bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Superbrain Yoga Exercises on Cognitive Functions of Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors:   Department of Geriatric Nursing, School of Nursing, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Iran., Derayat Azade , Baloochi Beydokhti Tahereh ,   Department of Nursing, School of Nursing, Social Development & Health Promotion Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran., Mottaghy Mahmood Reza ,   Department of General Fields, School of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran., Kakhki Saeed Khayat ,   Department of Geriatric Nursing, School of Nursing, Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran., Sadeghmoghadam Leila ,   Department of Geriatric Nursing, School of Nursing, Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran.
Published: August 2023

Background: The prevalence of cognitive disorders among older individuals is considered to be one of the most significant and controversial health problems. This study was conducted to determine the effect of Superbrain yoga exercises on older adults’ cognitive status. Methods: This is a randomized controlled clinical trial conducted on 60 older adults who were referred to centers of comprehensive health services in Khaf City in 2020. The participants were selected by random allocation and randomly divided into two groups (30 people equally in both groups). The mini-mental status examination was used to assess cognitive status, which was completed at the beginning and end of the intervention. Subjects, after obtaining a score of 21 to 23 from the above questionnaire, were placed in two intervention and control groups. The intervention group performed superbrain yoga exercises three days a week for one month. Data analysis was done by SPSS software, version 20 software using independent t-test, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov, chi-square, and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: The mean score of the mini-mental status examination in the intervention group was higher than in the control group before the intervention (P=0.009). A comparison of the score of the mini-mental status examination after the intervention showed that the score of the intervention group was higher than the control group (P<0.001). Also, the comparison of the mean score of the groups after the intervention showed that the scores of the intervention group increased compared to before the intervention (P<0.001). Conclusion: Superbrain yoga exercises have a positive effect on the cognitive status of older adults with mild cognitive impairment; thus, it is recommended to prevent cognitive disorders and improve the cognitive status of these people.
Evaluation of CCHF Infection in Hard Ticks in Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran
Authors:   Office of Disease Control, Deputy Health, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran., Ramezani Awal Riabi Hamed , Tavakoli Rad Mahsa ,   Department of Arboviruses and Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (National Reference Laboratory), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran., Fazlalipour Mehdi ,   Department of Arboviruses and Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (National Reference Laboratory), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran., Khakifirouz Sahar ,   Department of Arboviruses and Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (National Reference Laboratory), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran., Ahmadi Reza ,   Department of of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran.
Published: August 2023

Background: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a potentially fatal tick-borne viral disease. Hard ticks are both carriers and reservoirs of the CCHF virus. In this regard, the present study was done to investigate the CCHF viral infection in collected ticks from livestock in Gonabad City (Southwest of Razavi Khorasan Province) in Eastern Iran. Methods: This descriptive study was performed in rural areas of Gonabad City in 2018. The forceps sampling method collected hard ticks from livestock (goats, sheep, and cattle). The ticks were identified based on a valid taxonomic key; finally, the CCHF viral infection was evaluated using the RT-PCR technique. Results: Between April and October 2018, 100 ticks were collected from 13 rural areas of Gonabad. The frequency of ticks collected from goats, sheep, and cows was 6.4%, 3.7%, and 89.9%, respectively. Also, 90% of ticks were Hyalomma (Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum (n=9), Hyalomma lusitanicum (n=59), Hyalomma marginatum (n=4), Hyalomma anatolicuman (n=18)) and the remaining 10% were Rhipicephalus sanguine. Overally, CCHF infection was observed in 14% of the ticks (Hy. excavatum, Hy. lusitanicum, and Hy. anatolicumand Rhipicephalus sanguineus). Conclusion: Hyalomma species is the main vector of the CCHF virus. Due to the high abundance of hard ticks in nature and the livestock environment, special care is required in the villages. Also, due to the presence of more scattered ticks in the northern half of the country, comprehensive studies that cover a wide geographical area and cover a larger sample size are necessary.
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF SULFATED CHITOSAN BASED ON CHITIN/CHITOSAN FROM ARTEMIA PARTHENOGENETICA CYSTS
Authors:   Karakalpak Scientific Research Institute of Natural Sciences, Karakalpak branch of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, Karlybaeva B.P. , Berdimbetova G.E. ,   Karakalpak Scientific Research Institute of Natural Sciences, Karakalpak branch of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, Boymirzaev A.S. ,   Namangan Institute of Engineering and Technology
Published: August 2023

This article presents for the first-time the sulfated chitosan (SCS), synthesized on the basis of chitin/chitosan obtained from cysts of the Karakalpak population of Artemia parthenogenetica of the Aral Sea, and some of its physicochemical characteristics. Structural studies of chitin/chitosan and SCS were carried out by infrared spectroscopy. The IR spectrum data showed amide I (C=O-NHR) bands characteristic of chitin at 1640 cm-1 , and for chitosan absorption bands of the amino group (-NH2) at 1588 cm -1 . Signals at 870 and 614 cm-1 and 1125-1388 cm-1 in SCS comply with C-O-S and S=O bonds, which indicates the inclusion of sulfate groups in chitosan. The degree of substitution (DS) established by the gravimetric method, is in line with 1.32. The molecular weights of chitosan and SCS were calculated using size exclusion chromatography (SEC). According to the calculation of SEC for chitosan, an average molecular weight (MW) complies with 16 kDa, and for SCS - 1-3 kDa.
Presence of flower thrips Frankliniella schultzei in ornamental plants
Authors: García-Chávez María de los Ángeles , Rodríguez Arrieta Jesús Alexander , Martínez Fernández Edgar , López Martínez Víctor , Alia Tejacal Irán , Juárez López Porfirio , Avonce Nelson
Published: August 2023

Objective: To report on the presence of Frankliniella schultzei in geranium (Pelargonium hortorum) and periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) plants in greenhouses in the State of Morelos, Mexico.
Design/Methodology/Approach: We sampled geranium and periwinkle plants in greenhouses in the municipality of Jojutla, Morelos, Mexico. The collected specimens—of light to dark brown color—were processed, mounted on glass slides to be observed through a conventional light microscope, and identified with taxonomic keys.
Results: The specimens collected in the geranium and periwinkle plants presented morphological traits that conform to the species Frankliniella schultzei.
Study limitations/Implications: Monitoring the species is necessary because its presence has been identified in at least two regions of Mexico: West and Center.
Findings/Conclusions: Frankliniella schultzei had only been located in western Mexico. This report shows that the species is also found in the central region of the country.
Socioeconomic characteristics of the broad bean (Vicia faba L.) (Fabaceae) production in the northeastern region of the State of Puebla, Mexico
Authors: Mora Baez Guadalupe , Torres Rueda Lucia , Morgado Gonzalez Antonio , Harris Valle Citlalli , Nava Díaz Cristian
Published: August 2023

Objective: To determine the economic importance of broad bean (Vicia faba L.) (Fabaceae) cultivation in four municipalities of the northeastern region of the State of Puebla and to determine the knowledge level ofgrowers regarding the symptoms, control methods, and damage caused by the chocolate spot.Design/Methodology/Approach: Semi-structured interviews were applied focusing on production systems, phytosanitary management, and acceptance of biopesticides. The resulting information was subjected to adatabase descriptive analysis using the Microsoft® Excel package.Results: The data output shows the importance and extension of the sowing, along with the phytosanitary problems faced by regional broad bean growers and finally the acceptance of biopesticide as a method tocontrol the chocolate spot.Study Limitations/Implications: There is not enough information and documents regarding the importance of the regional cultivation of broad bean as a source of sustenance.Findings/Conclusions: The economic importance of broad bean cultivation was determined, along with the damages caused by the chocolate spot infection and the production systems used by the regional grower families.
Estadística
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Expresión Económica Staff
Published: August 2023

Estadística
La Regionalización en Jalisco: un análisis comparativo
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Garcia Romero Francisco , Ramirez Martinez Marcos Antonio ,   Universidad de Guadalajara
Published: August 2023

Los análisis comparativos permiten equiparar, diferenciar, apreciar matices entre entre propuestas alternativas sobre un tema o asunto en común.
Globalización y educación superior en América Latina
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Acosta Silva Adrian
Published: August 2023

En este ensayo se pretende discutir la manera en que la educación superior en América Latina se inserta en los procesos de globalización que a fin de siglo atraviesan la economía, la política y la cultura de las sociedades de la region.
¿Estados Unidos regresa a Asia Pacífico? Los acuerdos comerciales regionales en la política exterior de la administración Biden
Authors:   Facultad de Ciencias Políticas y Sociales de la UNAM, Valdivia Caballero Virginia Leticia , Villalobos Cruz Karla ,   Facultad de Ciencias Políticas y Sociales de la UNAM
Published: August 2023

El presente artículo pretende analizar el actuar de la administración de Joseph Biden para recuperar el liderazgo económico-comercial estadounidense en Asia Pacífico, así como la confianza de sus aliados regionales, luego de que en 2017 el expresidente, Donald Trump decidiera retirarse del Acuerdo Transpacífico de Cooperación Económica (TPP por sus siglas en inglés) y optara por renegociar acuerdos comerciales. Lo anterior en el marco de la confrontación sinoestadounidense por la he-gemonía mundial y de la firma, en noviembre de 2020, de la Asociación Económica Integral Regional (RECP por sus siglas en inglés), iniciativa que cuenta con la presencia de China y es catalogada como el acuerdo de libre comercio más grande de la historia. Se considera que la administración Biden hará lo posible para regresar a Asia Pacífico emulando lo realizado con la estrategia denominada pivote asiático, y así poder hacer un contrapeso al ascenso chino, mediante instrumentos como la Estrategia del Indo Pacífico Libre y Abierto (FOIP).
SEJARAH AWAM, PEMIKIRAN DAN AKTIVISME OMAR MOHD HASHIM (PUBLIC HISTORY, THOUGHT AND ACTIVISM OF OMAR MOHD HASHIM)
Authors: Ahmad Shatir Mohd Adib Akmal
Published: August 2023

Sejarah Awam (Public History) sebuah konsep baharu di Malaysia. Namun secara praktisnya, fenomena yang dirujuk sebagai ‘Sejarah Awam’ bukan hal asing di negara ini. Ia telah lama berkembang semenjak era penulisan hikayat lagi. Dalam hal ini, fenomena tersebut boleh dikatakan sekadar ‘baharu’ menemukan landasan heuristik. Artikel ini cuba menghujah serta mempertahankan usulan di atas secara konseptual dan empirikal melalui gandingan konsep Sejarah Awam dengan keprihatinan Allahyarham Tan Sri (Dr.) Omar Mohd Hashim ke atas fenomenanya sebelum ia ditakrif sebagai ‘Sejarah Awam.’ Analisis memfokuskan dua perkara. Pertama, pemikiran sejarah Omar dan kedua, aktivisme beliau bersama organisasi pimpinannya, Persatuan Sejarah Malaysia. Fokus perbincangan ini bukan sahaja untuk memprofilkan pemikiran dan aktivisme Omar, tetapi juga memperlihatkan Sejarah Awam dalam bentuk fenomena telah muncul lebih awal sebelum ia dikonseptualisasikan. Hal ini penting bagi mengimbangi beberapa penulisan terdahulu, yang seolah-olah melihat fenomena ‘Sejarah Awam’ hanya muncul setelah konsepnya diartikulasikan secara formal. Artikel ini bersifat argumentatif dengan menggunakan kaedah analisis kandungan ke atas data primer, temubual dan juga bahan sekunder. Penemuan artikel ini adalah, dalam kes Malaysia, meskipun konsep ‘Sejarah Awam’ muncul lebih terkemudian, namun keprihatinan ke atas fenomenanya telah wujud semenjak sekian lama.
ABSTRACT
‘Public History’ is a new concept in Malaysia. Practically, the phenomenon referred  as 'Public History' is not novel in this country. It has been developing for a long time since the era of traditional historical writing. In this case, the phenomenon can be simply said as a 'new' finding on a heuristic basis. This article tries to argue and defend the above proposal, conceptually and empirically through the coupling of the concept of Public History and the concern of the late Tan Sri (Dr.) Omar Mohd Hashim on the phenomenon before it was defined as 'Public History.' The analysis focuses on two things. First, Omar’s historical thought and second, his activism with Persatuan Sejarah Malaysia (PSM). The focus of this discussion is not only to profile Omar's thoughts and activism, but also to show Public History in the form of a phenomenon that has appeared earlier before it was conceptualized. This is important to neutralize some previous writings, which seemed to see the phenomenon of 'Public History' only appearing after the concept has been formally articulated. This article is argumentative by using content analysis methods on primary data, interviews and also secondary materials. The finding of this article is that in the case of Malaysia, although the concept of 'Public History' appeared later, the concern over the phenomenon has existed for a long time.
PROPAGANDA SURAT KHABAR HARIAN RAKJAT SEMASA KONFRONTASI INDONESIA-MALAYSIA, 1963–1965 (Propaganda of Harian Rakjat Newspaper During the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation, 1963-1965)
Authors: Osman Samsul Kamil
Published: August 2023

ABSTRAK
Kajian ini bertujuan untuk meninjau kegiatan propaganda surat khabar Harian Rakjat yang diterbitkan oleh Partai Komunis Indonesia (PKI) semasa Konfrontasi Indonesia-Malaysia pada tahun 1963 sehingga 1965. Tujuan kajian ini adalah melihat sejauhmana PKI memanfaatkan surat khabar Harian Rakjat untuk menyebarkan propangada untuk meraih sokongan rakyat mengganyang Malaysia. Strategi PKI menggunakan propaganda melalui tulisan dan karikatur dilihat telah berjaya menyemai kebencinan rakyat terhadap pemimpin dan rakyat Malaysia. Kajian ini menggunakan metodologi pengumpulan data melalui kaedah kepustakaan. Kajian perpustakaan ditumpukan kepada penggunaan dokumen-dokumen surat khabar terbitan Parti Komunis Indonesia yang tersimpan di Perpustakaan Nasional Republik Indonesia dan kajian lapangan seperti temubual dan pemerhatian. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa propaganda Parti Komunis Indonesia menggunakan surat khabar, baik melalui tulisan-tulisan mahupun penggunaan karikatur telah berjaya mempengaruhi rakyat Indonesia untuk menyokong dasar politik konfrontasi Presiden Sukarno terhadap Malaysia. Sokongan rakyat ini diterjemahkan melalui sambutan rakyat terhadap kempen Mengganyang Malaysia yang dilaungkan oleh Presiden Sukarno.
ABSTRACT
This research aimed to review the propaganda activities involved in the Harian Rakjat newspaper which was published by the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) during the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation between 1963-1965. The main objective of this research was to discover how far PKI utilise the Harian Rakjat newspaper to spread propaganda in order to gain the Indonesia citizen’ support to (go against, criticise, destroy) Malaysia. PKI’s strategies spreading propaganda through caricature and writing were deemed successful in sowing hatred among Indonesian citizens towards Malaysian leader and citizens. This research employed the library research method in collecting data. The library research was centralized on the use of newspapers published by the Indonesian Communist Party which was kept at the National Library of Indonesia as well as through field studies which encompassed interviews and observations. The findings of this research had shown that the Indonesian Communist Party’s propaganda in utilising the newspaper either through writings or caricatures had successfully influenced Indonesian citizens to support Sukarno’s political confrontation towards Malaysia. This support was portrayed through the great responses from the Indonesian citizen on the “Mengganyang Malaysia campaign” masterminded and chanted by Sukarno.
A NEW FRAMEWORK ON SUCCESS FACTORS OF SOCIAL MEDIA APPLICATIONS USAGE
Authors: Mohd Sappri Mazlan , Abdul Hamid Mohd Shukri , Sulaiman Nor Intan Saniah , Omar Mohd Faizal
Published: August 2023

Based on many past studies regarding Social Media Applications (SMAs) rarely focus on aspects of continuous use and Perceived Privacy (PP). The increasing user awareness issue regarding PP in using SMA is escalating due to various cybersecurity threats, such as malware, software, password and Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks. Accordingly, this study examines the effect of users' PP on System Quality (SQ), Information Quality (IQ), Service Quality (SVQ), User Satisfaction (US) and Usage (USG) based on the DeLone and McLean Information System (IS) Success Model. A total of 345 samples were used for this study using the convenience sampling approach and SmartPLS 3 as the analysis tool. Based on the study's results, it was discovered that SVQ and IQ affect the use of SMA. In addition, it was discovered that PP affects the relationship between SQ, SVQ and the use of SMA. The analysis results related to PP reveal that it is a dominant construct in the study model. Note that the importance of PP should be a solid foundation for developing an SMA application. The PP component in this study can be used as a guide and checklist for software developers to improve security features and SVQ, which is a catalyst for US and ensure that an SMA application is used continuously.
A TIME SERIES ANALYSIS OF TUBERCULOSIS INCIDENCES IN PASIG CITY, PHILIPPINES
Authors: B. Decena Ma. Carlota , C. Tolentino Michelle Anne , A. Lincuna Cael
Published: August 2023

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis that mainly affects the lungs but can also attack various body organs. Globally, it has been reported that the annual number of people provided with TB treatment has grown from 6 million in 2015 to 7 million in 2018 and then 7.1 million in 2019 (WHO, 2020). In the Philippines alone, there had been an estimated 500,000 incident cases of TB in 2019. The study's objectives are to develop a model that indicates the occurrence of TB in Pasig City, determine the incidence rate in terms of gender and age of TB patients, and obtain the projected number of TB cases that will occur in 2021. In this study, only age and gender were considered in the demographic profile of the TB patients. Note that the data were organized per year and grouped according to age and gender. Since data gathered from the Pasig City Health Office (PCHO) is annually tallied, researchers used cubic spline interpolation to get data points between the given data to create an Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model. Consequently, it was used to forecast the projected number of TB patients for 2021 compared to the actual data obtained in PCHO. The results present the best fit ARIMA model per age group followed by the predicted number of cases in 2021. It is worth noting that AG2M and AG3M have the least accurate model based on the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), a measure of accuracy between the projected value and the actual, due to their proportion.
Semi-Supervised Learning Approach for Bladder Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Wenger Kenneth
Published: August 2023

Recent studies have made great strides in reducing the labeling burden in deep learning algorithms by requiring that only a subset of the dataset be labeled. These are called semi-supervised learning algorithms (SSL). In this thesis we explore a type of semi-supervised learning algorithm that focuses on a technique called consistency regularization and self-ensembling to leverage the unlabeled portion of the dataset. Consistency regularization has been used as a driving force in SSL to great success in datasets of natural images, but it has not been used in image pathology where the dataset consists of cell patterns. We successfully implement an SSL algorithm based on the VGG-16 neural network, which combines techniques introduced by state-of-the-art algorithms such as FixMatch and the Π model. Our study shows that our algorithm can leverage the unlabeled portion of a dataset to improve a model’s accuracy by up to 19% from the baseline. 
A Bladder Cancer Grading System Using Deep Neural Network Architectures
Authors: Habibi Khashayar
Published: August 2023

Histopathologists grade bladder cancer by looking at histology images or glass-slides of bladder tissues. Grading is an important stage of bladder cancer diagnosis and key requirement to determine the proper course of treatment. This work presents a machine-learning-based platform, known as Bladder Cancer Grading (BCG) system, a platform designed and developed based on deep neural network architectures. The main input to BCG is a high resolution image of bladder tissue scanned from glass slide, known as Whole Slide Image (WSI). In learning stage, BCG breaks a set of sample WSI images into equally-sized square tiles in order to build its learning dataset. In projection stage, similar to learning stage, BCG breaks down any given input WSI image into tiles and projects every single tile using the selected trained model. BCG uses a 4-tier grading scheme to grade each tile. The grading scheme is derived from World Health Organization (WHO) 1973/2004 bladder-cancer-grading-schemes [1] that are globally accepted and practiced by many specialists including pathologists working in University Health Network(UHN) in Toronto General 1 and Mount Sinai Hospitals 2. Using its distinct tiling design approach, BCG has introduced a grading scheme that projects a decimal grading value per each slide unlike existing practice that assigns a discrete grade value between 1 and 4 to each slide. The team of senior pathologists who assisted labeling BCG training dataset believe this new grading approach provides a better state of progression in bladder cancer resulting in more precise diagnosis and better treatment procedures. The choice of learning model(s) in BCG is configurable. Any deep architecture model could be plugged in, trained, and used by BCG. Some trained models developed by this platform have shown promising grading accuracy (more than 97% in verification/testing, above 85% in real projection, and 97+ specificity rate). BCG has also shown a highly consistent intro-observatory results. The combination of a loosely coupled architecture and fully integrated utilization of tiles in all stages of its execution have made BCG a universal, expandable, scalable, and versatile platform that could be configured and deployed in distributed running environments. 
Assessment of Fine-Tuned GPT2 for Lyric Generation
Authors: Seo Jae Duk
Published: August 2023

    

Over the years in the field of natural language processing, huge improvements have been made thanks to deep learning. More specifically, in the sub-field of language modeling, which is a task to train a model to learn the distribution of the words in a certain language, models such as GPT2 are famous allowing realistic news articles to be written. In this thesis we assess the feasibility of using a fine-tuned GPT2 model as a tool for lyric generation. More precisely, we compare the characteristics between generated lyrics, conditioned on a specific artist or genre of music, and the original lyrics. We find that the models were able to learn the characteristics and styles of each genre and each artist. 
A Distributed Doublet-Based Method for Unsteady Aerodynamic Analysis with Relaxed Wakes
Authors: Krebs Travis
Published: August 2023

A novel potential flow-based method for unsteady aerodynamic analysis with relaxed wakes is presented. This method models aerodynamic surfaces and wakes using distributed doublet elements (DDEs) of parabolic strength in both the spanwise and streamwise directions. Due to the nature of the method, the velocities induced by a DDE-based system are bounded everywhere, meaning there are no non-physical or infinite induced velocities in the velocity field, as opposed to lower-order filament-based potential flow methods. In addition to providing a robust velocity field, the use of DDEs provides a degree of stability in predicting unsteady forces that is unachievable with conventional lower-order methods.

The DDE-based method was validated through a series of four studies. The first study predicted the span efficiency of various planar elliptical wings, which agreed with the classical lifting line solution to within 3%. The second study predicted the unsteady lift response to an airfoil passing through a sharp-edged gust, which matched the analytical solution provided by the Küssner function, illustrating the stability of the unsteady force calculations within the DDE-based method. The third study predicted the unsteady time-averaged thrust force produced by a small, rigid rotor at various tip-path plane angles and advance ratios, matching experimentally-obtained data to within 10%. The final study compared the transient sectional thrust of a small, rigid rotor blade operating under unsteady conditions to those obtained via a CFD-based analysis. The comparison agreed well in magnitude and azimuthal location.

Two exploratory studies focusing on small, rigid rotors were performed to demonstrate potential applications of the DDE-based method. The first study quantified the impacts of rolling maneuvers on the time-averaged thrust and moments of a rigid rotor, with the results indicating that a rolling maneuver can have a significant effect on the thrust and roll moment coefficients. The second study predicted the transient thrust of two rotors operating under multiple tip-path plane angles and advance ratios, showing transient thrust oscillations of up to 60% of the mean thrust output in some cases. The thrust output of individual rotor blades oscillated by up to 90% of the mean total rotor thrust under certain conditions.
Celestial Rover Localization
Authors: Jovanovic Ilija
Published: August 2023

This thesis presents the development and validation of a star tracker based celestial navigation system, called a Digital Star Sextant (DSS), to provide a complete geolocalization solution that does not depend on external aids, such as orbiting satellites, or dead reckoning. Current DSS research focuses on calibration but has not justified cost function selection, explored more suitable measurement models, or assessed calibration parameter observability. Current literature also has not addressed the fundamental shortcomings in inclinometer technology beyond identifying it as a potential inhibitor for achieving useful DSS performance. This thesis establishes data acquisition requirements for calibrating a DSS based on the choice of calibration parameters. A trend in literature has been to conduct calibrations without and instrument to provide heading truth, meaning heading is both measurable and unobservable in calibration. In line with this trend, this thesis introduces a novel DSS measurement model which is deterministic and avoids the otherwise necessary implicit use of heading. The shortcomings of wide range of motion inclinometer technology are addressed, achieving and validating a DSS-enabling accuracy for wide range of motion biaxial inclinometers, marking a state-of-the-art improvement in accuracy. Specifically, an inclinometer calibration for a ±50◦ range of motion inclinometer was validated to within 0.0038◦ based on a sampling resolution predicted to achieve 0.004◦. Singular Value Decomposition of the DSS calibration parameter Jacobian was used to confirm observability of parameters for multiple cost function formulations. Experimental data acquisition for calibration was intentionally limited to confirm predicted parameter redundancies. Finally, an analytical covariance model for the proposed measurement model was validated using a Monte Carlo simulation as well as experimental data. The model predicted errors of 361 m while the experimental errors were 349 m. Together, these results expanded the theoretical framework for designing and conducting DSS calibrations. By providing a mathematical framework which is in-line with existing trends, the work presented in this thesis provides a common foundation for other researcher to build upon. In this way, algorithms and improvement made to DSS system can easily be shared among researchers and propel the development of mission valuable DSS systems. 
Analysis and Design of Attitude Determination and Control Systems Onboard Micro Satellites Utilizing Spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar
Authors: Travis William
Published: August 2023

Spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) traditionally uses larger satellites in Sun synchronous orbits to provide high resolution image quality during any time of day or weather condition. This thesis describes the Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) for a micro-class satellite with a SAR antenna onboard (12U, CubeSat). The objective is to study how smaller satellites operate with SAR systems onboard utilizing a three reaction wheel configuration and a bias-momentum satellite using magnetic control. The viability for pointing a CubeSat containing SAR systems (Cube-SAR) is validated using a constructed high fidelity simulator which models system dynamics, actuators and sensors, the attitude filter, and the two control configurations. This thesis also discusses hardware selection and the application of zero Doppler steering for Cube-SAR. The results show that the system is controllable using the bias-momentum satellite, however it has restrictions that the fully stabilized three wheel case does not. 
An Investigation of Enhanced Lubrication Frequency and Wear Monitoring on ACME Screws
Authors: Gohil Aakash
Published: August 2023

With many power screws being in remote places, it can be time consuming and costly to conduct maintenance or inspection on electromechanical actuators (EMAs). This means increased downtime and less productivity, whatever the application may be. While there has been a lot of research on health monitoring of systems, as well as friction and wear on screws, there is a need to more easily show which parts of ACME screws would see intermittent motion, leading to a better prediction of which areas of the screw will see more wear and friction changes than others. In collaboration with Safran Landing Systems, this project involved the application of a newly developed, patent-pending method for motion tracking of ACME screws, called the Statistical Motion Tracking (SMT) method. The SMT method involves using 𝑛-points, a range of points on the screw, whereby each 𝑛-point can be each thread, or otherwise a segmented length, for instance, every millimeter can be one n-point. As ACME screws can undergo intermittent motion profiles based on different applications during their lifetime, the SMT method helps to tally which areas may undergo higher wear as well as friction changes due to certain of the 𝑛 points seeing more use than others. This accommodates predictive maintenance schedules as well as specifies which areas of the screw may need closer attention than others during inspection. Data from a test on an anti- skid braking system conducted by NASA was used, whereby the motion profile of brakes were extracted from different test cases. Three selected profiles were then cycled using an EMA at Safran LS test facility. It was found that the SMT method provides a good tally of which the areas of the screw saw higher use than others. With that, after post-processing test data, it was found that minor changes in friction occurred, which relate to higher motion around certain threads. Additionally, higher local temperature attributes to these changes, hence an added factor of friction changes. This project helped to prove the applicability of the SMT method, and can be made even more reliable by incorporating an AI/machine learning algorithm that can track friction changes in real-time at different actuation speeds and loads.
Minimal Pair Bingo: Enhancing English Pronunciation among Japanese ESL Students
Authors: Reponte-Sereño Raiza Rhea , Pacaldo Joavanni M. , Hernando Mary Joy C. , Sumicad Rulthan P.
Published: August 2023

The current study examined the effectiveness of integrating minimal pair bingo into oral English instruction for Japanese ESL students at Cebu Doctor's University (CDU) in the academic year 2017-2018. The study examined various sub-problems, encompassing the pretest and post-test performances of both the control and experimental groups and the notable disparities observed between these performances. Furthermore, the study investigated the noteworthy gap in both groups' pretest and posttest performances. The study utilized a quasi-experimental methodology, incorporating rubrics to assess and evaluate the participants' performances. The research consisted of a sample size of fifty (50) students who were registered in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. The participants were divided into two distinct categories: the control group and the experimental group. The assessment tool utilized for the pretest and posttest evaluations was the minimal pair pronunciation instrument. The findings suggest that many students in both subject groups exhibited moderate performance levels during the pretest. Both groups improved their performance, as indicated by the scores obtained in the post-assessment. A notable disparity is observed in the post-test outcomes between the control and experimental groups. A significant difference is evident in the pretest and posttest performance of the control and experimental groups. The subject that employed rigorous minimal pairs discussions as a pedagogical strategy in their oral English courses enhanced their overall performance. The study's outcomes underscore the potential effectiveness of incorporating minimal pair bingo as a valuable enhancement to oral English instruction for Japanese learners. By leveraging minimal pairs, educators can provide a concise method for explaining distinctions between similar English sounds, enabling learners to focus on specific sound refinements.
An investigation of Moroccan EFL Learners’ Explicit Attitudes towards World Englishes: Pedagogical Implications
Authors: Mourchid Mustapha , Brigui Hind
Published: August 2023

The present study seeks to investigate the attitudes of Moroccan EFL learners (MEFLLs) towards different varieties of English speech (World Englishes (WE)). The study utilises a direct method of attitude measurement as the study’s participants are directly asked about their own explicit attitudes towards six English varieties of English speech[1] (namely, American English, British English, Indian English, Filipino English, Japanese English and Thai English). A sample of 544 MEFLLs was recruited in the study. The findings of the study show that MEFLLs’ attitudes towards varieties of English are aligned, to some extent, with those of previous studies conducted elsewhere (Jindapitak & Teo, 2012; Chien, 2018; Almegren, 2017). For example, it was found that MEFLLs, on the one hand, prefer Inner Circle Englishes (ICE) over Outer Circle Englishes (OCE) and Outer Circle Englishes over Expanding Circle Englishes (ECE) on the other hand. Another interesting finding is that the participants surveyed are already aware of English language variation, and they are willing to learn more about the different varieties of English spoken worldwide. Generally speaking, the Moroccan context seems to be a fertile setting for the discussion of World Englishes-related issues as the participants do, in fact, recognise and appreciate the sociolinguistic variation exhibited in the English language. The study concludes with a number of pedagogical implications for the choice of linguistic model(s) to be employed in EFL classrooms both inside and outside Morocco.

 

[1] American English, AmE; British English, BrE; Indian English, InE; Filipino English, FiE; Japanese English, JpE; Thai English, ThE
Influence of high temperatures on the behavior, productivity and bioenergetic characteristics of goats
Authors: Lutsenko M. , Pirova L. , Lastovska I. , Kosior L.
Published: August 2023

Abstract. The research was carried out in IE «Babyni kozy» of Kyiv region at a goat farm where a stable-pasture system of goats is used. In winter, goats are kept at free-stall housing on a deep litter and during the grazing period, on a forage area. Goats are milked on a milking parlor into the milk line. The article presents the results of researches of the influence of ambient temperature during the thermo neutral period and during the period of high temperatures on the productivity, daily behavior and bioenergetic characteristics of Saanen goats. A group of goats of the Saanen breed of the 3rd lactation was formed during the period of the milk yield increasing. The research was performed in thermo neutral period (average daily air temperature was up to + 22.3 °C) and during the period of temperature load at an average daily air temperature of + 27.6 °C. Each period lasted 12 days. It has been found that goats responded to the change in temperature by reducing of productivity by 10.70 % (0.35 kg). Hereby, the mass fraction of fat in goat's milk during this period increased by 0.09 %. During the period of high temperatures, goats spent a little less time eating food, watering and walking, but rested more in a supine position compared to the thermo neutral period. In general, in both temperature periods, the duration of the main acts of behavior in goats corresponded to physiological norms. The decrease in the duration of feed consumption during the temperature load caused a decrease in the number of feed reactions and the duration of chewing the cuddy in goats. The energy index, i.e. the amount of net energy consumption of feed, which transfers into milk energy during the temperature load decreased by 1.42 MJ %. Net energy consumption per 1 MJ of milk energy during the period of high temperatures has increased by 0.62 MJ.
Key words: goats, temperature, productivity, metabolic energy, behavior, bio-energy.
The influence of different selenium forms (selenite, biogenic nanoselenium) in a complex with a probiotic on the metabolic parameters of broiler chickens
Authors: Demchenko O. , Bityutskyy V. , Tsekhmistrenko S. , Tymoshok N. , Melnychenko Yu. , Tsekhmistrenko O.
Published: August 2023

Selenium, as an important trace element, is part of selenoproteins with growth-modulating properties and multifactorial mechanisms of action. The biological effects of Se depend on the dose and chemical form in which it enters the body. Selenium nanoparticles have unique characteristics, including small size, large surface area, solubility and multifunctionality. The inclusion of phytonutrient-functionalized nanoparticles in feed is expedient due to solubility, protection against oxidation and enzymatic degradation, increased residence time, and increased bioavailability. Biogenic selenium nanoparticles, obtained by "green" synthesis methods with the participation of microorganisms and plant extracts, are biocompatible and less toxic compared to inorganic selenium compounds. This study was aimed at studying the effect of different forms of selenium in a complex with a probiotic (L. plantarum) on metabolic processes in the body of broiler chickens in order to provide an experimental basis for the effective use of selenium-containing feed additives. A total of 200-day-old broiler chickens of the Cobb 500 cross were divided into four groups by the analog method: K (PC), sodium selenite (0.3 mg Se/kg feed) + probiotic (L. plantarum) (2nd group); biogenic nanoselenium (0.3 mg Se/kg feed + L. plantarum (3rdgroup); nanobioconjugate of selenium with flavonoids of onion peel (0.3 mg Se/kg feed + L. plantarum (group 4). Supplements of selenium and nanoselenium in a complex with a probiotic increased the content of protein in blood serum, in the 3rd and 4th groups this difference was significant (p<0.05). Compared to the control, the activity of alkaline phosphatase increased in all experimental groups, but in broilers of the 4th group, the increase was probable (p<0.05). The content of total lipids, uric acid and activity of aminotransaminases probably did not differ in the experimental groups. The content of creatinine in blood serum and TBC-active products in the liver of birds of the 3rd and 4th groups was lower (p<0.05), but the amount of reduced glutathione (GSH) in the liver tissues was probably higher. It has been established that selenium nanoparticles synthesized with the participation of green technologies are non-toxic, biocompatible, have antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. The obtained results are an important guideline for the use of nanoselenium conjugates synthesized by the innovative "green" method with flavonoids of onion peel in a complex with a probiotic strain of lactobacilli (L. Plantarum) as a functional feed additive to improve the metabolic processes of the broiler body and can be included in the composition feed additives for poultry.
Key words: nanotechnology, selenium nanoparticles, "green" synthesis, quercetin, onion peel, broilers, blood, liver, biochemical indicators.
Ergonomic and economic indicators of milk production using different cow milking technologies
Authors: Borshch O.V. , Prudnikov V.G. , Borshch O.O. , Kosior L.T.
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this work was to study the effect of changing the way of keeping and milking equipment on ergonomic and economic indicators. The research was carried out at «Ostriykivske» LLC, Bilotserkivskyi district, Kyiv region, where the milking herd was transferred from a capital-type room with tethered housing and milking into the milk pipeline to an easy-to-assemble room with loose housing and milking in the milking hall at the «Carousel» plant. The material for the research was lactating cows of the Ukrainian black-spotted dairy breed of II and III lactations. In order to accurately determine the duration of the technological operations of the milking process through the milk pipe and at the «Carousel» milking plant, it was filmed during the morning milking of cows. The change in the method of keeping (from tethered to loose housing) and the milking option (in the stall to the milk pipeline to the milking hall) had a significant impact on the time spent when performing the technological operations of one cow milking. The total time spent by machine milking operators in the slope decreased by 31.35 seconds. When moving the animals to the milking parlor, the duration of such operations as washing, wiping and massaging of the udder decreased by 4.8 s, milking of the first trickles of milk – by 0.6 s, and putting milking cups on the udders – by 1.3 s. The duration of preparatory and final milking operations decreased by 7.2 seconds, and other operations related to milking decreased by 58.2 seconds. At the same time, the complex indicator of the ergonomics of the milking installation when transferring cows to the milking parlor increased significantly (by 0.60) and met the requirements of the standard. The total labor costs when the conditions of keeping and milking were changed decreased by 52.96 man hours/year per cow. Labor costs for the following types of work decreased most significantly: milking and primary processing of milk; cleaning of stalls and manure passages; making litter and operating costs: 22.00; 19.40; 2.60 and 6.60 man hours/year per cow, respectively. Electricity consumption per cow per year increased by 22 kWh, and water for the milking process increased by 560 liters.
Key words: dairy cows, ergonomics of milking, change of housing conditions, milking facilities, consumption of energy resources.
Improvement of the service life of mining and industrial equipment by using friction modifiers
Authors: Hovorukha V. V , Hovorukha A. V
Published: August 2023

Purpose. Enhancement of the performance, service life and sustainability of industrial vehicles, mining machinery and various equipment by reducing the friction coefficient. Methodology. Laboratory research on assessing the interaction of friction pairs under external loading, rolling, and sliding in dry friction conditions, as well as the influence of friction modifiers. Industrial experimental studies on the performance indicators of mining machinery under the influence of friction modifiers. Findings. Actual diagrams depicting changes in the friction coefficient between the contacting surfaces of disc pairs were obtained for four specific loading periods and corresponding pressures of 529, 374, 274 and 187 MPa. These measurements were taken while the discs experienced a 10 % relative slippage and cyclic load interaction during the testing of specimens, with the presence of the repair-recovery compound called “Ideal” and without it, using only dry friction. The new technologies and the new repair-recovery compound “Ideal”, developed at the Institute of Geotechnical Mechanics named by N. Poljakov of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, provide an exceptionally low friction coefficient of 0.04–0.005 and ensure the durability of the protective layer under dry friction before failure, reaching 80–100 thousand cycles at a specific pressure of 529 MPa. At a specific pressure of 187–374 MPa, the protective layer under dry friction provides up to 1 million cycles of interaction. Originality. The unique properties of the combination of the “Ideal” tribotechnical composition, which forms a metal-ceramic, superhard, refractory, and wear-resistant nanostructured layer on a metal base, have been established. This layer provides protection against wear, dynamic loads, thermal and oxidative degradation, and increases the service life of friction units in industrial equipment by 3–10 times. Practical value. Based on the results of experimental and acceptance tests of the “Ideal” repair-recovery compound, a decrease in friction coefficient values and an extension of the service life of highly loaded gear mechanisms in mining and industrial equipment by 1.4–2.0 times have been established. It has been found that the protective layer provided by the “Ideal” repair-recovery compound helps reduce the wear mass of friction surfaces by 20 times in the tested samples, ensuring cleanliness of lubricants in equipment and increasing their operational lifespan while saving on maintenance costs.