bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate Change Impacts for Multipurpose Reservoir Planning: Basnagoda Reservoir, Sri Lanka
Authors: Siriwardana S. T.
Published: August 2024

Climate change via rainfall and temperature changes poses threats to water resources. Traditionally, these variations are rarely considered in irrigation infrastructure planning. Integrating climate impacts into early irrigation planning ensures resilience and sustainability.This study aims to assess the climate change impacts on Basnagoda reservoir using a reservoir operation study, system designing and sizing, water use strategies and making recommendations as mitigation and adaptation strategies.This study employed reservoir operation model recommended in the Irrigation guideline, Sri Lanka to assess four climatic scenarios derived from predicted temperature and rainfall changes. Sensitivity analysis included reservoir sizing for the most critical scenario. Mitigation and adaptation methodologies such as 1) Reservoir capacity enhancement 2) Seasonal shifting 3) Conveyance enhancement were analyzed. Reservoir operations currently meet 100% of domestic demand, irrigating total 950 ha annually (380 ha Maha, 570 ha Yala) with environmental flow. Design capacity fulfils 78% of domestic demand, with environmental flow for projected period. The maximum cultivable area at the design stage while providing 25% of design domestic demand is 544 ha in Maha and 680 ha in Yala season. With a 20% rainfall reduction posing the worst scenario, domestic water fulfilment reduced to 20% (Maha) and 19% (Yala). Optimal reservoir capacity enhancement is 15%, expanding cultivable area to 390 ha, while providing 25% of design domestic demand. Conveyance enhancement increases cultivable area from reservoir water by 15%. This study is unique for integrating climate change impacts into reservoir infrastructure planning and design stages.
Mobile Application to Assist Traffic Officers in Managing Congestion
Authors: Gallage E. O.
Published: August 2024

Peak-time traffic congestion on high-level roads has persisted for decades, significantly affecting the environment, drivers’ health, and the countries' economy. During peak hours, traffic officers can be seen managing traffic flow in congested areas, making significant contributions to alleviating congestion hotspots. Despite, numerous research findings on traffic congestion, few have addressed the specific role played by traffic officers. Therefore, the study aims to introduce an application to aid traffic officers in alleviating congestion on High–Level Road by proposing appropriate solutions. Initially, a structured questionnaire was distributed physically among 51 police officers stationed at 3 randomly selected locations along High-Level Road. Survey data analysis at a 95% confidence interval, revealed majority of officers identified the morning peak hour period as 6:00 am to 9:00 am, Furthermore, officers expressed a need for manual confirmation and selection of all duty points, push notifications, projected traffic for 15 min intervals, three modes of traffic data presentation (layer, chart, text) and sorting options for traffic details based on the nature of traffic. Following Agile methodologies, a prototype application was meticulously developed for this purpose utilizing daily backup traffic data from Google Maps, and APIs to predict traffic conditions. This study aims to enhance congestion management decision–making by furnishing real-time suggestions to officers.
Unveiling covert psychopathy: a case report utilizing the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised scale in the forensic psychiatric setting
Authors: Morena Donato , Scognamiglio Pasquale
Published: August 2024

This case report explores the diagnostic complexities and treatment challenges associated with psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) in a forensic psychiatric setting. Utilizing the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) scale, we assessed a 29-year-old male previously detained for two attempted murders and investigated for insulting a public official. Despite a history of mood and psychotic symptoms, previous evaluations failed to identify underlying psychopathic traits. Our assessment revealed a PCL-R score of 33/40, indicating a clear picture of psychopathy. The subject exhibited aggressive and violent behaviors from childhood, including cruelty to animals and reckless actions. Diagnoses over time included attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, reflecting significant diagnostic heterogeneity. The case underscores the importance of comprehensive psychopathy assessments in forensic contexts, particularly when previous diagnoses and treatments have been inconsistent. Our findings highlight the potential of the PCL-R scale as a valuable tool for identifying covert psychopathic traits, which are often underestimated. This study calls for further research into the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for psychopathy and ASPD, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions in correctional institutions to mitigate the risk of recidivism.
Comparison between the efficacy of cysteamine cream and combined hydroquinone cream in the treatment of melasma using skin analytical systems: An open-label quasi-randomized controlled trial in Asia patients
Authors: Chuang Andy Deng-Chi , Lin Erh-Ti , Chang Chang-Cheng , Huang Yung-Hsueh , Lu Meng-En , Chuang Chun-Fang , Chiang Hsiu-Mei
Published: August 2024

Background:

The mainstay of treatment for melasma is topical hydroquinone or preparations containing hydroquinone. In recent years, cysteamine cream has gained popularity in the treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders.

Objectives:

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of combined hydroquinone/betamethasone to cysteamine in the treatment of melasma.

Methods:

Eighteen patients had completed this open-label controlled trial. Subjects received either 5% cysteamine cream or a combination of 4% hydroquinone cream and 0.06% betamethasone valerate for 12 weeks according to standardized protocols. Patients were assessed at recruitment, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks after treatment for Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) scores. Other parameters relating to skin complexions and patient satisfaction were also assessed.

Results:

Patients treated with hydroquinone (n = 7) and cysteamine (n = 11) both showed significant decreases in MASI score at week 12: 33.1% (P = 0.009) and 37.9% (P = 0.009), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the two treatment groups (P = 0.236). Melanin content at week 12 decreased by 8.8% (P = 0.016) in the hydroquinone group and 11.5% (P = 0.046) in the cysteamine group, with no significant difference between the groups (P = 0.253). No significant differences were observed between the groups for other parameters or patient satisfaction.

Conclusion:

Cysteamine cream may provide an alternative treatment option for individuals with melasma, offering fewer side effects while delivering comparable results.
Long-term outcome in patients who underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy with preservation of pericervical ring: An institutional-based descriptive study
Authors: Agarwal Mukta , Sinha Shivangni , Barmade Kalyan B. , Singh Shruti , Haripriya H.
Published: August 2024

Background:

Surgery for pelvic organ prolapse requires a thorough knowledge and understanding of the anatomy in order to restore function and alleviate symptoms. It is important to maintain the integrity of vaginal supports to prevent long-term postoperative sequelae. The aim was to study pelvic organ prolapse and sexual dysfunction in patients following total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH).

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective descriptive study was conducted in a tertiary care center from June 2016 to October 2022. Three hundred and forty-four patients were included in the study. It included all patients who had undergone TLH.

Results:

None of them had pelvic organ prolapse. The study also showed insignificant sexual dysfunction. The longest time of follow-up done from the day of surgery to evaluation for prolapse/sexual function in our study was seen to be 6.2 years, with the shortest follow-up time at 3 months.

Conclusion:

Based on the results of the present study, preservation of the pericervical ring and suspension of the vaginal vault as near as possible to its anatomical position seems an effective intervention to prevent long-term morbidity in patients.
Rehabilitation Protocol for Children with Chest Tube for Pleural Effusion: A Quasi-Experimental Pre- and Post-test Study
Authors: Kumar Sanyal , Kumar Anjani , Pandey Sanjay Kumar
Published: August 2024

Objective:

The objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured rehabilitation protocol on respiratory function and overall recovery in children with chest tubes for pleural effusion.

Materials and Methods:

A quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test design was employed. Thirty children aged 5–12 years with chest tubes for pleural effusion were enrolled. Participants were assessed before and after the intervention using pulmonary function tests (PFTs), physical activity levels and quality of life (QoL) surveys. The rehabilitation protocol included breathing exercises, physical therapy and educational sessions for patients and caregivers.

Results:

Significant improvements were observed in PFTs, physical activity levels and QoL scores post-intervention (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The structured rehabilitation protocol was effective in enhancing respiratory function and overall recovery in paediatric patients with chest tubes for pleural effusion.
Prevalence of internet addiction and its association with quality of sleep among secondary and higher secondary school students of Jamnagar Gujarat during COVID-19
Authors: Patel Niraj P. , Garg Anusha S. , Tiwari Deepak S. , Shah Viral R.
Published: August 2024

Background:

The internet is a vital part of present-day society. Internet use for education has increased in recent years. During the COVID pandemic, schools were closed and education was delivered through online methods, which led to a further increase in internet use, especially in adolescents, leading to internet addiction in some.

Aim:

To estimate the prevalence of internet addiction and poor quality of sleep in adolescent students of Jamnagar.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was carried out between January 2022 to March 2022 and included 1778 adolescent students of Jamnagar, Gujarat. The internet addiction test was used to measure the level of internet addiction, and the short Pittsburgh sleep quality index was used to measure the quality of sleep. Data analysis was conducted using the Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and multiple logistic regression techniques.

Results:

In our study, 17.8% of participants had mild internet addiction, 3.2% of participants had moderate-to-severe internet addiction, and 79% of participants were average internet users. Associated variables with internet addiction were male gender, residence at home, duration of internet usage in years, daily hours spent online, and monthly expenditure on internet recharge. Furthermore, 27.2% of participants had poor quality of sleep. Female gender, secondary school education, residence at the hostel, and internet addiction were predictors of poor quality of sleep.

Conclusion:

Students were found to have a high prevalence of internet addiction. The internet usage increased amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Internet addiction was significantly associated with poor quality of sleep in adolescents.
Autistic features in patients with intellectual disability attending the psychiatry outpatient department of a tertiary healthcare center
Authors: Akash Nema , Santre Manjeet , Panse Smita , Madhur Rathi , Sonawane Kranti
Published: August 2024

Background:

Meta-syndromic groups with cognitive and relational impairment include both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID). When it comes to individuals with intellectual difficulties, autistic traits are often unexplored unless they reach the level of the syndrome. The presence of both autism and ID increases disability percentage.

Aim:

To study the presence of autistic symptoms in individuals with ID.

Materials and Methods:

This was a cross-sectional, observational study in which after informed consent from caretakers of patients with ID, clinical history and sociodemographic details were recorded. Further Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism (ISAA) was administered for evaluation of autistic features. Statistical analysis of the data was done using the Chi-square test and Spearman’s correlation.

Results:

Out of 150 subjects with ID, 18% (n = 27) were diagnosed with comorbid ASD. A statistically significant (P value = <0.001) association was found between the severity of ID (intelligence quotient, [IQ]) and the severity of autism in patients. Various domains of autism like social relation and reciprocity, speech, language, communication, emotional responsiveness, etc., showed a statistically significant correlation with IQ.

Conclusion:

This study finding also highlights that lower IQ scores, i.e., severe ID have higher incidence and severity of autistic features. Improving assessment both clinically and on objective testing can help in planning rehabilitation for these patients.
Time for tough conversations: Ableism in the life journey of young adults with visual impairment
Authors: Yovan Joice Steffi , Majhi Gobinda , Janardhana Navaneetham
Published: August 2024

Background:

Visual impairment (VI) profoundly impacts many aspects of life and is well documented in various cross-sectional studies. Young people’s views on growing up with VI are largely unexplored in the Indian context.

Aim:

This study explores a critical concept called “ableism” as they navigate through childhood and adolescence.

Materials and Methods:

The study used an exploratory research design, with QUAL+ QUAN methodology, where the data collection occurred almost simultaneously, and the qualitative was the dominant method. For the quantitative data collection
, seventy youth with visual impairment aged 18-25 years were recruited through convenient and snowball sampling. For the qualitative data collection, 20 were selected based on purposive sampling. Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) was used with 70 participants as part of quantitative data collection. An empirically based interview guide encouraged participants’ reflection on growing up with VI, including the internal and external age-normative and vision-specific challenges. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results:

Thirty percent of the participants reported psychological distress at varying levels from mild to severe. The account of growing up with VI also centered on a theme labeled “ableism.” Six subthemes representing “ableism” are 1) invasion or avoidance, 2) you achieve, and I will respect, 3) disgraceful experiences, 4) you are our inspirational meme, 5) double vulnerability, and 6) internalized ableism. Each subtheme discusses different forms of ableism experienced by young people with VI.

Conclusion:

Findings are discussed in relation to the limiting attitude and structure of the society that affects the lives of young people with VI. They highlight the need to understand the nuances of ableism which helps to revisit and reflect as a society.
Assessment of Left Ventricular Reverse Remodeling by Echocardiography After 90 Days of Sacubitril/Valsartan Therapy in Patients of Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Pawar Akshay , Rajani Rajesh , Phalgune Deepak Sadashiv
Published: August 2024

Background:

The present study aimed to assess the response of sacubitril/valsartan therapy on cardiac reverse remodeling (CRR) by standard and advanced echocardiographic parameters in patients of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Methods:

One hundred and fifty patients ≥18 years of age with symptomatic heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40.0% were included in this prospective observational study. All patients underwent baseline electrocardiography and standard echocardiographic examination. Patients were given sacubitril/valsartan maximal tolerated dose. Echocardiographic measurements were done after 90 days. The primary outcome measure was a change in LVEF, whereas the secondary outcome measures were changes in left ventricular dimensions and volumes, E/e’, pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), and global longitudinal strain (GLS). Comparisons between two discrete variables and medians were performed using the Chi-square test/Fisher’s exact test and the Wilcoxon signed–rank test, respectively.

Results:

The median LVEF (32.5% vs. 30.0%) was significantly higher, whereas left ventricular end-diastolic volume (180 vs. 177.5 mL), left ventricular end-systolic volume (127.5 vs. 122.5 mL), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (59 vs. 58 mm), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (51 vs. 50 mm), PASP (38 vs. 35), E/e’ (15 vs. 14), and GLS (−9.0 vs. −10.0) were significantly lower at 3-month follow-up as compared to baseline levels. Sacubitril/valsartan therapy leads to CRR as early as 90 days in patients with HFrEF.

Conclusions:

In HFrEF patients, sacubitril/valsartan significantly improved CRR.
Random reflections on medical professionalism: Ethical concerns for the contemporary ophthalmologist in Nigeria
Authors: Okoye O.I. , Uche N. , Nwachukwu N.Z. , Udeh N. , Umeh R.E.
Published: August 2024

Ophthalmic practice is facing a multitude of challenges globally. A cursory analysis may lead one to presume erroneously that these challenges are only encountered in direct doctor–patient encounters. On the contrary, there are concerns in the dynamics of the relationships between ophthalmologists and their colleagues/co-workers, as well as society, which have the potential of impacting negatively on the quality of eyecare delivery and the image of the ophthalmology profession. There is an increasing realization that many ophthalmologists may even be oblivious of the considerations, which permeate the decisions they take in their daily interactions. There is, thus, a pressing need to encourage thought, reflection, and dialogue among ophthalmologists on these concerns. This paper, as our contribution to the discourse on medical professionalism in Nigeria, explores some ethical concerns, which border on the relationship of contemporary ophthalmologists with their colleagues, co-workers, and society; all with the view of enhancing their potentials for improving the quality of eye care service and image of the ophthalmology profession in Nigeria. These concerns include, but are not limited to subspecialization in ophthalmology, ‘brain drain’ phenomenon, inter-professional rivalry, working with impaired colleagues, advertising, involvement in social/conventional media, involvement with the law court, relationship with industry, and the conduct of free community vision screening programs. By taking these concerns and suggested measures into cognizance, contemporary ophthalmologists are expected to be better prepared in their daily interactions as they provide quality eye care. Education and training in medical professionalism and ethics should remain top priority among the educational needs of ophthalmologists.
New therapy for metabolic syndrome: Gut microbiome supplementation
Authors: Qureshi Waseem , Dar Maqsood Ahmad , Rather Mohd Younis
Published: August 2024

The gut microbiota is important in the development and progression of metabolic illnesses such type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and obesity. This diverse community of microorganisms controls a variety of physiological functions, including metabolism, inflammation, and immune response. Understanding these interactions has resulted in novel therapeutic options, including microbiome supplementation. The gut microbiome is extremely susceptible to dietary changes, which can alter its makeup and function, influencing metabolite synthesis that affects host health. Certain metabolites, such as butyrate and propionate, have been proven to protect against metabolic illnesses, whereas trimethylamine has been linked to CVD. Prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics are being investigated by researchers as ways to change the gut microbiome and boost metabolic health. Despite advances in therapy and lifestyle adjustments, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increasing, emphasizing the need for new medicines.
Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosome-loaded miR-129-5p targets high-mobility group box 1 attenuates neurological-impairment after diabetic cerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Wang Yue-Ying , Li Ke , Wang Jia-Jun , Hua Wei , Liu Qi , Sun Yu-Lan , Qi Ji-Ping , Song Yue-Jia
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Diabetic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a serious complication of diabetes. The role and mechanism of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)-derived exosomes (BMSC-exo) in neuroinflammation post-ICH in patients with diabetes are unknown. In this study, we investigated the regulation of BMSC-exo on hyperglycemia-induced neuroinflammation.

AIM

To study the mechanism of BMSC-exo on nerve function damage after diabetes complicated with cerebral hemorrhage.

METHODS

BMSC-exo were isolated from mouse BMSC media. This was followed by transfection with microRNA-129-5p (miR-129-5p). BMSC-exo or miR-129-5p-overexpressing BMSC-exo were intravitreally injected into a diabetes mouse model with ICH for in vivo analyses and were cocultured with high glucose-affected BV2 cells for in vitro analyses. The dual luciferase test and RNA immunoprecipitation test verified the targeted binding relationship between miR-129-5p and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were conducted to assess the levels of some inflammation factors, such as HMGB1, interleukin 6, interleukin 1β, toll-like receptor 4, and tumor necrosis factor α. Brain water content, neural function deficit score, and Evans blue were used to measure the neural function of mice.

RESULTS

Our findings indicated that BMSC-exo can promote neuroinflammation and functional recovery. MicroRNA chip analysis of BMSC-exo identified miR-129-5p as the specific microRNA with a protective role in neuroinflammation. Overexpression of miR-129-5p in BMSC-exo reduced the inflammatory response and neurological impairment in comorbid diabetes and ICH cases. Furthermore, we found that miR-129-5p had a targeted binding relationship with HMGB1 mRNA.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that BMSC-exo can reduce the inflammatory response after ICH with diabetes, thereby improving the neurological function of the brain.
Lexical features and persuasion techniques in the selected Philippine television advertisements
Authors: Juntong Lorena , Gadia Mylene , Calasang Jhenell , Minoza Joemar , Gallarde Lanny Merryl
Published: August 2024

The language of advertising is powerful in persuading consumers to purchase the product. It is how the advertiser uses language to attract and grab the interest of the people. This research aims to identify and reveal the lexical features and persuasion techniques used in the selected Philippine television advertisements. This will determine how the lexical features are interrelated to the persuasion techniques that the advertiser uses in promoting their products. To obtain the data needed for these objectives, qualitative and content analysis were employed in this research method. Specifically, categorical data were used to categorize data based on each advertisement (Personal Hygiene, Medicine and Vitamins, and Food Products). Based on the findings, personal hygiene advertisements dominantly use hyperbole, while medicine and vitamin and food advertisements both dominantly use familiar language; personal hygiene advertisements belong to the competitive stage as manifested by the dominant lexical feature used which is hyperbole, while medicine and vitamin, and food belong to the pioneering stage as reflected by the dominant lexical feature used which is familiar language. Hence, the output of this study will serve as new learning instructional materials for English teachers in determining the usage of the language in an advertisement. In addition, the researchers recommend finding another framework for lexical features and persuasion techniques in advertisements and creating another material in the language in advertisements.
Influence of social media usage on students’ political participation in a selected university in South Africa
Authors: Vukani Siyavuya , Obioha Emeka Emmanuel
Published: August 2024

This paper articulates the influence of social media on university students’ political participation in a South African University. The aspects of political participation the study will be examining are the voting process, political awareness, political debates, mass meetings, and political campaigns. The objectives of the study are to investigate the extent of social media usage by students and how social media influences the political participation of students. Dalton’s theory on cognitive mobilization theory of civic literacy and participation is employed in this study to explain social media’s influence and political participation. The study utilised the mixed-method approach, where 120 respondents were drawn from the target population through stratified sampling techniques. On the one hand, for the quantitative strand of the study, data were collected through a survey and analysed using relevant descriptive analytical tools. On the other hand, thematic and content analysis was utilised to analyse semi-structured interviews. While a huge majority of the participants indicated that they used various social media platforms, it is evident that WhatsApp is the preferred social media application used by respondents. It is also evident that social media usage influences students’ political participation, especially for males. The findings also suggest that most students, especially females mainly use their social media platforms for entertainment purposes, exhibiting low rates of political participation. A few recommendations are made in the study regarding the issues of low rates of political participation among university students.
Functionality of Barangay Violence Against Women (VAW) desks in Pasig City
Authors: D. Umali Vannessa
Published: August 2024

The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Pasig City in preparing its Local Gender and Development Agenda (GAD) for 2024. The study involved thirty (30) barangay units in Pasig (districts 1 and 2) and how their VAW desks responded to the guidelines set by the DILG as enunciated by Republic Act No. 9262 (Philippine Commission on Women, 2004). The main goal of local community desks is to provide support, protection, and justice to victims of gender-based violence. It’s important to note that the functionality and effectiveness of the Barangay VAW Desk may vary from one barangay to another, depending on the local government’s available resources, capacity, and commitment. Addressing violence against women involves raising awareness, promoting gender equality, and implementing legal and social measures to prevent and respond to such acts. The units of analysis involved three phases: (1) assessing whether the several national laws addressing violence against women are being adopted and implemented at the city level as intended; (2) assessing the functionality set by DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2017-114 (Department of the Interior and Local Government, 2017); (3) evaluating whether the program has achieved its goals; and (4) whether the outcomes are meaningful and sustainable for Pasig LGU local Gender/Development Agenda (Yalao, 2023). The results showed that the LGU is proactively preparing the local GAD Agenda for the Philippines. The LGU should adopt a multifaceted approach to address the concerning issue of VAW in the eight barangay units with a remark of 50 percent and below.
Controller Synthesis for Timeline-based Games
Authors: Acampora Renato , Geatti Luca , Gigante Nicola , Montanari Angelo , Picotti Valentino
Published: August 2024

In the timeline-based approach to planning, the evolution over time of a set
of state variables (the timelines) is governed by a set of temporal
constraints. Traditional timeline-based planning systems excel at the
integration of planning with execution by handling temporal uncertainty. In
order to handle general nondeterminism as well, the concept of timeline-based
games has been recently introduced. It has been proved that finding whether a
winning strategy exists for such games is 2EXPTIME-complete. However, a
concrete approach to synthesize controllers implementing such strategies is
missing. This paper fills this gap, by providing an effective and
computationally optimal approach to controller synthesis for timeline-based
games.
PROCRIAÇÃO MEDICAMENTE ASSISTIDA
Authors: Coelho Mário
Published: August 2024

O artigo se concentra no tema prático da utilização de tecnologias reprodutivas artificiais, seu impacto na relação entre a intimidade sexual do casal, a fecundação ou a geração do filho e suas implicações ético-teológicas. O interesse consiste em estabelecer uma avaliação ético-teológica da Procriação Medicamente Assistida (PMA) homóloga e sem a obtenção dos chamados “embriões supranuméricos”. O trabalho destaca a compreensão de lei natural, natureza humana e de pessoa; e a relação dos significados unitivo e procriativo do matrimônio com os conceitos de tempo e espaço em seus pressupostos biológicos, filosóficos, teológicos, linguísticos e morais. A unidade dos significados unitivo e procriativo do matrimônio é um axioma que está muito presente na moral matrimonial católica. O entendimento desses significados e da conexão entre eles se configura na compreensão que se tem de lei natural, de mundo, de pessoa, de natureza humana e de sexualidade. Mantendo a conexão da união sexual e, portanto, do exercício completo da sexualidade corpórea e, em particular, genital, a procriação reflete as características de unidade e de fecundidade do amor conjugal. A separação no tempo e no espaço, quando naturalmente não existem condições de manter essa unidade, nem sempre significa a separação dos dois significados matrimônio.
TITO BRANDSMA
Authors: Da Silva Renê
Published: August 2024

Tito Brandsma deixou um legado espiritual e intelectual em muitos escritos que nos falam da busca constante da humanidade de permancer diante de Deus. A espiritualidade desse carmelita contempla a ação divina em favor da humanidade e a dimensão humana enraizada na ralidade histórica. Compreende-se a presença de Deus nos gestos de caridade humana, atos que buscam configurar-se a Cristo crucificado a tal ponto numa entegra de autêntica pertença a Igreja e na confiança e esperança no escaton. Sendo jornalista e professor teve a capacidade de análisar de forma profunda e crítica a situação de sua época, melhor, foi um profeta de seu tempo a tal ponto de entregar a vida no martírio. Diante de um contexto de transformações sociais, filosóficas, políticas, culturais e ideológicas, sabe-se que Tito Brandsma aprofundou na espiritualidade carmelitana e de forma especial na perspectiva da devoção a Maria Santíssima como veremos nos seus poemas e escritos.
ESPOSO PERFEITO
Authors: Gonzaga Waldecir , Cardoso Júnior José Vanol Lourenço
Published: August 2024

O presente estudo traz uma análise de Jo 4,16-19 e busca destacar os elementos nupciais presentes neste texto, que se insere no famoso diálogo entre Jesus e a samaritana. Parte-se do pressuposto que há um Tríptico Esponsal no Evangelho de João (Jo 2,1-11; 3,29-31; 4,5-42), cujo centro traz o testemunho de João Batista que se refere explicitamente a Jesus como “o esposo”, dando assim a chave hermenêutica para a interpretação do conjunto. O diálogo entre Jesus e a mulher se dá junto poço de Jacó, uma cena-tipo de encontros ao poço do contexto patriarcal que terminam em matrimônio (Gn 24,1-67; 29,1-30; Ex 2,14-22). Porém, ela não era uma jovem núbil, mas alguém que já tinha tido cinco esposos e convivia agora com um sexto que não era esposo, circunstâncias que remetem a problemas cultuais referidos em 2Rs 17,24-41. E, no que tange à imagem esponsal no AT, pode-se perceber contatos entre Jo 4,16-19 e o profeta Oseias (Os 2,4-25) de tal modo que ao final do estudo pode-se dizer que a samaritana é um símbolo da noiva prometida como esposa do Messias. Os passos dados para a redação deste estudo, servindo-se de alguns elementos do Método Histórico-Crítico, da Análise Retórica Bíblica Semítica e da Análise Narrativa, foram feitas a segmentação e tradução de Jo 4,16-19, notas de tradução e de crítica textual, bem como a análise de Jo 4,16-19, no contexto do IV Evangelho e de seus contatos com o AT.
INÍCIO DA VIDA COMO QUESTÃO DIVERVENTE NA BIOÉTICA BRASILEIRA
Authors: SANCHES MARIO ANTONIO , Monteiro Thiago Martins , Fonseca Luana Florentino
Published: August 2024

O objetivo deste estudo consiste na caracterização antropológica das produções científicas brasileiras em bioética relacionadas à(s) antropologia(s) presente(s) nas publicações científicas, com ênfase na questão de início da vida. A questão norteadora da pesquisa: Qual a caracterização antropológica das produções científicas em bioética no Brasil? Da problemática estudada distinguiu-se a antropologia integral e restritiva atribuindo-se dignidade ou não a todos membros da espécie Homo sapiens. Os resultados apontam que, para a bioética, são relevantes as relações estabelecidas entre a chamada ética antropocêntrica e a compreensão de valor da dimensão bíos da vida, com ênfase na qualidade de vida, por um lado, e a relação entre uma ética teocêntrica com valorização da dimensão zoe e a ênfase na sacralidade da vida, de outro. Concluiu-se a proeminência de indicadores de antropologia integral nos artigos e dissertações. Constatou-se também que há maior sintonia e consenso entre os autores estudados em relação às temáticas relacionadas com a terminalidade da vida e maior divergência entre os autores quando abordam temáticas relacionadas com o início da vida.
VALORES ESPIRITUAIS INSPIRADORES À NOSSA FÉ
Authors: Debatin Osmar , Moro Norberto
Published: August 2024

Na Primeira Carta de São João (1Jo) encontramos os valores inspiradores à nossa fé e o poder redentor no amor vivido por Jesus, na contemporaneidade. Mas, como os cristãos na atualidade vão meditar em seu cotidiano e realizar essa práxis social do amor fraterno exigido por Jesus? Para responder a esta questão, este artigo tem como objetivo descrever os valores espirituais inspiradores à nossa fé e resiliência cotidiana a partir da 1Jo, realizado com base na pesquisa bibliográfica a partir da visão de quatro estudiosos desta carta: Zuleika Silvano, Isidoro Mazzarolo, Joseph-Oreol Tuñi e Xavier Alegre. O artigo foi estruturado em dois capítulos: no primeiro, descrevemos a crença em Jesus Cristo e o amor ao próximo, onde, se temos fé nesta conexão com este Deus Amor, somos chamados a vivenciar em nossa história o início “da civilização do amor”. No segundo, tratamos da práxis amorosa de Jesus segundo a Primeira Carta de São João, que foi um movimento construído sobre o amor incondicional e original do Deus Pai pela criação. A grande novidade trazida por Jesus Cristo, resumida pela 1Jo é esta: “Deus é Amor” ou, podemos dizer também “Deus é amar”, conforme 1Jo 4,8-16. Mas esta novidade testemunhada por Jesus só terá crédito frente ao mundo se Ele observar em nossa atitude, uma práxis amorosa para com todos os irmãos, especialmente os mais pobres.
TEORIAS DA PESSOALIDADE E O FUNDAMENTALISMO RELIGIOSO SECULAR NO DEBATE SOBRE O ABORTO
Authors: Eler Kalline , Proencio Justo Ian
Published: August 2024

Este trabalho objetiva apresentar as Teorias da Pessoalidade que se erigiram, especialmente com as obras de Singer, Harris e Engelhardt, e demonstrar que, a despeito do manto acadêmico, essas Teorias são essencialmente religiosas e estão na base da defesa do aborto. Embora não seja uma religião explícita e organizada, contém uma avaliação do que seja o ser humano, no caso, um ser humano fragmentado que, em sua condição biológica, não tem valor moral e outro, pessoa, digno de proteção por preencher critérios subjetivamente e arbitrariamente eleitos pelos autores. Em contraposição às Teorias da Pessoalidade, são apresentados os argumentos de Spaemann, Palazzani e Andorno que se posicionam em prol de um conceito onto-axiológico de pessoa e, portanto, em defesa da proteção jurídica do embrião humano.
A MISTAGOGIA DO RITUAL E DO ESPAÇO LITÚRGICO PARA O SACRAMENTO DO BATISMO DE CRIANÇAS
Authors: Pereira Pontes Oliveira Antonio Eduardo
Published: August 2024

Este artigo tem como objetivo aprofundar, mistagogicamente, o Ritual do Batismo de crianças, com a finalidade de, a partir dele, aurir elementos importantes para o seu espaço litúrgico-celebrativo. Trata-se de um olhar fenomenológico sobre o Ritual do Batismo de crianças, reformado a mandato do Concílio Vaticano II. Na verdade, este é o primeiro rito de batismo propriamente para crianças da história da Igreja. O rito manifesta a fé da Igreja naquilo que se realiza pela celebração sacramental. Princípio da fé cristã, a celebração batismal possui grande importância na medida em que é o fundamento da vida cristã e o começo da vida eterna. Mergulhar na ritualidade de um sacramento é aprofundar a fé posta em ato celebrativo. Quanto ao ritual do Batismo, reveste-se de especial interesse o fato deste sacramento possuir uma dinamicidade própria na realização de seus ritos expressa em diferentes procissões e nos seus polos celebrativos. Neste sentido, partir do rito do Batismo ilumina o espaço litúrgico que deverá comportá-lo e favorecer sua celebração. As fórmulas das orações, em especial, da bênção da água batismal, devem inspirar, ademais, a iconografia do espaço litúrgico próprio do Batismo. Compreender o rito e o seu espaço celebrativo permite aprofundar o sentido teológico, litúrgico e espiritual do Sacramento do Batismo, neste caso, no seu Ritual para crianças.
Microstructure and hardness of electron beam melted Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy in dependence of the scanning speed
Authors: Prisco Umberto
Published: August 2024

The effect of the beam scan velocity upon microstructure and hardness of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy produced by means of Electron Beam Melting (EBM) was investigated in this work. Five levels of scan velocity were used during the experimental campaign, ranging from 121 to 697 mm/s, and keeping all other process parameters fixed. It was found that a finer microstructure is generated with the increase of the beam speed, since the characteristic dimensions of both the prior columnar b grains and of the α laths decrease for higher beam speeds. In particular the finer microstructure was observed at a scan speed of 697 mm/s while the coarser at 121 mm/s. On the other side, the hardness of the EBMed samples increase with the increase of the scanning speed and a maximum hardness of about 400 HV was measured at a scan speed of 697 mm/s. This value is strictly associated to the finer microstructure that was obtained at this value of the scan speed. In particular, it was observed a 17% increase of the hardness going from a scan speed of 121 to one of 697 mm/s.
Design, Fabrication and Performance Evaluation of Teff Cleaning Machine
Authors: BELETE ZABLON ZELEKE
Published: August 2024

In this study, the teff (Eragrostis tef) cleaning machine was designed, constructed, and tested. The cleaner works by the principle of air-screen cleaning, which uses a fan system to remove lightweight materials and a mechanical system to remove materials with larger sizes. The machine consists of a feeding, separating and cleaning units, and power transmission components such as shafts, belts, pulleys, and bearings. The materials used for fabrication were based on the physical and mechanical properties of teff seed, design considerations like cost and availability of materials, and design analysis of machine components. The preliminary test of the machine with three feed rate and three sieve inclinations showed that the cleaning efficiency decreased from 88.72% to 69.35% for 0-degree sieve inclination, 97.85% to 73.67% for 5-degree sieve inclination, and 83.15% to 52.02% for 10-degree sieve inclination when feed rate increased from 5 kg/min to 15 kg/min respectively and the cleaning loss increased from 5.23% to 10.05% for 0-degree sieve inclination, 0.87%  to 4.37% for 5-degree sieve inclination and 10.17% to 25.70% for 10-degree sieve inclination when feed rate increased from 5 kg/min to 15 kg/min respectively. The result showed that for increased feed rate, the cleaning efficiency decreased and cleaning loss increased in general.
MATRIX EQUATIONS IN DEEP LEARNING RESOLUTION FOR M DATA HAS N PARAMETERS
Authors: Yannick TSHIBENGABU TSHIMANGA
Published: August 2024

This article on the vectorization of learning equations by neural network aims to give the matrix equations on [1-3]: first on the model Z [8, 9] of the perceptron [6] which calculates the inputs X , the W weights and the bias, second on the quantization function [10] [11], called the loss function [6, 7] [8]. and finally the gradient descent algorithm for maximizing likelihood and minimizing Z errors [4, 5] that can be applied in the classification of emotions by facial recognition.
EXACT ANALYTIC SOLUTION FOR LATERAL BUCKLING OF THICK CANTILEVER BEAM UNDER A TIP CONCENTRATED LOAD
Authors: IKE Charles Chinwuba
Published: August 2024

This work presents a mathematical method for solving the lateral buckling (LB) problem of a thick cantilever beam under a tip concentrated load. Lateral buckling problems are governed by Prandtl-Michell equation, a homogeneous ordinary differential equation (ODE) of the second order with variable parameters. The variable parameters are introduced by the bending moment distribution, which in many LB problems would vary along the longitudinal coordinate of the beam. The field equation for LB problem of cantilever beam under tip load is obtained from substitution of the bending moment expression into the Prandtl-Michell LB equation as an ODE with variable parameters. Variable parameters ODEs are difficult to solve mathematically using most common techniques for solving ODEs. However, the field equation obtained for the cantilever LB problem is of Bessel type and methods for solving Bessel equations are used for the problems. The general solution is thus obtained in terms of two Bessel functions of the first kind of order 1/4 and -1/4 and two constants of integration. The boundary conditions are enforced to reduce the problem to an eigenvalue problem for non trivial solutions. The characteristic LB equation obtained is found to be a transcendental equation in terms of the Bessel function of the first kind and of order 1/4. The least eigenvalue is found using methods of computational software and used to find the critical LB load Qcr, the critical LB bending moment Mcr and the eigenfunction. It is found that the solutions for Qcr and Mcr are identical with solutions in the literature obtained using analytical and approximate methods. The solutions for the critical LB load Qcr and the critical LB bending moment Mcr are exact since they were found by requiring that the governing Prandtl-Michell equation be satisfied at all points on the domain as well as on the boundaries.
Interaction effect analysis of selected factors on safe weight model
Authors: MUYIWA Omotunde
Published: August 2024

A mathematical model was developed by means of norm of strain energy to limit manual weight. The main effect interaction of the factors had been studied. However, Two-ways Interaction Effect (TIE) of the selected factors were not yet studied. Age, body-weight, stature-change, vertebra-length, lift-frequency, and varying workshop temperature were chosen factors on biomechanical, physiological and psychophysical basis. This study analysed TIE of the selected factors. The selected factors data were gotten by ZT-160 scale, stadiometer, tape-rule, stop-clock and RH/Temperature pen from fifty practising male manual construction workers selected using purposive sampling. The data were inputted into Excel and SPSS to analysis TIE through Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) and ANOVA at 0.05. The MLR investigation of TIE of the parameters shows that interactions between age and body-weight or stature-change, temperature and body-weight or stature-change, stature-change and lift-frequency or body-weight or vertebra-length, body-weight and lift-frequency or vertebra-length were significant (p=0.00), while between body-weight and stature-change gave highest R2=0.81. ANOVA revealed that interactions between age and vertebra-length, temperature and vertebra-length, body-weight and stature-change remained significant p=0.02, 0.02, and 0.00 with F-test=2.80, 7.25 and 12.14, respectively. Hence, body-weight and stature-change interaction shows highest effect of the two-ways interaction of the selected factors.
MAGNETIC CONTROL OF A HARD DRIVE'S INTERNAL MILLIMETER-SIZED BEAM
Authors: RACHID KHELFAOUI
Published: August 2024

This research making after critical review pf ontrol actuator devices and modelling milimetric arm cantilver  analytical behavior. An experiment designed to learn more about how an actuator put in a laptop hard drive operates. A appropriate coil, likewise driven by a DC/DC converter, influences and exerts force on the actuator's actuation. The acquired response is impacted by interference induced by room illumination, and the findings demonstrate that the micrometric arm is considerably influenced by the action of the converter. However, the data acquired permits us to suggest this instrument for microfluidic uses.
Dynamic Characteristics Analysis of Mold Oscillation Mechanism Generating Non-Sinusoidal Waves
Authors: Park Yonghui
Published: August 2024

In this study, to understand the vibration characteristics of the mold vibrator, the vertical vibration, including the rotational transmission of a four-bar mechanism generating non-sinusoidal waves, was numerically implemented. Physical characteristics were compared through behavior comparison with a mechanism that vibrates in a sinusoidal wave due to gear transmission, and the impact that the system receives was discussed by introducing the jerk, a first-time derivative of acceleration. Based on this basic modeling, an optimization problem with the change in the length of the crank and connecting rod constituting the four-bar linkage as a variable was finally established, and the process of deriving the solution was performed. The equation of motion was derived using the Newmark, direct integration, and the transient response obtained by applying a constant rotational force was compared. Unlike the transmission of rotation by gears, the deviation of the behavior of the four-bar mechanism follower increases, and the non-sinusoidal vibration changes according to the length ratio of the crank and connecting rod, so the effect on the playing process was analyzed.
FINGERPRINT-BASED STUDENT PROGRESSION SYSTEM
Authors: Adhyapak Dipali Parag
Published: August 2024

Information is an important part of any system. In the academic world, information is especially very important and essential. Students have to register for courses, take attendance, quizzes, and exams and as well as check their scores. Years after graduating from the school, students come back asking for transcript. It is therefore very important to handle students’ records in a way that is accessible, maintainable and secure. The manual method of cumulating and storing student record is often prone to various degrees of human error and is also unsecured making it exposed to unauthorized personnel. This paper presents the design and development of a biometric student record management that provides an interface between student and the institution to enable prompt checking of grades, as well as track their progress and efficiently record each student’s attendance for every lecture attended through the use of a biometric device.