bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Video Consultations and Safety App Targeting Pregnant Women Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence in Denmark and Spain: Nested Cohort Intervention Study (STOP Study) (Preprint)
Authors: Andreasen Karen , Zapata-Calvente Antonella Ludmila , Martín-de-las-Heras Stella , Bueno-Cavanillas Aurora , Schei Berit , Dokkedahl Sarah , de León de León Sabina , Fernandez Lopez Rodrigo , Oviedo-Gutiérrez Alba , Ankerstjerne Lea Bo Sønderlund , Megías Jesús L , Khan Khalid Saeed , Rasch Vibeke , Linde Ditte S
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy is a public health issue with wide-ranging consequences for both the mother and fetus, and interventions are needed. Therefore, the Stop Intimate Partner Violence in Pregnancy (STOP) cohort was established with the overall aim to identify pregnant women exposed to IPV through digital screening and offer women screening positive for IPV a digital supportive intervention.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to (1) introduce the design and profile of the STOP cohort study, (2) assess the feasibility of implementing digital IPV screening among pregnant women, and (3) assess the feasibility of implementing a digital supportive intervention targeting pregnant women exposed to IPV.

METHODS

Pregnant women attending antenatal care in the Region of Southern Denmark and in Andalucía, Spain were offered digital screening for IPV using validated scales (Abuse Assessment Screen and Women Abuse Screening Tool). Women who screened positive were eligible to receive a digital supportive intervention. The intervention consisted of 3-6 video consultations with an IPV counselor and a safety planning app. In Denmark, IPV counselors were antenatal care midwives trained by a psychologist specialized in IPV, whereas in Spain, the counselor was a psychologist.

RESULTS

Data collection started in February 2021 and was completed in October 2022. Across Denmark and Spain, a total of 19,442 pregnant women were invited for IPV screening and 16,068 women (82.65%) completed the screening. More women in Spain screened positive for exposure to IPV (350/2055, 17.03%) than in Denmark (1195/14,013, 8.53%). Among the women who screened positive, only 31.39% (485/1545) were eligible to receive the intervention with only 104 (21.4%) of these women ultimately receiving it.

CONCLUSIONS

Digital screening for IPV among pregnant women is feasible in an antenatal care context in Denmark and Spain; however, a digital supportive intervention during pregnancy appears to have limited feasibility as only a minor subgroup of women who screened positive for eligibility received the intervention. More research is needed on how to best support pregnant women exposed to IPV if universal IPV screening is to be implemented in antenatal care.
La política migratoria de Biden a un año de su administración
Authors: Verea Monica
Published: April 2022

El presente ensayo hace una evaluación de la política migratoria del presidente Joe Biden. Para ello se analizan tanto las propuestas migratorias enunciadas desde su campaña a través de los medios de comunicación como los resultados de investigaciones realizados por académicos. Se destaca las acciones ejecutadas y políticas adoptadas a un año de la administración Biden para “destrumpizar” las politicss antinmigrantes, así como las promesas aun no cumplidas. Asimismo, se analizan los acuerdos migratorios bilaterales entre López Obrador y Trump/Biden, en particular con respecto a los costos políticos y económicos para México. Reconocemos que ha tomado pasos constructivos, pero son poco visibles y persisten promesas no cumplidas Se concluye que, si bien se han esbozado iniciativas en el congreso, las posibilidades de la aprobación de una reforma migratoria integral parecen cada vez más lejanas.
LISTA ACTUAL DE ANOMALÍAS MORFOLÓGICAS EN ANFIBIOS MEXICANOS, CON DOS CASOS NUEVOS EN EL CENTRO-OESTE DEL ESTADO DE VERACRUZ.
Authors: Venerozo-Tlazalo Dania Guadalipe , Vásquez-Cruz Víctor , Medina-Nogueira Didier , De la Rosa-Pérez José Alejandro
Published: April 2022

La existencia de anomalías en anfibios se ha documentado en todo el mundo. Una anomalía morfológica se define como cualquier desviación del rango normal de variación anatómica, que puede ser causada por mutaciones, fallas en el desarrollo embrionario o trauma. En México, la información científica publicada sobre anomalías morfológicas en anfibios ha sido reciente y en la mayoría se trata de casos aislados observados en campo. Aquí presentamos el primer reporte de anoftalmia en Bolitoglossa platydactyla y un caso de exceso de piel en Rheohyla miotympanum. Así como, una lista actualizada de los casos de anomalías morfológicas en anfibios mexicanos.
PRIMER REPORTE DE AMELANISMO EN Ambystoma velasci DUGÈS, 1888 (CAUDATA: AMBYSTOMATIDAE) DEL CENTRO DE MÉXICO
Authors: DEL MORAL FLORES LUIS FERNANDO , Pérez Díaz Jorge , López Segovia Eduardo , Arellano Tao Hernández
Published: April 2022

Se presenta el primer registro de la anormalidad en coloración amelanismo en un ejemplar de Ambystoma velasci, capturado en un embalse al oriente de Tlaxcala, México.
NUEVA ESPECIE PRESA EN LA DIETA DE Lampropeltis polyzona (SERPENTES: COLUBRIDAE) DE PUEBLA, MÉXICO.
Authors: Piñango-Bustamante Jorge Enrique , Cid-Mora Oscar , Vásquez-Cruz Víctor
Published: April 2022

La serpiente falsa coral mexicana Lampropeltis polyzona se alimenta principalmente de reptiles (lagartijas y serpientes), ocasionalmente de mamíferos (roedores y musarañas) y rara vez de aves y de huevos de reptiles. Aquí, reportamos por primera vez a la lagartija Sceloporus grammicus en la dieta natural de L. polyzona, en Puebla, México.
HOW MANY SPECIES OF RATTLESNAKES ARE THERE IN THE Crotalus durissus SPECIES GROUP (SERPENTES: CROTALIDAE)?
Authors: Reyes Velasco Jacobo , Cox Christian L. , Jones Jason Michael , Borja Miguel , Campbell Jonathan A
Published: April 2022

Members of the Crotalus durissus species group are amongst the largest species of rattlesnakes and are of strong medical importance. The taxonomy of the group is convoluted, and the line of what is considered a species, subspecies or populations is hard to define. A recent study split one of the members of the group (C. culminatus) into three species, the nominal species, as well as C. ehecatl and C. mictlantecuhtli, based on genetic and morphological data. Here we reanalyze previously published mitochondrial and nuclear data, as well as additional sequences for two mitochondrial genes from members of the Crotalus durissus group, to test if isolation by distance (and not speciation) could be responsible for the genetic variation observed in previous studies. Our results show that the genetic differences between some of the species in the group (Crotalus simus – C. durissus and C. culminatus – C. ehecatl) are lower than intra-specific genetic distances. The only nuclear gene at hand for the C. durissus group (oocyte maturation factor Mos, c-mos) is not phylogenetically informative and cannot distinguish between many of the species in the genus, thus it is of little support when it comes to taxonomic decisions. We find low divergence at the mitochondrial level between these two species pairs, and at least in one of the species pairs we find a pattern of isolation-by-distance (IBD). Additionally, we performed a newly developed species delimitation analysis, DELINEATE, which supports the validity of C. mictlantecuhtli, but not C. ehecatl. These results suggest that the molecular differences at the mitochondrial level in members of the Crotalus durissus species group could be the result of IBD and not necessarily due to speciation events. We believe that additional sampling as well as additional molecular data is necessary to clarify species limits in the Crotalus durissus species group.
DEPREDACIÓN DE LA COMADREJA COLA LARGA (Mustela frenata Lichtenstein, 1831) POR LA SERPIENTE MAZACUATA (Boa imperator Daudin, 1803) EN EL SURESTE DE MÉXICO.
Authors: Hernández Julio César , Monter-Pozos Álvaro
Published: April 2022

La serpiente mazacuata Boa imperator es un depredador generalista que consume una amplia variedad de presas, que incluye aves, reptiles y mamíferos. Presentamos el primer registro documentado de comadreja cola larga (Mustela frenata) en la dieta natural de B. imperator.
Confirmación y nuevos registros de herpetofauna para Querétaro, México a través de portales de ciencia ciudadana
Authors: Garduño Fátima Soledad , Tepos Ramírez Mauricio , Peralta Robles Cristhian Alejandro , Salinas Olguin Alison Khadije , García Rubio Oscar Ricardo , Cervantes Jiménez Ricardo , Hernández Arciga Raúl , Goméz Recoder Geovani
Published: April 2022

En la actualidad la ciencia debe de ser concisa y verificada, donde la información brindada pueda fortalecer el crecimiento del conocimiento, la ciencia ciudadana puede ser una herramienta muy útil en el estudio de la biodiversidad de flora y fauna en distintos ambientes, especialmente en aquellos en que las condiciones de acceso o el recurso humano es limitado y resultan un impedimento para llevar a cabo investigación adecuada para el registro es nuevas especies. En el presente trabajo, se validaron siete nuevos registros de anfibios y reptiles para el estado de Querétaro, previamente presentados en el portal de ciencia ciudadana Naturalista.
LA PLATAFORMA NATURALISTA COMO HERRAMIENTA DE CIENCIA CIUDADANA PARA DOCUMENTAR LA DIVERSIDAD DE ANFIBIOS EN EL ESTADO DE SINALOA, MÉXICO
Authors: Castro Bastidas Héctor Alexis , Serrano José Manuel
Published: April 2022

La ciencia ciudadana contribuye a generar información sobre biodiversidad. En este estudio analizamos patrones de distribución, fenología y vulnerabilidad ambiental en datos no estructurados de la plataforma Naturalista sobre anfibios del estado de Sinaloa, una región de México con escasa exploración científica. Además, evaluamos la hipótesis de que las especies registradas en Naturalista no corresponden exclusivamente a un nivel de vulnerabilidad ambiental bajo o medio. En total, detectamos registros de 30 especies de anfibios pertenecientes a 10 familias, entre las que destaca la ampliación de distribución de una especie de anuro dentro de Sinaloa y observaciones relevantes sobre la historia natural de distintas especies. La familia Bufonidae presentó el mayor número de registros y Eleutherodactylidae el número más bajo de registros, pero mayor riesgo de amenaza. La mayoría de los registros de anfibios se concentraron alrededor de áreas urbanas de la planicie costera. Solo tres de las 19 áreas naturales protegidas de Sinaloa tuvieron registros de anfibios en Naturalista. Por otro lado, encontramos que todos los niveles de vulnerabilidad ambiental se encuentran registrados proporcionalmente al listado de anfibios de Sinaloa. En conjunto, los registros de Naturalista en Sinaloa permiten distinguir comunidades de anfibios, identificar sitios estratégicos y especies clave para monitorear la anfibiofauna.
PREDATION EVENT OF MILK FROG Trachycephalus typhonius (ANURA: HYLIDAE) ON A COMMON HOUSE GECKO Hemidactylus frenatus (SQUAMATA: GEKKONIDAE)
Authors: Marín Pablo , Mora José Manuel
Published: April 2022

Observations of predation events are rare. These events are important to help understand trophic networks of biological communities in general and of introduced species in particular. Milk frogs (Trachycephalus typhonius) feed on insects and other arthropods, but some cases of vertebrates have been reported in its diet: a Sheep toad (Hypopachus variolosus) in México, a Black Myotis (Myotis nigrescens) in the Pantanal of Brazil, and an adult tree frog of Dendropsophus soaresi also in Brazil. Here we report the predation of an adult Milk frog on a Common house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) in Bajamar, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. The observation was made in a house in an area of pastures with trees near a mangrove swamp.
Tretanorhinus nigroluteus (SQUAMATA: DIPSADIDAE)
Authors: Zamora-Roda Álvaro Alexis , Cortés-Suárez Javier Ernesto , Herrera-Martínez Christian Gerardo
Published: April 2022

La Serpiente de Manglar Quillada (Tretanorhinus nigroluteus Cope 1861), es considerada como una especie rara en Costa Rica, de la cual no se cuenta con mucha información sobre su hábitat y distribución; posiblemente debido a sus hábitos nocturnos, crepusculares y acuáticos. Esta nota representa el primer registro en la zona de vida de Bosque Muy Húmedo Tropical Transición a Premontano (bmh-T12) y el primer reporte en la provincia de Alajuela. Además, se aumenta tanto el rango de distribución de la especie en 12 km en línea recta desde el punto más cercano, como el rango altitudinal de la especie en 274 metros desde el punto con mayor elevación reportado.
Integración de Inputs Positivos y Negativos en Juicios Psicofísicos de Equidad
Authors: Reyes-Contreras Raúl , Santoyo Velasco Carlos
Published: April 2022

Los modelos de equidad han predicho adecuadamente las ganancias monetarias entre dos empleados hipotéticos que difieren en méritos, sin embargo, han sido incapaces de predecir pérdidas monetarias y condiciones de n>2; se propone la Ecuación General de Distribución de Recursos En Equidad (Función de Equidad)  para superar dichas limitantes por lo que el objetivo de la presente investigación consistió en evaluar la generalidad de la Función de Equidad en contextos de pérdidas y ganancias. Participaron voluntariamente 30 estudiantes universitarios de los cuales el 65% fueron mujeres tenían 19.87 años (DE=1.23). En 18 escenarios hipotéticos de acuerdo con un diseño de medidas repetidas (3 niveles de mérito de A) X 3 (niveles de mérito de B) x 2 (Ganancias y Pérdidas) los participantes asignaron montos en ganancias y pérdidas monetarias. Se encontraron reglas de integración aditiva en el campo de las ganancias e indicios de reglas de integración multiplicativa en el campo de las pérdidas. La Ecuación General de Distribución de Recursos en Equidad predice adecuadamente los montos en ganancias y pérdidas. Los datos se discuten a la luz de la Teoría de Integración de Información y las Ciencias Cognitivas y del Comportamiento.
dimensión federal de la segregación escolar por nivel socioeconómico en Argentina
Authors: Krüger Natalia , McCallum Axel , Volman Víctor
Published: April 2022

Este trabajo se basa en la literatura que muestra que la segregación escolar por nivel socioeconómico es un problema relevante en Argentina. Explora las diferencias entre las jurisdicciones subnacionales, en los niveles primario y secundario, profundizando sobre investigaciones previas cuyas fuentes de datos no permitían dicho abordaje. El objetivo es contribuir al estudio de la equidad educativa en el país a través de cuantificar en cada provincia la segregación escolar por nivel socioeconómico y comparar los resultados entre ellas. Para ello, se realizan estimaciones de los índices de disimilitud y de raíz cuadrada, empleando datos de los operativos Aprender 2017 y 2018 para el nivel secundario y primario, respectivamente. Los resultados sugieren que existen brechas interprovinciales significativas en los niveles de segregación y diferencias en la configuración del fenómeno, que reflejan las características dispares de los sistemas educativos provinciales y del contexto socioeconómico en el que se emplazan.
Identification of Medicinal Plants using Deep Learning
Authors: Rao R. Upendar , Lahari M. Sai , Sri K. Pavana , Srujana K. Yaminee , Yaswanth D.
Published: April 2022

Abstract: Identification of the correct medicinal plants that goes in to the preparation of a medicine is very important in ayurvedic, folk and herbal medicinal industry. The main features required to identify a medicinal plant is its leaf shape, color and texture. Color and texture from both sides of the leaf contain deterministic parameters to identify the species. In this project we explore feature vectors from both the front and back side of a green leaf along with morphological features to arrive at a unique optimum combination of features that maximizes the identification rate. A database of medicinal plant leaves is created from scanned images of front and back side of leaves of commonly used medicinal plants. The leaves are classified based on the shape and dimension combination. It is expected that for the automatic identification of medicinal plants this system will help the community people to develop their knowledge on medicinal plants, help taxonomists to develop more efficient species identification techniques and also participate significantly in the pharmaceutical drug manufacturing. Keywords: Classification, feature extraction, morphological features, optimization, plant identification, texture features.
Vehicle Number Plate Recognition System Using TESSERACT-OCR
Authors: Songa Akhil , Bolineni Rahul , Reddy Harish , Korrapolu Sohini , Geddada Vani Jayasri
Published: April 2022

Abstract: With the increase in the number of vehicles, automated systems to store vehicle information are becoming increasingly necessary. Communication is critical for traffic management and crime reduction, and it cannot be overlooked. Automatic vehicle identification using number plate recognition is a reliable method of identifying vehicles. It requires a lengthy time and a lot of practice to develop satisfactory results using present algorithms that are based on the idea of learning. Even so, accuracy is not a significant concern. It has been devised as an efficient approach for recognizing vehicle number plates, which is included in the suggested algorithm. The technique is intended to address the difficulties of scaling and recognition of the position of characters as long as the accuracy is maintained. Automatic Number Plate Detection is a unique application in Machine Learning as it detects images and converts them to text form. The algorithm detects and captures the vehicle image and extracts the vehicle number plate using image segmentation. The extracted image is later sent to optical character recognition technology for character recognition. This system is implemented in areas like traffic surveillance, military zones, apartments, etc. Keywords: Optical Character Recognition, tesseract ocr, matplotlib, Number Plate Recognition.
Formulation and Evaluation of Paracetamol Tablets using Coconut Oil as a Binder
Authors: Kulkarni Vaishnavi M. , Babare Shubham B. , Joshi Sanket K. , Walode Sanjay G. , Rudrapal Mithun , Kakade Anand P. , Chatur Vibhavari M.
Published: April 2022

Tablets are the medicament with suitable excipients. It comprises a mixture of active substances and excipients, usually pressed or compacted from a powder into a solid dose. The aim of this study was to formulate paracetamol tablets using Coconut oil as a binder in different concentrations (1%, 2%, 3%) and evaluate them with basic parameters. The granules manufactured using the binder had good flow property and compressibility. There are various examples of binders that can be used for tablet formulation. Here the efforts were made to formulate the paracetamol tablets by using coconut oil to check whether the tablet can be formulated and the other evaluation parameters for tablets, thereafter. Using coconut oil as a binder in the end gave satisfactory result as we could formulate a tablet with effective concentration of coconut oil with 1%.Theformulated tablets thereafter were evaluated for the characterization for granules to check such as flow property, bulk density, tap density etc.as well as the tablets were also evaluated for disintegration and dissolution as well.

 Keywords: Paracetamol, Binder, Dry granulation, Excipients, Direct compression, Disintegration, Dissolution
Toxicological Studies of Hydroethanolic Leaf Extract of Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich. (Annonaceae) on Wistar Rats
Authors: ASSIH Mindédé , Badjabaïssi Essotolom , Bescond Jocelyn , Mouzou Aklesso , Pakoussi Tcha , Sanvee Sabrina Chris Janiba , Yérima Mouhoudine , Diallo Aboudoulatif , Dossou-Yovo Komlan Mawubedjro , Kaboua Komla , Patrick Bois , Potchoo Yao
Published: April 2022

Introduction: The impact of aromatic plants used in cooking on health is indisputable.

This study aims to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of Artemia salina, acute and the 28 days subchronic toxicity of X. aethiopica dried fruit used like spice in Togo by oral administration of the extract to female Wistar rats.

Results: The A. salina assay showed that the hydroalcoholic extract of X. aethiopica presented any toxicity. The LC50 values of X. aethiopica on brine shrimp were 0.64 ± 0.13 mg/mL.  The acute toxicity study revealed neither behavioral disturbances nor death in rats. The lethal dose (DL50) of this extract is greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight. The results of subchronic toxicity showed no significant change in body and organs weight gain in rats at test doses throughout the treatment period. No changes in haematological parameters were observed apart from a significant increase in platelet number at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg. Biochemical parameters such as Urea, Creatinine, Triglycerides, Total cholesterol, Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and glycemia were not significantly changed. Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities increased at doses of 500/1000 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg respectively. Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) activity decrease at the dose of 500 and 1000 mg/kg. Blood electrolytes showed no significant change. The histological sections showed no organ damage.

Conclusions: Aqueous extract of X. aethiopica did not lead to any adverse effects in rats after acute and subchronic treatment at 500 and 1000 mg/kg doses. 

Keywords: Xylopia aethiopica, Cytotoxicity, Toxicity, Wistar rats.
Qurṣ-i-Shibb: A review on polyherbal Unani formulation in the management of Kathrat-i-Ṭamth (HMB)
Authors: Najeeb Ghufran , Begum Wajeeha , Sumaiya Syeda
Published: April 2022

Heavy flow during menstruation is called Menorrhagia or Heavy Menstrual Bleeding, is generally referred to excessive bleeding, either in duration or quantity of blood loss or both (> 8 days and/or >80 ml) at regular intervals. It can be associated with several conditions, including problems with the uterus, hormonal problems, or other conditions. While abundant bleeding may make it difficult to participate in normal daily life at certain times. But currently Several drugs and Hysterectomy is recommended for the treatment of HMB that has different side effects as well as gastrointestinal symptoms, liver disease, obesity, hypoestrogenic state and thromboembolic diseases. In classical texts Qurṣ-i-Shibb is used in the management of Kathrat-i-Ṭamth (Heavy Menstrual Bleeding) as this formulation has pharmacological activity such as ḥābis al-dam (haemostatic or haemostyptic), qābiḍ (astringent), mujafif (siccative), mugharrī (glutinous) and mubarrid (refrigerant). So, this review aims to explore the role of Qurs-i-Shibb in the management of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding. The ingredients of Qurs-i-shibb are shibb-i-yamāni, dam al-khwayn, gulnār each of them 10.5 gram, katīra 21 gram, samagh-i-ʻarabī 7 gram. These drugs having the properties of ḥābis al-dam, qābiz, mujaffif, mugharrī and mubarrid produce vasoconstriction and reduce heavy bleeding. The granules were formulated into 500 mg tablets. Three tablets thrice daily for 5days will help in reducing the bleeding.

Keyword: Kathrat-i-ṭamth; Heavy menstrual bleeding; Qurṣ-ī-Shibb; hemostatic, astringent.
Evaluation of Vitamin D and trace element level in sera of patients with Rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Ismail Parween Abdulsamad , Mustafa Akam Jasim , Waissi Dlzhin Bahram , Kareem Yusra Sirwan
Published: April 2022

Objective: The purpose of this research was to assess the serum concentration of (1,25-(OH)2D3) and trace elements in patients with rheumatoid arthritis as compared to healthy individuals.
Methods: This research was performed on 72participants, 37 cases of RA and 35 healthy individuals, with age range 39-67 years. Serum (1,25-(OH)2D3) levels was determined and compared in cases and healthy controls.
Results: The serum (1,25-(OH)2D3) levels were significantly lower in the RA patients (13.24 ± 1.06 ng/ml), when compared to the healthy individuals (26.9 ± 1.7 ng/ml). The examination of data revealed that the levels of (Magnesium, Manganese, Nickel and Rubidium) were remarkably elevated in RA patients when compared to healthy control , serum levels of (Chromium, Cobalt and Germanium) were remarkably decreased in RA patients  when compared to healthy control.
Conclusions: (1,25-(OH)2D3) insufficiency is more widespread among patients with RA and may be one of the reasons leading to evolution of rheumatoid arthritis. Supplementation with (1,25-(OH)2D3) may be required both for the avoidance of bone loss besides for painkilling in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Current results propose that alterations in the serum concentration of trace elements may yield  good indication  to their role in the pathogenesis of  rheumatoid arthritis.
A percepção ambiental em um espaço de educação não-formal: um estudo com alunos do Ensino Fundamental no Parque Estadual da Cachoeira da Fumaça, Espírito Santo
Authors: Barbosa Manoel Augusto Polastreli , Oliveira Juliana Rosa do Pará Marques de
Published: April 2022

Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar a percepção ambiental de alunos do Ensino Fundamental, visitantes do Parque Estadual da Cachoeira da Fumaça. Para isso, 80 alunos de 6º a 9º ano do Ensino Fundamental participaram das atividades de Educação Ambiental oferecidas pelo local, e no fim da visitação foi aplicado um questionário composto de questões abertas e fechadas, onde para as perguntas fechadas utilizou-se a escala de Likert. A partir dos resultados obtidos, observou-se que a Unidade de Conservação é apontada pelos alunos como um local importante para conservação ambiental, ressaltando a proteção de espécies da fauna e da flora; o contato com a natureza, devido à beleza cênica do local, e, por fim, a aproximação com os conteúdos estudados em sala de aula, apontando questões relacionadas à Educação Ambiental. Conclui-se que o Parque Estadual da Cachoeira da Fumaça é um espaço de educação não-formal com potencial para desenvolver atividades relacionadas a Educação Ambiental, que fortalecem o desenvolvimento do pensamento crítico de seus alunos visitantes quantos às questões ambientais, sensibilizando os mesmos quanto a sua importância para a conservação ambiental e para a sociedade, em geral.
Os Reflexos das Práticas do Empowerment em uma empresa de base tecnológica: estudos e impactos na Gestão Financeira e Operacional
Authors: DOS SANTOS LUCAS ALMEIDA , De Morais Rene Callegaro , Hauschildt Rogério , Medianeira Flores Costa Vania , Lopes dos Santos Carlos Eduardo
Published: April 2022

Este estudo que tem como objetivo analisar como as práticas de empowerment influenciam na gestão financeira e operacional de uma empresa de base tecnológica, apresenta-se como um estudo de caso de abordagem descritiva e explicativa de natureza qualitativa, tendo como base o construto proposto por Hall (2008) no que tange o empowerment psicológico. Assim, ao analisar as práticas, percebeu-se a importância de construir conhecimentos acerca do empowerment, a fim de que este possa auxiliar as organizações na geração de autonomia entre usuários, melhorando o processo decisório, bem como os possíveis impactos que a implementação deste modelo de gestão poderá causar no ambiente empresarial, financeiro e operacional. Entendeu-se ainda, que a empresa adotou algumas práticas que fizeram alusão ao empowerment e que após isto, houve um crescimento positivo no desempenho financeiro e operacional. Conclui-se então, que não se pode justificar todas as mutações sofridas no ambiente organizacional frente à adoção destes novos métodos, visto que, reconheceu-se outros fatores que podem ter contribuído para esta situação, como o desempenho operacional, pois a adoção de práticas do empowerment, enfatizando a utilização descentralizada de poder, teve um papel importante para a melhora do desempenho da empresa.
La democracia moderna como divinización del hombre en Nicolás Gómez Dávila
Authors: Gómez Rodas Carlos Andrés
Published: April 2022

As a result of a research on political philosophy and political theology, this article explores the idea of Colombian thinker Nicolás Gómez Dávila according to which all politics implies theology and, specifically, modern democracy consists, fundamentally, in the divinization of a man who proclaims himself sovereign in the metaphysical, ethical, political and legal fields. Based on the interpretation of the work by Gómez Davila and the dialogue with authors specialized in political and legal theology, such as Alvear, Guardini, Jonas, Schmitt, and Voegelin, the main arguments of his theological understanding of modern democracy will be studied from the concept of religious analysis. First, this paper will present a brief biographical sketch of Gómez Dávila. Afterwards, it will explain the relation that, according to Gómez, exists between gnosis and the Enlightenment. A third moment will address the idea of democracy as an anthropotheistic creed. Finally, the main conclusions resulting from this research will be presented.
Investigating the inaccuracies of indirect method of blood pressure measurement associated to the cuff constructing fabrics
Authors:   Textile Engineering Department, NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi- 75270 Sindh Pakistan, Naqvi Shenela , Husain Muhammad Dawood ,   Textile Engineering Department, NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi- 75270 Sindh Pakistan, Lewis Philip ,   Blood Pressure and Heart Research Centre, Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport, SK2 7JE, UK
Published: April 2022

Numerous cuffs have been manufactured using different materials in which textile fabric is the main constituent. There are no specific guidelines for the selection of the cuff fabric and its design. In this investigation, five different types of cuffs (made of woven and non-woven fabrics) were selected, and their pressure distribution was noted while mimicking the process of blood pressure measurement. It was achieved by measuring pressure at the interface of the selected cuffs and a bare metal cylinder. I-scan, an interface pressure measurement system was employed to record the interface pressure profiles under the cuffs against 140 mmHg to 40 mmHg pressure inside the cuffs. The data obtained from the pressure sensing system was processed in MATLAB to examine pressure distribution at 96 points in detail. The results show that the cuffs registered non-uniform pressure distribution at the interface which is also non-identical among the selected cuffs. The pressure at the interface is found to be lower than the pressure inside the cuff, which shows that pressure attenuates as transfers to the surface of the object underneath it. The range of the pressure difference varies from 10 mmHg to 15 mmHg. This study indicates that the pressure distribution under a cuff depends on the constructing fabric and its properties. It is concluded that there is a need to select appropriate fabric with optimized properties for desired pressure distribution which may lead to accurate estimation of blood pressure.
Ontological automation of software essence kernel to assess progress of software project
Authors:   Department of Computer Science, University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila, Pakistan, Ali Farooq , Raza Asif ,   Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, University of Mianwali, Pakistan, Munwar Iqbal Muhammad ,   Department of Computer Science, University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila, Pakistan, Nazir Tahira ,   Department of Computer Science, University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila, Pakistan
Published: April 2022

Managing a software project with a large number of requirements is a challenging task, a lot of effort and time is required to measure the software’s progress and health. To tackle this, software development organizations look for different development processes that would best assist them. Recently, software essence is used to measure the progress and health of software development. However, these are applied manually to assess the development and fitness of the system. Therefore, it is very difficult for software organizations to access the required information quickly. The aim of this study is the automation of Software Essence Kernel through Ontology Development to quickly measure the progress and health of the system. Experimental work is done with a hypothesis that if software essence kernel is automated, then one can quickly measure the progress and health of the system. The results of this study argue that software health of the system can be quickly and easily measured if the ontology is automated.
A neural network based heading and position control system of a ship
Authors:   The Institute of Information & Communication Technologies, Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro Pakistan, Unar Shahroz , Unar Mukhtiar Ali ,   Department of Computer Systems Engineering, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro Pakistan, Memon Zubair Ahmed ,   Department of Electrical Engineering, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro Pakistan, Narejo Sanam ,   Department of Computer Systems Engineering, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro Pakistan
Published: April 2022

Heading and position control system of ships has remained a challenging control problem. It is a nonlinear multiple input multiple output system. Moreover, the dynamics of the system vary with operating as well as environmental conditions. Conventionally, simple Proportional Integral Derivative controller is used which has well known limitations. Other conventional control techniques have also been investigated but they require an accurate mathematical model of a ship. Unfortunately, accuracy of mathematical models is very difficult to achieve. During the past few decades computational intelligence techniques such as artificial neural networks have been very successful when an accurate mathematical model is not available. Therefore, in this paper, an artificial neural network controller is proposed for heading and position control system. For simulation purposes, a mathematical model with four effective thrusters have been chosen to test the performance of the proposed controller. The final closed loop system has been analysed and tested through simulation studies. The results are very encouraging.
Design and implementation of adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system for the control of an uncertain ball and beam apparatus
Authors:   Mechatronics Engineering Department, University of Engineering and Technology Taxila, Chakwal Campus, Pakistan, Saleem Muhammad Khurram , Rahman Shahid Muhammad Laiq Ur ,   Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Taxila, Pakistan, Nouman Ahmed ,   Mechatronics Engineering Department, University of Engineering and Technology Taxila, Chakwal Campus, Pakistan, Zaki Hammad ,   Mechatronics Engineering Department, University of Engineering and Technology Taxila, Chakwal Campus, Pakistan, Rehman Tariq Muhammad Atiq Ur ,   College of Engineering and Science, Victoria University, Melbourne 8001, Australia Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Australia
Published: April 2022

Controlling an uncertain mechatronic system is challenging and crucial for its automation. In this regard, several control-strategies are developed to handle such systems. However, these control-strategies are complex to design, and require in-depth knowledge of the system and its dynamics. In this study, we are testing the performance of a rather simple control-strategy (Adaptive Neuro- Fuzzy Inference System) using an uncertain Ball and Beam System. The custom- designed apparatus utilizes image processing technique to acquire the position of the ball on the beam. Then, desired position is achieved by controlling the beam angle using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy and PID control. We are showing that adaptive neuro-fuzzy control can effectively handle the system uncertainties, which traditional controllers (i.e., PID) cannot handle.
A rule-based machine learning model for career selection through MBTI personality
Authors:   Center of Excellence for Robotics, Artificial Intelligence & Blockchain, Department of Computer Science, Sukkur IBA University Pakistan, Fatima Noureen , Gul Sana ,   Center of Excellence for Robotics, Artificial Intelligence & Blockchain, Department of Computer Science, Sukkur IBA University Pakistan, Ahmed Javed ,   Center of Excellence for Robotics, Artificial Intelligence & Blockchain, Department of Computer Science, Sukkur IBA University Pakistan, Khand Zahid Hussain ,   Center of Excellence for Robotics, Artificial Intelligence & Blockchain, Department of Computer Science, Sukkur IBA University Pakistan, Mujtaba Ghulam ,   Center of Excellence for Robotics, Artificial Intelligence & Blockchain, Department of Computer Science, Sukkur IBA University Pakistan
Published: April 2022

Career selection is one of the most important decisions in everyone's life. Being a student it's quite difficult to find the right career as the world is moving so fast and the competition level is too high so it is tough to choose the right job for anyone. According to the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) survey report, 40% of students are a bit confused about their career options. The productivity of human resources may reduce if someone chooses the wrong career. Therefore, we need an intelligent system that chooses your career based on a person's personality type. This study creates a personality profile of the person and suggests their best careers list according to their personality type after analysing the text written by the user such as a blog post, essay, or tweet. The main purpose of this project is to work on the text classification method, pre- processing of that dataset and convert it into main features and then train the model on a best-performed classification model. After applying various feature vector combinations and machine learning models that are detailed in this work, accuracies up to 93% were achieved.
Fractional order multi-scheduling parameters based LPV modelling and robust switching H∞ controllers design for steam dump system of nuclear power plant
Authors:   Maintenance and Technical Training Division, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, Chashma Punjab Pakistan, Malik Arshad Habib , Memon Aftab Ahmed ,   Department of Telecommunication Engineering, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro Sindh Pakistan, Arshad Feroza ,   Computer Development Division, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, Karachi Sindh Pakistan
Published: April 2022

In this research work, the highly challenging problem of novel modelling and nonlinear control of steam dump system of Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) type Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) is attempted. The Fractional Order Multi- Scheduling Parameters based Multi-Input Single- Output Linear Parameter Varying (FO-MSP-MISO-LPV) model of Steam Dump System (SDS) is estimated with uncertain dynamics under sudden load variation transients. MSP for uncertain dynamics of SDS in FO framework is the most challenging problem and attempted in a novel fashion for the first time in nuclear industry. Scheduling parameters are dynamic in nature that makes the control problem more challenging. The Model is estimated experimentally by least square method using innovative plant operational data of opening positions of different valves as input variables and steam pressure as an output variable and cold leg coolant temperature coefficient of reactivity, hot leg coolant temperature coefficient, steam flow rate and turbine power as dynamic scheduling parameters. A switching controller is designed to address variable conditions of steam pressure for the actuation of dump valves, relief valves and safety valves in SDS. A robust fractional order LPV switching H∞ (RFO-LPV-SWH∞) controllers are formulated and designed for FO-MSP-MISO-LPV model. The design of RFO-LPV-SWH∞ controllers is another significant contribution in switching mode with non-integer and LPV hybrid framework. RFO-LPV-SWH∞ controllers are tested, simulated and validated against benchmark transients as laid down in Final Safety Analysis Report (FSAR) of PWR-type NPP. The input and output variables at first and second vertex of polytope are fast reference tracking under highly nonlinear uncertain dynamics of SDS. Closed loop simulation experiments are conducted and proved that the proposed closed framework is robust in performance under parametric uncertainty.
Impact of Agricultural Insurance on the Productivity of the Agricultural Sector In Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Insurance and Actuarial Science College of Applied Social Sciences Lagos State University of Science and Technology Km 4, Itoikin Road, Ikorodu, 104233, Lagos, Nigeria, Banjo K.A. , Oloyede F.A , Olufawo H.S , Ogunlami K.O , Saka T.S , Bamgbose O.S. , Tairu F.G.
Published: April 2022

This study examines the impact of agricultural insurance on the productivity of agricultural sector in Nigeria. Agricultural Insurance is a valuable business risk management tool that provides farmers with financial protection against production losses caused by natural perils, such as drought, excessive moisture, hail, frost, wind and wildlife. The study used a survey research approach and simple random sampling to choose 100 farmers from Orelope Local Government, Oyo State. The findings revealed a positive significant correlation (r = .381, p <.01) between Agricultural insurance scheme and Agricultural sector productivity. Also, the level of awareness of Agricultural Insurance scheme among respondents is still low as several of them claimed that they are not aware of the Insurance scheme. It is recommended that more awareness and enlightenment of the Agricultural insurance scheme should be made to famers especially those in rural areas. Keywords: Agriculture, Insurance, Agricultural Insurance, Crop Production
Effect of Y3Al5O12 addition on the microstructural evaluation and mechanical properties of spark plasma sintered ZrB2-SiC composites
Authors: Gürcan Kübra , Ayas Erhan , Yurdabak İlker , Güngören Safa
Published: April 2022

In the present study, the addition of Y3Al5O12 (YAG) into the ZrB2-SiC
composites was investigated. Composites were densified by spark plasma
sintering (SPS) at 1850?C under a uniaxial pressure of 50 MPa for 20 min.
Microstructural evaluation and mechanical properties were evaluated with a
various content of YAG (1-5 wt%). Obtained results showed that sintering
mechanism changed from solid state to liquid phase sintering with
incorporation of YAG. The highest density (99.81 % RD) and fracture
toughness (6.44 ? 0.23 MPa.m1/2) were obtained for the composite containing
5 wt% YAG after the SPS process. Although hardness and elastic modulus of
samples were decreased with the increasing of YAG amount, measured values
were comparable with the literature.
Investigation of microstructural evolution of gas-assisted metal injection molded and sintered Mg-0.5Ca alloy
Authors: Cicek Bunyamin , Sun Yavuz , Turen Yunus , Ahlatci Hayrettin
Published: April 2022

In this study, Mg-0.5Ca alloy was produced in a newly designed unit during
the metal injection molding process. 40?mD90 Mg powder and 500nmD90 Ca
powder were used in accordance with injection molding and powder sintering
rules. In the injection phase, Polyethylene-glycol (PEG) and
Poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA) and stearic acid (SA) polymers act as
binders and lubricants. In the experimental phase, X-ray Diffractometer
(XRD), Thermal Gravimetric Analyze (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
equipped with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy Mapping (EDS and MAP), and
Vickers microhardness (HV) examinations were performed. The samples produced
were subjected to the sintering process at different temperatures and times.
Conventional powder sinter stages point, neck, and joining structures were
obtained at different temperatures and durations. As a result, it was
determined that Mg-0.5Ca alloy reached a metallic form with the specified
polymer structure only at 600oC temperature and after 5 h sintering. Grain
boundaries were formed in the sintered sample and the presence of the Mg2Ca
phase was observed. The hardness of the metallic structure obtained was
measured as 49.9 HV0.1 on average.
Characterization of sedimentary minerals from Kolubara mining basin, Serbia, with the determination of natural radioactivity
Authors: Saponjic Aleksandra , Gyoshev Stanislav , Bascarevic Zvezdana , Jankovic-Mandic Ljiljana , Ljubenov Gorica , Kokunesoski Maja
Published: April 2022

Diatomite (diatomaceous earth) and clay minerals deposits from the mining
basin Kolubara, Serbia, are natural materials with high economic potential
in many fields. As received and treated materials, diatomite and clay were
characterized using X-ray diffraction, mercury intrusion porosimetry,
particle size distribution, scanning electron microscopy, and
Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Activity concentrations for natural
radionuclides 40K, 226Ra and 232Th and anthropogenic radionuclide 137Cs in
diatomite and clay were determined by gamma spectrometry with HPGe detector.
For diatomite and clay, the mean activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and
40K were found to be 9, 26 and 173 Bq kg-1 and 19, 26 and 470 Bq kg-1,
respectively. In the present study was to show that these materials are
environmentally safe for further use in many fields.
Characterization of material sintered from the final flotation waste and zeolitic tuff
Authors: Cocic Mira , Logar Mihovil , Tasic Visa , Matovic Branko , Miletic-Svircev Milica
Published: April 2022

The paper deals with the characteristics of synthesized glass-ceramics obtained by sintering a mixture of final flotation waste (FFW) with tuff at 1260?C for 7 h, followed by the annealing of pressed samples at 1080oC for 36 h. The experiments were done in order to find the possibility for the valorization of waste material (FFW). By thermal treatment of mixtures of T20 (20 % tuff, 80 % FFW) and T40 (40 % tuff, 60 % FFW) to a temperature of 1260oC over a period of 7 hours, is obtained glass-ceramics with dendritic structure. The synthesized glass-ceramics consists of two phases: iron oxide crystals (maghemite, magnetite, and hematite) and glass with an approximate ratio of phases 32/68 (T20) and 23/77 (T40), respectively. The relatively small shrinkage of the synthesized material (up to 7 %) enables reliable control when designing a given shape indicating that such glass-ceramics can be used as a basis for obtaining construction material. The synthesis of pressed samples of mixtures (T20 and T40) at 1080oC for 36 h produces glass-ceramics that have a high coefficient of sound attenuation, which indicates good acoustic insulating properties.
Dermatological Conditions Inducing Acute and Chronic Pain
Authors: Hayoun-Vigouroux Mathilde , Misery Laurent
Published: April 2022

Pain is a common condition in dermatology. The aim of this review is to analyse the characteristics of pain in dermatology. Some skin diseases are conventionally known to cause pain; e.g. ulcers, pyoderma gangrenosum and herpes zoster. Common dermatoses, such as psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, can also cause significant pain. Some conditions are characterized by neuropathic pain and/or pruritus, without visible primary lesions: e.g. the neurocutaneous diseases, including small fibre neuropathies. Patients often fear pain in skin surgery; however, surgical procedures are rather well tolerated and any pain is mainly due to administration of local anaesthetic. Some therapies may also be uncomfortable for the patient, such as photodynamic therapy or aesthetic procedures. Thus, pain in dermatology is common, and its aetiology and characteristics are very varied. Knowledge of the different situations that cause pain will enable dermatologists to propose suitable analgesic solutions.