bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traffic Optimization with Software-Defined Network Controller on a New User Interface
Authors: Yiltas-Kaplan Derya
Published: June 2022

Software-defined networking (SDN) has emerged as a solution to the cumbersome structures of classical computer networks. It separates control and data planes to give independence to devices with respect to either traffic routing or network management. The two isolated planes communicate with each other via the help of software modules, which are located in an SDN controller, such as Floodlight, NOX, or Ryu. In this study, Floodlight is used and an SDN topology with 20 switches is constructed with Python code in Mininet. All algorithms have been coded with Java. The default routing algorithm in Floodlight is Dijkstra’s algorithm. Four different network optimization algorithms, namely Bellman-Ford, Ford-Fulkerson, Auction, and Dual Ascent algorithms, are utilized in ordinary network routing instead of Dijkstra’s algorithm. None of these four algorithms were used in SDN before and network implementations using Ford-Fulkerson, Auction, or Dual Ascent algorithms were scarce in the literature. The results are analyzed with multiple types of normalization on a new user interface communicating with Floodlight part via HTTP requests. There has not been a user interface that performs the same operations in Floodlight. In the future, this study may possibly be improved with considering normalization processes based on various proportions among the metric values and accounting the computational time of the algorithms.
Le financement des événements sportifs par les droits de télévision : un modèle insoutenable ?
Authors: Andreff Wladimir
Published: June 2022

Le modèle économique du sport actuel est très dépendant des droits TV : par leur importance dans le football, par leur rareté relative dans d’autres sports professionnels, par leur absence dans le sport amateur (à part la taxe Buffet). Il est en crise depuis 20 ans, ce que soulignent violemment la pandémie et l’affaire Mediapro, et n’est plus soutenable. Des sources de financement alternatives sont suggérées.
La naissance du raisonnement épidémiologique : le XVIII e siècle et la querelle de l’inoculation
Authors: Lemoine Maël
Published: June 2022

Dans le domaine de la santé, le problème de la confrontation de l’intérêt général et de l’intérêt particulier s’est posé pour la première fois en termes statistiques au xviii e S., dans le contexte francophone, à propos de la querelle de l’inoculation. Les mathématiciens ont défini des formes d’argumentation s’appuyant des valeurs explicatives différentes de celles reconnues par la médecine de l’époque. Alors que La Condamine défend l’inoculation en assimilant l’intérêt particulier à l’intérêt général, et en distinguant les problèmes moral et politique, Bernoulli en fonde la légitimité du seul point de vue politique, et d’Alembert met en évidence l’irréductibilité du point de vue moral du particulier au point de vue politique du Monarque. Les hypothèses sur lesquelles sont fondées les arguments mathématiques des deux premiers ne résistent pas à l’examen, tandis que le troisième apparaît comme le précurseur du concept contemporain de ’QALYs’. Le nervus probandi de l’intérêt de l’inoculation fut donc l’impulsion politique.
Yves Delage (1854-1920) et l’hétérogénéité du néolamarckisme français
Authors: Loison Laurent
Published: June 2022

La période confuse qui débute avec la publication par Darwin de L’Origine des espèces (1859) est souvent présentée comme une opposition entre deux écoles de pensée : l’école (néo)darwinienne et l’école (néo)lamarckienne. Cette dernière, même lorsqu’on se restreint au cas français, est systématiquement décrite comme nettement moins homogène, d’un point de vue conceptuel, que son équivalent darwinien. L’étude du cas d’Yves Delage (1854-1920), biologiste français majeur de la fin du xix e  siècle et du début du xx e  siècle, est l’occasion de réévaluer cette hétérogénéité théorique. Souvent associé au camp lamarckien, Yves Delage propose pourtant une théorie de l’évolution qui n’est pas fondée sur l’hérédité des caractères acquis. Cet exemple montre qu’il est nécessaire de reconsidérer la bipartition classique darwinisme/lamarckisme, la seconde catégorie souffrant d’une définition par défaut.
La conservation-restauration de l’aluminium aéronautique : regard rétrospectif
Authors: Degrigny Christian
Published: June 2022

L’aluminium et les alliages d’aluminium, matériaux récents, sont peu étudiés dans le cadre de de la conservation et de la restauration. Aussi les protocoles, en cas d’altération, sont rares et imprécis. Le « parcours patrimonial » de l’aluminium, présenté sous le prisme des transports (automobiles, aéronautiques et maritimes), et l’étude de cas particuliers, de pièces historiquement emblématiques, permettent de dresser un premier état des lieux des interventions patrimoniales dont l’aluminium est l’objet. Les conditions de conservation et l’environnement dans lequel se trouvent les pièces en question influent grandement sur les éventuelles altérations et corrosions du métal et conditionnent les traitements de restauration. Ces derniers, qui ont pu être expérimentaux, constituent la première ébauche d’un corpus de références des protocoles à mettre en œuvre pour la conservation-restauration d’objets en aluminium.
L’ancrage local d’une mafia. Réflexions à partir du cas romain
Authors: Giuriati Tommaso
Published: June 2022

Cet article examine l’évolution récente de la notion de mafia à l’aune d’un procès particulièrement médiatisé en Italie et dans le monde. L’affaire « Mafia Capitale » ou «  Mondo di mezzo » a détaché durablement cette notion des régions d’implantation historique en concentrant l’attention des enquêteurs sur l’emploi de la méthode mafieuse par les mis en examen. Le cas des mondes criminels romains peut éclairer le cas français en raison de plusieurs analogies ainsi que de sa construction historique.
De la discrétion dans la sélection des crimes. Approche sociologique des déterminants de la correctionnalisation
Authors: Rouméas Rémi
Published: June 2022

Cet article interroge les usages que font les magistrats du procédé de correctionnalisation pour transformer des crimes en délits, en passant sous silence des circonstances aggravantes prévues par les textes de loi. Il met en évidence que le légalisme en matière de qualification des faits est concurrencé par les standards professionnels d’une « bonne justice », attentive à la valeur des procès, aux résultats judiciaires et à l’efficience des réponses pénales, justifiant pour les magistrats la mise en œuvre d’une sélection des crimes articulée à des critères extra-légaux. Les magistrats apprécient au cas par cas le « mérite » d’un dossier criminel à être jugé par une cour d’assises, dont la procédure se démarque du traitement des délits par son prestige, son potentiel répressif et sa lourdeur gestionnaire. Notre attention se porte sur le sens commun professionnel qui se dégage des caractéristiques typiques des crimes disqualifiés.
Drogues des villes et drogues des champs. Les pratiques d’usage et de revente féminines en France
Authors: Perrin Sarah , Reversé Clément
Published: June 2022

Fort d’un corpus de 42 entretiens de femmes consommatrices et/ou vendeuses de drogues auprès d’une population rurale et d’une population urbaine, cet article s’intéresse à l’influence des lieux de vie sur les pratiques féminines liées aux drogues. En retraçant les trajectoires de ces deux groupes, l’intérêt est de mettre en lumière une population trop souvent étudiée sous l’angle de l’urbain, du masculin et de la précarité. En décalant la focale et par la comparaison, cet article montre des pratiques d’usage et de vente de drogues, des risques répressifs et des stratégies genrées différenciées selon le milieu de vie, en espace rural ou en espace urbain.
La juste place de la loi
Authors: d’Aranda Catherine , Jarrossay Étienne
Published: June 2022

Je voulais parler du droit à mourir et j’ai voulu montrer qu’aujourd’hui on assiste à des glissements sémantiques. Par exemple, au lieu de parler de la liberté, on parle du droit. On a déjà énormément réduit les choses à de l’existentiel. Si on ne met pas un sens derrière la vie ou la mort, il n’y a pas de problème. Le droit c’est très réducteur. Je sais à quel point le droit permet de faire la paix quand on l’applique avec cette intention. Mais que ça ne suffit pas à vivre.
Habiter après la prison
Authors: Barnet Jean-Noël
Published: June 2022

La recherche présentée porte sur le traitement social de la sortie de prison concernant le public des femmes, à travers la double perspective des vécus personnels et des pratiques institutionnelles d’hébergement post-carcéral, par le prisme du rapport à l’espace et du concept d’habiter. La question de l’hébergement concernant les femmes sortant de prison renvoie à des logiques et à des enjeux d’acteurs qui la situent aux frontières de la politique pénale, de l’intervention sociale et du genre. À partir d’un public marginal, invisible et hors norme, cette recherche interroge la spécificité et les enjeux de l’hébergement social dans l’espace-temps de transition de la sortie de détention, qui est à la fois fécond et incertain pour des femmes particulièrement isolées et stigmatisées. Elle montre que si l’hébergement social a pour fonction première la mise à l’abri temporaire dans un espace contraint et en partie collectif, le contexte singulier de la sortie de prison engage tous les acteurs dans des rapports complexes et paradoxaux avec l’espace institutionnel. Pour les femmes concernées, les enjeux de cette transition se situent à plusieurs niveaux : s’ancrer après un parcours résidentiel marqué par les ruptures, reconstruire un espace personnel et une intimité, composer avec la présence des autres et se réapproprier une manière d’habiter le monde à partir d’un habiter provisoire.
Le conseil des maîtres à l’école primaire genevoise
Authors: Pelhate Julie
Published: June 2022

Face aux élèves identifiés par les professionnels (enseignants, directeurs, éducateurs, infirmières scolaires) comme en difficulté (scolaire ou comportementale) dans l’école primaire genevoise, les enseignants n’agissent plus seuls. Dans un souci d’équité, de prise en compte globale de l’enfant et d’inclusion de l’élève, les professionnels scolaires adoptent une posture d’individualisation des prises en charge qui nécessite de se réunir. Cet article a pour fondement empirique l’étude d’un type de réunions constitutives du partenariat interinstitutionnel au sein du réseau d’enseignement prioritaire (REP) genevois : les conseils des maîtres, au sein desquels divers registres interprétatifs (familial, culturaliste, méritocratique et psychomédical) sont mobilisés et contribuent au processus d’orientation de la trajectoire scolaire de l’élève. In fine , l’article pointe les limites de cette activité et montre que les arguments et anecdotes déployés, dans un souci d’individualiser les prises en charge, viennent nourrir non seulement un jugement normatif sur les pratiques parentales mais alimentent un véritable casier scolaire de l’élève, mobilisable à différents moments de sa trajectoire.
Optimal design of model predictive controller based on transient search optimization applied to robotic manipulators
Authors: Li Xingjia , Gu Jinan , Huang Zedong , Wang Wenbo , Li Jing
Published: June 2022

Due to nonlinearity and uncertainty of the robotic manipulator, the design of the robot controller has a crucial impact on its performance of motion and trajectory tracking. In this paper, the linear parameter varying (LPV) - model predictive controller (MPC) of a two-link robot manipulator is established and then the controller's optimal parameters are determined via a newly developed meta-heuristic algorithm, transient search optimization (TSO). The proposed control method is verified by set point and nonlinear trajectory tracking. In the test of set-point tracking, the LPV-MPC scheme optimized by TSO has better performance compared to the computed torque controller (CTC) schemes tuned by TSO or other metaheuristic algorithms. In addition, good performances can also be observed in the tests of nonlinear trajectory tracking via the LPV-MPC scheme by TSO. Moreover, the robustness of the method to structural uncertainty is verified by setting a large system parameter deviation. Results reveal that we achieved some improvements in the optimization of MPC of the robot manipulator by employing the proposed method.
On regularity and existence of weak solutions to nonlinear Kolmogorov-Fokker-Planck type equations with rough coefficients
Authors: Garain Prashanta , Nyström Kaj
Published: June 2022

We consider nonlinear Kolmogorov-Fokker-Planck type equations of the form

   \begin{document}$ \begin{equation*} (\partial_t+X\cdot\nabla_Y)u = \nabla_X\cdot(A(\nabla_X u, X, Y, t)). \end{equation*} $\end{document}

The function $ A = A(\xi, X, Y, t): \mathbb R^m\times \mathbb R^m\times \mathbb R^m\times \mathbb R\to \mathbb R^m $ is assumed to be continuous with respect to $ \xi $, and measurable with respect to $ X, Y $ and $ t $. $ A = A(\xi, X, Y, t) $ is allowed to be nonlinear but with linear growth. We establish higher integrability and local boundedness of weak sub-solutions, weak Harnack and Harnack inequalities, and Hölder continuity with quantitative estimates. In addition we establish existence and uniqueness of weak solutions to a Dirichlet problem in certain bounded $ X $, $ Y $ and $ t $ dependent domains.
On the sum of powers of the $ A_{\alpha} $-eigenvalues of graphs
Authors: Lin Zhen
Published: June 2022

Let $ A(G) $ and $ D(G) $ be the adjacency matrix and the degree diagonal matrix of a graph $ G $, respectively. For any real number $ \alpha \in[0, 1] $, Nikiforov recently defined the $ A_{\alpha} $-matrix of $ G $ as $ A_{\alpha}(G) = \alpha D(G)+(1-\alpha)A(G) $. The graph invariant $ S_{\alpha}^{p}(G) $ is the sum of the $ p $-th power of the $ A_{\alpha} $-eigenvalues of $ G $ for $ \frac{1}{2} < \alpha < 1 $, which has a close relation to the $ \alpha $-Estrada index. In this paper, we establish some bounds on $ S_{\alpha}^{p}(G) $ and characterize the extremal graphs. In particular, we present some bounds on $ S_{\alpha}^{p}(G) $ in terms of the degree sequences, order and size of $ G $ by using majorization techniques. Moreover, we give lower and upper bounds for $ S_{\alpha}^{p}(G) $ of a bipartite graph and characterize the extremal graphs.
$ \mathcal{H} $-representation method for solving reduced biquaternion matrix equation
Authors: Fan Xueling , Li Ying , Ding Wenxv , Zhao Jianli
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we study the Hankel and Toeplitz solutions of reduced biquaternion matrix equation (1.1). Using semi-tensor product of matrices, the reduced biquaternion matrix equation (1.1) can be transformed into a general matrix equation of the form $ AX = B $. Then, due to the special structure of Hankel matrix and Toeplitz matrix, the independent elements of Hankel matrix or Toeplitz matrix can be extracted by combing the $ \mathcal{H} $-representation method of matrix, so as to reduce the elements involved in the operation in the process of solving matrix equation and reduce the complexity of the problem. Finally, by using Moore-Penrose generalized inverse, the necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of solutions of reduced biquaternion matrix equation (1.1) are given, and the corresponding numerical examples are given.
Research Landscape of Digital Learning Over the Past 20 Years: A Bibliometric and Visualisation Analysis
Authors: Yamunah Vaicondam  , Huma Sikandar  , Sobia Irum  , Nohman Khan  , Muhammad Imran Qureshi
Published: June 2022

The concept of digital learning has grown in popularity significantly over the last few decades especially in the past couple of years due to covid-19. Digital learning is defined as any type of learning that integrated Information and communication technology in its conduct. This study aims to presents a research landscape of digital learning research published in the past 20 years. We conducted a bibliometric analysis to determine the pattern of digital learning published literature from 2002 to 2021. The search for the relevant articles was made on the basis of keywords linked with digital learning in the article's title, abstract, and keywords. As a result, we retrieved 1361 papers from Scopus for bibliometric analysis. The review identifies the publication growth trend, most cited articles, top journals, productive authors, and the leading countries and institutions and major subject areas. According to the findings of our analysis, the United States is the most productive country in terms oof publications and citations. Computers and Education is the leading journal. Through the co-occurrence of keywords analysis, we determined that the most significant keywords associated with digital learning are covid-19, online learning, e-learning and digital learning environment, higher education, digital technologies and so on. The highest number of digital learning articles are published under social science domain.  The publication growth trend is consistently rising and is projected to continue in the following years, indicating the importance of digital learning in different domain. The study provides a roadmap for future researchers to follow, where they can focus on key areas where success is possible.
Emotion Identification From TQWT-Based EEG Rhythms
Authors: Nalwaya Aditya , Das Kritiprasanna , Pachori Ram Bilas
Published: June 2022

Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals are the recording of brain electrical activity, commonly used for emotion recognition. Different EEG rhythms carry different neural dynamics. EEG rhythms are separated using tunable Q-factor wavelet transform (TQWT). Several features like mean, standard deviation, information potential are extracted from the TQWT-based EEG rhythms. Machine learning classifiers are used to differentiate various emotional states automatically. The authors have validated the proposed model using a publicly available database. Obtained classification accuracy of 92.9% proves the candidature of the proposed method for emotion identification.
Hospital Employee Performance Evaluation Based on Knowledge Map
Authors: Wang Lei , Huang Rongjing , Shen Chao , Li Guofu
Published: June 2022

With the deepening of theoretical research and social practice, hospital employee performance management has developed into a mature knowledge system. Therefore, systematic review of the research results in this field is conducive to fully understand its research history, grasp the research hotspots and frontier issues, which is of great significance to theoretical innovation in the field of hospital employee performance evaluation.iteSpace 5.3.R4 was used as the visualization tool draw a knowledge map to systematically sort out the distribution of relevant literature of hospital employee performance evaluation, including time distribution, journal distribution, author distribution, etc., and conduct a systematic research on the research hotspots and research frontiers in the field of hospital employee performance evaluation, which provides a beneficial reference for the theoretical research and practical innovation of domestic hospital employee performance evaluation.
The Degree of Material Distribution on Environmental Outcomes in Selected Large-Scale Fabrics Manufacturing Firms in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Adedugba Adebayo Tolulope , Ogunnaike Olaleke , Adeyemo Kingsley A. , Kehinde Busola E. , Inegbedion Daniel Osemumdiamen
Published: June 2022

The research was conducted within the selected large-scale fabrics manufacturing firms in Lagos State, with the goal of examining the degree of material distribution on environmental outcome. The study was done utilizing an outlined questionnaire through purposive sampling and total enumeration approach. The information was examined utilizing partial least square(PLS) that showed the opinion of participants in the transportation, warehousing, purchasing, inventory, and production section. The result of the study uncovered that material distribution does not have a marginal impact on environmental outcome. Nonetheless, the discoveries also show an inverse connection between material distribution and environmental outcome. This carefully suggests that an increment in material distribution philosophy will impact the environmental outcome of textile firms and otherwise.
Effect of Carburizing Helium Environment on Corrosion Behavior of the High-Temperature Alloys for High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor
Authors: Zheng Wei , Wang Qin Hao , He Xue Dong , Yin Hua Qiang , Li Hao Xiang , Ma Tao
Published: June 2022

The primary coolant of High-Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor (HTGR) is expected to contain impurities that can make corrosion to structural metallic materials at elevated temperatures. According to the chemical thermodynamics and kinetics, the carbon activity of helium can be calculated, and it is indicated that a high “CH4/H2O” ratio may lead to severe carburizing of the alloys. On this basis, corrosion tests were conducted on the three heat-resistance alloys Inconel 617, Hastelloy X, and Incoloy 800H at 950°C using helium environment with impurities, and mainly the effect of carburization was investigated. The corrosion samples were observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Disperse Spectroscopy (EDS), Electron Probe Microanalyzer (EPMA), and Carbon-sulfur Analyzer. These all alloys showed the oxidation and carburizing behavior, in which the carburized depth of Hastelloy X was shallow due to the dense oxide scale.
Effects of Nb and o Contents on the Negative Linear Thermal Expansion Behaviors of Cold Rolled Ti-34Nb Alloys
Authors: Wu Xiang Wei , Zou Wen Qian , Chen Feng
Published: June 2022

In this study, the effects of Nb and O contents on the negative thermal expansion behaviors including the coefficient of negative thermal expansion and matensite (α) stability of cold rolled (CR) Ti-34Nb alloys was investigated by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Thermomechanical analysis. Results show that texture strength of CR-Ti-xNb-xO alloys is related to β stability, the addition of Nb and O (β stabilizers) enhances the texture strength. XRD results indicate that Nb and O inhibit the formation of α. The coefficient of negative thermal expansion of CR-Ti-xNb-xO alloys decrease with the increase of Nb and O contents. Moreover, cyclic thermal expansion results reveal that Nb and O promote the decomposition of α.
Effect of Graphite on Residual Lifetime of Superheater Tubes Made of Steel 16Mo3 after Creep Exposure
Authors: Stejskalová Šárka , Kuboň Zdeněk , Rožnovská Gabriela
Published: June 2022

Carbon and low-alloys steel components are used in various stages of steam power plants which are operating at elevated temperatures (up to 530°C). Long-term exposure of low-alloy steel components at elevated temperatures inevitably result in some kind of structural degradation; for example, creep cavitation, carbide coarsening and/or spheroidization, and, less commonly, also graphitization. Graphitization can be detected mainly in carbon steels, but also in 16Mo3 steel where the ferritic matrix is strengthened by Mo in the solid solution. The absence of strong carbide forming elements (typically Cr, V, Nb) is the principal reason why these steels are susceptible to cementite decomposition and graphitization much more than the other creep resistant steels. The paper describes microstructure and material properties of superheater 16Mo3 tube, in which graphite was found after 70,000 hours of exposure at 445 °C. The actual material properties were compared to another tube of the same material delivered in the as-received state. The comparison was based on evaluation and testing of mechanical strength, fracture properties and microstructure. Creep resistance of the steel was studied using small punch creep tests (SPCT).
Structural Engineering for Obtaining Functional Terry Towels
Authors: Costa Rita V. , Silva Cristina , Silva Pedro , Bessa João , Cunha Fernando , Oliveira Joana , Lima José , Fangueiro Raul
Published: June 2022

The mainstream to be achieved in the development of this scientific research was the development of terry towels based on structural engineering concepts, to increase durability and reduce weight. For this purpose, two different studies were conducted. One of them to evaluate the influence of the height of the loop – where the same height of the loop was kept – and the second prep to assess the impact of weight – in this part the produced terry structures presented similar aerial mass. These studies presented allowed a sample range of 14 different terry structures – all of them produced with a 100% cotton yarn (Ne 16), thus eliminating the parameter of influence of the raw material – that have been characterized in terms of mechanical, permeability, absorption, and capillarity properties, and subsequently compared to a standard terry towel (3-pick terry, 18 ends/cm, 411 gsm). Analyzing the study of the influence of the height of the loop it was possible to conclude that some variations can be introduced in terms of aerial mass by the change of weaving parameters, which resulted in aerial mass losses of up to 10% in some of the cases. Regarding the study of the impact of weight, was possible to verify that with a similar aerial mass between structures, the capillary and moisture release properties were increased by 19% and 12%, respectively.
Whiteness Perception under LED Source with High Content of UV Radiation
Authors: Vik Michal , Mukthy Azmary Akter , Viková Martina
Published: June 2022

Whiteness is an attribute of color perception with high brightness and low colorfulness. In this study, the correlation between instrumental measurement and visual assessment of whiteness of 40 optically brightened white samples was investigated under a LED light source of correlated color temperature (CCT) 5000K combined with Wood's UV-A lamp. Due to over exposure of UV radiation, tested samples were outside of CIE limit. In those cases, standard CIE whiteness formula show significant shift in whiteness interval scale. A high correlation was identified between visual assessment and modified Vik-Viková whiteness formula. The investigations have also shown that the existing CIBA plastic whiteness scale needs to be expanded.
Transparent Conductive Oxides. Part I. General Review of Structural, Electrical and Optical Properties of TCOs Related to the Growth Techniques, Materials and Dopants
Authors: Habis Christelle , Zaraket Jean , Aillerie Michel
Published: June 2022

This contribution, based on literature review, presents a general overview of properties and applications of transparent conductive oxides, TCO. The requested properties of TCO are a high conductivity associated to high transparency in a wide wavelength range. The relation between the techniques used for deposition or growing TCO and the possibility of their doping with appropriate dopant and concentration were discussed relatively to their applications and properties. Thus, we present in this part, the various possible techniques for growing TCO and discuss the effect of the temperature on the functional properties. This self-consistent presentation is also considered to introduce a better understanding of the expected requirements for TCO integrated as transparent electrodes in photovoltaic cells and modules. These developments of TCO for photovoltaic applications will be presented in a second publication.
Analysis of the Causes of Failure and Material Analysis of Components of the Screw Conveyor of a Coal Boiler for Steam Production
Authors: Koc Jaroslav , Chvostová Eva , Dlouhý Jaromír
Published: June 2022

The paper summarizes results of failure root cause analysis of the driven part of the screw conveyor shaft for transfer of combustion residues (ash and slag) of a power plant steam boiler. The paper presents also the results of material analysis of selected components of this conveyor to be evaluated their material quality.
Influence of 3D Printing SLS Process Parameters on Product Tensile Strength
Authors: Minh Pham Son , Son Tran Anh , Minh Nguyen Van
Published: June 2022

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a breakthrough technology that is being researched, developed and applied extensively in many areas of production around the world. One particular application is Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), in which a high-powered laser turns powdered material into a solid mass; however, in Vietnam the research and application of laser sintering is not very widespread, yet determining the durability, especially the tensile strength, of products made from this printing technology is necessary. The parameters during installation have a significant effect on the characteristics of the printing elements, so they need to they need to be studied. In this project, we focused on the influence of printing parameters to be able to optimize them to achieve the highest tensile strength in the products. The process consisted of producing specimens with 2 parameters to be tested: laser power and feed. The experimental results on the tensile strength were collected, and the influence of the printing parameters of the finished product were charted and analyzed. The result of the project is that laser power is the most important printing parameters that influences tensile strength.
Analysis of the Causes of Increased Reject Rate in Connecting Rod Production
Authors: Martínek Petr , Vokáč Jindřich
Published: June 2022

A connecting rod manufacturer faced excessive reject rate in production. One of the manufacturing operations involves fracture-splitting the big end of the connecting rod. However, some rods showed excessive deformation after the operation. These connecting rods had to be scrapped. Conforming and nonconforming connecting rods were compared in order to identify the cause of the issue. In one of the nonconforming connecting rods, ductile fracture was found after fracture splitting. Generally, ductile fracture is the preferred mode of fracture. In this case, however, there is a need for the big end bore to split without substantial plastic deformation and therefore, ductile fracture is undesirable. Nonconforming rods were found to have low yield strength. To eliminate ductile fracture and facilitate cleavage fracture, it was recommended to increase yield strength of the connecting rods.
Creep Damage in Steam Pipelines and the Use of Metallography in Verifying the Possibilities of Testing
Authors: Mareš Pavel , Veselá Jana , Špirit Zbyněk
Published: June 2022

With high operating parameters of the medium in medium-pressure and high-pressure steam pipelines of fossil power plants, creep damage occurs, especially in welded joints leading to complete rupture of the pipe wall in the last phase. Detection of creep damage at an early stage before major cracks may occur can prevent these accidents. For these purposes, phased array ultrasonic testing was performed using a high frequency probe. This testing was performed on real welded joints cut from the power plant. To verify the possibility of detection, metallographic analysis on the tested locations was performed. When comparing the results, it is possible to refine the interpretation of the ultrasonic data and the metallographic results can also be used in the eventual qualification of non-destructive testing.
Castings Defect Analyses
Authors: Koukolíková Martina
Published: June 2022

The aim of the contribution is to use metallographic analysis to determine the root cause of the castings’ defects. The paper will show two cases of defects occurring in the ductile iron castings with surface treatment such as galvanizing and painting. Defects were observed on both the inner and outer surfaces of the castings. Light (LM) and electron microscopy (SEM) was used for individual analyses, including measurement of the local chemical composition by the EDS analysis.
Application of Metallographic Investigation in Development of Sub-Sized Specimen Testing Techniques
Authors: Chvostová Eva , Konopík Pavel , Martínek Petr
Published: June 2022

Currently, there is a growing interest in testing of mechanical properties using sub-sized samples. Using these methods, it is possible to measure the current mechanical properties of the component without the necessity of shutting down the device. This is advantageous in the cases, when the residual life (especially in the energy sector) needs to be evaluated. Another advantage of this method is that due to the very small dimensions of the extracted piece of material, only the local properties of the component are tested. Thus, the miniature samples can be extracted from areas that are critical for material failure, e.g. in the transition area of welded joints and thin-walled pipes, in a direction other than axial (for axial direction standard tensile test can be used). Another small specimen application can be found in the development of new materials. Modern materials (e.g. additively processed materials) are usually highly expensive, so miniature samples are an ideal solution. It was observed that the MTT results are fully comparable with the results on standard test pieces without the need for correlation. Mini-Charpy samples (3×4×27 mm) were used to determine transition temperature FATT. In this case a correlation relationship between the Mini- Charpy and standard sample Charpy (10×10×55 mm) constant C = 60 was successfully found
Effect of five medicinal plant leaves on survival, oviposition and progeny development of cowpea bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) infesting cowpea seeds in storage
Authors: Jayasundara S. M. J. C. K. , Ganehiarachchi G. A. S. M. , Gunathilaka R. A. K. M.
Published: June 2022

Over 90% of the insect damage to cowpea seeds is caused by Callosobruchus maculatus. Although, many chemicals have proven their efficacy against C. maculatus, they adversely affect the natural environment. Death of non-targeted species which are natural enemies of other insect pests and development of resistance to chemicals is possible. Therefore, the current study was conducted to determine the effect of plant leaves of Murraya koenigii (“Karapincha”), Pandanus amaryllifolius (“Rampe”), Vitex negundo (“Nika”), Pavetta indica (“Pavatta”) and Croton aromaticus (“Wel keppetiya”) on adult mortality, oviposition, and progeny development of C. maculatus. Plant leaves were tested in both fresh form and powdered form. The plant leaves were mixed with cowpea seeds to have two concentrations followed by the introduction of 5 pairs of C. maculatus adults. The maximum adult mortality, minimum oviposition and the minimum progeny development were observed when the cowpea seeds were treated with C. aromaticus leaves. The mortality increased to 100% when the seeds were treated with the combination of C. aromaticus – P. amaryllifolius – V. negundo (WPN) plant leaf powders.  This study suggests that fresh plant leaves or plant leaf powder of C. aromaticus can be used against C. maculatus to protect cowpea seeds in storage.
Community Emergency Medicine: the right care, at the right time, in the right place
Authors: Sorlini Cristina
Published: June 2022

Dear Editors,

The deep, ongoing crisis of Emergency Medicine (EM) is, sadly, a well-recognised problem of the Italian National Health Care System.

As beautifully outlined in the editorial by Coen et al.,1 the systematic disruption of Public Health Care, with progressively more significant cuts to the number of hospital beds and to primary care and community services has irreversibly changed the quality of care we can provide to our patients. [...]
The state of the art of the management of anticoagulated patients with mild traumatic brain injury in the Emergency Department
Authors: Park Naria , Turcato Gianni , Zaboli Arian , Santini Massimo , Cipriano Alessandro
Published: June 2022

The effects of Oral Anticoagulation Therapy (OAT) in older patients who suffered a mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) are widely debated but still strong guidelines are lacking and clinical approaches and management are sometimes heterogeneous. Different predictors of adverse outcomes were identified in the literature but their use in the decision-making process is unclear. Moreover, there is no consensus on the appropriate length of stay in the Observation Unit nor on the continuation of OAT, even if the diagnosis of life-threatening delayed post-traumatic Intracranial Hemorrhage is rare. The recurrence of a control CT scan is often needless. This review aims to summarize recent scientific literature focusing on patients with mTBI taking OAT and to identify crucial questions on the topic to suggest a best clinical practice.
FEDERALISMO E COMPORTAMENTI FEDERALISTICI
Authors: Moro Domenico
Published: June 2022

Non disponibile.
Auctoritas tra autorevolezza e autocrazia / Il dictator tra emergenza e libertà
Authors: Cubeddu Raimondo
Published: June 2022

Non disponibile.
Tuberculosis endemicity and BCG vaccination: Protection against COVID-19
Authors: Boppana Tarun Krishna , Mittal Saurabh , Madan Karan , Mohan Anant , Hadda Vijay , Guleria Randeep
Published: June 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected different countries in a differential manner. The host susceptibility and host factors are important parameters for this variability. This study aimed to assess the effect of tuberculosis (TB) endemicity and Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) coverage on COVID-19. Available data regarding TB incidence, BCG coverage (as per the World Health Organization), and COVID-19 incidence of 168 countries as of 19th September 2021. Countries were divided into four cohorts based upon annual TB incidence and BCG coverage and COVID-19 incidence and case fatality rates were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Countries with low TB incidence and low BCG coverage had the highest COVID-19 incidence per lac population. However, no significant difference was seen in COVID-19 cases fatality rate. Higher TB incidence and BCG coverage were associated with lesser incidence of COVID-19. This result paves the way for research into pathogenesis and host immune response in COVID-19.
Who gets what? Assessing the reincarnation debate
Authors: Asogwa Nicholas U. , Onwuama Michael E.
Published: June 2022

Reincarnation is a death-specific and forward-looking philosophico-religious phenomenon that enjoys a cross-cultural appeal. It represents the theory that when the soul separates from the body at death, it informs another body for another round of earthly life. The debate on reincarnation has, so far, revolved around the reality or otherwise of reincarnation and the associated claims. In this article, we undertake a holistic and critical examination and appraisal of the key arguments underlying the reincarnation debate, with emphasis on the nature and structure of reincarnation, as well as the value of reincarnation belief. The aim is to determine who gets what among the contending parties. Although oral interviews were involved in the exercise, textual and doctrinal analysis of extant literatures on reincarnation formed the predominant source of data for the research. Our finding reveals that although the phenomenon of reincarnation is bedeviled by internal contradictions and belief in it hardly justifiable, belief in it has some positive values, including coping and unifying values that could be harnessed for the well-being of people and society. These observed values of reincarnation and the attendant belief in it, the article concludes, do not constitute a conclusive proof of the reality of reincarnation.Contribution: The contributive value of this paper lies in bringing to the fore the fact that contrary to popular assumption, the notion of belief is in reality, epistemically more powerful than knowledge, at least in the context of religion. Considering that HTS Theological Studies focuses on religious issues and that ‘belief’ and ‘knowledge’ are religious concepts, we consider this paper to be suitable to its objectives.
Environmental determinant of religious names: A study of Úgwú and naming among the Nsukka-Igbo people of Nigeria
Authors: Agbo Paulinus O. , Opata Christian , Okwueze Malachy
Published: June 2022

This article makes a contribution towards understanding the correlation between Úgwú (hill or mountain) and personal names among the Igbo people of Nigeria. Sacralisation of the natural environment which include hills or mountains is a belief that cuts across religions. Among the Igbo, the perceived sacred value placed on such natural environment prompted a series of socio-cultural changes. Personal names are usually drawn from deified entities such as the earth, sun, rivers, and so on. Studies on Igbo personal names portrayed the environmental determinant for personal names in different Igbo-subcultures. However, the pattern of Nsukka-Igbo names, influenced specifically by Úgwú has hardly gotten any scholarly attention. This study, therefore, provided evidence that Úgwú is the single most environmental element that shaped the culture of naming among the Nsukka-Igbo people with its psycho-social and economic implications. Drawing from the theory of sacralisation, which stresses on placing religious values on objects, this article showed that the deified Úgwú environment influenced an unprecedented frequency and exclusive nature of Úgwú personal names in the study area. Documentary research, observation and interview methods were used to collect and analyse secondary, as well as primary data for this study. The article drew attention to the increasing influence of Úgwú on personal names in Nsukka-Igbo, and its effects which include the conservation of the environment occasioned by the deification of Úgwú.Contribution: This article shows that the deification of natural environment of Úgwú influenced the increasing frequency of Úgwú personal names and its associated variants among the Nsukka-Igbo people of Nigeria.
Serum Zinc Level in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis and its Relationship to Anemia
Authors: Ekhlasi Nahideh , Mojtahedi Yosef , Afshin Azadeh , Bazargani Behnaz , Abbasi Arash , Askarian Fahimeh , Fahimi Dariush , Moghtaderi Mastaneh
Published: June 2022

Hemodialysis patients are at risk for deficiency or excess of trace elements, both of which can affect their health. Zinc is an essential trace element and its deficiency results in the dysfunction of plasma membrane proteins and enhanced oxidative stress in cells, especially red blood cells, thus decreasing their lifespan. Zinc deficiency is reported in 40%–78% of hemodialysis patients and may be associated with anemia. Both anemia and zinc deficiency are common in patients with kidney failure. In this study, serum zinc levels and their relationship to anemia were evaluated in 24 patients on maintenance hemodialysis for 6 months or longer at either of two tertiary pediatric hemodialysis centers in Tehran, Iran. Serum zinc level and various blood indices were recorded before, during, and after the evaluation over 6 months. Patients receiving zinc-containing supplements in the 3 months before enrolment were ineligible. Patients with zinc deficiency received oral supplements of zinc sulfate at 1 mg/kg daily for 3 months, following which serum zinc level and other blood indices were retested to examine the influence of zinc supplementation on anemia. Our findings indicate that serum zinc levels may correlate with anemia in hemodialysis patients. Providing zinc supplements may improve anemia and the quality of life in patients with low zinc levels.
Peritoneal Dialysis via a Central Venous Catheter in a Neonate with AKI
Authors: Tshering Tashi , Mynak Mimi Lhamu , Glenn Dorey A.
Published: June 2022

At most centers, peritoneal dialysis (PD) is regarded as the optimal dialysis modality for neonates with acute kidney injury (AKI) who require kidney replacement therapy. Appropriately sized peritoneal catheters are not universally available in all countries and regions and are not currently available in Bhutan. We describe the successful use of a triple-lumen central venous catheter in an 18-day-old term infant with sepsis-related AKI and uremic encephalopathy. Considering the infant's deteriorating neurologic status and kidney function, the baby's fluid, electrolyte, and metabolic derangements were successfully managed by PD using a central venous catheter to access the peritoneal cavity. In regions where appropriately sized neonatal PD catheters are not available, a central venous catheter may be a useful alternative for short-term PD access.
A study to assess knowledge of periodontal disease among university students in Assam
Authors: Choudhury Purobi
Published: June 2022

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate levels of oral health knowledge of periodontal disease among nondental university students.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred university students (mean age 20.1 years ± 2.5) were recruited into this study. The participants completed a structured questionnaire during a personal interview. The questionnaire consisted of items to assess participants' personal data (age, gender, level of study, and specialty) and oral heath knowledge related to periodontal disease. Statistical significance was based on probability values of <0.05.

Results:

Participants showed poor knowledge of causes, signs, symptoms, and preventive measures of gum disease. Only 49% of first-year and 60% of final-year students said yes as an answer. The level of the study had no relationship with students' knowledge of the initiating factors of periodontal disease but had a significant relationship with the knowledge of periodontal disease's signs, preventive measures, and relations to general health and systemic disease. Students from scientific disciplines had more knowledge of periodontal disease's causes, preventive measures, and relations to general health and systemic disease than those from humanity disciplines.

Conclusions:

There were significant differences in oral health knowledge regarding periodontal disease between students from different levels of studies and different disciplines.
Post-COVID eosinophilia – A report on its Ayurvedic management
Authors: Walinjkar Manjiri Jayprakash , Goyal Mandip
Published: June 2022

Eosinophilia is one of the common laboratory findings of Post-COVID syndrome with lingering symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, chest discomfort, and wheezing. This can be correlated with Vataja kasa by Ayurvedic point of view. Conventional management can control raised eosinophilia and provide symptomatic relief, but relapses are often observed. A 40-year-old male patient has been diagnosed with Post-COVID eosinophilia based on his presenting complaints. He was given Chatushashti prahari pippali as an intervention. After completion of eight weeks of the treatment, the patient got complete symptomatic relief and no symptoms relapsed during the follow-up period of eight weeks and patient's increased eosinophilic count turned down to its normal limits. The observations infer that the Chatushashti prahari pippali has significant benefits in Post-COVID eosinophilia. This illustrates that there is a wide scope to explore the variety of imperative medicines present in Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia, which can be used more rationally to treat various Post-COVID complications.