bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building a Bioarchaeology of Pandemic, Epidemic, and Syndemic Diseases
Authors: Robbins Schug Gwen , Halcrow Siân
Published: March 2022

As we enter the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the scientific community has met the SARS-CoV-2 virus with efficient and effective responses in epidemiology, molecular biology, genetics, vaccine development, and new treatment options. Yet the toll of the virus on public health has been uneven globally and within nations to an extent that has led STEM professionals to inevitably conclude that a truly effective response requires insights and mobilization from across the social sciences and humanities. It is hard to express how much the pandemic has impacted almost every aspect of life in human communities and how it has laid bare longstanding social problems, like social inequalities. The pandemic has also illuminated the extent of more recent pernicious social forces, such as disaster capitalism, and provides an ominous window into how some governments and societies will meet challenges such as climate change. This introduction presents six commissioned articles that demonstrate the power of an anthropological approach to the biocultural and evolutionary aspects of pandemic and epidemic diseases in the past. In this article, we also frame a path for bioarchaeologists to contribute to incredibly important questions and debates about the global pandemic by situating the articles into holistic theoretical approaches.
Balancing the Halo
Authors: Kennedy Krista , Wilson Noah , Tschider Charlotte
Published: March 2022

Medical device manufacturers and other high-technology companies increasingly incorporate algorithmic data surveillance in next-generation medical wearables. These devices, including hearing aids, leverage patient data created through human-computer interaction to not only power devices but also increase corporate profits. Although data protection laws establish privacy requirements for personal information collection and use, these companies continue to use patients’ personal information with little notice or education, significantly curtailing the agency of wearers. We explore the complex ecology of the Starkey Halo smart hearing aid, focusing on the opacity of its algorithmic functionality and examining patient education materials for disclosures of data surveillance. We contextualize these findings within privacy law in the United States and European Union that are relevant to algorithmic surveillance and recommend specific steps to enhance wearer agency through informed decision-making.
Multiple Voices, Messy Truths
Authors: Condit Celeste , DeTora Lisa
Published: March 2022

The following commentary follows on and flows out of an initial response to reading “Multiple Voices on Authorship and Authority in Biomedical Publications” by DeTora and colleagues (2020), which appeared in volume 3 issue 4 of Rhetoric of Health and Medicine. This response, by rhetorician of science, health, and medicine Celeste Condit, begins by situating questions about authorship and authority in biomedicine against a classical rhetorical source, Plato’s Gorgias. In so doing, Condit identifies a messy truth—that rhetoric potentially can pose dangers when applied to health and medicine. The authors then construct a Platonic dialogue that situates authorship, ethos, and authority in the context of biomedicine. Ultimately, the two authors illustrate the messiness that results when attempting to mount a discussion of these terms across intellectual registers.
Review of "Diagnosing Madness: The Discursive Construction of the Psychiatric Patient, 1850-1920"
Authors: Fanning Shannon
Published: March 2022

Review of: Diagnosing Madness: The Discursive Construction of the Psychiatric Patient, 1850–1920. Cristina Hanganu-Bresch and Carol Berkenkotter. Columbia: University of South Carolina Press, 2019. 192 pages, $49.99 paperback, $49.99 e-book. Publisher webpage: https://www.sc.edu/uscpress/books/2019/6025.html
Creating Choice and Building Consensus
Authors: Longtin Krista , Binion Kelsey
Published: March 2022

According to a recent study by the Brookings Institution (Reeves & Krause, 2016), vasectomies are safer, more effective, and less expensive than most other voluntary sterilization methods. While the procedure has grown in popularity in recent years, particularly in the United Kingdom and Canada, it is much less common in the United States. This discrepancy can be attributed to both social (a perception that contraception is “women’s work”) and policy-­based factors (lack of coverage under the Affordable Care Act). This paper examines the role and extent to which invitational rhetoric could be a useful communicative lens for both partners and providers considering vasectomies, thus increasing access to and utilization of the safe, effective, and affordable procedure. In this policy brief, we suggest strategies for incorporating invitational rhetoric into health professions education curricula, patient counseling literature, and policy language in order to address some of the social stigma around the procedure.
“The Patient Decision Aid as a Pedagogical Tool: Exigencies between RHM and the Health Professions”
Authors: Novotny Maria , Opel Dawn , Hart-Davidson William
Published: March 2022

This past decade, the healthcare industry has undergone a transformation with where, how, and why writing happens. For example, what the health and medical professions conceive of as “documentation” or “charting” is writing, even though practitioners call it by another name. Additionally, most writing in healthcare settings is now also multimodal, incorporating textual, digital, visual, and aural content. This essay focuses on the patient decision aid as pedagogical tool that embraces the technological and multimodal changes in health and medicine. Patient decision aids can be understood as a multimodal tool guiding shared decision-making practices. As a genre, the decision aid prompts students to engage in a series of writing modalities – visuals, narrative, texts – as well as the application of user experience and design. Finally, the decision aid as an assignment offers explicit connections between humanities-based students and broader healthcare industries.
Molecular Simulation of Cholesteric Liquid-Crystal Polyesteramides: Conformational and Structure Analysis by Rietveld Refinement
Authors: Pérez Méndez Mercedes , Fayos Alcañiz José , Meunier Marc
Published: March 2022

Molecular modeling techniques are applied to polyesteramides designed as PNOBDME (C34H38N2O6)n and PNOBEE (C26H22N2O6)n, synthesized and characterized as cholesteric liquid crystals -through the condensation reaction between 4 and 4′-(terephthaloyl- diaminedibenzoic chloride (NOBC) and racemic glycol: DL-1,2 dodecanediol, or DL-1,2-butanediol, respectively, being chemical modifications of precursor multifunctional cholesteric LC polyesters, adding new properties but holding their helical macromolecular structures. Although the starting raw materials were racemic, these cholesteric LC polymers exhibit unexpected optical activity and chiral morphology. For that reason, conformational analysis is studied on the monomer models of PNOBDME and PNOBEE. Four helical conformers models, experimentally observed by NMR, are proposed for each cholesteric polyesteramide: Rgg, Rgt, Sgg, Sgt. Polymerization of the monomeric conformers, with minima energies, have been simulated and used to reproduce the crystalline fraction observed by x-ray diffraction. Three orders of chirality are observed in the structure of the polymer chains: One due to the asymmetric carbon atoms, a second chirality due to the two successive rotations of the benzene groups, along the main chain, within the monomer which implies the formation of helical molecules, for both R and S chirality and still, a third chirality corresponding to the twisting of the rigid/semirigid cholesteric LC polymer chains. All these factors contributing to the net optical activity observed in these materials. Crystal packing is simulated in triclinic primitive P1cells, with molecular chains oriented parallel to the z-axis (c lattice parameter equal to the pitch length of each simulated polymer helix) and parameters a, b, α, β and γ, obtained by Pawley refinement from the known structures of precursor polyesters. The simulated x-ray diffraction patterns of the proposed crystal models fit, after successive Pawley and Rietveld refinement cycles, the experimental WAXS. Powder Quantitative Phase Analysis applied to an ideal mixture with the four possible helical conformers, for each degree of polymerization, allows to refine their relative weight and determine the major phase relative amount. These results would confirm the theory of a preferable recrystallization, among the four possible helical diastereoisomers, depending on the synthetic conditions.
Short-Latency Evoked Potentials of the Human Auditory System
Authors: van Zanten Gijsbert , Versnel Huib , van der Stoep Nathan , Koopmans Wiepke , Hoetink Alex
Published: March 2022

Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABR) are short-latency electric potentials from the auditory nervous system that can be evoked by presenting transient acoustic stimuli to the ear. Sources of the ABR are the auditory nerve and brainstem auditory nuclei. Clinical application of ABRs includes identification of the site of lesion in retrocochlear hearing loss, establishing functional integrity of the auditory nerve, and objective audiometry. Recording of ABR requires a measurement setup with a high-quality amplifier with adequate filtering and low skin-electrode impedance to reduce non-physiological interference. Furthermore, signal averaging and artifact rejection are essential tools for obtaining a good signal-to-noise ratio. Comparing latencies for different peaks at different stimulus intensities allows the determination of hearing threshold, location of the site of lesion, and establishment of neural integrity. Audiological assessment of infants who are referred after failing hearing screening relies on accurate estimation of hearing thresholds. Frequency-specific ABR using tone-burst stimuli is a clinically feasible method for this. Appropriate correction factors should be applied to estimate the hearing threshold from the ABR threshold. Whenever possible, obtained thresholds should be confirmed with behavioral testing. The Binaural Interaction Component of the ABR provides important information regarding binaural processing in the brainstem.
Impact of Urban Open Spaces on City Spatial Structure (In Case of Isfahan)
Authors: Farjami Ghazal , Taefnia Maryam
Published: March 2022

Public spaces can be considered as important elements to improve the quality of the environment and increase the sense of citizenship. On the other hand, the cohesive network of urban spaces shows the integrated structure of a city’s spatial organization, in which not only the connection of form and function is considered, but also meaning finds its place in a complex urban system. Since the spatial structure of the traditional Iranian cities is ingrained in geographical factors and culture of the settlements, the evolution of this structure in Isfahan as one of the most famous historical cities in Iran is examined. The aim of this study is to answer this question: How do urban open spaces impact city spatial structure? The research method is descriptive-analytical, which has been concluded in a process of content analysis. The development of Isfahan’s structure over time and role of urban spaces in its formation has been studied. Entrances, key points, roads, and water edges as main urban spaces impact on city structure direction. The structure has changed from linear-nuclei to central-radial and finally, an integrated network to the Safavid era, but cohesive nature of the structure has changed from the Pahlavi period with multiple sections of streets.
Perspective Chapter: The Sovereign Way - How Diversity in Construction Is Key of Success in the Digital Age
Authors: Christina Weber-Lewerenz Bianca
Published: March 2022

It is true that women no longer have to be looked for with a magnifying glass in the executive floors of German businesses; however, their share is still small. The digital age holds great potential for increased inclusion and closure of the “Gender Leadership Gap,” especially in the construction industry. Industry standards, including global ones, are being examined to achieve more inclusive corporate governance models. The construction industry, which is regarded as one of the most traditional and conservative, male-dominated industries, serves as the best example for a long-overdue need for dynamic restructuring and action related to women’s leadership. This research is an approach to outline the framework answering the need to redefine, recalibrate and reshape this industry by increasing women’s role in the social, digital and business transformation processes. This approach is the most important finding as it bridges the current divide and facilitates movement from discussion and advocacy toward application and practice.
Multi Strategy Search with Crow Search Algorithm
Authors: Durgut Rafet , Emin Aydin Mehmet
Published: March 2022

Crow Search Algorithm (CSA) is one of the recently proposed swarm intelligence algorithms developed inspiring of the social behaviour of crow flocks. One of the drawbacks of the original CSA is that it tends to randomly select a neighbour on search strategy due to its low convergence rate, which pushes the search to stick in local optima due to the same search strategy applied across iterations. The multi-strategy search for CSA (CSA-MSS) has been proposed to enrich the search facilities and provide diversity to overcome these drawbacks. The multi-strategy search implies utilising a pool of strategies consists of six different types of search operators. The multi-strategy approach with a selection mechanism has not been proposed for CSA before and implemented first time. The comparative performance analysis for the proposed algorithm has been conducted over solving 24 benchmark problems. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach is outperforming well-known state-of-the-art methods.
Berardinelli-Seip Syndrome: Report of an Old Case Successfully Treated with Anti-Glucocorticoid Therapy Followed by Bilateral Adrenalectomy
Authors: H. Contreras Patricio
Published: March 2022

A female teenager was diagnosed in 1986 with Berardinelli-Seip syndrome (congenital generalized lipodystrophy). Following the predictable failure of the usual treatments for her severe type 2 diabetes and hypertriglyceridemia, we decided to treat her with a novel anti-glucocorticoid-centered approach. In 1988, we treated her with mifepristone alone (9 weeks), then with mifepristone combined with ketoconazole (1 week), and again, with mifepristone alone (2 weeks). Acanthosis nigricans, as well as eruptive xanthomas, experienced complete regression following the anti-glucocorticoid therapy. Moreover, the patient gained 7 kilograms. Besides, there was a striking metabolic amelioration with mifepristone therapy. The addition of ketoconazole strongly reduced the relevant mifepristone-induced hypercortisolemia within 1 week. Fasting serum glucose, insulin, and triglycerides fell from day 1 to day 7 without reaching values within the normal range. Two weeks after ketoconazole withdrawal (while keeping mifepristone administration), serum triglyceride and glucose values rose significantly. Eleven days after bilateral adrenalectomy, fasting glucose values were within normal limits or slightly above. An oral glucose tolerance test (75-g OGTT) performed 13 days after surgery showed insulin values within normal limits, fasting serum glucose values within the normal range, and a 2-h serum glucose value in the diabetic range. These findings were consistent with our working hypothesis proposing that Berardinelli-Seip syndrome is due to cortisol-mediated unrestrained lipolysis.
Insect Pest Management in Fruit Production
Authors: Helvacı Murat
Published: March 2022

Several pests cause destructive damages in fruit production. All of the pests cause yield loss but some of these cause transmission of virus diseases. For example, Brown citrus aphid transmits Citrus Tristeza virus in citrus production. Historically, broad-spectrum pesticides were used to prevent the yield loss and transmission of bacteria and virus diseases in the world. These pesticides cause several problems including environmental, human health and also cause negative effects on soil health. At the same time, pesticides have other potential negative effects including food safety. For all these reasons, alternative management methods such as biological, biotechnical, sterile insect techniques are used in fruit growing all over the world.
Logistics Services Satisfaction Survey: SERVQUA
Authors: Stefanova Marieta
Published: March 2022

The chapter of the study presents the performed analysis of the logistics services satisfaction survey. It has been found that later the non-conformities in the logistics quality management system are identified and corrected, the more serious they are. The analysis is performed using the PLS-PM model captures the causal relationships of the study sample through arrows that start at a latent variable (factor) and point to the measured indicator variables. Results show that expected quality is the most important and effective latent variable. Customers were positive about the satisfaction of their requirements and the ability of logistics service providers to assess their expectations.
Pandemic Problems Related to Forecasting Natural Gas Consumption
Authors: Chrulski Tomasz
Published: March 2022

There are many macroeconomic and atmospheric factors affecting the development of natural gas consumption forecasts. Recently, another factor has emerged that causes some problems in developing an accurate forecast. COVID-19 introduced many perturbations. It makes previous long-term natural gas consumption forecasts obsolete. This chapter presents the process of natural gas consumption in the U.S. and the implications that a pandemic will have on the forecasting process. Forecasts were developed using RStudio. The results clearly show the impact of the pandemic on the consumption of gaseous fuel by each area of life.
Dealing with Uncertainties in the Assessment of the Avalanche Protective Effects of Forests
Authors: Stritih Ana
Published: March 2022

Through the development of remote sensing and process-based models of natural hazards, an increasing amount of information on the protective effect of forests is becoming available. Such information can be used to map protection forests, which is an important tool for risk management. However, it is important to be aware of the uncertainty in such assessments. We used Bayesian Networks (BNs; using the software Netica) to combine remote sensing, process-based models (RAMMS), and expert knowledge to model forests’ protective effect against avalanches, while taking into account the uncertainties in each model component. Using the online platform gBay, we mapped the protective effect of forests in the Dischma valley in Davos, Switzerland, as well as the associated uncertainty. In most areas with a high protective effect, the overall level of uncertainty is also high. To evaluate the importance of different sources of uncertainty, we performed a stepwise sensitivity analysis and visualized how information is transferred through the model. Most uncertainties are related to the inherent variability of snow avalanche processes and uncertainty in process modeling. Nevertheless, combining different remote sensing products can help to gain a more detailed picture of the forest structure and thus improve the mapping of avalanche protection. This type of analyses can help address uncertainties and risks in a spatially explicit way and to identify knowledge gaps that are priorities for future research.
Combined Nevi
Authors: Stojkovic-Filipovic Jelena , Vlahovic Miljan
Published: March 2022

Combined nevi (CN) are clinically defined as melanocytic lesions comprising two or more distinct melanocytic nevus components, and from the cytological point of view, CN are determined by the presence of two or more different nevus cell types in one biopsy specimen. They are very uncommon and represent less than 1% of all biopsied melanocytic nevi. CN comprise any melanocytic nevi, but the most prevalent combination is CN that consist of blue nevus associated with common melanocytic nevus. CN owe their diversity to combination of different nevi, that are variously combined. Consequently, they can have variable clinical aspects and dermatoscopic features. Because of the presence of at least two distinct subtypes of nevomelanocytes, dermatoscopically CN can show multicomponent, unspecific, and peculiar patterns. Therefore, CN can mimic melanomas, their most important differential clinical, dermatoscopical and histopathological diagnosis.
Two new records of Laciniaria plicata (Draparnaud, 1801) from western Bohemia (Gastropoda: Clausiliidae)
Authors: Dvořák Libor
Published: March 2022

Two new records of Laciniaria plicata (Draparnaud, 1801) from western Bohemia are presented. All previous records are summarised and the distribution in western Bohemia is briefly discussed.
First record of Trochulus clandestinus (Hartmann, 1821) in Austria (Gastropoda: Eupulmonata: Hygromiidae)
Authors: Duda Michael , Schindelar Julia , Macek Oliver , Eschner Anita , Kruckenhauser Luise
Published: March 2022

The north-west alpine distributed hairy snail Trochulus clandestinus (Hartmann, 1821) was recorded for the first time from Austria. Two living specimens were found in Vorarlberg 11 July 2016. The animals were subjected to genetic barcoding and their genital organs were dissected. The taxonomic situation within north-west alpine species of the genus Trochulus is not unambiguously resolved, but the assignment of the Austrian specimens as T. clandestinus is the most reliable at the current state of knowledge. The habitat of the Austrian location concurs with those of autochthonous populations in Switzerland. Nevertheless, for now it cannot be clearly stated whether the species settled in Vorarlberg directly after the end of the last glaciation or whether the current finding is a result of recent anthropogenic introduction.
Malakofauna vybraných skalních a hradních lokalit v okolí Brandýsa nad Orlicí a nový druh pro údolí Tiché Orlice [Molluscan fauna of selected rocky and castle localities around Brandýs nad Orlicí and one new species of the Tichá Orlice River valley]
Authors: Kadlecová Barbora , Vácha Jakub
Published: March 2022

Altogether, 40 mollusc species were recorded during the research of five localities in the Tichá Orlice River valley (East Bohemia, Czech Republic). The high species richness is in accordance with high habitat diversity of the studied area. One new species (Oxychilus glaber) was recorded for the first time in the Tichá Orlice River valley.
On Helix grisea Linnaeus, 1758 and the Helix species described by Carl Linnaeus and Otto Friedrich Müller
Authors: Korábek Ondřej
Published: March 2022

Helix grisea was described by Linnaeus in 1758, and its identity has been doubtful ever since. The name features in the early taxonomic history of some other species of Helix sensu lato. Here I provide a summary of the history of its use. Mostly, the name was applied for the widespread species now accepted as Cornu aspersum (O. F. Müller, 1774), while a few authors used it for Helix cincta O. F. Müller, 1774. Neither usage is in line with the Linnaeus' account. Based on a figure to which Linnaeus referred, I propose that the name originally applied to a species now known as Helix lucorum Linnaeus, 1758 and as the first reviser, I give precedence to H. lucorum over H. grisea. In respect to C. aspersum, H. grisea cannot take precedence because of reversal of precedence according to Art. 23.9, and is pronounced a nomen oblitum. The case of H. grisea illustrates the importance of Müller's work for the taxonomy of the genus. In this respect it is regrettable that some of his species, including C. aspersum, lack a known and well documented type specimens.
The Nemesia trapdoor spider fauna of the Maltese archipelago, with the description of two new species (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Nemesiidae)
Authors: Cassar Thomas , Mifsud David , Decae Arthur E.
Published: March 2022

Contrary to what its name suggests, Nemesia arboricola is not strictly arboreal in habit. Here we compare female specimens of N. arboricola collected from arboreal and terrestrial nests. We furthermore describe the male of N. arboricola for the first time as well as two recently discovered species of Nemesia (N. maltensis sp. nov. and N. cominensis sp. nov.). Nemesia maltensis is described from both sexes, N. cominensis is described from the female and a juvenile male specimen. For N. cominensis we discuss the sexual dimorphism of juvenile male and female spiders. Field observations and laboratory observations show remarkable features of the Maltese Nemesia fauna that are unknown from Nemesia species found elsewhere. Particularly, the arboreal dwellings of N. arboricola and the absence of a trapdoor to close off the burrow entrance in N. maltensis appear to be exceptional. The composition of the Maltese Nemesia fauna, as located in the central Mediterranean, is finally discussed in relation to the different Nemesia species-complexes occurring in the eastern and western Mediterranean basin.
Kula Belgrade - Part 2: Specifics of construction of Kula structure
Authors: Miljković Nemanja , Milićević Mladen , Ristić Svetlana , Popović Darko , Alendar Vanja
Published: March 2022

Kula Belgrade is the tallest building within the Belgrade Waterfront Project located on the right bank of the Sava River. It is envisaged as the future landmark of Belgrade and the pivotal point of Belgrade Waterfront development. It consists of a 168m high - 42 store tower, a podium and an eccentric basement. It is one of the rare towers in the world in which the bottom and the top parts are mutually rotated by 90° in plan and where such a transition is achieved through 7 floors - a configuration that imposes significant demands to the structure. While the 1st part of the article addressed specific topics related to design, this 2nd part is about the specific topics related to the construction of Kula Belgrade's structure, including the enabling works, construction, and testing program of piles that comprised various types of tests, including the static compression test by Osterberg cell at two tower piles with a 1200 mm diameter. The article also addresses the construction of foundations, which included the concreting of a raft under the tower in volume of 4750m3 cast in one turn, the execution of core walls in jump form, the distinctive transfer structure and PT slabs.
Sweep jamming with discrete subbands: An advanced strategy for malicious drones missions prevention
Authors: Radivojević Jovan , Pavić Branislav , Lebl Aleksandar , Petrović Milena
Published: March 2022

Malicious drones jamming is a subject of numerous researches in the world. The implemented jamming strategy is different in various cases and each improvement in the analysis, modeling and realization contributes to the jamming procedures originality. In this paper, we have analyzed implementation performances of sweep jamming with discrete subbands. This advanced method allows decreasing the problems caused by drone communication and/or telemetry signals jamming on the undesired disruption of navigation signals (GPS and GLONASS) used for the localization of friendly devices in the drone vicinity. The problem is analyzed on the example of one signal frequency intended for drone communication with its operator. Drones with this specific signal frequency are used relatively rarely, but the obtained results are the most illustrative for practical consideration of the problem. The specificity of this frequency is that it is nearest to the navigation signal frequencies which means that important conclusions made for this frequency are satisfied significantly easier for other frequencies intended for drone communication, video and telemetry signals transmission.
Saddle point approximation to Higher order
Authors: Fabiano Nicola , Mirkov Nikola
Published: March 2022

Introduction/purpose: Saddle point approximation has been considered in the paper Methods: The saddle point method is used in several different fields of mathematics and physics. Several terms of the expansion for the factorial function have been explicitely computed. Results: The integrals estimated in this way have values close to the exact one. Conclusions: Higher order corrections are not negligible even when requiring moderate levels of precision.
Employment of probability-based multi-response optimization in high voltage thermofluids
Authors: Ofodu Joseph , Abifarin Johnson
Published: March 2022

Introduction/purpose: Researchers of fluids for high voltage engineering application always experience problems when selecting and recommending specific fluids suitable for high voltage application. This is due to the dual functionality of fluids required for high voltage equipment. Methods: This study introduced and employed a probability-based multi-objective optimization technique in the selection of high voltage thermofluids. Beneficial and unbeneficial preferable probability utility indexes were employed based on the desired properties of oils. Results: It was shown that the nanofluid with 0.6 wt% Al2O3 is the most promising candidate for high voltage equipment compared to other produced fluids considered. It is also noteworthy to state that coconut oil exhibited better performance efficiency compared to standard oil. This study also identifies that the produced Jatropha oil was inadequate for high voltage equipment. Conclusion: In conclusion, a preliminary study essential for final usage of 0.6 wt% Al2O3 nanofluids and coconut oil for high voltage equipment is recommended as well as the improvement of the performance characteristics of Jatropha oil for usage in high voltage equipment.
Determination of an efficient power equipment oil through a multi-criteria decision making analysis
Authors: Abifarin Johnson , Ofodu Joseph
Published: March 2022

Introduction/purpose: Several studies in the area of the development of nanofluids for power equipment have left a gap unfilled as to how to determine the best oil among the produced oils for power equipment application. Therefore, this study presents a multi-criterial decision making analysis to determine the best oil for power equipment. Methods: The Grey relational analysis (GRA) and the Probability based multi-objective optimization techniques were employed as the multi-criterial decision making analytical tools for the optimization. Dielectric strength, dielectric loss, viscosity, and flash point were analyzed as multiple performance characteristics of different oils, after which different oil candidates were ranked based on their performance. Results: Interestingly, the GRA and the Probability based multi-objective optimization techniques revealed that Jatropha oil + Neem nanofluid is the best oil candidate for power equipment and it is better than conventional mineral oil. The Probability based multi-objective optimization technique places Jatropha nanofluid over mineral oil, but not for the GRA technique. Also, mineral oil and ordinary Jatropha nanofluids are at a competitive level. Meaning, if Jatropha nanofluid is further worked on, it can beat mineral oil. Conclusion: The two techniques substantially established that when Jatropha oil is mixed with Neem oil together with nanoparticles, there will be better power equipment performance compared to mineral oil. It can be recommended that a further analysis should be conducted in the area of direct application of Jatropha + Neem nanofluid for power equipment to understand the overall behavior of power equipment compared to the conventional mineral oil
An efficient approach for calculating a definite integral with about a dozen of sampling points
Authors: Yu Jie , Zheng Maosheng , Teng Haipeng , Wang Yi
Published: March 2022

Introduction/purpose: An approximate approach to definite integral calculation has been an attractive problem continuously since the creation of integration due to practical needs in scientific and engineering areas. In most practical cases, the integrand is complex, which leads to a difficulty of obtaining an exact value of integration, so an approximate value of the definite integral with certain accuracy is satisfactory for practical applications. In this paper, an efficient approach for calculating a definite integral with a small number of sampling points is proposed based on the uniform design method from the viewpoint of practical application. Methods: The distribution of sampling points in its single peak domain is deterministic and uniform, which follows the rule of the uniform design method and good lattice points. Results: The efficient evaluation of a definite integral for a periodical function in its single peak domain can be obtained by using 11 sampling points in one dimension, 17 sampling points in two dimensions, and 19 sampling points in three dimensions. Conclusion: The efficient approach for a definite integral developed here on the basis of the uniform test design method is promised from the viewpoint of practical application; the sampling points are deterministically and uniformly distributed according to the rule of the uniform design method and "good lattice points". The efficient approach developed in this article will be beneficial to relevant research and application.
A pilot comparative analysis of the Cuckoo and Drakvuf sandboxes: An end-user perspective
Authors: Ilić Slaviša , Gnjatović Milan , Popović Brankica , Maček Nemanja
Published: March 2022

Introduction/purpose: This paper reports on a pilot comparative analysis of the Cuckoo and Drakvuf sandboxes. These sandboxes are selected as the subjects of the analysis because of their popularity in the professional community and their complementary approaches to analyzing malware behavior. Methods: Both sandboxes were set up with basic configurations and confronted with the same set of malware samples. The evaluation was primarily conducted with respect to the question of to what extent a sandbox is helpful to the human analyst in malware analysis. Thus, only the information available in Web console reports was considered. Results: Drakvuf is expected to perform better when confronted with evasive malware and so-called "file-less" malware. Although still not mature in terms of integration, customization and tools, this sandbox is considered a second generation sandbox because of its agentless design. On the other hand, the Cuckoo sandbox creates a better overall experience: it is supported through good documentation and strong professional community, better integrated with various tools, support more virtualization, operating system and sample types, and generates more informative reports. Even with a smaller capacity to prevent evasive malware, its Python 2 agent script makes it more powerful than Drakvuf. Conclusion: To achieve the optimal open-source sandbox-based protection, it is recommended to apply both the Cuckoo and Drakvuf sandboxes. In circumstances of limited resources, applying the Cuckoo sandbox is preferable, especially if exposure to malware deploying evading techniques is not frequently expected.
Fuzzy-based smart system for controlling road lights
Authors: Satam Ihab
Published: March 2022

Introduction: The energy consumed for street lighting is a major expenditure in urban environments. According to the World Bank, it constitutes up to 65% of cities' electricity costs and 10% of their overall budgets. The demand for lighting is growing significantly due to rapid urbanization, thus eating up even more energy and money - unless smarter solutions are deployed to reduce costs. Method: In this paper, a model for street lighting was established, consisting of several lamp posts on both sides of the street. The model was the exact replica of the street lighing system inside the city of Kirkuk, Iraq. The number of objects passing along the street was monitored, both during and out of rush hours. This all was taken into account in the energy consumption calculation. The controller used for this model is Arduino UNO. The Arduino receives signals from 3 IR sensors, processes these signals, and then sends the action to the lamp posts. Fuzzy logic was applied in two cases: the first one is during the daylight, the second one is during the sunrise and the sunset, to control the intensity of the light of the lamp posts. Results: Both cases showed significant results regarding the reliability, efficiency, and countability of the system in decreasing the level of energy consumption. Conclusion: The system can be applicable for smart city projects. It is efficient, cost effective and shows reliable results in saving energy.
Levantamento de libélulas (Insecta: Odonata) associadas a tanques de Piscicultura no Amapá, Brasil
Authors: Garcia Junior Manoel Daltro Nunes , Damasceno Monique Telcia dos Santos , Souto Raimundo Nonato Pincaço
Published: March 2022

A ordem Odonata compreende os insetos comumente chamados de libélula, podem ser encontradas em todo o mundo. No Brasil a odonatafauna conta com pouco mais de 900 espécies, libélulas ocupam uma ampla gama de corpos d'água por exemplo os tanques de piscicultura, onde muitas vezes são vistas como causadoras de danos aos produtores. Com isso, o presente estudo objetivou realizar o levantamento de odonatas associadas a tanques de Piscicultura situados no município de Macapá, Amapá. Foram coletados um total de 195 indivíduos, representando 17 espécies inseridas em duas famílias. Libellulidae apresentou a maior diversidade com 16 espécies identificadas, Erythemis peruviana Rambur, 1842 foi a espécie com maior frequência e abundância durante o estudo. A diversidade de Odonata encontrada associada aos tanques de piscicultura merece mais atenção, em especial no estado do Amapá, sendo que o estabelecimento de novos pontos de coleta deva ampliar ainda mais a lista de espécies associada a estes corpos hídricos no estado.
The opportunity for smallholder agricultural production growth: empirical evidence from Brazil
Authors: Herrera Gabriel Paes , Tabak Benjamin Miranda , Araújo Rildo Vieira de , Costa Reginaldo Brito da , Oliveira Michel Angelo Constantino de
Published: March 2022

Smallholder farming is currently the most common farming structure worldwide, and it is essential for social, environmental, and economic development, especially in developing nations. This research sheds light on millions of family farmers in Brazil and provides an in-depth perspective on their technical efficiency. We employ the Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA), a parametric model that accounts for random shocks, to a unique and nationwide database. Such broad analysis has never been done before. As a main result, we found that smallholder production in Brazil can improve substantially without the need to expand agricultural land. Despite the contrasts of climate and infrastructure between the country regions, nearly all states have highly efficient smallholders, which highlights the potential for all farmers. This opportunity for sustainable production intensification is extremely important for a country that is a major agricultural exporter and still remains with a large part of the territory covered by forests, as well as to support millions of people who depend on this activity for survival. Based on the empirical results, increasing membership to cooperatives and the empowerment of female smallholders are the two main points that can benefit family farmers in Brazil and, therefore, should be the main targets of public policies.
Desenvolvimento histórico das normas legais de proteção florestal e a contemporaneidade
Authors: Nantes Rosalina Alves , Medeiros Haroldo de Sá , Bastos Alessandra Mamede
Published: March 2022

Com o intuito de esclarecer a historicidade dos contextos econômicos, sociais e ambientais que influenciaram a instituição de normas legais de preservação e proteção florestal, foi realizada uma descrição sobre as influências históricas das normas legais de proteção florestal desde o Brasil Colônia até o Século XXI. Tratou-se da evolução histórica das situações político-econômicas das normas florestais do país, enfatizando as implicações à proteção florestal. A análise mostrou que foram necessários 434 anos a partir do “descobrimento” para que o Brasil tivesse sua primeira Lei de proteção florestal. A década de 30 foi a época da implantação do modelo desenvolvimentista por Getúlio Vargas com base na diminuição dos recursos naturais e em sistemas industriais poluentes. O Código Florestal Brasileiro de 2012 (CFB/12) trouxe uma visão imediatista que despreza os entendimentos reunidos nas leis florestais que vigoraram desde 1934, pode colocar em xeque a produtividade e promover a estagnação do agronegócio brasileiro a exemplo do risco que a China corre. O Brasil carrega consigo uma herança arraigada de uma descendência cultural de mais de 500 anos que perdura até os dias atuais onde se estabeleceu um princípio da não valorização dos recursos naturais e exploração indiscriminada para posterior substituição por monocultura.
Avaliação da eficácia antimicrobiana de um PHMB sobre cepas de Salmonella spp
Authors: Parreira Adriano Guimarães , Rocha Claudio Marcio Cardoso , Correa Eduardo Jose Azevedo
Published: March 2022

O Brasil tem ocupado papel de destaque no mercado mundial como importante produtor de alimentos, demonstrando significativo potencial de produção e exportação de alimentos de origem animal, dentre eles a carne suína. A carne suína é a fonte de proteína animal mais importante no mundo, com a produção de 100 milhões de toneladas. O Brasil é o quarto produtor e exportador mundial de carne suína com 3% da produção e 11% das exportações mundiais, ficando atrás apenas da China, União Europeia e Estados Unidos. Carne suína, assim como as outras carnes, apresenta alta atividade de água, associada à sua composição química complexa (água 75%, proteínas 19%, carboidratos 1,2%, compostos nitrogenados solúveis 1,6%, compostos inorgânicos 0,6% e vitaminas) sendo suscetível à proliferação de microrganismos, tanto deteriorantes quanto patogênicos. Assim, os produtos de origem animal possuem uma variedade de microrganismos presentes naturalmente ou adquiridos durante o abate. Alguns podem se multiplicar na carne causando deterioração e redução da vida de prateleira. Outros representam um perigo à saúde dos consumidores por serem causas de intoxicações, doenças infecciosas ou toxinfecciosas. Estudos revelaram presença de agentes patogênicos como Salmonella spp, Escherichia coli, Yersinia enterocolítica, Campylobacter jejuni e Listeria monocytogenes na carne suína e em produtos derivados. As doenças causadas pelo consumo de alimentos contaminados por Salmonella spp são conhecidas genericamente por salmoneloses, doença de maior incidência causada pelo consumo de alimentos infectados por salmonelas. Cloridrato polihexametileno biguanida, popularmente conhecido como PHMB, é um agente antibacteriano catiônico, polimérico, solúvel em água, atóxico e inócuo aos sistemas vivos multicelulares e que tem sido amplamente utilizado em diversas indústrias alimentícias ao redor do Mundo com vistas a inibir o crescimento microbiano. No Brasil existem poucos estudos relacionados à aplicação ou eficácia desinfetante daquele composto em carcaças de suínos de sistemas de abate. Com base nestas considerações, o presente projeto propôs a avaliação da eficácia antimicrobiana de um PHMB sobre Salmonella spp encontrada em carcaças de suínos provenientes de granjas da região.
A eficácia da acupuntura no tratamento e prevenção de rugas: revisão bibliográfica
Authors: Fava Liliana Rosicler Teixeira Nunes
Published: March 2022

A acupuntura promove o tratamento e a prevenção de rugas apresentando resultados como promoção de um lifting natural, que não altera a expressão facial e possui inúmeras vantagens como não ter necessidade de tempo para recuperação, além de ter um custo baixo e não tem efeitos colaterais tendo como efeito o reequilíbrio facial além do rejuvenescimento. O estudo será a partir da seguinte questão norteadora: qual a eficácia da acupuntura no tratamento e prevenção de rugas? O objetivo geral desse estudo é realizar um levantamento bibliográfico sobre a importância da acupuntura no tratamento e prevenção de rugas. Os objetivos específicos são: avaliar os efeitos da acupuntura na atenuação das rugas no tratamento facial; mostrar uma das alternativas mais produtivas de tratamento para rugas na atualidade. A pesquisa se justifica pela sua importância e relevância, pois a Acupuntura tem sido de grande valia no âmbito da estética, atuando na melhoria do corpo e mente, promovendo o bem-estar e restauração da pele influenciando na qualidade de vida. O Tratamento de Acupuntura Facial é baseado nos princípios da Medicina Tradicional Chinesa e envolve a inserção de agulhas finas em pontos específicos da face para manipular o movimento de energia no corpo de acordo com o indivíduo e as suas necessidades.
Recursos tecnológicos no ensino presencial e remoto de ciências e biologia: um relato de experiência de docentes de São Paulo do Potengi (RN)
Authors: Silva David Luan Gomes da , Silva Clécio Danilo Dias da , Santos Daniele Bezerra dos , Almeida Lúcia Maria de
Published: March 2022

O trabalho objetivou investigar o uso das TICs (Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação) pelos professores de ciências e biologia durante suas aulas presenciais e remotas em escolas do município de São Paulo do Potengi-RN. A pesquisa apresenta dados que foram coletados por meio de entrevistas feitas a professores do município. Por meio desses relatos, percebeu-se um aumento no uso da tecnologia durante a pandemia da Covid-19. Conforme os professores investigados, os alunos demonstram um maior envolvimento e motivação para o uso das TICs, tornando as aulas mais produtivas e fazendo com que tenha uma melhoria no processo de ensino-aprendizagem.
Spreadsheet-based software for the analysis of unloading compliance fracture toughness tests in accordance with ASTM E1820
Authors: Lucon Enrico
Published: March 2022

NIST has developed a user-friendly spreadsheet-based software for the analysis of elastic-plastic fracture toughness tests conducted according to ASTM E1820-20b on either Compact Tension or Single-Edge Bend specimens using the Unloading/Elastic Compliance (UC/EC) single-specimen technique. The software consists of multiple spreadsheets, which feature several macros that automatize most calculations. Complete user's instructions are provided in this report. The software has been successfully validated using nine sample data sets that are available through ASTM, covering both specimen configurations and various fracture toughness levels. As in the case of previous software packages developed by the Fatigue and Fracture Group of NIST Boulder, the spreadsheet will be made freely available to the public by contacting the author of this report.