bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Analysis of 2D and 3D Fluid Flow Modelling Using Lattice Boltzmann Method
Authors: Latief Fourier Dzar Eljabbar , Fauzi Umar
Published: February 2022

Several studies have been conducted to observe properties of fluid flow in materials using the Lattice Boltzman Method (LBM). There are two widely used lattice model, the D2Q9 for the 2D simulation, and the D3Q19 for the 3D simulation. Our particular interest is to study the velocity map both using the 2D and the 3D simulation, using the same object. The aim of this study is to evaluate effectiveness and efficiency of both methods. In our simulation, the velocity profile between the 2D and 3D models differs greatly (mean error 30.4%) if the object has complex lateral structure (the shape along the z-axes differs greatly), while for the less complex object, the profile has only 1.4% of mean error. The computing time for the 3D model took 13 times longer than the simulation of the 2D model. The result from the comparison of both methods concludes that the simplification of fluid flow simulation of 3D objects into 2D objects should be taken carefully, for in some cases, the simplification is not quite appropriate.
Marine Seismic Tomography for Detecting Fracture and Void of Subsurface Seabed : a Theoretical Framework Development and Application of Wide-Band Fresnel Tomography
Authors: Nurhandoko Bagus E. B. , Ambia Fajril , Triyoso Kaswandhi , Choliq M. Thurisina , Budi Mahatman L. , Suhendi Asep , Abdianto Wahyu E.
Published: February 2022

Fracture as well as void can generate unstable structure in offshore building. We use seismic tomography based on scattering wave instead of conventional raypath seismic tomography. Conventional raypath tomography usually needs dense source-receiver configuration as well as wide-angle measurement. Therefore, it will be high cost in field data acquisition. We propose scattering wavepath tomography by means of Fresnel interpolated wavepath (FIW) wide-band inversion. FIW is an interpolation between imaginary part of Rhytov scattering wavepath and raypath. Then, FIW is combined with wide band inversion procedure to handle sparseness configuration of measurement. By this method, smooth constraint is implemented more naturally by based on wave's spectrum. In this paper, we showed some applications of Wide-band inversion of FIW tomography in imaging fracture and void in marine carbonate sea bed.
Interdiffusion of InxGa1-xAs/InP Quantum Well Structures Induced by Proton Implantation
Authors: Gareso Paulus L.
Published: February 2022

We have investigated the atomic intermixing of InxGa1-xAs/InP quantum well structures induced by proton implantation using photoluminescence. Photoluminescence results showed that energy shift was systematically increased as doses increased. As the dose further increased, Saturation in energy shift was observed. At elevated temperature irradiation revealed that the magnitude of the energy shift decreased as the irradiation increased followed by a broadening of the PL linewidth and reduction of the PL intensity. This indicated that dynamic annealing and mobility of the defects play an important role in the type and concentration of residual defects.
Application of TALYS code for Calculation of Fission Cross Section and Fission Yield of Several Heavy Nuclides
Authors: Perkasa Yuda S. , Kurniadi Rizal , Waris Abdul
Published: February 2022

Nuclear data evaluation for fission cross section and fission yield had been performed by many investigators using different models of approximation theoretically. These models are encapsulated and implemented into computer codes to perform more robust nuclear reaction data calculations. TALYS is one of most successful nuclear reaction codes that used to determine fission cross section and fission yield. In this paper, TALYS code was used to calculate some fission reaction including Am-241 (n,f), Th-232 (n,f), and U-235 (n,f). These calculations are performed using different set of reaction mechanism and optical model parameter adjustment, such as fission barrier parameter, level density parameter, transmission mechanism, and so on. Reaction mechanism and parameter adjustment are selected based on reaction characteristics to obtain more accurate and reasonable result. The accuracy of calculation result are heavily depend on the reaction mechanism selection and parameter adjustment. All obtained results have been compared with ENDF nuclear data library.
A Structural Mechanics Approach for the Vibrational Analysis of Single-Layered Graphene Sheets
Authors: Putra Andika , Abdullah Mikrajuddin , Khairurrijal Khairurrijal
Published: February 2022

A structural mechanics approach has been employed to analyze the vibrational behavior of single-layered graphene sheets. By adopting this approach, natural frequencies and mode shapes are obtained for different chirality and imposed boundary conditions. Numerical results from the implemented modeling are examined to provide predictive equations for fundamental frequencies of cantilevered and bridged graphene sheets. With the proposed equations, the natural frequencies can be predicted and are comparable to those obtained from theoretical consideration and experimental results.
A Novel Technique for Particle Sizing by Image Analysis of the Diffraction Pattern
Authors: Salah R. , Azawe Muzalhim Ibrahim
Published: February 2022

We analyze the image of an aggregate of particles based on laser diffraction technique for particle diameter calculations. The recorded image will be transferred to a matrix of pixels, depending on the size of the image, and these pixels will be correlated with each other and with surroundings in order to get the exact features of the image. Processing of the image through many steps in the software will allow finding the diameter. The diameter obtained by this technique will be compared with the diameter found from the image of the optical microscope.
Resistivity Imaging of Mataloko Geothermal Field By Mise-Á-La-Masse Method
Authors: Mustopa Enjang Jaenal , Srigutomo Wahyu , Sutarno Doddy
Published: February 2022

Mise-á-la-masse (MAM) measurement has been carried out in the Mataloko geothermal field, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. The survey was conducted along 16 survey lines in a radial configuration to collect 176 sounding sites. The purpose of the measurement is to image a promising reservoir zone and to correlate the results with the previous geosciences surveys for locating the best drilling target. Three-dimensional (3D) inversion scheme was applied to interpret MAM data. The subsurface resistivity structure obtained from 3D inversion result shows that a low resistivity (1 − 10 ohm.m) structure is widely distributed in the southwest and northeast of the well MT-3/MT-5 at the depth 0 − 100 m. On the other hand, in the deeper part of the survey area, it is recognized that a resistivity in the western part is lower than in the eastern part of the area. The fluid flow tests of well MT-5 produced dry saturated steams of 19.3, 12.6 and 17.4 ton/h at wellhead pressures of 4.0, 6.0, and 5.0 kscg, respectively.  Furthermore, the fluid has high enthalpies whose values are 2746, 2755, 2763, 2768, and 2771 kJ/kg at wellhead pressure of 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, and 7.5 kscg, respectively. The incorporation of MAM data analyses results with the geosciences data makes it possible to recommend the location of the best target for the drilling site.
CCD Photometry of Comet 73P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 3 during Its 2006 Apparition Observed from the Bosscha Observatory
Authors: Dermawan Budi , Mahasena P. , Hidayat Taufiq , Mandey D. , Irfan Muhamad
Published: February 2022

On 9-10 May 2006 UT comet 73P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 3 (73P/SW3) passed 0.093 AU from the Earth, being slightly farther away than its discovery on 1930. Interestingly, it has been reported since 1995 that the comet has been breaking up to many components during its trajectory orbiting the Sun with a period of 5.4 years. Here we report our CCD photometric observations of major components B and C during its 2006 apparition. Successful observations were done on 12-14 May 2006 UT at the Bosscha Observatory, Lembang. Since comet is a moving object, we carried out stacking techniques to combine our images in order to strengthen the signal-to-noise ratio. Our investigations to their surface brightness show that the coma of 73P/SW3 was not in a steady state. Under assumption of a steady state coma, the dust production rate of the component is found to be 24.7 cm and the mass-loss rate of 4.94 kg s-1
Study Neutronic of Small Pb-Bi Cooled Non-Refuelling Nuclear Power Plant Reactor (SPINNOR) with Hexagonal Geometry Calculation
Authors: Nur Krisna Dwita , Su'ud Zaki
Published: February 2022

Nuclear reactor technology is growing rapidly, especially in developing Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). The utilization of nuclear energy in power generation systems has been progressing phase of the first generation to the fourth generation. This final project paper discusses the analysis neutronic one-cooled fast reactor type Pb-Bi is capable of operating up to 20 years without refueling. This reactor use Uranium Nitride Thorium as fuel and operating on power range 100– 500MWtNPPs. The method of calculation used a computer simulation program utilizing the SRAC. SPINNOR reactor design is designed with the geometry of hexagonal shaped terrace that radially divided into three regions, namely the outermost regions with highest percentage of fuel, the middle regions with medium percentage of fuel, and most in the area with the lowest percentage. SPINNOR fast reactor operated for 20 years with variations in the percentage of uranium-233 by 7%, 7.75% and 8.5%. Neutronik the calculation and analysis show that the design can be optimized in a fast reactor for thermal power output SPINNOR 300MWt with a fuel fraction 60% and variations of Uranium-233 enrichment of 7% - 8.5%
Hybrid Electric Vehicle Battery-Ultracapacitor Energy Management System Design and Optimization
Authors: Wozniak Piotr A.
Published: February 2022

The widespread use of internal combustion engines (ICEs) to power vehicles has serious negative consequences for the environment and human health. Therefore, for three decades, changes in the automotive industry have been observed aimed at total or partial electrification of vehicle drive systems. The effect of these activities are successively introduced to the consumer market vehicles with hybrid (HEV) and electric (EV) drives. This article proposes an original version of the energy management system in a hybrid vehicle. The capabilities of a hybrid energy storage system (HESS) consisting of batteries and ultracapacitors units were explored through simulation. The most important parameters of the proposed strategy have been optimized. The simulation tests conducted confirmed many benefits of using an additional energy source. The applied changes in the energy management system reduced the level of fuel consumption, the maximum temperature, and the value of the charging and discharging currents of the batteries. This makes it possible to extend the service life of primary energy storage and reduce operating costs. It also has a positive effect on the environment, not only by reducing the emission of harmful effects of combustion but also by reducing the costs of disposal of used batteries.
Network Meta-Analysis Using R for Diabetes Data
Authors: Yildiz Nilgün
Published: February 2022

The objective of a meta-analysis is usually to estimate the overall treatment effect and make inferences about the difference between the effects of the two treatments. Meta-analysis is a quantitative method commonly used to combine the results of multiple studies in the medical and social sciences. There are three common types of meta-analysis. Pairwise, Multivariate and Network Meta-analysis. In general, network meta-analysis (NMA) offers the advantage of enabling the combined assessment of more than two treatments. Statistical approaches to NMA are largely classified as frequentist and Bayesian frameworks Because part of NMA has indirect, multiple comparisons, As reports of network meta-analysis become more common, it is essential to introduce the approach to readers and to provide guidance as to how to interpret the results. In this chapter, the terms used in NMA are defined, relevant statistical concepts are summarized, and the NMA analytic process based on the frequentist and Bayesian framework is illustrated using the R program and an example of a network involving diabetes treatments. The aim of the article is to compare the basic concepts and analyzes of network meta-analysis using diabetes data and the treatment methods used.
Obstetric Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Authors: Hoxha Ariela , Simioni Paolo
Published: February 2022

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by thrombotic events and obstetric complications in the presence of persistently positive antiphospholipid antibodies. Obstetric manifestations include, recurrent miscarriages, fetal death at or beyond the 10th week of gestation, and premature birth due to pre-eclampsia/placental insufficiency. Even now, both clinical features and laboratory parameters are controversial. Both can be used to stratify women with APS in terms of risk of adverse pregnancy outcome, and thus adjust treatment. APS pregnancies should be classified into low, medium and high-risk classes based on clinical and laboratory features. Depending on the risk class, the most appropriate therapy must be then selected. Heparin plus LDA is considered the standard of care for patients with a confirmed diagnosis of obstetric APS and generally results in over 70–80% successful pregnancies. The 20–30% pregnancies in which treatment fails are defined as “high-risk” or “refractory” pregnancies. Numerous treatments have been used in addition to standard of care, to treat these patients, but no well-designed trial has yet been conducted. New insights into the etiopathogenetic mechanisms of obstetric APS have led to the testing of new therapeutic approaches, that may soon change the way we manage this condition.
Energy Efficiency: The Overlooked Energy Resource
Authors: Al-Qahtani Ali , Farooq Zeeshan , Almutairi Sami
Published: February 2022

The objective of this chapter is to draw the attention of government policy makers internationally to a strategy for alleviating global warming through proven cost-effective energy efficiency measures. The Saudi Arabian government has embraced the approach with demonstrable success over the past 20 years, with rates of return on investments averaging more than 25%. Even though Saudi Aramco is the National Oil and Gas company, the company takes the threat of climate change to the world’s economies very seriously and initiated programs for, systematically and responsibly, transition to less-polluting energy sources. Primarily, the chapter will define the supply chain components of Saudi Arabia’s energy sector and explain the existing conditions and efficiencies of each of its components. It analyzes the existing energy management framework and its achievements, as well as its current and forthcoming commitments, status, and updates. It will also explain the vital equipment, systems, and processes in the supply chain, with possible energy efficiency improvement gaps based on existing literature/Energy Assessment Reports conducted by Saudi Aramco professionals in numerous industrial facilities. The chapter will pinpoint the highest achievable efficiencies areas in major systems, processes, or equipment and discusses its impact on the primary energy fuels and green house gas (GHG) emission reduction.
Cytokine Storm in Hypothyroidism in Infertile Women
Authors: Sharma Neha , Mukherjee Sanghapriya , Kushwaha Aparajita
Published: February 2022

Thyroid dysfunction interferes with several aspects of reproduction along with pregnancy. Hypothyroidism in females leads to an elevated level of hormone prolactin which decreases levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and finally causes infertility. Obesity acts upon the reproductive cycle by decreasing oestrogen metabolism stimulating menstrual disturbance along with an ovulation. But till date, one of the most underestimated obstacles in fertility is inflammation. Hypothyroidism leads to inflammation in secondary epithelial cells of thyroid gland. This affects immune, nervous system and endocrinal functions of body. Inflammation contributes to oestrogen dominance, a hormonal state that consists of having too little progesterone in the body compared to oestrogen. This leads to progesterone resistance, prevention of progesterone hormone receptors from working properly. This condition also leads to infertility in hypothyroid females. Therefore, not only hormonal profile is sufficient to check up for reproductive problems in the female, but also inflammatory markers like IL-6 and CRP should be added to this profile.
Foodborne Pathogens of Enterobacteriaceae, Their Detection and Control
Authors: Li Ping , Jiang Han , Xiong Jiayi , Fu Mengqi , Huang Xianpu , Huang Boxun , Gu Qing
Published: February 2022

Foodborne pathogens of Enterobacteriaceae including Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia, etc., causes a great number of diseases and has a significant impact on human health. Here, we reviewed the prevalence, virulence, and antimicrobial susceptibility of Enterobacteriaceae belonging to 4 genera: E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, and Yersinia. The routes of the pathogens’ transmission in the food chain; the antimicrobial resistance, genetic diversity, and molecular epidemiology of the Enterobacteriaceae strains; novel technologies for detection of the bacterial communities (such as the molecular marker-based methods, Immunoaffinity based detection, etc.); and the controlling of the foodborne pathogens using chemical/natural compounds or physical methods (such as UV-C and pulsed-light treatment, etc.), is also summarized.
The Use of Stable Isotope Labeling with Amino Acids in Cell Culture (SILAC) to Study Ivermectin-Mediated Molecular Pathway Changes in Human Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Li Na , Zhan Xianquan
Published: February 2022

Stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) was to use isotopic essential amino acids to replace the original amino acids for cell culture and passage for 8–10 generations, followed by mass spectrometry to identify proteins and the isotopic abundance difference to quantify proteins. SILAC can be used to characterize proteomic changes, and analyze protein turnover, protein interactions, and dynamic changes with quantitative accuracy, and high reproducibility. For this study, SILAC “light” (L-Lysine-2HCl [12C6, 14N2], L-Arginine-HCl [12C6, 14N4])- or “heavy” (L-Lysine-2HCl [13C6, 15N2], L-Arginine-HCl [13C6, 15N4])-labeling RPMI 1640 medium was used to culture human ovarian cancer TOV-21G cells for 10 passages, followed by the treatment of 0.1% dimethylsulfoxide for 24 h and 20 µM ivermectin for 24 h, respectively. The light- and heavy-isotope-labeled proteins were equally mixed (1:1) for digestion with trypsin. The tryptic peptide mixture was fractionated with liquid chromatography and analyzed with tandem mass spectrometry. In total, 4,447 proteins were identified in ivermectin-treated TOV-21G cells in relation to controls. Those proteins were enriched in 89 statistically significant signaling pathways and 62 statistically significant biological processes. These findings clearly demonstrated that SILAC quantitative proteomics was a useful and reliable method to study ivermectin-related proteomic changes in cancer cells, which in combination with molecular pathway networks and biological processes enrichments provided more comprehensive insights into molecular mechanisms of ivermectin in inhibiting TOV-21G cells.
Leishmaniasis: Molecular Aspects of Parasite Dimorphic Forms Life Cycle
Authors: Endrew Souto Maior Torres Bonfim Natanael , Lígia Barbour Scott Ana , de Azevedo Calderon Leonardo
Published: February 2022

According to WHO, Leishmaniasis is a complex neglected disease caused by a protozoa parasite from over 20 Leishmania species transmitted by more than 90 sandfly species, showing three main forms: visceral, cutaneous, and mucocutaneous. The efficient prevention and control of leishmaniasis are very difficult to achieve, depending on the combination of different intervention strategies, usually resulting in failure. Additionally, the correct diagnostics require the combination of clinical signs with laboratory tests, and only a few therapeutical options are available for patients. To improve this scenario, greater efforts in research for control and treatment are needed. For this purpose, the study and understanding of the life cycle of Leishmania are mandatory for all researchers who intend to dedicate their careers to the different aspects of this important disease. In order to support beginning researchers in the study of leishmaniasis, we propose in this review an update in the current knowledge about the major molecular aspects involved in the development of dimorphic forms of Leishmania parasites that replicate in the gut of sandflies (promastigotes) and in mammalian cells (amastigotes) and the relationship with host’s immune system.
The HIV Positive Adolescent in a Pandemic Year: A Point of View
Authors: Manciuc Doina-Carmen , Sapaniuc Cristina , Largu Alexandra , Alexandra Lacatusu Georgiana
Published: February 2022

In the HIV/AIDS Regional Center from Iasi, Romania, over 1440 patients are closely followed-up. A small percent <1% (12 patients) of cases are represented by adolescences between 14 and 18 years old. The majority of those (10 cases) are adherent and compliant with the treatment. None of the patients is a drug abuser and one patient acquired the infection through vertical transmission. The COVID-19 pandemic, paradoxically, increased the adherence and compliance to treatment, mainly because it seems that the HIV infected adolescent acknowledge the fact that good health can shield them from an unknown enemy. In these pandemic times, they experienced anxiety and depression, but they kept a closer contact through telemedicine with their physician, and most importantly, they required a sustained session, also through telemedicine, with the psychologist. The red thread of their discussion was focused on their fear, insecurities, and lack of control and the fact that they experienced the feeling of abandonment caused by the absence of interpersonal interaction with their support group.
Perspective Chapter: Belem and Manaus and the Urban Agglomeration in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Veloso dos Santos Tiago
Published: February 2022

Exploring the results of research on the relationship between urban agglomeration and the Brazilian Amazon region, this chapter demonstrates, from a comparative study between the two main metropolitan agglomerates - Belem and Manaus -, the different ways of production in the regional space. Based on the organization, systematization, and analysis of data regarding the main elements of the urban structure in both agglomerates, namely: the patterns of housing settlements of the upper, middle, and lower classes; the distribution of industrial zones and the patterns of urban expansion, we sought to highlight the intra-urban differences between the two metropolises, considering their importance in the configuration of the regional urban network. The most recent evidence points to two quite different metropolitan structures, explained both by the distinct nature of the urbanization processes that produced them and the highlighted intra-urban characteristics.
Parameters Affecting Pre-Treatment Dosimetry Verification
Authors: Ishmael Parsai E. , Salari Elahheh
Published: February 2022

To assure the accuracy and safety of radiation delivery, it is highly recommended to perform pretreatment verification for complex treatment methods such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) to detect any potential errors in the treatment planning process and machine deliverability. It is expected that a qualified medical physicist is aware of the underlying scientific principles of imaging and therapeutic processes to perform or supervise technical aspects of pretreatment procedures to ensure safe and effective delivery of the treatment. For this purpose, several guidelines have been published to help direct medical physicists to evaluate the accuracy of treatment planning system (TPS) in the calculation of radiation dose, and dosimetry equipment to avoid possible errors. This will require a clear understanding of abilities as well as the limitations of each TPS, the dosimetry equipment at hand, and the gamma index to perform a comprehensive pre-treatment verification.
Interfacial Behavior of Saponin Based Surfactant for Potential Application in Cleaning
Authors: Rajput Gajendra , Pandya Niki , Soni Darshan , Vala Harshal , Modi Jainik
Published: February 2022

Amphiphilic molecules having a tendency to decrease the surface tension of the aqueous medium and those are widely used in the industrial and domestic sector. Nowadays they are in high demand to replace synthetic surfactants by naturally based molecules to reduce the environmental problem. Approx. more than 60% materials which are of surfactants-based enter into the marine water which dangerous for aquatic lives. We propose novel material which is a natural based surfactant which is biodegradable and eco-friendly alternatives. Here we are focused on tea saponin and investigated properties like surface tension, foaming, skin mildness, cleaning ability. This is maybe the first reporting a surfactant activity of tea based surfactant. Natural originated surfactants display well emulsion making capacity at the large amount as compared to synthetic. Tea is acidic in nature and it reduces surface tension to 31.4 mN/m, and greater foam, ultra-mildness, with excellent cleaning ability. The consequences suggest that tea have outstanding surface-activity which can be used as a green replacement for synthetic surfactants.
Calorimetry in Allergy Diagnostic
Authors: Stanev Evgeni , Dencheva Maria
Published: February 2022

Calorimetry is an indisputable diagnostic method. Over the years, there has been an improvement in the equipment and methods for measuring the calor that accompanies various processes. Using a thermal camera, we can measure the surface temperature of the skin at the beginning and the end of each skin allergy test. They are epicutaneous, cutaneous, and percutaneous. In case of a positive reaction, allergic inflammation is observed with the obligatory symptoms, one of which is warming (calor). Measuring and visualizing this warming is essential in the diagnosis of allergic reaction. The methodology of imaging the skin areas and processing the results is the key point in the objectivity of the study. Diagnostic skin allergy tests report mainly immunopathological reactions of the first and fourth types (Coombs and Gel classification). Their course is different and this necessitated the development of various thermovisiographic imaging methods. Through the results of our thermal imaging studies, we derived a scale, that determines the intensity of the allergic reaction, for each of the skin allergy tests. The use of thermovisiography in addition to the standard reporting of allergic skin reactions provides precision and more information about the subtle temperature changes that accompany allergic reactions.
Pressure Fluctuation Characteristics of High-Pressure Common Rail Fuel Injection System
Authors: Bai Yun , Chen Zhaoyang , Dou Wei , Kong Xiangdong , Yao Jing , Ai Chao , Zhai Fugang , Zhang Jin , Yang Liu
Published: February 2022

In high-pressure common rail fuel injection system, fuel pressure wave propagates back and forth in the system during fuel injection, and the cycle fuel injection volume is affected by the fluctuation of fuel injection pressure. Therefore, to reduce the influence of pressure fluctuation on the cycle fuel injection volume fluctuation, it is of great theoretical significance to analyze the mechanism of pressure fluctuation and its influence law. In this chapter, the dynamic pressure fluctuation characteristics of the high-pressure common rail fuel injection system are analyzed based on the injector inlet pressure, and experimental research and theoretical analysis are carried out for the time domain and frequency domain characteristics of injector inlet pressure fluctuation, aiming at revealing the pressure fluctuation mechanism and its influence law, and providing theoretical support for improving the control accuracy of multiple injection cycle fuel injection volume.
The Tale of Mastering Macrophage Environment through the Control of Inflammasome-Mediated Macrophage Activation and cAMP Homeostasis by the Protozoan Parasite Leishmania
Authors: Bhattacharjee Anindita , Biswas Arunima , K. Das Pijush
Published: February 2022

Leishmania, being an intelligent protozoan parasite, modulates the defensive arsenals of the host to create a favorable niche for their survival. When the intracellular parasite is encountered by the host, multimeric complexes of inflammasomes get assembled and activated, thereby leading to genesis of inflammatory response. In order to subvert host defensive strategies, Leishmania utilizes their cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cAMP-induced response to neutralize macrophage oxidative damage. In this chapter, we summarize our current understanding of the mechanisms of inflammasome activation in macrophages and cAMP homeostasis of the parasite, leading to parasite viability within the macrophages and establishment of infection. Furthermore, we took into account, recent progresses in translating these research areas into therapeutic strategies, aimed at combating macrophage associated diseases.
Germination and Seedling Growth of Entandrophragma bussei Harms ex Engl. from Wild Populations
Authors: M. Andrew Samora , A. Kombo Siwa , A.O. Chamshama Shabani
Published: February 2022

Entandrophragma bussei Harms ex Engl. (wooden banana) is an important indigenous multipurpose tree species endemic to Tanzania. The species has a long history of human use but recent increased utilization pressure, deforestation and high mortality rate of seedlings threaten the survival of natural populations in the wilderness. Therefore, to facilitate domestication, two experimental studies were conducted to evaluate variations in seed germination and seedling growth of three wild populations at the Directorate of Tree Seed Production Laboratories in Morogoro, Tanzania. Germination percentage, mean germination rate, final germination rate and germination index varied significantly among the populations. In terms of seedling growth there was a significant difference in number of leaves among the populations at 3 months of age. The number of course roots and seedling shoot fresh weight varied significantly among the studied populations at 10 months of age. Ruaha population had the highest survival (56%) followed by Kigwe (41%) and Tarangire being the last (36%). The two experiments have clearly demonstrated the existence of considerable variation in germination and seedling growth traits in E. bussei. These traits may prove to be important tools for selection of suitable seed sources for domestication and tree improvement programmes.
Spatial Dynamics of Forest Cover and Land Use Changes in the Western Himalayas of Pakistan
Authors: ur Rahman Amjad , Gürbüz Esra , Ekercin Semih , Mulk Khan Shujaul
Published: February 2022

The current study deals with the mapping and evaluation of forest and land use cover changes in the western Himalayas, Pakistan. These forest types include i) Moist temperate forests ii) Mixed coniferous forests and iii) Sub-tropical broad leaved forests. Moist temperate forest mostly consists of evergreen conifers with some of oaks and deciduous trees. Subtropical pine forest are mostly dominated by Pinus roxburghii. These forest type are mostly mixed by Pinus roxburghii and other coniferous species like Pinus wallichiana at the upper ranges in Dewal, Angoori, Nambal, Aucha and Khanitak etc. The broad-leaved subtropical forests are recorded on the hills and in the lower slopes of Himalaya near Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The high quantity of vegetation index were observed in winter season as compared to summer. The Landsat satellite images of years 1988, 1998, 2008 and 2018 were classified into land-cover units. Vegetation land decreased in the total area whereas the bare land class increased in the total. Water class further reduced and the built- up class increased up in the Murree area, Pakistan.
Characterizing Stress-Strain Behavior of Materials through Nanoindentation
Authors: Sen Indrani , Sujith Kumar S.
Published: February 2022

Nanoindentation is a widely used state of the art facility to precisely and conveniently evaluate the mechanical properties of a wide group of materials. Along with the determination of elastic modulus and hardness of materials, this chapter particularly aims to explore the possibilities to assess the corresponding stress–strain characteristics of elastic–plastic materials and most importantly unique pseudoelastic materials. The suitability of continuous stiffness measurement (CSM) based nanoindenter systems along with the adaptability of the instrument without CSM for precisely evaluating the deformation behavior of specialized materials is discussed in details. In this regard, the roll of indenter tip geometry and size is greatly emphasized. The recent research in the field is reviewed thoroughly and the updated protocol generated is illustrated.
Medicinal Plants and Phenolic Compounds
Authors: Nisar Asma
Published: February 2022

Medicinal plants were shown to play a significant role in curing many diseases of ancient times. The plant kingdom is truly a goldmine of potential drug compounds. Several earlier reviews and research studies summarized that the products from natural sources have contributed significantly to the discovery of drugs and health benefits for people. Moreover, it is believed that natural products are less deadly than synthetic medicines because of their plant origins. Medicinal plants are significant in the role of curing a variety of diseases and the properties that they possess for curing are related to the existence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins and other phytochemicals. This chapter covers the effects of phenolic compound on plants and the importance of phenolic compounds for human health for prevention of various oxidative stress associated diseases.
Separation of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) Protein by Foam Fractionation Technique
Authors: Mandal Avishek
Published: February 2022

Foam fractionation is an effective, low-cost, and environmentally friendly method for water treatment that is widely applied to the removal of hazardous materials, organic materials, and metal ions from the wastewater by using the surfactant as a collector. This type of process known as the adsorption bubble separation technique. It uses bubbles as a separation medium and concentrates the surfactant from its aqueous solution by the difference of adsorption properties of the surfactant on gas–liquid interfaces. During the process of foam fractionation, it spared gas through the bottom of the column to create dispersed rising bubbles. They adsorbed the surfactant onto gas–liquid interfaces of the rising bubbles. We discuss here separate Bovine Serum Albumin from aqueous solution with haemoglobin by foam fraction method. To investigate the effect of the following variables on the enrichment ratio of total protein, the separation process like concentration of feed, the effect of pH, and the Effect of gas flow rate.
All Human Beings Are Equal, But Some Human Beings Are More Equal Than Others
Authors: Lovering Rob ,   The Society for Philosophy in the Contemporary World
Published: February 2022

In this paper, I present a case study on a recent attempt at implementing what I refer to as the “Pro-lifer’s Asymmetrical Punishment View” (PAPV), the view that people should be legally punished for performing abortions whereas women should not be so punished for procuring abortions. While doing so, I argue that the endeavor, which took place in the state of Alabama, is incoherent relative to the conjunction of its purported underlying moral rationale and the Alabama criminal code. I then present what I take to be possible explanations for, practical implications of, and solutions to the attempt and its incoherence. Given that other endeavors to implement PAPV are currently in the works and are so with similar underlying moral rationales and within similar criminal codes, what I present and argue here is not limited to Alabama’s attempt at doing so.
Divine-Mediated Development in Coptic Christology
Authors: Abdelsayed Mena
Published: February 2022

Coptic Christology developed rapidly in a timespan of eight centuries between St. Cyril of Alexandria  (fifth century) and al-Makīn  (fourteenth century), a well-renowned Coptic historian and theologian. Prior to the Council of Ephesus (431), Cyril established his Alexandrine Christology on the theological grounds of the Trinity, image and likeness, and subsistence. Thus, his model posits that the humanity of Christ is the express image of the divinity in the fullness of time. The imprints of humanity are contained within the divinity, yielding a ‘divinity-derived humanity’, which is characteristic to Cyrillian Christology. His Christological views were slightly modified by the Nestorian controversy causing him to inadvertently amend his Christology to adhere to a more Antiochene-friendly paradigm. Post-Ephesus witnessed an unprecedented shift in Cyrillian Christology, which later became a source of great schism in the Apostolic Church. Following Chalcedon and with the Arab conquest in Egypt, Coptic Christology developed tremendously. Al-Makīn, unlike Cyril of Alexandria, expands his Christology to discuss the peculiarities of anthropology and theology. His Christology veered towards Chalcedonianism, and, in some instances, Nestorianism. This development in Coptic Christology can be viewed as a providentially paved road towards ecumenism between the Oriental and Eastern Orthodox Churches.
Editor's Note
Authors: Boutros Ramez
Published: February 2022

Editor's Note
Competencia digital docente percibida del profesorado bilingüe en formación
Authors: Palacios-Hidalgo Francisco J. , Huertas-Abril Cristina A. , Gómez-Parra María Elena
Published: February 2022

Digital competence is of utmost importance due to its direct link to the use of technologies, a key ability in the 21st-century society. However, research analyses neither pre-service bilingual teachers’ digital competence nor its relationship with emergency remote teaching in situations such as that caused by COVID-19. Following a quantitative analysis, this paper compares the perceptions regarding teacher digital competence of two groups of pre-service bilingual teachers. Findings reveal an overall positive perceived competence. Moreover, significant differences are observed in favor of men in terms of sex and in terms of received instruction in favor of emergency remote teaching versus face-to-face teaching. It is also concluded the need for specific training for teachers to develop their digital competence, as well as the necessity to experience emergency remote teaching situations.

La competencia digital resulta de suma importancia por su vinculación directa al manejo de las tecnologías, un dominio que resulta clave en la actualidad. Sin embargo, no existen investigaciones que analicen la competencia digital del profesorado de educación bilingüe en formación ni la relación entre esta y la enseñanza a distancia en situaciones de emergencia como la causada por la COVID-19. Mediante un análisis cuantitativo, este artículo compara las percepciones del dominio de la competencia digital docente entre dos grupos de profesorado bilingüe en formación. Los resultados revelan una competencia percibida positiva en general además de diferencias significativas en favor de las mujeres en cuanto al género y en cuanto a la instrucción recibida en favor de la docencia presencial frente a la enseñanza a distancia de emergencia. Se concluye la necesidad de formación específica que permita al profesorado desarrollar su competencia digital, así como experimentar situaciones de enseñanza de emergencia.
Factores condicionantes de la transferencia de la formación permanente del profesorado no universitario.
Authors: Pamies Berenguer Marcial , Gomariz Vicente María Ángeles , Cascales Martínez Antonia
Published: February 2022

Teachers' professional development plans constitute the main mechanism of action to improve the services offered by educational organizations and the performance of the functions of teachers. The study of the transfer of learning developed in permanent training activities to the job constitutes a problem of great interest as it is a necessary element to be able to analyze the performance of training activities. This research explores the factorial structure that determines the transfer of permanent training for non-university teachers, analyzes the analogies and differences with other models and proposes a measurement instrument adapted to non-university teaching. The methodology used follows a non-experimental, quantitative design based on a cross-sectional survey-type design. The sample is made up of 4,769 non-university teachers from the Region of Murcia, obtained through a non-probabilistic convenience sampling. The analysis followed a quantitative-correlational approach using statistical factor analysis techniques and the study of internal consistency. The research has made it possible to propose a factorial model and a measurement instrument, validated in content and construct, for transfer factors in non-university education.

Los planes de desarrollo profesional de los docentes constituyen el mecanismo principal de actuación para la mejora de los servicios ofrecidos por las organizaciones educativas y del desempeño de las funciones del profesorado. El estudio de la transferencia de los aprendizajes desarrollados en las actividades de formación permanente al puesto de trabajo configura un problema de gran interés al tratarse de un elemento necesario para poder analizar del rendimiento de las actividades formativas. La presente investigación explora la estructura factorial condicionante de la transferencia de la formación permanente del profesorado no universitario, analiza las analogías y deferencias con otros modelos y propone un instrumento de medición adaptado a la enseñanza no universitaria. La metodología utilizada obedece a un diseño no experimental de tipo cuantitativo basado en un diseño transversal tipo encuesta. La muestra está formada por 4769 docentes no universitarios de la Región de Murcia, obtenidos mediante un muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia. El análisis siguió un enfoque cuantitativo-correlacional empleando técnicas estadísticas de análisis factorial y el estudio de la consistencia interna. La investigación ha permitido proponer un modelo factorial y un instrumento de medida, validado en contenido y constructo para los factores de transferencia en la enseñanza no universitaria.
Análisis de la producción científica en el uso de la realidad virtual en la educación a partir de la estructura conceptual, social e intelectual.
Authors: Lorenzo Lledó Gonzalo
Published: February 2022

In recent years, the use of technology in education has led to an increase in scientific production. Among the various technologies, virtual reality is acquiring greater use in educational classrooms. However, there is still no global picture of how its use is evolving within education. As a consequence, the objective is to analyze the evolution in the use of virtual reality in education by scientific mapping from the study of the conceptual, social and intellectual structure of the field of knowledge. The sample is composed of 1163 documents obtained from the Web of Science during the period 1996-2019. The results show that there are two lines of research: one of them technology and Education while the other is Medicine and Education. While the most important collaborative networks are formed by the most productive authors. Finally, the papers by Merchantz et al., (2014) and Nicholson et al., (2006) are reference elements for VR work in education.

En los últimos años el uso de la tecnología en la educación ha dado lugar a un aumento de la producción científica. Entre las diversas tecnologías, la realidad virtual esta adquiriendo un mayor uso en las aulas educativas. Sin embargo, aún no existe una imagen global de cómo está evolucionando su uso dentro de la educación. Como consecuencia, el objetivo es analizar la evolución en el uso de la realidad virtual en la educación mediante mapeado científico a partir del estudio de la estructura conceptual, social e intelectual del campo de conocimiento. La muestra está compuesta de 1163 documentos obtenidos de la Web of Science durante el periodo 1996-2019. Los resultados muestran que existen dos líneas de investigación: una de ellas tecnología y Educación mientras que la otra es Medicina y Educación. Mientras que las redes de colaboración más importantes la forman los autores más productivos. Finalmente, los documentos de Merchantz et al., (2014) y Nicholson et al., (2006) son elementos de referencia para el trabajo de la RV en educación.
Análisis de los efectos de un proyecto innovador de co-docencia en la universidad
Authors: Pla-Campas Gil , Simó-Gil Núria , Arumí-Prat Joan
Published: February 2022

A study of a didactic innovation project in higher education based on the team-building co-teaching model is presented. The project involves the integration of two subjects with two teachers, different objectives, training loads and even different types ofclassrooms. The purpose of this research is to show the effects of the application of this unconventional teaching model in the academic experience of students and teachers. Through a qualitative approach and by means as of questionnaires, discussion groups and in-depth interviews; the research studies the effects of teaching experience in three major categories of analysis: the logistics of the program, student learning and the role of teachers. The results show different magnitude of the effects for eachdimension of analysis and, in addition, results also show different perceptions for each dimension of analysis in accordance with each agents’ perspective. As a conclusion, the work concludes the three most significant effects for starting and maintainingco-teaching projects in higher education.

Con la voluntad de mejorar la enseñanza en la universidad se presenta el estudio de un proyecto de innovación didáctica en la educación superior que se corresponde con el modelo de codocencia de creación de equipo. El proyecto implica la integración de dos asignaturas con profesores, objetivos, cargas formativas e incluso tipos de aulas diferentes. El trabajo pretende mostrarlos los efectos de la aplicación de un modelo de docencia no convencional en la experiencia académica del alumnado y del profesorado. Mediante un enfoque cualitativo y a través de cuestionarios, grupos de debate y entrevistas en profundidad se analizan los efectos de la codocencia en tres categorías de análisis distintas: la logística del programa, el aprendizaje del alumnado y el rol del profesorado. Los resultados indican que los efectos son de magnitud diferente en cada dimensión de análisis y, además, que los efectos en estas dimensiones se perciben de manera distinta según los agentes. A modo de conclusiones, el trabajo concluye los tres efectos más significativos para iniciar y mantener proyectos de codocencia en educación superior.
Entire solutions for some critical equations in the Heisenberg group
Authors: Pucci Patrizia , Temperini Letizia
Published: February 2022

We complete the study started in the paper [P. Pucci, L.Temperini, On the concentration-compactness principle for Folland-Stein spaces and for fractional horizontal Sobolev spaces, Math. Eng. 5 (2023), Paper no. 007], giving some applications of its abstract results to get existence of solutions of certain critical equations in the entire Heinseberg group. In particular, different conditions for existence are given for critical horizontal \(p\)-Laplacian equations.