bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancing Glucose Monitoring: A Near-Infrared Device for Continuous Invasive Assessment
Authors: Kirui Julius , Mathew K. Munji  , Raphael L Nyenge
Published: July 2024

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide, with the number of newly diagnosed cases continuing to rise at an alarming rate. Patients diagnosed with diabetes require routine monitoring of their blood glucose levels, which is commonly done through invasive and minimally invasive techniques. However, these methods are often painful, prone to infection, and costly in the long run. Therefore, it is necessary to develop non-invasive, pain-free, affordable glucose monitoring techniques. Near-infrared spectroscopy has emerged as a promising technique among the non-invasive techniques for glucose monitoring, with several studies reporting its efficacy in detecting glucose concentration. This study designed and developed a near-infrared system based on an 1150nm wavelength for continuous non-invasive glucose monitoring. The system gave the output voltages that vary with increased glucose concentrations. It was ascertained from the Clark error grid analysis that the glucose concentration falls within region A and region B. This implies that the device is suitable for measuring glucose concentration non-invasively. As per Bland Altman's analysis, the majority of the data points were within both limits of agreement except one data point that was outside the upper limit of agreement, indicating 93% degree of accuracy, and the residual plot indicates that the regression model for the system is appropriate for predicting non-invasive glucose measurements.
The Relationship Of The Use Of Hormonal Contraceptives On Sexual Function In Family Planning Acceptors At Lubuk Buaya Health Center, Koto Tangah District Padang City
Authors: Dani Kartika Sari  , Ferdinal Ferry  , Ida Rahmah Burhan
Published: July 2024

Background: Decreased sexual desire (libido) in recipients of Depo Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA) injectable contraceptives, although rare and not experienced by all women, can occur with long-term use due to hormonal changes, resulting in drying of the vagina, which causes pain during intercourse and ultimately decreased sexual desire or arousal.
Objective: to determine the relationship between hormonal contraception and sexual function in hormonal birth controlacceptors at the Lubuk Buaya Community Health Center, Koto Tangah District, Padang City.
Method: The research was observational with a cross-sectional approach on family planning acceptors at Lubuk BuayaCommunity Health Center, Koto Tangah District, Padang City, from November 2023 to January 2024. A total of 75respondents who were active hormonal family planning acceptors at Lubuk Buaya Community Health Center, Koto District Tangah Padang City, were sampled.
Results: Bivariate analysis of the relationship between hormonal contraceptive use and sexual dysfunction using Chi-square resulted in a p-value>0.05.
Conclusion: There is no significant relationship between the use of hormonal contraception and sexual dysfunction in hormonal birth control acceptors at the Lubuk Buaya Community Health Center, Koto Tangah District, Padang City.
Selected Psychological Factors Predicting Customer Citizenship Behaviours: An Environmentally Friendly Context
Authors: Van Tonder Estelle , Petzer Daniel J , Fullerton Sam
Published: July 2024

Purpose: Viable business opportunities may be lost when customers revert to unsuitable brands owing to the misreading of brand label information or a lack of understanding of the quality and value of the focal business’s green product offering. Accordingly, this research seeks to advance understanding of selected psychological factors influencing customer citizenship advocacy and personal initiative behaviours in an environmentally friendly context that may aid fellow customers in making more informed and responsible purchase decisions.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A research model was examined, assessing the influence of green attitude, consumer self-confidence, and self-control against criticism on customer citizenship advocacy and personal initiative behaviours in an environmentally friendly context. Survey research was conducted among customers in South Africa who had previously advised others to avoid products that may be harmful to society. Structural equation modelling was applied in the assessment of the research data and to conclude on the hypotheses formulated.
Findings: All hypothesised relationships were supported, except for the relationship between self-control against criticism and personal initiative behaviours.
Originality: Novel insight is provided into the extent to which green attitude, as well as psychological factors relating to how customers perceive and regulate themselves during their interactions with other customers, may influence customer citizenship advocacy and personal initiative behaviours in an environmentally friendly context. Accordingly, the model offers a starting point for green manufacturing businesses and policymakers to develop programmes that may facilitate the desired customer citizenship behaviours, which could contribute to fellow customers purchasing quality green products.
Racism and the Development of Pentecostalism in South Africa: A Socio-Historical Analysis
Authors: Kgatle Mookgo Solomon , Hobe Moses
Published: July 2024

The historical role of the church in South Africa regarding the development of colonial racism and apartheid is well documented. South African Christianity and the concomitant ecclesiastical developments and counter-developments were directly influenced by the changing socio-political circumstances. The mainline or historical churches, including Catholics, Anglicans, Methodists, Congregationalists, and Presbyterians, were members of the South African Council of Churches that rejected and opposed apartheid. Some Pentecostal denominations were fundamentalists who believed personal salvation and private prayer would save the country. In practice, these Pentecostal churches were either largely silent or apolitical about the apartheid situation, or they isolated and segregated themselves. In reality, whether they acknowledged it or not, they were part and parcel of the system of white benefit and black oppression. This paper, therefore, attempts to investigate this phenomenon and also to put forward a theological praxis in the context of diversity.
The Cost of Premature Deindustrialisation and the Economic Crisis for Young People in a Zimbabwean Town
Authors: Magidi Martin
Published: July 2024

Deindustrialisation in Zimbabwe has garnered considerable interest among researchers across various academic fields. There is a substantial scholarly discourse regarding its impact on the national economy, employment reduction, heightened levels of adult unemployment, brain drain, escalating urban poverty, societal disintegration, and gender and health ramifications. However, existing research has focused on these themes, resulting in a critical gap in understanding how the phenomenon has impacted young people. This study addresses this gap by emphasising the neglect of young people as a demographic category in current discourse. It uses ethnographic data collected in Norton Town to shed light on how young people have experienced and responded to this phenomenon. An important discovery from the study is that there have been notable shifts in the perspectives of young individuals regarding activities like higher education, training, and formal employment. Additionally, the inquiry unveiled that this trend has significantly impacted the standard of high school and tertiary education, as well as internship and apprenticeship programmes.
The Professionalisation of Child and Youth Care: Perspectives of Child and Youth Care Workers in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Zondeka Nokwanda , Sibiya Maureen Nokuthula , Siluma Nomashodo Mirriam
Published: July 2024

The professionalisation of child and youth care (CYC) has long been an important milestone for the profession. This article will further add to the voices of child and youth care workers (CYCWs) about this process. It focuses on and explores the perspectives of CYCWs in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, on the process of CYC professionalisation. The researchers conducted an in-depth qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 12 purposely selected CYCWs from different children’s homes in eThekwini. Their perspectives showed that there is still a lack of understanding of the concept and that there are aspects of CYC professionalisation that still have not been achieved while others have. The research findings revealed that the process of CYC professionalisation is important for the growth, status, and continuous stability of the CYC profession. The researchers concluded that the research findings highlighted will offer important insight for the stabilisation of the CYC profession.
Equitable and affordable cancer program in Assam: An initiative of Tata trusts and Government of Assam
Authors: Chanda Subrata , Das Dipjyoti , Sen Sajal , Koyyala Dr Venkata Pradeep Babu , Gupta Sanjeev K
Published: July 2024

Objectives

The highest cancer incidence and mortality are observed in the northeastern states of India including Assam. The cancer treatment centers in Assam are located only at the state headquarters. Therefore, patients have to travel a long distance, incurring a good number of out-of-pocket expenses. Considering the severity of the issue, the Tata Trusts, in collaboration with the Government of Assam, established the Assam Cancer Care Foundation and developed the distributed cancer care model with a vision to develop cancer institutions to deliver equitable and affordable care closer to the patient’s homes.

Material and Methods

This is a four-level model. L1 facility is an apex center providing all sophisticated forms of cancer care services including clinical research. L2 facilities developed in Dibrugarh, Silchar, Barpeta, Dhubri, and Diphu provide basic comprehensive oncology services. L3 facilities are being established in Sivasagar, Tinsukia, Nagaon, Nalbari, Golaghat, Goalpara, Tezpur, Darrang, Lakhimpur, Jorhat, and Kokrajhar. These centers will provide diagnostic services to at-risk populations and day-care services for cancer patients. L4 level includes community interventions: preventive health packages delivered at the community level.

Results

Seven hospitals at Barpeta, Dibrugarh, Tezpur, Lakhimpur, Jorhat, Kokrajhar, and Darrang are functional since 28 April 2022. The rest are at different stages of development. Up to August 2023, 2,78,344 people were screened for common cancers where 211 were confirmed for cancers. During the same time, 31,005 patients were registered, and 18,319 chemotherapy sessions and 62,160 radiation therapy sessions were delivered across the 7 hospitals under government schemes resulting in no financial burden to patients.

Conclusion

This intervention by Tata Trusts addresses the barriers of affordability, accessibility, and availability and is replicable to any geography of interest.
The History of the Book Business of Russian Emigration from Paris to Vyborg (a New Aspect)
Authors: Ganichev Leonid A.
Published: July 2024

The review of the second edition of the monograph of the Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor P.N. Bazanov “The Tsar and the Soviets: Russian Emigration in the Struggle for Russian Statehood: Political and Publishing Activities” (2022) is presented. The author examines the unions of the Russian abroad figures of the era of the firstwave emigration (smenovekhovtsy, post-revolutionaries and Young Russians). They were distinguished by a special (in comparison with other movements of emigration) interpretation of the events of the October Revolution and their attitude towards Soviet Russia (stemming from the justification of the very fact of the 1917 revolution). The monograph shows how the periodicals published and distributed by these associations reflected their original philosophical and political beliefs. The review also contains some stories related to the history of Russian book culture and literature (for example, the story of the “revenge” of the writer M.A. Bulgakov to the secretary of the publishing house “Nakanune” (On the Eve)). The significance of P.N. Bazanovʼs book for understanding the fate of modern Russia, as well as mastering the unknown heritage of caring thinkers and patriots of Russia abroad, is noted.
AI Introduction and the Scientifi c Communications Development (from the Experience of the International Scientifi c and Practical Conference “LIBWAY-2024: Science, Technology and Information in Libraries”)
Authors: Lizunova Irina V. , Pshenichnaya Evgeniya V.
Published: July 2024

On March 18—21, 2024, the International Scientific and Practical Conference “LIBWAY: Science, Technology and Information in Libraries” was held in Berdsk, the Novosibirsk Region, which was dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The main organizers of the conference were the Presidium of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS) and the State Public Scientific and Technical Library (SPSTL) SB RAS. The forum was attended by representatives of 24 countries of the world, 18 subjects of the Russian Federation, federal libraries and universities of Russia, scientific institutions of the Russian Academy of Sciences, museums, archives, publishing houses, editorial offices of journals. During the conferences, 2 plenary sessions, 6 scientific sections, 3 seminars, 3 round tables, the exhibition-presentation “Book Culture in Faleristics”, presentations of monographs, scientific journals of the SPSTL SB RAS and databases dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The conference is a traditional one, held annually by the library since 1966. It summarizes the results of research activities for the next period, discusses pressing problems of library science, book studies, bibliography, information technology, establishes new communication links, outlines tasks, plans and prospects for cooperation.
The Phenomenon of Reading as a Subject of Legislative Initiative
Authors: Melentieva Yuliya P.
Published: July 2024

The article presents the phenomenon of reading in its modern sense: studies of recent years confirm that as a social phenomenon and personal socio-cultural practice, reading still retains its position. The role of reading in society is revealed at the levels of personality and society. Contrary to popular belief, reading does not leave the life of a modern person, but modifying (in particular, the term “digital reading” appeared), covers all areas of his life (study, professional activity, life, rest, privacy, etc.). However, an analysis of the federal laws “On Basic Guarantees of the Rights of the Child in the Russian Federation”, “On Education in the Russian Federation”, “On Librarianship”, as well as the “Family Code of the Russian Federation” shows that the concept of “reading” has not been properly reflected in them. The author emphasizes that now it is necessary not only to talk about the phenomenon of reading in scientific terms, but also to persistently seek the inclusion in the conceptual apparatus of legislative initiatives in the humanitarian sphere of various modifications of the concept of “reading” (including, for example, “family reading”, “reading culture”, “reader development”, etc.).
Encyclopedia “Literary Museums of Russia”: From Conception to Completion
Authors: Vorontsova Evgeniya A.
Published: July 2024

The article is devoted to the project of the V.I. Dahl State Museum of the History of Russian Literature, the encyclopedia “Literary Museums of Russia”, implemented in 2014— 2024. The characteristics of the organization of work, conceptual installations, approbation of the concept and vocabulary are given. It is emphasized that the encyclopedia contains the general collection of literary museums, there is an index of museums. The main blocks of articles are named (including papers on library-museums and literary museums in libraries, on the territorial distribution and functioning of literary museums, on the basic concepts of the science of museum — museology, biographical articles). It is stated that the array of high-quality information collected in the encyclopedia has made it possible to significantly advance the study of the history and structure of this specialized group of museums, to transfer literary museums to a qualitatively different level of communication with each other, with scientific and socio-cultural institutions and specific scientists and cultural figures.
World-Famous Russian Bibliographer (on the 170th Anniversary of N.M. Lisovsky)
Authors: Khomyakova Irina G.
Published: July 2024

The activities of the outstanding representative of Russian book culture Nikolai Mikhailovich Lisovsky, whose 170th anniversary is celebrated in 2024, have received high praise and recognition not only in Russia, but also abroad. The article examines the process of spreading the bibliographer’s international fame in the period from the late 19th century to the 1920s. Critic reviews of N.M. Lisovsky’s works, published at this time in France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, the USA, and Poland, are analyzed. Archival materials of N.M. Lisovsky’s correspondence with foreign figures, stored at the Manuscript Department of the Institute of Russian Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Sci entific and Bibliographic Archive of the Russian Book Chamber, are also used. It is shown that during this period in foreign literature the main bibliographic works of N.M. Lisovsky were characterized, his biography, work in bibliographic societies, the system of scientific views in the field of bibliology were covered.
Innovative volleyball training tool: AcuSpike drill with android sound reactions
Authors: Suhairi Muhammad , Arifin Zainal , Syaparudin
Published: July 2024

Background Problems: The development of technology and sports science plays a crucial role in the world of sports. Research Objectives: The objective of this research is to create a volleyball smash drill training tool based on voice reaction in the form of an Android application as an innovation and to determine the level of impact produced by the tool. This volleyball smash training tool is equipped with a voice-reacting Android component that can be adjusted according to the user’s needs. Methods: The research employs both qualitative and quantitative research methods using the Research and Development (R&D) approach, encompassing stages such as needs analysis, development planning, expert validation, small-group testing, large-group testing, revisions, and final product development. To assess the effectiveness of the tool, experiments are conducted using the tool during training sessions. Data collection is carried out through observations, interviews, and questionnaires. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses are utilised for data analysis. Findings and Results: The research findings indicate that the Android-based voice command-reactive Acuspike volleyball product is deemed appropriate and can significantly contribute to athlete development, improving game quality, and overall volleyball sports development. However, the limitation of the research lies in the subject being studied at one location. Therefore, further research is recommended for broader generalisation over the long term. Conclusion: In conclusion, volleyball smash skills can be enhanced using the Acuspike volleyball smash tool, emphasising the importance of considering the use of Acuspike tools in both practicing and learning volleyball smash techniques.
DYNAMIC METHODS of AIRCRAFT MASS control
Authors: Егоров А.В. , Андрюхин Н.С. , Смикулис Ю.Е. , Кондрашов Е.В. , Спиридонов А.А.
Published: July 2024

Несмотря на достигнутый уровень развития методов и средств контроля массы летательных аппаратов, количество аварийных ситуаций, связанных с превышением допустимой взлетной массы летательных аппаратов, остается значительным. Поэтому сохраняет свою актуальность вопрос разработки новых методов контроля массы летательных аппаратов либо непосредственно перед взлетом в процессе движения по взлетно-посадочной полосе, либо сразу после взлета на минимальной высоте полета. В настоящей работе представлено научно-техническое обоснование следующих методов: динамического контроля массы самолета в процессе его разбега непосредственно перед взлетом на основе оценки динамики его линейных ускорений в направлении разбега при движении с грузом известной и неизвестной массы; динамического контроля массы груза летательного аппарата вертикального взлета на основе оценки динамики его линейных ускорений при движении с грузом известной и неизвестной массы. Оценка фактической массы разбегающегося перед взлетом самолета или начинающего взлетать вертолета позволяет при определенных условиях отказаться от взлета в случае превышения фактической массы летательного аппарата некоторой критической величины и тем самым предотвратить возникновение возможных аварийных ситуаций.

Despite the advancements achieved in methods and means for managing aircraft mass, the frequency of emergencies associated with exceeding the allowable take-off weight of an aircraft remains a crucial issue. As a result, developing novel ways for managing aircraft mass remains a hot topic, either just before departure while travelling down the runway or immediately after takeoff at the minimum flight altitude. This paper presents a scientific and technical substantiation of the following methods: dynamic control of the aircraft mass during its takeoff run immediately before takeoff based on the assessment of the dynamics of its linear accelerations in the takeoff direction when moving with a load of known and unknown mass; dynamic control of the load mass of a vertical takeoff aircraft based on evaluating the dynamics of its linear accelerations when moving with a load of known and unknown mass. The evaluation of the real mass of an aircraft taking off before departure or a helicopter commencing to take off allows, under certain conditions, to refuse to take off should the actual mass of the aircraft exceed a specific critical value in order to prevent the development of potentially hazardous situations.
Fluorogenic detection of cyanide ions in pure aqueous media through intramolecular crossed-benzoin reaction: limitations unveiled and possible solutions
Authors: GAUMERD Vincent , CAPELLO Yoan , BONNIN Quentin , RENARD Pierre-Yves , ROMIEU Anthony
Published: July 2024

Reaction-based fluorogenic sensing of lethal cyanide anion in aqueous matrices remains a big challenge. We have revisited the approach proposed by the Kim group (Chem. Commun. 2015, 51, 7709-7712) and highlighted its limitations related to poor aqueous stability of probes and impossibility to achieve molecular amplification despite the assumed catalytic activation mechanism. Self-immolative linker strategies were considered to obtain usable cyanide-responsive chemodosimeters and statistical analyses of fluorescence data have been deepened to accurately delineate their sensing performances, especially limit of detection (LOD).
Comparing parameterized and self-consistent approaches to ab initio cavity quantum electrodynamics for electronic strong coupling
Authors: Manderna Ruby , Vu Nam , Foley Jonathan
Published: July 2024

Molecules under strong or ultra-strong light-matter coupling present an intriguing route to modify chemical structure, properties, and reactivity. A rigorous theoretical treatment of such systems requires handling matter and photon degrees of freedom on an equal quantum mechanical footing. In the regime of molecular electronic strong or ultra-strong coupling to one or a few molecules, it is desirable to treat the molecular electronic degrees of freedom using the tools of ab initio quantum chemistry, yielding an approach referred to as ab initio cavity quantum electrodynamics (ai-QED), where the photon degrees of freedom are treated at the level of cavity quantum electrodynamics. We analyze two complementary approaches to ai-QED: (1) a parameterized ai-QED, a two-step approach where the matter degrees of freedom are computed using existing electronic structure theories, enabling the construction of rigorous ai-QED Hamiltonians in a basis of many-electron eigenstates, and (2) self-consistent ai-QED, a one-step approach where electronic structure methods are generalized to include coupling between electronic and photon degrees of freedom. Although these approaches are equivalent in their exact limits, we identify a disparity between the projection of the two-body dipole self-energy operator that appears in the parameterized approach and its exact counterpart in the self-consistent approach. We provide a theoretical argument that this disparity resolves only under the limit of a complete orbital basis and a complete many-electron basis for the projection. We present numerical results highlighting this disparity and its resolution in a particularly simple molecular system of helium hydride cation, where it is possible to approach these two complete basis limits simultaneously. In this same helium hydride system, we examine and compare the practical issue of computational cost required to converge each approach towards the complete orbital and many-electron bases limit. Finally, we assess the aspect of photonic convergence for polar and charged species, finding comparable behavior between parameterized and self-consistent approaches.
Auger-excited Photoluminescence from Gold Nanoflowers
Authors: Koopman Wouter , Kutschera Jan , Stete Felix , Bargheer Matias
Published: July 2024

Metal photoluminescence is of great interest as a probe for studying excited charges in plasmonic nanostructures. However, the nature of the emission process is still strongly debated. Here, we employ emission spectroscopy with various excitation wavelengths to investigate the excitation pathway in films of gold nanoflowers. The obtained data provide spectroscopic evidence that the luminescence is dominated by Auger-excited intraband emission from gold nanoflowers. While the excitation spectrum clearly demonstrates absorption by interband transitions, the emission spectra could be unequivocally assigned to intraband recombination. Our conclusion is corroborated by a simulation of the wavelength-dependent inter- and intraband emission, that excludes the interband recombination as a source for the observed emission. These results suggest that Auger excitation is a promising route to generate energetic "hot" electrons with energies substantially above the Fermi level. Exploiting this effect could strongly benefit applications for nano-luminescent probes and the progress of plasmon catalysis.
Estimation of ligand binding free energy using multi-eGO.
Authors: Stegani Bruno , Scalone Emanuele , Bacic Toplek Fran , Lohr Thomas , Gianni Stefano , Vendruscolo Michele , Capelli Riccardo , Camilloni Carlo
Published: July 2024

The computational study of the binding of a ligand to a target protein provides mechanistic insight into the molecular determinants of this process and can improve the success rate of in silico drug design. All-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations can be used to evaluate the binding free energy, typically by thermodynamic integration, and to probe binding mechanisms, including the description of protein conformational dynamics. The advantages of MD come at a high computational cost, which limits its use. Such cost could be reduced by using coarse-grained models, but their use is generally associated with an undesirable loss of resolution and accuracy. To address the trade-off between speed and accuracy of MD simulations, we describe the use of the recently introduced multi-eGO atomic model for the estimation of binding free energies. We illustrate this approach in the case of the binding of benzene to lysozyme by both thermodynamic integration and metadynamics, showing multiple binding/unbinding pathways of benzene. We then show equally accurate results for the binding free energy of dasatinib and PP1 to Src kinase by thermodynamic integration. Finally, we show how we can describe the binding of the small molecule 10074-G5 to Aβ42 by single molecule simulations and by explicit titration of the ligand as a function of concentration. These results demonstrate that multi-eGO has the potential to significantly reduce the cost of accurate binding free energy calculations and can be used to develop and benchmark in silico ligand binding techniques.
A water playground for re-assembly from fibrils to plates
Authors: Adorinni Simone , Kurbasic Marina , Garcia Ana Maria , Kralj Slavko , Bellotto Ottavia , Scarel Erica , Pengo Paolo , De Zorzi Rita , Melchionna Michele , Vargiu Attilio , Marchesan Silvia
Published: July 2024

Short-peptide amyloid assembly and disassembly play crucial roles in various research fields, which range from addressing pathologies that lack therapeutic solutions to the development of innovative soft (bio)materials. Hydrogels from short peptides typically show thermo-reversible gel-to-sol transition, whereby fibrils disassemble upon heating, and re-assemble upon cooling down to room temperature (rt). Despite ongoing intense research studies in this area, the majority focus on peptide-peptide interaction and neglect the structuring role of water in peptide supramolecular behavior. This study describes an unprotected tetrapeptide gelator that forms highly stable fibrils which, upon heating, re-organize into plates that persist upon cooling to rt. All-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and experimental methods reveal water as a key player in the thermodynamics that accompany this irreversible morphological transition, and advance our understanding of supramolecular structures.
A Comparative Study on Scheduling and Optimization Algorithm for the Edge Computing
Authors: B. Kalaivani
Published: July 2024

As the edge computing is prominent field that emerging in the advancement of IoT devices and cloud computing. Its execution are based on the scheduling process and how their optimized. Thus in this paper discuss about the various current scheduling algorithm and optimization algorithm and pros and cons for applying in the task loading environment.
Statistical Analysis Plan for L-oxiracetam Outcomes in Clinical Assessment of Traumatic Brain Injury Effects Trial (LOCATE trial): A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Wang Jiao , Liu Tao , Chen Xiaoying , Zhang Jianning , Jiang Rongcai
Published: July 2024

Background:

The L-oxiracetam Outcomes in Clinical Assessment of Traumatic Brain Injury Effects (LOCATE) trial is a national, multicenter, randomized, parallel-group, phase III trial including 74 centers across 51 hospitals from 2019 to 2024. The objective is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of L-oxiracetam in improving memory and cognitive impairment in patients with acute traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods:

A total of 591 patients aged 18-75 years will be enrolled with mild acute TBI. The primary outcome is the change in scores on the Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment (LOTCA) at 90 days post-treatment compared to baseline. Secondary outcomes included change from baseline in LOTCA, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E), and Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living (ADL-BI) assessed at the end of treatment, 30 days, 60 days, and/or 90 days. A sample size of 591 allows 80% power (a=0.05) for the efficacy test in the primary outcome of LOTCA assessed at 90 days.

Results:

A detailed statistical analysis plan was developed for the LOCATE trial following international guidelines. The plan determined the statistical models for the primary and secondary outcomes and defined the covariates to be controlled and the content of the exploratory analyses.

Conclusion:

The application of this statistical analysis plan in the upcoming LOCATE trial will support an unbiased analysis of these important clinical data.
An unmanned aerial vehicle based investigation of roof patch suitability for solar panel installation
Authors: Polat Nizar , Memduhoğlu Abdulkadir
Published: July 2024

This study presents a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) based approach to determine suitable roof patches of buildings for solar panel installation in Harran University (Şanlıurfa) campus area. Initially, the Solar Radiation Potential (SRP) of the study area was calculated using a UAV-based Digital Surface Model (DSM) in GIS. Then, a correction process was applied to this theoretically calculated SRP by using an adjustment coefficient derived from 5-year measurements of the Solar Power Plant (SPP) located in the region. This coefficient was used to adjust the calculated SRP and compared with the SPP measurements at a concurrent period. The rooftop objects were segmented by textural analysis to determine the suitable panel installation patches on the buildings. Then, the obtained suitable patches are divided into four different classes considering the adjusted total SRP to find panel installation priority. Finally, the calculated electricity potential of the suitable roof patches could meet approximately 65% of the yearly consumption of campus buildings. This paper reveals that in GIS-based SRP studies, it is necessary to detect the rooftop objects to obtain the solar panel installation area more accurately, and a correction should be applied to approximate the theoretically calculated SRP values to the actual values.
A probe molecule based on 1,3,4-oxadiazole was constructed for crystal structure analysis and Sn4+ identification
Authors: Zhou Ying , Feng S.-Y. , Zhang D.-H.
Published: July 2024

In order to develop the application of 1,3, 4-oxadiazole compounds in the direction of fluorescent probes, this paper modified the probes by introducing 2-(bromomethyl) pyridine on the amino group of 1,3, 4-oxadiazole derivatives, and synthesized HL1(2-(5-(2-aminophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)aniline). Its structure was characterized by NMR, HRMS and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The weak interaction of HL1 was analyzed by using Multiwfn to draw Hirshfeld surface. The HOMO and LUMO orbitals of HL1 were analyzed in B3LYP/ 6-311++ G basis set using DFT theory. HL1 is highly selective to Sn4+ in ACN, LOD=5.08×10-7 M, Ka=1.73×103M-1.
Virtual reality exposure therapy for reducing students’ public speaking anxiety: A systematic review
Authors: Lestiono Riski , Lee Sangmin-Michelle
Published: July 2024

Public speaking often imposes a nerve-wracking atmosphere in the L2 classrooms. Consequently, an alternative to the anxiety-arousing activity by using advanced technology for pedagogy is urgent. Prior publications reported the use of virtual reality (VR) for training public speaking and alleviating students’ public speaking anxiety (PSA). However, no latest review in this area has been published. This present study employed a systematic review to delineate the trends in the latest decade (between 2011 and 2023), synthesizing research outcomes, methodologies, loci, participants, treatment duration, and research focuses. This systematic review was based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Conceptual and theoretical studies were removed, yielding 16 studies with empirical data to be thoroughly examined. Most studies indicated the effectiveness of VR for teaching public speaking and reducing speech apprehension. Several gaps were disclosed, such as the inconsistency of the research findings regarding whether the short duration of VR exposure resulted in the statistically non-significant effects, the unequal distribution of research loci which were mostly reported from the US, the UK, and Europe, and the major focus on English as L1 instead of L2 public speaking training. The results of this review suggest that more pertinent studies in countries with EFL or L2 learning contexts and longer treatment duration be conducted and reported in the globally renowned English-language journals to verify the effectiveness of VR technology in treating PSA.
Canopy Density Estimation Model in Peat Swamp Forest Using LiDAR Data and Landsat 8 OLI Satellite Imagery
Authors: Saleh Muhammad Buce , Malta Daerangga  , Prasetyo Lilik Budi , Yudi Setiawan  , Sahid Hudjimartsu  , Wijayanto Arif Kurnia
Published: July 2024

Canopy density is one of the important parameters in measuring the forest conditions. Canopy density can be estimated by using a remote sensing technology system. Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is an active remote sensing system which uses a laser that is emitted by a sensor to the objects on the earth surface.  For a wide area, image utilization which solely relies on LiDAR is still relatively expensive, so it is necessary to develop a method that combine LiDAR data with other medium resolution images such as Landsat 8 OLI  imagery. Therefore, this research was conducted to obtain the canopy density estimation model from LiDAR and Landsat 8 OLI data. The results showed that the best estimation model at the study site, PT Global Alam Lestari's peat swamp forest was FRCI = - 0.0171 + 8.691 GRVI. The equation model had coefficient of determination (R²) of 50.2%, standard deviation value (s) of 0.101, aggregate deviation (SA) value of 0.459, and correlation coefficient (r) between the actual FRCI and the estimation FRCI (best model) of 0.503.
PENYULUHAN PEKEBUNAN JERUK DAN CABAI UNTUK KESEJAHTERAAN MASYARAKAT DESA MARGALUYU, PENGALENGAN, BANDUNG
Authors: Sovitriana Rilla , Budilaksono Sularso , Dewi Euis Puspita , Nasution Evi Syafrida , Trikariastoto ST , Nurina Nurina , Kencana Woro Harkandi , Effendi Maya Syafriana , Farida Farida , Thantawi Ahmad Muhammad
Published: July 2024

Di Desa Margaluyu, Pengalengan, Bandung, Jawa Barat, terdapat sejumlah tanah perkebunan yang memiliki peran vital dalam perekonomian lokal maupun nasional. Pangalengan merupakan kawasan pertanian, peternakan dan peternakan. Banyak perkebunan teh dan kina yang dikelola PTPN. Desa Margaluyu memiliki potensi pertanian yang besar khususnya untuk budidaya jeruk dan cabai. Namun diperlukan peningkatan produktivitas dan pendapatan petani melalui penyuluhan teknik budidaya yang tepat. Meningkatkan pengetahuan dan keterampilan petani serta produktivitas dan pendapatan mereka melalui kegiatan penyuluhan perkebunan jeruk dan cabai. Melalui penyuluhan dan pendampingan, pengabdian masyarakat bertujuan untuk mendorong adopsi praktik pertanian yang berkelanjutan, seperti penggunaan pupuk organik, pengendalian hama dan penyakit tanaman secara terpadu, dan pengelolaan tanah yang baik. Penyuluhan dilakukan melalui pelatihan, diskusi kelompok, pelatihan lapangan, pendampingan, serta evaluasi berkala menggunakan kuesioner dan wawancara. Metode kegiatan yang dilaksanakan berupa pelatihan dan diskusi para petani dan masyarakat dengan narasumber dengan  melakukan penyuluhan langsung. Penyuluhan kepada petani di Desa Margaluyu melalui sesi-sesi ceramah, presentasi, dan diskusi tentang praktik-praktik pertanian yang efektif dan berkelanjutan. Tercapainya peningkatan pengetahuan petani, produktivitas panen, kualitas hasil, serta peningkatan pendapatan petani. Peningkatan pengetahuan dan keterampilan petani sehingga petani menjadi lebih terampil dalam memanfaatkan sumber daya yang ada untuk memaksimalkan hasil panen dan meminimalisir risiko kerugian. Kegiatan tersebut memberikan dampak positif yang signifikan bagi petani dan kemakmuran desa secara keseluruhan. Adopsi praktik pertanian berkelanjutan, peningkatan pengetahuan dan keterampilan petani, serta peningkatan produktivitas dan kesejahteraan petani menjadi hal yang tercapai melalui kegiatan ini.
Pelatihan Mindset Change Bagi Guru SMK PSM 2 Takeran Magetan
Authors: Surianto Moh Agung , Pahlawan Ilham Arifin , Muhamadin Rilo Chandra
Published: July 2024

Teachers are the spearhead of the learning process in educational units. The better the quality of learning implemented by a teacher, the impact it will have on the quality of a school's student graduate output. The current service activity aims to build a mindset change for teachers at the Sabilil Muttaqien Islamic Boarding School (PSM) 2 Vocational School, Magetan Regency, which has the title of Center of Excellence Vocational School. This service activity is carried out in the form of offline training at the Takeran Magetan Highway School location, Magetan Regency. The results of the service show that there is an increase in understanding from vocational school teachers about the importance of changing mindsets in efforts to improve the quality of the learning process in the PSM 2 Takeran Vocational School environment.
Analisis Pengaruh Kebisingan Terhadap Kelelahan Kerja Pada Operator Mesin Di PT. PSU Kebun Tanjung Kasau
Authors: Sari Patimah , Zakaria Muhammad , Erliana Cut Ita
Published: July 2024

Pabrik Kelapa Sawit PT. Perkebunan Sumatera Utara Kebun Tanjung Kasau atau PT. PSU Kebun Tanjung Kasau merupakan perusahaan perkebunan yang bergerak di bidang komoditi kelapa sawit Tandan Buah Segar (TBS), dengan hasil output berupa Crude Palm Oil (CPO) dan Palm Kernel (PK). Terdapat beberapa stasiun pengolahan yang memiliki tingkat kebisingan tinggi, salah satunya adalah stasiun thresher, stasiun kempa dan stasiun kernel yang dapat menyebabkan kelelahan kerja pada operator mesin. Data yang diambil adalah data tingkat kebisingan yang didapatkan dari hasil pengukuran secara langsung dengan menggunakan sound level meter selama 5 hari kerja dan untuk kelelahan kerja diukur dengan melakukan penyebaran kuesioner. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh tingkat kebisingan terhadap kelelahan kerja dan untuk mengetahui dampak kebisingan terhadap kelelahan kerja pada operator mesin di PT. PSU Kebun Tanjung Kasau. Populasi penelitian ini berjumlah 12 operator. Teknik pengolahan dan analisis data dilakukan dengan metode statistik. Hasil analisis dengan menggunakan metode statistik dinyatakan dalam bentuk persamaan regresi linier sederhana Y’= -6399,02 + 70,45607X. Uji pengaruh kebisingan terhadap kelelahan kerja diketahui dengan menggunakan korelasi didapat r= 0,73 bernilai positif, artinya terdapat hubungan yang kuat antara kebisingan dengan kelelahan kerja. Hasil uji yang dilakukan adanya pengaruh kebisingan yang sangat signifikan terhadap kelelahan pada operator.
Perancangan Kursi Kuliah yang Ergonomis Bagi Mahasiswa yang Berlebihan Berat Badan
Authors: Cahyono Cahyono , Siregar Mulki , Safitri Erie Maulidia
Published: July 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk merancang kursi kuliah yang ergonomis bagi mahasiswa yang berlebihan berat badan (overweight). Kursi kuliah yang ada saat ini adalah kursi kuliah dengan bentuk dan ukuran yang standar, yaitu kursi kuliah yang cocok untuk mahasiswa berukuran tubuh standar (rata-rata). Dalam kenyataannya, ada sebagian mahasiswa yang memiliki bentuk tubuh dan ukuran yang lebih besar dari mahasiswa pada umumnya. Untuk itu perlu dirancang kursi kuliah yang ergonomis bagi mahasiswa yang berlebihan berat badan. Bagian kritis dari perancangan kursi kuliah yang ergonomis bagi mahasiswa yang berlebihan berat badan ini adalah pada bagian pengukuran antropometri. Kesalahan dalam melakukan pengukuran antropometri akan membuat kursi kuliah yang dirancang menjadi tidak ergonomis. Hasil pengukuran antropometri untuk kursi kuliah yang ergonomis bagi mahasiswa yang berlebihan berat badan menunjukkan bahwa tinggi meja 142 cm, panjang meja 41 cm, lebar meja 30 cm, lebar alas kursi 62 cm, panjang kursi 44 cm, tinggi alas duduk 41 cm, tebal alas duduk 3 cm, tinggi sandaran punggung 55 cm, lebar sandaran punggung 55 cm, tinggi sandaran tangan 104 cm, panjang sandaran tangan 55 cm, dan lebar pijakan kaki 5,2 cm
Thirty Years' Crisis: The Decline of U.S. Hegemony and the Rise of China
Authors: Türker Haşim
Published: July 2024

This article examines the current global landscape, characterized by the decline of US hegemony and the rise of China, and draws parallels to Carr's "Twenty Years' Crisis." The implications of these shifts are explored, including the resurgence of realism, China's ascent as a global power, challenges to US leadership, and the potential risks of a global military conflict.

The resurgence of power politics challenges the prevailing belief that it had diminished in the post-Cold War era. Territorial disputes and the pursuit of national interests by major powers such as Russia and China highlight the enduring relevance of realism. China's rapid rise as a global power echoes the emergence of the United States as a superpower in the past. Meanwhile, the United States faces challenges as its economic and technological superiority wanes, with China posing a significant threat to its leadership. In conclusion, the current global landscape, similar to Carr's "Twenty Years' Crisis," demands a holistic approach to understanding and addressing the complexities of our time.
Immunological status of patients in the acute period of ischemic stroke
Authors: Tynterova A. M.
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this study was to assess immunological status and correlations of cytokines of diff erent groups in patients in the acute period of ischemic stroke (IS).

   Material and methods. 80 patients with IS (treatment group) and 20 patients with cardiovascular diseases (control group) were examined. All patients were assessed for comorbidity, cognitive function and demographic characteristics. The following were assessed in patients with IS: IS subtype, functional status using Barthel Index (BI), Ranking scale (mRS), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), neuroimaging parameters. Laboratory diagnosis included assessment of serum concentrations of interleukins, interferons, CXC- and CC-chemokines, MIF, GM-CSF and TNF-α. Statistical analyses were performed using Python and its libraries Pandas and SciPy.

   Results. Higher levels of IFN-γ, CXCL1, and CCL23 were determined in patients with IS. CXCL1 was found to correlate with BI, NIHSS, MoCA, foci size; IL — 6 — with BI, NIHSS, presence of diabetes, overweight; IFN-γ — with hyperlipidemia, BI, NIHSS. CCL23 levels were associated with mRS at day 14, presence of atherosclerosis, atherothrombotic subtype of IS; CCL2 — with BI, presence of atherosclerosis, leukoaraiosis, and hypertension; CXCL8 — with MoCA, NIHSS, diabetes.

   Conclusion. The research of the level and differential expression of cytokines in patients in the acute period of IS is an actual direction of clinical medicine. The verifi cation of cytokines CXCL1, CXCL8, CCL23, CCL2, IL-6 and IFN-γ as potential biomarkers of severity, course and outcomes of AI requires clarifi cation through further studies.