bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiwavelength Emission from Magnetically Arrested Disks around Isolated Black Holes
Authors: Kimura Shigeo S. , Kashiyama Kazumi , Hotokezaka Kenta
Published: November 2021

We discuss the prospects for identifying the nearest isolated black holes (IBHs) in our Galaxy. IBHs accreting gas from the interstellar medium likely form magnetically arrested disks (MADs). We show that thermal electrons in the MADs emit optical signals through the thermal synchrotron process while nonthermal electrons accelerated via magnetic reconnections emit a flat-spectrum synchrotron radiation in the X-ray to MeV gamma-ray ranges. The Gaia catalog will include at most a thousand IBHs within ≲1 kpc that are distributed on and around the cooling sequence of white dwarfs (WDs) in the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram. These IBH candidates should also be detected by eROSITA, with which they can be distinguished from isolated WDs and neutron stars. Follow-up observations with hard X-ray and MeV gamma-ray satellites will be useful to unambiguously identify IBHs.
Impact of Switchbacks on Turbulent Cascade and Energy Transfer Rate in the Inner Heliosphere
Authors: Hernández Carlos S. , Sorriso-Valvo Luca , Bandyopadhyay Riddhi , Chasapis Alexandros , Vásconez Christian L. , Marino Raffaele , Pezzi Oreste
Published: November 2021

Recent Parker Solar Probe (PSP) observations of inner heliospheric plasma have shown an abundant presence of Alfvénic polarity reversal of the magnetic field, known as “switchbacks.” While their origin is still debated, their role in driving the solar wind turbulence has been suggested through analysis of the spectral properties of magnetic fluctuations. Here, we provide a complementary assessment of their role in the turbulent cascade. The validation of the third-order linear scaling of velocity and magnetic fluctuations in intervals characterized by a high occurrence of switchbacks suggests that, irrespective of their local or remote origin, these structures are actively embedded in the turbulent cascade, at least at the radial distances sampled by PSP during its first perihelion. The stronger positive energy transfer rate observed in periods with a predominance of switchbacks indicates that they act as a mechanism injecting additional energy in the turbulence cascade.
The extremely high diversity of Collembola in relict forests of Primorskii Krai of Russia
Authors: Kuznetsova Nataliya , Bokova Anna , Kuprin Alexander , Potapov Mikhail , Shveenkova Yulia , Ivanova Natalya
Published: November 2021

The diversity of soil animals of relict forest ecosystems in East Asia continues to be insufficiently studied and almost not represented in international databases, including GBIF. This article is based on 7550 records of 175 species which were collected in Ussuriiskii, Sikhote-Alinskii and Kedrovaya Pad’ natural reserves of Russian Far East in 2016–2017. A multi-scale sampling design allowed us to estimate population densities and local species richness of Collembola at areas of different sizes. The work continues the digitization of the collections of the Moscow Pedagogical State University (MPSU) and their publication through GBIF.org, which began in 2019. This article is based on original data including 2377 specimens of springtails from eight forests and 648 soil cores.

Within the framework of modern taxonomy, this work represents the first publication of lists of Collembola species of forests of Primorsky Krai. The work focused on the relict protected cedar-deciduous forests. Nine species new to science were described and data on the fauna of the region were significantly revised. Considerable contribution was made to the biogeography of Collembola of East Asia. The design of the sampling allowed us to draw conclusions about the species saturation of springtails at various spatial scales within the habitat: from a few square cm to 100 sq. m. Number of species reached record high values reflecting the benchmark state of Collembola communities of undisturbed old temperate forest ecosystems.
Taxonomic study on fourteen symphytognathid species from Asia (Araneae, Symphytognathidae)
Authors: Li Ya , Li Shuqiang , Lin Yucheng
Published: November 2021

Fourteen symphytognathid species belonging to three genera are examined, including the descriptions of eight new species and two new genera from China, Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar: Patu Marples, 1951: P. catba S. Li & Lin, sp. nov. (♂, Vietnam), P. dakou S. Li & Lin, sp. nov. (♂♀, China), P. damtao S. Li & Lin, sp. nov. (♂, Vietnam), P. jiangzhou S. Li & Lin, sp. nov. (♀, China), P. jidanweishi Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009 (♂♀, China), P. nagarat S. Li & Lin, sp. nov. (♂♀, Thailand), P. nigeri Lin & S. Li, 2009 (♀, China), P. putao S. Li & Lin, sp. nov. (♀, Myanmar), P. qiqi Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009 (♀, China) and P. xiaoxiao Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009 (♂♀, China); Kirinua S. Li & Lin, gen. nov.: K. maguai S. Li & Lin, sp. nov. (♂♀, China) and K. yangshuo S. Li & Lin, sp. nov. (♂♀, China); Swilda S. Li & Lin, gen. nov.: S. longtou (Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009), comb. nov. (♂♀, China) is transferred from Crassignatha Wunderlich, 1995 and S. spinathoraxi (Lin & S. Li, 2009), comb. nov. (♂♀, China) is transferred from Patu. Diagnoses, descriptions and illustrations are provided for new taxa, as well as a distribution map. The males of P. xiaoxiao and S. longtou are described for the first time. Type specimens of P. jidanweishi, P. nigeri, P. qiqi, P. xiaoxiao, S. longtou and S. spinathoraxi are re-examined and photographed. All Asian Patu species are revised and two species, P. kishidai Shinkai, 2009 and P. bispina Lin, Pham & S. Li, 2009, are transferred to Crassignatha and proposed as new combinations: Crassignatha kishidaicomb. nov. and C. bispinacomb. nov. In addition, DNA barcodes and genetic distances of ten species treated in this paper were obtained to confirm identification.
Nine new species of the spider family Araneidae (Arachnida, Araneae) from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China
Authors: Mi Xiaoqi , Li Shuqiang
Published: November 2021

Nine new species of the orb-weaver spider family Araneidae Clerck, 1757 from Menglun Town, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China are described: Acusilas tongisp. nov. (♂♀), Chorizopes yuisp. nov. (♂♀), Chorizopesoides guoisp. nov. (♂♀), Deione chenisp. nov. (♀), D. yangisp. nov. (♂♀), Hypsosinga pullasp. nov. (♂♀), Mangora baiisp. nov. (♂♀), M. cephalasp. nov. (♂♀) and Milonia gemellasp. nov. (♂♀). The genus Milonia Thorell, 1890 is recorded from China for the first time. The previous description of Chorizopesoides wulingensis (Yin, Wang & Xie, 1994) from Libo County, Guizhou by Mi and Wang (2018) refers to Chorizopesoides annasestakovaesp. nov. (♂♀). Diagnostic photos of the habitus and copulatory organs of the new species are provided.
Workplace Violence in Healthcare: Strategies for Advocacy
Authors: Papa AnnMarie , Venella Jeanne
Published: November 2021

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that over 2 million American workers are victims of workplace violence each year. Violence can strike any workplace; no area is immune. But who may be more at risk? Commonly, violence occurs at work and refers to a broad spectrum of behaviors (e.g., violent acts by patients, visitors, and/or coworkers) that result in a concern for personal safety. This article provides a brief overview of workplace violence, and discusses the settings where it often occurs. The authors consider the direct and indirect financial impact of violent acts, such as jury awards for injuries; higher than average turnover; increased requests for medical leaves; unusually high time and attendance issues; and stress related illnesses. Advocacy strategies for nurses are offered to address workplace violence on several levels, such as legislative advocacy, workplace policy, and education.
Facilitating Change Among Nursing Assistants in Long Term Care
Authors: Aubry Francois , Etheridge Francis , Couturier Yves
Published: November 2021

In this article, the authors consider the implementation of change in long term care organizations (LTCOs) and present their study describing the process by which new nursing assistants are informally integrated into LTCOs in Quebec, Canada. The study method included 23 in-depth interviews with nursing assistants in two long term care centres. The findings enabled the authors to describe the informal process by which new nursing assistants are integrated into LTCOs and the manner in which informal work strategies enhance the work of nursing care, thus enabling the nursing assistants to manage heavy workloads. The authors discuss whether this teamwork is a deterrent to change or a lever for change and address issues regarding the collective structure of nursing assistant teams. Implications for practice include a Five-Step Innovation Plan. In conclusion, the authors propose that organizational change among nursing assistants in a LTCO is best accomplished when the leaders consider the nursing assistants’ strong sense of community to be a change engine rather than a change obstacle.
Nursing Shortage: The Facts and Strategies in Macao Society
Authors: Liu Ming , Lam Bernice , Fong Pedro , Yuan Hao
Published: November 2021

Historically, Macao, a Special Administrative Region (SAR) in the People’s Republic of China, has been troubled by a shortage of nurses. This shortage became especially severe during the period immediately after the handover of Macao from Portugal to the People’s Republic of China in 1999. A fast-growing population, an aging population, the risk of epidemics, and competition for personnel with other industries have all contributed to this shortage. In recent years, Macao has implemented the following successful strategies to address the shortage: increased school enrollments, benefits, and professional development, along with the development of a clinical specialist program, a transition program for new graduates, and training for more certified nursing assistants. Strong government support and collaboration among all stakeholders have also served to enhance the nursing work force. In this article, the authors describe the nursing shortage in Macao SAR, discuss factors contributing to the shortage, and present strategies used to manage the shortage. They conclude by emphasizing the importance of increasing salary and professional status and providing transition programs for new graduates.
Artificial Light Driven Power Generation and IoT Device Convergence
Authors: LIM Dong Chan
Published: November 2021

This special issue introduces artificial photovoltaic cell technology as a new vision of solar cells that can generate electricity using an indoor lighting source. In particular, organic artificial photocell materials and device technologies are described. Basic driving mechanisms and material-process technology for high-efficiency artificial photovoltaics are introduced; furthermore, actual application research cases, such as wireless IoT sensor driving, are described. Wireless power management technology is very important to establish future social values such as a ubiquitous society and a carbon-neutral society. Instead of placing an object in a place where power can be supplied, power should be supplied by necessity anytime and anywhere, thereby maintaining a more effective global energy balance and rapidly implementing a society with zero carbon emission. If Indoor light sources, which are energy sources that are discarded, pia identification can be used, they can efficiently maximize energy use in architectural spaces such as homes and offices and contribute much in terms of the environment.
A New Covid-19 Tracing Approach using Machine Learning and Drones Enabled Wireless Network
Authors: Alsarhan Ayoub , Almalkawi Islam , Kilani Yousef
Published: November 2021

The continuous advancements in wireless network systems have reshaped the healthcare systems towards using emerging communication technologies at different levels. This paper makes two major contributions. Firstly, a new monitoring and tracking wireless system is developed to handle the COVID-19 spread problem. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), i.e., drones, are used as base stations as well as data collection points from Internet of Things (IoT) devices on the ground. These UAVs are also able to exchange data with other UAVs and cloud servers. Secondly, this paper introduces a new reinforcement learning (RL) framework for learning the optimal signal-aware UAV trajectories under quality of service constraints. The proposed RL algorithm is instrumental in making the UAV movement decisions that maximize the signal power at the receiver and the data collected from the ground agents. Simulation experiments confirm that the system overcomes conventional wireless monitoring systems and demonstrates efficiency especially in terms of flexible continues connectivity, line-of sight visibility, and collision avoidance.
Enjeux de la narration d’une révolution à partir d’archives vidéo : Instant tunisien
Authors: Zghidi Selma
Published: November 2021

Cet article est l’exposé d’une expérience de travail de montage à partir d’un corpus d’archives audiovisuelles de vidéos d’amateurs autour de la révolution tunisienne (17 décembre 2010 – 14 janvier 2011). Il s’agissait de produire à partir de ces archives 10 vidéos d’une durée entre 3 et 5 minutes pour les besoins d’une exposition sur le sujet « Before the 14th – Instant tunisien » qui a eu lieu parallèlement au musée du Bardo à Tunis et au MUCEM de Marseille. L’article rend compte des étapes de ce travail qui a duré 12 mois, et en particulier des questionnements qu’il a posés, d’ordre technique, éthique et politique. Il s’agit notamment de mettre en relief les enjeux de l’utilisation des archives pour la restitution d’un événement politique ainsi que l’influence du contexte présent sur cette restitution. Sont abordées également les questions de rapport aux auteurs anonymes de ces images, de la recherche de leurs motivations en tant que filmeurs afin d’en rendre compte lors du montage et du défi de restituer leur récit au plus proche de leurs intentions.
UMAM Documentation & Research par ses fondateurs, Monika Borgmann et Lokman Slim
Authors: Borgmann Monika , Slim Lokman , Ginouvès Véronique
Published: November 2021

UMAM Documentation and Research est une association créée en 2004 par Lokman Slim et Monika Borgmann à Beyrouth. Elle conserve et met à disposition de tous les publics des documents d’archives dans l’objectif de documenter l’histoire sociale et culturelle du Liban de 1840 à nos jours. Ses collections rassemblent des matériaux multiples – livres, journaux, affiches, magazines, documents officiels, artefacts – dont de nombreux enregistrements sonores issus d’entretiens, des émissions radiophoniques, des films et des rushes, qu’ils ont produits eux-mêmes ou qu’ils ont collectés. Lokman Slim a été assassiné le 3 février 2021, le crime est jusqu’ici resté impuni. L'entretien est archivé à la phonothèque de la MMSH (n° 5572).
Novel 2-D Histogram-Based Soft Thresholding for Brain Tumor Detection and Image Compression
Authors: Karri Chiranjeevi , Babu G. Ramesh , Prasad P. M. K. , Naidu M. S. R.
Published: November 2021

The objective of image compression is to extract meaningful clusters in a given image. Significant groups are possible with absolute threshold values. 1-D histogram-based multilevel thresholding is computationally complex and reconstructed image visual quality comparatively low because of equal distribution of energy over the entire histogram plan. So, 2-D histogram-based multilevel thresholding is proposed in this paper by maximizing the Renyi entropy with a novel hybrid Genetic Algorithm, Particle Swarm Optimization and Symbiotic Organisms Search (hGAPSO-SOS), and the obtained results are compared with state of the art optimization techniques. Recent study reveals that PSNR fails in measuring the visual quality because of mismatch with the objective mean opinion scores (MOS). So, we incorporate a weighted PSNR (WPSNR) and visual PSNR (VPSNR). Experimental results examined on Magnetic Resonance images of brain, and results with 2-D histogram reveal that hGAPSO-SOS method can be efficiently and accurately used in multilevel thresholding problem.
An Enhanced Tabu Search Cell Formation Algorithm for a Cellular Manufacturing System
Authors: Sharma Vikrant , Gidwani B. D.
Published: November 2021

The major benefit of using Cellular manufacturing systems (CMS) is the improvement in efficiency and reduction in the production time. In a CMS the part families and machine parts are identified to minimise the inter and intracellular movement and maximise the utilisation of machines within each cell. Many scholars have proposed methods for the evaluation of machine cell part layouts with single routes; this paper introduces a modified Hybrid Tabu Search Algorithm (HTSA) referred to as Hybrid Algorithm in this study for machine cell part layouts having multiple routes as well. The primary objective of this paper is to minimise the inter and intracellular movement using a hybrid algorithm. The paper presents a comparative analysis of the existing and the proposed algorithms, proving that the proposed hybrid algorithm is simple, easy to understand, and has a remarkable efficiency with a runtime of 5.6 seconds.
A Genetic Algorithm-Based Neuro-Fuzzy Controller for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Control
Authors: Selma Boumediene , Chouraqui Samira , Selma Belkacem
Published: November 2021

In this paper a self-tuning Adaptive Neuro-fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) Controller by Genetic Algorithm (GA) applied to trajectory tracking task of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is studied. The quadrotor was chosen due to its simple mechanical structure; nevertheless, these types of aircraft are highly nonlinear. A model of a non-linear closed-loop dynamic model of three degrees of freedom (3-DOF) quadrotor is developed and implemented. Intelligent control such as fuzzy logic is a suitable choice for controlling nonlinear systems. The ANFIS Controller is used to reproduce the desired trajectory of the quadrotor in 2-D Vertical plane and the GA algorithm aims is to facilitate convergence to the ANFIS’s optimal parameters in order to reduce learning errors and improve the quality of the controller. The performance of the ANFIS-GA controller is compared with a ANFIS and a conventional PID controller. Simulation results confirm the advantages of the proposed controller and approve better performance.
Expansion Planning in Distribution Network With DSTATCOM Using Distance-Oriented Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Kumar Adepu Sateesh , Prakash K.
Published: November 2021

This paper intends to consider a multi-objective problem for expansion planning in Power Distribution System (PDS) by focusing on (i) expansion strategy (ii) allocation of Circuit Breaker (CB), (iii) allocation of Distribution Static Compensator (DSTATCOM), (iv) Contingency Load Loss Index (CLLI), and power loss. Accordingly, the encoding parameters decide for expansion, Circuit Breaker (CB) placement, DSTATCOM placement, load of real and reactive powers of expanded bus or node are optimized using Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm (GOA) based on its distance and hence, the proposed algorithm is termed as Distance Oriented Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm (DGOA). The proposed expansion planning model is carried out in IEEE 33 test bus system. Moreover, the adopted scheme is compared with conventional algorithms and the optimal results are obtained.
An Optimal Production Plan for Cashew Nuts Community Enterprise Using Metaheuristic Algorithms
Authors: Phromfaiy Apisak , Wangsoh Natita , Surin Prayoon
Published: November 2021

The proper production plan plays an important role in the cashew nuts market enterprise in order to reduce cost. This study aims to find the optimal production plan for cashew nuts using ant lion optimization (ALO), symbiotic organisms search (SOS), particle swarm optimization (PSO) and artificial bee colony algorithm (ABC). The novel objective function is introduced in this study. Three input data set, including production cost, holding cost and inventory quantity are investigated. The experiment cases consist of the frequency of production cycle time in January, February and March, respectively. As a results, four algorithms are available to estimate not only the proper production plan of cashew nuts but also an ability in reducing the inventory and the holding costs. In summary, the ALO algorithm provides better predictive skill than others for the cashew nuts production plan with the lowest RMSE value of 0.0913.
A Metaheuristic Optimization Algorithm for Solving Higher-Order Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Alturky Shaza , Toma George Albert
Published: November 2021

An effective metaheuristic algorithm to solve the higher-order boundary value problems, called a genetic programming technique is presented. In this paper, a genetic programming algorithm, which depends on the syntax tree representation, is employed to obtain the analytical solutions of higher- order differential equations with the boundary conditions. The proposed algorithm can be produce an exact or approximate solution when the classical methods lead to unsatisfactory results. To illustrate the efficiency and accuracy of the designed algorithm, several examples are tested. Finally, the obtained results are compared with the existing methods such as the homotopy analysis method, the B-Spline collocation method and the differential transform method.
Alternated Superior Chaotic Biogeography-Based Algorithm for Optimization Problems
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Rani Mamta
Published: November 2021

In this study, we consider a switching strategy that yields a stable desirable dynamic behaviour when it is applied alternatively between two undesirable dynamical systems. From the last few years, dynamical systems employed “chaos1 + chaos2 = order” and “order1 + order2 = chaos” (vice-versa) to control and anti control of chaotic situations. To find parameter values for these kind of alternating situations, comparison is being made between bifurcation diagrams of a map and its alternate version, which, on their own, means independent of one another, yield chaotic orbits. However, the parameter values yield a stable periodic orbit, when alternating strategy is employed upon them. It is interesting to note that we look for stabilization of chaotic trajectories in nonlinear dynamics, with the assumption that such chaotic behaviour is not desirable for a particular situation. The method described in this paper is based on the Parrondo’s paradox, where two losing games can be alternated, yielding a winning game, in a superior orbit.
Unification of Imprecise Data
Authors: Moussa Soumaya , Kacem Saoussen Bel Hadj , Tagina Moncef
Published: November 2021

Inference systems are a well-defined technology derived from knowledge-based systems. Their main purpose is to model and manage knowledge as well as expert reasoning to insure a relevant decision making while getting close to human induction. Although handled knowledge are usually imperfect, they may be treated using a non classical logic as fuzzy logic or symbolic multi-valued logic. Nonetheless, it is required sometimes to consider both fuzzy and symbolic multi-valued knowledge within the same knowledge-based system. For that, we propose in this paper an approach that is able to standardize fuzzy and symbolic multi-valued knowledge. We intend to convert fuzzy knowledge into symbolic type by projecting them over the Y-axis of their membership functions. Consequently, it becomes feasible working under a symbolic multi-valued context. Our approach provides to the expert more flexibility in modeling their knowledge regardless of their type. A numerical study is provided to illustrate the potential application of the proposed methodology.
Sustainability in the Farming Sector and Physical Comfort in the Workplace to Reduce the Mental Stress of Farmers
Authors: Chauhan Hullash , Satapathy Suchismita , Sahoo Ashok K.
Published: November 2021

Musculoskeletal discomforts and disorders cause serious health related problems that affect the mental well-being of farmers reducing their work efficiency and thus, hindering to achieve a sustainable agriculture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the discomfort levels of farmers in Indian agriculture leading to mental stresses, and for this, the discomfort questionnaire has been applied after carrying out a detailed literature review. With the help of discomfort questionnaire and “Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21)”, the farmers discomfort levels and their mental stress levels were evaluated. Further by the application of ANFIS, an effort has been made to predict the mental stress of farmers during their work activities in hot-climatic conditions based on the associated parameters like “kcal burnt, Pulse rate, High BP, Low BP, and Temperature”, respectively.
Asbestos Rehabilitation Project as a Model of Landscape Sustainability
Authors: Vatalis Konstantinos I.
Published: November 2021

Greece was one of the biggest producers of asbestos in the world as well as a consumer. It took advantage of the asbestos rich Zidani mine, in the region of Western Macedonia in Greece. However, due to serious health problems caused by inhaling asbestos, it was banned in 1979 and the mine closed in March 2000. Rehabilitation management of the abandoned asbestos mining area, the depositions in the open - pit mining area and the tailings remnants was necessary in order to avoid health and environmental problems in the wider area The detailed soil protection and rehabilitation project of the degraded mining area was implemented taking all necessary and appropriate safety and health measures according to the requirements of the relevant E.U and National legislation, so that accidents would be prevented. Results show that the rehabilitation, soil protection and enhancement of the area help the ecosystems to be sustainable, ecologically and socially acceptable
Verifying the Effects of Homa Therapy With Herbal Woods on Air Quality in the Indian Festive Season
Authors: Rastogi Rohit , Saxena Mamta , Chaturvedi Devendra K. , Sagar Sheelu , Singh Bhavna , Rajeshwari T. , Tandon Neeti , Garg Priyanshi , Singh Madhulika , Singh Komal , Dhamija Luv , Sharma Mayank , Sharma Pranav
Published: November 2021

In pandemic, the economic crises and health issues have brought the whole human race in unprecedented situation. Pandemic is not a single reason of health crisis, poor air quality is also a great threat for increasing mortality rate in the world. In Nation Capital Region (NCR), India and nearby areas, the time period of months of September to Decemberis very much crucial every year as due to many social, cultural, ecological and known-unknown reasons, the quality of air is degraded below threshold level causing threats to human health and lives. Present manuscript is a trial for analysis of air quality of Indian capital region amidst global pandemic and effect of Ancient Yagya and Homa science on curbing the pollution. It also indicates multiple benefits of Yagya science as well as improvements in result section where mainly pollution analysis is focused. IoT and sensor based instruments were used to collect the data and LSTN and adam optimization were applied to study the effect. It was found a reduction in pollutant particles and improvement in air quality after a week.
Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Daisy Anjali
Published: November 2021

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is gradually changing the practice of surgery with the advanced technological development of imaging, navigation, and robotic intervention. In this article, the recent successful and influential applications of AI in surgery are reviewed from pre-operative planning and intra-operative guidance to the integration of surgical robots. It ends with summarizing the current state, emerging trends, and major challenges in the future development of AI in surgery. Robotic surgery is the use of computer technologies working in conjunction with robot systems to perform medical procedures. The technology is also known as computer-aided surgery and robot-assisted surgery. This paper reviews the key capabilities of AI to help surgeons understand and critically evaluate new AI applications and to contribute to new developments in the field of Neuro Surgery.
When the Blessed Resource “Oil” Curses
Authors: Chenchouni Louiza , Kheder Mohamed Karim , Chenchouni Haroun
Published: November 2021

Oil industry has impacted both economy and ecology of oil-producing states in the Niger Delta region in Nigeria. The environmental detriments caused by gas flaring and oil spills develop violent ethnic agitations, through long lasting history area of conflicts, for economic, social, political, and environmental rights. This paper examines the history of oil and gas exploitation, in Niger Delta region, and its role to cause environmental degradations in the region. The study argued that multinational oil corporations’ activities were the first intriguing violence in local communities based on environmental approach. Also, the paper indicates that the conflict had many drivers related to different components of indigenous people. The tendency of violence escalated over time, in strength of acts from demonstrations and grievances to militant operations, and demands from self determination to justice, revenues equity and environmental rights, in order to reshape oil-bearing communities’ old motivations about self-governance.
Rising Oil Pollution in Nigerian's Niger-Delta Region
Authors: Odoemelam Chka Ebere , Hasan Nik Norma Nik
Published: November 2021

Cases of oil pollution have become a consistent decimal over the last twenty decades in most countries. The disagreement over who is liable for the massive oil pollution seen in some oil-producing countries worldwide has magnified tensions between significant stakeholders in those countries. This paper examines the rise in oil pollution in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria and its framing by the print media through a quantitative content analysis method using news framing types developed by Semetko and Valkenburg (2000) among three Nigerian newspapers; The Daily Sun, The Guardian, and The Punch from 2014-2018. Specifically, the study findings show that The Daily Sun used more of the frames of responsibility (57.7%), economic consequences (63.3%), conflict (50.2%), and human interest (55.6%) in their oil pollution reports in the Niger-Delta. In contrast, The Guardian and The Punch used less of these frames, probably due to their laissez-faire attitude towards holding the oil companies accountable despite glaring evidence of environmental degradation.
An analysis of daylighting performance of learning spaces in local government sector schools in Kandy
Authors: Wijesundara Abisheka , Gamage Wajishani
Published: November 2021

Natural lighting creates a pleasant environment, promotes healthier conditions and saves energy, and is an important factor in the design of education institutions. Many research indicates the positive impacts of better daylighting integration in educational spaces for student’s health and wellbeing.  For this research, an in-depth lighting integration analysis was carried out in three typical classrooms in Berrewaerts college Kandy, Sri Lanka. A field study comprised of a questionnaire-based survey and measurement of illuminance was combined with daylight simulation using Autodesk Ecotect 2011 & Autodesk Revit. The study reveals that lack of awareness in integration of natural light with the design can either result in increasing the negative effects of excessive daylight exposure or lack of adequate daylighting. In upper levels and east facing classrooms the main problems were associated with high levels of daylight such as excessive shadow and light patches, uneven light distribution and color distribution and impede perception of objects and text. At ground floor level and south facing classrooms, when natural light is not properly integrated with the design resulted in uneven light distribution, non-uniformity of light resulted in difficulty in reading at work plane and impede the visual perception of objects and text.
Editorial
Authors: Samarawickrama Sumanthri
Published: November 2021

No abstract available
Analysis of Relationship Between Urban Sprawl and its Driving Factors: A Case of Small and Medium Town in Sri Lanka
Authors: Manesha E. P. P. , Jayasinghe Amila
Published: November 2021

Measuring the level of urban sprawl is a challenging task that lacks a clear universal method. Therefore, it is worthwhile to investigate whether results differ with the methods utilized, to compute the level of urban sprawl. Consequently, this paper will also contribute to overcome the two limitations of emerging researches. Frist, Recent studies have utilized various methods to measure urban sprawl. However, the results of these studies were not compared and contrasted. Second, empirical studies have given less attention to identify the relationship between the level of urban sprawl and its driving factors such as urban form, urban landscape, population density, built-up density, accessibility, etc. Hence, this study supposes to quantify urban sprawl and identify the key factors influence on the level of urban sprawl. The study was conducted using the Expansion Intensity Index, Shannon’s Entropy value and Landscape Metrics. Ten small and medium towns were selected in the Sri Lankan context. The study able to demonstrate the influence of type of urban form, type of street pattern and changes in the accessibility of center compare to periphery area on the level of urban sprawl.
Breeding birds of ‘Nomentum’ nature reserve (central Italy): a forest remnant landscape surrounded by an agro-urbanized matrix
Authors: Battisti Corrado , Barucci Veridiana , Concettini Valeria , Dodaro Giuseppe , Marini Francesca
Published: November 2021

We carried out a standardized breeding bird atlas of “Nomentum” nature reserve (central Italy), located in a fragmented hilly forest near a large urbanized area (Rome). In order to obtain data about local composition, occurrence, distribution and richness, we correlated data with environmental heterogeneity and vegetation structure variables. We recorded 58 species in 48 500x500 m-wide atlas units, with Parus major, Corvus cornix, Turdus merula, Sylvia atricapilla, Sylvia melanocephala, as the most occurring in frequency (> 80%). Although synanthropic species represent only slightly more than 20% in number and urban environments are relatively reduced in size, these species show a higher mean occurrence when compared to mosaic species, despite the fact that these last are higher in species number and mosaic habitats are widely diffused. Local urbanization may disrupt communities, facilitating opportunistic species linked to these environments (i.e. synantropic) and inducing a decline in mosaic species. Moreover, the homogenization induced by anthropization could, at least partially, explain the lack of correlation between habitat diversity and species richness, at local scale. Finally, tree density and diameter do not affect total bird richness at this spatial grain/scale. In this regard, further analyses could test for possible correlations between habitat variables and single ecological guilds.
Book Reviews
Authors: W. B.
Published: November 2021

No abstract available.
Assessment of drug information skills and resources utilisation among pharmacy students: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Al Hussain Sarah , Sarsour Ahmad , Zaitoun Mohammad
Published: November 2021

Objective: To identify drug information (DI) resources commonly used by pharmacy students of King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia, and to assess their ability to determine the appropriate ones for different clinical situations.     
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2014 (n=92). A paper-based questionnaire was developed, validated, and administered to fifth-year Pharm.D. students and advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) interns. It investigated the students’ DI sources preferences. Besides, it evaluated their competency in classifying DI resources and identifying the best resource to answer case-based multiple-choice questions. Moreover, the study aimed at assessing the impact of providing a case-based combined module of evidence-based practice (EBP) and DI for fifth-year students (new study plan) compared to delivering separate EBP and DI modules through theoretical lectures (old study plan–APPE interns).    
Results: The preferred resources to the students were online recourses (85.86%), soft copy books (26.08%), and mobile applications (25%). For the DI mobile applications, Medscape was the most common (63.4%), followed by Micromedex (53.5%), Lexicomp (42.3%), and Dynamed (16.9%). Fifth-year students’ scores were significantly higher than APPE interns for the case-based questions. Students’ GPAs were moderately correlated with their total scores.   
Conclusion: Study participants preferred using electronic DI resources to printed ones. The combined EBP-DI course could be a better option as it links the DI knowledge to clinical situations.
PENGARUH PENAMBAHAN MINYAK IKAN PADA PAKAN BUATAN TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN KELULUSAN HIDUP BENIH IKAN NILA (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Hasan Uswatul , Siswoyo Bambang H , Manullang Helentina M , Irwanmay Irwanmay
Published: November 2021

Ikan nila (Oreochromis niloticus) merupakan salah satu komoditas air tawar yang memperoleh perhatian cukup besar dari pemerintah dan pemerhati masalah perikanan dunia, terutama berkaitan dengan usaha peningkatan gizi masyarakat di negara-negara yang sedang berkembang. Pakan pelet biasanya mengandung protein yang tinggi untuk meningkatkan pertumbuhan ikan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan pertumbuhan berat rata-rata mutlak benih ikan nila dengan pakan tambahan minyak ikan pada pakan buatan 3,258 gram/ekor, lebih berat dari 2,837 dengan pakan standart. Pertumbuhan panjang rata-rata mutlak benih ikan nila dengan pakan tambahan minyak ikan 5,95 cm/ekor, lebih panjang dari 4,53 cm/ekor dengan pakan standart.nilai SR benih ikan nila dengan pakan minyak ikan sebesar 86,67%, lebih tinggi dari 84% dengan pakan standart. Nilai FCR benih ikan nila dengan pakan tambahan minyak ikan sebesar 0,774, lebih rendah dari 0,796 dengan pakan standart. Hasil pengukuran kualitas air pada fiber dengan tambahan minyak ikan pada kisaran suhu berkisar 26 - 30, DO 4-5, pH 6,5 – 6,9, dan pada fiber pakan standart berkisar suhu 27 - 29, DO 5 - 7, pH 6,7 - 7.
Generic Hardware Private Circuits
Authors: Knichel David , Sasdrich Pascal , Moradi Amir
Published: November 2021

With an increasing number of mobile devices and their high accessibility, protecting the implementation of cryptographic functions in the presence of physical adversaries has become more relevant than ever. Over the last decade, a lion’s share of research in this area has been dedicated to developing countermeasures at an algorithmic level. Here, masking has proven to be a promising approach due to the possibility of formally proving the implementation’s security solely based on its algorithmic description by elegantly modeling the circuit behavior. Theoretically verifying the security of masked circuits becomes more and more challenging with increasing circuit complexity. This motivated the introduction of security notions that enable masking of single gates while still guaranteeing the security when the masked gates are composed. Systematic approaches to generate these masked gates – commonly referred to as gadgets – were restricted to very simple gates like 2-input AND gates. Simply substituting such small gates by a secure gadget usually leads to a large overhead in terms of fresh randomness and additional latency (register stages) being introduced to the design.In this work, we address these problems by presenting a generic framework to construct trivially composable and secure hardware gadgets for arbitrary vectorial Boolean functions, enabling the transformation of much larger sub-circuits into gadgets. In particular, we present a design methodology to generate first-order secure masked gadgets which is well-suited for integration into existing Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools for automated hardware masking as only the Boolean function expression is required. Furthermore, we practically verify our findings by conducting several case studies and show that our methodology outperforms various other masking schemes in terms of introduced latency or fresh randomness – especially for large circuits.
TÜRBÜLANSLI YANMA İÇİN DÖNDÜRÜCÜNÜN PARAMETRİK ÇALIŞMASI
Authors: KOCAASLAN Osman , YASA Tolga , GÜLEREN Kürşad Melih
Published: November 2021

Bu çalışmada döndürücüye ait kanat sayısı, kanat sarım açısı ve kanat uzunluğu ile yakıt giriş çapının yanma odasındaki türbülanslı akış yapısı, yanma verimi ve emisyon değerleri üzerine etkisi araştırılmıştır. Referans alınan döndürücü kanat sayısı (n), kanat uzunluğu (L), kanat sarım açısı (θ) ve yakıt giriş çapı (D2) sırası ile 10, 40 mm, 45°, 19.5 mm’dir. Kanat sayısı (6,8,10,12,14), kanat uzunluğu (0.5L, L, 1.5L, 2L), kanat sarım açısı (30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 120°) ve yakıt giriş çapı için (0.5 D2, D2, 1.5 D2, 2 D2) parametrik değerler kullanılarak yeni modeller oluşturulmuştur. Sayısal çalışmalar ANSYS/Fluent 17.2 ticari yazılımı ile gerçekleştirilmiş ve referans alınan deneysel çalışmaya uygun olarak önceden karışmamış yanma modeli tanımlanmıştır. Sayısal yöntem, elde edilen verilerin deneysel veriler ile karşılaştırılması ile doğrulanmıştır. Analizler sonucu olarak kanat sarım açısının alev şekli, kanat uzunluğunun ise alevin simetrik yapısı üzerine önemli etkisinin olduğu bulunmuştur. M04510403900 (θ=45°, n=10, L=40 mm, D2=39.00 mm) modelinde en yüksek ısıl verim elde edilmiş ve % 79.3 olan referans döndürücünün ısıl verimi bu model ile % 93.8’e yükselmiştir. Yanma odası seyreltme delikleri öncesinde CO kütle fraksiyonu değerinin referans döndürücü modelinde 0.002 olduğu ve M04510400975 (θ=45°, n=10, L=40 mm, D2=9.75 mm) modelinde bu değerin 0.018’e yükseldiği tespit edilmiştir.
THE FIRST LAW OF THERMODYNAMICS ANALYSIS OF TRANSPORTERS INVOLVED IN THE GLUTAMATE/GABA-GLUTAMINE CYCLE
Authors: GUR Mert , YILMAZ Sema Zeynep , TAKA Elhan
Published: November 2021

The glutamine–glutamate/GABA cycle (GGC) is a sequence of events that provides replenishment of the neurotransmitter pool of glutamate in order to maintain neurotransmitter homeostasis. In the GGC, glutamate or GABA molecules are released from neurons and subsequently taken up into astrocytes. Astrocytes convert glutamate or GABA molecules into glutamine and release them into the synapse. Glutamine molecules are taken up by neurons to be used as a precursor for the synthesis of glutamate or GABA. The transport of these molecules across the membranes of neurons and astrocytes is facilitated by transporter proteins. Each of these transporter proteins is a biomolecular machine; they operate on thermodynamic cycles and convert part of the supplied energy input into useful work output. Energy harnessed from the translocation of molecules/ions down their electrochemical gradient is converted into mechanical useful work translocating molecules/ions against their electrochemical gradient. Conservation of energy principle was applied and thermodynamic first law efficiencies, showing how much of the energy input per cycle is converted into useful work, were evaluated for the thermodynamic cycles of EAAT, ASCT2, B0AT2, SA, SN, and GABA transporters involved in the GGC. Neurotransmitter concentrations in the synapse change upon signal arrival and subsequently return to resting levels, causing transporters to operate under various first law efficiencies. Range of first law efficiencies for EAAT (for glutamate transport), ASCT2, B0AT2, SA SN, GABA (forward mode) were calculated as 60-85%, 46-78%, 61-89%, 61-89%, 55-80%, and 54-76%, respectively. Efficiency values obtained for these transporters are much higher than those of the macro-scaled heat engines we encounter in our daily lives. Furthermore, EAAT showed larger thermodynamic first law efficiency for glutamate transport than aspartate transport, which takes place with a maximum efficiency of 45%. Thus, suggesting the possibility that transport of different substrates by the same transporter may take place with different efficiencies.
The relationship between personality traits and dysfunctional attitudes of medical staff in the pandemic period
Authors: Sandu Mihaela , Enache Rodica Gabriela , Ariciu Stefania , Burtea Cristina , Pantea Stefania
Published: November 2021

In recent years, the study of medical employees’ mental health has become an important debated topic in the literature around the world, but little information is available on the extent to which social, psychological, and organizational factors affect the degree of exhaustion, leading to behavioral changes.  The pandemic period that has affected (negatively impacted) the whole world in the last year, represented even more a degree of stress for the medical staff, who imminently and directly confronted the biological enemy. Medical employees are frequently exposed to both physical and mental risks. Shocking events and the likelihood of failure encountered during the work schedule can cause mental changes and an emotional imbalance.
Improving Student Learning Outcomes Using the Class IV Joyful Learning Method in Elementary School
Authors: Mooduto Yulanti S. , Musa Adinda Vrisca
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this research was to improve student learning outcomes by using the Joyful Learning Method in social studies subjects for class IV at SD Negeri 16 Paguyaman, Boalemo Regency. The results indicated the Joyful Learning method can improve student learning outcomes in social studies subjects. This is indicated by the results of student learning activities in the first cycle reaching an average percentage of 71.25% and in the second cycle an average of 85%, with an increase of 13.75%. Likewise, the learning outcomes of students produced with a mastery percentage of 61.91%, with a KKM 75, while the average value of students in the second cycle experienced an increase, with a completeness percentage of 80.95%. The conclusion is the implementation of the Joyful Learning method can improve student learning outcomes in social studies subjects
Cotas Étnicos-Raciais na Unicamp: Narrativas em Disputa
Authors: Bonuccelli Heringer Lisboa Sofia
Published: November 2021

O presente livro origina-se no Trabalho de Conclusão de Curso em Pedagogia da autora, que teve por objetivo construir uma narrativa sobre a conquista das cotas étnico-raciais nos cursos de graduação da Unicamp sob a ótica dos sujeitos políticos e dos movimentos sociais que vivenciaram esse processo. Para tanto, foram coletados, organizados, analisados e expostos materiais de diferentes grupos estudantis, de docentes, da Reitoria e da Comissão Permanente para o Vestibular da Unicamp. A pesquisa revelou que, entre os anos de 2016 e 2017, a Unicamp foi palco de uma série de conflitos e disputas entre diferentes grupos sociais. Além disso, a mobilização estudantil expôs a desigualdade presente nas relações étnico-raciais dentro da universidade, onde houve ao menos cinco casos de racismo somente nesse período. Por fim, ficou evidente que a luta por cotas faz parte de uma luta mais ampla, a de um projeto de sociedade sem desigualdades, opressões e exploração.