bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overview of peritoneal dialysis outcomes in Northern Cyprus: a nation based study
Authors: BARDAK Simge , BEHLÜL Ahmet , OYGAR Düriye Deren
Published: July 2022

Aim: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the more preferred renal replacement therapy (RRT) option for most patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who can not achieve a kidney transplantation. By an enhanced national PD program, more patients may have a chance to take the advantage of this treatment option. In this study, we aim to investigate whether PD is preferred as the first dialysis treatment modality in Northern Cyprus and reveal the outcomes in order to improve the further PD program.

Material and Method: Peritoneal dialysis patients aged above 18 years who were followed between 2003-2021 in Northern Cyprus were investigated retrospectively. Demographic data, primary kidney diseases, comorbidities and previous RRT modalities were analysed. Episode(s) of peritonitis, total duration on PD therapy, switch to kidney transplantation or HD, and mortality rate were evaluated. Outcomes of elderly (≥ 65 years) and diabetic patients who were dropped out from PD were found out.

Results: A total of 123 patients aged 18-83 years were included in the study. Forty percent of 123 PD patients initiated RRT with PD. The median time was found 1 month in the rest of the patients to transfer PD from other modalities. Renal transplantation was performed in 16.8% of patients during follow-up whereas 34.7% were transferred to HD after 41 months. Inadequate dialysis (40.7%), PD-related infections (29.6%), ultrafiltration insufficiency (18.5%), mechanical complications (11.1%) were the most common causes of switching from PD to HD. The duration of being under PD therapy was 36.5 months for 46 patients who died under PD therapy. Cardiovascular events (50%) and various infections (%35) were the leading causes of mortality. A total of 48 (43.2%) PD patients had at least one episode of peritonitis. Total duration on PD treatment, PD rate as initial RRT modality, the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM), peritonitis rate, and use of automated PD were not significantly different between elderly (n=34) and adult individuals (18-65 years). The duration of being under PD therapy was longer for males than females (p=0.044) and the duration of PD therapy was similar in the dropped out patients with or without DM (p=0.205).

Conclusion: A significant amount of patients received HD before initiation of PD (60%). Age is not be considered as a challenging barrier for PD initiation in Northern Cyprus. Precautions to prevent the development of peritonitis may contribute to extend the total duration of PD treatment.
Ramadan and health: a scientometric analysis of health literature on Ramadan and fasting
Authors: ESKİN Fatih , ŞENEL Engin
Published: July 2022

Aim: During Ramadan month, every year, approximately two billion of Muslims practice fasting and avoid eating, drinking and intercourse from dawn to dusk throughout the world. Although the effects of Ramadan fasting on human health were highly studied in academic literature, there are only limited number of scientometric articles referring to Ramadan and health.

Material and Method: We performed a scientometric analysis of “Ramadan and health” publications indexed in Web of Science databases between 1980 and 2019 and found a total of 497 articles.

Results: The most published documents were original articles (88.13%). The most studies areas were found to be Religion, Nutrition and Endocrinology, (n=269, 214 and 184 items, respectively). The USA was leading country with 76 items followed by Saudi Arabia, the UK, Turkey and Iran (n=76, 58, 55, 39 and 36 papers, respectively). King Saud University (Saudi Arabia) ranked first in institutions with 21 items. H-index of Ramadan and health literature was measured as 40 and total number of citations was 5837. The most indexed keywords were “Ramadan”, “fasting”, “diabetes”, and “pregnancy”. The USA, the UK, Saudi Arabia and Canada were found as the most collaborative countries.

Conclusion: The importance of scientometric studies has been increasing in recent years. We think that this scientometric study data about Ramadan and fasting which are the conditions of the religion of Islam will contribute to scientists.
Base excess, bicarbonate, and lactate levels predict 28-day mortality in patients with COVID-19: a retrospective study
Authors: SARUHAN Ercan , ÖZDEMİR Ahmet , ACAR Ethem
Published: July 2022

Aim: It is critical to categorize the risk factors that could disclose the severity of COVID-19. This study aimed to determine the effects of arterial blood gases on hospital mortality by examining the results retrospectively measured at the first admission to the emergency department of cases diagnosed with COVID-19.

Material and Method: In this retrospective study, arterial blood gases of patients with COVID-19 were analyzed using univariate analysis to identify factors linked to 28-day all-cause in-hospital mortality. The patients were divided into two groups survivors and nonsurvivors.

Results: The study included 159 survivors and 33 nonsurvivors with COVID-19. Serum levels of lactate, D-dimer, troponin, and CRP were higher and serum levels of base excess, bicarbonate, and albumin to creatinine ratio were lower in nonsurvivor patients than in survivors. The highest AUC was found for lactate and base excess.

Conclusion: The arterial blood gases performed during the first admission to the emergency department are linked with disease severity and can be used to predict disease progression and mortality. Furthermore, patients with higher levels of lactate and lower levels of base excess and bicarbonate should be monitored closely and treated early.
Clinicopathological evaluation of our patients with ultrasound assisted percutaneous kidney biopsy
Authors: SELEN Tamer , AYLI Mehmet Deniz , ULUSAL OKYAY Gülay , ŞAHİN Hatice , KAHRAMAN GÜNER Elif , ATILGAN Kadir Gökhan , AYERDEN EBİNÇ Fatma , GÖK OĞUZ Ebru , SAĞLAM Arzu , ERGUN Onur
Published: July 2022

Aim: This study aims to determine the frequency of kidney diseases based on histological diagnosis and to evaluate the relationship between clinical and histopathological findings in patients undergoing percutaneous kidney biopsy for various indications.
Material and Method: In this cross-sectional study, demographic, anthropometric and laboratory data of the patients were obtained retrospectively from medical files and computer records. Biopsy indications and histopathological diagnoses (primary glomerular diseases, secondary glomerular diseases, tubulointerstitial diseases and other causes) of the patients were examined.
Results: Of 103 patients, 57 (55.3%) were male and 46 (44.7%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 44.67±15.29 years. The most common biopsy indication was hematuria+proteinuria+renal dysfunction (n=28, 27.2%). The most common pathology in histopathological diagnoses was primary glomerular diseases (56.3%), the most common diagnosis was IgAN (n=16, 15.5%). Tubulointerstitial diseases were seen more frequently in the 60 years and older group. (n=4, 25%). The most common cause of secondary glomerulonephritis was AA amyloidosis. The number of tubular disorders increased with advanced age.
Conclusion: In our center, renal biopsy was performed most frequently with the combination of proteinuria, hematuria, and renal dysfunction. The most common histopathological result was primary glomerulonephritis, in which IgAN took the first place.
The effect of malignancy on prognosis in ICU patients with COVID-19
Authors: UYSAL Elmas , SEĞMEN Fatih , KILIÇARSLAN Gamze , ERDEM Deniz
Published: July 2022

Background: It is known that COVID-19 has a worse and poorer progression, which often might lead to death in those with comorbidities. Multiple studies have recently examined the clinical course of cancer patients with COVID-19 and new guidelines have been developed to manage this group of patients. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical course and mortality rate of cancer patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for COVID-19.

Material and Method: The demographic characteristics, detailed medical history and laboratory findings of 140 patients with malignancy, who were treated in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit of Ankara City Hospital, were evaluated retrospectively. Gender, age, comorbidity, length of stay in the ICU, mortality rates, length of stay on a mechanical ventilator, cytokine storm scores, ferritin, interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lymphocyte count and treatment options were compared. The patients were divided into two groups: solid and hematological malignancies.

Results: One hundred eight of 140 patients were diagnosed with solid organ malignancy and 32 with hematological malignancy. The most common comorbidity was found to be hypertension. A total of 94 patients died during their ICU stay. While the most common solid organ malignancies were malignancies of the lower gastrointestinal tract and lung cancers, multiple myeloma (MM) was the most common hematological malignancy. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of cytokine storm scores , duration of hospitalization and mechanical ventilation. Levels of Ferritin and LDH were found to be significantly higher in patients with hematological malignancies, while D-dimer was significantly higher in solid organ malignancies. A high level of CRP and IL-6 was associated with COVID-19 mortality. Lymphopenia was associated with increased mortality in patients with solid organ malignancy. However, there was no difference in mortality rate among both groups. Although the mortality was significantly higher in the patient group receiving chemotherapy, there were no significant differences in mortality for the duration of receiving chemotherapy.

Conclusion: The results of this study suggested that cancer was associated with severe clinical outcomes and a 67% mortality rate among patients with COVID-19. However, despite the changes in patients’ demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics, no difference in mortality rate was detected in patients with hematological and solid organ malignancies due to COVID-19 infection.
Sigmoid colon duplication seen as a rare cause of ileus in adult: case report
Authors: BAYRAKTAR Barış , BOLUK Salih , BÖLÜK Sümeyra Emine
Published: July 2022

Intestinal duplications are congenital anomalies usually seen in infancy. Since it is congenital, they often become symptomatic in childhood. Usually diagnosed by adulthood. Those seen in childhood are mostly seen in the part from the oral cavity to the middle of the transverse colon, which is defined as the foregut and midgut embryologically. In our case report, we presented a female patient who was diagnosed both in adulthood and presented with ileus caused by duplication in the sigmoid colon. A 24-year-old female patient was admitted with the complaints of intermittent constipation and inability to pass gas and stool for 3 days. It was thought that the pathology observed in the sigmoid colon in the abdominal CT with contrast was due to torsion. Urgent surgery was decided for the patient. During the operation, it was observed that there was duplication in the sigmoid colon and torsion developed due to this. The patient underwent anterior resection and end-to-end anastomosis. She was discharged with surgical recovery in the postoperative period. Intestinal duplications are congenital anomalies that are usually seen in infancy. However, although rarely, it can be detected in adulthood, as in the patient we presented. Duplication anomalies should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of patients with chronic constipation and abdominal pain.
L'évaluation dans le secteur social et médico-social
Authors: Boutin Gérald
Published: July 2022

En réaction aux précédentes communications, G. Boutin, tout en reconnaissant combien l’évaluation est devenue un incontournable utile, analyse les effets pervers de celle-ci, principalement lorsque l’évaluation interne n’est pas articulée avec l’évaluation externe. Une éthique de l’évaluation doit être pensée pour que celle-ci ne produise pas des effets secondaires en direction des professionnels ou des usagers.
L'évaluation dans le secteur social et médico-social
Authors: Robin Pierrine
Published: July 2022

Le présent article s’intéresse au vécu expérientiel de l’usager dans l’évaluation de sa situation en protection de l’enfance. Il porte la focale sur la participation de l’enfant au processus évaluatif, en mettant en exergue les possibles écarts d’analyse et d’interprétation qui peuvent émerger entre les professionnels et les usagers enfants. Plus fondamentalement, il questionne le rapport entre l’usager enfant et le professionnel en situation d’évaluation.
Le Château de Kafka : quelle temporalité ?
Authors: Doffemont Pantchika
Published: July 2022

Kafka, avec son roman Le Château , illustre un processus d’écriture où une temporalité paradoxale déconstruit les repères temporels de la fiction réaliste ou fantastique et éclaire la détresse du sujet dans laquelle K. comme Kafka est plongé. Ce roman inachevé serait-il le témoignage d’une expression temporelle révélant un inconscient à ciel ouvert ?
Le prix de la relance : rémunérer le travail en sortie de crise ( XIV e - XV e siècle)
Authors: Alard-Bonhoure Anne-Laure
Published: July 2022

Le travail rémunéré en contexte rural demeure un parent pauvre des études sur le travail médiéval. Cette étude se propose d’en étudier les enjeux dans le contexte d’une seigneurie monastique en pleine crise à la fin du Moyen Âge. Durant cette période troublée alternant les phases de destruction et de reconstruction, les administrateurs de l’abbaye bénédictine de Saint-Martin de Pontoise font appel à une main d’œuvre salariée de plus en plus nombreuse. Ces travailleurs effectuent des tâches domestiques, artisanales, et de plus en plus, agricoles. Leur rôle devient de fait prépondérant pour la restauration de la réserve seigneuriale à la fin du xv e  siècle. Les modalités d’engagement, de rétribution et les conditions concrètes de travail de ces hommes et femmes permettent de saisir les liens étroits entre travail rémunéré et pouvoir seigneurial durant la crise du Bas Moyen Âge.
L’usage calculé d’une rhétorique de la féminité dans la correspondance de Catherine de Médicis
Authors: Gellard Matthieu
Published: July 2022

Catherine de Médicis écrit régulièrement à sa belle-sœur ou à ses filles mariées à des princes européens, aux princesses des autres maisons régnantes du continent ainsi qu’aux grandes aristocrates françaises ; elle aborde dans ces lettres, et parfois dans celles qu’elle adresse aux époux de toutes ces femmes, des thèmes « féminins », tels que la santé, la maternité, les enfants, etc. Faut-il dès lors en conclure à une écriture féminine de la reine mère ? Cet article propose à la place de réfléchir à la manière dont la reine mère ou ceux qui participent à l’élaboration de sa correspondance mobilisent sa féminité en fonction des objectifs que ses lettres doivent atteindre. En d’autres termes, plutôt que de partir de l’idée que Catherine de Médicis écrit comme une femme parce qu’elle est une femme, l’hypothèse sur laquelle se fonde cet article est que c’est un des possibles auquel son sexe lui permet de recourir. Dans le cadre précis de son écriture épistolaire, cela revient à analyser ce que le fait d’être une femme l’autorise à faire, d’envisager, en d’autres termes, son agency , c’est-à-dire sa capacité particulière à agir sur le monde. Ainsi, en jouant sur les catégories, en les manipulant ou en les adoptant, la reine-mère construit un champ des possibles le plus large possible et renforce l’efficacité de la communication monarchique, sa correspondance étant une correspondance officielle et ses lettres accompagnant presque systématiquement celles du roi.
Boire pour se soigner. Une nouvelle menace pour la santé publique (France, vers 1900)
Authors: Le Bras Stéphane
Published: July 2022

Dans une France du xix e  siècle où la consommation d’alcool croît de manière régulière, les premières voix s’inquiétant d’un phénomène dangereux pour la société s’élèvent au milieu du siècle. Peu à peu, et sous diverses formes, le mouvement antialcoolique prend forme et met en garde contre l’alcoolisation massive d’une partie non-négligeable de la population française. À la diversité des pratiques (consommation collective ou individuelle ; alcoolisme chronique ou aigu ; boissons fermentées ou distillées ; etc.) répond un discours médical et associatif plus ou moins structuré jusqu’aux années 1870. Il devient après cette date bien plus ferme et cohérent, dénonçant les différentes facettes de ce qui apparaît comme un fléau social dans les dernières décennies du siècle. Cet article entend interroger une forme d’alcoolisme considéré comme pernicieux et particulièrement répandu, l’alcoolisme thérapeutique. Ce dernier consiste dans l’alcoolisation – passive ou active – des consommateurs de boissons alcoolisées aux vertus supposément thérapeutiques. Après avoir retracé la genèse du phénomène, en expliquant les ressorts médicaux de ces pratiques, il s’agit d’envisager comment, sous les effets de l’implication de différents protagonistes dont certains très éloignés des milieux médicaux ou paramédicaux, la consommation de boissons dites toniques ou fortifiantes monte en puissance dans le dernier quart du siècle. Dès lors, la réponse des acteurs de la scène antialcoolique est vive, ciblant industriels de la filière alcoolière, mais également médecins.
La lutte contre le cancer : un pilier de l’Europe de la santé
Authors: Dubois Thomas , Breton Thierry , Ifrah Norbert
Published: July 2022

La lutte contre le cancer est présentée comme l’un des piliers de l’Europe de la santé par la Commission européenne. En effet, le nouveau plan européen pour vaincre les cancers constitue un engagement sans précédent porté au plus haut niveau politique avec des objectifs clairs et des moyens conséquents. Ces ambitions européennes représentent un véritable espoir de progrès dans de nombreux domaines de la cancérologie. De nombreux défis liés aux grandes disparités et aux différents modèles d’organisations des États membres devront être relevés dans la mise en œuvre des nombreuses initiatives programmées.
Théorie et pratique de la concurrence régulée dans l’assurance maladie néerlandaise
Authors: Hagenaars Luc Louis , Jeurissen Patrick Paulus Theodoor
Published: July 2022

Les performances du système de santé des Pays-Bas ont été attribuées à l’introduction de la concurrence régulée comme principe directeur des soins médicaux dans la loi sur l’assurance maladie en 2006. La croissance lente des coûts pendant une décennie peut être considérée comme un accomplissement majeur. Toutefois, dans la pratique quotidienne de ce principe, plusieurs hypothèses sous-tendant la théorie du marché n’ont pas été mises en œuvre ou se sont avérées problématiques. Le marché des assureurs et des prestataires est devenu plus concentré. La faible confiance institutionnelle dans les assureurs limite leur marge de manœuvre, alors que la théorie proclame que les assureurs ont besoin d’une marge de manœuvre maximale. Le système hospitalier est resté exclusivement privé à but non lucratif et l’on constate une forte augmentation du nombre de centres de chirurgie ambulatoire. La liberté de choix a surtout profité aux jeunes, aux personnes ayant un niveau d’éducation élevé et aux personnes en bonne santé, qui peuvent s’y retrouver dans l’abondance d’informations sur les assurances, mais elle permet également d’atteindre un équilibre sain entre les personnes qui changent de régime et la stabilité du marché. L’accès à des soins de bonne qualité est pratiquement universel. Deux leçons primordiales sont à retenir : la politique du « payeur actif » 1 ne fonctionne pas comme prévu et, en partie à cause des coûts administratifs excessifs, la fragmentation est en hausse. Il s’agit de deux défis majeurs.
Oscillatory solutions and smoothing of a higher-order p-Laplacian operator
Authors: Palencia José Luis Díaz , Otero Abraham
Published: July 2022

The goal of this paper was to provide a general analysis of the solutions to a higher-order p-Laplacian operator with nonlinear advection. Generally speaking, it is well known that any solution to a higher-order operator exhibits oscillations. In the present study, an advection term is introduced. This will allow us to analyze smoothing conditions in the solutions. The study of existence and uniqueness is based on a variational approach. Solutions are analyzed with an energy formulation initially discussed by Saint-Venant and extended in the works by Tikhonov and Täklind. This variational principle is supported by the definition of generalized norms under Hilbert-Sobolev spaces, enabling focus on the oscillating properties of solutions. Afterward, the paper introduces an analysis to characterize the traveling wave kind of solutions together with their characterization to understand the oscillations. Finally, a numerical exploration focuses on the smoothing conditions by the action of the nonlinear advection term. As a main finding to report: There exist a traveling wave speed ($ \lambda $) and an advection coefficient ($ c^* $) for which the profile's first minimum is almost positive, and such positivity holds beyond the first minimum.
Hermitian and skew-Hermitian splitting method on a progressive-iterative approximation for least squares fitting
Authors: Channark Saknarin , Kumam Poom , Martinez-Moreno Juan , Jirakitpuwapat Wachirapong
Published: July 2022

To solve the problems of curves and surfaces approximation with normalized totally positive bases, a new progressive and iterative approximation for least square fitting method called HSS-LSPIA is proposed, which is based on the HSS iterative approach for solving linear equations of LSPIA. The HSS-LSPIA format includes two iterations with iterative difference vectors, each of which is distinct from the other. The approximate optimal positive constant, as well as convergence analyses, are provided. Furthermore, the HSS-LSPIA method can be faster than the ELSPIA, LSPIA, and WHPIA methods in terms of convergence speed. Numerical results verify this phenomenon.
Isolation in the control of epidemic
Authors: Zhou Yong , Guo Minrui
Published: July 2022

Among many epidemic prevention measures, isolation is an important method to control the spread of infectious disease. Scholars rarely study the impact of isolation on disease dissemination from a quantitative perspective. In this paper, we introduce an isolation ratio and establish the corresponding model. The basic reproductive number and its biological explanation are given. The stability conditions of the disease-free and endemic equilibria are obtained by analyzing its distribution of characteristic values. It is shown that the isolation ratio has an important influence on the basic reproductive number and the stability conditions. Taking the COVID-19 in Wuhan as an example, isolating more than 68% of the population can control the spread of the epidemic. This method can provide precise epidemic prevention strategies for government departments. Numerical simulations verify the effectiveness of the results.
Llogar els ciris i revendre el refús. El consum de cera per a usos litúrgics a la Barcelona baixmedieval
Authors: Sales i Favà Lluís , Vela Aulesa Carles
Published: July 2022

A la baixa edat mitjana els grans temples cristians utilitzaven importants quantitats de cera, que era un producte exposat a les oscil·lacions del mercat mediterrani i que, en general, resultava cara. Per tal d’atenuar la despesa en cera, els administradors de les esglésies i els candelers van desenvolupar estratègies comptables i materials per tal de rebaixar-ne el cost. A partir de l’exemple de la ciutat de Barcelona, i especialment de la seva Seu, aquest article mostra com es desenvoluparen dos mecanismes principals, que a més sovint es combinaren, per tal de contenir aquesta despesa i facilitar l’accés a aquests productes imprescindibles per a la litúrgia: el lloguer dels grans ciris i la reutilització i revenda de la cera cremada però que encara es podia tornar a emprar.
Tourist Attraction Perception of Jharkhand Cuisine
Authors: Sharma Viveka Nand , Hans Arvind
Published: July 2022

Jharkhand cuisine has a 5000-year history that spans several cultures that are intertwined in such a way as to produce a wide range of cuisines. Jharkhand delicacies are known worldwide for their flavor, variety, and uniqueness. The origins of Jharkhand cuisine may be traced back to the state's past, since each region evolved its collection of dishes over time, combining a diverse range of spices, distinctive ingredients, and cooking techniques. The goal of this study is to see if foreign visitors to Jharkhand find Jharkhand cuisine appealing. According to the findings of the study, foreign tourists' impressions of Jharkhand food improved significantly once they tried it. Rich taste and flavor of food items, positive dining experience, value for money, menu diversity, visual appeal, sufficient portion sizes, use of fresh ingredients, and moderate price of food items were all variables that had positive higher perceptions. According to the statistics, Tourist’s regard Jharkhand cuisine as a tourist attraction.
A Comprehensive Survey on Sentiment Analysis in Twitter Data
Authors: Krishnan Hema , Elayidom M. Sudheep , Santhanakrishnan T.
Published: July 2022

The literature scrutinizes on diverse techniques that are associated with sentiment analysis in twitter data. It reviews several research papers and states the significant analysis. Initially, the analysis depicts various schemes that are contributed in different papers. Subsequently, the analysis also focuses on various features and it also analyses the sentiment analysis in twitter data that is exploited in each paper. Furthermore, this paper provides the detailed study regarding the performance measures and maximum performance achievements in each contribution. Finally, it extends the various research issues which can be useful for the researchers to accomplish further research on sentiment analysis in twitter data.
Moving Target Detection Using Fuzzy Bayesian Fusion in Multichannel SAR Framework
Authors: M. Bharat Kumar , P. Rajesh Kumar
Published: July 2022

In this paper, a novel FBF-MTD is proposed for the detection of moving target by integrating the fuzzy concept in Bayesian fusion model. This method uses the decision fusion method that combines the matching filter, Fourier transform and the STFT. In the first step, acceleration, velocity, and RCS are simulated and the radar that returns from the target is calculated based on transmission power, distance of target, antenna gain, and RCS. Then, the FBF-MTD method combines the results of Fourier transform, short time Fourier transform, and matched filter, to produce the final decision. The performance of the proposed FBF-MTD method is analyzed with respect to the metrics, namely detection time, missed target rate, and MSE. The proposed FBF-MTD model obtained the detection time, missed target rate, and MSE values of 3.2495 sec, 0.0524, and 3344.04, respectively that show the superiority of the FBF-MTD model in MTD.
Digital Exclusion During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Alkhaldi Afnan N.
Published: July 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the reliance on digital services increased in most developed countries leaving many communities who are digitally excluded cut-off from vital services such as health and social care. Globally, digital exclusion is proposed to be one of the largest issues on discrimination within countries where smart cities and digital-by-default policies have been promoted, preventing certain groups of society from having access to public services. Addressing why people are being digitally excluded is important in improving the access people have to healthcare and other services that improve a person’s quality of life. Through a focused review of literature and publicly available secondary information, this paper examines the impact of Covid-19 on digital exclusion in Europe, Scandinavia, North America and Asia Pacific region and the methods that have been successful in limiting digital exclusion. Results show that while some countries handled the COVID 19 pandemic well, other countries’ attempts widened the gap with more people becoming digitally excluded.
Neuro-Fuzzy-Based Routing Mechanism for Effective Communication in 6LoWPAN-Based IoT Infrastructure
Authors: Revathi B.  , Arulanandam K.
Published: July 2022

IoT (Internet of Things) devices that are IEEE 802.15.4 compliant are used to build 6LoWPANs (IPv6-based Low Power Personal Area Networks). For most IoT applications' network systems, 6LoWPA is the wireless technology of choice. However, the various IoT systems produce diverse routing patterns in actual network implementation. An objective of such a strategy is to enhance connectivity while ensuring route stability throughout the network at all times.Neuro-Fuzzy Based Routing Mechanism for efficient routing in 6LoWPAN-based IoT infrastructure is proposed. Using neural networks, fuzzy systems can incorporate the computational properties of training the input data into their representations and gain the coherence and interpretation they need. This research finding shows that the suggested routing strategy provides improved communication effectiveness in regards to packet transmission (93%) and other parameters such as energy usage (2.33%) and latency (7.42%).
Interval-Fuzzy Fixed Charge Transportation Problems
Authors: G. Sudha , K. Ganesan
Published: July 2022

The fixed charge transportation problem (FCTP) is a variant of the well-known transportation problem in which the price of conveying products from a source to a sink is made up of a set cost and a continuous cost proportionate to the number of goods sent. The transportation system and FCTP with uncertain parameters are inextricably linked. Fuzzy numbers or interval numbers can be used to successfully handle these imprecise values. The cost coefficients, supplies, and demands are all represented as interval numbers in this paper. A modified interval version of Vogel's Approximation process is used to obtain the initial basic feasible solution (IBFS) of the interval fixed charge transportation problem (IFCTP), which is then optimized using interval version of MODI method. A numerical example is provided to show the efficiency of the proposed method.
Challenging and Changing Discrimination Against Asian-American Cybersecurity and Engineering Employees in Information Technology Workplaces
Authors: Sabie-Aridi Amalisha S. , Burrell Darrell Norman , Nobles Calvin , Richardson Kevin , Kemp Roxanne Elliott
Published: July 2022

Duvall Systems is a government information technology, and cybersecurity consulting firm focused on providing high-tech consulting support for U.S. federal government agencies. Duvall has experienced a series of discrimination complaints from Asian-American employees related to workplace mistreatment. These complaints relate to a hostile work environment, discrimination in promotions, and employee evaluations. Many of the complaints have been driven by racist attacks against Asian-American employees blaming them for COVID-19. The focus of the study is an exploration of diversity and inclusion in a cybersecurity consulting company. An action research approach used included fact-finding interviews, barrier analysis, company policy assessments, content analysis of the problem in the literature, and recommendations based on the amalgamation of the triangulated data.
An Intrusion Detection System Based on Normalized Mutual Information Antibodies Feature Selection and Adaptive Quantum Artificial Immune System
Authors: Ling Zhang , Hao Zhang Jia
Published: July 2022

The intrusion detection system (IDS) has lower speed, less adaptability and lower detection accuracy especially for small samples sets. This paper presents a detection model based on normalized mutual antibodies information feature selection and adaptive quantum artificial immune with cooperative evolution of multiple operators (NMAIFS MOP-AQAI). First, for a high intrusion speed, the NMAIFS is used to achieve an effective reduction for high-dimensional features. Then, the best feature vectors are sent to the MOP-AQAI classifier, in which, vaccination strategy, the quantum computing, and cooperative evolution of multiple operators are adopted to generate excellent detectors. Lastly, the data is fed into NMAIFS MOP-AQAI and ultimately generates accurate detection results. The experimental results on real abnormal data demonstrate that the NMAIFS MOP-AQAI has higher detection accuracy, lower false negative rate and a higher adaptive performance than the existing anomaly detection methods, especially for small samples sets.
Correlation of University Lecturer Leadership Styles, Students Satisfaction, and Learning Outcomes During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Cao Wenwen
Published: July 2022

Online English teaching has become more important in China during the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers begin to focus on the research of university lecturers’ online leadership styles in helping improve students’ English learning. As there is a lack of systematic research and educational practices of lecturers’ online leadership styles, the need arises to study the lecturers’ leadership styles perceived by the students from an international perspective using quantitative approach. Through a correlational analysis, this study revealed that lecturers’ online leadership styles affected students’ English learning and lecturers exhibited more transactional and transformational leadership styles moderately in online learning. There was a strong correlation between lecturers’ leadership styles and students’ learning satisfaction but there was no statistically significant relationship between students’ satisfaction and learning outcomes. Further research was suggested to explore the influence of the leadership styles in other sub-disciplines of higher education in China.
Issues of Resistance to Progressive Failure of Load-Bearing Systems in Lira-Sapr Software
Authors: Barabash Mariia
Published: July 2022

The article is devoted to the description of analytical and structural methods used in the design to avoid progressive collapse of buildings and structures in the case of extreme influences. Three directions are described to avoid the process of development of local to global destruction. The concept realized in the LIRA-SAPR software, which is aimed at automating analysis for progressive collapse in quasi-static and dynamic formulations, including linear and nonlinear analysis taking into account the dynamic factor, is also substantiated. The purpose of the analysis is to design structures for various purposes, which in addition to accident-free performance of functions during the specified period of operation, in case of an accident due to natural and man-made phenomena (defects in production technology, explosions, impacts), as well as other causes not provided for by the conditions of normal operation, would cause minimal damage to people and the environment.
Application of UAV Video Communication Systems During Investigation of Emergency Situations
Authors: Maladyka Ihor , Stas Serhiy , Mykhailo Pustovit , Dzhulay Oleksandr
Published: July 2022

The appearance in widespread use of unmanned aerial vehicles, both multi-rotor and wing-carrying aircraft, revealed the possibility of their use in the activities of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. They can be used for emergency reconnaissance, aerial surveying, search operations, aviation chemical work related to the circulation of hazardous substances, monitoring of territories and objects, transmission of radio signals, delivery to the site of emergencies various types of payload, conducting alerting, lighting emergency situations and direct firefighting. Therefore, the issue of using unmanned aerial vehicles in the activities of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine is relevant. In essence, the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle is reduced to two main types of work - observation or work around a point object or movement over long distances to ensure work on the earth's surface. It is clear that the technical characteristics of the unmanned aerial vehicle determines its suitability for use in the relevant types of work. One of these characteristics is the range of radio communication, the busiest channel of which is real-time video communication, which is essential for most assigned tasks. The article attempts to estimate the range of video data transmission by radio for the most common models of multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicles of mass production and video data transmission systems that can be used optionally. To this end, we analyze the characteristics of video transmission systems, factors that affect the quality of video communication and others. Existing mass-produced models are best suited to work around a point object. Their use for long-distance flights will be limited by the range of video data transmission. By overcoming this situation, the authors see the use of unified unmanned aerial vehicles equipping them with optional video transmission systems.
Technological Process of Manufacturing a Gear Wheel Using the Abaqus Software Product Method
Authors: Ruban Artem , Pasternak Viktoriya , Zhyhlo Anna , Konoval Volodymyr
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we consider a detailed technological process for manufacturing parts, namely, a gear wheel. The proposed method with the intervention of modern 3D modelling makes it possible to improve the main indicators of quality and strength of parts. Based on the results obtained, a cycloid transcendental system of circular motion of a gear wheel with the specified basic parameters was modelled. Using multifunctional modules, we studied the vibrations of the gear wheel at different points in time. It was found that due to the fatigue and contact strength, it is possible to ensure uniform flexural strength of the gear teeth. And also, by adjusting the profile of the teeth of the part, we selected the desired strengthening coefficient. The presented dependence of the angles of inclination of the gear teeth on the transformation coefficient allows you to improve the main indicators of quality and strength by at least 2 %.
An Effect of Sands of Different Grades on Structural and Mechanical Properties of Sand Concrete
Authors: Borisiuk Evgenii , Kochenkova Elizaveta
Published: July 2022

The sands, used in concrete mixes, differ significantly in their coarseness of grading, voidness, apparent density and other characteristics, which largely affects the properties of concrete. At the same time, there is practically no possibility of evaluating the properties of concrete by any one general characteristic of sand. Such a characteristic of sands as "reduced voidness", which was used to evaluate the properties of fine concrete with sands of different grades, is proposed in the article to evaluate the quality of sands. This work presents a theoretical interest, and is also of practical importance, contributing to increased accuracy of concrete mixes design and prediction of its strength and other construction properties.
Nanoscale Control of Hydrated Portland Cement Structure
Authors: Guryanov Alexander Mikhailovich , Guryanov Sergey Alexandrovich
Published: July 2022

The durability of cement-containing building materials, like the cement stone itself, depends on their moisture resistance, frost resistance, and corrosion resistance. All these properties are determined not only by the composition of the initial clinker, but also by the structural organization at the micro-and nanoscale of hydrated Portland cement. In this work, the structural parameters of hydrated Portland cement compositions at the nanoscale level were determined by the method of small-angle neutron scattering: the size distribution of nanoparticles of calcium silicate hydrate, the average radius of nanoparticles, and fractal dimension. It is shown that the introduction of modifying nanoadditives into Portland cement affects the structural parameters of the cement stone. The following nanoadditives were used: of artificial (alpha aluminium oxide, gamma aluminum oxide) and of technogenic (carbonate and alumo-alkaline sludges) origin, as well as complex nanoadditives containing surfactants. Changes in structural parameters of Portland cement with nanoadditives in the process of hydration are traced. It is shown that the use of nanoadditives makes it possible to control the process of formation of the structure of hydrated Portland cement on the nanoscale level, to directly influence the values of structural parameters and, ultimately, to the properties of cement stone.
Daylight variation and contrast effect on human perception of spatial quality: A case study of selected contemporary residential spaces in Sri Lanka
Authors: Pathirage L. , Perera N.
Published: July 2022

Visual perception of space is influenced by the composition and behaviour of light. Daylight as a natural element creates different atmospheres in the same space through its variation of intensity, colour, and direction. It creates dynamic shadow patterns, fluctuating brightness, and contrast levels. Although the capacity to create variation - therefore contrast, is an important characteristic of daylight - it is often neglected in research, where comfort and visual performance take prominence. This is a research initiative to explore the effect of daylight variation on spatial quality and human perception. The research adopts a two-step process, where, digital images are first mapped to generate contrast diagrams, and secondly, the generated digital images form the basis for a survey utilising a seven-point semantic differential scale, to explore the relationship between daylight variability and human perception. The temporal variation of daylight is explored by diagramming spaces at selected times of the day and year. The scope of the study is limited to selected residential spaces as case studies and focuses on the manner of integrating daylight into spaces. Results show that the level of contrast correlates to the perception of ‘low contrast – high contrast’, ‘unvaried – varied’, ‘calming – exciting’, for the observer.
Sense of coherence in the workplace: design for well-being in the workplaces of academics
Authors: Casather F. D. , Coorey S. B. A.
Published: July 2022

Workplace productivity can be improved by ensuring a sense of well-being and coherence in the workplace. The design of work- places needs to consider the type of work, behaviours, cultural differences, and backgrounds of its users which are associated with individual well-being. Design plays a key role in creating suitable work environments. But often the end-users’ sense of well-being is neglected and instead, design decisions are driven by attempts to maximise capacity and economic gain. However, the preferences for design and sense of well-being will vary among different workgroups. Academics play a key role in the dissemination of knowledge and academics’ workspaces have not gained much attention in the past. This study is focused on workspaces used by “academics” as a knowledge worker. A sample of six academics is selected from varying work settings. In-depth Interviews, questionnaires, checklists, and observations are done to explore the design features that are important for sense of wellbeing and coherence of academics. Findings show that privacy, accessibility, workplace fitting workstyle, biophilic design, informal (social) gathering and supporting personal identity expression to have a positive association with sense of wellbeing and coherence, and therefore are vital when designing workspaces for academics.
Development of cost-sharing methodologies for utility works in road projects in Sri Lanka
Authors: Mohamed Ismail J. , De Silva M. L. , Waidyasekera K. G. A. S.
Published: July 2022

Roads Authorities in Sri Lanka are obliged to pay all costs associated with relocation and betterment works required/requested by utility service providers through the funds allocated for their initiated projects. Hence, unforeseen utility-related works make transferring a substantial portion of the allocated funds for road works. In some instances, contracts for utility projects were awarded when road works were nearing completion. In addition, there were no documented cost-sharing agreements between the roads authorities and utility service providers and no sound legislation that defines their powers. This burdens the project scope and impacts the Sri Lanka economy. In this context, identifying suitable remedial measures is essential to mitigate such impacts during the design and construction stages. Hence this research aims to develop methodologies for cost-sharing of utility works to resolve the influences of road and utility projects. A qualitative research method was adopted by selecting experts for semi-structured in-depth interviews using purposive sampling technique. . The research included conducting a desktop study of international cost-sharing practices and a document review for more data collection. Hence, this study will contribute to this sector’s knowledge gap to analyse the procedures and identify the areas to mitigate the utility work-related issues in Sri Lanka. It will also formulate cost-sharing methodologies for utility relocation, betterment works, and provision of new utility infrastructure in roads/infrastructure projects.
Gestione delle lesioni cutanee dolorose e potenzialmente infette: Attività trasversali dell’infermieristica di famiglia e comunità
Authors: D'Incecco Patrizia
Published: July 2022

Le Lesioni Cutanee Croniche (LCC) possono rappresentare la sommatoria di alterazioni fisiopatologiche, comorbilità, fattori di rischio intrinseci ed estrinseci alla persona anziana, la quale spesso si trova sola o con familiari altrettanto anziani, in condizioni socioeconomiche sfavorevoli, con compromissione delle capacità funzionali e di altri indicatori di salute. L’infermiere di famiglia e comunità svolge attività trasversali nella presa in carico dei cittadini che hanno dei bisogni di salute, con una modalità proattiva e di prossimità, nell’ottica di accrescere l’integrazione e la collaborazione tra i vari operatori sociosanitari anche attivando risorse comunitarie presenti sul territorio. Le 4 persone con LCC individuate, assistite sia a domicilio che in ambulatorio infermieristico, hanno un’età media di 76 anni e presentano lesioni cutanee a carico degli arti inferiori con insufficienza venosa cronica e malattia diabetica. I pazienti riportavano un’importante sintomatologia dolorosa (VNR 8-10) che è stata gestita, nel cambio di medicazione e prima del debridement, con lidocaina cloridrato 5% crema per 15 minuti e terapia antalgica sistemica (NRS 3-4). Gli interventi tempestivi, attuati con il MMG, il medico specialista vascolare, l’assistente sociale, altri professionisti presenti sul territorio e con l’ausilio di indagini strumentali e di laboratorio, hanno permesso, in un lasso di tempo di 6 settimane, di migliorare notevolmente il letto di lesione e la contrazione delle dimensioni di lesione. L’educazione terapeutica messa in atto dall’Infermiere di Famiglia e comunità, condivisa con famiglia, caregiver e paziente, ha aiutato a comprendere la malattia e il trattamento, a collaborare alle cure, a farsi carico del proprio stato di salute ed a conservare e migliorare la propria qualità di vita.