bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PRONAF e Território: O Crédito Rural na Agricultura Familiar da Quarta Colônia/RS
Authors: Scapin Beatriz , Troian Alessandra
Published: July 2023

A noção de território possibilita compreender e explicar fenômenos e processos sociais, podendo ser utilizada quando se aborda políticas públicas. Destarte, o presente estudo visa a analisar a influência do Programa Nacional de Fortalecimento da Agricultura Familiar no processo de (des)territorialização de Nova Palma e Pinhal Grande, localizados na Quarta Colônia de Imigração Italiana do Rio Grande do Sul. Para tanto, metodologicamente a pesquisa classifica-se como mista, contendo uma etapa quantitativa e outra qualitativa. A etapa quantitativa refere-se à análise de dados secundários sobre o Pronaf, obtidos via site oficial do Banco Central do Brasil. Já a etapa qualitativa deu-se mediante a aplicação de questionários a 18 agricultores familiares residentes do território. Os resultados apontam que o Pronaf tem contribuído no processo de transformação do território. Ao longo dos mais de 20 anos são evidentes os avanços e as alterações ocorridas devido ao Pronaf, principalmente na questão de recursos disponibilizados, aumento da área plantada, produtividade, estruturação dos estabelecimentos agropecuários e mudanças na paisagem.
Bibliometric Analysis of Post-Graduate Thesis on Worklife Quality in Tourism Establishments
Authors: DEMİRAĞ Ilgaz Feray
Published: July 2023

Worklife quality deals with the relationship between work environment and individual needs. It is believed that work environments that can satisfy the personal needs of their employees create a positive interaction and so will provide a high quality of work life over time. The quality of worklife is important in terms of increasing the quality of life by meeting the expectations and needs of the employees. As a matter of fact, meeting the expectations and needs of the employees, the most important characteristics of the service sector, and determining the variables which are related to the quality of worklife are also very important considering service quality. The aim of the study is to examine the 101 post-graduate theses published between 2002-2023 on the quality of worklife through a bibliometric perspective and to reveal the trends in the last 21 years. In this context, the database of the Thesis Center of the Council of Higher Education was searched under the title of ‘quality of worklife’ and bibliometric data of the studies were obtained. Studies were investigated using the parameters such as the number of publications by years, the type of the thesis, the department in which it was published and concept-subject relations. Besides, the distribution of post-graduate theses in tourism according to the destinations and sample groups were also analyzed. According to the results obtained, a total of 101 post-graduate theses were examined, but it was determined that quality of worklife was studied in 11 theses in tourism. In addition, it has been determined that in tourism, there is a limited focus on certain destinations, certain sample groups are discussed, and the variables in which the concept is examined together are also limited.
6 Şubat 2023 Kahramanmaraş Depremleri: Sahadan Jeolojik Veriler, Değerlendirme ve Adana için Etkileri
Authors: AKINCI Ahmet Can , ÜNLÜGENÇ Ulvi Can
Published: July 2023

6 Şubat 2023 tarihinde Kahramanmaraş’ta yerel saat ile 04:17 ile 13:24 de yaklaşık 9 saat ara ile gerçekleşen 2 büyük depremin (Mw 7.8 ve 7.6) ardından sahadan jeolojik veriler derlenmiş ve oluşan deformasyon yapıları incelenmiştir. Depremlerin etkilediği Kahramanmaraş, Hatay, Adıyaman ve Adana yörelerinde meydana gelen yüzey yırtılmaları belirlenmiş, bunların yönelimi, kayma yönü, atımı gibi unsurlar ile heyelan, kaya devrilmesi gibi yüzey hareketleri detayları ile raporlanmıştır. Depremlerin ardından Doğu Anadolu Fayı’nın güney segmentleri boyunca oluşan yüzey yırtılmasının izleri sahada gözlenmiş ve sol yönlü ortalama 3.5 metre sol yönlü atım tespit edilmiştir. Düşey atım 1 metreye kadar ulaşmakla beraber genellikle kuzey blok yükselmiştir. Fay yüzey kırığının yönelimi İslahiye civarında K10°D iken Türkoğlu kuzeydoğusunda K45°-50°D yönelimine geçmektedir. İkinci depremin meydana geldiği Çardak Fayı üzerinde Göksun ilçesi güneydoğu kesimlerinde ortalama 3.5 metre civarında sol yönlü atım belirlenmiştir. Depremlerin ardından Adana çevresinde meydana gelen daha küçük çaplı yüzey deformasyonları incelenmiş ve Adana’nın geçmiş dönem depremselliği ile beraber değerlendirilerek yorumlanmıştır.
Entre proyectos y realidades constitucionales en Chile: gradualidad, inflexión y ruptura. Parte I: Estado, ciudadanía y derechos entre 1811-1973
Authors: González José Antonio
Published: July 2023

Se examina el itinerario de las constituciones chilenas que estuvieron vigentes entre 1811 hasta 1973, y aquellos proyectos que, por diversas razones, no fueron debatidos ni menos plebiscitados por la ciudadanía. En tal sentido, importa la tipología aplicada para encasillar constituciones promulgas como ideas y proyectos que quedaron inéditos en nuestra historia política, en base de dos criterios: uno, tomando como referencia la tradición democrática y republicana basada en las fuentes francesas y anglosajonas, que constituyó el criterio que hemos denominado de filiación, tomado de la teoría literaria de Edward Said, donde se pueden analizar la gradualidad e inflexión en cuanto a la fisonomía del Estado, la evolución de los derechos y la finalidad de la ciudadanía sin exclusión; dos, los pro-yectos que asumen, tanto en su redacción como en su gestación, el rompimiento del estado de derecho democrático, asumiendo el criterio de la afiliación, que también es de Said, y que nos permite analizar desde la ruptura de la tradición señalada, la introducción de las fuentes marxista-leninista o de la doctrina de seguridad nacional, más próxima a una visión corporativista.
Non-coding RNAs in Regulation of Protein Aggregation and Clearance
Pathways: Current Perspectives Towards Alzheimer's Research and
Therapy
Authors: Sundram Sonali , Dhiman Neerupma , Malviya Rishabha , Awasthi Rajendra
Published: July 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia, affecting approximately 45.0
million people worldwide and ranking as the fifth leading cause of mortality. AD is identified by neurofibrillary
tangles (NFTs), which include abnormally phosphorylated tau-protein and amyloid protein
(amyloid plaques). Peptide dysregulation is caused by an imbalance between the production and clearance
of the amyloid-beta (Aβ) and NFT. AD begins to develop when these peptides are not cleared
from the body. As a result, understanding the processes that control both normal and pathological protein
recycling in neuronal cells is critical. Insufficient Aβ and NFT clearance are important factors in
the development of AD. Autophagy, lysosomal dysfunction, and ubiquitin-proteasome dysfunction
have potential roles in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative disorders, particularly in AD.
Modulation of these pathways may provide a novel treatment strategy for AD. Non-coding RNAs
(ncRNAs) have recently emerged as important biological regulators, with particular relevance to the
emergence and development of neurodegenerative disorders such as AD. ncRNAs can be used as potential
therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers due to their critical regulatory functions in several
biological processes involved in disease development, such as the aggregation and accumulation of
Aβ and NFT. It is evident that ncRNAs play a role in the pathophysiology of AD. In this communication,
we explored the link between ncRNAs and AD and their regulatory mechanisms that may help in
finding new therapeutic targets and AD medications.
Preparation and Characterization of Nickle-based Nanocatalyst for the
Regioselective Synthesis Triazole Derivatives and Antimicrobial Study
Authors: Heidari Nadia , Albadi Jalal , Hemmati Zahra , Jalali Mehdi
Published: July 2023

In this research, poly (4-vinyl pyridine)-supported nickel oxide nanoparticles (P4VP-NiO
nanocatalyst) as an efficient recyclable catalyst have been prepared and used for the regioselective
synthesis of triazole derivatives. The nanocatalyst we characterized by Fourier-transform infrared
spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy
(EDS), x-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), inductively coupled
plasma (ICP), and brunauer-emmett-teller (BET) surface area analysis. The most important advantages
of using poly (4-vinylpyridine)-nickel oxide nanocatalysts in these reactions are the short reaction
time, cost-effectiveness, easy recycling of the catalyst, and high yield of the product. Also, the
antimicrobial properties of the new triazole derivatives have been studied.
“Designation of operational restrictions for harbour ships on inland waterways
Authors: Onishchenko I. S. , Karetnikov V. V.
Published: July 2023

The existing approaches to assignment of operational restrictions for inland vessels with regard to maritime areas, as well as for inland waterways, are analyzed in the paper. The methodology for assessing the feasibility of organizing the operation of inland and mixed river-sea-going ships in wave-sheltered waters in maritime areas is studied. The additional limitations regulated by the Guidance R.015-2006 of the Russian Classification Society for such vessels while exploiting in regimes of port navigation in sea regions are con-sidered. Research of peculiarities of wave formation on inland waterways has showed that in coastal areas the local winds and topography have significant influence. For limited water areas there are no up-to-date refer-ence data on long-term wave and wind characteristics. Executed analysis has shown that for the decision of a problem on definition of permissible conditions of ships operation on the protected water areas on internal waterways in a port navigation mode, the approach earlier used for the Guidance requires essential changes. A list of parameters to be taken into account when justifying the conditions of inland navigation vessels opera-tion in sheltered waters has been defined. Calculated dependence of an estimation of modes of the established wave in the limited water areas on which realization of a mode of port floating on inland waterways is possi-ble is offered. Ranges of calculation limits for ships of the classes under review are determined. The required level of safe operation of inland waterway vessels in the basins, the rank of which doesn't correspond to the class of the vessel, is substantiated. The study results are recommended for inclusion in the regulatory frame-work of the Russian Classification Society.
Photoluminescence in composites based on polyvinylidene fluoride and filler CaGa-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=-S-=SUB=-4-=/SUB=-:Eu-=SUP=-2+-=/SUP=-
Authors: Tagiyev O. B.  , Asadov   E. G.  , Kazymova F. A.  , Ibragimov T. D.  , Ramazanova  I. S.  , Nuraliev A. F.
Published: July 2023

The excitation and photoluminescence spectra of composites based on PVDF and filler have been measured at room temperature. The photoluminescence spectra were analyzed at different concentrations of Eu2+ ions. It was found out that positions of PL spectra maxima do not change with an increase in the content of Eu2+ ions in the compound and remain ~ 550 nm at all percentages. Radiation with such a maximum is caused by the 4f65d1-> 4f75d electronic transition. Keywords: photoluminescence, excitation, rare earth element, phosphor, europium.
Approximation of the solution of an internal problem of electrodynamics by the method of eigenfunctions
Authors: Tabakov D. P.  , Mayorov A. G.
Published: July 2023

The problem of constructing approximation models of radiating and reradiating structures based on the eigenfunction method is considered. The ambiguity of the solution of this problem is noticed. Techniques are proposed which can be used in developing approximation models. An expression is presented for estimating the error introduced by the approximation model. As an example, one of the possible options for constructing an approximation model for a tubular antenna is given. The results of numerical simulation are presented. Keywords: method of eigenfunctions, method of moments, singular integral equations, approximation model, tubular antenna.
Elastic scattering of ruthenium atoms from Si and O atoms in the range of relative kinetic energies of 2-200 eV
Authors: Palov A. P.
Published: July 2023

Interconnector technologies of a new generation involve the use of ruthenium. The high cost of experimental study of sputtering and etching of trenches in Ru leads to the need to optimize it by modeling that requires knowledge of the cross sections of elementary processes of interaction of plasma particles with Ru. In this work, the binary interatomic potentials of Ru-Ru and Ru-Si pairs tested by the molecular dynamics method, and the Ru-O one calculated by the method of multi-reference configurational interaction MRCI/AV5Z were used to calculate the elastic scattering cross sections of the atomic pairs in the energy range typical of plasma etching chambers. Keywords: ruthenium, elastic scattering, cross sections, sputtering, binary potential.
Change in evaporation flux due to homogeneous condensation of vapour near the interfacial surface
Authors: Levashov V.Yu  , Mayorov V.O.  , Kryukov A.P.
Published: July 2023

An approach that allows to estimate the necessity of homogeneous nucleation process accounting/not accounting for evaporation intensity and to predict the direction (increase or decrease) of mass flux density change of evaporating matter has been proposed. A dimensionless parameter making it possible to determine the areas of increase/decrease of evaporation intensity in the presence of a homogeneous nucleation process is proposed. It is shown that for some substances (methanol, ethanol) the direction of process significantly depends on the nature of heat exchange between the formed droplets and the surrounding vapor droplets. Keywords: homogeneous nucleation, evaporation, supersaturation degree.
Formation of decomposition products of macromolecules upon friction of polymer against polymer
Authors: Pozdnyakov A.O.
Published: July 2023

The formation of decomposition products of macromolecules was found upon friction of polyoxymethylene against polyoxymethylene in the vacuum of mass-spectrometer . Their composition is shown to be different from that of the products of thermal decomposition of polyoxymethylene. It is shown that the formation of decomposition products is accompanied by the transition of the friction force from low to high level. The effect has been interpreted by the mechanical rupture of macromolecules upon friction. Quantitative parameters of the process have been discussed. Keywords: friction, mass-spectrometry, polymer, vacuum.
Return to work following traumatic brain injury: An exploration of using the Brannagan Executive Functions Assessment to increase self-awareness in practice
Authors: Mason Fiona , George Stacey , Pryor Julie
Published: July 2023

Aim and Background: The Brannagan Executive Functions Assessment is an occupation-based approach for increasing self-awareness. This study explores the application of the Brannagan Executive Functions Assessment in traumatic brain injury return to work intervention. It describes changes in self-awareness, goal achievement and perspectives of occupational therapy and people with brain injury. Methods: Case study design using a mixed-methods approach: with pre-post evaluation of outcomes and semi-structured interviews. Participants with traumatic brain injury completed the assessment with two occupational tasks related to return to work. Primary outcomes were self-awareness (Self-awareness Deficits Interview and Awareness Questionnaire) and Goal performance/satisfaction using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Mood was a secondary outcome. Analysis was descriptive for quantitative data, thematic for qualitative data. Results: Two participants with brain injury, two support people and one occupational therapist were recruited. One participant with brain injury had an increase in self-awareness scores. Brain injury participants and the occupational therapist identified benefits including an increased awareness of needing to incorporate planning to meet goals. Conclusion:  The Brannagan Executive Functions Assessment offers benefits to practice in brain injury rehabilitation, facilitating a structured occupational approach to self-awareness and participation in meaningful return to work tasks.
Internet-Based Recruitment and Retention of Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Griggs Stephanie , Ash Garrett I , Pignatiello Grant , Papik AnnMarie , Huynh Johnathan , Leuchtag Mary , Hickman Jr Ronald L
Published: July 2023

Background

Multiple research strategies are required to recruit and engage a representative cohort of young adults in diabetes research. In this report, we describe an approach for internet-based recruitment for a repeated-measures descriptive study.

Objective

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine whether internet-based recruitment through multiple social media platforms, a clinical research platform, and cooperation with community partnerships—College Diabetes Network and Beyond Type 1—would serve as an effective way to recruit a representative sample of young adults aged 18-25 years with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods

We conducted a repeated-measures descriptive study. We captured enrollment rates and participant characteristics acquired from each social media platform through survey data and Facebook analytics. This study was advertised via paid postings across a combination of different social media platforms (eg, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Reddit). We used quarterly application postings, quarterly newsletters, and participation in the ResearchMatch registry to identify potentially eligible participants from February 3, 2021, to June 6, 2022.

Results

ResearchMatch proved to be the most cost-effective strategy overall, yielding the highest gender and racial diversity compared to other internet platforms (eg, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Reddit), application postings (eg, Beyond Type 1), and newsletters (eg, College Diabetes Network and a local area college). However, we propose that the combination of these approaches yielded a larger, more diverse sample compared to any individual strategy. Our recruitment cost was US $16.69 per eligible participant, with a 1.27% conversion rate and a 30% eligibility rate.

Conclusions

Recruiting young adults with T1D across multiple internet-based platforms was an effective strategy to yield a moderately diverse sample. Leveraging various recruitment strategies is necessary to produce a representative sample of young adults with T1D. As the internet becomes a larger forum for study recruitment, participants from underrepresented backgrounds may continue engaging in research through advertisements on the internet and other internet-based recruitment platforms.
Assessing ChatGPT’s Capability for Multiple Choice Questions Using RaschOnline: Observational Study
Authors: Chow Julie Chi , Cheng Teng Yun , Chien Tsair-Wei , Chou Willy
Published: July 2023

Background

ChatGPT (OpenAI), a state-of-the-art large language model, has exhibited remarkable performance in various specialized applications. Despite the growing popularity and efficacy of artificial intelligence, there is a scarcity of studies that assess ChatGPT’s competence in addressing multiple-choice questions (MCQs) using KIDMAP of Rasch analysis—a website tool used to evaluate ChatGPT’s performance in MCQ answering.

Objective

This study aims to (1) showcase the utility of the website (Rasch analysis, specifically RaschOnline), and (2) determine the grade achieved by ChatGPT when compared to a normal sample.

Methods

The capability of ChatGPT was evaluated using 10 items from the English tests conducted for Taiwan college entrance examinations in 2023. Under a Rasch model, 300 simulated students with normal distributions were simulated to compete with ChatGPT’s responses. RaschOnline was used to generate 5 visual presentations, including item difficulties, differential item functioning, item characteristic curve, Wright map, and KIDMAP, to address the research objectives.

Results

The findings revealed the following: (1) the difficulty of the 10 items increased in a monotonous pattern from easier to harder, represented by logits (–2.43, –1.78, –1.48, –0.64, –0.1, 0.33, 0.59, 1.34, 1.7, and 2.47); (2) evidence of differential item functioning was observed between gender groups for item 5 (P=.04); (3) item 5 displayed a good fit to the Rasch model (P=.61); (4) all items demonstrated a satisfactory fit to the Rasch model, indicated by Infit mean square errors below the threshold of 1.5; (5) no significant difference was found in the measures obtained between gender groups (P=.83); (6) a significant difference was observed among ability grades (P<.001); and (7) ChatGPT’s capability was graded as A, surpassing grades B to E.

Conclusions

By using RaschOnline, this study provides evidence that ChatGPT possesses the ability to achieve a grade A when compared to a normal sample. It exhibits excellent proficiency in answering MCQs from the English tests conducted in 2023 for the Taiwan college entrance examinations.
Virtual Reality for Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Comprehensive Review
Authors: Pittara Melpo , Matsangidou Maria , Pattichis Constantinos S
Published: July 2023

Background

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a vital component of comprehensive care for patients with respiratory conditions, such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma, and those recovering from respiratory diseases like COVID-19. It aims to enhance patients’ functional ability and quality of life, and reduce symptoms, such as stress, anxiety, and chronic pain. Virtual reality is a novel technology that offers new opportunities for customized implementation and self-control of pulmonary rehabilitation through patient engagement.

Objective

This review focused on all types of virtual reality technologies (nonimmersive, semi-immersive, and fully immersive) that witnessed significant development and were released in the field of pulmonary rehabilitation, including breathing exercises, biofeedback systems, virtual environments for exercise, and educational models.

Methods

The review screened 7 electronic libraries from 2010 to 2023. The libraries were ACM Digital Library, Google Scholar, IEEE Xplore, MEDLINE, PubMed, Sage, and ScienceDirect. Thematic analysis was used as an additional methodology to classify our findings based on themes. The themes were virtual reality training, interaction, types of virtual environments, effectiveness, feasibility, design strategies, limitations, and future directions.

Results

A total of 2319 articles were identified, and after a detailed screening process, 32 studies were reviewed. Based on the findings of all the studies that were reviewed (29 with a positive label and 3 with a neutral label), virtual reality can be an effective solution for pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma, and in individuals and children who are dealing with mental health–related disorders, such as anxiety. The outcomes indicated that virtual reality is a reliable and feasible solution for pulmonary rehabilitation. Interventions can provide immersive experiences to patients and offer tailored and engaging rehabilitation that promotes improved functional outcomes of pulmonary rehabilitation, breathing body awareness, and relaxation breathing techniques.

Conclusions

The identified studies on virtual reality in pulmonary rehabilitation showed that virtual reality holds great promise for improving the outcomes and experiences of patients. The immersive and interactive nature of virtual reality interventions offers a new dimension to traditional rehabilitation approaches, providing personalized exercises and addressing psychological well-being. However, additional research is needed to establish standardized protocols, identify the most effective strategies, and evaluate long-term benefits. As virtual reality technology continues to advance, it has the potential to revolutionize pulmonary rehabilitation and significantly improve the lives of patients with chronic lung diseases.
Disease insight through digital biomarkers: Digital phenotyping of mental and physical conditions through remotely collected wearables and smartphone data (Preprint)
Authors: Rashid Zulqarnain , Folarin Amos A , Ranjan Yatharth , Conde Pauline , Sankesara Heet , Zhang Yuezhou , Sun Shaoxiong , Stewart Callum , Laiou Petroula , Dobson Richard JB
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

The integration of digital biomarkers and remote patient monitoring offers valuable and timely insights into a patient's management of their condition, including aspects such as disease progression and treatment response. This serves as a complementary resource to traditional healthcare settings, enhancing overall treatment effectiveness.

OBJECTIVE

Smartphones with embedded and connected sensors have immense potential for improving healthcare through various apps and mHealth (mobile health) platforms. This capability could enable the development of reliable digital biomarkers from long-term longitudinal data collected remotely from patients.

METHODS

We built an open-source platform, RADAR-base, to support large-scale data collection in remote monitoring studies. RADAR-base is a modern remote data collection platform built around Confluent's Apache Kafka, to support scalability, extensibility, security, privacy and quality of data. It provides support for study design and set-up, active (e.g. PROMs) and passive (e.g. phone sensors, wearable devices and IoT) remote data collection capabilities with feature generation (e.g. behavioural, environmental and physiological markers). The backend enables secure data transmission, and scalable solutions for data storage, management and data access.

RESULTS

The platform has successfully collected longitudinal data for various cohorts in a number of disease areas including Multiple Sclerosis, Depression, Epilepsy, ADHD, Alzheimer, Autism and Lung diseases. Digital biomarkers developed through collected data are providing useful insights into different diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

RADAR-base offers a contemporary, open-source solution driven by the community for remotely monitoring, collecting data, and digitally characterising both physical and mental health conditions. Clinicians have the ability to enhance their decision-making processes through the utilisation of digital biomarkers, enabling improved prevention, personalisation, and early intervention in the context of disease management.

CLINICALTRIAL
Pricing Decisions and Member Participation Conditions in the Platform Supply Chain with Seasonal Demand: A Game Theory-Based Analysis
Authors: Sun Zhongmiao
Published: July 2023

In a platform supply chain containing an sharing platform, a retailer, and two upstream factories, we consider the sales of two substitutable products and the constraints on the participation of non-platform members in the game, construct a dynamic game model of the platform supply chain with demand fluctuations due to seasonal changes, and use the inverse induction method to derive the thresholds for the participation of the retailer and factories in the game and the optimal price of each member, analyze the pricing decisions and participation game process among members. Our findings are as follows. (1) The threshold for the retailer to participate in the game during peak season is greater than that in the off-season, while the manufacturer's threshold is the opposite. (2) The platform should reduce commissions during peak season, factories should reduce wholesale prices, and the retailer should increase sales price. (3) The increase in price sensitivity coefficient, inventory cost and production cost are all detrimental to the platform, whereas an increase in the cross-price sensitivity coefficient is usually beneficial. (4) Whether it is the peak season or the off-season, the increase in demand fluctuations is bad for all chain members.
A Study on the Readability of Liu Cixin’s Science Fiction Novels in English Translation -- A Case Study of “Taking Care of God”
Authors: Sun Licong
Published: July 2023

Chinese science fiction works have been consistently winning international awards, which is closely related to the excellent writing of the authors and the invaluable contribution of the translators. There is a growing demand for the translation of Chinese science fiction novels, making it necessary to study the translation process. The translations by American science fiction writer and translator Liu Yukun have been well received by foreign readers. The key to their success lies in the fact that the translated texts capture the underlying ideas of the original works and are highly readable. By analyzing the translation artistry of “Taking Care of God”, it is evident that the attention to detail in the translation makes the Eastern story become real and believable in the minds of Western readers. The adaptation and translation of the original work ensures that the story is easy to understand, vivid, and interesting, while also preserving the elegant and captivating writing style of the original text, thus guaranteeing the readability of the English translation.
Impact of Maize Seed Moisture Content Reduction on Germination Parameters as Influenced by Sun Drying
Authors: Awopegba T. M. , A. Matthew Augustine
Published: July 2023

When growing seedlings for commercial purposes, excellent seed quality is crucial. Seed quality influences germination rate because seeds that sprout slower typically produce lower-quality seedlings. In numerous plants, seed moisture content has a significant impact on seed germinating speed. This study investigates the impact of various moisture content (MC) reductions on maize germination parameters and determines the moisture content level essential for maize germination. A comprehensive laboratory experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of five treatments and three replicates. The treatment levels were maize seeds not sun-dried after collection (control), maize seed sun-dried for 3 days, maize seed sun-dried for 6 days, maize seed sun-dried for 9 days, and maize seed sun-dried for 12 days. Data were obtained on shoot length, root length, seedling length, germination percentage (GP), germination energy (GE), mean germination time (MGT), and seedling vigour index (SVI). All germination parameters were taken and calculated and the experiment was terminated two weeks after planting (WAP). Results indicated that the control significantly (p<0.05) performed better than other treatments for all the germination parameters. It was determined that maize with moisture content of 9.4% and below had low germination ability. This study concludes that the impacts of reduced moisture content on maize's physical properties (quality, texture, shape), chemical composition (fat and starch content), and biological characteristics (seed viability) resulted in the low germination ability of maize seeds.
Reading Strategies, Motivation, and Self-efficacy of Chinese EFL College Students
Authors: Haiyan Yao
Published: July 2023

English teaching emphasizes refining students’ reading skills, particularly evident in China’s education system where the value of reading is consistently highlighted throughout various stages and exams. However, the existing pedagogical methods aimed at improving reading aptitude have not yielded the expected results. Graduates often fail to meet the professional reading standards required by employers, indicating a significant research gap that needs attention. This study aimed to address this gap by investigating how reading strategies, motivation, and self-efficacy impact English comprehension among college students. Using a descriptive correlational approach, data was collected from 468 non-English major Chinese college students through a survey. The findings revealed that female participants and those with over a decade of experience employed more effective reading strategies and demonstrated higher reading motivation. Additionally, students from the Computer Studies department and those with more than ten years of experience exhibited stronger self-belief. The study showed a highly significant correlation between these three variables, indicating that improved reading tactics are associated with increased reading motivation and self-belief. Moreover, higher motivation levels among students were linked to enhanced self-confidence. In conclusion, the study recommends a reading program to enhance the reading comprehension of college students learning English as a foreign language.
La gobernanza de los datos de investigación en el contexto de su organización y sistematización
Authors: Ávila-Barrientos Eder
Published: July 2023

La gobernanza es un concepto aplicado al estudio de las ciencias políticas y sociales para explicar las regulaciones y buenas prácticas del Estado en temas de la ciudadanía y la administración pública. La gobernanza de los datos de investigación engloba el desarrollo de políticas para propiciar el efectivo manejo de los datos; como parte de este manejo, la sistematización y la organización son dos procesos que intervienen en la recuperación y accesibilidad a dichos datos. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este trabajo consiste en identificar los atributos de la gobernanza de los datos de investigación, para comprender su interacción en el contexto de su organización y sistematización. A través de una metodología basada en dos etapas, la primera de ellas, de carácter documental, apoyada en la hermenéutica del discurso, y la segunda en el método analítico-sintético para describir y representar a los datos de investigación, se presentan los hallazgos obtenidos en este estudio. Se estima que la creación y adaptación de un perfil de metadatos diseñado ex profeso para este tipo de datos puede contribuir a establecer un mecanismo interoperable para describir y representar a los datos de investigación en un sistema disponible en el contexto digital.
Discernment of Acinetobacter Species in World Scenario
Authors: Meshram Nikita , Meshram Supriya
Published: July 2023

The morphology of Acinetobacter species is Gram-negative, nonmotile, nonfermenting, Strictly aerobic, Oxidase negative, and Catalase positive. It usually results from an infectious agent and is nonpathogenic in healthy people. A. baumannii can survive, for a long time and spread quickly in a hospital setting. Acinetobacter baumannii can cause many infections, the most common of which are bloodstream infections and nosocomial pneumonia in severe patients. These infections have a high mortality rate & the global emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains from multiple classes has- reduced the number of drugs that still have activity against this pathogen. The lack of A. baumannii isolates that produce carbapenemase in addition to having a minimal inhibitory concentration of imipenem greater than carbapenem resistance. The overview of the prevalence of Acinetobacter in the Indian scenario and world scenario. Comparision between carbapenem resistance and multidrug resistance. According to the studies, carbapenem resistance is rapidly increasing. Infection with Acinetobacter is linked to high mortality and morbidity. According to our review, patients who have an infection with A. baumannii may be at an increased risk of dying. However, due to the confounding factors of illness severity, inappropriate impractical antimicrobial treatment, and small sample size, cautious interpretations are necessary. We covered the main factor that make A. baumannii such a prevalent nosocomial pathogen in this review, including such as its virulence components, desiccation resistance, and carbapenem resistance mechanisms. With the emergence of extended resistance to even more recent antibiotics, Acinetobacter species are rapidly proliferating. They can develop resistance much more quickly than other gram-negative organisms.
Effect of Different pHs and Temperatures on Stability and Mode of Action of Musa paradisiaca L. Flower Extract against Foodborne Pathogens and Food Spoilage Microorganisms
Authors: Mousa Khadija Ahmed , Md. Padzil Khairul Naim , Rukayadi Yaya , Shamsudin Nik Iskandar Putra , Abas Faridah
Published: July 2023

Raw foods contain harmful microorganisms that can infect processed foods and cause them to spoilage. To ensure safety and sustainability, processed foods are categorized depending on the required level of heat treatment and pH levels. This study aimed to assess the effect of different pHs and temperatures on the stability and mode of action of M. paradisiaca L. flower extract. The inhibition zone results after treating extracts with different pHs (3, 6, 7, and 11) for pathogenic bacteria and food spoilage ranged between 6.33 ± 0.47 to 16.67 ± 0.94 mm, and 6.00 ± 0.00 to 10.00 ± 0.00 mm, respectively. In terms of temperatures for foodborne pathogens (30, 50 and 80°C), E. coli showed the highest inhibition zone (11.67 ± 0.47 mm) at 30°C, while B. megaterium (12.00 ± 0.94 mm and 12.33 ± 0.47 mm) at 50 and 80°C. For the food fungi, C. krusei and C. parapsilosis showed the highest inhibition zone (8.33 ± 1.25 mm). The highest cell constituent release was at the concentration of 4×MIC for 4 and 96 h incubation and was found to be at 2.069%, 1.621%, 1.428%, and 1.643% for B. subtilis, E. coli, C.albicans and Asp. niger, respectively. The highest crystal violet uptake for B. subtilis, E. coli, C. albicans, and Asp. niger was 1.881, 2.082, 2.329, and 0.982 at 4׳ MIC after treatment for 4 and 96 h, respectively. In conclusion, M. paradisiaca L. flower extract exhibited antimicrobial activity, which showed stability after being subjected to different pHs and temperatures and can be developed as a natural sanitizing agent for washing raw foodstuffs.
Role of Oxacillin Susceptibility Testing Strategy in Changing Scenario of mecA Positive Staphylococcus aureus Isolates (OS-MRSA) Detection
Authors: Dhar Eeshita , Tejashree A. , Karthik M.V.S. Krishna , Ramesh Pushkal Sinduvadi
Published: July 2023

Staphylococcus aureus strains that are mecA and PBP2a positive but phenotypically susceptible to oxacillin are becoming more and more abundant, according to research from all around the world. The oxacillin susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus (OS-MRSA) contributes to consequent treatment-failure due to misidentification by conventional susceptibility tests. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to ascertain the prevalence of OSMRSA in a tertiary care facility located in Mysore, South India. 395 MRSA isolates collected from diverse clinical samples were included in this lab-based prospective investigation. These isolates were tested using an oxacillin 1μg disc phenotypically by standard disc diffusion test, and simultaneously MIC to Oxacillin was determined from Vitek2 systems. Additionally, MRSA specific mecA gene detection was applied to these isolates in order to confirm their MRSA status genotypically. PCR findings demonstrate that 65% of the isolates were MRSA. The vitek2 system detected 4.06% OS-MRSA isolates with an oxacillin MIC of ≤2µg/ml. The disc diffusion method identified a total of 13.75% isolates as oxacillin sensitive and 10% isolates were oxacillin intermediately sensitive. Oxacillin sensitivity was shown for 1.87% of the mecA-positive MRSA isolates using the VITEK2 and disc diffusion techniques. This analysis found isolates with lower oxacillin MICs but relatively reduced OS-MRSA incidence. Using an oxacillin disc for routine laboratory MRSA detection might occasionally produce false negative results, which can result in improper antibiotic administration and treatment failure. In order to distinguish OS-MRSA from MRSA, it is crucial to combine phenotypic and genotypic techniques.
Behaviour of Green Concrete (Blended Concrete) using Agro-Industrial Waste AS Partial Replacement of Cement
Authors: Namdharani Vishakha , Mutatkar Aditi , Tamore Hrutuja , Purohit Priyanka , Shanbag Prof. Ashwini
Published: July 2023

Abstract: Rapid urbanisation has increased demand for natural resources, and industrialised nations' agricultural waste disposal problems have made it possible for agricultural waste to be utilised in building. Research is being done on how to use agricultural or industrial wastes as a source of building materials to support the construction industry all over the world. In addition to being feasible, using these wastes would also produce an environment free from contamination. For financial, environmental, and specialist reasons, waste reduction research has focused on the use of agricultural and mechanical waste provided by current processes. There is an urgent need for waste management solutions since agricultural and industrial wastes like sawdust and rice husk ash are seriously impacting the environment. The initial step of the project will include creating blended cement from agro-industrial waste and evaluating its properties using various mix proportions. Then, using mixed cement, green concrete will be produced.
Deformations of a three-dimensional model of a trihedral double lattice rod tower
Authors: Kirsanov Mikhail N.
Published: July 2023

Introduction. The calculation of deformations of spatial structures, as a rule, is carried out numerically on the basis of the finite element method. With the development of computer mathematical systems for regular systems an opportunity to obtain analytical solutions appeared. Such solutions can be used as test ones to evaluate numerical solutions and for preliminary calculation of a structure at design stage. The task has been set to derive deformation dependences of a spatial truss under various loads from its size and number of panels.

Materials and methods. The truss of the tower structure is statically determined. The calculation of force values in the bars is performed by cutting out nodes in a Maple symbolic mathematics system. The Maxwell – Mohr formula is used to determine the displacement of a node at the top of the frame, considering only the longitudinal deformations of the rods. From the generalization of a series of analytical solutions for trusses with consecutively increasing number of panels onto an arbitrary number of panels the sought formula is derived by the induction method.

Results. An algorithm of derivation of formulas for the deflections of a building along two mutually perpendicular horizontal axes under the action of lateral uniformly distributed nodal loads is presented. Effort distribution patterns are obtained for the truss rods and analytical stress dependences of some rods on the number of panels are found. Linear asymptotics of the solutions for the number of panels and the points of extremum are found and computed.

Conclusions. The considered model of the spatial statically determined tower truss allows deriving exact formulas for deformations under the action of various loads within the limits of the adopted model. It is possible to use derived formulas for a preliminary estimation of designed structure and to apply as test ones for numerical calculations. The extremum points and analytical expressions for asymptotes allow the derived formulas to be used for solving stiffness optimization problems of a structure.
Current directions of development of domestic regulatory and technical documentation in the field of timber construction considering foreign experience
Authors: Agafonov Sergei A. , Volkodav Vladimir A. , Volkodav Ivan A. , Titova Irina D.
Published: July 2023

Introduction. The concentration of a huge amount of forest resources on the territory of the Russian Federation allows to expand significantly the usage of wood in the construction of both low-rise and high-rise buildings and structures. The main directions of development of normative and technical documentation (NTD) in the field of wooden construction, demanded by the professional community, are presented.

Materials and methods. A survey of wooden house building market participants was conducted to identify the most urgent problems in the field of wood application in the construction industry. The NTD of the USA, Canada and EU countries regulating the usage of wood in the construction industry were reviewed. The best practices implemented in foreign NTD and capable of serving as a reference point in the process of modernization of the domestic regulatory framework in the subject area under study have been identified. The questions of fire safety, earthquake resistance, as well as modern construction materials and products based on wood, used in the market of building wooden structures (WS) are considered. The composition and structure of NTD of the Russian Federation in the field of wood construction have been analyzed.

Results. The analysis of domestic and foreign NTD has revealed a significant deficit in the part of normative and methodological support of construction from materials and products based on wood. Recommendations on updating, cancellation or revision of domestic normative-technical documents have been developed.

Conclusions. The necessity of intensification of applied scientific researches for updating of NTD, in particular normative-methodical manuals and recommendations is formulated and substantiated. Proposals for structuring the system of NTD RF in the field of construction of wooden structures have been developed. The system of state standards in this area should cover technical specifications for individual materials and wood products describing their physical and mechanical properties and design characteristics. The proposed structure of NTD in the field of wooden construction has the possibility of dynamic development taking into account the development of the nomenclature of materials, calculation methods and applied technologies.
Moisture absorption of 3D-printed PETG plastic samples
Authors: Nizin Dmitrij R. , Nizina Tat’yana A. , Mar’yanova Anna V. , Mironov Evgenij B.
Published: July 2023

Introduction. The additive manufacturing method implies the emergence of emergent properties in the final product, not inherent in the original elements of the system individually. Performance properties of products obtained by FDM-printing are defined not only by the material properties, but also by printing parameters — nozzle and table temperature, layer thickness, printing speed, the direction of laying layers, their relative positioning, etc. Thus, when designing 3D-printed polymer products with the required characteristics one should consider the material – printing parameters system together. The results of the study of the effect of sorption characteristics of 3D-printed PETG plastic samples made by FDM-printing on their elastic-strength properties are presented.

Materials and methods. Three groups of FDM-printed PETG 3D specimens were studied. Collection, preprocessing, analysis, statistical processing and visualization of the data were performed using Python programming language in an interactive Jupyter Notebook development environment.

Results. It was found that the moisture content of 3D-printed polymer samples could be conventionally divided into the superstructural and microstructural levels. A comparison of moisture content limits in different moisture saturation conditions shows that the former exceeds the latter by 2 to 6 times depending on the specimen printing parameters. Moisture content of superstructure level has no statistically significant (for α = 0.01) effect on the ultimate tensile strength of the samples, regardless of the printing parameters of the samples. The moisture sorbed by the level of substructure presumably can act as a stress concentrator preventing the free flow of specimens beyond the ultimate tensile strength, which is reflected in the reduction of elongation at rupture.

Conclusions. The obtained results allow taking into account the influence of moisture state on the elastic-strength properties of 3D printed articles and structures on the basis of PETG-plastics. This, in its turn, contributes to more accurate prediction of their behavior under real operating conditions.