bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of Multivariate Loss Function Approach in the Hotelling’s Charts under Banerjee-Rahim (1988) Weibull Shock Models
Authors: Naderi M.H. , Seif Asghar , Moghadam M. Bameni
Published: July 2021

A proper monitoring of stochastic systems is the control charts of statistical process control and drift in characteristics of output may be due to one or several assignable causes. Although many research works have been done on the economic design of control charts with single assignable cause, the economic statistical design of T^2 control chart under Weibull shock model with multiple assignable causes and considering multivariate Taguchi loss function has not been presented yet. Using Taguchi loss function in the concept of quality control charts with economic and economic statistical design leads to better decisions in the industry. Based on the optimization of the average cost per unit of time and taking into account the different combination values of Weibull distribution parameters, optimal design values ??of sample size, sampling interval and control limit coefficient were derived and calculated. Then the cost models under non-uniform and uniform sampling scheme were compared. The results revealed that the model under multiple assignable causes with Taguchi loss function has a lower cost than single assignable cause model and integrated model with non-uniform sampling has a lower cost than that with uniform sampling.
About audience overlaps in the social media
Authors: Ivohin E. V. , Vavryk P. R. , Rudoman N. V.
Published: July 2021

In this paper we provided the definition of the Audience overlap network, as well as proposed a simple algorithm to compute overlap between two users on social media based on public data about their followers. There was proposed an alternative approach for computing overlaps based only on public data about users. This approach allows to include content overlap and activity patterns signals to be incorporated into more general statistical models featuring other covariates such as influencers’ direct engagement in shared conversations; relative influencer sizes and histories and links to similar third-party content to recover otherwise censored network structures and properties. For validate results there was designed a calibration process which utilizes Evolution Strategies algorithm to find a set of conditions which will make Audience overlap network built using similarity measures structurally equivalent to the Audience overlap network build on full information about followers.
Pharmacoepidemiology and pharmacoeconomics of multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis
Authors: Nikolenko N. Yu. , Kudlay D. А. , Doktorova N. P.
Published: July 2021

Treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis (TB) is a current problem worldwide. Currently, special attention is paid to the possibility of using new high-cost chemotherapy regimens in the treatment of MDR/XDR-TB. Numerous studies have shown that, from a clinical point of view, the effectiveness of MDR/XDR-TB therapy increases with the inclusion of bedaquiline, delamanid, linezolid, fluoroquinolones (moxifloxacin, levofloxacin), and pretomanid. At the same time, there is an assumption that the use of new and repurposed anti-tuberculosis drugs (ATDs) may be associated with an increase in overall costs. This paper demonstrates the potential of pharmacoepidemiology and pharmacoeconomics to evaluate the widespread introduction of new anti-tuberculosis drugs (ATDs), taking into account all the typical features of MDR/XDR-TB therapy. The authors analyzed studies of pharmacoeconomic feasibility of using expensive drugs in treatment regimens of pulmonary tuberculosis patients with MDR/XDR pathogen. It was shown that the use of chemotherapy regimens containing new high-cost and highly effective drugs (moxifloxacin, linizolid, and bedaquiline) in rational combinations with other drugs of the basic and reserve series, selected concerning drug resistance of the pathogen, is associated with a significant economic effect. From the applicability of pharmacoeconomic analysis point of view, the introduction of short-term MDR-TB treatment regimens is also a promising direction in phthisiology. The key link to achieve effective MDR/XDR-TB treatment is the use of new drugs. Considering the specificity of pharmacoeconomic analysis in phthisiology and results of existing clinical and economic studies, the authors have formed recommendations aimed at a more complete realization of pharmacoeconomic analysis potential in MDR- and XDR-TB treatment.
Coordination and motor function of the cerebellum
Authors: Grecker Roman A.
Published: July 2021

All literature concerning the general function of the cerebellum can be divided according to its content into three main groups. The first group will include the authors who recognize the cerebellum as an exclusive motor function, denying the coordinating one; to the other, on the contrary, one should include those authors who ascribe a coordinating role to the cerebellum, denying the motor role; to the third, finally, the authors, who admit both types of cerebellar influence, both coordinator and motor.
Experience in the treatment of inflammation of the adherent nerve (ischias) by injections of cooled saline solution
Authors: Osipov V. P.
Published: July 2021

Without presenting an immediate danger to life, various kinds of neuralgia, often reaching an extremely strong degree of development, according to the severity of their main symptom, pain, are among the very severe and difficult to bear by patients suffering. The patient's well-being is even more difficult when it is not about neuralgic pains, characterized by attacks of acute pains, which are replaced by light gaps, but about pains that continue continuously, having in their basis a more persistent anatomical process, about neuritic pains.
M.D. Lyon. Specific treatment for epilepsy. Doctor. Gas. 1910, No. 49.
Authors: Baklushinskiy Ivan D.
Published: July 2021

The author recommends, in the treatment of epilepsy, the subcutaneous administration of Cerebrin in combination with the subcutaneous administration of arsenic (Natr. Cacodyl).
S. A. Brushtein. Phototherapy for nervous and mental illnesses. — Russian. Doctor 1910, no. 48, 49.
Authors: Baklushinskiy Ivan D.
Published: July 2021

Light, both solar and electric, is recommended by the author as an effective remedy for the treatment of many nervous diseases.
G. Clérambault. Materials on the issue of the abuse of ether. Notes sur l’éthérisme.—Archives de Neurologie, 1910, p. 268, 315 и 397.
Authors: Likhnitsky Vitaliy N.
Published: July 2021

In this paper, Clrambault cites 14 personal observations of acute and chronic ether poisoning. 4 of his patients are men, the rest are women; almost all of them are relatively young. In almost all cases, various signs of mental degeneration could be ascertained.
A. Taylor and Ch. Beling. Spastic paraplegia caused by brain damage. А case of spastic paraplegia following cerebral injury.—Journal of Nervous and Ment. Diseases, 1910, № 8
Authors: Likhnitsky Vitaliy N.
Published: July 2021

A 19-year-old subject was hit in the right eye by a bullet and entered the cranial cavity and remained there.
Chronicles and mix
Authors: Donskov N. A.
Published: July 2021

The Council of Ministers at a meeting on May 2 approved and allowed to submit to the State Duma a bill of the Ministry of Railways on the transformation of the disabled for railway employees of the house of Emperor Alexander II.
Development of a system for control of electric energy parameters in the distribution network
Authors: Kazymov Ivan M. , Kompaneets Boris S. , Drobyazko Oleg N.
Published: July 2021

Background: The creation and distribution of technical means and complexes aimed at building effective control systems for electrical networks using information that can be collected by modern metering devices, as well as organizing work in an automated mode, is an urgent task at the present stage of development of the electric power industry in Russia and in the world.
Aim: The research presented in this article is aimed at creating an effective system for monitoring the parameters of electrical energy in distribution networks of low and medium voltage levels.
Methods: The study was carried out using the theoretical foundations and basic laws of electrical engineering, as well as methods of computer modeling and CAD.
Results: A description of the developed system is given, the applicability of its use is graphically shown and substantiated in writing, the possibilities and prospects of application are indicated, and recommendations for practical application are given.
Conclusion: The results obtained can be used by power grid companies to analyze the state and efficiency of power grids, and may also be of interest to researchers working on the creation of digital twins of power grids.
Modern technological and innovative solutions aimed at increasing the flow and transportation capacities of railway directions
Authors: Voronin Vladimir A. , Kurenkov Peter V. , Solop Irina A. , Chebotareva Evgeniia A.
Published: July 2021

In the modern period, the railway industry faces the challenges of both intensifying the use of existing lines and developing new high-speed transport systems. The lack of capacity reserves for railway lines leads to the abandonment of freight trains, which in turn complicate the management of train traffic. Existing ways to increase throughput are divided into organizational and technical and reconstructive. Historically, the development of railway automation systems has contributed to changing the system of organizing train traffic, increasing the capacity of railway sections. The paper considers various technological and innovative solutions aimed at increasing the capacity and carrying capacity of railway lines, including an assessment of the effectiveness of using mobile block sections and virtual couplings in conditions of limited capacity of railway directions. To solve the problem of increasing the throughput of the investigated cargo-intensive direction of Kotelnikovo-Tikhoretskaya-Razezd 9 km of the North Caucasian Railway (NKR), the method of calculating the throughput was used, as a result of which options for its increase on the cargo-intensive section were proposed, ensuring high reliability of transportation, timely delivery and unloading cargo.
Costs planning and ways to improve bridge operation service
Authors: Gugа Nikita A. , Averchenko Gleb A. , Vasilev Kirill A. , Borisov Vyacheslav A. , Ismailov Alexey M.
Published: July 2021

Repair and reconstruction is an integral part of the life cycle of such structures as: bridges, overpasses, aqueducts. Timely maintenance and repair of bridge structures contributes to the continuous improvement of their technical level, as well as to the operational state with increasing load and intensity over time on constantly under construction highways.
This article presents the results of a study of the need to repair structures over time. The article contains a description of the types of work, as well as the terms when these works need to be performed, graphs of the volume and cost of work are given. As materials and initial data, the data of approximate turnaround periods of elements of bridge structures were taken, as well as a table of the frequency of repairs by year was compiled.
Based on the collected data, graphs of the cost and changes in the volume of work were built over time. In addition, graphs of the cost of repairing individual elements of the structure are given in relation to the total cost of the structure.
Based on the results obtained, recommendations are formulated for planning the repair of expatriated bridge structures by bridge maintenance departments. A set of measures is also proposed to eliminate existing violations and further operation of the bridge structure. A set of works for the repair of individual units and structures is recommended. Arguments are given for the need to share responsibilities between bridge operation departments during the repair of the structure.
Resent constructions of road bridges’ expansion joints
Authors: Trifonova Angelina A. , Alekseev Sergey V. , Yegoshin Alexey M.
Published: July 2021

At present, there are high requirements for materials and construction elements in civil engineering in common. These intentions are fully applicable to such bridge construction elements as expansion joints. The new developed models are needed, in which all the defects and limitations of the previous models are solved and the maximum of operational life is reached.
The main types of bridge expansion joints: closed joints, filled-type joints, covered joints. In this article the construction features, advantages and disadvantages of the listed expansion joints are considered.
On the basis of the gotten results it is seen that new and developed models of different types expansion joints have better rates in all of considered criteria. It means that these joints have bigger structural reliability and provide longer operational life of the construction. The most effective models of bridge expansion joints are: closed-type joints with metal support plate, filled-type joints with convex V-shaped compensator and covering slab, covered joints with finger slabs and flap hinged rods and springs.
Starting forces of the traction linear induction motor with adjustable resistance of the short-circuited winding of the secondary element
Authors: Solomin Vladimir A. , Solomin Andrei V. , Chekhova Anastasia A.
Published: July 2021

Background: Development and research of linear traction drives for Maglev transport is an urgent task. Linear induction motors can be used as traction machines for advanced rolling stock. Aim: Study of the starting characteristics of an adjustable traction linear induction motor with variable resistance by a short-circuited winding of the secondary element. Methods: Theoretically, relations were obtained for calculating the traction starting forces of an adjustable linear induction motor with various designs of a short-circuited winding of the secondary element. Results: Based on the obtained ratios, the calculations of the starting traction forces of linear induction motors intended for use in promising modes of transport were performed. Conclusion: The results of calculating the starting traction forces of adjustable linear induction motors make it possible to reasonably select the modes of starting the motor depending on the design of the secondary winding.
Switched reluctance traction motor with improved indicators of the reliability of bearing units for an electric rolling stoсk
Authors: Miroshnichenko Ekaterina E.
Published: July 2021

Aim: Establishment of preconditions for the introduction of a switched reluctance motor into the system of traction drive of an electric rolling stock by improving the performance of the bearing unit.
Methods: Calculations were carried out using the finite element method.
Results: It was found that the calculated values ​​of force of a one-way magnetic attraction applied to the bearing unit are tens of times higher than the permissible values. The result is accelerated wear and failure of the bearings. An algorithm is proposed which takes into account the influence of one-way magnetic attraction forces in an uneven air gap.
Conclusion: The algorithm makes it possible to change the production cycle and improve the consumer quality of the switched reluctance traction motor.
Bridging the Gap Between Urban Adolescent Females of Color and STEM
Authors:   , Truong Van Vu Cam , Flowers Alonzo M.
Published: July 2021

There is a vast amount of literature documenting the need to diversify the United States science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and the need to recruit more skilled workers to fill STEM positions. One common theme among studies is the disproportionately low number of females of color in STEM educational programs and careers. Research continues to overlook the importance of females of color in STEM, particularly in terms of systemic and structural inequities in education and racial and ethnic and gender differences in the fields of STEM. This study will contribute to the neglected area by presenting findings from a qualitative study utilizing data from an out-of-school (OST) STEM program that targets mid (ages fifteen through seventeen) and late (ages eighteen through twenty-one) adolescent females of color in a northeastern city in the United States. This study explored the perspectives of urban adolescent females of color and how participation in an informal learning environment has shaped their STEM learning, participation in STEM activities, and persistent interest in pursuing STEM careers through the lens of critical race theory grounded in education and feminism, intersectionality, and situated learning theory.
Network-based Solid Polymer Electrolytes (SPEs) for Lithium Metal Batteries (LMBs) and Beyond
Authors:   , Zheng Yongwei , Li Christopher Y.
Published: July 2021

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are regarded as the next-generation energy storage devices due to the high theoretical energy density. Conventional organic-based liquid electrolytes are not compatible with LMBs because of the safety issues that are caused by the high flammability and Li dendrites-induced short-circuit. Recently, solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have received attention due to the mechanical properties, and flexibility. Compared with different SPEs structures, the network structure stands out. The network based SPEs exhibit both good ionic conductivity and mechanical stability. They also perform well in inhibiting Li dendrites growth and extend the cell cycling lifetime. In this dissertation, a series of network based SPEs were synthesized and characterized. The network chemistry selection was based on polymer physics and electrochemistry. A typical example is the crosslinked poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) network. A systematic characterization has been conducted on this single network platform. Then, the network structure was transited from single network to interpenetrating network (IPN) in order to address some of the issues. For example, poly (propylene carbonate) (PPC) was incorporated to liberate the Li⁺ and increase the cation transference number. Ultra-high molecular weight PEO was incorporated to increase the toughness of the SPE. Poly (acrylonitrile) (PAN) was incorporated to improve the anodic stability voltage. In cell level, the performance of the SPEs was evaluated in a series setup such as symmetrical cell, half cell, and full cell. In this dissertation, the design of SPEs is to pursue the extended cell cycling lifetime and increased Li metal anode cycling efficiency. So, the formation, composition, and evolution of the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) were specially characterized, analyzed and correlated with the chemistry of SPE, salts and additives. The results demonstrated the concept of IPN is feasible in designing the SPEs for LMBs.
Community College Honors Programs: Examining the Research Agenda, 1984-2019
Authors:   Northeastern University, Barraza Austin
Published: July 2021

Across many community colleges, honors programs help prepare students to transfer and excel at four-year institutions. These programs introduce students to more rigorous coursework while providing them access to additional support services. Despite the popularity of these programs, little is known about the scope of the literature on community college honors programs. In response, I use this review to examine 78 texts published between 1984 and 2019 on two-year college honors programs. I find that while scholars have explored a variety of topics on honors programs, only two texts have exclusively focused on student demographics. This is troubling given that honors programs have been previously faulted for their lack of diversity. In addition, nearly all the literature has come in the form of case studies, which severely limits the ability to compare programs with one another. I conclude this review by offering potential areas of further study for researchers and practitioners alike.
James Galanos, Wool Evening Suit. Fall 1984
Authors:   Drexel University, Martin Kathi , Jushchyshyn Nick ,   Drexel University, King Claire ,   Drexel University
Published: July 2021

The URL links to a website page in the Drexel Digital Museum (DDM) fashion image archive containing a 3D interactive panorama of an evening suit by American fashion designer James Galanos with related text. This evening suit is from Galanos Fall 1984 collection. The skirt and bodice of the jacket are black and white plaid wool. The jacket sleeves are black mink with leather inserts that contrast the sheen of the leather against the luster of the mink and reduce some of the bulk of the sleeve. The suit is part of The James G. Galanos Archive at Drexel University gifted to Drexel University in 2016. The panorama is an HTML5 formatted version of an ultra-high resolution ObjectVR created from stitched tiles captured with GigaPan technology. It is representative the ongoing research of the DDM, an international, interdisciplinary group of researchers focused on production, conservation and dissemination of new media for exhibition of historic fashion.
3D Interactive Panorama Jessie Franklin Turner Evening Gown c. 1932
Authors:   Drexel University, Martin Kathi , Jushchyshyn Nick ,   Drexel University, Caulfield-Sriklad Daniel
Published: July 2021

The 3D Interactive Panorama provides multiple views and zoom in details of a bias cut evening gown by Jessie Franklin Turner, an American woman designer in the 1930s. The gown is constructed from pink 100% silk charmeuse with piping along the bodice edges and design lines. It has soft tucks at the neckline and small of back, a unique strap detail in the back and a self belt. The Interactive is part of the Drexel Digital Museum, an online archive of fashion images. The original gown is part of the Fox Historic Costume, Drexel University, a Gift of Mrs. Lewis H. Pearson 64-59-7.
Graduate Projects Submission Form
Authors:   Drexel University, Kinney Diane
Published: July 2021

A Qualtrics survey provided by Drexel University Libraries to allow graduate students to submit non-thesis/dissertation projects to be published in DU's IR.
Lost in Translation : Linguistic Hurdles Facing Students of Color Pursuing International Education
Authors:   University of Texas at Austin, Taylor Z.W.
Published: July 2021

As our world becomes increasingly globalized in social, economic, and political contexts, U.S. students choose to study abroad to develop their international communication skills, cross-cultural competencies, and second or third languages (NAFSA, 2017). However, an under-researched element of the international education enrollment process is how readable and translated international admissions instructions are, especially for language-minority students whose first language is not English, comprising over 92 million people living in the U.S. (Dillinger, 2017). Examining the international student websites of the top 100 Quacquarelli Symonds World Universities outside of the U.S., this study finds average international application instructions are written above the 15th-grade reading level, with 99% of institutions providing English-language content and only 5% providing Spanish-language content, even though 40 million people living in U.S. speak Spanish as a first-language. Furthermore, only 1% of international websites provide web-embedded language translation technologies. These findings suggest a globalized linguistic English-centrism that may hinder students from minoritized U.S. language populations attempting to pursue an international degree. Implications for policymakers, practitioners, and future research are addressed.
The Roles of Stress and Support on Student-Teacher Relationships in Educators of Children with ASD
Authors: Rawn Kyle , Lang Sarah
Published: July 2021

The current study examined the associations of teachers' stress with the quality of their relationships with young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and if teachers' organizational and social support were also associated with aspects of these relationships. A sample of educators (N=42) of children with ASD were examined utilizing a cross-sectional survey that assessed stress, closeness (i.e., warmth and support) and conflict (i.e., tension and negative affect) in student-teacher relationships, and varying support systems. All participants worked in either a specialized institute or a specialized classroom predominantly serving young children with ASD. Regression revealed that higher stress, controlling for education level, was associated with higher conflict in student-teacher relationships but was not related to closeness. Controlling for stress and education, social support was positively associated with closeness. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.
Opening the Window to a Wider World than Our Little Classroom : The Importance of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy
Authors:   Boise State University, Carter Hannah
Published: July 2021

Diversity in today's classrooms must be considered and valued to create effective learning environments. Through surveys (N=83) and interviews (N=10), this mixed methods study examined in-service elementary teachers' beliefs about culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP) -- more specifically, self-efficacy and outcome expectancy, as related to CRP. Results showed that teachers not only have highly positive outcome expectations for CRP quantitatively, they also explain specific benefits of CRP -- relationship building, student achievement, and learning beyond the curriculum. Teachers were efficacious implementing CRP related to general good teaching practices, such as developing relationships and building trust with students. However, they were less efficacious in more culture-specific CRP practices, such as utilizing students' native languages and evaluating curriculum to ensure the inclusion of various cultural groups. The importance of CRP was described by all teachers, yet their self-efficacy acted as a barrier to implementation.
Diversity, Abundance and Host Preference of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), Potential Vectors and Nuisance Insect in Zoo Park Košice, Slovakia
Authors: Kasicova Zuzana , Komorová Petronela , Pastorek Patrik , Schreiberová Andrea , Friedman Miroslava , Kimáková Andrea , Kocisova Alica
Published: July 2021

Biting midges of the genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) were captured in the course of three seasons (2017–2020) in the Zoo Košice. The total number of captured individuals was 5,667 biting midges, and 12 species of Culicoides were identified, while the most frequently captured and the most populous species were C. obsoletus/C. scoticus, C. furcillatus, and C. festivipennis. The most frequent hosts on which the biting midges were blood-feeding were humans (Homo sapiens), Burchell's zebra (Equus quagga burchellii), and domestic cow (Bos taurus). This is the first study to confirm a wide range of biting midges species in a zoo which are capable of using not only animals as their hosts, but also humans, in whom a bite may induce an allergic reaction. More than 80% of the fauna of biting midges in the Zoo Košice represented Culicoides obsoletus/C. scoticus, which are in the Central Europe regarded as the potential vectors of arboviruses, to which primarily ruminants are highly susceptible.
Awareness of dissection skills and tools session in preparing first MBBS learners for cadaveric dissection in medical school a qualitative analysis
Authors: Gowri TLS , Ramadevi M , Vedapriya Aparna , Janaki V , Rao Jana Siva Koti Srinivasa , Mohiuddin Syed Ahmed
Published: July 2021

Qualitative dissections require knowledge of dissection tool kit and dissection skills which acquired will allow dissector to take care for cadaveric donor while acquiring the experience and knowledge of a successful dissection. This promotes the researcher to equip the learner in initial phase with dissection skills and tools.

The main objective of the study is to analyse the learner prior and after interventional sessions as to how effective the session would be helpful in improving the quality and participation of learners in dissection.

A qualitative prospective cross-sectional study was done in 168 Learners of I MBBS by an interventional session on the topic through General lecture and demonstration. Learners were assessed prior and after the interventional session by same validated questionnaire. Perceptions of learners were also taken. The obtained data were compared and its significance was analysed by Chi-square test using Epi info 7.1 software.

The pre and post-test scores showed a significant improvement of 64 percent on average with p value less than 0.001 indicating that the session was fruitful. 80% of learners also opined that the session stimulated interest in the subject and improved their dissection skills.

An interventional session on “Awareness of dissection skills and tools” in the initial phase would increase the Learners performing quality dissections with ease. This would also help the learner to acquire better independent surgical skills and understanding in clinical phases of learning and therefore would recommend it in early phase of I MBBS Anatomy.
A study of the dermatoglyphic pattern in essential hypertension subjects in Kalaburagi test
Authors: Zeba Arshiya , Pasha Mohd Ibrahim , Ahmed Mohammed Mateen , Sarwari Khwaja Nawazuddin
Published: July 2021

Dermatoglyphics sterms from the ancient art of palmistry, which was practiced from time immemorial and is still followed throughout India by the Joshi caste. There appears to exist an extremely old volume, on the markings on the hands possessed and treasured by the Hindus. From here, this art has spread throughout the world.

Essential hypertension is the category of hypertension that has no identifiable cause, it is associated with aging and inherited genetic factors. Positive family history increases the risk. Dermatoglyphic patterns are genetically determined and can be used as supportive for diagnosis of various hereditary disorders including essential hypertension. This study was carried out to compare palmar dermatoglyphic pattern in, essential hypertension and control group and compare with previous studies.

A hospital based case control study was conducted 100 essential hypertensive patients are taken from Basaweshwar hospital Gulbarga, and another 100 persons are included as control group. The palms and fingers are smeared with ink to bring out the dermatoglyphiic patterns which were subsequently studied.

There was increased number of whorls and decreased number of ulnar loops in essential hypertensive patients compared with normal individuals. Total finger ridge count and Absolute finger ridge count is increased in Essential hypertension patients and there is also increased atd angle.

The knowledge of dermatoglyphics in patients with essential hypertension can be utilized to find out genetic correlation. The existence of such relation might be important for the screening programme for prevention of essential hypertension.
Correlation between serum lipid profile and body mass index in young healthy medical students
Authors: Tejashwini V B  , Ganashree C P
Published: July 2021

Obesity is defined as increased accumulation of fat in various tissues in the body causes impairment in the body. The cause for obesity is imbalance between calories intake and calories expenditure There is increased intake of calorie rich foods and reduced physical activity due to urbanization all over the world.

Body mass index is simple index to divide obesity among adults. It is defined as person’s weight in kilograms divided by height in meter squares (m).

Obesity and elevated BMI are the major causes for development of chronic diseases like stroke, hypertension, malabsorption syndrome, Type 2 diabetes and other cardiovascular disorders.

BMI and obesity are the modifiable risk factors of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disorders and hypertension. This study was carried out to correlate the relationship between BMI and lipid profile among young healthy medical students.

This study comprises 45 males and 55 females (100 in total) young adults aged between 18 to 25 years. The design for this study was cross-sectional survey. Ethical approval was taken from ethical committee of BMCH, Chitradurga. BMI, lipid profile levels are measured from the subjects.

A total of 100 participants were tested. Among them 45 males were males and 55 were females. The mean age of the subjects was 22 years. Among them, 30 were overweight and 17 were obese while, 4 were underweight. The mean BMI was 26.72±3.45 Kg/m.

Mean serum cholesterol in 100 students was 147.63 ± 15 mg/dl, mean LDL-C was 85.23±14.8 mg/dl, mean HDL-C was 23.22±5.56 mg/dl and mean triglycerides were 76.6 ±18.5 mg/dl. The mean BMI of students was 22.5 kg/m ±5.5.

It was found in our study that prevalence of overweight is the major driving forces in the development of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, metabolic syndrome. Prevalence of obesity is significantly higher among young adults. This prevalence may be due to lack of awareness and unhealthy lifestyles, so health education and more preventive measures should decrease the prevalence of obesity and cardiac risks in our medical college by modifying their lifestyle.
Editor's Preface
Authors:   American Public University System, Tate Kathleen J.
Published: July 2021

Within this issue, you will find book and media reviews, perspectives from the field, and a long-awaited historical piece about distance and online education. There is a theme of evolving applications in online education with a thread of approaches, tools, and frameworks for teaching, assessing, selecting digital tools, and migrating learning management systems.
Self-Healing Performance of Rubber-Modified Asphalt
Authors: Luo Yang , Teng Guocui
Published: July 2021

To figure out the effect of rubber modifiers on the self-healing performance of asphalt, this study took Eucommia rubber (TPI, trans-polyisoprene) and natural rubber (NR) as asphalt modifiers and employed the molecule simulation software to analyze the self-healing performance of asphalt in the microscale. At first, a model of basic asphalt system was established in the molecule simulation software, and three parameters of density, solubility and mean square displacement (MSD) were used to verify that the established model can act as the representative of asphalt molecules; then, several self-healing models of basic asphalt and rubber-modified asphalt were constructed to compare the properties of TPI and NR. In the experiment, the temperature was set to 303.15K, 313.15K, 323.15K, 333.15K, and 343.15K, respectively, and a 10Å (1Å=0.1nm) vacuum layer was taken as the microcrack of the asphalt, then the entire self-healing process of the models was analyzed, and the diffusion coefficient and energy change of the models were calculated. The experimental results revealed that, the NR-modified asphalt outperformed TPI in self-healing performance; for the NR-modified asphalt, as the temperature rises, the intermolecular non-bond energy changes, the molecule diffusion ability enhances, which can accelerate the self-healing progress of the microcracks in the asphalt.
Production of Biopolymer from Bacteria - A Review
Authors: Aluru Ranganadha Reddy , Koyi Sravani , Nalluru Sanjana , Chanda Chandrasekhar
Published: July 2021

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) producers have been found in a variety of ecological niche’s that are naturally or unintentionally exposed to high organic matter or growth limiting substances such as dairy wastes, hydrocarbon contaminated sites, pulp and paper mill wastes, agricultural wastes, activated sludges of treatment plants, rhizosphere, and industrial effluents. Few of them also create extracellular byproducts such as rhamnolipids, extracellular polymeric compounds, and biohydrogen gas. These microbes can use waste materials of various origin as substrates while producing valuable bioproducts such as PHB. As a result, these microbes are industrially important candidates for production; Implementation of an integrated system to separate their by-products (intracellular and extracellular) could be an economical method. In this study, we reviewed several microorganisms that live in diverse environmental situations and are stimulated to collect carbon as polyhydroxyalkanoates granules, as well as variables that influence their production and composition. Ultimately, the current cost of bioplastic manufacture from stored PHA granules can be decreased by investigating capabilities such as dual generation of microorganisms and utilization of wastes as renewable substrate under optimal growth conditions in either a batch or continuous process.
Using improved iterative gravity method to optimize the investment location of agricultural biomass power generation projects: a case study
Authors: Liu Zhibin , Wang Xin , Ren Aisheng
Published: July 2021

Biomass power generation has characteristics of good quality of power generation, high reliability and mature technology. It plays significant aspects in maintaining the safety of energy, optimizing energy structure, alleviating environmental pollution and promoting the economic development in the rural areas. Analyzing the investment of biomass power generation in China systematically cannot only improve the scientificity of the investment process, but also guide the industry to develop rapidly and healthily. At present, the investment areas of agricultural biomass power generation projects are too concentrated and the fuel supply is difficult, which affect the normal operation of biomass power plants and lead to loss or on the verge of profit and loss of biomass power generation plants. This paper constructed the optimal model of investment location of agricultural biomass power generation projects using the iterative gravity algorithm based on the key factors analysis to affect the operation costs of agricultural biomass power plants. The model optimized the transportation lines and transportation distance, and gained the smallest transport costs of power generation materials after a few iterative calculations. This paper took Huantai County as an example, and determined the optimal investment location of agricultural biomass power project using the Region props toolbox of Matlab 7.4. The simulating calculation of Huantai County showed that the results given by this model are reliable, and this method to select the investment location of agricultural biomass power projects is feasible and effective.
Computational analysis of micro wind turbine with bamboo blades for domestic applications
Authors: Sayed J. Suraj , Sreeram P. V. , Ramesh Kumar R.
Published: July 2021

A domestic purpose micro wind turbine realised using bamboo blade is tested for the power generation at an interval of two years and compared the performance. A CFD analysis of turbine with five blade system is carried out for an average wind velocity of 2.5m/s and structural integrity of the bamboo blade unit based on the pressure distribution is assessed. For the input wind velocity, a stream lined out flow of 5.9 m/s is found when wind turbine rotates at 300 rpm and corresponding pressure distribution is found to be maximum at the expected location of blade tip as129 Pa. The static analysis shows a good margin. For 2.5 m/s, a wind turbine generates an average value of 3.8V with 0.25A (based on 15 Î©/10W load). The wind turbine has produced nearly the same power even after a period of two years.
A novel filter for three-phase power factor correction voltage feedback loop under heavy DC voltage ripple condition
Authors: Yingwen Long , Yuhong Sun
Published: July 2021

THD and the amplitude balance of three-phase input current are an important index for the performance of three-phase power factor correction (PFC). In general, when the hardware and the load of three-phase PFC are confirmed, the THD and amplitude balance of three-phase input current mainly depend on voltage and current feedback loop of PFC. Firstly, this paper designs the traditional voltage and current feedback loop for three-phase PFC according to traditional small signal theory. Secondly, this paper studies the designing difficulty of large dc voltage ripple for PFC voltage controller and puts forward a new dc voltage ripple filter which can eliminate the ac component of sampling dc bus voltage. Finally, this paper proposes a novel filter with dc voltage ripple frequency adaption function to copy with the frequency variety of the voltage ripple caused by the change of the output inverter frequency. With the help of the proposed algorithm the distortion of three-phase 3 input current reference decreases rapidly, therefore, the low THD and good amplitude balance of three phase input current will be achieved.
Hydrogen technology and economy: adoption challenges under the shadow of COVID-19
Authors: Bhattacharya Jayanta
Published: July 2021

No Abstract.
Study on generation capacity of small hydropower stations in distribution network
Authors: Yang Genghuang , Sun Wenbin , Hao Xiayi , Zhang Yingmei , Yang Li , Che Yanqiu
Published: July 2021

Small hydropower station, when producing power energy to power system through the distribution network, may lead to the change of the detected current in relay protection and the protection coverage. In this paper, IEEE7 based network is formed in the platform of PSCAD/EMTDC to analyze the effects of distribution network in current protection when a small hydropower station is linked in. The running of relay protection in Section I and II is simulated to obtain the difference of current variation of network with or without small hydropower station. Also the key parameters are calculated to point out the maximum generation capacity of the small hydropower station in case of reliable and sensitive current protection.
Research on a novel passive islanding detection method
Authors: Xie Dong , Zang Dajin , Gao Peng , Wang Junjia , Zhu Zhu
Published: July 2021

In distributed generation systems, islanding detection is a necessary function of grid-connected inverters. In view of the performance disadvantages of traditional passive and active islanding detection methods, this paper proposes a novel passive islanding detection method. The proposed method first extracts characteristic parameters from the inverter output voltage signal and inverter output current signal through lifting wavelet transform, and then conducts the pattern recognition of these extracted characteristic parameters via BP neural network, so as to judge if there is an islanding phenomenon. As verified by the simulation and experiment results, the islanding detection method proposed in this paper is effective, and is featured by high detection speed and small non-detection zone, without affecting electric energy quality; its detection performance has been remarkably improved in comparison with that of traditional islanding detection methods.
Effects of Laundering on Seaming Attributes of a Fabric for Public Basic school uniforms
Authors: Danquah Monnie Patience , Fianu Docea , Vandyck Efua , Gadegbeku Cynthia
Published: July 2021

Quality seams have great impact on the quality of garments. The study evaluated effect of laundering on plain seam in a suitable fabric for Ghanaian public basic school uniforms by varying sewing thread and stitch density to establish suitable ones for the achievement of quality in school uniforms. A total number of 290 specimens were used. Washed specimens were subjected to three cycles of washing using Launder-Ometer (Gyrowash 315) and seam strength, efficiency and elongation were evaluated. Means of the attributes were determined and analysis of variance at 0.05 alpha level are used for hypotheses testing. Sewing thread brand B in 14 stitches per inch (spi) provided greater seam strength, efficiency and elongation before and after washing.
Factors Affecting Prevalence of Urinary Tract Infection in Neo-nates with Unexplained Hyperbilirubinemia: A Systematic Re-view and Meta-Analysis Study in Iran
Authors: Bagheri Amiri Fahimeh , Tavasoli Sanaz , Borumandnia Nasrin , Taheri Maryam
Published: July 2021

Background: The prevalence and risk factors of urinary tract infection (UTI) in neonates with unexplained hyperbilirubinemia are not studied thoroughly. Since the prevalence of UTI is highly variable in different areas and countries, this study aimed to review the existing data of Iranian neonates with UTI presented with unexplained hyperbilirubinemia.
Methods: This study is a meta-analysis of Iranian newborns with unexplained hyperbilirubinemia. We identified all studies indexed in international (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar) and national (Science Information Database, Magiran) databases from 2000-2018. Search terms included: Urinary Tract Infections OR UTI AND urine OR culture OR microbio, jaundice OR icter OR hyperbili, AND Iran.
Results: Overall, 4210 neonates from 17 studies were included. The pooled prevalence of UTI in neonates with unexplained hyperbilirubinemia was 6.81% (95% CI: 4.86-8.77). Considering the subgroups analyses; the prevalence of UTI was higher in the prolonged vs. not-prolonged state (8.34% vs. 4.00%), low birth weight vs. normal birth weight (7.81% vs. 4.51%), and exclusive vs. non-exclusive breastfeeding (8.84% vs. 4.72%). Male gender and low birth weight increased the risk of UTI about two times compared to the female gender and normal birth weight, respectively. The results of the analyses in neonates with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia also showed the above-mentioned subgroup differences.
Socio-Economic Factors Affecting the Regional Spread and Out-break of COVID-19 in China
Authors: Yang Liren , Qi Cuifang , Yang Zixuan , Shang Li , Xie Guilan , Wang Ruiqi , Sun Landi , Xu Mengmeng , Yang Wenfang , Chung Mei Chun
Published: July 2021

Background: This study investigated the impact of socio-economic factors on the spread and outbreak of COVID-19 based on Chinese data.
Methods: Cumulative confirmed cases were collected and divided into the First-stage cases cluster dominated by imported cases, and the Second-stage cases cluster dominated by secondary cases, according to the time of emergency state and Wuhan city lockdown. The linear regression was used for data analysis.
Results: A total of 12,877 cases in 30 provinces were analyzed in the study. The First-stage cases cluster included 675 cases and Second-stage cases cluster included 12,202 cases. The socio-economic factors were significantly associated with the cases (P<0.05). The GDP and proportion of population moving out of Wuhan were associate with the First-stage dominated by imported cases (b>0, P<0.05). The First-stage cases cluster, proportion of population moving out of Wuhan and urban population were associate with the Second-stage dominated by secondary cases (b>0, P<0.05).
Conclusion: Socio-economic factors had impacts on the spread and outbreak of COVID-19. The combination of different socio-economic indicators at different stages of the epidemic may help control the epidemic.