bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the influence of organisational culture on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
Authors: Oluwa Adeyinka , Ibrahim Umar Abbas
Published: June 2021

The study assessed the impact of organizational culture on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Abuja. The questionnaire used was created based on Cameron and Quinn’s Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI) in identifying different types of organizational culture. Using a cross-sectional survey research design, the primary data was obtained through administered structured questionnaire to one hundred and twenty-seven (127) SMEs at different sampled locations in Nigeria. Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis was used to identify the relationship that exists between the variables and the results revealed that organizational culture measured by clan culture, market culture, adhocracy culture and Hierarchy culture variables have significant relationship of r = 0.616, 0.514, 0.604 and 0.784 respectively with performance. The study concludes that organizational culture have significant influence on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Abuja and that Hierarchy culture is found important in promoting innovative performance than the other type of culture. The study recommendation is thus that SME owners should ensure that all new employees receive a formal briefing on the company's traditions, beliefs, vision, and strategies. They should create and print a common set of procedures and policies to promote seamless discharge of duties and responsibilities in such a way that will foster innovative performance in the work place.
Antimicrobial Packaging
Authors: Merchan Diana , Agila Mercy , Arteaga Marina , Criollo Monica
Published: June 2021

Food Codex requires safe products and packaging is an important factor to comply with this consumer right, so developing packaging with antimicrobial properties that protect the product by eliminating or inhibiting bacteria or pathogens that cause damage to health is important in the food industry. The objective of this work was to perform a bibliographic analysis of some additives that generate antimicrobial properties in packaging by reviewing some studies that have developed antimicrobial films or also called smart films. Microbial agents have become an important factor in maintaining food quality over time. Biopolymers are an excellent alternative due to their availability, low cost, biodegradability and their origin are from renewable sources.
Mechanical properties and freeze-thaw resistances of bronze-concrete composites
Authors: Bahtli Tuba , Ozbay Nesibe Sevde
Published: June 2021

Studies in the literature show that the physical and mechanical properties of concrete could be improved by the incorporation of different kinds of industrial waste, including waste tire rubber and tire steel. Recycling of waste is important for economic gain and to curb environmental problems. In this study, finely ground CuAl10Ni bronze is used to improve the physical and mechanical properties, and freeze-thaw resistances of C30 concrete. The density, cold crushing strength, 3-point bending strength, elastic modulus, toughness, and freeze-thaw resistances of concrete are determined. In addition, the Schmidt Rebound Hammer (SRH) and the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) tests, which are non-destructive test methods, are applied. SEM/EDX analyses are also carried out. It is noted that a more compacted structure of concrete is achieved with the addition of bronze sawdust. Then higher density and strength values are obtained for concretes that are produced by bronze addition. In addition, concretes including bronze sawdust generally show higher toughness due to high plastic energy capacities than pure concrete.
Properties of Portland cement concrete cast with magnetized water: a review
Authors: Ghazy Mariam Farouk , Abd Elaty Metwally Abd Allah , Khalifa Omar Hussein
Published: June 2021

The water utilized in concrete manufacture plays an important role within the concrete mix, beginning from controlling the process of hydration of cement, besides appropriate curing to achieve the required strength, not to mention controlling the workability and durability of the concrete structure. The utmost significant challenge for concrete technology is to improve the properties of concrete. Nowadays, the engineering field needs to produce structures in harmony with the concept of sustainable development through the utilization of high-performance materials with an eco-friendly impact that is produced at a low-cost. The magnetic water (MW) provides one of the utmost towards this objective. The cost of magnetizing water is low because of the simple instruments used and the cost can be adapted to the scale of the work. In the last two decades, a new technology, so-called MW technology, has been extended to use in concrete manufacturing. Therefore, currently, the researchers are interested in the use of MW in the manufacture of cementitious materials helping to rationalize the cement usage and reducing reliance on chemical additives that have a negative environmental impact. Consequently, this paper presents the effect of the magnetization process in the structure of water molecules, the main properties of water. Additionally, the effect of using MW on the fresh and mechanical properties, as well as the durability characteristics and performance of cementitious materials have been reviewed. Moreover, the factors that affect the magnetization process of water, which highlighted discuss in this study. The results revealed that using MW significantly enhances the flowability and the characteristic strengths of cementitious materials as well as the durability properties.
A comparative study on yield line mechanisms for four bolted extended end-plated connection
Authors: Özkılıç Yasin Onuralp
Published: June 2021

Extended end-plated connections are preferred in moment resisting frames due to their advantages such as no required in-situ welding, accurate fabrication and economic feasibility compared to flange welded moment connections. The capacity of the extended end-plated connections depends on bolt configurations, end-plate thickness, bolt diameter and their material properties excluding column part. The thickness of end-plate can be computed using yield line mechanisms. Different yield line patterns are available in the literature and some of these are adopted in seismic codes to estimate the thickness of end-plate. In this study, the accuracy of different yield line patterns is compared using collected experimental data and numerical analysis. A parametric numerical analysis was conducted utilizing the finite element tool, ABAQUS. The results of experimental data and parametric study were evaluated for both unstiffened and stiffened four bolted extended end-plated connections. The results revealed that the capacity of the end-plate connections significantly depends on the yield line mechanism. Therefore, selecting an accurate yield line mechanism is essential in order not to overestimate the thickness of the end-plate. More importantly is that these yield line mechanisms can be directly implemented to AISC 358 and Turkish Building Earthquake Code 2018 (TBEC-2018).
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Tuberculosis Case Findings of India: Exploration of the Magnitude of the Threats as Well as the Available Opportunity to Mitigate the Threats
Authors: Dey Abhijit , Lahiri Arista , Jha Sweety Suman , Chakrabartty Arup Kumar
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Due to COVID-19 pandemic, performance of many program has been declined and Tuberculosis (TB) program is not an exception. TB case detection and notification has been recognized as one of worst hit area. The objective of this study was to explore the TB notification status of India during this pandemic and explore options to mitigate the issue. Methods: A secondary data analysis was performed on open source TB notification database of India. Relevant literature review was done to find out remedies based on the different initiative taken by different states of India. Results: In 2020, total TB notification decreased in all the states in comparison to 2019. The percentage of loss in the country was 34%. Private TB notification also decreased in 2020 in all the states except in Jharkhand. The percentage of loss in private TB notification in the country was 35%. Notification started declining in the month of February 2020 and it was lowest in the month of April-2020. The trend of notification began to improve since May 2020 when the States started taking innovative initiatives like Integrated TB Covid Case Search. Conclusion: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic the notifications of TB cases declined noticeably which has a serious implication in terms of silent spread within household and community. But the picture can be improved with integrated approach for TB-COVID case finding and management.
Issues and Potential Solutions to the Clean Heating Project in Rural Gansu
Authors: Qv Dehu , Duan Xiangjie , Wang Jijin , Hou Caiqin , Wang Gang , zhou fengxi , Li Shaoyong
Published: June 2021

Rural clean heating project (RCHP) in China aims to increase flexibility in the rural energy system, enhance the integration of renewable energy and distributed generation, and reduce environmental impact. While RCHP-enabling routes have been studied from a technical perspective, the economic, ecological, regulatory, and policy dimensions of RCHP are yet to be analysed in depth, especially in the underdeveloped areas in China. This paper discusses RCHP in rural Gansu in a multi-dimension approach. We firstly focus on the current issues and challenges of RCHP in rural Gansu. Then the RCHP-enabling areas are briefly zoned into six typical regions based on the resource distribution in Gansu Province, and a matching framework of RCHP is recommended. Then we focus on the economics and sustainability of RCHP-enabling technologies. Based on the medium-term assessment of RCHP in the demonstration provinces, various technical schemes and routes are analysed and compared so as to be adopted in rural Gansu. In addition to technical and economic effects of those schemes, the corresponding ecology, policy, finance, and market implications are also concerned. We briefly discuss how the national regulators incentivise the implementation of RCHP in rural Gansu. Major barriers to RCHP are identified as the sustainability of technology, economy, ecology, policy, finance, and market. Subsequently, some policy solutions to overcome these barriers are proposed.
Effect of Field Sample Size on Large-Scale Subtropic Forest Inventory Attribute Estimation Based on Airborne Laser Scanner Data
Authors: Zhu Yu , Bei Zhou Xiang , Xin Lin , Chao Chen Zhong , Mei Zhou , Gan Li Chun
Published: June 2021

Exploring the effect of the sample size on the estimation accuracy of airborne LiDAR forest attributes in a large-scale area can help in optimizing the technical application scheme of operational ALS-based large-scale forest stand inventories. In our study, sample datasets composed of different sample plots were constructed by repeated sampling from 1003 sample plots in a subtropical study area covering 2376 × 103 km2. Sixteen multiplicative power models were built in each forest type consisting of four forest attributes. Through these models, the variations of standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV) of R2 and rRMSE of forest attribute estimation models for different quantity levels of sample plots were also analyzed. The results showed that, first, when the sample size increased from 30 to the top limit, the SD of the forest attributes and LiDAR variables showed a decreasing trend. Second, as the sample size increased, the rRMSE of the 16 forest attribute estimation models gradually decreased, while the R2 gradually increased. Third, when the sample size was small, both the SD of R2 and rRMSE of the models were large, and the SD of R2 and rRMSE gradually decreased as the sample size increased. In 50 models conducted for each attribute at the same sample size, for the mean standard deviations of forest attributes, the ten best performing models were lower than those of the total 50 models, and the worst ten models were the opposite. When the sample size increased, the accuracy of each forest attribute estimation model for each forest type gradually improved. The variation of forest attributes and the LiDAR variable of the construction model are critical factors that affect the model’s accuracy. To efficiently apply airborne LiDAR in order to survey large-scale subtropical forest resources, the sample size of the Chinese fir forest, pine forest, eucalyptus forest, and broad-leaved forest should be 110, 80, 85, and 70, respectively.
Combination of Radiomics and Machine Learning with Diffusion-Weighted MR Imaging for Clinical Outcome Prognostication in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Jajodia Ankush , Gupta Ayushi , Prosch Helmut , Mayerhoefer Marius , Mitra Swarupa , Pasricha Sunil , Mehta Anurag , Puri Sunil , Chaturvedi Arvind
Published: June 2021

Objectives: To explore the potential of Radiomics alone and in combination with diffusion-weighted derived quantitative parameter namely apparent diffusion co-efficient (ADC) using supervised classification algorithms in predicting outcomes and prognosis. Materials and Methods: Retrospective evaluation of the imaging was done for a study cohort of uterine cervical cancer, candidates for radical treatment with chemo radiation. ADC values were calculated from the darkest part of the tumor, both before (labeled preADC) and post treatment (labeled postADC) with chemo radiation. Post extraction of 851 Radiomics features and feature selection by taking the union of the features which had Pearson correlation >0.35 for recurrence, >0.49 for lymph node and >0.40 for metastasis, analysis was done to predict clinical outcomes. Results: The study enrolled 52 patients who presented with variable FIGO stages and age range 28–79 (Median = 53 years) with median follow-up of 26.5 months (range, 7–76 months). Disease recurrence occurred in 12 patients (23%). Metastasis occurred in 15 patients (28%). A model generated with 24 radiomics features and preADC using a monotone multi-layer perceptron neural network to predict the recurrence yields AUC of 0.80 and kappa value as 0.55 and shows that addition of radiomics features on ADC values improves the statistical metrics by 40% approximately for AUC and 223% approximately for Kappa. Similarly, neural network model for prediction of metastasis re-turns AUC of 0.84 and kappa value as 0.65 over performs by 25% for AUC and 140% for Kappa approximately. There was a significant input of GLSZM features (SALGLE and LGLZE) and GLDM features (SDLGLE and DE) correlation with clinical outcomes of recurrence and metastasis. Conclusions: The study is an effort to bridge the unmet need of translational predictive biomarkers in stratification of uterine cervical cancer patients based on prognosis.
A Randomized Control Study：The Effectiveness of Applying Multimedia on Self-Care and Quality of Life in Patient with Enterostomy
Authors: Ko Hsing Fang , Wu Mei-Feng , Tung Tao-Hsin , Lu Jian-Zhang
Published: June 2021

(1)Background: This report was an effective evaluation of using multimedia educational program for self-care and quality of life in patients with a stoma at postoperative and established a simple threshold for enterostomy self-care skills.(2)Methods:108 patients with enterostomy were randomly assigned to receive either the intervention multimedia education program (including information about preparation for enterostomy care, cleaning method, manual bag replacement steps and precautions). The primary outcome was self-care ability and quality of life (defined as overall enterostomy self-care ability and overall quality of life), which was assessed at 2 weeks after intervention via an interview.(3)Results: Compared with those who in the conventional stoma education program, patients received the multimedia education program significantly improved their overall self-care ability and quality of life in statistically. The threshold of the enterostomy self-care skill scale was 20 points, and its corresponding sensitivity was 77.8%, and the specificity was 75.7%.(4)Conclusions: According to our study, the multimedia education program could enhance self-care ability of home care and quality of life in patients with enterostomy.
Unveiling the Intramolecular Ionic Diels-Alder Reactions within the Molecular Electron Density Theory
Authors: Domingo Luis R. , Ríos-Gutiérrez Mar , Aurell María José
Published: June 2021

The intramolecular ionic Diel-Alder (IIDA) reactions of two dieniminiums have been studied within the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) at the B97XD/6-311G(d,p) computational level. ELF topological analysis of dieniminiums shows that its electronic structure can been seen as the sum of those of butadiene and ethaniminium. The superelectrophilic character of dieniminiums accounts for the high intramolecular global electron density transfer taking place between the diene and iminium frameworks at the transition state structures (TSs) of these IIDA reactions. The activation enthalpy associated to the IIDA reaction of the experimental dieniminium, 8.7 kcal·mol-1, is closer to that of the ionic Diels-Alder (I-DA) reaction between butadiene and ethaniminium, 9.3 kcal·mol-1. However, the activation Gibbs free energy of the IIDA reaction is 12.7 kcal·mol-1 lower than that of the intermolecular I-DA reaction. The strong exergonic character of the IIDA reaction, higher than 17 kcal·mol-1, makes the reaction irreversible. These IIDA reactions present a total re/exo and si/endo diastereoselectivity, which is controlled by the most favourable chair conformation of the tetramethylene chain. Electron localization function (ELF) topological analysis of the single bond formation indicates that these IIDA reactions take place through a non-concerted two-stage one-step mechanism. Finally, ELF and atoms-in-molecules (AIM) topological analyses of the TS associated to inter and intramolecular processes show the great similitude among them.
Viruses and Type 1 Diabetes: From Enteroviruses to the Virome
Authors: Isaacs Sonia R , Foskett Dylan B , Maxwell Anna J , Ward Emily J , Faulkner Clare L , Luo Jessica Y X , Rawlinson William D , Craig Maria E , Kim Ki Wook
Published: June 2021

For over a century, viruses have left a long trail of evidence implicating them as frequent suspects in the development of type 1 diabetes. Through vigorous interrogation of viral infections in individuals with islet autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes using serological and molecular virus detection methods, and mechanistic studies of virus infected human pancreatic β-cells, the prime suspects have been narrowed down to predominantly human enteroviruses. Here we provide a comprehensive overview of evidence supporting the hypothesised role of enteroviruses in the development of islet autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes. We also discuss concerns over the historical focus and investigation bias toward enteroviruses, and summarise current unbiased efforts aimed at characterising the complete population of viruses (the “virome”) contributing early in life to the development of islet autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes. Finally, we review the range of vaccine and antiviral drug candidates currently being evaluated in clinical trials for the prevention and potential treatment of type 1 diabetes.
Repatriation of Artefacts: Western Museums and their Victims of Circumstance: Protocol for Systematic Review with Meta-Synthesis
Authors: Mbwogge Mathew
Published: June 2021

Background: The saga of repatriating cultural artefacts continues as western museums face increasing pressure from claimants. Western museums that have been involved in the display of historical artefacts, most of which were acquired during the colonial period, have come under huge criticism. A heated discussion of late has been the legitimacy of retaining artefacts in western museums. This study aimed at investigating the ongoing debate regarding the restitution of artefacts. Objective: To investigate the arguments for and against the repatriation of artefacts in relation to diplomatic exchange, preservation, legitimacy and usefulness. Methods: Records will be searched in electronic databases including the University of Manchester Library for Social Anthropology, Scorpus and Project MUSE. Search terms will include "return of artefacts", “return of historical objects”, “return of cultural objects”, “western museums”, “restitution of artefacts”, “repatriation of artefacts”, “restitution of historical objects”, repatriation of historical objects”, “restitution of cultural objects”, “repatriation of cultural objects”, "material culture", "return of antiquities”, restitution of antiquities” and “repatriation of antiquities”. Coding and analysis will be done in SWIFT-Review. The deductive and inductive approaches will be used in synthesising results. Both tabular and graphical methods will be used to present results. Ethics and Results: This study did not need any ethical approval. Results on study characteristics, quality and risk of bias assessments as well as the synthesis of arguments for and against the restitution of artefacts will be presented. The review results will be reported according to appropriate guidelines and disseminated through publication in a relevant journal and presented to stakeholders where necessary. Conclusions: This review will be based on current protocols for systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis. The study will be the first review that seeks to pull together claims for and against the return of cultural artefacts. The conclusions that will be drawn and recommendations will provide the basis for further research into the debate and the way forward. This study will also help identify the existing gaps regarding the subject matter.
Melatonin as an Antioxidant and Immunomodulator in Atopic Dermatitis–A New Look on an Old Story–A Review
Authors: Jaworek Andrzej Kazimierz , Szepietowski Jacek C , Hałubiec Przemysław , Wojas-Pelc Anna , Jaworek Jolanta
Published: June 2021

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is common inflammatory dermatosis, typically with chronic and recurrent course, which significantly reduces the quality of life. Sleep disturbances are considered to be remarkably burdensome ailments in the patients with AD, and are routinely included during assessment of disease severity. Therefore, endogenous substances engaged in the control of circadian rhythms might be important in pathogenesis of AD and, possibly, be used as biomarkers of disease severity or even in development of novel therapies. Melatonin (MT), the indoleamine produced by pineal gland (but also by multiple other tissues, including skin), plays a pivotal role in maintaining the sleep/wake homeostasis. Additionally, it possess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which might directly link chronic skin inflammation and sleep abnormalities characteristic of AD. The objective of this work is to systematically present and summarize the results of studies (both experimental and clinical) that investigated the role of MT in the AD, with focus on the antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects of MT.
LIMNOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF A SHALLOW POND USED AS RECEIVER AQUACULTURE WASTES AND FOR AGRICULTURAL IRRIGATION
Authors: SIPAÚBA-TAVARES Lúcia Helena , SILVA Juliane dos Santos Alves da , MILLAN Rodrigo Ney , MENDONÇA Gislaine Costa de
Published: June 2021

Water samples, zooplankton community and sediment samples were analyzed at three sites in a pond receiving wastes, bi-weekly for seven months, covering the rainy and dry seasons. Water quality parameters failed to show significant differences between the sites for turbidity, total suspended solids, dissolved oxygen, transparency, conductivity, alkalinity and total phosphorous. Only temperature was different between the seasons. In the case of sediment, only aluminum (Al) was not different during the experimental period when highest calcium (Ca) concentrations were reported. The relative abundance of Rotifera during the sampling period reached 80-96% (rainy season) and 59-98% (dry season) in total zooplankton. Current study demonstrated that the water quality of shallow pond associated with allochthonous materials from aquaculture farm significantly influenced the structure of zooplankton assemblage due to high nutrient concentrations, conductivity, alkalinity and chlorophyll-a causing more fertilized water. However, heavy rains (February-April) and continuous water flow favored aeration (dissolved oxygen >5.2 Â± 1 mg L-1). The use of pond water for agricultural irrigation or for other purposes, must be analyzed more effectively, avoiding problems caused by its usage.
EFFECT OF CONJUGATED LINOLEIC ACID FEEDING PERIODS ON FATTY ACID PROFILE AND NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF Astyanax altiparanae
Authors: OLIVEIRA Katia Rodrigues Batista de , CAMPELO Daniel Abreu Vasconcelos , BATISTON Weliton Pedro , FURUYA Wilson Massamitu , ZUANON Jener Alexandre Sampaio , CARNEIRO Antônio Policarpo Souza , FERRAZ Renato Barbosa , SALARO Ana Lúcia
Published: June 2021

The effects of feeding diets with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) to Astyanax altiparanae for different periods were investigated on carcassesââ‚¬â„¢ fatty acid profile and nutritional quality. The trial was laid out in a complete randomized design with eight feeding periods (0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, and 49 days) and four replicates. A total of 240 fish (3.4 Â± 0.3 g) were distributed into four aquariums and fed with the diet containing 32% crude protein, 15 MJ kg-1 gross energy, and 2.5% of CLA. Feeding CLA diet for 49 days resulted in the higher deposition of CLA, CLA isomers, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The isomer c9,t11 was highly deposited than the t10,c12. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), n-3, and n-6 increased with feeding period, whereas saturated (SFA), monounsaturated, and medium-chain fatty acids decreased. PUFA/SFA ratio, DHA/EPA, EPA+DHA, and thrombogenicity index increased linearly. Whereas atherogenicity index reduced, hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio increased in quadratic effects over feeding time. No difference was observed for the n-6/n-3 ratio. Feeding A. altiparanae with 2.5% of CLA for a minimum of 35 days improves the fatty acid profile and provides a commercial product with good nutritional quality and functional benefits.
Quadriplegia, an Unusual Outcome After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Authors: Díaz-Baamonde Alba , Peláez-Cruz Roberto , Téllez Maria J. , Chen Junping , Lara-Reyna Jacques , Ulkatan Sedat
Published: June 2021

Case:

A 68-year-old woman who underwent a C5 to C6 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery presented with new-onset postoperative quadriplegia. During discectomy, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring alerted of a spinal cord (SC) dysfunction. The surgery was halted, and measures to ensure adequate SC perfusion were initiated. In the next 2-week follow-up, patient's motor deficit progressively improved.

Conclusions:

We report an unusual and devastating outcome of new-onset quadriplegia after an elective ACDF and highlight the relevance of intraoperative monitoring during cervical spine surgery to early recognize and treat SC impending injury.
Septic Iliopsoas Bursitis After Intra-articular Methylprednisolone Injection to the Hip
Authors: Crawford Alexander M. , Grisdela Philip T. , Maguire James H. , von Keudell Arvind G.
Published: June 2021

Case:

We describe the case of a 74-year-old man who developed severe hip pain several days after an intra-articular methylprednisolone injection to his right hip. Culture of the ipsilateral iliopsoas bursa revealed a Staphylococcus lugdunensis infection, which was successfully eradicated through irrigation and debridement as well as antibiotics.

Conclusion:

Infection after hip injection is a known theoretical risk but is rarely reported in the literature. We present a case of septic bursitis after corticosteroid injection. Readers should be mindful that these complications do occur in clinical practice and portend significant morbidity.
Meteorological property and temporal variable effect on spatial semivariance of infrared thermography of soil surfaces for detection of foreign objects
Authors: Workman Austin , Clausen Jay
Published: June 2021

The environmental phenomenological properties responsible for the thermal variability evident in the use of thermal infrared (IR) sensor systems is not well understood. The research objective of this work is to understand the environmental and climatological properties contributing to the temporal and spatial thermal variance of soils. We recorded thermal images of surface temperature of soil as well as several meteorological properties such as weather condition and solar irradiance of loamy soil located at the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Lab (CRREL) facility. We assessed sensor performance by analyzing how recorded meteorological properties affected the spatial structure by observing statistical differences in spatial autocorrelation and dependence parameter estimates.
Historic landscape management plan for the Fort Huachuca Historic District National Historic Landmark and supplemental areas
Authors: Tooker Megan , Smith Adam
Published: June 2021

The U.S. Congress codified the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA) to provide guidelines and requirements for preserving tangible elements of our nation’s past. This preservation was done primarily through creation of the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), which contains requirements for federal agencies to address, inventory, and evaluate their cultural resources, and to determine the effect of federal undertakings on properties deemed eligible or potentially eligible for the NRHP. This work inventoried and evaluated the historic landscapes within the National Landmark District at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. A historic landscape context was developed; an inventory of all landscapes and landscape features within the historic district was completed; and these landscapes and features were evaluated using methods established in the Guidelines for Identifying and Evaluating Historic Military Landscapes (ERDC-CERL 2008) and their significance and integrity were determined. Photographic and historic documentation was completed for significant landscapes. Lastly, general management recommendations were provided to help preserve and/or protect these resources in the future.
PDCNN: FRAMEWORK for Potato Diseases Classification Based on Feed Foreword Neural Network
Authors: Hassoon Israa Mohammed , Qassir Samar Amil , Riyadh Musaab
Published: June 2021

The economy is exceptionally reliant on agricultural productivity. Therefore, in domain of agriculture, plant infection discovery is a vital job because it gives promising advance towards the development of agricultural production. In this work, a framework for potato diseases classification based on feed foreword neural network is proposed. The objective of this work  is presenting a system that can detect and classify four kinds of potato tubers diseases; black dot, common scab, potato virus Y and early blight based on their images. The presented PDCNN framework comprises three levels: the pre-processing is first level, which is based on K-means clustering algorithm to detect the infected area from potato image. The second level is features extraction which extracts features from the infected area based on hybrid features: grey level run length matrix and 1st order histogram based features. The attributes that extracted from second level are utilized in third level using FFNN to perform the classification process. The proposed framework is applied to database with different backgrounds, totally 120 color potato images, (80) samples used in training the network and the rest samples (40) used for testing. The proposed PDCNN framework is very effective in classifying four types of potato tubers diseases with 91.3% of efficiency.
Comparison of Some of Estimation methods of Stress-Strength Model: R = P(Y < X < Z)
Authors: Raheem Sairan Hamza , Kalaf Bayda Atiya , Salman Abbas Najim
Published: June 2021

In this study, the stress-strength model R = P(Y < X < Z)  is discussed as an important parts of reliability system by assuming that the random variables follow Invers Rayleigh Distribution. Some traditional estimation methods are used    to estimate the parameters  namely; Maximum Likelihood, Moment method, and Uniformly Minimum Variance Unbiased estimator and Shrinkage estimator using three types of shrinkage weight factors. As well as, Monte Carlo simulation are used to compare the estimation methods based on mean squared error criteria.
Noor's Curve, a New Geometric Form of Agnesi Witch, a Construction Method is Produced
Authors: Al-ossmi Laith Hadi Munshed
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a new form of 2D-plane curves is produced and graphically studied. The name of my daughter "Noor" has been given to this curve; therefore, Noor term describes this curve whenever it is used in this paper. This curve is a form of these opened curves as it extends in the infinity along both sides from the origin point. The curve is designed by a circle/ ellipse which are drawing curvatures that tangent at the origin point, where its circumference is passed through the (0,2a). By sharing two vertical lined points of both the circle diameter and the major axis of the ellipse, the parametric equation is derived. In this paper, a set of various cases of Noor curve are graphically studied by two curvature cases; a circle and an ellipse, and all figures and obtained rigour measurements are checked by AutoCAD program. With its simple, symmetric form, the future predictions are tuned for the Noor's curve to be usefully engaged in important practical applications.
Numerical Modeling of Independent versus Dependent Tensile -Frictional Strength Behavior of Synthetic Rocks with Non-continuous joints
Authors: Alzo'ubi Abdelkareem , Mughieda Omer , Kewalramani Manish
Published: June 2021

The failure mechanisms of non-continuous jointed rocks under compression loading is of great importance for the rock mechanics community; it plays an important role in understanding the fracturing pattern, the type of the fractures, and the strength of the rock mass under investigation. In this paper, the relationship between the tensile and frictional strength of jointed rock samples is investigated by numerical modeling. Previously tested samples were used to simulate the behavior of artificial jointed rock numerically under axial loading by using two strength criteria; the first assumes that tensile failure reduces shear strength parameters to their residual values (dependent behavior, Model 1) and the second assumes that tensile failure will not cause the shear strength parameters to be reduced to their residual values (independent behavior, Model 2). The numerical model, in this paper uses, Mohr-Coulomb shear strength criterion with parameters of cohesion, friction, and tensile strength cut-off as tested in the laboratory. These artificial rock samples contains open-joints with the same inclination but with different bridge’s inclinations of 45°, 60°, and 75°. These samples were tested in the laboratory under incremental uniaxial loading until failure while monitoring displacement and rupturing development. As the stress concentration increased, curvilinear yielding (wing crack) started near or at the joint tips and propagated and stopped or coalesced to form a continuous rupture surface. The numerical model showed that tensile stress concentration caused wing crack initiation due to stress flow around the pre-existing non-persistent open joints. The yielding behavior of the numerical simulations - under the two tensile strength failure criteria - and the laboratory tests shows good agreement for the three samples. However, when the shear strength and tensile strength parameters are independent, the results showed strong and significant agreement between the laboratory tests and the numerical models in terms of the yielding path, width of failure zone, and the uniaxial strength. In this all compressive load environment, stress flow caused tensile stress concentration near the joint tip and according to the results of this paper the tensile yielding should not force the shear strength parameters to go to their residual values.
Investigation of Flight Traffic Arrangement With ICA Colonial Competition Algorithm In Air Traffic Management
Authors: Aghdam Mahdi Yousefzadeh , Tabbakh Seyed Reza Kamel , Chabok Seyed Javad Mahdavi , Kheyrabadi Maryam
Published: June 2021

Air traffic flow management is one of the most challenging work systems in the world. The issue of aircraft traffic arrangement to prevent interference and flight delays is one of the most important issues in the field of air traffic flow management. In most researches in this field, incoming or outgoing flights are usually dealt with separately and attempts have been made to provide solutions using data mining methods, mathematical problem solving, etc.‌ To solve the problem in this paper, to select the best aircraft ready for operation (landing or takeoff), we use the ICA colonial competition algorithm, which allows selecting aircraft for incoming or outgoing flights, according to various parameters. In designing the system, an attempt has been made to make the symbols more effective in flight, to give proper weight, and to optimize the selection of colonizers according to the lower cost. To evaluate the proposed method, flight data of Mashhad airport were used for testing. The results of the system test indicate better choices for landing or flying aircraft and the acceptable performance of the colonial competition algorithm compared to the latest work done to solve the flights landing and take off sequence problem as an innovative algorithm.
Medical students’ technology use for learning: Contributing factors and self-regulation
Authors: Zheng Binbin
Published: June 2021

Background: With medical education shifting towards student-centered models, medical students are expected to be self-regulated learners. Advancement in technologies has been suggested to be supportive of students’ self-regulated learning (SRL). There is an urgent need to understand what factors contributed to students’ self-initiated technology use, and how does students’ technology use influence their SRL. Method: This study took place in a midwestern university medical school, which implements a flipped classroom model where students are required to learn independently all the course materials before class. Twenty-six first- and second-year medical students participated in a semi-structured interview about their self-initiated technology use, contributing factors towards technology use, and SRL strategies they adopt in learning. A qualitative description methodology using thematic analysis was used to identify key themes from the interview data. Results: Medical students reported the use of four types of technologies for learning: video resources (supporting rehearsal, elaboration and planning), review resources (supporting rehearsal, effort control, and self-assessment), management tools (supporting organization, elaboration, goal-setting, and time management), and social media (supporting help-seeking and effort regulation). Three key determinants of students’ self-initiated technology use were identified, which were: perceived usefulness, subjective norms, and educational compatibility. Conclusions: By probing medical students’ self-initiated technology use, SRL strategies, and determinants of technology use, this study suggested that in self-directed learning environment, medical students used a variety of third-party resources to facilitate learning and develop necessary learning strategies. This study also provided important implications for medical educators and instructional designers to better support students’ effective use of technologies for learning.
Reversible writing/deleting of magnetic skyrmions through hydrogen adsorption/desorption
Authors: Chen Gong , Ophus Colin , Quintana Alberto , Kwon Heeyoung , Won Changyeon , Ding Haifeng , Wu Yizheng , Schmid Andreas , Liu Kai
Published: June 2021

Magnetic skyrmions are topologically nontrivial spin textures with envisioned applications in energy-efficient magnetic information storage. Toggling the presence of magnetic skyrmions via writing/deleting processes is essential for spintronics applications, which usually require the application of a magnetic or electric field or an electric current. Here we demonstrate the reversible field-free writing/deleting of skyrmions at room temperature, via hydrogen chemisorption/desorption on the surface of Ni and Co films. Supported by Monte-Carlo simulations, the skyrmion creation/annihilation is attributed to the hydrogen-induced magnetic anisotropy change on ferromagnetic surfaces. We also demonstrate the role of hydrogen and oxygen on magnetic anisotropy and skyrmion deletion on other magnetic surfaces. Our results open up new possibilities for designing skyrmionic and magneto-ionic devices.
Efficacy and Safety of Polysaccharide Iron Complex Capsules in Hemodialysis Patients: Study Protocol for a Randomized, Open-Label, Positive Control, Multicenter Trial (IHOPE)
Authors: Lu Renhua , Zhang Xu , Cai Xudong , Wang Xiaoxia , Li Hua , Wang Li , Zhou Yijun , Shen Jianxiao , Liu Qian , Zhang Haifen , Ni Zhaohui
Published: June 2021

Background: Anemia is one of the main complications of chronic kidney disease especially end-stage renal disease, which includes treatment with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and ferralia, including intravenous and oral iron. However, intravenous iron may pose limitations, such as potential and lethal infusion reactions. Oral iron is mainly composed of divalent iron, which can excessively stimulate the gastrointestinal tract. Iron polysaccharide complex capsules (PIC) is a novel oral iron trivalent supplement with higher iron content and lower gastrointestinal irritation. However, since high-quality evidence-based medicinal support is lacking, it is necessary to conduct clinical studies to further evaluate the effectiveness and safety of oral PIC in chronic kidney disease patients. Methods: This randomized controlled trial uses an open-label, parallel group design, where the efficacy and safety of maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients is evaluated. The experimental group is assigned a conventional drug treatment and PIC and the control group is assigned a conventional drug treatment and sucrose iron injection. The primary endpoint is transferrin saturation (TSAT). Secondary endpoints include hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, hematocrit (Hct), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (HsCRP), pharmacoeconomic evaluation, quality of life, etc. The treatment will last for 24 weeks with follow-up visit at baseline (within 7 days prior to initial treatment) and weeks 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 after initial treatment. Leading unit of this clinical research is Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; 8 well-known hemodialysis centers in Mainland China are included in this study with 186 patients selected through competitive enrollment. Discussion: It is expected that it will provide strong evidence to reveal the clinical efficacy and safety of oral iron in the treatment of chronic renal anemia in MHD patients through this clinical trial.Trial registration: This study has been registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx) on March 23rd, 2020. Trial registration number is ChiCTR2000031166.
Preparation and Properties of Floral CaO/ZnO Nanocomposite From Achatina Fulica Snail Shell
Authors: Jiang Qiushi , Han Zhaolian , Yuan Yafeng , Cheng Zhiqiang
Published: June 2021

In this study, CaO prepared by calcination treatment from abandoned Achatina fulica shell was used as a raw material, and the nano-flower-like CaO/ZnO photocatalytic composite material was prepared through co-precipitation method. SEM study showed ZnO with spindle-like petals in the range of 500-1000 nm grown on the surface of CaO carrier. The mapping image shows that the base component of the nanometer flower is mainly CaO, which is because CaO is not only in the reaction as a carrier, but also creates an alkaline environment in the methanol system, which is advantageous for co-precipitation. UV-vis spectroscopy shows that the visible light absorption of composites has red shifts, besides, PL, EIS and photocurrent test showed that the composites have stronger electronic hole separation capabilities. The visible light degradation test of rhodamine B showed that CaO/ZnO photocatalytic composite could degrade 90% of the pollutants in 25 min, superior to CaO and ZnO, exhibiting recyclability properties, which is a potential candidate with cost-effective and sustainable photocatalysts.
Tool for the Assessment Spiritual Care after the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Sequential Exploratory Study
Authors: bostani zahra , Pourmohammad Mohsen , Safshekan Sahar
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe corona crisis, due to its special nature, has caused people to become anxious, and a tendency towards spirituality seems to be essential for achieving peace. The present study aimed to develop a tool to assess spiritual care after the COVID-19 Pandemic.ResultsContent analysis of the data obtained from interviews led to explaining the concept of spiritual care after the COVID-19 Pandemic in four main themes: spiritual care needs, spiritual care characteristics, outcomes of spiritual care, and the challenge of providing spiritual care. The average content validity index of the tool was 0.94. Exploratory factor analysis showed four factors that explained more than 62.83% of the variance. The correlation of spiritual cares scale score for COVID-19 Pandemic with spiritual care tool was (0.86, p <0.001). Measurement of internal consistency showed Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the tool 0.90 and measurement of tool stability showed intra-cluster correlation index at two-week intervals (p <0.001, ICC =0.972). Conclusion﻿Spiritual care tool is a valid and reliable tool, with 38 items to assess the spiritual care after the COVID-19 Pandemic. This tool in accordance with the cultural conditions of Iranian society
Viral coinfection promotes tuberculosis immunopathogenesis
by type I IFN signaling-dependent impediment of Th1 pulmonary influx
Authors: Shin Sung Jae , Kang Tae Gun , Kwon Kee Woong , Kim Kyung Soo , Lee Insuk , Kim Myeong Joon , Ha Sang-Jun
Published: June 2021

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), is often exacerbated upon coinfection, but the underlying immunological mechanisms remain unclear. Here, to elucidate these mechanisms, we used a Mtb and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus coinfection model. Viral coinfection significantly suppressed Mtb-specific IFN-γ production, with elevated bacterial loads and hyperinflammation in the lungs. Type I IFN signaling blockade rescued the Mtb-specific IFN-γ response and ameliorated lung immunopathology. Single-cell sequencing, tissue immunofluorescence staining, and adoptive transfer experiments revealed that type I IFN signaling produced in response to viral infection inhibited CXCL9/10 production in myeloid cells, resulting in impaired pulmonary migration of Mtb-specific CD4+ T cells from lymph nodes. Thus, virus coinfection-induced type I IFN signaling prior to the pulmonary localization of Mtb-specific Th1 cells exacerbates TB immunopathogenesis by impeding the Mtb-specific Th1 cell influx. Our study highlights another novel negative role of viral coinfection and/or type I IFNs in delaying Mtb-specific Th1 responses in the lung.