bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Актуальні питання медичного захисту військовослужбовців Збройних сил України від бойових отруйних речовин
Authors: Ustinova L.A. , Saglo V.I. , Barkevich V.A. , Kurdil N.V. , Yevtodiev A.A. , Kaplyuk O.B.
Published: February 2020

Актуальність. Накопичення величезних обсягів хімічної зброї у світі, продовження наукових робіт щодо її вдосконалення і випадки застосування в терористичній діяльності роблять питання захисту військовослужбовців Збройних сил України від бойових отруйних речовин вкрай актуальними. Мета дослідження: оцінити сучасний стан медичного захисту та забезпечення антидотами військовослужбовців Збройних сил України від бойових отруйних речовин нервово-паралітичної дії. Матеріали та методи. Проведено аналіз забезпечення антидотами військовослужбовців у Збройних силах України за останні 20 років. Розглянуто накази Міністерства оборони і Міністерства охорони здоров’я України, що стосуються комплектно-табельного оснащення медичної служби Збройних сил України. Застосовані методи дослідження: історичний, бібліосемантичний і системного підходу. Результати. Установлено, що в кінці 90-х — на початку 2000-х років у переліку і змісті сумок і комплектів медичної служби Збройних сил України перебували в достатній кількості всі необхідні медикаменти військового призначення. На жаль, сьогодні серед індивідуальних комплектів медичного захисту профілактичні антидоти до речовин нервово-паралітичної дії відсутні. Також відсутні необхідні антидоти і засоби фармакологічної корекції при впливі отруйних речовин в інших сумках і комплектах, що застосовуються в підрозділах і частинах. Слід враховувати, що сьогодні на сході України під контроль терористів потрапило багато промислових підприємств, терористичні диверсії на яких можуть спричинити надзвичайні ситуації техногенного та військового характеру, які за масштабами і наслідками близькі до застосування хімічної зброї. Висновки. Виявлена повна відсутність оснащення медичної служби Збройних сил України медичними засобами профілактики, надання допомоги і лікування уражених отруйними речовинами. Сьогодні в умовах сучасного збройного конфлікту, де ймовірність застосування зброї масового ураження, в тому числі отруйних речовин нервово-паралітичної дії, вкрай висока, наявність антидотів до бойових отруйних речовин є критично важливою умовою для збереження життя і боєздатності особового складу.
Вплив гемофільтрації на загальний стан онкохворих після мультиорганних операцій
Authors: Krasnoselskiy M.V. , Krutko Ye.M. , Khramtsov R.E.
Published: February 2020

Мета роботи: дослідити вплив гемофільтрації у хворих після мультиорганних оперативних втручань. Матеріали та методи. Вивчались післяопераційні ускладнення у хворих з мультиорганними оперативними втручаннями. Проводились клініко-інструментальні, біохімічні, клінічні, статистичні дослідження; використовувались кардіомонітор Heaco, апарати ультразвукової діагностики й електрокардіографії. Результати. При проведенні в комплексі інтенсивної терапії гемофільтрації та аналізу її впливу на тяжкість стану за шкалами Sequential Organ Failure Assessment і коми Глазго унаслідок гемофільтрації показники тяжкості стану знизились в 1,2 раза. Висновки. Запропонована методика гемофільтрації дозволила знизити число післяопераційних гнійно-септичних ускладнень в основній групі в 1,4 раза і сприяла зменшенню ризику розвитку синдрому поліорганної дисфункції на 33,8 % в основній групі проти групи порівняння.
Епідуральна аналгезія як метод вибору анестезіологічного забезпечення розродження у вагітних із прееклампсією середнього ступеня тяжкості
Authors: Mrochko Yu.V. , Pidhirnyy Ya.M.
Published: February 2020

У статті висвітлено проблему анестезіологічного забезпечення фізіологічного розродження у вагітних із прееклампсією. Прееклампсія є специфічним мультиорганним розладом, що виникає з другого/третього триместру вагітності та супроводжується такими критичними станами, як еклампсія, HELLP-синдром, гостре ураження нирок, набряк мозку. Основними ускладненнями для плода є обмеження росту, недоношеність та мертвонароджуваність. У післяпологовому періоді у таких жінок підвищується ризик виникнення артеріальної гіпертензії, цукрового діабету та інвалідизації. До цього часу залишається актуальною проблемою анестезіологічне забезпечення процесу розродження пацієнток із прееклампсією. Нами висвітлено досвід проведення анестезіологічного забезпечення пологів у вагітної з прееклампсією середнього ступеня тяжкості за допомогою епідуральної аналгезії низькоконцентрованими місцевими анестетиками (10,0 мл 0,125% розчину ропівакаїну). Під час проведення анестезіологічного забезпечення пологів у вагітної з прееклампсією контролювалися показники гемодинаміки та рівня болю до пологів, через 24 години та на третю добу після розродження. За результатами досліджень можна стверджувати, що епідуральна аналгезія допустимо знижує гемодинамічні показники, водночас негативно не впливає на процес фізіологічних пологів та може бути методом вибору анестезіологічного забезпечення розродження у цієї категорії вагітних.
Penilaian Kualitas Hidup Pasien Hemodialisis Rutin dengan Anemia di Yogyakarta
Authors: Puspitasari Candra Eka , Andayani Tri Murti , Irijanto Fredie
Published: February 2020

Anemia is often experienced by hemodialysis patients and can have an impact on the quality of life. This study aims to determine the effect of hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht), and the characteristics and sociodemographic of the subjects on quality of life. The method used in this study was cross sectional and consecutive sampling technique. The data is retrieved by interviews which then analyzed using dummy multiple regression. Inclusion criteria included routine hemodialysis patients and did not receive blood transfusions. The validity and reliability test of the KDQoL-SF36 questionnaire showed reliable results. The results of the study on 112 subjects obtained an increase in Hb levels positively correlated with an increase in the KDQoL-SF36 score but not for an increase in Ht levels. Increased KDQoL-SF36 score illustrates the better quality of life of patients. Characteristics and sociodemography that influence quality of life include comorbid dummy hypertension-diabetes and work status. The condition of anemia can worsen the quality of life for hemodialysis patients.
Analisis Kualitas Hidup Pasien Diabetes Melitus Tipe 2 Berdasarkan Pola Peresepan Antidiabetik dan Komplikasi
Authors: Ratnasari Pande Made Desy , Andayani Tri Murti , Endarti Dwi
Published: February 2020

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease that requires lifelong therapy to control blood glucose. The long term use and different mechanism of action antidiabetic have the potential cause side effects and discomfort that affects the quality of life. This study aimed to determine differences in the quality of life of patients with T2DM based on antidiabetic prescribed and complications at the Outpatient of Panembahan Senopati Bantul Yogyakarta Hospital in September 2017. This research is observational with a cross-sectional design. Quality of life data is taking concurrently using the Diabetes Quality of Life Clinical Trial Questionnaire and patient's medical record. This study involved 200 T2DM patients who received antidiabetic at least 3 months before study, aged ≥18 years and agreed to inform concent. Sociodemographic data, antidiabetic prescribed and complications were described descriptively. Differences in the quality of life based on antidiabetic prescribed and complications using the Kruskal Wallis test which was further analyzed using the post hoc by Mann Whitney test. The results showed the majority of patients received oral combination with insulin (48.5%) and dominated by macrovascular complications (19.5%). The average value of patient's quality of life is 65.7. There was difference quality of life based on antidiabetic prescribed in the domain of treatment satisfaction (p=0.000) between oral monotherapy with combination of oral and insulin (p=0.000) and insulin monotherapy with combination of oral and insulin (p=0.002). There were differences in quality of life based on complications in the mental health domain (p=0.003) between macrovascular and microvascular (p=0.011) and between microvascular and without complications (p=0.001).
Insidensi dan Faktor Risiko Infeksi Luka Operasi pada Bedah Obstetri dan Ginekologi di Rumah Sakit
Authors: Chairani Farahdina , Puspitasari Ika , Asdie Rizka Humardewayanti
Published: February 2020

Surgical Site Infection (SSI) is a type of Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) which caused postoperative morbidity. SSI is widely reported in developing countries with a combined incidence of 11.8 episodes per 100 surgical procedures. This study aimed to identify risk factors for SSI in patients undergoing obstetric and gynecological surgeries at Dr. Sardjito General Hospital Yogyakarta. Data collection was conducted retrospectively using patient’s medical records during the period of January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018. A total of 102 patients underwent obstetric and gynecological surgeries in the study period. The incidence of SSI in the cross sectional study was 9.80%. Obstetric surgeries had a lower SSI incidence compared to gynecological surgeries (1.96% versus 7.84% respectively). The risk factors for SSI identified in the bivariate analysis were comorbidity (P= 0.03), concomitant surgery (OR 8.25), intraoperative blood loss (OR 0.51), perioperative blood transfusion (OR 18.6), and duration of prophylactic antibiotics (OR 1.22). The results of multivariate analysis showed a significant relationship between intraoperative blood loss and SSI (OR 0.038, CI 95% 0.002-0.761; P= 0.032). Incidence and risk factors from our retrospective study on obstetric and gynecological surgeries can be reported simultaneously. Some of the risk factors identified in this study can be helpful for SSI risk stratification in hospital.
RELIABLE DETECTION OF SIGNAL TONES IN PRESENCE OF COLLISIONS
Authors: Jovanović Milica , Stojanović Igor , Đošić Sandra , Đorđević Goran
Published: February 2020

A reliable and energy-efficient contention resolution mechanism (CRM) is a crucial component of MAC protocols for wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Among a number of CRM proposals, CRMs based on exchanging short signal tones between competing nodes have recently drawn attention due to their promise of collision-freedom and energy-efficiency. However, the basic assumption of these protocols, i.e. the possibility to reliably detect the presence/absence of signal tone in case of simultaneous transmissions from multiple nodes, has not yet been confirmed. In this paper we present a technique for signal tone generation/detection, which uses only standard features of off-the-shelf RF transmitters. Furthermore, we present results of an experimental validation carried out in a real testbed which demonstrate a high accuracy of signal tone detection in presence of multiple simultaneous transmissions.
A NEW METHOD FOR DESIGN OF SELECTIVE DIGITAL IIR FILTERS WITH ARBITRARY PHASE
Authors: Đurić Miloš , Stančić Goran , Živković Miloš
Published: February 2020

In this paper the design of selective digital filters that consists of parallel connection of two all-pass sub-filters is presented. The phase of this filters has given arbitrary shape ϕ(ω) in both pass-band and stop-band. The proposed method allows the calculation of selective filters with elliptic-like magnitude characteristic. Equations given in the paper are general and suitable for design of filters with arbitrary phase. The efficiency of the method is demonstrated on design of filters with piecewise linear and quadratic phase.
SYMBOLS: SOFTWARE FOR SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS
Authors: Arsić Branko , Bojić Ljubiša , Milentijević Ivan , Spalević Petar , Rančić Dejan
Published: February 2020

The unique possibilities of the online social networks such as real-time data access, knowledge of users’ changing preferences and access to their statuses provide the possibility for innovation in the analysis of people’s behavior and opinions, when compared to classical offline methods. Literature review shows lack of studies about the use of public Facebook data in Serbia for the improvement of different product sale, political or promotional campaigns, recommender systems, etc. In this paper, we present the way how data from Facebook can be collected in order to gain insight into the individuals’ preferences and statuses, as well as their connection to a company's fan pages. In particular, we present data collection framework – Symbols – used for collecting individual specific data. The framework stores data into local database and involves a module for graph and content-based analysis of these data. The proposed framework for social network analysis can be used as a decision-making system in users’ preferences implementation thus creating a space for business improvements in various areas.
QUEST FOR SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE IN JAMES ROBERTSON’S SHORT FICTION ON THE EVE OF THE REFERENDUM
Authors: Kaličanin Milena
Published: February 2020

The paper focuses on a detailed analysis of Robertson’s personal queries related to the issue of Scottish independence in two short stories, Republic of the Mind (first published in 1993) and MacTaggart’s Shed (2012). Since there is a conspicuous time span in-between the publication of these stories, it is our purpose to track, explore and describe how Robertson’s treatment of the same subject has changed over the years, particularly having in mind the references to the Devolution Referendum (1997) and Independence Referendum (2014) in these stories. Bearing in mind the idea of an artist as an active communal participant (Rich, 1993), Robertson ostensibly favours the political cause of Scottish independence; however, his short stories depict his personal doubts about its realization in future practice, a stance that proved to be completely justified after the unsuccessful Independence Referendum (2014). The theoretical framework of the paper relies on the critical insights of Scottish scholars, Campbell, Taylor, Thompson and Massie, as well as numerous contemporary journalist accounts of Scottish political analysts.
COGNITIVE INHIBITION TESTED BY STROOP COLOUR WORD TASK IN EFL TEACHERS AS SUCCESSIVE BILINGUALS
Authors: Šorgić Ivana , Nešić Marija
Published: February 2020

This paper is a partial replication study of the one done by Heidlmayr et al. (2014), and concerns the effect of second language use on inhibitory control/cognitive inhibition analysed by means of a Stroop Colour Word task in both L1 and L2, i.e. Serbian and English. Our aim was to test the starting hypothesis of the original research which states that the frequency of L2 use in successive bilinguals has an impact on their inhibitory control mechanism. The bilingual subjects asked to take part in the study by doing the bilingual version of the test are all EFL teachers at the Faculty of Philosophy in Nis. Their use of L2 is akin to that of bilinguals living in an L2 environment (such as those from the original research), in the sense that they communicate daily using L2 and cover a wide variety of topics with their students.  Our monolingual subjects, who served as control group, were randomly chosen from the same age group as bilinguals (older adults). They were asked to do only the L1 version of the test. The purpose of this small-scale research was to give a contribution to the ever-growing debate concerning the cognitive advantages of bilingualism.
ADAPTATION OF ENGLISH-BASED SKI TERMS IN SERBIAN: PRACTICAL ASPECTS
Authors: Milić Mira , Sadri Filip , Imbronjev Milka , Krneta Nikola
Published: February 2020

Growing popularity of recreational skiing and snowboarding in this region has directed this corpus-based study towards getting an insight into standardization requirements of the ski register in Serbian within the framework of today’s angloglobalized world of sport. The corpus consists of 292 ski terms in English and Serbian. After a brief overview of the creation of ski terms, the paper deals with a contrastive analysis of the corpus from the aspect of adaptation of English terms into the system of Serbian at the level of form, i.e. respelling and at the level of content, i.e. translation. Guided by the results of this analysis, the following sections deal with the requirements related to the standardization of ski terms in Serbian.
NEUROMUSCULAR CHARACTERISTIC OF BICEPS FEMORIS MUSCLE IN THE TOP SERBIAN SOCCER PLAYERS MEASURED BY TENSIOMYOGRAPHY METHOD: QUANTITATIVE MODEL
Authors: Fabok Miloslav , Leontijević Bojan , Tomić Lazar , Dopsaj Milivoj
Published: February 2020

The main aim of this study was to define the quantitative neuromuscular characteristics of Biceps Femoris muscle (BF) as the knee joint flexor, i.e. the major synergist of caudal body in all specific movement tasks of a football player, measured by tensiomyography (TMG) method . The secondary aim of the study was to compare all TMG-BF characteristics in relation to bilateral dimorphism, as well as to compare dominant and non-dominant legs. The research was conducted on a sample which included 54 professional players of age 23.0 ± 4.4 years; body height: 182.6 ± 15.1 cm; body mass: 81.2 ± 15.1 kg; BMI: 23.3 ± 1.2 kg/cm2. TMG variables were measured on the muscles during a transition training phase (mid-season and end of the season). The results have shown that the average Tc - 32.19 ± 7.64 and 33.21 ± 8.88 ms, Td - 25.56 ± 3.58 and 25.44 ± 3.20 ms, and Dm - 7.39 ± 1.87 and 7.52 ± 2.50 mm, for dominant and non-dominant leg, respectively. The results have indicated that there was no statistically significant difference between the examined TMG variables of dominant and non-dominant leg (Wilks' lambda Value = 0.979, F=0.300, p=0.952, Part. Ƞ2 = 0.021). It may be stated that there are no differences in the manifestation of neuromuscular characteristics in healthy elite football players regardless of their dominant leg. A high level of preparedness in football in addition to a completely healthy status of the body and locomotor system result in a complete neuromuscular contractile symmetry BF of both legs.
BODY COMPOSITION, PHYSICAL FITNESS, NUTRITIONAL HABITS AND KNOWLEDGE ABOUT FOOD AND NUTRITION IN FEMALE STUDENTS OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND MEDICINE-RELATED COURSES
Authors: Popławska Helena , Dmitruk Agnieszka , Holub Wojciech
Published: February 2020

The aim of this research was to compare body composition, physical fitness, nutritional habits and knowledge about food and nutrition between female students of physical education (PE) and those studying nursing and physiotherapy. The study was carried out in 2018 and included 137 female PE students and 115 female nursing and physiotherapy students from Biala Podlaska. Body composition was measured with the use of the bioelectrical impedance method. Physical fitness was assessed with the use of the Eurofit test battery. Nutritional habits and knowledge about food and nutrition were assessed using the KomPAN questionnaire which made it possible to determine two indices: pro-healthy diet index (pHDI-10) and non-healthy diet index (nHDI-14). Differences in body composition, physical fitness and nutritional habits were assessed using the Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Differences in the level of nutritional knowledge between the examined groups were assessed with the χ2 test. Female PE students manifested healthier body composition and higher levels of physical fitness. The level of knowledge about food and nutrition was sufficient in the majority of the study participants. Mean indices of pro-healthy and non-healthy diet fell within the range of low intensity of nutritional features.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY DURING PREGNANCY AND AFTER DELIVERY
Authors: Đurđević Dragan , Mazić Sanja , Janković Goran , Isaković Aleksandra
Published: February 2020

It is well known that physical activity and proper diet can have beneficial effects on health improvement, as a prevention and as a therapy of chronic non-communicable diseases. Pregnancy is a special period in the life of every woman. Therefore, you often ask yourself whether it is advisable to exercise during pregnancy, when and how much? This review article, by analyzing the available literature data, has tried to explain what form of physical activity is recommended during pregnancy, depending on the period of pregnancy, under what conditions pregnant women should exercise, what forms of physical activity they should avoid and when they should not to practice it. In addition, we analyzed the role of physical activity in the prevention of gestational diabetes, the most common metabolic disorder that occurs during pregnancy. Following the recommendations of the FITT principle outlined in this paper, controlled exercise conditions with a specialized trainer and nutritionist, regular moderate physical activity adapted to different periods of pregnancy, undoubtedly contributes to the maintenance and improvement of the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular system of the pregnant woman, better control of her body weight and improvement of her psychological state.
A HUMAN CROWD EFFECT MODELLED BY THE DISCRETE-TIME FOURIER SERIES
Authors: Jovanović Miomir , Radoičić Goran
Published: February 2020

Accidental actions caused by vibrations of supporting structures in mechanical systems represent the dynamic tasks of specific scientific and professional research in the field of human and equipment safety. This paper determines the mathematical model of physical excitation force created by   human power, based on the discrete-time Fourier transformation. For experimental verification of the model, we made a special platform for measuring bouncing force of people who create natural impulse oscillation. The paper shows the results of individual and group experimental testing of living force as the cause of accidents and dangerous effects on the structure. In the end, the excitation of the human operation of a malicious nature (heavy transport machine – crane) has been used to show the application of Fourier model to simulate one incident. For this purpose, the transient FEM analysis and the eigenvalues predetermined modal analysis are used. The paper is illustrated with photographs of experimental tests of dangerous human impulse in several working machines (objects).
DEPOSITION OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINANT IN PROCESSED BUSHMEAT ALONG HIGHWAYS IN SOUTH-WESTERN NIGERIA
Authors: Adedayo Ogunjobi Johnson , Ediagbonya Thompson Faraday
Published: February 2020

A study was conducted to investigate deposition of environmental contaminants in bushmeat with emphasis on some heavy metals {Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb), Cupper (Cu) and Cadmium (Cd)}. The major bushmeat markets on these highways were studied in terms of their distance to the highways, traffic volume (TV) and land uses. Face-to-face interview was also conducted with one hundred and twenty processed bushmeat buyers on these highways to determine the most commonly preferred processed bushmeat while the concentrations of Ni, Pb, Cu and Cd in the three most commonly purchase processed bushmeat identified were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. It was revealed that the average distance of the market at {Ibadan-Lagos (IL)Ibadan-Ife (IF), Ore-Sagamu (OS) and Abeokuta-Ibadan (AI)} were 6.70m, 3.50m and 10.20m, respectively. TV followed IL>OS>IF>AI trend. Heavy metals examined were present in the three commonly purchased processed bushmeat (Grasscutter, Duiker and Monitor-lizard) at varying levels. Pb concentration in grasscutter (0.01±0.01mg/kg) at OS was lower than the maximum permissible level (MPL) while the concentrations of Ni, and Cd in duiker at IF (0.06±0.09mg/kg) and AL (0.06±0.05mg/kg), respectively were higher than the MPL. The concentrations of the verified heavy metal in these bushmeat had significant effects (p< 0.05) on the distance
Resistencias a las dinámicas de violencia de pareja en Zacatecas
Authors: López Ramos Martha M. , Frías Sonia M.
Published: February 2020

Este estudio examina la prevalencia de la violencia de pareja y las estrategias de resistencia y búsqueda de ayuda de las mujeres de Zacatecas. Se emplea una metodología mixta con datos de la Encuesta Nacional sobre la Dinámica de las Relaciones en los Hogares 2016 y entrevistas narrativas con mujeres víctimas de violencia de pareja. Los datos cualitativos se emplean para complementar y explicar los resultados cuantitativos. La estrategia analítica diferencia entre distintas dinámicas de violencia de pareja. Los análisis muestran que 7.3% de las mujeres zacatecanas la padecieron (5.7% violencia situacional, 1.4% terrorismo íntimo y 0.2% resistencia violenta). Las mujeres despliegan una gran variedad de estrategias de resistencia ante la violencia de pareja (activas, pasivas, individuales, colectivas, formales e informales) que son contingentes a la dinámica violenta y a la fase del ciclo de dicha violencia en la que se encuentran. La búsqueda de ayuda formal se dificulta cuando padecieron violencia en la familia de origen. Sólo 9% buscó ayuda formal y sólo 6.3% denunció el maltrato. Las mujeres que padecen terrorismo íntimo y que recurren a la resistencia violenta, dinámicas potencialmente más letales, acuden en mayor medida a buscar ayuda formal. Estos resultados tienen la potencialidad de informar políticas públicas de prevención y atención a la violencia de pareja.
Augmentation of Fatigue and Tensile Strength of AA-6061 Processed through Equal Channel Angular Pressing
Authors: Anjum Nazeer Ahmed , Mehmood Shahid , Anwar Waqas , Sulman Zahid , Badshah Saeed
Published: February 2020

ECAP (Equal Channel Angular Pressing) is a technique used to enhance the strength of material by grain refinement. In this research, an aerospace grade aluminum alloy-6061 is investigated. The specimens were pressed through ECAP die channels, intersecting each other at an angle of 90oC where a shear plane of 45oC was developed, that results grains refinement. Fatigue strengths and CGR (Crack Growth Rate) for the stress ratio R 0.7 and 0.1 are found and compared with the as-received material.It was observed that the CGR is slower at stress ratio R=0.1, as compared to stress ration R=0.7. An electric furnace was embedded with ECAP die to regulate the material flow through this die. The temperature of the die was maintained at 450oC during ECAP pressing and the specimens were also preheated at this temperature using another furnace. The ECAP die consists of two channels intersecting at 90o provided with safe inner and outer corner radius to avoid scaling.The microstructural observations revealed that the deformation was perfectly plastic. The ECAPed and as-received materials were also characterized by tensile tests, micro-hardness tests, and 3-point bend fatigue tests.
Combined Emission Economic Dispatch of Power System in Presence of Solar and Wind Using Flower Pollination Algorithm
Authors: Abid Anum , Nadeem Malik Tahir , Mansoor Ashraf Muhammad
Published: February 2020

ED (Economic Dispatch) problem is one of the vital step in operational planning. It is a nonconvex constrained optimization problem. However, it is solved as convex problem by approximation of machine input/output characteristics, thus resulting in an inaccurate result. Reliable, secure and cheapest supply of electrical energy to the consumers is the prime objective in power system operational planning. Increase in fuel cost, reduction in fossil-fuel assets and ecological concerns have forced to integrate renewable energy resources in the generation mix. However, the instability of wind and solar power output affects the power network. For solution of such solar and wind integrated economic dispatch problems, evolutionary approaches are considered potential solution methodologies. These approaches are considered as potential solution methodologies for nonconvex ED problem. This paper presents CEED (Combined Emission Economic Dispatch) of a power system comprising of multiple solar, wind and thermal units using continuous and binary FPA (Flower Pollination Algorithm). Proposed algorithm is applied on 5, 6, 15, 26 and 40 thermal generators by integrating several solar and wind plants, for both convex and non-convex ED problems. Proposed algorithm is simulated in MATLAB 2014b. Results of simulations, when compared with other approaches, show promise of the approach.
A Novel Zero-Watermarking Based Scheme for Copyright Protection of Gray scale Images
Authors: Farhan Khan Muhammad , Ghazanfar Monir Syed Muhammad , Naseem Imran
Published: February 2020

Zero-watermarking of digital images is a powerful method with respect to transparency in the watermarked image. However, robustness is still a challenging characteristic for researchers. The proposed method of zero-watermarking provides a novel solution for increasing robustness by obtaining resident features of gray scale image that are robust against common signal processing operations. The proposed solution is based on image scanning to produce NDD (Neighboring Distance Difference) profile. This scheme is used to extract image features for generating redundancy binary profile with the help of image scanning and identification of robust image areas for embedding a binary watermark. Redundant areas from binary profile show perceptually insignificant regions of gray scale image according to human visual system. Resident features from robust areas of image are collected to generate the zero watermarking binary key image using reversible XOR operation. The binary key is used for extraction of binary watermark. Experimental results of the proposed method have been compared with the results of various zero-watermarking schemes as well as traditional watermarking methods and found much better at slightly higher computational cost. The comparison analysis for testing robustness has been carried out against image processing attacks like Gaussian filtering, block average filtering, motion blur filtering, image resizing, image rotation, image compression and cropping. For each attack maximum correlated watermark from the set of recovered watermarks is selected to evaluate the performance of proposed zero-watermarking scheme. It has been recorded that perfect matching is observed between original and extracted watermarks for a number of signal processing attacks.
Development and Validation of Technology Enhanced Learning Framework Driven by Flipped Methodology Learning Environment
Authors: Ullah Kifayat , Hussain Shah Syed Tasweer , Ali Syed Muhammad , Khan Alveena
Published: February 2020

Technology has contributed in every aspect of society. Academics is not an exception. The management of educational technology has come up with exceptional results in the new paradigm of learning environment. In recent years, flipped learning approach has gained much popularity and has been more widely accepted and adopted as a driving force for enabling active learning. This paper defines the formulation of novel framework, inspired by flipped learning approach, leading to effective learning environment. It also describes a novel extension of student-centered learning by integrating educational technology, technology enhanced learning strategy, student questions generation and instant response system into the higher education. It also examines the impact of this extension on student learning engagement, motivation, attitude, and calculating the impact of acceptance for unconventional education on the overall system. The result indicated that effective learning environment has a significant positive effect on learning motivation and engagement. The result showed that the constructs of education technology, technology enhanced learning strategy, students question generation and instance response system in the presence of “impact of acceptance for unconventional education” has an effect on formulating effective learning environment. Research recommendations are given on the basis of results of the study.
Predicting Collective Synchronous State of Sentiments for Users in Social Media
Authors: khan Nida Saddaf , Ghani Muhammad Sayeed
Published: February 2020

The increasing use of social media offers researchers with an opportunity to apply the sentiment analysis techniques over the data collected from social media websites. These techniques promise to provide an insight into the users’ perspectives on many areas. In this research, a sentiment analysis model is proposed based on HMC (Hidden Markov Chains) and K-Means algorithm to predict the collective synchronous state of sentiments for users on social media. HMC are used to find the converged state while K-Means is used to find the representative group of users. For this purpose, we have used data from a well-known social media site, Twitter, which consists of the tweets about a famous political party in Pakistan. The time series sequences of sentiments, of each user are passed on to the system to perform temporal analysis. The clustering with three and four number of clusters are found to be significant giving the representative groups. With three clusters, the representative group constitute of 82% of users and with four clusters, two representative groups are found having 45 and 36% of users. Analyzing these groups helps in finding the most popular behavior of users towards the concerned political party. Moreover, the groups perhaps tend to influence the opinion of other users in the network causing changes in their sentiments towards this party. The experimental results show that the proposed model has the power to distinguish behavior patterns of different individuals in a network.
Study of Antibacterial Effect of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles on Escherichia Coli Microorganism
Authors: Noonari Shoukat Ali , Aftab Umair , Soomro Imtiaz Ali , Soomro Bilal Ahmed , Pirzada Akber Ali
Published: February 2020

In the present work antibacterial effect of NCO (Nano-Cerium Oxide) particles on E.Coli (Escherichia Coli) Bacteria was studied. NCO (Nano Cerium Oxide) particles were synthesized via microwave induced combustion method. XRD (X-Ray Diffraction), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) and FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) characterized. NCO particles. Using Scherrer equation it was noted that NCO particles of 14-25 nm size were produced. The SEM and XRD results showed that size of NCO particles was decreased with increasing synthesization time. Synthesization time played vital role on the size of NCO particles. It was also noted that antibacterial action of NCO particles is size dependent. Antibacterial study through disc diffusion method revealed that NCO particles enhanced the efficiency of Amikin Grasil, Terivid and spraxin drugs against the E.Coli bacteria appreciably.
Analysis and Development of Triangular Gasket Diagonal Slot Embedded Fractal Patch Antenna for Multiband Wireless Applications
Authors: Khalid Muhammad , Raza Kamran
Published: February 2020

This paper presents novel reduced size diagonal slot embedded Triangular Gasket fractal patch antenna for multiband wireless applications. The diagonal slot geometry is embedded in triangular patch antenna for initial size reduction of the basic cell and further miniaturization is achieved by fractalization of the cell upto third order. Three frequency resonances of 2.4, 6.5 and 9.23 GHz are optimized for WiFi, WiMAX and WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) applications in the S, C and X frequency bands. Size reduction upto 55.32 and 80.74% is achieved in terms of whole antenna area and copper cladding remaining respectively in comparison to triangular patch antenna. Antenna 3D (Three-Dimensional) modeling, simulation and optimization for the desired BW (Bandwidth) and gain requirements are done in HFSS (High Frequency Structure Simulator) and CST (Computer Simulation Technology). Effects of embedding diagonal slot in the basic triangular cell is analyzed in terms of the diagonal slot length and width with corresponding frequency response variations. Microstrip feed line dimensions and ground plane separation from the radiating top layer is optimized for achieving acceptable BWs less than -10 dB for the desired multiple resonances. E-field, H-field, current density and surface current plots are presented to verify the radiations for multiband wireless applications. Proposed slot embedded fractal radiator is fabricated and measured frequency responses and gain patterns are demonstrated in comparison with simulated results for verification of the concept.
An Efficient Computer-Aided Diagnosis System for the Analysis of DICOM Volumetric Images
Authors: Zahra Qoseen , Arshad Malik Muhammad Sheraz , Batool Naila
Published: February 2020

Medical images are an important source of diagnosis. The brain of human analysis is now an advanced field of research for computer scientists and biomedical physicians. Services provided by the healthcare units usually vary, the quality of treatment provided in the urban and rural generally not same. Unavailability of medical equipment and services can have serious consequences in patient disease diagnosis and treatment. In this context, we developed. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) based CAD (Computer Aided Diagnosis) system which takes MRI as input and detects abnormal tissues (Tumors). MRI is the safe and well reputed imaging methodology for prediction of tumors. MRI modality assists the medical team in diagnosis and proper treatment plan (Medication/Surgery) of different types of abnormalities in the soft tissues of the human body. This paper proposes a framework for brain cancer detection and classification. The tumor is segmented using a semi-automatic segmentation algorithm in which the threshold values selection for head and cancer regions are premeditated automatically. Segmented tumors are further sectioned into malignant and benign using SVM (Support Vector Machine) classifier. Detailed experimental work indicates that our proposed CAD system achieves higher accuracy for the analysis of brain MRI analysis.
Analysis of Closed Loop Production System Using Orthogonal Array and Integer Programming Optimization
Authors: Khan Abdul Salam
Published: February 2020

Sustainable production systems require optimal utilization of resources. Raw material acquisition is one of the costly processes in a production system. EOL (End-of-Life) products re-manufacturing through reverse logistics can help in decreasing excessive raw material cost. In this study, we consider production system of closed loop supply chain in which both forward and reverse production systems are active. DOE (Design of Experiments) methodology is incorporated which is a statistical approach adopted in dealing with complex workplace problems. We employ L9 orthogonal array using Taguchi experiment in Minitab 17 and DOE for plotting the results. Dependent variables used in this study are productivity, P (number of forward and reverse products produced per period) and quality accuracy of product (measured in percent deviation from reference standards). A trade-off analysis between the control variables is presented on the basis of SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio). Control variables used in the analysis are tools employed in production system (tu), number of machines being used (m) and dedicated manufacturing cells (dc). We use three levels of analysis for each control factor. Optimum result conditions are calculated using signal to noise ratio with larger-the-better-criteria as well as smaller-the-better criteria and study is concluded with main effects of the mean plots. DOE optimization analysis for productivity suggests combination set of 32, 8, and 6 for tools, machines in use and manufacturing cells, respectively. Similarly, for optimal dimensional accuracy, tools used are 24; number of machines in use is 14 with 3 manufacturing cells. All result indices are accomplished within a confidence interval of 95% with p-values less than 0.05. MILP (Mixed Integer Linear Programming) analysis considers cost function of production and transportation between tools, machines and levels and Taguchi based experimental findings are validated by mathematical optimization findings.
Leaf stomatal traits variation within and among fourteen European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) provenances
Authors: Vastag Erna , Kovacevic Branislav , Orlovic Sasa , Kesic Lazar , Bojovic Mirjana , Stojnic Srdjan
Published: February 2020

In the present study, variations of leaf stomatal traits for fourteen
European beech provenances (Fagus sylvatica L.), originating from six
countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania and
Serbia), were evaluated at the inter- and intra- provenances levels. Ten
stomatal traits (stomatal density (SD), guard cell length (LA) and width
(WB), stomatal aperture length (La) and width (Wb ), pore surface of guard
cell (SPSLAWB), pore surface of a widely opened pore (SPSLaWb), coefficient
(SSC), potential conductance index (PCI) and relative stomatal pore surface
(RSPS)) were examined using methods of univariate (ANOVA and Tukey's HSD
test) and multivariate statistical analyses (principal component analysis
(PCA), discriminant analysis and cluster analysis). The results obtained
provide significant insight into the genetic diversity and differentiation
of European beech provenances and confirmed high genetic variability within
and between examined European beech provenances, according to all examined
parameters. Differences at the intra- provenance level had a bigger impact
on most of the examined stomatal traits (with 70-80% of total variation),
while differences at the inter- provenances level accounted for only 20-30%
to the total expected variance. The results of PCA and canonical analysis
suggest ecotypic pattern of genetic variability related to seed origin,
which influenced leaf stomatal traits in F. sylvatica provenances. Forward
stepwise discriminative analysis showed that WB, SD, PCI, SPSLaWb and Wb
traits accounted for the same level of discrimination, as all the examined
stomatal parameters together. However, the analysis detected considerably
small correct allocation of the model that included all examined traits
(only 38.85%). In order to discriminate examined beech provenances more
precisely, additional phenotypical traits (e.g. morphological,
physiological, etc.) should be included in the model.
Study of carbon dioxide and methane adsorption on carbon molecular sieves, raw and modified by waste engine oil
Authors: Zahedi Reza , Ghafourian Hossein , Zamani Yahya , Khoramnejhadian Shahrzad , Dabbagh Reza
Published: February 2020

In this study, a carbon molecular sieve (CMS) was synthesized from walnut shells, followed by physical activation of the carbon content of the CMS. Adsorption of CO2 and CH4 onto raw and acid treated adsorbents were investigated using two sizes, 300?600 and 600?1180 ?m. The adsorbents were impregnated with two solvent mixtures of waste engine oil with kerosene and with thinner at a proportion of 1:1 at 25?C. The highest adsorption for CO2 and CH4 was obtained at the suitable size of a group of CMS(A) adsorbents, with acid treated adsorbents being more efficient than the raw adsorbents. The acid treated CMS(A-3) sample adsorbed 0.925 mol CO2 g-1 and 0.353 mol CH4 g-1. The results indicated that by decreasing the granulation size of group CMS(R) adsorbents, the adsorption capacities for CO2 and CH4 were reduced while increasing the granulation size of group CMS(A) adsorbents resulted in an enhancement in the adsorption capacity for CO2 and CH4. Moreover, acid treated adsorbents achieved enhanced adsorption capacity for CO2 and CH4. Further modifications reduced the adsorption capacity for CO2 and CH4 in impregnated adsorbents, due to a decrease in surface area, pore volume and pore size of the adsorbent.
Correlation of oxidative stress markers and semen parameters with the outcome of in vitro fertilization
Authors: Tulic Lidija , Tulic Ivan , Curcic Marijana , Stojnic Jelena , Bulat Zorica , Protic Isidora
Published: February 2020

Introduction/Objective. The aim was to assess the effect of oxidative stress parameters on sperm count, motility, and morphology of spermatozoa, and the influence of different semen parameters on the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure ? the number of fertilized oocytes, fertilization, and pregnancy rate of female partners. Method. In 52 male patients superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and sulfhydryl (-SH) groups were determined in serum, before beginning the IVF cycle. Semen samples were collected after 2?3 days of sexual abstinence. Results. Patients were divided into two groups, the normozoospermic, and those with pathological sperm findings. The second group was divided into oligozoospermic, asthenozoospermic, and teratozoospermic groups. SOD activity was lower, while MDA and -SH groups, while not significantly, was higher in groups with sperm parameter disorders. Fertilization rate was significantly lower in the group of asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia (p = 0.034), as well as delivery rate (p = 0.020). The group with oligozoospermia had significantly lower delivery rate (p = 0.013). Conclusion. Our study found higher fertilization and delivery rate in men with normozoospermia. However, no significant correlation between OS markers and semen parameters was found.
The Forthcoming Data Ecosystem for Business Measurement and Assurance
Authors: Cho Soohyun , Vasarhelyi Miklos A. , Zhang Chanyuan (Abigail)
Published: February 2020

A data ecosystem is a combination of relevant data and the technologies used to integrate information feeding a particular process or a set of functionalities. With the advent of substantially improved computing and storage capabilities, sophisticated algorithms, and easier access to exogenous data, the data ecosystem is facilitating increasingly automated and continuous business measurement and assurance processes that reflect the rhythm and nature of business events and data sources. We propose that the big data used in business measurement and assurance must first be taxonomized and integrated, and then be processed by piggybacked applications to complement human activities to more effectively achieve operational and economic goals. We argue that the most notable technologies for the current wave of change are Robotic/Intelligent Process Automation, Machine Learning, Blockchain, and Continuous Measurement and Assurance applications. Furthermore, we discuss the main effects of the data ecosystem on the measurement and assurance of business activities.
Nitrokarbürizasyon Sonrası Oksidasyon İşlemlerinin AISI 4140 Çeliğinin Tribolojik Özelliklerine Etkisi
Authors: KAPLAN Yavuz , YILDIRIM Abdulbaki , AKSÖZ Sinan
Published: February 2020

Bu
çalışmada, karbon ve azot atomlarının eşzamanlı difüzyonu temeline dayanan nitrokarbürizasyon sonrası oksidasyon
işlemlerinin AISI 4140 çeliğinin mikroyapı, mikrosertlik ve tribolojik
özelliklerine etkileri incelenmiştir. Nitrokarbürizasyon
işleminin birçok avantajı olmasına rağmen özellikle malzemelerin korozyon ve
tribolojik özelliklerini iyileştirilmek için işlem sonrası farklı ısıl işlem
tekniklerine ihtiyaç duyulmaktadır. Nitrokarbürizasyon + oksidasyon işlemleri
sonucunda malzeme yüzeyinin en dışında yaklaşık 5µm kalınlığında oksit
tabakası, hemen altında nitrür ve karbürlerden oluşan yaklaşık 5µm kalınlığında
bileşik tabaka ve karbürce zengin difüzyon bölgesi olmak üzere 3 farklı bölge
oluşmuştur. Ana fazdan daha sert difüzyon bölgesi, nitrokarbürizasyon ve
oksidasyon katmanları sayesinde malzemenin tüm yüzeyinde aşınma davranışları
iyileştirilmiştir. Böylece aşınma direnci ile birlikte aynı zamanda sürtünme
katsayısı da iyileştirilmiştir.