bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dexamethasone therapy and rates of secondary pulmonary and bloodstream infections in critically ill COVID-19 patients
Authors: Rothe Kathrin , Lahmer Tobias , Rasch Sebastian , Schneider Jochen , Spinner Christoph D. , Wallnöfer Fabian , Wurst Milena , Schmid Roland M. , Waschulzik Birgit , Fuest Kristina , Kriescher Silja , Schneider Gerhard , Busch Dirk H. , Feihl Susanne , Heim Markus
Published: October 2021

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a pandemic. Bacterial superinfections seem to be associated with higher mortality in COVID-19 patients in intensive care units (ICUs). However, details on the prevalence and species distribution of secondary infections are limited. Moreover, the increasing use of dexamethasone may pose an additional risk of superinfections.Methods: We performed a single-center retrospective study of the clinical and microbiological characteristics of 154 COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU between March 2020 and January 2021, focusing on bacterial infections, use of antimicrobial agents and dexamethasone therapy.Results: The median age was 68 years; 67.5% of the patients were men. Critically ill COVID-19 patients were treated with dexamethasone since July 2020 (second wave), which was not common during the first wave of the pandemic. In the dexamethasone group (n=90, 58.4%), respiratory pathogens were detected more frequently, as were multidrug-resistant pathogens. The number of patients with polymicrobial detection of respiratory pathogens was significantly increased (p=0.013). The most frequently detected species were Enterobacterales, Staphylococcus aureus, and Aspergillus fumigatus. The rates of bloodstream infections did not differ between the groups. The use of dexamethasone in ICU COVID-19 patients was associated with higher rates of respiratory infectious complications.Conclusions: Secondary infections are present in a substantial fraction of critically ill COVID-19 patients. Respiratory pathogens were detectable in the majority of COVID-19 ICU patients. The use of dexamethasone poses a potential risk of secondary pulmonary infections. Infectious complications in patients with dexamethasone therapy could be associated with worse outcomes.
Deep Pool Immersion Therapy
Authors: Nicol K. I.S.
Published: October 2021

No abstract available.
A Concise Guide to the Assessment of the Geriatric Patient and the Approach to Treatment
Authors: Savin A. J.
Published: October 2021

No abstract available.
Unsettled Economic, Environmental, and Health Issues of Ammonia for Automotive Applications
Authors: Kolodziejczyk Bart
Published: October 2021

Ammonia has been previously trialed as an automotive fuel; however, it was hardly competitive with fossil fuels in terms of cost, energy density, and practicality. However, due to climate change, those practical and cost-related parameters have finally become secondary deciding factors in fuel selection. Ammonia is safer than most fuels and it offers superior energy densities compared to compressed or liquefied hydrogen. It is believed that ammonia might be an ultimate clean fuel choice and an extension to the emerging hydrogen economy. Unsettled Economic, Environmental, and Health Issues of Ammonia for Automotive Applications examines the major unsettled issues of using ammonia as a clean automotive fuel alternative, including the lack of regulations and standards for automotive applications, technology readiness, safety perception, and presently limited supply. While ammonia as a fuel is still in its infancy, identifying and addressing these challenges early could enable a safe and smooth transition.
Yam production in some South East and North Central zones of Nigeria beyond COVID-19 for acceleration towards inclusive sustainable development
Authors: Ufondu H.E. , Maziya-Dixon B. , Okonkwo T.M.
Published: October 2021

This study evaluated the effect of socio-economic characteristics of small-scale yam farmers on the productivity and income levels of yam farmers beyond COVID-19 in some part of yam producing areas of South East and North Central zones (Benue, Ebonyi, Enugu and Kogi States) of Nigeria. Respondents (200) were selected by random sampling using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and correlation analysis. Majority of the respondents (71.7%) were male. COVID-19 will have serious negative impacts on the productivity and income of the yam farmers due to sex difference in angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) 2 receptor and transmembrane serine protease 2 TMPRSS2 regulations. Majority (34.8%) of the respondents were within the age range of 55-64 years which might place them at increased risk of severe impact from COVID-19. Most of the respondents (37.9%) were with First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) which will be aggravated by global lockdown of education institutions. COVID-19 pandemic has created the largest disruption of education systems due to closure of schools and other learning spaces as well as inability of many parents to work making financing of education to face big challenges. Most of the respondents (35.4%) had farm size of three hectares. Most of the respondents (37.9%) earned between ₦151,000 and ₦200,000 per hectare. This income informal economy will be affected by COVID-19 control measures. Majority of the respondents (70.2%) had between 21 to 30 years of yam farming experience. At this length of experience, it is expected that they will be within the age range that is more vulnerable to COVID-19 pandemic. Using Pearson correlation coefficient to assess the relationship between socio-economic factors farm characteristics of small-scale yam farmers establishes that farm experience significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with age of the respondents. Marital status was significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with age (0.548) and farm experience (0.932) of the respondents.

Key words: yam farmers, socio-economic factors, productivity, small-scale
Improvement of deltaic lateritic soil using river sand and cement for use as pavement construction material
Authors: Imafidon D. , Ogirigbo O.R. , Ehiorobo J.O.
Published: October 2021

This study examined the effect of mechanical and chemical improvement on deltaic lateritic soils in Warri East in Delta State, Nigeria. Mechanical stabilization was carried out by adding river sand to the natural soil in various proportions, while chemical stabilization was carried out using cement and a mixture of cement and sand. Compaction and CBR tests were conducted on the natural soil before and after stabilization. From the results obtained, it was seen that the mechanical stabilization method improved the strength properties of the soil making it suitable for use as subbase materials, though not as much as the chemical stabilization method or the mixed method of stabilization. It was concluded that using a combination of cement and sand as a stabilizing agent for deltaic lateritic soils can lead to significant reduction in the amount of cement required for soil stabilization thus saving costs.
Design of a Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D-printer
Authors: Oluwajobi A.O. , Kolawole F.O.
Published: October 2021

A Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D-printer was designed, for fabrication by using in part locally sourced materials. The printer design was based on the Replicating Rapid Prototyper (RepRap) open source. The print volume of the printer is 200mm × 200mm × 300mm and it uses the Melzi V2 printer control board, coupled with the Repetier-Host firmware. The designed 3D-printer consists of galvanized steel frame, stainless steel threaded rods and wooded supports. The Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis was carried out on critical supporting components. The results obtained for the stresses are below the yield strength of the materials and the displacements are within acceptable limits, for high precision machines. The total power required by the 3D-printer was evaluated to be 197.93 W and it utilizes two thermoplastic materials namely; the Polylactic Acid (PLA) and the Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS).
Mathematical modelling of heat and mass transfer in a roof type solar distillation system
Authors: Onoroh F. , Folorunsho S.S. , Ogbonnaya M. , Onochie U.P.
Published: October 2021

This research examined the performance of a roof type solar distillation system. A model was developed that captured the influence of the cover angle on still performance in terms of evaluating the heat transfer coefficient, yield and efficiency. The previous models of evaluating these matric has been shown to be unsatisfactory due to over prediction. The objectives are to clarify the misconception on the efficiency, to validate the derived expression for the Nusselt’s number of condensation under an inclined surface and to perform sensitivity analysis on the dimensionless parameters with derived models. The derived model has a practical significance because it provides much information on the dependence of the heat transfer coefficient on the cover angle. The model was solved with MATLAB, and results show a well correlated trends with the established work of literature and the proposed model having the lest efficiency as the model is without the over prediction inherent in other models due to non-inclusion of evaporation in the analysis of free convection of air. The peak yield of all the models occurs at about 11:00 AM, with the proposed model having a peak yield of about 0.045kg.
Chemical, morphological characterizations of Ririwai biotite and determination of yield point of its weighting agent application in drilling mud
Authors: Salahudeen N. , Mohammed U. , Yahya M.N.
Published: October 2021

Chemical, morphological characterizations and drilling mud yield point impact of Ririwai biotite have been investigated and reported in this work. Local Ririwai biotite mined in Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State was used as a weighting agent in drilling mud formulation. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) characterization, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Electron Dispersion X-ray (EDX) analysis of the Ririwai biotite were carried out. Water-based drilling mud was prepared using commercial bentonite according to the API 13A Standard. Effect of gradual addition of Ririwai weighting agent; 0 – 100 wt%, on the yield point of the formulated drilling mud was studied. XRD analysis showed that the dominant mineral phase in the material was biotite. Morphological analysis carried out showed that the Ririwai biotite had a sheet-like morphology while the commercial bentonite had clumpy morphology. The estimated average particle sizes were 60 and 25 μm for the Ririwai biotite and commercial bentonite, respectively. EDX analysis showed that silica-alumina ratio of the Ririwai biotite was 9.3 while that of the commercial bentonite was 1.58. The optimum yield point of the formulated drilling mud was 2.0 lb/100 ft2 corresponding to formulation having 0 – 30 wt% weighting agent composition. The specific gravity of Ririwai biotite was determined as 2.4.
A review on the prediction and assessment of powder factor in blast fragmentation
Authors: Agyei G. , Nkrumah M.O.
Published: October 2021

Powder factor can be defined as the quantity of explosives (kg) required to break a unit volume or tonne (t) of rock. The prospect of excavating rocks by blasting is characterized by a specific consumption of explosives. In the past decades, researchers have come up with several precise approaches to predict powder factor or specific charge in blast operations other than through trial blast. Research in this area has focused on the relationship between rock mass properties, blasting material and blasting geometry to establish the powder factor. Also, the interaction between specific energy and particle size embodied in the theory of comminution that is less dependent on local conditions has been studied. In this paper, the various methods for powder factor estimation based on empirical and comminution theory modelling as well as machine learning approaches in both surface bench blasting and underground tunnel operations have been reviewed. The influence of intact rock properties on powder factor selection and the influence of powder factor selection on post-blast conditions have also been discussed. Finally, the common challenges that have been encountered in powder factor estimations have been pointed out in this regard.
Deterioration and microstructural characterization of reinforced concrete beam buried in lagoon and fresh waters
Authors: Igba U.T. , Akinyele J.O. , Alayaki F.M. , Kuye S.I. , Oyebisi S.O.
Published: October 2021

The effect of the sulphate attack on reinforced concrete structures in Lagos lagoon environment has become a concern for stakeholders in the construction industry. This study investigated the flexural strength and microstructure of reinforced concrete beams for a period of 365 days. Thirty beams with dimension 150 mm × 150 mm × 600 mm were cast using grade 30 concrete with water cement ratio of 0.45 and cured for 28, 90 and 365 days, in both lagoon and fresh water. Flexural strength and microstructural test were carried out. The result showed that the flexural strength of concrete submerged in fresh and lagoon water were 24.6 and 20.3 N/mm2 respectively. The microstructure also confirmed the fact that specimens submerged in the lagoon had more defects and deterioration than the sample cured in fresh water at 365 days.
Prediction of indoor Total Volatile Organic Compound in a university hostel using a Neural Network Model
Authors: Nkeshita F.C. , Adekunle A.A. , Abegunrin A.
Published: October 2021

The study predicted the concentration of indoor total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) concentration in a randomly selected room at the Umar Kabir male Hostel located at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Readings were taken using an active sampler to measure particulate matter, PM (1.0, 2.5 and 10), TVOC, Relative Humidity (RH), Temperature and Formaldehyde. Two network types namely; feedforward back propagation and the cascaded forward back propagation were adopted randomly to predict TVOC as an output variable using data set generated from six different parameters mentioned earlier. The best performing neural network was the cascaded feed forward with a coefficient of determination of 0.98 which exhibited the lowest mean square error of 0.000124 with a network structure of 6-15-1-1. The results show the ability of Artificial Neural Networks to map inputs and outputs in complex non-linear situations such as the existence of volatile compounds in the atmosphere. It can be adopted for monitoring environmental systems by engineers and public health workers, stakeholders can use such models for initiating environmental related policies aimed at safeguarding human health.
Risk assessment approach to regulatory compliance challenges in aging facilities: A case study of Harlypet Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited Facilities
Authors: Alaneme C.E. , Al-Jeshi S.A. , Al-Otaibi S.B.
Published: October 2021

Compliance with new regulations in old plants remains a recurring challenge because of negative outcome of incidents. This challenge stems from uncertainties in the facilities’ integrity, owing to inadequacy of existing integrity-validating technologies. Process facilities deteriorate through cyclic operations, while encroachments from expanding population characteristically raise the risk-levels, leading to need for higher grade materials to meet operational expansions. Retroactive compliance becomes a nightmare with every new regulation without a robust cost-to-benefit assurance. This paper discusses two-phased qualitative and quantitative risk modelling approach through systematic field-data-gathering, hazards identification and analysis by a twelve-man risk management engineers. The methodology successfully computed a “health-check" of the facility’s compliance to new regulations, 17 high-risk-hazards were extracted from 42 potential hazards and successfully established varied individual risk levels ranging from 4.07E-06 to 1.64E-04/year. Also, risks ranged from 1.00E-04 to 5.00E-05/year of tolerable risks to the environment, society, and business were recorded across the facility while, 22 risk-mitigation actions were recommended.
Current trends in welding flux development
Authors: Adeyeye A.D.
Published: October 2021

Welding flux makes significant contribution to weld-metal quality, productivity of welding process and rapid deployment of new materials. Deployment of new materials has been hampered because of lengthy trial-and-test experiments and paucity of methodology for modelling and optimisation in the traditional welding flux development. This paper discussed the contributions made to mitigate the drawbacks of traditional welding flux development in areas of experimentations, prediction modelling and optimisation. Limitations of current efforts were identified and suggested for future research, namely (i) current response models are limited to well-behaved flux systems and do not account for edge and additive effects of flux ingredients (ii) non-incorporation of stakeholder’s preferences concerning the relative importance of quality attributes (iii) lack of prediction and optimisation tools for determining optimal coating factor and flux heights for Shielded Metal Arc Welding and Submerge Arc Welding respectively and (iv) non-continuous response functions and concave regions of the trade-off surface are not considered.
Comparative analyses of modeling techniques for cathodic protection
Authors: Elijah P.T. , Obaseki M.
Published: October 2021

The investigation in this paper provided an outline of the used scientific models for the cathodic protection frame-work modeling and relatively assessed current modeling strategies. The Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) investigation was applied in six alternatives and five criteria. Among the criteria, a high criticality was put on the strengths in complex geometries and the unwavering quality of the results. From the study outcomes, it can be established that the best cathodic protection modeling technique considering a number of factors like, the strength in complex geometries like subsea structures, simplicity of use, time allotment required for estimation, industry track record and robustness of the results was the Finite Element Method (FEM) with a score of 0.73 which is a value of relative closeness to the ideal solution of 1. The second best modeling procedure was Boundary Element Method (BEM) having a value of 0.72, while the least cathodic protection modeling method was analytical models with a TOPSIS score of 0.3372. Regardless of FEM rising as the best cathodic protection modeling technique, the significant detriment related with it is the timeframe required for the estimation. Finally, this research concluded by showing different models performance and comparison made with the numerical results. It is expected that the result of this work will be of significant help for the strengthening of the application of TOPSIS for offshore/subsea engineers.
Development and prediction of flame retarded particleboard fire behaviour in real scale
Authors: Suoware T.O. , Umeh S.I. , Edelugo S.O.
Published: October 2021

Particleboard composites for building application has become very attractive because of their huge benefits which includes but is not limited to low cost, lightweight, durability and environmental benign. However, the vulnerability of these composite types when exposed to fire restricts their use in areas where stringent fire safety conditions may not apply. Experimental determination at bench scale of composite particleboard fire behaviour has shown that the addition of flame retardants (FR) can delay the start and spread of fire. Bench scale data obtained in the cone calorimeter (CC) may not represent accurately a real scale fore behaviour during a fire scenario as documented by various researchers. The convolution model is a significant tool for predicting in real scale, fire behaviour of composites which depends on experimental inputs from CC data. In this paper, particleboards made from wood sawdust reinforced polyester composite were processed with FR at 0, 15 and 18% loading ratio using compression moulding technique. Test specimens cut from the FR-particleboards was exposed in horizontal orientation in the CC at 50kW/m2 to obtain experimental data and these were used as inputs to the prediction model. The predictive tool was used to predict the heat released rate and smoke production rate for the FR-particleboard. The results obtained shows that the FR-particleboard contributes very limited fire in real scale and compares well based on Euro-classification with particleboards from literature.
Locomotive engines and the future of railway automotive power in Africa: A review
Authors: Ozigis I.I. , Oche J.I.O. , Lawal N.M.
Published: October 2021

This work presents the review of locomotives and the future of railway automotive power in Africa. Locomotives down time on account of inadequate spare parts still remains a challenge in African. It is thus, imperative to review the locomotives in African, to establish the current capabilities as well as provide recommendations to bridge the gaps and its extrapolated trends in future. Firstly, the comparison factors were track length, electrified rails, number of locomotives and yearly passengers on each of Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia rails. Secondly, the focus was on engine parameters from literatures and maintenance logbooks of locomotives. From available data, it was found that South Africa and Egypt have more advanced rail system than the rest four selected countries. It was also found that additive manufacturing, 3D printing, ductile cast iron and die-forging can be used to produce the engine body for diesel engine using steel and aluminum alloys while aluminum silicon and tin doped with copper are good for reciprocation mechanisms. And finally, increased reliability of locomotives can be guided by an engine selection matrix, while use of renewable and energy hybridization are needed to meet the expansion of railroads in Africa.
Characterisation and grading of four selected timber species grown in Nigeria in accordance with Bs 5268
Authors: Wilson U.N. , Mohammad Y.N. , Mohammed I.S. , Adeyemi F.O.
Published: October 2021

This study presents a development of strength classes for Vitex doniana, Diospyros mespliformis, Parkia biglobosa and Isoberlinia doka, northern Nigeria timber species in accordance with BS 5268-2 (2002) and NCP 2 (1973). The specimens for the experimental measurements were obtained from timber-sheds in Zaria, Kaduna - Northern part of Nigeria. The laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the physical and mechanical properties of the selected timber species. The specimens were prepared in accordance with BS 373 for small clear specimens for the determination of physical and mechanical properties. Flexural strength properties were determined using three point bending test. Adjustment was made on the mechanical properties at moisture content of 12% and 18% in conformity with BS 5268-2 (2002) and NCP2 (1973) respectively. The laboratory data were analyzed using data analysis tool pack in Microsoft excel 2019 to generate the mean, coefficients of variation and theoretical distribution models which form the uncertainty models. Basic and grade stresses were also computed using experimental failure stresses. The selected timber species were then classified using the grade bending stress, density and mean modulus of elasticity obtained. Vitex doniana, Diospyros mespliformis, Parkia biglobosa and Isoberlinia doka were assigned to strength classes D30, D40, C40 and D30 in accordance with BS 5268-2 (2002) respectively. Similarly, in accordance with the NCP 2 (1973), these species belong to N4, N3, N4 and N3 respectively. The results obtained show that Vitex doniana, Diospyros mespliformis and Isoberlinia doka are hardwoods whereas, only Parkia biglobosa is a softwood species.
CFD analysis of operational flow nature of a wind turbine model using environmental wind data from Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)
Authors: Samuel M. , Muhammad S.U. , Solomon W.C. , Japheth G.C.
Published: October 2021

A wind turbine is a machine which converts the power in the wind into electricity. It operates under varying wind speeds depending on the environmental wind conditions. In this paper, we have presented the operational flow analysis of a proposed wind turbine model in Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna. The case study is for 5.6m/s, 7.5m/s and 9.5m/s wind speed. The model design and assembly of the components were done with the help of SolidWorks 2018 and the operational flow analysis done with ANSYS 15.0. The result showed that the flow nature of the turbine model grew from laminar flow to turbulent flow increasingly with the environmental wind speed. The flow nature remained laminar from 0.0356 to 1780 Reynolds at 5.6m/s. At 7.5m/s wind speed, from laminar 0.403 Reynolds to turbulent 4290 Reynolds and at 9.5m/s, from laminar 0.381 Reynolds to turbulent 4900 Reynolds. High turbulent flow and mass imbalance nature depicts that phenomenon like wake and vibration of the system occurred.
Comparison of Nutritional and Anti-Nutritional Qualities of Grewia forbesii Hav. Ex Mast and Grewia bicolor Juss Fruits from Kitapilimwa Forest Reserve in Iringa District
Authors: Tairo Vendeline E.
Published: October 2021

The Grewia forbesii and Grewia bicolor fruits were collected from Kitapilimwa Forest Reserve and were analysed for proximate, nutrients and anti-nutrients compositions. Results showed low moisture contents in G. forbesii and G. bicolor amounting to 14.14 and 13.98 percent, respectively. Crude fibre percent was slightly higher in G. bicolor (33.15%) than G. forbesii (31.95%). Lipid content was slightly higher in G. bicolor (1.37%) compared to G. forbesii (1.28%). The crude protein content of G. forbesii (7.44%) was slightly higher than G. bicolor (7.00%). Total carbohydrate content of G. forbesii (68.9%) was higher than that of G. bicolor (70%). Mineral analysis indicated substantial amounts of potassium 898 mg/100 g in G. forbesii and 879 mg/100 g in G. bicolor. Calcium content was high in G. forbesii and G. bicolor amounting to 453 mg/100 g and 582 mg/100 g, respectively. Iron was high in both species (20.73–24.45 mg/100 g). Manganese, copper and zinc were substantially low. The results revealed low levels of tannin (< 1.7%) and phylates (< 0.3%). The presence of substantial amounts of nutrients and low anti-nutrients revealed that the studied species may be potential sources of nutritional food.

Keywords: Proximate analysis, mineral nutrients, anti-nutritional qualities, Grewia species, Kitapilimwa Forest Reserve
One year follow-up of physical performance and quality of life in patients surviving COVID-19: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Betschart Martina , Rezek Spencer , Unger Ines , Ott Natalie , Beyer Swantje , Böni André , Gisi David , Shannon Harriet , Spruit Martijn A. , Sieber Cornel
Published: October 2021

INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to affect many countries globally, with the long-term impact of the disease now being recognized. According to the latest research, some of the affected individuals continue to experience functional limitations, reduced physical performance and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL) even after eight months. This prospective cohort study aimed to describe the longer-term recovery of physical performance and HRQoL in COVID-19 survivors over one year.
METHOD: A cohort (n = 43; 32-84 years old) hospitalized with COVID-19 between March and June 2020 was followed over one year and assessed at three time points: hospital discharge, 3 months and 12 months post-admission. Participants experienced mild (10/43) to critical (6/43) pneumonia and stayed in the hospital for a median of 10 days (IQR 9). Participants were assessed for physical performance (six-minute walk test), HRQoL (EQ-5D-5L), COVID-19 related limitations in functionality (PCFS), hospital-related anxiety and depression (HADS-A/-D), lung function (FEV1, FVC) and dyspnea during activity (mMRC). All assessments were conducted by physiotherapists trained in cardio-respiratory rehabilitation.
RESULTS: After discharge, 8/34 showed reduced physical performance, 9/42 had lower HRQoL and 14/32 had COVID-19 induced limitations in functionality on the PCFS scale. Physical performance did not change significantly between discharge and 12-month follow-up, but 15/34 participants showed clinically relevant improvements in walking distance (>30 m). However, 16/34 had a decreased walking distance >30 m when comparing 3-month to 12-month follow-up. At 12 months, 12/41 of participants still perceived COVID-19 related limitations in daily life on the PCFS scale. For HRQoL, 12/41 participants still perceived moderate-to-severe symptoms of pain and discomfort and 13/41 slight-to-severe symptoms of anxiety and depression.
CONCLUSION: This cohort of adult patients hospitalized for mild to severe COVID-19 in Switzerland was generally mildly affected but still reported some limitations after one year. These results offer preliminary indications for ongoing support after hospitalization and point towards the need for specific, individualized follow-up to support their recovery.
ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04375709)
Analysis of Relationship amongst Money Supply, Prices and Output in India
Authors: . Sushmita , Sahewala Varun , Jain Varun , Jain Varun
Published: October 2021

The paper studies the relationship between Money Supply, Prices and Output by creating a robust VAR Model incorporating the changing trend of the macro-economic variables. The observations were that rate of change of Prices and Money Supply have a direct relationship (in short and long run), rate of change of Price and Private Consumption have an inverse relationship (more significant in long run), and rate of change of Investment and Money Supply have an inverse relationship (significant in long run). The study provides a foundation for understanding of stability and shocks amongst the macro-economic variables which have further scope of exploration in terms of magnitude of absolute change and implicit relationships which exist amongst the variables in the Quantity Theory of Money.
Uticaj programirane promene faznog stava struje na specifičnu silu cilindričnih linearnih motora sa stalnim magnetima
Authors:   University of Belgrade, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Kоprivicа Žаrkо , Мihić Drаgаn
Published: October 2021

Due to their prominent properties, tubular permanent magnet linear motors are increasingly being employed in areas in which hydraulic and pneumatic actuators are traditionally used. In order to achieve the highest possible specific force, a method based on a programmed change of the phase angle is proposed. The proposed method takes the influence of the magnetic circuit saturation on the electromagnetic interaction and current form. Simulation results are obtained using the finite element method. This method of determining the phase angle can be applied to all machines with permanent magnets in which the saturation of the magnetic circuit is pronounced.
Mogućnost korišćenјa toplotnih pumpi sa otpadnom toplotom iz postrojenјa za prečišćavanјe otpadnih voda kao toplotnim izvorom
Authors:   University of Belgrade, Faculty of Mining and Geology, Ivezić Dejan , Živković Marija , Madžarević Aleksandar , Pavlović Boban
Published: October 2021

In the next period, it is planned to build several wastewater treatment systems in major cities in Serbia. Experiences from the facilities currently in operation show that treated wastewater (taking into consideration available flow and temperature) could be a significant source of renewable energy. The paper presents examples of good practice in the use of this energy source by heat pumps in district heating systems in the EU countries. The operation of the wastewater treatment plant in the city of Šabac was analysed and the possibility of its use in the local district heating system was considered.
Analiza ekonomske opravdanosti investiranja u solarnu elektranu sa vertikalno postavljenim bifacijalnim fotonaponskim modulima u perspektivnim uslovima slobodnog tržišta
Authors:   University of Belgrade, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Lazović Đorđe , Džodić Kristina , Đurišić Željko
Published: October 2021

The future of European energy is moving towards a single European electricity market and an increasing share of renewables in the overall production mix. After the expiration of governmental incentive measures, power plants based on renewable energy sources will enter the liberalized market, where electricity prices will largely depend on the production of renewable energy sources. In order to achieve the maximum possible profit of the power plant under such conditions, it is necessary to consider the possibility of investing in solutions that are less represented today, but with the prospect of being more profitable in the future. Such a solution is a solar power plant consisting of vertically placed bifacial modules whose active surfaces are oriented in the east-west direction. This configuration of the power plant can achieve higher production in periods of high prices, and thus higher profits from the sale of electricity. On the other hand, such a solution is more expensive than a standard solar power plant with monofacial modules. In this paper, a comparison of return on investment in a bifacial power plant and a monofacial power plant with existing and prospective market conditions is performed. PVsyst software was used to analyze the solar potential and production profiles of photovoltaic power plants. The influence of solar power plant production on the price of electricity was investigated on the example of Germany. Based on this research, a prognostic model of the daily price diagram on the unified European market until 2040 was formed which served for the analysis of the profitability of investments in the two considered variants of the solar power plant realization.
Program energetske efikasnosti HIP-Petrohemija Pančevo
Authors: Suslov Biljana , Bulajić Miša
Published: October 2021

Energy efficiency program of HIP-Petrohemija a.d. Pancevo 2020-2022 is a planning document that expresses the planning of energy consumption and improvement of energy efficiency of the system in the next three years, as compliance with the Law on Efficient Use of Energy (Official Gazette of RS, No. 25/2013) and in accordance with the goals of the Energy Development Strategy of the Republic of Serbia. In the period from 2013-2019, investment programs were implemented in HIPP and planned overhauls of all plants were realized, whereby several planned business projects were realized with the aim of raising energy efficiency. About 42 million euros were invested in capital projects and investment maintenance, while about 35 million euros were spent on current maintenance and plant overhaul, all financed from own sources. The set of measures and actions for risk management for the survival and sustainability of petrochemical plants are investments in strategic modernization projects and projects to increase production capacity with the installation of energy efficient equipment. The energy efficiency program references the implemented energy improvements in the previous period and the planned business improvements in the following period, all with the aim of continuously improving the energy efficiency of the HIP-Petrohemija plant.
Rekonstrukcija transformatorske stanice 35/10kV u spoljašnje razvodno postrojenje 20kV 20211, XXIII
Authors: Sarić Srbislav , Sarić Biljana
Published: October 2021

In the distribution area of Novi Sad, owned by ODS EPS Distribucija, there are 35 substations 35/10kV that are on average over 50 years old. Considering the tendency to gradually eliminate the voltage levels of 35kV and 10kV in this distribution area and the transition to the voltage level of 20kV, some of these substations are planned for reconstruction into 20kV distribution plants. Reconstruction of these substations requires large financial resources, because their construction part is in a very bad condition, electric power equipment is unreliable and difficult to maintain, and operational readiness is an increasingly important factor in presenting successful business. During the reconstruction of these transformer stations, the possibility of a backup power supply route for electricity customers, the speed of intervention and the smooth performance of preventive maintenance must be taken into account. The appearance of reclosers opened a new chapter in the world of electricity. Namely, now the above problems and requirements can be solved in a simpler and cheaper way with the use of reclosers. The paper will present a proposal for the reconstruction of the substaion 35/10 kV "Kuzmin" in the area of the Branch Distribution Sremska Mitrovica, which has been operating for more than 60 years, in an external 20 kV distribution plant formed with the help of reclosers built on steel lattice poles. The proposed solution can be used to solve the same or similar problems, primarily in the distribution area of Novi Sad.
State of Climate Action 2021: Systems Transformations Required to Limit Global Warming to 1.5°C
Authors: Boehm Sophie , Lebling Katie , Levin Kelly , Fekete Hanna , Jaeger Joel , Waite Richard , Nilsson Anna , Thwaites Joe , Wilson Ryan , Geiges Andreas , Schumer Clea , Dennis Maggie , Ross Katie , Castellanos Sebastian , Shrestha Rajat , Singh Neelam , Weisse Mikaela , Lazer Leah , Jeffery Louise , Freehafer Lydia , Gray Erin , Zhou Lihuan , Gidden Matthew , Galvin Madeleine
Published: October 2021

Limiting global warming to 1.5°C requires far-reaching transformations across power generation, buildings, industry, transport, land use, coastal zone management, and agriculture, as well as the immediate scale-up of technological carbon removal and climate finance. This report translates these transitions into 40 targets for 2030 and 2050, with measurable indicators. Transformations, particularly those driven by new technology adoption, often unfold slowly before accelerating after crossing a tipping point. Nearly a quarter of indicators assessed new technology adoption, with some already growing exponentially. This report considers such nonlinear change in its methodology. The transitions required to avoid the worst climate impacts are not happening fast enough. Of the 40 indicators assessed, none are on track to reach 2030 targets. Change is heading in the right direction at a promising but insufficient speed for 8 and in the right direction but well below the required pace for 17. Progress has stagnated for 3, while change for another 3 is heading in the wrong direction entirely. Data are insufficient to evaluate the remaining 9. This report also identifies underlying conditions that enable change—supportive policies, innovations, strong institutions, leadership, and shifts in social norms. Finance for climate action, for example, must increase nearly 13-fold to meet the estimated need in 2030.
Liderazgo directivo en escuelas y proyectos no formales en centros de menores y carcelarios de la Región Metropolita de Chile
Authors: Vergara Marcela Gaete , Collado Violeta Acuña , Muga Marisol Ramírez
Published: October 2021

La educación en contextos encierro es un tema poco estudiado e incluso invisibilizado, los/as docentes y los equipos directivos no cuentan con apoyos específicos suficientes para llevar a cabo su labor, la que está sujeta a una serie de condiciones y demandas muy diferentes a la del medio libre. Una investigación cualitativa en curso, en que se han recogido datos del 70% de los participantes, cuyo propósito es cartografiar el sentido los proyectos formativos con jóvenes y adultos en contextos de encierro en la R.M de Chile, arroja información relevante en torno al liderazgo directivo. En todos los casos los principios que guían los proyectos educativos constituyen parte del “sueño pedagógico” de los equipos que conducen las escuelas o programas, quienes se caracterizan por un fuerte compromiso ético y por una toma de decisiones que privilegia el desarrollo de las capacidades de los/as internos/as. Consecuentemente, los equipos directivos no dudan en ir más allá de lo que les corresponde y buscar alternativas autogestionadas para realizar su labor. Lo anterior posibilita que los proyectos no formales y las escuelas se constituyan en un espacio simbólico muy diferente al espacio carcelario, alejándose de la lógica de vigilar y castigar.

 

Education in confinement contexts is a little studied and even invisibilized topic; teachers and management teams do not have enough specific support to carry out their work, which is subject to a series of conditions and demands very different from those of the free environment. A qualitative research in progress, in which data have been collected from 70% of the participants, whose purpose is to map the meaning of educational projects with young people and adults in confinement contexts in the R.M. of Chile, yields relevant information on managerial leadership. In all cases, the principles guiding the educational projects are part of the "pedagogical dream" of the teams leading the schools or programs, who are characterized by a strong ethical commitment and by decision-making that favors the development of the inmates' capacities. Consequently, the management teams do not hesitate to go beyond their responsibilities and seek self-managed alternatives to carry out their work. This makes it possible for non-formal projects and schools to become a symbolic space that is very different from the prison space, moving away from the logic of surveillance and punishment.
Covid-19 Salgınının Uluslararası Yatırım Uyuşmazlıklarının Çözümü Süreçlerine Etkisi
Authors: ÖZTURANLI ŞANDA Beyza
Published: October 2021

Dünya çapında bir yılı aşkın süredir devam eden Covid-19 salgını, devletleri benzeri görülmemiş önlemler almaya zorlamakta, tam kapanmalar yanında, seyahat yasakları, ek vize gereklilikleri, tıbbi ürünlerin ithalat ve ihracatına getirilen kısıtlama ve yasaklar, sağlık hizmetlerinin kamulaştırılması, projelerin yavaşlatılması gibi tedbirler yabancı doğrudan yatırımları kaçınılmaz olarak etkilemektedir. Devletlerin salgınla mücadele sürecinde aldığı önlemler, uluslararası yatırım andlaşmalarının ihlali iddialarını gündeme getirebilecek ve bu iddialar, yatırımcıların sınır ötesi ticari faaliyetlerinin ulusal düzeyde karşılaştığı engellerden kaynaklanan uyuşmazlıkların bağımsız ve tarafsız yargı organlarınca çözümünü temin etmek amacıyla faaliyet gösteren, kurumsal tahkim mekanizmaları önünde devletlere karşı ileri sürülebilecektir. Yeni dönemde Covid-19 salgını ile mücadele etmek amacıyla alınan ve yabancı doğrudan yatırımları etkileyen ulusal tedbirlerin, uluslararası yatırım uyuşmazlıklarının çözümüne ilişkin hukuki rejime etkisi önem arz etmektedir.
Transitivity and Bidirectional Framing in Telecommunication Advertisements
Authors: John Fredrick Friday , Atolagbe Oluwadamilare Daniel
Published: October 2021

Advertisements are onerous ways of representing the identity of producers and consumers who are both agents of social life, and mobile telecommunication advertisement is not an exception. However, this has not attracted sufficient attention in linguistic studies. This study investigates the bidirectional framing of the identities of telecommunication service providers and the subscribers in twelve MTN and GLO advertisements, aired on popular mainstream television stations between 2014 and 2017. These were downloaded from youtube, where they are trended as unsolicited adverts to reach millions of users. The qualitative analytical approach was adopted, using transitivity, in the systemic functional linguistic (SFL) framework, as theory, to analyse transcribed texts from the advertisements. The findings show that copywriters use material, mental, verbal, relational and existential processes to frame service providers as welfarists, supremacists and benefactors/beneficiaries, and the subscribers as consumerists, opportunists and beneficiaries/benefactors.  The supremacist’ and welfarist’ identities are used as indexes to establish the stiff competition between and among service providers to gain more subscribers. The results also show that welfare services are initiated as basis for out-doing self and other-self services. The enthusiasm of the subscribers to use services account for their framing as ‘consumerists’ and ‘opportunists.’ The beneficiary and benefactor identities are bidirectional, as both service providers, and subscribers mutually benefit from each other in a one-to-one relation. The study concludes that transitivity processes are indelible linguistic resources used in telecommunication advertisement to bidirectionally frame the identities of service providers and subscribers, with a view to enhancing consumerism.
Tax Concession In Life Insurance In Algeria
Authors:   PhD,university of Akli M’hand Oulhadj, Bouira., ALLAM Athmane
Published: October 2021

The Algerian insurance market remains under-exploited. In 2019, it generated a turnover of 152,148billion DA, of which 14.118MDA (9.27%) in life insurance. The insurance penetration (turnover / GDP) is about 0.68% against 2.14% in Tunisia and 3.88% in Morocco and a world average of 6.09%. Also, about the density (CA / Population), in Algeria, it is about 28 $ / head against 75$/ head in Tunisia and 127$ / head in Morocco and a world average of 682 $ / head. The purpose of this study is to show the impact of the life insurance tax system on the development of the latter. For that, we started by presenting the Algerian market insurance, its organization, its structure, its world ranking, this is to detect the difficulties and weaknesses of the latter, particularly the insurance branch of people and the reasons for his delay. Next, we have presented the efforts made by the public authorities in tax breaks to promote the latter, and the shortcomings related to the application of these measures, of which we have cited the Tunisian example, finally, we tried to give recommendations to better exploit these reliefs.
Evaluative Review of Government Obligations in Protecting the Right to Work for Persons with Disabilities through National and Regional Regulations (Ambon City) After the Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Authors: Mapusa Siska Giofana
Published: October 2021

Introductioan: Indonesia is a country that upholds the protection of human rights . One of the human rights pillars of concern for Indonesia is legal protection for Persons with Disabilities.Purposes of the Research: The study aims to determine whether the national regulations in Indonesia have accommodated the implementation of the Right to Work in accordance with Article 27 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the availability of regulation at the regional level, especially in Ambon as a form of protection for the Disability Right to Work.Methods of the Research: This research was conducted using normative methods. The results of this study were presented in a descriptive analysis report.Results of the Research: The results showed that the Act and regulations in Indonesia have not been maximal in providing protection for workers with disabilities because not all rights in Article 27 of the CRPD were regulated in national regulations. Relating to the protection of the right to work for persons with disabilities in the city of Ambon, there was no district regulations.