bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Susceptibility of TNFAIP8, TNFAIP8L1, and TNFAIP2 Gene Polymorphisms on Cancer Risk: A Comprehensive Review and Meta-Analysis of Case-Control Studies
Authors:   Noakhali Science and Technology University, Bhowmik Khokon Kanti , Barek Md Abdul , Aziz Md. Abdul , Islam Mohammad Safiqul
Published: July 2022

Review question / Objective: Several case control studies were conducted on the the connection of TNFAIP8 and TNFAIP2 gene polymorphisms with cancer and outcome is not consistent. A meta analysis combining these case control studies may give us a clear scenario of the connection of TNFAIP8 and TNFAIP2 gene polymorphisms with cancer development. The review question is 'what is the link between TNFAIP8 (rs11064, rs1045241, rs1045242, rs3813308), TNFAIP8L1 (rs1060555), and TNFAIP2 (rs710100, rs8126) polymorphisms with cancer risk?'. Condition being studied: Different types of cancer patients and healthy controls were evaluated to detect the cancer risk in the individual case -control studies. We performed a meta analysis of these case control studies to get a pulled outcome risk.
The Relationship Between Resilience and Mental Health of Undergraduate Students: A Scoping Review
Authors:   Western University, Ahluwalia Manvir , Shillington Katie , Irwin Jennifer
Published: July 2022

Review question / Objective: The aim of this scoping review was to examine what is known about the relationship between the resilience and mental health of undergraduate students enrolled in university or college programs globally. Background: For many undergraduate students, higher education acts as a personal investment in preparation for the workforce, while ultimately allowing students to develop cultural capital (Kromydas, 2017). The transition to university or college is also accompanied by important life changes such as moving to a new campus, meeting new people, and increasing self-efficacy to maintain independent responsibilities (i.e., meeting deadlines, completing household chores, and managing expenses; Henri et al., 2018). As a result, navigating these life changes can contribute to feelings of isolation, as many undergraduate students are disconnected from their friends and families (Diehl et al., 2018). Saleh and colleagues (2017) found that young adults in university or college experience higher levels of stress compared to their non-student counterparts. These stressors are attributed to a more challenging workload compared to that of high school, living with new roommates, and financial concerns (Karyotaki et al., 2020). In the face of these stressors, many undergraduate students are likely to experience mental health challenges either for the first time or in an exacerbated manner, potentially depleting their resilience (Abiola, 2017).
Studies on high performance rubber composites by incorporating titanium dioxide particles with different surface area and particle size
Authors: Kumar Vineet , Kumar Anuj , Chhatra Rajesh K. , Le Dong-Joo
Published: July 2022

In this work, we incorporate titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles as fillers into room temperature vulcanized silicone rubber (RTV-SR) and fabricated the RTV-SR/TiO2 composites. Herein, the effect of various surface areas of TiO2 particles on the mechanical properties of RTV-SR/TiO2 composites was investigated. The particle size of different types of TiO2 particles (147 nm, 34 nm, and 29 nm) was measured by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), whereas the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area was measured through adsorption-desorption isotherms as 3, 50, and 145 m2/g, respectively. TiO2 particles reinforced RTV-SR composites were prepared by solution mixing method. TiO2 particles with smaller particle sizes and high BET surface area exhibited higher mechanical properties. The compressive moduli were obtained as 2.2 MPa for a virgin sample and increased to 2.6 MPa, 2.8 MPa and 3.24 MPa for 3, 50, and 145 m2/g samples respectively at 6 phr filler loading. Similarly, the fracture strain of the composite was 117% for a virgin sample and changed to 94%, 130%, and 205% for 3, 50, and 145 m2/g samples, respectively, at 8 phr filler loading. The surface area and particle size of the fillers showed significant effect on mechanical properties of the composites, but no significant effect was observed on the energy harvesting values of RTV-SR/TiO2 composites.
NHS workforce projections 2022
Authors: Shembavnekar Nihar , Buchan James , Bazeer Nuha , Kelly Elaine , Beech Jake , Charlesworth Anita , McConkey Ruth , Fisher Rebecca
Published: July 2022

The Health Foundation's REAL Centre sets out its projections of future NHS workforce supply and demand in England, up to 2030/31.
Tanque de fermentación fabricado en plástico Una alternativa para disminuir costos en la tecnología Ecomill®
Authors: Oliveros-Tascón Carlos Eugenio , Sanz-Uribe Juan Rodrigo , Ramírez César Augusto
Published: July 2022

La tecnología Ecomill® se emplea actualmente en fincas y en centrales de beneficio y beneficiaderos comunitarios. Esta tecnología presenta ventajas un menor consumo específico de agua y de energía, así como menor impacto ambiental por las aguas del lavado del café. Con el fin de contribuir a la reducción del costo del equipo Ecomill así como para facilitar su adopción, en este avance técnico se presentan los resultados de investigación de un tanque para el equipo, utilizando polietileno de densidad media y el efecto del nuevo material en la calidad sensorial del café y del flujo de café a través de la descarga del tanque sin utilizar agua.
Diagrama de Área Estándar para la estimación visual de severidad de roya del cafeto.
Authors: López-Vásquez Juan Manuel , Marín-Ramírez Gustavo , Gaitán Alvaro , Carlos Ariel Ángel
Published: July 2022

Con el objetivo de mejorar las evaluaciones cuantitativas de severidad de roya del cafeto en las diferentes investigaciones de Cenicafé sobre biología, epidemiología, resistencia genética y manejo integral de roya en Colombia, y para fortalecer el monitoreo de la enfermedad en variedades susceptibles y resistentes por parte del Servicio de Extensión de la FNC, asistentes técnicos y los caficultores, se desarrolló y validó un Diagrama de Área Estándar nuevo para la roya del cafeto en el campo, comparándolo con los diagramas existentes.
Wave Emission of Nonthermal Electron Beams Generated by Magnetic Reconnection
Authors: Yao Xin , Muñoz Patricio A. , Büchner Jörg , Benáček Jan , Liu Siming , Zhou Xiaowei
Published: July 2022

Magnetic reconnection in solar flares can efficiently generate nonthermal electron beams. The energetic electrons can, in turn, cause radio waves through microscopic plasma instabilities as they propagate through the ambient plasma along the magnetic field lines. We aim at investigating the wave emission caused by fast-moving electron beams with characteristic nonthermal electron velocity distribution functions (EVDFs) generated by kinetic magnetic reconnection: two-stream EVDFs along the separatrices and in the diffusion region, and perpendicular crescent-shaped EVDFs closer to the diffusion region. For this purpose, we utilized 2.5D fully kinetic Particle-In-Cell code simulations in this study. We found the following: (1) the two-stream EVDFs plus the background ions are unstable to electron/ion (streaming) instabilities, which cause ion-acoustic waves and Langmuir waves due to the net current. This can lead to multiple-harmonic plasma emission in the diffusion region and the separatrices of reconnection. (2) The perpendicular crescent-shaped EVDFs can cause multiple-harmonic electromagnetic electron cyclotron waves through the electron cyclotron maser instabilities in the diffusion region of reconnection. Our results are applicable to diagnose the plasma parameters, which are associated to magnetic reconnection in solar flares by means of radio wave observations.
Sun-as-a-star Analysis of Hα Spectra of a Solar Flare Observed by SMART/SDDI: Time Evolution of Red Asymmetry and Line Broadening
Authors: Namekata Kosuke , Ichimoto Kiyoshi , Ishii Takako T. , Shibata Kazunari
Published: July 2022

Stellar flares sometimes show red/blue asymmetries of the Hα line, which can indicate chromospheric dynamics and prominence activations. However, the origin of asymmetries is not completely understood. For a deeper understanding of stellar data, we performed a Sun-as-a-star analysis of Hα line profiles of an M4.2-class solar flare showing dominant emissions from flare ribbons by using the data of the Solar Dynamics Doppler Imager on board the Solar Magnetic Activity Research Telescope at the Hida Observatory. Sun-as-a-star Hα spectra of the flare show red asymmetry of up to ∼95 km s−1 and line broadening of up to ∼7.5 Å. The Sun-as-a-star Hα profiles are consistent with spectra from flare regions with weak intensity, but they take smaller redshift velocities and line widths by a factor of ∼2 than those with strong intensity. The redshift velocities, as well as line widths, peak out and decay more rapidly than the Hα equivalent widths, which is consistent with the chromospheric condensation model and spatially resolved flare spectra. This suggests that as a result of superposition, the nature of chromospheric condensation is observable even from stellar flare spectra. The time evolution of redshift velocities is found to be similar to that of luminosities of near-ultraviolet rays (1600 Å), while the time evolution of line broadening is similar to that of optical white lights. These Hα spectral behaviors in Sun-as-a-star view could be helpful to distinguish whether the origin of Hα red asymmetry of stellar flares is a flare ribbon or other phenomena.
BASS. XXIII. A New Mid-infrared Diagnostic for Absorption in Active Galactic Nuclei
Authors: Pfeifle Ryan W. , Ricci Claudio , Boorman Peter G. , Stalevski Marko , Asmus Daniel , Trakhtenbrot Benny , Koss Michael J. , Stern Daniel , Ricci Federica , Satyapal Shobita , Ichikawa Kohei , Rosario David J. , Caglar Turgay , Treister Ezequiel , Powell Meredith , Oh Kyuseok , Urry C. Megan , Harrison Fiona
Published: July 2022

In this study, we use the Swift/BAT AGN sample, which has received extensive multiwavelength follow-up analysis as a result of the BAT AGN Spectroscopic Survey, to develop a diagnostic for nuclear obscuration by examining the relationship between the line-of-sight column densities (N
H), the 2–10 keV to 12 μm luminosity ratio, and WISE mid-infrared colors. We demonstrate that heavily obscured AGNs tend to exhibit both preferentially “redder” mid-infrared colors and lower values of L
X,Obs./L
12 μm than less obscured AGNs, and we derive expressions relating N
H to the L
X,Obs./L
12 μm and L
22 μm/L
4.6 μm luminosity ratios, as well as develop diagnostic criteria using these ratios. Our diagnostic regions yield samples that are ≳80% complete and ≳60% pure for AGNs with log(N
H/cm−2) ≥ 24, as well as ≳85% pure for AGNs with

log
(

N

H

/

cm

−
2

)
≳
23.5

. We find that these diagnostics cannot be used to differentiate between optically star-forming galaxies and active galaxies. Further, mid-IR contributions from host galaxies that dominate the observed 12 μm emission can lead to larger apparent X-ray deficits and redder mid-IR colors than the AGNs would intrinsically exhibit, though this effect helps to better separate less and more obscured AGNs. Finally, we test our diagnostics on two catalogs of AGNs and infrared galaxies, including the XMM-Newton XXL-N field, and we identify several known Compton-thick AGNs, as well as a handful of candidate heavily obscured AGNs based upon our proposed obscuration diagnostics.
Coping Strategy of Family in Treating Children with Thalassemia Mayor aged 6–12 Years in the Urban Area of Indonesia
Authors: Andriyani Septian , Putri Suci Tuty , Savitri Rahayu , Darmawan Dadang , Danismaya Irawan , Malisa Novi , Setiawan Guling , Rahmi Upik , Nasution Lina Anisa , Setyaningsih Tunggul Sri Agus
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND: Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder and has not been cured. Thalassemia children need special attention from the family as one of the efforts in treating children with thalassemia depends on coping strategies owned by the family.

AIM: This research aimed to discover and deeply explore coping family strategies in caring for children with thalassemia major aged 6–12 years.

METHODS: This study used quantitative and qualitative approaches (mixed methods). For quantitative study we used total sampling technique(66 samples). furthermore, for qualitative study, we used six participants with in depth-interview technique. The instrument was used the revised ways of coping scale questionnaire and interview guidelines.

RESULTS: The study showed that 62. 2% of respondents had a positive coping strategy, and (37.8%) had a negative coping mechanism. Furthermore, the qualitative analysis showed that age, education, employment status, and the number of childreninfluenced individual coping strategies. The interview results show three themes, namely the process of grieving, fear of stigma, and an increase in spiritual activity. It is recommended for families to follow health education on caring for children with thalassemia.
Translation and Validation of Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory into Indonesia
Authors: Suryaningsih Endang Koni , Zulala Nuli Nuryanti , Lestari Sri , Nguyen Tuan Van
Published: July 2022

Background. Childbirth self-efficacy is an essential component of mothers in dealing with childbirth. Various studies have supported evidence that mothers who believe in their ability to go through labor are commonly associated with anxiety levels and affect labor outcomes. However, in Indonesia, research on mothers' efficacy in facing childbirth or what is known as Childbirth Self-Efficacy has not been well documented due to the absence of instruments available to measure the concept. 
Purpose. This study aimed to produce a Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory instrument in the Indonesian version using guidelines from Brislin in the form of translation and back-translation techniques. 
Method. Face validity to test the validity of the surface by determining inclusion criteria including mothers with gestational age in the third trimester, maternal age range between 20-35 years, and primiparous mothers. While the reliability test measures internal consistency using Cronbach Alpha. A total of 12 mothers met the predetermined criteria and were willing to be respondents. This study produced A-62 Indonesian versions of the Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory through a translation process based on the theoretical framework. There are several sentence revisions to the items described but do not add and remove items—the resulting Alpha coefficient of .98 for all subscales. The results of the study have several limitations and recommendations for further research.
Implication for practice. Finding study assist midwives as the primary health care provider for the expectant mother to understand the concept of mother's efficacy of childbirth using the instrument.
Healthy Latrine Utilization Model on Hinterland Area Community Based on Local Habits Knowledge of Latrines and their Characteristics in Batam City
Authors: Oktarizal Hengky , Windusari Yuanita , Irfannuddin Irfannuddin , Rochadi R. Kintoko
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND: Local community issues (behavior/habits) The STBM and triggering program strategy is ineffective. Several stakeholders' latrine facilities are underutilized. The community and the government are at odds. Some programs run about latrine issues (Health Department and CKTR Office), Data collection for latrine ownership status is not well organized (it is not synchronized with city and sub-district data), and health officers/cadres do not understand the different types of latrines; permanent healthy latrines and semi-permanent healthy latrines demonstrate the importance of this research. AIM: This study aims to develop a community empowerment model based on local wisdom in using healthy latrines in the Batam City hinterland area. METHODS: The research was divided into two parts. The first was carried out with a quantitative approach using survey methods and questionnaires to identify the type of latrine use and the factors influencing latrine use, which were analyzed using chi-square (α= 0.05). The second stage was qualitatively analyzed using three (3) methods: data condensation, data presentation, and conclusion. The Hosmer and Lemeshow test was used to determine the model's suitability. The number of samples was calculated using the Slovin method with cluster random sampling technique in the Batam City hinterland sub-district cluster. RESULTS: The results showed that, in general, there was a relationship between the type of latrine use and the latrine use factor α=0.05, except for the variables of community involvement, coaching officers/cadres, and support from community leaders. The logistic regression model used was quite good because it could correctly predict 94.6% of the conditions. CONCLUSION: Harmonization and collaboration are required between two cross-sectoral programs, namely the health office and the creative work and spatial planning office. Increasing the frequency of mini-workshops involving the community and cadres or sanitarians. Acquisition and distribution of mass communication media emphasizing the importance of using latrines and placing them in easily accessible public locations
A tale about vipers’ tails: phylogeography of black-tailed rattlesnakes
Authors: Muñoz-Mora Víctor Hugo , Suárez-Atilano Marco , Maltagliati Ferruccio , Ramírez-Corona Fabiola , Carbajal-Saucedo Alejandro , Percino-Daniel Ruth , Langeneck Joachim , D’Addario Maristella , Sunny Armando
Published: July 2022

The phylogenetic relationships among black-tailed rattlesnakes remain poorly understood and some authors indicated that the diversity of this group has been underestimated and additional analyses are required to clarify the biogeographic patterns throughout its distribution in Mexico. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships among black-tailed rattlesnakes across their range, identifying relative divergence times among the main clades and reconstructing the biogeographical history of the group. Three partial mitochondrial genes (ND4, cytb and ATPase6) and one nuclear gene (RAG1) were sequenced to infer the phylogenetic relationships, through the maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference-based methods; demographic history reconstruction was investigated through Bayesian Skyline plot analysis and the ancestral area reconstruction was carried out considering a Bayesian framework. We found strong evidence that the black-tailed rattlesnakes’ group is composed of six clades, which is in agreement with subspecies previously reported. Divergence time estimation indicated that the origin of the C. molossus group could be traced to the middle of the Miocene (~7.71 Mya). Ancestral area reconstruction indicated that early divergence events occurred in Central Mexico, probably related to the geological dynamics of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. The lineage C. m. oaxacus is the basal member of the C. molossus group. Furthermore, the combination of geological events and changes in Quaternary vegetation may have contributed to the divergence of C. molossus clades. Our results suggest several clades within C. molossus complex could be potentially recognized as separate species.
Long-term changes in the prevalence of the crayfish plague pathogen and its genotyping in invasive crayfish species in Czechia
Authors: Mojžišová Michaela , Svobodová Jitka , Kozubíková-Balcarová Eva , Štruncová Eva , Stift Robin , Bílý Michal , Kouba Antonín , Petrusek Adam
Published: July 2022

The widespread presence of North American alien crayfish in Europe is a major driver of native crayfish population declines, mainly because they are chronic carriers of the oomycete Aphanomyces astaci responsible for crayfish plague. Screening for the crayfish plague pathogen in host populations has become a common practice across Europe, but sampling usually covers spatial but not temporal variation. Our study focuses on the current situation in Czechia, where screening for A. astaci was first conducted in the mid-2000s. We provide data about the distribution and prevalence of this pathogen at almost 50 sites with three host crayfish: the spiny-cheek crayfish Faxonius limosus, signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus, and marbled crayfish Procambarus virginalis. Among these sites were 20 localities that were resampled several years (usually more than a decade) after the original screening for A. astaci. We did not detect any A. astaci infection in two studied P. virginalis populations but documented several new hotspots of highly infected P. leniusculus in Czechia, and the first site with the coexistence of the latter with F. limosus. Our data suggest that despite some fluctuations, A. astaci prevalence in North American host populations generally does not tend to change significantly over time; we only observed two cases of a significant increase and one of a significant decrease. We no longer detected A. astaci in several originally weakly infected populations, but our data suggest it likely still persists in these areas and threatens native crayfish populations. At the single known site in the country where P. leniusculus and F. limosus coexist, we documented the presence of the same A. astaci genotype group in both crayfish species, likely due to interspecific transmission of the pathogen from the former host to the latter. However, genotyping of A. astaci in infected host individuals still supported the link between specific pathogen genotypes and crayfish hosts, suggesting that assessment of sources of mass mortalities from the pathogen genotyping is feasible in European regions where the mutual contact of different American crayfish species is uncommon.
Proposal (29) to conserve the name Omphalodo nitidae-Coryletum avellanae Amigo, G. Azcárate et Romero 1994 with a conserved type
Authors: Rodríguez-Guitián Manuel A. , Amigo Vazquez Javier
Published: July 2022

The association Omphalodo nitidae-Coryletum avellanae was defined by assembling relevés on (mainly) Corylus avellana woods on nutrient-rich substrates in the westernmost part of the Cantabrian Range (NW Spain). However, a mesophytic oak forest dominated by Quercus robur (with noteworthy amount of Corylus avellana in the undercanopy) was selected as its holotype. The most common interpretation of this association in the subsequent literature has been as seral Corylus avellana forests. For this reason, we propose the application of article 53 of the ICPN (4th ed.), which allows the name to be maintained with a new nomenclatural type based on the more recent interpretation of this syntaxon.

(29) Omphalodo nitidae-Coryletum avellanae Amigo, G. Azcárate et Romero 1994, typus cons. propos.

Typus: Amigo et al. (1994), table 2: rel. 4 (typus cons. propos.)

Taxonomic reference: Castroviejo et al. (1986–2020).

Syntaxonomic reference: Rivas-Martínez (2011).

Abbreviations: ICPN = International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature.
Risk Factors for Dementia in Patients With Incident Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Kodishala Chanakya , Hulshizer Cassondra A. , Kronzer Vanessa L. , Davis John M. , Ramanan Vijay K. , Vassilaki Maria , Mielke Michelle M. , Crowson Cynthia S. , Myasoedova Elena
Published: July 2022

Objective

Growing evidence suggests that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have increased risk for dementia. We assessed risk factors for incident dementia in an inception cohort of patients with RA.

Methods

This retrospective population-based cohort study included residents of 8 counties in Minnesota who were ≥ 50 years of age when they met 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria for incident RA between 1980 and 2014 and were followed until death/migration or December 31, 2019. Patients with dementia before RA incidence were excluded. Incident dementia was defined as 2 relevant International Classification of Diseases, 9th or 10th revision codes at least 30 days apart. Data on sociodemographics, disease characteristics, cardiovascular/cerebrovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, and comorbidities were abstracted from medical records.

Results

The study included 886 patients with RA (mean age 65.1 yrs, 65.2% female). During the follow-up period (median 8.5 yrs), 103 patients developed dementia. After adjusting for age, sex, and calendar year of RA incidence, older age at RA incidence (HR 1.14 per 1 year increase, 95% CI 1.12-1.17), rheumatoid nodules (HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.05-2.95), hypertension (HR 1.84, 95% CI 1.19-2.85), presence of large joint swelling (HR 2.03, 95% CI 1.14-3.60), any CVD (HR 2.25, 95% CI 1.38-3.66), particularly ischemic stroke (HR 3.16, 95% CI 1.84-5.43) and heart failure (HR 1.82, 95% CI 1.10-3.00), anxiety (HR 1.86, 95% CI 1.16-2.97), and depression (HR 2.63, 95% CI 1.76-3.93) were associated with increased risk of dementia. After adjusting for CVD risk factors and any CVD, all covariates listed above were still significantly associated with risk of dementia.

Conclusion

Apart from age, hypertension, depression, and anxiety, all of which are universally recognized risk factors for dementia, clinically active RA and presence of CVD were associated with an elevated risk of dementia incidence among patients with RA.
Narrative Review of Machine Learning in Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases for Clinicians and Researchers: Biases, Goals, and Future Directions
Authors: Nelson Amanda E. , Arbeeva Liubov
Published: July 2022

There has been rapid growth in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) analytics in medicine in recent years, including in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). Such methods represent a challenge to clinicians, patients, and researchers, given the "black box" nature of most algorithms, the unfamiliarity of the terms, and the lack of awareness of potential issues around these analyses. Therefore, this review aims to introduce this subject area in a way that is relevant and meaningful to clinicians and researchers. We hope to provide some insights into relevant strengths and limitations, reporting guidelines, as well as recent examples of such analyses in key areas, with a focus on lessons learned and future directions in diagnosis, phenotyping, prognosis, and precision medicine in RMDs.
Policy Communication Through Artificial Intelligence in China and Western Countries
Authors: Zhang Yuyun
Published: July 2022

Communication has become the crucial key to a success of public policy both in China and Western countries. After more than thirty years of development, China and Western countries have made fruitful achievements. We made a comparative review of policy communication studies in three aspects: general situations, topics and theoretical prospects. Firstly, the trend of policy communication research from both sides are positive, and it focuses on the new topics brought by the development of artificial intelligence. Secondly, by applying artificial intelligence technology to the research, it is concluded that scholars focus on three topics: communication mechanism, crisis communication and monetary policy communication. Thirdly, policy communication studies have provided us with rich practical materials and useful theoretical exploration, but there is still a lack of attention to Chinese advanced policy communication practices and a profound understanding of the challenges in the context of artificial intelligence which is the direction worthy of scholars striving in in the future.
Determinants of Green Bond Performance Evidence From India
Authors: Bhurjee Keerat , Paliwal Ankur
Published: July 2022

Green Bond is a new concept in India that are described as debt securities issued to raise funds for financing green projects. This paper focuses on determinants that influence the performance of green bonds in India along with its comparison with conventional bonds. The analysis and literature exhibit that there are a lot of factors like price, risk, underwriters, etc. that may affect green bond performance and explains how, the issuance may be improved with the help of certifications, stock exchanges, and standardization. Finally, it is concluded that India has an immense potential to expand this gradually evolving market.
Actor-Network Theory Perspective of Robotic Process Automation Implementation in the Banking Sector
Authors: Iyamu Tiko , Mlambo Nontobeko
Published: July 2022

Banking institutions are increasingly exploring ways of improving service delivery rather than the extreme focus and obsession of financial profitability. This has led to localising the internationality of solutions through the implementation (adoption and practice) of Robotic Process Automation (RPA), to advance service delivery. However, the uniqueness of environmental culture, and the critical roles of human actors increase challenges in some banking institutions. Consequently, the adoption of RPA poses a challenge, different from the many norms, which some banks encounter. In some institutions, this is fundamental and disruptive, and questionable to human development. This study explores the challenge by following the actors using the interpretivist approach, from actor-network theory perspective (ANT). From the analysis, five fundamental factors were found to be essential to banking institutions’ operations in their quest to implement RPA. The findings provide fresh perspectives and a mixed trajectory to the adoption of RPA, from the South African banking institutions’ context.
Factors Impacting Defect Density in Software Development Projects
Authors: Dayyala Niharika , Walstrom Kent A. , Bagchi Kallol K. , Udo Godwin
Published: July 2022

This study empirically examines the impact of technical and situational factors on the quality of software development. Defect density was used to measure the post-implementation quality of software projects. The non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test and the parametric Welch T-test were used to test the differences in defect density for technological and situational factors related to these projects. Results suggest technological and situational factors significantly impact the quality of software. Empirical findings revealed the following factors result in lower defect density: (1) project enhancements versus new project development; (2) smaller projects versus larger projects; (3) using a development methodology; (4) using later generation programming languages; (5) developing projects with in-house teams; (6) using an iterative development methodology versus a waterfall development methodology; (7) using larger development teams versus smaller teams; (8) using CASE tools; and (9) developing projects on a standalone platform versus developing on a client\server multiplatform.
A Study on Machine Learning and Supervised and Deep Learning Algorithms to Predict the Risk of Patients
Authors: Ahmed Md Imtiaz , Shefaq Fatima
Published: July 2022

Technological innovation is adopted sequentially in the medical sciences and health sciences. Due to the innovation of devices, methods, researches, the medical science sector is developing rapidly and its impact helps health professionals to identify diseases easily, predict patients' future diseases probabilities, etc. Using the Framingham dataset, a model built where the ML classification algorithm Linear regression, Logistic regression, SVC, Decision tree, Random Forest, Naive Bayes algorithms, have been used to predict the possibilities of a patient’s next ten-year coronary heart disease risk. DL model Artificial neural networks and the robust ML algorithm impact learning are also used in this research to find the best model and comparison between ML and DL models. After accessing all the ML models, the Logistic regression was found the best effective one with an accuracy score of 0.85063. The Artificial Neural networks and the impact learning provide an accuracy score of 0.84061 and 0.84971 respectively. The aim is to find out the best model which can be easily adopted.
Compound Facial Expression Recognition and Pain Intensity Measurement Using Optimized Deep Neuro Fuzzy Network
Authors: Borgalli Rohan Appasaheb , Surve Sunil
Published: July 2022

The automatic measurement of pain intensity from facial expressions, mainly from face images describes the patient’s health. Hence, a robust technique, named Water Cycle Henry Gas Solubility Optimization-based Deep Neuro Fuzzy Network (WCHGSO-DNFN) is designed for compound FER and pain intensity measurement. However, the proposed WCHGSO is the incorporation of Water Cycle Algorithm (WCA) with Henry Gas Solubility Optimization (HGSO). Here, Compound Facial Expressions of Emotion Database (dataset-2) is made to perform compound FER, whereas the input image from UNBC pain intensity dataset (dataset-1) is utilized to measure the pain intensity, and the processes are performed separately. The developed technique achieved better performance with respect to testing accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity with the highest values of 0.814, 0.819, and 0.806 using dataset-1, whereas maximum values of 0.815, 0.758 and 0.848 is achieved using dataset-2.
Bunker-Room Mnemonics for Second-Language Vocabulary Recall
Authors: Larchen Costuchen Alexia , Cunningham Larkin , Tordera Yllescas Juan Carlos
Published: July 2022

This paper presents a proposal and an initial prototype for a Serious Game (SG) aimed at helping second-language learners memorize a list of non-linked vocabulary items under a system of visuospatial bootstrapping (Darling et al., 2017). The usefulness of such a tool was suggested by the efficient outcomes of spatial mnemonics in TEFL providing 21st-century teachers, students, and game designers with new possibilities and it represents a new application of CALL. The game design is based on a modified version of Kalmpourtzis’ AMSTP game design model (2019) and it uses aesthetics, mechanics, story, technology, and pedagogy as its basis, adding the sixth element to its core: user expertise. The resulting AMSTP-UE framework allows in-game analysis from the point of view of a teacher, a learner, or a game designer. The game is a first-person walking simulator using the medium of virtual reality (VR) to provide its players with the feeling of presence in a virtual world. The prototype suggests using visuospatial information, deep learning APIs, and in-game data capture.
Oscillation and Stepwise of Hydrocarbon Melting Temperatures as a Marker of their Cluster Structure
Authors: Tregubov Dmytro , Tarakhno Olena , Deineka Victoriia , Trehubova Flora
Published: July 2022

The presence of melting temperatures oscillatory and stepwise changes for hydrocarbons four homologous series is demonstrated and analyzed. The oscillating dependence is manifesteds on the principle of «even-odd» molecules with different deviations from linearity. According to the working hypothesis, this is due to the presence of the matter smallest structural unit in the cluster form of with a certain coordination number. The oscillation of melting temperatures in hydrocarbons series is explained by the fact that clustering can occur both at the site of the final carbon in the molecule and at other carbons in the molecule chain, and this fact depends on the «even-odd» effect. Based on the known values of melting temperatures in homologous series, the clusters probable structure is assumed. It is shown that graphs for the calculated values of equivalent lengths of these clusters correlate with corresponding graphs for hydrocarbons melting temperatures. An approximation formula has been developed to predict melting temperatures of hydrocarbons based on the values of the equivalent length and the cluster molecular weight, which operates with an approximation coefficient of 0.997 and a mean deviation of 4.2 K.
Tribotests of Valve Seats Made of ADI and Q - Cryo Cast Iron with Spheroidal Graphite
Authors: Skrbek Břetislav , Mráz Jakub
Published: July 2022

In this paper, microstructural and tribological properties of valve seats made of ADI and Q – cryo cast iron with spheroidal graphite have been investigated in comparison to stellite 6. The studies have shown that the cheaper variant of cast iron thermally threated can have comparable properties suitable for valve seats usage in gas combustion engines. In the work the tribological test was performed and resulted into the course of friction coefficient of the tested samples and selected properties as the thickens of the valve seat or hardness and Young modulus after cast iron thermal treatment were measured.
Durability of Acrylic Products during Heat Aging
Authors: Kondratiev Andrii , Kochanov Vladimir , Yuresko Tetyana , Tsaritsynskyi Anton , Nabokina Tetyana
Published: July 2022

Currently, the areas of application of polymethyl methacrylate plastic (acrylic) owing to its unique properties (most notably, lightness, plasticity, exceptional transparency and high impact resistance) range widely from modeling, lighting technology and medicine, automotive industry and watchmaking to aviation, shipbuilding, rocket engineering and production of military equipment. Mechanical characteristics of polymethyl methacrylate plastic, like most polymers, change significantly over time when exposed to temperature. The temperature impact extends to all volume of the material and leads to its “heat aging”, which should be considered when designing the products made of polymethyl methacrylate plastic. The process of thermal destruction is long enough, so it is reasonable to predict the changes in the properties of polymethyl methacrylate plastic using accelerated methods of material specimen aging with subsequent testing under simple loading. The paper deals with the experimental study of the process of changing of physical and mechanical characteristics of polymethyl methacrylate plastic during thermal destruction. Heat aging of the material is identified with the process of the thermal oxidative destruction occurring at a constant rate and specified temperature. It is assumed that the change in polymer’s mechanical properties is proportional to the change in number of its functional groups. The tests were performed on cylindrical specimens with fillets at the ends at three levels of temperature: 40, 70 and 100°C. Specimens were held at each temperature for 2; 5; 10; 20 and 30 days. According to results of statistical processing of experiments, we obtained the average values of ultimate strains for each temperature-time regime. The obtained ultimate strain values were the basis for the construction of long-term aging curves. For the minimum allowable value of ultimate strain in operation, the period of operation of polymethyl methacrylate plastic was determined for different aging temperatures. At the operating temperature of 20oС the period of operation was 12 years. During this period, the ultimate deformability of polymethyl methacrylate plastic decreases to 3%, which is approximately equal to elastic deformations. The results will allow us to predict the period of operation of polymethyl methacrylate plastic products for different values of the ultimate strain and operating temperature.
Cellular Concretes with an Anisotropic Structure at the Stage of Forming the Product
Authors: Bruyako Mikhail G. , Bazhenova Sofia I. , Kim Dien Vu
Published: July 2022

This paper presents the results of developing a single-stage method to obtain effective structural and thermal insulation products based on cellular concrete with anisotropic structure and studies their properties. Methods to determine the start and end time of gas generation of the system, determine the emission value, determine the density change of anisotropic materials have been used in this study. The experiments show that ability to adjust the coefficient of variation for cellular concrete depends on the shape fill factor. The degree of variation increases from 2.22-2.86-3.33, increasing the load-carrying capacity of construction products with anisotropic structure than concrete with a one-dimensional cellular structure that consumes materials. In addition, products based on cellular concrete meet all the required criteria for strength, stiffness and frost resistance due to the high density of the surface layer.
Behavior of Basalt Fibers in an Alkaline Environment
Authors: Petropavlovskaya Victoriya , Zavadko M.Y. , Petropavlovskii K.S. , Novichenkova Tatiana B.
Published: July 2022

The article presents experimental studies of the composite binders modification with basalt fibers waste. The introductory part provides studies overview of basalt fibers resistance in various aggressive environments. It was revealed that the most aggressive environment in relation to basalt fibers and other products based on them is alkaline. Also, it is promising to use their production waste as a modifying additive for building compositions. But in this case, the problems associated with leaching are equally relevant for each of the reinforcing components. The components characteristics and the test procedure are described and illustrated in the next section. The following are the results of determining the strength characteristics of samples obtained on a composite binder modified with basalt fibers and acid ash productions waste. Finally, a brief analysis and conclusions are presented to confirm the effectiveness of reducing the environment aggressiveness in relation to the basalt fibers production waste adding acidic ash to the composition.
Physico-Mechanical Foundations of Theoretical and Engineering Investigation on the Development to Corrosion-Resistant Materials in Buried Structures of Coastal Zones
Authors: Fedosov Sergey Viktorovich , Aleksandrova Olga V. , Fedoseev V.N. , Loginova S.A. , Quang Nguyen Duc Vinh
Published: July 2022

The paper considers methods of physical and mathematical modeling that can be used to describe the processes of non-stationary mass transfer of free calcium hydroxide in buried concrete and reinforced concrete structures of coastal zones. The authors proposed a mathematical model of mass transfer in an unrestricted two-layer plate in the form of a system of parabolic partial differential equations with boundary conditions of the second kind at the "concrete-liquid" interface and of the fourth kind at the "concrete-soil" interface. In terms of the results of experimental studies of the mechanisms for reducing the quality of concrete due to exposure to sulfate and acidic environments, using the obtained solutions of the mathematical model, it becomes possible to select the optimal composition of concrete with high anticorrosion properties.
Surface Modification of Alumina Particles to Enhance Bonding Properties with Rubber and Resin in Grinding Tools
Authors: Čelko Ladislav , Bednaříková Vendula , Remešová Michaela , Casas Luna Mariano , Klakurková Lenka , Zábranský Karel , Holemý Daniel , Švejcar Jiří
Published: July 2022

The mechanical properties of grinding-tools relies highly on adhesion between the abrasive particles and the bonding phase, generally composed of organic rubber or resin materials. The surface modification of abrasive particles represents an industrial alternative to improve the connection with the bonding phase material. However, increasing the roughness of abrasive particles is a challenging process because of their high chemical stability. In the present study, three different approaches are investigated to modify the surface of industrially used alumina abrasive particles. Chemical erosion under harsh acidic and alkaline conditions, and hydrothermal deposition of aluminium-based coatings were used for the surface modification of the abrasive particles. The chemical stability of alumina particles was demonstrated by the chemical etching while the succesufull surface deposition of AlOOH crystals modified the apparent roughness of the processed powder particles. Morphological changes after each treatment were studied by scanning electron microscopy and the phase composition was confirmed by X-ray diffraction.
Persistence of Müllerian derivatives in an adult male
Authors: Elabd Souha , Almalki Mussa
Published: July 2022

Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) is a rare congenital abnormality that leads to male disorders of sexual development (DSD) due to the persistence of Müllerian duct derivatives in otherwise normally virilized male patients with a normal karyotype. It is usually diagnosed in the early years of life at the time of surgery for cryptorchidism or repair of an inguinal hernia. Cases of affected adult males have been reported as well. We report a rare case of PMDS in a middle-aged (47-year-old) infertile male who was referred to the endocrine clinic for the evaluation of primary infertility. A high index of suspicion needs to diagnose such conditions as early treatment is necessary to preserve fertility and to reduce the occurrence of neoplastic transformation in remnant Müllerian structures.
The individualization of care for people with diabetes during ramadan fasting: A narrative review
Authors: Afandi Bachar , Beshyah Salem , Hassanein Mohamed , Jabbar Abdul , Khalil Aly
Published: July 2022

Management of Muslim people with diabetes who choose to observe the fasting during the holy month Ramadan may become a complicated situation in which neither physicians nor patients have straightforward solutions. While most patients with diabetes fast Ramadan safely, some patients do face potentially life-threatening complications, including hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, dehydration, and ketoacidosis. Several professional recommendations categorize patients with diabetes as very high/high, moderate, or low-risk groups. This classification was based principally on the type of disease, the status of metabolic control, type of treatment, and modified by the presence of other comorbidities and circumstantial factors. Ramadan clinical recommendations for individuals with diabetes are mainly based on expert opinions with limited, yet growing, scientific evidence, and research. On occasions, they do not take account of many important variables that require a personalized approach. In this narrative perspective, we discuss the individualized management of people with diabetes during Ramadan fasting taking into consideration the hours of fasting during the day, weather, resources, personal patterns of dieting, sleeping and exercise, previous fasting experience, and, most importantly, patient preferences among many other factors. This narration is aimed to encourage physicians to think out of the box and provide an individually-tailored recommendation on whether to fast and how best to modify management plans if fast was deemed safe.
An unusual cause of multiple foot ulcers in a patient with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Elmalti Akrem , Elgzyri Targ , Varghese Shiby , Mukhtar Mamoun
Published: July 2022

Diabetes is the most common cause of nontraumatic lower limb amputation. The majority of those amputations are preceded by an ulcer, usually as a result of peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, or a combination of both. Regular foot examination and multi-disciplinary team approach are supported by evidence as tools to reduce foot ulceration. A cause for foot ulceration is not always evident, but presumed trauma or burn are usually thought. We are presenting a rather unusual case of a 70-year-old patient with long-standing diabetes and peripheral sensory neuropathy who first presented with bilateral superficial foot ulcers. On follow-up visits, further new superficial multiple ulcers were discovered and a possibility of rat bite was raised which he and his family denied. His daughter later confirmed the sighting of rodent biting his flesh. Rodent bites causing foot ulcers are rare; however, the clinician's vigilance is key for the early detection and treatment.