bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Driving Rural Migration in Bangladesh and the Adverse Effects on the Lives of Street Children in Dhaka City
Authors: Suha Shidratul Moontaha , Shah Md. Faruk
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the underlying factors driving rural-to-urban migration among street children in Dhaka, Bangladesh, within the framework of globalization. Drawing on the conceptual lenses of Bauman, Standing, and Galtung, this research examines the complexities and interconnections influencing the movement of vulnerable children to urban areas. Employing qualitative methodologies, including informal and in-depth interviews, and, focus group discussions, this study uncovers the multifaceted challenges faced by street children, including food insecurity, inadequate shelter, restricted access to education and healthcare, and compromised health conditions. The findings underscore the significance of family conflicts, economic instability, political influences, and environmental adversities as primary drivers pushing children from rural origins to the streets. Moreover, the study highlights the severe vulnerabilities experienced by street children, manifesting in their limited access to fundamental rights and basic services. The scarcity of suitable resources and social support contributes to their marginalized status, leaving them exposed to exploitation and societal neglect. As a critical outcome, this research underscores the pressing need for comprehensive interventions that address the root causes of rural-to-urban migration and safeguard the well-being and rights of street children. Given its focused analysis of Dhaka, this study offers unique insights into the specific challenges faced by street children within this urban setting.
Evaluation of non-invasive dsRNA delivery methods for the development of RNA interference in the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus
Authors: Girard Maxime , Berthaud Vincent , Martin Edwige , Vallon Laurent , Rebollo Rita , Vallier Agnès , Vigneron Aurélien , Hay Anne-Emmanuelle , Moro Claire Valiente , Minard Guillaume
Published: November 2023

The Asian tiger mosquitoAedes albopictusis one of the most invasive species and an efficient vector of several pathogens. RNA interference (RNAi) has been proposed as an alternative method to control mosquito populations by silencing the expression of genes that are essential for their survival. However, the optimal delivery method for dsRNAs to enhance an optimal RNAi remains elusive and comparative studies are lacking. We have, therefore, compared the efficiency of three non-invasive delivery methods to mosquito larvae: soaking, rehydration and nanoparticle ingestion. Each method was tested separately on four genes predicted to code non-essential proteins (i.e.collagenase-like,kynurenine 3-monooxygenase-like,yellow-like andvenom serine protease-like) in order to be able to compare the importance of gene knock-down. All tested methods successfully downregulated mosquito gene expression. However, silencing efficiency strongly varies among methods and genes.Silencing (95.1%) was higher forKynurenine 3-monooxygenase-like with rehydration and nanoparticle ingestion (61.1%). For theVenom serine protease-like, the most efficient silencing was observed with soaking (74.5%) and rehydration (34%). In contrast, the selected methods are inefficient to silence the other genes. Our findings also indicate that gene copy numbers, transcript sizes and GC content correlate with the silencing efficiency. From our results,rehydration was the most specific and efficient methods to specifically knock-down gene expression inAe. albopictuslarvae. Nevertheless, considering the observed variability of efficiency is gene-dependent, our results also point at the necessity to test and optimize diverse dsRNA delivery approaches to achieve a maximal RNAi efficiency.
Urban biodiversity is affected by human-designed features of public squares
Authors: Fairbairn Andrew , Meyer Sebastian , Mühlbauer Maximilian , Jung Kirsten , Apfelbeck Beate , Berthon Katherine , Bungenstock Paul , Frank Andrea , Guthmann Lea , Jokisch Jana , Kerler Kristel , Matejka Juliane , Müller Nina , Obster Christina , Unterbichler Michaela , Webersberger Johanna , Weisser Wolfgang
Published: November 2023

Most people today live in cities1, and cities are planned primarily for the benefit of humans. Yet, cities also provide habitat to many other species2–6. There is a growing agreement on the need to safeguard urban biodiversity7–9, and that urban green is important for the occurrence of species in cities10. Urban green has many components, and our understanding of how these and other features of the built-up area of cities enable different taxa to live in the city remains limited3,11. Here we show for the city of Munich that designed features of public urban squares strongly determine the occurrence of different taxa, including arthropods, bats, birds, mosses, pollinators, small mammals, and herbaceous plants. Generally, taxon richness and abundance increased with increasing ‘greenness’ of the square. Yet, different taxa responded to different square features, such as the proportion of lawn, shrub volume and tree density. Square size and position in the city affected several taxa as did human use of squares and artificial light at night. Our results underline that the way humans design the city for their own needs affects other species that potentially cohabit these spaces. Consequently, planning strategies for biodiverse cities aiming to increase human-nature interactions12,13 and the provisioning of ecosystem services need to be multifaceted, considering the needs of humans and other taxa to create diverse living cities.
Assessing the Biochemical Implication of using Stachytarpheta cayennensis Essential Oil as an Alternative to Synthetic Pesticides in Calabar Nigeria.
Authors: Okonkwo Chibuzor Onyinye , Uyang Glory Akomaye , Okonkwo Sunday Nnamdi
Published: November 2023

This effect of essential oil from the leaves of Stachytarpheta cayennensis on some biochemical indices of Wistar rats was analyzed. Twenty-eight (28) albino Wistar rats weighing between 150-180g were divided into seven groups of four rats each. Group A served as negative control, B1, B2, and B3 were exposed to 5000mg, 3000mg and 1500mg/kg body weight of a synthetic insecticide (BNC) while S1, S2, S3 were exposed to 5000, 3000 and 1500 mg/kg body weight of Stachytarpheta cayennensis essential oil respectively. After twenty-eight days, blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis. Liver function markers (Aspartate Transaminase (AST), Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), were analyzed as well as antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPX), as well as hydrogen peroxide concentration. Results showed that liver enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP) were higher in the BNC exposed rats compared to the control and essential oil exposed groups (p < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities decreased significantly, (p < 0.05) while glutathione peroxidase and hydrogen peroxide concentrations increased in the BNC exposed groups relative to the essential oil exposed and control groups. The synthetic household insecticide BNC clearly induced more toxicity, as seen in the increase in the activities of liver enzymes and decrease in activities of catalase and SOD. The botanical oil may hold interesting promises as a potential pesticidal agent for use by farmers and agriculturists and for the preservation of the environment and ecosystem.
New constructions of uni-nullnorms on certain classes of bounded lattices by closure (interior) operators
Authors: Wu Tao
Published: November 2023

The primary aim of this article is to put forward new classes of uni-nullnorms on certain classes of bounded lattices via closure (interior) operators. Due to the new classes of uninorms combining both a t-norm T and a t-conorm S by various kinds of closure operators or interior operators, the relationships and properties among the same class of uninorms on L, I obtain new classes of uni-nullnorms and nullnorms on L via closure (interior) operators. The constructions of uni-nullnorms on some certain classes of bounded lattices can provide another different perspective of t-norms and the dual of t-norms, uninorms and some other associative aggregation operations on bounded lattices. That is, the constructions seem to be the ordinal like sum constructions, but not limited to the ordinal like sum constructions.
Septic shock in Damascus Hospital
Authors: Alrras Abdul Kafi , Alratta Hossam Samer , Ali Diaa Haj , daher Nizar
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Shock is a condition of inadequate tissue perfusion resulting in decreased oxygen and metabolic requirements. It can lead to disturbance in energy production changes in cellular metabolism and significant acidosis, which is why it is important to study and manage such life-threatening conditions in our hospitals, to improve the health level in our country.
Materials and Methods: All study data were collected from patients forms who were admitted to the intensive care unit at Damascus Hospital (Al-Mujtahid). The study included all age groups diagnosed with septic shock in the intensive care unit at Damascus Hospital (Al-Mujtahid) between 1/1/2016 and 1/1/2023.
Results: The final sample size was 149 cases, the majority of the sample were males, accounting for 51.01%. The highest age group was those over 70 years old, accounting for 32.21%. The most common infectious focus was pulmonary, accounting for 30.87%, followed by surgical complications at 19.46%. Regarding the most commonly used antibiotics, metronidazole accounted for 50.34%, followed by vancomycin at 42.95%. The mortality rate was 91.28%.
Conclusion: As mentioned above, septic shock is a life-threatening condition. This was seen in the results of our study, which were similar to other international studies.
A whale humerus ironically shaped by neutral evolution and morphological integration
Authors: Gol'din Pavel , Ghazali Maria , Davydenko Svitozar , Telizhenko Valeriia , Otriazhyi Pavlo , Vishnyakova Karina , Bukhsianidze Maia , Solis-Añorve Azucena , Dzeverin Igor
Published: November 2023

Mammalian humerus shape is strongly predicted by loading and other functional factors. This constraint is lifted for cetaceans and, therefore, it could reflect other, specific evolutionary trends. For testing this hypothesis, the three-dimensional shape of the humerus for 32 taxa of extinct and extant cetaceans was analyzed. The shape variance was aligned with the parallel progressive evolution of diverging baleen and toothed whales. It showed a gradual advance of aquatic locomotion, with the trends of humeral head twist, diaphysis shortening and straightening, and epiphyses enlargement. Meanwhile, the phylogenetic signal was also seen in the morphospace as developments in the size and position of the humeral head and greater tubercle and diaphysis proportions. Modularity and integration patterns consistently changed through deep time and were independent of allometry. Paleogene whales had the most modular humerus, while the humerus of baleen whales was the most integrated. Also, the evolution of Hox genes regulating the humerus shape corresponded to their anatomical transformations and showed relaxed selection in cetaceans. In overall, the observed pattern well illustrated a “fly in a tube model” and showed its importance as an environment of emerging evolutionary innovations.
New challenges in European innovation partnerships. SOEs, POEs and foreign MNEs during crises
Authors: García-Sánchez Antonio , Rama Ruth
Published: November 2023

Cooperation for innovation, not only enhances the innovative and economic performance of companies but also fosters growth and strengthens the resilience of firms in the realm of innovation activities. In this study, we delve into the cooperative activities of Spanish companies with their European counterparts. We employ three logit models using panel data to scrutinize the impact of ownership on innovation cooperation and the determinants of collaboration across different phases of the business cycle, spanning from 2004 to 2016, which we divide into three sub-periods: the pre-crisis (2004–2007), the crisis (2008–2013), and the recovery (2014–2016). State-owned enterprises are the most prone to engage in cooperative innovation with European partners, while unaffiliated domestic firms are the least prone. Foreign subsidiaries outperform unaffiliated domestic firms but not domestic business groups nor state-owned enterprises. Drivers of cooperation for innovation with European partners evolve, with cooperation becoming particularly challenging during times of crisis. The results contain policy and management implications.
Metakognition als Brücke zwischen sprachlichem Wissen und Können
Authors: Unterholzner Franz , Müller Hans-Georg
Published: November 2023

Der Beitrag untersucht die Rolle der Metakognition für die Frage, wie metasprachliches Wissen dem Aufbau sprachlichen Könnens dienen kann. Dafür wird zunächst der empirische Forschungsstand zur Rolle metasprachlichen Wissens beim Erwerb sprachlicher Fertigkeiten dargestellt und die Frage nach der Schnittstelle (interface) zwischen Wissen und Können aufgearbeitet. Die daraus resultierende sprachdidaktische Konzeption des Übergangs vom Wissen zum Können ist an gängigen kognitionspsychologischen Theorien orientiert und umfasst metasprachliche und insbesondere metakognitive Aktivitäten sowie eine deklarative und eine prozedurale Komponente. Nach einer Darstellung des engen konzeptuellen Zusammenhangs von Metakognition mit dem kognitionspsychologischen Aufmerksamkeitskonzept wird ein vierstufiges didaktisches Verarbeitungsmodell entworfen, wie metasprachliches Wissen mithilfe metakognitiver Aktivitäten den Erwerb prozeduralen sprachlichen Könnens steuern kann.
Der SMisK – ein Fragebogen zur Erfassung der Schreibmotivation im schulischen Kontext
Authors: Hennes Ann-Kathrin , Michels Viktoria , Becker-Mrotzek Michael , Koch Alina Marlene , Möller Jens , Woerfel Till , Fleckenstein Johanna
Published: November 2023

In der empirischen Forschung zur Textproduktion wird die Schreibmotivation deutlich weniger berücksichtigt als z. B. kognitive Komponenten, obwohl der Schreibmotivation entlang theoretischer Modelle und bisheriger empirischer Befunde ein hohes Maß an Relevanz zukommt. International existieren Skalen zur Erfassung der Schreibmotivation, die einzelne Dimensionen des Konstruktes operationalisieren, es aber nicht vollständig abbilden. Für den deutschsprachigen Raum existiert kein standardisiertes Instrument. Dieses Desiderat wird durch den in diesem Beitrag vorgestellten Fragebogen SMisK behoben. Der Fragebogen basiert auf der Erwartungs-mal-Wert-Theorie, orientiert sich an international etablierten Skalen und operationalisiert die Schreibmotivation anhand von sechs Dimensionen. Die empirische Prüfung des Fragebogens anhand einer Stichprobe von N=520 Schüler:innen zeigt, dass die angenommene faktorielle Struktur bestätigt werden kann, die Skalen eine mindestens zufriedenstellende Konsistenz aufweisen, deren Interkorrelationen adäquat ausfallen und Vorannahmen zur Validität erfüllt werden. Mögliche Einsatzbereiche und bestehende Limitationen des SMisK werden diskutiert.
Tagungsbericht: „Frühkindliches Spiel und literarische Rezeption – interdisziplinäre Perspektiven auf (immersive) Medien zur literarischen Sozialisation von Kindern“
Authors: Schwab Affolter Ariane
Published: November 2023

Der Bericht gibt Einblicke in die Tagung „Frühkindliches Spiel und literarische Rezeption – interdisziplinäre Perspektiven auf (immersive) Medien zur literarischen Sozialisation von Kindern“. Diese fand online am 02.03.2023 statt und wurde von der Pädagogischen Hochschule Schwäbisch Gmünd ausgerichtet. Ziel der Tagung war es, eine systematische interdisziplinäre Aufarbeitung zum wechselseitigen Potenzial von Spiel und literarischer Rezeption anzustoßen. Hierzu wurden verschiedene Projekte und disziplinäre Sichtweisen zusammengetragen und diskutiert. In einem Tagungsband sind diese ersten Erkenntnisse und Perspektivierungen nachzulesen.
Probabilistic evaluation of dynamic positioning operability with a Quasi-Monte Carlo approach
Authors:   Sharjah Maritime Academy, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, Mauro Francesco
Published: November 2023

During the design phase of an offshore unit, estimating the station-keeping capabilities of the dynamic positioning (DP) system is mandatory. This means, in conventional offshore applications, to determine the maximum sustainable wind speed as a function of the encounter heading, which the unit may counteract by employing the onboard actuators or mooring lines only. Besides the deterministic estimation of DP capability, it is possible to assess the operability of the DP system following a non-deterministic probabilistic process by employing the site-specific joint wind-wave distributions to model the environment. In such a case, the operability results from a Monte Carlo integration process. Here it is proposed to enhance the applicability of the probabilistic analysis of DP operability, investigating the application of a Quasi-Monte Carlo method. In this sense, the procedure uses quasi-random samplings following a Sobol sequence instead of employing random samples of the joint distributions. In this paper, the Quasi-Monte Carlo process is tested and compared on a reference ship, highlighting the improvements to the established probabilistic DP prediction concerning the number of calculations needed to estimate operability. The significant reduction of computational time makes the newly implemented method suitable for the early design stage applications.
Traveling/non-traveling phase transition and non-ergodic properties in the random transverse-field Ising model on the Cayley tree
Authors: Chakrabarti Ankita , Martins Cyril , Laflorencie Nicolas , Georgeot Bertrand , Brunet Éric , Lemarié Gabriel
Published: November 2023

We study the random transverse field Ising model on a finite Cayley tree. This enables us to probe key questions arising in other important disordered quantum systems, in particular the Anderson transition and the problem of dirty bosons on the Cayley tree, or the emergence of non-ergodic properties in such systems. We numerically investigate this problem building on the cavity mean-field method complemented by state-of-the art finite-size scaling analysis. Our numerics agree very well with analytical results based on an analogy with the traveling wave problem of a branching random walk in the presence of an absorbing wall. Critical properties and finite-size corrections for the zero-temperature paramagnetic-ferromagnetic transition are studied both for constant (independent of the system volume) and algebraically vanishing (scaling as an inverse power law with the system volume) boundary conditions. In the later case, we reveal a regime which is reminiscent of the non-ergodic delocalized phase observed in other systems, thus shedding some light on critical issues in the context of disordered quantum systems, such as Anderson transitions, the many-body localization or disordered bosons in infinite dimensions.
MEDIA LIBRARIES: CATALYSTS FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION AND DISSEMINATION
Authors:   Librarian, Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME), Bangalore., Kalisdha A.
Published: November 2023

Cultural heritage, the rich tapestry of a societys history, traditions, and identity, has evolved and adapted to the changing needs of society. It is instrumental in fostering a sense of identity and belonging, connecting people to their roots, and preserving the collective memory of communities. However, cultural heritage faces formidable challenges, including physical decay, loss, and the imperative need for wide-reaching dissemination. In this research article, we explore the multifaceted role of media libraries as catalysts for cultural heritage preservation and dissemination. These digital repositories serve as custodians of tangible and intangible cultural assets, preserving them through digitization and providing a global stage for their accessibility. Media libraries play pivotal functions in digitization and preservation, accessibility, metadata and cataloging, cross-cultural exchange, and education and research. While they offer numerous advantages, they also encounter challenges, including copyright issues, data security, cultural sensitivity, accessibility, resource constraints, and technological obsolescence. Case studies from renowned institutions, including the British Library, UNESCOs World Heritage Center, the American Folklife Center, and the Smithsonian Institution, serve as exemplars of best practices in cultural heritage preservation and dissemination. As we navigate the digital age, media libraries stand as transformative agents in preserving and sharing cultural heritage, promising to enrich contemporary identities and safeguard the legacy of the past for future generations.
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND ACHIEVEMENT MOTIVATION: AN INVESTIGATIONON HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN PASCHIM MEDINIPUR DISTRICT
Authors:   Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Education, Jadavpur University, India., Chandra Ghorai Bikash
Published: November 2023

Background:According to Behnke (2009), emotional intelligence directly influences motivation.The present study aims to know the significant difference in emotional intelligence and achievement motivation concerning their gender, grade, and stream of education and the significant relationship between emotional intelligence and achievement motivation among higher secondary school students in Paschim Medinipur district. Methods and Materials:This is a cross sectional survey study. 200 (100 boys and 100 girls) higher secondary school students (age mean 17.38 and SD 0.99)from two blocks i.e., Sabang and Pingla in Paschim Medinipur District randomly selected. One information sheet and two scales are used for data collection. The emotional Intelligence Scalewas developed by A. K. Singh and Shruti Narain, and culturally adopted by Ghorai and Mohakud (2016), and the achievement motivation Scale was developed by Prof. Pratibha Deo and Dr. Asha Mohan, and the Bengali version was adopted by Pakira and Mohakud (2017). After the test of Data Normality, Data was analysed through the SPSS 20 version with descriptive statistics viz. Mean and Standard Deviation and inferential statistics testing hypotheses applied t-test and Pearson correlation (r). Results:Results Show that emotional intelligence is not significantly differentamong higher secondary school students concerning their gender, grade, and stream of education. There is no significant difference exists in the achievement motivation concerning their gender and grade buta significant difference exists in the achievement motivation concerning their stream of education among higher secondary school students in Paschim Medinipur District.A positively moderate and significant correlation exists between emotional intelligence and achievement motivationamong higher secondary school students in Paschim Medinipur district. Conclusion:Higher secondary school students should be able to freely express their emotions, opinions, ask questions, and explore their inner needs in a welcoming and unrestricted environment both at home and at school. This will help them become more adept at emotional intelligence and achievement motivation as students.
ADEQUAÇÃO CURRICULAR E BNCC: DESAFIOS PARA O ENSINO BILÍNGUE DE ESTUDANTES SURDOS
Authors: Colacique Rachel Capucho , Gonçalves Leonardo Conceição
Published: November 2023

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar uma análise dos descritores presentes na Base Nacional Comum Curricular, especificamente no eixo oralidade, relacionando-os com os princípios da Educação Bilíngue para surdos. Por meio de uma pesquisa documental descritiva, buscou-se apontar alterações necessárias para a efetivação de um currículo bilíngue, as quais destacamos: uma abordagem metodológica condizente com o ensino de Língua Portuguesa como segunda língua para surdos; a valorização intercultural envolvendo as comunidades surdas e suas lutas; e a garantia da LIBRAS como língua de instrução.
What Are the Risks of Halal Cosmetic Products?
Authors: Wahyuni Hana Catur , Khafidin Khafidin , Voak Adam
Published: November 2023

PT. XYZ is a company engaged in the manufacture of private-label cosmetics and skincare products in Indonesia. However, of these private labels or ‘Maklon’ products, only four out of the 151 available Maklon manufactured products have current Halal certification. This large uncertified percentage of Maklon products has given rise to a concern about the Halal bonafides of these products, which understandably leaves significant doubts regarding their suitability for personal use in consumer’s minds. As a consequence, in an attempt to ensure potential customers of the Halal quality of the cosmetics and other products produced at the Company’s facility, process researchers have deployed a Fuzzy Failure Modes and Effects Analysis. This approach has been chosen in order to determine the level of Halal risk priorities during the production of the Company’s products, and the outcomes have been subjected to a Fault-Tree Analysis to develop appropriate recommendations to transparently mitigate any potential risks. In essence, the purpose of this research was to (i) determine the critical control points influencing Halal certification, (ii) determine the priority level within the process needed to ensure strict control procedures, and (iii) to provide practical strategies to decrease the possibility of Halal risk profile.
Xception Derin Öğrenme Modeli ve Gabor Filtreleri ile ÇDÖÖE-DVM Algoritması Kullanılarak Mikro İfadelerin Tanınması
Authors: UZUN Mehmet Zahit , BAŞARAN Erdal , CELIK Yuksel
Published: November 2023

Mikro ifade (Mİ), insanların riskli bir ortamda bir olaya karşı istemsiz ve kontrolsüz duygusal tepkilerini gizlemeye çalıştıklarında ortaya çıkan sızıntıdır. Duyguyu yaşayan kişi risk altında bunu bastırmaya çalıştığı için yüze yansıması düşük yoğunlukta, belirli bir bölgede ve çok kısa sürede gerçekleşir. İfade istemsizce ortaya çıktığı için sahte değil tamamen doğal olmaktadır. Bu doğal ifadelerin doğru tespiti sayesinde adli, klinik, eğitim gibi birçok alanda etkili bir şekilde kullanılması sağlanabilir. Bu çalışmada Mİ tanıma hedefi için oluşturulan model yapısında sırasıyla önişleme, öznitelik çıkarma, öznitelik seçme ve sınıflandırma görevleri kullanılmıştır. Önerilen model yapısında literatürde en çok kullanılan, kamuya açık Mİ veri setlerinden CASME-II kullanılmıştır. Ön işleme aşamasında Optik Akış algoritmalarında kullanılmak üzere her bir video klipin görüntü dizisinden başlangıç (onset) ve tepe (apex) kareleri seçilir. Bu iki kare kullanılarak Farneback, TV-L1 Dual ve TV-L1 e ait yatay ve dikey optik akış görüntüleri elde edilmiş, ardından bu optik akış görüntüleri evrişimsel sinir ağı (ESA) modeli olan Xception ve geleneksel model olan Gabor modelleri kullanılarak görüntülere ait öznitelikler elde edilmiştir. Elde edilen bu özniteliklere ait ayırt edici olanları filtrelemek için çapraz doğrulama ile özyinelemeli özellik eleme (ÇDÖÖE) öznitelik seçim algoritması kullanılmıştır. Son olarak doğrusal destek vektör sınıflandırıcısı (DVS), filtrelenmiş Mİ özniteliklerini pozitif, negatif ve sürpriz olmak üzere üç sınıfa ayırmıştır. Önerilen Mİ model yapısından elde edilen sonuçlar 0.9248 doğruluk oranı başarısı göstermiştir.
Adaptive Radar Detection of Extended Targets in Diffuse Multipath Environments
Authors: HAYVACİ Harun Taha
Published: November 2023

This paper discusses the adaptive detection of extended radar targets buried in Gaussian clutter, assuming a diffuse multipath environment. The target return signal from each range cell is modeled as the sum of a deterministic data vector, which includes an unknown scaling factor representing the direct path component, and a randomly distributed data vector in a Gaussian distribution with unknown covariance matrix representing multipath echoes. During the design phase, it is assumed that the primary data covariance matrix falls within the vicinity of a sample covariance matrix that is devised from the secondary data set. The paper proposes a constraint Generalized Likelihood Ratio Test (GLRT) for the adaptive detection problem of extended radar targets in diffuse multipath environments, and conducts a performance analysis comparing the developed algorithm with well-known adaptive detectors in the literature. The results and performance analysis demonstrate that the proposed approach enhances the detection performance of extended radar targets in environments with diffuse multipath. Overall, this article provides valuable insights for improving the adaptive detection of extended targets in challenging environments, with potential applications in radar and sensing technologies.
Pollen Quality of Some Spray Chrysanthemum Varieties at Different Holding Time and Temperature
Authors: DURSUN Hilal , KAZAZ Soner , KILIÇ Tuğba
Published: November 2023

Pollen quality is one of the most important factors in breeding programs because of its effects on seed formation. For an effective breeding program, breeders must know pollen viability, germination rate, and the duration of maintaining pollen viability. This study was carried out to determine pollen viability and germination rates of 'Chic' and 'Barolo' spray chrysanthemum varieties kept at different temperatures and times. Pollen from both varieties was obtained from plants grown in a fully automated greenhouse. Pollens were stored at +24°C and +4°C for 7 days. Pollen viability was determined by the TTC method and germination rates were determined by the hanging drop method with modified ME3-m medium, daily for 8 days, including day 0. The 'Chic' varieties had more viable pollen than the 'Barolo' variety. Viable pollen and germination rates tended to decrease continuously with time. On the 7th day, the germination rate decreased by 93.44% and 71.64% in the 'Barolo' and 'Chic' varieties, respectively. However, the capacity to maintain the viability of pollen kept at +4°C was found to be better in both varieties. In the study, it was concluded that the pollen should be applied freshly but stored at +4°C when necessary. The pollen kept at +24°C can be used for up to 2 days. This period can be extended up to 4 days at +4°C, depending on the variety.
Some Bioactive Components of Sweet Potato and Taro: A Comparative Study Based On Plant Organs
Authors: YILDIZ Berk Can , DEMİR Emir Furkan , HANCI Fatih
Published: November 2023

This study was carried out to evaluate the variability and distribution of bioactive components of different organs of sweet potato and taro plants grown locally in Turkey. Samples extracted from different organs of these two species (tubers and leaves of sweet potato; leaves, petioles, main tubers, and lateral tubers of taro) were evaluated. Total water-soluble protein, total flavonoids, total phenolics, H2O2 scavenging capacity, carotenoids, FRAP antioxidant capacity, CUPRAC antioxidant capacity, and total dry matter parameters of two different species and their organs were measured. The difference between the organ averages for all parameters examined was statistically significant. In general, leaves of both species had the highest content for all parameters except total dry matter and CUPRAC antioxidant capacity. The effectiveness of the parameters in explaining variation in the gene pool was also examined using principal component analysis. All parameters contributed highly to the variation except H2O2 capacity, total dry matter content, and CUPRAC antioxidant capacity. According to the findings, there is a high variation between each species and between the organs. These results will guide future studies on these two species.
Duman ve Duman Kökenli Bileşiklerin Liquidambar orientalis Mill. (Anadolu Sığla Ağacı)'in Tohum Çimlenmesi Üzerindeki Etkileri
Authors: ÇATAV Şükrü Serter , AKBAŞ Kenan
Published: November 2023

Duman ve duman kökenli bileşikler, bitkilerde tohum çimlenmesi, somatik embriyogenez ve çiçeklenme gibi fizyolojik ve gelişimsel süreçleri düzenleyebilmektedir. Dumanla ilişkili çimlenme yanıtları, karrikinler, gliseronitril, siringaldehit, katekol ve 3,4,5-trimetilfuran-2(5H)-on gibi uyarıcı ve inhibe edici bileşiklerin mevcudiyeti nedeniyle oldukça karmaşık bir yapıya sahiptir. Bu çalışmada, duman suyu, karrikinolid (KAR1), mandelonitril (MAN) ve katekol (KAT) uygulamalarının Liquidambar orientalis Mill.'in tohum çimlenmesi üzerindeki etkileri incelenmiştir. Ayrıca KAR1 ve siyanohidrin ile indüklenen tohum çimlenmesinde rol aldıkları düşünülen giberellik asit (GA3) ve reaktif oksijen türleri de (ROT) deneylere dâhil edilmiştir. ROT uygulamaları için hidrojen peroksit ve metil violojen çözeltileri kullanılmıştır. Çimlenme deneyleri, 20 °C'ye ayarlanmış inkübatörlerde farklı ışık koşulları altında gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çalışmanın sonuçları, L. orientalis tohumlarının dumana karşı duyarlı olduğunu göstermiştir. Buna ek olarak, 0.01 ve 0.1 µM KAR1 ve 50 µM MAN solüsyonları hem karanlık hem de aydınlık koşullar altında çalışma türünün çimlenmesini teşvik etmiştir (p < 0.05). Öte yandan, KAT uygulamaları çimlenme üzerinde olumlu veya olumsuz bir etki yaratmamıştır. KAR1 ve siyanohidrine hassas olan L. orientalis tohumları 10-5 ila 10-3 M konsantrasyon aralığında GA3'e karşı pozitif bir çimlenme cevabı vermiştir. GA3 uygulamaları yüksek çimlenme başarısı için ışığa olan gereksinimi de ortadan kaldırmıştır. ROT ile uyarılan çimlenme ise sadece ışık varlığında gözlemlenmiştir. Bu çalışmadan elde edilen bulgular, dar yayılışlı bir tür olan L. orientalis'in çimlenme başarısını arttırmak için kullanılabilir.
Akım Gözlem İstasyonlarında ANFIS Yöntemi ile Günlük Ortalama Debi Tahmini: Kızılırmak Örneği
Authors: DEMİR Hilal Nur , KORKMAZ Mehmet Seren , ARIMAN Sema
Published: November 2023

Akarsuların su potansiyelinin belirlenmesi için sezgisel tahmin modelleri sıklıkla kullanılmaktadır. Bu modellerden birisi olan Uyarlamalı Ağ Tabanlı Bulanık Mantık Çıkarım Sistemi (ing. kıs. ANFIS); yapay sinir ağlarının (YSA) öğrenme yeteneğini ve bulanık mantık (BM) yaklaşımının karar verme mekanizmasını kullanarak tahmin modeli geliştirmektedir. Bu çalışmada; Kızılırmak Nehri’nde yer alan iki adet Akım Gözlem İstasyonu’nda (AGİ) günlük ortalama debi, iki farklı ANFIS modeli ile tahmin edilmeye çalışılmıştır. AGİ’lere ait 2014-2021 yılları arasında gözlemlenmiş günlük ortalama debi verileri ile AGİ’lerin kurulu olduğu akarsu havzalarını temsil eden iki Meteoroloji Gözlem İstasyonu (MGİ)’ye ait günlük toplam yağış verileri mekansallaştırılarak modellerde kullanılmıştır. Membadaki Kızılırmak–Ahmethacı AGİ-1 için, 2 giriş 1 çıkış yaklaşımı, bu AGİ’nin mansabında kalan Kızılırmak–Bulakbaşı AGİ-2 için ise 3 giriş 1 çıkış yaklaşımı ile ANFIS modelleri kurgulanmıştır. Giriş verilerinden günlük toplam yağış, zaman ölçeğinde (t-2). gün, günlük ortalama debi, (t-1). gün alınmış ve çıkış olarak (t). güne ait ortalama debi tahmin edilmiştir. Modellerde verilerin %75’i eğitim, %25’i test verisi olarak kullanılmıştır. Kurallar oluşturulurken 3 farklı kümeleme yapılmış ve hedef değerin üyelik fonksiyonu belirlenmiştir. Her iki AGİ için eğitim ve test verilerinde 3 ayrı kümelemeye ait sonuçlar elde edilmiş ve modellerin başarımları için determinasyon katsayısı (R2) ve karekök ortalama hatası (RMSE) metrikleri kullanılmıştır. AGİ-1 için en iyi sonucu R2 = 0.9578, RMSE = 1.49 ile 3 kümelemeli model verirken AGİ-2 için en iyi sonucu; R2 = 0.976 ve RMSE = 2.20 ile yine 3 kümelemeli model vermiştir. Sonuç olarak ANFIS modeli, yüksek başarım ile günlük ortalama debiyi tahmin etmiştir.
Determination of Antioxidant Activity of The Leaves of Hawthorn (Crataegus Monogyna)
Authors: DİKİCİ Emrah , KÖKSAL Ekrem
Published: November 2023

This study was carried out to make decision the antioxidant activity of the leaves of hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), which is a natural source of antioxidants. For this purpose, the leaves of hawthorn were collected and dried, and an ethanol extract was prepared. Total antioxidant activity (with respect to the ferric thiocyanate method), ion reduction capacity of Cu2+ (copper method), and Fe3+ (potassium ferricyanide reduction method) were determined on the prepared ethanol extracts. Additionally, scavenging activity of DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and determination of the total phenolic-flavonoid compound content were carry out. The extracts obtained from Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) leaves were found to inhibit lipid peroxidation (of linoleic acid emulsion) by 40.9%. This inhibition occurred at a concentration of 10 µg/mL of the extracts. At the similar concentration, BHT exhibited 68.3% inhibition, while trolox exhibited 29.9% inhibition. Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), which was found to have a higher total phenolic content than trolox, exhibited significant DPPH scavenging and metal reduction activities. During the investigation of the antioxidant activity of the ethanol extract obtained from Crataegus monogyna, α-tocopherol, its water-soluble analogue trolox and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) were utilized as reference antioxidant compounds.
İşletmelerde Hayvan Refahının Ekonomik Yönlerinin Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: CANAN Selime
Published: November 2023

Bu çalışmada, işletmelerde hayvan refahını dikkate alan uygulanmaların ekonomik sonuçlarını değerlendirmek amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmanın verileri daha önce yapılmış bilimsel çalışmalardan, ulusal ve uluslararası kuruluşların raporlarından elde edilmiştir. Çalışmada hayvan refahı kavramına kısaca değinildikten sonra hayvan refahını dikkate alan çiftlik uygulamaları hakkında bilgi verilmiş ve bu uygulamaların işletmedeki ekonomik sonuçları üzerine tartışılmıştır. Hayvan refahını dikkate alan uygulamalar ilk yatırımlar, işletme maliyetleri, etkinlik ve verimlilik, pazar talebi, yasal uyumluluk, risk yönetimi ve uzun vadeli sürdürülebilirlik dâhil olmak üzere birçok açıdan işletmelerin ekonomisi etkilemektedir. İşletmeler gelişmiş hayvan refahına yatırım yaparak potansiyel olarak verimliliğini artırabilir, hastalıkla ilgili maliyetleri azaltabilir, ürün kalitesini iyileştirebilir, etik açıdan bilinçli tüketicileri çekebilir, yasal ve düzenleyici standartlara uyum sağlayabilir. Bunlar da işletmelerin karlılığını arttırmasına, pazarlamada rekabet gücüne ve uzun vadede sürdürülebilir olmasına neden olur.

İşletmelerde hayvan refahını dikkate alan uygulamalarının ekonomik açıdan değerlendirilmesi, çiftçilerin hayvan refahı uygulamalarına ilişkin bilinçli kararlar alırken işletme yönetimlerinin finansal uygulanabilirliğini sağlamaları için çok önemlidir. İşletmelerde hayvan refahının ekonomik yönlerini anlamak, çiftçilerin hayvan refahı ile finansal hususlar arasında bir denge kurmasına yardımcı olabilir ve sonuçta hem hayvanlara etik muameleyi hem de iş başarısını artırmayı teşvik eder.
EFECTO DEL TAMAÑO DE PARTÍCULA Y TEMPERATURA EN HARINA DE CÁSCARA DE AGUAJE (Mauritia flexuosa) Y SU APLICACIÓN EN GALLETAS
Authors: Melgarejo Cabello Silvia Virginia , Quintanilla Viviana , Ramírez Vásquez Shallinny , Reátegui Isla Vladimir , Morales-Soriano Eduardo Reynaldo
Published: November 2023

El Aguaje (Mauritia flexuosa) es uno de los frutos más consumidos en la Amazonia peruana, principalmente en la elaboración de helados. Uno de los residuos es la cáscara, la cual tiene características sensoriales principalmente de dureza. El principal objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de la temperatura y tamaño de partícula en la obtención de harina de cáscara de aguaje, y su aplicación en galletas, con el fin de aprovechar este residuo. La cáscara de aguaje fue separada, secada, molida y tostada a diferentes temperaturas (120, 130 y 140°C), para luego ser pulverizada. A las harinas molidas y pulverizadas se les midió el contenido de polifenoles totales. La harina con mayor contenido de polifenoles fue caracterizada en fibra cruda y fibra dietaría, y seleccionada para elaborar galletas. Dichas galletas se elaboraron con cuatro niveles de sustitución (8, 10, 15 y 20%) y fueron evaluadas en aceptabilidad general mediante un panel de consumidores finales. Asimismo, se midió la resistencia a la compresión de manera instrumental. La harina con mayor contenido de polifenoles fue la tostada a 120°C y pulverizada, y en la elaboración de galletas se logró sustituir hasta 15% con una buena aceptabilidad en promedio y una dureza apropiada. Como conclusión se puede afirmar que la menor temperatura de tostado y la disminución de tamaño de partícula (pulverización) mejora la extracción de polifenoles en el proceso de obtención de harina de cáscara de aguaje, con un alto contenido de fibra y que puede ser aplicado en galletas con una aceptación sensorial aceptable.
Antiviral Peptides Derived from Plants: Their Designs and Functions
Authors: Feyzyab Haleh , Fathi Nikoo , Bolhassani Azam
Published: November 2023

In recent years, plant-derived bioactive compounds have been developed as antiviral
agents. Plants synthesize a variety of compounds, especially peptides, which possess antimicrobial
activity. Current studies have shown that some antimicrobial peptides have antiviral activity
against a wide range of human DNA and RNA viruses and play an effective role in the treatment
of human viral diseases. These peptides act through different mechanisms. They can integrate into
the envelope of the target virus or cell membrane of the host, resulting in an unstable membrane.
For instance, some peptides prevent the attachment of viral spike proteins to host cells. On the
other hand, some peptides may alter the cellular pathways, including DNA replication or protein
synthesis, leading to the suppression of viral infection. However, the antiviral activity of peptides
can be affected by their chemical and structural properties. In several studies, the properties of antimicrobial
(antiviral) peptides were altered by minor modifications, but these changes require
tools to predict. Recently, computational approaches have been introduced to analyze the effects
of structural modifications on the physicochemical properties, mechanism of action, stability, and
activity of peptides. In this mini-review, we will describe the design and function of antiviral peptides
derived from plants.
Recent Progress on Natural α-glucosidase Inhibitors Derived from the
Plants and Microorganisms
Authors: Deng Changxuan , Zhang Nan , Lin Hanlin , Lu Wangting , Ding Fei , Gao Yangguang , Zhang Yongmin
Published: November 2023

α-Glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs) showcase versatile biochemical activities with
respect to antidiabetic, anticancerous, antiobese and antiviral effects. They have drawn a
great deal of attention from the scientific community. While α-glucosidase inhibitors are
mostly discovered from plants and microorganisms, the recent advance in natural αglucosidase inhibitors over the past five years has been reviewed in this article, and 139
distinct α-glucosidase inhibitors from the plants and microorganisms were classified into
ten groups based on their chemical structures, including flavonoids (34), xanthones (6),
alkaloids (8), benzopyrones / benzofuranones (8), terpenes (23), saponins (8), phenols /
alcohols (25), esters (18), chalcone (5) and other compounds (4). In this review, we mainly focused on the novel chemical structures and the various biological activities of theses
natural AGIs. Some of the selected natural compounds exhibit powerful α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and anti-tumor activity, may hold promise to become the candidate drugs
for treating type II diabetes and cancer in future.
Use of Female Sterilization and associated Factors among Women of Reproductive Age in Malawi
Authors: Palamuleni Martin E.
Published: November 2023

Background:

Malawi has witnessed an increase in the uptake of female sterilization, making it one of the few countries having a high prevalence of female sterilization on the continent. The factors responsible for the high uptake of female sterilization are not known.

Objective:

The main objective of this study was to establish the factors associated with the use of female sterilization in Malawi.

Methods:

In the study, the 2015-16 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey has been used. The chi-square test and multivariate binary logistic regression were used to explore the factors influencing the uptake of female sterilization in the country.

Results:

Results showed the prevalence of female sterilization to be 18.1% as a method of contraception. Women residing in the Northern Region (OR=1.587, 95% CI=1.276-1.972; p=0.000) and the Central Region (OR=2.387, 95% CI=2.084-2.734; p=0.000), with no education (OR=2.102, 95% CI=1.634-2.703; p=0.000) and primary education (OR=1.488, 95% CI=1.206-1.835; p=0.000), who had not been visited by a field worker in the last twelve months (OR=2.252, 95% CI=1829-2.774; p=0.000) or had not visited a health centre in the last twelve months (OR=1.860, 95% CI=1.634-2.117; p=0.000), had higher odds of being sterilized. While women who were not working (OR=0.771, 95% CI=0.664-0.894; p=0.000), aged 30 years or less (OR=0.104, 95% CI=0.0.79-0.136; p=0.000), poor (OR=0.599, 95% CI=0.510-0.704; p=0.000), having middle wealth status (OR=0.744, 95% CI=0.626-0.883; p=0.000), having no child (OR=0.163, 95% CI=0.119-0.223; p=0.000) or 1-2 children (OR=0.408, 95% CI=0.352-0.473; p=0.000), and not being aware or having heard regarding family planning from television (OR=0.769, 95% CI=0.603-0.981; p=0.000), had lower odds of using female sterilization.

Conclusion:

According to African standards, the use of female sterilization in Malawi is high. The factors associated with the use of female sterilization include a high level of education, residing in the Central or Northern Region, aging 30 years and above, having been visited by a field worker in the past 12 months, having visited a health facility in the past 12 months, having heard regarding family planning on TV in the past few months, work status, wealth, and children ever born. These factors should be considered when planning future contraceptive strategies to improve the uptake of female sterilization. Family planning programs should also aim at economic empowerment for women.
The Role of Token Economy Therapy in Reducing the Psychological Burden of Formal Caregivers
Authors: Lawrence Kehinde C. , Makhonza Lindokuhle O. , Aliya Mambetalina S.
Published: November 2023

Background:

The responsibilities of providing care and support for individuals suffering from any form of illness sometimes impose psychological burdens of the care providers.

Objective:

The major concern of this study was to examine whether token economy therapy (TET) can effectively reduce the psychological burden of formal caregivers in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Methods:

A quasi-experimental design was adopted. Two secondary health centres in Ibadan were purposively selected, while paid caregivers were randomized into intervention (15) and control (15) groups. Two hypotheses were formulated and tested at a 0.05 significance level using Analysis of Covariance as a statistical analysis.

Results:

Findings revealed that the main effect of treatment was significant on the psychological burden (F (1, 29) = 725.492, partial; ῆ2 = 0.962). Furthermore, participants in the TET group had a post-treatment mean score of (χ=70.410) and those in the control group had (χ=31.335).

Conclusion:

The study concludes that TET was effective in reducing the psychological burden among health caregivers in state hospitals in Ibadan and was recommended as a treatment modality to reduce psychological burden.