bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Germany’s Contested Civil Society in a Time of Politization
Authors: Hummel Siri
Published: July 2022

Growing efforts to shrink civil societies’ scope of action are evident around the globe. Germany’s civil society has not been fully immune from this, but analysing whether there is a shrinking civic space requires a twofold perspective. While having a high democratic state standard and a rather supportive environment, there is also a discourse of whether it is legitimate for civil society organisations (CSO) to be politically active, following controversial recent lawsuits against CSOs on that ground. Additionally, there is an increasing atmosphere of hate and demonization from some social groups against civil society activists that impede their work and scope of action. Accordingly, there is an ongoing discussion whether Germany’s civil society is affected by the shrinking space phenomenon or not. To capture and theoretically comprehend these processes in Germany, I argue that these signs of “shrinking spaces” should rather be understood as a contestation that is the outcome of a growing re-politicization of civil society in the last 15 years. It is rooted in a new wave of politicization in which democracy is no longer an undisputed paradigm. Against this background, over the last decade, civil society has become again a terrain of contestation where different views and options are expressed and collide, but that is also attacked from the outside. Two main changes, I argue, have driven forward the politicization of civil society: first, a new social cleavage that is exploited by (right-wing) populism and, second, the claim for more direct participation in the democratic systems by the citizens which produced new political opportunity structures of good governance that allow more CSOs to advocate. While this process emancipated many CSOs, it also brought forth different contestations about legitimate participation. In this way, one can simultaneously observe a shrinking and a growing space for civil society in Germany.
Productive vocabulary learning in pre-primary education through soft CLIL
Authors: Segura Marta , Barón Júlia , Roquet Helena
Published: July 2022

The present study aims to contribute to the field of Foreign Language (FL) acquisition by analysing English as a Foreign Language (EFL) vocabulary learning in pre-primary education learners following a Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) programme. Although the present study focuses on productive vocabulary acquisition, such results are later compared to receptive vocabulary findings reported in a previous study following the same learners over the same period of time. Additionally, word frequency effects are studied. A 6-month longitudinal study was conducted with Catalan and Spanish bilingual EFL learners (N = 155) aged 4 and 5. Through the programme, two curricular units traditionally taught in the learners’ mother tongue were worked on through a soft CLIL approach. Learners were administered a general vocabulary pre-test, and by the end of the intervention, receptive and productive vocabulary tests were given to the students, including the target words presented in the soft CLIL sessions. Positive trends were found in productive vocabulary learning, which may eventually turn into significant differences over a longer treatment period. A significant frequency effect was observed, as there was a higher recollection rate of higher-frequency words. When comparing receptive and productive vocabulary results, statistically significant higher scores were reported in receptive tests than in productive ones.
Thermal properties of wood flour reinforced polyamide 6 biocomposites by twin screw extrusion
Authors: Abdullah Norihan , Abdan Khalina , Lee Ching Hao , Mohd Roslim Muhammad Huzaifah , Radzuan Mohd Nazren , shafi Ayu Rafiqah
Published: July 2022

The use of waste wood flour as polymer reinforcements has recently gained popularity because of its environmental benefits. The goal of this research is to determine the thermal properties of a waste wood flour/polyamide 6 composite made via extrusion. The fillers were melt compounded with polyamide 6 at filler concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 15% using a twin screw extruder, followed by compression molding. The processability of waste wood flour/polyamide 6 composite was evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and dynamic thermomechanical analysis (DMA). According to the TGA analysis, the thermal stability of the composites decreases as the natural fiber content increases. The onset temperature of rapid thermal deterioration was reduced somewhat from 425 °C (neat PA6) to 405 °C (15 wt% wood flour). According to the DSC results, the addition of natural fibers resulted in quantify changes in the glass transition (T
g), melting (T
m), and crystallization temperature (T
c) of the PA6 composites. The storage modulus from the DMA study increased from 1177 MPa (neat PA6) to 1531 MPa due to the reinforcing effects of wood flour (15 wt%). Waste wood flour/polyamide 6 composites offer advantageous thermal properties, enabling us to profit from the strengthening potential of such cellulosic reinforcements while remaining recyclable and generally renewable
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Tendon pain – what are the mechanisms behind it?
Authors: Ackermann Paul W. , Alim Md Abdul , Pejler Gunnar , Peterson Magnus
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Management of chronic tendon pain is difficult and controversial. This is due to poor knowledge of the underlying pathophysiology of chronic tendon pain, priorly known as tendinitis but now termed tendinopathy. The objective of this topical review was to synthesize evolving information of mechanisms in tendon pain, using a comprehensive search of the available literature on this topic.

Content

This review found no correlations between tendon degeneration, collagen separation or neovascularization and chronic tendon pain. The synthesis demonstrated that chronic tendon pain, however, is characterized by excessive nerve sprouting with ingrowth in the tendon proper, which corresponds to alterations oberserved also in other connective tissues of chronic pain conditions. Healthy, painfree tendons are devoid of nerve fibers in the tendon proper, while innervation is confined to tendon surrounding structures, such as sheaths. Chronic painful tendons exhibit elevated amounts of pain neuromediators, such as glutamate and substance p as well as up-regulated expression and excitability of pain receptors, such as the glutamate receptor NMDAR1 and the SP receptor NK1, found on ingrown nerves and immune cells. Increasing evidence indicates that mast cells serve as an important link between the peripheral nervous system and the immune systems resulting in so called neurogenic inflammation.

Chronic painful tendons exhibit (1) protracted ingrowth of sensory nerves (2) elevated pain mediator levels and (3) up-regulated expression and excitability of pain receptors, participating in (4) neuro-immune pathways involved in pain regulation. Current treatments that entail the highest scientific evidence to mitigate chronic tendon pain include eccentric exercises and extracorporeal shockwave, which both target peripheral neoinnervation aiming at nerve regeneration.

Outlook

Potential mechanism-based pharmacological treatment approaches could be developed by blocking promotors of nerve ingrowth, such as NGF, and promoting inhibitors of nerve ingrowth, like semaphorins, as well as blocking glutamate-NMDA-receptor pathways, which are prominent in chronic tendon pain.
Using Wide-Angle Reflection Wave Technology to Detect Seismic Inversion Data of Complex Geological Structure Zone for a Future Smart World
Authors: Guo Yankun , Zhang Chong
Published: July 2022

The South Yellow Sea has complex geological conditions such as small seismic wave impedance differences between shallow and deep marine sedimentary formations. The energy of the reflection wave in the deep phase is weak at the same phase axis, making it difficult to identify the effective reflection information of the marine target layer, especially the deep parts covered by high-speed layers. It is extremely difficult to image the carbonate stratum of the Mesozoic and Paleozoic. For this reason, wide-angle reflection wave technology is used to detect seismic inversion data of complex geological structures. According to the comparative analysis of the actual seismic data and inversion simulation data in the South Yellow Sea area, it is verified that under the condition of complex geological structure, with the aid of inversion simulation data, effective waves and interference waves can be identified, which can guide the optimization of acquisition parameters in the deep target formation area of the South Yellow Sea, where imaging is difficult, in view of the factors affecting the imaging accuracy of the marine carbonate formation of the middle and Paleozoic, and this is conducive to improving the acquisition parameter quality of seismic data.
Statistical Validation of a New Tensile Creep Test for Asphalt Mastics
Authors: Roberto Antonio , Romeo Elena , Tebaldi Gabriele , Montepara Antonio
Published: July 2022

Currently, the increasing traﬃc level and climatic change are exacerbating the premature distress of pavement infrastructures. In order to assess this problem, the proposed research activity aims to statistically evaluate the parameters of a new mastic tensile creep test, which is based on a uniaxial tensile conﬁguration. This allows the material deformation to be kept in the small-strain domain and the mechanical behavior to be considered as linear viscoelastic (LVE). Particularly, the main tasks of the study herein were the statistical analysis of the proper testing temperature and load. Moreover, the storage period of the samples was also analyzed, comparing four storage durations (1, 2, 4, and 12 h). The proposed analysis was performed using three ﬁllers (one pure limestone and two limestone-based ﬁllers) and two asphalt binders, neat and 3.5 % Styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) modiﬁed, respectively. The validation of the testing protocol also involved the analysis of the operator sensitivity using the one-way ANOVA statistical test. The results showed that the testing protocol is not operator-sensitive and allows the LVE behavior to be kept in the small-strain domain. The results also indicated that the m-value seems to interpret the accumulation of the permanent deformation for the mastic materials, which may be used as the property of materials, well.
Data Mining and Analysis Algorithm of Smart City Network Information Resource Description Framework Based on Fuzzy Association Rules
Authors: Li Ruihua , Feng Zhidong , Guo Hongbo
Published: July 2022

Aiming at the problems of poor effect, low precision, and a long time frame in the current data mining analysis algorithm of the network information resource description framework (RDF), a data mining analysis algorithm of the network information RDF based on fuzzy association rules is proposed. Using association rule mining technology combined with fuzzy set theory, a fuzzy association rule algorithm is obtained to deal with quantitative data. Fuzzy c-means (FCM) is used to discretize continuous attributes, and the fuzzy concept pattern and its support and credibility are defined. Add a Mining Query flag to extend the SPARQL Protocol and RDF Query Language (SPARQL) syntax, define the user specified mining model, generate the corresponding project set and transaction, adopt the fuzzy association rule algorithm to generate fuzzy association rules, and realize the RDF data mining analysis of network information. The experimental results show that the network RDF data mining analysis effect of the proposed algorithm is good, which can effectively improve the network RDF data mining analysis accuracy and shorten the mining analysis time.
Malware Detection Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks in a Smart City Based on Random Forest
Authors: Cui Jiantao
Published: July 2022

Aiming at the problems of inaccurate malware detection in traditional wireless sensor network detection algorithms, resulting in inaccurate prediction of network residual energy and low network life, a malware detection algorithm for wireless sensor networks based on random forest is proposed. Firstly, the random forest is optimized and introduced into software detection. Based on this, the attack model and software trust of malware are calculated to realize the detection of malware in wireless sensor networks. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively improve the detection rate, and the prediction of network residual energy is accurate, which can effectively prolong the service life of the network.
Calorimetric Analysis and Dielectric Properties of Se50Te45Ge5 Chalcogenide Alloy
Authors: Ahmed E. M. , Atta A. A. , Wahba H. H.
Published: July 2022

In this article, the amorphous structure of chalcogenide alloy Se50Te45Ge5 is confirmed by x-ray diffraction analysis with under-constrained nature. The differential scanning calorimeter study is made for the alloy at different heating rate α. The Tg and Tc of the alloy are found to increase, whereas Tm appears to decrease with increasing α. The mean activation energy for transition and crystallization are found to be around 160 and 150 kJ/mol, respectively. The fragility index is found to decrease with the increase of α. The crystals are established to grow in two dimensions within the glass network. On the other hand, the dielectric constant and loss are studied at frequencies between 30 Hz and 1 MHz and at temperatures between 20 and 300 K. The dielectric modulus of the experimental data is then analyzed using different models. Suitable fitting to the practical data is attained by the application of Davidson–Cole formalism with γ-values ranging from 0.82 to 0.99 with increasing of the temperature.
Analyzing the NIST Charpy Program Database: Influence of Impact Hammer Type (C versus U) on Test Results
Authors: Lucon Enrico , Santoyo Raymond L.
Published: July 2022

The NIST Charpy Machine Verification Program has been supplying ASTM E23-18, Standard Test Methods for Notched Bar Impact Testing of Metallic Materials certified Charpy reference specimens to customers all over the world since 1989, when the program was transferred from the US Army at Watertown Arsenal, Massachusetts. Starting in 1993, customer test results have been recorded in the form of absorbed energy values in an electronic database, which currently contains more than 70,000 records. In this study, data from the period 2000–2021 have been analyzed to investigate the influence of machine type/hammer configuration (C-type versus U-type) on Charpy test results at three absorbed energy levels. The significance of the trends observed has been assessed statistically, and compared to the trends observed for the three NIST reference machines used for the certification of Charpy reference specimens. The current line-up of NIST machines (one C-type and two U-type) has been found to provide the highest percentage of successful verifications with respect to other combinations of reference machines.
Moderate Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest Model in Rats: A New Model with Hyperkalemia-Induced Cardioplegia
Authors: Gao Yan , Tang Zhuo , Liu Yu , Fan Jianing , Liu Yu , Wang Huishan
Published: July 2022

Background: Moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest (MHCA) is a safe and effective method of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). However, most present rat models involve a deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, which cannot exactly reflect the clinical situation. The aim of this study was to establish a novel and safe rat model of MHCA with hyperkalemia-induced cardioplegia to study the pathophysiology of potential complications.
Methods: Ten adult male Sprague–Dawley rats (age, 16–18 weeks; weight, 450–550 g) were used. The entire CPB circuit consisted of a reservoir, peristaltic pump, membrane oxygenator, heat exchanger, and hemoconcentrator, all of which were connected via silicon tubing. The prime solution was approximately 19 mL. The right jugular vein, right femoral artery, and left femoral artery were cannulated. Blood was drained from the right atrium through the right jugular vein and perfused to the rats via the left femoral artery. CPB was commenced at a full flow rate. The rats were cooled to a rectal temperature of 25°C, and cardioplegia was induced by systemic hyperkalemia. After that, MHCA was carried out for 30 min. At the same time, system self-ultrafiltration was carried out to decrease the concentration of potassium by a hemoconcentrator. The circulatory arrest was followed by reperfusion and over 30 min of rewarming. CPB carefully was terminated. Blood in the circuit slowly was centrifuged for autotransfusion. Blood gas and hemodynamic parameters were recorded at each time point before CPB, before MHCA, at 10 min after the initiation of rewarming, and after CPB.
Results: All CPB and MHCA procedures successfully were achieved. One rat died of respiratory failure. Cardioplegia with systemic hyperkalemia was induced by 1 mL of 10% potassium chloride injected into the reservoir, and the concentration of potassium was maintained at 17 ± 3 mmol/L. Cardiac function and blood pressure were stable after the operation.
Conclusions: A novel and safe rat model of MHCA with hyperkalemia-induced cardioplegia successfully was established.
Rotten asparagus and just-in-time workers:
Authors: Weiler Anelyse Margaret , Encalada Grez Evelyn
Published: July 2022

In early stages of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian farming industry expressed panic that travel restrictions could disrupt the arrival of migrant farmworkers from the Majority World. In this Perspective essay, we consider how farm industry lobbying successfully framed delays to hiring migrant farmworkers as a threat to national food security. After demonstrating how migrant workers have long been situated in spaces of legal exceptionalism, we argue that framing migrant farmworkers as essential for the national public good of domestic food production conceals how they are also essential for private capital accumulation in agribusiness. In the haste to hire migrant workers quickly, Canadian federal and provincial governments largely failed to prevent farmworker COVID-19 outbreaks and deaths predicted by researchers and activists. We conclude by underscoring the need to fundamentally transform temporary labour migration programs in ways that uphold migrant dignity beyond exceptionalism.
Introspecting food movements in Canada: Unpacking tensions towards justice and sustainability
Authors: Wilson Amanda , Levkoe Charles Z
Published: July 2022

Over the past decades there has been a notable growth in community-based food systems projects and successes. Despite these advancements, food insecurity, precarious food work, ecological degradation, and corporate conglomeration in the food sector all continue to increase, compounded by the ongoing impacts of white supremacy, patriarchy, settler colonialism. Recognizing these growing inequities, critical scholars have noted that too many food systems initiatives are overly concerned with influencing individual behaviours and a focus on narrow objectives. Furthermore, many approaches tend to overlook ways that food systems are embedded within political and economic structures that constrain their goals of social and environmental justice. These multiple challenges suggest that food movements are at a crossroads. This paper reflects on this pivotal moment through an analysis of key food movement actor’s perspectives on the progress and promises as well as emerging tensions for food movements in Canada. Through a series of interviews with individuals most prominent in food movement spaces, we explore key perspectives on the state of food movements and possibilities for future directions. Our findings paint a complex and nuanced portrait of what food movements have accomplished, tease out internal tensions, and identify questions facing their future prospects. The perspectives presented through our findings offer a path to transcend the critiques that position short-term strategic gains in opposition to longer-term systemic change. We suggest that food movements can overcome these challenges by embracing a more radical and expansive vision of social and environmental justice that is deeply embedded within food systems while also looking beyond them.
‘Biotechnologizing’ or ‘democratizing’?
Authors: Seay Fleming Carrie
Published: July 2022

Until 2019, Guatemala upheld a de-facto moratorium on GMOs. The ban has been attributed to broad-based social resistance and the unlikely alliances galvanized by the issue. Recent legislation, however, has been met with little resistance. In this paper, I show how the tensions between anti-GM actors and their interactions on the ground help to explain this turn of events in Guatemala, and—more broadly— contributes to our understanding of how biotechnology advances despite significant resistance. Drawing on interviews and ethnographic observation, I demonstrate how urban, professional class Ladinos who oppose GMOs draw on scientific and technical arguments divorced from broader political-economic critiques. Meanwhile, campesino and indigenous activists center their resistance within broader structures of oppression such as colonialism, racism, and capitalism. Specifically, I show how ‘biotechnologizing’ is employed in problematic ways, not only by pro-GMO coalitions—as other scholarship suggests—but also by anti-GM allies. This case contributes to our understanding of how anti-GMO movement frames get constructed in local contexts, and the tensions that arise between anti-GM groups, revealing significant impediments to creating a more just food future in Guatemala.
Reformist, progressive, radical: The case for an inclusive alliance
Authors: Poppendieck Janet Elizabeth
Published: July 2022

Scholars of food regimes and food movements have argued that the capacity of the contemporary food movement to achieve significant change is dependent upon the nature of the alliances formed by the progressive, food justice component of the broader array of food change organizations. They have urged alliances primarily with the more radical food sovereignty branch of the food movement. I argue that in the United States, which provides far more assistance to poor people as food assistance than as cash welfare, alliances with reformist food security organizations, and specifically the anti-hunger organizations focused on protecting and expanding federal food assistance, must be an essential part of any significant food justice agenda. These programs are essential to the survival of millions of Americans in the present while we are trying to build a better world for the future. Mobilized and informed public policy advocacy has an impressive track record of successful defense and incremental improvement of food programs. Several of these programs are entitlements that actually create justiciable rights. The collective procurement associated with school food and other public meal programs creates levers for fundamental food system change. And the network of federal, state and local anti-hunger organizations is potentially a portal through which people can enter the movement for a just food future. Food justice activists should include anti-hunger advocates among their allies and partners.
Striving toward a peasant identity
Authors: Kerr Roseann Lydia , Richan Erin , Sproule Coral , Fenton Ayla
Published: July 2022

As diverse actors work through disparate food movements seeking to tackle the causes and effects of the global food crisis, Holt-Giménez and Shattuck (2011) call for strategic alliances between progressive and radical trends in the food movement to transform our current food system. This paper focuses on the process of alliance formation by exploring the subjectivities of three of the authors who identify as women farmers and have had opportunities to learn from and engage with peasant movements through their participation in courses, encounters and organizing spaces of La Via Campesina (LVC). These farmers’ goal of striving toward a peasant identity reveals the influence of peasant-to-peasant processes (PtPP) on their conceptions of possible futures, and simultaneously exposes tensions and struggles in agroecology transition within the Canadian context, where capitalist industrial agriculture is the norm. Using the lens of post-structural feminism, we explore the potential for radical peasant movements to influence and inspire the restructuring of our ways of relating with the earth and each other in the global North. Based on this analysis we deepen our understanding of how PtPP can foster South-North alliances which have the potential to engender food system transformation.
community food centre: Using relational spaces to transform deep stories and shift public will
Authors: Habib Syma
Published: July 2022

COVID-19 has revealed deep inequities in our food system. As goodwill and charity from this crisis disappears, and emergency supports begin to dwindle, we can anticipate increased food insecurity amongst Canadians. Rising food prices and unemployment will drive a lack of access to fresh nutritious foods for already stressed and vulnerable individuals.
As a community organizer who has advocated for poverty reduction and food justice over my lifetime, I understand the short-lived nature of change that occurs without public will and engagement - policy wins end up being removed in the next election cycle. My experience with party-dependent advocacy projects has led me to ask the question: how do we build the kind of public will that demands access to healthy and nutritious food as not an individual responsibility but a public duty, much like universal healthcare?
 In writing this paper I intend to draw upon my experiences in organizing to explore the deeper cultural and internal shifts that may need to occur to inspire public will and create change that lasts beyond a single election cycle, and the opportunity that COVID-19 presents as Canadians grapple with questions about food security and poverty in an unprecedented time. I will connect with three community members I advocated with in my time doing placebased community organizing, all with different experiences of food insecurity, and use a storytelling approach to imagine a more effective way of advocating for just food futures.
Enacting just food futures through the state
Authors: Barbosa Jr Ricardo , Coca Estevan
Published: July 2022

The state is an important, if sometimes overlooked, terrain of struggle for food activists. To explore the ways and extent to which just food futures can be enacted through the state, we present the experience of Brazil. We argue that activists should seek to advance food policies that have broad social appeal to weather political changes in administrations. Our argument is informed by an extensive review of scholarship on the state, corporate influence, and the possibility of promoting progressive agri-food change through the state, as well as the contradictions of doing so. Drawing on (agrarian) political economy we analyse institutional procurement as exemplifying the state’s role not only in ‘stabilizing’ and ‘growing’ the economy but also in enacting ‘redistribution’. Through our research in Brazil, we compare how the Food Acquisition Program (PAA) and the National School Meal Program (PNAE) have been impacted by the far-right’s rise to power since 2016. When mobilizing the power of institutions to change food systems by leveraging the purchasing power of the state, beyond institutionalization, food policies must be participatory and framed as collective gains for society more broadly, rather than for specific social groups. This would keep such policies from becoming the target of competing administrations, as evidenced by the Brazil case.
Towards Just Food Futures:
Authors: Rosol Marit , Holt-Giménez Eric , Kepkiewicz Lauren , Vibert Elizabeth
Published: July 2022

The call for Just Food Futures reflects a desire to address social inequities, health disparities, and environmental disasters created by overlapping systems of oppression including capitalism, white supremacy, and heteropatriarchy. While many food movement actors share a desire to meaningfully tackle these issues, the richness and broadness of the food movement does not come without problems. The challenge of engaging with the intersectional nature of food-based inequities is apparent in the tensions between distinctive food organizations and movements and their sometimes conflicting goals, approaches, tactics, and strategies. This Themed Section brings together some of the contributions to and reflections from a virtual three-day workshop held in May 2021 in which we aimed at better understanding the differing approaches, the spaces in which they work, and where we explored collaborative possibilities within, between, and beyond food movements. In this Introduction we share reflections from the guest editors. To explore how food movements can collaborate in solidarity while not negating differences, we first identify key frictions within and between food-related movements and why they persist. Second, we suggest three strategic orientations that may help to explore collaborative possibilities within, between, and beyond food movements: Learning from other movements, fostering political literacy, and engaging with tensions productively. Finally, we consider the role and responsibility of academics within these conversations. We close with a call for (re)politization across difference and relate this back to strategies for broader social transformations.
The prognostic significance of the clinical and histological parameters in primary cutaneous melanoma patients
Authors: Antohe Mihaela , Coman Anastasia , Turcu Gabriela , Nedelcu Roxana Ioana , Brinzea Alice , Balaban Mihaela , Moroianu Andreea , Manea Lorena , Hulea Ionela , Balasescu Elena , Zurac Sabina Andrada , Cioplea Mirela , Popp Cristiana , Nichita Luciana , Ion Daniela Adriana
Published: July 2022

Cutaneous melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and its incidence is unfortunately increasing. In the last decades, a progressive increase of new cases of diagnosed thin melanoma has been noted. This may be due to earlier detection, better surveillance, improved diagnostic criteria or increased exposure to sunlight. Despite the fact that Breslow tumor thickness has the strongest proven prognostic significance, there are still thin melanomas that metastasize and thick melanomas with favorable evolution. Therefore, the identification of strong predictive factors for survival is mandatory, particularly for patients with thin melanoma.
Identification of potential risk factors for the poor prognosis of neonatal sepsis
Authors: Sahu Puspita , Srinivasan Meenakshi , Thunga Girish , Lewis Leslie Edward , Kunhikatta Vijayanarayana
Published: July 2022

Background and aim. Risk factor-based approach is one of the best approaches employed by middle income countries which are not well facility driven for any disease management. Thus, through this approach, we aim to identify the potential risk factors responsible for the poor outcome in neonatal sepsis.

Methods. A case control was conducted retrospectively with neonates admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit during January 2012 to December 2016. Cases were identified using ICD-10 Code from inpatient medical records and demographic, maternal and neonatal details were collected from the medical files. Logistic regression was performed to identify the risk factors associated with mortality in neonatal sepsis. Results. A total of 613 neonates were found to have culture positive sepsis from the 4690 neonates admitted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). There was a total of 831 episodes in the 613 neonates. The mortality rate in neonates with sepsis was found to be 25.4%. Extremely low birth weight (OR 6.171, CI 3.475-10.957), extreme preterm (OR 5.761, CI 2.612-12.708), very preterm (OR 2.548, CI 1.607-4.042), preeclampsia (OR 1.671, CI 1.091-2.562), acute renal failure (OR 4.939, CI-2.588-9.426), coagulopathy (OR 2.211, CI-1.486-3.289), septic shock (OR 173.522, CI-23.642-1273.59), thrombocytopenia (OR 5.231, CI-3.310-8.268), leukopenia (OR 2.422, CI- 1.473-3.984), CRP > 24 (OR 2.099, CI-1.263-3.487) and abnormal absolute neutrophil count (OR 2.108, CI-1.451-3.062) were some of the significant predictors, identified through risk-based approach, in assessing mortality in neonatal sepsis.

Conclusion. Risk-based approach applied was successful in determining plausible important predictors such like extreme low birth weight, extreme preterm, resistance against gram negative infections, preeclampsia, septic shock, hypotension, leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia in predicting mortality in neonatal sepsis. These potential risk factors, identified through risk- based approach, can play a pivotal role in assisting clinician to make appropriate and judicious decision.
Preoperative MRI accuracy after neoadjuvant chemoradiation for locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Popița Anca-Raluca , Rusu Adriana , Muntean Valentin , Achimas Cadariu Patriciu , Irimie Alexandru , Lisencu Cosmin , Pop Bogdan , Resiga Liliana , Fekete Zsolt , Badea Radu
Published: July 2022

Background and aims. To evaluate the performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in restaging locally advanced rectal cancers (LARC) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT), with pathologic correlation.
Methods. 80 patients with LARC treated with neoadjuvant therapy, with restaging MRI and surgery, were enrolled and prospectively reviewed. The diagnostic accuracy of the restaging MRI was assessed for tumor (ymrT), nodal status (ymrN), circumferential resection margin (ymrCRM), extramural vascular invasion (ymrEMVI) and tumoral deposits (ymrN1c) by calculating the sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), negative predictive values (NPV) and positive predictive values (PPV). Response to treatment was classified as good response (complete/near complete) vs. poor response (poor/partial response). The agreement between the tumor regression grade at MRI (mrTRG) and pathology (pTRG) was reported, as well the performance of mrTRG to identify good responders. The correlation between restaging MRI and histopathology was assessed by Spearman correlation coefficient.
Results. The MRI accuracy ranged between 63.8% and 92.5% for T stage and was 81.3% for N stage. All MRI parameters evaluated at restaging were statistically significant correlated with histopathology evaluation, but EMVI. There was moderate correlation for N and N1c and a positive strong correlation for T, CRM and TRG (Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.390 for mrN1c-pN1c, 0.428 for mrN-pN, 0.522 for mrCRM-pCRM, 0.550 for mrT-pT and 0.731 for mrTRG-pTRG). Diagnostic accuracy of anal sphincter invasion was 91.3%, with a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%. Accuracy rate varied between 70% for partial response to 93.75% for complete response after nCRT.
Conclusions. MR imaging had good accuracy in restaging LARCs after nCRT. Our results showed high MRI accuracy in detecting anal sphincter involvement for low rectal tumors, with high NPV to exclude tumoral invasion. Restaging MRI predicted well the tumor regression grade, with good diagnostic performance in differentiating good responders from poor/partial responders. The accuracy was high for detecting complete response.
Periodization models used in the current sport
Authors: Marques Junior Nelson Kautzner
Published: July 2022

Traditional periodization has some characteristics that are the individualization of the training load, training load response based on biological laws and most of these models have the objective of the athlete archive the peak. The contemporary periodization has the following characteristics: individualized training load with monitoring of the physiological adaptation, training of the specific motor capacities of the modality, use of the evolution time and of the residual training effect for the coach prescribes the session, much attention with technical and tactical training and attention in the training with the injury level. Which periodization (traditional and contemporary) models are indicated to be used in contemporary sports? The objective of the review was to determining the types of periodization (traditional and contemporary) for each sport (individual, team, and combat). Traditional periodization has four types of periodization for the coach prescribes the training. The periodization models are the traditional periodization of Matveev, the pendular periodization of Arosiev and Kalinin, the high load system of Vorobiev and the periodization of the structural scheme of high-intensity loads of Tschiene. Contemporary periodization are for the individual sport (block periodization, individualized periodization and ATR periodization), a model for the individualized and collective sports (periodization of the structural bells), five periodization for the collective sports games (periodization of long-form state, microstructure periodization, tactical periodization, non-linear periodization and selective load periodization) and a model for the volleyball (specific periodization for the volleyball). In conclusion, the coach that knows the periodization has more probability of success during a championship.
Variability of Equatorial Electrojet (EEJ) at EIA regions
Authors: Olatunbosun LG , Olabode A O , Ariyibi EA
Published: July 2022

The EEJ is a worldwide solar-driven wind that results in the solar quiet (Sq) current system in the E region of the earth’s ionosphere. The variability of some features such as EEJ, are very important in understanding the complex nature of the ionosphere, especially the low-latitude ionosphere. The magnetometer data from stations located near the equator and outside the edge of the electrojet strip for Africa and India stations were used to estimate and investigate the variability of EEJ in African and Indian Low-Latitudes. The stations are Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (geographic lat/long: 9.03oN/38.76oE) and at Mbour, Senegal for African region (geographic lat/long 14.392oN/343.042oE) and Hyderabad, India (geographic lat/long: 17.413oN/78.555oE) and Beijing Ming Tombs, China for Indian region (geographic lat/long: 40.3oN/116.2oE). The data in XYZ orientation was used to estimate the EEJ strength. The result shows that EEJ exhibits diurnal and seasonal variations and that its variability is stronger in African station than in Indian station, so also is the occurrence of counter electrojet (CEJ).
The effect of gravitational field on photon frequency:a fresh look at the photon
Authors: Kosson, D. Sc Robert L.
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this paper is to present a new description of the photon. The photon is postulated to be a rotating dipole, consisting of two masses, one with a positive charge and the other a negative charge. This conceptualization of the photon permits a parsimonious explanation of both the wave and particle properties of light while providing a straightforward hypothesis for the increased red shift associated with the early stages of the universe. In addition, if measurements could be made of the red shift associated with photons being drawn into a black hole, such measurements might aid in estimating the strength of the associated gravitational gradient.
Rate effect of cooling and overheating above the liquidus line on the formation of structural constituents
Authors:   Iron and Steel Institute of. Z.I. Nekrasov of NAS of Ukraine, Dnipro, Ukraine, Filonenko N. Yu. , Babachenko O.I. ,   Iron and Steel Institute of. Z.I. Nekrasov of NAS of Ukraine, Dnipro, Ukraine, Kononenko G.A. ,   Iron and Steel Institute of. Z.I. Nekrasov of NAS of Ukraine, Dnipro, Ukraine, Safronova O.A. ,   Iron and Steel Institute of. Z.I. Nekrasov of NAS of Ukraine, Dnipro, Ukraine
Published: July 2022

In the paper, the comparative analysis of the process of forming a cast structure of carbon steel after termination of its crystallization in continuous cast steel billet with diameter of 450 mm and overheating of steel to 50° C and 150° C above the liquidus line, and further pouring into wedge-shaped molds, is performed. The microstructure of the skin zone after continuous casting of steel with maximum cooling rate of 106 °С/min consists of dendrites, which have branches of the first and second order, indicating their formation from the melt. When etching the surface of the specimens with solution of nitric acid, the microstructure of the skin zone was represented by ferrite, perlite with separate areas of martensite. The formation of ferrite, perlite and bainite areas was observed at a distance of 0.5 ingot radius and in the central part of the samples, and separate areas of bainite and perlite were observed in the central part of the ingot. Upon further cooling of steels below the temperature of Ar3, the formation of excess ferrite along the boundaries of austenitic grains occurs. Overheating of steels to 50° C and 150° C above the liquidus line gives rise to the formation of a more homogeneous structure. Non-metallic inclusions formed in steel do not exceed 1 point according to DSTU 4967:2015and are not the centres of crystallization – they are observed in perlite grains. There is the formation of separate inclusions of phases located in the perlite grain, which contributes to the finely dispersed hardening of steel. Increasing the overheating temperature leads to the formation of more finely divided inclusions and to the formation of a more homogeneous structure. After overheating to 50° C in the middle part of the wedge (cooling rate of 102-103 ° C/min) no ferrite formation is observed. At all overheating temperatures, perlite has a fine differentiation, but increasing in the overheating temperature above the liquidus line enhances the dispersion of both individual inclusions and perlite. Keywords: carbon steel, continuous cast steel billet, hardening, cooling rate, overheating of steels above the liquidus line.
Novel constructional materials with an oriented porous structure – gazars
Authors:   Physico-Technological Institute of Metals and Alloys of NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Gnyloskurenko S.V. , Kondratyuk S.Ye. ,   Physico-Technological Institute of Metals and Alloys of NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: July 2022

Modern construction metallic materials often work under conditions, where it is necessary to show properties uninherent to continuous materials. High–porous materials have a cellular structure and are characterized with low dencity, high specific stiffness that provides specific advantages above dense materials. The paper reviews such materials with the oriented porous structure – gasars. The theoretical and technological bases of their manufacturing were first developed in Ukraine. Their difference from foamed metals by powder or liquid methods, which are formed under the action of gas–forming reagents, is noted. The formation of gas pores in gasars occurs as a result of a gas–eutectic reaction with the formation of bubbles at the crystallization front in gas–metal systems due to changes in the solubility of gases. The morphology of the pore channels depends on many factors, including the intensity and direction of heat removal. Techniques and equipment are considered, which provides control the macrostructure of the material with the formation of various morphologies – from large cavities, spherical pores to evenly distributed elongated channels of the same or variable cross–section and gradient monolithic porous structures. It is determined that most technologies use hydrogen as a pore formed gas, although there are examples of successful use of hydrocarbons (CH4), water vapor, nitrogen, ammonia and the like. Over the years of research, scientists from different countries have developed methods for obtaining gasars not only on the basis of iron–carbon alloys but also aluminum, copper, nickel, titanium alloys. An analysis of the existing and future opportunities for gasars application noted that it depends on more complete study of gas–eutectic transformations and related processes in the crystallization of melts for their control and development of cost–effective technologies for such materials. Keywords: gasars, oriented porous structure, gas–eutectic reaction, mechanical properties.
The effect of heat treatment on the mechanical properties of modified stainless steels
Authors:   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Aftandiliants Y.G.
Published: July 2022

The paper presents the results of the study of the influence of structure on the mechanical properties of microalloyed and modified austenitic stainless steels. It is shown that the mechanical properties of cast austenitic stainless steels with a probability of 95 % and an error of 0.46 to 13.2 % are determined by such structural parameters as austenite grain size, carbide phase and ferrite content in austenite after quenching, quantity, size and distance between oxide, titanium sulfides and carbonitrides particles. Mathematical models of the structure influence on the yield strength, reduction of area and toughness of stainless steels are built. The structure parameter effectiveness is shown and it is shown that to increase the efficiency of strength, reduction of area and toughness of stainless steels at normal temperature structural factors affect in the following sequence: austenite grain size, volume fraction, size and distribution of titanium carbonitrides and sulfides, the total quantity of non-metallic inclusions, carbides and ferrite in austenite after hardening of stainless steel, as well as the volume fraction, size and distribution of oxide inclusions. Keywords: steel, structure, mechanical properties, strength, ductility, toughness.
Heat treatment and properties of a cast complex profile blade of a hydroturbine
Authors:   Ukrenergymachines JSC, Kharkiv, Ukraine, Artomova S. V. , Budarin O. S. ,   Ukrenergymachines JSC, Kharkiv, Ukraine, Bondarenko V. S. ,   Ukrenergymachines JSC, Kharkiv, Ukraine, Bezvesilna O. M. ,   Ukrenergymachines JSC, Kharkiv, Ukraine, Ponomarenko O. I. ,   National technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute», Ukraine, Kharkov, Marchenko A. P. ,   National technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute», Ukraine, Kharkov, Akimov O. V. ,   National technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute», Ukraine, Kharkov, Mykhailiukov V. P. ,   Ukrenergymachines JSC, Kharkiv, Ukraine
Published: July 2022

The mode of heat treatment of massive castings of the blades of the impeller of the hydroturbine "Dniester HPSP" from steel of the martensitic class CA-6NM has been worked out. Based on the determination of mechanical properties, measurements of stiffness over the entire surface of the blades and metallographic studies, the expediency of the proposed heat treatment mode using intensive cooling and high tempering after high-temperature austenitizing heating is shown. It is shown that this mode provides the necessary level of mechanical properties of blade castings, eliminates the negative effect of internal stresses arising during crystallization and rapid cooling during subsequent heat treatment. Determination of the chemical composition of castings and its compliance with the requirements of ASTM A743 / A743M-98a ensures that the required level of product properties is obtained. Metallographically established the absence of unwanted segregation and the uniformity of the structure, the uniformity of mechanical properties over the body of the blade, which leads to an increase in resistance to destruction due to cavitation. As a result of the research, the expediency of using the following heat treatment mode for massive complex-profile castings of blades made of corrosion-resistant steel of martensitic class CA-6NM, consisting of heating to a temperature of 1030-1040°C and tempering at 580-590°C using rapid cooling, was confirmed. Keywords: hydraulic turbine blades, heat treatment, structure, mechanical properties.