bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 21st Century Take on Racial-Ethnic Socialization: Patterns of Competency and Content among Diverse Parents of Color
Authors: Christophe N. Keita , Stein Gabriela Livas , Kiang Lisa , Johnson Natasha C. , Jones Shawn C. T. , Stevenson Howard C. , Anyiwo Nkemka , Anderson Riana E.
Published: February 2022

Racial-ethnic socialization is a process where parents pass beliefs and behaviors to their children, including critical reflections on race and racism. Currently, it is not well known across racial/ethnic groups in the U.S how parents’ socialization competency (confidence, skills, and stress surrounding the delivery of racial-ethnic socialization) coalesces with the frequency with which they deliver different types of socialization messages (socialization content). The current study utilizes latent profile analysis to examine racial-ethnic socialization content and competency patterns among 203 Black, 194 Latinx, and 188 Asian American parents (n = 585, Mage = 44.46, SD = 9.14, 59.70% mothers) with children 10–18 years old (Mage = 14.30, SD = 2.49, 50.3% female). Furthermore, we relate profiles to sociodemographic and relevant factors posited to impact socialization competency and content delivery, namely, discrimination and critical consciousness dimensions (reflection, motivation, action). We observed three parental profiles: Less Prepared Stressed Low Frequency (LPSLF; n = 285), Prepared Low Stress Frequent (PLSF; n = 204), and Prepared Stressed Frequent (PSF; n = 96) socializers. Profile differences emerged on parental and youth sociodemographic factors, lifetime discrimination exposure, and each parental critical consciousness dimension. This study lays a foundation for the combined study of racial-ethnic socialization competence and content in diverse groups, a practice crucial to understanding 21st century parenting.
The Fragility–Grievances–Conflict Triangle in the MENA Region: Conclusions of the Special Issue
Authors: Kivimäki Timo
Published: February 2022

Several problems related to violence, grievances and states’ lack of legitimacy and capacity to manage economic, social and political issues are clustered together as a lump of misery in the Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA) [...]
The Effect of Resilience and Gender on the Persistence of Higher Education Students
Authors: Ceglédi Tímea , Fényes Hajnalka , Pusztai Gabriella
Published: February 2022

Based on several studies, after exiting higher education there are serious gender differences in the labor market, and disadvantages of people with worse social background also exist. Research question of this study is whether such inequalities in students’ persistence also exist, or not. Based on a survey (n = 2199) conducted in a region of Central and Eastern Europe, we use cluster analysis to characterize resilient students (with unfavorable social backgrounds and good performances), and carry out stepwise linear regression to reveal the effects on students’ persistence. We found that persistence is not the highest among resilient students, as presumed. They still cannot break through the glass ceiling set by students from better social backgrounds in relation to persistence. In accordance with the previous research results, however, females’ higher persistence can still be shown, despite their less favorable social background.
The Influence of Muscular Strength and Local Muscular Endurance on Accuracy of Estimated Repetitions to Failure in Resistance-Trained Males
Authors: Hackett Daniel A. , Sabag Angelo
Published: February 2022

This study investigated whether muscular strength and local muscular endurance (LME) influences accuracy of estimated repetitions to failure (ERF) during resistance exercise. Twenty resistance-trained males (age 26.3 ± 6.9 years) completed five sets of 10 repetitions at 70% 1RM for the bench press and squat. Following the 10th repetition of each set, participants reported ERF and then continued to concentric failure. Participants were separated into one of two groups based on muscular strength and LME. There were no significant differences between strength groups for error in ERF, ERF, and actual repetitions to failure (ARF). High-LME compared to Low-LME had greater ERF for all sets of bench press (p < 0.05) and two sets of squat (p < 0.05). Greater ARF was observed in High-LME for two of five sets for bench press (p < 0.05) and squat (p < 0.05). High-LME had greater error in ERF for bench press set 1 (p < 0.01) and set 4 (p = 0.04), while for set 1 only for squat (p = 0.01). Findings indicate that LME influences accuracy of ERF during the initial set of bench press and squat as well as a latter set for the bench press. Future studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to explore whether LME affects accuracy of ERF across multiple sets.
Modeling Secondary Phenotypes Conditional on Genotypes in Case–Control Studies
Authors: Brownstein Naomi C. , Cai Jianwen , Smith Shad , Diatchenko Luda , Slade Gary D. , Bair Eric
Published: February 2022

Traditional case–control genetic association studies examine relationships between case–control status and one or more covariates. It is becoming increasingly common to study secondary phenotypes and their association with the original covariates. The Orofacial Pain: Prospective Evaluation and Risk Assessment (OPPERA) project, a study of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), motivates this work. Numerous measures of interest are collected at enrollment, such as the number of comorbid pain conditions from which a participant suffers. Examining the potential genetic basis of these measures is of secondary interest. Assessing these associations is statistically challenging, as participants do not form a random sample from the population of interest. Standard methods may be biased and lack coverage and power. We propose a general method for the analysis of arbitrary phenotypes utilizing inverse probability weighting and bootstrapping for standard error estimation. The method may be applied to the complicated association tests used in next-generation sequencing studies, such as analyses of haplotypes with ambiguous phase. Simulation studies show that our method performs as well as competing methods when they are applicable and yield promising results for outcome types, such as time-to-event, to which other methods may not apply. The method is applied to the OPPERA baseline case–control genetic study.
Adaptation of the Questionnaire on Teacher Interaction in Tunisia: Teaching Strategies to Promote Sustainable Education in Schools
Authors: Boukari Samia , Guelmami Noomen , Chotrane Sabri Gaied , Bouzid Sami , Khemiri Aymen , Muscella Antonella , Khalifa Riadh
Published: February 2022

The objective of the study was the translation and adaptation into Arabic language of the Questionnaire on Teacher Interaction and the examination of psychometric properties among students in Tunisia. A set of students (N = 778) were recruited to complete a translated, Arabic version of the Teacher Interaction Questionnaire (AQTI). The subjects represented both female and male with an average age of 15.98 ± 2.17 years. The subjects were divided into exploratory (N = 226) and confirmatory (N = 552) samples. For the exploratory sample, the female sex represented 46.90% and the male 53.10% (N = 120). Likewise, the confirmatory sample consisted of females (48.01%) and males (51.99%). The scale designed in Arabic AQTI presented eight components for exploratory factor analysis. The result was a first factorial solution, which kept these eight components of the predetermined instrument. The confirmatory factor analysis provided good fit indices. Similar results for instrument reliability were confirmed for all dimensions, through good Cronbach’s coefficient, which were superior to 0.80. The Arabic version of AQTI is valid and reliable and can be administered to assess teacher/student interactions in Tunisia. However, further research needs to examine the construct validity of the instrument.
A Review on State Estimation Techniques in Active Distribution Networks: Existing Practices and Their Challenges
Authors: Radhoush Sepideh , Bahramipanah Maryam , Nehrir Hashem , Shahooei Zagros
Published: February 2022

This paper provides a comprehensive review of distribution system state estimation in terms of basic definition, different methods, and their application. In the last few years, the operation of distribution networks has been influenced by the installation of distributed generations. In order to control and manage an active distribution network’s performance, distribution system state estimation methods are introduced. A transmission system state estimation cannot be used directly in distribution networks since transmission and distribution networks are different due to topology configuration, the number of buses, line parameters, and the number of measurement instruments. So, the proper state estimation algorithms should be proposed according to the main distribution network features. Accuracy, computational efficiency, and practical implications should be considered in the designing of distribution state estimation techniques since technical issues and wrong decisions could emerge in the control center by inaccurate distribution state estimation results. In this study, conventional techniques are reviewed and compared with data-driven methods in order to highlight the pros and cons of different techniques. Furthermore, the integrated distribution state estimation methods are compared with the distributed approaches, and the different criteria, including the level of area overlapping execution time and computing architecture, are elaborated. Moreover, mathematical problem formulation and different measuring methods are discussed.
Effective and Ineffective Service Recovery Recipes in the Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Sharing-Service Model: Using the Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) Approach
Authors: Kim Sooyun
Published: February 2022

In a peer-to-peer (P2P) sharing-service model, a platform provider (PP) has no direct control over the service quality of peer service providers (PSPs). However, an unpleasant experience with a single PSP may impact customer responses to the PP. Hence, the PP should offer PSPs guidelines on how to cope with service failures. To identify effective/ineffective recovery strategies, this study examined the influence of the characteristics of service failure/recovery and customers that influence customers’ behavioral intentions toward the PP. Specifically, it employed multiple regression analysis (MRA) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to analyze the complex relationships between service failure/recovery characteristics (severity of service failure and source of service recovery) and customers’ characteristics (PSP experience, age, and gender) regarding customers’ behavioral intentions (reuse and switching intentions of the PP). The results show (1) four solutions leading to high reuse intention and two solutions leading to high switching intention of the PP when the severity of service failure is high and (2) three solutions leading to high reuse intention and two solutions leading to high switching intention of the PP when the severity of service failure is low. By investigating recovery configurations reflecting the unique characteristics of P2P sharing services, this study contributes to the literature on both P2P sharing services and service failure/recovery.
‘Farmers Don’t Retire’: Re-Evaluating How We Engage with and Understand the ‘Older’ Farmer’s Perspective
Authors: Conway Shane Francis , Farrell Maura , McDonagh John , Kinsella Anne
Published: February 2022

Globally, policy aimed at stimulating generational renewal in agriculture is reported to pay meagre regard to the mental health and wellbeing of an older farmer, overlooking their identity and social circles, which are inextricably intertwined with their occupation and farm. This paper, in probing this contentious issue, casts its net across what could be deemed as disparate literatures, namely connected to transferring the family farm and social gerontology, in order to determine what steps could be taken to reassure older farmers that their sense of purpose and legitimate social connectedness within the farming community will not be jeopardised upon handing over the farm business to the next generation. A number of practical ‘farmer-sensitive’ actions that can be taken at both policy and societal level are subsequently set forth in this paper to help ease the fear and anxiety associated with ‘stepping aside’ and retirement from farming amongst older farmers. A particular focus is placed on social and emotional wellbeing benefits of being a member of a social group reflecting farmer-relevant values and aspirations in later life. The potential of the multi-actor EIP-AGRI initiative and the long-established livestock mart sector in facilitating the successful rollout of a social organisation designed to fit the specific needs and interests of the older generation of the farming community is then outlined. In performing this, the paper begins a broad international conversation on the potential of transforming farming into an age-friendly sector of society, in line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) age-friendly environments concept.
Income Tax for Microenterprises in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study on Ecuador
Authors: Paredes-Torres Maribel , Cando-Zumba Ana del Rocío , Varela-Aldás José
Published: February 2022

In this work, we analyze the income tax in Ecuador in 2020, which was affected simultaneously by two factors: the economic crisis caused by COVID-19 and the implementation of a new tax system. The objective is to evaluate the effects of these factors on the economic status of a group of taxpayers and the difference in tax payments compared with previous periods. A quantitative study was carried out, collecting financial data from 30 microenterprises for three fiscal periods. We also analyze the relationship between sales and the taxes paid in the same year, as well as the difference between the previous regime and the system applied in the first year of the pandemic to determine income tax. The results indicate an increase in the tax paid despite a noticeable decrease in sales due to confinement and other sanitary measures. In addition, we verified a significant difference between the two analyzed regimes, mainly because the pandemic regime calculates the tax based solely on income and does not consider expenses. We conclude that 43.33% of the microentrepreneurs we analyzed concluded the fiscal year with an accounting loss. This implies a debt for the following period and the risk of bankruptcy in the future.
Modelling and Analysis of Power-Regenerating Potential for High-Speed Train Suspensions
Authors: Wang Ruichen , Allen Paul , Song Yang , Wang Zhiwei
Published: February 2022

Sustainable technologies in transport systems have attracted significant research efforts over the last two decades. One area of interest is self-powered devices, which reduce system integration complexity and cost with an undoubtedly great potential for improving adaptability and developing sustainability in railway transport systems. One potential solution is a regenerative suspension system, which enables the suspension movements and dissipated energy to be converted into useful electricity. This paper explores the application of hydraulic–electromagnetic regenerative dampers (HERDs) under realistic railway operating conditions for a high-speed train (HST). A vehicle-track-coupled dynamics model is employed to evaluate the regenerative power potential of an HST suspension over a range of operating conditions. The work considers typical route curvature and track irregularity of a high-speed line and speed profile. It was found that power could be regenerated at a level of up to 5–30 W and 5–45 W per generation unit when fitted to the primary and secondary dampers, respectively. Such power-regeneration levels were adequate to supply a variety of low-power-consumption onboard components such as warning lights and wireless sensors. Further analysis of the carbody loading level also was carried out. The analysis revealed that, in the case of a high-speed journey, poor track geometry, low curvature, and reduced carbody weight increased the quantity of regenerative energy harvested by the HERDs. It was concluded that a suitable HERD design could be achieved that could facilitate the development of a smart railway damper that includes both self-sensing and power-generation functions.
Decomposition Behavior of Biodegradable and Single-Use Tableware Items in the Warnow Estuary (Baltic Sea)
Authors: Baccar Chaabane Amina , Robbe Esther , Schernewski Gerald , Schubert Hendrik
Published: February 2022

Due to the increasing demand for alternative and supposedly more sustainable single-use tableware compared to conventional fossil-based plastic items, there now exists a broad variety of innovative new bio-based and biodegradable items. The aim of this research is to conduct a monitoring of the biodegradability of selected tableware items: polylactic acid (PLA), crystallized polylactic acid (CPLA), wood, palm leaf, paper/cellulose and sugar cane bagasse, as well as a common fossil-based plastic polystyrene (PS) as a comparative material in a water column, to determine their possible use as a substitute for single-use plastic flatware. In situ experiments were performed over a one-year period to consider changes in water temperature, salinity gradients, pH values and dissolved oxygen (DO). The main findings show that tableware items composed of palm leaf, sugar cane bagasse and paper are less resistant to estuary conditions. However, wood, PLA, CPLA and PS items showed a certain resistance during the experimentation period. Furthermore, items placed in the upper incubators degraded relatively faster than those of the same material but placed in the lower incubators. The results indicate that temperature and exposure to natural light could be an important factor in terms of accelerating the degradation of the materials considered.
Analyzing the Implementation of a Digital Twin Manufacturing System: Using a Systems Thinking Approach
Authors: Loaiza Jonatan H. , Cloutier Robert J.
Published: February 2022

Digital twin (DT) is a technology that promises great benefits for the manufacturing industry. Nevertheless, DT implementation presents many challenges. This article looks to understand and study the problems associated with the implementation of DT models in a manufacturing domain. It applies systems thinking techniques to analyze and refine these problems. Systems thinking presents several methods and tools that help in studying a problem space and a solution space. The conceptagon framework describes the DT model as a system with several attributes and analyzes it in detail. A systemigram shows the relationship of manufacturing systems and the DT model. It maps the processes and components for DT implementation. The TRIZ method analyzes, and forecasts problems related to DT development and provides solutions based on patterns of invention. The CATWOE analysis allows identification of stakeholders and the study of the DT model from their perspectives. It provides a root definition of the DT model to refine a problem and the problem’s contradiction. The 9 windows tool helps to delimit the DT implementation problem, based on time and space. It gives eight more perspectives to solve the DT problem. Finally, the ideal final result (IFR) method provides the ideal DT model concept for manufacturing systems.
Entomopathogenic Fungi for Pests and Predators Control in Beekeeping
Authors: Bava Roberto , Castagna Fabio , Piras Cristian , Musolino Vincenzo , Lupia Carmine , Palma Ernesto , Britti Domenico , Musella Vincenzo
Published: February 2022

The emergence of resistance to chemical drugs in beekeeping is becoming a phenomenon of widespread concern. One promising alternative to the use of chemicals is entomopathogenic organisms that are environmentally friendly and are capable of stopping the expression of resistance once it has evolved. In the recent past, the scientific community has carried out several experiments addressing the use of microbiological control agents. In particular, experimental studies using entomopathogenic fungi have had more success in honey bee research. With their adherence properties and their ability to digest the cuticle and overcome the host defense mechanism, they could be a suitable ingredient in bioacaricides. Several promising fungi have been identified in the search for effective means to control pest populations. The data obtained from the different experiments are interesting and often favorable to their use, but there are also conflicting results. The aim of this review is to describe the state of the art on the topic under investigation.
Zooplankton as Mercury Repository in Lake Maggiore (Northern Italy): Biomass Composition and Stable Isotope Analysis
Authors: Marziali Laura , Piscia Roberta , Valsecchi Lucia , Roscioli Claudio , Manca Marina
Published: February 2022

Total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations were analyzed in zooplankton (≥450 and ≥850 µm size fractions) collected seasonally over 6 years in Lake Maggiore (Northern Italy), characterized by a legacy mercury contamination. Analysis of δ 15N and δ13C stable isotopes was carried out to trace how taxa with different trophic levels and carbon sources contributed to mercury concentrations and trends. THg ranged between 44–213 µg kg−1 d.w. and MeHg 15–93 µg kg−1 d.w., representing 24–61% of THg. Values showed strong seasonal variations, with peaks in winter, due to the high biomass of predator taxa (Bythotrephes longimanus, Leptodora kindtii) and of Daphnia longispina-galeata gr. A positive correlation between THg and MeHg and δ15N signature was observed. D. longispina-galeata gr. prevailed in both size fractions, substantially contributing to THg and MeHg concentrations. Δ13C signature was strictly bound to lake thermal circulation dynamics. Mercury stock in the zooplankton compartment ranged between 19–140 ng THg m−2 and 6–44 ng MeHg m−2 for the ≥450 µm size fraction and between 2–66 ng THg m−2 and 1–7 ng MeHg m−2 for the ≥850 µm fraction, with the highest values in spring when zooplanktivorous fish actively prey in the pelagic zone. The results highlighted the crucial role of zooplankton as a repository of mercury, easily available to higher trophic levels.
Multi-Soil-Layering Technology: A New Approach to Remove Microcystis aeruginosa and Microcystins from Water
Authors: Mugani Richard , Aba Roseline Prisca , Hejjaj Abdessamad , El Khalloufi Fatima , Ouazzani Naaila , Almeida C. Marisa R. , Carvalho Pedro N. , Vasconcelos Vitor , Campos Alexandre , Mandi Laila , Oudra Brahim
Published: February 2022

Eutrophication of surface waters caused by toxic cyanobacteria such as Microcystis aeruginosa leads to the release of secondary metabolites called Microcystins (MCs), which are heptapeptides with adverse effects on soil microbiota, plants, animals, and human health. Therefore, to avoid succumbing to the negative effects of these cyanotoxins, various remediation approaches have been considered. These techniques involve expensive physico-chemical processes because of the specialized equipment and facilities required. Thus, implementing eco-technologies capable of handling this problem has become necessary. Indeed, multi-soil-layering (MSL) technology can essentially meet this requirement. This system requires little space, needs simple maintenance, and has energy-free operation and high durability (20 years). The performance of the system is such that it can remove 1.16 to 4.47 log10 units of fecal contamination from the water, 98% of suspended solids (SS), 92% of biological oxygen demand (BOD), 98% of chemical oxygen demand (COD), 92% of total nitrogen (TN), and 100% of total phosphorus (TP). The only reported use of the system to remove cyanotoxins has shown a 99% removal rate of MC-LR. However, the mechanisms involved in removing this toxin from the water are not fully understood. This paper proposes reviewing the principal methods employed in conventional water treatment and other technologies to eliminate MCs from the water. We also describe the principles of operation of MSL systems and compare the performance of this technology with others, highlighting some advantages of this technology in removing MCs. Overall, the combination of multiple processes (physico-chemical and biological) makes MSL technology a good choice of cyanobacterial contamination treatment system that is applicable in real-life conditions, especially in rural areas.
Synthetic Musk Fragrances in Water Systems and Their Impact on Microbial Communities
Authors: Arruda Vitória , Simões Manuel , Gomes Inês B.
Published: February 2022

The presence of emerging contaminants in aquatic systems and their potential effects on ecosystems have sparked the interest of the scientific community with a consequent increase in their report. Moreover, the presence of emerging contaminants in the environment should be assessed through the “One-Health” approach since all the living organisms are exposed to those contaminants at some point and several works already reported their impact on ecological interactions. There are a wide variety of concerning emerging contaminants in water sources, such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, house-care products, nanomaterials, fire-retardants, and all the vast number of different compounds of indispensable use in routine tasks. Synthetic musks are examples of fragrances used in the formulation of personal and/or house-care products, which may potentially cause significant ecotoxicological concerns. However, there is little-to-no information regarding the effect of synthetic musks on microbial communities. This study reviews the presence of musk fragrances in drinking water and their impact on aquatic microbial communities, with a focus on the role of biofilms in aquatic systems. Moreover, this review highlights the research needed for a better understating of the impact of non-pharmaceutical contaminants in microbial populations and public health.
Does hypertension affect the course of the coronavirus infection?
Authors:   SBI RR Ryazan Regional Clinical Hospital, Ryazan, Kovalev Dmitry Sergeevich
Published: February 2022

Through dynamic monitoring over the past year and a half, it has been established that patients with COVID-19 against the background of hypertension are more severely affected by this disease and more often need medical care in the intensive care unit. In addition, laboratory studies showed a more significant increase in the level of D-dimer, LDH and C-reactive protein in such patients. In patients with the coronavirus infection occurring against the background of hypertension, there was a more severe course of pneumonia and more pronounced respiratory failure, and the development of an excessive inflammatory reaction in the form of a «cytokine storm» was observed more frequently. At the same time, doctors believe that this is not directly related to high blood pressure, but to the fact that people suffering from arterial hypertension often have concomitant diseases — obesity and diabetes, and in most cases belong to the older age group. Despite the fact that arterial hypertension in itself is not a factor contributing to the complicated course of the coronavirus infection, patients with such a pathology need more careful monitoring by medical personnel and more careful selection of drug therapy.
On the history of midwifery
Authors:   Public Health and Healthcare No. 1, Orenburg State Medical University, Kaspruk Lyudmila Ilyinichna
Published: February 2022

January 8th is Midwife Day. On this day, it is customary to honor the so-called «midwives». In the history of obstetrics in the first half of the 19th century, the activity of midwives was firmly entrenched namely for women who dominated in obstetric activities due to established views on birth as the female area and the existing kind of «taboo» on «unpopularity» of this specialization among male doctors during the study period. At the same time, the very definition of «midwife» was applied both to those who received a special education, and to «uneducated rural midwives». The midwife in rural areas occupied the main place in maternity rituals and in obstetric practice. In the activities of the midwife, rational and irrational methods of traditional medicine were used. A sociological portrait of a midwife is presented.
Vitamin and microelement complexes in the composition of biologically active food supplements. Composition and validity of use
Authors:   Medical Institute, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Gizinger Oksana Anatolievna
Published: February 2022

The article presents an analysis of current information, percentages of the levels of daily consumption of biologically active substances, when consuming dietary supplements to food, most often used to enrich and improve the quality of the diet, including those who have suffered bacterial and viral infections, who have been in a state of hypodynamia for a long time.
Study of the prebiotic and immunotropic effects of curcumin in animal models
Authors:   Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education «Peoples' Friendship University of Russia», Khisamova A. A.
Published: February 2022

One of the promising and dynamically developing areas of modern biology and medicine and pharmacy is the use of plant components as a source of biologically active compounds and their use for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. The use of nutraceuticals and curcumin-based functional foods has gained popularity in the past few decades due to the increased interest in natural foods and their potential health benefits.
CTL Model Checking Based on Binary Classification of Machine Learning
Authors: Zhu Weijun , Wu Huanmei
Published: February 2022

In this study, we establish and pioneer an approximate Computational Tree Logic (CTL) Model Checking (MC) technique, in order to avoid the famous State Explosion (SE) problem in the Computational Tree Logic Model Checking (CTLMC). To this end, some Machine Learning (ML) algorithms are introduced and employed. On this basis, CTL model checking is induced to binary classification of machine learning, by mapping all the two different results of CTL model checking into all the two different results of binary classification of machine learning, respectively. The experimental results indicate that the newly proposed approach has a has a maximal accuracy of 100% on our randomly generated data set, compared with the latest algorithm in the classical CTL model checking. Furthermore, the average speed of the new approach is at most 120 thousand times higher than that of the latest algorithm, which appears in the current version of a popular model checker called NuXMV, in the classical CTL model checking. These observations prompt that the new method can get CTL model checking results quickly and accurately, since the SE problem is avoided completely.
Multichannel Based IoT Malware Detection System Using System Calls and Opcode Sequences
Authors: Manoharan Shobana , Sugumaran Poonkuzhali , Kumar Kishore
Published: February 2022

The rapid development in the field of the Internet of things gives rise to many malicious attacks, since it holds many smart objects whose lack of an efficient security framework. These kinds of security issues bring the entire halt-down situation to all smart objects that are connected to the network. In this work, multichannel Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is proposed whereas each channel’s CNN works on each type of input parameter. This model has two channels connected in a parallel manner, with one CNN taking an opcode sequence as input and the other CNN running with system calls. These extracted system calls and opcode sequences of elf files were discriminated against using two more deep learning algorithms along with multichannel CNN, namely Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) and CNN, and a few recent existing solutions. The performance analysis of the aforementioned algorithms has been carried out and evaluated using accuracy, precision, recall, F1-measure, and time. The experimental results show that multichannel CNN outperforms the remaining considered techniques by achieving a high accuracy of 99.8% for classifying malicious samples from benign ones. The real-time Internet of Things (IoT) malware samples were collected from the IoT honeyPot (IOTPOT), which emulates different CPU architectures of IoT devices.
Effect of content and fineness of slag as high volume cement replacement on strength and durability of ultra-high performance mortar
Authors: Gupta Souradeep
Published: February 2022

Replacement of cement by slag in ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) makes it a green material for building and construction application. However, slag hydrates slower which delay strength gain in UHPC which can be addressed by using slag of high fineness. In this study, cement is replaced by slag at 20% and 60% by weight. Slag of three different fineness is used: 400±4 m2/kg, 556±5 m2/kg and 750± 5 m2/kg at constant water-binder ratio of 0.25 for all mixes. Compressive and flexural strength were measured for mechanical performance while water penetration test and chloride migration test were conducted to enumerate durability.Results show that early and late compressive strength and flexural strength are improved significantly by incorporation of slag with fineness 556 ± 5 m2/kg compared to reference and slag of 400 m2/kg fineness. However, at similar fineness 20% slag incorporation is found to produce higher early strength compared to 60% slag although 90 day strength for both replacement percentages are similar. On durability aspects it is found that slag with fineness of 556 m2/kg and 750 m2/kg demonstrates significantly lower penetration depth and very high resistance to chloride migration at 28 day and 90 day age irrespective of slag replacement percentage. The study suggests that slag of high fineness (about 556 m2/kg based on the study) and 20-60% cement replacement can significantly accelerate hydration and improve long term durability of UHPC mortar.
Mechanical Strengths of Modified PET Mortar Composites in Aggressive MgSO4 Medium: ACI & B.S Predictions
Authors: Kazi Tani Nabil , Benosman Ahmed Soufiane , Taïbi Hamed , Mouli Mohamed
Published: February 2022

Composites mortars based on plastic aggregates are often considered as an innovative materials of the future because of their potential and the advantages they present. In this paper, a comparative study was carried out on the effect of magnesium sulfate MgSO4 (5%) attack on the durability of composite mortars modified by recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Laboratory tests were accomplished on limestone sand and cement mortars where the blended Portland cement was partially replaced by various volume fractions of PET plastic aggregates. Mechanical properties measured on specimens were used to assess the changes in the compressive strengths of PET-mortar composites exposed to MgSO4 attack at different ages, mainly the Young modulus of elasticity. Based on experimental compressive tests on selected specimens and there densities, the evolution of static Young modulus of elasticity has been discussed in accordance to predicted models proposed by (ACI-318) and (BS-8110) codes of practice. In addition, a comparative analysis has been carried out for corrosion resistance coefficients K of referenced mortar to those modified with plastic aggregates. It can be noted that, the corrosion resistance coefficients decrease as much as composite specimens are exposed to MgSO4 corrosive medium. For the case of modified composites, the values of K based on predicted Young modulus before and after immersion are better than the ones calculated for the unmodified mortar. Therefore, ACI 318 prediction model is recommended code for design and investigation works related to reparation mortars, screeds, pavements…etc. Also, it can be concluded that adding PET plastic aggregates by volume to blend Portland cement act to improve the corrosive resistance of this cement against MgSO4 aggressive medium.
Numerical prediction and experimental validation of sound transmission loss for different acoustic materials
Authors: Kirti S , Mahavir S , Yudhister K Y
Published: February 2022

This paper examines the sound transmission loss (STL) through multilayer panel materials commonly used in the building industry. The acoustic characteristics of different materials and multilayer panels are studied. Experimental data for the noise reduction coefficient in the frequency range 100 to 4000 Hz have been obtained using the two room’s method.  Mass theory is also used to predict the acoustic performance of these systems and to improve their acoustic performance with noise treatment.
Effect of cement types on carbonation depth of concrete
Authors: Merah Ahmed , Korichi Youcef , Khenfer Mohamed Mouldi
Published: February 2022

Reinforced concrete as a building material is the most used in most civil engineering structures. This one is exposed to several attacks (physical, chemical and mechanical). Among these attacks, we can cite the phenomenon of carbonation, which leads to corrosion of the reinforcements and consequently reduces the service life of reinforced concrete structures. In addition, this phenomenon generates additional repair costs, which can sometimes exceed the initial cost of the building. Furthermore, it depends on the type and class of cement, two main classes of cement are used for the formulation of concrete in Algeria, ordinary Portland cements and cements with additions.

 This paper enters in the option of sustainable development, in order to study the behavior of these two types of cements against accelerated carbonation.

For this purpose, two concrete compositions (based on ordinary Portland cements and cements with additions) were formulated, from these two formulations, samples were made in order to subject them to accelerated carbonation in a chamber rich in CO2 according to the recommendations of the AFPC-AFREM.

The results obtained clearly show that concretes based on ordinary Portland cements (OPC) are less sensitive to the phenomenon of carbonation compared to concretes based on blended cements.
Conception of eco-friendly cement based on natural pozzolan to improve rheological behavior of concrete
Authors: Mansour Sabria Malika , Ghernouti Youcef
Published: February 2022

The pozzolan of Beni- Saf region (North-West Algeria) is a natural material of volcanic origin with an ability to react with lime in the presence of water and to form compounds with binding properties. Therefore, its use in the production of new cementitious materials will protect the environment. It will therefore be interesting to exploit this source as a partial cement substitution. In this work, a rheometric investigation was carried out to assess the performance of the natural pozzolan substituted to cement at variable rates ranging from 5%, 10%, 15% to 20% in order to obtain an ecological concrete. As the rheological behavior of concrete depends on the behavior of the cement paste, the effect of pozzolan on the latter was analyzed using static flow tests and dynamic creep and oscillation tests. The results of the rheometric tests have shown that in flow, the pozzolan improves the fluidity and in oscillation mode, it generates a viscous behavior of the cementitious pastes compared to elastic behavior of the control paste. Furthermore, the transient study (creep / recovery) made it possible to highlight the liquid viscoelastic character of the cement pastes. With 10% of pozzolan, the rheological behavior of the paste is viscous liquid which seems to be the best. The use of pozzolan as cement substitution has significant economic, environmental and technical advantages, namely the development of natural pozzolan, reduction of CO2 emissions during the manufacture of cement as well as energy reduction and finally improvement of the properties of fresh concrete.
Analysis of Aqueducts Subjected to Hydrostatic and Dynamic Loads Using 3D - Solid Modeling
Authors: Yadav Jitendra Singh , Babu Sushas S
Published: February 2022

In many areas of developing countries, the access to fresh water is limited even today. Aqueducts are the major structures in water supply and diversion schemes when carrying the water over natural and artificial obstacles such as valleys, rivers, roads, railway lines, canals etc. During an earthquake, the effect of water sloshing on the walls of aqueduct and the resulting hydrodynamic forces is often neglected. In this study, the analysis is carried out for a single span elevated aqueduct using finite element analysis, in which the structure is discretized into smaller elements. The structure is modelled using solid elements in Staad Pro V8i software for different loads. The behavioral response of aqueduct structure subjected to hydrostatic loads and dynamic loads due to seismic ground excitation has been analyzed. It has been observed that the structure is more vulnerable to dynamic loads compared to hydrostatic loads. The effect of dynamic loads due to sloshing of water under seismic forces is predominant. The stresses induced by hydrodynamic loads are observed to be 2.4 times more than hydrostatic loads.
Production of Green Cement from Slag Enhanced by Egyptian Metakaolin Materials
Authors: El Nagar Abdeen
Published: February 2022

New geopolymer-based materials offer excellent perspectives for the future; they should not be regarded as competitive materials for Portland cement, which has been the reference construction material for so long, but as alternative materials with a series of important advantages to be considered. Metakaolin (MK) produced from firing kaolin material up to 750 ºC for 2 h with a heating rate of 5ºC/min; leads to an enhancement in mechanical and microstructural properties of alkali activated geopolymer of water cooled slag material using (6:6, wt%) of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate. In the present work the ratios of MK which will be added are less than 20% of the total mass, because of the used MK was very fine with average pore structure less than 30 mµ, which hinders the geopolymerization reaction if used as high ratio. Curing was performed under 100% relative humidity at a temperature of 38ºC and ages of 7, 14, 28 & 90 days. The properties of geopolymer specimens have been studied through measurement of XRD, SEM imaging, FTIR, compressive strength and water absorption. Results showed that the mixes of metakaolin up to 15% results in an enhancement in the mechanical properties as compared with slag control mix up to 90 days.
Numerical investigation to reduce environmental emissions from manufacturing industries
Authors: Miloua Hadj
Published: February 2022

This paper aims to study carbon dioxide emissions from the cement manufacturing under wind conditions. These effects are investigated by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) code used both method such as a Large Eddy Simulation (LES) and K-ε methods to investigate a spread of pollution in vicinity of manufacturing. The predicted concentration, velocity and temperature of CO2 were used as the safety criterion to provide the useful information about a pollution amount resulted under variant environmental and structural conditions. A detailed look at results is beyond the scope of analysis to determine optimal CO2 emission. From the present numerical simulation the carbon dioxide appears to be the best candidate as tracer gas and Simulation (LES) methods, which directly calculate the large-scale turbulent structures and reserve modeling offer the best analysis of turbulent flows.
Use of bottom ash as part replacement of sand for making concrete blocks
Authors: Sharma Satish , Arora V V , Ojha P N , Singh Brijesh , Patel Vikas , N S Adarsh Kumar
Published: February 2022

Coal-based thermal power plants all over the world facing serious problems of handling and disposal of the ash produced. The productive use of coal Bottom Ash (BA) is the best way to alleviate the problems associated with its disposal. This paper covers the studies on laboratory scale evaluation of vibro compaction concrete blocks using BA I, BA II & BA III collected from three different location of Coal Fed Thermal Power Station. In the present investigation laboratory investigation have been carried to utilize BA as part replacement of sand in concrete. This study cover manufacture of concrete blocks without flyash & with BA using for making solid block as per specification laid down in IS:2185 using vibro compaction machine. Three different sources of BA were used in concrete mix each @ 30%, 40% & 50% replacement by weight of sand were adopted in making concrete blocks. Comparative study of compressive strength of concrete at different age of curing, wet density, drying shrinkage is reported in this study. Wet density is found to be lower in blocks containing BA & dry shrinkage values are found well within the limits of specifications. Concrete Blocks having BA @ 30% by weight of sand are found suitable for use in the manufacture of concrete blocks.
Магнетронна розпилювальна система для нанесення захисних покриттів на внутрішню поверхню стволів малого калібру
Authors: Шкурат Олександр Іванович , Ханнолайнен Валерій Тойвович , Коломієць Володимир Миколайович , Кравченко Сергій Миколайович , Кравченко Сергій Миколайович , Канівець Володимир Миколайович , Юнда Андрій Миколайович , Костецький Володимир Іларіонович
Published: February 2022

На сьогодні залишається актуальною проблема, що пов’язана з необхідністю збільшення експлуатаційного ресурсу стволів військового озброєння. Для вирішення цієї проблеми автори роботи пропонують напиляти захисні покриття на внутрішню поверхню стволів, використовуючи сучасний метод магнетронного розпилення імпульсами високої потужності. Відомо, що цей метод дає змогу отримувати покриття ще більш високої якості (з точки зору фізико-механічних властивостей) в порівнянні з покриттями, які отримані методом магнетронного розпилення на постійному струмі. Авторським колективом розроблений, створений і випробуваний макет магнетронної розпилювальної системи, за допомогою якого можна напиляти покриття з тугоплавких матеріалів на внутрішню поверхню імітатору ствола калібром 30 мм методом магнетронного розпилення імпульсами високої потужності.Враховуючи той відомий факт, що стволи калібру 30 мм є широковживаними в арміях країн світу, результати роботи можуть бути корисними не тільки у вітчизняному оборонному виробництві, але й мають експортний потенціал.
Intrahospital Transport of Critically Ill Patients: Critical Care Nurses’ Perceptions
Authors: Kim Yeonsu , Kwon In Gak
Published: February 2022

Purpose : This study aimed to identify the status of intrahospital transport (IHT) of critically ill patients and provide baseline data to form recommendations for safer transport. Methods : Data were collected from 141 intensive care unit (ICU) nurses who attended national conferences between February and August, 2018. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA, and post-hoc analysis was conducted with the Scheffé and Games-Howell tests. Results : Of the nurses surveyed, 61.7% answered that their workplace had a transport guideline. In terms of the experience of ICU nurses, 31.2% of respondents answered that they had received training on IHT. This result indicated that the degree of implementation of the guidelines for IHT was generally high, but some, including guidelines on personnel, equipment, and monitoring, were not. Guidelines of IHT were well observed when the institutes had specific guidelines for IHT of critically ill patients with specified transport grades, a scoring system to assess stability of a patient, a checklist and a protocol for action in case of problems, and when healthcare providers were provided with training. Conclusion : These results suggest that organized infrastructure, such as a transport guideline with transport grades, a checklist to improve the implementation of guidelines, and a protocol for coping with a problem, should be provided for safe transport. Additionally, effective education and evaluation to improve the competency of staff participating in the transport of patients will help reduce the occurrence of adverse events in intensive care transport in hospitals and promote patient safety.