bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flipped Classroom in Secondary School or High School Education: A Review of Its Advantages and Challenges
Authors: Md Desa Nurul Aini , Abd Halim Noor Dayana
Published: July 2023

Advanced technology in education provides various facilities to enhance students’ learning. The evolution of technology has become an integral part of sustaining life, especially in education. The technology in education develops and continues its development with innovative learning approaches to sustain the needs of the 21st-century learning environment. The transformation in the educational field takes out the existence of a new strategy that is flipped classroom learning approach. A flipped classroom is a learning approach that is a type of blended learning that involves face-to-face and online learning instruction. The flipped classroom is a pedagogical approach in which learning activities that have traditionally taken place inside the classroom occur outside the classroom and vice versa. Flipped classroom provides an interactive learning environment where teachers guide students as they engage actively in the subject matter. Thus, this paper will review the recent literature regarding the potential of flipped classroom technology in education and explore its advantages and challenges. The review describes the potential of the flipped classroom in various fields of education, including Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Biology, and Civics at secondary school or high school level. Searching of the literature was obtained from several databases by using certain Boolean queries when searching the keywords. Ten papers were selected according to the specific criteria. This paper concludes the advantages and challenges during the implementation of FC.  The advantages of flipped classsroom are increased students’ motivation during learning processes, providing active learning, increasing learning perception, increasing learning engagement, enhancing knowledge, increasing teacher-student interaction, increasing peer interaction, enhancing creativity and helping to improve students’ achievement and performance. The challenges of FC are the time-consuming for teachers to prepare the learning materials, lack of teachers’ technical skills to produce learning videos, lack of students’ motivation to watch the pre-class video, and the difficulty of students to understand the contents presented in the learning video. Based on these challenges, this paper provides the literature recommendations that can help to produce effective flipped classroom environments in the future.
E-Modul Lukisan Skematik Perpaipan Menggunakan Model Madeline Hunter
Authors: Ariffin Arihasnida , Juglet Nur Haris Mat Supri  , Hamzah Norhasyimah , Zakaria Normah , Rubani Siti Nur Kamariah
Published: July 2023

Kajian ini bertujuan untuk membangunkan e-modul lukisan skematik perpaipan menggunakan model Madeline Hunter bagi kursus perpaipan untuk digunakan sebagai bahan bantu belajar di Fakulti Pendidikan Teknikal dan Vokasional, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia. Objektif utama adalah untuk membangunkan e-modul lukisan skematik perpaipan. Reka bentuk kajian yang dipilih untuk membangunkan e-modul ini adalah menggunakan model Madeline Hunter di mana ia melibatkan enam langkah iaitu objektif, fokus, pengajaran, bimbingan, maklum balas dan latihan. Ini kerana, langkah-langkah yang terdapat dalam model Madeline Hunter adalah lebih sistematik dan menjadikan pembelajaran secara terancang. Pengkaji menggunakan instrumen borang soal selidik dan sampel terdiri daripada 40 orang pelajar yang mengambil kursus perpaipan domestik. Soal selidik ini menggunakan skala Likert lima mata, dengan jawapan tunggal adalah "sangat tidak setuju" atau "tidak setuju," "tidak setuju," "setuju" atau "sangat setuju" untuk memudahkan responden. Setiap data yang diperolehi pengkaji akan dianalisis menggunakan SPSS versi 25.0 untuk mendapatkan nilai alpha yang boleh diterima iaitu 0.7. Terdapat sebanyak 40 item yang telah disediakan untuk dibentangkan kepada responden. E-modul ini dibangunkan menggunakan media prezi.com dan menggunakan perisian AutoCAD. Dalam e-modul ini, pelajar akan didedahkan dengan garis panduan dan langkah untuk melukis lukisan skematik saluran paip secara terancang. Nilai skor min bagi bahagian kandungan dan format adalah sama iaitu 4.34. Sungguhpun begitu, setiap bahagian item soalan soal selidik mendapat markah yang tinggi. Secara keseluruhannya, e-modul ini sesuai digunakan oleh pelajar dan pensyarah di Fakulti Pendidikan Teknikal dan Vokasional Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia berdasarkan keputusan yang diperolehi daripada sampel kajian dan penilaian pakar yang telah dijalankan seperti kesesuaian reka bentuk dan pembangunan e-modul, kesesuaian kandungan kandungan dan format termasuk maklumat yang ingin disampaikan. Tambahan pula, kemudahan dan keselesaan pengguna e-modul dibangunkan.
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE IMPACT OF QUALITY AND COST MANAGEMENT ON PROJECT PERFORMANCE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA
Authors: Unegbu Hyginus C.O. , Yawas Danjuma , Dan-asabe Bashar
Published: July 2023

The importance of quality and cost management in construction projects cannot be overstated as it significantly influences project outcomes. This research is aimed to examine the degree of quality and cost management implementation, assess its impact on construction project performance, and evaluate the factors that affect its implementation in Nigeria's construction industry. Quantitative research methods were employed, using a questionnaire with 68 variables and 15 constructs, utilizing a five-point Likert scale. Data was collected from 260 respondents, and 242 valid responses were used for analysis, employing Microsoft Excel, SPSS, and LISREL. Reliability and validity tests, including Crombach's alpha, composite reliability, and average variance extracted, were conducted for all constructs, establishing their suitability for further analysis. The exploratory factor analysis in SPSS revealed inadequate implementation of quality and cost management. This finding aligned with the confirmatory factor analysis results, which indicated a significant impact of the factors influencing quality and cost management implementation. The structural equation model (SEM) analysis, used to assess the impact of quality and cost management on construction project performance, demonstrated a high level of impact, with the strongest correlation observed between project cost monitoring and control and construction phase performance. Therefore, urgent measures are needed from industry stakeholders to address the factors hindering the effective implementation of quality and cost management, aiming to enhance project performance.
Enhancing the Reliability of Series-Parallel Systems With Multiple Redundancies by Using System-Reliability Inequalities
Authors: Todinov Michael T.
Published: July 2023

The reverse engineering of a valid algebraic inequality often leads to a novel physical reality characterized by a distinct signature: the algebraic inequality itself. This paper uses reverse engineering of valid algebraic inequalities for generating new knowledge and substantially improving the reliability of common series-parallel systems. Our study emphasizes that in the case of series-parallel systems with interchangeable redundant components, the asymmetric arrangement of redundancies always leads to higher system reliability than a symmetric arrangement. This finding remains valid, irrespective of the particular reliabilities characterizing the components. Next, the paper also presents algebraic inequalities whose reverse engineering enabled significant enhancement of the reliability of series-parallel systems with asymmetric arrangements of redundant components, irrespective of the component reliabilities. Lastly, the paper presents a new technique for validating complex algebraic inequalities associated with reliability of series-parallel systems. This technique relies on a permutation of variable values and the method of segmentation.
Power Law Creep Behavior Model of Third Generation Lead-Free Alloys Considering Isothermal Aging
Authors: Belhadi Mohamed El Amine , Hamasha Sa'd , Alahmer Ali , Wei Xin , Alakayleh Abdallah
Published: July 2023

In realistic applications, the solder joint is continually subjected to thermal-mechanical stress due to the difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion between the printed circuit board substrate and the electronic packaging components. Creep and fatigue processes were the most common causes of failure in electronic assemblies. Under isothermal aging, creep deformation becomes more prominent. The aged microstructure was recognized by intermetallic coarsening and the appearance of intergranular fracture generated by dynamic recrystallization in the bulk solder joint. In this study, the influence of Bi content on the creep behaviors of solder joints was investigated under various aging conditions. Three lead-free solder alloys, including SAC305, SAC-3Bi, and SAC-6Bi, are tested at room temperature. For each alloy, preliminary micro-indentation tests were conducted to define three stress levels for distinct aging conditions. After each test, displacement versus time data was gathered. A novel approach based on an empirical model was developed to systematically examine the development of the steady-state creep rate. A power dependency prediction model was developed to investigate the relationship between creep strain rate and stress levels. The steady-state creep rate of SAC305 is significantly higher than that of SAC-Bi alloys owing to the presence of bismuth (Bi) in the solid solution at room temperature. The creep properties showed less variation after 100 h of aging. SAC-Bi alloys showed less coarsening of the intermetallic compounds precipitates after aging than SAC305. In the SAC-Bi solder alloys, combinations of precipitate and solid solution hardening mechanisms were observed, while Ag3Sn particles were the dominant strengthening mechanism in the SAC305 alloy system.
The Creation of Complex Multi-Component Models of Mössbauer Spectra Based on the Example of a Study of Hyperfine Interactions in Quasi-Binary Alloys with the Laves Phase Structure
Authors: Matsnev M. E. , Rusakov V. S.
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we describe a method for creating new custom models of partial Mössbauer spectra based on the existing ones built into the SpectrRelax program without changing the program itself by writing code fragments in the built-in Lua programming language. The extension of the capabilities of the SpectrRelax program is demonstrated using the example of studying hyperfine interactions of 57Fe nuclei in quasibinary Tb(Fe0.8Al0.2)2 and Ho(Fe0.8Mn0.2)2 alloys with the C15 Laves phase structure. A model for processing the spectra, which simultaneously takes the composite and magnetic nonequivalence of the positions of Fe atoms in these alloys, has been created and used, which makes it possible to obtain new data about the orientation of the axis of the easiest magnetization, the anisotropy of the hyperfine magnetic field, and the effect of substitution of Al and Mn atoms for Fe atoms on hyperfine parameters of Mössbauer spectra.
Using a Neural Network to Study the Effect of the Means of Synthesizing Exfoliated Graphite on Its Macropore Structure
Authors: Krautsou A. , Shornikova O. N. , Avdeev V. V.
Published: July 2023

Graphite intercalated compounds (GICs) with different stage numbers are prepared chemically from highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG), natural flaked graphite (FG) and nitric acid. Exfoliated graphite samples (EG-T) are synthesized from GICs via water treatment followed by thermal shock. The aim of this work is to investigate the dependence of the inner EG-T pore structure on the extent of oxidation and type of graphite by processing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs of EG-T cross sections. A procedure is developed on the basis of a deep convolutional neural network that speeds up image processing with no appreciable loss of accuracy. A strong correlation is found between EG-T pore structure parameters, the depth of oxidation, and the type of graphite.
Acenaphto[1,2-k]fluoranthene: Role of the Carbon Framework Transformation for Tuning Electronic Properties
Authors: Brotsman V. A. , Lukonina N. S. , Rybalchenko A. V. , Kosaya M. P. , Ioffe I. N. , Lysenko K. A. , Sidorov L. N. , Pshenichnyuk S. A. , Asfandiarov N. L. , Goryunkov A. A.
Published: July 2023

Acenaphtho[1,2-k]fluoranthene (1) is synthesized via tandem cyclization during the dehydrofluorination of 1,4-di(1-naphthyl)-2,5-difluorobenzene (2) on activated γ-Al2O3. Presence of residual hydroxyl groups in alumina reduce the yield of target product 1 because of the side hydrolysis of fluoroarenes with the formation a product of partial cyclization, 9-(1-naphthyl)fluoranthen-8-ol (1b). The formation of negative ions (NI) of compounds 1 and 2 in the gas phase is studied by means of dissociative electron attachment (DEA) spectroscopy. Long-lived molecular NIs 1 and 2 are registered at the thermal energies of electrons, and patterns of their fragmentation are established. The adiabatic electron affinities of compounds 1 and 2 are estimated in the Arrhenius approximation and equal 1.17 ± 0.12 and 0.71 ± 0.07 eV, respectively, which agree with data from quantum chemical modeling at the level of the density functional theory (DFT). Electronic transitions for compounds 1 and 2 are studied via optical absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. Fluorescence quantum yields are measured, and the resulting data are interpreted according to the time dependent DFT. The electrochemical properties of compounds 1, 1b, and 2 are studied via cyclic voltamperometry, and the levels of boundary molecular orbitals are estimated on the basis of their formal potentials of reduction and oxidation.
Cluster Variation for Spatially Distributed Heterogeneous Systems
Authors: Votyakov E. V. , Tovbin Yu. K.
Published: July 2023

Fundamentals of cluster variation (CV) are developed for locally heterogeneous spatially distributed systems. The theory is based on the principles of homogeneous CV in which all variants of the location of the basis cluster on a heterogeneous lattice are additionally considered when it is translated over the system. The structure of the statistical sum of homogeneous CV is shown to remain upon moving to a heterogeneous or homogeneous spatially distributed lattice. However, cofactors of the statistical sum, which previously corresponded to homogeneous clusters, must now consider all arrangements of heterogeneous sites inside each cluster. The general approach is to use a layered structure of the transitional region with variable density between vapor and fluid on a planar square lattice. Explicit expressions for a heterogeneous statistical sum of the transitional region are given on the basis of a 3 × 3 cluster. Using a 2 × 2 cluster, it is shown how an explicit equation for the equilibrium particle distribution in the transitional region can be obtained from the heterogeneous statistical sum. A gradual increase in the size of the m × n basis cluster in the transitional region converges to the exact solution.
Exposure to hand-held vibrating tools and biomarkers of nerve injury in plasma: a population-based, observational study
Authors: Zimmerman Malin , Nilsson Peter , Dahlin Lars B.
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To analyse potential biomarkers for vibration-induced nerve damage in a population-based, observational study.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Malmö Diet Cancer Study (MDCS), Malmö, Sweden.

Participants

In a subcohort of 3898 individuals (recruited 1991–1996) from MDCS (baseline examination in 28 449 individuals; collection of fasting blood samples in a cardiovascular subcohort of MDCS of 5540 subjects), neuropathy-relevant plasma biomarkers were analysed during follow-up after filling out questionnaires, including a question whether work involved hand-held vibrating tools, graded as ‘not at all’, ‘some’ or ‘much’.

Primary outcome measures

The neuropathy-relevant plasma biomarkers vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, VEGF-D, VEGF receptor 2, galanin, galectin-3, HSP27, ß-nerve growth factor, caspase-3, caspase-8, transforming growth factor-α and tumour necrosis factor were analysed. Data were analysed by conventional statistics (Kruskal-Wallis test; post hoc test Mann-Whitney U test; Bonferroni correction for multiple testing) and in a subanalysis for galanin using two linear regression models (unadjusted and adjusted).

Results

Among participants, 3361 of 3898 (86%) reported no work with hand-held vibrating tools, 351 of 3898 (9%) reported some and 186 of 3898 (5%) much work. There were more men and smokers in vibration-exposed groups. Galanin levels were higher after much vibration exposure (arbitrary units 5.16±0.71) compared with no vibration exposure (5.01±0.76; p=0.015) with no other observed differences.

Conclusions

Higher plasma levels of galanin, possibly related to magnitude, frequency, acceleration and duration, as well as to severity of symptoms of vibration exposure, may be found in individuals working with hand-held vibrating tools.
Baryonic states in $$\mathbf {{\mathcal {N}}=1}$$ supersymmetric SU(2) Yang–Mills theory on the lattice
Authors: Ali Sajid , Bergner Georg , López Camilo , Montvay Istvan , Münster Gernot , Piemonte Stefano
Published: July 2023

We extend our analysis of bound states in$${\mathcal {N}}=1$$N=1supersymmetric Yang–Mills theory by the consideration of baryonic operators, which are composed of three gluino fields. The corresponding states are similar to the baryons in QCD, but due to the difference between gluino and quark fields, their properties and the fermion line contractions involved in their correlation functions are different from QCD. In this work, we first explain the derivation of these operators and the contractions needed in numerical calculations of their correlators. In contrast to QCD the correlators contain a spectacle piece, which requires methods for all-to-all propagators. We provide a first estimate of the two-point function and the mass of the lightest baryonic state in$${\mathcal {N}}=1$$N=1supersymmetric Yang–Mills theory.
A viable form of teleparallel F(T) theory of gravity
Authors: Chakrabortty Manas , SK Nayem , Sanyal Abhik Kumar
Published: July 2023

Unlike F(R) gravity, pure F(T) gravity in the vacuum dominated era does not produce any form, viable to study cosmological evolution. Factually, it does not even produce any dynamics. This eerie situation may be circumvented by associating a scalar field, which can also drive inflation in the very early universe. Here, we particularly show that, despite diverse claims, F(T) theory admits Noether symmetry only in the pressure-less dust era in the form $$F(T) \propto T^n, ~n$$

F

(
T
)

∝

T
n

,

n

being odd integers. A suitable form of F(T), admitting inflation in the very early universe, a viable Friedmann-like radiation dominated era, together with early deceleration and late-time accelerated expansion in the pressure-less dust era, has been proposed.
Combination of hyperoxia and a right-shifted HbO2 dissociation curve delays V̇o2 kinetics during maximal contractions in isolated muscle
Authors: Grassi Bruno , Hogan Michael C. , Alemayehu Hailu K. , Aschenbach William G. , Hamann Jason J. , Kelley Kevin M. , Wagner Peter D. , Gladden L. Bruce
Published: July 2023

In isolated perfused skeletal muscle, during transitions from rest to V̇o2peak, hyperoxia and a right-shifted oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve increased O2 availability by increasing microvascular Po2 and by presumably increasing intramuscular O2 stores. The interventions did not accelerate the primary component of the V̇o2 kinetics (as calculated from blood O2 unloading) and delayed the metabolic activation of oxidative phosphorylation. V̇o2 kinetics appear to be mainly controlled by intramuscular factors related to the use of high-energy “buffers.”
Central CO2 chemosensitivity and CO2 controller gain independently contribute to daytime Pco2 in young subjects with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome
Authors: Bokov Plamen , Dudoignon Benjamin , Patout Maxime , Matrot Boris , Gallego Jorge , Delclaux Christophe
Published: July 2023

Altered central CO2 chemosensitivity is a hallmark of congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS). Peripheral CO2 chemosensitivity can be partly assessed by controller gain measurement obtained from tidal breathing recording. In young subjects with CCHS, this study shows that both central and peripheral CO2 sensitivities independently contribute to daytime Pco2. Hypocapnia during nighttime-assisted ventilation is associated with higher peripheral chemosensitivity that is further associated with lesser arterial desaturation at walk.
Analysis of the Extension of the Elastic Parameters for Modelling Highly Expansive Unsaturated Soils with the Barcelona Basic Model
Authors: Alcoverro J. , Pintado X. , Olivella S. , Toprak E. , Niskanen Mika
Published: July 2023

Modelling of engineered barrier systems (EBS) in deep geological disposals of spent nuclear fuel requires sophisticated approaches that include highly nonlinear constitutive models. The Barcelona Basic Model for Expansive soils (BBMEx) is an extension for highly expansive unsaturated soils of the Barcelona Basic Model (BBM) for slightly-to-moderately expansive unsaturated soils. In this extension, the parameter

κ

(logarithmic compliance with respect to changes in net pressure) of the BBM is extended to a function of suction and a set of parameters, and the parameter

κ

s

(logarithmic compliance with respect to changes in suction) of the BBM is extended to a function of net pressure, suction, and a set of parameters. On these functions, four conditions which are satisfied in the BBM are considered. For each condition, two results are obtained: (1) the ranges of the values of the parameters such that the condition is satisfied for all positive net pressures and all non-negative suctions and (2) for given values of the parameters, the maximum net pressure and the maximum suction such that the condition is satisfied for positive net pressures and non-negative suctions. The results should help prevent unrealistic predictions of the BBMEx. The extension was used for carrying out the simulation of an infiltration test in two different bentonites and the BBMEx model parameters analysed.
Effect of Saengmaeksan on Fatigue, Liver Function, and Immunity Combined with High-Intensity Training
Authors: Juan Shi , Lee Jae-Hoon , Won Se-Jong , Oh SiYeon , Ha Min-Seong
Published: July 2023

Saengmaeksan (SMS) is a traditional drink that consists of three natural herbs, Lirio platyphlla, Panax ginseng, and Schisandra chinensis, and improves fatigue, liver function, and immunity. Moderate-intensity exercise has a positive effect on fatigue, liver function, and immune function, whereas long-term high-intensity training has a negative effect on these aspects. We hypothesized that SMS intake will improve fatigue (ammonia, lactic acid), liver function (aspartate transaminidase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)), and immunity (IgA, IgG, IgM) with high-intensity training. To investigate this hypothesis, 17 male college tennis players were randomly assigned to SMS and placebo groups with high-intensity training. SMS and placebo were consumed in 110 mL doses for a total of 770 mL. High-intensity training was performed at 70%–90% of heart rate reserve, conducted five times weekly for 4 weeks. A significant interaction effect was observed between the SMS and control (CON) groups regarding ammonia, ALT, and IgA levels. Ammonia levels significantly decreased in the SMS group, but there was no difference in the lactic acid levels. AST significantly decreased in the SMS group. IgA significantly increased in the SMS group, IgM significantly decreased in both groups, but there was no change in IgG. The correlation analysis revealed positive correlation in ΔAST vs. ΔALT, ΔALT vs. ΔIgG, and ΔIgA vs. ΔIgG in the SMS group. These findings demonstrate that SMS intake can reduce ammonia, AST, ALT, and IgM levels, while causing an increase in IgA, which has a positive effect on fatigue reduction, liver function, and immunoglobulins in a high-intensity training or related environment.
Single-Step Synthesis of Ag Hexagonal Nanoplate-Decorated Reduced Graphene Oxide and Its Cytotoxicity Studies
Authors: Periyasamy Gnanaprakasam , Thangavelu Selvaraju , Muthupandian Saravanan
Published: July 2023

Graphene-based Ag nanocomposites are of specific interest because of their unique properties and applications, especially in the field of cytotoxicity. However, developing a simple method to synthesize reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/silver hexagonal nanoplate (Ag HNPT) (rGO–Ag HNPT) nanocomposites with well-defined morphology has been believed to be a major challenge. In this work, a facile, robust, and single-step synthesis method was developed to prepare silver-graphene (rGO–Ag HNPT) nanocomposites with hexagonal-structured silver nanoplates without any templates. The primary characterizations of the synthesized nanocomposite were done using a UV-visible spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. The formation of uniformed hexagonal-shaped Ag nanoplates was confirmed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and the elemental composition was confirmed using energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). With SiHa cervical cancer cells, the short-term in vitro cytotoxicity of the as-synthesized rGO–Ag HNPTs was evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The anticancer response of the rGO–Ag HNPTs was investigated using an MTT assay.
Mechanisms Activated in the Interaction between Peer Supporters and Peers: How do the Peer Supporters Perceive and Perform Their Role in an Intervention Targeted Socially Vulnerable People with Type 2 Diabetes: A Realist-Informed Evaluation
Authors: Garn Stine Dandanell , Glümer Charlotte , Villadsen Sarah Fredsted , Pico Majken Lillholm , Christensen Ulla
Published: July 2023

Research on peer support programmes for people with type 2 diabetes has shown a positive effect on health-related behaviours, yet little is known about what causes this effect. This study researched the mechanisms generating immediate outcomes (changes in awareness) and intermediate outcomes (behavioural changes) among socially vulnerable people with type 2 diabetes in a Danish peer support intervention. Using a realist-informed evaluation approach, we investigated how nonprofessional volunteers perceived and performed as peer supporters, and how these activated mechanisms in the interaction between peers and peer supporters. Furthermore, we explored how contextual factors related to peers and peer supporters influenced how mechanisms worked. The study was based on a qualitative multimethod case-study design (n = 11). Data consisted of semistructured interviews with four key informants (peer, peer supporter, project manager, and a diabetes nurse) (n = 27), participation observation of two peer supporter training courses, one network meeting, two supervisions for peer supporters, and logbooks from peer supporters. Data were analysed using systematic text condensation. The findings revealed that the peer supporters used their lived experience to perceive and perform in the peer support meetings. Furthermore, being with a like-minded person with type 2 diabetes activated mechanisms, such as trust, respect, empathy, care, and honesty between peers and peer supporters, which led to increased self-care awareness among the peers (immediate outcome). Finally, the findings revealed that contextual factors, such as peer supporters’ lived experiences and peers’ and peer supporters’ sociodemographic characteristics and health conditions, affected how the mechanisms were at stake. Thus, our study contributes on how to support socially vulnerable people with type 2 diabetes and where peer support programmes can supplement the established healthcare system by providing social and emotional support to this vulnerable group. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, Retrospective Registration (20 Jan 2021), registration number NCT04722289.
Production of Lactobionic Acid Using Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized with Fruit Myrciaria dubia Extract
Authors: Medina-Pérez Jeaneth M. , Zegarra-Zegarra Melanie A. , Villanueva-Salas José A. , Salazar-Pinto Betty M. , Flores-Calla Susan S. , Ramírez-Valverde Angel G. , Jiménez-Pacheco Hugo G. , Gonzales-Condori Elvis G.
Published: July 2023

Lactobionic acid (LBA) is a polyhydroxy acid with attractive properties in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, medical, and chemical industries, making it a versatile product with multiple applications, which supports the various studies aimed at its production by increasingly more simple, efficient, and environmentally friendly processes. For this reason, the purpose of this research was to synthesize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) by a synthesis process using Myrciaria dubia (Camu camu) fruit extract. Subsequently, AuNPs were used to produce LBA from lactose. The results demonstrate that the Myrciaria dubia extract manages to synthesize AuNPs that were characterized by UV/vis spectrophotometry, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Zetasizer. LBA was quantified by FTIR-ATR spectroscopy and ion chromatography. The results showed that AuNPs succeeded in producing LBA from lactose showing the highest LBA production efficiency at a dose of 0.5 g/L and a temperature of 60°C. It has been shown that the AuNPs obtained by synthesis using the Myrciaria dubia extract efficiently catalyze the production of LBA from lactose, with a yield of 45.24%, which can be used to produce LBA for industrial or research purposes.
Investigating Rice Blast Resistance Gene Distribution among Landrace Rice Varieties in Lower Northern Thailand for Improving Rice Cultivars
Authors: Urtgam Sittichai , Sujipuli Kawee , Suyasunanont Urasri , Rattanachak Nontaporn , Jongjitwimol Jirapas , Jongjitvimol Touchkanin
Published: July 2023

Rice blast disease caused by the fungus Pyricularia oryzae is considered as one of the severe diseases, leading to reduce tremendous rice productivity in its cultivated areas of Thailand. Due to the rapid evolution and high genetic diversity of the pathogen, the innate rice resistance (R) genes associated with defense mechanisms are significantly considered as the most important for rice breeding program to create new rice varieties, resistant to blast disease. This study aimed to investigate the rice blast R genes (Pi9, Pib, and Pi-ta) in 98 landrace rice germplasms collected from three different provinces in lower northern Thailand, Phichit (PCT), Phitsanulok (PLK), and Sukhothai (STI) through PCR assay. The results showed that the Pi-ta gene was presented in 29 different varieties, making it the most widespread, whereas the Pi9 and Pib genes were found in 28 and 25 varieties, respectively. The distribution percentage of studied genes in PLK and STI germplasms is higher than in PCT germplasms. Interestingly, only eight landrace rice varieties (varieties no. 46, 47, 48, 51, 66, 76, 81, and 90) collected from PLK and STI germplasms contain all of these three resistance genes. This finding provided the genetic information and diversity of the R genes across landrace rice varieties in the lower north of Thailand. Moreover, these R genes could be useful as genetic resources for rice improvement with resistance to blast disease through breeding program in the future.
Status of the Multidrug Resistance-1 Gene of Plasmodium falciparum in Four Malaria Epidemiological Strata, Two Decades after the Abolition of Chloroquine as First-Line Treatment for Uncomplicated Malaria in Cameroon
Authors: Sofeu-Feugaing David Denis , Nkengeh Ajonglefac Fabrice , Nyuylam Moyeh Marcel , Obejum Apinjoh Tobias , Essende Marianne Elodie , Talla Kouam Gilchrist Destin , Mbigha Ghogomu Stephen
Published: July 2023

Drug-resistant malaria parasites pose a threat to global malaria control efforts, and it is important to know the extent of these drug-resistant mutations in each region to determine appropriate control measures. Chloroquine (CQ) was widely used in Cameroon for decades, but its declining clinical efficacy due to resistance prompted health authorities in 2004 to resort to artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) as the first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria. Despite numerous efforts to control malaria, it persists, and the emergence and spread of resistance to ACTs make the development of new drugs or the possible reintroduction of discontinued drugs increasingly urgent. Malaria-positive blood samples were collected from 798 patients on Whatman filter paper to determine the status of resistance to CQ. DNA was extracted by boiling in Chelex and analysis of Plasmodium species. Four hundred P. falciparum monoinfected samples, 100 per study area, were amplified by nested PCR, and allele-specific restriction analysis of Pfmdr1 gene molecular markers was performed. Fragments were analyzed using a 3% ethidium bromide-stained agarose gel. P. falciparum was the most abundant Plasmodium species, accounting for 87.21% of P. falciparum monoinfections only. No infection with P. vivax was detected. The majority of samples contained the wild type for all 3 SNPs evaluated on the Pfmdr1 gene with N86, Y184, and D1246 accounting for 45.50%, 40.00%, and 70.00%, respectively. The most abundant haplotype observed was the Y184D1246 double wild type at 43.70%. The results suggest that P. falciparum is the major infecting species and that P. falciparum species with the susceptible genotype are gradually recapturing the parasite population.
A Dataset on Corn Silage in China Used to Establish a Prediction Model Showing Variation in Nutrient Composition
Authors: Zhang Shu , Hao Jian , Wang Donghai , Luo Chenglong , Lu Na , Guo Xiaocen , Liu Yanfang , Zhang Zixiao , Li Shengli
Published: July 2023

It is important to assess the nutritional concentrations of forage before it can be used for tremendous improvements in the dairy industry. This improvement requires a rapid, accurate, and portable method for detecting nutrient values, instead of traditional laboratory analysis. Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy technology was applied, and partial least squares regression (PLSR) and backpropagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN) algorithms were used in the current study. The objective of this study was to estimate the discrepancy in nutritional content and rumen degradation in WPCS grown in various regions and to propose a novel analytical method for predicting the nutrient content of whole plant corn silage (WPCS). The Zhengdan 958 cultivar of WPCS was selected from eight different sites to compare the discrepancies in nutrients and rumen degradation. A total of 974 WPCS samples from 235 dairy farms scattered across five Chinese regions were collected, and nutritional indicators were modeled. As a result, substantial discrepancies in nutritional concentrations and rumen degradation of WPCS were found when they were cultivated in different growing regions. The WPCS in Wuxi showed 1.14% higher dry matter (DM) content than that in Jinan. Lanzhou had 11.57% and 8.25% lower neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) concentrations than Jinan, respectively. The DM degradability of WPCS planted in Bayannur was considerably higher than that in Jinan (6 h degradability: Bayannur vs. Jinan = 49.85% vs. 33.96%), and the starch of WPCS from Bayannur (71.79%) was also the highest after 6 h in the rumen. The results indicated that the contents of NDF, ADF, and starch were estimated precisely based on ATR-FTIR combined with PLSR or the BP-ANN algorithm (R2 ≥ 0.91). This was followed by crude protein (CP), DM (0.82 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.90), ether extract (EE), and ash (0.66 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.81). The BP-ANN algorithm had a higher prediction performance than PLSR (R2PLSR ≤ R2BP-ANN; RMSEPLSR ≥ RMSEBP-ANN). The same WPCS cultivar grown in different regions had various nutrient concentrations and rumen degradation. ATR-FTIR technology combined with the BP-ANN algorithm could effectively evaluate the CP, NDF, ADF, and starch contents of WPCS.
Recent Advances in Conversion of Glycerol: A Byproduct of Biodiesel Production to Glycerol Carbonate
Authors: Das Arpita , Kodgire Pravin , Li Hu , Basumatary Sanjay , Baskar Gurunathan , Rokhum Samuel Lalthazuala
Published: July 2023

Owing to erupted ecological concerns and escalated energy consumption, biodiesel produced by transesterifying nonedible and used cooking oils has been acknowledged as a viable source of clean and sustainable energy, alternative to fossil fuels. This transesterification process led to an excessive supply of glycerol as the primary byproduct which can then be transformed into value-added derivatives, primarily glycerol carbonate (GC), thereby drawing attention to its potential use in industrial applications. Although several methods for synthesis of GC utilize glycerol as building block, the transesterification approach using dimethyl carbonate (DMC) is the most effective route implementing safer and greener reaction conditions. This review is focused on different types of heterogeneous catalysts and characterization techniques used for identifying and deactivating those catalysts, covering the literature from the last decade to till date on this topic. Potent applications of GC as a versatile compound are elucidated in brief. Finally, a conclusion, outlook, and author’s perspective have been provided in brief.
Distributional Censored and Uncensored Validation Testing under a Modified Test Statistic with Risk Analysis and Assessment
Authors: Tashkandy Yusra , Emam Walid , Cordeiro Gauss M. , Ali M. Masoom , Aidi Khaoula , Yousof Haitham M. , Ibrahim Mohamed
Published: July 2023

This paper introduces and studies a unique probability distribution. The maximum likelihood estimation, the ordinary least squares, the weighted least squares, and the Anderson–Darling estimation methods all take into account a number of financial risk indicators, including the value-at-risk, tail-value-at-risk, tail variance, tail mean-variance, and mean excess loss function. These four approaches were used in a simulation study and an application to insurance claims data for the actuarial evaluation. The well-known Nikulin–Rao–Robson statistic is taken into consideration for distributional validation under the whole set of data. Three complete actual datasets and a simulation study are used to evaluate the Nikulin–Rao–Robson test statistic. An updated version of the Nikulin–Rao–Robson statistic is taken into consideration for censored distributional validation. Three censored actual datasets and a thorough simulation analysis are used to evaluate the novel Nikulin–Rao–Robson test statistic.
Small Extracellular Vesicles Secreted by iPSC-Derived MSCs Ameliorate Pulmonary Inflammation and Lung Injury Induced by Sepsis through Delivery of miR-125b-5p
Authors: Peng Wei , Yang Yun , Chen Jiaquan , Xu Zeyao , Lou Yuanlei , Li Qi , Zhao Ning , Qian Kejian , Liu Fen
Published: July 2023

Background. Sepsis-induced acute lung injury is a common critical illness in intensive care units with no effective treatment is currently available. Small extracellular vesicles, secreted by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iMSC-sEV), possess striking advantages when incorporated MSCs and iPSCs, which are considered extremely promising cell-free therapeutic agents. However, no studies have yet been conducted to systemically examine the effects and underlying mechanisms of iMSC-sEV application on attenuated lung injury under sepsis conditions. Method. iMSC-sEV were intraperitoneally administered in a rat septic lung injury model induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The efficacy of iMSC-sEV was assessed by histology, immunohistochemistry, and pro-inflammatory cytokines of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. We also evaluated the in vitro effects of iMSC-sEV on the activation of the inflammatory response in alveolar macrophages (AMs). Small RNA sequencing was utilized to detect changes in the miRNA expression profile in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated AMs after iMSC-sEV administration. The effects of miR-125b-5p on the function of AMs were studied. Results. iMSC-sEV were able to attenuate pulmonary inflammation and lung injury following CLP-induced lung injury. iMSC-sEV were internalized by AMs and alleviated the release of inflammatory factors by inactivating the NF-κB signaling pathway. Moreover, miR-125b-5p showed a fold-change in LPS-treated AMs after iMSC-sEV administration and was enriched in iMSC-sEV. Mechanistically, iMSC-sEV transmitted miR-125b-5p into LPS-treated AMs to target TRAF6. Conclusion. Our findings demonstrated that iMSC-sEV treatment protects against septic lung injury and exerts anti-inflammatory effects on AMs at least partially through miR-125b-5p, suggesting that iMSC-sEV may provide a novel cell-free strategy for the treatment of septic lung injury.
A Novel Study Based on Fuzzy p-Ideals of BCI-Algebras
Authors: Muhiuddin G. , Abughazalah Nabilah , Mahboob A. , Elnair M. E. , Alotaibi Abdullah G.
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we propose the concept of

∈

,

∈

∨

j

∗

,

q

j

-fuzzy p-ideals in “

B
C
I

-algebras.” We show that “

∈
,
∈
∨
q

-fuzzy p-ideals” and “

∈

∨

j

∗

,

q

j

,

∈

∨

j

∗

,

q

j

-fuzzy

p

-ideals” are “

∈

,

∈

∨

j

∗

,

q

j

-fuzzy

p

-ideals.” However, the converse is not true, then presented examples. For a BCI-algebra

Y
^

, it has been shown that every

∈

,

∈

∨

j

∗

,

q

j

-fuzzy p-ideal of

Y
^

is an

∈

,

∈

∨

j

∗

,

q

j

-fuzzy ideals of

Y
^

but not conversely, and then, an example is given. Furthermore in

Y
^

, a connection between

∈

,

∈

∨

j

∗

,

q

j

-fuzzy p-ideals and p-ideals is established.
Religion and Attitude towards Sustainability
Authors: Riegel Ulrich
Published: July 2023

Climate change and sustainable lifestyles are discussed intensely in civil society, again. Unlike in the the 1970s and 1980s, however, religious communities seem to play a minor role in this discussion. This raises the question of the importance of religion in regard to an ecological attitude. Based on a sample of N = 4131 (former) church members (age: 14 to 89 years – 47% females – 60% with Bachelor-degree of better), this paper analyzes the effect of centrality of religion (as personal indicator in regard of religion) and membership status (as institutional indicator in regard of religion) on values addressing ecology. The findings indicate that church members and religious individuals show a more positive ecological attitude than individuals that did have disaffiliated from church or are not religious. Highly religious respondents, however, are less concerned with ecology than religious ones. Moreover, the effect of membership status is not significant anymore when socio-demographic variables are added as well as when lifestyle is added. The paper will discuss these findings within the framework of the theoretical distinction between ‘old’ and ‘new’ style of political participation.
Could the East Asian Way of Peacekeeping Be a Recipe for Global Peace?
Authors: Kivimäki Timo
Published: July 2023

This paper offers new evidence in support of an argument that suggests that East Asian way of keeping peace is developmentalist, anti-interventionist and anti-hegemonic and thus even more different from the existing Western prescriptions for peace than realized before. This argument is based on some new data on organized violence, conflict termination and discourses of protection and security and a comparison of current East Asia with other regions, and with its performance three decades before 1980.

The article also investigates whether the East Asian recipes for peace and prosperity could offer global prescriptions. Again, based on data on global fatalities of organized violence, the conclusion is clear. The world could learn from East Asia: the recipes the long peace of East Asia is based on, as defined in this article, can be found useful also to the entire world.
Structural Elements in East Asian Peace: Deterrence and Economic Interdependence
Authors: Choi Jong Kun
Published: July 2023

This article is a response to Timo Kivimaki’s important article about peace in East Asia. The article focuses on Northeast Asia’s structural configurations (i.e., economic interdependence and deterrence systems) contributing to peace in East Asia. This article essentially argues when it comes down to peace in East Asia, two subregions of East Asia, namely Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia, must be analyzed to recognize different subregions’ structural orders affecting East Asia as a whole.
Institutional Innovation in University-based Experimental Spaces: the Case of Oulu Game Lab
Authors: Pokidina Valeriia , Tuunainen Juha , Mainela Tuija
Published: July 2023

This article explores preconditions and developmental dynamics of institutional innovation in higher education organizations as an outcome of a collaborative educational initiative – a university-based experimental space. Such collaborative learning configurations are often designed to stimulate local economic development after a downturn in regional industrial landscapes. The experimental space studied here had a twofold mission: providing re-skilling and re-education opportunities for unemployed ICT professionals and equipping them with business and employment bonds with regional game industry companies. To imbue a static outcome of institutional innovation with dynamic features, and to further develop the concept of Triple Helix spaces, we incorporated three sequential forms of institutional work in our analysis: boundary work, distancing work, and anchoring work.
University-industry Collaboration and Innovation in Low-tech Industries: the Case of Brazil
Authors: Mikhailov Andrei , Puffal Daniel Pedro
Published: July 2023

Despite the importance of low-tech manufacturing sectors for national economies, previous studies on UIC benefits for the firms were conducted mostly in high-tech sectors, making the knowledge on the impact of UIC on innovation in low-tech sectors unexplored. The present research aims to identify combinations of UIC s that may lead the low-tech firms to high innovation performance. By using the csQCA technique applied to secondary data from the BR Survey, which is the largest UIC databank in Brazil, the researchers identified that the most intense collaborations in terms of knowledge and resource exchange, such as development-oriented and research-oriented, are among the most beneficial for firms’ innovativeness. Diffusion-oriented UIC does not contribute to innovation, unless it is combined with both research-oriented and development-oriented UIC s. Finally, the csQCA suggests that in most cases the firms should focus on engaging in one specific UIC type rather than split its effort and resources among a mix of UIC. The findings amplify comprehension of the range of impacts that entrepreneurial universities promote in low-tech sector, creating both theory and policy implications.
Love, Zeal and Patriotism towards the Construction of the Political Subject: Emotional Politics during the Chilean Revolution of Independence, 1808–23
Authors: Sadarangani Javier
Published: July 2023

Although Chilean independence has been the focus of much historiographical attention, the study of political emotions is still a pending issue. This essay aims to understand the experience and the role of love, zeal and patriotism during the Chilean independence process between 1808 and 1823. By studying these expressions and their associated practices, the essay argues that love, zeal and patriotism were used to imagine and design the characteristics of the desired political subject, which was conceived as playing a fundamental role in the success of the political project aimed to be established. To this end, the essay will make use of a variety of documentation from the period, but taking as a core document the epistolary of Bernardo O’Higgins, one of the most important figures of the Chilean emancipation process, and of the Southern Cone.