bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Analysis of Explosion-Induced Deformations on Steel Panels in Urban Environments
Authors: Şahin Murat , Tulumcu Sedat
Published: December 2024

Explosion proof structures are designed to be very heavy and non-functional using conventional systems so that they can be resistant to blast effects. As a result, not only the emergence of non-economic structures, but also their operational performance decreases. To effectively mitigate these challenges, a substantial body of research has focused on the development and application of designs and materials specifically engineered to withstand explosive load impacts. In this study, the strength of steel plates under explosives with different energies was tested. Related tests were performed using Ls-Dyna finite element software. An experimental literature was used to calibrate the numerical model. When the results obtained as a result of the calibration were compared with the experimental data, a high level of agreement was obtained. The calibrated numerical model was subjected to burst loads by varying the panel thicknesses and its dynamic responses were simulated. The displacement values were analyzed by placing the explosives equidistant from the panel centers. By comparing the analysis results, explosive energies were compared. The most effective explosive types could be listed according to the amount of change that the evaluated explosives in the same amount caused on the panel surfaces. In line with these studies, information will be gained about what type of steel materials will be used against which type of explosives in areas that need to be protected in urban areas.
Errores en los Informes de Captura: Una Amenaza para la Justicia en Colombia
Authors: Alarcon Teatin Deysi Marcela , Conrado Cuenut Laura Alejandra , Celada Hernandez María Camila
Published: December 2024

Este artículo tiene como objetivo exponer las fallas más comunes en los procedimientos policiales de la Policía Nacional de Colombia, centrándose específicamente en el procedimiento de captura. Se abordan aspectos críticos relacionados con deficiencias en la redacción y ortografía por parte de los funcionarios públicos, así como la incorrecta tipificación de la conducta penal. Estas deficiencias llevan a que la legalización de la captura no nazca a la vida jurídica, señalando a la policía como responsable de estas carencias. La poca claridad y coherencia en la redacción de informes y documentos legales presentan un desafío significativo en el ámbito jurídico. Estas insuficiencias no solo comprometen la comprensión precisa de la información, sino que también dificultan la interpretación de los hechos y debilitan la fuerza de los argumentos presentados. La coherencia en la conexión lógica entre las ideas emerge como un elemento esencial para asegurar la efectividad y validez de cualquier comunicación legal.
Abordar este problema requiere una atención minuciosa a los detalles, revisiones exhaustivas y un compromiso inquebrantable con estándares elevados de redacción y expresión. La mejora en la claridad y coherencia no solo fortalecerá la calidad de la documentación legal, sino que también contribuirá de manera significativa a la eficiencia del sistema judicial en su conjunto. La adopción de prácticas de redacción más cuidadas no solo es una necesidad para garantizar la precisión y la fiabilidad de la información, sino que también promueve la transparencia y la confianza en el sistema legal de la Policía Nacional como institución.
Remoción de florfenicol mediante la biomasa no viva de Scenedesmus obliquus.
Authors: Wadnipar Cano Rafael
Published: December 2024

El uso de los antibióticos en población humana y sus usos veterinarios han generado un grave problema ambiental de proporciones mundiales (Awad et al., 2014).. Como es el caso del florfenicol utilizado frecuentemente para la prevención de enfermedades respiratorias en el ganado porcino (Ciprián et al., 2012).. En este trabajo se planteó un estudio experimental de la remoción del antibiótico florfenicol en metanol, mediante la biomasa no viva y residual de la microalga Scenedusmus obliquus. Su capacidad adsortiva mostró un perfil temporal que se ajustó todos los modelos cinéticos (R2=0.96). Esto reveló la coexistencia de los procesos de fisisorción y quimisorción. El último mostró interacción entre los adsorbatos. La isoterma de adsorción reveló adsorción en monocapa con sitios homogéneos debido al mejor ajuste a la isoterma de Langmuir (R2=0.96). La capacidad de adsorción máxima fue 16.4 mg/g. La comparación de las propiedades de adsorción en la biomasa no viva permitió evaluar la factibilidad del uso de la biomasa como adsorbente para la eliminación de esta clase de contaminantes emergentes.
Artificial intelligence and justice: myth or reality
Authors:   Moscow Regional Branch of the Vladimir Kikot Moscow University of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, Chukanova Evgeniya S. , Babchenko Alyona I. ,   Moscow Regional Branch of the Vladimir Kikot Moscow University of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia
Published: December 2024

Artificial intelligence technologies (AI) should be used in criminal proceedings only as an “assistant” to a law enforcement officer, while excessive use of AI can become a negative trend. The entire criminal procedure is based on the principles enshrined in the Criminal Procedure Code of the Russian Federation. Relying solely on a decision made by AI can lead to a violation of the principle of the presumption of innocence. The burden of proof lies directly with the prosecution, and not with robots. In addition, Art. 17 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of the Russian Federation provides for the assessment of evidence based on inner conviction, taking into account the norms of law and conscience. The concept of moral norms, categories of morality is not a component of the artificial intelligence system, i.e. the principle of freedom of assessment of evidence cannot be fully observed when using artificial intelligence as more than an auxiliary system. We should not forget about the principle of administration of justice only by the court. The judge’s decision should not be influenced by systems created by programmers who are not related to the administration of justice: replacing a person with a machine in the administration of justice not only fills the content of the principles of criminal proceedings with new meaning, but also jeopardizes their implementation. Considering the possibility of using AI in criminal proceedings, the following conclusions can be made. (1) AI will not be able to replace a person in matters of administration of justice. Replacing a judge with AI can lead not only to a violation of the principles of criminal proceedings, but also to a change in the essence of the fairness of justice. (2) An analysis of the opinions of scientists has shown that granting AI the powers of judges is quite controversial. Most researchers are not ready to give a clear answer to the question of trusting the implementation of criminal proceedings to AI. In our opinion, AI should be entrusted with the implementation of routine tasks in order to optimize the time spent. (3) The use of AI does not exclude errors and bias in decision-making, which is common in the work of American systems based on AI. AI “training” must be built on a large array of data for several decades. In addition, the operation of AI requires constant monitoring by IT specialists. (4) When using AI, one should not forget about the problems that arise when using other information and telecommunication technologies: ensuring of confidentiality, the economic component of providing access to AI all participants in criminal proceedings.
The mechanism of committing a socially dangerous act: Influence on the structure of the elements of a crime in the norms of the Special Part of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation
Authors:   Kuzbass Institute of the Federal Penitentiary Service of the Russian Federation, Shesler Aleksandr V. ,   National Research Tomsk State University
Published: December 2024

At the meeting of Dissertation Council 24.2. 426.04 at Ural State Law University on December 8, 2023, Olga V. Ermakova successfully defended her dissertation, Conceptual Foundations of Reflecting a Socially Dangerous Act and the Mechanism for Its Commission in the Norms of the Special Part of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, for the Dr. Sci. (Law) degree (Specialty 5.1.4 – Criminal Law (Law Sciences)). The article is the official opponent’s review of the dissertation, which analyzes its main provisions. Dr. Ermakova developed fundamentally new ideas that define her research as a qualifying research work containing developed theoretical provisions that in total can be qualified as a new major scientific achievement. She introduced into the scientific discourse of the criminal law science the notion of the mechanism of a socially dangerous act; made a criminal-legal description of the mechanism of a socially dangerous act; developed mechanisms of socially dangerous acts of a certain group; justified the influence of the mechanism of a socially dangerous act and its types on the choice of the construction of the elements of a crime; characterized social danger applicable not only to the crime as a whole, but also to each stage of the mechanism of the act, as well as to the specifically committed act or inaction; developed an authorial system of grounds and conditions for the selection of the mandatory features and type of construction of specific elements of a crime for their legal fixation in the norms of the Special Part of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. In general, it can be concluded that Olga V. Ermakovas dissertation is an independent, novel, complete, reasoned qualifying research work contributing to the theoretical and practical development of the science of criminal law, of criminal legislation and the practice of its application.
Criminally significant legal states of a special subject of a crime: A normative projection of a person’s dangerous state or their social danger?
Authors:   HSE-Perm, Karavaeva Yulia S.
Published: December 2024

Some of the attributes of a special subject of a crime in the Special Part of the Criminal Code are rendered as continuing states, mandatory for the qualification of a crime. The legal nature of such attributes can be studied by referring to the concept of legal states developed within the general theory of law. Today, its proponents recognize legal states as independent types of legal facts acting as a normative projection of people’s socially significant states. The Special Part of the current Criminal Code uses some of the corresponding attributes to criminalize acts, for example, the somatic state or intoxication of the liable person, while other attributes are used to differentiate liability, for example, affective states, conviction for a previously committed specific crime, administrative punishment. Each of these states reflects the specific personal characteristics of the liable party at the time of the crime. These characteristics either act as a condition for the crime commission or indicate an increased social danger of the liable person. This kind of understanding risks being criticized from the standpoint of the theory of a dangerous condition of a person, which is unambiguously associated in science with the possibility of bringing to criminal responsibility in connection with the characteristics of the actor, not in relation to a committed act. At the same time, the original sources show two directions within the theory – radical and moderate, with the latter underlying a modern theory of a person’s social danger. The identified genetic relationship between a dangerous state and social danger of a person is taken into account to explain the criminogenic nature of criminally significant features-states of a special subject of a crime.
Сriminal law protection of the family as a traditional value (a case study of legislations of the Russian Federation and former union republics)
Authors:   Research Institute of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia, Kashkina Ekaterina V.
Published: December 2024

Traditional Russian spiritual and moral values emphasize a “strong family”, the criteria for which are not defined by law. This gives rise to various iinterpretations of this traditional value, whether it is a “happy family”, “large family», «ideal family”, “traditional family” etc. In this regard, we can assume that the notion of a strong family implies a strong, reliable connection between generations, respect for parents, care for elders, and warmth of love of grandparents, which remains with us throughout our lives. Chapter 20 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation contains only four articles that directly relate to the protection of the family, namely Articles 154, 155, 156, and 157 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, which determine the proper performance of duties by family members and authorized bodies. Such regulations do not provide the family with full protection by criminal law, with the exception of Article 157 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation “Failure to pay for the maintenance of children or incapacitated parents.” Among the countries whose criminal law provides protection to a strong family are the Republic of Belarus, which provides for liability, for example, for abuse of the rights of a guardian or trustee (Article 176 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus), the Kyrgyz Republic with its Criminal Code (hereinafter referred to as the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic), which provides for liability for the following types of crimes: “Kidnapping a person for the purpose of entering into marriage” (Article 172 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic), “Coercion to enter into de facto marital relations” (Article 173 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic), “Coercion of a person to enter into marriage” (Article 174 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic), “Violation of the law on marriage age during religious ceremonies” (Article 175 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic), “Bigamy or polygamy” (Article 176 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic), “Domestic violence” (Article 177 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic), “Evasion of parental maintenance” (Article 178 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic), “Evasion of children from supporting their parents” (Article 179 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic), etc. [27]. In this regard, it is necessary to amend Chapter 20 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. However, the primary role here belongs to recognizing the family as one of the objects to be protected by criminal law (Article 2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT FEED LINE STRUCTURES ON UWB ANTENNA PERFORMANCE BY CHARACTERISTIC MODE ANALYSIS
Authors: Geyikoğlu Miraç Dilruba
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the effect of various feed topologies on the parameters of a novel ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna using characteristic mode analysis. The proposed design is guided by characteristic mode analysis, commencing with a basic square structure. Initially, a closed-form estimate of the resonance frequencies of the primary modes is provided for the square-shaped structure. Subsequently, the characteristic modes that resonate in the frequency spectrum are modified by introducing symmetrical square slots. To excite these modes and achieve a wideband antenna that encompasses the relevant spectrum, the geometry of the feeding line is altered and its effects are examined. The study incorporates two fundamental feed line geometries: tapered and traditional feed impedance lines. The proposed UWB antennas are fabricated and measured to validate their performance. According to the measurement results a wide impedance bandwidth of 147.82% at -10 dB reference ((0.9–6 GHz)) and stationary radiation patterns across the operating frequency band are obtained for the tapered feed line. The results demonstrate a significant advantage of the tapered feed line over the traditional impedance line. The results for the fabricated prototypes exhibit high similarity to the simulated results. The findings confirm the applicability of the mode analysis method.
DIAGNOSIS AND CLASSIFICATION OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY WITH YOLOv8-BASED DEEP LEARNING MODEL
Authors: Şanver Ömer , Saygılı Ahmet
Published: December 2024

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. High blood sugar levels damage the vessels of the retina, damaging the light-sensing cells in the eye, and can cause vision loss and, in severe cases, blindness. Deep learning models are powerful tools that can process and learn large data sets, and if used in the diagnosis of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy, they can benefit the early diagnosis of the disease. Deep learning enables early and high-accuracy detection of diabetic retinopathy symptoms with high sensitivity and specificity, as well as minimizing errors made by experts. In this study, we aimed to detect and classify diabetic retinopathy using the YOLOv8 (You Only Look Once) model, one of the CNN (convolutional neural network) architectures. The experimental studies were conducted with two different CPUs and two different GPUs. As a result of the experimental studies, the highest accuracy value was obtained as 84.91% with GPU1, and the average accuracy across the four different methods (CPU1, CPU2, GPU1, GPU2) was 83.82%.
THE EFFECTS OF THE EARTHQUAKE INCIDENT ANGLE ON AN RC BUILDING
Authors: Mellouk Soukaina , Harmandar Ebru
Published: December 2024

Current building codes necessitate the inclusion of two ground motion acceleration components in the dynamic analysis of structures. However, researches indicate that the orientation of the chosen ground motion data can significantly impact the structural response. This study investigates the influence of the incident angle on a 10-story reinforced concrete building, considering different earthquake selection criteria. Specifically, it is aimed to identify the direction of the seismic data that yields the largest peak ground acceleration by applying rotations with specific angles. Subsequently, the dynamic analysis is performed using both the original and the rotated records that produce the highest acceleration. To ensure a comprehensive evaluation, the earthquake data is classified based on soil types, fault mechanisms, and Aria’s intensity. The results of the dynamic analyses for both the original and oriented data sets are compared, focusing on parameters such as roof displacement, base shear, acceleration and displacement time histories, and acceleration and displacement spectra. Our findings reveal that the base shear and roof displacement obtained from the rotated earthquake data generally exceed those obtained from the original data. This underscores the importance of considering the influence of ground motion direction in structural analysis and design.
A SECURE ONLINE EXAMINATION SYSTEM USING SMART CONTRACTS
Authors: Öksüz Özgür
Published: December 2024

Covid19 pandemic has affected many sectors including education. All types of schools (public and private) have started to provide online education systems to their students to prevent spreading the disease. The online education system has brought many advantages besides stopping the spread of the disease. The students have more time since the lectures are not in class, it reduces the cost for the students since they physically do not go to school, and it provides flexibility in the lectures that students decide their schedule to attend the classes. However, there are some challenges in the online education system. The system needs to be available for the students when they take exams, view their exam results, and upload their exams for assessment. Since the lectures and exams are taken online, the data is very crucial. The data contains sensitive information such as exams, answers, scores, name, date of birth, address, phone number, government identification number, etc. A traditional online education system has a centralized infrastructure governed and managed by a single entity. This results in the system having single-point-of-failure attacks. This paper proposes an online examination system based on a smart contract and a blockchain. The blockchain eliminates single-point-of-failure attacks. The teachers write questions and store them in the blockchain. Only authorized students retrieve the exams from the blockchain by using smart contracts. The students submit their completed exams at predefined times. Then, the teachers evaluate the students’ exams and put the results into the blockchain. Their exam scores are protected from any unauthorized entities by encryption. Students can freely see and view their scores at any time. Then, the students can show their results to any other third parties (once they apply for an internship or job) that they have completed the courses successfully. The system also uses a decentralized storage (off-chain) system to eliminate scalability problems. Off-chain storage (InterPlanetary File System) stores students’ exams, answers, and exam results while the corresponding content identifiers of the files are stored in the blockchain. The proposed system is resilient to malicious teachers who can manipulate the exam results. In addition, the proposed system also provides a method for dishonest students who can complain about their exam results. In other words, the proposed system solves any conflicts between entities.
ELİPS ŞEKİLLİ BORU DEMETİ ISI DEĞİŞTİRİCİSİNDE AKIŞ VE ISI TRANSFERİ
Authors: Kuru Muhammet Nasıf , Özkarakoç Mehmet , Ünal Şaban , Erdinç Mehmet Tahir , Karasu İlyas , Aydın Orhan
Published: December 2024

Bu çalışmada, kaydırılmış sıralı dizilişe sahip boru demetinde dairesel, elips ve dairesel ile elips şekilli boruların birlikte kullanıldığı durumlar için akış ve ısı transferi performansı sayısal olarak incelenmiştir. Akış, iki boyutlu, sıkıştırılamaz, kararlı ve türbülanslı varsayılmıştır. İncelenen geometriler için ısı transferi yüzey alanları eşit kabul edilerek eşdeğer çap D_e=16,4 mm olarak alınmıştır. Akışkan olarak hava kullanılmış ve boru demeti giriş hızı (V_g), 1 m/s ile 6 m/s aralığında değiştirilmiştir. V_g=6 m/s’de, elips şekilli boru demeti için basınç düşümü ve ısı transferinin dairesel şekilli olana göre, sırasıyla, %75,19 ve %18,14 daha az olduğu ve bu durumun da %230,08’lik bir ısıl verim artışına karşılık geldiği belirlenmiştir.
FARKLI BOYUTLARDA CAM LİFİ TAKVİYELİ ALÇI ESASLI KOMPOZİT HARÇLARIN MEKANİK VE TERMAL PERFORMANSLARININ KARŞILAŞTIRILMASI ÜZERİNE TEKNİK BİR İRDELEME
Authors: Kaya Ali , Gündüz Lütfullah
Published: December 2024

Alçı esaslı kompozit harçlar, yapı endüstrisinde yaygın olarak kullanılan ve çeşitli inşaat uygulamalarında tercih edilen önemli bir yapı malzemesidir. Bu harçlar, alçı matris içerisine farklı takviye maddelerinin katılmasıyla geliştirilmiş, dayanıklılığı ve mukavemeti artırılmış kompozit malzemelerdir. Antik medeniyetlerden günümüze kadar uzanan bir geçmişe sahip olan alçı, modern inşaat teknikleriyle daha da yaygınlaşmış ve günümüzde kompozit harçlar olarak kullanımı yaygınlaşmıştır. Ancak, bu malzemeler bazı mekanik özelliklerde sınırlamalar getirmektedir eğilme dayanımı, basınç dayanımı veya ısı iletimi konularında bazı problemler ile karşılaşılabilmektedir. Bu çalışma farklı cam lifi takviyelerinin alçı esaslı kompozit harçların performansı üzerindeki etkilerini incelemektedir. Mikronize cam lifi, taraklanmış cam lifi, 6 mm ve 12 mm cam lifi gibi farklı cam lifi türlerinin kullanıldığı deneyler, harcın mekanik özellikleri ve sıcaklık etkileri üzerinde kapsamlı analizler sunmaktadır. Bu analizler, alçı esaslı kompozit harçların tasarımını ve kullanımını daha etkili hale getirmek için önemli bilgiler sağlamaktadır.
BİNA ENERJİ PERFORMANSI ARTIRMA UYGULAMALARININ ISIL GEÇİRGENLİK KATSAYISINA ETKİSİ
Authors: Koçkar Tuğla Rukiye
Published: December 2024

Enerji korunumunun önemli olduğu günümüzde, yapıların enerji tüketim sınıfını belirlemek, enerji performansını artırmak, minimum enerji tüketimiyle yapılarda maksimum enerji verimliliği sağlamak amacıyla yalıtım uygulamaları yapılmaktadır. Bu çalışmada; bir kamu binasına uygulanan yalıtım incelenmiş, yalıtımın binanın ısıl performansına etkisi deneysel ve analitik metotlarla kıyaslanarak analiz edilmiştir. Çalışmada, termal kameraların kullanıldığı kızılötesi ısıl görüntüleme yöntemi kullanılmış ve bu yöntemle binanın farklı yalıtım özelliğine sahip üç cephesi incelenmiştir. İncelenen cephelerden termal kameralar vasıtasıyla ısıl görüntüler alınmış; bu ısıl görüntülerin analizi sonucu duvarların mevcut ısıl geçirgenlik katsayısı (UKIZILÖTESİ, W/m2K) belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca bina cephesini oluşturan malzemelerin kalınlıkları ve TS 825’deki ısıl iletkenlik hesap değerleri (λTS825) kullanılarak duvarların ısıl geçirgenlik katsayısı (UTS825) analitik olarak hesaplanmıştır. Sonuç olarak; deneysel verilerle belirlenen UKIZILÖTESİ değeri, analitik yöntemle belirlenen UTS825 değerine göre daha yüksek bulunmuştur. Bu sonuca göre duvarların mevcut ısıl performansı, analitik olarak belirlenen (bina enerji kimlik belgesinde de yazılan) ısıl performansından daha düşüktür. Yalıtım uygulaması yapıldıktan sonra duvarların hem UKIZILÖTESİ hem de UTS825 değerinin azaldığı görülmüştür. Deneysel ve analitik verilere göre yalıtımın binanın ısıl performansına etkisi olumlu olmuştur.
Life in and out of combat clubs: the experiences of Iranian martial artists
Authors: Mansouri Hossein , Allahveisi Arman , Jennings George
Published: December 2024

Considering the mechanized modern living in restricted indoor spaces, aggression and mental disorders among young people and adults and their negative consequences in Iran, in-depth studies of this issue are important. The purpose of this article is to understand the meaning of combat sports for Iranian athletes and to understand how it drives them to action. Following an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach, 17 male kickboxing and muay Thai athletes in the Kurdistan province in western Iran were surveyed through semi-structured interviews. Four main themes and 12 sub-themes were extracted from analyzing the experiences of the research participants: (1) Increasing existential capacity, (2) cultivating a moral personality, (3) enhancing one’s health and (4) improving one’s lifestyle. Our research suggests that, for these participants, kickboxing and muay Thai have a positive effect in many mental, social and moral dimensions of existence. Moreover, because of the potential positive impact on the individual behavior, these sports are also very effective in reducing societal problems such as hooliganism, destructiveness and vandalism, suicide, inappropriate lifestyle, decline of values and violence.
Characterization of Chitosan Polyethylene glycol Hydroxyapatite composite coatings fabricated by dip coating
Authors: Sandoval-Amador Anderson , Nieto-Soto Ana María , Diaz-Maldonado Dolly Katherine , Estupiñan-Duran Hugo Armando , Peña-Ballesteros Dario Yesid
Published: December 2024

The development and characterization of bioactive surfaces based on chitosan-polyethylene glycol coatings modified with hydroxyapatite on Ti6Al4V alloy were conducted to enhance bioactivity. Characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to evaluate coating properties, apatite formation after immersion in simulated body fluid, and electrochemical stability. Results demonstrated apatite deposition due to the bioactivity of the polymer-ceramic composite, with calcium accumulation observed on the substrate surface after 5 days of immersion. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed a highly capacitive layer in the 50:50 chitosan-polyethylene glycol coating with 0.05% w/v hydroxyapatite, indicating increased interaction with the biological medium while preserving the protective resistive properties of the Ti6Al4V alloy. These findings suggest that this coating composition is a promising material for bone tissue regeneration applications.
The Methods and Practices of the Anglican Church of Uganda for Environmental Promotion and Protection
Authors: Kimanje Bbosa Esau
Published: December 2024

The study focuses on the methods and practices of the Anglican Church of Uganda for environmental promotion and protection. This research uses a qualitative approach with a literature study method. Primary sources enabled the study to generate firsthand information known as primary data. During the collection of data, the researcher used interviews, focus group discussions, and observation methods. Secondary data was collected through a major document review and analysis. From documents, the study generated secondary information that gave a broader perspective of the research questions and concepts for this study which was also cost-friendly. The results from the respondents confirmed that Christians are enabled to take their obligation seriously to promote and protect the environment. It was shown from the data obtained from the respondents that some of the Christians are regularly educated about environmental promotion and protection. The findings from the respondents suggested that the Anglican Theological Institutions of learning include environmental issues in their curricula. It was revealed by the respondents that a full week of reflection on stewardship of the environment annually was designated by the Anglican Christians of Uganda.
Development of E-Learning based on Discovery Learning Oriented to Problem-Solving Ability and Overcoming Math Anxiety
Authors: Fajriah Nurul Ainun , Andayani Sri
Published: December 2024

Problem-solving ability as one of the learning outcomes in the independent curriculum needs to be facilitated to achieve it. In addition, math anxiety which can affect problem-solving abilities needs to be addressed. Therefore, this research aims to produce and describe the feasibility of e-learning products based on discovery learning and oriented toward problem-solving ability and overcoming math anxiety in terms of validity, practicality, and effectiveness. This research is research and development using the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation). The instruments used in this research consisted of validation sheets, teacher and student practicality sheets, learning implementation observation sheets, problem-solving ability tests, and math anxiety questionnaires. Validity and practicality data analysis was carried out using a quantitative data conversion table to qualitative data in the form of standard values. Effectiveness analysis was carried out using the paired sample t-test, Wilcoxon signed rank test and proportion test. The validity test meets valid criteria both in terms of material and media. The practicality test based on teacher and student assessments is very practical and on the feasibility of learning activities is very practical. The effectiveness test shows differences in problem-solving ability and math anxiety in the pre-test and post-test. The proportion test shows classical completeness in problem-solving ability and math anxiety so that it meets the effective criteria. The product was developed to facilitate problem-solving abilities and overcome math anxiety in the form of e-learning based on discovery learning on congruency and congruence material meets the feasibility criteria in terms of validity, practicality, and effectiveness.
Evaluation of Antibacterial (Antibiofilm) Activity Potential of ZnONPs Coated on Wound Dressing Cloth
Authors: Narayanan Mathiyazhagan
Published: December 2024

Introduction: In light of the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the necessity for efficient wound treatment, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) have garnered interest for their potent antibacterial and antibiofilm characteristics. This study examines the incorporation of green synthesized ZnONPs into wound dressing fabric to inhibit bacterial colonization and biofilm development, and significant obstacles in wound healing. The present study aims to assess the antibacterial efficacy of plant-mediated and pre-synthesized as well as characterized ZnONPs against opportunistic bacterial pathogens to create more effective wound dressings that facilitate expedited, infectionfree recovery.
Methods: The antibacterial efficiency of this green-mediated ZnONPs coated wound dressing material against the opportunistic Gram-positive and negative bacterial pathogens were checked. Various concentrations (0.20, 0.40, and 0.60%) of ZnONPs were used to coat the dressing material. This ZnONPs antibacterial activity was analyzed quantitatively by various time intervals (4-24 hr) and incubated as per the standard bacterial growth conditions.
Results: The findings show that 20 hr after incubation, Gram-negative bacterial growth was inhibited on dressing cloth coated with 0.60% ZnONPs, while Gram-positive bacteria inhibition was observed 24 hr after incubation on dressing cloth coated with 0.40% ZnONPs. These findings suggest that 0.40% and 0.60% ZnONPs significantly kill both groups of opportunistic pathogens.
Discussion: Bacterial infections as well as biofilm formation on wound surfaces significantly impede effective healing, resulting in chronic wounds and elevated healthcare expenses. Conventional wound dressings frequently exhibit inadequate antimicrobial efficacy, particularly against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. ZnONPs have attracted interest owing to their strong antibacterial, antibiofilm, and biocompatibility characteristics. This study assesses the efficacy of ZnONPs-coated wound dressings in suppressing bacterial proliferation and biofilm development, potentially providing a remedy for infectionassociated complications in wound care. The results may facilitate the creation of more efficient wound dressings, thereby decreasing infection rates and enhancing patient outcomes in clinical environments.
Conclusion: Thus, these ZnONPs could be employed as an antibiofilm/antibacterial coating material in wound dressing cloths to prevent secondary opportunistic bacterial infections.
Inflamed Mesenteric Pseudocyst Associated with Meckel’s Diverticulitis: Cause or Consequence
Authors: Talev Stefan , Avramovska Maja , Avramovski Petar , Nikleski Zorica , Ivkovska Tamara , Taleva Biljana , Sotiroski Kosta , Siklovska Vesna , Trajcevska Irena , Servini Aleksandra
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Mesenteric pseudocyst describes an abdominal mass that appears on small bowel mesentery or mesocolon, or at any part of the abdomen and retroperitoneum. This paper aims to emphasize the non-specific clinical appearance and highlight Meckel’s diverticulitis as a potential cause of the development of pseudocyst.
Case Report: A 26-year-old male with a palpable mass in the right upper abdominal quadrant and an increased body temperature of 38.3∘C was admitted for further medical investigation. Computed tomography (CT) presented a cystic mass with a diameter of 5.5 cm, and emergency laparotomy was performed. Wedge resection of pathologic findings of small bowel, its mesenterium, and the cyst mass associated with nearby Meckel’s diverticulum was performed.
Discussion: Meckel’s diverticulum can be considered as a risk for developing mesenteric pseudocyst, because of its frequent exacerbation of chronic inflammation. This report adds to the limited literature on the association between Meckel’s diverticulum and mesenteric pseudocysts, providing valuable insights that can guide future clinical evaluations and surgical interventions. Early and accurate diagnosis, aided by imaging techniques such as CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is essential for effective management. This case highlights the potential link between chronic inflammation in Meckel’s diverticulum and the formation of mesenteric pseudocysts.
Conclusion: This case highlights the need to consider Meckel’s diverticulitis in patients with mesenteric pseudocysts, suggesting a possible pathophysiological link between them. Surgical resection is recommended for effective management.
Current and Emerging Techniques for Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis in Pregnancy: A Narrative Review
Authors: Teimouri Aref , Mahmoudi Shima , Behkar Atefeh , Sahebi Keivan , Foroozand Hassan , Hassanpour Gholamreza , Keshavarz Hossein
Published: December 2024

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite capable of crossing the placenta in pregnancy and infecting the developing fetus, leading to various congenital anomalies and even abortion. Acute Toxoplasma infection is responsible for almost all cases of congenital toxoplasmosis in immunocompetent pregnant women. Prenatal screening for acute toxoplasmosis primarily involves maternal serology and fetal ultrasound imaging. When serological or ultrasound findings suggest acute infection, further diagnostic tests are necessary to confirm fetal infection. Currently, molecular methods to detect the parasite’s DNA, including polymerase chain reaction-based methods, on amniotic fluid are the gold standard tests for the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis. In this review, we aim to discuss various aspects of screening and diagnostic methods for toxoplasmosis in pregnancy, including (i) current serological assays, screening approaches, and future perspectives; (ii) the role of imaging techniques, with an emphasis on ultrasound; (iii) principles and recent advances in diagnostic molecular methods; (iv) emerging techniques, such as point-of-care-based tests and biosensors, and microRNAs as novel biomarkers of acute infection; and (v) an overview of screening programs in different countries, important epidemiological determinants, and recommendations for Toxoplasma screening health policies.
Molecular Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Endosymbiont in Acanthamoeba-Positive Samples in Laboratory Conditions and in the Hospital Environments
Authors: Mohammadi Alireza , Dalimi Abdolhossein , Ghafarifar Fatemeh , Pirestani Majid , Akbari Majid
Published: December 2024

Background: We aimed to identity Helicobacter pylori endosymbiont in Acanthamoeba-positive samples in natural and laboratory conditions.
Methods: Overall, 134 samples were collected from hospital environments. Microscopic and PCR test were used for detection of Acanthamoeba and H. pylori. The real-time PCR method was used to check the active presence of H. pylori within Acanthamoeba under natural conditions from hospital samples and in co-culture laboratory conditions.
Results: The rate of contamination of hospital samples with Acanthamoeba was 44.7%. Out of 42 Acanthamoeba PCR-positive samples, 13 isolates (31%) were positive in terms of H. pylori endosymbiont according to sampling location. H. pylori is able to penetrate and enter the Acanthamoeba parasite.
Conclusion: H. pylori is able to contaminate Acanthamoeba in natural and laboratory conditions. The presence of pathogenic Acanthamoeba in various hospital environments and the hiding of Helicobacter as an endosymbiont inside it can pose a serious threat to the health of hospitalized patients
Modulation of 8-Oxoguanine DNA Glycosylase 1 (OGG1) Alleviated Anemia Severity and Excessive Cytokines Release during Plasmodium berghei Malaria in Mice
Authors: Samaila Abdullahi , Basir Rusliza , Abdul Aziz Nur Aimi Liyana , Abdullah Alarabei Abdusalam , Lawal Gambo Mukhtar , Abdullah Maizaton Atmadini , Hussain Mohd Khairi , Nordin Norshariza , Majid Roslaini Abd
Published: December 2024

Background: The interplay of OGG1, 8-Oxoguanine, and oxidative stress triggers the exaggerated release of cytokines during malaria, which worsens the outcome of the disease. We aimed to investigate the involvement of OGG1 in malaria and assess the effect of modulating its activity on the cytokine environment and anemia during P. berghei malaria in mice.
Methods: Plasmodium berghei ANKA infection in ICR mice was used as a malaria model. OGG1 concentration and oxidative stress levels in P. berghei-infected mice and their control counterparts were assessed during malaria using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. OGG1 activity in malaria mice was modulated using treatment with TH5487 and O8-OGG1 inhibitors. The effects of modulating OGG1 activity using OGG1 inhibitors on cytokine release and anemia during P. berghei malaria infection were assessed by cytometric bead array and measurement of total normal red blood cell count respectively.
Results: The plasma OGG1 level was significantly upregulated and positively correlated with parasitemia during P. berghei malaria in mice. Modulation of OGG1 ameliorated malaria severity by improving the total normal RBC count in TH5487 and O8-treated mice. Modulation of OGG1 with TH5487 caused significant reductions in serum levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-10. Similarly, OGG1 modulation activity using an O8-OGG1 inhibitor caused a significant reduction in serum levels of TNF-α, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-10.
Conclusion: The findings indicate the involvement of OGG1 in the P. berghei malaria infection. OGG1 inhibition by TH5487 and O8-OGG1 inhibitors suppressed excessive cytokine release, and this may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for ameliorating the severity of malaria infection.
The Molecular Detection and Therapeutic Management of Pathogenic Theileria luwenshuni Infection in a Goat: A Case Report
Authors: Arif Syed Abdul , Lahkar Deepa , Gogoi Sophia Makdoh , Changkija Bendangla , Kakati Parikshit , Buragohain Lukumoni , Pathak Mamta , Das Tinku
Published: December 2024

A 2-year-old female Assam Hill goat was presented with a clinical history of anorexia, fever, mild anemia, rough body coat, dehydration, tachycardia, dyspnea and swelling of palpable lymph nodes. Hematology revealed low hemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cell and thrombocyte count. Biochemical analysis showed increased serum concentration of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine and urea in comparison to the normal reference range. Microscopic examination showed intra-erythrocytic forms of Theileria species. Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of partial 18S rRNA gene sequence confirmed Theileria luwenshuni infection. The goat was treated with buparvaquone and oxytetracycline and recovered uneventfully. A three-month follow-up showed no recurrence. This study reveals the presence of T. luwenshuni in Assam, India and it should be considered in differential diagnosis and as one of the important pathogens of clinically sick goats. The present case report provides a rational approach to diagnosis and treatment for a goat infected with pathogenic T. luwenshuni in Assam, India. To our knowledge, the present communication describes about the first successful therapeutic management of pathogenic Tluwenshuni infection in a goat supported with molecular evidence from Assam, a north-eastern state of India.
Response Comment on “A New Immunogenic Structure of Polyepitopic Fusion against Leishmania major: In Silico Study”
Authors: Pirmoradi Saeed , Darvish Khadem Mohammad , Monjezi Zohre , Bahrami Somayeh , Nzelu Chukwunonso O.
Published: December 2024

The Article Abstract is not available
Iron; the Missing Link of Depression Prevention and Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pakzad Reza , Jandaghian-Bidgoli Mohammadamin , Abdi Fatemeh , Shaterian Negin
Published: December 2024

Introduction: To identify the effect of Iron as a preventive and therapeutic agent on depression and other hematological indices by a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Methods: International databases like Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, Clinicaltrials.gov, and Scopus were searched until 27 July 2024 to identify eligible articles with the appropriate Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). The risk of bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) was used for precise assessment. Heterogeneity was determined using Cochran’s Q-test and the I2 index. To assess source of heterogeneity, meta-regression was used. The pooled standardized mean difference (PSMD) was calculated by considering the random effects model.
Results: of 2154 studies,14 studies were included in systematic review and 6 studies were excluded from analysis due to lack of data for calculating PSMD and finally, 8 studies were included in meta-analysis. Based on the results, iron therapy led to improvement in depression symptoms (PSMD = -0.18; 95% CI: -0.32 to -0.03). The iron therapy led to increasing the blood level of Iron (PSMD = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.95), Ferritin (PSMD = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.85), HCT (PSMD = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.61), MCV (SMD = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.18 to 1.15) and Transferrin saturation (PSMD:0.26; 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.50). Based on the meta-regression result, the sample size, participant age, and publication year had no significant role in heterogeneity between studies.
Conclusion: The use of iron supplements in patients with depression can be considered. However, there is a need to conduct further studies involving various kinds of depression.
Geospatial Analysis of COVID-19 Death Rate and Influencing Factors in the Middle East and North Africa Region
Authors: Aboalyem Mustafa Shebani , Ismail Mohd Tahir
Published: December 2024

Introduction: This study uses advanced geospatial modeling to analyze key determinants of COVID-19 death cases across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, aiming to reveal spatial patterns and inform targeted interventions for enhanced public health response.
Methods: This study employs GIS and geostatistical models, including OLS, SLM, SEM, GWR, and MGWR, to analyze spatial and demographic determinants of COVID-19 mortality across MENA. By examining socioeconomic, medical, and demographic factors, it identifies key drivers and explores spatially non-stationary relationships impacting death rates.
Results: The study found that hospital bed allocation, unemployment rate, and vaccination doses positively correlate with COVID-19 death cases in MENA, likely due to better reporting and healthcare access. The OLS model (R² = 0.7346) highlighted spatial autocorrelation, prompting the use of SLM and SEM, which confirmed predictor significance. GWR (R² = 0.8140) and MGWR (R² = 0.8187) revealed spatially non-stationary relationships, with hospital beds impacting the northwest (GWR) and southwest (MGWR). Unemployment was significant in the northeast (Iran, Turkey) and northwest (Morocco), while vaccination doses were notably influential in Iran and Somalia.
Conclusion: This study emphasizes the significant roles of healthcare capacity, socioeconomic factors, and vaccination coverage in influencing COVID-19 mortality across MENA. It highlights the vulnerability of healthcare systems in developing countries and underscores the need for targeted resource allocation. Using spatial models like GWR and MGWR, the research reveals regional variations, especially in the northwest, advocating for tailored, region-specific interventions. By integrating GIS and geostatistical models, this analysis lays a foundation for future research on COVID-19 dynamics, providing crucial insights to inform policy measures for better public health crisis management