bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Les impacts socio-économiques des défaillances internes des très petites entreprises (TPE) sur leur croissance
Authors: Goter-Grivot Françoise
Published: May 2022

Cet article aborde la question de la survie-développement des Très Petites Entreprises (TPE). Les travaux de recherche ont identifié quelques variables qui les fragilisent. La sensibilité des TPE à la conjoncture économique apparaît toujours comme une fatalité. De plus, prises individuellement et en comparaison à de grandes entreprises, chacune d’elles est « invisible » dans le paysage socio-économique. Pour autant, les recherches en sciences économiques et de gestion montrent un poids économique considérable de ces entreprises dans la dynamique territoriale et un potentiel de création de valeur sous-exploité. À partir de recherches-interventions conduites sur quatre ans auprès d’une vingtaine de TPE, l’objectif est d’approfondir les déterminants internes qui affaiblissent les TPE et d’identifier les facteurs clés internes favorisant leur développement. Ces TPE sont issues des secteurs architectural et médical. Au total, 36 gérants et 128 collaborateurs ont été interrogés. Afin d’illustrer notre analyse, nous « décortiquons » l’une des recherches-interventions.
Le rôle des effets de réseau locaux et des effets spatiaux dans le développement des plateformes numériques : le cas du site de covoiturage iDVROOM
Authors: Malardé Vincent , Pénard Thierry
Published: May 2022

L’objet de cet article est de comprendre le rôle des effets de réseau locaux et des effets spatiaux dans le développement des plateformes numériques, à travers l’exemple du site de covoiturage iDVROOM. Ce site est une plateforme biface au sens de Rochet et Tirole [2003], mais avec deux spécificités : 1) la plupart des utilisateurs sont sur les deux faces de la plateforme (à la fois conducteurs et passagers) et 2) les utilisateurs interagissent localement, le plus souvent au sein de communautés. Nous analysons l’impact du nombre d’utilisateurs inscrits et de communautés créées sur la croissance de la plateforme. À partir de données couvrant la période 2015-2018, nous montrons que l’activité de covoiturage dans une commune est stimulée à la fois par la création de communautés et par la base d’utilisateurs dans cette commune et dans les communes voisines. Toutefois, les effets de réseau sont modérés par le caractère local des interactions entre utilisateurs de la plateforme. Classification JEL  : L14, L92, M13, R32.
Quand la conscience écologique des individus se heurte à leurs pratiques professionnelles : le cas des ingénieurs
Authors: Dubois Carol , Guglieri Sabrina
Published: May 2022

Cet article rend compte des résultats d’une enquête qualitative auprès de cadres d’entreprises de différents secteurs, portant sur la transition écologique et le travail. Il traite plus particulièrement d’un pan de la population étudiée que sont les ingénieurs soucieux de la transition écologique. Engagés dans leur vie privée, ces ingénieurs se heurtent à des difficultés quand il s’agit d’intégrer leurs préoccupations environnementales à leur pratique professionnelle. Ils se trouvent pour la plupart isolés, avec le sentiment d’être dans une impasse. Dans une seconde partie, l’article présente une expérimentation sous la forme d’un atelier qui, par le biais d’une analyse de leur activité, vise à redonner du pouvoir d’agir à ces professionnels.
Freidlin-Wentzell's large deviation principle for stochastic integral evolution equations
Authors: Huang Xiaomin , Jiang Yanpei , Liu Wei
Published: May 2022

The main aim of this work is to investigate the large deviation principle for a class of stochastic integral evolution equations. As applications, our results can be applied to a large class of stochastic models with hereditary or memory effects such as stochastic integral porous medium equations, stochastic integral \begin{document}$ p $\end{document}-Laplace equations and stochastic integral 2D Navier-Stokes equations.
Dynamic analysis of a SIV Filippov system with media coverage and protective measures
Authors: Luo Shifan , Wang Dongshu , Li Wenxiu
Published: May 2022

This study aims to analyze a class of SIV systems considering the transmission rate influenced by media coverage and protective measures, in which the transmission rate is represented by a piecewise-smooth function. Firstly, for the SIV Filippov system, we take the dynamic behaviors of two subsystems into consideration, and obtain the basic reproduction number and the equilibria of the subsystems respectively. Secondly, based on the Filippov convex method, we calculate the sliding domain and the sliding mode equation, and further analyze the global dynamic behaviors of the system, through which we verify that there is no closed orbit in the system. Furthermore, we prove the global asymptotical stability of the disease-free equilibrium, two real equilibria, and the pseudo-equilibrium under certain conditions. The results demonstrate that the threshold value, the protective measures, and the media coverage could affect the number of infected individuals and the final scale of the disease. To prevent the spread of the disease, it is necessary to select an appropriate threshold and take applicable protective measures combined with media coverage. Lastly, we verify the validity of the results by numerical simulations.
Hybrid ideals in near-subtraction semigroups
Authors: Meenakshi S. , Muhiuddin G. , Elavarasan B. , Al-Kadi D.
Published: May 2022

The fuzzy set is highly beneficial for expressing people's hesitations in their everyday lives, and it is a great tool for dealing with uncertainty, which can be described precisely and perfectly from the decision-maker's point of view. Soft set theory has been developed in recent years to address real-world issues. Jun et al. merged fuzzy and soft sets to produce hybrid structures. Hybrid structures are soft set and fuzzy set speculations. The concept of hybrid ideals in near-subtraction semigroups is introduced in this paper, and their equivalent results are obtained. Additionally, we demonstrate the concept of hybrid intersection. Moreover, we define the concept of homomorphism of a hybrid structure in a near-subtraction semigroup.
Function kernels and divisible groupoids
Authors: Kim Hee Sik , Park Choonkil , Shim Eun Hwa
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we introduce the notion of a function kernel which was motivated from the kernel in group theory, and we apply this notion to several algebraic structures, e.g., groups, groupoids, $ BCK $-algebras, semigroups, leftoids. Using the notions of left and right cosets in groupoids, we investigate some relations with function kernels. Moreover, the notion of an idenfunction in groupoids is introduced, which is a generalization of an identity axiom in algebras by functions, and we discuss it with function kernels.
Social Dominance Orientation and Outgroup Intolerance: The Role of Transcendence in Outgroup Attitude
Authors: Tunrayo Olonisakin Tosin , Sunday Erhabor Idemudia
Published: May 2022

The multi-group composition of diverse societies is associated with conflict and general outgroup intolerance. The intergroup literature has thus been committed to searching for variables that accentuate and alleviate negative outgroup attitudes. This study, therefore, examined the relationship between an orientation towards social inequality and outgroup intolerance among a sample of participants drawn from a culturally diverse society. An aspect of spirituality, transcendence, was also examined for its role in improving tolerance for outgroups. The study participants were from a university environment characterized by diversity in ethnic affiliations. The study outcomes show that a bias for social inequality leads to more intolerance of outgroups. Furthermore, transcendence was associated with increased tolerance for outgroups. The implications of systemic social inequalities of most societies for continued negative outgroup attitudes were emphasized. The role of transcendence in appealing to the humaneness of individuals and encouraging openness to diversity was discussed. Suggestions for future research are also discussed.
Health Psychological Self-Sufficiency (Health-PSS): A Bottom-Up Human-Social Development Approach to Health Equity
Authors: Hong Philip Young P.
Published: May 2022

This article presents a community-based participatory action research process in a mixed-methods study to uncover a holistic perspective on what constitutes “good health and well-being” as one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This bottom-up approach to defining health from the community perspective challenges the general government and health industry assumptions and practices to promote top-down health equity. Applying the definition of social development as “achieving a civil society based on freedom and justice”, the emerging findings adds to the social determinants of health framework in health disparities research. As multiple stakeholders added to the definitions of health and well-being, a process-based understanding of health emerged. Health psychological self-sufficiency (Health-PSS) is a process of recogniting various individual and structural barriers and reaching for improved health-related goals with hope actions leading to health empowerment in literacy, access, and outcomes. Human-social development implications for promoting health equity by building an inclusive health system with a culture of co-sufficiency that align individual and organizational processes are discussed.
Dialectic of Ambedkarian Praxis
Authors: Mohan Brij
Published: May 2022

Bhimrao Ambedkar (1891–1956), India’s outstanding polymath in social and political deconstruction, is perhaps the primordial thinker-activist whose philosophy and politics laid the foundation of Basic Social Development (BSD), the primary theme of this article. Ambedkarian praxis is not a panacea to ameliorate global oppression; it’s a unique exemplar of social transformation. It’s time to rethink and reinvent SD. This postulate is a steppingstone toward a praxeological view of “planetary realism ” beyond the anthropocentric kitsch.
President’s Address, 22nd Biennial International Conference of the International Consortium for Social Development, Johannesburg, South Africa, 13–16 July 2021
Authors: Pawar Manohar
Published: May 2022

The president’s address includes welcome and concluding speeches covering the main global issues of the time, the acknowledgment of organizers, Social Development Leadership awards, the summary of achievements in the first term, and vision for the International Consortium for Social Development in the second term.
Racial Inequalities in Baltimore City and Its Reflection in Diverse News Media Coverage after the 2015 Unrest Around Freddie Gray’s Death
Authors: Biswas Masudul , Kim Nam Young
Published: May 2022

Racial inequalities in social and economic outcomes in Baltimore City were manifested through a violent protest on April 27, 2015 around the death of a young African-American man, Freddie Gray, in police Custody. Therefore, utilizing the textual analysis method and the theory of framing, this study seeks to understand how three types of newspapers—mainstream national, ethnic/community, and local—covered the systemic issues and underlying causes of racial inequalities and injustice in Baltimore City. These newspapers brought up issues of racial inequalities in Baltimore such as unequal economic opportunities, lack of infrastructure for economic mobility, lack of quality education in Black-majority neighborhoods, and illegal drug businesses in impoverished areas in the absence of jobs.
Transnational Human Trafficking and HIV/AIDS: Women in Asia
Authors: Sharma Yasoda , Noyori-Corbett Chie
Published: May 2022

Transnational human trafficking and HIV/AIDS are two important social problems that cannot be discussed separately in the current era of globalization, where people are sold and bought across borders in sex industries. Vulnerability of women in the developing countries of South Asia has tremendously contributed toward the increased rate of human trafficking and HIV/AIDS. Due to the transnational nature of these phenomena, these issues have become convoluted and thus challenging to local practitioners or activists. However, there has been a paucity of research investigating these phenomena in tandem. The aim of this article was to conceptually analyze a possible prevention model for explaining the interconnectivity of transnational human trafficking and HIV/AIDS. Three theoretical foundations will be presented through a model explaining the connectedness of these issues and their impact on women’s vulnerability in South Asia: transnationalism, deviant place theory, and the multilevel model of behavioral change. The authors will discuss implications for practice, policy, and research based on their conceptual analysis.
Characteristics of Career and Technical Education Faculty across Institutions of Higher Education in the United States
Authors: Fletcher Jr. Edward C.
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this article was to examine faculty characteristics of CTE programs across the nation as well as identify the challenges and successes of implementing programs. Findings pointed to the overall decline of CTE full-time-equivalent faculty and the increase of adjunct faculty. In addition, findings demonstrated a lack of ethnic and racial diversity among faculty in CTE programs as compared to white faculty. Further, faculty reported declining student enrollment, budget cuts and decreases in funding, and lack of faculty are growing challenges for implementing effective programs. They identified career placement of graduates, high-quality students and graduates, and student enrollment increases as areas of success. The viability of CTE undergraduate and graduate programs as well as the field-at-large are dependent on the creativity, success, productivity, and problem-solving of faculty as well as their abilities to address and overcome these challenges.
Challenges Experienced by TVET Colleges in Producing Skilled Workforces
Authors: Makgato Moses
Published: May 2022

The post-apartheid education policies were developed to eradicate inequality of learner performance and racial composition of schools and vocational colleges. Vocationalising education is a solution for skills gap. This chapter is based on the study that focused on vocational pedagogic and didactic practices, workshop material and equipment for practical training, work-integrated learning, and integration of theory and practice in vocational subjects. The methodology of collecting data were interviews and observations. The participants of the study were seven lecturers at three TVET colleges, who were selected purposefully. The empirical results from three TVET colleges investigated showed that vocational pedagogy and practical skills training is not responding to the needs of workplaces and leads to the high unemployment of youth. There are no practical activities at the colleges; hence, there is no integration of theory and practicals in vocational subjects. This study found that the curricula offered at the TVET colleges is irrelevant and requires urgent review in order to respond to the current workplace requirements.
Global Labor Market, “Re-Shoring” Dynamics, and Skill Mismatch
Authors: Ferrari Filippo
Published: May 2022

Workers' capabilities and knowledge are factors that a company can use to boost its productivity. The relocation of operational activity away from industrialized nations has led to the erosion of manufacturing skills, and this fact often results in a severe skill shortage in specific local labor markets, becoming much more prominent in the case of re-shoring. Consistent with the transaction cost economics approach (TCE), the purpose of this research was to verify if students possess at least basic skills at the end of their educational path to face the labor market without economic frictions in school-to-work transition. Finally, this chapter presents a model that could be useful in order to design programs aimed to overcome the erosion of manufacturing skills and provide students with skills that companies need to deal with local labor markets successfully.
The Alignment of Civil Engineering Tools and Equipment Between TVET Colleges and Industries
Authors: Mtshali Thokozani Isaac , Ramaligela Sylvia Manto
Published: May 2022

This study was conducted in response to the call made by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in South Africa to strengthen the awareness levels of TVET colleges' readiness to embrace the 4IR era. The purpose of this study was to focus on equipment alignment between TVET colleges and industries. This study used Eulau and Karps' theory of responsiveness as a guide to explore the purpose. Also, this study purposefully sampled five TVET colleges in Limpopo province and two civil engineering industries linked to these institutions. This study used a descriptive qualitative research design. Document analysis and non-participant observations were used as data collection instruments. The study found that the working tools and equipment used by these TVET colleges were not fancy or showing prospects of Fourth Industrial Revolution. This was the same thing with the linked industries. Hence, all tools used were simply outdated when it comes to 4IR integration. And so, the study recommends that TVET colleges should institute new partnerships with 4IR responsive industries than being linked to industries that are using conventional tools and equipment.
Entrepreneurial Competencies as Strategic Tools
Authors: Bercu Ana-Maria , Lupu Dan
Published: May 2022

The debates about entrepreneurial competencies have increased in number. The study aims to develop the main key components of entrepreneurship as a competence for SMEs in Eastern European Countries (EEC). The development of our study will include a literature review of the concepts and theories in the field, an inventory of the required skills and competencies for SMEs in EEC from three dimensions: a personal one, in terms of motivation and performance; material, as financial resources; and non-material, in terms of attitudes, skills, and behaviors. For the emerging markets, the study is important for revealing the entrepreneurial competencies as tools for strategically planning with impact on the entrepreneurial climate. Implications for the strategic development of the firms will be discussed.
The Policy Challenge of High Skills Vocational Education and Training in the Future Social Changes
Authors: Lim Jung-Yeon , Lee Young-Min
Published: May 2022

The article aims to analyze the cases of high skills human resources development (HRD) vocational training programs in future strategic industries. This article analyzes the cases of ongoing HRD training programs for strategic industries in Korea. The results of the analysis are as follows. First, the strategic industry training, carried out in specialized industrial training institutions in Korea, are mostly focused on the environmental, weather, and robotics industries, in addition to bio-industry. Second, the key drivers of future high skills strategy training turned out to be industrial convergence and globalization. Third, many experts were invited to be instructors to manage the quality of the high skills training programs. Based on the findings of these case studies, this article suggests the promotion of high skill vocational training for strategic industries in Korea.
Work-Based Learning (WBL) in Higher Education and Lifelong Learning in the Netherlands
Authors: Onstenk Jeroen
Published: May 2022

In this chapter, developments and issues in the Netherlands with regard to work-based learning (WBL) and its relevance for higher professional education (HPE) and lifelong learning (LLL) are discussed. While traditionally in LLL the emphasis was on formal and non-formal learning in organized settings (adult education), nowadays there is growing awareness of the importance of informal LLL in the workplace. Different and more intensive patterns of interaction between companies and HPE are being developed to improve the connection between learning in education and in the workplace. There are steps towards an effective pedagogy of WBL as employers and HPE strive for high-quality outcomes. As a final point, the authors discuss the recent developments with regard to accreditation of prior learning as a way to raise the qualification levels of the working population.
Student's Perceptions of Assessment Legitimacy in TVET Sector in South Africa
Authors: Ramaligela Sylvia Manto
Published: May 2022

Assessing student performance is one of the most critical aspects of the job of a classroom teacher. Therefore, this study seeks to explore student's perceptions of assessment practice in TVET colleges. The quantitative case study approach through questionnaire was used to discover students' perceptions of assessment practice. Random sampling method was used to select 105 males and 89 females with a total of 194 students with four TVET colleges in the Limpopo Province. The data were analysed through excel spread sheet in order to determine the specific and overall percentage of students' perceptions and four principles of PATI. The theory of assessment legitimacy was used as a lens. In order to explore student's perceptions, the study exposed learners to nine questions. The findings indicated that lecturers' classroom assessments don't reflect content validity or apply real-life experience and real-life context. However, lecturers are able to give them various assessment tasks.
Politics or Pedagogy?
Authors: Blom Ronel
Published: May 2022

This chapter deals with the struggle in South Africa to make sense of the phenomenon of workplace-based learning. Education institutions and policymakers alike recognize that there is enormous value in the practice. However, this value is being interpreted from different perspectives: education institutions see the practice in terms of enhanced learning, while policymakers view workplace-based learning as a means to solve critical social and economic problems. Consequently, the opposing epistemological views may seriously undermine the educational value of learning through work. The chapter provides an analysis of the prevailing workplace-based learning practices in South Africa. Using an emerging conceptual framework to evaluate current practices, it was found that most practices could successfully enhance a holistic curriculum seeking to balance learning at institutions and work, as an important vehicle for enhanced learning.
Developing the Students' Thinking and Learning Skills in the Instrumental Lesson
Authors: Marisi Rossella
Published: May 2022

Developing the learners' thinking and learning skills can be defined as helping the latter not only to acquire a deeper understanding of the content they have to learn, but also to master a method enabling them to become independent learners. Learners should be guided to reflect on their learning, in order to be aware of their own learning strategies, to understand which advantages and drawbacks characterize each strategy, to distinguish how and when to use the different strategies, to identify the most suitable one on a case-by-case basis, and to be able to apply it to further their learning. After a reflection on the pedagogical issues raised in particular by the instrumental lessons, the study puts forward a proposal of how to develop the students' thinking and learning skills, focusing on a masterpiece of the flute literature: Johann Sebastian Bach's “Allemande” from the Partita in A minor, BWV 1013.
Impact of Industry-Academia Collaboration on Student Satisfaction in Vocational Education and Training
Authors: Sree Garimidi Siva , Ramlal P.
Published: May 2022

The contemporary unstable job market is challenging the “traditional” skilling practices adopted by vocational education training (VET) institutions, in favor of demand-driven skill transfer which is characterized by preparing students industry-ready. In this light, student satisfaction plays a pivotal role in assessing the course quality that aids in efficient skill transfer. Despite the relevance of the student satisfaction concept, empirical research has provided little evidence on its predictors in VET. The purpose of the study is to shed light on the quality indicators that predict student satisfaction. Data were collected on students from industrial training institutes (ITIs) of India.
The Role of Mobile Learning in Developing Employability and Job-Related Skills at VTET Programs
Authors: Abdelaziz Ahmed Mokhtar
Published: May 2022

This chapter focuses on the role of mobile learning in developing employability and job-related skills in vocational and technical education and training (VTET) contexts. It is hoped that this chapter will contribute to the academic discussion on this topic by identifying a list of skills and discussing how mobile technologies can play a role in developing them. This chapter will also provide some insights and practical examples for instructors and program designers on effective utilization of mobile technologies for developing both the technical and soft skills. Finally, this chapter will provide some insights on the future direction of research in this area of study.
Vocational Education Paradigm Transformation Through Information Technology
Authors: Zhao Jingyuan
Published: May 2022

The advancement in information technology has transformed the world. There has been a tremendous impact of information technology on contemporary vocational education. This chapter highlights the impact of information technology on vocational education paradigm in China. In general, education paradigm has gone through three stages: empirical imitation education, computer-aided education, and data-driven education. China's vocational education is experiencing a transformation of paradigm from teaching support to learning support. This work is focused on how to construct a learning support paradigm in China's vocational education system through information technology. The Open University of China creating an innovative approach to learning support paradigm is discussed and three key elements of strategy for constructing a learning support paradigm of vocational education through information technology are presented in the chapter.
Exploring the Teaching and Learning Quality Question in Technical Education in Botswana
Authors: Sokwane Lentswe , Adekanmbi Gbolagade
Published: May 2022

Due to a perception that the quality of their certificates was in question, students of the Gaborone Technical College (GTC), along with their counterparts in similar institutions, went on a strike in 2016. Based on a subsequent case study of the college, completed in 2018, this article examines the quality question in technical education in Botswana. The study set out to assess the implementation of policies guiding teaching and learning; examines the quality of resources for teaching and learning; appraises the nature and use of support systems for teaching and learning; investigates the views of lecturers and students on the quality of teaching and learning and identifies the factors which inhibit the quality of teaching and learning. Using a mixed method approach, the study collected data from students, lecturers and college managers through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The results show the absence of a specific teaching and learning policy, thus questioning the quality of the implementation of the policy itself. The study shows that the availability of resources for enhancing quality teaching is questionable, and the general perception by staff and students is that the overall quality of teaching and learning is average. However, most staff have the required qualifications for quality teaching, adequate support services exist, but a low utilization of the support services is observed. Factors inhibiting the quality of teaching and learning include inadequate library reference materials, the slow pace of internet connectivity, the absence of technical support for staff and inadequate resources in laboratories. In line with the literature, the article recommends a prioritization of quality teaching as a strategic objective, the establishment of a teaching and learning framework and the continuing professional development of staff, among others.
A Global Comparative Study in Disability Inclusion Legislation and Policies in the TVET Education
Authors: Muzite Precious
Published: May 2022

This chapter critically engages relevant literature on the trajectories of disability inclusion in Technical Vocational Education and Training Centres (TVET) education and training systems. It challenges dominant epistemologies in critical disability studies that have been traditionally fore-grounded, imagined, and constructed within Westernized philosophical paradigms. For centuries, it has been difficult to re-imagine alternative forms of knowledge of impairment, disability, and debility from the subaltern standpoint. The author seeks to highlight the uneven ways through which knowledge systems on Disability Inclusion in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) oscillates between the so-called problematic dichotomies of the global North and Global South. This is achieved by critically weighing in the contribution and impact of legislation, policies, and newer perspectives on the Scholarship of Learning (SoL) from the global North that influences critical pedagogies on disability inclusion in TVET colleges in the Southern African context.
Youth Participation in the National Development Plan Through Technical and Vocational Education and Training
Authors: Mampane Johannes Ntshilagane
Published: May 2022

This chapter is empirical in nature rather than being entirely conceptual and theoretical. The chapter aims to explore and describe youth participation in the South African National Development Plan through technical and vocational education and training (TVET) by capturing the case studies of four young Black women as primary sources of data. Secondary sources of data were obtained from a collection of extant literature, textbooks, journal articles, and internet sources. The chapter discusses challenges regarding the participation of these young Black women in TVET and recommendations to mitigate these challenges are proffered. These recommendations are based on the principles of social justice, inclusion, diversity, equity, and equality.
Incorporation of Treated Woven Carbon Fiber to Methacrylate Resin for Heat-Cured Acrylic Denture Composite
Authors: Hussain Wafaa A. , Ismail Mukhlis M. , Taher Sally
Published: May 2022

This research has studied the addition effect of woven carbon fiber treated with NaOH and coated by β- TCP to the conventional polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Two stages are involved in the preparation of heat-cured acrylic denture composite. The first chemical treatment of woven carbon fiber (WCF) surface by different concentrations of NaOH (0.10, 0.15, and 0.20 M) and coating carbon fiber with β-TCP by various weight fractions (0.08, 0.10, and 0.12 wi) were carried out. The second stage includes the reinforcement of denture base material by treated and coated WCF. The functional groups of the WCF surface before and after alkali treatment were studied by FTIR. The morphology of the WCF surface before and after alkali treatment was observed by FESEM, the diameter of pores on the untreated and treated fibers, and the adhesion of β-TCP powder to the fiber was also observed. Mechanical tests include: impact strength (I.S.) and flexural strength (F.S) were calculated using a three-point bending test with a universal test machine and a Charpy impact test machine, respectively. From the result, reinforcing PMMA with treated and coated WCF improves the mechanical properties (impact and flexural strength).
Exhaled Breath Volatile Organic Compound Analysis for the Detection of Lung Cancer- A Systematic Review
Authors: Binson V.A. , Subramoniam M.
Published: May 2022

A rapid and effective diagnostic method is essential for lung cancer since it shows symptoms only at its advanced stage. Research is being carried out in the area of exhaled breath analysis for the diagnosis of various pulmonary diseases including lung cancer. In this method exhaled breath volatile organic compounds (VOC) are analyzed with various techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, ion mobility spectrometry, and electronic noses. The VOC analysis is suitable for lung cancer detection since it is non-invasive, fast, and also a low-cost method. In addition, this technique can detect primary stage nodules. This paper presents a systematic review of the various method employed by researchers in the breath analysis field. The articles were selected through various search engines like EMBASE, Google Scholar, Pubmed, and Google. In the initial screening process, 214 research papers were selected using various inclusion and exclusion criteria and finally, 55 articles were selected for the review. The results of the reviewed studies show that detection of lung cancer can be effectively done using the VOC analysis of exhaled breath. The results also show that this method can be used for detecting the different stages and histology of lung cancer. The exhaled breath VOC analysis technique will be popular in the future, bypassing the existing imaging techniques. This systematic review conveys the recent research opportunities, obstacles, difficulties, motivations, and suggestions associated with the breath analysis method for lung cancer detection.
Mitigation of Reactive Power and Harmonics in a Case of Industrial Customer
Authors: Aeggegn Dessalegn Bitew , Salau Ayodeji Olalekan , Gebru Yalew Werkie , Agajie Takele
Published: May 2022

In most industrial plants, power quality is a major issue which hinders productivity and efficiency of the plants due to the use of semiconductor based loads and non-linear loads. As a result, to address the power quality problems in these industries, specialized power devices such as the Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC), can be installed at the customer's location to resolve practically all power quality issues. UPQC consist of a series of active power filters (APF) which mitigate voltage quality issues and shunt active power filters which are used to reduce current quality issues, like harmonics and reactive power burdens. This paper, therefore presents an investigation and assessment of the power quality problems associated with Bahir Dar Textile Share Company. This was achieved by examining the voltage and current harmonic levels of various types of loads using PI and fuzzy logic controllers by measuring the level of total harmonic distortion (THD) with and without the insertion of the UPQC. The novelty of this paper is the implementation of the controller based customized UPQC for power factor and reactive power compensation. It was observed that by designing the system without and with UPQC, the results of the FFT analysis show that the fuzzy logic controller (FLC) reduced the harmonics level of the load voltage and current by 1.10% and 2.14% respectively. Generally, harmonics was alleviated by 90%, reactive power was reduced by 20%, and power factor was improved by 33%. Hence, the proposed UPQC is capable of holding the voltage and current harmonics levels within the acceptable limit, which satisfies the standards imposed by IEEE 519-1995.
Mixed Convective Heat Transfer in a Lid-Driven Concentric Trapezoidal Enclosure: Numerical Simulation
Authors: Olayemi Olalekan Adebayo , Al-Farhany Khaled , Ibitoye Segun Emmanuel , Obalalu Adebowale Martins
Published: May 2022

This study investigates the implications of the area ratio (AR) and Grashof number (Gr) on fluid flow properties and heat transfer due to mixed convection around heated trapezoidal blocks located concentrically inside a larger trapezium driven by a lid. The outer trapezium's upper and lower horizontal walls are moving in opposite directions. The model developed was solved using the finite element technique. The inner walls of the trapezium are retained at an isothermal temperature, while the slanted outer walls of the trapezium are perfectly insulated. The upper and lower walls of the enclosure are subjected to normalized sinusoidal temperatures. Grashof number in the range of 103£Gr£105 and area ratios ( ) of , and were investigated. The simulation outcomes are displayed as stream function, isothermal contours, and local Nusselt number. Considering the interval of for the inner block, the Nusselt number increase with diminishing area ratio for the upper wall, while the response of the lower wall to Gr variation is a function of the AR considered. At the bottom wall of the outer trapezium, results showed that the rate of heat transfer was not significantly affected by changes in area ratio. Furthermore, as the AR reduces, the heat transmission along the top wall of the outer trapezium improves with the Grashof number, with the least and peak heat transfer enhancements occurring at 50 % and 100 % percent of the wall length, respectively.
Eryngo Extract-Mediated Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and its Antibacterial Activity against Resistance Strains
Authors: Keykhaee Zahra , Bahmani Amin , Sattarahmady Naghmeh , Jahromi Marzieh Ghanbari , Shokri Ehsan
Published: May 2022

In the present study, a simple and fast approach was developed for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles by using Eryngium campestre (Eryngo) extract prepared in boiling water. People have widely used the Eryngo plant as a vegetable, food, and medicine around the world. The dried leaves of Eryngo extracted in boiling water yielded approximately 67 mg/g (6.6%) solid residue. The extract had a high antioxidant activity of 71 %, which was rich in total phenolic and flavonoids as revealed through colorimetric assays. For preparing nanoparticles, silver nitrate was added to the plant extract diluents and kept until the solution color changed with a sharp indicative peak of AgNPs that appeared at 450 nm. In addition, UV/Vis, TEM, FESEM, DLS, EDS, and XRD analysis were used to characterize the as-synthesized AgNPs. The results confirmed the spherical shape and nano nature of AgNPs with an average size of 32 nm based on Fe-SEM and TEM observations. The prepared AgNPs also shown moderate free radical scavenging activity (60%) in DPPH test and exhibit antibacterial activity at low concentration (50 μg/mL) toward both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. In this respect, the inhibition zone was higher in gram-positive bacteria and the sensitivity order of S.aureus > MRSA > B.subtilis > P.aeruginosa > E.coli was achieved in response to Eryngo AgNPs. Interestingly, Eryngo AgNPs at low concentration were efficient on MRSA, as an antibiotic-resistant strain of S.aureus.
Design and Development of a Measurement System Dedicated to Estimate the Junction Temperature of Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor Modules
Authors: Lamuadni Badredine , El Bouayadi Rachid , Amine Aouatif , Zejli Driss
Published: May 2022

The damage state estimation of an Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) power module requires the measurement of the junction temperature (Tj) of the active region. However, the accurate measurement of the temperature Tj is not simple to achieve and several methods have been developed to improve the accuracy of Tj measurements. Some of the well-known methods include the use of thermo-sensitive electrical parameters (TSEP). Although the TSEP methods do not provide access to the thermal mapping of the IGBT surface, they have the advantage of not affecting the physical integrity of the module. This paper aims to present a reliable programmable measurement system dedicated to estimating with great accuracy the thermal performance of the IGBT power module on the microsecond scale using the TSEP method. The advantage of this system is to provide full control of the injection of the power current and allows quick measurements of the cooling curve just after the injection of the heating power in the chip. The junction temperature calculated from the TSEP was found to be equal to 97.5 °C, which was confirmed by using the thermal camera. The accuracy of the proposed technique was found to be less than 2%. A comparison with the thermal Resistor-Capacitor (RC) network model is also carried out in this work. Experimental results demonstrate that the designed system is high efficiency and can, therefore, be used by scientific researchers and industrial engineers for predictive maintenance to monitor the performance state of IGBT power modules, which will reduce the probability of its failure or degradation.
Notes on the feeding rhythm of a barn owls’ brood (Tyto alba) in an agricultural area of the province of Venice
Authors: Nardotto Alessandro
Published: May 2022

The feeding rhythm of a brood of barn owls in an agricultural area of Venice (VE, NE Italy) was investigated. The results show that offspring are fed exclusively at nighttime, highlighting a peak of transport of prey to the nest in the first part of the night.
Diagnostic Value of Oxidative Stress Markers in Patients Presenting with Primary Dysmenorrhea to the Emergency Department
Authors: Eroğlu O , Cömertpay E , Vural S , Badem N Dindar , İşbaşaran P , Neşelioğlu S , Erel Ö , Deniz T
Published: May 2022

Background and Aim:

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a common presentation for emergency departments. This study investigates the diagnostic value of oxidative stress and ischemia markers in patients with PD.

Materials and Methods:

The participants were classified into the PD group (patients with PD) and the control group (healthy volunteers). Thiol/Disulfide Homeostasis (TDH) parameters (Ds, Disulfide; NT, Native Thiol; TT, Total Thiol) and serum ischemia modified albumin (IMA) levels of the groups were measured. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) was used for pain assessment. Bivariate correlation analysis was performed to test the relationship between NRS and oxidative stress parameters. A P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

A total of 135 patients (PD group, n = 83; Control group, n = 52) were included in the study. PD group had statistically higher oxidant biomarkers (Ds level, Ds/NT ratio and Ds/TT ratio) and lower antioxidant biomarkers (NT/TT ratio) compared to the control group (p = 0.001; 0.003; 0.002, and 0.002, respectively). Serum IMA level in the PD group was higher than in the control group (P = 0.000). There was a positive correlation between IMA and NRS score (r = 0.342, P < 0.01), but no correlation was found between the other oxidative stress parameters and NRS.

Conclusions:

PD is characterized by increased oxidative stress and ischemia in the endometrium, which can be detected by TDH parameters and serum IMA. NRS score in PD patients is positively correlated with serum IMA level, which suggests IMA level can be valuable to determine the severity of endometrial ischemia and pain in patients with PD.
Using of Panoramic and Posteroanterior Cephalometric Radiographs to Identify the Optimal Nasal Passage for Nasotracheal Intubation
Authors: Şengel N , Toprak ME , Selmi NH , Ataç MS
Published: May 2022

Background and Aim:

Selecting the optimum nasal passage for nasotracheal intubation is quite important in the maxillofacial surgeries for the success of intubation and the reduction of potential complications such as nasal mucosal laceration, epistaxis, avulsion of the inferior and middle turbinates, and septal laceration.

Materials and Methods:

The present study evaluates standard panoramic radiographs (PR) and posteroanterior cephalometric radiographs (PACR) to determine the optimal nasal passage for nasotracheal intubation and compares the results with those of routine anesthesiological occlusion and spatula tests (ST). The results of occlusion tests (OT), ST, and radiological assessments of 60 patients prior to nasotracheal intubation were compared with the nasal endoscopic assessment results, and complications were evaluated.

Results:

There was no significant association between the OT and nasal endoscopy results (P = 0.075). A significant association was found between the ST and nasal endoscopy results (P = 0.000), and between the radiological assessments and the nasal endoscopy results (P = 0.000). Compatibility with nasal endoscopy was 54% when the occlusion and ST were evaluated together, 75% when the OT and radiological assessments were evaluated together, and 86% when the ST and radiological assessments were evaluated together. The highest level of compatibility was 92% when all the tests were evaluated together.

Conclusion:

The simple tests alone were found to be inadequate for the selection of the optimal nasal passage. Evaluation of PR and PACR, which are commonly used in maxillofacial surgeries, together with simple anesthesiological examination tests would increase nasotracheal intubation success and decrease complications.
Morphometric Study of Post Menarcheal Nulliparous Breasts, Their Clinical Relevance and Relationship with Body Size Indicators in a Nigerian Population
Authors: Anyanwu GE , Atuadu VO , Esom EA , Nwosu JC , Nto JN , Katchy AU
Published: May 2022

Background:

The female breast is a symbol of femininity and aesthetics having a great psychosocial impact on the woman's sense of wellbeing and self-esteem. To optimize satisfaction of patients in cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgeries, there is a need to define the dominant breast size and shape that connotes feminine attractiveness. This necessitates the knowledge of ideal data for normal nulliparous female breast parameters and volume for various body sizes in the particular population, nationality, and race.

Aim:

To establish reference data for normal breast parameters and volumes for the various body sizes amongst the Nigerian population and to determine their relationships with other body parameters.

Patients and Methods:

A total of 528 breasts from 264 Nigerian undergraduate post-menarcheal nulliparous students of the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus aged between 17 and 29 years were measured. Thirty-one (31) anthropomorphic parameters and five body size anthropometric indicators were measured. Data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21(IBM) and were summarized using various descriptive statistics tools.

Results:

The mean nipple-nipple distance is 23.37 ± 3.10. The mean left Midclavicle-nipple Length (22.17 ± 3.5 cm) is significantly (P = 0.04) higher than the right (21.79 ± 3.3 cm) just as the mean left (12.60 ± 2.5) medial radius is significantly (P = 0.0001) longer than the right (12.45 ± 2.4 cm). The mean left nipple projection (0.37 ±0.2 cm) and left vertical surface dimension (32.27 ± 5.7 cm) are significantly (P > 0.05) longer than the right (0.33 ±0.2) and (31.76 ± 5.2 cm). Also the mean volume for the left breast (605.26 ± 280.52 cm) is significantly (0.0001) higher than that of the right breast (592.53 ± 278.69). Breast volume correlated well with most of the breast parameters, BMI, and other anthropometric variables. Most breasts were ptotic (51%, 55%), especially the left breasts. Breast dimensions were asymmetrical in >50% of subjects, where the left breasts were seen to have slightly greater breast dimensions than right.

Conclusion:

Breast values and related body size parameters were noted to be comparatively higher than earlier reported values mostly for the Asian population.