bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of The Right to Food on International Trade in The Russia-Ukraine War
Authors: Abdurrahaman Ahmad Yahaya , Kurniasari Nilam Andalia
Published: November 2023

Many discussions about the Right to Food (RTF) and international trade have concluded that international trade has always aided in realizing the RTF. This is reflected in the FAO’s 2004 Right to food Guidelines. It emphasized the importance of international trade in promoting global economic growth and food security, as well as the commitment of states under the WTO Agreement on Agriculture to avoid market restrictions and distortions. The narrative has shifted with the advent of the Russian-Ukraine War. Ukraine and Russia supplied a quarter of the world’s grain before the war. Russia’s blockade of Ukraine’s Black Sea ports has prevented the country from realizing its export potential, contributing to a global food crisis, raising food prices, and putting pressure on global trading systems. Despite sanctions that further restricted international trade, Russia remained defiant until the Black Sea Grain Initiative emerged. This article examined the inter-legal links between the RTF and other fundamental rights, making it indispensable in international trade, humanitarian, and maritime law. The doctrinal legal research method is adopted to analyze the legal position and propositions underlying this topic in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war. The author finds that the state’s duty to respect, protect, and fulfil the RTF is a powerful tool for ensuring international peace and economic order. The work further draws on the Black Sea Grain Initiative to demonstrate that global trade can be preserved and revitalized by promoting the RTF. In conclusion, the article suggests improving and expanding this initiative while submitting that despite being viewed as a partial solution to risks posed by the war, the humanitarian agreement has provided eternal hope of encouraging states to explore diplomatic channels towards future crises, given their commitment to protecting the RTF and freedom from hunger.
Ius Constituendum Restorative Justice in Indonesia
Authors: Syah Benny Elfian , Purwoleksono Didik Endro
Published: November 2023

In recent times, legal experts in Indonesia have engaged in widespread discussions on restorative justice. This is because the country’s criminal justice system has been unable to deliver justice to society, with many cases deemed unworthy of trial, let alone convictions and sentencing. Most institutions that make up the criminal justice system, including the police, prosecutors’ offices, and courts, cannot be held solely responsible for this issue as they simply enforce existing regulations. Therefore, a new approach is necessary to resolve cases that prioritize mediation to reach a consensus based on social justice values, in which the concept of restorative justice plays a role. Restorative justice is not a new concept as it has been used by society for hundreds of years to solve problems that are not in line with social norms. Many customary practices prioritize technical solutions through local wisdom and emphasize forgiveness. Such practices include Gotong Royong, Tepo Seliro, Tego Lorone Gak Tego Patine, and others, all of which are foundational to society’s way of thinking about problem-solving. Based on these basic norms, Indonesian Founding Fathers incorporated these practice into Principles 2, 4, and 5, which are part of the Pancasila (Five Principles of Indonesian) norm. However, law enforcement may not fully understand these basic norms while implementing them. To anticipate the existing concept, criminal justice system institutions have created rules that are yet to reflect the approach of restorative justice. These institutional rules appear poorly integrated, potentially leading to normative conflicts that ultimately result in uncertainty within the criminal justice system.
Teacher-Student Interaction in Higher Education Institutions: Hybrid Language Learning in the Post-Pandemic Landscape
Authors: Eslit Edgar R.
Published: November 2023

In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, the shift to hybrid teaching approaches has introduced novel challenges and opportunities for both educators and students. This qualitative study, grounded in a robust theoretical framework, combines in-depth literature reviews, informal interviews, observations, and thematic analysis to explore the multifaceted dynamics of hybrid language learning within a College of Arts and Sciences. By investigating the experiences of twenty students (referred to as 'S-Part 1' to 'S-Part 20'), the research delves into the core theme of 'Teacher-Student Interaction in Higher Education Institutions' and unpacks nine additional themes: 'Adaptability and Resilience,' 'Flexibility and Autonomy,' 'Connectivity Challenges,' 'Feelings of Isolation,' 'Technology Competence,' 'Personalized Learning,' 'Resource Accessibility,' 'Support Mechanisms,' and 'Positive Learning Experiences.' In this study, these themes encapsulate the diverse experiences and challenges encountered by teachers and college students as they navigate the evolving educational landscape. The insights derived from the study are underpinned by a robust theoretical framework and complemented by existing scholarly literature. As we delve into these themes, it becomes evident that they shed light on not only the intricacies of hybrid language learning but also the broader educational context, offering valuable guidance for educators, institutions, students, and researchers. Based on the ample results, recommendations are presented for school administrators, teachers, students, and future researchers to enhance the quality of hybrid teaching and learning, aligning it with the demands of the post-academic era. Overall, this study contributes to the ongoing dialogue on innovative pedagogical strategies and responsive educational environments, underlining the significance of teacher-student interaction in the new normal of higher education.
Epidemiology of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Staphyloccocus aureus Isolates from a Public Database in a One Health Perspective – Sample Origin and Isolates Geographical Distribution
Authors: Zaghen Francesca , Sora Valerio Massimo , Meroni Gabriele , Laterza Giulia , Martino Piera Anna , Soggiu Alessio , Bonizzi Luigi , Zecconi Alfonso
Published: November 2023

Staphylococcus aureus are commensal bacteria present on skin and mucosae in both humans and animals, but they can also be found in food, water and in various environments. They are also considered a major pathogen having a great morbidity leading to a wide range of infections. They are included in the list of most virulent and antimicrobic resistant bacterial pathogens (ESKAPE, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis and faecium)) by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and S. aureus is part of the worldwide threat represented by the presence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The outcomes of an epidemiological investigation on 26,430 S. aureus isolates from a global public database (NPDIB; NCBI Pathogen Detection Isolate Browser) support the evidence of significant differences in the distribution of isolates and ARGs (Antimicrobial Resistance Genes) clusters among geographical areas of origin and among sources of the isolates. Moreover, the ARGs cluster patterns suggest an association between the isolates from human and animal populations. This outcome and the large diffusion of the pathogens among human and animal populations support the importance of gaining information on the epidemiology of these infections with a One Health approach.
The Second Derivative of Fullerene C60 (SD-C60 ) and Biomolecular Machinery of Hydrogen Bonds: Water-Based Nanomedicine
Authors: Matija Lidija R , Stankovic Ivana Mladen , Puric Milica , Miličić Milica , Maksimović-Ivanić Danijela , Mijatovic Sanja , Krajnović Tamara , Gordic Vuk , Koruga Djuro Lj.
Published: November 2023

The human body contains 60-70% of water, depending on age. As a body fluid, it is not only a medium in which physical and chemical processes take place, but it is also one of the active mediators. Water is the richest substance with non-covalent hydrogen bonds. Water molecules, by themselves (in vacuum), are diamagnetic, but when organized into clusters, become diamagnetic or paramagnetic. Also, biomolecules (DNA, collagen, clathrin, and other proteins) have non-covalent hydrogen bonds in their structure. The interaction, as well as signal transmission, between water and biomolecules is achieved through the vibrations of covalent and non-covalent hydrogen bonds, which determine the state and dynamics of conformational changes of biomolecules. Disruptive conformational changes of biomolecules, cells, and tissues lead to their dysfunctionality, so they are a frequent cause of many disorders and diseases. For example, the rearrangement of hydrogen bonding due to mitochondrial disease mutation in cytochrome bc1 disturbs heme bH redox potential and spin state. In order to prevent and repair the dysfunctional conformational changes, a liquid substance was developed based on the second derivative of the C60 molecule (SD-C60), which has classical and quantum properties. Characterization of SD-C60 by UV-VIS-NIR, FTIR, TEM, and AFM/MFM was done and it is shown that SD-C60 water layers generate vibrations with near-zero phase dispersion which are transmitted through the Fibonacci’s water chains to biomolecules. In comparison to previously published SD-C60 derivate (3HFWC, size until 10 nm, and 1-5 water layers), improved formulation (3HFWC-W, size 10-25 nm, and 6-9 water layers) showed multiplied cytotoxic activity against melanoma cell lines of different aggressiveness. Apart from this, the mode of action was preserved and based on induction of senescence rather than cell death. Importantly, high selectivity toward malignant phenotype was detected. Observed effects can be ascribed to a machinery of hydrogen bonds, which are generated in SD-C60 and transmitted through water to biomolecules. This approach may open a new field in science and healthcare - a “water-based nanomedicine”.
Interactions of CdSe nanocrystals with cationic proteins extracted from Moringa oleifera seeds
Authors: Daniel Likius Shipwiisho , Kapofi Salatiel , Kandawa-Schulz Martha , Kwaambwa Habauka Majority
Published: November 2023

Even with significant developments in nanoscience, fairly little is known about the interactions of nanocrystal semiconducting materials with bio-macromolecules. These interactions can influence the properties of both nanocrystals and bio-macromolecules. Understanding this interface is a condition to apply both nanoparticles and biomolecules for bioengineering. To investigate the interfacial phenomena of cadmium selenide quantum dots (CdSe QDs) nanocrystals with proteins extracted from Moringa oleifera seeds, different concentrations of cadmium selenide quantum dots-Moringa oleifera seed protein (CdSe—MSP) complexes were prepared. Respective CdSe QDs with hexagonal phase and crystalline size in the range of 4—7 nm were synthesized and labelled with the purified mesoporous MSP having a surface area of 8.4 m2/g. The interaction mechanism between CdSe QDs and MSP was studied using the UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence emission spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. The UV-Vis absorption spectrum showed an absorption band of CdSe-MSP complexes at 546.5 nm. The lowest absorbance intensity was observed for the complex with the highest concentration of M. oleifera seed proteins. The fluorescence (FL) spectroscopy of the complex was excited at 280 nm wavelength and emission was monitored at 598 nm. FL intensity of CdSe QDs was found to decrease with an increasing concentration of MSP. Using Stern-Volmer analysis, the binding constants (Kb), quenching constants (Kq) and the number of binding sites (n) were determined. The thermodynamic potentials ∆Hθ(—321.3 kJmol—1);\ ∆Sθ( 156.0 JK—1mol—1) and ∆Gθ(—46.6 kJmol—1) were also calculated. The complexes could be classified as the dynamic quenching mechanism. In the previous studies, the standard quenchers, viz. acrylamide, iodide and nitrate were used to quench the fluorescence of the MSP whereas in this study the protein has acted as a quencher of QDs fluorescence. The stability of the complex is strongly influenced by the CdSe QDs adsorbed into MSP through electrostatics interaction and surface-bound complexation equilibrium attraction. This information can help to elucidate the surface characteristics of MSP and its potential interactions with other molecules or nanoparticles.
Analysing the Impact of Financial News Sentiments over Stock Prices – a Wavelet Correlation
Authors: Cristescu Marian Pompiliu , Mara Dumitru Alexandru , Nerișanu Raluca Andreea , Culda Lia Cornelia , Maniu Ionela
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the complex interplay between public sentiment, as captured through news titles and descriptions, and the stock prices of three major tech companies: Microsoft (MSFT), Tesla (TSLA), and Apple (AAPL). Leveraging advanced analytical methods including Pearson correlation, wavelet coherence, and regression analysis, this research probes the degree to which stock price fluctuations can be attributed to the polarity of media sentiment. The methodology combines statistical techniques to assess sentiment's predictive power on stock opening and closing prices, while wavelet coherence analysis unveils the temporal dynamics of these relationships. Results demonstrate a significant correlation between sentiment polarity and stock prices, with description polarity affecting Microsoft's opening prices, title polarity influencing Tesla's opening prices, and a positive impact of title polarity on Apple's closing prices. However, Tesla's stock showed no significant coherence, indicating a potential divergence in how sentiment affects stock behavior across companies. The study highlights the importance of sentiment analysis in forecasting stock market trends, revealing not only direct correlations but also lagged influences on stock prices. Despite its focus on large-cap tech firms, this research provides a foundational understanding of sentiment's financial implications, suggesting further investigation into smaller firms and other market sectors.
Unexpected Differences in the Speed of Non-malignant versus Malignant Cell Migration Reveal Differential Basal ATP Levels
Authors: Kim Bareun , Lopez Anthony T. , Thevarajan Indhujah , Osuna Maria F. , Mallavarapu Monica , Gao Boning , Osborne Jihan K.
Published: November 2023

Cellular locomotion is required for survival, fertility, proper embryonic development, regeneration, and wound healing. Cell migration is a major component of metastasis, which accounts for two-thirds of all solid tumor deaths. While many studies have demonstrated increased energy requirements, metabolic rates, and migration of cancer cells compared to normal cells, few have systematically compared normal and cancer cell migration as well as energy requirements side by side. Thus, we investigated how non-malignant and malignant cells migrate utilizing several cell lines from the breast and lung. Initial screening was done in an unbiased high-throughput manner for the ability to migrate/invade on collagen and/or Matrigel. We unexpectedly observed that all the non-malignant lung cells moved significantly faster than cells derived from lung tumors regardless of growth media used. Given the paradigm-shifting nature of our discovery, we pursued possible mechanisms responsible. Neither mass, cell doubling, nor volume, accounted for the individual speed and track length of the normal cells. Non-malignant cells had higher levels of ATP at premigratory-wound induction stages. Meanwhile, cancer cells also increased ATP at premigratory-wound induction – but not to the levels of the normal cells, indicating the possibility for further therapeutic investigation.
Thyme Essential Oil As an Antibacterial Irrigant in Root Canal Treatment: In Vitro Preliminary Study
Authors: Galgano Michela , Pellegrini Francesco , Del Sambro Laura , Capozzi Loredana , Capozza Paolo , Bianco Angelica , Iandolo Alfredo , Omar Ahmed Hassan , Parisi Antonio , Pratelli Annamaria , Buonavoglia Alessio
Published: November 2023

Irrigation is crucial in cleaning and disinfection of the root canal system, because endodontic instruments are unable to reach a large part of the root canal system (isthmuses, accessory canals, apical ramifications) and bacteria that can reside. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is currently used as irrigant in root canal therapies for its non-specific protheolytic and antimicrobial properties, but undesirable effects may be observed especially when used near the terminus of apical foramen. This study aims to evaluate antimicrobial properties of Thyme Essential Oil (TEO) used alone or in combination with NaOCl against different bacterial strains, especially Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans. TEO non-cytotoxic concentration (9,28mg/mL) showed antimicrobial properties comparable to NaOCl after 1min of contact, both in presence of organic material (6% sheep blood). Moreover, the combination of TEO and NaOCl did not compromise their individual antimicrobial properties at the same time of contact. These data suggest that TEO could be used as antimicrobial irrigant in root canal therapies in association with NaOCl, to reduce concentration of NaOCl and its undesirable side effects. Due to the absence of cytotoxic effects at tested dilution, TEO could be safely used also near the terminus of apical foramen for its cytocompatibility.
Chemical Compositions of Essential oil Extracted from Eight Thyme Species and Potential Biological Functions
Authors: Dong Yanmei , Wei Ziling , Yang Rui , Zhang Yanan , Sun Meiyu , Bai Hongtong , Mo Meiling , Yao Chunlei , Li Hui , Shi Lei
Published: November 2023

Thymus is an herbaceous perennials or subshrubs of the Lamiaceae family and is widely distributed worldwide. Essential oils extracted from thymus have attracted much attention owing to their potential biological functions. Here, we evaluated the chemical compositions of eight thyme essential oils (TEOs) using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and assessed their antioxidant activity and in potential role in antibacterial and tumor therapy. The results showed that (1) the main components in eight TEOs were monoterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated monoterpenes, and the chemical compositions of TEOs were affected by the specie factor; (2) eight TEOs could be divided into 3 groups (thymol-, geraniol-and nerol acetate-type), and thymol was main type; (3) eight TEOs had some common compounds, such as thymol and p-cymene, which were the main components in seven TEOs; (4) eight TEOs had antioxidant activit, and thymol-type EOs had strong antioxidant activity, while geraniol-type EOs had relatively weak antioxidant activity. In addition, it was found thymol had strong antibacterial activity against the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and antimigratory activity of A549 cell. Overall, our results can provide theoretical basis for further exploring the function of natural products from thyme essential oils.
The Alignment of Galaxies in Structures – Review
Authors: Godłowski Włodzimierz
Published: November 2023

In this paper the observational result of the alignment of galaxies in different scales is discussed. Especially, the dependence between orientation of galaxies in structures and their size has been analyzed. Both the research methods relevant to the study of this problem and the effects hindering the proper interpretation of the obtained results are discussed. It has been shown that the current state of research indicates that galaxies, their pairs, and compact groups have a non vanishing alignment. In the structures of mass corresponding to groups of galaxies, this feature has not been found, while such phenomenon is observed for more massive structures. These results have been discussed in the light of simulation results and theoretical models of galaxy formation and structure.
Machine Learning and Structure-based Virtual Screening for Selecting Cinnamic Acid Derivatives as Leishmania major DHFR-TS Inhibitors
Authors: Muñoz-Vega Maria Camila , López-Hernández Sofía , Sierra-Chavarro Adrián , Scotti Marcus Tullius , Scotti Luciana , Coy-Barrera Ericsson , Herrera-Acevedo Chonny
Published: November 2023

The critical enzyme Dihydrofolate Reductase-Thymidylate Synthase in Leishmania major (LmDHFR-TS) serves a dual-purpose role and is essential for DNA synthesis, a cornerstone of the parasite's reproductive processes. Consequently, the development of inhibitors against LmDHFR-TS is crucial for the creation of novel anti-Leishmania chemotherapies. In this study, we employed an in-house database containing 314 secondary metabolites derived from cinnamic acid that occurred in the Asteraceae family. We conducted a combined ligand/structure-based virtual screening to identify potential inhibitors against LmDHFR-TS. By consensus analysis of both approaches, we identified three compounds, i.e., lithospermic acid (237), diarctigenin (306), and isolappaol A (308), that exhibited a high probability of being inhibitors according to both approaches and were consequently classified as promising hits. Subsequently, we expanded the binding mode examination of these compounds within the active site of the test enzyme through molecular dynamics simulations, revealing a high degree of structural stability and minimal fluctuations in its tertiary structure. The in-silico predictions were then validated through in-vitro assays to examine the inhibitory capacity of the top-ranked naturally-occurring compounds against LmDHFR-TS recombinant protein. The test compounds effectively inhibited the enzyme with IC50 values ranging from 6.1 to 10.1 μM. In contrast, other common cinnamic acid derivatives (i.e., flavonoid glycosides) from the Asteraceae family, such as hesperidin, isovitexin 4′-O-glucoside, and rutin, exhibited low activity against this target. The selective index (SI) for all tested compounds was determined using HsDHFR, with moderate inhibitory effect. Among these hits, lignans 306 and 308 demonstrated the highest selectivity, displaying superior SI values compared to methotrexate, the reference inhibitor of DHFR-TS. Therefore, continued research into the anti-leishmanial potential of these C6C3-hybrid butyrolactone lignans may offer a brighter outlook for combating this neglected tropical disease.
Humoral Immunity to Influenza Infection among the Russian Population
Authors: Ilyicheva Tatiana N. , Ivanova Ksenia Ivanovna , Marchenko Vasily Y.
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a study of human blood sera samples, collected in various regions of the Russian Federation, with regard to both vaccine and pandemic avian influenza viral strains. Just before the 2022-2023 epidemic season, herd immunity to seasonal influenza A viruses was reportedly lower than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Since no stable circulation of A/H5Nx and A/H9N2 influenza in the human population was observed during this period, we believe 100% vaccination against seasonal influenza is necessary for employees of poultry farms and other organizations, closely connected to the breeding and processing of poultry. In addition to protection against seasonal influenza, vaccination can hamper the emergence of new viral variants, driven by genome reassortment, during simultaneous infection of humans with seasonal human and animal influenza viruses.
Leukodystrophy Imaging: Insights for Diagnostic Dilemmas
Authors: Thakkar Rajvi N , Patel Drashti , Kioutchoukova Ivelina P. , Al-Bahou Raja , Reddy Pranith , Foster Devon T. , Lucke-Wold Brandon
Published: November 2023

Leukodystrophies, also known as demyelinating diseases, mainly affect the CNS. Clinical presentation of different types of leukodystrophies can be nonspecific and thus, imaging techniques like MRI can be used for a more definitive diagnosis. These diseases are characterized as cerebral lesions with characteristic demyelinating patterns, which can be used as differentiating tools. In this review, we talk about these MRI imaging findings for each leukodystrophy, associated genetics, blood work that can help differentiate, emerging diagnostics, and follow up imaging strategy. The leukodystrophies discussed in this paper include X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, Metachromatic leukodystrophy, Krabbe’s disease, Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease, Alexander’s disease, Canavan disease, and Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome.
Cobalt Iron Oxide-Conjugated Tin Oxide Nanocomposite for Antibacterial Activity against Multidrug-Resistant E. coli Isolated from Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Sazib Md. Rabiul Islam , Basher Md. khadimul , Islam Baharul , Romance M. , Khan Muhib Ullah , Islam Md. Shariful , Mukhlish Muhammad Zobayer Bin , Uddin Md. Tamez , Haque Md. Hakimul
Published: November 2023

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by pathogens, particularly E. coli, have spontaneously become resistant to antimicrobial drugs in recent years. Therefore, regular monitoring and alternative strategies for the antimicrobial agent are crucial for combating antimicrobial resistance and bacterial biofilms. Here, we report a new cobalt iron oxide-conjugated tin oxide nanocomposite that can kill bacteria and treat multidrug-resistant E. coli posing UTIs. Following the isolation and identification of E. coli, we tested 57/134 samples against sixteen commonly used antibiotics phenotypically using the disk diffusion method to determine their sensitivity pattern. Of the 57 E. coli isolates, 66% (38/57) were multidrug-resistant. The E. coli isolates were resistant to cephradine (70.17%), ceftriaxone (59.64%), and azithromycin (59.64%), followed by cefixime (54.38%), cefuroxime sodium (52.63%), and co-trimoxazole (50.87%). X-ray diffraction results showed the crystallite sizes were about 5.68 and 8.84 nm in pure SnO2 nanoparticles and 95% SnO2-5% CoFe2O4 nanocomposite, respectively. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared determined the fundamental structure of the nanocomposite, encompassing Co, Fe, Sn, and O. Moreover, FTIR measurements implied that the distinct functional groups in both SnO2 and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles existed in a 95% SnO2-5% CoFe2O4 nanocomposite. Field emission scanning electron microscope analysis uncovered that the SnO2-CoFe2O4 nanocomposite had a size of roughly 24 nm and was spherical. In addition, the biosynthesized SnO2 nanoparticles and SnO2-CoFe2O4 nanocomposite were evaluated for their antibacterial activity. At a minimum 100 µg/mL concentration, SnO2 nanoparticles and SnO2-CoFe2O4 nanocomposite showed high antibacterial activity. The SnO2 nanoparticles and SnO2-CoFe2O4 nanocomposite demonstrated antibacterial activity on multidrug-resistant E. coli at 10 ± 0.7 and 16 ± 0.8 mm zone of inhibition, respectively. In conclusion, the new SnO2-CoFe2O4 nanocomposite might be a potential candidate for treating UTIs caused by drug-resistant E. coli in the foreseeable future.
Efficient Human Violence Recognition for Surveillance in Real-Time
Authors: Huillcen Baca Herwin Alayn , Palomino Valdivia Flor de Luz , Gutierrez Caceres Juan Carlos
Published: November 2023

Human violence recognition is an area of great interest in the scientific community, given its broad spectrum of applications, especially in video surveillance systems, since detecting violence in real-time could prevent criminal acts and save lives. Despite the number of existing proposals and research, most focus on the precision of results, leaving aside efficiency and its practical implementation. Thus, this work proposes a model that is effective and efficient in recognizing human violence in real-time. The proposed model consists of three modules: a first module called Spatial Motion Extractor (SME), in charge of extracting regions of interest from a frame; a second module called Short Temporal Extractor (STC), whose function is to extract temporal characteristics of rapid movements, finally the Global Temporal Extractor (GET) module, responsible for identifying long-lasting temporal features and fine-tuning the model. The proposal was evaluated regarding efficiency, effectiveness, and ability to operate in real-time. The results obtained on Hockey, Movies, and RWF-2000 datasets demonstrated that this approach is highly efficient compared to other alternatives. A VioPeru dataset was created to validate real-time applicability with violent and non-violent videos captured by real video surveillance cameras in Peru. The effectiveness results in this dataset outperformed the best existing proposal. Therefore, our proposal has contributions in efficiency, effectiveness, and real-time.
Identification of Aggregation Processes in Hexamethylenetetramine Aqueous Solutions: A Comprehensive Raman and Acoustic Spectroscopic Study Combined with Molecular Orbital Calculations
Authors: Tsigoias Stefanos , Papanikolaou Michael G. , Kabanos Themistoklis A. , Kalampounias Angelos G.
Published: November 2023

Raman scattering has been employed to study in detail the concentration dependence of the vibrational modes for the hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) aqueous solutions. The formation of protonated and/or aggregated species has been clarified by comparing the experimental with the theoretically predicted vibrational spectra by means of quantum mechanical calculations. The analysis has shown that the vibrational modes of the solutions arise from a contribution of the vibrational modes of the HMTA self-aggregates and hetero-aggregates of HMTA with water molecules that are formed in the low- and intermediate-concentration region, respectively. The protonation of HMTA is ruled out due to the large differences between the experimental and the theoretically calculated spectra of the protonated molecules of HTMA in the fingerprint region. In the low-concentration solutions, the hetero-aggregation reaction of HMTA with water is the dominant mechanism, while at higher concentrations a self-aggregation mechanism occurs. Ultrasonic absorption and velocity measurements were carried out for hexamethylenetetramine aqueous solutions. The acoustic spectra reveal the presence of only one single Debye-type relaxation process that is assigned to the aggregation mechanism of HMTA. The sound absorption data follow two different dependencies on HMTA mole fraction. The crossover 0.018 mole fraction signifies two separate regions with distinct structural characteristics. The relaxation mechanism observed in dilute solutions is attributed to hetero-association of HMTA with water molecules, while at higher concentrations the observed relaxation process is assigned to the self-association reaction of HMTA molecules. This structural transformation is also reflected in several physicochemical properties of the system, including the kinematic viscosity, the mass density, the sound speed, and the adiabatic compressibility of the HMTA aqueous solutions. The combination of vibrational and acoustic spectroscopies with molecular orbital calculations allowed us to disentangle the underlying processes and to elucidate the observed relaxation mechanism in the HMTA aqueous solutions.
Dramatic Differences between the Structural Stability of the Pre- and Postfusion States of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein under External Electric Fields Revealed by Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Lipskij Alexander , Arbeitman Claudia , Rojas Pablo , Ojeda-May Pedro , Garcia Martin E.
Published: November 2023

In its prefusion state, the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein (similarly to other class I viral fusion proteins) is metastable, which is considered to be an important feature for optimizing or regulating their functions. After the binding process of its S1 subunit (S1) with the ACE2, the Spike protein (S) suffers a dramatic conformational change where S1 splits from the S2 subunit, which then penetrates the membrane of the host cell, promoting the fusion of the viral and cell membranes. This results in the infection of the host cell. In a previous work, we showed -using large scale molecular dynamics simulations- that the application of external electric fields (EF) induces drastic changes and damage in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the wild type Spike protein, as well of the Alpha, Beta and Gamma variants, leaving a structure which cannot be recognized any more by ACE2. In this work, we first extend the study to the Delta and Omicron variants and confirm the high sensitivity and extreme vulnerability of S to moderate EF (as weak as 104 V m-1), but, more importantly, we also show that, in contrast, the postfusion state of the spike protein does not suffer structural damage even if electric field intensities four orders of magnitude higher are applied. These results provide a solid scientific basis to confirm the prefusion state metastability roots of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein susceptibility to be damaged by EF. After the virus docks to the ACE2 receptor, the stable and robust postfusion conformation develops, which exhibits a similar resistance to EF (damage threshold higher than 108 V m-1) like most globular proteins.
Effect of Reduced Nitrogen Fertilization on the Chemical and Biological Traits of Soils under Maize Crops
Authors: Wolińska Agnieszka , Banach Artur , Kruczyńska Anna , Sochaczewska Anna , Goraj Weronika , Górski Andrzej , Podlewski Jacek , Słomczewski Andrzej , Kuźniar Agnieszka
Published: November 2023

The aim of the study was to verify whether a 20 and 40% reduction of nitrogen (N) fertilization rate will be sufficient to maintain soil basic chemical features, fertility, and yielding in monoculture maize cultivation in the no-tillage (NT) system versus the traditional plowing (PL) system. In addition, it was examined which tillage system (PL, NT) allows reduction of fertilization while maintaining good yields of the tested soils. Two fields (10 ha each) were established for PL and NT maize cultivation and soils (0-20 cm) were sampled two times per year - in spring (before maize sowing) and in autumn (after maize harvesting). A broad range of chemical and biological parameters (i.e. pH, forms of nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon, content of selected macronutrients and humic substances, respiration activity) were monitored during the experiment. It was evidenced that the 20% reduction in N fertilization does not have an adverse effect on the chemical and biological characteristics of soils. In turn, the maize yield was mainly the result of both the tillage system and the N rate, i.e. it was significantly higher in the PL system.
LP-based Row Generation using Optimization-based Sorting Method for Solving Budget Allocation with a Combinatorial Number of Constraints
Authors: Witthayapraphakorn Aphisak , Jaijit Sasarose , Charnsethikul Peerayuth
Published: November 2023

A novel approach was developed that combined LP-based row generation with optimization-based sorting to tackle computational challenges posed by budget allocation problems with combinatorial constraints. The proposed approach dynamically generated constraints using row generation and prioritized them using optimization-based sorting to ensure a high-quality solution. Computational experiments and case studies revealed that as the problem size increased, the proposed approach outperformed simplex solutions in terms of solution search time. Specifically, for a problem with 50 projects (N = 50) and 2,251,799,813,685,250 constraints, the proposed approach found a solution in just 1.4 seconds, while LP failed due to the problem size. The proposed approach demonstrated enhanced computational efficiency and solution quality compared to traditional LP methods.
Educator as the Key for Digital Transformation in Curriculum and Learning
Authors: Pratiwi Mega Cahya , Riyana Cepi
Published: November 2023

Era disrupsi ditandai dengan adanya VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) dimana masyarakat dihadapkan pada perubahan yang sulit diprediksi, ketidakpastian, kompleksitas, serta ambiguitas yang terjadi di hampir semua aspek kehidupan, tidak terkecuali pendidikan. Transformasi digital dalam bidang pendidikan menjadi sebuah keniscayaan, karena transformasi digital adalah tentang bagaimana perusahaan atau organisasi beradaptasi dengan realitas baru. Dalam hal tersebut, pendidik menjadi salah satu aspek yang terlibat dalam upaya transformasi digital dalam kurikulum dan pembelajaran. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menunjukkan bahwa pendidik merupakan kunci keberhasilan upaya transformasi digital dalam kurikulum dan pembelajaran serta untuk mengetahui bagaimana agar pendidik siap dalam mendukungnya. Untuk mengupayakan keberhasilan suatu organisasi atau institusi pendidikan dalam melakukan transformasi digital  dimulai dengan perubahan mindset (pola pikir), memilih toolset (teknologi), terakhir melatih skill set (keterampilan). Pendidik perlu dilatih agar menjadi pribadi yang growth mindset  dengan dapat melihat dirinya sebagai orang yang terus berubah dan selalu ingin tahu tentang berbagai topik  sehingga mereka selalu memiliki kesiapan menghadapi berbagai perubahan yang ada.
Pengaruh Operasi Tangkap Tangan (OTT) terhadap Pelaporan Dugaan Tindak Pidana Korupsi oleh Masyarakat (Studi Kasus KPK)
Authors:   Program Studi Magister Perencanaan Ekonomi dan Kebijakan Pembangunan, Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis Universitas Indonesia, Syahputra Wardhana Ardy , Yudhistira Muhammad Halley ,   Departemen Ilmu Ekonomi, Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis, Universitas Indonesia
Published: November 2023

Operasi Tangkap Tangan (OTT) merupakan satu kegiatan KPK di bidang penindakan korupsi yang tersohor di kalangan masyarakat Indonesia. Kegiatan tersebut juga ditandai dengan konferensi pers yang secara garis besar menyebutkan profil tersangka dan kronologis penangkapan. Dalam melakukan tugasnya, KPK tidak dapat bekerja sendiri. Partisipasi aktif masyarakat tentu sangat membantu KPK dalam menjalankan tugasnya dengan lebih efektif dan efisien, salah satu bentuknya adalah dengan melaporkan adanya dugaan tindak pidana korupsi. Penelitian dilakukan untuk melihat bagaimana pengaruh kegiatan OTT KPK terhadap partisipasi masyarakat dalam melaporkan adanya dugaan tindak pidana korupsi. Data yang digunakan adalah data kegiatan OTT dan laporan pengaduan masyarakat KPK mulai tahun 2017 sampai dengan tahun 2021. Dengan menggunakan regresi data panel fixed effect model, penelitian ini menemukan: setiap kegiatan OTT yang dilanjutkan dengan penyebaran berita melalui konferensi pers, menjadi signal dalam meningkatkan jumlah pengaduan masyakarat ke KPK; OTT yang dilakukan di pulau Jawa memiliki andil yang cukup besar dalam meningkatkan jumlah pengaduan masyarakat dibandingkan OTT di luar jawa; analisa data tahunan menunjukkan bahwa mulai tahun 2019 hingga 2021, terjadi trend penurunan pengaduan masyarakat terutama pada tahun 2020 dan 2021. Hal ini sejalan dengan penurunan OTT yang sangat tajam dibandingkan dengan tahun-tahun sebelumnya. OTT yang dilaksanakan di tahun politik tidak berpengaruh terhadap peningkatan pengaduan masyarakat, namun sebaliknya, diluar tahun politik, OTT malah signifikan berpengaruh terhadap peningkatan pengaduan masyarakat; OTT yang dilakukan baik di tahun terjadinya pandemi Covid-19 maupun tahun sebelum pandemi, sama-sama tidak berpengaruh terhadap peningkatan jumlah pengaduan masyarakat.
Navigating the Nexus: Government Policies in Cultivating Religious Moderation Within State Islamic Higher Education
Authors: Muhlisin Muhlisin , Kholis Nur , Rini Juwita
Published: November 2023

This study aims to analyze the implementation of religious moderation at the State Islamic Higher Education (PTKIN) in Indonesia through academic policies in the fields of education, research, and community service programs. It is based on the empirical examination of the spread of radical, extreme, and exclusive religious sects among higher education civitas academica in Indonesia. The research combines qualitative and quantitative approaches (mixed methods) simultaneously. Data sources were randomly obtained from leaders, lecturers, and students at PTKIN through interviews, observations, questionnaires, documentation, and focus group discussions. Data analysis was carried out through data reduction, data display, and data verification, as well as statistical analysis using the t-test with the SPSS 17.0 program. The results show that religious moderation has been promoted through academic policies in education, research, and community services, which aligns with Pancasila values as the Indonesian state philosophy. This finding is strengthened by the acquisition of a significant t-test < 0.05, which indicates that the academic policies provide crucial support for implementing religious moderation at PTKIN. Overall, this study confirms the idea that promoting religious moderation should be seen as a crucial shared agenda since it plays a pivotal role in determining the long-term viability of a country.
Comparison of Six Days of the Creation in Masoretic Version and Onkelos Targum in the Historical and Philosophical Contexts
Authors: Andreev Gennadii P.
Published: November 2023

The article is dedicated to the first chapter of the Book of Genesis in the Targum Onkelos, the most important Jewish translation of the Pentateuch into Aramaic. The paper deals with terms related to the structure of space, time and eternity. In the Targum of Onkelos, the influence of Ptolemaic cosmology and geography, as well as the worldview of the era of the formation of the Mishna, are observed. The creator of the translation uses the term kadmin (originality, eternity), which al­lows us to interpret that Onkelos in a sense allows the existence of the world for an indefinitely long time in the past. In the theological aspect, the author of the Targum uses the Tetragrammaton, which is translated into Russian as the word “Lord”, instead of the Hebrew elohim (plural form). The author of the article inter­prets this unconditionally monotheistic term as a struggle against Gnosticism and Manichaeism, which was relevant in the 2nd century AD. The Aramaic term rekiya, which Onkelos translates into Hebrew rakia, means not so much “firma­ment” as extension, and this article discusses its possible translation as “space”. If a number of concepts “signs”, “holidays”, “days” and “years” are used in the He­brew Torah as synonymous, then in the Aramaic text “signs” and “times” are sepa­rately distinguished, and it is separately indicated that the luminaries are needed to count days and years. This shows the influence of Late Antique astrology, popu­lar among the Jews too. The author of this Targum not only created an interpreta­tion of the biblical text, but also created his own aspects of Jewish cosmology, which were used by Jewish interpreters to build their medieval cosmology.
Yu.M. Lotman’s Semiosphere and V.S. Stepin’s Cultural Universals in the Context of the Study of Collective Memory
Authors: Sabancheev Rustam Yu.
Published: November 2023

The author of the article considers the actual problem of the methodological foundations of the interdisciplinary approach in modern humanities through the prism of comparing two different concepts of the phenomenon of culture. One of them is presented in the works of Yu.M. Lotman, whose research meth­ods can be described as structural-semiotic. The second concept grows out of the works of V.S. Stepin, who mostly used scientific and philosophical methodology in his study of culture. Carrying out a comparative analysis of both approaches and the corresponding theoretical constructions, the author of the article notes that the content of the main concepts of the two concepts – cultural universals, sociocode, semiosphere, cultural text – demonstrates the presence of common tendencies of Lotman and Stepin in their attempt present the cultural continuum as something integral, systemic. At the same time, it becomes obvious that, in developing their concepts, both Stepin and Lotman assigned an important role to the mechanisms of collective memory. Thus, their works become consonant with modern European studies of this issue, and also continue the Russian philo­sophical tradition. The conclusions presented in the article are of methodological significance for philosophers and humanities scholars (philologists, culturolo­gists, psychologists, political scientists) in the course of interdisciplinary re­search work of which the problems of collective memory are becoming increas­ingly relevant today.
Antifungal Susceptibility Pattern of Candida species Isolated from Pregnant Women in ‎Hajjah Governorate, Yemen
Authors: Xue Gao , Ali Maqsood , Edrees Wadhah Hassan , Al-Shehari Wadee , Chaulagain Ram Prasad , Lal Nand , Al-Hammadi Safa , Qasem Eglal Ahmed
Published: November 2023

Background and Aims: Candida
species, opportunistic yeast, are the second most common cause of female vulvovaginal candidiasis. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal susceptibility profile of the isolated Candida species in pregnant women in Hajjah governorate, Yemen. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 396 pregnant women attending Authority AL-Gumhorri Hospital Hajjah between February and July 2023. Vaginal swabs were collected, and Candida species were isolated and identified based on the standard laboratory method. Furthermore, the antifungal drug susceptibility of Candida species was determined by the Kirby-Bauer technique. Results: The prevalence of vaginal Candida infection among pregnant women was 61.4%. Candida albicans was the most predominant species (59.26%), followed by C. krusei (13.58%), C. tropicalis (11.12%), C. glabrata (9.87%), and C. dublinensis (6.17%). The highest rate of Candida infections was among women aged 24–30 years (71.9%) who finished primary school (77.8%), with the third trimester (80%), multigravida (66.1%), and recurrent infection (67.7%) showing significant differences (P ˂ 0.05). The C. albicans isolates were resistant to clotrimazole and itraconazole at 34.7% and 23.6%, respectively. In addition, the resistance of C. krusei, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, and C. dublinensis isolates to fluconazole, voriconazole, voriconazole, and nystatin was 57.6%, 63%, 43.8%, and 60%, respectively. Additionally, approximately 46.2% of isolated Candida albicans exhibited one kind of antifungal drug resistance, whereas 38.7% of isolated non-albicans exhibited resistance to three different antifungal agents. Conclusion: According to the above findings, Candida infection is highly prevalent in Yemen and quite widespread. Interventions in health education are advised to increase women's knowledge of vaginitis and its prevention. The antifungal susceptibility test may also be helpful in determining the best medication for each patient.