bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RAGE deficiency ameliorates autoimmune hepatitis involving inhibition of IL-6 production via suppressing protein Arid5a in mice
Authors: Li Xiaoxiao , Hua Shuyao , Fang Dai , Fei Xiaoyuan , Tan Zheng , Zheng Fang , Wang Weimin , Fang Min
Published: September 2022

Activation of T cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines are essential for human autoimmune hepatitis. The receptor for advanced glycation end-product(RAGE) is one of receptors for inflammatory alarm molecule high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), and is involved in autoimmune hepatitis. However, the molecular mechanism of RAGE in setting of autoimmune hepatitis remains elusive. This study aimed to identify the function and mechanism of RAGE in autoimmune hepatitis. The RAGE deficient mouse was used to investigate the role and underlying mechanisms by which RAGE signaling-driven immune inflammatory response in the ConA-induced experimental hepatitis. We found that the RAGE deficiency protects the mouse from liver inflammatory injury caused by ConA challenge. mRNA expression of VCAM-1, IL-6, TNF-α within the livers is markedly decreased in RAGE-deficient mice compared to wild-type mice. In parallel, RAGE deficiency leads to reduced levels of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α as compared to wild type control mice. RAGE-deficient mice exhibits increased of hepatic NK cells and decreased CD4+ T cells than those of wild type control mice. Notably, in vivo blockade of IL-6 in wild type mice significantly protected mice from ConA induced hepatic injury. Furthermore, RAGE deficiency impaired IL-6 production is associated with decreased expression of Arid5a in liver tissues, a half-life IL-6 mRNA regulator. RAGE signalling is important in regulating the development of autoimmune hepatitis. Immune modulation of RAGE may represent a novel therapeutic strategy to prevent immune-mediated liver injury.
A Much Stronger Spark - the Basic Analysis about the Process of Lightning
Authors: Chang Yin , Ya-mei Li
Published: September 2022

Based on the ideal plate capacitor model, this article makes some basic analyses about the process of lightning. It describes the voltage, the electric charge and the electric field intensity’s changing process during the lightning. With these analyses, we can greatly improve the energy tensity of our equipment. And we will realize some purpose which we cannot achieve before, such as the nuclear fusion. At last, this article compares it with the laser fusion method.
Photobiological production of high-value pigments via compartmentalized co-cultures using Ca-alginate hydrogels
Authors: Zhao Runyu , Sengupta Annesha , Tan Albern X. , Whelan Ryan , Pinkerton Taylor , Menasalvas Javier , Eng Thomas , Mukhopadhyay Aindrila , Jun Young-Shin , Pakrasi Himadri B. , Tang Yinjie
Published: September 2022

Synechococcus elongatus UTEX 2973 can use light and CO2 to produce sucrose, making them promising candidates to construct cocultures with heterotrophic workhorses. This envisioned process is, however, challenging to implement because of photosynthetic oxidative stress, light shading effect by heterotrophic cells, degradation of light sensitive metabolites, and high cost to separate intracellular products. Here, we demonstrated an effective ecosystem, where the sucrose producing cyanobacterium was freely grown in photo-bioreactors (PBRs), while an engineered heterotrophic workhorse (β-carotene producing Yarrowia lipolytica or indigoidine producing Pseudomonas putida) was encapsulated in calcium-alginate hydrogel beads and then placed inside the PBRs. The compartmentalization by hydrogels prevented growth interference so that the cyanobacterial culture could reach high sucrose concentrations, resulting the production of indigoidine (7.5g/L hydrogel) and β-carotene (1.3g/L hydrogel), respectively (i.e., the titers were 15 ~ 22 folds higher than that in the free cell coculture). Moreover, 13C-metabolic analysis indicated that hydrogels provided a favorable microenvironment so that the flux network of cells inside hydrogel was similar to the free culture. Finally, this novel system allowed the heterotroph- containing hydrogel beads to be easily harvested and dissolved by an EDTA solution for product and cell recovery, while the cyanobacterial culture could be continuously used for growing the next batch of immobilized workhorse heterotrophs.
Thermal hysteresis of mesoscopic phase transitions in fluid metals: from tantalum to aluminum and gold with their critical points and non-mean-field global diagrams
Authors: Rogankov O. V. , Dragan G. S. , Rogankov V. B.
Published: September 2022

The light soft metal – Al-IIIB (MAl = 27 g .mol-1 ) and the heavy soft metal – Au-IB (MAu =197 g .mol -1) were analyzed within the same predictive model of fluctuation–thermodynamics (FT). The similar extrapolative approach was applied for re-establishing of the global phase diagram and non-mean-field criticality of the refractory heavy and rigid tantalum Ta-VA ( MTa =181g .mol-1) earlier. The revealed then correspondence between the onset point of nano-droplets at atmospheric pressure and the point of instability, observable at much higher pressures by the dynamic (IEX) measurements, found its confirmation for the considered metals as well. It may indicate the universality of the mentioned “dew”- point for any elements and compounds. The mesoscopic nanoscaled time- and length- simultaneous consideration matters especially for all metallic vapors at sub-atmospheric pressures ( P<P0 ) and T<Tb . The FT-predicted critical points of Al{TcAl=6518K ; ρcAl=424.5 kg.m-3 ; PcAl=1369 bar; ZcAl=0.1607} and Au{TcAu=8077 K ; ρcAu=3453 kg.m-3 ; PcAu=2135 bar; ZcAu=0.1814} are consistent with the available low-temperature thermostatic and rapid dynamic experimental data.
Effect of feeding frequency on water quality and growth of Litopenaeus vannamei fed extruded and pelleted diets
Authors: Espinoza-Ortega Manuel , Molina-Poveda César , Jover-Cerdá Miguel , Civera-Cerecedo Roberto
Published: September 2022

Feeding strategies have a significant impact on growth and water quality in shrimp farming. Feed management also affects health, survival, and shrimp yields. All these factors contribute to production cost-effectiveness and commercial shrimp industry sustainability. The effect of feeding frequency and two aquafeed cooking processes (extrusion and pelleting) on shrimp performance and water quality parameters were studied under controlled conditions in a 60-day trial with juvenileLitopenaeus vannameifed once (10:00 h); twice (10:00 h, 12:00 h); four (10:00 h, 12:00 h, 15:00 h, 18:00 h); and six (10:00 h, 12:00 h, 15:00 h, 18:00 h, 21:00 h, 24:00 h) times/day. No statistical differences (p > 0.05) in growth rate, survival, nor feed efficiency were observed within pelleted feed treatments at any of the frequencies tested. Growth rate was significantly higher (p < 0.05) with extruded feed when administered once or twice in daylight (10:00–12:00 h). However, at such frequencies, growth was achieved at the cost of water quality and feed conversion ratio. At higher frequencies (six times a day) with extruded diets, the results in water quality suggest a reduction in total ammonia nitrogen and nitrite-nitrogen levels as frequency increased. The outcomes of this study suggest that extruded feed with daylight feeding has the potential to improve growth rate, and an increased frequency could represent a suitable strategy to preserve water quality. This study is the first to show that the extrusion process improves water quality; thus, extruded feeds could reduce effluent pollution impact and improve shrimp farming sustainability.
Covid19 Detection using Chest X-Ray images along with corresponding metadata of the chest X-Ray
Authors: Paul Sourav , Das Ranjita , Khanal Bipal
Published: September 2022

Due to the rapid spread of coronavirus 2019(Covid 19) in the present situation, early detection of covid 19 is very important. As per WHO [1] as of 5:26pm CEST, 5 August 2022, there have been 579,092,623 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 6,407,556 deaths, reported globally. Lot of works have been reported to investigate covid19 using Deep learning algorithm over chest X-ray(CXR) images but as per our knowledge all have taken image data only as input to classify .In our work we have processed CNN model which can take CXR images along with corresponding the metadata(non imaging data) available with the dataset to classify Covid 19.CNN model based on Resnet 50,Dense net 121,Mobile Net,VGG16,Inception-V3 and custom CNN have been developed to accept the multimodal data,i.e metadata along with CXR image.All the mentioned CNN have been used as feature extractor of CXR image and extracted feature have been fused with the features extracted from metadata and 1 passed through the classifier for final classification.Some state of art Deep learning models have been run to classify the covid 19 on the same data set and compared with our best model .Experiments have been done in two phases.In the 1st phase we used CNN models on CXR image only and in the 2nd phase we ran all modified CNN models over the same CXR images with their matadata.The experimental results shows that the output of 2nd phase out performs the output of 1st phase.After that we compared our best model with other state of art models.Modified custom CNN model provides best results of 99.07 % overall accuracy
Goodness-of-Fit of wind speed for probability distribution in central western Brazil
Authors: Souza Amaury , Pobocikova Ivana , Oliveira-Júnior José Francisco , Dumka Umesh C , Abreu Marcel Carvalho , Ihaddadene Razika , Cavazzana Guilherme Henrique , Reis Carlos José , Ihaddadene Nabila
Published: September 2022

The adjustment of statistical models to wind speed data makes it possible to know in detail the wind energy potential of a given location, representing a relevant data in the selection of the location for new installations of wind farms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the fit of average wind speed data for Brasilia, Campo Grande, Cuiaba and Goiania in central western Brazil, to the probability distributions functions (PDF) of: GEV, GUM and LN. The statistical criteria, KS, R2, χ2, RMSE, AIC and BIC were considered as judgment criteria to assess the adequacy of PDF. As the main result, the GEV distribution was the one that presented the best result of adjustments to the functions, mainly in the potential of wind energy use and extreme winds that cause felling of trees in the urban environment. These distributions can be used as an alternative distribution that adequately describes the wind speed data in the region. The weakest configurations were obtained by the GUM and LN distributions.
Social Media Segmentation: Cluster Analysis on Brand Followers
Authors: Bayır Talha
Published: September 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Long-term clinical outcomes and prognostic factors for patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma with other organ invasions after adjuvant radioactive iodine
Authors: Kawamoto Terufumi , Shikama Naoto , Fukumori Tatsuya , Yamada Tetsu , Hoshi Masae
Published: September 2022

Purpose:Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) with other organ invasions is directly related to patient prognosis and quality of life; however,studies on the clinical outcomes of adjuvant radioactive iodine (RAI) for PTC with other organ invasions are limited. This study aimed to clarify the clinical outcomes and prognostic factors for patients with PTC with other organ invasions after adjuvant RAI.Methods:Patients with PTC with other organ invasions without distant metastases who underwent surgery and adjuvant RAI were retrospectively reviewed. The initial response based on the American Thyroid Association guidelines and survival rates were evaluated. Prognostic factors for locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS) were analyzed.Results:Between January 2005 and December 2019, 102 patients were included in the study. Their median age was 55 years. The median follow-up duration was 92 months (range; 30–231 months). The excellent response rate after RAI was 42%. The 7-year overall survival, LRRFS, and recurrence-free survival rates were 100%, 75%, and 75%, respectively. Metastatic lymph node size, resection margin status, and post-RAI suppressed thyroglobulin level were the independent prognostic factors for LRRFS.Conclusion:We confirmed that 75% of patients with PTC with other organ invasions could achieve long-term survival without recurrence after adjuvant RAI. Future development of effective treatment strategies for large metastatic lymph nodes, gross residual tumors, and high serum thyroglobulin levels is warranted.
Deep skin diseases diagnostic system with Dual-channel Image and Extracted Text
Authors: Lv Junwei , Li Huanyu , Zhang Peng , Zhang Daojun , Wei Zikun , Qian Tian , Tang Yiqi , Hu Kun , Huang Xianqiong , Xia Xinxin , Zhang Yishuang , Cheng Haixing , Yu Fubing , Zhang Wenjia , Dan Kena , Liu Xuan , Ye Shujun , He Guangqiao , Jiang Xia , Liu Liwei , Fan Yukun , Song Tingting , Zhou Guomin , Wang Ziyi
Published: September 2022

The estimated number of outpatients with skin diseases in China is ~200 million per year, while the dermatologists are insufficient and the doctor-patient ratio remains low, which causes fewer patients receive effective diagnosis. Compared with others, the diagnosis of skin diseases, which is less reliant on laboratory tests, imaging and pathology, needs the assistance of large hardware devices. By contrast, dermatologic diagnosis requires a combination of visual inspection and interrogation frequently which is exactly what Artificial Intelligence (AI) specialises in — Computer Vision (CV), Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Speech Recognition (SR). This allows a simple image capturing tool embedded with an AI model to perform dermatological diagnosis at the primary level. Hence, based on the dataset, which from Asian, with more than 200,000 images and 220,000 medical records, we explored an AI skin diseases diagnosis model---DIET-AI to diagnose 31 skin diseases, covering the majority of common skin diseases. Ranging from 1st September to 1st December 2021, we prospectively collected case information from 15 hospitals in 7 provinces in China, using mobile devices to collect images and medical records of 6043 cases. Then, we compared the performance of the DIET-AI with 6 doctors of different seniority in the prospective clinical dataset, concluding the average performance of the DIET-AI in 31 diseases is no less than that of all different seniority doctors. By comparing the area under curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity, we demonstrate that DIET-AI model is effective under the clinical scenario. It is further validated under more complex clinical scenarios, providing references for exploring the feasibility and performance evaluation of DIET-AI in clinical use afterwards
Reversible Multi-electron Transfer I-/IO3- Cathode enabled by Hetero-halogen for Ultra-high Energy Density Aqueous Batteries
Authors: Xie Congxin , Wang Chao , Xu Yue , Li Tianyu , Fu Qiang , Li Xianfeng
Published: September 2022

The ever-increasing need for more energy-dense batteries is fuelling global research and innovations in new redox chemistry and device design. Lithium-ion batteries adopting organic electrolytes have the potential to deliver high energy densities, however, they usually have to compromise on safety‒a metric of equal importance. Here, we show an aqueous battery that exhibits a volumetric energy density far beyond the state of the art, together with long cycling life and excellent power performance. The high energy density is realized by employing highly concentrated hetero-halogen electrolytes that contain I- and Br-, which can realize a multi-electron transfer process of I-/IO3- with high reversibility and excellent kinetics. The intermediate bromide species can enhance the reaction kinetics and alleviate overpotential, leading to reversible and fast multi-electron transfer. Using a 6 M halogen electrolyte to achieve more than 30 M electron transfers per litre (the highest reported so far is 9 M), the I-/IO3- cathode displayed super high specific capacity of 830 Ah L-1. A battery with Cd/Cd2+ as anode demonstrated an energy density of >1200 Wh L-1catholyte, which is by far the highest value for aqueous batteries. Even at a current density of 120 mA cm-2 an energy efficiency of 72% can be obtained. Our work demonstrates that safe aqueous batteries with high energy density are possible, offering a new and evolutional option for grid scale energy storage and electric vehicles.
Heterogeneity in cardiovascular deaths or hospitalizations for heart failure from cardiovascular outcome trials is linked to weight: A meta-regression analysis
Authors: GHOSAL Prof SAMIT , Sinha Binayak , Mukherjee Rik
Published: September 2022

Background and aim
Cardiovascular outcome trials with sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) have documented a positive impact on micro- and macrovascular complications of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Most analyses suggest that these benefits are independent of achieving metabolic control. This meta-regression analysis was undertaken to explore the relationship between metabolic components positively influenced by SGLT-2is and a reduction in cardiovascular death (CV death) or hospitalization due to heart failure (hHF).
Materials and methods
A database search was conducted using the Cochrane Library to identify relevant studies. Analysis was conducted using CMA and RStudio (2022.07.1) software. The hazard ratios of the individual studies were used to compute the random effects model mean effect size for CV death or hHF, and the prediction interval was used to identify the uncertainty in the summary treatment effect. Heterogeneity was quantified using Q statistics.
Results
A pooled population of 46,969 patients from five studies was included for analysis. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the quality of the studies. There was a significant 23% reduction in CV deaths or hHFs in the SGLT-2i arm compared to the placebo arm (hazard ratio (HR): 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70–0.85). However, the prediction interval (0.57–1.05) and the Q statistic (8.06 > degrees of freedom (df) of 4) were indicative of uncertainty in the true effect or heterogeneity. Among the moderators selected, a significant correlation of the outcomes was found with the weight variable (p < 0.01).
Conclusion
The results of this meta-regression analysis suggest that the beneficial effects of SGLT-2is in reducing CV deaths and hHFs are related to the weight variable.
Finerenone in type 2 diabetes and renal outcomes: A random-effects model meta-analysis
Authors: GHOSAL SAMIT , Sinha Binayak
Published: September 2022

Background:The nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid antagonist finerenone is a new addition to the list of agents (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors) conferring renal protection to patients with diabetic kidney disease. Two recent meta-analyses using the fixed effect model in patients with chronic kidney disease (both diabetic and nondiabetic populations) came to a conflicting conclusion on the effect of finerenone on eGFR decline. This meta-analysis was undertaken exclusively in the type 2 diabetes (T2D) population to explore the robustness and heterogeneity of the effect size by conducting a random effects model meta-analysis along with draft plots and prediction intervals.Materials and methods:A database search was conducted using the Cochrane library to identify relevant citations. Analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4.1 and R studio RStudio. (2022.07.1, Build 554). The hazard ratio was used as the effect size for the renal composite, while the standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to estimate the effect size of eGFR decline and reduction in the urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR).Results:A pooled population of 13,943 patients from four citations was included for analysis. The Cochrane risk of bias was used to assess the quality of the studies. There was a significant 16% reduction in the renal composite (kidney failure, a sustained decrease of at least 40% in the eGFR from baseline, or death from renal causes) [HR: 0.84, 95% CI 0.77-0.92, t2: 0, I2: 0%). Finerenone was also associated with reduction in UACR (SMD: -0.49, 95% CI -0.53 to -0.46, t2: < 0.0001, I2: 0%, prediction interval: -0.57 to -0.41) and prevention of decline in eGFR (SMD: -0.32, 95% CI -0.37 to -0.27, t2: < 0.0001, I2: 0%, prediction interval: -0.43 to -0.21) without any evidence for significant heterogeneity. Except for an increase in hyperkalaemia (RR: 2.22, 95% CI 1.93-2.24), adverse events were observed with fineronone compared to placebo (RR: 1.00, 95% CI 0.98-1.01).Conclusion:There are significant benefits in renal outcomes associated with finerenone treatment in T2D patients with established chronic kidney disease with a side effect profile comparable to placebo.
Inhibitors to the Adoption of Building Information Modelling in Modular Construction: A Case Study of the Nigerian Construction Industry
Authors:   Construction Management and Quantity Surveying Department, Durban University of Technology, Durban, SOUTH AFRICA, Awodele Imoleayo Abraham , Mewomo Modupe Cecilia ,   Construction Management and Quantity Surveying Department, Durban University of Technology, Durban, SOUTH AFRICA, Eze Emmanuel Chidiebere ,   Department of Quantity Surveying, Federal University of Technology, Akure, NIGERIA
Published: September 2022

Building information modelling (BIM) adoption transforms how construction projects are delivered. Modular construction (MC) is a modern construction method that drives continuous improvement and value addition globally. BIM and MC offer enormous benefits in enhancing project delivery and attaining sustainable construction. This is a major driving force causing the drift from traditional methods to a more digitised approach anchored on technology. Despite these benefits, the level of sophistication in project delivery and the application of these innovative methodologies are low and housing construction projects are delivered with poor performance outcomes in developing countries like Nigeria. This study assessed the inhibitors to the use of BIM in driving MC and the measures for improving the adoption of BIM in MC project deliveries in Nigeria. A well-structured quantitative questionnaire was administered to construction experts using Snowball sampling techniques via electronic means to collect data. With a response rate of 70% and a reliability index of above 0.80, the collected data were analysed using frequencies, percentages and mean item scores. It was found that the level of BIM and MC was high, but BIM adoption in MC was low. The inhibitors to this low adoption level are the high cost of investment in hardware and software, the comfort with the existing methods and resistance to change, the lack of management support, the complexity of BIM software, the lack of interest in sharing information among stakeholders, the problems with collaboration and the legal issues with multiple designs and fabrication. It is recommended that collaboration between construction and technology firms be encouraged to improve BIM application in MC for better productivity and project outcomes. The government should support the use of modern methodologies in the delivery of projects to help improve infrastructure provision, value addition and citizens’ well-being.
Multiphase Project Risk Management on Food Factory Building Construction: Consultant Perspective
Authors:   Civil Engineering Department, Universitas Mercu Buana, Jakarta 11650, INDONESIA, Erlita Anastasia , Amin Mawardi ,   Civil Engineering Department, Universitas Mercu Buana, Jakarta 11650, INDONESIA, Bintoro Bambang Purwoko Kusumo ,   Management Program Study, Universitas Bakrie, Jakarta 12920, INDONESIA
Published: September 2022

This article reports on research on a flour mill factory building construction in Indonesia by investigating the root cause of time overrun in consultant perspective. While numerous risks are identified during the phases of construction project, it is unknown which risk is the primary cause of project delays. To have a better understanding of the optimisation of the risk management and the risk mitigation, a multiphase risk management is proposed, which is divided into four phases, namely pre-design, design, tender and construction. Employing the bow-tie analysis enables a more in-depth examination to identify the risk. From each bow-tie diagram, a detailed risk mitigation table can be formulated and made the response for each risk easier to plan. The probability impact matrix is then used to identify the risk score and to evaluate the risk. This research began by giving questionnaires to 45 qualified respondents. It was found that 45 factors that caused the delay in all phases were divided into nine factors from the pre-design phase, 14 factors from the design phase, 6 factors from the tender phase and 16 factors from the construction phase. As the final step of the risk management process, there are various responses in this research depends on their final assessment based on the scores and the questionnaire results. Factory building construction is quite different from the other type of building construction because machine design also being an important part that affects the structural, architectural, mechanical and electrical aspects.
A Regression Model to Enhance the Profitability of Local Construction Contractors in Uganda
Authors:   Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Kyambogo University, P.O. Box 1, Kyambogo, UGANDA, Buhamizo Isaac , Muhwezi Lawrence ,   Department of Civil Engineering, Kabale University, P.O. Box 317, Kabale, UGANDA, Sengonzi Ruth ,   Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Kyambogo University, P.O. Box 1, Kyambogo, UGANDA
Published: September 2022

Doubtlessly, the primary goal of every construction company is to maximise profitability. Without this, construction companies cannot survive. Incidentally, Ugandan local construction contractors (LCCs) continue to collapse in a short period, despite enormous public and private investments in the construction sector. This study investigates the profitability of LCCs in Uganda. An investigation was conducted to develop a regression model that would enable LCCs to enhance their profitability and minimise business failure. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect primary data from 47 local construction companies registered with the Uganda National Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors (UNABCEC) and secondary data were collected from audited books of accounts covering from year 2016 to 2018. Thirty-five valid responses were received, representing a response rate of 74%. Data were coded into SPSS version 25, analysed and displayed using the relative importance index (RII), statistical correlation and regression analysis. The findings indicated that the profitability of LCCs was unsatisfactory when compared to the profitability ratios recommended for the construction industry and those of contractors in other countries. The results also indicate that the profitability of LCCs is significantly affected by the timeliness of payments, cost of finance, competitive bidding environment, project delays, price fluctuations and corruption tendencies, in that order. The findings of this study will benefit construction industry players by providing awareness about the factors affecting the profitability of LCCs. A regression model to enhance profitability was developed using regression analysis. This will help LCCs enhance their profitability by developing mitigation strategies that prevent low profitability; consequently, business failure will be minimised.
Determination of Contractor Strategies in Delivering Construction Projects in Oman
Authors:   School of Housing, Building and Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang, MALAYSIA, Powmya Ayisha , Nazirah Zainul Abidin ,   School of Housing, Building and Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang, MALAYSIA, Nurul Sakina Mokhtar Azizi ,   School of Housing, Building and Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang, MALAYSIA
Published: September 2022

Contractors are responsible to deliver construction projects as per contract. Past literature highlighted various implications of poor project delivery and as the ones who are responsible to deliver the project, contractors need to plan and strategise to ensure their projects are successfully delivered to the client. This article focuses on identifying the strategies adopted by Omani main contractors to deliver construction projects successfully. Using 48 strategies identified through literature review, a survey has been conducted with 108 main contractors in Oman with top grade level of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) to investigate the significant strategies adapted ensuring successful project delivery. The top grade level contractor is on the focus of this research because they are involved as main contractors for construction projects in Oman. Using factor analysis technique, the 48 strategies have been reduced into 28 sub-strategies which are grouped into 7 main strategies. The seven main strategies are: (1) People and subcontractor management, (2) Technology and innovative solutions adoption, (3) Quality, safety and environmental protection, (4) Develop technical capability, monitor and control, (5) Organisational efficiency and financial stability, (6) Legislative compliance and (7) Clients’ satisfaction. This research revisits the successful strategy for project delivery and restructures them to suit the practices in Oman. The strategy can be emulated by contractors in the country and perhaps other Middle East countries, as a way to expedite better construction performance.
Thermal equation of state of ice-VII revisited by single-crystal X-ray diffraction
Authors: Lai Xiaojing , Zhu Feng , Zhang Dongzhou , Tkachev Sergey , Prakapenka Vitali B. , Chao Keng-Hsien , Chen Bin
Published: September 2022

Ice-VII is a high-pressure polymorph of H2O ice and an important mineral widely present in many planetary environments, such as in the interiors of large icy planetary bodies, within some cold subducted slabs, and in diamonds of deep origin as mineral inclusions. However, its stability at high pressures and high temperatures and thermoelastic properties are still under debate. In this study, we synthesized ice-VII single crystals in externally heated diamond-anvil cells and conducted single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments up to 78 GPa and 1000 K to revisit the high-pressure and high-temperature phase stability and thermoelastic properties of ice-VII. No obvious unit-cell volume discontinuity or strain anomaly of the high-pressure ice was observed up to the highest achieved pressures and temperatures. The volume-pressure-temperature data were fitted to a high-temperature Birch-Murnaghan equation of state formalism, yielding bulk modulus KT0 = 21.0(4) GPa, its first pressure derivative KT0′ = 4.45(6), dK/dT = –0.009(4) GPa/K, and thermal expansion relation αT = 15(5) × 10–5 + 15(8) × 10–8 × (T – 300) K–1. The determined phase stability and thermoelastic properties of ice-VII can be used to model the inner structure of icy cosmic bodies. Combined with the thermoelastic properties of diamonds, we can reconstruct the isomeke P-T paths of ice-VII inclusions in diamond from depth, offering clues on the water-rich regions in Earth’s deep mantle and the formation environments of those diamonds.
Pemanfaatan Ruang Terbuka Hijau sebagai Area Pertanian Perkotaan pada Jl. Frans Seda Kelurahan Fatululi Kota Kupang – NTT
Authors: Mberu Yuliana Bhara , Rayawulan Robertus M. , Seran Marchiani Rosario
Published: September 2022

Title: Utilization of Green Open Space as Urban Agricultural Area in Frans Seda Street, Fatululi, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara
 
Kupang City is a municipality and capital city of East Nusa Tenggara, has an area of ​​180.27 km2 and an urban population of 423,800 people spread over 6 sub-districts and 51 urban villages. The city of Kupang has the nickname Karang City, because it has an uncertain climate with the dry season relatively longer than the rainy season. The open space between the 2 lanes of the road in Fatululi Village, Oebobo District, is used to grow vegetables by local residents. This is an interesting potential and example as an urban agriculture in the midst of the Covid-19 outbreak. Open space is not only planted with ornamental plants, but also planted with food crops that are beneficial for the food needs of the community. The research target is the potential for more efficient use of green open space to support food needs in urban areas. Qualitative descriptive method was used in this study. This explanation of the use of city open space as an urban area is described in depth to explain the use of open space which is the locus of the study, namely the area of ​​open space in the Frans Seda Street – Fatululi, Kupang area. The method of data collection was carried out by direct observation, conducting interviews with resource persons, and conducting literature studies. The result of this research is the realization of ecological, economic, socio-cultural, and aesthetic functions in this area so that it can support the function of green open space in a sustainable manner.
High-frequency transport and zero-sound in an array of SYK quantum dots
Authors: Aleksey Lunkin , Feigel'man Mikhail
Published: September 2022

We study an array of strongly correlated quantum dots of complex SYK
type and account for the effects of quadratic terms added to the SYK
Hamiltonian; both local terms and inter-dot tunneling are considered in
the non-Fermi-liquid temperature range T \gg T_{FL}T≫TFL.
We take into account soft-mode fluctuations and demonstrate their
relevance for physical observables. Electric
\sigma(\omega,p)σ(ω,p)
and thermal \kappa(\omega,p)κ(ω,p)
conductivities are calculated as functions of frequency and momentum for
arbitrary values of the particle-hole asymmetry parameter
\mathcal{E}ℰ.
At low-frequencies \omega \ll Tω≪T
we find the Lorenz ratio L = \kappa(0,0)/T\sigma(0,0)L=κ(0,0)/Tσ(0,0)
to be non-universal and temperature-dependent. At
\omega \gg Tω≫T
the conductivity \sigma(\omega,p)σ(ω,p)
contains a pole with nearly linear dispersion
\omega \approx sp\sqrt{\ln\frac{\omega}{T}}ω≈splnωT
reminiscent of the “zero-sound”, known for Fermi-liquids. We demonstrate
also that the developed approach makes it possible to understand the
origin of heavy Fermi liquids with anomalously large Kadowaki-Woods
ratio.
Traveling-wave antenna model for terahertz radiation from laser-plasma interactions
Authors: Zhao Jiayu , Wang Qining , Hui Yuchen , Chen Yamin , Zhu Feifan , Jin Zuanming , Shkurinov Alexander P. , Peng Yan , Zhu Yiming , Zhuang Songlin , Lao Li
Published: September 2022

Generation of terahertz (THz) wave from air plasma induced by femtosecond laser pulses with a single central frequency (the so-called "single-color") is one of the fundamental interactions between light and matter, and is also the basis of subsequent pumping schemes using two- or multi-color laser fields. Recently, more states of media beyond gas (e.g., atomic cluster and liquid) via photo-ionization have brought new experimental observations of THz radiation, which can no longer be simply attributed to the mainstream model of the transition-Cherenkov radiation (TCR), thus making the whole picture unclear. Here, we revisited the mechanism of this dynamic process in a new view of the traveling-wave antenna (TWA) model. By successfully reproducing the reported far-field THz radiation profiles from various plasma filament arrangements, the wide applicability of the TWA theory has been revealed. On the other hand in the microscopic view, we investigated the plasma oscillation during filamentation aiming at further bridging the plasma filament and the antenna. Accordingly, THz-plasma resonance has been theoretically and experimentally demonstrated as the elementary THz emitter, paving the way towards fully understanding this important single-color plasma based THz source.
Editorial
Authors: Alvites Huamaní Cleofé Genoveva
Published: September 2022

El editor en jefe en conjunto con otros profesionales del ámbito académico y científico, garantizan la publicación de los artículos en una revista científica, al hacer cumplir los estándares científicos, éticos y académicos que exige la divulgación y la visibilidad del progreso de la ciencia en sus distintas vertientes a través de los textos inéditos publicados.
The impact of leadership styles on service quality and customer satisfaction: A comparative analysis between foreign and domestic capital banks in Kosovo
Authors: Buja Vrullim , Qerimi Fidan , Behluli Arberesha
Published: September 2022

This study measured the impact of leadership styles on service quality and the impact of service quality on customer satisfaction. In addition, it analyzed whether there is a difference in service quality and customer satisfaction between banks by categorizing them by capital types. The quantitative method was used to achieve the objectives. The sample comprised 360 employees of Kosovo banks, where 99 employees were from banks with domestic capital, and 261 were from foreign capital banks. According to the OLS model, the authoritarian style has a more significant impact on the service quality in banks with foreign capital. In contrast, in banks with domestic capital, a transactional style significantly impacts service quality. According to the t-test, there is a statistically significant relationship between consumer satisfaction and banks with foreign and domestic capital, with the greatest consumer satisfaction in banks with foreign capital. However, considering the service quality, the t-test showed a non-significant result, which means that there is no difference in the service quality between the two categories of banks. This paper found that the leadership style has a higher effect on the service quality of the two categories of banks, recommending that banks fill the gap between the style used and the one that affects the service quality best. Banks also received feedback on customer satisfaction to strengthen SERVQUAL model components, improving service quality and increasing customer satisfaction.
AcknowledgmentThe authors are grateful to AAB College for the support in preparing this paper.
Accommodative-Hybrid Religious Encounters and Interfaith Dialogue: A Study of Lamaholot Muslims and Catholics in East Flores
Authors: Atasoge Anselmus Dorewoho , Husein Fatimah , Masruri Siswanto
Published: September 2022

This paper focused its attention on three main problems. First, the changes occurred when ancestral religious rituals in Lamaholot collided with Islam and Catholicism. Second, the social cohesion capital possessed by the Lamaholot community in building inter­religious and interfaith dialogue in East Flores. Third, the challenges faced, and negotiations carried out in the interreligious and interfaith interaction and dialogue. This paper is constructed upon structural functionalism theory. Data was collected using observations, interviews, and documents. Data analysis method and technique used in this paper were interpretive qualitative. This paper identified two domains as entry points for developing interreligious and interfaith dialogue. First, the concepts of divinity in local Lamaholot rituals and in the world’s religions (Islam and Catholicism) meet and strengthen each other and become the epistemological basis for dialogue. Second, Lamaholot rituals become a medium for transmitting the values of Lamaholot solidarity.
Maintaining Inter-religious Harmony through Acculturation of the Local Tradition in the Dani Muslim Community, Papua
Authors: Makatita Ahmad Syarif , Husain Natasya Aulia , Harahap Abdul Aziz
Published: September 2022

This study aims to identify patterns of social interaction among the inter-religious communities in Jayawijaya, Papua, through the tradition of Bakar Batu. This study employs a qualitative approach by interpreting data from observation and interviews. Associative and dissociative social interaction patterns are also used as analytical theories. This study revealed that the associative interaction pattern is evident in the social interaction between the Dani Muslim community and the Christian community in the Bakar Batu tradition through accommodation and acculturation. The accommodation process is reflected in the form of tolerance; both respect each other despite their different religious teachings. Meanwhile, the acculturation process is found in reconstructing the essential elements in the practice of the Bakar Batu tradition by substituting pork with halal meat. The theoretical implication of this study reveals that associative patterns of social interaction can be the basis for paradigms and approaches to harmonizing relations among distinct religious communities and between religion and culture. However, this study has not discussed the role of Islamic socio-religious institutions or organizations in the practice of the Bakar Batu tradition.
Effect of warp and weft uniaxial tension on the permeability of sand covered with geotextile
Authors: Man Xiaolei , Li Hongge , Xiao Hao , Wang Hanyue , Rong Mengyu
Published: September 2022

The permeability of sand covered with geotextile is affected by the permeability of geotextile, which is related to the tensile state of the geotextile. Considering the weaving mode of geotextile, the effects of warp tension and weft tension on the permeability of sand covered with geotextile were studied by experiment. Four different specifications of geotextiles were selected for warp and weft tension respectively. The changes of permeability parameters of sand covered with geotextile under non tension, warp and weft tension were measured by vertical permeability instrument, and the effects of warp and weft tension on permeability parameters such as seepage velocity, sand loss and gradient ratio were analyzed. The test results show that the water permeability and anti silting performance of the geotextile increase with the increase of tensile strain, and the soil conservation performance decreases with the tensile strain increasing. Meanwhile, the relationship between permeability and warp tensile strain is not monotonic. When the warp tensile strain 3%, the water permeability and anti silting performance of geotextile are the weakest, and the soil conservation performance is the strongest.
A review of seawater desalination with membrane distillation: material development and energy requirements
Authors: Adewole Jimoh Kayode , Al Maawali Hilal M. , Jafary Tahereh , Firouzi Amin , Oladipo Habeebllah
Published: September 2022

The importance of membrane technology development in our daily life cannot be overemphasized. Over the past decades, membrane technology has become very popular in providing potable water for mankind. However, old technologies (such as reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration) which are highly energy intensive are still very common in water treatment industries. In this review, the capability of low energy consumption membrane distillation (MD) technology is reviewed with emphasis on material development and energy requirement. We begin by reviewing the history of the MD process, configurations, module types, membrane materials, material fabrication methods, material properties, material modification techniques, application, and energy requirements. Factors which influence the performance of MD – both design and operating conditions – are then extensively discussed. Furthermore, we report desalination and wastewater treatment as the hottest areas of application where MD has gained significant interest. Membrane hydrophobicity and fouling resistance are identified as pivotal areas where improvement in MD performance is being sought. We then discuss various industries where MD is presently being applied. We conclude by highlighting the energy requirements of MD and identify solar energy as a renewable energy resource which could meet the energy requirement of MD technology. It is hoped that this review paper will foster interest in and provide insights on material development for membrane distillation application.
Inalienabilidad como fundamento de la libertad y el derecho indígena al veto. Traducción intercultural en las constituciones de Colombia y Ecuador
Authors: Figueroa Isabela
Published: September 2022

La inalienabilidad de las tierras indígenas, vigente en las Constituciones de Colombia y Ecuador, puede ser leída como una zona de contacto para el trabajo de traducción intercultural propuesto por Santos.  Es un equívoco cultural a ser explorado en el perspectivismo de Viveiros de Castro, permitiendo comunicación entre los sistemas indígenas de tenencia de tierras y el régimen liberal de la propiedad privada. Aunque creadas con la finalidad de transformar las tierras y posesión indígenas, las reglas de inalienabilidad sirvieron como un instrumento para su protección, por lo que su constitucionalización fue reivindicada por los movimientos indígenas de Ecuador y Colombia. Las asambleas constituyentes de los noventas, aunque hayan sido el lugar más adecuado para dar inicio a los diálogos interculturales en el campo de lo que llamamos Derecho, preservan asimetrías de poder porque conservan el marco jurídico liberal. A partir de un ejercicio de traducción intercultural en el campo jurídico, este texto defiende el derecho indígena al veto y propone imaginar un marco de negociación intercultural en cuyo ámbito el Derecho sea visto como un sistema amplio de comunicaciones.
Narrativas de autonomía Nasa: el papel de los caciques y del comunitarismo indígena en la colonia
Authors: Varón Páez Martha Elizabeth , Bríñez García Luisa Fernanda
Published: September 2022

Este artículo presenta los resultados de una investigación sobre las narrativas referentes a los roles desempeñados por los caciques y por el comunitarismo político de los Nasa durante el tiempo de la colonia. El objetivo de esta indagación es rastrear y analizar las formas en las que se han ido construyendo posibles nociones y asociaciones semánticas con el término de autonomía indígena. Es un trabajo de análisis documental centrado en el estudio de textos históricos, políticos e investigativos sobre el periodo colonial. Presta especial atención al análisis de publicaciones de intelectuales Nasa que han escrito sobre la historia política de su pueblo. Este artículo está organizado de la siguiente manera. En primer lugar, presenta un examen de las narrativas sobre la organización precolonial de los Nasa. En segundo lugar, expone las dinámicas conflictivas de defensa territorial indígena durante el tiempo de conquista anterior al dominio español. Tercero, examina el papel de los caciques coloniales y de las dinámicas comunitarias como posibles elementos de cohesión en las luchas políticas y territoriales y en la reclamación por un concepto propio de autonomía Nasa durante la colonia. En relatos sobre las disputas históricas del pueblo indígena Nasa de Colombia, la autonomía surge como reclamo identitario que prevalece en el tiempo. A pesar de las luchas históricas del pueblo Nasa por identificarse a través de la autonomía, este concepto no ha tenido desarrollos homogéneos, ni dentro de su historia, ni dentro de la complejidad de sus concepciones políticas.