bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Gum Arabic powder on the mechanical properties of denture base acrylic
Authors: Alsadon Omar , Alkhureif Abdulaziz Abdullah , Khan Aftab Ahmed
Published: November 2022

Objective: This study aimed to improve the mechanical properties of denture base material using various concentrations of natural biopolymer, i.e., Gum Arabic (GA).

Methods: This experimental study was conducted at the Dental Health Department of the College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from May 2022 to July 2022. After obtaining exemption from the institutional review board, the powdered GA was added in ratios of weight 5, 10, and 20% to PMMA heat-cured acrylic powder to produce bar-shaped samples (65 × 10 × 30 mm3 in dimensions). While the control group was prepared as such. Micro hardness (n=10/group) and fracture toughness (n=10/group) were evaluated. One-way analysis of variance method was used to statistically analyze the results (p<0.05) using SPSS version 23.

Results: Significant differences were observed for micro hardness (p<0.001) and fracture toughness (p=0.007) between the means of the different study groups. The control group exhibited the highest micro hardness (22.5±0.6 VHN) and fracture toughness (1.25±0.11 MPa.m1/2) value among the study groups. While 20 wt. % GA and 10 wt. % GA groups showed the lowest micro hardness and fracture toughness values, respectively.

Conclusions: GA powder might not be an appropriate reinforcing material for denture base or the higher filler loading of GA in denture base acrylic might be detrimental to the mechanical properties.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.1.6937

How to cite this: Alsadon O, Alkhureif AA, Khan AA. Effect of Gum Arabic powder on the mechanical properties of denture base acrylic. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(1):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.1.6937

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Διερεύνηση της συχνότητας των διαταραχών έκκρισης της αλδοστερόνης σε νέο-διαγνωσμένους υπερτασικούς ασθενείς
Authors: Βούλγαρης Νικόλαος
Published: November 2022

ΥΠΑΡΧΟΥΣΑ ΓΝΩΣΗ ΚΑΙ ΣΚΟΠΟΣ: Ο πρωτοπαθής υπεραλδοστερονισμός (ΠΑ) αποτελεί τη συχνότερη αιτία ενδοκρινικής υπέρτασης. Παρά την αυξημένη επίπτωση της αρτηριακής υπέρτασης παγκοσμίως, o ακριβής επιπολασμός του ΠΑ μεταξύ των υπερτασικών πληθυσμών δεν έχει επακριβώς καθοριστεί. Η παρούσα έρευνα έχει σαν σκοπό τον ακριβή προσδιορισμό του επιπολασμού του ΠΑ σε υπερτασικούς ασθενείς ανάλογα με τη βαρύτητα της υπέρτασης με τη νέα διαγνωστική δοκιμασία DCVT (Dexamethasone, captopril, valsartan test).ΑΣΘΕΝΕΙΣ: Μελετήθηκαν προοπτικά 265 υπερτασικοί ασθενείς οι οποίοι ταξινομήθηκαν σε 3 ομάδες ανάλογα με το στάδιο της υπέρτασης: Στάδιο Ι: 100 άτομα (ΣΑΠ: 140-159 mmHg ή ΔΑΠ: 90-99 mmHg), Στάδιο ΙΙ: 88 άτομα (ΣΑΠ: 160-179 mmHg ή ΔΑΠ: 100-109 mmHg) και Στάδιο ΙΙΙ: 77 άτομα (ΣΑΠ≥ 180mmHg ή ΔΑΠ≥ 110mmHg). Μία ομάδα 103 υπερτασικών ασθενών στους οποίους είχε αποκλειστεί ο ΠΑ χρησιμοποιήθηκαν ως μάρτυρες. ΜΕΘΟΔΟΙ: Η διάγνωση του ΠΑ βασίσθηκε στην δοκιμασία DCVT στην οποία υποβλήθηκαν όλοι οι ασθενείς και περιλαμβάνει τα ακόλουθα: Χορήγηση 50mg καπτοπρίλης, 320mg βαλσαρτάνης και 2 mg Dexamethasone στις 24:00, 2 ώρες μετά το βραδινό γεύμα. Το επόμενο πρωί (07:00 π.μ.) και μία ώρα πριν την αιμοληψία χορήγηση 50 mg καπτοπρίλης. Αιμοληψία για προσδιορισμό κορτιζόλης , αλδοστερόνης, ρενίνης, ACTH, καλίου και νατρίου μία ώρα μετά τη χορήγηση καπτοπρίλης και με τον ασθενή σε καθιστή θέση για τουλάχιστον 30 λεπτά.ΑΠΟΤΕΛΕΣΜΑΤΑ: Τα φυσιολογικά όρια των επιπέδων της αλδοστερόνης (85 nmol/L) και του ARR (9 pmol/mU) μετά την δοκιμασία DCVT καθορίσθηκαν βάσει αποτελεσμάτων από την ομάδα μαρτύρων. Με βάση τα όρια αυτά ο επιπολασμός του ΠΑ στους υπερτασικούς που μελετήσαμε με τη νέα δοκιμασία ανέρχεται σε 30%. Ο επιπολασμός του ΠΑ ανάλογα με τη βαρύτητα της ΑΠ στις τρεις επιμέρους ομάδες είναι: Στάδιο Ι: 21% (21 /100), Στάδιο ΙΙ: 33% (29/88), Στάδιο ΙΙΙ: 39% (30/77). Επίσης, διαπιστώσαμε στατιστικώς σημαντική συσχέτιση των επιπέδων Κ+ ορού και Κ+ούρων 24ώρου με τα επίπεδα του ARR μετά την δοκιμασία DCVT στους ασθενείς με ΠΑ (r=-0.349, p<0.01, and r=0.27, p<0.05 αντίστοιχα).ΣΥΜΠΕΡΑΣΜΑΤΑ: Χρησιμοποιώντας την διαγνωστική δοκιμασία DCVT, διαπιστώνεται ότι η συχνότητα εμφάνισης της αυτόνομης έκκρισης αλδοστερόνης είναι σημαντικά υψηλότερη από ότι πιστεύουμε μέχρι σήμερα και εξαρτάται άμεσα από τη βαρύτητα της ΑΠ.
Influence of the pre-treatment of glass substrates on Laser-Induced Backside Wet Etching using NIR Nanosecond-Pulses and Cu-based solutions
Authors: Schwaller P. , Zehnder S. , Von Arx U. , Neuenschwander B.
Published: November 2022

Laser induced backside wet etching (LIBWE) has shown to be a promising tool for the micro-structuring of transparent materials. Our group has investigated LIBWE using NIR ns-laser pulses and Cu-based absorber liquids. Focus of this paper is to investigate the influence of the pre-treatment of the transparent substrate on ablation. For this purpose experiments were done on untreated and silanized soda lime glass surfaces. Our results show that depending on the absorber liquid the silanization of the substrate either enhances or delays the ablation. Possible ablation models for the different experimental settings will be discussed.
Creation of metal materials nanoporous structures under the action of laser radiation
Authors: Murzin S.P. , Kazanskiy N.L.
Published: November 2022

The laser radiation exposure for creation ofnanoporous structures in the Cu-Zn alloy wasstudied. Exposure to laser pulse-periodic radiationwith pulse repetition rate up to 5000 Hz makes itpossible to form a nanoporous structure in the nearsurfacelayer. The modes of an increase of the areadepth of such structures formation up to 40...45 μmwere ascertained. The temperature and speed modeswhich provide predominant channel-type nanoporesformation with widths of about 100 nm forming ananoporous net were investigated.
Laser Structuring of Glass-Carbon for Improvement of Its Emitting Properties
Authors: Chebotarevsky Yu.V. , Sokolova T.N. , Surmenko E.L. , Popov I.A.
Published: November 2022

Laser structuring as a stage of laser micromachining operations for a glass-carbon plate processing is described. The operations of laser scribing, milling, cleaning and marking were used for production of the field-emission multi-beam cathode preform. The operation of structuring was applied for production of micropeaks on the surface of the cathode beams. Two different approaches were tested for laser structuring of the cathode beams - linear scan and overlapping blind holes. The nanopeaks are self-organized in the process of the structuring. As a result we obtained a field-emission cathode with a high density of the current emission and a shorter technological route of its production.
Mechanism of femtosecond laser nano-ablation for metals
Authors: Hashida M. , Miyasaka Y. , Shimizu M. , Ogata T. , Sakagami H. , Tokita S. , Sakabe S.
Published: November 2022

Metals have three ablation threshold fluences (high,middle and low-threshold fluence, here called) forfemtosecond laser pulses. In order to investigatethe physics of metal ablation under an intenseoptical field, the ions emitted from a laserirradiatedcopper surface were studied by time-offlightenergy spectroscopy. The low laser fluenceat which ions are emitted, Fth,L is 0.028 J/cm2, andtwo higher emission thresholds were identified atfluences of Fth,M =0.195 J/cm2 and Fth,H =0.470J/cm2. The relation between the number of emittedions per pulse Ni and laser fluence F was in goodagreement with Ni ∝F4 for Fth,L - Fth,M, Ni ∝F3 forFth,M - Fth,H, and Ni ∝F2 for ≥ Fth,H. Thedependence of ion production on laser energyfluence is explained well by multiphotonabsorption and optical field ionization.For fluence levels near the middle to high ablationthreshold, the formation of grating structures onmetal surfaces has been observed. The interspacesof grating structures were shorter than the laserwavelength, and the interspaces depend on fluencefor Mo and W with a 160 fs laser pulse. Thisphenomenon is well explained by the parametricdecay model proposed by Sakabe et al.
Nanostructure Formation on Solid Surfaces melted by Laser Pulse
Authors: Khomich V.Yu. , Mikolutskiy S.I. , Shmakov V.A. , Tokarev V.N. , Urlichich Yu.M. , Yamschikov V.A.
Published: November 2022

The paper describes the model of nanostructureformation on solid surface by nanosecond laserpulses melting the material. Stefan problem withcorresponding boundary conditions is solved incombination with nucleation theory. It is found thattypical size of surface nanostructure formeddepends on energy and duration of laser pulse. Forcomparison of theoretic and experimental resultsvarious industry material (germanium, titanium,zirconia dioxide) pieces irradiated by ArF-laser areshown.
Nanostructure Formation of the Solid Surface under the Action of Intense Laser Radiation
Authors: Khomich V.Yu. , Mikolutskiy S.I. , Shmakov V.A. , Urlichich Yu.M.
Published: November 2022

The paper describes the mechanism for formationof periodic nanostructures on the surface of solidsunder the action of intense laser radiation. Themodel based on a nonlinear relaxation oftemperature-induced stresses. The solid deformedby laser radiation is considered in a form of threesimultaneously coexisting phases. The system ofequations, which describes these phases, is reducedto the generalized Ginzburg–Landau equation thathas a periodic solution. For estimation thecalculation of the step of the periodic structurearising on the silicon surface under the action of alaser pulse is done.
Electrical properties of ZnO:Al thin films fabricated by pulsed laser deposition method
Authors: Shorokhova A.V. , Zuev D.A. , Lotin A.A. , Novodvorsky O.A. , Khramova O.D.
Published: November 2022

The possibility of the high quality AZO thin films fabrication by the PLD method using the second harmonic of the Q-switched YAG:Nd3+ laser is demonstrated. The investigations of dependence of the AZO thin films properties on the PLD conditions (concentration of Al in the target, buffer gas pressure) have been conducted. The optimum conditions of the ZnO:Al thin films deposition have been defined.
Application of laser texturing method for mc-Si solar cells fabrication
Authors: Zuev D.A. , Novodvorsky O.A. , Lotin A.A. , Shorokhova A.V. , Khramova O.D. , Untila G.G. , Poroykov A.Y. , Kost T.N. , Chebotareva A.B.
Published: November 2022

The results of the experiments on the “black” mc-Si surface fabrication by the nanosecond pulses of the YAG laser second harmonic and on application of the introduced laser texturing method for the mc-Si solar cells efficiency improvement are represented. The developed version of laser texturing permits producing a low-reflection mc-Si surface with the reflectance of ~3% in the spectral range of 0.3-1.1 μm. The application of the introduced laser texturing method in mc-Si solar cells fabrication makes it possible to increase the short circuit current density and quantum efficiency.
Laser Processing of CFRP
Authors: Weber R. , Freitag C. , Hafner M. , Onuseit V. , Graf T.
Published: November 2022

The key issue for laser-processing of carbon fiberreinforced plastics (CFRP) is the thermal damage ofboth, the matrix material and the carbon fibres. Thispaper describes the basic mechanisms leading tosuch thermal damage and its implications on thedesign of appropriate laser processing systems.
Photon-Correlation Spectroscopy in Albumin Water Solutions Containing Gadolinium Ions
Authors: Gibizova V.V. , Zhang Xioley , Sergeeva I.A. , Petrova G.P. , Fedorova K.V.
Published: November 2022

Gadoteric acid and gadodiamide molecules havegadolinium-containing chelate structures that areused in magnetic resonance tomography (MRT). [1].Over the past two decades, they were considered safeand effective for medical imaging. However, recentresults indicate the presence of gadolinium in the skinand soft tissues in patients with renal insufficiency,even with the current hemodialysis [2]. Nephrogenicsystemic fibrosis (NSF), which was described in1997, is a recently discovered rare disease ofunknown etiology that affects patients with renalinsufficiency. The development of NSF was directlylinked to the influence of gadolinium-containingmagnetic resonance contrast agents in 2006 [3].
Kerr-lens mode locking in a ring bidirectional YAG:Cr4+ laser
Authors: Broslavets Yu.Yu. , Georgieva M.A. , Fomitchev A.A.
Published: November 2022

This paper concerns a bidirectional ring YAG:Cr4+lаser. We investigated the features of bidirectional generation and explored the possibility of gyroscopic effect in the laser. We developed the model of bidirectional generation of such a laser taking into account spectral properties of the active medium.Experiments in our setup revealed that generation of the laser had a cluster character. Luminescence spectrum of the YAG:Cr4+ crystal and generation spectra of the laser showed that this medium has both homogeneous and inhomogeneous broadenings. Stable bidirectional generation is a result of the fact that competition between counterpropagating waves is less than in the case of homogeneously broadened medium.
A Study on the Vibration Characteristics of CFRP Composite Materials using Time-Average ESPI
Authors: Hong K.-M. , Kang Y.-J. , Kim S.-J. , Kim A. , Choi I.-Y. , Park J.-H. , Cho C.-W.
Published: November 2022

The ESPI (Electronic Speckle PatternInterferometry) is a real-time, full-field, nondestructiveoptical measurement technique. In thisstudy, ESPI was proposed for the purpose ofvibration analysis for new and composite materials.Composite materials have various complicatedcharacteristics according to the materials,orientations, and the stacking sequences of the plyand boundary conditions. Therefore, it is difficult toanalyze composite materials. For efficient use ofcomposite materials in engineering applications thedynamic behavior (i.e., natural frequencies andnodal patterns) should be known. With the use ofTime-Average ESPI, one could easily analyzevibration characteristics of composite material byreal time. We manufactured two kinds of laminatedcomposites (i.e., symmetry and asymmetry) whichwere composed of CFRP(Carbon Fiber ReinforcedPlastics) and the shape of the test piece was ofrectangular form.
Growth peculiarities and non-linear properties of profiled doped strontium-barium niobate crystals
Authors: Dunaeva E.E. , Ivleva L.I. , Lykov P.A. , Zverev P.G. , Osiko V.V.
Published: November 2022

The nominally pure and doped with Ce, Cr, Co strontium-barium niobate crystals of SBN:61 were grown by modified Stepanov technique. The specific features of the technique were studied and growth conditions for obtaining the high homogeneous SBN crystals in bulk-profiled configuration were optimized. The photorefractive and non-linear properties of SBN pure and doped with Ce, Cr and Co were investigated. It was shown that SBN:Ce crystal is an excellent medium for high efficiency holographic information recording. SBN:Cr and SBN:Co crystals are promising photorefractive materials with short response time. The as-grown SBN crystals were also used to demonstrate the diffuse noncollinear second harmonic generation emitted by a random domain SBN structure and Stimulated Raman Scattering and two-photon absorption associated with cubic nonlinear susceptibility of the materials.
Zero-distance pulse fronts of stretcher and its optical system
Authors: Gitin A.
Published: November 2022

A two-grating stretcher is a dispersion delay line that is widely used in chirped pulse amplification for ultrafast laser pulses. If the stretcher consists of two reflecting diffraction gratings with a perfectly reflective optical system between them, its dispersion can be calculated by using the concept of a „„zero-distance pulse front.” We introduce the concept of a „„zero-distance pulse front” of the real optical system, which characterizes its aberrations. The similarity of these zero-distance pulse fronts allows us to study the influence of aberrations in an optical system on the dispersion of a stretcher.
Infrared broadband source from 1000nm to 1700nm, based on an Erbium, Neodymium and Bismuth doped double-clad fiber
Authors: Pilz S. , Etissa D. , Barbosa C. , Romano V.
Published: November 2022

A Nd3+, Er3+ and Bi3+ doped double-clad fiber (core diameter of 25.5μm, cladding diameter of 125μm) with a broad infrared emission has been fabricated based on technique of dry granulated oxides and investigated. Upon the excitation with a 800nm cw pump source all of the three dopant materials showed fluorescence in the infrared region of interest (1000-1700nm). The observed emitted fluorescence power was measured to be 659μW. Changing the pump wavelength to 976nm led to a fluorescence of only Er3+ and Bi3+ and a broadening of the Bi3+ emission peak. The maximal measured fluorescence output power was 1.42mW, when pumped at 976nm.
Supercontinuum Generation over 2 µm
Authors: Kamynin V.A. , Kurkov A.S. , Sadovnikova Ya.E. , Tsvetkov V.B.
Published: November 2022

Effective supercontinuum generation in fiber mediain spectral range over 2 μm was experimentallydemonstrated. Supercontinuum generation wasobserved in passive optical fibers. Maximumspectral broadening was obtained in germaniumdopedfibers with longest wavelength near 2.7 μm.To provide high spectral density we used opticalfiber amplifiers. Thus supercontinuum generationwas obtained in holmium optical fiber amplifiersmedium with spectral density 10 W/nm, in therange from 2 to 2.5 μm. In thulium fiber amplifiersobserved amplification not only in conventionalrange near 1.8 μm, but in spectral range from 2.3 to2.5 μm, that corresponds to 3H4→ 3H5 opticaltransition possibility in thulium-doped opticalfibers.
Broadband Superfluorescent Source Based on Bismuth-Doped GeO2-SiO2 Fiber
Authors: Melkumov M.A. , Riumkin K.E. , Bufetov I.A. , Shubin A.V. , Firstov S.V. , Khopin V.F. , Gurianov A.N. , Dianov E.M.
Published: November 2022

The first bismuth-doped superfluorescent fibersource operating at 1.44-μm was developed. Atpump power of 200 mW and pump wavelength of1310 nm, its output signal reaches 57 mW withspectrum width of 25 nm.
Fluorescent properties of the kindling fluorescent protein (KFP) at acidic pH values
Authors: Goryashchenko A.S. , Rusanov A.L. , Mironov V.A. , Nemukhin A.V. , Savitsky A.P.
Published: November 2022

Kindling fluorescent protein (KFP) is the photoswitchable protein which can be used in high-resolution microscopy and as a quencher in FRET-sensors. Fluorescent properties of KFP depend on pH value. In this paper we investigate the influence of pH on the spectral properties and kindling/quenching ability of KFP in the acidic pH region.Shift to the acidic region leads to the increase of fluorescence intensity of KFP over time. The excitation spectrum has a new peak near 455nm, giving two peaks - 530 and 590nm – in emission spectrum. We can assume that this maximum corresponds to the appearance of protonated form of the KFP chromophore.Analysis of fluorescence decay curves of KFP in H2O and D2O showed the presence of the kinetic isotope effect, which can be caused by the proton transfer from solvent molecules to the KFP chromophore, confirming the hypothesis that in the acidic pH region protonated form of KFP chromophore appears.At acidic pH irradiation of KFP with green light doesn’t lead to fluorescence increase, while blue light doesn’t quench the fluorescence. It means that KFP is also in the bright form, and there is no conformational states of protein which can be quenched by blue light.
Generation and propagation of polarization singularities in second harmonic generation from the surface of the isotropic gyrotropic medium
Authors: Grigoriev K.S. , Makarov V.A. , Perezhogin I.A. , Portavkin N.N.
Published: November 2022

When proceeding to the oblique incidence from thenormal incidence geometry in surface secondharmonic generation, the symmetry of the problemand, thus, of the reflected signal beam breaks. Inthis case there can appear C-points in thetransversal section of the signal beam. Using theanalytical formulae obtained in previous works, westudied the conditions of appearance and thebehaviour of the C-points in reflected signal beam(in particular case of SHG), and also the way of theline-to-point singularity transformation.
PPLN Crystals for Nonlinear-optical Detection of Terahertz Wave Radiation
Authors: Kornienko V.V. , Tuchak A.N. , Yakunin P.V. , Naumova I.I. , Kitaeva G.Kh.
Published: November 2022

Periodically  poled  lithium  niobate  crystals  can  be utilized  in  nonlinear-optical  spectral  brightness detectors  of  terahertz  range.  In  this  paper characteristics  of  detectors  were  determined  by analyzing spectra of spontaneous parametric down- and up-conversion in these crystals.
Development of the Methods of Control of Radiation Structure of
Authors: Orlova E.E. , De Visser P. , Gu X. , Hovenier J.N. , Gao J.R. , Klapwijk T.M.
Published: November 2022

Specific features of radiation structure of terahertz quantum  cascade  lasers  are determined  by wire geometry of their waveguides with small and sub-wavelength transverse dimensions  and  the  length much larger than the wavelength. Here we present an  overview  of  the  results  of  beam  profile investigations and of the methods proposed for the control of radiation structure of such lasers.
Progress in real-time photoacoustic imaging using optical ultrasound detection
Authors: Nuster R. , Paltauf G.
Published: November 2022

Optical  phase  contrast  full  field  detection  in combination  with  a  CCD-camera  can be  used  to record  acoustic  fields.  This  allows  to  obtain  two-dimensional photoacoustic  projection  images  in real-time. The present work shows an extension of the  technique  towards  full  three-dimensional photoacoustic  tomography.  The reconstruction  of the initial three dimensional pressure distribution is a two step process. First of all, projection images of the initial pressure distribution are acquired. This is done  by  back  propagating  the  observed  wave pattern  in  frequency  space. In  the  second  step  the inverse Radon transform is applied to the obtained projection  dataset  to  reconstruct  the  initial  three dimensional pressure distribution. An experiment is performed  using  a  phantom  sample  which mimics the  properties  of  biological  samples  to  show  the overall applicability of this technique for real-time photoacoustic imaging.
Photoacoustic section imaging with integrating detectors
Authors: Paltauf G. , Nuster R. , Gratt S.
Published: November 2022

Photoacoustic  section  imaging  is  a  method  for visualizing  structures  with  optical contrast  in selected  layers  of  an  extended  object.  In  order  to avoid  resolution limitations  that  are  due  to commonly used ultrasound detectors of finite size, we propose  the  use  of  extended,  integrating cylindrical  elements  for  focusing  the acoustic detection  into  the  selected  section.  Two  imaging methods  based  on piezoelectric  and  optical detection  are  presented.  Resolution  limits  and results on zebra fish are demonstrated.
Lekcyi po istorii russkoj litieratury CHCH wieka (1917–1985)
Authors: Szczukin Wasilij
Published: November 2022

This book is a reconstruction of the lecture course that was delivered by the author in the 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 academic years within the Russian Philology curriculum offered by the Jagiellonian University in Cracow. It focuses on the part of the literary process in Russia which chronologically coincides with the Soviet period of Russian history from the October Revolution in 1917 to March 1985, that is, before Mikhail Gorbachev came to power. This period had a dramatic impact both on literary creativity and accessibility of diverse literary products on top of the censorship and ideological prohibitions. The Soviet era is supposed to be a closed entity, which begs a monographic description, and this attempt was undertaken by the author of the book.
Japanese Pit Viper Bite during Pregnancy
Authors: Kakimoto Shintaro , Harada Yukinori , Shimizu Taro
Published: November 2022

A 28-year-old pregnant woman presented with swelling of the left foot after she was bitten by a Japanese pit viper. At first the swelling was mild to moderate but then spread up to the left knee the following day. The patient’s condition improved with antivenom treatment. No complication occurred in either the mother or the fetus. Although adverse reaction is a concern, antivenom should be considered as an option even in pregnant women if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Spirituality and the healthcare assistant
Authors: Barber Chris
Published: November 2022

This series of articles will explore the intersections of spirituality with the delivery of contemporary health care within a number of healthcare and nursing environments. This first article will set out and explore the reasons behind this series, the various meanings and definitions of spirituality and the similarities and differences between spirituality and religion.
Vaping: Use of electronic cigarettes is on the rise among young people
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: November 2022

A recent NHS report has found that while smoking and drug use has been declining among young people, there has been a rise in vaping. Dorothy Lepkowska explains
School-based sex education among adolescents worldwide: Interventions for the prevention of STIs and unintended pregnancies
Authors: Vaina Alexandra , Perdikaris Pantelis
Published: November 2022

Background:

Adolescents are at high risk of exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies, and school is the appropriate environment for interventions to promote sexual and reproductive health.

Aim:

The evaluation of the results of sex education interventions aimed at preventing STIs and unintended pregnancies, performed on adolescents in school settings worldwide.

Methods:

The search of studies was conducted independently in three databases from 15/3/2021 to 30/04/2021. The inclusion criteria required the studies to be randomised control trials including school-based interventions that aim to prevent STIs and unintended pregnancies, among adolescent students aged 10–19 years old. Findings: A total of 2 952 articles were found, of which 24 were included in the final systematic review through the PRISMA method. A total of 59 055 students participated in these 24 controlled randomised trials conducted in 13 countries. The grading of the strength of evidence estimated that 45.83% of the studies were level I, while 54.17% were level II.

Conclusions:

Our findings show positive results regarding the improvement of adolescents' knowledge and attitudes towards Sexual and Reproductive Health, following school-based interventions on STIs and unintended pregnancy prevention.
Advice on tackling cannabis education
Authors: Conibear Helena
Published: November 2022

Use of cannabis among teenagers is on the rise and charity the Alcohol Education Trust has responded with new workshops for schools. CEO Helena Conibear offers some tips on tackling cannabis education
Asthma reviews: an essential part of good care
Authors: Henry Heather
Published: November 2022

Asthma reviews are an essential part of long-term conditions management in general practice. An assessment of asthma control will help practice nurses to prioritise frequency and effort, but caution must be taken to not overlook those with poor control who do not seek help and/or do not adhere to treatment. Asthma reviews are an opportunity to assess, review and collaborate on clinical and self-management. Empathic communication and shared decision-making are key to relationship building.
Capturing the missing millions with COPD
Authors: Bostock Beverley
Published: November 2022

It is estimated that there may be as many as 2 million people in the UK who have undiagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Undiagnosed COPD results in an increased symptom burden, reduced quality of life, risk of exacerbations and the potential to develop comorbid conditions. General practice nurses have a key role to play in identifying those who may have COPD and ensuring patients get timely treatment to reduce unnecessary suffering and risk to health.
Understanding influenza and its complications this winter
Authors: Perry Margaret
Published: November 2022

Seasonal influenza is a highly contagious viral respiratory disease, which can affect anyone of any age. It is a worldwide problem, and in the UK the illness most commonly occurs in the winter months. For the majority, symptoms resolve without treatment, but for some the condition brings with it complications, leading to a more serious illness, hospitalisation and sometimes death. This article will look at risk groups and complications, with reference to COVID-19 and the possible scenario of influenza and COVID-19 occurring together this winter. This article aims to give nurses an insight into this disease, helping them recognise its presentation, along with the importance of vaccination for all those for whom it is recommended.
Complex Inhomogeneous Dielectric Target Modeling and Scattering Estimation using a Self-Designed Software
Authors: Hou Muyu , Gong Shuhong , Zuo Yanchun , Liu Yu
Published: November 2022

This paper presents a method to finely model the arbitrarily irregular-shaped and inhomogeneous dielectric target. The target is first geometrically divided into a set of homogeneous and isotropic tetrahedral regions. Each region is precisely matched with a set of electromagnetic parameters. As a result, this can accurately model the target which has an extremely complex dielectric constant distribution and an irregular shape. Regarding the electromagnetic scattering evaluation of the established model, the method of moments (MoM) is adopted in consideration of the coupling between these tetrahedral regions, and the total scattering is obtained by solving the matrix equation. The above two computational sections are integrated into a self-designed software. One can just input the spatial distribution of the dielectric constant and then the designed software automatically processes the target’s geometric information and meshes the target. Finally, the scattered electric field and radar cross section (RCS) of the target are output from the software. The designed software provides an effective and accurate way to study the electromagnetic scattering characteristics of the complex inhomogeneous objects.
An Empirical Loss Model for an Additively Manufactured Luneburg Lens Antenna
Authors: LaRocca Brian F. , Mirotznik Mark S.
Published: November 2022

This research applies Effective Medium Theory and 3D Finite Element Analysis to model the transmissive loss through a waveguide fed additively manufactured Luneburg lens. New results are presented that provide rational function approximations for accurately modeling the aperture, beam, and radiation loss factors of the antenna. It introduces a normalized loss tangent and shows that the loss factors are dependent on the product of this parameter and the lens radius. Applying the constraint that the main beam of the radiation pattern contains 50% of accepted power, a maximum useful radius is tabulated for common polymers used in additive manufacturing.
Dual-Band Highly Isolated Eight-Element MIMO Antenna for 5G Mobile Phone
Authors: Wang Yonghao , Wang Xin , Wang Junlin , Shao Rui
Published: November 2022

Based on the characteristic mode analysis (CMA) theory, a compact dual-band dual antenna pair with high element isolation function for 5G mobile terminal is proposed and designed in this paper. The antenna pair is composed of a pair of symmetrical stacked F-shaped radiators printed on the outside of the side frame, perpendicular to the main board. Based on the proposed decoupled antenna pairs, four pairs of antenna pairs are placed at both ends of two long side plates, and an 8-element MIMO antenna is proposed. High isolation in the operating frequency bands are achieved by using grounding branches and defective ground structure (DGS). All radiation elements are etched on a low-cost FR4 substrate with a total size of 150 × 75 × 6.8 mm3. The prototype of the antenna array is fabricated and measured. The working range of the antenna pair can cover 3.4GHz-3.6GHz,4.8GHz-5GHz 5G frequency bands and 5GHz-6GHz WLAN / WiFi / WiMax frequency bands. Besides, the isolation between any adjacent array elements are also > 15dB and > 16dB respectively, the total efficiency are 52%–75% and 58%–88% respectively, and the measured envelope correlation coefficients (ECC) are <0.16. Furthermore, user’s head effects are investigated and desirable results are obtained. The above results show that this proposed antenna array is a good candidate for MIMO applications in 5G smartphones.
Triple Bands UWB Antenna with Minimum Printed Area for Power Harvesting Applications
Authors: Sehsah Nourhan D. , Abouelnaga Tamer G. , Elmikati Hamdi A.
Published: November 2022

In this paper, a triple-band ultra-wideband UWB eight elements monopole antenna array is proposed. This antenna array is designed with the minimum printed area and is prepared for wireless local area network (WLANs) power harvesting applications. It covers the bands of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, which makes it suitable for Wi-Fi frequencies to harvest their power. The eight-element antenna array dimensions are 28.5 cm by 15 cm. These dimensions are chosen for the mini-solar cell integration process. Low-cost FR4 material is used as a substrate. The proposed antenna’s measured reflection coefficient is compared with its simulated counterpart and is founded in good harmony.
Calculation and Characteristics Analysis for Radiated Electromagnetic Field of High Voltage Converter Valve
Authors: Zou Hongsen , Zheng Lin , Zhang Yuan , Zhang Jianan , Wang Yajie , Wang Huafeng
Published: November 2022

Calculation and analysis of the radiated electromagnetic field by the high voltage converter valve are very important for the electromagnetic compatibility analysis between the various components of the converter system. First, the electromagnetic radiation calculation process of the converter valve is proposed. Then, according to the actual engineering application, a DC transmission simulation system of the converter system was built, and the current of the converter valve tower arm was obtained. Subsequently, according to the actual size, a 3D calculation model of the converter valve tower was established, and an MoM-based calculation method for the electromagnetic field of the converter valve tower was proposed. Finally, the attenuation characteristics and azimuth characteristics of the converter valve tower are analyzed, and the distribution rules of the radiated electromagnetic field inside the high voltage converter valve hall are clarified, which provide a theoretical foundation for the evaluation of the electromagnetic compatibility of the converter system.
Model of Ferrite-cored Driver-pickup Coil Probe Application of TREE Method for Eddy Current Nondestructive Evaluation
Authors: Zhang Siquan , Ye Chengkai
Published: November 2022

An analytical model of a driver-pickup coil probe, consists of a cylindrical ferrite core, located above a layered conductor is presented. The truncated region eigenfunction expansion (TREE) method is used and the solution region is truncated with a certain radius around markedasmathitalicz axis. First, the magnetic vector potential of each region of filamentary coil problem is derived and solved with variables separation method using boundary and interface conditions, and then the rectangular cross-section coil problem is solved with superposition method. The expression of induced voltage in pickup coil is obtained and can be calculated with software such as Matlab or Mathematica. Using the proposed analytical model, the influence of the excitation frequency and excitation current in the driver coil on the responses of the pickup coil is examined. Experiments are performed, and the changes of voltage induced in the pickup coil due to the conductor are measured at different excitation frequencies and excitation currents. The analytical calculation results agree with the experimental results very well, verifying the correctness of the proposed analyticalmodel.
Research on the Characteristics of the Pantograph Arc and Analyzing its Influence on the ILS
Authors: Xiao Yingchun , Zhu Feng , Lu Nan , Wang Zixuan , Zhuang Shengxan
Published: November 2022

In this article, a radiation model is proposed to estimate the emission of the pantograph arc. An improved least-square regression analysis method is given for studying the pantograph arc characteristics at various sites on electrified railways and at various train speeds. The radiation model and the improved least-square method were both validated using the test data. The impact of arc on the airport instrument landing system (ILS) was investigated using electromagnetic wave propagation theory and the signal-to-noise ratio requirement of the ILS. We deduced the position limit of the articulated neutral section (ANS) and verified it through experiments. This research provides a theoretical foundation and technological methodology for civil aviation and high-speed railway electromagnetic compatibility studies as well as helps for airport site selection and high-speed railway route planning.
Identification and Classification of Risk Factors in Distributed Agile Software Development
Authors: Khanna Esha , Popli Rashmi , Chauhan Naresh
Published: November 2022

Distributed Agile Software Development (DASD) is an amalgamation of Agile Software Development (ASD) with Distributed Software Development (DSD). Although DASD integrates the speed benefits of ASD with the cost benefits of DSD, however, it brings along various risk factors that arise due to the fact that both ASD and DSD works on a different set of principles. These associated risks must be addressed and managed well in time for the successful completion of the project. This paper reviews the current literature and presents the current challenges of Risk Management in the DASD environment. This paper also determines 71 risk factors associated with DASD and analyses them based on their causes and sources. Further, these risk factors are segregated into 11 different categories. Timely management of these risks may reduce the uncertainty of project failure in the DASD environment.
Sequence Encoder-based Spatiotemporal Knowledge Graph Completion
Authors: Jia Wei , Wang Xuan , Shan Jing , Yan Li , Niu Weinan , Ma Zongmin
Published: November 2022

Knowledge graph (KG) completion aims to infer new facts from incomplete knowledge graphs. Most existing solutions focus on learning from time-aware fact triples and ignore the spatial information. In reality, knowledge graphs can evolve with time as well as the changing locations, such as the flight domain. Therefore, integrating spatiotemporal information into knowledge graph representation is important for the knowledge graph completion. To address this problem, this paper proposes two Spatio Temporal-aware knowledge graph completion models based on the Sequence Encoder, namely STSE and S-TSE, which incorporate the spatial and temporal information into relations. Specifically, the model consists of two steps: spatiotemporal-aware relation encoding and final scoring function evaluation. The first stage composes the spatiotemporal information into different tokens. Then two methods are proposed to obtain the embedding of spatiotemporal-aware relation by utilizing the Recursive Neural Network. The second stage proposes different scoring functions for two models. Empirically evaluation of the proposed models is conducted on spatiotemporal-aware KG completion task on two public datasets. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposal for spatiotemporal knowledge graph completion.
Simple carbon and organic matter addition in acid sulfate soils and time-dependent changes in pH and redox under varying moisture regimes
Authors: Michael Patrick
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Michael PS. 2020. Simple carbon and organic matter addition in acid sulfate soils and time-dependent changes in pH and redox under varying moisture regimes. Asian J Agric 4: 23-29. It has been recently shown that the addition of dead plant materials as organic matter in acid sulfate soils (ASS) creates microenvironments conducive for soil microbes to reduce the sulfate content and redox potential (Eh), thereby increasing the pH of sulfuric soil and sustaining the pH of sulfidic soil, respectively. The time course of effects of addition of organic matter however was not clearly established. This was study conducted to assess the time course of the effect of soil carbon and organic matter following addition of glucose and acetate as carbon and lucerne hay as organic matter sources, respectively. The conditions of the treatments were either anaerobic (flooded) or aerobic (under 75% field capacity). The results showed that the effects of addition of amendments on pH and Eh of ASS are immediate, but treatment dependent. Organic matter as a multiple food sources for soil microbes was more effective in reducing the soil and increasing the pH of the sulfuric and the sulfidic soil, respectively. The effects of acetate were comparatively higher than glucose, dependent on the type of microbial ecology that was engaged by these resources being simple carbon sources. The overall increase in pH and reduction in Eh was immediate within the first three days, but the changes in the soil properties measured were reversed over time. The reversal in the mechanism inducing the changes in pH and Eh ceased as the microbial metabolic resources used as metabolic substrate to generate alkalinity got depleted.
Review: Iloilo’s Balut Industry (Philippines)-An exploration of the environment, social organizations, and consumer demands
Authors: De Vergara Tisha Isabelle , Alejandria Maria Carinnes , Lustañas Bridgette
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Vergara TID, Alejandria MC, Lustanas B. 2020. Review: Iloilo’s Balut Industry (Philippines)-An exploration of the environment, social organizations, and consumer demands. Asian J Agric 4: 41-51. The province of Iloilo has one of the highest numbers of small-scale duck farms in the country. Its agricultural landscape has allowed the rise of farmers entering duck raising practices, mainly along with rice fields throughout the province. However, continuous interventions in the agricultural sector of Iloilo are directed at boosting economic growth. This paper provides a qualitative evaluation of the efficiency of current policies and implementation of rules and regulations on both the duck and duck egg industry of the Province of Iloilo. Findings revealed the need to address issues on the production, distribution, and marketing of the duck and duck egg products of the province. Environmental conditions such as climate and water access, along with the role of social organizations, and impact of existing policies play a key role in the current trajectory of the Iloilo duck industry.
Review: Market, capital, and foreign labor access for all Thai farmers
Authors: Tanielian Adam , Kampan Palapan
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Tanielian A. 2020. Review: Market, capital, and foreign labor access for all Thai farmers. Asian J Agric 4: 52-70. In this quantitative study of agricultural economic indicators for Thailand, its provinces, and seventeen other countries it is shown that Thailand's agriculture sector desperately needs assistance to lift farmers out of poverty and Thailand out of the middle-income trap. Data shows diminishing activity in the agricultural sector may be harming productivity and growth. Prices and yields plateau and fall as producer costs increase and farm incomes remain among the lowest. In 2006 and 2014, the military ousted two Shinawatra Prime Ministers amid corruption and misappropriation scandals relating to failed agricultural subsidy schemes that cost the government billions of dollars, while failing to substantially improve the situations of millions of smallholder farmers throughout the Kingdom. Analysis of primary data and literature suggests Thai farmers lack sufficient access to labor, capital, and markets that would give them the resources to improve farming methods, hire short-term labor, and ultimately rise in socioeconomic status along with the rest of the population. Recommendations include a series of government-sponsored and joint public-private initiatives that organize farmers into unions and connect them with human, financial, scientific, market, and educational resources via a range of mobile applications.
Species distribution modeling and phenotypic diversity reveals collection gap in the Musa balbisiana germplasm conservation in Philippines
Authors: Rabara Roel , Sotto Rachel C. , SALAS ERIC ARIEL L.
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Rabara RC, Sotto RC, Salas EAL. 2020. Species distribution modeling and phenotypic diversity reveal collection gap in the Musa balbisiana germplasm conservation in Philippines. Asian J Agric 4: 71-82. Musa balbisiana is one of the progenitors of cultivated bananas. Its conservation is crucial because of its important phenotypic traits for breeding and genetic improvement of future Musa crops. In the Philippines, the largest ex-situ germplasm collection of M. balbisiana was characterized to assess their phenotypic diversity. Diversity analyses of the 97 plant samples revealed high diversity in the collection. Of the 80 quantitative traits that showed diversity, 51% showed high diversity indices (H?=0.76 to 0.99) while 20% and 29% of the traits have medium and low diversity, respectively. Nineteen percent of the scored morphological traits were invariants, which may reflect the need to increase diversity in the germplasm holdings. Species distribution analysis revealed that annual mean temperature and annual precipitation influenced the species distribution models suggesting the importance of these two environmental factors to species establishment. Overall, phenotypic diversity analyses and species distribution models revealed gaps in the collection. Further collection trips are recommended to increase diversity on traits with low diversity indices and to increase representative accessions from southern Philippines.
Plants with modified anatomical structures capable of oxygenating the rhizopshere are threats to sulfidic soils under varying soil moisture regimes
Authors: Michael Patrick
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Michael PS. 2020. Plants with modified anatomical structures capable of oxygenating the rhizosphere are threats to sulfidic soils under varying soil moisture regimes. Asian J Agric 4: 87-94. Acid sulfate soils (ASS) are naturally occurring soils, sediments or substrates formed under waterlogged, reducing conditions. These soils either contain sulfuric acid or have the potential to form it, in an amount that can have detrimental impacts on the environment. In general, ASS with sulfuric materials and that have acidified through oxidation of pyrite are referred to as sulfuric soils. ASS with sulfidic materials that contain pyrite and have the potential to acidify when exposed to air are referred to as sulfidic soils. In an undisturbed state below the water table, the sulfidic soils are benign, unless exposed due to various natural processes or anthropogenic activities. This study examined the importance of organic matter addition, plant macrophytes and turnover of organic matter from the plant macrophytes co-existing on pH, redox and sulfate content of sulfidic soil under flooded conditions. In almost all cases, organic matter without plants induced ameliorative effects. Presence of plants led to higher Eh values, low pH and higher sulfate contents, and acidified the sulfidic soil.