Mortar to Repair Rammed-Earth Walls’ Surfaces: Do we still Need it?

A rammed-earth technique has been echoed worldwide due to being conceived not only as an environment-friendly method of construction but also standing as an alternative method to arguably replacing cement. The technique however shows several pitfalls. One concerns the lengthy process of curing upon erecting the rammed-earth walls due to the low process of a chemical reaction occurred throughout the curing stage. A second bias followed from the slow curing and concerns the degradation accentuated at the outer wall’s texture, particularly at the edges, due to effects of the weather cycle. These drawbacks have been observed while accomplishing a funded research project. This article has at its stake remedying the above pitfalls. A natural sandy limestone shows a low percentage of calcium carbonate needed for a cohesive mixture. The method suggested here is based on an experiment that uses minerals of the fruits’ and vegetables’ waste as a binding substance. Curing time in this method has been reduced to the half. It is also suggested here that each stage has its importance, including mixing the soil particles dry and wet, compacting the moistened soil mixture, a well-made formwork and curing, towards remedying the above pitfalls.

Hybrid RF-Si Xerogels: A Cost-Effective Proposal for Insulator Materials

Hybrid xerogels RF/Si were synthesized by controlling the chemical variables involved in the polymerization process (i.e., molar ratios, dilution ratio, catalysts, etc.) and evaluated as insulator materials. Higher insulating performances were recorded for these hybrids compared with their counterparts made from only one of their components (i.e., RF or Si xerogels with similar porous characteristics). The analysis of chemical and structural features correlated with heat transfer methods was useful in understanding the sum of contributions involved in the thermal conductivity of RF/Si xerogels. Variables such as roughness and tortuosity can be used to improve the performance of xerogels from a different perspective. In this way, thermal conductivities of 25 mW/mK were achieved without lengthy process steps or special drying methods. Knowledge of material design and the use of microwave heating during the synthesis allowed us to approach a simple and cost-effective process. These results suggest that the hybrid materials developed in this work are a good starting point for the future of the massive production of insulation materials.

Role of lipid Nanoparticles in COVID-19 inrepurposing drugs and vaccines

Background: The spread of new coronavirus 2019, the causative agent of viral pneumonia documented in Wuhan, brought a recent public health crisis globally. The best solution to overcome this pandemic is developing suitable and effective vaccines and therapeutics. However, discovering and creating a new drug is a lengthy process requiring rigorous testing and validation. Objective: Despite many newly discovered and old repurposed COVID-19 drugs under clinical trial, more emphasis should be given to research on COVID-19 NPs-based medicines, which could improve the efficacy of antiviral drugs to reduce their side effects. The use of NPs as carriers can reduce the frequency and duration of drug ingestion, enhance approved antiviral therapeutics' effectiveness, and overcome their limitations, such as low bioavailability. Besides, they can play a crucial role in fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic. In this regard, nanotechnology provides new opportunities to develop new strategies for preventing, diagnosing, and treating COVID-19. Conclusion: This review highlighted the importance of NMs-based technical solutions in antiviral drugs for testing against the SARS-CoV-2 virus emergencies in the form of nanotherapeutics.

Using forensic handwriting principles for rapid signature screening

Examination of a signature is a lengthy process conducted under laboratory conditions, requiring precision and caution. When a rapid screening of signatures is required, the basic principles of forensic signature comparison can be adapted. Learning points from signature screening examinations are outlined to aid handwriting experts in carrying out similar procedures.

Genome Sequence between Human and Chimpanzee

Human evolution is a very complicated and lengthy process. Around six million years ago, humans were still apelike creatures. However, in modern times, humans have already evolved into a species called homo sapiens. The first species which shows human traits are bipedalism; they can walk on two legs. There are about 12-15 different early human species, but not all of them lived till today. It is well known that chimpanzees and humans shared a common ancestor six to seven million years ago. Chimpanzees are genetically closest to humans; they share about 96% of Human DNA sequences [1]. However, during evolution, chimpanzees and humans diverged into two different paths and finally demonstrated other behavior and into two completely different species. Modern-day humans can develop society and show high intelligence. However, for chimpanzees, they are still at a phase where they only demonstrate animal behavior. Chimpanzees and humans developed completely different behavior not only due to the different environments they lived in, but also due to the gene differences.

COVID-19 and Other Prevalent Diseases in Africa: A Pragmatic Approach

The aim of this paper is to propose that the development and legitimization of African knowledge and validation systems on a pragmatic basis, is an efficient and effective means of responding to a myriad of health problems plaguing Africans, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic. Whenever there is a novel disease outbreak, the norm is to wait for the development of scientifically proven vaccines for its treatment. However, the scientific validation of drugs is a rigorous and lengthy process, thereby inappropriate for dealing with health emergencies like the COVID-19 outbreak. The alarming rapidity with which the novel COVID-19 pandemic rages globally and decimates humanity has brought to the fore the need for Africa to look inwards in search of viable and efficient alternative approaches to the pandemic. In this paper, I examine pragmatism as a theoretical framework and relate it to proposed African epistemic and validation frameworks with a particular reference to homegrown orthodox and alternative/complementary medicines. I argue that the validation and approval of any knowledge claim based on pragmatism is a more expeditious mode of attending to COVID-19 and other prevalent diseases in Africa. The application of knowledge that brings practical success in dealing with health challenges in Africa without necessarily following rigid and lengthy scientific validation procedures will go a long way toward improving human conditions and well-being. I conclude that pragmatic considerations should ultimately inform local approval to homegrown African medicines for use in Africa.

BATIK MOTIFS AS A MEANS OF BUILDING FOR PEACE: JAVANESE PERSPECTIVE

Batik is an Indonesian masterpiece with a variety of motifs. Among the motifs are expressions of human local genius, ideas, and community life expression. Hope, peace, and history were all expressed through batik motifs. The idea of peace brought by batik motifs is discussed in this paper. The batik's expression of peace has been reflected in its production. Batik cloth is created through a lengthy process. The makers can initiate by sketching motifs with a pencil, and then use wax to illuminate the motifs. The wax serves to both block and color the material. Waxing is a time-consuming process for blocking and coloring the fabric and completing a piece of batik cloth requires patience. Peace can only be achieved through patience, which can be seen in batik designs. Many symbols of peace can be found in batik motifs. The symbols reflect the harmonic situation with (1) God, (2) nature, and (3) creatures. The semen motif is associated with a harmonious relationship with God representing shaped like a God (deva) palace, symbolizing both the human and the divine. Batik always illustrates nature, and the parang motif illustrates the human-mountain-ocean bond. To reach the sea, the mountain must have a slope. In Javanese, pereng or parang refers to a slope. The Sekar Jagat motif (universe flowers) portrays a human in relation to the world or universe. The Truntum motif describes harmony with the night sky, stars, and flowers. There are patterns in the motif that are mostly taken from nature. I.e., the ceplok pattern adopts flowers in bloom, the lereng (slopes) pattern adopts a downhill road, the patterns semen adopts a plant in its first growth stage, the lunglungan pattern adopts tree vines, and the buketan pattern adopts flower or foliage arrangement. When humans have a harmonious relationship with nature, peace is formed. As a result, various batik motifs convey a message of world peace. Batik is a type of media used to promote peace in the world. Harmony with God, nature, and one another exemplifies peace.

A Smart Factory Approach to Mass Producing Customised Healthcare Devices for Patients

Orthoses are devices worn by patients to support their body and are a non-surgical method for correcting foot and ankle problems. In a national survey, Nester et al, reported in 2017, there are approximately 9 million orthosis users in the UK, and of these 78,000 patients each year need a customised orthosis [1]. The same survey identifies the number of orthoses users in the UK had grown from 1.2 million in 2007, which is nearly an eightfold increase over one decade. The traditional method of fabricating orthoses is extensively craft orientated. The assessment, fabrication, and fitting of an orthosis to a patient is a lengthy process at up to twelve weeks duration and can involve significant engagement with the patient. 3D Printing combined with digital design, laser scanning and gait analysis technologies could dramatically reduce the time of the orthosis fabrication process, accelerate patient healing and reduce cost.

An analysis on the job preference of Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University Students

This study examined the job preference among students of different subjects of different faculties in the campus of Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Trishal, Mymensingh. Qualitative variables and variables which are quantitative in nature have been used for this study. We have chosen the topic job preference of students of the different faculties because now-a-days every sector for a job is strict about their rules and regulations. At present time students are frustrated about the lengthy process of jobs and dissimilarities between academic studies and job conditions. The main aims and objectives of this study were to find out information about the job preference of University students in Bangladesh. The research ensured the following objectives; such as Known about the present condition of job preference of Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University. Found out and identified factors affecting their Job Preference. So the aims and objectives of this research contained various issues. Such as knowing how many students are expected, how many students want to be an entrepreneur, and how many students are going to be in a foreign country for a job. Study of the plan decorated sequentially.

Topical issues of handwriting analysis of signatures performed with a significant gap in time

At the present stage, the objects of forensic handwriting analysis are signatures performed with a significant gap in time. In this case, such objects are both signatures in studied documents, made at different intervals and studied signatures performed in relation to the comparative material with a time gap. Establishing stability of signature signs depending on performing time is possible taking into account characteristic signs of the stages of the signature handwriting formation. Since the factors causing changes in signatures are a lengthy process of forming the signature skill and the amount of signature practice (that is how often a person has to sign). While research on signatures that are at the formation stage, different signs, established together with significant coinciding signs canindicate a further improvement of movements. In personsof middle age (30-60 years old) who have a formed signature handwriting, significant changes do not occur over time until they stop practicing writing. While research on elderly people signatures along with the established coinciding signs, differing ones appear: signs of ataxia, decreased coordination of movements, low coherence of written signs, etc. These signs indicate degradation of movements due to physiological changes in the body in old age and a decrease in writing practice including practice of performing signature. Considering the above, research on signatures performed with a significant time gap is a rather complicated process that often causes difficulties when forensic expert evaluates revealed signs. Within the framework of this research paper, the authors focused on some topical issues existing in modern forensic expert practice of handwriting analyses of signatures performed with a significant time gap. The state of development of modern practical handwriting studies requires improvement of methodological approaches to this type of research. Currently, forensic experts are conducting R&D on the topic: “Improving research methods of signatures performed with a significant gap in time” which relevance is due to the need to improve forensic expert algorithm while handwriting research on signatures performed with a significant gap in time, as well as requirements of modern scientific standards.