bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of the Discrete Element Method (DEM) on Ship-Ice Interaction
Authors: Vroegrijk Erik A.J.
Published: April 2022

Sailing through ice requires modifications to the standard ship form in terms of structural strength and hull lines. For ships that sail through light ice or brash ice channels, assisted where necessary by an icebreaker, the challenge lies in striking a balance between optimizing the hull for open water and ice conditions, bearing in mind the commercial potential of the vessel. This paper shows how the addition of DEM to CFD could contribute in the future to the optimization of hull forms of lighter ice classed ships.
Ice Induced Shock Response Experiments
Authors: Clarke Geoff , Dolny John , Oh HoonKyu , Daley Claude
Published: April 2022

As novel and innovative design concepts are developed for Arctic commodity transport, relevant ice-structure interaction scenarios and corresponding ice load models will be pivotal for direct design practices and the development of new codes and standards. For example, the parallel midbody region of membrane-type liquid natural gas carriers (LNGC) is comprised of the hull structure and delicate mastic materials, integral to the cargo containment systems (CCS). For Arctic LNGCs, this type of hull geometry can be susceptible to flat-on flat ice impacts. The current ice-structure interaction models which form the basis of classification requirements do not explicitly consider this scenario. However, these impacts can potentially induce a shock response beyond the hull structure and through the CCS which can compromise the integrity of the CCS and may result in loss of cargo or other extreme consequences. Preliminary numerical simulations of ice floe impacts on ice-class LNGC hull structures have shown this type of shock response as a result of flat-on-flat collisions. This paper aims to investigate the nature of flat-on-flat ice collisions and subsequent structural response through controlled physical experiments and further analyzed thought explicit dynamic finite element analysis.
Disruption Risk Management in Arctic Offshore Support Operations
Authors: Batalden Bjørn-Morten
Published: April 2022

This paper presents some findings of disruption risk management applied in Arctic offshore support operations. Some elements of disruption risk management are used during Arctic operations. Still the industry may have more to gain in applying and focusing on the principles of risk management in supply chain management in Arctic operations.
Strength and Pressure Profiles of Conical Ice Crushing Experiments
Authors: Gudimetla P. S. Reddy , Colbourne Bruce , Daley Claude , Bruneau Stephen E. , Gagnon Robert
Published: April 2022

Experimental procedures for obtaining the crushing strength and pressure profiles of cone shaped ice samples are presented. These experiments were conducted as the part of the STePS2 (Sustainable Technology for Polar Ships and Structures) research project at Memorial University, St. John`s, Canada. An objective of this project is to study the response of a full size structural grillage for both quasi-static and dynamic ice loading. To prepare for the structural tests, both 1/4 m dia. and 1m dia. conical ice samples are being crushed against a rigid high-resolution pressure panel in quasi-static conditions. Data from the tests on the pressure panel will help to set the conditions for the later quasi-static and dynamic experiments on the steel grillage.

Contact pressure profiles are obtained at each time step during the experiments. The pressure profiles obtained reveal the shape and variability of the high pressure zones that develop during ice-structure contact. The paper describes the experimental procedure including; making the ice samples, shaping the samples, crushing tests and data analysis. Preliminary experimental data from both small cones (i.e., 25 cm diameter) and large cones (i.e., 1 m diameter) tests are provided in this paper.
Ice Loads on a Moored Floating Production Unit
Authors: Molyneux David , Liu Lei , Zhan Dexin , Reid Gina
Published: April 2022

This paper presents the predictions of ice loads on a moored hull, based on model experiments and numerical simulations. Three levels of mooring stiffness were considered, which varied from an almost infinitely stiff system (used for ship resistance) to a mooring stiffness typical of those used in offshore installations. Ice conditions presented are for managed pack ice and large ice floes. The results show the effect of varying stiffness in the mooring system on the mean and peak loads. The numerical simulations were carried out using a discrete element code for ice interaction forces combined with a prediction of mooring loads, based on the force for a given deflection. The results of the simulations show the same trends as the experiments.
A Simple Model for First-year Ridge Loads on Sloping Structures
Authors: Croasdale Ken R.
Published: April 2022

Current methods for the interaction of first-year ridges with platforms usually calculate the load from the consolidated layer and the keel separately and then add them. This paper describes a new approach for sloping structures. The ridge is assumed to be a composite beam having an upper layer with modulus and strength properties based on solid ice and a lower layer with modulus and strength based on the keel being weak porous solid ice. The paper presents the theory and results which suggest lower ice loads than estimated by the conventional approach.
Modern Day Pioneering and its Safety in the Floating Ice Offshore
Authors: Keinonen Arno J. , Martin Evan H.
Published: April 2022

Floating ice offshore pioneering has been performed since the mid 1970s. This paper presents the key lessons learned from 5 such operations of wide geographic as well as operational range. The intent is to present the safety-related lessons from these operations for the benefit of the future safety of similar operations.
Ice Measurements in Cook Inlet, Alaska with an Acoustic Doppler Profiler
Authors: Khokhlov Alexander V. , Sultan Nels J. , Pickering John W. , Wood John
Published: April 2022

Ice conditions were measured in Lower Cook Inlet, Alaska using Acoustic Doppler Profilers with an innovative data analysis method. PND Engineers, Inc., deployed three bottom-mounted upward-looking Nortek Acoustic Wave and Current (AWAC) profilers near Iniskin Bay. The instruments were configured to collect current profiles and wave data alternating with experimental “diagnostic” water-ice interface profiles. Analyzing these measurements together with the surface current velocity time series and assumed ice block shape allows estimation of the ice block size, mass, and velocity. Descriptions of the instrumentation and data processing are presented in this paper. This mission was the first application of this recently developed technique for ice measurements in Cook Inlet’s harsh environment.
Ongoing Development of Regional Ice Prediction System (RIPS)
Authors: Pogson Lynn , Carrieres Tom , Buehner Mark , Caya Alain , Pestieau Paul , Luo Yi , Scott Andrea , Ross Michael
Published: April 2022

Version 1 of the Regional Ice Prediction System was implemented this past year at Environment Canada. Data assimilation techniques integrate a variety of observations into one automated product, using Canadian Ice Service charts and lake ice analyses, and ice concentration retrieved from SSM/I and AMSR satellite data. This system shows an improvement over the current Canadian Meteorological Centre (CMC) operational sea ice analysis, and development is underway on future versions.
Detecting Icebergs in Sea Ice Using Dual Polarized Satellite Radar Imagery
Authors: Howell Carl , Bobby Pradeep , Power Desmond , Randell Charles , Parsons Lance
Published: April 2022

Two synthetic aperture radar (SAR) datasets with validated icebergs in sea ice were analyzed. A qualitative assessment of the data using false colour visualization methods for dual polarization SAR was conducted indicating that icebergs had an improved visually discernable signature from the background over single polarization SAR.A quantitative analysis was completed to exploit these observations. The algorithm development was focused on detection, false alarm removal and false alarm prioritization. The prototype software package developed around these algorithms presently supports RADARSAT-2 Wide and TerraSAR-X Stripmap imagery.
El “Discorso della virtù feminile e donnesca” de Torquato Tasso en el marco del debate literario de la Querelle des femmes
Authors: Aguilar González Juan
Published: April 2022

Torquato Tasso is one of the most important poets in Italian and world literature. His fame is due to the writing of the epic poem The Liberation of Jerusalem, a text to which he dedicated his entire life. However, in this work we want to give an account of one of the works that we can classify as minor: Il discorso della virtù femmiline e donnesca. Tasso has never been recognized as someone who has shown himself in favor of the cause of women, indeed, the opposite could be said, since he is considered one of the spokesmen for the ideals of a movement in conflict with the ones looking for female equality, as the Counter-Reformation was. Having a reference to the feminine virtues in the title, the question to be discussed is whether the discourse can be included in the broader debate of the Querelle des femmes, what was his point of view and if it deserves the consideration of a philogynous treatise.

Torquato Tasso es uno de los poetas más recordados de la literatura italiana y mundial. Su fama se debe a la redacción del poema épico la Jerusalén liberada, texto al que dedicó toda su vida. Sin embargo, en este trabajo queremos dar cuenta de una de las obras que podemos catalogar como menores: Il discorso della virtù femmiline e donnesca. El sorrentino no ha sido nunca reconocido como alguien que se haya mostrado a favor de la causa de las mujeres, es más, podría decirse lo contrario, pues es considerado como uno de los portavoces de los ideales de un movimiento en conflicto con las aspiraciones de quienes buscaban la igualdad femenina, como fue la Contrarreforma.
Llevando por título la referencia a las virtudes femeninas, la cuestión por analizar es si el discurso puede o no ser incluido en el más amplio debate de la Querelle des femmes cuál fue su punto de vista y si merece la consideración de tratado filógino.
La competencia motriz real y percibida en contexto de ruralidad según el sexo y la participación deportiva extraescolar
Authors: Müller Zuñiga Carolina , Candia-Cabrera Paulina , Casas-Sotomayor Fernanda , Carcamo-Oyarzun Jaime
Published: April 2022

La presente investigación tiene como propósito determinar si existen diferencias en la competencia motriz real y percibida en escolares de contexto rural, en función del sexo y de la participación en actividades deportivas extraescolares; así como determinar la existencia de relaciones entre competencia motriz real, competencia motriz percibida, participación en actividades deportivas extraescolares y tipo de actividad deportiva. Participaron 120 estudiantes de enseñanza primaria (60,0% niñas, edad M=11,05 DE=1,05 años) de la comuna de Perquenco de la Región de La Araucanía, Chile. Se utilizó el Test MOBAK para la evaluación de la competencia motriz real y el Cuestionario SEMOK para la evaluación de la competencia motriz percibida. Los niños presentaron mejores resultados que las niñas en el control de objetos de la competencia motriz real, diferenciándose significativamente (p<0,001; PSest=0,69); mientras que en la competencia motriz percibida no se encontraron diferencias significativas entre ambos sexos. Los estudiantes que participan en actividades deportivas extraescolares presentan mayores valores en la competencia motriz real (control de objetos: p<0,001; PSest=0,27; control del cuerpo: p<0,001; PSest=0,23) y percibida (control de objetos: p=0,005; PSest=0,35; control del cuerpo: p<0,001; PSest=0,31), diferenciándose significativamente de los que no participan. Se encontraron relaciones significativas entre la competencia motriz real, percibida y participación en actividades deportivas. El tipo de actividad deportiva extraescolar se asoció sólo con la competencia motriz real, en donde los deportes colectivos se relacionan con el control de objetos (r=0,378) y los deportes individuales con el control del cuerpo (r=-0,350). Los resultados sugieren que el sexo y las actividades deportivas extraescolares cumplen un rol relevante en la competencia motriz de los estudiantes rurales.
Attitudes towards the Arabicization of Civil Engineering Terms in Jordan
Authors:   Dept. of Translation, Faculty of Arts, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan, Mohammed M. Obeidat  , Nayfeh Sameer Yaseen  ,   Dept. of Translation, Faculty of Arts, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
Published: April 2022

The present study aims to investigate the extent of acceptability of Arabicized civil engineering terms in Civil Engineering departments at both Yarmouk University (YU) and Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) along with some of project field engineers. The study attempts to evaluate the effectiveness of these terms and whether they are actually used or not. The study examines the attitudes of the participants towards the Arabicized civil engineering terms and tackle the problems behind using them. To do so, the researchers adopted a mixed method; a qualitative method implemented in interviews and a quantitative method implemented in a questionnaire. The sample of the study consisted of a total of 244 individuals in the field of civil engineering. The results showed that the extent of acceptability for the Arabicized terms were very low even for the terms which sounded familiar to the subjects of the study. Moreover, the study reveals that Arabicizing civil engineering terms need institutional rather than individual standardization to have unified Arabicized terms and a binding political decision to enforce the use of these terms. Also, the study shows that borrowing proves to be the most suitable strategy to overcome the lack of equivalence.
From the Milestones of Worship in Tafsir “Fi Zilal Al- Quran” of Sayyid Qutb
Authors:   Department of al- Qur’an and its Sciences, Kulliyyah of Islamic Sciences, Al-Madinah International University Malaysia, Bey Zekkoub Abdelali  , Chafai Yasmine  ,   t Department of Educational Psycology, Kulliyyah of Education, International Islamic University Malaysia
Published: April 2022

Worship is a comprehensive name of all what God loves and is pleased either actions, deeds or sayings. Worship according to Islamic perspective is includes all the aspects’ life as long it is consistent and reliable with the rules of Allah and is featured with sincerity. This study sheds light on the broad insight of worship, and its importance in impacting the lives in a positive way by refraining humans from going astray. The researcher will be using some koranic verses that evolve around the worship and then he will broaden the scope to extract the general meanings of worship from the perspective of Sayyid Qutb. By implementing the analytical perspective, the researcher concludes that worship comprehends all the aspects of life, religious, political, economical, social and juridical.
Knowledge and Knowing in Islam: A Comparative Study between Nursi and al-Attas
Authors:   Universitas Darussalam Gontor, Indonesia, Hamid Fahmy Zarkasyi
Published: April 2022

This article compares Bediuzzaman Said Nursi’s conception of knowledge and knowing with Syed Mohammad Naquib al-Attas’ epistemology and philosophy of science. These two prominent Muslim thinkers are worth our attention, given the impact that their thought have had on contemporary Muslim discourse and social movement in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and beyond. It is found that both Nursi and al-Attas share a common conviction that modern science is neither neutral nor value-free; it is dominated by theories and principles derived from secularistic and atheistic-naturalistic worldview. It comes to the conclusion that although Nursi and al-Attas both have the same concern, their thought do exhibit some differences with regard to the nature of knowledge and knowing, the meaning and object of knowledge as well as the process of knowing.
GOOD GOVERNANCE AND CHALLENGES OF MANAGING MALAYSIA’S DEPENDENCY ON FOREIGN LABOR
Authors:   Faculty of Maritime Studies, University Malaysia Terengganu, Norhana Nawai  , Noreha Hashim  ,   Faculty of Maritime Studies, University Malaysia Terengganu
Published: April 2022

Good governance concept plays an important role in the modern government system through creating sustainable public policies. Good governance is a concept that has been used globally, including in Malaysia. Ironically, Malaysia has the highest number of foreign laborers in Southeast Asian countries reaching approximately six million. The dependency is shockingly becoming a major concern for the government in formulating policy. In formulating policy, it is important to consider various stakeholders such as employers and Malaysian people. Therefore, the government is trying hard to find an equilibrium point in managing and the best way to reduce dependency on foreign labor. This article examined various issues and challenges in managing Malaysia’s foreign labor dependency, including the good governance concept perspective. This study uses a qualitative research approach. There are 7 key stakeholders identified through purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken to identify and understand the issues and challenges faced in the foreign labor governance. The findings found out that Malaysia’s foreign labor governance has overlapping governance arrangement, vague job scope, poor governance management system, and lack of mutual participation. Therefore, it is important to improve the foreign labor governance and policy in Malaysia because shortcomings in governance arrangements hinder the implementation of effective policies. The improvements are crucial to reduce the dependency on foreign labor and Malaysia’s development efforts will progress efficiently.
Kesan Pemantauan Terhadap Kepimpinan Autentik Dalam Kalangan Pentadbir Universiti Awam di Malaysia
Authors:   Pusat Pengajian Pengurusan Perniagaan,  Universiti Utara Malaysia, Mazli Mutazam  , Zulkiflee Daud  ,   Pusat Pengajian Pengurusan Perniagaan,  Universiti Utara Malaysia
Published: April 2022

Pemimpin yang autentik berpegang teguh kepada perjalanan mereka sendiri untuk memahami diri mereka sebagai insan dan bagaimana mereka serta orang lain memahami dunia. Mempunyai berkeupayaan untuk membuang jauh ego mereka, lalu mereka benar-benar memperkasa dan membangunkan orang lain. Mereka mempengaruhi dan memberi inspirasi kepada orang lain dengan menzahirkan diri yang sebenar. Kajian ini mengkaji kesan pemantauan terhadap kepimpinan autentik dalam kalangan pentadbir Universiti Awam (UA) di Malaysia. Kaedah penyelidikan kuantitatif digunakan melalui pengumpulan 227 data secara soal selidik dalam kalangan pentadbir daripada Kumpulan Pengurusan dan Profesional (gred 41 hingga VU6) di UA. Dapatan kajian ini melalui ujian faktor analisis, pemantauan diwakili oleh 3 dimensi iaitu pemantauan berkala, perbincangan tidak formal dan pemerhatian. Manakala kepimpinan autentik diwakili oleh 2 dimensi iaitu ketelusan moral dan kesedaran diri. Kesan pengaruh antara pemantauan dan kepimpinan autentik diuji dengan menggunakan analisis regresi berganda. Hasil ujian regresi berganda ini menunjukkan pemantauan berkala memberi kesan yang positif terhadap ketelusan moral dan kesedaran diri. Manakala perbincangan tidak formal dan pemerhatian memberi kesan terhadap hanya kesedaran diri. Walau bagaimanapun, perbincangan tidak formal memberi kesan signifikan negatif terhadap kesedaran diri. Secara amnya, kajian ini bertujuan untuk melihat pengaruh gelagat pemantauan terhadap kepimpinan autentik dalam kalangan pentadbir universiti awam. Kajian ini diharapkan dapat memberikan pelbagai manfaat dalam penambahan ilmu dalam bidang kepimpinan dalam kalangan penjawat awam khususnya pentadbir di UA. Melalui kajian ini juga diharapkan dapat menggalakkan dalam peningkatan kemahiran kepimpinan, akauntabiliti, integriti dan kecekapan dalam pengurusan dan pentadbiran di UA. Kesedaran melalui ilmu dan kemahiran sebagai pemimpin di organisasi dapat meningkatkan bakat kepimpinan dan membawa kecemerlangan universiti.
Sadaqah-Based Crowdfunding:Drivers of Muslim Donor Contribution Behavior
Authors: Mohd Anim, N.A.H.  , Omar, N.A.
Published: April 2022

The concept of charitable giving through the crowdfunding platform had received significant attention from previous studies. Researchers have discussed the factors that drive the intention of donors to donate via the crowdfunding platform. However, researchers also found that the willingness to fund projects on crowdfunding platforms has been decreasing. This research aims to examine the potential of crowdfunding platform features to draw potential donors to contribute to the project. This research proposed two variables―utilitarian features (focus on functionality such as payment gateway), hedonic features (focus on enjoyment, such as the platform design). In addition, this study examined the role of trust in the platform as a mediating variable based on Stimulus - Organism – Response model (SOR) by Mehrabian & Russel (1974). This research gathered 148 valid responses through the virtual snowball sampling technique, taking into consideration the early stage of Malaysia’s crowdfunding environment. The finding uncovers that the utilitarian features and trust of the platform were the significant predictors towards intention compared to hedonic features. In addition, trust in the platform managed to mediate the relationship between utilitarian features and intention but contradicts the relationship between hedonic features and intention. Theoretically, this study enriches the literature on human-computer interaction by examining the role of crowdfunding platform in attracting potential contributors. Finally, this research suggests that future studies could improve the research on the demographic and sampling methods of the respondents.
‘Tot el camp és un cant’: alianza hacia el entretenimiento global (y II)
Authors:   Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Compte Pujol Marc
Published: April 2022

En la primera entrega de este artículo, el profesor Marc Compte analizó el flamante acuerdo de patrocinio entre Spotify y el FC Barcelona partiendo de lo que comporta el acuerdo, de la situación en que se encuentra actualmente la multinacional sueca y de las expectativas generadas a raíz del anuncio de esta colaboración. En esta última entrega, el autor analiza el legado del patrocinio del Barça por parte de Rakuten durante estos últimos años y también nos ayuda a divisar el futuro del patrocinio deportivo.
POTENCIAL DE BIOACUMULAÇÃO E TRANSLOCAÇÃO DA ESPÉCIE MONTRICHARDIA LINIFERA (ARRUDA) SCHOTT, (ARACEAE) EM ÁGUA CONTAMINADA POR CHUMBO
Authors: Figueiredo de Lima Wilson , Nunes Gutjahr Ana Lúcia , De Souza Braga Carlos Elias
Published: April 2022

Nos últimos anos a poluição ambiental, especialmente causadas por metais pesados, como o chumbo (Pb), tem ocasionado grandes impactos aos ecossistemas aquáticos e terrestres. Mediante a essa situação várias plantas desenvolveram mecanismos de retenção desses metais em seus tecidos. O trabalho objetivou verificar o fator de bioacumulação e translocação de chumbo na macrófita aquática M. linifera, simulando dois ambientes contaminados com concentrações diferentes. A coleta da planta foi realizada em um ambiente de várzea em Belém, Pará, no mês de janeiro de 2020. Os exemplares coletados foram transferidos para a Universidade do Estado do Pará, onde foram inseridos em os recipientes com água contaminado por chumbo (experimento Exp1 e Exp2 com 1000 mg.L-1 e 100 mg.L-1 de Pb, respectivamente) e do grupo controle (experimento Exp3), por 21 dias. Após a análise dos resultados obtidos, foi constatado altas concentrações nas raízes de M. linifera dos experimentos 1 (62.724,51 mg.kg-1) e experimento 2 (219.705,60 mg.kg-1), além de baixas concentrações de Pb nas folhas da aninga (Exp1= 79,4 mg.kg-1; Exp2= 147,68 mg.kg-1). O fator de bioacumulação (FB) do experimento 1 e 2 foram de 325,19 e 2392,23 respectivamente, demonstrando que o Pb se concentrou mais no sistema radicular da planta, isso acarretou uma translocação baixa para suas partes aéreas, com o fator de translocação (FT) < 1 e fator de bioacumulação (FB) > 1. Dessa forma, M. linifera pode ser considera uma planta tolerante, hiperacumuladora, fitoestabilizadora e potencialmente fitorremediadora para o chumbo do ambiente, ajudando a recolher esse poluente dos ecossistemas.
Cerebellum encodes and influences the initiation, performance, and termination of discontinuous movements in mice
Authors: Gaffield Michael A , Sauerbrei Britton A , Christie Jason M
Published: April 2022

The cerebellum is hypothesized to represent timing information important for organizing salient motor events during periodically performed discontinuous movements. To provide functional evidence validating this idea, we measured and manipulated Purkinje cell (PC) activity in the lateral cerebellum of mice trained to volitionally perform periodic bouts of licking for regularly allocated water rewards. Overall, PC simple spiking modulated during task performance, mapping phasic tongue protrusions and retractions, as well as ramping prior to both lick-bout initiation and termination, two important motor events delimiting movement cycles. The ramping onset occurred earlier for the initiation of uncued exploratory licking that anticipated water availability relative to licking that was reactive to water allocation, suggesting that the cerebellum is engaged differently depending on the movement context. In a subpopulation of PCs, climbing-fiber-evoked responses also increased during lick-bout initiation, but not termination, highlighting differences in how cerebellar input pathways represent task-related information. Optogenetic perturbation of PC activity disrupted the behavior by degrading lick-bout rhythmicity in addition to initiating and terminating licking bouts confirming a causative role in movement organization. Together, these results substantiate that the cerebellum contributes to the initiation and timing of repeated motor actions.
Widespread nociceptive maps in the human neonatal somatosensory cortex
Authors: Jones Laura , Verriotis Madeleine , Cooper Robert J , Laudiano-Dray Maria Pureza , Rupawala Mohammed , Meek Judith , Fabrizi Lorenzo , Fitzgerald Maria
Published: April 2022

Topographic cortical maps are essential for spatial localisation of sensory stimulation and generation of appropriate task-related motor responses. Somatosensation and nociception are finely mapped and aligned in the adult somatosensory (S1) cortex, but in infancy, when pain behaviour is disorganised and poorly directed, nociceptive maps may be less refined. We compared the topographic pattern of S1 activation following noxious (clinically required heel lance) and innocuous (touch) mechanical stimulation of the same skin region in newborn infants (n = 32) using multioptode functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Within S1 cortex, touch and lance of the heel elicit localised, partially overlapping increases in oxygenated haemoglobin concentration (Δ[HbO]), but while touch activation was restricted to the heel area, lance activation extended into cortical hand regions. The data reveals a widespread cortical nociceptive map in infant S1, consistent with their poorly directed pain behaviour.
RFPDR: a random forest approach for plant disease resistance protein prediction
Authors: Simón Diego , Borsani Omar , Filippi Carla Valeria
Published: April 2022

Background

Plant innate immunity relies on a broad repertoire of receptor proteins that can detect pathogens and trigger an effective defense response. Bioinformatic tools based on conserved domain and sequence similarity are within the most popular strategies for protein identification and characterization. However, the multi-domain nature, high sequence diversity and complex evolutionary history of disease resistance (DR) proteins make their prediction a real challenge. Here we present RFPDR, which pioneers the application of Random Forest (RF) for Plant DR protein prediction.

Methods

A recently published collection of experimentally validated DR proteins was used as a positive dataset, while 10x10 nested datasets, ranging from 400-4,000 non-DR proteins, were used as negative datasets. A total of 9,631 features were extracted from each protein sequence, and included in a full dimension (FD) RFPDR model. Sequence selection was performed, to generate a reduced-dimension (RD) RFPDR model. Model performances were evaluated using an 80/20 (training/testing) partition, with 10-cross fold validation, and compared to baseline, sequence-based and state-of-the-art strategies. To gain some insights into the underlying biology, the most discriminatory sequence-based features in the RF classifier were identified.

Results and Discussion

RD-RFPDR showed to be sensitive (86.4 ± 4.0%) and specific (96.9 ± 1.5%) for identifying DR proteins, while robust to data imbalance. Its high performance and robustness, added to the fact that RD-RFPDR provides valuable information related to DR proteins underlying properties, make RD-RFPDR an interesting approach for DR protein prediction, complementing the state-of-the-art strategies.
Physical Therapy in Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain: A Systematic Review
Authors: Meena Roshan Lal , Kumar Tarun , Singh Sandeep
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Shoulder joint pain in hemiplegic patients is a common complication which interferes with the therapeutic exercises, influences activities of daily living, social participation and delays the recovery process. Various treatment methods have been given to prevent and manage the Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain (HSP). The purpose of present systematic review was to find the study which is most effective in HSP. Aim: To determine the most effective method used in physical therapy for the management of HSP. Materials and Methods: In the present systematic review, a search of PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), CINHAL, Scopus database, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library register of control trials and bibliography was conducted from January 2016 to March 2020. Randomised clinical trials were included in the review. The methodological quality of the identified Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) was assessed using the McMaster Critical Appraisal Tool. The RCTs which scored less than 9 out of 15 or below 64.2% on McMaster Critical Appraisal Tool were not included into the systematic review. Results: A total of 1337 citations were identified, however, only six RCTs matched the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. The identified studies were similar in design. Investigated diverse physical therapy modalities that were applied for dissimilar periods, and outcome measures assessed at different periods which shown inconsistent results. Conclusion: This systematic review found evidence for improvement in HSP in those treated with Kinesiotaping (KT) and Electromyograph (EMG) triggered Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulaton (NMES) with bilateral arm training. However, more number of RCTs needed to substantiate the results.
Pedunculated Intraperitoneal Lipoma Presenting as Ovarian Torsion: A Case Report
Authors: Kandasamy Vijayalakshmi , Britto J Jennifer , Renuka S , Murugan Priya
Published: April 2022

A lipoma is a very common (prevalence 39%) benign soft tissue tumour that is composed of mature fat. Lipomas, though common on external surface of body, also have been reported in mediastinum, chest wall, thorax, retroperitoneal areas and pelvis. In Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT), lipomas are mainly found in the submucosa and subserosa of the small and large intestine. An eightyear-old female child presented with a feature suggesting torsion of the dermoid ovarian cyst. The clinical features included sudden abdominal pain, vomiting and other symptoms suggesting a differential diagnosis of appendicitis or an ovarian cause. Serum markers for carcinoma were normal. The Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) showed a right iliac fossa fat density with few internal septations and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) confirmed the torsion of the pedunculated mass and histopathological examination showed the mass as lipoma. The site of the lipoma, presented in this case, is rare. Though the presentation of intraperitoneal lipoma is rare, this should be considered as differentials in young patients presenting with features of ovarian torsion. The presentation of intraperitoneal lipoma especially in young patient is rare which is mostly an incidental finding in a laparotomy and mostly present as a case of obstruction or abdominal pain.
Economic Viability of Turmeric Cultivation in North-Eastern Transitional Zone of Karnataka
Authors: Ashwini M. , Hiremath G. M. , Satihal D. G.
Published: April 2022

Turmeric is very important spice crop of India, which produces nearly the whole world’s crop and uses 80 per cent of it. Turmeric, the source of cucurmin extremely well tolerated and has been used on daily basis by many Asian cultures. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is commercially cultivated and is one of the profitable crops of any region. Turmeric is being cultivated in Hyderabad-Karnataka region in an area of 767 ha with production of 2393 tonnes. In Hyderabad-Karnataka region, Kalaburagi stands first in production followed by Bidar district and its cultivation is almost observed in North Eastern Transitional Zone and hence the study was conducted in North Eastern transitional zone of Karnataka. The data were collected from 60 turmeric growers of three taluks of North Eastern Transitional Zone viz., Aland, Bidar and Chincholi taluks for the agricultural year 2017-18. Turmeric cultivation is being considered as annual crop provides an employment opportunity to carry out various cultural and post harvest operations. The total cost of cultivation of turmeric worked out to be Rs. 74,200.43 per acre. The average yield realized by the farmers in the study area was 18.72 quintal per acre. On an average, the gross and net returns of turmeric cultivation was worked out to be Rs. 1,22,460.06 and Rs.48,259.59 respectively. The returns per rupee spent was worked out to be Rs.1.65. The higher net returns and returns per rupee spent indicated the economic viability of turmeric cultivation in the North-Eastern Transitional Zone of Karnataka.
A Study on Socio-Economic Upliftment of Women JEEViKA Beneficiaries and to Analyse the Constraints Faced by Them in Begusarai District of Bihar
Authors: Suman Swati , Jahanara .
Published: April 2022

Majority of the population in Bihar are residing in rural areas and have low source of income which leads to poverty. Bihar Rural Livelihoods Project (BRLP) or JEEViKA project, 2006 is a poverty alleviation project supported by World Bank, which aims to enhance the socio-economic status of rural women. JEEViKA project brought a whole new platform for women empowerment. The present study aims to analyse the significant increase in the level of women’s empowerment through JEEViKA project and also to find out the major constraints faced by women beneficiaries. The study was conducted in the Begusarai district of Bihar which was selected purposively as JEEViKA livelihood training programme is currently running in the district. Teghra block was selected by purposive sampling for the study as the block has the largest number of trained beneficiaries. Total six villages were selected for the study by purposively considering the fact that these villages have a greater number of JEEViKA beneficiaries A total number of 120 respondents were taken for the study out of which sixty benrficiaries and sixty non-beneficiaries were there. The data were collected by personnel interview method by using pre structured interview schedule and later appropriate statistical analysis was done to find out the meaningful results. The present study revealed that the there is considerable increase in the socio-economic empowerment of women JEEViKA beneficiaries after going through livelihood trainings. The study further found the major constraints faced by the beneficiaries in various income generating activities such as lack of proper marketing, lower price etc. It is recommended that to enhance the socio-economic condition of rural women government should organize more such income generating livelihood training under JEEViKA project.
A Study on Profile Characteristics of Women and their Effect on Managing the Economy of Families in Rural Areas of Telangana
Authors: Priyanka Vavilala , Ghadei Kalyan
Published: April 2022

This paper focused to study the profile characteristics of women and their effect on managing the economy of families in rural areas of Telangana. The study was conducted in Karimnagar, Mancherial and Jagityal districts of Telangana which were selected purposively as there are more number of rural women involving in various agriculture and income generating activities. Further, 2 mandals were selected purposively from each district and 2 villages from each mandal were selected randomly which constitutes a total of 12 villages. An interview schedule was used to collect data from a random sample of 150 respondents through personal interview. The exploratory research design was used for the study. The results of the study revealed that majority of the women belonged to middle age group (58.67%), general caste (39.33%) and were illiterate (34.67%). Most of the respondents were married (79.34%) and chose to have a nuclear family (62.00%) with medium family size of 4 to 6 members (60.67%). Majority of the women chose agriculture as main occupation (78.00%) having small land holdings (40.00%), medium farming experience (61.33%), women having major ownership of the land (39.33%), medium annual income (64.67%), partial control over family income (52.67%), full control over self income (57.33%). Most of the women had membership in one (34.00%) and in two organization (34.00%), medium information seeking behavior (57.34%), medium mass media exposure (58.00%), medium extension contact (58.00%), medium economic motivation (80.67%), medium scientific orientation (65.34%), medium risk orientation (57.33%) and medium socio-economic status (66.00%). They had good exposure to mass media and updated themselves with latest information through extension personnel’s. Majority of the women are ready to take risk and practice new technology in their fields.
Water Harvesting, Land and Water Use Planning for Sustainable Agriculture for the Western Part of the West Bengal
Authors: Biswas R. K. , Ghosh Uddipta , Banerjee Debargha , Biswas Debjyoti , Biswas Suvrodip , Karmakar Subhajit , Mehbub S. M. , Debbarma Naikwtal , Sarkar Sankar Nath , Mondal Anit , Saha Akash , Das Debasmita , Nayek Sayantan , Charan Subhadeep , Roy Abhinaba Banik
Published: April 2022

The western district of West Bengal is notorious for its water scarcity and low crop output. Having visited the sites, interacting to the farmers and officials, and studying the proposed programs there is reason to appreciate the endeavor already put and likely to put forward towards eradication of drought from the region of Jangalmahal area. In consideration to adverse soil, land, geographical and geological several water harvesting, agriculture, and water management strategies that have been found to be effective in the region are offered and detailed. These are (i) check dams, ponds and recharging wells in jhor (drainage ditch) (ii) land grading and contour bunds (iii) sub-surface dam (iv) river-bank erosion measures (v)  non-conventional lined channel (vi) drip irrigation to orchards (vii) water ponds of low percolation and evaporation loss (viii) high seepage pond (ix) affluent pond (x) jallergola (water silo). With minimal environmental impact, successful implementation of these strategies could have a significant positive influence on drought management and agricultural development.
Hydroponic Technique: A New approach for Crop Production at Trans Himalayan High-altitude Cold Desert Regions of India
Authors: Kumar Kaushal , Kumari Kamini , Tsewang Thupstan , Tiwari Vivek Kumar , Avantika . , Sahay Devi , Mishra Alok , Verma Anshu , Acharya Somen
Published: April 2022

Aims: The trans-Himalayan high-altitude cold desert regions of India is characterized by a rugged topography at an altitude ranging from 2550 to 7742 meters above sea level. It has a vast geographical area of 72976 km2 with very little cultivated area of about 13726 hectare. Hydroponic is a soilless cultivation technique which may produce fresh vegetable in areas where environmental stress (cold, heat, dessert etc.) and limited space or on non-arable land is a major constrains for agriculture production.

Methodology: The experiment was conducted under open natural ventilated double layer polycarbonate green house in cold desert high altitude conditions of Leh, India. The hydroponic structures were designed for crop production (viz. leafy greens, vegetables, fruits etc) in deep water culture (DWC) and nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic techniques and compared them with conventional soil grown system. Nutrient solution for growing vegetables was prepared and standardized.

Results: The result obtained has shown that crop yield was significantly higher in hydroponic system as compared to traditional system for all crops. The recorded increase in yield for various crops in hydroponic system compared to soil grown system were: arugula 221%, atriplex 248%, coriander 288%, fenugreek 208%, lettuce 293%, mint 237%, mustard 227%, spinach 294%, cucumber 533%, strawberry 280%, summer squash 229% and tomato 345% which were significantly higher. Hydroponics can be explored to grow vegetables round the year especially for leafy greens. The hydroponic systems may come out as a valuable asset to forward and remote area of trans-Himalayan region for growing fresh vegetables where cultivated land and availability of the water are the limiting factors for crop production.
Risk Factors Associated with Leishmaniasis among Residents of Rural Marigat Sub-County, Baringo County - Kenya
Authors: Philipo Gwandi Martin , Odongo Alfred Owino , Kirira Peter G. , Jeruto Esleen
Published: April 2022

Aim: Leishmaniasis is a parasitic and vector-borne disease existing in two main forms, Cutaneous Leishmaniasis and Visceral Leishmaniasis with an average global incidence of 0.95 and 0.3 million cases consecutively per annum. The study determined the prevalence and risk factors associated with Leishmaniasis in Baringo County-Kenya.

Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study design that employed a mixed method was used. Study recruited 333 head of households in Marigat sub-County of Baringo County-Kenya. Purposive and multistage sampling techniques were used to recruit study participants. SPSS version 26 was used for analysis of quantitative data. Statistical test employed were X2 test of independence and binary logistic regression. NVivo version 10 was used for analysis of qualitative data.

Results: Of 333 participants, 96 reported to have had Leishmaniasis translating to the prevalence of 28.8%. Increased odds of contracting Leishmaniasis were associated with living in a temporary house (OR = 5, 95% CI 2.64 – 9.44), Living below the poverty line (OR = 2.4, 95% CI 0.23 – 0.78), primary level of education (OR = 8.6, 95% CI 0.14 – 0.97), presence of termite hills (OR = 7.6, 95% CI 0.60 – 0.97) and presence of soil cracks (OR = 3.6, 95% CI 0.16 – 0.50). Having bed net (OR = 3.5, 95% CI 1.90 – 6.57), use of repellent (OR = 3.7, 95% CI 1.58 – 8.58), and wearing long sleeves after sunset (OR = 2.5, 95% CI 0.24 – 0.84) were associated with decreased odds of Leishmaniasis infection.

Conclusion: In the study area, Leishmaniasis was found to be aggravated by low level of education, living below the poverty line, living in a temporary house, presence of termite hills and soil cracks near the residential area. Government should network with development partners to improve the livelihood of people and people should destroy dormant termite hills around their area of residence.
Incidence of Endometriosis in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Cases of Primary Infertility in Tanta University Hospital
Authors: Hassan Gehad Emad , Hussein Naglaa Ali , Shamloula Maha Mostafa , Abdo Mohammed Ismael
Published: April 2022

Background: Endometriosis is the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, which induces a chronic, inflammatory reaction. Some women with endometriosis experience painful symptoms and/or infertility, others have no symptoms at all. The aim of this study was to detect the incidence of endometriosis among symptomatic and asymptomatic cases of primary infertility in Tanta University Hospital over one year.

Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on 50 females aged between 20 and 35 years old, with unexplained infertility, symptoms of endometriosis and infertility for 1 or more years. Patients were divided into two equal groups: group (1):  cases with unexplained infertility for 1 year or more and group (2):  cases with symptoms of primary infertility and endometriosis for 1 year or more. Patients were subjected to the following: meticulous history taking (personal, obstetric and menstrual history, history of present illness, past history 'medical and surgical'), thorough clinical examination, routine laboratory investigations, imaging techniques (ultrasound and HSG) and laparoscopy for diagnosis of possible presence of endometriosis.

Results: Endometrioma size was significantly higher in group 2 compared to group 1 (P value = 0.020). Stage 1 of endometriosis was significantly lower in group 2 compared to group 1 and Stage 2, 3 and 4 of endometriosis were significantly higher in group 2 compared to group 1 (P value = 0.04). Dysmenorrhea of endometriosis after treatment were significantly higher in group 2 compared to group 1(P value <0.001). Chronic pelvic pain was significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 2 (P value <0.001).

Conclusions: The presence of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, pelvic pain, infertility, and clinical signs of cul-de-sac tenderness raise the suspicion of endometriosis in infertility patients.
Flutter Modelling and Computation of a Flying Wing Aircraft
Authors: Bai Yuguang , Xu Xiaole , Zhang Sheng
Published: April 2022

Flying wing aircraft has many encouraging advantages, but there still were many unsteady aerodynamic uncertainty of the structures. Dynamic stability is a most significant analysis object. This paper wants to propose the flutter characteristic of a real flying wing aircraft. Firstly, an efficient finite element modelling method was taken to find basic dynamic features of the presented aircraft with effective mode analysis. Typical dynamic characteristics including bending and twisting modes of the structure were analyzed to propose possible dynamic stability of the aircraft. Secondly, a frequency domain fluid-structure interaction method was proposed to solve flutter analysis problem of the aircraft. With different heights and Ma number, flutter features of the aircraft were presented. It was seen from the computational results that dynamic stability analysis is necessary for the flying wing aircraft with proper flight velocity and height. The present dynamic modelling method and flutter computation process can give an effect reference for the design of flying wing aircraft. Also it can provide useful suggestions for existing flying wing aircraft structures.