bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hospital-Based Surveillance System Development in Patients with Hematological Malignancies undergoing Bone Marrow Transplant in Middle-Income Countries- the Case of Iran experience: Research Protocol
Authors: Oshnouei Sima , Jebraeily Mohamad , Asadi-Lari Mohsen , Jafarzadeh-Kohneloo Aarefeh , Eshrati Babak , Asghari Rahim
Published: June 2024

Background
In patients with hematological malignancies undergoing bone marrow transplants, both cancer surveillance programs and cancer registries play crucial roles in monitoring and improving patient outcomes. This research protocol aims to establish a hospital-based surveillance system for patients with hematological malignancies undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT) in Iran, utilizing a mixed-methods approach.
Methods
The study will involve quantitative data collection through medical record reviews and qualitative data collection through action research. To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the surveillance system among healthcare providers and patients, an assessment was conducted. This involved organizing an expert panel and conducting focus groups. Given the absence of a standardized data collection format for the patients under study, we are taking steps to develop a Bone Marrow Transplantation Registry Electronic System in educational hospitals.
Results
We utilized a standardized format developed by the EBMT and CIBMTR, along with input from expert panels and focus groups, to review the literature on hematological malignancies. We have created a Bone Marrow Transplant Registry Checklist, designed as a tool for data collection. It incorporates validated MDS elements tailored to five distinct types of hematological malignancies. We utilized a passive data collection method to continuously gather pertinent information and created a web-based data collection tool for continuous monitoring and evaluation of treatments. Analytical reports were generated in the form of operational dashboards, providing valuable feedback on analyses during the surveillance process. A pilot test of the registry surveillance system was conducted to ensure alignment with standard procedures and to identify and address any systematic or random errors.
Conclusions
This research protocol outlines the methodology for establishing a system and emphasizes the importance of implementing standardized monitoring protocols in middle-income countries to enhance the evaluation of treatment outcomes among patients with hematological malignancies undergoing HSCT. This system can help identify gaps in available data and treatment modalities during procedures like HSCT. It can facilitate quality improvement and ultimately enhance patient outcomes by engaging with other decision-makers and supporting the growing efforts in middle-income countries in the concept of action research.
Analyzing Instance Representation in Cognitive Models of Phishing Decision Making
Authors: Xu Tianhao , Rajivan Prashanth
Published: June 2024

Phishing attacks remain a significant security threat. One approach to addressing this challenge is through personalized and adaptive anti-phishing training solutions capable of tailoring learning experiences to individual needs and context. This requires cognitive models that are predictive of individual phishing responses and are amenable to analyzing and measuring the cognitive factors underlying people's susceptibility to phishing attacks. In this paper, we study a key challenge associated with developing cognitive models of phishing decision making grounded in instance based learning theory (IBLT): instance engineering. We investigate the effectiveness of different approaches to designing instances using transformer based methods for natural language representation. This work also investigates which aspects of phishing decision making IBL models could represent and predict. We found that using representations that consider contextual meanings assigned by humans could enable cognitive agents to predict human responses to phishing emails with high accuracy. Notably, we also found that IBL models were predictive of responses from participants who engaged in the quick and intuitive form of decision making process. This work underscores cognitive models' potential to analyze differences in individual's responses to phishing attacks, identify gaps in security awareness, and enhance anti-phishing training effectiveness.
Synthetic recovery of Yada Yada virus expands insect-specific alphavirus knowledge and facilitates production of chimeric viruses
Authors: Bell Mikaela G , Parry Rhys H , Lee Tricia S E , Habarugira Gervais , McMahon Isabella E , Thompson Madeline A , Modhiran Naphak , Watterson Daniel , Batovska Jana , Lynch Stacey E , Hall Roy A , Harrison Jessica J , Hobson-Peters Jody
Published: June 2024

In comparison to other arbovirus genera, few insect-specific alphaviruses have been discovered to date, with even fewer culturable to facilitate full characterisation. Using circular polymerase extension reaction (CPER), we report the recovery of an infectious clone of Yada Yada virus (YYV), which was initially detected by metagenomic sequencing of mosquito homogenates and is the first insect-specific alphavirus (ISA) discovered in the Asia-Pacific region. Using the infectious clone, we demonstrated that YYV did not replicate in a range of vertebrate cells and displayed mosquito genus-specific tropism by only replicating in Aedes-derived cell lines. The YYV infectious clone, in addition to one of Eilat virus (EILV; another ISA), generated by CPER and synthetic dsDNA fragments, facilitated the generation of the first monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to ISAs. Through successful replacement of the structural proteins of YYV with those of three other ISAs, Agua Salud alphavirus (ASALV), Taï Forest alphavirus (TALV) and Mwinilunga alphavirus (MWAV), we established that a replication block for in vitro culture of TALV and MWAV in mosquito cells does not exist at virus entry. We also established that the majority of the anti-ISA mAbs were highly specific to YYV or EILV. Unexpectedly, ASALV structural proteins were recognized by cross-reactive mAbs made to chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Ross River virus (RRV), suggesting a potential antigenic link between ASALV and pathogenic alphaviruses. To investigate YYV as a potential platform for producing vaccine and diagnostic antigens, YYV chimeras of pathogenic vertebrate-infecting alphaviruses (VIA) were made for CHIKV, RRV, Barmah Forest virus, Sindbis virus and Mayaro virus. These chimeras retained the antigenic properties of the parental VIAs and did not replicate in vertebrate cells.
Removal of Fluoride from Aqueous Solution by CaFe2O4–GO Composite
Authors: Ali Abdul Matin , Kapil Nibedita , Gupta Susmita Sen , Chakraborty Dhruba
Published: June 2024

Interactions of graphene calcium ferrite nano (GCF) composite have been investigated for the utilization as adsorbent for fluoride in aqueous medium. Batch adsorption studies were carried out with various fluoride concentrations, amount of adsorbent, pH, agitation time and temperature. The adsorption process was strongly influenced by the pH of the solution. The extent of adsorption decreased from 79.5 to 70.1% by changing the initial fluoride concentration from 1.0 to 9.0 mg L− 1 (for adsorbent load 2.0 g L− 1). The kinetic study of the interaction was tested with pseudo first order Lagergren equation, second order kinetics, Elovich equation, liquid film diffusion model and intra particle diffusion model; however the interaction was much more close to the second order kinetics (k2 = 0.0518 g mg− 1min− 1at 303 K). The adsorption data gave good fits with Langmuir monolayer capacity of ̴11.90 mg g−1 at 303 K. The uptake of fluoride was also preferred by higher solution temperature. The results established good potentiality for graphene calcium ferrite nano (GCF) composite to take up and separate fluoride from aqueous medium through adsorption-mediated immobilization.
Medical Equipment Technological Assessment at Fatebenefratelli-Sacco Hospital: an ad hoc Replacement Priority Index
Authors: Grasso Alessandro , Cimolin Veronica , Orsi Giorgio , Olivieri Pietro , Milani Elena , Scazzina Barbara , Fornari Roberta
Published: June 2024

The latest report of the Osservatorio Parco Installato (OPI) highlights the widespread state of obsolescence of electromedical equipment in Italy; in this context, Sacco hospital has implemented an internal strategy of management and evaluation of such equipment, in order to improve the planning of purchases, for greater profitability and efficiency of the service. The hospital has devised its own evaluation strategy for the installed park, developing an ad hoc model for multi-presidio public structures in which there is an outsourced management of the maintenance of electromedical equipment. The model, based on the synergy between a technical Replacement Priority Index (RPI) and a clinical RPI, aims to be quickly upgradable and able to grasp the urgency of replacing an equipment based on the state of the others of the same type. The strategy, given the heterogeneity of the group involved and the parameters analyzed, is based on the Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA); the specific weights of the parameters have been assigned thanks to an internal survey in which the various industry experts have drawn up their ranking of importance of the parameters considered. The goal is therefore the search for total harmony between health and decision-making bodies, providing for the involvement of nurses, active engine of hospitals, and doctors, to outline a shared strategy of technological modernization and better use of the resources offered by the Piano Nazionale di Resistenza e Resilienza (PNRR) and D. lgs. 34/2020, next step of the project in progress.
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in English Vocabulary Development for Higher Secondary School Students
Authors: Chingakham Dinachandra Singh , Tamuk Kiran
Published: June 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been popular in the industrial usage and information-technology field. The present study was about the application of AI in English vocabulary learning among high school grade 12 students. One hundred and twelve students took part in the empirical study. Six-week experimental classes were taught. A pre-test and post-test were given to collect English vocabulary proficiency scores. The data were analyzed using SPSS-26. The t-test of the post-test showed that there was a significant difference between the experimental group (AI users) and the control groups (learning in traditional method), with a p-value smaller than the threshold, p < .05, at a 95% Confidence Interval of the Difference. The finding concluded that AI could be used in English vocabulary learning. Schools and institutions could draw a strategic policy to integrate into school policy not to deride academic integrity.
Bark Extract of Urena lobata as Green Corrosion Inhibitor for Mild Steel in Sulphuric Acid Environment
Authors: Enyinnaya Nwojo Princeley , James Abosede Olubunmi , Obi Chidi
Published: June 2024

Urena lobata bark extract (ULBE) was investigated as corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 0.5 M H2SO4 by phytochemical method, gravimetric and surface morphological studies. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and other phytochemicals that inhibit corrosion. The result showed that inhibition efficiency increases with concentration of the inhibitor (from 0.2 g-1.0 g) reaching maximum of 83.28% at 303 K and 24 hr immersion time. It also decreases with temperature rise from 303 K to 333 K. The thermodynamic parameters obtained support a physical adsorption mechanism and best fitted to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The values of activation energies obtained in the presence of the inhibitor was all higher than that of the blank solution indicating that ULBE inhibitor effectively inhibits mild steel corrosion. The inhibition process followed first order kinetics. Surface morphological studies revealed that the inhibited mild steel coupons have smooth surfaces whereas mild steel immersed in blank solution showed rough and irregular surfaces, hence confirming the inhibition ability of the inhibitor.
Development and Implementation of a Hybrid Model for Classifying Earthquake Damage Areas Using an Improved Black Hole Algorithm and Intuitive Fuzzy C-Means (A Case Study of Mashhad City)
Authors: Azizi Amir , Yaghoobi Mahdi , Kamel Reza
Published: June 2024

Natural disasters, such as earthquakes and floods, can significantly impact the capacity of responsible organizations due to damage to infrastructure and a lack of reliable information. In the aftermath of such events, relief operations must be well-prepared to quickly and effectively meet the needs of affected individuals to create a secure environment. In this study, we aimed to assess the seismic risk of metropolitan regions in Mashhad, Iran. Given the complex and uncertain nature of this topic, employed the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to determine the most effective indices for estimating earthquake damage and classifying urban zones. The Black Hole Intuitive Fuzzy C-Mean (BH-IFCM) algorithm was then applied to zone the seismic risk in 13 districts of Mashhad City. The fuzzy model and intuitive fuzzy algorithm were used to evaluate and zone sensitive regions, and the optimization technique of Black Hole updated with the super-chaos method was utilized to develop optimal solutions. The results of our analysis achieved a classification accuracy of 97.34% for Mashhad City and 96.73% for Bam City.
Efficient qudit based scheme for photonic quantum computing
Authors: Karácsony Márton , Oroszlány László , Zimboras Zoltan
Published: June 2024

Linear optics is a promising alternative for the realization of quantum computation protocols due to the recent advancements in integrated photonic technology. In this context, usually qubit based quantum circuits are considered, however, photonic systems naturally allow also for d-ary, i.e., qudit based, algorithms. This work investigates qudits defined by the possible photon number states of a single photon in d > 2 optical modes. We demonstrate how to construct locally optimal non-deterministic many-qudit gates using linear optics and photon number resolving detectors, and explore the use of qudit cluster states in the context of a d-ary optimization problem. We find that the qudit cluster states require less optical modes and are encoded by a fewer number of entangled photons than the qubit cluster states with similar computational capabilities. We illustrate the benefit of our qudit scheme by applying it to the k-coloring problem.
Environmentally related taxes and their influence on decarbonization of the economy
Authors: Dobrovolska Olena , Günther Swen , Chernetska Olga , Dubrova Natalia , Kachula Svitlana
Published: June 2024

Environmental taxes ensure sustainable development, but their fiscal and environmental effectiveness differs for countries with different socio-economic characteristics. This study aims to compare the impact of environmental tax revenues on economy’s decarbonization (measured through carbon productivity – the ratio of GDP to carbon dioxide emissions) in different countries, considering their green technologies development and carbon emissions. The paper analyzed OECD and World Bank statistical data for 38 OECD countries for 2002–2021 using linear panel regression models with fixed and random effects (using Hausman test and STATA 18). To identify explicit and latent patterns of this influence, which are common to certain countries, this analysis did not consider each country separately but targeted clusters, distinguished by Ward and Sturges methods based on the effective tax rate on carbon emissions, total environmental tax revenues, total carbon emissions, and carbon productivity. The positive influence of environmental tax revenues on the economy’s decarbonization level has been confirmed for 29 countries (four from six clusters). The effect is the largest for the USA (an increase in tax revenues by 1% leads to an increase in carbon productivity by 0.9% on average) and the smallest – for the cluster including Austria, Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, Czechia, Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Korea, Lithuania, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, and the Great Britain (increase – 0.1%). The negative impact was confirmed for nine countries (two from six clusters): Denmark, Finland, Israel, Latvia, and Sweden (decrease – 0.3%) and Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, and Slovenia (decrease – 0.21%).
A fundamentação das decisões judiciais no código de processo civil: uma análise em Castanheira Neves sobre a importância dos casos concretos na realização do direito
Authors: Bezerra Vladimir , Bedê Américo
Published: June 2024

O presente trabalho verifica o seguinte: É cabível a formulação de Castanheira Neves em relação à aplicação do artigo 489, §1º, do Código de Processo Civil? Se sim, como seria a colaboração prestada pela obra do autor português ao cumprimento do dispositivo legal mencionado? Para tanto, analisa se as lições do referenciado autor podem auxiliar na aplicação do dito dispositivo legal e investiga como julgados de Tribunais brasileiros estão avaliando a aplicação do dispositivo legal citado.
A eficácia horizontal dos direitos fundamentais e o princípio da igualdade: Idade como critério de reajuste contratual nos planos de saúde
Authors: Lemos Junior Eloy Pereira , Braz Virgínia Lara Bernardes
Published: June 2024

Nos últimos tempos, com o crescente envelhecimento da população, as autoridades e os legisladores vêm procurando fixar diretrizes para a proteção das pessoas idosas, visando a melhores condições de vida, principalmente com relação ao acesso à saúde. Sabe-se que por estar a saúde pública comprometida, as pessoas idosas têm-se submetido à assinatura de contratos de planos de saúde privados – sacrificando parte de sua renda –  os quais sempre vêm passando por reajustes. O presente artigo, a partir de pesquisa teórico-bibliográfica e documental, bem como do procedimento metodológico pelo raciocínio dedutivo, tem o objetivo de discutir os reflexos e a legalidade dos reajustes contratuais em virtude do envelhecimento dos beneficiários e pelo aumento da sinistralidade, ressaltando-se que, caso não sejam observadas as devidas justificativas e os parâmetros legais, poderão ser considerados abusivos, como se observará ao final.
The Effect of Motivation and Interaction Effects on Improving Mathematical Comprehension Skills through Problem and Inquiry-Based Learning
Authors: Supriatna Irfan , Wahyudin Wahyudin , Turmudi Turmudi , Supriatna Irfan , Yasing Hakimee
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the influence of motivation levels and interaction effects on students' Mathematical Comprehension Ability (KPM) while utilizing Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL). Employing a quasi-experimental with the 3x2 factorial design, the research was conducted with fourth-grade students in Ciamis Regency, West Java. The findings indicated that the average KPM increase for students using PBL was 53%, which is considered moderate, whereas for IBL, it was 29%, which is categorized as low. Significantly, there were variations in learning effects between PBL and IBL (p 0.001), with PBL demonstrating a more pronounced impact on KPM improvement. However, the influence of motivation level on KPM improvement was deemed insignificant (p = 0.192), as was the interaction effect between learning methods and motivation level on KPM improvement (p = 0.057). In conclusion, the study suggests that PBL is more effective than IBL in enhancing students' KPM. At the same time, motivation level does not significantly influence KPM improvement, and there is no interaction effect between the type of learning method and motivation level on KPM improvement.
Hand Sign Interpretation through Virtual Reality Data Processing
Authors: Tju Teja Endra Eng , Shalih Muhammad Umar
Published: June 2024

The research lays the groundwork for further advancements in VR technology, aiming to develop devices capable of interpreting sign language into speech via intelligent systems. The uniqueness of this study lies in utilizing the Meta Quest 2 VR device to gather primary hand sign data, subsequently classified using Machine Learning techniques to evaluate the device's proficiency in interpreting hand signs. The initial stages emphasized collecting hand sign data from VR devices and processing the data to comprehend sign patterns and characteristics effectively. 1021 data points, comprising ten distinct hand sign gestures, were collected using a simple application developed with Unity Editor. Each data contained 14 parameters from both hands, ensuring alignment with the headset to prevent hand movements from affecting body rotation and accurately reflecting the user's facing direction. The data processing involved padding techniques to standardize varied data lengths resulting from diverse recording periods. The Interpretation Algorithm Development involved Recurrent Neural Networks tailored to data characteristics. Evaluation metrics encompassed Accuracy, Validation Accuracy, Loss, Validation Loss, and Confusion Matrix. Over 15 epochs, validation accuracy notably stabilized at 0.9951, showcasing consistent performance on unseen data. The implications of this research serve as a foundation for further studies in the development of VR devices or other wearable gadgets that can function as sign language interpreters.
Automated Ultrasound Object Segmentation Using Combinatorial Active Contour Method
Authors: Anan Nugroho  , Sunarko Budi , Wibawanto Hari , Mulwinda Anggraini , Fauzi Anas , Oktaviyanti Dwi , Savitri Dina Wulung
Published: June 2024

Active Contour (AC) is an algorithm widely used in segmentation for developing Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD) systems in ultrasound imaging. Existing AC models still retain an interactive nature. This is due to the large number of parameters and coefficients that require manual tuning to achieve stability. Which can result in human error and various issues caused by the inhomogeneity of ultrasound images, such as leakage, false areas, and local minima. In this study, an automatic object segmentation method was developed to assist radiologists in an efficient diagnosis process. The proposed method is called Automatic Combinatorial Active Contour (ACAC), which combines the simplification of the global region-based CV (Chan-Vese) model and improved-GAC (Geodesic Active Contour) for local segmentation. The results of testing with 50 datasets showed an accuracy value of 98.83%, precision of 95.26%, sensitivity of 86.58%, specificity of 99.63%, similarity of 90.58%, and IoU (Intersection over Union) of 82.87%. These quantitative performance metrics demonstrate that the ACAC method is suitable for implementation in a more efficient and accurate CAD system.
Assessment of perfusion and diastolic function in patients with early-stage microvascular dysfunction and arterial hypertension according to 99mTc-SPECT/CT imaging
Authors: Khachirova Elvira A. , Samoylenko Ludmila E. , Shevchenko Alexey O. , Shevchenko Oleg P.
Published: June 2024

Objective: to study the correlation between quantitative perfusion parameters and the diastolic function in patients with microvascular dysfunction and arterial hypertension, stage 1, pain in the left half of the chest and intact coronary arteries (ICA), according to the single-photon emission computed tomography with 99mTc. Material and methods. The study included 29 patients with stage I arterial hypertension confirmed by 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, without left ventricular hypertrophy, with pain in the left half of the chest and ICA, each of whom underwent diagnostic invasive coronary angiography and SPECT/CT of the myocardium with 99mTc-technetrile at rest and in combination with stress. Results. In the examined patients with stage I arterial hypertension, without left ventricular hypertrophy with pain in the left half of the chest and ICA, according to S-SPECT/CT, disturbances in diastolic function (DF) of the LV, heterogeneity of perfusion at rest and stress-induced myocardial ischemia, corresponding to the initial manifestations of coronary insufficiency, were revealed, caused by a decrease in the perfusion reserve due to secondary microvascular dysfunction (vMSD), and is, apparently, the main factor in the occurrence of pain in the left half of the chest in this category of patients. A reliable inverse relationship has been established between speed and direct time indicators of LV DF and the prevalence and severity of stress-induced myocardial ischemia. Conclusion. In patients with stage I arterial hypertension, without left ventricular hypertrophy with pain in the left half of the chest and ICA perfusion deficiency and myocardial ischemia are associated with a significant increase in diastolic duration and a decrease in the velocity parameters of LV DF, which is revealed by SPECT/CT data already in the early stages and initial stage of the HD disease. The occurrence of left-sided heart failure in patients with hypertension and ICA is associated with coronary insufficiency caused by vMSD.
Features of the diagnosis of Wernicke’s encephalopathy: a clinical case
Authors: Stepanova Anastasia V. , Shuteeva Tatiana V.
Published: June 2024

Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is a rare neurological disorder caused by vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency and is associated with a significant risk of developing persistent neurological deficiency, chronification, disability and ultimately death if the aetiopathogenetic therapy with high doses of vitamin B1 is initiated late. Objective: to raise awareness among physicians about the characteristics of clinics, diagnostics and treatment of Wernicke's encephalopathy. Materials and methods. Retrospective analysis of the medical records of a patient with alcoholic Wernicke's encephalopathy. Results. This paper presents the own clinical observation of a patient with newly diagnosed alcoholic Wernicke's encephalopathy, clinical manifestations and MRI picture, describes the main features of aetiology and pathogenesis of this pathological process. Conclusion. An important role in the diagnosis of WE is played by the correct collection of anamnestic data and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, which has a sufficiently high specificity and is the only diagnostic method that allows this disease to be identified with high reliability. Thus, it is the thorough collection of anamnesis and the timely MRI examination that allow the doctor to point in the right direction of the diagnostic search in a timely manner.
Investigation of the composition of phenolic compounds, the antiradical activity and the effect on phagocytosis of pine cones dry aqueous extract
Authors: Gulyaev Dmitry K. , Gein Oksana N. , Belonogova Valentina D.
Published: June 2024

Pine cone is a new promising type of plant raw material for using in a medical practice. Objective: determination of the phenolic compounds composition of pine cones dry aqueous extract, research of its toxicity, antiradical activity and effect on phagocytosis. Materials and methods. The research object was a collection of pine cones gathered in October 2020. A dry aqueous extract was obtained from the cones by extraction with hot water. The phenolic compounds composition of the pine cones dry aqueous extract was determined by ultra-efficient liquid chromatography/MS on a Waters Acquisition chromatograph with a diode-matrix UV detector and a tandem quadrupole MC detector TQD (Waters). To determine the antiradical activity, a reaction with a stable free radical, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), was used. The acute toxicity of the pine cones dry extract was researched by the V.V. Prozorovsky express method on white non-linear mice. The phagocytic activity of peripheral blood leukocytes was determined in vivo by a modified method. Results. The phenolic compounds composition of the extract was analysed. The research identified 12 substances present in the extract, representing at least 1% of the total area on the chromatogram. The following procyanidins were found in the pine cones extract: procyanidin B2, procyanidin B3, procyanidin C1, procyanidin D1. Additionally, flavonoids and phenolic carboxylic acids were identified. The pine cones dry extract demonstrated pronounced antiradical activity, comparable to that of ascorbic acid. The acute toxicity determination revealed that the LD50 of the researched compounds is in doses greater than 1260 mg/kg. Upon examination of the effect of pine cone extract on the phagocytic activity of peripheral blood leukocytes, an increase in the phagocytic index was observed, yet no change was noted in the activity of total leukocyte phagocytosis. Conclusion. The dry aqueous extract of pine cones contains biologically active components of phenolic nature, which suggests that further research into its pharmacological activity may be promising.
Study of peculiarities of accumulation of artificial and natural radionuclides in roots of large burdock, Arctium lappa L.
Authors: Dyakova Nina A.
Published: June 2024

The Voronezh region has traditionally been the most significant area for crop production and agriculture. However, the development of mineral resources, the implementation of chemical fertilisers in agriculture, and the consequences of the Chernobyl accident have highlighted the necessity to ensure the food industry has access to safe and effective plant raw materials. The use of low-quality plant raw materials and products derived from them represents a significant source of exposure to various ecotoxicants, including radionuclides, which can enter the human body. Objective: to examine the accumulation of the most significant artificial and natural radionuclides in the roots of a large burdock plant, harvested in different territories of the Voronezh region, with a view to determining the extent of the anthropogenic impact. Materials and methods. Under experimental conditions, the specific activity of the main long-lived artificial radioisotopes (cesium-137, strontium-90) and naturally occurring radionuclides (thorium-232, potassium-40, radium-226) on a spectrometer (RADEK MKGB-01 radiometer) was determined in samples of the upper layers of soils and roots of large burdock. Results. All of the studied samples of large burdock roots, which had been prepared in natural and artificial phytocenoses in the Voronezh region, met the existing radiation safety requirements (first group). With an increase in the specific activity of strontium-90, cesium-137, thorium-232, potassium-40, radium-226 in the soil, there was an accompanying increase in the specific activity of these radionuclides in the roots of a large burdock. Correlation analysis of the specific activity of artificial and natural radionuclides in the soil and roots of large burdock revealed a highly significant relationship between these numerical indicators, thereby confirming the predominant transposed pollution. Conclusion. The accumulation patterns in roots of large burdock, naturally occurring and anthropogenic radionuclides are described by mathematical dependencies, with an accuracy of approximation that is as high as possible.
Investigation of the efficacy of gelatin-tannin hydrogels for the delivery of biologically active substances using curcumin as an example
Authors: Osetrov Konstantin O. , Uspenskaya Mayya V. , Fokina Maria I. , Litvinov Mikhail Yu.
Published: June 2024

Wound healing is a complex process that requires a comprehensive approach to treatment. Hydrogel materials modified with bioactive substances (BAS) are currently under active development. Such materials represent an alternative to conventional dressings. The inclusion of BAS in their composition opens the way to providing the required properties (antiseptic, antioxidant, etc.). Curcumin is one of a number of polyflavonoids that are being intensively studied for such use. Objective: in the current work, the method of obtaining gelatin-tannin hydrogels with BAS (curcumin), as well as the efficiency of isolation of the injected substance in vitro and the characteristics of its binding to the polymer matrix are considered. Materials and methods. The object of the study is gelatin-tannin hydrogels with curcumin. The structure of the materials was studied by IR spectroscopy, the sorption parameters were determined gravimetrically, the release of curcumin was studied by visible spectroscopy and analyzed using conventional pharmacokinetic models. Results. In the course of the work, hydrogel materials based on gelatin and tannin with a curcumin content from 0.1 to 1.0% were synthesized. It was found that the incorporation of curcumin into the polymer mesh was successful and curcumin is not released from hydrogels when swelling in distilled water. The introduction of curcumin into the formulation reduced the sorption capacity of hydrogels in distilled water from 15 g/g to 7-9 g/g. The Higuchi model (R2>0.95) was determined to be the most optimal model describing the process of curcumin extraction from materials. Using the description of the release kinetics, it was determined that the maximum release (22%) was achieved with a minimum curcumin content in the hydrogel (0.1 wt.%) and the minimum release speed. Conclusion. A method for the synthesis of gelatin-tannin hydrogels with curcumin has been developed. The structure of materials, sorption capacity, and the ability to release BAS have been studied. Further prospects for the inclusion of other BAS of a hydrophobic nature in the composition of hydrogels are shown.
Resource characteristics and stocks of herb of Cichorium intybus L., growing on the territory of Orenburg region
Authors: Mikhaylova Irina V. , Sinegovets Angelina A. , Kuz’micheva Natalia A. , Vinokurova Natalya V.
Published: June 2024

Objective: to conduct a resource analysis to determine the stocks of herb of Cichorium intybus L. growing in different areas of the Orenburg region. Materials and methods. Research object: the herb of Cichorium intybus L. growing in Tyulgansky, Sakmarsky, Ponomarevsky, Sharlyksky and Buzuluksky districts of the Orenburg region. To identify stocks and study the prevalence of the herb of Cichorium intybus L., we determined the area of all selected thickets of Cichorium intybus L. growth and their yield. We calculated the biological stock of raw materials (BZS), the operational stock of raw materials (EZS), the possible annual harvesting volume (VEOZ) of the herb of Cichorium intybus L. on the analyzed thickets. The research results were processed using the Microsoft Excel 2016 and STATISTICA 10.0 software package. Results. The highest BZS, EZS and VEOZ of the herb of Cichorium intybus L. were observed in Ponomarevsky and Tyulgansky districts of the Orenburg region in comparison with the studied raw materials collected in Buzuluksky, Sakmarsky and Sharlyksky districts. Conclusion. The most productive thickets of the herb of Cichorium intybus L. were found in the Ponomarevsky and Tyulgansky districts of the Orenburg region. Ponomarevsky and Tyulgansky districts can be considered as a potential promising territory for harvesting the raw material base of the herb of Cichorium intybus L.
La educación decolonial planetaria compleja como acción y subversión
Authors: Rodríguez Milagros Elena , Fortunato Ivan
Published: June 2024

La investigación examina la Educación Decolonial Planetaria Compleja como resistencia al colonialismo, proponiendo un enfoque educativo transformador, influenciado por la complejidad de Morin y la praxis de Freire. La transmetodología de la investigación desafía las metodologías coloniales y propone la deconstrucción rizomática como un enfoque complejo y liberador. La educación tradicional perpetúa la sumisión y la colonización de las mentes, negando la complejidad humana y promoviendo la meritocracia como una ilusión de justicia. La Educación Decolonial Planetaria Compleja afronta y transforma las estructuras de poder, promoviendo una ética planetaria y la inclusión de saberes sin jerarquías. La praxis Freiriana nos inspira a cuestionar el currículum y fomentar el diálogo en lugar de la transmisión de conocimientos. La insumisión, indisciplina y esperanza son pilares para desafiar el sistema colonial en la educación, aunque enfrentamos desafíos institucionales y resistencia. La esperanza persiste en la lucha por una educación más justa y liberadora.
Por uma alfabetização audiovisual
Authors: Medeiros Costa Adriano , Justino de Oliveira Elizângela , Tavares e Silva Tiago
Published: June 2024

O cinema se constitui em uma fonte de recursos inesgotáveis de aprendizagens, nos mais diversos campos da educação. No entanto, ainda é necessário dar visibilidade às estéticas que estão “à margem” do cinema comercial dos grandes streamings norte-americanos. O presente artigo tem o objetivo de propor uma metodologia de projeto interdisciplinar (envolvendo as disciplinas de História, Geografia, Língua Portuguesa e Artes) aplicada ao Ensino Médio, almejando-se a Alfabetização Audiovisual a partir da análise do filme cubano Habanastation (2011). A partir da compreensão do cinema enquanto um ato educacional, serão abordados conceitos como ideologia, formação de público, forma, técnica e gosto referentes às discussões sobre a construção de um tipo de cinema com estética nacional. Metodologicamente, adota-se o procedimento de estudo de caso, por meio de uma revisão bibliográfica e análise filmográfica. As principais referências teóricas incluem Althusser (1989); Barbosa (2014); Benjamin (1994); Eisenstein (2002) e Freire (2003, 2004, 2008). Conclui-se que a proposta apresentada poderá possibilitar aos discentes da etapa final da Educação Básica, o Ensino Médio, a educação cinematográfica de valorização e apreciação de uma estética nacional.
Do desenho sustentável ao edifício hospitalar biofílico
Authors: DA SILVA JOELMIR MARQUES , DO NASCIMENTO KAROLINE LIMA
Published: June 2024

O ambiente urbano funciona como um ecossistema, onde diversas variáveis estão inter-relacionadas, interferindo em seu próprio metabolismo. Assim, objetiva-se com o presente artigo desenvolver uma reflexão acerca da relação de espaços ajardinados com o urbanismo sustentável e como os edifícios hospitalares biofílicos contribuem para o bioclimatismo e para a sustentabilidade urbana. A biofilia e o urbanismo bioclimático abordam a necessidade de adequação climática desses equipamentos de grande escala e impacto na paisagem e na funcionalidade da cidade, visando o alcance da sustentabilidade urbana. Destacam-se as contribuições de projetos de alta complexidade, que são exemplos de êxito da biofilia, para arquitetura hospitalar, as obras da Rede Sarah, do arquiteto João Filgueiras Lima, o Lelé, cujos projetos caracterizam-se por uma meticulosa integração da concepção arquitetônica projetual aos princípios bioclimáticos. Conclui-se que a preocupação com a perspectiva das práticas médicas e dos edifícios de saúde está presente ao longo da história e, dessa forma, aliando questões biofílicas à concepção de projetos para edifícios da saúde, é possível se chegar a ambientes que contribuem de fato para o bem-estar dos seus usuários e para a sustentabilidade urbana. Dessa forma, se faz necessário criar ambientes para saúde sustentáveis, humanizados e adaptados às condições naturais e que, consequentemente, contribuem para a manutenção da vida nas cidades.
ENTROPIA NA CONFIGURAÇÃO URBANA DA ÁREA INDUSTRIAL DE LAGES/SC
Authors: Calvetti Fernando , Lilian SANTOS , Da Silva Sofia , Pilati João
Published: June 2024

Este artigo, parte da revisão metodológica de uma pesquisa em andamento, discute a configuração urbana de áreas industriais. Fazemos isso no contexto dos modelos configuracionais e da sintaxe urbana. Nosso interesse se dá na possibilidade de mensurar a (in)adequação de uma malha pensada originalmente como centro de grandes fábricas e indústrias, responsável pelo escoamento eficiente da sua produção, e usada, contemporaneamente, em usos predominantemente urbanos, como habitação, comércio e serviços. Buscamos, através deste estudo quantitativo, contribuir com a compreensão da complexidade da configuração urbana, discutindo como uma organização extremamente hierarquizada pode prejudicar a heterogeneidade de usos do solo. O recorte territorial do estudo é a zona industrial da cidade de Lages, centro da Região Metropolitana do Planalto Serrano, Santa Catarina. A área se destaca se destaca pela separação com o restante da cidade em função da passagem de uma rodovia federal, situação que reforça o status de periferia, social e territorial, para a população local. Nossos resultados mostram uma rede local hierarquizada e com entropia baixa se comparada ao restante da cidade, confirmando a segregação de oportunidades e serviços urbanos para as demandas locais.
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Morfologia urbana; áreas industriais; Lages/SC.
Espaços como lugares da cidade
Authors: Macedo Adilson
Published: June 2024

Trato da geração de ideias e das questões relativas à formulação de projetos urbanos que tenham começo, meio, fim. Minha experiência é a do cidadão, arquiteto-desenhador e professor, que explora partes da cidade com colegas, alunos e, as vezes sozinho, isto ajuda nascer uma ideia de projeto. Junte-se o estudo dos elementos urbanos, as experiências práticas e os interesses de instituições preocupadas com a qualidade da vida nas cidades. Trato de projetos, como os entendi a partir das ideias iniciais e procedimentos de implantação. Aponto para o projeto urbano, que emerge da iniciativa de cidadãos comuns, de profissionais do ramo imobiliário e representantes de entidades oficiais. Comento sobre exemplos nacionais e internacionais finalizando com a ideia para remodelar o Vale do Anhangabaú, onde houve um projeto recente, comentado, mas não implantado.
Psychometric Properties of a Psychological Measure of Indigenous Personality (Suryomentaram's Perspective): Initial Study
Authors: Purwandari Eny , Prihartanti Nanik , Dumpratiwi Ajeng Nova , Priyadi Suwanda , Sari Sri Wahyuni Kartika , Faizah Nihayatul
Published: June 2024

Background

Character development is central in personality and developmental psychology, with strong character as a protective factor against psychological disorders. Given the importance of character assessment, this study explores the development and initial psychometric evaluation of an indigenous personality measure, the Suryomentaram Personality Scale (SPS), grounded in empirical research on individuals trained in Suryomentaram philosophies.

Objective

The study aimed to (1) develop the SPS and (2) evaluate its psychometric properties, including content validity, factor structure, and internal consistency reliability.

Methods

Three analytical methods were employed: content validity assessment by six subject matter experts (SMEs), exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and reliability analysis. A convenience sample of 282 students participated in EFA and reliability analyses. Participants were recruited through social media announcements and provided informed consent before completing the SPS.

Results

Content validity analysis revealed eight items falling below the acceptable Aiken's V threshold (< 0.8) out of 23 initially developed items. EFA of the remaining 15 items identified four relatively independent factors: perseverance, optimism, lack of worry and regret, and empathy. Internal consistency reliability estimates for each factor ranged from 0.482 to 0.716.

Conclusion

This initial study provides evidence for the adequate psychometric properties of the SPS based on content validity, EFA, and reliability analysis. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the scale's convergent and discriminant validity.
Multiple Correspondence Analysis for Assessment of the Socioeconomic and Social Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Gezira State, Sudan
Authors: Mohammed Mohammed Omar Musa , Abdallah Ahmed Saied Rahama , Ayele Dawit Getnet , Wacho Gemechis A. , Mohamed Adel Ali Ahmed
Published: June 2024

Background

COVID-19 spread in Sudan like other countries in the world. The first COVID-19 case in Sudan was confirmed on 13 March 2020. It has been shown that Sudan's economy was affected before the COVID-19 pandemic because of currency increases, high inflation, and the incapability of the authorities to propose support.

Methods

The study aimed to assess the economic and social influence of COVID-19 in Al Gazira State, Sudan. This study used the primary data collected from Gezira state in Sudan. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection in 2020-2021, and the sample size was 800 participants. An analysis of multiple correspondences was used to analyze the data concerning COVID-19. The study was validated by ensuring that the survey follows sound research methodologies. This includes clearly defining research questions, using appropriate data collection methods, and applying rigorous analytical techniques. Besides that, it is important to explore the impact of the socioeconomic, demographic, and geographic variables.

Results

The educational level distribution shows that 36.7% of urban and 26.6% of rural residents have completed secondary education. Furthermore, all participants, 100% in urban regions and 99% in rural areas, were aware of the COVID-19 epidemic. Likewise, all participants in urban areas and 99.5% in rural areas were informed about the lockdowns and measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. Concerning the decision to refrain from attending social gatherings amid COVID-19, 87.6% of participants in urban areas and 75.3% in rural regions opted to cancel such events. Similarly, 86.2% in urban areas and 73.4% in rural areas believe avoiding handshakes is necessary to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Regarding concerns about job loss during the COVID-19 lockdown period, 52.4% of rural participants did not express anxiety about potential job loss. Conversely, 55.3% of respondents in rural areas were indeed anxious about possibly losing their jobs. The results obtained from the multiple correspondence analysis revealed a relationship between the socioeconomic and demographic variables concerning COVID-19 epidemics.

Conclusion

This study concluded that socioeconomic, demographic, and geographic variables have a combined influence on the COVID-19 epidemic. One potential technical contribution to the assessment of the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic could be the application of sophisticated data analysis and modeling techniques to comprehend the complex interrelationships among the numerous components impacted by the pathogen. Predictive models, machine learning, data analytics, simulation studies, and geographic analysis are a few examples of similar techniques.
Theosis of homoiōsis Theōi? Bijbelse voorstellingen van deïficatie door Grieks-Romeinse ogen
Authors: Sierksma-Agteres S.J.M.
Published: June 2024

This essay argues that the contemporary philosophical discourse of ‘becoming like god’ (homoiōsis theōi) offers a relevant cultural frame to analyse both the convergences and divergences between Platonic, Stoic, Epicurean, and diverse biblical takes on deification. In particular, participation in the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4) is interpreted in light of the close connection between ontological and ethical transformation found in Graeco-Roman sources. Additionally, it is observed that Paul limits his expressions of‘becoming like’ to Christ as the ultimate ‘image of God’, this in line with mediating figures in Middle Platonic traditions - traditions which were also concerned with upholding divine transcendence. The biblical material on this theme is found to be distinctive in at least three aspects: in the critical function and democratizing effect of the ‘image of God’ motive, in the kenosis and suffering of the mediating Image, and in the collective nature of the transformation, encompassing whole communities and, in somecases, the whole of creation.