bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining English Ability-Grouping Practices by Aligning CEFR Levels with University-Level General English Courses in Taiwan
Authors: Yu Li-Tang , Chen Mei-Ching , Chiu Chao-Wen , Hsu Chien-Che , Yuan Yun-Pi
Published: April 2022

In higher education in Taiwan, mandatory general English courses like Freshman English adopt ability-grouping practices to assign students to classes of different proficiency levels. However, little research has explored the efficacy of ability-grouping criteria and standardized the language-proficiency description for general English courses of different proficiency levels. Thus, this study recruited 806 Taiwanese undergraduates from Freshman English classes of advanced, intermediate, and basic proficiency levels to take the Oxford Online Placement Test (OOPT), and compared their scores on the Joint College Entrance Examination English subject (namely the General Scholastic Ability Test, GSAT) with OOPT. The findings indicated that the ability-grouping criterion was effective to classify students into three groups of different proficiency levels. A positive relationship between the GSAT and OOPT scores was identified. A clear trend, but with some overlapping correspondence, was displayed between the class levels and Common European Framework of Reference levels derived from the OOPT scoring report. Pedagogical implications and suggestions for future studies are provided.
On the Physical and Mechanical Responses of Egyptian Granodiorite after High-Temperature Treatments
Authors: Gomah Mohamed Elgharib , Li Guichen , Sun Changlun , Xu Jiahui , Yang Sen , Li Jinghua
Published: April 2022

In the design and stability of thermal engineering applications, a thorough understanding of the evolution of damage in the rock following high-temperature treatments is crucial. Hence, this study investigates the influence of high temperatures on Egyptian granodiorite rock properties, given its widespread use as ornamental stones and aggregate material for roadways. Temperature effects up to 800 °C on its physical and mechanical responses were examined in conjunction with microstructure alterations. The results show that the density of granodiorite decreases after heat exposure due to a gain in volume and a loss in mass, with volume expansion being the most important component. In addition, the uniaxial compressive strength increases up to 400 °C before reducing linearly as the temperature increases, while the elastic modulus and P-wave velocity show a reducing trend with the temperature. This study suggests that granodiorite has a thermal damage threshold of 400 °C, beyond which its microstructure and physical and mechanical characteristics deteriorate, and granodiorite becomes less brittle and more ductile. Hence, at the mutation range (between 400 and 600 °C), the physical and mechanical responses shift from a stable to an unstable state. As a result, the microstructure of the granodiorite samples was destroyed at 800 °C, resulting in a significant drop in compressive strength and dilemmas in measuring the P-wave and elastic modulus. Accordingly, the findings of this study can be used to aid in the safe handling of this rock in high-temperature conditions.
Model for Reverse Logistic Problem of Recycling under Stochastic Demand
Authors: Desticioglu Beste , Calipinar Hatice , Ozyoruk Bahar , Koc Erdinc
Published: April 2022

It has become obligatory for businesses to carry out recycling activities in the face of increasing environmental pollution and the danger of depletion of natural resources. The waste collection phase of the recycling process requires interactive transportation that uses a reverse logistics flow from customers to recycling facilities. Businesses need to create appropriate network structures to carry out these activities at minimum cost. This study has developed a model, based on reverse logistics, of collecting products from customers and sending them to warehouses and then to recycling facilities. The chance-constrained programming (CCP) approach was used to regulate the constraints involving stochastic demand in the model. Linearization was performed using the linear approximation method. The cost of transportation from Initial Collection Points (ICP) warehouses to recycling facilities is the most influential component on the objective function. This linearized model was solved by creating different scenarios by changing the standard deviation ratio, reliability level, and warehouse capacities within the scope of sensitivity analysis. In the sensitivity analysis, it was determined that the increase in confidence level and variance negatively affected the objective function. In addition, it has been concluded that the increase in demand has no effect on costs as long as the capacity of the facility is not exceeded.
Pricing Policy in an Inventory Model with Green Level Dependent Demand for a Deteriorating Item
Authors: Abdul Hakim Md. , Hezam Ibrahim M. , Alrasheedi Adel Fahad , Gwak Jeonghwan
Published: April 2022

The goal of this research is to investigate an inventory model for degrading commodities with linear selling prices and nonlinear green level-dependent demand for an item. The pre-payment option with a one-time flat reduction on the product’s selling price is considered here. The governing differential equations are used to mathematically define the model and solve numerically to optimize the model’s average profit. After that, the model is tested using a numerical example, and sensitivity analyses are run to see how changing inventory factors affects the best strategy. The concavity of the objective function is shown graphically with the help of MATLAB software. Finally, some applications of this approach and future scopes are discussed.
Aesthetics of Sustainability: Research on the Design Strategies for Emotionally Durable Visual Communication Design
Authors: Ji Shaorong , Lin Pang-Soong
Published: April 2022

Lately, most studies on sustainable design from the perspective of emotional durability focus on product design, particularly on exploring how do product functions direct consumers’ emotional changes after the product is used, but overlook the significant impact of consumers’ visual impression of the product on their judgment. Therefore, this paper aims at finding out how to maintain the emotionally durable connection between consumers and products with the help of visual communication design so as to provide guidance for prolonging the service life of products and reducing the waste and consumption of resources. Based on literature reviews on sustainable design, visual communication design, and emotionally durable design, this paper firstly adopted the case study method to analyze more than 85 high-quality design practice cases and put forward preliminary design strategies. The behavior research method was then applied to analyze the consumer behavior involved in the preliminary design strategies, and those design strategies were upgraded according to the analysis results. Based on the above analysis and research work, this paper proposed six design strategies to improve the emotional durability of visual communication design, namely, Enjoyment, Functionality, Narrativity, Symbolism, Interaction, and Innovation. In the area of sustainability, the design strategies proposed in this paper provide a new design mode for emotionally durable visual communication design and make products to be more acceptable to consumers and long-term holding. Emotionally durable visual communication design can influence consumers’ aesthetics and lead consumers’ behavior toward more sustainable use of products.
Composted Sewage Sludge Application in a Sugarcane Seedling Nursery: Crop Nutritional Status, Productivity, and Technological Quality Implications
Authors: Silva Rafael dos Santos , Jalal Arshad , Nascimento Raimunda Eliane Nascimento do , Elias Nathércia Castro , Kawakami Karen Cossi , Abreu-Junior Cassio Hamilton , Oliveira Fernando Carvalho , Jani Arun Dilipkumar , He Zhenli , Zhao Fengliang , Teixeira Filho Marcelo Carvalho Minhoto , Rossetto Raffaella , Capra Gian Franco , Nogueira Thiago Assis Rodrigues
Published: April 2022

Composted sewage sludge (CSS) contains large amounts of organic matter and nutrients and can be used as an organic fertilizer to improve growth, yield, and quality of sugarcane. However, there is a lack of information regarding the impact of CSS application on sugarcane seedling performance in nursery environments. A field study was conducted using a randomized complete block design to evaluate the development, nutritional status, productivity, and technological quality of sugarcane seedlings after CSS application with or without mineral fertilizer. Morphological variables (stem height, diameter, and number, as well as leaf area), technological attributes (total recoverable sugar: ATR; quantity of sucrose in sugarcane juice: Pol; Brix: percentage (weight/weight) of soluble solids contained in juice; TAH: tons of sugar per hectare), nutritional status, and sugarcane productivity were evaluated. Treatments did not influence morphological and technological variables except for TAH but did positively alter nutritional status and seedling productivity. The application rates of 5.0 and 7.5 Mg ha−1 of CSS with or without mineral fertilizers (MF) provided the greatest increase in crop productivity. Our results indicate that CSS can be a sustainable nutritional management option in sugarcane seedling nurseries, resulting in greater crop productivity at lower mineral fertilization rates.
Interval Estimation for the Two-Parameter Exponential Distribution under Progressive Type II Censoring on the Bayesian Approach
Authors: Wu Shu-Fei
Published: April 2022

Under progressive type II censoring, the credible interval estimation and the credible region for parameters of two-parameter exponential distribution based on the Bayesian approach are presented in this paper. Two methods of Bayesian credible region are proposed under a given confidence level. We also presented the predictive interval of the future observation under this type of censoring. In order to compare the performance of our proposed Bayesian credible interval and region with the existing non-Bayesian methods, we conduct a simulation study by the Monte Carlo method to find the corresponding coverage probabilities. This research is related to the topic of asymmetrical probability distributions and applications across disciplines. Finally, one engineering example is used to demonstrate the Bayesian credible interval estimation methods proposed in this paper.
Determining Ground-State Phase Diagrams on Quantum Computers via a Generalized Application of Adiabatic State Preparation
Authors: Francis Akhil , Zelleke Ephrata , Zhang Ziyue , Kemper Alexander F. , Freericks James K.
Published: April 2022

Quantum phase transitions materialize as level crossings in the ground-state energy when the parameters of the Hamiltonian are varied. The resulting ground-state phase diagrams are straightforward to determine by exact diagonalization on classical computers, but are challenging on quantum computers because of the accuracy needed and the near degeneracy of the competing states close to the level crossings. On the other hand, classical computers are limited to small system sizes, which quantum computers may help overcome. In this work, we use a local adiabatic ramp for state preparation to allow us to directly compute ground-state phase diagrams on a quantum computer via time evolution. This methodology is illustrated by examining the ground states of the XY model with a magnetic field in the z-direction in one dimension. We are able to calculate an accurate phase diagram on both two- and three-site systems using IBM quantum machines.
Perceptual Hash of Neural Networks
Authors: Zhu Zhiying , Zhou Hang , Xing Siyuan , Qian Zhenxing , Li Sheng , Zhang Xinpeng
Published: April 2022

In recent years, advances in deep learning have boosted the practical development, distribution and implementation of deep neural networks (DNNs). The concept of symmetry is often adopted in a deep neural network to construct an efficient network structure tailored for a specific task, such as the classic encoder-decoder structure. Massive DNN models are diverse in category, quantity and open source frameworks for implementation. Therefore, the retrieval of DNN models has become a problem worthy of attention. To this end, we propose a new idea of generating perceptual hashes of DNN models, named HNN-Net (Hash Neural Network), to index similar DNN models by similar hash codes. The proposed HNN-Net is based on neural graph networks consisting of two stages: the graph generator and the graph hashing. In the graph generator stage, the target DNN model is first converted and optimized into a graph. Then, it is assigned with additional information extracted from the execution of the original model. In the graph hashing stage, it learns to construct a compact binary hash code. The constructed hash function can well preserve the features of both the topology structure and the semantics information of a neural network model. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed scheme is effective to represent a neural network with a short hash code, and it is generalizable and efficient on different models.
Cocaine: An Updated Overview on Chemistry, Detection, Biokinetics, and Pharmacotoxicological Aspects including Abuse Pattern
Authors: Roque Bravo Rita , Faria Ana Carolina , Brito-da-Costa Andreia Machado , Carmo Helena , Mladěnka Přemysl , Dias da Silva Diana , Remião Fernando ,   on behalf of The OEMONOM Researchers
Published: April 2022

Cocaine is one of the most consumed stimulants throughout the world, as official sources report. It is a naturally occurring sympathomimetic tropane alkaloid derived from the leaves of Erythroxylon coca, which has been used by South American locals for millennia. Cocaine can usually be found in two forms, cocaine hydrochloride, a white powder, or ‘crack’ cocaine, the free base. While the first is commonly administered by insufflation (‘snorting’) or intravenously, the second is adapted for inhalation (smoking). Cocaine can exert local anaesthetic action by inhibiting voltage-gated sodium channels, thus halting electrical impulse propagation; cocaine also impacts neurotransmission by hindering monoamine reuptake, particularly dopamine, from the synaptic cleft. The excess of available dopamine for postsynaptic activation mediates the pleasurable effects reported by users and contributes to the addictive potential and toxic effects of the drug. Cocaine is metabolised (mostly hepatically) into two main metabolites, ecgonine methyl ester and benzoylecgonine. Other metabolites include, for example, norcocaine and cocaethylene, both displaying pharmacological action, and the last one constituting a biomarker for co-consumption of cocaine with alcohol. This review provides a brief overview of cocaine’s prevalence and patterns of use, its physical-chemical properties and methods for analysis, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and multi-level toxicity.
Functional Analysis of Spike from SARS-CoV-2 Variants Reveals the Role of Distinct Mutations in Neutralization Potential and Viral Infectivity
Authors: Kuzmina Alona , Wattad Seraj , Engel Stanislav , Rosenberg Elli , Taube Ran
Published: April 2022

Enhanced viral transmission and escape from vaccine–elicited neutralizing antibodies drive worldwide spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants and promote disease progression. However, the impact of specific spike mutations that are carried by different viral variants on viral infectivity and neutralization sensitivity has not been completely defined. Here, we use pseudoviruses to assess the contribution of spike mutations within the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) and the Furin Cleavage Site (FCS), and appear in circulating viral variants, on viral infectivity and neutralization potential against sera that was drawn from fully vaccinated individuals. Our functional analysis demonstrates that single, P681H, P681R or A701V–FCS mutations do not play a role in viral infectivity and neutralization potential. However, when in conjunction with the RBD–N501Y mutation, viral infectivity is enhanced. Similarly, combining the E484K–RBD mutation to the spike that carries FCS mutations reduces neutralization sensitivity with no effects on viral infectivity. Employing a similar approach onto the spike from Delta or Lota SARS-CoV-2 variants further reveals that specific RBD mutations affect neutralization sensitivity or viral infectivity differently. Our results validate the efficacy of the Pfizer third dose vaccine against Delta and Lota SARS-CoV-2 variants, and outline the significance of distinct RBD mutations in promoting viral infectivity and neutralization sensitivity to post–vaccination sera.
Dual Role of HIV-1 Envelope Signal Peptide in Immune Evasion
Authors: Upadhyay Chitra , Rao Priyanka Gadam , Feyznezhad Roya
Published: April 2022

HIV-1 Env signal peptide (SP) is an important contributor to Env functions. Env is generated from Vpu/Env encoded bicistronic mRNA such that the 5′ end of Env-N-terminus, that encodes for Env-SP overlaps with 3′ end of Vpu. Env SP displays high sequence diversity, which translates into high variability in Vpu sequence. This study aimed to understand the effect of sequence polymorphism in the Vpu-Env overlapping region (VEOR) on the functions of two vital viral proteins: Vpu and Env. We used infectious molecular clone pNL4.3-CMU06 and swapped its SP (or VEOR) with that from other HIV-1 isolates. Swapping VEOR did not affect virus production in the absence of tetherin however, presence of tetherin significantly altered the release of virus progeny. VEOR also altered Vpu’s ability to downregulate CD4 and tetherin. We next tested the effect of these swaps on Env functions. Analyzing the binding of monoclonal antibodies to membrane embedded Env revealed changes in the antigenic landscape of swapped Envs. These swaps affected the oligosaccharide composition of Env-N-glycans as shown by changes in DC-SIGN-mediated virus transmission. Our study suggests that genetic diversity in VEOR plays an important role in the differential pathogenesis and also assist in immune evasion by altering Env epitope exposure.
Climate Change: Water Temperature and Invertebrate Propagation in Drinking-Water Distribution Systems, Effects, and Risk Assessment
Authors: Gunkel Günter , Michels Ute , Scheideler Michael
Published: April 2022

This paper provides a summary of the knowledge of drinking-water temperature increases and present daily, seasonal, and yearly temperature data of drinking-water distribution systems (DWDS). The increasing water temperatures lead to challenges in DWDS management, and we must assume a promotion of invertebrates as pipe inhabitants. Macro-, meio-, and microinvertebrates were found in nearly all DWDS. Data in relation to diversity and abundance clearly point out a high probability of mass development, and invertebrate monitoring must be the focus of any DWDS management. The water temperature of DWDS is increasing due to climate change effects, and as a consequence, the growth and reproduction of invertebrates is increasing. The seasonal development of a chironomid (Paratanytarus grimmii) and longtime development of water lice (Asellus aquaticus) are given. Due to increased water temperatures, a third generation of water lice per year has been observed, which is one reason for the observed mass development. This leads to an impact on drinking-water quality and an increased health risk, as invertebrates can serve as a host or vehicle for potential harmful microbes. More research is needed especially on (i) water temperature monitoring in drinking-water distribution systems, (ii) invertebrate development, and (iii) health risks.
An Integrated Approach to Characterising Sulphur Karst Springs: A Case Study of the Žvepovnik Spring in NE Slovenia
Authors: Žvab Rožič Petra , Polenšek Teja , Verbovšek Timotej , Kanduč Tjaša , Mulec Janez , Vreča Polona , Strahovnik Ljudmila , Rožič Boštjan
Published: April 2022

We present an integrated approach to characterizing the Žvepovnik sulphur spring, comprising detailed basic geological (mapping), geochemical (physico-chemical, elementary), isotopic (δ2H, δ18O, δ13CDIC, δ34S and 3H), and microbiological analyses. We used a multi-parameter approach to determine the origin of the water (meteoric or deeper infiltration), the origin of the carbon and sulphur, and water retention times. Our special research interest is the origin of the sulphur, as sulphur springs are rare and insufficiently investigated. Our results show that the Žvepovnik spring occurs along the fault near the contact between the dolomite aquifer and overlying shales and volcanoclastic beds. The spring water is the result of the mixing of (1) deeper waters in contact with gypsum and anhydrite and (2) shallow waters originating from precipitation and flowing through the surface carbonate aquifer. The results of δ2H and δ18O confirm local modern precipitation as the main source of the spring. δ13CDIC originates from the degradation of organic matter and the dissolution of carbonates. We therefore propose four possible sources of sulphur: (1) the most probable is the dissolution of gypsum/anhydrite; (2) barite may be a minor source of sulphur; (3) the microbial dissimilatory sulfate reduction; and (4) the oxidation of pyrite as the least probable option.
Effects of Fertilizer Reduction and Straw Application on Dynamic Changes of Phosphorus in Overlying and Leaching Water in Rice Fields
Authors: Zhou Wei , Yang Yajun , Liu Xiaoqi , Cui Ziying , Lv Jialong
Published: April 2022

In the process of rice cultivation, fertilizer reduction can effectively reduce the concentration of phosphorus (P) in overlying water and leaching water. In this study, the variation characteristics of P in overlying and leaching water under the conditions of fertilizer reduction and straw application and its impact on the environment were studied through a two-season rice field experiment. Four treatments were set, including no fertilizer without straw (CK), conventional fertilization (CF), 20% reduction in nitrogen (N) and P fertilization (RF), and 20% reduction in N and P fertilization with the wheat straw (RFWS). The results showed that RF could effectively reduce the risk of P loss due to its ability to decrease the concentration of P in overlying and leaching water. RFWS increased P concentrations in overlying and leaching water of rice fields. Total dissolved phosphorus (TDP) was the main form of total phosphorus (TP), and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) was the main form of TDP. The concentration of TP, TDP, and SRP in the overlying and leaching water peaked on the first day after fertilization, and then gradually decreased. The high-risk period of P loss was 0 to 10 days after fertilization. This study could provide appropriate strategies to reduce the risk of P loss during local rice cultivation and protect local water resources from eutrophication.
SpillwayPro: Integrated Water Surface Profile, Cavitation, and Aerated Flow Analysis for Smooth and Stepped Chutes
Authors: Wahl Tony L. , Falvey Henry T.
Published: April 2022

Spillways of large and small dams experience flow conditions that exceed the capabilities of common water surface profile computer programs. Unique channel geometries, steep slopes, and streamline curvature demand rigorous mathematics, while phenomena associated with aerated flow and potential cavitation require special analyses, especially for stepped chutes. SpillwayPro is a generalized, energy-based, water surface profile calculation tool for both smooth and stepped chutes that integrates cavitation analysis and aerated flow effects, with separate modules supporting aerator design and the development of optimized structure profiles that meet cavitation parameter objectives. Simultaneous calculation of smooth and stepped-chute flow profiles enables the rapid assessment of the energy dissipation benefits of steps, as well as their unique aerated flow and cavitation issues. SpillwayPro’s technical basis is presented, and its results are compared to the data from prototype case studies and empirical methods developed from large-scale laboratory studies. SpillwayPro’s fundamental energy-based methods are useful for cases that differ from idealized empirical approaches and would benefit from a more rapid analysis than can be accomplished with physical or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling.
Behavioural Responses and Mortality of Mozambique Tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus to Three Commonly Used Macadamia Plantation Pesticides
Authors: Mutshekwa Thendo , Cuthbert Ross N. , Mugwedi Lutendo , Wasserman Ryan J. , Dondofema Farai , Dalu Tatenda
Published: April 2022

The use of pesticides in agricultural systems may have deleterious effects on surrounding environments. Aquatic systems are no exception and are increasingly polluted through the leaching of pesticides from agricultural activities. However, the pesticide pollution effects on key aquatic species have not been studied in many regions. In southern Africa, increasing pesticide use associated with macadamia tree Macadamia integrifolia farming presents a growing risk to surrounding aquatic ecosystems. This study assessed behavioural responses of an important and widely-distributed freshwater fish, Mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus, following exposure to three commonly used macadamia pesticides (i.e., Karate Zeon 10 CS, Mulan 20 SP, Pyrinex 250 CS) at different concentrations (0.7–200 µL, 0.3–1000 mg, and 0.7–8750 µL, respectively) over 24 h. Behavioural responses, i.e., swimming erratically, surfacing, vertical positioning, loss of equilibrium, being motionless and mortality were observed after pesticides exposure. Lethal dose 50 (LD50) values of Karate Zeon 10 CS, Mulan 20 SP and Pyrinex 250 CS were 2.1 µL (per water litre dilution—WLD), 5.2 mg (WLD) and 21.5 µL (WLD), respectively. These concentrations are therefore expressed as a maximal threshold usage in the environment around macadamia farms and a minimum distance of the plantations to water systems should be considered. Further studies should examine effects on other fish species and aquatic invertebrates to inform on pesticide pollution threats and mitigation plans for the region.
Structure–Biodegradability Relationship of Nonylphenol Isomers in Two Soils with Long-Term Reclaimed Water Irrigation
Authors: Wang Shiyu , Ma Zhaohui , Zhang Junnan , Jiao Wentao , Qin Zhirui , Yuan Qianhui , Xie Chengcheng , Wu Wenyong , Wilson Patrick Christopher
Published: April 2022

Nonylphenol (NP), as one of the typical endocrine disrupter chemicals (EDCs), has a high detection concentration and frequency in reclaimed water. This research focused on the degradation of NP isomers in two typical reclaimed water irrigation fields in Daxing, China, and Florida, USA. The results showed that the half-lives of NP isomer degradation in the soil of China and Florida were 2.03–8.66 d and 5.16–11.83 d, respectively. The degradation of NP isomers was structure-specific. Isomers of NP5, NP2, NP11, and NP3 had the highest degradation rates in the two soils; NP12, NP7, and NP6 were the isomers with medium degradation rates; and NP4, NP1, NP10, NP9, and NP8 had the slowest degradation rates. Steric hindrance and mean information index for the magnitude of distance (IDWbar) were found to be the better indexes for measuring the degradation of NP isomers compared with the length of the side chain, the type of the substitute, and the molecular connectivity. This study offers insights into the characteristics of NP isomers and two reliable indicators for measuring the degradation of NP isomers, which could provide data support for the environmental fate and the health risk assessment of NP in the future.
Hydrochemical Evolution and Quality Assessment of Groundwater in the Sanjiang Plain, China
Authors: Ye Xueyan , Zhou Yan , Lu Ying , Du Xinqiang
Published: April 2022

Groundwater is subjected to contamination threats from human activities, such as agriculture, especially long-term farming in the Sanjiang Plain, China. Identifying the sources and distribution of pollution is essential for its reasonable prevention and control. In this study, we analysed the chemical characteristics of 389 samples at 60 shallow groundwater monitoring points from 2011 to 2015 in the Sanjiang Plain using traditional hydrochemical methods, water quality assessment, Pearson’s correlation, and principal component analysis (PCA). Although groundwater type in this area was predominantly HCO3-Ca·Mg, three forms of nitrogen pollution (ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite) were all detected in this area. The interaction of natural geochemical and anthropogenic factors during hydrochemical formation is confirmed by the high coefficients of variation and Gibbs plots of the main ions in the water. The overall shallow groundwater situation was described as good, with more than 40% and 90% of groundwater samples suitable for drinking and irrigation according to the quality assessment, respectively. The proportion of poor water quality in the wet season was higher than that in the dry season. NO3-N and NH3-N were identified as the major anthropogenic pollutants in the study area. Results from Pearson’s correlation and principal component analysis shows two main pollutants fall into two chemical controlling factors together with natural chemical parameters, which implies that the migration and transformation of pollutants may have affected the overall hydrochemical characteristics of the regional groundwater. Therefore, findings from this paper can provide insight into the chemical evolution of groundwater in response to long-term agricultural activities and can help contribute to better management of groundwater resources and agricultural sustainable development.
An Urgent Need for a Common Framework for the Articulation, Design and Reporting of Surgical System Strengthening Interventions Comment on "Improving Access to Surgery Through Surgical Team Mentoring – Policy Lessons From Group Model Building With Local Stakeholders in Malawi"
Authors: Hanna Joseph S.
Published: April 2022

Nearly 60% of the world’s inhabitants lack access to timely, safe, and ffordable emergency and essential surgical, anesthetic, and obstetric (SAO) services when needed. Although acknowledged as an important step in resolving this disparity, situation analysis informed development of national surgical, obstetric and anesthesia plans (NSOAPs) has not been performed widely. There are even fewer published examples of NSOAP driven SAO system vulnerability resolving policy interventions, potentially hindering broader acceptance and drafting. Thus, there is urgent need for alignment of academic global surgery activities through a common framework for SAO strengthening intervention articulation, design and reporting which can be informed by the Malawian experience and others. This is a logical next step in the evolution of surgical system science as we move towards the articulation of actionable inequity resolving interventions through stakeholder engagement embedded in a plan-do-study-act (PDSA) model for iterative refinement of strengthening policies.
Stereotyping and Gender Gap during COVID-19: Backlash or Gender Convergence? A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Ziegler Yvonne , Graml Regine , Uli Vincenzo
Published: April 2022

What have been the short- and medium-term net effects of the pandemic on working mothers, both in the early stages and over the course of the pandemic? The goal of this paper, positioned within the research field of stereotyping and gender discrimination, is to provide an updated view of academic studies investigating the dichotomy “backlash vs gender convergence” in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic shock. The paper has been structured as a systematic literature review based on the PRISMA Statement approach. We found a complex but, to a certain extent, predictable picture, with COVID-19 unable to produce strong and consistent macrodynamic changes on gender gap. Ultimately, therefore, the existing research seems to conclude that there is no support for either the backlash or the gender convergence notions; rather, there seems to be an equilibrium characterised by stability in gender roles, especially medium-to-long term. Other major findings include i) There seems to have been a general increase in equal childcare responsibilities even though, on average, mothers still carry the heavier load; ii) Mothers in dual-career couples were more exposed to work-hour reductions or losing their job completely; iii) Temporary gender convergence shifts were largely motivated by female working arrangements and/or necessity; iv) A new gap in psychological distress emerged for working mothers compared to both men and childless women.
ECOMORPHOLOGY OF THE EAST STEPPE VIPER VIPERA RENARDI (CHRISTOPH, 1861) IN THE MIDDLE DON BASIN
Authors: Kharchenko Nikolay , Екатерина Фролова
Published: April 2022

The study of the external morphology of reptiles is an important component of biological research. The paper describes the morphology and ecology of the East steppe viper living in the Middle Don region. The material was collected from 2021 to 2019 in the vicinity of the architectural and archaeological museum-reserve "Divnogorie", located in the northern part of the Middle Don sub-province of the Black Sea steppe province. In this area, Steppe vipers are found on chalk slopes overgrown with grassy and shrubby vegetation. When describing the metric signs and scutellation of vipers, it was determined that the average value of the tail length and the number of pairs of undercaudal scales in males is greater than in females. A comparison was made of the ratio of the total body length to the length of the tail for steppe vipers from different parts of the range. The comparison showed that this value in steppe vipers living near the northern border of the range is significantly higher compared to individuals from more southern points of the species range. When describing the variability of the pileus of steppe vipers, all variants of the pileus were combined into five groups. In addition, combinations of individual pileus scutes have been described. Among all the pileus scutes, the parietal scutes were characterized by the highest coefficient of variation. The eastern steppe viper deserves special attention as it is a vulnerable species. Further studies of the bioecology of V. renardi in the Middle Don region may contribute to the conservation of the species and the stability of ecosystems
Study and Comparison Analysis of Conventional Light Weight UAV Airfoils using XFLR Analysis
Authors: Inamul Hasan M  , Ramanan G  , Manishankar V
Published: April 2022

In Aeronautical industries one of the very important issues in smart UAV is the duration of flight since the overall time uses standard power that may be an unusable product, includes a restricted life, and is cost. But, there's an enormous demand for exploitation, a limitless non-exhaustible supply of power. So an alternative source of power calculation is required to get efficient flying conditions for a UAV. This work is to study and analysis of solar energy UAV airfoil using XFLR analysis. A UAV with 2.98Kg of weight is studied for power calculation, implementation of solar cells, and design aspects, including airfoil, fuselage, and tail section. From analysis it is found that UAV flight performance at solar radiation intensities above 451.23 W/m2 for power system which worked to increase the battery life and works more efficiently at solar radiation intensities above 666.5 W/m2.
Predictive Analysis of Air Pollution using Machine Learning
Authors: Sunita Chalageri  , Prithvi Prakash  , Rakshitha  , Rachanaa
Published: April 2022

Where substances such as gases, particulates and biological molecules discharge hazardous or unsustainable quantities into the Earth's atmosphere, this is referred to as polluted air. It couldroot disease, allergy and smooth death in people; it may also impact on other living species, like animals and food crop, and harm the usual or constructed surroundings. Mutually human actions and normal processes can create air contamination. Air polution.

This study examines the limits of Linear Regression methods and the machine learning model's potential. Datasets are taken in the form of files from UCI, CSV (combination separated values) (University of California). Demonstrated through the comprehension of the explanatory variable in machine learning models that linear regression might help. This study reveals the character of the machine learning algorithms through research into different models' performance in connection with how they capture the link among air eminence and different variables.
Smart Visual Assistance for Visually Impaired
Authors: Neetha Das  , Prajwal V  , Pranav K Bharadwaj  , Punith Kumar J  , Rahul V
Published: April 2022

The visually impaired personnel face a variety problem in their day to day life. They come under very challenging situation on a daily basis. Walking with a stick and confusion in mind due to the trial and error method making it very hard to navigate in unfamiliar locations. With the advent of technology in this data driven world, the barrier for blind society can be cut down with innovative adaptations in technologies such as machine learning, deep learning and computer vision.

QR codes can be used to inform some familiarized locations giving quick response in a closed environment for the blind person. This makes it is possible to help navigate the blind person in a closed environment.

The project attempts to help the blind people to get comfortable and be confident in unfamiliar locations through a speech assistive system. The projects consist of 3 modules namely:(i) Object Detection and positioning.(ii) Text to Speech Conversion.

The project helps the user to find obstacles in his path and avoid them, it also makes it possible to locates some of the locations in a closed environment, this is done with the help of CNNs and some APIs like Opencv, Yolo and Tensorflow, QRCode, pyzbar (used for generation of qrcode). The detected items are reported to the user in the form of speech with the help of some python libraries like pyttsx3.
Face Emotion Recognition based Recommendation System
Authors: Mareeswari V
Published: April 2022

Face recognition technology has gotten a lot of press because of its wide range of applications and market potential. It is used in a variety of fields, including surveillance systems, digital video editing, and other technical advancements. In the fields of tourism, music, video, and film, these systems have overcome the burden of irrelevant knowledge by taking into account user desires and emotional states. Advice systems, emotion recognition, and machine learning are proposed as thematic categories in the analysis. Our vision is to develop a method for recommending new content that is based on the emotional reactions of the viewers. Music is a form of art that is thought to have a stronger connection to a person's emotions. It has the unique potential to boost one's mood, and video streaming services are becoming more prevalent in people's lives, necessitating the development of better video recommendation systems that respond to their users in a customised manner. Furthermore, many users will believe that travel would be a method to help them cope with their ongoing emotions. Our project aims to create a smart travel recommendation system based on the user's emotional state. This project focuses on developing an efficient music, video, movie, and tourism recommendation system that uses Facial Recognition techniques to assess the emotion of users. The system's overall concept is to identify facial expression and provide music, video, and movie recommendations based on the user's mood.
A Study on Impact of Atmanirvar Bharat on Handloom Weavers of Odisha
Authors: Patra Samira
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Indian handloom products produced by handloom weavers are famous for their unique designs, quality, colour, durability and elegance and have cultural heritage through its calligraphy at both national international markets. ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ programme (Self-reliant campaign) of Government of India, is the ‘vocal for local’ campaign, composed with ‘Make in India’ campaign, presents opportunity to the handloom weavers to further strengthen the Indian handloom in the global textiles galaxy. The COVID 19 also has been torched the path of new development for handloom sector through the Atmanirbhar Bharat Campaign. Research Gap: A good numerous of studies have been conducted on Make in India, AtmanirbharBharat, key sectors of Atmanirbhaar Bharat and Make in India by various researchers, academicians, scholars etc. But, no remarkable studies have been undertaken on impact of Atmanirbhar Bharat on handloom and handloom weavers of Odisha.Objective of Study: The present study attempts to analyse the impact of “Atmanirabhar Bharat” on handloom weavers of Odisha. Research Methodology: The present study is based on primary and secondary data. The primary data have been collected from the 100 number of sample handloom weavers through well-designed questionnaire and indirect interview method. The secondary data have been collected from various e-journals, e-research papers, e-magazines, various websites and internets. The collected data have been classified and tabulated according to the requirement of the study. There are various statistical tools like percentage calculations; chi-square test, One-Way ANOVA, t-Test, and Likert 5 point scale have been used for the analysis and interpretation of results. Conclusion: The present study concluded that ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ campaign has little bit (about 5-10%) impact on handloom weavers of Odisha at present and it will have more impact on handloom weavers in the future perspective.
Non-Conventional Career Paths for Men and Women
Authors: Saikam Varalakshmi
Published: April 2022

This review analyzes the various fields of Non-Conventional Career Paths for Men and Women. The labour force involves numerous female - and male ruled callings. Notwithstanding a sex strength, any sex can apply and acquire passage into these situations with the right capabilities. Knowing the non-conventional positions for all kinds of people can help and settle on an all the more balanced vocation choice. In this paper I secured non-conventional positions for all kinds of people.
Establishing The Right to Information as a Basic Human Right
Authors: Ronga Shahid Ahmad
Published: April 2022

The free and open information is essential for a democratic society to thrive and maintain a constant debate and discussion among its citizens. We have a right to know what officials, wielding state powers, do with their entrusted authority and how state funds are spent. Without such information, there will be no transparency, accountability, or opportunities for citizens to participate in the democratic process. This paper attempts to explore how the right to information can be defined as a basic human right-basing such perspective on the more particular and internationally recognized human right to freedom of speech.
Thiruvāsagam – A Text of Multi-Discipline
Authors: Subbulakshmi S
Published: April 2022

Thiruvāsagam authored by Saint Mānikkavāsagar establishes the Author’s diverse personality and his expertise in multiple areas like Physics, Astronomy, Philosophy, Literature, Scripture, Science, Medicine, Defence, Genetics, Law, History, Geography, Human psychology, Politics, Fine arts, and so on. Thiruvāsagam proves the author is a Master of all Trades, a Multi faceted personality. Thiruvāsagam is a multi branched, multifarious text though it belongs to divine and Bakthi literature.
Issues and Challenges of School Education Faced by Tribal Students in India: A Critical Review
Authors: Ottaplackal Joshen Joji , Anbu K
Published: April 2022

Education is one of the liberating forces anticipated for an egalitarian society based on equality and justice. Makers of the Indian Constitution cognized of its value have set a deadline of 10 years after the promulgation of the constitution to achieve universal compulsory education for all children up to the age of 14. To much distress, after 74 years of independence, even primary education is far from being universal, but the state has relentlessly pursued the goal. Much of the population have reaped the fruits of Modern Education, but a significant population is lagging. Scheduled Tribe, with more than 104 million people, has poorly performed compared to the rest of the people. The current study will comprehensively review the issues and challenges for imparting education to children fromindigenous communities. The article is entirely based on secondary data gathered from various government sources and derived from numerous research studies conducted in India. The study’s outcome can improve the implementation of the fundamental right to education in its true spirit while giving due regard for the tribal identity.
E-Training System To Improve HR Capability at Indofood Factory Using Codeigniter Framework
Authors: Alfiah Fifit , Syam Faiz Muhammad , Anggrayni Dini
Published: April 2022

Digital developments on a global scale are now growing very rapidly, especially with the emergence of a covid-19 pandemic that has made all institutions, both education, offices and various other types of institutions, begin to adapt to the use of computers and mobile phones, where everything is based on IoT Internet of Thing, namely all types. the activities are carried out online, besides that, there are many obstacles, such as the amount of time wasted because they have to prepare training classrooms, prepare ppt slides for each training session, and prepare training questions which will then be printed and distributed to training participants. A lot of costs and energy are wasted in conducting training, especially if you have to do training at the branch office and the work of employees is not controlled when they have to do training. For this reason, it is necessary to build an information system for the training department to provide informative training data and to automate the recording of training history. To support the program design process developed by implementing a throw-away prototype model, using the PHP programming language with CodeIgniter Framework, database design using the PostgreSQL database. With the training department information system, the process of delivering training information is faster and more informative, facilitating the process of recording employee training history, and reducing the use of paper because it is computerized making it easier to conduct training and shorten the training process
The State of Psycho-Emotional and Vegetative Functions and Its Role in the Transformation of Acute into Chronic Pain in Young People with Dorsalgia
Authors: Куфтерина Н.С.
Published: April 2022

В статье представлены результаты исследования вегетативных функций у 90 пациентов с острой и 75 пациентов с хронической дорсалгией пояснично-крестцовой локализации в соотношении с выраженностью болевых ощущений и эмоциональными нарушениями. Выявлено наличие синдрома вегетативной дисфункции, частота и выраженность которого была более высокой при хронических дорсалгиях. Вегетативные расстройства характеризовались симпатической направленностью вегетативных функций как при острой, так и при хронической боли. С нарастанием длительности болевого синдрома в спине усиливаются симпатикотония, нарушения вегетативного гомеостаза и гомеокинеза, а также психоэмоциональные нарушения, определяющие течение заболевания и восприятие болевого синдрома.

The article presents the results of a study of autonomic functions in 90 patients with acute and 75 patients with chronic dorsalgia of lumbosacral localization in relation to the severity of pain and emotional disturbances. The presence of autonomic dysfunction syndrome was detected, the frequency and severity of which was higher in chronic dorsalgia. Autonomic disorders were characterized by a sympathetic orientation of autonomic functions in both acute and chronic pain. With an increase in the duration of pain in the back, sympathicotonia, autonomic homeostasis and homeokinesis disorders, as well as psychoemotional disorders that determine the course of the disease and the perception of pain, increase.