bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ENGINEERING FORMULAS FOR ESTIMATING THE INFLUENCE OF NATURAL CONVECTION ALONG THE SURFACE OF FUEL ASSEMBLY OF WWER-1000 ON THE RESULTS OF MEASURING ITS SIZES BY THE ULTRASONIC METHOD IN COOLING POND OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANT
Authors: Voronina A , Pavlov S
Published: January 2022

Engineering formulas are presented for calculating the value of methodological error in measuring the distances from the ultrasonic sensor to the surface of the irradiated fuel assembly of WWER-1000 caused by decay heat from the fuel assembly. The methodical error arises due to the water temperature gradient along ultrasonic wave path. This is due to the presence of natural convection at the surface of the fuel assembly discharged from the reactor into cooling pool at nuclear power plant. The paper presents a methodology for calculating the methodical error. It is assumed that the water temperature between the sensor and the surface of the fuel assembly is determined by convective heat transfer between the fuel assembly and the water in cooling pool at nuclear power plant. The surface of VVER-1000 fuel assemblies is modeled by a flat vertical plate with a uniform surface heat flux. The propagation of an ultrasonic wave in a medium between the surface of a fuel assembly and an ultrasonic sensor is described in the approximation of geometric acoustics. The results of numerical calculations according to the presented method are executed in the form of nomograms. Engineering formulas for calculating the value of methodological error are obtained by processing an array of calculated data. The obtained formulas are used in the development of measuring systems for monitoring the deformation of fuel assemblies of WWER-1000 in cooling pond of nuclear power plant.
MANIFUNCTIONAL MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC DEVICE
Authors: Loginov N
Published: January 2022

Three types of magnetohydrodynamic devices using in liquid metal circulating loops are known. These are electromagnetic pumps, flow meters, and throttles. Electromagnetic pumps and throttles are induction type, as a rule, using alternating current and alternating magnetic field. Electromagnetic flowmeters for liquid metals, as a rule, are conduction type using direct current and permanent magnetic field. Every of each device serves one function only. Operating principle and some designs of universal conduction magnetohydrodynamic devices, which are possible provide simultaneously two of three functions, (pump and flow meter, or throttle and flow meter) are described at the paper. They are called pump-flow meter and throttle-flow meter. These devices are proposed for small experimental facilities with flow rate of liquid metal 1-500 l/h and for auxiliary circulating loops of big facilities. Theoretical basis of fulfilment of two function simultaneously and needed mathematical formulas presented at the paper. Three variants of pump-flow meters tested and corresponding results are described.
THERMOACOUSTIC EFFECT AND ITS APPLICATION
Authors: Vereshchagina T , Mikheev A , Kudryaeva Y
Published: January 2022

This paper presents a brief review of research and developments history in the field of thermoacoustics from the 18th to the 20th century. The modern state of the art in the field of thermoacoustics is presented too. The basic equations of the linear thermoacoustics (generalized Rott - Swift equations) theory are presented. It is shown that now there are wide opportunities to use various devices based on the direct and reverse thermoacoustic effects. The features and advantages of thermoacoustic devices are listed. Particular attention is paid to cooling systems. It is shown that the development of refrigeration units based on the thermoacoustic effect is an actual and promising task. The conclusion is made about the relevance of theoretical and experimental studies in the field of thermoacoustics. The article also presents the results of publication activity analysis in the field of thermoacoustics over the past 20 years. It is concluded that there has been a dramatic increasing of publications number deal with the results of scientific and practical developments in the field of thermoacoustics over the past 20 years, both in Russia and abroad. Based on the analysis of inventive activity, conclusions are drawn about the wide scope of application of thermoacoustic devices and the directions of their improvement.
HYDRODYNAMICS OF TURBULENT FLOW IN A FAST REACTOR FUEL ASSEMBLIES (VELOCITY FIELD AND MICROSTRUCTURE OF TURBULENCE)
Authors: Sorokin A , Kuzina Ju , Denisova N
Published: January 2022

The article describes the factors under the influence of which the formation of thermohydraulic characteristics occurs in the fuel assemblies of the core of fast reactors with liquid metal cooling. It is shown that one of the most important factors is a complex multiply connected geometry of a stochastic nature, subject to deformation during the campaign under the influence of temperature irregularities and radiation effects. The paper presents and analyzes the results of experimental and computational studies of the velocity field and shear stress, the microstructure of turbulence, momentum transfer in the central and peripheral regions of fuel assemblies without and with displacers, as well as in the case of deformation of the lattice of rods. The intensification of turbulent momentum transfer in the channels in the azimuthal direction in the area of the gaps between the rods is demonstrated. The anisotropy coefficient of turbulent momentum transfer reaches 30-40 units. The performed analysis indicated a significant difference in the calculated in the framework of semi-empirical models of turbulent transfer and experimental dependences of the coefficients of turbulent transfer of momentum in the radial and azimuthal directions and the coefficients of anisotropy of turbulent transfer of momentum in rod bundles. The results of an open benchmark on the thermohydraulics of fuel assemblies showed that common commercial computational thermohydraulic codes only approximately describe the experimental data. It is shown that the intensification of turbulent momentum transfer in the channels of rod assemblies is due to the appearance of large-scale turbulent momentum transfer (secondary flows). The contribution of large-scale turbulent momentum transfer to the kinetic energy of turbulent pulsations, azimuthal turbulent shear stresses, and turbulent momentum transfer coefficients in rod assemblies is calculated. An empirical dependence of the coefficient of interchannel turbulent impulse exchange in bundles of smooth rods is obtained, on the basis of a semi-empirical model, data on interchannel turbulent impulse exchange in assemblies of smooth rods are generalized, and the intensification of interchannel turbulent exchange in close lattices of rods is explained. Data on hydraulic resistance in bundles of smooth rods are analyzed. The tasks of further research are discussed.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE APPLICABILITY OF SOLID OXIDE ELECTROLYTE TO DETERMINE THE LOWER LIMIT OF OXYGEN CONTROL IN SODIUM
Authors: Blokhin V , Borisov V , Zhmurin V , Zazorin I , Kamayev A , Pakhomov I
Published: January 2022

Solid oxide electrolyte based on zirconium dioxide stabilized with calcium oxide or yttrium oxide is the most studied. It’s currently widely used to control oxygen in gas, in the metallurgical industry production of steel, non-ferrous metals, operation of nuclear power plants with a heavy coolant, and therefore it’s interest to use it to control the oxygen content in alkaline coolants, for example, in sodium. Sodium is an extremely reducing agent for metal oxides. There are practically no literature data on the limiting value of the partial oxygen pressure and temperature for an electrolyte based on zirconium dioxide stabilized with yttrium oxide. This work presents experimental studies of the applicability of solid polycrystalline oxide electrolyte 0.85ZrO2•0.15Y2O3 for determining the oxygen content in sodium at a temperature of (400 ± 5) °C. Studies of the electrolyte 0.85ZrO2•0.15Y2O3 were carried out in the working section, which is a galvanic concentration cell (GCC). The electrolyte in the form of a pellet with a diameter of 4 mm and a length of 5-7 mm is hermetically inserted into an insulator made of alumina-magnesia spinel with the addition of magnesium oxide, which is reinforced with EI-852 steel. The reference electrode was placed in an insulator made of magnesia-alumina spinel with the addition of magnesium oxide and was hermetically sealed from the environment by a sealed lead. A weighed portion of sodium was placed in a small tank made of nickel. To change the concentration of oxygen in sodium, weighed portions of a deoxidizer were introduced into it. Lithium was used as a deoxidizer. EMF of GCC was measured by a ph-meter - ionometer “Expert 001” combined with a computer. The kinetics of the change in the each lithium sample input EMF of the GCC is presented. The weighed portions of lithium were injected until the EMF of the GCC changes with the last injection of the subsequent weighed portion. This value of the EMF of the GCC will be the limit of the applicability of a solid electrolyte to control and dose oxygen into sodium. From the measured value of the EMF GCC obtained after introducing weighed portions of lithium, the lower limit of applicability of the electrolyte was calculated from the partial pressure of oxygen over sodium and the lower limit of applicability of the electrolyte was determined from the oxygen content in sodium using the Nodena formula for the oxygen solubility in sodium. It is shown that the lower limit of applicability of solid polycrystalline oxide electrolyte 0.85ZrO2•0.15Y2O3 for monitoring the oxygen content in sodium at a temperature of (400 ± 5) °C is ~7•10-5 ppm, and for the partial pressure of oxygen over sodium - 4.6•10-59 Pa.
COMPLEX OF EXPERIMENTAL FACILITIES FOR DESIGN AND SAFETY JUSTIFICATION OF FAST REACTORS WITH LIQUID METAL COOLANTS
Authors: Kuzina Yu , Klinov D , Mikhailov G , Sorokin A , Alekseev V
Published: January 2022

To substantiate the safety and characteristics of fast reactors with liquid metal coolants, a complex of more than 20 stands of various profiles and purposes, well equipped with modern measuring instruments, including hydrodynamic, thermohydraulic and technological stands, has been created at SSC RF - IPPE. In addition, JSC “SSC RF - IPPE” has a complex of fast physical stands, including two critical stands - BFS-1 and the world's largest physical stand BFS-2. The article presents the characteristics and the possibility of stands designed for research in the field of hydrodynamics, heat transfer and coolant technology in support of design solutions, safety improvement and testing of equipment elements and assemblies of operating and planned installations with fast reactors with sodium, lead and lead-bismuth coolants, as well as for accelerator-controlled systems and thermonuclear fusion, low-power nuclear power plants for space: - Hydrodynamic stands - “SGDI” (air), “V-2” (air), “SGI” (water), “V-200” (water), “GDK” (air). - Thermal-hydraulic liquid metal stands - “6B” (Na, Na-K), “AR-1” (Na, Na-K), “Pluton” (Na), “SPRUT” (Na, Na-K, Pb, Pb-Bi, water). - Technological liquid metal stands - “Protva-1” (Na), “Protva-2” (Na), “PUSHM” (Na), “Armatura” (Na), “IK-MT” (Na), “SID” (Na), “BTS” (Na), “TT-1M” (Pb), “TT-2M” (Pb-Bi), “LIS-M” (Li). A large-scale sodium test stands “SAZ” is under construction, which allows testing full-scale prototypes of equipment and its elements to substantiate existing and future projects of fast sodium reactors. The BFS complex of physical stands is the world's only experimental tool for full-scale modeling of the cores of nuclear reactors of various types (of any composition, geometry and configuration). The materials and construction of the stands allow simulating the core, breeding zones, reflectors and in-core shielding, as well as elements of fuel cycles and storage facilities for spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste. Reactor materials of the stands (metallic plutonium, oxide and metallic highly enriched uranium with enrichment of 36% and 90% in uranium-235, hundreds of tons of fertile materials, construction materials, various coolants) make it possible to assemble both complex full-scale models of fast reactors, and benchmarks, experiments for which are carried out to correct neutron-physical constants and improve computational methods.
CALCULATION OF THE STRUCTURAL MATERIALS ACTIVATION BY A FUSION NEUTRON FLUX WITH BPSD CODE
Authors: Belov A , Kryachko M , Chertovskikh O , Ivanov A
Published: January 2022

The calculation of activation inventories is one of the key aspects in nuclear plants simulation. Burnup calculations provide information not only about fuel actinides transmutation but also about impact of fuel/constructor materials/coolant impurities on the material. The inventory evolution also determines radiological response of a material by nuclides production/decay rates quantification. Results of the isotopic kinetics code BPSD for activity and afterheat calculation validation by means of direct comparison afterheat obtained by code BPSD with experimental data obtained due to steel SS-304 and steel SS-316 samples irradiation by fusion neutron spectra at the FNS facility and with results of FISPACT-II calculation are presented in this paper. BPSD code is intended for carrying of transmutation calculations of materials in fast neutron fluxes. Nuclides transformation chains are based on ROSFOND and ABBN-RF data. BPSD and FISPACT-II calculations results conform to each other. Differences in results could be explained by differences between transformation chains and by using different evaluation neutron data bases.
Penerapan Media Gambar Komik dalam Meningkatkan Keterampilan Menulis Teks Cerita Rakyat Pada Siswa Kelas VII SMP Negeri 1 Parung Kabupaten Bogor
Authors: Talitha Stella , Herdiani Dinda Dania
Published: January 2022

This study aims to determine the application of comic drawing media in improving the skills of writing folklore texts in VII grade students of SMP Negeri 1 Parung Kabupaten Bogor, and to find out the obstacles experienced by students in writing folklore texts. The method used in this research is experiment. Data collection techniques used were tests, non-tests in the form of observation, and questionnaires. The sampling technique is done by way of cluster ramdom sampling. The first hypothesis is the application of comic drawing media can improve the ability to write folklore texts can be tested for truth. This is evidenced by obtaining experimental class pretest data with an average 39,5. From these data it can be seen that the ability of students is in the level of being unable to write folklore texts. Meanwhile, the posttest results increased, The average value of the experimental class in writing folklore texts became 89.9 with a very capable level. This shows a very significant increase in the experimental class that is equal to 50.4. Therefore t0 is Bigger than tt 1,67 more than 2,78 more than 2,38. The second hypothesis is that the obstacles experienced by each student in writing folklore texts are proven true. Based on the results of the questionnaire, which states as much as 38% were experiencing obstacles when writing folklore texts. Then 44% were still experiencing obstacles in compiling the framework of folklore, in developing as a 47% folklore framework, then the obstacles in writing folklore texts through comic drawing media 38%, and the overall obstacle of teaching and learning activities 38%. Thus, the application of comic drawing media can improve writing skills of folklore texts in class VII students of SMP Negeri 1 Parung Kabupaten Bogor. Although there are some obstacles in the process, in the end students are able to write folklore texts through the media of comic drawings.
Evaluation of the Anti-Sickle Cell Activity of Uvaria Chamea P. Beauv. Roots Aqueous Extract
Authors: Ezéchiel Lokonon Jacques , Maximin SENOU , Gloria ABISSI Y. , Pascal TCHOGOU , René DEHOU
Published: January 2022

Sickle cell disease was a very common hemoglobinosis in tropical countries. Several plants were used in traditional Beninese medicine to relieve sickle cell crises. The present work was carried out to test the efficiency of Uvaria chamea roots aqueous extract in the treatment of sickle cell crises.

Methods: Uvaria chamea roots aqueous extract was preincubated at different concentrations with blood cells from SS red blood cells before or after the Emmel Test. Intra-erythrocyte oxidative stress was measured by methaemoglobin assay after incubation of the extract with hemoglobin. In vivo, the action of the extract on Hemoglobin level, Mean Corpuscular Volume, and platelet count was measured in Wistar rats.

Results: The extract significantly prevented the formation of sickle cells at doses of 40 and 20 mg / ml of blood (P <0.05) and significantly reduced sickle cells to the normal biconcave form at the dose of 40 mg / ml (P <0.05). It lowered the production of methemoglobin at a dose of 10 mg / ml, suggesting antioxidant activity. Hemoglobin level, Mean Corpuscular Volume, and platelet count did not significantly increase in treated rats, indicating that the extract did not stimulate erythropoiesis or thrombopoiesis.

Conclusion: Uvaria chamea extract inhibited dose-dependent sickling of red blood cells. It reduced intraerythrocyte oxidative stress but did not show hematopoietic activity. It could therefore be considered in the preventive or curative management of sickle cell crises, but not against anemia.
Corporate Brand Experience as a New Construct and Its Effects on Employees’ Corporate Brand Pride and Brand-Supporting Behaviours
Authors: Egeler Philipp , Abed Fabian , Buttgen Marion
Published: January 2022

Employee corporate brand experience is conceptualised as any contact employees have with a corporate brand along the wide range of brand touch-points. To investigate this topic, this paper provides two studies. In Study 1 (n = 195), an employee corporate brand experience scale for direct and indirect corporate brand experiences (DCBEs and ICBEs, respectively) has been developed and validated. In doing so, this paper shows that these scales are distinct from existing experience measures in consumer and organisational behaviour research. Study 2 investigates how these different types of brand experiences generate employee corporate brand pride and turn employees into brand champions. A multivariate data analysis technique (partial least squares) is used to analyse data from 283 employees in Germany. By building on and advancing the assumptions of affective events theory, Study 2 shows that only ICBEs trigger emotional and attitudinal brand pride in turn affect brand-supporting behaviours.
Kennzahlenbasierte Ergebnissteuerung im öffentlichen Sektor vor dem Hintergrund institutioneller Logiken
Authors: Lindermüller David , Hirsch Bernhard
Published: January 2022

Obwohl seit den 1990er Jahren für die deutsche Verwaltung eine auf Kennzahlen und Leistungsdaten basierte Ergebnissteuerung immer wieder gefordert und diskutiert wird, zeigte sich in den vergangenen Jahrzehnten, dass die Akzeptanz und Nutzung der damit verbundenen Praktiken häufig gering sind. Um die Ursachen dafür besser zu verstehen, beleuchtet der vorliegende Beitrag die kennzahlenbasierte Ergebnissteuerung und die damit verbundene Nutzung von Kennzahlen vor dem Hintergrund institutioneller Logiken (Handlungsrationalitäten), welche das Verhalten von Beschäftigten im öffentlichen Sektor maßgeblich beeinflussen. Zudem wird der Einfluss der akademischen Ausbildung der Beschäftigten auf die institutionellen Logiken im öffentlichen Sektor diskutiert. Dieser Beitrag stützt sich dabei auf drei empirische Studien zum Themenfeld „Ergebnissteuerung und Kennzahlennutzung“.
Viele Ziele, aber wenig Steuerung?
Authors: Weiß Jens
Published: January 2022

Der Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über den Stand der Umsetzung einer Steuerung über Ziele und Kennzahlen in Städten, Gemeinden und Landkreisen. Dabei wird insbesondere gezeigt, wie Reformakteure in Kommunen Vorschläge der Reformkonzepte ausgewählt und angepasst haben und welche Typen von Steuerungspraxen dabei entwickelt wurden. Auf Basis dieser Ergebnisse lassen sich kosten- und kennzahlenorientierte von ziel- bzw. strategieorientierten Systematiken unterscheiden. Während die Formulierung von Zielen und Strategien zu einem festen Bestandteil eines als modern geltenden Verwaltungsmanagements gehört, sind formale Steuerungspraxen - insbesondere eine Verbindung der Ziele zu den Produktbudgets der Haushaltspläne - bislang wenig entwickelt. Ob die in einzelnen Kommunen beobachtbaren Steuerungspraxen noch breiter in Kommunen implementiert werden, scheint nicht zuletzt mit Blick auf das neue Modernisierungsparadigma „Digitalisierung“ als fraglich.
Das Entschwinden der Erinnerung
Authors: Winnerling Tobias
Published: January 2022

Wie werden Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler vergessen? Vier Beispiele des 18. Jahrhunderts zeigen, warum wissenschaftlicher Nachruhm nicht ewig währt.

Zu ihren Lebzeiten erfolgreiche Gelehrte, zu Beginn des 21. Jahrhunderts so gut wie vergessen: Thomas Gale (1636-1702), Johannes Braun (1628-1708), Adriaan Reland (1676-1718) und Eusèbe Renaudot (1646-1720) bekleideten wichtige Posten, verfügten über weitreichende Netzwerke und schrieben vielgelesene Bücher. Heute sind sie höchstens Spezialistinnen und Spezialisten ein Begriff. Aber lautet das Versprechen der wissenschaftlichen Arbeit nicht, überzeitlich gültige Erkenntnisse zu gewinnen, und damit ewig währenden Nachruhm zu erlangen? Warum sonst versicherten sich die Gelehrten mit einem Zitat von Horaz beständig gegenseitig, ihre Werke seien »Denkmäler, dauerhafter als Erz«?

Tobias Winnerling gibt darauf eine Antwort: Weil sie genau wussten, dass wissenschaftliche Erkenntnis veraltet, Paradigmen und Disziplinen wechseln, und ewiger Nachruhm nur so lange währt, wie es Menschen gibt, die davon sprechen. In seiner wissenshistorischen Studie stellt er die Konstruktionsarbeit akademischen Erinnerns in den Vordergrund und zeigt über drei Jahrhunderte auf, wie Gelehrte in Vergessenheit gerieten.
Attraktionen der Straße
Authors: Hommer Gerhard H.
Published: January 2022

Freiheitsversprechen, Arbeitsplatz, Heimat der Heimatlosen - die Straße und ihre Akteure als ästhetisches Motiv bürgerlicher Literatur um 1930.

Die Literatur der Weimarer Republik blickt fasziniert auf die Berliner Straßen. Die Attraktion der Straße erreicht in den Jahren 1926 -1932 ihren Höhepunkt. Die kurze Weimarer Straßenklassik wird bevölkert von Passanten, Polizisten, Kindern, Zeitungsverkäufern, Flaneuren, »Wilden Cliquen«, Escortdamen, Bettlern, Arbeitslosen und vielen anderen.

Anhand kanonischer und unbekannter Autoren porträtiert Gerhard Hommer eine Epoche im Bann der Straße zwischen Alltag und Spektakel und zeigt: Eine Literatur auf Augenhöhe mit der Straße gibt es nicht. Aus der Perspektive derjenigen, zu deren Lebenswelt sie gehört, eignet sich die urbane Straße nicht zum Kunstprodukt. Zur ästhetischen Attraktion wird sie erst aus der Distanz der Beobachter und Besucher. Hommers spannende Berliner Literaturgeschichte der Jahre um 1930 rekonstruiert die Blindstellen des bürgerlichen Blicks im Kontrast mit der sozialen Realität des Straßenlebens und zeigt am Motiv der Straße, was eine Literatur zur bürgerlichen macht.
Perspective Chapter: Overview of Bio-Based Surfactant – Recent Development, Industrial Challenge, and Future Outlook
Authors: Liyana Ismail Nur , Shahruddin Sara , Othman Jofry
Published: January 2022

Bio-based surfactants are surface-active compounds derived from oil and fats through the production of oleochemicals or from sugar. Various applications of bio-based surfactants include household detergents, personal care, agricultural chemicals, oilfield chemicals, industrial and institutional cleaning, and others. Due to the stringent environmental regulations imposed by governments around the world on the use of chemicals in detergents, as well as growing consumer awareness of environmental concerns, there has been a strong demand in the market for bio-based surfactants. Bio-based surfactants are recognized as a greener alternative to conventional petrochemical-based surfactants because of their biodegradability and low toxicity. As a result, more research is being done on producing novel biodegradable surfactants, either from renewable resources or through biological processes (bio-catalysis or fermentation). This chapter discusses the various types, feedstocks, and applications of bio-based surfactants, as well as the industrial state-of-the-art and market prospects for bio-based surfactant production. In addition, relevant technological challenges in this field are addressed, and a way forward is proposed.
Nutrient Solution for Hydroponics
Authors: Ali Al Meselmani Moaed
Published: January 2022

Hydroponics is a profitable, sustainable agricultural method and environmental friendly technology for growing plants without soil. It is the fastest-growing agriculture sector, rapidly gaining momentum and popularity, and could dominate food production in the future. Nutrient solution and its management are the cornerstone of a successful hydroponic system and are the most important determinant of crop production and quality, which is largely dependent on the extent to which plant nutrients are acquired from the nutrient solution. All nutrients in the solution in balanced ratio are supplied directly to the plants and the composition of the solution must reflect the uptake ratio of individual elements by the crop. A balanced supply of nutrients is a prerequisite for the efficient use of resources, and stabilization of the solution pH, electrical conductivity, O2 level, and temperature is essential for optimum crop yield in hydroponic systems. In this chapter, the composition of the nutrient solution, nutrient availability which is affected by many factors, and the management of the nutrient solution are discussed.
Biometric-Based Human Recognition Systems: An Overview
Authors: Palma David , Luca Montessoro Pier
Published: January 2022

With the proliferation of automated systems for reliable and highly secure human authentication and identification, the importance of technological solutions in biometrics is growing along with security awareness. Indeed, conventional authentication methodologies, consisting of knowledge-based systems that make use of something you know (e.g., username and password) and token-based systems that make use of something you have (e.g., identification card), are not able to meet the strict requirements of reliable security applications. Conversely, biometric systems make use of behavioral (extrinsic) and/or physiological (intrinsic) human characteristics, overcoming the security issues affecting the conventional methods for personal authentication. This book chapter provides an overview of the most commonly used biometric traits along with their properties, the various biometric system operating modalities as well as various security aspects related to these systems. In particular, it will be discussed the different stages involved in a biometric recognition process and further discuss various threats that can be exploited to compromise the security of a biometric system. Finally, in order to evaluate the systems’ performance, metrics must be adopted. The most widely used metrics are, therefore, discussed in relation to the provided system accuracy and security, and applicability in real-world deployments.
Siamese-Based Attention Learning Networks for Robust Visual Object Tracking
Authors: Maklachur Rahman Md. , Ki Jung Soon
Published: January 2022

Tracking with the siamese network has recently gained enormous popularity in visual object tracking by using the template-matching mechanism. However, using only the template-matching process is susceptible to robust target tracking because of its inability to learn better discrimination between target and background. Several attention-learning are introduced to the underlying siamese network to enhance the target feature representation, which helps to improve the discrimination ability of the tracking framework. The attention mechanism is beneficial for focusing on the particular target feature by utilizing relevant weight gain. This chapter presents an in-depth overview and analysis of attention learning-based siamese trackers. We also perform extensive experiments to compare state-of-the-art methods. Furthermore, we also summarize our study by highlighting the key findings to provide insights into future visual object tracking developments.
Multiplexing Techniques for Applications Based-on 5G Systems
Authors: Huu Trung Nguyen
Published: January 2022

Multiplexing is an important technique in modern communication systems that allows simultaneous transmission of multiple channels of information on the same transmission media. Fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication systems allow Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC), and Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC). 5G has carrier frequency bands from sub-1 GHz to mid-bands and millimetre waves. The sub-1 GHz frequency band is for mobile broadband, broadcast and massive IoT applications. The mid-bands (between 1–6 GHz) offer wider bandwidths, focusing on mobile broadband and mission-critical applications. The frequency bands above 24 GHz (mmWaves) support super wide bandwidth applications over short, line-of-sight coverage. For each application on a corresponding frequency band, 5G allows defining of an optimized waveform from a family of waveforms. 5G uses massive MIMO, NOMA and network slicing techniques which allows spatial multiplexing and multibeam multiplexing. Multiplexing techniques play a major role in 5G systems in terms of data rate and bandwidth efficiency. This chapter presents multiplexing techniques for applications based-on 5G systems.
Investigating Knowledge Management Activities and Influential Factors of Contract Research Organizations (CRO)
Authors: Wu Feng-Shang , Wu Chien-Hsin , Yeh Yi-Chih
Published: January 2022

The pharmaceutical industry is critical to a nation’s economic development and welfare. However, most pharmaceutical companies do not have the capabilities to complete clinical trials by themselves and need assistance from the contract/clinical research organization (CRO). Clinical trials are highly knowledge-intensive and include several fields, such as toxicology, statistics, production, biology, health care, pharmacology, trial protocol design, and legal regulation. In academic research, few studies have focused on studying this important area from the perspective of knowledge management. Consequently, this research aims to fill this research gap by investigating knowledge management activities and influencing factors of CRO. A holistic framework was designed for this research, with the former (knowledge management activities) including four major constructs: knowledge creation and absorption, knowledge accumulation and storage, knowledge flow and diffusion, and knowledge protection, and the latter (influencing factors) including strategy and leadership, organizational culture, people, and information technology. Four CROs in Taiwan were selected for in-depth case studies. The research results are expected to contribute to both academia and industry.
Exosomes and HIV-1 Association in AIDS-Defining Patients
Authors: Kumar Barik Sushanta , Pati Sanghamitra , Kunja Mohanty Keshar , Bhusan Mohapatra Sashi , Jena Srikanta , Prasad Tripathy Srikanth
Published: January 2022

Exosomes are membranous nanovesicles of endocytic origin that help to facilitate cell-to-cell communication by transporting cellular cargo locally or systemically to a recipient cell. These are subsequently fused and internalised by recipient cells. Exosomes are secreted from all cell types in HIV-1 infected patients. Recent studies reveal that exosomes from various sources modulate the pathophysiology of HIV-1, and conversely, exosomes are also targeted by HIV-1 factors. Semen or plasma exosomes could suppress/inhibit HIV-1 replication in humans and rodent models. Exosomal cargo components could be used as a biomarker in HIV-1patients and AIDS-defining patients. Exosome in semen and plasma is a useful tool for the diagnosis of HIV-1 and an alternative therapeutic tool for antiretroviral therapy.
Exploring the Versatility of Benzimidazole Scaffolds as Medicinal Agents: A Brief Update
Authors: Kavya Gopakumar , Sivan Akhil
Published: January 2022

Benzimidazole, one of the finest classes of heterocyclic aromatic compounds have the characteristic structure of benzene fused with a five-membered imidazole ring. Despite being made their first appearance in the late 1870s, they are considered as a ‘privileged molecule’. The applications of this wonder molecule range from medicinal chemistry to material science. Benzimidazole being a potent inhibitor for various enzymes has got therapeutic effects like anticancer, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antihistaminic, antipsychotic, etc. It has also made its existence in various branches of medical science viz ophthalmology, neurology, cardiology and more. The applications of benzimidazole are not only limited to the biological field but also expanded to the field of material chemistry as well. This chapter summarizes the pharmacological properties of benzimidazole, illustrated on numerous derivatives since 2016.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Phenotypes and Infertility Treatment
Authors: Radojčić Badovinac Anđelka , Smiljan Severinski Neda
Published: January 2022

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) includes different clinical, endocrine, metabolic, and morphological criteria in women of reproductive age and consequently different health risks in later life of a woman. Controversy and debates related to diagnostic criteria are constant and current worldwide. As a result of many proposals for PCOS diagnostic criteria, clinicians recognize four phenotypes of PCOS. PCOS is a frequent cause of infertility with an overall prevalence of 5–15% and counts for approximately 70% of all cases of ovulation disorders. There are many aspects of studying differences between PCO phenotypes and problems in infertility treatments. Ovulation induction is often used to treat anovulatory patients with PCOS, but many of these women fail to conceive and the next step in the treatment is assisted reproduction. The contribution of oocyte health to reproductive potential varies and largely depends on the PCOS phenotype and comorbidities associated with PCOS. Contrary to the previous one, PCOS phenotype is not significantly associated with the morphological quality of oocytes. It seems that a combination of hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation is associated with a negative impact on the cumulative pregnancy rate in medically assisted reproduction.
Heavy Metals in Cosmetics
Authors: Attard Tamara , Attard Everaldo
Published: January 2022

This review provides a comprehensive insight into the content of five heavy metals found in cosmetics and their effects at the site of application and on several organs via the dermal route of administration. Regulation of these products is very limited with little information on limits of these metals at the disposition of manufacturers. Lead and arsenic are considered to be contaminants in cosmetics whereas cadmium may be present as a coloring agent besides being a contaminant. Nickel is notorious for its association with allergic chronic dermatitis. Though mercury is rarely present in cosmetics, it has been found in significant quantities in skin lightening creams. A multi-variate meta-analysis was conducted to determine the relationships between the five metals and any possible differences between the sixteen categories of formulations used for facial and body skin care and cosmetic purposes. In general, lipsticks, eye shadows, face paints, make-up foundation and skin lightening creams exhibited a high amount of heavy metals superior to the levels of these metals in other facial and body products. The outcome of this analysis urges regulators and manufacturers to consider routine monitoring for the presence of these metals in cosmetics.
International female migrants in the labour market, with regard to COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lukić Vesna
Published: January 2022

The rise in the volume of international migration at the global level has resulted in increased participation of migrants in the labour market of the receiving countries, imposing needs for targeted integration policies and measures. A significant proportion of international migrants around the world are women. Relying on statistical data and relevant literature, the paper analyzes and critically discusses the position of migrant women in the labour market of destination countries, pointing out limitations and problems they face with. In this regard, the paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of the international migration of women, with special emphasis on determining the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the position of women born abroad in the Serbian labour market, but also female migrants from Serbia. While discussing gender differences in the position of international migrants on the labour market, the dual vulnerability of female migrants was pointed out as well as the likely impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the deepening of gender inequalities. The need to formulate policies and measures sensitive to the vulnerability of a social group of women with migrant backgrounds had been emphasized.
Importance of tobacco control for prevention of malignant disease
Authors: Kilibarda Biljana , Vasić Milena , Radu-Loghin Cornel , Jovanović Sofija
Published: January 2022

Smoking is related to 25% of all cases of malignant diseases globally. In 2020, in EU, 2.7 million people were diagnosed and 1.3 million died from malignant diseases. It is estimated that, in Europe, 1.6 million cases of lung cancer could be prevented with appropriate implementation of evidence-based tobacco control measures. In Serbia, more than 15.000 people die prematurely due to tobacco use every year. In addition, more than 800.000 of current smokers in Serbia will die prematurely if tobacco control measures are not implemented. Thus, tobacco control is of great importance for reducing the burden of malignant diseases. The aim of the article is to gain insight into tobacco control actions in key international and national documents and initiatives aimed at malignant disease prevention. Europe's Beating Cancer Plan includes activities that should decrease the share of the population in EU using tobacco to below 5% by 2040, which would be a significant reduction compared to current 25%. Joint Action "Innovative Partnership for Action Against Cancer", is aimed, among other things, at strengthening cancer prevention and raising awareness of the European Code Against Cancer, which stipulates 12 key recommendations for cancer risk reduction. Among these, two refer to tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke. Program for the improvement of cancer control in the Republic of Serbia for 2020-2022 foresees enhanced implementation of the existing tobacco-related legislation and its alignment with the WHO Framework Convention of Tobacco Control (FCTC) and EU acquis, as well as strengthening the network of smoking cessation services. Although many countries are signatories of the WHO FCTC and thus committed to the implementation of evidence-based tobacco control measures, tobacco use prevalence is still high, leading to higher cancer morbidity. Therefore, additional efforts and emphasis on tobacco control are needed within prevention of non-communicable diseases. Current strategic documents in the EU and in Serbia recognize the importance of tobacco control and provide a framework for reduction of tobacco use, but appropriate implementation of these measures is also necessary.
Virtual assessment, training, and evaluation of clinical laboratory technologists amidst peak Covid-19 pandemic: An observational study
Authors: Ahmed Sibtain , Abbas Abid , Jahan Farhat , Ozben Tomris
Published: January 2022

Medical technologists are considered a neglected group when it comes to academic interventions. We developed and implemented an educational intervention and assessment for the technologists based on an online questionnaire as a pre-test consisting of questions related to knowledge (n=5), attitude (n=3), and practices (n=4) of daily internal quality control (QC) monitoring via Google Docs survey tool. This study served multiple purposes. It allowed keeping the technologists engaged during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic while also improving the knowledge, attitude, and practices about the internal quality control using Bio-Rad Unity Real Time (URT) QC software. Subjects were graded based on the scores they received out of 100 (0-60 = poor; 61-79 = good; 80-100 = excellent). Training materials, i.e., a set of 5 videos every week via e-mail, were circulated. A voice-over PowerPoint presentation was also shared for easy comprehension. This activity was repeated after one month. A post-test was administered to assess the improvement. The study results show significant improvement in the technologists' performance after the intervention.
Importance of workplace wellness programmes in protection of employee health
Authors: Lazarević Snežana , Lukić-Nikolić Jelena
Published: January 2022

Every organization strives to have productive, creative, responsible employees, who constantly seek to acquire new knowledge and skills, who are motivated, loyal and engaged, and psycho-physically healthy. However, modern and dynamic business conditions, constantly growing demands and needs of consumers, setting new goals and tasks, increasing the level of responsibility and standards, and often setting expectations from employees too high are just some of the many pressures and sources of stress to which employees are permanently exposed in their workplace. Caring about employees, and safety and health protection at work is one of the important activities of the business function of human resource management. The priority task of experts in this field is to act preventively against stressors by creating various methods and techniques for their efficient and effective management. One of the techniques that is becoming increasingly popular in socially responsible organizations, are wellness programmes. By organizing and implementing these programmes, the management of the organization shows that it cares and acts preventively to maintain the safety and protection of the health of its employees, and the employees themselves acquire new knowledge and healthy life habits through these programmes. This paper points out the importance and role of wellness programmes, as important activities of strategic human resource management of modern organizations, which occupies a significant position in the protection and prevention of employee health. Also, the paper outlines all the important elements that management should keep in mind when designing and implementing wellness programmes in order for them to adequately influence the improvement of physical and mental health of employees.
Therapeutic exemption in sports and drug abuse aimed at improving sports performance
Authors: Stojmenović Dragutin , Nikolić Ivan , Stojmenović Tamara
Published: January 2022

Athletes, like ordinary people, have the right to get sick and be treated, but they are not allowed to use most of the drugs that are commonly prescribed to other people, because they are on the list of prohibited doping agents. Therefore, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has introduced the "Therapeutic Use Exemptions" (TUEs), which are submitted when there is an indication for the use of substances and methods that are on the list of prohibited substances. This "exemption" serves to relieve the athlete from the danger of being declared positive during or outside a competition. In recent years, permits for the therapeutic use of illicit drugs for treatment have been increasingly sought, and the aim of this paper is to investigate the causes of seeking TUEs, as well as whether there is abuse of TUEs in order to improve athletic ability and results. Descriptive method and theoretical analysis were used for the collection, classification and analysis of the targeted research, and the data used for the research was collected with the help of Google Scholar, PubMed and KoBSON search engines. Treatment of sports injuries is the most common cause for which athletes seek TUE approval. The second on this list are stimulants, which are used for the treatment of the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in athletes, while the third place is occupied by beta blockers for the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Synergistic effect of Bacillus isolates and biomass ash on soil and plant quality: A preliminary potexperiment with the analysis of potentially toxic elements
Authors: Buntić Aneta , Jojević-Tošić Sonja , Knežević Magdalena , Jovković Marina , Sikirić Biljana , Koković Nikola , Saljnikov Elmira
Published: January 2022

The use of biomass ash in agriculture can have advantages such as improved soil quality and environmentally friendly ash disposal. Moreover, in combination with microbial inoculants, biomass ash can have a beneficial effect on plant growth. The study investigated the effect of biomass ash and inoculums of three Bacillus isolates on the quality of soil and barley plants. The greenhouse pot experiment included five treatments and two control soils: control - without any amendment and control with mineral fertilizer (CAN). Treatments included soil (3 kg/pot) and biomass ash (30 g/pot) with and without calcium ammonium nitrate or with bacterial inoculum. Biomass ash was collected after combustion of soybean straw. Bacillus sp. were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of alfalfa. The presence of PGP traits (Indole-3-Acetic Acid and siderophores) was confirmed by the quantitative tests for the three Bacillus isolates used (B1, BS1, BMG1). The ash, soil and plant (collected in crop maturity stage) samples were tested for: total N, C, S, and plant available P2O5 and K2O as well as for the content of potentially toxic and hazardous microelements (As, Cd, So, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn). Inoculation of seeds with Bacillus inoculums (in vitro) showed a significant effect on seedling growth compared to the non-inoculated control. Addition of ash significantly reduced soil acidity and increased content of plant available P and K compared to the controls, while combination of ash and microorganism, increased amount of available P compared to the treatment with ash only. Barley biomass yield was increased more than double when treated with ash and by 87.62% when treated with ash+BMG1 compared to control. The lowest yield was obtained in the treatment where only CAN was added. The content of potentially toxic microelements in the soil and barley shoots was below the maximum allowed concentrations. The use of biomass ash alone was effective in terms of soil nutritional and physical properties resulting in yield increase. However, the use of ash in combination with Bacillus isolates in addition to positive effect on soil and plant quality resulted in a higher barley biomass than the combination of ash with CAN. This study showed that biomass ash can be used as fertilizer on acidic soils with low nutrient content alone or in combination with bacterial inoculants. The synergistic effect of ash with microorganisms can provide an environmentally friendly approach in agriculture to reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and solve the problem of biomass ash disposal.