bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Health Interventions on the Knowledge, Perception, Attitude, and Misconception of HIV Infection in an African Rural Community
Authors: Onoja Ali Johnson , Sanni Felix Olaniyi , Onoja Sheila Iye , Adamu Imam , Shaibu John , Abiodun Paul Olaiya
Published: January 2021

Background:

Adequate knowledge of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), its modes of transmission, and methods of prevention can facilitate its prevention and control among any people. This study evaluates the impact of health interventions on the knowledge, perception, attitude, and misconception of HIV infection in Bonny Kingdom of Rivers State, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:

This is a quantitative survey that used a structured questionnaire to determine the impact of community-based interventions (awareness education, free counseling and testing, etc.) on the prevention of HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDs) among a representative sample of the general population aged 15 to 49 years in Bonny Island, Nigeria. The data obtained include the demographics; age, sex, education, occupation, marital status, and sexual-related information. Data were analyzed by using SPSS, version 25.0.

Result:

The study comprised 1215 participants in each of the pre- and postintervention surveys. Before intervention, only 47.2% could correctly identify three transmission routes of HIV, as compared with 82.8% after the interventions (P < 0.0001). The intervention participants were 5.37 (95% CI. 4.46–6.48) more likely to have good knowledge of HIV transmission routes than respondents without interventions. The odds of misconception about HIV transmission routes before intervention were 3.52 (95% CI 2.48–5.01; P < 0.0001). About 80.7% and 45.9% believed that they were not at risk of contracting HIV at the baseline and postinterventions, respectively. Postintervention respondents were 4.04 (95% CI 3.41–4.79; P < 0.0001) willing to share meals, 4.84 (95% CI 3.94–5.94) willing to care for, 3.73 (95% CI 3.14–4.44) willing to allow teachers infected with HIV in school, and 3.14 (95% CI 2.60–7.80) willing to buy food from an infected person as compared with the preinterventions survey (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

This study has demonstrated the positive impacts of community-based intervention programs on the knowledge, prevention methods, and levels of misconception of HIV in Bonny Kingdom. Similar interventions are needed in other rural communities to promote the quest to end HIV/ AIDS by the year 2030.
Assessment of Protein C Antigen, Free Protein S, and Protein C Activity in Pregnancy
Authors: Okoye Helen Chioma , Nwagha Theresa Ukamaka , Ugwu Angela Ogechukwu , Eweputanna Lisa Ifenyinwa , Ugwu Emmanuel Onyebuchi
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

With increasing evidence of thromboembolic events among pregnant Nigerian women and associated high maternal mortality rates, there is a need to document the plasma levels of some markers of thrombosis in this population to aid prompt management of thromboembolic events.

Objectives:

To determine the plasma levels of free protein S (fPS), protein C (PC) antigen (PCAg), and PC activity (PCAc) in normal pregnancy, and any correlations with maternal age, gestational age (GA), and blood group.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study of eligible pregnant women receiving antenatal care in a tertiary hospital in south-south Nigeria. The plasma concentrations of fPS, PCAg, and PCAc were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Protac methods. Statistical analysis was both descriptive and inferential and done using SPSS, version 21, for windows. A P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Eighty pregnant women at a GA of 25–42 weeks (mean 35.4 ±5.2) were recruited with a mean age of 30.4 ± 5.1 years. The mean plasma levels and range of fPS, PCAg, and PCAc were 47.2 ± 10.3%, 77.5 ± 23.2% and 110.4 ± 27.6%, respectively. There were significant positive correlations between PCAg and GA (r = 0.229, P = 0.041), PCAc and GA (r = 0.223, P = 0.046), and fPS and maternal age (r = 0.254, P = 0.023).

Conclusion:

Plasma concentration of PCAg and PCAc increased as pregnancy advanced, although fPS was below the reference limit, it increased with advancing maternal age. This information should be considered while evaluating pregnant women.
The Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Ventilatory Function Among South-Eastern Nigerians
Authors: Odilinye Hilary Chukwuemeka , Nlewedim Ikechukwu Paul , Nwosu Nnamdi I. , Ukwaja Kingsley N. , Onyedum Cajetan C. , Chukwuka Chinwe J.
Published: January 2021

Background:

The pulmonary affectation by diabetes mellitus (DM) has not received adequate attention, and as such, there is paucity of data on the impact of DM on ventilatory function especially in South-Eastern, Nigeria. This study, therefore, aimed to determine the impact of type 2 DM on ventilatory function as observed at a tertiary health care facility in South-Eastern Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:

This was a comparative cross-sectional study of 100 consenting type 2 DM patients aged between 30 and 65 years, and 100 consenting, normal, adequately matched subjects. Anthropometric parameters were obtained from both study groups, and spirometry was done using spirolab III, version 1.7. Predicted ventilatory parameters were calculated using Nigerian equations. SPSS version 21 was used for data analysis.

Results:

A total of 100 type 2 DM patients and 100 normal control subjects were studied. There were 49 males and 51 females with type 2 DM. Comparatively, 51 of the control group were males while 49 were females. The mean FVC, FEV1, FEF25-75, and PEFR, were significantly lower in the type 2 DM group than in the control group (P values of 0.010, 0.015, <0.001, 0.006 respectively). Likewise percentage predicted FVC, FEV1 and PEFR were significantly lower in the type 2 DM patients (P values <0.05). As much as 22% of the type 2 DM subjects had restrictive pattern while 2% had obstructive pattern. Long duration of DM (10 years or more) was associated with increased likelihood of developing restrictive ventilatory pattern (P < 0.001, odds ratio 14.224).

Conclusion:

Type 2 DM is associated with restrictive ventilatory dysfunction. Duration of DM of 10 years or more is an independent predictor of restrictive ventilatory pattern among type 2 DM subjects.
The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Orthopedic Practice in Nigeria
Authors: Anyaehie Udo Ego , Muoghalu Obiora Nonso , Eyichukwu Gabriel Okey , Edomwonyi Edwin Omon , Onuminya John Enekele
Published: January 2021

Background:

COVID-19 pandemic is a global emerging viral disease caused by SARS- COV-2, 2019. It is a respiratory disease first reported in China in December 2019. It impacts on global health, economic, and social life with tremendous challenges. This study evaluates the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on orthopedic practice in Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional electronic survey of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on orthopedic practice among orthopedic surgeons in Nigeria was done. The demographic characteristics, attitudes of orthopedic surgeons, available infrastructures, equipment, and the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on their practices were assessed.

Results:

A total of 87 respondents participated. The age of respondents ranged between 30 and 70 years with most involved being between 41 and 50 years age group (51.72%). Males constituted 96.5%. Majority, 47 (54%), of the respondents were not satisfied with the level of preparedness of their hospitals for COVID-19 pandemic. There was inadequate laboratory testing for COVID-19, personal protective equipment (PPE), and water supply. Elective surgical services were suspended and only emergency surgical interventions were allowed in many of their hospitals. Though the outpatient clinics were open, services were scaled down in the majority of hospitals to reduce workloads and maximize the use of scarce hospital consumables and resources.

Conclusion:

The impact of COVID-19 on orthopedic practice in Nigeria is huge with many unresolved challenges, absence of laid down protocols, basic equipment, testing materials, and PPE required for the management of COVID-19 pandemic. We recommend that the government provides adequate facilities and resources in hospitals to ensure optimal care during this pandemic.
Correlates of Inter-Rectus Distance in Nigerian Parous Women
Authors: Ojukwu Chidiebele Petronilla , Ezeigwe Anne Uruchi , Ezeigwe Chukwudi Francis , Onuchukwu Chioma Linda , Agwagu Ikechukwu Mellitus
Published: January 2021

Background:

Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA) or increased inter-rectus distance (IRD) is among the most common pregnancy-related physical disorders in women. Studies are scarce on its correlates in an African population.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to determine anthropometric and maternal correlates of DRA in Nigerian parous women.

Materials and Methods:

Eighty nine (89) consenting parous women (20–45 years) participated in this observational study. The IRD was measured with an electronic digital caliper at the umbilical level alongside other anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC)). Information on participants’ age, mode of delivery (MOD), parity, and age of last child (AOLC) was obtained. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and inferential statistics of Pearson’s and Spearman’s rank correlations, respectively, with subsequent linear regression analysis at an alpha level of P < 0.05.

Results:

The IRD significantly correlated with WC (r= 0.213, P = 0.045) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), (r = 0.357, P = 0.001). Significant regression equations were determined for the prediction of IRD based on WC and WHR. However, the other variables studied showed no significant (P > 0.05) correlation with IRD.

Conclusion:

WC and WHR are predictors of IRD in parous women, and these should be considered as important variables in the management of DRA associated with pregnancy.
Real-Time Fast Fourier Transform-Based Notch Filter for Single-Frequency Noise Cancellation
Authors: Slimane Anis Ben , Zaid Azza Ouled
Published: January 2021

Despite the considerable improvement of the common-mode rejection ratio of digital filtering techniques, the electrocardiogram (ECG) traces recorded by commercialized devices are still contaminated by residual power line interference (PLI). In this study, we address this issue by proposing a novel real-time filter adapted to single-frequency noise cancellation and automatic power line frequency detection. The filtering process is principally based on a point-by-point fast Fourier transform and a judicious choice of the analysis window length. Intensive experiments conducted on real and synthetic signals have shown that our filtering method offers very clean ECGs, due to the suppression of spikes corresponding to the PLI and the preservation of spikes outside the filter band. In addition, this method is characterized by its low computational complexity which makes it suitable for real-time cleaning of ECG signals and thus can serve for more accurate diagnosis in computer-based automated cardiac system.
Selection of Optimal Bioinformatic Tools and Proper Reference for Reducing the Alignment Error in Targeted Sequencing Data
Authors: Nodehi Hannane Mohammadi , Tabatabaiefar Mohammad Amin , Sehhati Mohammadreza
Published: January 2021

Background:

Careful design in the primary steps of a next-generation sequencing study is critical for obtaining successful results in downstream analysis.

Methods:

In this study, a framework is proposed to evaluate and improve the sequence mapping in targeted regions of the reference genome. In this regard, simulated short reads were produced from the coding regions of the human genome and mapped to a Customized Target-Based Reference (CTBR) by the alignment tools that have been introduced recently. The short reads produced by different sequencing technologies aligned to the standard genome and also CTBR with and without well-defined mutation types where the amount of unmapped and misaligned reads and runtime was measured for comparison.

Results:

The results showed that the mapping accuracy of the reads generated from Illumina Hiseq2500 using Stampy as the alignment tool whenever the CTBR was used as reference was significantly better than other evaluated pipelines. Using CTBR for alignment significantly decreased the mapping error in comparison to other expanded or more limited references. While intentional mutations were imported in the reads, Stampy showed the minimum error of 1.67% using CTBR. However, the lowest error obtained by stampy too using whole genome and one chromosome as references was 3.78% and 20%, respectively. Maximum and minimum misalignment errors were observed on chromosome Y and 20, respectively.

Conclusion:

Therefore using the proposed framework in a clinical targeted sequencing study may lead to predict the error and improve the performance of variant calling regarding the genomic regions targeted in a clinical study.
Bone Age Assessment of Iranian Children in an Automatic Manner
Authors: Dehghani Farzaneh , Karimian Alireza , Sirous Mehri , Rasti Javad , Soleymanpour Ali
Published: January 2021

Background:

Bone age assessment (BAA) is a radiological process with the aim of identifying growth disorders in children. The objective of this study is to assess the bone age of Iranian children in an automatic manner.

Methods:

In this context, three computer vision techniques including histogram of oriented gradients (HOG), local binary pattern (LBP), and scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) are applied to extract appropriate features from the carpal and epiphyseal regions of interest. Two different datasets are applied here: the University of Southern California hand atlas for training this computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system and Iranian radiographs for evaluating the performance of this system for BAA of Iranian children. In this study, the concatenation of HOG, LBP, and dense SIFT feature vectors and background subtraction are applied to improve the performance of this approach. Support vector machine (SVM) and K-nearest neighbor are used here for classification and the better results yielded by SVM.

Results:

The accuracy of female radiographs is 90% and of male is 71.42%. The mean absolute error is 0.16 and 0.42 years for female and male test radiographs, respectively. Cohen's kappa coefficients are 0.86 and 0.6, P < 0.05, for female and male radiographs, respectively. The results indicate that this proposed approach is in substantial agreement with the bone age reported by the experienced radiologist.

Conclusion:

This approach is easy to implement and reliable, thus qualified for CAD and automatic BAA of Iranian children.
Depression Part 3: Medication Related Problems
Authors: Baldwin Paul
Published: January 2021

In this month's column, the author reflects on the initial concerns of the Medicare Part D program and the actual results of the program 15 years after it became law.
Модель плотной упаковки из упругих материалов
Authors: Abouelhanoune Y , El Jarroudi M
Published: January 2021

Рассматривается модель плотной упаковки из упругих материалов, представляющая собой плотную упаковку упругих дисков. Точнее, рассматривается плотная упаковка упругих дисков в единичном диске $D(0,1)$ в плоскости $\mathbb{R}^{2}$, полученная из ковра Аполлония, составленного из круглых упругих дисков, удалением дисков малого размера. Предполагается, что диски прижаты друг к другу так, что образуются небольшие прямолинейные контактные участки, причем полное прилегание происходит по меньшим участкам. С помощью методов $\Gamma$-сходимости изучается асимптотика структуры относительно стремящегося к нулю параметра, описывающего ширину малых участков полного прилегания между материалами. Выводятся эффективные краевые условия на остаточную фрактальную область, полученную удалением из $D(0,1)$ ковра Аполлония.
О симметризации $\varepsilon$-изометрий на положительных конусах пространств непрерывных функций
Authors: Sun Longfa
Published: January 2021

Пусть $K$ компактное хаусдорфово пространство, $C(K)$-вещественное банахово пространство всех непрерывных функций на $K$, снабженное равномерной нормой, и $C(K)^+$ - положительный конус в $C(K)$. В статье будет получен следующий результат о слабой устойчивости симметризации $\Theta=(f( \boldsymbol\cdot )-f(-\;\boldsymbol\cdot )/2$ l $\varepsilon$-изометрии общего вида $f$ из $C(K)^+\cup-C(K)^+$ в банахово пространство $Y$: для любого элемента $k\in K$ существует такой $\phi\in S_{Y^\ast}$, что
\begin{equation*}
|\langle\delta_k,x\rangle-\langle\phi,\Theta(x)\rangle|\le3\varepsilon/2\quadдля всех x\in C(K)^+\cup-C(K)^+.
\end{equation*}
Этот результат используется для доказательства новых теорем об устойчивости симметризаций $\Theta$ для $f$.
Полиномиальные последовательности Сомоса
Authors: Bykovskii Victor Alexeevich , Romanov M A
Published: January 2021

В работе вычислены алгебраические характеристики полиномиальных последовательностей Сомос-4, 5, 6, 7.
Эргодичность и тотальность разбиений, связанных с алгоритмом RSK
Authors: Vershik Anatolii Moiseevich , Tsilevich Natalia Vladimirovna
Published: January 2021

Рассматриваются асимптотические свойства последовательностей разбиений ($\sigma$-алгебр), ассоциированных с алгоритмом Робинсона-Шенстеда-Кнута, в пространствах с бернуллиевской мерой.
Gagauz Şair Valentina Bujilova’nın Çocuk Şiirlerine Çocuğa Görelik İlkesi Işığında Bir Bakış
Authors: KARAKUŞ Ertuğrul
Published: January 2021

Gagauz Türklerinin edebiyatı, Türkçe edebiyat sahaları içerisinde tanınırlık bakımından dezavantajlı bir durumdadır. Bunda hem kendi alfabelerine geç kavuşmaları hem de bundan dolayı yazı-edebiyat dilinin geç oluşması etkilidir. Bu ülkeler ve Türk topluluklarıyla edebî bağlantıların geç kurulması, Türkiye’de özellikle dil ve edebiyat alanında genel olarak Türkiye dışındaki Türk edebiyatlarına layıkıyla yer verilmemesi gibi nedenler de bu tanınırlık derecesini olumsuz etkilemiştir diyebiliriz. Gagauz şair Valentina Bujilova’nın Soluyan Sözlär kitabında yer alan 214 adet şiirin 42 adedi çocuklara yöneliktir. Bu sayı, Gagauz Türkleri çocuk edebiyatının Türkiye’de tanıtımı için önemli bir edebî eser varlığına işaret etmektedir. Sanatçı filoloji eğitimi almış, hayatı boyunca Gagauz Türkçesi ve Rusça öğretmenliği yapmış, ders kitabı yazarlığı yapmış, birçok ödüle layık görülmüştür. Bütün şiirlerinde olduğu gibi çocuk şiirlerinde de “inanç”, “sevgi” ve “çocuk” olmak üzere üç unsur ön plana çıkar, sevginin ise başat unsur olduğu rahatlıkla görülebilir. Bir diğer özellik olarak da şiirlerin dar bir kavram dünyasına sıkışmaması; böcekten kuşa, dostluktan bilgiye kadar geniş bir anlam çerçevesinde kaleme alınmış olmasıdır. Gagauz Türkçesinin duru ve akıcı bir şekilde kullanılması ve zengin kelime hazinesi ise onun çocuk şiirlerine mühim bir görev yüklemektedir. Onun çocuk şiirleri, eğitimle geçen hayatının da etkisiyle “çocuğa görelik ilkesi”yle genel olarak örtüşen eserlerdir.
Epidemiology of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury in the Netherlands: Emergency Medical Service, Hospital, and Functional Outcomes
Authors: Niemeyer Menco J.S. , Lokerman R.D. , Sadiqi S. , van Heijl M. , Houwert R.M. , van Wessem K.J.P. , Post M.W.M. , van Koppenhagen C.F.
Published: January 2021

Background:

Evaluating treatment of traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCIs) from the prehospital phase until postrehabilitation is crucial to improve outcomes of future TSCI patients.

Objective:

To describe the flow of patients with TSCI through the prehospital, hospital, and rehabilitation settings and to relate treatment outcomes to emergency medical services (EMS) transport locations and surgery timing.

Method:

Consecutive TSCI admissions to a level I trauma center (L1TC) in the Netherlands between 2015 and 2018 were retrospectively identified. Corresponding EMS, hospital, and rehabilitation records were assessed.

Results:

A total of 151 patients were included. Their median age was 58 (IQR 37–72) years, with the majority being male (68%) and suffering from cervical spine injuries (75%). In total, 66.2% of the patients with TSCI symptoms were transported directly to an L1TC, and 30.5% were secondarily transferred in from a lower level trauma center. Most injuries were due to falls (63.0%) and traffic accidents (31.1%), mainly bicycle-related. Most patients showed stable vital signs in the ambulance and the emergency department. After hospital discharge, 71 (47.0%) patients were admitted to a rehabilitation hospital, and 34 (22.5%) patients went home. The 30-day mortality rate was 13%. Patients receiving acute surgery (<12 hours) compared to subacute surgery (>12h, <2 weeks) showed no significance in functional independence scores after rehabilitation treatment.

Conclusion:

A surge in age and bicycle-injuries in TSCI patients was observed. A substantial number of patients with TSCI were undertriaged. Acute surgery (<12 hours) showed comparable outcomes results in subacute surgery (>12h, <2 weeks) patients.
Early Trauma Indicators and Rehabilitation Outcomes in Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Slocum Chloe , Shea Cristina , Goldstein Richard , Zafonte Ross
Published: January 2021

Objectives:

To investigate the relationship between early trauma indicators and neurologic recovery after traumatic SCI using standardized outcome measures from the ISNCSCI examination and standardized functional outcome measures for rehabilitation populations.

Methods:

This is a retrospective review of merged, prospectively collected, multicenter data from the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) database and institutional trauma databases from five academic medical centers across the United States. Functional status at inpatient rehabilitation discharge and change in severity and level of injury from initial SCI to inpatient rehabilitation discharge were analyzed to assess neurologic recovery for patients with traumatic SCI. Linear and logistic regression with multiple imputation were used for the analyses.

Results:

A total of 209 patients were identified. Mean age at injury was 47.2 ± 18.9 years, 72.4% were male, 22.4% of patients had complete injuries at presentation to the emergency department (ED), and most patients were admitted with cervical SCI. Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 124.1 ± 29.6 mm Hg, mean ED heart rate was 83.7 ± 19.9 bpm, mean O2 saturation was 96.8% ± 4.0%, and mean Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score was 13.3 ± 3.9. The average Injury Severity Score (ISS) in this population was 22.4. Linear regression analyses showed that rehabilitation discharge motor FIM was predicted by motor FIM on admission and ISS. Requiring ventilatory support on ED presentation was negatively associated with improvement of ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) grade at rehabilitation discharge compared with AIS grade after initial injury. Emergency room physiologic measures (SBP, pulse, oxygen saturation) did not predict discharge motor FIM or improvement in AIS grade or neurological level of injury.

Conclusion:

Our study showed a positive association between discharge FIM and ISS and a negative association between ventilatory support at ED presentation and AIS improvement. The absence of any significant association between other physiologic or clinical variables at ED presentation with rehabilitation outcomes suggests important areas for future clinical research.
Modelling the growth kinetic of spoilage microorganisms in a packaged cow’s ricotta processed with high pressure
Authors: Stefanini Roberta , Vignali Giuseppe , Coloretti Fabio
Published: January 2021

Today consumers demand fresh foods without additives, preservatives and health risks: that is why non-thermal food preservation methods are receiving more interest, among them High Pressure Processing is able to avoid thermal degradation of food components, extend their shelf life and preserve colour, flavour and nutritional value. HPP is often used on dairy products because of its impact on physicochemical and sensory characteristics, its ability to improve their structure and texture and inactivate some microorganisms. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of HPP on a packaged ricotta rich in Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) and Omega-3, resulting from cows fed with linseed in the Parmigiano Reggiano area, and processed with a hydrostatic pressure of 600 MPa for 5 minutes. The ultimate goal is to find a mathematical model able to show the treatment’s effect on spoilage microorganisms that grow spontaneously in this product during a month of refrigerated storage.
Life cycle assessment of organic Parmesan Cheese considering the whole dairy supply chain
Authors: Borghesi Giulia , Vignali Giuseppe
Published: January 2021

Agriculture and food manufacturing have a considerable effect on the environment emissions: holdings and farms play an important role about greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption. This study aims at evaluating the environmental impact of one of the most important Italian DOP product: organic Parmesan Cheese. Environmental performances of the whole dairy supply chain have been assessed according to the life cycle assessment approach (LCA). In this analysis Parmesan Cheese is made from an organic dairy farm in Emilia Romagna, which uses the milk from three different organic livestock productions. Organic agriculture is different from conventional; the major difference is represented by the avoidance of the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides made in chemical industry process. Organic agriculture uses organic fertilizers to encourage the natural fertility of the soil respecting the environment and the agro-system. In this case, life cycle approach is used to assess the carbon footprint and the water footprint of organic Parmesan Cheese considering the milk and cheese production. The object at this level is investigating the environmental impact considering the situation before some improvement changes. The functional unit is represented by 1 kg of organic Parmesan Cheese; inventory data refer to the situation in year 2017 and system boundaries consider the inputs related to the cattle and dairy farm until the ripening (included). The carbon footprint is investigated using IPCC 2013 Global Warming Potential (GWP) 100a method, developed by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and reported in kg of CO2eq. Otherwise, water footprint allows to measure the water consumption and in this work it is assessed using AWARE method (Available Water REmaining).
Leveraging on the Digital Twin for improving retail store daily operations management
Authors: Maizi Yasmina , Bendavid Ygal
Published: January 2021

With the fast development of IoT technologies and the potential of real-time data gathering, allowing decision makers to take advantage of real-time visibility on their processes, the rise of Digital Twins (DT) has attracted several research interests. DT are among the highest technological trends for the near future and their evolution is expected to transform the face of several industries and applications and opens the door to a huge number of possibilities. However, DT concept application remains at a cradle stage and it is mainly restricted to the manufacturing sector. In fact, its true potential will be revealed in many other sectors. In this research paper, we aim to propose a DT prototype for instore daily operations management and test its impact on daily operations management performances. More specifically, for this specific research work, we focus the impact analysis of DT in the fitting rooms’ area.
Integrated ergonomic and productivity analysis for process improvement of panelised floor manufacturing
Authors: Ritter Chelsea , Dias Barkokebas Regina , Li Xinming , Al-Hussein Mohamed
Published: January 2021

Workers in the construction manufacturing industry are often exposed to labour-intensive tasks with ergonomic risks such as awkward body posture, forceful exertion, and repetition motion. Due to the increased productivity and increased repetitive motions resulting from improvement initiatives implemented in offsite construction, the investigation of ergonomic risks associated with these changes is needed. In this context, this paper explores an existing panelised floor production line aiming to minimize its ergonomic risks while improving its current productivity rate. Information on human body motion and productivity are extracted from video recordings. The ergonomic risks associated with specific tasks are identified using an existing ergonomic risk assessment tool (i.e., Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA)). The information extracted from the simulation model pertaining to ergonomic risks and productivity supports the decisionmaking process and aids in the prioritization of changes to improve the working environment.
Wearable Mixed Reality Solutions for Industrial Plants and Production Lines
Authors: Bruzzone Agostino G. , Massei Marina , Sinelshchikov Kirill , Longo Francesco , Agresta Matteo , Di Donato Luciano , Di Francesco Cesare
Published: January 2021

"In the present research project, the authors developed wearable and portable solutions capable to improve safety in production lines by taking advantages of availability of exhaustive and reliable data in modern industrial plants. Indeed, the synergy between Industry 4.0 and cutting edge devices, such as smartphones and headsets for Mixed Reality demonstrated to be potentially used to assist personnel on the shop floor, especially during critical and most dangerous operations. In this paper it is presented an ongoing project devoted to develop such support systems and to evaluate their efficiency in multiple industrial environments."
Rüzgar Türbinlerinde İşletme ve Bakım
Authors: ÖZTÜRK Harun Kemal
Published: January 2021

Enerji tüketimi nüfus artışı, sanayileşme ve konfor seviyesinin artmasına bağlı olarak artmaktadır. Diğer yandan, günümüzde enerji tüketiminin çok büyük kısmının sağlandığı fosil yakıtlar, iklim değişikliği ve çevresel kirliliğe neden olmaktadır. Bu nedenle de, yenilenebilir enerji kaynakları ön plana çıkmaktadır. Yenilenebilir enerji kaynakları içerisinde ise rüzgar enerjisi, ilk yatırım ve işletme maliyetleri göz önüne alındığında ön plana çıkmaktadır. Rüzgar türbinlerinde arızalar nedeni ile meydana gelebilecek duraksamalar yatırımcıların istemediği konular içerisinde yer almaktadır. Rüzgar türbinlerinin mekanik ve elektriksel aksamları göz önüne alındığında, en çok arızanın elektriksel aksamlardan kaynaklandığı ancak mekanik arızalar sırasındaki duraksamaların ise daha uzun süreler aldığı gözlemlenmiştir. Rüzgar türbinlerinde yapılacak bakım çalışmaları ile hem arızaların önüne geçilebilmekte hem de duraksama süreleri kısıtlanmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, rüzgar türbinlerinde meydana gelen arızaların nedenleri ile işletme ve bakım konuları ele alınmıştır.
Fotovoltaik (PV) Pompa Sisteminin Bileşenlerinin Hesabı
Authors: DEMİR Ahmet , ARSLAN F. Mertkan , GÜNERHAN Hüseyin
Published: January 2021

Çalışma kapsamında, bir fotovoltaik (PV) pompa sisteminin optimum olarak boyutlandırılması için bir programlama algoritması oluşturulmuştur. Boyutlandırma algoritması, sistemdeki enerji dengesini temel alarak çalışmaktadır. Algoritma, hem akülü hem de aküsüz PV pompa sisteminin boyutlandırılması için uygun olarak modellenmiştir. Akü içeren PV pompa sistemleri için optimizasyon, aküye giren-çıkan enerjilerin dengesi ile iterasyon yöntemi kullanılarak gerçekleşmektedir. Akü içermeyen sistemler için optimizasyon, pompanın kullandığı enerjiyi karşılayabilecek PV panel alanının bulunmasını temel almaktadır. Çalışmada oluşturulan algoritma, Temmuz ayında Manisa-Salihli ilçesinde 1 hektarlık alanda mısır bitkisi için uygulanmıştır. Bitkinin sulanması için damlama sulama yöntemi kullanıldığı kabulü yapılmıştır. Ek olarak, kuyu için gerekli kabuller ve varsayımlar yapıldıktan sonra, pompaya gereken güç 1,5 kW ve debi 9,55 m³/h olarak hesaplamalara eklenmiştir. Sonuç olarak, sistemde akünün bulunması dahilinde toplam 23 adet PV panel gerekli iken, akünün olmaması durumunda 36 adet PV panel gerekli olduğu hesaplanmıştır. Gerekli akü miktarı ise 3 adet olarak bulunmuştur. Bu sonuçlara göre, sistem içerisinde akü kullanılması halinde, gerekli PV panel miktarının önemli ölçüde düşürüldüğü hesaplanmıştır. Ek olarak, bir diğer önemli sonuç ise, sistemde akü bulunmaması durumunda, PV panelin elde edebileceği potansiyel enerji miktarının yarısı israf edilmektedir. Ancak akü kullanılması durumunda ise, israf edilecek bu enerji aküler tarafından toplanarak, sistemin daha optimize edilebilir bir hal alması sağlanmaktadır.
Hidrolik Yüksek Basınç Hattı Filtre Gövdesinin Tasarımı, Optimizasyonu, Üretimi ve Test Edilmesi
Authors: TEKELİOĞLU Samet , ELDEK Safa , GÜMÜŞ Hüseyin , SARIGÜL Ayfer , AYHAN Şeyma , KAHRAMAN Ali , DİLMEÇ Murat
Published: January 2021

Bu çalışmada, hidrolik basınç hattı filtresinin gövdesinin tasarımı ve gövde optimizasyonu ve EN-GJS 400-15 malzemeden döküm yöntemiyle yerli olarak üretimi gerçekleştirilmiştir. Hidrolik filtrenin iç kısmına işletme basıncı olan 45 MPa basınç statik ve dinamik olarak sonlu elemanlar analizinde uygulanmıştır. Gövde kalınlığının malzeme tasarrufu sağlamak amacıyla optimizasyon analizleri gerçekleştirilmiştir. Kalınlık inceltmesi sonunda parçada oluşan maksimum gerilme 154 MPa civarında ve emniyet katsayısı yaklaşık 1,8 olmuştur. Optimize edilmiş gövdenin standarda uygun olarak patlatma, sızdırmazlık, yorulma testlerine tabii tutulmuştur. Sonuç olarak, sonlu elemanlar analizleriyle hidrolik basınç hattı filtre gövdesi optimize edilmiştir ve mevcut muadillerine göre %17 oranında hafif ve daha mukavemetli olarak üretilmiştir.
Seeking Explanatory Adequacy: A Dual Approach to Understanding the Term Heritage Language Learner
Authors: Carreira Maria
Published: January 2021

What is a heritage language learner (HLL)? We argue that a pedagogically
valuable answer to this question must do more than describe all individuals who ought be
considered HLLs; it should also offer a roadmap for meeting the needs of HLLs with
regard to language learning. To achieve this goal, which we refer to as achieving
“explanatory adequacy”, the answer to the above question must 1) differentiate HLLs
from second-language learners (SLLs), 2) differentiate HLLs from first-language learners
(L1Ls), and 3) differentiate between different types of HLLs. In reference to the first
task, we propose that HLLs are students whose identity and/or linguistic needs differ
from those of second language learners by virtue of having a family background in the
heritage language (HL) or culture (HC). In reference to the second task, we argue that
unlike L1L-s, HLLs do not receive sufficient exposure to their language and culture to
fulfill basic identity and linguistic needs. Consequently, they pursue language learning to
fulfill these needs. Finally, with regard to the third task, we map out four categories of
HLLs, each with different identity and linguistic needs. Along the way, we advocate for
endowing all language courses where HLLs are enrolled with a focus on identity and
language issues, as these relate to family background.
INTERSECCIONALIDADE E MOVIMENTO FEMINISTA
Authors: De Paiva Bibiana , Souza Larissa Faria de
Published: January 2021

Ao longo da história, mulheres brancas, negras e de classes diversas foram oprimidas de diferentes maneiras. Desse modo, é necessário compreender que o movimento feminista precisa abranger não apenas as questões de gênero, mas também de raça e classe, entre outras, pois o machismo não é a única opressão sofrida pelas mulheres. Diante disso, o trabalho tem como objetivo central fazer uma análise teórica do movimento feminista, da interseccionalidade e de como as opressões de gênero, raça e classe atravessam umas às outras na vida das mulheres. Para tanto, adota a metodologia da pesquisa bibliográfica, desenvolvendo estudo exploratório com base em material já elaborado. Traz como resultados que é preciso repensar e incluir intersecções como uma necessidade do movimento feminista.
الإمام عبد الرزاق الصنعاني ومراسيله في المصنف دراسة نموذجية تطبيقية
Authors: Bin Samsul Bahri Syis , Shamsuddin Mohammed Yaqub Mohammed Abullais , Bannga Ahmed Ali Ahmed El-Mogtaba
Published: January 2021

يتناول هذا البحث جهود الإمام عبد الرزاق الصنعاني في مصنفه، ويعد المصنف فريداً في نوعه، لإشتماله على الأحاديث المرفوعة، وفتاوى الصحابة والتابعين، وجملة ما فيه إحدى وعشرون ألفاً وثلاث وثلاثون حديثاً وأثراً، مع علو سنده فيه، والعديد من المراسيل التي هي في حاجة لجهد ودراسة، ونسبة لخصوصية الانقطاع في المراسيل بصورة عامة، فإن موقف العلماء في قبولها وردها كان مثار خلاف وما زال، وهذه الدراسة تتكون من عدة محاور وهي: التعريف بالإمام عبد الرزاق الصنعاني وجهوده في المصنف، مدارسة في مفهوم المراسيل وموقف العلماء منها، دراسة لنماذج تطبيقية على مراسيل عبد الرزاق في المصنف، وتكمن أهمية البحث في إبراز جهود الإمام عبد الرزاق في المصنف من خلال تتبع منهجه فيه، ومدى قيمة مراسيله، حيث يعد مصنفه من أبرز المصادر الحديثية لمكانة المؤلف العلمية الذي يعد فيها عبد الرزاق من أجل علماء زمانه، وتتلمذ على يديه خيرة رجال كتب الحديث ومشاهير علماء الجرح والتعديل، كابن عيينة، ووكيع الجراح وأحمد بن حنبل، وعلي بن المديني، وغيرهم، وقد قام وما زال العديد من طلبة )قسم دراسة القرآن والسنة الجامعة الإسلامية العالمية ماليزيا) بدراسة مراسيل المصنف، لإبراز درجة قبولها، والبحث عن ترقيتها من خلال الشواهد والمتابعات، سيما أن كثير هذه المراسيل معنية بقضايا الفقه والتشريع، واستعملت الدراسة المنهج الاستقرائي في التعريف بالإمام عبد الرزاق وجهوده في المصنف، وتتبع شواهد ومتابعات مراسيله وطرق تقويتها، وإبراز الميادين العملية لتلك المراسيل، واستقراء أقوال العلماء في قبولها، والمنهج التحليلي الباحث في النظر في تحليل مذاهب العلماء في قبول المراسيل ومناقشة أدلتهم في ذلك، ومن ثم مناقشة وتحليل نماذج من المراسيل في المصنف
التحديات التي تواجه صناعة التأمين الإسلامي في المالديف
Authors: Bin Saeed Qasim Ali Zahir , Ali Arif Arif
Published: January 2021

يهدف هذا البحث إلى توضيح التحديات التي تواجه صناعة التأمين الإسلامي في المالديف، وذلك ببيان مفهوم التحديات وتسليط الضوء على صناعة التأمين الإسلامي في المالديف، والتحديات التي تواجه تلك الصناعة بأنواعها المختلفة. ومن المعلوم أن صناعة التأمين الإسلامي في المالديف تواجه العديد من التحديات، منها ما يتعلق بطبيعة سوق التأمين في المالديف، ومنها ما يتعلق بالأنظمة القانونية، ومنها ما يتعلق بالإمكانيات الفنية والبشرية المؤهلة. ويتخذ الباحث المنهج الوصفي والتحليلي في دراسة هذا الموضوع. وقد خلص البحث إلى أن صناعة التأمين الإسلامي تعاني من تحديات كثيرة منذ أن وطأت قدمها في أرض المالديف، وقد بدأت الصناعة بطريقة بسيطة ثم تطورت حتى تمكنت بتوسيع خدماتها في أنحاء المالديف، وبدأت تنافس صناعة التأمين الجاري في كثير من الخدمات التأمينية. وبالرغم من التحديات الكبيرة، يلاحظ أن لصناعة التأمين الإسلامي في المالديف مؤشرات ناجحة تدل على نمو وتقدم هذه الصناعة، وله آفاق في المستقبل إذا زادت العناية من الجهات المعنية بها
صور الزواج السري بين القبائل الصومالية في حي اسلي: دراسة مقاصدية ميدانية
Authors: Hamdi Gure Halima , Ghalia Bouhedda , Elsefy Hossam El-Din
Published: January 2021

تناول هذا البحث مفهوم الزواج الشرعي في منظور الفقه الإسلامي ومشروعيته وأركانه وشروطه ومقاصده. كما تطرق إلى توصيف ظاهرة الزواج السري وصوره السائدة بين القبائل الصومالية في كينيا للتعرف على مدى موافقتها لضوابط الزواج الشرعي مع مراعاة المقاصد التي من أجلها شرع الزواج كحفظ النسل والأنساب، فإن المشكلة تكمن في التمسك بأقوال الفقهاء أو معارضتها دون مراعاة المفاسد والمصالح المترتبة على العمل بالحكم؛ لأن أحكام الشريعة الإسلامية منوطة بمقاصدها ولا مغايرة بينهما. ومن الأهمية تناول أحكام صور الزواج السري في ضوء مقاصد الشريعة ودراستها دراسة ميدانية تنتج حلولا هامة للمشاكل السائدة في المجتمعات. يتم استخدام المنهج الاستقرائي في تتبع و جمع المادة العلمية المتعلقة بعناصر البحث، ورصد الكيفيات والآليات التي تقع ُ بها صور زواج السّر، ويتم هذا من خلال الرجوع إلى المكتبة الإسلامية في الفقه الإسلامي، والاستعانة بالمصادر المتعلقة بهذا الموضوع في كينيا. في شرح صور الزواج السري المنتشرة بين القبائل الصومالية في كينيا، وفي بيان و أقوال العلماء في حكم كل الصور، وترجيح آرائهم بما يناسب واقع القبائل الصومالية الكينية من أجل الوصول إلى الحكم الشرعي المناسب، قد أجريت المقابلة الشخصية القضاة والدعاة والشيوخ والأطباء وبعض من مارس هذا الزواج من أفراد القبائل الصومالية في كينيا من طلبة الجامعات وبعض المتزوجين من الرجال، والأرامل والمطلقات، لاستكشاف نظرتهم لصور الزواج السري والأسباب المؤدية إلى ممارستها والآثار المترتبة عليها. خلص البحث إلى أن ممارسة الزواج السري وانتشاره في أوساط القبائل الصومالية في كينيا قد أدى إلى هتك أعراض النساء، وتفكك كثير من الأسر المسلمة، وشاعت الفواحش والمنازعات نتيجة تحيل أهلها لتحقيق رغباتهم بحجة الحاجة والضرورة وتتبعهم لبعض آراء العلماء التي لها قيود وحدود كالأخذ بعدم اشتراط الولاية في الزواج.
Antiracism in Times of Uncertainty The Brazilian Black Movement and Emancipatory Knowledges
Authors: Gomes Nilma
Published: January 2021

This Working Paper is a revised manuscript of the keynote lecture delivered on March 5, 2020, at the conference Living on the Edge: Studying Conviviality-Inequality in Uncertain Times (Mecila, São Paulo).
Perspectives of Teaching in English in Gagauzia in Moldova
Authors: KÜÇÜKLER Halil , CURDOGLO Aliona
Published: January 2021

Gagauzia in Moldova is an multilingual autonomous region. This region is a multilingual region where besides of English language pupils study Russian, Romanian and Gagauzian languages. Recently, the ratio of foreign languages studied at the schools has changed dramatically in favor of the English language. The new language policy should also ensure that learning of multiple languages among students takes place in a protected perspective and create a positive outcome for them. Furthermore, EFL educators must ensure that they effectively prepare learners with various language skills that need to integrate into the multilingual society effectively. This can be accomplished through training individuals to respond appropriately to the sensitive linguistic and cultural needs of other people that they interact with. It is considerable to acknowledge that people live in a multilingual society. Therefore, how individuals cultivate the process of teaching and learning language must take into account the multilingual perspectives of the real world. This article discusses the definition and context of multilingualism, ways in which individuals can effectively interact with others while predominantly using English and accepting the reality that multilingualism has a massive impact on our lives. The article also discusses the importance of changing the current educational approaches and government policies to match the developing multilingual patterns in regions that attract mass migration. Above all, the article looks forward to developing new ways in which these ideas can be applied to help future language learning, teaching, and assessment to provide improved learning outcomes for all language learning students.
Çarlık Rusya’sında Balkan Topraklarının Dil, Kültür ve Coğrafi Açıdan İnceleme Çalışmaları
Authors: DURANLI Muvaffak
Published: January 2021

Rusya’da bilimsel araştırmaların tarihi genel olarak Rusya Bilimler Akademisi’nin kuruluş tarihi ile bağlantılı görülmektedir. I. Petro tarafından temelleri atılan Bilimler Akademisi zaman içinde bünyesindeki enstitü, araştırma birimlerini çoğaltarak günümüze ulaşmıştır. Bilimler Akademisi bünyesinde yer alan araştırma birimlerinden biri de Rus Coğrafya Derneği’ydi.
Dernek adını benimseyen bu kurum, temelde Rusya sınırları içinde yer alan bölgelerde çok yönlü araştırmalarla hem ülkenin politik çıkarlarına hizmet etmiş hem de her bölgenin çok yönlü (ekonomi, doğal zenginlikler, madenler, coğrafya, etnik yapı, halk bilimi) incelenmesini sağlamıştır. Kurumun bazı çalışmalarının Rusya sınırları dışında da gerçekleştiği bilinmektedir. Fakat farklı nedenlerden dolayı Balkan toprakları Rus Coğrafya Derneği’nin inceleme kapsamı dışında yer almıştır.
Balkan bölgesinin ve bu bölgedeki halkların incelenme tarihi, XIX. yüzyılın ortalarına rastlamaktadır. Bu dönemde Balkan topraklarında görevli bulunan Rus diplomatlar, ilk çalışmaları gerçekleştirmişlerdir.
Genel olarak, bu çalışmaların temel amacı Balkan topraklarındaki Hristiyan ve Slav kökenli halkların Rus okuyucusuna tanıtılmasıdır. Bu nedenle diplomat, seyyah ve gönüllüler eserlerinde, mektuplarında Balkan topraklarındaki Slav halkları ve onların yaşamı, dilleri, gelenekleri ile ilgili gözlemlere yer vermiş, Rus diplomat Konstantin Leontyev ise gözlemlerinden hareketle Balkan halklarının temsilcilerinin kahramanı olduğu edebî eserler kaleme almıştır.
Makalede Balkan topraklarındaki Slav halkları üzerinde yoğunlaşan bu çalışmaların yapısı hakkında genel bilgiler verilmeye çalışılacaktır.
The Role of Innovation in the Tourist Attitude and Improving the Destination Performance(Case study: visitors of historical places in Tehran)
Authors:   dept, Pour Roya Sadat Alavi
Published: January 2021

This study aims to investigate the role of innovation in the tourist attitude and improve the performance of the destination. In this regard, while reviewing the concepts of innovation, tourist attitude, and destination performance, using the structural equation modeling method, we examined the effect of innovation on tourist attitude and promotion of destination performance. The statistical population of this study includes tourists from historical places in Tehran, whose number is unlimited. The sample size was determined using the Krejcie-Morgan 384 sample size determination table, which was selected using simple random sampling. In order to collect data in this research, a questionnaire was used, the validity of which was confirmed as content validity by experts, and the validity of construction and structure by confirmatory factor analysis in Smart-pls software and its reliability using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, approved by a factor of 0.954. In order to analyze the data in this study, the Chlomogroff-Smirnov test was used for regular testing, and structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses. The results showed that innovation in services and marketing has a significant impact on tourist attitudes, marketing promotion, and destination performance. The results also show that the mediating role of marketing promotion on the impact of innovation on destination performance has not been confirmed.
Exploring the Manifestations, Causes and Effects Of Marginalization: The Case of ‘Wood Workers’ Among the Gurage, South-Central Ethiopia
Authors:   Department of History and Heritage Management, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia., Retta Eshettu Tesfaye
Published: January 2021

This study was conducted to explore the causes and effects of marginalization and social inequality that characterizes ‘Wood Workers’ minority group in Gurage Zone, south-central Ethiopia. It carefully examines the overall living situations of ‘Wood Workers’ in terms of economic, social and political aspects within the socio-cultural context of the host society. Traditionally, this group lost the rights and privileges in the society at large and they are not equally treated similar to other groups. In this study, a qualitative methodological approach is employed in extracting information from different sources on the subject in question. The study relied mainly on primary and secondary sources. Based on the findings, as far as the causes of marginalization is concerned, the norms, beliefs and the way of life that defines the ‘Wood Workers’ and the roles they undertake in the society have been seen as extremely important factors. Moreover, the causes, levels and effects of marginalization and social inequality of these minority groups are multifaceted and alarming. Regarding the effects of marginalization, the ‘Wood Workers’ have been facing challenges such as limited access to social services like education and health services, low self-esteem, severe poverty, lack of genuine interaction with the rest of the peoples of the study area and low level of motivation to enhance their level of wellbeing.