bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
About the confusion-matrix-based assessment of the results of imbalanced data classification
Authors: Starovoitov V. V. , Golub Yu. I.
Published: March 2021

When applying classifiers in real applications, the data imbalance often occurs when the number of elements of one class is greater than another. The article examines the estimates of the classification results for this type of data. The paper provides answers to three questions: which term is a more accurate translation of the phrase "confusion matrix", how preferable to represent data in this matrix, and what functions to be better used to evaluate the results of classification by such a matrix. The paper demonstrates on real data that the popular accuracy function cannot correctly estimate the classification errors for imbalanced data. It is also impossible to compare the values of this function, calculated by matrices with absolute quantitative results of classification and normalized by classes. If the data is imbalanced, the accuracy calculated from the confusion matrix with normalized values will usually have lower values, since it is calculated by a different formula. The same conclusion is made for most of the classification accuracy functions used in the literature for estimation of classification results. It is shown that to represent confusion matrices it is better to use absolute values of object distribution by classes instead of relative ones, since they give an idea of the amount of data tested for each class and their imbalance. When constructing classifiers, it is recommended to evaluate errors by functions that do not depend on the data imbalance, that allows to hope for more correct classification results for real data.
Construction and application of march tests for pattern sensitive memory faults detection
Authors: Yarmolik V. N. , Levantsevich V. A. , Demenkovets D. V. , Mrozek I.
Published: March 2021

The urgency of the problem of testing storage devices of modern computer systems is shown. The mathematical models of their faults and the methods used for testing the most complex cases by classical march tests are investigated. Passive pattern sensitive faults (PNPSFk) are allocated, in which arbitrary k from N memory cells participate, where k << N, and N is the memory capacity in bits. For these faults, analytical expressions are given for the minimum and maximum fault coverage that is achievable within the march tests. The concept of a primitive is defined, which describes in terms of march test elements the conditions for activation and fault detection of PNPSFk of storage devices. Examples of march tests with maximum fault coverage, as well as march tests with a minimum time complexity equal to 18N are given. The efficiency of a single application of tests such as MATS ++, March C− and March PS is investigated for different number of k ≤ 9 memory cells involved in PNPSFk fault. The applicability of multiple testing with variable address sequences is substantiated, when the use of random sequences of addresses is proposed. Analytical expressions are given for the fault coverage of complex PNPSFk faults depending on the multiplicity of the test. In addition, the estimates of the mean value of the multiplicity of the MATS++, March C− and March PS tests, obtained on the basis of a mathematical model describing the problem of the coupon collector, and ensuring the detection of all k2kPNPSFk faults are given. The validity of analytical estimates is experimentally shown and the high efficiency of PNPSFk fault detection is confirmed by tests of the March PS type.
Медиакоммуникации в современной журналистике. Часть 1
Authors: Makarova N. Ya , Yarnykh V. I.
Published: March 2021

Учебно-методическое пособие «Медиакоммуникации в современной журналистике» (часть 1) посвящено актуальным проблемам глобального медиапространства. В первой части пособия рассматриваются два основополагающих аспекта медиакоммуникации: теория и практика коммуникаций и глобальные корпоративные медиакоммуникации. Пособие предназначено для преподавания дисциплин, направленных на формирование коммуникативных компетенций будущего медиаспециалиста. Пособие адресовано преподавателям и студентам факультетов и отделений журналистики, а также всем интересующимся современным состоянием медиакоммуникаций.
Toutes les justices ne sont pas égales : les effets singuliers de la justice organisationnelle sur le comportement et les opinions des fonctionnaires au Ghana
Authors: Sumnaya Kumasey Anthony , Delle Eric , Hossain Farhad
Published: March 2021

C’est en nous appuyant sur les théories de l’échange social et des émotions positives que nous avons examiné les effets différentiels de la justice organisationnelle sur l’engagement professionnel et l’engagement organisationnel chez 347 travailleurs du secteur public ghanéen. Nous avons émis l’hypothèse que trois composantes différentes de la justice organisationnelle (distributive, procédurale et interactionnelle) auraient des effets différents sur l’engagement professionnel et l’engagement organisationnel. Nous avons utilisé un test de régression pour étudier ces effets. Malgré des différences subtiles, les résultats indiquent que la justice distributive et procédurale présente une corrélation positive avec la vigueur, le dévouement et l’absorption. Cependant, la justice interactionnelle n’est liée à aucune des composantes de l’engagement professionnel. Nous avons en outre observé que si la justice distributive, procédurale et interactionnelle était positivement liée à l’engagement affectif, aucun autre type de justice organisationnelle n’était lié à la continuité et à l’engagement normatif. D’une manière générale, toutes les justices ne créent pas le même effet sur le comportement au travail. Nous examinerons les implications et les faiblesses. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens La justice distributive et la justice procédurale (mais pas la justice interactionnelle) stimulent les niveaux de vigueur, de dévouement et d’absorption des travailleurs du secteur public ghanéen et produisent une main-d’œuvre engagée. Les responsables devraient par conséquent investir dans la création et la mise en œuvre de pratiques administratives qui favorisent la perception d’équité dans la distribution des ressources au sein des organisations. La justice organisationnelle renforce l’engagement affectif – le lien émotionnel avec leur organisation et l’identification à celle-ci – chez les travailleurs du secteur public au Ghana.
Variability in Fat Properties, Polyphenols and Antinutrient Contents during Fermentation and Roasted Seed of Pulasan (Nephelium mutabile)
Authors: Abd Hamid Hazrulrizawati , Yahya Izzah Hayati , See Chua Pui
Published: March 2021

Edible pulasan seed contains of many bioactive compounds are usually discarded as waste. This study is conducted to evaluate the variability of fat properties, polyphenols and antinutrient contents during fermentation and roasted seed of pulasan, Nepheliummutabile. Pulasan seed undergone natural fermentation for day 0, day 1, day 3 and day 5 and followed by 2 days drying in oven at 60°C and this was labelled as fermented pulasan seed (FPS) sample. Half of the FPS sample was roasted at 130°C for 25min and generated as roasted and fermented pulasan seed (RFPS). Soxhlet extraction was conducted on seed powder to determine the crude fat content. Pulasan seed fat was subjected to GC-MS, UPLC-QTOF/MS and DSC for characterization and analysis of seed fat properties. By using a microplate reader, polyphenol content was determined with Folin–Ciocalteu method and saponin content was determined with Vanilin-Sulphuric acid assay. Result showed that crude fat content in FPS and RFPS reduced about 23.52% and 37.34% respectively after 5 days fermentation. The dominant fatty acid composition in pulasan seed were oleic acid (62.04%) and stearic acid (23.57%). The total UFA decreased and total SFA increased in day 5 of both FPS and RFPS. Triacylglycerol in FPS and RFPS decreased with fermentation. Total phenolic content and saponin content of FPS and RFPS decreased as the fermentation period increased due to the microbial activity and thermal degradation. Combination of fermentation and roasting treatment has more positive effect on reduction of the fat content, polyphenol and antinutrient content in pulasan seed which able to explore its potential like produce as healthy snack in food industry to resolve the agriculture waste issue.
Optimization of Red Pigment Production by Solid State Fermentation Using Oil Palm Frond
Authors: Daud Nur Fathin Shamirah , Mohd Said Farhan , Yasin Nur Hidayah Mat , Zahari Mior Ahmad Khusairi Mohd
Published: March 2021

Extensive study available on Monascus in solid-state fermentation (SSF), however, optimization study of Monascus sp. cultivated in stirred drum bioreactor is insufficiently reported. In this study, the Box–Behnken design (BBD) was employed for the analysis of the simultaneous effect of initial moisture content, aeration rate and peptone concentration to the red pigments production of Monascus purpureus FTC 5357 by using oil palm frond (OPF) in 5 L stirred drum bioreactor. A three-parameters, three-level BBD was used for the optimization. Based on the ANOVA analysis performed, initial moisture content, aeration rate and peptone concentration contributed significantly to the red pigments production. The optimal fermentation conditions resulted were initial moisture content; 70 % w/w, aeration rate; 1.30 vvm and peptone concentration; 4.40 % w/w. Under these conditions, the red pigments production were obtained to be 18.59 Au/g.d. The red pigments produced through SSF using OPF as a substrate by Monascus purpureus FTC 5357 has a great potential to be utilized as a source of pigment for food in future.
Microbiota of a UASB Reactor Treating Palm Oil Mill Effluent Using HiSeq Sequencing
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamad Mokhtar , Jemaat Zulkifly , Hamid Nour Abdurahman
Published: March 2021

Potential microbial communities in the UASB reactor fed with two different substrates i.e synthetic wastewater and raw palm oil mill effluent (POME) were elucidated by using one of the most popular techniques in molecular methods, viz 16S rDNA cloning. The methodology involved; the extraction of nucleic acids, amplification and cloning of the 16S rRNA genes on sequencing HiSeq platform and finally identification and affiliation of the isolated clone with the aid of phylogenetic software. Results showed that the genus methanosarcina and methanosaeta were dominant methanogens in this study for both substrates types. Overall, microbial population (Bacteria and Archaea) in sample A (POME as substrate) is more diverse compared to sample B (synthetic wastewater as substrate) due to abundance of microorganism population in raw POME which was used as a substrate. However for the methanogenic (Archaea) diversity in both samples, there was not much different between sample A and sample B probably due to similar inoculum was inoculated in the reactor despite of have using different substrate type.
Electrochemical Characterization of Graphite-Zero-Valent Iron for 3-Monochloropropane-1,2-Diol (3-MCPD) Detection
Authors: Arris Farrah Aida , Manan Wan Nabilah , Kaco Hatika , Shaffie Ahmad Hakimi , Sajab Mohd Shaiful
Published: March 2021

This study aims to investigate the feasibility of modifying graphite electrode with zero-valent iron (ZVI) to electrochemically detect the presence of 3-MCPD using two (2) deposition methods, namely dip coating and drop casting. Both methods were tested against in situ and ex situ ZVI formation method. Results showed that ex situ ZVI formation using drop casting method onto graphite electrode showed highest peak current when tested using cyclic voltammetry (CV). Results also showed that the 3-MCPD presence was detected at potential range of-25 mV to 45 mV due to the sudden spike in electrical current when tested using CV mode. The impact of this study is to provide a basis for further investigation of 3-MCPD detection in palm oil using electrochemical method due to its simplicity for the development of a portable, fast and reliable 3-MCPD sensor.
Systemic Delivery of Calcium Channel Blockers for Hypertension through Transdermal Delivery - A Review
Authors: AL-Japairai Khater Ahmed Saeed , Mahmood Syed
Published: March 2021

Hypertension is a significant public health challenge, responsible for a substantial proportion of deaths and disability globally. Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) are an essential class for the treatment of hypertension. However, most of CCBs must be taken more than once daily due to their low oral bioavailability and limited half-life, leading to non-compliance in patients. The development of delivery methods for CCBs is an ongoing effort to overcome the issues related to their delivery via their traditional forms. The administration of the drug through the skin for systemic delivery has been recognised as one of the potential routes in hypertension treatment, especially when drugs suffer from low bioavailability, undesirable side effects and short biological half-life following oral administration. The main limitation of transdermal drug delivery is the resistance barrier of skin layers to penetrant molecules. Remarkable research efforts have been made worldwide to minimise the skin barrier and to create transdermal systems of several CCBs via employing skin-enhancing potential. The persistent progress in this field is promising for development the transdermal dosage forms advance technology in the long term and being commercialised sooner rather than later. This review explores the investigations on the viability and applicability of systemic delivery of numerous CCBs through the skin.
The Evolution of Gasses in Fire Suppression Systems to Promote Changes in Industrial Towards Global Sustainability
Authors: Shukor Jum’azulhisham bin Abdul , Jamian Rahim , Hassan Azmi , Razak Muhammad Al Hapis Abdul
Published: March 2021

The historical development of fire suppression technology evolved in the 1930s since the application of Halons as a fire extinguishing agent. The fire may cause tremendous losses to organizations. It affects the chain of businesses and the stability of the economic growth of a country. The key issues of greenhouse effects and safety and health as well contributes to the sudden change of the technology of fire extinguishing systems. The establishment of the Montreal Protocol and Kyoto Protocols controls the producers to develop, supply and use of environmentally hazardous gasses worldwide. Hence, promote global sustainable for upcoming generations. This paper is highlighting the reasons gas type fire extinguishing agents extensively used substituting conventional methods against fire. The fundamental equations of Ozone Depleting Potential and Global Warming Potential were properly discussed to show how severe these gasses exposed to the environment. The effectiveness of these gases as a clean agent in extinguishing the fire may convince prospect users to carry out the decision of changes. Potential extinguishing agents will be deliberated to investigate their needs as new fire suppression agents. It will be then to be suggested and recommended for further studies.
Potential of Seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) as a Particleboard
Authors: Salim Nurjannah , Abdullah Yushada , Hashim Rokiah
Published: March 2021

Recently, the utilization of lignocellulosic materials to produce eco-friendly products is very promising as biodegradable reinforcing elements for composite materials like particleboards and medium density fiberboards. The growing shortage of wood supply has also led to the development of suitable alternative materials for construction. For this reason, the industry is working to develop high-efficiency green materials including the use of seaweed. This research is aims to study the potential of seaweed from Kappaphycus species as a particleboard. Several different target densities were produced according to following proportions: seaweed particles from 150 to 200 grams and UF resin from 15% to 20%. Mechanical properties including internal bonding and bending testing were tested in this study. Samples were also investigated by utilizing microscopy for surface characterization. The outcome showed that seaweed particleboard with highest amount of seaweed particle and UF resin resulted in highest MOE, MOR and internal bonding strength values with results 457.47, 1.5, and 4.73 MPa, respectively. According to Japanese Standard, Internal bonding (IB) strength values for all the samples met the IB requirements of the standards for general uses. Thus, seaweed particle has potential to be an alternative raw material in the manufacture of particleboards.
The clinical significance of UBE2C gene in progression of renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Zhiping , Wang Lanfeng
Published: March 2021

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), with high morbidity and mortality, is one of the top ten serious cancers. Due to limited therapies and little knowledge about the mechanism underlying RCC, overall survival of RCC patients is poor. UBE2C is a member of ubiquitin modification system and promotes carcinogenesis in cancer, but its role in RCC is unknown. Based on the TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) data, UBE2C was over-expressed in a total of 525 RCC tissues and displayed higher expression in advanced tissues (stage IV vs stage I, p<0.05). RT-qPCR and IHC analysis confirmed over-expression of UBE2C in 90 of clinical RCC tissues. Further, UBE2C was associated with clinical factors including TNM stage, gender, and pathological stage. And higher UBE2C expression predicted shorter overall survival and progression-free survival. Both univariate and multivariate COX analysis suggested UBE2C as a critical gene in RCC. Then GO and KEGG analysis showed that cell cycle and DNA replication pathways were two top signaling pathways affected by UBE2C. In vitro assay showed that knockdown of UBE2C in 786-O cells inhibited proliferation and migration significantly. Therefore, this study proves that UBE2C is an important gene in RCC and is essential to proliferation and migration of RCC.
Historical overview of hip arthroplasty: From humble beginnings to a high-tech future
Authors: Bota Nicolae Ciprian , Nistor Dan-Viorel , Caterev Sergiu , Todor Adrian
Published: March 2021

Surgery of the arthritic hip was not an easy task in the previous centuries, lots of operations being followed very closely by complications and failures. Nowadays, hip arthroplasty is considered “the operation of the century”. This review follows the evolution of surgery on the arthritic hip, with emphasis on arthroplasty. Acknowledging the history of this operation, one can better prepare its evolution and future directions of research. The final chapter briefly describes the current trends and future perspectives.
Дискретизация интегральных норм полиномов с гармониками из гиперболического креста по значениям в точках
Authors: Temlyakov Vladimir Nikolaevich
Published: March 2021

Работа посвящена дискретизации интегральных норм функций из заданного конечномерного подпространства. Использованы недавние общие результаты о дискретизации по значениям в точках для получения новых дискретизационных теорем типа Марцинкевича для тригонометрических полиномов многих переменных с гармониками из гиперболических крестов. Показано, что недавно развитая техника позволяет улучшить известные в этом направлении результаты.
Об ограниченности интегральных операторов в весовых гранд-пространствах Морри
Authors: Kokilashvili Vakhtang Mikhailovich , Meskhi Alexander Nodarovich
Published: March 2021

Получены критерии ограниченности максимального оператора Харди-Литтлвуда и преобразований Рисса в весовых гранд-пространствах Морри $M^{p),q,\varphi }_w$, выраженные в терминах весов Макенхаупта. Рассмотрены также некоторые структурные свойства пространств $M^{p),q,\varphi }_w$. Пространства определены, вообще говоря, на пространствах однородного типа. Результаты являются новыми даже в случае специальной функции $\varphi $.
Об устойчивой разрешимости нелинейных уравнений относительно вполне непрерывных возмущений
Authors: Arutyunov Aram Vladimirovich , Zhukovskiy Sergey Evgenevich
Published: March 2021

Для нелинейных отображений, действующих в банаховых пространствах, при различных предположениях гладкости рассмотрены теоремы об обратной и неявной функциях. При различных условиях регулярности (нормальности) таких отображений доказано, что для любых малых по норме вполне непрерывных возмущений исходного отображения решения соответствующих уравнений существуют. Получены априорные оценки этих решений.
Global utilisation of cereals: sustainability and environmental issues
Authors: Olugbire O.O. , Olorunfemi S. , Oke D.O.
Published: March 2021

Over the years, cereals have been the major food consumed by humans and have also been used in animal diet and therefore highly commendable for playing a major role in the preservation of human race. Studies have shown that half of the total percentage of calories consumed in the world is from cereals while it is also the most traded agricultural crop at the international market. This motivates the need to assess its utilisation in the past, present and future. This review shows that much driven by the use of cereals are factors like consumption and dietary pattern of a person or country, technological advancement in adding value to it, income status, market forces of demand and supply, level of affluence and policy. The trend in global cereals utilisation since its domestication has indicated an upward one with bulk of it being consumed as food in developing countries while majority of it goes into feeding livestock in developed countries. Evidence from this study also shows that the per capita utilisation of cereals directly for food is exceedingly great in developing countries than developed countries which is an indicator of malnutrition when not balance with other nutrients as it was observed in Bangladesh where calorie intake of an adult is about 90% from cereals. While there is a steady increase in global cereals utilisation due to its discovered industrial use as fuel, increased population and other factors, it will be expedient to focus on its sustainability and environmental issues that are likely to come up as a limitation to meet future demands.
Growth and yield of Sesame (Sesamum indicum) as influenced by plant population density and organo-mineral fertilizer rates
Authors: Oloniruha J.A. , Ogundare S.K. , Olajide K.
Published: March 2021

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important oil-seed crop cultivated for its high nutrition and edible seeds. However, its cultivation is affected by low soil fertility, wrong choice of plant population density and time of sowing. The experiment was carried out during the 2016 and 2017 cropping seasons at the Research Site of Agronomy Section, Kabba College of Agriculture, Kabba, Kogi State, Nigeria. The experiment evaluated the influence of plant population density and organo-mineral fertilizer rates on the performance of Sesame in Kabba, Kogi State, Nigeria. The experiment was a split plot design replicated thrice. The main plot treatment was three plant population density (P1 = 111,111; P2 = 83,333 and P3 = 66,667 plants ha–1) and the sub-plot treatment was four organo-mineral fertilizer rates (F0 = 0, F1 = 500, F2 = 1000, F3 = 1500 kg ha-1). Data were collected on growth, morphological characters (plant height, number of leaves, number of branches) and yield components (number of capsules plant–1, 1000 seed weight and yield ha–1). The result showed that the plant at P1 produced the tallest plants throughout the period of sampling, which was closely followed by P2 while P3 produced the shortest plants. Numbers of capsules plant–1 was highest in plots with P1 which was statistically the same with the number of capsules plant–1 in P2. Number of capsules plant–1 in P1 and P2 were statistically better than the plots with P3. Plots treated with rate F2 gave the highest number of capsules and also recorded the highest yield in 2016 and 2017 growth seasons. The results indicated that Sesame with closest spacing was better in terms of seed yield land–1 area while widest spacing gave the highest individual yield attributes. For economic use of land, it is concluded that plant population density at 111,111 be adopted in the production of Sesame. Best growth and yield performance of Sesame was achieved with 1500 kg ha-1 of organo-mineral fertilizer and is recommended for optimum production of Sesame in the study area.
Agro morphological characterization of cashew trees (Anacardium occidental L.), in improvement for the high yield and high quality of raw nuts in Burkina Faso
Authors: Tarpaga Windpouiré Vianney , Bourgou Larbouga , Guira Moussa , Rouamba Albert
Published: March 2021

The cashew sector has taken a great economic interest, due to the strong global demand for raw nuts. However, in Burkina Faso, the productivity of orchards still remains low, a consequence of a lack of breeding program on the species. In order to increase yields and improve the quality of the raw nut, efficient clones must be developed. Surveys were carried out and a primary in situ collection was made from which a core collection of 15 trees was extracted. An agro-morphological description of the selected trees and an analysis of the structuration of the variability within them were carried out. The study revealed appreciable agro-morphological diversity through shape, size and color of apple, type of inflorescence, fruiting period and the health of trees. A structure of diversity based on agronomic criteria led to identify 5 groups of trees, characterized by an average weight of the nut between 6.64 and 8.32 g, a kernel rate between 28.10 and 31.26% and a yield per tree between 34.27 and 104.42 kg. Performing trees will be erected as heads of clones for the production of grafted plants.

La filière anacarde a pris un grand intérêt économique, suite à la forte demande mondiale en noix brutes. Cependant, au Burkina Faso, la productivité des vergers demeure encore faible, conséquence d’une absence de sélection variétale du matériel végétal. En vue d’accroître les rendements et d’améliorer la qualité de la noix brute, une recherche de clones performants était indispensable. Des prospections ont été conduites et une collection primaire in situ a été constituée dont une core collection de 15 arbres a été extraite. Une description agro-morphologique des arbres sélectionnés et une analyse de la structuration de la variabilité en son sein ont été conduites. L’étude a révélé une diversité agro morphologique appréciable à travers la forme, le calibre et la couleur de la pomme, le type d’inflorescence, la période de fructification et l’état sanitaire des arbres. Une structuration de la diversité basée sur les critères agronomiques a permis d’identifier 5 groupes d’arbres, caractérisés par un poids moyen de la noix compris entre 6,64 et 8,32 g, un taux d’amande compris entre 28,10 et 31,26% et un rendement par arbre compris entre 34,27 et 104,42 kg. Les arbres les plus performants constitueront des têtes de clones pour la production de plants par greffage.
Sorghum responses to different forms of Tilemsi rock phosphate combined with soluble fertilizers in a low-input production system in Mali
Authors: Kouyate Aliou Badara , Ibrahim Ali , Serme Idriss , Dembele Sidiki Gabriel
Published: March 2021

The deficiency in bioavailable phosphorus is one of the major constraints to cereal production in Mali. The objective of this study was to assess the combined effects of Tilemsi rock phosphate (PNT) with different doses of soluble fertilizers on the solubility of rock phosphate, the agronomic performance of sorghum and the chemical properties of the soil. The study consisted of the comparison of four (4) types of fertilization at three (3) levels of variation 0 kg.ha-1; 11 kg.ha-1, and 16 kg.ha-1 of phosphorus arranged in a complete randomized block with three replicates. The combination of PNT with sulfate ammonium (NH4) 2SO4 resulted in a significant increase in grain and biomass yields during the two years of the study. The increase of the rate of phosphate rock application lead to improve the sorghum grain yield by an average of 29%. The combined application of sulfate ammonium (NH4) 2SO4 with PNT significantly increased the phosphorus uptake indices from PNT. These results show that there is a possibility of improving the productivity of sorghum in Mali with the combined use of Tilemsi rock phosphate and soluble fertilizers, particularly sulfate ammonium.

La déficience en phosphore assimilable du sol est l’une des contraintes majeures à la production céréalière au Mali. L’objectif de cette étude est d’évaluer les effets de différentes formules de fumures à base du phosphore naturel de tilemsi (PNT) et d’engrais azotés et potassiques sur les propriétés chimiques du sol et les performances agronomiques du sorgho. Pour ce faire, un dispositif factoriel en blocs complètement randomisés a été implanté. Le premier facteur est composé des 4 formules de fumures (PNT granule (P), PNT granule avec KCl , PNT granule avec (NH4)2SO4 et PNT granule avec KCl et (NH4)2SO4 ) et le second facteur les niveaux de doses de phosphore (0 kg.ha-1; 11 kg.ha-1, et 16 kg.ha-1). L’association du PNT avec le sulfate d’ammonium (NH4)2SO4 a entraîné une augmentation significative des rendements grain et biomasse pendant les deux annéesd’étude. L’augmentation de la dose d’apport du phosphore a amélioré le rendement grain de 29% en moyenne. L’application combinée du sulfate d’ammonium (NH4)2SO4 avec le PNT a augmenté significativement l’efficacité agronomique du PNT. Ces résultats montrent qu’il y a une possibilité d’améliorer la productivité du sorgho au Mali avec l’utilisation combinée de phosphore naturel de Tilemsi à la dose de 16 kg.ha-1 et les engrais solubles notamment le sulfate d’ammonium. Ainsi cette formulation pourrait être recommandée en culture de sorgho pour les producteurs à faible revenu en zone Sahélienne du Mali.
Effects of chemically treated and carbonized spear grass fibre on the curing and mechanical properties of natural rubber vulcanizates
Authors: Ezika A.C. , Okpechi V.U.
Published: March 2021

Effects of chemically treated and carbonized spear grass fibre on the curing and mechanical properties of natural rubber vulcanizates were carried out. Natural rubber (NR) was filled with carbonized (at carbonization temperatures of 400°C, 600°C and 800°C  respectively) and chemically treated (treatment with HCl and NaOH of 5% concentration) spear grass fillers respectively, at a filler loading of 30phr. The rubber compounding was carried out in a bambury mixer. The effect of carbonization temperature and chemical treatment of the filler on the mechanical properties (tensile strength, % elongation, hardness strength, abrasion resistance and compression set) and rheological properties (cure time, scorch time, maximum and minimum torque) were carried out on the  samples. The results of the mechanical properties of carbonized spear grass fibre (C-SGF) filled vulcanizates show that the optimum carbonization temperature for an improved tensile strength, % elongation, hardness, abrasion and compression set was obtained at 400°C. NaOH treated fibre filled vulcanizates showed better mechanical properties; with the highest abrasion resistance of 67.65%, while untreated and acidified fibre filled vulcanizates showed poor mechanical properties. Acidified (HCl) uncarbonized spear grass fibre (U-SGF) filled vulcanizate had the highest compression set of 48% against C-SGF filled vulcanzates and carbon black filled  vulcanizate, with carbon black filled vulcanizate having 47% as its compression set value. This reveals that at a carbonization temperature of 400°C, C-SGF appears to be a potential substitute filler for carbon black (CB).

Keywords: Spear Grass Fibre, Natural Rubber, Chemical Treatments, Cure Characteristics, Mechanical Properties, Carbonization
Use of expanded polystyrene from disposable food pack as a modifier for bitumen in hot mix asphalt
Authors: Murana A.A. , Akilu K. , Olowosulu A.T.
Published: March 2021

This study evaluate the use of Disposable Food Pack (DFP) as a modifier for bitumen for an improved Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA). The  bitumen was modified with 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% DFP obtained from domestic waste. The penetration, ductility and specific gravity of DFP modified bitumen decreased from 68mm to 59.5mm, 110cm to 101cm and 1.025 to 1.012 respectively with increase in DFP, while softening point increased from 49.5 oC to 54.5 oC with increase in DFP. The Marshal Stability results revealed that the DFP modified bitumen increased the stability values of the compacted mixes to a maximum of 9.33kN at 8% DFP content. The flow showed decrease from 3.18mm at 2% DFP to 2.94mm at 10% DFP, whereas the density of the compacted mixes increased to a maximum of 2.293g/cm3 with increased modifier. An Optimum DFP Content of 6.7% by weight of the Optimum Bitumen Content (OBC) isrecommended.

Keywords: Bitumen, Disposable Food Pack, Expanded Polystyrene, Hot Mix Asphalt, Modified bitumen
Controlling of DC-DC Buck Converters Using Microcontrollers
Authors: Alsumady Mohammed O. , Alturk Yazan K. , Dagamseh Ahmad , Tantawi Ma'moun
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a technique to digitally control the output voltage of a DC-DC converter via a microcontroller. The voltage regulation and controlling were achieved utilizing an LM2596 buck converter. A digital potentiometer MCP41050 is utilized to smoothly control the regulated output DC voltage via the SPI digital protocol. The proposed design is manufactured and tested for various loads. This device is considered as a step-down voltage regulator capable of driving 3A load with high efficiency, excellent linearity, source-voltage variation, and load regulation. The results show that the system can control the output voltage with satisfactory performance and high accuracy. With various loads, the proposed system shows a mean square error of 0.015±0.037 volts tested with a regulated voltage of 5 volts. The efficiency improves from about 80% to around 91% at a 1 kΩ load. This design eliminates the possible errors that arise when manually varying the voltage of the buck converter; by means of using a microcontroller. Such a system ensures a proper digitally controlled output voltage with a better performance, which can be applied in various applications.
A Novel Algorithm of Identification Theory of Complex Network for Public Transportation Network Cascading Failure
Authors: Xu Xu
Published: March 2021

With the development of complex network theory and the gradual application of the traffic field, the problem of cascading failure has caused great attention of researchers. This paper tries to propose a new method based on complex network theory to measure the importance of nodes in the network. Based on complex network theory, this paper first discusses the network evolution mechanism of three main contents, define the importance of nodes in the network, and the design of the network center and the evaluation of the importance of node algorithm. In the end, a critical section identification method considering the failure probability and the failure consequence is designed, and the method for calculating the node importance based on the cascading failure is proposed. Using complex network theory, a quantitative assessment of the center of public transportation network and node importance model is designed. The bus network center, for the study of node importance analysis of bus network survivability has important significance. Help guide the optimization of public transport network service. Improve transport capacity of public transportation system.
Spatial and temporal analysis of princilpal historical, geographical, socio-economic and cultural features of the development of the Republic of Moldova
Authors: Kharyshyn Mykhailo
Published: March 2021

The Republic of Moldova is an important trade and economic partner of Ukraine. Common border, proximity of foreign policy positions and interaction in the international arena, common history and culture, historically close cooperation in economic and trade spheres, addressing current challenges and threats, etc. require a closer study of this country. This article aims to highlight and analyze the main historical, geographical, socio-economic and cultural features of Moldova's development. A thorough study of the processes in modern Moldovan society, the nature of their emergence, etc. will allow various stakeholders in Ukraine, including the state authorities, to more effectively use the opportunities of the two countries to build mutually beneficial cooperation, both within multilateral and international platforms. This may help to solve similar problems faced by Ukrainians in building a completely new legal community in our country, a society based on recognized European and Euro-Atlantic values. The article is based on available scholarly research, including copyrighted works on the Republic of Moldova, which generally provides an objective and useful cross-section of the main features of this country. The article highlights the main historical milestones of state-building in Moldova from ancient times to the present day, the formation of its main state institutions, informs about the activities of the state leadership and public figures, the state and administrative-territorial structure of the modern Republic of Moldova. The work shows the current political, socio-economic and humanitarian situation, in particular in the spheres of culture, education and religion, the level of relations between this country and Ukraine, the place and role of the Ukrainian community both on the Right Bank and on the Left Bank (Transnistria) in the life of Moldova, etc. The article focuses on the main parameters of the physical and geographical location of the Republic of Moldova, which determines its natural features, economic development, structure of the national economy, tourist attractiveness, etc.
Orthros: A Low-Latency PRF
Authors: Banik Subhadeep , Isobe Takanori , Liu Fukang , Minematsu Kazuhiko , Sakamoto Kosei
Published: March 2021

We present Orthros, a 128-bit block pseudorandom function. It is designed with primary focus on latency of fully unrolled circuits. For this purpose, we adopt a parallel structure comprising two keyed permutations. The round function of each permutation is similar to Midori, a low-energy block cipher, however we thoroughly revise it to reduce latency, and introduce different rounds to significantly improve cryptographic strength in a small number of rounds. We provide a comprehensive, dedicated security analysis. For hardware implementation, Orthros achieves the lowest latency among the state-of-the-art low-latency primitives. For example, using the STM 90nm library, Orthros achieves a minimum latency of around 2.4 ns, while other constructions like PRINCE, Midori-128 and QARMA9-128- σ0 achieve 2.56 ns, 4.10 ns, 4.38 ns respectively.
Presentación
Authors: Camarero Hernán
Published: March 2021

Presentación
Evaluating Financial Planning Advertisements for Retirement in India: A Content Analysis
Authors: Gupta Ritu , Pradhan Sudeepta
Published: March 2021

For Indians, retirement is neither a formal stage of life nor an issue that people dwell upon while planning their future. Despite the lack of preparation for retirement, a burgeoning population indicates a huge mass of retirees in the coming decades. These statistics trigger the need for individuals to prepare for their retirement appropriately, while accounting for factors like inflation. To highlight the significance of retirement planning and create awareness among the masses, pre-requisites to retirement planning should be effectively communicated. Extant literature suggests advertising to be one such measure of effective communication. This study intended to capture the extent and method of retirement advertisement in the Indian context using 40 television advertisements (ads) of financial institutions focusing on retirement plans. A content analysis revealed that 61% of the ads were non-informative and filled with emotional content. Though celebrity endorsements have effective impact on the Indian audience, only five advertisements used a celebrity to voice their messages. It was concluded that retirement ads need greater focus in India due to the expansive retiring population and the changing family structure in India. The study concluded that financial institutions and banks should focus on this segment and promote their product appropriately.
Employer Attractiveness Through Social Media: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Priyadarshini Chetna , Kumar YLN , Jha Rajneesh
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this paper is to gain insights into the subjective experience and perception of job seekers about the extensive use of social media as a source of recruitment and selection by the employers and its influence on the overall employer attractiveness. Four focus group interviews were conducted, audio-taped, transcribed, and analyzed by following the procedure of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) laid down by Smith and Osborn (2007). By employing IPA, the themes which emerged under the study are: ease of information; navigational usability and user friendliness; person-job fit and person-organization fit; reliability and timeliness; positive and cost effective marketing; value creation for the employers; and privacy concern. The present study posits to assist the human resource managers in formulating strategies pertaining to social media recruitment and selection so as to create an image of attractive employer. Although IPA has been predominantly used within health psychology, it has been uncommon in the recruitment literature so far. Since IPA is a phenomenological account of an individual’s personal experience and perception about an object or event, it allowed determining the richness of job seekers’ perception and the extent to which it is similar or different across each participant groups. Also, the current study is one of the pioneers in uncovering the perception of job seekers about social media recruitment and selection process in the Indian context.
Faculty Perceptions of Communication at an Academic Medical Center: A Faculty Forward Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Rutledge Brian , Bailey Jessica
Published: March 2021

The purpose of the study is to examine the faculty’s suggestions on how to improve communication at five schools in an academic medical center. The University of Mississippi Medical Center facilitated the administration of the Faculty Forward Engagement Survey by the Association of American Medical Colleges to faculty in the schools of medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, and health related professions. This survey included open-ended questions with narrative responses. On these responses to one question about communication, the authors performed the constant comparative method of grounded theory design, a foundational form of qualitative inquiry. In reviewing and coding the 201 responses, we identified recurring concepts, developed and confirmed codes, then discussed and condensed three major themes. The responses suggesting improvement in communication fell into three categories: 1. Access (to institutional leadership, dean, chair, and faculty peers); 2. Characteristics (quantity, quality, and content of communication); 3. Transparency (the “why” and “how” of decision-making, and doing what you say you will do). Because we found through the literature review that communication with and among faculty is a significant determinant of faculty satisfaction and retention, these three categories inform short-term decision making and communication improvements, but also define the area for future investigation.
IDEA OF FREEDOM IN PHILOSOPHY IN THE CONTEXT OF NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE FREEDOMS / NEGATİF VE POZİTİF ÖZGÜRLÜKLER BAĞLAMINDA FELSEFEDE ÖZGÜRLÜK DÜŞÜNCESİ
Authors: Yıkmış Göksel
Published: March 2021

In this article, I will explore the issue of whether it is coherent to say that one person has more freedom than another by considering negative and positive freedom traditions. First, I will briefly describe the notion of negative and positive freedom. Second, I will begin to make a connection between notions of liberty and one agent having more freedom than another. Third, I will outline the inadequacy of the negative tradition, and then I will discuss the necessity of positive tradition. It is concluded that some notion of positive liberty is needed to make coherent sense of the claim that persons can vary in degree of liberty. However, owing to social contract issues, I conclude that both conceptions are needed.

Bu çalışmada, bir kişinin diğerinden daha fazla özgürlüğe sahip olduğunu söylemenin tutarlı olup olmadığı, felsefedeki negatif ve pozitif özgürlük kavramları ele alınarak incelenmiştir. Bu bağlamda ilk olarak negatif ve pozitif özgürlük kavramları kısaca açıklanmıştır. Ardından, özgürlük kavramları ile bir kişinin diğerinden daha fazla özgürlüğe sahip olması arasında bir bağlantı kurulmuştur. Son olarak, felsefedeki negatif özgürlük kavramının neden yetersiz olduğunun ana hatları çizilmiş ve ardından pozitif geleneğin gerekliliği ele alınıp tartışılmıştır. Bu çalışmada, kişilerin özgürlük ve bağımsızlık derecesine göre çeşitlilik gösterebileceği iddiasını tutarlı bir şekilde anlamlandırmak için pozitif özgürlük kavramına ihtiyaç olduğu sonucuna varılmıştır. Bununla birlikte bu çalışmada, toplum sözleşmesi kavramında yer alan birtakım sorunlar nedeniyle, her iki özgürlük kavramın da özgürlük düşüncesi için gerekli olduğu sonucuna varılmıştır.

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ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE WITH LAGRANGE MULTIPLIER FOR SOLVING SPECIFIC NONLINEAR DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Authors: KHAN NAWAB , UL HASSAN QAZI MAHMOOD , UL HAQ EHSAN , KHAN M. YAQUB , AYUB KAMRAN , AYUB JAVERIYA
Published: March 2021

This paper will use Lagrange parameter in Adomain decomposition method to suggest new method for solving nonlinear differential equation. This method will be highly order convergent. Also, this method will be compared with old existence method. At last, some numerical examples will be given to illustrate the efficiency of newly developed method.
ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF RATIO TYPE ESTIMATORS USING AUXILIARY INFORMATION
Authors: IJAZ MUHAMMAD , ULLAH ATTA , ZAMAN TOLGA
Published: March 2021

The paper produces some new modified forms of the ratio estimators using the auxiliary information. The large sample properties, that is, the bias and mean squared error up to the first order of approximation are determined. The comparison is made with other existing estimators by using an applied data. It has been observed that the proposed estimators have a fewer mean squared error and leads to the efficient results as compared to the classical ratio estimator, Sisodia and Dwivedi, Singh and Kakran, Upadhyaya and Singh estimators.
THE PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTION OF CHOLINERGIC SUBSTANCES ON NEW CORNEAL BLOOD VESSELS IN RATS
Authors: DAMIAN DANIELA BIANCA DAMIAN , ISTRATE SANZIANA , ZEMBA MIHAIL , COMAN IOANA CRISTINA , GHITA AURELIAN MIHAI , GONCIAROV MAGDA
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the existence of muscarinic receptors in the new corneal blood vessels, experimentally induced with ketamine in rat pups. The experimental model of neovascularization was performed on 15-day-old Wistar rats, in which 5 intraperitoneal injections of ketamine were administered at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight at 5-day intervals. Examination of the reactivity of new corneal blood vessels was performed on day 45 of life. Each eye that developed neovascularization was evaluated with a Nikon stereomicroscope, coupled to a Mshot video camera, and the total magnification of the system was 400X. The vascular diameter was measured at a chosen point, the same point /points for each recording made to that eye, and the acquisition of images was performed at set time intervals, every 60 seconds for each eye to be examined, throughout the recording period. The parameters under investigation were the variations of the vascular diameter, and the processing of the obtained data was performed with the help of Microsoft Office Excel. Our results suggest that muscarinic receptors are present in the new corneal blood vessels because the administration of conjunctival instillations of acetylcholine caused statistically significant vasodilation, while atropine, a blocker of muscarinic receptors, antagonized this effect.