bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge and Practices of Triage Amongst Nurses Working in the Emergency Departments of Rural Hospitals in Limpopo Province
Authors: Phukubye Thabo Arthur , Mbombi Masenyani Oupa , Mothiba Tebogo Maria
Published: November 2019

Background:

Many deaths in hospitals occur within 24 hours of admission. Some of these deaths could be prevented if the patients were effectively triaged, identified quickly, and treatment initiated without delay. Triage and emergency care have always been weak and under-emphasized components of healthcare systems in rural areas of Limpopo Province, and yet, if well organised, it could lead to saving many lives and reducing the ultimate costs of care. There have been few studies, and there is little information focusing on nurses’ knowledge about triage in rural hospitals.

Objective:

This study aims to assess the knowledge and practices of triage amongst nurses working in the Emergency Departments (ED) of the Sekhukhune District, Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Methods:

By employing a quantitative, non-experimental research method, 84 nurses working in the Emergency Departments, completed and submitted structured questionnaires. The validity and reliability were ensured by pre-testing the data collection instrument on respondents who were not part of the main study. Data were analyzed by using the SPSS version 25, Excel computer programs and score methods.

Results:

The findings indicate that there is a correlation between triage knowledge and job title (p-value = 0.046). Registered nurses, specialty nurses, and enrolled nurses, were found to know more than auxiliary nurses. However, the study discovered that, among the nurses with knowledge, 61% exercised poor triage practice, while only 30% showed evidence of good practice.

Conclusion:

The study aims at defining triage knowledge and practice amongst nurses in the Emergency Departments. The results indicate that nurses have knowledge regarding triage but have difficulty in converting their factual knowledge into practice, as they scored poorly on questions about the practice. In addition, there emerged a significantly positive relationship between triage knowledge and job titles. The study recommends the development of strategies to enhance the conversion of factual knowledge into practice regarding triage in the ED. This could be implemented through sustainable training courses regarding triage for all the categories of nurses.
Grewia asiatica Mucilage: A Smart Gelling Polymeric Material for Pharmaceutical Applications In Vitro Studies
Authors: Gupta Nitin , Kulkarni Giriraj T. , Kumar Pravin , Awasthi Rajendra
Published: November 2019

Background:

Natural plant-based materials have several advantages. They are biodegradable,
biocompatible, non-toxic, cost-effective, environment friendly, easily available, and can undergo
chemical modification.

Objective:

Grewia asiatica extracts contain various phytoconstituents and have therapeutic benefits
such as antimicrobial and anti-diabetic properties. They form colloidal dispersions and make a highly
viscous gel in water. Considering these properties of Grewia asiatica mucilage, the present work was
aimed to investigate its application in the formulation of gel for the topical delivery of diclofenac sodium.

Method:

Gel formulations were prepared with and without penetration enhancers using 1% w/w diclofenac
sodium as a model drug. The formulations were subjected to different evaluation tests like
physical characterization, pH, spreadability, skin irritation, gel retrogradation, drug content and in vitro
drug diffusion. The in vitro diffusion of the drug from different formulations was compared with the in
vitro drug release profile of the marketed formulation (Omni gel, Cipla, India). To assess the release
mechanism, the in vitro release data was analyzed using Korsmeyers-Peppas’ equation.

Results:

The mucilage showed good gelling behavior in 5.50, 5.75, 6.00, 6.25 and 6.50% concentrations.
All the formulations followed the anomalous transport mechanism of drug release. The formulation
BP3 showed 90% of drug release after 5.2h of dissolution study, which was similar to the marketed
formulation. Hence, formulation BP3 was ideal among all the formulations.

Conclusion:

It might be concluded that, the Grewia asiatica mucilage may be used as a natural polymeric
material for gel formulation.
MODELLING OF EXTERNAL FIRE PROTECTION WATER SUPPLY SOURCES IN THE SUBSTANTIATION OF SPECIAL TECHNICAL CONDITIONS
Authors: Stepanov O. I. , Khudyakova S. A.
Published: November 2019

Objectives This paper sets out to provide a theoretical substantiation of the placement of external fire-prevention water supply sources when designing unique construction objects, for which standard requirements of fire safety cannot be applied. Problematic situations arising during the design of unique construction objects, which relate to the provision of the required level of fireextinguishing substances supply, are described.

Method A model constructed on the basis of graph theory is presented for the preliminary calculation of the location of external fire-fighting water supply sources that takes the equipment of fire-rescue units into account. The utility of developing a universal mathematical model for the preliminary definition of arrangement parameters of sources of external fire-prevention water supply when designing construction objects is substantiated.

Results Examples of preliminary calculation of the number of external fire-fighting water supply sources are given considering the shape of the building perimeter. Additional factors determining the distances from external fire-fighting water supply sources to the projected objects are given.

Conclusion A conclusion regarding the adequacy of the proposed model is formulated and directions for future research indicated that allows the applicability of the model to be specified for the calculation of the projected objects, which differ in terms of dimensions given in the plan by above-normative characteristics.
EXPRESS MONITORING OF THE MAIN PARAMETERS OF CLOUDS FROM THE EARTH’S SURFACE
Authors: Yakunin A. G.
Published: November 2019

Objectives The paper proposes a technique that allows the main types of clouds and cloud cover parameters (ceiling, direction and speed of cloud movement) to be determined at minimum cost via observations from the Earth’s surface. The aim is to avoid using meteorological information derived from official sources, which may not always be available for a specific place and time of observation.

Method The method is based on the well-known Ippolitov formula that connects air humidity on the Earth’s surface with the cloud ceiling, whose empirical coefficients depend on the type of the cloud cover. In order to determine this type, a method based on elliptic cloud contour approximation is proposed.

Results Additional classification features were the number of approximating ellipses in the image frame, the proximity of their mutual location, the total area that they occupy in the frame and the area occupied by the largest ellipse. The speed and direction of the clouds are determined through shifting the common key points in image frames obtained over a small fixed time interval. Each point is described by a descriptor calculated using the SURF method from the open image processing library OpenCV.

Conclusion Despite the simplicity of the required software and hardware (web camera, humidity sensor, and OEM – Arduino module), this method provides a definition of these parameters with an error within 20%. Monitoring systems based on this method may be used in private automatic weather stations, such as the Wunderground, for obtaining more information that could improve the accuracy of weather forecasts, as well as for research in meteorology and climatology.
DEVELOPMENT OF COMPOSITIONS OF FILLED INSULATORS BASED ON SECONDARY RAW FOR MONOLITHIC HIGH-STRENGTH CONCRETE
Authors: Alaskhanov A. Kh. , Murtazaeva T. S. , Saidumov M. S.-A. , Omarov A. O.
Published: November 2019

Objectives Development of compositions filled with binders based on recycled materials for monolithic high-strength concrete.

Method The research methods adopted in the work are based on the theoretical principles and laws of designing and optimizing polydisperse multicomponent systems, the phase and structure formation of clinker minerals, the logic of mathematical calculations, the technological features of the structure formation of composite masses, the theoretical principles of controlling the rheological processes of mixes. All experimental data presented in the work were obtained according to the methods of current regulatory documents (GOST, recommendations, etc.).

Result The paper provides an analysis of the experience of using recycled materials in the form of products of demolition of buildings and structures, the technology for producing secondary raw materials for concrete on their basis. Formulations filled with binders with an activity of 60-71 MPa with finely dispersed mineral fillers from concrete scrap and brick combat with a ratio of 70:30%, respectively, were developed and investigated.

Conclusion The optimal formulations of highly mobile concrete mixtures were designed using local natural and technogenic raw materials with a grade of P5 cone sediment and persistence for more than 8 hours to obtain high-strength classes of compressive strength up to B60-B80 with unique operational properties.
ON THE INFLUENCE OF THE POROSITY OF FINE-GRAINED CONCRETES AND DRY BUILDING MIXTURES ON CONTACT ZONE FROST RESISTANCE
Authors: Nesvetaev G. N. , Dolgova A. V. , Khadzhishalapov G. N. , Batdalov M. M.
Published: November 2019

ObjectivesThis study was aimed at identifying the dependency of the frost resistance of the contact zone of fine-grained concretes (FGCs) obtained from dry building mixtures (DBMs) based on various Portland cements (PCs) with the content of various redispersable polymer powders (RPPs) from 0 to 3%.

MethodThe research was based on 75 freeze-defrost cycles.

ResultsAlthough the average dependency of adhesion with the base on additional porosity after 75 freeze-defrost cycles does not depend on the nature of NMV, adhesion is influenced by the cement type, the type and dosage of RPPs, as well as the nature of additional porosity. Since the content of organised volume of NMV in the form of VV has no effect on changes in adhesion with the concrete base following 75 freeze-defrost cycles, it is impractical to add more than 7% of NMV in the form of MS to the concrete mixture. The feasibility of using sulphate-resistant cement requires more research. The practical RPP dosage should be 1-2%. Some contradictions in conclusions on the volume of the introduced MS (by the strength criterion – at least 6%, by the criterion of frost resistance of the contact zone – no more than 7%) allows us to recommend the dosage of MS in RPP within 6-7% by volume for obtaining additional data on the MS effect on frost resistance.

ConclusionThe dependency of compressive strength on additional porosity for FGCs without NMV and with NMV in the VV form after hardening during 28 days under normal conditions almost coincides with the known dependency of strength on porosity for cement stone; the maximum divergence of the values ???????? ????0 in the investigated range does not exceed 5%. The dependency of compressive strength on additional porosity for FGCs without NMV and with NMV in the MS form is similar to the known dependency of strength from porosity for cement stone; however, with increasing porosity, there is a slight decrease in the effect of porosity on strength. The dependency of compressive strength after 75 freeze-defrost cycles on additional porosity for FGC without NMV practically coincides with the previously obtained dependency of strength on porosity for cement stone; the maximum divergence of the values ???????? ????0 in the investigated range does not exceed 9%. For FGCs with NMV in the MC form, increasing porosity causes a slight decrease in the porosity effect on strength, and for FGCs with NMV in the VV form, the dependency has a quantitative and qualitative difference. The value of NMV in the VV form recommended for improving the frost resistance of FGCs by the strength criterion is at least 3%, MS – at least 6%. According to the criterion of the frost resistance of the contact zone and the strength of MS, the recommended dosage is 6-7%. It was not possible to disclose the direct impact of the VV volume on the frost resistance of the contact zone.
ESTIMATION OF THE RESISTANCE OF A THREE-LAYERED STRUCTURE WITH A PYRAMID DISCONTINUOUS FILLER TO DYNAMIC STRESS USING THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
Authors: Ustarkhanov O. M. , Muselemov H. M. , Abakarov M. S. , Alibekov M. S.
Published: November 2019

Objectives. In this research, we set out to explore the possibility of increasing the resistance of three-layered panels with a pyramid filler filled with fibrous material to dynamic loads. Although issues associated with dynamic impact, penetration of solid bodies and breaking of solid barriers have always been of interest, particularly in military affairs, they are increasingly attracting the attention of researchers investigating various industrial problems.

Method. A calculation was performed using the finite element method (FEM), which is widely used in various areas including construction. The possibility of calculating the movement of a solid body in fibrous material using the FEM, namely using the LIRA-SAPR software, was considered.

Results. From the constructed models, it can be seen how the striker moves inside the fibrous material. Therefore, using the SC LIRA-SAPR allows the work of the filler to be assessed while a solid body moves inside it. The results of the calculation of striker movement in fibrous material depending on the speed of the body (striker) and the density of the filler (fibre) are shown in figures.

Conclusion. The conducted numerical studies showed that a discrepancy between the calculation results for a three-layered structure under dynamic loads using the FEM and analytical dependencies was about 10%.
THERMOELECTRIC DEVICE FOR INTRACAVITARY HYPOTHERMIA
Authors: Ismailov T. A. , Evdulov O. V. , Khazamova M. A. , Ragimova T. A. , Magomadov R. A.-M.
Published: November 2019

Objectives In this research, we aimed to develop a thermoelectric device (TED) for intracavitary hypothermia, to carry out experimental studies into its functional characteristics, as well as to develop treatment procedures using this device.

Method A TED design for intracavitary hypothermia was developed, consisting of two thermoelectric batteries (TEBs) interconnected using an allmetal heat pipeline equipped with an influencing applicator and a liquid heat exchanger. Experimental studies of the device were carried out on a designed bench, which included a climatic chamber, a source of electrical energy and a temperature meter connected to a PC.

Results Temperature changes at the control points of the device were recorded over time. Changes in the time taken to stabilise temperatures of the device tip, heat pipe and heat sink system at different TEB supply currents were investigated. Possible methods for treating some ENT diseases using the developed device are described.

Conclusion It is shown that the temperature of the applicator is stabilised after approximately 4-4.5 minutes without load. At the same time, an increase in the current of the additional TEB from 5 to 12 A at the main TEB current of 23 A reduces the temperature from 237 K to 224 K. In the process of carrying out the procedures, the necessary level of a decrease in the temperature of a biological object can be reached at the supply current of the main and additional TEBs equal to 23 and 12 A, respectively, after 2.5 minutes. The full potential of the TED device will be realised through the developed of methods for treating ENT diseases.
PREDICTION OF THE USE OF REFRIGERANTS IN LOW-TEMPERATURE EQUIPMENT
Authors: Tatarenko J. V. , Mizin V. M. , Rachkovskiy N. O.
Published: November 2019

Objectives Determination of prospects for the use of various refrigerants, as well as the potential for their interchangeability in low-temperature equipment in accordance with the conditions of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer.

Method A computer simulation of heat exchange processes based on generally accepted dependencies was carried out and data for the construction of refrigeration machine elements obtained.

Results R717 and R410A are recommended for use in medium- and low-temperature machines. R32 refrigerant is used in high-temperature refrigeration machines, especially in units with finned copper tubes. The low vapour content of R32 refrigerant prevents steaming of the upper layers of the tube bundle, leading to an increase in the level of the refrigerant in the evaporator and in the working area of the evaporator tube bundle. For R32, it is necessary to conduct additional research to find an alternative refrigerant. The highest values of the heat transfer coefficient are obtained when working on refrigerants R410A and R717.

Conclusion The implemented algorithms can be helpful for obtaining the characteristics of the steam-compressor refrigerator elements across a wide range of boiling and condensing temperatures taking various factors and the percentage composition of the mixed working substance into account. This is a highly important consideration when converting the machines to run on alternative refrigerants.
STUDY OF A FLOWING-TYPE HEAT TRANSFER INTENSIFIER USED AS PART OF A THERMOELECTRIC SEA WATER DESALINATION SYSTEM
Authors: Yusufov Sh. A. , Bazaev A. R. , Bilalov B. A.
Published: November 2019

Objectives To analyse the thermophysical processes in the thermoelectric heat transfer intensifier operating as part of a desalination system based on semiconductor thermoelectric converters.

Method A mathematical model for the design of a desalter containing a thermoelectric heat exchanger, which provides for the use of heat flows by natural thermal conductivity due to so-called heat channels, is proposed. The proposed method of using additional heat sinks on the heat-absorbing side of the device and additional heat sources on the fuel side determines the need for a new mathematical model that differs from the known mathematical models describing heat transfer in the heat transfer flowing-type intensifier.

Results The analysis of modelling results shows that a significant contribution to the temperature field of heat conductors is made when considering the heat transfer over the heat channels. The value of the contribution is the greater, the higher the thermal conductivity of the heat channels and the temperature difference between the heat conductors and the surface of the heat channels. In accordance with their purpose, flow-type thermoelectric heat transfer intensifiers (THTIs) for desalination applications must ensure efficient heat transfer from the cooled fluid flow to the heated fluid flow. The results show that, at a given limited length of the heat exchanger, the use of a thermoelectric battery together with heat channels allows equality of temperatures of heat conductors at the output to be achieved.

Conclusion The modelling results show that, under the operating conditions of the thermal battery in intensifier mode, the length of the heat exchanger shall not exceed the value, at which the temperature of the heat conductor at the outlet becomes equal. The system solution provides the required length of the thermal battery, which allows equality of coolant temperatures to be achieved at the exit from the THTI operation mode. Following the logic of the desalter scheme under consideration, it is obvious that the reduction in the length of the heat exchanger, with all other things being equal, gives a reduction in the mass and size of the device as a whole.
SOFTWARE METHODS FOR INCREASING THE RELIABILITY OF AERODROME QUASI-DOPPLER AUTOMATIC RADIO DIRECTION FINDERS
Authors: Aslanov G. K. , Kazibekov R. B. , Mirzabekov T. M. , Musaibov R. R.
Published: November 2019

Objectives To develop software methods that can improve the reliability of airfield quasi-Doppler automatic direction finders (ADFs).

Method. Mathematical models and algorithms of software fault recovery of aerodrome quasi-Doppler automatic radio direction finders were developed. It is proposed to change the structure of aerodrome quasi-Doppler automatic radio direction finders.

Results. Methods and algorithms for software improvement of the reliability of airfield quasi-Doppler automatic direction finders are proposed. A novel structural organisation of airfield quasi-Doppler automatic radio direction finders is given. New software methods are proposed for ensuring ADF operability in the event of a failure of the antenna system vibrators, both with the use of phase relations from any two pairs of orthogonally arranged ring antenna vibrators and with the use of the combinatorial method. The proposed organisational ADF scheme allows the average operating time per failure of one direction-finding channel to be increased by 4.4 times.

Conclusion. The developed methods for ensuring ADF operability in the event of a failure of antenna system vibrators enable a simultaneous calculation of the azimuth and angle of position on the radio emission source. The use of the proposed method increases the potential reliability of airfield quasi-Doppler automatic direction finders without any hardware costs, as well as ensuring the adequacy of the calculated instrumental error values of airfield quasi-Doppler automatic direction finders relative to the real ones.
THERMOELECTRIC PROCESSES IN AN EFFICIENT LIGHT-EMITTING TRANSISTOR
Authors: Gadzhiev H. M. , Akhmedov M. E. , Gadzhieva S. M. , Kurbanova P. A.
Published: November 2019

Objectives Development of energy-efficient light-emitting bipolar semiconductor structures.

Method  A method for transforming thermoelectric heat in bipolar semiconductor structures into optical-range electromagnetic radiation, which preserves the cooling effect on thermoelectric transitions, is proposed. Instead of transferring the information impulse electrically from the baseemitter light-emitting transition, the information is transferred directly to the light-absorbing basecollector transition by photons or following multiple re-reflections from mirror metal electrodes.

Results Unlike conventional optocouplers discretely separated in space, the novel optocouplers described in the article are integrated into a single electronic component using the principle of LED radiation. As a result, light-emitting bipolar semiconductor structures will result in the creation of more powerful, faster and better integrated devices.

Conclusion Light-emitting bipolar semiconductor structures will not only increase the reliability of electronic components across a wide range of performance characteristics, but also increase energy efficiency through the use of optical radiation recovery. The future development of light-efficient transistors improves integration and increases processor performance, at the same time as reducing the power consumption of the cooling system and the power supply of the device itself.
COMPUTER SCIENCE, COMPUTER ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT METHODICAL APPROACH TO EVALUATING THE PROBABILISTIC TIME PERFORMANCE INDICATOR OF AUTOMATED ADMINISTRATOR OPERATIONS IN INFORMATION PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Authors: Kadnova A. M.
Published: November 2019

ObjectivesAt present, in accordance with the requirements of the guiding documents of the Federal Service for Technical and Export Control (FSTEC) of Russia, as well as international standards in the development and operation of protected automated systems, it is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness (general utility) of information protection systems. The article is devoted to the development of a method for assessing the ergotechnical characteristics of software information security systems for use the assessment of the general utility of such systems. The aim of the work is to develop a methodology for assessing the probabilistic indicator of the timeliness of typical operations for the administration of information security systems.

MethodTo achieve this goal, user groups were created in order to perform typical administrative operations within the information protection system. The operation time for each group, recorded using the IOGraphV1.0.1 tool, was utilised to calculate the probabilities of timely execution of typical operations by the administrator according to a truncated normal distribution formula.

ResultsAn assessment of a probabilistic indicator was carried out in order to evaluate the timeliness of operations performed by the administrator of the information protection system.

ConclusionThe results can be used in a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness (reliability) of the automated functioning of information security software systems when modelling and analysing the security of special-purpose informatisation facilities.
READING LITERACY AND METACOGNITIVE STRATEGY FOR PREDICTING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
Authors: Banat Siti Mahmudatul , Pierewan Adi Cilik
Published: November 2019

The importance of  reading literacy is shown in the results of achievement among international countries. Reading literacy has not become a culture for most students. Some students have not used reading strategies to improve their understanding. This will affect the academic achievement. This expost facto research design aims to examine: (1) wether reading literacy can predict academic achievement in knowledge and skill, (2) wether metacognitive strategy can predict academic achievement in knowledge and skill, and (3) wether reading literacy and metacognitive strategy together can predict academic achievement on knowledge and skill.  The population is 543 students of three pilot senior high schools of Curriculum 2013 in Kulon Progo. The sample is 359 students established using the Table of Isaac and Michael. The instrument used is a questionnaire. The result is as follows. (1) Reading literacy can predict academic achievement in knowledge, but it cannot predict academic achievement in skill. (2) Metacognitive strategy can predict academic achievement in knowledge and skill. (3) Reading literacy and metacognitive strategy simultaneously can predict academic achievement on knowledge and skill. Therefore literacy habituation and the use of metacognitive strategies are strongly recommended to improve academic achievement of knowledge and skills.
How is personalisation used in pregnancy apps: A systematic review (Preprint)
Authors: Farič Nuša , Fortmann Judith , Davies Madelaine Bryher , Potts Henry WW
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Digital support is a preferred source of information for pregnant women with personalisation being a key selling benefit for pregnancy apps. Pregnancy apps are the most popular type of health app (n= 2,900).

OBJECTIVE

To describe the variety and use of personalisation in pregnancy apps.

METHODS

A systematic search of databases Medline, Embase and PsychINFO for peer reviewed articles, examining personalisation, customisation or tailoring of pregnancy apps.

RESULTS

Six studies met inclusion criteria (one interview study, one online survey, two app reviews and two studies using critical discourse analysis). Personalisation is largely determined by the functionality of the app. Foetal monitoring apps, supportive information apps and pregnancy entertainment apps utilise personalisation in different ways. Personalisation delivers relevant information and can result in women to become role models (e.g. for peers or family regarding healthier lifestyle); strengthening the relationship women have with the app and the unborn baby; and expressing one’s identity.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a gap in using personalised digital tools for pregnancy which are reliable and which use all of the dimensions of personalisation described in this review. Given the recommendation of the national guidelines, development of digital tools that provide relevant information is key. Future research should focus on personalising apps to reach women in different geographical locations and those at risk of pregnancy-related mental health problems.
Analyzing Trends of Loneliness Through Large-Scale Analysis of Social Media Postings: Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Mazuz Keren , Yom-Tov Elad
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Loneliness has become a public health problem described as an epidemic, and it has been argued that digital behavior such as social media posting affects loneliness.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to expand knowledge of the determinants of loneliness by investigating online postings in a social media forum devoted to loneliness. Specifically, this study aims to analyze the temporal trends in loneliness and their associations with topics of interest, especially with those related to mental health determinants.

METHODS

We collected a total of 19,668 postings from 11,054 users in the loneliness forum on Reddit. We asked seven crowdsourced workers to imagine themselves as writing 1 of 236 randomly chosen posts and to answer the short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale. After showing that these postings could provide an assessment of loneliness, we built a predictive model for loneliness scores based on the posts’ text and applied it to all collected postings. We then analyzed trends in loneliness postings over time and their correlations with other topics of interest related to mental health determinants.

RESULTS

We found that crowdsourced workers can estimate loneliness (interclass correlation=0.19) and that predictive models are correlated with reported loneliness scores (Pearson r=0.38). Our results show that increases in loneliness are strongly associated with postings to a suicidality-related forum (hazard ratio 1.19) and to forums associated with other detrimental behaviors such as depression and illicit drug use. Clustering demonstrates that people who are lonely come from diverse demographics and from a variety of interests.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate that it is possible for unrelated individuals to assess people’s social media postings for loneliness. Moreover, our findings show the multidimensional nature of online loneliness and its correlated behaviors. Our study shows the advantages of studying a hard-to-reach population through social media and suggests new directions for future studies.
Unique Challenges Saudi EFL Learners Face
Authors: Al-Seghayer Khalid
Published: November 2019

Learning English as a foreign language (EFL) is both a promising endeavor and a challenging undertaking. All language learners encounter unique challenges in the process of learning English, and Saudi EFL learners are no exception. This article identifies the unique and multifarious challenges Saudi EFL learners face, and explores the multidimensional causal factors in the progression of the challenges they face most commonly. The analysis first tackles the considerable challenge of accurate spelling, followed by a discussion of the challenges Saudi EFL learners encounter when learning to read and write in English. This discussion addresses challenges in sociolinguistic competence and English pronunciation arising from multivariate factors, and concludes by offering measures to help Saudi EFL learners overcome these characteristic challenges and promote their trajectory toward successful acquisition of EFL.
Failure analysis of stainless steel lanyard wire rope
Authors: Rao A. Sambasiva , Singh A. K.
Published: November 2019

Present work describes the failure analysis of AISI 304 stainless steel consisting of 7x19 construction lanyard wire rope which has failed during service. The microstructures and properties of failed wire rope have been investigated and compared with unused wire rope. Both the periphery and fracture surface of the wire rope display the presence of corrosion debris enriched with O and Cl. The fracture surfaces of the failed and unused wire ropes display intergranular and dimples, respectively. The lanyard wire rope has been exposed in corrosive atmosphere and failed in intergranular mode due to enrichment of O and Cl along the grain boundaries.
Robust control of a MIMO thermal-hidraulic process with sensor compensation in real time
Authors: López-Morales V. , Valdés-Asiain R.
Published: November 2019

The main goal of this paper is twofold: To show a kind of robustness in a nonlinear multivariable (NL MIMO) system with feedback control, by employing some linearization and observation techniques well known in reference kind of model; and at the same time it is a proposal to immunize the measurements of a level capacitance-based sensor when there are changes in the measured variables properties, by employing an on-line compensation. The MIMO thermal-hydraulic nonlinear system is stabilized when some linearizing conditions are met and a design methodology for using a state feedback scheme is established. In order to assign poles to the control system, the Jacobian linearization is transformed to the controllable canonical form. This is accomplished by the Brunovsky similarity transformation, and by a static state feedback. A Luenberger observer is added to the control system in order to improve its stability. Illustrations of these techniques are shown via numerical and practical simulations carried out directly in the inexpensive physical process.
Fabrication of transmissive diffractive optical elements for the mid-infrared with a laser writing instrument
Authors: Calixto S. , Pérez-Herrera Gil. A. , Strojnik M. , Servin M. , Malacara Zacarias , Duarte-Quiroga Reyna A.
Published: November 2019

A simple method to fabricate infrared (λ = 10.6 μm) diffractive optical elements that work in a transmission mode is presented. A laser-writing instrument completely under computer control has been built to demonstrate the feasibility of this method. Several diffractive elements, fabricated using the laser-writing instrument, are described.
Technological support for ecology
Authors: Sacristán-Romero Francisco
Published: November 2019

Tele-detection offers great possibilities for the accomplishment of progress in the knowledge of Nature. However, all expected benefits have not yet been obtained since improvement in matters of data space, spectral and temporal resolution still need to be made. In addition, greater scientific rigor in the interpretation of the results obtained is needed, attempting not to draw definite conclusions from existent environmental studies made by means of Tele-detection techniques. Models developed to process Tele-detection data will have to aim at eliminating the effects caused by the variability in the conditions of data collection, the distortion caused by the atmosphere, and the influence of parameters such as the position of the Sun, slope, exhibition and altitude. The present article attempts to look at the different and various applications of Tele-detection to the residuum control for energetic and environmental purposes.
Adoption and use of E-Government services: The case of Romania
Authors: Colesca S. E. , Dobrica L.
Published: November 2019

National governments have been makeing significant attempts to make theirits services and information available on the Internet. However, the success of these efforts depends, to a great extent, on how well the targeted users for such services, citizens in general, make use of them. For this reason, the purpose of the presented study was to identify what factors could affect the citizens' adoption of e-government services, analyzing the case of Romania. According to the UN e-government survey conducted in 2008, Romania comes under mid range countries by utilization of e-government (percent of utilization 37%). Romania’s national portal www.e-guvernare.ro aims at progressively making all services and information accessible through the portal. The study is an extension of the Technology Acceptance Model. The proposed model was validated using data collected from 481 citizens. The results provided substantial support for most all proposed hypotheses and showed the significance of the extended constructs.
Valuation Methodology for Technology Developed at Academic R&D Groups
Authors: VegaGonzález L R , Saniger Blesa J M
Published: November 2019

This work refers to technology embodied as devices, equipment, software or processes primarily developed at universities in developing countries for research or teaching. Sometimes it is also as the result of externally financed projects contracted with industry. Nearly always technology developed at academic R&D groups results in laboratory prototypes. When it is required to define the technology transfer (TT) contract terms for the license of the university patrimonial rights to external funding companies or other interested parties, a question arises: what is the monetary value? In this paper we present a four‐step method for technology valuation based on the identification of specific value points (SVP) related to its development. The final technology value must be within previously defined value limits. The presented methodology is actually being used to valuate some devices developed at the Centro de Ciencias Aplicadas y Desarrollo Tecnológico (CCADET) of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM).
Fingerprint Matching and Non-Matching Analysis for Different Tolerance Rotation Degrees in Commercial Matching Algorithms
Authors: Perez-Diaz A. J. , Arronte-Lopez I. C.
Published: November 2019

Fingerprint verification is the most important step in the fingerprint-based biometric systems. The matching score is linked to the chance of identifying a person. Nowadays, two fingerprint matching methods are the most popular: the correlation-based method and the minutiae-based method. In this work, three biometric systems were evaluated: Neurotechnology Verifinger 6.0 Extended, Innovatrics IDKit SDK and Griaule Fingerprint SDK 2007. The evaluation was performed according to the experiments of the Fingerprint Verification Competition (FVC). The influence of the fingerprint rotation degrees on false match rate (FMR) and false non-match rate (FNMR) was evaluated. The results showed that the FMR values increase as rotation degrees increase too, meanwhile, the FNMR values decrease. Experimental results demonstrate that Verifinger SDK shows good performance on false non-match testing, with an FNMR mean of 7%, followed by IDKit SDK (6.71% ~ 13.66%) and Fingerprint SDK (50%). However, Fingerprint SDK demonstrates a better performance on false match testing, with an FMR mean of ~0%, followed by Verifinger SDK (7.62% - 9%) and IDKit SDK (above 28%). As result of the experiments, Verifinger SDK had, in general, the best performance. Subsequently, we calculated the regression functions to predict the behavior of FNMR and FMR for different threshold values with different rotation degrees.
Control of a Class of Sulfate Reducing Chemostat Via Feedback Polynomial Injection
Authors: Aguilar-Lopez R. , Peña-Caballero V. , Neria-Gonzalez M. I.
Published: November 2019

The main goal of this work is to present a new class of feedback controller which contains on its structure a polynomial form of the named control error, the proposed controller is applied to a class of sulfate-reducing chemostat in order to control the sulfate concentration, which would be useful for several biotechnological issues, as heavy metal removal in wastewater. The closed-loop behavior of the chemostat is theoretically analyzed and a practical convergence to the selected optimum trajectory is proved. The proposed methodology is applied to an experimentally corroborated kinetic model of a sulfate-reducing bacterium and further numerical experiments show the satisfactory closed-loop performance of the process in comparison with other controllers.
Electronic Implementation of a Fuzzy Neuron Model With a Gupta Integrator
Authors: Ramírez-Mendoza A. , Pérez-Silva J.L. , Lara-Rosano F.
Published: November 2019

In this paper the electronic circuit implementation of a fuzzy neuron model with a fuzzy Gupta integrator is presented.This neuron model simulates the performance and the fuzzy response of a fast-spiking biological neuron. The fuzzyneuron response is analyzed for two classical (non-fuzzy) input signals, the results are spike trains with relative andabsolute refractory period and an axonal delay. A comparison between the response of the proposed fuzzy neuronmodel and the intracellular registers of biological fast-spiking cortical interneurons is made, as well as the transientspresented at the beginning of each spike train. Also the results obtained from the electronic circuit of the fuzzy neuronmodel with the Matlab™ simulation of the mathematical model are compared.
Coagulation/Flocculation of Tannery Wastewater Using Immobilized Chemical Coagulants
Authors: Q. Imran , M. A. Hanif , M. S. Riaz , S. Noureen , T. M. Ansari , H. N. Bhatti
Published: November 2019

Chemical coagulants were immobilized into bead form using sodium alginate to treat tannery wastewater samples. The used chemical coagulants were ammonium aluminium sulphate (NH4Al(SO4)2), aluminium sulphate (Al2(SO4)2, calcium carbonate (CaCO3), sodium citrate (Na3C6HsO7). The effect of the chemical coagulant dose and tannery wastewater pH was studied on wastewater electrical conductance (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), sulphates, chlorides, phenolphthalein alkalinity, total alkalinity and chemical oxygen demand (COD). The quantity of various pollutants present in waste water was reduced after treatment. The optimized dose and pH for maximum decrease in EC and TDS were 5g/L and 7, respectively. The maximum reduction in the amount of sulphates and chlorides present in tannery wastewater was observed at dosage of 0.5g/L and pH 7. A dosage of 5g/L and pH 7 was also found most favorable for maximum reduction in values of COD, phenolphtalein and total alkalinity. The chromium concentrations in tannery wastewater before and after treatment were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. A reduction in chromium concentration was observed after  treatment. The promising results of the present study demonstrate that immobilization of chemical coagulants can make them more effective for wastewater treatment.
Un análisis cuantitativo de Student Estilos y maestros Enseñanzas estrategias de aprendizaje en una institución de educación superior mexicana
Authors: Velázquez A.L. Franzoni , Cervantes-Pérez F. , Assar S.
Published: November 2019

Investigaciones sobre procesos de aprendizaje han mostrado que los estudiantes tienden a aprender en diferentes maneras y que prefieren utilizar diferentes recursos de enseñanza. El entender los estilos de aprendizaje puede servir para identificar, e implantar, mejores estrategias de enseñanza y aprendizaje, de tal forma que los estudiantes adquieran nuevo conocimiento de manera más efectiva y eficiente. Aquí, se analizan similitudes y diferencias entre estilos de aprendizaje de estudiantes inscritos en cursos de cómputo, en programas de Ingeniería y Ciencias Sociales del Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM). Adicionalmente, se analizan similitudes y diferencias en estrategias de enseñanza de sus correspondientes profesores. Un análisis comparativo sobre perfiles de aprendizaje de los estudiantes y los resultados obtenidos en los cursos, sugiere que existen grandes similitudes entre los estilos de aprendizaje de los estudiantes, y las estrategias de enseñanza de sus profesores, a pesar de las diferencias entre sus programas académicos. También existe un patrón consistente de cómo estos estudiantes
Binaural Speech Intelligibility and Interaural Cross-Correlation Under Disturbing Noise and Reverberation
Authors: Padilla-Ortíz A. L. , Orduña‐Bustamante F.
Published: November 2019

Subjective tests were carried out in order to investigate speech intelligibility, and the possible relative improvements that can be obtained in practical applications to acoustic communication systems, for different forms of presentation through headphones: monaural, monophonic, binaural at 0º (in front of the listener) and binaural at ±30º (right or left, relative to the listener), played back undisturbed, and also with the addition of extreme levels of disturbing noise and reverberation, with a signal to noise ratio of
A ZigBee Wireless Sensor Network for Monitoring an Aquaculture Recirculating System
Authors: Espinosa-Faller Francisco J. , Rendón-Rodríguez Guillermo E.
Published: November 2019

Se desarrolló una red de sensores inalámbrica con el protocolo ZigBee para monitorear un sistema experimental acuícola con recirculación de agua. La red incluye sensores de temperatura, oxígeno disuelto, presión de agua y aire, así como de corriente eléctrica. La alta densidad de organismos requerida para que estos sistemas sean económicamente viables nos presentan un caso donde las redes de sensores pueden ser aplicadas para preservar un stock de peces saludable reduciendo las probabilidades de fallas que conlleven pérdidas en la producción. Se desarrollaron y probaron módulos para la toma y transmisión de datos a través de una red ZigBee y se implementaron en una granja acuícola experimental. Se desarrolló un programa de monitoreo para desplegar los valores de los sensores y emitir alertas cuando se rebasen los límites de referencia especificados. Una alerta por medio de un mensaje SMS y un correo electrónico pueden ser emitidas. Una interfase WEB permite el acceso a los valores de los sensores. El presente trabajo demuestra la aplicabilidad de las redes inalámbricas ZigBee al monitoreo de sistemas acuícolas.
Evaluation of Vertical Handoff Decision Algorightms Based on MADM Methods for Heterogeneous Wireless Networks
Authors: Stevens-Navarro E. , Martinez-Morales J.D. , Pineda-Rico U.
Published: November 2019

In the forthcoming heterogeneous wireless environment, the mobility management of users roaming between different wireless access technologies is a challenging and important technical issue. New mobile devices such as netbooks, smartphones and tablets allow users to perform vertical handoffs among different wireless networks. The multiple attribute decision making (MADM) methods are suitable tools to model and study the vertical handoff process. Hence, recently several MADM methods such as SAW, MEW, TOPSIS, GRA, ELECTRE, VIKOR and WMC have been proposed for vertical handoff. In this paper, we present an extensive performance evaluation and comparative study of the seven MAMD methods by means of numerical simulations in MATLAB. We evaluate the performance of each vertical handoff method under different applications such as voice, data, and cost-constrained connections. We also perform a sensitivity analysis and evaluate the computational complexity of each method in terms of number of floating point operations.
Thermal Impact of Operating Conditions on the Performance of a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine
Authors: Ibrahim Thamir K. , Rahman M.M.
Published: November 2019

The combined cycle gas-turbine (CCGT) power plant is a highly developed technology which generates electrical power at high efficiencies. The first law of thermodynamics is used for energy analysis of the performance of the CCGT plant. The effects of varying the operating conditions (ambient temperature, compression ratio, turbine inlet temperature, isentropic compressor and turbine efficiencies, and mass flow rate of steam) on the performance of the CCGT (overall efficiency and total output power) were investigated. The programming of the performance model for CCGT was developed utilizing MATLAB software. The simulation results for CCGT show that the overall efficiency increases with increases in the compression ratio and turbine inlet temperature and with decreases in ambient temperature. The total power output increases with increases in the compression ratio, ambient temperature, and turbine inlet temperature. The peak overall efficiency was reached with a higher compression ratio and low ambient temperature. The overall efficiencies for CCGT were very high compared to the thermal efficiency of GT plants. The overall thermal efficiency of the CCGT quoted was around 57%; hence, the compression ratios, ambient temperature, turbine inlet temperature, isentropic compressor and turbine efficiencies, and mass flow rate of steam have a strong influence on the overall performance of the CCGT cycle.