bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WILL PHYSICAL DISTANCING BE THE NEW PERCEIVED WAY OF LIFE IN THE POST-COVID-19 PANDEMIC ERA?
Authors: Khan Soban Qadir , Moheet Imran Alam , Farooqi Faraz Ahmed , Khan Nazeer , Wahab Sara , Haider Iqbal , Al-Shayea Noorah , Ali Saqib
Published: March 2023

Objective: The current study was conducted to determine whether people will keep practicing physical distancing behavior as part of their daily lives after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Materials and Methods: A structured questionnaire was prepared online using "QuestionPro" software for surveys, and the study was conducted electronically. The questionnaire for the study had two components, the first was related to the participant's demographics, and the other was about physical distancing questions. There were 16 questions in total.
Results: Women were more fearful/careful and would want to limit socializing than men. The religious aspect is one primary reason people will be willing to avoid physical distancing. Physical distancing was more acceptable to people with higher education levels. This physical distancing trend might affect the public transportation and tourism industry.
Conclusion: This study showed that the female gender and population with higher education are willing to follow better adherence to SOPs of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Keywords: Post-pandemic, physical distancing, lifestyle, behavior, Pakistan
AN EMERGING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CIRCULATING ESTRADIOL AND THYROID AUTOIMMUNITY IN POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME
Authors: Rehman Anam , Altaf Benash , Zahid Hira , Tariq Saba , Jawed Shireen , Tariq Sundus
Published: March 2023

Objectives: To find an association between circulating oestradiol and thyroid autoimmunity in females with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and its impact on their health.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at Aziz Fatimah Medical and Dental College, after obtaining ethical approval from Institutional Ethical Committee (letter No. DME/568-19) from April to September 2017. Hundred PCOS females enrolled in the age range 17-35 years were taken who fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria. Blood samples were drawn and stored at Aziz Fatima Hospital, Faisalabad. All blood samples were analyzed for the levels of Oestradiol, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free tetra-iodothyronine (FT4), and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab). The data was analyzed using SPSS 23.
Results: Of the total population, TPO-Ab was positive in 26% of study participants. It was observed that 64% and 40% of TPO-Ab positive subjects were in the oestradiol quartiles E3 and E4 respectively and none of them were found to be in E1 and E2 quartiles. We have found a significant association of the E2 with TSH, FT4, and TPO-Ab, however, no significant correlation was found between TSH and TPO-Ab. Beta coefficient (?) of 1.006 shows that higher E2 was significantly related to higher TPO-Ab titer with p-value = 0.002. Similarly, a significant but weak positive association was found between E2 and TSH. E2 was significantly negatively associated with FT4.
Conclusion: Oestradiol is positively associated with TPO antibodies and TSH and negatively associated with FT4 in PCOS patients. Our findings suggest that thyroid autoimmunity is commonly found in PCOS females.
 
Keywords: Oestradiol, Polycystic ovarian syndrome, Thyroid peroxidase antibody
Sistem Informasi Pengolahan Data Kepariwisataan Dinas Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata Kabupaten Bintan Berbasis Web
Authors: Abdul Rahmad Rahmad , Nurul Huda Dwi , Kriswantoro Ahmad
Published: March 2023

Intisari— Sistem informasi pariwisata ini dibangun bertujuan untuk memenuhi kebutuhan pengguna demi membantu Dinas Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata Kabupaten Bintan dalam menyajikan informasi pariwisata di Pulau Bintan. Dalam hal ini, terdapat berbagai masalah yang belum optimal dari sisi internal dan eksternal dalam hal penyajian dan pengelolaan informasi pariwisata yang ada saat ini. Maka dengan itu, penulis mencoba menciptakan sebuah sistem informasi berbasis web yang lebih menarik agar mudah diterima dan menjadi daya tarik bagi pengguna untuk mengunjungi destinasi pariwisata di Pulau Bintan.

Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini menggunakan metode waterfall, metode ini meliputi analisis kebutuhan, perancangan sistem, implementasi, tahap pengujian, dan maintenance, dilanjutkan pembuatan website menggunakan bahasa pemrograman PHP dengan framework codeigniter dan boostrap untuk menghasilkan tampilan web yang menarik dan dinamis dan Basis data MySQL sebagai database. Hasil dari penelitian sistem informasi pengolahan data kepariwisataan ini diharapkan dapat membantu pihak pengusaha atau pengelola wisata dalam mempromosikan dan mengelolausaha pariwisatanya secara mandiri dan sistem ini diharapkan dapat lebih memudahkan wisatawan dalam memperoleh informasi.

Kata kunci— sistem informasi, pengolahan data, pariwisata, website.
Analisis Kualitas Aplikasi Aku Pintar Dengan Menggunakan Framework ISO/IEC 25010
Authors: As Saidah Muthiah , Afra Saputri Henni , Zulfachmi Zulfachmi
Published: March 2023

Aku Pintar adalah salah satu EdTech acuan yang bertujuan untuk meberdayakan ekosistem pendidikan dan meningkatkan kulaitas sumber daya manusia di Indonesia. Evaluasi kualitas sistem aplikasi Aku Pintar menjadi salah satu cara yang perlu dilakukan untuk menilai dan menguji tingkat kegunaan atau fungsionalitas dalam mengidentifikasi masalah secara spesifik pada sistem. Model pengukuran yang yang telah tervalidasi adalah ISO/IEC 25010 yang memiliki delapan indikator yang meliputi usability, portability, performance efficiency, functional suitability, maintainability, compatibility, reliability, dan security. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan metode analisis data kuantitatif, uji validitas dan reliabilitas dengan menggunakan Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Metode sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah dengan metode simple random sampling dan dari perhitungal slovin dari jumlah pengguna aplikasi Aku Pintar populasi yang diambil sebanyak 100 responden. Hasil pengujian tingkat kualitas aplikasi dengan framework ISO/IEC 25010 model produuct quality didapatkan hasih layak dengan persentase berdasarkan yang terendah, 68% untuk indikator compatibility, indikator performance efficiency sebesar 71%, indikator security sebesar 74%, indikator realibility sebesar 75%, indikator maintanbility 81%, kemudian indikator funcitional suitibility dan usability memiliki persentase sama sebesar 82%, selanjutnya persentase terbesar portability sebesar 91%. Setelah didapatkan hasil persentase kualitas aplikasi Aku Pintar dibuat sebuah saran perbaikan untuk aplikasi agar kedepannya aplikasi lebih baik dalam meningkatkan kepuasan pengguna.

Kata kunci : Aku Pintar, analisis, kualitas, iso/iec 25010, product quality
Anti-Plasmodium berghei activity of Ethanol root bark extract of Hippocratea africana
Authors: Obioha Kennedy Chinonye  , Elizabeth Obioma Nweke  , Iheukwumere Barry Chinedu  , Chijioke Ikejiaku
Published: March 2023

Drug resistance is the major challenge that has undermined the viability of the synthetic anti-malaria drugs. The active ingredients inherent in plants are distributed to the various parts which can only be explored based on available information on them. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-plasmodium berghei activity of ethanol root bark extract of Hippocratea Africana. Freshly harvested root bark of H. Africana was dried at room temperature and afterwards ground into fine powder. 500 g of the powdered plant sample was extracted. Twenty five adult mice were divided into five (5) mice each. Group I was the normal control (NC), Groups II-V were infected with Plasmodium berghei. However, while group II was not treated with extract, Groups III and IV were treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg of ERBEHA respectively and Group V was administered 250 mg/kg of chloroquine. Animals were sacrificed at the termination of administration of extract and blood sample collected was analysed using standard procedures. P. berghei infection significantly (P<0.05) increased percentage parasitemia, reduced total protein and packed cell volume, oral administration significantly (P<0.05) reversed the observation. In conclusion, it can be deduced from the outcome of this work that the root bark of H. Africana wields the ability to eliminate Plasmodium berghei.
Fluoride Removal from Drinking Water Using Aluminium Oxide Coated Charcoal – effectiveness of repetitive regenerations
Authors: M. E. Alhaj Motwkel , M. Elhassan Bashir
Published: March 2023

There are many techniques to remove fluoride from drinking water. However, adsorption was found to be very effective and easy to apply. Along with this line, many studies were done to find an effective and affordable fluoride adsorbent. Activated Alumina (AA), Aluminum oxide coated sand (AOCS), pumice (AOCP), bauxite (AOCB) and charcoal (AOCC) were recently investigated. Nevertheless, AOCC found to be more promising for two reasons: it is cheap and can be regenerated. This paper aims to further contribute to feasibility of AOCC for fluoride removal in order to reduce the operation cost. Batch and continuous flow filter runs were conducted AOCC regenerated batch-wise, and used for the next filter run. AOCC was consequently regenerated three times. The results showed a considerable increase in AOCC fluoride adsorption capacity after each regeneration cycle. Characterization of virgin charcoal, virgin AOCC and regenerated AOCC after the first, the second and the third regeneration cycle, showed that virgin charcoal has highest specific surface area and micro porosity. For virgin AOCC and regenerated AOCC after the first, the second regeneration cycle a reduction in the specific surface area occurred, coupled with a reduction of micro porosity. AOCC after third regeneration cycle showed an increase in specific surface area likely due to aluminum hydroxide deposits on re-coated AOCC surface. Most of the pores after the third regeneration cycle were found to be meso pores. This means that, specific surface area alone cannot explain the increase in the AOCC adsorption capacity after regeneration. The paper recommends investigating the fluoride removal mechanism onto AOCC in order to produce affordable fluoride removal material from drinking water.
Cloud Computing Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Abdelghader Morsi Mohamed , Naji Mahmoud Fadoul Eman , Mohammed Eshag Ibrahim Esraa , Mohammed Ibrahim Mohammed Mehad
Published: March 2023

Abstract: This paper introduces the technology of cloud computing, and the challenges and opportunities associated with it, it also finds solutions for security and high cost issues. In this paper we use open source tools to build an environment for cloud computing, it also solves the aforementioned cloud problems in addition to providing an enormous storage capacity.
Physical Layer Famous Waveform Approaches for Fifth Generation Cellular Network
Authors: Hassanet Alzahra , Ali Abbas Mohamed
Published: March 2023

Many developments are taking place in the network to meet the 5G (Fifth generation) cellular network requirements; one of the very important research areas is the physical layer architecture and techniques. Studies related to the spectrum efficiency maximization indicate that the 5G air interface technology will also need to be flexible and capable of mapping various services to the best suitable combinations of frequency and radio resources.This paper investigates the physical layer waveform approaches as part of enhanced mobile broadband use case in 5G, and finds the Cyclic-Prefix Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (CP-OFDM) as a suitable approach by comparing performance parameters where the filtering and windowing can result in degradation of the quality of the signal which is measured via Error Vector Magnitude(EVM). It also attempts to enhance the down link performance between the base station and user equipment by using power amplifier clipping technique, while modelling the downlink channel by implementing channel coding, synchronization signal burst generation, different subcarrier spacing and frame numerologies for different propagation channel and different waveform approaches.
Improving Performance of Khartoum International Airport, Sudan
Authors: M. E. Zumrawi Magdi , A. Ismail, Ammar Ammar , O. Mohamed Ammar , A. Ahmed Elkisheef , M. Hassan Moaz
Published: March 2023

Khartoum airport plays a vital role in air traffic and national economy. The airport has experienced poor performance and lack of services. Serious congestion, delay and cancellation problems in flights becoming a daily habits. The study aims to evaluate the existing airport facilities and services and their ability to meet future demand. The literature concerning airport capacity and performance related issues were reviewed. The research depend on documents information, site inspection, and interviews for evaluation. The historical data of travelers at the Airport were analysed to estimate the forecasted demand. The study has identified challenges facing the increasing travel demand in the airport. Facilities that are unable to accommodate the increase in travel demand were identified for improvement. Thus, the improvement has to be done by expansion of terminal building, extending apron area for more aircraft parking spaces, additional runway length, increasing taxiways width as well as optimizing the operational processes by introducing flexibility and using technology.
A Physicochemical Study of Cost-Effective Liquid Desiccants for Use in an air conditioning systems
Authors: Obeid Salim , Al Horr Yousef , Hakki Amer , Nasreldin Abdalla Kamal
Published: March 2023

Liquid desiccant systems (LDS) have attracted attention as promising low-energy alternative cooling solutions relative to conventional systems. An integral part of the LDS dehumidification capability depends on the composition of the hygroscopic desiccants utilized. The vapour pressure of different hygroscopic salt solutions and mixtures thereof have been measured at a temperature of 298.15K using a Yamamoto configuration. The initial validation of the measurement configuration using a single salt solution has exhibited a satisfactory correlation with vapour pressures reported by previous authors at various concentrations. The performance of MgCl2 solution was found to be comparable to that of LiCl. The results have shown that MgCl2 solution with 30% w/v concentration is sufficient to maintain the equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) at 50%, the recommended value for the human comfort zone, a value close to that obtained from LiCl solution (ERH = 55%) with the same concentration. Moreover, the best performing salt solution mixtures were found to be magnesium and lithium chlorides. Considering that the cost of LiCl is 23 times higher than that of MgCl2, the potential replacement of LiCl with MgCl2 in LDS is very promising from both a performance and cost point of view. The concentrated seawater brines have also shown a very promising performance comparable with that of 50% CaCl2– 50% MgCl2 artificial mixture.
Enhancing Ad hoc Networks Performance by Using Location and Energy Information
Authors: Abdalla Elhaj Enas , Ali Abbas Mohammed
Published: March 2023

Mobile ad hoc network (MANET) is considered to be a promising technology for the near future. This calls for more efficient mechanisms and methods to fulfil the expectation of end users and at the same time make the best use of resources. Although of its variety of applications and potentials, MANET has issues such as resource limitation, routing overhead and changing of wireless link. This paper proposes three algorithms that can diminish the overhead and energy consumption of MANET and at the same time improve the overall performance of the network. By Controlling the Route Request (RREQ) broadcasting in the Ad-hoc On-Demand Distance Vector (AODV) routing protocol using location and energy information, a better resource management and hence a better performance for the overall network is achieved.
The Influence of Thermal Insulation on Cooling a Residential Building in Khartoum
Authors: E. S. Hassan Mohammed , E. E. Mohamed Omer
Published: March 2023

This paper aims to investigate and present energy saving techniques in buildings. In this study, the effect of thermal insulation on cooling a residential building in Khartoum was evaluated using Elite's Commercial Load Calculation Software (Chvac). A model design of a common one storey household was considered. Ten scenarios of different insulations or configurations were applied in the simulation. The cooling load of the building without insulation was found to be 47.48kW (13.5ToR). Using double glass pane windows, insulated walls and insulated roof reduced the cooling load to 29.54kW (8.4ToR) which translates into 38% reduction in electricity consumption.
Modelling of Stratified River Bank Erosion Due to Undercutting
Authors: Akode Osman M.
Published: March 2023

Theories of soil mechanics and basic hydraulic relations and principles of loose boundary channel hydraulics were combined and integrated to analyze stratified river bank failure due to undercutting (undermining) of a bottom loose layer. A near bank velocity distribution model was developed from which the boundary shear stress acting on the bank surface was determined. The model allows computation of the eroded soil volume from the bottom loose layer and the lateral undercut distance at any time in the flow hydrograph as long as the induced flow shear stress is greater than the particle critical shear stress resistance to hydraulic entrainment. At failure the size of the failure block and the ultimate critical value of the lateral undercut distance are determined. Therefore the annual rate of bank retreat and bank sediment load contribution can be identified for the reach under consideration. The application of the model to the River Nile hydrograph in Northern Sudan State showed a good agreement with field observations.
Beam Deflection under Static Loading: Comparison Between Dial Gauge and Total Station Measurements
Authors: H. Seedahmed Gamal
Published: March 2023

This paper presents the results of experimental findings for beam deflection measurements under static loading using dial gauges and a reflector-less Total Station. The ultimate objective of this work is to compare the performance of the Total Station with respect to the Dial Gauge (DG). Cement bags were utilized for loading test.These loads are accumulated evenly in six steps. The total tested load was 4.2 tons. The tested beams were located in the Sport City-Khartoum State. This work reveals that the reflector-less Total Station-Leica 1202 (RLTS) produces a very strong correlation and an acceptable accuracy that stands within the limits of its minimum decimalfraction of the metric units. Several tests were carried out to confirm the linearity of the deflections against the loads. These tests are very important since they convey the information about the elastic behavior of the tested beams. In this regards, both measuring techniques produce correlation factors and R2 values for the loads vs. thedeflections of more than 0.98. The deflection accuracy of the Total Station, in terms of root-mean-square-error (RMSE), for the three beams were:  0.30 mm,  0.36 mm, and  0.39 mm, respectively. This finding indicates that the Total Station can provide sub-millimeter accuracy with respect to the dial gauge. The maximum deflection was found in beam number 3, which amounts to 7.9 mm from the Total Station and 7.85 mm from the dial gauge. Both measurement techniques produce recovery percentages that were greater than 88%. The overall findings of this experiment indicates that this reflector-less Total Station can be used for on-site measurement of deflection and for awide range of deflection/deformation measurement applications.
Performance Evaluation of A Chisel Plow in Heavy Clay Soil of Central Sudan
Authors: Hassan El Sheikh Ammar , Eltayeb Ibrahim Elhaj Ibrahim
Published: March 2023

This paper presents experimental study of the performance of chisel plow under conditions of central irrigated Schemes. The research was conducted in the Gezira irrigated Scheme at Experimental Field of Gezira University. Mounted 3-rows chisel plows mark RAU and 75 hp Massey Fergusson (GIAD) tractor were used in the experiment. The performance of chisel plow was evaluated by parameters, which included: losses of chiseling process (uncut area); aggregate size distribution; bulk density; soil moisture content; control of weeds and residues; degree of soil surface evenness; draft requirement; fuel consumption; and field capacity. Each of these parameter studied dependent of two parameters: working speed and depth of cut. A loss of uncut areas at critical depth was found to be 12%. The failure zone and overlap area was found to be 31.4 x 11 cm and 0.02 m2 respectively. The later was dependent of the depth. Losses of plowed area were increased to 23% and 31% when depth was increased to 15cm and 20cm respectively. Based on mean weight diameter of soil clod, structure of the soil was improved by 14% when the speed and depth were increased from 3.34 to 5.85km/hr. and from 15cm to 20cm respectively. Soil natural bulk density was found to be 1.45, g/cm3. Bulk density generally was decreased, in such that it decreased in the upper layer (0-10 cm) by 10%, in the middle layer (10-20 cm) by 7%, and in the bottom soil layer (20-30 cm) by only 1 %. Soil moisture content was decreased by 30% at the upper soil layer (0-15cm) during 9 hours only. Weeds and residues leaving at soil surface after chiseling (at 5.58 km/hr. and 20 cm) were found to be 13% and 37%. Degree of the soil level after chiseling was found to be improved by ±14% of the mean value. Draft force increased by 14% when the depth was increased from 15 to 20 cm at constant speed of 5.85 km/hr. Draft force at critical depth changed by 22% when the speed was increased from 3.34 to 5.85 km/hr. Fuel consumption of chisel plow at speeds of 3.34 km/hr and 5.85 km/hr was increased by 17% and 23% respectively when depth increased from 15cm to 20cm in both cases. Machine field capacity and energy consumption increased by 66% and 39% respectively when speed was changed from 3.34km/hr to5.85 km/hr. in both cases.
Production and Analysis of Characteristics of Biodiesel Produced from Waste Cooking Oil
Authors: Farouk Hazir , Husien AbduAllah , Ali Hazim , Osama Samah
Published: March 2023

There is increasing interest on waste cooking oils (WCO) as a cost-effective feedstock for biodiesel production. In this study, a one-step transesterification process was adopted to produce biodiesel at a laboratory scale from waste cooking oil with a low level of free fatty acids (A.V. 1.09 mgKOH/g). The maximum biodiesel yield obtained was 85.3% when using a combination of process parameters of 25% (v/v) methanol to oil ratio, 0.8% (w/w) of KOH, a maintained reaction time of two hours, reaction temperature of 60o C, and a stirring speed of 400 rpm. In the quest to optimize the process parameters such as alcohol to oil molar ratio, and catalyst concentration, the results show that the biodiesel yield increases with the increase in methanol to oil molar ratio until the optimum ratio, then starts to decrease and it decreases if the alkali catalyst is added above an optimum concentration. The optimum values of methanol to oil molar ratio and alkali catalyst were 25% (v/v) and 0.8% (w/w), respectively. The basic physicochemical properties of the WCO biodiesel produced were found to be within the ASTM Standard D6751 specified limits for required parameters. The principal parameters were acid value, density, viscosity and flash point. The calorific value was found to be 41.05 MJ/kg.
Modeling of Automatic Generation Control and Automatic Voltage Regulator Under Generation Rate Constraint
Authors: Z. Abdalla Elfadil , G. Abdelfadeel Mohammed
Published: March 2023

As the interconnected power system transmits power from one area to another, the frequency will inevitable deviate from scheduled frequency. In addition, the active and reactive power demands continually change with rising and falling trend. Any mismatch between system generation and demand results in change in system frequency that is highly undesired. Excitation of generator must be regulated in order to match the power demand, otherwise the bus voltage may fall beyond the permitted limit. In this paper, a simulation model is developed for each component of AGC and AVR loops considering generator rate constraints. The response with GRC is compared with the analysis done without the Generation Rate Constraint. Although the frequency deviation is less with suitable controllers when the GRC is not considered, it is not the actual frequency deviation. When GRC is considered the actual frequency deviation can be found and then accordingly the controller is tuned. So that the desired frequency and power interchange with neighboring systems are maintained in order to minimize the transient deviations and to provide zero steady state error in appropriate short time. Further the role of automatic voltage control is to maintain the terminal voltage of synchronous generator in order to maintain the bus bar voltage Results are obtained using MATLAB SIMULINK software.
Incremental Linear Programming Optimal Power Flow: Including the VAR Cost Function
Authors: Z. Yahia Elfadil , A. Dahab Momen
Published: March 2023

In this paper, the full AC incremental linear programming optimal power flow using POWERWORLD® Simulator and Microsoft® Excel is presented. A proposed formulation of including the VAR cost function to the objective function and an implementation of the proposed formulation in a 6-bus test system and the IEEE 30 bus system was made in order to decide whether this formulation favorably or unfavorably affects the optimization process. Research proved that this formulation can improve the total optimization process but not for all system types and sizes; the effect was favorable for the 30-bus system and unfavorable for the 6-bus system.
Design of a Robust Decentralized Power System Stabilizer for Sudan National Grid
Authors: Hassan Ibrahim , Romadan Kamal , Hamuda Elamin
Published: March 2023

Power system stabilizers (PSS) are used to generate supplementary control signals for the excitation system in order to damp the low frequency, generator angle, speed variation, generator power, voltage magnitude and power flow oscillations. This paper presents robust decentralized power system stabilizer (PSS) design approaches for a power system consisting of 41 machines with 167 buses. This paper mainly focuses on developing robust decentralized control techniques for power systems, with special emphasis on problems that can be expressed as minimizing a linear objective function under linear matrix inequalities [LMI] in tandem with bilinear matrix inequalities [BMI] constraints. The design problem is considered the natural extension of the reduced order for decentralized dynamic output H2/H∞ -norm controller’s synthesis for power systems. The resulting optimization problem has a general bilinear matrix inequalities (BMIs) form which can be solved using an iterative linear matrix inequalities [LMIs] programming method. Simulations were carried out using loss of line without fault tests at transmission line on Sudan grid.
A Mathematical Model to Predict Hydraulic Fracture Geometry in Shale Gas Formation
Authors: A. Ahmed Quosay , G.Haridi Mohamed , I.Yousif Yousif , B.Babiker Almuez
Published: March 2023

Shale gas represents a new abundance for natural gas, which could aid keeping up with increasing world demand for energy. Enormous quantities of shale gas reserves are in Africa and China; however the technology to extract natural gas from shale formations is not yet developed in these regions. Hydraulic fracturing is the most viable technique to recover shale gas in economical quantities. Designing and controlling fracture geometry are crucial to achieve economical production rates from shale gas formations. Currently there is no universal model that can be applied to predict the fracture height and half-length in shale gas formation. Earlier models have addressed the issue of fracture geometry that is induced by hydraulic fracturing operation in conventional formations. Models such as KGD (Khristianovich- Geertsma-DeKlerk) and PKN (Perkins-Kern-Nordgren) solving the problem by assuming fixed fracture height, while complicated 3D models (planar and pseudo) are used to describe fracture geometry. Pseudo-3D model suffers from unrealistic fracture height outputs when the assumptions are violated. In this paper new equations for both fracture’s height and half-length are developed using Bingham theory in combination with a statistical approach (Monte Carlo simulation). The equations can be applied for wide ranges of rock properties and operational conditions of hydraulic fracturing.Model’s outcomes validation was verified using available data in the literature. Moreover, a parametric study showed that fluids viscosity and Poisson’s ratio were the major parameters that control fracture half-length. On the other hand, fracture height has been found to predominantly be controlled by formation thickness. These results are in line with the previous models outcomes.
Sudan Load Forecast for Period 2017 – 2066 Using Seasonal Time Series Model
Authors: M. A Khadam Ashraf , Ramadan Kamal , Hamouda El Amin
Published: March 2023

The importance of this paper is the use of seasonal time series models (some seasonal models of Box & Jenkins) to predict electricity consumption in Sudan National Grid, making it easier to estimate consumption, and provide accurate indicators for planners to develop appropriate future plans in electricity sector. The objective of this paper is to forecast the electric load consumption using different model.
Design of Coordinated PSS and SVC Damping Stabilizer for Low Frequency Oscillations Enhancement
Authors: Ramadan Kamal , Osman Mohamed , Khaled Ahmed
Published: March 2023

This paper presents the application of PSS with based damping controller FACTS device and describes a coordinated tuning of parameters. The FACTS device considered here is Static Var Compensator (SVC). The method proposed to optimize the controller parameters is Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm. The Single Machine Infinite Bus (SMIB) with PSS and SVC-based damping controller is selected as a case study system. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of these controllers, eigenvalues analysis and nonlinear simulation of this system are carried out under different loading conditions. The simulation results shows that PSS coordinated with SVC based stabilizer have outstanding fast damping of low frequency power system oscillations.
UAV 3D Photogrammetric Mapping & GIS Development Case Study: Khartoum Railway Station
Authors: Y. Ali Ali , A. Aldalil Mohammed , A. Almukashfi Yasir , H. Seedahmed Gamal
Published: March 2023

Aerial and satellite images are conventionally used as a main data source for image-based geospatial data collection, map production, and updating purposes. However, it can be time consuming and costly to obtain them. Recently, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are emerging as suitable technology, which has the potential to provide information with a very high spatial and temporal resolution at a low cost. This paper aims to demonstrate and evaluate the potential of using UAVs for 3D photogrammetric mapping and GIS development as an affordable solution for many developing countries. Part of Khartoum railway station is used as a case study in which 127 images were collected with a DJI Phantom 4 at a flying height of 100 m. RTK-GPS and ground control points are used to improve the absolute accuracy of dereferencing. Two different software, namely, Pix4D and Photo scan are used to generate standard geospatial products such as Digital Surface Model (DSM), Digital Terrain Model (DTM), and orthophoto covering 0.225 km² with a spatial resolution of 3.61 cm. The final orthophoto with a positional accuracy of 2.4 cm was used to extract features for mapping purposes. General quantitative and qualitative control of the UAV data products and the final outputs were performed, indicating that the obtained accuracies comply with international standards. Moreover, possible problems and further perspectives were also discussed. The obtained results demonstrate that UAVs provide promising opportunities to create high-resolution and highly accurate orthophotos, thus facilitating map creation and updating. In addition, it demonstrates the capability of commercial photogrammetric software packages for automatic 3D reconstruction.
Aligning Employees’ Objectives with the Organizational Goals
Authors: Suliman Mohamed Mohanad , Eldin Eltayeb Yassin Kamal
Published: March 2023

Aligning employees with the organization’s strategic goals has become increasingly important as organizations strive to achieve the optimum levels in organizational performance, profitability and business sustainability. The aim of this study was to revealthe main barriers in the alignment process between employees’ objectives and the organizational goals in a governmental corporation. Secondly, to propose a suitable and applicable course of action for better organizational alignment. To achieve optimum results; both qualitative and quantitative research methods (detailed questionnaire and personal interviews) have been applied in this paper. Gathereddata have been analyzed by spread sheets and web-based models such as Google forms. The results show that there is a lack of effective communication throughout the corporation, knowledge and capabilities are not developed, employees are not involved or empowered, and finally people efforts are not rewarded or recognized. Furthermore, the results illustrate the satisfactory factors that affect employees’ job performance and achieve the highest level of motivation. The recommended action plan in this paper is based on information gathered through an extensive literature review, and researcher experience in this field. This study is an attempt to establish the basic criteria to enhance leadership credibility, minimize wasted resources, and achieve the optimum utilization of human resources in the governmental sector.
Numerical Analysis of Deep Excavation
Authors: Mohamed Suliman , M. E. Zumrawi Magdi
Published: March 2023

Because of limited knowledge on experience on deep excavation analysis in Sudan, this study aimed to study numerical models for modeling deep excavation and adjacent buildings or public facilities near by the excavation. A series of parametric studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of wall stiffness and strut stiffness. The numerical analysis results showed that the increase of retaining wall stiffness or strut stiffness to reduce wall deformation is certainly effective, however does not have linear relationship. Last, based on the numerical results, the evaluation of adjacent building damage related to settlement induced by excavation and suggestions protection of adjacent buildings before and during excavation were discussed.
A Study on Scour Failure at Bridge Foundation
Authors: M. E. Zumrawi Magdi , A. Abusim Hassan
Published: March 2023

The success of a bridge relies on proper design and construction of its foundations. A Literature concerning water scouring atbridge foundation and some cases of bridge failure were intensively reviewed. Two global cases and a local case of foundation failurecaused collapse of the bridge structure were selected for this study. The study was concentrated on Manshia Bridge in Khartoum. Theinvestigation involved field survey and laboratory testing on this project to examine the existing foundation conditions. The easternabutment investigated experienced sever failures in forms of excessive scouring and settlement in the embankment and the foundationpiles surrounded by water. The causes of these failures were found mainly linked to the high scouring rate of water lead to washout the soil from the embankment of the abutment and the foundation piles. The foundation design mistakes, poor construction, inadequate abutment protection and lack of maintenance were detected as the main cause of the bridge failure. To protect abutment against scouring problem, it is recommended to use rock protection for the embankment and river bed around the abutment.
Innovative potential of research on Productive Chains in the Rede Bionorte and PPGBIOTEC Graduate programs between 2010 - 2020
Authors: Zane Ferreira Jose Ednaldo , Lasmar Dimas Jose , Barreto Rocha Augusto Cesar , Calderaro Fabio Leandro
Published: March 2023

This study analyzes research on the theme of production chains that have been the subject of research in the Biotechnology Postgraduate Programs of Rede Bionorte and PPGBIOTEC/UFAM, since its inception, between 2010 and 2020. The study is based on primary research in the Programs database, using the productive chain theme as a filter to select proposals with innovation and possible solution proposals. Methodologically it is a qualitative and quantitative study, with a systematic review of publications in selection by filters by theme. Fourteen surveys were identified, tabulated and qualitatively evaluated, highlighting those with some indication of technological innovation, non-technological innovation, technology transfer, skills developed in chains, biofuels, fruits and public policies. In terms of Technological Innovation, seven studies were identified that met the established criteria. It is concluded that there is great potential for innovation if the findings of the work carried out are deployed in actions in this sense.
The social representation of slangs in the experience of today’s affective relationships of young people
Authors: Santana de Menezes Vitória , Nascimento Beatriz Sthefany França do , Melo Mônica Cristina Batista de , Barros Clarissa Maria Dubeux Lopes
Published: March 2023

Currently, it is observed that the slangs are used to name affective relationships. The aim of the present study was to analyze how young people name, using slang or not, and describe their affective experiences. This is a qualitative research, carried out with students from a health college in Recife-PE, in 2022. A sociodemographic questionnaire and interview were used. Students aged 18 to 25 years of both sexes in an affective relationship participated. The thematic analysis resulted in four categories: definition and importance of the affective relationship; commenting on slang and affective relationships; importance of slang related to affective relationships; social contribution of slang. The results conclude that young people use the slangs crush, ficante and peguete to name their relationships, however, they present some divergences regarding their connotation, concept and behavioral description. Further studies on the subject are suggested to minimize the likelihood that the use of such slang will result in violence in relationships.
Stool or blood culture? A search for a gold standard for isolation of salmonella typhi from patients with clinical symptoms of enteric fever in Bauchi state tertiary hospital
Authors: Mudathir Qossim  , Nura Muhammad Sani  , Sambo Bello Zailani  , Abdurrahman Ahmmad Sadiq  , Abdulrahman Lawan Sani  , Harisu Salisu  , Salisu Muhammad Muktar  , Adamu Danbosa  , Aishatu Muhammad Malami  , Abbas Hamisu  , Lukman Muhammad
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Salmonella typhi (S. typhi) infection is endemic in Nigeria. In recent time, blood culture and stool were the most common diagnostic means of confirming salmonella infection in humans, since it is based on culture for isolation, identification among others. Although, there is lack of reliable and standard method of culture for its isolation. This study aimed to determine the gold standard between blood and stool for the cultural isolation of S. typhi. Methods: The study used laboratory-based cross-sectional study; patients who presented symptoms of enteric fever visiting Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) during the period of the study were recruited. Informed consent of volunteers and guardians were obtained and in addition confidentially of the results were ensured. A total of 150 patients samples were collected and cultured including adults and children. The bacterial isolated were identified by gram’s reaction and biochemical characteristics. Result: Out of 150 samples examined, 7 (4.1%) tested positive for S. typhi comprising of 5(71.4%) culture from blood and 2(28.6%) culture from stool. The result of this study shows a significant mean difference (t-value = 2.95, p-value = 0.026) between Blood culture and stool culture at 5% level of significance. The culture from blood was found to be more sensitive than the culture from stool. It is therefore recommended gold standard for S. typhi isolation. Conclusion: The study revealed cultures from blood specimen’s yielded highest number of S.typhi isolates when related to culture from stool samples. Therefore, culture from blood sample should be of priority in the isolation of S. typhi for easy identification of the bacteria. Culture from blood sample remains the gold standard method for isolation of S. typhi when it comes to blood or stool sample.
Cultivar Resistance of Korean Breeding Cut-Rose against Crown Gall by Agrobacterium tumefaciens Evaluated by an In Vitro Inoculation
Authors: Lim Serah , Chun Se Chul , Kim Jin-Won
Published: March 2023

Rose crown gall caused by Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a major disease that damages the production of cut-roses in Korea. The effective prevention methods for this disease include the use of resistant varieties. This study was conducted to evaluate the resistance of 58 Korean cultivars and six foreign cultivars to crown gall disease with nodal explants in vitro. Among 180 A. tumefaciens strains, pathogenic strain RC12 was selected as an inoculant strain. The strain RC12 was identified based on characteristics of some selective media, pathogenicity test, and polymerase chain reaction analysis. Forty rose cultivars formed tumors on explants inoculated with A. tumefaciens RC12. However, 24 cultivars, including 22 Korean cultivars and 2 foreign cultivars, showed resistance to A. tumefaciens RC12 without forming any tumors. Six cultivars with tumor formation rates of over 30% formed initial tumors within 23 days after inoculation. Six cultivars with low tumor formation rates of around 5% formed initial tumors after 28 days of inoculation. It was found that gall formation rate was highly correlated with the initial gall formation period. Thus, the relationship between the period of gall formation and the rate of gall formation could be useful for assessing resistance to crown gall disease. In vitro inoculation methods could be used to evaluate resistance of cut-rose cultivars to crown gall diseases.
Establishment of Pathogenicity Test Method for Macrophomina phaseolina Causing Soybean Charcoal Rot
Authors: An So Hyeon , Kim Heung Tae
Published: March 2023

The establishment of a laboratory assay and a greenhouse assay was conducted for evaluating the pathogenicity of Macrophomina phaseolina causing soybean charcoal rot established. In the laboratory assay, microsclerotia and hyphae were used as inoculum. In the laboratory assays using microsclerotia as an inoculum, disease incidences of M. phaseolina NSW17-108 and HSM17-034 were higher at 35°C than 25°C. Of the two isolates NSW17-108 and HSM17-034, the disease incidence of HSM17-034 isolated from diseased sesame is higher than that of NSW17-108 isolated from diseased soybean. When the mycelia of M. phaseolina were used as an inoculum, the disease incidence of NSW17-108 and HSM17-034 at 35°C exceeded 80% even after only 5 days of inoculation. Even at 25°C, furthermore, that of HSM17-034 exceeded 80% 5 days later. In the pathogenicity assays at a greenhouse, toothpicks where microsclerotia were produced or microsclerotia harvested from potato dextrose agar medium were used as an inoculum. In all greenhouse assays, M. phaseolina NSW17-108 and HSM17-034 showed 40–60% of disease incidences 35–65 days after inoculation with the pathogen, depending on the inoculation method. Between the two isolates, the pathogenicity of HSM17-034 was stronger than that of NSW17-108, and this result was consistent with laboratory assay results. Since the laboratory and greenhouse test methods tested in this study have different advantages and disadvantages depending on each test method, it is thought that the test method that can meet the purpose of the study should be selected and used.
The Effect of the CCERS STEM + C Project on Information Technology Efficacy in Terms of Gender and Grade Level
Authors: Birney Lauren , McNamara Denise M.
Published: March 2023

Information technology has become ubiquitous in the 21st Century. Acquiring the skills and confidence to navigate the computational arena is all but obligatory for educational and professional success. Underrepresentation of women in the wide variety of fields associated with information technology is an authentic concern for both the individual and society as a whole. Various studies have emphasized the importance of stronger representative of marginalized groups to bolster creative thinking and a variety of perspectives. The CCERS STEM + C Program is a long-term hands-on environmental restoration project that has been embedded in the New York City Department of Education public schools. Students work to restore the native oyster population to New York Harbor through both field work and working with large sets of data on the open-access platform. One of the several areas studied throughout this program is the motivation and self-efficacy of the students, especially students who are underrepresented in the STEM and technology fields. Student surveys were initiated by 764 students with 513 participants and non-participants completing the survey. Aimed at eliciting levels of several self-reported factors, the survey included a subscale measuring levels of confidence in technological abilities. Results of the survey indicated that 9th grade female students have a higher level of self-efficacy and motivation than female students in the later high school grade levels. These results are consistent with the waning motivation and interest of female students in technology and STEM found in other studies.
Are You Listening Strategically or Randomly? Examining Listening Comprehension Strategies Among Saudi University EFL Students
Authors: Alkhelaiwi Sahar
Published: March 2023

Listening is obviously an essential skill for anyone who wishes to acquire a new language, but second-language (L2) listening research is scarce compared to research on L2 reading. Additionally, the literature indicates that Saudi students, regarding listening, lag behind students from other nationalities on standardized international language tests. Hence, in this study, I examined the use of L2 listening comprehension strategies in an English as a foreign language Saudi university context. Based on an existing 19-item psychometrically validated questionnaire followed by a listening test, the results revealed that students were aware of L2 listening strategies and used cognitive strategies slightly more often than metacognitive strategies. However, notably, their less frequent use of practice-based self-regulation listening strategies (e.g., having good partners in practicing listening skills) could adversely impact their L2 listening success. The results also showed a rather weak significant difference between the listening strategic trait and listening test performance; a weak negative significant relationship between listening strategies, age, and years of learning English; and an insignificant relationship between listening comprehension strategies and academic level. However, the results suggest that the number of years of learning English is linked to better listening test performance. Finally, the items in the existing questionnaire, which was employed to assess listening comprehension strategies, lacked internal consistency and had problematic subscales; nevertheless, an acceptable one-factor model emerged from this study.