bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical Assessment of Socio-Intercultural Entrepreneurship
Authors: Vargas-Hernández José G.
Published: September 2021

This chapter aims to elaborate a critical assessment of socio-intercultural entrepreneurship based on the analysis of a case on a postgraduate program in economics and international business. The study is supported on the assumption that culture is a platform for the socio-cultural entrepreneurial. The research methodology employed is the exploratory and analytical instruments based on the literature review and the transference of findings to a specific case on a postgraduate program in economics and international business at Mexico´s Autonomous Indigenous University.
Impact of Restructuring on Employee Productivity Amidst COVID-19 in Pakistan
Authors: Laghari Faria Khan , Agha Awais Ali , Rehman Obaidur , Aijaz Iqra , Asghar Sharoze Ali
Published: September 2021

The chapter examines the manner in which COVID-19 is affecting employee productivity given to the global organizational restructuring. This chapter focuses on the general impact it has had on organizations, particularly SMEs in Karachi, Pakistan. A review of the current literature indicates organizations have been constrained into projects of quick and revolutionary change. In basically all cases, there will be further significant changes ahead for those organizations that endure the impact of COVID-19. This study quantitatively tests the link between organizational restructuring and the impact it holds on employee productivity. This is done through questionnaires being distributed amongst the sample of employees working at different FMCG companies going through organizational restructuring. The expected findings suggest that employee output has decreased as there has been a drastic work environment shift; they are not as motivated and focused working from home as compared to the formal work setup they've been working in for years.
International Law and Cyberoperations
Authors: Smuclerova Martina
Published: September 2021

Foreign cyberattacks and interferences are becoming more frequent and sophisticated. In the continued absence of a general consensus regarding the applicability of concrete international legal rules in the domain of cybersecurity, individual States are beginning to determine unilaterally their national positions. The article introduces and critically assesses the national strategy of France published in late 2019 in light of current international law and further developments in 2020. France confirms the validity of current international legal norms and raises challenging and innovative legal points for an efficient update such as the right to respond to any unlawful cyberoperation that targets France, right to preemptive self-defence, and violation of the due diligence principle. The mission of the article is to evaluate the document as an important source of impetus and the potential of its impact in international law of cybersecurity.
Design and Development of Customer Relationship Management Recommendations by Clustering and Profiling of Customers Using RFM
Authors: Manikandan K. , Niveditha V. R.  , Sudha K.  , Magesh S.  , Radha Rammohan S.
Published: September 2021

RFM (recency, frequency, monetary) examination is a method to perceive high-response customers in promoting progressions and to improve general response rates, which is remarkable and is comprehensively associated today. Less extensively understood is the estimation of applying RFM scoring to a customer database and evaluating customer advantage. A customer who has passed by an e-keeping cash site recently (R) and frequently (F) and influenced a huge amount of monetary to esteem (M) through portion and standing solicitations is presumably going to visit and make portions yet again. After appraisal of the customer's lead using specific RFM criteria, the RFM score is related to the bank excitement, with a high RFM score being more important to the bank by and by and later on.
Risks of Introducing E-Governance Into Strategic Management Systems of Russian Companies in the Context of the Pandemic
Authors: Khachaturyan Mikhail , Klicheva Evgeniia
Published: September 2021

With accelerated development of information and communication technology, information has acquired the status of the most accessible and, at the same time, the most valuable resource. E-governance systems are among the main forms of introducing digital technologies into Russian companies' strategic management systems in the context of the pandemic. In this regard, one of the key performance factors when introducing such systems is providing them with management tools of both traditional risks affecting the company's operations and new types of digital risks associated with the specifics of electronic governance. In this paper, the authors intend to reveal the main features of how such new risk factors influence the logic and functional processes of the Russian companies' strategic management systems in the context of the pandemic. The paper presents the authors' description of new types of risks associated with introducing e-governance into strategic management systems.
Proposing an M-Government Framework for the Ministry of Housing in Oman
Authors: Alwahaibi Yahya Ahmed , Ariffin Shamsul Arrieya , Garfan Salem , Saad Aslina binti , Dharmalingam Ramalingam
Published: September 2021

In the dynamic world of technology, changes and transformations have emerged rapidly in recent years. Service providers such as government departments transformed their services from e-government to m-government for widespread customer reach. However, several issues existed that were obstructing the implementation of such a system by the Ministry of Housing in Oman, especially in rural areas. This study proposes a novel framework based on the fuzzy delphi and TOPSIS models to provide digital literacy and services. This framework considered the variables extracted from previous studies. Furthermore, a survey was conducted on 20 experts to determine the accepted variables. Thirty-five pre-service engineers evaluated the questionnaires using TOPSIS to determine the skills of pre-service engineers based on delphi criteria outcomes. The conceptual framework developed from the accepted results uses 11 different variables based on the TAM model. The study benefits the stakeholders in the area of m-government development.
Perspectives for Potential Therapies for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Saxena Preeti Suman , Singh Kirti , Jangir Poonam , Tripathi Manish Nath , Singh Vimal , Yadav Umakant , Srivastava Anchal
Published: September 2021

The current pandemic, novel corona virus 19 disease (COVID-19), has created havoc across the world. Now a third wave is possible, and we have already crossed two waves. The current review article presents recent reports about the COVID-19, the ways of treatments, and prevention. In view of the potential threats of a pandemic, various scientists have been trying to understand the pathophysiology of this disease to uncover possible treatment regimens and discover effective therapeutic agents and vaccines. To add further information to support the ongoing current research and development against SARS-CoV-2, the authors have provided the basics of pathophysiology, possible targets, and current treatment strategy for corona viruses. The current review highlights the antiviral strategies involving small molecules and different biological targets involved in corona virus infection and replication. The information included in this article provides a strong intellectual foundation for the ongoing development of therapeutic agents and vaccines.
Delivering Brown-Field Projects in the Petrochemical Industry
Authors: Malik Mohammed Shafique
Published: September 2021

This article discusses the challenges faced in petrochemical industry during planning and execution of brown-field projects. Although the list of the challenges is not exhaustive, it covers the frequently encountered challenges. Along with the challenges, their solutions have been recommended based upon personal experience. This article can serve as practical guide for those responsible for management of brown-field projects in petrochemical, fertilizer, oil and gas, or other similar industries.
A Hybrid Methodology for Dental Hospital Quality Performance Gap Using HOQ and Process Analysis
Authors: Ahmed Shamsuddin
Published: September 2021

A hybrid methodology is described to identify a quality gap in a dental hospital. The research case study illustrates how to implement quality improvement in a real-life context. A combination of an ethnographic, narrative, and phenomenological approach in data collection and observations within the dental hospital validates the case findings. A unique method based on systems study and Taguchi loss function is shown to reduce the service quality gap in a dental hospital. A house of quality (HOQ) combines the correlation between “patient's expectations” and the hospital's “technical” characteristics. The correlation between service quality and technical characteristics measures a patient's expectations gap. Factor analysis helps to group service and technical factors for better patient management. A strategy map correlation analysis is generated to manage the quality gap. The correlation analysis between patient expectations and the hospital's technical characteristics identify areas of immediate attention.
An Investigation on Consumer Switching Behavior in an Asian Telecommunication Market
Authors: Bhattacharyya Jishnu , Kundu Soumyadeep , Dash Manoj Kumar , Dolhey Shivam
Published: September 2021

The paper investigates the determinants of consumer switching behavior in the Indian telecom industry, overcoming the scarcity of research from emerging economies. The study collected data using a questionnaire instrument directly from the customers and was selected through purposive sampling. Binomial probit regression technique was used for modeling purposes. The study concludes that the critical services, service specification, loyalty, and user engagement-related factors influence customer churn. The study specified the key sub-factors directly influencing these four factors. The findings are presented as a set of four different models. The article is the first exploration of the idea of proposing function-specific models and the use of purposive sampling. The study attempts to provide models that are convenient to administer, require specific data, specific to functional area, economic data collection, and may be used based on the context of an investigation. The paper suggests how to perform a convenient investigation using a small dataset.
Lean Six Sigma in Finance and Accounting Services for Enhancing Business Performance
Authors: Madhani Pankaj M.
Published: September 2021

The evolution of Lean Six Sigma includes both the speed of Lean and the robustness of Six Sigma. Lean Six Sigma leads to greater efficiency and better quality in the finance and accounting process. Lean Six Sigma helps in solving various issues faced by finance and accounting processes. Applying the principles and discipline of Lean Six Sigma in finance and accounting provides the tools and discipline to strengthen the internal control environment while at the same time ensuring that the information flows are efficient. Lean Six Sigma is the predominant process management methodology for finance and accounting services as it is rapidly transforming how finance and accounting functions are managed. Research provides a set of guidelines in the form of the smooth deployment of Lean Six Sigma in finance and accounting services and develops various frameworks for emphasizing its operational, tactical, and strategic benefits. Research also provides various illustrations of successful Lean Six Sigma deployment in finance and accounting.
The Effect of Quantum Confinement on Optical Properties of CdSe Quantum Dots at Room Temperature
Authors: Hammad Roaa Sh. , Abdul-Ameer Nidhal M.
Published: September 2021

CdSe quantum dots possess a tuning energy gap which can control gap values according to the size of the quantum dots, this is made the material able to absorb the wavelengths within visible light. A simple model is provided for the absorption coefficient, optical properties, and optical constants for CdSe quantum dots from the size 10nm to 1nm with the range of visible region between (300-730) nm at room temperature. It turns out that there is an absorption threshold for each wavelength, CdSe quantum dots begin to absorb the visible spectrum of 1.4 nm at room temperature for a wavelength of 300 nm. It has been noted that; when the wavelength is increased, the absorption threshold also increases. This applies to the optical properties and optical constants, where their values start to change from the threshold at 1.4 nm. The obtained results indicate that the range of the absorption coefficient can cover the ultraviolet, visible and to the infrared region when the quantum sizes are relatively large ( the size  9 nm), while the small sizes give small ranges of it, as only the ultraviolet region (the size = 1.4 nm) or part of the visible region ( the size > 1.4 nm ). What resulted from this difference in the results of the absorption coefficient, had a significant impact on the optical properties. Although the material has high transmittance ( reach more 75%), it is considered to have low absorbance ( less than 0.01%), at the same time the reflectivity had been valued between ( 14% to 22%) according to of size dot. The optical conductivity is proportional to quantum dot size, where an increase of it depends on the increasing of quantum dot size. It was also found that the real part of the dielectric constant is much greater than the imaginary part values, this is an indication that; the numbers of polarized charges towards the electric field were much greater than the polarized charges opposite to the direction of the field. It is worth noting that the behaviour of the refractive index is similar to the real part, while the extinction index resembles that of the imaginary part.
Level Density of the Pre Compound Nucleus Calculations for [28  60Ni], [28 58Ni], Using Exciton Model
Authors: Idrees Maha Taha
Published: September 2021

The level density for the pre compound [28 60Ni],[2858Ni], at certain exciton number, are calculated for one &two component system based on Ericson's formula. The Pauli, Slight and Pairing correction are examined with the behavior of the level density for one & two components. The particle – hole state density has been calculated by means of the energy dependence of excited number in [28 60Ni], [2858Ni]. The present results are compared between one &two component with Pauli, Slight and Pairing correction. The Pairing correction has a major effect in the present calculations. Keyword: level density, Exciton model, [28 60Ni],[2858Ni], , Formula ESM.
Study Design and Development Gas Sensor Technology for Motor Vehicle Exhaust Emissions
Authors: Widodo Slamet
Published: September 2021

Metal oxide-based gas sensors, have been used in the detection of gaseous pollutants emitted from motor vehicles, such as CO, SO2, NH3, NOx, hydrocarbons (HC) etc. However, the problems that up to now are still faced by the metal oxide-based sensors are reviews their low sensitivity, low selectivity and lack of stability. Therefore, it is difficult, to the make such an accurate metal oxide-based sensor and stable over a long period of time. In this short review, it will be described the state-of-the-art technology, design and fabrication methods and various techniques that can be applied to improve the performance of metal oxide-based sensors. Keywords: gaseous pollutants, the motor vehicle emission, gas sensors, metal oxide
Optical Absorption and Photoconversion Characteristics of WO3 Nanofiber Photoanodes Prepared by Electrospinning with Different Calcination Temperatures
Authors: Bojarus Ratchaneekorn , Yuangkaew Tienthong , Thammabut Thawach , Horprathum Mati , Jaroenapibal Papot , Triroj Napat
Published: September 2021

This study aims to synthesize and examine the optical and photoelectrochemical properties of tungsten oxide (WO3) nanofibers prepared by electrospinning and calcination using different temperatures (500, 700, and 900 °C). The electrospinning solution contained a mixture of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, 7.5% w/v) and ammonium metatungstate hydrate (AMH, 16.7% w/v). The morphology of WO3 nanofibers was observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The absorbance of calcined WO3 nanofibers was measured, and the data was used to calculate the optical band gap energy (Eg) through Tauc’s relation. The of calcined WO3 nanofibers were found to be from 2.85 to 3.08 eV. The minimum value of was obtained from the sample calcined at 900 °C. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) was employed in the photocurrent measurements under simulated AM 1.5G at 100 mW/cm2 irradiance. The WO3 nanofiber photoanode calcined at 900 °C exhibited the maximum photoconversion efficiency (PCE) of 1.53%, a twice enhancement in PCE compared with those obtained from WO3 nanofibers calcined at lower temperatures. This study suggests the potential pathway for the optimal synthesis of high performance nanostructured metal oxide electrodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting.
Value-Added Utilization of Banana Peel (Musa acuminata): Adsorption Fatty Acid and Extending the Life of Activated Carbon
Authors: Rengga Wara Dyah Pita , Triwibowo Bayu , Putra Jovian Triyana , Nugroho Ardi , Kadarwati Sri , Subiyanto Subiyanto
Published: September 2021

Cooking oil saturation due to frequent use for frying will result in a higher fatty acid content. Activated carbon made from the banana peel (Musa acuminata) with micro-mesoporous specifications can absorb free fatty acids. Banana peels are pyrolyzed into charcoal then activated alkaline at a temperature of 650°C. Then the activated carbon is washed and mashed to obtain activated carbon powder as an adsorbent by batch. FTIR carried out adsorption analysis on cooking oil to reduce carboxylic acid in used cooking oil. The regeneration process is carried out using surfactants to save on the use of necessary materials so that they need to be recycled. The experimental results based on isothermic equilibrium show that the Freundlich model can describe the adsorption process well at 28°C with a maximum adsorption capacity of 10 mg/g. The lifespan of activated carbon can only be extended once regeneration, reaching an adsorption capacity of 65% of fresh activated carbon's ability.
Fabrication and Measurement of Flexible Polymer Aerogel and Factors Affecting its Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Wang Jia Zhen , Du Jing , Wang Yun Bo
Published: September 2021

Silica aerogels are the most widely studied type of aerogel. However, its application still suffers from low mechanical strength and high production cost. The paper studies the use of recyclable PVC as the backbone material of the aerogel and introduces an economically friendly fabrication process of flexible PVC aerogel using sol-gel technique and ambient drying instead of the CO2 critical drying. Three different types of PVC powder with the molecule weight of 43000, 48000, and 80000 respectively are chosen and dissolved in DMF in five different concentrations-0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 g (mL)-1. The lowest thermal conductivity of the aerogel is measured using hot-wire method as 0.0323W(m*K)-1, which is made of PVC with molecule weight of 80000 in a concentration of 0.4g (mL)-1. The analysis based on SEM pictures shows that PVC type and concentration would greatly influence aerogel’s structure thus affecting its thermal conductivity. The optimal solution for producing low thermal conductivity aerogel is to use PVC powder with low molecule weight with a concentration between 0.2 and 0.6 g (mL)-1.
Mild Reaction of Highly-Oriented Collagen Fibril Arrays with Simulated Body Fluid
Authors: Chai Ya Dong , Liu Zi Zhen , Noda Daichi , Tagaya Motohiro
Published: September 2021

The highly-oriented collagen fibrils that paralleled to one (rubbing) direction were fabricated by which the collagen molecular solution was spin-coated and self-assembled on the rubbed polyimide film. Subsequently, the hydroxyapatite crystals were precipitated on the collagen fibrils by immersing into simulated body fluid. In details, the carboxyl groups on the collagen fibrils were used as a reaction field for adsorption of Ca2+ ions and promoted the formation of hydroxyapatite crystals. As a result, the hydroxyapatite crystals grew along the a-axis leading to the formation of stable interfaces between hydroxyapatite crystals and collagen fibrils. Moreover, the oriented collagen fibril arrays were more useful for the nucleation and growth of hydroxyapatite. Therefore, we successfully fabricated the highly-oriented collagen fibril arrays which were useful for the precipitation of hydroxyapatite crystals.
Studying the Influence of Dressing Parameters on the Surface Roughness when Conducting the External Grinding of SKD11 Steel
Authors: Giang Tran Ngoc , Bui Khac Khanh , Dang Quoc Cuong , Nguyen Dinh Ngoc , Hoang Xuan Tu , Pi Vu Ngoc
Published: September 2021

This study presents the results of a study on multi-objective optimization of internal cylindrical grinding of hardened SKD11 steel in order to find one objective function which satisfy minimum surface roughness, Ra. By this procedure, an optimum set of dressing parameters such as coarse dressing depth, number of coarse dressing, fine dressing depth, number of fine dressing, non-feeding dressing, and dressing feed speed will be found. Taguchi design methodology is accepted to find the optimum set of dressing parameters which can lead a condition of objective function as above mentioned. ANOVA is conducted based on experimental results to find the significance of each input parameter on the responses. The results reveal that the optimum value of surface roughness is 0.111 μm when using the optimum dressing parameters such as fine dressing depth at level of 2, number of fine dressing at level of 3, number of non-feeding dressing at level of 4, number of coarse dressing at level of 3, coarse dressing depth at level of 2, and dressing feed rate at level of 1.
Influence of Force Chains Behaviors on Strength of Al/W/PTFE Granular Composite
Authors: Tang Le , Hu Die , Zhou Sheng , Ge Chao , Wang Hai Fu , Liu Juan
Published: September 2021

Mesoscale simulation is conducted to investigate the effect of force chains between metal particles on the mechanical behavior of aluminum-tungsten-polytetrafluoroethylene (Al/W/PTFE) granular composite under a strain-controlled loading. A two-dimensional model followed the random distribution of particles is developed. Dynamic simulations are performed with variations in the size of Al particles to reveal the strength and fracture mechanisms of the composites. The results indicate that, force chains governed by the number and the size of metal particles significantly affects the global compressive response and macro-cracks propagation. The stability and reconstruction of mesoscale force chains explain the phenomenon that a higher strength is observed in the material with fine Al particles. Combined with the angle between particles, we examine the properties of force chains and the network as they evolve during the course of the deformation. Findings indicate that reactive composites tend to produce shorter chains, and straighter force chains with a smaller force angle result in a macroscopically stronger granular material.
IL-6 Signaling Protects Zebrafish Larvae during Staphylococcus epidermidis Infection in a Bath Immersion Model
Authors: Dhanagovind P Thamarasseri , Kujur Prabeer K , Swain Rajeeb K , Banerjee Sanjita
Published: September 2021

The host immune responses to Staphylococcus epidermidis, a frequent cause of nosocomial infections, are not well understood. We have established a bath immersion model of this infection in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae. Macrophages play a primary role in the host immune response and are involved in clearance of infection in the larvae. S. epidermidis infection results in upregulation of tlr-2. There is marked inflammation characterized by heightened NF-κB signaling and elevation of several proinflammatory cytokines. There is rapid upregulation of il-1b and tnf-a transcripts, whereas an increase in il-6 levels is relatively more delayed. The IL-6 signaling pathway is further amplified by elevation of IL-6 signal transducer (il-6st) levels, which negatively correlates with miRNA dre-miR-142a-5p. Enhanced IL-6 signaling is protective to the host in this model as inhibition of the signaling pathway resulted in increased mortality upon S. epidermidis infection. Our study describes the host immune responses to S. epidermidis infection, establishes the importance of IL-6 signaling, and identifies a potential role of miR-142-5p–il-6st interaction in this infection model.
Theraband Applications for Improved Upper Extremity Wall-Slide Exercises
Authors: Uysal Özgün , Akoğlu Abdullah Sinan , Kara Dilara , Sezik Atilla Çağatay , Çalık Mahmut , Düzgün İrem
Published: September 2021

Context

The wall-slide exercise is commonly used in clinic and research settings. Theraband positioning variations for hip exercises have been investigated and used, but Theraband positioning variations for upper extremity wall-slide exercises, although not commonly used, have not been examined.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of different Theraband positions (elbow and wrist) on the activation of the scapular and shoulder muscles in wall-slide exercises and compare these variations with each other and with regular wall-slide exercises for the upper limbs.

Design

Descriptive laboratory study.

Setting

University laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants

A total of 20 participants (age = 23.8 ± 3 years, height = 176.5 ± 8.14 cm, mass = 75.3 ± 12.03 kg, body mass index = 24.23 ± 4.03) with healthy shoulders.

Intervention(s)

Participants performed wall-slide exercises (regular and 2 variations: Theraband at the elbow and Theraband at the wrist) in randomized order.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Surface electromyographic activity of the trapezius (upper trapezius [UT], middle trapezius [MT], and lower trapezius [LT]), infraspinatus, middle deltoid (MD), and serratus anterior (SA) muscles.

Results

Regular wall-slide exercises elicited low activity in the MD and moderate activity in the SA muscles (32% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC] in the SA), whereas the Theraband-at-elbow and Theraband-at-wrist variations elicited low activity in the MT, LT, infraspinatus, and MD muscles and moderate activity in the SA muscle (46% and 34% of MVIC in the SA, respectively). The UT activation was absent to minimal (classified as 0% to 15% of MVIC) in all wall-slide exercise variations. The Theraband-at-wrist variation produced lower UT:MT, UT:LT, and UT:SA levels compared with the regular wall-slide exercise and Theraband-at-elbow variation.

Conclusions

In shoulder rehabilitation, clinicians desiring to activate the scapular stabilization muscles should consider using the Theraband-at-wrist variation. Those seeking more shoulder-abduction activation and less scapular stabilization should consider using the Theraband-at-elbow variation of the upper extremity wall-slide exercise.
Biosynthesis and characterization of a novel penicillium janthinellum Biourge L-asparaginase as a diverse biological activities agent
Authors: Abo-Stait Hanan M. , Easa Saadia M. , Abu Zahra Fatma A. , Hassan Amira A. , Ismail Abdel-Mohsen S.
Published: September 2021

Background and objectives

L-asparaginase (L-ASP) is a therapeutic enzyme used in the treatment of certain human cancers, especially acute lymphoblastic leukemia, as a chemotherapeutic agent. Other than as an anticancer agent, it has many applications, including in the treatment of autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, and antibacterial activity. Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes are very effective producers and a better source of L-ASP because they can be easily cultivated, and it is also easy to extract and purify L-ASP. The aim of this study is to formulate the production medium and to pinpoint the proper growth conditions for the chosen microorganism producing highly active L-ASP enzyme. The general properties of the crude L-ASP enzyme preparation were also determined to define the proper conditions for enzyme action. Under the specified conditions, the opportunity of the crude L-ASP enzyme for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities was determined.

Materials and methods

Eight recommended microbial isolates were screened for biologically active L-ASP enzyme productivity. Optimization of the cultural conditions for extracellular L-ASP production and also the important properties of the crude L-ASP were duly pinpointed. Finally, biological activities of the crude enzyme were explored.

Results and conclusion

Among all the screened organisms, the fungal strain Penicillium janthinellum Biourge was the most potent producer of an influential L-ASP enzyme. The maximum L-ASP activity of 17.85±0.579 U/reaction was obtained from medium containing glucose 0.2% (w/v) and L-asparagine 1% (w/v) at 30°C and pH 6.2. The important properties of the crude P. janthinellum Biourge L-ASP were duly pinpointed as follows: optimum enzyme and substrate concentrations were 1 mg/ml and 1% (w/v), respectively, and optimum reaction pH and temperature were 10.7 and 45°C, respectively. Under the specified conditions, at varying concentrations, the enzyme preparation exhibited considerable 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity accompanied with nonantimicrobial activity, and this pointed out the necessity of partial purification of the crude fungal enzyme for further studies.
Constrained percolation in two dimensions
Authors: Holroyd Alexander E. , Li Zhongyang
Published: September 2021

We prove absence of infinite clusters and contours in a class of critical constrained percolation models on the square lattice. The percolation configuration is assumed to satisfy certain hard local constraints, but only weak symmetry and ergodicity conditions are imposed on its law. The proofs use new combinatorial techniques exploiting planar duality.

Applications include absence of infinite clusters of diagonal edges for critical dimer models on the square-octagon lattice, as well as absence of infinite contours and infinite clusters for critical XOR Ising models on the square grid. We also prove that there exists at most one infinite contour for high-temperature XOR Ising models, and no infinite contour for low-temperature XOR Ising model.
Identification of a Novel Antigen for Serological Diagnosis of Scrub Typhus
Authors: Kim Wooyoung , Lee Sang-Yeop , Kim Seung Il , Sohng In-Kook , Park Sun Cheol , Jun Sangmi , Lee Chang-Seop , Kim Hye-Yeon , Park Edmond Changkyun
Published: September 2021

Scrub typhus is an acute infectious disease caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi, which is widely distributed in northern, southern, and eastern Asia. Early diagnosis is essential because the average case fatality rate is usually >10% but can be as high as 45% if antimicrobial treatment is delayed. Although an O. tsutsugamushi 56-kDa type-specific antigen (TSA) is commonly used for serological diagnosis of scrub typhus, the 56-kDa TSA shows variations among O. tsutsugamushi strains, which may lead to poor diagnostic results. Therefore, the discovery of new antigenic proteins may improve diagnostic accuracy. In this study, we identified an O. tsutsugamushi 27 kDa antigen through an immunoinformatic approach and verified its diagnostic potential using patient samples. Compared with the O. tsutsugamushi 56-kDa antigen, the new 27-kDa antigen showed better diagnostic specificity with similar diagnostic sensitivity. Therefore, the O. tsutsugamushi 27-kDa antigen shows potential as a novel serological diagnostic antigen for scrub typhus, providing higher diagnostic accuracy for O. tsutsugamushi than the 56-kDa antigen.
Inhomogeneous Airy’s and Generalized Airy’s Equations with Initial and Bounday Conditions
Authors: Hamdan M.H. , Alzahrani S.M. , Zaytoon M.S. Abu , Dajani S. Jayyousi
Published: September 2021

Inhomogeneous Airy’s and Generalized Airy’s equations with initial and boundary date are considered in this work. Solutions are obtained for constant and variable forcing functions, and general solutions are expressed in terms of Standard and Generalized Nield-Kuznetsov functions of the first- and second-kinds. Series representations of these functions and their efficient computation methodologies are presented with examples.
Systematic Structural and Optical Characterization of TiO2 Nanofibers Synthesised by Electrospinning
Authors: Secundino-Sánchez Oscar , Sánchez-Ramírez José F. , Diaz -Reyes Joel
Published: September 2021

TiO2 nanofibers were synthesised by means of the electrospinning technique, which were annealed at high temperatures to achieve the crystalline phase transformation. The chemical stoichiometry of electrospun TiO2 nanofibers was estimated by EDS, finding that at low annealing temperatures excess of oxygen was detected and at high temperatures excess of titanium that originates oxygen vacancies. TEM images show clearly the formation of TiO2 nanofibers (NF’s) that exhibit a homogeneous and continuous aspect without the presence of crystalline defects, whose surface morphology depends strongly on the annealing temperature. The crystalline phase transformation was studied by Raman spectroscopy, which revealed that annealed TiO2 NF’s showed a crystalline phase transformation from pure anatase to, first a mix of anatase-rutile, then pure rutile as the annealing temperature increased, which was corroborated by X-ray diffraction and high-resolution TEM diffraction. The average grain size, inside the NF´s, increased with the crystalline phase transformation from 10 to 24 nm for anatase-TiO2 and from 30 to 47 nm for rutile-TiO2, estimated by using the Scherrer-Debye equation. The band gap energy (Eg), obtained from optical absorption spectra, decreases monotonically, where a local minimum is observed at 700 °C ranged in 3.75 ≤ Eg ≤ 2.42 eV, caused by the anatase → rutile crystalline phase transformation. The photoluminescence shows that radiative bands show a gradual red-shift as the temperature increases due to the continuous change of Eg.
Disability Sensitivity and Sensibility: A Nondisabled Lecturer Perspective on Inclusive Lecturing Opportunities
Authors: Makwembere Sandra
Published: September 2021

Disability is a social force that arguably creates more education problems for students with disabilities than their impairments. Understanding it as a form of social oppression can lead to less exclusionary teaching and learning attitudes, beliefs, expectations and practices. Numerous studies have looked at the experiences of staff and students with disabilities as well as the experiences of teaching students with disabilities. However, more studies are needed to better understand and address disability in higher education. Nondisabled perspectives have a role to play in opposing disabling educational practices and cultures to make higher education more inclusive. Many opportunities especially exist for nondisabled lecturers to contribute to addressing the higher education barriers and discrimination which often affect students with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to use a disability perspective to present my lecturing practices during the move to emergency remote teaching and learning in response to COVID-19 while working at an HDI. An autoethnographic method was used. Content analysis of my accounts exposed the exclusionary nature of my practices in terms of how they facilitated ableism and suppressed disability discourse. Recommendations are made, in light of the results, on ways to not only make higher education spaces more accommodating but counter a wider societal culture that oppresses and even seeks to eradicate the value of those who live with impairments.
Editorial: Education and the Quest for Educating in the Current and the Post-COVID-19 Era
Authors: Omodan Bunmi I , Diko Nolutho
Published: September 2021

This special issue contains quality, well-researched, and well-argued articles towards inter/multi-disciplinary understanding of the current and future state, manner, and disposition of social, educational, environmental, humanitarian, and technological perspectives of COVID-19 pandemic. Readers, academics, practitioners and students are provided with robust knowledge on the state and status of the COVID-19 pandemic in the world from its advent in 2020, its present state and future projections. We thank all colleagues involved in the editorial and publishing process for their supports, assistance and exceptional guidance.  We are bold to say that the quality involved in the publication process of RESSAT Journal is second to none. To all our authors, your quality products remain part of the historical contribution to knowledge on the COVID-19 pandemic.
Covid-19 and Technology: Higher Education’s Responses to Inclusive Practices for Pre-Service Teachers with Disabilities
Authors: De Klerk Edwin Darrell , Palmer June Monica , Alexander Greg
Published: September 2021

Transforming the learning experiences of pre-service teachers with disabilities from stigma and social exclusion to experiencing a sense of belonging, is a desirable imperative for learning mediators in the South African Higher Education (SAHE) context. This paper presents a relational content analysis of the concepts, theories and policies, related to effecting transformation in the meaning schemes of pre-service teachers with disabilities and to provide HEIs with inclusive responses to addressing their learning support needs. The theory of perspective transformation, which highlights the process of effecting change in a frame of reference, is applied. The theory expands on three dimensions, including psychological (changes in understanding of the self), convictional (revision of belief systems) and behavioural (changes in lifestyle) with a sound foundation of inclusion aimed at drawing on practices for the prevention of exclusion of the pre-service teacher with disabilities in SAHE spaces. The paper further analyses discourses extracted from Section 47 of the Salamanca Statement, (1994) that build on inclusion artefacts in addressing perspective transformation.  The findings in terms of belonging show that affirmations of the discourses, related to an interpersonal connection with others, have the scope to affect pre-service teachers with disabilities’ need for a positive regard as a prerequisite to foster the inclusion of individuals within any given relationship. This paper recommends that SAHE institutions embrace an ethos of inclusivity to achieve transformative equity for pre-service teachers with disabilities and offers an inclusive response framework to ensure that they are able to participate, learn and be welcomed as appreciated associates of HEIs.
Educating Progressed Learners in Times of COVID-19: How Can Bricolage Help?
Authors: Dube Bekithemba , Ndaba Xolisile P.
Published: September 2021

This paper discusses using bricolage to mitigate the struggles faced by progressed learners in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, in the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Most progressed learners perform poorly in many subjects, especially sciences. Their struggle has stimulated the need to find ways to enhance their performance. Reinvented artefacts and processes can be used for emancipation, and to transform agendas for improving the performance of progressed learners. To collect data, we used participatory action research, which uses a thematic approach to make meaning of data. We created a WhatsApp group to enable focus group discussions for collecting data, to circumvent COVID-19 restrictions. The group had 14 members, among whom teachers and learners from rural schools. The study found that the factors that contributed to poor performance were a lack of teaching and learning materials, too few teachers, less than optimal teaching methods and learners’ attitudes towards science subjects. The main argument of the article is that, in this time characterised by the COVID-19 pandemic, embracing bricolage has the impetus to mitigate challenges relating to the education of progressed learners. Thus, it is important to emancipate teachers, so that they can bricolise the environment for teaching and learning.
A ASCENSÃO DO MORALISMO POLÍTICO E A REAÇÃO DOS PÚBLICOS DE ARTE
Authors: Andrade Silva Sara Raquel
Published: September 2021

O objetivo deste trabalho é olhar mais de perto as reações dos públicos à exposição Queermuseu, encerrada com um mês de antecedência à data prevista graças a protestos e mobilizações nas redes sociais. Partindo de tais reações, coloco em foco o contexto e condições políticas e sociais que cercaram tais reações com o objetivo de pensar a articulação entre arte e vida social que se desenha nos argumentos, valores e conjuntos de palavras acionadas nos discursos, contrários e a favor da exposição.
PAJUBÁ: MANIFESTAÇÃO DO ETHOS NA POLARIZAÇÃO DISCURSIVA
Authors: Boaventura Luis Henrique , Lago Kaian , Freitas Ernani Cesar de
Published: September 2021

O objetivo neste estudo é compreender o processo de polarização entre o discurso de liberalismo social (pró-LGBT+), expresso pelo jargão Pajubá, e o discurso de conservadorismo social (anti-LGBT+), expresso pelo contradiscurso ultraconservador cristão. Utilizaremos, para a análise, as contribuições de Volóchinov (2017) (Círculo de Bakhtin) voltadas à natureza e à manifestação ideológica dos enunciados; Landowski (2016) sobre identidade e segregação nos grupos sociais linguísticos; Maingueneau (2013) acerca das manifestações do ethos discursivo, além de referenciais complementares. Nossa pesquisa é exploratória e bibliográfica, com análise qualitativa. O corpus escolhido para análise é um post criado pela psicóloga Marisa Lobo, em 5/11/2018, na rede social Instagram, referindo-se ao Pajubá. O estudo nos permite elucidar que manifestações discursivas ideologicamente contrárias fazem pressão em lados opostos – o lado “a” força o lado “b” a criar um contradiscurso oposto a ele para representar a sua identidade, e vice-versa.
WebAR para visualização de modelo da edificação: avaliação da ferramenta 8th Wall Web
Authors: Santos Júnior Jorge Nascimento , Cuperschmid Ana Regina Mizrahy
Published: September 2021

A tecnologia WebAR permite o uso da Realidade Aumentada em dispositivos como smartphones ou PCs, diretamente no navegador, sem a necessidade de instalar aplicativos ou plugins.O WebAR é um recurso recente que ainda carece de exploração na Arquitetura, Engenharia e Construção. O objetivo desse artigo é avaliar o suporte da ferramenta 8th Wall Web para visualização de modelo de edificação desenvolvido em ferramenta BIM. Foram avaliados a facilidade de implementação e a performance da visualização do modelo em WebAR, observando a estabilidade, resposta aos comandos do usuário, exibição dos materiais das superfícies e fluidez na renderização em tempo real. Esta foi uma pesquisa exploratória. As contribuições deste artigo são: (i) a descrição de um processo replicável de transposição de um modelo arquitetônico, de uma ferramenta autoral BIM para WebAR e (ii) a avaliação do suporte da ferramenta 8th Wall para visualização do modelo da edificação.
BIM associado à Realidade Aumentada no processo de compatibilização de projetos
Authors: Oliveira Rui Ramos de , Cuperschmid Ana Regina Mizrahy
Published: September 2021

Novas possibilidades de comunicação que emergiram com o BIM (Modelagem da Informação da Construção) permitem melhorias nos processos de Arquitetura, Engenharia e Construção (AEC). O processo de compatibilização de projetos pode ser beneficiado pela integração de BIM com Realidade Aumentada (RA). A RA pode ser uma mídia apropriada para integrar a informação de modelos BIM e os envolvidos no projeto, fornecendo uma interface apropriada para discussão. Neste sentido, o objetivo desta pesquisa é de explorar o potencial do uso de RA associada ao BIM como auxílio ao processo de compatibilização de projetos. Inicialmente foi realizada a modelagem BIM de um edifício a partir de desenhos técnicos. As disciplinas de arquitetura, estrutura e hidráulica foram modeladas individualmente e depois combinadas em ferramenta BIM de integração de projetos, para realização de detecção de conflitos, de maneira a garantir a compatibilização de projetos. Posteriormente, uma revisão foi realizada com RA. Os resultados indicam que a RA tem potencial para auxiliar a redução de erros de projeto. A tecnologia de RA pode fornecer informação de uma forma integrada, apoiando o processo de tomada de decisão, uma vez que permite a imersão no espaço projetado, favorecendo o entendimento por todos os profissionais. Trabalhos futuros podem implementar o uso de RA para auxiliar o processo de compatibilização de projetos em casos reais, buscando medir e avaliar as melhorias na performance e produtividade.
Influência dos parâmetros de aquisição de imagens com auxílio de DRONE para geração de nuvem de pontos de obras civis
Authors: Pascoal Júnior Jairo , Mecate Ebert Vinicius Terrado , Santos Eduardo Toledo , Corrêa Fabiano Rogerio
Published: September 2021

A digitalização da construção civil avançou com a incorporação de tecnologias e aplicação dos processos BIM resultando no desenvolvimento de modelos digitais das construções. Qualquer reabilitação de construções existentes desenvolvidas sem o uso de BIM e que hoje demandem sua aplicação, requer a modelagem da construção atual (as built) na fase inicial dos projetos de engenharia e arquitetura. O modelo 3D da construção pode ser feito pelo método Structure from Motion - SfM. Este artigo estuda a influência dos parâmetros para a aquisição de imagem digital usada para modelar uma construção conforme construída usando o SfM. Dois voos de drone foram realizados para aquisição de imagens digitais. Duas nuvens de pontos 3D foram geradas a partir das imagens aplicando o SfM. As diferenças encontradas entre essas nuvens de pontos foram analisadas e discutidas dentro da perspectiva da variação do conjunto de parâmetros. A relevância e o impacto de cada parâmetro são discutidos com base no uso e no objetivo da nuvem de pontos 3D. Com base nos resultados e na discussão, é indicada uma configuração para os parâmetros de aquisição de dados de imagem que melhora a aplicação do método SfM para a geração de nuvem de pontos para a geração de modelo as-built.
Aplicação de reconhecimento de padrão em processamento de imagens coletadas por VANT para inspeção de guarda-corpo
Authors: Rey Rafaela Oliveira , Sampaio Sá Larissa Vieira , Costa Dayana Bastos
Published: September 2021

No setor de construção, a falta de acesso a informações em tempo real é um dos motivos que atrasam a tomada de decisões relacionadas ao gerenciamento de segurança, especialmente em operações complexas. Com o advento da indústria 4.0 e das diversas alternativas tecnológicas, a forma de realizar processos tende a mudar, tornando a coleta, o processamento e a visualização de dados mais dinâmicos e automatizados. Estudos recentes relatam o uso de tecnologias visuais, como o uso de veículos aéreos não tripulados (VANT), tecnologias visuais e técnicas de reconhecimento de imagem para auxiliar as atividades de inspeção no canteiro de obras, para reduzir situações inseguras no campo. Apesar desses esforços, poucos estudos são voltados para a inspeção de equipamentos de proteção coletiva (EPC). Portanto, este trabalho tem como objetivo propor um sistema automatizado de inspeção de segurança em obras, com foco em EPC, utilizando reconhecimento de padrão em processamento de imagens coletadas por VANT. Através de um estudo experimental, foi possível comparar diferentes variáveis ​​e avaliar a precisão do sistema. Portanto, a principal contribuição é o desenvolvimento de uma ferramenta para a inspeção das condições de segurança no canteiro de obra, fornecendo informações precisas para tomada de decisão.