bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inclusion Practices and Emergency Remote Teaching from the Perspective of Classroom Teachers
Authors: BİLGİÇ Emrah
Published: December 2023

The recent Kahramanmaraş earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic led to the implementation of emergency remote teaching (ERT) to prevent the interruption of education services. This rapid implementation of ERT in the educational process led to many new experiences for classroom teachers in implementing teaching activities for students with special educational needs (SWD) in terms of successful inclusion practices (SIP). It is essential to have information about the teachers' experiences of SIP through ERT to determine which strategies they used to cope with the difficulties experienced in this process, to assess their needs and suggestions about the process, and to take measures to overcome these difficulties to realize effective teaching in case similar disasters occur again in the future. This study aims to determine the experiences of classroom teachers on ERT practices for effective instruction for SWD in the process of SIP. The study adopts qualitative research, and a phenomenological design was utilized to analyze classroom teachers' experiences on the subject in depth. The participants of the study consisted of eight primary school classroom teachers. The research data were obtained using a semi-structured interview form applied to the participants. Through thematic analysis of the qualitative data obtained, themes, sub-themes, and codes were created and analyzed. The findings showed that the ERT process carried out within the scope of SIP has advantages and disadvantages for teachers and SWD. The Advantages and disadvantages of teaching basic academic skills (Turkish, mathematics, life science, social studies, and science) were also identified. In addition, it was concluded that teachers have needs and expectations in the SIP process for SWD, and if necessary, studies are carried out in this regard; the more comprehensive distance education method can be used in the relevant process instead of the ERT method. Research findings were discussed within the literature framework, and limitations and recommendations were stated.
Cereal-based fermented synbiotic instant powders: a dessert practice
Authors: KARAGÜL Özlem , EL Sedef Nehir
Published: December 2023

Objective: This study was aimed to develop synbiotic and probiotic instant powder mixtures that can be used in food products to meet the increasing interest of consumers in functional foods.
Materials and Methods Cereal flours (oat, rice, wheat), sesame, cranberry, chestnut and milled germinated grains (lentil, mung bean) were blended and autoclaved then subjected to fermentation process using the Lactobacillus plantarum strain. A part of the porridge was conventionally dried (FPP) and skim milk powder+fructooligosaccharide+inulin mixture as prebiotic sources were added to the other part and subjected to freeze drying (FSP). The viability of probiotics in the gastrointestinal environment and the Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition and bile-acid binding capacities of the powders after in vitro digestion were analyzed. The sensory acceptability of the desserts was evaluated.
Results: FSP contained a higher number of viable cells than FPP after in vitro digestion. Relative bile-acid binding and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition capacities of samples were confirmed as their cholesterol-lowering and blood pressure-regulating potential. The panelists rated the dessert samples enriched with 5-15% FPP and FSP as 'liked'.
Conclusion: The integration of these powders into a variety of food products will provide consumers with healthier dietary choices that support their overall health goals.
ALGORITHM FOR DETERMINING THE VOLUME OF NATURAL GAS LOSSES UNDER CONDITIONS OF MEASURING ITS PARAMETERS AT THE GAS PIPELINE OUTLET
Authors: Matiko F. D. , Dzhyhyrei V. O. , Kostyk Ihor , Danyltsiv B. M.
Published: December 2023

Gas pipeline networks are complex distributed systems consisting of hundreds of kilometers of pipelines of various configurations. Equipping all sections of the gas pipelines with gas accounting and gas parameter metering devices that would allow for the quick detection of pipeline damages and the determination of gas loss volumes requires significant funds. As a result, many transportation and distribution pipelines are not equipped with metering devices. Therefore, it is important to develop algorithms that can estimate the volume of gas losses based on information from existing metering units without the reconstruction of gas networks.The paper proposes an improved mathematical model for the stationary flow of natural gas in pipelines which considers the flow velocity changes along the pipeline. This model is supplemented with an equation for calculating the flowrate of gas flowing into the atmosphere through a hole in the damaged above-ground gas pipeline. The authors have developed an equation to determine the discharge coefficient for a pressure range in the pipeline from 0.1 to 1.2 MPa with a methodological error of no more than 1.7%. Based on the obtained mathematical models, an algorithm has been developed to calculate the gas volume lost because of damage for pipeline configurations with gas parameter metering units at the pipeline outlet. The developed algorithm has been validated, and an example of its application for analyzing the distributions of gas pressure and temperature in a pipeline with existing damage is presented. The paper presents the simulation results for gas leakage through pipeline damage and the iterative determination of gas parameters at the damage point, as well as the results of calculating the gas flowrate through the damage.The application of the developed algorithm allows for increased accuracy in determining the volume of gas losses through pipeline damage. Its hardware implementation in the future will reduce the time for damage detection, localization, and elimination.
DETERMINATION OF THE TEMPERATURE CONDUCTIVITY COEFFICIENT a GRAPHICAL METHOD BASED ON NOMOGRAM FOR A SEMI-CONFINED ROD
Authors: Shevchenko Alexander
Published: December 2023

The article presents a technique and formula for calculating the thermal diffusivity of solids using nomograms of temperature changes. The paper describes a technique by which the final formulas are simplified to algebraic equations using the relative temperature θM of heating a semi-restricted rod from the end.Known equations for solving direct problems of heat conduction using regular modes of the 1-st, 2-nd and 3-rd kind, in which the final formulas are simplified.The article provides methods and formulas for calculating the coefficient of thermal conductivity using nomograms.The method uses the maximum of the first derivative of θM and tabular values of the function erf (1/(2 x Fo )), which is a solution to the direct problem of thermal conductivity. The temperature at a specific point of the rod is measured – x1 and time –τ1 with start of heatingent of thermal conductivity of solid bodies using nomograms of temperature changes.The work describes a method by which the final formulas are simplified to algebraic equations using the relative temperature θM of heating a semirestricted rod from the end. Known equations for solving direct heat conduction problems using regular regimes of the 1-st, 2-nd and 3-rd kind, in which the final formulas are simplified. In work Kondratiev H.M. notes: "The theory of the regular thermal regime is one of the sections of the study of heat transfer insolids. The theory of the regular mode considers the process of cooling or heating not throughout, but only at the stage that has ceased to be affected by the initial state of the body.In work of Lykov O.V. «Theory of thermal conductivity» the solution of the problem is done by three methods: classical, operational and the method of Fourier transformation. Not all methods of pulsed heating are related to these types of regular mode, but it can be used due to the simple form of the exponent. In this work, the proposed method does not belong to regular mode methods. It is done by solving the inverse problem with the help of a well-developed graphic nomogram.According to the accepted classification, the problem is solved under boundary conditions of the 1-st kind, in which the surface temperature is specified as a function of time. Considered a simpler case when surface of the bodyremains constant throughout the heat exchange process.This is achieved with the help of special devices that maintain a constant temperature of a semi-restricted rod with thermal insulation of the side surface.
Using Information about Experimental Conditions to Predict Properties of Metamaterials
Authors: Krysenko Pavlo I. , Zoziuk Maksym Olehovych
Published: December 2023

In this work, a method of increasing the amount of data for training neural networks is proposed using the possibility of using information about the experimental conditions of measuring the properties of metamaterials. It is shown that the method is flexible and effective. The results of predicting the transmission coefficient of the metamaterial for different angles of incidence of radiation and type of polarization are presented. Using the architecture presented in the work, a high rate of learning and generation of new data was obtained with an error that does not exceed 12% for experiments in one frequency range and does not exceed 31% if all experiments are used for training. The architecture of the neural network and the method by which it is possible to easily change the number and types of experimental conditions are presented.
CENTRO DE APOIO E PROMOÇÃO DA AGROECOLOGIA: TRAJETÓRIA E ATUAÇÃO NO NÚCLEO DE MARECHAL CÂNDIDO RONDON
Authors: Cardoso dos Santos Natália , Zonin Wilson João , Soares da Silva Nardel Luiz
Published: December 2023

O CAPA (Centro de Apoio e Promoção da Agroecologia) apresenta significativa atuação na região Sul do Brasil e, em especial, no município de Marechal Cândido Rondon. Para isto, conta com a colaboração da Itaipu Binacional. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi traçar a linha do tempo do CAPA e analisar os efeitos do fim do convênio com a Itaipu Binacional em 2021. Realizou-se um estudo de caso baseado em entrevistas semiestruturadas e levamento bibliográfico para a criação de duas linhas do tempo, a primeira referente ao contexto histórico que impulsionou a criação do CAPA e a segunda da sua trajetória (1978-2021). Em relação a Itaipu Binacional, um quadro foi criado para comparar o período com o convênio ativo (2021) e inativo (2022). Constatou-se que as práticas alternativas, como a adoção da homeopatia e promoção da certificação orgânica participativa junto a Rede Ecovida de Agroecologia, são as contribuições mais significativas para a agricultura familiar. Conclui-se que o fim do convênio com a Itaipu Binacional reduziu a equipe técnica do CAPA e o número de famílias assessoradas, impactando negativamente no funcionamento financeiro da organização prestadora de ATER (Assistência Técnica e Extensão Rural) e, nas atividades de produção agroecológica municipal e territorial.
COMPOSIÇÃO CENTESIMAL E BIOACESSIBILIDADE IN VITRO DE FERRO EM FOLHAS DE DUAS ESPÉCIES OLERÍCOLAS NÃO-CONVENCIONAIS
Authors: Lopes Siqueira Ana Flavia , De Oliveira Pinheiro Ana Paula , Mendes Pacheco Narita Isabela , Dalla Villa Ricardo , Paiva de Oliveira Adriana
Published: December 2023

Este trabalho objetivou determinar a composição centesimal e a bioacessibilidade in vitro de ferro em folhas das plantas alimentícias não convencionais, ora-pro-nóbis e taioba. A determinação de umidade e cinzas foi feita por gravimetria, os lipídios pelo método de Goldfish e as proteínas pelo método de Kjedahl e os carboidratos totais por diferença. Os teores de ferro (Fe) total foram quantificados por espectrometria de absorção atômica em chama (FAAS) após decomposição. A bioacessibilidade in vitro de Fe foi realizada pelo método INFOGEST e quantificação por FAAS. Os resultados indicaram um teor de carboidratos superiores aos encontrados em hortaliças convencionais e a taioba apresentou um elevado teor lipídico. A concentração de ferro total foi superior aos valores descritos na literatura para hortaliças fontes de ferro, sendo respectivamente para ora-pro-nóbis e taioba os valores de 0,80 mg Fe/100g e 0,89 mg Fe/100g. A fração de ferro biodisponível após processo de digestão in vitro foi de 6,59% para folhas de taioba e de 40,00% para ora-pro-nóbis. Os resultados sugerem que as folhas de taioba e de ora-pro-nóbis são fontes de ferro totais e bioacessíveis e que o consumo de plantas alimentícias não convencionais pode contribuir para a melhoria da alimentação humana.
SERVIDORES DA SAÚDE NA REGIÃO TOPAMA E SUA ATUAÇÃO EM VIGILÂNCIA EM SAÚDE
Authors: Moura Sanches Wendy , Andrade de Medeiros Moreira Renata , De Melo Martins Paulo Fernando , Silva Oliveira Rhavenna Thais , Cavalcante de Melo Quézia Catharinne , Junqueira Pereira Renata
Published: December 2023

As práticas relacionadas à vigilância em saúde são integradas nas regiões de saúde para fortalecer a integralidade e a gestão do cuidado, sendo assim objetiva-se delinear o perfil e as práticas em vigilância em saúde, através da autoavaliação de gestores e servidores de saúde de 30 municípios da região TOPAMA. Realizou-se estudo transversal, por meio da aplicação de questionários autorrespondidos. Foram delineados os perfis de atividade profissional, participação em capacitações, indicação de atividades de vigilância em saúde, a utilização e o nível de conhecimento sobre os sistemas de informações em saúde. Realizou-se análise descritiva dos dados, separada por perfis. Dos 569 respondentes, 19 eram gestores municipais e 59 gestores de vigilância em saúde, entre os quais, os níveis de escolaridade e conhecimento dos marcos legais da saúde foram superiores aos dos profissionais membros de equipes de vigilância em saúde e da atenção primária. Estes, 61,0% não participavam de atividades de educação permanente e 53,6% possuíam pouco conhecimento do plano municipal de saúde, e autorrelato de conhecimento sobre os sistemas de informação em saúde com nível básico foi relatado por 76,3% para o SINASC, similar ao observados em outros sistemas. Os resultados são próximos aos relatos literários de enfraquecimento das ações, e denotam um caminho que possibilita a intervenção educacional para fortalecer a qualidade dos serviços na região.

Palavras-chave: Gestão em Saúde; Sistema Único de Saúde; Regionalização, Profissionais de Saúde.
PRÁTICAS E DESAFIOS NO PROCESSO DE GOVERNANÇA DA UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO PARÁ
Authors: Lopes Arleson Eduardo Monte Palma
Published: December 2023

A política de governança pública na administração pública federal foi instituída por meio do Decreto Nº 9.203 de 2017 com o objetivo de implementar nas organizações públicas mecanismo de transparência, democracia e alinhamento entre os objetivos institucionais com as demandas dos cidadãos. O artigo tem como objetivo analisar as práticas e desafios no processo de governança da Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA). Quanto a metodologia, a pesquisa é de caráter descritiva e exploratória com abordagem qualitativa e procedimentos técnicos de pesquisa documental. Os documentos foram selecionados considerando o modelo proposto nas técnicas de análise de conteúdo como pré-análise, leitura “flutuante”, escolha dos documentos, regra da exaustividade, regra da representatividade e regra da pertinência. Constata-se que a UFPA tem adotado uma série de instrumentos e mecanismos visando melhorar sua política de governança institucional como a criação da CGRC, planos de integridades, plano de ações de governança., implementação da política de governança digital, revisão de indicadores, metas e iniciativas estratégicas. Conclui-se que governança fornece subsídios para que as organizações públicas possam alinhar os objetivos institucionais com as demandas dos cidadãos por meio de avaliações, monitoramento e direcionamento periódicos que permitam as instituições mensurarem seu desempenho organizacional considerando as intemperas imposta no ambiente de atuação.
STEM Teachers’ Private Theories and Their Learning Design in International Schools in Hong Kong
Authors: Bradley Greta , Churchill Daniel
Published: December 2023

This paper reports on the study of private theories of Science, Technology, Engineering and Technology (“STEM”) teachers and their learning design practices at International Schools in Hong Kong. The literature emphasises that teachers are the key to successfully implementing STEM education. However, most are unprepared and ill-equipped for the task of preparing students for a sound STEM education. Teachers’ thinking is critical for their learning design, decision-making and implementation of STEM. This decision-making is underpinned by a set of private theories. Using the methodology of a qualitative multi-case study, this research focuses on five participants teaching STEM in International Schools in Hong Kong. The private theories of the cases were identified and observed for any change with the use of a learning design model for STEM education. The learning design is introduced using a novel methodology of intervention. An observable change occurs in the majority of cases after the intervention, however certain private theories remained an obstacle to the effective implementation of STEM education. To overcome the remaining private theories in effective implementation of STEM education, the study proposes a novel framework incorporating both learning design and collaboration to mediate teachers’ thinking in the context of STEM learning design.
General Quantum Gravity: Quantum Einstein Field Equation from (3 + 1)D Quantum Mechanics & Extra Eleven Dimensions within (3 + 1)D Quantum State Spaces
Authors: Vadurie Shashwata
Published: December 2023

(3+1)D quantum mechanics is a four-dimensional quantum formalism, which is developed neither in a Minkowski spacetime, nor in a purely Hilbert space and not its metric is Lorentzian. This quantum mechanics also yields the quantum Einstein field equation in (3+1)D quantum spacetime. Every observable (3+1)D quantum spacetime can be found to contain internally hidden opposite spin quantum state, that results Supersymmetry. Closed continuous mappings of this hidden quantum state immediately yield more extra hidden dimensions including string. This string is found to be fundamentally eleven-dimensional (rather than lower dimensional) by nature within this quantum spacetime, which is necessarily a natural phenomenon of (3+1)D Quantum Mechanics.
Urban–Rural Boundary Delineation Based on Population Spatialization: A Case Study of Guizhou Province, China
Authors: Wang Hong , Yu Tian Xiao , Luo Yin Lv , Li Rong
Published: December 2023

Rational delineation of urban–rural boundaries is a foundational prerequisite for holistic urban and rural development planning and rational resource allocation. However, the results of division of urban–rural boundaries extracted using a single data source are non-comprehensive. To address this problem, the present study proposes a method for using multiple sources such as population data, nighttime light data, land use, and points of interest (POI) data to extract urban–rural boundaries. Considering Guizhou Province for a case study, we here present a two-step method for identifying urban–rural boundaries. First, the random forest model was combined with the dasymetric mapping method to obtain the population spatialization data with a 30-m resolution in the studied province. Second, using the breaking point method, we extracted the urban–rural boundary for Guizhou Province in 2020 based on the spatialized population. This method fully integrated the benefits of various data and judiciously extracted the boundaries of the main urban areas and small- and medium-sized towns of each city in the study province at the same spatial scale. The stratified random sampling method revealed that the average overall accuracy was 88.05%. The method proposed has certain universality and application value and allows identifying the urban–rural boundaries more accurately and practically.
Title: Chromosome Division during Embryogenesis – Is Everything under Control? And Does the Size Really Matter?
Authors: Horakova Adela , Konecna Marketa , Anger Martin
Published: December 2023

Chromosome segregation in female germ cells and early embryonic blastomeres is known to be highly prone to errors. The resulting aneuploidy is therefore the most frequent reason for termination of early development and embryo loss in mammals. And when compatible with embryonic and foetal development, aneuploidy leads into severe developmental disorders. The main surveillance mechanism, essential for protection of cells against aneuploidy, is the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint (SAC). And although all eukaryotic cells are perhaps able to mount SAC response, it is not clear, whether this pathway is active in all cell types, including blastomeres of early embryos. In this review, we will summarize and discuss the published literature with regards to mechanisms controlling chromosome segregation in early embryos. Our conclusion is that early embryos show limited capabilities to react to chromosome segregation defects, which might, at least partially, explain the widespread problem of aneuploidy during early development.
Fail-Safe Topology Optimization Using Damage Scenarios Filtering
Authors: Sun Wuhe , Zhang Yong , Liu Yunfei , Cheng Kai , Cheng Fei
Published: December 2023

This paper presents an efficient topology optimization approach considering fail-safe requirements in the framework of the solid isotropic material with penalization method. Existing methods either are computationally extremely expensive or do not consider fail-safe requirements in the optimization. The current approach not only obtains the fail-safe optimization structure, but also significantly improves the computational efficiency of fail-safe topology optimization. In this method, the worst-case compliance is considered to minimize as the optimization objective, using the Kreisselmeier–Steinhauser function to approximate the non-differentiable max-operator. The sensitivity is derived by the adjoint method, and a general fail-safe optimality criteria method is developed to update design variables. The damage scenarios greatly reduces in the process of failsafe strategy optimization by employing the density-based filter method. Finally, the effectiveness and computational efficiency of this method for fail-safe optimization is verified by several numerical examples.
Conductive Nanosheets Fabricated from Au Nanoparticles on Aqueous Metal Solutions under UV Irradiation
Authors: Tagawa Maho , Kaneki Hiroto , Kawai Takeshi
Published: December 2023

Highly transparent, conductive nanosheets are extremely attractive for advanced optoelectronic applications. Previously, we have demonstrated that transparent, conductive Au nanosheets can be prepared by UV irradiation of Au nanoparticle (AuNP) monolayers spread on water, which serves as the subphase. In this study, we show that this UV irradiation technique can easily be extended as a nanosheet modification method by using subphases containing metal ions. That is, aqueous solutions containing Au and Ag ions are effective in modifying Au nanosheets. HAuCl4 solutions increased Au nanosheet thickness, which improved conductivity, but reduced transparency. On the other hand, use of aqueous AgNO3 and CH3COOAg solutions yielded Au-Ag hybrid nanosheets; however, their morphologies depended on the electrolytes used. Homogeneous Au-Ag nanosheets from AgNO3 and AuNPs covered with an Ag nanosheet from CH3COOAg were also produced. Further, these Au-Ag hybrid nanosheets had high conductivity without reduced transparency. Therefore, this UV irradiation method, modified by adding metal ions is quite effective at improving and diversifying properties of Au nanosheets.
Meta-analysis of 87Sr/86Sr ratios in otoliths to establish thresholds for determining fish movement
Authors: Rosa Fábio Ricardo da , Avigliano Esteban , Duponchelle Fabrice , Pereira Luciana Alves , Hauser Marília , Barroco Lorenzo Soriano Antonaccio , Freitas Carlos Edwar de Carvalho , Sousa Raniere Garcez Costa
Published: December 2023

Unpublished data were combined with a literature review to test a hypothesis of whether there is a pattern for classifying fish as “movers” or “residents” according to variability in strontium isotope ( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr) ratios in otoliths as a function of its environmental fingerprint. The variability in Sr ratios found in the otoliths of fish specimens as a percentage of isotopic environmental variability was used to determine the intensity of movement in a given study area (POEVSri index). A classic meta-analysis and a frequentist regression were applied to obtain a logistic model to describe the pattern. The meta-analysis returned a POEVSri limit of 28.95% for sedentary individuals and the logistic model shows a high probability of movement for POEVSri indices over 32%. There is a gradient of movement probabilities in the POEVSri interval from 8 to 32%, with each class having equal odds when POEVSri is approximately 20%. Regarding applicability for future studies, if aspects such as sufficient spatial and seasonal water sampling are addressed, the model provides two different thresholds for fish: a priori “movers” are those with POEVSri ≥ 32%, and resident fish have POEVSri ≤ 8%.
Comparison of volume and centroid uncertainty of a cylindrical segment by two different methods
Authors: Da Paixão Ronan Alves , Dutra André Melo Carvalhais , De Oliveira Elcio Cruz
Published: December 2023

Some solids are seldom studied analytically, unlike spheres, cylinders, and parallelepipeds. When researchers are interested in them, approximations by discretised meshes and numerical calculations are proposed. One of those is the cylindrical segment, which has applications in novel tilt-based industrial hydrometers. More specifically, the cylindrical segment has two means of being characterized: by measuring the radius, the middle height, and the cutting angle; and by measuring the radius and both the minimum height and the maximum height. In this study, one equation from the literature about the cylindrical segment is corrected, and the two measurement forms are compared, along with their impact on the uncertainty of the volume and barycenter of this solid. Particular results depend on specific input uncertainties, measurements, and objectives. Still, for most cases, it turned out that measuring the minimum and maximum heights generally provides lower uncertainty values for the evaluated calculations, especially the centroids.
Data augmentation for solving industrial recognition tasks with underrepresented defect classes
Authors: Wunsch Lennard , Anding Katharina , Polte Galina , Liu Kun , Notni Gunther
Published: December 2023

This paper discusses neural network-based data augmentation to increase the performance of neural networks in classification of datasets with underrepresented defect classes. The performance of deep neural networks suffers from an inhomogeneous class distribution in recognition tasks. In particular, applications of deep neural networks to solve quality assurance tasks in industrial production suffer from such unbalanced class distributions. In order to train deep learning networks, a large amount of data is needed to avoid overfitting and to give the network a good generalisation ability. Therefore, a large amount of defect class objects is needed. However, when it comes to producing defect classes, obtaining a dataset for training can be costly. To reduce this costs, artificial intelligence in the form of Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) can be used to generate images without producing real objects of defect classes. This allows a cost-effective solution for any kind of underrepresented classes. However, the focus of this work is on defect classes. In this paper a comparison of GANs for data augmentation with classical data augmentation methods for simulating images of defect classes in an industrial context is presented. The results show the positive effect of both, classical and GAN-based data augmentation. By applying both methods parallel the best results for defect-class recognition tasks of datasets with underrepresented classes can be achieved.
Pigments of the Campania region (Italy): a first overview for ancient wall paintings
Authors: Pagano Sabrina , Germinario Chiara , Mercurio Mariano , Grifa Celestino
Published: December 2023

A first overview on the ancient pigments used in Campania region was carried out from some study on ancient wall paintings located both in residential and funerary contexts. The technological skills in the individual use or mixing of pigments from the ancient painters is related to four archaeological contexts of Campania region, dated back from the 6th century BCE to the 1st century CE. The pigments were analysed by means of in–situ spectroscopic techniques and micro–destructive laboratory analyses. The multi–analytical approach revealed the use of pure (natural and synthetic) pigments and some admixtures, created by the ancient painters to obtain assorted colour shades. The same mixtures were found in different chronological contexts and made by a different manufacturer, suggesting an evident transmission of technological knowledge over time.
Acquisition and integration of differential pressure measurements on sails for boat performances improvement
Authors: Affanni Antonio , Casarsa Luca , Scagnetto Ivan , Trevisan Francesco
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we integrated within a specifically developed acquisition system, denoted as Oceanus, the measurements from a differential pressure sensor between the two sides of a sail (windward and leeward sides); experiments have been performed using a light jib sail of a 35 feet cruising-racing yacht. We analyzed the correlation between such a signal and other standard signals usually present on board such as boat speed, intensity and direction of apparent or real wind; moreover, data from Inertial Measurement Units are handled. We also considered the Target Data, which depend on the actual point of sail, and the discrepancy between measured data and the predicted Targets is monitored as an error in terms of the true wind angle and boat velocity. In this way, the trimmer/helmsman can monitor the differential sail pressure together with Target data and decide to reduce the error with a correction in how sails are trimmed, rather than in how the boat is steered to achieve an improvement of boat performances. The resulting telemetry system represents an effective low cost solution, which is affordable even for amateur yachtsmen.
Low-cost GPS/GNSS Real Time Kinematic receiver to build a cartographic grid on the ground for an archaeological survey at Piscina Torta (Italy)
Authors: Alessandri Luca , Baiocchi Valerio , Monti Felicia , Cusimano Luca , Fiorillo Angelica , Gianni Virginia , Rossi Caterina , Attema Peter A. J. , Rolfo Mario Federico
Published: December 2023

The collection of samples and finds for archaeological surveys is traditionally based on the establishment of grids that allow the area under study to be discretized into generally square cells in order to allow a statistical assessment of the highest or lowest concentration of finds. Currently, such grids are implemented in a local coordinate system established by means of total stations or tape measures. We validated the capabilities of a low-cost GPS/GNSS Real Time Kinematic (RTK) receiver to build a grid during the intensive archaeological survey of the Piscina Torta site (Italy), in the framework of the Salt and Power project of the University of Groningen. We also tested not using a local grid but a cartographic grid (WGS84 UTM zone 33 N) and naming the single cells with the coordinates of one of its vertices. This approach is greatly facilitated by the recent availability of inexpensive RTK receivers with few centimetres accuracy, very small in size and weight and with hardware protected enough to be used in the field. This would facilitate the use and exchange of the data (e.g. about the materials collected in the cell) among the scientific community and can be thought of as a proposal for standardization.
A measurement system for enteric CH4 emissions monitoring from ruminants in livestock farming
Authors: Verde Maria Teresa , Guerriero Pierluigi , Bonavolonta Francesco , Angrisani Leopoldo , Lamonaca Francesco , Tudosa Ioan , Tamburis Oscar , Neglia Gianluca
Published: December 2023

In this paper, a proposal for an Internet-of-Things (IoT) based measurement system dealing with the enteric methane (CH4) emission monitoring from ruminants is presented. Herein, a brief overview of the recent advances in sensors technologies and their IoT integration for realizing measurement systems able to monitor the CH4 emissions in ruminants is also presented. Nowadays, it is confirmed that CH4 emissions, which are mainly produced during normal fermentation of feeds by the rumen microorganisms, are part of the Green-House Gas (GHG) emissions. Therefore, a classification of the existing measurement methods, sensing technologies and their impact on the animal’s welfare is presented. The proposed measurement system, together with its sensing elements and the developed data acquisition system are also reported in this paper. A preliminary disposal and field trials of the developed system in a farm facility is given.
Comparative performance analysis between two different generations of an automatic milking system
Authors: Verde Maria Teresa , Matera Roberta , Bonavolonta Francesco , Lamonaca Francesco , Angrisani Leopoldo , Fezza Concettina , Borzacchiello Luca , Cotticelli Alessio , Neglia Gianluca
Published: December 2023

The adoption of Automatic Milking Systems (AMS) in Europe and Italy has been increasing gradually in recent years, driven by the advantages they offer over traditional milking methods. AMS reduces the need for manual labor, increases milk production, standardizes teat cleaning and disinfection, and promotes animal welfare. The adoption of milking robots also allows for continuous monitoring of milk parameters, animal health status, and production performance. In a recent study, the authors analyzed the improvements achieved by a buffalo farm in Southern Italy that switched from an older model (Classic ) to a newer generation model (VMS 300) of milking robot, showing an increase in production quantity and quality.
Adaptation of buffalo calves to a new automatic milk feeder
Authors: Sannino Maura , Topa Vincenzo , Piscopo Rossella , Faugno Salvatore
Published: December 2023

Rational heifer management in buffalo rearing is of paramount importance. There are no studies in the literature dealing with automatic feeding in individual boxes for buffalo calves. This study aims to deepen knowledge in this area and to evaluate the ability of buffalo calves to adapt to a mobile automatic feeder through data provided by the system's monitoring software. Data were collected on 3 different groups of 15 buffalo calves in succession with each other. The data on the daily feeding quantity and volume showed that 95.67 % of the calves were fed within the first day of stall in the automatic feeder. During the first 72 h in the calf house, the calves were fed from 2.49 ± 1.21 meals per day with an average feeding rate of 0.24 ± 0.06 L/min. The average daily milk intake was 3.57 ± 0.26 L/d, while the average milk intake during the first 72 h was 10.7 ± 0.77 L. The buffalo calves, therefore, showed themselves to be able to adapt to this type of feeding, making use of its advantages.
Generative design and insights in strategies for the development of innovative products with tailored mechanical and/or functional properties
Authors: Papallo Ida , Martorelli Massimo , Lamonaca Francesco , Gloria Antonio
Published: December 2023

Creative design methods should allow the extraction of novel wisdoms and favour their integration into many technological domains, thus leading to an innovative product. The current research reports some technical considerations on the role of generative design as a “collaborative partner” in supporting the ideation process through the development of design alternatives in agreement with the designer’s criteria.
A specific case study was considered and the role of the generative design method was stressed, also focusing on technical features and differences in terms of solutions for the given design problem. The possibility of selecting well defined manufacturing methods (e.g., traditional or advanced – additive manufacturing) was highlighted.
Comparing Estimated and Real Item Difficulty Using Multi-Facet Rasch Analysis
Authors: SAYIN Ayfer , GÖREN Sebahat
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to compare estimated item difficulty based on expert opinion with real item difficulty based on data. For security reasons, some high-stakes tests are not pre-tested and item difficulty is estimated by teachers in classroom assessments, so it is necessary to examine the extent to which experts make accurate predictions. In this study, we developed a 12-item assessment test like the Turkish teacher certification exam. Item difficulty was estimated and compared separately based on 1165 student responses and the opinions of 12 experts. The study revealed that the experts had a good ability to estimate item difficulty for items of moderate difficulty. However, they tended to underestimate item difficulty for items categorized as medium-easy.
Towards the Empowerment of Waqf Based on Community Needs in the Mentawai Islands West Sumatra: The Case of the Al-Qur'an Wakaf Board
Authors: Tiswarni Tiswarni , Hidayat Rahmat , Novia Aidil , Jayusman Jayusman , Hadi Sutrisno , Alfadhli Alfadhli
Published: December 2023

This article explains the utilization of Al-Qur'an and Development Waqf (WAP waqf) and clean water waqf through the Al-Qur'an Waqf Board in the Mentawai Islands, which is based on the basic needs of the community in the religious and social fields. This waqf was motivated by the backwardness of the people in the Mentawai Islands from a religious and social perspective, which prompted the Al-Qur'an Waqf Board to allocate waqf programs there. Research data was collected through in-depth interviews and documentation. It was then analyzed descriptively and qualitatively. The research findings show that the Al-Qur'an Waqf Board allocates Al-Qur'an accompanied by guidance to the Mentawai Muslim community as waqf. The utilization form of WAP waqf for Mentawai Islands people provides broad access to studying and understanding the Al-Qur'an, coaching daily worship, coaching and mentoring new converts to Islam, and coaching preachers before preaching to the community. The utilization of the water waqf is in the form of building clean water facilities in mosques and near residential areas, accompanied by religious and sanitation development for the communities receiving the waqf benefits. These findings can have implications for the importance of understanding the main problems of society so that the utilization of waqf can be more diverse and provide maximum benefits. The utilization of waqf must address the basic needs of society so that it can solve problems that develop in society while still relying on sharia.
Critique on Salafibism and it’s Significance for Indonesian Islamic Moderation: Study on Khaled Abou El-Fadhl’s Thought
Authors: Fanani Muhyar , Iswanto Bambang
Published: December 2023

This paper aims to prove the importance of Khaled Abou el-Fadhl's (b. 1963) critique on Salafibism for mainstreaming Islamic moderation in contemporary Indonesia. This research examines Khaled's critique using the approach of ‘ilm uṣūl al-fiqh, a technique that analyzes the nature, secrets, and purposes of Islamic teachings including its laws. The problem examined in this research is the significance of Khaled's critique on Salafibism for mainstreaming Islamic moderation in contemporary Indonesia. This research concludes that from the perspective of ‘ilm uṣūl al-fiqh, Khaled's critique on Salafibism is crucial for mainstreaming Islamic modernization in present-day Indonesia. The significance of the critique lies in three things: (1). Providing the new awareness and energy for Indonesian Islamic scholars to campaign for moderate Islam and rejects puritanical Islam, especially Salafibism. (2). It provides theoretical guidance for the Islamic moderation movement in Indonesia, especially the importance of the balance between literalism and maqāṣid as well as between text and context in understanding the holy book. (3). Creating the practical guidance for the Islamic moderation movement in Indonesia to counter extremism. This research indicates that adopting a moderate approach to Islam holds significant promise for achieving local, national, and global religious harmony. In contrast, the puritanical approach, which hinders such concord, should be abandoned.

 

Keywords: Critique, puritanism, salafibism, Islamic moderation, contemporary Indonesia
Imam Abu Hanifah: The Vanguard of Moderation in Islamic Jurisprudence and the Global Dissemination of Moderate Islam
Authors: Rizapoor Habiburrahman , Rahimi Mohammad Rashid
Published: December 2023

This article examines the role of Imam Abu Hanifah in the spread of moderate Islam. Through an analytical and descriptive research approach, the study investigates whether Imam Abu Hanifah can be considered one of the prominent scholars of Wasatiah Islam and explores the impact of his views on the dissemination of moderate Islamic teachings worldwide. The article assesses the influence of Imam Abu Hanifah’s teachings on the dissemination of moderate Islam across different regions. Based on the findings, this article concludes that Imam Abu Hanifah can indeed be considered a prominent scholar of moderate Islam. His madhab, rooted in moderation and flexibility, has played a significant role in the spread of moderate Islamic teachings worldwide. Imam Abu Hanifah’s emphasis on contextual understanding and his pragmatic approach to Islamic jurisprudence have resonated with diverse communities and contributed to the acceptance and propagation of moderate Islamic values in different parts of the world. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge on Islamic scholarship by shedding light on the significant role played by Imam Abu Hanifah in the dissemination of moderate Islam. It underscores the importance of balanced interpretations and contextual understanding in promoting a moderate and inclusive understanding of Islamic teachings.

Keywords: Imam Abu Hanifah, Al-Islam Al-Wasatiyyah, Al-Madhhab Al-Hanafi, Al-Islam Al-Mu'tadil
Glass Ceiling Syndrome: A Perspective of Women Working in Health Institutions
Authors: TURAN KURTARAN Ayten , AYDIN Arzu , YEŞİLDAĞ Ahmet Y.
Published: December 2023

Background and Purpose: Although women constitute the majority of the workforce in the healthcare sector, the number of representations in management positions needs to be increased. This study aimed to determine female health workers' glass ceiling syndrome perception levels and examine socio-demographic variables' effect on this level.

Design/methodology/approach: The research sample consists of 708 female healthcare professionals who work in six public hospitals. Perceptions were measured using the 42-item Glass Ceiling Perception scale. Measurements were made on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 to 4.

Findings: It was found that the glass ceiling syndrome perception levels of female healthcare professionals were neutral (1.94). It has been determined that female healthcare professionals with a high level of education, doctors and nurses, those between the ages of 26-35, those who work in medical units, and those with a child have higher perception levels of glass ceiling syndrome.

JEL Code: M10, J70, M50, I19
Potential threats to the migratory waterbirds in South Bengal, India
Authors: Sinha Anirban , Hazra Prantik , Khan Tarak Nath
Published: December 2023

Growing human population, rapid urbanisation and unsustainable wetland use are causing the loss and deterioration of waterbird habitats, threatening their survival. We studied the major threats to the waterbirds in 9 tropical wetlands of South Bengal over 25 years and tried to assess their impacts on the waterbird diversity. Waterbirds here declined noticeably in correspondence with their habitat deterioration and decreases in their major food-bases. Habitat loss, overfishing, increasing Water Hyacinth cover and hunting were identified as the most serious threats affecting their survival and abundances. Although the processes influencing the waterbird diversity are not yet well understood, this study points out the need of a long-term monitoring programme to find out viable solutions to the problem aiming at wetland management.
Life cycle assessment of Hybrid alkali-activated cement production with red mud as an alkali activator
Authors: Zhang Qinli , Zhao Cunyu , Feng Yan , Chen Qiusong
Published: December 2023

The production of Hybrid Alkali Activated Cement (HAAC) has generated considerable interest in environmental issues. In this research, the environmental impacts of utilizing red mud (RM) as a partial activator of alkali-activated ground granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) in HAAC production have been evaluated. A contribution analysis was carried out using life cycle assessment (LCA) to assess the environmental significance of six important substances in HAAC production. A comparative analysis of the environmental consequences of producing Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and two HAACs using various activators in the same plant was conducted. The results showed that the calcination and preparation of alkali-activated cementitious materials are the two processes with the highest environmental impacts. Marine ecotoxicity was identified as the primary impact category, followed by freshwater ecotoxicity and fossil depletion. Compared to OPC, HAAC yields superior benefits in the majority of environmental impact categories. Additionally, the inclusion of RM as a partial alkali excitant to HAAC results in even more pronounced environmental benefits when compared to NaOH alone, particularly in terms of cleaner production areas.
Unlocking Enhanced Thermal Conductivity in Polymer Blends through Active Learning
Authors: Xu Jiaxin , Luo Tengfei
Published: December 2023

Polymers play an integral role in various applications, from everyday use to advanced technologies. In the era of machine learning (ML), polymer informatics has emerged as a vital field for efficiently designing and developing polymeric materials. However, the focus of polymer informatics has predominantly centered on single-component polymers, leaving the vast chemical space of polymer blends relatively unexplored. This study employs a high-throughput molecular dynamics (MD) simulation approach combined with active learning (AL) to uncover polymer blends with enhanced thermal conductivity (TC) compared to the constituent single-component polymers. Initially, TC values for about 600 amorphous single-component polymers and approximately 200 amorphous polymer blends with varying blending ratios are determined through MD simulations. The optimal representation method for polymer blends is also identified, which involves a weighted sum approach that extends existing polymer representation from single-component polymers to polymer blends. An AL framework, combining MD simulation and ML models, is employed to explore the TC of an unlabeled dataset comprising approximately 550,000 potential polymer blends. The AL framework proves highly effective in accelerating the discovery of high-performance polymer blends for thermal transport. Additionally, we delve into the relationship between TC, radius of gyration (Rg), and hydrogen bonding, highlighting the roles of inter- and intra-chain interactions in thermal transport in amorphous polymer blends. A significant positive association between TC and Rg improvement and an indirect contribution from H-bond interaction to TC enhancement are revealed through a log-linear model and odd ratio calculation based on the polymer blend dataset, emphasizing the impact of increasing Rg and H-bond interactions on enhancing polymer blend TC.