bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RISK FACTORS OF INCISIONAL HERNIA IN PATIENTS PRESENTING TO TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Authors: ULLAH Z , KHAN MA , ZARIN MA , BIBI B , KHALIL HG , KHURSHID A
Published: January 2025

Incisional hernia is a common complication following abdominal surgeries, influenced by various demographic and clinical factors. Identifying associated risk factors can aid in preventive strategies and improve surgical outcomes. Objective: To assess the associated risk factors in patients presenting to tertiary care hospital. Methods: This study was carried out from March 2023 to March 2024, involving 150 patients aged 30 years or older, who underwent either laparotomy or laparoscopy for abdominal surgeries. Data were collected from medical records and postoperative follow-ups, focusing on demographic characteristics, comorbidities, surgical data, and the development of incisional hernia and its associated risk factors. Results: The incidence of incisional hernia was 12.7%, with 68.4% of affected patients being over the age of 45. Risk factors identified included obesity (57.9%) of obese patients developed incisional hernia), diabetes (52.6%), hypertension (63.2%), and laparotomy (89.5% of laparotomy patients developed hernia). Wound infections were also considerably associated with incisional hernia development (36.8%). Conclusion: The study identified age, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, laparotomy, and wound infections as notable risk factors for the development of incisional hernia.
EVALUATION OF QOL AND OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS WITH NEOPLASIA UNDERGOING COLECTOMY
Authors: MUMTAZ S , HAIDER ANH
Published: January 2025

Colectomy is a common surgical intervention for colonic neoplasia and complex colonic polyps. While it is effective in treating the underlying condition, it can significantly impact bowel function and quality of life, both in the short and long term. Objective: To assess the short-term and long-term quality of life and functional outcomes of colectomy in patients with neoplasia. Methods: A prospective study was conducted in the General Surgery Department of General Hospital, Lahore from September 2023 to September 2024. A total of 100 patients undergoing or had undergone hemicolectomy or colectomy were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups based on the timing of colectomy. Early bowel function was assessed in 50 patients with benign complex colonic polyps undergoing colectomy. Intermediate bowel function was assessed in patients who had undergone colectomy for neoplasia 2-4 years before the study. A group of 50 healthy immediate relatives of patients was included as the control group for evaluating early bowel function. Postoperative bowel function was assessed by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre questionnaire and the EuroQoL questionnaire was used to measure quality of life. Results: Six-months and one-year post-op, patients had increased frequency of bowel movement per day (p<0.001). Lower frequency score, reduced gas control and differentiation between gas and stool one year after surgery were significant, indicating worse function. A weak association between EuroQol visual analog score and six months post-op urgency score (p=0.006), flatulence control (p=0.004), and total MSKCC score (p=0.005), hence patients with higher scores had good quality of life. Conclusion: Colectomy adversely impacts bowel function up to 1 year after surgery, however, it is comparable to the general population.
Структура реалистичных сцен как фактор, направляющий зрительный поиск
Authors: Кукарцев Данил , Морозов Максим
Published: January 2025

Зрительный поиск в сценах направляется рядом факторов, в основе которых лежат разные типы информации о них. Одним из них выступает зрительная заметность, яркость, которая опирается на зрительные признаки сцены и направляет внимание от наиболее заметной области к наименее заметной. Другим фактором выступает смысл и структура сцены. В нем рассматривается согласованность объекта и сцены, в которой он находится. Согласованность может выступать как высоковероятная принадлежность объекта сцене (смысл) и как пространственно ожидаемое расположение объектов (структура). Данная работа будет посвящена обзору этих факторов, ограничениям ранних моделей зрительного поиска в сценах, сопоставлению модели Дж. Вольфа с результатами недавних исследований структурно-смыслового фактора и фиксации ряда возникших теоретических вопросов.
The essence of authentic pursuits: Intrinsic value-goal concordance matters
Authors: Subasi Mustafa , Osin Evgeny
Published: January 2025

Goal self-concordance research has significantly grown in the past twenty-five years. Goal self-concordance is described as the congruence between an individual’s core values and self-set goals. The benefits of self-concordant goal selection and pursuit are well-documented. However, current research has not fully explored whether goal self-concordance represents intrinsic/healthy values such as self-transcendence and openness to change, and whether goal self-concordance mediates the effects of these values on well-being. This cross-sectional study attempts to address these gaps. A sample of 545 participants participated in the study, completing measures assessing personal values, goal self-concordance, need satisfaction, meaning in life, and life satisfaction. The results indicated that self-transcendence and openness to change were positively associated with well-being, with these relationships being significantly mediated by goal self-concordance. The findings provide evidence that the alignment of healthy values and goal self-concordance leads to beneficial outcomes in well-being. The study highlights the importance of value-goal concordance in fostering well-being and offers new directions for further research into value-based goal setting and achievement across diverse populations.
An Improved Protocol for Callus Initiation Using Leaf Discs and Stems as Explants from Yellow Passion Fruit (Passifl ora edulis f. fl avicarpa)
Authors:   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Sri Lanka, Malavipathirana T.B.K.H , Priyadarshani S.V.G.N ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Sri Lanka, Shashikala R.P.A. ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Sri Lanka
Published: January 2025

Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa is a perennial vine mainly grown in tropical countries which has agricultural and horti cultural importance. Yet, the unavailability of an efficient micropropagation technique is a major obstacle to overcome. Different surface sterilization methods were tested for the stem and leaf explants. To determine the best plant growth regulator concentrations for callus induction, different combinations of NAA (2 to 5 mg/L) and BAP (0.1 to 0.3 mg/L) were tested. Murashige and Skoog full-strength medium was used as the basal medium for cultures. The use of 10% Clorox™ at 150 rpm for 12 minutes twice, followed by 0.1 g/L AgNO3 for 12 minutes found to be the most effective surface sterilization method for leaves with a 100% survival rate. Results found 0.2 mg/L NAA; 2 mg/L BAP and 0.1 mg/L NAA; 4 mg/L BAP to be optimal for callus induction from leaves under light and dark conditions with calliinduction rates of 33.33% and 16.67%, respectively. For stems best results were obtained for 0.3 mg/L NAA; and 2 mg/L BAP with a 66.67% calli induction rate in light conditions and 33.33% in dark conditions. Calli were obtained from both explants within an average of 38.5 days and 44 days in light and dark conditions respectively. Calli of yellow passion fruit can be obtained using full MS media supplemented with NAA ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 mg/L and BAP ranging from 2 to 4 mg/L. Despite successes, vitrification and contamination underscore the need for refinements on this protocol. Keywords: Yellow passion fruit; callus; micropropa- gati on; NAA; BAP
Knowledge and Its Associated Factors Related Ventilator Associated Pneumonia Among Intensive Care Nurses: Cross-sectional Study in Southern Province of Sri Lanka
Authors:   The Open University of Sri Lanka, Gunasekara P.A.D. K , Gunawardhana K.G.I.S ,   The Open University of Sri Lanka, Akalanki K.G.I ,   The Open University of Sri Lanka, De Silva P.H.R.V.I.S ,   The Open University of Sri Lanka, Sriyani K.A ,   The Open University of Sri Lanka
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to assess knowledge and its associated factors on ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) among intensive care nurses. This descriptive cross-sectional study included 164 nurses who worked in intensive care units. Data were collected through a content-validated, pretested self- administered questionnaire. It included participants’ socio-demographic information and knowledge- assessing questions. Descriptive statistics, the Mann–Whitney U-test, and the Kruskal–Wallis test were performed. Significance was accepted at alpha < 0.05. The sample was female predominant and included more undergraduate and graduate nurses than diploma nurses. The overall knowledge of VAP among nurses ranged from 82.92 to 14.86, with 75% of them achieving a score above 80%. Nurses’ knowledge of VAP was associated with their age, professional qualifications, and experiences in nursing service and intensive care units (p < 0.05). Nurses had satisfactory knowledge of VAP. However, gaps exist. Nurses’ knowledge is associated with their on-the-job training and professional qualifications. Keywords: ventilator associated pneumonia; intensive care nurses; knowledge; factors
Докинг исследования ненасыщенных аммониевых солей и аминофуранов
Authors: Барсегян К. С. , Манукян М. О. , Амбарцумян А. А , Арутюнян А. А.
Published: January 2025

Проведено докинг-исследование некоторых ненасыщенных аммониевых солей и производных фурана в отношении комплекса RdRp с NSP7 и NSP8 SARS-CoV-2, киназным доменом EGFR человека и 2x-фосфорилированным MAPK14 человека в комплексе с ATF2 и моно-аминооксидазой B человека. Согласно полученным результатам, сильным модулятором биомишеней RdRp, EGFR, MAPK и MАО B является N,N,5-триметил-2-фенил-4-(пиперидин-1-илметил)фуран-3-амин.
Իրականացվել է որոշ չհագեցած ամոնիումային աղերի և ֆուրանի ածանցյալների դոկինգ հետազոտություն RdRp с NSP7 և NSP8 SARS-CoV-2 կոմպլեքսի, մարդու EGFR կինզային դոմենի, մարդու կրկնակի ֆոսֆորացված MAPK14 և ATF2 կոմպլեքսի, ինչպես նաև մարդու B ամինաօքսիդազայի նկատմամբ: Ըստ ստացված արդյունքների՝ նշված կենսաբանական թիրախների նկատմամբ ուժեղ մոդուլյատոր է N, N, 5-եռմեթիլ-2-ֆենիլ-4-(պի-պերիդին-1-իլմեթիլ)ֆուրան-3-ամինը:
A docking study of some unsaturated ammonium salts and furan derivatives was investigated in relation to the RdRp complex with NSP7 and NSP8 of SARS-CoV-2, the kinase domain of human EGFR and 2x-phosphorylated human MAPK14 in complex with ATF2 and human monoamine oxidase B. According to the obtained results, N,N,5-trimethyl-2-phenyl-4-(piperidin-1-ylmethyl)furan-3-amine is a potent modulator of RdRp, EGFR, MAPK and MaoB biotargets.
Quality and safety indicators of multigrain bread with freshly prepared rye malt using phytoantioxydants
Authors: Lesovskaya Marina , Kabak Natalia
Published: January 2025

The quality and safety indicators of a new type of multigrain bread using freshly obtained rye malt were studied. Hydrogen peroxide as a safe prooxidation activator and aqueous phytoextracts as natural antioxidants were used for the bioactivation of grain. The choice of phytoextract was made by comparing the antioxidant properties of thyme and oregano obtained with warm (60 ℃) or hot (80 ℃) extraction. The rate of accumulation of organic acids and reducing substances was maximum during malting under the influence of thyme extract (80 ℃). Oregano extracts were used to make rye-textured flour. The paper describes a new method for producing emulsified malt, known as “rye cream”. Unlike other methods, it is proposed to use not dried malt, but freshly obtained rye malt extract. This made it possible to form the adaptogenic properties of the food system, which was evident from the results of the antioxidant activity assessment. This assessment was carried out at different stages of the bread production process. It was shown that at the stage of rye cream production, the oxidation-reduction balance of the food system was shifted towards prooxidants, so the use of phytoextracts with antioxidant properties was necessary. At the dough production stage, the balance changed in the opposite direction, and antioxidants began to dominate the food system as functional nutritional components. Multigrain bread had antioxidant activity twice as high as the standard (Borodinsky bread) and had better characteristics compared to two analogues. Under the influence of multigrain bread, the production of free radicals was inhibited more gently than under the influence of rye bread “BIO”. Another analogue, Fitness bread, had the properties of a strong prooxidant, not an antioxidant. According to the results of an objective assessment in independent laboratories, multigrain bread with rye cream met regulatory requirements for quality and safety, which was confirmed by the results of physicochemical and microbiological analysis.
Implementation of Team Games Tournament (TGT) Learning Model in Strengthening Students' Self-Confidence
Authors: Zuschaiya Diana
Published: January 2025

This research aims to describe the application of the Team Games Tournament (TGT) learning model in the Introduction to Islamic Studies course which focuses on increasing the self-confidence of Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Teacher Education students at Darul 'Ulum Lamongan Islamic University. The research was conducted using qualitative research methods. The data collection techniques used were interviews, observation and documentation. The research results obtained show that students' self-confidence is starting to be trained to be confident in attending lectures, this is shown by the efforts of students who are starting to dare to express the results of presentations more openly than usual (looking inferior/less confident). The activity steps include class presentations, group learning, games, competitions, next is the awards stage. Students are provided with knowledge in the form of material before discussing with the group. This stage is the initial stage of raising students' self-confidence because they receive discussion material through explanations from the lecturer. Furthermore, during discussions, each student has the opportunity to present what they understand regarding the material in their respective groups, so that students are required to practice communication and combat their feelings of inferiority. Games and competitions are a fun evaluation stage to see how far students understand the material. Apart from that, in games and matches, students will show their abilities with confidence. Appreciation or appreciation is given by the lecturer after the activity is completed. Awards are given in the form of praise, applause of appreciation, and reinforced with motivation to always increase their self-confidence. The obstacle in implementing this model is the large number of students which requires a long time, and student’s poverty. Meanwhile, the supporting category is students' motivation and interest in the learning model applied.
The representation of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis in the BBC news report: A critical discourse analysis
Authors: Matrood Doaa Taher
Published: January 2025

This paper applies critical discourse analysis (CDA)theories to media discourse. The researcher selects the humanitarian crisis in Gaze after the 7 October Palestinian attack on Israel and how Israel responded aggressively. A few studies have applied critical discourse theories to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Kandil (2009) studies Corpus-Based Critical Discourse Analysis of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict in Arab, British, and American Media. On the other hand, Yasmin Aldadah (2018) wrote her M.A. thesis about the Jerusalem Conflict on BBC and AJE. Ahmed and Hussain (2022) and Raza, Hakimi, and Malik (2023) also study the Israel-Palestine conflict. However, none of the studies examines the Israel-Palestine conflict after the 7 October 2023 attacks and its massive effect on innocent women and children in Gaze. Moreover, this study aims to investigate BBC news reports depicting this humanitarian crisis according to Wodak’s (2001; 2009) discourse-historical approach and van Leeuwen’s (2008) sociological representation of social actors to fill this gap in the study. The selected news report is analyzed at two levels: linguistic and ideological. The researchers conclude that political Discourse dramatically affects the lives of innocent women and children. This paper addresses the following research questions:
• What macro-topics are associated with representing Gaza’s humanitarian crisis in the BBC News report?
• What micro-strategies and categories are associated with representing Gaza’s humanitarian crisis in the BBC News report?
• How do macro-topics and micro-strategies uncover the ideology of the participant?
Sociologické bitvy o Varnu aneb česká/československá účast na VII. světovém sociologickém kongresu
Authors: Nešpor Zdeněk R.
Published: January 2025

The study approaches negotiations and power pressures associated with Czechoslovak participation in the Seventh World Congress of Sociology in Varna (1970), the first and only ISA congress held in the Eastern Bloc. The congress, which was of fundamental importance in this period, was taken as a showcase of Marxist sociology and was intended to significantly strengthen the position of East European sociologists in the international academy. In the case of the Czechs and Slovaks, however, the recent defeat of the Prague Spring came into play. Reformist-oriented sociologists had considered boycotting the congress, and even if this did not happen, it was assumed that the topic would be discussed at venues. The architects of the so-called normalization policy, managing the newly established Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences’ Institute for Philosophy and Sociology, were fully aware of this. Therefore, they did their utmost to select the “right” congress participants and their topics, so in the end most of the leading names of Czech sociology of the 1960s dropped out of the more than one hundred-member delegation. Even an attempt to avoid this pressure through a “private trip” taken by “inconvenient” sociologists to Varna ultimately did not yield (although roughly a fifth of the delegation took advantage of this opportunity). The Czechoslovak turnout in Varna was indeed high, but scientifically insignificant, which foreshadowed the fate of Czech sociology in the 1970s and even the 1980s.
ON THE ABILITY OF DIFFERENTIAL TRANSFORM METHOD AND ITS IMPROVEMENTS TO SOLVE PROPERLY THE SHIP’S ROLL EQUATION
Authors:   Constanta Maritime University, Department of General Engineering Sciences, Mircea cel Batran street, No. 104, 900663,
Romania, Deleanu Dumitru , Dumitrache Constantin Louis ,   Constanta Maritime University, Department of General Engineering Sciences, Mircea cel Batran street, No. 104, 900663,
Romania, Turof Mihaela ,   Constanta Maritime University, Department of General Engineering Sciences, Mircea cel Batran street, No. 104, 900663,
Romania
Published: January 2025

A major concern regarding the ship safety is related to severe rolling oscillations which, in certain circumstances, can even lead to its capsizing. Assuming the rolling motion decoupled from its other five possible motions, one results a mathematical model associated to a second order differential equation where the main parameters (inertia, damping, stiffness and excitation) reveal a significant nonlinearity. In the absence of exact analytical solutions, the amplitude and period characteristics of the ship rolling can be evaluated by approximate numerical or analytical methods. In this work, we checked if the performant differential transform method (DTM) and its improvement with Pade approximants is able to provide approximate analytical solutions for nonlinear roll equation, valid for both the transitory and stationary states. The obtained results were verified against those produced by MatLab numerical generated simulations. We noticed that for the linearized roll equation, which describes quite correctly a significant part of the situations of practical interest, the DTM doubled by the Pade approximation [4/4] offers the exact solution. If the nonlinear terms from damping and restoring moments are included in the study but the sea is considered waveless, the investigated technique proves a good accuracy in describing the attenuation over time of the initial excitation. DTM and Pade [4/4] cease to offer reasonable solutions as soon as the exciting moment of the waves is included in the procedure. We gave clear explanations for this impasse and showed that the use of higher-order Pade approximations can solve (even if with additional efforts) totally or at least partially this problem.
ENHANCED SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS OF
COOPER COATED 3D PRINTED PARTS
Authors:   ”Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, Department of
 Machine Manufacturing Technology, Blvd. Mangeron 59A, 700050, Iasi, Romania, Feraru (Ilie) Mihaela , Mazurchevici Simona-Nicoleta ,   ”Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, Department of
 Machine Manufacturing Technology, Blvd. Mangeron 59A, 700050, Iasi, Romania, Benchea Marcelin ,   “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering,
Blvd. Dimitrie Mangeron, No. 61–63, 700050 Iasi, Romania, Chicet Daniela-Lucia ,   ”Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, Materials Science Department, Materials
Science and Engineering Faculty, 41 Dimitrie Mangeron Blvd., 700050 Iasi, Romania, Mindru Teodor - Daniel ,   ”Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, Department of
 Machine Manufacturing Technology, Blvd. Mangeron 59A, 700050, Iasi, Romania, Nedelcu Dumitru ,   ”Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, Department of
 Machine Manufacturing Technology, Blvd. Mangeron 59A, 700050, Iasi, Romania
Published: January 2025

Copper metal powder being highly thermally and electrically conductive. It has a lot of uses such as: manufacture of soft magnets, sintered components, friction products, surface coating etc. This publication examines the properties of biodegradable polymers (PLA and HD PLA Green) coated with two different bronze alloy powders, Metco 51F-NS (Cu 9.5Al 1.2Fe) and Metco 445 (Cu 9.5Al). The coating was applied to printed samples using the Atmospheric Plasma Spray (APS) process. This inquiry will elucidate the findings concerning surface quality, microstructure, microindentation, and scratch testing. The outcomes of micro indentation and scratch analysis were markedly affected by the semicrystalline structure of the samples and the presence of powder components. The authors of this research assert that components fabricated from biodegradable polymers and coated with copper micro-particles are suitable for certain applications necessitating rigorous operating conditions, given the enhanced properties of the coated samples.
REVERSE ENGINEERING OF THE METAL SPINNING PROCESS FOR CONICAL ANGLE 163° USING FEM WITH SIMUFACT FORMING
Authors:   Łukasiewicz Research Network Poznan Institute of Technology, 6 Ewarysta Estkowskiego St., Poznań, 61-755, Wielkopolska, Poland, Gądek Tomasz , Majewski Marcin ,   Łukasiewicz Research Network Poznan Institute of Technology, 6 Ewarysta Estkowskiego St., Poznań, 61-755, Wielkopolska, Poland, Sułek Bartosz ,   Łukasiewicz Research Network Poznan Institute of Technology, 6 Ewarysta Estkowskiego St., Poznań, 61-755, Wielkopolska, Poland
Published: January 2025

The process of metal spinning is performed based on years of experience and empirical research. For workpieces with complex shapes, this is a problematic and time-consuming task. The use of numerical studies is intended to ease the design of the metal spinning process. This article presents the results of shaping a conical product with an angle of 163° for two materials: AA 1050A and DC04 steel. The work under laboratory conditions was carried out using the MWS 200 machine. FEM simulations were performed in the Simufact Forming program. The testing methodology consisted of 4 consecutive stages. First, the spinning process was carried out with AA 1050A material. Second, boundary conditions were selected for FEM simulation. The third, spinning FEM tests were performed for DC04 steel. The fourth, metal spinning process tests were performed with DC04 steel. The influence of selected process parameters on the obtained product and the correlation with FEM studies are described. The results obtained showed that the discrepancy between laboratory and numerical tests is dependent on the material tested and its mechanical properties. In the case of aluminum, which is easier to form, it was possible to use an identical trajectory of the forming roll with an accuracy of 2.25%. As the mechanical parameters of the material increase, the differences between laboratory and numerical results increase. Consequently, a gap correction was necessary to achieve convergence. The value of the trajectory correction was determined by comparing the laboratory results obtained with the numerical results. The introduction of the correction resulted in a convergence between FEM and laboratory tests of 2.06%.
IMPROVED MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF DEGRADED
WOODEN BEAMS
Authors:   ”Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi-Romania, Department of Concrete, Materials, Technology and Management, Blvd. Mangeron, No. 1, 700050, Iasi, Romania, Petrescu Tudor-Cristian , Sococol Ion ,   ”Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi-Romania, Department of Concrete, Materials, Technology and Management, Blvd. Mangeron, No. 1, 700050, Iasi, Romania, Mihai Petru ,   ”Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi-Romania, Department of Concrete, Materials, Technology and Management, Blvd. Mangeron, No. 1, 700050, Iasi, Romania, Babor Dănuț-Traian ,   ”Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi-Romania, Department of Concrete, Materials, Technology and Management, Blvd. Mangeron, No. 1, 700050, Iasi, Romania
Published: January 2025

The construction industry has long been recognized as one of the major contributors to environmental pollution. Due to the industrial processes employed for the obtainment of building materials (which oftentimes involve the burning of non-renewable fossil fuels), as well as due to the specific building activities, the construction sector accounts for a staggering 37% of global emissions. The need for eco-friendly, sustainable solutions to mitigate the environmental impact is clear. One possible solution is to make use of new, eco-friendly and (as much as possible) biodegradable materials in the construction industry. One such material is generically known as “liquid wood”. This is a (up to 100% biodegradable) biopolymeric composite material. It is also thermo-injectable (can be used in injection molding). The present paper analyzes the possible employment of one such recipe of “liquid wood” – known as Arboblend V2 Nature – in the context of its usage as a rehabilitation material for degraded timber beams. For the purpose of this study, a total of fifteen timber beams have been prepared. Out of them, twelve beams have been intentionally weakened and then rehabilitated by using Arboblend V2 Nature and three have been kept as reference samples. They have then been subjected to the three-point bending test, one of the most common types of loading scenarios commonly occurring on beams. The results were encouraging, in the sense that the material did not fail before the timber itself and it has proven that it can take over loads successfully. However, some issues were encountered with respect to the adhesion/interface between “liquid wood” and timber, which require further investigation.
IMPACT OF LOCAL PLASTIC DEFORMATION ON FATIGUE LIFE AND STRENGTH OF 2024-T3 ALUMINUM ALLOY NOTCHED SPECIMENS
Authors:   ” Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi-Romania, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics and Robotics, Bulevardul Dimitrie Mangeron 67, Iași, 700050, Romania, Blanari Igor , Cazan Stelian ,   ” Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi-Romania, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics and Robotics, Bulevardul Dimitrie Mangeron 67, Iași, 700050, Romania, Samara Fayez ,   ” Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi-Romania, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics and Robotics, Bulevardul Dimitrie Mangeron 67, Iași, 700050, Romania, Goanță Viorel ,   ” Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi-Romania, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics and Robotics, Bulevardul Dimitrie Mangeron 67, Iași, 700050, Romania
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the impact of local plastic deformation on the fatigue life and strength of 2024-T3 aluminum notched specimens. Fatigue tests were performed under constant amplitude loading on both undeformed and plastically deformed specimens. The results indicated that significant plastic deformation induces numerous microcracks, reducing crack initiation time and shortening fatigue life, particularly near the fatigue limit. Fractographic analysis revealed a higher density of microcracks in pre-stretched specimens. Finite element analysis showed that residual compressive stresses delay crack initiation under high applied stresses. Additionally, fatigue tests on cold-expanded holes demonstrated improvements in fatigue resistance, with elliptical mandrels outperforming circular ones. The longitudinal orientation exhibited higher fatigue resistance than the transverse orientation for untreated holes. The beneficial effects of cold expansion were consistent regardless of the loading direction. These findings illustrate the influence of plastic deformation on fatigue life by altering crack initiation and propagation mechanisms, providing insights into discrepancies observed with different surface preparation methods.
INCREASE OF FROST RESISTANCE OF CLAY MASONRY UNITS WITH CONSTRUCTION DEMOLITION WASTE ADDITION: A CASE STUDY
Authors:   “Institute for testing of materials”, Bulevar vojvode Mišića 43, 1100 Belgrade, Serbia, Vasić Milos , Vorkapić Milos ,   University of Belgrade, Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, Njegoševa 12, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia, Bojović Dragan ,   “Institute for testing of materials”, Bulevar vojvode Mišića 43, 1100 Belgrade, Serbia
Published: January 2025

This paper fits into Goal 12 of the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals and promotes the green agenda and circular economy demands. The granulated construction and demolition waste (CDW) was added into the raw clay material and laboratory masonry clay elements (hollow block and brick) were extruded, dried and fired. The XRD, DTA, dilatometry, pore size distribution and sieve test were used for material characterization. The influence of CDW addition on plasticity, drying sensitivity as well as green and fired products characteristics and frost resistance of masonry clay units was investigated. The standard EN 772-22 and ASTM C 1167-03 were used respectively as a direct and indirect test method for the evaluation of frost resistance. Results are indicating that the addition of cheap CWD, which is available in large quantities and until now was not used in ceramic masonry industry, can affectively adapt the pore size distribution of the final product and lead to the excellent frost resistance properties at lower firing temperatures. Registered decrease of mechanical properties has not compromised the application of this products in load bearing walls since the compressive strengths were still larger than the limiting one for products intended use.
TRIBOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF CLOSED-SHAPED GEOMETRIES GENERATED WITH LASER SURFACE TEXTURING UNDER SLIDING CONDITIONS
Authors:   Universidad de Monterrey, Mechanical Engineering and Electronic Department, Av. Morones Prieto 4500 Pte., San Pedro Garza García, N. L, 66238, México, Garcia Santiago Torres , Berdeal Eduardo ,   Universidad de Monterrey, Mechanical Engineering and Electronic Department, Av. Morones Prieto 4500 Pte., San Pedro Garza García, N. L, 66238, México, Díaz Andrés ,   Universidad de Monterrey, Mechanical Engineering and Electronic Department, Av. Morones Prieto 4500 Pte., San Pedro Garza García, N. L, 66238, México, Paras Laura Peña ,   Universidad de Monterrey, Mechanical Engineering and Electronic Department, Av. Morones Prieto 4500 Pte., San Pedro Garza García, N. L, 66238, México, Cortes Demófilo Maldonado ,   Universidad de Monterrey, Mechanical Engineering and Electronic Department, Av. Morones Prieto 4500 Pte., San Pedro Garza García, N. L, 66238, México
Published: January 2025

Machining is one of the most common industrial techniques to produce components: it consists of removing material from a workpiece to a specific size or shape. One drawback of machining processes is that they tend to generate friction, heat and wear on cutting tools, which is usually associated with a low tool lifetime: this comes with high costs and low productivity, which in turn generates economic and ecological issues. One possible solution for these drawbacks is laser surface texturing (LST), a type of surface engineering technique which consists of creating micro or nano-cavities on the surface of the material to exposed to high-pressure contacts with the purpose of reducing friction and wear. LST parameters, such as geometry, density and depth, play an important role on tribological performance. This research focused on comparing and evaluating the coefficient of friction (COF) and wear of different closed-shaped textured geometries generated by LST, which included dimples or circles, hexagons and “benzene-shaped” figures. The purpose was to determine which of these three geometries presents best tribological performance under applied pressures. Tribological testing was performed with a T-05 block-on-ring tribotester under sliding conditions applying constant pressure (50 MPa) at 800 rpm and using a formulated commercial lubricant. Blocks of 1018 steel blocks were textured with the selected geometries. The results show that for under the selected testing conditions, hexagons and benzenes reduced COF by 20% and 34%, respectively, while hexagons had the lowest wear compared to untextured samples (70%). In future studies and applications, these results could potentially increase the lifetime of cutting tools employed for milling processes, which could reduce production costs and ecological impact.
ANALYSIS OF PROCESS PARAMETERS ON SPATTER AND DROSS IN PLASMA ARC CUTTING
Authors:   Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia,
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia, Azlan Ira Fatin , Ismail Mohd Idris Shah ,   Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia,
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia, Samin Razali ,   Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia,
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Published: January 2025

Plasma arc cutting (PAC) process has advantages such as the ability to cut all electrically conductive materials and to cut various steel materials with medium and large thicknesses. It is also used in the cutting of high-strength structural steel with lower heat input and has a high cutting speed compared to the conventional machining process. In this present work, the spatter and dross formation on S275JR mild carbon steel with a thickness of 5 mm by plasma arc cutting were experimentally investigated. Cutting speed (1000 - 1500 min/min), arc current (90 - 110 A), and stand-off distance (2.5 – 4.5 mm) were selected as cutting parameters with three levels for each parameter. The gas pressure and nozzle diameter were kept constant at 6 bar and 1.5 mm, respectively. Following the completion of the PAC process, the observation and measurement of the spatter and dross were conducted using a digital microscope. The results showed that spatter formation was more prominent near the cut edge or kerf, especially when using a higher stand-off distance. As for the dross formation, the results show maximum length is 1.741 mm and the minimum height is 1.192 mm. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) method is employed to statistically analyse the results and shows the cutting speed and SOD are the most statistically significant. For minimizing dross formation, low arc current, higher levels of cutting speed and stand-off distance should be utilized.
SMART REVERSIBLE PLOW CONCEPT, DESIGN AND PROTOTYPE
Authors:   National University of Science and Technology Politehnica of Bucharest, Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Robotics
Splaiul Independentei 313, 060042 Bucharest, Romania, Roşu Maria-Magdalena , Niţu Cristina-Marilena ,   Romanian Academy, Institute of Solid Mechanics
 Constantin Mille 15, 010141 Bucharest, Romania, Iliescu Mihaiela ,   Romanian Academy, Institute of Solid Mechanics
 Constantin Mille 15, 010141 Bucharest, Romania
Published: January 2025

This paper is aimed to evidence relevant aspects on the concept and design of an innovative smart multiple furrows reversible plow. Innovation in plow concept is ensured by the command and control system for measuring air / soil temperature and soil humidity in-situ, so that based on these data the depth the mouldboard should dig the furrows to is automatically set. Another innovative aspect is that assisted by three laser sensors, the furrow depth and turned over soil height are also determined in-situ. Aspects of prototyping the plow are also evidenced, specially focusing on manufacturing some of its mechanical components by planning and optimization the production process. Testing the prototype for in-situ measuring of furrow depth and the results obtained are also evidenced. This research has as background a Technology Transfer Contract, so that the most important consequence of results stands in smart reversible plow further commercialization by SME partner.
Loess Degradation and Improvement Measures
Authors: Lei Na , Zhang Jinyang
Published: January 2025

Loess is a special soil type, widely distributed in our country. However, due to the influence of natural factors and human activities, loess has degraded, which has a negative impact on ecological environment, agricultural production and many other aspects. This paper elaborated the manifestations of loess degradation, such as soil erosion, fertility decline, soil structure destruction, etc., deeply analyzed the natural factors (including precipitation, wind power, terrain, etc.) and human factors (such as unreasonable land use, over-reclamation, overgrazing, etc.) leading to loess degradation, and proposed a series of improvement measures to address these problems. It includes engineering measures, biological measures and agricultural technology measures, aiming at providing theoretical basis and practical guidance for ecological protection and sustainable development of loess area.
منتخب کتب تصوف کی روشنی میں صوفیاء کے عقیدہ توحید اور اصول عقائد کا تحقیقی جائزہ
Authors: Naveed Muhammad , Khakwani Muhammad Baqir Khan
Published: January 2025

This research article explores the central role of the doctrine of Faith of monotheism and its principles as presented in selected Sufi texts. The study demonstrates that the beliefs of the Sufis, particularly Tawhid and its principles, are derived from the Qur'an and Sunnah, with no elements conflicting with Islamic teachings. These texts make a concerted effort to align Sufi teachings with traditional Islamic beliefs. The article concludes that Sufi doctrines are fully consistent with Islamic teachings, deeply rooted in the Qur'an and Sunnah. Various aspects of Tawhid are clarified in these texts, and the study argues against the notion that Sufi beliefs are un-Islamic. Ultimately, these works validate Sufi beliefs as authentic and in harmony with Islamic teachings.
برصغیر میں مطالعہ مسیحیت کی روایت کا آغاز وارتقاء
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Mustafa , Raza Muhammad Hamid
Published: January 2025

Before understanding the advent and spread of Christianity in India, it is necessary to understand what religion are Christianity.What are its basic ideas? Therefore, first of all, the basic ideas and history of Christianity will be presented briefly, because the correct way to understand a religion is to understand it directly from the people of the religion, so it will be an attempt not to attribute anything to Christianity without reference to Christian scholars themselves, and since the purpose of this is only to understand Christianity, No theory of religion will be commented upon, but only information related to its basic ideas and history will be discussed, and studying Christianity by Muslims in the subcontinent, it is important to know how Christianity reached the subcontinent and then how it established its foothold in this area and how it achieved so much progress here. In the beginning of the year, Alexandria was the largest trading city in the world, Indian merchants who went to Alexandria to trade silk and pearls, and on their return brought with them a collection of books of Mustan to India. In the early 2nd century, some Indian merchants wrote a letter to Bishop Demetry Youss of Alexandria, asking him to send a capable man to India for the tabalgar mastay, so he sent the Pontius priest, who was one of the most capable people of his time; to India and that he was the "first missionary" in India. How the British spent their energies in the spread of Christianity in the subcontinent and adopted every means that could promote Christianity, from the army of priests and missionaries to the misuse of government power and from books to magazines and newspapers and from public preaching to debate, they adopted every method by which Christianity could be spread. But Muslim scholars also continued to observe this whole situation closely and they not only closed the siege in front of the growing storm of Christianity on every front in defense of Islam, but also reined in this vicious ness and held it in such a way that they did not give it a chance to rise again.
DECLARATION OF ABANDONED CHILDREN’S LINEAGE THROUGH CLAIM: ANALYTICAL STUDY OF JURISTIC APPROACHES
Authors: Naseem Naseem Mahmood
Published: January 2025

Abandoned children are the neglected figure of any human society and their family identity is the major problem in their life. Lineage of any child may be proved through the legitimate bed relationship of husband and wife, acknowledgement or appropriation, evidences, aesthetic and claim etc. This research paper is the discussion about proof of lineage through claim. Claim for this purpose may be form one or more men or from two or more women. Also it may be from married or unmarried women. Every kind of the claim has its effects and consequences. Different juristic approaches along with their arguments have been discussed to provide the proper solution for the problem of proving the lineage of abandoned children through claim.
قدرتی آفات میں ایف جی آر ایف کی سرگرمیوں کا جائزہ
Authors: Ali Babar
Published: January 2025

Dawat-e-Islami is a prominent international welfare organization that has provided critical support to individuals during challenging times. Established in Pakistan in 1981 by Maulana Ilyas Attar Qadri, widely recognized as the Ameer of Dawat-e-Islami, this organization aims to uplift communities by disseminating the teachings of Islam and promoting the Sunnah.This article examines the social services rendered by Dawat-e-Islami in response to the economic hardships exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. It will explore (1) the organization's objectives and mission, (2) its pivotal role in enhancing societal well-being, (3) the initiatives and goals of the Faizan Global Relief Foundation during the pandemic, and (4) the assessment of its social impact. The discourse is presented in a comprehensive and analytical manner.
Student Behaviors in College Admissions: A Survey of Agent-Based Models .
Authors: Assayed Suha Khalil , Alsayed Sana'a
Published: January 2025

The process of selecting colleges and securing admissions is influenced by numerous elements, particularly academic performance, behavioral tendencies, and equity considerations. Academic metrics such as high school grades and standardized exam results often form the cornerstone of admission criteria. However, behavioral factors, including decision-making styles, personal motivations, and self-image, play an equally critical role in shaping students' application choices. For instance, while some students may aspire to enroll in elite universities, others, constrained by financial limitations or self-imposed doubts, might opt for less competitive institutions. Social influences, access to advisory resources like school counselors, and awareness of the admissions process further shape students' choices and behaviors. Students from underserved or marginalized communities often face additional hurdles, leading them to prioritize institutions based on proximity, affordability, or program flexibility that aligns with their unique needs. This paper explores agent-based modeling techniques adopted by international universities to study secondary education pathways and student behaviors in the context of admissions. By examining these models, the research highlights how they simulate complex decision-making processes and systemic interactions to foster equitable practices in university admissions. Emphasizing behavioral dimensions, these models underscore the importance of creating fairer systems that address the diverse needs and aspirations of students while promoting inclusivity and justice in higher education.
THE MAMLUK SCHOLAR HASAN B. ABĪ BAKR AL-MAQDISĪ’S METHOD OF UNDERSTANDING RÜ'YATULLAH
Authors: Yalcinkaya Emin
Published: January 2025

The theological scholar al-Maqdisī lived in the fifteenth century during the Mamluk period, a period of great scholarship in every aspect of scientific life.  Although two of his works have survived to the present day, his only commentary on Bahr al-Kalām, entitled Gāyat al-Marām fī Sharḥ Bahr al-Kalām, is very important in terms of providing information about his understanding of theology and that of his period. In this study, al-Maqdisī's views on the issue of rü'yatullah will be analyzed in the context of Ghāyat al-Marām. In our country, it is seen that the studies on Mamluk scholarly life and especially the understanding of theology of this period are not at a sufficient level; however, it is known that academic works have been written and symposiums have been held in recent years. For this reason, our study aims to fill the gap in the literature on this field by showing what kind of a structure theology had in the Mamluks from the perspective of al-Maqdisī. Our article will be based primarily on the commentary entitled Ghāyat al-Marām, since it contains al-Maqdisī's views.  In addition, for a better understanding of the subject, the views of the Māturīdī theological scholars who lived in the Mutaqaddimūn and Maturkhirūn periods will be included. In his commentary, al-Maqdisī explains the issue of rü'yatullah by taking the classical Māturīdī view into account; however, since he lived in the Maturahkhirūn period, it has been determined that he provided a better understanding of the subject by frequently referring to logical propositions. Especially in the subject we are studying, the verses cited as evidence are explained by logical arguments. As a result, the fact that he wrote his work with such a point of view at a time when logic and philosophy were distant reveals that he went to a different type of writing than other scholars.