bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Synthesis of a Feedback-Feedforward Control System with a Model of Unstable, Non-minimal Phase and Time-Delay Objects
Authors:   Politechnika Śląska, Wydział Automatyki, Elektroniki i Informatyki, Katedra Automatyki i Robotyki, ul. Akademicka 2A, 44-100 Gliwice, Bieda Robert
Published: December 2024

The paper fully analyzes the proposed mechanism for synthesizing a robust control system. The equivalence, popular in recent years, of the MFC structure and the classical FB-FF structure was demonstrated. Using the example of the second structure, the process of synthesis of the control system is discussed in detail and shown, along with its impact on the nature of the obtained system. Considerations of the presented control system synthesis mechanism cover a wide spectrum of control object dynamics from classical, through non-minimum phase, time delay and unstable. All theoretical considerations are supported by simulation results of exemplary control systems. Also presented is a variant of synthesis that allows reducing the impact of the limitation of the disturbance dynamics of the control system by the dynamics of the object. As an interesting feature, a phenomenon occurring for high-speed loop structures with feedback is presented, which makes it possible to reverse the synthesis mechanism and directly take into account the influence of controllers dynamic.
A System and Methodology for Non-Contact Measurement of a Wheel Speed: a Case Study on Cardio Machines
Authors:   University of Zielona Góra, Institute of Control and Computation Engineering, Podgórna Street 50, 65-246 Zielona Góra, Luzar Marcel , Ostrowski Kacper , Korbicz Józef , Kasperowicz Rafał , Semegen Mateusz
Published: December 2024

In this study, a novel approach for measuring the velocity of a wheel is proposed. The paper specifically focuses on determining wheel dimensions such as radius, diameter, or circumference in order to calculate speed. The proposed algorithm can be used where the exact dimension of the wheel is unknown or difficult to measure. This article presents the use of the proposed solution for measuring the speed of rollers that move the belt on a training treadmill. The originality of approach presented in this paper is confirmed by patent number WO2022089764A1.
Tension Control: Open-Loop Torque Control in Material Unwinding Process
Authors:   West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, al. Piastów 17, 70-310 Szczecin, Poland, Kępski Kamil , Dworak Paweł , Figurowski Daniel
Published: December 2024

This paper analyzes the problem of tension control in the processes of unwinding, rewinding, and winding materials, addressing how to implement such control in an open-loop system without the commonly used dancer rolls. It describes the theoretical and mathematical foundations of material tension control. An example problem of tension control on a real control object has been solved. An algorithm utilizing the torque control method in an open-loop system, which uses only servo drives to manage tension, is presented. This algorithm allows for increased process speed by unwinding two material rolls simultaneously, a capability that was not possible with single dancer roll control. Additionally, an algorithm for measuring the moment of inertia of material rolls using servo drives is discussed. The necessary measurements for the control algorithm to function effectively have been performed. The article concludes by presenting the results.
2DOF PID for Current Driven Servo
Authors:   Rzeszów University of Technology, Trybus Leszek , Bożek Andrzej
Published: December 2024

A design method for 2DOF PID continuous or discrete controller for a current driven servo described by a double integrator is presented. The closed-loop time constant is the single design data. The method results in the rules for three PID settings and two PID weights b, c that reduce gains for P and D modes for the set-point input. The PID settings provide a triple real pole of the closed-loop system to assure smooth transients. The weights b, c eliminate overshoot of the step response. In the case of continuous control, the weights are fixed, independent of the design data. In the discrete case, the weights decrease when the discretization step increases. Laboratory experiments confirm fairly good correspondence of system response to simulations, but also demonstrate the effects of friction when the output is close to a set-point. Role of additional parameters of an industrial PID function block is also examined.
Registros civis de matrimônio e História da Educação: algumas interlocuções metodológicas
Authors: Bernardi Manuela Ciconetto , Luchese Terciane Ângela
Published: December 2024

A produção de taxas de alfabetização com base em assinaturas dos registros civis das localidades de Antônio Prado, Caxias, Garibaldi, Nova Trento e Bento Gonçalves, pertencentes à Região Colonial Italiana do Rio Grande do Sul (RCI/RS), é um caminho investigativo que demanda explicitação metodológica, foco deste artigo. Diante disso, realizamos a discussão da utilização de assinaturas como indicador de conhecimento de escrita, com base em autores que já mobilizaram fontes semelhantes, a exemplo de Chartier (1991) e Magalhães (1994). Neste texto, apresentamos recortes e escolhas para a medição das assinaturas, relatamos os procedimentos para a construção dos dados e os movimentos de análise para embasar a narrativa. Este estudo corrobora para destacar e explicitar o percurso realizado em fontes documentais e evidencia que não há muitos estudos nacionais que utilizam assinaturas para a investigação de processos de educação, mostrando possibilidades de uso, sistematização e interpretação dessas assinaturas.
Os desafios do processo de inclusão das pessoas com deficiência: um estudo de caso em uma escola pública na cidade de Porto Velho
Authors: Vianna Taísa de Lima , Feitosa Fabio Biasotto , Barba Clarides Henrich de
Published: December 2024

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar os desafios da inclusão das pessoas com deficiência, com a finalidade de repensar a respeito da educação inclusiva, buscando a consolidação do processo de inclusão escolar. Foi realizado um Estudo de Caso na Escola Senador Darcy Ribeiro, Porto Velho, RO, para investigação das dificuldades da escolarização dos alunos com deficiência e das contribuições do Atendimento Educacional Especializado – AEE, com uso da técnica de Grupo Focal, complementada por entrevistas semiestruturadas, com atores escolares da instituição. A escola pesquisada é uma das pioneiras na inclusão escolar, em Rondônia. Os progressos identificados nos alunos, em sua maioria, representam conquistas do ponto de vista pessoal e social. Conclui-se que a Escola Darcy Ribeiro contribuiu na direção da superação do preconceito e para um olhar diferente para a deficiência, contudo, faltam investimentos públicos e capacitação adequada para seus colaboradores, para que, além da socialização, promova a escolarização do aluno com deficiência.
A educadora Iva Waisberg Bonow, intelectual e educadora (quase) desconhecida: sua mediação no projeto editorial da coleção “O Mundo da Criança”
Authors: Paliarini Viviane , Stephanou Maria
Published: December 2024

A partir da identificação da Professora Iva Waisberg Bonow como coordenadora da comissão de tradução e adaptação da obra estadunidense Childcraft (1949) para o projeto editorial da coleção O Mundo da Criança, lançada no Brasil pela Editora Delta nos anos de 1954, 1975 e 1992, este artigo aborda a sua importância como intelectual mediadora e educadora, ainda pouco reconhecida no campo da História da Educação. Catedrática de Psicologia Educacional do Instituto de Educação do Rio de Janeiro, professora da Escola Normal do Distrito Federal, foi autora de obras de referência sobre psicologia e educação. A investigação sobre seu itinerário intelectual e acadêmico aponta como seus percursos são referências à história da educação brasileira nos anos 1940 e 1950. A atuação como intelectual mediadora foi decisiva frente ao projeto da coleção, à formulação de um produto editorial de grande alcance no mercado brasileiro de livros para crianças.
O gesto do artesão na produção da mobília escolar: a fábrica de móveis de Pedro Rispoli na primeira década do século XX
Authors: Garcia Gecia Aline , Souza Gizele de , Castro Fátima Branco Godinho de
Published: December 2024

O objetivo deste artigo é investigar as experiências de produção presentes na elaboração do mobiliário escolar paranaense. Deste modo, o recorte inicia-se com a atuação de Pedro Rispoli, um imigrante italiano, que confeccionou móveis para a instrução pública paranaense a partir de 1904, e encerra-se no ano de 1909, período em que a fábrica a vapor deste sujeito – o Mobiliário Artístico – ganha notoriedade em âmbito nacional, no cenário comercial e artístico. O repertório de fontes que compõe este estudo é composto por documentos iconográficos; jornais de circulação local e nacional; relatórios dos agentes governamentais; correspondências governamentais e atas do Museu Maçônico Paranaense. Como aportes teóricos, utilizamos Ulpiano T. Bezerra de Meneses (1994) para a compreensão dos artefatos como vetores de relações, Inés Dussel (2019) para a compreensão dos artefatos como objetos atuantes e proporcionadores de experiências na trama social, Richard Sennett (2020) sobre a noção de experiência e artífice no processo de feitura das coisas, e Michel de Certeau (2014) na compreensão da operação histórica e das “Artes do Fazer”.
Analysis of competitive factors for exports of the Brazilian and Argentine Soybean Complex
Authors: Gabbi Maiara Thaís Tolfo , Costa Nilson Luiz , Oliveira Gabriel Nunes de
Published: December 2024

The study aimed to investigate which factors explain the intensification in exports of soybean derivatives by Argentina, and of grains by Brazil. For this, the method of content analysis was used through semi-structured interviews. The results show that the soybean processing segment in Argentina has comparative advantages derived from the concentration of production, industrial plants with high processing capacities, facilitated logistics, tax differential, restricted domestic demand and the collection of royalties. While Brazil intensified grain exports, mainly due to Chinese demand, the imposition of trade barriers on derivatives, tax incentives and long distances.
The importance of the electric sector: a national and regional input-output analysis
Authors: Takasago Milene , Ferreira Vinícius de Almeida Nery , Oliveira João Maria de
Published: December 2024

This paper analyzes the structural evolution of the electric sector in Brazil between 2010 and 2019 using the Input-Output framework. National results show that the industry has above average production multipliers that follow Brazilian economic performance and is considered a key sector – especially due to its supply –, having linkages with all other activities that exceed the economy’s average. Given its importance, the paper analyzes the regional gains and spillovers from larger investments in the sector, revealing that the Northeast is the region with the most significant impact on production, taxes, employment, and salaries.
«Examiner les choses en les considérant dans leur naissance et dans leur origine». L’usage du concept de cause dans la Recherche de la Vérité
Authors: Rossetti Arnaud
Published: December 2024

Résumé: Cet article se propose de montrer que l’usage du terme de cause par Malebranche dans la Recherche de la Vérité ne repose pas sur une théorie métaphysique de la causalité, et, a fortiori, sur un système occasionnaliste. Pour le prouver, nous élucidons un syntagme propre à ce texte, celui de «méthode qui examine les choses en les considérant dans leur naissance et dans leur origine», afin de montrer que, comme Descartes, Malebranche prétend, en mobilisant le concept de cause, constituer des modèles clairs visant à expliquer les choses, et non connaître la manière dont elles sont réellement engendrées. Pour le prouver, nous procédons de la manière suivante. Premièrement, nous examinons la nature de l’ordre que la méthode conduit à reconstituer et montrons qu’il engage la cause comme un synonyme de raison, c’est-à-dire comme un terme clair relié à d’autres par l’esprit fini pour former une série déductive. En second lieu, nous expliquons comment le terme de cause occasionnelle est appliqué aux facultés tout au long des cinq premiers livres sans pour autant que ce statut n’engage de théorie de la causalité, ni confère de réalité à l’erreur. La Recherche vise seulement à proposer un modèle de l’esprit humain pour expliquer l’erreur.
Mots-clés: Malebranche; Causalité; Cause Occasionnelle; Raison; Méthode.
«Examining things by considering them in their birth and origin». Malebranche's use of the concept of cause in The Search After Truth
Abstract: This article aims at showing that Malebranche's Search after Truth doesn't rely on any metaphysical theory on causality, and, a fortiori, any occasionalist system. Clarifying a syntagm which is only to be found in The Search, that of «the method that examines things by considering them in their birth and origin», we prove that, using the concept of cause, Malebranche aims at producing mere explicative models, rather than discovering the way things are actually generated. In order to establish this point, we proceed in the following order. First, we highlight the nature of the causal order theorized by Malebranche in his first book. Thus, it appears that Malebranche uses the term cause as a byword for reason, i.e, as a clear term connected to others by the human understanding in a deductive series, not as a metaphysical concept allowing us to understand the true nature of things. Afterwards, we explain how the term of occasional cause, which is used to qualify mind's faculties all along The Search, doesn't involve any occasionalist theory of causality, nor confer any kind of reality to error. Eventually, it appears that the Search only aims at deducing a model of the human mind.
Keywords: Malebranche; Causality; Occasional Cause; Reason; Method.
Data de registro: 08/07/2024
Data de aceite: 01/11/2024
Entre as três espécies de prova no Ideal da Razão Pura e as duas provas a priori no Único Argumento
Authors: Bertoni Bruno
Published: December 2024

Resumo: No Ideal da Razão Pura Kant afirma que há apenas três provas possíveis da existência de Deus: físico-teológica, cosmológica e ontológica (KrV A590-1 / B618-9). Entretanto, comentando essa passagem em The Existence of God, Richard Swinburne afirma que tal classificação gerou muitas incompreensões. Segundo o inglês, o uso do artigo “the” precedendo as três provas contribuiu para a interpretação de que haveria um Único Argumento para cada definição apontada. Contudo, poderia ser citado vários argumentos distintos para cada título. Diante dessa polêmica, decidi confrontar a classificação das provas na Crítica, com a classificação conforme fora disposta no Único Argumento. Nesta obra, ao invés de três provas — uma a priori (ontológica) e duas a posteriori (cosmológica e físico-teológica) —, é apresentada quatro provas: duas a priori (cartesiana e ontológica) e duas a posteriori (cosmológica e físico teológica). Tendo em vista que Kant afirma na Crítica que há apenas três especies de provas, e que “Não há mais [provas] além destas, e também não pode haver mais” (KrV A591/ B619), então por que em 1763 ele apontara duas espécies distintas para as provas a priori! Seria esse um indício que corroboraria com a posição de uma definição contendo várias provas, tal como indicada por Swinburne?
Palavras-chave: Prova Cartesiana; Ontológica; Único Argumento; Fundamento e Consequência.
Between the three kinds of proof in The Ideal of Pure Reason and the two a priori proofs in The Only Argument
Abstract: In The Ideal of Pure Reason, Kant states that there are only three possible proofs for the existence of God: physico-theological, cosmological, and ontological (KrV A590-1/B618-9). However, commenting on this passage in The Existence of God, Richard Swinburne states that this classification has generated many misunderstandings. According to the Englishman, the use of the article “the” preceding the three proofs contributed to the interpretation that there would be a single argument for each definition indicated. However, several distinct arguments could be cited for each title. In view of this controversy, I decided to compare the classification of the proofs in the Critique with the classification as it was laid out in The Only Possible Argument. In this work, instead of three proofs — one a priori (ontological) and two a posteriori (cosmological and physico-theological) —, four proofs are presented: two a priori (Cartesian and ontological) and two a posteriori (cosmological and physico-theological). Given that Kant states in the Critique that there are only three kinds of proofs, and that “There are no more of them, and there also cannot be any more” (KrV A591/B619), then why in 1763 did he point out two distinct kinds of a priori proofs! Would this be a clue that would support the position of a definition containing several proofs, as indicated by Swinburne?
Keywords: Cartesian Proof; Ontological; Only Argument; Ground and Consequence.
Data de registro: 14/08/2024
Data de aceite: 01/11/2024
Perfil Geoepidemiológico dos Acidentes por Animais Peçonhentos em Populações Indígenas e Não-Indígenas no Brasil
Authors: Polidoro Maurício , Mendonça Francisco de Assis , Oliveira Daniel Canavese de , Baniwa André , Franco Claudia Tereza , Monteiro Suliete Gervásio
Published: December 2024

Este estudo analisa os acidentes por animais peçonhentos entre 2012 e 2023 a partir dos dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) com enfoque nas diferenças entre populações indígenas e não-indígenas. A metodologia adotada é transversal e ecológica, incorporando análises descritivas estatísticas e a autocorrelação espacial de Moran para examinar padrões geográficos e identificar aglomerados de prevalência. Os resultados revelam a concentração das notificações na região Sudeste. Entre os grupos analisados, a população indígena apresentou a maior taxa de prevalência, com 2.654 casos por 100.000 habitantes, evidenciando uma vulnerabilidade significativa a acidentes por animais peçonhentos. Em relação à faixa etária, crianças e adolescentes indígenas mostraram-se particularmente suscetíveis. Quanto aos agentes causadores, escorpiões lideram entre os não-indígenas (57,3%), enquanto as serpentes são mais prevalentes entre os indígenas (56,6%). Sublinha-se a necessidade de políticas públicas e estratégias de prevenção que considerem as especificidades culturais e ambientais das populações vulnerabilizadas, enfatizando a importância de ações educativas e de saúde pública adaptadas às realidades locais.
Nourishing plant health and growth through the application of nutrients and plant growth regulator mixture in tomato
Authors: Jeevanraj R , Sivakumar R , Boominathan P , Kavitha PS , Sendhilvel V
Published: December 2024

A pot culture experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of foliar application of nutrients and plant growth regulators (PGRs) on the growth and physiological attributes of tomatoes. The trial was carried out at the Department of Crop Physiology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India. Various nutrient-PGR combinations (T1-T9) were applied at two distinct developmental stages: 25 and 50 days after transplanting (DAT). The growth traits, including plant height, number of branches, leaf area and total dry matter production (TDMP), showed significant variation in response to the foliar application of the nutrient-PGR mixture. In addition, several physiological parameters, such as the chlorophyll index and chlorophyll fluorescence, exhibited notable differences among the treatments. In conclusion, the application of Tomato Booster II (T8), a foliar nutrient-PGR mixture containing nitrogen(N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and salicylic acid (SA), significantly enhanced plant growth. This was evidenced by increased plant height (34.1 cm and 67.2 cm) and leaf area (265.89 cm² and 1448.55 cm² plant?¹) at 30 and 60 P, respectively. Additionally, plants treated with Tomato Booster II (T8) showed improved root development, characterized by a substantial increase in total root length (4402.86 cm), root volume (58.9 cm³) and root surface area (1807.84 cm²). Moreover, T8-treated plants exhibited a significant increase in spectral reflectance, indicative of enhanced photosynthetic efficiency, reaching a maximum of 81.8% following two foliar applications. These results suggest that Tomato Booster II (T8) is a promising nutrient-PGR mixture for enhancing tomato growth and development.
Consciousness, Matter, Brain Neural Activity and Telepathy
Authors:   Independent Researcher, Zichron Yaacov, Israel, Segman Yosef Joseph
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this paper is to mathematically define cords of consciousness (CoC) and consciousness by the act of brain neural patterns, wherein neutral patterns represent synchronized groups of neurons. The outcome of neural patterns represents cords of consciousness. Conversely, the cords of consciousness exhibit neural patterns. Cords of consciousness represent the space of information embedded within the one unique timeless and dimensionless metaphysical space. This paper elaborates on the physical and metaphysical relationships between physical brain neural activity and consciousness metaphysical sensation. For example, dreams, lucid dreams, ideas, memories, and out-of-body sensations (OBE or Astral Projection) are consciousness metaphysical sensations resulting in physical brain neural activity. Individual consciousness is defined as the collection of the individual’s cords of consciousness. Furthermore, consciousness is a virtual junction on the metaphysical consciousness virtual net where each junction incorporates a set of cords of consciousness. The set can be limited, unlimited or unaccountable. Cords of consciousness can be learned from the brain's neural patterns, and thus, memories can be manipulated by installing external neural patterns that create sensations of artificial consciousness.
The Self-conviction in God’s Selection - A Fading Myth
Authors:   Department of Plant Molecular Biology and Ecology George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University Ramat Aviv 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel, Gurevitz Michael
Published: December 2024

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Doping Portland Cement with Natural Clay and Bauxite Mineral Additives from Débélé: Effects on the Mechanical Strength of Mortars
Authors:   Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Yaoundé I, BP 812 Yaoundé, Cameroon, Department of Chemistry, Université Gamal Abdel Nasser de Conakry, BP 1147 Conakry, Guinea and Guinean Environmental Research Institute (IREG), BP, Balde Mamadou Yaya ,   1615, Conakry, Guiné, Kepdieu Jean Marie ,   Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Yaoundé I, BP 812 Yaoundé, Cameroon, Tchanang Gustave ,   Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Yaoundé I, BP 812 Yaoundé, Cameroon, Balde Souleymane ,   Department of Chemistry, Université Gamal Abdel Nasser de Conakry, BP 1147 Conakry, Guinea, Djangang Chantale Njiomou ,   Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Yaoundé I, BP 812 Yaoundé, Cameroon
Published: December 2024

In the course of this experimental work, which led to the substitution of Portland cement by 20% by mass of mineral additives, the mechanical compressive strength of hybrid cements was evaluated at different ages: 7, 28, 42 and 90 days. The effect of bauxite on the development of mechanical strength was also assessed. The study showed that the hybrid cements obtained had appreciable mechanical strengths, with values ranging from 14 to 34.6 MPa for the series of mortars containing a single additive, compared with 15 to 36.4 MPa for hybrids containing two mineral additives. This study demonstrated the positive effect of adding raw bauxite powder to the cementitious medium, resulting in an increase in mechanical strength from 6.59% to 42.31% when the quantity of B varied from 5 to 15% for the B-Ab hybrids. In the B-Ar series, this increase ranged from 6 to 29.83%. The mechanical performance of the composite cements obtained means that they can be used in a variety of masonry applications, in compliance with technical construction standards in a difficult economic context.
Effects of Adult Feeding Treatments on Longevity and Egg Maturation in Non-Ovipositing Broomrape Females, Phytomyza Orobanchia Kalt (Diptera: Agromyzidae)
Authors:   Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt, Hegazi Esmat , Khafagi Wedad ,   Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Research Center (ARC), Alexandria, Egypt, Abd El-Rahman Safaa ,   Mammalian Toxicology Department, Central Agricultural Pesticide Laboratory (CAPL), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Alexandria, Egypt, Hasaneen Mervat ,   Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Research Center (ARC), Alexandria, Egypt, Showiel Sania ,   Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Research Center (ARC), Alexandria, Egypt, Shal Amany Abou ,   Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria Uniersity, Alexandria, Egypt, Eryan Mohamed El ,   Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria Uniersity, Alexandria, Egypt, Attia Manal ,   Bioassay Research Department, Central Agricultural Pesticide Laboratory (CAPL), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza, Egypt
Published: December 2024

Orobanchaceae, is noxious root parasites, in Egypt. Some causing huge economic losses to faba bean fields. So far, there are few detailed reports on the rearing protocols of its biological control agent, Phytomyza Orobanchia Kalt. The effect of food supplements on longevity and egg load in non-ovipositing Broomrape fly Ph.Orobanchia ,is not well known. We investigated the effect of three feeding regimes of the adult flies (supplement with sterile water or honey solution and starvation) on its longevity, and egg load female fly. Adult longevity was affected by feeding treatments, insect sex and hatching time. Under starvation, the longevity and egg load of Ph. Orobanchia adults were significantly lower than those with access to sterile water and a honey solution. Honey fed females of non diapaused flies lived longer than diapaused ones. Egg loads were significantly influenced by female age, feeding treatments and physiological state of the female. Females emerged without mature eggs. For honey solution fed flies, egg load increased until age of 3 d old (non-diapausing females) day 14 (diapausing females), reaching respective maxima of 28.2± 1.2 and 16.4 ± 2.2 eggs/female. Eggs load then declined with age. Non- diapausing females produce more eggs than diapausing ones.
Toward a Unified Theory for Complex Systems
Authors:   Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310030, Zhejiang, China, Cui Weicheng , Li Rong ,   Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310030, Zhejiang, China, Pan Lingli ,   Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310030, Zhejiang, China
Published: December 2024

The system serves as a general model for addressing various encountered issues, with the complexity of systems we handle increasing steadily. From the 2021 map of complexity sciences, 67 distinct theories or sub-disciplines can be counted, leading to the difficulty in selecting an appropriate theory for a particular problem. This paper aims to establish an axiomatic framework for a unified theory for complex systems, spanning from micro to macro scales and encompassing entities from non-living to living objects. The unification was carried out from fundamental concepts, fundamental assumptions and mathematical languages. The original contributions in this unified system theory include: (1) moving away from a revolution against classical mechanics and embracing its generalization, (2) offering a dualist approach to the mind-body problem instead of the monist solution of the past, and (3) introducing an active force for living objects in living state. The efficacy of this unified theory is illustrated through multiple practical applications.
Growth and Productivity of 11-Year-Old Pine Hybrids in Turbo- Kenya
Authors:   Kenya Forestry Research Institute, Martin Welimo O. , James Ole Kiyiapi ,   University of Eldoret, Department of Forestry and Wood science, Kirongo Balozi B. ,   University of Eldoret, Department of Forestry and Wood science, Gichora Mercy ,   Kenya Forestry Research Institute
Published: December 2024

Exotic Plantation species, especially of the Pinus genus are very popular in many countries. In the Tropics, and Kenya in particular, Pinus radiata and Pinus patula are the most widely planted. But exotic species have many challenges and attacks by diseases and pests are common. Research has therefore to keep abreast with establishment effort to thwart massive disease attacks and losses. Species and provenance trials are conducted with this in mind. A Pine hybrids trial was conducted in Turbo, Kenya with the aim of testing the suitability of 11 hybrids against the locally grown Pinus patula. The experiment was established in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Height, Diameter (Dbh) and survival were assessed and results at age 11 years were analyzed and are reported in this paper. Results showed that there were statistically significant differences (p <0.001) in height and Dbh between the hybrids. The control (Pinus patula) performed poorly compared to some of the hybrids. Mean Dbh at 11 years ranged from 12.9cm to 25.68cm for the hybrids against 18.8cm of Pinus patula while mean height range was 11.6m to 23.18m against 20m of Pinus patula. Hybrids volume (D2*H) performance ranged between 328m³ per Ha to 1,894m³ per Ha compared to 1,006.9m³ per Ha for P. patula. The highest volume was found for PatxOoc (patula-by-oocarpa hybrid) with 1,894m³ per Ha. Hybrids PatxTecL and PatxOoc had superior performance for both growth variables (Dbh and Height) throughout the experiment period. These results embrace the view that hybrids are better performing that pure races and that there is value in doing more research in hybrids in the tropics to diversify genetic base and improve growth and productivity.
Hydrogen Production Methods: A Literature Review
Authors:   Systems Engineering Department, Military Technological College (Affiliated with University of Portsmouth, UK), Muscat, Oman, Babaa Saleh , Khzouz Martin ,   Systems Engineering Department, Military Technological College (Affiliated with University of Portsmouth, UK), Muscat, Oman
Published: December 2024

Hydrogen is widely recognized as one of the keys ‘players’ in the integration process of sustainable energy systems. In this paper, the present hydrogen production techniques are presented based on their working principle, efficiency and the problems associated with them. These methods comprise Steam Methane Reforming (SMR), water electrolysis, thermochemical methods of water splitting, biologically-augurated techniques and advanced methods of water dissolving including the photoelectrochemical water splitting and the plasma reforming ones. Analysis of the past and future use of these methods.
Exploring the Perceptions of Employees on the Impact of Gender in Leadership Positions: An Assessment of Employees in Local Authorities in Zimbabwe
Authors:   School of Business and Economics, Atlantic International University, Pioneer Plaza, 900 Fort Street Mall 905, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, USA, Mlambo Aleck
Published: December 2024

The topic of leadership has been addressed and applied for many years but the concept of gender in leadership positions was not given thorough assessment in various spheres of research. The main purpose of this study was to establish the perceptions of employees on the impact of gender in leadership positions. Literature review on leadershippositions was discussed. The study focussed on leadership styles, communication, emotional intelligence, employees’ performance, and gender in leadership positions. The topic of gender and leadership deserves serious discussion because of its professional, political, economic, cultural, and personal realities of the twenty first century. The study used the qualitative and quantitative methods of conducting the research and the questionnaire was found to be an appropriate instrument to collect data. The target population was composed of 100 employees and a sample of 50 participants were used to gather data for the study. Data was presented in forms of graphs, tables and pie charts which made it easier to analyse and interpret the results using SPSS. The results and findings revealed that men and women were the same. The findings also revealed that leadership positons had nothing to do with gender. The results also showed that men looked down upon women in leadership positions. The results also proved that emotional intelligence had nothing to do with gender. It was the goal of this research that NGOs, government institutions, private and public organisations and beyond the globe benefit from this study.
Papillary Thyroid Cancer, PTC: Identifying the Values of the Risk Factors that Will Minimize the Malignant Tumor Size Through Desirability Function Approach
Authors:   Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA, Abeywardana Dilmi , Iluppangama Malinda ,   Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA, Tsokos Chris P. ,   Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
Published: December 2024

Thyroid cancer is one of the major cancers in today’s society, and it is the fastest-growing cancer diagnosis in the United States. One of the most important aspects of Thyroid Cancer, TC, is to identify the risk factors that contribute to TC growth. TC is separated into four main types, Papillary, Follicular, Medullary, and Anaplastic. Papillary Thyroid Cancer, (PTC) is the most common thyroid cancer type; eight out of ten TC patients are classified with PTC. We have developed a real data-driven analytical model to predict the malignant tumor size of PTC patients with a high degree of accuracy using four of the nine individual risk factors that significantly contribute to PTC and most importantly the identified eleven bivariate interaction terms which are highly significant in contributing to the growth of the malignant tumor size of PTC patients, []. In the present study, we utilized the Desirability Function Process to optimize (minimize) the malignant tumor size of PTC patients. That is, we identify the values of the risk factors that will minimize the malignant tumor size of PTC patients with at least 95% accuracy. To achieve our objective, we utilized the desirability function process and validated the necessary conditions required for the optimization process of the analytical model which includes individual risk factors as well as interaction terms with a high desirability function of 1, implying that the risk factors are effective and robust in minimizing the malignant tumor size of PTC patients. This information is very important to medical professionals in identifying and implementing appropriate treatment strategies for PTC patients.
A Simple Formula to Estimate Electron Mobility in a MOSFET
Authors:   Self-Employed Independent Researcher, Gr. Noida-201310, India, Chanana Ravi Kumar
Published: December 2024

This research communication gives a simple formula to estimate electron mobility in a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect-transistor (MOSFET). The example semiconductor chosen is the 4H-polytype of the Silicon Carbide, oriented in two faces of (0001) and (1120). The MOSFETs fabricated on these epi-surfaces have dry thermally grown amorphous silicon dioxide. The semiconductor/oxide interface is annealed in nitric oxide (NO) to incorporate Nitrogen only at the interface that passivates the interface traps to give higher channel mobility. The estimated mobility is presented in Table 1.
Nullification of Radical Religious and National Aspirations is Critical for Survival of Humanity
Authors:   Department of Plant Molecular Biology and Ecology George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University Ramat Aviv 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel, Gurevitz Michael
Published: December 2024

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Multi-drug Resistant Streptococcus and Enterococcus Isolates from Central Abattoir Akinyele, Ibadan
Authors:   Federal College of Animal Health & Production Technology, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Ayodeji I. O.
Published: December 2024

This study was designed to evaluate the antibiogram and resistance profile of Streptococcus and Enterococcus species isolated from the facilities and environment of the Central abattoir Akinyele, Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria. A total of sixty-four (64) samples were collected through the use of swab sticks on the knife and axe, scraping of the table and the cutting wood with sterile blade. The collected samples were cultured and isolated, while antimicrobial sensitivity testing was performed using Kirby Bauer disk agar diffusion method. This study shows that the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance of streptococcus species to the selected antibiotics; gentamicin (65%) and trimethoprim (58%), they showed the highest prevalence, while the lowest resistant was to ciprofloxacin (39%), on the contrary the enterococcus sp has the highest resistance prevalence with gentamicin (29%) while the least prevalence was with trimethoprim (7%). This study shows that ciprofloxacin has not been abused like other selected antibiotics for treating enterococcal infections. It can therefore be concluded that the water source and soil in the environment of the abattoir were contaminated with streptococcus and enterococcus species and were resistant to some of the selected antibiotics tested (oxytetracycline, gentamicin, enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim and amoxicillin). It is hereby recommended that there should be proper regulation and administration of antibiotics to prevent resistance development; and also there should be an improved personal and environmental hygiene.
Lambdoma Matrix Harmonic Music Therapy for Elderly Female Insomnias in Taiwan: A Preliminary Evaluation of this Body, Mind and Soul Music Therapy
Authors:   Department of Electrical Engineering, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Tainan, 710301, Taiwan, Lin Jyh-Woei
Published: December 2024

The 2 Music Therapies are used for the elderly female insomnias of 2 groups because insomnia is one of the major problems of menopausal women with growing age. Each group has 21 insomnias. The Lambdoma Matrix Harmonic Music (LMHM) and Medical Resonance Therapy Music (MRTM) therapies own around 57% of success rate and around 52% of success rate, respective. Therefore, the LMHM can recognize as the good therapy music to improve the quality of sleeping.
The Power Generated by the Waves
Authors:   Islamic Azad University of Kerman, Hemmati Mohammad Hojjat Poor
Published: December 2024

Climate change and the emission of many polluting gases spread by fossil fuels have been causing plenty of problems for the environment. The energies provided by natural resources with zero release of greenhouse gases can be proper replacements to sustain the need of the power demand. This survey has investigated sustainable energy sources with the usage of green and clean sources including hydropower such as wave energy, sunlight, and wind power and then converting these natural resources into pure electrical energy. The presented data is brought from the libraries of several papers that have been printed previously. The survey illustrated the results of the following papers and brought innovative concepts to produce electrical energy with environment-friendly solutions. A plate-type wave energy converter has been thoroughly examined as a viable method for utilizing wave energy to transport seawater to desalination sites. The study rigorously investigated the impact of various factors on the converter's performance and presented groundbreaking concepts for producing electrical energy through environmentally friendly solutions.
Cramer's rule for a class of coupled Sylvester commutative quaternion matrix equations
Authors: Cai Xiaomin , Ke Yifen , Ma Changfeng
Published: December 2024

In this article, based on the real representation and Kronecker product, Cramer’s rule for a class of coupled Sylvester commutative quaternion matrix equations is studied and its expression is obtained. The proposed algorithm is very simple and convenient because it only involves real operations. Some numerical examples are provided to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed algorithm.
Quantitative estimates for perturbed sampling Kantorovich operators in Orlicz spaces
Authors: Costarelli Danilo , De Angelis Eleonora , Vinti Gianluca
Published: December 2024

In the present work, we establish a quantitative estimate for the perturbed sampling Kantorovich operators in Orlicz spaces, in terms of the modulus of smoothness, defined by means of its modular functional. From the obtained result, we also deduce the qualitative order of approximation, by considering functions in suitable Lipschitz classes. This allows us to apply the above results in certain Orlicz spaces of particular interest, such as the interpolation spaces, the exponential spaces and the

L

p

{L}^{p}

-spaces,

1
≤
p
<
+
∞

1\le p\lt +\infty

. In particular, in the latter case, we also provide an estimate established using a direct proof based on certain properties of the

L

p

{L}^{p}

-modulus of smoothness, which are not valid in the general case of Orlicz spaces. The possibility of using a direct approach allows us to improve the estimate that can be deduced as a consequence of the one achieved in Orlicz spaces. In the final part of the article, we furnish some estimates and the corresponding qualitative order of approximation in the space of uniformly continuous and bounded functions.
Spatial effects with missing data
Authors: Naranjo Matías Guzmán , Mertner Miri , Urban Matthias
Published: December 2024

In recent years, there has been an increased attention and interest in quantitative and statistical models of language contact and language diffusion in space. This article presents an improved model, multivAreate 2, to estimate spatial and contact relations between languages and dialects based on work by Guzmán Naranjo and Mertner ((2022). Estimating areal effects in typology: A case study of african phoneme inventories. Journal of Linguistic Typology 27(2), 455–80) and Ranacher et al. ((2021). Contact-tracing in cultural evolution: A Bayesian mixture model to detect geographic areas of language contact. Journal of the Royal Society Interface 18(181), 1–15). We test our model on three different datasets: Balkans, South America (Ranacher et al. (2021). Contact-tracing in cultural evolution: A Bayesian mixture model to detect geographic areas of language contact. Journal of the Royal Society Interface 18(181), 1–15), and the Americas (Urban et al., (2019). The areal typology of western middle and south america: Towards a comprehensive view. Linguistics 57(6), 1403–63). We show that this new model can address shortcomings found in previous models, and it offers some useful tools for researchers working on contact and areal linguistics.
Integrated structure–function design of 3D-printed porous polydimethylsiloxane for superhydrophobic engineering
Authors: He Zhoukun , Su Jie , Zhu Xiaowei , Li Yue , Yang Libo , Zhang Xudong , Jiang Qi , Lan Xiaorong
Published: December 2024

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology can be used to fabricate layer-by-layer regular porous polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) structures with excellent superhydrophobic ability and mechanical stability. However, for engineering applications, the design must consider the structure and superhydrophobicity of the resulting material. In this study, we propose an approach to regulate the mechanical properties of PDMS by adjusting the layered pattern, such as by changing filament orientation with 30°, 45°, and 90° angle steps and using staggered structures with a half-shifted spacing. A finite element analysis was conducted to investigate how the layered pattern influenced the tensile and compressive properties. The results reveal that a layered, staggered design can modulate the compressive properties of the porous PDMS, particularly the ratio between the compressive moduli of the sample without and with staggered structures could reach as high as 686% when the layering angle is 0°/90°. The tensile properties are better regulated by the filament angle rather than by the staggered design and improve as the raster angle of the filaments increases. This occurs when the upper and lower filaments tend toward orthogonality. Thus, the required layered pattern can be selected, enabling the integrated design of mechanical properties and function in 3D-printed porous PDMS.
Pain perception while listening to thrash heavy metal vs relaxing music at a heavy metal festival – the CoPainHell study – a factorial randomized non-blinded crossover trial
Authors: Welling Anders Holm , Nathansen Anders Blom , Pitter Sandra Egedie Lyby Taylor , Mølgaard Jesper , Dickenson Anthony Henry , Aasvang Eske Kvanner
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Music festivals are often a source of joy, but also a risk of injury. While previous studies suggest music can relieve pain, its effect has not been tested in festival settings, nor has the effect of high-energy vs soothing music been compared. We hypothesized that guests at a heavy metal music festival would experience less pain when listening to thrash heavy metal compared to relaxing music, with the effect being influenced by music preference and increased with higher alcohol intake.

Methods

This factorial randomized non-blinded crossover trial assessed pain during a 5°C cold pressor test (CPT) at a heavy metal festival. Participants were randomized to listen to either Slayer’s “Raining Blood” or Enya’s “Orinoco Flow” during their first CPT, and the opposite song during the second CPT. The primary outcome was pain during the CPT, assessed as area under the curve (AUC). Music fondness and breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) were measured before each CPT.

Results

Forty-five adults, aged 19–58 years, were included, and completed both CPTs. Significantly more pain was reported while listening to Enya (AUC 1,155 [IQR 588–1,507]) vs Slayer (AUC 975 [IQR 682–1,492]) (p = 0.048). Higher BrAC was associated with decreased pain (p = 0.042). Participants with higher fondness of Enya experienced significantly more pain than those who liked the song less (p = 0.021). Fondness of Slayer had no effect on pain perception (p = 0.7).

Conclusion

Listening to thrash heavy metal, specifically “Raining Blood” by Slayer during painful stimuli results in lower pain intensity than listening to relaxing music in the form of “Orinoco Flow” by Enya. The findings’ impact on pain in a clinical setting should be explored.