bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fuzzy Logic Analysis of Sensory Attributes of Snack Bars Prepared from Multi-nutrient Composite Flour and Natural Binding Agents
Authors: Dipika Agrahar- Murugkar  , Paridhi Gulati  , Chetan Gupta  , Aiman
Published: August 2023

Snack bars (SB) were developed using nutritionally rich composite mixes with honey (T1); honey, jaggery and corn syrup (T2); jaggery (T3); honey and jaggery (T4); and analysed for nutritional, functional textural and sensory properties (fuzzy logic) in comparison with a commercial bar (RB). The moisture content of T3 (4.0 %) was low, and at par with RB (3.7 %). The protein content was significantly (p< 0.05) higher than RB with T1 and T3 containing 10.7 g.100g-1 of protein. Fat content (g.100g-1) ranged from 9.7 (T1) to 11.3 (RB); while T4 (8.47) showed the highest fibre (g.100g-1), followed by T2 (8.34). T3 had highest P (244 mg.100g-1) and Fe (5.5 mg.100g-1). Functional components of SB were significantly higher than RB. T4 showed highest phenolics (162.5 GAE.100g-1), T3 showed flavonoids (1.02 QE mg.100g-1) and anti-oxidants (92 % RSA). T3 had highest hardness (1.39 N) and lowest (41.18 N) cutting strength. Fuzzy logic showed order of preference of Good (RB, T3) and Medium (T2, T1 and T4). Mouth-feel and flavour were rated as highly important, while aroma, crispiness and colour were rated as important. Flavour and mouth-feel of all snack bars were found to be acceptable, except for T2 that had least acceptable mouth feel when compared to other attributes. The acceptability of crispiness of jaggery bar indicated that consumers accepted bars with greater hardness rather than a soggy or soft product. From nutritional, functional textural, and sensory analysis, T3 was found to be the best among all bars tested.
Performance Analysis of 3 kWp Rooftop Grid-connected Solar Photovoltaic System in an Urban House of Southern India
Authors: V. Karuppasamy Vikraman  , D. Praveen Kumar  , R. Mahendiran
Published: August 2023

Energy performance of a 3 kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system installed on the roof of an urban house in Coimbatore, India was evaluated. Performance indices as electricity output, system yields, performance ratio, system efficiency, and capacity factor were assessed from January 2017 to December 2017. The rooftop PV system supplied 4047 kWh of electricity to the grid during the year 2017 with a monthly average electricity output of 337.25 kWh. Annual average final yield compared with different PV systems in India was found to be 3.7 h.day-1. The analysis showed that the average PV system efficiency was 10.94 per cent. The performance ratio and capacity factor of the PV system were 0.72 and 15.41 %, respectively. The results could be used as a benchmark for the evaluation of photovoltaic systems in regions with similar climate.
Artificial Neural Network Models for Estimation of Potential Evapotranspiration in a Semi-arid Region of Raichur, Karnataka
Authors: Jyothi  , G. V. Srinivasa Reddy  , B. Maheshwara Babu  , Prasad S. Kulkarni  , Ananda N
Published: August 2023

Accurate estimates of evapotranspiration by employing efficient and proven softcomputing techniques that involve least number of influencing variables are important to tackle present water crisis. In the present study, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models were developed to predict the potential evapotranspiration (PET) in Raichur, Karnataka, using six input parameters viz., maximum and minimum temperatures, maximum and minimum relative humidity, sunshine hours and wind speed. The models were trained with Bayesian Regularization (BR) and Gradient Descent training algorithms with Momentum and Adaptive Learning Rate Back Propagation (GDX). The results revealed correlation coefficient of 0.99 between actual and predicted PET for ANN-BR model with 0.1448 mm root mean square error for validation period, which indicated a better performance over the ANN-GDX model. Therefore, ANN-BR model was chosen for predicting PET in the study area.
Design and Performance Evaluation of Self-propelled Intra-Canopy Boom Spraying System
Authors: Bhabani Shankar Dash  , Arun Kumar  , Rajesh U. Modi  , Sharad Kumar Namdev
Published: August 2023

A self-propelled intra-canopy boom spraying system was designed for spraying chemicals in small height row crops. The performance of the spraying system was evaluated both under laboratory and field conditions to assess the efficacy and minimize the loss of spray liquid. Flat fan and hollow cone nozzles were tested to determine the boom volumetric distribution, swath and spray angle at different combinations of pressure and height. The flat fan nozzle gave better volumetric distribution at 2.5 kgf.cm-2, while the hollow cone nozzle gave at 2.0 kgf.cm-2 pressure corresponding to 300 mm nozzle height. The spraying system was tested on soybean crop at forwarding speeds of 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 km.h-1. With an increase in forwarding speed, the mean percentage of coverage decreased significantly (30.30 - 15.37 % for top and 20.01- 4.12 % for bottom part of the leaves), and the mean droplet density varied significantly (277.35 - 243.40 no.cm-2 for top and 262.87 - 78.44 no.cm-2 for the bottom part of the leaves) at 5 % level of significance. A good percentage of leaf area coverage (30.30 % and 20.01 % for top and bottom of the plant) was obtained at low forward speed (1.5 km.h-1) while compromising more spray volume and less field capacity as compared to higher forward travel speeds. The effect of forwarding travel speed, position of tags and nozzle types were significant (p<0.05) for mean droplet size, number median diameter, percentage coverage of leaf area and droplet density. The field capacity of the spraying system ranged between 0.22 and 0.36 ha.h-1 with an increase in forward travel speed from 1.50 km.h-1 to 2.50 km.h-1 at an average swath of 1.8 m.
Rheological and Surface Properties of Edible Coating Solution Prepared from Vasa Plant (Justicia Adhatoda L.) Leaf Extract
Authors: Hanumantharaju K. N.  , Thangavel K.  , Ganapathy S.
Published: August 2023

Incorporation of plant extract into edible coating solution (ECS) enhances the antimicrobial and antioxidant property of the coating solution. Vasa plant (Justicia adhatoda) was selected and tested for total antioxidant capacity using phosphomolybdate method. Ethanolic extract of Vasa plant was found to contain 94.47 mg.ml-1 in equivalence of ascorbic acid for 24 hours of maceration. ECS suspension using ethanolic extract of vasa plant (3 %, 6 %, 9 %) was prepared with starch (4 %), sucrose (1 %, 1.25 %, 5 %) and glycerol (10 %, 15 %, 20 %) as base material at different proportions; and the rheological and physico-chemical properties of the ECS were determined. Prepared ECS followed Herschel-Bulkley flow curve having yield stress of 2.37-4.74 Pa and n-value in the range of 0.26-0.95. Further, the pH (6.2-6.9) and surface tension (58.10- 81.90 m. N.m-1) of the ECS significantly (p<0.05) decreased by the increase in Justicia adhatoda extract. Electrical conductivity and total soluble solid of the formulated ECS ranged from 0.17-0.36 dS.m-1 and 1.7-3.9 °Brix. respectively, and both of them significantly (p<0.05) increased with increase in sucrose and Justicia adhatoda extract. Optimized ECS contained 1.04 % sucrose, 18.44 % glycerol and 9.00 % Justicia adhatoda extract.
Investigation of High Pressure Induced Inactivation of Peroxidase Enzyme in Sugarcane Juice: A Kinetic Study
Authors: P. Sreedevi  , Lakshmi E. Jayachandran  , P. Srinivasa Rao
Published: August 2023

Enzymatic spoilage is a major issue during the processing of sugarcane juice. High pressure processing of sugarcane juice was conducted within the domain of 300 – 600 MPa, in combination with temperatures (30-60°C) for dwell times ranging from 10-25 min. Thermal processing of sugarcane juice was performed in the temperature domain of 30- 60°C. The POD exhibited significant thermal resistance (47 % inactivation) at 60 °C/25 min. However, pressurization (600 MPa) at 60°C for 25 min resulted in a 92 % reduction in POD activity. High pressure induced inactivation of POD in sugarcane juice fitted well with the first-order kinetics. The study suggested that inactivation of POD, which is one of the most thermal resistant enzymes in sugarcane juice, ensured the inactivation of all other oxidative enzymes in sugarcane juice.
Application of Dual Crop Coefficient Approach for Estimation of Crop Water Requirement for Summer Sesame using SIMDualKc Model
Authors: P.V. Dabhi  , A. P. Lakkad  , G. R. Patel  , P. K. Shrivastava
Published: August 2023

Dual crop coefficient approach was used to estimate the crop water requirement of summer sesame in South Gujarat Agro-climatic Zone of Gujarat state. Field experiment was conducted with drip and border irrigation systems during summer season of 2018 and 2019. Basal crop coefficient and soil evaporation coefficient were separately estimated using FAO-56 method and SIMDualKc model. The SIMDualKc model, validated using observed available soil water content (ASW), performed well for both systems (R2 = 0.76-0.85, NSE= 0.75-0.94, RMSE= 0.25- 0.50). FAO-56 estimated Kc values for initial-, mid-, development- and late-stages of drip irrigated summer sesame (0.69, 0.90, 1.04, 0.65) were lower than those for border irrigated crop (0.72, 0.98, 1.05, 0.74). Under drip irrigation system, the SIMDualKc model estimated comparatively lower values of Kc only for initial and late stages of crop growth (0.39, 0.44). Crop coefficients derived using SIMDualKc model estimated lower water requirements during initial and end stage, while FAO method estimated lower water requirement during development and mid-stage. Scheduling of drip irrigation using FAO-56 and SIMDuelKc estimated crop coefficients led to average water saving of 7.6 % and 18.0 % over border system. The SIMDualKc model-based Kc values are recommended for estimating daily actual crop coefficients and crop water requirements of summer sesame crop cultivated in the South Gujarat region.
Causa inusual de meningitis en pacientes infectados por HIV-1
Authors: Guaragna Graciela , Casiro Arnaldo , Shijman Mariela , Rollet Raquel , Benetucci Jorge
Published: August 2023

La infección por HIV suele ser un campo propicio para la aparición de complicaciones de causas inusuales, entre ellas, las infecciones por gérmenes extremadamente infrecuentes. Las distintas subespecies de Streptococcus bovis suelen presentarse como bacteriemias o endocarditis asociadas, con mucha frecuencia, a tumores benignos o malignos de las regiones colorrectal, gástrica, pancreática o hepatobiliar.

Se presenta un caso raro de meningitis por Streptoccocus gallolyticus en un paciente adulto infectado por HIV, sin evidencia alguna de las asociaciones o localizaciones mencionadas y con características clínicas y licuorales que pueden inducir a pensar en diagnósticos distintos y, por ende, a tratamientos no apropiados.

Un sistema inmunológico deteriorado suele ser el escenario determinante para la emergencia de estas raras complicaciones.
Enterobacterales resistentes a carbapenemes: estudio epidemiológico de aislamientos en un hospital público de Santa Fe
Authors: Castro Maximiliano Gabriel , Gómez Colussi2 Andrea Florencia , Muñoz Cena Gisela Romina , Ubriego Lucía Inés , Vicino Macarena , Dotti Virginia , Argarañá María Fernanda
Published: August 2023

Introducción: La incidencia de Enterobacterales resistentes a carbapenemes (ERC) se elevó en la última década, y en especial durante la pandemia de COVID-19. 

Objetivo: Conocer el perfil de resistencia antimicrobiana, así como la frecuencia y tipo de carbapenemasas presentes en los aislamientos de ERC en un hospital regional.

Materiales y métodos: Estudio epidemiológico, observacional y retrospectivo. Incluyó ERC aislados en muestras clínicas durante el año 2021 en un hospital regional de Santa Fe. El cálculo de la incidencia (aislamientos / pacientes-día) e intervalo de confianza 95% (IC 95%), y las pruebas estadísticas se realizaron con OpenEpi.

Resultados: 348 ERC aislados (11,9 aislamientos/1000 pacientes-día; IC95% 10,7-13,2). La incidencia se correlacionó con los casos de de COVID-19 (rho=0,874, p<0,001) y fue a expensas de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (76,4%). El principal ERC aislado fue Klebsiella pneumoniae (71,4%, n=260). KPC fue el principal mecanismo de resistencia (61,2%). Se aislaron dos doble productores de carbapenemasas. La tasa global de resistencia a los antibióticos no betalactámicos evaluados fue superior en Klebsiella pneumoniae que en el resto de los aislamientos resistentes a carbapenemes (60,6% vs 38,5%, p<0,001). En KPC hubo mayor resistencia a colistin (44,6% vs 23,9%, p=0,001) y menor a amikacina (23,9%  vs 72,6%, p<0,001).

Conclusión: Frente a las escasas opciones terapéuticas en infecciones por ERC se destaca la importancia de conocer los mecanismos de resistencia implicados y la epidemiología local.
Impacto de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 en el testeo voluntario de VIH en un hospital público de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires
Authors: Rocculi María Teresa Gabriela
Published: August 2023

La aparición del SARS COV-2 a fines del 2019 provocó dificultades en los sistemas sanitarios para cumplir con las metas propuestas por la OMS destinadas a erradicar el VIH, principalmente en países en vías de desarrollo. Con el fin de evaluar el impacto en nuestro medio, un hospital público de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires relevó los voluntarios testeados y sus resultados serológicos en el periodo enero 2017-junio 2022 (inclusive) a partir de los registros del laboratorio de planta. El número de test realizados en el periodo prepandemia fue del doble respecto al pandémico. Hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en los promedios de test mensuales, con una reducción de hasta 60% en la primer ola, no alcanzándose a recuperar los niveles de testeos históricos en el primer semestre del 2022. Respecto a la prevalencia de serologías reactivas, se mantuvieron en valor próximo a las del 2019 (2.4%).  Teniendo en cuenta que la ausencia de diagnóstico de VIH implica progresión de la enfermedad a SIDA, vulnerabilidad a enfermedades oportunistas, exposición de otras personas a la infección, riesgo de vida y perpetuación del virus en la población, es necesario retomar en forma proactiva la lucha contra el VIH.
Pengembangan Aplikasi Buku Tamu Berbasis Web pada SD XYZ
Authors: Basatha Rizky , Soedargo David Saputra Octadianto , Rahmawati Titasari , Oktian Yustus Eko
Published: August 2023

Buku tamu penting agar pihak sekolah bisa mengetahui jumlah banyaknya tamu, mengetahui data tamu seperti nama, institusi, dan jam kedatangan serta mengetahui tujuan dari kedatangan tamu di sekolah. SD XYZ masih menggunakan sistem buku tamu manual, dimana buku tamu dilakukan pengisian saat tamu datang ke sekolah ke dalam buku. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan aplikasi buku tamu berbasis web pada SD XYZ. Berdasarkan hasil wawancara dengan pihak sekolah, penggunaan sistem informasi untuk pengelolaan data tamu sangat dibutuhkan oleh SD XYZ. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode pengembangan perangkat lunak waterfall dan menggunakan bahasa pemrograman PHP (Hypertext Pre-Processor).  Berdasarkan hasil uji coba black box testing dapat disimpulkan bahwa fitur-fitur pada sistem informasi yang dibuat dapat berjalan dengan baik sehingga sistem informasi buku tamu dapat digunakan pihak sekolah untuk melakukan pengelolaan data tamu yang datang ke sekolah dan memudahkan pencarian data tamu tamu. Sistem juga dapat menghasilkan laporan berupa data list tamu sehingga kepala sekolah dapat mengetahui list tamu yang mengunjungi sekolah dan juga dapat melihat informasi keperluan kunjungan tamu.
Analisis Kesuksesan Implementasi E-Learning di Universitas Wijaya Putra menggunakan Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)
Authors: Sari Mamik Usniyah , Murdani Muhammad Harist
Published: August 2023

Pemanfaatan e-learning untuk mendukung pembelajaran di universitas adalah sangat dibutuhkan, terutama dalam era dimana teknologi dan komunikasi berjalan dengan cepat. Untuk memaksimalkan penerapan e-learning diperlukan pengukuran kesuksesan implementasi dan penerimaan e-learning oleh pengguna. Salah satu metode yang digunakan dalam pengukuran e-learning adalah technology acceptance model (TAM) dengan menjabarkan faktor – faktor eksternal seperti system quality, content quality, information quality, computer self-efficiency, subjective norm , enjoyment,  accessibility, dan computer playfulness. Sedangkan untuk variable konstruk TAM tetap digunakan seperti Perceived Ease of Use, Perceived Usefulness, Attitude Toward Using dan Behaviora Intention to Use, dan actual system use. Penelitian ini dapat menyediakan wawasan yang berharga tentang faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi penerimaan dan penggunaan e-learning oleh mahasiswa. Hasil dari penelitian ini  ada 9 variabel yang signifikan yaitu Computer_Self_Eficiency, Subjective norm, Perceive Usefullness, Perceive Ease of Use, Perceive_Usefullness, , Attitude toward using, Behavioral Intention  to Use, Actual System Use. faktor eksternal yang mempengaruhi kegunaan dan kemudahan dalam penggunaan e-learning adalah self-efficiency dan subjective norm berpengaruh signifikan. Faktor lain yang tidak berpengaruh signifikan adalah content quality. Hal ini dikarenakan content dari e-learning berasal dari beberapa dosen yang memiliki kemampuan pembuatan konten yang berbeda, sehingga kualitas yang dihasilkan pun beda, Selain itu, pada masa pandemi penggunaan e-learning di universitas adalah wajib atau sedikit keterpaksaan karena tidak mungkin dilakukan pembelajaran secara luring
Multiple Neuroendocrine Neoplasia Type 2B: rare clinical presentation associated with mutagenic activity
Authors: Lando Emanuela , Pastorello Julia , Rosso Wagner , Silva Nicolas Almeida Leal da
Published: August 2023

Multiple Neuroendocrine Neoplasia (MEN) gained notoriety after its initial descriptions, but cases of MEN are extremely rare, especially MEN type 2B, characterized by a clinical presentation involving Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC), pheochromocytoma, and mutagenic alterations with a focus on the RET proto-oncogene. Surgical intervention stands out as the primary curative treatment, but in cases of metastatic conditions, antityrosine kinase agents (TKI) and radiotherapy may be considered. Due to the scarcity of reported cases associated with MEN Type 2B, we present a detailed case study highlighting the associated mutagenic activity.
Directors’ compensation and firm performance in pharmaceuticals, chemicals and paper industry of Bangladesh
Authors: Hoque Sadia Sultana , Islam M. Sadiqul
Published: August 2023

Theories working in the developed world sometimes fail to prove their accuracy in the developing world. So, researchers study these theories based on various countries, on different timelines as the real world is not so straight forward as theories & assumptions. In Bangladesh, very little work has been done regarding the effect of directors’ compensation on firm performance. So, this study has been undertaken to examine the relationship between these two. To test the theory a model comprising the age of the firm, log value of its assets, total asset turnover, firm size, and firm performance was developed. Using a sample of 38 listed firms of DSE from the Pharmaceutical & Chemical and Paper & Printing Industry as per the DSE website fixed-effect model & random effect model was run on the data from 2015 to 2021. And as the Hausman test suggested, the fixed-effect model is chosen to be more fit for BEP (Basic Earning Power). The focus of the study was the impact of directors’ compensation on firm performance. According to the analysis, it showed a negative correlation between directors’ compensation and firm performance. Firm size and asset turnover ratio have moderately positive correlation to the firm’s performance. On the other hand, board independence holds an opposite relation. It was also found that the firm’s age and board size have little to no correlation to the firm’s performance.
State of art for hybrid mixed finite element formulation in non-linear analysis of structures
Authors: Arruda M. R. T. , Castro Luís
Published: August 2023

Since the late 80’s the Structural Analysis Research Group of the Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) has been involved in the development of non-conventional finite element formulations in order to overcome some of the limitations associated with the use of the CFE method and to develop high performance numerical tools for the analysis of structural engineering problems. Several alternative models for the linear and non-linear structural analysis have been developed using hybrid and mixed models techniques. These works are summarized in this paper, in which their past and future applications of this formulation in non-linear analysis of structures are fully detailed.
A study of the shear strength properties of expansive soil treated with fly ash admixture
Authors: Naik Jajati Keshari , Bagal Dilip Kumar , Muduli Pradyut Kumar
Published: August 2023

The behavior of clay minerals in expansive soils causes them to exhibit shrink-swell characteristics, making them unsuitable for engineering purposes in their natural state. To address this problem, researchers conducted direct shear experiments using fly ash as an admixture and black cotton soil as an expanding soil to explore the strength parameter. The experiments were conducted with varying amounts of fly ash ranging from 2% to 20%. Two arrangements of test series were made, and in the principal series, tests were made utilizing five unique densities and comparing dampness contents. The outcomes showed that the point of inside grating and union expanded directly up to the ideal dampness content and most significant dry thickness before diminishing. The subsequent series showed that the end of inward rubbing grew straightly with the expansion of fly debris admixture, yet attachment reduced after 10% admixture. The decrease in shear strength was because of the diminished passion, as the fly debris' cohesionless attributes took over as the admixture rate increased above 10%. Based on these findings, adding fly ash in small quantities to black cotton soil is recommended to avoid weakening it.
Surface morphological characterization of rf-magnetron sputtering developed inconel coated titanium
Authors: Babaremu Kunle , Jen Tien-Chen , Oladijo Oluseyi , Akinlabi Esther
Published: August 2023

The interconnected usefulness of titanium grade 5 is amplified by the improved mechanical ability and sustainable applications in various industries like the aerospace, medical industry and many more. Despite the profound properties of Ti6Al4V, it is worthy of intellectual study to investigate the possible performance improvement of the material for better operational application. This study adopted the use of RF magnetron sputtering to deposit the target on the substrate material under varying temperatures and deposition power. A total of four samples and control were analyzed for a surface morphological examination and post-sputtering chemical compositional analysis via SEM (scanning electron microscope) and EDX (energy dispersive x-ray analysis). Further investigation on the samples' crystallites was done using XRD (X-ray diffractometer). The SEM images showed low agglomeration and most of the samples were void of pores, cleft and crevices, which implied homogeneous distribution of the target (Inconel thin film) on the titanium substrate. The EDX of the Inconel coated titanium samples revealed elements such as Ti, Si and C, which are beneficial to the properties of the materials. The XRD profiles of the Inconel coated titanium samples disclosed intensities of high peaks, which indicated stability, chemical and microstructural homogeneity of the thin film.
Investigating the fracture toughness of the self compacting concrete using ENDB samples by changing the aggregate size and percent of steel fiber
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Roohollah , Ghasemi Mohammad , Dehghani Mohammad
Published: August 2023

In reality, concrete structures are normally under various loadings, and results of different studies have shown that cracks in these structures and their materials, due to their nature as well as the loading type, do not develop along the crack plane (pure mode I); rather, they expand under mixed modes, making the crack growth studies under these modes a very important issue. In the crack growth phenomenon, the fracture toughness is a very effective parameter usually calculated by ENDB samples because they are easy to handle. In this study, several samples were made by changing the maximum aggregates size (dmax = 9.5, 12.5 & 19 mm) and the amount of hooked-end steel fibers (SF = 0.1, 0.3 & 0.5%), and tested under different loading modes (pure/mixed modes I and III) using the strain control jack device. According to the results, the lowest fracture toughness belonged to pure mode III, aggregates with dmax = 12.5 mm performed better in the self-compacting concrete reinforced with steel fiber, Also, the results show that the increasing trend of steel fibers does not have a positive effect on the fracture toughness performance.
DA PRESENÇA FEMININA NOS PLEITOS ELEITORAIS À ELEIÇÃO DO COLETIVO FEMINISTA LÉLIAS – DE CATAGUASES – MG: DADOS HISTÓRICOS E ESTATÍSTICOS
Authors: Iennaco Juliana
Published: August 2023

This article seeks to analyze issues related to power relations and understand the forms of political organization and the representativeness of feminist groups, given their hierarchically subordinate situation in social and political spaces, based on the numbers raised in the IBGE and TSE databases. The analysis will investigate the participation of genders in the national, state and city of Cataguases-MG, for the position of councilor. This study is justified by the importance of understanding female participation in elections, in an attempt to know the scenario in which the rise of the Feminist Collective Lélias to the City Council of Cataguases-MG takes place. The objective is to carry out a data collection that allows a better understanding of the social, political and historical participation of women through electoral representation.
Research progress and prospect of Curcuma kwangsiensis on anti-liver fibrosis and promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis based on W-P corpuscles
Authors:   Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China, Jiang Lin
Published: August 2023

Hepatic fibrosis is a necessary stage for the development of chronic liver disease to cirrhosis. Up to now, no satisfactory drugs have been found to interfere with liver fibrosis
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus in multitransfused beta-thalassemic patients in Pakistan
Authors:   Department of Research and Development, Islamabad Diagnostic Center (IDC), F8 Markaz Islamabad (44000), Pakistan, Saeed Umar
Published: August 2023

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major health problem worldwide with 2 billion people living with this virus around the globe
High-grade thoracic sarcoma with HMBOX1-ALK fusion: Case report
Authors:   Hospital Alemao Oswaldo Cruz, Sao Paulo, Brazil., David Filho Waldec Jorge
Published: August 2023

Under the nomination of soft tissue sarcomas there are a large variety of mesenchymal neoplasms. This group of rare entities is responsible for just 1 to 2%
Unified Payment Interface: A Unique Payment Interface in the Universe- Secondary Data Analysis
Authors: Dhivya M, Balamourougane R, Nithin J, R Velu Raj
Published: August 2023

The country's payment system has undergone numerous significant changes, thanks to the Unified Payment Interface (UPI), which has eventually spurred economic growth. Life has become easier with UPI's existence. It significantly accelerates India's transition to a cashless economy as it helps to protect the environment by going greener, to improve the quality of life by embracing technology, and to create more jobs that initiate open many FinTech and Startups that lead to economic sustainability. India serves as the poster child for instant payments and an epitome of how a concerted, widespread, national endeavour may unleash enormous economic and social potential. It is an innovative online financial product in India that has reached heights of popularity within a short span (Deshpande, 2021). Our honourable Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi shared our country’s experience with UPI at the G20 summit by describing it as a “path-breaking digital payment platform”, which could become a template for digital payments to other nations. In this background, this study attempts to perceive the progress of this platform which enlightens us about its significance and to know about its present status. The study has employed the descriptive method by using secondary data from various scientific articles, relevant reports, records, books, published data, and journals to analyze the pathway of UPI’s progress by glorifying its uniqueness, the rationale of its evolution, and the challenges confronted to positively disrupt the sustainability of this product.
DETERMINING FACTORS AFFECTING OF THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL OF OLDER ADULTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: UYSAL Halil Hakan , HÜZMELİ İrem , YILMAZ Yurdagül , DEMİR Mustafa Batuhan , DOĞRU HÜZMELİ Esra , CAVLAK Uğur
Published: August 2023

Objective: Social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the physical and psychological conditions of the elderly. This study was planned to determine the factors affecting the physical activities of elderly individuals living in Turkey.

Method: In this study, frailty level (Fragility Scale), depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale [GDS]), physical activity level (PASE Questionnaire), kinesiophobia (TAMPA Scale), and anxiety (Beck Anxiety Scale) of elderly individuals were evaluated by a structured Google survey. Regression analysis was used to determine the factors affecting the level of physical activity.

Results: While 52% of the participants (28% male; 72% female; mean age: 69.34±15.03 years) stated that they were less physically active, 93% stated that their social participation decreased during the pandemic process. The mean physical activity score was 89.12±55.33 (the highest score was calculated for indoor activities: 32.00±21.34; the lowest score was calculated for work-related activities: 2.10±6.33). Kinesiophobia score was 41.44±7.39. Approximately half of the participants were in the category of “guarantees a comprehensive assessment for depression”, while 18% were in the category of “suggesting depression” and 30% were in the category of “no depression” (GDS mean score: 14.41±6.01). In addition, it was determined that 29% of the elderly had severe anxiety, 25% had moderate anxiety, and 24% had mild anxiety. The mean frailty score was 2.09±1.69 (normal 19%; pre-fragile 53%; frail 28%). According to univariate linear regression analysis and multiple regression analysis, the most factors affecting the level of physical activity were age, BMI score, fear of movement and fragility.

Conclusion: The results obtained from this study showed that the physical activity level of the elderly decreased in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, increasing age, BMI score, kinesiophobia and fragility caused a decrease in the physical activity level of the elderly. These findings suggest that health policy makers and health care providers should organize appropriate care plans for the elderly after the pandemic period.
Unravelling Cultural Hurdles: Christian Marriage Document Translation Challenges Faced by English Major Students at Tafila Technical University
Authors: S. Al Soud Hamzah , Al Soud Yasser
Published: August 2023

This paper explores the complexities involved in translating Christian marriage documents, specifically in relation to cultural and religious contexts. Despite its importance, this area of translation studies has been largely overlooked by researchers. The author recognised this gap and sought to bridge it by examining the connection between theory and practice in this field. Translating religious texts goes beyond literal translation, requiring a deep understanding of different faiths and the ability to capture their essence. Unfortunately, the intricate nature of religious texts is often disregarded in translation studies, which ultimately leads to difficulties for translators as they navigate the cultural nuances and religious connotations embedded in legal and religious language. This study focuses on the cultural challenges faced by English-major students at Tafila Technical University when translating Christian marriage documents. The findings underscore the importance of cultural knowledge and provide valuable insights. By addressing these challenges and proposing effective strategies, this research aims to enhance the quality of English-Arabic-English religious translation, particularly in the context of Christian marriage documents.
Haunted Houses, Haunted Minds: Psychical Research, Psychoanalysis, and the Philip Experiment
Authors: Andjelkovic Filip
Published: August 2023

In the 1970s, the Toronto Society for Psychical Research conducted a series of experiments in which they attempted to prove that the psychokinetic phenomena that were normally described in the context of spirit communication were indicative of a dormant, psychological power within the individual. The group created a fictional character—Philip, the imaginary ghost—and spent several years of regular séances successfully producing table raps and levitations as they attempted to communicate with him. Importantly, the group often compared their experiences with each other and with Philip as a form of “group therapy.” This article examines the collaborative, playful nature of the Philip Experiment in relation to psychoanalytic theories of play, transitional and intersubjective experiences, and the mediated communication of unconscious fantasies in the context of clinical analysis.
Has the 2021 general SDR allocation been useful? For what and for whom?
Authors: Garrido Isabel , Solera Irune
Published: August 2023

In the face of the COVID-19 crisis, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), other multilateral institutions and countries took unprecedented measures. Inter alia, the IMF agreed on an historical SDR allocation that more than tripled the volume of SDRs to cover long-term global reserve needs and ultimately support vulnerable countries. Member countries can keep SDRs to boost their reserves or use them in other ways, including to cancel their debts with the IMF, lend to the IMF or exchange SDRs for currencies. This document evaluates how members have used the 2021 SDR allocation. The findings show that most of the allocation has been used to increase reserves, although 40% of emerging economies and more than 60% of low-income countries have used SDRs to service their debts with the IMF or to exchange for currency, mainly for budgetary purposes in relation to social and health policies. Furthermore, in line with the G20’s objective to channel USD 100 bn of SDRs to countries in need, members with sound economic positions have voluntarily lent some of their SDRs to IMF trusts that finance vulnerable countries in affordable terms.
MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF RUSSIA’S IMPERIALISTIC AND OCCUPATION POLICY IN UKRAINE
Authors: Chitadze Nika
Published: August 2023

In this research paper, the author analyzes the actions taken on behalf of the Russian government in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. In particular, attention is paid to measures such as the pseudo-referendums held at the end of September 2022 in the east and south-east of Ukraine, the Kremlin’s propaganda, the policy of the occupiers related to the establishment of pro-Russian administrations, control of the local population, deportation of Ukrainians, the distribution of Russian passports, the introduction of a Russian education system and other measures of Russification as well as mass violations of the fundamental principles of human rights.

In October 2022, the Russian State Duma unanimously supported the incorporation of the so-called “Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics” and Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions into the Russian Federation.

After the pseudo-referendums held in the four temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, on September 30, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed “agreements” with the representatives of the occupation regime on the acceptance of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions into Russia.

The documents were published on October 3, but it remained unclear where, in the occupants’ opinion, the borders of Russia now lay in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

These actions contradict the basic principles of international law on the territorial integrity of a state and the inviolability of borders. The results of the “referendums” were not recognized by any country in the world, including the closest allies of the Kremlin such as Belarus, or even those countries that had recognized Abkhazia and the so-called “independence” of South Ossetia (Venezuela, Nicaragua, Syria, Nauru). Accordingly, the holding of pseudo-referendums is another weak attempt by Russia to impoverish Ukraine’s statehood, especially since Russia lost control of a significant portion of its “newly-joined territories” as a result of bold actions on the part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
ASIAN NEUTRALISM AND THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR: HOW TO CHANGE THE BALANCE IN UKRAINE’S FAVOR
Authors: Lossovskyi Ihor
Published: August 2023

The author analyses the evolution of the modern concept of neutralism in international law, as historically practiced by the countries of the Asian region starting from the middle of the 20th century. The Asian region is viewed as the birthplace of foreign policy ideas about neutrality and non-alignment. The bloc confrontation during the Cold War functioned both the source of and the environment for the formation and consolidation of neutrality and non-alignment. These concepts are associated with Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of independent India, who proposed the “geopolitical code” of India, which has its roots in the ancient traditions of the Indo-Buddhist civilization. This notion greatly outlived its creator; however, as after his death, the locus of further promoting neutralism shifted to the countries of Southeast Asia. The main ideological core of the consolidation of this subregion was the idea of ​​Asian neutralism and anti-communism. At the same time, neutralism was channeled against active military and political interference in the affairs of the subregion by external states, primarily the USA, the USSR, and China, as well as attempts by them to involve the SEA countries in their conflicts. Evolving from the key concept of the bloc confrontation of the Cold War to neutrality as an important factor in the confrontation between the USA and the PRC in the East Asian region after the end of the Cold War, on today's stage neutralism manifests itself as an important factor in the military confrontation of Ukraine against the Russian aggressor, and in a more global context, the confrontation between global liberal democracy and authoritarianism or totalitarianism.

The political positions of traditionally neutral (in the sense of the mentioned evolving concept) Asian countries, as well as those that openly declare and consistently maintain a neutral status regarding the Russian-Ukrainian war, are analyzed in detail. A conclusion is made regarding the possibilities of changing the balance of power and “pulling” certain neutral countries to the side of the pro-Ukrainian coalition of states.
Determining the Number of Ants in Ant Colony Optimization
Authors: Arranz Cristina
Published: August 2023

The goal of this contribution article is to investigate the effect of the numbers of ants on the Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) metaheuristic's obtained solution while addressing the Traveling Salesman Problem. Within a restricted number of iterations, the purpose was to see how the duration of the calculated tours varied for various numbers of ants. Three well-known ACO algorithms: Elitist Ant System (EAS), Ranked Ant System (RAS), and Min-Max Ant System (MMAS), were developed and tested in this paper. The findings revealed comparable patterns across several test instances. EAS and RAS, both of which use specialized ants, demonstrated that the number of specialists had a significant impact on the duration of solutions. Normal ants, on the other hand, had no effect on the solutions. The response differed somewhat between EAS and MMAS, with a smaller number of ants being more preferred. When working with five specialists and ants, which are the same to the smart cities, however, RAS outperformed by a considerable margin.
Pelatihan Pembuatan Akun Canva sebagai Aplikasi Penyusunan Lembar Kerja Matematika Siswa pada Guru Tk Al-Azizi di Kecamatan Soreang
Authors: Nurul Fuady Adhalia H  , Wahyuni Ekasasmita  , Ahmad Fajri S  , Ibnu Mansyur Hamdani
Published: August 2023

Setiap guru dituntut untuk mampu menumbuhkan kemauan siswa untuk belajar. Media pembelajaran dan lembar kerja siswa merupakan perangkat penting dalam pembelajaran yang digunakan untuk menstimulasi siswa agar dapat merealisasi pengetahuannya serta memudahkan guru untuk mengetahui penguasaan siswa terhadap suatu pokok bahasan tertentu dalam materi yang diajarkan. Oleh karena itu, setiap guru sedapat mungkin mampu merancang media pembelajaran dan lembar kerja yang memenuhi kedua tujuan yang disebutkan sebelumnya. Canva merupakan salah satu perangkat lunak (software) yang memiliki beragam template yang mudah digunakan dan diaplikasikan dalam pembuatan media pembelajaran dan lembar kerja siswa. Pada kegiatan pengabdian ini, pelaksana kegiatan mendampingi para guru TK Al-Azizi dalam pembuatan akun software Canva sebagai langkah awal merancang media pembelajaran dan lembar kerja matematika yang menarik dan aplikatif yang dapat dimanfaatkan dalam proses pembelajaran siswa TK.
Enlightenment as the normative principle of social rationality
Authors: Klein Joel T.
Published: August 2023

This paper argues that Kant’s philosophy entails a normative concept of social rationality distinct from other normative concepts such as moral and juridical rationality. I also argue that the normative demands of social rationality are embodied in the regulative idea of enlightenment which implies a profound intersubjective and moral character that unfolds in multiple layers and perspectives.
Investigation of some regular x-ray imaging parameters in suggestive radiography of four hospitals in Bangladesh
Authors: Sultana Rubai Sadeka , Purohit Santunu , Siddiqua Tanjim , Rahman Md. Shakilur , Meaze AKM Moinul Haque
Published: August 2023

Analytic radiography is a normal image testing technique which has been utilized for quite a long time. It is recommended by specialists so they can identify any problem in patients' bodies without a cut. Thinking about its wide use, the principle objective of this investigation is to give a top notch picture by keeping the radiation portion as low as conceivable through identifying any variety in quality control (QC) boundaries. In this work, some standard quality control boundaries, for example, voltage exactness, time precision test, tube yield linearity, half value layer (HVL) of x-beam were measured. These quality control (QC) boundaries were estimated by a dosimeter keeping a distance of 100 cm from source. The voltage precision went from 0.31% to 4.67% and the time exactness test went from 0% to 2.29%. The consequences of this investigation show that all the QC boundaries are inside the acceptable level which guarantees the advancement of the low portion conveyed to the patients.
Analysis and Design of Building’s Structural Members (Slabs and Beams) using Microsoft Excel and AUTOCAD Software: A Case Study of MARCGSO’ Building
Authors: Joseph Kilani Abiodun , Ajiboye Fapohunda Christopher , Seun Oladejo Oladipupo , Oluwaseun Adetayo , Babatunde Famodimu
Published: August 2023

The frequent collapse of concrete structures (Buildings, Bridges and Culverts) these days in the global construction industries has led to claiming of many innocent lives. From the literature perspective, the observed major causes of this failure are the errors developed from the programmed structural software; the method used in running the software, its usage error during the analysis and design of structural members; and possibly, error committed by unskill personnel while using the structural software. Allowing the continuity of these errors in the construction industries will cause greater damages to lives and properties globally, thus; a more accurate and reliable design software has to be developed to eradicate errors occurrence in structural design. The results of this investigation proved that Microsoft Excel sheet is accurate for structural members’ analysis and design; good for accurate calculation in designing, it can be access quick; so reliable, and error free. Its application in construction industries will bring accuracy and stability to designed structures, and more lives will be saved. As a case study, the architectural plans of Maryland Catholic Grammar School, Ogbomoso (MARCGSO)’s principal lodge building was used as a prototype to show how efficient is Microsoft Excel in structural analysis. At MARCGSO, this has been tested and found reliable. During the investigation, the structural details of the designed concrete structural members were carried out using AUTOCAD software. Analysis and design of members were carried out from the basic principle of structural design using BS 8110 part 1:1999. The result shows that, Microsoft Excel and BS 8110 part 1:1999 code are the best design tools needed for analysis and design of structural members. It is very fast, accurate and error free. Also, the output of analysis carried out using Microsoft Excel are traceable, amendable and reliable, thus, its application in designing will prevent sudden structural failure. Likewise, it is very easy for young and structural engineers to operate, thus, its application can be done by: open a fresh Microsoft Excel sheet, get BS 8110 part 1:1999 code of structural design, prepare a general arrangement of architectural plan of structure to design, then follow the step by step of designing stated in this study. It required no application download or software purchase. In conclusion, the use of Microsoft Excel in structural analysis and designing will save many lives and prevent sudden collapse of structures resulting from wrong code or software error.
XANES, XPS and Raman Studies of Hafnium Oxide Thin Films fabricated by RF Magnetron Sputtering at Different Power
Authors: Chongsereecharoen Ekachai , Kallayalert Yotin , Kongsri Wichai
Published: August 2023

Hafnium oxide layer was deposited on unheated silicon wafer and glass substrates at different power by using RF magnetron sputtering technique. The structural property was investigated by Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, HfO2 structure in monoclinic major phase especially at high RF power was found from the Raman spectra in vibrational modes. In addition, oxidations state of hafnium oxide thin films was gained by synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) using Hf L3-edge of XANES techniques and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) as well. The XANES and XPS results show that the oxidation state of HfO2 films is unchanged at different powers. The thin film prepared at higher power tends to have lower of oxygen vacancy.