bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
External Marketing Relationship Practice of Quantity Surveying Firms in the Selected States in Nigeria
Authors: Ebunoluwa Esther Ilori , Ojo Grace Kehinde
Published: December 2021

It has been established that marketing is very significant to the success of any organization, especially in a competitive environment. In the Quantity surveying profession, marketing might be more relevant than other professions because it is less known. The significance of marketing and competitive business environment calls for effective marketing practice by Quantity Surveying Firms (QSFs). One of the effective ways is to build a strong external marketing relationship, which exists between a firm and its client. Therefore, this paper investigated the external marketing relationship practice of QSFs with a view to enhancing firms’ productivity and client satisfaction. Forty-six (46) registered QSFs and fifty-nine (59) corporate clients in Lagos, Oyo, and Ondo States were assessed through questionnaire survey.  Data were collected on the attributes of parties involved in external marketing. The collected data were analysed using Mean Item Scores (MIS) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The results reveal important attributes of clients to include “pay on time (MS=4.59)”, “willingness and readiness to take advice from the firm (MS=4.59)”, and “make expectations known clearly to the firm (MS=4.54)”. From the findings, clients averagely displayed these attributes. The result of ANOVA shows that firms viewed the importance of these clients’ attributes in the same way at p>0.05 except for one of these attributes (making expectations known clearly to the firm), which firms viewed its importance differently at p<0.05.  Furthermore, results show the important attributes of firms to include: “ability to give clients value for their money (MS=4.51)”, “knowing clients’ requirements (MS=4.51)”, and “being attentive (MS=4.47)’. Findings show that these attributes were adequately displayed by QSFs. The perceptions of clients on the importance of these firms’ attributes were the same at p>0.05. The study concluded by establishing attributes for strong external marketing relationship to include: “readiness of a client to take advice from the firm”, “ability of a client to pay on time”, “ability of a firm to satisfy the client”, and “knowing the client’s requirements”. The study recommended that QSFs and clients should endeavour to possess and display these attributes for the enhancement of service delivery in terms of firms’ productivity and clients’ satisfaction.

Keywords: Attributes, Clients, External Marketing Relationship, Quantity Surveying Firms
Application of Remote Sensing in Mangroves at the Surrounding of Sungai Selangor Estuary in Kuala Selangor
Authors: Sayad Romli Syed Muhammad Iqbal , Ibrahim Illyani , Asmawi MZainora , Abu Samah Azizan
Published: December 2021

The mangrove forest ecosystem protects the land area from the tidal wave hence preventing the coastal areas and properties from severe damage. Mangroves provide valuable ecological services and goods, sediment retention, food sources of some animals, and stabilisation of the coastal areas. Unfortunately, the species have been experiencing an extensive loss in many parts of the world. This paper aims to detect the changes in mangrove forests and possible changes in the Selangor river basin area. The methodology uses remote sensing data via supervised classification on a maximum likelihood algorithm to analyse the distribution of mangrove forests at the Selangor River basin for a thirty-two-year period, from 1989 to 2021. The findings indicate that the percentage of mangroves in the study area has reduced over the study period. The coverage of mangroves has reduced from 24.29 percent (1989) to 15.57 percent in 2008, and continued to reduce to 13.12 percent in 2021. The research finding indicates a decrease in mangroves due to aquaculture, tourism, agriculture, and other human activities. Such a trend may risk coastal and river erosion, thus necessitating a revision of the management policies for environmental protection.

Keywords: mangrove, forest, remote sensing, Selangor river basin
Evaluation On Different UAV’s Georeferencing Points to Generate Accurate Orthophoto and Digital Terrain Model
Authors: BIN MOHD ZAIDI MUHAMMAD HAFIZ AIZUDDIN , Tahar Khairul Nizam
Published: December 2021

UAV or drone application of autonomy ranging can be divided into several levels, from basic hovering and position over trajectory tracking and waypoint navigation to fully autonomous navigation. This study used the DroneDeploy application for an autonomous flight mission. It is the process of taking photographs from an aircraft or other flying objects with a camera mounted on them to produce a three-dimensional (3D) map from the images captured, including a digital terrain model (DTM) and orthophotos. As for this study, the same output will be generated, but different flight parameter applications were used. Therefore, the study determined the optimum number of ground control points (GCPs) and evaluated the accuracy of the final results for each flight design. Acquired data were processed using the Pix4D modeller software due to the user-friendly factor and faster processing rate offered by the software. The results were analysed, and recommendations were made for future study improvement and to avoid similar problems. This study is useful for the mapping industry to achieve high accuracy results. 

Keywords: Aerial photogrammetry, Flight Parameter, UAV apps, DTM, Orthophotos, GCPs
Costal cartilage ensures low degradation of DNA needed for genetic identification of human remains retrieved at different decomposition stages and different postmortem intervals
Authors: Tomsia Marcin , Droździok Kornelia , Javan Gulnaz T. , Skowronek Rafał , Szczepański Michał , Chełmecka Elżbieta
Published: December 2021

Introduction

The study aimed to evaluate if costal cartilage is a good source of DNA for genetic individual identification tests performed in forensic autopsies.

Materials and Methods

The study included samples of costal cartilage collected from 80 cadavers retrieved from different environments: indoors (flat/hospital), outdoors (primarily in the forest), a coal mine, a fire site, uninhabited buildings, a basement, bodies of fresh water, exhumation sites, and unknown locations. After isolation of DNA chondrocytes, T. Large autosomal chromosome (214 bp), T. Small autosomal chromosome (80 bp), and the Y chromosome (75 bp; for male cadavers), sequences were amplified using real-time PCR. Additionally, 23 autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci and 16 Y chromosome STR loci were amplified using multiplex PCR. Forensic DNA typing was done using capillary electrophoresis and all results were analyzed.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in DNA concentration after T. Large, T. Small autosomal chromosome and the Y chromosome amplification between samples collected from cadavers retrieved from different environments. The DNA degradation index was the same regardless of the postmortem interval. The results show that it is possible to generate a full genetic profile from costal cartilage samples collected from cadavers retrieved from different environments and at different times elapsed after death.

Conclusions

The results suggest that costal cartilage can be routinely collected during forensic autopsies, especially from cadavers at the advanced decomposition stage.
Rola autoimmunizacji w rozwoju powikłań cukrzycowych – przegląd badań
Authors: Łukawska-Tatarczuk Magdalena , Mrozikiewicz-Rakowska Beata , Franek Edward , Czupryniak Leszek
Published: December 2021

Abstrakt

Przewlekłe powikłania cukrzycy są główną przyczyną obniżenia jakości życia, niepełnosprawności, a nawet przedwczesnej śmierci pacjentów cierpiących na tę chorobę. Mimo istotnego postępu w dziedzinie farmakoterapii, ich leczenie pozostaje nadal wyzwaniem w codziennej praktyce klinicznej. Brak terapii przyczynowej wynika z niewystarczającego zrozumienia molekularnych mechanizmów uszkadzających poszczególne narządy w cukrzycy. Uważa się, że etiopatogeneza tych powikłań jest złożona i zależy od czynników genetycznych i środowiskowych. W ich rozwoju, oprócz zaburzeń metabolicznych związanych z hiperglikemią, nasilenia stresu oksydacyjnego, dysfunkcji śródbłonka, indukcji stanu zapalnego, coraz częściej wskazuje się też na znaczącą rolę zaburzeń immunologicznych.

Wyniki badań doświadczalnych przeprowadzonych na zwierzętach, jak również na hodowlach tkankowych, oraz obserwacje kliniczne potwierdzają udział układu odpornościowego obejmujący aktywność autoreaktywnych limfocytów oraz cytotoksyczne działanie autoprzeciwciał w rozwoju poszczególnych powikłań w obu typach cukrzycy. Wydaje się zatem, że zachwianie równowagi immunologicznej wyzwalające autoagresję jest ważnym czynnikiem przyczyniającym się do dysfunkcji poszczególnych organów w typach cukrzycy 1 i 2.

Dokładne zrozumienie immunopatogenezy tych zaburzeń może zmienić dotychczasowe podejście w leczeniu powikłań cukrzycy oraz umożliwić opracowanie skutecznej terapii przyczynowej ukierunkowanej na układ odpornościowy. Identyfikacja swoistych autoprzeciwciał mogłaby usprawnić ich wczesną diagnostykę i prewencję. W artykule podjęto próbę analizy czynników ryzyka najczęstszych schorzeń o podłożu autoimmunizacyjnym, ich związku z typem 1 i 2 cukrzycy oraz podsumowano potencjalne znaczenie autoagresji w rozwoju jej powikłań w oparciu o wyniki dotychczasowych badań doświadczalnych i klinicznych.
Biodiesel Production from Waste Frying Oils by Potassium Methoxide Supported on Activated Carbon Catalysts from Lignocellulosic Biomass
Authors: Darwin  , Pratama Atmadian , Mardhotillah
Published: December 2021

Various carbon-rich solid catalysts are evaluated for the synthesis of biodiesel from waste frying oil. The study results showed that the use of activated carbon made of corn stalk could increase the biodiesel yield by 7%. The heterogeneous carbon-based catalysts made of lignocellulosic residues could successfully improve the quality of biodiesel properties. The results obtained revealed that the biodiesel properties, including relative density (852–900 kg·m−3) and kinematic viscosity (2.4–3.9 mm2·s−1), are in compliance with the standard limits of ASTM and the European Biodiesel Standard, suggesting that the biodiesel produced would be decent as a diesel fuel that potentially can minimize the serious damage of engine parts, and prolong the engine life.
The Effect of Crop Residue Percentages and Their Chopped Size on Soil Compactibility
Authors: Shahgholi Gholamhussein , Moinfar Abdolmajid
Published: December 2021

The advancement of technology and increasing use of mechanization in agriculture, as well as increasing size of agricultural machinery for farm capacity improvement, have led to soil compaction. In developed countries, various reports of the soil compaction impacts on the reduction of agricultural products have been provided. In developing countries, soil compaction represents a less-known issue and a its destructive nature in agriculture has not been sufficiently addressed. Furthermore, in developed countries, the soil is rich in organic matter due to conservation tillage; however, in Iran, conservation tillage is not possible to perform because of traditional agriculture and using old agricultural machinery. Therefore, plant residues are either removed from fields, or burned. However, sufficient content of organic matter in field can contribute to soil compaction mitigation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of percentage of crop residues and their size on soil compaction at different soil moisture contents. For these purposes, five different soil moisture contents (8, 10, 12, 14 and 16% based on dry soil weight) and 4 residue rates at 3 fragmentation sizes were observed in terms of soil compaction. At all different soil moisture contents and residue sizes, with increasing percentage of added straw to the soil, the soil displacement increased. Moreover, as the straw size increased, the initial displacement during compression decreased, e.g., the maximum displacements for straw percentage of 12% and soil moisture of 8% were 64, 62 and 60 mm considering the straw sizes of 1, 2.5 and 5 cm, respectively. With high residue percentage, the final soil density and soil compaction were lower due to the low specific density of straw relative to soil. Furthermore, with high percentage of straw, more deformations and displacements were occurred in the mixture due to large deformation of straws. The density changes of soil-straw mixture were more significant at high residue percentages.
Comparison of Control Algorithms by Simulating Power Consumption of Differential Drive Mobile Robot Motion Control in Vineyard Row
Authors: Hrubý Dušan , Marko Dušan , Olejár Martin , Cviklovič Vladimír , Horňák Dominik
Published: December 2021

The paper deals with comparing electricity power consumption of various control algorithms by simulating differential mobile robot motion control in a vineyard row. In field of autonomous mobile robotics, the quality of control is a crucial aspect. Besides the precision of control, the energy consumption for motion is becoming an increasingly demanding characteristic of a controller due to the increasing costs of fossil fuels and electricity. A simulation model of a differential drive mobile robot motion in a vineyard row was created, including robot dynamics for evaluating motion consumption, and there were implemented commonly used PID, Fuzzy, and LQ control algorithms, the task of which was to navigate the robot through the centre of vineyard row section by measuring distances from trellises on both robot sides. The comparison was carried out using Matlab software and the best results in terms of both power consumption and control accuracy were achieved by LQI controller. The designed model for navigating the robot through the vineyard row centre and optimized controllers were implemented in a real robot and tested under real conditions.
Mechanical Properties of Wheat Grains at Compression
Authors: Kubík Ľubomír , Božiková Monika , Kažimírová Viera
Published: December 2021

Hook’s law for evaluation of the modulus of elasticity of wheat grains and its general behaviour under compressive loads were studied. Whole specimens were subjected to compressive loading between metal parallel plates. The mechanical properties of grains were determined in terms of average failure strengths of grain bran and whole grain; deformation; and modulus of elasticity. The mechanical properties of very dry grains of the winter wheat Triticum aestivum L. with the moisture content of 10.3% were studied. The failure strength of grain bran was 4.43 MPa at the deformation of 10.7%, and the failure strength of whole grains was 4.88 MPa at the deformation of 13.5%. The modulus of elasticity of grains was 43.67 MPa. The apparent energy density at bran failure strength was 0.261 MJ·m−3, and 0.470 MJ·m−3 on the level of grain failure strength of the whole grain. The bran border structure of central inner part of grains was studied using microscope digital sections of longitudinal cuts of the grains using the image computer processing method. The area proportion of starch and pericarp of the border parts of grains was studied to describe the border texture of central sections of grains.
Thermoregulation in humid climate-adapted and Savannah breeds of goats exposed to West African cold (harmattan) season
Authors: Habibu Buhari , Umar Kausar Mohammed , Yaqub Lukman Surakat , Salifu Sadat , Makun Hussaina Joan
Published: December 2021

The West African Dwarf (WAD) goats have hereditary dwarfism and are adapted to the humid climate. The study compared the cold tolerance of WAD and Savannah (Red Sokoto and Sahel) goats during the peak of the West African cold season in the Northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria. A total of 18 adult non-pregnant, dry does comprising equal number of each breed (six per breed) were used for the study. Thermoregulatory variables were recorded four times in the morning (07:00 h) and afternoon (13:00 h) hours at two-day intervals. Results revealed that irrespective of the hour of day, the WAD had significantly (p < 0.05) higher respiratory rate when compared with Red Sokoto and Sahel goats. The diurnal afternoon rise in respiratory rate and the magnitude of afternoon rise in rectal temperature was higher (p < 0.0001) in WAD than Sahel and Red Sokoto goats. The body surface temperature in the morning hours was significantly lower in WAD compared with Sahel breed, while in the afternoon hours, the inter-digital space temperature was significantly lower in WAD compared with Savannah breeds. However, there were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in heart rate, rectal, head and leg temperatures between the breeds in both morning and afternoon hours. Discriminant analysis revealed that the morning hours induced greater homogeneity in the thermoregulatory responses between the breeds adapted to the humid and Savannah climates as compared with the afternoon hours. It was concluded that although WAD goats employed more intense peripheral vasoconstriction to survive cold exposure and demonstrated greater diurnal amplitude in thermoregulatory variables, they maintained comparable core body temperature as the indigenous Savannah breeds. Thus, suggesting that despite the hereditary dwarfism, the WAD goats could conserve body heat during the West African cold season in the Northern Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria.
Risk Averseness and Emotional Stability in e-Commerce
Authors: Popchev Ivan , Ketipov Rumen , Angelova Vera
Published: December 2021

The study aims to examine the issue of the relationship between Emotional stability, one of the fundamental personality determinants, and users’ Risk Averseness, on the one hand, and user behavior in the field of e-Commerce, on the other hand. In the beginning, a brief overview of today’s primary benchmark for the measurement of human personality – the Big Five Model is proposed. A study with 226 participants has been conducted for the aim of the research, based on the TIPI test. The TIPI test is a validated and abridged version of the Five-Factor model. The result of the conducted survey confirms the existence of significant relationships between personality determinant Emotional stability and consumer’s Risk awareness, on one side, and some of the observed main functionalities of the online stores, on the other side. Two regression models of the field of Machine Learning (Linear Regression and Random Forest) have been implemented to make a reliable forecast about the user’s preferences in the process of online shopping. The conclusions made rely on the obtained results and analysis.
Hybrid Role and Attribute Based Access Control Applied in Information Systems
Authors: Penelova Maria
Published: December 2021

It this paper it is proposed a new access control model – Hybrid Role and Attribute Based Access Control (HRABAC). It is an extension of Role-Based Access Control (RBAC). HRABAC is designed for information systems and enterprise software and combines the advantages of RBAC and Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC). HRABAC is easy configurable, fine-grained and supports role hierarchies. The proposed model HRABAC describes the access control scheme in Laravel package laravelroles/rolespermissions, which is developed by the author of the paper, as an answer to the requirements of practice of fine-grained and easy configurable access control solution. Laravel is chosen, because it is the most popular and the most widely used PHP framework. The package laravelroles/rolespermissions is developed on Laravel so that maximum number of programmers could use it. This package contains working and tested functionalities for managing users, roles and permissions, and it is applied in accounting information system.
A Hybrid Method for Payload Enhancement in Image Steganography Based on Edge Area Detection
Authors: Mohsin Nadia A. , Alameen Huda A.
Published: December 2021

In this research a new method for increasing the embedding capacity in images based on the edge area is proposed. The new approach combines Canny and Prewitt edge detection techniques using OR binary operation. The secret message is concealed using the Least Significant Bit (LSB) method. Embedding capacity, PSNR, SSIM, and MSE values are used as evaluation metrics. Based on the resulted values, the proposed method showed higher embedding capacity while keeping the PSNR, SSIM, MSE values without major changes of other methods which means keeping the imperceptibility quality of the stego image.
Popoviciu’s type inequalities for h-MN-convex functions
Authors: Alomari Mohammad W.
Published: December 2021

In this work, Popoviciu type inequalities for h-MN-convex functions are proved. Some direct examples are pointed out.
Numerical Investigation and Cost Analysis of FRP-Concrete Unidirectional Hybrid Slabs
Authors: Mahboob Amir , Eskenati Amir Reza , Moradalizadeh Soheil
Published: December 2021

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) has been commonly used to reinforce concrete structures. The kinds of FRP demonstrate an effective alternative to various methods of reinforcement in concrete structures subjected to bad environmental conditions which cause corrosion and damage to concrete. Due to their lightweight, high strength, and high corrosion and fatigue resistance, Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites have been widely applied in steel substitution during revitalization interventions. This paper presents numerical three-points bending tests on different models to investigate the effect of the reinforcements; Carbon, Glass, and Aramid fibers to find the corresponding cost of each one. Also, there is an available experimental model for verifying the results of the FEM that demonstrated broad agreement with the experimental statement, concerning the load-displacement curve. After validating the models, alternative designs such as type of the FRP, position of the FRP, and amount of the FRP usage were numerically tested to study the influence of each on the load-bearing capacity. The results showed that the best configuration would be one with GFRP and the load-bearing capacity is around 9 kN in the optimum design.
Similarity Solution of Stagnation-Point Flow and Heat Transfer of a Micropolar Fluid Towards a Horizontal Permeable Exponentially Elongating Sheet with Radiation, Heat Production/ Immersion
Authors: Parthiban R. , Palani G.
Published: December 2021

The current study aims to explore stagnation spot flow of a micropolar fluid about a plain linear exponentially expanding penetrable surface in the incidence of radiation and in-house heat production/immersion. Through similarity mapping, the mathematical modeling statements are transformed to ODE’s and numerical results are found by shooting techniques. The impact of varying physical constants on momentum, micro-rotation and temperature is demonstrated through graphs. The computed measures including shear, couple stress, mass transfer and the local surface heat flux with distinct measures of factors involved in this proposed problem are presented through a table.
Testing Deformation and Compressive Strength of the Frozen Fine-Grained Soils with Changed Porosity and Density
Authors: Lemenkov V. , Lemenkova Polina
Published: December 2021

Current paper focuses on the laboratory experiments performed wit aim to test the deformation in the frozen loam soil specimens. Loam frozen soils are subject to the external effects, such as climate and environmental impacts including temperature changes. Soil heave is one of the key features restraining possible area development: construction of buildings, roads and railways. Necessarily, this requires the improvements of methods of the assessment of heave. This research evaluated the compressive strength and deformation in several specimens of the frozen soil. The approach included varying load and physical properties of soil specimens: porosity, pore filling, moisture, density of soil particles and dry soil density. Besides during the experiment, the external conditions were changed: decreased temperature and increased load pressure. The experiment is based on the UPG-MG4-01. The paper presented the laboratory tests of heave and compressive strength of the frozen soils using applied geotechnical methods.
Three Stages of Composite Specimen Destruction in Static Failure
Authors: Urbaha M. , Agafonovs I. , Turko V. , Fescuks J.
Published: December 2021

The paper presents the results of standard specimen fracture made of anisotropic carbon fiber plastic with an epoxy matrix. Static stepwise loading of the specimen was carried out on an Instron 8801 testing machine to determine the characteristics of ductile fracture G1C in the first mode in accordance with ASTM D5528.

During loading, the parameters of acoustic emission (AE) signals, such as AE impulse amplitudes and their energy were synchronously recorded. At the same time, the magnitude of the opening and the growth of the crack initiated by the artificial cut at the end of the specimen were recorded.

According to the analysis of the acoustic emission signals, three zones with different G1C behaviour were identified: initial crack propagation, its stationary growth and accelerated fracture of the specimen. The zonal character of the change in the acoustic emission signals made it possible to determine the energy of the acoustic emission signals as diagnostic evidence for the onset of rapid destruction of the specimen.

The amplitude of the AE-signals in the zones, however, remained constant. Online monitoring of changes in the energy of acoustic emission signals will prevent the onset of rapid destruction of an object in places of its deformations. The paper does not aim at defining G1C as usual. It presents the investigation of the fracture stages for a composite material using an acoustic emission method.
Epojé y ensimismamiento
Authors: Martín Javier San
Published: December 2021

Mi intención en esta ponencia es hacerles una presentación de la fenomenología en España, para lo cual repetiré ideas que he expresado en la introducción al libro de Ortega Schriften zur Phänomenologie
15 y, en segundo lugar, resumiré una parte del contenido de la conferencia que pronuncié en el penúltimo Congreso de la Sociedad Española de Fenomenología. 16
Common pulmonary computed tomography signs and their clinical relevance: A review
Authors: Desai Unnati , Joshi Jyotsna M
Published: December 2021

With the advent of computed tomography (CT) in respiratory medicine, a greater delineation of the respiratory structures has been possible in the two-dimensional space. The various CT techniques used by pulmonologists include the high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) thorax with expiratory scans, contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) thorax, CT thorax, CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and rarely a CT aortography/angiography. Each of the imaging techniques presents stronger and weaker points. In this paper, radiological lesions are classified according to their location. Such abnormalities are observed in the airways, in the lung parenchyma, in the interstitium and last but not least in the pleura. The review mainly addresses radiological lesions with higher specificity because they are key elements in establishing a definitive diagnosis. In conclusion, performing a chest CT is vital in the diagnosis and management of respiratory conditions.
Controlling a Small Mobile 3-Pi Robot Movement in a Maze Via the Neural Network Using Back-Propagation Learning Method
Authors: Horváth Dušan , Červeňanská Zuzana
Published: December 2021

The contribution is focused on technical implementation of controlling a small mobile 3Pi robot in a maze along a predefined guide line where the control of the acquired direction of the robot’s movement was provided by a neural network. The weights (memory) of the neuron were calculated using a feedforward neural network learning via the Back-propagation method. This article fastens on the paper by the title “Movement control of a small mobile 3-pi robot in a maze using artificial neural network”, where Hebbian learning was used for a single-layer neural network. The reflectance infra-red sensors performed as input sensors. The result of this research is the evaluation based on the experiments that served to compare different training sets with the learning methods when moving a mobile robot in a maze.
Case Study of Building a Digital Twin for a Production System
Authors: Burčiar Fedor , Važan Pavel , Pulišová Simona
Published: December 2021

As the term of Industry 4.0 becomes more and more relevant with each passing day, it is up to researchers and companies to find solutions to integrating all the technologies it covers. One of those technologies, even though not highly developed, is simulation and building Cyber-Physical Systems for gathering data and improving the production processes. In the research described in this paper, we focused on integrating production data with simulation models in order to make the process of understanding and learning about complex production systems as simple and as quick as possible. This paper contains three sections. The first one introduces the theoretical fundamentals of our research. The second one focuses on the methods used to create a digital model of production system. The final one discusses the results of the conducted experiments, and their impact on further research.
A Design Optimization Study for the Die Dimensioning Using the Locking Nut Folding Simulation
Authors: Ülüver Bozkurt , İlyas Kacar
Published: December 2021

An inverse analysis based on optimization process is performed to determine die curvatures for a locking nut’s flange folding process which has highly nonlinear material behaviour. The nut material is AISI C1040 steel. The ring material is polyamide 6. The Chaboche’s nonlinear kinematic hardening rule is combined with bilinear isotropic hardening model as a hardening rule for the plasticity model combined with associated flow rule and von Mises yield criterion. The inverse analysis is applied to determine the curvatures by using genetic algorithm optimization method based on dimensional accuracy. The optimum mould curvatures are determined. So a comprehensive methodology is presented for determination of curvatures.
Application of EDAS, MARCOS, TOPSIS, MOORA and PIV Methods for Multi-Criteria Decision Making in Milling Process
Authors: Trung Do Duc
Published: December 2021

Low surface roughness and high Material Removal Rate (MRR) are expected in most machining methods in general and milling method in particular. However, they sometimes do not occur, for example, the MRR is often small as the surface roughness is low. In this case, the decisions made should ensure that desires are simultaneously satisfied. This situation leads to a problem known as multi-criteria decision making (MCDM). In this study, five methods including EDAS, MARCOS, PIV, MOORA and TOPSIS are used together for the decision-making in the milling process. The purpose of the research is to determine the value of cutting parameters for both the low surface roughness and large MRR. The comparison of these methods for finding the best is carefully discussed as well.
Structural Strength of Cemented Carbides
Authors: Olena Soroka , Iuriy Rodichev , Borys Vorontsov , Roman Protasov
Published: December 2021

The concept “structural strength of tool materials” got further development. The refusals of cemented carbide cutting plates, when heavy machining were analyzed. It was shown that 70…80% of refusals are the microchipping of cutting edges, tool cutting part chipping, cutting plate macrofracture. To assess cutting plate total carrying capacity and the influence of different methods of cemented carbides modification, bending tests were held. Local fracture resistance and damageability of cutting edge were assessed under its continuous scanning.
Assessment on the Optimum Performance of a Novel 3 Axes Micro EDM Developed for Commercial Applications
Authors: Suresh P , Venkatesh Raja K
Published: December 2021

A low cost three axes commercial microEDM machine has been developed indigenously in order to implement precision micromachining. The developed microEDM consists of various components such as machining chamber, X-Y table, tool feed and tool holder assembly, dielectric circulation system, power supply and automatic driving devices to control the spark gap distance. The setup is capable of performing the 8µm movement in Z-axis.The developed 3 axes machine and the commercial available machine are investigated with the most important process parameters such as Current, Pulse on time and Pulse off time in order to study the Material Removal Rate (MRR) and Tool Wear Rate (TWR). The material chosen for the current research is Stainless Steel 316L, which has high corrosion resistance and the electrode was tungsten 300µm. In most of the experiments, the developed machine has performed with 6.52% higher MRR and 26.10% Lower TWR. This is due to the effective spark gap circuit developed with the use of hall current sensor.The mathematical model of MRR and TWR are obtained by correlating the process parameter using Response Surface Methodology (RSM).The chosen objectives are contradictory in nature, we employ a non-dominated Genetic algorithm to find the optimal process parameters. The developed 3 axes microEDM has yield a 10.14% and 33.12% better performance on optimum maximum MRR and minimum TWR respectively when compared to the commercial machine.
Effects of Surface Roughness and Supply Inertia on Steady Performance of Hydrostatic Thrust Bearings Lubricated with Non-Newtonian Fluids
Authors: Singh Udaya P.
Published: December 2021

The objective of present theoretical analysis is to study the combined effects of surface roughness and fluid inertia (including the inertia of the fluid in the supply region) on the steady performance of stepped circular hydrostatic thrust bearings lubricated with non-Newtonian pseudoplastic fluids using Rabinowitsch stress-strain model. To account for the effects of surface roughness, the classical Christensen theory of rough surface has been taken. Analytic expressions for film pressure in bearing regions have been established for radial and circumferential patterns of roughness. Numerical results for film pressure, load carrying capacity and lubricant flow rate has been plotted and analysed. Due to surface roughness and fluid inertia in overall regions, significant improvement in performance properties have been observed.
The Effectiveness of a Job Crafting, Strengths Use, and Deficit Correction Intervention on Employee Proactive Behaviors and Well-Being: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Barzin Liubița , Vîrgă Delia M. , Rusu Andrei
Published: December 2021

The present study evaluates the effectiveness of a mixed job crafting, strengths use, and deficit correction intervention on the proactive behaviors, work engagement, life satisfaction, and work-life balance of employees working in a home office setting. A two-armed (intervention vs. wait-list control group) randomized controlled trial with three measurement moments (pre-, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up) was designed to reach the study's goal. A sample of 80 participants part of a large multinational pharmaceutical company was randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 45) or wait-list control condition (n = 35). Mixed factorial analyses of variance showed that the combined job crafting, strengths use, and deficit correction intervention positively impacted life satisfaction (d = .47) and seeking challenging job demands (d = .44) in the short-term. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding the other proactive behaviors, work engagement, or work-life balance. Moderator analyses revealed that autonomy and workload were moderators of the relationship between the intervention effectiveness and several outcomes (e.g., the intervention had a positive effect on the work-life balance of participants with low autonomy). Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
ACTIONS OF THE US AND SOUTH VIETNAM SPECIAL DIVISIONS ON THE "HO CHI MINA TRAIL" IN 1961-1967. BASED ON THE MEMOIRS OF AMERICAN WAR PARTICIPANTS
Authors: Ivanov V. V.
Published: December 2021

The article devoted to the analysis of the actions of special forces of US and South Vietnam during 1961–1967. One of the main tasks of these units during Vietnam war – destruction main objects of «Ho Chi Minh Trail» in South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. The work is built with the assistance of a memoir – translations memories combatants in South Vietnam and Laos, soldiers and commanders of Army of US, South Vietnam and Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV). The materials housed in the monographs of American and Vietnam researchers of the Indochina conflict, 1960–1970-s.

In the early 1960s, in the setting of active infiltration teams of PAVN from DRV administration of USA adopted decision to send to Indochina units of special forces (Green Berets). Many of the military personnel who served in Vietnam belonged to 5th and 7th Special Forces Groups. Some Green Berets were assigned to the U.S. Military Assistance Command’s Studies and Observation Group (SOG) for making top secret intelligence operations and helped train the South Vietnamese special forces (LLDB). The most Green Berets defended South Vietnam’s border from infiltration from DRV. Apart from Green Berets, special units of the US NAVY were also active in South Vietnam. The main task of the special forces of the NAVY was the blockade of all waterways supplying partisans from North Vietnam and Cambodia by means of ambushes, sabotage, laying of mines and raids on bases of PAVN. In 1965-1967s mixed teams of Green Berets and LLDB conducted long-range reconnaissance missions into Laos and directed air strikes against the «Ho Chi Minh Trail». The U.S. aircraft bombed the «Ho Chi Minh Trail» daily, targeting areas based on electronic detection devices and intelligence gained by covert teams that infiltrated the area. However, these efforts could not slow down the movement of troops of PAVN, supplies southward along the «Ho Chi Minh Trail». The author paid attention to the creation units of special forces as part of army units of US Army situated in South Vietnam during 1965–1967. Special attention is paid by the author to the analysis secret operations of Green Berets against «Ho Chi Minh Trail». The author concluded that the special forces of USA and South Vietnam failed to achieve the set goals.
ESTABLISHMENT OF A SYSTEM OF ASSISTANCE TO WAR DISABLED IN THE ACTIVITIES OF A SPECIAL COMMISSION FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF MILITARY OFFICERS AND OTHER PERSONS AFFECTED IN THE PROCEEDING OF THE WAR, AS WELL AS THEIR FAMILIES
Authors: Merkulov P. A. , Bukalova S. V.
Published: December 2021

The article is devoted to the organizational base of assistance to WWI invalids, the central link of which was a Special Commission of the Supreme Council for the Care of families of persons called up for war. Initially, the implementation of measures to the war invalids was entrusted to the local branches of the Elizabethan Committee, but the scale of the problem required the involvement of local self-government in helping the military-disabled. Zemsky Union and Union of Cities included war invalids in the sphere of their interests and a Special Commission was forced to cooperate with them in developing an all-Russian plan for the care of the military-disabled.
SOCIAL COMPOSITION OF FORTRESSES OF THE BELGOROD LINE AS OF 1678
Authors: Melnikova A. R.
Published: December 2021

The article is devoted to the analysis of the social composition of the population of the fortresses of the Belgorod line in 1678. The main source of the work was the inventory of cities in 1678, which recorded various categories of the service and townspeople of Russia. The author analyzed the information on all the fortresses of the Belgorod line and made general conclusions. The heterogeneity of the various counties of the vast southern region is recorded: in some there is a wide variety of service categories of the population, developed crafts and trade, and a large number of landowners. In other regions, the social composition was very poor. There were a lot of these regions. Such fortresses were only military outposts on the border. They were of strategic importance, but their economic potential was low. Obviously, the emergence of many small fortresses was dictated by military necessity and their full development was impossible. These small fortresses did not have the opportunity to develop. Subsequently, already in the 18th century, most of them would become rural settlements. However, the significance of these fortresses was very great for their time. These small fortresses helped to ensure the stable development of major military and economic centers. Fortified cities such as Kursk, Voronezh, Yelets, Kozlov were able to take the path of urbanization precisely because they were protected by many small military settlements. This was their historical role.
Depression, anxiety, and stress among different phases of medical students in Taibah University: a comparative study
Authors: Makki Nadir , Alharbi Amer , Aloufi Abdulaziz , Darandari Zain , Alsubhi Feras , Wahhas Hadi , Almutairi Asim
Published: December 2021

Background: Medical students usually suffer from many mental health issues and that is mainly due to the challenging environment of college of medicine. This study aimed to assess the severity and compare the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among medical students in different phases throughout the academic years. Also, this study aimed to explore the correlation between depression, anxiety, and stress and some factors.
Methods: A cross-sectional study among the students from the different years of Taibah Medical College was conducted. Students participated via an electronic questionnaire which included sociodemographic data and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale 21.
Results: A total of 380 students responded to the questionnaire; 56% showed depressive symptoms, 65% reported anxiety symptoms, and 46% stressed symptoms. The differences between the academic years were significant for depression F (5, 374) = 3.025, p = 0.011; anxiety F (5, 374) = 2.511, p = 0.030 and stress: F (5, 374) = 2.402, p = 0.037. There was significant association for female gender, academic year, financial problems, less supportive families, and sleeping for less than 4 hours.
Conclusion: There is high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among medical students, with statistical differences between the study years and different demographic factors.
ANALISIS KEMAMPUAN SELF HEALING PADA LAPIS ASPAL BETON DENGAN LIMBAH BUBUTAN BAJA SEBAGAI BAHAN TAMBAH
Authors: Saputra Alida Danar , Tajudin Anissa Noor
Published: December 2021

Steel waste is waste generated from a large or small amount of steel production process. The results of steel waste disposal can pollute the environment if not done a good treatment and countermeasure so that it has value benefits. This study uses steel lathe waste additives to determine the self-healing ability of asphalt in the AC-WC mixture. Steel lathe waste used with varying degrees of steel lathe 0%, 0,25%, 0,5%, 0,75%, 1% and asphalt content used by 5,5%. After obtaining the data used in the study, samples were made for asphalt mixtures with varying degrees. Then the finished sample is divided into 4 parts to be tested for temperature rise on each steel lathe mixture using a thermal camera. And tested using a threepoint bending test to determine the ability of asphalt selfhealing in the AC-WC mixture that occurs for 5 cycles with a heating duration of 20 seconds, 40 seconds, 60 seconds. From the results of the research on the content of a mixture of 0% steel lathe proved the sample can do self-healing but the results obtained are not as good as when using variations in the added ingredients of steel fiber mixture 0,25%, 0,5%, 0,75% and 1%. ABSTRAKLimbah baja adalah buangan yang dihasilkan dari suatu proses produksi baja baik dalam jumlah yang besar atau sedikit. Hasil buangan limbah baja dapat mecemari lingkungan apabila tidak dilakukan pengolahan dan penanggulangan yang baik sehingga memiliki nilai manfaat. Penelitian ini menggunakan bahan tambahan limbah bubutan baja untuk dapat mengetahui kemampuan self healing aspal pada campuran AC-WC. Limbah bubutan baja yang digunakan dengan kadar variasi bubutan baja 0%, 0,25%, 0,5%, 0,75%, 1% dan kadar aspal yang dipakai sebesar 5,5%. Setelah didapatkan data yang dipakai dalam penelitian dilakukan pembuatan sampel terhadap campuran aspal dengan variasi kadar. Kemudian sampel yang telah jadi di belah menjadi 4 bagian untuk diuji kenaikan temperatur pada setiap campuran bubutan baja dengan menggunakan kamera thermal. Serta diuji dengan menggunakan alat threepoint bending test untuk mengetahui kemampuan selfhealing aspal pada campuran AC-WC yang terjadi selama 5 siklus dengan durasi pemanasan 20 detik, 40 detik, 60 detik. Dari hasil penelitian pada kadar campuran bubutan baja 0% terbukti sampel dapat melakukan self healing tetapi hasil yang didapatkan tidak sebaik ketika menggunakan variasi bahan tambah campuran serat baja 0,25%, 0,5%, 0,75% dan 1%.
The Effects of Some Physical and Chemical Factors on Apparent Resistivity of Surface Soil in the University of Mosul, Mosul City, Northern Iraq
Authors: Al-Juraisy Bashar A.
Published: December 2021

Soil resistivity depends on many overlapping factors, which influence it in various ways. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of some physical and chemical factors on soil apparent resistivity. The results of field, laboratory, and statistical studies revealed a complex relationship between water content, pH, and salinity with soil apparent resistivity. The results showed that water content had a clear effect on apparent resistivity, as it increased significantly when water content value decreased to less than about 5%. The results also showed that increasing the salinity ratio at the expense of water content led to an increase in the apparent resistivity values. The apparent resistivity values also increased significantly when pH values ​​fell below about 7.7.

The increase in air temperature caused an increase in water evaporation from the soil, which led to increasing the apparent resistivity. The rise in air temperature also caused an increase in the concentration of salts at the expense of water content; since salts are considered to be insulators, unless they are dissolved in water, they cause an increase in the value of apparent resistivity.