bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GEOELECTRIC STUDY OF GROUNDWATER REPOSITORY IN PARTS OF AKWA IBOM STATE, SOUTHERN NIGERIA
Authors: Ibuot Johnson C. , Ekpa Moses M. M. , Okoroh Doris O. , T. Omeje Aniefiok S. Akpan Emmanuel
Published: December 2020

Geoelectric survey employing Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) was carried out in order to assess the groundwater repositories. A total of seven soundings were obtained with their layer resistivity, thickness and depth within the maximum electrode separation. The geoelectric parameters obtained were used to estimate the Dar-Zarrouk parameters (longitudinal conductance and transverse resistance), hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity. The result shows the aquifer resistivity ranging from 77.14 to 784.76 Ωm, with thickness ranging from 28.78 to 80.04 m. The longitudinal conductance have values ranging from 0.071 to 0.825 Ω-1 while the values of hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity range from 1.087 to 5.881 m/day and 60.180 to 374.031 𝑚2/day respectively. The contour maps generated show the variation of these parameters across the subsurface, and areas with poor protective capacity were delineated. The results also delineate the groundwater potential of the study area as moderate, while the corrosivity rating indicates non-corrosive and slightly corrosive.
Doradztwo finansowe w obliczu konieczności ochrony własności intelektualnej w obszarze fintech
Authors: Pindral Tomasz
Published: December 2020

Przedmiot badań: Przedmiotem badań opisanych w artykule były wybrane kwestie związane z ochroną własności intelektualnej i funkcjonowaniem doradztwa finansowego w szeroko pojętym obszarze fintech. Ponieważ mowa tu o zjawisku złożonym i wieloaspektowym, niełatwo jest wskazać wszystkie możliwe problemy, jakie pojawiają się na styku usług finansowych i kwestii związa­nych z naruszeniami własności intelektualnej. Powoduje to wzrost znaczenia i odpowiedzialności firm doradczych, które powinny wskazywać przedsiębiorcom możliwie skuteczne i indywidulnie dopasowane sposoby ochrony.

Cel badawczy: Podstawowym celem było w tym wypadku zbadanie, na ile aktywni obecnie doradcy są świadomi omawianej problematyki i posiadają odpowiednie rozeznanie i wiedzę, aby formułować skuteczne diagnozy.

Metoda badawcza: Na potrzeby badania posłużono się wspomaganym komputerowo sondażem telefonicznym CATI, który przeprowadzono wśród przedstawicieli czołowych firm doradztwa finansowego, działających w Polsce. Komputerowa rozmowa telefoniczna (CATI) była w tym wy­padku techniką optymalną, ponieważ pozwalała na przeprowadzenie wywiadu zgodnie ze skryptem dostarczonym przez aplikację. Tego rodzaju ustrukturyzowany system gromadzenia mikrodanych wydatnie przyspiesza proces pozyskiwania i edycję zgromadzonych informacji. Pozwala również badaczowi wyposażyć respondentów w dodatkową wiedzę na temat znaczenia aktualnych i do­kładnych danych. Oprogramowanie jest w stanie dostosować przebieg wdrażania kwestionariusza na podstawie udzielonych odpowiedzi, a także informacji dotyczących pojedynczego uczestnika. Badaniu poddano 72 przedstawicieli czołowych firm z branży doradztwa finansowego.

Wyniki: Efektem przeprowadzonego badania okazało się dookreślenie kompetencji współcze­snych doradców oraz ocena ich świadomości związanej z koniecznością uwzględnienia ochrony własności intelektualnej w ramach proponowanych usług. W efekcie uzyskano dane pozwalające stwierdzić, że na obszarze doradztwa finansowego, często również posługującego się narzędziami fintech, poziom świadomości związany z koniecznością ochrony własności intelektualnej jest nie tylko wysoki, ale również poparty rzetelnym przygotowaniem merytorycznym.
Modele biznesowe gospodarki o obiegu zamkniętym
Authors: Rozwadowska Agnieszka
Published: December 2020

Przedmiot badań: Koncepcja gospodarki o obiegu zamkniętym, skupiająca coraz większą uwagę nie tylko środowiska naukowego, ale i biznesowego, stanowi alternatywny sposób gospodarowania dla obecnie dominującego systemu liniowego. Tradycyjny model konsumpcji „weź-zużyj-wyrzuć” nie może utrzymać się w dłuższej perspektywie, a przedsiębiorstwa muszą dostosować swoje modele biznesowe do zgodnych z zasadami GOZ sposobów tworzenia, dostarczania i przechwy­tywania wartości. Aby osiągnąć pozytywne korzyści gospodarcze, środowiskowe i społeczne przedsiębiorstwa muszą tworzyć nowe modele biznesowe, które oddzielą wzrost gospodarczy od nakładów surowcowych przy zastosowaniu podejścia kołowego. W gospodarce o obiegu za­mkniętym produkty i zasoby wykorzystywane są tak długo, jak to możliwe, na przykład poprzez ponowne wykorzystanie lub naprawę produktów – w gospodarce liniowej zostałyby wyrzucone.

Cel badawczy: Celem niniejszego opracowania jest przedstawienie koncepcji gospodarki o obiegu zamkniętym i proponowanych przez nią potencjałów biznesowych wraz z przykładami tego, jak przedsiębiorstwa na całym świecie sprzedają obecnie produkty i usługi w oparciu o powstające okrągłe modele biznesowe. Przedstawione przykłady najlepszych praktyk mają na celu wykaza­nie różnorodności okrągłych modeli biznesowych wdrażanych przez przedsiębiorstwa i ukazanie możliwości biznesowych w gospodarce o obiegu zamkniętym, które obecnie są wykorzystywane.

Metoda badawcza: Niniejszy artykuł jest wynikiem przeglądu oraz analizy piśmiennictwa i ra­portów dotyczących założeń GOZ i okrągłych modeli biznesowych.

Wyniki: Przejście na okrągły model biznesowy jest przykładem fundamentalnej zmiany, która wymaga nowego sposobu myślenia i prowadzenia działalności gospodarczej. Przedstawiona typologia okrągłego modelu biznesowego daje możliwość wdrożenia idei obiegu zamkniętego na poziomie praktycznym. Należy zauważyć, że opisane w artykule typy wraz z przykładami nie­koniecznie przedstawiają pełne innowacje w modelu biznesowym, ale raczej kluczowe elementy strategii, które przyczyniają się do działalności o obiegu zamkniętym. Posiadają one odrębne cechy, ale dokładnie nie istnieją między nimi granice. Aby wspierać przedsiębiorstwa w osiągnięciu jak najwyższej produktywności zasobów naturalnych, można je stosować pojedynczo lub łącznie.
Wybrane zagadnienia dotyczące umowy dowodowej w postępowaniu odrębnym w sprawach gospodarczych
Authors: Skibińska Magdalena
Published: December 2020

Przedmiot badań: Przedmiotem badań jest wprowadzona nowelizacją z dnia 4.07.2019 r. do Kodeksu postępowania cywilnego instytucja umów dowodowych w postępowaniu odrębnym w sprawach gospodarczych.

Cel badawczy: Celem artykułu jest nie tylko zbadanie zakresu zastosowania regulacji art. 4589 k.p.c. i dopuszczalnych wyłączeń w umowie dowodowej, ale także określenie skutków zawarcia umowy dowodowej oraz potencjalnych zalet i wad, jakie mogą się wiązać z zawarciem takiej umowy z perspek­tywy celu nowelizacji (jakim jest usprawnienie postępowania) oraz pewności obrotu gospodarczego.

Metoda badawcza: W analizie wykorzystano metodę dogmatycznoprawną.

Wyniki: Przeprowadzone rozważania prowadzą do wniosku, że wprowadzenie umów dowodowych może pod pewnymi warunkami prowadzić do usprawnienia postępowania cywilnego. Jednakże w sytuacji konieczności badania skuteczności i ważności umowy dowodowej korzyść ta może być iluzoryczna. Regulacja ta może także skutkować nadużyciem pozycji ekonomicznej między dużymi a małymi przedsiębiorcami.
Magic cube puzzle approach for image encryption
Authors: Gaffar Achmad Fanany Onnilita , Malani Rheo , Putra Arief Bramanto Wicaksono
Published: December 2020

In principle, the image encryption algorithm produces an encrypted image. The encrypted image is composed of arbitrary patterns that do not provide any clues about the plain image and its cipher key. Ideally, the encrypted image is entirely independent of its plain image. Many functions can be used to achieve this goal. Based on the functions used, image encryption techniques are categorized into: (1) Block-based; (2) Chaotic-based; (3) Transformation-based; (4) Conventional-based; and (5) Miscellaneous based. This study proposes a magic cube puzzle approach to encrypt an 8-bit grayscale image. This approach transforms a plain image into a particular size magic cube puzzle, which is consists of a set of blocks. The magic cube puzzle algorithm will diffuse the pixels of the plain image as in a Rubik’s Cube game, by rotating each block in a particular direction called the transposition orientation. The block’s transposition orientation is used as the key seed, while the generation of the cipher key uses a random permutation of the key seed with a certain key length. Several performance metrics have been used to assess the goals, and the results have been compared to several standard encryption methods. This study showed that the proposed method was better than the other methods, except for entropy metrics. For further studies, modification of the method will be carried out in such a way as to be able to increase its entropy value to very close to 8 and its application to true color images. In essence, the magic cube puzzle approach has a large space for pixel diffusion that is possibly supposed to get bigger as a series of data has transformed into several magic cubes. Then, each magic cube has transposed with a different technique. This proposed approach is expected to add to a wealth of knowledge in the field of data encryption.
Factors affecting hookah tobacco smoking among females in the Islamic Republic of Iran: a qualitative study
Authors: Bazrafshan Mohammad , Mansouri Amir , Delam Hamed , Masmouei Behnam , Shokrpour Nasrin
Published: December 2020

Background: The prevalence of hookah smoking in the Islamic Republic of Iran is increasing among females, especially in the southern cities. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the factors influencing hookah tobacco smoking among females in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Methods: In this qualitative study, 52 females who use hookah were selected (25–71 years old) from the cities of Evaz and Gerash and were interviewed. The participants were selected using purposive sampling and the data were gathered using semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed using the conventional approach of qualitative content analysis. Results: Most participants were aged between 25 and 35 years old and 55.8% were married. Three main themes were identified from the qualitative data including: personal factors, family factors and social factors. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that the reasons for hookah smoking were based on complex interactions between individual, family, and social factors. In order to successfully reduce hookah smoking in females it is necessary to consider an approach that uses these social factors
CLINICAL AND NEUROLOGICAL FEATURES OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN DISEASE DURING THE STAGES OF REHABILITATION
Authors:   Tashkent state medical academy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Azizova Rano , Shamsiyeva Umida , Turabbayev Mirzohid , Jorayev Begzod , Fayzullaxojayev Xasanxon
Published: December 2020

Traumatic brain disease (TBHD) is a pathological process triggered by the damaging effect of mechanical energy on the brain and is characterized — with a variety of clinical forms — by the unity of etiology, pathogenetic and sanogenetic mechanisms of development and outcomes.
CHANGES OF PSYCHOMOTOR DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN WITH PERINATAL BRAIN HYPOXIA
Authors:   Samarkand State Medical Institute of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Igamova Saodat , Djurabekova Aziza
Published: December 2020

The central nervous system is the main mechanism that determines the nature of the reactivity and adaptation of the body to a set of environmental factors. At the same time, autonomic imbalance acts as the root cause of the pathological process or asa predisposing factor, and it is advisable to use the cardiovascular system as an indicator of neurohumoral regulationits reactions are associated with the activity of the central nervous system, autonomic nervous system and subcortical centers
EVALUATION OF TREATMENT EFFICIENCY AND INFORMATIVITY OF MRI STUDIES IN PATIENTS WITH MIGRAINE
Authors:   Samarkand State Medical Institute of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Kholmurodov Dilshod , Djurabekova Aziza , Isanova Shoira , Igamova Saodat
Published: December 2020

Migraine is currently considered a common pathology, which in many cases leads to a decrease in performance. Migraine diagnostics is the most important clinical, biomedical andsocial task. MRI studies are important in the diagnosis of migraine disease. Focal lesions are localized mainly in the white matter, which confirms the clinical nature of the disease. As a drug correction, the drug Sumamigren was proposed, the early intake of which allows avoiding migraine recurrence and transition to chronicity
NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN PATIENTS WITH A CONSEQUENCE OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
Authors:   Samarkand State Medical Institute of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shodjalilov Istatillo , Igamova Saoda , Djurabekova Aziza
Published: December 2020

The incidence of cognitive impairment in TBI is high, depending on the severity. At the same time, psychopathological symptoms in the form of asthenia, increased anxiety and depression are encountered among patients with TBI. The work studied the relationship between cognitive and psychopathological symptoms in patients with TBI using neuropsychological testing on scales.
Heat Conduction On Pan Using Portable Parabolic Stove With Addition Of Flat Mirror
Authors: Mardwianta Benedictus , Subarjo Abdul Haris , Wiardefan Wayan
Published: December 2020

This research aims to develop the parabolic stove with addition of some flat mirrors around the parabolic mirror. It will increase the heat transfer of conduction in the pan. The parabolic itself has around and concave shape, making it suitable for concentrating solar energy. The experimental method was carried out in this research and the test was carried out in an open space with solar radiation intensities with ranging from 169.6 W/m² to 974.4 W/m². The results of heat conduction on a pan without the addition of a flat mirror generate a 105.15 Watt, addition of one flat mirror will generate a 174.82 Watt, addition of two  flat mirrors will generate a 259.24 Watt, addition of three flat mirrors will generate a 342.79 Watt and addition of four flat mirrors will generate a 412.26 Watt. The heat conduction depends on the intensity of the sun caught by the reflector. If the sun intensity decreases, the surface temperature between of the outer pan wall (T1) and the inner wall temperature (T2) will decrease too. Keywords: Heat conduction, sun intensity, parabolic stove
Failure pressure prediction of pipeline with single corrosion defect using artificial neural network
Authors:   Mechanical Engineering Department, Petronas University of Technology, Chin Kiu Toh , Arumugam Thibankumar ,   Mechanical Engineering Department, Petronas University of Technology, Karuppanan Saravanan ,   Mechanical Engineering Department, Petronas University of Technology, Ovinis Mark ,   Mechanical Engineering Department, Petronas University of Technology
Published: December 2020

This paper describes the development and application of artificial neural network (ANN) to predict the failure pressure of single corrosion affected pipes subjected to internal pressure only. The development of the ANN model is based on the results of 71 sets of full-scale burst test data of pipe grades ranging from API 5L X42 to X100. The ANN model was developed using MATLAB’s Neural Network Toolbox with 1 hidden layer and 30 neurons. Before further deployment, the developed ANN model was compared against the training data and it produced a coefficient of determination of 0.99. The developed ANN model was further tested against a set of failure pressure data of API 5L X52 and X80 grade corroded pipes. Results revealed that the developed ANN model is able to predict the failure pressure with good margins of error (within 15%). Furthermore, the developed ANN model was used to determine the failure trends when corrosion defect length and depth were varied. Results from this failure trend analysis revealed that corrosion defect depth is the most significant parameter when it comes to corroded pipeline failure.
Reflective Journal Development As Self-Assessment
Authors: Wicaksono Vicky Dwi , Budiyono Budiyono , Supriyono Supriyono
Published: December 2020

Self-assessment in learning is rarely used during classroom learning. Students as adults should engage in self-assessment to accommodate need. The reflection journal writing activities used by students at the end of each study are one alternative to self-assessment. Reflective thinking, reflective questions, reflections and reflective practices are often used interchangeably, although there is little difference. The purpose of this research is to know the results of reflective journal product development in accordance with validation experts, lecturer studies, and student responses. This type of research method is research and development. The validity rate of journal developed amounted to 85% of learning evaluation experts, 96% of psychology, 90% of Indonesian language experts. The progress of students' learning abilities will be improved by the release of reflective journals. The number of reflective journals is 22 journals in each semester consisting of 16 journals of lecture meetings and 6 follow-up journals of reflection results. Self-assessment in reflective journals can be observed in the naked eye. If the student does not experience changes while studying, then the student can be said to be hampered in the learning process. Students can determine their own learning abilities.
Matematikte Erken Değerlendirme Araçları (TEAM)nın Türkçeye Uyarlanması
Authors: ÖLEKLİ SÖNMEZ Nilay , TEMEL Fulya
Published: December 2020

Bu çalışmanın amacı, 3-7 yaş arası çocukların matematiksel becerilerini belirlemek için geliştirilen “Tools For Early Assessment In Math (TEAM)” 6 yaş kısa versiyonunun Türkçe’ ye uyarlanması ve güvenirlik çalışmalarını gerçekleştirmektir. Değerlendirme aracının güvenirlik çalışma grubunu Uşak’ta anaokuluna devam eden 6 yaş grubu 230 çocuk oluşturmaktadır. TR-TEAM 6 yaş kısa versiyonunun güvenirlik çalışmalarında iç tutarlılık katsayısının sınanması için Kuder Richarson-20 testi ve test-tekrar test güvenirliği kullanılmıştır. TR-TEAM 6 yaş kısa versiyonunun test güvenirliği A (Sayı ve İşlemler) ve B (Geometri) bölümleri için incelenmiştir. Anasınıfına devam eden 6 yaş grubu çocuklarında, testin KR-20 güvenirliği Bölüm A için 0.92 ve Bölüm B için 0.81 bulunmuştur. TR-TEAM 6 yaş kısa versiyonunun test-tekrar test sonucu korelasyon r= .828 olarak bulunmuştur. Analiz sonuçları değerlendirme aracının güvenilir şekilde kullanılabileceğini ortaya koymuştur.
Using Synthetic Resins for Removal of Emulsified Oil from Produced Water
Authors: Alsaba Wisam Hussam , Alenany Raafat , Zamzam Mohammed
Published: December 2020

In this study, adsorption of emulsified oil in produced water was experimented using synthetic resins. Adsorbent dosage, contact time, initial oil concentration, and PH were the main key parameters evaluated for Optipore L493, Amberlite IRA 958, Amberlite XAD 7 and Lewatit AF 5. Oil removal rates have reached up to 98% using AF 5, XAD 7 and L493, while they are lesser than 25% for IRA 958. Isotherm data were fitted using Langmuir, Freundlich, Toth, Flory Huggins and Dubinin-Radushkevich models. Adsorption isotherms for XAD 7 and L 493 were best fitted using Langmuir model, whereas AF 5 curves were best fitted using Dubinin-Radushkevich. Kinetic data describing the rate of adsorption for each resin were studied and fitted using pseudo-first and second order equations in addition to intraparticle diffusion models. The experimental results were best-fitted using pseudo second order kinetics. The obtained results confirm the applicability of the resins for the removal of oil from produced water.
Thermal, Electrical, and Sensing Properties of Composite Material from Environmental and Industrial Wastage
Authors: NK Sajeel , Kannan Karthik , Houkan Mohammad , Saleh Mohamed Ismail , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar
Published: December 2020

This work is an endeavour to contemplate a valueadded conductive plastic composite material derived as recycled plastic depending on Polyethylene (PP)/carbon black. We choose to add Carbon black (CB) as a filler material in order to enhance the electrical conductivity as well as other properties associated with the composite. Solution mixing method was adopted to develop this composite where the consequences of CB loadings on various parameters like processability, morphology and thermal stability of the composites were examined. Electrical conductivity increased with the increasing amount of the CB loading. The clearly perceived better filler-matrix interaction and filler dispersion were observed in images obtained from Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). These are the underlying reason behind the improved electrical, thermal, sensing and dielectric properties of the prepared plastic composite material.
Highly active Bifunctional Lamo3 (M=Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) Perovskites for Oxygen Reduction and Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Media
Authors: Hameed Areeba , Logade Khulood , Ali Naba , Ghosh Priya , Shafath Sadiya , Salim Sumaiya , Ashok Anchu , Kumar Anand , Saad Mohd Ali H Saleh
Published: December 2020

Lanthanum based electrocatalytically active perovskites, LaMO3 (M=Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni), were synthesized using a single step solution combustion synthesis technique. The perovskites showed exceptional performance for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline medium. Based on the experimental results and literature survey, it is suggested that the exceptional activity of Mn and Co based lanthanum perovskite catalyst could be due to the optimum stabilization of reaction intermediates involved in the rate-determining step (RDS) of ORR/OER. According to crystal field theory (CFT), the d-orbital of transition metals are affected by the octahedral arrangement of six negative charges around it. The d orbital degenerates by splitting into two high energy (eg) and three lower energy orbitals (t2g) while maintaining the same average energy level. The rate-determining step in the ORR/OER reaction that based on the eg orbital filling of B site transition metal cations If the d-electrons are less, the valence state goes up and lowering the eg orbital filling that results in strong adsorption of oxygenated species on the B site (strong B-OH bond). This strong bonding limits the overall reaction rate by the slow desorption of OH and its derivatives during ORR/OER. Similarly, too high eg filling causes weak adsorption of oxygenated species that limits the reaction through the slow adsorption of reactants. Therefore, to enhance the activity of ORR/OER reaction it is required to balance the adsorption and desorption of the reactants and the intermediate respectively. The better way is to optimize the eg orbital filling to be nearly 1 (eg = 1).Based on the experimental results and literature survey, it is suggested that the exceptional activity of Mn and Co based lanthanum perovskite catalyst could be due to the optimum stabilization of reaction intermediates involved in the rate-determining step (RDS) of ORR and OER.
Synthesis and Characterization of Vanadium (IV)-Flavonoid Complexes and its Antioxidant ability toward Superoxide and Radical Scavenging
Authors: Akbar Himyan , Habib Salma , Tahir Mohammed Mahroof , Sreerama Lakshmaiah
Published: December 2020

In this project Vanadium complex -Vanadium (IV) - flavone was synthesized using vanadium (IV) acetylacetonate (VO(acac)2) complex and 3-hydroxy-6-methyl flavone ligand. The complex stability was checked using FTIR and UV-vis spectroscopies. Peackes around 990 cm-1 conforms the formation of (V=O) in the complex, as well as (V-O) around 790 cm-1. In UV-Vis spectrum peak around 400-450 nm was noticed, which conforms the formation of the vanadium complex that correspond to the ligand to metal charge transfer (LMCT) transition. The radical scavenging abilities of vanadium complex were investigated using DPPH. The anti-oxidant activity using (BHA) as a standard reference, the complex synthesized displayed strong DPPH antioxidant radical scavenging activity compared to VO(acac)2 and BHA, with IC50 value of (105, 95 and 96) mM respectively. The absorbance in which the reducing power occurred were found to be (0.397, 0.825 and 0.228) for the complex, VO(acac)2 and BHA.
Computational Investigation of Wall Shear Stress Patterns on Calcified Aortic Valve Leaflets
Authors: Salman Huseyin Enes , Yalcin Huseyin Cagatay
Published: December 2020

Background: Aortic valve diseases affect about 25% of the population over 65 years of age. Aortic valve separates the left ventricle from the aorta, and consists of three half-moon shaped leaflets. The leaflets are highly dynamic structures which open during the ventricle contraction and close during the ventricle relaxation. Calcification on leaflet surfaces results in poor valve functioning which deteriorates the valve hemodynamics. Wall shear stresses (WSS) on the leaflet surfaces are considered to be strongly related with the initiation and progression of calcification. Aim: To investigate the effect of altered hemodynamics on the valve leaflet calcification, and to understand the role of WSS patterns in the progression of the aortic valve diseases. Methods: We investigate the hemodynamics of aortic valves using computational modeling. Fluid-structure interaction approach is employed to accurately determine the complex dynamic motion of valve leaflets. A 3D patient-specific aortic valve model is generated. Using finite element modeling, blood flow velocities, pressures, and WSS values are determined within the entire model, employing numerical techniques to obtain the characteristics of altered hemodynamics and spatial WSS patterns. Results: In case of calcification, WSS values are increased at both surfaces of the leaflets. On the ventricularis surface, there is a spatially-regular WSS distribution, which gradually increase from the leaflet attachment region to the leaflet tip. However, a spatially-complex WSS distribution is observed on the aortic leaflet surface. Conclusion: Relatively low WSS levels and spatiallycomplex WSS patterns on the aortic leaflet surface are observed as potential risk factors for the initiation and progression of aortic valve calcification.
Influenza, RSV, and Other Respiratory Infections among Children in Qatar
Authors: Smatti Maria K. , Al-Romaihi Hamad E. , Al-Khatib Hebah A. , Coyle Peter V. , Al Thani Asmaa A , Al Maslamani Muna A , Yassine Hadi M.
Published: December 2020

Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) lead to high rates of mortality and morbidity among children. However, studies on the etiology of respiratory infections among children in Qatar and surrounding countries are still limited. Objectives: To describe the prevalence and seasonality of RSV, influenza, and other respiratory pathogens among children in Qatar. Methods: We retrospectively collected data of 33,404 patients <15 years old presented with Influenza-like illness (ILI) from 2012 to 2017. All samples were tested for influenza viruses, while 30,946 were tested for a complete panel of 21 respiratory pathogens. Results: At least one respiratory pathogen was detected in 26,138 (78%) of patients. Together, human rhinoviruses (HRV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza viruses comprised nearly two-thirds of all ILI cases, detected in 24%, 19.7%, and 18.5%, respectively. A detection rate of 5-10% was recorded for adenovirus, human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs), bocavirus (HboV), and human coronaviruses (HCoVs). Other pathogens such as human metapneumovirus (HMPV), enteroviruses, mycoplasma pneumonia, and parechovirus had prevalence rates below 5%. ILI positive cases were detected throughout the year. RSV, influenza, HMPV exhibited strong seasonal activity in the winter, while HRV was primarily active during low RSV and influenza activity. The burden of RSV exceeds that of influenza among young age groups (<5 years), affecting 17-30% of ILI cases. Prevalence of influenza, on the other hand, correlated positively with age, ranging from 23% to 32% in age groups above five years. Further, male patients had higher rates of HRV (26%) and adenovirus (9%), whereas females showed a higher prevalence of influenza (22%), and RSV (20%) infections. Conclusion: This comprehensive report provides insights into the etiology of ILI among children in Qatar, which represents the Gulf region. Our results reinforce the significance of active surveillance of respiratory pathogens to improve infection prevention and control strategies, particularly among children.
The Protective Role of Sestrin2 in High Fat Diet-Induced Nephropathy
Authors: Agouni Abdelali , Lee Duck Y , Eid Assaad A , Gorin Yves , Sharma Kumar
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Obesity is a major risk factor for type-2 diabetes predisposing patients to diabetic nephropathy (DN), the leading cause of end-stage renal failure. Glomerular injury is a prominent pathological feature of DN. Sestrin2 (Sesn2) is a stress-induced protein, but its role in DN has not been investigated. Therefore, we have determined the impact of Sesn2 deletion in a mouse model of obesityinduced nephropathy. Materials and methods: We examined the effects of Sesn2-deficiency in a longterm (22 weeks) mouse model of high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity on glomerular structure. The severity of renal injury and fibrosis in wild type (Sesn2+/+) mice (fed HFD or chow diets) was compared to that in Sesn2-deficient mice (Sesn2-/- ) fed HFD or chow diets. Animal work was carried out under an IACUC-approved protocol. Results: Data showed that Sesn2 ablation exacerbated HFD-induced glomerular fibrotic injury as evidenced by mesangial matrix hypertrophy and accumulation of both fibronectin and collagen IV. Western blot analysis revealed that HFD- or chow-fed Sesn2-/- mice exhibited higher protein expression of key lipogenic enzymes, fatty acid translocase CD36 (an indicator of lipid uptake), fatty acid synthase and ATP citrate lyase. Sesn2-deficiency in obese mice resulted in podocyte loss as indicated by reduced expression of synaptopodin. Glomerular lesions like those observed in HFD-fed wild-type mice were detected in Sesn2-/-mice fed a chow diet, indicating that the basal deletion of Sesn2 is deleterious by itself. Conclusions: We provide the first evidence that Sesn2 is renoprotective in obesity-induced nephropathy by diminishing lipid accumulation and blocking excessive lipid uptake and de novo lipid synthesis. Understanding the protective of Sesn2 should yield novel therapeutic interventions to effectively preserve glomerular function in obesity and diabetes.
Anti-diabetic and Anti-hypertensive Potential of Indigenous Edible plants of Qatar
Authors: ELObeid Tahra , Phoboo Susanna , Shetty Kalidas
Published: December 2020

Aizoon Canariense, Cynomorium Coccineum, Glossonema Edule, and Malva Parviflora, edible desert plants from Qatar, were selected to determine levels of phenolic bioactives and potential health benefits for managing early stages of type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Aqueous extracts of C. Cocineum, contained soluble phenolics and had relatively high levels of antioxidant activity associated with α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and angiotensin- converting enzyme (ACE). G. Edule and M. Parviflora had moderate levels of anti-oxidant potential, soluble phenolics, and ACE inhibitory activity. The medicinal properties associated with C. Coccineum suggest the plant may have potential as a diet-based solution for combating, preventing, and managing the early stage of type 2 diabetes when coupled with an overall healthy life style and pharmacological management strategies.
The Role of GATA3 in Adipogenesis & Insulin Resistance
Authors: Al-Jaber Hend Sultan , Al-Mansoori Layla Jadea , Elrayess Mohamed Aghar
Published: December 2020

Background: Impaired adipogenesis plays an important role in the development of obesityassociated insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Adipose tissue inflammation is a crucial mediator of this process. In hyperglycemia, immune system is activated partially through upregulation of GATA3, causing exacerbation of the inflammatory state associated with obesity. GATA3 also plays a role as a gatekeeper of terminal adipocyte differentiation. Here we are examining the impact of GATA3 inhibition in adipose tissue on restoring adipogenesis, reversing insulin resistance and potentially lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes. Results: GATA-3 expression was higher in insulin resistant obese individuals compared to their insulin sensitive counterparts. Targeting GATA-3 with GATA-3 specific inhibitors reversed impaired adipogenesis and induced changes in the expression of a number insulin signaling-related genes, including up-regulation of insulin sensitivity-related gene and down-regulation of insulin resistance-related genes. Conclusion: GATA3 expression is higher in differentiating adipocytes from obese insulin resistant. Inhibiting GATA3 improves adipocytes differentiation and rescues insulin sensitivity in insulin resistant cells
Submarine Cables, the Internet Backbone, and the Trade in Services
Authors: El-Sahli Zouheir
Published: December 2020

Submarine cables are undersea digital bridges that allow ideas and information to move across space. Submarine cables are expensive infrastructure investments and their high costs raise the question about their economic returns, especially in developing countries. Specifically, It is not known what laying submarine cables means for services trade, which depends heavily on exchanging ideas and information. Using a novel data set for connecting the world countries by submarine cables, this study considers the variation in the number of submarine cables as well as the timing of connection to identify the effects of submarine cables. To deal with endogeneity, two novel instruments are developed. The results confirm that submarine cables stimulate services trade in some sectors. Benefits to developing countries are higher where more sectors expand their services trade and no sectors lose. This suggests a catch-up effect and higher gains from laying submarine cables in developing countries.
SafeDrive: A Reliable and Secure Distributed Cloud Storage
Authors: Mansour Watheq Ahmad , Malluhi Qutaibah M.
Published: December 2020

SafeDrive is an efficient, reliable, and secure multi-cloudfile storage system that keeps data safe and accessible even if you do not fully trust the service provider, whose systems can be compromised or become unavailable. SafeDrive relies on distributed storage on multiple clouds and employs fast techniques for tolerating multiple service outages. Data remain seamlessly accessible as long as m-out-of-n clouds are available. With SafeDrive, data and access credentials never exist in an unencrypted form outside the client’s machine.
Private Function Evaluation Using Intel’s SGX
Authors: Abdurahiman Nihal , alban Ahmad Qadeib , shikfa abdullatif , Malluhi Qutaibah
Published: December 2020

Private Function Evaluation (PFE) is the problem of evaluating one party’s private data using a private function owned by another party. Several techniques were presented to tackle PFE by running universal circuits in secure multi-party computation and more recently by hiding the circuit’s topology and the gate’s functionalities. These solutions however, are not efficient enough for practical use; hence there remains a need for more efficient techniques. This work looks at utilizing the Intel Software Guard Extensions platform (SGX) to provide a more practical solution for PFE while the privacy of the data and the function are both kept protected. Our solution carefully avoids the pitfalls of side channel attacks on SGX. We present solutions for two different scenarios: the first is with the function’s owner having SGX enabled and the other is with a third party (other than data owner and function owner) having SGX. Our results show a clear expected advantage in term of time consumption for the first case over the second. Investigating the slowdown in the second case lead to the garbling time, which constitutes more than 60% of the consumed time. Both solutions clearly outperform Fairplay PF in our tests.
RF Based Anti-Drone System
Authors: Abunada Abdulrahman Hasan , Osman Ahmed Yousif
Published: December 2020

The anti-drone system blocks drones from entering a protected area. The aim of this project is to design a drone detection mechanism using the RF control signal exchanged between the drone and its remote controller. The system generates a high-power jamming signal transmitted over the same carrier frequency and band of the detected drone (project supports only 2.4 GHz band) and directed towards the drone location in order to disconnect it from its controller causing safe landing or return to home mechanisms to triggered.
Factors Influencing Reading News on the Mobile Devices in Qatar in Light of Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR)
Authors: Charbaji Rima
Published: December 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine and better understand the factors influencing reading news on the mobile devices in Qatar from the viewpoint of intention to adopt augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Design/methodology/approach: A large convenience sample of 699 respondents from Qatar was surveyed. Using SPSS, the researcher employed the Kaisers-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of sampling adequacy and the Bartless test of sphericity to establish the construct validity of the instrument. The four extracted and rotated dimensions were found to be reliable and valid. Main findings: Findings from multiple regression analysis have confirmed two out of six hypotheses. Two independent variables (1) nationality and (2) interest in using AR & VR are significant in predicting the use of mobile devices to follow regional and international news in Qatar from the viewpoint of intention to adopt augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Implications: Implications of this study are two folds. Hypotheses that are partially supported, suggest an urgent need for further research to uncover the various modes afforded by the smart digital society in Qatar. More proactive approach from decision and policy makers in Qatar’s newspaper printing industry is needed to benefit from the digitalization of international news. Novelty: This article empirically correlates two fields of business research: the digital copy of the real world and reading international news. This piece of research has been published in May 2020 at the scopus indexed International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET).
A Structural Equation Model of Perceived University Image in Qatar:
Authors: Charbaji Rima
Published: December 2020

The aim of this research is to examine the factors that influence student perceptions of the image of Qatar’s national university, Qatar University. The study builds on relevant scholarship on perceptions of organizational image and explores institutional image perceptions in the state of Qatar. Based on data collected from a sample of 1427 students in Qatar, this study uses factor analysis in order to identify the variables that influence students’ perceptions of Qatar University. The findings of this study indicate that the way students perceive Qatar University is determined by four main factors: Quality of education, comparability of educational standards, the facilities and extracurricular activities provided, and graduates’ employability. The paper concludes with recommendations for institutional policy and future research. This piece of research has been published in August 2020 at the scopus indexed International Journal of Management (IJM).
Welfare Index of Migrant Workers: The Case of Qatar
Authors: Diop Abdoulaye , Mustafa Semsia Al-Ali , Ewers Michael , Le Trung Kien
Published: December 2020

In December 2010, Qatar won the rights to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The announcement came with increasing pressure from international human rights organizations, media and other groups for Qatar to reform its labor laws, which governs the lives and working conditions of foreign workers in the country. Although Qatar continues to develop and implement major reforms to its labor laws, until now there was no one unique tool based on survey data to evaluate the impact of the government’s policies on guest workers. The objective of this paper is to present the Qatar Guest Workers’ Welfare Index (GWWI), a multi-dimensional comprehensive tool based on survey data of migrant workers developed by the Social and Economic Survey Research Institute (SESRI). In addition to assessing and tracking the welfare of this population, the objective of the index is to identify areas of improvement to guide policy formulation.
Innovative Tool to Educate High School Students through Research Based Learning
Authors: Al-thani Noora , Bhadra Jolly , Siby Nitha , Elhawary Enas , Saad Azza
Published: December 2020

The need for enhanced engagement of school students for better behavioral outcomes in line with scientific learning and acquisition of science process skills have continually incited educators to strategize innovative teaching approaches. Meanwhile, innovations and research from the scientific community has consistently been prioritized, demanding highly skilled STEM labor in the global market, henceforth challenging educators to brace the next generation with high proficiency in STEM fields. The research study focuses on an out of school approach that caters to the industrial demands in STEM workforce, henceforth acquainting the high school students with research methodology for improving their technical efficiency and intellectual capacity in problem solving and critical thinking. The study program was conducted on 208 students from public schools in Qatar, who participated in 68 research projects, each project being engaged by a group students during a period of 2 months at Qatar University research laboratories. The performance of participants were analyzed by mixed methods implementing both quantitative data based on questionnaires and qualitative data based on feedback interviews from research mentors, schoolteachers and the participant students. The results of the program yielded positive outcomes from the stakeholders as the school students gained competences exhibited by under-graduate or graduate students like research self-efficacy, research skills and aspirations for scientific careers, accomplishing the objectives of the program. This study program henceforth was successful in bridging the gap between high school and university, as the participant students had an advantage in confidence over their peers in university laboratories and technical writing assignments.
CAROTID BODY TUMOR MASQUERADING AS AN ISOLATED SUBMANDIBULAR LYMPH NODE- A CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Harnarayan Patrick , Islam Shariful , Ramsingh Christi , Lall Purandath
Published: December 2020

Carotid body tumors (CBT) are very rare tumors and CBT masquerading as a submandibular lymph node are even rarer. The authors report a case of a middle aged male who was referred to the Otolaryngology department for investigation of a suspected/ apparent left submandibular lymph node. It was slow growing in nature, painless and firm to the touch but was otherwise asymptomatic. Given this presentation and his history of smoking two (2) packs of cigarettes a day for fifty-three (53) years a malignancy of the head and neck area was suspected. A Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) was done at his first visit and this was negative for malignancy. A Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the neck revealed a mass within the carotid sheath with the characteristic Lyre sign: the splaying of the internal and external carotid arteries typical of a paraganglioma or chemodectoma. Based on the recommendations of Shamblin, this case was classified as a Shamblin I, i.e. a perfect candidate for surgical resection. After adequate preparation, informed consent and further imaging, the tumor was resected an uneventful recovery was to be in keeping with the dictum of the Shamblin classification. The histology was reported as a Paraganglioma with no atypical features. We think this is the first reported case of CBT from the Caribbean countries.
FISH AS BIOCONTROL AGENT AGAINST MOSQUITOES: AN OPINION
Authors: Ganguly Subha
Published: December 2020

Gambusiaaffinis or mosquitofish play a vital role as biocontrolling agents which feed on mosquito larvae populations. These are freshwater fishes with adult females reaching an overall length of 7 cm and adult males attain a length of nearly 4 cm.
DETAIL OF PARSING LITHOLOGICAL MEMBERS OF THE TERRAIN AND EMBANKMENT ALONG THE ROUTE OF THE RAILWAY SAMAC - SARAJEVO, CORRIDOR V, SECTION CHAINAGE KM 85 + 000 – 103+500, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Authors: Djuric Nedjo , Djuric Dijana
Published: December 2020

Revitalization of the railways is a started project of the European Union, where is necessary for all the tracks of the former Yugoslavia to be revitalized in order to improve their train speed quality up to 120 km / hour. The railway that passes through the middle of Bosnia and Herzegovina, from north to south, is the Corridor Vc and connects Budapest, that is Central Europe with the Adriatic Sea. The largest part of the railway was revitalized, and researched section is one of several remaining that need to be investigated in detail before revitalized. It is expected its full completion by 2010. During the research of mentioned section, in detail were studied the characteristics of the terrain and the buffer layer of railway along its route. The level of detail was such that it had allocated all the characteristics of lithological members and embankments per chainages.
MULTICULTURAL ENVIRONMENT AND PRE SERVICE TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMME
Authors: Mandhyan Prerna
Published: December 2020

Diversity in cultures has become the prominent feature of 21st century. The effect of this feature can be observed in classroom environment where the teacher has students having multicultural backgrounds. Therefore, there is need to train prospective teachers for teaching in diverse/ multicultural classroom. They are not prepared for coming in contact with different cultures than the sheltered one many of them have lived in. They are not prepared for the different needs possessed by today’s multicultural student population. In this paper, we discuss not just the problems that arise due to this issue. We also discuss ways to remedy these problems, starting with pre-service teacher education programs and ending with these prospective teachers themselves.
ADDRESSING SOIL HEALTH MANAGEMENT ISSUES IN INDIA
Authors: Patel Amrit
Published: December 2020

World has been observing 5th December since 2012 as the World Soil Day to ensure maintenance of soil health, This was complimented by the United Nations’ General Assembly declaring 2015, as the International Year of Soils to create awareness among all stakeholders and promote more sustainable use of soil being the critical resource. On this occasion, UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon had said that without healthy soils life on Earth would be unsustainable. Indeed, soils are the foundation of agriculture. He had urged all Governments to pledge to do more to protect this important yet forgotten resource. A healthy life is not possible without healthy soils. According to the Director General of the FAO, Jose Graziano da Silva, today, world has more than 805 million people facing hunger and malnutrition. Soils are under increased pressure because population growth will require an approximately increase of 60 per cent in food output and competing land uses.Unfortunately, 33 per cent of our global soil resources are under degradation and human pressures on soils are reaching critical limits, reducing and sometimes eliminating essential soil functions. He had emphasised the role of all stakeholders in promoting the cause of soils as it is important for paving the road towards a real sustainable development for all and by all. Against this background, this article briefly highlights the significance and aspects of soil health management in India and suggests aspects of strategic action plan to conserve this precious resource for the benefit of mankind.