bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence of hypocalcemia in total thyroidectomy
Authors: Azeez Dariya Yousif , Emin Abdulkhaliq Kerim , Alrawi Mouwafak Muflih , Fathullah Ammar Mohmmed
Published: October 2022

Background and objectives: Hypocalcemia is a common complication in patients after total thyroidectomy. This study was undertaken to identify risk factors for post thyroidectomy hypocalcemia. To evaluate the risk factors of post total thyroidectomy hypocalcemia, in order to enable early management, avoid complications, and treat accordingly. Method: A longitudinal study was performed from January 2019 to February 2022. All cases of total Thyroidectomy were included which totaled 27. Ionized serum calcium with Parathyroid Hormone, serum, magnesium, serum phosphate and vitamin D were all measured for every patient preoperatively then postoperatively once, and serum calcium was measured every eight hours for the first 48 hours. Results: Our results showed an overall significant difference in the readings of calcium at different times, the mean of pre-operative reading of serum calcium was (9.6 mg/dl), which was greater than the mean of calcium measured 24 hours post-operative that was (8.72 mg/dl) with (p < 0.001), and the incidence of hypocalcemia was 51.9% of hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy. Parathyroid Hormone level was the only risk factor for developing post total thyroidectomy hypocalcemia (p < 0.001), other risk factors were none of them significant.
COMPLEX CLINICAL HOSPITAL MODEL OF DISCHARGE MANAGEMENT: CONCEPTION AND IMPLEMENTATION
Authors: Bernardino Elizabeth , Dias do Nascimento Selleti Jaqueline , Maciel Da Silva Otília Beatriz , Lopes Gallo Valéria Cristina , dos Santos Silva Olivia Luciana , Rorato Camila
Published: October 2022

Objective: to present the conception and implementation of the Discharge Management Model of the Clinics Hospital Complex of the Federal University of Paraná.
Method: experience report occurred between 2017 and 2020, about the design and implementation of the Discharge Management model with support of the logic model.
Results: continuity of care and case management are operationalized by a dedicated team of liaison nurses who manage and counter-reference care to primary care and other points in the health care network.
Conclusion: discharge management has been consolidated as a managerial strategy that integrates the health care network, avoids discontinuities in care, promotes patient and family safety, and optimizes beds, and inserts complex patients into the primary care agenda. It contributes to the continuity of care and represents evidence of a new field of work for nurses.
MODELO CLÍNICO HOSPITALARIO DE GESTIÓN DEL ALTA: DISEÑO Y EJECUCIÓN
Authors: Bernardino Elizabeth , Dias do Nascimento Selleti Jaqueline , Maciel Da Silva Otília Beatriz , Lopes Gallo Valéria Cristina , dos Santos Silva Olivia Luciana , Rorato Camila
Published: October 2022

Objetivo: presentar la concepción e implementación del Modelo de Gestión de Alta del Complejo Hospitalario de Clínicas de la Universidad Federal de Paraná.
Método: informe de experiencia ocurrida entre 2017 y 2020, sobre el diseño e implementación del modelo de Gestión del Alta con apoyo del modelo lógico.
Resultados: la continuidad de los cuidados y la gestión de los casos son operados por un equipo exclusivo de enfermeras de enlace que gestionan y contra revierten los cuidados a la atención primaria y a otros puntos de la red sanitaria.
Conclusión: la gestión de altas se consolida como una estrategia gerencial que integra la red de atención a la salud, evita las discontinuidades de la asistencia, promueve la seguridad de los pacientes y los familiares, además de la optimización de las camas, y aún inserta en la agenda de la atención primaria a los pacientes complejos. Contribuye a la continuidad de los cuidados y representa la evidencia de un nuevo campo de trabajo para las enfermeras.
Intestinal Aquaporins
Authors: Aykoç Miray , Koç Yıldırım Ece
Published: October 2022

Aquaporins (AQPs) are integral, hydrophobic, and transmembrane proteins that facilitate passive transport of water depending on the osmotic pressure on both sides of the cell membrane. Of these channel proteins, those that are permeable only to water are called 'classical aquaporins', those that allow the passage of small molecules such as glycerol in addition to water are called 'aquaglyceroporins', and those with different structures and cellular distributions are called 'super aquaporins'. Aquaporins have a great role in the gastrointestinal tract as well as in the whole organism. Transepithelial transport of fluid in the intestine occurs spontaneously, either by paracellular or cellular routes, or both. The paracellular pathway is mediated by tight junctions in the intestinal epithelium and their passage is regulated based on the size and load of substances, while the cellular pathway is passive diffusion mediated by aquaporins and co-transporters. Among them, aquaporins are the major cellular pathway for bidirectional fluid transport in the gut. Aquaporins have important roles in the gut. Based on these roles, information, and research on whether aquaporins can be regulated by drugs and dietary supplements to increase intestinal health and improve their functions is increasing day by day. In this review, the functions of aquaporins in the intestinal tract, their situations in intestinal diseases, and the drugs and dietary supplements used for the treatment of these diseases are discussed together with current studies.
Breves Considerações sobre a Família e o Diálogo Possível Entre Educação e Filosofia - Contributos para a Formação de Professores em Timor Leste
Authors: Miranda Coimbra Bruno Alexandre
Published: October 2022

Num momento em que se tem intensificado o interesse pela educação e pela mobilização de todos os intervenientes com especial intervenção no locus educativo, a investigação e o dissertar sobre a educação, são chamados a contribuir para o aprofundar de áreas ainda pouco exploradas no domínio educativo (como são a importância da família e do papel do professor nas relações que estabelecem dentro e fora da sala de aula). Pretendemos com este diálogo, enraizado num pensamento filosófico-educacional, desperte curiosidade aos novos investigadores que agora vão surgindo no território e que este seja também um contributo para a formação de professores em Timor Leste.
Research on the Sharing Model of Urban and Rural Elderly Care under the Background of Rural Revitalization
Authors: Tao Xinye , Ni Zihan , Pu Mengmeng , Fang Houjun , Zhou Zejiong
Published: October 2022

In order to bring people's wellbeing to a new level, China's 14th Five Year Plan proposes to comprehensively promote rural revitalization and improve the new urbanization strategy. Among them, optimizing the supply of urban and rural elderly care services has become a hot topic in today's society. How to optimize rural elderly care services? How can urban and rural elderly care be shared? Which paths can play a role in rural revitalization? These problems need to be sorted out and solved. Based on this, this topic will explore the sharing and realization path of urban and rural elderly care models under the background of rural revitalization, and put forward effective policy recommendations according to the research results.
The Path of Urban Waste Classification and Management: A Case Analysis of Xiaogan City, Hubei Province
Authors: Liu Yuejiao , Yin Chengcheng , Qian Yuning , Luo Jingran , Lu Hongyu , Zhang Lihua
Published: October 2022

Uses a combination of questionnaire surveys and field interviews to study the current situation of domestic waste classification and governance in Xiaogan City. Then explore the existing problems, such as the government-led mechanism needs to be improved, the ability of residents to participate is insufficient, and the ability of market regulation is limited; Based on the above problems, combined with the actual situation of Xiaogan City, it puts forward countermeasures and suggestions such as improving the construction of government-led mechanisms, improving the participation ability of residents, and enhancing market regulation capabilities, so as to provide strong support for the in-depth development of urban garbage classification and governance in Xiaogan City.
Research on The Influence of ESG Information Disclosure on Enterprise Financial Risk
Authors: Liu Yuting , Lin Minghua
Published: October 2022

Based on the data of Chinese A-share pharmaceutical industry companies from 2017 to 2020, this paper analyzes the impact of ESG information disclosure on financial risk. The results show that good ESG information disclosure can significantly reduce the financial risk of enterprises. The effect of ESG information disclosure on financial risk control of non-state-owned enterprises is more prominent, and the higher the degree of marketization, the more obvious the positive effect.
Managerial Myopia and Corporate Social Responsibility Activities
Authors: Peng Wei
Published: October 2022

Listed companies are the pillar strength of China’s economy, whose CSR performance is of great significance. From the perspective of sustainable development of enterprises, this paper finds that managerial myopia will inhibit enterprises from fulfilling their social responsibilities. Using the employment opportunity indicator as an instrumental variable, the result of 2SLS regression remains significantly negative. In order to realize the sustainable development of economy, we must strengthen the supervision and restriction to enterprise managers.
Research on the Impact Mechanism of High-speed Train on Regional Economy under the Background of Sustainable Development
Authors: Chen Zibin
Published: October 2022

With the improvement of high-speed train economy, the safe transportation capacity and speed of China's high-speed train have been improved. The arrival of the high-speed train era is the rebirth of the railway hub economic zone, which will bring unprecedented impact and innovation. High-speed train economy can highlight regional geographical advantages, establish regional economic network, optimize regional industrial structure, and finally promote the development of regional economy and even the whole social economy. It can be seen that the importance of high-speed train economy to regional economic development deserves attention and attention. Based on the national conditions and road conditions, this paper summarizes the regional mechanism and economic and social effects of high-speed train economy. This paper discusses the urgency and feasibility of speeding up the construction of high-speed train to promote the sustainable development of regional economy with the reform and opening up entering a new stage, the development of socialist market economy, the further acceleration of people's life rhythm and the improvement of railway construction environment. Based on this, this paper puts forward some thoughts and suggestions on the development of high-speed train economy in the new era, which is helpful to comprehensively evaluate the impact of high-speed train on regional economy. In the future, we should continue to improve the layout of high-speed train network, further promote regional economic integration, and accelerate the optimization of economic spatial pattern under the high-speed train network.
The Path Exploration and Performance Evaluation of Digital inclusive finance Supporting Rural Revitalization
Authors: Wang Jieru , Mai Jiahao
Published: October 2022

Digital inclusive finance provides digital inclusive services to the outside world by adopting high and new technologies such as computer, cloud computing and big data. Using it in the field of rural revitalization can provide a certain guiding role for resource reallocation, lead rural industries to achieve better development, and provide more reliable support for the process of achieving the goal of accurate poverty alleviation. This paper sums up several common digital inclusive finance models, and explores their specific implementation paths in rural revitalization, so as to provide reference for peers.
Analysis on Quality Control Group Activity of CNPC in 2022 and Discussion on Improvement Measure
Authors: Li Zhaochuan , Gan Lin , Liu Changyue
Published: October 2022

Quality Control Group activity has been carried out in CNPC for more than 40 years. Through continuous participation and summary, the Quality Control Group has become an effective organizational form of quality management of a mass character in CNPC and an effective way for CNPC to improve quality management. Based on the harvest and experience of CNPC in carrying out Quality Control Group activity in 2022, this paper focuses on the role of carrying out Quality Control Group in consolidating the foundation and promoting innovation in quality management, as well as effective measures on how to promote Quality Control Group activity.
Research on the Path of Promoting Mechanism of Agricultural Brand Strategy in Hubei Province
Authors: Yue Shunli
Published: October 2022

Brand is a significant symbol of the comprehensive competitiveness of agriculture, and the development of the whole agricultural industry chain driven by brand is the only way to improve the quality of agricultural development and strengthen the advantages of agricultural market. Agricultural brand building is an important step to accelerate the development of agriculture and an important choice to enhance the competitiveness of Hubei agriculture. As a large agricultural province in Hubei, how to strengthen agriculture and promote the construction of agricultural brand strategy in Hubei is an urgent problem to be solved. The article analyzes the problems and constraints of agricultural brand construction in Hubei and the mechanism of promoting agricultural brand strategy, and systematically proposes the implementation path of agricultural brand strategy in Hubei.
Research on Cultural Innovation of Tourism Products in Old Revolutionary Areas under the Background of Cultural Tourism
Authors: Liang Yiyu , Yao Wenyu , Zhu Ziqin , Zou Jing
Published: October 2022

The Jinggang Mountain area has a deep cultural heritage and a variety of high-quality red tourism resources. It has the natural advantage of promoting the upgrading of tourism industry and achieving innovative development of red tourism based on cultural tourism integration. However, in the past tourism development, it still remains in the primary stage. A series of problems such as the lack of deep red cultural connotation, the level of service to be strengthened, the development of tourism resources and environmental protection contradictions are intensifying. Facing this situation, this paper fully exploits the value of red tourism resources in Jinggang Mountain to promote red culture inheritance by studying innovative forms of cultural tourism promotion, using Internet technology to create a cloud tourism platform, and building a complete tourism ecosystem.
Alla memoria “del Sol Levante” Kenzo
Authors: Koval Inga
Published: October 2022

Alla memoria “del Sol Levante” Kenzo
Valentino SS21: La couture al servizio dell’umanità
Authors: Narciso Giovanna
Published: October 2022

Valentino SS21: La couture al servizio dell’umanità
La moda in mostra nelle vetrine virtuali
Authors: Di Lorenzo Serena
Published: October 2022

La moda in mostra nelle vetrine virtuali
Efecto de la temperatura y humedad en piel y vías respiratorias de trabajadores de un rastro
Authors: Picazo David , González González Leopolda , Barrio Echaverría Gabriel , Pérez Piñón Dagoberto
Published: October 2022

Los riesgos para la salud relacionados con la exposición a condiciones extremas de temperatura y humedad son frecuentes en los trabajadores de los rastros, donde se manejan ambientes fríos y condiciones de humedad que representan una exigencia adicional para su labor. El objetivo fue determinar la relación entre la temperatura y humedad en el ambiente de trabajo, con afecciones en diferentes áreas de la piel y afecciones respiratorias en trabajadores de un rastro de sacrificio de ganado. Se efectuaron mediciones de temperatura y humedad en los diferentes departamentos del rastro, y estos datos se relacionaron con el resultado de la valoración de lesiones en piel y afecciones en vías aéreas en 44 trabajadores de los departamentos de: Matanza, Deshuese, Procesos, Embarques, Ventas y Mantenimiento. El instrumento utilizado fue el NOSQ-2002: Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire, adaptado para nuestro país. Los trabajadores del departamento de Deshuese, donde se trabaja a temperaturas bajas, tuvieron mayor incidencia de alergias y eccema (62 %) con relación al resto de las áreas, donde las condiciones son más favorables. La exposición a bajas temperaturas es un factor para la aparición de eccema en piel, así como una tendencia al desarrollo de daños en el aparato respiratorio en forma de alergias en los trabajadores de los rastros. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54167/tch.v12i3.188
Gregarious flowering of Strobilanthes callosus Nees in Western Ghats
Authors: Singh Rajeev , Diwakar P.
Published: October 2022

Strobilanthes callosus Nees is endemic to India and flowers once in its life cycle. In Peninsular India, it is reported in bloom after 7 years. During a botanical tour to Anshi National Park, Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary and Kudremukh National Park, the authors reported this species in bloom in Pune, Satara, Kolhapur (Maharashtra), Belgaum, Dharwad, Koppal, Udupi, Mangalore, Shimoga, Davanagere, Uttara Kannada and Haveri Districts (Karnataka). From Koppal, Udupi, Mangalore, Davanagere and Haveri Districts of Karnataka, this species hitherto not reported. A complete citation, short description and notes are given. This documentation is essential to ascertain periodicity in blooming for various species of Strobilanthes.
Exploring the Perspectives of EFL Instructors toward the Employment of L1 in EFL Reading Classes
Authors: Omar Abdulfattah , Aldawsari Bader Deraan , Naguib Sabtan Yasser Muhammad
Published: October 2022

In recent years, numerous studies have been concerned with evaluating the effectiveness of using L1 in EFL contexts. Nevertheless, there is no consensus so far on the usefulness of the use of L1 in EFL contexts. More specifically, there is a wide disagreement between scholars and researchers regarding the use of Arabic as an L1 in EFL contexts given the significant linguistic differences between Arabic and English. In light of this argument, this study is concerned with evaluating the effectiveness and usefulness of the use of L1 in EFL classes in the Saudi universities of the instructors’ perspective. Semi- structured interviews were conducted with twelve EFL instructors in four Saudi universities. Results indicated that the majority of the participants indicated that the integration of L1 in EFL classes can be usefully used to achieve a proper classroom discipline and keep the structure of the classroom activities in a way that makes the realization of the target outcomes possible. They also stressed that L1 can be used to help EFL learners develop their English language skills. They also indicated that the use of Arabic in EFL classes helps establish a good relationship with the instructor and reduces students’ stress and anxiety. It can be finally concluded that the use of Arabic serves as a useful teaching and learning tool in EFL contexts.
Single-level Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Versus Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion for the Surgical Treatment of Isthmic Spondylolisthesis
Authors: Patel Madhav R. , Jacob Kevin C. , Pawlowski Hanna , Prabhu Michael C. , Vanjani Nisheka N. , Singh Kern
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

Limited studies have compared minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF) with anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) for the treatment of isthmic spondylolisthesis. This study aims to compare perioperative variables, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) achievement rates between these surgical approaches.

Methods:

Patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis undergoing primary, single-level MIS TLIF or ALIF were identified in a surgical database. Patients were divided into MIS TLIF and ALIF cohorts. Demographics and perioperative characteristics were collected and compared between groups using the chi square test or Student t-test. PROMs including the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function, 12-Item Short Form Physical Composite Score, visual analog scale (VAS) back, VAS leg, and Oswestry Disability Index were collected at preoperative, 6-, 12-week, 6-month, 1-, and 2-year time points. Mean PROMs were compared using the Student t-test for independent samples. MCID attainment was determined using established values in the literature; achievement rates by grouping were compared using chi square analysis.

Results:

One hundred seventy-one patients were included, 121 MIS TLIF and 50 ALIF. No demographic differences were observed. Mean surgical times were 139.7 minutes (MIS TLIF) and 165.5 minutes (ALIF) (P < 0.001). No other perioperative differences were observed. Mean estimated blood loss values were 63.8 mL (MIS TLIF) and 73.7 mL (ALIF). Mean postoperative lengths of stay were 43.9 hours (MIS TLIF) and 42.5 hours (ALIF). Mean PROMs did not markedly differ among groups at any time point. MCID attainment was markedly higher among MIS TLIF patients for the Oswestry Disability Index at 6 weeks (P = 0.046) and 12 weeks (P = 0.007), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function at 12 weeks (P = 0.015), and VAS leg at 6 weeks (P = 0.031) and 12 weeks (P = 0.045). No other notable differences were observed among MCID achievement by grouping.

Discussion:

While single-level ALIF demonstrated markedly higher surgical times, other perioperative characteristics and PROMs were comparable among ALIF and MIS TLIF patients. Although MCID achievement rates were generally lower for disability and leg pain among ALIF patients, significance was not reached at 6 months, 1 year, or during the overall postoperative period after fusion.
Preparation of a Low Cost Nutrient Bar Incorporated with Underutilized Seeds as a Convenient and Functional Meal Replacement Alternative D
Authors:   Uva Wellassa University, Bandigamapalage Wasana , Chandrasir Thilini ,   Uva Wellassa University, Wijesekara Kolitha ,   Uva Wellassa University
Published: October 2022

People with busy lifestyles routinely consume fast food as an easy alternative for main meal. Consequently, they prone to suffer from non-communicable diseases such as diabetics. The purpose of this research was to develop a nutritious bar as a meal replacement under the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) using underutilized seeds such as pumpkin, winged beans, watermelon, corn, mung beans, and rice flakes. The proximate analysis, physicochemical properties, sensory attributes and microbiological parameters were evaluated using the Association of Official Agricultural Chemist standards (AOAC), Human Research Ethics Committee standards (Brazil), and Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLS 516: 1991) respectively. Developed mung based (321), rice flake based (123) and commercial nutrient bar (801) revealed a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) in attributes except mouthfeel in the sensory evaluation. A mold and a package was designed with an effective packaging material. The shelf-life was evaluated after adding the permitted preservative (E211-Sodium benzoate) to developed mung based (321), rice flake based (123) bars which had a self-life of one-month. The mung based nutrient bar revealed an average of 1.7±0.1 % moisture, 0.9±0.7% fat, 9.7±0.1% ash, 21.8±2.5% crude fibre, 36.6±0.0 % protein, 29.2±8.3% carbohydrates, and the rice flake bar contained an average of 2.2±0.3% moisture, 2.7±0.2% fat, 7.9±0.2 % ash, 11.4±1.4 % crude fibre, 31.9±0.0 % protein, 43.8±0.0 carbohydrates. The commercial nutrient bar had 1.5±0.1% moisture, 1.5±0.0% fat, 7.8±0.0% ash, 0.5±0.5% crude fibre, 32.5±0.0 % protein, and 56.3±3.9% carbohydrates on average. The energy content (kcal) in rice flakes based, mung based and commercial bars were 327.1, 271.3, and 360 respectively. The finding ascertained that the developed nutrient bars (123, 321) directly fulfill the recommended dietary allowance as a meal replacement concerning European Union Commission Regulations and substantiate that the same nutrient profiles in the commercial nutrition bars could be obtained from the developed samples with a lesser processing cost. KEYWORDS: Commercial nutrient bar, meal replacement, recommended dietary allowance, underutilized seeds
A Study on Local Air Pollution Due to Transport Emissions in Kandy City
Authors:   Curtin University, Yatigammana Sachintha , Fernando Gayashika ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Liyanage Migara ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology
Published: October 2022

Air pollution has become one of the greatest challenges that the world is facing today. According to World Health Organization (WHO)there are 4.2 million annual deaths due to outdoor air pollution. Furthermore, about 90% of global population breathe polluted air. The most harmful cause of outdoor air pollution is recognized to be unorganized traffic management. In the instance of Sri Lanka, Kandy city has been recognized as crucial where necessary actions are required to be taken. This study presents harmful emission values produced by a daily count of vehicles entering the city alongside respiratory diseases and illnesses recorded. Detailed analysis provides pollutant emissions due to unorganized traffic management within Kandy city concentrating over locations from Getambe Junction to Kandy Clock tower and from the city centre towards Mahaiyawa Tunnel and Ampitiya Junction (locations are pinned on figure 1). Calculation of pollutant factors are intended to be done using three main methods namely, Tier 1, Tier 2 and V/C ratio method aided by vehicle fuel type, fuel efficiency, travelled distance and carriageway congestion values. Emission values for pollutants Carbon monoxide (CO), Nitrogen oxides (N2O, NOX) and Sulphur dioxide (SO2) were identified in this study along with PM2.5 and PM10 values. It was to be seen that, over 100,000 vehicle cross Kandy city limits on both weekdays and surprisingly higher values in weekend with each carriageway within the city resulting over a 65% of congestion value. With 31% of daily trips being travel to work, the public transport system fails to deliver its purpose efficiently and effectively. With unorganized traffic management, stagnant and slowmoving vehicles tend to pollute 41% more SO2 and 14% more NOX gasses above global standards affecting the first five kilometers from the city center, which claimed to facilitate the zone of highest quality of life. Current records show PM2.5 values in Kandy to read above 50μg/m3 and PM10 values to be as high as 100μg/m3. KEYWORDS: Kandy, Air pollution, Traffic management, Emission, Respiratory, Sri Lanka
Critical Supply Chain Problems In Contractor - Subcontractor Interface Of Sri Lankan Building Construction Projects
Authors:   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Loku Panagodage Thilini , De Silva Piyanwada ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology
Published: October 2022

As a developing country, construction industry provides considerable contribution to the Socioeconomic growth of Sri Lanka. However, successful completion of a construction project is yet a challenging task. It requires coordination, collaboration and management of different stakeholders with different objectives. While achieving the objectives of a construction project, a proper management of supply chain is vital as improper management of the supply chain impacts negatively on the construction project delivery process. Prior studies have identified several interfaces which impact on the successful project delivery. The mechanism related to contractor-subcontractor interface highly impacts the ultimate project outcome as it is directly linked with the delivery of the project. This study set out to identify the critical supply chain problems in contractor-subcontractor interface in Sri Lankan building construction projects. The study was derived through a mix method approach. Semi structured interviews were carried out among the industry expertise to identify the supply chain related problems. Thereafter, to identify the critical problems of supply chain, a questionnaire survey was carried out among the industry practitioners in the building construction projects. The data was analyzed using Relative Important Index in order to rank and identify the severity of each identified problem in the contractor – subcontractor interface. The study indicates that, using verbal information, lack of reference to the main contract and nonresponsible responses as the critical problems in the Information flow. In terms of the Material flow: deliveries are not according to the plan, poor labour management and noncompliance with material and components are ranked as the critical problems. Delay in payments, back-to-back payments and payment interest charging as the critical problems under the Capital flow. These findings may assist the industry practitioners to identify the criticality and monitor supply chain problems in contractor- subcontractor interface and to minimize them in building construction projects. KEYWORDS: construction industry, construction supply chain, supply chain management, contractor subcontractor interface, interface problems.
Performance Prediction Models for Flexible Pavements in Sri Lanka
Authors:   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Opanayake Pinindu , Amarasingha Niranga ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology
Published: October 2022

The pavement prediction model forecasts the future PCI ratings based on pavement category, thickness, traffic, pavement life period and existing PCI rating. Nevertheless, with time and inclusion of newer pavement types, there was a need to adjust the prevailing pavement performance models. In addition to, pavements management systems need to develop new models for newer pavement types as well. Some developed pavement performance models in the earlier for the Road Development Authority (RDA) Sri Lanka is used by the roadway segments to predict the future condition and rehabilitations of its network. The available data collections in the roadway agencies in Sri Lanka was used for the research study and the methodology and the analysis section depended on that data collection. Probably we were given the IRI data collections which were done in southern expressway section in Sri Lanka. Based on that data, the analysis part was done for determine the pavement roughness deterioration curves. With a comparison of the developed models, the most suitable model was taken at 95% confidence level with 0.8009 R2 value. This study displays outcomes about of standardizing the present performance models, and creating unused models for the different asphalt forms within the roadway network in Sri Lanka. A comparison of IRI progression with pavement age and traffic volume is also conducted to see if there are major differences between such models developed in other countries. The anticipated expectations condition of the asphalts is utilized in assessing its outstanding benefit life to disappointment, which is of prompt utilize in prescribing future upkeep and recovery necessities for the arrange. KEYWORDS: International Roughness Index, performance model, flexible pavement, rehabilitation
Real-Time Embedded System for Inattentive Driver Monitoring.
Authors:   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Clerence Angelo ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Nalmi Rizma ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Buddhika Prabhath ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology
Published: October 2022

One of the causes of motor vehicle accidents in Sri Lanka is driver inattention or drowsiness. In the field of intelligent transportation systems, continuous research and development are conducted to address this contemporary issue. Many approaches, such as driver assistance and drowsiness detection systems, have been proposed to overcome this fatality. The purpose of this research was to implement a product that can maximise road safety while improving the transport sector's efficiency and reliability of the logistics chain to reinforce the country's economic growth. In this paper, the correlation between the preprocessed vehicular parameters and visual features are used to analyse the driver state and make predictions of the driver's perfomance. The proposed system uses computer vision and fuzzy logic inference implemented on the singleboard computer Raspberry Pi to detect facial features and to determine the driver's drowsiness state, an ELM327 is used to read the vehicle parameters from the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and motion sensors were used to obtain the steering angle. The data acquired is stored in a cloud platform using REST API. The database also contains driver details. The system uses a fingerprint scanner to identify the driver. An actuator was installed in the vehicle to alert the driver when the system detects inattentiveness. Overall the proposed project provided satisfying experimental results. It can be used as a solution to improve road safety and a supporting tool for the logistics sector to monitor vehicles and driver performance. KEYWORDS: Driver monitoring system, computer vision, fuzzy logic, vehicle telematics, steering angle, Rest API, cloud computing, RTOS
A Study on Curbside Overtaking in Sri Lankan Streets
Authors:   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Eranga, Charith , Amarasingha Niranga ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology
Published: October 2022

Overtaking slower moving vehicles on the curbside under mix traffic condition is very common in Sri Lanka. The overtaking should never be done from the curbside as a rule of thumb, also rules and regulations regarding the overtaking should be never broken by drivers. Traffic accidents statistics reveal that main cause for serious accidents in Sri Lanka are excessive speed and incorrect overtaking. However, to the best of authors’ knowledge any research about curbside overtaking behavior has not been done so far. Objectives of this study are to investigate self-reported drivers’ overtaking behavior, and to find out drivers’ perspective about current rules and regulations on overtaking. A questionnaire form was developed, and a survey was conducted to collect data among 430 people in Colombo district. Chi–square tests and multinomial logistic regression analysis were done. Chi – square test results showed that among the selected variables, gender, age, occupation, driving license availability, charged a fine or accident due to curbside overtaking are the main factors that affect the curbside overtaking. The results of this study are facilitative to understand characteristics and some reasons behind curbside overtaking. Some methods such as educate public about dangerous overtaking and rules by organizing awareness programs, increasing fine for curbside overtaking, and imposing new laws are suggested to minimize the number of road accidents caused by overtaking slow moving vehicles on the curbside of the road. KEYWORDS: overtaking, drivers’ misbehavior, traffic accidents, road safety, questionnaire survey.
Intelligent Robotics—Misconceptions, Current Trends and Opportunities
Authors:   The University of British Columbia, De Silva Clarence
Published: October 2022

The concepts of “Robots” have been of interest to humans from the historical times, initially with the desire to create “artificial slaves.” Since the technology was not developing to keep up with the “dreams,” initially Robotics was primarily of entertainment value, relegated to plays, movies, stories, and so on. The practical applications started in the late 1950s and the 1960s with the development of programmable devices for factories and assembly lines, as flexible automation. However, since the expectations were not adequately realized, the general enthusiasm and funding for Robotics subsided to some extent. With subsequent research, developments, and curricular enhancement in Engineering and Computer Science and with the resurgence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly machine learning, Robotics has found numerous practical applications today, in industry, medicine, household, the service sector, and the general society. Important developments and practical strides are being made, particularly in Soft Robotics, Mobile Robotics (Aerial—drones, Under Water, Ground-based—autonomous vehicles in particular), Swarm Robotics, Homecare, Surgery, Assistive Devices, and Active Prosthesis. This talk will start with a brief history of Robotics while indicating some associated myths and unfair expectations. Next it will outline key developments in the area. In particular, some important practical applications of Intelligent Robotics, as developed by groups worldwide including the Industrial Automation Laboratory at the University of British Columbia, headed by the author, will be indicated. Some misconceptions and shortcomings concerning Intelligent Robotics will be pointed out. The main shortcomings concern the mechanical capabilities and the nature of intelligence. The talk will conclude by mentioning future trends and key opportunities available in Intelligent Robotics, for both developed and developing counties.
Cryptocurrency Price Prediction: A Comparative Study using LSTM, GRU and Stacking Ensemble Algorithm for Time Series Forecasting
Authors:   Curtin University, Islam Ashikul
Published: October 2022

Technology has significantly reshaped how humans interact with their tangible and intangible surroundings. Cryptocurrency is considered to be one of the most recent technological inventions which revolutionized how we perceive currencies and their functionality. It has become popular because of its safety, security and anonymity. However, volatility remains one of the major issues with cryptocurrencies to this day. Therefore, the primary aim of this paper is to develop LSTM (Long ShortTerm Memory), GRU (Gated Recurrent Units) and a Stacking Ensemble Learning algorithm that efficiently predicts the price of a cryptocurrency for a given period of time. The predictions are then observed and analysed to determine the comparative performance of the said algorithms. Keywords Cryptocurrency, LSTM, GRU, Stacking Ensemble, Neural Network, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence
Low Cost – Remote Passive Sensory Based Weather Prediction System with Internet of Things
Authors:   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Tennekoon Shanelle , Chandrasekara Senal ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Abhayasinghe Nimsiri ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology
Published: October 2022

Climate effects many major daily aspects of the society, from the food sources and transport infrastructure to the choice of fashion and certain daily routines. Due to these reasons, the demand for means to accurately foresee climatic changes have increased. Weather forecasting, especially in Sri Lanka, has been hampered due to numerous reasons and this has resulted in erroneous predictions that has adversely affected many areas of development ranging from agriculture, irrigation, and the tourism industry to certain branches of engineering. Many researchers have analyzed and proposed solutions to these problems. However, the need for accurate predictions prevails due to the hardship of accurate data acquisition, processing, and transmission. To address these problems, in this paper, a system that adheres to the rules and regulations set forth by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to carry out well informed and reliably accurate weather predictions based on the data attained from a wireless passive remote sensory medium has been implemented. This task was carried out by means of feeding the relevant climatic parameter readings measured via multiple wireless passive remote sensory nodes placed within the proximity of a considered area to a selected computational model, which in turn was implemented to yield considerably accurate predictions compared to the weather prediction systems currently available in the market. The paper comprises of the implementation of the category, Low-Cost Automatic Weather Station (LC-AWS) specified by the WMO and Internet of Things (IoT), one of the latest technologies, for the transmission of attained data even in the absence of Wi-Fi. The research was further conducted to perform an analytical comparison between highly accurate weather stations and the implemented low-cost weather station when compromising accuracy due to low cost. The hardware and related software implementation yielded an acceptable success rate and was concluded successfully. KEYWORDS: Low-Cost Automatic Weather Station, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Wireless passive remote sensory medium, Internet of Things (IoT)
Aeroacoustic Noise Produced from Novel Wind Turbine Rotor Design for Small-scale Applications in Sri Lanka
Authors:   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Bandara Udara , Perera Malika ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology
Published: October 2022

Growing concerns regarding non-renewable energy sources have driven academic and industrial scholars as well as global superpowers to seek sustainable, greener power generation alternatives. One such prominent renewable substitute is wind power which was initially utilized in harnessing electricity towards the late nineteenth century though archaeological evidence has proved that wind power had been employed for various purposes since predynastic Egypt. Extensive research and development has enabled the efficient operation of multi megawatt wind farms at present though inherent drawbacks still persist, of which aerodynamic noise, also referred to as aeroacoustic noise, is of major concern. This paper details the simulative investigation of the aeroacoustic sound levels produced by an optimized novel wind turbine design intended for the use in small scale applications with medium wind speed conditions in Sri Lanka, using ANSYS Fluent. A transient analysis using the Shear Stress Transport turbulence model was used to obtain the converged pressure fluctuations which subsequently revealed the sound pressure levels via Fast Fourier Transforms at six predetermined locations of interest. The results revealed the presence of acoustic vibrations within the Infrasonic and Low Frequency Noise range with sound pressure levels exceeding one hundred decibels, particularly up to a frequency of twenty five Hertz. Prolonged exposure to elevated levels of low frequency noise has been identified to cause severe discomfort to humans though further conclusive research is required. Finer mesh controls which incorporate minute boundary layer variations during motion and precisely encapsulate the turbine geometry could further improve the accuracy of the results, however this would require adequate computational capacity. The results of this research primarily serve as a basis for identifying possible improvements for the novel rotor design in addition to providing a comparative study for future research, both simulative and empirical, on the aerodynamic noise emissions associated with wind turbines. KEYWORDS: Aerodynamic Noise, Wind Turbine, Infrasonic and Low Frequency Noise, ANSYS Simulation
Effects of Manufactured Sand on the Properties of Normal and High Strength Concrete
Authors:   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Premadasa Roshira , Perera Janaka ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology
Published: October 2022

Manufactured Sand (MS) has been introduced as a very effective fine aggregate and is being widely used in various construction activities. Large amounts of Manufactured Sand Fines (MSF) that are less than 75 µm in particle size, are produced during the production process. Costs are incurred in separating these fines from the crushed stone and are then dumped in landfills, thus causing serious environmental issues. Studies on MSF are not well established and a handful has been done on High Strength Concrete (HSC). The key objectives of this study were to study and compare the effects that MSF have on the properties of Normal Strength Concrete (NSC) and HSC and to propose effective fines percentages that could be incorporated in them. Tests were carried out by partial replacement of MS with fines in proportions of 10%, 15% and 20% for C30 and C60 concrete and were compared with the control mixes that contained 3.36% MSF. It was identified that a 15% replacement of MSF produced effective results with the highest compressive, splitting tensile and flexural strength results and minimum water absorption in both NSC and HSC. At 15% fines content, a strength of 35.3 MPa and 63.3 MPa was achieved by the C30 and C60 concretes respectively. However, the increment of fines decreased the workability significantly. The microstructure analysis proved the densification of the microstructure at 15% MSF content. The cost analysis showed that the availability of high fines content can deduct the cost of NSC by 1.8% and HSC by 1.6%. The 10% - 15% range was identified as the most effective fines content range that can be incorporated in NSC and HSC. Results of this study can contribute to develop concrete with better performance while addressing several environmental and cost issues related to the concrete industry. KEYWORDS: Manufactured sand, fines, partial replacement, normal strength concrete, high strength concrete.
Spatial Patterns and Temporal Trends of Rainfall Seasonality in Sri Lanka
Authors:   University of Ruhuna, Amarasinghe H.G.K.H. , Basnayake B.M.L.A. ,   University of Ruhuna
Published: October 2022

Understanding and knowledge of rainfall variability is necessitated for agricultural planning, flood mitigation activities, and water resources planning and management. Like other rainfall characteristics seasonality of rainfall is also spatio-temporally specific which has not been evaluated to Sri Lanka. In this study, seasonality in rainfall over Sri Lanka was analyzed using the seasonality index (SI) proposed by Walsh and Lawler. Rainfall data at 39 raingauge stations for the period 1988-2017 were collected to obtain the annual monthly rainfall cycles. The SI, a measure of annual rainfall distribution, was used to identify different rainfall regimes. Southwest and central highlands covering the stations Baddegama, Pelawatte, Kudawa, Deniyaya, Mawarella, Mapalana and Beausejour (lower) were identified as “equable with a definite wetter season”. Skirting to the definite wetter season was the “rather seasonal with a short drier season” regime surrounding the Colombo, Ratmalana, Nuwara Eliya, and Bandarawela. The region centered on Mannar received the most rain in three months or less. Markedly seasonal with a long drier season is in the eastern extending from Pottuvil to Trincomalee and in the northern part of the country above Puttalam and Maha Illuppallama except the surrounding of Mannar. Intermediate region to SI classes “rather seasonal with a short drier season” and “markedly seasonal with a long drier season” was designated as “seasonal”. However, the seasonal rainfall contribution, i.e., in NEM (Dec.-Feb.), IM1 (March-April), SWM (May-Sep.), and IM2 (Oct.-Nov.), and the annual monthly rainfall profiles confirmed the presence of sub-regimes within the identified rainfall regimes. Non-parametric Mann-Kendall test and Sen’s slope were applied to identify the temporal changes in SI. Approximately, half of the country showed strong trends in the SI. Sixty one percent of the area including the northern part of the country surrounding Jaffna and the definite wetter region in the southern corresponds to the decreasing trend in seasonality. KEYWORDS: Intra-annual variation, rainfall regimes, rainfall variability, seasonality index, Sri Lanka, trend analysis.