bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rob’Autism Project: Social Learning at the Center of the Therapy
Authors: Sakka Sophie
Published: August 2023

Rob’Autism project was started in 2014, it aims at setting a therapy support for ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) teenagers based on robot, art and culture mediations. The objective of the therapy support is to improve social skills. At its center is the improvement of the capacity to build and destroy affective links with the environment, or generate and drop communication relation with the external world. Three points were addressed to restore social links management: individual, collective and social communication. The experiments were organized in 20 working sessions of 1 hour per week and involved 6 teenagers, 3 robots and 6 accompanying people. During the sessions, a repetitive scenario is performed proposing a fixed frame in which controlled events can occur, in such way that the subjects environment remains simplified. During the 20 sessions, the subjects are supervised to build a show, which is presented to an external public. Up to now, eight groups were studied (48 subjects in total by groups of 6). The results show a redefinition of the subjects’ identity and their legitimacy as members of the society.
Uses of Wayfinding Tools by People Who Are Blind and Low Vision
Authors: Erdemli Mahmut , Collins K.C.
Published: August 2023

This paper presents the results of a research study of people who are blind or low vision about their experiences using wayfinding tools. The results present the accessibility issues when using wayfinding tools and assistive technology to learn about new locations. An online survey followed by a series of interviews was conducted with ten people who identify as blind and six with low vision to learn their opinions and concerns about accessibility of three types of wayfinding tools, digital maps, navigation apps and camera apps.
Social Participation and Physical Activity Incentive at Home in Stroke Survivor: Contribution of Technologies
Authors: Mandigout Stéphane , Compagnat Maxence , Lacroix Justine , Daviet Jean-Christophe
Published: August 2023

Increased physical activity has been demonstrated as a relevant treatment after a stroke, with positive effects on impairment recovery, activity limitation, social participation and quality of life. Furthermore, PA is now recommended as part of the stroke recovery pathway, starting during inpatient care and extending through rehabilitation and community integration. The purpose of this presentation is to describe how current technologies may facilitate a continuity of care for stroke survivors. We present a synthesis of 8 studies that we have conducted to date to assess and monitor the activity level of post-stroke patients at home. The results of these studies show that home rehabilitation of post-stroke patients requires the use of individualized monitoring criteria to optimize patient care. To encourage the patient to increase his level of moderate physical activity and reduce his sedentary time, it would be recommended to propose a regularly monitored and structured program.
Requirements, Barriers and Tools for Participation in an Inclusive Educational Digital Environment
Authors: Schaur Melanie , Koutny Reinhard
Published: August 2023

An inclusive digital environment in education is considered a cornerstone for a modern society and particularly important for learners with disabilities. This paper delves into this topic and presents the findings from a one-week “Learning, Teaching and Training Activity” (LTTA) conducted as part of the Erasmus+ project on the “Digital Readiness of Vocational Educational Institutions in an Inclusive Environment.” The LTTA involved discussions on the requirements, barriers, and applicable tools for digitalization in Vocational Educational Institutions (VET) with educators and self-representatives (learners with disabilities). The feedback from participants was analyzed and included evaluations of various tools in terms of their effectiveness and usefulness. These tools encompassed document accessibility, onboard Windows accessibility features, AI in the form of large language models (LLM) as assistive technology, and image recognition-based assistive technologies. Results, presented in this paper, indicate that especially learners with disabilities can benefit from participation in an inclusive digital environment.
Analysing Italian Inclusive Education Practices in Relation to Universal Design for Learning Principles
Authors: Pagliara Silvio Marcello , Sanchez Utge Marta , Bonavolontà Gianmarco , Mura Antonello
Published: August 2023

This study aims to investigate how teaching practices in the Italian inclusive education system align with the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which is aimed at providing access to education for all students, including those with disabilities. In line with Article 2 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which requires states to promote Universal Design (UD) in all aspects of life, including education, this research examines the extent to which the Italian education system meets this requirement. The study involved teachers who participated in a course on inclusive education. The research was conducted in three phases, including the introduction of UDL, identification of teachers’ perceptions and initial reactions to UDL, compilation of a questionnaire related to UDL checkpoints, and a focus group discussion on teachers’ attitudes towards UDL and the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the classroom. The analysis focused on the first UDL principle, “Provide Multiple Means of Representation,” which emphasizes the need to present information in an accessible way to learners with disabilities. The findings revealed that despite not having previous training on UDL, teachers in the Italian inclusive education system use ICTs in their daily teaching practices to make knowledge accessible, which is in line with the UDL principles. However, the study also highlighted a lack of awareness and reflection on the use of ICTs in teaching, suggesting the need for specific training to enhance inclusive practices. This study contributes to the ongoing dialogue on inclusive education in Italy and highlights the importance of promoting UD principles in education to ensure that all learners, regardless of their abilities, have equal access to education. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of providing adequate training and support to teachers to facilitate inclusive practices and improve learning outcomes for all students.
Crime Prevention through Environmental Design in Healthcare Facility: A Study of Sehat Al Sharq at Al Khobar, KSA
Authors: Ahmad Safeer , Verma Tanaya , Kamal Mohammad Arif , Anwar Tarique
Published: August 2023

This paper shall cover the existing theories and practices in the field of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design with a special focus on Healthcare Projects. The intention is to address the gap between theory and practices. Safety & Security is one of the basic human needs for peaceful existence. Patient safety and security have always been concerns in the successful operation of a healthcare setup. Nowadays, patient-centric healthcare service has given a competitive edge to the hospital; therefore, safety against crime has become very crucial for the hospitals. Other than the patients, safety and security for staff and visitors are equally important. Safety from data theft and breaches of privacy are other concerns in the healthcare setup.

The design approach of best practices, like Crime Prevention through Environmental Design, seeks to create safer spaces through detailed design principles and strategies, and guidelines issued by the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety. The majority of evidence suggests that designing the physical environment while considering safety features like Access Control, CCTV, Ultrasonic Occupancy Sensor, Public Addressable System & Duress Alarm for healthcare setup, duress alarms have proved to be life-saving measures that are used to alert hospital staff and security personnel when an individual is in need of emergency.

In this paper, qualitative research methodology is used as a case study and physical observations to collect qualitative data and analysis of Sehat Al Sharq Hospital, Al Khobar, KSA, shall be included to identify and propose solution factors affecting the design challenges related to CPTED. Furthermore, it aims to recommend a roadmap to address design constraints, optimize efficiency, and improve safety and patient care in the healthcare facility.
Enhancing Small and Medium Enterprises' Performance through Social Media Integration: Embedding the Diffusion of Innovation Theory in the Technology-Organization-Environment Framework
Authors: Mataruka Leo T. , Muzurura Joe
Published: August 2023

Social media integration within small and medium enterprises (SMEs) has gained significant attention recently. This uptake is due to the growing recognition of the potential benefits of convergent digital technologies in enhancing customer information searching and improving customer experience. The research analyses how SMEs in developing countries use social media and identifies factors that affect its integration. Given the diversity in organisational performance, the research gap is attempting to understand how to integrate digital platforms in these contexts effectively. The study base theories are the technology-organisation-environment and diffusion of innovation. The technological aspects focus on the relative benefits, presence qualities, visibility, linkages, and interactivity. The organisational factors involve interdependent decision-making roles for support of operations and innovation. Competitive pressure and uncertainty increase are the study's environmental aspects. The study used a cross-sectional online survey to collect data from 938 business owners/managers in Harare, Zimbabwe. Thus, SmartPLS 4.0 software allows for data analysis and structural equation modelling. The results show no significant impact of social media integration and factors related to technology and organisation on small and medium-sized enterprises' performance. The empirical findings reveal that external pressure and environmental uncertainty affect social media integration in SMEs. There is still no clear evidence that social media integration significantly affects performance. The argument is that external environmental features are essential in predicting outcomes. We discuss the implications of this finding for theory, practice, and policy.
Analysis of Nonvestibular Cranial Nerve Schwannomas
Authors:   Department of Neurosurgery, Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala State, India, Damodar Thavara Binoy , Mandaka Parambil Rajeev ,   Department of Neurosurgery, Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala State, India, Vadakkam Muriyil Pavithran ,   Department of Neurosurgery, Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala State, India, Mangla Vishal ,   Department of Neurosurgery, Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala State, India, Valiyaveetil Jose Byjo ,   Department of Neurosurgery, Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala State, India, kumar Sasi Prem ,   Department of Neurosurgery, Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala State, India
Published: August 2023

Background and Aim: Cranial nerve (CN) schwannomas other than the eighth nerve schwannoma are called nonvestibular cranial nerve schwannomas (NVCNS). This study aims to analyze the clinical profile, distribution, and surgical outcome of the NVCNS. Methods and Materials/Patients: This is a retrospective study analyzing the NVCNS conducted between January 2007 and December 2021. VIIIth cranial nerve schwannomas and conservatively managed NVCNS were excluded from the study. Results: This study included 25 patients with NVCNS. Ten patients (40%) had trigeminal schwannomas, 3(12%) facial nerve schwannomas, 9 (36%) lower cranial nerve (LCN) schwannomas, 1 (4%) vagal schwannoma in neck and 2(8%) hypoglossal schwannomas. Eight patients (32%) were male and 17(68%) were female. The age of the patients ranges from 13 to 62 years (mean 39 years +/- 14 SD). Findings of cerebellar involvement, VIIIth CN involvement, and headache are the most common clinical features. The posterior cranial fossa is the most common location of the tumors. Thirteen patients (52%) underwent gross total resection (GTR), 7(28%) underwent neartotal resection (NTR) and 5(20%) underwent subtotal resection (STR). All the patients improved in the postoperative period. Facial nerve palsy is the most common cranial nerve palsy occurring in the postoperative period. Conclusion: Trigeminal and lower cranial nerve (LCN) schwannomas are the most common NVCNS. The retrosigmoid suboccipital approach is the most commonly used surgical approach for tumors located in the posterior cranial fossa. Since NVCNS are benign lesions, postoperative clinical improvement along with decreased complications should be the goal of the surgery. Hence, gross total resection is the most commonly achieved extent of resection, near-total or subtotal resection can be done wherever gross total resection (GTR) is not possible in NVCNS.
PHASE EQUILIBRA IN THE Ag2Se–Ag8GeSe6–Ag8SiSe6 SYSTEM AND CHARACTERIZATION Of the Ag8Si1-xGexSe6 SOLID SOLUTIONS
Authors:   Acad. M. Nagiyev Institute of Catalysis and Inorganic Chemistry, Ashirov G.M. , Babanly K.N. ,   Acad. M. Nagiyev Institute of Catalysis and Inorganic Chemistry, Mashadiyeva L.F. ,   Acad. M. Nagiyev Institute of Catalysis and Inorganic Chemistry, Yusibov Y.A. ,   Ganja State University, Babanly M.B. ,   Acad. M. Nagiyev Institute of Catalysis and Inorganic Chemistry
Published: August 2023

Phase equilibria in the Ag2Se–Ag8SiSe6–Ag8GeSe6 system were studied by differential thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction thechnique. Based on the experimental results and literature data, the projection of the liquidus surface of the Ag2Se–Ag8SiSe6–Ag8GeSe6 system, the isothermal section at 300 K and some polythermal sections of the phase diagram were constructed. It was determined that continuous series of solid solution are formed based on high-temperature cubic modification and limited solid solution areas are formed based on low-temperature modification of initial compounds on the Ag8SiSe6–Ag8GeSe6 side of concentration triangle. The formation of solid solutions leads to a sharp decreasing of polymorphic transition temperatures of ternary compounds and stabilization of high-temperature phases at room temperature. The liquidus surface of the Ag2Se–Ag8SiSe6–Ag8GeSe6 system consists of 2 areas reflecting the initial crystallization of α'-phase based on HT-Ag2Se and HT-Ag8Si1-xGexSe6 solid solutions. The obtained new phases are of interest as environmentally safe materials with thermoelectric properties and mixed ion-electron conductivity.
ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT
Authors:   Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman, Sidletskyi Stepan
Published: August 2023

The article reveals the influence of economic factors on the development of higher education in Ukraine. An analysis of such determinants of the development of higher education as an insufficient amount of financing of higher education and ineffective mechanisms of financial support for the development of quality educational services was carried out. It was determined that the key economic factors affecting the education sector of Ukraine continue to be budget constraints and the lack of investment in the material and technical base, research and development, the lack of programs for the development, attraction and retention of talents. The current transformation of the sectoral structure of the economy thanks to the national digitalization strategy, speeding up the processes of European integration will contribute to changing approaches to the development of the higher education system, increasing the volume of its financing, implementing effective mechanisms for the distribution of funds in the higher education system in leading directions, in particular in the direction of support and development of talents, scientific teaching staff and financing of research activities of higher education institutions. Strategic shifts in the development of the national economy have been identified as a key potential factor for improving quality education, in particular due to digitalization and European integration of the economy. It was determined that the approval of the national strategy of economic development with an emphasis on digitization and European integration makes it possible to predict potential positive shifts in the higher educationsystem, its transition to competency-based and student-centered approaches to education, stimulation of research and development, development of a mechanism for supporting research and innovation activities, ensuring larger amounts of funding and mechanisms for effective distribution of funds.
THE REAL AND THE FICTION IN THE ECONOMY OF WESTERN BALKANS: A RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Authors:   Panteion University of Social & Political Sciences, Papastamou Andreas
Published: August 2023

This study attempts to propose a Research Model for study linkages across Western Balkans’ economies macroeconomic indicators and the stock market. Do they move independently of each other? Are there any asymmetries following shocks or not? And, finally, do financial crises have any effect on these linkages? The answers to these questions will clarify the distance between the real and the fiction, i.e., macroeconomic developments and stock market trends, in the sensitive area of the six Western Balkan countries: Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Kosovo. Deciphering stock market trends and linking them to the real economy would be a powerful tool of their economic maturity, in their process of EU accession. In this paper, we proposed a research methodology to investigate the dynamic linkages among the six countries of Western Balkans’ economic indices, stock markets, and interest rates/yields for the 2015-2021 period, via Granger causality tests and VARs, for the full and several sub-periods. Can some of these countries play the role of economic leaders in the area? 1. Are there any impulse responses and variance decompositions from various VARs, indicating independent move of the real economic indices, bond yields, and the stock market in these six countries? 2. Are there signs of disconnection among important real and financial sectors in each of the countries examined? Do these countries have followed their paths and that no significant short-run (or even long-run) linkages of real production growth rates across countries exist or not? Utilizing this methodology has two advantages: it feeds empirical research to capture the economic development in the sensitive, political, economic, and social terms, area of Western Balkans, and contribute to the economic evaluation of the EU Stabilization and Association Process. Keywords: macroeconomic indices, stock market, Western Balkans, EU Accession.
IDENTIFIKASI PERAN KONSELOR SEKOLAH DALAM LAYANAN KESEHATAN MENTAL BERBASIS SEKOLAH
Authors: Moesarofah Moesarofah
Published: August 2023

Kesehatan mental merupakan kondisi sehat dan sejahtera, yang memungkinkan individu untuk berinteraksi secara positif dengan orang lain, dan mengatasi perubahan hidup. Kesehatan mental bukan hanya tidak memiliki penyakit mental atau gangguan psikologis, melainkan juga kemampuan untuk beradaptasi dan berfungsi secara baik. Banyak siswa di berbagai negara seperti di Amerika Serikat maupun Indonesia yang membutuhkan layanan kesehatan mental nyatanya belum terlayani, sehingga berdampak pada masalah dalam perkembangan emosi, sosial maupun akademiknya. Tujuan penelitian untuk mengidentifikasi peran konselor dalam memberikan layanan kesehatan mental berbasis sekolah. Metode penelitian adalah studi literature dari berbagai kajian artikel jurnal bereputasi dan ebook yang relevan. Analisis data dilakukan secara tematik. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan, bahwa keterlibatan konselor sekolah dalam memberikan dukungan dan layanan kesehatan mental rendah, karena keterbatasan sumber daya di sekolah, dan bervariasinya tanggung jawab konselor sekolah.  Implementasi program perlunya akses secara langsung dengan sekolah dengan mengintegrasikan pendidikan kesehatan mental ke dalam kurikulum sekolah.
PEMBELAJARAN IPAS MELALUI PROBLEM BASED LEARNING UNTUK MENGUKUR KETERAMPILAN PEMECAHAN MASALAH PESERTA DIDIK
Authors: Kayati Nur , Budi Minarti Ipah , Siswanto Joko , Eka Wahyu Novanto
Published: August 2023

Salah satu keterampilan yang harus dimiliki pada abad 21 adalah keterampilan pemecahan masalah. Namun kenyataannya yang terjadi di lapangan menunjukkan bahwa keterampilan pemecahan masalah peserta didik pada pembelajaran IPAS masih rendah. Hal ini diperkuat dari data hasil observasi yang dilakukan di SMK Negeri 6 Semarang yang menunjukkan bahwa peserta didik pasif dalam pembelajaran yakni, belum berani bertanya dan mengemukakan pendapat ketika pembelajaran berlangsung. Kondisi tersebut juga tampak dari hasil nilai kognitif yang menunjukkan 45,71% peserta didik belum tuntas atau 16 dari 35 peserta didik belum memenuhi kriteria ketuntasan (KKM) sebesar 70. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui keterampilan pemecahan masalah peserta didik SMK Negeri 6 Semarang pada pembelajaran IPAS melalui model Problem Based Learning. Metode penelitian deskriptif dengan pendekatan kuantitatif. Data penelitian ini diperoleh dari jawaban LKPD berbasis masalah yang dianalisis menggunakan indikator keterampilan pemecahan masalah. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa keterampilan pemecahan masalah pada pembelajaran IPAS peserta didik kelas X Busana 1 memiliki rata-rata 65,62 dengan ketegori baik.
Comparison of aqueous extracts of Citrus × aurantium and Aloe vera L. as fungistatic control of Fusarium spp
Authors: Rodríguez Ávila Norma Laura , Guerrero Turriza Hector Octavio , Chan Uc Delfina Margarita , Soto-Barajas Milton Carlos
Published: August 2023

Objective: To evaluate the fungistatic capacity of aqueous extracts obtained from Citrus × aurantium (sour orange) and Aloe vera L. on phytopathogenic fungi of the genus Fusarium spp.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Three aqueous extracts were made (aloe peel, aloe peel and gel, and sour orange peel). The inhibition capacity in the in vitro growth of a Fusarium spp. strain was measured using the following concentrations: 750 µg/mL, 500 µg/mL, 250 µg/mL, 1 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL, 20 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL, 70 mg/mL, and 100 mg /mL in each extract. The control was sterile distilled water. The radial growth of the mycelium was measured daily, starting from the infected disc up to the edge of its diameter.
Results: The following extracts recorded a good inhibitory response: 100- and 70-mg concentrations of aloe peel and gel in 1 mL of agar; 70-mg concentration of orange in 1 mL of agar; and 100-mg concentration of aloe peel in 1 mL of agar.
Findings/Conclusions: The aqueous extract of aloe had a 47.5 % inhibitory potential in the radial growth of Fusarium.
Estimates to determining the agricultural tractor fleet in Mexico
Authors: Salas-Gutiérrez José Cupertino , García-Salazar José Alberto , Mora-Flores José Saturnino , Garduño-García Ángel
Published: August 2023

Objective: the objective of the study was to know the current state of the national fleet of agricultural machinery.
Design/ Methodology/ Approach: an estimate of the tractor fleet was made by adding the number of tractors with one year of lag, plus the number of tractors from national sales, minus the number of tractors leaving the fleet due to the end of their useful life, the period from 2007 to 2027.
Results: there is a downward trend in the tractor fleet in the period 2007 to 2027. If the downward trend continues, the tractor fleet will have decreased by 114 thousand units in 2027, compared to the 238 thousand existing in 2007. This means a drop of 52%, compared to the initial year, which would leave the fleet of tractors with 124 thousand units.
Limitations/ Implications of the study: the main limitation is the non-existence of official data after 2007. Therefore, in order to know the current state of the national fleet of tractors in Mexico, estimates such as the one carried out in this investigation are required.
Findings/ Conclusions: The estimate of the tractor industrial fleet in Mexico indicates that annually the number of tractors that are added is less than the number of obsolete tractors that leave the fleet, which indicates that the rate of mechanization will decrease in the future. To avoid such a trend, the Government is required to support investments in agricultural machinery.
Geometric morphometry of populations of Anolis tropidonotus (Peters 1863, Squamata: Dactyloidae) of contrasting hábitats
Authors: Reyes-Aguilar Carlos Arturo , Serna-Lagunes Ricardo , Torres-Cantu Gerardo Benjamin , Llarena-Hernández Regulo Carlos , Mora-Collado Norma , Andres-Meza Pablo , García-Martínez Miguel Ángel , Hernández-Salinas Gregorio , Salazar-Ortiz Juan
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate the variation in the shape and size of two populations of A. tropidonotus from two habitats with contrasting vegetation and environmental characteristics.
Design/methodology/approach: 26 specimens of A. tropidonotus were collected and photographed and using the TPSdig 2 program, three type I landmarks, eight type II and nine semi landmarks were placed. The landmarks configuration patterns were evaluated with generalized procrust and principal component analysis to detect microvariations in the individuals of the two populations.
Results: Our results show intra and inter population morphogeometric variation in A. tropidonotus.
Limitations on study/implications: The morphomegeometric variation recorded in the populations of A. tropidonutus which may be due to factors such as biological barriers, clinal variations within the same habitat, competition for territory, different reproductive behaviors in a percentage of the population, and reproductive and physical barriers that generate differentiation between and within the populations of A. tropidonotus.
Findings/conclusions: A. tropidonotus showed a wide diversity of shapes in its morphometric characters, which through the application of geometric morphometry, we distinguish different ecotypes in the evaluated populations.
High-fiber diets for fattening pigs
Authors: Martínez-Aispuro José A. , Figueroa Velasco José Luis , Sánchez-Torres María T. , Cordero-Mora José L. , Martínez-Aispuro Manuel
Published: August 2023

Objective: To establish the feasibility and benefits of implementing high-fiber diets for pigs.
Design/Methodology: A literature review of the practical application of pig diets with the inclusion of fibrous ingredients was carried out.
Results: The formulation of high-fiber diets for pigs maintains or improves productive performance and provides additional gut health benefits.
Study Limitations/Implications: Lack of information about the net energy and amino acid digestibility values of fibrous ingredients limits the proper formulation of pig diets.
Findings/Conclusions: The inclusion of high-fiber ingredients in pig diets can partially replace traditional ingredients, consequently reducing costs and providing health benefits.
Acarapis woodi, endoparasite of honeybees, from being qualified as the pest of the century to a forgotten case in Mexico
Authors: Otero Colina Gabriel , Hernández-Dionicio Eder , Utrera-Quintana Fernando , Castillo-González Fernando
Published: August 2023

Objetivo: Este trabajo se realizó para determinar la incidencia de Acarapis woodi (Rennie) infestando las tráqueas de abejas melíferas (Apis mellifera L.) en colonias no tratadas previamente contra el ácaro Varroa destructor Anderson & Trueman, y para discutir el estatus actual del primer ácaro en México, con base en nuestras observaciones y en información histórica.

Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Colonias de abejas melíferas (Apis mellifera L.) que nunca habían sido tratadas contra el ácaro V. destructor fueron muestreadas para detectar a A. woodi en el interior de sus tráqueas torácicas. Se tomó una muestra de 20 obreras de cada colonia, se les conservó en etanol 70% y se les examinó máximo dos días deepués de la colecta. Se seleccionaron obreras pecoreadoras que se encontraban en los panales laterales, la entrada de la colmena y la tapa interior porque ahí se encuentran las abejas más viejas, con más probabilidad de estar infestadas. Para el diagnóstico se usó la técnica de diescción y observación al microscopio.

Resultados: Ninguna de las colonias examinadas, ninguna de las abejas, presentaron infestación en las tráqueas.

Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: Aunque solo se observe un apiario, éste mostró la tendencia general observada en México y en muchos otros países en América, sobre todo en sitios tropicales y subtropicales. Después de una onda expansiva de A. woodi, las infestaciones por este ácaro se volvieron menos y menos frecuentes hasta que son muy difíciles de detectar.

Hallazgos/conclusiones: La prevalencia cada vez más reducida de A. woodi ha sido atribuida a preferencias climáticas y a tratamientos contra V. destructor. Sin embargo, aquí se postula que esta reducción se debe al desarrollo de resistencia por parte de las abejas melíferas.
Effects of different VIUSID Agro® concentrations on the growth of Coffea arabica L. seedlings
Authors: Bustamante González Carlos Alberto , Yudmila Vázquez Osorio  , Ferras Yusdel
Published: August 2023

Objective: The VIUSID Agro® biostimulant contains amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. It was subjected to a biocatalytic process of molecular activation to improve its biological activity. In Cuba, its benefits have been demonstrated mainly in vegetables, sugar cane, and tobacco.Design/Methodology/Approach: The effect of the product on the morpho-agronomic traits of coffee seedlings was evaluated through experiments carried outin the nursery of the Instituto de Investigaciones Agro-Forestales of Tercer Frente, from December 2019 to July 2020 and from October 2020 to June 2021, using a saran shade cloth. In a completely randomized design, 6 concentrations of VIUSID Agro® (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 mL L -1 of water) were applied monthly on thesecond to the fifth pair of leaves. Seedling height, stem diameter, dry mass, leafarea, quality index, and efficiency were evaluated. Data were processed using a simple classification analysis of variance. The means were compared with Duncan´´  s test. The concentrations and the leaf area were adjusted to several functions and the one with the highest coefficient of determination was selected.Results: Coffee seedlings had a positive response to the biostimulant. The monthly foliar applications of VIUSID Agro® between the second and the fifth pair of leaves increased the morpho agronomic indicators of the seedlings.Findings/Conclusions: VIUSID Agro® in concentrations ranging between 0.64 and 0.71mL L -1 of water caused significant increases in the leaf area of the seedlings.
Expansión transmedia del video musical: casos de estudio de álbumes visuales en la industria musical actual
Authors: Sedeño Valdellos Ana
Published: August 2023

El álbum visual supone un nuevo artefacto comunicativo originado con la lógica del contexto transmedia en su expansión del formato videoclip musical. Se analizan tres casos de estudio, empleando el análisis multimodal para conocer el significado y aporte de los materiales visuales, buscando elementos de intertextualidad y recursividad de motivos y patrones visuales para la realización de un storytelling. Las conclusiones apuntan a tres caminos diversos en la construcción de una representación autoexpresiva de las artistas, gracias a una performatividad visualizada materializada en una mayor intertextualidad y uso de la apropiación cultural.
Detection of Privilege Escalation in IoT Systems
Authors: Zaid Atheer Abu
Published: August 2023

Software vulnerabilities in access control models can represent a serious threat in a system. In face, OWASP lists broken access control as number 5 in severity among the top 10 vulnerabilities. In this thesis, we study the permission model of an emerging Smart-Home platform, SmartThings, and explore two approaches of detecting privilege escalation in its permission model. The first approach applies static analysis to extract vulnerabilities by pattern matching. Our second approach is based on model driven engineering (MDE) in addition to static analysis. The second approach complements the static analysis-based approach which cannot analyse the semantic itself. MDE-based approach allows for better coverage of privilege escalation, by analyzing free-form text that carries extra permissions details. Our experimental results demonstrate a very high accuracy for detecting vulnerabilities in both approaches.
An Approach for the Identification of Information Leakage in Automotive Infotainment systems
Authors: Moiz Abdul
Published: August 2023

This thesis presents an automated static analysis approach and tool, Android Automotive Vulnerability Droid (AAVD), that can report sensitive data flows related to app-to-app communication commonly known as Inter-Component Communication (ICC) in Android Automotive apps. It can report ICC paths that exist between multiple Android Automotive apps and provide mitigation tips to resolve those insecure ICC paths. AAVD accurately identifies insecure ICC paths and provide improved performance as compared with the state of the art tools FlowDroid and AmanDroid. Our tool decompiles the Android Package Kit (APK) files to obtain the Java source code and perform analysis on the source code, it then reports the line number in the source code containing sensitive data flows. We tested our tool on 234 Android Auto apps downloaded manually from Google play store. We show improvements in terms of performance and detection of sensitive dataleaks in Android Automotive apps. In our experiments, our tool was able to analyse 224 apps, it found 148 apps as malicious and successfully identified 1462 ICC paths in 207 app pairs.
Analysis of Data Propagation in Blockchain Network
Authors: Gholamrezazadeh Motlagh Saeideh
Published: August 2023

Bitcoin is the first cryptocurrency based on blockchain technology emerged in 2008 to provide a peer-to-peer (P2P) electronic cash system without a financial third party. Much research has been done to analyze different aspects of blockchain-based networks and improve their performance. This dissertation presents an innovative approach to evaluating the churning process (the dynamic participation of nodes in the P2P network) in the Bitcoin network. We propose an analytical model based on the Continuous Time Markov Chain (CTMC) and queuing model to evaluate node churn impact on Bitcoin network performance and calculate the synchronization time needed for nodes when rejoining the net- work.

This dissertation also proposes an analytical model for the Bitcoin network’s churning process with relay nodes that is the first to the best of our knowledge. Relay nodes only distribute blocks in the network and have a higher number of connections. We introduce two different CTMCs for ordinary and relay nodes to model each type of node’s behavior separately. We analyze the transaction and block propagation in the network and calculate synchronization time. We show that the churn of relay nodes has a higher impact on traffic performance than ordinary nodes.

Moreover, we introduce an analytical model to evaluate the impact of node churn in the Bitcoin network when compact block protocol is in use. Compact block protocol aims to reduce bandwidth usage and probably latency by propagating a smaller version of blocks in the network. We model the node’s behavior with CTMC and calculate synchronization time including transaction deficit recovery.

Finally, we propose an analytical model to evaluate the impact of selfish behavior on Bitcoin network performance. We evaluate the Bitcoin network’s performance metrics, including network connectivity, block arrival rate, delivery time, and block response time in the presence of selfish miners. We also calculate the probability of intentional forking caused by selfish behavior compared to unintentional forking caused by network delay and show that intentional forking probability is higher than unintentional forking, which may result in ledger inconsistency. 
Machine Learning Service Recommendation Based on Accuracy Related QoS Attributes
Authors: Alghofaily Bayan
Published: August 2023

Machine Learning (ML) is a topic of interest in computer science. Amazon AWS, Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure are examples of cloud platforms that provide ML services. Analysts can easily analyze data using online ML services, and most of the model processing is done using cloud services to provide fast and reliable results. Many of these services offer similar functionalities, and the challenge is how to select the best service for the data. Traditional approaches for service-selection depend only on general understanding of the service functionality. A better way is to consider both functional and non-functional requirements. Functional requirements determine overall behaviour of a service. Non-functional requirements establish how relevant a service is to the user’s query and refer to the Quality of Service (QoS) attribute. QoS- based service-selection has been studied in the service computing community for some time. However, characteristics of the input dataset are not usually considered in the selection process even though they might affect the QoS values of the service. In this dissertation, we investigate the impact of adding dataset features and other side information on the performance of QoS prediction and service recommendation. We focus on ML services since their QoS values are potentially highly dependent on the dataset.

We propose two approaches for ML service recommendation and compare their performances. The first approach uses factorization for web service recommendation. We identify latent features of the datasets and the services and then recommend services by exploiting these latent variables. The second approach uses neural networks to identify latent features. We also integrate two sets of side information (dataset and service) in both approaches, and study the effect of these added features. In the experiment, we test our system using the real QoS data of 24 classification models running on 390 datasets downloaded from OpenML. In both implementations, models with side information outperform the basic model. To guarantee the best performance for our model, adding side information is necessary, which increases the predictive accuracy by 5% to 25%. Thus, we recommend integrating the side information in recommender systems, specifically including dataset features when recommending ML services. 
"They Say So": Do True, False, Negative, and Positive Rumours Affect Stock Price in Different Ways?
Authors: Akhter Tahmina
Published: August 2023

In this thesis I examine the effect of rumours on stock prices by the means of event study methodology. The evidence offered by previous studies on the effect of rumours on stock prices and returns is mixed, thus the topic merits further investigation. One distinguishing characteristic of this study is that it examines different types of rumours (positive versus negative), as well as whether these rumours are true or false. Using a dataset that includes the rumours on 110 stocks and applying the event study methodology, I find no evidence of statistically significant changes in stock prices after the publication of rumours. Furthermore, I find that the type of rumours, whether positive or negative, and its nature, whether false or true, did not affect the observed results in terms of statistical significance. 
Design and Analysis of Multi-Patch Composite Plates for a High Multi-Stability of a Morphing Skin
Authors: Algmuni Abdulhakim
Published: August 2023

  

The morphing structures are a significant research area in engineering industry, especially, the fields of aerospace and aircraft which aim at improving performance over a wider range of normal operating conditions. The most challenging design requirement of a morphing structure is a skin, which exhibits both in-plane compliance and out-of-plane stiffness. An asymmetric composite laminate is as good candidate for achieving a morphing skin. By curing the unidirectional composite laminate at elevated temperature and cooling at room temperature, a phenomenon of bi-stability is mainly caused by the mismatch in the thermal expansion coefficients of lamina within the laminate. In practical applications, a single bi- stable composite cannot fulfil multi-stable configurations required for a multifunctional surface. For this reason, a number of bi-stable composite laminates is connected together as continuous surface for showing a higher degree of multi-stability.

In this dissertation, the model of Multi-Stable Composite Surface (MCS) is presented by tailoring bi-stable composite patches together in a (m×n) grid form, and then the model is extended to connect a mix of bi-stable and mono-stable composite patches. This new modification on the model reduced the interactions between adjacent bi-stable composite patches in order to show more distinct stable shapes. Based on these results, a novel connection approach is presented by introducing a flexible aluminum strip between connected bi-stable composite patches. This Multi-Stable Hybrid Surface (MHS) shows a theoretical maximum 2𝑛 stable configuration for 𝑛 number of bi-stable composite patches. These stable configurations are interesting shapes that may be used to create a large multi- stable surface as a useful device in a morphing skin application. Finally, potential applications of multi-stable hybrid surfaces are introduced. This work could be used as a guideline for design of a large multi-patch morphing skin in order to improve the multi- functional structures.
Prediction of Remaining Useful Life for Aircraft Engines Using Convolutional and Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: Amin Unit
Published: August 2023

Prognostics and health management plays a key role in aerospace systems due to their complexity and the consequences it has on safety and reliability of the system. The project extends on the work conducted using convolutional layers to extract higher level features from raw sensor data. A hybrid model using convolutional layers and recurrent layers is tested on the CMAPPS aircraft engine dataset simulated by NASA. In order to automate the hyperparameter selection process, a genetic algorithm is implemented. The hybrid model was able to make RUL predictions with RMSE values that were competitive, and often times better, when compared to other models in literature. A time window approach was adopted, and various values were tested to show the effectiveness of different hybrid models with convolutional layers. The work conducted in this project with hybrid models showed great promise in RUL prediction using raw sensor aircraft engine data. 
Vehicular Aerodynamics Wind Tunnel Testing of Unmanned Aerial Multirotor Vehicles and Wall Interference Corrections
Authors: Haleem Aarifah
Published: August 2023

Unmanned multirotor aerial vehicles, known commonly as drones, have become a popular form of flying system due to the versatility of their possible applications. In order to model the aerodynamics of manoeuvring multirotor vehicles, the aerodynamics of the rotors and the vehicle will be modelled separately. A DJI Matrice 210 RTK model quadcopter was reproduced using 3D printed parts and wood. The model components include the main body, four arms, two landing gear or legs, a battery, camera and gimbal, and the RTK GPS antennae, as well as accessories including a backup battery, backup antenna, and computer. Nine configurations of a combination of these components were tested in a wind tunnel at two given wind tunnel velocities and a sweep of angles of attack, sideslip angles, and roll angles. The aerodynamic forces and moments acting on the vehicle body were measured, and after accounting for tare forces and base drag, the data was corrected to account for wall and blockage effects from the wind tunnel’s closed test section. The intention of this project is to obtain wind tunnel testing results of the quadcopter model body and to setup a methodology to apply wall interference corrections. This project will support rotor aerodynamics and flight dynamics testing of the DJI Matrice 210 RTK currently in progress, which intend to improve control laws of unmanned multirotor aerial vehicles. 
Cable Tension Test
Authors: Anandgaonkar Rutuja Rajendra
Published: August 2023

The report focuses on operations of a cable pulley system within the nose landing gear of a Bombardier Global Express. The Manual release system is observed to lose pre-tension in the nose landing gear cable loop. Series of tests were performed to single out two possibilities that could be responsible for the tension loss. The two main causes were identified as structural deformation within the system and cable creep over time. With these tests it was confirmed that there is loss in tension when pulley cluster assembly was subjected to fixed load for longer duration of time, whereas, when the pulley cluster assembly was tested under similar loading for 5 days, negligible loss in tension was observed. The test was designed to last for 53 days but due to the outbreak of a pandemic, the entire test took 105 days to be completed. Additional investigation to eliminate stress relaxation within the cable within the structure, as a possible cause for the tension loss, will have to be carried after this test. Unwinding of the cable in the pulley cluster assembly was determined to be the primary cause of tension loss. The reason for the loss in tension could be a combination of both the above-mentioned causes. However, the test protocols performed here reveal the tension drop but more tests are required to conclusively determine the reason for tension drop. 
The Connection Between Cultural Tourism and Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) Tourism from Immigrant Hosts' Perspectives
Authors: Rahman Md Wahidur
Published: August 2023

The objective of this study is to discover and discuss the link between cultural tourism and VFR tourism from immigrant hosts’ perspectives. The grounded theory approach is applied, and a theoretical sampling technique is used for data collection and analysis. The data have been collected from Bangladeshi origin adult immigrants living in GTA. The study has found that hosts influence their VFR travelers in their visits and exploration of destination, practices and behaviour of people and their way of living. The result has also showed that the exploration of culture and the influence of hosts may turn their VFR travelers to cultural tourists. Finally, the study proposes a VFR-Cultural tourism continuum to explore the transition from VFR tourism to Cultural tourism and vice-versa. The study findings have practical significance as VFRs can be a unique form of travelers particularly after the COVID-19 situation, the visitors may likely make social connections and VFR tourism may act as a strategic alternative to tourism recovery. 