bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Description of Uraecha nigromaculata sp. n. (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae) from Guizhou, China
Authors: Liang Sheng , Guo Liang , Yang Weicheng , Yang Shulin
Published: May 2023

The genus Uraecha Thomson, 1864 is an Asiatic genus. In China, Uraecha angusta (Pascoe, 1856) is the most common species and it is widely distributed in the southern part of the country. Two species, U. angusta and Uraecha obliquefasciata Chiang, 1951, are distributed in Guizhou Province of China. The type locality of the latter is Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province.

Uraecha nigromaculatasp. n. is described and illustrated. A diagnosis is presented to distinguish this species from its close relatives. It is the third species of the genus Uraecha reported from Guizhou Province.
Intacs and Topography-Guided Photorefractive Keratectomy for Treatment of Incomplete LASIK Flap-Induced Irregular Corneal Topography: A Case Report
Authors: Yu Austin S. , Hersh Peter S. , Gelles John D. , Greenstein Steven A.
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

To report a case of irregular corneal astigmatism and decreased visual function secondary to excimer ablation over an incomplete laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flap treated with Intacs (CorneaGen) implantation and topography-guided (TG-PRK) and wavefront-optimized (WF-PRK) photorefractive keratectomy.

Methods:

The patient underwent Intacs implantation, TG-PRK, and WF-PRK enhancement in the right eye, with 4 to 6 months between procedures. Principal outcomes included uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuity, manifest refraction, topographic maximum keratometry, and inferior-superior value.

Results:

UDVA changed from 20/40 to 20/100 after Intacs implantation, but improved to 20/50 after TG-PRK and 20/25 at 4 months after WF-PRK. CDVA declined from 20/40 to 20/50 after Intacs implantation, but improved to 20/20 after TG-PRK and 20/15 after WF-PRK. Overall, maximum keratometry flattened from 53.20 to 47.00 diopters (D) and inferior-superior value improved from 11.60 to 2.40 D.

Conclusions:

This case illustrates the successful use of sequential Intacs implantation and TG-PRK after an irregular LASIK ablation to improve irregular astigmatism and loss of visual function.

[
Journal of Refractive Surgery Case Reports.
2023;3(2):e14–e18.]
Promoting Independent Literacy for ASL Readers With Disabilities
Authors: Luft Pamela
Published: May 2023

This chapter presents instructional strategies designed to cognitively engage and empower DHH students with disabilities who use American Sign Language. These strategies build on psycholinguistic abilities that each student brings to the reading task. Skills are developed through teacher scaffolding and modeling, to demonstrate effective decision-making for decoding and meaning-making. Students engage in a continuum of practices that increase their participation in the reading process through a gradual release of responsibility. These strategies are applied to several DHH students with disabilities. The first two were observed across several years, providing evidence of their reading improvement and their learning trajectories to support more accurate future planning. Each student's reading is examined using the miscue procedure and a scored retelling. Based on these results, reading strategies are identified to address key areas of need that enhance their competence and reading independence. The chapter concludes with how these practices promote high expectations and achievement.
Recent Trends in Accounting Research
Authors: Albuquerque Fábio , dos Santos Paula Gomes
Published: May 2023

Accounting has been evolving to follow the latest developments in economic, political, social, and technological matters. Therefore, there is a need for researchers to also include in their research agenda the emerging topics in the accounting area. This chapter uses archival research as a method and content analysis as a technique to review the literature in accounting research. A top journal in accounting (The Journal of Accounting Research) is used as the source of information from 2000 to 2022, aiming to cover more generalist research topics in this area. The findings indicate that this journal is accessible to the newest discussions and topics. Notwithstanding, their emergence as a research matter seems to be slower or less evident than their apparent development in the accounting environment. Despite being limited to a single journal, the proposed analysis in this chapter may contribute to professionals, academia, and the scientific community overall, enabling the identification of the state of the art in the accounting research area.
Normative Guidelines and Financial Disclosure
Authors: Sena Thiago Rios , de Santana Junior Jorge Luiz , de Freitas Sheizi Calheira
Published: May 2023

Accounting communication has attracted substantial attention in the last decade since several regulators issued guidelines that aim to increase financial reporting quality. In this chapter, the authors aim to study the association between the issuance of the technical guidance 07 (OCPC 07) by the Brazilian Accounting Standard Committee (CPC) and the readability of notes to the financial statements of Brazilian public firms. The authors use a multiple linear regression of panel data, controlling by industry and year fixed effect. The results suggest that there is no significant change in the average readability of financial notes after the issuance of OCPC 07. The authors contribute with additional disclosure to accounting literature by collecting empirical evidence on the relationship between the publication of normative guidance and accounting evidence. Moreover, these results may contribute to regulatory decisions made by regulatory agencies, which are certainly among the main stakeholders in the impacts caused by the issuance of norms and guiding the preparation and disclosure of economic-financial information.
The Impact of Auditor Rotation on Key Audit Matters (KAM)
Authors: Barreiro Rodrigues Maria Albertina , Martinho Carla , Alves Gabriel Correia , Ferreira Miguel Ângelo Ribeiro Ladislau
Published: May 2023

One of the measures that emerged within the scope of the European audit reform was the report of key audit matters (KAM) with the objective of providing greater transparency in the auditor's reports. In 2015 the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) approved the international standard on auditing (ISA) 701- Communicating KAM in the independent auditor's report. This chapter aims to analyse the evolution of the KAM report, in companies listed on Euronext Lisbon, from 2016 to 2019, and the impact of auditor rotation on that report. For this purpose, a mixed methodology was used with the KAM categorization followed by descriptive statistics. Through the research developed about the evolution of the report, it has been concluded that there was a decrease in the number of KAM reported during the period and that the majority of KAM reported each year are reported again in the following year. Regarding the impact that the audit firm change may have on KAM report, it was not possible to make a direct relationship between the audit firm change and KAM report.
A Clustering Analysis to Identify the Performance of Food and Grocery Retail Companies Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Erdem Mehmet
Published: May 2023

Food and grocery retail companies have a significant economic impact on local economies by creating jobs and providing daily needs of customers. The Covid-19 pandemic affects the food and grocery retail sector. Growing population, changing customer demands, and increasing competition are the main challenges in this sector. Hence, these problems have influenced the operational performance of the companies. Within the scope of the study, companies operating in Borsa Istanbul and having a widespread network in Turkiye were selected. In this study, the activities of the aforementioned companies for the years 2012-2020 were analyzed, and their performances before and during the pandemic were compared by means of the clustering method. Hence, a series of financial indicators such as liquidity ratios, efficiency ratios, solvency ratios, and profitability ratios were taken into account for this sector. The results also demonstrate that the companies with a high number of branches and good stock management continue their activities in the Covid-19.
How to Implement the Supply Chain Digital Segmentation Strategy Successfully
Authors: Sabri Ehap H.
Published: May 2023

Global supply chains, specificity, diversified product portfolios and different customers delivery requirements, COVID's lasting impact, disruptive environments, and digitization innovations are creating more and more complexity in supply chains. The purpose of this book chapter is to explore the factors that impact digital supply chain segmentation and provide a best practice transformation approach to ensure a successful implementation of the strategy. The chapter includes a literature review of supply chain segmentation and the application of relevant segmentation transformation steps to specific case studies. Supply chain digital segmentation strategy presents huge opportunities that are being tapped by very few companies who achieved significant benefits and gained competitive advantage. The chapter provides a practical and proven supply chain digital segmentation framework for companies who are about to take the segmentation transformation journey.
Value of Decision Speed in Delivering Supply Chain Benefits
Authors: Levy Mark T.
Published: May 2023

This chapter describes the challenges faced in achieving effective cross-functional decision making and quantifies the value of speed in supply chain decisions with a specific focus on determining the best supply plan in an outsourced manufacturing environment. The analysis presented uses a supply chain simulation model that helped achieve best-in-class supply chain results in the field. Practitioners can use this analysis to inform their supply chain transformation business cases and improve their probability of successful implementation by proactively addressing the transformation challenges described to accelerate cross-functional decision making.
Capacity Planning
Authors: Gupta Amit
Published: May 2023

This chapter highlights the need for capacity planning to meet the demand in the post-pandemic world and identifies key challenges that companies face. Following that, the chapter establishes five levels of capacity planning – Strategic Capacity Planning, Annual Budget Planning, Rough Cut Capacity Planning, Capacity Requirement Planning, and Detailed Production Planning. Each level of capacity planning is explained in detail with examples. Finally, the chapter defines a maturity model to understand gaps in the current process and concludes with an implementation roadmap.
Augmenting Capabilities of Advanced Planning and Scheduling Systems With Curated IIoT Data
Authors: Mate Amol , Vishwasrao Rohan
Published: May 2023

Supply continuity is being challenged at every stage of the supply chain, with changing workforce dynamics, natural events, and consumer buying patterns. These changes in the operating environment are continuously introducing inefficiencies into the supply chains, and are putting pressure on costs to serve. Even during the pre-pandemic era, execution adherence to plans generated by advanced planning and scheduling systems (APS) was not more than 50%. Rapid evolution of emerging technologies accelerates digitization of supply chains and provides opportunities to enable paradigm shifts in supply chain planning. Integration of planning software with industrial internet of things (IIoT) platforms, which collect real-time data across the value chain, can drive the next level of supply chain optimization. In this chapter, the authors provide specific recommendations, to extracting maximum value from APS systems by addressing some limitations, for example, out-of-sync master data and lack of real-time transactional data, by using curated data feeds from the IIoT platforms to augments APS capabilities.
Supply Chain Visibility
Authors: Sinha Satyam
Published: May 2023

This chapter will assist the stakeholders in their digital transformation journey for implementing a visibility solution. It will touch upon the broader need for Supply Chain Visibility in large organizations. A problem-solution approach will be followed. The problem of not having a single placeholder for visibility and tracking will be highlighted. A solution will be described in detail. A couple of solutions will be proposed. The process to implement a home-grown control tower solution will be explained. Another technology Driven SCV process with a focus on real-time data sharing will be proposed. This solution will be complemented with intelligent decision making using the latest technologies like IOT and AI. Use cases will be shared for both the approaches. A generic supply chain visibility framework with a high level of technical details will be shared. The Change Management process will be explained in detail and a process for efficient collaboration between various stakeholders will be shared.
The Role of Internet of Things and Blockchain in the Development of Agile and Sustainable Supply Chains
Authors: Nozari Hamed , Ghahremani-Nahr Javid , Najafi Esmaeil
Published: May 2023

Achieving customer satisfaction requires seamless collaboration and coordination across the value chain of suppliers, manufacturers, regulators, logistics service providers, and retailers. At the same time, disruption in the supply chain causes increased costs, and, more importantly, lost revenue. Therefore, organizations are looking for transparency, flexibility, and agility in their supply chains. The internet of things and blockchain, as a part of efficient technologies in supply chains of organizations, build trust, transparency, and consensus among all stakeholders, creating benefits for every actor and ensuring flexible business outcomes .Due to the increasing importance of these technologies in today's world and the integration of these tools in all business processes, in this research, the dimensions, components, and vital indicators affecting the creation of a smart and efficient supply chain with high reliability and has been assessed as having strong resilience. Finally, the structure of a smart supply chain is shown by the interaction of these transformative technologies.
FinTech and Artificial Intelligence in Relationship Banking and Computer Technology
Authors: Jain Vipin , Rastogi Mohit , Ramesh J. V. N. , Chauhan Anshu , Agarwal Pankhuri , Pramanik Sabyasachi , Gupta Ankur
Published: May 2023

Banks cannot afford to be complacent in their operations. Due to the dramatic changes brought about by improvements in computer technology (IT) as well as competitive intensity from FinTech businesses, they must re-evaluate their competing advantages. A major point of emphasis in this essay is that banks must not abandon relationship banking that encourages direct interaction with bank clients. Orienting relationship banking on the long term simplifies incentives while also supporting bank clients' long-term requirements and objectives. However, because to the availability of IT-driven economy of scale as well as rivalry by FinTech start-ups and IT corporations, banks may be tempted to enter the transaction banking business. In this context, the paper evaluates the importance of distance, AI, and behavioural inclinations in the decision-making process. The suggestions for banking stability are analyzed in detail. The authors believe that relationship banking has the potential to reduce its disadvantages, but it should conform to the newer facts to flourish.
Smart Healthcare Application Implementation of AI and Blockchain Technology
Authors: Kumar B. Satheesh , Kumar K. Sampath
Published: May 2023

Patients can control, share, and manage their health records with family, friends, and healthcare professionals utilizing electronic health records (EHRs), which use an open channel, or the Internet. When a lot of data is available, DL methods show promise in these health applications. A distributed blockchain-based IoT system would benefit greatly from these ideas. This research proposes novel technique in Healthcare Data Based Feature Selection and Classification Using Blockchain and Machine Learning Architectures. The network has been secured using centralized blockchain sensor network. Here the input sensor-based healthcare data has been collected and processed for noise removal and smoothening. Then the processed data feature has been selected using Greedy Mixed Forward Colony Optimization feature selection. The suggested framework's superiority is supported by security research and experimental findings using the IoT-Botnet and ToN-IoT datasets. Proposed technique attained acc of 95%, precision of 85%, recall of 76%, F1 score of 63%, sec rate of 95%, DT Rate of 85%.
Digital Innovation in Healthcare
Authors: Moulay Bouabdellah
Published: May 2023

Digital innovation is an ongoing strategy that has drastically transformed businesses, communications, economies, and other facets of daily life. One of the domains that has seen a major technological shift is the healthcare system. This much needed change is encouraged and supported as it brings a plethora of merits for both workers and patients. However, numerous experts strongly believe that healthcare's digital transformation still has pitfalls to be dealt with. The transition to digital transformation is a difficult task because of healthcare's reliance on legacy technologies, as well as serious regulatory problems and security issues. This is why the aim of this research is to define digital healthcare and the most recent innovations to emerge from it. In addition to that, this research will highlight the challenges hindering digital healthcare from reaching peak performance and suggest some possible solutions for those as well. Finally, the authors think the results will be helpful in showcasing the major pitfalls of digital transformation in healthcare.
Artificial Intelligence in Health and Applications
Authors: Köse Aslı
Published: May 2023

Artificial intelligence technologies are tools that develop with the contribution of different disciplines from statistics to computer science. These tools contribute to the health sector in many ways, from reducing medical errors, especially in costs, to increasing the patient's accessibility to health services. In addition to the contributions of artificial intelligence technologies, there are ethical concerns and concerns about the use and dissemination of these technologies. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has supported the increase in the level of patient participation in healthcare processes and the transfer of personalized applications to digital environments. Within the scope of this research, artificial intelligence concepts and applications in the field of health will be included. The advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence applications in the field of health service delivery will be evaluated.
Aiming at Digital Health via mHealth Application for Generation Y Post-Pandemic Scenario
Authors: George Riya , Swathi S. , Thomas Reshma Rose , Sowmya A. C.  , Thomas Mary Rani
Published: May 2023

Medical and health products have become a part of our lives. A health-conscious society is the aftermath of the pandemic. The increasing role of technology has pushed people to online alternatives for medical services, progressing towards digital health. This research thus contributes to the nascent literature on the impact of mHealth apps and the consumption pattern in Bangalore in the post-pandemic scenario. This research investigates from the perspective of usage, privacy, and affordability of the mHealth apps. Results suggest that usage is positively affected by the affordability and privacy of these apps. Firstly, app developers could use the findings for different digital health marketing strategies and implementations for the mHealth app. Secondly, academics can look at other aspects such as the knowledge people possess regarding apps and their proficiency in accepting technology. Finally, the policy discussion makers can work on concerns of affordability and privacy to cater to the more significant population segment.
Public Awareness and Intention in Organ Donation Through Mobile Applications
Authors: Abdullah Siti Intan Nurdiana Wong , Teng Phuah Kit , Heng Bernard Lim Jit
Published: May 2023

In response to combatting COVID-19 and to ease the traceability of immunization, the Mysejahtera mobile application has been rolled out nationwide in Malaysia by the Ministry of Health. However, the usage of this application in public health has been decreasing as the pandemic situation becomes more manageable. Subsequently, new features including the pledge for organ donation have been introduced. Yet, the number of organ donors remain low. In supporting the growth of digital health, this study aims to determine the factors contributing to the awareness, attitude, and intention of Malaysians to register as organ donors in this application. A quantitative approach is applied, whereby purpose sampling is used. The sample size taken is 400 respondents, and structural equation modelling (SEM) method is utilised to validate the model. This study shed light on the public's awareness and their willingness to use mobile app for organ donation purposes. The result is expected to assist policymakers in developing effective strategies and to successfully manage organ donation in Mysejahtera.
Use of Mobile Phone Applications and Software for Effective Public Health Management
Authors: Zimenkovsky Andriy , Gutor Taras , Sichkoriz Orest , Kurianovych Oleksandr , Zaremba Natalia , Nepyivoda Oksana
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this chapter is to highlight the opportunities for digitizing important processes in the healthcare system to improve the efficiency of population health management. The introduction of these digital processes will increase patient satisfaction with the healthcare system, as well as provide a holistic outlook of patient health through access to data and give patients more control over their own health. Healthcare managers will also be using the developed internet applications to conduct clinical audits and monitor health problems in the administrative district. It is proposed to develop and use free internet applications and computer programs, namely 1) drug compatibility test online application, which is designed primarily for students; 2) electronic individual antenatal drug passport for a promising way to predict, prevent, and reduce the risk of allergic reactions; and 3) medical intelligence app using the artificial intelligence technologies to develop an individual educational trajectory for doctors and pharmacists.
Machine Learning-Based Arrhythmia Classification
Authors: Gautam Priyanka , Singh Manjeet , Mukindrao Bodile Roshan
Published: May 2023

The rising numbers of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have become a major health concern. Arrhythmia is a most deadly heart condition in all cardiovascular diseases. Thus, prompt and accurate diagnosis of patients with arrhythmia is important in preventing heart disease and sudden cardiac death. Arrhythmia can be detected by the presence on electrocardiogram (ECG) of an irregular heart electrical activity. The heart's electrical activity is recorded as an ECG signal which contains physiological and pathological information. Classification of the ECG signals is very important to automatically diagnose heart disease. This chapter addresses the various types of learning methods for automatically classifying different types of heart beats. Reported studies demonstrate that the convolutional neural network (CNN) model is supremely suggested for the classification of arrhythmia. The best classification accuracy of 99.88% is achieved by an ensemble of depthwise separable convolutional (DSC) neural networks.
Analysis of the potential reasons for repeated radiography: a study in a major hospital in south eastern Iran
Authors: Dahmarde Hamid , Abiri Marzieh , Sanei Sistani Sharareh
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Rejecting, removing and repeating the process of taking diagnostic X-ray images could lead to professional and moral challenges in the case of radiologic imaging. The aim of this study was to investigate the reason for repetitive imaging and the types of images mostly repeated. 

Methods

Radiographic images taken in this center in the first half of 1400 were evaluated. At the end of each week, repetitive images were referred to the researcher to analyze the frequency of repetitive radiographies and the causes.

Results

In this study, a total of 4916 radiographies taken in Ali Ibn-e-Abitibi Hospital during the first 6 months of the year 1400 were evaluated. Among 398 repetitive radiographies, 94 repetitions (23.62%) were due to inappropriate positioning, 92 repetitions (23.12%) were due to patient's movements, 56 repetitions (14.07%) were due to inadequate radiation, 51 repetitions (12.81%) were due to inadequate processing, 46 repetitions (11.56%) were due to inadequate preparation of the patient, and 59 repetitions(14.82 %) were due to other reasons

Conclusion

In this study, the rate of repetitive radiographies taken in Ali Ibn-e-Abi Talib Hospital was estimated as 8.10%, with the most common reason for repetitions being estimated inappropriate positioning. Considering the fact that repetitive radiography mostly depends on operator-related factors, it is recommended to repeat the study after educating staff in order to compare the rate and reason of repetition.
Fear of COVID-19 among critical care nurses of public hospitals in Lahore: empirical evidence during third wave
Authors: Nadeem Asma , Jabeen Rubina , Nazir Shehla , Haider Shahbaz
Published: May 2023

The world has seen a pandemic which disrupted the life. Till now there are aftershocks of the COVID-19 such as Omicron instilling fear among individuals. Healthcare staff is on alert specifically the nurses has suffered a lot mentally due to this issue by developing fatigue. The study conducted during deadly 3rd COVID-19 wave. The data were collected by developing the questionnaire of the previously validated measures related to the variables under study from nurses working in the intensive care unit, critical care unit and floor wards of COVID-19 at Services Hospital, Lahore. A total of 140 questionnaires were used for data analysis. The study used Statistical Package for Social Sciences for frequency and descriptive statistics. Whereas, the outcomes of fear of COVID-19 were assessed by using the latest Smart Partial Least Squares software which allows to assess the complex research frameworks. The results of the study revealed that the fear of COVID-19 results in poor quality of life among nurses and fatigue. Resilience among nurses can reduce the negative consequences but did not get the statistical support.
Spectra of pathogens predict lethality of blue light photo-inactivation
Authors: Harris David M.
Published: May 2023

Whole-cell spectra of human pathogens are examined to identify species-specific wavelengths of maximum light absorption. It is presented how these data relate to clinical efficacy for antimicrobial phototherapies. Twelve species of microorganisms were cultured to exponential growth then processed and suspended in a scattering solution. Diffuse reflectance from the sample was delivered to two spectrometers that covered a spectral range of 370nm to 1200nm. Reflectance spectra were converted to relative absorbance. Absorbance spectra from multiple trials were averaged to produce a representative spectrum for each species. All pathogens studied demonstrated an absorbance spectrum with a primary component in the range 405-426 nm and 1-4 secondary components in the range 445-636 nm. Antibiotic-resistant and antibiotic-sensitive strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) had identical absorbance spectra. Whole-cell spectra support the hypothesis that a pathogen’s absorbance is directly related to efficacy of photoinactivation. The spectral signatures in all pigmented bacteria tested appear to be that of various combinations of in situ porphyrins. The knowledge of the absorption spectrum of a given pathogen provides a logical start for selecting the appropriate light source for a clinical trial.
О близости распределения некоторой случайной величины к равновероятному распределению
Authors: Vatutin Vladimir Alekseevich
Published: May 2023

Пусть $b\geq 2$ и $N$ - натуральные числа, $X_{0},X_{1},\ldots,X_{n-1}$ - неоднородная последовательность независимых случайных величин, принимающих значения $0,1,\ldots,b-1,$ \begin{equation*} Y_{n}=X_{0}+bX_{1}+\ldots+X_{n-2}b^{n-2}+X_{n-1}b^{n-1} \end{equation*} и \begin{equation*} Z_{n}=Y_{n} mod N. \end{equation*} В предположении, что числа $b$ и $N$ взаимно просты, оценивается близость распределения случайной величины $Z_{n}$ к равновероятному распределению на множестве $\{0,1,\ldots,N-1\}.$
Условия асимптотической нормальности числа кратных повторений цепочек в помеченных полных деревьях и лесах
Authors: Mikhailov Vladimir Gavrilovich , Kruglov Vasilii Igorevich
Published: May 2023

Рассматриваются полные $q$-ичные корневые деревья высоты $H$, вершинам которых присвоены независимые случайные метки, выбранные из множества $\{1,2,\ldots, N\}$, и леса, составленные из таких деревьев. В обоих случаях изучается число наборов по $r\ge 2$ путей заданной длины $s$, для которых совпадают соответствующие $s$-цепочки меток вершин. Доказаны три теоремы, указывающие достаточные условия асимптотической нормальности рассматриваемых случайных величин при неограниченном увеличении высоты деревьев. Условия допускают рост параметров $s$ и $q$.
Ignition Source Current Thresholds in Cracked Fuel Tank
Tubing
Authors: Olson Richard
Published: May 2023

This paper describes lightning fuel ignition source test data on cracked aluminum
and hydraulic tubes. The tube test articles included several different types of
cracks and establish ignition source threshold current densities that exceed
what is expected in traditional aluminum fuel tanks for midsize business jets,
which notably are higher than typical current densities in larger Part 25
airplanes. Additionally, the fuel tube test data compared to ignition source
current thresholds associated with tube couplers and fittings show consideration
of cracks in the tubing will not typically be a critical factor in showing
compliance or determining design constraints.
Aluminum Alloy, Extruded Profiles 1.0Mg - 0.60Si - 0.28Cu - 0.20Cr (6061-T6) Solution and Precipitation Heat Treated
Authors:   AMS D Nonferrous Alloys Committee
Published: May 2023

This specification covers an aluminum alloy in the form of extruded profiles such as angles, channels, tees, zees, I-beams, and H-beams.
Aluminum Alloy, Sheet, and Plate 6.3Cu - 0.30Mn - 0.06Ti - 0.10V - 0.18Zr Solution and Precipitation Heat Treated (2219 -T81/-T851)
Authors:   AMS D Nonferrous Alloys Committee
Published: May 2023

This specification covers an aluminum alloy in the form of sheet and plate from 0.020 to 6.000 inches (0.51 to 152.40 mm), inclusive, in thickness (see 8.5).
Titanium Alloy, Bars, Wire, Forgings, and Rings 6.0Al - 4.0V Solution Heat Treated and Aged Modified Strength
Authors:   AMS G Titanium and Refractory Metals Committee
Published: May 2023

This specification covers a titanium alloy in the form of bars, wire, forgings, and flash welded rings 4.000 inches (101.60 mm) and under in nominal diameter or least distance between parallel sides and of stock for forging or flash welded rings of any size (see 8.6).
Passenger Reading Lights
Authors:   A-20C Interior Lighting
Published: May 2023

This document presents criteria for design and location of passenger reading lights in commercial aircraft. For LED reading light requirements, see ARP5873, titled: LED Passenger Reading Light Assembly.
Morphological characterisation of guava based on fruit traits in Taita Taveta County of Kenya
Authors: Ndoro L.L. , Omami E. , Chiveu C.J.
Published: May 2023

Guava (Psidium guajava) is a minor fruit in Kenya. The fruit exists in various flesh colours. There is, however, limited information on the influence of flesh colour on guava fruit morphological characteristics. Such information would be vital for processing of the fruit into various products and also form a basis for future breeding programmes. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of guava fruit flesh colour on fruit morphological characteristics. The study was conducted in three sub-counties, which are situated in different agro ecological zones; Wundanyi (Upper midland zone), Mwatate (Lower midland) and Voi (Inner lowland) in Taita Taveta County of Kenya. The various flesh colours domesticated include; red fleshed, white fleshed, pink fleshed and strawberry guava. Majority of the fruits sampled in Wundanyi were white fleshed (20%); while those sampled in Mwatate were red fleshed (29%). Strawberry guava recorded the least (3%). Strawberry guava differed significantly from white, pink and red fleshed in Mwatate and Voi regions recording the lowest values in fruit width, length, weight, endocarp thickness, pericarp thickness and number of seeds. Highest fruit weight was recorded by pink fleshed fruit (84.5 g) from Mwatate region; while the lowest 3.8 g was recorded by strawberry guava from Voi region. These variations are essential for future guava improvement programmes, targeting fruits for fresh consumption and industrial processing as well. Overall, red fleshed guava is fleshier and less seeded compared to the white and pink fleshed guavas thus more suitable for consumption both as a fresh fruit and making processed products.
Evaluation of the industrial potential of cassava based on pasting properties of cassava flour from Ugandan elite varieties
Authors: Nuwamanya E. , Kanaabi M. , Katungisa A. , Muhumuza N. , Lyatumi I. , Esuma W. , Kawuki R. , Baguma Y. , Atwijukire E.
Published: May 2023

The importance of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) as a source of bio-polymers and as an industrial crop is based on its adaptability for various end-uses and high productivity potential. Cassava’s transformation from its traditional uses, therefore, calls for application of targeted varieties with industrial specifications. Even cassava-based products require understanding of the variety based attributes. However, lack of information about cassava variety traits has limited targeting of different varieties or products for specific industrial uses. The objective of this study was to profile the released Ugandan cassava varieties for biochemical composition and critical industrial attributes. Dry matter content ranged from 30 to 38%, but was not a significantly different (P>0.05) variable among the cassava varieties. Starch yield to dry matter ratio ranged from 0.617 to 0.831, representing 61.7-83.1% starch recovery from different varieties. Flour pasting properties showed significant differences (P<0.05), especially in the time to attain peak viscosity and the time at which the initial rise in viscosity due to pasting was achieved. Pasting temperatures of the flour also ranged from 69-74°C and were within the recommended range for cassava based industrial products. Flour showed significant differences when the paste was cooled, especially for the setback (245-1410 cP) and final viscosities (3522-6730 cP). Pasting properties showed that Ugandan cassava varieties can be categorised into three distinct groups, and hence differ in suitability for various cassava flour-based applications. The observations from this study are important in developing a realistic variety use strategy, especially for niche industries. The observed variabilities can be used in two different ways; (i) selections in the current germplasm for a variety(ies) for specific industrial applications, and (ii) hybridisations within this existing germplasm and subsequent selection of new varieties with industry specific characteristics.
Relationships between diet and environmental parameters for cassava croaker in continental shelf waters of Côte D’Ivoire
Authors: Sylla S. , Tia C.B. , Djadji E.L.G. , Mobio A.B.H. , Kouamelan P.E.
Published: May 2023

Identifying the dietary niche of aquatic predators is essential to understanding the structure of aquatic ecosystems. Dietary analysis is key to formulation of a feeding strategy and the breadth of a predator’s diet. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diet of cassava croaker (Pseudotolithus senegalensis) off the Ivorian coast, characterised by different hydrological regimes, as an entry point for this species’ acclimation. Diets and feeding intensities of cassava croaker were evaluated through analysis of the stomach contents of fish collected monthly, off the Ivorian continental shelf water, during January 2014 to December 2015. A total of 1, 238 fish stomachs were analysed, 551 (44.50%) emptied and 687 (55.50%) contained preys. Six different prey species belonged to three groups, namely crustaceans, fishes and cephalopods and were identified as cassava croaker stomach contents. The preponderance index indicated that crustaceans were the main food of cassava croaker. Crustaceans dominated 85% frequency of occurrence. The diets varied significantly with fish size; young ones (months after) preyed on crustaceans; whereas larger fishes (LS > 20.45 cm) preyed on both crustaceans and fishes.
Institutional and organisational arrangements in relation to women actors in the rice parboiled innovation platform in north-east Benin
Authors: Alokpo E. , Zossou E. , Zoundji G.C. , Tossou R.C. , Vodouhe S.D.
Published: May 2023

To address the complex challenges affecting the parboiled rice value chain in Benin, an innovation platform (IP) was participatory implemented in the municipality of Malanville in Benin. This study analysed the institutional and organisational arrangements that arise from the establishment of this innovation platform. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and semi-structured and structured interviews were carried out at stakeholder level. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaires from 200 women rice farmers, selected through a stratified random sampling method. Results showed that the platform strengthened interactions between the different stakeholders to overcome institutional and organisational issues such as standardisation of parboiling practices and steps; access to credit and to remunerative market; standardisation of the variety of rice; and the organisation of women into groups. In terms of governance, the platform was vertically integrated. The leading actors had a monopoly on decision-making and resource management. The study suggests the promotion of the innovation platform approach, to enable small producers to overcome the obstacles that hinder good production.
Synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial studies, and molecular docking studies of transition metal complexes formed from a benzothiazole-based azo ligand
Authors: I. Al-Resayes Saud , J. Jarad Amer , M. M. Al-Zinkee Jinan , H. Al-Noor Taghreed , M. El-ajaily Marei , Abdalla Mohnad , Min Kim , Azam Mohammad , K.  Mohapatra Ranjan
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT. The azo ligand obtained from the diazotization reaction of 2-aminobenzothiazole and 4-nitroaniline yielded a novel series of complexes with Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) ions. The complexes were investigated using spectral techniques such as UV-Vis, FT-IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic analyses, LC-MS and atomic absorption spectrometry, electrical conductivity, and magnetic susceptibility. The molar ratio of the synthesized compounds was determined using the ligand exchange ratio, which revealed the metal-ligand ratios in the isolated complexes were 1:2. The synthesized complexes were tested for antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, C. albicans, and C. tropicalis bacterial species. Additionally, their binding affinities were predicted using molecular docking analysis, and their pharmacokinetic and drug-likeness properties were evaluated.

KEY WORDS: Azo ligand, Metal complexes, Antimicrobial studies, Molecular docking study

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(4), 931-944.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i4.10
Effect of chemical composition on the electrochemical and wear behavior of boron carbide reinforced copper composites
Authors: Albert T. , Prince Sahaya Sudherson D. , Kalaiselvan K. , Leema N.
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT. In this work, the Copper composites Cu-x wt. % B4C (x = 0, 5, 10, 15, 20) were fabricated for the metallurgical and mechanical property evaluation as per ASTM standards. The metallurgical characterization tests on the samples include x-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy with EDX. Further, pin-on-disc apparatus was used to investigate the tribological behavior of composite specimens. An SEM micrograph of the worn surface and wear debris, along with the Gwyddion software, has been used to discuss the wear mechanisms in detail. The Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) classifier model is also constructed to describe the wear behavior in more detail. The experimental results inferred that the addition of Boron carbide particles has enhanced the Copper's corrosion resistance in a 1 M HCl electrolyte solution from 30.34% to 74.2%, 75.08%, and 83.29% with B and C ions. Also, it significantly enhance the mechanical and tribological characteristics considerably.

 

KEY WORDS: Powder metallurgy, Cu-B4C, Gwyddion, Wear, Artificial Neural Network

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(4), 959-972.                                                              

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i4.12
Headspace GC/MS and LC/MS analysis of bioactive compounds from Gossypium barbadense L. stem and assessment of their antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities
Authors: M.D. El-Mesallamy Amani , I.M. El-Zaidy Mohamed , El-Telbany Mohamed , El-Garby Younes Mohamed , A.M Hussein Sahar
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT. In line with the global interest and demand in finding sustainable ways to the emerging antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities, our study highlights the unique chemical composition of G. barbadense stem. Petroleum ether extracts were analyzed via headspace-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (HS-GC/MS) revealing 48 compounds, thirteen major and accounting for 56.29% of total peak areas. By using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) identify 16 major phenolic compounds from the methanolic extract. Both petroleum ether and methanolic extracts were tested for antibacterial activity against four pathogenic bacterial strains (Escherichia coli ATCC10536, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC6538, Salmonella enterica ATCC 14028, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027) by using disk diffusion method. The antifungal activity against two fungal strains (Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus) was evaluated. The results were compared to the activity of ciprofloxacin as a stander. The in-vitro cytotoxic activity of the methanolic extract showed a potent effect against liver (HEPG2) with IC50 values (18.8±7.4 μg/mL) and moderate activity against colon (HCT116) and breast (MCF7) cancer.

 

KEY WORDS: Gossypium Barbadense L. Stem, Headspace/GC/MS, LC-ESI-MS, Bioactive compounds, Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic activities

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(4), 1021-1032.                                                           

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i4.17
Regression modelling for concentration dependent mass density and specific volume of aqueous surfactant solutions
Authors: Sivamani Selvaraju , Manganaan Ehilla Jeanifer , Banerjee Saikat , Vijayanand Manickam
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT. In the present work, mathematical models relating mass density and specific volume of solution with concentration for aqueous solutions of anionic (sodium lauryl sulfate - SLS) and cationic (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide - CTAB) surfactants (0-10% (w/w)) have been investigated. The experimental studies were performed to study the effect of solution concentration on mass density and specific volume of solution. Mass density increases, and specific volume decreases with an increase in solution concentration for both surfactants. Linear, quadratic, cubic, quartic, quintic, and exponential models were fitted to the experimental data to check the applicability. The models were validated based on the coefficient of determination (R2) and the sum of square of error (SSE) to be unity and zero, respectively. Modelling results reveal that the quintic model was fitted to study the effect of density on solution concentration for both surfactants.

 

KEY WORDS: Density, Surfactant, Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, Sodium lauryl sulfate, Modelling, Regression

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(4), 1047-1054.                                                           

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i4.19
Ratio derivative-zero crossing and successive derivative of ratio spectra for simultaneous determination of urea, creatinine, and uric acid in human urine samples
Authors: Khasraw Ali Dashty , Adil Fakhre Nabil , Mohameed Rasheed Chnar
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT. Two simple precise and accurate spectrophotometric techniques are developed for simultaneous determination of ternary mixture of urea, creatinine, and uric acid in humane urine sample. The first technique is a ratio derivative zero - crossing where measured urea at 216.61 nm, creatinine  at 260.56 nm, and uric acid at 283 nm. The second technique is a successive derivative of ratio spectra where urea, creatinine, and uric acid measured at 203 nm, 261 nm, and 283 nm, 287 nm, respectively. These procedures do not need separation. The proposed methods showed excellent linear range over the concentration ranges of 1.0–15.0 μg/mL, 1.0–16.0 μg/mL, and 2.0–15.0 μg/mL for urea, creatinine, and uric acid, respectively. The recoveries ranged from 97.10% to 101.9% for urea, 97.22% to102.70 % for creatinine, and 97.45% to102.55 % for uric acid with relative standard deviations less than 1.56% for urea, 3.87% for creatinine, and 3.71% for uric acid. The analytical eco-scale and green analytical procedure index tools were used to evaluate how the proposed procedures will affect the environment. The simultaneous quantification of urea, creatinine, and uric acid in human urine samples can be accomplished with remarkable effectiveness by using the suggested approaches.

 

KEY WORDS: Urea, Creatinine, Uric acid, Derivative spectrophotometry

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(4), 817-829.                                                           

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i4.2