bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation, identification, and antibiogram studies of Escherichia coli from ready-to-eat foods in Mymensingh, Bangladesh
Authors: Ema Fateha Akther , Shanta Rifat Noor , Rahman Md. Zaminur , Islam Md. Ariful , Khatun Mst. Minara
Published: June 2022

Background and Aim: Ready-to-eat (RTE) foods are widely used at home, restaurants, and during festivals in Bangladesh. So it is very important to investigate possible microbial contamination in RTE foods. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the total coliform count (TCC), isolate, identify, and characterize the Escherichia coli in RTE foods. The antimicrobial sensitivity of E. coli obtained from RTE foods was also performed using 12 commonly used antibiotics.

Materials and Methods: A total of 100 RTE food samples were collected aseptically and comprised of ten samples each: Burger, pizza, sandwich, chicken roll, chicken meat loaf, chicken fry, salad vegetable, ice-cream, yogurt, and milkshake sold in Mymensingh city. Samples were inoculated onto Eosin methylene blue agar and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. Isolation and identification of bacteria were performed based on cultural, staining, and biochemical properties, followed by a polymerase chain reaction.

Results: The TCC in Chicken meat loaf, burger, pizza, sandwich, salad vegetable ice-cream, and yogurt samples were 3.57 ± 0.96, 3.69 ± 0.08, 3.50 ± 0.60, 2.60 ± 0.20, 4.09 ± 0.29, 4.44 ± 0.25, and 3.14 ± 0.30 mean log colony-forming units ± standard deviation/mL, respectively. The study found a higher prevalence of E. coli in RTE salad vegetable products than in RTE meat and milk products. Forty percent of the mixed vegetable salad samples showed positive results for E. coli. Whereas E. coli prevalence in RTE meat and milk products was 20% and 16.7%, respectively. All the 21 isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility test against 12 different antibiotics. It was observed that 46.1% were susceptible, 16.6% were intermediate, 46.1% were resistant, and 47.6% were multidrug-resistant (MDR) among seven different antibiotic classes. E. coli isolates were resistant to cephalexin, ceftazidime, oxytetracycline, and ampicillin and sensitive to gentamycin, followed by kanamycin, ceftriaxone, colistin, and enrofloxacin..

Conclusion: The study revealed that RTE foods are a serious issue from a public health point of view. To achieve a safer level of E. coli in RTE foods sold for human consumption, public food outlets must improve hygienic and good production procedures. Moreover, MDR E. coli in these foods pose serious public health threats.
Synthesis, Characterization and Molecular Docking Studies of
5-Chloro-1-(1H-indole-2-yl)-3-methyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic Acids
Authors: Ganga Reddy G. , Reddy S. Ramakrishna , Ramana Reddy Ch. Venkata , Laxminarayana E. , Reddy B. Srinivasa
Published: June 2022

A series of new 5-chloro-1-(1H-indole-2-yl)-3-methyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-4-carbxylic acids
(5a-c) was synthesized. For the synthesis of these compounds, the 1H-indole-2-carboxylic acids (1a-c)
were used as core compound. The synthetic route leading to the title compounds is summarized in
Scheme-I. The chemical structures of all intermediates and products were confirmed by their IR, 1H
and 13C NMR, mass spectral data and elemental analysis. The molecular docking studies of title
compounds was carried out to predict the binding interactions with target protein EGFR.
Synthesis and Antibacterial Efficacy of Nipa Palm Vinegar-Graphene
Quantum Dots against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli
Authors: Teppaya Nongyao , Porrawatkul Paweena , Rattanaburi Parintip , Noypha Amnuay , Kuyyogsuy Arnannit , Chanthai Saksit , Nuengmatcha Prawit
Published: June 2022

Nipa palm vinegar (NPV) is an essential product from the Pak Phanang district in the Nakhon Si
Thammarat Province, Thailand. NPV is used for cooking and its antibacterial activity reduces
dependency on toxic chemicals such as antibiotics and preservative foods. Using NPV as the precursor,
nipa palm vinegar–graphene quantum dots (NPV-GQDs) were successfully synthesized through
pyrolysis. Preliminary screening of the antibacterial activities of NPV and NPV-GQDs against
Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacterial strains were
determined by using the agar well diffusion method. The broth macro-dilution method determined the
minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The
diameter of the inhibition zones of S. aureus and E. coli reached 29.30 mm and 23.50 mm, respectively.
The MIC of NPV-GQDs against S. aureus and E. coli was 6.25 mg/mL and 12.50 mg/mL, respectively,
whereas the MBC of NPV-GQDs against S. aureus and E. coli was 50.00 mg/mL. These results signify
the potential healthcare application of NPV-GQDs as high-quality and valuable antimicrobial agents,
thereby reducing chemical usage toxic to the body in the future.
Ionic Conductivity Studies of Biodegradable Polymer Electrolyte for Mg Ion Batteries
Authors: Garidepalli Tejaswi , Parthiban V. , Sundari G. Sunita , Erothu Harikrishna
Published: June 2022

Solid biopolymer electrolyte was prepared from potato starch (PS) blended with polyvinyl pyrrolidone
(PVP) polymer and magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) using solution casting technique. XRD revealed
the amorphous structure and FTIR studies shows complexation of the salt with polymer with different
weight ratios for PS:PVP:MgSO4. Ionic conductivity was calculated using AC impedance studies and
the sample with the concentration of PS:PVP:MgSO4 (35:35:30 wt.%) is having the highest ionic
conductivity 4.2142 × 10-4 S/cm at 273 K. For this sample, electrochemical studies like linear sweep
voltammetry have given the stable voltage and the stable redox potential obtained from cyclic
voltammetric studies. Dielectric studies have proven the charge holding capacity thus shows stability
in conducting the ions. Thus, these results strengthen the solid biopolymer electrolyte to use as
electrolyte in the Mg2+ ion-based batteries.
Iron Capped Spent Tea Leaves as Nano-Adsorbent for
Removal of Eriochrome Black T from Aqueous Phase
Authors: Mampilly Rehana Baiju , Pathan Amanullakhan , Prajapati Chetan G. , Bhasin C.P.
Published: June 2022

In present study, the removal of Eriochrome black T dye by iron nanoparticles prepared through tea
leaves extract has been investigated. Synthesized iron capped nanoparticles were characterized by
FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy
(HR-TEM) and field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM) with EDAX. The X-ray
diffraction patterns revealed that iron nanoparticles exhibited an amorphous nature. Scanning electron
microscopy exhibited clearly spherical shape of iron nanoparticles. The transmission electron
microscopy (HR-TEM) of iron nanoparticles shows the particle size in the range of 30-40 nm. Further,
the degradation of Eriochrome black T dye was studied. To obtain the optimal conditions for the dye
degradation, the effect of various experimental parameters, like the proportion of adsorbent, pH, the
concentration of dye and contact time on the rate of reaction was studied. Adsorptions of Eriochrome
black T dye follow pseudo-first-order kinetics. It was found that the dye degradation showed best
results in the presence of sunlight at a pH of 3, Eriochrome black T dye concentration 50 ppm with
0.60 g of adsorbent. At 29 ± 1 ºC, the maximum removal of dye was achieved within 90 min.
Conceptual approach to valuation of climate change in EU countries through the prism of economic activities
Authors: Stankevičienė Jelena , Borisova Jelena
Published: June 2022

Today, countries pursue not just to have higher or maintain economic growth, but society faces another challenge – to combat climate change: to have a slower increase in global temperature by decreasing the number of greenhouse gas emissions. Globalization processes have increased greenhouse gas emissions. The problem of climate change has become a widespread problem in all countries, as greenhouse gas emissions produced by any country have an overall impact on the earth's environment. Public administration and public policies face the problem of combating climate change, not constraining the economy too much. The purpose of the paper is to evaluate the extent to which EU countries are affected by climate change according to the economic and social factors of countries that can be seen as drivers of greenhouse gas emissions. The study relates intensity of greenhouse gas emission to the extent to which the country is possible to be exposed to climate change according to its data on industry, energy, waste, and agriculture of EU countries. The TOPSIS method is used to rank EU countries in extent of exposure to climate change. The conceptual approach to ranking climate change through the prism of countries' economic activities is developed. There are some research limitations – statistical data on industry, energy, waste, agriculture are limited in order to fulfil the tasks of the research.
Karl Mannheim and Jean Floud: a false start for the sociology of education in Britain?
Authors: Hammersley Martyn
Published: June 2022

Arriving in the UK after exile from Nazi Germany, Karl Mannheim taught sociology at the London School of Economics and then also at the London Institute of Education, where he was awarded a chair just a year before his untimely death in 1947. In his later writings and teaching, Mannheim argued that the sociology of education could make a crucial contribution to the new type of society he regarded as essential if the problems of liberal democracy were to be overcome, and the slide towards totalitarianism avoided. And the period immediately after his death was a key phase in the development and establishment of the sociology of education in Britain. Jean Floud, who took over teaching the subject at the Institute of Education after Mannheim’s death, played a central role in this, but, while she had studied with him and served as his research assistant, she adopted a very different approach. This focused, in particular, on whether the existing structure and operation of educational institutions restricted social mobility. As a result of this change in focus, Mannheim’s work had a very marginal role in the subsequent history of British sociology of education. In this article, I compare Mannheim’s and Floud’s competing conceptions of the character and role of the subdiscipline, and how these fared in later developments within the field.
Strategi Apresiasi Seni Pada Pembelajaran School Visit di Masa Pandemi
Authors: Prasetyo Alfian Eko Widodo Adi
Published: June 2022

Learning carried out in the midst of the Covid 19 pandemic has many obstacles in the implementation process, especially for early childhood. Learning that is done online is now trying to be applied to AUD education in schools. Educators try to provide solutions to deal with learning in the midst of a pandemic. One of them is the application of School Visits and appreciative learning. This study aims (1) to determine the results of the application of the School Visit learning method (2) to determine the learning process of art appreciation given to students. The research method used is qualitative. With observation data collection techniques, interviews, and study of learning documents. The subjects of this research are educators and parents of AZ-ZAHRA ISLAMIC Kindergarten students. The results showed that the School Visit learning model was able to build a child's learning stimulus. Meanwhile, learning using art appreciation forms can encourage children to be more attractive and creative in learning. The learning techniques applied to the School Visit model make it easier for teachers, students and parents to catch up and communicate material in the midst of a pandemic. The supporting factors for the School Visit learning process and art appreciation are educators, student characteristics, goals, situations and infrastructure that support the learning process in the midst of a pandemic.
Kurikulum dan Tuntutan Kompetensi Abad 21
Authors: Umam Khairul
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study is to determine the role of the curriculum in facing the demands of 21st century competence. The topic of discussion is the identification of 21st century competencies of relevant learning styles in the 21st century, as well as innovations that can be applied to support success in learning activities. The method used in this research is library research, namely reviewing books and related sources to support research data. The results of this study show the importance of knowing the skills required in the 21st century, besides that innovation in education is needed to adapt to the needs of the times.
Penerapan Model Pembelajaran Kooperatif Team Quiz Untuk Meningkatkan Ketrampilan Berbicara Bahasa Arab Siswa Kelas X
Authors: Adibah Umi
Published: June 2022

Learning Arabic speaking skills is very important in improving students' ability to speak Arabic. This study aims to explore how to learn Arabic by using a team quiz cooperative model to improve speaking skills in Arabic class X MIPA 3 MAN 2 Bantul. This research is a classroom action research conducted on students of class X MIPA 3 MAN 2 Bantul from January to March of the 2019/2020 school year. The results of this study indicate that the team quiz cooperative learning model is significantly able to improve students' Arabic speaking skills, students are more actively involved in the process of learning Arabic speaking skills with an orderly and fun class design. The application of the team quiz cooperative learning model makes it easier for students to understand the lesson and more easily capture new vocabulary and express it again because students are trained to speak Arabic directly with the team quiz cooperative learning model.
El enraizamiento. Civilización y barbarie en Simone Weil
Authors: Herrando Cugota Carmen
Published: June 2022

El tiempo en que vivimos, y Europa en él, pasa por una crisis de civilización muy similar a la que se gestó en Europa en el periodo de entreguerras, en la primera mitad del siglo XX. La filósofa francesa Simone Weil (1909-1943) pensó y escribió sobre este tema en varios de sus escritos políticos, y da claves para, desde su propia experiencia social, política y religiosa, edificar una nueva civilización; lo hace sobre todo en su último libro, que dejaría inacabado en plena guerra, cuando le sobrevino la muerte. Se trata de L’Enracinement, calificado por el escritor Albert Camus como un verdadero «tratado de civilización». Pero la reflexión sobre este tema se extiende a toda su obra, que es un ejemplo de auténtica probidad intelectual.
Narración y ética. Un análisis del uso de la tradición literaria en Aristóteles
Authors: Pena Mardaras M.ª Cristina
Published: June 2022

En los últimos años se ha incrementado el interés por la narrativa en el campo de la ética. Este hecho es especialmente relevante en el seno del neoaristotelismo. En este artículo se explora el uso que el filósofo hace de la tradición literaria en la Ética a Nicómaco y se analizan los datos extraídos a la luz de la caracterización de los géneros literarios que ofrece la Poética. Se pretende identificar la función que atribuye Aristóteles a la narración en la reflexión ética y justificar la relevancia de la tragedia como expresión más acabada de la condición de la vida humana.
Optimal Configuration and Techno-Economic Analysis of Hybrid Photovoltaic/PEM Fuel Cell Power System
Authors: Bahri Hamza , Harrag Abdelghani , Rezk Hegazy
Published: June 2022

In this study, a renewable energy-based hybrid system was designed capable of meeting known electrical load requirements, as the system includes a combination of photovoltaic cells (PV), a fuel cell, batteries, an electrolyzer, and a hydrogen tank. This hybrid system supplies the cell tower located in the village of Ouanougha, country of Algeria with the annual electrical energy demand of 47 kWh/day. A Hybrid optimization model for electric renewable (HOMER) simulation software is utilized for modeling, optimize sizing, simulation as well as performing the techno-economic analysis of this hybrid system. HOMER software gives several optimum system configurations, which are compared among themselves for identifying the optimum system configuration. The comparison is based on the total net present cost (TNPC) and levelized cost of energy (LCOE). Other cost parameters can be provided such as initial capital cost, operation, and maintenance cost (O&M). The simulation result shows that, the proposed hybrid system has the lowest TNPC, LCOE and Initial capital, which are 64,384 $, 0.259 \$/kWh and 35,850 \$, respectively. On the other hand, it proved that the hybrid system is environmentally friendly and without producing any polluting gas. This paper also focuses on the operational strategy for feeding the load, as the results show that the hybrid system generally fulfills the requirements of the load.
Content and Language Integrated Learning from the Perspectives of English Language Teachers
Authors: COŞKUN Abdullah
Published: June 2022

The aim of the study is to explore the perspectives of English language teachers about content and language integrated learning (CLIL) after their preparation of lesson plans and accompanying materials in line with the language-driven CLIL approach. The participants are five English language teachers who are enrolled in the MA program in the department of English Language Teaching (ELT) at a state university in Turkey. After receiving adequate theoretical background, they were given time to develop three language-driven CLIL lesson plans following the steps of a lesson template. When the participants completed each lesson plan based on the contents they chose, they received feedback from their peers and revised their lesson plans accordingly. At the end of the whole lesson planning procedure, their lesson plans were analyzed to uncover their CLIL lesson plan preferences in terms of content. Also, by means of semi-structured interviews, their perspectives about the lesson planning process and in what ways the process contributed to their improvement were revealed. It was found that the CLIL lesson planning process and its contribution to their improvement in certain areas were generally perceived positively. Thus, it can be suggested that English language teachers should be encouraged to develop CLIL lesson plans.
PNI Political Strategy to Win the 1955 Election in Indonesia
Authors: Pramestuti Agustina Wilujeng , Rochwulaningsih Yety , Sulistiyono Singgih Tri
Published: June 2022

This article aims to reveal the reason and how the Indonesian Nationalist Party (PNI) succeeded in becoming the winning party of the General Election (Pemilu) in Indonesia in 1955 by gaining the most votes as many as 8,434,653 votes, followed by the Indonesian Muslim Shura Council Party (Masyumi) of 7,903,886 votes and Nahdlatul Ulama Party (NU) of 6,955,141 votes. The 1955 election was the first direct election in Indonesia to be the most democratic in history since the campaign did not only take place in big cities, but had reached villages and even remote villages. The atmosphere of contestation was very strong, but it was not accompanied by a violent conflict even though the contestation was from political parties with very different ideological backgrounds. In this context, the political strategy pursued by the PNI is very interesting, that is by consolidating politics both internally and externally. To examine the problems, historical methods were used in which data were excavated from primary sources including news and articles in newspapers and magazines, as well as minutes of parliamentary meetings regarding the Election. The results of the analysis showed that the PNI performed politics consolidation through cooperation with various groups and political parties of any ideology. In addition, the PNI also adopted the conception of Sukarno's thinking to mobilize supporters, including through meetings, open meetings attended by the people by presenting prominent nationalist figures as their orators. The issues raised in the campaign had distinctive characteristics of nationalism, citizenship, and mutual cooperation.
The Political Dominance of the Bugis in the Coastal Region of Indonesia from the 17th Century to the 19th Century
Authors: Alamsyah A.
Published: June 2022

The inter-royal conflict and the control of Makassar by the VOC in South Sulawesi in the 16th to 17th centuries had a major impact on the socio-political development of the Bugis. This condition made the Bugis make a large-scale migration. Bugis local culture also spread to various regions along with the migration process. The control of Makassar port by the Dutch colonial made the Bugis feel driven from Makassar. In this migration process, there are groups that choose to trade. While the rest settled outside Sulawesi. The Bugis became nomads in various regions of the archipelago, mostly living in coastal areas, which later built up political power. In their development, they became successful nomads, especially in the political field, especially in some coastal areas, such as Bali, West Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, Sumbawa, and in the Malay Peninsula. The Bugis managed to establish good communication with the local population. They are also a highly respected community group in overseas territories
J.C. van Leur and the Problematic Origins of “Autonomous” Indonesian History
Authors: Jones Eric
Published: June 2022

The main purpose of this article is to criticize J.C. van Leur's reputation as a Dutch historian who had been very vocal in criticizing his predecessors regarding Indonesian history. For modern Indonesian historians, van Leur is seen as a pioneer to reverse the perspective of a centric Western perspective to an Indonesian centric point of view. The Western centric point of view places Indonesian history as an extension of the Dutch history in Europe so that it is clear that Indonesian history does not have autonomy. However, van Leur's critique is true for the history of Indonesia during the Dutch colonial period, not for critiques of the pre-colonial period. To critically review van Leur's conception of Indonesia's historical autonomy, this article will take a close look at the intellectual trends that Van Leur responded to. This article argues that van Leur's research is very deductive by making the claim that the picture of the past trading community in Southeast Asia is proving to be misguided. This article finds that one of van Leur's weaknesses is that he conducts historical research that is thesis-driven, not research-based, and his belief in a thesis has prompted him to impose totality on Western categories of Southeast Asian history. The use of Max Weber's model in analyzing history actually makes van Leur's analysis of Southeast Asian history not even fully autonomous
The Quandary of Infanticide in Kant’s ‘Doctrine of Right’
Authors: Timmermann Jens
Published: June 2022

The aim of this paper is to settle the controversy around Kant’s notorious discussion of maternal infanticide in the ‘Doctrine of Right’ of 1797. How should a state punish an unmarried mother who has killed her newborn infant? The text (at DoR VI 335–37) is obscure. Three readings have been defended in the literature: 1. Lenience. Maternal infanticide does not count as murder; so, capital punishment is inappropriate. On this view, the child does not enjoy the full recognition of the law (this is the standard view). 2. Temporary privilege. Lenience should prevail as long as social attitudes are barbaric and treating maternal infanticide like regular cases of murder is perceived to be unjust. The regular punishment for murder will be appropriate once sexual mores have changed. The child will then enjoy the full protection of the law (Hruschka, Varden). 3. No lenience. Capital punishment, though it appears to be unjust, is actually just and ought to be applied. Any child, whether born to married parents or not, enjoys the full protection of the law (Brandt, Uleman). Based on a close examination of the passage and the context of contemporary laws and attitudes, Kant is not, it will be argued, advocating lenience but certain legislative reforms, which are needed to dispel the perception that capital punishment is unjust. Progressive legislation will change social attitudes, not vice versa. Moreover, it will be shown that Kant does not, appearances notwithstanding, endorse the thesis that a child born out of wedlock has been smuggled into the state like ‘prohibited goods’ or ‘contraband merchandise’, which would deprive the child of the protection of the state; that is the view with which Kant saddles Cesare Beccaria.
Synthesis of fluoro-rich pyrimidine-5-carbonitriles as antitubercular agents against H37Rv receptor
Authors: Kapadiya Khushal M. , Kavadia Kishor M. , Khedkar Vijay M. , Dholaria Piyush V. , Jivani Amita J. , Khunt Ranjan C.
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study was to prepare various derivatives of 4-amino-2-(3-fluoro-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-6-arylpyrimidine-5-carbonitrile (6a–6h) using a three-step procedure. The derivatives were screened in vitro for activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain H37Rv. The activity was expressed as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in μg/mL (μM). Eight compounds showed activity against Mtb H37Rv, and among them, 6f showed the best value of MIC, IC50 (53 μM) and IC90 (62 μM). Minimum bactericidal concentration of compound 6f was higher than its MIC and was more time-dependent than the concentration. Compound 6f was more active against M. tuberculosis H37Rv under low oxygen than metronidazole and did not show good potency in different treatments and non-tuberculous mycobacteria. Furthermore, a molecular docking study against mycobacterial enoyl-ACP reductase (InhA) could provide valuable insights into the plausible mechanism of action, which could set the theme for lead optimization.
Corn silk flour fortification as a dietary fiber supplement: evolution of the impact on paste, dough, and quality of dried noodles
Authors: Ning Xin , Zheng Xiaodong , Luo Zhihui , Chen Zhilin , Pan Xiaoli , Yu Kena , Liu Zhaoming , Huang Xuerong , Du Wei , Cao Xiaohuang , Wang Lei
Published: June 2022

Corn silk flour is a natural, functional ingredient, rich in dietary fiber and polyphenols. Fortification of a wheat flour-based staple food such as dried noodles, with corn silk flour could directly affect the pasting properties of wheat flour and hydration properties of dough, and thus influence the quality of dried noodles. The competition for water between corn silk flour and wheat flour inhibited the gelatinization of starch and hindered the formation of the gluten network which harmed the cooking properties and decreased consumer acceptance of the resulting dried noodles. Nutritionally, the dietary fiber and polyphenols content of the resulting dried noodles was effectively improved, especially at a 6∼9% replacement rate. The current work demonstrates the feasibility of fabricating corn silk flour-enriched dried noodles and its nutritional superiority compared to the corresponding normal product.
Aluminium nitride dispersion strengthened steel
Authors: Yadav Akeshwar Singh , Meka Sai Ramudu
Published: June 2022

Development of nanosized nitride particles in the ferrite matrix of steels is known to drastically enhance the mechanical properties. In the present work an attempt is made to utilize an unconventional method to produce the dispersion strengthened material. The gaseous nitriding treatment of Fe-4.6 at.% Al alloy powder was carried at 580 °C to realize the dispersion of aluminium nitride particles in the ferrite matrix of powders. Such nitrided powders were consolidated using spark plasma sintering. Powders and the sintered compacts were characterized using various techniques. Nitrided powders contained iron nitrides as matrix with AlN as dispersed precipitates. Annealing treatment of nitrided powders in Ar atmosphere led to the reduction of the iron nitrides to ferrite while AlN precipitates were still retained. The sintering behavior of nitrided and Ar annealed nitrided powders was studied and discussed with thermodynamic stability of iron nitrides and aluminium nitrides in ferritic matrix.
DeZIM.panel – Data for Germany’s Post-Migrant Society
Authors: Dollmann Jörg , Mayer Sabrina Jasmin , Lietz Almuth , Siegel Madeleine , Köhler Jonas
Published: June 2022

The German DeZIM.panel is an online access panel that provides data specifically for topics regarding migration and integration. It includes an oversampling for several migrant groups in Germany, and thus allows specific subgroup analyses. Due to its longitudinal structure, its long-term development and the effects of sudden external events can be traced and analyzed.
Enhancing the machinability of SKD61 die steel in power-mixed EDM process with TGRA-based multi criteria decision making
Authors: Van Dong Pham , Huu Phan Nguyen , Van Thien Nguyen , Kien Nguyen Huy , Hung Tran Quoc , Anh Nguyen Mai , Thinh Hoang Xuan , Van Nam Hoang
Published: June 2022

In the current context, an attempt is being made to improve the electrical discharge machining (EDM) process by using powder particles in a suitable combination. To improve the quality of such procedures, the process parameters should be optimized. The present study proposes to utilize Taguchi–Grey relational analysis to discover the optimal combination of process parameters for SKD61 die steel specimens using titanium powder-mixed EDM (PMEDM). Among the machining parameters chosen, the optimal combination of current (3 A), pulse on-time (37 μs), pulse off-time (37 μs), and powder concentration (4 g/L) was determined experimentally. Due to its relevance in spark energy production, peak current is a more significant factor in PMEDM processes. A superior surface topography was obtained with increased microhardness and fewer microfractures over machined specimens with optimal process parameter in PMEDM. The titanium particles can effectively enhance the surface performance measures during PMEDM-based machining owing to tiny craters and pores with better lubrication.
Prospect of using geotextile reinforcement within flexible pavement layers to reduce the effects of rutting in the middle and southern parts of Iraq
Authors: AL Sa’adi Abdul Hadi Meteab , Al-Khafaji Fatimah Fahem , Hashim Tameem Mohammed , Hussein Munther Latif Abdul , Ali Yasar Ameer , Ali Alaa Hussein , Jebur Yasir Mohammed , Ali Lina H. , Al-Mulali Mohammed Zuhear , Al-Khazraji Ashraf Anwer
Published: June 2022

Geotextile reinforcement techniques have been widely used in paving works around the world and have proven to be effective in improving pavement performance. This study has focused on using different positions and numbers of geotextile reinforcement sheets between the layers of flexible pavement for rutting reduction. Fitting depth was measured in the field at seven constructed sections of the pavement of the road model. Each section has been strengthened with different reinforcement approaches. All road sections were subjected to a maximum load repetition of 10,000 cycles. The results indicate that using three layers of geotextile beneath each course of the designed road pavement sections (surface, binder, and base) reduced rutting by 96%. Traffic benefit ratio (TBR) has been employed in this study to reveal the behavior of geotextile reinforcement in increasing the service life of the road. TBR values are the load cycling ratio between the reinforced and unreinforced section for the exact recorded rut depth, it has been found to be minimally equal to 4 for the case of using one layer of reinforcement at interface I, and that value keeps growing up for other reinforcement cases.
Multibeam FSO-based 5G communication system using M-ary DPSK encoder
Authors: Dalal Kirti , Jain Aarti
Published: June 2022

Optical wireless technologies like Free Space Optics (FSO) have proven to be a perfect choice for 5G communication systems. FSO can offer low latency, high capacity, extensive connectivity, and high reliability at a low cost. However, the major limitation of FSO is its susceptibility to atmospheric turbulences, especially rain at high frequencies. In this paper, a rain efficient 10 Gbps 5G communication system using multibeam FSO and multilevel Differential Phase Shift Keying (M-ary DPSK) encoder is proposed. To evaluate the system performance at different rain intensities, the state-of-the-art Charbonneau channel model for rain attenuation has been used. The performance efficiency of the proposed system is evaluated in terms of quality factor (Q-factor), bit error rate (BER), optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR), and received power. The results convey that the proposed system can perform well up to 4.25 km, 3.24 km, and 2.55 km under below average, average, and above average rain conditions, respectively, with attenuation of 6.28 dB/km, 9.65 dB/km, and 19.27 dB/km, respectively. Moreover, the comparative analyses show that the proposed system performs better than the recent conventional systems in terms of bandwidth and power efficiency.
The investigation of heat transfer enhancement by using different mixture conditions of graphene nanofluids on a downward facing surface
Authors: Wang Shiqi , Hsieh Huai-En , Zhang Zhibo , Gao Yuan , Zhou Zhe , Gao Jia
Published: June 2022

In this study, graphene nanofluids were used to explore the effect of various concentrations on boiling heat transfer of downward-facing heating. Five concentrations of graphene nanofluids were prepared for pool boiling heat transfer experiments. The experimental results show that when the mass concentration is 10 mg/L, the maximum enhancement of the CHF is up to 76.1%. In order to explore the mechanism of graphene nanofluid enhancing boiling heat transfer, after the experiment, the wettability and roughness of the heating surface were measured and the heating surface was characterized by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electronic differential system (EDS). The results show that the wettability is enhanced and the surface roughness is reduced. In addition, boiling curves (the curves of heat flux with surface superheat) and the curves of heat transfer coefficient with heat flux at different concentrations have also been observed to further explore the mechanism of enhanced heat transfer.
Foundations of the Digital Economy in Small States
Authors: Dahdal Andrew , Walker Gordon
Published: June 2022

‘Small states’ is a term of art with no fixed or official definition. It usually refers to countries that are small in land mass and/or population size. There are vast differences, however, among small states. Small Island Developing States (SIDSs) differ in many respects from more affluent small states; a common policy objective among the majority of small states (both developed and developing) is pursuing strategies to capture the economic growth and benefits of the digital economy. This article examines how small states can set frameworks for establishing digital infrastructure, the so-called ‘first pillar’ of the digital economy. Robust and inexpensive information and communications technology (ICT) is the sine qua non of the digital economy. Funding, ownership, control and competition with regard to digital infrastructure are common problems across all small states. This article considers the manner in which three small states approach the first pillar: the Kingdom of Tonga, a SIDS with a lower middle-income level; the Republic of the Seychelles, a SIDS with middle to high-income island nation and the State of Qatar, a high-income small state. For SIDS, we find that majority government ownership of ICT infrastructure is the critical success factor.
Microresonator frequency comb based high-speed transmission of intensity modulated direct detection data
Authors: Xing Peng , Chen George Fengrong , Gao Hongwei , Chia Xavier , Agarwal Anuradha M. , Kimerling Lionel C. , Tan Dawn T. H.
Published: June 2022

Globally, the long-haul transmission of ultra-high bandwidth data is enabled through coherent communications. Driven by the rapid pace of growth in interconnectivity over the last decade, long-haul data transmission has reached capacities on the order of tens to hundreds of terabits per second, over fiber reaches which may span thousands of kilometers. Data center communications operate in regimes featuring shorter reaches and higher cost sensitivity. While integrated microresonator frequency combs are poised to revolutionize light sources used for high-speed data transmission over fiber, recent progress has focused largely on coherent detection schemes. Furthermore, though state-of-the-art intensity modulators are advancing in speed, it has not been demonstrated in the literature if microresonator-based comb lines can accommodate higher intensity modulated direction data (IMDD) line rates in tandem with these advancements. In this manuscript, we demonstrate the use of microresonator frequency combs pumped with a single laser for the transmission of high-speed IMDD data. We demonstrate error-free transmission of 30 Gbs−1per comb non-return-to-zero data over fiber lengths of 6 km, as well as bit error rates under the forward error correction limit for propagation through 20 km of optical fiber. 60 Gbs−1and 42 Gbs−1pulse modulation amplitude 4 (PAM4) data modulated on each frequency comb line is further quantified to have a bit error rate under the forward error correction limit for fiber reaches of up to 6 km and 20 km respectively. The results showcase CMOS-compatible microresonator frequency comb modulated using IMDD formats as a promising technology for high-speed transmission in the data center transceiver industry.
Short-term amendment of biosolid on agricultural soil: effects on C and N mineralization and microbial activity
Authors: Medina-Herrera Miriam del Rocío , Negrete-Rodríguez María de la Luz Xochilt , Prieto-Rojas Manuel Alberto , Bedolla-Rivera Héctor Iván , Barajas Eloy Conde
Published: June 2022

Adding biosolids to agricultural soils can improve its quality through increased storage of C and N. A study to analyze the short-term impact of the addition of biosolids on the release of nutrients and the microbial activity in agricultural soil was carried out. The microbial biomass C (MB-C), urease activity (UA), and mineralization of N and C at different application rates of biosolids were evaluated (0 mg, 100mg and 200 mg of N-NH4+ kg-1). In addition, a biosolid-only treatment was tested. It was observed an increase in C and N mineralization, NH3 volatilization, and MB-C content, according to the application rate of biosolids. In biosolid treatments, UA increased 100% on average in the first seven days of incubation. These results suggest that the nutrient content in the soil is improved and microbial activity is positively stimulated.
Which Loans Do We Take? A Micro-Level Analysis of Croatian Households' Debt Participation
Authors:   Croatian National Bank, Zauder Krunoslav , Rosan Mate ,   Croatian National Bank
Published: June 2022

This paper uses a new data set in order to explore micro-level patterns of household borrowing in Croatia. By analyzing cross-section data from the Household Finance and Consumption Survey, conducted for the first time in Croatia in 2017, we present the structure of household debt holdings and identify several household characteristics associated with debt participation in three types of bank debt: secured debt, non-collateralized loans, as well as overdrafts and/ or credit card debt. Our results indicate that: a) households with middle-aged heads tend to participate more and hold larger amounts of all three debt types; b) credit constrained households are more likely to take non-collateralized loans; c) inability to finance consumption and willingness to take risks when making saving and investment decisions contribute to participation in overdrafts and/or credit card debt.
Quantifying the Effect of Hot Recycling on Asphalt Mixtures Based on Rod Thin-Layer Chromatography
Authors: Li Xiyou , Li Yanhong , Huang Jieyou
Published: June 2022

In this study, a four-component test of aged asphalt, new asphalt, recycled asphalt on the surface of recycled old aggregate, and recycled asphalt on the surface of recycled new aggregate has been conducted based on the rod thin-layer chromatography (TLC)-hydrogen flame ion detection method to evaluate the colloidal stability index (Ic). Furthermore, the gelation index (GI) and recycling rate (P) of reclaimed asphalt pavement are defined. These parameters act as quantitative indicators of the recycling effect on the asphalt mixes and are used to characterize the degree of integration of the aged and new asphalt. The rationality of the evaluation indexes is verified by analyzing the effects of preheating, mixing temperature, and mixing time on the recycling effect. The results show that the proposed method based on rod TLC can effectively evaluate the thermal recycling efficiency of asphalt mixture, and it provides useful insights on the recycling effect of thermal recycling technology.
The Safety, Acceptability and Continuation Rate of Immediate Versus Delayed Insertion of Levonorgestrel Releasing Intrauterine System Following First Trimester Surgical Abortion: An Observational Study
Authors: El-Shamy El-Sayed , shaheen Abd-Elhamid , Hamza Haitham
Published: June 2022

Objective: To assess the safety, acceptability and six-month continuation rate of immediate versus delayed insertion of the levonorgestrel releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) following surgical termination of first trimester pregnancy. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on 180 patients who underwent surgical abortion and opted for LNGIUS and divided into two groups; immediate group=86 and delayed group=94. Pain scores, adverse effects, acceptability and continuation rate were recorded. Results: More patients in the delayed insertion group exhibited higher perception of pain (p< 0.001) and requested additional analgesia upon LNG-IUS insertion (p< 0.05) with no significant difference between the two groups regarding other adverse effects (fainting, abnormal vaginal bleeding, expulsion and pelvic infection), request for removal and re-insertion of LNG-IUS (p>0.05). The continuation rate and patient acceptability in terms of overall satisfaction and recommendation to other women, were comparable between the two groups (p>0.05) while overall discomfort was higher in the delayed group at one, three and six months after insertion (p< 0.05) Conclusion: Although immediate insertion of LNG-IUS after first trimester surgical abortion has higher expulsion rate, yet it has lower pain intensity, request for additional analgesia and overall discomfort compared to delayed insertion of LNG-IUS with comparable continuation and acceptability rates at 6 months after insertion. Keywords: levonorgestrel releasing intrauterine system; abortion; post abortive contraception
Neonatal Outcomes in Cord Clamping; An Observational Study Highlighting the Correlation of Cord Clamping Time with Haematological Parameters
Authors: Jamali Zara , Fatima Mahwish , Yaqoob Shagufta , Siddiqui Ahsan Ali , jamali Dara , Wajid Zarghoona , Moin Aisha , Khan Amsa , Anwar Adnan
Published: June 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the neonatal outcomes in cord clamping and to find their correlation with different haematological parameters in neonates of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi Methodology: This was an observational study in which non-probability convenient sampling technique was used after taking ethical approval. The study was conducted on 342 pregnant women in the Obstetrics & Gynaecology ward of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, from 1st July 2016 to 31st December 2016.All the pregnant women from age of 25 to 45 years and without any haemolytic disease, with previous spontaneous vaginal deliveries, with a singleton pregnancy diagnosed via ultrasound during the first trimester and presenting in the 3rd stage of labour with a gestational age of ≥ 37weeks were included in the study. Soon after the delivery of placenta, the uterus was massaged either by patient herself or by the caretaker. Neonatal blood samples were gathered by the researcher through venipuncture following expulsion of the fetus and 24 hours after it and sent to the pathology laboratory of Jinnah Hospital for analysis. Data were analyzed in SPSS Version 20. Descriptive analysis was done. Pearson and Spearman tests were applied to see the correlation of cord clamping time. P-value of < 0.05 was taken as significant. Results: A total of 342 pregnant females in their third stage of labor were selected for this study. No correlation existed between hemoglobin and hematocrit with cord clamping time (p-value 0.661) and (p-value 0.439) respectively. Weak positive correlation (p=0.002, r = 0.169) existed between billirubin levels with clamping time. No correlation was observed with cord clamping time and anemia, low hematocrit or polycythemia (p-value 0.422), (p-value 0.058) and (p-value 0.20) respectively while weak negative correlation (ρ = -0.221) existed between high bilirubin levels in neonates with increasing cord clamping time (p-value < 0.001). Conclusion: According to our study, no correlation exists between hemoglobin and hematocrit with cord clamping time but weak positive correlation was observed between billirubin levels with clamping time in seconds. Keywords: cord clamping; correlation; haematological parameters
Physicochemical characterization and pharmacological evaluation of marine polyphenols from the brown algae Padina pavonica
Authors: Alshaikheid Mohammed , Abdelhamid Amal , Bouraoui derrahman
Published: June 2022

Background and Aim: Natural products continue to be a primary resource in biomedicine and biotechnology. The marine environment is highly reserve for novel pharmaceutical and medical compounds. The aim of this work was to identify bioactive components from the brown seaweed Padina pavonica with specific pharmacological potential. Methods: In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of polyphenol fraction from Padina pavonica for in vivo anti-inflammatory activity using the carrageen an-induced paw edema model in rats and there in vitro antioxidant activity using two methods: DPPH radical scavenging assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) [8]. Results: The polyphenol-rich fraction from the brown seaweed Padina pavonica exhibits a significant anti-inflammatory activity at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg and the maximum reduction of the edema was observed at the third hour with 53.49% and 58.6% of inhibition, respectively. Along with, we were interested in the investigation of the antioxidant activity. The DPPH radical-scavenging assay shows that the polyphenol fractions have an interesting cavenging activity at a low concentration (0.25 mg/mL). In addition, the Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) method reveals an antioxidant activity with IC50 = 0.4 mg/mL. Conclusions: These findings indicate that the polyphenol fraction of Padina pavonica is a promising bio source of compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential; this may be useful as a candidate for the developing of potential therapeutic products. Keywords: Brown Seaweeds; Padina pavonica; Anti-Inflammatory Activity; Antioxidant Activity