bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RESULTS AND ANALYSIS OF ACHIEVED JOINT RESEARCH AND ACTIVITIES BETWEEN REZEKNE ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY AND VASIL LEVSKI NATIONAL MILITARY UNIVERSITY
Authors: Dolchinkov Nikolay Todorov
Published: June 2023

In 2018, the first group of teachers and students from Vasil Levski National University conducted experiments on laser marking in Rezekne Academy Of Technology, Latvia. Since then, joint research has been increasing every year and better results have been achieved not only in the field of laser technologies, but also in other areas of joint interest. A pilot study group is even being formed in a master's program in laser technology. As a result, the interest in laser technologies and in Latvia at Vasil Levski National University increased significantly. Research has been done on the impact of the exchange between the two institutions on the learners and their motivation to learn.
INFLUENCE OF ADDING POLYPROPYLENE(PP) INTO POLYETHYLENE(PE) ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF GEOCELLS
Authors: Sabev Sabi , Kasabov Plamen , Chukalov Konstantin , Bakardzhiev Valeri
Published: June 2023

In the article, it will be considered what is the influence of the addition of 10% PP into a polyethylene mixture compared to a mixture of polyethylene on the main mechanical characteristics of geocells - hardness, maximum tensile strength, strength of the internal structural junctions (welds). It will be analyzed the interrelationships between the measured mechanical parameters.
INVESTIGATION OF LASER MARKING AND TEXTURING OF TITANIUM GR 2 WITH FIBER LASER
Authors: Lapa Jēkabs , Adijāns Imants , Yankov Emil , Lazov Lyubomir , Rēvalds Ritvars
Published: June 2023

Titanium Gr 2 is widely used in engineering and medicine due to its excellent mechanical and corrosion-resistant properties. Laser marking is a crucial process for many applications that require high-contrast, durable markings. In this study, we used a Rofin PowerLine F 20 Varia fiber laser to mark titanium Gr 2 with a 6x6 matrix of 5x5 mm squares. We varied the speed (100-1100 mm/s), power (8-18 W), and frequency (100 and 500 kHz) of the laser marking process to investigate their effects on the surface roughness and contrast of the markings. We analyzed the markings using a laser scanning microscope and Adobe Photoshop software. Our results show that the contrast and roughness of the markings were influenced by the frequency, scanning speed, and power. High marking speeds produced lighter markings, while low marking speeds produced darker markings. We also found that the surface roughness increased with higher frequency and powers. Our findings provide valuable insights into the optimal laser marking parameters for titanium Gr 2, which can enhance its performance and durability in various applications.
ANALYSING THE INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGICAL PARAMETERS ON THE PROCESS OF LASER MARKING OF SURFACE OF ANODISED ALUMINIUM SAMPLES
Authors: Denisova Ļubova , Pacejs Antons , Yankov Emil , Lazov Lyubomir
Published: June 2023

The requirements for marking in terms of contrast and durability are constantly increasing. In order to meet all these challenges, it is necessary to carry out research leading to the optimisation and increase in efficiency of the technological process of laser marking. In the case of aluminium, the contrast and durability of the marking depend on the values of the laser marking parameters. In order to determine the optimal laser marking method, experimental studies have been carried out, controlling the power, speed, frequency, pulse duration and line raster step for a specific anodised aluminium. The studies carried out were analysed and subsequently optimized to obtain a contrast marking. A Rofin PowerLine F 20 Varia fiber laser system and aluminium alloy 1050 with anodised surface were used for the research. The surface changes after the laser treatment were analysed using a laser scanning microscope and contrast determination method. The dependence of contrast and roughness on speed, power, frequency and raster step was analysed. Comparative plots of contrast and roughness variations versus laser marking technological parameters were constructed.
STUDY OF THE INFLUENCE OF ROAD RESISTANCE ON THE FUEL CONSUMPTION OF A PASSENGER CAR WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Authors: Ambarev Krasimir , Taneva Stiliyana
Published: June 2023

One of the directions in the modern automotive industry is related to optimizing processes of the working cycle of internal combustion engines, which is related on another hand to reducing fuel consumption. This article presents calculation results of fuel consumption of a passenger car Honda Accord with automatic gearbox which are based on experimentally obtained power characteristics by using a chassis dynamometer DYNO COSBER. The fuel consumption was determined at different speeds of the car on a road without a slope and with 2%, 4% and 6% slope by using the chassis dynamometer and diagnostic equipment. The results of calculations about the influence of road resistances on fuel consumption were compared and analyzed with those obtained from measurements.
EFFECT OF BORON ON THE WEAR BEHAVIOR OF HIGH CHROMIUM WHITE CAST IRONS
Authors: Kaleicheva Julieta , Kirov Krassimir , Mishev Valentin , Lazarova Rumyana , Karaguiozova Zdravka
Published: June 2023

The wear behavior of high chromium white cast irons with composition: 2,6÷3,4% C; 0,9÷1,1% Si; 0,8÷1,1% Mn; 1,0÷1,3% Mo; 12,3÷13,4% Cr and 0,18 ÷ 1,25% B is investigated. The microstructure and tribological characteristics of six compositions of high chromium white cast irons (one without boron and with 0,18; 0,23; 0,59; 0,96; 1,25% boron) are studied.After casting, heat treatment was carried out, including quenching at 9500C and tempering at 2350C for 1 h. The influence of the heating temperature in the interval 850÷11000С, 25 min on the Rockwell hardness and the microstructure are studied.The wear resistance during abrasive wear for samples after casting and after heat treatment is investigated as measured loss of mass in terms of dry friction under load of 1,5 kg during 10 min. The lowest mass loss during abrasive wear test in dry conditions friction is defined for cast irons alloyed with 0,18 % boron - ∆ m = 0,1469 g after casting and ∆ m = 0,0022 g after heat treatment. The highest mass loss is determined during abrasive testing of alloyed cast irons with 0,96 and 1,25% boron. The alloyed cast irons with 0,18 % boron show highest wear resistance.
DETERMINATION OF THE DYNAMIC MODULUS OF LINEAR DEFORMATIONS OF REINFORCED HIGHLY FILLED POLYMER CONCRETE COMPOSITES DURING CURING
Authors: Sabev Sabi , Kasabov Plamen , Chukalov Konstantin , Bakardzhiev Valeri
Published: June 2023

The objects of this study are reinforced polymer concrete composites with epoxy matrix and mineral dispersion fillers. Dynamic modulus of linear deformations has been measured according the standardized dynamic testing method ASTM E1876 - 02. The quantitative values of the modulus are obtained by the action of longitudinal and bending. After statistical processing of the obtained results has been established the influence of fiber in the composition on the dynamic characteristic.
Estimation of response spectra and simulation of nonstationary earthquake ground motions
Authors: Sabetta Fabio , Pugliese Antonio
Published: June 2023

Italian strong-motion data were used to study the attenuation of response spectra and to simulate artificial accelerograms as a function of magnitude, distance, and site geology. The database has already been utilized for the study of the attenuation of peak ground acceleration (PGA) and velocity and consists of 95 accelerograms from 17 earthquakes of magnitudes ranging from 4.6 to 6.8. Using multiple regressions, we developed empirical predictive equations for the vertical and horizontal components of response spectra corresponding to 14 frequencies ranging from 0.25 to 25 Hz. Predictive equations, aimed at the ground-motion simulation, were also estimated for time-dependent frequency parameters, strong ground motion duration, and Arias intensity.

The shape of the predicted spectra is strongly dependent on magnitude and nearly independent of distance. Alluvium sites show an amplification effect, with respect to stiff sites, in different frequency ranges according to the thickness of the soil deposit. The vertical/horizontal spectral ratio in far field varies, with magnitude and frequency, from 0.35 to 0.85. The resulting response spectra are compared with the predictions of some recent attenuation relationships and with those proposed by the Eurocode EC8.

The simulation of nonstationary strong ground motions is achieved through an empirical method where time and frequency features of the motion are represented through the physical spectrum, extending the spectral moments theory to the nonstationary case. The simulated time histories fit the recorded accelerograms in terms of several ground-motion amplitude measures, such as peak acceleration, peak velocity, Fourier spectra, and response spectra. The principal advantage of the proposed method consists in correlating the simulation parameters with earthquake magnitude, source distance, and soil conditions.
On the measurement of the predominant and resonant frequencies
Authors: Correig Antoni M.
Published: June 2023

The predominant frequency (a source property) and the resonant frequencies (site effects) have been measured from local seismic events that occurred and were recorded at Campi Flegrei. The predominant frequency is measured as the period of the first half-cycle of the seismogram, which in turn is obtained as six times the standard deviation of the expectation value arrival time. Because the width of the seismic pulse is severely affected by attenuation, this effect has been accounted for through a new method in time domain, based on the broadening of a gaussian pulse propagating in a dispersive medium; the analyzed data suggest that the errors introduced by not correcting by source directivity (very difficult to carry out for local low-magnitude events) are not severe. Data also suggest that the first cycle of the seismogram may contain, accurately enough, information on the source properties, and hence allowing for the characterization of the seismic source in terms of a theoretical spectrum. Under the hypotheses (1) that the first cycles of the seismogram are not severely contaminated by propagation and (2) that resonant effects are mainly generated at later times, spectra of seismic records, corrected by attenuation and source term, provide useful information on the resonant peaks generated by local site effects. The present method of analysis shows that the frequency at which the resonant peaks are located can be accurately measured, whereas the amplitude of the peaks suffer some uncertainties.
Magnitude distributions and slip scaling of heterogeneous seismic sources
Authors: Gross Susanna
Published: June 2023

A series of numerical experiments have been conducted to explore effects of strength heterogeneity and rupture propagation upon the average slip and magnitude distributions of earthquakes. Alternative rupture processes were represented by two possible sets of rules controlling rupture propagation. Ruptures were run on faults having strong patches that break to form subevents with various assumed stress drops. The subevents have a truncated power-law size distribution. The rules controlling rupture propagation in combination with the subevent stress drop have a strong effect upon the magnitude distribution. The most realistic rupture model favors ruptures whose length and width are comparable and produces an increase in b-value for events above magnitude 7.5. Magnitude distributions similar to observations of global seismicity are produced by models with subevents that have a stress drop near 100 MPa. The relationship between seismic moment and rupture area also agrees with observations of events not from subduction zones when the same model that fits the global magnitude distribution is adapted for a narrower fault width.
Implications of the Northridge earthquake for strong ground motions from thrust faults
Authors: Somerville Paul , Saikia Chandan , Wald David , Graves Robert
Published: June 2023

The peak accelerations recorded on alluvial sites during the Northridge earthquake were about 50% larger than the median value predicted by current empirical attenuation relations at distances less than about 30 km. This raises the question of whether the ground motions from the Northridge earthquake are anomalous for thrust events or are representative of ground motions expected in future thrust earthquakes. Since the empirical data base contains few strong-motion records close to large-thrust earthquakes, it is difficult to assess whether the Northridge ground motions are anomalous based on recorded data alone. For this reason, we have used a broadband strong-motion simulation procedure to help assess whether the ground motions were anomalous. The simulation procedure has been validated against a large body of strong-motion data from California earthquakes, and so we expect it to produce accurate estimates of ground motions for any given rupture scenario, including blind-thrust events for which no good precedent existed in the strong-motion data base until the occurrence of the Northridge earthquake. The ground motions from the Northridge earthquake and our simulations of these ground motions have a similar pattern of departure from empirical attenuation relations for thrust earthquakes: the peak accelerations are at about the 84th percentile level for distances within 20 to 30 km and follow the median level for larger distances. This same pattern of departure from empirical attenuation relations was obtained in our simulations of the peak accelerations of an Elysian Park blind-thrust event prior to the occurrence of the Northridge earthquake. Since we are able to model this pattern with broadband simulations, and had done so before the Northridge earthquake occurred, this suggests that the Northridge strong-motion records are not anomalous and are representative of ground motions close to thrust faults. Accordingly, it seems appropriate to include these recordings in strong-motion data sets that are used to develop empirical ground-motion attenuation relations for thrust faults and to use this augmented data set as the basis for evaluating the need for modifications in design coefficients in the seismic provisions of building codes.
Finding Data: Teaching Science and Technology Data Information Literacy Skills to Researchers
Authors: Bhatt Jay J
Published: June 2023

This presentation explores and provides instructional tips on how to find data to support researchers, students, and scholars in science and technology disciplines. Finding and sharing data requires understanding the research and data information needs of our researchers and an awareness of existing and evolving new data repositories. Keeping current about the existence, scope, features, and availability of these repositories is critical in today's research environment. This session will help you develop a methodology for teaching students and researchers how to find and evaluate appropriate data sets. Expected interactions and exchange of ideas during this talk can further stimulate curiosity of our community members and inspire them to develop and implement innovative teaching methods in imparting information skills.
Time Deficit of Young People, Who Experience How Much?
Authors:   Research Institute For Life And Culture Sogang University, Kim Jinwook , Park Su Bin
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study is to analyze the time deficit experienced by the young generation. To this end, the factors affecting the time deficit of unmarried young people aged 19 to 34 were analyzed using the 2019 Time Use Survey data. Sleep, personal care, and leisure time were set as sub-dimensions of time deprivation, and the criteria for time deficit were 75% and 90% of the sample median. Tobit regression analysis was performed because the left truncated problem appeared in the distribution of the dependent variables. As a result of the analysis, the degree of time deprivation of young women was more serious, and when the time burden for other essential activities such as paid work, unpaid work, and study was high, the degree of time deprivation of young adults increased. Life-related cognitive variables such as life satisfaction and lack of time were also variables that had a significant effect. In the case of young people living with their parents, the statistical significance of household head-related variables was also confirmed. These results raise the need for youth policies that can alleviate the time deficit of young people.
A Study on the Effect of Supervision of Social Welfare Officials on Job Performance: Focusing on Seoul Metropolitan City
Authors:   Research Institute For Life And Culture Sogang University, Huh Bo-Yeon , Kim EunYoung
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study is to empirically investigate and analyze the impact of supervision on the job performance of social welfare officials, who are social service providers in the public sector, and to make practical and policy suggestions for improving their job performance. The study utilized 190 questionnaires from 6th to 9th grade public servants in 25 boroughs of Seoul to analyze the data and conducted multiple regression analysis. The results showed that the three functions of supervision-administrative, educational, and supportive supervision-as well as the frequency and duration of supervision in practice were positively related to the job performance of social welfare workers in Seoul and affected job performance. The regression coefficient significance test revealed that among the three functions and practices of supervision set as independent variables, only the lower dimension, supportive supervision, is statistically significant and has a strong influence on the dependent variable, job performance. The implications of this study are, first, that all three functions of supervision are important, but that supportive supervision is a particularly necessary function of supervision for social welfare employees who are experiencing a lot of burnout due to the nature of their work, and that it is most important to enhance the function of supportive supervision in the organization to improve job performance. In addition, the study suggested the necessity and importance of supervision for social welfare workers as a profession that provides human services and suggested the need to expand the infrastructure for systematizing supervision.
A Study on Securing Care Workers for the Aging Society: Focusing on Foreign Caregivers
Authors:   Research Institute For Life And Culture Sogang University, Shim Mi Seung , Park Jihyun
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study is to explore the possibility of using foreign caregivers as an alternative to stably securing care workers for the elderly that Korea, which has entered an aged society in the shortest period of time, will face in near future. To this end, we conducted in-depth interviews with 4 current foreign caregivers working in long-term care institutions for the elderly after obtaining a caregiver license. We also conducted analysis based on the phenomenological research method of Giorgi (1997). As a result of the analysis, a general structure of care for the elderly by foreign caregivers in long-term care institutions was derived for the purpose of strengthening the influx of foreign caregivers as certified care workers, early labor experience in unequal working conditions and working environments, and pride as an essential workforce providing care services, and the value of care work. Through this analysis, several policy implications were suggested as follows: (1) active job promotion with access to nursing care worker job, (2) strengthening of public intervention to improve service quality, and (3) the enhancement of professionalism through education and promotion system.
A Study on the Effects of Death Anxiety on the Quality of Life in the Elderly: Focusing on the Moderating Effect of Leisure Activities
Authors:   Research Institute For Life And Culture Sogang University, Seok Deok Soon , Jung Myung Hee
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study is to find out the moderating effect of leisure activities in the effect of death anxiety of the elderly on the quality of life. To verify this, the hierarchical regression analysis method using the hierarchical analysis of the SPSS 20 statistical package program was used as the analysis data answered by 345 elderly people. In addition, in order to confirm the significance of the effect of the interaction, it was confirmed by the slope and intersection through the chart function of the generalized linear model. The study results showed that, first, the correlation between leisure life and quality of life was a statistically significant positive correlation. Death anxiety and leisure life, quality of life, and death anxiety all showed statistically significant negative correlation. Second, in the relationship between death anxiety and quality of life of the elderly, the interaction variable between death anxiety and leisure life was statistically significant, confirming the moderating effect of the interaction variable. Third, in the relationship between the elderly's fear and quality of life, the interaction variable between fear and leisure life was statistically significant, confirming the moderating effect of the interaction variable. This confirms that leisure activities play a controlling role in the relationship between death anxiety and quality of life of the elderly. Therefore, in this study, suggestions were made to improve the quality of life and buffer death anxiety through leisure activities of the elderly.
Qualitative Study on the Experience of Participating in Gamblers Anonymous and the Essential Meaning of Addiction Recovery
Authors:   Research Institute For Life And Culture Sogang University, Lee hyejin , You Young Gweon
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study was to examine how participation in G.A. group contributed to the recovery from gambling addiction. For this purpose, phenomenology was implemented while GA gatherings were observed, in-depth interviews were conducted with five GA members, and then the essential meaning of addiction recovery in G.A. was reviewed. The addiction recovery mechanism of GA group is to replace gambling behaviors with non-gambling behaviors, recover true-self, and connect with others, with relentless cognitive and behavioral effort in an affective atmosphere. The ultimate goal of GA is a personality change and recovery from gambling addiction is a by-product of this process. As a therapeutic mechanism, sustainability, expertise, and availability are the strengths of the GA group, so it is suggested that institutional and policy support is needed to further vitalize GA meetings.
Impact of Catholic Laypeople’s Participation in Religious Communities on Civic Engagement Intention for Environmental and Social Problems: Dual Mediating Effects of Religious Knowledge and Religiosity
Authors:   Research Institute For Life And Culture Sogang University, Jin Bumsub
Published: June 2023

Efforts to resolve or mitigate environmental, human rights, and pro-life issues are required of members of religious communities. To address these issues, members of religious communities may seek civic engagement based on their social capital and social identity within their communities. This study aims to examine the processes through which members of the Catholic Church can demonstrate civic engagement for environmental, human rights, and pro-life issues by focusing on the inherent role of the church community in realizing the common good. The results of the dual mediating analysis of responses collected from a Catholic parish showed that religious community participation had a positive effect on religious knowledge and religiosity, and religious knowledge had a positive effect on religiosity and civic engagement intention. Religiosity also had a significant positive effect on civic engagement. In the relationship between religious community participation and civic engagement intention, the dual mediation effect of religious knowledge and religiosity was statistically significant. In particular, the magnitude of the indirect effect from religious community participation to civic engagement intention through religious knowledge was the largest. Based on its results, this study discusses the role and importance of religious factors in the civic engagement of Catholic Church laypeople. Specifically, it can be expected that bridging social capital can be created through the dual mediating role of religious knowledge and religiosity.회적정체성, 신앙지식, 종교성, 시민참여, 생명수호
Independent Decision Making and Affective Ability of Productive Subjects Contributions to Psychological Well-Being in Work Readiness of Vocational Students in Malang
Authors: Anwar Moch. Noor Alfan Octavian , Putranto Hari , Wibawanto Slamet
Published: June 2023

This study aims to determine the level of decision-making independence, affective ability of productive subjects on psychological well-being in work readiness at SMK Malang City. This research uses correlational research with simple random sampling technique to determine the research sample. The samples in this study were Telkom Vocational High School, 4 Malang Vocational High School, and National Vocational School which consisted of 180 students. The results obtained from this study are: (1) the level of psychological well-being in work readiness, decision-making independence and affective ability in high category productive subjects; (2) between the variables of decision-making independence and affective ability of productive subjects have a positive relationship to psychological well-being in work readiness; and (3) the amount of effective contribution from independent decision-making and affective abilities in productive subjects gets a fairly large contribution
An interaction analysis model to study knowledge construction in xMOOCs
Authors: Saadatdoost Robab , Hiang Sim Alex Tze
Published: June 2023

One of the recent tools of online teaching and learning has been MOOC which utilizes the web and can be considered a critical factor in delivering future lessons. Coursera is an approved and famous online learning tool established by two professors from Stanford. According to previous studies, Coursera concentrates on duplicating knowledge instead of constructing it. The present work aims at observing Coursera community in its normal context and investigating how participants construct knowledge. The required data were gathered through archive data including the top and chosen posts of online discussion groups. The interaction analysis model (IAM) was used to qualitatively analyze the data. In the observed courses, it was found that Coursera is mostly at Phase I (sharing/comparing information) of the IAM. Using the IAM which was first proposed for investigations of online debates, the research found a new phase and operations for assessing the level of knowledge construction in online discussion forums. This research bridges the gaps in the related literature by providing a foundation for understanding knowledge construction in the xMOOC context. Besides, this research developed understanding for future work which is a Coursera community framework that generally makes a MOOC community more potential to construct knowledge.
CLINICAL DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF HEART ATTACK USING MACHINE LEARNING METHODS
Authors: KURT Burçin , BUÇAN KIKRBİR İlknur
Published: June 2023

Heart attack which is the main cause of death for both men and women is the leader among deaths due to heart diseases. Therefore, early diagnosis is very important for patients who are having a heart attack. Therefore, the study aimed to develop a clinical decision support system for the diagnosis of a heart attack to help physicians. In the study, variables were obtained accompanied by physicians by statistical analysis methods, where the optimum variables were selected from these variables considering the patient’s unconscious state in some cases. Different decision models were developed using probit regression, decision tree, SVM, and ANN methods. As a result, the developed clinical decision support models for heart attack diagnosis were compared and evaluated. Consequently, the best diagnosis model was obtained using ANN with selected variables. In addition to these, the proposed study is significantly noticed with a sensitivity of 98% and specificity of 93.7% for heart attack diagnosis with optimum variables compared to similar studies in the literature. By using the proposed decision support system, it is possible to determine whether a patient has a heart attack or not and help the physician in the process of diagnosis of a heart attack.
De la naturaleza a la Madre Tierra: Buenos vivires, ampliación ontológico-política y transmodernidad
Authors:   Corporación Universitaria del Meta, Duque Acosta Carlos Andrés
Published: June 2023

Entre los años 2008 y 2009, respectivamente, Ecuador y Bolivia escribieron nuevas cartas constitucionales interculturales inspiradas, de manera inédita, en la sabiduría ancestral de sus pueblos indígenas, en el Buen Vivir (Sumak Kawsay en lengua kichwa) y el Vivir Bien (Suma Qamaña en lengua aymara). En 2022, la lideresa social afrodescendiente Francia Elena Márquez Mina llega al cargo de vicepresidenta promoviendo el Vivir Sabroso inspirado en la sabiduría ancestral del pueblo afrocolombiano. Tanto el Buen Vivir, como el Vivir Bien y el Vivir Sabroso comparten los mismos principios de relación con la Madre Tierra (Pachamama, Útero Mayor, Casa Grande) y puede entenderse como parte de los modelos/proyectos de Buenos Vivires que responden al Vivir Mejor del sistema socioeconómico capitalista. Esta obra, galardonada con una mención de honor en los Premios Nacionales de Ciencias y Solidaridad de la Fundación Alejandro Ángel Escobar en 2020, tiene como objetivo mostrar que los Buenos Vivires representan una ampliación ontológico-política, en clave transmoderna, respecto al reduccionismo ontológico del Vivir Mejor (o ethos neoliberal), propio de la modernidad occidental. En momentos en que el planeta se encuentra atravesando una crisis multidimensional (ambiental, ética, política, económica) este libro representa una maravillosa oportunidad para incentivar la imaginación ético-política y abrirnos a nuevas dimensiones del debate frente a la posibilidad de la autoextinción humana.
Investigating the Ligninolytic Potential of Bacteria Isolated from a Decayed Wood Sample in Egypt
Authors:   the Department of Biotechnology, Egypt Japan University of Science and Technology, New Borg El-Arab, Alexandria, Egypt, Hotor Prince , Hassanin Ahmed , Yamamoto Mitsuo , Saito Yukie , Abdel-Mawgood Ahmed
Published: June 2023

Lignin is a natural polyphenol material found in complex with cellulose and hemicellulose in every terrestrial and some aquatic plant species. They are recalcitrant and prevent easy access to cellulose; an energy-rich, versatile, promising biomaterial for several eco-friendly and cheap products. The lignin-degrading potential of microbes isolated from degraded wood in an environment in Egypt was investigated. In this study, four bacteria were screened using a methylene blue decolorization test, growth on media with lignin as carbon source, and cellulolytic screening using CMC-Congo red test. The screened isolates were used to treat sorghum stem stalks to ascertain the level of degradation of the lignin content. The four bacterial isolates were positive to the decolorization of methylene blue with percentage decolorization: (23%, 8%, 34%, and 24%) after 24 hrs. respectively. Similarly, the four isolates were able to grow on minimal salt media with lignin as carbon source. The optical densities values measured ranged from (0.030–0.165, −0.040–0.080, 0.040–0.121, −0.039–0.054) after 12 h for the four bacterial isolates, respectively. Also, the four bacterial isolates showed negative results for the cellulase test. FT-IR spectrum for the bacterial-treated sorghum stalks revealed a reduction in peaks at wavelengths indicative of lignin functional groups. Similarly, proximate analysis of the lignocellulose content after treatment recorded were extractives (E) (9, 9, 13.5, 9.5, and 10) %, hemicellulose content (H) (29.5, 26.0, 31, 26, and 30) %, Klason lignin (L) (39, 31, 33, 24, and 26) %, and cellulose (C) (22.2, 33.5, 21.3, 40.5, and 33.5) % for control and the four bacterial isolates, respectively. The p-values estimated from the average values for the extractive and hemicellulose content were not significantly different, whiles that of Lignin and Cellulose was significantly different. The four bacterial isolates showed potential for having ligninolytic enzymes for lignin depolymerization.
A Preliminary Assessment of Utilizing Solid Waste Fractions as an Agricultural Growth Medium in Arid Soils
Authors:   the Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Department of Technologies and Installations for Waste Management, Silesian University of Technology, Poland, Hryb Wojciech , Alshawaf Mohammad , Krysztofiński Pawel
Published: June 2023

The fast-paced and globalized industrial/population growth has generated a vast consumerism-based culture, resulting in the rapid increase in municipal solid waste generation. Considering the case of Kuwait, the collection and disposal of waste has become a major economic and health issue for both the general public and the Kuwaiti government. Addressing and improving current waste disposal challenges, through utilizing (or recovering) basic materials from waste, will benefit society in terms of reductions in costs, pollution and associated negative health impact. The objective of this study was to assess the re-utilization prospects of waste materials (paper, cardboard and cotton) as a substrate for plant growth, consequently serving as a growing medium material, apart from naturally occurring soil. This investigation was conducted across two land plots in the Wafra region, located in Southern Kuwait. The plots were planted with Rhanterium epapposum and Festuca rubra seeds. Temperature, humidity and growth rates were measured during this study. Study results indicated that chemical composition of the growth medium is suitable for local conditions. Furthermore, the soil plot with added growth medium was found to retain moisture for prolonged periods in comparison to the plot lacking in growth medium. Field studies on grass germination and growth rates highlighted that waste-derived substrate is favorable to their development and adaptation within challenging environmental conditions. This investigation can play an important part for introducing and developing the concept of a circular economy within Kuwait, with potential to improve waste management within the country.
Recovery of the Tambobamba Watershed after Environmental Zoning and Monitoring Using Vegetation Indices
Authors:   the Faculty of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Solano-Velarde Zósimo ,   Universidad Nacional del Centro del Peru – UNCP,   Huancayo 12004, Perú, Quispe-Reymundo Bimael Justo , Révolo-Acevedo Ronald Héctor , Quispe-Quezada Uriel Rigoberto , Bonilla-Mancilla umberto Dax , Quispe-Quezada Luthgardo Pastor
Published: June 2023

Environmental zoning (EZ) in a watershed is intended to analyze the socioeconomic and biophysical parameters and design potential areas of intervention for the management and sustainability of natural resources, thereby improving people’s quality of life. EZ is incomplete without soil and water conservation techniques and management (SW/mct) to remediate natural environments. In this study, the Tambobamba watershed—during and after EZ—was analyzed in terms of socioeconomics, biophysics, and SW/mct, and monitored according to vegetation indices (VIs). To determine the socioeconomic situation, a rapid rural survey was conducted. To design biophysical maps, each area of the watershed was evaluated. The EZ was designed in 2018, under the demands and basic needs of the population. For monitoring in 2017, 2019, and 2021, the VIs were applied. Population density and poverty levels were low, economic activity was high, there was no university education, and basic services and communication routes were scarce. The watershed presented four climates, two natural domains, a glacial surface, six life zones, eight physiographic zones, two taxonomic orders of soils, and twelve geological classifications. The land is dominated by unused areas, the dominant slope was steep and had four types of HLCUs. Watershed remediation after S-W/mct showed that SAVI increased by 0.01, MSI increased by 0.8, EVI remained constant, NDWI increased by 0.06, and NDVI increased by 0.02. After performing the EZ, we affirmed that the Tambobamba watershed is in a slow recovery.
Experimentation of Evaporation Suppression by Various Plastic Bottles Coverage Area
Authors:   the School of Polymer Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, Raksaksri Laksamon , Benjaoran Vacharapoom , Settakhumpoo Jiradet
Published: June 2023

Evaporation significantly affects the loss of water in reservoir. The effective use of water-surface covering materials for evaporation reduction purpose is commercially performed including plastic spherical and circular shapes. This study initiates to reuse very common polyethylene terephthalate (PET) drinking-water bottles to cover water surface instead. The bottle shape could have a covering percentage ratio as much as 91% equal to a commercial ball or circular disk. The experiment was designed and conducted to prove the reduction of water evaporation rate using five simulated ponds. The testing aspect is the percentage of the coverage area over the water surface. Based on environmental impact concern, the deterioration of PET bottles due to hydrolysis reaction and ultraviolet rays in natural conditions is also investigated. The initial result from the experiment shows that PET bottles have a potential for the evaporation reduction which are a very cost-effective alternative to the existing commercial materials and help support the reuse of plastic waste.
Ensemble Machine Learning Model for University Students’ Risk Prediction and Assessment of Cognitive Learning Outcomes
Authors:   the Department of Computer Science, College of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu, India, Mary.T Ananthi Claral , Rose.P. J Arul Leena
Published: June 2023

One of the biggest challenges in higher educational institutions is to avoid students’ failures. Globally student dropout is a serious issue. Risk of dropouts can be identified at an earlier stage using machine learning classifiers, as they have gained more popularity in both academia and industry. The research team suggests that early prediction facilitates educators and higher education administrators to take necessary measures to prevent dropouts. Data for the research were collected from 530 Indian students when they were engaged in online learning during pandemic crisis. This research work involves two phases. In first phase, hybrid ensemble strategy is focused that integrates two powerful machine learning algorithms namely Random Forest (RF) and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) for early at-risk prediction. The result is a fast procedure for classification of at-risk students which is competitive in accuracy and highly robust. Prediction models are developed using ensemble learning, furthermore ensemble models are combined into a single meta-model, which provides best outcomes to enable higher education institutions for predictive analysis. Moreover, it correctly classified students’ at-risk regarding accuracy, precision, recall and F1-score with values of 93%, 91.52%, 96.42% and 93.91% respectively. In second phase, prediction model is deployed by creating a web application using. Net framework to sense students’ sentiments using Azure cognitive services text analytics (Application Programming Interface) API for detecting cognitive behavioral outcomes in online learning environment.
A study on role of magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of intracranial neoplastic lesions
Authors: Halli Shekavva , Hegde Vinod
Published: June 2023

Background: Neoplastic central nervous system (CNS) lesions are a heterogeneous group of diseases with a variable outcome that reflects the precision of diagnosis and the delivery of optimal and specific treatment. CNS imaging has a pivotal role in directing management decisions. In the present study, cases of either clinically suspected intracranial neoplastic lesions or already diagnosed cases of neoplastic lesions were studied by cross sectional imaging of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Methods: In this prospective study, 30 cases of intracranial neoplastic lesions were studied by 1.5T Siemens Essenza MR scanner over a period of 6 months. Imaging findings were evaluated and tabulated.
Results: Total 30 cases of in intracranial neoplastic lesions were studied aged between 12 to 87 years (17 men and 13 women). Most common presenting complaint was headache. Solitary lesions were present in 21 patients (70%) and multiple lesions in 9 patients (30%). 80% of the lesions were supratentorial, 13.3% were infratentorial and 6.6% were seen in both infra and supratentorial region. 76.6% were intra-axial and 23.3% were extra-axial. Metastasis were the most common neoplastic lesions; glial tumors are the second most common neoplastic lesions. Meningiomas were the most common benign tumors. Mass effect and perilesional edema were the most common associated findings.
Conclusions: MRI is the first line of investigation for diagnosis and evaluation of intracranial neoplastic lesions with reasonable degree of diagnostic accuracy. Neuroimaging in combination with clinical findings can be helpful in early diagnosis and timed intervention.
Methodology of the cultivation of reflective thinking in Russian education: the experience of reflection
Authors: Gromyko Nina
Published: June 2023

The paper focuses on the reflective analysis of one of the most powerful philosophical and methodological programs for the development of reflective thinking in Russia. This is the “Program for the Development of Regional Social Systems by Means of Education”, developed in the 90s of the last century by a team of young scientists on the basis of the theory of developing education of V.V. Davydov. The author studies the problems to be solved by the program as well as the main stages of its implementation. Such projects as “Metropolitan Education”, “Updating the content of education: meta-subjects, meta-subject technologies”, “Education of design activities: School of General Designers”, – are in the centre of analysis. The author discusses also the structures of solutions that have been aimed at the developing educational practices (experimental sites, innovative networks) and reflective thinking in the metropolitan education system (Expert Council). The results of the implementation of the program at each stage are summed up. The limitations in the application of the reflection method are analyzed and the path of further research is outlined.
Reflection in the structure of cognition: its modes and types. Reflexive switching and the concept of epigenesis of a priori forms: the onion model of time
Authors: Katrechko Sergey
Published: June 2023

The paper is devoted to the role (function) of reflection in cognition and its modes (types) as part of the cognitive ability. Along with logical and transcendental reflection, Kant's transcendental shift (turn) is discussed, as well as the role of reflection in Kant's schematism (the ability to judge) and the formation of schemas. Particular attention is paid to another mode of reflection – reflexive switching, which underlies not only the formation of pure rational concepts and schemes (Kant's concept of epigenesis; metaphysical deduction of categories), but the epigenesis of a priori forms of sensibility of space and (especially) time, connected with the Kantian synthesis of apprehension in the intuition. The article proposes an original conception of time, the so-called onion model of time, which is based on a reflexive (iterative) apperceptive ladder.
Proposing A Web-Based Interactive Module for Education for Sustainable Development in English for Computer Science
Authors: Wahyuni Dewi Sari , Rozimela Yenni , Ardi Havid , Mukhaiyar Mukhaiyar , Fatdha T. Sy. Eiva
Published: June 2023

English for Computer Science (ECS), as part of English for Specific Purposes (ESP), is designed to teach students the English required in computer science. In this paper, the writers proposed to incorporate Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into ECS to encourage student engagement by presenting current concerns relevant to their life experiences. The work is a position paper in which the writers argue for the importance of building a web-based interactive module for ESD in ECS. Our arguments are supported in the following sections; English for Specific Purposes (ESP), Content Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), English for Computer Science (ECS), Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), Instructional Material limited to Module and E-Module, and related research. The writers propose developing an interactive web-based module for ESD in ECS so that students have more fun while they are studying. It is anticipated that students will be able to study the module at their own pace and according to their capabilities. This module is paperless; it contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As instructional materials, the module will also assist ECS students in overcoming classroom time constraints and relating what they learn to future concerns, careers, and professionalism.
Ten Years after Sutton (2012): Quo Vadis Feedback Literacy? (A Bibliometric Study)
Authors: Gozali Imelda , Syahid Abdul , Suryati Nunung
Published: June 2023

Drawing on the construct of Academic Literacy, Paul Sutton coined the term "Feedback Literacy" in 2012. Since then, a growing body of research on Feedback Literacy has emerged from scholars worldwide. This bibliometric study then intended to trace the historical development of Feedback Literacy research over a decade and identify future trends and directions in the field. Extracting from the Scopus database and employing Bibliometrix R-tool, this study seeks to reveal the performance analysis and science mapping of the construct. PRISMA 2020 was utilized to guide the articles' search, screening, selection, and reporting. The result of the performance analysis revealed the most prominent journal (Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education), author (David Carless), article (Carless & Boud, 2018), and keywords (students-related feedback) in feedback literacy research. The conceptual, intellectual, and social structure analyses under science mapping provided insight into popular and fundamental research themes and the collaboration network among feedback literacy authors, with Australian researchers at the forefront. The findings imply that feedback literacy is a fertile ground for further research on topics such as students-related feedback, online feedback, ecological factor, and dialogic feedback. Studies outside of the context of higher education are still under-represented. This study can also aid novice scholars m finding relevant references or outlets for publication.