bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A "blood theft" after liver transplantation: the role of interventional radiology in the management and treatment of splenic artery steal syndrome
Authors: Riva Federica , Garanzini Enrico Matteo , Cascella Tommaso , Marchianò Alfonso Vittorio , Spreafico Carlo
Published: August 2022

Splenic artery steal syndrome is a rare complication after liver transplant. It could lead to rapidly evolving major issues such as ischemic cholangiopathy and acute graft failure. Although the pathophysiology is not yet well understood, if diagnosed in time it could be easily managed with interventional radiology treatments. We present a case of a 47-year-old man presented to our institute with radiological findings typical for multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma in a cirrhotic liver. After therapy he underwent transplant. Some days after surgery he developed signs of acute liver failure. Steal syndrome was suspected by laboratory tests and radiology exams. The syndrome was confirmed by angiography and treated. The graft was saved, and the patient is still alive and free of disease. The purpose of this paper is to explain the importance of radiology exams in the diagnosis of splenic steal syndrome, explain its pathogenesis and describe the interventional management of this complication.
Higher Education-Oriented Recommendation Algorithm for Personalized Learning Resource
Authors: Zhang Liang , Zeng Xiao , Lv Ping
Published: August 2022

As smart education is continuously deepened in higher education, personalized learning resource recommendation has developed into a significant research field of smart learning. Although the prediction accuracy has been improved by knowledge tracing models established on the basis of students’ historical learning data, how to design and apply personalized learning recommendation by combining classroom teaching of higher education is a great difficulty.To recommend personalized learning resources meeting the teaching requirements in higher education, the Q-LRDP-D (Learning Resource Difficulty Prediction and Dijkstra based on Q matrix) algorithm was proposed in this study. First, learning resources were modeled in accordance with Q matrix theory. Then, students’ learning difficulty was predicted through the long short-term memory (LSTM) algorithm of a learning resource difficulty prediction module, followed by cyclic prediction through combining the to-be-learned knowledge points as required by teaching units to form a directed path diagram of learning resources. Next, the least learning resources conforming to students’ learning levels were recommended using the shortest path algorithm to complete learning tasks. Lastly, the accuracy and effectiveness of the established model were verified through undergraduate teaching experiments. Results demonstrate that the modeling of learning resources in higher education on the basis of Q matrix theory is applicable to the LSTM algorithm. In comparison with the benchmark algorithm, its precision is obviously improved. With the recommendation algorithm, the average return on learning resources in the experimental class is 6.31, which is considerably higher than that in the control group. This study provides a certain reference for improving students’ learning efficiency through recommendation algorithms in higher education and teaching.
Deep Ensemble Mobile Application for Recommendation of Fertilizer Based on Nutrient Deficiency in Rice Plants Using Transfer Learning Models
Authors: M Sobhana , Vallabhaneni Raga Sindhuja , Vasireddy Tejaswi , Polavarpu Durgesh
Published: August 2022

India is an agricultural country, and farming is the most common occupation among Indians. Rice is a vital crop in the agricultural industry. Productivity has been declining for almost a decade. There are several causes for this, including fragmented land holdings, Indian farmer illiteracy, a lack of decision-making capacity in selecting excellent seeds, manure, and irrigational infrastructure. One of the major reasons for rice crop failure is due to malnutrition. Rice, maybe in particular, lacking in nutrients such as potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Nutrient deficiency detection in crops is necessary to plan further actions to enhance yield. Most studies have relied on the use of transfer learning models for agricultural uses. Ensembling of different transfer learning techniques has the ability to greatly increase the predictive model’s performance. Five transfer learning architectures InceptionV3, Xception, VGG16, Resnet50, and MobileNet are all taken into account, and their different ensemble models are used to perform deficiency detection in rice plants. The mobile application was created as a user-friendly interface to assist farmers. The accurate diagnosis of these nutritional deficiencies and recommendation of fertilizer could aid farmers in providing correct plant intervention.
Cyberloafing in Educational Settings: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Alyahya Suzan , Alqahtani Azizah
Published: August 2022

Integration of information and communication technologies in educational settings offer added learning opportunities to teachers and students. However, these come with the expense of cyberloafing among students and educators in computer-mediated environments. Despite the curiosity it has been arousing, so recent is the concept of cyberloafing, implies that the knowledge accumulated so far is sparse, broad and fragmented. This study aims to systematically review the current challenges in the domain of cyberloafing. The study reviewed twenty-six peer-reviewed scholarly articles to analyse and reveal information on the methods, factors examined, applications, comprehensive results, and limitations. The findings in this study highlight the need to uncover the phenomenon of cyberloafing in teaching and learning environments, and proposes possible recommendations on issues and gaps open to be explored in future studies.
A Systematic Literature Review of Driver Inattention Monitoring Systems for Smart Car
Authors: Soultana Abdelfettah , Benabbou Faouzia , Sael Nawal , Ouahabi Sara
Published: August 2022

In recent years, a significant increase in road accidents worldwide has been observed. This can partly be due to either driver distraction or fatigue. Therefore, a reliable alerting system that can detect the driver's inattention including fatigue, sleep, and distraction is necessarily required to prevent any potential accidents. The aim of this paper is to conduct a systematic review of literature (SLR) on monitoring driver inattention. In particular, the present study deals with different aspects of prior studies such as the sensors used; the types of data, the feature engineering techniques, the machine-learning techniques applied and their performance along with, the dataset used, etc. anotherFour approaches can be depicted from literature according to indicators they are based on: physiological, physical, driver performance and hybrid approach. We will focus on these different approaches in order to answer different questions, starting with the type of indicators used in the case of distraction or fatigue detection, the different datasets employed, the feature extraction techniques and the machine learning models applied. Furthermore, the study examines the practicality and reliability of each of the four approaches, as well as possible future prospects in the area, and highlights new challenges in the field of driver inattention detection with both forms of fatigue and distraction.
Implementation of an Intelligent System for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Venereal Diseases
Authors: Muñoz Villacorta Roberto , Oscco Agüero Carlos , Andrade-Arenas Laberiano
Published: August 2022

Over time, human beings are attacked by different venereal diseases, which cause serious consequences. Not all people know exactly if they suffer from a venereal disease, so they look for possible treatments based on their symptoms in different media, not all of them are reliable. The objective of the research is to implement an expert system, which through a web page, provides a correct diagnosis based on the symptoms registered by the user, as well as a possible treatment for the identified disease. This was achieved based on the knowledge tree that was developed in Python so that when a user completes the symptom record, the expert system continues with the process. All this procedure was carried out using the Common kads methodology. which is related based on knowledge topics. The result was the development of the application, which was validated by different specialists in expert systems, giving a total average of 4 as a response, which was qualified as a high-quality level, on the other hand, the system brings an improvement in the acquisition of information through the web, providing diagnoses and possible treatments, in addition, it provides a facility to people who do not wish to attend a health establishment, as well as to specialists in the health sector, which allows them to provide diagnoses and treatments.
Comparative Study of Multiple CNN Models for Classification of 23 Skin Diseases
Authors: Aboulmira Amina , Hrimech Hamid , Lachgar Mohamed
Published: August 2022

Cutaneous disorders are one of the most common burdens world-wide, that affects 30% to 70% of individuals. Despite its prevalence, skin disease diagnosis is highly difficult due to several influencing visual clues, such as the complexities of skin texture, the location of the lesion, and presence of hair. Over 1500 identified skin disorders, ranging from infectious disorders and benign tumors to severe inflammatory diseases and malignant tumors, that often have a major effect on the quality of life. In this paper, several deep CNN architectures are proposed, exploring the potential of Deep Learning trained on “DermNet” dataset for the diagnosis of 23 type of skin diseases. These architectures are compared in order to choose the most performed one. Our approach shows that DenseNet was the most performed one for the skin disease classification using DermNet Dataset with a Top-1 accuracy of 68.97% and Top-5 accuracy of 89.05%.
DMAV: Enhanced MAV Link Protocol Using Dynamic DNA Coding for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Emad Kassim Ghada , Hassan Hashem Soukaena
Published: August 2022

In the modern era, new and innovative ways of securing data and communications are continuously developing. One such recent development is using the concept of DNA as a means of data encryption. In this work, we propose a new approach to encrypt data and communications on the MAVLink protocol for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) using a lightweight GIFT algorithm and dynamic DNA coding (with binary bits). MAVLink is a communication protocol for UAVs, which is currently unencrypted and can easily be intercepted by anyone. As such, a secure MAVLink protocol has long been needed in the UAV industry. We describe a novel secure communication protocol for UAVs using dynamic DNA coding to encrypt MAVLink packets, which we call DMAV. Experimental results show that this novel means of securing the MAVLink protocol performs better than the traditional method (i.e., using public and private key cryptography). Therefore, the proposed approach could potentially change the way secure communications are conducted between UAVs in the future.
André Gide & Henri de Régnier
Authors: Gide André , Régnier Henri de
Published: August 2022

Voici enfin publiée intégralement – les seules lettres de Régnier l’avaient été il y a vingt-cinq ans – l’importante correspondance d’André Gide avec celui qui fut d’abord pour lui un poète admiré (son aîné de cinq ans) et un ami très proche avec lequel il fit son premier vrai voyage (à travers la Bretagne, en 1892). Pendant plus de dix ans, leurs lettres font revivre toute cette fin-de-siècle littéraire riche et bouillonnante de productions originales. Pierre Louÿs et le milieu Heredia (Régnier et Louÿs furent les gendres du poète des Trophées), Paul Valéry, Froncis Jammes... sont parmi les acteurs de cette chronique. Mais Gide, en 1900, eut le bon goût de ne guère aimer le roman un peu trop « polisson » de Régnier, La Double Maîtresse : blessé, le susceptible auteur ne devait jamais lui pardonner cette critique, et se déroba toujours à une réconciliation, que Gide souhaitait pourtant. Leurs relations s’espacèrent, dans une progressive glaciation ; un dernier échange épistolaire en 1911 ne fut suivi, de la part de Régnier, que par des témoignages d’hostilité rancunière vis-à-vis de son ancien ami, devenu à ses yeux « un médiocre prosateur à la médiocrité prétentieuse »,— Gide demeurant, lui, fidèle à son admiration de jeunesse et faisant une belle place aux vers de Régnier dans son Anthologie de la poésie française de la Pléiade.
André Gide & André Ruyters 1
Authors: Gide André , Ruyters André
Published: August 2022

Voici, jusqu’ici entièrement inédite, une des correspondances les plus importantes d’André Gide, tant par le nombre des lettres échangées (près de 600, sur plus d’un demi-siècle) que par la diversité des intérêts qui lièrent l’auteur des Nourritures terrestres, dès 1895, avec André Ruyters, écrivain belge précoce (il a alors dix-neuf ans) et original, qui sera avec lui l’un des six “pères fondateurs” de La Nouvelle Revue Française (dont il fut le gérant jusqu’à la guerre de 1914).Cette correspondance fera sortir de l’ombre où elle était restée la figure, singulière et attachante, d’un des plus proches amis de Gide, dont tous les lecteurs de celui-ci connaissaient le nom, mais en ignorant tout (il est à peine mentionné dans les biographies de l’écrivain) de celui qui fut le dédicataire d’Isabelle. On verra vivre ici une amitié, d’abord tendre et passionnée, puis orageuse et subissant de violentes ruptures, mais perdurant jusqu’à la mort de Gide. Outre son intérêt documentaire et biographique, cet ensemble de lettres, où chacun lit, explique et commente les œuvres de l’autre, est surtout précieux d’un point de vue purement littéraire : sur les Nourritures de Gide, sur Le Mauvais-Riche de Ruyters, sur l’art de la traduction (à propos du Typhon de Conrad traduit par Gide), sur de multiples questions de grammaire et de morale..., on découvrira ici nombre de lettres passionnantes, dont la lecture est indispensable pour la connaissance de Gide et de l’histoire littéraire de son temps.L’édition de cette correspondance est due à la collaboration de Claude Martin, auteur de nombreux ouvrages sur Gide (en particulier sur sa correspondance), et d’un des meilleurs connaisseurs de la littérature belge de l’époque, Victor Martin-Schmets, éditeur des Oeuvres complètes d’André Ruyters ; Pierre Masson, auteur d’une étude publiée naguère aux PUL (André Gide, voyage et écriture, 1983) s’est joint à eux pour la présentation de ce monument épistolaire.
André Gide & Eugène Rouart 2
Authors: Gide André , Rouart Eugène
Published: August 2022

On ne peut tout à fait comprendre l’œuvre et la vie d’André Gide sans y marquer la place essentielle tenue par son amitié avec Eugène Rouart. De 1893 à 1936, les liens entre les deux hommes, souvent tendus, parfois distants, restèrent affectueux, malgré les événements et les idées qui ont pu les troubler. Leur Correspondance, une des plus importantes et des plus révélatrices parmi celles que Gide entretint avec les plus notables de ses contemporains, aborde des domaines très divers : la littérature, bien sûr, mais également les beaux-arts, la sexualité, la politique, l’industrie et le commerce, les affaires, l’agriculture...Élevé dans un milieu de peintres, de musiciens, d’hommes politiques, d’industriels, Rouart offrait à Gide de nombreuses ouvertures dans le monde culturel de son époque. L’homosexualité rapprocha les deux amis. C’est dans ses lettres à Rouart que Gide conçut le projet d’écrire Corydon. Dédicataire de Paludes, Rouart écrivit un roman, La Villa sans maître, qui inspira L’Immoraliste où les chapitres sur l’activité agricole en particulier portent l’empreinte de cet homme dont Gide dira que sa vie était « la plus compliquée, la plus foisonnante et la plus dramatique » qu’il ait pu voir.Antidreyfusard fougueux en 1898, Rouart devint quelques années plus tard un pilier de la IIIe République - maire, conseiller général, chef de cabinet d’un ministre important, enfin sénateur. Captivé par le caractère hors norme de son ami, Gide se laissa entraîner par lui dans diverses entreprises commerciales que la publication de ces lettres éclaire pour la première fois. Elles fournissent aussi des précisions inédites sur la crise que le ménage Gide traversa en 1916-1918 et d’où naquit La Symphonie pastorale. L’intensité avec laquelle Rouart poursuivait ses ambitions, écartelé entre sa vie publique et ses désirs intimes, trouvait en Gide, constamment à l’affût d’expériences psychologiques hors du commun, un observateur attentif, toujours prompt à mettre à profit les aventures d’autrui : c’est ainsi que Rouart, au sommet de sa carrière, membre de l’Académie d’Agriculture et sénateur de la Haute-Garonne, sera le modèle du Robert de L’Ecole des femmes.
The Intelligent Detection Method of Electric Energy Meter Overload Operating and Collaborative Edge Computing for Social Internet of Things Systems
Authors: Yuan Ruiming , Zheng Sida , Liu Yan , Pang Fukuan , Yang Xiaokun
Published: August 2022

This study describes a line cloud architecture and IDM-based energy metering system to replace existing meter reading methods. They can regularly monitor meter readings without sending someone to each residence, and the bill is automatically sent to each user via IDM. If the consumer fails to pay the bill, the service provider can cut off the supply; this technology will prevent the illicit use of electricity, often known as power detection, and locate line faults rapidly and precisely without the need for human intervention. Because of the increased deployment of energy meters, much data on electric energy is used. Developing cloud architecture technologies could utilize this data better to prevent power detection. In this paper, an intelligent detection method of electric energy meter overload functioning state based on cloud architecture (IDM EEMOF-CA) is provided in detail and utilized to identify electric energy detection. There are currently no studies involving the use of IDM EEM-CA to detect power exposure to the authors' knowledge.
Fabrication and Mechanical Property Evaluation of Peripheral Stent Made from Shape Memory Alloys
Authors: Sakboriboon Supasun , Yingchoncharoen Teerapat , Pornwaragorn Chaowanun , Khantachawana Anak
Published: August 2022

This study proposes to design and fabricate the peripheral stent using NiTi shape memory alloy wires by braiding technique. The 0.2 mm diameter NiTi wire was attached to the automatic braiding machine and fabricated the braided stent under the different height of circular rod holder. Heat-treatment was carried out at 450°C, 500°C, 550°C and 600°C for 10 and 20 minutes, respectively. Then transformation temperature, the shape of cell area, and mechanical properties were evaluated. The results show that complete superelasticity can be confirmed under body temperature in stent prototypes with heat-treatment temperature over 500°C irrespective of heat-treatment time. The prototype with the height of circular mold of 70 mm shown a good braiding pattern with high kink resistance. The radial force shown no significant difference at any section along the length profile. It is noted that stent with the height of circular mold at 70 mm, carrier speed of 30 rad/sec and take-up speed of 4.86 mm/s which shown radial resistive force (ROF) of 2.44 ± 0.05 N/mm, and chronic outward force (COF) of 0.533 ± 0.03 N/mm which is sufficient for vessel expansion.
Design of Concrete Columns by prEN1992-1-1/2021
Authors: Fillo Ľudovít , Benko Vladimír
Published: August 2022

Design of concrete columns subjected to axial force and uniaxial bending moment from the point of view of prepared prEN1992-1-1/2021. A comparison by interaction diagrams for concrete strength classes C30/37 and C90/105 for symmetrically and asymmetrically reinforced cross-section and for symmetrical cross-sections only to one axis, respectively.
Rapid Electrochromic Electrode Prepared with Composite Nanorods Using a Two-Stage Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Yang Su Hua , Yang Jia Hua , Chen Zhi Young , Ho Chih Chieh
Published: August 2022

A two-stage hydrothermal method was used to prepare rapid-switching electrochromic WO3/ZnO composite electrodes. The morphology of the nanorods was altered by changing the precursor concentration. A higher precursor concentration inhibited the growth of crystals and declined the crystallinity of nanorods. Nanorods with a diameter of 48 nm, height of 92.5 nm, and transmittance greater than 80% were grown when the precursor concentration in the second step was 1.5 times that in the first step. The electrochromic electrode demonstrated rapid coloring and bleaching speeds (5 and 0.8 s, respectively), which were faster than those of the electrode prepared using the one-stage process.
Synthesis of Sodium Citrate-Capped Gold Nanoparticles and its Application for Creatinine Detection in Urine Sample by Colorimetric Analysis Based on the Red-Green-Blue (RGB) Digital Image
Authors: Findari Heppy , Mudasir Mudasir , Santosa Sri Juari
Published: August 2022

AuNPs have been synthesized with reducing agents and sodium citrate covering agents using the colorimetric method. The formation of sodium citrate-covered AuNPs was confirmed using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The optimization of creatinine concentration of 10 mM was indicated by shifting the absorption peak from 530 to 700 nm. The results of this optimization were then used to standardize the detection of creatinine in urine samples using a validation test method. The TEM results showed that the AuNPs were dispersed at relatively large distances. The size of the AuNPs was 30.67 nm and creatinine was 19.96 nm. This is because no substance had aggregate NPS, therefore, the particles are still scattered. Testing the quantitative value of Red-Green-Blue (RGB) digital images involved a mobile phone camera. The resulting images were stored in a memory card and then transferred to a laptop/computer. The data were processed using ImageJ software. The linear correlation and selectivity of the quantitative values ​​of Red-Green-Blue (RGB) from the RGB method were compared with the results of colorimetric detection using the UV-Vis spectrophotometric method. The data were used to determine the amount of creatinine concentration. The results exhibited that sodium citrate had the ability as a reducing agent and a covering agent in the synthesis of AuNPs for the determination of creatinine. The RGB digital image method had good sensitivity to creatinine with LoD of 0.068 mM dan LoQ of 0.228 mM, which was smaller than the UV-Vis spectrophotometric method where LoD was 0.225 mM and LoQ was 0.751 mM. The validation method results showed that AuNPs can be used as a creatinine sensor. This method used a colorimetric sensor of the Red-Green-Blue (RGB) component in urine samples and was translated with ImageJ software.
Citric Acid Method Optimization for Pectin Extraction from Unripe ‘Saba’ Banana (Musa acuminata X Musa balbisiana BBB) Peels
Authors: Alcantara Grace Anne P. , Gaban Prince Joseph V. , Rivadeneira Joel Padilla , Castillo-Israel Katherine Ann T.
Published: August 2022

The utilization of ‘Saba’ banana peels from processing wastes has shown potential as sources of pectin, which is widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. An optimized citric acid extraction of pectin from mature unripe 'Saba' banana peel wastes was developed using a three-factor Box-Behnken design considering the effects of extraction temperature (75-90°C), extraction time (1-5 hours), and agitated precipitation time (30-180 minutes) on the crude pectin yield. Results showed that the generated model is significant and that the extraction temperature and time significantly affected pectin yield and its equivalent weight. An increase in extraction temperature (up to 90°C) accompanied by prolonged extraction time can increase extraction yield. Optimum extraction conditions of 85°C for 5 h, with precipitation for 30 min resulted in the highest crude pectin yield (32.89% dry basis) in the experiment. The extracted pectin showed higher ash content (3.63%) and lower equivalent weight (513.05), methoxyl content (4.88%), moisture content (10.15%), and anhydrouronic acid (44.43%), than that of commercially available citrus pectin while degree of esterification did not vary.
Ballistic Testing Simulation of Ultra-High Strength Steel Water Layer Sandwich Structure
Authors: Ebo-Quansah Ignatius , Hassanin Ahmed H. , Adachi Tadaharu , Hassan Mohsen A.
Published: August 2022

In designing materials to resist impact and penetrations, numerical simulation offers effective means to ascertain impact mechanism close to practical experimental procedures. This work presents penetration characteristics of water as an inter-layer between ultra-high strength steel sandwich structure. Residual velocities for both monolithic and sandwiched structures have been investigated. In the case of the monolithic structure, good agreement was found between experimental and simulation results in reducing projectile initial velocity of 854 m/s to obtained residual velocities of 487 m/s and 460 m/s respectively. Energy dissipation capability of water as an interlayer has also been investigated. Water, proving very effective in decreasing projectile velocity of 390 m/s to zero in a 2 mm steel-2 mm water – 2 mm steel sandwich system. Numerical simulation has been carried out using Ansys Explicit / Autodyn – a commercial software based on finite element method which is very effective in solving non-linear problems. Lagrange elements were used in the discretization of both the water and steel media.
Cytotoxicity Evaluation on Clean Grade Silicone Reinforced with Nanosilica Filler as an Alternative Maxillofacial Prosthesis
Authors: Atsari Farisah , Damayanti Lisda , Adenan Aprilia , Takarini Veni
Published: August 2022

Maxillofacial prosthesis is a non-invasive procedure to replace damaged or lost facial tissue structures. Extraoral maxillofacial prosthesis to resemble facial skin tissue is made of silicone. The addition of fillers and pigments to silicone has been done to improve its physical and mechanical properties while maintaining its biocompatibility. This study aims to evaluate the cytotoxicity of nano silica filler and intrinsic pigment additives in clean grade silicone as an alternative material for maxillofacial prosthesis. Thirty clean grade silicone samples were divided into 6 treatment groups: 1 group of silicone without any additives and 5 groups of silicone with addition of intrinsic pigment and nano silica filler with concentration of 0%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 6%. Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assay against 3T3L1 fibroblasts. The average absorbance value for all treatment groups was 0,941-1,105, which was lower than the control group. The post hoc test showed that only the 6% of nano silica and intrinsic pigment additive group did not differ from the control group. The addition of silica nano filler and intrinsic pigment to silicone did not cause toxicity to 3T3L1 cells. The cytotoxicity of nano silica is determined by its particle size and concentration. The use of intrinsic pigments produces compounds that are less reactive to genetic material. In conclusion, the addition of nano silica filler and intrinsic pigment to clean grade silicone as an alternative maxillofacial prosthesis is nontoxic. The addition of 6% nano silica filler and intrinsic pigment to clean grade silicone showed the best cell viability.
Studies on Antifouling Characteristic of the Magnetic Field Induced-PES-Fe3O4 Membrane for Water Remediation
Authors: Tan Nee Nee , Ng Qi Hwa , Siti Kartini Enche Ab Rahim , Heah Chin Wei , Chew Thiam Leng , Yong Hoo Peng , Sigit Tri Wicaksono
Published: August 2022

In this study Fe3O4-polyethersulfone (PES) membranes were prepared in the present of a magnetic field or without a magnetic field by using the phase inversion process. A comparison of membrane properties was investigated. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) were used to determine the morphology and chemical composition of the prepared membranes. Furthermore, the fouling analysis of the non-magnetized and magnetized Fe3O4-PES membranes were also conducted through the filtration study. The pure water flux of membranes increased from 158.49±11.96 L/m2·hr (neat PES) to 187.06±6.54 L/m2·hr (magnetized Fe3O4-PES). These results showed that the magnetized Fe3O4-PES membrane not only had the high pure water flux but also had a high humic acid (HA) rejection and good antifouling ability. As such, magnetized Fe3O4-PES membrane had excellent comprehensive properties which could use for water remediation.
Analysis and Optimization of the Properties of High-Strength Austenitic Steels by Approximation of a Primary Database
Authors: Tontchev Nikolay T. , Yankov Emil H. , Gaydarov Valentin , Hristov Nikolay
Published: August 2022

The study recommends an approach for adequate prediction of the properties of high-strength austenitic steels with variation of the elements C, Si, Mn, Cr and Al by approximation with polynomials and second-order regression models. According to pre-set requirements, analysis and multicriteria optimization are performed, on the basis of which compositions are obtained, outside the database used for approximation. The models obtained in the research can be used to simulate and optimize the alloying components of steels, which improve the quality in terms of properties while considering the cost in terms of the amount of the alloying element. Compositions with simultaneously high (over 68%) values of strength and plastic properties from the maximal ones have been determined. The compositions were obtained through the author's approach to analysis and multicriteria optimization – DEFMOT1. 1 * DEFMOT computational approach for single-criteria and multi-criteria optimization, working on the principle of “determination by motion”.
Wax Appearance Temperature Prediction with Wax Inhibitor of Crude Oil from the North of Thailand
Authors: Maneeintr Kreangkrai , Kanokkaew Chanwut , Prasongporn Nathakrit
Published: August 2022

Waxy crude oil is one of the crucial problems for the flow in the pipeline of crude oil. One critical characteristic used in determining a point where wax started to form is wax appearance temperature (WAT). However, the WAT cannot be easily determined. Therefore, it is convenient if the WAT could be predicted beforehand. This study mainly focuses on the determination of WAT and modification of existing equations, Ronningsen equation and Al-Roomi equation, to predict WAT. To achieve the objective, the nonlinear regression analysis has been used to modify the equations. The parameters in the equations are changed to match with the parameters from the actual laboratory experiment, which are the concentration of inhibitors, shear rates, and temperatures. The WATs obtaining from modified equations are used to compare with the WATs of waxy crude oil from experiment. For WAT prediction by modified equations, the results show the acceptable compatibility in the case of the modified Ronningsen equation. However, modified Al-Roomi equation is not suitable to predict WAT of waxy crude oil. The modified Ronningsen equation is suitable to use when there is sufficient concentration of inhibitors added to the crude oil. Also, the results show that 0.22 to 3.84 percent error has been obtained.
Titanium-Decorated Planar Aluminene for Hydrogen Storage Using Density Functional Theory
Authors: Pedrosa Gian Ross , Villagracia Al Rey , Emralino Francis , Ong Hui Lin
Published: August 2022

As green technology becomes a greater focus in our society, alternative energy like hydrogen fuel begins to have significance. Current technology has allowed the use of hydrogen as a fuel in fuel cells. However, a more efficient and safer means of storage would make hydrogen fuel more practical. Investigations on two-dimensional systems have already shown them to be potentially viable hydrogen storage devices. This study investigated one such 2-D system, a planar hexagonal aluminene decorated with titanium using density functional theory. Three possible adsorption sites for Ti atoms were chosen on aluminene: top, bridge, and hollow. This study showed that the Ti atom can be adsorbed at distances of 2.25 Å, 1.99 Å, and 0.00295 Å with binding energies of-2.356 eV, -4.219 eV, and-6.084 eV at the top, bridge, and hollow site, respectively. The density of states showed the Ti-decorated aluminene to be non-magnetic when the Ti atom was adsorbed at the top and bridge sites while adsorption at the hollow site resulted in a magnetic material. The charge density difference also showed chemisorption between the Ti and Al atoms which was consistent with the binding energies and the density of states. The hydrogen molecule was adsorbed on to the decoration at the top and hollow sites with binding energies of-1.41 eV and-0.494 eV, respectively. The H2 molecule dissociated at the top site with a dissociation barrier of 0.0266 eV and an imaginary frequency of 976.99 cm-1 in the vibrational spectrum. The results of the study showed that Ti-decorated aluminene can be a potential hydrogen storage material.
Geometrical Parameters Optimization of Malaysia Rubber Wood through Honeycomb Structure as Composite Sandwich Core
Authors: Jennise Teng Teng Tan , Yuhazri M.Yaakob , Kamarul Amir Mohamed , Azreen Mohd Zainudin
Published: August 2022

Rubber wood has multiple functions especially in the furniture industry and other wood products such as plywood whereas the sawdust is further processed to become medium density fiberboard or wood plastic composites. These composites are useful yet are unable to become the structural components where mechanical performance is critical. An investigation was carried out to find out the mechanical properties of rubber wood honeycomb core in the fiber reinforced composites with glass fiber as its facesheet and epoxy as its matrix. Cell diameter fabricated at 7 mm with increasing cell wall thicknesses ranging from 1 mm to 3 mm respectively. In the flatwise tensile test, the results showed that the interfacial bonding strength increased by 21.6% with increasing wall thickness. As higher density increased and minimum strength improvement, the specific strength will be reduced. Meanwhile, wall thickness of 3 mm is only 1% away from the sandwich composite with solid rubber wood which has the most similar bonding strength as in climbing drum peel test with lower density.
Bacillus cereus in the neutropenic patient: case report in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome and review of the literature
Authors: Markouli Mariam , Chatzidavid Sevastianos , Vlachopoulou Dimitra , Giannakopoulou Nefeli , Anastasopoulou Amalia , Viniou Nora-Athina , Diamantopoulos Panagiotis
Published: August 2022

Bacillus cereus is a Gram-positive rod that can cause food intoxication, localized infection, or bacteremia with potential organ involvement (e.g., meningitis, cerebral and liver abscesses, pneumonia, etc.). Patients with neutropenia and/or hematological diseases are at greater risk for invasive B. cereus infections.
A randomized comparative study of fractional carbon dioxide laser-assisted drug delivery with amorolfine versus amorolfine alone for the treatment of onychomycosis
Authors: Sharma Prateek , Khunger Niti
Published: August 2022

Objective

The study was done to compare the clinical efficacy rate, patient satisfaction, and side effects of fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser-assisted topical therapy with amorolfine versus amorolfine alone for the treatment of onychomycosis.

Patients and methods

In all, 100 patients were recruited for the study and were divided based on the lottery system into two groups. Group 1 (50 patients) received a combination of fractional CO2 laser and topical amorolfine (5%) and group 2 (n=50) received 5% amorolfine alone.

The overall treatment efficacy was determined using clinical examination, onychoscopic pattern, and mycological clearance by comparing the infected area at baseline and 12 weeks after last treatment.

Results

Compared with group 2, clinical efficacy rate was significantly more in group 1 (22 vs. 0%, P<0.0001). Patient satisfaction rate was also higher in group 1 (64 vs. 6%, P<0.0001). Among the side-effects, mild pain was noted in group 1 with none in group 2 patients.

Conclusion

Fractional CO2 laser-assisted delivery of topical amorolfine (5%) therapy of onychomycosis showed a better clinical response than topical amorolfine (5%) alone. Fractional CO2 lasers may be explored further for use by standardizing the parameters and number of sessions to achieve better cure rates and thereby can replace systemic treatment.
A Comparative Analysis of the various Power Allocation Algorithm in NOMA-MIMO Network Using DNN and DLS Algorithm
Authors: Mancharla Ravi , Bulo Yaka
Published: August 2022

The high data rate, huge spectrum efficiency, successive interference cancellation (SIC), and ultra-reliable low latency (URLL) are of the demand for next-generation technologies. Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) scheme provides multi-user scaling (multiplexing), optimum spectral efficiency (SE), excellent user-pairing improvement, and a single resource block sharing by multiple users because of which it is a more preferable scheme over orthogonal multiple access (OMA) for the next generation technologies. This article investigates comparative analysis of various power allocation algorithms in multiple-input multiple-output-NOMA (MIMO-NOMA) technology and to come up with the best power allocation algorithm which suited best for MIMO-NOMA technology. Firstly, comparison analysis will be carried out considering direct methodologies followed by power allocation algorithm using Deep Neural Network (DNN) along with the Depth limited search (DLS) algorithm. These techniques are tested on two users initially then followed by multi-user communication. Allocating optimal power to the poor signal strength user terminal (user not receiving appropriate signal power) is a difficult task in actual scenario, and moreover, SIC also creates complexity in the proper allocation of Base station (BS) source power. The above problems can be solved with the assistance of the DNN along with the DLS algorithm, where the weaker user receives maximum power and the stronger user receives minimum power. The DNN-MIMO-NOMA technology, which is based on the DLS algorithm, helps user terminals to get their signals free from noise (inter_user_interference) and with greater precision. The DLS process (algorithm) offers higher potential in MIMO-NOMA with DNN technology for successfully applying SIC. Here, MIMO helps to improve the channel gain. A DLS provides an optimum power allocation (OPA) based on the position of user equipment. The simulation results show that the power allocation method using DNN along with DLS algorithm achieves better performance than the traditional multi-user.
One step protocol and green synthesis of 2-N,N-dimethylamino-3-alkyl(aryl)-2-oxido-1- hydro-2-benzo[1,3,2]diazaphosphinine-4-one derivatives
Authors: Hadj Amor A. Ben , Abderrahim R.
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT. 2-N,N-dimethylamino-2-oxido-3-alkyl(aryl)-1-hydro-2-benzo[1,3,2]diazaphosphinin-4-one (2) derivatives  are synthesized by one pot reaction by reacting equimolar quantities of anthranilic acid, primary amine, and N,N-dimethylphosphoramic dichloride under reflux of ethanol with good yields. The structure of the compounds were established on the basis of their infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance spectral data (1H NMR, 13C NMR and 31P NMR), mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis.

 

KEY WORDS: Anthranilic acid, N,N-Dimethylphosphoramic dichloride, Diazaphosphinine

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2022, 36(4), 859-864.                                                            

 

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v36i4.11
Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of essential oils from various parts of Gladiolus candidus, Ranunculus multifidus, Artemisia abyssinica and Crinum abyscinicum
Authors: Tesfay Dawit , Endale Milkyas , Getaneh Emebet , Abdisa Eticha , Guta Leta , Melaku Yadessa
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT. The essential oil compositions of Gladiolus candidus, Ranunculus multifidus, Artemisia abyssinica and Crinum abyscinicum were analyzed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The principal components in the leaves, stems and rhizomes of G. candidus were eudesmol, 1-naphthalenepropanol and oleic acid, respectively. α-Terpineol, alloocimene  and p-menth-2-en-1-ol from leaves, bulbs and roots were respectively the major constituents of C. abyscinicum. The aerial part of R. multifidus furnished p-mentha-2,8-dien-1-ol. Linalool and terpinenol were identified as the major constituents of A. abyssinica. The essential oils were evaluated for their antibacterial activity. Essential oil from leaves of G. candidus displayed zone of inhibition (IZ) of 15.1±0.3 and 16.7±0.9 mm against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. Leaves essential oil of C. abyscinicum exhibited IZ of 17.9±1.1 and 15.6±1.1 mm against E. coli and P. aeruginosa, respectively, whereas essential oil from aerial part of R. multifidus displayed IZ of 18.8±0.8 and 19.4±0.6 mm against S. aureus and S. pyogens, respectively. At the same concentration, ceftriaxone showed IZ of 15.1±0.1, 16.2±0.8, 14.3±0.9 and 16.1±2.5mm against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and S. pyogens, respectively. The findings presented herein support the ethnobotanical uses of these plants against bacteria.  

 

KEY WORDS: G. candidus, R. multifidus, A. abyssinica, C. abyscinicum, Antibacterial activity, Essential oil

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2022, 36(4), 865-878.                                                             

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v36i4.12
Optimization of NaCl based spray corrosion test process parameters of heat treated hybrid metal matrix composites
Authors: Rajkumar S. , Loganathan M. , Venkatesh R.
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT. Aluminium hybrid metal matrix composites (AHMMCs) have widely employed in aerospace, transportation, and automotive applications since for their excellent mechanical qualities and high corrosion resistance. In this research, Al8079 is selected as a matrix material. The titanium diboride (TiB2) is selected as hard reinforcement and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is used as soft reinforcement. The Al8079/15 wt.% TiB2/x wt.% MoS2 (x = 0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5) HMMCs are fabricated by using stir casting. The composites are heat treated under T6 condition. The density and micro hardness tests are conducted. The optimization on NaCl based spray corrosion test process parameters is done using grey relational analysis (GRA). The selected input process parameters are Al8079/15 wt.% TiB2/wt.% MoS2 (x = 0, 2.5 and 5), pH value of NaCl solution (x = 6, 9 and 12), hang time (x = 24, 48, and 72 h) and pressure (x = 0.7, 0.9 and 1.1 kg/cm2). The selected response parameters are micro hardness, mass loss and wear loss. The L9 Taguchi design is used for optimization. The wear test is conducted at the constant speed of 0.5 m/s, loading rate of 20 N and the sliding distance of 1000 m. The percentage of improvement of GRG from initial setting to experimental is 10.4%.

 

KEY WORDS: Reinforcement, Stir casting, Optimization, GRA, NaCl

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2022, 36(4), 903-914.                                                        

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v36i4.15
A comprehensive study on the cattle production situation owned by refugees and hosting communities in the Gambella region, southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Megenas Jemberu Alemu , Taera Misganu Amanuel
Published: August 2022

This study was designed to assess the state of cattle production and the contributions that cattle production makes to enhance the livelihoods, food security, and nutrition of refugees and the host community in the Gambella region in southwest Ethiopia. Two hundred fifty-five cattle owners were purposefully chosen for the study, and information was gathered through questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. The average number of animals per household (sd; +0.002 range: 1 to 490) was 32.37. The study observed a total of 8,258 cattle of which 8,146 belonged to the Nuer breed and 112 to the Felata breed. The reason for maintaining cattle varies statistically across the host community, re-settlers, and refugee communities (x2=50.358; p-value =0.000). According to the current study, 92.5% (236/255) of cattle owners used a free-grazing system, and the mean daily milk yield per cow during the dry and rainy seasons, respectively, was 1.35L and 2.09L. All respondents (100%) agree that there exist cattle diseases in the research area, and 79.6% of cattle owners employed traditional medicine to prevent and treat cattle diseases. Some of the potentials for cattle production in the study areas were cultural value, the existence of disease-tolerant breeds, the availability of manpower, and local expertise. Therefore, it is highly advised that a thorough analysis of the various agro-ecologies in the area be necessary to understand the reproductive and productive performance of cattle.
SSR-Based Genetic Structure Study of Seventy-Eight Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) Genotypes
Authors: Asante I. K. , Zoryeku P. A. D. , Blay I. K. , Ajara Seidu E. , Oppong F.
Published: August 2022

Seventy-eight cowpea accessions were studied using short sequence repeats (SSR) technique. Genetic structure of these accessions was studied using three SSR polymorphic primers, SSR-6206, SSR-6218 and SSR-6219. A total of eight loci were scored for the three primers with a total of ten alleles. Bayesian clustering method grouped the cowpea genotypes into 4 sub-populations. Ancestral allele frequencies ranged between 0.128 and 0.802, while allele frequencies within sub-populations ranged from 0.001 and 0.997. Allele frequency divergence among sub-populations ranged from 0.145 to 0.406. Expected heterozygosity between individuals in the same sub-population ranged from 0.084 and 0.26, Mean genetic differentiation among sub-populations ranged from 0.374 and 0.687, with a mean geneflow ranging from 0.228 and 0.837. There was relative uniformity within the sub-populations which can be accounted for by independent random genetic drift.
Comparative performance and analysis of indigenous pig production systems in Cameroon: constraints and socio-economic characterization in three agro-ecological zones
Authors: Ghomsi Olivia Sandra Magne , Mveng Paddy Daniel Wuld , Nchinda Valentine Petentsebenkwange , Etchu Kingsley Agbor , Bilong Bilong Charles Felix , Moundipa Paul Fewou
Published: August 2022

A socio-economic characterization of the indigenous pig farming systems, performance analysis, and constraints were carried out in three agro-ecological areas of Cameroon such as Sudano-Sahelian (SSA), Western highland (WHA) and Humid forest with bimodal rainfall Areas (HBA). A questionnaire was administered to 157 farmers. The data were analyzed using the descriptive statistics procedure. The results showed that pig farming was mainly practised by men over forty year old (79.1%), with a low level of technical supervision and having reached the level of primary education (44.6%). The production systems in HBA and SSA are mostly extensive whereas in WHA these systems were mostly semi-intensive. The piggeries were made with wooden pens (61.1%). The farms were more prone to feed shortages in the SSA and WHA. The animals were mostly fed once (45.8%) or twice (38.9%) a day. Animals were largely unvaccinated (40.8%) and not dewormed (59.9%). The SSA farming system was the least efficient in terms of gross added value per sow per year (GVA /sow/year = 398 USD) while the WHA and HBA (GVA/ sow/year in the WHA = 1305 USD and GVA /sow/year in the HBA= 1210 USD). This characterization is important for future improvements in livestock management, especially with the indigenous pig farming system in Cameroon.