bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the influence of selected audio pre-processing stages on accuracy of speaker language recognition
Authors: Barkovska Olessia , Havrashenko Anton
Published: December 2023

The subject matter of the study is the analysis of the influence of pre-processing stages of the audio on the accuracy of speaker language regognition. The importance of audio pre-processing has grown significantly in recent years due to its key role in a variety of applications such as data reduction, filtering, and denoising. Taking into account the growing demand for accuracy and efficiency of audio information classification methods, evaluation and comparison of different audio pre-processing methods becomes important part of determining optimal solutions. The goal of this study is to select the best sequence of stages of pre-processing audio data for use in further training of a neural network for various ways of converting signals into features, namely, spectrograms and mel-cepstral characteristic coefficients. In order to achieve the goal, the following tasks were solved: analysis of ways of transforming the signal into certain characteristics and analysis of mathematical models for performing an analysis of the audio series by selected characteristics were carried out. After that, a generalized model of real-time translation of the speaker's speech was developed and the experiment was planned depending on the selected stages of pre-processing of the audio. To conclude, the neural network was trained and tested for the planned experiments. The following methods were used: mel-cepstral characteristic coefficients, spectrogram, time mask, frequency mask, normalization. The following results were obtained: depending on the selected stages of pre-processing of voice information and various ways of converting the signal into certain features, it is possible to achieve speech recognition accuracy up to 93%. The practical significance of this work is to increase the accuracy of further transcription of audio information and translation of the formed text into the chosen language, including artificial laguages. Conclusions: In the course of the work, the best sequence of stages of pre-processing audio data was selected for use in further training of the neural network for different ways to convert signals into features. Mel-cepstral characteristic coefficients are better suited for solving our problem. Since the neural network strongly depends on its structure, the results may change with the increase in the volume of input data and the number of languages. But at this stage, it was decided to use only mel-cepstral characteristic coefficients with normalization.
ЗМІНА ВЛАСТИВОСТЕЙ НАФТИ ГІДРОДИНАМІЧНИМ КАВІТАТОРОМ
Authors: Якимечко Ярослав
Published: December 2023

В роботі розглядаються експериментальні дослідження роботи гідродинамічного кавітатора та його вплив на параметри нафти Долинського родовища.Дослідження проводилися на базі нафтогазовидобувного управління «Долинанафтогаз» за розробленою програмою і мет
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ЕТАПІВ ВИБОРУ ПОСТАЧАЛЬНИКІВ ПРОДУКТІВ ДЛЯ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЇ ХАРЧУВАННЯ ШКОЛЯРІВ
Authors: Тюрікова І.С. , Ярошенко Т.М.
Published: December 2023

В роботі розглянуто зовнішні фактори, що впливають на процес вибору постачальників продуктів для організації харчування школярів. Розроблено блок-схему процесу планування закупівель, вибору та затвердження постачальників за результатами досліджень на діюч
ЗЕЛЕНЕ БУДІВНИЦТВО В ПІСЛЯВОЄННІЙ ВІДБУДОВІ: АНАЛІЗ ТА РОЗРОБКА РЕКОМЕНДАЦІЙ
Authors: Журавська Наталія , Авдикович Яна
Published: December 2023

«Зелене будівництво» – це підхід до проектування, будівництва та експлуатації будівель, спрямований на зменшення негативного впливу на навколишнє середовище. Одним із ключових аспектів зеленого будівництва є ефективне використання ресурсів: використання е
ВПЛИВ ПЕРЕДПОСІВНОЇ ОБРОБКИ НАСІННЯ НА ФОРМУВАННЯ ПРОДУКТИВНОСТІ ЛЮЦЕРНИ ПОСІВНОЇ
Authors: Марініч Любов , Климась Едуард
Published: December 2023

Для збільшенні виробництва якісних кормів важливого значення набуває удосконалення структури посівних площ і організація культурних пасовищ. У даному випадку саме ефективне використання багаторічних бобових трав спроможне налагодити систему виробництва ви
ЗАГАЛЬНІ ПІДХОДИ ДО САНАТОРНО-КУРОРТНОГО ЛІКУВАННЯ ХВОРИХ ЗІ ШКІРНИМИ ЗАХВОРЮВАННЯМИ
Authors: Гладких Надія , Дюдюн Анатолій , Поліон Наталья , Поліон Микита
Published: December 2023

Санаторно-курортне лікування дерматологічних хворих це один із важливих етапів ведення пацієнтів, особливо тих, хто страждає від поширених дерматозів, які протікають із частими тривалими загостреннями і короткочасними ремісіями.Природні фактори фізіологі
3D HOLOGRAM OPTICAL ELEMENT FOR ANGLE MEASURING DEVICES AND SIGHTING SYSTEMS
Authors: Тюрін Олександр , Жуков Сергій , Ахмеров Олександр
Published: December 2023

In this work, a hologram optical element is proposed for optical-electronic angle measuring devices and sighting systems, which is a combination of four three-dimensional diffraction gratings registered in the volume of a photosensitive medium.The method
FROM INNOVATION TO INNOVATIVE BUSINESS
Authors: Popa Marina
Published: December 2023

Innovation is the process of adapting from old to new, that would mean a 100 year difference or change from yesterday to today. It is the main source of economic growth and social and technological progress. In recent years, innovation-led economic growth
КЛЮЧОВІ АСПЕКТИ ОБРОБКИ ПРИРОДНОЇ МОВИ
Authors: Парнус Катерина , Давидович Марина , Хорош Ольга
Published: December 2023

Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a field of artificial intelligence that focuses on enabling computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language in a way that is both meaningful and useful. NLP plays a crucial role in various applications,
МЕТОДИЧНІ АСПЕКТИ ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ ІКТ У ФОРМУВАННІ ПРОФЕСІЙНОЇ КОМПЕТЕНТНОСТІ СТУДЕНТІВ МЕДИЧНИХ КОЛЕДЖІВ
Authors: Філатенко Тетяна
Published: December 2023

Стаття розкриває питання використання ІКТ в формуванні професійної компетентності студентів медичних коледжів в умовах цифрової трансформації освітніх систем та медичних послуг. З’ясовані актуальні складники професійної компетентності студентів методичних
Born Outside of Wedlock, Died as a Millionaire: Getting Wealthy by Being Entrepreneurially Resourceful
Authors: Koiranen Matti , Rautamäki Hannele
Published: December 2023

The rise from rags to riches i.e., from poverty to wealth has inspired as a topic both novelists and historians, but often their texts are just chronological or sub-thematic writings without any clear theoretical focus. In the present study, the learned entrepreneurial resourcefulness has been selected to be the main theoretical perspective. In addition, we can follow from a life-long description how a youngster called Julius (Julius Johnsson; 1845-1923) born in the poverty rose to wealth. The context is Finland, mainly in the 19th century, and the historian’s biographical data are used as empirical evidence. Our analytical tool is a 2x2-matrix, which makes it possible to study both individual and collective resourcefulness and both proactive and reactive behaviour in the growth process. The key findings emphasize proactive, self-initiated behaviour. Both individual and collective resourcefulness have helped the youngster in his development ”from a Russian bastard” to a Finnish millionaire. The nature of his resourcefulness has been not only cognitive but also affective and, most of all, conative. Resourcefulness has helped Julius to recognize opportunities and overcome resource constraints in the transition to a wealthy habitual entrepreneur and a respected businessman. Earlier body of knowledge regarding resourcefulness is complemented with our analytical matrix which can be regarded as the main methodological contribution and which offers a novel framework for the forthcoming studies aiming at adding knowledge on entrepreneurial resourcefulness. Keywords: biography, entrepreneurial behaviour, entrepreneurial resourcefulness, habitual entrepreneur, learning
1668: An Annus Horribilis for the Spanish Monarchy – The Lost European Hegemony, the International Situation, the Internal Crisis
Authors: Pilo Rafaella
Published: December 2023

1668 seems to be a kind of annus horribilis for the Spanish Monarchy that had been able to lead European politics during an entire century. If it possible to consider the peace of Cateau-Cambrésis of 1559 - that ended with French-Spanish conflict in Italy - such as the apical moment for Habsburg power in Europe, in some way the peace of the Pyrenees, signed in 1659 between the same protagonists, can represent the final phase of such as hegemony ruled by Madrid. Indeed, 1668 represents the most crucial point of crisis for a lot of reasons clearly connected with international order and especially with the rise of France, but also with the complicated Spanish domestic situation.
Kleomenes I of Sparta: A Proto-Biography
Authors: Baker Oliver R.
Published: December 2023

Claims that Herodotus reveals himself as a proto-biographer are not yet widely accepted. To advance this claim, I review his recount of Kleomenes of Sparta (c. 540–c. 490), who finds his kingdom caught in the periphery of the Greco-Persian conflict, and whose activities over a thirty-year reign are recorded in the Histories. It is to Heraclitus to whom we attribute the maxim—character is human destiny. It is the truth of this maxim—which implies effective human agency—that makes Herodotus’ creation of historical narrative possible. He is often read for his off-topic vignettes, which color-in the character of the individuals depicted without necessarily advancing his narrative. But by leapfrogging through five of the nine books of the Histories, we can assemble a largely continuous narrative for this remarkable Spartan ruler. This narrative permits us to attribute both credit and moral responsibility for his actions. Arguably, this implied causation demonstrates that Herodotus’ writings include much that amounts to proto-biography.
Explaining Electoral Successes in Greek Parliamentary Elections: Is it the Economy Again?
Authors: Papanikos Gregory T.
Published: December 2023

This paper asks the following question: can the macroeconomic fluctuations of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) explain the electoral success of political parties? Notwithstanding other important determinants such as the charisma of the leader of a popular political party or ideology, the economy may very well explain electoral successes. In this paper, I use a very simple variable to account for the economy: the rate of growth of GDP. It is claimed that years of relative higher growth are associated with the incumbent government retaining its power, while years of zero or negative growth rates are related with the fall of an incumbent government. The period between 1974-2023 shows evidence of Greek economic growth and the impact on elections and therefore the hypothesis cannot be rejected that the economy plays a central role in explaining electoral successes, and especially failures, of incumbent governments. Keywords: Greece, elections, economy, GDP, political parties, time series, policy, political leaders
Academic Burnout and its Association with Undesired Behaviors among Faculty Members at Al-Balqa Applied University from Students’ Perspectives
Authors: Samawi Fadi , Tadros Zain
Published: December 2023

The present study aims at identifying the association between university students’ academic burnout and undesired behaviors among faculty members at Al-Balqa Applied University from students’ perspectives. A cross-sectional design was used in this study. To collect data, convenience sampling was used to collect data from the study sample. The sample size consisted of 350 undergraduate students from different academic majors at Al-Balqa Applied University. The research instruments included the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), which consists of 22 statements distributed over 3 domains: “emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment”, in addition to the scale of the unwanted behavior developed by Magableh and Abu Ghazal (2013) that covers the following domains: “teaching method, personal characteristics of faculty members, relationship with faculty members, faculty members' efficiency, classroom management and organization, motivational stimulation, and evaluation”. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) (v. 26, IBM Corp. New York City, USA). Descriptive statistics and parametric tests were used to analyze the gathered data. The results of the study showed that there is a significant statistical association between faculty members’ undesired behaviors and students’ academic burnout (r=0.361). The study concluded that faculty members’ undesired behaviors should be addressed to alleviate their impact on student's academic and psychological status. The study recommended conducting further awareness campaigns about coping strategies to alleviate the levels of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment. Keywords: academic burnout, undesired behaviors, emotional exhaustion, university students
The boundary value problem for the two-dimensional Laplace equation with transmission conditions given on open Lipschitz curve
Authors: Sybil Yurii
Published: December 2023

We consider boundary value problem for Laplace equation in bounded two-dimensional Lipschitz domain with transmission boundary condition given upon open curve. This conditions includes itself the jump of solution of boundary value problem and the meaning of boundary value of its normal derivative. We prove the equivalence of considered boundary value problem and obtained variational problem. As a result we prove existence and uniqueness of solution of the posed problems in appropriate functional spaces. Based on the integral representation of the solution the considered boundary value problem is reduced to the system of boundary integral equation which has unique solution.
A fundamental sequences method with time-reduction for one-dimensional lateral Cauchy problems
Authors: Borachok Ihor , Chapko Roman , Johansson Tomas
Published: December 2023

A fundamental sequences method is derived for the numerical solution of an ill-posed one-dimensional lateral Cauchy problem for a hyperbolic damped wave equation, including as a special case the parabolic heat equation. Either the Laguerre transform or the Houbolt finite difference scheme is applied to reduce the time-dependent lateral Cauchy problem to a sequence of second-order ordinary differential equations (ODEs) with function values and derivatives specified at the right endpoint of a finite space interval. A set of fundamental solutions is constructed, termed a fundamental sequence, to the differential equations. The solution of the obtained ODEs is approximated by a linear combination of elements in the fundamental sequence. Source points are placed outside of the solution interval in space, and by collocating at the endpoints of this interval a sequence of linear equations is obtained for finding the unknown coeficients. Tikhonov regularization is used to render a stable solution to the obtained systems of linear equations. Numerical results both for the parabolic and hyperbolic case confirm the efficiency of the proposed method including noisy data. The presented results complement the higher-dimensional case initiated in our previous researches.
Convergence analysis of kernel conjugate gradient for functional linear regression
Authors: Gupta N. , Sivananthan S. , Sriperumbudur B.K.
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we discuss the convergence analysis of the conjugate gradient-based algorithm for the functional linear model in the reproducing kernel Hilbert space framework, utilizing early stopping results in regularization against over-fitting. We establish the convergence rates depending on the regularity condition of the slope function and the decay rate of the eigenvalues of the operator composition of covariance and kernel operator. Our convergence rates match the minimax rate available from the literature.
Estudio funcional de la guía anterior y su relación con los tejidos duros y blandos
Authors: Altamirano Ricardo H. , López Pilar , Romero Marisa , Caramello Carlos , Christiani Juan J.
Published: December 2023

La guía anterior es una determinante de la oclusión y es elemento fundamental para la parafunción del sistema. Se examinaron 55 pacientes, entre los años 2021 y 2022, en el servicio de ATM y Oclusión del Hospital Odontológico de la UNNE. Se consideraron las siguientes variables: integridad morfológica, presencia o ausencia de desoclusión, sobrepase vertical y horizontal, recesiones gingivales, lesiones de abfracción y fenotipo del paciente de la guía anterior, según criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Los resultados obtenidos: edad promedio de 41 años; variable integridad morfológica se observó un 50% de dientes naturales y 16% de dientes restaurados con resina. El 56% tuvo overbite normal, en tanto el 30% no lo tuvo. En cuanto al Overjet el porcentaje más alto, fue el cerrado con un 32% y en segundo lugar con 26% espacio intermedio, siendo la frecuencia más baja un 16% abierto, funcionalidad de la guía anterior, el más alto fue la falta de funcionalidad con un 56 % y 44 guías anteriores funcionales. La guía incisiva 54 % de funcionalidad, es decir función protrusiva. De todas las guías observadas el, 62 %, tuvieron ausencia de recesiones y el 38 % si la tuvieron. El más alto en relación al fenotipo fue el intermedio en un 36 %, seguido del grueso en un 34 %, quedando en ultimo termino aquellos pacientes de fenotipo fino en un 30%. La integridad de la guía anterior se ve afectada por la falta de prevención, higiene y conciencia de la importancia que tiene.
Hemangioendotelioma epitelioide en lengua, presentación de un caso
Authors: Hidalgo Jose Carlos , Benetti Andrés , Briend María Susana ; , Alsina Ángel Esteban
Published: December 2023

El hemangioendotelioma epitelioide es una rara neoplasia vascular de tejidos blandos. Se trata de un tumor poco común. Es localmente agresivo, con un nivel intermedio o bajo potencial maligno y con crecimiento intermedio entre el hemangioma y un angiosarcoma. Su localización más frecuente es el hígado, pulmón y tejidos blandos; muy raramente se presenta en la cavidad oral. Presentamos un caso de hemangioendotelioma epitelioide en una mujer de 24 años de edad en la cara dorsal de la lengua. El diagnóstico se realizó en base a la clínica, los hallazgos histológicos y la tinción immunohistoquímica.
Analytical review of wireless charging technologies for electric vehicles
Authors: Buriakivskyi Vitalii
Published: December 2023

Problem. The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the various wireless charging technologies tailored for electric vehicles (EVs). It delves into an in-depth exploration of existing methodologies, challenges, and prospective advancements in this burgeoning field. Goal. The purpose of this work is to conduct a comprehensive analysis and critical assessment of diverse wireless charging technologies tailored for electric vehicles (EVs). The primary aim is to systematically evaluate and elucidate the existing methodologies, highlighting their advantages, drawbacks, and key challenges prevalent in this domain. Methodology. The research methodology involves an extensive literature review to gather information on wireless charging technologies for electric vehicles. It includes data collection from reputable sources, comparative analysis of technologies based on efficiency and limitations, identification of trends and challenges, interpretation of findings, and conclusions with recommendations. Ethical considerations and acknowledgment of limitations are integral parts of the methodology. Originality. Research will focus on analyzing wireless charging technologies for electric vehicles, emphasizing original insights derived from comprehensive literature review, comparative analysis, and identification of emerging trends and challenges, ensuring unique contributions to the field. Ethical practices and acknowledgment of limitations will be integral aspects of the research. Conclusions. The study presents detailed results of a comparative analysis that highlights the effectiveness, limitations, and emerging trends in wireless charging technologies for electric vehicles. It presents the findings of a comprehensive review that provides insight into the current state and future prospects of these technologies. Practical value. Research aims to provide practical value by offering insights into the effectiveness, limitations, and future potential of wireless charging technologies for electric vehicles, contributing actionable recommendations for industry stakeholders and policymakers.
Liver and cardiovascular diseases: a two-way relationship. Review
Authors: Gubergrits N. B. , Byelyayeva N. V.
Published: December 2023

Diseases of the liver and cardiovascular system often accompany each other. It is pathogenetically prudent to divide the causes of concomitant diseases of the heart and liver into four groups: heart diseases that affect the liver; liver diseases that contribute to the development of heart pathology; alterations in the cardiovascular system and liver that have a common cause; and concomitant diseases of the heart and liver that have multiple causes. Congestive hepatopathy develops as a result of right ventricular heart failure of various etiology, including constrictive pericarditis, tricuspid regurgitation, cardiomyopathy, and cor pulmonale. Venous congestion predisposes to liver injury via three main pathogenetic mechanisms: insufficient hepatic blood flow, decreased arterial oxygen saturation, and increased hepatic venous pressure. Ischemic hepatitis may develop under conditions of severe, protracted hypotension, which impairs visceral perfusion and predisposes to hypoxemia. Hepatopulmonary syndrome is a clinical syndrome characterized by a distinct symptom complex, which may include pathological arteriovenous shunting in the pulmonary vessels, arterial hypoxemia, liver disease, and/or portal hypertension. Portopulmonary hypertension is pulmonary arterial hypertension caused by portal hypertension in the absence of an alternative etiology. Hemochromatosis, chronic alcoholism, and amyloidosis are the most common causes of concomitant heart and liver diseases with a common etiology. Determining the pathogenetic variant of concomitant diseases is essential for deciding on treatment strategies, particularly surgical intervention, or heart or liver transplantation.
Nutritional support during the rehabilitation phases. Review
Authors: Ovdii M. O. , Moroz V. V. , Haluzynska O. I.
Published: December 2023

A literature search has been performed with the use of sources that contain information on the effects of nutrition on the processes of restoring the functional state and nutrition at the stages of rehabilitation using such key words as «nutritional support», «rehabilitation nutrition», «rational nutrition», «recovery diet». The search was carried out in medical databases Pub Med, Medline, Google Scholar.
According to the World Health Organization, a healthy diet is a decisive factor in the prevention and treatment of non‑communicable chronic diseases. People who follow a healthy diet tend to live longer and have a lower risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus and some types of cancers. Over the last decades, the increased attention has been paid to nutrition not only as an important preventive factor, but also as a key component of rehabilitation treatment. Rehabilitation is aimed at the restoration of the functioning of an organism. In these aspects, nutritional interventions have the potential to enhance the rehabilitation effect. Nutritional support at the stages of rehabilitation makes it possible to provide the body with the necessary nutrients, create conditions for better tissue regeneration, reduce the phenomena of chronic inflammation, and maintain the optimal body weight of patients. As the volume of rehabilitation interventions increases, there is a growing need for appropriate nutrients, necessitating adjustments to the dietary regimen. The physiological response to injury, tissue damage, or immobilization can be improved through the optimization of macroelement composition, caloric intake, timing of nutrient consumption, and the use of appropriate dietary supplements. Nutritional support, appropriate nutritional interventions and metabolic modulation can significantly improve the results of treatment of disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system and increase the level of rehabilitation of such patients. Determining the necessary volume of nutritional support at the stages of treatment and rehabilitation of patients of various profiles is an urgent problem of medicine and requires scientific research.
Quality analysis of groundwater and surface water bodies around the selected brick kilns in Fatehgarh Sahib and Rupnagar Districts in Punjab, India
Authors: Mutabaruka Michel , Rana Aditya , Mahapatra Saubhagya Ranjan , Kumar Sawatantar
Published: December 2023

Brick production is a business that benefits many people, such as providing building materials, employment, and interest to the business owners. However, it has been associated with many adverse impacts various components of ecosystem.Thepresent studyaimed to determine the impact of isolated brick kilns onthe pollution levelof water bodies in Fatehgarh Sahib and Rupnagar Districts of Punjab, India. Physicochemical and microbiological parameters of water were evaluated. The results revealed that the isolated brick kilns partially impacted the water bodies, as the concentration of heavy metals waspresent in surface water near the study area. Parameters such as electrical conductivity (EC), Turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), Chloride (Cl), alkalinity and chemical oxygen demand (COD) estimated for surface water samples showed high contamination levels, except for pH, which was acidic (6.2) for surface water. The groundwater was alkaline with pH estimated to be 7.6. The alkalinity and COD levels of groundwater were 693.3 mg/l and 12.4,respectively, as the peak values, and both values were beyond the permissible limits for drinking water. Total coliforms were present in all samples at low health risk (13/15), except two surface water ponds, which showed a health risk. One-third of groundwater was highly contaminated by Escherichia coli, whereas only one of the twelve samples was contaminated withE.coli. The changes of all estimated water parameters in groundwater with distance did not follow any spatial pattern. They could partially be attributed to the lithology of the soil and prominent agricultural activities in the region. The WQI was highly influenced by heavy metals, notably arsenic (As) from both lithologic and brick kilns' origins and lead (Pb) from burning fuels in the brick kilns.
Influence of plant bioregulators on finger characters, yield and economics of banana cv. Monthan under the Cauvery delta region of Karaikal, Puducherry
Authors: S. Manonmani , Senthilkumar S. , Manivannan S.
Published: December 2023

Banana, a climacteric fruit crop of the humid tropical ecosystem, has economic value worldwide in domestic and export markets. Recently, plant bio-regulators have been proven to modulate the growth and/or any physiological actions from its production site and are active in minor concentrations. The plant bio-regulators encompass several plant growth hormones to promote commercial fruit production when applied externally at the right stage with appropriate concentration. However, the response of banana cv. Monthan with the foliar application of plant bio-regulators in the Cauvery delta region of Karaikal, Puducherry, is less explored. Hence, the study was initiated to assess the potentiality of plant bio-regulators in commercial banana production in the region to support the banana growers of the track to obtain better returns. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with six treatments (T1 - GA3 50ppm, T2 - CPPU 2ppm, T3 - 2,4-D 25 ppm, T4 - Brassinosteroid 1 ppm, T5 - Seaweed extract 0.1% and C - control) of four replications. Two Bunch sprays of treatments were given at the time of opening of the last hand and 20 days later, the first spray. Results obtained revealed that the bunches fortified with ‘T5’ Seaweed extract (0.1%) rendered significance with hand weight (1.72 kg), finger girth (15.88 cm), pulp width (5.05 cm) and lesser duration between the last hand open and harvest (73.00 days), yield per hectare (20.55 t/ha). Economic analysis evidenced that the treatment of seaweed extract (0.1%) hampered the highest net returns (Rs. 2,91,138 per hectare), including the benefit-cost ratio (1.89). Hence, the pre-harvest bunch spray with 0.1% seaweed extract is a cost-effective treatment and that may be recommended to farmers to increase the banana productivity in this region.
Relation between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) with some biochemical variables in high-risk aborted women in Mosul city, Iraq
Authors: Haddad Mohammed F. , Taie Anmar A. Al , Abdullah Basima A.
Published: December 2023

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), or Kissing Virus, is a member of the Herpes virus that can be a contributory factor for compromised pregnant, high-risk aborted women worldwide. The present study aimed to detect high-risk EBV by the Monospot test for pregnant, high-risk aborted women, to detect immunoglobulin IgM and IgG for EBV using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique, to distinguish the infections as acute, chronic, or reactivated, and to determination of Enzymes as Aspartate Transaminase (AST), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and Alanine Transaminase (ALT).A cohort of 91 serum samples were collected from high-risk aborted women (ages 15-45 years) who attended Al-Medina Private Laboratory from February to December 2022.Sera were tested for heterophile antibodies(HA) associated with Infectious Mononucleosis (IM) caused by EBV by Latex Agglutination slide test (IM Quick test) and were tested for IgM and IgG antibodies against EBV-CA in serum using the ELISA kit.Sera from the patients and healthy controls were analyzed for Glutamate-Pyruvate Transaminase (GPT), Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (GOT), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), and Alkaline phosphatase. Compared to healthy controls, the data showed that the late phase with loss and reactivated infection was responsible for 25% of cases and that the acute and late infection cases had a high of 64%. There were significant differences in the level of these hormones;aborted women showed increased levels of serum ALP (70.83) while having a reverse effect with serum ALT (11.7) and AST (25.43). EBV activation was higher in the aborted women. The study would help to determine the role of EBV in the pathogenesis of abortion.
Molecular typing and integron detection of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates recovered from Baquba Teaching Hospital in Iraq
Authors: Al-Shabender Ghada Abdul-Ameer I. , Al-Taai Hadi R. Rasheed
Published: December 2023

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a gram-negative bacterium that causes severe illnesses and is antibiotic-resistant. This study aimed to determine the antibiotic resistance profile and prevalence of classII and III Iintegrons and ERIC -PCR among clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae. The study was conducted between September 2022 and January 2023.  Fifty isolates were obtained from 230 specimens (wounds, burns, blood, fluid, ears,urine and sputum). Macroscopic, microscopic, and biochemical assays were used to identify all K.pneumoniae isolates, which were confirmed with the genetically by 16S rRNA. All isolates were examined for various types of clinically significant antibiotic drugs. The results of resistance to antibiotics indicated resistance to Amoxilline-clavulanc acid(98%),  Meropenem (38%), Ceftazidime (96%), Amikacin (48%), Trimethopri-sulfamethoxazole (58.62%) and Levofloxacin (46%).The testing for antibiotic susceptibility of the K.pneumoniaeisolate showed that 24 (48%)  of the isolates were multi-drug resistant (MDR). K.pneumoniae β-lactamase producers (ESBL) appeared33(66%). Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC) amplification of 16 clinical K. pneumoniae isolates showed 14 (87.5 %)  of Each of them revealed at least one amplification band. ERIC-PCR typing found two groups, A and B, with identical antimicrobial resistance patterns within the same group. While IntegronII showed that 1(6.25 %) of K. pneumoniae isolates was integrase gene positive. Class III integrons were seen in all isolates at a rate of 16 (100%).Continuous monitoring and characterization of integrons and their associated gene cassettes could be helpful in controlling the rate of antibiotic resistance by planning to take preventive measures to hinder the spread of resistant strains
Detection of antibiotics resistance andefflux pumps production in clinical Acinetobacter baumannii isolates
Authors: A. Abdulkareem Muntaha , Mubarak Kareem Ibrahim
Published: December 2023

Acinetobacter baumannii is considered one of the important pathogenic bacteria and responsible for several nosocomial and community infections in humans, such as the lungs (pneumonia), the bloodstream of ICU patients, burns, surgical wounds and meningitis. During the period from September to the end of December 2022, a total of 210 blood specimens were collected inDiyala governorate  Baqubah Teaching Hospital, Iraq.To investigate the prevalence of bacterial isolates among ICU patients by identifying bacteria depending on suitable media under suitable environmental conditions for growth, morphological characteristics, biochemical tests, and confirmation of identification isolates by molecular detection of blaOXA- 51gene, antibiotic resistance, phenotypic and molecular detection of efflux pumps adeF gene, and activity of ciprofloxacin andresveratrol on gene expression. The percentage positive growth of A. baumannii isolates from blood specimens among ICU patients was 12 %, and the highest resistance of 25 isolates against fourteen types of antibiotics was equal to cefotaxime (100 % ), ticarcillin-clavulanate, and ceftriaxone ( 96 %), and ( 92 % )for each of Cefepime and Tobramycin, the lowest percentage was for doxycycline (64 % ).MIC value for ciprofloxacin and doxycycline between (8- 512 mg/ml) and ( 4 - 128 mg/ml) respectively. Molecular studies indicate the presence of blaOXA- 51gene  and adeF  in all isolates under study ( 100 % ). The treatment of resistance isolates with ciprofloxacin, resveratrol and their combination resulted in reduction of adeF gene. The resveratrol effect on efflux pumps gene adeF gene expression occurred for the first time in Iraq and even at the level of the Arab world.
Enhancing herbicides sorption in sodic soils through biochar amendment : A promising approach for sustainable agriculture
Authors: Thilagavathi T. , Janaki P. , Kumar R. Mugesh
Published: December 2023

This study is essential for assessing the binding capacity of Prosopis wood biochar to commonly used herbicides, Pretilachlor and Pendimethalin. Understanding their sorption dynamics at varying biochar application rates and exposure times is crucial for sustainable and effective herbicide management in intensively farming agricultural fields and for reducing environmental contamination. The Prosopis wood biochar was produced in an earthen kiln at 300-350°C. The batch experiment was conducted to study the sorption potential of biochar additions at rates of 0, 5, and 10 t ha-1. The herbicides were added to the homogenized soil-biochar mixes at zero, whole, twice, and four times the recommended dose. The sorption of the herbicides by soil biochar mixture was studied for 12 and 24 hours. The result showed that Pendimethalin sorption increased with biochar application rate, requiring 24 hours for 95% sorption at 4X dose without biochar (77.95 mg/kg soil) and 12 hours with 10 t/ha biochar (75.82 mg/kg soil). The Kd value increased with biochar application (0.57-77.95 mg/kg soil) and decreased with pendimethalin application (77.95-3.04 mg/kg soil). Maximum sorption (95%) was attained within 12 hours for 1X and 2X rates and 24 hours for 4X rates when biochar was added. This demonstrated that although pendimethalin residue in the soil can be immobilized by adding biochar within 8 hours at lower rates, more than 24 hours were required when pendimethalin was applied at higher rates or repeatedly. Biochar can be used to reduce pendimethalin leaching in agricultural fields, especially sodic soils, at higher application rates.
Application of Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model for the estimation of soil erosion and prioritization of erosion-prone areas in Majuli Island, Assam, India
Authors: Handique Arpana , Dey Praduyt , Patnaik Santanu Kumar
Published: December 2023

Soil erosion is a serious issue, causing loss of agricultural productivity, increase in sediment deposit in the riverbeds, and damage to the ecological balance of the affected areas. Proper assessment of the soil erosion rate is essential for managing natural resources. The present study employs a GIS-based RUSLE (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation) model to estimate annual soil loss in Majuli River Island of Assam, India. Annual average rainfall, soil properties, topographic characteristics, and LULC were taken as inputs to identify the soil erosion susceptible areas. The result revealed that annual soil loss of the study area ranges between 0 to 711 t ha−1 yr−1, with a mean annual soil loss of 23.02 t ha−1 yr−1. The entire region was classified into six soil loss severity classes, around 90 % of the area was found to be very slightly affected (< 5 t ha−1 yr−1) by soil erosion, around 5 % slightly affected (5 – 10 t ha−1 yr−1), roughly 3% moderately affected (10 – 20 t ha−1 yr−1), around 1% moderate high (20 – 40 t ha−1 yr−1), nearly 0.3 % area affected severely (40 -80 t ha−1 yr−1) and very severely affected areas (> 80 t ha−1 yr−1) contributes 0.1 %. A total of six priority levels of conservation were demarcated village-wise; priority level I requires immediate attention, and so on. The research outcome can help effectively implement conservation and management practices to check soil erosion in the study area.
Optimizing the input for learning of L2-specific constructions: The roles of Zipfian and balanced input, explicit rules and working memory
Authors: Pulido Manuel
Published: December 2023

Usage-based theory has proposed that learning of linguistic constructions is facilitated by input that contains few high-frequency exemplars, in what is known as a skewed (or Zipfian) input distribution. Early empirical work provided support to this idea, but subsequent L2 research has provided mixed findings. However, previous approaches have not explored the impact that cognitive traits (e.g., working memory) have on the effectiveness of skewed or balanced input. The experiment reported here tested learners’ ability to develop new L2 categories of adjectives that guide lexical selection in Spanish verbs of “becoming”. The results showed that, when explicit rules are provided, low-working memory learners benefitted from reduced variability in skewed input, while high-working memory individuals benefitted from balanced input, which better allows for rule-based hypothesis testing. The findings help clarify the mixed findings in previous studies, and suggest a way forward for optimizing the L2 input based on individual traits.
Exploring the Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Individualized Cognitive Training: a Systematic Review
Authors: Adolphe Maxime , Pech Marion , Sawayama Masataka , Maurel Denis , Delmas Alexandra , Oudeyer Pierre-Yves , Sauzéon Hélène
Published: December 2023

To tackle the challenge of responders heterogeneity, Cognitive Training (CT) research currently leverages AI Techniques for providing individualized curriculum rather than one-size-fits-all designs of curriculum. Our systematic review explored these new generations of adaptive methods in computerized CT and analyzed their outcomes in terms of learning mechanics (intra-training performance) and effectiveness (near, far and everyday life transfer effects of CT). A search up to June 2023 with multiple databases selected 19 computerized CT studies using AI techniques for individualized training. After outlining the AI-based individualization approach, this work analyzed CT setting (content, dose, etc), targeted population, intra-training performance tracking, and pre-post-CT effects. Half of selected studies employed a macro-adaptive approach mostly for multiple-cognitive domain training while the other half used a micro-adaptive approach with various techniques, especially for single-cognitive domain training. Two studies emphasized the favorable influence on CT effectiveness, while five underscored its capacity to enhance the training experience by boosting motivation, engagement, and offering diverse learning pathways. Methodological differences across studies and weaknesses in their design (no control group, small sample, etc.) were observed. Despite promising results in this new research avenue, more research is needed to fully understand and empirically support individualized techniques in cognitive training.
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians – Part VII. Ketamine
Authors: Evans Viviana D. , Arenas Alejandro , Shinozuka Kenneth , Tabaac Burton J. , Beutler Bryce D. , Cherian Kirsten , Fasano Chelsey , Muir Owen S.
Published: December 2023

Background: Ketamine, an arylcyclohexylamine dissociative anesthetic agent, has evolved into a versatile therapeutic. It has a rapid onset, well-understood cardiovascular effects, and a favorable safety profile in clinical use. Its enantiomeric compound, esketamine, was approved by the FDA in 2019 for both treatment-resistant depression as well as major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal ideation (SI).Areas of Uncertainty: Research indicates dose-dependent impacts on cognition, particularly affecting episodic and working memory following both acute administration and chronic use, albeit temporarily for the former and potentially persistent for the latter. Alongside acute risks to cardiovascular health, ketamine use poses potential liver toxicity concerns, especially with prolonged or repeated exposure within short timeframes. The drug's association with 'ketamine cystitis,' characterized by bladder inflammation, adds to its profile of physiological risks. Therapeutic Advances: Data demonstrates a single intravenous (IV) infusion of ketamine exhibits antidepressant effects within hours (weighted effect size averages of depression scores (N=518) following a single 0.5 mg/kg infusion of ketamine is d = 0.96 at 24 hours). Ketamine is also effective at reducing PTSD symptom severity following repeated infusions (Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale [CAPS-5] scores: -11.88 points compared to midazolam control). Ketamine also decreased suicidal ideation in emergency settings (Scale for Suicidal Ideation (SSI) scores: -4.96 compared to midazolam control). Through its opioid-sparing effect, ketamine has revolutionized postoperative pain management by reducing analgesic consumption and enhancing recovery. Limitations: Many studies indicate that ketamine’s therapeutic effects subside within weeks. Repeated administrations, given multiple times per week, are often required to sustain decreases in suicidality and depressive symptoms.Conclusions: Ketamine’s comprehensive clinical profile, combined with its robust effects on depression, suicidal ideation, PTSD, chronic pain, and other psychiatric conditions, positions it as a substantial contender for transformative therapeutic application.
Students’ Perceptions of the Use of CALL at Al-Imam University
Authors: Alsheraimy Nouf Saad Abdulrahman
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to investigate students’ perceptions towards CALL, CALL merits, and CALL challenges at Al-Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University. The sample of this study consisted of 140 randomly-selected male and female students. A five-point Likert scale questionnaire was designed to collect the data of the study. This instrument was validated by ten university professors and instructors. Similarly, its reliability was achieved by calculating Cronbach Alpha formula. The findings of the study indicated that students are in need of unlimited access to computer labs all the time, supplying classrooms with CALL resources, and training in using computer labs. Besides, EFL instructors have positive attitudes towards CALL. Moreover, the results revealed the following significant advantages of using CALL resources: enriching students’ experience, stimulating students’ practice outside the classroom, encouraging students’ independence and confidence, creating a relaxed atmosphere, and increasing students’ motivation level. Furthermore, the results of study revealed the following the challenges of using CALL resources in the classroom: lack of Internet access inside the classrooms, shortage of CALL programs, insufficient number of CALL labs, lack of CALL labs supervisors, and lack of immediate technical support. Finally, the study concluded that CALL resources should be integrated with all EFL courses because computers have become an indispensable part of English language teaching and learning.
Povezanost osobina ličnosti majke i komunikacijskih funkcija djeteta
Authors: Glučina Marta , Rosandić Grgić Monika , Šimleša Sanja
Published: December 2023

Opće je poznato da su djetetov temperament i njegove osobine ličnosti, kao i osobine ličnosti roditelja, povezane s obilježjima njihovih uzajamnih komunikacijskih izmjena. Cilj je ovog rada utvrditi povezanost osobina ličnosti majke i komunikacijskih funkcija djeteta. U ispitivanju je sudjelovalo 20-ero djece tipičnog razvoja i njihove majke, te 20-ero djece s utvrđenom dijagnozom poremećaja iz spektra autizma (PSA) i njihove majke. Komunikacijske funkcije djece analizirane su za svaki djetetov iskaz pomoću transkripata dobivenih iz videozapisa polustrukturiranih aktivnosti djece i majki. Majke su ispunile upitnik osobina ličnosti IPIPNEO-120, a sastoji se od 120 čestica, kojima se procjenjuje pet dimenzija ličnosti petfaktorskog modela: neuroticizam, ekstraverzija, otvorenost iskustvima, ugodnost i savjesnost. Rezultati ovog istraživanja pokazuju da ne postoji povezanost između prosječnih vrijednosti na dimenzijama ličnosti majki, te broja komunikacijskih funkcija iniciranja i odgovaranja djece, osim za dimenziju savjesnosti. Naime, dobivena je pozitivna povezanost između majčine savjesnosti i broja komunikacijskih funkcija odgovaranja djece, ali samo za skupinu djece sa PSA-om. U literaturi nisu pronađena jasna objašnjenja ovih rezultata, što ukazuje na mali broj radova o ovoj tematici i potrebom za podrobnijim istraživanjima odnosa ličnosti majke i obilježja komunikacije djeteta. To bi omogućilo stjecanje jasnih zaključaka, koji bi zasigurno imali važne kliničke implikacije u smislu suradnje s roditeljima djece uključene u terapiju s ciljem poboljšanja funkcionalne komunikacije.