bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Citoyenneté et finances publiques. Regards comparés
Authors: Orsoni Gilbert
Published: October 2022

Même s’il peut paraître au centre des préoccupations des politiques financières, le citoyen, en tant que tel, est un grand absent des finances publiques. Il n’y peut intervenir pour l’essentiel que par l’intermédiaire de ses représentants. On mesure donc d’emblée à quel point cette place du citoyen dans le cadre budgétaire et fiscal touche au fonctionnement même d’une démocratie. Une étude plus poussée montre toutefois que cette citoyenneté, lorsqu’elle se manifeste, est davantage fiscale (consentement de l’impôt) que budgétaire, l’opinion publique devant de plus en plus être prise en considération (mouvements citoyens). Ce qui conduit, dans la période actuelle, à une émergence du citoyen, difficile il est vrai, dans la construction des budgets : rôle des groupes de pression, exigence de transparence et de sincérité et, ce n’est pas le moindre, budgets participatifs à l’échelle locale. Progrès réels, mais encore insuffisants.
Liberté, confiance et responsabilité : la triade de l’éthique du nouveau gestionnaire public
Authors: Lambert Alain
Published: October 2022

Le nouveau droit de la responsabilité des gestionnaires publics constituera un marqueur de l’évolution de l’action publique en France. Dans l’esprit porté par la LOLF, il doit inverser le paradigme de la méfiance et de la sanction qui inspirait jusqu’alors son régime. Ce nouveau rendez-vous avec l’histoire doit s’inscrire au service de l’efficacité et de l’efficience de l’action publique : ainsi, la liberté, la confiance et la responsabilité devront s’imposer comme l’éthique du nouveau gestionnaire public. Il est donc temps de réenchanter l’action publique sur le fondement de ces principes, seuls à même de relever les lourds défis de ce siècle fragilisé.
De l’inflation normative à l’amplification des lois dans le processus parlementaire : pistes pour une analyse avancée des facteurs inflationnistes
Authors: Benzerafa-Alilat Manel , Gibert Patrick
Published: October 2022

L’inflation normative est au centre des critiques. La doctrine est unanime pour dénoncer ce que les académiques comme les praticiens considèrent comme une dérive aux conséquences néfastes sur les individus comme sur les personnes morales et un danger pour la sécurité juridique. Sous l’impulsion du Conseil d’État, le gouvernement français a proposé un ensemble d’indicateurs non destinés à maîtriser l’inflation, mais plutôt à suivre l’activité normative. Cet article montre les limites de cette nouvelle tentative de mise en chiffres du droit par un outil de contrôle de gestion. Il propose, à partir de l’analyse des données élémentaires de l’accroissement de l’inflation législative sur trois ans, de nouvelles pistes de réflexion pour saisir les facteurs inflationnistes.
Perturbateurs endocriniens et origine environnementale des maladies : intégrer ces données pour un nouveau modèle d’accompagnement des patients vers la santé environnementale
Authors: Rannaud-Bartaire Patricia
Published: October 2022

Les maladies environnementales sont en augmentation de façon globale, et les sources de contamination sont multiples : air intérieur et extérieur, alimentation, cosmétiques, eau de boisson et d’irrigation. Les perturbateurs endocriniens environnementaux font partie des causes de l’apparition de maladies chroniques dont l’incidence est en augmentation. Il existe des périodes de vulnérabilité, en particulier pendant la grossesse, l’enfance et la puberté, où ces substances peuvent modifier le fonctionnement et la mise en place de grandes fonctions, comme le développement cérébral, les différents systèmes endocriniens, les gonades, la régulation du tissu adipeux, par exemple. Les études récentes montrent une exposition généralisée des populations aux perturbateurs endocriniens, persistants (qui s’accumulent dans le temps) ou non persistants (mais avec une exposition permanente). Cependant, la prise en compte des perturbateurs endocriniens environnementaux en clinique reste marginale alors qu’elle pourrait permettre une diminution de risque des maladies liées aux facteurs environnementaux et influencer positivement l’évolution naturelle d’une maladie chronique lorsqu’elle est diagnostiquée. L’objectif de cet article est de préciser les concepts rattachés à l’exposome et de recenser les principales données scientifiques attestant des effets des perturbateurs endocriniens sur la santé afin de dresser des perspectives dans le champ de la clinique, de l’enseignement et de la recherche.
Pattern of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels after acute interval exercise versus acute continuous exercise in obese adolescent females
Authors: Raharjo S. , Rejeki P.S. , Kurniawan A.W. , Widiastuti  , Taufik M.S. , Siregar A.H. , Harisman A.S.M. , Andiana O. , Hidayati H.B.
Published: October 2022

Obesity has been linked to lower cognitive function, while exercise is known to be beneficial in enhancing the cognitive function. Exercise is also known to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), as the biological marker of cognitive function. This study aimed to analyse the pattern of serum BDNF levels after acute interval exercise (MIE) versus acute continuous exercise (MCE) in obese adolescent females. A total of 24 obese females were enrolled in this study and given acute interval exercise and acute continuous exercise with moderate intensity. The serum level of BDNF in all samples was quantified using ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA, and LSD post-hoc test with a 5% significance level. The results revealed pre-exercise mean serum BDNF levels of 254.17±86.90 pg/ml (Control), 263.21±79.82 pg/ml (MIE) and 266.01±33.29 pg/ml (MCE) (P=0.948). The mean serum BDNF levels at 10 min post-exercise were 248.84±44.42 pg/ml (Control), 397.00±31.36 pg/ml (MIE), and 582.82±79.24 pg/ml (MCE) (P=0.000). The mean serum BDNF levels at 6 h post-exercise were 250.05±70.44 pg/ml (Control), 344.50±68.84 pg/ml (MIE), and 364.42±100.87 pg/ml (MCE) (P=0.029). The mean serum BDNF levels at 24 h post-exercise were 244.20±48.55 pg/ml (Control), 252.49±89.11 pg/ml (MIE), and 250.99±65.86 pg/ml (MCE) (P=0.986). It was concluded that serum BDNF in obese adolescent females increased but transiently. Serum BDNF levels increased by acute exercise in both MIE and MCE at 10 min and 6 h post-exercise. However, serum BDNF level at 24 h post-exercise decreased close to the pre-exercise serum BDNF level in all groups. Further research is needed studying the effect of chronic exercise on the kinetics of serum BDNF levels in obese adolescent females.
The Safety and Biological Activity of OTT166, a Novel Topical Selective Integrin Inhibitor for the Treatment of Diabetic Eye Disease: A Phase 1b Study
Authors: Boyer David S. , Kaiser Peter K. , Magrath George N. , Brady Kerrie , Edwards Scott , Tanzer David J. , Heier Jeffrey S.
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the safety, tolerability, and biological activity of a topical selective integrin inhibitor (OTT166) eyedrop administered BID for diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME).

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-masked Phase 1b study. Subjects with nonproliferative DR and DME with central subfield thickness (CST) > 325 microns were randomized to OTT166 eyedrops (2.5% or 5%) BID for 28 days. Subjects were followed for an additional 28 days after treatment cessation.

RESULTS:

Forty-four subjects were enrolled. No drug-related serious adverse events (SAEs) and two drug-related adverse events (AEs) were reported. OTT166 was well-tolerated with no evidence of ocular toxicity. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) remained stable. Mean central retinal thickness (CRT) overall was variable: +12.8/+1.8 microns at Day 28 (end of treatment) and −50.3/+5.5 microns at Day 56 (end of study) for the 2.5% and 5% groups, respectively. Median CRT overall demonstrated consistent reduction by end of study: −39.0/−16.5 microns for the 2.5% and 5% groups, respectively. Median responses were greater in the treatment-naïve group (−41.5/−26.0 microns for the 2.5% and 5% groups, respectively). Thirty-seven percent of ‘responder’ subjects exhibited a mean reduction in CRT of 46.6 microns on optical coherence tomography (OCT) at end of treatment (Day 28) which persisted to end of the study (Day 56) – mean reduction of 67.4 microns, suggesting a durable effect.

CONCLUSION:

OTT166 eyedrops were safe, well-tolerated, and demonstrated biological activity in 37% of responders. These results warrant further evaluation of OTT166 eyedrops.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
2022;53:553–560.]
Airport passenger flow, urban development and nearby airport capacity dynamic correlation: 2006-2019 time-series data analysis for Tianjin city, China
Authors: Wei Ming , Zhang Shaopeng , Sun Bo
Published: October 2022

Airports, as integral components of the global aviation industry, experience dynamic changes in air passenger traffic load, which are also related to the trends of local urban development and airspace restrictions of nearby airports. Using time-series data from 2006 to 2019, this study comprehensively applied the autoregressive distributed lag and vector auto-regression mode approaches to identify causal relationships between the urban development factors, including GDP, population, tourism industry, industrial structure, etc., of Tianjin city (China); the Tianjin airport passenger flow; and the Beijing Capital airport's airspace restriction factor, namely, airport aircraft sorties. The results show that the growth of Tianjin city's GDP, primary industry and disposable income per capita was accompanied by a long-term decline in the passenger flow at the Tianjin airport. In addition, increased aircraft sorties of Tianjin airport, as well as the growth of primary, secondary and tertiary industries in Tianjin city, led to a short-term decline in passenger flow at the Tianjin airport. In general, there is variability in the long- and short-term impacts of urban economic structure on airport passenger flow, and this variability applies to other airports. The increased aircraft sorties at the Beijing Capital airport had a short-term positive impact on passenger flow at the Tianjin airport but resulted in a long-term decline of the latter's aircraft sorties. This phenomenon indicates that there is interaction between airports and that this influence varies depending on the competition and cooperation mechanisms between airports. The findings of this study are considered instrumental in guiding the competitive and cooperative strategies of nearby airports and predicting the coupled trends of the airport and urban development.
Existence and multiplicity of standing wave solutions for perturbed fractional p-Laplacian systems involving critical exponents
Authors: Zhang Shulin
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we investigate the existence of standing wave solutions to the following perturbed fractional p-Laplacian systems with critical nonlinearity

   \begin{document}$ \begin{equation*} \left\{ \begin{aligned} &\varepsilon^{ps}(-\Delta)^{s}_{p}u + V(x)|u|^{p-2}u = K(x)|u|^{p^{*}_{s}-2}u + F_{u}(x, u, v), \; x\in \mathbb{R}^{N}, \\ &\varepsilon^{ps}(-\Delta)^{s}_{p}v + V(x)|v|^{p-2}v = K(x)|v|^{p^{*}_{s}-2}v + F_{v}(x, u, v), \; x\in \mathbb{R}^{N}. \end{aligned} \right. \end{equation*} $\end{document}

Under some proper conditions, we obtain the existence of standing wave solutions $ (u_{\varepsilon}, v_{\varepsilon}) $ which tend to the trivial solutions as $ \varepsilon\rightarrow 0 $. Moreover, we get $ m $ pairs of solutions for the above system under some extra assumptions. Our results improve and supplement some existing relevant results.
ROUTE OPTIMISATION FOR ADVANCED WATERJET SELECTION
Authors: Tomkins A , Muller D
Published: October 2022

Total vessel efficiency is about much more than the top speed performance. Whilst top speed performance plays a part in the overall efficiency of the vessel, taking a more holistic approach to the operation cycle of vessels can yield significant gains in efficiency. Designing waterjets that can offer performance advantages across a vessels complete speed range can be a challenge as it often requires finding a balance between competing demands.
However, by undertaking detailed route analysis of our customers operations, HamiltonJet are able to assess each phase of a vessel’s operation and tailor equipment selection and waterjet design to deliver optimal all-round performance.
This paper will cover the methodology used to undertake these studies and share some of the interesting insights and developments in product and waterjet selection methodology that have been discovered through this work.
A METHOD TO EVALUATE THE PERFORMANCE OF WATERJET PROPULSORS USING A MODEL SCALE SETUP
Authors: Dias KGDL , Suraweera SASBS , Ruwandi TS
Published: October 2022

Waterjet propulsor is a key component in the Small High-Speed Craft (SHSC) industry. Although the SHSC industry is well established in Sri Lanka, no waterjets are designed or manufactured due to the absence of prototype testing facilities in the country. The availability of such facilities provides the opportunity not only for the waterjet designers and manufacturers but also for the shipyards and design offices to evaluate the performance of waterjets when selecting propulsion systems at the preliminary design phase of their craft.
Therefore, a method is proposed to test and evaluate the performance of waterjets using a model scale test setup in the early design stage for a Small High-Speed Craft. In this setup, a waterjet mounted on an SHSC- hull is fully submerged and secured in a water tank with a circulation pump loop setup. The waterjet is driven by an electric motor under varying flow conditions and the performance is evaluated using different measures, such as the head, power, torque and efficiency as recommended in the existing methods.
This paper presents a method to appropriately scale the entire test setup, select a suitable hull-jet configuration and proposes an approach to evaluate waterjet performance with the aid of existing measures and methods using the proposed
model scale test setup.
WATERJET IN BOW: PROPULSION AND GENERATION
Authors: Garcia Lage G
Published: October 2022

In this article, a general approach is made to the positive impact that the recovery of kinetic energy by means of bow thrusters in precautionary maneuvers and approach with high inertia and in the presence of wind has on the carbon footprint of a ship. With the pre-design of this energy collector, the power/speed and thrust/speed graphs are generated for a fluid vein of seawater, obtaining values with them of reduction of consumption and CO2. With the beginning of the first hydrodynamic tests on the CFD in a pipe, a basic prototype of this jet propeller is configured, like a pumped/turbined reversible hydroelectric plant, with the aim of continuing in the future different maneuvers that allow testing the hull of the ship in the presence of wind seeking to increase energy efficiency.
EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF FUTURE ALTERNATIVE FUELS ON NAVAL VESSELS
Authors: Pawling R J
Published: October 2022

Emissions regulation aimed at reducing air pollution, particularly carbon dioxide emissions, is driving commercial research into alternative fuels such as ammonia, methanol and hydrogen. Whilst naval ships, being government owned vessels, are exempt from this regulation, the ability to operate on such fuels may become a requirement for future combatants. This paper describes an ongoing study to examine the impact of alternative fuels over a range of naval vessel designs and sizes, using the ZEOLIT early-stage ship tool. The initial stage has examined an OPV, as this is a relatively simple type of vessel, which has already seen the adoption of dual fuelling with LNG in some navies. Three future fuels have been investigated: methanol, ammonia and a Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier. The findings so far indicate that, for an OPV, these fuels lead to an increase in displacement, but not one that would render the ship impractically large.
Exploring Students’ Engagement of Using Mediating Tools in E-Learning
Authors: Pham Kim Chi , Ho Thi Ngoc Tram , Nguyen Thi Thu Huong , Bui Thi Diem Kieu , Nguyen Hoang Thai Anh , Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh
Published: October 2022

People are looking for flexible learning ways to meet educational needs in today's world context. There is an increasing need and expectation for universities to incorporate technologies into the design and delivery. It is of significant interest whether the increased use of electronic tools and the provision of online teaching resources positively impact students. The function and influence that a mediation tool can have should be evaluated more closely, rather than viewing them as just assistance. Student involvement is generally regarded as an important benchmark and indication of the quality of the student experience in higher education. Still, the idea is challenging to define and is interpreted in various ways throughout the literature. Hence, this study explores how students experience online learning using the mediating tool. Semi-structured interviews were applied to determine the types of student engagement. The interviews were recorded and transcribed by thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2006). The results showed that the mediating tool positively supports social engagement, behavioral engagement, collaborative engagement, emotional engagement, and cognitive engagement. Implications shed light on teachers, designers, and students when using the mediating tool in online learning.
The Influence Mechanism of Virtual Experiment Teaching on the Behavioural Intention of Distance Learners
Authors: Shou Yijun
Published: October 2022

Distance education is restricted by the physical isolation of time and space. Without the ability to communicate face-face with teachers, the learning experience of learners is reduced, which has an impact on their behavioural intention. Virtual labs offer students the chance to be free from the constraints of time and place and conduct the required experiments at anytime and anywhere. To explore the influence mechanism of virtual experiment teaching on the behavioural intention of distance learners from three aspects, including self-efficacy, collaborative learning and teacher guidance, a questionnaire is designed, and the mediating effects of perceived ease-of-use (PEOU) and perceived usefulness (PU) on the relationship between virtual experimental teaching and the behavioural intention of distance learners are analysed. Results show that self-efficacy, collaborative learning and guidance from teachers have a notable frontage influence to the behavioural intention of students. PEOU and PU act as different mediators on the relationship between self-efficacy, collaborative learning and guidance from teachers and the behavioural intention of students. Conclusions obtained from this study can be used to improve the design of the learning process of a virtual experimental platform for related subjects and the promotion of the platform. Moreover, these will be of great reference value to the reform and practice of teaching methods for the practical links.
Du fanatisme dans la langue révolutionnaire ou de la persécution suscitée par les barbares du dix-huitième siècle, contre la religion chrétienne et ses ministres
Authors: Laharpe Jean-François
Published: October 2022

Dans son essai Du fanatisme dans la langue révolutionnaire publié au cœur du Directoire (1797), Jean-François Laharpe, homme de lettres autrefois proche des philosophes des Lumières, dénonce la « langue révolutionnaire » qui, selon lui, a conduit au pouvoir sans limites des jacobins. Par-delà le procès véhément des menaces qui continuent de peser sur la pratique religieuse, Laharpe développe une réflexion sans précédent sur les liens politiques du dire et du faire, sur le caractère proprement performatif de la langue révolutionnaire. De plus, attentif à la diversité des signes de la révolution (fêtes de la Raison, abjurations publiques, instauration d’un nouveau calendrier etc.), Laharpe esquisse une véritable sémiologie du fait révolutionnaire. Nous reproduisons ici l’édition originale de l’essai de Laharpe, Du fanatisme dans la langue révolutionnaire, ou de la persécution suscitée par les barbares du XVIIIe siècle, contre la religion chrétienne et ses ministres. Chez Migneret, À Paris, An V (1797).
Actes des Journées européennes de la science ouverte
Authors: Open Science European Conference
Published: October 2022

Depuis plus de vingt ans, la communauté scientifique internationale affirme son soutien à la science ouverte comme fondement d’une recherche plus collaborative, transparente, intègre et proche de la société. Cette orientation s’est notamment traduite en France par l’adoption de deux Plans nationaux pour la science ouverte, en 2018 et 2021.
Dans cette dynamique et à l’occasion de la présidence française du Conseil de l’Union européenne, la France a organisé les 4 et 5 février 2022 les Journées européennes de la science ouverte (OSEC). Cette conférence sur la transformation de l’écosystème de la recherche et de l’innovation en Europe a été l’occasion d’aborder en particulier la transparence des recherches en santé, l’avenir de l’édition scientifique et l’ouverture des codes et logiciels produits dans un contexte de recherche, mais aussi les transformations nécessaires de l’évaluation de la recherche, synthétisées dans l’Appel de Paris présenté lors de ces Journées et appelant à la création d’une coalition d’acteurs engagés pour une réforme du système actuel.
Cet événement international a été organisé avec le soutien de l’Académie des sciences, du ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, du Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), de l’Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM), du Haut Conseil de l’évaluation de la recherche et de l’enseignement supérieur (Hcéres), de l’Agence nationale de la recherche (ANR), de l’Université de Lorraine et de l’Université de Nantes.
Proceedings of the Paris Open Science European Conference
Authors: Open Science European Conference
Published: October 2022

For more than twenty years, the international research community has affirmed its support for open and collaborative practices that improve the quality, transparency, reproducibility and inclusiveness of science. In France, this orientation has been reflected in the adoption of two National Plans for Open Science, in 2018 and 2021.
In this context and on the occasion of the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union, France organised the Open Science European Conference (OSEC) on 4 and 5 February 2022. This conference on the transformation of the research and innovation ecosystem in Europe was an opportunity to address in particular transparency in health research, the future of scientific publishing and the opening of codes and software produced in a scientific context, but also the necessary transformations of research assessment, summarised in the Paris Call presented during the event and calling for the creation of a coalition of actors committed to reforming the current system.
This international event was organised was organised by the French Académie des sciences, the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), the High Council for Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (Hcéres), the National Research Agency (ANR), the University of Lorraine and the University of Nantes.
Design Explorations for 3D-Printed Modular Markers for eXtended-Reality Tangible User Interfaces
Authors: Iok Fong Chau , Cardoso Jorge C. S. , Estadieu Gerald Vincent
Published: October 2022

Various materials, objects, and sensors have been explored earlier for creating tangible user interfaces (TUIs). However, there is little work on 3D-printed TUIs based on visual markers for smartphone-based extended reality (XR) experiences. The combination of visual markers and smartphones results in cheap, accessible XR systems within reach of many people. Combined with 3D printing, it could foster do-it-yourself (DIY) projects for XR experiences, which may further expand and open-up possibilities for accessible and tangible interaction. This work explores the design space of modular 3D-printed tangibles for smartphone-based XR. The authors report the design exploration process, provide several interactive 3D-printed markers, and reflect on the resulting possibilities.
Knowledge-Based Generation of Plausible Air Quality Maps in the Absence of Sensor Data
Authors: Vital Duarte , Mariano Pedro , Almeida Susana Marta , Santana Pedro
Published: October 2022

Industrialization increased air pollution sources, which is a cause of major health problems. As such, air pollution became a growing concern and there is a need to monitor and easily visualize air pollution data. There are thousands of air quality monitoring stations throughout the world that are used to measure air quality. Moreover, there are plenty of applications that have been developed to visualize air pollution that use information gathered by these air quality monitoring stations as well as other sources of information, such as traffic intensity or weather forecasts. This paper introduces a novel graphical tool that taps on a new source of information: expert knowledge of air pollution sources. This tool allows experts to represent air pollution sources and their dynamics, and to assign them to different map elements. The authors have performed tool's usability and viability tests with 30 participants of which 6 are environmental experts. The obtained results and the provided feedback show that the proposed approach is a promising complement to sensor-based mapping approaches.
Prediction of Photovoltaic Panels Output Performance Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Loukriz Abdelouadoud , Saigaa Djamel , Kherbachi Abdelhammid , Koriker Mustapha , Bendib Ahmed , Drif Mahmoud
Published: October 2022

To ensure the safe and stable operation of solar photovoltaic system-based power systems, it is essential to predict the PV module output performance under varying operating conditions. In this paper, the interest is to develop an accurate model of a PV module in order to predict its electrical characteristics. For this purpose, an artificial neural network (ANN) based on the backpropagation algorithm is proposed for the performance prediction of a photovoltaic module. In this modeling approach, the temperature and illumination are taken as inputs and the current of the mathematical model as output for the learning of the ANN-PV-Panel. Simulation results showing the performance of the ANN model in obtaining the electrical properties of the chosen PV panel, including I–V curves and P–V curves, in comparison with the mathematical model performance are presented and discussed. The given results show that the error of the maximum power is very small while the current error is about 10-8, which means that the obtained model is able to predict accurately the outputs of the PV panel.
The Relationship Between Knowledge Automation and Employee Creativity
Authors: Shaikh Shabina
Published: October 2022

Knowledge automation is the contemporary critical success factor of knowledge management. In this context, the study focuses on the relationship between knowledge automation and employee creativity. The relationship between knowledge automation and employee creativity is analyzed by gathering quantitative data and applying one-way analysis of variance method and calculating correlation between variables. The study is performed on 200 bank managers from the banking sector of Pakistan. Hypotheses are generated after the analysis of data. Results prove the relationship between employee creativity and knowledge automation is linear by applying ANOVA and trend analysis methods.
Towards Cash-Less Economy
Authors: Lashayo Deogratius Mathew , Mhina Julius Raphael Athuman
Published: October 2022

Recently, there has been speedy development of mobile technologies and an increase in diffusion of smartphones among young people. This has provided opportunities for innovative companies to create new payment solutions to their young customers. Although there has been a lot of coverage on consumer acceptance of mobile payments, only limited studies in Tanzania provide guidelines for NFC technology acceptance. This study aimed at examining factors influencing the acceptance of NFC technology in Tanzania using young customers (students). Current research modifies UTAUT framework based on existing literature to achieve the stated purpose. The snowball sampling technique was used to select 405 students from the IFM. SEM was employed in the analysis of collected data. The findings reveal that both security and trust are significant and positively affect adoption of NFC technology in Tanzania. Surprisingly, the results also indicated that the combination of social influence and security explains 84% of the trust. The implication, limitations, and future studies were also discussed.
Predicting the Enrollments in Humanities and STEM Programs in Higher Education Using ARIMAX Models
Authors: Chang Dian-Fu , Zhu Wen-Shan , Wu Shu-Jing
Published: October 2022

Traditionally, the participation patterns in the humanities and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs in higher education differ. This study aimed to tackle this issue using concurrent time series data sets in the expanding higher education system. Authors selected the higher education system in Taiwan as an example. The participation in the humanities and STEM programs, covering 71 periods from 1950-2020, were collected from the Ministry of Education in Taiwan. The authors applied CCF (cross-correlation function) and ARIMAX (multivariable autoregressive integrated moving average) models to select the fittest model to predict the future trend. The humanities was the input variable and STEM was the output variable in the model. The findings revealed that ARIMAX (1,2,1) works well for these target data sets. According to the findings, enrollment in STEM programs will decrease with the decline in humanities programs in the future. This finding may provide useful information for related policy makers.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Students' Collaborative Learning and Online Social Presence via Tencent Meeting and WeChat
Authors: Qin Ruobing , Yu Zhonggen
Published: October 2022

Synchronous videoconferencing has integrated the resources of text, audio, and images, and has become a popular tool in education. This study aims to explore how to strengthen students' collaborative learning and online social presence via Tencent Meeting and WeChat. Through bibliometric clustering of previous research, this study visualizes the top 10 keywords, countries, authors, organizations, and sources. Through a meticulous content analysis, it is concluded that Tencent Meeting could improve students' collaboration through forum discussion and screen sharing while increasing their social presence via open communication and group cohesion. The author constructs a collaborative model to conduct course design integrating Tencent Meeting and WeChat, making up for the deficiency of a single platform. Future research is called for exploring how blended learning platforms can better support learners' collaboration and social presence and to what extent the platforms should be combined to maximize the outcomes for learners.
Learners' Hierarchical Value Structures in Educational Simulation Games of Supply Chain Management
Authors: Lin Hong-Wen , Jhan Ya-Cing , Lin Yu-Ling
Published: October 2022

In the instruction of supply-chain management, the “Beer Game” has been proposed as a valid tool for the demonstration of bullwhip effect for learners. This study has been designed to investigate the cognitive structure of beer game learners' psychological “game attribute – personal consequence – target value” chains. With means-end chains theory as the theoretical basis, through game attributes including roles of supply chain, team work, customizable model variables, operation statement, providing information, and so forth, learners were able to benefit from the consequences including training organizational thinking, improve management performance, experience bullwhip effect, promote cooperation and interaction, inspire competitive mentality, and ultimately, pursue target values such as a sense of accomplishment, self-fulfillment, warm relationships with others, and excitement. The study also found all the subjects emphasized identical game attributes regardless of their prior knowledge of the bullwhip effect or the lack thereof, and the subjects also had identical salient chains.
Selective Copper Extraction from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Kolmachikhina Elvira B. , Naumov Konstantin D. , Bludova Dana I.
Published: October 2022

This paper is dedicated to the investigation of selective copper extraction from the black mass of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) using ammonium sulfate. Thermodynamic analysis performed with the use of Pourbaix diagrams allowed to compare and predict the area of stable copper and cobalt ammine complexes, determine operating pH range (8.7-9.7) for solutions. Concentrations of sodium hydroxide and ammonium sulfate were defined experimentally allowing to achieve high copper extraction (82-87 %) at low cobalt recovery into solutions (0.25-0.52 %). By variation of main leaching parameters optimal process conditions were determined: (NH4)2SO4 45 g/dm3, NaOH 9 g/dm3, 25 С, l : s = 5 : 1, 120 minutes.
Dependence of Lignosulfonate Plasticizer Efficiency on the Activator Concentration in Alkali-Activated Blast Furnace Slag Paste
Authors: Hrubý Petr , Bílek Jr. Vlastimil , Iliushchenko Valeriia , Kalina Lukáš
Published: October 2022

Alkali-activated materials are a low carbon alternative for Ordinary Portland cement in the building industry. However, the effectiveness of commercially available cementitious plasticizers is often an issue. The present study deals with the workability, setting time, and mechanical properties of alkali-activated blast furnace slag (AAS) systems with different addition of lignosulfonate plasticizer (0; 0.5 and 1.0%) and various concentrations of alkaline activator (sodium hydroxide with concentration of Na+ ranging from zero to 12 mol∙dm−3 was used for these purposes). The workability of AAS was determined using the slump test according to EN 1015-3. Then the Vicat apparatus as described in EN 196-3 was used for measurement of the setting time. The effect of activator dose and plasticizer addition on the mechanical properties was determined using the determination of compressive and tensile strength in bending. A positive effect of the addition of a plasticizer in a certain concentration range on the workability was observed, but at the same time, the setting time is prolonged. The optimal concentration of NaOH seems to be of 2–4 mol∙dm−3 regarding the development of mechanical properties and workability.
Influence of Styrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene and Stearic Acid on Poly(Lactic) Acid/Alumina Filament Composite for Fused Deposition Modeling Application
Authors: Tolentino Marvin S. , Basilia Blessie A.
Published: October 2022

This study investigated the influence of adding styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) and stearic acid (SA) on poly (lactic) acid (PLA) with nano-alumina (Al2O3) filament composite for fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing (3DP) application. The filament composites were produced via hot-melt extrusion using a twin-screw extruder. Materials characterization and mechanical testing were conducted to determine the effect of SEBS+SA. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) illustrated the interaction of the aliphatic group of PLA and SEBS+SA. XRD data showed that the SEBS+SA has no significant effect on crystallinity, but the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) data showed a decreasing trend. Due to the nature of SEBS+SA, the heat capacity increased to 1.222 J/g•C°. The cold crystallization, melting, and degradation temperatures were reduced by 18.34°C, 5.29°C, and 25.19°C, respectively. An increase in the developed filament composite’s processability was evident in the MFR data. The axial strain and the toughness of PLA with nanoAl2O3 were increased significantly by 402.54% and 48.20%, respectively. Furthermore, the SEM images revealed overlapping of intra-and interlayers of the 3D printed specimens.
The Technology of Processing of Bed Combustion Fly Ash for Cement Composite Production
Authors: Ťažký Martin , Hela Rudolf , Křížová Klára
Published: October 2022

Insufficient offer of high-temperature fly ash meeting the requirements of standard EN 4501 is becoming an increasingly significant problem for concrete technology. This trend is generally caused by relentless effort to green electricity generation and reduce the carbon footprint, leading to the decommissioning of coal-fired power plants and the greening of existing. The most often ways are combustion processes of fluidized-bed and selective non-catalytic nitrogen oxide reduction (SNCR) processes. Thanks to these processes, the demand for this raw material has significantly exceeded its supply in recent years. It is, therefore, more than current to look for ways to use the large amount of ash produced from coal combustion, which is not high-temperature fly ash, but can be classified as a bed combustion fly ash or cinder. The paper aims to show the possible processing and subsequent use of these waste materials for the production of cement composites. The possibilities of grinding these coarse-grained fly ashes and the subsequent impact of their use on the cement composite in comparison with conventional fly ash according to the standard EN 450 from the same sources were verified. The impact of their use on the properties of composites in the fresh and hardened state was analysed, and these impacts were related to, for example, their chemistry, grain morphology, loss on ignition, or fineness.
Upscaling of CaO Derived from Cockle Shells as Stabilizer for Zirconia with Improved Properties for Dental Applications
Authors: Abd Wahab Nur Ain Adila , Ghani Zuryati Ab. , Shariff Khairul Anuar , Husein Adam , Hussein Abbas Ibrahim
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study was to upscale the production of calcium oxide (CaO) derived from cockle shells using an improved protocol and determine its purity, as well as to study the hardness of the new, improved calcia stabilized zirconia (Ca-SZ). A mixture of diluted cockle shells powder with hydrochloric acid solutions (HCl) was stirred to obtain calcium chloride (CaCl2). The homogenous CaCO3 solutions were obtained by mixing CaCl2 solution with potassium carbonate (KCO3) using upscaled mechanochemical synthesis process. Then, CaCO3 powder underwent calcination process at a temperature in range of 300°C – 550°C to obtain CaO powders. CaO showed the result under FESEM analysis as a spherical shape with crystal-like structure as well dispersed with no visible agglomeration. The yield production of CaO obtained was approximately about 5.0g which was upgraded from a previous study. The morphologies of Ca-SZ were observed at three different sintering temperatures at 1200°C, 1300°C and 1400°C were selected in order to understand the morphological and mechanical properties of Ca-SZ after incorporating 8wt% of CaO powders derived from cockle shells. The Ca-SZ pellets were then characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Vickers Hardness Test to ensure the effectiveness of CaO powder in fabricating Calcia-Stabilized Zirconia (Ca-SZ). As a result, sintered Ca-SZ at 1400°C showed the most promising performance for nano-CaO act as a stabilizer as it has the highest hardness at 590.03MPa with significantly difference (p<0.05) among all sintered Ca-SZ specimens. Therefore, these findings revealed that by adjusting the previous protocol, upscaling of a pure CaO may be synthesized using natural Ca source from cockle shells. The fabricated Ca-SZ showed a significantly lower hardness when sintered at 1400°C, which may be easier for machining.
AeroServoElastic Test Campaign of the AW609 Civil Tilt-Rotor
Authors:   Leonardo Helicopters, Favale Marco ,   AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corporation, Haidar Ahmad , Donini Nicola , Lilliu Cristian , Tovo Giovanni , Trezzini Alberto
Published: October 2022

Part of the certification process of the Leonardo Helicopters AW609 – the first tiltrotor that is undergoing a civil certification process – is demonstrating that the aircraft is free from any aeroservoelastic instability by both analysis and flight test. Recently, one of the AW609 prototypes underwent an extensive certification flight flutter and ground stability test campaign. During these tests, the fundamental aircraft flutter mechanisms have been excited and demonstrated to meet the required stability margins foreseen by the certification basis. In this paper, the test methodology used to perform the tests and flight data processing techniques are detailed. The results are then presented in terms of frequency and damping and as a function of aircraft parameters such as airspeed and gross weight. The certification test results successfully establish that the AW609 is free from instability across the flight envelope and operating conditions with no detrimental damping trends.
Vibration Reduction in Rotorcraft Using Closed-Loop Active Flow Control
Authors:   University of Michigan, Patterson Ryan , Friedmann Peretz
Published: October 2022

The vibration reduction obtained using active flow control (AFC) implemented on helicopter rotor blades is examined using comprehensive aeroelastic simulations. The flow control device consists of two fluidic jet actuators installed near the trailing edge of the blades on both the pressure side and the suction side. Closed-loop control simulations based on the higher-harmonic control (HHC) algorithm are developed to account for the discrete operating characteristics of the AFC actuators, since each actuator is either on or off at a fixed jet strength. The sensitivity of the closed-loop vibration reduction to the actuation power available, enforced as a saturation limit in the HHC algorithm, is examined. Results demonstrate the effectiveness and control authority of AFC for vibration reduction: up to 83% reduction of the 4/Rev vibratory hub loads is possible. The vibration reduction is comparable to that obtained using a mechanically operated microflap operating in a closed-loop mode. Finally, the effect of AFC on the overall rotor performance during closed-loop vibration control is determined. Results indicate that moderate levels of vibration reduction are possible, with minimal impact on the overall performance, when low actuation power is used. When the actuation power is increased, a diminishing level of improvement in the vibration reduction is observed, and the cost to overall performance increases significantly.
Tumor cell-derived exosomal lncRNA LOC441178 inhibits the tumorigenesis of esophageal carcinoma through suppressing macrophage M2 polarization
Authors: Chen Jiangmu , Chen Zongchi , Hu Weitao , Cai Daxing
Published: October 2022

Esophageal carcinoma (EC) is a highly malignant type of tumor. In a previous study, the authors found that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) LOC441178 inhibited the tumorigenesis of EC. Moreover, exosomes derived from tumor cells containing lncRNAs were found to play a key role in the tumor environment; however, whether exosomes can affect the tumor microenvironment by carrying LOC441178 remains unclear. Thus, the present study aimed to clarify this. In order to assess the effects of exosomal LOC441178 in EC, cell invasion and migration were examined using the Transwell assay. Exosomes were identified using transmission electron microscopy, western blot analysis and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Furthermore, macrophage surface makers (CD206 and CD86) were analyzed using flow cytometry. Moreover, a subcutaneous xenograft mouse model was constructed to assess the role of TE-9 cells-derived exosomal LOC441178 in EC. The results revealed that LOC441178 overexpression notably suppressed the metastasis of EC cells. In addition, exosomes were successfully isolated from EC cells, and LOC441178 level was upregulated in exosomes derived from LOC441178-overexpressed EC cells. Exosomal LOC441178 also suppressed macrophage M2 polarization, and the polarized macrophages decreased EC cell invasion. Exosomes containing LOC441178 notably inhibited the growth of EC in mice. On the whole, the present study demonstrated that the delivery of LOC441178 by EC cell-secreted exosomes inhibited the tumorigenesis of EC by suppressing the polarization of M2 macrophages. These findings may provide a new theoretical basis for discovering new strategies against EC.
Successful management of depression skull fracture in a boy with dog bite injury
Authors: Gokoglu Abdulkerim , Gozdas Hasan Tahsin , Ozen Selime , Gokoglu Sonay
Published: October 2022

Rationale:

There are many cases of daily reported dog bite injuries around the world. However, craniofacial fractures owing to dog bites are quite rare. They are frequently seen in the pediatric age group. Here, we report the successful management of a pediatric patient with depression skull fracture due to a dog bite injury.

Patient’s concerns:

A 3-year-old boy was admitted to the emergency department with a complicated skull fracture due to a dog bite injury. In physical examination, the patient was neurologically intact. He had hemorrhagic scalp wounds. Cerebrospinal fluid was leaking on the right temporal and frontal sides.

Diagnosis:

Cranial computed tomography revealed pneumocephalus, brain edema, and compound fracture associated with right frontal concussion.

Intervention:

After decompressive craniectomy, duraplasty was performed by placing a galea graft. Depressed fractures were removed and subdural bleeding control was provided.

Outcomes:

Perioperative and postoperative periods were uneventful.

Lessons:

Emergency medicine physicians should control possible underlying fracture lines in pediatric head trauma caused by dog bites.