bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Image Processing Pitfalls in Vendor Adaptive Radiotherapy Software
with Tomotherapy-like Systems: Feedback from Clinical Case Reports
Authors: Niederst Claudine , Dehaynin Nicolas , Lallement Alex , Meyer Philippe
Published: January 2023

Background:

Adaptive radiotherapy (ART) has the potential to reduce the toxicities of
radiotherapy and improve overall survival by considering variations in the patient's anatomy during the
course of treatment. ART's first commercial solutions are now implemented in clinical radiotherapy
departments. However, before they can be used safely with real patients, these solutions must be rigorously
evaluated to precisely determine the limits of their use.

Methods:

In this paper, we evaluated an offline ART vendor system in 50 patients treated on tomotherapy-
like systems for six months. Illustrated by numerous examples of head and neck, thoracic and
abdominopelvic localizations, two limitations of image processing used in the ART workflow have
been highlighted: deformable image registration (DIR) accuracy and the way the limited field of view
(FOV) is compensated. This feedback from clinical experience makes it possible to identify topics of
image processing research with strong clinical interest.

Results:

Current DIR method accuracy may be too weak for some clinical ART applications, and their
improvement remains highly important, especially for multimodality registration. Improvements in
contour propagation methods also remain crucial today. We showed that there is a need for the development
of automatic DIR accuracy quantification methods to help streamline the ART process. Finally,
the limited FOV of the onboard images may induce dose calculation errors, highlighting the need to
develop new FOV extension methods.

Conclusion:

We have evaluated a vendor ART system, but some image processing pitfalls, such as
DIR accuracy and the limited FOV of the onboard images, make its implementation into clinical practice
difficult for the moment.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Towards Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Women of Reproductive Age in an Urban Community Health Centre in Indonesia
Authors: Winarto Hariyono , Habiburrahman Muhammad , Kusuma Fitriyadi , Nuryanto Kartiwa Hadi , Anggraeni Tricia Dewi , Utami Tofan Widya , Putra Andi Darma , Syaharutsa Danny Maesadatu
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), an emerging public health burden, are increasing due to a lack of understanding about their prevention.

Objective:

To understand the association between STI-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among women of reproductive age in an urban community health centre in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Material and Methods:

A cross-sectional study and consecutive sampling technique were employed on 50 women using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. All data were analysed using Spearman’s rank correlation, χ2, or Fisher’s exact test to test the hypothesis.

Results:

Encountered women had an average age of 26.80 ± 4.64 years, were married (74%), primiparous (46%), and with a high level of education (88%). The median scores for attitude and knowledge were 76.90 and 79.20, respectively, and there was a moderate correlation between these scores (ρ=0.482, p<0.001). Overall, 84% of individuals had good knowledge, and 88% of respondents had a positive attitude. Practical insight was moderate, with the rate of abstinence, using condoms, suggesting condoms, and stigmatising persons with HIV/AIDS being 54%, 32%, 2%, and 36%, respectively. Education level was a significant predictor of knowledge, and women’s attitudes toward STIs were associated with their knowledge (OR 7.80, p=0.044). There was no relationship between socio-demographic profiles and the KAP of STIs. Knowledge and attitude did not contribute significantly towards abstinence, using condoms, suggesting condoms, and HIV/AIDS-related stigmatisation due to the complexity of practice actualisation related to theories of planned behaviour.

Conclusion:

STI-related knowledge and attitude correlate well, but this study found that neither predicts STI-related practice.
Indian Traditional Medicine for COVID-19
Authors: Sundarasamy Amsaveni , Thangaraj Suresh , Senniappan Thamarai Selvi , Muthukaliannan Gothandam Kodiveri
Published: January 2023

Background:

A novel coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak causing infectious respiratory disorders. COVID-19 disease has no specific treatment. In traditional medicinal system, different formulations are available for infectious diseases.

Objective:

This review discusses the significance and utilization of Siddha and Ayurvedic herbal formulations for COVID-19 treatment and provides scientific information regarding the phytochemistry and pharmacological profiles of Indian medicinal plants used in the formulation.

Method:

The information on medicine and medicinal plants was collected from research papers, review papers, and books available in several electronic databases, including Google Scholar, SpringerLink, and PubMed was explored as information sources.

Results:

Traditional medicinal plants are potentially used in formulations due to their inevitable therapeutic properties. Phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of medicinal plants used in the formulations served as scientific proof for traditional medicine.

Conclusion:

The present study explored the great importance of Siddha and Ayurvedic formulations for COVID-19 treatment. Further scientific investigations are required to explore these formulations as widely acceptable.
Future perspectives for alkali-activated materials: from existing standards to structural applications
Authors: Rossi Laura , Miranda de Lima Luiz , Sun Yubo , Dehn Frank , Provis John , Ye Guang , De Schutter Geert
Published: January 2023

The production of cement and concrete contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions. Alkali-activated concretes (AACs) are a family of existing alternative construction materials that could reduce the current environmental impact of Portland cement (PC) production and utilisation. Successful applications of AACs can be found in Europe and the former USSR since the 1950s and more recently in Australia, China and North America, proving their potential as construction materials. However, their utilisation is limited presently by the lack of normative and construction guidelines. Raw materials’ non-uniform global availability and variable intrinsic properties, coupled with the lack of specific testing methods, raise questions regarding reproducibility and reliability. The mechanical and chemical behaviour of AACs has been investigated extensively over the past decades, strengthening its potential as a sustainable substitute for traditional PC-based concrete. Although a wide amount of studies demonstrated that AACs could meet and even exceed the performance requirements provided by European design standards, a classification of these broad spectra of materials, as well as new analytical models linking the chemistry of the system components to the mechanical behaviour of the material, still need further development. This report gives an overview of the potential of alkali-activated systems technology, focusing on the limitations and challenges still hindering their standardisation and wider application in the construction field.
A comparative study: Students' process skills and students' analytical thinking with learning models
Authors: Kamid Kamid , Kurniawan Dwi Agus , Rahman Adriyan Ardi
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this study was to find out a comparison of students' process skills with students' analytical thinking with the learning model at Batang Hari Middle School on student perceptions to determine the relationship of learning models to students' analytical thinking skills in Mathematics and to find out the relationship between learning models and process skills. The method used in this study is a quantitative method with a comparative type. The results of the description test can be concluded that one SMP in Batang Hari is superior to the others. Based on the results of the t-test, it can be concluded that there is a comparison between the thinking and processing skills of students using the STAD learning model. The correlation test results show a relationship between the learning model and the process skills and analytical thinking of Batang Hari Junior High School students.
A Technology-Supported Guidance Model to Increase the Flexibility, Quality, and Efficiency of Nursing Education in Clinical Practice in Norway: Development Study of the TOPP-N Application Prototype
Authors: Nes Andréa Aparecida Gonçalves , Zlamal Jaroslav , Linnerud Silje Christin Wang , Steindal Simen A , Solberg Marianne Trygg
Published: January 2023

Background

The challenges of nursing shortage in the nursing profession and of limited nursing educational capacity in nursing education in clinical practice need to be addressed to ensure supply according to the demand of these professionals. In addition, communication problems among nursing students, nurse educators, and nurse preceptors; variations in the guidance competence of nurse preceptors; and limited overview from nurse educators on nursing students’ clinical practice are common challenges reported in several research studies. These challenges affect the quality of nursing education in clinical practice, and even though these problems have been highlighted for several years, a recent study showed that these problems are increasing. Thus, an approach is required to ensure the quality of nursing education in clinical practice.

Objective

We aimed to develop a guidance and assessment application to meet the challenges reported in clinical practice. The application intended to increase the flexibility, quality, and efficiency of nursing education in clinical practice. Furthermore, it intended to increase interactive communication that supports guidance and ensure structured evaluation of nursing students in clinical practice.

Methods

This study employed a multidisciplinary user-participatory design. Overall, 23 stakeholders from the project team (ie, 5 researchers, 2 software developers, 1 pedagogical advisor, and 15 user representatives [4 educators, 6 preceptors, and 5 students]) participated in a user-centered development process that included workshops, intervention content development, and prototype testing.

Results

This study resulted in the creation of the Technology-Optimized Practice Process in Nursing (TOPP-N) guidance and assessment application for use as a supportive tool for nursing students, nurse preceptors, and nurse educators in clinical practice. The development process included the application’s name and logo, technical architecture, guidance and assessment module, and security and privacy.

Conclusions

This study offers insights into the development of an evidence-based technological tool to support nursing students, nurse preceptors, and nurse educators in clinical practice. Furthermore, the developed application has the potential to meet several challenges reported in nursing education in clinical practice. After a rigorous development process, we believe that the TOPP-N guidance and assessment application prototype is now ready to be tested in further intervention studies.
The relationship between serum vitaminD concentrations and development of diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Pankiv V.I. , Yuzvenko T.Yu. , Pashkovska N.V. , Pankiv I.V.
Published: January 2023

Background. The literature does not provide enough information about the role of vitamin D in the genesis of diabetic retinopathy. The active metabolite of vitamin D, calcitriol, is a potent retinal neovascularization inhibitor in an experimental model of ischemic retinopathy. There is very few evidence on the possible relationship between the content of vitamin D and the incidence of diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients in the European population, including Ukraine. The purpose of the study is to establish the association between vitamin D status and the incidence of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 DM. Material and methods. In the case-control observational study, two groups of patients with type 2 DM were examined: 55 with diabetic retinopathy (cases) and 35 without retinopathy (controls). All of them had normal kidney function (glomerular filtration rate >60 ml/min, without microalbuminuria) in the absence of cardiovascular complications. Patients did not receive calcium and/or vitamin D preparations. Results. The study confirms the relationship between 25(OH)D content and the presence of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 DM. Patients with retinopathy had a significantly lower concentration of 25(OH)D— 14.6±2.9 ng/ml versus 23.9±3.1 ng/ml in patients without retinopathy, p<0.05. The multivariate analyses demonstrated a significant association of diabetic retinopathy and 25(OH)D. Conclusions. The results indicate the potential role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Further experimental and prospective studies are needed to determine the role of vitamin D status in the development of diabetic retinopathy and other diabetic microvascular complications.
Information about the statement of the working group on changing the name of diabetes insipidus: why it is relevant and should be supported in Ukraine
Authors: Katerenchuk V.I.
Published: January 2023

Diabetes is a term used to denote a wide range of diseases. Diabetes mellitus unites conditions quite different in pathogenesis, but the leading feature for them is hyperglycemia and the complications caused by it. Among non-endocrinologists, the term “diabetes”, which literally means the flow of water as if through a siphon, is mostly perceived precisely in the context of carbohydrate metabolism disorders and the need for hypoglycemic therapy. Diabetes insipidus the symptom of which is also polyuria, but which has a completely different pathogenesis and requires different treatment is quite often misunderstood precisely because of the use of the term “diabetes”. Incorrect perception of this pathological condition leads to the prescription of incorrect, unnecessary treatment or, on the contrary, to the cancellation of replacement therapy, which can lead to the development of serious adverse events, including irreversible ones. That is why it is urgent to change the name of diabetes insipidus with the exclusion of the term “diabetes” to eliminate misunderstandings and ensure the safety of patients. In October-November 2022, the working group for renaming diabetes insipidus synchronously published a statement in several leading medical sources on the feasibility of changing the name of diabetes insipidus. The working group of representatives of national and international endocrinology and pediatric endocrinology societies now proposes changing the name “diabetes insipidus” to “arginine vasopressin deficiency” for central etiology and “arginine vasopressin resistance” for nephrogenic etiology. The statement contains information about both the historical context and the rationale for the proposed name change. The main reason for the change is the issue of patient safety, as there is quite often confusion with diabetes mellitus, which leads to an inappropriate examination, unjustified treatment and can cause undesirable consequences, including serious ones. Changing the name of diabetes insipidus is also relevant for Ukraine, since the names of two different diseases in the Ukrainian language are even more similar than in the English version. That is why we consider it necessary to widely inform the medical community of Ukraine about the name change initiative and join its discussion and support.
Muscle Profiling of the Biceps Femoris, Gluteus Accessorius, and Gluteus Medius Comprising the Beef Top Sirloin Butt
Authors: Jepsen Sierra Marie , Van Buren Jessie B. , Epperson Brooklyn S. , Heimbuch Mikayla L. , Oliver Kayleen F. , Nasados James A. , Colle Michael J. , Clark Diana I. , Bass Phillip D.
Published: January 2023

Muscle profiling improves value and optimization of beef carcasses by expanding knowledge of physical, com-positional, and marketable attributes of single-muscle cuts. Extensive profiling for individual muscle portions of the NAMI #184 beef top sirloin butt remains understudied. The objective was to compare fluid loss, objective color (L*, a*, b*), pH,and objective tenderness of the biceps femoris (BF), gluteus accessorius (GA), gluteus medius, dorsal (GMD), and gluteus medius, ventral (GMV). Beef top sirloin butts (N=70) were collected from carcasses ranging in quality grade (USDA Select and Top Choice), hot carcass weight (light≤362 kg, medium=363 to 453 kg, heavy≥454 kg), and ribeye area (REA; small≤27.8 cm2, medium=27.9 to 40.6 cm2, large≥40.7 cm2). Warner-Bratzler shear force values were the low-est for the BF and GA (P<0.001) and were significantly different than the GMD and GMV. The GA reported the lowest percentage of fluid loss in raw and cooked forms (P<0.001, P<0.001) and the highest pH (P<0.001). The GMD exhibited the highest percentage of raw purge (P<0.001), highest L* value (P<0.001), and highest shear force (P<0.001). The GMV had the highest percentage of cook loss (P<0.001). USDA Top Choice muscles were more tender than Select (P<0.001) with higher L* value (P<0.001). All 4 top sirloin muscles and muscle subunits had average peak shear force values below 3.9 kg, and thus, all were within the threshold for USDA “very tender.” These muscle profiling data will aid in identifying new beef value cuts from the top sirloin butt and assess acceptability of sirloin cuts for further retail and foodservice merchandising opportunities.
OPTIMIZATION OF THE OPERATION OF PUMPING SYSTEMS AND RESERVOIRS OF WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS WITH EMPHASIS IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Authors: Egito Tuane Batista do , Azevedo José Roberto Gonçalves de , Bezerra Saulo de Tarso Marques
Published: January 2023

Electricity costs for pumping account for the majority of operating expenses for water distribution systems. Therefore, researchers and technicians in the water sector have sought to develop techniques that minimize the consumption of electricity in these systems. The large number of elements, which can change state at any time, generates a range of possibilities that makes it difficult to determine which operational scheme is most efficient. Defining the best operating rules for pumping systems is often a complex activity. In this context, the present work presents an optimization model for water distribution systems that combines the efficient use of reservoirs with the best operational rule for activating pumping systems. Using a genetic algorithm, the developed model aims to minimize the operating costs of electrical energy in the systems. The results obtained indicated that, with a better use of the water storage infrastructure, it is possible to reduce the electricity costs of the system as a whole.
AVALIAÇÃO DAS PRÁTICAS DE GERENCIAMENTO DE RESÍDUOS DE SERVIÇOS DE SAÚDE POR MEIO DE AUDITORIA AMBIENTAL: ESTUDO DE CASO
Authors: Barbosa Fabiana Cristina Lima , Pereira Aline Aparecida Thomaz , Barros Raphael Tobias de Vasconcelos , Mol Marcos Paulo Gomes
Published: January 2023

A legislação brasileira define que o manejo dos resíduos de serviço de saúde (RSS) deve ocorrer com base em um plano de gerenciamento de resíduos e este deve ser monitorado a fim de verificar a efetividade das ações propostas. As auditorias são ferramentas amplamente adotadas no ambiente empresarial, que permitem a verificação do status dos processos. A auditoria relacionada ao gerenciamento de resíduos pode apontar ineficiências, estimar os custos reais do manejo e indicar o nível de conformidade do auditado com regulamentos e legislações. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os benefícios da auditoria ambiental como ferramenta de monitoramento da implantação do plano de gerenciamento dos RSS (PGRSS) de uma instituição, bem como a análise das não-conformidades identificadas no período estudado. Foi realizada uma auditoria por ano durante o período de 2016 a 2018, sendo auditadas 33 laboratórios em 2016, 41 em 2017 e 47 em 2018. As maiores não conformidades identificadas no período entre 2016 e 2018 estavam relacionadas a ausência de registros/procedimentos sobre limpeza de lixeiras (29 não conformidades) e falta de identificação das lixeiras (13 não conformidades). Para os itens relacionados a descarte incorreto de EPI’s, presença de kits para recicláveis em laboratório, reposição inadequada de sacos para resíduos e locais de armazenamento sem identificação não foram encontradas não conformidades. Verifica-se um aumento do número de não conformidades em 2017 em relação a 2016. Tal fato pode estar relacionado ao aumento do número de laboratórios auditados em 2017. Em 2018 foram auditados 6 laboratórios a mais em relação a 2017 e o número de não conformidades registradas foi menor, podendo indicar uma melhoria nos processos de gerenciamento de resíduos. A ferramenta de auditoria adotada neste estudo de caso permitiu dar ênfase nos problemas mais recorrentes, indicando ao gestor potenciais focos a serem priorizados para a tomada de decisões visando a melhoria contínua do processo.
Glomerulonefritis aguda posinfecciosa como riesgo para desarrollar insuficiencia renal crónica en una cohorte pediátrica de un hospital de referencia en Paraguay
Authors: Troche Avelina , Samudio Margarita
Published: January 2023

Contexto: la glomerulonefritis aguda posinfecciosa (GNPI) representa un riesgo para el desarrollo de insuficiencia renal a largo plazo.
Objetivo: describir la incidencia de proteinuria persistente y factores asociados en pacientes con antecedente de GNPI en una cohorte pediátrica de un hospital de referencia en Paraguay. Metodología: se incluyó a 121 pacientes con síndrome nefrítico con C3 disminuido, con normalización a los tres meses, aunque no se haya comprobado etiología estreptocócica. Se excluyó a los pacientes con enfermedad renal previa, con síndrome nefrítico secundario y con menos de seis meses de seguimiento. Se analizaron las características sociodemográficas, infecciones precedentes, aclaramiento de creatinina, días de hipertensión arterial y de internación, además de la relación de estas con la persistencia de proteinuria a los seis meses y más de seguimiento.
Resultados: de los 121 pacientes entre 2 a 16 años de edad incluidos, 75 pacientes tuvieron un seguimiento médico entre 6 y 48 meses, de los cuales 43 (57,3?%) desarrollaron proteinuria persistente, la cual se asoció con un menor aclaramiento de creatinina (p = 0,03; 67,74 ± 25,69 mL/min/1,73 m2 SC vs. 80,22 ± 2,98 mL/min/1,73 m2 SC), con el número promedio de convivientes (6,3 ± 2,8 vs. 5,3 ± 2,3; p = 0,027) y el número promedio de hijos (4,3 ± 2,7 vs. 3,6 ± 2,3; p = 0,048). No se encontró asociación con las otras características.
Conclusiones: la incidencia de proteinuria se asoció con un menor aclaramiento de creatinina y con una mayor frecuencia de los determinantes sociales en salud.
Respuesta de los muros de quincha al riesgo de condensación
Authors: Cuitiño-Rosales Maria Guadalupe , Esteves-Miramont Alfredo , Najar Laura Elizabeth
Published: January 2023

The response of earthen walls to humidity is a relevant issue when evaluating surface and interstitial condensation. This article analyzed the behavior against the humidity of three buildings with wattle and daub walls, taking into account the different layers of mud plaster and Castilla reeds. First, these were evaluated using the Iram 11.625 Standard and with the outdoor design data temperature, the indoor design temperature, and the thermal properties of the materials, obtaining the surface and dew temperature values for each case. It was observed that surface condensation did not occur in any case and for interstitial condensation, in all cases, in the layer close to the exterior reed there was the possibility of condensation, which can be optimized by using insulation on the outer or inner face depending on the climatic conditions. Based on in situ measurements with hobo dataloggers, indoor and outdoor temperature and relative humidity records were taken for winter. Surface and dew temperature curves were plotted and it was observed that in all cases the dew temperature values are lower than the surface temperature, verifying the lack of surface condensation.
Daily reports on work engagement, productivity, cognitive ability, and psychological detachment from work for adults with or without physical activity after work
Authors: Krūpena Velta , Šaitere Sanita
Published: January 2023

The long-term benefits of physical activity (PA) on both physical and psychological well-being are well proven (see meta-analysis by Reed & Ones, 2006). The association between PA and important organizational variables as employees’ psychological detachment from work during leisure time, next day’s work engagement, productivity, and cognitive ability, however, has not been sufficiently examined in the context of organizations. The aim of this study was to compare adult groups that engaged in PA after work to those who did not in order to study daily dynamics of these variables. In this study, 42 participants, aged 21 to 52, 33 women and nine men - took part over the duration of 5 days. Between groups, there were no significant differences found in any of the organizational variables, however, a significant day effect of the measurement was observed in daily (state) work engagement (SWE) and its subscale vigor, as well as in productivity and cognitive ability. The effect of the interaction between the measurement day and the group was significant for psychological detachment measure.
Latvian-Estonian Economic Relations 1918–1940
Authors: Karnups Viesturs Pauls
Published: January 2023

This paper provides an overview of Latvian-Estonian economic relations in the interwar period. In the interwar period, economic relations between Latvia and Estonia were mainly confined to foreign trade, although there were some investments in Latvia from Estonia, as well as tourism. Latvia’s foreign trade in relation to Estonia was regulated by a number of trade treaties and agreements entered into in 1923, 1927, 1928, 1931, 1932, 1935, and 1937. Latvia’s main imports from Estonia in the interwar period were horses, cement, petroleum products from oil shale (including bitumen, crude oil, etc.) – except petrol, petrol, and fabrics (cotton, linen, wool, etc), whilst Latvia’s main exports to Estonia were linoleum, machinery (agricultural and industrial), timber and timber products (including plywood), rubber goods (including galoshes), paints, inks, and paint products, sugar, as well as radios. In general, trade and thus economic relations were of marginal significance to both countries in the interwar period due mainly to similarities in their agriculturally based economic structures.
Pengaruh Lama Simpan Dan Metoda Pengemasan Terhadap Sifat Fisik Bakso Daging Ayam Pada Penyimpanan Di Suhu Rendah (± 5o C)
Authors: Anggraeni Widya , Lukman Haris , Pramusintho Bagus
Published: January 2023

Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui pengaruh interaksi antara lama penyimpanan dan metoda pengemasan terhadap sifat fisik bakso daging ayam yang disimpan pada suhu rendah. Metoda penelitian ini adalah metoda percobaan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) faktorial dengan faktor I metoda pengemasan, yaitu kemasan non vakum dan kemasan vakum dan faktor II lama simpan, yaitu 0 hari, 4 hari, 8 hari, dan 12 hari pada suhu refrigerator. Data dianalisis menggunakan sidik ragam dengan uji lanjut uji jarak berganda duncan.

Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa metoda pengemasan berpengaruh tidak nyata terhadap nilai pH dan DIA bakso, namun memberikan pengaruh sangat nyata terhadap nilai Aw dan nilai eber bakso.  Lama penyimpanan berpengaruh tidak nyata terhadap nilai DIA bakso, namun memberikan pengaruh sangat nyata terhadap nilai pH, Aw dan nilai eber bakso. Interaksi antara metoda pengemasan dan lama penyimpanan tidak berpengaruh terhadap semua parameter.

Kata kunci: bakso, kemasan, lama simpan,  sifat fisik, suhu refrigerator
Masculinities and the Brunei Chinese “Problem”: The Ambivalence of Race, Gender, and Class in Norsiah Haji Abd Gapar’s Pengabdian
Authors: V.S. Chin Grace
Published: January 2023

The identity and position of the Chinese are problematic in Brunei Darussalam, where the primary identity of the Malays as “authentic” natives and citizens is upheld by the state ideology of Melayu Islam Beraja (Malay Islamic Monarchy; henceforth MIB). MIB moreover warns of the threat posed by the difference of non-Malays, in this case, the Chinese, while noting their potential contributions to social and economic development. Brunei’s ambivalent treatment of the Chinese Other is reflected in the Malay novel Pengabdian (“Submission,” 1987). Authored by Brunei’s most famous woman writer, Norsiah Abd Gapar, Pengabdian employs the strategies of stereotyping and idealising to produce an MIB-compliant narrative in which the dangers posed by difference, specifically represented by Chinese masculinity, are erased while Brunei Malay masculinity is defended as the hegemonic ideal through the trope of conversion. Using Connell’s theory of masculinities in relation to the strategies of stereotyping and idealising, this article examines how the representations of Brunei Chinese men engage the intersections of race, gender and class that undergird ethnic identities as well as citizenship in Brunei. In so doing, my analysis considers why the Chinese are still treated with such ambivalence and unease, and what this means for interethnic relations on the ground.
Abordagens científicas acerca do impacto da Avaliação Institucional em larga escala no trabalho docente
Authors: Gmach Viviana , Souza José dos Santos
Published: January 2023

O artigo apresenta uma revisão da literatura científica acerca das avaliações educacionais em larga escala no Brasil. Seu objetivo é verificar a como esta literatura aborda o impacto da avaliação educacional nas práticas docentes. Trata-se de uma pesquisa básica, de análise qualitativa, de caráter explicativo, que se insere na categoria de pesquisa bibliográfica. A partir de levantamento em cinco repositórios nacionais, identificou-se número bastante reduzido (3,2 %) de produções científicas que fazem referência aos impactos das avaliações educacionais em larga escala no trabalho docente. Apesar de estas produções serem bastante críticas, não se percebe nelas qualquer proposição contra-hegemônica, tampouco a consciência da relação entre educação versus capital como determinante das sucessivas reformas educacionais. Possivelmente, isto se deve ao fato de suas análises não considerarem classe social como categoria central.
Yield performance and stability analysis of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) accessions using AMMI and GGE biplots
Authors: Komolafe Ronke , Ariyo Omolayo , Alake Olusanya
Published: January 2023

The identification of adaptable, stable and high yielding genotypes under
varying environmental conditions prior to release poses a lot of challenge
to plant breeders in selecting the best genotypes of okra. The genotype ?
environment interaction is a major challenge to plant breeders because a
large interaction can reduce selection gain and make the identification of
superior cultivars difficult. The objectives of this study were to evaluate
the performance of okra accessions in different environments and identify a
high yielding and stable accession so as to select a parent for further
breeding work. Seventeen accessions of okra were evaluated at Akure during
the rainy season of 2018, at Akure and Oye during the rainy season of 2019;
and at Akure during the rainy season of 2020, making a total of four
environments. The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction and
GGE-biplots were employed for the evaluation of the G?E interaction and
stability studies in the four environments. The AMMI analysis identified
NGB00378a as the most stable accession and high yielder. Also, GGE biplot
identified NGB00378a as highly stable and the high yielder while NGB00355
was the highest yielder, but fairly stable. However, NGB00378a combines good
performance with stability. Therefore, NGB00378a is an ideal accession that
should be recommended for further breeding work.
The seed vigour of spelt produced at the Maize Research Institute “Zemun Polje”
Authors: Lazarevic Tijana , Petrovic Tanja , Todorovic Goran , Secanski Mile , Golijan-Pantovic Jelena , Lekic Slavoljub
Published: January 2023

Spelt (Triticum spelta L.) has been increasingly attracting producers due to
the biological properties and chemical composition of its seeds. As
high-quality seeds are necessary for successful production, the vigour of
organically and conventionally produced spelt seeds has been studied and
results are presented in this paper. The seeds of the variety Nirvana
produced by both methods at the Maize Research Institute ?Zemun Polje? in
2015 were observed. According to the results, the germination energy of
conventionally and organically produced seeds amounted to 30% and 69%,
respectively. The total germination of conventionally and organically
produced spelt seeds amounted to 99% and 93%, respectively. The percentage
of abnormal seedlings of spelt produced by both methods amounted to 1% on
average. The participation of diseased and dead seeds was higher in
organically produced seeds (6%) than in conventionally produced seeds (0%).
After the seed accelerated ageing test, a higher germination was observed in
conventionally produced seeds (75%) than in organically produced seeds
(68%). The electric conductivity of conventionally produced seeds amounted
to 189.4 ?S/cm and 195.2 ?S/cm in the first and the second replication,
respectively, while the values of organically produced seeds amounted to
95.5 ?S/cm and 98.6 ?S/cm, in the first and the second replication,
respectively. The results obtained by the electrical conductivity test
indicated that the conventionally produced spelt seeds (32.33 ?S/cm g) were
classified into the category of low vigour seeds in comparison to
organically produced spelt seeds (27.65 ?S/cm g).
The optimisation of the colour analysis of microwave-dried tomatoes applying the Taguchi technique
Authors: Hussein Jelili , Oke Moruf , Adeyanju James , Abiona Oluseye
Published: January 2023

Food processors and consumers frequently worry about the inconsistent colour
of dried tomatoes. To minimize detrimental color changes, process parameters
need to be optimized. Thus, digital imaging with the Photoshop software and
optimization with the Taguchi technique were explored to determine the
surface color of microwave-dried tomato slices. The tomato sample was
pretreated with water blanching (WB), ascorbic acid (AA) and sodium
metabisulphite (SB). In addition, the sample was cut into 4-mm, 6-mm and
8-mm thicknesses and dried at 90W, 180W and 360W microwave power levels
following the Taguchi experimental design. Color characteristics (L*, a*,
b*, change in color, browning index, hue, and chroma) of the dried tomato
slices were determined. The L*, a*, and b* values of fresh tomatoes were
56.73, 44.51, and 38.38, respectively. The optimum processing conditions for
the color characteristics varied significantly (p< 0.05). Pretreatment is
the prime significant processing parameter controlling the L*, b*, ?E, BI,
and hue values. At the same time, the slice thickness considerably
influenced the a* value, the ratio of a*/b* and chroma values. The digital
imaging color measurements of dried tomato slices provide a suitable method
for non-destructive color analysis. The ability to upgrade and modify tomato
processors so they can accommodate bulk color characteristics will be made
possible by this knowledge.
COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges for urban informal sector: An insight from street vendors of the district Srinagar, Kashmir
Authors: Najar Shabir , Bashir Aadil , Manzoor Shazia , Khan Bilal , Sheikh Bisma
Published: January 2023

This paper aims at presenting the findings of the study on the position of
street vendors in the District Srinagar, Kashmir, in India, including both
men and women, during the COVID-19 lockdown. The purpose of the study was to
explore various challenges street vendors faced during the COVID-19 lockdown
and to highlight the vulnerability of this particular group of informal
workers. The data was collected through face-to-face interviews with the use
of a questionnaire, on a sample of 150 street vendors from the District
Srinagar. In addition, a certain number of in-depth interviews with selected
respondents from the sample was done. The study findings show that the
majority of the respondents have lost their job during the peak period of
COVID-19, i.e. from March to July 2020. The findings have also revealed that
the lockdown directly impacted the socio-economic conditions of the workers
which made it very difficult for them to survive during the peak of
COVID-19. Additionally, workers were struggling very hard in order to
fulfill the basic daily needs of their families. Therefore, it is suggested
that the government of India should provide financial support to street
vendors in order to compensate for the loss caused due to the COVID-19
lockdown.
Strength Calculation of the Coupling of the Floor Slab and the Monolithic Reinforced Concrete Frame Column by the Finite Element Method
Authors: Gaidzhurov P. P. , Volodin V. A.
Published: January 2023

This study aims at developing the concept of fragmentation of the frame to assess the load-bearing capacity of the floors.

   As a rule, a frame-rod design scheme is used under the finite elementmodeling of high-rise buildings made of monolithic reinforced concrete. Numerical experiments using volume-rod and volume-plate models of a repeating structural fragment were performed on a test example of a six-span three-storey monolithic reinforced concrete frame. Practical recommendations have been developed for the refined strength calcula-tion of the floors of monolithic reinforced concrete frames of multistorey buildings.   Materials and Methods. Computational experiments were performed using the ANSYS Mechanical software package, in which the finite element method was implemented in the form of a displacement method. A plate-rod ensemble of finite elements was used to simulate the stress-strain state of a monolithic reinforced concrete frame. The refined calculation of the coupling zone of the floor slab and column under static loading was performed using solid, beam, truss and plate elements.   Results. An engineering technique has been developed for numerical analysis of the stress-strain state of the coupling of the floor and the column of the reinforced concrete monolithic frame under static loading. The most accurate result was provided by a finite element model constructed using beam finite elements as reinforcing rods.   Discussion and Conclusions. The developed technique of numerical modeling of the coupling of the floor and the column made it possible to estimate the real strength margin of this node, taking into account the real geometry of reinforcing grids, as well as to clarify the bearing capacity of a monolithic reinforced concrete frame under various loading scenarios.
Acoustic Emission Method of Diagnostics of Structures Made of Composite Materials Based on Invariants
Authors: Popov A. V. , Voloshina V. Yu. , Zhuravsky K. A. , Labina M. A.
Published: January 2023

Introduction. Composite materials are the main way to reduce the weight of the aircraft structure and improve its flight performance. Methods of non-destructive testing enable to assess the technical condition of composite materials, as well as to determine stress concentrators in them to make a decision on the further operation of this control object. The paper presents an analysis of the use of composite materials in the aircraft design and ways to improve their flight performance through the application of composites. An acoustic-emission method for assessing crack resistance based on invariants was described.

   The study aimed at increasing the accuracy and efficiency of assessing the crack resistance of aircraft structures made of composite materials through the use of the acoustic emission method of non-destructive testing.   Materials and Methods. The nomenclature of composite materials used in aircraft was given, and their physical and mechanical properties were compared. The acoustic emission method of non-destructive testing of composite materials based on invariant ratios was used.   Results. A method for assessing the crack resistance of primary structural elements based on the invariants of acoustic emission processes, and a program apparatus complex based on it has been developed.   Discussion and Conclusions. The results obtained can be used to determine the strength characteristics of composite materials by the acoustic emission method of non-destructive testing to assess the technical condition of primary structural elements in mechanical engineering, shipbuilding, and aircraft construction. The paper is recommended to researchers involved in the development of aircraft.
Investigation of the Wear Resistance of a Journal Bearing with Polymer-Coated Grooved Support Ring
Authors: Vasilenko V. V. , Kirishchieva V. I. , Mukutadze M. A. , Shvedova V. E.
Published: January 2023

Introduction. In modern heavy-loaded friction units, metallopolymer coated bearings operating in the boundary friction mode are widely used. Their successful application is provided by the viscoelastic deformation of these coatings under load. To pass from boundary friction to liquid friction, it is required to create a bearing hydrodynamic wedge. Currently, the use of journal bearings with polymer-coated grooved support ring is hindered by the lack of a methodology for their calculation. This work analyzes a model of movement of a micropolar lubricant in the operating clearance of a journalbearing with a nonstandard support profile having a PTFE composite coating with a groove on the bearing surface.

   The study aims at establishing the dependence of the stable hydrodynamic regime on the width of the groove on the surface of the bearing profile.   Materials and Methods. Tribological tests of journal bearings with a nonstandard bearing profile having a polymer coating with a groove on the surface were carried out on samples in the form of partial bushes (blocks). Using the equation of movement of a lubricant with micropolar rheological properties, as well as the continuity equation, new mathematical models were obtained that took into account the width of the groove, polymer coating, and nonstandard bearing profile.   Results. A significant expansion of the applicability of design models of journal bearings with structural changes has been achieved. Polymer-coated bearings with a groove provided a hydrodynamic lubrication mode. The results obtained allowed us to evaluate the operational characteristics of the bearing: hydrodynamic pressure value, load capacity, and coefficient of friction.   Discussion and Conclusions. The design of polymer coated journal bearing and a groove 3 mm wide on the surface of the liner provided a stable ascent of the shaft on the hydrodynamic wedge, which was validated experimentally. The experiments were carried out for journal bearings with a diameter of 40 mm with a groove 1–8 mm wide, at a sliding speed of 0.3–3 m/s and a load of 4.8–24 MPa.
Rapid Control Prototyping of Five-Level MMC based Induction Motor Drive with different Switching Frequencies
Authors: GOPALA VENU MADHAV , T. Anil Kumar  , D. Krishna  , Ch. Srinivasa Rao  , Shashank Kumar  , Sudipto Poddar
Published: January 2023

In this paper, Rapid Control Prototyping (RCP) of five-level Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) based Induction Motor (IM) drive performance is observed with different switching frequencies. The Semikron based MMC Stacks with two half-bridge each are tested with the switching logic generated by phase and level shifted based Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM) technique. The switching logic is generated by the Typhoon Hardware in Loop (HIL) 402. The disadvantages of Multilevel Converter like not so good output quality, less modularity, not scalable and high voltage and current rating demand for the power semiconductor switches can be overcome by using MMC. In this work, the IM drive is fed by MMC and the experimentally the performance is observed. The performance of the Induction Motor in terms of speed is observed with different switching frequencies of 2.5kHz, 5kHz, 7.5kHz, 10kHz, 12.5kHz and the results are tabulated in terms of Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of input voltage and current to the Induction Motor Drive. The complete model is developed using Typhoon HIL 2021.2 Version Real-Time Simulation Software.
Classification of Ischemic Stroke with Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) approach on b-1000 Diffusion-Weighted (DW) MRI
Authors: Nugroho Andi Kurniawan , Dinar Mutiara Kusumo Nugraheni  , Terawan Agus Putranto  , I Ketut Eddy Purnama  , Mauridhi Hery Purnomo
Published: January 2023

When the blood flow to the arteries in brain is blocked, its known as Ischemic stroke or blockage stroke. Ischemic stroke can occur due to the formation of blood clots in other parts of the body. Plaque buildup in arteries, on the other hand, can cause blockages because if it ruptures, it can form blood clots. The b-1000 Diffusion Weighted (DW) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) image was used in a general examination to obtain an image of the part of the brain that had a stroke. In this study, classifications used several variations of layer convolution to obtain high accuracy and high computational consumption using b-1000 Diffusion Weighted (DW) MR in ischemic stroke types: acute, sub-acute and chronic. Ischemic stroke was classified using five variants of the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architectural design, i.e., CNN1–CNN5. The test results show that the CNN5 architectural design provides the best ischemic stroke classification compared to other architectural designs tested, with an accuracy of 99.861%, precision 99.862%, recall 99.861, and F1-score 99.861%.
Effects of various mRNA-LNP vaccine doses on neuroinflammation in BALB/c mice
Authors: Kirshina AS , Kazakova AA , Kolosova ES , Imasheva EA , Vasileva OO , Zaborova OV , Terenin IM , Muslimov AR , Reshetnikov VV
Published: January 2023

It has been proven that mRNA vaccines are highly effective against the COVID-19 outbreak, and low prevalence of side effects has been shown. However, there are still many gaps in our understanding of the biology and biosafety of nucleic acids as components of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) most often used as a system for inctracellular delivery of mRNA-based vaccines. It is known that LNPs cause severe injection site inflammation, have broad biodistribution profiles, and are found in multiple tissues of the body, including the brain, after administration. The role of new medications with such pharmacokinetics in inflammation developing in inaccessible organs is poorly understood. The study was aimed to assess the effects of various doses of mRNA-LNP expressing the reporter protein (0, 5, 10, and 20 μg of mRNA encoding the firefly luciferase) on the expression of neuroinflammation markers (Tnfα, Il1β, Gfap, Aif1) in the prefrontal cortex and hypothalamus of laboratory animals 4, 8, and 30 h after the intramuscular injection of LNP nanoemulsion. It was shown that mRNA-LNP vaccines in a dose of 10–20 μg of mRNA could enhance Aif1 expression in the hypothalamus 8 h after vaccination, however, no such differences were observed after 30 h. It was found that the Gfap, l11β, Tnfα expression levels in the hypothalamus observed at different times in the experimental groups were different. According to the results, mRNA-LNPs administered by the parenteral route can stimulate temporary activation of microglia in certain time intervals in the dose-dependent and site specific manner.