bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Los estudios inquisitoriales durante la era Covid. La importancia de los archivos y bibliotecas digitales
Authors: Medina Bárbara Santiago
Published: March 2024

Cuando en 2020 se desencadenó la pandemia de COVID-19 que todavía hoy sigue manteniéndonos en alerta, quizás en lo que menos podíamos pensar era en nuestras investigaciones. Nuestra salud y la de nuestros seres queridos era lo primero. Sin embargo, aun conviviendo con los temores más primarios, empezamos a pensar que no podíamos abandonarlo todo. Debíamos continuar leyendo, escribiendo, enseñando..., viviendo. Aunque, ¿cómo hacerlo cuando las universidades, los centros de investigación, las bibliotecas, los archivos y museos, estaban cerrados y la población sin poder salir de sus domicilios más que para desarrollar tareas esenciales? Es entonces cuando se produce un cambio de paradigma. Las fuentes de nuestras investigaciones, al menos por un tiempo, tuvieron que dejar de ser físicas, para ser virtuales. Cobran importancia entonces los fondos digitalizados, convirtiéndose en indispensables para el estudio, el análisis, la difusión. La ciencia histórica no ha permanecido ajena a todo esto y se ha valido de esta nueva forma de acudir a los textos, antes despreciada, ahora imprescindible, pero, ¿sería posible hacer estudios viables en este ámbito de conocimiento basándonos en fuentes digitalizadas? ¿Qué es lo que realmente podemos encontrar en internet? En este artículo me centraré en un caso y una institución concretos, el de la Inquisición española, tratando de guiar a los posibles lectores a través de distintas páginas web de archivos y bibliotecas que han dado el paso de ofrecer acceso libre y gratuito a sus fondos, si no totalmente, al menos de forma parcial, brindando la oportunidad de poder utilizarlas en cualquier momento y desde cualquier lugar, sin tener que depender de sus horas de apertura, ni de viajar hasta su sede para ello.
Musicologia histórica e arquivos digitais em Portugal: possibilidades e desafios. Os fundos musicais do Mosteiro de Arouca e da Biblioteca-Museu da Casa de Bragança: algumas questões metodológicas sobre a construção de um arquivo digital
Authors: Seiça Alberto Medina de , Chaves Zuelma
Published: March 2024

O relevo da tecnologia digital nas Humanidades não precisa de ser sublinhado, tão vastas se revelam as possibilidades trazidas pelas ferramentas digitais na conservação, no processamento e no acesso em larga escala às mais variadas fontes de informação. Também na Musicologia Histórica se tem feito sentir de modo profundo o impacto do mundo digital, particularmente visível na multiplicação de bases de dados, seja na catalogação de repertórios específicos ou fundos documentais localizados, seja mesmo com a incorporação de recursos relacionados com a codificação da notação musical. No processo de construção das plataformas para a catalogação das fontes musicais, as questões metodológicas são fulcrais, de modo a que os dados acumulados permitam distintos níveis de utilização e produção acrescida de conhecimento, potenciando a interoperacionalidade entre sistemas digitais. A diversidade das fontes consideradas (nos planos temporal, do suporte material, dos conteúdos, da destinação, da conservação, etc.) suscita dificuldades. A isto acresce, por outro lado, a multidisciplinaridade envolvida na descrição destes materiais, englobando várias áreas de especialidade: musicologia, paleografia, codicologia, liturgia, história da arte, entre outras. São ainda escassos, todavia, os estudos sobre a catalogação de fontes musicais, faltando critérios normalizados, sejam eles de cariz musicológico, bibliográfico ou arquivístico. Este artigo considera, como estudos de caso, dois arquivos digitais de fundos musicais: “Acervo histórico do Mosteiro de Arouca – Catálogo” e o “Catálogo do Arquivo Musical do Museu-Biblioteca da Casa de Bragança”, procurando apresentar algumas das coordenadas metodológicas que têm orientado a construção destas bases.
Fontes paroquiais em bases digitais: o projeto “Além do Centro-Sul” e o estudo da história das populações luso-brasileiras
Authors: Cabreira Israel Aquino , Guedes Tomás Lacerda Spindler
Published: March 2024

Este trabalho é resultado de uma pesquisa em andamento na Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, e está inserido em um projeto mais amplo, denominado “Além do centro-sul: por uma história da população colonial nos extremos dos domínios portugueses na América”, cujo objetivo é constituir uma ampla base de dados a respeito da população dos territórios portugueses e, depois, brasileiros, durante os séculos XVIII e XIX, de modo a avançar na investigação dos regimes demográficos que os caracterizaram. O projeto é uma iniciativa interinstitucional, iniciada em 2008, e tem buscado a padronização de procedimentos metodológicos para coleta e tratamento de fontes documentais, possibilitando análises comparadas no tempo e espaço. A iniciativa promove a indexação de bases documentais, principalmente de cunho eclesiástico, a partir do uso do software NACAOB, possibilitando a reconstituição de famílias a partir da metodologia proposta por Fleury e Henry. Até o momento, foram cadastrados mais de 175 mil registros, abrangendo número superior a 830 mil indivíduos. Para este estudo, estabelecemos como recorte a documentação paroquial da freguesia de Triunfo, situada na capitania do Rio Grande de São Pedro, entre meados do século XVIII e início do século XIX.
Using eScriptorium to work on documents: eScriptorium applied on a 13th century French cartulary
Authors: Galli Michela
Published: March 2024

As part of the research on Digital Diplomatics or on new tools usable in Diplomatics’ studies, this essay discusses the experience of treating a 13th century French cartulary with eScriptorium. By analyzing the functioning of this open-source software created mainly for the automatic transcription of any type of document, in any language and on any medium, we will see step by step its application on the the Saint-Etienne-des-Grès church’s cartulary. If the starting hypothesis proposed the software’s use for the analysis of both internal and external features on the one hand and on the other the experimentation of several HTR models on a document tipology which by nature can include a great variety of different scripts, such as in this case, the work proved satisfactory for the recognition of the external features of the document and a good result was achieved in terms of automatic transcription. As far as the analysis of the internal features is concerned, it is currently not possible to carry it out directly on the software. ​​​​​​​By the way, at this stage the work one does on eScriptorium can be exported and then transformed into TEI, taking into account that the eScriptorium team is working on the integration of the TEI’s principles into the tool, promising good results in the near future.
Written ability and level of literacy in writers from Rio Grande do Sul in the 19th and 20th centuries
Authors: Keller Tatiana
Published: March 2024

Studies such as those by Marquilhas (2000), Barbosa (2005, 2017), Santiago (2012), among others, propose that it is possible to characterize the ability of a writer, that is, his/her greater or lesser familiarity with writing, based on the observation of physical-graphical and graphic and phonetic aspects. This kind of description allows us to identify the level of literacy of the writers, which can help to compose their socio-linguistic profiles, especially when documents produced by non-distinguished people are contemplated. In this paper, we analyze five manuscripts of four writers from the cities of Santa Maria and Silveira Martins, both located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (Southern Brazil), written in the late nineteenth century (1890) and early twentieth century (1901). These texts belong to the collection named Junta Intendencial of the Municipal Historic Archives of Santa Maria. The documents were photographed and transcribed faithfully in order to retain their original features. Issues related to the layout of the letters, the use of abbreviations, the substitution of segments (consonants and vowels), unconventional word segmentation, and the use of Latinized words were observed in the manuscripts so as to determine the closeness of the writers to the written code. In general, we found that all the writers have a low level of literacy.
Paleografía, Historia Social de la Cultura Escrita y Revolución Digital
Authors: Gomez António Castillo
Published: March 2024

Este texto revisa el devenir de la Paleografía y su transformación en Historia social de la cultura escrita, es en decir, una disciplina que se interesa por explicar los testimonios escritos insertos en las sociedades que los producen, transmiten, consumen y conservan. Reflexiona sobre la revolución historiográfica encabezada por Armando Petrucci y los rasgos que permiten la determinación de un campo de investigación propio, centrado en analizar la difusión social de la escritura y la función social de esta, sin desvincularlas de la repercusión que tienen las políticas y acciones de conservación de la memoria escrita. Se cierra con algunas notas a propósito de los retos introducidos por la revolución digital en los estudios acerca de la escritura, la edición de textos y la digitalización de la memoria escrita.
Design study of a disruptive self-powered power plant prototype
Authors: Ferreiro Garcia Ramon
Published: March 2024

This research work discusses a preliminary disruptive prototype design of a self-powered thermal power plant doing work by strictly isothermal closed processes using forced convection heat transfer both for adding and extracting heat. It includes useful work by expansion and vacuum-based contraction due to adding heat to and extracting heat from a working fluid. A cycle analysis considering useful work due to vacuum-based contraction is the core of the problem-solving methodology. The findings will be applied to the prototyping implementation task, which includes the cascade and series of cascade coupling of several regenerative power units. The empirical results of the case studies provide the data needed to carry out a prototyping task considering the results of real cases subjected to realistic irreversibilities and heat recovery factors that make the self-feeding power plant an interesting design option. This extraordinary result confirms the technical viability of real machines that exhibit the ability to provide more energy than they use, that is, second-class perpetual motion machines
que Watu nos diz?
Authors: Dantas Luis Thiago Freire , Costa Igor Lorra Pereira
Published: March 2024

O presente artigo pretende problematizar o antropocentrismo moderno e a inauguração não apenas de uma nova época no mundo, mas a regulação dos modos de vivência para determinar um “jeito de habitar essa terra”. Um habitar que culminou na crise ecológica e evoca um abandono total e de devastação dos ecossistemas e sua biodiversidade. Por esse modo, em um diálogo com Ailton Krenak (2022), Antônio Bispo dos Santos (2023) e Malcom Ferdinand (2022), nós pensamos junto com saberes ancestrais preservados pela memória uma proposta de construir uma confluência entre cartografias de mundo, em especial, a voz das águas do rio Watu, considerado avô do povo Krenak, como exercício de escuta das vozes das águas como uma dinâmica relacional de afetos em que Watu descentraliza o antropocentrismo para outras formas plurais de existência enunciadas pelo anthropos e seu modelo colonial de habitar o mundo. Somado a esse exercício de escuta da voz das águas dos rios, em especial do rio Watu, propomos a ação de aquilombamento (Ferdinand 2022) como fundamento para a construção de novas cartografias do mundo e a recuperação de um vínculo transcendente com a Mãe Terra. Afinal, o ato de aquilombamento praticado pelos povos africanos vítimas da escravidão é uma recusa de viver em um mundo marcado pela violência e a destruição de outros humanos e não-humanos (natureza).
Palavras-chave: Ancestralidade; Crise Climática; Filosofia Política; Territorialização.
Energy-Related Hormones in Raw and Retail Cow’s Milk and Possible Risk for Consumers
Authors: Knežević Dragan , Bošnjaković Dušan , Dražić Slavica , Nedić Sreten , Vujanac Ivan , Valčić Olivera , Pantelić Marija , Stojiljković Mojca , Sladojević Željko , Kirovski Danijela
Published: March 2024

The study aimed to determine the concentration of energy-related hormones in cow’s milk and to consider them from a public health perspective. Fourteen Holstein cows were subjected to milk and blood sampling on the following days in lactation (DIL): 10, 30, 60, 90, 150, 180, 210, 250 and 280 to determine milk hormones, fat and protein content and blood biochemical parameters. For the same purpose, bulk-tank milk was sampled and samples of retail m ilk with 1.5% (CM1.5) and 3.2% (CM3.2) fat was purchased. Milk insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) values were significantly lower at 90, 150, 180, 210 and 250 and significantly higher at 10, 30 and 60 DIL than lactation average (LA). Milk insulin concentrations were significantly lower at 30, 60 and 90 and higher at 210, 250 and 280 DIL than LA. Free thyroxine (fT4) level in the milk was higher at 250 DIL, while milk free triiodothyronine (fT3) concentrations were lower at 30, 60, 90 and 280 DIL, and significantly higher at 10 and 180 DIL than respective LA. Milk cortisol levels were lower at 60 and 280 DIL than LA. All measured milk hormones were significantly lower in CM1.5 compared to CM3.2, bulk-tank milk and LA. An exception was the LA of IGF-1, which was significantly lower than the IGF-1 content in CM1.5. Blood biochemical parameters fluctuated evenly during lactation and were within the reference range. Hormone concentrations in cow’s milk fluctuate during lactation, giving milk an important role in the context of public health.
Influence of Frequent Phlebothomy on Blood Iron Concentration, Haematological, Metabolic and Endocrine Parameters in Rams
Authors: Grubač Siniša , Cincović Marko , Radinović Miodrag , Potkonjak Aleksandar , Žekić Marina , Starič Jože , Prodanov Radulović Jasna
Published: March 2024

Frequent phlebotomies, even when only a small volume of blood is taken for diagnostic purposes, can lead to the development of iron deficiency with hematological and metabolic changes. The study aimed to determine the influence of frequent blood loss by phlebotomy on blood iron concentration (Fe), hematology, metabolic and endocrine parameters and their relationships. Blood samples were collected from 30 blood donor rams for 6 consecutive weeks, with approximately 10% of blood collected weekly. Such chronic blood loss resulted in a decrease in Fe. Indicators of iron transport in the bloodstream changed, so the value of total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC) increased, while the value of transferrin saturation percentage (TS%) decreased. Hematological changes included a decrease in red blood cells, hemoglobin, mean red blood cell volume and hematocrit and a tendency for reticulocyte count and red cell distribution width to increase. Chronic blood loss resulted in a specific metabolic response that included the increase in glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, aspartate-aminotransferase, and insulin resistance, while thyroxine, triiodothyronine and cortisol decreased and there was a tendency for lactate to increase and BHB to decrease. The mentioned blood parameters correlated with Fe and additionally showed greater changes when Fe was extrapolated to the level of clinical deficit (Fe=9μmol/L). These correlations suggest the need to monitor the metabolic and endocrine status during chronic blood loss, in addition to Fe and erythrocyte indices. Compared with previous results in other animal species, Fe may have a direct influence on metabolic processes in rams.
Impact of Arsenic on Mouse Ovaries Over Three Generations
Authors: Birinji Anita , Lalošević Dušan , Mihaljev Željko , Pogrmić-Majkić Kristina , Radovanović Anita , Glišić Radmila , Marin Marija
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to measure the total arsenic content deposited in the ovaries of three consecutive generations of mice. The animals were treated with two different concentrations to determine whether histological changes were caused in the ovaries. The control group of mice received tap water, whereas the experimental groups were given different concentrations of dissolved arsenic (III)-oxide. The arsenic content in the ovaries in both experimental groups increased with each generation. The highest content was recorded in the third generation of the second experimental group. Between the two experimental groups in each generation, significant differences in the average number of corpora lutea and ovarian follicles were identified. Arsenic caused structural changes in the ovaries in both experimental groups in all three consecutive generations.
Epigenetic Investigation Related to Gastrointestinal Helminth Resistance and Performance in Cattle
Authors: de Almeida Cipriano Isabela , de Favare Giordani Mascoli , do Carmo Tábata Alves , Mena Mateus Oliveira , Vicari Daniel Vitor Ferreira , Pagnozzi Fernanda Calazans , Pacheco Tiago Marolato , Rodrigues Maria Gabriela Fontanetti , Pavan Bruno Ettore , de Soutello Ricardo Velludo Gomes
Published: March 2024

The objective was to characterize a herd of 73 Nellore heifers, identifying resistant, resilient, and susceptible animals to gastrointestinal helminths, relating the global methylation of the DNA of these animals with the degree of helminthiasis and factors that interfere with performance. Individual count of eggs per gram of feces (EPG), fecal culture for gender identification, weighing and blood sampling were carried out to determine PCV, STP, EOS, IgG, followed by DNA extraction and methylation analysis. The results were: 47% resistant animals, 34% resilient, and 19% susceptible to gastrointestinal helminth infections, with EPG counts of 53, 216, and 841, respectively, showing a statistical difference between all groups. The quantification of DNA methylation was 0.311, 0.245 and 0.178, respectively, for resistant, resilient, and susceptible animals, with a correlation being found between resistance to gastrointestinal helminths and overall DNA methylation. For weight gain, resistant and resilient animals showed higher values than susceptible ones, with a correlation between weight gain and EPG. The same was observed for VG; however, there was no statistical difference to the EOS, PPT, and IgG values. A significant correlation was found between PCV and EPG; quantifications of PCV and methylated DNA, STP and EPG; VG and STP. Therefore, the methodologies used made it possible to identify the animals regarding the degree of infection by gastrointestinal nematodes, making it possible to correlate the resistance of cattle to helminths with the amount of global DNA methylation and its performance.
Enterobacteria Isolated From Diarrheic Calves and their Phenotypic Resistance Pattern
Authors: Trindade Gonçalves Lucilene Martins , Santos Caroline Lima , Policarpo Wendel Adelino , de Melo Santana Lisa Hauane , Medeiros de Oliveira Kely Janine , Bezerra Ana Catarina Pinheiro Angelim , Ribeiro Sousa Jaize Viana , Araújo Piancó Luísa , Silva Diego Marques Costa , Veiga de Sousa Leandro Henrique , de Oliveira Santos Giselle Cutrim , Barroso de Carvalho Robert Ferreira , Azevedo Carvalho Isabel , Pereira Santos Hamilton , de Moraes Pereira Helder
Published: March 2024

Diarrhea is a prevalent and economically impactful ailment in cattle herds, resulting in substantial losses attributed to mortality, treatment expenses, and impaired calf growth. The aim of this study was to establish data about the occurrence of the main bacterial agents involved in diarrhea in dairy calves in the state of Maranhão, as well as to determine the most effective and/or resistant antibiotics, establishing a foundation for treatment and prevention protocols. The samples were collected with rectal swabs and initially cultivated on sheep blood agar (5%) and MacConkey agar and later on Salmonella-Shigella agar and eosin-methylene blue agar. Gram staining, biochemical tests, and antibiograms were performed on the obtained colonies. Ten municipalities were studied, with 230 calves evaluated from ten dairy farms. A total of 21 animals exhibited clinical signs of diarrhea, representing a frequency of 9.13%. The frequency of positive farms was 35%, and in 50% of municipalities. Bacteria isolated belonged to the Enterobacteriaceae family, with 71.4% Escherichia coli, 14.3% Enterobacter sp., 9.5% Proteus sp. and 4.8% Klebsiella sp. On the antibiogram, the bacteria that showed the highest resistance levels were those of the Proteus genus, followed by Enterobacter sp. and E. coli. The bacteria found are relevant for both animal and human health due to their zoonotic potential and serve as a public health alert since the isolates in this study showed in vitro resistance to several antibiotics, which predisposes them to the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Molecular Prevalence of MecA and MecC Genеs in Coagulasе-Positive Staphylococci Isolated From Dogs with Dermatitis and Otitis in Belgrade, Serbia: A One Year Study
Authors: Prošić Isidora , Milčić-Matić Natalija , Milić Nenad , Radalj Andrea , Aksentijević Ksenija , Ilić Milica , Nišavić Jakov , Radojičić Marina , Gajdov Vladimir , Krnjaić Dejan
Published: March 2024

The escalating global concern of antimicrobial resistance in human and veterinary medicine is exacerbated by the inappropriate prescription of antibiotics for bacterial infections in companion animals. This study aimed to determine the distribution of coagulase-positive staphylococci causing clinical skin and ear infections in dogs and to determine methicillin-resistant isolates. A total of 78 staphylococcal strains were isolated from clinical samples taken from patients at the Dermatology Clinic at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Belgrade, Serbia. Multiplex PCR was used for species-specific identification, and mecA and mecC genes were used to determine methicillin resistance, in addition to phenotypic determination, MIC values and detection of PBP2a. Out of the 78 samples analyzed, 65.8% were identified as Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, 22.4% as S. aureus, 7.9% as S. coagulans, and 3.9% as S. intermedius. Four S. aureus isolates exhibited methicillin resistance confirmed by cefoxitin disk diffusion, while five were confirmed with MIC testing and latex agglutination. MecA gene was detected in 29.4% of S. aureus and 30% of S. pseudintermedius isolates. These isolates were classified as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP), respectively. No isolates carried the mecC gene. This study provides insights into the prevalence of CoPS species and methicillin resistance in isolates from dogs. Continued surveillance is essential to monitor and understand the emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in veterinary medicine and the results of this study accent the need for establishment of a continuous antimicrobial resistance surveillance program in the Republic of Serbia.
Reliability of Molecular Tests in Diagnosing Ovine Brucellosis Caused by Brucella Ovis
Authors: Zelenović Mladen , Marinković Darko , Stević Nataša , Stanojević Slavoljub , Aničić Milan , Milićević Vesna , Valčić Olivera , Radojičić Sonja
Published: March 2024

Brucella ovis infects sheep and causes a clinical or subclinical disease characterized by genital lesions and reduced fertility in rams, placentitis and abortions in ewes, and increased perinatal mortality in lambs. As part of this study, analyses were conducted on a sheep farm near Belgrade (Serbia). Of the serological tests, indirect ELISA was performed. A total of 94 blood sera were analyzed, 33 from rams and 61 from ewes. The results showed 23 (69.7%) positive findings in rams and 2 (3.3%) positive findings in ewes, with an overall prevalence of 25.4% bounded by a 95% confidence interval. Bruce-ladder multiplex PCR and Real time PCR were performed on 19 serologically positive rams and two serologically positive ewes. The results indicate a slightly higher sensitivity of Real time PCR compared to conventional PCR in diagnosing B. ovis from the reproductive tissues of rams. However, the differences in sensitivity between different nucleic acid extraction protocols were not significant. Most rams showed a positive PCR result in only one sample of reproductive tissue, suggesting the recommendation to take multiple samples from each animal. Further research is needed to bring the sensitivity of molecular tests in diagnosing ram epididymitis closer to the sensitivity of serological tests.
First Case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 in Montenegro
Authors: Adzic Bojan , Goletic Sejla , Pejoviс Nikola , Vizi Andrej , Yolshin Nikita
Published: March 2024

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a highly infectious viral disease that affects birds, including wild water birds and poultry. The emergence and spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strains, such as H5N1, have raised concerns due to their potential to cause severe outbreaks and cross the species barrier, leading to human infections and global public health emergencies. In this study, we report the first case of HPAI H5N1 detection in Montenegro. Twenty-six carcasses of dalmatian pelicans were found in Skadar Lake, Montenegro, and the H5N1 subtype was confirmed through molecular testing in the samples from pelicans. The whole influenza genome was sequenced and belonging to clade 2.3.4.4b was determined.
Structural and Optical Properties of Aluminium Nitride Thin Films Fabricated Using Pulsed Laser Deposition and DC Magnetron Sputtering on Various Substrates
Authors: Virt Ihor , Potera Piotr , Wisz Grzegorz , Dziedzic Andrzej , Cieniek Bogumił , Lopatynskyi Ivan , Frugynskyi Marian
Published: March 2024

Aluminium nitride thin films were fabricated using pulsed laser deposition and DC magnetron sputtering. Different technological parameters and the effects of different substrates on the optical and structural parameters of AlN samples were studied. An X-ray diffraction study was performed for the layer deposited on the Si3N4 substrate. A high-energy electron diffraction study was also carried out for the layer deposited on a KCl substrate. Transmission spectra of layers on quartz, sapphire, and glass substrates were obtained. An evaluation of the optical band gap of the obtained layers was carried out (Eg
form 3.81 to 5.81 eV) and the refractive index was calculated (2.58). The relative density of the film (N1TN-AlN sample) is 1.26 and was calculated using the Lorentz-Lorentz relationship. Layers of aluminium nitride show an amorphous character with a polycrystalline region. It was shown that the properties of AlN films strongly depend on the method, growth conditions, and substrate used.
Effect of Cement Dosing Without Additions (CPA) on High-Performance and Ordinary Concrete Based Glass Powder as Fine Partial Cement Replacement - A Comparative Study
Authors: Aissat-Arab Bahia , Mehaddene Rachid
Published: March 2024

The main objective of this paper research is a comparative study on the effect of the glass powder (GP) substitute from collected and recycled glass waste, as a fine partial cement replacement on the mechanical performance and durability of high performance concrete (HPC) and ordinary concrete (OC). For this two cement dosing were used of 400 kg/m3 to formulate OC and 450 kg/m3 to formulate HPC, and GP as considered binder like cement and not as fine addition, hence binder represent the sum of cement with GP (L=C+GP) with which will be made our two concretes formulation. Two ratios were used for the Water/Binder (W/B), the first W/B=0.35 for the HPC and the second W/B=0.5 for the OC, this ration is very important to fix the concentration of superplasticizer. A percentage of 10% and 20% substitution of cement CPA without additions noted CEM I 52.5 by the glass powder with fineness of 3600 cm 2/g are used. The evaluation of the compressive strength was followed from 7 to 365 days in order to study the behavior of the GP at different ages affected by the cement dosing and the ratio W/B compared to the reference concrete without GP for the two concretes HPC and OC. At 28 days the strengths of concretes with GP is affected by the replacement of a quantity of cement since the two reference concretes were superior but beyond this age an inverse behavior is noticed such that results obtained at age of 365 days seem to be advantageous in terms of savings in the quantity of cement used by interpreting the compressive strength, and the decrease in quantity of water in the mixtures offers a remarkable difference between the two concretes studied by using 20 % of GP as replacement of cement.
Mechanical Flexibility and Electrical Reliability of ZnO-Al Thin Films on Polymer Substrates Under Different External Deformation
Authors: Mohammed Dilveen W.
Published: March 2024

Aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) films have emerged as promising transparent electrodes for various optoelectronic applications due to their superior transparency, electrical conductivity, and cost-effectiveness compared to indium tin oxide (ITO). Despite their widespread use, investigations into the electromechanical properties of AZO films, especially under various mechanical deformations, remain limited. This study employs RF magnetron sputtering to deposit AZO films on polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) substrates and explores their mechanical behavior through uniaxial tensile fragmentation and bending tests, coupled with in-situ optical microscopy. Changes in electrical resistance of AZO films were monitored in situ during deformation. Fatigue behavior was examined to further understand mechanical failure, and SEM was used for surface characterization. A critical strain of about 3.1 percent was detected during uniaxial tensile testing, marking the onset of cracks in AZO-coated PEN. In contrast to thicker films, thinner films demonstrated improved stretchability beyond the initiation of crack onset strain. Tension and compression bending tests revealed that the material has excellent bendability, as shown by its critical radii of 5.4 mm and 3.9 mm, respectively. The bending reliability of AZO films under compression was found to be superior than that under tension.

Bending fatigue experiments demonstrated that AZO films could withstand cyclic stress without experiencing no ticeable cracks after 100 cycles and with very minor resistance change. This study contributes to the creation of more reliable and optimized flexible optoelectronic devices by giving substantial quantitative data on the performance of AZO films when exposed to mechanical stress.
Application of Regression Models on the Prediction of Corrosion Degradation of a Crude Oil Distillation Unit
Authors: Varbai Balázs , Wéber Richárd , Farkas Balázs , Danyi Péter , Krójer Antal , Locskai Roland , Bohács György , Hős Csaba
Published: March 2024

The crude distillation unit is the most critical elements in the refining process. Moreover, most of the equipment in the distillation unit are made of general carbon steels. Data analysis models, machine learning techniques can predict corrosion degradation rates. We used Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression, to predict the impact of process parameters. Altogether, we have analysed 84 channels of technological parameters, and 22 different types of crude oils. Among the corrosion agents, the chloride content strongly affected the weight loss of coupons, where the highest coefficient was 0.68. The most influential parameter is found to be the pH value. Thus, an estimation method of the pH value is set up to predict the corrosion degradation rate. The regression correlation for estimating the pH value is 0.53 if the corrosion agents are not used, which can be improved to 0.76 if the corrosion agents are also used in the regression analysis.
Effect of the Number of Shells on Selected Mechanical Properties of Parts Manufactured by FDM/FFF Technology
Authors: Szot Wiktor , Rudnik Mateusz
Published: March 2024

The technological parameters of 3D printing have an influence on the mechanical properties of the manufactured components. The purpose of the article was to study the comparative influence of the technological parameter of the number of shells variable in two stages (2 and 10) on selected mechanical properties. The maximum tensile stress for the number of shells 10 was 39.80 MPa, which is higher compared to the number of shells 2: 30.98 MPa. In the case of the maximum bending stress for the number of shells 10, an average value of 61.02 MPa was obtained, which is higher compared to the number of shells of 2: 37.46 MPa. Furthermore strong fit of the Kelvin-Voight model was obtained, as confirmed by the values of the Cℎi
2: 0.0001 and R
2: 0.997 coefficients.
The Influence of Mineral Additives and Sands on the Performance of Self-Compacting Sand Concretes
Authors: Djoual Belkacem , Kettab Ratiba Mitiche , Ghrieb Abderrahmane , Bouziani Tayeb , Zaitri Rebih
Published: March 2024

The chosen plan for our case study is a network mixture design consisting of 21 mixtures. The application of this method has proven to be immensely useful in studying the influence of composition parameters (composite design) and the utilization of various types of mineral additives (mixture design). The application of the Design of Experiments (DOE) method, based on a statistical approach, allowed for a better understanding of the effect of formulation parameters, including the proportion of alluvial sand (75%), dune sand (25%), the total amount of sand kept at constant percentages, the dosages of brick powder, limestone filler and ceramic powder (all varying from 0 %, 20 %, 40 %, 60 %, 80 %, and 100 %), while keeping the dosage of superplasticizer and the water/binder ratio constant. This approach helped to understand the interactions between these parameters and their impact on the process. Mathematical models relating the variations of these parameters to the workability and compressive strength of such concrete mixtures have been established. The results obtained show that the workability of SCSC (expressed by slump flow and V-funnel flow) improves with the increase in the dosage of limestone filler (FC), brick powder (PB), and ceramic powder (PC), with element having a different impact, be it alone or in a combination. Moreover, they all improved the behavior of SCSC in both the fresh and hardened states. The experiment shows that increasing the proportions of FC and PC in the mixture, whether linear, binary, or ternary, leads to a significant improvement in compressive strength. Furthermore, better strength is observed in the ternary mixture at 28 days, with a strength of 43 MPa, with the following proportions (FC 70%, PB 20%, PC 10%). Finally, the result at 180 days of 48 MPa confirms the following proportions (PC 60 %, FC 30 %, PB 10 %) The compliance of some SCSC compositions was tested according to the recommendations of the French Association of Civil Engineering.
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and its Components in Patients with Controlled Graves’ Disease
Authors: Stoynova M. , Lilova L. , Petrova D. , Yankova I. , Dimitrova I. , Shinkov A. , Kovatcheva R.
Published: March 2024

Aim:

Our aim was to assess the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in patients with controlled Graves’ disease (GD).

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study involving 95 consecutive patients with GD referred to our tertiary care inpatient clinical center meeting the following inclusion criteria: controlled hyperthyroidism, treatment with antithyroid drugs, untreated Graves’ orbitopathy (GO), if present. Patients’ anthropometric parameters were evaluated and laboratory tests were performed with measurement of fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, thyroid hormone and antibody levels. The presence of the MetS and its components as defined by the International Diabetes Federation from 2009 were evaluated.

Results:

In our patient cohort 82.1% were females, 17.9% were males, mean age 50.2 ± 13 years, with median duration of GD 16.5 months. The MetS was observed in 32.6% of our patients, obesity – in 34.7%, hyperglycemia in 38.9%, arterial hypertension – in 36.8%, low HDL-cholesterol – in 23.2% and hypertriglyceridemia – in 13.7%. There was not statistical difference neither between the prevalence of the MetS, nor between the prevalence of its individual components in female and male GD patients. The MetS was significantly more frequent in older patients, as well as abdominal obesity, hyperglycemia and arterial hypertension. There was not statistical difference in the frequency of the MetS and its components between GD patients with and without GO, except for waist circumference, which was significantly higher in patients with GO.

Conclusions:

The presence of the MetS and its components among GD patients are to great extent similar to those reported in the general population, which underlines the need for their screening and proper treatment in this subpopulation.
Seroprevalence of IgG Antibodies Against SARS-CoV-2 N Protein Among Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Subjects in Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Donia A. , Nawaz M. , Shahid M. F. , Shahid R. , Javed A. , Yaqub T. , Bokhari H.
Published: March 2024

The spread of SARS-CoV-2 represented a global health crisis. On May 5, 2023, the chief of the World Health Organization (WHO) officially announced the end of COVID-19 as a global health emergency. Serological assays can identify previously infected SARS-CoV-2 individuals, even if they did not go for testing while acutely ill. The current study sought to detect antibodies directed against the nucleocapsid of SARS-CoV-2 (IgG against the SARS-CoV-2 N protein) in both vaccinated and unvaccinated COVID-19 individuals. Of the 100 participants, 53 and 47 were vaccinated and unvaccinated, respectively. The vaccination status of the cohort based on gender data indicates that 41 (41%) of all participants were vaccinated males, whereas 12 (12%) were vaccinated females. We found that 42 (42%) were unvaccinated males and 5 (5%) were unvaccinated females. Of 53 vaccinated subjects, 42 and 11 participants were positive and negative for IgG against the SARS-CoV-2 N protein, respectively. Of 47 unvaccinated participants, 28 and 19 were positive and negative for IgG against the SARS-CoV-2 N protein, respectively. The average of S/P “Sample/Positive control” percentages, which correlate to levels of IgG against SARS-CoV-2 N protein, were significantly higher among the vaccinated patients (73.8%) as compared to non-vaccinated patients (57.1%), with p = 0.02. There was a downward trend in levels of IgG against the SARS-CoV-2 N protein with increasing age, except for the 60–69 age group.
Translation in Flux: Revisiting the Past, Envisioning the Future
Authors: Ito Kinji
Published: March 2024

Translation and translators are emerging as powerful catalysts for promoting vibrant cross-cultural interaction among individuals from different backgrounds. Commonly perceived as the process of converting content from one language to another, translation is a nuanced and multifaceted endeavor that transcends mere linguistic conversion. Translators act as adept mediators, deftly navigating the intricate web of diverse texts and cultures while shaping their uniquely insightful perspectives. This article explores the rich historical dimensions of translation, highlighting its deep connections to philosophical beliefs and socio-political dynamics. It also aims to enhance our understanding of the complex nature of this practice by dissecting various dichotomies in translation studies, including contrasting philosophical views of translation and divergent approaches to the art of translation. In today’s interconnected world, the role of the translator has become increasingly indispensable, underscoring that translation goes beyond mere words; it serves as a mirror that reflects the ever-evolving globalized landscape. To chart a path forward, we must recognize the importance of revisiting the past, drawing wisdom from history, and gaining valuable insights for the future.
A Comparative Study of LIQUID Metaphors in English and Romanian Economic Language
Authors: Greavu Arina
Published: March 2024

This article discusses the economic terminology of English and Romanian from the perspective of Conceptual Metaphor Theory, focusing on the way in which the two languages employ lexical items from the semantic field of liquids in relation to the economy. The approach used here is both quantitative and qualitative. Thus, the study analyses the dictionary distribution in the two languages of words and phrases that fit the LIQUID metaphor of the economy, and tries to formulate statistical conclusions regarding the importance of this metaphor in shaping the vocabulary of the subject. The results of the quantitative analysis are illustrated with examples from economic publications, with an emphasis on those cases where English and Romanian do not share the same conceptual metaphors, and which could thus prove problematic for learners of Business English as well as for professionals working with the two languages. Metaphor researchers studying English and Romanian generally agree that English is more metaphorical in the way it discusses economic phenomena. However, dictionaries and newspaper articles may differ in the extent to which they follow this prediction, with the latter showing a higher density of metaphorical language than the former.
On the Efficiency and Efficacy of Machine-Assisted Literary Translation: A Case Study for English/Romanian and Romanian/English Machine-Assisted Translation
Authors: Tîrban Emilian
Published: March 2024

“If you translate long into the machine, the machine translates back into you,” is one of the issues the present article strives to establish and explore qualitatively. I intend to examine the effectiveness and efficiency of machine-assisted translations of significant literary works from a hermeneutical perspective. Essentially, I analyse the output of automated translation platforms such as Google Translate and compare them to human translation. This investigation is valuable in determining whether translators should exercise caution when utilizing translation platforms for culturally rich literary works. Additionally, the article scrutinizes the localisation, cultural, and grammatical coherence of Homer’s The Iliad translated from English to Romanian using the Google Translate platform. The human translations used are rendered into English and Romanian from Greek. As Homer’s Greek remains incomprehensible to the translation platform, we employ a secondary translation technique for a tertiary machine-assisted output. Nonetheless, this approach highlights the serious pitfalls of using translation platforms haphazardly in translation work. This analysis will show how awareness of the machine’s imperfect translation capabilities may, in turn, enhance the human translator’s awareness of what works while translating with the help of a translation application.
Translating Identities: How Cultural Choices Shape Character Perception in Genshin Impact
Authors: Mihu Catrina-Claudia
Published: March 2024

This article undertakes a comparative analysis of the English and Chinese voice-lines of specific characters in Genshin Impact – a well-known open world role-playing video game developed by Mihoyo Technology – and examines the cultural implications that might have led to varied translations. By closely scrutinizing linguistic adaptations and cultural nuances, the study aims to shed light on how these differences in translation significantly influence the perception of characters among their respective audiences globally. The research delves into the complex choices made by translators and their impact on character representation, addressing the discourse on the interplay between language and culture, and how these intersect with in-game narratives. In doing so, the article not only offers valuable insights into the intricacies of cross-cultural adaptation in regards to video game localization, but also contributes to a broad understanding of how linguistic choices actively shapes the audience’s perception when navigating the immersive world of Genshin Impact.
Teaching Visually Impaired Translators and Interpreters in Romania: Available Tools and Inclusive Teaching Methods
Authors: Moldovan Alexandra
Published: March 2024

This article explores the teaching methods used in university classes of Translation and Interpreting with visually impaired students. It is the first essay on this topic applied to the context of Romania. Therefore, it offers basic suggestions of implementing international teaching methods for visually impaired students in Translation and Interpreting in Romanian universities, while also raising awareness about the challenges they face. The literature review is divided into two categories: digital skills and professional skills. In presenting the most essential digital skills a visually impaired translator and interpreter must acquire, the article makes reference to Kornacki’s model which groups technologies according to the necessary skills. The professional skills are discussed in three articles from two different universities, namely the University of Trieste in Italy and the University of Mainz/Germersheim in Germany. The German study described in two articles – one in German and its shorter version in English – gives a detailed perspective on the topic, being the core of the theoretical ideas mentioned in this article. The knowledge acquired by reading this article will most certainly lead Romanian professors to using the optimal approach when teaching emerging visually impaired translators and interpreters. The teaching methods can be put into practice if the right equipment is available and accessibility is implemented in all aspects regarding translation and interpreting.
Flexible Work: Barrier to Benefits?
Authors: Laundon Melinda , Williams Penny
Published: March 2024

The Australian financial services industry has been a leader in offering flexible work policies, positioning them as a solution to the tensions between women’s dual work and family roles. While Australian legislation provides the right to request flexible work, this study uncovers how, in one finance organisation, flexible work is framed as an employee benefit within a suite of benefits. The study shows that employees using flexible work arrangements are less likely to understand and know how to access the full range of benefits, many of which have short- and longterm financial implications. This has consequences for the long-term financial security of women (as the heaviest users of flexible work arrangements) and for financial planners, both as employees of organisations in the Australian finance industry and as providers of advice to women working in this sector.
Retirement Outcomes for Female Primary Carers in Australia: A Literature Review
Authors: Craft Amanda , Taylor Sharon , Gaffney Alicia , Wagland Suzanne
Published: March 2024

Due to an ageing population, encouraging self-funded retirement has been a key goal of Australian government policy for the last three decades. However, the current model of superannuation—funded primarily by the Superannuation Guarantee (SG)—leaves significant segments of the Australian population at a disadvantage. These segments include groups of individuals who do not participate in the paid workforce due to their performance of non-paid work. This research paper examines the disadvantage experienced by female primary carers in Australia under the current model of superannuation.

The body of literature on superannuation has identified that a significant proportion of working age women take time out of the workforce to provide care and receive a minimal amount of assistance from the government and that this has a detrimental effect on their retirement outcomes. However, this paper identifies a gap in the existing literature as it does not consider the financial consequences in retirement for women who must care for their parents. In particular, this paper identifies the disadvantage experienced by those women who simultaneously, or sequentially, ‘sandwich’ caring for their parents with raising children.