bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screw withdrawal resistance and surface roughness of woven carbon and glass fiber-reinforced wood-plastic composites
Authors: Durmaz Sefa , Erdil Yusuf Ziya , Avcı Erkan
Published: April 2023

Wood-plastic composites (WPCs) have become one of the most remarkable materials for construction in recent years. Along with high resistance against biological threats, the high mechanical properties are also desired from WPCs as well. In this study, polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (HDPE) based flat-pressed WPC specimens were reinforced with woven fiber fabric to gain higher mechanical properties. Woven fabrics were located 20% (w/w) below for both surfaces. Carbon fiber and glass fiber woven fabrics, known to have high mechanical properties, were preferred to improve screw withdrawal resistance (SWR) of WPC. Specimens were produced with different wood flour contents (40, 50, and 60%). Results indicated that the increase of SWR reached up to 83%. The highest increase was obtained from carbon fiber for PP, while it was glass fiber for HDPE fabric. The coupling agents had a positive effect on SWR. This study also showed that PE based WPCs had higher SWR compared to PP based ones. Moreover, as wood flour content increased, SWR decreased. The surface roughness of WPCs was also investigated. Contrary to SWR, the wood flour content positively affected the surface roughness; i.e., as wood content increased, surface roughness of WPCs increased. The structure of specimens were also examined using SEM.
Self-healing coating to reduce isothiazolinone (MCI/MI) leaching from preservative-treated bamboo
Authors: Wang Qingping , Cao Jinzhen , Jiang Mingliang
Published: April 2023

A method was developed to reduce isothiazolinone (MCI/MI) leaching from treated bamboo, thereby extending the service life of bamboo. In this study, the self-healing coatings were prepared by incorporating 10 to 12 wt% microcapsules of urea-formaldehyde resin (UF)/tung oil into conventional polyurethane varnish and acrylate varnish. In the leaching test, the self-healing coatings outperformed the control coatings. Compared with the control coatings, the average leaching rates coated by the polyurethane and acrylate self-healing coatings were reduced by 6.22% and 6.29%, respectively. In impact damage and adhesion strength tests, the ability of the self-healing coatings to withstand damage was close to the control coatings. The results indicated that self-healing coating is a feasible method to reduce the leaching of MCI/MI from treated bamboo.
Fitting growth curves of coffee plants in the nursery stage of growth: A functional approach
Authors: León-Burgos Andrés Felipe , Ramírez Carlos , Rendón Sáenz José Raúl , Imbachi-Quinchua Luis Carlos , Unigarro-Muñoz Carlos Andrés , Balaguera-Lopez Helber Enrique
Published: April 2023

The growth patterns of coffee plants are determined by interactions between genetic, physiological, and climate factors. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth patterns of coffee plants in the nursery under the climatic conditions of Chinchiná, Caldas, Colombia, during the first semester of 2019. Measurements were carried out in the Cenicafé 1 variety during six months. Growth parameters such as leaf area, number of leaves, height, stem diameter, and length of the main root were evaluated every 15 d after transplanting (DAT) in 20 plants and the averages of absolute growth (Ĝ) rate of each growth variable were calculated. For the total leaf area, total number of leaves, and stem height, a sigmoidal-type growth curve was adjusted, while the growth curve was linear for the stem diameter (R2 = 0.97) and main root length (R2 = 0.95). Average values were obtained for 520 cm2 for total leaf area, with an Ĝ of 3.31 cm2 d-1, 11 for total leaves (Ĝ 0.055 leaves d-1), 30.23 cm for height (Ĝ 0.155 cm d-1), 4.87 mm for stem diameter (Ĝ 0.199 mm d-1), and 28.80 cm for main root length (Ĝ 0.087 cm d-1) at 180 DAT. These results suggest that growth curves could be a useful tool for describing the growth patterns of coffee seedlings during the nursery stage of growth.
Intellectual property on the design of genetically modified tobacco containing a phaC gene for peroxisomal biosynthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates
Authors: Portela Diana Daniela , Villamil-Bolaños Fabián , Sarmiento Felipe , Chaparro-Giraldo Alejandro , López-Pazos Silvio Alejandro
Published: April 2023

Genetically modified (GM) plants producing polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are protected by patents. This study analyzes the status of patents covering PHA-producing GM plants, focusing on the production of GM tobacco expressing the phaC gene of Aeromonas caviae for PHA synthesis. Thirty patent applications for PHAs producing GM plants were identified. Patent applications covering the design of GM tobacco expressing the A. caviae phaC gene for biosynthesis of PHAs in peroxisomes were found from our searches; five safeguard the rights on the A. caviae phaC gene, and three protect the transit peptide. In addition, 96 records related to Nicotiana tabacum breeder’s rights were identified, with 22 varieties still protected.
Warming reduces the root density and wheat colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the Yaqui Valley, Mexico
Authors: Peñuelas-Rubio Ofelda , Argentel-Martínez Leandris , Leyva Ponce José Aurelio , García-Urías Julio César , Garatuza-Payán Jaime , Yepez Enrico , Hasanuzzaman Mirza , González Aguilera Jorge
Published: April 2023

Some studies on the impact of climate changes on wheat have been carried out, but few have explained the possible variations in root morphology and associated microbial diversity. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of canopy temperature increases of 2°C in wheat during three experimental crop cycles on the initial and final root density and the presence of symbiotic association with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) under field conditions. The warming treatment resulted in the highest percentage of roots (51%) at a greater depth than the control. The warming caused a 38% decrease in the presence of AMF and a 20% decrease in the number of spores per kilogram of soil. The warming treatment generated stress intensities of 18 and 17% in the amount of spore per kilogram of soil and percentage of colonization, respectively.
Characterization and classification of lulo (Solanum quitoense Lam.) fruits by ripening stage using partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA)
Authors: González-Bonilla Sofía Marcela , Marín-Arroyo María Remedios
Published: April 2023

Lulo or naranjilla (Solanum quitoense Lam.) is a tropical fruit with great potential for its contents of antioxidant and biofunctional compounds and sensory characteristics. Nowadays, the different methodologies to classify the ripening stage of lulo fruits are prone to bias and can hinder adequate characterization of the fruit maturity stage as they do not use measurements. The aim of this research was to define an accurate method for classifying lulo fruits by ripening stage based on non-destructive parameters and to determine their main characteristics according to the ripening stage. Hierarchical cluster analysis was carried out to classify fruits according to their maturity index (MI) into two (MI2) and three (MI3) homogeneous groups of individuals. Using partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), with the non-destructive parameters showing significant differences between groups, classification functions by ripening stage were established. The PLS-DA correctly classified 89.47% of the fruits in the MI2 classification and 78.95% in the MI3 classification. The predictive power of the models was tested with fruits other than those used to establish the prediction equations, obtaining a correct classification in 75% of the cases. It is possible to classify lulo fruits objectively with a limited number of non-destructive parameters that constitutes a useful tool from harvesting to consumption.
Discriminant analysis for estimating meristematic differentiation point based on morphometric indicators in banana (Musa AAA)
Authors: Martínez Acosta Ana María , Cayón-Salinas Daniel Gerardo , Darghan-Contreras Aquiles Enrique
Published: April 2023

In the banana crop, leaf area is a fundamental trait for production; however, monitoring this variable during a cycle is difficult due to the structural characteristics of the plant, and a method for its determination is necessary. Therefore, the objective of this research was to propose a model for estimating total leaf area by measuring the cross-sectional area of the pseudostem to identify when meristematic differentiation occurs. In plants between F10 and flowering, functional leaves were measured for length, width, and dry mass. Cross-sectional area was calculated every 10 cm from the base to 70 cm, at ⅓, ½ of the plant height and up to the last pair of leaves. From the principal components, the cross-sectional measurement at 50 cm was selected, obtaining a nonlinear model for indirect estimation of leaf area. Subsequently, Fisher’s linear discriminant analysis was used with the parameters associated with the number of leaves emitted and the estimated leaf area to obtain the cutoff point as the centroid of the extracted components. As an indicator for the approximate identification of the moment of meristem differentiation, the emission of leaf 12 was generated, which determines the phenological stage (vegetative-reproductive) of the plant. The results describe tools to follow up the growth in the productive units to facilitate crop monitoring, allowing the generation of differential production approaches.
Leaf area prediction models from growth measurements in Andean blueberry (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz) in the nursery
Authors: Vásquez-Martínez Mariam , Lizarazo-Peña Pedro , Darghan Enrique , Moreno-Fonseca Liz Patricia , Magnitskiy Stanislav
Published: April 2023

The Andean blueberry is a high-Andean wild fruit species consumed in fresh or processed form that has high potential due to its antioxidant capacity. Leaf area describes the photosynthetic capacity of plants and is employed as a variable in multiple physiological studies; however, in Andean blueberry (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz), its direct measurement is costly. The aim of this research was to propose models for estimating the leaf area in young Andean blueberry plants using morphometric variables. In the study, 436 Andean blueberry plants of different ages (10 to 26 months) obtained with different methods of asexual propagation (tissue culture or cuttings) were used. Variables, such as dry weight per organ, leaf area, plant height, number of vegetative shoots and number of leaves, were measured. Simple and multiple regressions were performed and the “weighted least squares” technique was used to meet the regression assumptions. Five models with coefficients of determination (R2) greater than 0.81 were proposed. Two models were of the multiple type and employed the number of leaves together with the dry weight of leaves or the total dry weight as predictor variables. The other models were linear and used total dry weight, dry weight of leaves or number of leaves as explanatory variables of leaf area; the number of leaves was a particularly interesting variable due to its non-destructive nature. The models presented could be a useful tool for estimating leaf area in future studies in Andean blueberry.
The Usage of Online Classrooms during the COVID-19 in Bangladesh: Some Issues and Influences
Authors: Sadath Md. Abu , Mondal Jyothy , Faisal Abdullah-Al- , Disha Sanjana Afrin , Fatema Sarmin
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study is to find out how teachers and students felt about online classes in Bangladesh. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the education system in Bangladesh has made a change by delivering classes via online means. Therefore, this study examines teachers' and students' perspectives and concerns about taking online classes, which have become mandatory because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The data were collected by using an online survey method. The sample included 907 teachers and 1451 students from schools, colleges, and universities across Bangladesh's eight divisions. The data show that in the pandemic situation, a total of 80% of students were able to be connected with online education. Among them, 56% of students got no facilities regarding online classes from their educational institutions. To continue their study, 56% of the students wanted offline education. Likewise, it was tracked down that quality and convenient cooperation among students and instructors, specialized help accessibility, organized online class modules, and changes permitting the lead of reasonable exercises are largely fundamental elements in educators' and students’ fulfilment with online classes. The absence of typical classroom socializing, lack of face-to-face engagement with the teacher, and response time were among the major difficulties raised by the students. This study contributes significantly to the studies of the impact of COVID-19 on education particularly within developing countries. It also will have a significant impact on the government of Bangladesh's decision on how to continue online classes in the face of the epidemic and reopen Bangladesh's educational facilities.
Islamic Variant of Sasak: Transition and Dialectics in the Wetu Telu Community in Lombok, Indonesia
Authors: Sirnopati Retno , Rasyad Abdul , Tohri Ahmad
Published: April 2023

Outsiders have often perceived the Wetu Telu community in Lombok as a variant or a splinter of the predominantly Islamic Sasak society's religious system. This article aims to understand the existence of the Wetu Telu community on the island of Lombok from the perspective of both outsiders and insiders with a holistic, interdisciplinary approach. This study uses a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. The research subjects include the Wetu Telu community in and around Lingsar Narmada in West Lombok, the Tanjung area, and several villages in the Bayan district of North Lombok, such as Loloan, Anyar, Akar-Akar, and Mumbul Sari. The required data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, documentation, and literature studies. Data analysis involved domain, taxonomic, componential, and thematic analysis. The results show that phenomenologically Wetu Telu is a variant of Islamic Sasak that believes in some Islamic doctrinal values, understands and practices religious rituals that have many similarities with the belief systems before the coming of Islam to Lombok and blends with local Sasak cultural traditions or customs. Wetu Telu was born from the historical transition of the development of local belief systems that dialectically interacted with the arrival and development of major religions on the island of Lombok and were intertwined with the socio-cultural and socio-political dynamics of Sasak society. This study significantly contributes to the study of the relationship between “foreign religion” and local culture with a special reference to the Wetu Telu of Sasak people in Indonesia.
The Interaction Effect of Personality Traits and Gender Differences on Risky Behaviours among First-Year University Students in South Africa
Authors: Oduaran Choja , Agberotimi Samson , Moetji Samuel
Published: April 2023

This article investigates the effect of personality traits and gender differences on risky behaviours among first-year students of a South African university. A sample of three hundred and twelve (312) first-year students comprising 59.6 per cent females was selected as participants. Data were collected with a questionnaire to measure risky behaviours, personality traits, and demographic information. Collected data were subjected to statistical analysis using the statistical package for social sciences v23. Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted. Results showed that the use of alcohol to the extent of being drunk, staying out late at night without parents’ knowledge, taking chances while doing hobbies, reckless driving, and unsafe sexual practices are prominent among the students. Agreeableness (F (1, 308) = 9.863, p <.005), and conscientiousness (F (1, 307) = 20.445, p <.001) personality traits significantly influenced risky behaviours, while there was a significant gender difference (t (310) = 6.13, p <.01) in the rate of risky behaviours among the participants. It is concluded that personality traits significantly contribute to risky behaviours. In addition, males are generally more inclined to engage in risky behaviours than females. Intervention-based research and activities to address the issue of risky behaviours among students are recommended. This study contributes to the study of risky behaviour among young persons with a reference to the context of university life in South Africa by considering gender as an important factor that contributes to risky behaviours among first-year university students.
The systematization of bending-sensitive fiber light guides
Authors:   I. Kant Baltic Federal University, Denisov I.V. , Lisovsky N.V. ,   I. Kant Baltic Federal University
Published: April 2023

The results of systematic analysis of existing recommendations on fiber light guides. The systematization of physical parameters and operational characteristics of standardized fiber light guides has been carried out. Four informative parameters have been identified to assess the effect of fiber bends on the quality of fiber optic sensors. The purpose of the work is systematization of the ITU-T and IEC recommendations, as well as to assess the influence of bends on the fiber types in terms of the quality of communication lines and fiber-optic sensors of physical quantities.
FACILITATING THE CONSTRUCTION OF KNOWLEDGE COLLECTIVELY THROUGH DIALOGIC DISCOURSE: TEACHERS’ PERSPECTIVES AND PRACTICES IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING
Authors: Ramasamy Sheila Adelina , Zainal Azlin Zaiti
Published: April 2023

Dialogic discourse is said to aid the social and cognitive aspects of language learning and acquisition and students’ success in second language learning is therefore largely dependent on the interactional opportunities available. Recognising the potential impact of dialogic discourse in enhancing second language acquisition amongst Malaysian students, the Malaysian Ministry of Education (MOE) provided a large-scale training on dialogic discourse to a group of lower secondary English language teachers. This study explores the perceptions of English as a second language (ESL) teachers on the role of dialogic discourse in affording students’ opportunities for the construction of knowledge and investigates their practices in affording students with the opportunities to construct knowledge collectively through the discourse structure. To understand the role of dialogic discourse in affording students to construct knowledge collectively, five ESL teachers’ dialogic discourse strategies were examined. A qualitative approach was employed, which comprised semi-structured interviews and classroom observations for the data collection. Two of the teachers’ lessons were also examined to illustrate how dialogic discourse created opportunities for the construction of knowledge collectively which supported ESL learning through close discourse analysis of the lesson transcripts. The findings have shown that ESL teachers’ use of dialogic discourse strategies facilitates the construction of knowledge collectively among the students.This study expands our current understanding of how ESL learning occurs through classroom discourse.
Chemical durability of bituminous geomembranes (BGMs) in heap leach pad applications
Authors: Abdelaal F. B. , Samea A.
Published: April 2023

The degradation behaviour of a 4.8 mm thick elastomeric bituminous geomembrane (BGM) immersed in pH 0.5, 9.5, and 11.5 synthetic mining solutions is examined over 26 months at 22, 40, 55 and 70°C. The low pH solution simulates the leach solutions found in copper, nickel, and uranium heap leach pads while the two high pH solutions simulate the chemistry and pH found in gold and silver heap leaching facilities. The mechanical, rheological, and chemical properties are examined at different incubation times to assess the degradation in the BGM at different temperatures. It is shown that the degradation rates of all properties are faster in pH 11.5 and 9.5 than in pH 0.5. Additionally, the BGM started to exhibit degradation in its mechanical properties even with a slightly degraded bitumen coat in all the mining solutions at elevated temperatures. The time to nominal failure of the BGM is predicted at different field temperatures using Arrhenius modelling. Due to the relatively fast degradation in the mechanical properties of the BGM, especially at temperatures above 50°C, the tensile strains in the BGM in the field should be limited so it can meet the required liner design life of heap leaching applications.
The light of the Moon: Ibn al-Haytham (Alhazen) and Galileo
Authors: HAMEDANI Hossein Masoumi
Published: April 2023

Almost at the turn of the 10th century, Ibn al-Haytham (Alhazen) demonstrated that, contrary to the view held by all the scientists of that time, the light received on Earth from the Moon is not the light of the Sun reflected on the surface of the Moon. In the 17th century, Galileo took up the same problem and arrived at almost the same result. This paper discusses the arguments of these two scientists as well as the context in which they are presented and tries to specify both their similarities and their differences.
Astronomy in the Islamic world: a European perspective
Authors: KERNER Richard
Published: April 2023

Mathematical and astronomical achievements of the Islamic world during its golden era are briefly exposed.
The article is based on the invited talk delivered remotely at the ICRANET–Isfahan Astronomical Meeting,
November 2–5, 2021, which, in turn, reproduces major parts of one of the chapters of my book ``Our Celestial
Clockwork'', published recently (2021) by the World Scientific.
The role of gravitomagnetism in the energy extraction from a Kerr black hole to power the GeV emission of gamma-ray bursts
Authors: RUEDA J.A. , RUFFINI R. , KERR R.P.
Published: April 2023

We summarize a new model that explains the high-energy (photon energies of gigaelectronvolts – GeV) observed in the energetic long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). The model shows that the gravitomagnetic interaction of a Kerr black hole (BH) with a surrounding magnetic field generates GeV radiation in the vicinity of the BH event horizon extracting the (rotational) energy of the BH.
Angular momentum to a distant observer
Authors: CHEN Po-Ning , WANG Mu-Tao , WANG Ye-Kai , YAU Shing-Tung
Published: April 2023

In the first observation of gravitational waves GW150914 by LIGO and Virgo [1],
a binary black hole of initial black hole masses 36 units and 29 units merge into a final black hole with 62 units of mass, during which exactly 3 units of mass radiated in gravitational waves. Measuring the angular momentum carried away in gravitational waves turned out to be more challenging.
This has been an open problem in classical general relativity due to ``supertranslation ambiguity" since the 1960s. Two distant observers of the same system may record different amount of "radiated angular momentum". There have been a lot of efforts to resolve the supertranslation ambiguity. One approach is to find a new definition of angular momentum that would yield the same amount of radiated angular momentum for any observer. Last year, the first such ambiguity free definition of angular momentum was discovered and it is the purpose of this note to discuss this new definition.
Shadows around Sgr A* and M87* as a tool to test gravity theories
Authors: ZAKHAROV Alexander F.
Published: April 2023

In the framework of Randall–Sundrum theory with extra dimension Reissner–Nordstrom black hole solutions with a tidal charge have been found. The shadow around the supermassive black hole in M87 was reconstructed in 2019 based on observations with the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) in April 2017. In May 2022 the EHT Collaboration presented results of a shadow reconstruction for our Galactic Center.
Earlier, for Reissner–Nordstrom metric we derived analytical expressions for shadow size as a function of charge and later generalized these results for a tidal charge case. We discuss opportunities to evaluate parameters of alternative theories of gravity with shadow size estimates done by the EHT Collaboration, in particular, a tidal charge could be estimated from these observations.
Dark matter fermions: from linear to non-linear structure formation
Authors: ARGÜELLES C.R. , BECERRA-VERGARA E.A. , CRESPI V. , KRUT A. , RUEDA J.A. , RUFFINI R. , YUNIS R.I.
Published: April 2023

The transition from linear to non-linear structure formation in cosmology is here studied from the point of view of the thermodynamics of self-gravitating fermions. We start by reviewing the principle of maximum entropy production through which such a fermionic system can relax towards spherical equilibrium states able to explain the dark matter (DM) in galaxies. We then analyze the stability, lifetime and morphology of the above configurations, and show that the most general DM profile develops a compact core governed by degeneracy pressure, which is surrounded by an extended halo. For DM particles which are in the range of $\mathcal{O}$(10--100) keV, we apply this theory to the case of the Milky Way, and show that the compact DM-core explains the dynamics of all the best resolved S-cluster stars orbiting SgrA *, without the need of assuming a central black hole (BH). Further consequences of this theory regarding open issues in cosmology are outlined, including the problem of formation of supermassive BHs in the early Universe.
Analyzing astronomical data with machine learning techniques
Authors: ZHOOLIDEH HAGHIGHI Mohammad H.
Published: April 2023

Classification is a popular task in the field of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), and it happens when outputs are categorical variables. There are a wide variety of models that attempt to draw some conclusions from observed values, so classification algorithms predict categorical class labels for use in classifying new data.
Popular classification models including logistic regression, decision tree, random forest, support vector machine (SVM), multilayer perceptron, naive bayes, neural networks have proven to be efficient and accurate applied to many industrial and scientific problems. Particularly, application of ML to astronomy has shown to be very useful for classification, clustering and data cleaning. It is because after learning computers, these tasks can be done automatically by them in a more precise and more rapid way than human operators. In view of this, in this paper, we will review some of these popular classification algorithms, and then we apply some of them to the observational data of nonvariable and the RR Lyrae variable stars that come from the SDSS survey. For the sake of comparison, we calculate the accuracy and $F1$-score of the applied models.
Introduction of machine learning for astronomy (hands-on workshop)
Authors: WANG Yu , MORADI Rahim , ZHOOLIDEH HAGHIGHI Mohammad H. , RASTEGARNIA Fatemeh
Published: April 2023

This article is based on the tutorial we gave at the hands-on workshop of the ICRANet-ISFAHAN Astronomy Meeting. We first introduce the basic theory of machine learning and sort out the whole process of training a neural network. We then demonstrate this process with an example of inferring redshifts from SDSS spectra. To emphasize that machine learning for astronomy is easy to get started, we demonstrate that the most basic CNN network can be used to obtain high accuracy, we also show that with simple modifications, the network can be converted for classification problems and also to process gravitational wave data.
Risk prediction model of early-onset preeclampsia based on risk factors and routine laboratory indicators
Authors: Yongqing Wang
Published: April 2023

Background: 10% - 15% of maternal deaths are statistically attributable to preeclampsia. Compared with late-onset PE, the severity of early-onset PE remains greater harm, with higher morbidity and mortality. Objective: To establish an early-onset preeclampsia prediction model by clinical characteristics, risk factors and routine laboratory indicators from 6 to 10 gestational weeks of pregnant women. Methods: The clinical characteristics, risk factors and 38 routine laboratory indicators (6 - 10 weeks of gestation) including blood lipids, liver and kidney function, coagulation, blood count and other indicators of 91 early-onset preeclampsia patients and 709 normal controls without early-onset preeclampsia from January 2010 to May 2021 in Peking University Third Hospital (PUTH) were retrospectively analyzed. Logistic regression, Decision tree model and Support vector machine (SVM) model were applied for establishing prediction models, respectively. ROC curves were drawn, and the area under the curve (AUCROC), sensitivity and specificity was calculated and compared. Results: There were statistically significant differences in the rates of diabetes, Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS), kidney disease, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSAHS), primipara, history of preeclampsia and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) (p < 0.05). Among the 38 routine laboratory indicators, there were no significant differences in the levels of PLT/LYM, NEU/LYM, TT, D-Dimer, FDP, TBA, ALP, TP, ALB, GLB, UREA, Cr, P, Cystatin C, HDL- C, Apo-A1, and Lp(a) between the two groups (p > 0.05). The levels of the rest indicators were all statistically different between the two groups (p < 0.05). If only 12 risk factors of PE were analyzed by logistic regression, decision tree model, and the Support Vector Machine (SVM), the AUCROC were 0.78, 0.74 and 0.66 respectively, while 12 risk factors of PE and 38 routine laboratory indicators were analyzed by logistic regression, decision tree model and the support vector machine(SVM), the AUCROC were 0.86, 0.77 and 0.93 respectively. Conclusion: The efficacy of clinical risk factors alone in predicting early-onset preeclampsia is not high, while the efficacy increased significantly when PE risk factors were combined with routine laboratory indicators. The SVM model was better than the logistic regression model and decision tree model in the early prediction of early-onset preeclampsia incidence.
Development of Magnetic Gears: A Review
Authors:   Centre for Integrated Design of Advanced Mechanical System (PRISMA),  Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia, Al Faysal Abdullah , Mohamed Haris Sallehuddin ,   Centre for Integrated Design of Advanced Mechanical System (PRISMA),  Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
Published: April 2023

A gear is an essential component of most mechanical or electromechanical systems. Mechanical gears are readily used in automobile and industrial applications for torque transmission and speed variation purposes. Recent significant increase in research and development activities on magnetic gears (MG) indicates its potential in effectively replacing mechanical gears from industrial and other applications. Thus, the gradual developments of MG and magnetically geared machines have opened up innumerable opportunities for engineers and researchers. However, being a relatively new technology, the concept of MG is still unclear to many potential researchers. This paper is aimed at presenting an overview of the state of the art in MG technology, the gradual development of MG topologies, its design characteristics, optimization techniques, and a guideline for selecting suitable materials for gear construction. The MG technology is still in its early stage of development but has a huge opportunity for further improvement. The MG not only promises an ability to replace the mechanical gear, but also offers many other added advantages including increased lifespan of the machine, maintenance cost reduction, and reliable operation. Although intensive research works are being done on MGs, it is presently still unable to replace mechanical gears in industrial applications due to the holdback from the industry-readiness of MGs. The limitations and future possibilities discussed at the end of this paper could benefit readers interested in developing innovative ideas for an industry-ready version of MG.
Thyroid status in pregnant women with pregnancy induced hypertension – A case control study
Authors: G Anandpara , M Patel , R Patel , M Panchal , SP Nair
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) is an important cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality affecting 5-10% of pregnancies. PIH is more frequently associated with elevated TSH (Thyroid-stimulating hormone). Thyroid dysfunction plays an important role in the development of gestational hypertension. However, this relationship remains unclear. The study was performed to evaluate the thyroid status in pregnant women with PIH and normal pregnant women. Methodology: This was a hospital based observational case control study done in Dr M K Shah Medical College, Ahmedabad. Total 100 pregnant women were included, out of them 50 PIH women were included in the case study group and 50 normotensive healthy pregnant women were included in the control group. After taking written consent, thyroid profile (TSH, free T3 and free T4) were measured in all 100 subjects. Results: Women with PIH had higher TSH levels and lower free T3 and free T4 as compared to normotensive pregnant women. There was a significant association between hypothyroidism and PIH cases. There was a significant positive correlation between TSH and systolic BP (r=0.42) and diastolic BP (r=0.52). Conclusion: PIH women are at greater risk of decreased thyroid function. Therefore, PIH women should be monitored for thyroid levels regularly.
Global Flows and Critical Cosmopolitanism: A Longitudinal Case Study
Authors: COMPTON-LILLY CATHERINE , HAWKINS MARGARET R.
Published: April 2023

In this longitudinal case study, Catherine Compton-Lilly and Margaret R. Hawkins explore one immigrant youth’s engagement with transglobal activities and flows of information and his emerging awareness of the world. Contending that transglobal flows create learning opportunities that are rarely available to children raised in mononational and monocultural spaces, the authors add to scholarship that highlights the knowledge, awareness, understandings, and literacies that children in transglobal families bring to class rooms. Specifically, they examine twelve years of longitudinal data following the youth’s development of a critical cosmopolitan stance and then apply a transliteracies framework to analyze complementary facets of emergence, uptake, resonance, and scale implicated in transglobal relations and comparisons. The article closes with recommendations for educational practice.
The Thorny Path of Russian Capitalism in Feudal Serf Russia
Authors: Popov Gregory G.
Published: April 2023

The article examines the path of capitalism in Russia during the period of serfdom through the prism of modern demographic concepts. The problems of labor intensity in agriculture are also analyzed in this paper. The author highlights the main features that distinguished Russian capitalism of the feudal period from the Western model of capitalism that dominated in England. The author argues that the high labor intensity of agriculture associated with the consequences of the population explosion of the first half of the XVIII century hindered Russia's transition from feudal to capitalist model of economy. The article emphasizes that serfdom had negative effects especially in the black earth provinces of the Russian Empire. The author considers the Upper Volga path of transition to capitalism, which main characteristic is extreme agriculture conditions, to be the evolutionary path typical for Russia of that period. The fact that the European model of the family was not accepted in Russia in the Late Middle Ages and Early Modern Times also impeded the development of Russian capitalism. The author proves that institutionally Russian capitalism did not deviate so much from the Western model of capitalism, however Russian economy of that time lagged far behind in quantitative indicators. In particular, the author shows that factor and commodity prices were free or poorly regulated in the Russian Empire. The paper proposes to consider the discussion on the nature of Russian capitalism in Modern times with the use of quantitative analysis. The author considers the reasons for the slowdown in the development of Russian capitalism to be the consequence of the evolution of the agrarian population of Russia. Meanwhile, according to the author, Russia of Modern times played a role of an arbiter rather than an actor in the format of the conservative social system that had developed even before the reforms of Peter the Great.
A new trochoidal toolpath in milling operations
Authors: KIYAK Murat , EMİROĞLU Ugur , BAŞTEKELİ Orhun
Published: April 2023

The milling is a widely used method in the manufacturing industry, especially in the production of complex engravings such as die&molds. Rough milling often requires a large material removal rate in a short time. This purpose also requires the selection and use of the best milling tool path. Today, trochoidal milling is receiving more attention than conventional milling, especially as it significantly increases tool life. In this study, a new toolpath model for trochoidal milling is suggested and this proposed toolpath model is examined in terms of cutting temperature, cutting force, surface quality, tool wear. In this new trochoidal toolpath model proposed for the milling method, the cutting force did not change much compared to the standard trochoidal tool path, but better surface quality and less tool wear were observed.
In Vitro Biological Activities of Drepanoalpha® Ethanolic Extract, A Justicia Secunda and Moringa Oleifera-Based Phytomedicine Proposed for The Symptomatic Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Gbolo Zoawe Benjamin , Nachtergael Amandine , Tshibangu Damien S. T. , Misengabu Nicole M. , Nsabatien Victoire , Memvanga Patrick B. , Tshilanda Dorothée D. , Ngbolua Jean-Paul K. N. , Mpiana Pius T. , Duez Pierre
Published: April 2023

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive blood disorder characterized by red blood cells that assume an abnormal, rigid sickle shape under low-oxygen conditions. These sickle-shaped erythrocytes tend to lyse, aggregate, and obstruct small blood vessels, leading to major complications. The present study aims to investigate properties that may underlie the activity of Drepanoalphaâ, an antisickling herbal formulation developed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for the prevention and symptomatic treatment of sickle cell disease crises. The Drepanoalpha® Ethanolic Extract (DEE) is a dry extract (drug-extract ratio, DER, 100/11) prepared from ethanol (96 %, v/v) percolation of a 1:1 mixture of 2 food plants, Justicia secunda Vahl and Moringa oleifera Lam. Sickling was classically measured by light microscopy on diluted washed erythrocytes obtained from homozygote patients; erythrocytes were treated with 2 % Na2S2O5 in the presence of DEE (suspension in 9 ‰ NaCl), 9 ‰ NaCl (negative control) or disodium cromoglycate (DSCG, positive control). For all tested conditions, the sickle hemoglobin polymerization, the Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio, and the median corpuscular fragility were measured by spectrophotometry. The DEE reversed sickling by 89.1 %, comparable to DSCG (87.7 %; 60.3 µg/mL), inhibiting sickle cell hemoglobin polymerization of 77.8 % and 74.4 %, respectively. The Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio was improved by 18.0 % for DEE and 15.9 % for DSCG. The median corpuscular fragility values were 0.602, 0.714, and 0.732 for NaCl 9 ‰, DSCG, and DEE, respectively. The measured in vitro parameters validate an effective antisickling effect of DEE and confirm the value of this improved traditional herbal formulation for the management of SCD.
Smart metering in Latin America and the Caribbean: Regulatory recommendations to encourage the deployment of smart metering appropriate to the needs of individual countries
Authors: Alvarez Alonso Oliveiro , Afonso Noé , González-Salas Alberto , Hernández Raya Estefanía
Published: April 2023

The objective of this report is to identify the current state of the deployment of smart metering in the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region to make recommendations for LAC energy regulators and encourage their deployment in a manner which matches each countrys specific needs.
Avaliação do gasto tributário do imposto de renda dos aposentados no Brasil
Authors: Martínez Fritscher André
Published: April 2023

Os gastos tributários desempenham um papel importante nas presses fiscais enfrentadas pelo Brasil e pela regio da América Latina e o Caribe, mas há pouca informaço sobre uma das mais importantes, uma isenço especial do Imposto de Renda Pessoa Física (IRPF) nos proventos de aposentadoria. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a racionalidade e avaliar os impactos distributivos e fiscais relativos a essa isenço. A experincia internacional mostra que arranjos previdenciários semelhantes ao brasileiro compulsório com benefício definido usualmente concedem isenço na tributaço da renda dos aposentados. Segundo a experincia internacional, a política pretende aliviar o choque de renda decorrente da suposta reduço da capacidade contributiva e maior presso sobre as despesas com saúde. No entanto, mesmo que os gastos com a saúde cresçam com a idade, a análise econométrica com dados da PNAD-C no encontrou choque de renda negativo para o público beneficiário em comparaço com trabalhadores ativos da mesma idade. Observouse que o contingente beneficiado pela isenço especial situa-se nos estratos mais ricos da populaço, e há evidncia de que parte da presso de gastos em saúde é mitigada pela oferta pública desse serviço. Espera-se que esta avaliaço seja útil a outros países da regio com regimes semelhantes.
Modelamiento molecular y análisis estructural de la variante I684S en la enzima TYK2 y su relación con la propensión a la psoriasis
Authors: Alvarez Maya Yesid , Soto-Ospina Alejandro , Villegas-Lanau Andrés , Araque Pedronel , Naranjo Carlos Andrés , Uribe Esteban , Jiménez Sol , Vásquez Elsa , Bedoya Gabriel de Jesús , Velásquez Margarita
Published: April 2023

La psoriasis es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica inmunomediada en la que el eje IL-23/Th17 dirige el proceso patogénico. En la regulación del sistema inmunitario la propensión al desarrollo de la psoriasis en una población colombiana se asoció con la variante no sinónima I684S en TYK2. En el estudio funcional del efecto de la variante a nivel molecular, se hizo la modelación molecular de la enzima a partir de su secuencia primaria, lo que permite reconocer el plegamiento tridimensional y unificar así el modelo con las estructuras cristalizadas de las diferentes subunidades de la enzima que han sido reportadas como aisladas y sin conexión. Este modelo final se refinó utilizando dos programas y se seleccionó el mejor para la simulación posterior según la puntuación de los valores energéticos y estereoquímicos. La simulación molecular se hizo con el método semiempírico del programa Spartan 18’ y el campo de fuerza del Austin Model 1 para la región vecinal que incluye la posición 684 en donde se hizo el cálculo energético y de superficie electrónica bajo un enfoque mecánico cuántico. Los resultados evidenciaron que los modelos presentaron cambios tridimensionales a nivel topológico de la enzima TYK2 silvestre y la mutación I684S en los patrones del enlace de hidrógeno y en la estructura electrónica, con un aumento de la densidad electrónica en la mutación que favorece la fosforilación de quinasas en la transducción de la señal y la desregulación inmunológica.
Análisis DFT de fosforeno y fosforeno oxidado como materiales adsorbentes de Cu2+ a partir de una solución acuosa
Authors: Florez Elizabeth , Correa Julián
Published: April 2023

Se hizo un estudio sistemático utilizando la teoría de los  funcionales de la densidad (DFT) para lograr una mejor comprensión del papel de la concentración de oxígeno en el fosforeno prístino durante la adsorción de Cu2+ en sistemas acuosos. La caracterización electrónica del fosforeno y del fosforeno oxidado se calculó a partir de la brecha de energía y la dureza química. Los resultados permitieron concluir que los sistemas oxidados presentaron una brecha de energía y una dureza menores que las del sistema prístino. Además, a medida que aumentó la concentración de oxígeno, estos valores decrecieron. La interacción del Cu2+ con las diferentes superficies se caracterizó utilizando cargas atómicas, el índice de enlace y espectroscopia fotoelectrónica de rayos-X (XPS). Los valores de la energía de adsorción indicaron que cuando el fosforeno está oxidado, la interacción con el Cu2+ fue más fuerte comparada con la de la superficie prístina. Asimismo, el aumento en la concentración de oxígeno mejoró las capacidades del fosforeno como adsorbente, lo cual se relaciona con la facilidad que tiene este sistema para la transferencia hacia el Cu2+ dados los reducidos valores de la brecha de energía y la dureza química. Nuestros resultados contribuyen a una mejor comprensión del efecto de la concentración de oxígeno en la superficie de fosforeno en la adsorción de Cu2+, lo que respalda la idea de que este tipo de materiales bidimensionales (2D) tiene uso potencial en la remoción de metales pesados de las aguas residuales.
Theoretical study of structural stability and electronic properties of Sr2MnSbO6 perovskite
Authors: Sosa-Correa William Oswaldo , Muñoz-Martínez Luis Fernando , Otálora-Acevedo José , Roa-Rojas Jairo , Rodríguez Jairo Arbey
Published: April 2023

Structural and electronic properties of the Sr2MnSbO6 perovskite in cubic (Fm-3m) and tetragonal (I4m and P/4mnc) crystallographic phases have been determined using the Full Potential Linearized. Augmented Plane Waves (FP-LAPW) method, in the framework of the Density Functional Theory (DFT). The exchange and correlation effects were treated using the Generalized Gradient. Approximation plus the Hubbard term (GGA+U) approach, in order to describe the strong on-site Coulomb repulsion among the localized d-Mn electrons. The structural stability was determined by fitting of the total energy values to the Murnaghan equation of state. The values for the structural parameters are in good agreement with experimental results reported in the literature. The study of the electronic properties carried out through the graphical presentation of the densities of states for the two spin polarizations shows that the compound presents half-metallic behavior.
Perfil do absenteísmo dos servidores públicos de um município do Extremo Sul Catarinense
Authors: Generoso Rosso Tavares Eluana , De Souza Mazzuco Larissa , Bauer Torriani Marcos , Pereira Corrêa Vanessa , Zaneripe de Souza Nunes Rafael , Tuon Lisiane
Published: April 2023

O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar o perfil do absenteísmo dos servidores públicos de um município do extremo sul catarinense. A pesquisa é de natureza observacional e transversal, utilizando-se de dados fornecidos pela prefeitura municipal estudada. Foram analisados 578 servidores públicos municipais que afastaram-se entre 2015 e 2020. Dentre os servidores em afastamento, aponta-se que 77,3% eram do sexo feminino, 31,5% tinham entre os 29 aos 38 anos de idade, 53,3% eram servidores estatutários, e 65,1% ocorreram nos primeiros 5 anos de trabalho. Os Auxiliares de Ensino de Educação, foram os profissionais que mais se afastaram, e entre as secretarias, foi a Secretaria de Educação. Como principais causas de afastamento foram identificadas as doenças causadas por transtornos mentais e comportamentais, doenças do sistema osteomuscular, doenças do sistema respiratório e fatores que influenciam o estado de saúde e o contato com os serviços de saúde. Conclui-se que as causas de afastamentos são preocupantes, e provocam alterações nos processos de trabalho. Dessa forma, é importante compreender essa dinâmica, contribui para planejar medidas para reduzir os índices de absenteísmo no município.