bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osmanlı Savaş Hukukunda Sivillere Yönelik Benimsenen Genel Siyaset (1853-1920)
Authors: Doğan Hasan
Published: August 2023

Osmanlı Devleti, yönetim anlayışında İslam dini ve hukuk sistemini esas almıştır. İslam dininin meşruiyet nedenleri itibarıyla haklı; gözettiği hukuki ve ahlaki ilkeler ile adil bir savaş yaklaşımı, Osmanlı savaş hukukuna da yansımıştır. Buna göre savaş, gerekçeleri gibi gerçekleştiriliş biçimi bakımından da meşruiyet taşımalıdır. Savaşın tüm safhalarında insani, hukuki, ahlaki açıdan belli prensiplere uyulması gerekmektedir. İtidale riayet, haddi aşmayı, ve aşırılığa yönelmeyi reddetmektedir.

İslam dininin ve Türk devlet geleneğinin en önemli uygulayıcılarından biri olan Osmanlı Devleti, hüküm sürdüğü dönem boyunca yüzlerce savaşın içinde yer almıştır. Kuruluş Devrinde iştirak ettiği savaşlardan genel olarak galip veya belirleyici taraf olarak ayrılan Osmanlı Devleti, özellikle incelediğimiz XIX. yüzyılın ikinci yarısından itibaren bölgesel savaşlar dışında büyük savaşların tamamına yakınını kaybetmiştir. Ancak Osmanlı Devleti, her şeye rağmen savaşta insani, ahlaki ve hukuki ilkeleri gözetme hususunda azami gayret göstermiştir. Bilhassa savaş esnasında ve sonrasında kadınlar ve çocuklar başta olmak üzere sivillerin, gayrı muharip unsurların haklarının korunması amacıyla mütemadiyen düzenlemelere gitmiştir. Savaş meydanında ve sonrasında bu ilkeleri gözetmeye çalışırken zaman zaman kendi yetkililerini uyaran, hatta aksine davrananları cezalandıran bir siyaset izlemiştir. Öte yandan karşı karşıya geldiği herhangi bir devletle dinî ve ırkî bağları olan Osmanlı vatandaşlarının da güvenliğini sağlamaya çabalamıştır. Arşiv belgeleri tetkik edildiğinde Osmanlı Devleti’nin, kazanma gayretleri ile insani değerler arasında bir denge kurmaya çalıştığı görülmektedir.
Robust surface functionalization of PDMS through atmospheric pressure atomic layer deposition
Authors: Santoso Albert , van den Berg Bart J. , Saedy Saeed , Goodwin Eden , van Steijn Volkert , van Ommen J. Ruud
Published: August 2023

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has been widely employed as a material for microreactors and lab-on-a-chip devices. However, in its applications, PDMS suffers from two major problems: its weak resistance against common organic solvents and its chemically non-functional surface. To overcome both issues, atmospheric pressure atomic layer deposition (AP-ALD) can be used to deposit an inorganic nanolayer (TiOx) on PDMS that, in turn, can be further functionalized. The inorganic nano layer is previously communicated to durably increase the organic solvent resistance of PDMS. In this study, we investigate the possibility of this TiOx nano layer providing surface anchoring groups on PDMS surfaces, enabling further functionalization. We treat PDMS samples cured at three different temperatures with AP-ALD and measure the hydrophilicity of the treated samples as an indicator of the presence of surface anchoring groups. We find that all the treated PDMS samples become hydrophilic right after the AP-ALD treatment. We further find that the AP-ALD-treated PDMS samples cured at 150 °C and 200 °C maintain their hydrophilicity, while the samples cured at 70 °C become less hydrophilic over time. The presence of surface anchoring groups through TiOx nano layer deposition on PDMS is further demonstrated and utilized by depositing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the AP-ALD-treated samples. The samples exhibit visible light absorbance at 530 nm, a typical absorbance peak for AuNPs. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the use of nano layers grown by AP-ALD to solve the two major problems of PDMS simultaneously, widening its applicability, especially for use in high-end applications such as catalysis and bio-sensing.
A 78-Year-Old Man with Weakness and Loss of Appetite for 2 Months
Authors: Cho Oh-Hyun
Published: August 2023

The incidence rate of tuberculosis (TB) in Korea has been consistently decreasing, but the proportion of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) remains relatively stable at around 20%. Diagnosing EPTB remains a challenge because clinical samples obtained from relatively inaccessible sites may be paucibacillary, thus reducing the sensitivity of diagnostic tests. Delayed diagnosis and treatment some form of EPTB, such as tuberculous meningitis, can lead to fatal outcomes. Therefore, it is crucial to have a high index of suspicion and perform appropriate testing early on. Obtaining a specimen from the lesion and conducting microbiological tests (acid-fast bacilli smear, mycobacterial culture, and nucleic acid amplification test) along with histopathological examination is essential. When the specimen is limited for all testing, mycobacterial culture test should be prioritized as it has the highest diagnostic yield and allows for drug susceptibility testing. All patients with presumed EPTB should be assessed for pulmonary TB to assess infectiousness and potentially assist with diagnosis.
Research on digital transformation strategy and subsidy mechanism of manufacturing supply chain based on differential game
Authors: Fan Zifu , Xu Wanyan , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2023

In the current research on the impact of the government on the digital transformation of enterprises, scholars have neglected the synergies of the supply chain and the mechanisms for regulating and assessing the subsequent behaviour of enterprises. Therefore, this paper uses differential games to study the optimal strategy of cost sharing in manufacturing supply chains during the digital transformation of upstream and downstream firms with government subsidies. The equilibrium game strategy is used with the government and parts of the supply chain as players under different models of cooperation, independent operation and government awards and punishments. For each model, the equilibrium results are solved, compared and simulated. The results show that the government reward and punishment mechanism can effectively suppress the "double marginal effect" and improve digitalization and benefits of enterprises. Meanwhile, the benefit level of enterprises under the government reward and punishment mechanism is related to the target digitalization level and the strength of the reward and punishment. When the target digitization level is relatively low at the early stage of digital transformation, the government reward and punishment mechanism is more likely to promote the level of benefits of enterprises. When the target digitalization level is relatively high in the middle and late stages of digital transformation, the government needs to reasonably set the strength of the reward and punishment in order to effectively promote digitalization and economic development.
Effects of a web-based education for community mental health case managers on physical healthcare for clients with severe mental illness
Authors: Lee Jungsu , Choi Yun-Jung
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to develop and verify the effects of a web-based physical healthcare education program for community mental health case managers during the time of COVID-19. Six modules of mental health case management physical health education program were developed and provided using the EdWith education platform, which enables real-time streaming, lecture participant management and whether participants have watched the video and watch time. A total of 51 community mental health case managers participated in the study. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 software. Participants of the physical healthcare education program testified increased performance in, as well as enhanced attitudes toward physical healthcare. Their confidence in physical healthcare increased significantly from that of the individuals in the control group. The web-based educational program for mental health case managers in physical healthcare may be beneficial to improving the physical health of clients with chronic mental illness.
Cyberterrorism and Its Impact on Contemporary Conflicts and Society
Authors: Alaverdov Emilia , Chkopoia Sopo , Tchabashvili Zurabi
Published: August 2023

The chapter discusses the modern possibilities of cyber-terrorism, gives certain examples of its application in conflicts, shows the dangers that may follow cybercrime as an international level crime. Therefore, the need to improve the world policy of fighting it and to strengthen international cooperation is explored. Terrorism, including cyberterrorism, is a global phenomenon that transcends national boundaries and whose scale is immeasurably large. As a result of technological progress, modern, global cyberspace creates a unique environment for cyberterrorism.
Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Pant Kumud , Pant Bhasker , Sinha Somya
Published: August 2023

The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic made us rethink the need for integrating modern scientific algorithms in decision support as well as medical systems. This chapter focuses on the on-going efforts throughout the world for tackling the COVID-19 pandemic with the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms. The chapter also compiles the various efforts made internationally for providing solution to this disease. The examples of use of algorithms like artificial neural network, fuzzy clustering, and support vector machines for both the disease recognition as well as in medical aid have been stated. Finally, the chapter also reiterates the need for developing even more advanced algorithms and prediction systems in case of future pandemic outbreaks due to ever mutating microorganisms and other lifestyle problems. More than just scientific and governmental endeavors, prudent handling of any emergency health situation requires awareness as well as self-discipline exercised by inhabitants of any country.
Emerging Frontiers in Plant Breeding Molecular Markers and Nanopriming for Enhanced Crop Improvement
Authors: Rawat Sapna
Published: August 2023

Plant breeding plays a crucial role in improving plant genotypes and ensuring global food security. However, traditional breeding methods have limitations in effectively selecting traits, particularly quantitative traits, and can be time-consuming and unreliable. Breeders have introduced molecular markers into plant breeding practices to address these problems, resulting in the fields of “smart breeding,” “molecular breeding,” and “marker-assisted breeding.” To pinpoint the genetic areas that regulate desired features, a number of DNA-based molecular marker systems, including RFLP, RAPD, AFLP, SSR, and SNP, have been created. These markers eliminate the need for phenotype-based selection by streamlining the identification of target genomic areas based on genotypes.
Nanotechnology for Sustainability and Food Security in Agriculture
Authors: Singh Omkar
Published: August 2023

Sustainable techniques are crucial to ensuring the availability of nourishing food while reducing environmental effects due to the growing global population and increasing demand for agricultural resources. By utilizing nanomaterials and nanodevices to improve crop yield, resource efficiency, and pest management, nanotechnology offers creative solutions. The chapter covers the potential advantages of nanotechnology in agriculture, including the precise pest control abilities of nanopesticides and the controlled-release qualities of nanofertilizers to enhance nutrient delivery and use. Additionally, it emphasizes the use of nanosensors for continuous assessment of crop health and environmental factors, as well as nanoscale imaging methods for early disease detection and treatment. Resource efficiency, precision agriculture, waste reduction, and improved food security are made possible by the integration of nanotechnology into agriculture. However, it also highlights how crucial it is to address the safety, moral, and legal issues raised by the application of nanotechnology in farming.
Nanotechnology
Authors: Singh Shivangi , Singh Omkar , Shahi Uday Pratap
Published: August 2023

Nanotechnology brings new prospects to increase food quality and safety through nano-enabled delivery systems, nanosensors, smart packaging and processing assistance. Nanomaterials display unique features at the 1-100 nanometer range that surpass constraints of classic breeding and detection methods. Iron, zinc, and vitamin A nano-encapsulates and nanoparticles can boost crops through tailored nutritional delivery. Nanosensors and smart packaging with antimicrobial nanoparticle coatings offer rapid, ultrasensitive pathogen and toxin detection while enhancing food stability. Nano-filters utilizing photocatalysts remove pollutants from agricultural water. However, the putative hazards from nanoparticle toxicity and accumulation require continuous investigation. Regulations and public acceptance factors are also crucial for sustainable progress. If developed properly, nanotechnologies can considerably boost food security through augmented micronutrition, antibacterial capabilities, and safety monitoring from production to consumption.
Towards a Framework for Intersectional Justice Discernment for Culturally Responsive School Leaders
Authors: Mitchell Nicholas Ensley
Published: August 2023

The goal of this chapter is to provide a framework of discernment for culturally responsive school leaders to navigate the everyday decisions they are required to make that has both explicit and implicit social equity and social justice concerns for the schools, communities, and students they serve while avoiding the moral relativism traps that serve as sites of oppression reproduction. The emergent framework for discernment draws on teacher disposition theorizing, critical consciousness, diversity theorizing, curriculum theorizing on how curriculum acts as institutional text, theories about how harm operates in institutional settings, Catholic social teaching, social justice theory, theorizing on unintended consequence, and culturally responsive leadership.
An Inmate's Perspective
Authors: Harrison Ashlyn Rae
Published: August 2023

Juvenile detention centers are currently overcrowded nationwide due to an influx in incarcerated youth. Suspensions and expulsion have been directly linked to the causation of the school-to-prison pipeline. This study aims to understand the root cause of incarceration better, what potential supports could have reframed these individuals from going to prison, and how to better support students moving forward. Also, to better understand how inequitable discipline policies, implicit bias, and school practices play integral parts in forming the school-to-prison pipeline, the focus of this phenomenological study was to examine the lived experiences of five formerly incarcerated individuals in Southeastern Louisiana. Key findings suggest that state and federal policy, environmental factors, and relevant evidence practices could serve as a starting point for reducing the number of students impacted by the school-to-prison pipeline.
Raising ESG Risk Awareness Through Climate Feature Analysis and Flood Forecasting in Vulnerable Areas
Authors: Rao Yash , Bardhan Anishva , Talwar Nachiket , Narayanan Swathi Jamjala
Published: August 2023

In recent years, global warming, characterised as the regular rise in Earth's temperature, has drawn significant attention due to the ongoing increase in sea levels caused by the melting of ice caps and glaciers. The expansion of water coverage areas has resulted in flash floods in numerous states, leading to the loss of life, property, and food supplies. This increase in floods has emerged as an ESG risk for investors, as it can lead to financial and non-financial damage. It is therefore crucial to develop technology that can comprehend the climatic conditions that lead to floods and accurately predict regions that could be affected, enabling authorities to extend timely assistance and prepare for the disaster. This chapter aims to educate readers on ESG risks and proposes using ensemble machine learning models for flood risk assessment in a region, which would analyse various features to comprehend the climatic conditions responsible for flooding.
Environmental Sustainability Measures in the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Laturkar Kaustubh , Laturkar Kasturi
Published: August 2023

A major concern with the oil industry is that, like most industrial activities, it can have an adverse impact on the sustainability of the environment. The greatest concern as far as the impact is the release of waste into the environment at increased concentrations, which could result in higher pollution levels and accelerate the rate at which climate change occurs. The adverse environmental impact can be minimized or eliminated in almost all cases by implementing technologies that can reduce these effects. Consequently, the oil and gas industry has placed greater emphasis in recent years on minimizing the environmental impact of its operations upstream, midstream, and downstream. The purpose of this chapter is to provide background on the oil and gas industry and why environmental sustainability is so important. Various solutions have been proposed, and challenges associated with implementing them have been identified, as well as new research directions that are being tested and may require further improvement.
Phytoremediation Influenced in Dairy Effluent Water Treatment Using Constructed Wetland Application With Aquatic Macrophytes
Authors: Appavu Arivoli , Naveen X.Agnello J.
Published: August 2023

The food processing industry, treating and reusing wastewater, results in dairy effluent with high organic matter contents and BOD levels. Before disposal of effluent, it is necessary to treat effluent as used for land irrigation purposes. Conventional treatment has a high cost of operation and maintenance, requirements, disposal problem of sludge, etc. The phytoremediation approach of dairy wastewater provides an eco-friendly and low-cost treatment. This study treats aquatic macrophytes, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), and water lettuce (Pistia Stratiotes) with dairy effluent. The result showed an excellent removal efficiency with total solids, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, total alkalinity, chloride, total hardness, COD, and BOD5 as 64%, 66%, 61%, 57%, 76%, 72%, 76%, 71% respectively by treating with Eichhornia. The removal of contaminants by using plants may be due to the root system's toxic contents. Out of these two plant systems, water lettuce-based treatment removed more pollutants than water hyacinth-based dairy wastewater treatment
Kill the Man, Save the Indian
Authors: Romero Noah
Published: August 2023

This chapter examines how minority-led heavy music subcultures can function as third spaces of sovereignty, which Bruyneel (2007) defines as the resistive social formations that emerge when Indigenous Peoples demand their rights while challenging colonial power. This chapter positions the art and social practice of M.I.S. as an exemplar of how Indigeneity and subcultural sociality can coalesce in ways that catalyze new and collective struggles for sovereignty and liberation. It critically examines these implications to offer several provocations for educators interested and invested in educational justice.
Global Perspectives on Art Museums as Third Spaces for Inquiry-Based Support in Core Curriculum
Authors: Kaye Candace
Published: August 2023

This chapter presents a global perspective on the role art museums as a Third Space in the teaching/learning process, in addition to the first and second spaces of home and the traditional classroom. After a theoretical explanation of Third Space, the chapter introduces the concept of art museum settings as third spaces for inquiry-based core curriculum teaching/learning, including a review of the literature on the historical and contemporary understanding of art museums as a Third Space. Next follows a discussion of how art museums in various countries are offering a wide spectrum of teaching-learning experiences that would otherwise be inaccessible in the second space of the traditional classroom settings, and thereby have transitioned from being a pedagogy of only geographical out-of-classroom space to a pedagogy of a true educational Third Space. The chapter concludes with an argument for the importance of using art museums as Third Space for teaching core curriculum, with an emphasis on the future acceptance of Third Space into traditional teaching-learning pedagogy.
Timeless Traditions as a Culturally Responsive Approach in a Third Space
Authors: Writer Jeanette Haynes , Kaye Candace , Batsaikhan Javzandulam
Published: August 2023

While herder culture continues to be a powerful symbol of the rich traditional heritage of Mongolia, many herders want their children to become “well educated” and move to urban areas rather than become herders themselves. The adoption of a standardized, urban-oriented content and pedagogy is posing a serious challenge to maintaining the herder cultural identity and Mongolia's national identity. Drawing from the concepts and literature on culturally responsive education and funds of knowledge, the authors explore an educational future for Mongolia that locates strengths in herder knowledge, values, and lifeways as a developed Third Space. This Third Space defines cultural responsiveness to Mongolian herder ways of life within national curriculum, not in the context of a static, sentimental past, but as part of a robust, attainable future for the next generation in the herder culture.
Aversion of a Person Facing the Risk of Failure When Starting a Business in Mexico
Authors: Ruiz Gerardo Reyes
Published: August 2023

The low quality of current jobs in Mexico and their scarcity have led to the need to undertake. Consequently, people have ceased to be employees to become entrepreneurs. However, the specialized literature ensures that there are factors that may well characterize this venture. In the chapter, a first approach is made to the risk aversion that a person faces when failing to decide to be an entrepreneur in Mexico. The information integrated by the reports of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) served as input so that through a Multiple Linear Regression Analysis (MLRA). During the period 2011-2021, it was verified if the factors of education, experience, knowledge, skills, age, among others, directly influence a person to make the decision to start a business in Mexico.
Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy of Indian Youth
Authors: Srivastava Mayuri , Shivani Shradha , Dutta Sraboni
Published: August 2023

This chapter empirically examines the significance of an individual's family climate and its six dimensions (open communication, intergenerational attention, intergenerational authority, emotional cohesion, cognitive cohesion and adaptability) in driving entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Responses to a structured questionnaire were collected from 1123 students from all over India through email. A stepwise regression analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 to measure the strength of relationship between family climate dimensions and entrepreneurial self-efficacy of an individual. Additionally, a bivariate regression analysis was performed to examine the overall influence of family climate on entrepreneurial self-efficacy. The relationship between family climate (FC) and entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) was found to be positive and statistically significant. Three dimensions of FC (i.e., open communication, emotional cohesion, and intergenerational attention) emerged as significant predictors of an individual's entrepreneurial self-efficacy.
The Influence of Social Media on Food Choices
Authors: Köse Şirin Gizem , Çizer Ece Özer
Published: August 2023

Social media channels are increasing day by day and the time spent on social media channels has become a significant part of the day. Social media, which is one of the facts that cannot be ignored, affects food choices to a great extent, as it does in every field. Being aware of the power of social media, food companies, and groceries also develop strategies for this medium and heavily use social media as a communication tool. In line with these developments and facts, this study aims to highlight the influence of social media on food. A bibliometric study has been conducted to enlighten the literature development on social media and food subjects. The results are expected to be helpful for both literature and practice as well as social media managers and food brand managers.
Boosting Human Capital via Spiritual Leadership
Authors: Baykal Elif
Published: August 2023

The related field research was conducted with the participation of 360 people. The respondents are working in public and private institutions in the service sector. During the analysis and analysis of the research data, SPSS (statistical package for the social sciences) program was used, and the data were analysed. With the factor analysis made, the questions were examined in detail within the scope of six sub-dimensions of spiritual leadership behavior patterns and the data were analysed. According to the results of the research, it has been observed that there may be changes in the attitudes and opinions of some of the dimensions of spiritual leadership behaviors based on the age, gender, marital status, educational status, sector, position, working time in the institution where they are currently working, and total years worked. Moreover, this study is illuminating regarding the positive effects of spiritual leadership on human capitals of white collar employees in Turkey.
Applications of Nano-Fluids in the Various Engineering Fields
Authors: Gaud Parth , Sailaja C. , Prakash Kode Jaya , Dwivedi Yagya Dutta , Karthick L.
Published: August 2023

In this chapter, nano-fluids are a type of fluid with suspended nano-sized particles that are useful in various fields, such as manufacturing, medical, 3D printing, tissue engineering, and fluid effects. Nano-fluids can be used as coolants and lubricants to improve machining accuracy and reduce tool wear, as well as additives in coatings and adhesives. Nano-fluids can be used as printing inks to create intricate and precise structures and enhance their properties. Nano-fluids can improve drug delivery and enhance visibility of tissues and organs. Nano-fluids are manufactured using two-phase and one-phase methods, involving the dispersion of nanoparticles in a base fluid.
Applications of Nano-Cutting Fluids in Advanced Machining Processes
Authors: Boopathi Sampath , Umareddy Meka , Elangovan M.
Published: August 2023

Nano-cutting fluids, also known as nanofluids, have gained significant attention in recent years as a means of enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of various cutting processes. They consist of a base fluid, such as oil or water, with suspended nanoparticles that can improve the lubrication and cooling properties of the fluid. In various cutting processes, such as lathe, electrochemical machining (ECM), electrical discharge machining (EDM), and ultrasonic machining (USM), the use of nanofluids has been shown to improve surface finish, reduce tool wear, and enhance material removal rates. Nanofluids have increased thermal conductivity and lubrication properties, as well as the ability to fill in micro-gaps and reduce friction. Further research is needed to optimize their use in industrial applications.
Career Choice With the Serious Game Like2be
Authors: Keller Christopher , Makarova Elena , Döring Anna K.
Published: August 2023

Choosing a career is an important biographical event for adolescents. Toward the end of compulsory education, they must decide which career path they want to pursue. The serious game like2be was developed to support adolescents in this individual career choice process. In a quasi-experimental intervention study with 809 adolescents, like2be was evaluated for its effectiveness in career choice classes at the lower secondary level. In addition, a teaching concept for the application of the serious game which included additional teaching materials was analyzed. The data show that like2be is an effective medium for broadening personal career choice horizons, especially when it is pedagogically well-founded and integrated into career choice classes. Although the effectiveness of like2be in stimulating intensive reflection on one's own vocational aptitude or a gender-sensitive attitude towards occupations is limited, the present study shows that like2be has major potential for supporting the process of career choice among adolescents.
Behaviour and Bot Analysis on Online Social Networks
Authors: Alipour Sanaz Adel , Orji Rita , Zincir-Heywood Nur
Published: August 2023

The internet is home to a multitude of social networks that provide users with a sense of community and connection across the world. Among these, Twitter and Reddit are two of the most popular. While Twitter users follow and interact with other users (tweets), Reddit users follow and interact with communities known as subreddits. In addition to mainstream social networks, alternative platforms such as Parler exist for users who prefer less moderated online environments. However, there are also malicious users, such as bots and trolls, who exploit social networks for malicious purposes. Therefore, separating malicious behaviors from legitimate ones is crucial. This research aims to evaluate Botometer and RepScope systems to analyze the temporal posting behaviors of Twitter, Reddit, and Parler users and to identify bots, trolls, and malicious behaviors.
Three Dimensional Finite Element Model of Railway Ballasted Track System under Dynamic Train Loading
Authors: Alkaissi Zainab Ahmed
Published: August 2023

There is a need for railway systems and upgrade their infrastructure to meet the future growing demand. This would expand the railway network by planning new track routes to increase the efficiency of railway transportation by running behavior of high train speeds between urban cities. The track/ballast; sleepers; and subgrade foundation system are important superstructure parts that need to be upgraded and improved to withstand high train speeds. A numerical finite element technique significantly benefits in simulating the impact of the dynamic response and predicting the deformation and stress distribution in the railway ballasted system. A three-dimensional finite element program PLAXIS ver. (20) have been utilized in this research to analyze the track of complex behavior under train loading. The vertical displacement of 3.8 mm was obtained at the rail/wheel contact point and greater than at the ballast embankment by about (19%) and (37%) for the subgrade foundation. Also, the maximum value of vertical displacement corresponds with the movement path of the train load is reduced laterally as the distance from the track centerline increases. The maximum vertical acceleration of 15.2 m/s2 was obtained at surface points under track loading and decreased gradually with increased depth below the ballast embankment layer to reach a minimum value of 1.2 m/s2. The vertical deformation was 1.3 mm, 2 mm, and 3.9 mm for 40 km/hr, 50 km/hr, and 60 km/hr respectively, and increased rapidly to 15 mm for train velocity greater than 70 km/hr due to the significant increase in train vibration level at higher speed. A critical train speed of 70 km/hr was observed that promoted the level of vibration and magnified the area of influence.
Use of Basic Oxygen Furnace Slag (BOFS) in Superpave Mix Design: BOFS Aggregate Properties
Authors: Shon Chang Seon , Kim Jong Ryeol , Kissambinova Aizhan , Sandybay Saken , Orazayeva Saltanat , Dossayev Nurzhan , Chzhen Pavel
Published: August 2023

This research aims to evaluate the properties of basic oxygen furnace slag (BOFS) as aggregates used in Superior Performing Asphalt Pavements (Superpave) mix design. A total of five different aggregates, including one limestone and four BOFS aggregates with different ages, were evaluated by the following aggregate properties: specific gravity, water absorption, Los Angles abrasion, aggregate crushing value, angularity, flakiness, soundness (sulfate chemical and freeze-thaw resistance), and expansion characteristics. Then, the volume stability of the hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixture was also discussed based on the aging effect of BOFS aggregate. Test results indicated that aged BOFS aggregate performs better than unaged BOFS aggregate: Aged BOFS aggregate has lower water absorption, lower aggregate crushing value, higher abrasion resistance, and less expansion. The flakiness and angularity of BOFS aggregates were satisfied with Superpave criteria. However, if free-lime (f-CaO) and free magnesium (f-MgO) in BOFS aggregate exist, it may cause the volume stability of asphalt mixtures with BOFS aggregate. In conclusion, if BOFS is appropriately aged and weathered, BOFS can be an alternative to conventional aggregate.
Rheological Properties of Wood Plastic Composites Based on Polypropylene and Birch Plywood Residues - Sanding Dust
Authors: Kajaks Janis , Kalnins Karlis , Matvejs Juris
Published: August 2023

This article summarizes the investigation results of the rheological and thermal stability properties of industrially prepared wood plastic composites based on virgin polypropylene (PP) and birch plywood production waste product, plywood sanding dust (PSD). Wood plastic composites (WPCs) PP+40 wt.% PSD contain different modifiers, such as functional lubricant Struktol TWP, antioxidant 1010, thermal stabilizer 168, ultraviolet (UV) stabilizer 770, and pigment concentrate based on low density polyethylene (LDPE). According to these studies, it was concluded that rheological properties studied by the capillary rheometry method depend on WPC composition and the parameters of rheological measurements. On the contrary, melt flow index (MFI) values did not change so much and fluctuated in the range of 1.52–1.66 g/10 min. The presence of thermal and antioxidant stabilizers promoted an increase in the thermal stability of WPCs, as determined by the thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) method. The characteristics of fluidity curves indicated the character of typical pseudo-plastic liquids, in which viscosity not only depends on temperature, shear stress, and shear deformation rate but also decreases with an increase in shear deformation rate. That also confirmed the values of the fluidity index (n), which for pseudo-plastic polymer melts are always smaller than 1.
Influence of Fiber Content on the Flexural Strength and Physical Properties of Abaca Fiber-Cement-Gypsum Board
Authors: Iqbal Mohd , Azan Said Amir , Dharmawan Muhammad Rizky , Abhang Laxman B.
Published: August 2023

Cement-gypsum board has been used widely in construction project as a non-structural material. Commercial cement-gypsum board is mostly reinforced with synthetic fiber such as glass fiber. Environment consideration leads to the replacement of synthetic component with natural one in industrial product. In this study, a cement-gypsum board with natural fiber reinforcement—specifically, abaca fiber—was created. To examine the impact of fiber content on the flexural strength and other physical characteristics of cement-gypsum panels, cement-gypsum panels with varying amounts of abaca fiber content (0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) were created. The experiment and its materials were created in accordance with Indonesian Standard SNI 01-4449-2006. The experiment's findings demonstrated that the amount of fiber in abaca-cement-gypsum panels had a substantial impact on their flexural strength, density, moisture content, water absorption, and thickness development. The cement-gypsum panel with a 2% fiber content achieved the highest flexural strength of 38.577 MPa. According to the experiment's findings on its flexural strength and physical characteristics, abaca fiber could serve as reinforcement for cement-gypsum board.
Hardness and Toughness Investigation of ASSAB 705 Steel by Various Tempering Temperatures
Authors: Ismartaya Kristian , Bawono Baju , Anggoro Paulus Wisnu
Published: August 2023

ASSAB 705 steel is a machinery steel that used in several industries due to its mechanical properties, for components manufacturing. Hardening process is applied to ASSAB 705 to increase mechanical strength thereby increasing hardness. Conversely, an increase in the hardness value will decrease toughness value so that components are easily damaged due to heavy workloads. The optimal combination of hardness and toughness enhances abrasion resistance and maintains component strength against working loads. It is necessary to investigate parameters of hardening process and its effect on the hardness and toughness of ASSAB 705 steel. This study used Design of Experiment with Taguchi method and ANOVA statistical analysis. Hardening parameter with austenite temperature factor, quench media, and tempering temperature, is used to optimize the combination of hardness-toughness value of ASSAB 705 steel. Results of this research show that tempering temperature is the most influential factor on hardness and toughness values. Optimal combination of mechanical strength is obtained at a hardness value of 50.78 HRC (increase of 44.85%) and a toughness value of 1.15 J/mm2 (increase of 109.09%). These values ​​were obtained from the hardening method: austenite temperature of 825°C, oil quench medium, and tempering temperature of 180°C. The desirability value for combination of hardening process parameters is 0,682802.
The Emerging Role of MAIT Cell Responses in Viral Infections
Authors: Sandberg Johan K , Leeansyah Edwin , Eller Michael A , Shacklett Barbara L , Paquin-Proulx Dominic
Published: August 2023

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are unconventional T cells with innate-like antimicrobial responsiveness. MAIT cells are known for MR1 (MHC class I–related protein 1)-restricted recognition of microbial riboflavin metabolites giving them the capacity to respond to a broad range of microbes. However, recent progress has shown that MAIT cells can also respond to several viral infections in humans and in mouse models, ranging from HIV-1 and hepatitis viruses to influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2, in a primarily cognate Ag-independent manner. Depending on the disease context MAIT cells can provide direct or indirect antiviral protection for the host and may help recruit other immune cells, but they may also in some circumstances amplify inflammation and aggravate immunopathology. Furthermore, chronic viral infections are associated with varying degrees of functional and numerical MAIT cell impairment, suggesting secondary consequences for host defense. In this review, we summarize recent progress and highlight outstanding questions regarding the emerging role of MAIT cells in antiviral immunity.
Effectiveness of cervical spine manual therapy in the management of temporomandibular joint disorders
Authors: Bahlool Shayma Waleed , Fakhruddin Kausar Sadia , Hegazy Fatma A.
Published: August 2023

Background:

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a complex condition involving temporomandibular joint (TMJ), masticatory muscles, and adjoining myofascial structures. In the present review, we attempted to evaluate the manual cervical therapy (MT) effect in reducing TMJ pain of myogenous origin and increasing mandibular range of motion (ROM) in TMD cases in relevance to the duration of therapy and posttherapy follow-up period.

Materials and Methods:

English language manuscripts using PUBMED/MEDLINE, COCHRANE, EMBASE, CINAHLPlus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CDR, and PEDro databases were accessed between January 01, 2011, and January 2021. Following PRISMA guidelines, eight articles met the inclusion criteria.

Results:

The analysis included 383 patients with TMD, primarily women aged ±27 (18–72) years. Employing varied techniques of manual cervical therapies, the reviewed RCT results demonstrated either immediate or short-term effectiveness in orofacial pain reduction and improvement in jaw function.

Conclusion:

This review presented the short-term effectiveness of cervical manual therapy and limited high-quality evidence determining the optimal procedure of cervical manual therapy approaches and duration of the session provided to treat cases with TMD of myogenous origin.
Vitamin D attenuates viral-induced inflammation in adipocytes of obese individuals
Authors: Gaudet Mellissa , Mogas Andrea , Heialy Saba Al
Published: August 2023

Background:

The clinical association between obesity and increased risk of infection is well established; however, the role of adipocytes remains unknown. Adipocytes are important players in the meta-inflammation observed in obese individuals. Moreover, adipocytes are now emerging as potential viral reservoirs for viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind the COVID-19 pandemic, due to increased expression of virus receptors [angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) and TMPRSS2]. Moreover, obesity has been linked to vitamin D deficiency. We hypothesized that vitamin D supplementation can attenuate the viral-induced inflammation in adipocytes of obese subjects and potentially regulate the expression of viral receptors.

Materials and Methods:

Adipocytes were differentiated in vitro from subcutaneous human pre-adipocytes obtained from nonobese and obese individuals. Poly(I:C) (10 μg/mL), which binds to toll-like receptor-3 (TLR3), was used to mimic viral infection, in the absence and presence of 100 nM of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 for 24 hours. Adipocytes were collected for RNA extraction. qRT-PCR was performed to assess the expression of TLR3, IL-8, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-β, ACE2, TMPRSS2.

Results:

Pre-stimulation with Poly(I:C), adipocytes from obese individuals showed higher expression of TLR3, TNF-α, IFN-β, ACE2, and TMPRSS2 highlighting the inflammatory status of obese adipocytes. Following stimulation with Poly(I:C), expression of TLR3, IL-8, TNF-α, and IFN-β were significantly increased in obese adipocytes compared to nonobese. Vitamin D supplementation was able to decrease significantly TLR3, IL-8, and IFN-β expression. Expression of IL-6, ACE2, and TMPRSS2 were increased in both nonobese and obese adipocytes in response to Poly (I:C) with significant effect of vitamin D supplementation on IL-6 and TMPRSS2 expression in obese adipocytes.

Conclusion:

Vitamin D supplementation provides a potential therapeutic advantage in the viral-induced inflammation seen in adipocytes especially in relation to obesity. Our results also suggest that vitamin D can be used to regulate the expression of receptors and proteases involved in SARS-CoV-2 viral entry.
C-type lectin receptors in skin immunity
Authors: Blot Lauriane , Passeron Thierry , Tulic Meri K.
Published: August 2023

C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) are a superfamily of transmembrane proteins, which consist of one or several C-type lectin-like domains and intracellular signaling motifs, such as immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) or immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM). CLRs are mostly expressed on antigen-presenting cells and are known to play an important role in both innate and adaptive immunity. As a result, CLRs are involved in numerous physiological functions due to their ability to recognize pathogen-, tumor-, and damaged-associated molecular patterns on pathogens and host cells acting as pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). These immune receptors can respond to signals from the surrounding environment which has a direct and profound effect on the skin, the largest organ in the body and the only one that is in direct contact with the external environmental stimuli. The skin is colonized by a plethora of microorganisms constituting the skin microbiota and plays a central role in host defense against potentially pathogenic microbes including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Skin dysbiosis has been shown to play a critical role in initiation of skin disease and/or induction of a local inflammatory environment. In this review, we discuss what is known about CLRs in skin immunity and their contribution to skin disease, with a special focus on a newly identified and a promising new CLR, CLEC12B.
Utilization of Neutrophils-to-Lymphocytic Ratio as a Marker for Post-operative Pain in Patients Undergoing Harmonic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Tarabay Ahmed , Mousa Ahmed Hafez , Radwan Hanin Ahmed , Khaled Islam
Published: August 2023

Objectives:

Our study aimed to investigate the pre-operative neutrophils-lymphocytes ratio (NLR) in patients who underwent cholecystectomy and to identify whether it discriminates between chances of developing pain or not and at what interval.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a single center in Saudi Arabia over a period of 2 months. Analysis was conducted using SPSS 22nd edition; numeric variables were presented in mean ± standard deviation and compared using the Mann–Whitney U-test after normality testing.

Results:

The study included 69 patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis and underwent cholecystectomy. The minimum identified NLR in our study was 0.3 and the maximum identified variable was 15.0. Highest sensitivity and specificity were found to be 93.8% and 24.5% after 36 h of performing the procedure, respectively.

Conclusion:

NLR utilization as a pain marker post-operatively has promising outcomes which will highly impact the reduction of disease burden on patients.
Hemovigilance
Authors: Mani Anila , Gupta Debasish
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives:

Hemovigilance is defined as a set of surveillance procedures covering the whole transfusion chain that is intended to collect and assess information on unexpected or undesirable effects resulting from the therapeutic use of labile blood products and to prevent future occurrence and recurrence. The primary goal of the study was to reduce the incidence of adverse events among blood donors and to make blood donation a pleasant experience. Prevention of adverse reactions at the time of blood donation is an important aspect of blood donor motivation and blood donor retention for future blood donations.

Methods:

This is a one and half year's prospective study which was conducted by the department of Transfusion Medicine. The study assessed untoward blood donor reactions, as a measure to further maximize the elimination of untoward reactions encountered during or after blood donation to secure a healthy donation-transfusion chain. We analysed the causative factors that can lead to complications in blood donors at different phases of blood donation like pre-donation, during donation and post donation phases.

Results:

Out of 8180 whole blood collections, 252 blood donor complications were observed during the study period. Out of this, 8.73% (n=22) adverse reactions were observed during donation at blood centre, while 91.27% (n=230) reactions occurred in blood donation camps. Among the camp donations, 61.30% (n=141) were at outdoor camps and 38.70% (n=89) were inside Blood Mobile. We had 83.23% (n=6808) of male blood donors and 16.77% (n=1372) of female donors. Out of the 66 females who developed complications, majority were belonging to the age group of 18-25 years. We had 37.90% (n=3100) first time donors and 62.10% (n=5080) repeat donors. Among the repeat donors, 34.59% (n=1757) were regular repeat donors and 65.41% (n=3323) were irregular repeat donors. Out of 130 first time donors who developed complications, 91.5% (n=119) were systemic reactions. 57.1% (n=12) of regular repeat donors and 80.2% (n=81) of irregular repeat donors developed systemic complications.

Conclusion:

Hemovigilance reporting has reinforced our blood donor safety as well as transfusion safety. Regular reporting of the adverse donor complications helped us to improve proper documentation of all aspects of a complete blood donation sequence not only by the medical officers but also by the blood centre staff members.