bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistical Inference Under Step Stress Partially Accelerated Life Testing for Adaptive Type-II Progressive Hybrid Censored Data
Authors: Kamal Mustafa , Rahman Ahmadur , Zarrin Shazia , Kausar Haneefa
Published: February 2023

Accelerated life tests (ALTs) are designed to investigate the lifetime of extraordinarily reliable things by exposing them to increased stress levels of stressors such as temperature, voltage, pressure, and so on, in order to cause early breakdowns. The Nadarajah-Haghighi (NH) distribution is of tremendous importance and practical relevance in many real-life scenarios due to its attractive qualities such as its density function always has a zero mode and its hazard rate function can be increasing, decreasing, or constant. In this article, the NH distribution is considered as a lifetime distribution under the step stress partially accelerated life testing (SSPALT) model with adaptive type II progressively hybrid censored samples. The unknown model parameters and acceleration factors are estimated using maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) method assuming that the impact of stress change in SSPALT is explained by a tampered random variable (TRV) model. The Fisher information matrix, which is based on large sample theory, is also constructed and used to produce the approximate confidence intervals (ACIs). Furthermore, two potential optimum test strategies based on the A and D optimality criteria are evaluated. To investigate the performance of the proposed methodologies and statistical assumptions established in this article, extensive simulations using R software have been conducted. Finally, to further illustrate the suggested approach, a real-world example based on the times between breakdowns for a repairable system has been provided.
Reliability Test Plan Based on Logistic-Exponential Distribution and Its Application
Authors: Yadav Abhimanyu Singh , Saha Mahendra , Shukla Shivanshi , Tripathi Harsh , Dey Rajashree
Published: February 2023

In this article, a reliability test plan is developed for Logistic-exponential distribution (LoED) under time truncated life test scheme. The distribution has been chosen because it can used to model lifetime of several reliability phenomenon and it performs better than many well known existing distributions. With the discussions of statistical properties of the aforesaid model, the reliability test plan has been established under the assumption of median quality characteristics when minimum confidence level P* is given. To quench the objective of the paper i.e; to serve as a guiding aid to the emerging practitioners, minimum sample sizes have been obtained by using binomial approximation and Poisson approximation for the proposed plan. Further, operating characteristic (OC) values for the various choices of quality level are placed. Also, minimum ratio of true median life to specified life has been presented for specified producer’s risk. Important findings of the proposed reliability test plan are given for considered value of k=0.75,1,2. To demonstrate the appropriateness of suggested reliability test plan is achieved using four real life situation.
Bringing emotional reflexivity and emotional regime to understanding ‘the hukou puzzle’ in contemporary China
Authors: Mao Jingyu
Published: February 2023

This article examines the dialogic relationship between emotional reflexivity and emotional regime as it explores ‘the hukou puzzle’ in China. In theory, migrants in small- to medium-scale cities can transfer their hukou (household registration) to urban areas, yet are unwilling to do so in practice. Relying on six months’ ethnographic fieldwork and 60 in-depth interviews with ethnic migrant performers, this article argues that previous theorisation of the hukou puzzle neglects emotions and assumes migrants are making rational choices to maximise their profits. In reality, different emotions and feelings inform migrants’ reflexivity regarding an opaque migration regime, which highlights the crucial role of how they exercise their reflexivity in emotional and relational ways. Moreover, a neoliberal emotional regime at the Chinese societal level – which emphasises positive energy, happiness and ‘the China Dream’  – also significantly shapes migrants’ emotional reflexivity. This article points to the need to further explore the intersection between emotional reflexivity and emotional regime in relation to migration.
The social challenges of not eating meat: how social interactions shape the role of meat in everyday food practices
Authors: Wendler Morten
Published: February 2023

It is widely acknowledged that to tackle global climate change, meat consumption needs to be reduced substantially, especially in wealthy nations, such as Denmark. A number of studies inspired by theories of practice have investigated various aspects of food practices and meat consumption, including their trajectories and material basis. However, the role of social interactions in organising food practitioners’ performances is still somewhat under-investigated. This article seeks to make up for this by showing some of the ways food practices are contingent on social interactions between practitioners.

The article investigates how the organisation of the performances of food practitioners are produced and reproduced through social interactions with other practitioners and what this means for the role of meat and animal products. This is done through an analysis of data from 27 interviews with young Danes who have reduced or are in the process of reducing their meat consumption and four network focus groups. The analysis shows how procedures, engagements and understandings tied to meat are established and contested through social interactions. This is used to show how differences in arrangements of social encounters provide very different terms for a construction of a mainly plant-based diet as normal. Finally, in the discussion, I argue that arrangements of social encounters can, in a similar way to material arrangements, induce and prefigure certain types of performances, and I discuss the implications of the results for intervention efforts aimed at reducing meat consumption.
Plant Disease Diagnosing Based on Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Omer Saman M. , Ghafoor Kayhan Z. , Askar Shavan K.
Published: February 2023

Agriculture crops are highly significant for the sustenance of human life and act as an essential source for national income development worldwide. Plant diseases and pests are considered one of the most imperative factors influencing food production, quality, and minimize losses in production. Farmers are currently facing difficulty in identifying various plant diseases and pests, which are important to prevent plant diseases effectively in a complicated environment. The recent development of deep learning techniques has found use in the diagnosis of plant diseases and pests, providing a robust tool with highly accurate results. In this context, this paper presents a comprehensive review of the literature that aims to identify the state of the art of the use of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) in the process of diagnosing and identification of plant pest and diseases. In addition, it presents some issues that are facing the models performance, and also indicates gaps that should be addressed in the future. In this regard, we review studies with various methods that addressed plant disease detection, dataset characteristics, the crops, and pathogens. Moreover, it discusses the commonly employed five-step methodology for plant disease recognition, involving data acquisition, preprocessing, segmentation, feature extraction, and classification. It discusses various deep learning architecture-based solutions that have a faster convergence rate of plant disease recognition. From this review, it is possible to understand the innovative trends regarding the use of CNN’s algorithms in the plant diseases diagnosis and to recognize the gaps that need the attention of the research community.
Typification and taxonomic notes on species of Muhlenbergia Schreb. (Poaceae, Muhlenbergiinae) in India
Authors: Tiwari Smita , Tiwari Supriya , Prasad Dileshwar , Jaiswal Shubham , Yadav Rekha , Sharma Sangam , Agnihotri Priyanka
Published: February 2023

The present paper deals with typification for two names in the genus Muhlenbergia i.e. M. duthieana and M. himalayensis. Furthermore, taxonomy of all Indian species for the same has been provided along with taxonomic key for correct identification.
Optimal strategies for controlling the outbreak of COVID-19: Reducing its cost and duration
Authors: Dashtbali Mohammadali
Published: February 2023

Social distancing plays an essential role in controlling the spread of an epidemic, but changing the behavior of individuals regarding social distancing is costly. In order to make a rational decision, individuals must compare the cost of social distancing and the cost of infection. People are typically more likely to change their behavior if they are aware that the government is willing to incur additional cost to shorten the duration of an epidemic. I extend an optimal control problem of social distancing by integrating with the SIR model which describes the disease process. I present an optimal control problem to consider the behavior of susceptible individuals and the government in investment as control strategies and compute the equilibrium strategies under the potency of investment, using relative risk functions according to the investment that is made by susceptible individuals and the government. The equilibrium of this problem represents the optimal control strategies for minimizing the cost and duration of controlling an epidemic. Additionally, the model is evaluated using COVID-19 data from Egypt, Japan, Italy, Belgium, Nigeria, and Germany. The findings extracted from this model could be valuable in developing public health policy in the event of an epidemic.
Naturalism Fails an Empirical Test: Darwin’s “Dangerous” Idea in Retrospect
Authors: Byrne Charles
Published: February 2023

In his theory of evolution by natural selection, Charles Darwin provided a plausible alternative to Christianity’s creation account of human origins. In response, the Christian botanist Asa Gray suggested that the variation that drives evolution might be generated by God. Darwin rejected Gray’s hypothesis, invoking philosophical naturalism, a hallmark scientific paradigm. Darwin’s conclusion was reached on ideological grounds rather than empirical ones. I frame the question of the source of biological variation in a way that is accessible to modern experimental science and trace historical advances in biology that have accumulated to favor Gray’s theistic view. In particular, I show that empirical evidence collected subsequent to Darwin’s time contradicts the assumption of randomness in the mutation process, and thereby undermines the basis for his invocation of naturalism in the origins of biological variation.
Prediction and monitoring model for farmland environmental system using soil sensor and neural network algorithm
Authors: Song Tao , Si Yulong , Gao Jie , Wang Wei , Nie Congwei , Klemeš Jiří Jaromír
Published: February 2023

In this study, data fusion algorithm is used to classify the soil species and calibrate the soil humidity sensor, and by using edge computing and a wireless sensor network, farmland environment monitoring system with a two-stage calibration function of frequency domain reflectometer (FDR) is established. Edge computing is used in system nodes, including the saturation value of the soil humidity sensor, the calculated soil hardness, the calculation process of the neural network, and the model of soil classification. A bagged tree is adopted to avoid over-fitting to reduce the prediction variance of the decision tree. A decision tree model is established on each training set, and the C4.5 algorithm is adopted to construct each decision tree. After primary calibration, the root mean squared error (RMSE) between the measured and standard values is reduced to less than 0.0849%. The mean squared error (MSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) are reduced to less than 0.7208 and 0.6929%. The bagged tree model and backpropagation neural network are used to classify the soil and train the dynamic soil dataset. The output of the trained neural network is closer to the actual soil humidity than that of the FDR soil humidity sensor. The MAE, the MSE, and the RMSE decrease by 1.37%, 3.79, and 1.86%. With accurate measurements of soil humidity, this research shows an important guiding significance for improving the utilization efficiency of agricultural water, saving agricultural water, and formulating the crop irrigation process.
Trimorphic TaCrP – A diffraction and 31P solid state NMR spectroscopic study
Authors: Paulsen Christian , Gerdes Josef Maximilian , Svitlyk Volodymyr , Reimann Maximilian Kai , Rabenbauer Alfred , Nilges Tom , Hansen Michael Ryan , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: February 2023

The metal-rich phosphide TaCrP forms from the elements by step-wise solid state reaction in an alumina crucible (maximum annealing temperature 1180 K). TaCrP is trimorphic. The structural data of the hexagonal ZrNiAl high-temperature phase (space group

P

6
‾

2
m

$P\overline{6}2m$

) was deduced from a Rietveld refinement. At room temperature TaCrP crystallizes with the TiNiSi type (Pnma, a = 623.86(5), b = 349.12(3), c = 736.78(6) pm, wR = 0.0419, 401 F
2 values, 20 variables) and shows a Peierls type transition below ca. 280 K to the monoclinic low-temperature modification (P121/c1, a = 630.09(3), b = 740.3(4), c = 928.94(4) pm, β = 132.589(5)°, wR = 0.0580, 1378 F
2 values, 57 variables). The latter phase transition is driven by pairwise Cr–Cr bond formation out of an equidistant chain in o-TaCrP. The phase transition was monitored via different analytical tools: differential scanning calorimetry, powder synchrotron X-ray diffraction, magnetic susceptibility measurements and 31P solid state NMR spectroscopy.
Modeling and Validation of a Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
Authors: Yoganandan Hamsavarthini , Srinivasan Kanthalakshmi
Published: February 2023

Batteries are part of an extremely nonlinear electrochemical system, and their performance is determined by various key factors such as law of thermodynamics, electrode kinetics, ion transport, and diffusion. To develop an accurate model of a battery, it is important to take into consideration both the internal and external conditions that would determine both the battery dynamics and its performance. Electrochemical, mathematical, and electrical equivalent circuit models are three common ways to model the electrochemical battery system. However, using these models involves certain limitations such as increased computation, empirical equations, and components (both active and passive). A simple electrical battery model with a voltage source and a resistor is insufficient to attain the desired level of accuracy in the model. To overcome these limitations, this study presents an electrothermal model that has been designed by adding “n” number of resistance capacitance (RC) pairs connected parallelly to ensure both dynamics and accuracy. An electrothermal model of a lithium-ion cell with a one-RC model and two-RC model has been developed, and a performance comparison has also been made to check the voltage accuracy of all the models. The electrical and thermal parameters (Em (state of charge [SOC], T), RO (SOC, T), R1 (SOC, T), R2 (SOC, T), C1 (SOC, T), C2 (SOC, T)) required for an RC model have been extracted through the pulse charge-discharge test. A battery pack of 55 V, 50 Ah using the RC model based on the Indian driving cycle condition has also been developed. Pulse charge-discharge and constant current-constant voltage profiles have been applied to the developed battery pack model to simulate and validate the accuracy of voltage in a real-time scenario.
A Method of Quantitative Detection of Fatigue Crack Depth in Bottom Rails by Ultrasonic Guided Waves Based on PCA-SVM
Authors: Liu Yuzhu , Chen Ying , Zeng Wei , Luo Dongyun , Hu Pan , Huang Xuming , Yu Shangzhi
Published: February 2023

Ultrasonic guided wave is widely used to detect cracks in rail because of its long propagation distance and small attenuation. To effectively detect the fatigue crack in rail bottom through ultrasonic guided wave, an improved principal component analysis-support vector machine (PCA-SVM) intelligent algorithm based on grid search (GS) is proposed to detect the fatigue crack at different depths of rail bottom. The finite element method is used to establish the model of ultrasonic guided wave at different depths of the rail bottom, and the simulation model is compared with the experimental data to determine the effectiveness of the simulation model. Five main component features of the fatigue cracks at different depths are extracted by PCA. The GS method is used to optimize the penalty factor c and kernel function parameter g in the SVM, and the optimized SVM model is selected to identify the rail fatigue crack at different depths. The combination of theoretical simulation and experimental results shows that the accuracy of the training set and the test set of the improved PCA-SVM intelligent algorithm based on the GS method can reach 99.79 % and 99.73 %, respectively, which provides a basis and method for the detection of the fatigue crack depth of the rail bottom.
Benchmark to Evaluate Revised Censoring Procedures for ASTM E1921
Authors: Tregoning R. L. , Wallin K. R. W.
Published: February 2023

ASTM E1921, Standard Test Method for Determination of Reference Temperature, T0, for Ferritic Steels in the Transition Range, contains a censoring criterion, KJΔa, that limits the amount of ductile tearing prior to cleavage in specimen data used to calculate the reference temperature, T0. A frequent complaint from users is that the requirements for both determining and implementing KJΔa are unclear and difficult to apply. These provisions require that KJΔa be determined using either the maximum valid KJc data from another result within the data set (i.e., one with an acceptance amount ductile tearing prior to cleavage) or a K-value based on the material’s JIc value (i.e., KJIc). Both options are potentially problematic as the JIc value is often unknown and assigning other test data as the censoring value can cause situations where this value is higher than the measured KJc value for that specimen. A benchmark analysis evaluated two alternative options for ductile-tearing censoring requirements proposed to rectify these inadequacies. The first option uses an absolute ductile-tearing-limit criterion and is simpler to apply. The second option employs a ductile tearing limit that varies with the KJc result but is designed to minimize the conservative bias associated with excessive ductile tearing. Data sets for low upper-shelf materials with sufficient data to calculate valid T0 values, yet with a significant percentage of data with measurable ductile tearing prior to cleavage were selected for evaluation. The benchmark results illustrated that although there is no obviously better censoring option, the option that uses an absolute ductile-tearing-limit is simpler to implement, whereas the T0 results are generally consistent with those calculated for the option with the variable ductile-tearing-limit.
Computational steady-thrust vector controlsupersonic secondary flow injection
Authors: Anand R
Published: February 2023

This paper presents the Computational study of flow through the Rocket Nozzle in order to manoeuvre the Rocket by means of Supersonic Secondary Injection of Hot gases. Well-designed nozzles can accelerate these gases to speeds of thousands of meters per second. In addition to accelerating the gases, nozzles are often responsible for steering (or “vectoring”) the flow in order to control the rocket’s direction of flight. Due to continuous secondary injection of hot gases, the strong unsteady effects like Shear Layers, Intervention of Shockwaves with the Core fluid flow, Biased Wall Shear, etc., has to be studied precisely to appraise/evaluate the effectiveness of Nozzle contribution in role of steering the Rocket. Numerical Technique/Computational Analysis has been carried out to provide tons of insight about the meticulous behavior of Fluid particles while they interact with secondary flow. Comparative study on Supersonic Fluid Flow and the intervention of Secondary Injection of Hot gases has been carried at different angle of injection and at different injecting Pressure in order to find its optimum injection angle and optimum Injecting Pressure. It has been observed that Steering of Rocket drives well by Secondary Injection when its injecting angle becomes tangential to fluid flow direction and Injecting Pressure favors to steer the rocket when it increases its magnitude.
A literature study on the analysis of physical risks on employees of the aviation industry
Authors: Cenk Mızrak Kağan , Aydın Ercan
Published: February 2023

The aviation industry, which is highly technologically advanced, provides great employment opportunities for countries, and is of economic and socio-cultural importance, continues to develop. With this development comes new risks. States and companies evaluate, analyze and control these risks with various management approaches. Risks are elements that contain uncertainty about harm and danger. It is not possible to completely eliminate risks. However, its effects can be minimized. This requires risk management. The cost of the work done to prevent risks is quite low compared to the cost that will occur after the risk occurs. In this study, a literature study was conducted on the physical risks that the employees in the aviation industry are exposed to and the occupational diseases they cause.
Support of Solar system study by using ISRU based electric propulsion
Authors: Katsonis Konstantinos
Published: February 2023

Support of the exploration and study of our Solar system obtained by electric propulsion using available in situ resources for harvesting of the necessary propellants is addressed. This technology should contribute to related R&D development, allowing also for exploitation of the available resources. Specifically, dedicated global models of interest and concomitant diagnostics are shortly described and discussed.
How airline business models impact working conditions of flight crew members
Authors: Wild Peter
Published: February 2023

This literature research investigates the working conditions, fatigue, mental health, and working conditions of pilots of network carriers (NWCs) and low-cost carriers (LCCs). According to the McKinsey 7S model, different management strategies entail different HRM practices and working conditions. This research paper provides a holistic overview of previous research by investigating the working conditions, actual rosters, stress levels, sleep problems, fatigue, ad mental health of LCC and NWC flight crew members. Basically, LCC pilots have lower income, younger age, less flight experience, more demanding rosters, more sleep difficulties, and experience more fatigue. Moreover, it seems that LCC working conditions are more related with anxiety due to insecure and atypical contractual conditions. Consequently, the research paper confirms that different management strategies result in different working conditions (e.g., atypical contracts, higher work-related stress, more job insecurity, different levels of fatigue, sleep problems, and potential impairment of mental health), consistently to the detriment of LCC pilots. Lastly, LCC pilots reported more safety issues and more fatigue-related incidents compared with NWC pilots.
Piezoactuator of nanodisplacement for astrophysics
Authors: SM Afonin
Published: February 2023

The structural scheme of a piezoactuator is obtained for astrophysics. The matrix equation is constructed for a piezoactuator. The characteristics of a piezoactuator are received for astrophysics.
What is mankind’s space mission from evolutionary cybernetics point of view?
Authors: G Yushchenko Alexander
Published: February 2023

The evolutionary mechanisms of anthropogenesis as well as the development of social organisms are analyzed. The concept of Geo-Solaris, treating the Earth, encompassed by evolving living matter, as an intuitive thinking brain, is outlined. The problems of modern civilization arising from the aggressive nature of man, exploited by authoritarian leaders, are examined. The role of space technology in planetary megasynthesis is noted. The hypotheses of cosmic expansion of E-creatures and cyborgs are critically examined. The conclusion is substantiated that any evolutionary process will reproduce a human entity adapted to the parent planet.
Turning challenges into opportunities: mental health and coping styles among Filipino youth during pandemic towards program and policy development framework
Authors: Villafania, RSW, MSW Jeff Bernal
Published: February 2023

The pandemic of COVID-19 represents a direct and indirect global crisis, affecting the physical and psychological health of young people directly and indirectly. Significant restrictions and rules imposed to respond to the prompt growth of COVID-19, mainly social constraints, have represented a risk factor for developing depressive and anxious symptoms. Beyond getting sick, many young people’s social, emotional, and mental well-being has been impacted by the pandemic. Trauma at this developmental stage may have long-term consequences across their lifespan triggered by physical distancing, loss of security and safety, and missed significant life events. Changes in routines and educational challenges triggered a problem with Filipino youth’s mental health. The researcher aims to assess Filipino youth’s mental health status and to investigate the effects of Covid-19 pandemic. A descriptive correlation study was conducted to describe and measure levels of mental health (depression, anxiety, and stress) and coping strategies among Filipino youth as basis for psycho-social intervention programs. The results emphasized the consequences of promoting mental wellness and psychological tactics due to the unanticipated nature of stressful event and emotional responses. The study used of standardized scales such as DASS-21 and Brief Cope Inventory respectively. The survey administered randomly to 200 Filipino youths ages 12 to 17, 80 of which are males and 120 are females. The findings and insights discussed a great addition to the growing knowledge of young people’s mental health and program and policy development for youth protection and intervention in the local settings.
Power discourse: reflecting Shah Abbas I’s political thoughts on Safavid architecture and urban development (Isfahan’s Baghshahr Utopia)
Authors: Asadi Shaham
Published: February 2023

The Safavid era is one of the golden eras of Iranian architecture and art influenced by Shiite and Iranian thought, especially during the 42-year reign of Shah Abbas I, in which thinking, ideology and economics grew because of the silk trade. As a result of the centralized consolidation of power and economics following the political formations, the state sought its ideas in the field of art and architecture. Historical analysis of what has happened in the structure of cities and in different periods is the effect of the power of the ruling class on their structure. Isfahan, as the first garden city, is no exception. The Persian Garden has been the utopia of its creators since it was rooted in their beliefs and therefore the Safavid Garden is the manifestation of two heavenly beliefs centered on the four-garden principle of the shadow of paradise in the present world. School of Isfahan, based on shiite and ancient Iran thought, had established its Architecture and Urban design in an exemplary and imaginative form. Using these ideological foundations, Shah Abbas sought to construct his utopia in order to have an immortal and perpetual influence on all arts, as the Isfahan school was indebted to his thoughts. Isfahan's Baghshahr, first chosen by Shah Abbas I for political influence, was the capital to serve as a venue for the king's power and utopia. Safavid political discourse is based on the interplay of the components of Sufism, Shi'ism, Islamic tradition and caliphate and the Divine glory. In this article, with an analytical and descriptive perspective, we try to prove the influence of politics on the art of the Safavid period, so that this hegemony is also abundant in the religious ideology of that period. The questions we face here are: What strategies did the Safavids use to form their own political government? Do political factors influence Safavid art and architecture? And how does it appear and occur? Finally, sixteen political factors were identified in the process of city structure, not only in politics, but also in geography, economics, and religion, all of which influenced the design of the Safavid garden city alongside the political model.
Can caffeine activate your brown fat? Effects of caffeine, ephedrine, and norepinephrine on nonshivering thermogenesis in congenic lean and obese LA/Ntul//-cp rats
Authors: L Tulp Orien
Published: February 2023

To determine the effects of norepinephrine (NE) or of caffeine (CAF) alone or in combination with ephedrine (EPH) were determined in groups of lean and obese LA/Ntul//-cp Rats, Body weights of obese were >> lean littermates (p=<0.01) and measures of RMR of lean > Obese (p=<0.05). The effects of caffeine, ephedrine, a caffeine+ephedrine combo, and the β- agonist epinephrine was examined. Caffeine (CAF) resulted in a 33% increase in VO2, ‘nonephedrine’ (EPH) a 48% increase, the combination CAF+EPH a 53% increase, and the NE a 33% increase in VO2. In obese rats, the increases in VO2 were of a similar percentage (21 vs 48 vs 47 % vs 31% for CAF, EPH, CAF+EPH and NE respectively although the peak responses attained in the obese tended to be of a significantly lesser absolute magnitude than were observed in the lean phenotype. The time to peak thermogenic response was similar in lean and obese phenotypes for each of the 4 treatment regimens, but the duration of the peak responses to each treatment differed between lean and obese phenotypes (Obese > lean) for CAF, EPH and the CAF+EPH combination but duration of the VO2 response was similar in both phenotypes for the NE treatment. Thus, these observations are consistent with a significant CAF-stimulated thermogenic response that was qualitatively similar to that of NE in both lean and obese phenotypes of the congenic LA/Ntul//-cp rat and which thermogenic responses were further augmented with EPH alone or in combination with CAF. Although the mechanisms of action of the pharmacologic and physiologic mechanisms elicited may differ among the three agents studied the results indicate that they are complimentary in nature in bringing about increases in parameters of nonshivering thermogenesis and thus increasing metabolic energy expenditure in both lean and obese rats. In conclusion, while caffeine as monotherapy may bring about limited weight loss, the combination of caffeine plus ephedrine was more effective in the lean and obese phenotypes of the congenic, non-diabetic LA/Ntul//-cp (Corpulent) rat.
Impact of seed cold stratification on apricot germination and subsequent seedling growth as well as chemical constituents of seeds during stratification
Authors: Seif El-Yazal Samir Ahmed , EI-Shew Ahmed Abd El-Monem , Seif EI-Yazal Mohamed Ahmed
Published: February 2023

Freshly harvested seeds of apricot varieties "Balady (Amar)" and "Hamawy" were found to be dormant and did not germinate at all. A specific low-temperature stratification treatment was required to overcome seed dormancy. 5°C cold stratification was found to be the best for breaking seed dormancy, germination and seedling growth. Increased seed germination percentage was recorded when the period of stratification prolonged. Seedling developed from stratified seeds had better growth than those developed from non-stratified seeds. Apricot seeds required a cold stratification of about 12-15 days for "Balady variety (Amar)" and15-18 days for "Hamawy" variety "to reach maximum germination and normal seedling growth. Chemical constituents of apricot seeds (total and reducing sugars, total free amino acids and total indoles were increased while that of free phenols and total soluble phenols were decreased) when stratification period prolonged. Therefore, it can be suggested that breaking of dormancy is coincided with several changes in different chemical constituents of seeds. Some of these materials increased and other materials which decreased at seed germinations.
“Maravillas” agroforestry system: an alternative for sustainable soil management in tropical steeplands
Authors: Díaz Fuentes Víctor Hugo , Díaz Hernández Brenda Gabriela
Published: February 2023

Anagroforestry system was established in steeplands of the municipality of Tezonapa Veracruz, Mexico, with objective of evaluating its efficiency in soil conservation. The component species of the system were mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), cedar tree (Cedrelaodorata), teak (Tectonagrandis), orange (Citrus sinensis), lemon (Citrus latifolia), cinnamon (Cynnamomunzeylanicum), corn (Zea mays), and biological barriers to the contour (BBC) of vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides). In agroforestry system, the annual soil erosion rate was reduced by 66% compared to the traditional system used for maize production.
Physico-chemical quality of drinking water and human health: a study of salt range Pakistan
Authors: Batool Aniqa , Aziz Sadia , Imad Saima , Sabahat Kazmi Syeda , Shafqat Mateen , Ghufran Muhammad Asad
Published: February 2023

The Salt Range a hill system located in the Punjab province of Pakistan is affected by heavy salinity and condition is deteriorating overtime with the use of brackish underground water. Common health problems are hypertension, viral hepatitis due to virus A and E, many types of urinary problems and gastrointestinal tract problems like diarrhea and other abdominal ailments. Present study was designed to evaluate the physico-chemical parameters of drinking water of the Salt Range by taking water samples from different locations of Pind Dadan Khan and Khewra. Each parameter was compared with the standard desirable limit prescribed by WHO. Eight percent water samples showed pH level above the permissible limit while EC and TDS values also crossed the permissible guideline values in 48 and 24 percent samples respectively. The results revealed that 16% sulfates 10% iron content and 30% chlorides were higher than the WHO standards. In 54 percent samples chromium values also crossed the WHO guideline limit. The higher values of certain parameters (when compared with acceptable standard limits for drinking purposes) point towards the salt water intrusion and pollution level in drinking water. Suitable suggestions were made to improve the water quality of salt range.
Study on the efficacy of harmonic frequencies applied through music therapy intervention techniques in cochlear implant patients
Authors: Hernández Fuentes Alejandra , Fernández Company José Fernando
Published: February 2023

This article deals with research conducted through therapeutic intervention to three people with cochlear implants from 2016 to 2021, in which the effectiveness of music therapy as a tool in the auditory rehabilitation of cochlear implant patients was studied, not only for the improvement in the perception of music and its elements but also because it contributes to the development of oral language comprehension post-implant and improves the quality of life indices of these patients. For this purpose, the auditory rehabilitation techniques carried out in speech therapy were adapted to sound-musical activities in a structured and progressive manner. The results obtained indicate that the three patients achieved a good development in the activities and that they improved their levels of frequency and phonological discrimination as well as their language comprehension and perception in their quality of life.
Frequency of ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ghosal Anuradha , Ghosal Samit
Published: February 2023

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most frequent metabolic disease encountered in India. One of the most fearful complications associated with T2DM is acute coronary syndrome (ACS). In contrast to the non-T2DM patients T2DM patients presents with atypical clinical picture and has a worse prognosis. Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a very important tool used to diagnose ACS. The ST-segment elevation (STEMI) pattern in ECG is associated with a significant and prolonged occlusion of the coronary arteries. The aim of this pilot project was to highlight the difference in ECG presentation between T2DM patients and their non-T2DM counterparts (if any). Relevant data was collected from 29 consecutive patients presenting with AMI in the cardiac care center in Nightingale hospital, Kolkata, India, after procuring their informed consent. The data was analyzed using the presence or absence of STEMI as the categorical output and its association with T2DM status as the input. The association was assessed using chi-square statistics. Jupyter notebook was used to perform the statistical analysis. The mean age of the selected population was 61.2 years with a mean blood pressure (BP) of 136/77 mm of Hg. There was a significant association between T2DM and STEMI (P=0.02), as assessed by chi-square statistics. In this small cohort from Kolkata, T2DM was significantly associated with an ECG presentation of STEMI in patients with AMI.
Temporary and reversible clopidogrel, ticagrelor and prasugrel high on-treatment platelet reactivity associated to the concomitant use of morphine and fentanyl in acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Barrera-Ramírez Carlos Felipe , Pineda-Pompa Luis Ramón , Pacheco Ríos María del Rayo , Ilárraza-Lomelí Hermes
Published: February 2023

Background: Recent evidence demonstrates that morphine significantly reduces absorption and delays onset of action of P2Y12-receptor inhibitors in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Case summary: 55-year-old male with inferior ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction was treated with opioids previous and during primary angioplasty, developing temporary and reversible clopidogrel, ticagrelor and prasugrel high on-treatment platelet reactivity assessed by platelet function test. We treated with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor as a bridge to obtain antplatelet effect by P2Y12–receptor inhibitors. Discussion: The interaction between opioids and oral P2Y12-receptor inhibitors in patients with acute coronary syndrome should be highlighted. Although morphine administration may potentially lead to detrimental clinical consequences by diminish of antiplatelet effect, its routine avoidance cannot be recommended until large scale trials be available. We suggest that if the use of morphine and other opioids is inevitable, utilization of platelet function tests to guide the antiplatelet treatment is an option.
Comparative effectiveness of angsana latex (pterocarpus indiscus) and chlorhexidine 0.2% against streptococcus mutans growth - an in vitro study
Authors: Utsani Wimmy Safaati , Kholifa Mahmud
Published: February 2023

Background: Angsana is one of the medicinal plants that can be used as a traditional medicine. Angsana has a scientific name Pterocarpus indicusfrom fabaceae family. Angsana contains secondary metabolites, which is thought to have antibacterial effects. The chemical constituents of the plant angsana are alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenes, steroids, and phenolic. Researches had shown that angsana latex had antibacterial effect against Streptococcus mutansbecause it contains flavonoid. This day, the therapies that have been given to reduce the colonies of Streptococcus mutansin oral cavity, one of that is chlorhexidine0.2%. Objective: The aim of this research was to prove comparative effectiveness of angsana latex (Pterocarpus indiscus) and chlorhexidine0.2% against Streptococcus mutansgrowth. Material and Methods: This research was an experimental method laboratory (true experimental), with a post-test only design, using a completely randomized design, consisting of four treatments: angsana latex 40% w/v, angsana latex 80% w/v positive control (chlorhexidine0.2%) and negative control (aquadest). Each treatment is repeated 6 times. The rated bactericidal effect of the inhibition zone formed on Muller Hinton media with diffusion method. Result: One Way ANOVA test showed that inhibition zone had a significant difference, angsana latex 80% w/v had mean inhibiting zone higher than chlorhexidine0.2% against Streptococcus mutans. Conclusion: Based on this study, angsana latex 80% w/v had bactericidal effect higher than chlorhexidine 0.2% against Streptococcus mutans.
Regenerative in endodontics: how, when and where
Authors: Rima AL Ahmar , Sanaa Bassam , Sarah Salloum , Hassan El Husseini , Rima AL Ahmar
Published: February 2023

Undeveloped teeth are defenseless against infections, trauma and abnormal anatomies. Apexification has been considered as the standard treatment of immature permanent immature teeth that have suffered from irreversible pulpitis. This course of action boosts the shaping of an apical blockade to intercept the connection between the root canal and, the periodontal surroundings. In spite of that, these techniques have been unsuccessful in achieving root development which may expose the teeth to major side effects such as fractures. Recently, the most favorable therapy for immature or mature teeth with pulp necrosis is the regenerative endodontic treatment. This paper defines the biotic foundation and clinical regenerative endodontic processes currently used in dental practice.
Influence of chlorhexidine mouthwashes on air contamination of dental offices
Authors: de Souza Fabio Barbosa , Marques Angelo Evandro Leao Raposo , de Oliveira Karoline Maria Santos , Bezerra Gabriel Marques , Marques Igor Rafael Cavalcanti , Sobrinho Carlos Roberto Weber
Published: February 2023

Objective: It was evaluated the influence of pre-procedural rinse with mouthwash with chlorhexidine (0.12%) on the degree of air contamination in a dental clinic. Methods: The sample consisted of 21 patients with periodontal disease were randomly divided into three groups: pre-procedural mouthwash Absence (Control); pre-procedural rinse mouthwash with distilled water (Water) and pre-procedural rinse with mouthwash with chlorhexidine base 0.12% (Chlorhexidine). It was conducted basic periodontal treatment using ultrassonic device. The microbial load generated during the service was captured by sedimentation plates with half Agar Blood culture (AS), exposed for a time of 10 minutes. The boards remained in an oven at 37°C for 48h. It held the count of colony forming units (cfu/cm²). Results: By applying Kruskal-Wallis test, there was a statistically significant difference between groups. Dunn's test for multiple comparisons revealed that the Control group average showed a statistically significant difference compared to the others. Conclusion: Prior mouthwash dental care (chlorhexidine-based 0.12% and distilled water) influenced air contamination, being effective in reducing the amount of microorganisms present in the aerosol generated by dental procedures with ultrasonic device. Clinical relevance: Proven spread of contaminants in the air through aerosols and their reduction with the prior mouthwash dental care, it is suggested that this measure is routinely adopted to reduce the risk of cross-infection.
Dental urgencies in a brazilian dental school: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Vieira Everton Gomes , Donida Fernanda Ara jo , de Souza Fabio Barbosa
Published: February 2023

At the Federal University of Pernambuco - Brazil, care of dental urgencies is held in the Reception and Care Center (RCC) of the Dental School. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological profile and treatments performed in urgency room visits in the RCC and the social profile of patients arriving. An observational descriptive study was conducted to evaluate the physical medical records of patients treated in the period of one year. The data was performed were organized in electronic spreadsheets and submitted to descriptive and inferential statistics, with the significance level of 5%. The main problem was the pain (70%); the most predominant diagnosis was pulpitis (41%); the treatment was performed over the opening sequence, the within the duct medication and temporary restoration of the crown (50,5%). Most patients are women (66,9%), from Recife (54,1%) and adulthood (76,9%). It was concludedrgencye that because most of the complaints are of pulp origin, RCC should prepare to serve mainly endodontic emergencies.
Comparison of effect of Interactive mobile game (IMG) with Tell-Show-Do technique (TSD) on behavior in six to twelve year-old children: A pilot trial
Authors: Nivedita Pande , Amar Katre
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Fear and anxiety experienced by children during dental treatment may cause them to decline further treatment. Digital tools like interactive mobile games could be explored further for altering child behavior. Aim: To compare effect of interactive mobile game with Tell-Show-Do technique on behavior in 6-12 year-old children. Methodology: Thirty healthy children aged 6-12 years requiring restorative treatments were recruited in this parallel arm trial. Facial Image scale (FIS) score, Frankl Rating (FR) and Pulse Rate (PR) were analyzed at baseline and post-restorative treatment. FIS scores and FRs were compared using Mann Whitney U test and PRs using paired t test. Results: Intergroup comparison revealed no significant differences between interactive mobile game and Tell-Show-Do on FIS scores (0.4+0.065, p=0.116), FRs (0+0.136, p=0.757) and PRs (0.1+0.509, p=0.978). Conclusion: There was no difference between the effect of interactive mobile game and Tell-Show-Do on behavior in 6-12 year old children.
Infection control practices in dental healthcare settings for the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic
Authors: de Souza Fábio Barbosa , Silva Assíria Rebeca de Souza , Torres Gabriel Robson Santos , Braga Larissa de Araújo , dos Santos Guilherme Ricardo Pereira , da Silva Luiza Nascimento , de Oliveira Karoline Maria Santos , Gomes Simone Guimarães Farias
Published: February 2023

The constant presence of bioaerosols in dental procedures represents a challenge for dental healthcare services during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic (COVID-19). The main transmission pathway of its etiological agent-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-occurs through droplets. Thus, when considering that saliva is a reservoir for this virus, dentistry is one of the activities with greater exposure to risk, with the need to establish strict safety protocols. This study is based on relevant guidelines and research andreviewed the scientific literature in order to present infection control practices to prevent SARS-CoV-2 contamination in dental healthcare settings.
Cone beam computed tomography: still a blessing for maxillofacial imaging
Authors: Alabdulwahid Ameera
Published: February 2023

In this period of advanced technology, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was embraced into the dental settings very rapidly and has gained popularity in the field of oral radiology due to its advantages over conventional two-dimensional (2D) radiography, such as its relatively compact size, low cost, low ionizing radiation exposure when compared to multi detector computed tomography (MDCT). This paper provides an overview of the basic principles of CBCT technology and reviews its current advances on the specific application to the oral and maxillofacial region.