bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Penetration depth evaluation approach for termite-infested Shorea spp. lumber
Authors: Fauziyyah Shofi , Karlinasari Lina , Nandika Dodi
Published: March 2023

The pattern of termite infestation was investigated in structural lumber, light Red Meranti (Shorea spp.), using a minimally destructive technique. The relationship between the visual inspection and the pin penetration approach in predicting the basic properties of wood was determined, and a pin penetration distribution value was mapped into a contour map based on the Kriging interpolation technique. Small wood block samples were exposed to reared subterranean termites Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). The characteristics of termite infestation and the changes in the physical-mechanical properties were investigated. The residual surface area of the samples was evaluated using Pilodyn®. The characteristics of the termite galleries found on small wood block samples were as follows: 1) the termite galleries varied in length, or 2) the galleries consisted of long flat tunnels in a longitudinal direction, clean, not decayed, and contained no soil residue. The weight loss percentage from this study exhibited a similar trend with the pin penetration depth, which was directly proportional to the exposure period. The pin penetration result from Pilodyn® generated distribution map that was represented the conditions and basic mechanical properties of the samples. Pilodyn® can be used a complement for visual inspection in in-situ assessment.
The Optimal Reverberation for Masjids
Authors: Elkhateeb Ahmed , Eldakdoky Soha
Published: March 2023

This study investigates the optimal reverberation time in masjids (mosques) from worshippers' viewpoint for the two modes of performance: recitation and sermon/speech. It also examines the effect of both age and gender on worshippers' preferences. To this end, specially convolved five audio clips (five acoustic setups) for each mode were created and uploaded to Google Drive. More than 300, Arabic-speaking participants, males, and females of different ages, listened to these clips. The participants judged the quality (Q, or appropriateness) of these audio clips for listening either to the recitation (QR) or speech (QS) on a unipolar discrete five-grade scale via a questionnaire that was created on Google Forms. Results indicated that both QR and QS are functions of gender and age. Overall, younger worshippers preferred higher reverberation and vice versa, while gender significantly affected the perception of the desirable reverberation for both recitation and speech. Females tended to the shorter reverberant environment (1.38 s for recitation mode, 0.75 s for speech mode, in the mid-frequency range) than males who preferred longer reverberation for recitation in particular (1.77 s).
Does Previous Perianal Surgery for Benign Diseases Have an Impact on Timing of Hospital Admission in Patients with Colorectal Cancer?
Authors: Sapmaz Ali , Celik Canbert , Kilic Murat Ozgur , Bolukbasi Hakan , Yilmaz Serhan
Published: March 2023

Objective. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and fatal malignancies worldwide. Although the clinical presentation varies according to the location of the tumor, hematochezia, tenesmus, changes in the defecation habit, chronic constipation, abdominal pain, and distension are the most common findings of CRCs. We aimed to investigate whether patients with CRC who had a surgical history for benign anal disease have more negative tumoral features or not. Material and Methods. Two-hundred fifty two patients who underwent surgery for CRC between 2010 and 2016 at general surgery clinic in Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital included in this study. Patients were classified into two groups; patients who had undergone surgery for benign perianal disease such as hemorrhoid, anal fissure, perianal abscess and fistulae (Group 1) and patients without past history for perianal surgery (Group 2). Results. A total of 252 CRC patients with a mean age of 64.2 years were included in the study. There were 95 (37.7%) females and 157 (62.3%) males. There were 25 (9.9%) patients who had surgical history for benign perianal disease. There were no statistically differences in tumor size, lymph node positivity, presence of distant metastasis, and tumor stage between the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion. Although not statistically significant, CRC patients with a history of surgery for benign perianal disease had less lymphatic metastases and tumor size than those without prior perianal surgery. We think that this finding is important in that it indicates the importance of detailed and appropriate evaluation of patients with CRC.
Validation and study of different parameters in the simulation of diagnostic X-ray spectra using the MCNPX code
Authors: Consatti K.C.W. , Santos W. S. , Valença J. V. B. , Yoshizumi M. T.
Published: March 2023

In radiology, knowing the X-ray spectrum characteristics makes it possible to estimate the absorbed dose in the patient and to improve image quality. In this study, an X-ray generator was proposed using the MCNPX code and to validate it, the simulated spectrum was compared to the data provided from AAPM Task Group 195, which resulted in a percentage difference of 8.7%. Furthermore, several X-ray spectra were generated and compared to the spectra obtained from commercially available softwares as xpecgen and SpekCalc. The percentage differences were of the order of 13% in comparison with SpekCalc and 8% with xpecgen. The major differences obtained between those spectra were concentrated in the region of characteristic peaks, independently if variations in electron beam energy, target angle or filtration thickness were performed.
Sperm DNA Cryodamage in Domestic and Farm Animals: Detection Methods and Ways of DNA Integrity Improvement
Authors:   Institute for Problems of Cryobiology and Cryomedicine of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Yurchuk Taisiia , Pavlovych Olena ,   Institute for Problems of Cryobiology and Cryomedicine of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Petrushko Maryna ,   Institute for Problems of Cryobiology and Cryomedicine of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kharkiv
Published: March 2023

Here, we have presented the data describing the cryopreservation impact on DNA status of domestic and farm animal sperm, and outlined the main causes of DNA fragmentation and methods of its detection and DNA integrity preservation. The current methods to identify the DNA fragmentation rate have been shown to be quite efficient, but the choice for the optimal way is stipulated by animal species. The oxidative stress caused by an increased content of reactive oxygen species was recognized as the main mechanism in DNA cryodamage. To prevent this negative effect on germ genetic material, many protective media and rehabilitation solutions supplemented with antioxidants (non-enzymatic, enzymatic compounds and nanoparticles) have been developed. Thus, determining the sperm DNA fragmentation rate and maintaining its integrity are the necessary steps to improve the efficiency of domestic animal gamete cryopreservation as a part of reproductive technologies.
Pituitary-Thyroid System in Rats of Different Ages Under Desynchronosis, Whole-Body Cryostimulation, and Cord Blood Injection
Authors:   Institute for Problems of Cryobiology and Cryomedicine of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine, Lomako Victoria , Shylo Oleksandr ,   Institute for Problems of Cryobiology and Cryomedicine of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine, Samokhina Lyubov ,   GI ‘L.T. Mala National Institute of Therapy of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine’, Kharkiv, Ukraine, Lutsenko Dmytro ,   Institute for Problems of Cryobiology and Cryomedicine of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine
Published: March 2023

The state of the pituitary-thyroid system central and peripheral links (according to the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones T4 and T3 in blood serum) were studied in 6- and 18-month-old rats under initiated circadian desynchronosis (CD) by the light regime inverting. The CD was simulated against the background of separate and combined eff ect of both the whole body cryostimulation (–120°C) (WBC) and injections of the nucleated cells (NCs) of human cord blood, applied preventively (for a day and week, respectively). In 6-month-old rats, the TSH level decreased under the CD and its initiation after separate NCs administration and combined with WBC (by 3.4, 3.9 and 6.3 times, respectively) and remained unchanged under CD against the WBC. In 18-month-old rats the TSH level was reduced only at CD by 1.8 times. The T4 level in rats of both age groups did not change under the CD as well as during its development against the background of a combined effect of WBC and NCs administration in 6-month-old animals and against the NCs injection in 18 months-old rats. The T4 level in rats of both age groups decreased at the background of separate effect of the WBC (by 1.6 and 1.4 times, respectively). In 18-month-old animals, the T4 increased under the CD development after a combined effect of WBC and NCs injection by 1.3 times. No changes in the T3 level were found.
Medical and Psychological Rehabilitation for Patients with Spinal Degenerative Joint Diseases Using the Whole-Body Extreme Air Cryotherapy
Authors:   State Institution ‘Scientific-Practical Medical Rehabilitation and Diagnostic Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine’, Kostiantynivka, Ukraine, Panchenko Oleg , Kabantseva Anastasiіa ,   Donetsk National Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Kramatorsk, Ukraine
Published: March 2023

Here, we have studied the rehabilitation efficiency for patients with spinal degenerative joint diseases using the wholebody extreme air cryotherapy (WBEACT) according to our own technique. The assessment of pain intensity on visual-analogue scale upon completing the rehabilitation therapy showed the pain disappearance in 68.4% of patients, and its significant reduction in 31.6%; increased daily motor activity, and decreased restrictions during walking in 90.8% of cases; improved well-being in 35.7%; enhanced activity in 43.9%, and mood change in 38.8%. Each WBEACT session increased the muscle strength and endurance for both genders of patients, thus testifying to a stimulating effect of cryotherapy to human body. The WBEACT application for rehabilitation of patients with spinal degenerative joint diseases enabled to normalize the psycho-emotional state as quickly as possible and improve functional state of neuromuscular apparatus, i. e. to reduce the pain and muscle tonic syndromes, strengthen the muscular skeleton, and increase the range of motion and endurance while standing, sitting and walking.
Investigation of repair techniques for deteriorated end regions of prestressed concrete bridge girders
Authors: Rich William B. , Williams Christopher S. , Frosch Robert J.
Published: March 2023

Deterioration of the end regions of prestressed concrete bridge girders is commonly observed in the field when girders are exposed to chloride-laden water that has leaked through failed expansion joints. Because the deterioration is often localized to the end regions of the girders, reliable repair techniques can provide a means to extend girder service life, avoiding the need for immediate superstructure replacement. To evaluate different repair methods and identify key design considerations for end region repair, shear tests to failure were conducted on prestressed concrete girders extracted from a decommissioned superstructure. Three repair systems were evaluated: an externally bonded fiber-reinforced-polymer (FRP) system, a near-surface-mounted FRP system, and a concrete end block. Only the externally bonded FRP system successfully restored both the strength and initial stiffness of the girder. Although the other two methods were not successful, the tests on the repaired girders highlight important factors that must be considered when designing repairs or conducting further research. The tests also demonstrate that end region deterioration can cause significant (> 40%) reductions in strength, underscoring the importance of addressing such deterioration observed in the field.
Influence of structural form on hydration-heat-induced temperature rise of precast concrete lining segments for a metro transit station
Authors: Han Yuzhen , Zhang Lei , He Jizhong
Published: March 2023

This paper describes research on the effect of structural form on hydration-heat-related changes in large-scale precast concrete lining segments. These segments of mass concrete were used in the construction of an underground metro transit station in Changchun, China, a location where conventional cast-in-place construction is interrupted for months by cold winter weather. Heat of hydration analysis of closed-cavity and solid lining segments was conducted using the finite element method (FEM). Two ambient temperatures of 25°C and 10°C (77°F and 50°F) were selected to simulate segment manufacturing conditions in summer and winter, respectively. The FEM and selected parameters were found to be reasonable because the numerical predictions and experimental observations from the closed-cavity segment were consistent. At both of the ambient temperatures, the maximum internal concrete temperature of the closed-cavity segment was much lower than that in the solid one and the temperature distribution in the closed-cavity segment was more uniform. As a result, thermal stress was lower in the closed-cavity segment than in the solid segment, which reduced the risk for cracking. The closed-cavity form of the lining segments enhanced the structural integrity and durability, and the ability to prefabricate these segments in cold ambient temperatures effectively accelerated construction on this project.
Acquisire e amministrare oltreadriatico: l’Epiro e l’Albania angioini sotto Carlo I d’Angiò
Authors: Borghese Gian Luca
Published: March 2023

This paper proposes an analysis of the reasons and circumstances that led Charles I of Anjou, after the conquest of the Kingdom of Sicily, to also acquire lands beyond the Adriatic, in Epirus and Albania, and how these territories were managed under the Angevin rule. The initiative in the Balkans aimed to ensure greater security and stability in the Kingdom of Sicily and to recover the legacy of the predecessors of the new King. The study of archival sources, produced by the administration of the Kingdom, offers a distinctly different point of view from literary sources and allows such an interpretation of the facts.
Features of Signals from Distributed Targets of an Autodyne Pulse Radar with Linear Frequency Modulation
Authors:   Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin, Noskov V.Ya. , Bogatyrev E.V. ,   Siberian Federal University, Galeev R.G. ,   Reshetnev Siberian State University of Science and Technology, Vishnyakov D.S. ,   Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin
Published: March 2023

A mathematical model has been developed to describe the signals of an autodyne short-range radar system (SRRS) with simultaneous pulse modulation (PM) of amplitude and linear frequency modulation (LFM). The features of the formation of signals received from a distributed target in the form of an ensemble of an arbitrary number of point reflectors are considered. Calculations of signals by the proposed step method are performed for the case of two point reflectors on a location object situated at different distances from the SRRS. The distinctive properties of the signals generated when receiving the first and subsequent radiation reflected from the target are established. After sending the probing radiation, the reception of the first reflected radiation from a set of brilliant points is accompanied by the formation of a linear superposition of signals from individual reflectors. The reception of subsequent reflections causes the appearance of a combinational interaction of the signals of individual reflectors. The nature and magnitude of such interaction is determined by the magnitude of the feedback parameter of the autodyne SRRS, which depends on the values of the frequency deviation and the delay time of the reflected radiation. The results of experimental studies of the autodyne SRRS with simultaneous amplitude and LPM have been obtained using the oscillator module made on the 8-millimeter Gann diode.
Models of Pulse Radar Signals Received by a Single-position Radio Reconnaissance Station on Ground Tracks
Authors:   Tomsk State University of Control System and Radio Electronics, Denisov V.P. , Krutikov M.V. ,   Tomsk State University of Control System and Radio Electronics, Mescheryakov A.A. ,   Tomsk State University of Control System and Radio Electronics, Polyanskih P.A. ,   Tomsk State University of Control System and Radio Electronics
Published: March 2023

This article represents the basics of a single-position passive method of determining the coordinates of a radio emission source by using a set of reflections of the emitted signals from natural and artificial formations on the radio waves propagation path. The algorithm is based on comparing the coordinates of possible reflectors plotted on the terrain map with the coordinates calculated from the measured bearings of the reflection sources and the delays of the reflected signals in relation to the direct signal. The data of a radiophysical experiment on the study of reflections carried out in the three-centimeter wavelength range are provided, which makes it possible to assess the suitability of the received signals for the implementation of the method. The received signals are presented in the form of the simplest mathematical models. It is demonstrated that their statistical nature does not interfere with the implementation of the method.
Automation of Non-invasive Artificial Ventilation for Newborns Based on the Processing of Pressure Signals and Oxygen Concentration in the Gas-air mixture
Authors:   Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin, Babich M.V. , Koshcheeva E.A. ,   Joint Stock Company “Production Association “Urals Optical & Mechanical Plant” named after Mr. E.S. Yalamov”, Chupov A.A. ,   Joint Stock Company “Production Association “Urals Optical & Mechanical Plant” named after Mr. E.S. Yalamov”
Published: March 2023

The article is devoted to the development of a control system for the respiratory circuit of an artificial lung ventilation (ALV) device to support the alveolar mobilization maneuver of premature newborns. Since in modern ALVs their adjustment for the maneuver of recruitment of lungs of premature newborns is carried out manually by adjusting the mechanical valve, the creation of a respiratory circuit control system will significantly reduce the time of adjustment and reduce the number of errors that occur during its implementation. The paper proposes the architecture of the respiratory circuit control system of the ALV, which consists of two control loops: one for regulating the pressure of the respiratory mixture, the second for regulating the oxygen concentration in the respiratory mixture. A simplified model of the breathing circuit control system, developed in the MATLAB Simulink dynamic simulation environment, makes it possible to evaluate the performance of this architecture. CHR method and manual tuning method based on knowledge of the system operation are used to search for the coefficients of the controllers of the control system. The Nyquist criterion is used to assess the stability of the system model. The application of the Nyquist criterion makes it possible to conclude that the breathing circuit control system is stable. A testing device of the control circuit has been developed and tested to assess the performance of the respiratory circuit control system. The conclusion has been made about the adequacy of the developed model and the operability of the proposed technical solution on the basis of testing.
Microwave and Telecommunication Technology: Future Outlook (review of the 32rd International Conference “Microwave & Telecommunication Technology”)
Authors:   Sevastopol State University, Yermolov P.P. , Papulovskaya N.V. ,   Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin
Published: March 2023

The article deals with topical issues of technologies of the production of modern electronic products and research in the field of advanced information and communication technologies, which were the subject of discussion at the 32-nd International Conference «Microwave Technology and Telecommunication Technologies». The conference was held in September 2022 in the city of Sevastopol. The article analyzes 62 reports from 215 participants of the conference, to which the greatest interest of the scientific community was demonstrated. The review includes reports from 26 universities, research institutes and enterprises of three countries – Belarus, Russia and China. The problems related to new opportunities and technologies, the latest means of communication, the use of modern information and infocommunication technologies in civil and space industries are analysed.
Otel İşletmelerinde Nezaketsizlik ile Dışlanma Arasındaki İlişkide İşgörenlerin Narsistik Kişiliğinin Düzenleyici Rolü
Authors: UYGUNGİL ERDOĞAN Selen , KOBANOĞLU Mehmet Selman , ÖZGEN ÇİĞDEMLİ Aslı Özge
Published: March 2023

Otel işletmelerinde müşteriler ile doğrudan etkileşim kuran işgörenler, hizmet kalitesinin ve müşteri memnuniyetinin belirlenmesinde, ortaya çıkabilecek sorunların çözülmesinde önemli bir rol üstlenmektedirler. Bu bakımdan otel işletmelerinin başarısı ve itibarı işgörenler tarafından sağlanan hizmetin kalitesine bağlıdır. İşgörenlerin kendilerine verilen görevleri başarıyla gerçekleştirebilmeleri ve kaliteli hizmet sunabilmeleri için ise sağlıklı bir iletişim ortamının varlığının yanı sıra, işe yönelik tatmin düzeylerini ve üretkenliklerini destekleyecek bir örgüt ikliminin hâkim olması gerekir. İş ortamında toksik etkiler yaratabilecek nezaketsizlik ve dışlanma gibi üretkenlik karşıtı davranışlar, çalışanların motivasyonlarını ve verimliliklerini düşürmekte, örgütün performansı üzerinde olumsuz etkiler yaratmaktadır. Bu doğrultuda mevcut çalışma, otel işgörenlerinin çalışma ortamında iş arkadaşları ve yöneticileri bağlamında maruz kaldığı nezaketsiz davranışların, işgörenlerin dışlanma algıları ile ilişkisini ve bu ilişkide narsistik kişilik özelliklerinin düzenleyici bir rolü olup olmadığını ortaya koymayı amaçlamaktadır. Araştırma, nicel analiz yöntemi ile tasarlanmış, veriler anket tekniği ile Türkiye’de faaliyet gösteren dört ve beş yıldızlı otel işletmelerinde görev yapan işgörenlerden elde edilmiştir. Çalışma 418 anket verisi üzerinden gerçekleştirilmiştir. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre narsistik kişilik özellikleri, yöneticiden kaynaklanan nezaketsizlik ile dışlanma algısı arasında herhangi bir rol üstlenmeyip, iş arkadaşları tarafından maruz kalınan nezaketsizlik ile dışlanma arasında ise düzenleyici role sahip olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Buna ek olarak yönetici nezaketsizliği ile işgörenlerin narsistik kişilik özelliği; iş arkadaşları nezaketsizliği ile işgörenlerin narsistik kişilik özelliği ve dışlanma arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı ve negatif yönlü bir ilişki olduğu bulgulanmıştır. Bu açıdan yöneticilerin, örgüt iklimini olumsuz etkileyecek nezaketsizlik ve dışlanma gibi stresörlerin neden olduğu bir çalışma ortamının ortaya çıkmasını engellemeye yönelik önlemler alması önerilmektedir. Çalışmanın, narsistik kişiliğin iş arkadaşlığı nezaketsizliği ile dışlanma arasında düzenleyici rolünü ampirik olarak ortaya koyması açısından hem turizm hem de örgütsel davranış yazınına katkı sağlayacağı ve yeni bakış açılarına yön verebileceği değerlendirilmektedir.
TEACHING EVALUATIONS AS A SITE OF INSTITUTIONAL INTERVENTION TO IMPROVE CULTURE
Authors: Fowler Robin , Henderson Trevion , Snyder Katie
Published: March 2023

Student evaluations of teaching are a controversial medium; there's some meaningful information and some bias encoded in the data. Many institutions have recognized this and adjusted in terms of how quantitative information is used in promotion and retention decisions, but they are (mostly) ignoring the harms that student evaluations can have on instructors. The anonymous open-ended feedback students provide is specifically a place that enables trolling. Trolling has negative effects on instructors, especially instructors of color and women in male-coded disciplines. There are some things institutions can do about it.
Reliability analysis of compacted embankment with geocomposite under infiltration
Authors: Showkat R. , Sivakumar Babu G. L.
Published: March 2023

Embankment failures can be prevented by introducing geocomposites to act as drains. The effect of the geocomposite layer on the pore pressure distribution and surface displacements of an unsaturated embankment upon infiltration has been studied numerically using deterministic and probabilistic approaches. The inclusion of the geocomposite layer leads to an increase of suction below the interface and a decrease in suction above it by functioning both as a capillary barrier and a drainage layer, thereby reducing the surface displacements upon infiltration. The load in the form of rainfall and the resistance such as suction of the embankment material being variable leads to a variability in the displacements; therefore, reliability analysis has been carried out using hydraulic permeability and soil water characteristic curve (SWCC) parameters as random variables. To assess the probability of failure (Pf), a surrogate model based on augmented radial basis function has been used. Probabilistic analysis revealed that the embankment with geocomposite has less Pf compared to the embankment without geocomposite considering the rainfall infiltration. Moreover, sensitivity analysis predicted that SWCC parameters influence the Pf of embankment containing geosynthetics under infiltration to a larger extent.
Cancer Risk Analysis in Untreated and Photocatalytic Treated Water Containing THM
Authors: ÖRGEV Cemil , TANATTI Pınar Nazire , DEMİREL Hülya , ŞENGİL İsmail Ayhan
Published: March 2023

In this study, cancer risk analysis was investigated in untreated trihalomethanes (THMs) containing water using synthetic THM solution and after photocatalytic treatment with TiO2 and ZnO of this water. Trace amounts of disinfection by-products remain in the water. In this study, cancer risk assessment was investigated water containing trihalomethanes (THMs) constituted with synthetic THM solution and after the photocatalytic treatment of this water, the cancer risk was determined depending on the presence of THM in the water. With the photocatalytic treatment method using ZnO and nano TiO2 particles, THM removal was studied with synthetic water with an initial concentration of 300 µg/L. In the ZnO-catalyzed process chloroform 25 µg/L, BDCM 2.4 µg/L and DBCM 35 µg/L were found. However, in the TiO2-catalyzed process, chloroform 49 µg/L and DBCM 28 µg/L were obtained. The cancer risk analysis and the hazard index of THMs through oral, dermal and inhalation ingestion from these waters were evaluated. Comparing the three different pathways, humans have a higher risk of cancer through oral ingestion than dermal and inhalation pathways. It has been determined that the cancer risk for ZnO treated water was reduced by 62% and for TiO2 treated water by 69% when THMs by oral ingestion have examined compared to untreated water in cancer risk analysis. The cancer risks of oral ingestion are determined as acceptable low risk, but the cancer risk of THMs through dermal ingestion from dibromochloromethane plays an essential role in this study.
Dealing with Aspects of Performance and Environmental Impact of Aircraft Engine with Thermodynamic Metrics
Authors: AYGÜN Hakan
Published: March 2023

The limited energy source indicates the necessity of efficient energy consumption in every field of life. Especially, the prompt growth in aviation sector makes this issue more important. In this study, effects of power settings on several thermodynamic indicators regarding low by-pass turbofan engine (LBP-TFE) are investigated. For this aim, the energy and exergy analyses are implemented to the system of turbofan engine for eighteen operating points. According to performance analysis, thrust value of the LBP-TFE changes from 10.77 kN to 71.8 kN throughout RPM values. According to exergetic findings, relative exergy losses from Fan outlet decreases from 52.34 % to 30.58 % whereas exergy efficiency of the LBP-TFE increases from 10.9 % to 30.1 %. Considering improved exergy efficiency, it changes 25.03 % and 41.03 % at the same RPM intervals. As for environmental assessments, environmental effect factor (EEF) of LBP-TFE diminishes from 5.8 to 1.32 while ecological effect factor decreases from 9.16 to 3.31. Finally, specific irreversibility production of LBP-TFE decreases from 0.4811 MW/kN and 0.2716 MW/kN. Considering these outcomes, behaviour of the investigated metrics regarding main components is different from each other. Therefore, the results of these parameters calculated for the whole engine could help understanding optimum running point in terms of exergetic and environmental sustainability.
Enhanced Tunicate Swarm Algorithm for Big Data Optimization
Authors: BAŞ Emine
Published: March 2023

Today, with the increasing use of technology tools in daily life, big data has gained even more importance. In recent years, many methods have been used to interpret big data. One of them is metaheuristic algorithms. Meta-heuristic methods, which have been used by very few researchers yet, have become increasingly common. In this study, Tunicate Swarm Algorithm (TSA), which has been newly developed in recent years, was chosen to solve big data optimization problems. The Enhanced TSA (ETSA) was obtained by first developing the swarm action of the TSA. In order to show the achievements of TSA and ETSA, various classical benchmark functions were determined from the literature. The success of ETSA has been proven on these benchmark functions. Then, the successes of TSA and ETSA are shown in detail on big datasets containing six different EEG signal data, with five different population sizes (10, 20, 30, 50, 100) and three different stopping criteria (300, 500, 1000). The results were compared with the Jaya, SOA, and SMA algorithms selected from the literature, and the success of ETSA was determined. The results show that ETSA has sufficient success in solving big data optimization problems and continuous optimization problems.
A Novel Deep Learning Method for Detecting Defects in Mobile Phone Screen Surface Based on Machine Vision
Authors: AKGÜL İsmail
Published: March 2023

With the innovations in technology, the interest in the use of mobile devices is increasing day by day. Any defect that may occur during the production of smart mobile phones, which is among mobile devices, causes significant damage to both the manufacturer and the user. The careful detection of defects that may occur on the screen glass, which is one of the most striking defects among these defects, with the human eye significantly affects the workforce cost. Therefore, it is important to detect defects with the help of software. In recent years, many methods based on machine vision have been developed for the detection of any object or difference in the image.

In this study, a new model structure called Yolo-MSD, based on machine vision and the Yolo-v3 deep learning model, which detects and classifies oil, scratch, and stain defect types on the glass on the touch screen surface used in the design of smart mobile phones, is proposed. The proposed model structure (Yolo-MSD) is obtained by reducing the number of blocks in the Darknet-53 network structure developed in Yolo-v3. As a result of the training, a success rate of 98.50% with the Yolo-v3 model and 98.72% with the Yolo-MSD model was achieved in detecting and classifying defect types. Therefore, it has been observed that the Yolo-MSD model structure is better than the Yolo-v3 model structure by making better feature extraction from the types of defects on the screen glass since it is both faster and has less complexity.
Reinforcement Learning Applications in Cyber Security: A Review
Authors: CENGİZ Emine , GÖK Murat
Published: March 2023

In the modern age we live in, the internet has become an essential part of our daily life. A significant portion of our personal data is stored online and organizations run their business online. In addition, with the development of the internet, many devices such as autonomous systems, investment portfolio tools and entertainment tools in our homes and workplaces have become or are becoming intelligent. In parallel with this development, cyberattacks aimed at damaging smart systems are increasing day by day. As cyberattack methods become more sophisticated, the damage done by attackers is increasing exponentially. Traditional computer algorithms may be insufficient against these attacks in the virtual world. Therefore, artificial intelligence-based methods are needed. Reinforcement Learning (RL), a machine learning method, is used in the field of cyber security. Although RL for cyber security is a new topic in the literature, studies are carried out to predict, prevent and stop attacks. In this study; we reviewed the literature on RL's penetration testing, intrusion detection systems (IDS) and cyberattacks in cyber security.
Personality Traits, Interpersonal Conflict Resolution Strategies and Coping Skills Among X, Y, Z Generations
Authors: MAT UMUL Cansu , GÜLOĞLU Berna
Published: March 2023

The aim of this study was to determine whether personality traits, interpersonal conflict resolution strategies, and coping skills differ from one another according to the generations (X, Y, Z). Hence, how generations (X, Y, Z) differentiate according to personality traits, conflict resolution approaches, and coping skills was explored. The sample of the study consisted of 433 participants (257 female and 176 male) which are composed of Generation X (n = 141), Generation Y (n = 165), Generation Z (n = 127). The data was obtained by the Demographic Information Form, The Big Five Inventory (BFI), Conflict Communication Scale (CCS) and Coping Skills Scale (The Brief- COPE). Multiple variance analysis (MANOVA) was used to see whether there is a significant difference between BFI, CCS, and the Brief-COPE in terms of Generation X, Generation Y, and Generation Z. The study results demonstrated that there was a statistically significant difference in personality traits according to Generation X, Generation Y, Generation Z. Moreover, Generation X, Generation Y, Generation Z differentiated according to confrontation, emotional expression, and self-disclosure subscale of CCS. However, Generation X, Generation Y, Generation Z did not differentiate in terms of conflict approach/avoidance and public/private behavior level. Furthermore, Generation X, Generation Y, Generation Z differentiated according to substance use, suppression of competing activities, denial, restraint, positive reinterpretation, and planning subscale of the Brief-COPE. In addition, Generation X, Generation Y, Generation Z did not differentiate in terms of instrumental social support, acceptance, humor, venting of emotions, religion, behavioral disengagement, mental disengagement, emotional social support levels.
A pilot evaluation of social needs among gynecologic oncology patients in inpatient versus outpatient settings
Authors: Greenwood Anna , Nora Anne , Hartman Caroline , Summers Karen , Syrop Craig , Haugsdal Michael L
Published: March 2023

The WHO defines social determinants of health (SDoH) as the conditions in which we are born, grow, work, and live as well as other large systems that positively or negatively affect our health. Many healthcare systems currently lack the resources and strategies required to accurately assess and address SDoH. Action must be taken because studies have found that chronic diseases, including cancer, are affected by SDoH. The aim of this study is to identify the incidence of social needs in an inpatient gynecologic oncology population and its relation to patient demographics and clinical diagnostic data to guide and inform future intervention. Patients agreeing to participate in the study completed a needs assessment survey during their inpatient stay at the hospital between November 2020 to March 2021. The survey contained seven questions, six of which were questions screening for social needs including food and housing security, transportation means, financial stability, health literacy, and social support. Responses were considered positive if any degree of need was reported. Demographic and cancer diagnosis data were then collected and included zip code, race, cancer stage and age at diagnosis, treatment history, and number of hospital admissions and length of stay over the past 12 months. The most substantial reported needs across all gynecologic malignancies were social support (65%), health literacy (37%), and financial need (22%). Less need was reported in the categories of food (11%), housing (7%), and transportation (4%). SDoH have been studied in the outpatient gynecologic population and the needs seen in this study are similar to the needs of that population. However, there are likely different challenges and frequencies of unmet need in the different types of gynecologic cancers that may affect the stage at which their cancer is diagnosed as well as the number of hospital admissions related to their cancer care.
Active congenital toxoplasmosis, an underestimated threat: case report
Authors: Holguin Barrera Monica , García Agudelo Lorena , Medina Barrera Sharon Briggitte
Published: March 2023

Congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) is a consequence of vertical transmission of the toxoplasma gondii parasite during gestation. We present a case of premature CT, adolescent mother diagnosed in the second trimester of pregnancy with gestational toxoplasmosis, without treatment. After birth, the patient was admitted to the neonatal intermediate unit, with normal vital signs, on physical examination with mild signs of shortness of breath, splenomegaly approximately 7cm, hepatomegaly 3 cm, generalized micropapular lesions, chest X-ray without alteration and positive IgG and IgM serologies, confirming a severe CT diagnosis due to ocular, cerebral, hematologic and skin involvement; she received pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine, folinic acid and prednisolone. The appearance of these cases of severe component sets off alarms in prioritizing maternal and family education and also human talent at the time of approaching and monitoring the pregnant woman, contributing substantially to the decrease in vertical transmission, and in turn the long-term impact on the newborn and her family.
La deconstrucción de los roles de género a través del patrimonio cultural en Educación Infantil
Authors: Raposo Camacho Rocío , Arroyo Mora Elisa , Sampedro-Martín Sergio
Published: March 2023

El presente trabajo parte de la necesidad de implementar, desde las primeras etapas educativas, propuestas didácticas que promuevan que el alumnado desarrolle las primeras formas de pensamiento reflexivo y crítico y analice las manifestaciones culturales de su comunidad desde los principios de justicia social e igualdad. Así, este estudio presenta los resultados de una experiencia educativa de educación patrimonial desde la perspectiva de género desarrollada en el nivel de 4 años del segundo ciclo de Educación Infantil de un centro de educación compensatoria de la provincia de Almería. A través del uso de distintos instrumentos de recogida de información, como son una entrevista grupal semiestructurada y el dibujo libre por parte del alumnado, se ha tratado de averiguar el cambio conceptual y emocional del alumnado en torno al flamenco y a los estereotipos y roles de género presentes en este fenómeno cultural de forma previa y tras el desarrollo de diferentes actividades en forma de primer acercamiento a la temática. Para analizar la información se ha utilizado un sistema de categorías cualitativo, dando lugar como primeros resultados que el alumnado tiene arraigadas ideas sexistas desde temprana edad, encontrando cambios leves pero significativos hacia la deconstrucción de los estereotipos y roles de género si se trabaja el patrimonio desde la perspectiva de género en el aula.
Memoria histórica, apps y profesorado en formación. Análisis de propuestas didácticas y auto-percepción de aprendizaje
Authors: Castrillo Janire , Gillate Iratxe , Luna Ursula , Ibáñez-Etxeberria Alex
Published: March 2023

Este estudio valora el desarrollo de la competencia docente para llevar a las aulas de Educación Primaria temas controvertidos con el apoyo de recursos digitales, a partir del trabajo realizado con profesorado en formación de la Universidad del País Vasco UPV/EHU. En el Proyecto 1936, que tiene como eje temático la memoria histórica y hace uso de la app Eibar 1936-1937 Guía como recurso educativo, han participado 142 alumnos, 26 dentro del grupo experimental y 116 como grupo de control. El estudio tiene un enfoque mixto, con el análisis cualitativo de las propuestas didácticas que los participantes diseñan y el tratamiento cuantitativo del cuestionario que responden sobre la percepción de sus capacidades. Los resultados indican que mejora notablemente la auto-percepción sobre su formación para abordar temas conflictivos en las aulas, con mediación de tecnología. Las propuestas que diseñan alcanzan en general niveles medios y altos de adecuación, centrándose en temáticas locales y haciendo uso de testimonios, si bien pueden mejorarse aspectos, como el nivel de integración de la app y el tratamiento de memorias enfrentadas.
La Transición Española en 2º de Bachillerato: una comparativa entre manuales nacionales y catalanes
Authors: Magaldi Fernández Adrián
Published: March 2023

A la luz de la crisis política surgida en España con motivo del procés independentista catalán, el uso y abuso de la historia por parte de sectores nacionalistas ha recibido singular atención, especialmente respecto a la manipulación y falseamiento que contendrían los libros de texto empleados en Cataluña. Sin embargo, estos acercamientos han procedido, mayoritariamente, del ámbito social-mediático, en muchos casos desde un nacionalismo español que distorsiona el análisis. Ante la ausencia de estudios académicos, este artículo pretende analizar la forma en que se enseña historia en nuestro país a través de una comparativa de tipo cualitativo entre manuales de 2º de Bachillerato del ámbito nacional y catalán. Para ello se ha realizado una selección que permita investigar el tratamiento que recibe un episodio de nuestra historia reciente de especial relevancia: la Transición democrática. Analizando las narrativas e interpretaciones de dicho proceso, se refleja una diferencia entre aquellos dirigidos al ámbito nacional y los enfocados al ámbito catalán. Sin embargo, en ningún caso se observa una manipulación o falseamiento deliberado de la realidad histórica, si no el predominio de diferentes relatos e imágenes vinculadas a los distintos ámbitos a que se dirigen, los cuales parecen reproducir y asentar (auto)percepciones sobre su propia realidad.
¿Cómo promover la literacidad crítica digital a través de narraciones históricas? Estudio de caso
Authors: Rojas María Alejandra , González-Monfort Neus
Published: March 2023

En este artículo se exponen algunos de los resultados de una investigación desarrollada en clases de historia en escuelas secundarias de Chile. El proyecto indaga en estrategias para promover la literacidad crítica digital entre las y los estudiantes, utilizando comentarios breves con contenido histórico, siguiendo el formato propio de las redes sociales. La investigación es de carácter cualitativo y se ubica en el área disciplinar de la Didáctica de las ciencias sociales. Los resultados presentados en este artículo corresponden a un caso compuesto por 40 estudiantes, de 15 a 16 años. Los materiales creados trabajan cuatro ejes propios de la literacidad crítica: la distinción de hechos y opiniones, la identificación de silencios y exclusiones en los argumentos, el trabajo en torno a la fiabilidad de las fuentes y, finalmente, el reconocimiento de la intencionalidad en los discursos. Los resultados dan cuenta de las condiciones iniciales del estudiantado y de las mejoras producidas en la mayoría de los ejes de la literacidad crítica. También se analizan las particularidades de los resultados para cada habilidad.
Modified NEBNext® VarSkip Long SARS-CoV-2 Enrichment and library prep (SMRTbell prep kit 3.0 Pacific Biosciences)- adapted for wastewater samples v1
Authors: Judy Kathryn
Published: March 2023

This protocol details methods for the preparation of SARS-CoV-2 sequencing library using VSL primers from NEB, adapted for wastewater samples. This protocol produces multiplexed amplicon libraries suitable for sequencing on PacBio systems (e.g., Sequel® IIe) using the SMRTbell® prep kit 3.0 and SMRTbell® barcoded adapter plate 3.0.
Illumination Power, Stability, and Linearity Measurements for Confocal and Widefield Microscopes v2
Authors: Gaudreault Nathalie
Published: March 2023

To obtain accurate, reproducible, and interpretable data when conducting imaging experiments, it is critical to consider external factors affecting data acquisition at various steps of the experimental workflow. Illumination power and stability represent two critical factors, especially when comparing fluorescence intensities between images during a time-lapse experiment or experiments performed at different times or on different microscopes. The fluorescence signal can be generated by different types of light sources. These light sources and their coupling elements (e.g., fibers) can display varying performances over time as they age, move, or as environmental conditions change. Unfortunately, microscope users can often only set illumination power as a percentage of its maximal output and may, therefore, not be aware of potential performance changes. It is important to recognize that a set percentage will not always yield the same illumination power in Watts at the objective over the course of an experiment, not to mention between days or systems. This means that selecting for example 10% output may lead to different experimental results over time or even between two microscopes of the same model. In addition to illumination stability, working within the linear range of the illumination power allows to adjust accurately the illumination power absolute value (in mW) using fraction (or %) of its maximal value through the imaging software. If you are responsible for system maintenance, routinely measuring the illumination power, stability, and linearity over time can help you detect issues that affect the integrity of the system and thus the reproducibility of an experiment. This protocol describes how to measure the stability and linearity of the illumination power using calibrated external power sensors. This protocol is at the moment intended for confocal systems (raster scanning and spinning disks), and widefield systems. It represents the collective experience of over 50 imaging scientists. Measurements made by our working group with this protocol are available in a public database, which will be updated with further contributions from the community.
PDI Staff Roles v1
Authors: Wolf Katie
Published: March 2023

This is a description of PDI Staff, their roles and responsibilities as of March 2023. This is subject to evolution as everything else.