bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Children Perception of 3D Usual Shapes in Virtual Environments
Authors: Beauset Romain , Durosin Natacha
Published: December 2023

Improving the understanding of the 3D perception spatial ability for children is an important issue for research in the areas of cognitive and developmental psychology, particularly in virtual environments where perceptive behaviors could differ from real environment. The aim of this research is to evaluate if children from 6 to 10 years old are able to perceive usual 3D shapes displayed in virtual environment like in 3D world.In an experimentation, children (N =218) are split in groups faced with different modalities of representation of 3D shapes they are allowed to manipulate or only observe: virtual representations on touchpad or real representation with 3D models. They have to solve recognition task of usual 3D shapes (cube, cylinder, triangular prism, etc.). If results indicate that majority of children adequately perceived virtual usual 3D shapes, this ability is not acquired for everyone and is more problematic than perception of 3D models. Some shapes, like the triangular prism, were less adequately perceived. Results call for prudence regarding the use of virtual 3D shapes with children for example during 3D geometry learning.
ANATOMIA HUMANA E SUAS APLICAÇÕES PARA O PROFESSOR DE EDUCAÇÃO FÍSICA NA EDUCAÇÃO BÁSICA: RELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA
Authors: Grangeiro Adriano Filipe Barreto , De Brito Lara Tercília Pereira , Ferreira Idelvan da Silva
Published: December 2023

Trata-se de um relato de experiência sobre atividade de extensão promovida por docente e acadêmicos do Curso de Licenciatura em Educação Física da Universidade Federal do Tocantins – Câmpus de Tocantinópolis como parte integrante da disciplina Anatomia Humana. Proporcionar discussões e reflexões acerca do conhecimento das partes que compõem o corpo humano é fundamental para associação da teoria e prática, pois os futuros profissionais atuarão com programas e projetos voltados para a atividade física e precisam ter as competências e habilidades necessárias para o exercício da profissão pautadas no conhecimento científico, contemplando o processo ensino-aprendizagem numa perspectiva interdisciplinar.
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Educação Física; Anatomia Humana; Educação Básica; Interdisciplinar; Formação docente.
Kajian Performa Metode Class Weight Random Forest pada Klasifikasi Imbalance Data Kelas Curah Hujan
Authors: Akbar Hafiz , Sanjaya Wisnu Karya
Published: December 2023

Data hujan merupakan aspek penting dalam bidang hidrometeorologi dan penerbangan. Namun, datacurah hujan yang dicatat oleh sistem cuaca otomatis yaitu Automatic Weather Station (AWS) selama satu tahuncenderung tidak seimbang, dengan kelas yang tidak hujan mendominasi. Hal ini mengakibatkan bias dalam klasifikasi,karena ketidakseimbangan antara kelas yang dominan dan yang tidak dominan. Random forest merupakan salah satumodel machine learning yang dapat digunakan dalam proses klasifikasi dan dalam menangani masalah ketidakseimbangandata digunakan penambahan metode class weight pada model random forest dengan beberapa kombinasi nilai. Percobaanuntuk pengaturan class weight dilakukan dengan berbagai pengaturan nilai, dan hasil kombinasi terbaik ditemukan padapengaturan class weight {0: 0.5, 1: 1.5, 2: 1.5, 3: 1.5, 4: 1.5} pada data latihan dan pada data uji, model dengan pengaturanclass weight yang sama mencapai akurasi sebesar 73%.
Wooden Spatial Structures Assembled with Disassembly Possible Simple Joints
Authors: Esaka Yoshisato , Ishizaki Tatsuki , Azemi Tokuma
Published: December 2023

The authors propose a new clamped joint system that can easily join wooden members together and a wooden spatial structure that utilizes this system. The proposed system can clamp wood members without the need for special joint machining. Two types of clamps have been developed: orthogonal
clamps and rotational clamps. A frame system is developed using this joint system, which is a hemispherical dome with a diameter of 5.4 m and its membrane is tensioned using struts. A preliminary framework structural analysis and membrane stress analysis are conducted to confirm the safety
of the frame. Full-scale mock-up was constructed to validate the frame model analysis and verify construction procedures. As a combinable structure, a small-scale spatial structure assembled using orthogonal clamps is also described. It is the cube-shaped structure 2.8 m wide consisting of
wall and ceiling planes. Single clamp loading tests are conducted to understand the load-deformation relationship of the proposed clamped joint system and full-scale horizontal loading tests have been conducted.
Crop Evolution of Foxtail Millet
Authors: Fukunaga Kenji , Kawase Makoto
Published: December 2023

Studies on the domestication, genetic differentiation, and crop evolution of foxtail millet are re-viewed. Several genetic studies were carried out to elucidate the genetic relationships among foxtail millet accessions originating mainly from Eurasia, based on intraspecific hybrid pollen semi-sterility, isozymes, DNA markers, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Most studies suggest that China is the center of diversity of foxtail millet, and landraces were categorized into geographical groups. Furthermore, the evolution of genes was reviewed (i.e., the Waxy gene conferring amylose content in the endosperm, the Si7PPO gene controlling polyphenol oxidase, the HD1 and SiPRR37 genes controlling heading time, the Sh1 and SvLes1 genes involved in grain shattering, and the C gene controlling leaf sheath pigmentation), and the variation and distribu-tion of these genes suggested complex patterns of evolution under human and/or natural selec-tion.
Morphological Aspects of the Liver
Authors: Chesca Antonella A
Published: December 2023

: Chronic liver diseases stimulate a degree of hepatocyte injury. This previously mentioned modifications, alters the known liver architecture and finally ends in cirrhosis. The management of this liver pathology, is centred on the treatment of the causes and complications. Liver transplantation can be required in some cases. The aim of this article is to identify the best available evidences analyzing liver samples, normall and pathological.Were made permanent preparations and used two colors. Hematoxylin–Eosin and also Goldner Szekely trichrome stains stain for observation at optical microscope with x10 and x40 lens magnification. Samples liver collected during necropsy, from healthy patients and from patients diagnosed with cirrhosis. Normal liver with hepatocytes, Kiernann space, connective septa, observations using lens x10 and samples colored with Goldner Szekely trichrome stains. Beside, for comparisions, ill liver images, classic stain H&E. Our contribution in the written text, is related to the impact of physical, psychological and physiological factors.
Conservative Management of Acute Sports-Related Concussions: A Narrative Review
Authors: Kureshi Sohaib , Mendizabal Maria , Francis John , Djalilian Hamid R.
Published: December 2023

This review explores the application of the conservative management model for pain to sports-related concussions (SRCs), framing concussions as a distinct form of pain syndrome with a pathophysiological foundation in central sensitization. Drawing parallels with proven pain management models, we underscore the significance of a proactive approach to concussion management. Recognizing concussions as a pain syndrome allows for the tailoring of interventions in alignment with conservative principles. This review first covers the epidemiology and controversies surrounding prolonged concussion recovery and persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). Next, the pathophysiology of concussions is presented within the central sensitization framework, emphasizing the need for early intervention to mitigate the neuroplastic changes that lead to heightened pain sensitivity. Five components of the central sensitization process specific to concussion injuries are highlighted as targets for conservative interventions in the acute period: peripheral sensitization, cerebral metabolic dysfunction, neuroinflammation, glymphatic system dysfunction, and pain catastrophizing. These proactive interventions are emphasized as pivotal in accelerating concussion recovery and reducing the risk of prolonged symptoms and PPCS, in line with the philosophy of conservative management.
Research on Heating Effect of Convection Radiator Based on Human Thermophysiological Model
Authors: Liu Zongjiang , Xu Wei , Zhang Linhua , Li Zhong , Li Ji
Published: December 2023

This article couples human metabolic factors and heating environmental factors, and uses a 57 node human thermal physiological model to study the heating effect of radiators. It provides a way to objectively calculate and directly quantify the effect of heating equipment on human thermal physiological parameters. As the inlet speed increases, the surface temperature of the human body first increases and then decreases. At a speed of 3m/s, it basically reaches a high value. Continuing to increase the wind speed, as the indoor convection intensity further increases, the surface temperature of the human body will decrease, leading to a decrease in thermal comfort. Compared with floor radiation heating under similar indoor temperature conditions, forced convection radiator heating has similar skin temperatures in various parts of the human body after the indoor design temperature exceeds 20 ℃, and the overall thermal comfort of the two technical solutions is equivalent. Research has shown that the turbulence wind speed of convective radiators should not be too small, with a wind speed range of 2.5m/s to 3m/s. The heating effect of using horizontal air outlet from the lower part of the radiator is better than that of vertical air outlet from the upper part. Convection type radiator heating is more suitable for buildings with rooms that are not too high due to the large indoor temperature gradient.
Role of Immunotherapy in Sarcomas
Authors: Dalal Shivani , Shan Khine Swe , Dar Nyein Nyein Thaw , Hussein Atif , Ergle Alejandra
Published: December 2023

Sarcomas are a group of malignancies of mesenchymal origin with plethora of subtypes. Given the sheer heterogeneity of various subtypes and rarity of the disease, management of sarcomas has been challenging with poor patient outcomes. Surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy have remained the backbone of treatment in patients with sarcoma. The introduction of immunotherapy has rev-olutionized the treatment of various solid and hematological malignancies. In this review, we discuss basics of immunotherapy and immune microenvironment in sarcomas, various modalities of im-munotherapy such as immune checkpoint blockade, oncolytic viruses, cancer targeted antibodies, vaccine therapy and adoptive cell therapies like CAR T-cell therapy, T cell therapy, TCR therapy.
Determinism of genesis of large-scale structures in astrophysics
Authors: Fimin Nikolay Nikolaevich , Chechetkin Valery Mihailovich
Published: December 2023

The criteria for the formation of non-stationary pseudo-periodic structures in a system of gravitating particles, described by the Vlasov--Poisson system of equations. Conditions of branching of solutions of a nonlinear integral equation for a generalized gravitational potential, leading to the emergence of coherent complex states of relative equilibrium in non-stationary systems of massive particles, is studied.
Possibilities of using PSS®SINCAL, ETAP, PowerFactory software for modeling electric power networks
Authors: Shevchenko Sergey , Danylchenko Dmytro , Kuznetsov Dmytro , Qawaqzeh Mohamed Zaidan , Miroshnyk Oleksandr
Published: December 2023

The article is devoted to modeling of electrical networks. The article discusses the positive and negative features of simulation programs. Special attention is paid to the principles of the program. The article discusses such programs as PSS®SINCAL from Siemens; ETAP from Operation Technology and PowerFactory from DIgSILENT GmbH. In the work, we considered the programs and decided that the most successful solution for working with the modeling of the electrical network and the impact of compensating devices on the electrical network would be the use of the PSS®SINCAL software from Siemens. For more than 20 years, the PSS®SINCAL platform has enabled engineers to solve various challenges of variable distribution, transmission and industrial power systems, including maintaining high reliability of supply and efficient integration of distributed energy resources. With PSS®SINCAL's modular platform, power system planning and operation engineers are supported throughout the entire workflow, from raw data import and network modeling (taking into account past, current and future conditions) through basic and advanced calculations to large-scale simulations and analysis protection, as well as other methods in the time and frequency domains. PSS®SINCAL is used in more than 100 countries by transmission and distribution planning engineers, protection engineers, consultants, power plant and industrial grid operators, operations planning engineers, IT specialists, researchers, and more. Thanks to its modular design, PSS®SINCAL is highly flexible and customizable. It offers a wide range of analysis functions for the planning, design and operation of power systems, allowing you to model and study: power quality, frequency stability, distributed generation interconnection, protection coordination, power restoration, economic design solutions and much more.
USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES IN MARKETING
Authors: Vasyltsova Svitlana , Oborina Anastasiia
Published: December 2023

The article analyzes the essence of such a category as information technology and its use in the marketing activities of the enterprise. The factors both external and internal that have a great influence on this category were identified. The continuous regeneration of information technology has given rise to information systems. Communication, buying and selling, obtaining information, marketing and advertising, management, healthcare, logistics, banking are taking on new formats thanks to information technology. This study examined the impact of IT on marketing. IT has influenced marketing as marketing information systems that support all marketing operations of the business, and diversification of the marketing process. We aimed to analyze these two main effects in our study. Organizations that wanted to survive invested in information technology and thus made their work styles compatible with information technology. The exchanges were not limited to this and they directed organizations to invest in upgrading, updating and restoring hardware and software. The investments of the organizations have made the organizational structure flatter, increased the number of employees and bureaucratic work, and reduced the costs of communication, document generation and storage. It is also used from the lowest level of management to the highest level and supports all levels of management in decision making. It has provided flexibility to organisations that prefer central or local management and has impacted on organisational control, communication, authority arrangements and decision-making. Information technology, used at all levels of management, is today a strategic tool for the business world. Information technologies contribute to the foundation of the organization and perform functions such as marketing, logistics, sales, service delivery, procurement, human resource management, management. They also strengthen the value chain between organizations, customers and suppliers. All levels of management are carried out with the help of information technology. With this new information phase, organizations must change their marketing actions.
SCENARIO APPROACH TO STRENGTHENING THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SECURITY OF THE CITY
Authors: Romanovska Yuliia
Published: December 2023

The article shows the importance of strengthening the socio-economic security of the city, which constitutes the content of a new activity for the city government - security activities. The security activity of the city government is an object of management, and therefore it should be carried out within the limits of a certain approach to management, which should correspond to the greatest extent to its characteristic features. The expediency of using the scenario approach to strengthening the socio-economic security of the city is proved, the advantages and limitations of its use are shown. The scenario approach is a set of methods, techniques, operations and actions that reflect the philosophy of research directions of the process of strengthening the socio-economic security of the city, combined into an instrumental base of the approach based on the understanding of this process and the use of a special conceptual and categorical apparatus. The use of a scenario approach to strengthening the socio-economic security of the city is based on a set of principles, among which the principle of profile orientation is new, according to which the development of scenarios for strengthening the socio-economic security of the city should be based on the profile of the city. The operationalization of the principle of profile orientation in strengthening the socio-economic security of the city led to the definition of city profiles, which are divided into positive and negative. The purpose of the city profile is to develop proposals for strengthening the socio-economic security of the city, with further clarification and specification ("binding") for a specific city. The profile of the city has not only analytical, but also image value, and therefore should be communicated to the target audience of all elements of the socio-economic system "city".
BUSINESS DIAGNOSIS OF THE COMPETITIVENESS OF INNOVATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE CONDITIONS OF DIGITALIZATION
Authors: Maslak Olga , Gryshko Natalia , Zaytsev Serhiy , Kolisnyk Anastasiya , Panchelina Yuliya
Published: December 2023

The article deals with current issues of the need for business diagnostics of the competitiveness of innovative entrepreneurship customer service for a product/service. It was argued that in each of the industries, over time, one or more dominant business models are formed, which are well-optimized ways of allocating and organizing resources. It was also noted that the generally accepted approach is when the most effective models are those that create prerequisites for increasing the loyalty of companies or contribute to barriers to entry of competitors. At the same time, if the dominant business model is replaced by another one based on the latest technology, then the entire industry will be transformed accordingly. In the course of the study, the concept of a lean start-up and a minimum viable product were revealed as well as a comparative description of traditional and lean start-ups was given. The attention was focused on the step-by-step procedure for revising the business model of innovative entrepreneurship. It was noted that recently the agile approach to business models has gained popularity, when, unlike traditional approaches, the key is to find the most effective ways and methods of doing business by testing hypotheses for fallacy. It has been proven that in order to change the existing business model, it is necessary to determine the specifics of the industry and then analyze the impact of technologies and existing market needs in order to formulate aspects of innovation that need to be implemented.
ANALYTICAL CONTROL OF PRODUCTION COSTS AND COST OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS
Authors: Savchuk Vasyl , Sadovska Iryna , Bohdaniuk Olena
Published: December 2023

The purpose of the publication is to draw the attention of scientists and practitioners to issues related to increasing the effectiveness of control over the formation of costs and determining the cost of production of agricultural products through the activation of the managerial function of control by implementing its stages, which are: visual control, i.e. simple observation of the implementation of management decisions, accounting - a comparison of the predicted (planned, normative, forecast) results of management decisions with accounting and reporting fixed, accordingly processed data and analytical - with an assessment of deviations in implementation (over-implementation/non-implementation) of management decisions. It was established that it is quite difficult to control production costs and estimate the level of the cost price of agricultural products, which is caused by different approaches to the assessment and inclusion/non-inclusion of production costs, neglect of its quality when determining the cost price. The practical significance of solving the outlined problems lies in the increased effectiveness of cost control for the production of certain types of agricultural products, which improves the quality of managerial influence on the optimization of the cost level - a determining factor in increasing its competitiveness and production efficiency.
FORMATION OF A PRACTICAL-ORIENTED STRATEGY OF RESOURCE POTENTIAL MANAGEMENT OF ENTERPRISE SYSTEM ENTERPRISE
Authors: Volosnikova Nataliia
Published: December 2023

The purpose of the article is to determine the consequences of the impact of the strategy of managing the resource potential of the corporate system of the enterprise. It is noted that under the system of practice-oriented management of resource potential of industrial enterprises we understand a set of orderly subsystems of material, labor, financial, information resources that are in stable relations, within which the process of resource management of industrial enterprises aimed at achieving global goals of corporate security strategy. In addition, the system of resource potential, being the object of practice-oriented management of resource potential, determines the efficiency of production processes. It is concluded that the resource management system of an industrial enterprise is an integral part of the overall management system of the corporate security system. The generated vector of strategic goals of increase of efficiency of practice-oriented management of resource potential of the industrial enterprise is analyzed. The basic principles of antisipative management of resource potential of subsystems of industrial enterprises and the scheme of practice-oriented management of resource potential of industrial enterprise with use of antisyping are offered.
FORMATION OF THE HUMAN CAPITAL OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT OF THE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT AND SOCIAL CHALLENGES REGARDING
Authors: Shypulina Yuliia
Published: December 2023

The evolution of approaches to the socio-economic entry of persons with disabilities into the labor market is considered. It was noted that only in the 18th century did the formation of awareness begin that persons with disabilities have certain, but at that time, not equal rights with other persons in society. People with disabilities began to be considered as subjects of economic relations in entertainment programs and shows. In France, they were studied as exhibits for the treatment of deafness, muteness and insanity. Only the First and Second World Wars changed the attitude towards persons with disabilities, as the lost economic potential of Europe during the wars required labor. Since that time, persons with special needs began to enter the same level as all persons of society. Ukraine joined this trend at the beginning of the 21st century with relevant regulatory acts. The work raises the problem of the concept of human capital. The concept of marketing and management of the development of human capital or potential in general and in relation to persons with disabilities is defined. A methodological model is indicated, which should comprehensively form the human potential of persons with disabilities in modern Ukrainian society. Barriers to the entry of persons with disabilities into social relations in general, and into professional ones in particular, have been determined. The beginning of the work of state and public organizations in the direction of an inclusive approach to the development of human capital of Ukraine in modern conditions of war with the help of state programs and public projects is evaluated.
The problem of anesthesia of regional society (on the example of the Republic of Mordovia)
Authors: Kurmyshkina O. N. , Motkin V. N.
Published: December 2023

Target: the aim is to identify the factors contributing to the involvement of the population of the Republic of Mordovia in drug use.

Materials and methods. The study was conducted among residents of the Republic of Mordovia aged 14 to 60 years. Here we used a multi-stage sampling with quota selection of respondents at the last stage. A two-stage cluster analysis was applied to determine the factors of population involvement in drug use.

Results. The study showed that the population is aware of the seriousness of the problem of drug addiction in the country. However, other questions require priority resolution at the respondent’s place of residence.The article compares the indicators of the spread of non-medical drug use according to official medical statistics and the results of sociological research. There is a discrepancy between the values of the prevalence of non-medical drug use according to the data of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Mordovia and the data of sociological studies. According to the study, the proportion of the population of Mordovia who consume drugs is 0,7%. The main factors of involvement in drug use were the social environment, the influence of the Internet, and the availability of narcotic drugs.

Conclusion. According to the analysis, two clusters are identified. The first one forms the majority (90%) of the inhabitants of Mordovia. It includes those who have not received offers to try drugs, do not use the Internet to get information about drugs and who do not have drug users in their social environment. The second cluster (10%) included respondents who received an offer to try drugs, who were familiar with drug users and resorted to the Internet for drug information. The socio-demographic characteristics of the second cluster differ from the general sample, men prevail here, and the population in the age ranges from 21 to 25 years, 26–30 years and 31–35 years.
Menggerakkan Potensi Desa Balongtani Menuju Desa Delta Mandiri
Authors: Rahayu Duwi
Published: December 2023

Puji syukur kepada Tuhan Yang Maha Esa, sehingga Buku Pengabdian Masyarakat UMSIDA di Desa Balongtani Tahun 2019 dapat terlaksana dengan baik dan lancar. Buku Pengabdian Masyarakat ini, kami susun berdasarkan apa yang telah kami jalankan selama di Desa Balongtani, program tersebut berupa pemberdayaan masyarakat di bidang lingkungan melalui teknologi hidroponik untuk pemanfaatan lahan sempit, yang berada di Desa Balongtani, Kecamatan Jabon, Kabupaten Sidoarjo, Provinsi Jawa Timur. Kegiatan yang telah di programkan dapat dilaksanakan dengan baik atas kerja sama dari berbagai pihak, terutama aparat desa dan masyarakat Desa Balongtani. Pengabdian Masyarakat ini bertema “Pengembangan Desa Delta Mandiri Berkemajuan dengan Pendekatan Sosiokultural dan Teknologi Berkelanjutan.
Konstrukce Skythů a Árijců v západním myšlení na přelomu raného novověku a moderní doby
Authors: Budil Ivo T.
Published: December 2023

Středověké a raně novověké popisy etnicity a etnické genealogie čerpaly ze starozákonních, antických a severských zdrojů. Vzhledem k povaze genealogických spekulací jako vyprávění, která kombinovala racionalistický přístup s odkazem na určitou náboženskou či mytologickou tradici a politické či vlastenecké aspirace, je lze považovat za příklady politického mýtu ve smyslu Hanse Blumenberga a permanentní reinterpretaci jejich narativního jádra lze chápat jako „práci na mýtu“. Tvůrčí úsilí autorů genealogických spekulací, zdůrazňujících roli a zásluhy imaginárních Trojanů, Gótů, Sarmatů, Franků, Germánů, Hyperborejců či Keltů, lze přirovnat k procesu kulturní hybridizace. Hypotetičtí Árijci, kteří vznikli interakcí britské koloniální správy a hinduistické tradice, lépe vyhovovali potřebám moderní doby než Skythové, jejichž zásadní rasový přínos pro vznik západní civilizace obhajoval John Pinkerton. Zrodil se tak palingenetický árijský politický mýtus.
Tribological and corrosion behavior of PEO coatings on AA 2024-T3 aluminum alloy obtained with optimized electrical parameters under low current densities.
Authors: Dorneles Matheus Thedy , de Castro Victor Velho , Junior Adilar Santos , Aguzzol Cesar , Andrade Antonio , Schroeder Roberto Moreira , Malfatti Célia de Fraga
Published: December 2023

PEO coatings AA 2024-T3 aluminum alloy samples were obtained with low current densities and an optimized relationship between anodic and cathodic charges were used aiming to evaluate the effect on tribological and corrosion resistance behavior and increase energy efficiency. The results show that, according to the increase in time, new phases are formed in the ceramic coating. Furthermore, the good ratio between cathodic and anodic charges suggested in the literature, allow thick coatings to be achieved with high hardness, even with low current densities and short PEO process times. The characterization of the coating by GIXRD analysis evidenced that, with an increase in time, new phases are formed. All the obtained coatings improved wear and corrosion resistance, when compared to the uncoated substrate, and the coating obtained after 10 minutes showed the best performance in wear and corrosion resistance. These optimized electrical parameters allowed optimization of the energy efficiency to obtain the α-Al2O3 phase, which other authors reported as a possible result, only by using a greater amount of energy and longer formation time. This indicates the greater efficiency of the operational parameters used in this study, to obtain a coating with very good wear properties by the PEO process.
Do Governance and Chinese OFDI Influence Differentially Economic Growth Across African Regions and Income Groups?
Authors: FAMBO Houlda , Shunqi Ge
Published: December 2023

Governance plays a pivotal role in shaping how FDI impacts economic growth in Africa. Weak governance in many African countries has posed a barrier to realizing the full potential of foreign investment on the continent. Our study, based on panel data from 41 African countries spanning 2005 to 2020 and employing Sys-GMM and pooled OLS econometrics methods, confirms that both Chinese OFDIs and governance independently contribute positively to economic growth in African nations. However, when considering their combined effect, it is positive but statistically insignificant. When examining regional and income groups, we found significant positive impacts in Central and East Africa, negative and significant impacts in North Africa, and varying effects elsewhere. In summary, governance is pivotal in optimizing the impact of Chinese OFDI on African economic growth, with regional and developmental nuances. Hence, we recommend that African governments and Chinese stakeholders join efforts to improve governance and increase Chinese OFDI in Africa.
Primary membranous nephropathy combined with ALECT-2 renal amyloidosis：a case report
Authors: Yang Ying , Yan Binjuan , Liu Xinyan
Published: December 2023

Background Primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) is an autoimmune kidney disease and the leading cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults. It is characterized by the accumulation of immune deposits leading to glomerular basement membrane dysfunction caused by the deposition of subepithelial immune complexes. Amyloidosis is a rare group of diseases characterized by abnormal protein folding and extracellular deposition of insoluble protofibrils. It can be limited to one organ system or affect the entire body. In systemic amyloidosis, the kidney is the most commonly affected organ, often leading to renal failure and nephrotic syndrome. PMN combined with renal amyloidosis without secondary factors is rare. In this study, we report a case of PMN combined with amyloid nephropathy with only interstitial immunoglobulin light chain deposits.
Case reportThis article reports a case of membranous nephropathy associated with ALECT-2 amyloidosis with nephrotic syndrome. A 62-year-old woman with the nephrotic syndrome had positive antiphospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) antibodies and a renal biopsy suggesting stage II membranous nephropathy, but a few focal deposits of faintly stained material were seen in the interstitium with positive expression of PAS and Congo red. It is rare for membranous nephropathy to be complicated by ALECT-2 protein deposition, and even rarer for it to be deposited only in the interstitium. Mass spectrometry can be used clinically as an aid to diagnosis and treatment is based on the treatment of primary glomerular disease with supportive therapy for ALECT-2 renal amyloidosis.
Conclusion The combination of PMN and amyloidosis is rare and attention should be paid to the subtype of the disease and the exclusion of secondary factors. A thorough clinical and pathological examination will help in the classification and staging of the disease. Detection of serum anti-PLA2R antibodies and glomerular PLA2R antigen is helpful in the diagnosis of PMN. ALECT-2 amyloidosis has a relatively benign progression and renal biopsy is helpful in the diagnosis. For amyloidosis with unknown typing, further typing can be refined with genetic testing or mass spectrometry. We look forward to finding novel therapeutic options that can target both PMN and ALECT-2 amyloid nephropathy in the future.
Insight into the Impact of Land Use/Land Cover Change on the runoff incorporating hydrological modelling in the water regime for the watershed
Authors: Sharma Ankita , Nikam Bhaskar , Bagri Dhirandra Singh
Published: December 2023

Land and water are the two essential natural resources for human survival. Land Use/Land Cover is an important parameter governing the hydrology of a region. Increased human interventions have caused different modifications in the land cover, directly or indirectly affecting the hydrological cycle and processes in the long run. Raising urban and rural growth leads to an increase in the runoff by diminishing the perviousness of the region. Distributed hydrological modelling provides an efficient way to evaluate such changes by allowing quantification of streamflow patterns and distribution of hydrological components throughout the watershed. Remote sensing has the potential to be a more accurate tool for collecting spatial and temporal databases for studying hydrological processes. This study helps researchers to convey their ideas to the development of data collection and data extraction techniques, adoption of appropriate workflows for assembling multiple datasets, and analysis of the time-series impact of urbanisation on the watershed's runoff potential.
Correlation between metabolic syndrome and periurethral prostatic fibrosis: Results of a prospective study
Authors: Ren Jingwen , Li Yuanyuan , Zhang Xueyuan , Xiong Min , Zhang Heng , An Lingyue , Cao Ying , Xia Shujie , Luo Guangheng , Tian Ye
Published: December 2023

Background:
Prostatic fibrosis, characterized by the accumulation of myofibroblasts and collagen deposition, is closely associated with LUTS and may lead to mechanical obstruction of the urethra. Additionally, Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), characterized by central obesity, high blood sugar, lipid metabolism disorders, and hypertension, is increasingly recognized as a proinflammatory condition linked to prostate inflammation.
Methods:
Clinical data from 108 subjects who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate or bipolar plasmakinetic enucleation of the prostate were prospectively collected between June 2021 and August 2022. Patients were divided in two groups according to whether or not they had a diagnosis of MetS. Specimens were stained with Masson trichrome and the periurethral prostatic fibrosis extent was evaluated using quantitative morphometry.
Results:
43 patients (39.8%) were diagnosed with MetS. Patients with MetS showed a significantly greater extent of prostatic fibrosis than the others (68.1 ± 17.1% vs. 42.5 ± 18.2%, P < 0.001), and there was a positive correlation between the number of positive MetS parameters and the extent of prostatic fibrosis (R2 = 0.4436, P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that central obesity (B = 2.941, 95% confidence interval, 1.700-3.283), elevated fasting glucose (B = 1.036, 95% confidence interval, 0.293–1.780), reduced HDL cholesterol (B = 0.910, 95% confidence interval, 0.183–1.636) and elevated triglycerides (B = 1.666, 95% confidence interval, 0.824–2.508) were positively correlated to prostatic fibrosis. Elevated blood pressure, however, was unrelated to prostatic fibrosis (B = 0.009, 95% confidence interval, -0.664-0.683).
Conclusions:
The present findings suggest that prostatic fibrosis is positively correlated with MetS and its components including central obesity, elevated fasting glucose, reduced high density lipoprotein cholesterol and elevated triglycerides.
Salivary proteomic analysis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and periodontitis
Authors: Furukawa Monique Vieira , Oliveira Marissol Fernandes , Silva Rodrigo Augusto da , Maximo Priscila Macedo , Dionizio Aline , Ventura Talita Mendes Oliveira , Cortelli Sheila Cavalca , Cortelli Jose Roberto , Buzalaf Marilia Afonso Rabelo , Rovai Emanuel Silva
Published: December 2023

Objective: This study aimed to compare the salivary protein profile in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) and periodontitis and their respective controls.
Methods: Eighty participants were included in the study. The four groups were formed by individuals with DM2 and periodontitis (DM2+P, n=20), DM2 without periodontitis (DM2, n=20), periodontitis without DM2 (P, n=20) and individuals without periodontitis and without DM2 (H, n=20). Periodontal clinical examinations were performed and unstimulated saliva was collected. Proteomic analysis was performed by shotgun mass spectrometry. The results were obtained by searching the Homo sapiens database of the UniProt catalog.
Results: A total of 220 proteins were identified in saliva samples. In the comparison between DM2+P and DM2 groups, of the 163 common proteins, 27 were up-regulated (e.g. Protein S100-A8 was 6 times up-regulated). The DM2+P and P groups had 87 common proteins, 26 of which were up-regulated (e.g. Immunoglobulin lambda constant 7 more than 2 times up-regulated). The non-DM2 groups (P and H) had 115 common proteins, 22 were up-regulated (e.g. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase more than 2 times up-regulated). The groups without periodontitis (DM2 and H) presented 119 common proteins, where 23 were up-regulated (e.g. Hemoglobin subunit alphathat was more than 10 times up-regulated).
Conclusion: The presence of DM2 and periodontitis significantly impacted the salivary proteome of individuals. Our proteomic analysis demonstrated that changes in the S100 family proteins (S100A8 and S100 A9) are highly related to the presence of DM2 and periodontitis.
Clinical Relevance: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and periodontitis are highly prevalent chronic diseases that present a wide variety of signs and symptoms. They present a bidirectional relationship, where patients with DM have a higher prevalence and severity of periodontitis, and patients with periodontitis have a higher prevalence of DM, worse glycemic control, and more diabetic complications. Diagnosing periodontitis requires specific clinical examinations, which require a highly trained operator. In this study, we used high throughput proteomics in order to evaluate non-invasive biomarkers for periodontitis in type 2 DM subjects. The results can contribute to earlier, more accurate, and less costly diagnosis of periodontitis in diabetic subjects, enabling better diabetes control.
Infrasound Monitoring for Disaster Prevention from Geophysical Perspectives.
Authors: NISHIKAWA Yasuhiro , Yamamoto Masa-yuki , Yokota Akihiro , Hasumi Yuta , Hamajima Gaku
Published: December 2023

Infrasound refers to pressure waves occurring below the audible frequency range for humans. These low-frequency waves serve as a viable long-distance remote sensing technique to monitor potentially destructive geophysical events like earthquakes. In the context of tsunamis triggered by significant oceanic earthquakes, employing this monitoring method becomes crucial for disaster prevention due to the faster propagation of infrasound compared to natural tsunami waves. Detecting a sudden atmospheric pressure surge within the infrasonic frequency range subsequent to identifying a massive earthquake through accelerometers could serve as an indicator of imminent large tsunami waves along the shoreline area between the earthquake's epicenter and the observation site. This detection could then be utilized as a triggering mechanism for timely evacuation measures.
The influence of HNTs on the mechanical properties, swelling resistance, and microstructural properties of nanocomposites based on silicone rubber
Authors: Praveenkumar S. , Ragupathy K. , Pragadish N. , Vishvanathperumal S.
Published: December 2023

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), an innovative material, were integrated into a silicone rubber (SR) matrix. This investigation aimed to assess the influence of varying HNTs concentrations on the curing behavior, mechanical properties, swelling resistance, and microstructural features of SR/HNTs nanocomposites. These nanocomposites were formulated by incorporating HNTs at different concentrations (0-10 phr) through a two-roll mill. The cure characteristics revealed an upsurge in maximum torque (MH) with escalating HNTs loading, accompanied by a decrease in cure time (t90) and scorch time (ts2). The abrasion resistance exhibited an increment with increasing HNTs loading, reaching optimal levels at 6 phr, and tensile characteristics demonstrated improvement up to this optimal loading. Morphological analysis illustrated the uniform dispersion of HNTs within the SR matrix, indicating a positive interaction between HNTs and silicone rubber.
Pain Perception in Children and Adolescents in Rapid Maxillary Expansion: Scope Review.
Authors: Klein Daniele , Moreira Kelly Maria Silva , Cóvoz Thaís Gimenez , Duarte Danilo Antonio , Imparato José Carlos Petorossi
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Rapid maxillary expansion (ERM) is a procedure to correct orthodontic and orthopedic problems.
Objective: The purpose of this scoping review was to evaluate the pain reported by children and adolescents undergoing RME, in relation to age, sex and type of expander.
Methodology: The research was carried out in electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Scielo and Lilacs, in addition to gray literature. This investigation involved terms relevant to the population (children and adolescents), the concept (pain perception) and the context (ERM). Sequential screenings were carried out based on pre-established eligibility criteria.
Results: Fifteen works were included in this study. The prevalence of pain reports was notable, particularly in the first 4 to 6 days following expander activation.
Conclusions: The ERM technique can cause mild to severe pain, which tends to decrease after the first few days of intervention. Perceived pain does not seem to be influenced by age and sex, but by the type of expander. Under appropriate pain management and expert guidance, this technique can be performed safely and effectively.
Computational model of layer 2/3 in mouse primary visual cortex explains observed visuomotor mismatch response
Authors: Hoffmann Heiko
Published: December 2023

Activity in layer 2/3 of the mouse primary visual cortex has been shown to depend both on visual input and the mouse's locomotion. Moreover, this activity is altered by a mismatch between the observed visual flow and the predicted visual flow from locomotion. Here, we present a simple computational model that explains previously reported recordings from layer 2/3 neurons in mice. In our model, layer 2/3 computes the difference between observed visual flow and predicted flow from locomotion; i.e., this difference represents the motion of objects external to the mouse. Crucially, this difference is encoded in a neural population code. We also describe a hypothesized mechanism for how the brain may carry out computations of variables encoded in a population code. This mechanism may point to a general principle for computing any mathematical function in the brain.
Land Use Land Cover Change and Its' Influence on Land Surface Temperature: A Case Study of Franklin County, Ohio
Authors: Tabassum Nusrat Jahan , Alam Md Saiful
Published: December 2023

In urban places, heat stress has a detrimental effect on human health and is anticipated to intensify in the future owing to global warming. Land surface temperature (LST) helps detect urban heat stress by assessing the interchange of comprised material, energy balance, and information about the physical qualities of the land surface, climatic circumstances, and human activities impacting the environment. Normalized vegetation index (NDVI) is used in LST for identifying long-term variations of vegetation coverage, and these vegetation density changes are the main reason for the differences in LST. So, the study of Franklin County aims to identify the land surface temperature over four years (2015, 2018, 2020, 2021), including the pandemic periods and the impact of NDVI. It helps to determine the reasons for rising temperatures through NDVI, which gives a scientific basis for sustainable urban design and management. LST retains a strong association with NDVI for the complete research region. The study also reveals that above mean and below mean LST have a strong to moderate correlation with the change in NDVI values (above mean and below mean). Various values of NDVI also provide the basis of the strong to moderate relation with LST. It is also observed that the center of the county always has a high LST, though the various location has temperature variation. The heterogeneous landscape around the center of a county may be the reason for and support the changing pattern of the LST-NDVI relationship. This changing relationship was also noticed before and during the pandemic (2018, 2020, and 2021). The outcome of this study provides some key measurement strategies to mitigate land surface temperature and the provision of vegetation, which is very helpful for an urban planner to ensure sustainable development.