bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reclaim of Wrecked Bi-Te Based Materials In Peltier Modules In Thermopower Properties By Mechanical Milling
Authors: Çetin Mehmet , Durak Yüzüak Gizem , Yüzüak Ercüment
Published: March 2023

We thoroughly evaluated the effects of various treatments on the structural and electrical properties of the two as-cast materials, “Sb-doping Bi-Te (p-type)” and “Se-doping Bi-Te (n-type)” which are frequently present in abandoned Peltier modules. To investigate the thermoelectric properties of Bi2Te3-based materials, waste alloys characterized by electrical conductivity using the hot-end method. Alloys were purified by performing arc melting on a water-cooled copper crucible in a vacuum of at least 10-3 mbar, with five times melting sessions to assure homogeneity. A single and long milling period of 144 hours is applied. After the compressing operation, the resulting discs with nanostructures were annealed for an hour at 600 K under vacuum conditions. The discs' structural properties were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and their surfaces and stoichiometries were determined using scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive feature. The Seebeck coefficient of the nanoparticle formed n-type Bi-Te based sample is -35.3 µV.K-1 and p-type Bi-Te based sample is 100 µV.K-1 (15% of mean error margin). It was found that a notable improvement was attained in comparison to the initial state with the addition of nanoparticles.We thoroughly evaluated the effects of various treatments on the structural and electrical properties of the two as-cast materials, “Sb-doping Bi-Te (p-type)” and “Se-doping Bi-Te (n-type)”, which are frequently present in abandoned Peltier modules. To investigate the thermoelectric properties of Bi2Te3-based materials, waste alloys were produced and separated by electrical conductivity using the hot-end method. The alloys were purified by performing arc melting on a water-cooled copper crucible in a vacuum of at least 10-3 mbar, with 5 times melting sessions to assure homogeneity. A ball-milled procedure was used to reduce the obtained mass-scale materials to nano sizes. Single and long milling period of 144 hours is applied. After the compressing operation, the resulting discs with nano-structures were annealed for an hour at 600 K in a vacuum. X-ray diffraction was used to characterize the discs' structures, while scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to examine the discs' surfaces and determine their morphologies. Based on thermal imaging camera scans and Si-diode, we know that the Seebeck coefficient of the nanoparticle formed n-type Bi-Te based sample is -35.37 V.K-1, while that of the nanoparticle formed p-type Bi-Te based sample is 100.05 V.K-1 (15% of mean error margin). It was found that a notable improvement was attained in comparison to the initial state with the addition of nanoparticles.
Analyzing of the Evolution and the Scaling Properties of a Sinusoidal Mound
Authors: Tüzemen Ahmet Türker
Published: March 2023

The evolution of an initial surface (below its roughening temperature) bounded by a sinusoidal function and consisting of concentric circular steps in two dimensions has been investigated in the Diffusion Limited (DL) regime. Assuming that there were entropic interactions between steps and the local mass transfer took place due to the surface diffusion, the solution of the diffusion equation has been obtained by using polar coordinates in two dimensions. The results obtained in this investigation with analyzing the surface height’s evolution as a function of time are as follows: The surface’s height approximately decreases as τ^α (α≈0.35) and α is independent of the amplitude and the wavelength of the initial surface. The variations in the heights of the surfaces which have different amplitudes (A_01,A_02 ) and wavelengths (λ_1,λ_2 ) scale as (A_01⁄A_02 ) (λ_1⁄λ_2 )^3.
Contribution of Neutralino and Chargino to Diagonal Form Factor of Majorana Neutrino in the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model
Authors: Aydın Coşkun
Published: March 2023

In this study, we have calculated the diagonal form factor and charge radius of Majorana neutrinos in the Minimal Supersymmetry Standard Model (MSSM) using Feynman-'t Hooft gauge and dimensional regularization. From the obtained result of calculations, we have seen that the main contribution come from chargino particles in MSSM and its contribution is very small than SM contribution. It is found that 〈r_ν^2 〉=1,66 .〖10〗^(-32) cm^2 for the charge radius of electron neutrinos which is in good agreement with results obtained from the scattering experiments.
Description of 2_3^+, 0_3^+Intruder States in 130Xe Nucleus by Mixing of Transitional Hamiltonian and O(6) Casimir Operator
Authors: Jahangiri Tazekand Zahra , Sabri H
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we tried to describe the , intruder stats in 130Xe nucleus in a configuration mixing framework. To this aim, we have used a transitional Hamiltonian based in the affine SU(1,1) lie algebra in the framework of interacting boson model. Also, we perturbed this Hamiltonian in the version 2 with adding a new term, the O(6) Casimir operator, due to the nature of these intruder states. The results confirm the accuracy of this mixing configuration in the description of all considered energy levels and especially, the intruder states. Also, these results suggest same approach with adding other Casimir operators of different symmetry chains to extend the ability of this transitional Hamiltonian.
α-Integral Representation of The Solution for A Conformable Fractional Diffusion Operator and Basic Properties of The Operator
Authors: Koç Esengül , Çakmak Yaşar
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we consider a diffusion operator which includes conformable fractional derivatives of order α (0<α≤1) instead of the ordinary derivatives in a traditional diffusion operator. We give an α-integral representation for the solution of this operator and obtain the conditions provided by the kernel functions in this representation. Also, by investigating the basic properties of this operator, we obtain the asymptotics of the data {λ_n,α_n }, which are called the spectral data of the operator.
Biosynthesis, Characterization and Antioxidant Properties of ZnO Nanoparticles Using Punica Granatum Peel Extract as Reducing Agent
Authors: Keskin Zehra Seba , Açıkel Unsal
Published: March 2023

The green synthesis method of nanoparticles using plant extracts attracts great attention as a reliable, low-cost, sustainable, environmentally friendly protocol that prevents or minimizes waste generation. In this study, Punica granatum peel extract was used as the reducing plant material and zinc acetate dihydrate (Zn (CH3COO)2. 2H2O) solution was used as the starting metal. In the synthesis, optimum conditions were determined by UV visible spectroscopy using different metal ion concentrations, plant extract amount, temperature, and pH parameters. For characterization of ZnONPs synthesized at optimum conditions, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta potential and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) analyzes were made. It has been determined that the synthesized ZnONPs are spherical, have good stability, high purity, and nanoscale. The free radical scavenging capacity of biosynthesized ZnONPs was evaluated by DPPH analysis with different concentrations. The IC50 value was determined as 250µg ml-1.
Development of Halloysite Loaded Polypropylene Sutures with Enhanced Mechanical and Thermal Properties
Authors: Kıvılcım Fadime Nülüfer
Published: March 2023

Polypropylene is a crucial polymeric material in modern life, especially in the packaging and food industry, as well as the biomedical field. This study aimed to enhance the mechanical properties of polypropylene structures used as surgical suture material by preparing polypropylene-halloysite (PP-halloysite) composites. Halloysite was added in varying amounts (1%, 3%, 5%, and 10%) to polypropylene, and the resulting composites were passed through a double heated extruder. Structural characterization of the PP-halloysite composites was carried out using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), elemental analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (SEM-EDX), Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) ), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) techniques to determine their thermal properties and softening temperatures. Mechanical tests were conducted to examine the composite suture structures obtained and determine the effect of halloysite doping on their mechanical properties. The results of the mechanical tests showed that the mechanical strength of the fiber structure increased with the amount of halloysite added. Therefore, the PP-halloysite suture structures could be used as non-melting suture material, especially in surgeries that require high strength compared to pure polypropylene structures.
Interpretation of Geochemical Data of Eocene Volcanism in Eastern Sivas Province (Central Anatolia, Türkiye)
Authors: Ekici Taner
Published: March 2023

The study area covers the eastern part of Zara district (Sivas) located in East-Central Anatolia. The units found in the region from bottom to top are characterized by the Upper Creataceous-Paleocene Refahiye Complex, the Middle-Upper Eocene Akıncılar Formation, the Karataş volcanics and Kösedağ Syenite, the Lower Miocene Onarı Formation, the Upper Miocene-Pliocene İsola volcanics, the Şerefiye volcanics, the Kadıköy Formation and the uppermost Quaternary sediments. In the frame of this study, the Karataş volcanics, which were formed as a result of the second magmatic activity of the Eocene period, are studied in detail. The Karataş volcanics are greenish black on their undisturbed clean surfaces, and some parts are brown-purple in color and have distinctive crack systems. It shows a reddish-pinkish color distribution in regions where degradation is observed intensely. The SiO2 content, which is the main criterion for determining the magma character of Karataş volcanics, is between 52.09 % and 58.45 %. MgO contents of similar importance are between 0.53 % and 2.21 %. Some of the light rare earth elements, La have 22.2-40.7 ppm, Ce 44.4-67.3 ppm, Pr 5.23-8.88 ppm, Sm 4.41-7.15 ppm, Eu 1.24-1.83 ppm; one of the heavy rare earth elements, Lu have 0.20-0.45 ppm and Yb 1.88-2.98 ppm values. The Karataş volcanics consist of basaltic-trachyandesite and trachyandesite. Evidence of liquid-crystal fractional crystallization (FC) in the phenocryst phase during the formation of the Karataş volcanics is clearly observed in the geochemical diagrams. Traces of partial melting and crustal contamination were found in geochemical studies. Following the closure of the Neo-Tethys ocean in the region, a widespread crustal thickening occurred in the region with the northward divergence of the northern branch of Neo-Tethys, and a suture zone was formed along this line. The Karataş volcanics were formed as a product of active volcanism after the collision in the region.
Determining disease response patterns in patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Zakharyan Elena A. , Ushakov Alexey V. , Zyabkina Irina V. , Kubyshkin Anatoly V. , Ibragimova Regina E.
Published: March 2023

Background. Attitude towards one's own illness significantly affects the course of the disease, the effectiveness of treatment and the possibility of rehabilitation. The formation of certain types of response to the disease determines adherence to treatment.
Aim. To study the types of attitude to the disease in patients with coronary heart disease, depending on the severity of coronary atherosclerosis and the planned treatment tactics.
Material and methods. To study the type of patient's response to the disease, a personal questionnaire of the Bekhterev Institute was used. The study included 240 patients with coronary heart disease (150 men and 90 women): the first group 26 people without coronary artery disease; the second group 41 people who were subject to conservative treatment, with hemodynamically unexpressed atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries; the third group 84 patients with severe atherosclerotic lesions of the coronary arteries, who were candidates for surgical revascularization methods; the fourth group 38 people hospitalized for coronary artery stenting; the fifth group 51 people hospitalized for coronary artery bypass grafting. The sixth group was represented by healthy volunteers (40 people). To assess the statistical significance of the differences between the two groups in terms of any parameters with the non-normal distribution of features the MannWhitney test was used. To assess the relationship between two features, the Spearman rank correlation coefficient with an assessment of its significance was used. Differences were considered significant at p 0.05.
Results. Patients with ischemic heart disease chose statements characteristic of ergopathic and harmonious (p 0.05) types of attitude to the illness. In 56% (p 0.05) of the representatives of the control group, the anosognosic type prevailed. A higher frequency of the euphoric type of attitude towards the disease was found in patients of the second group in comparison with the third one (p=0.009). The fifth group was dominated by sensitive (42.5%) and paranoid (32.5%) types of response; less common were anxious (27.5%) and neurasthenic (30%) ones. A direct correlation was demonstrated between the age of patients and the detectability of hypochondriacal (p=0.027, r=0.15), apathetic (p=0.005, r=0.2) and paranoid (p=0.011, r=0.17) types of attitude towards illness.
Conclusion. Patients with coronary heart disease have predominantly ergopathic and harmonious types of response, which determine whether they have a sober assessment of their state of health, as well as the significance of work activity for the individual.
Prevalencia de secuelas en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 sobrevivientes al COVID-19
Authors: Cancino-Castillo Gianela M. , Tresierra-Ayala Miguel A. , Campos-Reyna Jorge L. , Rosales-Rimache Jaime
Published: March 2023

Objetivo: Evaluar si existe asociación entre la prevalencia de secuelas por COVID-19 y diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Material y métodos: Diseño analítico trasversal. Se aplicó por teléfono un cuestionario estructurado, validado por expertos, a pacientes con al menos tres meses de alta y se obtuvieron datos clínicos de sus historias clínicas. Se aplicó un consentimiento informado. Resultados: El 52% fueron varones (p=0,5); la mediana de edad 57 años(RIC:21), y el tiempo entre alta y entrevista fue 9 meses. La severidad de COVID-19 fue: moderado 51%, grave 38%, critico 9%; diabéticos 23,75% (p<0,05). Se halló asociación entre secuelas generales y diabetes (OR=3,04, IC95%: 1,51-6,13, p:0,001, RPa:2,4), seguida por secuelas cardiovasculares (OR=2,91, IC95%: 1,57-5,38, p:0,000, RPa:2,1). De los 57 diabéticos, 85,9% hicieron secuelas por COVID-19; y de los 183 no diabéticos, el 68,3% (p: 0,009, OR:2,84, IC95%:1,26-6,38, RPc:2,32). Conclusiones: La prevalencia de secuelas por COVID-19 fue mayor en pacientes diabéticos que en los no diabéticos; el tipo de secuelas más frecuente fue fatiga.
Sobrecarga del cuidador y apoyo social percibido en cuidadores de adultos mayores
Authors: Cruz-Benites Lia J. , Tresierra-Ayala Miguel A. , Cabrera-Enriquez John , Celis-Castro Celina
Published: March 2023

Objetivo: Establecer si hay asociación entre la sobrecarga del cuidador y el apoyo social percibido en cuidadores de adultos mayores. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio correlacional, transversal, en una muestra de 138 cuidadores de adultos mayores a quienes se les aplicó la Escala de Zarit y la Escala Multidimensional Apoyo Social Percibido. Resultados: La mayoría de los cuidadores (84,8%) soportan sobrecarga; el apoyo social predomina en un nivel bajo (69,9%). Conclusiones: Existe correlación inversa media (- 0,240) entre la sobrecarga del cuidador y el apoyo social percibido en los cuidadores de adultos mayores; se ha determinado que la mayoría de los cuidadores (84,8%) soportan una sobrecarga; en todas las dimensiones de apoyo social predomina el nivel bajo, por lo que la mayoría de los cuidadores perciben un bajo nivel de apoyo social; existe correlación inversa entre la variable sobrecarga y la dimensión apoyo familiar; no existe correlación entre la sobrecarga y apoyo de amigos; y existe correlación inversa entre la sobrecarga y apoyo de otros significativos.
Dependencia del adulto mayor como factor de riesgo para desarrollar depresión en adultos mayores
Authors: Jacinto-Atanacio Haylen G. , Tresierra-Ayala Miguel A. , Espinola-Sánchez Marcos A. , Díaz-Reátegui Mónica
Published: March 2023

El presente estudio se llevó a cabo con el objetivo de comprobar la relación entre dependencia funcional y depresión en el adulto mayor. La metodología que se empleó corresponde a un estudio de tipo aplicado, observacional; analítico de casos y controles, la muestra estuvo conformada por 180 adultos mayores que cumplieron con los criterios de selección, de los cuales 60 tuvieron dependencia funcional y depresión. Se utilizaron como instrumentos de evaluación la Escala Abreviada de Yesavage y el Índice de Katz. Como resultado el Odds ratio fue de 2,5 con un intervalo de confianza de 1,32 – 4,72 con un valor p de 0,004. Y de los adultos mayores con dependencia funcional el 60% presentaron depresión y 37,5% no presentaron. Se concluye que existe una relación directa entre dependencia funcional y depresión. Y que la proporción de dependencia funcional con depresión fue mayor en comparación con los que no presentaron depresión. Asimismo, la depresión si representa un factor de riesgo en los adultos mayores con dependencia funcional.
Frecuencia de prediabetes y factores de riesgo en pobladores de un distrito de La Libertad, Perú 2021
Authors: Mendo-Vásquez Luis M. , León-Jiménez Franco E.
Published: March 2023

Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de prediabetes y sus factores de riesgo en los pobladores del sector Los Laureles del distrito El Porvenir- La Libertad durante el año 2021. Material y Métodos:  Estudio descriptivo transversal censal que incluyó a 50 personas mayores de 25 años durante los meses de julio-diciembre del 2021, a quienes se les aplicó un cuestionario estructurado, se les tomó la presión y se les solicitó una muestra de sangre para dosaje de glicemia en ayunas y perfil lipídico. Resultados: La prevalencia de prediabetes fue 20%, la de Diabetes 16,9% y la frecuencia de factores de riesgo asociados a Prediabetes fueron: familiar de primer grado con Diabetes: 26%, Sobrepeso 18%, Obesidad 10%, Hipercolesterolemia 30%, niveles de LDL aumentado 28%, niveles bajos de HDL 16% y hipertrigliceridemia 28% y 22% Hipertensión arterial.  Conclusión: La prevalencia de prediabetes en este asentamiento humano fue similar a lo hallado en otras investigaciones. La frecuencia de antecedentes familiares de DM2, colesterol LDL elevado, obesidad, sobrepeso e hipertensión arterial, fue menor en comparación con otros estudios; la frecuencia de hipercolesterolemia y hipertrigliceridemia fue mayor a lo revisado en otras investigaciones. Finalmente, sólo se encontró similitud en la cifra de colesterol HDL disminuido con otros estudios.
Modelos predictivos para la valoración del riesgo de muerte por síndrome isquémico coronario agudo: revisión de literatura científica
Authors: Herrera-Castillo Yessenia , Rosales-Rimache Jaime
Published: March 2023

El síndrome isquémico coronario agudo (SICA) es una forma de enfermedad cardiovascular (ECV), que es considerado como un problema de salud pública global, debido a su alta tasa de mortalidad entre la población adulta. El empleo de modelos predictivos para valorar el riesgo de muerte por SICA es fundamental, pero poco conocido y empleado dentro de la práctica clínica. En ese sentido, esta revisión tuvo por objetivo identificar modelos predictivos que evalúen el riesgo de mortalidad por SICA, a través de un proceso de revisión de la literatura científica. Se diseñó una estrategia de búsqueda basada en los componentes PEO (población, exposición y outcome). Se emplearon términos de búsqueda como población, síndrome coronario agudo, modelos predictivos y muerte, así como tesauros, términos relacionados y en idioma inglés, con los que se generaron algoritmos de búsqueda para las bases de información SCOPUS, Web of Science, EMBASE y PubMed. Se encontraron 5110 artículos, de los cuales se eliminaron 168 duplicados, excluyeron 5080 (por idioma, antigüedad y accesibilidad) y 21 por no contener las variables de estudio. Los resultados muestran 9 artículos cuyos hallazgos muestran a los modelos predictivos TIMI, GRACE y HEART, como los más empleados. Los resultados obtenidos por estos 3 modelos predictivos se asociaron significativamente a mortalidad (p<0,001), y con valores de AUC superiores a 0,80. Se concluye que los modelos TIMI, GRACE y HEART son adecuados para la valoración del riesgo de muerte por SICA. Su empleo es importante para fortalecer estrategias que mejoren las acciones de prevención y control de ECV.
Synthesis of Imino Stabilized Iron Oxide Nanosensor for Selective Detection of Lead Ions
Authors: HASAN Erum , ALI Syed , ZİA Ambreen , BEGUM Sabira , KHAN Salman Tariq , BUKHARİ Syeda
Published: March 2023

The present work describes the successful preparation of iron oxide nanoparticles (NSB1) stabilized with 4-((2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino)benzoic acid. The characterization has been achieved through ultraviolet visible (UV-Vis), fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with electron dispersive X-ray elemental analysis (EDX). These magnetic nanoparticles have exhibited significant chemosensing properties in the aqueous media to screen Cr3+, Cd2+, Li+, Co2+, Al3+, Pb2+, Ni2+ and Sr2+ ions. However, lead (Pb2+) ions have shown the highest selectivity as compared to other metal ions without any interference in the competitive ion study. The detection limit of Pb2+ ions was found to be 1.7 µM by this nanosensor. The binding ratio and stoichiometry was found to be 1:1 as measured by Job’s plot. The binding strength was also computed through Benesei-Hildebrand equation.
Qualitative Case Study Research about the Changes of Students’ WellBeing Experience in a Nature-Based Multiform Learning Course
Authors: Annunen Veera , Haapakangas Tommi , Pantsar Sanna
Published: March 2023

This article is based on a study that investigated the changes in students' perceived well-being during a multifaceted nature relationship course. The aim of the study was to provide research evidence on the use of nature in the design and delivery of curricula and training. The research topic is relevant because student wellbeing is in decline. Student well-being is important for students themselves, but also for the effectiveness of society. The research was conducted using a mixed methods research approach. The qualitative data consisted of reports written by the participants before the course, after two months of the course and after the course. The quantitative data consisted of the results of the Working and Learning Style Analysis carried out on the participants at the beginning and end of the course. There were many positive changes in the physical, social and especially psychological well-being experienced by the participants during the course. The lack of rush gave students time to focus on basic needs, living in the moment, resting and feeling for themselves. Consciously pausing in a restorative environment led to processing stress, anxiety and negative thoughts, which increased the well-being. The course had a boosting effect on positive emotions and self-confidence.
"When the law fails to serve us, we must serve as the law"
Authors: Sithuga Ndivho Percy , Rakubu Kholofelo
Published: March 2023

South Africa and its policing system have been experiencing several incidents of vigilantism where community members partook in killing and administering “instant justice” to persons caught red-handed or suspected of engaging in criminal activities. Vigilantism has become a critical problem for the government, community members, and society. The study explores community perception regarding the incidents of vigilantism perpetuated in Thohoyandou and Musina within Vhembe District in the Limpopo Province. The study adopted an exploratory qualitative methodology. A non-random sampling that included purposive and snowball sampling was used to select the participants. Semi-structured interviews, observation and focus group discussions were used to collect data. Data were analysed using thematic data analysis. The study concludes that vigilantism is now an acute daily occurrence in South Africa. As such, it has brought some negative implications, loss of life, destruction of property, effects on the welfare of children and a vicious cycle of crime. Even though the criminal justice system is the scapegoat for all this, community members point to unemployment, poverty, and alcohol and drug abuse as some of the causes of vigilantism. The article recommends collaboration between state parties and the communities in the administration of justice to fight vigilantism.
Causal modelling of the influence of demographic variables on work-stimulated stress among early childhood educators in South Africa
Authors: Akobi Thomas Ogbeche , Okeke Chinedi Ifedi
Published: March 2023

Work-related stress has emerged as a pervasive global issue that needs to be investigated by specialists around the world. Work stress is a condition of pressure brought on by one's line of work and occurs when the demands of the job are too great for an employee's abilities or resources. The study was undertaken to examine the direct and indirect causal effect of some demographic variables on work-stimulated stress among early childhood educators in South Africa. Hence, the researchers developed and validated a model involving causal linkages between early childhood educators’ demographic variables such as age, gender, race, marital status, income and educational qualification, and work-stimulated stress. The study adopted an ex-post-facto research design. The sample comprised one hundred and twenty (120) early childhood educators across twenty (20) Early Childhood Education (ECE) centres. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select the early childhood educators for the study. One validated instrument on work-stimulated stress developed by the researchers on a four-point rating scale was used to collect the data for the study, while path analysis and multiple regression analysis were employed for data analysis. The findings of this study documented the more parsimonious model, which effectively predicts the influence of demographic variables on work-stimulated stress among early childhood educators. The results further indicated that three (Age, Gender, and Marital Status) out of the six predictor variables caused early childhood educators’ work-stimulated stress more than the other variables. The implications of these findings for education policymakers, administrators, and teachers are discussed.
The influence of self-efficacy on employee performance mediated by work motivation and work engagement
Authors: Hadi Prasetyo
Published: March 2023

This study was conducted to determine the effect of self-efficacy on employee performance and work motivation, and work involvement in mediating the effect of self-efficacy on employee performance of manufacturing companies in DKI Jakarta. The sample in this study amounted to 100 respondents. This study uses quantitative descriptive analysis techniques. The analysis method in this study uses Path Analysis using SmartPLS. The results of the analysis in this study are: (1) self-efficacy has a positive and significant effect on employee performance, (2) work motivation mediates positively and significantly the relationship between self-efficacy and employee performance, and (3) work involvement mediates positively and significantly the relationship between self-efficacy and employee performance. This research is expected to contribute to the development of Human Resource Management, especially in research on improving employee performance.
Predictors of dialysis and death among paediatric renal disease patients: A 14-year retrospective study at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana.
Authors: Osei George Nkrumah , Worae Emmanuel , Ghartey Betty Effie Adoko , Okyere Perditer , Botchway Felix , Djonor Sampson K. , Ephraim Richard K D
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Paediatric nephropathy, a condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality, is increasing in developing countries. Data on paediatric renal diseases are insufficient in Ghana despite the risk it poses. This study assessed the pattern, spectrum, outcome, and predictors of dialysis and death among paediatric renal disease patients at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Accra, Ghana.
Methodology: Among children aged 0-17 years on admission at the Child Health Department of KBTH, a retrospective hospital-based study was conducted. Demographic characteristics, clinical data including type, cause, duration, and symptoms of renal diseases, laboratory data (haemtological and biochemical), information on dialysis and treatment outcome were obtained from their records. Data were analyzed accordingly using STATA software version 15.1.
Results: A total of 353 children with renal diseases were seen during the study period (2009-2022) (mean age of 5.91 ±3.99), with 217(62.18%) being males. The most common renal diseases were nephrotic syndrome 141(39.94%), acute kidney injury (AKI) 87(24.65%) and acute glomerulonephritis 47(13.31%). Others included polycystic kidney disease (0.85%), lupus nephritis (0.57%), and others (ureterostomies, bladder calculus, and dilated ectopic renal pelvis)(1.70%). Idiopathic causes (26.35%) were the major cause of renal diseases followed by intravascular haemolysis (20.11%), infection (18.70%), and hypertension (17.00%). Swelling (76.88%), facial puffiness (39.02%), fever (34.97%), and abdominal distension (24.57%) were the most common symptoms. A death prevalence of 16.43% resulting mostly from AKI (5.95%), acute on chronic kidney disease (4.25%), and CKD (2.55%) was observed at KBTH whilst 7.37% were on dialysis. Predictors of dialysis included female gender, high urea levels and acute on chronic kidney disease whilst being admitted for a month or less and more than 5 years, high white blood cell count (WBC), acute on chronic kidney disease, and renal impairment were significant predictors of death among children with renal diseases.
Conclusion: Paediatric renal diseases at KBTH were dominated by nephrotic syndrome and AKI. High WBC count, acute on chronic kidney disease, and renal impairment were significantly associated with death among children with renal diseases. Therefore, much attention should be paid to these parameters during their care.
ASAPs: Asynchronous Hybrid Self-Reconfiguration Algorithm for Porous Modular Robotic Structures
Authors: Bassil Jad , Piranda Benoît , Makhoul Abdallah , Bourgeois Julien
Published: March 2023

Programmable matter refers to material that can be programmed to alter its physical properties, including its shape. Such matter can be built as a lattice of attached robotic modules, each seen as an autonomous agent with communication and motion capabilities. Self-reconfiguration consists in changing the initial arrangement of modules to form a desired goal shape, and is known to be a complex problem due to its algorithmic complexity and motion constraints. In this paper, we propose to use a max-flow algorithm as a centralized global planner to determine the concurrent paths to be traversed by modules through a porous structure composed of 3D Catoms meta-modules with the aim of increasing the parallelism of motions, and hence decreasing the self-reconfiguration time. We implement a traffic light system as a distributed asynchronous local planning algorithm to control the motions to avoid collisions. We evaluated our algorithm using VisibleSim simulator on different self-reconfiguration scenarios and compared the performance with an existing fully distributed synchronous self-reconfiguration algorithm for similar structures. The results show that the new method provides a significant gain in performance.
Spatial Interpolations of Annual Rainfall in Ethiopia Using Simple and Universal Kriging Techniques
Authors: Shitu Kasye , Hymiro Adibar , Degu Tigist , Mekuriaw Mastewal
Published: March 2023

The study of spatial distribution of precipitation is an important aspect of water-related research like, hydrological modeling, disaster prediction and watershed management. But, spatial interpolations of annual average rainfall in Ethiopia using Simple and Universal Kriging type through different models has not yet investigated. This study was focused on to select the best fit semivarogram model for annual rainfall interpolation and to map the spatial distribution of rainfall of Ethiopia. In this study, long term mean annual rainfall which was collected from 931 meteorological stations were interpolated using different mathematical variogram models of Kriging to select the best fit variogram model useful to predict continuous surface values of annual average rainfall in Ethiopia. Spherical model was found to be the best fitted variogram model and most accurate model for interpolation using both Simple and Universal Kriging with the value of ME (0.005), RMSE (1.21) and MSDR (121.32) and ME (0.001), RMSE (0.88) and MSDR (144.11), respectively. Since the kriging results of spherical model indicate good model efficacy for this study, it may be useful to map spatial pattern of annual rainfall in Basin level in Ethiopia.
Attitudes toward co-teaching: Perspectives on general and special education teachers in Makkah
Authors:   College of Education, Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia, Al Hamyani Shatha A. , Al-Asiri Hawazen ,   College of Education, Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia
Published: March 2023

The aim of this study is to identify general and special education teachers’ attitudes toward co-teaching in the city of Makkah and the differences in these attitudes according to some demographic variables, such as gender, academic qualifications, years of experience, specialization, and co-teaching training. Quantitative methods were employed. A 20-item questionnaire was used as the data collection tool. The study sample consisted of 404 male and female teachers chosen randomly (301 general education teachers and 103 special education teachers). The study findings revealed high scores (M = 4.2693) for the attitudes of general and special education teachers. However, there were statistical differences in the teachers’ attitudes based on specialization in favor of special education teachers specialized in learning disabilities. Statistical differences were also found regarding training, to the benefit of those who did not receive any training courses on co-teaching. However, no significant differences could be attributed to teachers’ gender, academic qualifications, or years of experience. The findings highlight an urgent need to focus on the professional development of general and special education teachers. The Ministry of Education is urged to design comprehensive training programs to support these teachers on strategies for implementing co-teaching within their regular classes.
Land Fragmentation and Socio-Economic Wellbeing
Authors: Ahmad aka Mohamed Nurulanis , Chuweni Nor Nazihah , Blake Andrea
Published: March 2023

Land fragmentation results in reduced agricultural productivity, lack of efficiency, and diminished viability of the land. This study investigates land fragmentation's causes and socio-economic impacts, aiming to develop a conceptual model. Thematic analysis was employed to undertake a systematic literature review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method. The findings indicated that land fragmentation resulted in disorganization regarding location and space. This study guides land authorities and urban planners in providing fundamental knowledge to improve land management practices.
An Ideal of Retirement Villages Business Model in Malaysia: Analysis of case studies
Authors: Samsudin Salfarina , Abdul Latif Muhammad Razif Shah , Ngadiman Norshafadila , Jagun Zainab Toyin
Published: March 2023

There are three types of retirement villages development business models: the outright sale model, the lease for life model and the rental model. This paper aims to investigate the influence elements of chosen business models adopted in Malaysia's retirement village development. This study uses a qualitative research method through interviews with the selected developers as case studies. The prominent contemplation for developing retirement villages are sustainability, practicality, profitability and land availability. Local developers have been mindful and creative in implementing their retirement village business models.
Examining Local Traditional Food Entrepreneurs in Selangor and Sabah States during Covid 19 Pandemic
Authors: Md Ramli Adilah , Saad Mazni , Md Shariff Mohd Shazali , Sulistyo Joko
Published: March 2023

The study aims to explore local entrepreneurs’ profile criteria during covid 19 pandemic in Sabah and Selangor states. Two (2) themes have been identified for this study which are 1) Food category and 2) Business criteria. Twenty (20) informants from selected business categories are being identified and interviewed using a semi-structured question and online video and phone recording due to the Covid 19 pandemic. The finding shows that entrepreneurs from both states share similarities in food categories and customer backgrounds. They also implement technology such as online delivery applications to sustain their business during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Determinants of FELDA Settlers’ Wellbeing and Sustainability: The mediating role of corporate responsibility
Authors: Johan Zaimy Johana , Hafit Nor Intan Adha , Canggih Clarashinta , Zamri Nur Aini Farhanah
Published: March 2023

Over the past years, indefinite harvests in the palm oil and rubber sectors have amplified the pressure on FELDA settlers, especially those living in rural areas. Fortunately, with the government support of financial aid amounting to RM6.23bil, FELDA is expected to expedite a new business model in salvaging the settlers and ensuring their sustainability. The concerns on the palm oil industry and FELDA settlers' wellbeing have inspired researchers to investigate the issues and challenges, and the findings postulate that immediate resolution is vital to ameliorate settlers' wellbeing and for them to sustain and uphold the palm oil and rubber business.
Effects of Indoor Environmental Quality in Urban Housing on Residents' Health and Wellbeing in Nigeria
Authors: Akande Oluwafemi Kehinde , Yusuf Abdullahi , Sham Rohana
Published: March 2023

The building industry's contribution as a non-clinical contributor to the quality of life is its impact on occupants' health. A health-based standardised questionnaire and a digital data collection device were used to investigate the susceptibility of building indoor air quality (IAQ) to infectious diseases. PM2.5 (63 Î¼m/m3) and PM10 (228 Î¼m/m3) obtained exceeded the international standard. Some associations between certain building characteristics and potential risk factors for certain diseases were seen. This study provides a platform for future intervention in housing and public health policies and addresses the conundrum of safe and healthy buildings for the urban populace in Nigeria
Cognitive Modeling of Information Support for Game-Based Automated Learning
Authors: Khalin Y. A. , Katykhin A. I. , Zinkin S. A. , Shilin A. A.
Published: March 2023

Purpose of research. The main goal of this work is to increase the efficiency of automated game learning based on cognitive modeling. Based on the methodology of system analysis and cognitive modeling of weakly structured situations, the structure of a gaming automated training complex is proposed, which can be used in training personnel in various subject areas. In our case, staff training was simulated in stereotypical and non-stereotypical situations.

Methods. This work is based on the general provisions of systems theory and system analysis, mathematical graph theory (which is based on cognitive modeling). The main tool of cognitive modeling was the construction of fuzzy cognitive maps of Silov. A modification of the algorithm for calculating the main system indicators of a fuzzy cognitive map was proposed. Game modeling, based on business games, was used for automated learning. The concept of an operational game was introduced, then modeling of the development of some unfavorable situation was carried out using fuzzy cognitive maps..

Results. he main result of this work is the method of cognitive modeling of information support for game-based automated learning. Based on the developed methodology, a game simulation simulation of the operational game "House Fire" was carried out, which was based on the construction of a fuzzy cognitive map, for which the main quantitative system indicators of mutual influence, consonance and dissonance were calculated.

Conclusion: the developed methodology allows for game modeling of unfavorable (including emergency) situations, which in the future will ensure adequate behavior of students in real situations.
Method for Assessing and Forecasting Economic Risks of an Enterprise Based on Data Mining
Authors: Khalin Y. A. , Kriushina Y. A. , Zinkin S. A. , Shilin A. A.
Published: March 2023

Purpose of research. The main purpose of this work is to improve the quality and efficiency of managerial decisionmaking based on the development of a method for assessing and forecasting economic risks of an enterprise. This method is based on data mining technology.

Methods. The paper uses methods of panel data processing and analysis, for which a mathematical model for predicting the level of competitiveness of an enterprise was built, as well as a model for predicting economic risks of an enterprise based on combining several methods of data mining: clustering of merging panel data for assessing economic risks of an enterprise and the method of merging fuzzy correlation for statistical analysis of panel data.

Results. As a result of the application of the developed method, quantitative assessments of the level of competitiveness and economic risks of the enterprise were obtained. Based on the obtained quantitative assessments of the level of competitiveness and the level of economic risk, a cluster analysis of enterprises in some industry was carried out. The developed methods have high accuracy in predicting economic risks of enterprises, improve the capabilities of data mining and combining information about economic risks of enterprises, which increases the competitiveness of enterprises.

Conclusion. A method of forecasting economic risks of an enterprise based on data mining technology has been developed. Weighted estimates of spatial features of panel data were obtained, which allow to obtain integral estimates of the economic risks of the enterprise and the level of competitiveness of the enterprise. A model for the analysis of fuzzy rules of semantic features of panel intelligent data analysis of the assessment of economic risks of the enterprise is proposed. The analysis shows that the developed method has high accuracy and better protection against interference when predicting data.
Thermal Condition in the Channels of Plate Heat Exchangers
Authors: Elistratova Yu. V. , Seminenko A. S. , Uvarov V. A. , Minko V. A.
Published: March 2023

Equipping heat points with plate-type heat exchangers is an integral structural element of the 3rd generation heat and power network and a component of the reliability of the heat supply system as a whole. It has been established that the optimization calculations of heat exchangers of this type are difficult due to the absence of dependences on heat transfer and hydraulic resistance between the channels in the structural space of the heat exchanger.

Purpose of research. To clarify the method of calculating plate heat exchangers, excluding the equality of thermal and hydraulic conditions from the generally accepted assumptions.

Methods. The research methodology is based on the use of the law of conservation of mass in order to determine the temperature parameters of working fluids in each channel. The solution of this problem is proposed in the form of a system of equations, each of the equations of which characterizes the thermal balance of the channel under consideration. A computer model of the heat exchanger is constructed in order to conduct a numerical study of the thermal regime of the heat exchanger.

Results. It is indicated that as an assumption in the well-known mathematical model for calculating the thermal regime of a plate-type heat exchanger, the condition of equal distribution of fluid flows between channels is accepted. This restriction leads to equalization of liquid temperatures in each channel. Taking into account the geometric arrangement of the channels, the excess of the final temperature of the heating and heated coolant in the first and last channels with respect to known data is up to 10%. The results of the study confirm the hypothesis of uneven heating of the coolant along the length of the plate package due to the uneven flow distribution between the channels.

Conclusion. The results of analytical calculation and modeling in the SolidWorks environment of the temperature regime in the channels of a plate-type heat exchanger indicate a significant influence of the geometric arrangement on the thermal regime in the channels. The formulated provisions of the mathematical description of the unevenness of the thermal regime of heat exchange channels, taking into account the location of the plates, are recommended to be used when improving the design parameters of plate-type heat exchangers.
Research of the Properties of the Breadth-First Search Algorithm for Finding the Movement Route of Robots
Authors: Emelianov S. G. , Bobyr M. V. , Kryukov A. G.
Published: March 2023

Purpose of research. The research presented in this article is aimed at improving the speed of finding a path for the movement route of robots. The scientific novelty is the obtained correlation of time and field size.

Methods. To find the path in the maze, the depth-first search and breadth-first search algorithms were used, the basis of which is the cyclic processing of adjacent previously unvisited graph vertices. Performance is estimated in terms of the speed of program code execution on prepared samples. Scientific novelty was obtained by studying the influence of map sizes on the performance of depth-first and breadth-first search algorithms.

Results. A software implementation of breadth-first and depth-first search algorithms has been developed. The article provides a more detailed description of the breadth-first search algorithm in the form of pseudo and program codes, which are based on the while loop, where the queue of checked graph vertices is processed. Based on the evaluation of the speed of the found path, it was concluded that the breadth-first search is not the fastest. Based on the assessment of the influence of various factors on the speed of the algorithm, it was concluded that an increase in the size of the field, a decrease in the number of obstacles and a distance between the starting and final points increases the execution time of the algorithm.

Conclusion. The breadth-first search algorithm and its software implementation were presented. In the course of experimental studies, it was found that this algorithm is not the fastest in time, but in all tests, it found the shortest path. The correlation ta = f(w, h) was also obtained for the prepared samples of the desired field, which is expressed as the dependence of the algorithm execution time on the length and width of the field. And we can conclude that it is applicable for finding the movement path of robots, since it always finds the shortest path.