bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH AND COMPUTER MODELINGOF THE OBSTRUCTION OCCURRENCE IN THE PNEUMATIC CONVEYING SYSTEMS PECULIARITIES
Authors: Nazarova Olena S. , Meleshko Irina A.
Published: October 2023

Atdesigning new and modernizing existing pneumatic transport systems it is necessary to take into account changes in the electromechanical parameters of the equipment during start-up or other transient conditions that are most dangerous from the point of view of the occurrence of a blockage in the pneumatic system. Given the high cost of electricity and large volumes of production during the transportation of bulk materials, the urgent task is to reduce the specific consumption of compressed air during transportation, taking into account the development of automatic control systems for the main factors, namely, pressure loss at the outlet of the pneumatic system, affecting the occurrence of blockages of pneumatic conveying systems. The aim of the work is to conduct experimental studies and computer modeling of the features of blockage in pneumatic conveying systems during transpor-tation of bulk materials associated with pressure loss at the outlet of thepneumatic transport systems. This goal is achieved by con-ducting experiments, on the basis of which an analytical expression is obtained to determine the speed of the mixture, which provides the minimum admissible pressure at the outlet of the air bag by the technological process. An analytical dependence of the occur-rence of a possible clogging point on the pressure drop at the outlet of the air duct is obtained, which determines the minimum step of the impact on the transported two-phase flow in order to prevent the occurrence of blockages, and also, if necessary, indicates the place of occurrence of the blockage. It was established that with increasing pressure difference at the inlet and outlet of the pipeline, the point of possible blockage shifts towards the chamber feeder. Stabilization of the humidity of the compressed air supplied to the pneumatic line through the use of more sensitive and faster measuring equipment and automated control means will reduce the pos-sibility of blockage, save energy, and therefore increase the efficiency of the pneumatic conveying system. Mathematical and comput-er models of the electric drive of the pneumatic transport system have been developed;graphs of electromechanical processes have been obtained, confirming its adequacy with an accuracy of ten-twelvepercentfor steady regime. Using these models will save time and money on conducting preliminary experiments in the development of new and modernization of existingpneumatic transport systems.
Effect of Bilayer Nano-Micro Hydroxyapatite on the Surface Characteristics of Implanted Ti-6Al-4V ELI
Authors: Ilhamdi  , Gunawarman  , J. Affi  , O. Susanti  , D. Juliadmi  , D. Oktaviana  , M. Tauhid
Published: October 2023

Ti-6Al-4V ELI is a well-known, popular medical-grade titanium alloy due to its biocompatibility and excellent mechanical properties. However, like other metal implants, it is less bioactive that affects tissue regeneration around the implant, and may lead to implant failure. So, a bioactive substance such as hydroxyapatite (HA) has usually been coated on metal implants to improve its bioactive properties. However, a single layer of HA was reported to be dissolved into body fluid after a long time of exposure in the human body. In this study, bilayer HA was deposited on the surface of screw-type implants made of Ti-6Al-4V ELI through electrophoretic deposition (EPD method. The bottom layer consists of micro-size of HA, and the second layer contains nano-size HA. The suspension contains each micro and nano size of HA powder was homogenized for 1 h followed by sonication for 2 h using a magnetic stirrer. The coating layer was subsequently sintered at 700oC for 1 h. The bilayer-coated screw implant was then implanted into the proximal tibia of health rattus novergicus under proper surgical procedures. Some screws without HA deposition were also implanted into rattus novergicus for comparison. The implanted screws were then taken out via surgery after 2, 3 and 4 weeks, and they were subsequently observed by optical microscope, SEM and XRF. The results showed that organic material is found on each coated specimen, and few HA layer is disintegrated from the surface of the screw. The disintegrated HA remained in the surface of the screw, and the amount of HA increased with increasing implantation time, which indicates the increase of osseointegration between the bone and HA layer. XRF showed a significant difference in Ti and titanium oxide contents on the surface of the coated samples and the non-coted ones, where it is only 0.66%Ti (0.39% TiO2) on the surface of the screw with HA layer and 70%Ti (67% TiO2) for without HA. When TiO2 is formed as a fast self-healing reaction while the screw is exposed to body fluid, the HA acts as an interface against body fluid that may contain aggressive ions. So, HA layer is not only effective against corrosion attack but also inhibits the formation of TiO2 on the implant surface. The coated screws also revealed a strong bonding between the HA layer and the surface of the implant screw. Besides, the ratio between Ca and P elements on the screw surface is in the range of 0.58 – 2.04, which is in the range of bone characteristics.
Perinatally diagnosed congenital craniopharyngiomas in the KRANIOPHARYNGEOM trials
Authors: Beckhaus Julia , Boekhoff Svenja , Scheinemann Katrin , Schilling Freimut H , Fleischhack Gudrun , Binder Gerhard , Bison Brigitte , Pietsch Torsten , Friedrich Carsten , Müller Hermann L
Published: October 2023

Background

Craniopharyngiomas (CPs) are rare embryonic tumors. Clinical presentation and outcome of patients perinatally diagnosed with congenital CP (cCP) are not clear and refer mainly to a few case reports in the literature. The aim of this study was to analyze clinical presentation and outcome in patients with cCP.

Study design

Three hundred and sixty-one patients diagnosed with adamantinomatous CP were recruited 2007–2022 in KRANIOPHARYNGEOM 2007/Registry 2019 and prospectively observed. In two cases, cCP was diagnosed prenatally and in one case on the second day of life. Pre- and perinatal diagnostic findings, postnatal evaluation, and therapeutic interventions and outcome in these three cases of cCP were analyzed.

Results

All patients survived. One patient developed psychomotor retardation and a mild hemiparesis. Prenatal routine ultrasound examination led to the diagnosis of cCP. Tumor resection was performed during the early postnatal period (range: 11–51 days of age). Functional capacity, measured by Fertigkeitenskala-Münster-Heidelberg (FMH) was reduced in three and behavioral parameters, measured by the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) were abnormal in two cases.

Conclusion

cCP is a rare diagnosis with a prevalence of 0.83% in our study group. Compared to cases reported in the literature, the presented cases were treated immediately and had a better prognosis. Based on improvements of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, prenatal diagnosis of cCP should lead to transfer prior to delivery of cCP patients to a specialized center for delivery and postnatal treatment of newborns with sellar masses by a multidisciplinary team to secure the improved prognosis of these patients.

Significance statement

We previously reported that lower event-free survival rates after craniopharyngioma are associated with younger age at diagnosis. Perinatally diagnosed congenital craniopharyngiomas are very rare. This article presents three unique cases with congenital craniopharyngioma, comparing their diagnostics, therapy, and development. All three cases had surgery during the early postnatal period with sparing of the posterior hypothalamus. In each case, endocrinopathy was present at follow-up. Low functional capacity was reported in all cases and an abnormal total difficulties score in two cases. Compared to the literature, the presented cases had better prognosis in morbidity and mortality. This report and the review of the literature confirm the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the diagnostic and treatment of the very rare condition of congenital craniopharyngioma.
Poder administrativo y económico en el ordenamiento territorial: Sabaneta, Antioquia
Authors: Moreno Soto Guillermo León , Arias Loaiza Luisa Fernanda
Published: October 2023

Este artículo busca analizar algunos aspectos de la producción del territorio a partir del poder administrativo y económico en el municipio de Sabaneta, Antioquia, que, a través de la modalidad es el estudio de caso como estrategia investigativa, ubica este territorio como un caso sui generis en lo que respecta en crecimiento urbano; en este sentido, se propone un dialogo contextual, empírico y teórico a partir del crecimiento urbano, la metropolización del Valle de Aburrá, los instrumentos de planeación, la dinámica poblacional, los agentes en la oferta inmobiliaria y gentrificación urbana; expresando las lógicas del capitalismo contemporáneo y las prácticas de desregularización o ajuste normativo por parte de los últimos gobiernos municipales.
Reseña de La ascensión humana de Louis Joseph Lebret
Authors: Bermúdez Franco Laura Vivianne
Published: October 2023

El texto La ascensión humana, de Louis J. Lebret, O. P., está dirgido, en principio, a las y los militantes cristianos que estén dispuestos a ver las dimensiones del universo e insertarse en el desarrollo de la vida para que su consciencia sobre el existir los acerque a Dios sin olvidar al ser humano. El texto se divide en diez capítulos que muestran el mensaje que Lebret, O. P., quiere darle a quienes lo leen.
Rhizoctoniasolani-green beans pathosystem uncover bio control efficacy of Trichoderma spp
Authors: Mokhtari Wafaa
Published: October 2023

Rhizoctoniasolani on green beans has been chosen as one of the best pathosytems to evaluate root rot diseases as well as to determine the effectiveness of potential of the biocontrol agent Trichoderma species (ssp.). In this study we investigate the effective use ofthe pathosystem model; Rhizoctoniasolani-green beans to reveal bio control efficacy of three Trichoderma spp.; T. afro-harzianum, T. reesei and T. guizouhense, isolated from Moroccan soils. In greenhouse conditions, root-dipping approach was involved in revealing bio control potential of localTrichoderma spp. by suppressing root diseases in Rhizoctonia-green beans pathosystem. Interestingly, T. reesei (T9i12) a breaking cellulose succeeded in suppressing disease incidence in root units (DI-RU) = 0.0% in green bean cultivars infected with Rhizoctoniasolani.
A New Record of the Snapping Shrimp Alpheus lobidens from the Iraqi coast (Malacostraca, Decapoda, Alpheidae)
Authors: Yasser A. Gh. , Naser M. D.
Published: October 2023

Based on newly collected material from the Iraqi coast, the status of the common intertidal snapping shrimp, Alpheus lobidens De Haan, 1849 species complex, is dis[1]cussed. Based on several morphological characteristics as well as the color pattern, the material examined herein strongly supports the validity of A. lobidens.
Conductive 3D nano-biohybrid systems based on densified carbon nanotube forests and living cells
Authors: Bagheri Roya , Ball Alicia K. , Kasraie Masoud , Chandra Aparna , Chen Xinqian , Miskioglu Ibrahim , Shan Zhiying , Pour Shahid Saeed Abadi Parisa
Published: October 2023

Conductive biohybrid cell-material systems have applications in bioelectronics and biorobotics. To date, conductive scaffolds are limited to those with low electrical conductivity or 2D sheets. Here, 3D biohybrid conductive systems are developed using fibroblasts or cardiomyocytes integrated with carbon nanotube (CNT) forests that are densified due to interactions with a gelatin coating. CNT forest scaffolds with a height range of 120–240 µm and an average electrical conductivity of 0.6 S/cm are developed and shown to be cytocompatible as evidenced from greater than 89% viability measured by live-dead assay on both cells on day 1. The cells spread on top and along the height of the CNT forest scaffolds. Finally, the scaffolds have no adverse effects on the expression of genes related to cardiomyocyte maturation and functionality, or fibroblast migration, adhesion, and spreading. The results show that the scaffold could be used in applications ranging from organ-on-a-chip systems to muscle actuators.

Graphical abstract
Gaining Ground
Authors: Gardner Jonathan
Published: October 2023

Vast quantities of waste rubble produced through demolition, natural disasters and conflict form part of the globe-spanning, anthropogenic deposit that has been called the “archaeosphere”. Whilst such material is often considered “waste” and of little value in the immediate aftermath of deconstruction or destruction, rubble rarely remains “wasted” for long and becomes reused in new cycles of construction. While architectural salvage and spolia are relatively well studied, the reuse of demolition rubble in the creation of new terrain (reclamation) is rarely discussed.
Responding to this, I discuss how World War II bomb rubble was used to reclaim ground from Hackney Marsh and Leyton Marsh in East London. This waste material not only provided valuable new terrain for leisure facilities, but also led to a broad array of unexpected and emergent uses and valuations, including as site of footballing heritage and place of remembrance and contestation.
Waste Journeys
Authors: Praet Estelle , Guézou Anne , Schofield John , Tamoria Raveena M.
Published: October 2023

Plastics, as supermodern artefacts of the Anthropocene, form a significant part of waste landscapes. But they also pollute landscapes – cultural and natural, marine and terrestrial – across the globe, including in the most isolated of places. The material’s resilience meansthat plastic pollution is one of the biggest global challenges facing contemporary society.
Taking a multidisciplinary approach, this paper demonstrates how archaeological methods can help address the issue of plastic pollution in Galapagos, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its “Outstanding Universal Value” to humanity. Studied archaeologically, plastics are artefacts that through careful observation can yield precious information about their journey to this archipelago. As objects of story writing and the focus of object itineraries, they can also be used as a window into perceptions of plastic litter locally, as well as providing an opportunity to engage students in the topic.
Development of an automated system for disinfection of premises
Authors: Onufrieva Tatyana , Borsuk Natalya , Razumov Vladislav , Golubev Andrey
Published: October 2023

The article describes the development of an automated system for disinfection of premises. This task has become especially urgent during the Coronavirus pandemic. This is a type of SARS, which includes hundreds of different viruses that cause, at least, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. The main way of protection is prevention. The relevance of the article is determined by the need for air purification in working rooms. During the pandemic,
closed-type recirculators were used to solve the problem of disinfection of premises, which work only with the air passing through them, but do not affect microorganisms and viruses on surfaces and furniture in the room in any way. The article deals with the development of an automated cleaning system for premises using ultraviolet lamps operating in various modes in working rooms.
The authors present a description of the structure of an automated system designed to disinfect air and surfaces in rooms of all categories in order to prevent bacterial contamination in the absence of people. The system consists of a software part with a user interface that allows you to configure devices in accordance with the working hours of employees, and a hardware part based on a microcontroller that determines the program of operation of the device. An original algorithm for the functioning of the system and the program interface has been developed. The development results have been tested.
The advantages and novelty of the developed system are as follows:
• The developed algorithm allows disinfection of the room (air and surfaces) in automatic mode with the ability to set operating modes in accordance with the nature of the tasks performed by employees.
• Sound notification of the beginning and end of processing.
• The proposed arrangement of disinfection lamps (integrated into the lighting system) allows you to clean both the indoor air space and the surfaces.
The developed software and device can be used in all types of premises for their high-quality disinfection.
Improvement of the habitat as a criterion for the socio-economic development of the city
Authors: Prelikova Elena , Kukshin Nikita , Nekrasov Dmitry
Published: October 2023

The article is devoted to the creation of a comfortable and favorable living environment. The latter is one of the priorities of the state policy of the Russian Federation, this circumstance is enshrined in law in many federal laws and regulatory legal acts. In addition, the right of citizens to a healthy living environment is also contained in article 42 of the main law of the
state — the Constitution of the Russian Federation. Safe conditions should accompany a person not only when performing their work duties, but also at home, on vacation. However, the programs currently existing in the Russian Federation for the improvement of the habitat are point-based, non-systemic in nature. They, as a rule, do not have criteria for evaluating the effectiveness and minimum parameters of the necessary work.
Theoretical and methodological analysis, social and project approach, as well as concepts and theories of scientists on the issue under consideration were used in the work.
The authors systematized the views of scientists on the issue of urban environment improvement. The main directions of improvement of the urban environment are highlighted and measures for its improvement are proposed.
The improvement of the urban environment is a complex of design and excavation works, landscaping activities aimed at creating an attractive urban space for the population with the inclusion of natural elements in it in order to ensure environmental safety and improve living standards. In the organization of work on the improvement of the urban environment, it is customary to allocate full work and work with delegation. Measures to improve the habitat are aimed at creating comfortable and safe living conditions, and also contribute to maintaining and improving the sanitary and hygienic condition of the territory of the urban settlement. These activities are divided into the following categories: engineering improvement, social improvement, external improvement and environmental improvement.
Fabrication of Two-Dimensional Material Membranes
Authors: Li Haowen , Pan Qingqing , Sui Xiao , Chen Yuan
Published: October 2023

Membrane separation is an energy-efficient separation process. Two-dimensional (2D) materials have shown potential as a new generation of membrane materials due to their unique structures and physicochemical properties. The separation performance of 2D material membranes crucially depends on how 2D nanosheets are assembled in membranes, such as interlayer spacing between stacked nanosheets, chemical properties of nanosheet surfaces, alignment of nanosheets and thickness of membranes, which are closely related to their fabrication methods. This short review concisely overviews commonly used membrane fabrication methods for different types of 2D materials, including graphene-based materials, 2D covalent organic frameworks, 2D metal-organic frameworks, MXenes and other 2D materials. The representative 2D material membranes resulting from their essential fabrication methods are discussed. The advantages and shortcomings of different fabrication methods are compared. The critical challenges to realising large-scale production of 2D material membranes for practical applications are highlighted.
INVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF USING MAGNETIC-TYPE NANOFLUID ON THE THERMAL PERFORMANCE OF A SOLAR WATER COLLECTOR WITH HELICALLY COILED TUBE ABSORBER
Authors: Aytaç İpek , Tuncer Azim Doğuş , Variyenli Halil İbrahim , Khanlari Ataollah , Şatay Ebru
Published: October 2023

In recent years, solar water collectors are commonly preferred for supplying heated water to be utilized in various processes. In the present study, a solar water collector equipped with a helically coiled absorbing surface has been manufactured and experimented under various working conditions to determine its general behavior. The main goal of using a helically coiled absorber is enhancing energy harvest in the collector by ensuring vertical angle between the absorbing area and incident radiation. In addition, for providing greater increase in thermal efficiency, magnetic type nanofluid has been used as a working fluid. In this context, NiFe2O4 nano-sized particles have been mixed with water at the ratio of 2% (wt./wt.). Accordingly, the performance of the collector has been empirically examined using both water and magnetic nanofluid at two different flow rates. The overall results of the present survey exhibited successful use of magnetic type nanofluid in a solar collector equipped with a helically coiled absorbing surface. Utilizing magnetic nanofluid in the collector as circulating fluid raised the thermal efficiency on an average of 20.29% and 23.59% at volumetric flow rates of 0.5 lpm, and 0.9 lpm, respectively. Moreover, utilizing NiFe2O4/water nanofluid in the water collector enhanced the exergy efficiency on an average of 44.53% and 40.04% at volumetric flow rates of 0.5 lpm and 0.9 lpm, respectively.
Awesome, but Impractical? Deeper Engagement with the Middle Ages through Commercial Digital Games
Authors: Houghton Robert
Published: October 2023

Medievalist computer games possess a vast reach and potent influence over their audience, but this influence often runs counter to the goals of heritage and teaching practitioners. This piece argues that while the commercial and mechanical requirements of computer games limit the utility of these games as heritage and educational tools on the macro scale, these same qualities enable computer games to engage their players with the Middle Ages in a different manner from other heritage platforms which can be of substantial value.To this end, the piece will first highlight the similarities and differences between computer games and other means of engaging with history and heritage. It will proceed to consider the pressures these differences exert on the representation of history within games alongside the impact of the expectations of audiences and developers about this form of history and about the Middle Ages. Finally, the piece will discuss how these difficulties may be overcome, alleviated or embraced to support broader and deeper engagement with the medieval period and history more generally. Banner image taken from Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Gold Edition Press kit, Ubisoft, 2020.
Three little movements in modern “mission”
Authors: Goddard Allen James
Published: October 2023

René Padilla’s invitation to evangelicals worldwide, to take up integral mission, in the 1960s, 70s and 80s, and the South African invitation to embrace “transforming mission” in cross-cultural ministries closely associated with the work of David Bosch and Klippies Kritzinger, were clarion calls to the global church, to turn back to the source of “mission,” which is Jesus, forming in his followers a new eschatological identity that empowers us to be witnesses who embody Christ’s good news of reconciliation. Among all who took up this invitation to realize an incarnational and contextual gospel, were evangelists in South Africa’s Students’ Christian Association, who created the SCA Cross-Cultural Missions’ Programme, or SCAMP, in 1979. This article is the first of three, which draw on a repository of memories catalogued through the discipline of oral history research; the writer’s own experience of training and teaching in the SCAMP programme; long-time friendships with many SCAMP people of the 1980s; a wide range of gathered archival primary sources; and published missiology and historiography, to construct a preliminary history of SCAMP during the 1980s at the zenith of the apartheid era. The narrative will be periodized into three distinct historical sequences, each of which may offer learnings for the contemporary church in its current understandings of “mission,” for a more incarnational, prophetic, and deeply empathic embodiment of Christian witness.
Mujeres migrantes en prostitución: experiencias de ambivalencia y propuestas de afrontamiento social desde la sororidad
Authors: Ramírez Martínez Carolina , Albornoz Arias Neida , Karla Stefanía Karla Stefanía , Tobito Navarro Gabriela
Published: October 2023

Se establece la prostitución como afrontamiento de la mujer migrante ante la pobreza extrema para cumplir su rol materno y de cuidadora familiar, desencadenándole ambivalencia al cuestionar valores morales, estigma social y valía. Analiza el contexto de frontera y desigualdad femenina, la invisibilización de la prostitución como condición cultural esclavista. Con un abordaje de estudios de casos, con entrevistas en profundidad a cuatro mujeres migrantes entre 25 a 35 años que ejercen prostitución, trianguladas con datos de recorridos cartográficos, entrevistas a dos mujeres migrantes conocedoras de la realidad de prostitución y entrevista a una autoridad policial del sector. El análisis de datos con software AtlasTi, triangulación de actores y hallazgos a partir de redes semánticas, permitieron destacar percepciones de cuidado y entrega familiar, dolor y reconocimiento por falta de oportunidades, compromiso moral como cuidadoras de sus familias, quienes se encuentran en vulnerabilidad. En lo personal existe nulidad de su rol de mujer como autocastigo, necesidad de aceptación por parte de su familia, se antepone el rol materno, se restringen los roles sociales al aislarse, evitando la creación de vínculos filiales y amorosos, baja autoestima y descuido físico.
Interactive Groups: Fostering Collaborative Interactions in an Additional Language in a Multilingual Context
Authors: Ugalde Leire , García-Carrión Rocío , Intxausti-Intxausti Nahia , Zubiri-Esnaola Harkaitz
Published: October 2023

Research has shown that participating in collaborative interactions is essential both for language learning and for effective access to school content, which is even more important in multilingual contexts where a large proportion of students are in schools where the language of instruction is different from the language of the home context. However, research still needs to analyse further educational actions that succeed in generating collaborative interactions under these circumstances. This exploratory study analyses an educational action called Interactive Groups in a multilingual context in which Basque is the language of instruction and is the L2 for most pupils. Using the Communicative Methodology, twenty-one Interactive Groups were video recorded and analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. Two interviews were conducted with teachers, one with a volunteer, seven with students, and two focus groups with students. The results show that collaborative interactions in the target language prevail in these Interactive Groups, which is achieved because both the adult and the students generate a collective scaffolding that (a) encourages focusing on the academic task, (b) neutralises disruptive behaviours and (c) activates solidarity among students to overcome learning difficulties. The educational implications of the results are discussed.
Prevalence of hepatolenticular degeneration in different countries
Authors: Ovchinnikova E. V. , Schneider N. A. , Ovchinnikova A. A. , Nasyrova R. F.
Published: October 2023

Introduction. Despite modern advances in diagnostic technologies, the problem of Wilson (WD) disease prevalence remains relevant in the world; clinical and scientific interest in epidemiological studies varies in the Russian Federation and in different countries.

The aim. To study the prevalence of WD in the population of the Russian Federation and foreign countries at the present stage.

Materials and methods. The paper presents an analysis of the results of domestic and foreign epidemiological studies of WD published in the eLibrary, Google Scholar, PubMed, Springer, Scopus, Elsevier, Oxford Press, Clinical Case, Cochrane, Science Direct databases from January 01, 2018 to June 01, 2023 year.

Results. In total, 14 epidemiological studies were analyzed. In the countries of North and South America, the prevalence of WD is from 4.1 per 100,000, up to 6.4 per 100,000 and in European countries from 1.44 per 100,000 to 9.0 per 100,000, in Asian countries – from 1.793 per 100,000 to 4.81 per 100,000.

Conclusion. Results of epidemiological studies prevalence of WD depended on design and methodology: with using the method of genetic screening of the population for WD, the prevalence rates were much higher and reached 40 per 100,000 in Europe, 19.6 in Asia due to detection of early stages of disease development (asymptomatic forms).
Assessment of Molecular Dynamics Force Fields for Studies of Intrinsically Disordered Peptides
Authors:   , Andrews Brian , Schweitzer-Stenner Reinhard , Urbanc Brigita
Published: October 2023

The prevalence of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins (IDPs) in the eukaryotic genome, associated with both physiological function and diseases, provides motivation to effectively characterize these systems. Experimental methods can be limited in their ability to characterize IDPs. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations can provide details of these systems with atomistic detail. However, the performance of MD simulations is always based on approximations and assumptions of some extent. The reliability of MD simulation results largely depends on the correctness and precision of these assumptions. There are known issues in MD regarding the simulation of IDPs and many of the force fields commonly used for MD simulations are not typically validated for many small, unfolded peptides or IDPs. To this end, Chapter 3 assesses multiple state-of-the-art MD force fields in their capacity to produce the intrinsic backbone dynamics, as characterized by Ramachandran distributions, of 14 of the 20 amino acids as the central amino acid resiude of GxG tripeptides with respect to a comprehensive set of experimental data. An additional study was performed for a select tetra- and pentapeptide, GRRG and GRRRG. Generally, MD force fields do not reproduce amino acid-specific conformational properties or nearest neighbor interactions. A model Ramachandran distribution, constructed using a linear combination of Gaussian subdistributions, were shown to produce experimental results better than MD by at least an order of magnitude. Errors of the dynamics of amino acid residues in short peptides likely proliferates in larger IDPs, effectively limiting the effectiveness of MD for studying disease-related IDPs. Chapter 4 extends the assessment of Chapter 3 to protein-protein interactions. First, the effect of mixed solvent of ethanol and water on GAG peptide aggregates, which surpringly form gels in experiments, is investigated. Then, the ability for MD force fields to capture the solubility of a short, natively folded protein is assessed. Finally, based on the analyses throughout the thesis, the potential physiological function of an IDP associated with Alzheimer's Disease is explored via protein-soluble lipid interactions.
Computación frontera: influencia de latencias en la precisión de robots
Authors: Urbaniak Dominik , Rosell Jan , Suárez Raúl , Suppa Michael
Published: October 2023

La computación en la frontera (edge computing) permite acceder a grandes recursos computacionales y a redes de computadores, facilitando que pequeños dispositivos con recursos limitados realicen cálculos complejos descargándolos en computadores potentes de la red, y permite que la latencia en la comunicación se pueda reducir en comparación con la computación en la nube (cloud computing). Los robots móviles autónomos podrían beneficiarse enormemente de computación en la frontera, ya que en general su energía y recursos computacionales son limitados, pero su uso les permitiría realizar tareas computacionalmente complejas y que requieran adaptaciones rápidas a un entorno cambiante. En este trabajo se realiza una comparación del impacto de las tecnologías de comunicación más destacadas usando como tarea de ensayo, en simulación con Gazebo y ROS2, la corrección de la orientación de un cubo al ser empujado por un robot manipulador UR5e equipado con una pinza de dedos paralelos Robotiq 2F-85. Los resultados muestran un mejor rendimiento de 5G Ultra Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC) sobre las comunicaciones 5G y 4G privadas, reduciendo la media del error de orientación en un 36% y 55 %, respectivamente, tras haber realizado 50 acciones de corrección de la orientación con cada tecnología.
Modelo digital para definir y emular automatismos secuenciales
Authors: Illana Sergio , Sánchez García Alejandro , Estévez Elisabet , Gómez Ortega Juan , Gámez García Javier
Published: October 2023

La importancia de un diseño maduro y mantenible del software de automatización en los sistemas ciber-físicos de producción (CPPS) aumenta continuamente, ya que una proporción cada vez mayor de la funcionalidad del sistema se implementa mediante software. Como consecuencia, la complejidad del sistema se desplaza cada vez más hacia el lado del software. Características de calidad como la flexibilidad, la mantenibilidad y la extensibilidad, cuya importancia está aumentando en el contexto de la Industria 4.0, son cada vez más difíciles de lograr. Para conseguir dichos retos, se ha de partir de un diseño software sólido. En este sentido, este trabajo, propone una aproximación basada en modelos para diseñar automatismos secuenciales siguiendo GRAFCET. Un modelo digital del automatismo secuencial conteniendo el diseño software de automatización va a permitir testear el automatismo con la parte operativa real o emulada, de una manera totalmente independiente al PLC.
Diabetes mellitus: A lifestyle disorder
Authors: Manish Abhinav
Published: October 2023

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, resulting from either insufficient insulin production or the body's inability to effectively utilize insulin. This condition has become a global health concern, with an increasing prevalence worldwide. This review article aims to provide an overview of diabetes mellitus, its diagnostic criteria, and recent updates in management, complications, and a discussion on its implications for public health.
In vitro protective effect of recombinant prominin-1 combined with microRNA-29b on N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced excitotoxicity in retinal ganglion cells
Authors:   Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang Province, China; Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Hangzhou Branch, Hangzhou 310020, Zhejiang Province, China, Li Jun-Hua , Wang Yu-Da ,   Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang Province, China; Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Hangzhou Branch, Hangzhou 310020, Zhejiang Province, China, Li Tian-Kun ,   Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin 300020, China
Published: October 2023

AIM: To determine the in vitro protective effect of recombinant prominin-1 (Prominin-1)+microRNA-29b (P1M29) on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced excitotoxicity in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs).
METHODS: RGC-5 cells were cultured, and NMDA-induced excitotoxicity at the range of 100–800 μmol/L was assessed using the MTT assay. NMDA (800 μmol/L) was selected as the appropriate concentration for preparing the cell model. To evaluate the protective effect of P1M29 on the cell model, Prominin-1 was added at the concentration of 1–6 ng/mL for 48h, and the cell survival was investigated with/without microRNA-29b. After obtaining the appropriate concentration and time of P1M29 at 48h, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was utilized to detect the relative mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2. Western blot detection was applied to measure the phosphorylation levels of protein kinase B (AKT) and extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) in RGC-5 cells after treatment with Prominin-1. Apoptosis study of the cell model was conducted by flow cytometry for estimating the anti-apoptotic effect of P1M29. Immunofluorescence analysis was used to analyze the expression levels of VEGF and TGF-β2.
RESULTS: MTT cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that P1M29 group had significantly higher cell survival rate than Prominin-1 group (P<0.05). Real-time PCR data indicated that the expression levels of VEGF were significantly increased in both Prominin-1 and P1M29 groups compared NMDA and microRNA-29b group (P<0.05), while TGF-β2 were significantly decreased in both microRNA-29b and P1M29 groups compared NMDA and Prominin-1 group (P<0.05). Western blot results showed that both Prominin-1 and P1M29 groups significantly increased the phosphorylation levels of AKT and ERK compared to NMDA and microRNA-29b groups (P<0.05). Flow cytometry analysis revealed that P1M29 could prevent RGC-5 cell apoptosis in the early stage of apoptosis, while immunofluorescence results showed that P1M29 group had higher expression of VEGF and lower expression of TGF-β2 with a stronger green fluorescence than NMDA group.
CONCLUSION: Prominin-1 combined with microRNA-29b can provide a suitable therapeutic option for ameliorating NMDA-induced excitotoxicity in RGC-5 cells.
Analysis of independent risk factors for acute acquired comitant esotropia
Authors:   Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, Cai Jie , Li Xia ,   Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, Li Qin ,   Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, Cai Ying ,   Nanning Aier Eye Hospital, Nanning 530001, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, Chen Jin-Mao ,   Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
Published: October 2023

AIM: To explore the risk factors for acute acquired comitant esotropia (AACE).
METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted by analyzing 83 patients (case group) with AACE who underwent strabismus correction surgery from January 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. Totally 73 outpatient volunteers were recruited during the same period as the normal control group. The case group’s binocular vision time, near and distance esotropia angle, and near stereo vision function were recorded, and the age, gender, refractive status, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of both groups were analyzed. Additionally, multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted using an eye usage condition questionnaire to determine the independent risk factors for AACE.
RESULTS: In the case group, 61 patients (73.49%) had myopia, with a mean equivalent spherical power (SE) of -3.35±3.31 D (range: +2.75 to -10.62 D) of the right eye and -2.87±3.35 D (range: +2.75 to -11.12 D) of the left eye. The average duration of diplopia in the case group was 29.83±35.72mo, of which 80 patients (96.39%) were primarily with distance diplopia. The near and distance esotropia angle after wearing glasses were 52.36±20.95 prism degree (PD) and 56.71±19.54 PD, respectively, and there was no statistically significant difference between the two (t=1.38, P=0.169). The incidence of improper glasses wearing and unhealthy eye habits in the case group was significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Close-up work without glasses [β=2.30, odds ratio (OR)=10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.35-42.51, P=0.002] and near work in supine position (β=1.80, OR=6.02, 95%CI 3.29-11.02, P<0.001) were independent risk factors for AACE.
CONCLUSION: Patients with AACE mainly present with distance diplopia, and there is a high degree of variation in myopia. Near work without wearing glasses and in supine position are independent risk factors for AACE.
Development of a new 17-item Asthenopia Survey Questionnaire using Rasch analysis
Authors:   National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang Province, China, Lin Na , Yang Mao-Yuan ,   Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang Province, China, Tian Li ,   Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang Province, China, Li Zhi-Hua ,   Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang Province, China, Mao Jie-Li ,   Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang Province, China, Zhang Jia-Fang ,   Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang Province, China, Chen Jie ,   National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang Province, China, Lyu Fan ,   National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang Province, China, Deng Ru-Zhi ,   National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang Province, China
Published: October 2023

AIM: To develop the 17-item Asthenopia Survey Questionnaire (ASQ)-17 by Rasch analysis, and to generate a predictiveness score.
METHODS: Totally 739 participants were recruited and 680 were involved in the result analysis in this prospective, cross-sectional study. Three rounds of Rasch analysis were used to analyze the psychometric characteristics of items and options.
RESULTS: Phase 1 assessed the original ASQ-19, adjusted the item scoring mode to a four-point Likert response rating scale and combined the 18th and 19th items into a new item. Phase 2 deleted the 11th item. Phases 3 and 4 assessed the new ASQ-17. All the evaluation indexes of ASQ-17 were acceptable. The Infit and Outfit MnSq values of items were 0.67-1.48, the variance explained by the principal component and the unexplained variance explained by the first contrast were 53.90%-59.40% and 1.50-1.80 in three dimensions. The curve peaks of scores in each dimension were separated and in the same order. The PSR and PSI values were 2.80 and 0.89, respectively. The mean scores of dimensions A (9.5±4.1 vs 3.5±3.2), B (7.3±3.3 vs 2.5±2.7), C (4.3±2.2 vs 1.4±2.0) and total (21.1±8.1 vs 7.4±7.0) in asthenopia participants were significantly higher than those without asthenopia (all P<0.001). The area under the curve in two groups was 0.899 (P<0.001). Youden’s index was up to the maximum value of 0.784 when the cut-off value was 12.5.
CONCLUSION: ASQ-17 has stronger option sorting and suitability than ASQ-19. It is an effective assessment tool for asthenopia with an optimal cut-off threshold value of 12.5, which is suitable for diagnosis and curative effect evaluation.
Varstvo koristi otroka in vplivnostni marketing
Authors: Ovčak Kos Maja
Published: October 2023

Otroci niso zgolj privlačna ciljna skupina za oglaševalce, temveč se imetniki blagovnih in storitvenih znamk vse bolj zanašajo na otroke vplivneže, da zanje promovirajo blago in/ali storitve. Vplivnostno oglaševanje otrok posega v njihove številne pravice, zlasti v pravice do zasebnosti, razvoja, igre, do varstva pred ekonomskim izkoriščanjem in osebnostne pravice, ogroža pa lahko tudi njihovo (digitalno) varnost. To se lahko negativno odrazi na otrokovem osebnostnem razvoju in samopodobi. Vplivnostno oglaševanje otrok predstavlja (novo) obliko otroškega dela, ki zaradi varstva koristi otrok vplivnežev in njihovih pravic terja ustrezni regulativni varstveni ovir in tako ne sme biti prepuščeno avtonomiji volje staršev oziroma zakonitih zastopnikov teh otrok, da prosto odločajo, v kakšen obsegu in katere proizvode in/ali storitve bodo otroci vplivneži promovirali.
Meje konkurenčnega prava in ciljano oglaševanje v praksi nemške Agencije za varstvo konkurence
Authors: Dacar Rok
Published: October 2023

V EU varstvo osebnih podatkov predstavlja temeljno človekovo pravico, ki jo operacionalizira GDPR. Sodišče Evropske unije je s sodbo v zadevi Asnef-Equifax zasedlo stališče, da se kršitve pravice do varstva osebnih podatkov kot take ne morejo upoštevati pri konkurenčnopravnih presojah. Nemška Agencija za varstvo konkurence je z odločbo B6-22/16 v zadevi Facebook odstopila od zadevnega stališča s tem, ko je odločila, da kršitev pravice do varstva osebnih podatkov in pravice do informacijske samoodločbe, ki ju je omogočil prevladujoči tržni položaj podjetja Facebook, predstavljata zlorabo tega položaja, ki je tradicionalno mogoča le, če se pojavi škoda povezana s sfero tržne konkurence, ki pa se v zadevnem primeru niti ni dokazovala. Zadevni prispevek poskuša v tej zvezi odgovoriti na raziskovalno vprašanje: »Na kakšen način je odločba odstopila od uveljavljenih načel glede odnosa med konkurenčnim pravom in pravom varstva osebnih podatkov?«
Poenotenje pravil o ciljanem političnem oglaševanju v EU
Authors: Šuta Živa
Published: October 2023

Z razvojem digitalnih tehnologij in vse večjo prisotnostjo političnih strank na socialnih omrežjih so se odprla vrata novemu načinu oglaševanja. V večini primerov skrito naši zavesti se je razcvetelo ciljano politično oglaševanje (CPO), ki je osrednja tema tega prispevka. Po prevladujoči definiciji to vključuje prikazovanje posameznikom prilagojenih oglasov o določenem političnem kandidatu z namenom njegovega uspeha na volitvah. EU je prepoznala prednosti takšnega načina oglaševanja, a je hkrati opozorila na potrebo po ureditvi tega področja glede na številne grožnje, ki jih CPO prinaša za posameznike in družbo. S Predlogom uredbe o preglednosti in ciljanem političnem oglaševanju je novembra 2021 začrtala pot k enotnemu urejanju tega vprašanja. Po predstavitvi pojma in vloge CPO v EU se prispevek osredotoča na določbe predlagane uredbe in nasprotujoča si stališča deležnikov na ravni EU, ki bodo vplivala na sprejem in vsebino Predloga.
Varstvo osebnih podatkov kot digitalnega portfelja v luči sodobnih metod oglaševanja
Authors: Dimović Zoran
Published: October 2023

Zadnje čase smo priča izjemno hitri rasti informatike, umetne inteligence (in velikih podatkov), kar je povzročilo oblikovanje novih tehnik profiliranja uporabnikov, s tem pa tudi ciljnega oglaševanja, ki je prilagojeno navadam in okusu uporabnika. Ne glede na učinkovitost ciljnega oglaševanja pa je treba upoštevati tudi varstvo teh podatkov. Ko uporabnik nevede poda soglasje k zbiranju podatkov, svoje osebne podatke preda v neznano. Ti podatki se nato neznano analizirajo, obdelujejo ter uporabnika segmentirajo v namenske skupine uporabnikov, kar olajša doseg ciljnih in vedenjskih oglaševalskih akcij. Uporabnik se lahko »zaščiti« le s soglasjem k takšni obdelavi podatkov. Splošni režimi, ki jih predvideva prihajajoča Uredba o e-zasebnosti, niso zadostni, zato bi morali uvesti striktne mehanizme zavrnitve zbiranja podatkov. Za namene trženja mora biti uporabnik v središču oglaševanja, vendar pravila o varstvu podatkov morda niso najboljše sredstva za njegovo pravno varstvo.