bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rancang Bangun Alat Sel Surya Berbasis Arduino Uno
Authors: Faridah
Published: August 2023

Merupakan Salah satu bentuk perkembangan teknologi terhadap Sel tenaga surya yang dikembangkan menjadi alat rancang sel surya berbasis Arduino Uno. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah membuat alat rancangan yang menggunakan Sel surya Berbasis Arduino Uno dengan output LCD dan Sel Surya mempunyai fungsi untuk membantu masyarakat ketika mengalami pemadaman lampu, alat ini bisa menyimpan energi dan sel surya dengan mengikuti arah matahari. Perencanaan alat ini yang dibuat menggunakan metode penelitian dan pengembangan yaitu perencanaan desain alat, uji coba alat, dan pengambilan data dari hasil penelitian alat tenaga surya.Penelitian ini merancang dan membuat Alat Sel surya yang sederhana dengan menggunakan Arduino Uno aki yang akan menyerap panas matahari dan akan di tampung sebagai pengolah energi dari Sel surya. Sel surya yang akan menyerap energi panas, motor servo yang akan memutar sel surya untuk Mengikuti arah matahari. Bahasa pemograman yang digunakan adalah bahasa C yang terdapat pada software arduino. Alat ini diharapkan akan mempermudah masyarakat pada saat pemadaman lampu dan terhusus daerah yang dipedalaman yang belum di jangkau listrik akan mudah dengan menggunakan alat ini.
Physical activity of urban and rural residents over 65 years of age
Authors: Lizis Sabina , Macej Michal
Published: August 2023

Introduction. Physical activity has a significant impact on increasing independence and self-reliance, and thus improves the quality of life of the elderly. The aim of this study was to compare the physical activity of urban and rural residents over 65 years of age.
Material and metods. The study covered 135 people living in the urban environment (81 women; 54 men) and 19 rural residents (63 women and 56 men) in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship. Age of the subjects ranged from 65 to 74 years. Research tools constituted the IPAQ. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze the results.
Results. Physical activity related to cycling (p < 0.001), vigorous physical activities in the garden or yard (p = 0.031), recreation in leisure-time, consisting of walking and moderate activity (p < 0.001) were statistically significantly lower in people from the urban environment.
Conclusions. There is a need for promote physical activity and take care of seniors, especially from the urban environment, as well as to create educational programs regarding the possibilities and ways of undertaking physical activity in order to maintain the process of successful aging at an optimal level.
Rhythmic physical activity to improve the motor abilities of junior students-athlete in gymnastics: randomized control trial
Authors: Resita Citra , Widiastuti Widiastuti , Setiakarnawijaya Yasep , Sopiah Oon , Lobo Joseph , Estilo Kristia , Aryani Mela , Setiawan Edi
Published: August 2023

This study aims to investigate the effect of Rhythmic Physical Activity (RPA) on enhancing the motor abilities of junior athlete-students enrolled in gymnastics courses at the university level. Materials and Methods. This study employed a randomized control trial method conducted over an 11-week period. A total of 29 junior athlete-students from Singaperbangsa State University Karawang (Indonesia) in their first year were involved. They were divided into the CON (n = 14) and RPA (n = 15) groups. Instruments to measure motor abilities included the standing long jump, handgrip strength, seated straddle stretch, foot tapping, and an obstacle course taken in reverse. Paired sample t-tests were employed to examine the differences in motor abilities scores at both the baseline and post-intervention stages for the CON and RPA groups. Results. The primary findings indicated that RPA significantly impacted motor ability components. These components were the standing long jump (p ≤ 0.05, d = −1.97), handgrip strength (p ≤ 0.05, d = −2.30), seated straddle stretch (p ≤ 0.05, d = −1.02), foot tapping (p ≤ 0.05, d = −2.00), and the reverse obstacle course (p ≤ 0.05, d = −1.26). For the CON group, the results related to the standing long jump (p ≥ 0.05, d = −0.26), handgrip strength (p ≥ 0.05, d = −0.13), seated straddle stretch (p ≤ 0.05, d = −0.66), foot tapping (p ≥ 0.05, d = 0.12), and reverse obstacle course (p ≥ 0.05, d = −0.21). Conclusions. The results underscore the significance of employing RPA to bolster the motor abilities of junior student-athletes in their first year at the university level.
Blended teaching to improve the mood state and motor performance skills of student-athletes in softball: A randomized-controlled trial
Authors: Lestari Ade Tuti , Zamzami Iman Sulaiman , Rihatno Taufik , Dlis Firmansyah , Lobo Joseph , Bachtiar Bachtiar , Setiawan Edi
Published: August 2023

The implementation of blended teaching in physical education has increased significantly, but there was a lack of evidence about its effectiveness in improving mood state and motor performance skills in student-athletes, which became a gap in this study. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effect of blended teaching as an effort to improve mood state and motor performance skills of student-athletes both males and females in softball subject matter. Participants in this study were student-athletes from Mancak 1 junior high school (Indonesia). There was 41 participants had been allocated in control group (n = 21) and blended teaching (n = 20). The profile of mood state scale was used to measure the level of mood while the test of gross motor development-2 function was used to measure the motor performance skills of student-athletes. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to test the difference in values for each variable. Based on the study results, we observed that there was no difference in the scores of mood state and motor performance skills in male and female between control group and blended teaching group at the baseline (p ≥ 0.05). However, the second finding found contrasting differences between the control and blended teaching groups in male and female in terms of mood state scores and motor performance skills at the post-intervention stage (p ≤ 0.05). The third finding shows that blended teaching has a much larger effect size compared to the control group (full-online). Thus, we emphasize that blended teaching is an innovation in teaching softball in physical education classes that has proven to be effective in replacing full-online teaching.
Modeling and Forecasting International Tourism in Zimbabwe: A Bright Future for Zimbabwe’s Tourism Industry
Authors: NYONI Thabani
Published: August 2023

This paper, which is the first of its kind in the case of Zimbabwe, uses annual time series data on international tourism demand in Zimbabwe from 1980 to 2019, to model and forecast the demand for international tourism using the Box – Jenkins ARIMA approach. This research has been guided by the following objectives: to analyze international tourism trends in Zimbabwe over the study period, to develop and estimate a reliable international tourism forecasting model for Zimbabwe based on the Box-Jenkins ARIMA technique and to project international tourism demand in Zimbabwe over the next decade (2020 – 2030). Based on the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), the study presents the ARIMA (2, 1, 0) model as the optimal model. The ARIMA (2, 1, 0) model proves beyond any reasonable doubt that over the period 2020 to 2030, international tourism demand in Zimbabwe will increase and that indeed, the future of Zimbabwe’s tourism industry is bright. Amongst other policy recommendations, the study advocates for the continued implementation and enforcement of COVID-19 preventive and control measures as well as unwavering support for tourism sector development through policies such as the National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy.
Political and Legal Determinants of Economic Cooperation between Belarus and Poland
Authors: KULAKOU Vasili , MISZTAL Piotr
Published: August 2023

The legal and political sphere consists of legislative regulations, resulting from the policy of the state in which the businesses operate. The aim of the study is to verify the research hypothesis according to which political and legal factors significantly determine the mutual economic cooperation between Belarus and Poland in the period 2016 - 2020/21. The article places particular emphasis on the analysis of political and legal factors on the side of Belarus, due to the current political and legal crises. Against this background, the analogous political and legal set-ups in Poland are also presented. The analysis took into account, in particular: political stability, democratic nature of the state policy, level of corruption of public authorities, membership in international organizations, stability of legislative structure, the independence and efficiency of the judiciary. The results of the conducted research indicate that the nature of Belarusian-Polish relations is significantly influenced by the political situation in Belarus and the authoritarian way of appeasing power by the president of this country. Without fundamental changes in the internal situation in Belarus, it is difficult to expect spectacular breakthroughs and changes in Belarus' relations with Poland.
Zeta Annuities, Fractional Calculus, and Polylogarithms
Authors: TAO Jim
Published: August 2023

Mathematical jokes about analytic continuation often conflate values of the Riemann zeta function with divergent sums.  Another mathematical joke involves a lottery in which the prize is an infinite amount of money. When the winning ticket is drawn, the jubilant winner comes to claim his prize, and the mathematician who organized the lottery explains the mode of payment: “1 dollar now, 1/2 dollar next week, 1/3 dollar the week after that…” The joke here is that the harmonic series technically diverges but grows so slowly as to be insignificant in one’s lifetime.
Travel and Tourism in the USA in the Light of COVID-19. Major Selected Points
Authors: MROZEK Michal
Published: August 2023

Prior to COVID-19, travel and tourism had grown to be one of the most significant sectors in the global economy, accounting for 10% of global GDP and more than 320 million employments globally. The worldwide epidemic, the first of its kind in a new era of interconnection, has threatened 100 million jobs, many of them in micro, small, and medium-sized businesses that employ a large proportion of women, who make up 54 percent of the tourist sector. Tourism-dependent countries are likely to bear the brunt of the crisis's consequences for far longer than other economies. Contact-intensive services critical to the tourist and travel industries have been disproportionately impacted by the epidemic and will continue to struggle until people feel comfortable enough to travel in large numbers again. The aim of the paper is the assessment of the situation of travel and tourism in the USA in the light of COVID-19 pandemic. The following research problems were put forward: What is the diversification of situation of the tourism in the USA in the light of COVID-19? Which of the researched aspects of tourism in the USA in the light of COVID-19 have the highest and lowest level in the researched time scope? In the theoretical part of the paper was depicted the literature review. The studies were carried out within the documentation, statistical, comparative, dynamics analysis. The results showed that the situation of travel and tourism in the USA in the light of COVID-19 had different tendencies. The inference process took place in a deductive way.
Türkiye, Avrupa Birliği ve ABD’nin Sosyal Devlet Anlayışları Çerçevesinde Yoksullukla Mücadelesi
Authors: KORKMAZ Yücel
Published: August 2023

Bu çalışma, Türkiye, AB ve ABD sosyal devlet anlayışları doğrultusunda yoksullukla mücadele yöntemlerine genel bir bakış açısı sunmaktadır. Tarih boyunca yoksulluk sorunu tüm toplumların mücadele ettiği bir konudur. Her ülke ve topluma göre yoksulluk algısı ve boyutu farklılık göstermektedir. Ancak yoksulluğun neden olduğu birçok faktör olmakla birlikte öncelikli faktörlerin başında gelir dağılımdaki adaletsizlik ve işsizlik gelmektedir. Bu bağlamda sosyal devlet üstlendiği sorumluluk gereği ekonomik ve toplum düzenine doğrudan ya da dolaylı müdahale ederek birey lehine düzenlemeler yapar. Ancak her sosyal devletin gelişmişlik düzeyi, ekonomik yapısı ve yönetim sistemi farklı olduğundan yoksulluk algısı ve mücadele yöntemleri farklılaşmaktadır.
Graduation from Subsistence to Commercial Aquaculture: Evidence on Household Welfare
Authors: Ahmed Badrun Nessa
Published: August 2023

This paper investigates the possibilities of subsistence homestead aquaculture producers to commercialise using a two-wave panel data of 518 households in Bangladesh. A binary endogenous switching regression model is applied to explore opportunities and constraints of commercialisation and a counterfactual analysis to estimate the effects of commercialisation on income and poverty. The study finds that while there is good potential for commercialisation, only a few households do that. Households who engage in commercial aquaculture achieve higher per capita income and are less likely to be poor. The study also finds that subsistence fish farmers who transform towards commercialised producers tend to receive support from non-government organisations, are members of fish farmers’ associations, and have better access to local fish markets. A major constraint to aquaculture transformation is the lack of government attention to the subsistence-oriented homestead fish producers, thus forgoing a huge potential for reducing poverty and increasing welfare. The paper suggests that fisheries extension services should develop and implement a specifically-targeted aquaculture commercialisation program in cooperation with the agricultural extension.
Labour Market Outcomes and Child Marriage: Evidence from BRAC's Skills Training Programme
Authors: Rahman Atiya , Bhattacharjee Anindita , Rahman Rehnuma
Published: August 2023

Inadequate employment opportunities and child marriage are major challenges for female adolescents in many developing countries. Using panel data on a group of 14-18-year-old Bangladeshi adolescents receiving vocational skills training from BRAC and a group of non-participants, this paper analyses the impact of skills training on labour supply, earnings, and child marriage. The intervention is found to significantly increase adolescents' labour market participation and income, with the impacts being higher for girls. It also significantly reduces the possibility of female adolescents being married off before the minimum legal age, indicating that labour market participation is likely to reduce child marriage among them.
Employee Resistance And The [Agent Of] Change Management Model On The Juridical Implications Of PTN-BH Status
Authors: Mulyo Widodo Mulyo Widodo , Wahyu Beny Mukti Setiyawan Wahyu Beny Mukti Setiyawan , Siti Mursidah Siti Mursidah
Published: August 2023

Studies on Legal Entity State Universities (PTN-BH) in this decade are more related to the study of money management and student rejection. Trying to complement the study, this study tries to see the holistic management of PTN-BH through a change management approach and resistance of PTN-BH employees internally. Using a mix-method to obtain in-depth and massive data, finally this study found that emphasizing transition management in the work system, as well as the use of UNNES Rector's power as an agent of change is a good way to reduce resistance and increase support for the juridical implications of UNNES PTN-BH. In more detail, optimization of 86.17% of juridical support and reduction of resistance, amounting to 15,054% of UNNES PTN-BH status, can be bridged through integrative and inclusive management governance and good communication between structures and implementers. Based on these findings, this paper has provided a sensitive frame of mind and complemented previous studies on the change in the status of PTN-BLU (State University-Umunm Service Agency) to PTN-BH. In practical terms, this study has also become a strategic study for UNNES in determining the attitudes and steps needed.
EFFECT OF RISK COMPONENTS ON OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY OF DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA A STUDY OF LISTED DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA
Authors: Dayyabu Shamsuddeen , Adekunle Ibitoye , Jamilu Isah , Dauda Salamatu , Usman Musa , Liman Kabiru Shehu
Published: August 2023

The main objective of this study is to examine effect of risk components on operational efficiency of Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria.  The data to be used for the study will be extracted from secondary sources only. The data will be panel data which will be subjected to time and cross-sectional attributes and this will enable us to study innovation and performance of firms over time and as well as across the sampled quoted banks. The findings of the study revealed that credit risk increases the operational efficiency of Deposit money Banks. Also, the study found that liquidity risk has negative and significant effect on operational efficiency. The result also found that capital adequacy has positive and significant effect on operational efficiency. The study recommended that the management of the Deposit Money Banks should device viable measurement for evaluating the risk components confronting the banking operation and not to rely on the bank model with an assumption that that risk is incorporated into bank output without explicitly modeling its role in explaining inefficiency. This is because failure to account for risk-taking may lead to biased estimations of bank efficiency and misleading estimates of scale economies and cost elasticities.
การประดิษฐ์และศึกษาประสิทธิภาพการทำงานของหุ่นยนต์บริการ ที่ควบคุมด้วยระบบไร้สาย
Authors: บุญคำ รังสรรค์ , เชือกศรีคราม มณฑิตา , แก้วสาคร วริศรา , สุขรื่น ปูริดา , บัวเชย ดารัตน์
Published: August 2023

งานวิจัยนี้มีวัตถุประสงค์เพื่อประดิษฐ์และศึกษาประสิทธิภาพของหุ่นยนต์บริการ  ผลการศึกษาแสดงให้เห็นว่า หุ่นยนต์บริการที่สามารถเดินหน้า ถอยหลัง เลี้ยวซ้ายเลี้ยวขวา ปัดขยะได้อัตโนมัติแบบหน้าหลัง           ส่งสัญญาณควบคุมทำงานแบบไร้สายด้วย wifi จากไอแพดหรือโทรศัพท์ไปยังตัวเครื่องได้ระยะทางไม่ต่ำกว่า 50 เมตร  เมื่อนำไปทดลองหาจำนวนรอบของเฟืองปัดพบว่า สามารถวิ่งได้บนพื้นคอนกรีตจำนวนรอบ 93.44 และพื้นหญ้าจำนวนรอบ 89.89 ไต่พื้นเอียงทำมุมได้มากที่สุด 8 องศา สามารถเคลื่อนที่ที่มีความสูงประมาณ  3 เซนติเมตร ความพึงพอใจของผู้ใช้งาน มีความพึงพอใจระดับมากที่สุด งานวิจัยนี้สามารถประดิษฐ์และพัฒนาหุ่นยนต์บริการที่มีประสิทธิภาพช่วยผ่อนแรงทำให้สะดวกสบายมากขึ้น
Erfassung und Förderung von Kompetenzen zum kritischen Umgang mit Online- Informationen bei Rechtsreferendarinnen und -referendaren
Authors: Braunheim Dominik , Zlatkin-Troitschanskaia Olga , Nagel Marie-Theres
Published: August 2023

Im Internetzeitalter ist die Kompetenz zum kritischen Umfang mit Online-Informationen in der juristischen Ausbildung und Praxis zentral geworden. Im Projekt BRIDGE wurden die Kompetenzen zur kritischen Recherche, Evaluation und Nutzung von Online-Quellen bei Rechtsreferendarinnen und -referendaren bei der Lösung von generischen sowie juristischen Aufgaben erfasst und in einem Online-Training gefördert. Die Ergebnisse zeigen zum einen einen Förderbedarf von juristischen Recherchekompetenzen. Zum anderen bedarf es einer gezielten Förderung dieser Kompetenzen während der regulären juristischen Ausbildung, da es den Referendarinnen und Referendaren nicht gelingt, ihre generischen Recherchekompetenzen bei der Lösung von juristischen Aufgaben erfolgreich einzusetzen. So waren die innerhalb der juristischen Datenbanken sowie darüber hinaus gefundenen und verwendeten Inhalte unvollständig, teilweise inkorrekt oder nicht aktuell, was die Gesamtqualität der verfassten juristischen Gutachten wesentlich beeinträchtigte. Hier sollten gezielte Lernangebote in Jura explizit ansetzen.
Die geschlossene Gesellschaft der Rechtswissenschaft: Chancen und Grenzen von Open Educational Resources
Authors: Chiofalo Valentina , Milas Max
Published: August 2023

Der vorstehende Beitrag diskutierte die Chancen und Grenzen von Open Educational Resources [„OER“]. Im Wesentlichen basiert er auf der ersten Umfrage zu studentischen Perspektiven auf OER in der deutschen Rechtswissenschaft. Dieser Umfrage können vier zentrale Ergebnisse entnommen werden: Erstens bewertet der Großteil der Student:innen die Vielfalt und Qualität von nicht frei verfügbaren Lernmaterialien wesentlich besser als die Vielfalt und Qualität von OER. Zweitens verzichtet die Mehrheit der Student:innen mindestens regelmäßig aus finanziellen Gründen auf den Erwerb von für notwendige empfundene Lernmaterialien. Dieser Effekt tritt bei weiblichen Studentinnen ungleich häufiger auf. Drittens ist die Qualität, Zugänglichkeit und Anzahl von OER entscheidend, um die Verbreitung von OER zu erhöhen. Viertens sind inklusive Sprache, Diversität unter den Autor:innen, vorurteilsfreie Sachverhalte und Professor:innen als Autor:innen für weibliche Studentinnen eher wichtig und für männliche Studenten eher unwichtig.
Smarte persönliche Assistenten
Authors: Thies Laura Friederike
Published: August 2023

Smart personal assistants are a specific form of context-sensitive applications. This thesis examines, firstly, the fundamental rights and legal requirements that are relevant to smart personal assistants, as well as the legal issues arising in connection with smart personal assistants, particularly in light of the "Europeanization of data protection law" and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in effect since 2018. Based on the identification of the legal framework, the second part of the thesis develops goals and exemplary proposals for the legally compliant design of smart personal assistants, taking into account the relationship with other design objectives, such as service quality.
Der Schutz des Beschuldigten vor seinem Verteidiger
Authors: Salat Constantin
Published: August 2023

The thesis examines - particularly in view of the defence lawyer's increased responsibility for the trial - the effects of deficiencies in the defence on the criminal proceedings, especially on the person of the accused. The focus here is first of all on the elaboration of a discrepancy between constitutional case law, which prohibits the attribution of fault at the expense of the accused, and the factual handling and actual treatment of defence counsel's poor performance. Based on this finding, the question is addressed as to whether the accused must be granted protection from his defence counsel at all or - if the question is answered in the affirmative - by whom and in what way such protection can be achieved.
Perspective Chapter: Application of Monte Carlo Methods in Strategic Business Decisions
Authors: Ngozi Nwafor Chioma
Published: August 2023

Some strategic business problems cannot be expressed in analytical forms and, in most cases, are difficult to define in a deterministic manner. This chapter explores the use of probabilistic modelling using Monte Carlo methods in the modelling of decision problems. The focus is on using Monte Carlo simulation to provide a quantitative assessment of uncertainties and key risk drivers in business decisions. Using an example based on hypothetical data, we illustrate decision problems where uncertainties make simulation modelling useful to obtain decision insights and explore alternative choices. We will explore how to propagate uncertainty in input decision variables to get a probability distribution of the output(s) of interest.
Recent Advances in Optogenetic Retinal Prostheses
Authors: Bansal Himanshu , Roy Sukhdev
Published: August 2023

Optogenetics has emerged as a revolutionary technology that enables circuit-specific restoration of neuronal function with millisecond temporal resolution. Restoring vision is one of the most promising and forefront applications of optogenetics. This chapter discusses essential components, mechanisms, present challenges, and future prospects of optogenetic retinal prostheses. The theoretical framework and analysis of optogenetic excitation of retinal ganglion neurons are also presented, which are useful in developing a better understanding and guidance for future experiments. It shows that the newly discovered ChRmine opsin provides control at light powers that are two orders of magnitude smaller than that required with experimentally studied opsins that include ChR2, ReaChR, and ChrimsonR, while maintaining single-spike temporal resolution, in retinal ganglion neurons.
Hyperbolic Navier-Stokes with Reconstructed Discontinuous Galerkin Method
Authors: Li Lingquan , Lou Jialin
Published: August 2023

One of the crucial issues of computational fluid dynamics is how to discretize the viscous terms accurately. Recently, an attractive and viable alternative numerical method for solving the compressible Navier–Stokes equations is proposed. The first-order hyperbolic system (FOHS) with reconstructed discontinuous Galerkin (rDG) method was first proposed to solve advection–diffusion model equations and then extend to compressible Navier–Stokes equations. For the model advection–diffusion equation, the proposed method is reliable, accurate, efficient, and robust, benefiting from FOHS and rDG methods. To implement the method of compressible Navier–Stokes equations, the gradients of density, velocity, and temperature are introduced as auxiliary variables. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the developed HNS + rDG methods are able to achieve the designed order of accuracy for both primary variables and their gradients.
Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-Biomarkers for Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Cruz Gloria , Nie Shengdong , Ramírez Juan
Published: August 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a degenerative neurological disorder, the origin of which remains unclear. The efficacy of treatments is limited due to the small number of remaining neurons. Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revolutionized clinical neuroimaging. This noninvasive and quantitative method gathers in vivo microstructural information to characterize pathological processes that modify nervous tissue integrity. The changes in signal intensity result from the motion of the water molecules; they can be quantified by diffusivity measures. Diffusion MRI has revealed “biomarkers” in several brain regions that could be useful for PD diagnosis. These regions include the olfactory tracts, putamen, white matter, superior cerebellar peduncles, middle cerebellar peduncle, pons, cerebellum, and substantia nigra. There are encouraging preliminary data that differentiate PD from atypical parkinsonian diseases based on these microstructural changes.
Educational Models for Managing Diversity: What’s Next?
Authors: Tsaliki Evanthia
Published: August 2023

Different educational models have been designed and implemented through the passage of time in order to manage diversity in the classroom. These educational models have been categorised as the monocultural educational models, such as the assimilation and integration models, which aim at assimilation and integration, respectively, of minority groups. The multicultural educational models aiming at the promotion of coexistence, tolerance of diversity and interaction of different cultural groups of either minority groups of the majority are also discussed and criticised along with recent educational dimensions of managing diversity such as the critical multicultural and the critical intercultural model.
Ground-Based HPA Pre-Distorter Using Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligent for Satellite Communication Applications
Authors: M. Nguyen Tien , H. Lee Charles , Cantarini Sean , Huang Xuanyu , Gudgel Jennifer , Lee Chanel , Gonzalez Cristal , Chen Genshe , Shen Dan , D.T. Nguyen John , D. Pham Khanh
Published: August 2023

This chapter describes an innovative design and implementation approach of a ground-based pre-distorter framework using machine learning and artificial intelligence (ML-AI) technology for high power amplifier (HPA) pre-distortion. The ML-AI technology enabler proposed is a combined multi-objective reinforce learning-and-adaptive neural network (MORL-ANN) and an operating environment predictor (OEP). The proposed framework addresses the signal distortions caused by a nonlinear HPA on the ground transmitter and a nonlinear HPA located at a satellite communication (SATCOM) transponder (TXDER). The TXDER’s HPA is assumed to operate under unknown conditions. The objective is twofold, namely, to demonstrate (i) an advanced decision science technique using ML-AI for future SATCOM applications and (ii) the feasibility of the proposed ground-based ML-AI framework using an end-to-end SATCOM emulator. A new OEP concept using a deterministic and Bayesian approach to improve the MORL-ANN pre-distorter (PD) performance will also be presented.
Nano Titania Applications in Cancer Theranostics
Authors: e Maria Qazi Rida , Sajid Zahra , Zhao Chunqiu , Ur Rehman Fawad , Ali Mian Afsar
Published: August 2023

Titanium is one of the most abundantly utilized nanomaterials for human consumption. Biomedical applications of nano titania include sunscreens, drug delivery, prosthetic implants, bioimaging probes, and antimicrobial and antirheumatic agents for various treatment of diseases, including autoimmune disease, neurogenerative diseases, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and cancer. Its applications as a drug delivery vehicle and photosensitizer in cancer therapy and diagnosis are highly appreciated, especially for skin and natural cavities applications. The reactive oxygen species (i.e., H2O2, OH., OH2, 1O2, etc.) generation properties of nano titania after activation with light or ultrasound make it ideal for apoptosis induction in neoplastic cells. In addition, the singlet oxygen (1O2) generating properties make it suitable for bioimaging deep-seated and superficial tumors after activation. Nano titania is highly biocompatible with negligible adverse effects. In this chapter, we will focus on the anticancer effects of nano titania on various types of cancers by employing it as a drug delivery vehicle and sensitizer for external source-activated modalities viz. photodynamic and sonodynamic therapy.
Radiation Cystitis
Authors: Arturo Levi D’Ancona Carlos , Canettieri Rubez André
Published: August 2023

The bladder is incidentally exposed during radiation therapy for cancer involving pelvic structures. Radiation exposure induces urothelium damage and perivascular fibrosis, as well as traumatizes the detrusor smooth muscle, resulting in a decrease in bladder compliance and capacity. The acute and subacute phases of radiation cystitis (RC) occur during or within 3–6 months after therapy. On the other hand, late RC can develop from 6 months to years after radiation treatment. Clinical symptoms may include storage and voiding symptoms, pelvic pain and hematuria. The diagnosis is focused on the exclusion of other causes. The oral therapies include analgesics, anticholinergics, alpha-blockers and 5-reductase inhibitors. Intravesical instillation (e.g., prostaglandin, formalin, hyaluronic acid) have been used for the treatment of late RC. The management of hemorrhagic cystitis is tailored according to the severity of the symptoms, involving conservative measures, hyperbaric oxygen, fulguration, selective embolization, urinary diversion or cystectomy.
High-Resolution Regional Climate Projections for Ontario and the Canadian Great Lakes Basins
Authors: Liu Jinliang , Zhu Huaiping , Deng Ziwang , Charron Chris
Published: August 2023

The IPCC-endorsed multiple model/scenario approach and a state-of-the-science combined downscaling methodology were applied to project the future climate changes over Ontario and the Canadian Great Lakes basins. Significant warming is expected across the province under all RCPs. Relative to 1986–2005 averages, the highest temperature rise is projected to occur in Ontario’s Far North, 7.3°C warmer by the 2080s. The temperature over the Great Lakes Basin is projected to increase by 1.3–5.7°C. Ontario’s annual total precipitation is projected to increase 86.9 mm (11%) by the 2080s under RCP 8.5, while summer precipitation is projected to decrease by 32.9 mm (12%) and winter precipitation to increase by 52.4 mm (48%). In the Great Lakes Basin, the greatest increase in annual average temperature (1.7–5.3°C) is projected to occur in the Lake Superior sub-basin by the 2080s. Winter warming is projected to exceed summer warming in all sub-basins. Annual total precipitation is projected to increase in all five sub-basins, with the largest increase in the Lake Superior sub-basin. Summer (winter) is projected to be drier (wetter) across the entire Great Lakes Basin. These projected changes could have implications on future water levels in the Great Lakes and many aspects over the study area.
Epidemiology of Visceral Leishmaniasis in India
Authors: R. Patil Rajan , K. Chatterjee Prabir
Published: August 2023

Kala-azar is a leading parasitic infection of great epidemic and mortality potential. More than 90% of Incident cases brought to notice of WHO in 2019 were mainly reported from 10 countries. Four endemic states in India namely Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand have high disease burden of Kalazar. All 4 endemic states have to mandatorily notify cases to the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) every month, even if there are zero cases. In recent years of Kala-azar cases, India have witnessed reduction of 97% largely due to the introduction of single-dose AmBisome –in India has been the game changer. There are three forms of leishmaniasis seen in India Kala-azar, they are Visceral Leishmaniasis, Post Kalazar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) and Cutaneous leishmaniasis. PKDL patients harbor the parasite and may be the source of new infection to the vector even 20 years later. Poverty enhances the risk for Kala-azar. Poor housing and domestic sanitary conditions are good breeding ground for sandfly which is the vector for Visceral Leishmaniasis, as well as resting sites and their ease of sandfly contact with humans. Kala-azar is a climate-sensitive disease as any change in temperature and humidity influences vector breeding.
Fracture Mechanics Application in Soil Strength Identification: A Scientometric Analysis
Authors: Ravindran Gobinath , Mahesh Vutukuru , Yati Binti Katman Herda , Nikhil Kumar A.
Published: August 2023

Fracture mechanics is a relatively new field that combines the study of fractures and mechanical characteristics. It focuses on understanding damage, fractures, and related events. Fracture mechanics helps quantify material properties, stress distribution, crack length, and the processes of crack propagation. Many academics are currently applying fracture mechanics in their analyses. In this study, we have examined the recent research progress (2000–2023) using a scientometric approach to assess its contribution. Our findings indicate a recent slowdown in research growth within this area. There have been a considerable number of publications (620) and a significant body of available research papers (1564). Moreover, a large number of authors (3985) are actively working in this field. International collaboration accounts for nearly 19% of the research output. On average, each document receives about 18.2 citations, reflecting the notable impact in this growing domain. This study serves as a valuable resource for new researchers interested in undertaking research within this field.
Perspective Chapter: Intermedial Comparative Literature – From the Sister-Arts Debate to the Twentieth-Century Avant-Gardes
Authors: López-Varela Azcárate Asun
Published: August 2023

This chapter traces an overview of the evolution of the ekphrastic exchanges among the so-called sister-arts until the emergence of the concept of the total work of art (Gesamtkunstwerk) and the artistic syncretism of twentieth-century avant-gardes. The discussion is framed within Intermedial Studies, an interdisciplinary area that merges aspects of semiotics, communication studies and comparative literature, among other disciplines. The chapter focuses on the major technological shifts that have shaped the discussion. It does not contemplate the digital convergence, which is explored in the chapter “Literature Review on Intermedial Studies from Analogue to Digital” as part of InTech volume The Intermediality of Contemporary Visual Arts.
The Potential of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (hiPSCs) for the Study of Channelopathies: Advances and Future Directions
Authors: Disse Paul , Ritter Nadine , Strutz-Seebohm Nathalie , Seebohm Guiscard
Published: August 2023

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have revolutionized research on ion channels and channelopathies. Channelopathies are a group of genetic disorders characterized by dysfunctional ion channels, which are responsible for the regulation of ion flow across cell membranes. These disorders can affect various organ systems, leading to a wide range of symptoms and clinical manifestations. Differentiating pluripotent stem cells into various cell types results in the possibility of creating tissue- and disease-specific cell models. These models offer the possibility to investigate the underlying mechanisms of channelopathies and develop potential therapies. Using hiPSC-derived cells has allowed crucial insights into diseases like epilepsy, long QT syndrome, and periodic paralysis. However, the full potential of hiPSCs in this field is still to be exploited. The research will most likely focus on developing more complex cell models to further investigate channel dysfunction and its pathological consequences. In addition, hiPSCs will be increasingly used in drug screening and developing personalized therapies for various diseases. This chapter outlines the past and present achievements of hiPSCs in the field of channelopathies as well as provides an outlook on future possibilities.
Modulation of Oxytocin Release by Internal Calcium Stores
Authors: Velázquez-Marrero Cristina , R. Lemos José
Published: August 2023

This chapter elucidates the role of depolarization-induced oxytocin (OT) vs. arginine vasopressin (AVP) secretion in the absence of external calcium, and calcium release from ryanodine-sensitive internal stores as a significant physiological contributor to neuropeptide secretion from hypothalamic neurohypophysial system (HNS) terminals. This has important therapeutic implications, given that exogenous administration of OT to children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has shown some success in improving social behavior and lowering anxiety. However, this nonspecific treatment has side effects, including seizures, increased heart rate variability, and psychotic symptoms. Alternatively, facilitating the physiological neuronal release of OT but not AVP from the HNS via modulation of ryanodine vs. inositol triphosphate receptor (IP3R) calcium stores would specifically facilitate central vs. peripheral OT release in ASD patients.
HIV Treatment and Obesity: What’s New?
Authors: Freitas Paula , Ribeiro Sara
Published: August 2023

Obesity among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH)) is an emerging public health issue. In recent years, new drugs have been approved for the treatment of HIV infection, which have greatly extended the lives of patients, but they may also play a role in rising obesity rates. In addition to HIV-specific factors, traditional risk factors shared with the general population (aging, diet, inactivity, and genetics) are credible culprits for this pandemic. Importantly, the compounded presence of obesity and HIV infection seems to magnify the risk of metabolic disease. To date, several questions remain to be fully elucidated including the mechanisms by which antiretroviral drugs may lead to excessive weight gain, the influence of the interplay with environmental and genetic factors, and the long-term clinical effect of obesity in PLWH. Recently, new drugs for the treatment of obesity and new metabolic surgeries have emerged, shading new hope on obesity management. The aim of this chapter is to take a journey into the world of obesity, showing the most recent evidence in HIV patients.
VoxSton – A New Water Clarification System
Authors: Pylkkanen Juhani
Published: August 2023

A new water clarification system for industrial and communal wastewater is presented here. The system consists of two centrifugal separators, a screw separator and two vortex flow flotation units. It can separate the solids like fibers out of the sludge and press them to dry matter content of up to 30 percent and clean the sludge water for recycling and discharge to nature. The clarification system can, in most cases, treat process and communal sludge continuously or daily basis directly from outlets of the wastewater to be treated to finish without equalization and precipitation. The objective is to recycle the process and wastewater, and to collect different ingredients for reuse as much as possible, and to prevent microbe growth. The new system saves in energy and space as well as in operational costs by roughly 50 percent compared to present advanced systems. The capital costs are estimated to be lower too. The new treatment or part of it has been applied for purification of various water matrices from city and industrial wastewaters to natural lake waters.
MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN BAHASA DAN KETERAMPILAN BERNYANYI BAHASA INGGRIS BAGI MUDA MUDI GEREJA HKBP MARTUBUNG
Authors: Sembiring Rony Arahta , Galingging Kamaluddin , Sihite Jubilezer , Sitompul Dewi Sartika , Situmorang Sari Febriyanti , Japardi Yoan Novri Yanti
Published: August 2023

The ability to speak English in today's digital era has become a must for everyone to be able to survive in global competition. For this reason, the team from the Faculty of Languages and Arts, University of HKBP Nommensen Medan, provided training to the young people of the HKBP Martubung church to develop their English language skills and their application in singing techniques. In this training, the method used is interactive question-and-answer discussions and lectures to increase the motivation and participation of participants in each activity. Based on the results of the learning evaluation obtained by the Language and Arts Faculty team, there was a good change and an increase from the first month of training to the end of this activity. All participants were very enthusiastic about showing their ability to sing in English, although there were still some children who seemed reluctant to show their abilities in singing. Given the limited time available, it is hoped that the intensity of training like this can be carried out regularly so that the motivation and desire to learn among young people can continue to be developed in order to gain better skills.
Estudio de la variabilidad del ritmo cardíaco mediante técnicas estadísticas, espectrales y no lineales
Authors:   , García González Miguel Ángel
Published: August 2023

El análisis de la variabilidad del ritmo cardíaco es una técnica no invasiva que permite la diagnosis y prognosis de cardiopatías y neuropatías. El ritmo cardíaco está modulado por diversos sistemas fisiológicos siendo el nexo de unión el sistema nervioso autónomo o vegetativo (tanto la rama parasimpática como la rama simpática). La degeneración del sistema nervioso autónomo o del tejido cardíaco queda reflejada en el análisis de la serie temporal RR mediante la cual se cuantifica y caracteriza la variabilidad del ritmo cardíaco.
La secuencia RR se puede obtener a partir de un electrocardiograma superficial convencional midiendo el tiempo entre complejos QRS consecutivos. El análisis de la señal RR debe ser inmune a la presencia de artefactos (detección defectuosa de complejos QRS) y debe averiguar si hay algún sistema que está degenerado. Algunos métodos de análisis son el estadístico, el espectral, el de osciladores no lineales, etc.
Los objetivos principales de esta tesis son el estudio de la relación entre la HRV y los diversos sistemas fisiológicos en sujetos sanos y en pacientes, y la crítica y mejora de los diversos métodos de caracterización de la serie RR. La hipótesis subyacente es la posibilidad de identificar el efecto de los diferentes sistemas y de mejorar la interpretación y caracterización de la HRV para una posterior aplicación a la diagnosis. Se han propuesto nuevos índices para la medida de la secuencia RR, se han realizado experimentos que han demostrado las limitaciones de los métodos espectrales y se han propuesto mejoras para el análisis espectral de la variabilidad del ritmo cardíaco. Se han comparado los métodos espectro-temporales para poder realizar análisis de señales no estacionarias. Por otro lado se han empleado métodos como el biespectro que aportan información útil para el análisis de la señal RR. Se han realizado medidas en sujetos sanos y en modelos animales para la verificación de las herramientas propuestas. Así mismo, se han propuesto aplicaciones nuevas como el uso conjunto de la medida de la variabilidad del ritmo cardíaco y de la pletismografía de impedancias para el análisis de los sistemas reguladores de los fluidos corporales.
Se ha desarrollado un equipo para la monitorización ambulatoria de la variabilidad del ritmo cardíaco. Este equipo se ha aplicado a diversas medidas.
Técnicas de reducción del ruido de conmutación en circuitos integrados CMOS
Authors:   , González Jiménez José Luis
Published: August 2023

El ruido de conmutación generado por los circuitos digitales representa un problema importante que a menudolimita las prestaciones de los circuitos integradosdigitales y mixtos. éste ruido de conmutación estápresente en los terminales de alimentación internos delos circuitos y es debido a la inductancia parásita quepresentan los terminales y conductores del encapsulado.Estos componentes inductivos transforman en ruido detensión la derivada temporal de los pulsos de corrientedemandados por la lógica al conmutar. Al estar presenteen los terminales de alimentación puede afectar acualquier zona del circuito. Además, dado que losterminales de alimentación se utilizan para polarizar elsubstrato o el pozo de los CI semiconductores el ruido esinyectado en dicho substrato y puede propagarse por él,afectando incluso a circuitos que no comparten la mismaalimentación que los circuitos digitales generadores delruido.En los últimos años se han propuesto diferentesalternativas para solucionar este problema, la mayoría deellas centradas en dos aspectos. El primero de ellosconsiste en introducir condensadores de desacoplo dentrodel encapsulado y/o reducir el valor de la inductanciadel encapsulado a base de incrementar el número determinales dedicados a alimentaciones o a base deutilizar técnicas de encapsulado avanzadas. El segundo secentra en el diseño de circuitos de salida que generenbajos niveles de ruido, pues los condensadores internosde desacoplo no reducen el ruido generado por estoscircuitos. En este trabajo de tesis se analizan todasestas técnicas y se realiza un estudio más detallado delruido generado internamente. Se proponen técnicas dereducción del ruido de conmutación en todos los aspectos:distribución de la alimentación, diseño lógico y diseñode los circuitos de salida de los CI CMOS, y se presentanresultados experimentales medidos sobre prototiposfabricados que