bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application and Reflection of Virtual Reality in Digital Tourism Development
Authors: Li Yun , Li Cuixia , Cui Jianfeng , Gao Yuan
Published: March 2024

The digital era has ushered in transformative changes for the tourism industry, with virtual reality (VR) technology emerging as a pivotal innovation. This study investigates VR’s role in revolutionizing tourism by offering immersive experiences that enhance the enjoyment of travel and contribute to the preservation and transmission of cultural heritage. Our research assesses VR’s effects on tourism experiences and economic performance by employing panoramic roaming and multi-projection immersive environments. Findings reveal a dramatic increase in tourism returns, with a notable 80% rise in total return on assets for CITS, from 10% in 2013 to 18% in 2023. Additionally, VR has significantly influenced tourists’ spatial-temporal behaviors, boosting their engagement and interest in heritage sites. This paper highlights VR technology’s potential to augment tourism experiences and economic gains, underscoring its importance in the sector’s digital evolution.
Study on college English Major Teaching and Language Library change based on the advantage correlation method
Authors: Chang Congmin , Cheng Huimin , Yin Yu
Published: March 2024

Gray system theory has been used in various disciplines recently, and its potential for language base change analysis and education assessment has been steadily investigated. Grey correlation analysis is a valuable tool for evaluating the effectiveness of instruction, particularly for English majors in colleges and institutions. Optimizing instructional strategies can be achieved through the use of this information. English teaching is profoundly affected by changes in the language bank, which requires teachers to continuously adjust their teaching strategies to adapt to the language’s development trend. Using the dominant correlation degree approach, this study investigates the connection between the changing language pool and the instruction of English majors at colleges and universities.This paper takes 14 colleges and universities of different levels as the investigation object. According to the study, there are no apparent differences between key colleges and ordinary colleges regarding learning needs, but there are differences in teaching requirements and environments. By evaluating the teaching quality of three teachers, it was found that their teaching quality correlations were 0.96, 0.98, and 0.99, respectively, and all reached an excellent level of evaluation. By examining the language bank changes, this study’s gray correlation approach may be improved to enhance the effectiveness and caliber of instruction. The study offers new guidelines for improving English instruction at colleges and universities and an assessment instrument.
Occurrence of Lotmaria Passim in Africanized and European Honey Bee, Apis Mellifera, Lineages from the United States
Authors: Williams Mary-Kate , Cleary Dylan , Szalanski Allen
Published: March 2024

Honey bee populations in the United States have been under stress for the past several decades. Several internal parasites may contribute to this, including the trypanosome Lotmaria passim. It is unknown how widespread the honey bee parasite, L. passim, is in Africanized honey bee (AHB) populations in the United States. A total of 321 feral honey bee colony samples which had been previously recorded to be of Africanized origin using molecular diagnostics from California (n=3), New Mexico (n=46), Oklahoma (n=57), Texas (n=106), and Utah (n=109) were used in this study. Of these samples, a total of 15 (4.7%) from three States were positive for L. passim. Utah AHB samples had the highest infection rate (11.0%), followed by Texas (1.9%) and Oklahoma (1.8%). Compared with previous studies on the occurrence of L. passim from European honey bees from the same sampled States, infection rates of Africanized honey bees for L. passim were significantly higher in the State of Utah, but not for the other sampled States. This study provides evidence that feral honey bee populations do not necessarily have lower levels of honey bee parasites than managed honey bee colonies.
Is Remote Working Effective in the Public Utility Sector? The Perspective of Resource Allocation in Administrative and Civil Services
Authors: Kam Aygun , Przygodzki Zbigniew , Trippner-Hrabi Justyna
Published: March 2024

Objectives (1) assessing the effectiveness of resource allocation in the public utility sector groups during remote work, (2) examining the efficiency of remote work compared to stationary work from the entire public utility organization point of view.

Methodology To operationalize the research aim, ten research questions (RQ1-RQ9) and a research hypothesis (H1) were prepared for the identification of the effectiveness of resource allocation (Table 1).

H1. If remote work improves time management effectiveness for daily tasks, employees are willing to invest their resources to work remotely.

Research question RQ10 was prepared to achieve this goal, and the second hypothesis (H2) was formulated.

H2. Remote working reduces public utility sector institutions’ resource consumption (utility expenses).

Findings (1) remote work requirements do not occupy a significant portion of annual budgets for public utility services, (2) remote work allows reducing the fixed costs of maintaining stationary working in the short term, (3) even if remote work is a cost-effective method for public utility services and decreases indirect employee costs, it has yet to be incorporated successfully.

Value added: Consequently, remote work saves resources and is cost-effective for employers. It lowers indirect employee costs (real tax deductible costs) in terms of utility expenses because employees work out of their institutions’ premises in civil and administrative services. In addition, the employer does not finance the psychological and physiological needs of employees adapting to remote work in both services.

Recommendations Future research will be essential to assess whether remote work applications have improved in the public utility sector in this regard. Additionally, it would be best practice to conduct a study with a similar research concept in the private sector to compare findings and implementation strategies and offer solutions to the challenges caused by remote work.
The Greek economic crisis and its impact on the national health system
Authors: Karamanis Kostas , Kolias Georgios , Triarchi Eirini , Malescou Christina
Published: March 2024

The Greek economic crisis produced severe economic and social outcomes. A massive rescue package was conditional on implementing a Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies agreed upon between the Greek government and the EU, European Central Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. The extremely austere fiscal consolidation and the structural reforms accompanying the Greek Economic Adjustment Programmes reduced the country’s GDP. Implementing the austerity policies on the Greek National Health System, which was already facing structural problems, reduced the quality and availability of public health care services. This paper investigates the impact of the GDP change on public healthcare expenditures (HCE) from 2000 to 2018. The empirical analysis reveals a statistically significant positive correlation between the GDP per capita and public healthcare expenditure (HCE) from 2000 to 2014 while the effect of GDP on HCE after the 2015 remains unchanged. This paper contributes to the field’s literature since it determines the impact of GDP on public HCE, specifically matched with empirical results to derive conclusive answers.
Resistance to technological innovation and brand equity in the banking sector
Authors: López-Rodríguez Campo Elías , Sandoval-Escobar Marithza , Maldonado José Andrés Sepúlveda
Published: March 2024

Consolidating strategies in the banking sector to reduce the impact of resistance barriers to technological innovation can bring brands closer to older people, thus reinforcing the brand value of banking institutions; therefore, the objective of this research was to identify the incidence of resistance barriers to technological innovation on the dimensions of brand equity in the banking sector by elderly people. For this purpose, a descriptive correlational study was developed with 502 elderly people living in the city of Bogotá, Colombia, aged between 60 and 80 years old. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire applied in person, which was adjusted and validated based on the information obtained. The questionnaire assessed brand equity components of brand image and awareness, brand associations, perceived quality and performance, and brand loyalty, and included items to assess psychological and functional barriers. A confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were developed for the different barriers of resistance to technology and for the dimensions of brand equity, identifying that the different types of resistance to innovation affect only the dimensions of brand awareness and brand importance. The results lead to the conclusion that elderly people experience different barriers to using the technological applications of their banking products and that the design of these applications must consider them in order to achieve or maintain brand recognition in this segment, as well as to achieve true financial inclusion for elderly people.
Hydrodynamic Loads on a Semi-Submersible Platform Supporting a Wind Turbine Under a Mooring System With Buoys
Authors: Mazarakos Thomas , Tsaousis Theodosis
Published: March 2024

In this study, the effect of a 10MW DTU wind turbine (WT) on a semi-submersible platform is examined from the point of view of its dynamic behaviour as part of a mooring system with attached buoys. The platform has a rectangular geometry, and consists of four offset and one main cylindrical members. The structure is assumed to receive both wave and wind loading simultaneously. A coupled analysis within the frequency domain is performed using two boundary element method software packages, NEMOH and HAMS. The results are presented in the form of parametric graphs for each of the software packages used and for varying wave directions. The graphs show the hydrodynamic loads exerted on the platform, the wave elevation, the added masses, the hydrodynamic damping coefficients, the mooring line tensions, and the Response Amplitude Operators (RAOs) for the motion of the platform.
The Influence of Organizational Climate and Market Orientation on Business Performance with Financial Literacy and Csr as Mediation in MSMES in Malang City
Authors: Orbaningsih Dwi , Pakaja Fachrudin , Handhajani SBP. , Nursiswati Any
Published: March 2024

Purpose: This study aims to describe the effect of organizational climate and market orientation on the performance of MSME businesses.
 
Theoretical framework: In addition to financial literacy and corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities provided by the company seen as a mediating variable that has a significant effect on the previous relationship.
 
Design/methodology/approach: This study uses a quantitative approach and to business people in the souvenir center in the Greater Malang area as many as 102 samples. Path data analysis is used with the help of Smart PLS.
 
Findings: The results of research on organizational climate and market orientation are important drivers in improving MSME business performance. Furthermore, mediation through financial literacy and corporate CSR supports a significant relationship between organizational climate and market orientation towards improving their business performance.
 
Research,  Practical  &  Social  implications: Organizational climate and market orientation are good variables and are a driving force for improving the performance of MSME businesses.
 
Originality/value: This research is original. Carried out in Indonesia for MSMEs that are developing their business with a more modern pattern to achieve maximum performance through an organizational climate and market orientation supported by good financial literacy.
The Influence of Work Motivation and Work Environment on Job Satisfaction and Its Impact on the Performance of Bank Mandiri Employees Palembang City
Authors: Idris M. , Choiriyah  , Jonifar  , U Fithri Atika , Hidayat Randy
Published: March 2024

Purpose: This study aims to determine the effect of work motivation and work environment on job satisfaction and its impact on the performance of Bank Mandiri employees in Palembang City.
 
Theoretical Framework: The surrounding environment in which a person works, work methods and work arrangements both as an individual and in a group.
 
Methods: This type of research is quantitative descriptive. In this study using primary data. Motivation has an effect on employee performance satisfaction of Bank Mandiri Palembang City. The sample in this study were Bank Mandiri employees in the city of Palembang, amounting to 192 people. Work environment has no significant effect on job satisfaction of Bank Mandiri employees in Palembang City.
 
Results and Conclusion: Work motivation has no significant effect on the performance of Bank Mandiri employees in Palembang City. Job satisfaction has a significant effect on the performance of Bank Mandiri employees in Palembang City. Work motivation has an indirect effect on job satisfaction of Bank Mandiri employees in Palembang City.
 
Research implications: The work environment has a significant effect on the performance of Bank Mandiri employees in Palembang City.
 
Originality/value: The work environment has no significant effect on performance through job satisfaction of Bank Mandiri employees in Palembang City.
Legal Empowerment and The Role of Digital Technologies in The Development of Legal Services in Ukraine
Authors: Khatniuk Nataliia , Chapliuk Oksana , Udovenko Zhanna , Nykolyna Kateryna , Pobiianska Nelli , Oblovatska Nataliia
Published: March 2024

Purpose: This research article aims to investigate the intersection of legal empowerment and the use of innovative tools to enhance the development of legal services in Ukraine, with a particular emphasis on the role of digital technologies in reshaping the legal landscape.
 
Methods: The study employs a comprehensive approach, utilizing a combination of literature review, case studies, and empirical research to examine the current state of legal services in Ukraine and assess the impact of digital technologies on access to justice, legal service delivery, and legal innovation.
 
Results and discussion: The findings highlight the potential benefits and challenges associated with the adoption and integration of digital tools in various facets of the legal profession in Ukraine, such as case management, legal research, client communication, and document automation. The discussion delves into the implications of these results for the future of legal services in the country.
 
Implications of the research: The research offers insights that can guide policymakers, legal practitioners, and stakeholders in leveraging digital innovation to enhance the accessibility, efficiency, and effectiveness of legal services in Ukraine. It also underscores the importance of embracing technological advancements to address the evolving needs of legal service users.
 
Originality/value: This article contributes to the existing literature by providing a nuanced exploration of the transformative potential of digital technologies in advancing legal services within the Ukrainian context. The research offers valuable perspectives on harnessing innovation to drive positive changes in the legal sector, ultimately benefiting both service providers and recipients.
Combating Economic Crime in Ukraine In Conditions of Sustainable Development
Authors: Anatolii Dykyi , Sergii Marko , Olena Dyka , Dmytro Tychyna , Oksana Rakul , Katerina Horbunova
Published: March 2024

Purpose: The study is devoted to clarifying the system of law enforcement agencies of Ukraine in the field of prevention and counteraction of economic crime, determining the directions of transformation of individual agencies in order to improve the efficiency of their activities in this area.
 
Methods: The methodological basis of the study was general philosophical and general scientific methods of learning phenomena and processes: theoretical generalization, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, systematization, analogy, systematization, generalization, bibliometric analysis, modeling.
 
Results and discussion: It was established that economic crimes are threats to the economic security of the state, consisting in the implementation of illegal economic activity (economic processes, relations, operations) or violation of requirements for legal economic activity to satisfy the selfish interests of a person or a group of persons. The specific features of economic crime prevention and counteraction entities that implement the law enforcement function in Ukraine as a component of economic security in conditions of sustainable development are highlighted. The procedure and forms of interaction of law enforcement agencies in the specified area under martial law conditions have been determined. Proposals were made to the legislation to increase the efficiency of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine as an analytical law enforcement agency in countering economic criminal offenses.
 
Implications of the research: This research has theoretical and applied significance. From the theoretical side - to determine the essence and content of economic crime, to clarify the system of law enforcement agencies of Ukraine in the field of prevention and counteraction of economic crime. From a practical point of view, proposals of a theoretical, methodological and legislative nature will contribute to the development of the most effective ways of combating crime in this area, will help to understand the place and role of such a law enforcement body with a special status as the Bureau of Economic Security in the specified activity of the state.
 
Originality/value: The tasks of law enforcement agencies in combating economic crimes in the conditions of martial law and hybrid warfare are becoming extremely important in many countries, as they are aimed at ensuring the financing of defense capabilities and ensuring sustainable development. The author's proposals formulated in the research will contribute to the understanding of economic crime, form an idea about the powers and directions of improvement of the activities of law enforcement agencies in combating crime in this area.
Formation of Professional Competence in Future Border Guard Officers of Canine Units at a Military Educational Institution
Authors: Sofiian Dmytro , Serkhovets Serhii , Afanasyev Anatoliy , Kovalchuk Oleg , Miroshnichenko Valentina
Published: March 2024

Purpose: This article delves into the formation of professional competence in future border guard officers of canine units at a military educational institution, focusing on the training programs and methodologies aimed at preparing these officers for effective work with canine units.
 
Methods: The study examines the specialized training programs and methodologies utilized to equip future officers with essential skills in dog handling, scent detection, search and rescue operations, obedience training, and tactical deployment. It emphasizes the significance of developing competence in these areas to enhance border control operations involving canines.
 
Results and discussion: By analyzing the specific training approaches of military educational institutions, this study sheds light on the methods employed in preparing future border guard officers, underscoring the necessity of a comprehensive and specialized training regimen for optimal performance in canine unit operations.
 
Implications of the research: The findings of this study contribute to refining training practices and fostering the development of competent canine unit officers within the military framework, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of border control operations.
 
Originality/value: This research adds value by offering insights into the tailored training methodologies essential for nurturing professional competence in future border guard officers of canine units, highlighting the critical role of specialized knowledge and skills in ensuring successful canine-assisted operations in border security.
Postpartum cinsel işlev sorunlarına müdahaleler: Randomize kontrollü çalışmaların sistematik derlemesi
Authors: Boyraz Hilal Gül , Erbil Nülüfer
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this systematic review is to conduct a systematic review of interventions for postpartum sexual function problems. MATERIAL and METHODS: In this systematic review, “PubMed”, “Cochrane”, “Web of Science”, “Science Direct” and “Scopus” databases were searched with the keyword “interventions AND postpartum sexual dysfunction”. The systematic review aimed to include studies published in the last five years, published in English or Turkish, with full text available, and containing interventions for postpartum sexual dysfunction. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was used for study design. The methodological quality of the studies included in the systematic review was evaluated according to the “Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Randomized Controlled Studies” published by the Joanna Briggs Institute. RESULTS: Eight articles published between 2019–2022 were included in the synthesis phase of the systematic review. It was determined that the “Female Sexual Function Scale” was most commonly used in the studies included in the systematic review. Studies have shown that various interventions such as pelvic floor muscle exercise training, postpartum sexual health programs, and sensory focus technique have been implemented for sexual function problems. It has been determined that pelvic floor muscle exercises, sensory focus technique, pelvic floor muscle trainers, sexual counselling based on PLISSIT and BETTER models, and Postpartum Sexual Health Programs have positive effects on postpartum sexual dysfunctions, while intra-vaginal oxytocin application and far infrared radiation have no effect. CONCLUSION: It has been determined that interventions for postpartum period sexual dysfunctions generally have a positive effect on women’s sexual lives. In order to achieve improvements in postpartum sexual dysfunction, it is recommended to develop various interventions and evaluate them with different measurement tools in larger sample groups. Keywords: postpartum, sexual dysfunction, randomized controlled trial
Androloji laboratuvarlarında semen analizi standardizasyonun Dünya Sağlık Örgütü (DSÖ) kriterlerine göre değerlendirilmesi
Authors: Afşin Muhamet , Duman Mesude
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVE: Due to its complexity and subjectivity, semen analysis is difficult to standardize across laboratories. Our aim in this study is to collect basic information about semen analysis of andrology laboratories in Türkiye and to determine the level of standardization within and between laboratories for semen analysis. MATERIAL and METHODS: A survey consisting of 41 questions covering all aspects of semen analysis was sent to 145 andrology laboratories that perform semen analysis in Türkiye. Of all, 106 laboratories filled out and returned the survey. The content of the survey was prepared according to the procedures specified in the 6th edition of the 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) laboratory handbook for the examination and processing of human semen. The survey was designed to obtain information about the reported parameters, semen collection and storage, macroscopic-microscopic evaluation, advanced tests and internal-external quality control of the laboratory. RESULTS: In relation to the laboratories, 84.1% of the parameters reported in semen analysis, 75.8% of the semen collection phase, 76.5% of the storage of semen in the laboratory and macroscopic analysis, 78.07% of the microscopic analysis of semen, 49.8% of advanced tests and 73% of the parameters related to quality criteria were compatible with WHO 2021 criteria. CONCLUSION: There appear to be differences between laboratories in Türkiye in the reporting and standardization of semen analysis according to the WHO 2021 criteria. Many different standards and criteria are used for semen analysis in andrology laboratories. This makes it difficult to compare results from one laboratory to another. Therefore, it should be recommended that semen analysis be evaluated according to the criteria set by international standards and guidelines. Keywords: semen analysis, andrology laboratory, microscopic analysis
Characterization and Interpretation of Dedicated Reservoir Interval: A 2D Seismic Structural Approach
Authors: Idan Rami M. , Al-Khazraji Omar
Published: March 2024

In the present study, three different depth conversion methods have been used with varying equations at Mishrif Formation to determine the best method to produce better, more realistic and accurate interpretation results and to reduce the risk of future petroleum production wells drilling. Three horizons were picked (Tanuma, Mishrif and Rumaila) and converted into a two-way time grid surface. In addition, the velocity parameters (instantaneous velocity and rate of velocity change with depth) were computed and converted to the form grid surface from the well data, showing lateral velocity variation. Among the three models carried out, the Model 1 is considered the most accurate depth conversion method in this region according to the results of the geostatistical analysis. This method gave fewer errors and mistakes between actual and predicted depth with the best intra-extrapolation technique at all directions away from the well area with a standard deviation value of 13.2, and the standard deviation values of 13.6 and 13.9 for models 2 and 3, respectively.
Isopach Map of Mishrif Formation in Nasiriya Oil Field by Using 3D Seismic Data
Authors: Habeeb Yousif  T. , Ali Kamal K.
Published: March 2024

The current study included interpretations of the three-dimensional seismic Data for the Nasiriya oil field implemented by the Oil exploration company in 2010 with a planned surface coverage area of 1273 km². The Nasiriyah field is located in southern Iraq within the Dhi Qar Governorate, about (10) km northwest of the governorate center (Nasiriyah), and the Muthanna governorate is located in the northwestern part of the field, which is approximately (15) km west of the governorate center (Samawah). The information from the wells (well velocity survey, formation depths, logs) was relied upon and entered into the seismic cube data to capture the top of the Mishrif Formation. In addition is to pick the top of the Rumaila Formation, which represents the bottom of the Mishrif Formation. The top and bottom Mishrif reflectors were picked, interpreted, and tracked within the region. The reflector's two-way time (TWT), velocity, and depth maps showed structural closure features in the center of the area, and the general direction of the closure is thenorthwest–southeast. The structural maps showed a general tendency towards the northeast. The isopach map showed that the thickness values of the Mishrif Formation increased to the west and northwest while the thickness decreased toward the east and southeast.
Effect of the Magnetic Field and Rotation on Peristaltic Flow of A Bingham Fluid in Asymmetric Channel with Porous Medium
Authors: Kadhim Mohammed Obayes , Hummady Liqaa Z.
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we investigate the influence of the rotation and magnetic field on the peristaltic flow of the Bingham fluid in an asymmetric channel with a porous medium under the long wavelength and low Reynolds number approximation assumptions.                                                                                                                           
The perturbation method and the Mathematica program for solving nonlinear partial differential equations are used to couple the momentum equations with the rotational and magnetic field equations. The fluid is considered to be subject to a magnetic field and to flow within a porous medium. Graphs are used to display expressions for speed, stress gradient, magnetic subject, current density, rotation impact, and drift function. The findings reveal that the rotation, density, permeability, coupling diversity, and non-dimensional wave amplitude all play significant roles in the phenomenon. The quantities flow has been tested for variant parameters. The impact of the Bingham, Hartman and Darcy numbers are also tested for different values to indicate the effect on the movement of flow fluid. The applications can be seen through many graphics.
A Smart Rehabilitation System (SRS) for Criminals in Smart Cities
Authors: Rabee Furkan , Khan Saeed Ahmed
Published: March 2024

This article suggests designing an intelligent system to rehabilitate criminals in smart cities, which consists of two categories: the first category suggests a “smart social system," which suggests managing the behaviors (good or bad) of individuals as the root of crime committing. To manage any criminal behavior, we proposed electronic recording of the criminal behavior as the first step, then submitting the criminal with its behavior under proposed rehabilitation theories as the second step to examine the behavior enhancement. This rehabilitation system depends on the prize-and-penalty principle. The penalty in this system is a suspended sentence with community services and fines instead of prison punishment. The second proposed category is constructing the smart system techniques by automating the proposed “smart social system” as a part of the smart police organization under the smart city. The methodology suggests working as a training system to submit the criminals that should be going to prison in standard cases under the proposed rehabilitation system process within a specific period. The proposed system suggested three categories of behaviors into which a prisoner may fall; he might fall into the category of "very bad people," where he needs to go to prison due to his worst actions. Second, he might fall into the "very good person" category, so this system suggests his prison punishment is now over and he is now free and can be released because he has enhanced his behavior. whereas the third category is the gradual process of a person whose actions lie in between these two characteristics; for this scenario, our proposed system suggests that this person needs rehabilitation and training to improve his behavior.
A uniform crossover for the genetic algorithm has been implemented to check the performance of the proposed system. Thus, this could be very useful in improving the crime-preventing systems of the population in smart cities.
Hyperspectral Image Sharpening Using Fusion Techniques -A Case Study at Salah Al-Din Province/Iraq-
Authors: Abdulwahab Rawnak Adel , Hadi Firas A.
Published: March 2024

The data fusion process includes merging two or more pieces of information obtained from different sensors. Satellite image fusion research aims to create a new image by combining two images captured by different sensors using various methodologies. In this research, image sharpening tools were used to combine a hyperspectral image with a low spatial resolution captured by a Hyperion sensor mounted on the Earth Observation 1 (EO-1) satellite with a grayscale high spatial resolution image captured by Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM +) sensor mounted on Landsat-8 (resampling first one to ensure equal spatial resolution of both images). In addition, three techniques were adopted for implementing the Fusion mechanism: the Principal Component Analysis PCA, the Nearest Neighbor Diffusion NNDifuse, and the Gram-Schmidt method; these were used to sharpen hyperspectral data using high spatial resolution. The result showed that the Gram-Schmidt method could give Hyperspectral images with higher spectral and spatial resolution in panchromatic image data more accurately than the other methods.
SARS-CoV2 Viral Ct Values Correlation with Some Patients’ Factors and Disease Outcome
Authors: Hussein Hussein Abdulsalam , Goreal Amer Abdalla
Published: March 2024

Viral load of COVID-19 can be concluded from the cycle threshold (Ct) values measured by RT-PCR test performed on suspected samples. SARS-CoV2 viral load has not been standardized yet to reflect the outcome of COVID-19 infection. This cross-sectional study was performed to detect the frequency of SARS-CoV2 among suspected patients and the correlation of viral RNA load represented by cycle threshold (Ct) values with patients’ clinical presentation (disease severity), comorbidities and demographic data.
A total of 520 participants suspected to have SARS-CoV2 infection were enrolled. After filling a questionnaire, a nasopharyngeal swab was collected from each patient and subjected to RT-PCR with the use of specific primers. Ct values of positive cases were obtained.
Results revealed that 277 (53.3%) of samples were positive by RT-PCR, of which 160 (57.8 %) were males and 117 (42.2 %) females, with mean Ct value being 27.43. There was no significant correlation of Ct values with different age groups, gender and comorbidities. However, higher Ct values (lower viral RNA load) were recorded in severe and critical patients, which was an interesting result.
Prospects for replacing Russian fuel with Latin American fuel in the European market
Authors: Bochkova Angelina Aleksandrovna
Published: March 2024

The subject of the study is the potential of the Latin American energy market in the context of the demand of the European Union market for the replacement of Russian energy resources. The object of the study is the energy resources market of the European Union, Latin America, and Russia. The purpose of the study is to identify the possibilities of Latin American countries in replacing Russian energy resources in the energy market of the European Union. The author examines in detail such aspects of the topic as the dependence of the EU economy on Russian energy resources, changes in the conjuncture in the fuel and energy sector of the European Union, and also touches on the consequences for European economies in connection with the abandonment of Russian energy resources. Special attention is paid to the opportunities of the Latin American region in the development of the European energy market. The prospects of the Latin American energy market are being explored from the point of view of the availability of natural resources, as well as from the point of view of real opportunities for exporting energy resources. The methodological basis of the research is a systematic and comparative analysis, a method of generalization, methods of grouping and classifying quantitative and qualitative data, methods of analyzing quantitative data. The main conclusions of the study are that in the short and medium term, the role of Latin America in Europe's energy security is small due to geographical remoteness and the lack of technological opportunities for Latin American countries to increase production capacities in the shortest possible time to increase energy production. For this reason, in the near future, the countries of the Latin American region will not be able to significantly replace Russian fuel in the European market of traditional energy resources. However, European companies are interested in the potential of the Latin American region in the field of "green" energy. In the long term, cooperation between the EU and Latin America in this area seems to be the most mutually beneficial for both sides. A special contribution of the author to the research of the topic is the study of the conjuncture of the EU fuel and energy complex in the context of energy imports. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that for the first time in the domestic literature the question of the prospects of the Latin American energy market as a substitute for the Russian energy market for the European one is raised.
Dos sentidos de vitalidade: revisando o Atlas das Línguas em Perigo (UNESCO) à luz de experiências indígenas locais
Authors: De Oliveira Beatriz , Sagica Vanessa , Severo Cristine Gorski
Published: March 2024

Buscamos analisar e problematizar os significados de vitalidade presentes no Atlas das Línguas em Perigo da UNESCO (1996). Uma vez que a proposta tipológica e classificatória da UNESCO tem sido amplamente utilizada no campo das políticas comprometidas com a revitalização das línguas indígenas, tanto no Brasil quanto no exterior. Destacamos a importância de uma análise crítica e contextualizada que problematize os significados de vitalidade em relação ao status das línguas consideradas “em perigo”. Atentamos, especialmente, para as categorizações que envolvem os “graus de perigo” relacionados aos nove fatores avaliativos do Atlas. Essa problematização considera, conforme Lupke (2017) que os sentidos de vitalidade das línguas devem considerar quatro pilares: 1) investigação das práticas comunicativas em espaço geográfico ou ecossistema linguístico significativo; 2) investigação sobre como essas práticas comunicativas são nomeadas e reificadas, e quais ideologias e perspectivas resultam da prática de nomeá-las; 3) estudo das funções indexicais do uso da linguagem e línguas como representações ideológicas; 4) pesquisas sobre as diferentes dinâmicas de poder, perspectivas e ideologias de falantes e pessoas de fora desses contextos. A título de ilustração, apresentamos alguns sentidos de vitalidade a partir de experiências linguísticas dos povos Macuxi (Norte do Brasil) e Mbyá Guarani (Sul do Brasil), a fim de verificar como esses pilares ajudam a expandir criativa e produtivamente os sentidos de vitalidade e de revitalização para além do sistema classificatório indicado pelo Atlas. Por fim, incluímos uma discussão sobre a importância de uma agenda indígena de pesquisa comprometida com uma perspectiva decolonial.
Aortoiliac occlusion mimicking cauda equina syndrome, a diagnostic dilemma: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Alomayri Abdulaziz , Basalamah Ali A. , Alsaleh Alwaleed Abdulrahman , Alreshood Sultan , Aldakkan Abdulrahman
Published: March 2024

Background:

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a consequence of a variety of etiologies. CES is most commonly due to compression of the thecal sac and nerve roots by a massive disc herniation. However, it rarely presents secondary to aortic occlusion. Aortoiliac occlusive disorder is usually associated with chronic claudication, erectile dysfunction, and diminished lower limb pulses. Acute aortic occlusion, however, is associated with serious complications such as spinal cord infarction and ischemia. It is also associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Moreover, it poses a diagnostic challenge and may be overlooked. This report emphasizes the importance of considering vascular etiology as a differential diagnosis for CES.

Case Description:

This case report describes a unique case of aortic occlusion mimicking CES in a 56-year-old female patient.

Conclusion:

For patients presenting with cauda equina symptomatology, it is critical to consider vascular etiology, especially for those with cardiovascular risk factors. Spine surgeons and emergency physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for vascular etiologies and consider appropriate imaging studies to promote early diagnosis and intervention to prevent subsequent neurological and life-threatening consequences.
Pengaruh Praktik Sholat Khusyuk Dalam Kegiatan Pembinaan Psikospiritual Erhadap Konsentrasi Belajar Mahasiwa
Authors: Izzah Lailatul
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study is to determine how Ma'had students at UIN Suska Riau's learning concentration is affected by the practice of solemn prayer in their psychospiritual growth. This is because pupils frequently struggle to focus when studying, which has a negative impact on learning outcomes. UIN Suska Riau's 133 Ma'had students served as samples for this quantitative study. The sample of 18–21-year-old male and female students was split up into five coaching class groups. A Likert scale model or questionnaire is used to gather data. The 42-statement solemn prayer scale has a Cronbach's alpha rating of 0.945, indicating that the instrument is dependable and dependable. However, the concentration scale consists of 18 items, and the Cronbach alpha reliability test results reached 0.745. The results of the research show that solemn prayer in spiritual formation activities has a positive and significant relationship with study concentration. With a correlation coefficient of 0.487 and a significance of 0.000, it can be concluded that solemn prayer has a significant relationship with study concentration. This shows that the practice of solemn prayer in psychospiritual development activities influences study concentration by 23.7% so that there are 76.3% other factors, such as internal factors, namely physical and spiritual, which originate from the student's mental condition as well as external factors, namely the environment and learning conditions.
مستوى تضمين مهارات القرن الحادي والعشرين في كتاب الرياضيات الصف الثاني الثانوي في المملكة العربية السعودية
Authors: المحمدي إيمان ساعد
Published: March 2024

هدفت الدراسة إلى التعرف على مستوى تضمين مهارات القرن الحادي والعشرين في كتاب الرياضيات الصف الثاني الثانوي في المملكة العربية السعودية، ومعرفة الفروق الإحصائية بين المعلمين والمعلمات حول توفر مهارات القرن الحادي والعشرين في كتاب الرياضيات الصف الثاني الثانوي، باختلاف متغيري (المؤهل العلمي، سنوات الخبرة). وقد استخدمت الباحثة المنهج الوصفي المسحي، والاستبانة كأداة؛ تكونت من (45)، عبارة موزعة على أربعة محاور: مهارات الإبداع والابتكار ومهارات الحوار والاتصال والتواصل ومهارات الثقافة في العصر الرقمي ومهارات المهنة والحياة، وتم اختيار عينة عشوائية بسيطة من مجتمع الدراسة، وتكونت عينة الدراسة من (89)معلما ومعلمة الرياضيات للمرحلة الثانوية، وبينت نتائج البحث ما يأتي: أن درجة توفر مهارات القرن الحادي والعشرين في كتاب الرياضيات الصف الثاني الثانوي جاءت بدرجة متوسطة، عدم وجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية عند مستوى 0.05 فأقل بين إجابات المعلمين والمعلمات حول توفر مهارات القرن الحادي والعشرين في كتاب الرياضيات الصف الثاني الثانوي تعزى إلى متغير (سنوات الخبرة)، ووجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية عند مستوى 0.05 فأقل بين إجابات المعلمين والمعلمات حول توفر مهارات القرن الحادي والعشرين في كتاب الرياضيات الصف الثاني الثانوي تعزى إلى متغير المؤهل؛ ولصالح الدكتوراه.
Comprehensive Encoding of Conformational and Compositional Protein Structural Ensembles through mmCIF Data Structure
Authors: Wankowicz Stephanie , Fraser James
Published: March 2024

In their folded state, biomolecules exchange between multiple conformational states, crucial for their function. However, most structural models derived from experiments and computational predictions only encode a single state. To represent biomolecules more accurately, we must move towards modeling and predicting structural ensembles. Information about structural ensembles exists within experimental data from X-ray crystallography and cryo electron microscopy (cryoEM). While new tools are available to detect conformational and compositional heterogeneity that exist within these ensembles, the legacy PDB data structure does not robustly encapsulate this complexity. We propose modifications to the Macromolecular Crystallographic Information File (mmCIF) to improve the representation and interrelation of conformational and compositional heterogeneity. These modifications will enable improved tools to capture macromolecular ensembles in a way that is human and machine interpretable, potentially catalyzing breakthroughs for ensemble-function predictions, analogous to AlphaFold's achievements with single structure prediction.
Fungal peptidomelanin: a novel biopolymer for the amelioration of soil heavy metal toxicity
Authors: Kolipakala Rakshita Sukruth , Basu Suranjana , Sarkar Senjuti , Biju Beneta Merin , Salazar Daniela , Reddy Likhit , Balaji Harshitha , Nath Shrijita , Samprathi Anish Hemanth , Shetye Aparna , Nagarajan Deepesh
Published: March 2024

Heavy metal contamination of agricultural soils reduces crop yields, contaminates groundwater and disrupts local ecosystems. Here, we describe a novel, water-soluble form of melanin (peptidomelanin) capable of chelating heavy metals in large quantities. Peptidomelanin is composed of an L-DOPA core polymer that is solubilized via short, heterogeneous peptide chains with a mean amino acid length of ∼2.6. It is secreted by the spores of Aspergillus niger melanoliber during germination. It was found to chelate large quantities of lead, mercury, and uranyl. It increased the germination rate, seed mass, and shoot length of wheat planted in substrate contaminated with 100 ppm mercury. Therefore, peptidomelanin may increase crop yields in contaminated agricultural soils treated in situ with the substance.
ARKA: A framework of dimensionality reduction for machine-learning classification modeling, risk assessment, and data gap-filling of sparse environmental toxicity data
Authors: Banerjee Arkaprava , Roy Kunal
Published: March 2024

Toxicity assessment of environmental chemicals is an integral aspect of assessing the sustainability of flora and fauna constituting the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. A wide variety of living organisms are constantly being exposed to these chemicals, most of which generate toxic effects. Due to the lack of experimental toxicity data of environmental chemicals, there arises a need to fill data gaps by in silico approaches. One of the most commonly used in silico approaches for toxicity assessment of small datasets is the Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR), which generates predictive models for the efficient prediction of query compounds. However, the predictions from these models are often erroneous for some compounds, and the reliability of the predictions from QSARs derived from small datasets is often questionable from a statistical point of view. This is due to the presence of a larger number of descriptors as compared to the number of training compounds, which reduces the degree of freedom of the developed model. To reduce the overall prediction error for a particular QSAR model, we have proposed here the computation of the novel Arithmetic Residuals in K-groups Analysis (ARKA) descriptors. We have reduced the number of modeling descriptors, keeping the entire chemical space and preventing the loss of chemical information. We have used here five representative environmentally relevant endpoints (skin sensitization, earthworm toxicity, milk/plasma partitioning, algal toxicity, and rodent carcinogenicity of hazardous chemicals) with graded responses to which the ARKA framework was applied for classification modeling. On comparing the performance of the models generated using conventional QSAR descriptors and the ARKA descriptors, the prediction quality of the models derived from ARKA descriptors was found much better than the models derived from QSAR descriptors signifying the potential of ARKA descriptors in ecotoxicological classification modeling of small data sets. For the ease of users, a Java-based expert system has been developed that computes the ARKA descriptors from the input of QSAR descriptors.