bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TLR Stimulation Produces IFN-β as the Primary Driver of IFN Signaling in Nonlymphoid Primary Human Cells
Authors: Nistler Ryan , Sharma Ankur , Meeth Katrina , Huard Christine , Loreth Christine , Kalbasi Alireza , Tyminski Edyta , Bellmore Ryan , Coyle Anthony J , Gullà Stefano V , Berasi Stephen P , Greenberg Steven A , Buhlmann Janet E
Published: June 2020

Several human autoimmune diseases are characterized by increased expression of type 1 IFN-stimulated genes in both the peripheral blood and tissue. The contributions of different type I IFNs to this gene signature are uncertain as the type I IFN family consists of 13 alphas and one each of β, ε, κ, and ω subtypes. We sought to investigate the contribution of various IFNs to IFN signaling in primary human cell types. We stimulated primary skin, muscle, kidney, and PBMCs from normal healthy human donors with various TLR ligands and measured the expression of type I IFN subtypes and activation of downstream signaling by quantitative PCR. We show that IFNB1 is the dominant type I IFN expressed upon TLR3 and TLR4 stimulation, and its expression profile is associated with subsequent MX1 transcription. Furthermore, using an IFN-β–specific neutralizing Ab, we show that MX1 expression is inhibited in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that IFN-β is the primary driver of IFN-stimulated genes following TLR3 and TLR4 engagement. Stimulation with TLR7/8 and TLR9 ligands induced IFNB1 and IFNA subtypes and MX1 expression only in PBMCs and not in tissue resident cell types. Concordantly, IFN-β neutralization had no effect on MX1 expression in PBMCs potentially because of the combination of IFNB1 and IFNA expression. Combined, these data highlight the potential role for IFN-β in driving local inflammatory responses in clinically relevant human tissue types and opportunities to treat local inflammation by targeting IFN-β.
Spatial analysis of cerebral palsy in children and adolescents and its association with health vulnerability
Authors: Peixoto Marcus Valerius , Duque Andrezza Marques , Santos Allan Dantas , Lima Shirley Verônica Almeida Melo , Gonçalves Társilla Pereira , Novais Ana Paula de Souza , De Carvalho Susana , Voci Silvia Maria , De Araujo Karina Conceicao Gomes Machado , Nunes Marco Antônio Prado
Published: June 2020

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is commonly associated with low socioeconomic status. Use of spatial statistics and a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are scarce and may contribute to the understanding of CP in a social context. To that end a spatial analysis of CP in children and adolescents was performed to analyze the association of CP with levels of vulnerability in a city (Aracaju, Sergipe) in north-eastern Brazil. In addition, an ecological study was conducted with data obtained from a populationbased survey and secondary data. Exploratory spatial data analysis and linear regression were used. A total of 288 CP cases were identified, with a prevalence of 1.65/1,000 and differences among city neighbourhoods ranging from 0-4/1,000. The mean age of cases studied was 9 years 1 month, with a standard deviation of 5 years 2 months. Most study subjects with cerebral palsy (163) were male (56.4%). The distribution of CP in the study population was not homogeneous throughout the territory. Some areas had clusters, with more cases associated with areas of high vulnerability. Spatial data analysis using GIS was useful to gain an epidemiological understanding of CP distribution that can guide decisionmaking with respect to production, distribution, and regulation of health goods as well as services at the local level.
Evaluation of energy requirements of an industrial scale plant for the cultivation of white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus)
Authors: Beghi Roberto , Giovenzana Valentina , Tugnolo Alessio , Pessina Domenico , Guidetti Riccardo
Published: June 2020

The white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) industry is paying attention to innovation for a more sustainable production and it is getting sophisticated to reach high grade of energetic efficiency coupled with high quality product. For mushroom cultivation the environmental conditions must be controlled therefore in some phases the heat needs to be provided and in other ones it needs to be removed. The objective of this study was to investigate the current growing methodology used at an industrial mushroom farm site for a quantification of energy consumption. Mushroom growing parameters such as temperature and relative humidity were monitored during the production process placing sensors for a continuous data recording of these parameters in different and crucial positions throughout the entire production cycle. Heat is massively produced by the compost/mycelium system and the goal was to quantify the amount of energy needed to remove it through a cooling system and a forced air system that pulls cold air in the cultivation room and picks up the warmer and more humid air. Often, the heat produced by the cultivation room is not enough to reach the optimal growth conditions. In this case the application of an air heating system is necessary. The study was focused on evaluating the energy exchanges during a 41-day period corresponding to a growth cycle of three flushes to quantify the energy requirements of the conditioning system. A total energy of 5483 kWh/cycle was quantified for a mushroom production of 25,000 kg, corresponding to a specific energy requirement of 0.22 kWh/kg, 0.18 for cooling and 0.04 for heating. Results showed that the electric power consumption represents a crucial cost for the mushroom production, therefore an optimization of the energy requirements of the production plant is desirable and it can lead to relevant economic savings. A scenario considering a more efficient air conditioning system was proposed for a more sustainable mushroom production.
Evaluation of a multisensorial system for a rapid preliminary screening of the olive oil chemical compounds in an industrial process
Authors: Tamborrino Antonia , Leone Alessandro , Romaniello Roberto , Grasso Simone , Zompanti Alessandro , Servili Maurizio , Juliano Pablo , Santonico Marco
Published: June 2020

In this study, a sensory system, named BIONOTE, based on gas and liquid analyses was used to analyse the headspace of olive oil samples obtained at the end of the extraction process for a preliminary screening of the volatile and phenolic compounds. Olive oil samples were obtained using different olive paste conditioning systems, including microwave and megasound machines at different processing time. The same olives batch was used for the entire test. BIONOTE showed the ability to discriminate between 64 virgin olive oils originated from different technologies or by using different process parameters, as demonstrated by the partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) models calculated. The percentage of correct classification in different conditions are in a range from 92.19% to 100%. In addition, the research shown that the multisensorial system can provide a preliminary estimation of some volatile and phenolic compounds concentrations detected by laboratory analysis. Data analysis has been performed using multivariate data analysis techniques: PLS-DA cross validation via leave one out criterion. Future perspectives are to further develop BIONOTE in order to increase the number of detected chemical compounds and finally to include the mathematical models obtained in the BIONOTE microcontroller for a rapid chemical characterization of olive oil in the mill.
Athletic Training Students' Perspectives and Performance When Learning Online
Authors: Winkelmann Zachary K. , Eberman Lindsey E.
Published: June 2020

Context

Technology continues to change throughout the world, and higher education is not absent from the adjustment. Athletic training educators should adapt to online learning opportunities that enhance the curriculum for their students.

Objective

To explore athletic training students' thoughts and knowledge when learning through a distance education platform.

Design

Cross-sectional, mixed-methods survey.

Setting

Six professional postbaccalaureate athletic training programs.

Patients or Other Participants

A total of 55 second-year athletic training students.

Intervention(s)

One-week asynchronous eLearning module focused on the background and use of telemedicine in health care.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Participants completed the technology acceptance model tool before and after the module to gather their perspectives about online learning. During the eLearning module, knowledge acquisition was assessed with quizzes. Finally, a transactional distance theory tool including 2 open-ended response items was delivered at the end of the eLearning module.

Results

We identified that participants had a low acceptance for technology at the onset of the study that improved after the eLearning intervention for the constructs of self-efficacy (P = .010) and perceived ease of use (P ≤ .001) of eLearning technologies. The transactional distance tool highlighted that the facilitator and readings were helpful, which was also indicative of the scores on the module quizzes. We also identified benefits to eLearning from the student perspective, which included previous experiences, learning on their own time, and feelings that the module was productive to their growth as students. Some participants stated that the eLearning module presented too much work and was missing interaction, whereas others were neutral relative to the comparison between traditional and online learning.

Conclusions

Overall, the results of this study identified that technology acceptance and transactional distance are important components of online learning. Athletic training educators should educate learners regarding the differences in online education requirements.
A contemporary perspective on the diagnosis and treatment of diffuse gliomas in adults
Authors: Roth Patrick , Hottinger Andreas F. , Hundsberger Thomas , Läubli Heinz , Schucht Philippe , Reinert Michael , Mamot Christoph , Roelcke Ulrich , Pesce Gianfranco , Hofer Silvia , Weller Michael
Published: June 2020

Gliomas are intrinsic brain tumours, which are classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) into different grades of malignancy, with glioblastoma being the most frequent and most malignant subtype (WHO grade IV). Mutations in the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1 or 2 genes are frequent in lower (WHO II/III) grade tumours but typically absent in classical glioblastoma. IDH mutations are associated with a better prognosis compared with IDH wild-type tumours of the same WHO grade. Following detection of a tumour mass by imaging, maximum safe surgery as feasible is commonly performed to reduce mass effect and to obtain tissue allowing histopathological diagnosis and molecular assessment. Radiotherapy has been the mainstay in the treatment of diffuse gliomas for several decades. It provides improved local control, but is not curative. Furthermore, several randomised trials have shown that the addition of alkylating chemotherapy, either temozolomide or nitrosourea-based regimens, to radiotherapy results in prolonged survival. Tumour-treating fields (TTFields) have emerged as an additional treatment option in combination with maintenance temozolomide treatment for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. Treatment at recurrence is less standardised and depends on the patient’s performance status, symptom burden and prior treatments. Bevacizumab prolongs progression-free survival in newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma, but does not impact overall survival. However, in Switzerland and some other countries, it is still considered a valuable treatment option to reduce clinical symptom burden. Given the generally poor outcome for these patients, various novel treatment approaches are currently being explored within clinical trials including immunotherapeutic strategies such as immune checkpoint inhibition and the brain-penetrant proteasome inhibitor marizomib.
Mozart Sharpens and Mahler Degrades the Word Memory Trace
Authors: Lange-Küttner Christiane , Rohloff Stella
Published: June 2020

We investigated the impact of the Mozart effect on word memory when music was heard in the delay rather than using music to induce mood or as background music. A sample of N = 84 participants was randomly assigned to one of three groups listening to a one-minute sound clip of Mozart (Kleine Nachtmusik) or Mahler (Adagietto) during the delay, with a third control group waiting in silence for the word memory test. Words were positive, negative or neutral and matched for word length and frequency. The word memory task was repeated three times (enforced rehearsal). Word memory was best after Mozart and worst after Mahler, with memory performance in the control condition in between. The Mozart effect occurred for word memory across positive, negative and neutral words. The Mozart effect also occurred independently of ethnicity, or the level of happiness in the participants. We conclude that word memory traces sharpened after Mozart’s music because the sonogram and spectrograms showed that this music had self-contained and bounded phrases like in psycholinguistic structures of words and sentences. In contrast, word memory traces may have washed out and degraded during the delay because Mahler’s music was flowing like a foreign language speech stream where a native speaker would not be able to parse words.
Analisis Formulasi Mutu Hotmix Konvensional Dan Hotmix Recycling Pada Jalan Tol Ir. Wiyoto Wiyono
Authors: Oktopianto Yogi , Fathullah M
Published: June 2020

Program penggantian aspal merupakan program rutin pada pemeliharaan jalan tol untuk memenuhi Standar Pelayanan Minimum. Keterbatasan biaya pemeliharaan, beban kendaraan yang masih susah untuk dikendalikan, Pengaruh iklim tropis yang mempercepat kerusakan perkerasan jalan dapat memberi dampak terhadap rendahnya kinerja perkerasan jalan menjadi dasar penelitian ini serta hasil kupasan lapis permukaan beraspal yang biasa disebut Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) belum termanfaatkan dengan baik. Hotmix Recycling merupakan suatu teknik daur ulang yang dapat diterapkan pada rehabilitasi dan pemeliharaan perkerasan jalan. Penelitian dilakukan untuk mengetahui formulasi kualitas hotmix konvensional dan hotmix recycling. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah eksperimental dengan melakukan pengujian laboratorium terhadap material aspal bekas. Hasil penelitian didapatkan bahwa kualitas antara hotmix recycling dan hotmix konvensional hampir sama. Formulasi RAP dan fresh material optimal yang didapatkan 30:70 dengan parameter stability hotmix recycling lebih tinggi dibandingkan hotmix konvensional bertur-turut 1677,98 kg dan 1600 kg dengan standar minimum sebesar 1100 kg.
The Research Study On The Presence Of Depression Among Youth In Karachi
Authors: Farooq Kinza , Shahid Muhammad , Arshad Muhammad
Published: June 2020

Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical and mental illness that negatively affects person’s thoughts, behaviour, felling and emotions. Fortunately, is a curable disease. Depression is quite different from sadness and feeling of grief. When person often sad and grief for unnecessary things which means person is depress. This study aimed to explore the causes of depression in youth, especially social and economic causes, the nature of youth’s social relationships, their attitudes towards studies of this disease and level of awareness regarding this mental illness. The universe of present study was Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), sample was selected through simple random sampling method which consisted of 155 students (18-33 years). Data was collected by using a tailor-made questionnaire containing 144 questions. SSUET is a private university located in Karachi. It offers different Engineering programs. The findings revealed that majority of the students were affected by depression which influences their behaviour, personality and academic skills but they are not aware of it. In Karachi many students become isolate in their environment due to low socioeconomic background.
Understanding the Influences that Contribute to African American Males Pursuing STEM Majors at Post-Secondary Institutions: A Review of Literature
Authors: Williams Shwanda
Published: June 2020

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is a growing discipline. STEM jobs are projected to grow exponentially within the next decade and future graduates are needed to fill those positions. Although STEM careers are in high demand, African American males are pursuing STEM majors, however, they have been found to pursue STEM majors at a much lower rate than their White and Asian/Pacific Islander peers. This literature review seeks to present research evidence that examines and explores the reasons why African American males pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors at the post-secondary level. This review presents three dominant reasons why this demographic is persisting with the STEM discipline as well as recommendations to practitioners and researchers that may serve African American males by helping them in their pursuits.
SINIF ÖĞRETMENLERİNİN ÖLÇME VE DEĞERLENDİRME BECERİLERİ YETERLİK ALGILARININ ÇEŞİTLİ DEĞİŞKENLERE GÖRE DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ
Authors: TUNCER Murat , GEÇİM Emine
Published: June 2020

Bu araştırmanın amacı, sınıf öğretmenlerinin ölçme ve değerlendirme
yeterliklerine sahip olma seviyelerine dair görüşlerini değerlendirmektir. Bu
amaçla Ölçme ve Değerlendirme Becerileri Ölçeği (ÖVDB) geliştirilmiş ve elde
edilen bulgular bazı değişkenlere göre incelenmiştir. Araştırmada mevcut durumu tespit
etme amaçlandığından tarama modeline başvurulmuştur. Araştırmanın örneklemi
Elazığ il merkezi, Elazığ Maden ilçesi, Bitlis il merkezi ve Bitlis Güroymak
ilçesinde bulunan okullarda görevli sınıf öğretmenleridir. Araştırmanın veri
toplama aracı olarak araştırmacılar tarafından geliştirilen ölçme ve
değerlendirme becerileri yeterlik algıları ölçeği kullanılmıştır. Açımlayıcı
faktör analizine göre ölçeğin dört alt boyutu vardır. Ölçeğin bu dört alt
boyutu toplam varyansın yüzde altmış üçünü açıklamaktadır. Ölçeğin cronbach
alpha güvenirlik katsayısı ise .967 olarak hesaplanmıştır. Ölçeğin uygulanması suretiyle elde edilen veriler ise çeşitli analiz
teknikleriyle karşılaştırılmıştır. Bu kapsamda dağılımın homojen olduğu
durumlarda bağımsız gruplar t testi ve tek yönlü varyans analizi, dağılımın
homojen olmadığı durumlarda ise Kruskall Wallis H ve Man Whitney U
testlerinden, etki büyüklüğü ve bağıl değişkenlik katsayısından yararlanılmıştır.
Araştırma bulgularına göre sınıf öğretmenlerinin çoğunluğu ölçme ve değerlendirme etkinliklerine başvurma
nedeni öğrenme düzeylerini belirlemek, en çok tercih edilen ölçme aracı ise
sırasıyla çoktan seçmeli testler ve açık uçlu sorulardır. Araştırma sonucunda
gelişmişlik düzeyi, kıdem ve kadrolu çalışma durumunun ölçme ve değerlendirme
becerileri yeterlik algılarını anlamlı düzeyde farklılaştırdığı belirlenmiştir.
Araştırmada kıdemli öğretmenlerin kıdemi daha az olan öğretmenlere göre
kendilerini daha yeterli gördükleri belirlenmiştir. Bu sonuca göre
yükseköğretim programlarında okutulan ölçme ve değerlendirme derslerinin
niteliği gözden geçirilmelidir. Öğretmenlerin programlardaki ölçme ve
değerlendirme yaklaşımlarını zaman alıcı olarak tanımladıkları görülmektedir.
Dolayısıyla hem ölçme ve değerlendirme etkinlikleri hem de eğitimin daha
nitelikli yürütülebilmesi için sınıf mevcutları azaltılmalıdır.
KISALTILMIŞ GENEL TUTUM VE İNANÇ ÖLÇEĞİ'NİN TÜRKÇEYE UYARLANMASI
Authors: URFA Osman , URFA Deniz Tuğçe
Published: June 2020

Bu çalışmanın
amacı Kısaltılmış Genel Tutum ve İnanç Ölçeği (KGTİÖ) Türkçe formunun geçerlik
ve güvenirliğinin test edilmesidir. Çalışmanın örneklemini, 16-51 yaş aralığında,
145 erkek (xyaş=23.14±8.52), 119 kadın (xyaş=21.30±6.83)
olmak üzere toplam 264 birey (xyaş=22.31±7.84) oluşturmaktadır.
KGTİÖ (Lindner, Kirkby, Wertheim ve Birch, 1999), 26 madde ve 7 alt boyuttan
oluşan beşli likert tipi bir ölçektir. Kendini değersizleştirme (4 madde),
Başkalarını değersizleştirme (3 madde), Başarı ihtiyacı (4 madde), Onaylanma
ihtiyacı (3 madde), Rahatlık ihtiyacı (4 madde) ve Adalet talebi (4 madde) alt
boyutları aynı zamanda toplam akıldışı inanç puanı vermektedir. Akılcı inanç
alt boyutu 4 maddeden oluşmaktadır. Ölçekten alınan yüksek puan, o alt boyuta
ait inancın yüksek olduğunu ifade etmektedir. Ölçeğin yapı geçerliği için
doğrulayıcı faktör analizi yapılmış, güvenirliği için iç tutarlık katsayısı
hesaplanmıştır. Ölçek maddelerinin ayırt ediciliklerini belirlemek için madde
analizi yapılmıştır. Doğrulayıcı faktör analizi sonucunda, ölçeğin Türkçe
formunun orijinal yedi faktörlü yapıyı desteklediği bulunmuştur (χ2/df=1.481,
GFI=.896, CFI=.956, RMR=.064, RMSEA=.043). Ölçeğin Toplam akıldışı inanç puanına
ait iç tutarlık katsayısı .72, Akılcı inanç alt boyutuna ait iç tutarlık
katsayısı .81’dir. Alt boyutlar arasında iç tutarlık katsayısı .72 ile .91
aralığındadır. Sonuç olarak, KGTİÖ Türkçe formunun, akıldışı inançları ölçmek
için geçerli ve güvenilir bir ölçüm aracı olduğu söylenebilir. KGTİÖ, akıldışı ve
akılcı inançlarla ilgili yapılacak araştırmalarda kullanılabilir.
İLKOKUL ÖĞRENCİLERİNİN STEM ETKİNLİKLERİ HAKKINDA GÖRÜŞLERİNİN BELİRLENMESİ: 4.SINIF ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: KARAKAYA Ferhat , YANTIRI Hatice , YILMAZ Göknil , YILMAZ Mehmet
Published: June 2020

Bu araştırmada, ilkokul 4. sınıf öğrencilerinin STEM etkinlikleri
hakkındaki görüşlerinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Nitel araştırma
desenlerinden durum çalışmasının kullanıldığı araştırma,  2018-2019 eğitim öğretim yılında
gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırma Türkiye'deki bir özel okulun 4.sınıfında
öğrenim gören 16 öğrenci ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Verilerin toplanmasında,
araştırmacılar tarafından hazırlanan yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formları
kullanılmıştır. Yarı yapılandırılmış görüş formu, beş sorudan oluşmaktadır.
Elde edilen veriler içerik analiz basamaklarına uygun olarak iki farklı
araştırmacı tarafından analiz edilmiştir. Verilerin güvenirliği 0.90 olarak
belirlenmiştir.  Araştırma bulgularına
göre STEM etkinliklerinin, günlük yaşam problemleriyle ilgili olduğu,
öğrencilerin derslerini, meslek tercihlerini ve iletişim becerilerini
etkilediği belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca zaman ve malzeme yetersizliği ile bilgi
eksikliğinin STEM etkinliklerinin gerçekleşmesinde sorunların olduğu da tespit
edilmiştir. Araştırma sonuçları doğrultusunda, derslerde STEM etkinliklerine
daha çok yer verilmesi gerektiği önerilmektedir. Ayrıca yapılan etkinliklerin
amacına ulaşabilmesi için gerekli zaman, materyal ve bilgi alt yapısının
öğrencilere kazandırılması gerekmektedir.
An Analysis of Transient Stability Enhancement Capability of UPFC in a Multi-machine Power System
Authors: Sanni Shereefdeen Oladapo , Haruna Josiah , Jimoh Boyi , Aliyu Usman
Published: June 2020

This study presents the transient stability enhancement capability of Unified power flow controller (UPFC) as an effective Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) device in a multi-machine power system. The test system was a reduced Nigerian 330kV power system and the focus was on the effect of disturbances on the largest generating unit (Egbin) in the system. The analysis was conducted by simulating a 3-phase fault at two locations; on the terminal of the largest generator unit at Egbin bus and the bus with the largest load at Ikeja–west. The response of the system in both cases was compared with and without the device in operation. Simulations were carried out using the Power System Simulation for Engineering (PSS/E) software. Results showed that, with the UPFC in the network, system transient stability was enhanced considering that critical clearing time of the system was increased from 380ms to 590ms when the fault was at Egbin generator terminal and from 470ms to 510ms following the fault at Ikeja-west. In addition, the device was able to damp power oscillations resulting from the disturbance created by the faults.
Mitigation of Ionospheric Scintillation on Global Positioning System (GPS) Using Hamming and Convolutional Coding Techniques
Authors: Ojo Festus K , Akande Damilare O , Daniel Babatunde S
Published: June 2020

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based system that can be used to locate positions anywhere on the earth surface. Any person with a GPS receiver can access the system, and it can be used for application that requires location coordinates. Currently, ionospheric scintillation is the largest error source in GPS. Scintillation causes some effects such as degradation of receiver tracking performance and in extreme cases, total loss of navigation capabilities.             Ionospheric scintillation is a problem for satellite communication because it affects the amplitude and phase of radio signals. A decrease in the amplitude of a radio signal reduces its power level which directly affects the signal to noise ratio, thus affecting a base station's ability to detect and receive the signal. Error correction codes techniques are applied in almost all digital systems as they provide better performance for dealing with the unwanted signal (noise). This research work has investigated the performance of hamming and convolutional coding techniques in mitigating error in GPS signal modeled in MATLAB/Simulink by transmitting randomly generated data through a Rayleigh fading channel. The performance metric employed in evaluating the system is Bit Error Rate (BER). The simulation results showed a comparison of the BER performance of the uncoded and coded signals (using Hamming and Convolutional coding techniques).
Development of Wood-Ash/Resin Polymer Matrix Composite for Body Armour Application
Authors: Sanusi Olawale M , Komolafe Olufemi D , Ogundana Tunde D , Olaleke Mesach O , Sanni Yunusa Y
Published: June 2020

This research work formulated and developed a polymer matrix composite (PMC) for body armour application by adopting hand lay-up processing method in producing the epoxy resin-wood ash composite. The usual waste from wood after combustion, wood ash, was used as the additive in the development of the PMC. Chemical composition of the prepared wood ash was determined using X-ray florescence spectrometry. The mechanical properties of the developed PMC was evaluated and discovered to have been enhanced through the inclusion of the wood ash particles. 2.3% inclusion of wood ash resulted in the tensile strength value of 104 N/mm2against 86 N/mm2 for neat reinforced resin. The impact strength of the PMC increased from 50 J/mm2 (without wood ash) to 112 J/mm2 while 25.4 HRF was recorded for the hardness value of the PMC with wood ash against 23.4 HRF for the neat reinforced PMC. The microscopic analysis also revealed that the wood ash particles were uniformly distributed in the matrix without indication of segregation. When subjected to ballistic tests, the developed PMC successfully arrested the 9 x 19 mm ammunitions after perforating some layers of the sandwiched sample. The research is therefore applicable for the protection of torso.
Product Temperature Response of a Locally Developed Extruder to Maize Processing
Authors: Fayose Folasayo Titilola , Ogunlowo Agboola
Published: June 2020

Product temperature is a very important system parameter as well as an indicator of extrusion process. In this study, the product temperature response of a single screw extruder developed locally was investigated for the extrusion process of the flour and starch of maize. A factorial experiment in completely randomized design was employed to study the effect of extrusion variables: feed moisture (30, 40, 50 %), extruder temperature (40, 70, 100oC) built up by varying the duration of sampling and screw speed (100, 150, 200 rpm) on product temperature. Product temperature increased with increase in duration of operation. A maximum temperature of 150oC was attained in 30 minutes through viscous dissipation Also, the study revealed that the product temperature is strongly related to the extrusion process parameters under study and the proximate composition of samples. Also, Product temperature increased at 100 and 150 rpm but decreased at 200 rpm. The equations relating the various dependent and independent variables were established to predict the extruder’s performance for maize processing. Quadratic coefficients fit the extrusion data very well, better than linear models.
Desirability Function Optimization of Garification Process Machine
Authors: Oti Onyedikachi F , Nwankwojike Bethrand N. , Onuoha Kingsley I , Onuoha Ihuoma V
Published: June 2020

Optimal operational parameters of an automated batch process garification machine were determined in this study to make its use economical in terms of labour, time and energy requirement, thereby reducing cost of quality gari in our markets. A two level response surface experimental design/modeling was used in the investigation and quantification of the relationship between the operational and performance parameters of the machine, while desirability function optimization technique was applied to determine the optimal settings of the operating parameters investigated. The results of this performance analysis revealed 9, 20kg, 25 and 15 minutes, 57oC, 90oC and 90.91oC as the respective optimal number of pressing paddles, quantity of sifted cassava mash processed per batch, cooking and drying durations per batch, initial, cooking and drying temperatures of garification trough. The machine produced gari with moisture content, grain size and acidity level of 12.04 % (wb), 2.00 mm and 0.62% respectively at these optimal operational factor settings and these quality attributes conform to CODEX standards. In addition, its throughput increased by 13.55%, while its charcoal and specific energy consumption reduced to 12.57% and 24.20% respectively at its optimal factor settings.
Some Later Ages Structural Characteristics of Concrete Containing Empty Palm Oil Fruit Brunch Ash (EPO-FBA) as Partial Replacement of Ordinary Portland Cement
Authors: Fapohunda Christopher , Shittu Ahmed
Published: June 2020

This paper presents the results of the investigation conducted to assess the latter day strengths of concrete in which the cement constituent of the mix has been partially replaced by empty palm oil fruit brunch (EPO-FBA). The structural parameters investigated were: workability, density and compressive strength. Some physical properties and chemical analysis were conducted. Slump test was used to assess the workability, while 150 x 150 x 150mm concrete cube specimens were used to assess the density and compressive strength characteristics. Replacement of Portland cement with EPO-FBA were carried out up to 20% by weight at interval of 5%. The results showed that (i) the concrete specimens with EPO-FBA became less workable with increase in the cement replacement with EPO-FBA, (ii) normal density concrete was obtained with densities in the range 2240 – 2480 kg/m3 when the cement constituent of the mix was partially replaced with EPO-EBA up to 20%, and (iii) the compressive strength developed by the concrete specimens at 5% cement replacement with EPO-FBA was better than the control samples
Enhancing Location-Based Social Media Network Services with Semantic Technologies: A Review
Authors: Adeleye Olayinka , Ajibola Opeyemi , Odiase Precious
Published: June 2020

Today’s location-based social media services have gone beyond mere sharing users’real-time locationsvia internet, they now serve as the bridge between the real world and the online world. Location-based social media application can now recommend point of interest to users based on geographical information and user’s profile gatheredon social media networks. Semantic web technology provides tools,platforms and techniques to extract meaning, processand integrate structure datafrom the social web and other sources.The rapid increasein number of social media networks and theenormous amount of geographical and social data flow across mobile and web platforms, have not only provided rich data source for web applications but also help developers to facilitate location-based social media services. However, unprecedented amount of noise and unstructured data exist on these networks, making knowledge representation, point of interest recommendation and precision of search engine results cumbersome processes.In this paper, we presentreview of various semantic technologies that could bedeployed to enhance location-based social media services with emphasis on architectures, tools, supporting technologies and the pros and cons of each of these technologies.
Prediction of Peak Temperatures of Nigeria Research Reactor Core Components under Several Reactivity Accident Tests
Authors: Salawu Abdulhameed , Balogun Ganiyu I
Published: June 2020

The Nigeria Research Reactor-1 (NIRR-1) consists of small water cooled square cylindrical core of 23cm in diameter and 23cm high. The small dimension of the core of this reactor facilitated our choice of PARET to perform reactivity accident analysis for NIRR-1 system. Our goal in this work is to predict the peak temperature of some important Nigeria Research Reactor (NIRR-1) core components under several reactivity accident tests. At power levels below 80kW, there were no significant differences between the peak fuel centerline temperatures, the peak fuel surface temperature and the peak clad surface temperature in the hot channel as well as in the average channel. The result from the reactivity accident test shows that power can never rise to an uncontrollable level in the core of NIRR-1 under ramp or step insertion of up to 4mk of reactivity. The calculated temperature of the important core components (e.g. fuel and clad) in the two channels (during this reactivity accident test) were far below their melting point temperatures. Boiling of any kind was not observed during this reactivity accident test. Therefore, NIRR-1 can be operated safely even if there is an inadvertent addition of up to 4mk of positive reactivity
Seismic Refraction and Electrical Resistivity Investigation of Building Failure: A Case Study
Authors: Fatoba Julius T , Fajana Akindeji Opeyemi , Folorunso Adetayo F , Ariyo Stephen O
Published: June 2020

Geophysical methods involving electrical resistivity and seismic refraction were adopted to investigate the cause(s) of failure of main library complex of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, South-Western Nigeria. The geoelectric section generated from geosounding data revealed four geologic layers. The topsoil has resistivity values varying from 128Ωm to 220Ωm and thickness between 0.9m and 2.4m. The second layer is composed of lateritic clay with resistivity values varying from 238Ωm to 410Ωm and thickness between 2.5m and 5m. The third layer is composed of weathered basement with resistivity values ranging from 56Ω-m to 88Ω-m with thickness between 9.1m and 13.5m. The fourth layer is fresh basement with resistivity values between 1110Ωm and 1200Ωm. The depth to the rock head is between 14.1m and 18.6m. The 2-D subsurface imaging revealed that the foundation soil is composed of clayey materials with resistivity values ranging from 4.3Ωm to 80Ωm, between 0.7m to 5m which correlate well with the geoelectric section. The geovelocity layers’ characteristics substantiate the electrical resistivity imaging and vertical electrical sounding results as it revealed a 4-layer model namely: topsoil, laterite and basement bedrock as the weathered layer is blinded. The topsoil has average velocity 486m/s which is diagnostic of weak/unconsolidated materials presumably clayey materials and average thickness of 2.2m. The sub-weathering/ laterite has average velocity of 1506m/s and average thickness of 7m. The third layer is the bedrock with average velocity of 2292m/s and characterized with a displaced parallel time segment indicating fault within the bedrock. Geotechnical analysis of the subsoil sample revealed that the soils have plasticity index and strength values that are typical of clay. From the result, the building failure observed as cracks and foundation subsidence may have been caused by incompetent foundation soils. It is noteworthy that such faulted zone delineated within the bedrock is also inimical to the building foundation.
Effects of Carburization with Palm Kernel Shell/Coconut Shell Mixture on the Tensile Properties and Case Hardness of Low Carbon Steel
Authors: Umunakwe Reginald , Okoye Obinna C , Madueke Chioma I , Komolafe Daniel O
Published: June 2020

The effect of using mixtures of palm kernel shell and coconut shell as carburizers for low carbon steel at 950oC on the tensile properties and case hardness was studied. The carburizers were washed, dried, milled and sieved to 150µm particle size. They were mixed in various compositions to serve as carburizers. In each composition, 20wt% of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) was added as energizer. Tensile and hardness specimens were machined from low carbon steel. Seven tensile and seven hardness specimens were subjected to pack carburization process with different compositions of the carburizers, and thereafter quenched and tempered at 450oC for forty five minutes in a heat treatment furnace. The tensile and hardness properties show that better properties were obtained with mixtures of the carburizers compared to the use of single carburizing agent.
BREEAM Sertifikalı Bir Eğitim Binasının Yapım Maliyetinin Geleneksel Yapım Maliyetiyle Karşılaştırılması
Authors: AKGÜL Tahir , BESKEN İlknur , KARABIYIKOĞLU Orhan
Published: June 2020

Bu çalışmada; yeşil bina değerlendirme sistemleri içerisinde yer alan ve İngiltere menşeli olan Breeam Sertifika Değerlendirme Sistemine göre bir eğitim binasının minimum gereksinimler dikkate alınarak sürdürülebilir yeşil bina gereksinimleri projelendirilmiştir. Bu projede; sertifikasyon süreçlerinin, seçilen ekolojik malzemelerin, sürdürülebilirlik bağlamında kurulması kaçınılmaz olan sistemlerin, yapılan düzenlemeler ve seçimler sonucunda ortaya çıkan ek maliyetler belirlenmiştir. Öte yandan aynı statik projeye sahip geleneksel yapım tekniği ile yapılmış eğitim binasının yapım maliyeti ile karşılaştırılmıştır. Yapılan bu karşılaştırmalar sonucunda Breeam Sertifika Değerlendirme Sisteminde ön görülen minimum koşullarda ortaya çıkan ek maliyetin, geleneksel yapım sisteme göre yaklaşık % 10 oranında arttığı sonucuna varılmıştır.
Aydın'ın Değerlerinden Biri Olan Kestane Meyvesinin Önemi
Authors: YÜKSEL Nergiz , ÜLKERYİDİZ BALÇIK Eda , DENİZ ŞİRİNYILDIZ Derya , BİNAT Ziya , BOYACIOĞLU Olcay
Published: June 2020

Fagaceae familyasının Castanea cinsine ait olan Castanea sativa Mill, yüz yıllardır tüketilen kestane meyvesidir. Besin içeriği bakımından zengin olan kestane meyvesinin antimikrobiyal, antibakteriyel, antifungal, antienflamatuar, antikardiyovasküler ve antispazmodik özellikleri bulunmaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, kestane meyvesinin biyokimyasal özellikleri ile kestane üretimi ve ticaretinin Aydın özelinde değerlendirilmesidir. Çalışmada çeşitli kurum ve kuruluşlardan elde edilen kestane üretim ve ticaret verileri temel istatistiki yöntemlerle karşılaştırılmış ve değerlendirilmiştir. Buna göre Türkiye, yıllık 60.000-65.000 ton kestane üretim miktarı ile Çin ve Güney Kore’ den sonra üçüncü sırayı almaktadır. Aydın ili ise yıllık 20.000-26.000 ton kestane üretimi ile ülke genelinde ilk sıradadır. Aydın ilinde kestane ihracat miktarı, üretim miktarına göre oldukça düşük kalmaktadır. Gerek Aydın ilinde üretilen kestanenin çoğunun ihracata yönelik olmaması, gerekse kestanenin istenilen düzeyde üretilmemesi nedeniyle Aydın ili kestane meyvesi ile çok fazla anılmamaktadır. Biyokimyasal ve sağlık yönüyle bu kadar faydalı olan kestane meyvesinin üretim miktarı yönünden ilk sırada olan Aydın ilinde kestane işleme ve ihracatına yönelik farklı stratejiler izlenmesinin gerekli olduğu belirtilebilmektedir. Ayrıca, kestanenin gıda işleme prosesleri için farklı katma değer katacak yan ürün üretimine yönelik atılacak adımların, Aydın ekonomisi için potansiyeli tam olarak değerlendirilemeyen kestanenin geleceği açısından pozitif değer katabileceği düşünülmektedir.
Burdur Koşullarında İkinci Ürün Körpe Mısır Yetiştirme Olanakları
Authors: YILDIRKAN Ülkü , KARA Burhan
Published: June 2020

Araştırma, Burdur koşullarında ikinci ürün olarak körpe mısır yetiştirme olanaklarını araştırmak amacıyla 2019 yılında yürütülmüştür. Deneme; “Argos, Batem tatlı, Bond, Calipos, Khan, Mirza, SF1280 ve Vega F1” şeker mısır çeşitleri kullanılarak, tesadüf blokları deneme desenine göre 3 tekerrürlü olarak kurulmuştur.Burdur’da ikinci ürün koşullarında 50-76 gün arasında körpe koçan hasadı yapılmıştır. Genel olarak incelenen karakterler bakımından Mirza, SF1280 ve Vega F1 çeşitleri en yüksek değerlere sahip olmuştur. Koçan püskülü çıkarma süresi, körpe koçan boyu, çapı, ağırlığı, verimi ve dekara körpe koçan sayısı sırasıyla, 53,0-58,1 gün, 9,8-18,6 cm, 16,3-18,6 mm, 16,9-22,5 g, 191,9-342,3 kg da-1 ve 10618,7-21110,3 adet da-1 arasında ölçülmüştür. Çalışma sonucuna göre, burdur ikinci ürün koşullarında körpe mısır için Vega F1 çeşidi önerilmektedir.
GNP katkılı Hibrit PVB-TEOS Nanofiberlerin Üretimi ve Karakterizasyonu
Authors: YAR Adem
Published: June 2020

Polivinil bütral (PVB)/Tetraetil ortosilikat (TEOS) ve PVB/TEOS/ Grafen nanoplatelet (GNP) nanofiberler elektro eğirme yöntemi ile sentezlenmiş ve homojen, boncuksuz bir morfoloji sergilemiştir. PVB, silika bazlı nanofiberler içerisindeki kusurların azalmasını sağlayan öncü polimer olarak kullanılmıştır. PVB/TEOS nanofiberlerin çapları 150-500 nm arasında değişmektedir. PVB/TEOS ve PVB/TEOS/GNP nanofiberlerin yapıları ve morfolojileri termogravimetrik analizör (TGA), Fourier dönüşümlü kızılötesi spektrometresi (FTIR) ve taramalı elektron mikroskobu (SEM) analizleri ile incelenmiştir. Analizler, elde edilen nanofiberlerin doku mühendisliği, ilaç salınımı, kanser teşhisi, batarya, sensör ve hava filtresi gibi uygulamalarda nanomalzeme olarak kullanılabileceğini göstermektedir.
Yatalak İnek Sendromuna Güncel Bir Bakış
Authors: KAMAN Ramazan , KIRBAŞ Akın
Published: June 2020

Yatalak inek sendromu (YİS) sistemik hastalık bulgusu göstermeksizin hipokalsemi tedavisine rağmen 24 saatten uzun süre sternal pozisyonda yatmaya devam eden inekleri tanımlamada kullanılan bir terimdir. Çok sayıda nedeni ve bunlara göre yönetimi bulunan kompleks bir durumdur. Hipokalsemi, hipomagnezemi ve hipokalemi gibi metabolik bozukluklar veya travmaya bağlı uzun süreli yatalaklıkta sekunder olarak gelişen arka bacak kaslarının iskemik nekrozisi ve sinirlerin hasarı ile ilişkilidir. Yatalak inekler genellikle uyanıktırlar ve başka bir bozukluktan etkilenmezlerse ruminasyona devam ederler. Şiddetli şekilde uyarılsalar bile ayağa kalkma çabaları isteksizdir. İnekler yanları üzerine uzanmış ve ayaklarını uzatmış halde bulunabilirler veya göğüsleri üzerinde yatarak bacaklarını karın altına bükerek ya da gergin şekilde uzanarak yatabilirler. Yatan ineklerde kalsiyum düzeyi normal iken fosfor ve potasyum düzeylerinde azalma tespit edilebilir. Aspartat aminotransferaz ve kreatin fosfokinaz aktivitelerinde artış, proteinüri, myoglobinüri ve ketonüri görülür. Tedavide nonsteroid anti-inflamatuvar ilaçlar kullanılabilir. Basınca bağlı bozukluklardan kaçınmak için yataklıkların değiştirilmesi ve ineklerin sık sık çevrilmesi sağlanmalıdır.
Diabetic Myonecrosis: An Unusual Mimicker of Idiopathic Inflammatory Myositis
Authors: Sureja Nayan Patel , Devarasetti Phani Kumar , Rajasekhar Liza
Published: June 2020

Diabetic myonecrosis or diabetic muscle infarction (DMI), is a very rare and under-recognised complication of poorly controlled long-standing diabetes mellitus. We report a case of a 59-year-old male, who had diabetes for ten years. He presented with bilateral thigh pain of insidious onset for three months and difficulty in walking, with a similar episode in his right thigh in 2015. Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) was one and half times the normal upper limit. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of his thighs showed symmetrical bulky muscles with hyperintensities on T2-weighted and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) images, supporting a clinical diagnosis of idiopathic inflammatory myositis (IIM). However, a review of histopathology slides of a muscle biopsy from the right vastus lateralis performed in 2015 showed muscle fibre ischaemic necrosis suggestive of muscle infarction. Thus a diagnosis of recurrent diabetic myonecrosis was made and the patient was treated with bed rest, opioids and aspirin with gradual recovery.
Immunoglobulin a Vasculitis Presenting as Terminal Ileitis in Late Adulthood
Authors: Thomas John P , Htet Zay
Published: June 2020

Adult-onset immunoglobulin (IgA) vasculitis presenting as terminal ileitis is a rare clinical encounter which can mimic inflammatory bowel disease or infectious gastroenteritis. A high index of clinical suspicion is required to reach the correct diagnosis and to implement the appropriate management plans. Herein, we report a case of an elderly female presenting with a short history of abdominal pain, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, fatigue and reduced appetite. Based on the blood tests and imaging, she was initially managed as having an infective or inflammatory bowel condition. Subsequently, she developed a vasculitic rash in her lower limbs with accompanying renal involvement including haematuria and sub-nephrotic range proteinuria. She underwent a renal biopsy which confirmed the diagnosis of IgA vasculitis. She was started on a course of corticosteroid therapy which induced clinical remission.
Tuberculosis of the Axial Skeleton Mimicking Malignancy
Authors: Sardana Rohan , Sardana Naresh Kumar , Sharma Ashish
Published: June 2020

Multifocal bony lesions involving vertebral bodies and cancellous bones commonly occur in metastases and haematological malignancies. However, tuberculosis being a ‘great mimic', can have a similar presentation. We present a young Indian female who had bony lesions involving multiple cancellous bones, without constitutional features. Extensive search for a neoplastic cause revealed negative results. Histopathological examination of the involved tissue revealed diagnosis of tuberculosis, which was not suspected. The patient improved remarkably with antitubercular therapy. Tuberculosis of the spine commonly presents with destructive spondylitis (Pott's spine), leading to spinal deformity. Multifocal involvement of the skeleton is an atypical presentation of musculoskeletal tuberculosis. This case highlights the fact that tuberculosis should always be considered in patients with multifocal bony lesions in countries where it is endemic, like India, even in the absence of constitutional features.
John Goodsir and Local Opposition to Rudolf Virchow'S Election to Fellowship of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1868
Authors: Donaldson Ken , Henry Christopher
Published: June 2020

In 1869 Rudolf Virchow, the distinguished Prussian pathologist who pioneered the modern concept of cellular pathology, was offered an honorary Fellowship of The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE). However, the Rev. Joseph T Goodsir, Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE), the brother of Professor John Goodsir FRSE, the famed Edinburgh anatomist who had died two years previously, mounted a campaign to stop the award. As part of this he published a pamphlet entitled Grounds of Objection to the Admission of Professor Virchow as an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. The disagreement centred on John Goodsir's pioneering research and writings on cell theory. These had in fact been recognised by Virchow, who dedicated the English language edition of his most famous publication Cellular Pathology to John Goodsir. Joseph Goodsir was not, however, satisfied by this and the basis of his objection was that Virchow had plagiarised from his brother. We describe the background and outcome of this dispute.