bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 in Continental Africa
Authors: Moradi Leila
Published: June 2022

Background: In late December 2019, the emerging disease of COVID- 19 was first diagnosed in China. It was caused by a coronavirus and caused limitations in most parts of the world. Objectives: We investigated the epidemiology of COVID-19 in continental Africa. Methods: This ecological study described the epidemiological features of COVID-19 in Africa. We extracted the data related to identified definitive cases and deaths due to this disease and other information from the reports released by the World Health Organization and transferred the data to the SPSS 24 software. Also, the fatality rate was separately determined for each country. Results: The highest number of cases diagnosed with COVID-19 was in South Africa with 2907619 cases, and the highest number of deaths due to COVID19 was found in South Africa with 87922 cases. The highest case fatality rate was in Liberia, with 4.93%. Conclusions: Prevention of COVID-19 transmission is possible by vaccinating most age groups in the community and observing social distance. Upgrading diagnostic equipment and identifying healthy and quarantined carriers is also effective in reducing COVID- 19 transmission. The cooperation of health officials and volunteers is effective in more fully identifying patients and enforcing quarantine rules. The World Health Organization provides financial support, diagnostic equipment, and vaccines for low- and middle-income countries in all parts of the world, especially in Africa. Financial support from charitable groups to provide insurance services and medical and pharmaceutical equipment is an effective help in reducing the damage of COVID- 19.
Kolskaya and Kulluk. A Disaster and a Near Disaster
Authors: Aristova Alexandra , Gudmestad Ove Tobias
Published: June 2022

In this paper we will review the loss of the Kolskaya jack-up platform and 53 crew members in the Sea of Okhotsk during New Year 2011- 2012 and point to causes of the loss. Thereafter we will review the near disaster when the Kulluk rig was being towed from Alaska to the US in January 2013.

Although both towing incidents could have led to disasters, the operator, Shell, was capable of rescuing all personnel and getting Kulluk off its grounding and back to a safe haven. The Kolskaya incident did, however, have a sad and tragic outcome.

Both incidents happened during towing in harsh weather and we will in particular discuss the characteristics of the rigs and the concerns regarding safe towing. These include:

- An evaluation of the rigs’ motion characteristics in large waves (Kulluk has particularly difficult motion characteristics in waves);

- Safe tow using at least two tugs to ensure redundancy during the tow;

- The need to move non-essential personnel off a rig during the tow;

- Management awareness of harsh Arctic conditions.

The outcome of the incidents will thereafter be discussed with an emphasis on the ability to save a rig of the Kulluk type and the loss of confidence in Russian project management in the case of Kolskaya. We will also discuss how confidence in Arctic activities could be restored. Based on the analysis, we will prepare recommendations for thorough risk analysis, in particular prior to critical tow operations. We will also highlight the responsibility of the marine staff involved in such operations and the need to strengthen their role. Of importance is the need to educate all those involved about the conditions of the physical environment. The companies’ safety programs must be updated in the case of Arctic operations with an emphasis on the need for patience and an awareness of the costs for Waiting on Weather.
Probabilistic Analysis of Local Ice Loads on a Lifeboat
Authors: Rahman Md Samsur , Taylor Rocky , Ré Antonio Simões , Kennedy Allison , Wang Jungyong , Veitch Brian
Published: June 2022

Lifeboats are a ubiquitous means of evacuation fitted to offshore petroleum installations and marine vessels. For lifeboats operating in ice environments, the magnitude of local ice loads and the structural integrity of these crafts under ice loading are not well understood. To address these gaps, full-scale measurements relating to lifeboat-ice interactions were collected during a field campaign carried out in 2013. During this trial, the local ice loads on the hull of a Totally Enclosed Motor Propelled Survival Craft (TEMPSC) operating in pack ice conditions were measured using instrumented load panels. This full-scale field data provides the foundation for risk-based design load estimation and has been analyzed using the event-maximum method of local ice pressure analysis. This approach is based on probabilistic methods developed for the analysis of ice loads measured on icebreakers, which have been adapted for ice interaction scenarios involving small vessels. Results from this work provide improved insight into the nature of loads on lifeboats operating in ice-covered waters and help to inform design methodology for these vessels.
Managing Unexpected Events in Arctic Offshore Operations
Authors: Keinonen Arno , Martin Evan
Published: June 2022

A number of arctic and subarctic offshore oil and gas operations have been conducted over the past nearly 40 years, both by avoiding ice and by operating in it. This paper highlights the common industry practices that have emerged and their associated challenges. The challenge that is expected to pose the biggest risk to future operations is then explored: namely unexpected events. A sample of events is provided and methods available to manage these events are provided.
Ice Road Operation and Climate Change
Authors: Strandberg Allan , Wang Ruixue , Spencer Paul , Strandberg George
Published: June 2022

Changes in air temperatures from 1970 to 2013 due to climate change in the Northern regions can have a serious effect on the construction and use of ice roads. The construction of ice roads in the early winter season is dependent on the ability of the area weather to freeze a working surface for the use of heavy equipment. A safe thickness of frozen ground and/or floating ice sheet is required. Late winter season weather governs the last date that the ice road system can be used. This paper uses weather patterns over the 43 year period from 1970 to 2013 to determine trends that may be present in the geographical areas of Prudhoe Bay (USA), the Mackenzie Delta (Canada) and the Yamal Peninsula (Russia). In addition, the effect of these changes in the weather on ice construction procedures in these three geographical locations are discussed and summarized.
Analytical Approach for Predicting Fracture in Structures Due to Lateral Ice Indentation
Authors: Jamaly Abdullah , Seif Tayyebe , Daley Claude
Published: June 2022

The large deflection of a thin rectangular steel plate under laterally distributed pressure over a certain length of the plate span is investigated. Assuming “zero aspect ratio”, plate ends are clamped and the other two edges are free. The plate behavior is analyzed considering membrane effect only, which is the dominant action in the large deflections of thin plates. The plastic strain criterion is used to predict the fracture point in the plate. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is used to predict the fracture with the same criterion and the results compare well with theoretical formula.
Operating Experience of Sevmorput as a Basis for Future Nuclear Transport Ships
Authors: Makarov Vladimir I. , Ustinov Vasily S. , Vorobiyov Vladimir M. , Golovinskiy Stanislav A.
Published: June 2022

This paper:

- provides a brief analysis of the experience of construction and operation of Sevmorput nuclear lighter-aboard ship;

- lists the goals and tasks of Sevmorput construction;

- provides the description and technical parameters of the ship and its power plant;

- demonstrates the ship’s compliance with the IMO Code of safety for nuclear merchant ships;

- describes the specific features of the lighter operation both on open water and in ice conditions;

- compares the lighter ship parameters with respective indicators of advanced ships designs intended for transit shipping in the Arctic.
First-Year Ice Ridge Loads on Norströmsgrund Lighthouse in 2002 and 2003
Authors: Sudom Denise , Frederking Robert
Published: June 2022

The lighthouse Norströmsgrund in the northern Baltic Sea was well instrumented to measure ice forces and ice thickness in the years 1999 to 2003. Load panel and tilt meter data have been analysed to assess global force on the lighthouse during several ice ridge or hummock field interaction events in 2002 and 2003. The size of the ridges, type of interaction, and level ice load are examined, and an attempt is made to assess keel load. The methods of the ISO 19906 Standard are applied to determine the range of ridge forces that may be predicted at the site.
The Design and Operational Implications of the IMO Polar Code
Authors: Kendrick Andrew
Published: June 2022

It is expected that the new mandatory Polar Code will be finalized in 2014, and come into effect in 2016. Ships covered by the Code will be required to have a Polar Ship Certificate, and a new set of on-board documentation. The Code will also address the crewing requirements for polar ships. The new Code is broad in scope, covering design, equipment and operational issues. This paper outlines the areas which it covers, the obligations that the Code will impose on a range of stakeholders and some of the main challenges that they are likely to face.
Literature Survey of Station Keeping and Ice Management
Authors: Kubat Ivana , Sayed Mohamed
Published: June 2022

Station keeping of drillships in ice has emerged as a key enabling factor for offshore developments in intermediate and deep Arctic waters. A drillship would have to keep position within strict offset limits for safe operations. This requires reliable information concerning levels of ice management, estimates of ice forces, performance of mooring and Dynamic Positioning systems, and the corresponding responses of the vessels. In spite of the importance of these issues, several technical aspects remain poorly understood. This has prompted substantial recent research efforts. The objective of the present review is to provide the reader with efficient and thorough up-to-date information on available literature which deals with the various aspects of stationkeeping in ice. The review includes compilation of the literature and analysis that categorizes the investigations according to their objectives, approaches, scopes and outputs.
Arctic Past Experience - How to Gather and Utilize It?
Authors: Ghoneim G. Abdel , Edgecombe Merv
Published: June 2022

Considerable Arctic exploration and drilling experience exists that may be utilized while preparing for the upcoming wave of Arctic drilling and production activities. The many challenges with design and operation of Arctic E&P installations have been exhaustively discussed in the past. This paper will briefly summarize these challenges and show how a significant number of them have already been addressed. In the 1970s and early 1980s, Arctic activities such as the Arctic Pilot Project (APP), the Canadian Marine Drilling Limited (Canmar) icebreaker research program of full scale testing in the Beaufort Sea, the Tarsuit artificial island, and the Hans island ice load monitoring programs have resulted in a considerable Arctic related database that may be beneficial today. The Canadian Coast Guard development of the Canadian Arctic Shipping Pollution Prevention Regulations (CASPPR) was based on extensive Arctic R&D work performed in the late 1970s and early 1980s. This paper demonstrates how the available results from these projects may be gathered, analyzed, and applied to address Arctic challenges that still exist, particularly developing and updating current standards and regulations.

This paper will present specific ice load measuring systems developed in the early 1980s by the Canmar team. Sample ice load signal measured in full-scale tests will be re-analyzed and compared to recent ISO 19906:2010 and IACS predictions. The applicability of these results to the hull structures of newly proposed E&P structural concepts is also discussed. The paper references the available past experience both in the public and corporate domains. The paper also proposes an approach to reach out to experienced Arctic professionals to assess the ranking of Arctic challenges and evaluate the risks and mitigation efforts needed to assure the zero tolerance philosophy for this frontier.
Arctic Standards and Regulations – Status and Update
Authors: Ghoneim G. Abdel
Published: June 2022

The existence of comprehensive Arctic regulatory regimes is paramount for ensuring the safety of Arctic field development when recovering the vast Arctic oil and gas resources (estimated at 25% of world reserves). Several Arctic coastal countries such as Canada, USA, and Russia have successfully undertaken year-round Arctic drilling. Companies such as Dome Petroleum’s subsidiary, Canadian Marine Drilling Limited (CANMAR), Esso Resources Canada, and Gulf Canada have pioneered such Arctic operations since the early 1970s. With almost 70% of the world's Arctic reserves, Russia is presently leading Arctic drilling and production.. Russia has comprehensive Arctic regulations in place and has been cooperating with Norway resolving Arctic issues through venues such as the Barents 2020 project and the resolution of their dispute over Arctic territories in 2010.

This paper presents the current state of the regulatory schemes of the five Arctic coastal countries. Additionally, the paper reviews the ISO Arctic standard ISO 19906:2010 for practical applicability and recommended safety factors (partial action and resistance). The paper identifies the necessary regulatory elements that regulators must address in the future.

The regulatory regimes are the laws used to govern Arctic offshore field development activities and the regulations that provide details on how to comply with these laws. The regulatory regime applies to environmental protection, safety, employment standards and worker safety, health protection, emergency planning, oil spill response, and liability for accidents. Arctic countries use either a prescriptive approach, specifying the methodology to be applied for achieving the goals of the regulator, or performance/goal-based approach, identifying the goals that must be achieved while allowing operators the flexibility to choose the methodology that fits their proposed technology. A mixed approach is also adopted by some countries. The objective is to demonstrate the need for guidance in the form of standards and regulations.
The Detection of Multi-Year Ice Using Upward Looking Sonar Data
Authors: Fissel David B. , Ross Edward , Sadova Louis , Slonimer Alex , Sadowy Dawn , Mudge Todd D.
Published: June 2022

Upward looking sonar (ULS) instruments on year-long sub-surface moorings are widely used in support of oil and gas exploration programs. The analysis results are used to provide key inputs to the engineering of offshore platform design and ship-based ice management. Detection of the older and harder multi-year sea ice is particularly important for engineering and ice management applications. Here, we analyze multi-year ULS measurements of sea ice in the Beaufort Sea and off Northeast Greenland. The detectability and characterization of multi-year ice is derived from two independent analysis methods. The first method uses the backscattered acoustic pulse shape received by the sonar instrument while the second method involves the degree of the smoothness of the underside of the ice keels away from the leading and trailing edges. Both methods demonstrate skill in detecting multi-year sea ice as distinct from first year sea ice. The two methods are shown to be complementary in that some multiyear ice floes cannot always be clearly categorized by one method alone.
Use of Thermal Imagery to Assess Temperature Variation in Ice Collision Processes
Authors: Tijsen Jochen N.W. , Bruneau S. E. , Colbourne B.
Published: June 2022

The paper describes the exploratory use of thermal imagery on ice collisional processes. This way of measuring provides a new source of information which may lead to new insights and improvements of existing ice collision models. Results indicate significant internal temperature rises in both the crushing case and in the sliding (friction) case. The paper provides some observations, however the main purpose is to show the value of applying thermal imagery in studies of collisional processes. Nevertheless the reader may be interested in the observations originating from the experiments. The first is that the internal temperature increments during ice friction are shown to track the trends in the friction coefficient. The second is that internal temperature increments during ice crushing appear to be concentrated in specific areas of the contact zone and may indicate high pressure zones.
A Short Review on Ice Navigation History
Authors: Wilkman Göran
Published: June 2022

We have recently heard that our home, the Earth, was born some 100 million years ago, which is relatively recently as the big bang took place 13.8 billion years ago. The first humans are estimated to have inhabited the Earth some 8 million years ago. People have been sailing the seas at least some 5-10 thousand years. The first people, who crossed the Atlantic Ocean, as far as we know, were the Vikings, some 1200 years ago. They might have been the first who had any contact with ice. The serious business in trying to find the spice route through the north was over four hundred years ago started by Dutch Willem Barentz who started to sail the North East passage towards east, but he did not get very far. After mapping Spitsbergen and Frantz Josef land he stranded on Novaya Zemilya. Those days the ships were propelled by oars or sails, which did not work very well in ice. It took some two hundred fifty years until the ships were equipped with steam engines and the means to get the power into the water was either paddle-wheel or propeller. Steam power allowed the ships to be more flexible what comes to manoeuvring and the skipper was not so much dependent on wind or muscle power. The development of modern navigation in the icy waters started seriously during the second half of 19th century. People started truly to look for the passages both to the East and West through the North. The first icebreakers were built late 19th early 20th century. In those days icebreakers had just stronger hull structures and more power in the engine than the conventional ships. Traffic was limited in the north to summer period when the extent of ice was at minimum. In the Baltic and other sub-arctic waters icebreakers were really needed during the opening of the season in spring and lengthening the season at the autumn end. After the second World War, when people started to raise from the ashes the interest to ice navigation steamed up and during the last 60 years the development of technology has helped. This paper will talk about how navigation has taken steps during history and also look where we might be going to.
Electricity proviision as a European service of general economic interest - a conceptual debate
Authors: Lacher Eva
Published: June 2022

Today the universal and secure supply of energy is facing profound changes and challenges in European regions. Recent updates on energy policies in the EU propel the decentralization of energy generation driven by citizens’ engagement, fueling scientific debates on how inclusive these new frameworks really are. We look back at all four legislative ‘Energy packages’ of the EU (1996, 2003, 2009, 2019) with a focus on the Clean Energy Package 2019. Did the changes towards completing a common internal market for energy and reacting to the climate crisis affect standards of SGI provision, such as availability, accessibility, affordability, quality and variety?
New insights on employee adaptive performance during the COVID-19 pandemic: Empirical evidence from Indonesia
Authors:   S.Si., Student at Graduate School of Management, Universitas Pelita Harapan, The Plaza Semanggi, Jl. Jend. Sudirman No.50, RT.1/RW.4, Karet Semanggi, Kecamatan Setiabudi, Kota Jakarta Selatan, DKI Jakarta 12930, Indonesia, e-mail: tanronny@yahoo.com, Tan Ronny , Antonio Ferdi ,   Ph.D., M.M., M.A.R.S., Assistant Professor at Graduate School of Management, Universitas Pelita Harapan, The Plaza Semanggi, Jl. Jend. Sudirman No.50, RT.1/RW.4, Karet Semanggi, Kecamatan Setiabudi, Kota Jakarta Selatan, DKI Jakarta 12930, Indonesia, e-mail: ferdi.antonio@gmail.com
Published: June 2022

PURPOSE: This study investigates how perceived e-leadership and the teleworking output are linked to employee adaptive performance. Further, it seeks to comprehend whether a sense of purpose and organizational commitment have a mediating role. This study proposes a new research model that is empirically tested to predict employee adaptive performance, especially during remote working due to the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODOLOGY: A quantitative survey was conducted in August 2021. Respondents were obtained from 271 teleworkers employed in a reputable private company operating in the financial industry in Indonesia. The data was collected by a questionnaire using a Likert-type scale and then analyzed using PLS-SEM. FINDINGS: Three antecedents are proven to affect employee adaptive performance directly: organizational commitment, followed by teleworking output, and a sense of purpose. Perceived e-leadership affects employee adaptive performance indirectly, and it is mediated through teleworking output, organizational commitment, and sense of purpose. IMPLICATIONS: This insight suggests that management must take care of intrinsic motivation to get the employees performing in the organization. These constructs will play significant roles and, therefore, should be well-planned, well-executed, and seriously measured to strengthen employee adaptive performance in an organization. The research model result shows moderate predictive accuracy strength with medium predictive relevance on employee adaptive performance, giving opportunities to re-use and extend the research model and explore other constructs. Based on the findings, management needs to focus on trust in employees, team motivation, and employee-experience management activities to keep the employees engaged. ORIGINALITY AND VALUE: This is one of the first studies to deploy intrinsic motivation as an antecedent of employee adaptive performance, together with the perceived e-leadership and teleworking output. Corporations will be able to focus on some key areas that are proven to impact employee adaptive performance positively.
Resultados maternos y fetales de la actividad física durante el embarazo
Authors: Ramírez Vélez Robinson , Correa Bautista Jorge Enrique
Published: June 2022

Esta obra reúne información relevante y novedosa para el estudio de la actividad física durante la gestación y brinda los lineamientos necesarios para que los profesionales de las ciencias de la salud y los profesionales de las ciencias de la educación física y del deporte puedan promover la actividad física y prescribir y monitorear el ejercicio durante esta etapa del ciclo vital de la mujer. Los autores logran dar respuesta a un vacío conceptual y metodológico sobre la forma de promover la actividad física y el ejercicio, ya que durante muchos años se pensó que eran contraindicados durante la gestación.
A first-principles study on environmental stability and optoelectronic properties of bismuth oxychloride/ cesium lead chloride van der Waals heterojunctions
Authors: Yao Yi-Zhou , Cao Dan , Yan Jie , Liu Xue-Yin , Wang Jian-Feng , Jiang Zhou-Ting , Shu Hai-Bo ,   College of Science, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China,   College of Optics and Electronic Technology, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Published: June 2022

All-inorganic metal halide perovskites represented by cesium lead chloride have become important candidates for the development of high-performance photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices due to their excellent optoelectronic properties and defect tolerance. However, poor structural stability has become a bottleneck for its commercial applications. In this work, we propose to integrate thin layers of bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) on the surface of cesium lead chloride perovskite (CsPbCl3) to form a van der Waals heterojunction. And we systematically study the environmental stability of BiOCl/CsPbCl3 van der Waals heterojunction and the influence of interfacial effects on its optoelectronic properties by combining first-principles calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. The calculated results show that the van der Waals integrated BiOCl on the surface of CsPbCl3 can greatly improve its environmental stability, which is due to the highly stable BiOCl layer isolating the reaction of water and oxygen molecules with the perovskite lattice. Moreover, the two BiOCl/CsPbCl3 van der Waals heterojunctions show a type-II band structure, which conduces to promoting the carrier separation. At the same time, the two heterojunctions have small effective carrier mass, which well preserves the excellent carrier transport properties of CsPbCl3 and BiOCl. However, CsCl-terminated heterojunctions exhibit larger band orders than PbCl2-terminated heterojunctions, which can lead to higher open-circuit voltages and lower dark currents in CsCl-terminated heterojunctions. Owing to the different band gaps of BiOCl and CsPbCl3, the heterojunctions show high optical absorption coefficients in the visible-to-ultraviolet region. This work provides a new idea and theoretical basis for improving the structural stability of CsPbCl3 perovskite materials and their applications in high-performance optoelectronic devices.
Universal HIE-FDTD method and progarm implementation for one-dimensional fine structure electromagnetic target simulation
Authors: Mou Chun-Hui , Chen Juan , Fan Kai-Hang , Lu Yi ,   School of Information and Communications Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049, China,   Shenzhen Research School, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Shenzhen 518057, China
Published: June 2022

The hybrid implicit-explicit finite-difference time-domain (HIE-FDTD) method is a weakly conditionally stable finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The time step size of the HIE-FDTD method is only confined by the two coarse spatial cell sizes, so it is widely used in the simulation of electromagnetic targets with fine structures along one direction. In this work, the basic iterative formulations of the HIE-FDTD method are proposed by approximating the formulations of the FDTD method. In these formulations, the iterative coefficients are marked with spatial grid numbers. Therefore, the coefficients can be calculated automatically according to the medium parameters of the spatial cells by indexing the grid numbers. Since the triangular matrix which is used to calculate the electric field is based on the iterative coefficients, the triangular matrix can also be updated automatically. In addition, a method to reduce the number of tridiagonal matrices is proposed in this work, which can effectively reduce the calculation memory and improve the calculation efficiency. In the proposed HIE-FDTD method, equivalent parameters are employed at the interfaces of different media and the convolution perfectly matched layer boundary condition is used to truncate the computational region. Based on the proposed HIE-FDTD method, a series of programs are implemented, which can simulate arbitrary electromagnetic targets with fine structure in one dimension in linear and non-dispersive space. A dielectric plate irradiated by planar wave and a dual-frequency microstrip inverted F antenna are simulated by using these programs. The numerical results are in good agreement with those from the traditional FDTD method and CST software, and the computational efficiency of the proposed HIE-FDTD method is greatly improved in comparison with that of the traditional FDTD method. This study provides a reliable simulation tool for the wide application of the HIE-FDTD method.
Thermal stability study of Weyl semimetal WTe2/Ti heterostructures by Raman scattering
Authors: Liu Na , Wang Yi , Li Wen-Bo , Zhang Li-Yan , He Shi-Kun , Zhao Jian-Kun , Zhao Ji-Jun ,   Key Laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion and Electron Beams, Ministry of Education, School of Physics, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China,   School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China,   Zhejiang Hikstor Technology Company, Hangzhou 311305, China
Published: June 2022

Weyl semimetal Td-phase WTe2, a novel topological matter, possesses a strong spin-orbit coupling and non-trivial topological band structure, and thus becomes a very promising superior spin current source material. By constructing the WTe2/Ti heterostructures, the issue that the ferromagnetic layer with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy cannot be directly prepared on WTe2 layer can be well addressed, and meet the requirements for high-performance spin-orbit torque devices. To be compatible with the semiconductor technology, the device integration usually involves a high temperature process. Therefore, the thermal stability of WTe2/Ti is critical for practical device fabrication and performance. However, the thermal stability of WTe2/Ti interface has not been very clear yet. In this work, the micro-Raman scattering technique is used to systematically study the WTe2/Ti interface annealed at different temperatures. It is found that the thermal stability of the interface between WTe2 and Ti is related to the thickness of WTe2 flake; appropriate increase of the WTe2 thickness can lead to the improvement of thermal stability in WTe2/Ti heterostructures. In addition, high temperature annealing can cause a significant interfacial reaction. After annealed at 473 K for 30 min, the interface between WTe2 (12 nm) and Ti changes dramatically, leading to the formation of Ti-Te interface layer. This observation is highly consistent with the observations by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and the elemental analysis results as well. This study will provide useful information for further exploring the influence of the WTe2/Ti interface on the spin-orbit torque effect, and greatly invigorate the research area of energy efficient spintronic devices based on WTe2 and other novel topological materials.
Generation of shallow nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond with carbon ion implantation
Authors: He Jian , Jia Yan-Wei , Tu Ju-Ping , Xia Tian , Zhu Xiao-Hua , Huang Ke , An Kang , Liu Jin-Long , Chen Liang-Xian , Wei Jun-Jun , Li Cheng-Ming ,   Institute for Advanced Materials and Technology, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China,   Shunde Graduate School, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Foshan 528399, China
Published: June 2022

The shallow nitrogen-vacancy center of diamond exhibits excellent sensitivity and resolution in the magnetic detection and quantum sensing areas. Compared with other methods, low-energy carbon ion implantation does not need high-purity diamond nor introduce new impurity atoms, but the formation mechanism of nitrogen-vacancy center is not clear. In this work, shallow nitrogen-vacancy centers are created in the diamond by low energy carbon ion implantation and vacuum annealing, and the transformation mechanism of nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond is studied by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and positron annihilation analysis. The results show that shallow nitrogen-vacancy centers can be obtained by carbon ion implantation combined with vacuum annealing. After implantation, superficial layer of diamond shows the damage zone including lattice distortion and amorphous carbon, and carbon-vacancy cluster defects (carbon atoms are surrounded by vacancy clusters) are generated. In the vacuum annealing process, the damaged area gradually transforms into the diamond structure through the recovery of the distortion area and the solid-phase epitaxy of the amorphous carbon area, accompanied by the continuous dissociation of carbon-vacancy cluster defects. When samples are annealed at 850 and 900 ℃, the structure of the damaged area is partially repaired. While annealing at 950 ℃, not only the damaged layer is basically recovered, but also nitrogen atoms capture the single vacancy obtained by the dissociation of carbon vacancy clusters, forming the nitrogen-vacancy centers.
Derivative-free Newton's method for solving intuitionistic fuzzy nonlinear equations with an application
Authors:   Department of Mathematics, Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru, Nigeria, Umar A. O. , Waziri M. Y. ,   Department of Mathematics, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria, Moyi A. U. ,   Department of Mathematics, Federal University, Gusau, Nigeria
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we present a derivative-free Newton’s method that avoids computing the derivative by generating an approximation of the derivative for the intuitionistic fuzzy nonlinear equation. We first consider transforming the intuitionistic fuzzy quantities into their equivalent membership and non-membership parametric forms and insert the approximation from the forward difference method applied to F'(x_k) = 0 in Newton’s method to avoid computing the Jacobian matrix. Numerical experiments were carried out, which shows that the approach is a good option for computing Jacobian and is an efficient one.
Clinicopathological Analysis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma among the Younger Age Group Admitted to Tertiary Care Hospital, Karamsad, Gujarat, India
Authors: Mulla Faruq Ibrahimbhai , Patel Jaimin Jagdishbhai , Sagathiya Kinjal Jitendrabhai
Published: June 2022

Introduction: In India, chewing pan, use of commercial tobacco products, beedi, cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking and use of snuff are some of the common habits. Although several studies have been focused on aetiology and clinicopathological features of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) in the Indian population but very few studies have been conducted with reference to the incidence of OSCC in a younger age group. Aim: To assess clinicopathological profile of OSCC in younger (<45 years age group of) patients. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was carried out at the Shree Krishna Hospital, Karamsad, Gujarat, India. All OSCC patients (1517) who were admitted in the hospital between January 2015 to December 2018 were included in the study. The case history and biopsy report files were retrieved from the data storage system of the Shree Krishna hospital, Karamsad, Gujarat, India. The tumours were histopathologically graded by cell differentiation into well differentiated, moderately differentiated and poorly differentiated categories. The data was entered in MS Excel 2010. Statistical analysis was carried out using EPI Info7. Quantitative data was presented with mean and Standard Deviation (SD) while qualitative data was presented with frequency and percentage. Chi-square and Fishers’-exact tests were used for qualitative data to check significant difference. Results: Overall consumption rate of tobacco was 91.4% and quid was 62.9%. Habit of chewing quid was more frequently observed in young 297 (71.4%) than old patients 548 (59.1%). In young patients, buccal mucosa was the most common site for OSCC (226, 48.4%) followed by tongue (158, 33.8%). While in old patients, most common site was gingivo buccal sulcus (138, 40.4%) followed by tongue (72, 21.1%). Overall stage IVA (270, 45.0%) was most commonly observed pathological stage followed by stage III (125, 20.8%). Conclusion: The present study indicates an increase in tobacco and pan chewing in young adults when compared to older individuals. Majority of the cases were in the advanced stages of the disease irrespective of the age. Screening programs for individuals at high risk of developing oral cancer including tobacco users are required for early and accurate diagnosis.
Trend of Antimicrobial Resistance among Bacterial Pathogens using Cumulative Antibiogram in a Tertiary Care Centre in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Authors: Solanki Rachana Rashesh , Tanna Kruti Jasvantlal , Modi Kairvi Pradipkumar , Shah Navin Ishwarlal
Published: June 2022

Introduction: A rising incidence of Multidrug Resistance Organisms (MDRO) have become a major challenge to human health infections due to MDRO results in higher mortality rates, longer durations of hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs. MDRO contribute to over 50% of Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs). Aim: To monitor the trends of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) among bacterial pathogens over a period of three years by using Cumulative Antibiogram (CA). Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was done to measure the trends of AMR among gram positive and gram negative organisms over a period of three years. CA capturing the susceptibility data was prepared for Enterobacteriacae, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter spp. and Enterococcus spp. once in every three year (2017, 2018 and 2019) in the month of January. Results: A total of 1032 isolates, of 10 medically important bacteria were analysed. Total of 21.49%, 30.38% and 54.55% isolates were Extended Spectrum β Lactamase (ESBL) producer in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. There was a rising carbapenem resistance in 2019 (15.5% in E.coli, 26% in Klebsiella pneumonaie an 21% in P. aeruginosa). Among isolates of S. aureus identified in 2019, 56% were Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Conclusion: CA helps in monitoring resistance trends among clinical isolates which helps in preparation of antibiotic policy. There is rising incidence of ESBL and carbapenem resistance among gram negative bacilli.
Biological False Positive Venereal Disease Research Laboratory in Hepatitis B and C Infections in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Delhi, India
Authors: Sharma Shiwangi , Chhabra Mala , Duggal Nandini
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test is commonly used for screening of syphilis. In India in some centres, the diagnosis of syphilis is based on VDRL test without confirmation by specific treponemal test resulting in Biological False Positives (BFPs) due to non specific nature of antigen used. Both hepatitis and syphilis are sexually transmitted diseases which are widely prevalent in India. Diagnosing syphilis aptly is important due to its association with various complications and social stigmas. Aim: To demonstrate the false-positivity of VDRL test in patients with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study in which 420 hepatitis B positive and 208 hepatitis C positive serum samples of patients >18 years of age were tested for syphilis by VDRL and Treponema pallidum Haemagglutination (TPHA). VDRL reactive and TPHA negative samples were considered as BFPs. Sera of 90 healthy individuals, which were negative for both Hepatitis B and C were included as control group. The data entry and analysis was done in the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Results: Out of 420 hepatitis B reactive samples, 64 (15.23%) and out of 208 hepatitis C reactive samples, 24 (11.5%) were observed to be BFPs. Of these 64 hepatitis B reactive patients, 46 (71.88%) were females and 18 (28.12%) were males with BFP VDRL test. Similarly, out of the 24 hepatitis C reactive patients, 18 (75%) were females and 6 (25%) were males with BFP VDRL test. BFP was observed to be 1.1% in control group. Conclusion: The study highlights that HBV and HCV infection are associated with increased chances of obtaining a BFP-VDRL test. If VDRL test is reactive, then reflex testing should be done with a specific treponemal test for a confirmatory diagnosis.
Teachers’ Knowledge and Practices of Classroom Assessment in the Ellembelle District of Ghana
Authors: Erzoah Kingsley Kwasi , Gyamfi Abraham , Yeboah Abraham , Langee Patience
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Classroom assessment issues are increasingly becoming the interest of stakeholders and scholars of education. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the knowledge level and practice of teachers on classroom assessment in the Ellembelle District. Specifically, it sought to determine the knowledge level of teachers in the Ellembelle District in classroom assessment and the practice of teachers in the Ellembelle District in classroom assessment.

Methodology: Simple random sampling and purposive sampling were employed to select 207 participants for the study. The study made use of the descriptive research design. Questionnaire was used as the main data collection instrument.

Results and Findings: Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics. The study found that teachers were very knowledgeable about classroom assessment and have positive classroom assessment practices.

Conclusion and Recommendation: Based on the findings, it was recommended that Ghana Education Service should make sure class sizes in the district are reduced, involve peer assessment, conduct in-service training, self-assessment and performances assessment so as to enhance effective classroom assessment.
Lobster Claw Hand Deformity - Cornelia de Lange Syndrome
Authors: Devadas Sahana , Jagadish Meghana , Karigoudar Pavan Kumar , Kumar H. Anil , Govindarajan Varun , Kariyappa Mallesh
Published: June 2022

Background: Cornelia de Lange syndrome is a genetic syndrome characterized by intellectual disability, facial features with synorphrys or fused eyebrows, upper limb anomalies and atypical growth. It is caused by spontaneous mutations in genes responsible for structural or regulatory function of cohesin complex.

Report: We present two newborns cases admitted to our NICU with characteristic dysmorphic features of microcephaly, ectrodactyly and thick eyebrows. One baby also had associated congenital heart defect and sensorineural hearing loss. Both babies are under followup with developmental early intervention programs. Parents were offered genetic counselling for future pregnancies.

Conclusion: Cornelia de Lange is predominantly a clinical diagnosis by identifying typical dysmorphic features. Labelling a syndromic diagnosis helps to provide genetic counselling to the parents, identify associated co-morbidities at earlier stages and improve the quality of living of such children.
Grain Yield and Economic Benefit of Soybean as Affected by Integration of Rhizobium Inoculation and Phosphorus Application in Chuka Sub-County, Kenya
Authors: Sioma Mulambula , Geofrey K. Gathungu , Haggai O. Ndukhu
Published: June 2022

Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merrill) yields are far below the potential yield on most smallholder farms in Kenya. This necessitates suitable interventions to bridge this yield gap and result to profitable soybean production. An experiment was conducted in Chuka University demonstration farm, Chuka Sub County to determine the effect of integration of rhizobium inoculation (R) and phosphorus (P) on yields and net economic returns in soybean cultivation. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design in a split-split plot arrangement with each treatment replicated three times. The experiment which was conducted between 2018 and 2019 was repeated once and the treatments included; three P rates (0, 20 and 30 kg/ha), three rhizobium rates (0, 100 and 200 g/ha) and two soybean genotypes (SB19 and SB24). Triple superphosphate (0:46:0) was used as the source of the phosphorus. The soybean genotypes, rhizobium and phosphorus rates were assigned to the main plot, sub-plot and the sub-sub plots respectively. Data collected included soybean yields (kg/ha) and economic analysis was calculated. The data collected was subjected to analysis of variance using Statistical Analysis System® 9.4 and significantly different means separated using Tukeys test at (p≤0.05). The results showed statistically significant difference in soybean yields and net economic benefit within SB19 and SB24 genotypes in both trials at (p≤0.05). Integration of R and P at the rate of 200 g and 30 kg/ha increased soybean yield by 101% and 98%, and 158% and 138% for SB19 and SB24 in trial I and II respectively. This earned a net economic benefit of ksh. 239,496 and 192,730, and ksh. 297,930 and 239,330 for SB19 and SB24 in both trials I and II, respectively. Both genotypes performed well in yield and net economic benefit and application of R and P at the rate of 200 g/ha and 30 kg/ha promoted yield and net economic benefit of soybean.
LÓGICAS PREDATÓRIAS: indo muito além da desigualdade
Authors: Sassen Saskia
Published: June 2022

O artigo parte da premissa de que existem elementos constitutivos importantes em sistemas sociais complexos que contribuem para desigualdades, mas que não podem ser capturados por meio de uma análise das distribuições de renda. O foco, aqui, está em uma remontagem específica e complexa de elementos-chave que vejo como uma das dinâmicas transformadoras desde os anos 1980. A segunda metade do artigo analisa um caso específico para ilustrar suas características predatórias, a partir dos anos 2000. É preciso ir muito além da noção de desigualdade para chegar a algumas das principais lógicas em jogo hoje. Fundamental para o argumento apresentado é adistinção entre finanças e bancos tradicionais. Caracterizo as finanças como marcadas por uma lógica de extração, e não de consumo de massa. Assim, os modos específicos que a desigualdade assume no período atual nos levam para além das distribuições da renda e do poder desigual.
Diversidade sexual e partidos políticos: uma análise da cidadania LGBT nos estatutos partidários brasileiros
Authors: Feitosa Cleyton
Published: June 2022

Como é retratada a temática da diversidade sexual e de gênero nos estatutos dos partidos políticos no Brasil? Através de pesquisa documental realizada nos estatutos dos 35 partidos brasileiros registrados no Tribunal Superior Eleitoral, calculei que 37% dos documentos fazem algum tipo de menção à questão LGBT indicando uma penetração notável das agendas do Movimento naquelas instituições políticas. Quanto ao conteúdo expresso nos documentos, por meio da técnica de Análise de Conteúdo, verifiquei que os partidos políticos, pelo menos no plano formal, visam: (i) combater a discriminação, (ii) transformar a sociedade visando à liberdade sexual, (iii) assegurar o respeito interno entre os filiados e, por fim, (iv) se articular com a sociedade civil e os segmentos que a ela pertencem.
ENTRE O PODER E O SABER: OS ALIMENTOS ARTESANAIS E A RESISTÊNCIA DE MULHERES ASSENTADAS NO INTERIOR DE SÃO PAULO
Authors: Carlini Elisa Racy , Ferrante Vera Lucia Silveira Botta , Gomes Thauana Paiva de Souza , Ribeiro Maria Lucia
Published: June 2022

A lógica sanitária relaciona a segurança dos alimentos a processos científicos e químicos, apoiando-se na esterilidade das matérias-primas como garantia de boas condições de higiene, não relevando as práticas tradicionais artesanais nem as especificidades territoriais. Tal lógica é entendida como esfera de poder e afeta especialmente as mulheres rurais, que respondem pela maior produção e comercialização de alimentos artesanais. A perspectiva feminista lançou luz sob essa relação, discutindo-se aspectos dos circuitos curtos de comercialização, do aparato estatal e da emancipação de mulheres assentadas no município de Araraquara (SP). A abordagem qualitativa, compreendida por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas e analisadas segundo o método hermenêutico-dialético, explicitou a construção da identidade feminista na ação coletiva como ferramenta de resistência e enfrentamento da lógica capitalista vinculada ao agronegócio, enraizando valores de soberania alimentar, economia justa e saber tradicional.