bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of Soft-Error Sensitivity in LU Decomposition Algorithms on Diverse GPUs
Authors: Leon German , Badia Jose M , Belloch Jose A , Lindoso Almudena , Entrena Luis
Published: September 2023

Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) have become integral to embedded systems and supercomputing centers due to their large memory, cutting-edge technology and high performace per watt. However, their susceptibility to transient errors necessitates a comprehensive analysis of error sensitivity, as well as the development of error mitigation techniques and fault-tolerant algorithms. This study focuses on evaluating the soft-error sensitivity of two distinct versions of LU decomposition algorithms implemented two on very different GPUs—a low-power SoC embedded GPU and a high-performance massively parallel GPU.Through extensive fault injection campaigns on both GPUs, we examine the vulnerability of the algorithms, identify error causes, and determine critical code components requiring enhanced protection. The experiments reveal that most single bit flip fault injections in the instruction results lead to erroneous outcomes or unrecoverable errors. Notably, efficient GPU resource utilization can increase the number of masked errors, thereby enhancing error resilience. Additionally, while different parts of the code exhibit similar error occurrence types and rates, the propagation of errors to elements within the result matrix differs significantly.
Berberis vulgaris L. extract supplementation exerts regulatory effects on the lifespan and healthspan of Drosophila through its antioxidant activity
Authors: Golubev Denis , Platonova Elena , Zemskaya Nadezhda , Shevchenko Oksana , Shaposhnikov Mikhail , Nekrasova Polina , Patov Sergey , Ibragimova Umida , Valuisky Nikita , Borisov Alexander , Zhukova Xenia , Sorokina Svetlana , Litvinov Roman , Moskalev Alexey
Published: September 2023

Worldwide aging population continues to increase, so the concept of healthy longevity medicine has become increasingly significant in modern society. Berberis vulgaris L. fruits serve as a functional food supplement with a high concentration of bioactive compounds, which offer numerous health-promoting benefits. The goal of this study was to investigate the geroprotective effect of Berberis vulgaris L. extract. Here we show that extract of Berberis vulgaris L. can, depending on concentrate, increase lifespan up to 6%, promote healthspan (stress resistance up to 35%, locomotor activity up to 25%, integrity of the intestinal barrier up to 12%, metabolic rate up to 5%) of Drosophila melanogaster (in vitro) and exhibits antioxidant (using red blood cell tests) and antiglycation activity (using glycation of bovine serum albumin) (in vitro). In addition to this, the extract does not exhibit cytotoxic properties in vitro, unlike the well-known polyphenolic compound quercetin. qRT-PCR revealed the involvement of metabolic, heat shock response and lipid metabolism genes in the observed effects.
Measuring a Family Sense of Coherence: A Rasch-based Study Extending Dyadic Data Analyses
Authors: Möllerberg Marie-Louise , Årestedt Kristofer , Hagell Peter , Melin Jeanette
Published: September 2023

Background
Family sense of coherence (FSOC) seems to reduce distress in the family and promote the well-being of the family. Therefore, getting accurate measurements for families with long-term illnesses is of particular interest. This study aims to examine the measurement properties of the Family Sense of Coherence Short Scale (FSOC-S12) for two set-ups (dyadic- and single-informant perspectives) and to evaluate the relationship between the two set-ups and the consequences of their use.
Methods
Racked and stacked data from 151 dyads were analyzed according to the Rasch model.
Results
Notably, both set-ups showed measurement properties with minor deviations from the Rasch model according to fit statistics. However, most items had disordered thresholds and some problems with local dependency. Item hierarchies were similar in both set-ups and there was no differential item functioning (DIF) by role from the dyadic informant perspective. Four items showed DIF by informant role in the single-informant perspective.
Conclusions
The FSOC-S12 can be used to provide meaningful measures of the family’s view of the family’s ability as a whole (dyadic-informant perspective) or measures of the patient’s and family member’s own view of the family’s ability as a whole (single-informant perspective).
Landscape genetic analysis of population structure and barriers to gene flow in a managed forest range of boreal woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou)
Authors: Anderson Nicole , Thomson Ashley M.
Published: September 2023

Reductions in gene flow due to anthropogenic habitat fragmentation are often associated with reduced genetic diversity and increased population structuring in wildlife populations. We assessed fine-scale population structure and barriers to gene flow in threatened boreal woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in one of their southernmost ranges that contains both actively managed and unmanaged forests. A total of 763 non-invasively collected fecal DNA samples were genotyped at 12 microsatellite loci. Genetic clustering algorithms failed to identify a biologically meaningful pattern of population substructure, consistent with the observed pattern of isolation by distance (IBD). Population graphs identified two sites at the southern range periphery as genetically isolated from the remainder of the range. At the range level, genetic differentiation among sampling locations was best predicted by a combination of wildfire disturbance and geographic distance. Overall, this study suggests that woodland caribou are weakly genetically differentiated across the Brightsand Range, with both isolation by distance and isolation by resistance contributing to variation in allele frequencies.
Predictors for the development of thromboembolic events in cancer patients treated with bevacizumab, ramucirumab, and aflibercept: a single-institution retrospective analysis
Authors: Kanbayashi Yuko , Ishikawa Takeshi , Otsuji Eigo , Takayama Koichi
Published: September 2023

Purpose
The risk of thromboembolic events developing limits the dose of anti-angiogenic agents, thereby reducing their efficacy. This retrospective study therefore sought to identify predictors for the development of anti-angiogenic agent-induced thromboembolic events and to elucidate whether differences in the likelihood of thromboembolic events exist between different anti-angiogenic agents or cancer types, to guide future strategies for optimizing safety, efficacy, and quality of life in patients receiving chemotherapy.
Methods
This study retrospectively investigated 468 cancer patients who received chemotherapy with bevacizumab, ramucirumab, or aflibercept at our outpatient chemotherapy center between December 2016 and April 2022. Variables related to the development of thromboembolic events were extracted from the medical records and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors for the development of thromboembolic events. The Wilcoxon/Kruskal–Wallis test was used to detect significant differences between groups.
Results
Significant factors included serum albumin level (odds ratio [OR] 0.363, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.193–0.685; P = 0.0017) and diabetes mellitus (OR 5.356, 95%CI 1.711–16.769; P = 0.0039). No difference in the development of thromboembolic events was evident between cancer types (P = 0.0781), but differences were identified between the three anti-angiogenic agents (P= 0.0132).
Conclusion
Serum albumin level and diabetes mellitus were identified as significant predictors for the development of anti-angiogenic agent-induced thromboembolic events.In addition, the likelihood of thromboembolic events did not differ between cancer types, but did differ between antiangiogenic agents.
Implementation of coherent one way protocol for quantum key distribution up to an effective distance of 145 km
Authors: Malpani Priya , Kumar Satish , Pathak Anirban
Published: September 2023

It’s well known that many of the traditional cryptographic schemes (like RSA and DH) will be vulnerable when scalable quantum computers will be available. However, quantum cryptographic protocols can provide unconditional security. One such protocol for unconditionally secure quantum key distribution (QKD) is coherent one way (COW) protocol. In the present work, we report experimental realization of an optical fiber based COW protocol for QKD in the telecom wavelength (1550 nm) where the attenuation in the optical fiber is minimum. A laser of 1550 nm wavelength, attenuator and intensity modulator is used for the generation of pulses having average photon number 0.5 and repetition rate of 500 MHz. The experiment is performed over 40 km, 80 km and 120 km of optical fiber and several experimental parameters like disclose rate, compression ratio, dead time and excess bias voltage of the detector are varied for all the cases (i.e., for 40 km, 80 km and 120 km distances) to observe their impact on the final key rate. Specifically, It is observed that there is a linear increase in the key rate as we decrease compression ratio or disclose rate. The key rate obtains its maximum value for least permitted values of disclose rate, compression ratio and dead time. It seems to remain stable for various values of excess bias voltage. While changing various parameters, we have maintained the quantum bit error rate (QBER) below 6% (5%) for distance ≥ 120 km (≤ 120 km). The key rate obtained is also found to remain stable over time. Experimental results obtained here are also compared with the earlier realizations of the COW QKD protocol. Further, to emulate key rate at intermediate distances and at a distance larger than 120 km, an attenuator of 5 dB loss is used which can be treated as equivalent to ∼ 25 km of the optical fiber used in the present implementation. This has made the present implementation equivalent to the realization of COW QKD upto ∼ 145 km.
The Preponderance of Electric Vehicles and the Availability of “Green” Electricity
Authors: MODIS THEODORE
Published: September 2023

The main advantage of electric vehicles, namely, their non-polluting operation, is compromised when the electricity they use comes from burning fossil fuels. The number of electric vehicles on the road is growing much faster than the amount of “green” electricity produced. It is forecasted that in 2037 the number of electric vehicles on the road will need an amount of electricity equal to the entire “green” electricity produced at that time. Therefore, “green” operation of electric vehicles entering the market after 2037 will be impossible. The sales of hydrogen-burning vehicles are poised to overtake the sales of electric vehicles in 2041, but a non-polluting overall operation for them is not guaranteed either at this time.
Covariate Measurement Error in Spatial Analysis of Count Data
Authors: Rana Masud , Khan Shahedul , Pahwa Punam
Published: September 2023

Measurement error arises whenever we fail to observe precisely one or more variables of interest. Covariate measurement error violates the standard assumption that covariates are fixed and accurately measured, resulting in biased parameter estimates and inflated variance estimates in a regression modeling setup. Adjustment to address this data limitation is necessary; otherwise, covariate effects may be underestimated or undetected in a regression analysis. The primary objective of this study is to develop methods for spatially correlated data, considering measurement error in covariates. To achieve our objectives, we consider the BYM2 model (an extension of the well-known Besag-York-Mollie (BYM) model), which takes into account both structured variation due to spatial adjacency of the units and unstructured variation due to random noise from the observed data. Although computationally intensive, the approach is highly efficient for spatial data analysis. We propose an extension of this methodology for error-prone covariates. We develop a Bayesian framework of the BYM2 model, with the error-prone covariates adjusted via two popular measurement error assumptions, namely, the Berkson measurement error model and the classical measurement error model. Our simulation study demonstrates that the use of a measurement error model for an error-prone covariate in the BYM2 model has the advantage of producing a superior fit. We also conclude that a BYM2 model without considering covariate measurement error may lead to highly biased estimates for certain parameters. Finally, we illustrate the application of the proposed methodology with an analysis of obesity data for 117 health regions across Canada.
Photoresist deposition and nickel electrodeposition for metallic substrate microfabrication with nickel lines
Authors: Morales-Carbajal Ricardo
Published: September 2023

Metallic masters can be used as a metallic mold to replicate polymeric pieces with high resolution. Metallic masters with high resolution were created by photolithography technique and nickel electrodeposition technique. AZ 9260 photoresists and SPR 220-7.0 photoresists were used to coat metallic substrates and to compare results. Steel substrate and nickel substrate were used as the metallic substrate to compare results. Two different nickel electrodeposition protocols were used to compare results. In the conclusion section, was determined the best photoresist, metallic substrate, and nickel electrodeposition protocol to fabricate metallic masters.
On the role of aortic valve architecture for physiological haemodynamics and valve replacement. Part II: spectral analysis and anisotropy
Authors: Corso Pascal , Obrist Dominik
Published: September 2023

Severe aortic valve stenosis can lead to heart failure and aortic valve replacement (AVR) is the primary treatment. However, increasing prevalence of aortic stenosis cases reveal limitations in current replacement options, necessitating improved prosthetic aortic valves. In this study, we investigate flow disturbances downstream of severe aortic stenosis and two bioprosthetic aortic valve (BioAV) designs using advanced energy-based analyses. Spectral analysis shows kinetic energy (KE) decay variations, with the stenotic case aligning with Kolmogorov’s theory, while BioAVs differ. We explore the impact of flow helicity on KE transfer and decay in BioAVs. Probability distributions of modal KE anisotropy unveil flow asymmetries in the stenotic and one BioAV case. Moreover, an inverse correlation between modal KE anisotropy and normalised helicity intensity is noted, with the coefficient of determination varying among the valve configurations. Leaflet dynamics analysis highlights a stronger correlation between flow and biomechanical KE anisotropy in one BioAV due to higher leaflet displacement magnitude. These findings emphasise the role of valve architecture in aortic turbulence and its significance for BioAV performance and energy-based design optimisation.
Exposure to multiple heavy metals is associated with hypertension: A cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Gou Ruoyu
Published: September 2023

Background: Heavy metals may play an important role in hypertension. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between hypertension and exposure to manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd) and antimony (Sb).
Methods: A cross-sectional study of 3,446 subjects was conducted. Logistic regression was used to estimate the relationship between each metal exposure and risk of hypertension. The potential heterogeneity of groups according to sex, age and smoking status was investigated, and metal mixtures and interactions were assessed by Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR).
Results: The logistic regression analysis identified Cu ([OR]=7.796, 95% [CI]: 3.395-17.903, P <0.001) and Cd (OR=1.894, 95% CI: 1.385-2.592, P <0.001) as risk factors for hypertension. The BKMR analysis indicated that all heavy metals had a complex, nonlinear exposure-response relationship with the risk of hypertension in participants aged 60-99; the stratified analysis of all Cu levels also showed a complex nonlinear relationship. The stratified analysis revealed a significant correlation between the plasma levels of heavy metals and risk of hypertension aged 30-59, nonsmokers, and women. We did not observe any interaction between the hypertensive status of study participants and exposure to the metals, but the logistic regression model revealed possible interactions; we provide explanations for these results.
Conclusion: Plasma Cu and Cd levels were positively correlated with risk of hypertension when the metal levels were assessed individually or in combination and may be risk factors for hypertension. Future cohort studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are necessary to confirm these associations.
Males of the invasive bark beetle Polygraphus proximus Blandford (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae) as a source of aggregation pheromone: results of a field experiment
Authors: Баранчиков Ю.Н. , Демидко Д.А. , Ефременко А.А.
Published: September 2023

Полевой эксперимент с использованием феромонных ловушек со строящими гнезда жуками уссурийского полиграфа подтвердил наличие у этого вида агрегационного феромона: чурбачки с самцами и с парами самец + самка привлекали в ловушку достоверно больше жуков обоих полов полиграфа. Максимальной привлекательностью обладали чурбачки с самцами. Чурбачки с самцами и самками привлекали в среднем в 2,5 раз меньше жуков. Чурбачки с самками и без насекомых по привлекательности не отличались от пустых (контрольных) ловушек. Таким образом, основным источником агрегационного феромона у уссурийского полиграфа являются жуки-самцы. Причины отличий результатов авторов от опубликованных ранее другими авторами заключаются, по-видимому, в особенностях поведенческих реакций жуков полиграфа на различия в концентрациях испускаемого феромона в природе и в ограниченном пространстве лабораторного эксперимента.

A field experiment using pheromone traps with nest-building beetles of the four-eyed fir bark beetle Polygraphus proximus Blandford (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae) confirmed the presence of an aggregation pheromone in this species: wood blocks with males and with male + female pairs attracted significantly more beetles of both sexes into the trap. Wood blocks with males had the maximum attractiveness. Wood blocks with males and females attracted in average 2.5 times less beetles. Wood blocks with females and without insects did not differ in attractiveness from empty (control) traps. Thus, male beetles are the main source of aggregation pheromone in the four-eyed fir bark beetle. The reasons for the differences between our results and those previously published by other authors seem to lie in the behavioral responses ofP. proximus beetles to differences in the concentrations of the emitted pheromone in nature and in the limited space of a laboratory experiment.
Thinking Spatially about Home-Based Work and Workhomes
Authors: Sohane Nidhi , Bhan Gautam
Published: September 2023

Working at home is a ubiquitous practice across the globe with varying degrees of recognition and visibility subject to the context in which it is undertaken. In the Global South, even as home-based work is a dominant mode of informal urban employment, there is limited recognition and
scholarship on the sites where it is undertaken and the inadequacies in which these sites are embedded. This essay seeks to provide a framework to think about the spatiality of the workhomes which are sites where users undertake activities related both to their work and the home. We argue
that the particularities of cities in the Global South, which are marked by its spatial and economic informality, have specific implications on workhomes. The framework is provided by examining the spatial, material, tenurial, and infrastructural aspects across three scales – that of
the individual workhome, at the settlement scale, and at the meso-level spatial aggregations in the city. Through this, we present implications for planning and policy making to improve conditions for workhomes and those who use their homes for work.
Evaluation of agricultural wetland utilization and landscape design
Authors: Gu Wanli , Jiang Yang
Published: September 2023

Water is an important component of agricultural wetlands, and human activities have disrupted the water cycle and its related functions, leading to problems such as water scarcity, water pollution, and wetland degradation. As an important water source conservation area and ecosystem, agricultural wetlands not only help maintain the sustainable use of water resources but also help improve the efficiency and quality of agricultural production. This article first introduces the water-centered utilization of agricultural wetlands, and then proposes the challenges and problems faced by agricultural wetland water resources management, focusing on the utilization and protection of water resources. Through research and analysis, the utilization efficiency of Xixi Wetland water resources was analyzed, and the importance of water resource protection and landscape design was analyzed using the Hangzhou Xixi Wetland as an example. This article proposed corresponding landscape design strategies for different utilization methods and analyzed the water resource utilization efficiency of the Xixi Wetland in the past decade through research. Under scientific management, the water resource utilization efficiency increased by 21% compared to 10 years ago. This article focused on ‘water’ and explored the utilization and landscape design of agricultural wetlands.
Model evaluation of total phosphorus prediction based on model accuracy and interpretability for the surface water in the river network of the Jiangnan Plain, China
Authors: Zhang Hao , Huan Juan , Xu Xiangen , Shi Bing , Zheng Yongchun , Mao Jiawei , Lv Jiapeng
Published: September 2023

Due to climatic and hydrological changes and human activities, eutrophication and frequent outbreaks of cyanobacteria are prominent in the Jiangnan Plain basin of China. Therefore, building a suitable model to accurately predict the phosphorus concentration in surface water is of practical significance to prevent the above problems. This study built 10 models to predict the phosphorus element in the surface water of the river network in the Jiangnan Plain. The main water types in the basin include the Yangtze River, the Beijing-Hangzhou Canal, and the Gehu Lake. The 10 models in different datasets have been comprehensively evaluated by the prediction accuracy and interpretability of the model, and the calculation of the partial dependence diagram (PDP) and SHAP has proved that there is a transparent response relationship between phosphorus and different factors. The results show that the Yangtze River, Beijing-Hangzhou Canal, and Gehu Lake are suitable for random forest, linear regression, and random forest models, respectively, under the comprehensive evaluation of the prediction accuracy and interpretability of the model. Models with low prediction accuracy often show strong interpretability. In different water body types, turbidity, water temperature, and chlorophyll-a are the three factors that affect the model in predicting phosphorus.
Práticas fonoaudiológicas com a linguagem no contexto educacional
Authors: Oliveira Danielle Pinheiro Carvalho , Oliveira Elaine Cristina de
Published: September 2023

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo identificar e analisar quais práticas, especialmente com a linguagem, têm sido realizadas por um grupo de fonoaudiólogos que atua na educação da Bahia e, ainda, refletir sobre as bases teóricas que sustentam essas práticas. Trata-se de um estudo de corte transversal, qualitativo, que teve a participação de cinco fonoaudiólogos com atuação na área educacional. Os dados foram produzidos por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, posteriormente transcritos, organizados e categorizados para análise. Os resultados apontaram para o fato de que as práticas fonoaudiológicas realizadas no campo da educação, especialmente com a linguagem, ainda são bastante heterogêneas e pautadas, sobretudo, pelas demandas relacionadas aos distúrbios e transtornos. Conclui-se que ainda é preciso ter na base das práticas fonoaudiológicas perspectivas de saúde e de linguagem desmedicalizantes, que de fato contribuam para a melhora da qualidade da educação.
elaboração de enunciados concretos por crianças do primeiro ano do ensino fundamental
Authors: Cavalieri Alessandra Moreira , Giroto Claudia Regina Mosca , Araujo Luciana Aparecida de
Published: September 2023

Este artigo pretende demonstrar que as crianças em processo de alfabetização são capazes de elaborar enunciados concretos, desde que lhes sejam dadas condições de ensino adequadas para tal atividade. Essa temática foi objeto de pesquisa de doutorado, vinculada ao Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação – UNESP/Marília, a qual foi realizada com o objetivo de compreender como se materializa o dialogismo bakhtiniano nos textos orais produzidos por crianças de uma sala de 1º ano do Ensino Fundamental – anos iniciais. Com base em pressupostos da teoria Histórico-Cultural e da abordagem dialógica da linguagem, apresentamos aqui um recorte dos dados gerados por meio da metodologia de pesquisa colaborativa, organizados em um eixo temático de discussão: marcas do dialogismo em textos orais, ilustrado pelos relatos de uma das crianças protagonistas da pesquisa. Os dados revelaram que as crianças constituíram relações dialógicas ao elaborarem seus enunciados concretos quando inseridos numa situação real de interação discursiva.
The British Approach to Islamists Deradicalisation: Success or Failure?
Authors:   The Centre for Civilisational and Regional Studies at the Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Natalia Alexandrovna Voronina
Published: September 2023

The article is devoted to deradicalization programmes in the UK. Their active development began after the terrorist attack in London in 2005. The article discusses the most notable deradicalization programmes: Prevent and Channel, aimed at those at risk of radicalization, as well as DDP and HII programmes developed for radical Islamists who are in prison or have been released on parole. The author also examines the question of how efficient these programmes have proved to be. The government announced obvious achievements in deradicalization, indicating that, due to the above programmes, more than 1,000 Britons have denounced their radical ideas. However, some representatives of the academic and Muslim communities have criticized the programmes pointing out that they do not have a serious ideological foundation, which leads to the stigmatization of the Muslim population in general and Muslim youth in particular. Inefficient spending of funds was also criticized. After the graduates of one of the programmes, who allegedly were successfully deradicalized, had committed terrorist attacks (Usman Khan in 2019, Sadesh Uman in 2020), the government began to tighten laws and revise the deradicalization programmes. However, an essential improvement of the programmes requires taking into account the full range of reasons for the growing popularity of radical ideas, including social, political and international ones. In particular, current deradicalization programmes are based on the assumption that radical Islam is an irrational evil, but do not take into account the fact that the radicalization of Muslim youth may be a reaction to the stigmatization they face in the British society, as well as to the UK's policy in the Middle East.
Forms of Religiosity of Muslim Students in Tatarstan (a Survey and Interview Findings)
Authors:   Center for Islamic Studies of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan, Tatyana Vladimirovna Klyachina
Published: September 2023

The article is devoted to the forms of religiosity of Muslim students of higher educational institutions of Tatarstan. The topic is relevant for the republic since in such a multi-confessional region as Tatarstan the religiosity of the population is important in achieving interfaith harmony and peace. The author adheres to a multidimensional approach to the study of religiosity, which in the most generalized form represents religiosity as a complex heterogeneous phenomenon comprising different definitive elements. In 2022, a survey and interviews were conducted among Muslim students in secular and religious higher educational institutions of Tatarstan. The study revealed the most common forms of religiosity among Muslim students of Tatarstan. A significant part of the respondents believe in Allah and feel the influence of God in their lives, turn to Him in different life situations. However, not all informants perform ritual duties (saying prayers, fasting, etc.). The daily life of the students interviewed is not always built according to Islamic norms and may include building family relationships, choosing a job, and buying a home. The study showed that the answers of students of secular and religious educational institutions vary greatly on some questions. For example, religious activity (participation in religious events) is demonstrated in various degrees only by the students of religious institutions. Among the students surveyed, there also are superstitious people who believe in omens, signs, horoscopes, etc.
Development of scientific and technical base for training specialists in the field of marine energy
Authors: Bezjukov О. К. , Zhukov V. A. , Nikiforov V. G.
Published: September 2023

The implementation of federal programs for the modernization of the transport system of the Russian Federation requires the solution of a set of tasks, the most important of which is the training of highly qualified specialists in the transport industry. A necessary condition for high-quality training of specialists is certainly a modern educational and laboratory base. The Admiral Makarov State University of Maritime and Inland Shipping has been training specialists in the field of marine energy for many decades. In order to continue training specialists in this area at a high level, it is necessary to modernize the material base, create laboratories that meet modern requirements. In order to achieve this goal, a project to create an educational and scientific center “Energy efficiency and reliability of marine machinery and mechanisms” is proposed. The concept of creating a center is presented in the paper, the laboratories that should be part of it are listed, the examples of laboratory layouts and their main equipment are provided. It is proposed to include a laboratory for testing engines in container design and a floating laboratory in the educational and scientific center. The creation of an educational and scientific center equipped with modern equipment will provide conditions for high-quality training of specialists for industry enterprises, as well as provide an opportunity to solve current scientific problems in the field of marine energy. The concept of creating an educational and scientific center is supported by the Board of Trustees of the University
Acciones en salud visual ante la presbicia en grupos vulnerables
Authors: Peraza de Aparicio Cruz Xiomara
Published: September 2023

La presbicia o presbicia se considera como la pérdida paulatina de la capacidad de los ojos para enfocar objetos cercanos, siendo el objetivo del artículo identificar la incidencia de la presbicia en pacientes vulnerables que acuden a la Clínica Optigia en el segundo semestre del 2021. Metodología: estudio de tipo descriptivo de campo con una población y muestra de 100 pacientes, diagnosticados por examen de refracción y examen de salud ocular. Resultados y discusión: El 88% de la población estudiada fue diagnosticada con defectos refractivos y el 16% tenía presbicia. El 23% de la población mayor de 50 años, el 63% de los pacientes diagnosticados con presbicia son mujeres. El 5% de los pacientes diagnosticados fueron derivados al Oftalmólogo para su corrección quirúrgica. Conclusión: La presbicia es un defecto visual propio de la edad que se produce como consecuencia del endurecimiento del cristalino. La presbicia aparece a partir de los 40 años. La presbicia es un proceso fisiológico, ni prevenible ni evitable. Su tratamiento va desde el uso de anteojos hasta la corrección quirúrgica realizada por el Oftalmólogo.
Palabras clave Fatiga visual, presbicia, refracción, cristalino, anteojos, corrección quirúrgica.
Factores socio-laborales asociados al padecimiento de enfermedad mental en los últimos 6 meses en trabajadores Hondureños del sector público durante 2022
Authors: Espinoza-Turcios Eleonora , Sosa- Mendoza Carlos , Castro Ramos Henry Noel , Ivania Zambrano Lysien , Armada José , R. Mejia Cristian
Published: September 2023

La salud mental ha sido una de las áreas de salud más afectadas durante la pandemia COVID19, el confinamiento, la incertidumbre a lo desconocido, aumentaron las prevalencias de enfermedades mentales, siendo necesario evaluarse en las poblaciones laborales. Determinar los factores socio-laborales asociados al padecimiento de enfermedad mental en los últimos 6 meses en trabajadores hondureños del sector público. Metodología: Estudio transversal analítico, multicéntrico. A través de encuestas autoadministradas en línea por encontrarnos en pandemia en establecimientos de salud públicos como ser centros de atención primaria como hospitales públicos se indagó acerca del padecimiento de alguna enfermedad mental en los últimos seis meses, esto se cruzó versus variables laborales y otras socio-educativas De los 8842 evaluados, el 97,8% no tuvo enfermedades mentales, el 1,9% tuvo una, el 0,3% tuvo dos y el 0,01% (1) 3 al mismo tiempo. La enfermedad mental más diagnosticada fue la depresión (97 casos diagnosticados). Se encontró una menor frecuencia en los últimos 6 meses entre los hombres (p=0,002), entre los que tenían un contrato de tipo permanente (p=0,033) o con contrato temporal (p=0,003), por el contrario, aquellos que tuvieron tres o más infecciones de COVID-19 (p=0,030), ajustado por tres variables. La depresión y ansiedad fueron las patologías más diagnosticadas. Y según el padecer de alguna patología se tuvo asociación según el sexo, el tipo de contrato laboral y la cantidad de veces que se padeció de la enfermedad. Es importante profundizar más a través de investigaciones sobre el papel que juega la salud mental a la hora de afrontar pandemias.
Palabras clave: COVID-19, Honduras, mujeres, salud mental, salud ocupacional.
Physiological responses for Wheat cultivars growing under the allelopathic effect of Spinacia oleracea leaves
Authors: radha jasim Iman , Salem AL-Saffar Raed , Mohamad Salih Fula kaydar
Published: September 2023

The research was done to study the allelopathic impact of Spinacia oleracea L. on wheat germination and growth. The wheat cultivars were Baraka, Bhooth, Ibaa99 and Sham. The allelopathic effect was determined by two experiments (laboratory and greenhouse). In the laboratory experiment, aqueous extract concentration was 2 and 4% (W: V) with Distilled water as control. Bhooth cultivars showed a high reduction rate of germination, 17.6%. The high reduction rate of germination was 17.6%, which appeared in the Bhooth cultivar. Generally, the highest reduction of plumule and radicle lengths (21.5 and 130.9) % in which cultivars were inhibited. Furthermore, the residues of S. oleracea caused a significant reduction in root length (22.4%) and (16.7%) in root dry weights. At the same time, the results revealed a clear stimulation percent in plumule length of 40.7%, radical length of 82.9%, plumule dry weight (30.5%), and radical dry weight(20%).In the greenhouse experiment, four cultivars of wheat that were cultivated in soil incubated with S. oleracea L.(2and4%, W: W) showed the highest reduction percent on seed germination in Bhooth and Sham cultivars at 2%; the results showed that wheat cultivars treated with S. oleracea at 4% were superior in length, dry weight Ibaa 99 shoot system, leaves number compared to plant without treatment.

Keywords: Allelopathy, wheat cultivars, crops, Spinacia oleracea. Seed germination
Digital Microlearning for Training and Competency Development of Older Adult Care Personnel: Mixed Methods Intervention Study to Assess Needs, Effectiveness, and Areas of Application
Authors: Richardson Matt X , Aytar Osman , Hess-Wiktor Katarzyna , Wamala-Andersson Sarah
Published: September 2023

Background

Older adult care organizations face challenges today due to high personnel turnover and pandemic-related obstacles in conducting training and competence development programs in a time-sensitive and fit-for-purpose manner. Digital microlearning is a method that attempts to meet these challenges by more quickly adapting to the educational needs of organizations and individual employees in terms of time, place, urgency, and retention capacity more than the traditional competency development methods.

Objective

This study aimed to determine if and how an app-based digital microlearning intervention can meet older adult care organizations’ personnel competency development needs in terms of knowledge retention and work performance.

Methods

This study assessed the use of a digital microlearning app, which was at the testing stage in the design thinking model among managerial (n=4) and operational (n=22) employees within 3 older adult care organizations. The app was used to conduct predetermined competency development courses for the staff. Baseline measurements included participants’ previous training and competency development methods and participation, as well as perceived needs in terms of time, design, and channel. They then were introduced to and used a digital microlearning app to conduct 2 courses on one or more digital devices, schedules, and locations of their own choice during a period of ~1 month. The digital app and course content, perceived knowledge retention, and work performance and satisfaction were individually assessed via survey upon completion. The survey was complemented with 4 semistructured focus group interviews, which allowed participants (in total 16 individuals: 6 managerial-administrative employees and 10 operational employees) to describe their experiences with the app and its potential usefulness within their organizations.

Results

The proposed advantages of the digital microlearning app were largely confirmed by the participants’ perceptions, particularly regarding the ease of use and accessibility, and efficiency and timeliness of knowledge delivery. Assessments were more positive among younger or less experienced employees with more diverse backgrounds. Participants expressed a positive inclination toward using the app, and suggestions provided regarding its potential development and broader use suggested a positive view of digitalization in general.

Conclusions

Our results show that app-based digital microlearning appears to be an appropriate new method for providing personnel competency development within the older adult care setting. Its implementation in a larger sample can potentially provide more detailed insights regarding its intended effects.
Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Tailored to Spouses and Significant Others of Public Safety Personnel: Formative Evaluation Study
Authors: Hadjistavropoulos Heather D , Reiser Sarah J , Beahm Janine D , McCall Hugh C , Dena Isabelle , Phillips Abby R , Scheltgen Melissa , Sekhar Shimona , Cox Marilyn , Cramm Heidi , Reid Nathalie
Published: September 2023

Background

Spouses and significant others (SSOs) of public safety personnel (PSP) are affected by the risks and requirements of these occupations. Internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) provides a convenient and accessible treatment format that can be tailored to the needs of SSOs of PSP.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the initial use and client perceptions (eg, likes, helpfulness, and areas for improvement) of a self-guided, transdiagnostic ICBT course designed for Canadian SSOs of PSP and identify opportunities to further tailor ICBT for this group.

Methods

SSOs were invited to complete a 5-lesson, self-guided, transdiagnostic ICBT course. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the demographic and clinical characteristics of participants. Content analysis was used to analyze the data from open-ended survey responses and interviews to understand their experiences with ICBT.

Results

Clients (N=118) endorsed various mental health concerns (eg, depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and relationship concerns) with a range of severity levels. Most clients identified as White (110/116, 94.8%) and women (108/116, 91.5%), with a mean age of 42.03 (SD 9.36) years. Of the 26 clients who were interviewed, 89% (23/26) reported believing that ICBT is helpful and 92% (24/26) reported finding at least 1 skill helpful. Clients provided suggestions for course improvements. On the basis of this feedback and quantitative data, changes were made to areas such as the delivery of materials, content, case stories, and timelines. Overall, the results indicated that many SSOs of PSP had positive perceptions of ICBT tailored to their needs and found several aspects of the course helpful, supporting the continued delivery of tailored ICBT to this population. However, there remains a need for continued promotion of the course and outreach to diverse groups of SSOs of PSP.

Conclusions

Findings from this formative evaluation provide insight into the unique experiences and needs of SSOs of PSP and provide preliminary evidence for the use of tailored ICBT to support the mental health of this group in Canada.
Combating barriers to the development of a patient-oriented frailty website (Preprint)
Authors: Greeley Brian , Chung Sally Seohyeon , Graves Lorraine , Song Xiaowei
Published: September 2023

UNSTRUCTURED

This viewpoint article, an article that represents the opinions of the authors’, discusses the barriers of developing a patient-oriented frailty website and their potential solutions. A patient-oriented frailty website is a virtual health resource where community-dwelling older adults and their caregiver can navigate to and answer a series of health related questions and receive an automated frailty / health evaluation with a summary fit-frail score. This information can then be shared with a healthcare professionals, to help with the understanding of health status prior to acute illness, as well as to screen and identify older adult individuals for frailty. Our viewpoints were drawn from two discussion sessions comprised of caregivers and care providers, and community-dwelling older adults. Our aim is to report that barriers of a patient-oriented frailty website include but are not limited to: its inherent restrictiveness to frail persons, concerns over data privacy, time commitment worries, and the need for health / lifestyle resources in addition to a summary score. For each barrier we discuss potential solutions and caveats to those solutions, including assistance from caregivers, hosting the website from a trusted source, reducing the number of health questions that need to be answered, and resources tailored to each users’ responses, respectively. In addition to screening and identifying frail older adults, a patient-oriented frailty website will help promote healthy aging in non-frail adults, encourage aging in place, support real-time monitoring, and enable personalized and preventative care.
Democracy Assistance to Global South: A Case Study of Konrad-Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Freedom Agenda in Indonesia
Authors: Khoirunnisa Tsabita Afifah , Effendi Yusli
Published: September 2023

This paper aims to investigate and analyze the democracy promotion carried out by Konrad-Adanauer Stiftung (KAS) in Indonesia. Our provisional findings on the case show that the hegemony of the North over the South is also perpetuated through political and economic assistance. Through the German political foundation of KAS, Germany seeks to foster a Western "better democracy" in Indonesia through several programs in collaboration with local actors. These "Freedom Agenda '' include training for civil apparatus and legal drafting training for national legislation. The Freedom Agenda carried out by KAS in Indonesia is associated with Germany's pursuit of democracy promotion policy. This study utilizes Neo-Gramscian Approach by Coxian Critical Theory (CCT) to investigate the role of KAS in maintaining the hegemonic order of Western Democracy in Indonesia through Cox's historical structure. By using library research, this study seeks to explain the reciprocal relationship between Cox's social forces in hegemony structure of Western democracy.Keywords: Konrad Adenauer Stiftung; democracy promotion; hegemony; social forces
Experiencias y significación de la pandemia de COVID-19 en la población indígena en situación de vulnerabilidad estructural: un estudio cualitativo en el estado de Oaxaca
Authors: Montesi Laura , Calestani Melania , Ortega Zavala Nadia
Published: September 2023

Objetivo: examinar, mediante una perspectiva fenomenológica, las percepciones, las valoraciones y las experiencias de las personas indígenas del contexto rural en situación de vulnerabilidad estructural durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Metodología: se realizaron entrevistas a siete indígenas residentes en contextos rurales del estado de Oaxaca. Resultados: las personas entrevistadas presentaron condiciones de vulnerabilidad que influyeron en su experiencia de la pandemia, con expresiones de miedo, desconfianza, incredulidad o resignación. Enfatizaron los costos sociales y económicos, pero también manifestaron elementos de protección y resiliencia relacionados con su modo de vida. Limitaciones: el estudio no tiene ambiciones de representatividad; constituye un acercamiento exploratorio que se beneficiaría con una ampliación y profundización. Valor: contribuye a retratar la manera en que en el medio rural indígena se experimentó la pandemia de COVID-19. Conclusiones: las características socioculturales y estructurales propias de ese contexto influyeron en la percepción, en la valoración y en la experiencia del fenómeno pandémico.
Impacto psicológico de la pandemia por COVID-19 en personas mayores
Authors: Espino-Polanco A.C.
Published: September 2023

Es común que el cuidado se enfoque en las enfermedades físicas porque los datos objetivos pueden observarse fácilmente comparándolos con la subjetividad de los trastornos mentales. Aunado a esto, las personas mayores son uno de los grupos vulnerables con alto riesgo de desarrollar alguno de estos trastornos.

Encontramos personas mayores vulnerables, y el aislamiento por la pandemia lo acentúo dando como resultado que su salud mental se debilitara; sentirse solos, ansiosos, deprimidos con consecuencias como la presencia de síndromes geriátricos ( fragilidad, caídas, sarcopenia, déficits sensoriales, síndrome confusional o trastornos neurocognitivos mayores, entre otros) que afectan aún más la calidad de vida.

Para que exista una adecuada evolución en su salud mental, es considerar el compromiso de la familia como el de la comunidad. Así como geriatrizar los servicios de salud en donde, quienes conforman el equipo de atención, sean conscientes y sensibles de las necesidades de las personas mayores en todos los aspectos.
Problems and Challenges of Rural Non-Farm Economic Activities in Varanasi District of Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Rai Mr. Rahul Kumar , Upadhyay Dr. Tarun Kumar
Published: September 2023

Abstract: Varanasi is one of the oldest districts of India which is known for its cultural and religious importance. The diverse forms of non-farm activities of the district have significant and unique role. But there are many problems and challenges which have to highlight to raise the voice of the non-farm workers of the region. Descriptive research has been conducted by survey method. The main problems of the region are related to finance, access to the market, infrastructure and proper skill & training.