bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of an Innovative Seat Reservation System for University Buildings Based on BIM Technology
Authors: García-Granja M. J. , Blázquez-Parra E. B. , Cimadomo Guido , Guzmán-Navarro F.
Published: October 2022

The usefulness of building information modeling (BIM) for facilities management, although widely demonstrated, has not been extended to use management in university spaces. In public facilities with free access, it is uncommon to be able to check the availability of seats, which causes capacity problems. In addition, while several studies show that the use of BIM makes the graphic communication of useful information about buildings more attractive and intuitive for its users, there are still challenges regarding how to make it accessible to the public, taking into account their preferences. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the benefits of implementing BIM in a real-time seat occupancy management system to enable reservations tailored to the user’s needs by offering various means of consulting model information. The research method focuses on the utility model designed for a university library in Malaga, Spain. The results, based on data obtained from a survey, indicate that users positively assessed the quality of the information offered, showed great interest in its use, and also considered it comparatively superior to other reservation systems used. The Results and Discussion and Conclusions sections also show the potential of the system to control social distancing and energy expenditure.
Preparing Cu2O/Al2O3 Coating via an Electrochemical Method for the Degradation of Methyl Orange in the Process of Catalytic Wet Hydrogen Peroxide Oxidation
Authors: Liu De-bo , Zhang Ping , Wang Jian
Published: October 2022

To improve the catalytic efficiency and decrease the reaction temperature of wet air oxidation technology, a Cu2O/Al2O3 coating was prepared on the surface of aluminium alloys by anodizing technology, and subsequent heating treatment. Then, the Cu2O/Al2O3 coating and 3 wt.% H2O2 was used to degrade methyl orange. The influence of the coating’s microstructure, crystalline component on the degradation rate of the methyl orange was studied. The microstructure of the coating was observed by scanning electron microscope. Results proved that the coating was composed of micropores, and Cu2O was evenly dispersed on the surface and pores in the Al2O3 coating. X-ray diffraction pattern analysis demonstrated Cu2O and Al2O3 characteristic peaks were found after the coating was treated at 300 °C, showing that amorphous Cu2O and Al2O3 were transformed into crystalline oxide. A UV-vis spectrophotometer was used to measure the absorbance of methyl orange, and it was found that the maximum absorption wavelength of methyl orange is 460 nm. At that wavelength, the suitable degradation condition of methyl orange was studied, and results showed that when electrochemical deposition time was 30 min and catalyst dosage was 8 g, the degradation rate of methyl orange could reach 92% at 25 °C for 120 min. Furthermore, when the catalyst was reused 9 times, the degradation rate still reached 75%. Based on the above results, a kinetic equation between the degradation rate of methyl orange and catalyst dosage was derived. The microstructure and crystalline component of the catalyst after different reuse times were characterized, and results showed that the catalytic efficiency of the Cu2O/Al2O3 coating decreased with a decrease in the coating’s specific surface area and the ratio of Cu2O in the coating.
Construction of Novel Z-Scheme g-C3N4/AgBr-Ag Composite for Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants under Visible Light
Authors: Hu Xuefeng , Luo Ting , Lin Yuhan , Yang Mina
Published: October 2022

As a green and sustainable technology to relieve environmental pollution issues, semiconductor photocatalysis attracted great attention. However, most single-component semiconductors suffer from high carrier recombination rate and low reaction efficiency. Here, we constructed a novel visible-light-driven Z-scheme g-C3N4/AgBr-Ag photocatalyst (noted as CN-AA-0.05) using a hydrothermal method with KBr as the bromine source. The CN-AA-0.05 photocatalyst shows an excellent photocatalytic degradation performance, and a rhodamine B (RhB) degradation ratio of 96.3% in 40 min, and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) degradation ratio of 99.2% in 18 min are achieved. Mechanistic studies show that the remarkable performance of CN-AA-0.05 is not only attributed to the enhanced light absorption caused by the Ag SPR effect, but also the efficient charge transfer and separation with Ag nanoparticles as the bridge. Our work provides a reference for the design and construction of efficient visible-light-responsive Z-scheme photocatalysts, and an in-depth understanding into the mechanism of Z-scheme photocatalysts.
Synthesis of Cu-Doped TiO2 Nanocatalyst for the Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation and Mineralization of Gabapentin under UVA/LED Irradiation: Characterization and Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Ahmadiasl Roghieh , Moussavi Gholamreza , Shekoohiyan Sakine , Razavian Fatemeh
Published: October 2022

Light-harvesting of titanium oxide (TiO2) was enhanced by copper (Cu) doping, and its performance was evaluated by gabapentin (GBP) degradation under UVA-LED irradiation. The morphology and structure of TiO2 and Cu-TiO2 were characterized using XRD, FTIR, FE-SEM, EDX, TEM, PL, DRS, and BET analysis. The complete degradation of 10 mg/L GBP was obtained in the developed photocatalytic process under the optimal conditions: catalyst loading, 0.4 g/L; pH solution, 8; and reaction time, 20 min. The reactive species trapping was studied to identify the degradation mechanism in this system. Among the water matrix experiments, phosphate (PO43−) anion indicated an inverse effect in increasing efficiency. Finally, the main intermediates generation during the GBP degradation was investigated based on LC-MS analysis, and a decomposition pathway was proposed. Accordingly, doping TiO2 with Cu resulted in the development of a UVA-activated photocatalyst for efficiently degrading and mineralizing GBP as a model of a pharmaceutical compound.
Screening, Expression, and Identification of Nanobody against SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein
Authors: Su Qianling , Shi Wei , Huang Xianing , Wan Yakun , Li Guanghui , Xing Bengang , Xu Zhi Ping , Liu Hongbo , Hammock Bruce D. , Yang Xiaomei , Yin Shihua , Lu Xiaoling
Published: October 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), an infectious disease that has become a serious burden on global public health. This study screened and yielded specific nanobodies (Nbs) against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD), following testing its basic characteristics. A nanobody phage library was established by immunizing a camel with RBD protein. After three rounds of panning, the positive colonies were screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). By sequencing, four different sequences of nanobody gene fragments were selected. The four nanobody fusion proteins were expressed and purified, respectively. The specificity and affinity of the four nanobodies were identified by ELISA. Our results showed that an immune phage display library against SARS-CoV-2 has been successfully constructed with a library capacity of which was 4.7 × 108 CFU. The four purified nanobodies showed specific high-affinity binding SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD. Among these, the antigen binding affinity of Nb61 was more comparable to that of commercial rabbit anti-SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD antibodies. In sum, our study has obtained four nanobody strains against SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD with significant affinity and specificity, therefore laying an essential foundation for further research as well as the applications of diagnostic and therapeutic tools of SARS-CoV-2.
Generation of Cytotoxic T Cells and Dysfunctional CD8 T Cells in Severe COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Gozzi-Silva Sarah Cristina , Oliveira Luana de Mendonça , Alberca Ricardo Wesley , Pereira Natalli Zanete , Yoshikawa Fábio Seiti , Pietrobon Anna Julia , Yendo Tatiana Mina , de Souza Andrade Milena Mary , Ramos Yasmim Alefe Leuzzi , Brito Cyro Alves , Oliveira Emily Araujo , Beserra Danielle Rosa , Orfali Raquel Leão , Aoki Valéria , Duarte Alberto Jose da Silva , Sato Maria Notomi
Published: October 2022

COVID-19, the infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, has spread on a pandemic scale. The viral infection can evolve asymptomatically or can generate severe symptoms, influenced by the presence of comorbidities. Lymphopenia based on the severity of symptoms in patients affected with COVID-19 is frequent. However, the profiles of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells regarding cytotoxicity and antiviral factor expression have not yet been completely elucidated in acute SARS-CoV-2 infections. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the phenotypic and functional profile of T lymphocytes in patients with moderate and severe/critical COVID-19. During the pandemic period, we analyzed a cohort of 62 confirmed patients with SARS-CoV-2 (22 moderate cases and 40 severe/critical cases). Notwithstanding lymphopenia, we observed an increase in the expression of CD28, a co-stimulator molecule, and activation markers (CD38 and HLA-DR) in T lymphocytes as well as an increase in the frequency of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and NK cells that express the immunological checkpoint protein PD-1 in patients with a severe/critical condition compared to healthy controls. Regarding the cytotoxic profile of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, an increase in the response of CD4+ T cells was already observed at the baseline level and scarcely changed upon PMA and Ionomycin stimulation. Meanwhile, CD8+ T lymphocytes decreased the cytotoxic response, evidencing a profile of exhaustion in patients with severe COVID-19. As observed by t-SNE, there were CD4+ T-cytotoxic and CD8+ T with low granzyme production, evidencing their dysfunction in severe/critical conditions. In addition, purified CD8+ T lymphocytes from patients with severe COVID-19 showed increased constitutive expression of differentially expressed genes associated with the caspase pathway, inflammasome, and antiviral factors, and, curiously, had reduced expression of TNF-α. The cytotoxic profile of CD4+ T cells may compensate for the dysfunction/exhaustion of TCD8+ in acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. These findings may provide an understanding of the interplay of cytotoxicity between CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells in the severity of acute COVID-19 infection.
Numerical Simulation of Winter Precipitation over the Western Himalayas Using a Weather Research and Forecasting Model during 2001–2016
Authors: Punde Pravin , Nischal Nischal , Attada Raju , Aggarwal Deepanshu , Radhakrishnan Chandrasekar
Published: October 2022

In the present study, dynamically downscaled Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model simulations of winter (DJF) seasonal precipitation were evaluated over the Western Himalayas (WH) at grey zone configurations (at horizontal resolutions of 15 km (D01) and 5 km (D02)) and further validated using satellite-based (IMERG; 0.1°), observational (IMD; 0.25°), and reanalysis (ERA5; 0.25° and IMDAA; 0.108°) gridded datasets during 2001–2016. The findings demonstrate that both model resolutions (D01 and D02) are effective at representing precipitation characteristics over the Himalayan foothills. Precipitation features over the region, on the other hand, are much clearer and more detailed, with a significant improvement in D02, emphasizing the advantages of higher model grid resolution. Strong correlations and the lowest biases and root mean square errors indicate a closer agreement between model simulations and reanalyses IMDAA and ERA5. Vertical structures of various dynamical and thermodynamical features further confirm the improved and more realistic in WRF simulations with D02. Moreover, the seasonal patterns of upper tropospheric circulation, vertically integrated moisture transport, surface temperature and cloud cover show more realistic simulation in D02 compared to coarser domain D01. The categorical statistics reveal the efficiency of both D01 and D02 in simulating moderate and heavy precipitation events. Overall, our study emphasizes the significance of high-resolution data for simulating precipitation features specifically over complex terrains like WH.
Tuning Corrosion Properties of the Bio-Inspired AZ-Series Mg Alloys Using Electrochemical Surface Treatment under Varying Experimental Regimes
Authors: Rehman Zeeshan Ur , Kim Jong Seop , Churchill David G. , Koo Bon Heun
Published: October 2022

Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) is a preferable process applied to optimize the corrosion and wear properties of metals and their alloys, particularly magnesium (Mg) alloys used in highly demanded medical and aerospace applications. In this project, AZ series alloys (AZ31, AZ61, AZ91), which are the major commercial magnesium alloys, were coated using the PEO process under varying experimental conditions involving electrolyte with Si based ionic chemical networks together with hydroxyl and fluoride functionalities. Surface analysis was carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were further simulated and analyzed using imageJ software. SEM results showed that, increasing the concentration of Al as in AZ91 and AZ61, dendrites-dominated the microstructure at shorter processing times; a cratered-dendritic matrix was obtained at longer processing time. From the composition analysis, fluoride complex peaks were obtained for the higher Al-content alloy (AZ91), due to the localized intensive discharges made regular by the stable β-phases within the Mg matrix. Corrosion analysis was carried out using potentiodynamic polarization. The compact structure, higher growth rate, and stable chemical phases of MgF2 contributed to the highest hardness values ~1271.2 HV and corrosion potential ~−0.18 V for the AZ91 alloy.
Modified Electrode with ZnO Nanostructures Obtained from Silk Fibroin for Amoxicillin Detection
Authors: Dumitriu Cristina , Constantinescu Alexandra , Dumitru Alina , Pȋrvu Cristian
Published: October 2022

Antibiotics are a novel class of contaminants that represent a substantial risk to human health, making their detection an important task. In this study, ZnO nanostructures were prepared starting from Bombyx mori silk fibroin and Zn(NO3)2, using thermal treatment. The resulting ZnO structures were characterized using SEM, FT-IR, and XRD. They had a fibrous morphology with a wurtzite crystalline structure, with nanometric dimensions. FT-IR and XRD confirmed silk fibroin’s disappearance after thermal treatment. To prepare modified electrodes for amoxicillin (AMX) antibiotic detection, ZnO nanostructures were mixed with Nafion polymer and drop-casted on an electrode’s surface. Parameters such as drying time and concentration appeared to be important for electrochemical detection. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was sensitive for AMX detection. The measurements revealed that the novel electrode based on ZnO nanostructures embedded in Nafion polymer has potential to be used for AMX electrochemical detection.
Nanoscale Contrast Agents for Ultrasound Imaging of Musculoskeletal System
Authors: Tang Xiaoyi , Zhao Mengxin , Li Wei , Zhao Jiaqi
Published: October 2022

Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS) has been recognized as an important method for the evaluation of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) technology is becoming an important branch of it. The development of novel materials and tiny nano-formulations has further expanded ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) into the field of nanotechnology. Over the years, nanoscale contrast agents have been found to play an unexpected role in the integration of precise imaging for diagnosis and treatment of numerous diseases. It has been demonstrated that nanoscale UCAs (nUCAs) have advantages in imaging over conventional contrast agents, including superior biocompatibility, serum stability, and longer lifetime. The potential value of nUCAs in the musculoskeletal system is that they provide more reliable and clinically valuable guidance for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of related diseases. The frontier of advances in nUCAs, their applications, and insights in MSKUS are reviewed in this paper.
Urinary Protein Profiling for Potential Biomarkers of Chronic Kidney Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Gaipov Abduzhappar , Makhammajanov Zhalaliddin , Dauyey Zhanna , Markhametova Zhannur , Mussina Kamilla , Nogaibayeva Assem , Kozina Larissa , Auganova Dana , Tarlykov Pavel , Bukasov Rostislav , Utegulov Zhandos , Turebekov Duman , Soler Maria Jose , Ortiz Alberto , Kanbay Mehmet
Published: October 2022

Proteinuria is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and associated complications. However, there is insufficient information on individual protein components in urine and the severity of CKD. We aimed to investigate urinary proteomics and its association with proteinuria and kidney function in early-stage CKD and in healthy individuals. A 24 h urine sample of 42 individuals (21-CKD and 21-healthy individuals) was used for mass spectrometry-based proteomics analysis. An exponentially modified protein abundance index (emPAI) was calculated for each protein. Data were analyzed by Mascot software using the SwissProt database and bioinformatics tools. Overall, 298 unique proteins were identified in the cohort; of them, 250 proteins belong to the control group with median (IQR) emPAI 39.1 (19–53) and 142 proteins belong to the CKD group with median (IQR) emPAI 67.8 (49–117). The level of 24 h proteinuria positively correlated with emPAI (r = 0.390, p = 0.011). The emPAI of some urinary proteomics had close positive (ALBU, ZA2G, IGKC) and negative (OSTP, CD59, UROM, KNG1, RNAS1, CD44, AMBP) correlations (r < 0.419, p < 0.001) with 24 h proteinuria levels. Additionally, a few proteins (VTDB, AACT, A1AG2, VTNC, and CD44) significantly correlated with kidney function. In this proteomics study, several urinary proteins correlated with proteinuria and kidney function. Pathway analysis identified subpathways potentially related to early proteinuric CKD, allowing the design of prospective studies that explore their response to therapy and their relationship to long-term outcomes.
HPV-Related Cervical Cancer and Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Kaczmarek Magdalena , Baj-Krzyworzeka Monika , Bogucki Łukasz , Dutsch-Wicherek Magdalena
Published: October 2022

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in females worldwide. Infection with a human papillomavirus is crucial to the etiopathogenesis of cervical cancer. The natural trajectory of HPV infection comprises HPV acquisition, HPV persistence versus clearance, and progression to precancer and invasive cancer. The majority of HPV infections are cleared and controlled by the immune system within 2 years, but some infections may become quiescent or undetectable. The persistence of high-risk HPV infection for a longer period of time enhances the risk of malignant transformation of infected cells; however, the mechanisms responsible for the persistence of infection are not yet well-understood. It is estimated that 10–15% of infections do persist, and the local microenvironment is now recognized as an important cofactor promoting infection maintenance. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membrane vesicles derived from both normal cells and cancer cells. EVs contain various proteins, such as cytoskeletal proteins, adhesion molecules, heat shock proteins, major histocompatibility complex, and membrane fusion proteins. EVs derived from HPV-infected cells also contain viral proteins and nucleic acids. These biologically active molecules are transferred via EVs to target cells, constituting a kind of cell-to-cell communication. The viral components incorporated into EVs are transmitted independently of the production of infectious virions. This mode of transfer makes EVs a perfect vector for viruses and their components. EVs participate in both physiological and pathological conditions; they have also been identified as one of the mediators involved in cancer metastasis. This review discusses the potential role of EVs in remodeling the cervical cancer microenvironment which may be crucial to tumor development and the acquisition of metastatic potential. EVs are promising as potential biomarkers in cervical cancer.
Risk-Based Colposcopy for Cervical Precancer Detection: A Cross-Sectional Multicenter Study in China
Authors: Xue Peng , Seery Samuel , Li Qing , Jiang Yu , Qiao Youlin
Published: October 2022

Recently published guidelines depend upon screening for cervical precancer risk stratification; however, colposcopy provides key information. There is no data from developing countries that could be used comparatively. Therefore, we assessed the potential benefits of intercalating colposcopic impressions with screening results to detect cervical precancers through a multicenter, cross-sectional study of a Chinese population. Anonymized data from 6012 women with cytologic assessment, human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, colposcopic impressions, and histological results were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) cytology, HPV16/18+, and/or high-grade colposcopic impressions markedly increased cervical precancer risk, while high-grade colposcopic impressions were associated with the highest risk. The risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or worse (CIN3+) ranged from 0% for normal/benign colposcopic impressions, 19% increased risk of CIN3+, even in participants without HSIL+ cytology and/or HPV16/18+. Regardless of screening outcomes, normal/benign colposcopic impressions were associated with the lowest risk of CIN3+ (<0.5%). Integrating colposcopic impressions into risk assessment may therefore provide key information for identifying cervical precancer cases. Adopting this approach may improve detection rates while also providing reassurance for women with a lower risk of developing cervical cancer.
K-12 Teachers’ Perceptions and Experiences in Starting to Teach Computer Science
Authors: Northrup Astrid K. , Burrows Borowczak Andrea C. , Slater Timothy F.
Published: October 2022

New curriculum reform across the United States requires teacher educators to rapidly develop and implement professional development (PD) for K-12 teachers, newly assigned to teach computer science (CS). One of the many inherent challenges in providing valuable PD is knowing what it is that novice CS teachers most need. This quantitative research study was designed to inform the iterative development of a K-12 CS Teaching Endorsement program offered at a small college in the rural Rocky Mountain west, based on participants’ perceptions of the program, before and after attempting to teach the CS curriculum provided by the endorsement program. The overarching research question guiding this study is: What differences might exist between teachers’ perceived needs for CS-based professional development before and after actual classroom teaching experiences with CS? To pursue this question, the following null hypothesis was tested: H0: No measurable change exists in teachers’ perceptions regarding the impact of PD before and after teaching. The research study used a 29-item Likert-style survey, organized into categories to measure participants’ perceptions across five subscales. Thirteen teachers completed the targeted K-12 CS Endorsement program in May and July 2021, seven of whom subsequently taught CS in K-12 schools for the first time. Of these seven, 100% participated in this research study. After gaining classroom experience, the survey results showed very few differences before and after the endorsement program. These results suggest that CS-based PD can be more effective if the PD better targets enhancing teachers’ confidence in teaching actual students and providing more useful classroom-ready instructional materials rather than targeting improving teachers’ knowledge of CS concepts.
A Dynamic Pumping Model for a Vacuum-Sealed Gigawatt Repetitively Operated High-Power Microwave Source
Authors: Tang Shunyu , Wang Ripin , Ling Junpu , Zhang Qiang , Chu Xu , Liu Zeyang , Xun Tao
Published: October 2022

In this study, a dynamic pumping model was established for a vacuum-sealed, gigawatt-class, repetitively operated transit-time oscillator (TTO) based on the direct-simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method, and the pressure distribution of the model at different times and locations was analyzed. The simulation results showed that the maximum pressure at the diode was an order of magnitude larger than the equilibrium pressure, and the pressure recovery time was three times the duration of a single pulse. To verify the accuracy of the simulation results, experiments were conducted in a vacuum-sealed hard-tube TTO structure with a repetition rate of 10 Hz and the pressure was monitored at the vacuum diode. The diode voltage was about 500 kV and the beam current was 8 kA. Further, the average microwave power was 1 GW with a pulse width of 40 ns. The experimental results revealed that the equilibrium pressure at the vacuum diode was 4.0 × 10−3 Pa, and the pressure recovery time was three times the duration of a single pulse. These results were consistent with the simulation results, which indicates that the proposed model can provide technical support for subsequent vacuum-maintenance experiments.
Application of Artificial Intelligence for Predicting Real Estate Prices: The Case of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alzain Elham , Alshebami Ali Saleh , Aldhyani Theyazn H. H. , Alsubari Saleh Nagi
Published: October 2022

The housing market is a crucial economic indicator to which the government must pay special attention because of its impact on the lives of freshly minted city inhabitants. As a guide for government regulation, individual property purchases, third-party evaluation, and understanding how housing prices are distributed geographically may be of great practical use. Therefore, much research has been conducted on how to arrive at a more accurate and efficient way of calculating housing prices in the current market. The goal of this study was to use the artificial neural network (ANN) technique to correctly identify real estate prices. The novelty of the proposed research is to build a prediction model based on ANN for predicting future house prices in Saudi Arabia. The dataset was collected from Aqar in four main Saudi Arabian cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Al-Khobar. The results showed that the experimental and predicted values were very close. The results of the proposed system were compared with different existing prediction systems, and the developed model achieved high performance. This forecasting system can also help increase investment in the real estate sector. The ANN model could appropriately estimate the housing prices currently available on the market, according to the findings of the assessments of the model. Thus, this study provides a suitable decision support or adaptive suggestion approach for estimating the ideal sales prices of residential properties. This solution is urgently required by both investors and the general population as a whole.
A Novel Blockchain Approach for Improving the Security and Reliability of Wireless Sensor Networks Using Jellyfish Search Optimizer
Authors: Vinya Viyyapu Lokeshwari , Anuradha Yarlagadda , Karimi Hamid Reza , Divakarachari Parameshachari Bidare , Sunkari Venkatramulu
Published: October 2022

For the past few years, centralized decision-making is being used for malicious node identification in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Generally, WSN is the primary technology used to support operations, and security issues are becoming progressively worse. In order to detect malicious nodes in WSN, a blockchain-routing- and trust-model-based jellyfish search optimizer (BCR-TM-JSO) is created. Additionally, it provides the complete trust-model architecture before creating the blockchain data structure that is used to identify malicious nodes. For further analysis, sensor nodes in a WSN collect environmental data and communicate them to the cluster heads (CHs). JSO is created to address this issue by replacing CHs with regular nodes based on the maximum remaining energy, degree, and closeness to base station. Moreover, the Rivest–Shamir–Adleman (RSA) mechanism provides an asymmetric key, which is exploited for securing data transmission. The simulation outcomes show that the proposed BCR-TM-JSO model is capable of identifying malicious nodes in WSNs. Furthermore, the proposed BCR-TM-JSO method outperformed the conventional blockchain-based secure routing and trust management (BSRTM) and distance degree residual-energy-based low-energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (DDR-LEACH), in terms of throughput (5.89 Mbps), residual energy (0.079 J), and packet-delivery ratio (89.29%).
Transmit Beam Control in Low-Altitude Slow-Moving Small Targets Detection Based on Peak to Average Power Ratio Constraint
Authors: Li Hongtao , Ding Zhoupeng , Tian Sirui , Jin Songpo
Published: October 2022

When the radar system detects low-altitude, small, slow-moving (LSS) targets, the strong clutter interference from the ground will cause false alarms and affect the detection performance. In this paper, a phased array radar transmit beam steering algorithm is proposed to minimize strong interference from ground radiation. By minimizing the weighted vector norm and choosing variable sidelobe levels, the beam pattern can achieve deep notches in the ground-related area and maintain good main lobe detection performance. Furthermore, the designed beam should be insensitive to array mismatch and be robust. In addition, a peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) constraint is introduced to fully utilize the transmitted energy. This optimization problem can be transformed into a second-order cone programming (SOCP) problem and solved using an off-the-shelf solver. The simulation results verify that the transmit beam synthesized by this method can meet the requirements of minimizing the main lobe loss and low side lobes on the ground side.
Mobility of Potentially Toxic Elements (Pb, Zn, Cd, As, Sb) in Agricultural Carbonated Soils Contaminated by Mine Tailings (Northern Tunisia): A New Kinetic Leaching Approach with Organic Acids
Authors: Achour Yosra , Souissi Radhia , Tlil Haifa , Souissi Fouad , Motelica-Heino Mikael
Published: October 2022

The present study was carried out to show the potential of root exudates to mobilize potentially toxic elements (PTE) present in rhizospheric carbonated soils. Five different contaminated rhizospheric soils were collected from five former mining districts of northern Tunisia (Jebel Hallouf (H3), Sidi-Bouaouane (B1), Jebel Ghozlane (G7), Hammam Zriba (Z2) and Jalta (J2)). The abundant minerals in these soils are quartz, calcite and clays. These soils contain significant PTE amounts compared to the local geochemical background (LGB). The important concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cd, As and Sb are, respectively, in the order of 17,350 mg·kg−1 in B1, 37,000 mg·kg−1 in G7, 205 mg·kg−1 in G7, 683 mg·kg−1 in B1 and 145 mg·kg−1 in B1. Kinetic leaching tests were conducted with a mixture of low molecular weight organic acids (LMWAOs) for increasing times up to 16 h (initial pH = 2.8) to study the mobility of PTE in the rhizospheric soils. The results showed an increase in the pH of the solution (2.8) to values up to neutrality together with the increase in Ca and Mg concentrations in the leachate, resulting from the dissolution of carbonates (calcite and dolomite). Additionally, leaching tests showed important extractions of Cd and Zn (25% for Cd and 11% for Zn). Pb was also mobilized but to a lesser extent (5%). The extractability of metalloids (As and Sb) was, in contrast, relatively low, except for Jebel Hallouf and Sidi Bouaouane soils, with an extraction percentage of no more than 1% for Sb and 0.1% for As, respectively. The mobility of Zn, Pb and Cd was thought to be controlled by both the solubility of their host minerals (e.g., sphalerite, hemimorphite, cerussite and jordanite) and the high pH. In contrast, As and Sb mobility was dependent on secondary carrier phases such as iron oxyhydroxides.
Evaluation of Ecotoxicity of Wastewater from the Full-Scale Treatment Plants
Authors: Liwarska-Bizukojc Ewa
Published: October 2022

In this work, the influence of wastewater from full-scale wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) on aquatic and soil biota was reviewed and presented. Moreover, the methods and model organisms used in testing the ecotoxicity of wastewater were shown. It was found that wastewater usually affected the biochemical activity and growth of organisms such as bacteria, algae and protozoa. They contributed to the immobilization and death of inter alia crustaceans and fishes. The values of degree of inhibition or lethality widely varied dependent on the type of wastewater, the sampling point (influent or effluent) and the model organisms applied in the biotests. Thus, a battery of ecotoxicity tests using model organisms of different sensitivities should be employed. So far, bacteria (e.g., Vibrio fischeri), green microalgae (e.g., Raphidocelis subcapitata) and crustaceans (Daphnia magna) have been frequently used organisms in the biological assessment of wastewater. They were applied in almost half (bacteria) or more than half (microalgae, crustaceans) of papers analyzed in this study. In almost all studies, the reduction of wastewater toxicity after treatment processes was found. It was proven that the conventional activated sludge systems were efficient in the removal of wastewater toxicity from both municipal and industrial wastewater, while the tertiary stage of treatment, in particular chlorination or ozonation, contributed to the increase in wastewater toxicity.
Mercadotecnia en redes sociales de hoteles boutique de la ciudad de Quito
Authors: Jarrín Gallegos Diego
Published: October 2022

El mercado hotelero es competitivo y demanda la adecuada utilización de redes sociales en la estrategia de marketing digital. El objetivo fue analizar la respuesta de la audiencia de las redes sociales Instagram y Facebook a la publicidad de contenidos de los hoteles boutique de la ciudad de Quito. Mediante la aplicación de fórmulas y análisis comparativos, se calculó la tasa de interacción de los hoteles boutique con sus seguidores en las dos redes sociales durante los dos primeros trimestres de 2021. Se analizaron los factores que contribuyeron en el resultado de esta métrica. En Instagram, 36,84% de los hoteles registraron un engagement igual o superior a 4% en el primer trimestre y 84,21% en el segundo trimestre. En Facebook 31,25% de los hoteles obtuvieron un engagement igual o superior a 1%; y 21,05% en el segundo trimestre. Se observó cierta variación en el engagement promedio de ambas redes sociales entre períodos.
Implantação da estratégia de fortificação da alimentação infantil em um município do Sudeste do Brasil: relato de experiência
Authors: Prates Rodrigo Pereira , Pereira Mariana Mendes , Pinho Lucinéia de
Published: October 2022

As crianças encontram-se mais vulneráveis quanto à deficiência de micronutrientes, sendo um público prioritário para a destinação de políticas de prevenção de carências nutricionais. Assim, este relato de experiência descreve a implantação da Estratégia de Fortificação da Alimentação Infantil com Micronutrientes em pó (NutriSUS), que visa principalmente combater a anemia ferropriva, dentre outras deficiências nutricionais, enfatizando o cotidiano nas creches participantes da estratégia no decorrer da implantação, bem como, o objetivo do relato. Participaram das descrições sete creches pertencentes ao Programa Saúde na Escola (PSE), que foram contempladas com o NutriSUS. O período de duração da implantação foi de, aproximadamente, um ano. Ressalta-se a importância desse relato no que tange ao fornecimento de subsídio para a promoção dessa estratégia e, também, da parceria entre as Secretarias de Saúde e Educação, contribuindo para o fortalecimento de ações de desenvolvimento integral das crianças.
Planificação da atenção à saúde e planejamento: experiência do Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Canto Raíssa Barbieri Ballejo , Farias Elson Romeu , Paz Francisco Antonio Zancan , Quevedo André Luis Alves de , Machado Rebel Zambrano , Tyllmann Gládis , Vettorato Poala
Published: October 2022

O objetivo do presente relato é apresentar a experiência do processo de Planificação da Atenção à Saúde da Secretaria de Estado da Saúde do Rio Grande do Sul (RS). A Planificação da Atenção à Saúde no RS, estruturada com o apoio do Conselho Nacional de Secretários de Saúde, trata-se de um conjunto de oficinas, além de processos de tutoria em unidades-laboratórios, para as equipes de saúde e gestores municipais. Visa à organização dos macro e microprocessos da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) e sua organização estruturada com a Atenção Ambulatorial Especializada. Em fevereiro de 2018, as oficinas já haviam sido concluídas em duas Regiões de Saúde - com aproximadamente 120 facilitadores e 1.000 trabalhadores da APS, e estava em fase de finalização em outras duas Regiões de Saúde - com cerca 1.300 trabalhadores da APS. O desafio para o planejamento e para a gestão estadual é ampliar a Planificação da Atenção à Saúde para as demais 26 Regiões de Saúde do RS, bem como o monitoramento e a avaliação do processo. Em última análise, a Planificação, como método de planejamento, visa ao fortalecimento da Atenção Primária à Saúde como base para a implementação das Redes de Atenção à Saúde no território gaúcho.
contribuição ao estudo da racionalidade médica homeopática em um ambulatório do Sistema Único de Saúde em Porto Alegre, RS
Authors: Bertoncello Magda Maria Gaspary , Luz Madel Therezinha
Published: October 2022

Este artigo apresenta a Homeopatia como Racionalidade Médica, com seu paradigma vitalista, e como isso foi vivenciado/experimentado em um Ambulatório de Homeopatia no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) no município de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul (RS). É um estudo qualitativo e tem como objetivo compreender o entendimento dos sujeitos em tratamento homeopático e as possíveis influências em suas vidas e em seu viver. Tem como objeto o tratamento homeopático de dez sujeitos atendidos no ambulatório, no período entre 2007 a 2014. Os resultados principais foram: 1) uma medicina centrada no sujeito; 2) a busca por um cuidado integral; 3) a noção de saúde como equilíbrio; 4) a confiança na terapêutica e 5) um tratamento suave e duradouro. Como recomendações, os sujeitos sugerem que este tratamento esteja mais disponível, com mais divulgação e acesso. Por fim, entende-se que a implantação da Política das Práticas Integrativas no SUS é um desafio, em Porto Alegre, necessita de apoio e pressão política organizada por parte de usuários, profissionais especializados e gestores para efetivação.
Rede de atenção à saúde no cuidado do paciente hipertenso, município de São Paulo, Brasil
Authors: Santos Joacira Mota Matos , Monteiro Camila Nascimento , Escrivão Junior Álvaro
Published: October 2022

Pretendeu-se identificar fatores limitantes e favorecedores do modelo de referência e contrarreferência adotado entre os serviços de Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) e a Atenção Especializada (AE), no cuidado de pacientes hipertensos na Rede de Cuidados Continuados de Saúde (RAS). A população do estudo foi de 158 médicos, cadastrados em 87 equipes de saúde da família, de 25 serviços de APS do distrito de saúde do Campo Limpo, município de São Paulo. Pesquisa de caráter exploratório, descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa. Foi elaborado instrumento de pesquisa contendo identificação geral, formação, tempo de trabalho na APS e tempo de prática clínica; seguidos de 25 frases afirmativas, independentes sobre a temática, apresentadas para atender os objetivos do estudo. Foi utilizada a Escala de Likert para avaliar a concordância para as frases apresentadas. A pesquisa de campo ocorreu em abril de 2018. Participaram do estudo, de forma voluntária, 130 médicos. Foi apontada baixa interlocução entre os profissionais da APS e da AE; fragilidades no processo de trabalho das equipes de saúde da família, no que se refere à gestão da clínica e responsabilidade sanitária, apontando que questões administrativas, relacionadas aos fluxos interno e externo do paciente na RAS estão mais definidas no processo de trabalho das Unidades. Foram observadas fragilidades na integração entre a APS e a AE, apontando desafios a serem enfrentados, para a melhor integração, interlocução e qualidade do cuidado dos pacientes hipertensos.
“Por uma formação antirracista!”
Authors: Moraes de Souza Giselle , Gouveia Passos Rachel
Published: October 2022

O presente artigo objetiva apresentar elementos históricos, teóricos e políticos que possibilitem maior apreensão das contribuições fanonianas para uma formação antirracista no Serviço Social brasileiro. Desse modo, o texto está dividido em três tópicos: no primeiro momento expomos sobre a vida e obra do autor; em segundo, apresentamos as elaborações teóricas fanonianas sobre colonialismo e racismo e, por fim, anunciamos elementos para a viabilização de uma formação profissional antirracista no Serviço Social. Nesse caminho, damos destaque para a importância da apreensão do racismo como um dos componentes estruturantes do sistema capitalista.
A gestão de um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial universitário
Authors: Tavares Sabrina Alves Ribeiro Barra , Panteleão Leite Almeida Ethelanny
Published: October 2022

O presente artigo apresenta um relato descritivo a partir da vivência das autoras como gestoras em um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial universitário. Tem por objetivo provocar reflexões sobre a indissociabilidade entre a assistência e a formação, procurando trazer para o debate questões tanto sobre o processo de trabalho em saúde mental como sobre a dimensão ética, política e técnica da formação de recursos humanos para a área. As articulações ensino/serviço nos processos formativos são entendidas como componentes essenciais na construção da política de saúde mental ancorada nos pressupostos da Reforma Psiquiátrica. A síntese das reflexões aponta para a importância da articulação com a rede de atenção psicossocial, evitando-se modelos de formação e assistência endógenos, a participação em instâncias colegiadas da saúde mental e o investimento na formação por meio da educação continuada e da articulação orgânica entre Universidade e rede de serviços.
Educação e democracia
Authors: Assis Neusa Pereira , Gomide Uyara de Salles , Souza Junior Hormindo Pereira de
Published: October 2022

Este artigo objetiva discutir as particularidades e possíveis relações entre alienação e estranhamento na dinâmica da sociedade capitalista atual, enquanto complexos construídos historicamente e fundamentais para a compreensão dos processos que envolvem o campo da educação e da democracia. Tais questões inserem-se no caro debate sobre as limitações da democracia enquanto conteúdo e forma de governo, assim como sobre o processo de emancipação humana e da conquista da liberdade. Acredita-se que esse debate não pode prescindir da discussão sobre as condições materiais de formação do ser social e de seus mecanismos de produção e reprodução, o que implica, entre outros complexos, o da educação, escolhido por nós em virtude da sua potencialidade emancipadora do gênero humano. Neste sentido, tendo como referencial teórico centrais György Lukács e Karl Marx, partimos do tripé categorial analítico: alienação, estranhamento e educação, para se pensar questões relativas à democracia e a emancipação humana diante da sociedade capitalista na atualidade.
trajetória das políticas sociais para a população idosa e a imagem social das velhices
Authors: Barros Melina Sampaio de Ramos , Neves Angela Vieira
Published: October 2022

O artigo versa sobre a trajetória das políticas sociais para a população idosa associada a construção da imagem social das velhices. Para tanto, o objetivo concentra-se em apresentar o percurso do tratamento dado às velhices, mediado pelo Estado e sociedade civil, até os marcos da Política Nacional do Idoso (PNI) e do Estatuto do Idoso (EI). A análise documental de documentos oficiais e pesquisas na área temática conduziu a metodologia utilizada. Como resultado, considera-se que o tratamento às velhices é marcado pela atuação da sociedade civil numa lógica assistencialista e familiar. Em relação ao Estado, percebe-se um atraso para tratar as velhices especificamente no terreno dos direitos. A PNI e o EI avançaram em diversos aspectos, mas deram continuidade à centralidade do atendimento prestado pela sociedade civil e pela família. Observa-se a necessidade de avançar no tocante à responsabilidade do Estado e à pluralidade do imaginário sobre as velhices na sociedade brasileira.
Financiamento da assistência social em Belém
Authors: Guará Ferreira Zaraia
Published: October 2022

Este artigo analisou o Fundo Municipal de Assistência Social (FMAS) da cidade de Belém, Estado do Pará, entre 2006 e 2017, identificando o processo de cofinanciamento dos três níveis da federação (União, Estado e Município) e sua média de execução. Como suporte teórico e histórico utilizamos o conceito de Fundo Público e sua vinculação ao Estado. Os dados orçamentários (LOA) foram obtidos a partir do portal da transparência do município, da Câmara do Vereadores, da Secretaria de Gestão e Planejamento (SEGEP) e da Fundação Papa João XXIII (Funpapa). Além desses, foram analisados os Planos de Ação e Demonstrativos Físico Financeiros produzidos pela FUNPAPA e encontrados uma parte no portal SUASWEB e outra disponibilizada pela Fundação. Como resultado da pesquisa observamos o desfinanciamento paulatino dos serviços socioassistenciais e sua baixa média de execução.
Editorial
Authors: Fortes Ronaldo Vielmi
Published: October 2022

Editorial
Corpo, mente e self: uma articulação teórica com foco na regulação emocional
Authors: Esteves Brito Eduardo José , Tinoco Ponciano Edna Lúcia
Published: October 2022

Tradicionalmente, a regulação emocional é compreendida pela definição de mente separada do corpo. Propomos realizar uma discussão, em uma perspectiva histórico-conceitual, que identifique os modelos Top-down e Bottom-up, a fim de explicitar uma visão crítica e indicar uma proposta teórica de articulação corpo/mente/self com foco na Regulação Emocional. Implementando uma revisão narrativa da literatura, com base em textos clássicos e em estudos atuais, ao destacar o modelo Bottom-up, mente e Self podem ser conectados ao corpo e as sensações corporais consideradas integrantes dos processos regulatórios.
Análise das habilidades sociais de crianças e adolescentes institucionalizados e não institucionalizados
Authors: Cristhina Pereira Cordeiro Neylla , Pereira Dias Talita , Guimarães Cardoso de Sá Lucas
Published: October 2022

A literatura aponta que o vínculo familiar fragilizado pode ter relação com repertórios deficitários de habilidades sociais em crianças e adolescentes. Buscando evidências empíricas para isso, este estudo analisou o repertório de habilidades sociais de crianças e adolescentes institucionalizadas, comparando-o com aquelas não institucionalizadas. 61 crianças e adolescentes, além de seus pais ou cuidadores, responderam ao Inventário de Habilidades Sociais, Problemas de Comportamento e Competência Acadêmica para Crianças e Adolescentes, aplicado em instituições de acolhimento e em escola particular. Os resultados mostraram que crianças e adolescentes institucionalizadas apresentaram menor repertório de habilidades sociais e mais problemas de comportamento que as não-institucionalizadas.