bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ocena jakości usług publicznego transportu zbiorowego w mieście Piotrkowie Trybunalskim
Authors: Kowalska Aleksandra
Published: June 2024

Transport jest nierozerwalnym elementem egzystencji każdego człowieka od początków cywilizacji. Obecnie coraz wyraźniej możemy dostrzec bezpośredni wpływ komunikacji miejskiej na różne aspekty życia człowieka. Im lepiej funkcjonuje, tym bardziej jakość życia mieszkańców danego miasta wzrasta. Władze lokalne powinny dbać o stały rozwój infrastruktury transportu zbiorowego, a także o podniesienie jakości świadczonych usług celem zachęcania ludności do częstszego korzystania ze środków komunikacji zbiorowej. Głównym celem niniejszego rozdziału jest prezentacja rozwiązań komunikacyjnych w systemie transportu zbiorowego na przykładzie miasta Piotrkowa Trybunalskiego, a także poznanie poziomu zadowolenia pasażerów z usług publicznego transportu zbiorowego w mieście Piotrkowie Trybunalskim. W rozdziale zostały zaprezentowane rozwiązania transportowe miasta Piotrkowa Trybunalskiego, a także przedstawiono wyniki badania postrzegania jakości usług Miejskiego Zakładu Komunikacyjnego Sp. z o.o. w Piotrkowie Trybunalskim.
Determinanty korzystania z usług Łódzkiej Kolei Aglomeracyjnej
Authors: Przywojska Justyna , Frankiewicz Eliza
Published: June 2024

Niniejszy rozdział monografii łączy analizę teoretyczną i empiryczną w celu zbadania kluczowych aspektów związanych z poprawą dostępności i konkurencyjności kolei aglomeracyjnych w porównaniu z transportem indywidualnym. Skupia się na wybranych kwestiach istotnych dla tematu, mając na uwadze przede wszystkim ocenę obecnego stanu systemu Łódzkiej Kolei Aglomeracyjnej oraz zidentyfikowanie jej perspektyw rozwoju w przyszłości. Badanie ma za zadanie określenie zalet i wad wdrażania usług transportowych przez Łódzką Kolej Aglomeracyjną Sp. z o.o., jednocześnie identyfikując potencjalne obszary poprawy i rozpoznając potrzeby klientów firmy. W tym celu jako metodę badawczą wykorzystano anonimową ankietę internetową. Treść rozdziału zapewnia ważne spostrzeżenia, które mogą przyczynić się do dalszych badań nad rozwojem i znaczeniem kolei aglomeracyjnej w Łodzi.
Does Collecting Taxes Erode the Accountability of Informal Leaders? Evidence from the DRC
Authors: Bergeron Augustin , Kabue Ngindu Elie , Tourek Gabriel , Weigel Jonathan L.
Published: June 2024

Delegating tax collection to informal leaders could raise tax revenue but runs the risk of undermining the local accountability of those leaders. We investigate this trade-off by exploiting whether city chiefs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) were randomly assigned to collect property taxes in 2018. To measure accountability, we study the other side of the social contract: the distribution of resources by chiefs in a government cash transfer programme in which they had discretion over the recipients of development aid. In line with the preferences of citizens, chiefs who collected taxes allocated more programme benefits to poorer households and thus made fewer inclusion and exclusion errors. They were no more or less likely to pocket benefits themselves or allocate them to their families. Across a range of measures, citizens appear to have updated their beliefs of chiefs who collected taxes. We provide evidence that collector chiefs allocated aid to poorer households because door-to-door tax collection created opportunities to learn which households were in greatest need. In contrast to concerns of ‘decentralised despotism,’ the paper thus finds evidence of a chief’s accountability benefiting from delegating tax responsibilities to local leaders in low-capacity states.
Enhancing Taxpayer Registration with Inter-Institutional Data Sharing – Evidence from Uganda
Authors: Scarpini Celeste , Santoro Fabrizio , Waiswa Ronald , Moro Arewa , Nabuyondo Jane
Published: June 2024

Comprehensive population data is often lacking in many developing countries, especially in Africa. This is a critical challenge for tax administrations, who are already grappling with a substantial hidden informal economy. Recent studies highlight the importance of national identification (ID) data for enhancing tax collection efforts. This study looks into the impact of inter-institutional collaboration to share national ID data on tax administration data quality and functions. The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has integrated its registration system with that of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) and Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), which allows it to access ID data for individuals and businesses. The Instant Tax Identification Number (Instant TIN) – an interface pulling this third-party data into the taxpayer registration form – promises a swifter registration process for taxpayers, and better data on taxpayers.
Огляд автоматизованих систем охорони здоров'ям
Authors: Кравець М. , Батрак Є. , Цьопа Н. , Маркін М.
Published: June 2024

В даній статті аналізуються автоматизовані системи догляду за здоров’ям, висвітлені ключові параметри, які є необхідними для ефективної роботи таких систем. Також надано огляд наявних сьогодні рішень, вивчені їхні переваги та недоліки, проведено аналіз основних розрахунків. На підставі цього аналізу визначені ключові напрямки для поліпшення автоматизованих систем догляду за здоров'ям. Мета статті – дослідити автоматизовані системи догляду за здоров’ям, визначити потенційні переваги та недоліки наявних рішень для покращення автоматизованих системдогляду за здоров’ям на основі проведеного аналізу дослідження.
Бібл. 9, іл. 4
Застосування передавального навчання для покращення класифікації захворювань легень за допомогою вкладених представлень КТ-зображень
Authors: Смілянець Ф.
Published: June 2024

У даному досліджені розглянуто використання передавального навчання для покращення виявлення захворювань легень за допомогою комп'ютерної томографії (КТ). Розроблену у попередньому досліджені згорткову нейронну мережудля мультикласової класифікації було доповнено та дотреновано для створення вкладених представлень КТ-зрізів. Згорткові шари нейронної мережі було заморожено, а решту – замінено рядом шарів для виводу векторного представлення знімку, які і були дотреновані у даному дослідженні. Для забезпечення створення розрізнених векторівбуло обрано використати triplet loss. Вкладені представлення, створені з отриманою мережею, було використано для навчання класифікатора KNeighborsClassifier, який досяг точності 0.987 у багатокласовій класифікації. Отримані результати, хоча й є попередніми, демонструють потенціал систем класифікації на основі вкладених представлень у аналізі КТ-сканування, особливо для діагностики COVID-19.
Бібл. 9, іл. 2
Soft skill у підготовці студентів ІТ спеціальностей
Authors: Гашимова М. , Сегол Р. , Батрак Є. , Цьопа Н. , Мураховський С. , Гармаш О.
Published: June 2024

Стаття присвячена розвитку soft skills для ІТ фахівців в процесі дистанційного навчання за допомогою впровадження командних завдань з викори станням комунікаційних навичок, навичок підготовки доповідей та презентацій, роботив командах, лідерських навичок, діяльності в умовах невизначеності. Експеримент, проведений в межах дослідження, дозволить масштабувати запропоновану методику під час підготовки ІТ фахівців в різних закладах вищої освіти.Мета цієї статті – впровадження методики викладання фахових дисциплін з використанням методику розвитку soft skills для майбутніх ІТ фахівців. Запропоновано метод викладання, який допомагає студентам в дистанційномуформаті, окрім фахових навичок, також розвинути комунікаційні навички, навички підготовки презентацій та доповідей, навички командної роботи, емоційний інтелект, критичне мислення.
Бібл. 9, іл. 9
Задача формування зон відповідальності на множині об’єктів площини за критерієм мінімізації різниці сумарних ваг
Authors: Жданова О. , Папка О. , Рибачук Л. , Савчук О. , Соболевський Г.
Published: June 2024

Робота присвячена дослідженню оптимізаційної задачі, у якій необхідно розбити множину об’єктів, для яких відомі вага та координати розміщення, на дві підмножини (зони), кожна з яких закріплена за заданими об’єктами–базами (з відомими координатами). Необхідно побудувати розмежувальну лінію, що ділить ділянку на дві зони так, щоб одна зона відповідала одній базі, друга – іншій, і при цьому різниця між зваженими кількостями об’єктів, що попали в різні зони, була мінімальною. Досліджувана задача відноситься до класу задача розбиття множини на підмножини, що має широке застосування на практиці. Побудована математична модель задачі, представлені достатні умови оптимальності. Розроблені чотири алгоритми розв’язання задачі: два евристичних і два генетичних. Перший евристичний алгоритм будує деяку множину розмежувальних прямих, які проходять через середину відрізку, що з’єднує бази. Другий евристичний алгоритм є рекурсивною процедурою виклику першого евристичного алгоритму.Розроблено також два генетичних алгоритми, що відрізняються умовами завершення. Проведена серія експериментів, метою яких був порівняльний аналіз розроблених алгоритмів за часом роботи та точністю.
Бібл. 14, іл. 6
Програмний додаток для освітнього процесу
Authors: Смолій В. , Лісовиченко О. , Смолій Н.
Published: June 2024

Об’єктом дослідження є додаток «Помічник студента», який дає змогу студентам переглядати усю необхідну інформацію для навчального процесу, як то: розклад занять, перелік дисциплін та завдань, інформацію по точках семестрового контролю та лабораторних роботах, прогрес навчання, а також перелік актуальних подій. Оскільки студентам іноді доволі важко слідкувати за змінами в розкладі, вимогами викладачів, прогресом по дисциплінах та здійснювати ефективне планування свого часу, було поставлене завдання створити програмний застосунок, що допоможе їм в розв’язанні цієї проблеми. Задача досліджень полягає в розробці програмного додатку.Функціональність запропонованого додатку є затребуваною на сучасному ринку мобільних додатків, не передбачено розгляд та отримання певних фінансових зисків, але потрібно забезпечення функціональної наповненості, оптимальності виконання функцій призначення та тестування з практичним втіленням отриманих в освітньомупроцесі знань і вмінь в реальні програмні застосунки. Метою роботи є створення додатку, що забезпечить вивід інформації про заплановані події, завдання, розклад та таким чином допоможе планувати свою активність протягом навчального року.
Бібл. 11, іл. 15, табл. 3
Made in IMEMO: An Efficient Instrument for Quick Assessment of Sea Power (An Interview with the Journal’s Editor-in-Chief)
Authors: Polivach A. , Gudev P.
Published: June 2024

We present an interview with the authors of the annual IMEMO Sea Powers’ Rankings – Alexander P. Polivach and Pavel A. Gudev, conducted by the Editor-in-Chief of ‘Analysis and Forecasting. IMEMO Journal’ – Irina L. Prokhorenko. The interview focuses on how the idea to quantify maritime might of 100 countries occurred to the authors, what specifics of maritime statistics they had to take into account, what is the structure of the maritime potential of countries in the 21st century and what roles are played by military and non-military factors.
Evolution of U.S. Military Aid Priorities under Trump and Biden Administrations
Authors: Andreev K.
Published: June 2024

Aid policy is one of the important foreign policy tools in the US struggle for global leadership. The US federal government spends about $60–70 billion annually on this area of public policy. Most of these truly large-scale financial resources are spent on economic assistance, but a lot is dedicated to military assistance too. This article, using the institutionalism methodology, examines how the US military assistance depends on the international situation, the internal political environment in the United States itself, as well as on the significance of a particular recipient country in the logic of American national interests. The author focuses on the rules of prioritizing this type of assistance and a possible evolution of the existing practice. A particular emphasis is on the study of American military assistance to Ukraine in the period 2022–2023. The author analyzes the dynamics of its provision depending on the goals of the United States, the international military situation, as well as the methods of providing such support, tools and programs for its implementation. It is shown how the United States administration is trying to manage this armed conflict in accordance with its own interests through the transfer of weapons and military equipment. It was investigated via what mechanisms military assistance is financed and, subsequently, how the delivery times of weapons and equipment depend on them, when exactly a part of military items is supplied from the US Army reserves. Also, the ways in which special initiatives and funds are used to accumulate finances to implement aid policy for a certain country were examined. In addition, the paper considers the situations when the United States of America provides military aid, which formally does not qualify as aid, since not being purchased with the money of American taxpayers, but at the same time it is still should formally considered as such.
Foreign Alternatives to Eurasianism as a Potential Challenge for Russia
Authors: Fenenko A.
Published: June 2024

The article explores the issues of political theories which are considered to be an alternative to Russian Eurasian integration. The author proves that there used to be a range of political theories in the UK, Germany and the USA that reminded of Russian Eurasian policy. Those theories were based on six ideologemes, immanent in Eurasian context: 1) the concept of regarding ‘Eurasia’ as a distinctive civilization stemming from both European and Asian cultures; 2) cancellation of the previously existing European view of the dichotomy in the ‘West — East’ concept; 3) fusion of ‘West’ and ‘East’ (as seen from the European viewpoint) into a certain new form; 4) blending of history of a particular national state into history of Eurasia; 5) postulation of the imperial project which involves this ‘special Eurasion’ civilization; 6) opposition between the ‘Eurasian world’ and the ‘Western world’, in which the latter remains adversarial in relation to the former. At various times, similar ideas were discussed in the UK (within Indo-European linguistics), Germany (Ariosophy), the USA (the AfPak and the ‘Indo-Pacifica’ projects). The British version of Eurasia concept was based on India, the German version — on Tibet, and the American version — on Pakistan and India. These theories were focused on projects of building empires or blocks, combining Western with non-Western countries of Eurasia. In each version the UK, Germany and the USA are presented as special empires and/or great states, comprising both European and Asian features. All of these versions demonstrate the attempts to create a system (culture or civilization) that has not entirely European or Asian identity. Moreover, the designed ‘quasi-Eurasian’ projects have always been adversary in regard to Russian Eurasian concept because they did not include any collaboration with Russia, but rather confrontation.
Molecular-Biochemical Identification and Antibiotic Sensitivity of Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Diseased Gangetic Mystus (Mystus cavasius, Hamilton 1822) in Biofloc Aquaculture
Authors: Mawa Jannatul , Achariya Anupoma , Mohammed Ibrahim Sarker , Rahman Md. Zobayer , Al Mamun Md. Abdullah , Nasren Shamima , Alam M. M. Mahbub
Published: June 2024

Biofloc technology has shown more production compared to the conventional fish culture but disease outbreaks have been seen to impede productivity. To identify pathogenic bacteria from diseased Gangetic Mystus (Mystus cavasius), using molecular, and biochemical techniques and to find out effective antibiotics. Bacterial samples from diseased fishes were cultured on nutrient agar and Rimler-Shotts (R-S) media. Various Biochemical tests like Gram’s Staining, Triple Sugar Iron test, Catalase test, Motility test, Carbohydrate Fermentation test, Indole test, Methylred and Voges-Proskaur (MR-VP) test were performed. Sensitivity of isolated bacteria was tested against 15 commercially available antibiotics. Colony Characteristics from both nutrient agar and R-S media and the results of biochemical tests indicated that the suspected pathogens were Aeromonas spp. The obtained 16S rRNA gene sequence (1410 bp) from M. cavasius confirmed that the isolated bacteria was Aeromonas veronii which showed 99.93% similarity with the complete genome of A. veronii (GenBank Accession number CP034967.1). Distinct clinical sings in the gill, kidney, spleen, and skin of M. cavasius were reliable indicators of bacterial pathogenicity. Among tested 15 antibiotics Streptomycin, Ciprofloxacin and Gentamycin were found more effective against A. veronii. The findings of this research will be helpful to identify specific bacteria and to control bacterial diseases of M. cavasius.
Correlation Pattern of Selected Markers among Non-Naïve HIV Participants in Edo Central, Nigeria
Authors: Okparaku O. , Agbakoba N. R. , Chukwuanukwu R. C. , Iyevhobu O. , Okwelogu I. S.
Published: June 2024

This study was designed to define the correlation pattern ofCD4/CD8 ratio, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress parameters, and cytolytic molecules in chronic HIV infection, using seropositive participants visiting HIV clinic at two hospitals in Edo central, Nigeria. A total of 58 HIV sero-positive participants on HAART and 30 apparently healthy individuals (control) were recruited for this study. The CDC staging method with CD4 count was used to classify the sero-positive participants. The average duration of ART intake was 9.0±3.33 years and 8.18±4.19 years for stage I and II respectively. About 10mls of venous blood were collected from each patient and dispensed into plain container (5ml) and EDTA container (5ml) for analysis. Viral load was estimated using the COBAS C4800TM, CD4 and CD8 counts were determined using the BD FACS Count™ System, ELISA was used for other parameters. The result of the study revealedthat the CD4 count for stage I has a strong positive correlation (p<0.05) with IL-10 (r= 0.427), PEF (r=0.477) and GRZM (r=0.426). Similarly, CD4/CD8 ratio showed a strong positive correlation (p<0.05) with GRZM. Contrary to CD4 count, viral load produced significant negative correlation (p<0.05) with IL-10 (r= -0.428) within stage I group. The TNF-α revealed a positive correlation with oxidative stress markers; MDA (p=0.577) and TAC (p=0.014) among stage I group. There was non significant correlation between studied parameters within stage II group. Furthermore, TNF-α values showed different correlation pattern between stage II and I with regards to MDA (r= -0.462; r= 0.126) and TAC (r= -0.054; r= 0.514) respectively. The control group result showed that IL-10 had a negative correlation with MDA (p=0.000) and TAC (p=0.090), and a positive correlation with PEF (p=0.114) and GRZM (p=0.003). We also observed among the control group, that TNF-α showed a strong negative correlation (p<0.05) with TAC. Conclusively, a higher anti-inflammatory status will result to a decline in viral replication. Therefore HIV subjects could be advised to engage in activities and lifestyle that would reduce inflammation. An improved CD4 count status is associated with improved cytolytic capacity of the immune effector T cells with increased release of cytolytic molecules. Also higher anti-inflammation status may result to improved CD4 count. This may have resulted from declined viral replication due to lower inflammation. We further conclude that CD4 count and viral load values which are usual tools for monitoring HIV infected patients could be used to predict other health measures such as inflammation and cytotoxic activities. This will enable care givers proactively arrest disease progression and provide timely interventions against other non AIDS pathology.
Prevalence of Pulmonary Tuberculosis among Patients Seen at the National Public Health Laboratory in Libreville, Gabon: A Three Years Observational Retrospective Study
Authors: Ndong Mba Thiéry , privat Allogho , Sima Obiang Cédric , Privat Ondo Joseph , Mackanga Aurel N Djimbi , Mintsa Armel , Obame Engonga Louis clément
Published: June 2024

Tuberculosis remains a major public health problem worldwide. In Sub-Saharan African countries, screening methods and strategies for this disease are weak. This study assesses the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis among patients seen at the national public health laboratory in Libreville, Gabon, between January 2020 and December 2022. This is a retrospective observational study conducted from August 1 to October 11, 2023, based on pulmonary tuberculosis diagnostic results obtained between January 2020 and December 2022, in patients presumed to have tuberculosis, at the national public health laboratory in Libreville. Sputum samples from each patient were diagnosed using the MTB/RIF Xpert test. In order to establish correlations between the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis and variables such as age, sex, HIV infection and history of tuberculosis, data were entered into an excel 2016 spreadsheet, and exported to R software version 4.0.3, for statistical analysis of trends over time. Within a 95% confidence interval, results were considered significant at p ≤0, 05. In total, data from 2369 patients were collected for the present study. With a sex ratio of 1.21 and a mean age of 51.85 ± 17.45 years, men predominated (n=1296) over women (n=1073). The overall prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis was reported to be 20.60% (n=488) (95% CI: (0.19- 0.23)) in the present study. In the present study, 29 (5.94%) patients were resistant to rifampicin and 297/1027 (28.92%) patients were co-infected with HIV. Male gender (OR= 2.47, 95% CI 1.19-5.13), age groups between 21 and 40 years (OR= 2.47, 95% CI 1.19-5.13) and between 61 and 80 years (OR= 2.47, 95% CI 1.19-5.13), HIV infection (OR =2.47, 95% CI 1.19-5.13), were significantly associated with the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis. The overall prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis between January 2020 and December 2022 obtained in the present study indicates that this disease persists in Gabon. Effective prevention and control strategies would be appropriate to control this burden.
Parental Educational Aspirations and Expectations as a Correlate of Academic Achievement among Adolescents during Covid-19
Authors: Mahal Ritu , Chawla Thakral Asha
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this study was to explore parental educational aspirations and expectations as a correlate of academic achievement among adolescents during COVID -19. The sample for the study comprised of 500 adolescents in the age group of 16-18 years studying in +1 and +2 classes in the Government Senior Secondary Schools of rural and urban areas of Ludhiana and Moga districts of Punjab. The Jacob (2010) Scale of Educational Aspirations and Expectations for Adolescents (SEAEA) was used to assess the selected respondents’ parents’ educational aspirations and expectations. The scale has a total of 43 items. The items reflect both ideal (aspirations) and practical (expectations) educational goals that parents have for their children. The results revealed that most of the parents’ of adolescents were in high level parental educational aspirations and expectations followed by medium level and low level. The parents of girls had high parental educational aspirations and expectations than boys. Non-significant differences were observed in rural as well as urban parents indicating not much difference in rural and urban parents’ educational aspirations and expectations. Significant correlation was observed in adolescent girls in parental educational aspirations and expectations.
The Search for Life beyond Earth: Search E.T Life Similar to Earth
Authors: Mishra Rakesh Kumar
Published: June 2024

The search for extraterrestrial life is the habitable zone. This is the region around star where condition are just right-neither too hot nor too cold and liquid water exist. Water is fundamental requirement for life. The discovery of exoplanet has been game changer in the search for Alien Life. Thousands of exoplanet have been identified some which considered potential for Hosting life Teappist such alpha proxima century b. Scientists search to use of variety of methods to search extraterrestrial life. One of the most popular methods is look for bio signatures, which are signs of life that can be detected in the atmosphere or on the surface of planet. These bio signature could include presences of certain gases such as oxygen or methane or detection of organic molecules. The search for Life beyond Earth is really, just getting started, but science has encounter there are plenty of planet's in Galaxy many with similarities to our own. Observation from ground and from space confirmed thousands of Planets beyond of our solar system. Our galaxy likely Hold trillions. Need to detect the telltale signs of life in exoplanet atmosphere and we have first better to understand that what those planet which they look like similar to earth. The search for life beyond earth is an ongoing and exciting field of study so far, we have not found any definitive evidence of life on exoplanets. However scientists are likely for telltale signs of life in atmosphere of exoplanets, such as presences of Oxygen. Carbon dioxide and methane. The presences of these gases could indicates living organism on the planet. The captivating possibilities of extraterrestrial life on exoplanet based on current scientific knowledge of existing world and form of life. It is now known we live in a Galaxy with more planet. Our next Generation Space Telescope search extraterrestrial sign of life should focus on water, then Oxygen and then Alien version of the plant chemical chlorophyll.
Study of Some Enzymatic Activities of Actinomycetes Isolated from Two Extreme Ecosystems in Southern Algeria
Authors: Abdoul Razack Harouna Maidoukia , Boubacar Garba , Boudemagha Yahouza Zaneidou
Published: June 2024

Two samples from two extreme ecosystems (El Oued soil and Chott Melghir salt) were used in this study. Sixty-nine actinomycete colonies were collected from three actinomycete-selective media (ISP5, ISP2, AIA) supplemented with antibacterial and antifungal agents. These media were inoculated with these soil and salt samples. The strains were purified on the same media used for isolation. Twenty strains were selected for enzymatic activity testing. The enzymatic activities of these bacteria were tested using specific media for each activity test. The strains all showed activity on catalase, but the vast majority were not capable of reducing nitrate to nitrite, while most of the strains showed catalytic action on gelatin, starch, pectin, lecithinase, lipoproteinase, amylase and cellulose
Handling Bathymetry in Geoflood
Authors: Mulwana Mark
Published: June 2024

The goal of the project was to understand how topography/bathymetry is imported and used in GeoFlood with an aim towards improving efficiency and computational cost of bathymetry handling in GeoFlood.GeoFlood is a software to simulate overland flooding basing on shallow water equations.Numerical methods and programming were used for this study.The GeoFlood was ran on a given data set (Malpasset data) and it was found out that indeed topography handling during simulations has to be improved to minimise the computational time and also improve the efficiency.Through this research, we also looked at the the shallow water equations, and the numerical techniques used to solve the equations
Coulometric Titration as a Tool to Compare the Antioxidant Capacity of Selenium and Sulfur Containing Substances and Selenocystine Mimetic Properties
Authors: Poluboyarinov* P.A. , Moiseeva I.Ya. , Elistratov D.G. , Glebova N.N. , Mitishev A.V. , Sosnovsky E.S. , Kuznetsova A.V.
Published: June 2024

Sulfur and selenium-containing organic compounds (amino acids and xenobiotics) have received interests as potential medicines, sources of the selenium and antioxidants. The purpose of the study was to comparatively investigate the antioxidant capacity of sulfur- and selenium-containing amino acids, xenobiotics and the study of possible mimetic properties of selenocystine. To evaluate the antioxidant capacity, coulometric oxidation with electrogenerated bromine was used. Methionine, cystine and selenocystine react with bromine quickly and quantitatively. Diacetophenonyl selenide, ebselen and selenopyran are oxidized nonstoichiometrically, but show high antioxidant capacity. We hypothesized that selenium xenobiotcs might be exert prolonged antioxidant effect. Conditions have been optimized to determine antioxidant capacity of selenium and sulfur substances in water and methanol. We proposed theory and reactions schemes for the interaction of bromine with methionine, cystine, selenocystine diacetophenonylselenide, ebselen, thiopyran and selenopyran. Antioxidant capacities in both water and methanol decrease in the following order: L-cystine > L-selenocystine > methionine. Sulfur-containing substances in methanol show higher antioxidant capacity than selenium-containing antioxidants. Among selenium-containing xenobiotics, DAPS shows the highest antioxidant capacity (comparable to cystine). Selenopyran and ebselen are less active as antioxidants. Diselenide bond is a selenocystin chromophore for its UV-assay. For the first time we demonstrated the ability of selenocystine to be actively involved in redox reactions and to act as a mimetic, a low-molecular-weight analogue of glutathione peroxidase.
Identifying Telomere-Related Genes as Prognostic Biomarkers of Cholangiocarcinoma and Exploring Their Biological Functions Based on Integrated Analysis of Single-Cell and Bulk RNA Sequencing Data
Authors: Liang Shicai , Wang Xuebo , Zhang Xusheng , Wahyudi Achmad Hidayah , Ma Weihu , Chen Long , Ding Lin , Chen Bendong
Published: June 2024

Objective To investigate the functional and biological significance of telomere-related active genes in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) using single-cell sequencing and cell communication analysis. Methods First, we identified and annotated different cell types in CCA samples using single-cell sequencing data. Pseudotime analysis revealed the transcriptional status and differentiation process of CCA cells. We then explored interactions between CCA cells and their regulatory pathways through cell communication analysis. 47 key genes related to telomere activity were identified, and GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was performed. Additionally, we constructed a prognostic model and verified the model's predictive efficacy. Finally, we identified genes associated with drug sensitivity in CCA patients and identified pathways associated with CCA prognosis through tumor TMB analysis. Results We identified 452 active telomere-associated cells. Then, we assessed telomere associated gene activity, obtaining 47 differentially expressed telomere genes by intersecting with CCA differentially expressed genes. Major up-regulated signaling pathways, including MIF-(CD74+CXCR4) and HLA-A-CD8A, were identified through pseudotime analysis. Three telomere-associated prognostic genes were identified using LASSO analysis, and prognostic-related models were built. In addition, PBRM1 mutation load was found to be highest in the high-risk group, making it a potential diagnostic target. Finally, drug sensitivity analysis revealed higher sensitivity to certain therapeutic drugs in the high-risk group, providing guidance for tailored CCA treatment. Conclusion The MIF-(CD74+CXCR4) and HLA-A-CD8A signaling pathways appear to be major pathways for CCA cell proliferation. Prognostic models based on telomere-associated genes show promise for application, indicating the biological and clinical significance of telomere activity genes in CCA.
A Study of Instagram Dependency on Indian Youth: Assessing Its Impact on Students' Lives
Authors: Dhiman Dr. Bharat
Published: June 2024

Instagram is a popular social media platform among youth, with over a billion active users worldwide. The platform allows users to share photos, videos, and stories and connect with friends and followers. Instagram has become a significant part of youth culture, with many young people spending a considerable amount of time on the app. According to Enterprise (2012:02), Instagram is a community shared among one member with other members from all over the world. This study examines the impact of Instagram on the physical and mental well-being of Indian youth. With the rapid proliferation of social media platforms in India, Instagram has emerged as a prominent influence on the lives and perceptions of young individuals. Studies have shown that using Instagram among youth can have positive and negative effects. On the positive side, Instagram can be a way for young people to express themselves, connect with others, and discover new interests. However, excessive use of the platform can also lead to negative outcomes, such as social comparison, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Instagram addiction among youth is a growing concern. Some young people may feel compelled to check their accounts frequently and may experience negative emotions if they are unable to do so. In extreme cases, excessive use of the platform can interfere with daily activities and relationships, leading to a negative impact on mental health. Parents and educators can play a role in helping young people manage their Instagram use. This can include setting limits on screen time, encouraging healthy online habits, and promoting offline activities and social interaction. Additionally, mental health professionals can offer support to young people who are struggling with addiction or other negative effects of Instagram use. This study explores the prevalence of Instagram dependency among Indian youth.
SLC7A11 Silencing Modulates Ferroptosis and Autophagy to Reduce Sodium Arsenite-Induced Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells
Authors: Ding Wenmeng , Zhao Lijun , Huang Fei , Wu Shunhua
Published: June 2024

Arsenic is a prevalent environmental pollutant with recognized carcinogenic properties. Liver fibrosis is a frequent consequence of arsenic poisoning, with the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) being a central event. Solute Carrier Family 7 Member 11 (SLC7A11), a pivotal regulator of ferroptosis, may be involved in the process of arsenic-induced liver fibrosis. This study utilized lentiviral vector-mediated SLC7A11 silencing in LX-2 cells (a type of human hepatic stellate cells) to establish an SLC7A11 knockout cell model, which was then exposed to sodium arsenite (NaAsO2). Protein interactions were assessed through Protein Immunoprecipitation (IP), and protein levels were evaluated via Western blot analysis. It was found that NaAsO2 decreased cellular Fe2+ levels and nuclear receptor co-activator 4 (NCOA4) expression, with SLC7A11 silencing reversing these effects. Additionally, IP analysis revealed an interaction between Beclin1 and SLC7A11 proteins in LX-2 cells exposed to NaAsO2. Silencing SLC7A11 attenuated the reduction in Tumor Protein p53(P53), and p-mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) protein levels, along with the rise in Beclin1, Phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP) induced by NaAsO2. Consequently, SLC7A11 silencing promoted cellular ferroptosis, reduced autophagy levels through the P53/AMPK/mTOR pathway, and inhibited HSC activation by NaAsO2, potentially mitigating liver fibrosis.
Exploring the Role of Trust in Supplier-Buyer Relationships
Authors: Reynolds Samantha
Published: June 2024

Trust plays a pivotal role in supplier-buyer relationships, influencing decision-making, collaboration dynamics, and organizational performance. This qualitative study explores the multifaceted nature of trust in supplier-buyer relationships across diverse industries. Through in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, the study examines how trust develops, evolves, and impacts business interactions. Participants from various organizational settings provided insights into the cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions of trust, highlighting its role as a strategic asset in fostering resilience and competitive advantage. Findings underscored the importance of transparency, communication, and shared values in building trust, with emotional bonds and cultural compatibility enhancing partnership longevity and mutual commitment. Challenges such as asymmetrical power dynamics, economic uncertainties, and regulatory pressures were identified as barriers to trust, necessitating proactive strategies and ethical standards to mitigate risks. Practical implications include promoting open communication, aligning incentives, and cultivating a culture of trust within supply chains to enhance operational efficiencies and innovation. Future research could explore the impact of digitalization, technological advancements, and cross-cultural differences on trust dynamics, further enriching our understanding of effective relationship management in global markets. By addressing these complexities and leveraging trust as a foundational element, organizations can navigate uncertainties and capitalize on opportunities for sustainable growth and collaboration in dynamic business environments.
A simple proof of the Greenlee’s stability theorem for gyroscopic systems
Authors: Bulatović Ranislav, M.
Published: June 2024

We give a short, elementary proof of the Greenlee’s stability theorem for linear conservative gyroscopic systems. The proof is based on the direct method of Lyapunov.
Some fixed point theorems in fuzzy metric-like spaces
Authors: Rai Shweta , Dubey Nikita , Shukla Satish
Published: June 2024

This paper aims to establish some fixed point results for a new class of contractive type mappings in fuzzy metric-like spaces. The results of this paper generalize and extend the Banach contraction principle and some other known results in the setting of fuzzy metric-like spaces.
IMPACT OF QUANTITY DISCOUNT ON PURCHASING COSTS IN BLENDING TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: Bányai Ágota
Published: June 2024

Blending technologies are important in many sectors of industry, but are most prevalent in the chemical and food industries. They are playing an increasingly important role in the world economy despite the spread of electromobility. Nowadays, in addition to the technological aspects, there is a growing need to look at the logistical aspects, as logistics related costs account for a significant part of the cost of blending technologies. In this research work, the results of the analysis of the impact of quantity discounts, an important aspect of procurement activities related to blending technologies, are presented. A mathematical model is presented that can be used to investigate the impact of quantity discounts of components on profit and product quality. Based on scenario analyses carried out based on the mathematical model, it is demonstrated that the quantity discount can have a significant impact not only on total cost and profit, but also on the quality of the finished blended product.
INTERPRETATION WORKFLOW OF GEOMETRIC TOLERANCES
Authors: Mikó Balazs
Published: June 2024

The application of the principles of the geometric product specification (GPS) has increasing importance in the machining industry. The tolerancing process should harmonize the relationship between tolerancing, machining process, measuring and design requirements. The aim of the article is to present the interpretation process and the suggested workflow of geometric tolerances. The dimensional and geometric tolerances are compared, and some critical problems of geometric tolerancing are demonstrated by case studies.
ALUMINUM MATRIX COMPOSITES ALTERNATIVE FOR BRAKE ROTOR APPLICATIONS
Authors: Khattab Afraa , Felhő Csaba
Published: June 2024

This literature overview examines the capacity of using aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) rather than conventional grey solid iron in brake rotor packages. Driven by the preference for lighter and more environmentally friendly vehicles, AMCs offer several benefits, including decreased weight, advanced thermal properties, superior put-on resistance, and an optimized breaking system. Studies have concluded that AMCs can gain weight reductions of up to 60% compared to cast iron, resulting in stepped-forward gas performance and automobile management. Besides exhibiting superior thermal conductivity and lower thermal enlargement, it results in better heat dissipation and a reduced danger of warping and cracking. The advantage of using ceramic reinforcements, which include SiC, Al2O3, and B4C, is that they can enhance the damage resistance of AMCs, leading to a longer service life for brake rotors. The review covers various elements of AMC brake rotor development, Starting with manufacturing strategies (stir casting, ultrasonic-assisted stir casting, and squeeze casting), which are powerful techniques for producing extremely good AMC rotors, then the thermal traits, which are so essential due to their thermal conductivity, thermal expansion, and heat dissipation in brake rotor overall performance, Finally, the tribological residences affect load, sliding pace, and floor roughness on the wear and friction of AMC rotors. Brake pad compatibility is so vital in breaking systems, that deciding on suitable brake pad materials, containing non-asbestos organic (NAO) pads, can optimize performance with AMC rotors. These traits can be computationally analysed by using finite element evaluation and different numerical methods to predict the thermal and mechanical behaviour of AMC brake rotors. The review emphasizes that AMCs maintain great promise as next-era manufacturing for brake rotors, offering a balance of weight reduction, stepped-forward thermal control, and more advantageous wear resistance. Further research and improvement are necessary to optimize fabric composition, production strategies, and brake pad compatibility to improve the capacity of AMCs in brake structures.
PRELIMINARY STUDY OF THE AREAL ROUGHNESS PARAMETERS IN 3D PRINTING OF WORKPIECES OF PLA MATERIAL
Authors: Sztankovics István , Mehdiyev Ziya
Published: June 2024

The field of production engineering is constantly expanding, as novel manufacturing procedures are being introduced and spread in the industrial environment. The creation of complex parts by the application of some kind of printing process is a relatively new method compared to the other traditional chip-removal processes. It can be applied in various fields, where the greatest advantage can be utilized, which is the lower restrictions on the geometry of finished parts. In this paper, the surfaces on 3D printed parts are being studied. The effect of the printing speed, layer height and nozzle temperature are analysed on the surface roughness of the experimental workpieces. The experimental setup plan is designed according to the full factorial design method. The results of this preliminary study are the general determination of the affecting factors on the surface roughness.
Corncob Hydrolysis Using Graphene Oxide Activated Coconut Shell Biochar Catalyst
Authors: Igboke Ogechukwu Jude , Orimolade Temitope , Jani Charmy , Odejobi Oludare Johnson , Krishnan Sitaraman
Published: June 2024

Purpose: Graphene oxide (GO) synthesized by Hummers method is an effective catalyst for biomass hydrolysis and sugar production. However, due to its small size and hydrophilicity, its post-reaction separation by filtration of the aqueous reaction mixture is challenging. Therefore, GO was supported on larger biochar particles, and the catalytic activity of the composite particles was evaluated.
Methods: Mesoporous biochar was prepared using phosphoric acid-activated coconut shell at a relatively low carbonization temperature of 450 °C. The catalytic activity of the biochar-supported GO catalyst on corncob hydrolysis was investigated using the I-optimal response surface methodology. Neat GO and sulfonated high-temperature biochar (SBC700) were used as references.
Results: Optimized reaction conditions for high sugar yields were identified. Under these conditions, the biochar-supported catalyst showed a sugar yield comparable to neat GO and SBC700 despite its lower sulfonic acid density. The biochar-supported catalyst could be recycled and reused with about 35 % decrease in the sugar yield after the first use. A similar reduction in the activity of SBC700 suggested no significant loss of GO from the biochar-supported catalyst under the hydrolysis conditions.
Conclusion: The sugar yield per unit mass of corncob was found to be linearly dependent on the catalyst concentration and the reaction time. The acid density, a measure of the concentration of acidic groups on the catalyst surface, is an important factor determining the catalytic activity. The study suggests that increasing the acid density by augmenting the GO loading of the biochar particles could lead to higher sugar yields.
Access Control System Based on Blockchain and Puncturable Attribute Based Encryption for Data Privacy on Content Centric Networks
Authors: Affum Eric
Published: June 2024

In a novel content centric network paradigm where content can be cached in-network and at the edge of the network, attribute based encryption (ABE) is considered to be a vital cryptography scheme to address data privacy and fine-grained access control issues. Nevertheless, the ABE scheme suffers from ineffectiveness, attributes revocations, and relies on a centralized conventional public key infrastructure with a key escrow problem and a single point of failure that could lead to a system collapse. Hence, we propose an effective access control mechanism for the Internet of Things content centric network by combining the puncturable ABE scheme with blockchain public key management. The effectiveness of our scheme is accomplished by utilizing a reduced order binary decision diagram for the definition of the access structure employed for our proposed scheme. The problem associated with key updates is solved by using the puncturable property of our ABE scheme. We also adopted a blockchain key management approach with the advantages of decentralized and tamper-proof design features to register, query, update keys, and verify and revoke a user's access capability. We simulated our scheme, and the experimental results indicate that our scheme is practical.
Evaluating the efficacy of Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT) in patients with anorexia nervosa: study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Avila-Parcet Aina , Martín-Blanco Ana , Gawron Leonor , Cano Marta , Peña-Arteaga Víctor De La , Carceller-Sindreu Mar , Soler Joaquim , Portella Maria J , Faustino Gloria , Cardoner Narcís , Farrés Cristina Carmona
Published: June 2024

Background: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe and disabling disorder, with relapse rates as high as 50% after the first episode, posing a significant challenge for clinicians. Most therapies excessively focus on nourishment, resulting in temporary weight restoration but with no improvements in general well-being and quality of life. Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT) is a transdiagnostic treatment designed to address overcontrol, a key aspect in the functioning of patients with AN. To date, no clinical trial (CT) has proven its efficacy in these patients or evaluated its neurobiological mechanism of action.
Methods: A randomized CT in AN patients will be conducted, with one group receiving treatment as usual (TAU) and the other TAU plus RO-DBT, with the main outcome being quality of life. Secondary variables will include eating disorders (EDs) symptoms, overcontrol characteristics, autistic traits, and neuroimaging changes.
Discussion: The results will address a gap in knowledge regarding AN treatment, with the expectation that patients receiving TAU with RO-DBT will exhibit improved quality of life and experience fewer relapses at the one-year follow-up. This is the first study examining neuroimaging changes in RO-DBT to better understand its underlying mechanisms.
Trial registration: The study has been registered in ClinicalTrials.gov in September 22, 2023.
It can be found in https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06050421.
Trial Registration Number: NCT06050421