bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccine and associated factors among adult chronic patients. A cross-sectional study in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Tegegne Masresha Derese , Girma Surafel , Mengistu Surafel , Mesfin Tadele , Adugna Tenanew , Kokeb Mehretie , Melese Endalkachew Belayneh , Worku Yilkal Belete , Wubante Sisay Maru
Published: July 2022

Background

People with pre-existing chronic diseases are more likely to acquire COVID-19 infections, which can be fatal, and die from COVID-19 illness. COVID-19 vaccination will benefit those at a higher risk of developing complications and dying from the disease. This study aimed to determine chronic patients’ willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and the factors that influence their willingness.

Method

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 adult chronic patients in the University of Gondar specialized hospital outpatient departments. The participants were chosen using systematic random sampling methods with an interval of 5. Face-to-face interviews were used to collect data from eligible respondents. Epi-data version 4.6 and SPSS version 25 were used for the data entry data analysis. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between the dependent and independent factors. An odds ratio with 95 percent confidence intervals and a P-value was used to determine the association’s strength and statistical significance.

Result

Out of 401 respondents, 219 (54.6%) with [95% CI (49.7–59.5%)] of study participants were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Being a healthcare worker (AOR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.24–6.96), Lost family members or friends due to COVID-19 (AOR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.21–5.00), good knowledge about COVID-19 vaccine (AOR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.37–4.33), favorable attitude towards COVID-19 vaccine (AOR = .8.56 95% CI: 4.76–15.38), perceived suitability of the COVID-19 infection (AOR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.62–5.33) and perceived benefit of the COVID-19 vaccine (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.08–3.31), were found to be a significant association with the willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine among chronic patients.

Conclusion

This study confirms that around 55% of adult chronic patients were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Providing health education for chronic patients to emphasize the knowledge and attitude of the COVID-19 vaccine and raise patients’ perceived risk of COVID-19 and the benefit of the COVID-19 vaccine could be recommended to improve their willingness to COVID-19 vaccination.
Investigating latent syphilis in HIV treatment-experienced Ethiopians and response to therapy
Authors: Girma Selamawit , Amogne Wondwossen
Published: July 2022

Objectives

We investigated people with HIV (PWH) receiving combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) for latent syphilis infection prevalence, risk factors, treatment response, and neurosyphilis.

Methods

A prospective follow-up study was conducted on PWH and latent syphilis. The cases were randomly assigned to receive either benzathine penicillin G (BPG) or doxycycline (DOXY), and the posttreatment response was evaluated after 12 and 24 months. The traditional algorithm was used for serodiagnosis, and a semi-quantitative rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test monitored disease activity and treatment effectiveness.

Results

Of the 823 participants, 64.8% were women, and the mean age was 41.7±10 years. Thirty-one (3.8%) of the participants (22 males and nine females) had latent syphilis. The risk factors were male sex (aOR = 3.14), increasing age (aOR = 1.04 per year), and cART duration (aOR = 1.01 per month). Baseline RPR titers were: ≤1:4 in 19 (61.3%), between 1:8 and 1:32 in 10 (32.2%), and >1:32 in 2 (6.4%). None of the seven cerebrospinal fluid analyses supported a neurosyphilis diagnosis. In the 12th month of treatment, 27 (87.1%) had adequate serological responses, three (9.7%) had serological nonresponse, and one (3.2%) had treatment failure. Syphilis treatment was repeated in the last four cases with the alternative drug. In terms of adequate serologic response, both therapies were comparable at the 12th month, p = 0.37. All cases responded to treatment in the 24th month.

Conclusion

In PWH receiving cART, latent syphilis occurred more in men than women, suggesting an investigation of sexual practices and the impact of antenatal syphilis screening. Syphilis disease activity reduces in the latent stage. Therefore, the routine cerebrospinal fluid analysis contributes little to the diagnosis of asymptomatic neurosyphilis and the treatment success of latent syphilis. DOXY is an alternative to BPG, and cART improves serologic response to latent syphilis treatment.
Reaction time coupling in a joint stimulus-response task: A matter of functional actions or likable agents?
Authors: Schielen Zoe , Verhaegh Julia , Dijkerman Chris , Naber Marnix
Published: July 2022

Shaping one owns actions by observing others’ actions is driven by the deep-rooted mechanism of perception-action coupling. It typically occurs automatically, expressed as for example the unintentional synchronization of reaction times in interactive games. Theories on perception-action coupling highlight its benefits such as the joint coordination of actions to cooperatively perform tasks properly, the learning of novel actions from others, and the bonding with likable others. However, such functional aspects and how they shape perception-action coupling have never been compared quantitatively. Here we tested a total of hundred-fifteen participants that played a stimulus-response task while, in parallel, they observed videos of agents that played the exact same task several milliseconds in advance. We compared to what degree the reaction times of actions of agents, who varied their behavior in terms of functionality and likability in preceding prisoner dilemma games and quizzes, shape the reaction times of human test participants. To manipulate functionality and likability, we varied the predictability of cooperative behavior and correctness of actions of agents, respectively, resulting in likable (cooperative), dislikable (uncooperative), functional (correct actions), and dysfunctional (incorrect actions) agents. The results of three experiments showed that the participants’ reaction times correlated most with the reaction times of agents that expressed functional behavior. However, the likability of agents had no effects on reaction time correlations. These findings suggest that, at least in the current computer task, participants are more likely to adopt the timing of actions from people that perform correct actions than from people that they like.
The association of religion with maternal and child health outcomes in South Asian countries
Authors: Kachoria Aparna G. , Mubarak Mohammad Yousuf , Singh Awnish K. , Somers Rachael , Shah Saleh , Wagner Abram L.
Published: July 2022

Objective

Theological beliefs play an important role in cultural norms and could impact women’s prenatal and postpartum decisions in South Asia, which has a high burden of disease in children and pregnant women. The aim of this study is to identify any associations religion may have in affecting a woman’s decision-making ability, and how that in turn affects maternal and child health, at a group level in multiple South Asian countries.

Study design

Cross-sectional study utilizing secondary data analysis.

Methods

We used Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) between 2014 and 2018 in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. Not every country’s survey asked about religion, so we imputed these results based on Census data. We assessed maternal and child health through a composite coverage index (CCI), which accounts for family planning, attendance of a skilled attendant at birth, antenatal care, BCG vaccinations, 3 doses of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, measles vaccine, oral rehydration therapy, and seeking care if the child has pneumonia. The relationship between religion, women’s empowerment, and CCI was assessed through linear regression models.

Results

The sample included 57,972 mothers who had children aged 12–23 months. CCI is observed to be affected by family income, in addition to religion and country. CCI was higher in Hindus (2.8%, 95% CI: 2.4%, 3.1%) and Buddhists (2.0%, 95% CI: 1.2%, 2.9%) than Muslims. Mother’s age, education, income, decision-making autonomy, and attitude towards beatings were all related to CCI. In a model stratified by religion, age, education, and income were significant predictors of CCI for both Muslims and non-Muslims, but were more impactful among Muslims.

Conclusion

Though multiple imputation had to be used to fill in gaps in religion data, this study demonstrates that maternal and child health outcomes continue to be a concern in South Asia, especially for Muslim women. Given the importance of religious beliefs, utilizing a simple indicator, such as the CCI could be helpful for monitoring these outcomes and provides a tangible first step for communities to address gaps in care resulting from disparities in maternal empowerment.
Association of serum total bilirubin levels with progressive renal decline and end-stage kidney disease: 10-year observational cohort study in Japanese patients with diabetes
Authors: Eto Erina , Maeda Yasutaka , Sonoda Noriyuki , Nakashima Naoki , Kobayashi Kunihisa , Takayanagi Ryoichi , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Inoguchi Toyoshi
Published: July 2022

Objective

Previous reports have demonstrated the association of serum bilirubin levels with the progression of diabetic nephropathy. The objective of this study is to assess the association of basal bilirubin levels with progressive renal decline (PRD) and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).

Methods

A total of 298 patients with diabetes who visited Kyushu University Hospital (Japan) were recruited and followed up for 10 years. PRD was defined as a negative change in estimated glomerular filtration ratio (eGFR) >3.7%/year, 2.5th percentile. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association of total bilirubin levels with PRD and its cut-off point was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox hazard regression analysis were used to evaluate the predictive ability of its cut-off point for ESKD.

Results

Logistic regression model showed that total bilirubin levels were significantly associated with PRD, and ROC analysis showed that its cut-off point was 0.5 mg/dL. Kaplan-Meier method showed that the percent of patients who reached two endpoints, composite endpoint (ESKD or doubling of creatinine level) or 30% eGFR decline, was significantly higher in the low bilirubin group than in the high bilirubin group (18.5% vs 11.0%, P = 0.045; 49.1% vs 42.1%, P = 0.045, respectively, log-rank test). Cox hazard regression models confirmed the independence of the predictive ability of its cut-off point.

Conclusions

Serum total bilirubin levels were negatively associated with PRD in diabetic nephropathy and its cut-off point was 0.5 mg/dL. It may be clinically useful for identifying patients at high risk of ESKD.
Predictive model for severe COVID-19 using SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequencing and electronic health record data, March 2020-May 2021
Authors: Zhu Lei , Marsh Jane W. , Griffith Marissa P. , Collins Kevin , Srinivasa Vatsala , Waggle Kady , Van Tyne Daria , Snyder Graham M. , Phan Tung , Wells Alan , Marroquin Oscar C. , Harrison Lee H.
Published: July 2022

Objective

We used SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and electronic health record (EHR) data to investigate the associations between viral genomes and clinical characteristics and severe outcomes among hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Methods

We conducted a case-control study of severe COVID-19 infection among patients hospitalized at a large academic referral hospital between March 2020 and May 2021. SARS-CoV-2 WGS was performed, and demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained from the EHR. Severe COVID-19 (case patients) was defined as having one or more of the following: requirement for supplemental oxygen, mechanical ventilation, or death during hospital admission. Controls were hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who did not meet the criteria for severe infection. We constructed predictive models incorporating clinical and demographic variables as well as WGS data including lineage, clade, and SARS-CoV-2 SNP/GWAS data for severe COVID-19 using multiple logistic regression.

Results

Of 1,802 hospitalized SARS-CoV-2-positive patients, we performed WGS on samples collected from 590 patients, of whom 396 were case patients and 194 were controls. Age (p = 0.001), BMI (p = 0.032), test positive time period (p = 0.001), Charlson comorbidity index (p = 0.001), history of chronic heart failure (p = 0.003), atrial fibrillation (p = 0.002), or diabetes (p = 0.007) were significantly associated with case-control status. SARS-CoV-2 WGS data did not appreciably change the results of the above risk factor analysis, though infection with clade 20A was associated with a higher risk of severe disease, after adjusting for confounder variables (p = 0.024, OR = 3.25; 95%CI: 1.31–8.06).

Conclusions

Among people hospitalized with COVID-19, older age, higher BMI, earlier test positive period, history of chronic heart failure, atrial fibrillation, or diabetes, and infection with clade 20A SARS-CoV-2 strains can predict severe COVID-19.
The impact of school closure intervention during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy: Evidence from the Milan area
Authors: Consolazio David , Sarti Simone , Terraneo Marco , Celata Corrado , Russo Antonio Giampiero
Published: July 2022

Background

In February 2021, the spread of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the Lombardy Region, Italy caused concerns about school-aged children as a source of contagion, leading local authorities to adopt an extraordinary school closure measure. This generated a debate about the usefulness of such an intervention in light of the trade-off between its related benefits and costs (e.g. delays in educational attainment, impact on children and families’ psycho-physical well-being). This article analyses the epidemiological impact of the school closure intervention in the Milan metropolitan area.

Methods

Data from the Agency for Health Protection of the Metropolitan City of Milan allowed analysing the trend of contagion in different age classes before and after the intervention, adopting an interrupted times series design, providing a quasi-experimental counterfactual scenario. Segmented Poisson regression models of daily incident cases were performed separately for the 3–11-year-old, the 12–19-year-old, and the 20+-year-old age groups, examining the change in the contagion curves after the intervention, adjusting for time-varying confounders. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression were used to assess the equality of survival curves in the three age groups before and after the intervention.

Results

Net of time-varying confounders, the intervention produced a daily reduction of the risk of contagion by 4% in those aged 3–11 and 12–19 (IRR = 0·96) and by 3% in those aged 20 or more (IRR = 0·97). More importantly, there were differences in the temporal order of contagion decrease between the age groups, with the epidemic curve lowering first in the school-aged children directly affected by the intervention, and only subsequently in the adult population, which presumably indirectly benefitted from the reduction of contagion among children.

Conclusion

Though it was not possible to completely discern the effect of school closures from concurrent policy measures, a substantial decrease in the contagion curves was clearly detected after the intervention. The extent to which the slowdown of infections counterbalanced the social costs of the policy remains unclear.
Media Freedom, Damian Tambini (2021)
Authors: Meese James
Published: July 2022

Review of: Media Freedom, Damian Tambini (2021)

Cambridge: Polity, 224 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-50954-468-4, h/bk, AUD $113.95
Public Opinion Analysis on Social Media Platforms: A Case Study of High Speed 2 (HS2) Rail Infrastructure Project
Authors: YAO Ruiqiu , Gillen Andrew
Published: July 2022

Abstract: Public opinion evaluation is becoming increasingly significant in infrastructure project assessment. The inefficiencies of conventional evaluation approaches can be improved with social media analysis. Posts about infrastructure projects on social media provide a large amount of data for assessing public opinion. This study proposed a public opinion evaluation framework with machine learning algorithms, including sentiment analysis and topic modelling. We selected the United Kingdom railway project, High Speed 2, as the case study. The sentiment analysis showed that around 53% to 63% of tweets expressed a negative sentiment, suggesting the public may have an overall negative perception of the project. Topic modelling with text corpora showed key topics of public opinion. The proposed framework demonstrates the feasibility of using supervised machine learning to evaluate public opinion on infrastructure projects, as the framework can save time and cost. Furthermore, assessment results can aid policymakers and managers in decision-making.
An Analysist of Risk Management System in UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta
Authors: Abrori Muchammad
Published: July 2022

UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta is a university that has been established for a long time, in 1951. It has a lot of problems because UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta is a large campus, 61 study programs from level 1 to level 3. The establishment of a risk management system is expected to help the problems on this campus, so that problems can be solved as soon as possible. The establishment of a risk management system at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta benchmark from University of Malaya, Malaysia.
Analysis of Modification in Synaptic Plasticity STDP (Spike Timing Dependent Plasticity) Model by Changing Intracellular Calcium Concentration
Authors: Diva Shella Aisiyah , Yuniati Anis
Published: July 2022

Synapses are a junction between neurons that has a plastic property. Synaptic plasticity can be in the form of long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). The changes in intracellular calcium concentration can trigger LTP and LTD. Spike Timing Dependent Plasticity (STDP) is a modification of synapses that depend on the spike timing of pre-synapses and post-synapses neuron. In this study, we analyze the effects of intracellular calcium on the STDP phenomena based on Badoual’s model using mechanisms involving parameters such as calcium pumping, AMPA receptors, NMDA receptors, LTP enzymes, and LTD enzymes. In this model, a high calcium concentration will activate the LTP enzyme, while a low calcium concentration will activate the LTD enzyme, each of which will trigger the occurrence of LTP and LTD. The existence of LTP and LTD is the basis for the formation of the STDP. In this model, the parameters can be adjusted to obtain the STDP corresponding to experimental results where LTP is observed in the range between 0 < ∆t < 50ms, while LTD is observed at wider intervals between −150ms < ∆t <0. These parameters are related to the decay time of the NMDA receptor.
Using Family Taxon as an Indicator of Haram Halal of Reptiles in Animal Systematic Lab Work
Authors: Sutriyono Sutriyono
Published: July 2022

Haram halal of an animal are usually refer to the four mahzab in Islamic believe. This study discussed about halal haram of reptile class that will would be connected with its taxon family as an indicator. This research aims to set the family taxon as an indicator in determining halal haram of reptiles Literature study was done, tracing the written manuscript of Islamic and Science journals, books, websites or other relevant sources that can be used as a reference. The study showed that if a species in the family taxon is classified as halal to the Islamic Law, then the rest of the members in the family were considered as halal.
Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm to Solve the Shortest Route Problem with Fuzzy Arc Weight
Authors: Nani Maryani  , Muhammad Wakhid Musthofa
Published: July 2022

The shortest path problem usually assumes a clear value (crisp) for the weights of each route. However, the crisp weight sometimes ends up ambiguous in practice in the daily life. The number of arc weights is calculated using fuzzy logic, α-cut fuzzy numbers. The Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm that adopts bee behavior in food searching is used to solve the shortest path problem. This study discusses how to solve numerical problems to find the shortest path using the Artificial Bee Colony algorithm if the arc weights are fuzzy numbers. The algorithm starts with finding the initial solution using Algorithm 1 and then calculated each distance using the sum of α-cut methods. After that, do a local search for each initial solution using the genetic algorithm mutation operator, then searched the distance amount using the same way then compared using the result of distance . The next step was to calculate the fitness value of each solution that would be used to calculate the probability value. The final step was to improve the solution, and an improved solution is said to be a solution if it does not improve again anymore. The calculation process was done repeatedly from the second step to the maximum iteration, i.e. when iteration had reached the limit or the iteration limit fails. Based on the calculation process using ABC algorithm in the case of numerical example, delivery of clean water supply in Gunung Kidul Regency, obtained the shortest route, that is route 1,2,3,5,6 with interval distance equal to 459, 9142.
Kajian Integrasi Islam dan Sains pada Pendayagunaan Besi Oksida dalam Bidang Medis
Authors: Aprilia Dewi Ardiyanti
Published: July 2022

Al-Qur’an as a guide for Muslims is a source of knowledge. There are scientific clues that are summarized in the verses of the kauniyah. One of the topics discussed is about iron in Surah Al-Hadid verse 25. In this verse, it is explained about the origin of iron, its strength, and its benefits for humans. The analysis and explanation of the verse were carried out using a qualitative method of literature study. The results show that the origin of iron comes from nuclear fusion reactions of stars then explode and fall to earth via meteors. The uses of iron cover various lines of life, especially when it is reduced to nanometers in size. One example is an iron oxide from the iron sand which is used as a medium for drug delivery systems and cancer hyperthermia therapy. The correlation and suitability of the information from the Qur’an with the results of the study show a confirmative and integrated relationship.
A Metodologia Dicumba E A Contextualização No Ensino De Química
Authors: Kurz Débora Luana , Stockmanns Betina , Bedin Everton
Published: July 2022

Este artigo visa, além de enfatizar a importância da contextualização no ensino de Química, apresentar uma proposta pedagógica para o ensino deste componente curricular, elaborada a partir dos pressupostos da metodologia ativa, denominada Dicumba (Desenvolvimento Cognitivo Universal - Aprendizagem bilateral). A Dicumba tem como objetivo relacionar a Química a um tema de interesse do aluno, instigando a investigação e compreensão da ciência através da curiosidade e do interesse. A pesquisa-ação qualitativa foi desenvolvida em uma escola do município de Novo Hamburgo, Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, com a participação de 35 alunos do segundo ano do ensino médio. Os dados, coletados por meio do trabalho de pesquisa realizado pelos alunos e de um questionário semiestruturado, foram interpretados à luz dos teóricos da área, sendo expostos em gráficos e tabelas. Nesse viés, observou-se que a utilização da metodologia Dicumba foi satisfatória para abordar os temas de interesse elencados pelos alunos, uma vez que mostrou a química de forma contextualizada em diferentes instâncias. Além disso, o uso da metodologia mobilizou gradativamente os alunos à medida que eles participavam efetivamente dos processos de ensino e aprendizagem.
Teachers and educational policy: Markets, populism, and im/possibilities for resistance
Authors: Stacey Meghan , Gavin Mihajla , Gerrard Jessica , Hogan Anna , Holloway Jessica
Published: July 2022

This double special issue, “Teachers and educational policy: markets, populism, and im/possibilities for resistance” explores the figurative politics of the teacher in current education systems around the world. In this introduction to the issue, we discuss how and why teachers have emerged as a key focus of contemporary policy reform. We argue that teachers are seen as a logical site of public commentary in the global knowledge economy, yet teacher expertise is feared as both known and unknowable, thereby becoming a target of heightened surveillance and control. The papers in the issue are divided into two instalments. First, those which address how external actors are seen to be (re)shaping teachers and teaching, as well as notions of professionalism, knowledge and ‘truth’ in education. Second, those which explore experiences of, and possibilities for resistance to, such shifts. We close with a discussion of the range of international contexts from which the contributors to this issue write, arguing for a need to reimagine teachers and schooling in ways that are less limited by the systems and structures that have formed common international reference points in policy development thus far.
Depolymerisation of kraft lignin to obtain high value-added products: antioxidants and UV absorbers
Authors: Aufischer Gottfried , Süss Raphaela , Kamm Birgit , Paulik Christian
Published: July 2022

This study demonstrates that bio-based products of lignin depolymerisation can potentially replace common antioxidants and UV absorbers in the plastics and cosmetics industries. The kraft lignin Indulin AT was used to obtain low-MW lignin and monomers & oligomers rich in phenolic hydroxyl groups. Both thermo-oxidative stability and antioxidant activity significantly improved upon lignin depolymerisation. The results from oxidation induction time differential scanning calorimetry (OIT-DSC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) measurements show that the lignin based depolymerisation products are comparable with commercial antioxidants like pentaerythritol-tetrakis-(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionate) (Irganox 1010). UV/vis spectroscopy was investigated to confirm absorption of the depolymerisation products in the UVA and UVB range (280–400 nm).
Humor and hierarchy: an experimental study of the effects of humor production on male dominance, prestige and attractiveness
Authors: Giritlioglu Ali , Chaudhary Nikhil
Published: July 2022

We conducted a cross-cultural experiment on a sample of 230 participants, to examine how listening to an audio recording of a male telling a joke followed by either laughter (humorous condition) or an unimpressed murmur (non-humorous condition) affected participant ratings of that male’s social status, dominance, prestige and attractiveness. The experiment followed a between-subjects design. The sample was cross-cultural to explore possible cultural variation and compared effects among Western (UK & USA) (n = 119, 74 females) and Turkish (n = 111, 87 females) participants. We measured participants’ ratings of dominance/prestige and attractiveness, based on validated and previously used scales. In the humorous condition, the male was rated as having significantly higher social status and prestige but not dominance. He was also rated as more attractive by female participants from the UK & USA; this effect was mediated by prestige. Conversely, attractiveness ratings by female Turkish participants did not differ across conditions. The effect among the former was found to have been mediated via prestige. We interpret these findings as suggesting that humor production represents a means of gaining status but also highlighting that its recognized role in attractiveness varies cross-culturally. Although the present endeavor represents a pilot study, we believe that our findings raise new questions regarding the interrelationships of humor production, status, and attractiveness, and their evolutionary background.
Calendering of thermoplastics: models and computations
Authors: Mitsoulis Evan , Polychronopoulos Nickolas D. , Hatzikiriakos Savvas G.
Published: July 2022

John Vlachopoulos (JV) started his polymer processing career with the process of calendering. In two landmark papers with Kiparissides, C. and Vlachopoulos, J. (1976). Finite element analysis of calendering. Polym. Eng. Sci. 16: 712–719; Kiparissides, C. and Vlachopoulos, J. (1978). A study of viscous dissipation in the calendering of power-law fluids. Polym. Eng. Sci. 18: 210–214 he introduced the Finite Element Method (FEM) to solve the governing equations of mass, momentum, and energy based on the Lubrication Approximation Theory (LAT). This early work was followed by the introduction of wall slip (with Vlachopoulos, J. and Hrymak, A.N. (1980). Calendering poly(vinyl chloride): theory and experiments. Polym. Eng. Sci. 20: 725–731). The first 2-D simulations for calendering PVC were carried out with Mitsoulis, E., Vlachopoulos, J., and Mirza, F.A. (1985). Calendering analysis without the lubrication approximation. Polym. Eng. Sci. 25: 6–18. In the intervening 35 years, other works have emerged, however our understanding has not been drastically improved since JV’s early works. Results have also been obtained for pseudoplastic and viscoplastic fluids using the general Herschel-Bulkley constitutive model. The emphasis was on finding possible differences with LAT regarding the attachment and detachment points of the calendered sheet (hence the domain length), and the extent and shape of yielded/unyielded regions. The results showed that while the former is well predicted by LAT, the latter is grossly overpredicted. More results have been obtained for 3-D simulations, showing intricate patterns in the melt bank. Also, the transient problem has been solved using the ALE-FEM formulation for moving free-boundary problems. The results are compared with the previous simulations for the steady-state and show a good agreement. The transient simulations capture the movement of the upstream and downstream free surfaces, and also provide the attachment and detachment points, which are unknown a priori. Finding these still remains the prevailing challenge in the modeling of the calendering process.
Not Marginal, But Marginalised. The ‘Pan-Grave’ Archaeological Culture, Pharaonic Egypt, and Egyptology
Authors: de Souza Aaron
Published: July 2022

This paper focusses on the so-called “Pan-Grave” archaeological culture, and the extent to which communities attributed to it can or should be considered “marginal” based on the available archaeological and historical evidence. It will be argued that communities that archaeologists identify as “Pan-Grave” were likely to have been small and hence a minority in terms of population size, but that the wide distribution of evidence suggests that “Pan-Grave culture” was a recognisable component of the ancient Egyptian socio-cultural landscape. The frequency and variety of evidence for contact and exchange between the Pan-Grave and Egyptian cultural spheres points towards close social ties rather than Pan-Grave being marginal to the ancient Egyptian “core”. At the same time, it is proposed that Pan-Grave culture—and Nubian cultures in general—have been marginalised by Egyptology as an academic discipline, which has a tradition of implicitly (and explicitly) using ancient rhetoric to justify its own conception of ancient Egyptian dominance. It is also argued that a re-framing of “Pan-Grave” communities as an integral part of the cultural fabric of pharaonic Egypt would encourage Egyptology as a discipline to question its own perception of what defines “Egyptian” from both ancient and academic perspectives.
Measuring Community Disaster Resilience Over Time
Authors: McConkey Sally Ann , Larson Eric R.
Published: July 2022

Natural disaster impacts can be mitigated by building community resilience and this recognition has elevated the importance of demonstrating the return on resilience investment. Subsequently, there is a demand for resilience measurement tools. The Baseline Resilience Indicator for Communities (BRIC), is an index based on variables representing resilience attributes identified in the literature. BRIC is representative of indices designed for national assessments, applies to multiple natural disasters at the county level in the US, and its application in national assessments has been demonstrated. This analysis tests the BRIC index in two longitudinal case studies by examining the variables that constitute the index. Specific variables used in the BRIC index are explored through the examination of the suitability of each variable for use in longitudinal studies at the county level and the variable’s skill in capturing known events and activities expected to have an impact on resilience. Detailed examination of each variable in the context of the community profile provides insights to improve formulations of variables. New variables are proposed to better capture community characteristics and actions that enhance resilience.
High sensitivity ultraviolet graphene-metamaterial integrated electro-optic modulator enhanced by superlubricity
Authors: Xu Yanli , Zhang Chuan , Li Weimin , Li Rong , Liu Jiangtao , Liu Ze , Wu Zhenhua
Published: July 2022

Ultraviolet (UV) electro-optic modulation system based on graphene-plasmonic metamaterials nanomechanical system (NEMS) with superlubricity is investigated. Due to the strong optical absorption intensity of graphene in the UV region and the combination of metamaterial structure based on surface plasmons, the modulation depth of the UV NEMS electro-optic modulator approaches as high as 8.5 times compared to the counterpart modulator in visible light region. Meanwhile, the superlubricity significantly reduces the power consumption of the UV electro-optic modulation system due to its extremely low friction coefficient. It also significantly increases the response speed of the modulator, with response time down to nanoseconds. The modulation voltage can be equal to or less than 150 mV. The proposed electro-optic modulation system has a simple structure and high sensitivity, which is supposed to have important applications in UV optoelectronic devices and systems.
Thanh Lao Công [Young Christian Workers] in Tonkin, 1935–1945
Authors: Trần Claire Thị Liên
Published: July 2022

This article focuses on the emergence of the youth Christian workers movement in Tonkin during the decisive decade before the Vietnamese Revolution (1935–1945). It explores the spread of the social doctrines and associational forms of the global Catholic Action movement among Vietnamese Catholics in a colonial context. How were these new forms of militancy disseminated among the Vietnamese Catholic communities, both clergy and laity? To what extent were Catholic youth mobilized by these perspectives of living their faith beyond the borders of their parish and its “good deeds”? An analysis of the Thanh Lao Công (TLC) or Jeunesse Ouvrière Chrétienne (JOC) [Young Christian Workers] in the three major northern cities—Hà Nội, Hải Phòng, and Nam Định—illustrates the adaptation of global Catholic ideas and organizations in a Vietnamese context. It shows the attempts of major figures to enact reforms within the Vietnamese church regarding economic and social transformations at the end of the 1930s. It highlights the initiative of the TLC’s young Vietnamese leaders who seized the opportunity of the promotion of youth movements during the Vichy period and participated in social and political debates in a context of nationalist turmoil.
Sustainability Evaluation of Machining Ti6Al4V with Graphene Inclusion
Authors: Amrita M. , B Kamesh , R R Srikant , MSS Bharati , B Chandu , Soma Venugopal Rao
Published: July 2022

Ti6Al4V has wide applications but is generally considered to belong to the “difficult to machine” category. The present work aims at evaluating sustainability while machining Ti6Al4V with inclusion of graphene. Graphene is included using two methods in this work. In method one, graphene is included as a dispersant in cutting fluid and applied as minimum quantity lubrication (MQL). In the other method, graphene is filled in microholes on tools to form self-lubricating tools. Experiments are performed, and results are used to evaluate carbon footprint of the operation on the environment. Economic analysis is also performed—application of graphene as dispersant as well as in solid form enhanced machining capability of Ti6Al4V. Application of 0.3 wt.% graphene dispersed cutting fluid is found to be the most economic. The use of graphene in both forms could improve the machinability of Ti6Al4V and is also found to be economical but has enhanced carbon emission to the environment.
Potential use of Friction Welding for Fabricating Semi-Biodegradable Bone Screws
Authors: Nasution Ahmad Kafrawi , H. Gustami  , S. Suprastio  , M.A. Fadillah  , J. Octavia  , S. Saidin
Published: July 2022

Certain surgical interventions, such as fractures, may require implants that have a combination of external and internal parts made of inert and biodegradable biomaterials, respectively. This implant design can be fabricated using specific fabrication methods such as friction welding that are able to efficiently combine two biomaterials. This study reports the utilization of the direct friction welding technique for the fabrication of semi-biodegradable bone screws using two parent metals of low carbon steel and austenitic stainless steel 202. The welding parameters were optimized to obtain welded joints for bone screw fabrication. The mechanical properties of metals that have been welded were identified through tensile and three-point bending analyses. The corrosion test was then conducted on the welded metals through the measurement of corrosion rate, changes in pH value, morphology visualization, and element release, while the cytotoxicity effect was evaluated through a cell viability test. Screw implant materials with a diameter of up to 12.7 mm were successfully fabricated using a continuous friction drive welding machine at 4000 rpm and 24.5 MPa hydraulic pressure. The results of mechanical testing show that the tensile strength of weld joints decreased by 3.6% from low carbon steel and 20.4% from stainless steel. Fractures were observed at the welding interface after being subjected to flexural testing. The pH value of the Saline solution decreased from 7.13±0.06 to 6.73±0.06 after the welded metals were immersed for up to 8 weeks. Evaluation of the surface morphology in all welding zones at week eight samples obtained that almost all types of corrosion that occurred were uniform corrosion, except in the PZ zone where galvanic corrosion was formed. The concentrations of Cr and Ni ions (ppm level) were very low, namely 0.058 ppm for Cr and 0.199 ppm for Ni. The viability of human fibroblast cells was maintained at higher than 75% viability after the cell incubation at 1, 3, and 5 days with different parts of welded joints.
Energy Minimization in City Electric Vehicle using Optimized Multi-Speed Transmission
Authors: Janulin Michal , Vrublevskyi Oleksandr , Prokhorenko Andriy
Published: July 2022

This article discusses a set of solutions for creating a city electric car with a low-voltage power supply system for a DC motor. Based on a constructed city vehicle with a low voltage electric drive system, a simulation model was prepared and verified. An energy flow analysis was performed, and the developed simulation model was described. Then, the optimization method was focused on minimizing the energy consumption of the vehicle in the driving cycles under consideration. To mirror the actual road conditions as much as possible, the real traffic cycle registered over an actual route was used in the process of optimization, with the cycle’s velocity profile and recording of the road slope angle used in the simulation program. Established optimality quantitative dependence of the design and control parameters of the gearbox on the operational characteristics of the electric vehicle, which allowed for the determination of parametric and functional limitations during optimization. As a result of employing the described design solutions and optimization of drivetrain parameters, an over 40% reduction in the vehicle’s energy consumption in a real driving cycle test was obtained.
Assessment of refined higher order theories for the static and vibration analysis of laminated composite cylindrical shells
Authors: Sayyad Atteshamuddin Shamshuddin , Ghugal Yuwaraj M.
Published: July 2022

In the present study, a generalized shell theory is presented and applied for the analysis of laminated composite cylindrical shells. A theoretical unification of the several refined shell theories is presented. The principle of work done is employed to derive five differential equations corresponding to five unknowns involved in the present generalized shell theory. Five differential equations are solved by an analytical procedure suggested by the Navier. The numerical results for simply supported laminated composite cylindrical shells are presented and compared with 3D elasticity solutions. Displacements, stresses and fundamental frequencies are obtained for isotropic, orthotropic, 00/900 and 00/900/00 laminated cylindrical shells. The numerical results are obtained for h/a=0.1, a/b=1 and different values of R/a ratio. Displacements and stresses of laminated cylindrical shells are estimated under sinusoidal transverse load. In the case of free vibration analysis, first five natural frequencies are presented. It is observed that refined theories predicts displacements and stresses in close agreement with 3D elasticity solutions whereas the FST and the CST underpredict the displacements and stresses. It is also observed that the CST overestimates the natural frequencies due to neglect of shear deformation effect.
Effect of fiber and CO2 lasers parameters on the cut surface quality of RVS 1.4301 stainless steel
Authors: Bohdal Łukasz , D. Schmidtke
Published: July 2022

The paper presents the results of experimental research related to the process of cutting of t = 3 mm and t = 6 mm thick RVS 1.4301 (AISI 304, EN X5CrNi18-10) stainless steel using a fiber and CO2 lasers. The correct selection of technological parameters and the maintenance of the machines in the right technical condition allow obtaining very high quality of the cut edge, which will not require additional mechanical treatment. However, this is a complex issue. Appropriate control of the cutting process requires knowledge about the impact of individual parameters on the process and the quality of the cut edge. The influence of selected parameters and conditions of the laser cutting process on the technological quality of the obtained product was determined. The laser power and cutting speed had a significant influence on the output factors for two cutting techniques.For cutting material with a thickness of t = 3 mm with a CO2 laser, the highest quality of the cut edge was obtained using the power values ​​P = 4200-4300 W and cutting speed v = 2100 mm/min. For the thickness t = 6 mm, the speed values ​​should be approximately set in range v = 1600-1800 mm/min. The power value should be selected in a range from P = 3700 W to P = 4200 W. For a fiber laser with a material thickness of t = 3 mm, the best results were obtained using speeds in the range v = 2000-3300 mm/min. For the thickness of t = 6 mm, the cutting speed must be higher and in the range v = 3500-4000 mm/min while maintaining the power of about P = 4500-4800 W. The conducted experimental research can be useful on production lines in the aspect of the correct selection of technological parameters of the process due to the adopted energy and quality criteria.
Darwin w sporze z chrześcijaństwem? Problemy teorii ewolucji
Authors:   Archidiecezjalne Wyższe Seminarium Duchowne w Białymstoku, Bielecki Marek ,   Uniwersytet Kardynała Stefana Wyszyńskiego w Warszawie
Published: July 2022

Since the publication of Charles Darwin’s flagship work on the origin of species, it has been commonly believed that there is a dispute between evolution and the Christian vision of creation. The former refers to long-term processes, often accidental, that introduce changes in the organisms of creatures. The Christian vision of creation sees its origins in an act of God. The problem with the acceptance of the theory of evolution is the alleged conflict between reason and faith. The article is divided into four main parts in which the Darwinian concept of evolution is presented and the problem of God’s omnipotence in the context of Darwin’s theory and the relationship between theology and the Magisterium and the Darwinian vision of creation are discussed. The conclusion emphasized the necessity of cooperation between the order of faith and the order of reason, which strive to know the truth, of which there is only one.
Kierunki reinterpretacji chrześcijańskiej doktryny o grzechu pierworodnym w perspektywie ewolucyjnej genezy gatunku ludzkiego
Authors:   Uniwersytet Papieski Jana Pawła II w Krakowie, Grygiel Wojciech P. ,   Centrum Kopernika Badań Interdyscyplinarnych w Krakowie
Published: July 2022

Due to its highly contextual character the doctrine of original sin has been generating much discussion and controversy in regards to its proper meaning. This is particularly manifest as the classical formulation of this doctrine is confronted with the outcomes of contemporary science concerning the evolutionary scenarios of the origin and the development of the human species. The aim of the inquiry presented in this paper is to clearly present and discuss the main challenges that these scenarios present to the classical doctrine on original sin and how the different aspects are addressed and resolved within the novel interpretations, which shift their focus from the literal historical reading of original sin to treating is as a metaphor for the fundamental condition of human nature. The inquiry is additionally supported by the basic outcomes of the contemporary exegesis of the Book of Genesis, as well as a survey of some basic methodological issues pertaining to the nature of theological language. Finally, an extension to an existing interpretation of original sin is proposed, aimed at improving the consistency of its understanding with the evolutionary (dynamic) picture of the Universe.
Hermeneutyka ciągłości jako narzędzie interpretacji teologii stworzenia w wybranych wypowiedziach Magisterium Kościoła
Authors:   Archidiecezjalne Wyższe Seminarium Duchowne w Białymstoku, Osiecki Robert ,   Uniwersytet Kardynała Stefana Wyszyńskiego w Warszawie
Published: July 2022

The choice between the hermeneutics of continuity and the hermeneutics of rupture as a tool for interpreting theological issues is a very current topic in the context of the challenges facing the Church today. Although the very concept of “hermeneutics of continuity” was coined by Pope Benedict XVI, its practical application has characterized the magisterium of the Church since antiquity. The problem of choosing a hermeneutical model also touches upon the theology of creation. The article indicates the importance of the interpretation of the theology of creation for contemporary theological and anthropological discourse. It further touches on the problem of selecting hermeneutics appropriate for Catholic theology and shows the hermeneutics of continuity as a tool used by Roman popes over the centuries to interpret the theology of creation.