bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Power calculation of a coupled mechanism of parallel cranks
Authors: Timofeev G.A. , Yaminsky N.A.
Published: February 2023

Design and layout capabilities of gearboxes with flexible and rigid links created on the basis of dual mechanisms of parallel cranks (wave gears with external deformation wave generators of the crank-planetary gearboxes and combined planetary-wave mechanisms) most fully satisfy requirements to the transmission mechanisms of the system automatic control of the antenna drives. Methods for calculating geometric characteristics, power interaction of elements, evaluation of the main quality indicators of the wave gear with external deformation wave generators and recommendations for their use are practically missing in the technical literature (except for works of scientists from the Department of Theory of Mechanisms and Machines, Bauman Moscow State Technical University). Therefore, studies aimed at creating methods of calculating and designing these mechanisms for special drives of the automatic control systems are important. The paper describes technique of power calculation of the double mechanism of the wave gear parallel cranks with the wave external deformation generator making it possible to competently design these drives.
Etyczny wymiar globalnego rozprzestrzeniania się epidemii AIDS/HIV na świecie – zarys problemu
Authors: Jołkiewicz Dorota
Published: February 2023

AIDS is an example of the global threat. In my article I would like to present the most important ethical dilemmas related to global outspreading of AIDS/HIV epidemic in the world and also make an attempt of finding a possible solution. I assume that the dilemmas could be described in three basic dimensions: The first discussed ethical problem is related to treating sick people by the healthy people. We observe the discrimination of people suffering from AIDS/HIV and it stands in opposition to Christianity and Church which commands to accept sick people, to respect and help them. The second discussed aspect concerns ethical challenges that modern medicine must face regarding the outspread of AIDS and HIV. On one hand, medical stuff who have contact with blood must incessantly confront their fear of infection with duty of helping people and providing medical care. On the other hand, medical professionals may encounter the moral dilemma how to keep medical records in secret and protect interests of people who are exposed to infection. The last important ethical dimension of global AIDS epidemic and other civilisation illnesses, which has been recently observed, is the polarization of the world in the field of health.
Intensity and Profitability of Smallholder Cassava Farmers’ Participation in Value Addition in Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Oluwatayo Isaac , Idiaye Chuks , Yusuff Mutiat
Published: February 2023

This study investigated the intensity and profitability of smallholder cassava farmers’ involvement in cassava value addition in Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 150 cassava farming households through the use of a well-structured questionnaire and employing a simple random sampling procedure. The data collected included information on the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents, intensity of value addition among the respondents, factors influencing their decisions to add value as well as the extent of value addition, profitability of cassava value addition and the factors that determined the profitability level of the enterprises. The data were analyzed using the descriptive statistics for profiling the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents, gross margin was used to measure profitability, and ordinary least squares regression model was used to determine the factors influencing the decisions of smallholder cassava farmers to add value to cassava as well as the extent of value addition among them. The results revealed that majority of the respondents were females (52.7%) with average age between 31-40 years of age while the average household size (52.7%) is between 6-10 members. Regression analysis of the determinants of the intensity of value addition revealed that the decisions to add value to cassava as well as the extent to which value was added were influenced positively by educational attainment, household size, and years of experience in cassava value addition. Results of the gross margin analysis revealed a positive return on variable costs thus indicating that the cassava value adding enterprise is a profitable one. These findings presented the need for all the stakeholders concerned to focus their attentions on proffering solutions to the challenges faced by cassava processors within the minimum time possible.
JEL code: L11, M11, M21, Q13, R32
Comparison study of the agricultural subsidy policy applied by Ecuador and Hungary in the last 10 years
Authors: Lourdes Ordonez Maria , Kovács Krisztián
Published: February 2023

Agricultural subsidies have long been a consistent concern of government policies; they influence the use of resources for pursuing different goals in this sector. In this research, we are making a comparison study of the agricultural subsidy policies of Ecuador and Hungary in the last ten years by a comparative analysis applied for empirical generalization to explain and get a better understanding of the subsidies used in the two countries. The results show an enormous advantage for Hungary compared to Ecuador regarding the agricultural subsidies. Since they are part of the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union, Hungary's subsidies are institutionalized and planned in the long term within a series of programs financed by the EU and national funds. While in Ecuador, agricultural policies exist as a general framework, and the governing body manages the subsidies through programs and projects that do not remain over time and depend on the current political situation in the country. In the same way, the data collected reflects that although the share of the agricultural sector in Ecuador's GDP is higher than in Hungary, the subsidy amounts for this sector are 36% lower than in Hungary.
 
JEL CODE: Q13
Decent Employment and Poverty Alleviation for Socio-Economic Development and Its Implications for the Well-Being of the Citizenry in South Africa
Authors: OLABIYI OLANIYI JOSHUA
Published: February 2023

The need for governments and private employers to adequately provide decent work within the economy for all its inhabitants cannot be over-emphasized. This imperative is even more important since most obtainable work have been characterized by many detrimental dimensions which can be considered as constituting ‘indecent employment’. From the viewpoint of human development, the paper examines how ‘decent employment’ can serve as an antidote to poverty. Thus, decent employment can positively affect both material and non-material social development which include health, education, social security, food security and overall well-being.. The present paper is borne out of the desire to empower the average South African citizen in specifically attaining an improved socio-economic living standard.  This paper employs a qualitative, thematic analysis of selected reported cases of perceived ‘indecent’ or non-meaningful employment from both informal and formal sectors’ Additionally, this paper highlights instances in which employees  have experienced  challenges in getting ‘dignified’ or decent employments as a result of  casualization, outsourcing, short-term contracts, and temporary employments. This interpretive, qualitative approach was adopted to put forward a somewhat empirical evidence of the potential beneficial effect of decent employment on human and socio-economic development. The main contribution of this paper is that it foregrounds the need for decent employment of the workforce in addressing the three-pronged societal challenges of unemployment, inequality and poverty. The paper posits that decent employment significantly contributes to national socio-economic development and poverty alleviation or eradication.
Penjadwalan Ulang Pekerjaan Finishing Proyek Shangrila Hotel Resort and Spa Menggunakan Metode PERT dan FLASH
Authors: Trisiana Anita , Arifin Syamsul , Effendy Khoirunnisai
Published: February 2023

A construction project in general always applies the concept of project management. The components of a construction project's success include cost, quality, and time. Planning and management of detailed scheduling of activities are necessary to complete a project to get the most optimal results within a predetermined time period. In the Shangrila Hotel Resort and Spa project, the remaining work is building finishing. The percentage of project completion was still at 3% in July 2019, so in this condition, rescheduling was carried out with the right approach to determine the project time. The Shangrila Hotel, Resort, and Spa project rescheduling use the PERT and FLASH methods. This method uses a probability percentage rather than uncertainty probability when analyzing project completion time. The rescheduling period is 272 days. The PERT method analysis based on activities on the critical path produces a probability percentage of 79.39%. Analysis of the FLASH method by considering all project activity relationships resulted in a probability percentage of 90%. In making a schedule, you can use modifications from other project management applications, such as BIM (Building Information Modeling).

ABSTRAK

Pada umumnya proyek konstruksi selalu menerapkan konsep manajemen proyek. Faktor keberhasilan suatu proyek kontruksi antara lain faktor biaya, mutu, dan waktu. Perencanaan dan manajemen penjadwalan terperinci tentang aktivitas kegiatan sangat diperlukan untuk menyelesaikan suatu proyek yang bertujuan untuk mendapatkan hasil yang paling optimal dalam jangka waktu yang telah ditentukan. Pada proyek Shangrila Hotel Resort and Spa memiliki pekerjaan proyek yang tersisa adalah pekerjaan finishing gedung. Persentase penyelesaian proyek masih 3% pada bulan Juli 2019, maka dalam kondisi ini dilakukan penjadwalan ulang dengan pendekatan yang tepat untuk menentukan waktu proyek. Penjadwalan ulang pada proyek Shangrila Hotel Resort and Spa menggunakan metode PERT dan FLASH. Metode ini menggunakan persentase posibilitas daripada probabilitas ketidakpastian ketika menganalisis waktu penyelesaian proyek. Penjadwalan ulang yang direncanakan adalah 272 hari. Analisa metode PERT berdasarkan kegiatan pada lintasan kritisnya menghasilkan persentase probabilitas sebesar 79,39%. Analisa metode FLASH dengan mempertimbangkan seluruh hubungan kegiatan proyek menghasilkan persentase posibilitas sebesar 90%. Dalam membuat rencana penjadwalan dapat menggunakan modifikasi aplikasi Manajemen Proyek yang lain seperti BIM (Building Information Modeling).
Inadvertent obstacle contacts when older adults step over obstacles: Effect of sex, self-reported fatigue, gait parameters, and prescription medications
Authors: Becker Timothy , Rietdyk Shirley
Published: February 2023

Background: Tripping is a common cause of falls, but the factors that are associated with trip risk are understudied.

Aim: To quantify inadvertent trips with a stationary, visible obstacle in older adults, and to determine how inadvertent trips are related to fatigue, sex, gait measures, and prescription medications.

Methods: Forty-one subjects walked on a 6 m walkway and stepped over a visible, stationary obstacle (height: 25% of leg length) 100 times; inadvertent trips with the obstacle were documented. We also collected gait measures on a clear walkway, self-reported fatigue every 25 obstacle crossing trials, and number of prescription medications. Participants were categorized as: 0 contacts or ≥1 contact.

Results: The obstacle was contacted by 15 participants (37%) in 29 trials (0.7% of all trials); 52% of contacts were with the lead limb. Self-reported fatigue increased during the obstacle crossing protocol (p<0.001). Participants in the ≥1 contact group had slower gait speed, shorter stride length, and higher gait cycle time variability (p≤0.041). They also reported higher maximum fatigue (p=0.022) and a higher number of prescription medications (p=0.019). Males and females were not different in contact frequency (p=0.93).

Interpretation: Inadvertent trips were not uncommon in older adults, even with a visible, stationary obstacle. Lead limb contacts indicate that older adults will have more difficulty recovering their balance after a trip. The strong association between fatigue (induced by walking) and impaired gait is highly relevant when quantifying gait in older adults, and also when developing fall prevention programs.
Criteria for the incorporation of software in architectural education
Authors: Mondragón-del-Ángel Luz Angélica , Escudero-Nahón Alexandro , Canchola-Magdaleno Sandra Luz
Published: February 2023

The integration of technology has been a constant fact in various areas of architecture. Currently there are innovative tools to be used both in the architectural design process and in professional practice, so its incorporation in architectural education is necessary for the preparation of future professionals. However, the incorporation of technology in architectural education is a process that involves various factors, so this article aimed to analyze the technologies and software that have been incorporated into architectural education to establish criteria in this regard, in addition to identifying the pedagogical approaches used for their incorporation. A systematic review was carried out through three online scientific databases and a quantitative-qualitative analysis was performed. The results suggest that the most incorporated technology and software are Virtual Reality and Rhinoceros respectively. The main reason for integrating a certain technology or software is the need to encourage the adaptation of these to the current demands of the area. Four main criteria used for the incorporations were identified: selection of learning resources, learning design, implementation and degree of success and evaluation. In terms of pedagogical approaches, the constructivist approach was found to be the most used. The incorporation positively influence the teaching-learning process in architecture education, however, there are limitations to their complete satisfaction, so studies on the subject are necessary, especially in specific contexts.Abstract
Determinants of investment intention in sharia stocks
Authors: Sylvania Dwi Yulianti  , Salsabilla Selfira
Published: February 2023

Purpose – The goal of this study is to determine the factors influencing students' intention to invest in sharia stocks using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Methodology – Quantitative approaches are used in this study. This study employs primary data by sending questionnaires online to 236 respondents who met the requirements of being students currently enrolled in Yogyakarta and possessing investment savings. The data analysis method employed is the Structural Equation Model (SEM), which uses the SmartPLS 3.0 software.Findings – The findings demonstrated a significant positive relationship between the intention to invest in sharia stocks and the factors of financial literacy, investor personality traits, attitudes, financial efficacy, and Islamic religiosity. On the other hand, the intention to invest in Islamic stocks is unaffected by a subjective norm.Implications – These results will be helpful for financial service providers to be able to choose the best marketing approach to attract more customers. In addition, it assists the lecturer to be able to persuade Muslim students to invest in sharia stocks.Originality – Since sharia stocks must adhere to Islamic law, this study investigates the impact of Islamic religiosity on student intentions to invest in sharia stocks.
Peran Keluarga, Sekolah Dan Masyarakat Dalam Mencetak Generasi Ilahiah Di Kota Makassar
Authors:   Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar, Sartika Sartika , Hasrianti Hasrianti , Rosa Lediana ,   Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar,   Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar, Miftakhurahmi Miftakhurahmi ,   Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar
Published: February 2023

Although the majority of Makassar population are Muslim, the current development causes the implementation of Islamic religious values decreasing. Makassar Muslim’s commitment began to be weakened by the ever-increasing influence of others’ customs and cultures. This study aims to determine the urgency of Islamic religious education and the strategies used to instil the values of Islamic religious education in creating a divine generation. The researchers use qualitative research methods in trying to interpret the phenomena that occur through interview and documentation techniques. The result of the study indicates that despite neglected by many, the small circles of Makassar Muslim community is still persistent in carrying out Islamic teachings in. However, there must be holistic strategy to instil Islamic teachings values within the larger society containing the role of family, school, and society.
Intepretasi Dan Implikasi MBKM Terhadap Pengembangan Kurikulum Program Studi Pendidikan Agama Islam UII
Authors:   Universitas Islam Indonesia, Habibi Moh. Mizan
Published: February 2023

Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) is government policy to enrich different learning experiences and practical skills. However, this new policy is subject to be interpreted and adapted into established existing curriculum. The aim of the research is to identify and analyze the interpretation and implications of MBKM policy in developing the curriculum of the Islamic Religious Education Study Program. Content analysis is used and reinforced by interview data. It is shown that the Islamic Religious Education study program interprets the MBKM policy as an effort to expand sources and learning media, as well as enrich perspectives in the learning process. The implication is developing the curriculum through expanding learning programs based on teaching assistance, research, community service, and edupreneurship initiatives, as well as facilitating students in the independent campus program.
Solve the 3x+1 Problem by the Multiplication and Division of Binary Numbers
Authors: Feng Jishe
Published: February 2023

The 3x+1 problem asks the following: Suppose we start with a positive integer, and if it is odd then multiply it by 3 and add 1, and if it is even, divide it by 2. Then repeat this process as long as you can. Do you eventually reach the integer 1, no matter what you started with? Collatz conjecture (or 3n+1 problem) has been explored for about 85 years. In this paper, we convert an integer number from decimal to binary number, and convert the Collatz function to binary function, which is multiplication and division of two binary numbers. Finally the iternation of the Collatz function, eventually reach the integer 1, thus we solve the 3x+1 problem completely.
Strain Gauge Integration in the Assessment and Rehabilitation of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Lane Jessica , Rumpf Michael , Pryer Mark , Cronin John
Published: February 2023

Isometric exercises for physiotherapeutic rehabilitation are often prescribed, with little quantification of the load being prescribed. This article aimed to provide a framework and practical examples of how the physiotherapist may take a more quantitative evidence-based approach to isometric assessment, monitoring, and exercise prescription of knee osteoarthritis, by integrating a strain gauge into their practice. Strength measures to monitor were discussed. A series of fourteen studies were reviewed, with the intent of identifying isometric exercises that had been utilized in the rehabilitation of knee osteoarthritis. Of the fourteen studies, the three most identified isometric exercises were seated knee extension, knee flexion, and the supine straight leg raise. The integration of strain gauge technology with these exercises provided the focus of the remainder of the article.
Identification of Tiller Angle QTLs at Heading Stage in 238 Rice Germplasms by GWAS
Authors: Jinxin Gui , Xinyang Luo , Yuntao Yan , Xi He , Haiqing Zhang , Jiwai He
Published: February 2023

Tiller angle (TA) is one of the most important agronomic traits which directly affected plant architecture, photosynthetic efficiency, and planting density of rice. Although many quantitative trait loci (QTL) and associated genes for tiller angle have been identified, the detection of QTL for TA still required emphasis. In this study, 238 micro-core germplasm populations were used for genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) of the tiller angle. The frequency distribution of TA was shown to be continuous in 2018 and 2019, five QTL designated as qTA1, qTA2, qTA6, qTA9, qTA12, and two QTL designated as qTA1, qTA1-1 were detected in 2018 and 2019, respectively. These QTL explained phenotypic variation ranged from 5.94% to 12.38%. Among them, qTA2 and qTA6 are new QTL for TA, and only qTA1 was detected repeatedly in two years. 253 germplasm from the 3K Rice Genome Project were used for candidate gene and haplotypes analysis, the candidate gene and haplotypes analyzed showed LOC_Os01g67770, LOC_Os02g35180 and LOC_Os09g38130 were the candidate gene of qTA1, qTA2, and qTA9, respectively. The results of this study provide insight into the genetic improvement of plant architecture in rice.
Thermal Effects on Optical Chirality and Associated Symmetry Properties
Authors: Lee Hyoung-In , Vaidya Tanvi , Dwivedi Ram Prakash
Published: February 2023

A review is here provided on the thermal effects on the optical chirality. To this goal, chiral objects dispersed in an embedding fluid are examined for their magnetoelectric coupling. Archetypal twisted-Omega particles are examined with respect to electron transport, phonon dynamics, and temperature effects. Continuum-mechanical aspect of thermo-elasticity is reviewed along with transverse deformations. A transition temperature delineating a sign flip in the chirality parameter is identified as well.
Climate Change, Sustainable Forest Management, ICT Nexus, and the SDG 2030: A Systems Thinking Approach
Authors: Empig Ernesto , Sivacioglu Ahmet , Pacaldo Renato , Suson Peter , Lavilles Rabby , Teves Maria Rizalia , Ferolin Maria Cecilia , Amparado, Jr. Ruben
Published: February 2023

The 2030 global agenda of the United Nations emphasizes peace, human rights, gender equality, partnership, and women's empowerment. It balances the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. The SDG framework was designed to be integrated and indivisible, making the interconnections of 17 Goals and 169 Sustainable Development Goals Targets (SDTs) more complex that need extensive and intensive investigative research. Recent studies have increased on the interrelationships of SDGs, but none of these have focused on integrating Climate Change (CC), Sustainable Forest Management (SFM), and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), also known as CSI Nexus. This study aims to investigate and identify the 169 SDTs linked to CC, SFM, and ICT and assesses the significance of the relationships between these variables. The alignment of SDTs to CSI Nexus was identified through clustering and mapping techniques. The result argued that 56 SDTs are directly connected within CC+SFM+ICT, 16 within CC+SFM, one within SFM+ICT, and 51 within ICT+CC. Our result suggests that CC is significantly associated with SFM; however, ICT has no significant association with CC and SFM. It further asserts that the ICT and SFM have minimal influence on the SDG 2030 framework. The proposed CSI Nexus and SDTs Integration Framework was a science-informed guide for priority-setting, policy coherence, and decision-making supporting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. This study does not include interactions, network analysis and visualization, simulations, and modeling between SDG targets.
How Dimensionality Affects the Structural Anomaly in a Core-Softened Collo
Authors: Krott Leandro B. , Bordin José Rafael
Published: February 2023

The interaction between hard-core soft-shell colloids are characterized by having two characteristic distances: one associated with the penetrable, soft corona and another one corresponding to the impenetrable core. Isotropic core-softened potentials with two characteristic length scales have long been applied to understand the properties of such colloids. Those potentials usually show waterlike anomalies, and recent findings have indicated the existence of multiple anomalous regions in the 2D limit under compression, while in 3D only one anomalous region is observed. In this direction, we perform Molecular Dynamics simulations to unveil the details about the structural behavior in the quasi-2D limit of a core-softened colloid. The fluid was confined between highly repulsive solvophobic walls, and the behavior at distinct wall separation and colloid density was analyzed. Our results indicated a straight relation between the 2D or 3D-like behavior and the layers separation. We can relate that if the system behaves as independent 2D-layers, it will have a 2D-like behavior. However, for some separations the layers are connected, with colloids hopping from one layer to another – having then a 3D-like structural behavior. Those findings fill the gap in the depiction of the anomalous behavior from 2D to 3D.
Bile Duct Double Ligation and Microdialysis in Rats: An Animal Model of Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Scarpati Giuliana , Corona Marco , Piazza Ornella
Published: February 2023

Liver fibrosis is based on complex interactions between extracellular matrix-producing hepatic stellate cells and is defined as excessive matrix deposition and an abundance of infiltrating cells in the liver. Studying these processes requires in vitro and in vivo experimental work on animals. In fibrosis research, experimental work in rodents is currently the gold standard for confirming a proposed disease-associated mechanism. Bile duct ligation (BDL) induces obstructive jaundice resulting in cholestasis. BDL is useful for preclinical research studies of liver injury due to extrahepatic cholestasis such as apoptosis and fibrosis. Here we provide a stepwise surgical approach to resect the common bile duct and monitor in situ hepatic metabolism by microdialysis.
Youth Violent Extremism: Scale Development and Validation
Authors: Al-Badaynah Diab M. , Alshawi Ali A. , Ekici Siddik
Published: February 2023

The study aimed to develop a cross-cultural youth violent extremism scale (YVES) that considers the within and between cultural differences and to develop a scale that can be applied and tested in a single or a group of countries and cultures. The future use of the scale can identify the unique practical concerns related to violent extremism. A sample of 6726 young students was selected from 15 Arab states and authorities. Scale generation, scale refinement, and scale validation were the three stages followed in developing violent youth extremism. Using literature review and nomological network to present the scale dimensions and the Correlation to its dimensions and other relevant constructs (LSC, LSE, and criminality scale. A Principal Component Factor analysis with Varimax with Kaiser Normalization produced six factors (29 items). A significant positive relationship was found (r=.651, α = 0.000), a sign of the validity of the scale. The scale reliability was strong and was estimated at 0.98 using Cronbach's Alpha. The construct validity of the scale was estimated by calculating the Correlation between the Youth Violent Extremism scale and Low self-control. A significant positive relationship was found (r=.651, α = 0.000), a sign of the validity of the scale. The scale reliability was also strong and was estimated at 0.98 using Cronbach's Alpha
Recent Approaches of Collagen Biomatrix Modification as a Corneal Biomatrix and its Cellular Interaction
Authors: Ra’oh Nur Amalia , Man Rohaina Che , Fauzi Mh Busra , Ghafar Norzana Abd , Buyong Muhammad Ramdzan , Hwei Ng Min , Halim Wan Haslina Wan Abdul
Published: February 2023

Since the past few decades, numerous modifications and innovations have been done to design the optimal corneal biomatrix for corneal epithelial cells (CECs) or limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) carriers. However, researchers have yet to discover the ideal optimization strategies in the development of corneal biomatrix design and its effects on cultured CECs or LESCs. This review further discusses and summarizes recent optimization strategies to develop an ideal collagen biomatrix and its interaction with CECs and LESCs. Using PRISMA guidelines, the articles published from June 2012 to June 2022 were systematically searched using Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, PubMed, Wiley, and EBSCOhost databases. The literature search identified 444 potential relevant published articles, with 29 relevant articles selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria after the screening and appraising processes. The current paper highlights the physicochemical and biocompatibility (in vitro and in vivo) characterization methods, which were inconsistent throughout the different studies. Despite the variability in the methodology approach, the reviewer postulated that the modification of the collagen biomatrix improves its mechanical and biocompatibility properties toward CECs and LESCs. All findings were discussed in this review; thus, it provides a general view of up-to-date trends in this field.
First Results from the WindRAD Scatterometer Onboard FY-3E: Data Analysis, Calibration and Wind Retrieval Evaluation
Authors: Li Zhen , Verhoef Anton , Stoffelen Ad , Shang Jian , Dou Fangli
Published: February 2023

FY-3E WindRAD (Fengyun-3E Wind Radar) is a dual-frequency rotating fan-beam scatterometer. Its data characteristics, NOC (NWP Ocean Calibration), and wind retrieval performance are investigated in this paper. The radar view geometry diversity varies across the swath, with maximum diversity in the sweet swaths and limited diversity in the outer and nadir swaths. When NOC backscatter calibration coefficients are computed as a function of incidence angle only (NOCint), a smooth correction is found. However, when relative antenna azimuth angle is included (NOCant), it appears that the corrections as a function of relative azimuth angle vary harmonically and substantially for a specific incidence angle. NOCant corrections yield a better fit of the measurements to the GMF (Geophysical Model Function). Hence NOCant is applied for the wind retrieval analysis from Ku-band, C-band. An extra engineering correction of 0.15dB and 0.2dB is applied on Ku-band and C-band backscatter values, respectively, to reduce the wind speed bias without increasing the standard deviation. Overall, NOCant is the best option for both channels. Also, the instrument backscatter data stability over time is good and the retrieved winds can fulfill operational requirements.
A Pattern-Driven Investigation of Discourse-Pragmatic Markers in Kuwaiti English
Authors: Alenezi Mohammad A. N.
Published: February 2023

In the context of the emergence and development of varieties of English around the globe, this paper focuses on Kuwait, where the use of English has greatly increased since the mid-20th century. Drawing on the principles of nativisation and indigenisation, I investigate substrate- and superstrate-derived discourse-pragmatic markers (DPMs) in Kuwaiti English: the Arabic loanwords alhamdulillah and ya'ni and their English equivalents (e.g. I mean and thankfully). Data are drawn from the Kuwaiti English National Corpus, a spoken corpus of almost 800,000 words containing interviews, samples of situated language use, and mediated data (podcasts, TV, radio and YouTube). Keyness and concordance analyses were performed to identify the frequency and functions of the DPMs in Kuwaiti English compared to reference corpora of British and American English. The analysis also takes into account contextual and sociolinguistic information such as the speakers’ social identity. Results show that the Arabic-derived DPMs are abundant in both formal and informal settings, indicating that they have become an integral part of this variety of English. Their English equivalents perform similar roles, but are vastly less common (with the exception of I mean for ya'ni). Both the Arabic- and English-based markers show somewhat narrowed discourse-pragmatic functions and are more likely to be placed in clause-initial position than in ‘native’ contexts. Their use appears to be linked to the social identity of the speakers.
Interpretive Structural Modeling: Research Trends, Linkages to Sustainable Development Goals and Impact of COVID-19
Authors: Sreenivasan Aswathy , M Suresh , Nedungadi Prema , Sreedharan Raja , Raman R. Raghu
Published: February 2023

Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) is widely used to understand the complex connections between different components. This study presents a bibliometric overview of ISM research with a focus on its linkages to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the impact of COVID-19. The study analyzed 1988 publications on ISM published between 2012 and 2021, of which 1202 were directly mapped to the SDG and 59 were related to COVID-19. The study identified key authors, institutions, countries, and journals involved in the research and their linkages to the SDG. The results showed that ISM research is strongly linked to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). We also identified influential SDG based on centrality measures like betweenness and eigenvector. The top four countries contributing to ISM publications were India, China, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The most frequently cited journals were Benchmarking: An International Journal, Sustainability, Journal of Modelling in Management, and Journal of Cleaner Production. Four main clusters were identified in the ISM research, including (1) integration with AHP & Fuzzy Logic for promoting sustainability alignment, (2) ISM-based strategy development for various stakeholders, (3) ISM-based decision-making in various fields, and (4) ISM-based risk evaluation. For the first time studies that used ISM approach to understand the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 were identified and their key findings were discussed. The study also identified several emerging topics for future ISM research, such as blockchain & IoT, environmental management systems, climate change adaptation, smart cities, and humanitarian logistics and their potential linkages to SDG.
Production Facility Layout Redesign Using Systematic Layout Planning And Blocplan Methods
Authors: Bisri Mukhammad Hasan , Cahyana Atikha Sidhi
Published: February 2023

Layout of production facilities in CV. Jaya Rubber Industry was identified as less than optimal. The placement of production facilities that are less than optimal causes the distance between several departments to be far apart, for example in the cutting section to the molding section, the molding section to the trimming section and also the QC and packing sections to the finished goods warehouse. It was also found that intersecting material flows can cause backtracking, for example between molding to trimming and packing to the finished goods warehouse. These problems can result in the production process being less effective and efficient. This research combines two methods, namely systematic layout planning and blocplan methods. The systematic layout planning and Blocplan methods have several stages in planning the layout. This method is believed to be able to solve various problems that exist within the company such as production flow, transportation, warehousing, assembly and others. This method was chosen because the current industrial conditions require adjustments in the preparation of a good layout. The results of this study obtained a layout from the blocplan method which was chosen as the proposed layout with a total displacement distance of 44.25 with a decrease in distance of 23.75 m from the initial distance, with an efficiency level of 34% which was able to improve the flow of the production process for the better.
Expert System for Diagnosing Cow Disease Using Web-Based Forward Chaining Method
Authors: Ma'ruf Mohammad Rizal , Eviyanti Ade
Published: February 2023

Media Technology and Information is currently developing quite quickly and well. Some people and even almost all of the surrounding community are familiar with technology, especially in the science of artificial intelligence. With this expert system, it can help alleviate the need when it is difficult to meet experts, especially livestock specialist diseases. The purpose and benefits of this expert system is to make it easier for researchers to identify livestock disease problems based on the symptoms suffered by cattle. The identification method used in this system is the Forward Chaining Method and collects symptom data from several sources and verified journals. The desired result of this research is the reduction of disease or outbreaks that occur in Livestock Cattle

and provide prevention and treatment solutions so as not to be attacked by diseases and outbreaks..
Design of Pesticide Sprayers and Solar Lawn Mowers
Authors: Agressianto Bimo , Anshory Izza
Published: February 2023

Pesticide sprayer for farmers is a tool that is needed for farmers in the fields and in the fields until now, but in its use, farmers still feel complaints about the use of pesticide sprayers that still use the manual method. these complaints are tools that are less ergonomic and are still outdated and also when farmers want to cut grass sometimes it is very complicated to carry sickles and also when cutting grass. The purpose of this research is to assemble a pesticide sprayer and lawn mower with appropriate solar energy. with farmers' needs and to find out how efficient this tool is for farmers. The result of this study is a modified working system, especially for pesticide sprayers, where a 12 Volt DC motor as a substitute for human power and a lawn mower also uses a 12 Volt DC motor as a blade driver and for power uses solar energy which requires solar cells or solar panels and then stored into Battre or battery . The total cost of making this tool is around IDR 700,000.00
Analysis Of Physical And Mental Workload Using Nasa-Tlx And Cvl Methods In Umkm Berkah Toys
Authors: Alfindo Muhammad Kelvin , Putra Boy Isma
Published: February 2023

Berkah Toys is one of the UMKM engaged in the production of surpets, dolls. mattresses and pillows that utilize HDP (High Density Padding) and dakron (Silicon) as the main raw materials. When sales are rising, UMKM owners will apply an excessive overtime policy, resulting in a decrease in the worker attendance rate by 20%, which is as many as 2-3 workers out of a total of 13 workers. In addition to resulting in decrease in attendance, excessive overtime also causes fatigue in workers, both physical fatigue and mental fatigue. Therefore, workload strengthening must be carried out on UMKM workers of Berkah Toys, the methods used are the NASA-TLX (National Aeronautics and Space Task Load Index) and CVL (Cardiovascular Load) methods. From the results of research conducted for the NASA-TLX methods, the factors that most affect workload are performance (22,32%) and physical needs (21,64%) while from the CVL method it is known that there are 38 % of workers who experience physical fatigue, namly as many as 5 production workers.
A Genetics Based Makespan Optimizer with Knowledge Augmented Fuzzy Probabilities
Authors: Gupta Sachi , Iyer Sailesh , Agarwal Gaurav , Elngar Ahmed A.
Published: February 2023

Scheduling of various tasks in the multiprocessor environment has been a source of difficult problems for researchers in the field of computer engineering. The widespread issue of multiprocessor task scheduling can be explained as scheduling tasks onto processors and ordering their execution so that several performance standards can be improved. The nondeterministic polynomial-time (NP) completeness of the task scheduling problem has motivated researchers to suggest a variety of heuristic algorithms that can achieve suboptimal results in a reduced amount of polynomial time. Recently, genetic algorithms (GA) have received a lot of responsiveness as GAs are robust and give assurance of a better-quality solution. The outcomes of the experiments carried out with scheduling problems illustrate that genetic algorithms are superior to heuristic algorithms concerning the quality of their outcomes, but they are noticeably slower than heuristic algorithms concerning running time. To overcome the issues related to heuristic algorithms and genetic algorithms, a new approach is proposed in this research work, which combines a GA with various types of scheduling heuristics. In GA, the crossover and mutation rates are the control parameters that need to be set carefully to get optimal results. Generally, these key factors are left to the GA users, but in this research work, a GA that adopts a fuzzy knowledge-based system to control GA key factors has been proposed. To analyze the efficiency of the proposed method, various tests have been performed by varying the number of generations and by analyzing the variations in average schedule length. Based on the findings, the suggested hybrid algorithm is capable of competing with conventional scheduling algorithms in terms of increased quality of outcomes.
Berberine inhibits the progression of renal cell carcinoma cells by regulating reactive oxygen species generation and inducing DNA damage
Authors: Zhao Yuwan , Lin Xinghua , Zeng Wenfeng , Qin Xingzhang , Miao Bailiang , Gao Sheng , Liu Jianjun , Li Zhuo
Published: February 2023

Background Berberine is a natural isoquinoline alkaloid that has been shown to have antitumor properties in a growing number of studies. However, its role in renal cell carcinoma remains unclear. This study investigates berberine's effect and mechanism in renal cell carcinoma.
Methods The methyl-tetrazolium, colony formation, and lactate dehydrogenase assay were used to detect proliferation and cytotoxicity, respectively. Flow cytometry, caspase-Glo 3/7 assay, and adenosine triphosphate assay were used to detect apoptosis and the adenosine triphosphate levels. Wound healing and transwell assay were used to examine the migration ability of renal cell carcinoma cells. Besides, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was explored using a DCFH-DA-based kit. Additionally, western blot and Immunofluorescence assay was taken to determine the levels of relative proteins.
Results In vitro, our findings indicated that the proliferation and migration of renal cell carcinoma cells treated with berberine in various concentrations were inhibited, while the level of ROS and apoptosis rate were increased. Furthermore, The results of western blot showed that the expression of Bax, Bad, Bak, Cyto c, Clv-Caspase 3, Clv-Caspase 9, E-cadherin, TIMP-1and γH2AX were up-regulated, while Bcl-2, N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, Rad51 and PCNA were down-regulated after treating with berberine with various concentration.
Conclusion The result of this study revealed that berberine inhibits renal cell carcinoma progression via regulating ROS generation and inducing DNA break.
Serial measurement should be used to ascertain a diagnosis of microcephaly
Authors: Sengasai Chutima , Chokephaibulkit Kulkanya , Plipat Nottasorn , Wongsiridej Pimol
Published: February 2023

Background: Birth process may affect head size of newborns. A single measurement of maximum occipitofrontal circumference at birth or within 24 hours may lead to under or over diagnosis of congenital microcephaly. The study objectives are 1) to compare head circumferences (HC) at birth, and at day 3 of life, and 2) to evaluate maternal and infant factors associated with increased head circumference by day 3 of life.
Method: We conducted a prospective study of 1,131 live births with gestational age over 27 weeks between February and May 2019. All newborns had their HC measured at birth and at day 3 before discharge by trained personnel. The measurement device was similar throughout the study. The WHO and Fenton Growth Charts were used as reference ranges for interpretation.
Results: The mean (+/- SD) HC within 24 hours of life and at day 3 of life were 33.58 (+/- 1.53) cm and 33.75 (+/- 1.37) cm. The mean differences were statistically significant, i.e. 0.17 cm (p<0.001). Of the 32 newborns with HC in the range of microcephaly at birth, 25 (78%) had normalized HC at day 3 of life. After adjusting for mode and presentation of delivery, newborns whose mother experienced labor pain (β=0.31, P <0.001) and newborns being either symmetrical SGA or asymmetrical SGA (β= 0.59, P = 0.002; β= 0.37, P = 0.03) had statistically significant increased HC at day 3 of life. Newborns whose mothers experienced labor pain had 0.31 cm increase in HC at day 3 of life when compared to the HC at birth, while symmetrical SGA newborn also had an average of 0.59 cm increased. Parity and gestational age were not associated factors with changes of HC.
Conclusion: Serial HC measurement is necessary to ascertain a diagnosis of microcephaly.
Clinical Trial Registry: Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Research Ethics Board at Siriraj Hospital, with the Reference Number Si650/2018. Written parental informed consent was obtained before HC measurement.
The Food Plants Trade in The Kranggan Mas Traditional Market, West Java Province, Indonesia: Potential and Local Cuisine
Authors: Silalahi Marina , Wakhidah Anisatu Z
Published: February 2023

The market is the main place for buying and selling alternative food ingredients and is rich in local wisdom. This study aims to explain the diversity of food plants and alternative foods that are traded in the Kranggan Mas traditional market, Bekasi and their potential as healthy food ingredients. The research was conducted with an ethnobotanical approach with surveys, interviews and observations. Respondents in the study were all traders who traded alternative food ingredients. Qualitative analysis includes grouping plants based on benefits, families, and parts used. There were 143 species belonging 105 genera and 46 families of food plants that were traded at the Kranggan Mas traditional market. Most of the plants are used as vegetables (51 species), followed by fruit sources (45 species) and followed by cooking spices (38 species) and alternative food (12 species). A total 128 species have been cultivated and 10 species are wild. The availability of diversity of food plants in traditional markets has an impact on the preservation of traditional foods of the surrounding community, such as sayur asem (Betawi ethnicity), pecel (Javanese ethnicity), and lalab (Sundanese ethnicity). Supply and development of food, especially wild and semi-cultivated plants such as Dioscorea spp. and Arthocarpus sp. need to be studied further so that preservation and healthy food can be improved.