bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Benford’s Law to Detect if COVID-19 Data is under Reported or Manipulated
Authors:   Bhagwan Parshuram Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India, Pahuja Divyasha
Published: February 2022

Tackling of COVID-19 has been the prime concern for all the countries because of the virus’ deadly tenure across the globe. But an attempt to curb the virus requires an effective analysis of its spread. Falsified data is suspected by experts on account of policy-making, political strategies and fear handling. Benford’s law, which is an effective and widely used technique to detect fraud and fabrication, is employed and applied to data made available publicly, by the authorities, in an attempt to see if the data adheres to the Benford’s Law and if it is correctly reported or not. Benford’s law works well on exponential data and is compared to the initial growth data of the countries, but in case of control interventions an epidemic growth model is applied to the data and then goodness-of-fit test is conducted to see if Benford’s Law is satisfied for the selected three countries. Also, the level and rate of control is calculated to determine the deceleration in growth for each country.
Approach towards the Automated System for Understanding Facial Skin Diseases
Authors:   Dept. of CSE, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Vaddeswaram, Guntur, AP, India, Anantha Reddy Dasari , Shambharkar Saroj , Kudari Rajeev
Published: February 2022

Now a days the facial skin problems can be identified and treated with the significant methods of computer-based technology and artificial intelligence. These skin diseases not only depress the infected person and cause psychological depression, but they may also lead to cause skin cancer. As the visual resolution is not so effective in skin disease images, medical experts with latest technical instruments are required for diagnosis of various types of diseases. These skin disease problems can be diagnosed automatically with the help of these computer aided system. In this paper, we suggested a Deep Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) which is an automated method for facial skin disease classification. In biomedical imaging-based decision making the importance of computer assisted diagnosis in deep learning is identified. ResNETs can be utilized for eliminating deep networks vanishing gradient problems. Various kinds of results may be obtained by the ResNET architectures having various activation functions, batch sizes, tested images and training stages. The activation functions ReLU and SELUare analyzed with the implementation of four network models are observed and by using same data sets image classification is done by residual learning. Highest accuracy is obtained by using ResNET with SELU instead of using residual block may lead to best accuracy rate of 97.01% for classification of various disease images.
Comparative Analysis and Implementation of CLAHE with Proposed Technique in Retinal Images
Authors:   Technical Officer, Punjabi University Patiala South Campus, Talwandi Sabo, Punjab, India, Kaur Rajwinder , Brar Richa , Jagdev Gagandeep
Published: February 2022

The human eye is the most critical part that can be adversely affected by diabetes in the near or long run. The detection of DR (Diabetic Retinopathy) in the early stages is not that easily possible. The detection of DR primarily depends on the quality of the retinal images of the diseased person. The higher is the quality of the retinal image, the more are the chances of detection of abnormalities. The research paper elaborates on the popular CLAHE (Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization) technique been used for enhancing the contrast of the retinal images. The research paper also anticipates a technique intended for enhancing the quality of the retinal images. The retinal images are obtained from the DRIVE (Digital Retinal Images for Vessel Extraction) dataset. The quality of enhancement achieved by using both techniques is compared and measured using three performance metrics of MSE (Mean Square Error), PSNR (Peak Signal Noise Ratio), and RMSE (Root Mean Square Error). PSNR is considered as the prominent performance metric to decide the degree of enhancement achieved. Greater is the value of the PSNR, higher is the degree of enhancement. The comparative analyses between the PSNR values obtained from both the techniques have been conducted and it has been found that the proposed technique outperforms CLAHE in enhancing the retinal images.
A Study on Management of Artificial Intelligence in Green Manufacturing with Special Reference to TVS Motor Company, Hosur, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: C Nair Vipin , Lathangi R.
Published: February 2022

Smart Manufacturing is a broad category of Manufacturing that employs a Computer Based integrated Manufacturing System with higher end of new adaptability and quick evolution in design structure along with digitization and effective workforce training . Industry 4.0 and the advent of Industry 5.0 have given new dimensions in Manufacturing along with sustainable and environment friendly manufacturing which is called Green Manufacturing . Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) if implemented with major Environmental concerns can add a new dimension to the Industrial revolution of this century . Imagining a set up of cell Manufacturing and Flexible Manufacturing systems using low carbon emission standards with AI may one day make complex systems easy to operate and give a healthy environment to work . Less hazards and low Carbon emissions particularly in Chemical Industries may make industries more Environment Friendly and thus save the life forms on earth from self Destruction . Green Tech or Green Manufacturing is an Umbrella term which comes under the same branch in one way or other which is used in several Technologies or the fields of science in order to bring up with products which Eco Friendly. This article discusses as well as suggests remedies for AI systems to be more Environment friendly and thus bring harmony with technology and its management with mother Nature . This Research Article has data from Secondary sources like reports / websites / professionals and a detailed model is prepared on it .
Artificial Intelligence: The Future of Employment
Authors: Tandon Anisha , Tandon Shalu
Published: February 2022

Artificial Intelligence is the theory and growth of computer systems, which can do jobs that generally needed human intelligence, such as decision-making, visual perception, speech recognition, and translation between languages. In this paper, an essential matter regarding AI has been taken up. There is rising concern among people that AI will be taking up jobs as it is doing an outstanding job in every field. A typical example is chatbots; chatbots do the work of the individual working as Customer Care and doing partial jobs on behalf of humans. In few companies, it is handling the whole career of the humans. A simple example is Digi bank. If we do not learn about AI in the coming Future, Futrell not be surprising that the outcome of a specific business will suffer, or we may not have jobs, as AI will be a better substitute than we will. Therefore, here in this paper, the idea of promoting the study of AI is discussed using AI teaching centers.
A Review on Quality of Image during CBIR Operations and Compression
Authors: Singla Diwanshi , Kumar Dharminder , Dhingra Sakshi
Published: February 2022

The research paper is review the quality of image at the time of CBIR operation. Research is opting to maintain the quality of image even after performing compression. Research work has highlighted the impact of CBIR operation and compression operation over quality of image. The major issue in image processing research is impact of image processing over image quality. Moreover there is need to discuss loss less compression mechanism to retain quality of image. Research paper is considering different methodologies used by existing research paper along with their working mechanism, advantages and disadvantage. Research is considering image processing as process of extracting information from pictures and combining it for use in a variety of applications. Image processing programmes are useful in a variety of situations. A few examples include medical imaging, industrial applications. The remote sensing, spaces as well as military applications are also considered. The application of computer vision mechanism to the graphic content retrieval problem has been considered a challenge in finding digital pictures in huge databases. Existing researches have worked to improve the overall performance during image processing by retaining quality of the image. Moreover, there is increase in accurate decisions making. Research is opting to retain the quality of image during CBIR operations.
The Oxidative status in Children with Autism receiving Melatonin
Authors: Mohammed Mohammed B. , Alrubaye Yasir S J
Published: February 2022

Objectives: To determine the changes in the levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in autistic children receiving melatonin supplementation to evaluate its antioxidant role in autism. Methods: A follow-up study was carried out in the Department of therapeutics and clinical pharmacy, Baghdad College of Medical Sciences, Baghdad - Iraq. The study was performed on 55 autistic children who had recruited from several private institutions specialized in autistic children care, Baghdad, Iraq between June 2018 and November 2018. The levels of melatonin, MDA, SOD and CAT were measured in the serum of 55 patients before and after receiving melatonin supplementation for three months. Results: The results revealed statistically significant differences in the levels of melatonin, MDA, SOD and CAT between patients before and after receiving melatonin supplement. Furthermore, melatonin levels showed significant positive correlations with both SOD and CAT in addition to a significant positive correlation between SOD and CAT while MDA levels showed significant negative correlations with melatonin, SOD and CAT in autistic patients before and after receiving the supplement. Conclusions: Melatonin levels, CAT and SOD activity showed to be improved significantly by melatonin supplementation with a concomitant reduction in the levels of MDA as an indicator of a decrease in an oxidative stress in autistic children.
Potency of Nigella sativa linn. Seed as antidiabetic (preclinical study)
Authors: Sutrisna Em , azizah Tanti , Wahyuni Sri
Published: February 2022

Background: Nigella sativa is reported to have an antioxidant effect, so allegedly has anti-diabetic effect. Objectives:The aim of this study is to explore ethyl acetate fraction of ethanol extract of Nigela sativa Linn. (EANS) effect toward blood glucose level in diabetic rats induced by alloxan. Materials and Methods: Twenty five male rats (150–200 g). The rats were divided into five groups in which there were 5 rats in each group. Group I was treated by glibenclamide 0.63 mg/kg bw (positive control); Group II was treated by aqueous 2,5 ml/200 g bw (negative control); and Groups III; IV and V were treated by ethyl acetate of ethanol extract of N. sativa seed at a dosage of 250 mg/kg bw; 500 mg/kg bw and 1000mg/kg bw respectively. Results: The results of this study are EANS can reduced blood glucose level on diabetic rats induced by alloxan. Nigella sativa has potencies anti-diabetic effect. Conclusion: Nigella sativa Linn. seed has potency as anti-diabetic candidate.
Adjuvant Therapy of Syzygium cumini Leaf and Fruit Extract Nanoparticles to Histopathological Changes of Mice Organ with Malaria
Authors: Maslachah Lilik , Widiyatno Thomas V , Triakoso Nusdianto , Suwarno Suwarno , P Koesnoto , Narulita Nanda Ayu , Pujiyanto Mahendra , Dyah Ayu Zerlinda , Putri Dita Nurkurnia
Published: February 2022

Plasmodium infection can cause serious complications such as damage to internal organs. The purpose of this study was determining the effect of nanoparticles adjuvant therapy of Syzygium cumini leaf and fruit extract to histopathological changes of mice organ with malaria. Methods: The study used 70 Swiss Albino mice, weighing 20g-30g, 2.5 months old. The study was divided into 7 treatment groups as follows K0 : not infected, K+: infected but untreated, K1: infected and treat with chloroquine, K2: infected and treated with Syzygium cumini leaf extract, K3: infected and treated with Syzygium cumini fruit extract, P1: infected and treated with nanoparticles Syzygium cumini leaf extract, P2: infected and treated with combination of nanoparticles leaf extract of Syzygium cumini and chloroquine, P3: infected and treated with nanoparticles Syzygium cumini fruit extract, P4: infected and treated with combination of nanoparticles fruit extract of Syzygium cumini and chloroquine. The infection dose was 1x10-5 Plasmodium berghei in 0.2 ml. Treatment was done for 4 days, 24 hours after infection. Data were analyzed by Kruskal Wallis and continued with the Mann Whitney test. The results showed that the most severe organ damage was in the K+ group and the lightest was the K0 group. The P2 and P4 groups showed a decrease in organ damage which was not significantly different from the K0 group (p> 0.05). Meanwhile, K +, K1, K2, K3, P1 and P3 groups showed significant differences (p> 0.05) with K0. Conclusion: nanoparticles extract of Syzygium cumini leaf and fruit as an adjuvant therapy can reduce liver, kidney, lung and brain damage of mice infected with Plasmodium berghei.
ASSESSING THE INFLUENCE OF INCREASED STRESS ON BRUXISM DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors:   Department of Prosthetic Dental Medicine, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria., Kirov Dimitar , Doichinova Lilia ,   Department of Pediatric Dental Medicine, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria., Deliverska Elitsa ,   Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria., Kirilova Janet ,   Department of Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria.
Published: February 2022

Aim of the study: This study aims to evaluate the possible relationship between the occurrence of bruxism and perceived stress during the Covid-19 pandemic period. Material and methods: Two questionnaires were administered to one hundred forty-five (145) respondents randomly selected from different age groups and gender. Each patient was screened with and Perceived Stress Scale–10 (PSS-10) containing ten questions. The questionnaire assessed patients about stress related to everyday problems, personal events, and coping methods. The answers were scored using an ordinal five-point scale. In this study, a six-item self-administered questionnaire was used to evaluate self-reported awake and sleep bruxism. Results: In the present study, bruxism was not statistically significantly correlated with self-reported perceived stress based on PSS-10 (rank correlation coefficient was rho (145) = 0.080, p < 0.341). There was no statistically significant difference within the study group between genders in the frequency of low, moderate, and high PSS-10 results (U = 2329.5, p = 0.339). The analysis also showed no statistically significant difference between males and females regarding bruxism score (U = 2381.5, p = 0.434). Conclusions: Results do not confirm the findings of a positive association between bruxism and perceived stress. Within the limitations of this study, the data suggest that the relationship between perceived stress and the expression of bruxism is more complex. Given the results of the current research, this issue requires further investigation.
Klinisk utprøving av WISC-V
Authors: Egeland Jens , Lund Olaf , Andreassen Tor Herman
Published: February 2022

Two-hundred and thirty-six WISC-V protocols from children assessed in the Child Psychiatric Clinic of Vestfold Hospital Trust took part in the study. We analyzed four issues known either to be specifically important or to be problematic in previous Wechsler adaptions. The first issue relates to whether the items on the translated verbal tests show the expected decreasing frequency of correct answers. Second, we check for invariance of the five-factor structure across age and gender groups. Third, we assess whether the new visual span test varies sufficiently from digit span to defend having two span tests. Fourth, we report the Cronbach’s alpha levels in the clinical sample and check for possible verbal items decreasing reliability. The analyses showed small insufficiencies, and thus we conclude that the test also maintains the necessary psychometric capacity in a clinical sample.

Keywords: WISC-V, invariance of factor structure, fluid reasoning, working memory
Digital Concrete Production With Vertical Textile Reinforcement
Authors: Dittel Gözdem , Scheurer Martin , Dringenberg Steffen , Jitton Joaquin Velasco , Gries Thomas
Published: February 2022

One major challenge preventing widespread introduction of digital concrete production is the integration of reinforcing materials. Textile grid structures offer a possible solution for this challenge.

Textile reinforced concrete (TRC) has been researched for approximately 20 years and is currently being commercialized, initially in pre-cast elements for facades and bridges. TRC enables the construction of thin-walled, strong structures with a high freedom of design, properties well suited for the integration in digital concrete production.

First trials for this integration have been performed and published. However, these studies only use short fibres mixed into the concrete matrix or textile reinforcement within the printing plane, which limits the transferred loads.

This study shows the results of preliminary tests of vertical, out-of-plane textile reinforcements for digital concrete production. The textile reinforcement is fixed vertically and the concrete printing process is performed diagonally, “through” the textile. The results of four-point bending tests are presented.
Metasurfaces and metabuildings in megacities: Cloaking of body and surface seismic waves
Authors: Semblat Jean-Francois
Published: February 2022

Seismic waves propagate in complex heterogeneous geological structures and may be strongly amplified when reaching the free surface. Due to strong velocity contrasts, seismic waves are particularly amplified in alluvial basins thus leading to extensive surface waves generation.
Such surface waves may interact with buildings at the local scale (soil-structure interaction/SSI) as well as the scale of an entire city (site-city interaction/SCI).
In this talk, we emphasize on the quantification of such surface waves through the Normalized-Inner Product allowing an efficient time-frequency extraction. Various modeling strategies are then discussed to analyze wave-structures interaction in alluvial basins at various scales: 1DT-3C approach, impedance functions, macroelement formulations, homogenization methods (either for foundations or structures), fast-Boundary Element Methods, large site-city models for actual urban environments.
The main issues are the complexity and the efficacy of these various approaches. The final goal being to answer this crucial question: is site-city interaction beneficial or detrimental?
Peran Guru Dalam Pengajaran dan Model Kinerja dalam Alkitab
Authors: Kia A Dan
Published: February 2022

Kegiatan pendidikan membutuhkan pendidik yang memiliki kinerja yag baik, hal ini dikarenakan Kinerja merupakan kegiatan yang dijalankan oleh tiap-tiap individu dalam kaitannya untuk mencapai tujuan yang sudah direncanakan. Berkaitan dengan hal tersebut, maka harus dilihat dari prespektif Alkitab sehubungan dengan peran guru dalam pengajaran dan juga sebagai model yang patut diteladani. Kinerja merupakan suatu konsep yang bersifat universal dan merupakan efektifitas operasional suatu organisasi, bagian organisasi, dan karyawannya berdasarkan standar dan kriteria yang telah ditetapkan sebelumnya.  Tetapi secara khusus dalam lingkup pendidikan Kristen, semuanya ini harus memiliki dasar yang sesuai kehendak Allah agar memenuhi standar perilaku yang telah ditetapkan serta dapat membuahkan tindakan dan hasil yang diinginkan.Dunia pendidikan memberikan suatu gambaran yang positif dalam setiap peran yang ada melalui pendidik sebagai pelaku utama dalam proses belajar mengajar, namun bila dicermati, maka akan terlihat rendahnya kinerja guru dalam profesinya dewasa ini dan hal ini merupakan kenyataan yang perlu diakui dalam dunia pendidikan. Dalam dunia pendidikan, kebutuhan agar menghasilkan guru-guru yang berdedikasi, kokoh, dan terpercaya oleh masyarakat, merupakan hal penting dan mendesak demi peningkatan mutu pendidikan. Alkitab, memberikan beberapa gambaran peran dan kinerja yang dapat menjadi contoh dari tokoh-tokoh dalam Perjanjian Lama sebagai bukti acuan yang harus diteladani bagi pendidik Kristen masa kini. Gambaran dari tokoh-tokoh dalam Alkitab jika dipelajari dengan baik, maka akan bermanfaat dan berdampak bagi kinerja seorang pendidik Kristen. Pengaruh positif dari tokoh-tokoh tersebut akan memberikan suatu kemampuan yang bisa ditranformasikan melalui tindakan dalam proses belajar menagajar.
Makna Dan Fungsi Label Kehormatan Israel Dalam Keluaran 19:6 Ditinjau Dari Teoti Identitas Sosial
Authors: Hasibuan Serepina
Published: February 2022

Label kehormatan Israel pada Keluaran 19:6 diberikan oleh TUHAN kepada mereka yang baru saja keluar dari Mesir di gunung Sinai. Sebagaimana label menggambarkan identitas, maka pemahaman label kehormatan Israel tentunya bertujuan untuk membentuk identitas sosial dan spiritual Bangsa Israel.  Artikel ini akan membahas makna dan fungsi label kehormatan melalui studi interdiscipliner antara studi biblika yang menggunakan kritik teks dan ilmu psikologi sosial yakni SIT. Dengan menggunakan dua disiplin ilmu tersebut, penulis mendapatkan hasil tafsiran yang lebih segar dan terang khususnya menyangkut makna dan fungsi label kehormatan Israel dalam Keluaran 19:6. Dari penelitian yang sudah dilakukan, maka makna label kehormatan “מַמְלֶ֥כֶת כֹּהֲנִ֖ים” (mamlekhet kohanim) dan “ג֣וֹי קָד֑וֹשׁ” (goy qadosh) adalah menyatakan identitas/jati diri suatu bangsa budak yang diangkat derajatnya menjadi kerajaan imam-imam dan bangsa yang kudus oleh TUHAN yang telah mengikat perjanjian dengan nenek moyang mereka, Abraham. Sedangkan fungsi dari pemberian label kehormatan tersebut dalam sudut pandang Teori Identitas Social (SIT) adalah menaikkan harga diri bangsa, menyatakan pengharapan yang terkandung dalam iman dan mendorong bangsa untuk berperilaku sesuai dengan identitas sosial dan spiritual mereka sebagai “Kerajaan Imam” dan “Bangsa yang Kudus”
Perubahan Kurikulum Pendidikan Agama Kristen Berdampak Pada Strategi Guru Dalam Mengajar Di Sekolah
Authors: Rismag Dalena Florentina Monica Br Manurung  , Tafonao Talizaro
Published: February 2022

Tujuan penulisan artikel ini adalah untuk mengetahui dampak yang dialami oleh guru dalam setiap perubahan kurikulum serta menemukan startegi yang tepat untuk diterapkan kepada peserta didik. Dalam tulisan ini, terdapat guru yang belum siap serta kurang antusias dalam meningkatkan kompetensinya sehingga menemukan strategi yang tepat untuk mengajar peserta didik. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode penelitian kualitatif dengan mengkaji sejauh mana dampak perubahan kurikulum pada pendidikan  Agama Kristen  terhadap startegi guru dalam mengajar di sekolah. Dalam proses analisis yang dilakukan, penulis menggunakan beraneka sumber literature-literatur sebagai refrensi seperti buku-buku, jurnal serta wawancara dalam mendukung analisis penulis. Hasil yang ditemukan penulis adalah berkaitan dengan startegi guru dalam menghadapi perubahan kurikulum yaitu dengan meningkatkan kompetensinya melalui pelatihan (Worksop), penelitian tidakan kelas, mengikuti perkembangan zaman, serta melakukan diskusi dengan teman sejawat sebagaimana penjelasan dalam artikel ini. Dengan demikian guru mampu mengajar di sekolah dengan startegi yang tepat meskipun ditengah perubahan kurikulum yang terjadi.
Performance of Natural Unbound Material Blended with Wadi Sand under Dynamic Loading
Authors: Omer Omer Gurham , Elsharief Ahmed M. , Mohammed Awad Elkarim M.
Published: February 2022

This paper investigates the effects of adding natural wadi sand to a typical unbound subbase material from Alsilait area in Khartoum. Four trials blends were prepared.Only two of the blends satisfied the (TRL, GB3) gradation andstrength requirements of the unbound base course material. The strength, the stiffness and deformations characteristics were evaluated for the blends, using the CBR, resilient modulus (MR) and permanent deformation (PD) tests.Pavement physical models were constructed using the studied samples in the resilient modulus mould. The physical model comprises subgrade, sub-base, base course, and asphalt layer. The only variable in the physical model testingwas the type of base course material. The model was subjected to dynamic loading typical to PD test conditions. The tests results have shown that the blends satisfying the GB3 base requirements measured the smallest values ofpermanent deformations. Minor differences were found for the PD values this also applies to the physical model tests. The study has shown that the large differences in CBR values did not result in large differences in permanent deformation and stiffness (MR) values.
المفاهيم المنهجية للبحت العلمي في مجال العمارة والتخطيط
Authors: عثمان صلاح الدين محمود
Published: February 2022

Scientific research is a systematic faculty of human mind, oriented to solve a livable problem, or to explain a phenomenon, in order to enable scientific reasoning to derive solutions to the problem, or to explain correlations and causality of the phenomenon. Methodology, therein, provides the necessary logical consequence of deploying adequate and relevant processes. Deductive method, emanating from positivism, hegemonies the scientific sphere till Einstein proofed the insufficiency of empiricism to cope with the contemporary advance of science.The traditional logic of science is proved to deter the prevailing creative and innovative trends. This paper tends to scrutinize theramifications of this complicated situation on the field of architecture and planning, aiming to highlight the dilemma facing the research methodologywithin the field, in a way to grope the directions of the expected paradigm shift. The criticisms casted to conventional methods of research have negatively affected that of the architecture and planning field, which suffers an ultimate inconsistency, since the field is composed of three, paradoxically, heterogeneous scientific components of: pure science, social science and art. The analysis of the paper tends to prove validity of the hypothetical deduction methodology, originated from rational criticism, to formulate the theoretical background to the new paradigm. It recommends the critical analysis method as atabula rasafor synthesizingand evaluating urban issues, while urban context and urban scape are called to circumscribe research on phenomena to their socioeconomic and sociospatial context.Urban scape is moreover utilized as a tool for analysis and evaluation
Characterization and evaluation of sudanese fly ash as partial replacement for cement in concrete mixes
Authors: Daoud Osama.M.A. , Ali Selma.A.M. , Elhassan Bashir.M.
Published: February 2022

The main objectives of this paperare to characterize the physical and chemical properties of the locally produced fly ash,to study its suitability to be utilized in concretemixes and to determine the degree of its pozzolanicity .Physical and chemical properties of fly ash were tested according to the standards of the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTMC311-02). Fly ash was tested for density, fineness, moisture, Loss on Ignition (LOI), chemical composition, X-ray Fluorescence test (XRF), X-ray Diffraction test (XRD) and strength test. The results were then compared with the ASTM C618-03.It was found that the locally produced fly ash contains high level of silica, hence it can be classified, based on its chemicalcomposition, as class F fly ash; this may be probably due to the addition of sand applied in the combustion chamber. TheXRD showed that it contained crystalline form of silica which is not good for the use in concrete. On the other hand, thestrength test proved that there was a degree of strength and pozzolanicity obtained. The strength activity index of 28-daywas found 70%.This may be due to presence of amorphous silica within the crystalline one.
تأثير إدخال بيانات الحرارة في مراحل مشروعات المباني على سمك العازل الحراري للجدران والأ سطح
Authors: عبد الغفور تيمور زامل , أونسه الطيب حسن , أبو الزين عمر عبدالله
Published: February 2022

This research draws the attention of structural designers and architects to the importance of employing the environmental data in all the construction stages of buildings. The research focuses on the introduction of the solar radiationvalues that are received by the buildings during daytime for selecting building construction material of suitable thermal specifcations, as well as design of thermal insulation thickness for the building walls and roof.The research assumes the walls and roof are the media of heat exchange between the internal space and the climate, excluding the ﬂoors. The main heat transfer equation is used for the production of values of thermal conductivityat the level of the building, not the region. The research minded the fnancial situation of the owners and assumes three thermal levels for a building in the study area (Khartoum State).
واقع التحكيم الهندسي فى السودان
Authors: على مدثر سليمان محمد
Published: February 2022

The paper handles the topic of Engineering Arbitration in Sudan as one of the mechanisms of dispute resolution in engineering contracts, by mentioning parts of the international experience embodied in the FIDIC forms of engineering contracts along with the developments in Sudanese laws associated with arbitration. The paper then summaries one of themajor arbitration cases in Sudan; namely the Social Insurance Towers in Khartoum as an example. Typical reasons that lead to construction disputes, both from international experiences and Sudanese practice, are listed. Having quoted the main constraints facing engineering arbitration in Sudan, the paper concludes by giving some pertinent recommendations to enhance and advance this effective mechanism of resolving engineering disputes.
Characterization and Improvement of Natural and Blended un-bound Gravels From Khartoum State for Use as Base Course Material
Authors: Omer Omer Gurham , Elsharief Ahmed M. , Mohammed Awad Elkarim H.
Published: February 2022

This paper presents the outcome of a comprehensive testing program aimed at studying the strength, stiffness and deformation characteristics of three selected natural unbound materials in their natural state and when blendedwith Wadi sand or crushed stone with different size grades to satisfy base course specifcations. A graded crushed stone sample was prepared as reference material. The natural materials C1, M2 and F3 were obtained from openquarries to represent coarse, medium and fne gradations, respectively. The materials were also stabilized with cement. Only 1% cement by weight of dry material rendered the three unbound gravels to behave as rigid materials.The California Bearing Ratio (CBR), resilient modulus (MR) and permanent deformation (PD) tests were performed on the natural, blended and stabilized samples for determination of their strength, stiffness and deformationcharacteristics. Initial assessment of the improvement methods has shown that the strength (CBR) of the three materials, blended with Wadi sand, signifcantly improved to satisfy or nearly satisfy the GB3 requirement. Blending with crushed stoneimproved the gradation and caused large increase in strength (CBR) of the three materials. Cement stabilization of the three materials using 1% cement by weight of dry material rendered them to become hard material with CBRexceeding 100%. Further study of the stiffness and deformation characteristics of the studied materials has shown that blending with crushed rock gave better results in terms of increase in stiffness compared to Wadi sand when coarse gravel size material was added. It was enhanced by the improvement of gradation and interlocking caused by the shape of the coarse crushed stoneparticles. The crushed stone mix measured MR values exceeding 250 kPa indicating very stiff mix of superior quality when compared to the naturally occurring unbound materials and their corresponding blended products.Cement stabilization resulted in a very rigid material with MR values twice those for the pure crushed stone sample. The graded pure crushed stone sample showed very high resistance to permanent deformation when compared to the natural or blended materials. Blending a material with graded crushed stone gave lower PD values compared to blending the same material withWadi sand. This investigation has also shown that blending with sand and crushed rock could result in high increase in the strength of unbound material as demonstrated by CBR values, but would not necessarily result in comparable increase in rigidity or in resistance to permanent deformation
Journal of Building and Road Research
Authors: University of Khartoum Building and Road Research Institute
Published: February 2022

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Characterization and Evaluation of Giad Arc Furnace Slag as Partial Replacement for Cement in Mortar Mixes
Authors: Daoud Osama M. A. , Al-malek Safa A.
Published: February 2022

The main objective of the research presented in this paper is to conduct a physical and chemical characterization of the locally produced Electric Arc Furnace Slag (EAFS) that produced by Giad Company for Industries, and to determine the degree of its Pozzolanicity. Also the aim of the study is to explore the possibility and feasibility of using this industrial waste as a cement replacement in mortar mixes. Different percentages of cement replacement with the slag had been studied (namely 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% with the slag had been studied respectively). Chemical and physical properties of the slag were studied in accordance to the international standards (ASTM and BS) specially the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM C311). Chemical analysis showed that locally produced steel slag contains high amount of iron due to purification process in steel manufacturing comparing the results with standard (ACI 233). Also testing of raw materials such as fineness, loss on ignition and X-ray diffraction test (XRD) were carried out. After that the required tests on cement mortar were carried out namely; consistency test, initial and final setting times and strength test according to the standard. XRD analysis results showed presence of both crystalline and non-crystalline silica (Amorphous) which indicated good pozzolanicity of the slag. A degree of pozzolanicity of 83.4% at 28 days indicates a good quality electric arc furnace slag and a promising pozzolanic supplementary material in concrete. Compressive strength test of mortar samples in 2, 7, 14 and 28 days with different percentages of electric arc furnace slag (0%), 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% had been conducted. Finally, the study proved the efficiency and feasibility of using one of the industrial wastes as a cement replacement in concrete industry in Sudan
Investigating the Causality Relationship between Construction Flows and Aggregate Economy: Evidence from Sudan
Authors: Elkhalifa Akram
Published: February 2022

This research examined the lead-lag relationship between construction output and total GDP in Sudan applying the Granger causality test. The analysis employed data pertaining to the performance of the Sudanese economy during the period prior to the secession of Southern Sudan 1982- 2009. The results of this research reveal that construction flows tend to bedriven by economic growth, not vice versa. This implies that the construction sector is growth-dependent and not growth-initiating. The magnitude of this relationship has been interpreted in a form of a formula derived, applying theJohansen Co-integration test, to demonstrate the long-run equilibrium between construction flows and total GDP in the Sudan.
Technical Note on: The Reliability in Using Standard Pavement Sections Based on Traffic Loading Categories with Wide Ranges
Authors: Shallal Mohammed Mahmoud
Published: February 2022

Some regional and international pavement design manuals, mainly based on the empirical approaches, recommend using standard pavement design sections, in which each section represents a range of traffic loading valuesand a range of subgrade stiffness values. Considering one pavement design section for a range of traffic loadings, means that all of the loading magnitudes within this range have the same effect. All of these Codes/standards or most of them developed those designs using empirical design approaches. The TRL Road Note 31 is the most known oneworldwide and has been used in different countries. Some countries have developed their own design catalogues based on the RN 31. This Technical Note, using a mechanistic-empirical approach, is examining andinvestigating the reliability in using standard pavement design sections for a wide range of traffic loading values in some of these methods, and to assess to which extent this might result in having weak design sections forloading magnitudes at the end point of the loading range, or overdesign for those ones in the beginning of the loading range. The Asphalt Institute M-E Design approach has been used representing the Mechanistic-Empiricaldesign approach. The Road Note 31 Design catalogue and Kenya Pavement Design catalogue have been used representing these standard designs with wide range of loading.
Finite Element Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Beams Strengthened with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Sheets
Authors: Daoud Osama. M. A. , Ahmed Bashir N.
Published: February 2022

This paper presents outcomes of extensive research conducted to study the behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened with CFRP sheets and subjected to shear and flexural loading. A 3-dimensional Finite Element(FE) modelling was carried out using ABAQUS software program to simulate the flexural and shearing behavior of a number of RC beams strengthen with CFRP. Moreover, the results of the numerical simulation were compared with actual results of experimental physical modelling of RC beams subjected to the same loading conditions for validation purpose.Appreciable number of sets of control RC beams and CFRP strengthened RC beams for flexural and shear were investigated. All beams were rectangular in cross section. To accurately describe the behavior of these tested RC beams, different material constitutive models were used in the simulation. Concrete damaged plasticity model was used to model concrete;a linear elastic perfectly plastic model was used to model both reinforcing steel and stirrups, while a linear elastic isotropic model was used to simulate the behavior of CFRP material. Moreover, the interface between concrete and CFRP material was accounted for and was simulated using a tie perfect bond model while steel reinforcement is bonded with concrete as anembedded element in ABAQUS. A careful comparison between the results of the experimental tests and those of the numerical simulation showed that the proposed FE model is able to describe the behavior of reinforcedconcrete beams strengthened with CFRP in terms of crack pattern and load  deflection curves to an appreciable level of accuracy. Generally, the results demonstrate that numerical approach can be used to deeply investigate thebehavior of RC beams strengthened with CFRP sheets. It was also concluded that the numerical approach was able to capture significant aspects of structural behavior of the tested beams such as strain distribution in CFRP, which is often not easily captured experimentally or analytically.
Roadmap for Implementation of Building Information Modelling in the Construction Industry in Sudan
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed A. , Abdelatif Amged O.
Published: February 2022

The importance of the building information modelling (BIM) adoption has been increasingly recognized by the construction industry in Sudan and all over the world. It is facing many barriers and challenges to increaseproductivity, efficiency, and quality. This paper aims to develop a roadmap to facilitate BIM implementation in Sudan and to ensure a smooth transition from traditional working methods to BIM technology focusing on three factors: technology, process, and people. The developed concept map and roadmap in the paper give tools and guidelines for assessment of theorganisation by identifying key challenges and actions to be considered in order to implement BIM in Sudan.
Potencial energético do biogás gerado em estação de tratamento de esgoto
Authors: Paulino Rafaella Salvador , Da Silva Jonas Cruz , Dos Santos Júlio Cesar Patrocínio , Brasil Filho Paulo Henrique
Published: February 2022

Devido ao aumento da demanda energética, a busca por formas alternativas de geração e um melhor aproveitamento dos recursos naturais, verificou-se um grande potencial no aproveitamento do biogás gerado nas estações de tratamento de esgoto. Buscou-se com o presente trabalho estimar a produção de biogás gerado na Estação de Tratamento de Esgoto de Guarapuava-PR (ETE Vassoural), quantificar a energia química dessa produção e apontar possíveis utilizações. Para atingir o objetivo foram compilados os dados de vazão do esgoto, DQO afluente e efluente dos anos 2017, 2018 e 2019. De posse disso foram utilizados modelos matemáticos da bibliografia para estimar a produção de biogás e os resultados foram confrontados com valores do programa computacional Probio. Os resultados encontrados mostraram que a capacidade média diária de produção de biogás variou de 1243,46 m³ a 2185,74 m³ e a quantidade de energia elétrica proveniente do aproveitamento do biogás utilizando motores de combustão interna (MCI), com eficiência de 37%, variou de 2885,37 KWh a 5140,64 KWh. Concluiu-se que a ETE em estudo apresentou considerável potencial de geração de energia através do aproveitamento do biogás.
Establishment of an in vitro flow cytometric detection method for lipid-accumulated cells
Authors: Yu-Hsing Lin  , Chia-Chi Chen  , Hsiao-Yun Chen  , Ying-Ching Hung  , Yun-Xuan Chang  , Tzu-Yun Chi  , Chia-Yu Lin  , Guan-Hong Chen  , Ping-Min Huang  , Tsung-Han Wu  , Yen-Jung Lu  , Chien-Chao Chiu  , Ching-Feng Chiu  , Hsuan-Wen Chiu  , Wei-Huang Tsai  , Wen-Der Fang  , Shao-Wen Hung
Published: February 2022

Eukaryotic cells can store and converse excess lipid to the cytosolic lipid droplets. Adipogenesis of preadipocytes has been often used to study the molecular basis and the effect of obesity drugs on fat cell conversion. Many methods were developed for the detection of the cytosolic lipid droplets as Nile red, BODIPY 493/503 (4, 4-difluoro-1, 3, 5, 7, 8-pentamethyl-4-bora-3a, 4adiaza-s-indacene), BODIPY 665/676, 1,6-diphenylhexatriene (DPH), DAPI, Hoechst, Sudan III, and Oil-red O. The differences in the spectral properties of these lipophilic dyes and their advantages of each are discussed. In this study, an in vitro flow cytometric detection method was established for the detection of lipid-accumulated cells. Commonly, the longer the period of adipogenic induction, the greater the quantity of lipid in fat cell can accumulate. Thus, to determine whether increasing the fat stored within a cell would result in the greater granularity. 3T3-L1 cells in culture were hormonally induced for adipogenesis. Then, these cells were dissociated and analyzed in a flow cytometer at 0, 5, and 10 days post-induction. After adipogenic induction, the cells had become increasingly heterogeneous in their cellular granularity. The cells containing greater granular structure were markedly increased, and this increase in granularity positively correlated with the time of the post-adipogenic induction. On the other analysis, the 0 and 10 days post adipogenic induction of 3T3-L1 cells were gated for 4 regions. The R1 region contains cells with a level of granularity similar to that seen in the control cells (non-adipogenic induction), whereas R2 to R4 regions contain cells with increasing granularity. According to all data, we have successfully established an in vitro flow cytometric detection method for the detection of lipid-accumulated cells. We wish this method will be applied on the research of obesity drugs and the design of therapeutic strategies for obesity in the future.
La produccion de café especial y cacao, ventajas competitivas para el desarrollo sostenible de la empresa asociativa rural
Authors: Tovar Carlos Vidal , Hernández Yimy Gordon , Redondo Adalberto Vides , Rojas Yimmis A. Pérez , Noriega Milagro del Carmen Patrón
Published: February 2022

El propósito de este trabajo es dar a conocer como las empresas asociativas rurales de cafés especiales y cacao en el Departamento del Cesar contribuyen desde sus acciones a los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenibles - ODS, Para lo cual fue necesario la identificación de los factores que llevaron a su creación; la caracterización de su estructura organizacional y la descripción de sus ventajas competitivas desde sus procesos de producción. Los datos fueron tomados desde la interacción social y participativa por medio de una entrevista estructurada a miembros de la junta directiva de 10 empresas asociativas que voluntariamente accedieron a participar en la investigación.
Volume prediction models for Acacia auriculiformis plantations in the Southern Forest Divisions of Kerala
Authors: Rugmini P. , Sunanda C.
Published: February 2022

An effort was made to develop local tree volume equations based on diameter at breast-height (dbh) for Acacia auriculiformis in Thiruvananthapuram and Punalur Forest Divisions in Kerala. Trees of different size classes were sampled from plantations of age between 7 and 18 years. Measurement of girth at breast-height (gbh) was taken before felling. The dbh varied from 5 to 58 cm. Girth measurements (both over-bark and under-bark) were taken at the middle of each billet of length 3 m starting from the base. When the terminal billets fell short of 3 m, their lengths were recorded separately along with the girth measurements required for computation of volume. Billet volume was computed using Huber’s formula. Total commercial volume (over-bark) and pulpwood volume (under-bark) down to a lower limit of 15 cm girth were computed. The equations were based on data from 52 trees. Additionally saleable timber volumes (both over-bark and under-bark) down to a lower limit of 70 cm girth (over-bark) were also computed. For computing the saleable timber volume, trees of girth at breast-height greater than or equal to 70 cm (over-bark) alone were considered. Altogether 28 trees were used for this purpose. Volume prediction equations were established using regression analysis. Dbh of the tree alone was included as a predictor variable as the equations based on diameter were good enough. Additionally, dbh is simple to measure and its measurement involves minimum error. The equations developed can predict the total commercial volume, pulpwood volume and saleable timber volume with justifiable precision. The prediction equations were reasonably stronger. The equations are applicable only within the range of data used for the study. Local volume tables in terms of commercial, pulpwood, saleable timber and firewood volumes were prepared for the species based on developed equations.