bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion in the Ambulatory Surgery Center and Traditional Hospital Settings, Part 1: Multi-Center Assessment of Surgical Safety
Authors: Schlesinger Scott M. , Gelber Benjamin R. , Gerber Mark B. , Lorio Morgan P. , Block Jon E.
Published: February 2023

(1) Background: The technological advances achieved with minimally-invasive surgery have enabled procedures to be undertaken in outpatient settings, and there has been growing acceptance of performing minimally-invasive transforaminal interbody fusion (TLIF) in the ambulatory surgery center (ASC). The purposeof this study was to determine the comparative 30 day safety profile for patients treated with TLIF in the ASC versus the hospital setting. (2) Methods: This multi-center study retrospectively collected baseline characteristics, perioperative variables, and 30 day postoperative safety outcomes for patients having a TLIF using the VariLift®-LX expandable lumbar interbody fusion device. Outcomes were compared between patients undergoing TLIF in the ASC (n = 53) versus in the hospital (n = 114). (3) Results: Patients treated in-hospital were significantly older, frailer and more likely to have had previous spinal surgery than ASC patients. Preoperative back and leg pain scores were similar between study groups (median, 7). ASC patients had almost exclusively one-level procedures (98%) vs. 20% of hospital procedures involving two-levels (p = 0.004). Most procedures (>90%) employed a stand-alone device. The median length of stay for hospital patients was five times greater than for ASC patients (1.4 days vs. 0.3 days, p = 0.001). Emergency department visits, re-admissions and reoperations were rare whether the patients were managed in the traditional hospital setting or the ASC. (4) Conclusions: There were equivalent 30 day postoperative safety profiles for patients undergoing a minimally-invasive TLIF irrespective of surgical setting. For appropriately selected surgical candidates, the ASC offers a viable and attractive option for their TLIF procedure with the advantage of same-day discharge and at-home recovery.
New Approaches to Modelling Wilderness Quality in Iceland
Authors: Carver Steve , Konráðsdóttir Sif , Guðmundsson Snæbjörn , Carver Ben , Kenyon Oliver
Published: February 2023

Much of Europe’s remaining wilderness areas are found in Iceland, yet few are formally protected despite ongoing threats from renewable energy exploitation and 4 × 4 usage. Robust and repeatable approaches are required to map wilderness landscape qualities in support of developing policy on designations that meet international standards. We present an approach to mapping wilderness that is based on internationally recognised methods and customised to suit the unique nature of Icelandic landscapes. We use spatially explicit models of wilderness attributes that measure human impact from vehicular access, land use and visible human features rather than relying on proxy measures such as buffer zones. Seventeen wilderness areas are identified across the Central Highlands and surrounding areas, totalling some 28,470 km2. These are compared to existing mapping projects. The character of these areas is described using additional spatial data models on openness, ruggedness and accessibility from settlements, together with information on mobile phone coverage and grazing patterns. This is the most detailed mapping of wilderness in Iceland to date and an important step towards the formal definition of boundaries of wilderness areas meeting IUCN Category 1b and Wild Europe Working Definition in Iceland.
Spatiotemporal Distribution and Driving Force Analysis of the Ecosystem Service Value in the Fujiang River Basin, China
Authors: Zhang Xuemao , Xie Binggeng , Li Junhan , Yuan Chuan
Published: February 2023

Identification of spatiotemporal changes in ecosystem service value and their drivers is the basis for ecosystem services management and decision making. This research selects Fujiang River Basin (FJRB) as the area of study, using the equivalent factor method to estimate the ecosystem service value (ESV) variation and characteristics of its spatial distribution. The contributions of the drivers of ecosystem service value and their interactions were also explored using the optimal parameters-based geographical detectors (OPGD) model. The results showed the following: (1) the total ESV increased from 104,891.22 × 106 yuan to 105,032.08 × 106 yuan from 2000 to 2020, and displayed an upward trend from the southeast to northwest; (2) The distribution of ESV showed a strong positive spatial autocorrelation. High ESVs were concentrated upstream of the study region with a higher elevation and vegetation coverage, whereas low values were mainly found in the midstream and downstream regions, where frequent human activity occurs; (3) The elevation of natural factors, HAI and LA of human-social factors, and PEL of landscape pattern factors were the main forces leading to ESV differentiation, and the spatial heterogeneity of ESV in the study area resulted from the synergistic effect of natural factors, human socioeconomic activities, and landscape pattern factors. This research reveals the spatial and temporal patterns and drivers of ecosystem service values in the FJRB, and provides a scientific reference for the establishment of land-use planning and ecological environmental protection mechanisms in this region.
Will Transaction Cost Be Reduced in the E-Commerce Model of Farmland Transfer in China?
Authors: Li Xuewen , Peng Yi , Yao Yunlai
Published: February 2023

Farmland transfer is an inevitable approach to solving farmland fragmentation and the resulting low productivity in China. Although the central government has formulated various guidelines on farmland transfer, the traditional transfer model faces high transaction cost and thus hinders transfer. With e-commerce development in China, an alternative Jutudi model of farmland transfer with e-commerce has occurred in China. Although transaction cost is an important perspective for understanding reforms, few studies have been conducted to explore whether the transaction cost of the Jutudi model would be reduced compared with the traditional model of farmland transfer and why the Jutudi model succeeds. This study introduces the operation mechanism of the Jutudi model of farmland transfer and the context of the pilot project in Jixi County, Anhui Province. Changes in transaction cost in terms of information search cost, negotiation and contracting process costs, and contract supervision and execution costs are analyzed in the Jutudi model. It is found that the productivity of transferred farmlands significantly improved using the Jutudi model in Jixi County. Transaction cost is generally lowered in the Jutudi model compared with the traditional one. How the changes in transaction cost contribute to farmland transfer is also explained. Potential problems and relevant recommendations have also been discussed to promote the Jutudi model.
Biofilm Formation Capacity and Presence of Virulence Determinants among Enterococcus Species from Milk and Raw Milk Cheeses
Authors: Gajewska Joanna , Chajęcka-Wierzchowska Wioleta , Byczkowska-Rostkowska Zuzanna , Saki Morteza
Published: February 2023

Bacterial biofilm is one of the major hazards facing the food industry. Biofilm-forming ability is one of the most important virulence properties of enterococci. The genus Enterococcus includes pathogenic, spoilage, and pro-technological bacteria. The presence of enterococci in milk and dairy products is usually associated with inadequate hygiene practices. The study examined the isolates’ capacity for biofilm formation and identification of the genetic determinants of its formation among 85 Enterococcus strains isolated from raw milk (n = 49) and soft-ripened cheeses made from unpasteurized milk (n = 36). E. faecalis and E. faecium were the dominant species. The obtained results showed that 41.4% isolates from milk and 50.0% isolates from cheeses were able to form biofilm. All of the isolates analyzed had at least one of the studied genes. As regards the isolates from raw milk, the most prevalent gene was the gelE (85.6%), followed by the asa1 (66.7%). None of the isolates from cheeses showed the presence of cylA and sprE. The most prevalent gene among the strains from this source was the epbC (94.4%), followed by the gelE (88.9%). In isolates from both sources, the presence of proteins from the Fsr group was noted the least frequently. Nevertheless, results showed that were no significant differences between the biofilm-producing Enterococcus spp. and non-biofilm-producing isolates in term of occurrences of tested virulence genes. The ability to produce a biofilm by enterococci isolated from raw milk or ready-to-eat products emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring of the mechanisms of microbial adhesion.
Effect of Filler Wire on Mechanical Properties, Microstructure and Natural Aging Behavior of 2A55 Al-Li Alloy TIG Welded Joint
Authors: Liu Zhihao , Liu Pingli , Xiang Hui , Huang Yang , Ma Pengcheng , Chen Yonglai , Li Jinfeng , Zhang Ruifeng
Published: February 2023

2A55 Al-Li alloy is considered to have potential applications in the manufacture of fuel tanks for aerospace vehicles. However, the composition design of filler wires for 2A55 Al-Li alloy TIG welding has not been fully studied. This work focuses on the mechanical properties and microstructure of 2A55 Al-Li alloy TIG welded joints obtained using 2A55 alloy and Al-8Cu filler wire that was designed for this work, as well as the effects brought about by natural aging on them. When filler wire with higher Zr and Ti content was used, the weld grain was significantly refined. Due to the difference in the Cu content of filler wire, the formed Cu-rich phases in welds are significantly different, showing a grid-like distribution in the Al-8Cu weld compared to the dispersed distribution in the 2A55 weld. After welding, the lack of dominant strengthening precipitates caused a sharp softening of the welds. However, Li and Cu atoms dissolved in the Al matrix can precipitate fine and dispersed Al3Li particles and GPZs by natural aging to strengthen the welds. After natural aging, the yield strength (YS) of the 2A55 joint increased by 24.1% compared with the 14.7% improvement of the Al-8Cu joint.
Aspects of Bending High-Borated Austenitic Stainless Steel Sheets for Interim Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel
Authors: Odehnal Josef , Studecký Tomáš , Čejková Petra , Poláková Ivana , Rund Martin , Brunát Václav , Martínek Petr , Francisko Pavel , Donik Črtomir
Published: February 2023

The presented work is aimed at the evaluation of the cold bending capacity of high-borated austenitic stainless steel sheets. Due to their excellent neutron-absorbing capability, borated stainless steels belong to the group of tailor-made structural materials widely used for vertical storage baskets for holding spent nuclear fuel assemblies in cooling pools at dry or wet storage facilities. The basket consists of individual fuel assembly cells. Each polygonal cell is usually welded from several steel strips. It would be advantageous to use bent steel semi-product to avoid welded seams as much as possible. Welded seams are difficult to make, and moreover, they are susceptible to corrosion. However, high-borated stainless steels, because of their boron content, show limited hot and cold workability. Thus, their cold bending capacity would be the primary issue. Their austenitic matrix with embedded hard and brittle boride particles is prone to the evolution and fast propagation of dimple transgranular fracture. This work is focused on the bending aspects of borated steel sheets with respect to the most commonly used hexagonal cell geometry. Experimental results provide practical recommendations for the rack design. The damage criterion has also been proposed using FEM simulations in DEFORM®.
From Protosolar Space to Space Exploration: The Role of Graphene in Space Technology and Economy
Authors: Scalia Tanya , Bonventre Lucia , Terranova Maria Letizia
Published: February 2023

This paper aims to analyse the state-of-the-art of graphene-based materials and devices designed for use in space. The goal is to summarise emerging research studies, contextualise promising findings, and discuss underway strategies to address some specific space-related problems. To complete our overview of graphene-based technology and address the relevance of graphene in the wide scenario of the space economy, we also provide an analysis of worldwide patents and the scientific literature for aerospace applications in the period 2010–2021. We analysed global trends, country distributions, top assignees, and funding sponsors, evidencing a general increase for the period considered. These indicators, integrated with market information, provide a clear evaluation of the related technology trends and readiness levels.
Evaluation of Entomopathogenic Nematodes against Common Wireworm Species in Potato Cultivation
Authors: Askar Arife Gümüş , Yüksel Ebubekir , Bozbuğa Refik , Öcal Atilla , Kütük Halil , Dinçer Dilek , Canhilal Ramazan , Dababat Abdelfattah A. , İmren Mustafa
Published: February 2023

Wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae) are common insect pests that attack a wide range of economically important crops including potatoes. The control of wireworms is of prime importance in potato production due to the potential damage of the larvae to tuber quantity and quality. Chemical insecticides, the main control strategy against wireworms, generally fail to provide satisfactory control due to the lack of available chemicals and the soil-dwelling habits of the larvae. In the last decades, new eco-friendly concepts have emerged in the sustainable control of wireworms, one of which is entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). EPNs are soil-inhabitant organisms and represent an ecological approach to controlling a great variety of soil-dwelling insect pests. In this study, the susceptibility of Agriotes sputator Linnaeus and A. rufipalpis Brullé larvae, the most common wireworm species in potato cultivation in Türkiye, to native EPN strains [Steinernema carpocapsae (Sc_BL22), S. feltiae (Sf_BL24 and Sf_KAY4), and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Hb_KAY10 and Hb_AF12)] were evaluated at two temperatures (25 and 30 °C) in pot experiments. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Hb_AF12 was the most effective strain at 30 °C six days post-inoculation and caused 37.5% mortality to A. rufipalpis larvae. Agriotes sputator larvae were more susceptible to tested EPNs at the same exposure time, and 50% mortality was achieved by two EPNs species, Hb_AF12 and Sc_BL22. All EPN species/strains induced mortality over 70% to both wireworm species at both temperatures at 100 IJs/cm2, 18 days post-treatment. The results suggest that tested EPN species/strains have great potential in the control of A. sputator and A. rufipalpis larvae.
COVID-19 in Pluralea Interactions: A Case Study in Santo Tomé (Corrientes, Argentina)
Authors: Mastrangelo Andrea , Alegre Andrea , Giménez Karina
Published: February 2023

This paper is an ethnographic case study of COVID-19 emergence in Santo Tomé (South America, NE Argentina, ≂25,000 inhabitants). Based on interviews with healthcare personnel, we describe local containment and prevention policies in a context of national lockdown measures. We reconstruct a tree diagram of infections, index cases and close contacts that spread infection locally. In parallel, fieldwork in a sample of impoverished subsistence agricultures and fishermen allows us to describe drought and fresh food production decline during confinement as convergent ecocrises (pluralea interactions) with the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. The core idea of the article, which emerged from ethnographic fieldwork evidence, is that in the context of climate change, the sudden onset of an infectious disease interacts with convergent ecocrises.
Melatonin as a Possible Natural Anti-Viral Compound in Plant Biocontrol
Authors: Hernández-Ruiz Josefa , Giraldo-Acosta Manuela , El Mihyaoui Amina , Cano Antonio , Arnao Marino B.
Published: February 2023

Melatonin is a multifunctional and ubiquitous molecule. In animals, melatonin is a hormone that is involved in a wide range of physiological activities and is also an excellent antioxidant. In plants, it has been considered a master regulator of multiple physiological processes as well as of hormonal homeostasis. Likewise, it is known for its role as a protective biomolecule and activator of tolerance and resistance against biotic and abiotic stress in plants. Since infections by pathogens such as bacteria, fungi and viruses in crops result in large economic losses, interest has been aroused in determining whether melatonin plays a relevant role in plant defense systems against pathogens in general, and against viruses in particular. Currently, several strategies have been applied to combat infection by pathogens, one of them is the use of eco-friendly chemical compounds that induce systemic resistance. Few studies have addressed the use of melatonin as a biocontrol agent for plant diseases caused by viruses. Exogenous melatonin treatments have been used to reduce the incidence of several virus diseases, reducing symptoms, virus titer, and even eradicating the proliferation of viruses such as Tobacco Mosaic Virus, Apple Stem Grooving Virus, Rice Stripe Virus and Alfalfa Mosaic Virus in tomato, apple, rice and eggplant, respectively. The possibilities of using melatonin as a possible natural virus biocontrol agent are discussed.
Differentiation in Nitrogen Transformations and Crop Yield as Affected by Tillage Modes in a Fluvo-Aquic Soil
Authors: Shen Fengmin , Zhu Changwei , Jiang Guiying , Yang Jin , Zhu Xuanlin , Wang Shiji , Wang Renzhuo , Liu Fang , Jie Xiaolei , Liu Shiliang
Published: February 2023

Nitrogen is a vital element for soil fertility and crop productivity. The transformation of nitrogen is directly affected by tillage practices for the disturbing soil. The characteristics of different nitrogen forms under different tillage modes are still unclear. A 3-year cycle tillage experiment was carried out to assess the combination of rotary tillage (RT), deep tillage (DT), and shallow rotary tillage (SRT) on nitrogen transformation and distribution, wheat yield and nitrogen balance in fluvo-aquic soil from Huang-Huai-Hai Plain in China. The results showed the rotation tillage cycle with deep tillage in the first year increased the total nitrogen (TN), and the main nitrogen form content in 0–30 cm compared with continued rotary tillage (RT-RT-RT). Moreover, the nitrate (NO3−-N) and ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) content were improved in 20–40 cm by deep tillage practice with the highest value as 39.88 mg kg−1 under DT-SRT-RT. The time, tillage, and depth significantly affected the different nitrogen forms, but there was no effect on dissolved organic carbon (DON) and soil microbial biomass nitrogen (SMBN) by the interaction of time and tillage. Moreover, compared with RT-RT-RT, the rotation tillage promoted the spike number and kernels per spike of wheat, further increasing the wheat yield and nitrogen partial productivity, and with a better effect under DT-SRT-RT. The NO3−-N and NH4+-N trended closer and positively correlated with wheat yield in 0–40 cm in 2019. The rotation tillage with deep tillage improved the different forms of nitrogen in 0–30 cm, wheat yield, and nitrogen partial productivity, and decreased the apparent nitrogen loss. It was suggested as the efficiency tillage practice to improve nitrogen use efficiency and crop yield in this area.
Classification of Tomato Fruit Using Yolov5 and Convolutional Neural Network Models
Authors: Phan Quoc-Hung , Nguyen Van-Tung , Lien Chi-Hsiang , Duong The-Phong , Hou Max Ti-Kuang , Le Ngoc-Bich
Published: February 2023

Four deep learning frameworks consisting of Yolov5m and Yolov5m combined with ResNet50, ResNet-101, and EfficientNet-B0, respectively, are proposed for classifying tomato fruit on the vine into three categories: ripe, immature, and damaged. For a training dataset consisting of 4500 images and a training process with 200 epochs, a batch size of 128, and an image size of 224 × 224 pixels, the prediction accuracy for ripe and immature tomatoes is found to be 100% when combining Yolo5m with ResNet-101. Meanwhile, the prediction accuracy for damaged tomatoes is 94% when using Yolo5m with the Efficient-B0 model. The ResNet-50, EfficientNet-B0, Yolov5m, and ResNet-101 networks have testing accuracies of 98%, 98%, 97%, and 97%, respectively. Thus, all four frameworks have the potential for tomato fruit classification in automated tomato fruit harvesting applications in agriculture.
Precision Detection and Assessment of Ash Death and Decline Caused by the Emerald Ash Borer Using Drones and Deep Learning
Authors: Valicharla Sruthi Keerthi , Li Xin , Greenleaf Jennifer , Turcotte Richard , Hayes Christopher , Park Yong-Lak
Published: February 2023

Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) is an invasive pest that has killed millions of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) in the USA since its first detection in 2002. Although the current methods for trapping emerald ash borers (e.g., sticky traps and trap trees) and visual ground and aerial surveys are generally effective, they are inefficient for precisely locating and assessing the declining and dead ash trees in large or hard-to-access areas. This study was conducted to develop and evaluate a new tool for safe, efficient, and precise detection and assessment of ash decline and death caused by emerald ash borer by using aerial surveys with unmanned aerial systems (a.k.a., drones) and a deep learning model. Aerial surveys with drones were conducted to obtain 6174 aerial images including ash decline in the deciduous forests in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, USA. The ash trees in each image were manually annotated for training and validating deep learning models. The models were evaluated using the object recognition metrics: mean average precisions (mAP) and two average precisions (AP50 and AP75). Our comprehensive analyses with instance segmentation models showed that Mask2former was the most effective model for detecting declining and dead ash trees with 0.789, 0.617, and 0.542 for AP50, AP75, and mAP, respectively, on the validation dataset. A follow-up in-situ field study conducted in nine locations with various levels of ash decline and death demonstrated that deep learning along with aerial survey using drones could be an innovative tool for rapid, safe, and efficient detection and assessment of ash decline and death in large or hard-to-access areas.
Use of Three Different Nanoparticles to Reduce Cd Availability in Soils: Effects on Germination and Early Growth of Sinapis alba L.
Authors: González-Feijoo Rocío , Rodríguez-Seijo Andrés , Fernández-Calviño David , Arias-Estévez Manuel , Arenas-Lago Daniel
Published: February 2023

Globally, cadmium (Cd) is one of the metals that causes the most significant problems of contamination in agricultural soils and toxicity in living organisms. In this study, the ability of three different nanoparticles (dose 3% w/w) (hydroxyapatite (HANPs), maghemite (MNPs), or zero-valent iron (FeNPs)) to decrease the availability of Cd in artificially contaminated agricultural soil was investigated. The effect of Cd and nanoparticles on germination and early growth of Sinapis alba L. was also assessed by tolerance/toxicity bioassays. The available Cd contents in the contaminated soil decreased after treatment with the nanoparticles (available Cd decreased with HANPs: >96.9%, MNPs: >91.9%, FeNPs: >94%), indicating that these nanoparticles are highly efficient for the fixation of available Cd. The toxicity/tolerance bioassays showed different behavior for each nanoparticle. The HANPs negatively affected germination (G(%): 20% worsening compared to control soil), early root growth (Gindex: −27.7% compared to control soil), and aerial parts (Apindex: −12%) of S. alba, but showed positive effects compared to Cd-contaminated soils (Gindex: +8–11%; Apindex: +26–47%). MNP treatment in Cd-contaminated soils had a positive effect on germination (G(%): 6–10% improvement) and early growth of roots (Gindex: +16%) and aerial parts (Apindex: +16–19%). The FeNPs had a positive influence on germination (G(%): +10%) and growth of aerial parts (Apindex: +12–16%) but not on early growth of roots (Gindex: 0%). These nanoparticles can be used to reduce highly available Cd contents in contaminated soils, but MNPs and FeNPs showed the most favorable effects on the early growth and germination of S. alba.
Comparison of Substance Sources in Experimental Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing
Authors: Bielec Filip , Brauncajs Małgorzata , Pastuszak-Lewandoska Dorota
Published: February 2023

Funding is often a constraint when planning research, especially in countries where basic research is underfunded. Researchers must take into account these limitations, e.g., in relation to the selection of appropriate reagents, the source of which may affect the study’s final results. The aim of this article was to compare the results of bacteria susceptibility testing using three different sources of antimicrobial: the pure powder available from the supplier and two tablet formulations with different excipients. The chosen substance was furazidin (nitrofuran derivative). The susceptibility was tested on a group of 45 uropathogenic Enterobacterales using both microdilution and disk diffusion methods. The obtained results indicated that despite the relatively higher price, the powder appeared to be the best substance for scientific purposes, especially for quantitative determinations.
The New Dimension of Social Inequality: The Agricultural Land Use Structure and the Development Level of Settlements
Authors: Győri Ágnes , Kovách Imre
Published: February 2023

The structure of land ownership and land use changed significantly after the fall of the communist regime in most CEE countries. The goal of this paper is to present a unique analysis of the highly concentrated Hungarian land system and model spatial differences. Using settlements as observation units, this research proposes a methodology to include data on land of all individual and corporate farms. First, according to the dominant farm size, we classified the farms into six types of land use structures, applying latent profile analysis. Then, we studied the distribution of their geographical location. We examined the statistical relationship between land ownership structure and the economic, social, and infrastructural characteristics and development level of settlements. One of the unexpected results of the research is that the dominance of large farms is mostly related to the higher values of the development indicators of the settlements.
Prediction and Urban Adaptivity Evaluation Model Based on Carbon Emissions: A Case Study of Six Coastal City Clusters in China
Authors: Zheng Kaiyuan , Zhang Ying
Published: February 2023

Aiming at predicting the issues of social economics, environmental pollution, climate change, and marine disasters influenced by carbon emissions, a predicting model based on carbon emissions with the Random Forest (RF) model was constructed. Meanwhile, a novel urban adaptivity evaluation model is put forward considering the above four domains of indicators; hence, the predicting and evaluation models are integrated. Six coastal city clusters of China are selected as study areas and the result of the RF model with carbon emissions shows that northern city clusters suffer more pollutant loads due to their heavy industry layout; southern cities generally have higher GDP, while they are more vulnerable toward extreme weather and marine disasters. The result of the evaluation system indicates that northern city clusters have higher urban adaptivity (0.49–0.50) due to their balance between economics and pollution as well as less vulnerability to climate change because of their relatively high latitude. On the contrary, southern cities should focus on environmental pollution and tropical storms to pursue superior compatibility.
An Artificial Neural Network Model for Project Effort Estimation
Authors: Şengüneş Burcu , Öztürk Nursel
Published: February 2023

Estimating the project effort remains a challenge for project managers and effort estimators. In the early phases of a project, having a high level of uncertainty and lack of experience cause poor estimation of the required work. Especially for projects that produce a highly customized unique product for each customer, it is challenging to make estimations. Project effort estimation has been studied mainly for software projects in the literature. Currently, there has been no study on estimating effort in customized machine development projects to the best of our knowledge. This study aims to fill this gap in the literature regarding project effort estimation for customized machine development projects. Additionally, this study focused on a single phase of a project, the automation phase, in which the machine is automated according to customer-specific requirements. Therefore, the effort estimation of this phase is crucial. In some cases, this is the first time that the company has experienced the requirements specific to the customer. For this purpose, this study proposed a model to estimate how much work is required to automate a machine. Insufficient effort estimation is one of the main reasons behind project failures, and nowadays, researchers prefer more objective approaches such as machine learning over expert-based ones. This study also proposed an artificial neural network (ANN) model for this purpose. Data from past projects were used to train the proposed ANN model. The proposed model was tested on 11 real-life projects and showed promising results with acceptable prediction accuracy. Additionally, a desktop application was developed to make this system easier to use for project managers.
Histopathological Patterns of Cutaneous Adverse Reaction to Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines: The Integrative Role of Skin Biopsy
Authors: Cazzato Gerardo , Ambrogio Francesca , Pisani Maria , Colagrande Anna , Arezzo Francesca , Cascardi Eliano , Dellino Miriam , Macorano Enrica , Trilli Irma , Parente Paola , Lettini Teresa , Romita Paolo , Marzullo Andrea , Ingravallo Giuseppe , Foti Caterina
Published: February 2023

The advent of vaccines represented a milestone to allow the slowing down and then containing of the exponential increase in ongoing infections and deaths of COVID-19. Since the first months of the vaccination campaign in various continents, there has been a certain number of reports of adverse events, including skin reactions. We conducted a systematic review, searching on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library for the words: COVID vaccine, dermatopathology, skin, eruptions, rash, cutaneous, BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech), ChAdOX1 (AstraZeneca), and mRNA-1273 (Moderna). A total of 28 records were initially identified in the literature search of which two were duplicates. After screening for eligibility and inclusion criteria, 18 publications were ultimately included. Various clinical cutaneous manifestations and histopathological patterns following vaccination have been described in literature. The most frequent clinical-pathological presentations were erythematous maculo-papular eruptions in different way of distribution with histopathological pictures mostly represented by interface changes and mixed peri-vascular and peri-adnexal cell infiltrate. Other presentations included new onset of pemphigoid bullous disease (n = 15), delayed T-cell-mediated hypersensitivity reaction (injection site reactions) (n = 10), purpuric skin rash (n = 13), mostly localized on the legs bilaterally and symmetrically with histological pictures characterized by extravasation of erythrocytes in the superficial and middle dermis, and other types of reactions. New studies with large case series and further literature reviews are needed to improve the clinical management of patients and optimize the timeline for carrying out histological biopsy for confirmatory, supportive, and differential diagnosis purposes.
Eficiência entre a semeadura informatizada de precisão e a semeadura mecanizada tradicional na distribuição de sementes de soja (Glycine max)
Authors: Meier Felipe Rodrigo , Ziegler Weslei , Pizolotto Fabricio Zuchetto , Muller Valberto
Published: February 2023

Recentemente, têm-se reconhecido que as produções das culturas não são uniformes no campo. Essas variações reduzem a eficiência das práticas de manejo e o potencial produtivo da área. O objetivo deste trabalho foi aplicar técnicas de agricultura de precisão em duas propriedades, também, aplicar técnicas com mecanização tradicional na distribuição de sementes no plantio de soja (Glycine max). Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo com abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa, visando acompanhar como interagem as pessoas envolvidas no processo no decorrer das diversas etapas do ciclo avaliatório, foram utilizadas as técnicas de pesquisa bibliográfica, documental, entrevista, observação participante, livros e artigos de autores que tratam sobre os métodos de avaliação. O estudo foi realizado com 15 amostras e 4 repetições em cada uma, com espaçamento de 5 metros entre amostras. Dessa forma, foram feitos cálculos do desvio padrão formal (precisão); análise de médias entre as repetições. Constatou-se que a área com sistema RTK obteve a média entre as respectivas amostras em 50,25 cm, o desvio padrão definiu-se como 1,074321. A área com DGPS obteve a média entre as amostras de 46,11667 cm e o desvio padrão 12,19165, já a área com sistema tradicional obteve média de 50,51667 e o desvio padrão 3,708062. O estudo permite concluir que os sistemas GPS e RTK no plantio, correspondeu aos objetivos esperados. Já o plantio utilizando o sistema tradicional, apresentou-se de forma satisfatória no presente trabalho.
Effect of Clarity on Budget Targets and Reporting Systems on Performance Accountability with Internal Controls as Intervening Variables in the SKPD of the Kotabaru Regency Government
Authors: Sanusi Sanusi , Riyadi Padlah
Published: February 2023

This study aims to examine the clarity of budget targets and reporting systems that affect performance accountability. This study also examines whether the internal control system mediates the effect of the clarity of budget targets and the reporting system. This study is of the type of associative causality and is carried out through a survey method by distributing questionnaires to the compilers of the performance accountability report of government agencies in Kotabaru. The population of this study was all SKPD in the Kotabaru Regency Government, totaling 30 SKPD consisting of 82 sample respondents. This study uses descriptive statistical analysis and partial least squares (SEM-PLS) analysis. Analysis powered by Smart-PLS 3.0. The results of this study show that the clarity of budget targets and internal controls affect the performance accountability of government agencies, while the reporting system does not affect performance accountability. Clarity of budget targets, and reporting systems affect internal control. Internal control as an interverning variable can affect the clarity of budget objectives and reporting systems on performance accountability.
Pengaruh Corporate Governance terhadap Tax Avoidance
Authors: Chintia Veren , Susanto Yulius Kurnia
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this research was to obtain empirical evidence of 7 independent variables and 1 dependent variable. Executive compensation, executive character, company size, institutional ownership, the proportion of BOC, audit committee, and audit quality are the company's independent variables that affect tax avoidance which is the dependent variable.The objects used in this research is all manufacturing companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) during the research period 2018 to 2020. The samples used in this study were 49 companies that were selected through purposive sampling with a total of 147 data. In this reaserch to test the hypothesis must using multiple regression analysis.The results shown in this research are company size and audit quality variables have an influence on tax avoidance. Meanwhile, the variables of executive compensation, executive character, institutional ownership, the proportion of BOC, and audit committee do not have any influence on tax avoidance. The larger company size, the higher the possibility of the company in doing tax avoidance.
Faktor-Faktor yang mempengaruhi Earnings Persistence
Authors: Claudia Ferby , Pradipta Arya
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study is to obtain empirical evidence regarding the effect of the independent variables on institutional ownership, sales volatility, managerial ownership, operating cash flows, permanent book tax differences, and temporary book tax differences on the dependent variable, namely earnings persistence. The population used in this study were manufacturing companies that were consistently listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) during the period 2018 to 2020. The sample selection in this study used the purposive sampling method, and the method used to analyze the data was the multiple regression method. . Based on the predetermined sample criteria, the number of companies used as samples in this study were 35 companies. The results of this study indicate that the independent variable, namely sales volatility, has an influence on Earnings Persistence. Meanwhile, the other independent variables, namely institutional ownership, managerial ownership, operating cash flow, permanent book tax differences and temporary book tax differences have no effect on earnings persistence.
Tanggung Jawab Sosial dan Rasio Keuangan terhadap Tax Avoidance
Authors: Octaviani Jemima , Susanto Yulius Kurnia , Akhadi Iman
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study is to provide empirical evidence about the factors that affect tax avoidance. These factors are: corporate social responsibility, leverage, independent commissioners, audit quality, profitability, and sales growth on tax avoidance. The population in this research is manufacturing companies that listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2018-2020. The sample used for this research consist of 73 listed manufacturing companies. This study uses purposive sampling method and the data obtained from these samples were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. The results of this research show that profitability have effect ontax avoidance. However, corporate social responsibility, leverage, independent commissioners, audit quality, and sales growth have no effect on tax avoidance.
Effect of Organizational Commitment and Leadership Style on Employee Performance through Work Motivation at PT. Astra UD Truck Sunter Branch
Authors: Mardiansyah Irvan
Published: February 2023

This study aims to: 1) determine the effect of organizational commitment on employee performance at PT. Astra UD Truck Sunter Branch, 2) determine the effect of leadership style on employee performance at PT. Astra UD Truck Sunter Branch, 3) determine the effect of work motivation on employee performance at PT. Astra UD Truck Sunter Branch, 4) determine the effect of organizational commitment on work motivation at PT. Astra UD Truck Sunter Branch, 5) determine the effect of leadership style on work motivation at PT. Astra UD Truck Sunter Branch, 6) determine the effect of organizational commitment on employee performance through work motivation at PT. Astra UD Truck Sunter Branch, 7) determine the effect of leadership style on employee performance through work motivation at PT. Astra UD Truck Sunter Branch. This research was conducted at PT. Astra UD Truck Suntrer Branch with a research sample of 60 employees. The data analysis method used descriptive analysis and path analysis. The results of this study indicate that; 1) organizational commitment has a significant effect on employee performance, 2) leadership style has a significant influence on employee performance. 3) work motivation has a significant influence on employee performance, 4) motivational variables cannot mediate organizational commitment variables, 5) motivational variables cannot mediate leadership style variables.
MORFOLOGÍA DERIVATIVA Y EXPRESIÓN DE LA APROXIMACIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: EL CASO DE -OIDE
Authors: Felíu Arquiola Elena
Published: February 2023

Este artículo tiene un objetivo doble: por una parte, presentar brevemente algunos de los procedimientos derivativos con los que cuenta la morfología del español para la expresión de la aproximación en sentido amplio, incluyendo tanto la no prototipicidad como la no autenticidad o falsedad; por otra, describir el caso concreto del sufijo -oide a partir de datos de neologismos recientes con el fin de mostrar cómo se relacionan en este sufijo los conceptos de categorización, aproximación y evaluación, de forma similar a lo que sucede en el caso de otros sufijos de origen culto como -áceo.
Avaliação da prevalência de terceiro molar inferior em íntima relação com o canal mandibular por meio de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico: estudo retrospectivo transversal
Authors: Oliveira de Sá Louize , Spyro Spyrides Kyria , Murad Villoria Eduardo
Published: February 2023

Objetivo: A proposta do presente estudo foi avaliar, por meio de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC), a prevalência de terceiros molares inferiores inclusos, ou semi-inclusos, em íntima relação com o canal mandibular (CM). Material e Método: Foram selecionados 91 exames de TCFC de indivíduos do sexo masculino (43) e feminino (48), de diferentes faixas etárias (19-70 anos), com indicação de exodontia de terceiros molares inferiores inclusos ou semi-inclusos. As imagens tomográficas foram selecionadas aleatoriamente seguindo os critérios de inclusão (terceiros molares inferiores inclusos, semi-inclusos e com indicação de exodontia) e exclusão (terceiros molares erupcionados, com rizogênese incompleta e sem indicação de exodontia). Os arquivos DICOM (Digital Imaging and Comunication in Medicine) foram importados no software Radiant DICOM Viewer para a avaliação da relação entre terceiros molares inferiores e CM através dos cortes multiplanares (coronal, axial e sagital). A íntima relação entre dente e CM foi considerada quando o terceiro molar inferior interrompeu a cortical óssea do CM. Resultados: Dos 154 terceiros molares inferiores avaliados, 110 (71%) apresentaram íntima relação com o canal mandibular, com maior prevalência no sexo feminino (62, 77%) e lado direito (61, 77%). Conclusões: foi observada uma alta prevalência de terceiros molares inferiores, inclusos ou semi-inclusos, em íntima relação com o CM analisados por meio de TCFC. Os pacientes do sexo feminino apresentaram maior prevalência quando comparado aos pacientes do sexo masculino. O lado direito apresentou o maior percentual de terceiros molares inferiores em íntima relação com o CM.
Evolution of regenerative endodontic in young permanent teeth: a literature review
Authors: Jamet Jean-Hugues , Conde Antonio Jesus , De la Hoz Ana , Pérez Alfayate Ruth , Loroño Gaizka , Siqueira Patrícia Correia , Estevez Roberto
Published: February 2023

Objective: to compare different protocols available for regenerative endodontic. Methodology: articles published between 2001 and 2021 were searched on the database PubMed using the following keywords: “pulp revascularization” or “pulp revitalization” or “apexification”. Inclusion criteria were studies on humans, patients with immature permanent teeth with necrosis or irreversible pulpitis, a follow-up of at least 12 months, clearly described protocols and in English language. Results: The search produced 944 results. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, only 35 were selected. 11 articles were added following a bibliographic review of the selected articles and a total of 46 cases were included. The success rate outcome for regenerative endodontic was of 80% observed in a total of 278 teeth. During irrigation, NaOCL was used in most of the cases with concentration varying from 0.5% to 6% and TAP has been the most used intracanal medication (32.7%). Periapical healing and resolution of the symptoms were observed in 95.7%, while apexogenesis was observed in 80.2%. Increase in root length reach 60%, root thickness 64.8% and apical closure 61,9%. Pulp vitality was found in 7.2% of the cases and discoloration in 29.5%. Conclusion: Regenerative endodontic showed signs of apexogenesis in most cases, and a pronounced increase in root thickness, root length and closure of the apex. Due to a high number of protocols and their heterogenicity, the superiority of one over the others cannot be established. More randomized clinical trials are needed to determine the most effective protocol.
أثر التدريب باستعمال الخط العربي في تنمية التحصيل الفني والقدرة على التطور لدى ملاكات المدارس الاهلية والحكومية ( فئة المعلمين انموذجا )
Authors: السعيدي حازم , الرواف علي
Published: February 2023

لقد اصبح الخط العربي محط انظار للدارسين وكوادره التعليمية محور هام تدور حوله العديد من الفرضيات ، وبلا شك كان ذلك منذ البوارق الاولى لانبثاقه والاهتمام به من قبل الرسول الاعظم محمد ص وماتلاه من فترات راشدية واموية وعباسية وصولا الى يومنا الحالي , وان فكرة تدريب الكوادر من خلال الدورات التي تقيمها المديريات العامة للتربية والاعداد والتدريب تنبثق من حرص الوزارة على جعل الكوادر تخصصية في المجال الفني برمته بعيدا عن الاختصاصات الدقيقة في "اللغة العربية والتربية الفنية " مما تفضي الى نتائج علمية واقعية على فترات متعاقبة من التدريب والتطوير ، ولا جل ان يستقيم الفهم الصحيح لفكر أثر التدريب باستعمال الخط العربي يجب ان يخضع العنوان الى الموضوعية الميدانية وهذا شكل جانبا مهما في مشكلة البحث الحالي , مما حدى بنا الى انشاء فكرة التدريب وبيان اثرها المبنية على اسس علمية ومنهجية .وفقا لمشكلة البحث المتسائلة بماهي الطرق الناجعة للتدريب على الخط العربي ؟ لقد تناول البحث اربعة فصول اولها التعرض الى مشكلة البحث واهميته والحاجة اليه وموضوعيته وتحديد مصطلحاته, ويجىء الهدف في تقصي أثر التدريب باستعمال الخط العربي ،ولتحقيق الهدف قام الباحث باعداد اختبار تحصيلي لتحديد مستوى التحصيل واختبار القدرة على التطور والاعتماد على المنهج شبه التجريبي متبعا تصميم المجموعتين المتكافئتين ذات التطبيق المتكرر القبلي والبعدي , وطبق البحث على عينة من المعلمين بلغ عددهم (48) معلما وتم تعيين افرادها الى مجموعتين بالطريقة العشوائية البسيطة باستعمال القرعة لتكون المجموعة التي يقع عليها الاختيار المجموعة التجريبية وتكون الاخرى الضابطة وبعد تطبيق تجربة البحث ومعالجة البيانات احصائيا اظهرت النتائج وجود الفروق في متوسط التحصيل ، فضلا عن ورود التوصيات والمقترحات
السيميولوجية وسيميائية الصورة في قصيدة (قف ورتّل سورة النسف علي رأس الوثن) لأحمد مطر نموذجا
Authors: مهر عباسعلی , وحیدی أحمد , خطیبی علی
Published: February 2023

السيمياء مصطلح ظهر مؤخرا وكثرت بشأنه الدراسات وهو ذاك العلم الذي يدرس الإشارات أو العلامات داخل الحياة الاجتماعية والنص. وقد حاول الباحث خلال هذا البحث أن يقدم دراسة تحليلية وتأويلية مع التركيز على بعض الظواهر السيميائية الواردة في الصور. في القسم الأول من البحث قد وصل الباحث إلى أن السيمياء كانت مجتذرة في الأدب العربي إلا أنها لم تصل إلى البحوث النظرية وفي القسم الثاني رأى الباحث بأن الشاعر قد وُفّق في عرض "صورة القمع و الظلم " الذي كان يعيشه في مجتمعه من خلال لوحاته الفنية.
منهج تفسير المنار في تربية القلب
Authors: زاده شریف , نيا سيد محمد , نژاد مهدي
Published: February 2023

من أهم الخصائص القرآنية هي الهداية والتربية، بحيث ارتبطت الهداية والتربية بالقرآن الكريم ارتباطا وثيقاً، وعلى هذا الأساس انطلق الكثير من العلماء والباحثين والمفسرين لكشف المنهج التربوي القرآني، ومن هذا المنطلق كتبت الكثير من التفاسير التربوية. فعلي سبيل المثال يعدّ تفسير المنار أحد التفاسير المهمة التي شُكّلت على هذا الأساس، واهتم مؤلفيه اهتماماً بالغاً بالجوانب التربوية للقرآن الكريم. يعدّ القلب من أهم واخطر اللطائف الوجودية للإنسان، ويعتبر أهميته ودوره بالنسبة لسائر أعضاء الجسم كفضل وأهمية الحاكم ودوره بالنسبة لسائر الناس. فإنه إن صلح، صلحت الأمة وإن فسد فسدت وهكذا هو الحال بالنسبة للقلب. تناول هذا البحث "منهج تفسير المنار في تربية القلب" لكسب بعض الفضائل ومعالجة بعض الأمراض التي يتعرض لها القلب، وعلى هذا الأساس تبين أن أمور عدة كالإيمان بالله تعالي واليوم الاخر، تحصيل العلم، اللجوء إلي القرآن الكريم و التوبة وغيرها من الإمور لها التأثير المباشر في تربية القلب؛كما أن هناك أمور تحول دون الوصول إلي الهدف المراد من تربية القلب ويجب الأجتناب عنها كوساوس الشيطان، الذنوب، النفاق، و... . فعلي هذا الأساس إنقسمت الدراسة إلي مبحثين أساسيين. فتناول المبحث الأول دراسة "تربية القلب علي كسب الفضائل" في حين عرض المبحث الثاني دراسة " أمراض القلب وطرق الخلاص منها" وذلك من خلال المنهج الإستقرائي _التحليلي.