bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recovery of Base Oil from Used Oil through Solvent Extraction Followed by Adsorption: A Review
Authors: Khan Aftab Hasnat , Batool Nadia , Aziz Abdul
Published: September 2023

Base oil is the major component of lubricating oil, which is present in its original form and used lubricating oil in a sufficient amount. This review article focuses on the recovery of base oil from used oil through solvent extraction followed by adsorption. Different solvents and various solvent-to-oil ratios are studied. Solvent selection is based on its ability to selectively dissolve the base oil from used oil and to reject the impurities in the solution. The percentage yield and quality of extracted oil usually depend upon the nature of the solvent, solvent-to-oil ratio, and nature of impurities. Various solvents and solvent-to-oil ratios are studied. However, results show that methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) is the best solvent because it gives the maximum sludge removal, is more easily recovered, and also has a low cost. A two-phase system occurs after adequate mixing of solvent and oil. Before solvent addition, oil is dehydrated to remove water present as impurities, and then light hydrocarbons are removed using vacuum distillation. After solvent addition, the extracted phase is separated, leaving behind the sludge phase, which consists of aggregates of impurities. The solvent is evaporated from the extracted phase. The extracted oil is put in contact with a suitable adsorbent to absorb the aromatic contents and heavy metals in it. In the end, additives are added to the recovered oil for the formulation of a new lubricant.
Sifa Za Wahusika Za Kisimulizi Katika Ngano Za Wachuka
Authors: Kirimi Rebecah Wanja , Allan Martin Mugambi , Ntiba Onesmus Gitonga
Published: September 2023

Makala haya yanalenga kujadili sifa za wahusika wa kisimulizi zilivyoendelezwa kiujumi katika ngano simulizi za Wachuka, kwa kuongozwa na nadharia ya Ujumi wa Kinudhuma inayotetea upekee wa kiujumi wa kazi za kisanaa. Madhumuni ya Makala yalikuwa kuchanganua sifa za wahusika wa kisimulizi katika ngano za Wachuka na namna wanavyoendeleza ujumi katika ngano husika. Makala haya yalibaini kwamba wahusika katika ngano za wachuka hugawika mara mbili yaani wahusika wawi na wahusika wema ili kujenga ujumi katika ngano. Mbinu elezi ilitumika kuwasilisha na kuchanganua data
Mbinu Za Lugha Katika Nyimbo Teule Za Mapenzi Kwenye Kipindi Cha Mambo Mseto Cha Redio Citizen
Authors: Chelagat Lydia , Wanjiku-Omollo Rebecca , Adero Margan
Published: September 2023

Utafiti huu ulichunguza mbinu za lugha katika nyimbo za mapenzi kwenye kipindi cha Mambo mseto cha Redio Citizen. Nadharia iliyotumika ni Nadharia ya mtindo iliyoasisiwa na Buffon (1930) na kuendelezwa na watafiti wengine. Muundo uliotumika ni mkabala mseto kuegemea muundo wa QUAL-quan. Sampuli za maksudi zilitumika kukiteua kipindi cha Mambo mseto na wanafunzi wa chuo kikuu cha kikatoliki cha Afrika Mashariki. Wanafunzi 83 kutoka chuo kikuu cha Kikatoliki cha Afrika mashariki walifanyiwa utafiti. Nyimbo saba kuashiria asilimia 30 kutoka jumla ya nyimbo ishirini na nne za mapenzi zilizochezwa ziliteuliwa. Uteuzi wa nyimbo hizo saba uliongozwa na maoni ya Fink (2003) anayesema kuwa, kwa watafitiwa chini ya 1000, jumla ya asilimia 30 ya usampulishaji hutumika. Hivyo katika utafiti huu, mtafiti alichukua ailimia 30 ya nyimbo 24 alizosikiza akapata nyimbo saba. Matokeo ya utafiti yalibaini kuwa mbinu za lugha zinazodhihirika katika nyimbo za mapenzi zilizochunguzwa ni kuchanganya ndimi, takrikiri, Chuku, tasfida, sitiari na tashbihi. Utafiti huu ulipendekeza watunzi wa nyimbo za mapenzi watumie pia mbinu nyingine za lugha kama vile methali ambayo haikujitokeza sana. Watafiti wengine pia wafanye utafiti kuhusu mbinu za lugha kwenye aina nyingine za nyimbo. Utafiti huu utakuwa wa manufaa kwa vyombo vya habari haswa stesheni za redio ili wafahamu mchango wao kwa ujenzi wa lugha ya Kiswahili kwani wao ndio husambaza na kucheza nyimbo hizi za mapenzi. Vilevile utafiti huu utakuwa na mchango katika kuleta ushirikiano mzuri wa kiakademia katika jumuiya ya Afrika mashariki kwa vile ilitafiti nyimbo kutoka Kenya, Uganda na Tanzania
Artificial Olfactory System for Distinguishing Oil-Contaminated Soils
Authors: Satybaldina Dina , Baydeldinov Marat , Issainova Aliya , Alseitov Olzhas , Konyrkhanova Assem , Akhmetova Zhanar , Seilov Shakhmaran
Published: September 2023

Oil-contaminated soils are a major environmental problem for Kazakhstan. Oil spills or leaks lead to profound changes in the physical and agrochemical properties of the soil and the accumulation of hazardous substances. Whilst there are many remote sensing techniques and complex laboratory methods for oil spill detection, developing simple, reliable, and inexpensive tools for detecting the presence of pollutants in the soil is a relevant research task. The study aims to research the possibilities of an electronic nose combining a chemical sensor array with pattern recognition techniques to distinguish volatile organic compounds from several types of hydrocarbon soil pollutants. An electronic nose system was assembled in our laboratory. It includes eight gas metal oxide sensors, a humidity and temperature sensor, an analog-digital processing unit, and a data communication unit. We measured changes in the electrical conductivity of sensors in the presence of volatile organic compounds released from oil and petroleum products and samples of contaminated and uncontaminated soils. The list of experimental samples includes six types of soils corresponding to different soil zones of Kazakhstan, crude oil from three oil fields in Kazakhstan, and five types of locally produced fuel oil (including gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, engine oil, and used engine oil). We used principal component analysis to statistically process multidimensional sensor data, feature extraction, and collect the volatile fingerprint dataset. Pattern recognition using machine learning algorithms made it possible to classify digital fingerprints of samples with an average accuracy of about 92%. The study results show that electronic nose sensors are sensitive to soil hydrocarbon content. The proposed approach based on machine olfaction is a fast, accurate, and inexpensive method for detecting oil spills and leaks, and it can complement remote sensing methods based on computer vision.
Cryotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy for the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Vasiliauskas Gediminas , Sabeckytė Evelina , Skrodenienė Erika , Poškienė Lina , Miliauskas Skaidrius , Žemaitis Marius
Published: September 2023

Lung cancer remains among the most frequently diagnosed and deadliest diseases in the world. While immune checkpoint inhibitors revolutionized the cancer treatment landscape, only a relatively small proportion of patients benefit from this treatment, likely due to the ability of cancer cells to evade or even exclude the immune system from tumors. Cryotherapy offers a possible way to counteract this process by inducing an inflammatory response and helping in cancer neoantigen presentation, increasing the effectiveness of immunotherapy. While preclinical studies seem to support this claim, further investigation is needed to conclude the benefits and risks of cryotherapy in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Prevalence of Iron Deficiency in Chronic Heart Failure Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital: An Observational Study
Authors: Tapan Kumar Panda  , Prasant Kumar Sahoo  , Ansuman Dash  , Nalinikanta Sahoo  , Siba Prasad Dalai  , Shobhitendu Kabi
Published: September 2023

Introduction: This is an observational study to explorethe prevalence of irondeficiency (ID) and the relationshipbetween the severity of chronic heart failure (CHF) and the degree of ID in CHF patients.Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the extent of ID and its adverse effects on patients with CHF.This study was intended to assess the prevalence and effect of ID in anaemic as well as, non-anaemic subjects.Methodology: Study subjects were from OPDs and IPD patients with the diagnosis of CHF, based on clinical and2D echo findings. ID was diagnosed by basing on iron profile along with transferin saturation (TSAT). The studyperiod was from January 2017 to March 2018; from which 109 patients were included. In those cases, trans-thoracicechocardiography, chest X-Ray, necessary blood biochemistry and CBC were done. Data collected on 109 cases ofCHF were analyzed using IBM SPSS 24.0 software.Results: Iron deficiency was present in 86.2% of patients, 40.3% had functional ID (ferritin 100-300 and TSATless than 20%) and 45.9% had absolute ID (ferritin less than 100). Interestingly, out of those who had no anaemiaclinically or laboratory report wise approximately one-fourth of the patients had iron deficiency.Conclusion: This study reveals that ID in HF is a hugely ignored area in India. This study brings out the need forlarge-scale studies in India so that this easily treatable condition can be well characterized and routine testing forID could be introduced in the guidelines of our country.
An Emerging Infection “Scrub Typhus”– A Detailed Clinical Profile and Complications among Children in a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Vishnu Priya Ramasamy  , Suneetha Bollipo  , Shyamala Vankudoth  , Tarun Jakkula  , Swetha T Suresh  , P. Siva kumar
Published: September 2023

Objectives: To study the clinical profile and complications of Scrub typhus in children.Methods: This descriptive study conducted in Siddhartha Medical college, Vijayawada, among children less than12 years for a period of one year(December 2020-November 2021).A total of 49 children who are serologically/clinically diagnosed cases of Scrub typhus.Results: Scrub typhus mainly occurred in school going children with male predominance. Fever being the singlemost clinical presentation in most of the cases(95.9%) associated with pallor, hepatosplenomegaly. Co infectionwas documented in 14.2% cases with 85.7% cases showing increased morbidity and mortality. Mortality rate ismore in infants.Conclusions: Among cases of Acute febrile illness, Scrub typhus accounts for 9.8% of cases. Main clinical featureswere persistent fever, hepatosplenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, anemia along with capillary leak signs like edemawith or without eschar.Infants are at high risk for complications and mortality.
Album kreseb hraběte Artura Mensdorff-Pouilly ve fondu Zámecká knihovna Chotělice
Authors: Čoupková Anna
Published: September 2023

The Chotělice Castle Library contains an album of drawings by the Austro-Hungarian officer Count Arthur August von Mensdorff-Pouilly (1817–1904). The album, dating from the years 1874 and 1875 with a short overlap to 1876, contains drawings and German-written comments in Kurrent (German cursive), which depict the life in the military garrison in Prostějov and its surroundings – everyday affairs during the training of dragoons, official events, inspections, military exercises, and scenes with horses. In addition, they include incidents from the author’s private life – trips with other officers or with his wife. The album provides an interesting insight into the professional life of an Austro-Hungarian officer, but it also presents some of the author’s personality traits and opinions.
Current strategies in the diagnosis and management of chronic neutrophilic leukemia
Authors: Altangerel Otgonbat , Zhao Mingfeng
Published: September 2023

Objective

To review the implications for diagnosis, pathogenesis and potential for new therapeutic option for chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL).

Data sources

Data cited in this review were obtained mainly from PubMed and Medline from 1993 to 2013 and highly regarded older publications were also included. The terms “chronic neutrophilic leukemia” and “diagnosis” were used for the literature search.

Study selection

We identified, retrieved and reviewed the information on the clinical and laboratory features, the new genetic findings, prognosis and disease evolution and management of CNL.

Results

The discovery of high-frequency granulocyte-colony stimulating factor receptor (CSF3R) mutations in CNL identifies a new major diagnostic criterion, and lends more specificity to the World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic criteria for CNL, which are variably applied in routine clinical practice.

Conclusions

In patients for whom the cause of neutrophilia is not easily discerned, the incorporation of CSF3R mutation testing can be a useful point-of-care diagnostic to evaluate the presence of a clonal myeloid disorder, as well as providing the potential for genetically informed therapy. The oncogenic CSF3R mutations are molecular markers of sensitivity to inhibitors of the SRC family-TNK2 and JAK kinases and may provide a new avenue for therapy.
Extracorporeal blood therapy in sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome: the “purifying dream”
Authors: Xu Xuefeng , Dai Huaping , Jia Chun'e , Wang Chen
Published: September 2023

Objective

To discuss the rationale, hypothesis, modality of extracorporeal blood purification (EBP) techniques for the critically ill animal models or patients, and to summarize the experimental and clinical studies with inconsistent data which explored the EBP's efficacy in the areas of critical care medicine.

Data sources

Articles referred in this review were collected from the database of PubMed published in English up to June 2014.

Study selection

We had done a literature search by using the term “(sepsis OR acute lung injury OR acute respiratory distress syndrome) AND (extracorporeal blood purification OR hemofiltration OR hemoperfusion OR plasma exchange OR plasmapheresis OR adsorpiton)”. Related original or review articles were included and carefully analyzed.

Results

Acute cellular and humoral immune disturbances occur in both sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Treatments aimed at targeting one single pro-/anti-inflammatory mediator have largely failed with no proven clinical benefits. Such failure shifts the therapeutic rationale to the nonspecific, broad-spectrum methods for modulating the over-activated inflammatory and anti-inflammatory response. Therefore, EBP techniques have become the potential weapons with high promise for removing the circulating pro-/anti-inflammatory mediators and promoting immune reconstitution. Over the years, multiple extracorporeal techniques for the critically ill animal models or patients have been developed, including hemofiltration (HF), high-volume hemofiltration (HVHF), high-cutoff hemofiltration (HCO-HF), hemo-perfusion or -adsorption (HP/HA), coupled plasma filtration adsorption (CPFA), and plasma exchange (PE). These previous studies showed that EBP therapy was feasible and safe for the critically ill animal models or patients. However, data on their efficacy (especially on the clinical benefits, such as mortality) were inconsistent.

Conclusions

It is not now to conclude that EBP intervention can purify septic or ARDS patients with high clinical efficacy from current experimental and clinical practice. Prospective, randomized controlled, and well-designed clinical or experimental studies and most suitable EBP modalities should be further developed.
A scoring system for prediction of early recurrence after liver resection for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Qian Honggang , Wei Meng , Qiu Hui , Wu Jianhui , Liu Bonan , Lyu Ang , Liu Qiao , Li Chengpeng , Leng Jiahua , Zhang Ji , Hao Chunyi
Published: September 2023

Background

The management of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage B hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is controversial due to the early recurrence after curative hepatectomy, and many variables were related to the prognosis. The purpose of this study was to predict the tumor recurrence in early postoperative period of the patients with BCLC stage B HCC.

Methods

From January 2004 to January 2012, 104 patients with BCLC stage B HCC underwent hepatectomy. Clinicopathological factors and follow-up data were statistically analyzed to establish a predicting scoring system.

Results

The overall survival rates for one, three, and five years were 69.2%, 52.7%, and 42.3%, and the disease-free survival rates for one, three, and five years were 52.9%, 47.3%, and 37.5%, respectively. The multiple factors analysis showed that the micro-vessel invasion, lymph nodes metastasis, multiple lesions, and the high expression of HMGB1 were independent factors (P <0.05). A scoring system was established to predict the early recurrence within one year after the surgery for BCLC stage B HCC, according to the analysis results with a specificity of 85.1% and a sensitivity of 80.3%.

Conclusion

Variant clinicopathological factors were associated with early postoperative recurrence for BCLC stage B HCC and recurrence early after hepatectomy was more likely in patients with a higher score of the scoring system.
Circular Economy Innovations in Small and Medium Enterprises in Ngong Town Kajiado County, Kenya for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development
Authors: Machoka Nancy N. , Mutabazi Michel
Published: September 2023

Circular economy emerged as way of managing waste, lessening resource uses, and preventing environmental deterioration. Circular economy is being developed and implemented in governmental, business and academic settings mainly in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 12. Waste generated from residents in Ngong town has built up landfills and has clogged sewer lines and pathways. These wastes encompass various forms of electrical, plastics and electronic appliances that have ceased to be of any value to their owners. These types of wastes can have harmful effects on humans and the physical environment. Waste require special handling and disposal techniques due to their hazardous properties as they may be toxic, carcinogenic, flammable including other effects. This study explored the circular economy innovations in SMEs in Ngong town as contribution to addressing this problem. The study specific objectives were, to find out the circular economy innovations, to identify opportunities and to determine the factors that influence circular economy innovations in Ngong town. A sample of forty owners/operators of SMEs in Ngong town was conveniently selected and interviewed using a questionnaire. It was found that a number of innovations were implemented and only 67.5% had knowledge of circular economy. The SMEs had customers who can buy product from their innovations, and there were factors that influenced circular economy innovations such as government policies and regulations, lack of infrastructure, financial resources, and partnerships.For SMEs to move from linear to circular economy in Ngong town, the study recommends training on circular economy innovations and the county government of Kajiado should implement policies and regulations that promote the circular economy innovations for the protection of the market and environmental sustainability.
Efficacy of E-Safe Product in Decontamination of Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soil
Authors: Iheagwam K.S. , Uzowulu O.E , Azorji J.N , Emeka J.E , Effiong N.E
Published: September 2023

Effectiveness of E-safe© product in the recovery of soil contaminated with total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) was investigated at the Teaching and Research Laboratory of the Department of Microbiology, Hezekiah University, Umudi, Imo State. The study was conducted on soil sample collected from aged crude oil polluted site in Rivers State.The top soil (0-30cm) was sieved using a 5mm mesh to remove gravel and debris prior to analysis. The pH, Phosphate, Nitrate, and TPH levels in the soil were analyzed using well established standard analytical protocols. E-safe product was artificially spiked in each of the 4kg soil at 0 ml, 6 ml, 12 ml, 24 ml, and 48 ml and arranged in a Completely Randomized Design. The percentage degradation of TPH in soil was monitored for a period of four (4) weeks. Results obtained showed that the soil pH was slightly acidic to basic. The findings showed Nitrate (4.97 – 24.42 ppm) and phosphate (0.134 – 0.53 ppm) ranges for both treated and control soils within the period. About 88.41% TPH degradation was achieved at 48 ml followed by 24 ml (75.63%) while the least percentage removal of TPH was recorded in the control (2.30%). The study further showed that soils contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbon altered soil physicochemistry, but more than 50% of the polluted soils were recovered by treatment with E-safe product at 48 ml, 24 ml and 12 ml respectively. The mineral components of the E-safe product could have acted as effective substance in the total removal of oil contaminants in the contaminated soil.
La Gestión Directiva en la USAER y el Fortalecimiento de la Práctica Pedagógica
Authors: Caraveo Coox Geovanny Manuel , Fernández Canul Felipe Antonio
Published: September 2023

El rol que desempeña el director de la Unidad de Servicios de Apoyo a la Educación Regular (USAER) contribuye a la práctica pedagógica de los maestros adscritos a esta Unidad, de tal manera que éstos pueden coadyuvar en la disminución de barreras para que los alumnos con discapacidad, discapacidad múltiple o bien trastornos que dificulten su ingreso, permanencia, participación y egreso de las escuelas regulares, puedan hacerlo. El objetivo de identificar las características de los directores de USAER se logró mediante la investigación-acción, utilizando la entrevista como técnica de recogida de datos. En la fase de análisis e interpretación de los resultados se concluyó que la puntualidad y la responsabilidad son factores determinantes en el rol que desempeña el director de la USAER y, que, a la vez, fortalecen la práctica pedagógica de los maestros adscritos a esta Unidad.
El Aprendizaje en el Siglo XXI: ¿Cuáles son los Retos Docentes Respecto del Aprendizaje de los Estudiantes en la Escuela del Reencuentro?
Authors: Álvarez Sánchez Cecilia , Ham Corrales Diana Ibeth , Santana Hernández María del Carmen , Flores Aguiñaga Nadia
Published: September 2023

Actualmente los docentes de educación primaria enfrentan retos respecto al aprendizaje de los estudiantes en la escuela del reencuentro, el siglo XXI está plasmado de desafíos debido al manejo de emociones de los alumnos. La investigación tuvo como objetivo analizar las percepciones docentes respecto a cuáles consideran que son los principales retos que enfrentan con sus alumnos en la escuela de reencuentro, priorizando el ámbito emocional y el manejo de competencias que se desarrollan de manera intrínseca en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Se realizó un trabajo cuantitativo de tipo exploratorio con un diseño no experimental transversal y una muestra representativa de la Escuela Primaria  No 16 Rafael Herrera del Estado de Durango, los resultados muestran que existe un desafío real dentro del ámbito escolar para enfrentar con éxito el aprendizaje de los estudiantes de la institución educativa, debido a los cambios en su desarrollo socioemocional, además existen docentes que muestran dificultad para manifestar emociones de felicidad durante su práctica, consideran que como maestros  el manejo adecuado de las emociones es importante, así mismo, se externa la necesidad de una actualización  donde  se priorice el interés superior de  NNA apostando  al verdadero logro de los aprendizajes ante las características de los estudiantes.
Transición Indígena y Ruralidad Quiteña. Nayón, Jardín de Quito
Authors: Simbaña Pillajo Freddy Enrique
Published: September 2023

El presente texto caracteriza la situación y las fases de la transición de la parroquia rural de Nayón, en el Distrito Metropolitano de Quito (DMQ), hacia la modernidad. Se explora las primeras décadas del siglo XX donde Nayón experimentó las transformaciones que trajo consigo la revolución liberal, el desarrollo tecnológico, principalmente, con la llegada del ferrocarril y el crecimiento urbano de Quito. Estos cambios políticos, tecnológicos y urbanos acercaron la economía ecuatoriana con la economía mundial, pero sin una real modernización de la economía agrícola e industrial, por lo que se estableció una modernidad urbana más como espacio de diferenciación social que marcó límites entre la ciudad moderna y la ruralidad atrasada. La metodología consistió en recopilación documental primaria en los principales archivos de la ciudad, la parroquia de Nayón y el Ministerio de Agricultura Ganadería y Pesca (MAGAP), así como revisión de fuentes bibliográficas que han tratado el tema. Además, se realizó un ejercicio etnográfico entre 2021 y 2022, que permitió comprender a los habitantes nayonenses en su ingreso, y transformación, a la modernidad urbana a través de los primeros oficios artesanales urbanos vinculados al proceso de crecimiento urbano de la ciudad de Quito.
Motricidad Orofacial y Trastornos del Habla: Una Revisión Científica
Authors: Campos Ramiro
Published: September 2023

La relación entre la motricidad orofacial y los trastornos del habla ha emergido como un área de creciente interés en la investigación clínica. El objetivo principal de este trabajo fue analizar y sintetizar los hallazgos recientes sobre este vínculo, con el propósito de comprender mejor las manifestaciones, etiologías y posibles intervenciones terapéuticas. Utilizando una metodología de revisión basada en la selección de literatura relevante de los últimos cinco años en bases de datos como Scielo y Latindex, se analizaron más de 20 artículos de autores latinoamericanos. Los principales hallazgos indican la importancia de la intervención temprana y la concienciación tanto en profesionales como en padres y educadores (Díaz Ortega & Piedrahita Castro, 2021). Además, se destaca la promesa de tratamientos emergentes, como la terapia con láser de baja intensidad (Farivar et al., 2014). No obstante, aún persisten desafíos relacionados con la necesidad de estudios longitudinales y enfoques más interdisciplinarios (Guzmán Baquedano et al., 2018). Este trabajo subraya la relevancia de seguir investigando en este campo para mejorar la calidad de vida de quienes presentan trastornos relacionados con la motricidad orofacial.
Niklas Luhmann, Crisis y Renovación en la Teoría Social del Siglo XX
Authors: Pacheco Ortega Aaron
Published: September 2023

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo dar una breve introducción al pensamiento de Luhmann, enfocándose en los cambios de las posturas del siglo XX y analizando conceptos básicos del autor. Así misml, revisar que  la  teoría social de Niklas Luhmann adopta una nueva forma de comprender a una sociedad que se ha complejizado en la etapa de la modernidad/posmodernidad, en la cual para el autor, la teoría clásica no tiene los elementos explicativos para dichos fenómenos. La teoría de Luhmann está muy ligada a los cambios epistemológicos de la segunda mitad del siglo XX y los avances en las ciencias, tecnología.
Developing responsible AI practices at the Smithsonian Institution
Authors: Dikow Rebecca , DiPietro Corey , Trizna Michael , BredenbeckCorp Hanna , Bursell Madeline , Ekwealor Jenna , Hodel Richard , Lopez Nilda , Mattingly William , Munro Jeremy , Naples Richard , Oubre Candace , Robarge Drew , Snyder Sara , Spillane Jennifer , Tomerlin Melinda , Villanueva Luis , White Alexander
Published: September 2023

Applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have become pervasive in our everyday lives. These applications range from the mundane (asking ChatGPT to write a thank you note) to high-end science (predicting future weather patterns in the face of climate change), but because they rely on human-generated or mediated data, they also have the potential to perpetuate systemic oppression and racism. For museums and other cultural heritage institutions, there is great interest in automating the kinds of applications at which AI and ML can excel, e.g., tasks in computer vision including image segmentation, object recognition (labeling or identifying objects in an image), and natural language processing (e.g. named-entity recognition, topic modeling, generation of word and sentence embeddings) in order to make digital collections and archives discoverable, searchable, and appropriately tagged.

A coalition of staff, fellows, and interns working in digital spaces at the Smithsonian Institution, who are either engaged with research using AI or ML tools, or working closely with digital data in other ways, came together to discuss the promise and potential peril of applying AI and ML at scale and this work results from those conversations. Here we present the process that has led to the development of an AI Values Statement and an implementation plan, including the release of datasets with accompanying documentation to enable these data to be used with improved context and reproducibility (dataset cards). We plan to continue releasing dataset cards, and for AI and ML applications, model cards, in order to enable informed usage of Smithsonian data and research products.
Management effectiveness of Nature Conservation Units in southern Brazil
Authors: Witt Patrícia Bernardes Rodrigues , Faria Helder Henrique de , Oliveira Juliano de , Oliveira Larissa Rosa de
Published: September 2023

The implementation of protected areas, in particular, nature Conservation Units (CUs), is a conservation strategy recognised worldwide. However, these territories require efficient management to achieve their conservation goals. When the management of CUs is deficient, it results in damage to their own goals, affecting biodiversity and ecological processes, as well as causing social and economic impacts. In this context, we evaluated the management effectiveness of 11 integral Conservation Units of nature in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, through interviews, visits to these CUs and a review of their official documents. For this analysis, we used the adapted method of Effectiveness of Management of Protected Areas (EMAP), which was analysed using a Likert scale with five levels, eight scopes, 73 indicators and 65 evaluation scenarios. Ninety-one percent of the CUs assessed in southern Brazil by the EMAP method oscillated from average to very unsatisfactory efficacy and low management effectiveness: 18% of the CUs had a very unsatisfactory quality of management, 37% unsatisfactory, 36% average and only 9% high or satisfactory. Moreover, the CUs did not fulfil the main objectives for which they were created. In this context, we recommended a series of actions to be applied for CU improvement, such as the adoption of a quali-quantitative evaluation model for the units, through a mathematical model; increase in staff; training teams and managers; improvement of CU infrastructure and inputs; regular budget allocation; land regularisation, implementation of consultative councils and urgent review of management plans.
First record of the genus Sceloattalus Wittmer, 1966 (Coleoptera, Malachiidae) from China, with description of a new species
Authors: Tong Junbo , Tshernyshev Sergei E. , Liu Haoyu , Yang Yuxia
Published: September 2023

The genus Sceloattalus Wittmer, 1966 is recorded from China for the first time. A new species, S. nigroprominens Tong & Yang, sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Xizang Autonomous Region of China. This new species is the fourth member of Sceloattalus and can be easily distinguished from others by the yellow antennae with a small black spot at apex of last antennomere, black elytra without metallic lustre, all tarsi yellow, and hind tibiae yellow to black. The generic diagnosis of Sceloattalus is resummarized. An identification key to all known species of Sceloattalus is also updated.
Anthropologie des nouvelles règles de table
Authors: Parise Fanny
Published: September 2023

L’auteure, anthropologue de la consommation, suggère que l’étude de nos pratiques alimentaires offre une fenêtre fascinante sur les structures de domination et la reproduction des élites dans une époque de permacrise. En mettant un éclairage sur les « mangeurs hors pair », elle révèle la manière dont les systèmes de pouvoir sont reproduits et contestés par les choix alimentaires. Par l’intermédiaire de la « magie alimentaire » et des « festins empoisonnés », l’autrice démontre que même nos actes alimentaires les plus quotidiens sont imprégnés de significations sociales, économiques et environnementales profondes. Elle conclut en anticipant une transition vers une alimentation plus simplifiée et collective, qui pourrait contester les structures de pouvoir existantes et offrir une alternative aux régimes alimentaires particuliers qui prévalent actuellement.
L’économie sociale et solidaire
Authors: Andriot Patricia
Published: September 2023

Historique mais parfois perdue de vue, la place de l’économie sociale et solidaire (ESS) dans le secteur agricole connaît un regain d’intérêt et d’actualité dans le cadre des transitions en cours. La transition alimentaire illustre tout particulièrement le rôle renouvelé et innovant des acteurs de l’ESS pour contribuer aux enjeux de réduction des impacts environnementaux de la production alimentaire tout en œuvrant en faveur d’une reconquête de la valeur ajoutée pour les territoires. Les projets alimentaires territoriaux, dynamiques systémiques à l’échelle locale, sont les outils de ces stratégies multi-acteurs qui donnent une large place aux acteurs de l’ESS. Les pouvoirs publics accompagnent ces démarches qui misent davantage sur la coopération que sur la mise en concurrence, tout en n’abandonnant pas complètement la logique concurrentielle libérale. Cet article décrit ces dynamiques multiples en cours et insiste sur le rôle clef des expérimentations et des volontés politiques locales pour accélérer les transitions.
La perception raciste du visage d’après Félix Guattari
Authors: Chamois Camille
Published: September 2023

Selon Félix Guattari les systèmes de coercition matériels sont progressivement remplacés au XX e  siècle par des techniques de « modelage des systèmes perceptifs », à la fois plus douces et plus prenantes. Pour rendre compte de cette théorie de la socialisation de la perception et des ses enjeux socio-politiques nous nous focalisons sur la perception du visage d’autrui en soulignant l’ensemble des biais perceptifs (notamment racistes) identifiés par Guattari. Une étude approfondie des modalités d’apprentissage perceptif permet d’actualiser une dimension souvent inaperçue de la pensée de Guattari.
L’art de l’utopie
Authors: Pourhosseini Behrang
Published: September 2023

Si le cercle des « Méditateurs » a abandonné l’exposition de l’art pour le rendre vivant, ce n’est pas sans se heurter à des paradoxes indépassables qui sont en fin de compte ceux de l’art romantique dans ses visées socio-politiques. Le télescopage du passé et de l’avenir se traduit dans leur démarche par la restauration de l’âge d’or grec ; cet art qui se veut être une action politique est avant tout un appel à la pureté
Import experience and the post-entry performance of first-time exporters
Authors: Serrano Guadalupe , Requena Francisco , Mínguez Raúl
Published: September 2023

Using the universe of Spanish first-time exporters selling manufactured products over the period 1997–2018, we show that import experience is associated with higher survival rates in the export markets, and conditioning on survival, a higher growth rate of their exports. In both cases, the highest impact is obtained when previous import experience occurs within one year before firms start exporting. Import experience improves general knowledge about foreign markets but it is not market-specific. Post-entry success in terms of survival and persistent growth rises if new exporters are large importers and if they buy intermediate inputs from competitive foreign suppliers.
Semi-automatic fingerprint image restoration algorithm using a partial differential equation
Authors: Lee Chaeyoung , Kim Sangkwon , Kwak Soobin , Hwang Youngjin , Ham Seokjun , Kang Seungyoon , Kim Junseok
Published: September 2023

A fingerprint is the unique, complex pattern of ridges and valleys on the surface of an individual's fingertip. Fingerprinting is one of the most popular and widely used biometric authentication methods for personal identification because of its reliability, acceptability, high level of security, and low cost. When using fingerprints as a biometric, restoring poor-quality or damaged fingerprints is an essential process for accurate verification. In this study, we present a semi-automatic fingerprint image restoration method using a partial differential equation to repair damaged fingerprint images. The proposed algorithm is based on the Cahn-Hilliard (CH) equation with a source term, which was developed for simulating pattern formation during the phase separation of diblock copolymers in chemical engineering applications. In previous work, in order to find an optimal model and numerical parameter values in the governing equation, we had to make several trial and error preliminary attempts. To overcome these problems, the proposed novel algorithm minimizes user input and automatically computes the necessary model and numerical parameter values of the governing equation. Computational simulations on various damaged fingerprint samples are presented to demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed method.
Determinants and Influences of Information Systems Integration in a Public Higher Education Context
Authors: Mohamed Norshidah , Mahadi Batiah , Miskon Suraya , Haghshenas Hanif
Published: September 2023

In this study, the authors used the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework and DeLone and McLean's upstream information systems (IS) success model to construct and test a model that describes IS integration and its determinants and influences. The researchers modified the TOE model to include business and knowledge factors. Using a cross-sectional research design, they distributed survey questionnaires to participants at a Malaysian public higher education institution. The authors analyzed the data using partial least squares structural equation modelling. The results suggested that IS integration influences system quality and information quality positively. Contrary to extant findings, only knowledge, environmental, and business factors determined IS integration directly. The authors discuss the implications of these results for IS integration and future research.
Dynamic Analysis of the Micro-Cantilever with Linear Width Variation under Electrostatic Actuation
Authors: Bhojani Sonal J. , Trivedi Reena , Sharma Dharmendra S.
Published: September 2023

The dynamics of the micro-cantilever with linearly varying width under electrostatic actuation is presented. The restraining displacement and voltage dissociating the unstable and stable operating region are determined by Bubnov-Galerkin approach. The influence of the variation in geometry of micro-beam and change in material parameters on the pull-in conditions is investigated. The increase of 24.27% is obtained in pull-in displacement when the tip width is reduced to 0.
Feasibility Study of Handheld Laser Welding Technology for Small Thickness Aluminium Alloys
Authors: Berrizbeitia Saioa Etxebarria , Galnares Iker Cerrillo , Egurtza Aitziber Pedrero , de Lacalle Luis Norberto López , Pereira Neto Octavio
Published: September 2023

Handheld laser welding with filler material is an interesting alternative for TIG and MIG/MAG welding in aesthetic parts of small thicknesses, due to its high versatility, speed of application, low deformability and aesthetic finish. The novelty of this study lies in the analysis of the feasibility of this process for welding aluminium alloys of low thickness (2mm), commonly welded by GTAW or GMAW processes. Due to its high sensitivity to heat, laser welding of aluminium alloys is always accompanied by defects such as porosity and cracks. In this work aluminium-magnesium alloy sheets (5754 H111) were joined using fillet weld, butt weld and cornice weld configurations. The appearance, microstructure, porosity and mechanical properties were analyzed through non-destructive and destructive tests. The results of the external aspect of the samples showed a very low distortion and deformation of the material; however, the macrographic analysis showed abundant internal porosity. In the case of the fillet and cornice welding this porosity was within the applicable standard, and in the case of the butt-welded samples, tensile tests results proved the validity of the process.
Contributions Regarding the High-Speed Milling of Parts with Low Rigidity Made from Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Radu Petrica , Schnakovszky Carol , Tampu Catalin Nicolae , García-Martínez Enrique , Miguel Valentín
Published: September 2023

The present work aims to optimize the processing parameters to minimize the geometric deviations of thin-walled parts machined from 6061-T651 aluminum alloy by high-speed milling (HSM). The experimental tests were carried based on a factorial design of experiments, which included as input factors axial cutting depth, cutting speed, and feed per tooth, resulting in shape deviations but also roughness and hardness of machined surfaces. After machining, the residual stresses were determined to establish, if possible, a cause-effect relationship between parts deviations and the magnitude of stresses involved. The experimental tests allowed us to obtain the optimum machining parameters under maximum productivity conditions that ensure the required geometric precision of parts.
Analytical and Numerical Models for the Analysis of the Multi-Stage Drawing Process of Zn Wires
Authors: Rodríguez-Alabanda Oscar , Guerrero-Vacas Guillermo , Comino Francisco , Molero Esther , del Rey Juan Carlos
Published: September 2023

Today environmental aspects are of great importance in the sustainability of the planet, in this aspect anti-corrosive treatments facilitate the durability of metal structures. Among the most widely used anticorrosive metals is Zinc and its alloys. In the deep galvanizing process of large steel structures, tanks containing Zinc in a molten state at a temperature of 460 °C are necessary. Then, to protect elements that are too large or that need to be treated "in situ", metallization is used, which consists of projecting molten zinc wire on the metal surface that has previously been subjected to a process sandblasting (mechanical abrasion). The two main methods of metalizing are electric arc and flame. In the present work an industrial wiredrawing draft has been studied, determining the drawing force and the power required in each stage. For this purpose, linear strain hardening model vs non-linear strain hardening model that takes strain rate hardening into account has been proposed for its implementation in the analytical model of the process and finite element model (FEM) has been developed too. The use of Hall Petch equation has been allowed to get a prediction of the evolution of the grain size during the wiredrawing sequence.
Construction Process Optimization of Concrete Structural Elements Using VDC - Case Study (Building)
Authors: Balcazar Diego Ruesta , Burga Sandoval Sebastián Mathias , Del Savio Alexandre Almeida , Majumdar Tulika
Published: September 2023

The construction industry is an engine of economic and social development; however, it has grown the least in terms of productivity in comparison with other industries. Furthermore, it is characterized by inefficiencies that lead to time and cost overruns. This research seeks to optimize the execution time of a multipurpose building's concrete columns, beams, and slabs by applying the Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) methodology. The VDC framework was developed to establish the client's objectives, the project's objectives, production metrics, and controllable factors. As a result, 60 possible clashes among 2 disciplines (structure & MEP) were identified before construction and solved in a collaborative environment. In addition, the execution time of the structure's concrete beams, slabs, and columns was shortened by 37% compared to the baseline from the execution of the first work lot.
Determination of Heat Transfer Coefficient in Casting: A Comparison of Analytical, Inverse and Trial-and-Error Methods
Authors: Vasileiou Anastasia , Vosniakos George Christopher , Pantelis Dimitris
Published: September 2023

The Heat Transfer Coefficient (HTC) in casting is critical input in numerical simulations. However, it depends on alloy composition, melt temperature, mold preheating temperature and local casting modulus, hence it is difficult to determine a priori. This work uses temperature measurements obtained by thermocouples during investment casting of a multiple section reference part. HTC was determined by three different methods: (a) analytical, formulating a detailed expression for the HTC in time steps for a one-dimensional approximation (b) inverse, following a well-known iterative algorithm proposed in literature and (c) "trial-and-error" simulation runs for different HTCs based on the judgment of the analyst. In conclusion, the analytical method proved to be fast, but yields very approximate HTC. The inverse method achieves accurate temperature evolution, but it might be unrealistic in physics terms. The trial-and-error method is flexible and may be accurate yet cumbersome and uncertain, unless automated, for instance through a Genetic Algorithm.
Overcoming blindness from womb to tomb
Authors: Seneviratne Ranmini
Published: September 2023

No abstract available
Evaluation of corneal demarcation line and associated parameters in patients with keratoconus following transepithelial, epithelial scoring and epithelium-off accelerated corneal collagen crosslinking
Authors: De Silva S. C. , Soysa W. D. S. , Wariyapola D. H. H.
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Keratoconus is a progressive corneal ectatic disorder with thinning, protrusion and poor vision. Corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) is a minimally invasive procedure used to prevent progression. CXL is performed either after epithelial debridement (Epi-Off) or with the epithelium in-situ (transepithelially).Objective: To evaluate corneal demarcation line and associated parameters in patients with keratoconus following accelerated CXL using the described methods. Materials and methods: Retrospective data of twelve consecutive eyes (n=12) which underwent CXL using the method described by the authors was compared with randomized data of sixteen eyes (n=11) which underwent transepithelial CXL and eighteen eyes (n=14) which underwent Epi-Off CXL. An accelerated CXL protocol was used (UVA 9mW/cm2 for 10 min) in all patients after instillation of 0.1% riboflavin solution for 30 minutes. The surgeon made linear full thickness epithelial abrasions in the modified technique. Visual acuity, keratometry, pachymetry were evaluated preoperatively and at one month postop. Specular microscopy and AS-OCT was performed at one month postop.Results: Preoperative Kmax, Kmean and cylinder power were similar in all groups. However, patients who underwent the modified technique had poorer UCDVA and BCDVA at baseline (MRSEQ-4.41) and average pachymetry of 450 μm. Postoperatively, patients who underwent the modified technique had mild stromal haze, a well visible stromal demarcation line on AS-OCT and a higher average endothelial cell count on specular microscopy. Keratometry and pachymetry values were stable in all groups.Conclusion: Preliminary data indicate that the method described by the authors can be used in thinner corneas to improve efficacy of CXL compared to the transepithelial approach.