bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence of retinal arteriolar narrowing in patients with autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Pietrzak-Nowacka Maria , Lejkowska Renata , Kawa Miłosz Piotr , Ulańczyk Zofia , Safranow Krzysztof , Nowacka Barbara , Podborączyńska-Jodko Karolina , Lubiński Wojciech , Ciechanowski Kazimierz , Machaliński Bogusław , Machalińska Anna 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Introduction
The aim of this study was to examine retinal vessels in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients with normal kidney function and without diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods
We enrolled 39 adult individuals with ADPKD and 45 gender- and age-matched individuals as controls. A full ophthalmologic examination, including retinal vessel caliber and reactions to flicker stimulation analysis and grading of hypertensive retinopathy according to the Keith-Wagener classification, was performed.

Results
Multivariable analysis of ADPKD patients and controls, adjusted for age, gender, estimated glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR) and the presence of hypertension, revealed that ADPKD was an independent factor associated with lower arteriovenous ratio (AVR) values (by 0.069 on average, β = −0.50, p < 0.0001). The severity of hypertensive retinopathy according to the Keith-Wagener classification appeared to be more advanced in the ADPKD group than in the controls, despite the lack of vascular abnormalities, such as retinal hemorrhages, exudates, cotton wool spots or papilledema, as well as microaneurysms, which are very characteristic signs of ADPKD in other vascular beds.

Conclusions
Lower AVR values could be a specific pathophysiological ocular manifestation of systemic vasculopathy in the course of ADPKD.
Effect of Surface Modification of Himalayan Nettle Fiber and Characterization of the Morphology, Physical and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Deepa R , Kumaresan K , Saravanan K 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The process of retting bast fiber plants for the production of long fiber has presented major challenges. Water retting, dew retting, chemical extraction, and micro-organism (fungi, enzymes) techniques were applied to the extraction of natural fibers. The two nettle samples were extracted with water retting for 14 days and dew retting for 4 weeks. This research investigated the effects on the traditional retting process of nettle fiber by fungi and bacteria formation in lignocellulosic. The latter biological extraction methods successfully degraded the lignin and pectin materials of the fiber and increases the cellulose content. These extraction methods produced high quality fiber and tensile strength at a low cost. This study determined the chemical, physical, and mechanical characteristics such as fiber cellulose, non-cellulosic content, tensile strength, tenacity, and elongation break to see how treatments affected them. The treated fiber surface morphology was characterized using scanning electron microscopy. To evaluate functional group alterations, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used on the fiber specimen.
Study of Conceptual Knowledge and Mode of Reasoning Relating to the Characteristics of Covalent Bonds in Future Algerian Physics Teachers
Authors: Hazzi Salah , Djouahra Idris , Dumon Alain 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
In this study we tried to analyse how future teachers of Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS) school who are at the end of education have integrated the specifications of covalent bonds in the different bond orders in terms of symmetry, stability, length, localisation (in the case of structures of ethane, ethylene and acetylene) or delocalisation of electrons (case of benzene). The analysis of responses to a written questionnaire shows that the majority of students have only integrated some knowledge, which may be termed as procedural, on the structural elements of molecules such as stability and the length of bonds. Although possessing some conceptual knowledge, students tend to use an alternative way of reasoning arising from the mental representation that single and multiple bonds are independent entities: the single bond is a “σ bond” while the double bond is considered only as a “π bond”.
Numerical Modeling and Diagnostic of FRC Slab under Centric and Eccentric Load
Authors: Marcalíková Zuzana , Čajka Radim 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The solved area of research is the slab in interaction with the subsoil, where the goal is numerical modeling of the problem using a 3D computational model and nonlinear analysis. Specifically, the case of two experiments with a slab with centric and eccentric loading is solved. The performed experiments are used after for numerical modelling when a comprehensive set of laboratory tests of mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced concrete is also performed. Specifically, compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, splitting tensile test and bending tensile test were performed. The performed experiments are evaluated using 2D sections and 3D approximation surfaces, which are then used for load-displacement diagrams. Numerical modeling is based on nonlinear analysis and the use of the finite element method. The computational model use isoparametric finite elements. Based on the performed experiments and numerical modeling, the evaluation of the solved task is performed.
Reducing Energy Consumption in the Design of Railway Lines - Compensated Curve of the Vertical Track Gradient
Authors: Hodás Stanislav , Pultznerová Alžbeta 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Trains that pass through several structural objects must overcome resistances acting against the train run. In case the track gradient of railway line is designed in values approaching the maximum allowable standard track gradient. Further adjustment of the elevation curve is possible by using secondary changing points between the main changing points of gradient, especially in the curve sections and tunnels. The elevation course will be modified by reducing the gradients in those sections by the anticipated resistances from these construction objects as circles, tunnels, etc.). A compensated curve can be designed to provide a smoother pass through the individual secondary sections of the track in rising gradient with reduced gear shifting of the locomotive engine and the train continues with fluent output, thus saving some energy consumed by the engine. The compensated curve is particularly suitable for long and heavy freight trains in mixed operation, but all other types of trains running on the track can also use this. The paper describes the compensated curve of the level of the gradient from the point of view of the designer in railway construction with practical calculations.
Reliability Analysis of Floors for Vibration Performance
Authors: Nguyen Huu Anh Tuan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
In this paper, the vibration serviceability of a two-bay composite floor under walking excitation was evaluated via both deterministic and stochastic methods. The floor framing was irregular with one bay being about 25 % longer than the other. Using the deterministic approach recommended by a widely recognized design guide, it was predicted that the vibration levels in both floor bays due to footfall were deemed acceptable in terms of human comfort in an office environment. The stochastic approach took account of random variations in the floor modal properties, the loading and the tolerance vibration limit. Statistical properties of the random variables were determined by reference to contemporary floor vibration guidelines as well as a modal analysis of the finite element model of the floor. Close-formed formulas for use with the first-order reliability method were developed to predict the failure probability of the floor. Reliability analysis using Monte Carlo simulation with a sufficiently large number of trials was also performed. Both of the analytical and numerical reliability analyses revealed an exceedance probability of around 36 % for the longer floor bay, which was in marked contrast to the deterministic method. For the shorter floor bay, a failure probability of practically zero was found by the random procedures. Furthermore, the excellent agreement between the results acquired from the first-order reliability method and the Monte Carlo simulation highlights the effectiveness of the former approach which requires much less computation effort.
Nonlinear Analysis of Hollow Slender Reinforced Concrete Columns Subjected to Concentric and Eccentric Loads
Authors: Braidi Wameedh Issa , Ali Mohammed Salih Abd 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
This paper investigates the load capacity and failure modes of slender hollow RC column under axial and eccentric loads. For the slender hollow columns, different load eccentricities and hole shapes are used. The finite element software ABAQUS is used to model and analyze the columns. The experimental test result is used to conduct a verification investigation of the nonlinear finite element modeling. All specifications of the experimentally tested columns are taken into consideration in the modeling to establish the verification of the model. When the modeling and test results are compared, it is noticeable that they are in good agreement. As a result, the modeling’s accuracy is proved. Then, a parametric study included different slenderness ratio, section shape, concrete strength and SFR strengthened has been done with the same modeling method. The effects of these variables on the column load capacity are investigated. It is found that increasing slenderness ratio led to smaller peak load. Increasing of moment of inertia of square and circular section decreased the peak load capacity. The maximum bearing capacity increased with higher concrete strength. Also, SFR distribution through the length of columns effected on load bearing capacity.
Three-Dimensional Permeability Study of Open Graded Friction Course (OGFC) Based on CFD Simulation
Authors: Elkhateeb Omar , Shuwen Zhang , Hu Feng , Pengfei Zheng 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
This research evaluated permeability and hydraulic conductivity of Open Graded Friction Course (OGFC) in multiple directions. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Ansys Fluent was utilized to simulate the laminar flow model for twelve cubic specimens of OGFC with different geometry and various porosities. Reynolds number (Re
), permeability (K), and hydraulic conductivity (k) were computed for each simulation horizontally and vertically. According to the study, the horizontal permeability measurements were greater than the vertical measurements. Moreover, the permeability of OGFC is governed by the percentage of the air voids, aggregate particle size, and the thickness of the specimens. As the diameter and percentage of air voids increased, the permeability increased. Specimens with large size of aggregates and larger thicknesses have the highest values of permeability, while specimens with the small size of aggregates have the lowest values of permeability. In addition, the velocity of the flow inside the voids decreased as the diameter and percentage of air voids increased, while the pressure increased, according to the study.
Selection of Intersection Control Type in Urban Areas
Authors: Ramadan Ibrahim M. I. , Abdel-Monem Mohamed S. , Ahmed Osama H. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
In Egypt, urban planning projects usually do not consider the intersection type. This study developed charts for practitioners that could be used to determine the optimal intersection. The paper studied intersections including; signalized, roundabout, and two-way stop control. It provides a study for the intersection at the targeted level of service D. The traffic patterns were used to calculate the intersection’s capacity and the average control delay. The combinations of turning distribution, percent of heavy vehicles, and type of control were considered. The relationship among capacity, delay and traffic volume has been used to deduce the minimum required lane configuration for each intersection. The results indicated that the roundabout is the best alternative for intersection control with maximum capacity and minimum delays for medium traffic. However, signalized intersection is the best alternative at heavy traffic volumes and a high proportion of left-turning volume.
Preliminary Study on the Reduction in Shear Strength Parameters of Gypseous Soil upon Wetting
Authors: Abd Akram H. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The main aim of the study is to provide a preliminary formula to estimate the reduction in shear strength parameters of gypseous soil exhibited when soaked in water. Experimental work has been conducted using direct shear test on undisturbed samples with three different gypsum contents 4 %, 28 %, and 42 %. Three different cases were considered, first is soil with its field water content (semi-dry), second after soaked with kerosene, and third after soaked with distilled water. The kerosene was used for comparison purposes substituting water for non-gypseous soils because it has low chemical interaction with gypsum. For semi-dry cases, results show proportional relationship between peak shear strength and gypsum content. However, the opposite holds true once submerged with water in which soil cohesion fades and the frictional angle is reduced to 72 %, 56 %, and 52 % respectively for the given gypsum content. A formula has been proposed that can be used by practitioners to estimate the reduction in the frictional angle based on the gypsum content of the soil.
Assessment of the Flood and Drought Occurrence Using Statistically Downscaled Local Climate Models: A Case Study in Langat River Basin, Malaysia
Authors: Voon Kah Loon , Tan Kok Weng , Chin Kah Seng 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Climate change is a complex and multi-layer issue with global and local entanglement. In this study, Langat River Basin is chosen. Secondary data was used including the historical flood and drought event reports, Standardized Precipitation Index-1 data and Canadian Earth System Model (CanESM2) along with Australian Community Climate and Earth System Simulator Coupled Model (ACCESS CM-2). These data were used to determine the monthly flood and drought precipitation risk based on five regions of Langat River Basin. The CanESM2 and ACCESS CM-2 based on RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios were downscaled and bias corrected for this study. The reliability of these models was then analyzed with Pearson correlation and probability density function (PDF). The future flood and drought risks from year 2020 to 2100 were predicted using the most reliable local climate model local climate hazard thresholds. The CanESM2 RCP 4.5 scenario was identified to have moderate relationship with the historical precipitation trend in Langat River Basin. The Pearson correlation outcomes were then verified by analyzing the PDF curve between models and historical precipitation. The result shows that the downscaled CanESM2 RCP 4.5 was determined to have moderate correlation r = 0.30, whereas highest similarity with the historical precipitation trend 98.63 % based on 2006 to 2018 period. The scenario is consistent with medium emission coupled with increasing mitigation efforts in Malaysia. Furthermore, the flood and drought risk assessment outcomes show that the occurrence rate for Central, Northern, Southern, Western, and Eastern region in Langat River Basin were determined as 41.97 %, 60.19 %, 40.23 %, 20.16 %, and 34.98% respectively. The Central region was predicted having two drought incidences (February 2069 and February 2099) due to extreme dry season predicted based on 2020 to 2100 period.
Experimental Verification of Modified Sub-Ballast Layers, Application of Foam Glass Boards
Authors: Dobeš Peter , Ižvolt Libor , Mečár Martin 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Glass waste decomposition time in landfills or the countryside can exceed several millennia. Recycling and finding new uses for municipal waste, where glass accounts for approx. 10 % of the volume, is therefore essential to ensure the sustainable development of society. A novel method of reusing glass waste is to produce a thermal insulation material called foam glass in the form of boards. The manufacturer characterises the foam glass boards as having extreme compressive strength and being suitable for highly loaded building structures. The Department of Railway Engineering and Track Management (DRETM) has been long-term researching the possibility of applying various thermal insulation materials (composite foam concrete, Liapor concrete, extruded polystyrene boards) to the sub-ballast layers. For the above reasons, an experimental field was constructed to validation a modified design of the sub-ballast layers with embedded foam glass boards. The paper’s objective was to verify whether the modified composition of the sub-ballast layers affects the increase of its deformation resistance. The assessment of the deformation resistance of the sub-ballast layers of the modified and standard construction was performed by a series of static load tests in the particular structural layers.
Xylophagous beetles (Coleoptera) in the zones of Gomilshanski lisy National Nature Park with different management regime
Authors: Meshkova Valentyna , Skrylnik Yuriy , Bieliavtsev Maxim , Zinchenko Olga , Borysenko Oleksandr , Markina Tetiana 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The purpose of the research was to assess the species composition and biodiversity indices for xylophagous beetles collected by window traps in the parts of Gomilshanski lisy National Nature Park with different management regimes and anthropogenic load. Four window traps were placed in each of the five groups of sample plots: clear felling, selective felling, stationary recreation, regulated recreation and protected zone. The data were analysed using the statistical software package PAST, particularly, the Menhinick index (DMn) and dominance index (D) were evaluated and classical clustering (unweighted pair-group average [UPGMA]) was performed. A total of 42 species of xylophages (9903 individuals) were collected from Curculionidae (Scolytinae and Cossoninae), Cerambycidae, Histeridae, Bostrichidae, Buprestidae and Lymexilidae. The highest species richness was in the plots of clear and selective felling (25 and 22 species, respectively) and the lowest was in the protected zone (16 species), regulated recreation (19 species) and stationary recreation (22 species). The Menhinick index (DMn) was the lowest in the protected zone (0.27), increased in the zone of regulated recreation (0.43) and stationary recreation (0.45) and was maximal in the plots of selective and clear felling (0.69 and 0.77, respectively). The number of individuals was maximal in the protected zone and minimal at the plots of selective and clear felling. All sites were dominated by Xyleborinus saxesenii (Ratzeburg, 1837) (66–85% individuals) and Anisandrus dispar (Fabricius, 1792) (8.5–20.7% individuals). Minimal dominance (0.49) was found in the plot of clear felling. Cluster analysis showed similarity of the xylophage complex in the plots of clear and selective felling, as well as in the zone of stationary and regulated recreation, which differed from the protected zone.
Formation of European beech stands (Fagus sylvatica L.) that involve Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in tree species composition in the Ukrainian Roztochie
Authors: Myklush Yuriy , Myklush Stepan , Debryniuk Iurii , Hayda Yuriy 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Productive European beech stands (Fagus sylvatica L.) involving Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) are formed in Ukrainian Roztochie. Considering value and limited distribution of beech stands involving pine in tree species composition, it is necessary to work out and implement measures for their natural restoration in connection with the climate change and the efficient use of raw materials and non-wood products. Main forestry and management indices of beech stands that include pine in tree species composition were analysed. Forestry activities that are currently carried out in middle-aged and maturing stands significantly reduce their relative completeness and growing stocks, as determined by comparing growth particularities of productive beech stands from different sources.
Prospects of cultivation of Jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) on sandy soils of natural–technogenic origin in Kyiv Polissia
Authors: Brovko Fedir , Yukhnovskyi Vasyl , Brovko Dmytro , Brovko Olha , Minder Victoria , Urliuk Yurii 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The aim of the research was to identify the influence of environmental factors inherent in the alluvial and displaced sands of the study region on the growth of the Jack pine and the prospects for its cultivation. We found that the success of growth of Jack pine seedlings on sandy soils depends on a set of factors, which include the presence or absence, in the rhizosphere of sand, of humus impurities and genetic horizons of zonal soils, silty or loamy layers, soil density and composition of pine stands formed in the cultivation. On alluvial sands, sparse forests of Jack pine and Scots pine with a density of 0.3 units were formed. The yield of seeds from Jack pine cones was 1–2% higher than the normative values, and the mass of 1000 seeds was 50% higher. Jack pine seedlings grow according to I class of productivity on displaced sands, with an admixture of humus mass and remnants of genetic horizons of zonal soils at the root depth. In the rhizosphere of the stand, the roots of Jack pine seedlings occupied 78% of the mass of all roots that inhabited a metre-thick sand. Jack pine seedlings that fall under the canopy of Scots pine fall out of the plantations due to drying, which indicates their demand for light and appropriateness of growing Jack pine in solitary plantings or in mixed low-density plantations with Scots pine.
Peatlands restorer plant species in the protected forest area
Authors: Nursanti Nursanti , Novriyanti Novriyanti , Indriyani Arisa Dwi , Anggraeni Nurul , Paiman Asrizal 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Like other ecosystems, burnt peatlands will run into natural regeneration, characterized by pioneer plants’ presence as a succession process guard. However, annual burnt peatlands can complicate vegetation growth, including the pioneer's presence. Besides that, it is unknown what kind of grow pioneers are, so the research aims to find out the pioneer plants’ diversity on burnt peatlands is essential. The reasonably extensive distribution of peat ecosystems and high fire potential in Sumatra is Tanjung Jabung Regency of Jambi Province selected to study. The locations of plant species inventory are Orang Kayo Hitam Forest Park (burnt five times), village forest (HD) Sinar Wajo, and HD Koto Kandis Dendang (each burnt once) using the Nested Quadrat and Line Transect of vegetation survey method. Vegetation analysis showed that 22 pioneers were found in HD Sinar Wajo and 27 species in HD Koto Kandis Dendang. Some are identified as ferns (Pteridophyta), breed with spores, and pioneer plants reproduce by seeds (Spermatophyta). In Orang Kayo Hitam Forest Park found 26 species consisting of plants, trees, shrubs, and lianas. Among the three locations, we found the same type of pioneer. It is implied that patterns and regeneration processes can help each other in the same landscape.