bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning Generalized Policies without Supervision Using GNNs
Authors: Ståhlberg Simon , Bonet Blai , Geffner Hector
Published: July 2022

We consider the problem of learning generalized policies for classical planning domains using graph neural networks from small instances represented in lifted STRIPS. The problem has been considered before but the proposed neural architectures are complex and the results are often mixed. In this work, we use a simple and general GNN architecture and aim at obtaining crisp experimental results and a deeper understanding: either the policy greedy in the learned value function achieves close to 100% generalization over instances larger than those used in training, or the failure must be understood, and possibly fixed, logically. For this, we exploit the relation established between the expressive power of GNNs and the C2 fragment of first-order logic (namely, FOL with 2 variables and counting quantifiers). We find for example that domains with general policies that require more expressive features can be solved with GNNs once the states are extended with suitable "derived atoms" encoding role compositions and transitive closures that do not fit into C2. The work follows an existing approach based on GNNs for learning optimal general policies in a supervised fashion, but the learned policies are no longer required to be optimal (which expands the scope, as many planning domains do not have general optimal policies) and are learned without supervision. Interestingly, value-based reinforcement learning methods that aim to produce optimal policies, do not always yield policies that generalize, as the goals of optimality and generality are in conflict in domains where optimal planning is NP-hard.
Forecasting Argumentation Frameworks
Authors: Irwin Benjamin , Rago Antonio , Toni Francesca
Published: July 2022

We introduce Forecasting Argumentation Frameworks (FAFs), a novel argumentation-based methodology for forecasting informed by recent judgmental forecasting research. FAFs comprise update frameworks which empower (human or artificial) agents to argue over time about the probability of outcomes, e.g. the winner of an election or a fluctuation in inflation rates, whilst flagging perceived irrationality in the agents' behaviour with a view to improving their forecasting accuracy. FAFs include five argument types, amounting to standard pro/con arguments, as in bipolar argumentation, as well as novel proposal arguments and increase/decrease amendment arguments. We adapt an existing gradual semantics for bipolar argumentation to determine the aggregated dialectical strength of proposal arguments and define irrational behaviour. We then give a simple aggregation function which produces a final group forecast from rational agents' individual forecasts. We identify and study properties of FAFs, and conduct an empirical evaluation which signals FAFs' potential to increase the forecasting accuracy of participants.
Symbolic Knowledge Extraction from Opaque Machine Learning Predictors: GridREx & PEDRO
Authors: Sabbatini Federico , Calegari Roberta
Published: July 2022

Procedures aimed at explaining outcomes and behaviour of opaque predictors are becoming more and more essential as machine learning (ML) black-box (BB) models pervade a wide variety of fields and, in particular, critical ones - e.g., medical or financial -, where it is not possible to make decisions on the basis of a blind automatic prediction. A growing number of methods designed to overcome this BB limitation is present in the literature, however some ML tasks are nearly or completely neglected-e.g., regression and clustering. Furthermore, existing techniques may be not applicable in complex real-world scenarios or they can affect the output predictions with undesired artefacts.

In this paper we present the design and the implementation of GridREx, a pedagogical algorithm to extract knowledge from black-box regressors, along with PEDRO, an optimisation procedure to automate the GridREx hyper-parameter tuning phase with better results than manual tuning. We also report the results of our experiments involving the application of GridREx and PEDRO in real case scenarios, including GridREx performance assessment by using as benchmarks other similar state-of-the-art techniques. GridREx proved to be able to give more concise explanations with higher fidelity and predictive capabilities.
Synthesis of new Oxadiazole derivatives containing 2H-chromen-2-one moiety: A novel class of potential antibacterial and antifungal agents
Authors: Mahesh M. , Sanjeeva P. , Manjunath G. , Venkata Ramana P.
Published: July 2022

In the present study, a novel series of 7-methoxy-3-(5-substituted-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-2H-chromen-2-ones and 6-substituted-3-(5-bromo/chloromethyl)-1,2,4-oxadizol-3-yl)-2H-chromen-2-ones was synthesized in good yields using N'-hydroxy-7-methoxy-2-oxo-2H-chromene-3-carboximidamide and N’-hydroxy-6-substituted-2-oxo-2H-chromene-3-carboximidamides as precursors respectively. These precursors were in turn synthesized using 7-methoxy-2-oxo-2H-chromene-3-carboxylic acid and 6-substituted-2-oxo-2H-chromene-3-carboxylic acid as starting materials. All the newly synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, NMR, mass spectra and elemental analyses. The newly synthesized oxadiazole derivatives containing 2H-chromen-2-one moiety were screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activities by disc diffusion method.
Emerging applications and host- guest chemistry of synthetic macrocycles
Authors: Mishra Purti , Sethi Pooja , Kumari Anjana
Published: July 2022

Synthetic macrocycles offer variety of biologically significant properties e.g. antibacterial, antifungal, anti-fertility, anticancerous, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-malarial, antiviral and antioxidant. DNA binding and cleaving agents are thoroughly used in area of medicinal chemistry. Host-guest chemistry is the one of most fascinating parts of macrocycles. Literature suggests various macrocycles with the potential therapeutic properties. Magnetic resonance imagining (MRI) contrast agent, dopamine detection, photochemical properties as sensor and catalytic activities of macrocycle are most attracting and growing fields of naturally mimic synthetic macrocycles. In recent years, interest has aroused on Schiff based macrocycles and synthetic strategies were employed to develop novel macrocycles with engrossed properties and applications.
A Review on Textile Effluents Treatment Approaches
Authors: Rengadurai S. , Balraj S. , Elavarasan P. , Devanesan M.G. , Riswan Ali S.B.
Published: July 2022

The textile sector is the largest industrial sector in the world. Textile processing produces lot of complex chemical substances as effluents during various stages of operation. The effluents discharged are treated with various methods say adsorption, membrane filtration, ion exchange, electro kinetic coagulation, coagulation, oxidative process, ozonation, photo and electro chemical destruction and biological processes. Each process has its own merits and demerits. The aim of this paper is to discuss the above-mentioned methods.
CURRENT TRENDS OF WORLD ENERGY DEVELOPMENT
Authors:   Kharkiv National University named after V.N. Karazin, Kazakova Nadiia , Muzurov Dmytro ,   Individual Entrepreneur
Published: July 2022

Trends in the development of world energy and the formation of a new energy economy after the impact of Covid-19 were studied. The main scenarios of the development of world energy according to the forecasts of the International Energy Agency and the International Renewable Energy Agency for the period up to 2050 have been analyzed.
CALCULATION OF HYDRAULIC RESISTANCE COEFFICIENT IN GAS NETWORKS OF INHABITED LOCALITY
Authors:   Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas, Serediuk Mariia
Published: July 2022

The consequences of applying Hofer's formula for the coefficient of hydraulic resistance instead of the formulas provided by the current normative document DBN B.2.5-20-2018 in gas-dynamic calculations of gas networks of settlements have been established by mathematical modeling. The influence of this change in the mathematical model on the results of calculating the coefficient of hydraulic resistance in steel and polyethylene gas networks of low, medium and high pressure depending on the mode of gas movement is revealed.
“GREEN” POLICY AND ENVIRONMENTAL TAXATION AS THE INSTRUMENTS TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE
Authors:   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Klymenko Maksym
Published: July 2022

The article is dedicated to environmental taxation as one of the possible policy instruments that along with other governmental and partnership measures could tackle climate change and assure green growth for the world and Ukraine in particular. European countries mostly focus on the taxation of energy sources, which allows them to be highly efficient in the field of GHG taxation. The Ukrainian model insists on controlling the level of environmental pollution for many years, it has low efficiency and control potential, high transaction, and administration costs. Price instruments for limiting greenhouse gas emissions are one of the most effective and rational solutions during the exacerbation of the climate change issue. These include taxes (on CO2 emissions that are directly related to emissions or the carbon content of fuel and excise duties on energy carriers) along with emissions trading systems. With the establishment of excise duty on energy and carbon taxes, states form a price for each ton of CO2 emissions, which contributes to dynamic efficiency, by stimulating technological changes to the development of innovative emission reduction technologies and static efficiency, i.e., reduction of CO2 emissions in the most financially affordable way. Excise duty on energy resources and taxes on CO2 emissions have the similar object of taxation, although the rates of excise taxes in the vast majority do not depend on the carbon content of the fuel. They are differentiated in the direction of promoting the competitiveness of more ecological types of fuel (reducing the rate for fuel with a lower sulfur content), protecting producers of energy-efficient enterprises, and preventing energy poverty. The excise duty rate consists of Pigou and Ramsay components, the proportions of which are chosen by fiscal necessity and occupy a large share of budget revenues. They are harmonized between EU countries with a unified approach. In common practice, funds accumulated from carbon tax should cover the damages caused to society and the costs of protecting and restoring an environment. Therefore, the article identifies the key groups of environmental taxes in the EU countries, analyses the European experience of the economic impact on environment preservation, examines possible ways of environmental taxation reform in Ukraine, based on the best foreign experience, and analyses the CO2 emissions among countries and continents by sectors and type of fuel. In addition, the author developed the draft concept of Ukraine's transition to a climate-neutral economy, highlighting the models of side-x-side functioning of the tradable permits system and taxes on CO2 emissions.
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT DIRECTIONS ASSETS AND LIABILITIES OF BANK
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Bondarchuk Mariia , Yushchyk Yurii ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: July 2022

The article proposes strategic directions for managing the bank's assets and liabilities for stable profitability of a commercial bank. For this, a study of the theoretical foundations of the interpretation of the bank's financial strategy was carried out, as well as the main stages of the process of forming the strategy of financial development of banks were summarized (setting the general period of forming the financial strategy, forming the strategic goals of financial activity, developing a financial policy for certain aspects of activity, specifying the indicators of the financial strategy, evaluating developed financial strategy). In this context, an analysis of the effectiveness of Kredobank's activities and a SWOT analysis were carried out, opportunities, weaknesses and strengths were identified. Of course, the biggest threat to the bank is the unstable situation in the country caused by the war, because in such conditions it is difficult to formulate a strategy and follow it. It was established that the Development Strategy of Kredobank: improves the operating model and the multi-channel distribution model; uses the synergy potential due to belonging to the PKO Bank Polski group to create an "ecosystem" of financial services for Polish-Ukrainian business; builds value based on long- term relationships with satisfied customers and enthusiastic employees; dynamically and, at the same time, prudently increases the scale of its business; carries out deep digital transformation in all aspects of activity; ensures diversification of activity and discipline in the field of risk management and cyber security, resistance to market shocks. However, the well-founded strategic directions of the bank's activity will allow it to work stably despite any changes in the economic situation. Therefore, the work has improved the strategy of managing assets and liabilities of a commercial bank with the definition of directions (marketing policy, fund raising policy, IT sphere, investment policy) and implementation mechanisms.
SolvBERT for solvation free energy and solubility prediction: a demonstration of an NLP model for predicting the properties of molecular complexes
Authors: Yu Jiahui , Zhang Chengwei , Cheng Yingying , Yang Yun-Fang , She Yuan-Bin , Liu Fengfan , Su Weike , Su An
Published: July 2022

Deep learning models based on NLP, mainly the Transformer family, have been successfully applied to solve many chemistry-related problems, but their applications are mostly limited to chemical reactions. Meanwhile, solvation is an important concept in physical and organic chemistry, describing the interaction of solutes and solvents. This interaction leads to a solvation complex, a molecular complex similar to a reactant-reagent complex. In this study, we introduced the SolvBERT model, which reads the solute and solvents through the SMILES representation of the solvation complex. SolvBERT is pretrained in an unsupervised learning fashion using a large database of computational solvation free energies. The pretrained model can be used to predict the experimental solvation free energy or solubility, depending on the fine-tuning database. To the best of our knowledge, this multi-task prediction capability has not been observed in previously developed graph-based models for predicting the properties of molecular complexes. Furthermore, the performance of our SolvBERT in predicting solvation free energy is comparable to the state-of-the-art graph-based model DMPNN, mainly due to the clustering feature of the pretraining phase of the model, as demonstrated by the TMAP visualization algorithm.
Engineering chiral induction in centrally functionalized ortho-phenylenes
Authors: Peddi Sumalatha , Livieri Juliana M. , Vemuri Gopi Nath , Hartley C. Scott
Published: July 2022

Work on foldamers, non-biological oligomers that mimic the hierarchical structure of biomacromolecules, continues to yield new architectures of ever increasing complexity. o-Phenylenes, a class of helical aromatic foldamers, are well-suited to this area because of their structural simplicity and the straightforward characterization of their folding in solution. However, control of structure requires, by definition, control over folding handedness. Control over o-phenylene twist sense is currently lacking. While chiral induction from groups at o-phenylene termini has been demonstrated, it would be useful to instead direct twisting from internal positions in order to leave the ends free. Here, we explore chiral induction in a series of o-phenylenes with chiral imides at their centers. Conformational behavior has been studied by NMR and CD spectroscopies and DFT calculations. Chiral induction in otherwise unfunctionalized o-phenylenes is generally poor. However, strategic functionalization of the helix surface with trifluoromethyl and methyl groups allows it to better interact with the imide groups, greatly increasing diastereomeric excesses. The sense of chiral induction is consistent with computational models that suggest that it primarily arises from a steric effect.
Amplification-free, highly sensitive electrochemical DNA-based sensor for simultaneous detection of stx1 and stx2 genes of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC)
Authors: O'Riordan Alan , Wasiewska Luiza , Diaz Fernando Garrido , Teixeira Sofia Rodrigues , Burgess Catherine M. , Duffy Geraldine
Published: July 2022

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) is a food-borne pathogen of significant public health concern, due to the severity of the illness it can cause and a low infection dose. The key targets in molecular-based assays to detect STEC are stx1 or stx2 genes, coding for the ability to produce Shiga T Toxin 1 and 2. The most commonly used molecular detection techniques, such as PCR and real-time PCR, are considerably time-consuming and there is an urgent need for a more rapid screening assay which could be used in agri-food settings. In this work, an amplification-free multiplex electrochemical sensor for the simultaneous detection of stx1 and stx2 genes was developed using a silicon-based chip comprising of six interdigitated gold microelectrodes(IDE) sensors. Two probes complementary to stx1 and stx2 genes were immobilised on a single chip allowing for multiplex detection. The selectivity of the multiplex sensor was confirmed using fluorescence and electrochemistry. The developed assay conditions allowed for an improved limit of detection by three orders of magnitude compared to the previous reports achieving a amplification-free limit of detection of 100 zM (10-19 M) for both, stx1 and stx2 genes. The developed sensor was validated using chromosomal DNA extracted from a bacterial culture containing no virulence genes, stx1 gene only, and both stx1 and stx2. Such multiplex sensor, if combined with on-chip DNA extraction, could revolutionise the point-of-use detection of STEC as well as other pathogens for instance on-farm or in the food industry.
Effect of Rheology and Role of External Forces on Indigenous Melt Centrifugal Spinning of PP fibers and their Transcrystalline Composites
Authors: Praharaj Bhatnagar Manoj
Published: July 2022

This paper discusses the use of polypropylene fiber as a reinforcing agent in a HDPE matrix. The PP fiber has been prepared by a Novel and Patented Melt Centrifugal Spinning Machine, developed by me. It is well known that fibers and other fillers can cause trans-crystallization in HDPE, resulting in improvement of mechanical properties. Firstly, I have proposed a force balance which helps in understanding the role of external forces on the spinning of fibers. Thereafter, the fibers have been synthesized and effects of parameters such as temperature & RPM on the morphology of the fibers have been studied. Further, composites of synthesized PP fibers with HDPE have been prepared and characterized for their mechanical property with corroboration to DSC. Also, I have attempted to make use of Ethylene – Propylene Copolymer as a compatibilizer for the PP fibers & HDPE, and have studied the effect of the addition of the same on the mechanical properties of the prepared composites.
Evaluation of the Impact of the Ayurvedic Formulation ”Amruthotharam” on Obesity-Related Diabetic and Hepatic Disorders
Authors: Manish Kumar Gupta  , Ketaki Dhane  , Birendra Shrivasttva  , Supriya Hyam  , Sujit Nagare
Published: July 2022

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a non-communicable disease that affects people  all over the world and is defined by ongoing hyperglycemia. Sulfonylureas, biguanides, -glucosidase inhibitors, and non-sulfonylurea secretagogues are a few oral hypoglycemic medications that are frequently recommended by doctors for managing diabetes. Oral hypoglycemic medication use causes noticeable negative effects, and there is currently no permanent viable treatment for DM recovery. Complementary and alternative therapies must be used to lower the incidence of disease until better medical methods are discovered. The search for an efficient medication, either by itself or in combination, to treat diabetes continues to be fruitless. This might have a viable replacement in the shape of herbal preparations, which are widely employed in conventional medical systems. In order to determine the impact of Amruthotharam kashaya prepared using a traditional method for a four-week treatment period on blood glucose levels as well as other biochemical parameters like total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and VLDL in HFD-alloxan-induced diabetic rats, the present study was designed. Significant weight loss was also seen with diabetes management, and this was partially reversed after formulation administration. The formulation significantly decreased increased levels of a few particular biochemical markers and avoided other hyperglycemia-related complications. These findings offer scientific support for the anti-diabetic usage of a conventional formulation and imply that the administration of the formulation to rats can be used safely by humans because it lowers the levels of several biochemical factors that contribute to diabetes.
Evaluation of The Effect of Smoking and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) on Lipid profile
Authors:   Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq, Mahdi Mahmoud Ali , Fawzi Jameel Basil , Waheeb AL – Obaidy Muhammed , Nema Abd Mustafa
Published: July 2022

Background: (COPD) disease is consider an important disease that threat our life in recent years and its result mostly from smoking .the patients who affected by this disease will be at higher risk of death caused by frequent exacerbation ,also chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may influence the lipid profile regardless of smoking status.Objective: To assessment the effect of COPD and smoking on lipid profile.Patients and Methods: This case control study included 50 patients suffer from (COPD) and other age- and sex-matched 50 smokers (≥ 20 pack/yeas) healthy people. Demographic and clinical data were collected through a direct interview with each participant. Fasting lipid profile was measured according to the standard protocols. Results: Mean serum level of TG and vLDL in smokers with COPD was 192.4±46.91 mg/dl and 61.8±12.23 mg/dl, respectively compared with 135.5±23.8 mg/dl and 32.68±14.8 mg/dl, respectively in smokers without COPD, with significant differences. Furthermore, the frequency of abnormal triglyceride value among smokers with COPD was 36% compared to 12% among smokers who don’t have this disease . (OR= 4.12. 95%CI= 1.47-11.55, p= 0.007). Similarly, the frequency of abnormal vLDL among smokers with COPD was 18% compared to 4.12% among smokers without COPD (OR= 5.27. 95%CI= 1.08-25.8, p= 0.040). In smokers with COPD, smoking displayed a positive significant correlation with TG (r= 0.325, p= 0.021) and vLDL (r= 0.333, p= 0.018). In smokers without COPD, smoking had a positive and marked association with TC (r= 0.377, p= 0.007) Conclusion: COPD is associated with negative effects on the lipid profile. In particular, triglycerides and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol are mostly affected. Aside from COPD, smoking can also be associated with elevated lipids/lipoproteins that exceed normal limits at times. Keywords: COPD , smoking
Efficacy of Olive Leaf Extract Mouthwash on Clinical and Inflammatory Parameters of Gingival Inflammation in Relation to Chlorhexidine in Acute Gingivitis Serum Patients
Authors:   College of Medicine, University of Diyala , Diyala, Iraq, Sabah Hasan Liqa , Ibrahim Latif Ismail , Hammed Mohammed Shakir
Published: July 2022

Background: Oral and gum infections are mostly linked to poor oral hygiene. Chlorhexidine mouthwash, and teeth brushing, have been commonly recommended. There is many studies on the effectiveness of olive leaf extract (OLE) as herbal mouthwash, there is much guided on its competitive effect with chlorhexidine.Objective: To determine the clinical and inflammatory effects of olive leaf extract (OLE) as mouthwash in the treatment of acute gingivitis and compare its effect with 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash (CHX).Patients and Methods: A total of 60 subjects aged 18-35 years with acute gingivitis underwent scaling and polishing with oral hygiene instruction; 20 patients received 3% of (OLE) as mouthwash, 20 patients received of 0.12% of chlorhexidine mouthwash (CHX), and 20 patients received scaling and polishing only (SRP) without any mouthwash. Mouthwash was twice daily for 17 days. At the start of the study, clinical periodontal parameters (PI, GI and BOP) and blood samples were taken and after five weeks of treatment to estimate the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total protein (TP). Results: After 5 weeks of periodontal treatment, there was a significant decrease in clinical periodontal parameters (P<0.01) and inflammatory markers (P<0.05) in the OLE and CHX and S&P alone groups. From periodontal treatment, there was no significant difference between the OLE and CHX groups with clinical periodontal parameters and inflammatory markers (P<0.05), although there was a significant difference between the OLE, CHX groups and the S&P alone group in terms of clinical periodontal parameters and inflammatory markers (P<0.05). Conclusion: Olive leaf extract (OLE) has been showed to be comparable to CHX aided in reducing gingivitis by decreasing clinical periodontal parameters and inflammatory chemical markers values such as CRP, ALP, and TP. Keywords: olive leaf extract (OLE, mouthwash, chlorhexidine, gingivitis, CRP, ALP, TP
Privacy Rights Forfeiture
Authors: Hanin Mark
Published: July 2022

Privacy rights can surely be waived. But can they also be forfeited? If so, why and under what conditions? This article takes up these questions by developing a novel theory of privacy rights forfeiture that draws inspiration from Judith Thomson’s canonical work on privacy. The paper identifies two species of forfeiture rooted in modes of negligent and reckless conduct and argues that both self-directed and other-regarding considerations play a role in grounding forfeiture. The paper also contributes to the literature by proposing a new taxonomy of how Hohfeldian entitlements can be divested generally. It likewise engages at length with a recent article by Benedict Rumbold and James Wilson in which the authors criticize Thomson’s work and appear to reject the very idea of privacy forfeiture. In response, I make the case that Rumbold and Wilson’s forfeiture-free model of privacy is unconvincing on substantive moral grounds.
Artificial neural network (ANN) approach for modeling of lead (II) adsorption from wastewater using a ragi husk powder
Authors: Krishna D. , G. Santhosh Kumar , D. R. Prasada Raju
Published: July 2022

The main sources of lead in the environment are effluent industries such as electroplating, alloying, smelting, mining, refining, pigmenting, plastic manufacture, and metallurgical industries. A batch experiment as well as an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) coupled with a Genetic Algorithm model for the extraction of lead from wastewater was conducted. In the development of the ANN model, a tan sigmoid transfer function for input and a purelin for output layers have been employed. A feed-forward back propagation with a single layer was used with thirteen neurons in the hidden layer. The optimized process parameters, viz., pH, adsorbent dosage, and initial concentration of lead, have been obtained. Based on the regression coefficient value of R2 of 0.998, it was confirmed that the ANN model predicted data and the experimental value data were a perfect match. The maximum percentage removal of lead was obtained at optimum conditions by means of a pattern search algorithm in GA.
Effectiveness of intradialytic leg stretching exercises to reduce muscle cramps among patients undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Jogindra Vati
Published: July 2022

Muscle cramp is one of the most frequent problems experienced by patients during hemodialysis who have low functional capacity, decreased muscle strength, and fatigue and are associated with poor health-related quality of life. Providing exercises reduce muscle cramps by improving muscle strength and flexibility. Workouts also increase blood flow and open capillary surface areas, thereby increasing waste removal. To evaluate the effectiveness of intradialytic exercises to reduce the frequency and intensity of muscle cramps among patients undergoing hemodialysis, a preexperiment, one group pre-test, and a post-test study were conducted on 60 patients who confirmed the inclusion and exclusion criteria recruited consecutively. A structured interview schedule, self-developed muscle cramps assessment proforma, and visual analogue scale were used after getting approved by the ethical committee and taking permission from hospital authorities. Intradialytic active and passive leg exercises were performed as per the developed protocol. A post-test was conducted after a follow-up period of 6 weeks. Data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result shows a significant decrease in the frequency and pain intensity of muscle cramps after exercise. There was no significant association of muscle cramps with the selected socio-demographic and clinical variables, except in post-intervention with sedentary lifestyles. The muscle cramps were more among patients with sedentary lifestyles than non-sedentary. Intradialytic stretching leg exercises were highly effective in reducing muscle cramps' frequency and pain intensity. Nurses must include this program as a part of routine care for all patients after assessing risks subjected to hemodialysis.
Interventions to reduce diabetic peripheral neuropathy complaints in type II diabetes mellitus patients: a systematic review
Authors: Nupoor N. Bhambid , Sripriya Gopalkrishna
Published: July 2022

Diabetic neuropathy is the most common complication of diabetes, likely to affect every segment of the central nervous system. Studies have shown that 30 - 40% of diabetics show symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. About 70% of patients who suffer from diabetes show some degree of neuropathy. Appropriate interventions to reduce diabetic peripheral neuropathy complaints are important in type II diabetic mellitus patients. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify the interventions to reduce diabetic peripheral neuropathy complaints in type II diabetes mellitus patients. The literature search was confined to the English language from 2001 - 2021. Several databases were searched to find relevant studies, including PubMed, Embase, Science direct, Medline and Web of Science for systematic reviews. All quantitative studies whose aim was to reduce diabetic peripheral neuropathy complaints by using non pharmacological interventions were included. Interventional studies with at least one outcome related to pain or sensory perception due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy were included in the review. The search identified 225 articles. After removing duplicate articles, 190 articles were picked out from the search. Each of the articles was screened out for titles and abstracts of 190 studies. Among these, 140 articles were excluded for various reasons. Hence, the “full text” of the 50 articles was evaluated for eligibility. Most of the articles, i.e., 42 articles were excluded due to absence of resonance with the subject matter and were not relevant to the topic. The remaining 8 articles were finally included in the review. Interventions to minimise diabetic peripheral neuropathy symptoms in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were proposed in this review. The majority of the interventions focused on foot massage for neuropathic pain, and the typical intervention lasted 2 - 8 weeks, with a significant reduction in pain perception in individuals with type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
A Research on the Strategies for Improving the Teaching Level of Thai Reading in Colleges and Universities
Authors: Zhou Hao , Somnam Sira , Dibyamandala Jarunee
Published: July 2022

The traditional teaching of Thai reading in colleges and universities mainly focuses on imparting knowledge, hoping to help students accumulate Thai knowledge efficiently. With the continuous attention to the instrumental and humanistic values of language, the focus of college and university teachers has gradually shifted to the training of application skills and the improvement of thinking quality [1]. In order to fully demonstrate the value of its teaching, Thai reading teachers need to combine the development needs of students with practical application, constantly innovate teaching strategies, improve the teaching level of Thai reading, and comprehensively promote students’ Thai literacy. Based on this and in view of various practical experiences, this paper discusses the strategies to improve the teaching level of Thai reading in colleges and universities.
The Practice and Exploration of Ideological and Political Education Reform in Architectural Decoration Construction Technology Courses Based on the Cultivation of Craftsman Spirit
Authors: Xiao Bin , Lu Ye , Fu Zhiting , Wang Rui , Zhou Peijiao
Published: July 2022

With the development of China’s economy, all sectors of society have increasing expectations for the caliber of professionals. As one of their primary roles, higher vocational colleges should cultivate industrial talents with craftsman spirit, in order to supply skilled talents. Taking the course of Architectural Decoration Construction Technology as an example, this paper explores the connotation of craftsman spirit, analyzes the necessity of effective integration and reasonable infiltration of craftsman spirit in the teaching of architectural decoration construction technology, and proposes practical measures of integrating craftsman spirit into the teaching of architectural decoration construction technology.
The Construction Technology of Freeform Surface Spatial Bending-Torsion Steel Structure
Authors: Lu Tong , Wang Shuai , Wu Ke-Yang , Liu Chen , Wang Zhen-Min , Qian Chen
Published: July 2022

Taking the construction project of the National Cybersecurity Talents and Innovation Base as an example, this paper studies the construction technology of freeform surface spatial bending-torsion steel structure based on structural design model transformation, including the parametric modeling of deepening design model, computer-aided bending and torsion frame production, flexible docking in the bending-torsion combination unit, and welding stress deformation, in hope to provide reference for similar projects in the future.
Subgrade and Pavement Design Strategies for Different Road Settlement Sections
Authors: Chen Jianfeng
Published: July 2022

The quality of road engineering construction largely determines the road operation safety and driving comfort. However, in road engineering construction, the settlement of subgrade and pavement has always been an insurmountable problem. Therefore, in road construction practice, targeted treatment should be carried out for the sections prone to settlement, and subgrade and pavement design strategies for these settlement sections should be carried out, so as to reduce the risk of settlement and ensure the improvement of road engineering quality and safety.
Application of CPS Under the Background of Intelligent Construction
Authors: Zheng XiaoXu
Published: July 2022

The advent of the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) has brought about new opportunities for the intelligent transformation and upgrading of the construction industry to achieve high-quality and sustainable development. On the basis of analyzing the background of the industry and the development status of the corresponding technologies used in intelligent construction, the application of cyber-physical system (CPS) is proposed. The CPS intelligent construction platform is created in response to the demands of the construction industry’s current growth to provide digital solutions. The drawbacks and challenges in the current construction development process have aided in the industry’s transformation and upgrading.
School Principals and Teachers’ Perceptions of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in Lebanon. (c2022)
Authors:   ,   Lebanese American University, Massalkhi Farshoukh Hanin
Published: July 2022

Despite the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) for students, programs that promote SEL are scarce in Lebanon. The absence of a definition of the concept of SEL in the country has contributed to this void. Hence, this study has examined principals’ and teachers’ perceptions of SEL and its impact on students’ academic achievement in schools in Lebanon. Qualitative data was collected through interviews from eight principals and 22 teachers from schools in Lebanon that implement SEL. The findings suggest that educators have a positive attitude towards SEL and its impact on students’ academic achievement. Even though the Lebanese curriculum does not provide established programs for SEL, the results showed that these programs are developed on individual basis by the school staff in the form of classroom activities, extracurricular activities, plays, reflections, and more. Nevertheless, these services are preliminary in nature and vary in scope in each of the participating schools. The current study provides insight into the importance and implementation of SEL in schools in Lebanon.
The Design and Simulation of a Fuzzy Logic-Controlled Upper-body Exoskeleton for Lower-Limb Paraplegics Using Swing Through Gait Ambulation. (c2022)
Authors:   ,   Lebanese American University, Eid Jad
Published: July 2022

Currently, most of the research activities and the resulting commercial products offer motorized lower-limb exoskeletons that assist paraplegics in ambulating while standing up. However, there exist numerous gaiting techniques that enable the paralyzed to move using the upper extremities. This research aims for the development of an upper limb assistive technology that enables paraplegics to ambulate using a supported Swing Through Gait (STG) technique. The STG technique is known to require significant upper-body strength and superior balancing abilities during the swing phase. The challenge in the swing phase is due to the small contact area with the ground, represented by the ends of the crutches, and the large torques resulting from carrying the body and the swinging of the torso and legs. This article presents a control system that can be deployed onto an upper-limb rehabilitation exoskeleton that supports the STG ambulation technique. The controller is designed to recreate the STG using a rigid body dynamics model with a fuzzy logic controller guiding the motion of the shoulders and elbows. The controller is then calibrated and verified with experimental data measured from a spinal cord injured subject with complete thoracic lesion at T2 that relies on the STG pattern. The controller is further augmented by adding a failure detection and correction mode aimed at preventing falls and injuries in paraplegic users. The developed controller shows that it can control actuators in an exoskeleton to ambulate using the STG technique, detect falls/anomalies in the motion, and correct the falls to restore the intended trajectory. This work demonstrates that the proposed controller can be extended to an upper-limb exoskeleton to help support and rehabilitate paraplegic patients using the STG technique.
期间核查在环境监测质量管理中的应用阐述
Authors: 艳杰 常 , 学艳 李
Published: July 2022

期间核查并不是独立的工作，其往往是依托于特定的载体加以开展，因此需要重视环境监测的实际要求，运用合理方式优化期间核查对策，保证提升作用成效，展示出基本的优势和功能。期间核查属于一种有效措施，对于环境监测质量管理具有深刻的影响，可以为环保工作的开展提供支持。论文重点阐述期间核查在环境监测质量管理中的应用，明确其基本内涵及目的，了解核查的具体方式及应用思路，希望可以为环境监测质量管理工作的开展提供参考。
精细化工行业减污降碳路径研究
Authors: 海燕 陈
Published: July 2022

量化产品的碳足迹（CFP）将有助于理解和采取行动，在产品的整个生命周期中减少温室气体的排放量并增加温室气体的去除量。在众多行业中，精细化工行业产品种类多、工艺复杂、原料运输途径多样，存在较多不确定因素。通过对精细化工行业碳足迹核算的难点分析指导企业完善管理体制、建立完善的管理台账，为碳排放核查提供有效的数据支撑，同时优化产品结构和工艺流程、寻找可替代的原辅料，从源头上减少温室气体排放，以达到真正意义上的减污降碳。
农村生活污水治理模式及对策研究
Authors: 晓霞 张 , 正伟 阮 , 欣 王
Published: July 2022

随着经济的不断增长，农村生活质量水平提升，但污水治理水平却迟迟得不到提高。改善农村地区人民居住环境是构建和谐社会的重点，农村居民饮水条件得到改善是保证农村地区饮水安全的前提，生活污水量增加导致水资源污染严重。在生态文明建设背景下，解决农村地区环境问题是实现乡村振兴的重要任务。由于农村地区设施少，技术落后，居民的文化水平不高，导致长期以来环境保护工作任务不能按时完成。农村生活问题是国家关注的重点，农村地区人口多，如果肆意排放污水破坏生态环境会造成更多严重的后果。
浅谈钢铁企业转炉煤气节能技术的设计与应用
Authors: 延 周
Published: July 2022

钢铁企业是中国工业发展的重要支柱，其中，钢铁企业在生产过程中所产生的转炉煤气又是宝贵的二次能源。论文通过分析转炉煤气回收利用的技术现状，针对存在的问题提出转炉煤气回收利用的有效技术，并将其在广西防城港钢铁基地进行实践和应用，取得较为明显的节能效果。
化工分析与生产过程中的节能降耗方法思考
Authors: 港 林
Published: July 2022

化工企业的生产规模逐步扩增，由此引起的资源消耗量也在逐年增长，如何顺应时代发展要求，积极响应节能降耗的号召，成了目前化工分析和生产中面临的主要难题。传统发展理念已经不符合新时期化工企业的改革要求，要从环境、技术、设备和人员等要素出发推进节能降耗工作，实现资源能源的高效化利用，共同构建节约型社会。论文对化工分析与生产过程中节能降耗的重要性加以分析，研究化工分析与生产过程中能源消耗的现状，探索化工分析与生产过程中的节能降耗方法。
环保数据在环境污染防治中的作用及应用策略
Authors: 杏青 张
Published: July 2022

经济的快速发展显著提升了中国人民的生活水平，但同时也带来了严峻的环境污染问题，从而改变了人们的生活乃至社会的发展，目前社会各界人士都十分关注环境保护问题。在信息时代下的环保工作中，环保数据的高效收集、整合以及处理是影响环境污染防治工作水平的重要因素，因此，论文主要研究了环保大数据在环境污染防治管理中的作用及具体应用策略，希望可以提供有用的建议。
空户率的耗热量及对供热系统调节、供热成本的影响分析
Authors: 闯 刘
Published: July 2022

分析了中国集中供热系统热利用效率低，运行能耗高的主要原因，并讨论了目前分楼栋空户率耗热量的计算，空户率对供热成本及供热调节的影响，认为根据目前数据的分析，随着楼内空户率的增加，楼栋的耗热量逐渐增加，造成供热成本增加，供热系统调节增加难度。为了解决空户率的问题，在系统加装物联网调控系统，精确到每户调节，可以减少每户冷热不均的现象，有效减少由于散热器面积不匹配、建筑内局部热源、系统流量不均等原因造成的局部过热现象，提高集中供热系统的热利用效率。
城乡生活垃圾分类处理与资源化利用技术
Authors: 生桃 唐
Published: July 2022

新时代下社会经济发展日新月异，商品数量种类不断增加，城市生活垃圾数量达到上限会出现垃圾围城，不利于生态和谐可持续发展，如何处理生活垃圾成为各国城市发展面临的重要问题，中国垃圾分类试点于新世纪初在上海等城市开展，由于收运制度不健全等因素导致垃圾分类效果不理想，研究推广城市生活垃圾分类处理与资源化利用技术意义重大。概述城市生活垃圾分类处理资源化利用技术理论，分析城市生活垃圾处理利用存在的问题，提出生活垃圾分类资源化管理策略。
黑臭河流单因子水质标识指数评价——以中国深圳市为例
Authors: 旭 赖
Published: July 2022

通过对中国深圳市2015年排查的44段黑臭河流进行溶解氧和氨氮的单因子标识指数评价，探讨单因子标识指数水质分析作用。结果显示，深圳市44段黑臭河流的PDo值小于或等于6的有12段，大于6的有32段，而44段黑臭河流的PNH3-N值全部大于6，通过分析可以将PDo值等于6和PNH3-N值等于10作为深圳市“轻度、重度”黑臭河流的分界线。
大气污染问题的环境监测及应对要点
Authors: 晶晶 张
Published: July 2022

目前中国的经济发展十分迅速，环境问题也随之凸显出来，大气污染问题已经对人们的生活造成了严重影响。现代人已经意识到环境保护的重要性，环保意识不断提升。论文主要研究了大气污染问题的环境监测及应对要点，希望可以提供有用的建议。
房屋建筑工程中绿色节能施工技术的应用
Authors: 仁隆 刘 , 国斌 陈 , 积宁 潘
Published: July 2022

新时代下，人们对于生活环境和生活质量的重视程度正在不断地提高，对绿色可持续发展理念的应用也在持续关注。在建筑工程实际施工过程中，对于环境所产生的影响和破坏是不可逆转的，因此需要在施工当中科学应用绿色节能技术，帮助人们创造一个更加宜居的环境，同时，尽可能地节约各项资源。论文通过对房屋建筑绿色节能施工技术研究，阐述绿色节能施工的技术性和重要性，内容如下仅供参考。
大气污染环境监测技术及治理方法研究
Authors: 佩伦 佟
Published: July 2022

工业领域的快速发展，对大气环境造成了严重的污染。目前，世界各国都在探索大气环境污染问题的治理方法。论文重点针对大气污染的环境监测技术与治理方法进行了详细的分析，旨在为相关认识提供参考。
Optimization Oxygen and Hydrogen Input Velocities by Golden Section Method with 3D Multifluid Model in COMSOL for PEMFCs
Authors: BAYRAKDAR ATEŞ Ezgi , EGE Ahmet
Published: July 2022

A three dimensional (3D), gas-liquid multi-phase flow and transport model in COMSOL Multiphysics has been developed to simulate flow and transport phenomena in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) with several operational parameters. The effects of changes in oxygen and hydrogen input velocities on concentration change at electrodes, current density in polymeric membrane and cell performance have been investigated in PEMFC. The simulations, made in COMSOL for numerical method, were presented with an emphasis on the physical and fundamental insight afforded by distributions of velocity vector, local current density, overpotential, oxygen and water concentrations. Using Golden Section Method, optimization of the change in the speed vector was made based on the numerical models for velocity values. Results showed that computational and numerical methods are in great harmony. The polarization curve, which is used as a measure of efficiency in cell performance, were supportive with results. The data show that the power density obtained for the optimum model is higher, with such a model performance of 92.87%. Compared to the currently used PEMFC, while hydrogen saving achieved between 4.2% and 7.1%, electrical efficiency increase were between 1% and 2.4%.
Energy and Exergy Analysis of Concentrated PV/T Systems with Beam Splitting
Authors: RESULOĞULLARI Ömer , ERİŞEN Ali
Published: July 2022

Güneş enerjisi sistemlerinde, en yüksek teknoloji ve maliyet değerine sahip olan fotovoltaik modüllerin kullanımı söz konusudur. Bunların etkin ve yoğun kullanılması için önerilen yöntem, yutulum tabakası aracılığıyla Işınım ayrıştırmalı PV/T sistemleridir. Bu çalışmada, sistem parametrelerinden, yutulum ünitesi kalınlığı, akışkan debisi ve ışınım şiddeti değişimlerinin sisteme olan etkileri incelenmiştir. Sırasıyla, yutulum ünitesi kalınlığının arttırılmasıyla fotovoltaik modüle ulaşan ışınımın daha yüksek verimde elektrik üretimi, akış debisinin arttırılmasıyla sistemde ekserji artışı sağlanabileceği belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca, ışınım şiddetinin arttırılmasıyla da, sistemde ısı kazanımlarının ve dolayısıyla bu kazanımlara dayalı ekserji artışlarının olabileceği gösterilmiştir.
Early detection of the low dose of Lead exposure prevents mental disorders using non-invasive fluorescence and multi-omics
Authors: Brandon Brown  , Steffi Kishna  , Diane E Heck  , Hong Duck Kim
Published: July 2022

Lead poisoning is an epidemic that can affect anyone. Lead toxicity most commonly affects children and causes neurodevelopmental problems chronically. Lead is a heavy metal that alters calcium metabolism and deactivates enzymes essential in activating heme in the blood. Heme is an integral part of homeostasis and body defense in the shuttling of oxygen throughout the tissues, most notably the brain metabolism. The lack of oxygen throughout the brain slows down brain development (e.g., Neuronal cell migration, polarization, neuronal cell differentiation) and leads to lower IQs, learning disabilities, and lifelong ailments. The most common form of lead exposure comes from lead-based paint, toys, cosmetic materials, other household materials, various environments, and occupational pollutants. The current biomarkers used for lead toxicity successfully detect current lead levels in the blood but are not excellent at determining duration. Bone-Pb allows for the detection of lead toxicity duration, but it is not widely accepted throughout the United States. Significant limitations exist because all biomarkers test for lead poisoning after it has already happened which makes it challenging to prevent lead exposure in a clinical setting. Prevention needs to happen at the governmental and, more importantly at the individual levels. The focus of this study is on lead toxicity and prevention followed by reducing risk and improvement of detection utilized tools-driven molecular-based assessment along with visual imaging technique. It examines how lead finds its way into the human body for storage or metabolomic by-products. Identifying the risks of exposure would inform the mechanisms that can be employed to prevent further exposure and toxicity in other organs or intervene with metabolism or biotransformation. It predicts the potential counteract mechanisms through which lead affects the health of pregnant mothers, or interaction between prenatal, or the unborn, and post-natal status, different stages of developmental, and post-menopausal women. The study outlines the various ways of detecting the presence of low levels of lead in the blood and bones using non-invasive fluorescence combined with multidimensional omics such as metabolomic and proteomic by which early detection of organ dysfunction can be used to monitor Ca2+ metabolism in the cell or tissue/organ level before the onset of disease