximum temperature and rainfall. The most significant relationships were found for confirmed cases 19 days after changes in the meteorological variables. A 1% increase in solar exposure, maximum UVI, and average UVI was associated with a 0.31% (95% CI: 0.13 to 0.51), 0.71% (95% CI: 0.43 to 0.98), and 0.63% (95%CI: 0.20 to 1.61) increase 19 days later in the number of confirmed cases, respectively. The implications of these results can be used in the public health management of any possible future events in Australia. It also highlights the significance of considering the climatic variables and seasonality in all kinds of epidemics and pandemics. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
A review on chemical diagnosis techniques for transformer paper insulation degradation
- Abu Bakar, Norazhar, Abu Siada, Ahmed, Islam, Syed
- Authors: Abu Bakar, Norazhar , Abu Siada, Ahmed , Islam, Syed
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Conference proceedings , Conference paper
- Relation: 2013 Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference, AUPEC 2013; Hobart, Australia; 29th September-3rd October 2013 p. 1-6
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Energized parts within power transformer are isolated using paper insulation and are immersed in insulating oil. Hence, transformer oil and paper insulation are essential sources to detect incipient and fast developing power transformer faults. Several chemical diagnoses techniques are developed to examine the condition of paper insulation such as degree of polymerization, carbon oxides, furanic compounds and methanol. The principle and limitation of these diagnoses are discussed and compared in this paper.
- Authors: Abu Bakar, Norazhar , Abu Siada, Ahmed , Islam, Syed
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Conference proceedings , Conference paper
- Relation: 2013 Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference, AUPEC 2013; Hobart, Australia; 29th September-3rd October 2013 p. 1-6
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Energized parts within power transformer are isolated using paper insulation and are immersed in insulating oil. Hence, transformer oil and paper insulation are essential sources to detect incipient and fast developing power transformer faults. Several chemical diagnoses techniques are developed to examine the condition of paper insulation such as degree of polymerization, carbon oxides, furanic compounds and methanol. The principle and limitation of these diagnoses are discussed and compared in this paper.
A new technique to measure interfacial tension of transformer oil using UV-Vis spectroscopy
- Abu Bakar, Norazhar, Abu-Siada, Ahmed, Islam, Syed, El-Naggar, Mohammed
- Authors: Abu Bakar, Norazhar , Abu-Siada, Ahmed , Islam, Syed , El-Naggar, Mohammed
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation Vol. 22, no. 2 (2015), p. 1275-1282
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Interfacial tension (IFT) and acid numbers of insulating oil are correlated with the number of years that a transformer has been in service and are used as a signal for transformer oil reclamation. Oil sampling for IFT measurement calls for extra precautions due to its high sensitivity to various oil parameters and environmental conditions. The current used technique to measure IFT of transformer oil is relatively expensive, requires an expert to conduct the test and it takes long time since the extraction of oil sample, sending it to external laboratory and getting the results back. This paper introduces a new technique to estimate the IFT of transformer oil using ultraviolet-to-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. UV-Vis spectral response of transformer oil can be measured instantly with relatively cheap equipment, does not need an expert person to conduct the test and has the potential to be implemented online. Results show that there is a good correlation between oil spectral response and its IFT value. Artificial neural network (ANN) approach is proposed to model this correlation.
- Authors: Abu Bakar, Norazhar , Abu-Siada, Ahmed , Islam, Syed , El-Naggar, Mohammed
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation Vol. 22, no. 2 (2015), p. 1275-1282
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Interfacial tension (IFT) and acid numbers of insulating oil are correlated with the number of years that a transformer has been in service and are used as a signal for transformer oil reclamation. Oil sampling for IFT measurement calls for extra precautions due to its high sensitivity to various oil parameters and environmental conditions. The current used technique to measure IFT of transformer oil is relatively expensive, requires an expert to conduct the test and it takes long time since the extraction of oil sample, sending it to external laboratory and getting the results back. This paper introduces a new technique to estimate the IFT of transformer oil using ultraviolet-to-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. UV-Vis spectral response of transformer oil can be measured instantly with relatively cheap equipment, does not need an expert person to conduct the test and has the potential to be implemented online. Results show that there is a good correlation between oil spectral response and its IFT value. Artificial neural network (ANN) approach is proposed to model this correlation.
Image processing-based on-line technique to detect power transformer winding faults
- Abu-Siada, Ahmed, Islam, Syed
- Authors: Abu-Siada, Ahmed , Islam, Syed
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Conference proceedings , Conference paper
- Relation: 39th Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society, IECON 2013; Vienna, Austria; 10th-14th November 2013 p. 1-6
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Frequency Response Analysis (FRA) has been growing in popularity in recent times as a tool to detect mechanical deformation within power transformers. To conduct the test, the transformer has to be taken out of service which may cause interruption to the electricity grid. Moreover, because FRA relies on graphical analysis, it calls for an expert person to analyse the results as so far, there is no standard code for FRA interpretation worldwide. In this paper an online technique is introduced to detect the internal faults within a power transformer by constructing the voltage-current (V-I) locus diagram to provide a current state of the transformer health condition. The technique does not call for any special equipment as it uses the existing metering devices attached to any power transformer to monitor the input voltage, output voltage and the input current at the power frequency and hence online monitoring can be realised. Various types of faults have been simulated to assess its impact on the proposed locus. A Matlab code based on digital image processing is developed to calculate any deviation of the V-I locus with respect to the reference one and to identify the type of fault.
- Authors: Abu-Siada, Ahmed , Islam, Syed
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Conference proceedings , Conference paper
- Relation: 39th Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society, IECON 2013; Vienna, Austria; 10th-14th November 2013 p. 1-6
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Frequency Response Analysis (FRA) has been growing in popularity in recent times as a tool to detect mechanical deformation within power transformers. To conduct the test, the transformer has to be taken out of service which may cause interruption to the electricity grid. Moreover, because FRA relies on graphical analysis, it calls for an expert person to analyse the results as so far, there is no standard code for FRA interpretation worldwide. In this paper an online technique is introduced to detect the internal faults within a power transformer by constructing the voltage-current (V-I) locus diagram to provide a current state of the transformer health condition. The technique does not call for any special equipment as it uses the existing metering devices attached to any power transformer to monitor the input voltage, output voltage and the input current at the power frequency and hence online monitoring can be realised. Various types of faults have been simulated to assess its impact on the proposed locus. A Matlab code based on digital image processing is developed to calculate any deviation of the V-I locus with respect to the reference one and to identify the type of fault.
A new fuzzy logic approach for consistent interpretation of dissolved gas-in-oil analysis
- Abu-Siada, Ahmed, Hmood, Sdood, Islam, Syed
- Authors: Abu-Siada, Ahmed , Hmood, Sdood , Islam, Syed
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation Vol. 20, no. 6 (2013), p. 2343-2349
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) of transformer oil is one of the most effective power transformer condition monitoring tools. There are many interpretation techniques for DGA results however all these techniques rely on personnel experience more than analytical formulation. As a result, various interpretation techniques do not necessarily lead to the same conclusion for the same oil sample. Furthermore, significant number of DGA results fall outside the proposed codes of the current based-ratio interpretation techniques and cannot be diagnosed by these methods. Moreover, ratio methods fail to diagnose multiple fault conditions due to the mixing up of produced gases. To overcome these limitations, this paper introduces a new fuzzy logic approach to reduce dependency on expert personnel and to aid in standardizing DGA interpretation techniques. The approach relies on incorporating all existing DGA interpretation techniques into one expert model. DGA results of 2000 oil samples that were collected from different transformers of different rating and different life span are used to establish the model. Traditional DGA interpretation techniques are used to analyze the collected DGA results to evaluate the consistency and accuracy of each interpretation technique. Results of this analysis were then used to develop the proposed fuzzy logic model.
- Authors: Abu-Siada, Ahmed , Hmood, Sdood , Islam, Syed
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation Vol. 20, no. 6 (2013), p. 2343-2349
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) of transformer oil is one of the most effective power transformer condition monitoring tools. There are many interpretation techniques for DGA results however all these techniques rely on personnel experience more than analytical formulation. As a result, various interpretation techniques do not necessarily lead to the same conclusion for the same oil sample. Furthermore, significant number of DGA results fall outside the proposed codes of the current based-ratio interpretation techniques and cannot be diagnosed by these methods. Moreover, ratio methods fail to diagnose multiple fault conditions due to the mixing up of produced gases. To overcome these limitations, this paper introduces a new fuzzy logic approach to reduce dependency on expert personnel and to aid in standardizing DGA interpretation techniques. The approach relies on incorporating all existing DGA interpretation techniques into one expert model. DGA results of 2000 oil samples that were collected from different transformers of different rating and different life span are used to establish the model. Traditional DGA interpretation techniques are used to analyze the collected DGA results to evaluate the consistency and accuracy of each interpretation technique. Results of this analysis were then used to develop the proposed fuzzy logic model.
Sequence-to-sequence learning-based conversion of pseudo-code to source code using neural translation approach
- Acharjee, Uzzal, Arefin, Minhazul, Hossen, Kazi, Uddin, Mohammed, Uddin, Md Ashraf, Islam, Linta
- Authors: Acharjee, Uzzal , Arefin, Minhazul , Hossen, Kazi , Uddin, Mohammed , Uddin, Md Ashraf , Islam, Linta
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: IEEE Access Vol. 10, no. (2022), p. 26730-26742
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Pseudo-code refers to an informal means of representing algorithms that do not require the exact syntax of a computer programming language. Pseudo-code helps developers and researchers represent their algorithms using human-readable language. Generally, researchers can convert the pseudo-code into computer source code using different conversion techniques. The efficiency of such conversion methods is measured based on the converted algorithm's correctness. Researchers have already explored diverse technologies to devise conversion methods with higher accuracy. This paper proposes a novel pseudo-code conversion learning method that includes natural language processing-based text preprocessing and a sequence-to-sequence deep learning-based model trained with the SPoC dataset. We conducted an extensive experiment on our designed algorithm using descriptive bilingual understudy scoring and compared our results with state-of-the-art techniques. Result analysis shows that our approach is more accurate and efficient than other existing conversion methods in terms of several performances metrics. Furthermore, the proposed method outperforms the existing approaches because our method utilizes two Long-Short-Term-Memory networks that might increase the accuracy. © 2013 IEEE.
- Authors: Acharjee, Uzzal , Arefin, Minhazul , Hossen, Kazi , Uddin, Mohammed , Uddin, Md Ashraf , Islam, Linta
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: IEEE Access Vol. 10, no. (2022), p. 26730-26742
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Pseudo-code refers to an informal means of representing algorithms that do not require the exact syntax of a computer programming language. Pseudo-code helps developers and researchers represent their algorithms using human-readable language. Generally, researchers can convert the pseudo-code into computer source code using different conversion techniques. The efficiency of such conversion methods is measured based on the converted algorithm's correctness. Researchers have already explored diverse technologies to devise conversion methods with higher accuracy. This paper proposes a novel pseudo-code conversion learning method that includes natural language processing-based text preprocessing and a sequence-to-sequence deep learning-based model trained with the SPoC dataset. We conducted an extensive experiment on our designed algorithm using descriptive bilingual understudy scoring and compared our results with state-of-the-art techniques. Result analysis shows that our approach is more accurate and efficient than other existing conversion methods in terms of several performances metrics. Furthermore, the proposed method outperforms the existing approaches because our method utilizes two Long-Short-Term-Memory networks that might increase the accuracy. © 2013 IEEE.
Causes, magnitude and implications of Griefing in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games
- Authors: Achterbosch, Leigh
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This thesis presents findings from research into the global phenomenon known as griefing that occurs in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs). Griefing, in its simplest terms, refers to the act of one player intentionally disrupting another player’s game experience for personal pleasure and potential gain. For too long it has been unknown how pervasive griefing is, how frequently griefing occurs and, in particular, the impact on players that are subjected to griefing. There has also been limited research regarding what causes a player to perform griefing. This thesis addresses these concerns by answering the research question “What are the causes and implications of griefing in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games, and what magnitude of griefing exists in this genre?” Mixed method research was employed using the “Sequential Explanatory Strategy”, in which a quantitative phase was followed by a qualitative phase to strengthen the findings. The quantitative phase consisted of a survey that attracted 1188 participants of a representative player population. The qualitative phase consisted of interviews with 15 participants to give more personalised data. The data was analysed from the perspectives of different demographics and different associations to griefing. The thesis contributed original findings regarding the causes, magnitude and implications of griefing in MMORPGs. Some of the main findings were: • Factors that motivated a player to cause grief; • how griefers selected their targets based on particular demographics or avatar characteristics; • the pervasiveness, frequency and impact of different types of griefing; • the amount of griefing that can be tolerated; • how players reacted to griefing; • the impact to the well-being of the players after a griefing incident. The thesis concluded with advice to MMORPG developers regarding the most pervasive, frequent and impactful types of griefing, and how game design may increase or decrease the amount and intensity of griefing.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Achterbosch, Leigh
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This thesis presents findings from research into the global phenomenon known as griefing that occurs in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs). Griefing, in its simplest terms, refers to the act of one player intentionally disrupting another player’s game experience for personal pleasure and potential gain. For too long it has been unknown how pervasive griefing is, how frequently griefing occurs and, in particular, the impact on players that are subjected to griefing. There has also been limited research regarding what causes a player to perform griefing. This thesis addresses these concerns by answering the research question “What are the causes and implications of griefing in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games, and what magnitude of griefing exists in this genre?” Mixed method research was employed using the “Sequential Explanatory Strategy”, in which a quantitative phase was followed by a qualitative phase to strengthen the findings. The quantitative phase consisted of a survey that attracted 1188 participants of a representative player population. The qualitative phase consisted of interviews with 15 participants to give more personalised data. The data was analysed from the perspectives of different demographics and different associations to griefing. The thesis contributed original findings regarding the causes, magnitude and implications of griefing in MMORPGs. Some of the main findings were: • Factors that motivated a player to cause grief; • how griefers selected their targets based on particular demographics or avatar characteristics; • the pervasiveness, frequency and impact of different types of griefing; • the amount of griefing that can be tolerated; • how players reacted to griefing; • the impact to the well-being of the players after a griefing incident. The thesis concluded with advice to MMORPG developers regarding the most pervasive, frequent and impactful types of griefing, and how game design may increase or decrease the amount and intensity of griefing.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Griefers versus the Griefed - what motivates them to play Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games?
- Achterbosch, Leigh, Miller, Charlynn, Turville, Christopher, Vamplew, Peter
- Authors: Achterbosch, Leigh , Miller, Charlynn , Turville, Christopher , Vamplew, Peter
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: The Computer Games Journal Vol. 3, no. 1 (2014), p. 5-18
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: 'Griefing' is a term used to describe when a player within a multiplayer online environment intentionally disrupts another player’s game experience for his or her own personal enjoyment or gain. Every day a certain percentage of users of Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPG) are experiencing some form of griefing. There have been studies conducted in the past that attempted to ascertain the factors that motivate users to play MMORPGs. A limited number of studies specifically examined the motivations of users who perform griefing (who are also known as 'griefers'). However, those studies did not examine the motivations of users subjected to griefing. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to examine the factors that motivate the subjects of griefing to play MMORPGs, as well as the factors motivating the griefers. The authors conducted an online survey with the intention to discover the motivations for playing MMORPGs among those whom identified themselves as (i) those that perform griefing, and (ii) those who have been subjected to griefing. A previously devised motivational model by Nick Yee that incorporated ten factors was used to determine the respondents’ motivational trends. In general, players who identified themselves as griefers were more likely to be motivated by all three 'achievement' sub-factors (advancement, game mechanics and competition) at the detriment of all other factors. The subjects of griefing were highly motivated by 'advancement' and 'mechanics', but they ranked 'competition' significantly lower (compared to the griefers). In addition, 'immersion' factors were rated highly by the respondents who were subjected to griefing, with a significantly higher rating of the 'escapism' factor (compared with rankings by griefers). In comparison to the griefers, the respondents subjected to griefing with many years’ experience in the genre of MMORPGs, also placed a greater emphasis on the 'socializing' and 'relationship' factors. Overall, the griefers in this survey considered 'achievement' to be a prime motivating factor, whereas the griefed players tended to be motivated by all ten factors to a similar degree.
- Authors: Achterbosch, Leigh , Miller, Charlynn , Turville, Christopher , Vamplew, Peter
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: The Computer Games Journal Vol. 3, no. 1 (2014), p. 5-18
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: 'Griefing' is a term used to describe when a player within a multiplayer online environment intentionally disrupts another player’s game experience for his or her own personal enjoyment or gain. Every day a certain percentage of users of Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPG) are experiencing some form of griefing. There have been studies conducted in the past that attempted to ascertain the factors that motivate users to play MMORPGs. A limited number of studies specifically examined the motivations of users who perform griefing (who are also known as 'griefers'). However, those studies did not examine the motivations of users subjected to griefing. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to examine the factors that motivate the subjects of griefing to play MMORPGs, as well as the factors motivating the griefers. The authors conducted an online survey with the intention to discover the motivations for playing MMORPGs among those whom identified themselves as (i) those that perform griefing, and (ii) those who have been subjected to griefing. A previously devised motivational model by Nick Yee that incorporated ten factors was used to determine the respondents’ motivational trends. In general, players who identified themselves as griefers were more likely to be motivated by all three 'achievement' sub-factors (advancement, game mechanics and competition) at the detriment of all other factors. The subjects of griefing were highly motivated by 'advancement' and 'mechanics', but they ranked 'competition' significantly lower (compared to the griefers). In addition, 'immersion' factors were rated highly by the respondents who were subjected to griefing, with a significantly higher rating of the 'escapism' factor (compared with rankings by griefers). In comparison to the griefers, the respondents subjected to griefing with many years’ experience in the genre of MMORPGs, also placed a greater emphasis on the 'socializing' and 'relationship' factors. Overall, the griefers in this survey considered 'achievement' to be a prime motivating factor, whereas the griefed players tended to be motivated by all ten factors to a similar degree.
Evaluation of PMIP2 and PMIP3 simulations of mid-Holocene climate in the Indo-Pacific, Australasian and Southern Ocean regions
- Ackerley, Duncan, Reeves, Jessica, Barr, Cameron, Bostock, Helen, Fitzsimmons, Kathryn, Fletcher, Michael-Shawn, Gouramanis, Chris, McGregor, Helen, Mooney, Scott, Phipps, Steven, Tibby, John, Tyler, Jonathan
- Authors: Ackerley, Duncan , Reeves, Jessica , Barr, Cameron , Bostock, Helen , Fitzsimmons, Kathryn , Fletcher, Michael-Shawn , Gouramanis, Chris , McGregor, Helen , Mooney, Scott , Phipps, Steven , Tibby, John , Tyler, Jonathan
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Climate of the Past Vol. 13, no. 11 (2017), p. 1661-1684
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description:
This study uses the
simplified patterns of temperature and effective precipitation
approach from the Australian component of the international palaeoclimate synthesis effort (INTegration of Ice core, MArine and TErrestrial records - OZ-INTIMATE) to compare atmosphere-ocean general circulation model (AOGCM) simulations and proxy reconstructions. The approach is used in order to identify important properties (e.g. circulation and precipitation) of past climatic states from the models and proxies, which is a primary objective of the Southern Hemisphere Assessment of PalaeoEnvironment (SHAPE) initiative. The AOGCM data are taken from the Paleoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project (PMIP) mid-Holocene (ca. 6000 years before present, 6 ka) and pre-industrial control (ca. 1750 CE, 0 ka) experiments. The synthesis presented here shows that the models and proxies agree on the differences in climate state for 6 ka relative to 0 ka, when they are insolation driven. The largest uncertainty between the models and the proxies occurs over the Indo-Pacific Warm Pool (IPWP). The analysis shows that the lower temperatures in the Pacific at around 6 ka in the models may be the result of an enhancement of an existing systematic error. It is therefore difficult to decipher which one of the proxies and/or the models is correct. This study also shows that a reduction in the Equator-to-pole temperature difference in the Southern Hemisphere causes the mid-latitude westerly wind strength to reduce in the models; however, the simulated rainfall actually increases over the southern temperate zone of Australia as a result of higher convective precipitation. Such a mechanism (increased convection) may be useful for resolving disparities between different regional proxy records and model simulations. Finally, after assessing the available datasets (model and proxy), opportunities for better model-proxy integrated research are discussed. © Author(s) 2017.
- Authors: Ackerley, Duncan , Reeves, Jessica , Barr, Cameron , Bostock, Helen , Fitzsimmons, Kathryn , Fletcher, Michael-Shawn , Gouramanis, Chris , McGregor, Helen , Mooney, Scott , Phipps, Steven , Tibby, John , Tyler, Jonathan
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Climate of the Past Vol. 13, no. 11 (2017), p. 1661-1684
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description:
This study uses the
simplified patterns of temperature and effective precipitation
approach from the Australian component of the international palaeoclimate synthesis effort (INTegration of Ice core, MArine and TErrestrial records - OZ-INTIMATE) to compare atmosphere-ocean general circulation model (AOGCM) simulations and proxy reconstructions. The approach is used in order to identify important properties (e.g. circulation and precipitation) of past climatic states from the models and proxies, which is a primary objective of the Southern Hemisphere Assessment of PalaeoEnvironment (SHAPE) initiative. The AOGCM data are taken from the Paleoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project (PMIP) mid-Holocene (ca. 6000 years before present, 6 ka) and pre-industrial control (ca. 1750 CE, 0 ka) experiments. The synthesis presented here shows that the models and proxies agree on the differences in climate state for 6 ka relative to 0 ka, when they are insolation driven. The largest uncertainty between the models and the proxies occurs over the Indo-Pacific Warm Pool (IPWP). The analysis shows that the lower temperatures in the Pacific at around 6 ka in the models may be the result of an enhancement of an existing systematic error. It is therefore difficult to decipher which one of the proxies and/or the models is correct. This study also shows that a reduction in the Equator-to-pole temperature difference in the Southern Hemisphere causes the mid-latitude westerly wind strength to reduce in the models; however, the simulated rainfall actually increases over the southern temperate zone of Australia as a result of higher convective precipitation. Such a mechanism (increased convection) may be useful for resolving disparities between different regional proxy records and model simulations. Finally, after assessing the available datasets (model and proxy), opportunities for better model-proxy integrated research are discussed. © Author(s) 2017.
Phosphorus distribution in soils from Australian dairy and beef rearing pastoral systems
- Adeloju, Samuel, Webb, Benjamin, Smernik, Ronald
- Authors: Adeloju, Samuel , Webb, Benjamin , Smernik, Ronald
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Applied Sciences (Switzerland) Vol. 6, no. 2 (2016), p. 1-19
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The influence of soil type and management practices on P distribution in soils from Australian dairy and beef rearing pastoral systems has been investigated by chemical measurements and phosphorus-31 (31P) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The amount and forms of P within the soil profile varied with soil type, with the acidic red Ferrosols containing relatively high orthophosphate concentrations, averaging 72.2% compared with 66.8% for Dermosols, under similar management conditions. Soil from Sodosol sites which received less fertiliser P addition had the lowest orthophosphate concentration with only 57.6%. In contrast, relatively high proportions of organic P were found in soil samples from unfertilised Sodosol sites. On average, soil from Sodosol sites contained 37.5% organic P (combined monoester P and diester P), while those from Dermosol and Ferrosol sites contained 31.7% and 25.8%, respectively. Of these, the highest monoester phosphate proportions of 44.6% (site M3) and 46.4% (site M4) were found in Sodosol sites with no recent P inputs, but the highest proportion of diester phosphate (5.7%) was found in an unclassified grey sandy loam Dermosol. The higher organic P concentrations in soil from Sodosol sites may be associated with more regular moisture input from both rainfall and boarder-check (flood) irrigation. The highest level of pyrophosphate (8.5%) was also found in a grey/yellow Sodosol. Overall, the results indicate that P speciation in the Australian soils is strongly influenced by soil type, fertiliser P application rate and timing, and moisture variations. © 2016 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
- Authors: Adeloju, Samuel , Webb, Benjamin , Smernik, Ronald
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Applied Sciences (Switzerland) Vol. 6, no. 2 (2016), p. 1-19
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The influence of soil type and management practices on P distribution in soils from Australian dairy and beef rearing pastoral systems has been investigated by chemical measurements and phosphorus-31 (31P) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The amount and forms of P within the soil profile varied with soil type, with the acidic red Ferrosols containing relatively high orthophosphate concentrations, averaging 72.2% compared with 66.8% for Dermosols, under similar management conditions. Soil from Sodosol sites which received less fertiliser P addition had the lowest orthophosphate concentration with only 57.6%. In contrast, relatively high proportions of organic P were found in soil samples from unfertilised Sodosol sites. On average, soil from Sodosol sites contained 37.5% organic P (combined monoester P and diester P), while those from Dermosol and Ferrosol sites contained 31.7% and 25.8%, respectively. Of these, the highest monoester phosphate proportions of 44.6% (site M3) and 46.4% (site M4) were found in Sodosol sites with no recent P inputs, but the highest proportion of diester phosphate (5.7%) was found in an unclassified grey sandy loam Dermosol. The higher organic P concentrations in soil from Sodosol sites may be associated with more regular moisture input from both rainfall and boarder-check (flood) irrigation. The highest level of pyrophosphate (8.5%) was also found in a grey/yellow Sodosol. Overall, the results indicate that P speciation in the Australian soils is strongly influenced by soil type, fertiliser P application rate and timing, and moisture variations. © 2016 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.