bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Customer Satisfaction on Loyalty in Jordanian Banks: The Mediating Role of Corporate Reputation
Authors: Alhawamdeh Ahmad Kamal , Alfukaha Feras Ahmad , Padlee Siti Falindah , Salleh Ahmad Munir Mohd , Saadon Mohd Saiful Izwaan
Published: May 2022

Customer satisfaction is a critical factor in improving bank performance and increasing revenue. Banks must continue to strengthen their relationships with customers because the banking system is highly responsive to customer choices. Customers are inundated with offers and services, particularly online, creating dissatisfaction with the status quo. The purpose of this research is to examine the mediating effect of corporate reputation on the relationship between customer satisfaction and loyalty in Jordanian commercial banks. A quantitative research design is used to achieve the research objectives. The data are gathered from the customers of Jordanian commercial banks in Amman. 350 valid questionnaires are used in the analysis. The findings of the study reveal that corporate reputation mediates the relationship between customer satisfaction and loyalty among bank customers. Therefore, the study recommends that banks make better use of their corporate reputation in their strategies, for instance in social initiatives and marketing programs, to ensure effective and sustainable engagement, which will improve the bank’s position in the minds of customers.
Oznaczanie wilgoci w biomasie metodą miareczkowania kulometrycznego Karla Fischera
Authors:   Instytut Nafty i Gazu – Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Jędrychowska Sylwia , Kowalczyk Anna ,   Instytut Nafty i Gazu – Państwowy Instytut Badawczy
Published: May 2022

W artykule przedstawiono prace nad wykorzystaniem metody miareczkowania kulometrycznego Karla Fischera z odparowaniem do oznaczania zawartości wody w biomasie. Przeprowadzono badania sześciu rodzajów próbek biomasy roślinnej: zmielonej kawy otrzymanej jako odpad po zaparzeniu, słomy pszenicznej, siana, łupin orzecha włoskiego oraz zrębków drewna leszczynowego i świerkowego. Wykonano badania zawartości wody we wszystkich pozyskanych produktach i porównano wyniki z wynikami otrzymanymi dwiema innymi metodami stosowanymi standardowo do badania wilgoci w biomasie, tj. metodą wagosuszarkową i destylacyjną. Stwierdzono, że wszystkie metody wykazały dobrą zgodność w zakresie wyników uzyskanych dla przebadanych próbek. Najmniej przydatna okazała się metoda destylacyjna, której rezultaty najbardziej odbiegały względem pozostałych metod. Wykonanie analizy tą techniką wymaga długiego czasu, jest ona dość pracochłonna i niezautomatyzowana. Najszybszą techniką jest metoda wagosuszarkowa, ale cechuje ją mniejsza precyzja w stosunku do metody kulometrycznej. Wyniki otrzymane tą metodą mogą być zawyżone ze względu na to, że miarą zawartości wody w badanej próbce jest ubytek masy, który może być związany nie tylko z obecnością wody, ale także z innymi lotnymi substancjami uwalnianymi w trakcie badania. Metoda miareczkowania kulometrycznego Karla Fischera jest natomiast metodą selektywną i podczas analizy oznaczana jest tylko woda odparowywana z próbki, nawet gdyby z próbki uwalniały się jeszcze inne substancje lotne w warunkach badania. Metoda miareczkowania kulometrycznego Karla Fischera z odparowaniem próbki w piecyku wykazała się największą precyzją. Jest łatwa w wykonaniu i zautomatyzowana. Stwierdzono, że metoda ta może być z powodzeniem stosowana w badaniu biomasy. Zawartość wody we wszystkich pozyskanych próbkach biomasy wahała się w przedziale od 8% do 10,5% (m/m). W celu zbadania możliwości oznaczenia zawartości wody w szerszym zakresie pomiarowym próbki biomasy suszono w suszarce laboratoryjnej w ciągu 4 godzin w temperaturze 105°C oraz dodatkowo przygotowano próbki modelowe o różnej zawartości wody z wykorzystaniem zmielonej kawy jako matrycy. Na przygotowanych próbkach wykonano badania wilgoci metodą miareczkowania kulometrycznego Karla Fischera z odparowaniem. Przeprowadzone badania potwierdziły, że metoda ta świetnie nadaje się do badania próbek biomasy. Charakteryzuje się bardzo dobrą powtarzalnością w badanym zakresie od 0,7% do 75% (m/m).
Advances in energy-efficient lighting and ventilation for food production systems
Authors:   Mississippi State University, USA, Tabler Tom
Published: May 2022

Estimates are that 15 percent of agricultural production costs are energy related. The best way to lower these costs and cut energy consumption is by becoming energy smart. This chapter highlights energy-efficient lighting, considers potential of novel UV technology, acknowledges ventilation advances, and notes challenges to agricultural sustainability and food security. Various lighting sources exist but LEDs have moved to the forefront. Livestock (particularly poultry) and greenhouse/controlled environment agriculture operations are reviewed, as these operations see huge benefits from energy efficiency lighting/ventilation systems. Energy savings and transitioning to LEDs are discussed along with dimming issues that affect LED lamps. Novel ultraviolet light and its use in water treatment and food processing as well as its future potential in other areas is also considered. Finally, agricultural sustainability and the role of women in agriculture is addressed along with the challenges of poverty and food insecurity facing smallholder farmers around the world.
Tools and technologies to reduce fossil energy use on dairy farms
Authors:   Munster Technological University, Ireland, Shine Philip , Murphy Michael D. ,   Munster Technological University, Ireland, Upton John ,   Teagasc Moorepark, Ireland
Published: May 2022

With a growing demand for milk and dairy products coupled with concerns regarding greenhouse gas emissions, the sustainable use of on-farm energy resources is essential. Milk production requires electrical energy for powering plant equipment, liquid fuels for powering machinery, indirect energy for fertilizer and feed production, and embodied energy within machinery and buildings. Conventional dairy farms require 54% more primary energy inputs than organic farms due to greater use of fertiliser and concentrate feed. Pasture-based feeding systems showed 55% less feed energy demand. The installation of milk pre-cooling and variable speed drive drives can be effective measures to mitigate on-farm electricity use in the milking shed, while solar PV systems have the potential to cost effectively reduce energy related greenhouse gas emissions. Energy demand and cost savings vary from farm-to-farm, so tools such as the Dairy Energy Decision Support Tool are essential for informing stakeholders about effective smart energy strategies that can reduce energy demand.
THE IMPACT OF THE CONSTRUCTIVIST TEACHING MODEL IN ENHANCING READING SKILLS
Authors:   PHD holder, Instructor at Hoseen Easeen School, Israel, Seh Maisa
Published: May 2022

The aim of the study was to examine the impact of the constructivist teaching Model on the reading skills of third-grade children in the Galileel region. The study use quasi-experimental approach. The study sample consisted of all third-grade students from Hussein Yassin Primary School in the Galilee region, with a total of (39) female and male, who were divided into two groups: the control group (20) students and the experimental group (39) student. The study's findings revealed statistically significant differences in the performance of the study group. As a result of the constructivist learning strategy's effectiveness in improving reading comprehension, the results favored the constructivist learning model (experimental group). The researcher suggests that Arabic language curricula include applied models and lessons based on constructivist theory strategies, particularly constructivist teaching; it also indicates that Arabic language teachers benefit from it in their teaching and that field studies be conducted to reveal the preferred constructivist learning environments, particularly for students at all academic levels.
Management of a traumatic anorectal full-thickness laceration: a case report
Authors: Fortuna Laura , Bottari Andrea , Somigli Riccardo , Giannessi Sandro
Published: May 2022

The rectum is the least frequently injured organ in trauma, with an incidence of about 1% to 3% in trauma cases involving civilians. Most rectal injuries are caused by gunshot wounds, blunt force trauma, and stab wounds. A 46-year-old male patient was crushed between two vehicles while he was working. He was hemodynamically unstable, and the Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma showed hemoperitoneum and hemoretroperitoneum; therefore, damage control surgery with pelvic packing was performed. A subsequent whole-body computed tomography scan showed a displaced pelvic bone and sacrum fracture. There was evidence of an anorectal full-thickness laceration and urethral laceration. In second-look surgery performed 48 hours later, the pelvis was stabilized with external fixators, and it was decided to proceed with loop sigmoid colostomy. A tractioned rectal probe with an internal balloon was positioned in order to approach the flaps of the rectal wall laceration. On postoperative day 13, a radiological examination with endoluminal contrast injected from the stoma after removal of the balloon was performed and showed no evidence of extraluminal leak. Rectosigmoidoscopy, rectal manometry, anal sphincter electromyography, and trans-stomic transit examinations showed normal findings, indicating that it was appropriate to proceed with the closure of the colostomy. The postoperative course was uneventful. The optimal management for extraperitoneal penetrating rectal injuries continues to evolve. Primary repair with fecal diversion is the mainstay of treatment, and a conservative approach to rectal lacerations with an internal balloon in a rectal probe could provide a possibility for healing with a lower risk of complications.
IMPLEMENTATION OF PREVENTION PROGRAM FOR HEPATITIS B TRANSMISSION FROM MOTHER TO CHILD IN PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER OF SURABAYA
Authors: Kunigara Manika Putri , Setyoboedi Bagus , Sulistiawati Sulistiawati
Published: May 2022

Introduction: The number of women with Hepatitis B in Surabaya has increased since 2015; the most significant increase occurred in Public Health Center (PHC) A and a consistently high at PHC B. The state has issued a guideline for preventing vertical hepatitis B transmission from mother to child through the Indonesian Ministry of Health issued the Minister of Health Regulation No. 52 of 2017. This program was in the open-access stage and focused on first-level health facilities in 2018-2019. Methods: For this reason, this study aims to analyze the implementation of the prevention program for Hepatitis B transmission from mother to child in PHC A and B, Surabaya, in 2019. This research was an exploratory, descriptive study with a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews and document review. Result: The study results indicated the lack of specificity of counseling materials and gaps in recording forms at PHC A. The presence of hepatitis B cadres as a promotion strategy at PHC B, incompleteness of filling out forms, achieving early detection coverage, not optimal pre- and post-early detection counseling activities, and coverage of case management were still below the target at both PHCs. Conclusion: the implementation of the prevention program for Hepatitis B transmission from mother to child is still not optimal, especially in health promotion at PHC A, surveillance, and case management at both PHC. Keywords: Implementation, Prevention, Transmission of Hepatitis B
Community Preparedness for Earthquakes Based on Settlement Environment Analysis.
Authors: Nurrobikha Nurrobikha , Novrikasari Novrikasari , Windusari Yuanita , Misnaniarti Misnaniarti , Ikhsan Ikhsan , Lionardo Andries , Affandi Azhar Kholiq , Febriawati Henni , Noviadi Pitri
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Bengkulu is located on an active collision zone between two tectonic plates, namely the Eurasian Plate and the Indo-Australian Plate. As the result, earthquakes, floods, landslides, and tidal waves are common in Bengkulu. Sepang Bay is part of Bengkulu Province adjacent to the ocean, making it vulnerable to earthquakes and tsunamis. This study aims to examine the relationship between the residential environment and natural disaster preparedness in Sepang Bay, Bengkulu Regency. Methods: The type of research used is analytical observation with cross-sectional design. Data are collected from interviews, questionnaires, observations, and documentation from a total of 100 respondents selected by proportional random selection from each neighborhood in Sepang Bay Village, based on the proportion of heads of family in each neighborhood. Results and Discussion: When an earthquake occurs, there is a relationship between the residential environment and the community’s preparedness. As the existing supporting infrastructure is not properly utilized, people who live in substandard settlements do not have adequate equipment to deal with seismic disasters. When an earthquake occurs, there is a relationship between the settlement environment and the community’s preparedness. Because the existing supporting infrastructure is not being used properly, people who live in poor settlements have poor preparedness as well. Conclusion: The Sepang Bay Village Community, Bengkulu, which is located along the Panjang Beach, found a relationship between the settlement environment and earthquake preparedness (p = 0.021, PR 2.127).
Echocardiography: an overview - Part II
Authors: Rao P. Syamasundar
Published: May 2022

This review describes echocardiographic features of commonly encountered acyanotic congenital heart defects. Echo-Doppler features of lesions causing obstruction, namely aortic stenosis, aortic coarctation, stenosis of the pulmonary valve and pulmonary arteries were initially presented followed by discussion of lesions with left-to-right shunt namely, atrial and ventricular septal defects, patent foramen ovale, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and atrioventricular septal defect. A special section dedicated to evaluating hemodynamically significant PDAs in premature infants was also included. Coronary artery anomalies (both congenital and acquired) were reviewed at the conclusion of the paper.
Application of K-Medoids Clustering to Increase the 2020 Family Planning Program in Sleman Regency
Authors: Febriyanti Syintya , Nugraha Jaka
Published: May 2022

Indonesia is a country with a large population. Based on the results of the 2020 census, Indonesia's population ranks fourth in the world. The Indonesian government has made a policy to reduce population growth, namely the Family Planning Program or Keluarga Berencana (KB). One of the areas that did not escape the target was the DIY. Based on BKKBN DIY data, there is a significant difference between the number of active KB participants and the number of couples of childbearing ages, the number of KB equipment and the number of KB health facilities that exist between sub-districts in Sleman Regency. Then the sub-district classification is carried out based on the 2020 KB data in Sleman Regency using the K-Medoids Clustering method. This study aims to see the sub-district grouping used as a reference by the government in increasing active KB participants in the community to overcome the population in Yogyakarta, primarily focusing on Sleman. The categories in each cluster, namely Cluster 1, which consists of 6 sub-districts, have a high level of KB active participants, couples of reproductive ages, KB equipment, and KB health facilities. Then Cluster 2, which consists of 6 sub-districts, has a medium level of KB active participants, couples of reproductive ages, KB equipment, and KB health facilities. While Cluster 3 consists of 5 sub-districts, where KB active participants, teams of reproductive age, KB equipment, and KB health facilities are low level.
Deploying Serious Games for Cognitive Rehabilitation
Authors: Perri Damiano , Simonetti Marco , Gervasi Osvaldo
Published: May 2022

The use of games for non-ludic purposes, the serious games, is an interesting branch of science that has shown important results. With the advent of the pandemic that has made access to rehabilitation centres more problematic for patients with cognitive rehabilitation needs, the importance of being able to exercise these patients safely in their own homes has emerged strongly. Many studies show that immediate action and appropriate, specific rehabilitation can guarantee satisfactory results. Appropriate therapy is based on key factors to be taken into account such as frequency, intensity and specificity of the exercises. The aim of our work is to define a pathway for the creation of open source digital products that can allow access in any moment to a virtual environment through which patients who have suffered limitations in their cognitive abilities can exercise and recover all or part of these abilities in the shortest possible time. In view of the spread of IoT devices capable of easily monitoring various vital parameters, we propose with our system a low-cost and very efficient solution that can provide the doctor and therapist not only with quantitative data on the exercises performed (number and type of exercises, time spent, results obtained) but also an overview of vital parameters, so as to observe any states of agitation or excessive effort in completing the exercise.
On convergence of difference schemes of support operator method for rotational operations of vector analysis on tetrahedral meshes
Authors: Poveschenko Yuri Andreevich , Koleva Miglena Nikolaeva , Rahimly Orkhan Rahim oglu , Podryga Victoria Olegovna , Rahimly Parvin Ilgar gizi
Published: May 2022

One approach to the description of the metric properties of an irregular grid is proposed for discretizing repeated rotational operations of vector analysis (rot rot) as applied to modeling the magnetic and electric fields. On the basis of the support operator method and the used grid metric, integrally consistent vector analysis operations rot, div, grad are constructed that are necessary to obtain convergence estimates for difference schemes for repeated rotational operations, as well as solving physical problems with discontinuous magnetic viscosity, dielectric permeability or thermal resistance of a medium. On smooth solutions of the model magnetostatic problem on a tetrahedral grid with first order of accuracy in the mean-square sense, the convergence of the constructed difference schemes with zero eigenvalue of the spectral problem is proved. At the same time, no restrictions are imposed on an irregular tetrahedral mesh, except for its non-degeneracy.
Implementasi Tindak Tutur Asertif Pada Sidang Pengadilan Militer III-13 Kota Madiun: Tinjauan Pragmatik
Authors: Mufadhdhal Dzakyy Ridha
Published: May 2022

Military court trials are known to contain elements of the speech act process. This study aims to describe the form of speech acts applied by the social components at the trial of the Madiun Military Court. The theory used to describe the phenomenon is the illocutionary speech act theory which was established by John R. Searle and focused on the category of assertive speech acts. The method applied in this research is qualitative method. The data collection technique was carried out by participants observation through the observation and note-taking technique equipped with a recording technique. The data from this research are speech acts performed by the social components at the trial of the Military Court III-13 Madiun. The data analysis was carried out by conducting descriptions based on the classifications made by Searle regarding illocutionary speech acts and speech application points detailed by Vanderveken and Rahardi. The results of the study are presented with the assertive speech act classification variables which include speech acts (1) stating, (2) suggesting, (3) bragging, (4) complaining, (5) claiming, (6) giving testimony, (7) reporting, and (8) speculating. This research is essential from the perspective of pragmatic studies to analyze the influence of individual interests in a trial by looking at it from the perspective of assertive speech acts. In a broader sense, the research results are expected to be implemented in understanding a speech act in a more complex social area.
A Predicting Model for Near-Horizontal Directional Drilling Path Based on BP Neural Network in Underground Coal Mine
Authors: Wei Hongchao , Yao Ningping , Tian Hongliang , Yao Yafeng , Zhang Jinbao , Li Hao ,   China Coal Research Institute No.5 Qingniangou East Road, Hepingli, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100013, China,   CCTEG Xi’an Research Institute 82 Jinye 1st Road, Gaoxin District, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710077, China
Published: May 2022

This study establishes a prediction model based on the back propagation (BP) neural network for controlling the underground directional drilling path in a coal mine. The four-layer BP neural network model chooses 11 trajectory parameters (dip angles and azimuths from 12 m after the measurement while drilling (MWD)) and two control parameters as inputs. Two parameters, the dip angle and azimuth at bit, are the outputs. Trained with data from 502 groups, the model was used to forecast 12 test data groups. The results were then compared with the prediction results of artificial experience from 24 technicians. The study shows that the mean absolute error of the dip angle and azimuth at bit are only 0.51° and 0.68°, respectively, as predicted by the prediction model, which uses the logsig activation function and has a double-hidden-layer with a point structure of 9×6. The prediction error also follows a normal distribution. Compared with technicians who have worked for more than five years, the accuracy of prediction results from the BP neural network model is reduced by 33.9% and meets the needs of drilling path control.
Accurate Measurement Method of Drilling Depth Based on Multi-Sensor Data Fusion
Authors: Yao Yafeng , Yao Ningping , Liang Chunmiao , Wei Hongchao , Song Haitao , Wang Li ,   China Coal Research Institute Chaoyang District, Beijing 100013, China,   CCTEG Xi’an Research Institute No.82, Jinye 1st Rd., Xi’an, Shaanxi 710077, China
Published: May 2022

Based on the advanced detection drilling rigs used in underground coal mines, a real-time method of obtaining the depth of drilling is proposed. Displacement sensors are used to measure the stroke of the drilling rig’s feeding device during drilling, and an equation to calculate the depth of drilling is put forward. The same measurements are made by several sensors, improving measurement accuracy and reliability. The final drilling depth is obtained using a multi-sensor data fusion algorithm, combined with the calculation equation. The necessary derivation and calculation processes of the multi-sensor, adaptive weighted fusion algorithm are given. To optimize the integrated result, the weighting coefficients can be found through the algorithm corresponding to each sensor in an adaptive mode to optimize the fusion result. Three kinds of displacement sensors are installed on the feeding device of the drilling rig, and the drilling process is simulated in a laboratory test. The test proves that, compared with the mean method of three sensors, the data obtained by the multi-sensor and adaptive weighted fusion algorithm have the higher accuracy, and the sensor with the least variance in the fusion process has the most significant weighting coefficient. The drilling depth data that are obtained are more accurate than those obtained through the mean method with measurement data from a single sensor. The weighted coefficient of the measurement data is minimal when the measurement accuracy of the sensor suddenly deteriorates, so it has little effect on the measurement results. An experiment verifies this method’s effectiveness and fault tolerance, showing an improvement in measurement accuracy.
A Feasibility Study on Hand Gesture Intention Interpretation Based on Gesture Detection and Speech Recognition
Authors: Silpani Dian Christy ,   Graduate School of Life Science and System Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology 2-4 Hibikino, Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 808-0196, Japan, Suematsu Keishi , Yoshida Kaori
Published: May 2022

In this paper, considering the characteristics of hand gestures that occur during a natural, unscripted human conversation, we report the results of experiments involving the data analysis of the video recordings of experiments. The recorded conversations between two subjects and the assistant in the experiments (the first author) are analyzed for findings that might be useful to future human-robot interaction (HRI), findings regarding the recognition of hand gestures in natural conversations. In the experiment, hand gestures that appeared naturally during the conversations were manually selected, and their elapsed times and number of appearances were analyzed. In addition, these unscripted conversations were analyzed with a voice recognition system, and the meanings of the hand gestures that appear in the recorded video were interpreted. It was observed that some gestures were made consciously and others unconsciously. Some gestures appeared multiple times with similar meanings and the same intention, especially gestures involving pointing at something to emphasize a sentence or word. Other observations included that there were times when (i) each subject made different hand gestures to convey the same meaning, (ii) both subjects made the same hand gesture but intended different meanings, and (iii) a specific gesture was made by the same subject but with different intended meanings. After considering the results of these experiments, we conclude that it is better to combine gestures with the utterances at the time in order to interpret their intended meanings correctly.
Synthesis, Characterization of Chitosan para- hydroxyl Benzaldehyde Schiff Base Linked Maleic Anhydride and the Evaluation of Its Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: AL sahib Sanaa A. , Awad Sana Hitur
Published: May 2022

Current research included preparation, characterization of some new chitosan- hydroxy benzaldehyde-Schiff bases with maleic anhydride. The present study aimed to the synthesis and characterization of novel chitosan Schiff base compounds using para- hydroxy benzaldeh and maleic anhydride. The  derivative of the  schiff-chitosan base, which is associated with different drugs, has been replaced with   different  amino  and  hydroxy  drugs.  The derivative is characterized by different analytical techniques. The results of FT-IR studies clearly indicate construction of the chief amine group in chitosan and the emergence of new bands that correspond to the association of maleic anhydride with the chitosan base. TGA, 1H-NMR, biological studies acquired two types of bacteria Gram +ve (Bacillus, Staphylococcus aureus)  and two bacteria Gram -ve (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and yeast  like fungi (Candida albicans).
Diagnosing COVID-19 Infection in Chest X-Ray Images Using Neural Network
Authors: Zaki Salim M. , Jaber Mustafa Musa , Kashmoola Mohammed A.
Published: May 2022

With its rapid spread, the coronavirus infection shocked the world and had a huge effect on billions of peoples' lives. The problem is to find a safe method to diagnose the infections with fewer casualties. It has been shown that X-Ray images are an important method for the identification, quantification, and monitoring of diseases. Deep learning algorithms can be utilized to help analyze potentially huge numbers of X-Ray examinations. This research conducted a retrospective multi-test analysis system to detect suspicious COVID-19 performance, and use of chest X-Ray features to assess the progress of the illness in each patient, resulting in a "corona score." where the results were satisfactory compared to the benchmarked techniques.  This research results showed that rapidly evolved Artificial Intelligence (AI) -based image analysis can accomplish high accuracy in detecting coronavirus infection as well as quantification and illness burden monitoring.
The Approximation of Weighted Hölder Functions by Fourier-Jacobi Polynomials to the Singular Sturm-Liouville Operator
Authors: Aal-Rkhais Habeeb A. , Kamil Ahmed H. , Al Oweidi Khalid Fanoukh
Published: May 2022

In this work, a weighted H lder function that approximates a Jacobi polynomial which solves the second order singular Sturm-Liouville equation is discussed. This is generally equivalent to the Jacobean translations and the moduli of smoothness. This paper aims to focus on improving methods of approximation and finding the upper and lower estimates for the degree of approximation in weighted H lder spaces by modifying the modulus of continuity and smoothness. Moreover, some properties for the moduli of smoothness with direct and inverse results are considered.
Fabrication of Electrospun Nanofibers Membrane for Emulsified Oil Removal from Oily Wastewater
Authors: Alkarbouly Sura M. , Waisi Basma I.
Published: May 2022

The electrospun nanofibers membranes have gained considerable interest in water filtration applications. In this work, the fabrication and characterization of the electrospun polyacrylonitrile-based nonwoven nanofibers membrane are reported. Then, the membrane's performance and antifouling properties were evaluated in removing emulsified oil using a cross flow filtration system. The membranes were fabricated with different polyacrylonitrile (PAN) concentrations (8, 11, and 14 wt. %) in N, N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) solvent resulted in various average fiber sizes, porosity, contact angle, permeability, oil rejection, and antifouling properties. Analyses of surface morphology of the fabricated membranes before and after oil removal revealed increasing the fiber size, decreasing the fouling amount, and increasing the permeate flux. On the other hand, decreasing the fiber size resulting in increases the oil rejection. It was observed that 11 wt. % PAN based nonwoven nanofiber membrane was the optimum membrane for emulsified oil removal due to its good porosity, permeability with good oil rejection. In addition, fouled nonwoven nanofiber membrane cleaning was done by backwashing technique using warm distilled water which was effective in retaining the membrane permeability and oil rejection for 7 times. The obtained results confirmed an efficient performance of the fabricated nanofibers membrane for oil-water separation with oil rejection percentage of 92.5% and a permeate flux of 120 LMH.
Assessment of Groundwater Drinking Sources in Eku and Its Environs, in the Niger-Delta Region of Nigeria
Authors: Iloba KI , Akawo NO , Adamu KM , Ohwojeheri OR , Edafiogho MA
Published: May 2022

This study assessed the quality of hand-dug drinking water sources in Eku and its environs at Eku I, Samagidi, Eku 2, and Okuechi, using the weighted arithmetic water quality index method. Water samples collected from hand-dug wells at these locations returned values for analyzed parameters. Temperature 26 – 30(⁰C), dissolved Oxygen (D.O) 5.2-8mg/l, biological oxygen demand (BOD) 5.2-8(mg/l), Electrical Conductivity (EC) 77-119(µS/cm), Total suspended solids were  (TSS) 20000-120000(mg/l), pH 5.31-7.09, Phosphates 2-9.2(mg/l), Alkalinity 28-160(mg/l), Turbidity, 0.02 -0.19(NTU) Total coliform 2 -48 (cfu/ml) and fungal count 1-502. Variations in the values of these parameters were only significant for phosphate, alkalinity, and turbidity between Samagidi and Okuechi at a level of significance of p≤0.05. D.O, BOD, phosphates, total coliform and TSS levels, exceeded standards recommended by NSDWQ/WHO, rendering these water sources unsuitable for drinking purposes. Cluster analysis revealed three cluster groups; cluster 1(Eku2), cluster 2(Samagidi), and cluster 3(Eku1 and Okuechi), while factor analysis showed a strong correlation with pH, D.O, BOD, phosphate, conductivity, total coliform and fungal counts with water sources in the study stations. The calculated WQI for these water sources is 107.56, 95.18, 103.45, and 110.36 for Eku I, Samagidi, Eku 2, and Okuechi, respectively, classifying them as very poor water quality and unsuitable for drinking purposes. Indiscriminate waste disposal, surface runoff and poor sanitary facilities, and the exposed nature of these wells are major contributors to the deterioration of these wells.
Association of potent inflammatory Cytokine and Oxidative DNA Damage Biomarkers in Stomach cancer patients
Authors: Mustafa Akam Jasim , Ismail Parween Abdulsamad
Published: May 2022

The infection with H. Pylori stimulates a signaling cascade that causes the generation of Cytokines and provokes Oxidative stress that is involved in the chronic inflammatory response leads to Gastric cancers. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produce 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), the persistent oxidative DNA damage product. The study objective was to assess if there was a link between inflammatory cytokine levels and the presence of Oxidative DNA damage in Gastric tumor patients. In addition, evaluation of the diagnostic and prognostic value of Oxidative DNA damage and inflammatory cytokine biomarkers for Stomach cancers is being conducted. The study was accomplished on medically diagnosed Stomach cancer patients before any form of treatment. A total of 33 patients with Gastric cancers were selected and divided into Stages I, II, and III according to clinical pathology, and 32 age-matched healthy subjects as a control group. The Serum 8-OHdG, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ & CEA were evaluated. The results revealed a highly significant rise (P<0.0001) in blood levels of 8-OHdG, TNF-α, & IFN-γ, and a non-significant (P=0.4747) increasing in IL-6 in GC patients compared to Controls, with levels gradually increasing as disease stages progressed. Furthermore, in GC patients, there was an insignificant (P=0.3472) positive correlation (r=0.1292) among 8-OHdG, IL-6, and CEA levels, but a noteworthy (P<0.0001) positive correlation (r=0.7235) among 8-OHdG, TNF-α, and CEA levels. In GC patients, however, there was an insignificant (P=0.6342) negative correlation (r=-0.06559) among 8-OHdG, IFN-γ, and CEA levels. The results of the current study show a strong link between serum levels of the 8-OHdG as well as inflammatory cytokines in GC patients. The significant enhancement in oxidative DNA damage, as well as overexpression of inflammatory cytokine biomarkers and CEA in the blood suggests that Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are included in GC carcinogenesis. These observations suggest that 8-OHdG, TNF-α, & IFN-γ are viable biomarkers for the Gastric tumor prediction.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Investigation the Inhibitory Impact of Thiosemicarbazide Derivative toward the Corrosion of Mild Steel in Acidic Media
Authors: Kadhim Nafeesa J. , Sando Muna Sarhan , Jaafar Farah Saadoon , Hasan Iman M .M.
Published: May 2022

In this study we focused on the determination of influence the novel synthesized thiosemicarbazide derivative "2-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene) hydrazinecarbothioamide" (HMHC) influenced the corrosion inhibition of mild steel (MS) in a 1.0 M hydrochloric acid acidic solution.This is in an effort to preserve the metal material by maintaining it from corrosion.The synthesized inhibitor was characterized using elemental analysis, and NMR-spectroscopy. Then the corrosion inhibition capability of (HMHC) was studied on mild steel in an acidic medium by weight loss technique within variables [temperature, inhibitor concentration, and time]. The immersion periods were [1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 10:00, 24:00, and 72:00] hours and the temperature range was (303-333) K. Various concentration of (HMHC) were used and the immersion periods were [0.00, 0.001, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, and 0.50] g/L. The prepared derivative has shown the ability to inhibit corrosion. It has been observed that the rate of erosion decreases with the increasing concentration of the prepared inhibitor and increases with the increasing temperature of the solution. The most promising inhibitor action is at 0.5 g/L with an inhibition efficiency of 90.2%. Where it found that the adsorption process of HMHC obeys the Langmuir isotherm model. The electronic properties of the HMHC molecules were obtained from density function theory (DFT) quantum chemical approach. The experimental approach and theoretical results were found to have impressive correlations.
The Effective M3Y Residual Interaction In 41Ca As a Nuclear Diffraction Grating of Electrons
Authors: Hussien Rafah M. , Majeed Firas Z.
Published: May 2022

The total and individual multipole moments of  magnetic electron scattering form factors in 41Ca  have been investigated using a widely successful model which is the nuclear shell model configurations keeping in mind of 1f7/2 subshell as an L-S shell and Millinar, Baymann, Zamick as L-S shell (F7MBZ) to give the model space  wave vector. Also, harmonic oscillator wave functions have been used as wave function of a single particle in 1f7/2  shell. Nucleus 40Ca as core closed and Core polarization effects have been used as a corrective with first order correction concept to basic computation of L-S shell and the excitement energy has been implemented with 2ћω. The core polarizability effect has been utilized to incorporate the rejected space (core + higher arrangement) via L-S shell with a realism interaction of effective M3Y P2 interaction to connect the model space particles in motion with the spouse (p-h). The two body M3Y interactions have been utilized as an interaction residue to calculate the core polarizability matrix elements. Finally, the theoretical result of the form factor has been compared with the experimental results.
A Hybrid Optimization-Based Technique for Channel Estimation in OFDM System: A Parametric Approach
Authors: ARORA MAMTA , Chawla Paras
Published: May 2022

The performance of OFDM system depends on the how efficient channel estimation is, which directly impacts its bit error rate (BER). In this research work, the novel technique of pseudo-pilot aided OFDM system is used its channel estimation with least square (LS) and Recursive Least Squares (RLS) approach. In proposed technique, for channel estimation Pseudo-pilot technique is used in OFDM system over AWGN fading channels. A hybridization technique has been implemented to alleviate the error rate in the signals. The hybrid optimization approach is implemented on the estimated output for the optimum solution. The combination of the two optimization techniques is PSO (particle swarm optimization) and MFO (Moth Flame Optimization) method that is used for optimization of the performance rate. To get more optimum solutions (reducing BER) OFDM system is trained with neural network (NN). The performance of the proposed techniques and the weighted scheme are compared and verified using computerized simulation carried out using Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB) software. The hybrid approach is able to achieve low BER of the network. The BER of PSO is 1.004 x 10−7 whereas for hybrid optimization (PSO+MFO) BER is 6.275 x 10−8 at 18 dB SNR. After training of the whole system is done with BPNN which will further reduce the BER while increasing SNR. By using BPNN, BER will further reduce to 1.243 x 10−8 at 18 dB SNR. It means hybrid optimization is done to optimize the performance of the channel and reduce the BERs, which will help to increase the channel estimation process as well as channel capacity and further reduces the losses while transmission from one end to the other end.
The study of structural, optical and electrochromic properties of WO3:Co:Ni thin films deposited by spray pyrolysis
Authors: Dalenjan F. Azimi , Bagheri-Mohagheghi Mohammad
Published: May 2022

In this study, WO3: Ni (0at %, 10at %, 20at %, and 30at %) and WO3: Co20 at%: Ni (0%, 5%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) thin films were deposited on glass substrates by pyrolysis spray technique and then annealed at T = 500°C. For the preparation of thin films, the initial solution of 0.1 M tungsten oxide and the precursors of nickel sulfate and 6-hydrate cobalt chloride were used. After preparing thin films, the effect of the presence of Ni impurities on the structural, morphology, optical and electrochromic properties of WO3: Ni and WO3: Co 20 at% -Ni thin films was studied. The results of the X-ray diffraction showed that the structure of thin films after annealing has a polycrystalline structure with the combined phases of CoWO4, NiWO4, and W17O49 with monoclinic and hexagonal structures. As the amount of Ni impurities increases, the grain size of the WO3: Ni thin films increases and ranges from 8 to 36 nm. Also, for WO3 thin films: Co20 at%: Ni, the CoWO4 and NiWO4 phases have been seen and the grain size was in the range from 35 to 39 nm. The voltametric cycle diagrams of WO3: Ni and WO3: Co20at%:Ni thin films showed that the electrochromic behavior improves with increasing nickel impurity. The morphology of the thin films was studied by field emission electron microscopy (FESEM). Also, the energy band gap of thin films with the addition of nickel and cobalt impurities was calculated using UV-Vis diagrams. The energy gap is decreased for both WO3: Ni and WO3: Co (20%): Ni thin films.
Evaluation of platelet parameters as a marker of preeclampsia: A retrospective case-controlled study
Authors: Mansouri Nasrin , Azizi Ali , erfan Mohamaadbagher Khadem , BahramNikkhoo  , Amiri Amir , Shaveisi-Zadeh Jila , Rostami-Far Zahra
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by proteinuria and gestational hypertension, and is a leading global cause of maternal mortality and perinatal morbidity. This study aims to investigate the diagnostic value of platelet indices, namely platelet count (PC), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), Platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio( PLR), and PC/MPV (PLM) in women with preeclampsia.Methods: Four groups were evaluated: Case group (n=50) including Sever preeclampsia (n=23), mild preeclampsia (n=16), hellp syndrome (n=11) and healthy control group (n=50). Using the same automated blood cell count, platelet parameters were collected. Statistical analysis was conducted by analysis of the variance, t-test, and receiver operational characteristics (ROC) curve. P≤0.05 was considered significant.Results: MPV, PDW, and RDW were significantly lower and HCT, RBC, PC, PLR, and PLM were significantly higher in the case group. Lower PLR was found in mild preeclampsia compare to severe. Conclusion. The AUC for PC, PLR, and PLM were considered as regular. Therefore, we can suggest that the patients with cut-off values of these parameters should be carefully followed for the development of PE
The point-of-care D-dimer test provides a fast and accurate differential diagnosis of Stanford Type A aortic syndrome and ST-elevated myocardial infarction in emergencies
Authors: Xiaoxin Chang , Jianhua Yao , Yawei Xu
Published: May 2022

Background: The research of the sensitivity and specificity point-of-care testing (POCT) of D-dimer as a diagnostic protocol for differential diagnosis of TAAS (hereafter as TAAS) mimicking ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) with regular STEMI in the emergency department is limited.Methods: Full medical information of 32 patients confirmed TAAS and 527 patients confirmed STEMI from January 1st, 2016 to October 1st, 2021 were retrospectively analyzed in Shanghai tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University.Results: The baseline characteristics of two groups of patients were well-balanced post propensity score matching (PSM) analysis, and each group had 32 patients enrolled. Patients in the STEMI group had higher positive cardiac troponin I (cTNI) (0.174ng/mL vs. 0.055ng/mL, P=0.008) results but lower D-dimer (0.365ug/mL vs. 31.50ug/mL, P<0.001) results than the TAAS group. The AUC values were 0.998 (95% CI:0.993-1.000) for the D-dimer, and the D-dimer cutoff value of 2.155ug/mL had the best sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 96.9% in the TAAS group. No significant correlation between the D-dimer concentration and the time from symptom onset to first medical contact in both groups (TAAS group: r=-0.248, P=0.170; STEMI group: r=-0.159, P=0.383). The total in-hospital mortality for the patients with TAAS presenting as STEMI was 62.5% (20/32). The mortality rate for TAAS patients confirmed by CTA was significantly lower (40% vs. 82.4%, P=0.014) than the mortality rate for TAAS patients confirmed by CAG and had a longer average survival time (log-rank=0.015) but less peri-surgical complications, especially gastrointestinal hemorrhage (0.00% vs. 55.6%, P<0.001). CTA diagnosis can reduce the mortality rate by 67.5% (95%CI:0.124-0.850, P=0.16).Conclusions: The POCT D-dimer can exclude TAAS mimicking STEMI from regular STEMI prior to reperfusion therapy.
Assessment of the distribution and ecological risks of heavy metals in coastal sediments of Vietnam’s Mong Cai area
Authors: Loan Bui Thi Thanh , Nhon Dang Hoai , Ve Nguyen Dac , Luu Nguyen Thi Mai , Sieu Le Nhu , Hue Nguyen Thi , Vuong Bui Van , Nghi Duong Thanh , Nam Le Van , Dung Pham Tien , Anh Vo Thi , Anh Ha Lan , Dung Nguyen Thi Kim , Ha Nguyen Manh , Chien Nguyen Van
Published: May 2022

The Mong Cai area is located on the border between Vietnam and China, with the Ka Long River forming a natural border. Coastal sediments were collected and analyzed for grain size, heavy metal content, total organic carbon, and isotopes (210Pb, 226Ra, δ15N, δ13C) to assess sediment quality.Fine sand was common in surface sediment, with abundant very fine sand in core C1; in core C2, very coarse silt and coarse silt were dominant. The sedimentation rate at C1 ranged between 0.08 and 1.62 cm/year while that at C2 ranged between 0.07 and 0.51 cm/year. The total organic carbon was highest in C2 next to the surface and lowest in C1, with content levels of 1.81%, 0.40% and 0.31%, respectively. δ13C in surface sediments ranged from − 27.43 to -17.02‰ and averaged − 24.13‰; δ15N ranged from 3.12 to 6.05‰, with an average of 4.96‰; and δ13C and δ15N in the sediment reflected the source of the organic matter mix from the marine and terrigenous sediments.The sediments’ heavy metal contents were lower than ISQGs, with the exception that As in C1 and C2 was higher than the ISQG. The heavy metal distribution was highly concentrated in the Ka Long estuary with low concentration in Ha Coi Bay. The concentration in C1 showed a decline over time, while the Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Co, Ni, and Mn contents in C2 increased over time between 1996 and 2019. In terms of heavy metal pollution indexes, Igeo showed C1 and C2 to be unpolluted to moderately polluted with As, with Li and Pb in C2; EF was moderately enriched with As; CF was moderately contaminated (Pb, Cd, Fe, Mo, and Li) in C2 and in C1 (Cd, As, Li) and considerably contaminated (As) in C2. ER of As showed a moderate potential ecological risk in C2. CD ranged from moderate degree contamination to considerable degree contamination (C1, C2). RI had low ecological risks.
LINC01638 regulates miR-128/PDK1 to promotes cell proliferation and drug resistance in ovarian cancer
Authors: Ye Ying , Wang Hui
Published: May 2022

This study aims to explore the functional mechanism of LINC01638 in ovarian cancer (OC). The OC cell proliferation, viability and colony formation were respectively measured using CCK-8, MTT and colony formation assay. The cell cycle and apoptosis were both assessed using flow cytometry. Online bioinformatics tools were performed to predict the downstream gene of LINC01638. RNA pull down experiment and luciferase reporter assay were processed to verify the predictions. The expression of LINC01638, miR-128-3p and PDK1 in OC tissues and cells were detected using qRT-PCR and ISH analysis. The expressions of cisplatin-related proteins were determined by western blot. OC mice model was constructed to carry out in vivo experiment. LINC01638 was highly expressed in OC tissues and cells, and its high expression was related to poor OC prognosis. LINC01638 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation and cisplatin resistance, promoted cell apoptosis and induced cell cycle arrest in OC cells. LINC01638 knockdown suppressed tumor growth, proliferation and cisplatin resistance and enhanced apoptosis in vivo. LINC01638 directly targeted miR-128-3p/PDK1 in OC cells. LINC01638 affected OC cell proliferation, survival and cisplatin resistance via combing miR-128-3p and promoting PDK1 expression.