bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Various graded index plastic optical fiber performance signature capability with the optimum dispersion control for indoor coverage applications
Authors: Prabu Ramachandran Thandaiah , Raja Ashok , Lingaraj Vanitha , Shahila Ferlin Deva , Subha Thankamony Devakhi , Naresh Ganekanti , Ali Firoz Mostafa
Published: May 2024

This work has clarified the various graded index plastic optical fiber performance signature with the optimum dispersion control for indoor coverage applications. The plastic optical fibers that are deeply employed namely Polymethyl mathacrylate (PMMA), Epoxy, Polyfluorene and Cyclotene. Various plastic optical fiber dispersion is demonstrated against temperature variations. The different plastic fibers pulse broadening is clarified versus temperature variations. The previous plastic optical fibers types with respect to refractive index configuration and number of modes are clarified. Previous studies on PMMA/CYTOP plastic optical fibers attenuation is clarified against wavelength band variations. Various transmission techniques are applied to measure the fiber bandwidth and fiber channel bit rate. These transmission techniques are MTDM, NRZ and RZ coding. Different plastic fiber bandwidth against fiber channel distance is demonstrated based on NRZ, RZ and MTDM coding at room temperature. Different plastic fiber channel bit rate against fiber channel distance is studied and clarified based on NRZ, RZ and MTDM coding at room temperature. The choice of these plastic fibers are high temperature stability and more flexibility/reliability than other plastic fibers. The dispersion of these proposed plastic fibers can be controlled and managed with the control of temperature variations.
Low-temperature creep performance of additive manufactured Ti–6Al–4V
Authors: Deepak Dudala Vamsi , Chavali Abhinav , Amruth Palukuri , Harshavardhan Murari , Ramalingam Vaira Vignesh , Myilsamy Govindaraju
Published: May 2024

Additive manufacturing enables the fabrication of versatile and cost-effective metallic-alloy components from a digital data model. This study explores the prospects of selective laser melting (SLM), an additive manufacturing technique, for fabricating Ti6Al4V alloy components from Ti6Al4V alloy powders. Selective laser melting parameters, such as laser power, scanning speed, powder thickness, hatching space, and scanning strategy, are carefully selected through a series of experiments. The metallurgical characteristics (microstructure, grain orientation, and phase composition), microhardness, and creep performance of the as-fabricated specimens are tested and analyzed. The kinetics of phase transformation and rupture mechanism are determined using advanced instrumental characterization tools, such as field emission scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope, X-ray diffractometer, and transmission electron microscope.
Wear resistance optimized by heat treatment of an in-situ TiC strengthened AlCoCrFeNi laser cladding coating
Authors: Wang Mingxin , Li Yutao , Jin Tounan , Fu Hanguang
Published: May 2024

An AlCoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy coating containing 20 % mass fraction of TiC was prepared using the laser cladding method. The effect of heat treatment on the coating’s microstructure was analyzed through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was observed that following high-temperature heat treatment, the phase transition of AlCoCrFeNi–20%TiC shifted from BCC to FCC at 750 °C. Through microhardness and wear resistance tests, the increased diffusion of carbon post-heat treatment led to a higher precipitation of TiC-reinforced phases, resulting in exceptional wear resistance with a notable 128.3 % enhancement.
A deep learning method for solving thermoelastic coupling problem
Authors: Fang Ruoshi , Zhang Kai , Song Ke , Kai Yue , Li Yong , Zheng Bailin
Published: May 2024

The study of thermoelasticity problems holds significant importance in the field of engineering. When analyzing non-Fourier thermoelastic problems, it was found that as the thermal relaxation time increases, the finite element solution will face convergence difficulties. Therefore, it is necessary to use alternative methods to solve. This paper proposes a physics-informed neural network (PINN) based on the DeepXDE deep learning library to analyze thermoelastic problems, including classical thermoelastic problems, thermoelastic coupling problems, and generalized thermoelastic problems. The loss function is constructed based on equations, initial conditions, and boundary conditions. Unlike traditional data-driven methods, this approach does not rely on known solutions. By comparing with analytical and finite element solutions, the applicability and accuracy of the deep learning method have been validated, providing new insights for the study of thermoelastic problems.
Plasmonic graphene/perovskite Schottky barrier photodetector
Authors: Shahriyari Hadiseh , Hatefi-Kargan Naser , Daraei Ahmadreza
Published: May 2024

In this paper the performance of a graphene/perovskite Schottky barrier photodetector is investigated theoretically for detecting infrared radiation within the spectral region of 7.5–10 μm. In order to increase the responsivity of the photodetector plasmon–polaritons are excited in the graphene layer within the specified spectral region with the aid of dielectric grating fabricated inside the photodetector structure. The results show that with the increase of the Fermi energy level in the graphene layer the wavelength where plasmon–polaritons are excited is shifted toward shorter wavelengths. This property enables the photodetector for tunable detection. The excitation of plasmon–polaritons localizes the infrared radiation incident on the photodetector to the graphene layer with a full width at half maximum of ≈12.6 nm. This localization increases the absorbance of the graphene layer considerably at peak detection wavelengths where plasmon–polaritons are excited, so that at peak detection wavelengths the absorbance of the graphene layer inside the photodetector is higher than 20 % while without the excitation of plasmon–polaritons the absorbance of the same layer is below 0.05 %. Due to this effect the responsivities of the photodetector at wavelengths where plasmon–polaritons are excited, increase more than 535 times relative to the case where plasmon–polaritons are not excited. Therefore the excitation of plasmon–polaritons not only increases the responsivity of the photodetector significantly but also enables the photodetector for tunable detection by varying the Fermi energy level in the graphene layer.
Agrarian Distress in Indian Punjab: A Public Policy Paralysis
Authors: Gill Suveera , Johal Ramanjit Kaur
Published: May 2024

The drift towards resource-intensive, high-yield crop-based cultivation in the early 1960s, widely called the Green Revolution, has led to ecologically unviable cropping patterns with adverse monetary fallouts in Punjab, which had once earned the sobriquet, the Granary of India. Since price and availability are the basis of competition, farmers are not sufficiently incentivised to address the vital issue of the decline in natural resources. As a result, securing food and nutrition while conserving the environment is challenging. So is mobilising diverse and apposite stakeholders whose perspective is vital to move ahead sustainably. The vital issue is considering the likely impact of input incentives, output support or restraints, technical backing, and financial aid on agricultural outcomes that vary across contexts and crops. This decision-based case introduces the participants to real-life socio-economic and ecological challenges, which they can relate with any other agriculture-based economy. The highlight of the case is the way the problem is anticipated to be viewed by different stakeholder groups and the conflicting policy options supporting conventional vis-à-vis organic farming. It is also interesting to review the conditions under which the proposed solution is most robust. Such a review would likely sensitise participants to how a change in perspectives can impact the suitability of alternative policy options.
Tortoise Traffic
Authors: Vennen Mareike
Published: May 2024

The paper examines local and global logistics involved in the transfer of animals to and from zoos in the twentieth century. The key contexts discussed here are, on the one hand, the relationship between the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin (Museum of Natural History) and Berlin Zoo, and on the other hand, trade in and the market of exotic animals, a market that both exceeds and constitutes the institutions of the museum and the zoo. Taking the accidental death of a giant tortoise in the zoo in 1969 as its starting point, the paper studies the movement of animals, dead and alive. It traces the acquisition history of two new Galápagos giant tortoises by following the animals’ trajectory from Ecuador to West Berlin during the Cold War. At the same time, it reconstructs the itineraries of the dead animals’ remains through different natural history institutions, leading into the shared history of trade and traffic between zoos and natural history museums and into the political geographies of the Cold War. To put these episodes into a broader historical context, the article looks back on the expansion of global networks in animal trade through the lens of transport infrastructures, trading networks, and the accompanying red tape, tracing this back to the period around 1900 in order to reveal genealogies, thereby historicizing current logistical practices, policies, and problems. Taking logistics as a critical analytical category for natural history and thus examining natural history as logistics allows us to gain new insights into how logistics not only enabled but also shaped and reshaped natural history’s material, economic, and epistemic frameworks.
Recent Advances in Wastewater Treatment by Utilisation of Bio-waste-derived Hydroxyapatite
Authors: Avşar Cemre
Published: May 2024

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is basically calcium phosphate and the main inorganic component in natural bone and teeth structure. Animal bones and eggshells are mass-generated bio-wastes, and their calcium-rich structure makes them suitable precursors for bioactive HAp synthesis through biomimetic mineralisation. Industrial wastewater discharge is a worldwide alarming problem due to high-capacity industrial-scale processes, and their adverse effects on human health and environment will be encountered long term. Adsorption is the most widely used separation process in wastewater treatment, in which HAp particles can be used as bio-adsorbents for wastewater treatment processes due to their bioactive nature. Utilisation of bio-waste-derived HAp particles for wastewater treatment applications would be a step towards sustainable development and circular economy concepts. It promotes the reuse and recycle rate of bio-wastes as bio-adsorbents through an effective waste management strategy and increases the circularity of the material in the production chain. This study offers a brief overview of articles published in 2023 on the use of bio-waste-derived HAp particles for wastewater treatment.
Biokataliza u doba zelene revolucije
Authors: Glavinić Laura , Milčić Nevena , Findrik Blažević Zvjezdana , Sudar Martina
Published: May 2024

U dobu zelene revolucije sve više raste svijest o potrebi razvoja održivijih alternativa tradicionalnim industrijskim procesima. Gotovo svi industrijski procesi upotrebljavaju katalizatore koji su nerazgradivi i mogu biti štetni za okoliš. S druge strane, biokatalizatori su enzimi – molekule evoluirale u fiziološkom okruženju koje su u potpunosti biorazgradive, a u blagim reakcijskim uvjetima fiziološkog pH, temperature i tlaka okoline pokazuju najveću katalitičku aktivnost i učinkovitost. Biokatalizu ljudi primjenjuju još od starog vijeka u proizvodnji hrane poput sira, kiselog tijesta, piva, vina i octa bez znanja o pozadini procesa koji se odvija, a u posljednjih nekoliko desetljeća porasla je i njezina primjena u industriji, posebice u proizvodnji lijekova i kemikalija. Prepoznate su sve prednosti koje imaju biokatalizatori, poput njihove velike selektivnosti, velike specifičnosti prema supstratu i biorazgradivosti, te postaje sve jasnije da biokataliza može pomoći ispunjenju ciljeva održivog razvoja i implementaciji zelene kemije u industrijske procese s maksimalnim iskorištenjem resursa uz minimalno stvaranje otpada. Iako biokataliza ispunjava gotovo sva načela zelene kemije i potencijal biokatalizatora eksponencijalno raste razvojem inovacija i tehnološkog napretka, posebno u područjima biotehnologije i molekularne biologije, sama prisutnost biokatalizatora u kemijskom procesu ne podrazumijeva održivost procesa. Ekološku prihvatljivost, ali i ekonomsku isplativost, procesa je potrebno dokazati što ranije tijekom njegova razvoja praćenjem raznih procesnih pokazatelja kako bi se uštedjeli i vrijeme i novac.
Brz i ekološki postupak za kvantifikaciju kroma u anionskom površinski aktivnom sustavu
Authors: Korai Muhammad Aslam , Korai Muhammad Bachal , Mirbahar Maqsood Ahmed , Shar Ghulam Abbas , Soomro Gul Afshan , Kalhoro Akhtiar Ahmed
Published: May 2024

This study aims to establish a facile, user-friendly, accurate, and repeatable spectrophotometric detection method for Cr(III) ions in trace quantities. The method utilises reagent 1-nitroso-2-naphthol (NNPh) in a sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) 1.0 % micellar solution, replacing the old, time-consuming, and expensive solvent extraction method that employs hazardous solvents such as carbon tetrachloride and chloroform. SDS surfactant is used to solubilise indissoluble chelates, making the proposed technique easy, rapid, and environmentally friendly. The established method exhibits an improved linear calibration range, sensitivity, limit of detection, and selectivity compared to earlier spectrophotometric methods employing different complexing agents. The stoichiometric ratio between Cr and NNP was observed to be 1 : 3. The molar absorption coefficient (ε) was determined to be 2.05 ∙ 104 l mol–1 cm–1 at λmax 579 nm. The limits of detection for Cr(III) was measured as 3.49 ng l–1. A calibration linear curve was achieved in the concentration range of 0.5–5.0 μg ml–1. Results obtained showed good comparison with the results obtained by atomic absorption spectrometry. The developed method has been adapted for the analysis of Cr(III) in various alloys, pharmaceutical, environmental, and biological samples.
Association of Graves’ disease and Moyamoya syndrome in a Caucasian woman from Western Europe: vascular effects of anti-TSH receptor antibodies?
Authors: Pierman Guillaume , Vandermeeren Yves , Jonas Corinne , Delgrange Etienne
Published: May 2024

Moyamoya syndrome (MMS) refers to a rare cerebrovascular disorder characterized by progressive stenosis of the intracranial internal carotid arteries and their proximal branches, leading to an increased risk of stroke. While prevalent in Asia, this condition is considerably less common in Western countries, including Europe. The association between MMS and Graves’ disease (GD) has been well documented, primarily in Asian and American populations, notably Latin Americans. In this report, we report the first case of GD with MMS in a Caucasian woman from Western Europe. The precise mechanisms underpinning the correlation between these two conditions remain poorly elucidated but are hypothesized to involve hemodynamic alterations, the toxic effects of anti-thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies, or a shared genetic predisposition. Our clinical case underscores the significance of thyroid disease screening in suspected MMS cases, as the management of thyroid dysfunction may suffice to improve neurological symptoms.

Learning points

The association between Graves’ disease (GD) and Moyamoya syndrome (MMS) can manifest in a Caucasian European patient.

Screening for thyroid disease is essential when MMS is suspected, as treating GD might effectively alleviate neurological symptoms.

The mechanisms linking GD and MMS remain incompletely understood but may involve hemodynamic shifts, the toxic effect of anti-TSH receptor antibodies, or shared genetic factors.
Mean-field Approach to Compression of Thick Porous Fibre Networks
Authors:   VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, Ketoja J. A. , Paunonen S. ,   VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, Pääkkönen E. ,   VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, Pöhler T. ,   VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, Turpeinen T. ,   VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, Miettinen A. ,   Department of Physics, University of Jyvaskyla, Mäkinen T. ,   Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, Koivisto J. ,   Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, Alava M.J. ,   Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University
Published: May 2024

We discuss a new mean-field theory to describe the compression behaviour of thick low-density fibre networks. The theory is based on the idea that in very large systems, the statistics of free segment lengths causes the stress-deformation behaviour to be quantitatively predictable. The theoretical ideas are supported by several different experimental characterisations. Firstly, we have carried out single-fibre buckling tests using hemp fibres, which indicate a maximum level of axial stress before deformation localization, after which the load carrying ability of a fibre decays. Secondly, the stress-compression behaviour of over 130 different foam-formed lightweight fibre materials were measured. For kraft pulps with low fines content, the average stress compression behaviour closely follows the theoretical prediction as described in terms of a universal s-function. Moreover, the acoustic emission can be described by the same function until collective phenomena cause deviations from the predicted behaviour. Similar deviations at smaller compressive strains are seen with furnishes with high fines content or added nanocelluloses together with samples with large voids. The localized buckling deformations lead to rapid stress re-distributions and subsequent fibre displacements in a fibre network as shown with in-situ CCD imaging.
Yield and yield components of local cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) landraces grown in mixed culture with maize (Zea maysL.) in vertic cambisols in the Northern part of Tanzania
Authors: Makoi Joachim
Published: May 2024

Smallholder farmers in the North eastern Tanzania practice cereal-legume mixed culture to manage risks of crop failure in sole crops. The production and productivity of cereal-legume intercrops may be influenced by the practice of cultivating two or more crops in the same space and time and the status of land races/cultivars involved as intercrops. Data on the effect of intercropping system on cowpea landraces with maize grown on Vertic Cambisols on yield and yield components are inadequate in the North eastern Tanzania although considerable knowledge has been accumulated on mixed culture system. A field experiment involving two cropping systems (sole crop and intercropping) was therefore conducted for two years (2017 and 2018) at Shirimatunda village, Kilimanjaro Region, North East Tanzania, to evaluate three local cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) landraces (i.e. landrace 1 (L1), landrace 2 (L2) and landrace 3 (L3)) grown in association with maize (Zea mays L). Intercropping significantly (P≤.05) decreased cowpea and maize yields. Performance of local cowpea landraces, however, did not show (P≤.05) any variation except for 100–seed weight where cowpea landrace 2 (L2) showed superiority compared with the other cowpea landraces. Although there was no significant variation in maize yield when intercropped with cowpea landraces, maize intercropped with cowpea landrace 1 gave numerically the highest grain yield. Regardless of cropping system and cowpea landraces, combined productivity of cowpea and maize increased in the intercropped plots as indicated by higher total land equivalent ratios (1.64 to 1.94). Highest LERT value was observed in the ‘Cowpea landrace 1’+Maize mixed culture. The observed total Land equivalent ratio (LER) values correspond to 48.25, 38.54 and 43.66 % of lands saved which could be used for other agricultural purposes. In these cropping systems, both cowpea landrace 1 & 3 and maize crop components were significantly complementary and most suitable in mixed culture as shown by competitive ratio (CR) values of 1.85 and 1.45 respectively.
Are cleared reeds Phragmites australis growing inside bush areas good for the stop-over of small birds?
Authors: Peiró Ignacio García
Published: May 2024

Cleared reeds are formations of reeds Phragmites australis growing at different stem density interspersed inside of bush-grass-tree masses in freshwater or brackish waters. Generally, these are considered as the early succession stage of a plant hydro series. The importance for the small-medium birds which uses these formations is huge. This is because the broad masses of reeds are reducing from the past century and birds benefit of the rich invertebrate fauna of these residual sites from the adaptive functional morphology of these birds to cope with these habitats more skillfully than other wetland birds. I summarize the habitat preferences of this vegetation type on some endangered small-medium birds at Western Mediterranean areas.
Assessment of the pysicochemical status soils and irrigation water qualities in eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Adane Assefa , Gebrekidan Heluf , Kibret Kibebew
Published: May 2024

This study intended to characterize the physicochemical characteristics of soils and irrigation water qualities under four land use types of Babile low lands in eastern Ethiopia. Four profiles opened from non-cultivated (profile 1), two irrigated cultivated (profile 2 & 3) and none irrigated cultivated lands (profile 4) for laboratory analysis. The results revealed relatively variation in morphological and physicochemical properties of soils. The soils are clay to sandy in texture with bulk density values ranging from 1.12 to 1.32gcm-3 and the clay contents significantly affected both by land use type and profile depth. The basic infiltration rates and saturated hydraulic conductivities of the soils were moderately slow. The soils were moderately alkaline to alkaline in reaction (pH 7.89 to 8.54), the mean soil electrical conductivity of saturated pest (ECe) were greater than 4dSm-1 and significantly affected by land use type and profile depth. The exchangeable cations determined had clear distinctions on the distribution of adsorbed cations; adsorbed Na+ was higher on the exchange site of the irrigated soils than the non-irrigated soils. Medium to very high cation exchange capacity (34.26 to 38.92cmol (+) kg-1) was recorded. Exchangeable cations (Na, K, Ca, Mg), Exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), sodium adsorption Ratio (SAR) and Cation Exchangeable Capacity (CEC) were significantly (P<0.05) affected by land use types and profile depth. In line with this, two irrigation water sources were analyzed, the result revealed that both water sources contained medium to very high dissolved salts. On the other hand, the residual sodium carbonate (RSC) of Errer River (1.25 to 2.50meqL-1) and ground waters (>2.50meqL-1) were marginal and unsafe for irrigation, respectively. It could therefore be generalized that, beside to natural conditions, irrigation water could be the main source for the occurrence of saline sodic soils in the irrigated lands of the area. Hence, introduction of locally available organic and inorganic reclaiming materials may improve the productivity of the saline sodic soils of the study area for the resource poor farmers.
Effects of multiple interventions on the hygienic standards of food handling establishments
Authors: Alagiyawanna Ajith , AMAAP Pathirana , P ACA Silva
Published: May 2024

Background: Food hygiene has become a major issue in Sri Lanka despite having a national level programme on regular inspection of hygienic status of food handling establishments. The objectives of the present study were to assess the effects of multiple interventions on hygienic standards of food handling establishments. Methods: A quasi experimental study with an intervention and control group was conducted in two rural Medical Officer of Health areas. A sample of 133 food handling establishments from the intervention arm and a 140 from control arm were selected purposefully from eight clusters in each arm. For grading of food handling establishment (Health H800 revised) was used as the evaluation tool. Interventions included, strengthening multi-sectoral partnership, training for food handling establishment owners and workers, display of food hygiene rating at food outlets, and educating public on food hygiene rating system. The control areas continued the existing practices. Food handling establishments in both arms were assessed for pre and post intervention. Results: Significant improvements in hygienic standards of food handling establishments (p<0.02) were observed in the intervention area (58.5%) compared to the control area (41.5%) after the intervention. The mean difference in hygienic scores between intervention and control groups before and after the intervention was highly significant (p=0.0005). Conclusion and recommendation: Multiple interventions including display of food hygiene rating to public, training of food handlers and owners of food trading establishments, health education on food hygiene and strengthening multi-sectoral collaboration had significant improvement in hygienic standards of food handling establishments. It is recommended to carryout multiple interventions to improve hygienic standards of food handling establishments.
Assessment of willingness to uptake male circumcision and associated factors among male students, south west Ethiopia
Authors: Mamo Abebe , Tadesse Destaw , Abebe Lakew , Abera Million , Asfaw Shifera
Published: May 2024

Background: Male circumcision has been shown to reduce the risk of transmission of HIV. As there was low level of circumcision and high prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Gambella, this study intends to identify predictors of willingness to uptake circumcision among indigenous male college students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 314 male college students who were selected using simple random sampling technique with self-administered questionnaire from March 27-30, 2014. The data were entered in to computer and analyzed using SPSS for windows version 16.0. Finally, logistic regressions analyses were used to identify independent predictors of willingness to uptake circumcision. To determine any association between the variables; we computed confidence interval of 95% at P. value <0.05. Result: Three hundred fourteen [94%] of them completely filled and return the questionnaire; 99[31.6%] of them didn’t get circumcise and 130[41.4%] of male students believed that they could suffer rejection from their community if they would uptake circumcision. After multivariate logistic regression was employed, the result showed that; students who believed that they get rejected from society if circumcised were less likely to uptake circumcision 0.03 [AOR=.03, 95% CI: 0.01-0.12]. The other result showed that, as age of students increases by one year the odd of willingness to uptake circumcision also increases by 0.84 and the result was statistically significant [AOR=0.84, 95% CI: 0.71-0.99]. Perceived threat was also significantly associated and students who perceived HIV/AIDS as a high threat to them were about 1.28 times more likely willing to uptake circumcision [AOR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.10-1.53]. The other predictor variable was knowledge of students; per a unit increases in total score of knowledge the odds of willingness to uptake circumcision was increased by 1.5 folds [AOR=1.5, 95% CI: 1.13-2.08]. Conclusion: High perceived threat, knowledge, age and fear of rejection by society were the main predictors of willingness to uptake circumcision among male students. Therefore, designing communication strategies that directly address these factors should be implemented. Men who were willing to uptake circumcision should be provided access to high-quality male circumcision surgical services. It is also highly recommended providing accurate information that would increase the perceived threat of adolescents; reinforcement of messages regarding the importance of HIV risk-reduction strategies. Finally addressing these issues of adolescents at school or different institutional levels might be crucial and easier than shifting population-level norms around male circumcision in future strategies.
Tobacco smuggling in Eritrea
Authors: Tsighe Zemenfes , Hailemariam Stifanos
Published: May 2024

This paper discusses tobacco smuggling in Eritrea with focus on cigarette smuggling. It reports on how cigarettes and other tobacco products are smuggled into and through Eritrea. Various cigarettes brands, both genuine and counterfeit, from different countries are smuggled into the country and marketed mostly through women and children street vendors. The illicit cigarettes are marketed at prices at 2-5 times lower that legal cigarettes, making them affordable even to price-sensitive smokers. All of the illicit cigarettes fail to comply with the packaging, health-warning labelling and marketing requirements of Proclamation 143/2004: A Proclamation to Provide for Tobacco Control, rendering the tobacco control provisions of the Proclamation inconsequential. Tobacco smuggling is conducted within broader smuggling operations and seems to be an entrenched activity. Compared to customs officers and other law enforcement entities, smugglers are better resourced, better networked and better organized.
Ovarian masses and pregnancy: About 2 cases and literature review (experience of Gyneco-obstetrics service 2 Fez)
Authors: Zineb Tazi , Sara Boumaaza , Sofia Jayi , Fatimzehra Fdili Alaoui , Hikmat Chaara , Abdelilah Melhouf Moulay
Published: May 2024

Management of adnexal masses during pregnancy can be challenging for the patient and clinician. The specter of a possible malignant tumor may influence the decision to intervene rather than the expected management. The etiologies of ovarian masses vary depending on the age of the parturient, and therefore, benign entities such as functional ovarian cysts, benign cystic teratomas, and serous cystadenomas predominate. In cases of malignancy, these are generally germ cell tumors and borderline, low-grade ovarian tumors. Ultrasound is the primary modality used to detect ovarian masses and assess the risk of malignancy. Morphological criteria identify benign cysts more precisely than malignant tumors. Tumor markers are mainly used to monitor disease status after treatment rather than to establish the diagnosis of ovarian tumor due to lack of specificity, as several markers can be elevated by pregnancy itself (e.g. , CA-125, β-hCG). We report the cases of 2 patients who consulted the emergency room in a context of pelvic pain during pregnancy whose clinical examination aimed first to eliminate an emergency, notably a torsion of the adnexa, then to explore using ultrasound the etiology and characterize the objectified ovarian mass. The care is specific during pregnancy. Expectant management is recommended for most pregnant patients with asymptomatic, unsuspicious cystic ovarian masses. Surgical intervention during pregnancy is indicated for large and/or symptomatic tumors and those that appear highly suspicious for malignancy on imaging tests. The extent of surgery depends on the intraoperative diagnosis of a benign or malignant tumor. Conservative surgery is most often performed. More aggressive surgery is indicated for ovarian malignancies, including surgical staging. Although rarely necessary, chemotherapy has been used during pregnancy with minimal fetal toxicity in patients with advanced ovarian cancer, in which the risk of maternal mortality outweighs fetal consequences.
Effects of preparticipating hypohydration on cardiac burden in recreational athletes
Authors: Kellnar Antonia , Brunner Stefan , Strüven Anna , Weis Georges , Lackermair Korbinian , Haum Magda
Published: May 2024

The global temperature rise will have extensive consequences on our organ systems, but hypohydration caused by reduced water intake or increased water loss through sweating plays the most relevant role. Many studies have already demonstrated the association between hypohydration and impaired exercise performance, but data related to the cardiac burden of hypohydration are scarce. This study is a sub-investigation of our large, prospective, self-controlled trial on the effects of hypohydration on cardiopulmonary exercise capacity with previously published results. In the current sub-study, we analyzed the impact of hypohydration on cardiac burden in this cohort of fifty healthy, recreational athletes during cardiopulmonary exercise test.

Therefore, each participant underwent cardiopulmonary exercise test with a standardized ramp protocol twice, once in hypohydrated state and once in euhydrated state as control, and the cardiac markers Troponin T, NT-pro-BNP and Chromogranin A were measured before and after the exercise test at each state. Mean age was 29.7 years and 34% of probands were female. Hypohydration led to a reduced body water, a significant decrease in oxygen uptake and lower levels of power output. Yet, Troponin T, NT-proBNP, Chromogranin A and lactate levels did not significantly differ between the two conditions.

In this study cohort, decreased exercise capacity during hypohydration was more likely due to impaired cardiac output with diminished plasma volume rather than measurable cardiac stress from fluid deprivation. However, whether these data are generalizable to a diseased cohort is left unanswered and should be addressed in future randomized controlled trials.
*-Rickart Property for Rings with Involution
Authors: Tajuddin Muhammad T. , Aburawash Usama A. , Saad Muhammad
Published: May 2024

This paper introduces and examines the concept of a *-Rickart *-ring, and proves that every Rickart *-ring is also a *-Rickart *-ring. A necessary and sufficient condition for a *-Rickart *-ring to be a Rickart *-ring is also provided. The relationship between *-Rickart *-rings and *-Baer *-rings is investigated, and several properties of *-Rickart *-rings are presented. The paper demonstrates that the property of *-Rickart extends to both the center and *-corners of a *-ring, and investigates the extension of a *-Rickart *-ring to its polynomial *-ring. Additionally, *-Rickart *-rings with descending chain condition on *-biideals are studied, and all *-Rickart (*-Baer) *-rings with finitely many elements are classified.
Decellularization of the rat ovary: comparison of different scaffold generation protocols for future applications in bioengineering
Authors: Zumaquero Pérez R.M. , Alaminos M. , García García O.D.
Published: May 2024

Ovarian failure, hormonal disorders, and side effects of cancer treatments are some underlying causes that can affect a woman’s ability to conceive. Given this concern, different preventive options arise to preserve fertility such as cryopreservation of embryos, oocytes, and ovarian tissue; however, they have significant limitations. Currently, bioengineering allows the adoption of different strategies against reproductive disorders and that is why this study evaluates the first step to manufacture in vitro decellularized ovarian bioscaffolds based on the specific ECM of ovarian tissue. To this end, complete rat ovaries have been used that have been subjected to four decellularization protocols that combine different mechanical-chemical-enzymatic treatments in order to eliminate cell nuclei, while maintaining the macro and microstructure of the native tissue. The results of this study, of a histological and histochemical nature, have not revealed significant data regarding the elimination of cell nuclei. However, a novel protocol was identified that has generously removed some of the cellular material while preserving a good ECM structure. All this supports the idea of ​​the importance of the selection of decellularizing agents and their respective concentrations; with special emphasis on the concentration of the strongest ionic detergents such as SDS and the effect it causes on the samples. In addition, what has already been revealed in recent studies has been confirmed, which is that the ovarian scaffolds generated with SDC have been able to better preserve the extracellular composition, which could be beneficial for recellularization and other applications. These generated bioscaffolds form a promising basis for future experiments where the objective should be to optimize the protocols and conduct additional studies.
A Morphometric and Multivariate Analysis Approach to Prioritization of Sub-Watershed: A case study on Muzaffarpur District of Bihar, India
Authors: Raj Saket , Rawat Kishan Singh
Published: May 2024

Aim of the study

Prioritization of sub-watershed of Muzaffarpur District of Bihar (India) using Multivariate Analysis

Material and methods

PCA and WSA statistical tools apply to find out the important parameters to Prioritization of sub-watershed

Results and conclusions

PCA, WSA integration results in more dynamic, effective, and efficient solutions. The Muzaffarpur District's decision-makers can use this useful knowledge to establish management methods that will lessen and prevent land degradation.
Estimation of Spatiotemporal Changes of Land Cover in Llapi River Catchment (Northeastern Part of Kosova)
Authors: Bytyqi Valbon , Ibrahimi Besarta , Agaj Tropikë
Published: May 2024

Aim of the study

In recent decades, Kosova in general and the Llapi River catchment have experienced landscape transformation which resulted in Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) changes, mainly in flat terrains where most of country’s population is concentrated. Other landscapes have experienced changes too, but on a small scale. The aim of the study was to identify landscape transformation and driving forces behind it.

Material and methods

Spatiotemporal changes of Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) were made using GIS techniques. Land Cover data from Copernicus Land Monitoring Service (CLMS) with spatial resolution 100 m for three different years: 2000, 2006 and 2018 were analyzed. DEM with 10 m spatial resolution was used to estimate slope steepness and catchments’ altitude. Population data for settlements inside the Llapi River catchment represented in features were downloaded from the Statistical Agency of Kosova, and those data include population numbers for official censuses between 1948 until 2011, while ArcMap 10.8 environment was used for analysis.

Results and conclusions

With GIS technique in analyzing Land Use and Land Cover data (LULC) and other open source data, we found that agricultural land have decreased in area by 9.53%, while the increase of artificial surface is 160.87%, or expressing by absolute values, total agricultural areas in 2000 were 37,827 ha, while in 2018 were 34,334 ha, meaning 0.3ha per capita, less than European level. In order to protect agricultural land, zoning and land use plans should be implemented.
Inny w przestrzeni instytucji kultury. „Zmagania” z dostępnością na przykładzie Muzeum Śląska Cieszyńskiego w Cieszynie
Authors:   Uniwersytet Śląski w Katowicach, Drożdż Anna
Published: May 2024

In the increasingly diversified world, openness to difference becomes a priority. This difference can be understood broadly. It may refer to people with foreign cultural experiences, with other cultural resources or with their shortage. It may also concern individuals or entire groups with special needs. Opening to the needs of such people and educating the society in this regard is one of the many tasks of cultural institutions. The need to make an institution more accessible is becoming a constantly growing challenge for its employees. The text addresses the problem of adapting cultural institutions to the legislative requirements introduced by the Act of 19th July 2019 on ensuring accessibility to people with special needs and the Act of 4th April 2019 on the digital accessibility of websites and mobile applications of public entities. This issue was discussed in reference to the research results obtained with the use of the case study method in the research conducted in the Museum of Cieszyn Silesia in Cieszyn. What was taken into account in those studies was architectural, communication-information and digital accessibility. The interviews conducted with museum employees were analysed.
Co-doping effect on the microstructural and electrical properties of barium stannate materials
Authors:   Institute of High Temperature Electrochemistry of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Starostin George N. , Akopian Mariam T. ,   Institute of High Temperature Electrochemistry of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Starostina Inna A. ,   Institute of High Temperature Electrochemistry of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Medvedev Dmitry A. ,   Institute of High Temperature Electrochemistry of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: May 2024

Proton-conducting perovskite oxides are of considerable interest to researchers as promising electrolytes for low- and intermediate solid oxide electrochemical cells. Therefore, designing new potential proton-conducting phases and improving the functional properties of known materials are of great importance from both fundamental and applied viewpoints. In the present work, BaSnO3 was selected as a reference proton-conducting system and then a co-doping strategy was employed to analyze ‘composition – structure – microstructure – transport properties’ relationships. To perform such an analysis, the properties of previously studied BaSn0.7M0.3O3–δ (M = In, Sc, Y) compounds were compared here to their co-doped derivatives, BaSn0.7In0.15Sc0.15O3–δ, BaSn0.7Y0.15Sc0.15O3–δ, and BaSn0.7In0.15Y0.15O3–δ. It is found that the type of dopant affects the materials sinterability, when more coarse-crystalline ceramics are formed with increasing the average ionic radii at the Sn-position. The introduction of Y3+-cations reduces both ionic and hole conductivities compared to single-doped with In3+ or Sc3+ barium stannate materials. However, simultaneous doping with In3+/Sc3+ cations minimizes the contribution of hole conductivity compared to that of Sc-doped barium stannate with the same acceptor dopant concentration.
MACHINE-LEARNING-BASED ASYMPTOTIC HOMOGENIZATION AND LOCALIZATION OF SPATIALLY VARYING MULTISCALE CONFIGURATIONS MADE OF MATERIALS WITH NONLINEAR ELASTIC STRESS-STRAIN RELATIONSHIPS
Authors: Zhou Zhengcheng , Bai Xiaoming , Zhu Yichao
Published: May 2024

This article aims to propose a general method in support of efficient and reliable predictions of both the global and
local behaviors of spatially varying multiscale configurations (SVMSCs) made of materials bearing nonlinear history-independent stress-strain relationships. The framework is developed based on a complementary approach that integrates asymptotic analysis with machine learning (ML). The use of asymptotic analysis is to identify the homogenized constitutive relationship and the implicit relationships that link the local quantities of interest, say, the site where the maximum von Mises stress (MVMS) lies, with other on-site mean-field quantities. As for the implementation of
the proposed asymptotic formulation, the aforementioned relationships of interest are represented by neural networks
(NNs) using training data generated following a guideline resulting from asymptotic analysis. With the trained NNs,
the desired local behaviors can be quickly accessed at a homogenized level without explicitly resolving the microstructural configurations. The efficiency and accuracy of the proposed scheme are further demonstrated with numerical examples, and it is shown that even for fairly complex multiscale configurations, the predicting error can be maintained at a satisfactory level. Implications from the present study to speed up classical computational homogenization (CH) schemes are also discussed.
VISUALIZATION OF COALESCENCE OF TWO LIQUID DROPS OVER A HYDROPHOBIC SURFACE
Authors: Somwanshi Praveen M. , Cheverda Vyacheslav V.
Published: May 2024

Coalescence phenomenon of liquid drops of equal and unequal volumes over a hydrophobic surface is reviewed and presented using images from experiments and numerical simulations. Bond number based on the combined volume is in the range of 0.01-0.2. As the drops coalesce, a great variety of interface shapes appear as the merged drop approaches equilibrium. These interface shapes are visualized using a high-speed camera and followed by an examination of the timescales, axisymmetry, bridge formation, dynamic contact angle variation, energy budget, and shear rate.
Framework de apoio à tomada de decisão na concessão de benefício tributário de Refis pelos municípios brasileiros
Authors: Turini Amanda Maciel Carneiro , Raupp Fabiano Maury
Published: May 2024

Esta pesquisa teve por objetivo propor um framework de apoio à tomada de decisão na concessão de benefício tributário de Refis pelos municípios brasileiros. Com metodologia de pesquisa qualitativa, descritiva e exploratória, ênfase analítica e prescritiva e uso da Design Science Research como método, tem visão de realidade intersubjetiva, interacionista e coconstruída e epistemologia e paradigma construtivista. As coletas e análises de dados se ampararam em documentos, dados oficiais, referenciais teóricos, observação, entrevistas e questionários, com análise de conteúdo e triangulação. Houve validação do instrumento por especialistas e aplicações, via simulação, em municípios brasileiros. Como resultado, gerou-se o framework composto por 7 dimensões e 19 categorias, sendo uma delas inédita em estudos teóricos, assim como a categorização. Pela pesquisa e seus avanços teóricos e práticos, pode-se concluir pelo potencial do framework como instrumento de apoio aos gestores públicos municipais na tomada de decisão da concessão de benefício tributário de Refis, cujas colaborações têm impacto na Academia, na sociedade e na Administração Pública, tecendo suas reflexões e elaborando seu produto final com variadas visões de mundo visando a satisfação do bem coletivo.
pedagogia de Paulo Freire e a ampliação do letramento digital de trabalhadores(as):
Authors: DOS SANTOS DE ASSIS MARIO , FERREIRA BEZERRA DE SOUZA ALBUQUERQUE TARGELIA , TAVARES CAVALCANTI VERÔNICA
Published: May 2024

O artigo relata a experiência da Escola Judicial do Tribunal Regional do Trabalho da Sexta Região na ampliação do letramento digital do quadro funcional. O projeto objetivou desenvolver competências socioemocionais e tecnológicas, fundamentadas nos princípios freireanos de “ser mais”, diálogo, autonomia, ética e práxis emancipadora, para inserção de cada sujeito humano, pessoa servidora do Tribunal no ambiente de trabalho e na sociedade do conhecimento. O delineamento metodológico integrou as três dimensões da pesquisa-ação: pesquisa bibliográfica (GIL, 2010); estudo de caso em uma perspectiva etnográfica (SOUZA, 1999; MINAYO, 2008) e na metodologia dos círculos de cultura (FREIRE, 1987). O projeto assumiu o pressuposto freireano de que é com o coletivo e no coletivo que as transformações emancipadoras se operam e um novo conhecimento organizacional democrático é construído. A Pedagogia Paulo Freire em diálogo com autores da área de educação a distância foi a coluna vertebral dessa proposta, que se traduziu em diversos cenários de aprendizagens, afirmando a tecnologia como mediadora do processo educacional, em uma perspectiva “co-laborativa”. Essa experiência demonstrou que a reflexão dos saberes de experiências e o diálogo entre os pares possibilitam a construção coletiva de práticas emancipadoras, passos fundamentais na caminhada para um conhecimento crítico da organização, do seu trabalho e de si mesmo(a).