bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Universalização do serviço de abastecimento de água na percepção do usuário no município de Itapororoca (PB)
Authors: Andrade Lázaro Ramom dos Santos , Barbosa Robson Fernandes , Alexandre Stefane Nogueira , Feitosa Patrícia Herminio Cunha
Published: October 2019

A Política Nacional de Saneamento Básico, Lei n.11.445/2007, tem como princípio a universalização do acesso aos serviços de abastecimento de água à toda a população. Porém, muitas cidades brasileiras não fornecem tratamento de água ferindo um direito fundamental: à vida humana, previsto na Constituição Federal de 1988. Esse estudo foi realizado na cidade de Itapororoca (PB), e objetivou diagnosticar a universalização do serviço de abastecimento de água segundo a percepção dos usuários, avaliando a qualidade e oferta do serviço prestado. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório e descritivo realizado entre os meses de maio a junho de 2018, o qual foi aplicado 52 questionários em uma associação de moradores no Bairro Vista Alegre. Além dos questionários, foram analisados os laudos técnicos, fornecidos pela Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, com os resultados da qualidade das águas distribuídas para a população. A partir dos resultados, constata-se que o município não atende ao princípio da universalização do serviço abastecimento de água conforme demonstrado nas diferentes análises, seja pela falta de infraestrutura, politicas publicas ou até mesmo de uma eficiente gestão municipal. As análises físico-químicas e microbiológicas distorcem da avaliação dos usuários uma vez que seus resultados não estão dentro dos padrões exigidos pela resolução vigente.
Beyond the Informed Citizen?
Authors: Hartley Jannie Møller , Pedersen Leif Hemming
Published: October 2019

This article presents an in-depth analysis of the narratives of everyday news engagement, and examines what news users perceive as the ideals, values and normative expectations surrounding their orientation to the “public world”. While many studies have examined this orientation related to media consumption in the broad sense, fewer have investigated how public connection and civic experiences are related to a news users’ normative ideals of news engagement. Through such a focus, this study shows the multiple and complex ways in which subjective experiences of news are related to civic experiences, here understood as how audiences articulate and understand their role as citizens in democratic societies. Based on an analysis of semi-structured interviews with, and in-depth media diaries by, 17 Danish news users between the ages of 21 and 65, we find that the often-implied ideal of the informed citizen in democratic theory is very strong among the participants. This is expressed through a narrative of news engagement as a moral obligation to be informed, resulting in what we label dutiful public connection. Secondly, we see a narrative of news consumption as socially expected, which is related to civic experiences such as taking a stand and debating societal issues with other people. In this narrative, the public connection is interpretative. Lastly, the study identifies a narrative of news engagement as genuine interest in news content and a wish to critically evaluate the news and its consequences, resulting in what we have termed a self-actualising public connection.
« Nous sommes morts de peur » : considérations pathémiques sur les opuscules antiturcs de Marko Marulić de Split
Authors: Kraljić Ivan C.
Published: October 2019

The incursions of the Ottomans into Europe starting in the fourteenth century gave rise to a particular genre of literature known as “antiturcic” (antiturcica), by turns warlike, prophetic, and historical. In this vein, the Dalmatian Marko Marulić of Split (1450–1524) composed a Prayer against the Turks (of uncertain date), the Lament of Jerusalem (ca. 1517), and a letter requesting the help of Pope Adrian VI (1522). Marulić was closely familiar with the Ottoman threat: during his life the Ottomans conquered Constantinople, Jerusalem, Syria, Egypt, Serbia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, and finally Belgrade (in 1521)—a victory which cleared their way into Hungary and Croatia. Out of the passionate study comprising these three Marulian antiturcica emerges a rhetoric demonizing the Ottomans, which not only attests to the violent emotions experienced by their author, but also justifies a merciless war against an enemy portrayed as cruel, insatiable, and invincible.
Resumos do VII SIECS
Authors: Simpósio Internacional de Educação em Ciências da Saúde SIECS
Published: October 2019

Não se aplica
The Tudor SND1 protein is an m6A RNA reader essential for replication of Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus
Authors: Baquero-Perez Belinda , Antanaviciute Agne , Yonchev Ivaylo D , Carr Ian M , Wilson Stuart A , Whitehouse Adrian
Published: October 2019

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal RNA modification of cellular mRNAs. m6A is recognised by YTH domain-containing proteins, which selectively bind to m6A-decorated RNAs regulating their turnover and translation. Using an m6A-modified hairpin present in the Kaposi’s sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) ORF50 RNA, we identified seven members from the ‘Royal family’ as putative m6A readers, including SND1. RIP-seq and eCLIP analysis characterised the SND1 binding profile transcriptome-wide, revealing SND1 as an m6A reader. We further demonstrate that the m6A modification of the ORF50 RNA is critical for SND1 binding, which in turn stabilises the ORF50 transcript. Importantly, SND1 depletion leads to inhibition of KSHV early gene expression showing that SND1 is essential for KSHV lytic replication. This work demonstrates that members of the ‘Royal family’ have m6A-reading ability, greatly increasing their epigenetic functions beyond protein methylation.
Extensive impact of low-frequency variants on the phenotypic landscape at population-scale
Authors: Fournier Téo , Abou Saada Omar , Hou Jing , Peter Jackson , Caudal Elodie , Schacherer Joseph
Published: October 2019

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) allow to dissect complex traits and map genetic variants, which often explain relatively little of the heritability. One potential reason is the preponderance of undetected low-frequency variants. To increase their allele frequency and assess their phenotypic impact in a population, we generated a diallel panel of 3025 yeast hybrids, derived from pairwise crosses between natural isolates and examined a large number of traits. Parental versus hybrid regression analysis showed that while most phenotypic variance is explained by additivity, a third is governed by non-additive effects, with complete dominance having a key role. By performing GWAS on the diallel panel, we found that associated variants with low frequency in the initial population are overrepresented and explain a fraction of the phenotypic variance as well as an effect size similar to common variants. Overall, we highlighted the relevance of low-frequency variants on the phenotypic variation.
A unicellular relative of animals generates a layer of polarized cells by actomyosin-dependent cellularization
Authors: Dudin Omaya , Ondracka Andrej , Grau-Bové Xavier , Haraldsen Arthur AB , Toyoda Atsushi , Suga Hiroshi , Bråte Jon , Ruiz-Trillo Iñaki
Published: October 2019

In animals, cellularization of a coenocyte is a specialized form of cytokinesis that results in the formation of a polarized epithelium during early embryonic development. It is characterized by coordinated assembly of an actomyosin network, which drives inward membrane invaginations. However, whether coordinated cellularization driven by membrane invagination exists outside animals is not known. To that end, we investigate cellularization in the ichthyosporean Sphaeroforma arctica, a close unicellular relative of animals. We show that the process of cellularization involves coordinated inward plasma membrane invaginations dependent on an actomyosin network and reveal the temporal order of its assembly. This leads to the formation of a polarized layer of cells resembling an epithelium. We show that this stage is associated with tightly regulated transcriptional activation of genes involved in cell adhesion. Hereby we demonstrate the presence of a self-organized, clonally-generated, polarized layer of cells in a unicellular relative of animals.
Delayed evoked potentials in zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) under midazolam-butorphanol-isoflurane anesthesia
Authors: Yu Pin Huan , Hsiao Yi-Tse
Published: October 2019

Avian animals are visually inclined, which has caused them to attract increasing attention for visual neurophysiology or electrophysiology studies, including the study of the visual evoked potential (VEP). VEP has developed into an investigative tool for understanding the physiology and the pathology of the visual pathway. Chemical restraint is a common method to minimize motion artifacts in animals when acquiring VEP data, but little is known about its influence on the signal in an avian animal. In addition, it is difficult to make comparisons between conscious state data when the animals are ultimately under anesthesia. Therefore, finding drugs and developing protocols that have an acceptable effect is valuable. We compared the local field potentials of physically and chemically restrained zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), a small avian species, to simulate a relatively challenging recording condition. Finches were sedated with midazolam-butorphanol, and anesthesia was maintained by isoflurane. Electrodes were implanted into the left nucleus rotundus, which is a visual nucleus in birds. The VEPs of the control group (N= 3) were recorded after they fully recovered and were restrained by towels. The other birds (N= 3) were recorded under anesthesia. The results show that without the visual stimuli, anesthesia generally suppressed the overall power of field potentials. However, by focusing on the spectra during VEPs, visual stimuli still triggered significant VEPs in frequencies below 30.8 Hz, which were even stronger than towel-restrained birds. The drugs also prolonged the latency of the VEP, increased the duration of the VEP when compared to towel-restrained birds. As regard to towel-restrained zebra finches, the field potentials were less synchronized and may need data preprocessing to have clear VEPs. In conclusion, the current study presents evidence of basic VEP for zebra finch under midazolam-butorphanol-isoflurane anesthesia with a protocol that is a safe and feasible anesthetic combination for chemical restraint, which is particularly useful for small animals when obtaining evoked potentials.
Coherence, Specification and Effectiveness of Agricultural Innovation Systems in Benin
Authors: Moumouni-Moussa Ismail
Published: October 2019

Aims: This paper explores possible approaches of assessing the effectiveness of AIS with the main hypothesis that ex ante analysis of advisory service systems integrating local perspectives can help for early evaluation of their chance of success.

Study Design: The AIS developed by the Cotton Boosting Project and the District Center for Agricultural Promotion were selected as case studies in Bembereke District in Northern Benin. We focused on advisory services provided by these institutions to farmers to better cope with soil fertility decline and the mortality of small ruminants.

Methodology: We constructed an analytical framework based on organizational theories of agricultural services, structured around the concepts of level of (i) intern and extern coherence, (ii) specification and (iii) effectiveness of AIS. We conducted systematic field observations and semi-structured interviews with farmers and agricultural projects leaders to collect qualitative data on the components of AIS, their level of accuracy, the relations between these components, their appropriateness with the intervention contexts, farmers’ perceptions and satisfactions.

Results: The AIS we investigated displayed lack of coherence between objectives, services provided, human and material resources deployed and assets of targeted groups. Specific characteristics of the intervention environment such as rick factor were not often sufficiently considered by project leaders. Objectives and target groups were the less specified components. The low levels of harmony and accuracy between/of the components of the AIS were proportional to their unsatisfactory level of achieved performance, displayed by the persistence of soil degradation and the mortality of small ruminants.

Conclusion: The levels of coherence and specification between/of the components of AIS can tell a lot about its probable level of effectiveness. Such an ex ante analysis may complement usual approaches used to assess the effectiveness of AIS.
Optimization of Water Cooking of Sweet Potato (Ipomea batatas) Leaves and Characterization of Three Nutritional Interest Molecules (Folic Acid, Iron and Phytate)
Authors: Gouekou Désirée A. , S. Guédé Serge , A. Agbo Edith , G. Gbogouri Albarin
Published: October 2019

Sweet potato (Ipomea batatas) leaves are among the leafy vegetables most consumed by Ivorian population. In order to preserve iron and folic acid, and to eliminate phytates, a study of optimization of water cooking of these leaves was conducted. Response surface methodology was employed to describe the effects of cooking time and leaf quantity on iron, folic acid and phytate contents of sweet potato leaves using a central composite design. Response surfaces and isoresponse curves were plotted to visualize areas of interest (optimal points). Results showed that the experimental data were adequately fitted into the second-order polynomial model. Cooking time had significant effects (P < .05) on folic acid and phytate contents. The effect of leaf quantity was significant (P < .01) on the three response variables. In addition, the optimal points were located in areas of the experimental domain where iron and folic acid contents were high. Therefore, three optimal conditions for water cooking (cooking time, leaf quantity) were identified: (10 min, 400 g), (7.93 min, 300 g) and (22.07 min, 441.4 g). Under these conditions, iron and folic acid contents (mg/100 g) were: (49.17, 12.58), (37.00, 16.27) and (48.77, 11.26), respectively. These results could be exploited to formulate iron and folic acid supplementation products from sweet potato leaves.
Antioxidant Responses of Three Pepper (Capsicum annuum) Varieties against Pepper veinal mottle virus
Authors: Nitiema Léon W. , Sombié Pierre A. E. D.
Published: October 2019

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the changes in antioxidant activity and protein content between non-infected and infected leaves of three Capsicum annuum varieties against Pepper veinal mottle virus.

Materials and Methods: Pepper veinal mottle virus isolated from infected pepper plants was inoculated to three healthy varieties of pepper (Pepper Narval, Yolo Wonder and Chili pepper) by gently rubbing on the leaves of 14-day-old seedlings. Control peppers of each variety were treated in the same way with distilled water. The infection of inoculated plants was confirmed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Control and infected leaves were collected 21 days after inoculation (when symptoms manifested) and used for biochemical analyses. Change in different biochemical parameters (catalase, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde and protein) in infected pepper plant was observed compared to control non-infected ones.

Results: Catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were increased in Pepper Narval and Pepper Yolo Wonder infected leaves compared to non-infected, while a significant decrease was observed in infected Chili pepper compared to control. Higher malondialdehyde content was found in Pepper Yolo Wonder and Chili pepper infected leaves (P < 0.05) than control while a non-significant difference was shown between the infected and non-infected of Pepper Narval variety (P > 0.05). Infected Chili pepper showed high protein content compared to control (P < 0.05). An opposite trend was observed in pepper Narval and Yolo Wonder varieties (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that Pepper veinal mottle virus infection induces changes in antioxidant enzymes activities, malondialdehyde and total protein levels. These biochemical components were greatly expressed differentially between Pepper veinal mottle virus infected and non-infected in Pepper Yolo Wonder variety. Further studies with more biochemical parameters may contribute to improve the pepper tolerance mechanism to Pepper veinal mottle virus in a breeding program.
Turbine Dimensionless Coefficients and the Net Head/Flow Rate Characteristic for a Simplified Pico Hydro Power System
Authors: Okibe Edeoja Alex , Ekoja Matthew , Sunday Ibrahim Joshua
Published: October 2019

The basic operational parameters of a simplified pico-hydropower system with provision for water recycling were investigated. Five simplified turbine of runner diameters 0.45, 0.40, 0.35, 0.30 and 0.25 m were designed, locally fabricated, and tested in conjunction with five PVC pipes of diameters 0.0762, 0.0635, 0.0508, 0.0445 and 0.0381 m as penstocks. Five simple nozzles of area ratios 1.0, 0.8, 0.6, 0.4 and 0.2 were fabricated for each penstock diameter. The turbines were successively mounted at the foot of an overhead reservoir such that the effective vertical height from the outlet of the reservoir to the plane of the turbine shaft was 6.95 m. A 1.11 kW electric pump was used to recycle the water downstream of the turbine back to the overhead reservoir. The mean maximum and minimum rotational speeds of the shaft of each turbine were measured for each penstock diameter and nozzle area ratio, and the volumes of water displaced in the reservoirs were also monitored. These measured data were used to compute shaft power and system volumetric flow rate for each operation. Dimensionless flow, head and power coefficients, and specific speed were computed and functional characteristics relating them developed. This standard procedure generally used for the analysis of geometrically similar hydraulic machines have been applied to this system and the results obtained will be invaluable in development of the system into a simple, environmentally friendly and decentralized small power generation system that could potentially contribute positively to the energy mix in Nigeria. The possibility of scaling the system to accommodate larger turbine and penstock diameters, and as a result higher capacity alternators exist and is a target for future developments.
Control Techniques and Power Factor Correction Methods: A Review
Authors: Adedayo Ajenikoko Ganiyu , Adigun Oluwatomi , Olayinka Rafiu Amend
Published: October 2019

The ratio of real power flowing into the load to the apparent power in a circuit is referred to as the power factor (PF). It has no unit as its values lie between 0 and 1. Power factor correction (PFC) leads to a reduction in apparent power drawn from the ac source which in turn saves energy and minimizes the transmission losses. This paper reviews various methods used for PFC as well as the various control measures for power factor. The correction methods include distributed PFC, group PFC, centralized PFC and combined PFC. Distributed PFC is applicable to large electrical equipment with constant load and power with long connection times. Combined PFC is the hybrid between a distributed and a centralized correction method. Peak current control technique makes use of constant switching frequency even though, the presence of sub-harmonic oscillations at a duty cycle greater than 50% is a disadvantage. The presence of constant switching frequency and better input current waveforms are some of the applications of average current control. In the discontinuous current pulse width modulation (PWM) control, the internal current loop is completely eliminated so that the switch is at a constant frequency. In nonlinear carrier controllers, the duty ratio is determined by comparing a signal derived from the main switch current with a periodic nonlinear carrier waveform. Therefore, combined PFC and nonlinear carrier controllers are more accurate PFC methods for the power plant because they employ a high power factor boost converter with low total harmonic distortion for installations of large equipment with a constant load. This research paper forms a basis for power system planning as it assists in recommending the appropriate and adequate technique(s) for correcting and controlling the pf of the factory.
Modeling and Optimization of Operational Costs of Nissan Urvan Vehicles of a Fleet Operator
Authors: C. Godwin Harold , S. Aguh Patrick , O. Umeozokwere Anthony
Published: October 2019

This study focused on Modeling and Optimization of the operational costs of Nissan Urvan Vehicles of a fleet operator in Anambra State Nigeria. The special design used to fit a second order model needed to optimize the operational costs of Nissan Urvan Vehicles was Box - Behnken design while response surface method (RSM) was used to model and optimize performance characteristics of the vehicles. The response function of the second order model is best characterized by multivariate power equation. Ten (10) years operation data were collected from two sources, namely primary and secondary sources. The primary source of data was from the workshop manager and the statistical office of the company, and from Metrological Institute of Nigeria. The secondary source of data was from Books consulted at different Libraries. The outcome of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) for RSM optimization of operational costs of Nissan Urvan vehicles showed that all the control factors are significant except factors (B, C, D) of replacement costs. From the result of the income generated at optimum condition and the sum of the maintenance & replacement costs compared, by the year 2013 the income generated is less than the sum of maintenance & replacement costs. It was observed that the operation of the transportation system is economical for a period of 8 years (from 2005 – 2012), where the income generated is more than the maintenance & replacement costs.It is hereby recommended that response surface model should be deployed for the operation analysis of the case study company vehicles to enhance efficient utilization and profitability.
Excel Approach for Infiltration Capacity for Different Lands
Authors: El-Hazek Alaa Nabil
Published: October 2019

This paper presents an Excel approach for infiltration capacity for different types of lands. That is to employ the popular Microsoft Excel software to represent the measured infiltration data graphically. Regression analysis is performed for the accumulated infiltration versus the time. Equations are obtained to predict the accumulated infiltration at required times.

Thirty one raw infiltration measurements from various sources are gathered, studied and analyzed applying this approach. Measurements include different types of soil textures and land covers. The infiltration rates are measured by the commonly used infiltrometer. Both single infiltrometer and double infiltrometer are employed.

It is concluded that the presented Polynomial infiltration model of Excel approach for the accumulated infiltration is associated with high accuracy, where the values of coefficient of determination (R2) range between 0.9850 and 0.9998. The obtained equations can help in irrigation processes.

All the gathered raw experimental infiltration measurements are also analyzed employing Horton and Kostiakov infiltration models. It is found that the Polynomial infiltration model of Excel approach has higher accuracy, followed by Kostiakov model, and finally Horton model. The values of different constants of Horton and Kostiakov infiltration models for all cases are obtained. The accuracy of the Polynomial, Horton and Kostiakov infiltration models are studied considering the types of soil texture and land cover.

Investigating the constants A, B and C of the obtained equation of the polynomial infiltration model of Excel approach, it is found that all A values are negative, all B values are positive, and all C values are positive except for sandy clay and sandy clay loam soils. There is no specific trend for the effect of the associated land cover on constants A, B, and C except for loamy sand soil, where B and C values for bare land are greater than their values for irrigated land.
Challenges and Resolution for Copper Wirebonding on Tapeless Leadframe Chip-on-Lead Technology
Authors: Sumagpang Jr Antonio R. , Gomez Frederick Ray I.
Published: October 2019

This technical paper discusses a methodological and systematic way of resolving key challenges during introduction of Chip-On-Lead package specifically wirebonding issues that leads to production dilemma during production ramp-up of products using copper wire in tapeless leadframe. The project was intended to determine the “Red-X” or the major cause of yield detractors that may lead to quality issue during wirebonding process.

Problem solving tools were showcased in this paper such as Data Analysis, Cause and Effect, Design-of–Experiment (DOE) and mechanical dimensional analysis which provided substantial impact in determining the real root-cause of the problem. Step-by-step elimination of variables was achieved with the use of statistical engineering tools. Outcome of the project eliminated the occurrence of Non-Stick-On-Pad (NSOP) during wirebonding process without cost involved and just optimizing the available in-house resources.  The improvements also enhanced the quality of the product after final test which on the other hand lower the risk of having potential customer complaint in the future.
Effect of Tillage Speed, Depth, Ballast Weight and Tire Inflation Pressure on the Fuel Consumption of the Agricultural Tractor: A Review
Authors: Mamkagh Amer M.
Published: October 2019

Tillage is a very important practice in agriculture in many countries and accounts for more traction energy than any other field operation. Tillage operation consumes up to 59% of all diesel fuel required for the complete technology so reduced tractor fuel consumption during tillage will result in both environmental and agricultural economic benefits.

Several attempts have been made to study the fuel consumption of the agricultural tractor in order to minimize it to acceptable levels during the tillage operations. Some factors like tillage speed, depth, ballast weight and tires inflation pressure of the tractor can affect the tractor fuel consumption. This article reviews these factors to give possibility for further research to focus on the potential solutions to decrease the fuel consumption of the agricultural tractors.
Design of Common-Source/Drain Active Balun Using 90nm CMOS Technology
Authors: Gomez Frederick Ray I. , Leon Maria Theresa G. De , Hizon John Richard E.
Published: October 2019

This research paper presents a design and study of a common-source/drain active balun circuit implemented in a standard 90-nm complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology.  The active balun design is intended for worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) application, with operating frequency of 5.8GHz and supply voltage of 1V.  Measurements are taken for parameters namely gain difference, phase difference, and noise figure.  The common-source active balun design achieved a minimal gain difference of 0.016dB, phase difference of 180° ± 7.1°, and noise figure of 7.42-9.85dB, which are comparable to past active balun designs and researches.  The design eventually achieved a low power consumption of 2.56mW.
EdDSA Over Galois Field GF(p^m) for Multimedia Data
Authors: Shivani Y. N. , Srinivas A. , Thanmayi B. K. , Vignesh V. , Srividya B. V.
Published: October 2019

The Edwards-curve Digital Signature Algorithm (EdDSA) was proposed to perform fast public-key digital signatures and thus replace the Elliptic-Curve Digital Signature Algorithm. Its key advantages over the latter include higher performance and straightforward, secure implementation for embedded devices. EdDSA algorithm is implemented over Galois Field. The operations like addition and multiplication in Galois field are different compared to normal addition and multiplication. Hence implementing EdDSA over Galois field provides more security compared to the conventional EdDSA signature. The basics of Galois Field and its application to store data is introduced. The finite field GF (pm) is an indispensable mathematical tool for some research fields such as information coding, cryptology, theory and application of network coding.
Design of Medical Wastes Incinerator for Health Care Facilities in Akure
Authors: Olanrewaju O. O. , Fasinmirin R. J.
Published: October 2019

Health Care Facilities (HCFs) are primarily saddled with the responsibilities of providing medical care, thus ensuring sound health of individuals. Tremendous efforts have been made by the government to ensure her availability in nooks and crannies of every community, which have resulted into improved medical services. However, among other environmental challenges confronting health care facilities in developing countries is Medical Waste generated in the course of carrying out their duties which is often ignored and in most instances treated as municipal or domestic solid waste. Effective management of medical waste requires keen planning, training and tracking throughout the waste generation, segregation, storage, collection, transportation, treatment and disposal processes. The fundamental information for selecting and designing the most efficient treatment method of medical waste is obtained by means of Waste Composition Analysis. Results from this study revealed that the daily waste generation rate of Ondo State Specialist Hospital Akure (OSSHA) and Mother and Child Hospital Akure (MCHA) was 124.5 kg/day. The hospitals’ waste consists of 81.6% combustible wastes and 18.4% non-combustible wastes by mass. The combustible wastes are paper (6.50%), textiles (14.34%), cardboard (3.88%), plastics (6.04%) and food waste (19.08%). Since the ratio of combustible medical waste is higher than non-combustible medical waste, incineration (thermal destruction) at elevated temperature under controlled operational condition is considered the best disposal option to detoxify the medical waste. In other to prevent the release of harmful gases from burnt medical waste through incinerator, a counter-current packed bed wet scrubber is designed which operates by impaction and absorption.
Numerical Study of Strip Footings Behavior on Compacted Sand
Authors: Radwan Nasser A. A. , Bahloul Khaled M. M.
Published: October 2019

The aim of this research is to investigate numerically the effect of using compacted sand as soil replacement layer beneath a strip footing on its bearing capacity. Finite element computer software Plaxis 2D version 8.6 was used to predict the behavior of strip footing resting on loose sand and on compacted sand. Study was conducted for footing widths of 1 up to 2 meters and various depths ranging from 1m up to 2m, also the effect of replacement layer thickness was investigated. It was found that using replacement layer beneath strip footing increases its bearing capacity for different widths and depths of footing. This improvement is observed up to thickness of replacement layer equal to 3 times the footing width (H/B=3), where further increase in replacement layer thickness does not affect significantly bearing capacity of footings.
Performance of Isolated Footings Reinforced Randomly by Glass Fiber
Authors: Kasaby Elsayed El , Bdelmagied Mohammad Farouk A.
Published: October 2019

Fiber glass reinforced concrete (FGRC) is used form any structural elements due to its high mechanical properties, particularly flexural strength. As the concrete crack forming process accelerates and the probability of sudden fractures increases. There were various methods to eliminate this weakness of concrete. One of most common methods was employed of randomly distributed fiber. In this paper, two types of isolated footings were utilized, square and rectangular shape reinforced by a fiber glass with a length of 18 mm and having a rate of (0.20, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.50 and 1.00%) of weight, to experimentally investigate the tensile and fatigue properties of footings The results of FGRC were compared with the reinforced steel concrete. The results revealed that FGRC has a positive effect on the tensile and fatigue properties of isolated footing, especially with higher percentage of used fiber glass.
Flexural Behavior of RC Beams by Using Agricultural Waste as a Cement Reinforcement Materials
Authors: El-Sayed Taha A. , M. Erfan Abeer , M. Erfan Abeer , El-Naby Ragab M. Abd
Published: October 2019

Using replacement for cement to assure sustainability is critical as the raw materials (limestone, sand, shale, clay and iron ore) used in making cement are depleting. The use of agriculture waste byproducts to replace cement is becoming an economic option. Rice husk ash (RHA), rice straw ash (RSA) and wheat straw ash (WSA) which have pozzolanic properties are viable alternatives. A study on RHA, RSA and WSA were conducted to determine their suitability. From the various grades of concrete studied show that up to 15% replacement of OPC with RHA, RSA and WSA have the potential to be used as partial cement replacement (PCR), having good compressive strength, performance and durability. In particular, the utilization of as PCR material as PCR can contribute to sustainable construction.
Estimation of Solder Ball Collapse Height in Semiconductor Packaging Using Theoretical and Solid Modeling Techniques
Authors: Talledo Jefferson
Published: October 2019

Semiconductor packages using solder balls as interconnect to the printed circuit board (PCB) are very popular especially in mobile products like smart phones. Recent requirement to make the package much thinner is very challenging. The solder ball collapse height after the solder ball is reflowed on the package substrate metal pad would need to be tightly controlled and aligned with the required height to meet the target overall package thickness. Another challenge is that the package has to be developed in a short period of time. In this study, theoretical and solid modeling techniques were developed to estimate the solder ball collapse height and compared with actual evaluation results. With these, the solder ball collapse height could be quickly estimated to make the package design and development faster avoiding several trial evaluations on different combinations of solder ball size, substrate pad solder mask opening diameter and solder mask thickness. Based on the estimation results, using these techniques showed good agreement with actual solder ball height measurements and have now been successfully used in coming up with final package designs in a fast and cost-effective way.
Ambient Temperature Effects on a High Voltage Power Line
Authors: Gomba R. , Gogom M. , Lilonga-Boyenga D.
Published: October 2019

The temperature increase causes a heating of the line conductors which is at the origin of the tension drops and the losses joule increases in line which cause a dilation of the line conductors. In this paper, we investigate of the ambient temperature influence on some quantities of power lines, including line resistance, line voltage drops, joule losses, and line deflection. The interest of this study is to predict the impact of the temperature rise on the electrical network working in order to optimize the transit of the electrical energy which satisfied the thermic limits of the lines.
Assessment of Hazards and Safety Practices in Food and Beverage Industry in Nigeria
Authors: Afube G. C. , Nwaogazie I. L. , Ugbebor J. N.
Published: October 2019

The assessment of safety hazards is fundamental to an effective risk management in any industry. Food and beverage production involves a variety of industrial processes with associated hazards. Effective safety practices are used to reduce workplace hazards and promote safety in the work environment. This paper evaluated safety hazards and safety practices in the food and beverage industry (FBI) in South-South, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire designed in accordance with World Health Organization standard was administered to a total of 144 workers, out of which 134 (93.0%) were completed and returned. The questionnaire was fashioned to extract information on types of hazards, awareness of safety hazards, implementation of hazards and risks control measures and the effectiveness of safety hazards and risk management programmes in the food and beverage industry. A modified four-point Likert Scale was used to analyze and evaluate the questionnaire. A Proportional Importance Index (PII) was used to rank each factor variable in the questionnaire. The study identified the major hazards in the FBI as working at height (with PII = 3.3, respondents = 91%); high voltage areas (PII = 3.1 and respondents = 90%), loud noise (PII = 3.0, respondents = 80%), machines and equipment vibration (PII = 2.8, respondents = 69%) and faulty machines and equipment (PII = 2.7, respondents = 65%). The level of awareness on safety hazards amongst the workers was statistically significant (p < 0.05, 95%CI; PII = 3.1 - 3.6). The outcome of intervention showed that FBI-2 improved from 79.62% to 96.82%, FBI-3 improved from 89.81% to 96.18%, FBI-4 improved from 78.34% to 95.54% on worker’s knowledge on the assessment of hazards and risk in the FBIs. There was effective implementation of safety hazards and risks management programmes and controls in the FBI. Administrative control measures are used to reduce hazards and workers make adequate use of personnel protective equipment. There is need to evaluate the risks associated with identified high ranking hazards and develop a risk management framework for the industry based on ISO 31000 and other relevant safety regulations and guidelines.
A Comparative Study of the Basic Strength and Hydraulic Properties of Lateritic Soils Stabilized with Rice Husk Ash and Bagasse Ash
Authors: Ogundare S. O. , Oni O. A.
Published: October 2019

The strength and hydraulic properties of lateritic soils stabilized with bagasse ash (BA) and rice husk ash (RHA) were examined in this study. The three lateritic soil samples used in the study were obtained from a borrow pit near the main waste dumpsite in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria. The BA and RHA were obtained locally from the burning of fibrous residue of sugar cane and rice husk respectively. Classification of the soils using AASTHO indicates Soil 1 to be Group A-6 soil, Soil 2 to be Group A-2-6 soil and Soil 3 to be Group A-2-7 soil. In general, the optimum moisture content of the stabilized soils increased with increased content of the admixtures-BA and RHA. The maximum dry density of the stabilized soils decreased with increase in the quantity of BA and RHA. Likewise, the saturated hydraulic conductivity of the stabilized soils decreased slightly with increased content of BA and RHA. The values of the minimum hydraulic conductivity of the stabilized soils were of the order of 10-4cm/s, which are higher than the minimum requirement of 10-7cm/s for soil liners in municipal solid waste landfills. The low pozzolanic characteristics of BA and RHA in the stabilized soils were attributed to the low content of CaO needed to produce CaOH2, which is normally needed to produce pozzolanic reaction products in the presence of water. The characteristics of the modified soils appeared to be influenced by the change in the soil matrix following mixing. Comparison of individual behaviour of BA and RHA in each stabilized soil showed very similar characteristics. It was concluded that another modifier such as cement that has a high content of CaO should be added to the stabilized soils for the full pozzolanic potentials of BA and RHA to be realised.
Facies Analysis of Eocene Sediment of Umuahia Area, Southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Ezebunanwa A. C. , Eronin J. I. , Okorie V. , Mbagwu E. C. , Uchenna Njoku Achu
Published: October 2019

This research work is the detailed facies analysis of the depositional environments and paleogeographic setting of the Eocene sedimentary sequence (Ameki Formations) exposed in the Umuahia area and paleoclimate during that periods. The study area was mainly concentrated around Amaudara inUmuahia South and Ekeoha in Umuahia North. And the co-ordinate are as follows,location-1 0.5°30.80N, 0.7°26.93E, location-2 0.5°30.39N, 0.7°26.62E, location-3 0.5° 32.83N, 0.7°27.24 E and location-4 0.5°32.19 N, 0.7°26.13 E.

The aim of the study is to analyze the detailed sedimentary facies and describe the depositional environment in other to predict the depositional environment of the Eocene sediment (Ameki Formation) of the study area, which is underlain by rock unit of Ameki and predominately contains Laterite, mudstone, siltstone, claystone, sandstone and shale and Burrows were identified.

The rock sequence consist of reddish lateritic material, highly weathered mudstone capped with ripped bedded kaolinite clay unit, light grey claystone, cross-bedded sandstone with claystone, whitish sandstone, siltystone, fine-medium grained sandstone with pockets of mudclast capped with ferruginized ground and dark grey shale.

On the basis of gross lithology, sand-silt-clay percentage, color, texture and assemblage of sedimentary structure, eight distinct lithofacies type were recognized, grey shale facie (Gs), clay stone facie (Cs), cross-bedded sandstone facie (Cbs), mudstone facie (Mf), lateritic facie (Lf), mudstone facie (Bms), ferruginized sandstone facie (Fsf), sandstone facie (Bsf) are recognized within the lithosuccesion.

From the analysis, the facies are grouped into two facie association on the basis of grain size. The Fine-grained facies association (FFA) which consist of Gs, Cbs, Cs, Mf and Fst and the Medium to Fine-grained facies association (MFA) which also consist of Bms, Bsf and Lf. It also shows medium grained sand, moderately sorted to well sorted sandstone, Skewness ranged from symmetrical to positive skewed and kurtosis showed leptokurtic.

Deduction from facies analysis and grain size analysis shows that Ameki Formation consist of foraminifera and Mollusca which indicate that Ameki Formation was deposited in the estuarine(Marine) environment.
Radiation Organ Doses and Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk Due to Exposure to Gamma Radiation from Two Cement Industries in Nigeria
Authors: Onwuka M. , Ononugbo C. P. , Avwiri G. O.
Published: October 2019

A study of background ionizing radiation (BIR) levels to estimate organ dose rates and excess lifetime cancer risk in Unicem cement producing company, Calabar, Cross River state and Bua cement producing company, Okpella in Edo state have been carried out using Digilert 100 and Radalert-200 nuclear radiation monitor and a geographical positioning system (GPS) for GIS mapping of the area. The in-situ measurement of the exposure rate was between May, 2018 and June, 2019 at regular intervals. The average exposure rate of 0.023 mRh-1 was measured at Unicem, Calabar and 0.027 mRh-1 at Bua cement area, Okpella. The mean equivalent doses of 1.92 mSvy-1 and 2.29 mSvy-1 was recorded in Unicem and Bua Okpella respectively. The estimated mean outdoor absorbed dose rate value of 196.74 nGyh-1 in Unicem and its environment while in Bua cement industry, Okpella, the value of 234.9 nGyh-1 was obtained. The mean annual effective dose calculated was 0.24 and 0.29 mSvy-1 for Unicem and Bua Okpella respectively. The mean excess life time cancer risk recorded in the areas 0.72 x10-3 in Unicem area and 1.01 x10-3 in Bua cement environment. The calculated dose to organs showed that the testes have the highest organ dose of 0.74 mSvy-1 and 0.83 mSvy-1 for Unicem and Bua Okpella areas respectively while the liver has the lowest organ dose of 0.08 mSvy-1 and 0.11 mSvy-1 for Unicem and Bua Okpella respectively. This study revealed that the exposure rate and all the radiological risk parameters exceeded their recommended safe values. The area of study is radiologically polluted and may be detrimental to human health for long term exposure.
High‐Performance Flexible Broadband Photodetectors Based on 2D Hafnium Selenosulfide Nanosheets
Authors: Ulaganathan Rajesh Kumar , Sankar Raman , Lin Chang‐Yu , Murugesan Raghavan Chinnambedu , Tang Kechao , Chou Fang‐Cheng
Published: October 2019

2D transition‐metal dichalcogenides have attracted significant interest in recent years due to their multiple degrees of freedom, allowing for tuning their physical properties via band engineering and dimensionality adjustment. The study of ternary 2D hafnium selenosulfide HfSSe (HSS) high‐quality single crystals grown with the chemical vapor transport (CVT) technique is reported. An as‐grown HSS single crystal exhibits excellent phototransistor performance from the visible to the near‐infrared with outstanding stability. A giant photoresponsivity (≈6.4 × 104 A W−1 at 488 nm) and high specific detectivity (≈1014 Jones) are exhibited by a device fabricated by exfoliating single‐crystal HSS of nano‐thickness on a rigid Si/SiO2 substrate. The application of HSS single crystal is extended to yield a sensible flexible photodetector of photoresponsivity up to ≈1.3 A W−1 at 980 nm. The photoresponsivity of CVT‐grown HSS single crystal is significantly larger than those fabricated with other existing Hf‐based chalcogenides. The results suggest that the layered multi‐elemental 2D chalcogenide single crystals hold great promise for future wearable electronics and integrated optoelectronic circuits.
Body mass index and movement behaviors among schoolchildren from 13 countries across a continuum of human development indices: A multinational cross‐sectional study
Authors: Manyanga Taru , Barnes Joel D. , Chaput Jean‐Philippe , Guerrero Michelle , Katzmarzyk Peter T. , Mire Emily F. , Prista Antonio , Tremblay Mark S. ,   The ISCOLE Research Group
Published: October 2019

Objective

This study describes the distributions of body mass index (BMI) and movement behaviors among schoolchildren from 13 countries across a continuum of human development.

Methods

Data were from a cross‐sectional study of 9‐11‐year‐old children (n = 8055) recruited from 269 urban schools in 13 countries, and an additional 7 rural schools in one of these countries (Mozambique). BMI was derived from objectively measured heights and weights. Moderate‐ to vigorous‐intensity physical activity (MVPA), sedentary time (SED), and sleep duration were assessed by waist‐worn Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometers. Linear models were used to describe the distributions of BMI z‐scores, MVPA, SED, and sleep among sites across varying Human Development Indices (HDIs).

Results

Mean MVPA, SED, and sleep duration were 63.1 ± 27.3 minutes/day, 508.7 ± 72.4 minutes/day, and 8.8 ± 0.9 hours/night, respectively. Overall, 2.1% of the sample were thin, 19.5% overweight, and 11.7% were obese. Density curves (BMI z‐scores and SED) for urban children in Mozambique showed significantly higher mean values compared with rural children. Boys had significantly higher mean MVPA compared with girls. Mean BMI z‐scores were positively associated (β = .02; P = .004) with HDI, mean daily MVPA minutes were negatively associated (β = −.38; P = .025) with HDI, and mean SED time was positively associated with HDI (β = 1.18; P = .049). No significant association (β = .01; P = .29) was observed between sleep duration and HDI.

Conclusion

Our findings show distinct differences in BMI and movement behavior profiles between urban and rural children in Mozambique. Mean BMI z‐scores, MVPA, and SED differed by country HDI. These findings support the need to include both rural and urban participants in study samples.