bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thyroid function and IVF outcome for different indications of subfertility
Authors: Repelaer van Driel-Delprat C C , van Dam E W C M , van de Ven P M , Aissa K , ter Haar M K , Feenstra Y , de Roos A , Beelen G , Schats R , Lambalk C B
Published: October 2021

Graphical Abstract

Studies evaluating pregnancy outcomes after assisted reproductive treatment (ART) in women with high-normal (2.5–4.5 mIU/L) thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are conflicting, possibly due to different patient charactistics and subfertility indications. The aim of this study was to examine the hypothesis that high-normal compared to low-normal TSH levels are associated with adverse implications for pregnancy outcomes in conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF)-treated women. Therefore, we analyzed retrospectively the characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of 949 subfertile women with TSH 0.3–4.5 mIU/L, treated with conventional IVF between January 2008 and March 2012. Demographic and baseline characteristics were compared between groups of patients based on TSH quartiles, using one-way Anova, Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA and chi-square test. Women with high-normal quartile TSH were significantly more likely to be primary subfertile (P = 0.01), with a higher prevalence of unexplained subfertility and with 15% fewer live births after IVF compared to lower TSH quartiles (P = 0.02). In secondary subfertile women with high-normal TSH, male factor subfertility prevailed (P = 0.01), with more live births (P = 0.01). When analyzing primary and secondary subfertile women as one group, these differences failed to be observed, showing no differences in cumulative pregnancy outcomes of IVF between TSH quartiles (I: 0.3–1.21 mIU/L; II: 1.22–1.68 mIU/L; III: 1.69–2.31 mIU/L; IV: 2.32–4.5 mIU/L). In conclusion, primary subfertile women predominate in the high-normal TSH quartile, associated with significantly fewer live births in a subgroup of primary unexplained subfertile women (9%; n  = 87/949), while in secondary subfertile women, dominated by male factor subfertility, high-normal TSH is associated with more live births.

Lay summary

Thyroid hormones are required for all cell processes in the body. An underactive thyroid gland, in which insufficient thyroid hormones are produced and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) rises, is associated with a lower chance of pregnancy. It is not yet clear above which TSH level, 4.5 or also 2.5 mIU/L, this lower probability occurs. Therefore, in 949 couples treated with conventional IVF, we examined whether high-normal TSH levels (TSH: 2.5–4.5 mIU/L) compared to low normal TSH levels (0.3–2.5 mIU/L) affect the live birth rate. We found that women who were trying to become pregnant for the first time, especially without any other cause, that is unexplained subfertility, were more likely to have higher TSH levels. These women had a much lower chance of having a baby compared to women with low-normal TSH levels.
Interaction Between Social Business Sustainability and Consumer PurchaseDecision: Conceptual Framework
Authors: Ulbinaitė Aurelija , Raštutytė Neringa
Published: October 2021

Due to the lack of research in social business sustainability development, it is necessary to investigate this problem, seeking community wellbeing. The goal of this paper is to elucidate the importance of sustainability development in relation to its different dimensions and the relationship between consumer perception and sustainability development. A systematic scientific literature analysis was performed. The results show that although sustainability is one of the main aspirations of companies, it is still difficult to achieve for effective transformation. The framework also reflects that sustainability is a particular change that has to be implemented over time, involving not only the business itself but also the surrounding environment (other systems). Furthermore, to achieve sustainable development it is essential to define which sustainability indicators will be selected, how they will be measured, and how the results will be tracked. A sustainable social business model must not be considered in isolation from its surrounding environment. Moreover, it is relevant to identify the public opinion, i.e., potential consumers, regarding effective sustainability development in order to get a more efficient result.
Interpretation of military power in the context of realism paradigm
Authors: Žotkevičiūtė Banevičienė Agnietė
Published: October 2021

The article seeks to reveal the possibilities of a theoretical interpretation of power in the broad sense and military power in the narrow sense in the context of the realism paradigm, with a deep focus on including intangible resources in the interpretation of power. In the article, the interpretation of power is consciously grounded on the synthesis of power as resources and power as relation perspectives meanwhile applying this synthesis to the analysis of military power. Thus, military power is perceived as covering not only material but also non-material resources and as being contextual in nature. The article forms assumptions that the interpretation of military power depends on the security environment perception of the political and military elite: by changing warfare concepts and force employment methods they introduce military innovations, while military doctrines are an instrument of power conversion – through them the security environment perception is imparted and the structure of military power is changed. Such an interpretation of military power, combining different insights based on the paradigm of realism, allows the formation of an alternative approach to the interpretation of military power.
Civil and criminal liability for damage caused by self–driving cars
Authors: Rimkutė Deimantė , Povylius Kristijonas
Published: October 2021

The article aims to analyse and assess whether the existing legal regulation in Lithuania is sufficient for application of civil and criminal liability for damage caused by fully self–driving cars. This hypothesis is confirmed by analysing the technical specifics of fully self–driving cars, the legal regulation of civil and criminal liability in Lithuania and the main theories of these types of liability.
National Education Policy 2020 – Mentoring of Faculty Members towards Excellence in Higher Education Institutions
Authors:   Department of Management Education, NITTTR, Bhopal – 462002, Madhya Pradesh, India, Gupta B. L. , Gupta Pratibha Bundela ,   IPER Institute of Management, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh-462026, India
Published: October 2021

A mentoring approach towards excellence is proposed in this paper. This approach should be followed to develop educational leaders and faculty members to prepare HEIs to build capacity and capability to implement the provisions of the national education policy (NEP) 2020. The approach includes designing the mentoring programme at the institute level, selection and orientation of mentors, selection and orientation of mentees, mentoring process, mentees and mentors’ outcomes, and ultimate outcomes of the mentoring programme-academic, research, and excellence. The authors have noted recommendations to make the mentoring programme successful.
Exercise Intervention for Academic Achievement Among Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Takehara Kenji , Togoobaatar Ganchimeg , Kikuchi Akihito , Lkhagvasuren Gundegmaa , Lkhagvasuren Altantsetseg , Aoki Ai , Fukuie Takemune , Shagdar Bat-Erdene , Suwabe Kazuya , Mikami Masashi , Mori Rintaro , Soya Hideaki
Published: October 2021

OBJECTIVES

Physical inactivity is an important health concern worldwide. In this study, we examined the effects of an exercise intervention on children’s academic achievement, cognitive function, physical fitness, and other health-related outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based cluster randomized controlled trial among 2301 fourth-grade students from 10 of 11 public primary schools in 1 district of Ulaanbaatar between February and December 2018. Schools were allocated to an intervention or control group with 5 schools each by using urban and mixed residential area stratified block randomization. The intervention group received a 3-minute high-intensity interval exercise program that included jumps, squats, and various steps implemented twice weekly over 10 weeks for 10 to 25 minutes per session. The control group received the usual physical education class. The primary outcome was academic achievement assessed by scores on the national examination. A linear mixed-effects model was applied. The difference between preintervention and post intervention was compared by least-squares means, estimated on the basis of the interaction of group, measurement time point, and school location. Only 1 statistician, responsible for the analysis, was blinded.

RESULTS

Of 2301 students, 2101 (1069 intervention; 1032 control) were included in the analysis. Intervention group members in an urban area showed an 8.36-point improvement (95% confidence interval: 6.06 to 10.66) in academic scores when compared with the control group, whereas those in a mixed residential area showed a 9.55-point improvement (95% confidence interval: 6.58 to 12.51). No intervention-associated injuries were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The exercise program significantly improved children’s academic achievement.
Sharp estimates of approximation of classes of differentiable functions by entire functions
Authors: Babenko V.F. , Gromov A.Yu.
Published: October 2021

In the paper, we find the sharp estimate of the best approximation, by entire functions of exponential type not greater than $\sigma$, for functions $f(x)$ from the class $W^r H^{\omega}$ such that $\lim\limits_{x \rightarrow -\infty} f(x) = \lim\limits_{x \rightarrow \infty} f(x) = 0$,$$A_{\sigma}(W^r H^{\omega}_0)_C = \frac{1}{\sigma^{r+1}} \int\limits_0^{\pi} \Phi_{\pi, r}(t)\omega'(t/\sigma)dt$$for $\sigma > 0$, $r = 1, 2, 3, \ldots$ and concave modulus of continuity.Also, we calculate the supremum$$\sup\limits_{\substack{f\in L^{(r)}\\f \ne const}} \frac{\sigma^r A_{\sigma}(f)_L}{\omega (f^{(r)}, \pi/\sigma)_L} = \frac{K_L}{2}$$
On widths of one class of periodic functions
Authors: Doronin V.G. , Ligun A.A.
Published: October 2021

In the paper, we have found the A.N. Kolmogorov's width of the class $W^r L^+_p$ ($r=1,2,\ldots$, $1 \leqslant p \leqslant \infty$) of all $2\pi$-periodic functions $f(x)$ whose $(r-1)$-th derivative $f^{(r-1)}(x)$ is absolutely continuous and $\| f^{(r)}_+ \|_p \leqslant 1$.
Extremal subspaces in the problem about widths of $H_{\omega}$ classes in the space of continuous functions of two variables
Authors: Khodak L.B.
Published: October 2021

In the paper, we have pointed out the conditions under which the subspaces of dimensionality $n^2$ ($n=2,3,\ldots$), extremal for $H_{\omega}$ classes of continuous functions of two variables, do not exist.
Estimation of deviation of continuous $2\pi$-periodic functions from corresponding trigonometric polynomials of S.N. Bernstein's type
Authors: Yatsenko N.Ya.
Published: October 2021

We have established the estimation of deviation of continuous $2\pi$-periodic function $f(x)$ from the trigonometric polynomial of S.N. Bernstein's type that corresponds to it, by the modulus of continuity of the function $f(x)$.
$L$-summability of series, associated with Fourier series
Authors: Kilberg Ye.M.
Published: October 2021

We obtain conditions of $L$-summability of series, associated with Fourier series.
Tauberian theorems in the case of absolute summability in degree $p$ of double series
Authors: Yarkovaia T.N.
Published: October 2021

We establish a Tauberian theorem in the case of absolute summability in degree $p$ of double series by matrix methods, give its application to Abel methods.
Canonical polynomials in the problem about the bend of circular plate of variable thickness
Authors: Bugrim O.V. , Sinaiskii Ye.S.
Published: October 2021

The problem about the bend of circular plate of variable thickness under specifically selected laws of rigidity change is reduced to the ordinary differential equation with variable coefficients of polynomial kind. The construction of the approximate solution of equation that satisfies boundary conditions is realized by means of canonical polynomials and $\tau$-method of Lantzosh.
Exploration of Pyramids with Equal Edges to Overcome Misconception
Authors: Chehlarova Toni
Published: October 2021

A misconception related to the use of a non-existent figure in a task is presented. An opportunity for research work related to this problem is presented. Computer models have been created to provide conditions for self-formulation of hypotheses related to the existence of an n-gonal pyramid with equal edges. The computer models are developed with dynamic GeoGebra software. Variants for manipulatives are indicated, an illustration is made with magnetic manipulatives. Ideas for using research results to create 3D printed models are described.
Effects of shorts, by-product of milling, on the chemical composition and quality properties of pasta
Authors: Aktaş K. , Levent H. , Yeşil S. , Adıgüzel E.
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of wheat shorts, a milling by-product, on some properties of pasta. For this purpose, wheat semolina was replaced with wheat shorts at 15, 30, and 45% levels in pasta formulation. Some physical, chemical, and sensory properties of pasta samples were evaluated and compared with control samples prepared with durum wheat semolina. As the concentrations of shorts increased in the pasta formulation, the brightness values decreased and the redness values increased. The ash, fat, total dietary fibre, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and mineral content increased with the use of shorts. The highest solid loss value (10.28%) was found in pasta samples containing 45% shorts. The addition of shorts up to 30% presented similar overall acceptability scores to control pasta samples. As a result, it was observed that as the shorts content of the samples increase, the nutritional value and the levels of some components that affect health positively, increase as well. So, the samples containing 30% shorts appear to be at forefront due to health effects and overall acceptability scores.
Ausencia de fe y validez del matrimonio: Fundamentación
Authors: Castro-Trapote Jorge
Published: October 2021

El artículo pretende esclarecer la incidencia que pueda tener la ausencia de fe y el contexto social respecto a la validez del matrimonio. La Comisión Teológica Internacional (CTI) propone una indirecta identificación entre intención matrimonial y fe personal, ve descartable la identidad entre vínculo conyugal y sacramento del matrimonio y opta por la eliminación del favor matrimonii cuando hay falta de fe. La perspectiva de la CTI resulta limitada por prescindir en su enfoque de las relaciones entre naturaleza y gracia, y de la consecuente circularidad entre el derecho divino natural y positivo. Las menciones a la recta intentio por el magisterio y la doctrina remiten a dos instancias humanas no suficientemente distinguidas: la que interviene en el consensus, y la ratio naturalis de la esencia humana, que es anterior y superior a la primera. El autor propone la noción de ratio naturalis como fundamento de la validez del matrimonio en ausencia de fe.
Ochrona zasobów natury i rodziny w perspektywie aksjologicznej
Authors:   prof. dr hab., Instytut Ekonomii i Finansów, Uniwersytet Rzeszowski, Polska, Woźniak Michał Gabriel
Published: October 2021

The author of the article assumes that the deposit of values is an important driving force of the will to discover the function of responsibility, to search ex ante for effective means of action for life in well-being and at the same time to be ethical, and therefore it cannot be ignored in solving human development risks, including ecological risk reduction. From an axiological perspective, the sense of economic efficiency, growth of business assets and competitiveness become evident if they is anchored in the coordination mechanisms, institutions, regulatory tools and action strategies that bring positive effects in well-being relating to the entire space of integrated development, including not only the economic, social, and natural, but also spiritual and human biology, political, knowledge, technological, and consumption spheres, respecting the synergies and entropies arising from the coupling between them. From this research perspective, reflections on the ethical foundations of education and upbringing for the respect of nature and the family are presented. They are preceded by the presentation of the most important concepts of constraints on development from the sphere of nature and the criticism of the promoted programmes of nature conservation. From these reflections, it was concluded that it is advisable to activate the mechanisms of bottom-up innovation pushing and enforcing pro-ecological strategies coherent with harmonised development in all spheres of human existence. It was also pointed out that there is a need to modernise human capital based on axiologically ordered goals, also using for this purpose the institutions of family and religion.
Rola funduszy UE w promowaniu inkluzji cyfrowej w polskich regionach
Authors:   dr hab., prof. UE, Katedra Międzynarodowych Stosunków Ekonomicznych, Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny w Katowicach, Polska, Dziembała Małgorzata
Published: October 2021

The digitalisation process implies many benefits for its active participants. However, some companies, individuals and social groups are excluded from this process, which leads to digital inequalities. The aim of the article is to evaluate Polish regions (NUTS 2) in terms of their digital inclusion and to indicate the importance of EU funds in supporting digital inclusion in Poland. It is claimed that the role of external financial support from EU funds is important in promoting digital inclusion in Polish regions. Support for ICT development is becoming very important in Poland and its regions. In the perspective of 2014–2020, an operational programme dedicated to promoting the development and use of ICT was developed: Digital Poland 2014–2020 Operational Programme. Also within the framework of regional operational programmes implemented in the regions of Poland, including Silesia, priorities or undertakings related to the support for ICT development were identified. This requires the implementation of a wide range of projects, from the improvement of access to the Internet, through the improvement of accessibility and quality of public e-services, to further development of digital competences. Without prompt actions in this regard, the problem of digital exclusion in Poland and its regions will further intensify.
Socjologia wiedzy społeczeństwa cyfrowego – „praca cyfrowa” a ideologia mediów społecznościowych
Authors:   Kolegium MISH, Uniwersytet Warszawski, Polska, Kozubowski Jan
Published: October 2021

The article presents the evolution of social media through the prism of the sociological theories of Joseph Schumpeter and Karl Mannheim. The methodology of the sociology of knowledge, which was described in the first part of the work, was used for the analysis. According to Mannheim and Schumpeter, innovation plays a key role in the evolution of human consciousness. Consciousness influences the shape of social existence – relations of production and division of labour. Innovation appears in history as a mental product, but it is used to reform the economic relations prevailing in a given period. The article combines the analysis of ideological content related to social media with the concept of creative destruction presented by Schumpeter. From an ideological perspective, we have seen a transformation from utopia to ideology in the history of social media. According to Mannheim’s historical dialectic scheme, utopian slogans, such as the demand for democracy, gratuity and fun, could not be realized under market conditions. They have become ideological postulates disguising the actual activities of media corporations. The economic innovation of ‘audience labour’ prevent them from being implemented. The theory of ‘digital labour’, which was formulated by Christian Fuchs, is based on the concept of ‘audience labour’: prosumers create data which is then ‘sold’ to advertisers. It is unpaid and voluntary work that is ‘monetized’ by targeted advertising. This new system determines, on the one hand, the success of such giants as Facebook, whose business model is based on advertisements, and, on the other hand, the destruction of more traditional types of the advertising, especially advertising in newspapers and magazines.
Sensibilization Spectrum in Preschool Children with Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Kashinskaya Tat'yana S. , Shahova Natal'ya V. , Lobanov Yurij F. , Bishevskaya Natal'ya K.
Published: October 2021

Background. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an allergodermathosis that is widespread in children and adult populations. Sensibilization to food allergens prevails in children of early age, and to airborne allergens in older age. Impairments of skin barrier lead to increase in Staphylococcus aureus colonization and finally aggravate the course of AD and the sensibilization level.

Objective. The aim of the study is to estimate the sensibilization spectrum in 3-6 years old children with AD and its correlation with severity.

Methods. It was cross sectional study with two independent cohorts of 3-6 years old children with and without (healthy) AD. Estimation of sensibilization spectrum and revealing of correlation with disease severity were performed.

Results. The study includes 106 children aged 4.4 ± 1.2 year (58.5% boys and 41.5% girls). Polysensibilization was revealed in 28.3% of children. According to our data: 3-6 years old children with AD most often had sensibilization to the cat epithelium (34.9%), cow's milk proteins (22.6%), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus mite (16.0%). Sensibilization to enterotoxins of Staphylococcus aureus was revealed in 7.5% children. We have recorded weak positive correlation between the AD severity and the level of specific IgE to airborne and food allergens. There was no statistically significant correlation between the AD severity and the level of specific IgE to Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins A and B. Conclusion. The most common sensibilization type among 3-6 years old children with AD was one to airborne allergens. Sensibilization to the cat epithelium prevails among airborne allergens, to the cow's milk proteins — among food allergens. The weak positive correlation between the AD severity and the level of specific IgE to airborne and food allergens was revealed. The weak negative correlation with the level of specific IgE to Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins A and B was revealed, thus the data was statistically insignificant.
The Use of Biotechnological Drugs in Pediatrics on the Example of Monoclonal Antibodies: Clinical Pharmacology View
Authors: Kolbin Alexey S. , Yemelyanova Liudmila I.
Published: October 2021

The article reviews monoclonal antibodies, its structure, classifications, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and adverse effects. There are examples for each section. Approaches to the research and criteria for drug selection in paediatrics are discussed in detail: the role of clinical trials, extrapolation and pharmacometrics. It has been shown that the differences in the pharmacokinetics of monoclonal antibodies between adults and children present due to the age-related characteristics of various physiological processes. The authors analyse such parameters as absorption, bioavailability, distribution, and elimination. The role of monoclonal antibodies immunogenicity in the structure of adverse effects in children is fully presented. Pharmacometrics is reviewed in the form of modelling and simulation in monoclonal antibodies dosing in paediatrics. It is important to consider the growth and development as “moving targets" in pediatrics regardless the principle of monoclonal antibodies dosage in children. The conclusions were made, and the guidelines were prepared based on the article results.
New Evidence on the Evolution of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Literature Review
Authors: Namazova-Baranova Leyla S. , Sadeqi Nilab , Efendieva Kamilla E.
Published: October 2021

This review presents new publicly available data on the evolution of COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, as well as on the Delta variant. The article also covers the issues of terminology and classification of already identified virus variants, vaccination efficacy, and the use monoclonal antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 virus and new Delta variant management. The authors of all analyzed publications consider the Delta variant as the most concerning in the present situation. It is noted, there is data (according to some publications) indicating its higher transmissibility, hospitalization risk, likely more severe disease course, low efficacy of vaccines after partial vaccination (e.g. one dose of vaccine). The article also considers issues related to children returning to sport activities after COVID-19.
Organization of Emergency Care for Children on the Outpatient Stage
Authors: Kozlova Elena M. , Novopoltseva Ekaterina G.
Published: October 2021

The article considers the principles of emergency care at the outpatient stage, clarifies the terms, and analyzes the regulatory framework. The example of anaphylactic shock and respiratory failure management shows the most crucial details of proper emergency room organization. The importance of continuous simulation training of nursing staff and outpatient doctors is emphasized.
A comparative gender study on participation and time utilization in community works in YSR Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Prasanna P. Laxmi , Mohapatra B. P.
Published: October 2021

The present study attempts to compare the participation and time utility pattern of farmer and farm women in community works. The investigation was conducted in YSR Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. Total 120 respondents selected from 10 randomly selected villages, out of 120 respondents 60 respondents were farmers, 60 respondents were farmwomen. Farmer and farm women were interviewed separately with pre structured interview schedule. Majority of farm women were middle aged, illiterates, landless labour, working as agriculture labour, falling under medium income level. Most of farmers were actively participated social rituals (93.3) and allotted more time to organizing village welfare activities (1.66) social awareness programmes and field trips and exhibitions. Farm women actively participated to SHG meetings (1.5). Farm women allotted very less time to field trips and exhibitions (0.3). The study has recommended need to empower and educate the farm women to participate in community management programmes by imparting knowledge.
Technological gap in adoption of recommended sericulture cultivation practices
Authors: Manohar K. N. , Belli R. B. , Gotyal S. H. , Chavan S. S.
Published: October 2021

The study was conducted in Vijayapur and Bagalkote districts of Northern Karnataka in 2019-20, which comes under non-traditional areas of sericulture. The sample size selected was 120 and the study revealed that 40.00 per cent of sericulture farmers belonged to high technological gap category. The major contributors in technological gap of sericulture production technology were soil pH management, disease control measures and chawki silkworm rearing methods. Keeping those above constraints to consideration the suitable policy implications by the government and with the suitable extension strategies it may be reduced and helped to improve sericulture status.
Yield and economics of blackgram crop effected by green manures and phosphorus levels in riceblackgram cropping sequence
Authors: Mrudhula K. Anny , Suneetha Y.
Published: October 2021

A field experiments was conducted during 2015 and 2016 to study the effect of green manures and phosphorus levels in blackgram crop at Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla. The experiment was conducted in split- split plot design on sandy clay loam soil with three main treatments three subtreatments to Kharif rice and three sub-sub treatments to Rabi crop. The treatments consisted of Dhaincha green manure crop, sunnhemp green manure crop and without green manure as main plot treatments and three phosphorus levels to rice crop comprising of 45 kg P2O5 ha-1, 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 and 75 kg P2O5 ha-1 as sub- plot treatments and are replicated thrice. The Rabi experiment was laid out on the same site in a split-split plot design without disturbing the soil for succeeding blackgram crop and each of the Kharif plot was divided into three sub-sub plots to receive three levels of phosphorus (No P, 50% RDP and 100% RDP) to each plot. Yield and economics of blackgram which received Dhaincha green manure incorporation with 75 kg P2O5 ha-1 to Kharif rice crop and 100% RDP to Rabi blackgram was recorded significantly higher and it was on a par with sunnhemp green manure incorporation with 75 kg P2O5 ha-1 to Kharif rice crop and 100% RDP to Rabi blackgram.
Knowledge and attitude of farmers towards soil health cards in Krishna district
Authors: Srilatha P. , Vani Ch. Srilatha
Published: October 2021

Soil testing is well recognized as a sound scientific tool to assess inherent power of soil to supply plant nutrients. Soil health card (soil test result) can be used to optimize the use of fertilizer in the integrated nutrient management (INM) system. It is essential to create maximum awareness among farmers about judicious use of chemical fertilizers and use of soil health cards. Ten farmers randomly selected from ten different villages that have availed soil testing technique with the total of 100 farmers. The data collect through personal interview method with the pre-tested schedule designed for the purpose. Majority of respondents had poor knowledge regarding soil testing practices but respondents with 45.00 mean per cent score had maximum knowledge regarding benefits of soil testing. While, maximum knowledge gap was observed in proper technique of sampling for horticultural crops. It was also observed that majority of farmers were in positive attitude (72%) with “Soil testing is necessary for better crop production”. Majority of the farmers (76%) did not agree with the statement that “Soil testing is wastage of time and money”. Half of the (50%) respondents expressed that expenditure of crop production decreases after soil testing. Sixty one (61) per cent adopters said that, “Soil testing is very long process”. Therefore, as per problem faced and suggested by the farmers more scientific and educational trainings and facilities are required to disseminate the technology at large.
Knowledge level of beneficiary farmers of ATMQIC regarding cultivation practices of Rabi crop demonstrations in Jaipur district of Rajasthan
Authors: Kumawat Pushpa , Nidhi
Published: October 2021

Agriculture Technology management Quality Improvement Center (ATMQIC)project of Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana was started in Shri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner to provide a ‘single window’system for farmers. Keeping in view the facts the study was conducted in three selected villages of Jaipur district of Rajasthan and 120 respondent farmers were selected from these three selected villages through proportional allocation to the size of the population.The knowledge of ATMQIC beneficiary farmers was measured and found that majority of respondents (74) of ATMQIC (61.67 %) belonged to middle level of knowledge categories, followed by high (15.83 %) and low ( 22.50%) knowledge categories of respondents of ATMQIC about rabi crop demonstrations. The Rabi crop wise findings of the study indicated that majority of respondents of ATMQIC were found to have adequate knowledge regarding cultivation techniques of Barley crop followed by wheat, mustard and fenugreek crops.
Automatic protray conveying and dibbling system towards development of automatic protray seeder for vegetable nursery
Authors: Rathinakumari A. Carolin , Kumaran G. Senthil
Published: October 2021

Quality and healthy seedling production is very important for successful vegetable cultivation. Recent days hybrid vegetable seedlings are raised in protrays under protected cultivation to ensure quality seedling production. Vegetable nursery raising is an upcoming successful entrepreneurship area. Growing media filled protrays are dibbled and seeded manually. This process is very tedious, labour intensive, time consuming and drudgery. Keeping this in view, an automatic protray conveying, dibbling and seeding system was designed and developed. The design and construction of automatic protray conveying and dibbling system is presented is this paper. The machine was designed suitable for 98 protray cell (Protray dimension : 530 x 275 mm and protray cavity matrix: 14 x 7 (lengthwise x widthwise) which is widely used for vegetable nursery raising. This system consisted of protray conveyor and indexing system, dibbling unit, penumatic systems, electronic controls and programmable logic controller (PLC). The main conveyor shaft was driven by a stepper motor and the stepper motor was driven by a micro-stepping drive with 3200 pulse/rev configuration. Each protray was detected by a sensor and indexed by determined distance pre-programed of PLC. The function of dibbling unit was to make 10 mm dia. x 10 mm deep depressions at the center of the each cell of the growing media filled protray. The dibbling unit was a set of conically shaped tubular pegs arranged in a common bar. The stroke of the operation was 30 mm and indenting was 10 mm deep. Proximity sensor of PNP type was used for the dead end limits of all motions and conveyor index. The sensors used were dibbling station home sensor, dibbling station lower sensor, main conveyor indexing sensor and tray detection sensor. The entire cycle was controlled by a logic programme and this synchronized the conveyor motion (position/inching) with the dibbling system. This machine was able to index the growing media protrays at the predetermined distance of 38.3 mm and to make uniform depth cavities. The dibbling capacity was found to be 300 protrays/h.
Effect of Al2O3 and CaF2 additives on the viscosity of conventional cryolite melts
Authors: Lyutina A. S. , Kataev A. A. , Rudenko A. V. , Tkacheva O. Yu.
Published: October 2021

The viscosity of cryolite melts of conventional composition NaF–AlF3–CaF2–Al2O3 was studied by rotational viscometry using the FRS 1600 high-temperature rheometer. The cryolite ratio of the NaF–AlF3 melt was 2.1, 2.3, and 2.5; the Al2O3 content varied from 2 to 6.6, and CaF2 – from 0 to 8 wt%. The measurements were carried out in the temperature range from liquidus to 1200 °C. The conditions for the laminar flow of the investigated melts were determined, based on the measurements of the cryolite melts viscosity as a function of the shear rate at a constant temperature. A shear rate of 12 ± 1 s–1 was chosen for studying the viscosity temperature dependence for all samples. The viscosity temperature dependence of cryolite melts is described by a linear equation. The temperature coefficient b in this equation has negative values and varies in the range of (–0.01)–(–0.06) mPa·s/deg. It was found that the viscosity of cryolite melts of conventional composition in the range of operating temperatures of aluminum electrolysis (950–970 °C) varies from 2.5 to 3.7 mPa·s (depending on the composition and temperature). The viscosity of cryolite-alumina melts increases with the rise of alumina content: 1 wt% Al2O3 increases the viscosity, on average, by 1%. However, the influence of CaF2 is more significant: the addition of 1 wt% CaF2 leads to an increase in viscosity by 3%. A decrease in the CR of the melt by 0.1 (in the range of 2.1–2.5) leads to a decrease in the viscosity of cryolite melts by 2.3%. A viscosity regression equation for the cryolite melts of conventional composition as a function of several independent parameters (temperature, CR, CaF2 and Al2O3 content) is obtained by the multivariable approximation of experimental data. The equation satisfactorily (within 1.5%) describes the viscosity of conventional industrial electrolytes and can be used for estimation of their viscosity.
A mineração extrativista em Minas Gerais: “ai, antes fosse mais leve a carga”
Authors: Bertollo Kathiuça
Published: October 2021

Resumo A América Latina figura historicamente como um continente saqueado e explorado, bem como suas gentes e seus bens naturais comuns, pelos países de capitalismo central. No atual cenário de dominação imperialista, a mineração extrativista é reconhecida como uma imprescindível atividade produtiva do capitalismo mundializado e do padrão exportador em vigência no continente latino-americano. Diante disso, este artigo busca explicitar e refletir sobre o contexto da mineração extrativista de minério de ferro em Minas Gerais, mais especificamente na região do quadrilátero ferrífero, dando ênfase aos recentes rompimentos criminosos das barragens de rejeitos, à superexploração da força de trabalho, à destruição ambiental e às resistências travadas pelas comunidades e populações direta e indiretamente atingidas e por demais sujeitos coletivos que assumem como pauta de luta o enfrentamento a esse modelo de mineração e às violências e violações que gera.
¿Ciencias malditas? Asiriología y Egiptología: metáforas coloniales, objetos y museos desde Sudamérica
Authors: SALEM LEILA , CABRERA RODRIGO
Published: October 2021

RESUMEN En el presente trabajo, se discute cómo la construcción de metáforas coloniales desde mediados del siglo XIX en Occidente favoreció la cimentación del nuevo orden imperialista que promovió la dominación política y económica de Asia y África, y, asimismo, el expolio de los objetos culturales pertenecientes a las sociedades nativas. Las metáforas coloniales no sólo tuvieron aceptación entre los miembros de la clase dominante, sino también entre quienes pertenecían a la intelectualidad del momento, sobre todo a partir de la gestación de los llamados Estudios del Próximo Oriente antiguo. Por otra parte, producto de la confiscación de los objetos culturales de las regiones sometidas, se conformaron los museos europeos y norteamericanos, cuyo modelo coleccionista fue emulado por las elites de Sudamérica.
Balanço hídrico de uma bacia hidrográfica localizada no oeste do estado do Paraná
Authors: Martinhago Denise , Marcolin Janaína Fernanda , Ramallo Priscila , Araújo Everton Coimbra de , Sandmann André , Tonin Paulo Cesar , Schutz Fabiana Costa de Araújo
Published: October 2021

RESUMO Balanço hídrico é uma análise realizada com base em estudos sobre as entradas e saídas de água de uma bacia hidrográfica, e que tem grande importância por identificar o regime hidrológico e as possibilidades de utilização da bacia. Neste trabalho foi realizado o balanço hídrico de uma secção de bacia hidrográfica localizada no oeste do Paraná, em uma área de plantio de eucaliptos para corte, obtendo-se também os valores para o escoamento superficial por meio do método racional.
A water permeability model of nano-reinforced cement pastes based on general effective media theory and multifractals
Authors: Gao Yuan , Jing Hongwen , Zhou Zefu , Shi Xinshuai , Zhao Zhenlong
Published: October 2021

A theoretical model to predict the water permeability of nano-reinforced cement pastes from the pore structure (including the pore size distribution, pore interconnection, porosity and microcracks) is presented. The model is based on the general effective media (GEM) theory and multifractals, considering both the bridging of microcracks and capillary pores and the filling of nano gel pores of cement pastes reinforced with nano-admixtures. To validate the model, water permeability experiments were conducted using a cementitious composite reinforced with graphene oxide and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The calculated results showed good agreement with the experimental measurements, with a decrease in the maximum error from 67.8% to 9.7% compared with the previously proposed GEM theory. Moreover, the theoretical calculations suggest that the reinforcing roles of nano-admixtures in cement paste to improve permeability-related properties may be mainly due to bridging effects in microcracks and capillary pores, rather than the filling of nano gel pores. The findings of this study enrich understanding of the mechanism of reinforcing cement-based materials with nano-admixtures. In addition, the permeability of cementitious composites can be measured directly, rather than the use if other using time-consuming methods.
Cement with high-volume limestone powder: effect of powder fineness on packing density, strength and hydration behaviour
Authors: Zhu Pengfei , Jiang Linhua , Chu Hongqiang , Yu Yi , Shi Yanran , Xu Ning , Liu Mingwei
Published: October 2021

The effects of limestone powder (LP) of different fineness on the packing density, strength and hydration behaviour of cement blended with a high volume of LP were studied using Vicat setting time tests, strength tests, isothermal calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy. Three different LP fineness values were examined and it was found that cement replacement by LP with the smallest median particle size produced the highest density. The compressive strength of the blended cement mortar increased with increasing LP fineness. The packing densities of the blended cement were used to infer the evolution of mechanical strength of the blended cement mortar. The addition of LP with a median particle size smaller than that of cement accelerated the hydration of cement in the acceleration period. Compared with LP with a median particle size smaller than that of cement, the production rate of nuclei of cement blended LP with a median particle size larger than that of cement decreased with increasing amounts of LP replacement, while the growth rate of nuclei increased with increasing amounts of LP replacement.
Ultrastructural changes of bovine tooth surfaces under erosion in presence of biomimetic hydroxyapatite
Authors: Fabritius-Vilpoux Kathia , Enax Joachim , Mayweg David , Meyer Frederic , Herbig Michael , Raabe Dierk , Fabritius Helge-Otto
Published: October 2021

Enamel and dentin are susceptible to acids from food sources leading to dental erosion, a global problem affecting millions of individuals. Particulate hydroxyapatite (HAP) on the tooth surface can influence the effects of acid attacks. Standardized bovine enamel and dentin samples with artificial saliva are used in an in vitro cyclic demineralization–remineralization protocol to analyze the structural changes experienced by tooth surfaces using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy and to evaluate the potential of a HAP-based oral care gel in the protection of teeth from erosive attacks. The interfaces between HAP particle and enamel HAP crystallites are investigated using focused ion beam preparation and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that erosion with phosphoric acid severely affects enamel crystallites and dentin tubules, while artificial saliva leads to remineralization effects. The HAP-gel forms a microscopic layer on both enamel and dentin surfaces. Upon acid exposure, this layer is sacrificed before the native tooth tissues are affected, leading to significantly lower degrees of demineralization compared to the controls. This demonstrates that the use of particulate HAP as a biomaterial in oral care formulations can help protect enamel and dentin surfaces from erosive attacks during meals using a simple and effective protection principle.
Discrete rotating links model for the non-linear torsion−shear behaviour of masonry joints
Authors: Pantò Bartolomeo , Casapulla Claudia , Caliò Ivo
Published: October 2021

The numerical modelling of the torsion behaviour of masonry block interfaces is a key aspect for the assessment of the out-of-plane response of masonry walls. Nevertheless, it still represents a challenging computational issue due to the high non-linear coupling between the torsion and other internal forces (shear, bending moment and axial load), which rigorously requires the adoption of complex three-dimensional non-linear constitutive laws. This paper originally introduces a simplified discrete inelastic interface able to simulate the non-linear torsion−shear behaviour of masonry contact joints, within the context of static incremental analysis. The more general mechanical behaviour of the interface is ruled by six degrees of freedom and is governed by four rotating links, whose actual orientation is updated during the step-by-step analysis, by taking into account the current position of the twisting centre of the interface. The incremental torsion−shear capacity curve and the corresponding ultimate domains obtained by the proposed model are compared with the ultimate load limit analysis predictions and with some experimental data available in the literature. The results highlight the ability of the new discrete interface to effectively reproduce the full non-linear behaviour of masonry contact interface subjected to different loading combinations.
The effective creation of social value in infrastructure delivery
Authors: Watts Greg , Higham Anthony , Abowen-Dake Rukaya
Published: October 2021

The need to create social value during the delivery of infrastructure projects is growing in importance. However, it can be argued that the initial expectations of stakeholders at the outset of projects are not being achieved once the project is delivered. At present, there is no consistent and widespread methodology for the successful delivery of social value outcomes. The problem therefore exists that despite infrastructure having the potential to play a transformative role in the creation of social value, current outcomes are arguably not as effective as they could be. The aim of this research is to understand how social value is currently created and delivered in gas infrastructure works. Through the use of five case studies of small community-based gas infrastructure projects that are part of a wider nationally significant network, the tensions at the heart of social value delivery are revealed. How the social value agenda moves through project stages is revealed as key to minimising social value barriers and ensuring successful social value delivery. The results serve as important lessons for ensuring infrastructure projects effectively create and deliver desired social value outcomes.
Using effective medium theory to calculate permeability of rock with complex fractures
Authors: Hosseini Mostafa , Baghbanan Alireza , Seifabad Masoud Cheraghi
Published: October 2021

Dewatering in surface and underground mining is highly dependent on the permeability of fractured rocks, which is usually investigated by analytical and numerical methods. Analytical methods are used for simple, regular joint systems, while for complicated discrete fracture networks, numerical methods are more suitable. However, such numerical simulations demand considerable computation resources and are time-consuming for large-scale models. An attractive approach is to perform a rough mapping of the fractures into a lattice to apply effective medium theory. A computational code based on effective medium theory for calculating the overall permeability of fracture networks was developed. Several stochastic discrete fracture network models were generated with the fracture aperture distributed uniformly, correlated and uncorrelated with fracture trace length. The results showed that when the aperture was correlated or uncorrelated with trace length, the calculated mean permeability values by the effective medium theory method agreed well with numerical modelling. Also, approximated representative elementary volume was well fitted by numerical methods in the constant fracture aperture case. However, the calculated representative elementary volume by the effective medium theory method was smaller than the numerical estimation in the other two cases.