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The effect of discrete movement of center-pivot towers on water distribution uniformity is a phenomenon difficult to demonstrate in the field; thus, in this paper, the dependence of uniformity of water application on the movement of the towers was investigated. To accomplish this, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers were installed on three center-pivot towers to track their location during system operation. The data obtained were modeled by a computer program developed in Visual Basic for Applications, in an Excel software spreadsheet. Analysis of the temporal behavior of water depths due to the movement of each tower was described by Fourier series analysis. The results showed that towers closer to the center of irrigated circle presented longer stopping times, shorter movement times, and lower speeds, which together resulted in greater variability in applied water depth. Irrigation uniformity was affected by the misalignment angle between center-pivot spans, with uniformity being greater with smaller misalignment angles. Misalignment angles below 2° are not recommended because they result in very short cycle times (time in motion), which can cause the alignment sensors in the towers closer to the pivot point to fail, and therefore prevent movement. Finally, the amplitude of water depths as a function of tower movement increased when the misalignment angle increased. With the Fourier series analysis, regarding the interval between dominant peaks, it is possible to verify the influence of the equipment stoppage time on the water application cycles of each tower, and consequently on the overall uniformity. The evaluation of misalignment angle effect on irrigation uniformity allowed us to verify why its value is currently about 5° and, in addition, it shows that it is not necessary to minimize it closer to zero (straight alignment) with the use of more complex technologies, considering that 5° angle already results in values of irrigation uniformity greater than 90%. On the other hand, the novel and successful use of time series to describe the center-pivot movement can be an important tool to be implemented on software to more realistic simulation of center-pivot irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose Methods Results and conclusions \nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION In vocational education and training of computer literacy as part of vocational rehabilitation, learners often work on problem-solving exercises as self-study assignments, and check if their answers are correct. Sighted learners can get information on their incorrect answers by comparing their answers with the correct answers. However, learners with visual impairments largely depend on their teachers for getting this feedback. To remove this dependence, we designed a self-checking system for learners with visual impairments to verify the correctness of their answers. In this paper, we report the results of a usability study to evaluate whether learners with visual impairments can self-check spreadsheet problem-solving exercises using our system in a teacherless environment.Usability evaluation experiment was conducted using 2 × 2 crossover design with people with visual impairments (n = 11). The participants checked their answers (detected and corrected errors) after working on problem-solving exercises in two ways: (i) manually; and (ii) using our system. The system usability was evaluated by measuring Detection-And-Correction (DAC) ratio as effectiveness, time taken and the number of steps required for DAC as efficiency, and System Usability Scale score as satisfaction.The results show that all the participants could complete the DAC task by using our system, and the time required for DAC task was significantly reduced by using our system as compared to by checking manually. Our system enables learners with visual impairments to self-check problem-solving exercises answers. However, to increase the user satisfaction, the number of required keystrokes needs to be decreased. Vocational rehabilitation for learners with visual impairments to improve their computer literacy is becoming increasingly important. Learners with visual impairments have the potential to acquire computer literacy in a teacherless environment by using simple assistive software like our self-checking system. Simple assistive software for learners with visual impairments like our self-checking system may have a positive effect not only on learners with visual impairments but also on sighted people. Moreover, our system reduces the teaching load of the teachers so that they can be more effective in helping learners with visual impairments. Vocational rehabilitation for learners with visual impairments to improve their computer literacy is becoming increasingly important.Learners with visual impairments have the potential to acquire computer literacy in a teacherless environment by using simple assistive software like our self-checking system.Simple assistive software for learners with visual impairments like our self-checking system may have a positive effect not only on learners with visual impairments but also on sighted people.Moreover, our system reduces the teaching load of the teachers so that they can be more effective in helping learners with visual impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was on the use of the market definition paradigm (MDP) to track ageing and temperature effects in lithium–ion cells. This was with a view to using the technique to obtain a sequence of equilibrium voltages from readily available datasets in order to profile the effects of ageing and temperature on cells and batteries. The method employed involved using the MDP with its capability to obtain a sequence of equilibrium voltages for lithium-ion cells. This approach integrated radio incidence with radio geometry, transmission and emergence in a simplified form of the cell's equilibrium voltage (and amperage). A standard dataset was obtained from the centre for advanced life cycle engineering repository. The data were processed and analysed using Coulomb counting, charging and discharging energy comparison methods on Python 3.8 programming tool and LibreOffice spreadsheet software. Results obtained show a close tracking of ageing and temperature phenomena in the cells studied. A respective maximum and minimum equilibrium voltages of 3.23 V and 3.10 V over two thousand (2000) cycles were similarly obtained for ageing and temperature investigations. The equilibrium voltage shows a downward trend as the battery ages and is more reliable for studies on these cells than the open circuit voltage traditionally used to track phenomena in such cells. In conclusion, typical lithium-ion cells can be classified at begin-of-life using the equilibrium voltage and useful predictions made with respect to end-of-life. This approach is relatively inexpensive, requiring fewer data points and low-cost hardware and extensible to online applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a silent pandemic that has claimed millions of lives, and resulted in long-term disabilities, limited treatment options, and high economic costs associated with the healthcare burden. Given the rising prevalence of AMR, which is expected to pose a challenge to current empirical antibiotic treatment strategies, we sought to summarize the available data on knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding AMR in Ethiopia. Articles were searched in international electronic databases. Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and STATA software version 16 were used for data extraction and analysis, respectively. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis 2020 checklist was followed. The methodological quality of the studies included was assessed by the Joana Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists. The random-effect meta-analysis model was used to estimate Der Simonian-Laird's pooled effect. Statistical heterogeneity of the meta-analysis was checked through Higgins and Thompson's I2 statistics and Cochran's Q test. Publication bias was investigated by funnel plots, and the regression-based test of Egger for small study effects with a P value < 0.05 was considered to indicate potential reporting bias. In addition, sensitivity and subgroup meta-analyses were performed. Fourteen studies with a total of 4476 participants met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the pooled prevalence of good AMR knowledge was 51.53% [(95% confidence interval (CI): 37.85, 65.21), I2 = 99.0%, P <0.001]. The pooled prevalence of favorable attitudes and good practices were 63.43% [(95% CI: 42.66, 84.20), I2 = 99.6, P <0.001], and 48.85% [(95% CI: 38.68, 59.01), I2 = 93.1, P <0.001] respectively. In conclusion, there is a significant knowledge and practice gap on AMR among the general public, patients, and livestock producers. As a result, we call for greater educational interventions to raise awareness and build a strong national AMR narrative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systems reliability is usually an integral part of the curriculum for industrial engineering students. Very often, teachers limit themselves to a theoretical approach or simple calculations. Indeed, dedicated software is either expensive or complex for the intended use. Through this article, the objective is to teach students to create, by themselves, simple but adapted calculation tools from simple models given in a spreadsheet given in parallel with this article, allowing them to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired in the field of reliability. They will be able to easily understand the calculation of reliability thanks to the method of the functional diagram of reliability. Autonomously, they will be able to model most of the systems they might encounter in their engineering career. The developed tool will allow students to calculate the reliability of series systems, parallel systems, mixed systems, k-out-of-n systems, bridge systems and other complex models using the method of decomposition or the event space method. In the end, not only will readers be able to carry out the practical work proposed in this article, but the autonomy and skills they will have developed will allow them to model any industrial system or device in the way they deem appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the entry of COVID-19, starting from the year 2000, India managed online education well for more than a year and a half. Now, the question is to understand whether the online mode of education is as effective as the face-to-face classes. This study intends to focus on identifying the challenges and finding the opportunities to enhance the quality of online engineering education with respect to Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) branch. A survey was conducted using a questionnaire involving the chosen 2nd year, 3rd year, and 4th year students of CSE department, Velammal College of Engineering & Technology, Madurai (VCET), who have had the experience of acquiring knowledge through both offline and online modes. The spreadsheet software was used to filter, organize as well as visualize quantitative data, and descriptive methodology was adopted for the data analysis. The result of the study will lay a scope to understand the existing gaps in online CSE education and the proposed ideas to fill the same enhancing the resources. Further, this study may play a pivotal role in making effective online CSE education at par with face-to-face classes completely possible and preferable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]