bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
АНАЛІЗ ТОЧНОСТІ ВИЗНАЧЕННЯ ГРАНИЦІ ВИТРИВАЛОСТІ МЕТОДОМ СТУПІНЧАСТОЇ ЗМІНИ НАВАНТАЖЕННЯ
Authors: Konoplev A.V. , Kononova O.M. , Cheredarchuk N.I. , Halevskyi V.V.
Published: February 2024

Вступ. Розглянуто проблему, пов’язану з точністю експериментального визначення середньоймовірного значення границі витривалості та її середньоквадратичного відхилення за методом «угору – униз». Для розв’язання задачі було розглянуто приклад і проведені розрахунки, що дозволили побудувати залежності похибок цих характеристик опору втомі від режимів проведення випробувань. Було показано, що середньоймовірні значення границь витривалості та їх середньоквадратичні відхилення істотно залежать як від початкового рівня навантаження, так і від перепаду напружень між рівнями. Розрахунковим шляхом було встановлено, що мінімальні значення похибок мають місце в разі, коли початкове напруження близьке до очікуваної границі витривалості, а перепад напружень d є мінімальним. Мета статті – дослідження точності методу визначення границі витривалості та її розсіювання за різних варіантів планування випробувань. Результати. Розрахунковим шляхом отримано залежності границі витривалості та її середньоквадратичного відхилення від інтервалу між рівнями напружень і початкового рівня навантаження, а також визначено значення їх похибок, які представлені в табличному та графічному видах. Висновки. Середньоймовірні значення границь витривалості та їх середньоквадратичні відхилення, визначені за формулами (3) та (4), залежать як від початкового рівня навантаження, так і від перепаду напружень між рівнями. Мінімальні значення похибок δσR мають місце в разі, коли початкове напруження близьке до очікуваної границі витривалості, а перепад напружень d мінімальний. Похибки середньоквадратичного відхилення границі витривалості δS змінюються у границях, причому їх залежність від перепаду напружень і початкового рівня має стохастичний характер.
УДОСКОНАЛЕННЯ МОДЕЛІ ЗГОРЯННЯ ПАЛИВА ДИЗЕЛЬНОГО ДВИГУНА ПРИ ЗАСТОСУВАННІ ЇЇ В ЦИФРОВОМУ ДВІЙНИКУ
Authors: Minchev D.S. , Varbanets R.A. , Zalozh V.I. , Ahieiev M.S. , Psariuk S.P.
Published: February 2024

Застосування цифрових двійників є перспективним рішенням для підвищення ефективності роботи суднових енергетичних установок, зокрема їхніх важливих компонентів – суднових двигунів внутрішнього згоряння (ДВЗ). Цифровий двійник, який реалізується на зовнішньому сервері, або як складова частина локальної системи моніторингу двигуна, використовується для автоматичної обробки даних із сенсорів, які встановлені на двигуні, накопичення статистики, визначення поточного технічного стану двигуна, ефективності його застосування, ідентифікації можливих несправностей і ухвалення рішень щодо змін у програмах експлуатації. Ключовим елементом цифрового двійника є математична модель робочого циклу суднового дизеля. У роботі розглядається окреме питання застосування цифрових двійників, що застосовуються для моніторингу технічного стану та діагностики несправностей суднових двигунів внутрішнього згоряння, а саме проблема синтезу характеристик тепловиділення в циліндрі двигуна. Мета роботи – удосконалення моделі згоряння палива, яка застосовується для синтезу характеристик тепловиділення, завдяки врахуванню змінного середнього діаметра крапель паливного факела протягом процесу впорскування, адже відомо, що на початку та наприкінці процесу впорскування спостерігається погіршення умов розпилювання пального. Результати. У результаті виконання досліджень з’ясований механізм впливу значення середнього діаметра розпилу на взаємопов’язані процеси випаровування та вигоряння палива; показано, що врахування змінного характеру тонкості розпилу протягом процесу впорскування суттєво впливає як на перебіг процесів тепловиділення, так і на утворення шкідливих речовин. Висновки. Отже, урахування змінного значення середнього діаметра крапель палива протягом процесу впорскування дозволяє більш точно відобразити реальні процеси у двигуні, збільшити можливості налаштування й адаптування цифрового двійника. Водночас використання повною мірою отриманих додаткових можливостей моделі потребує оцінки або вимірювання характеристик впорскування палива під час роботи двигуна, вирішення цього завдання становить перспективу майбутніх досліджень.
АНАЛІЗ ВПЛИВУ ГРАНИЧНИХ РІВНІВ ВІБРАЦІЇ НА ЗАЛИШКОВИЙ РЕСУРС СУДНОВИХ МАШИН І МЕХАНІЗМІВ
Authors: Sviridov V.I. , Andreiev A.A. , Andrieiev A.A.
Published: February 2024

Вступ. Висока ефективність переходу на систему обслуговування суднового технологічного обладнання за фактичним станом базується не лише на скороченні термінів і витрат на технічне обслуговування, але й на виключенні необґрунтованих ремонтів. Це приводить до підвищення надійності машинних агрегатів. Переведення кораблів Військово-морських сил України на технічне обслуговування та ремонт за їх поточним станом передбачає наявність на борту діагностичного забезпечення для різних машин і механізмів корабля. Мета. Теоретично обґрунтувати й експериментально перевірити граничні рівні вібрації корабельних машин і механізмів з роторами, що обертаються. Реалізація цієї мети передбачає вирішення завдання знаходження зв’язку між граничними рівнями вібрації та «втомою» підшипників для корабельних машин і механізмів з роторами, що обертаються, і підшипниками кочення з ресурсом у 10–12 тисяч годин. Результати. Запропоновано метод вібродіагностування насосного агрегату, який не потребує інформації про норми вібрації, їхні тактико-технічні дані, стан агрегату на час проведення діагностування, поширюється, як показали проведені дослідження, на всі типи насосів з електроприводом. Вібраційні обстеження корабельних машин і механізмів, проведені авторами протягом 10 років, а також результати аналізу даних інших авторів дозволяють стверджувати, що у процесі експлуатації корабельних машин і механізмів доцільно проводити вібраційні обстеження та, у разі необхідності, підбалансування роторів як мінімум раз на 2–3 місяці. Робота корабельних насосних агрегатів супроводжується вібрацією, що негативно позначається на ресурсі їхньої роботи. Найбільш навантаженим (з механічного погляду) є підшипникові вузли, які зазвичай визначають ресурс роботи корабельних машин і механізмів. Висновки. Даний підхід дозволяє розробляти прості діагностичні пристрої, що складаються із двох або трьох канальних аналізаторів спектра, арифметичного блока для обчислення та блока сигналізації, а також блока аналізу, у якому проводитиметься автоматична ідентифікація частот вібрації та постановка діагнозу. Для практичного обґрунтування граничних рівнів вібрацій різних корабельних машин і механізмів була розроблена спеціальна залежність. Запропонована методика визначення залишкового ресурсу корабельних машин і механізмів в експлуатаційних умовах. Перспективним продовженням у цьому напрямі є деталізація розрахунку норм вібрації для різних типів корабельних машин і механізмів, розроблення методик розрахунку та прогнозування залишкового ресурсу, приладова реалізація даного підходу.
Adaptive Gaussian Wiener Filter for CT-Scan Images with Gaussian Noise Variance
Authors: Lew Kai Liang , Kew Chung Yang , Sim Kok Swee , Tan Shing Chiang
Published: February 2024

Medical imaging plays an important role in modern healthcare, with Computed Tomography (CT) being essential for high-resolution cross-sectional imaging. However, Gaussian noise often occurs within the CT scan images and makes it difficult for image interpretation and reduces the diagnostic accuracy, creating a significant obstacle to fully utilizing CT scanning technology. Existing denoising techniques have a hard time balance between noise reduction and preserving the important image details, failing to enable the optimal diagnostic precision. This study introduces Adaptive Gaussian Wiener Filter (AGWF), a novel filter aims to denoise CT scan images that have been corrupted with various Gaussian noise variance without compromising the image details. The AGWF combines the Gaussian filter for initial noise reduction, followed by the implementation of Wiener filter, which can adaptively estimate noise variance and signal power in localized regions. This approach not only outperforms other existing techniques but also showcases a remarkable balance between noise reduction and image detail preservation. The experiment evaluates 300 images from the dataset and each image is corrupted with Gaussian noise variance to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the AGWF’s performance. The evaluation indicated that AGWF can improve the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) value and reduce the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Square Error (MSE) value, showing a qualitative improvement in CT scan imagery. The proposed method holds promising potential for advancing medical imaging technology with the implementation of deep learning.
GoHoliday: Development of An Improvised Mobile Application for Boutique Hotels and Resorts
Authors: Alom Iftiaj , Al-Qasem Al-Hadi Ismail Ahmed , Jothi Neesha , Yeo Sook Fern
Published: February 2024

One of the main challenges boutique hotels and resorts face is the direct outreach to tourists and customers. As a result, these independent hotels often resort to online platforms such as Agoda and Airbnb to expand their customer base. However, this approach comes at the cost of losing revenue to Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) that solely focus on room sales, hindering the establishment of a strong brand image for boutique hotels and resorts. Considering the heavy reliance on OTAs, this paper focuses on the development of GoHoliday, a cross-platform mobile app prototype that aims to bridge the gap between boutique hotels and users. This mobile application seamlessly integrates a booking engine, an AI assistant for trip planning, and an experience-sharing platform, enhancing the app's capabilities alongside other features. By implementing the GoHoliday mobile application, boutique hotels can maximize their reach and establish a distinct brand identity by directly serving their valuable guests with more personalized arrangements.
Emojis And Miscommunication in Text-Based Interactions Among Nigerian Youths
Authors: Udoudom Uduak , William Godwin , Igiri Anthony , Okon Ememobong , Aruku Kalita
Published: February 2024

This paper explores the dynamic role of emojis in text-based communication among Nigerian youths and the potential implications for miscommunication. Emojis have become integral to contemporary digital conversations, offering users a visual means of expressing emotions, tone, and context within the constraints of text-based interactions. In the context of Nigeria, a country with a diverse linguistic landscape and a youthful population heavily engaged in online communication, understanding the impact of emojis on interpersonal exchanges becomes particularly pertinent. This paper examines the prevalence and patterns of emoji usage among Nigerian youths across various digital platforms. It investigates the cultural nuances and interpretations associated with emojis within the Nigerian context, considering factors such as regional differences, linguistic diversity, and socio-cultural influences. Furthermore, the study examines instances where emojis may contribute to miscommunication or misunderstanding, potentially exacerbating conflicts or hindering effective communication. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, online discourse analysis, and case studies, this research aims to shed light on the ways in which emojis influence the interpretation of textual messages and the potential challenges they pose to clear and accurate communication. The study concludes that as digital communication continues to be a primary mode of interaction, it is essential for users to recognize the potential for misinterpretation, prompting the need for increased emoji literacy and awareness.
Sentiment Analysis using Support Vector Machine and Random Forest
Authors: Ahmed Khan Talha , Sadiq Rehan , Shahid Zeeshan , Alam Muhammad Mansoor , Mohd Su'ud Mazliham
Published: February 2024

Sentiment analysis, is commonly known as opinion mining, is a vital field in natural language processing (NLP) that claims to find out the sentiment or emotion expressed in a given text. This research paper demonstrates an exhaustive survey of sentiment analysis, focusing on the application of machine learning techniques. Comprehensive parametric literature review has been completed to determine the sentiment analysis using SVM and Random Forest. Additionally, the paper covers preprocessing techniques, feature extraction, model training, evaluation, and challenges encountered in sentiment analysis. The findings of this research contribute to a deeper understanding of sentiment analysis and provide insights into the effectiveness of machine learning approaches in this domain. Based on the results obtained, two machine learning algorithms named as Random Forest and SVM were evaluated based on their accuracy in a classification task. The Random Forest algorithm achieved an accuracy of 0.78564, while SVM outperformed it slightly with an accuracy of 0.80394. Both Random Forest and SVM have demonstrated their strengths in achieving respectable accuracies in the given classification task. These results suggest that SVM, with its slightly higher accuracy of 0.80394, may be a more suitable choice when accuracy is the primary concern. However, the basic configuration need and characteristics of the problem at hand should be considered when choosing the better algorithm with better results.
Implementation of Grover’s Algorithm & Bernstein-Vazirani Algorithm with IBM Qiskit
Authors: Liu Yang-Che , Liu Mei-Feng
Published: February 2024

Quantum logic gates differ from classical logic gates as the former involves quantum operators. The conventional gates such as AND, OR, NOT etc., are generally classified as classical gates, however, some of the quantum gates are known as Pauli gates, Toffoli gates and Hadamard gates, respectively. Normally classical states only involve 0 and 1, whereas quantum states involve the superpositions of 0 and 1. Hence, underlying principles of algorithm implementation for classical logic gate and quantum logic gate are indeed different. In this paper, we introduce significant concepts of quantum computations, analyse the discrepancy between classical and quantum gates, compare quantum algorithms using Qiskit against equivalent classical algorithms and analyse their performance in terms of runtime.
A Campus-based Chatbot System using Natural Language Processing and Neural Network
Authors: Goh Tuan-Jun , Chong Lee-Ying , Chong Siew-Chin , Goh Pey-Yun
Published: February 2024

A chatbot is designed to simulate human conversation and provide instant responses to users. Chatbots have gained popularity in providing automated customer support and information retrieval among organisations. Besides, it also acts as a virtual assistant to communicate with users by delivering updated answers based on users' input. Most chatbots still use the traditional rule-based chatbot, which can only respond to pre-defined sentences, making the users unlikely to use the chatbot. This paper aims to design and build a campus chatbot for the Faculty of Information Science & Technology (FIST) of Multimedia University that facilitates the study life of FIST students. Before the FIST chatbot can be used, natural language processing techniques such as tokenisation, lemmatisation and bag of word model are used to generate the input that can be used to train the neural network model (multilayer perceptron model). It makes the FIST chatbot comprehends user intent by analysing their questions, enabling it to address a broader range of inquiries and cater to the student's need with accurate answers or information related to the Faculty of Information Science & Technology. Besides, we also developed the backend interface allowing the admin to add and edit the dataset in the proposed chatbot and enable it continuously responds to the student with the latest and updated information.
« Vivre chacune en ses amours contente » ou le paradoxe antérotique au coeur de la Querelle des Amyes
Authors: Amiel Gautier
Published: February 2024

L’article se propose d’analyser le corpus de la « Querelle des Amyes » à l’aune du concept d’antérotisme. Celui-ci permet de saisir la dynamique éminemment paradoxale (à différents niveaux) des textes qui visent un lectorat féminin à instruire. Entre subversion et conformisme, des textes que l’on pensait s’opposer frontalement finissent par s’unir en proposant un parcours didactique en réalité aporétique, mais non sans valeur réflexive. La Querelle des Amyes ainsi envisagée rejoint de plain-pied le plus large corpus de la Querelle des Femmes, sans pourtant finir par prendre parti pour l’un ou l’autre des partis qui s’y affrontent. Clef de compréhension d’une lecture qui ne peut se saisir que comme un problème ou une promesse, Antéros dévoile la nature (possible) du sens de ces textes qui ne se révèle qu’en tenant ensemble des positions contradictoires et pourtant nécessaires les unes aux autres pour pouvoir être signifiantes.
Miller, Susan Gilson. Years of Glory: Nelly Benatar and the Pursuit of Justice in Wartime North Africa. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 2021.
Authors: Simon Rachel
Published: February 2024

Book Review
TRANSFORMATION OF THE UKRAINIANS’ PUBLIC OPINION REGARDING DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN POLITICAL PROCESSES OF THE COUNTRY
Authors:   Mykhailo Tuhan-Baranovskyi Donetsk National University of Economics and Trade, Revutska S. K. , Oliinyk K. D. ,   Mykhailo Tuhan-Baranovskyi Donetsk National University of Economics and Trade
Published: February 2024

Objective of the article is to investigate the transformation of public opinion of Ukrainians regarding the domestic and foreign political processes of the country by comparing sociological surveys on the attitude of Ukrainian citizens to various politicians and states. Methods. The main scientific results are obtained by analyzing the statistical data of surveys of various sociological institutes in the period from 2011 to 2022, based on the survey data conducted by the sociological service of the Razumkov Center together with the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation, Forbes magazine. Results. Considering that the process of European integration of Ukraine takes place in rather difficult conditions of the struggle for independence, the purpose of the study is to transform the public opinion of Ukrainians regarding the country’s domestic and foreign political processes by comparing sociological surveys on the attitude of Ukrainian citizens to various politicians and states. In the process of analyzing the results of polls from different years, it is found that the main criterion for the attitude of Ukrainians towards foreign countries, politicians and international organizations is their support for Ukraine in the fight against the aggressor. The leader country that most supports Ukrainians in various fields is Poland, however, among personal preferences, the President of Poland takes an honorable second place after Boris Johnson. This indicates that the interdependence “country – aid – individual” is not always the same, that is, the human qualities of specific individuals, their statements and activities have a greater influence on the formation of the rating of Ukrainian society’s preferences. Despite everything, the analyzed data indicate that defense and preservation of the integrity of the state are vitally important for Ukrainians at the moment. At the same time, the change in attitude towards many countries during the entire period of aggression since 2014 is noticeable. In the future, we have in mind to investigate the level of trust of Ukrainians in international organizations that passively reacted to the environmental and humanitarian disaster after the terrorists blew up the Kakhovska hydroelectric power station.
ECONOMIC SECURITY BUREAU OF UKRAINE: ENSURING THE ECONOMIC SECURITY OF THE STATE, INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND WAYS OF REFORMING
Authors:   Mykhailo Tuhan-Baranovskyi Donetsk National University of Economics and Trade, Shulzhenko I. V. , Diadiura K. V. ,   Mykhailo Tuhan-Baranovskyi Donetsk National University of Economics and Trade
Published: February 2024

Objective. The objective of the article is to analyze the legal framework for determining the legal status, powers and tasks of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine, to consider the experience of foreign countries in ensuring the economic security of the state by their law enforcement agencies, to identify potential shortcomings in the work of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine, and to develop practical steps for increasing the level of its effective activity. Methods. The following general scientific methods are used in the research process: theoretical generalization – when considering legal acts related to economic security and the activities of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine; analysis and synthesis - when identifying the main functions, tasks and articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine that are assigned to the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine, and when citing the experience of foreign countries in ensuring economic security; induction and deduction - when revealing potential shortcomings in the activities of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine and justifying measures to reform the activities of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine to increase the level of its effective activity. Results. Regulatory acts related to economic security and the activities of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine are considered. The main functions, tasks, and articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which are assigned to the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine, are identified, and the experience of foreign countries in ensuring economic security is given (using the example of the USA, Great Britain, and Italy). Potential shortcomings in the activity of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine are identified and steps to reform the activity of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine to increase the level of its effective activity are indicated.
Pulsed Radiofrequency Neuromodulation for Post-Stroke Shoulder Pain in Patients with Hemorrhagic Stroke
Authors: Na Doyoung , Park Mu Seung , Choi Hyuk Jai , Yang Jinseo , Cho Yong-Jun , Jeon Jin Pyeong
Published: February 2024

Objective : Post-stroke shoulder pain (PSSP) is a common complication that limits the range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder, the patient’s rehabilitation and in turn, affects the patients’ quality of life (QoL). Several treatment modalities such as sling, positioning, strapping, functional electrical stimulation, and nerve block have been suggested in literatures, however none of the treatments had long-term effects for PSSP. In this study, the authors evaluated clinical efficacy of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) neuromodulation on the suprascapular nerve for PSSP, and suggested it as a potential treatment with long-term effect.Methods : This retrospective case series was conducted at a single center, a private practice institution. From 2013 to 2021, 13 patients with PSSP underwent PRF neuromodulation of the suprascapular nerve. The primary outcome measure was the Visual analog scale (VAS) score. The secondary outcome measurements included the shoulder ROM, Disability assessment scale (DAS), modified Ashworth scale, modified Rankin scale (mRS), and EuroQol-5 dimension-3L questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) scores. These parameters were evaluated before PRF modulation, immediately after PRF modulation, and every 3 months until the final follow-up visit.Results : Six men and seven women were enrolled, and all patients were followed-up for a minimum of 12 months. The mean VAS score was 7.07 points before PRF neuromodulation and 2.38 points immediately post-procedure. Shoulder ROM for abduction and flexion, DAS for pain, mRS, and EQ-5D-3L demonstrated marked improvement. No complications were reported.Conclusion : PRF neuromodulation of the suprascapular nerve is an effective modality in patients with PSSP, and has long-term effect of pain relief, improvement of QoL.
Development of an Instrument for Slit-lamp Examination of Donor Corneas in Preservation Medium
Authors: Nam Ga Hee , Kim Da Ran , Yoon Young Chae , Yang Soon Won , Whang Woong Joo , Byun Yong-Soo , Hwang Hyung Bin , Na Kyung Sun , Lee Hyun Soo , Chung So Hyang , Kim Eun Chul , Cho Yang Kyung , Kim Hyun Seung , Hwang Ho Sik
Published: February 2024

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of an instrument devised for slit-lamp examination of donor corneas suspended in preservation medium.Methods: The study examined two donor corneas received at Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital in February 2023 and March 2023. The instrument has three main components: a plastic holder to hold the preservation medium bottle, a cube with a mirror for reflecting the slit beam, and a stand to attach the device to the slit-lamp. Using the instrument, the donor corneas were examined via slit-lamp: microscopy with the endothelium facing upward and downward. Specular microscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) were also performed on the preserved donor corneas.Results: Slit-lamp examination of donor corneas in preservation medium using the instrument showed overall corneal buttoning and optical sections of the donor cornea. Using specular reflection and retroillumination, the endothelial layer was partially visible. However, specular microscopy and anterior segment OCT could not examine the donor cornea in preservation medium using the instrument.Conclusions: The devised instrument facilitates slit-lamp examination of donor corneas in preservation medium, enabling a qualitative assessment of donor corneas before corneal transplantation surgery.
Injection Frequency and Differences in Visual Outcomes based on Diagnosis Year in Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Kang Kyoung Hae , Kim Chul Gu , Kim Jong Woo , Kim Jae Hui
Published: February 2024

Purpose: To evaluate the changes in injection frequency based on the diagnosis year in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the differences in visual outcomes associated with these changes.Methods: This retrospective study included 667 patients (667 eyes) diagnosed with treatment-naïve neovascular AMD and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019. The number of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections and degree of changes in visual acuity during the first 24 months after diagnosis were compared among the 4 years.Results: The 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019 groups had a mean of 5.7 ± 2.7, 6.0 ± 2.8, 6.6 ± 3.0, and 6.9 ± 3.3 anti-VEGF injections, respectively. The number of injections was significantly higher in 2019 than in 2013 and 2015 (p < 0.001). The mean degree of visual change during the 24-month follow-up period was 0.07 ± 0.55, 0.01 ± 0.51, 0.08 ± 0.50, and 0.04 ± 0.48 in 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019, respectively. There was a significant difference in the degree of visual change among the four groups (p = 0.020).Conclusions: Patients diagnosed more recently tend to receive more injections and have better visual outcomes. We speculate that more injections contributed to these results. This trend should be considered when predicting the future socioeconomic burden of neovascular AMD.
Alterations in Ocular Biometrics Following Ahmed Valve Implantation
Authors: Choi Yunseog , Cho Kyong Jin , Park Yuli
Published: February 2024

Purpose: We assessed changes in ocular biometrics following Ahmed valve implantation.Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis involving 76 eyes of 76 glaucoma patients who underwent Ahmed valve implantation; these patients were followed up for 6 months. Preoperative data, including age, intraocular pressure (IOP), refractive status, axial length, central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV), and anterior and posterior keratometry, were evaluated preoperatively and at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months postoperatively.Results: The mean IOP exhibited a significant reduction from 39.17 ± 14.06 mmHg preoperatively to 11.43 ± 3.25 mmHg (p < 0.001), 13.18 ± 4.64 mmHg (p < 0.001), and 12.95 ± 4.37 mmHg (p < 0.001) at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months postoperatively, respectively. Furthermore, the axial length exhibited a significant post-surgery reduction, measuring 23.74 ± 2.01 mm preoperatively and 23.48 ± 1.86 mm (p < 0.001), 23.57 ± 1.94 mm (p < 0.001), and 23.61 ± 1.98 mm (p = 0.002) at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months postoperatively, respectively. However, no significant changes were observed in various other parameters, such as anterior and posterior keratometry, refractive status, ACA, ACD, or ACV, at 6 months post-surgery (p > 0.05).Conclusions: Ahmed valve implantation resulted in a significant reduction in axial length. Furthermore, it had transient but non-significant effects on keratometry, refractive status, ACA, ACD, and ACV at 6 months after surgery.
Effect of Latanoprostene Bunod on the Permeability of Trabecular Meshwork Cells
Authors: Park Hyeong Seok , Kim Jae Woo
Published: February 2024

Purpose: To investigate the effects of latanoprostene bunod (LBN) on nitric oxide (NO) production and permeability in human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMC).Methods: HTMC were treated with 50 and 100 µM LBN and latanoprost free acid (LAT) for 30 minutes. Additionally, 100 µM LBN was co-exposed to 0.5 mM L-NAME (N-Nitroarginine methyl ester). Cellular viability and NO production were measured using MTT (3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and Griess assays. The permeability and resistance of the HTMC monolayer were evaluated by trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and carboxyfluorescein permeability.Results: Exposure to 100 µM LBN led to increased NO production, whereas co-exposure to L-NAME reduced NO production. Treatment with 100 µM LBN decreased the TEER of the HTMC monolayer. LBN exposure heightened carboxyfluorescein permeability, but co-exposure to 100 µM LBN and L-NAME reduced permeability. LAT treatment did not affect NO production or permeability.Conclusions: LBN increased the permeability of the HTMC monolayer and increased NO production. Therefore, LBN might increase trabecular outflow in addition to promoting uveoscleral outflow.
Expanding the known range and practical conservation issues of the Endangered Australian brook lamprey Mordacia praecox
Authors: Carpenter-Bundhoo L , Moffatt DB
Published: February 2024

Parasitic and non-parasitic lamprey ‘species pairs’ are an ongoing source of taxonomic uncertainty globally. The geographic range of the only non-parasitic lamprey in the Southern Hemisphere, the Endangered Australian brook lamprey Mordacia praecox, has remained ambiguous since its description in 1968. The conservation of this species is complex as it is presently genetically and, for most of its lifecycle, morphologically indistinguishable from its parasitic paired species, short-headed lamprey M. mordax, the conservation status of which is Least Concern. Difficulty in their identification, coupled with their cryptic behaviour, has resulted in limited knowledge of the species’ ecology and distribution. This is further complicated by the sympatric geographic ranges of the paired species. Using incidental captures, targeted surveys, and open-access wildlife information database records, we describe the discovery and confirmation of lamprey populations from tropical and sub-tropical Australia and the associated ∼1400 km (5-fold) northward extension of the known geographic range of Australian brook lamprey. Surveys yielded non-parasitic lampreys of all life-history stages across 6 tropical and sub-tropical coastal watersheds of eastern Australia. We also highlight major issues associated with the conservation of a cryptic and poorly understood species and discuss potential conservation actions that may, at least in part, ameliorate such issues.
The Untapped Potential of Narrative as a Tool in Aviation Mental Health and Certification
Authors: Hoffman William R. , McNeil Matthew , Tvaryanas Anthony
Published: February 2024

INTRODUCTION: Work-related stress is common in pilots, with broad implications, including the potential development of mental health symptoms and sometimes even psychiatric disease. This commentary argues for the use of narrative as a tool to promote preventive health behaviors in pilots and combat misinformation about aeromedical certification related to mental health.

Hoffman WR, McNeil M, Tvaryanas A. The untapped potential of narrative as a tool in aviation mental health and certification. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(3):165–166.
Handheld Sonographic Cardiovascular Imaging Under Hypergravity Conditions
Authors: Blue Rebecca S. , Ong Karen M.
Published: February 2024

INTRODUCTION: Real-time cardiovascular imaging during hypergravity exposure has been historically limited by technological and physical challenges. Previous efforts at sonographic hypergravity imaging have used fixed ultrasound probes; the use of hand-held ultrasound, particularly performed by minimally trained laypersons, has been less explored. Here we will discuss handheld sonography to self-visualize carotid vascular and cardiac changes during hypergravity.

METHODS: Three subjects with variable ultrasound experience ranging from no familiarity to extensive clinical experience used handheld ultrasound at rest and under stepwise +Gz hypergravity exposures (maximum +3.5 Gz) to visualize carotid vascular changes. Subxiphoid cardiac ultrasound was obtained by the most experienced subject. Subjects had variable prior hypergravity experience; all were trained in anti-G straining techniques. Sonographically inexperienced subjects underwent a brief (< 5 min) familiarization with the ultrasound probe, user interface, and desirable viewing window immediately prior to centrifugation; real-time coaching was provided. Ultrasound images were correlated to self-reported symptoms and hemodynamic data.

RESULTS: Handheld ultrasound performed as desired; all subjects were successful at obtaining ultrasound images with adequate capture of windows of interest. Subxiphoid imaging efforts were limited by probe overheating and associated with variable quality of imaging due to probe displacement from straining techniques; the subject noted transient, mild discomfort and ecchymosis after imaging in the subxiphoid region.

DISCUSSION: Even individuals with minimal or no ultrasound experience successfully obtained usable images under centrifuge conditions. While there were some limitations, this technical demonstration provides initial validation of handheld sonography as an available tool for real-time cardiovascular imaging in a hypergravity environment.

Blue RS, Ong KM. Handheld sonographic cardiovascular imaging under hypergravity conditions. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(3):158–164.
Effect of Cultivation Methods on Structural Elements and Grain Yield of Winter Wheat
Authors: Feyzullayev H.
Published: February 2024

The main part of human food is wheat, and the main task facing agriculture is to obtain high-quality grain from a single field in the current conditions. Yield varies depending on the variety, soil and climatic conditions and the cultivation used. Taking these into account, our research studied the structural elements and yield of winter wheat against the background of predecessors, soil cultivation and nutritional conditions in dry rainfed conditions, and the 3-year average result is also given in the article. For the first time in the region, optimal nutritional conditions and soil cultivation were studied by minimizing soil cultivation based on its predecessor and replacing some mineral fertilizers with organic fertilizers in order to obtain both high and quality grain products through efficient use of land. The studies were conducted in a 3-factor (2×3×3) field experiment in a short-rotation cropping turnover (peas, wheat, wheat) located in the Jalilabad Regional Experimental Station in the dry rainfed conditions of South Mugan. The object of research is the fertile 95 durum wheat varieties. Structural analysis of the yields was carried out on samples of sheaves taken from 1 m2(4×0.83×2×0.15 m) in two rows of 83 cm in 4 different replicate locations. After the shave samples were taken, the yield of the grain was determined according to the cultivation options by harvesting directly in each field with a combine. From the 3-year average results of the study for 2019-2021, it was found that the structural indicators of the variety and grain yield were dynamic depending on the cultivation option. However, the highest results were obtained after the pea predecessor against the background of N60P60+10 tons of manure applied with a heavy disc harrow at a depth of 10-12 cm in the twice disc option.
Bee Trees and Shrubs of the Rosaceae Family in the Flora of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic
Authors: Ibrahimov A. , Maharramov M.
Published: February 2024

In the flora of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, nectar and pollen plants are not only a natural resource, but also an inexhaustible source of resources. A more detailed study of their species composition and communication of information to the population is one of the most urgent issues of our time. As a result of floristic research, 359 species of honeybee and pollen-bearing plants were found in the biodiversity of flora of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Of them 126 taxa belonging to 22 genus of family Rosaceae consist of trees and shrubs. The article considers their taxonomic composition and provides information on the biological features of some species of exceptional importance in the development of beekeeping. As a result of analysis, taking into account that 19 species of trees and shrubs giving nectar and pollen are rare and endangered, the zones of their distribution have been specified, maps have been drawn up, the reasons for their disappearance have been clarified and they have been included in the Red Book of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.
The Role of Law in Shaping a Single Currency: The European Experience in a West African Context
Authors: Souza Elinam De
Published: February 2024

This paper assesses the feasibility of West African economic and monetary union - in particular the planned use of the eco currency – in light of the legal structure and challenges of the European monetary union. The paper begins by briefly expounding on the concept of money and defining it in the broader context of law and of monetary union. Thereafter, the effective harmonization of laws and the relevance of sequential monetary integration are identified as the first legal factors affecting the eco currency. Next, the ongoing difficulty of economic convergence in the ECOWAS is investigated with a comparison to some shortcomings of European Union convergence and an assessment of convergence criteria. Central bank independence and effective criminal and judicial cooperation are reviewed as additional factors which may play a major role in the success of a West African single currency. The analysis concludes that the advent of monetary union in the ECOWAS region presently lacks feasibility when considering the issues identified but can be redeemed, among other things, by enhanced political will and implementation of monetary union law.
Response of Wheat Crop to Various Foliar Applications of Nitrogen, Zinc and Boron Fertilizers
Authors: Kaleri Asif Ali , Khushk Ghulam Mujtaba , Jogi Qamarddin , Lund Muhammad Mithal , Magsi Manzoor Hussain , Baloch Nazia , Manzoor Danish , Magsi Murad Ali , Kaleri Ghulam Sajjad , Rajput Aatif Ali , Pathan Nisar Fatima , Laghari Rabia
Published: February 2024

The field experiment was carried out at the students’ experimental farm Department of Agronomy at SAU Tando Jam.Our study results showed that growth and yield components of wheat Varity kiran-95 were significantly differences, extreme plant height (96.60cm), tillers (331.00 m-2), spike length (11.79 cm), grains  per spike(48.00), weight of grain per spike- (2.52 g), seed index (1000-grain weight) (47.90 g), biological yield (11950 Kg ha-1) , grain yield ( 5775 Kg ha-1)  and harvest index (49. 82) was observed under T9 = 2000 g ha-1 followed by plant height (93.15 cm), tillers (312.00 m-2), spike length (11.64 cm), grains spike-1 (56.00), weight of grain spike-1 (2.08 g), seed index (1000-grain weight, 47.58 g), biological yield (11818 Kg ha-1), grain yield  (5514 Kg ha-1) and harvest index (48.33% ) were noted under T7  = 1500g  ha-1 Whereas, the least plant height (73.80 cm), tillers (248.00 m-2), spike length (9.08 cm), grains spike-1 (31.88 ), weight of grain spike-1 (1.45 g), seed index (1000-grain weight, 33.01 g), biological yield (11950Kg ha-1), grain yield (3022 Kg ha-1) and harvest index (41.81%) was recorded in T1 = (Control No fertilizer).
Study on active & passive vibration reduction technology of composite fan blades based on MFC
Authors:   Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Rong Jiasheng , Chen Yong ,   Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Tian Wendi ,   Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Published: February 2024

With the development of the performance of aeroengine fan blades, composite materials have become the first choice of fan blades. However, in the process of operation, the fan blades are excited by complex loads, which will produce obvious vibration. MFC(Macro Fiber Composite) has both positive and negative piezoelectric effects. Therefore, MFC can be used for active control and passive vibration reduction of composite fan blades. Based on the macro fiber composite (MFC), the research on the active and passive vibration reduction technology of composite fan blades is carried out by using numerical simulation and experimental methods. The specific contents are as follows: The analysis model of active and passive vibration reduction of composite fan blades is established, the natural frequency, mode, modal strain and other information of composite components are obtained, and the determination method of MFC sticking position based on modal strain distribution is established, the influence mapping of active and passive vibration reduction effect of MFC is analyzed, and the analysis model is verified by composite laminated plate structure. The MFC passive vibration reduction test of composite fan blades was carried out, and the LC circuit based on MFC was designed and constructed.
Performance Optimization For Pinwheel And Savonius Drag-Dominant Tidal Turbine Using Moment Balancing Method
Authors:   Nanyang Technological University, Zhang Yixiao , Mittal Shivansh ,   Nanyang Technological University, Kwee* Eddie Ng Yin ,   Nanyang Technological University
Published: February 2024

Drag-dominated turbines play a key role in the application of urban windfarm and tidal arrays because of their low cut-in speed and omnidirectional characteristics. A performance analysis CFD study of Pinwheel and Savonius tidal turbines has been carried out. Disk Actuator model is found less suitable for DDTTs due to the varying swept area blockage, unaccounted bypass downstream flow interaction and rotor parasitic drag whereas Blade Element Momentum theory is computably effective for majorly 3-blade lift-dominated aero foil. This study proposes a novel method to find the optimal TSR of turbine with a cost-effective and user-friendly Moment Balancing algorithm. Dynamic TSR matrix was developed with varying rotational speeds and fluid velocities, unlike previous works simulated at a fixed fluid velocity. Novel parameters such as thrust and idle moment are introduced as functions of inlet fluid velocity and rotational speed respectively. These relationships are verified through regression analysis, and the turbines' net moment equations are established based on these parameters. Rotational speed was a reliable predictor for Pinwheel's idle moment, while inlet velocity was a reliable predictor for thrust moment in both models. The optimal (Cp, TSR) values for Pinwheel and Savonius turbines were (2.37, 0.223) and (0.63, 0.290) respectively, and lie within an acceptable for experimental validation.
Heat transfer characteristics of corrugated wall impingement with crossflow
Authors:   Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Ito Ryuta , Mito Ryosuke ,   Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Mizukami Satoshi ,   Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Saito Keijiro ,   Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Sakata Atsuya ,   Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Hada Satoshi ,   Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
Published: February 2024

To improve the performance of a gas turbine, it is important to cool hot gas path parts with a small amount of air, and it is effective to reuse the cooling air until it heats up sufficiently. However, if the cooling air is reused in impingement cooling, there is a concern that the heated air used for upstream cooling will interfere with the impinging jet downstream, degrading its cooling performance. Therefore, the corrugated wall impingement, which can discharge the heated crossflow without adversely affecting the impinging jet downstream, is useful. In this paper, the heat transfer coefficient and fluid reference temperature (adiabatic wall temperature) of corrugated wall impingement are experimentally investigated to confirm the heat transfer characteristics.
A 3-D reconstruction approach for the IR-camera-based turbine blade temperature measurements
Authors:   School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shi Zhe , Zhou Wenwu ,   School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Zhang Tianlun ,   School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Liu Yingzheng ,   School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Meng Bo ,   Hunan Aviation Powerplant Research Institute, Aero Engine Cooperation of China, He Yihong ,   Hunan Aviation Powerplant Research Institute, Aero Engine Cooperation of China, Zeng Fei ,   Hunan Aviation Powerplant Research Institute, Aero Engine Cooperation of China
Published: February 2024

The reconstruction of 3D turbine blade surface temperature is significant to the engine thermal diagnosis and cooling design. The infrared camera is widely used, and the pose of the camera is vital for restoring the 3-D temperature field from the 2-D IR images. However, most pose estimation methods are designed for RGB images and are not suitable for IR images. Therefore, an approach based on Perspective-n-Point (PnP) algorithm and optimization method is proposed. The PnP algorithm is applied to obtain a rough pose, then the optimization method is adopted to improve accuracy. This approach was validated on a turbine cascade test bench. A turbine blade was heated by hot air and photographed by an IR camera. The corners of the optical window on the test bench were used as feature points for the PnP algorithm. The average reprojection error of the edge points in the IR images served as the cost function of the optimization method. The results show that the optimization method can significantly reduce the average edge point reprojection error and improve the accuracy of reconstruction. This approach is beneficial to IR-camera-based studies.
Influence of film cooling hole geometry on the gas turbine blade strength
Authors:   Key Laboratory for Thermal Science and Power Engineering of Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Huang Tong , Su Xinrong ,   Key Laboratory for Thermal Science and Power Engineering of Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Yuan Xin ,   Key Laboratory for Thermal Science and Power Engineering of Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University
Published: February 2024

Film cooling is an efficient method to protect gas turbine blade from high temperature gas under operation conditions nowadays. In most existing studies, the effects of hole geometry on the cooling performance are considered; however, the strength of turbine blade is also largely affected by the cooling holes, which lead to stress concentration on the blade surface and reduce the blade strength. In this paper, five basic geometry parameters of shaped film cooling hole are considered, including ratio of cylinder section length to total length, expansion angles at the leading edge and the trailing edge, the lateral angle and the radius of four edges inside diffuser. Based on these parameters, two composited variables are proposed, which have negative correlation with area average temperature and maximum von Mises stress respectively. By finding suitable basic parameters, the composited variables can be large at the same time, resulting in better performance of both cooling effect and structure strength.