bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges English Language Teachers Faced in Teaching Mixed-ability Classes at Selected Secondary Schools in the Gamo Zone of SNNPRS
Authors: Dr. Abate Demissie  , Habtemariam Gezahegn Tesfaye
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to explore the challenges English language teachers faced in teaching MACs at selected secondary schools in the Gamo Zone of Southern Nations and Nationalities Peoples’ Regional State (SNNPRS). To address this objective, we adopted an exploratory case study design. We selected 65 EFL teachers through a systematic random sampling technique for the questionnaire. Besides, we selected five teachers for unstructured interviews purposively. To organize and analyze the qualitative data, we employed inductive and deductive approaches. The results revealed a wide range of challenges from teacher-related to materials and student-related. Therefore, we concluded that secondary school English language teachers have faced multiple challenges and internalized them and tried to see inward to themselves than externalizing the problems and making other bodies responsible. Keywords: Mixed-ability classes (MACs), MACs challenges, teacher-related challenges, and student-related challenges
Bottlenecks of Gender Equality in West Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Dida Taye , Workitu Hordofa
Published: May 2023

The study aimed at investigating bottlenecks of gender equality in West Oromia, Ethiopia. The study employed descriptive qualitative case study. Data collection methods were in-depth interview, key informant, observation and document review. The study vividly found out that traditionally, parents’ property is passed through men line, in which women have limited accessibility and controlling over the resources. The study also showed that women and men were paid differently for the same activities especially in informal sector. This devalued women’s work capability since their payment is varyingly treated for the same or similar tasks in daily laboring. Women are socially discriminated, excluded, negatively stereotyped and perceived as inferior and weak. It is also important to note that women are mythically discriminated, degraded and negatively labeled. The study recommends that in order to ensure and bring gender equality, these complicated bottlenecks should be addressed by engaging various stakeholders including public and private sectors, local and international non-governmental organizations and other concerned actors.
Increasing Trend of Farmhouses in Telangana: A Study of the Factors and Implications
Authors:   Architecture, JBR Architecture College, Telangana,India., Reddy Davalgari ChennaKeshava
Published: May 2023

This study analyses the rise in farmhouse construction in telangana and analyses the causes of the trend as well as its effects. The article gives a general review of telangana’s existing circumstances and the rising demand for farms. The research methodology entails a survey of farms in several telangana regions, interviews with stakeholders and subject-matter experts, and a review of pertinent literature. According to the results, changing lifestyles, urbanisation, and rising incomes are the trend’s main drivers. A tranquil country existence away from the tension and smog of the city is sought after by many people. Farmhouses offer a practical and opulent solution for this. Economic expansion, job possibilities, and a boost to the tourism sector are all effects of this trend. It also brings up issues with environmental deterioration, changes in land usage, and the effects on rural economies. The research report ends by suggesting strategies that weigh the trend’s advantages and disadvantages. This entails promoting eco-friendly behaviors, controlling land-use changes, fostering sustainable development, and defending the rights of regional populations. Overall, this study advances knowledge of Telangana’s expanding farmhouse trend and sheds light on both its potential benefits and draw- backs. Key Word: Farmhouses, Telangana, Rural Development, Land-Use Change, Urbanization, Tourism Industry, Sustainable Development, Economic Growth.
Some investigations on experimental and simulation results of EV Battery pack to provide ideal operating temperature for battery safety
Authors:   Department of Mechanical Engineering, PCT’s A P Shah Institute of Technology, Thane Affiliated to University of Mumbai, India., Koli Atharva , Patil Abhishek , Khot Durwas , Kedar Kaushal , Khatekar Nikhil V.
Published: May 2023

The battery also referred to as a chemical energy storage device—generates the required electrical energy. A cell is the basic component of a battery that produces energy. The significance of personal safety of person and vehicle service security has brought attention to battery thermal safety issues in recent years. To meet the anticipated problems and assure battery safety, the most recent innovations in battery thermal management (BTM) are being done. With a heat transfer intensify technique, the BTM technology improves battery safety while ensuring battery operation performance based on the battery's thermo-kinetic, mechanical, and electrochemical characteristics under both normal as well as abnormal operating settings. It is also crucial to prevent overheating and provide the optimal operating temperature for safe operation. Hence, creating a BTM system that is both secure and reliable. In this investigation, thermal calculations based on experimental data were performed and the outcomes of the ANSYS simulation were compared. It was found that the cell's highest temperature in ANSYS was 31.6°C, which was close to cell's average temperature. This temperature was in good agreement with the temperature obtained during actual testing (31.6°C). Key Word: Battery Thermal Management System, Li-ion batteries, Battery components.
Hat die ökonomische Macht von Unternehmen in Österreich zugenommen? Teil 1
Authors: Reiner Christian , Bellak Christian
Published: May 2023

Dieser Beitrag thematisiert die ökonomische Macht von Unternehmen in Österreich und stellt die Frage, ob diese – wie in anderen OECD-Ländern – zugenommen hat. Konzeptuell wird eine neuartige Differenzierung zwischen ökonomischer und politischer Macht sowie zwischen Marktmacht im engeren Sinne und Macht infolge von Unternehmensgröße (Skalenmacht) zur Diskussion gestellt. Neuere empirische Studien zeigen, dass die ökonomische Macht nicht nur in den USA, sondern auch in Europa in den letzten Jahrzehnten zugenommen hat. Eine Analyse der OECD-Länderberichte für Österreich über den Zeitraum 1962–2021 zeigt, dass die von der OECD behauptete Zunahme des Wettbewerbs durch erstaunlich wenig empirische Evidenz untermauert wird.
Determinants of Preeclampsia among Pregnant Women at Gestational Age of Above 20 Weeks Attending Antenatal Care at FPRRH.
Authors:   Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry Kampala International University, Uganda., Midala Tola Papa’akurhyel
Published: May 2023

Despite several interventions put in place in many countries of the world, preeclampsia still contributes greatly to maternal morbidity and mortality. Several factors have been cited to increase the risk of preeclampsia among which are obesity, extreme age, Nulliparity, change in pregnancy paternity, and obesity among others. Lack of knowledge or awareness concerning preeclampsia has also been cited as contributing adversely in terms of the overall outcome. A study on preeclampsia and the various sociodemographic, modifiable variables would come in handy in informing interventional measures. This study aims to achieve just that. Assessing the determinants of preeclampsia among pregnant women at a gestational age of 20 weeks and above attending ANC at FPRRH. A descriptive checklist- and questionnaire-based cross-sectional study design was used which also involved a review of 214 patient records was employed. Maternal age, Nulliparity, rural residence, obesity and lack of awareness concerning preeclampsia were significantly associated with preeclampsia, among women diagnosed with preeclampsia at FPRRH, age (less than 18 or above 35 years), Nulliparity, change in the male partner (paternity change) among the multiparas, low socioeconomic status with mostly rural residence, and obesity was found to be statistically significant in predicting pre-eclampsia. It was also noted that awareness concerning preeclampsia was so low demanding interventional measures to correct it since adequate knowledge and awareness positively impact prognosis and general outcome. Keywords: Preeclampsia, Nulliparity, Pregnant women, FPRRH, Maternal age.
Evaluation of Factors affecting effective use of Condoms in Adolescents of Mayengo Parish, Kamuganguzi Sub County, Kabale District
Authors:   Faculty of Nursing Sciences Kampala International University Western Campus Uganda., Alex Niwahereza
Published: May 2023

Unsafe sex was very common among the youth as they got involved into unprotected and unsafe sex practices due to factors like lack of parental support and guidance, breakdown of parent-child communication and cultural factors among others. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors affecting effective use of condoms among adolescents of Mayengo Parish, Kamuganguzi Sub County, Kabale District. The study design was descriptive and simple random sampling procedure was used to select 40 respondents. Data was collected by use of a semi structured interview guide. The findings showed that 40 (100%) were currently involved in a sexual relationship, 37 (92.5%) knew about the safe sex practices, 34 (85%) knew how to effectively use condoms, 35 (87%) agreed that not knowing about effective condom use had made them have live sex, 30 (75%) had ever had unsafe sex, 10 (25%) respondents said youth did not use condoms because they wanted to know how sex without a condom felt, 8 (20%) who wanted to show love to their partners, 24 (60%) sometimes used condoms while having sex, 31 (77.5%) said cross generational sexual relationships were sometimes common in their area, 25 (62.5%) always felt shy to ask for condoms at the shop/hospital, 32 (80%) intended to use protection the next time they had sex, 34 (85%) had never been sensitized about the importance of using condoms. The study concluded that although all the respondents were knowledgeable and had ever heard of safe sex practices and correctly described the effective way of using condoms, all the respondents were sexually involved. The majority of respondents had a very early sexual debut and they have had unprotected/live sex due to various reasons including curiosity and wanting to know how it felt like when having live sex, peer pressure or wanting be like their friends, nonavailability of condoms among many other factors. The majority of respondents had ever had unsafe sex. The key recommendations included adequate nationwide sensitization programs on the dangers of unsafe sex as well as what they could do to ensure safe sex, offering adolescent friendly sexual and reproductive health services, ensuring that protective gears such as condoms were provided free of charge to youth and adequate sensitization about the importance of practicing safe sex practices. Keywords: Unsafe sex, Condom use, Adolescents, Sexual debut, Safe sex.
Evaluation of the anti-bacterial activity of aqueous leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus on Streptococcus pyogenes for the treatment of tonsillitis
Authors:   School of Pharmacy, Kampala International University Uganda., Haron Epila , Onchweri, Albert Nyanchoka ,   School of Pharmacy, Kampala International University Uganda., Josephat, Maniga ,   Department of Microbiology, Kampala International University Uganda, Mercy Tenywa ,   School of Pharmacy, Kampala International University Uganda, Muchiri Jacqueline Njeri ,   School of Pharmacy, Kampala International University Uganda., Paul-Chima Ugwu Okechukwu ,   Department of Publication and Extension, Kampala International University Uganda.
Published: May 2023

Phyllanthus amarus belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, it is a tiny herb that is known for its medical benefits and used widely globally. It is also an essential plant in the Indian Ayurveda medical system, and is used to treat stomach, genitourinary, liver and kidney problems and disorders. It is an astringent with bitter, stomachic, diuretic, febrifuge, and antiseptic in gonorrhea, menorrhagia, and other genital disorders, the entire plant is employed in eastern Asia for the treatment of infections. It helps with gastritis, diarrhea, dysentery, intermittent fevers, scabies, ulcers, and wounds. The present study aimed at addressing its activity against Streptococcus pyogenes for the treatment of tonsillitis and also it’s potential as a possible source of new antimicrobial product for tonsillitis. Distilled water (maceration method) was used in the extraction of aqueous leaf extracts of Phyllanthus amarus. Different phytochemical screening techniques were used to identify the phytochemicals present in the aqueous leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus. The Agar well diffusion and broth dilution test methods were used to test for the in-vitro anti-bacterial activity of the aqueous leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus against Streptococcus pyogenes. The percentage yield of Phyllanthus amarus aqueous leaf extracted was 13.88% (83.3mg). From the results of this research Phyllanthus amarus could be a good source for future drug developments, from the aqueous leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus in order to address the issue of need for new antibiotics due to the alarming burden of antimicrobial resistance. Keywords: Phyllanthus amarus aqueous leaf extract, Tonsillitis, Streptococcus pyogenes.
THE APPLICATION OF HIGH HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE IN MEAT AND MEAT PRODUCTS: A REVIEW
Authors: ÇAPAN Berna , BAĞDATLI Aytunga
Published: May 2023

Heat treatment processes are widely used because they inactivate microorganisms and enzymes. However, thermal applications lead to changes in the physical and chemical structure of foods, as well as to deterioration of their sensory properties and natural components. For this reason, studies have been conducted on non-thermal technologies for food preservation. This technology extends the shelf life of foods and provides microbiologically safe, higher quality products. From the studies, it has good potential for the meat industry. The aim of this review was to compile the current state of research in this field and provide information on the characteristics, applications, advantages and disadvantages of non-thermal high hydrostatic pressure technology in meat and meat products.
THE ROLE OF MHD WAVES IN HEATING OF THE SOLAR CORONA
Authors: BAŞ Ebru , ZENGİN ÇAMURDAN Dicle
Published: May 2023

Observations in the Solar North Polar Coronal Hole (NPCH) show that this region has high temperature values (10^6-10^8 K). At this temperature, the coronal plasma loses energy to the transition region below through heat conduction and optically thin emission. It is still a matter of debate how to replace this lost energy in the solar corona and how to maintain the observed temperature values. In this study, we aimed to study the wave theory, which is an important model proposed for the heating problem of the solar corona in NPCH. We assumed a model based on Alfvén/ion cyclotron resonance process with O VI ions by using quasi-linear approximation in NPCH and solve the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations for O VI assuming that the non-thermal contribution to the temperature. Using a Matlab code, we performed 3D MHD numerical solutions of Alfvén waves. Our results show that the damping length scales (0.2-1.8 R) and energy flux densities (10^5-10^7 erg/cm^2 s) of Alfvén waves are similar for both plumes and interplumes in NPCH. As a result of our study, we present the contribution of MHD waves that will cause the acceleration of the solar wind and the heating of the solar corona.
SIMULTANEOUS QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF CERTAIN FLAVONOID GLYCOSIDES AND TERPENE LACTONES IN PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS CONTAINING GINKGO BILOBA L. LEAF EXTRACT BY LC-TOF/MS
Authors: DOĞAN Selda , FİDAN Hatice , ŞAHİN Nefise
Published: May 2023

In this study, three drugs and three dietary supplements containing G. biloba leaf extract were obtained from pharmacies and two dietary supplements were obtained from herbalists. Certain flavonoid glycosides and ginkgolide A, B, C, and J amounts of these products were determined simultaneously using LC-TOF/MS. The total phenol and flavonoid content of these products were also determined with spectrophotometric technique.

Objective: We aimed to emphasize that adulteration is still a critical problem in herbal products frequently used during the Covid-19 pandemic and propose a fast, validated analytical method for detecting adulteration.

Conclusions: The qualitative and quantitative results of all drugs and dietary supplements obtained from the pharmacy were compatible with the information declared by the manufacturer. However, neither qualitative nor quantitative flavonoid glycosides or ginkgolides A, B, and C were detected, although the total phenolic and flavonoid values were very high in one of the dietary supplements taken by the herbalist. The study's data is considered significant, mainly due to the considerable increase in interest in herbal products during the Covid-19 pandemic
DETECTION OF EXON AND INTRON REGIONS IN DNA SEQUENCES BY THE PROPOSED HASHING FUNCTION
Authors: AKALIN Fatma , YUMUŞAK Nejat
Published: May 2023

Chromosomes, which are formed by the combination of DNA and special proteins, are structures that can show some changes with the effect of genetic or environmental factors. The DNA molecule in these structures carries vital information in elucidating critical information about life. DNA, which is formed by the combination of sugar, phosphate and organic bases, has exon and intron regions separation. Information about the processes in the life cycle of cells, the changes experienced by stem cells, the regulations in the growth and development stage, the development status of cancer, mutation occurrences and protein synthesis are stored in exon regions. Distinguishing exon regions that form 3% of a cell's DNA is challenging. However, detecting diseases on genetically based facts offers more precise outputs. For this reason, analyses were made on the BCR-ABL gene and BRCA-1 mutation carrier genes to analyse leukemia and breast cancer, which are genetically based diseases. First, these genes obtained from the NCBI gene bank were digitized by integer mapping technique. The digitized sequences were given as input to the hash function. This proposed hash function consists of the steps of finding the logarithmic equivalent of the total number of digitized organic bases, summing all logarithmic equivalents, rounding to the nearest integer, expressing it in binary and placing it in the hash table. These outputs, which define the exon and intron regions, were shown as clusters to find the new input region easily. The collision cluster is the binary representation of key values representing both exon and intron regions for the same region. The main goal is to have a small number of elements in this cluster. With the proposed hierarchy in this study, only one collision occurred for BCR-ABL and BRCA-1 genes. Accuracy rates of the proposed approach based on a mathematical basis and independent of nucleotide length were obtained 93.33%, and 96%, respectively.
Political relations between Serbia and Portugal at the beginning of the 21st century
Authors: Petrović Rajko
Published: May 2023

The subject of research in this paper is the political relations between two geographically distant countries, Serbia and Portugal, at the beginning of the 21st century, that is, in a precisely defined time period from 2001 to 2022. The starting assumption is that Serbia and Portugal, despite the fact that they established official diplomatic relations at the end of the 19th century, today do not have sufficiently developed political ties, primarily due to a mutual lack of interest in developing them. The goals of the research are aimed at examining the level of development and the quality of political relations between the two countries, subjective and objective obstacles to their realization, as well as perspectives and opportunities for raising them to a higher level in the future. The results of the research confirmed the initial hypothesis, contributing at the same time to the study of the relationship between Serbia and Portugal in terms of systematization and description of what has been achieved so far in that area. The conclusion that emerges is that, due to Portugal's attitude towards the issue of independence of the so-called Kosovo, this country's relations with Serbia can hardly be rated as good, and in the future, limited developments in the framework of economic cooperation between the two countries can be expected in the context of the continuation of the European integration processes in Serbia, but not in the field of political relations. During the research, we used the historical method, the case study method, the analysis method and the comparative method.
The role of the culture of peace, ethnic tolerance and multiculturalism in education of the new generations
Authors: Veličković Dunja
Published: May 2023

The paper discusses the role of the culture of peace, ethnic tolerance and multiculturalism in the context of contemporary social relations in the Balkans and the world. The focus of consideration is the contemporary conflict research and peace studies, as well as their importance for the education and upbringing of new generations, as well as the role of schools and universities in affirming the value of the culture of peace. The paper emphasizes the importance of the struggle for peace, as a basic prerequisite for the sustainable development of humanity and the survival of the planet. The paper points out the connection of the struggle for peace with a change in development strategy, in the spirit that without global justice there is no global peace in the world (Lula da Silva). Or as the Norwegian scientist Johan Galtung, director of the International institute for peace, rightly says: ''The fight for different development, as well as the fight for a different peace, must also be led by challenging and even transforming Western cosmology, all those deep-rooted beliefs that they define peace with weapons, and development with money.''
Global domination of the dollar ending?
Authors: Nikolić Goran
Published: May 2023

The paper points out that the relatively slow development of RMB as a reserve currency is taking place in parallel with the expansion of trade invoiced in the renminbi. It is argued that, even in the absence of financial liberalization, the renminbi could still become a global currency. Namely, the leading status in world trade creates the potential for creating demand and supply of renminbi. Additionally, in the same direction is working an increase in the number of central banks with which The People's Bank of China has agreements on swap lines for foreign exchange, as well as the accelerated development of the offshore Yuan market. An important moment will be the expected changes in the Chinese exchange rate regime, since the end of pegging RMB to a basket of currencies and the transition to an inflation-targeting regime could lead to a larger part of Asia following China that is using its currency more intensively. Additionally, although currently exclusively for domestic use, China's central bank's digital currency will eventually facilitate the international use of the renminbi. Consequently, it can be concluded that in the coming decades, the dollar will continue to play a predominant, but not, as it has been, an exclusive role in the international monetary order.
«In hora mortis»: el ritual funerario de la nobleza castellana bajomedieval
Authors: Cabrera Sánchez Margarita
Published: May 2023

La finalidad de este trabajo es analizar detalladamente algunos ritos de la muerte noble: la hora del óbito, el posible tratamiento del cuerpo, el amortajamiento y el velatorio, utilizando testimonios cronísticos y fuentes documentales. Hemos sacado a la luz datos inéditos referidos al fallecimiento, en el siglo XV y la primera mitad del XVI, de personas pertenecientes a importantes familias de la aristocracia castellana.
Children with ASD as Part of the Learning Community in Three International Schools in Hong Kong: Practical Implications for Class Practice
Authors:   Department of Special Education and Counseling, Hong Kong Institute of Education, Peters Brenda
Published: May 2023

Since the Salamanca Statement (UNESCO, 1994), there has been a global rise in the numbers of children and young people with special educational needs, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), attending regular schools. The inclusion of children with ASD into regular classrooms has been mooted the most challenging for teachers. A wealth of research has investigated inclusive practices in the West. Little is known, however, about inclusive practices in Hong Kong schools for learners with ASD. This article, therefore, reports the results of a mixed methods study that focuses on enhancing social communication and interaction for learners with ASD. Extant inclusive class practices and opportunities for social interaction and communication for children with ASD in regular schools in Hong Kong, are identified and practical implications for class practice are discussed.
Promoting Inclusion of Ethnic Minority Children through Multilingual Education (MLE) in Bangladesh: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors:   Part-time Faculty, Department of Economics and Social Sciences, BRAC University, K. Tripuraa Prashant , Farhana Apnan Banu Laila ,   Education Officer, UNICEF Bangladesh
Published: May 2023

At the policy level in Bangladesh, there is generally a supportive environment and commitment among all concerned for promoting inclusive education for ethnic minority children, many of whom experience – due to language barriers as well as poverty and social marginalization – various degrees of exclusion in accessing quality education services. The national education policy recognizes the need to pay special attention to ethnic minority children, and specifies that their respective languages would be taken into account when developing teaching-learning methods, materials and curriculum. However, there is currently no shared understanding among policy makers and practitioners as to what Multilingual Education (MLE) is and how it may be operationalized. In the absence of any well-articulated framework or clear guidelines, substantial differences have emerged in terms of the perceptions and practices of different organizations and service providers. In many cases, initiatives are taken based on ideas or assumptions that are not necessarily in line with international best practices or sound research evidences. Given the mismatch between policy provisions, their interpretations and ground realities, instead of bringing about intended benefits, many MLE initiatives underway actually have the potential for adverse educational effects on children who are already lagging behind and marginalized. Bringing some of the key issues at both policy and practice levels to light, this paper argues that a deeper analysis is called for to make necessary adjustments in existing provisions and interpretations for promoting inclusive education for ethnic minority children through MLE.
Noite incerta o atelier como experiência mítico-simbólica
Authors: Serra Rui
Published: May 2023

Todos os dias, quando chego ao meu atelier, entro numa realidade alternativa que denominei Omphalos ou 2070. Vivo-o como se tivesse encontrado um lugar arqueológico, do qual brotam imagens de uma realidade futura vagamente reconhecível. Contudo, este simulacro encerra em si todo um conjunto de possíveis discursos sobre pintura, desenvolvidos por mim, enquanto autor, sempre na primeira pessoa.
O ateliê babélico
Authors: Dias Geraldo Souza
Published: May 2023

Partindo de uma constante experimentação e de questionamentos sobre a linguagem pictórica, relata-se a transformação de uma proposta ao longo de quase cinco décadas de trabalho de ateliê, passando pela figuração realista, a paisagem urbana, a paisagem marítima, a colagem, a introdução de códigos da escrita – letras, palavras, frases – na pintura, alterações radicais no suporte, e no formato – retângulos e círculos – como método de pesquisa, configurando a construção babélica em sua paradigmática realização.
Effects of nano-SiO2 on thermoelectric properties of Mg3Sb2-based materials
Authors: Gao Jun-Ling , Zhao Huai-Zhou , Xu Yan-Li ,   Department of Physics, Changzhi University, Changzhi 046011, China,   Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
Published: May 2023

Recently, Mg3(Sb,Bi)2-based thermoelectric materials have received extensive attention owing to excellent thermoelectric properties and the low cost. This study investigates the change and mechanism of thermoelectric transport properties of Mg3.275Mn0.025Sb1.49Bi0.5Te0.01/SiO2 nanocomposite. The results show that nano-SiO2 can effectively scatter phonons, promote the reduction of lattice thermal conductivity, and optimize the heat transport performance owing to the introduction of a large number of tiny grain boundaries. For example, when SiO2 content is 0.54%, the thermal conductivity decreases by 15% from 1.24 W/(m·K) to 1.04 W/(m·K) compared with that of 0% SiO2 sample at room temperature. At the same time, the material system also has a strong scattering effect on electrons. This leads to a sharp attenuation of power factor and electrical transport performance with decline of mobility and conductivity in the room temperature area. Nano SiO2 is an effective candidate for regulating thermoelectric properties of Mg3Sb2 based thermoelectric material. The thermoelectric transport performance of the material will be improved by combining with other methods, such as appropriate grain boundary modification to reduce the potential barrier of charge carrier transport.
Theoretical study on regulatory mechanism of dielectric environmental screening effects on binding energy of two-dimensional InX (X = Se, Te) exciton
Authors: Duan Xiu-Ming , Yi Zhi-Jun ,   School of Materials Science and Physics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Published: May 2023

The calculations using GW method based on Green’s function show that two-dimensional monolayer InSe and InTe have desired electronic band gaps for absorbing visible light, high electron mobilities, and suitable electronic band structures for water splitting, and that the spin orbit coupling (SOC) leads to an indirect-to -direct band gap transition for monolayer InTe. On the basis of quasi-particle energy levels, the calculations via solving Bethe-Salpter equation (BSE) show that the exciton binding energy of isolated monolayer InSe and InTe are much higher than that of the dissociation energy of exciton at room temperature. On the other hand, two-dimensional semiconductors in laboratory are often supported by substrates for mechanical stability, and the atomic thickness values of two-dimensional semiconductors are also various in different experiments. These factors will change the dielectric environments of two-dimensional semiconductor, and the further calculations show that the exciton binding energy of InSe and InTe decrease with the increase of the thickness of InSe and InTe and also the thickness of their substrates, also revealing that the exciton binding energy can be accurately controlled by engineering the thickness of two-dimensional semiconductors and the substrates. Our results provide important theoretical basis for accurately controlling the binding energy of two-dimensional InSe and InTe.
Antibiotic resistance characteristics and risk factors analysis of Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from patients in Liaoning Province, an area in North China
Authors: Wang Yanmeng , Li Yiling , Gong Yuehua , Dong Yuzhen , Sun Jing , Chen Moye
Published: May 2023

Background

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) keeps rising while the eradication rate continues to decline due to the increasing antibiotic resistance. Regional variations of antimicrobial resistance to H. pylori have been recommended by guidelines in recent years. This study aims to investigate the antibiotic resistance rate of H. pylori and its association with infected subjects’ characteristics in Liaoning Province, an area in north China.

Methods

Gastric tissues from 178 H. pylori positive participants without previous antibiotic use within four weeks were collected for H. pylori culture. Antibiotic susceptibility to furazolidone (AOZ), tetracycline (TC), levofloxacin (LFX), metronidazole (MET), clarithromycin (CLA), and amoxicillin (AMX) were examined with the agar dilution method. Associations between H. pylori resistance and patient characteristics were further analysed.

Results

No resistance was observed in AOZ or TC. For LFX, MET, CLA, and AMX, the overall resistance rates were 41.10%, 79.14%, 71.78%, and 22.09% respectively. There were significant differences between resistance to CLA and MALToma (P = 0.021), and between resistance to MET and age (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The primary resistant rates of LEX, MET, CLA, and AMX were relatively high in Liaoning. Treatment effectiveness improvement could be achieved by prior antimicrobial susceptibility tests before antibiotic prescription.
Prognostic significance of thyroid hormone T3 in patients with septic shock: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sun Caizhi , Bao Lei , Guo Lei , Wei Jingjing , Song Yang , Shen Hua , Qin Haidong
Published: May 2023

Background

The role of thyroid hormones is crucial in the response to stress and critical illness, which has been reported to be closely associated with a poor prognosis in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). This study aimed to explore the relationship between thyroid hormone and prognosis in septic shock patients.

Methods

A total of 186 patients with septic shock were enrolled in the analytical study between December 2014 and September 2022. The baseline variables and thyroid hormone were collected. The patients were divided into survivor group and non-survivor group according to whether they died during the ICU hospitalization. Among 186 patients with septic shock, 123 (66.13%) were in the survivor group and 63 (33.87%) were in the non-survivor group.

Results

There were significant differences in the indictors of free triiodothyronine (FT3) (p = 0.000), triiodothyronine (T3) (p = 0.000), T3/FT3 (p = 0.000), acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score (APACHE II) (p = 0.000), sequential organ failure assessment score (SOFA) (p = 0.000), pulse rate (p = 0.020), creatinine (p = 0.008), PaO2/FiO2 (p = 0.000), length of stay (p = 0.000) and hospitalization expenses (p = 0.000) in ICU between the two groups. FT3 [odds ratio (OR): 1.062, 95% confidence interval(CI): (0.021, 0.447), p = 0.003], T3 (OR: 0.291, 95% CI: 0.172-0.975, p = 0.037) and T3/FT3 (OR: 0.985, 95% CI:0.974-0.996, p = 0.006) were independent risk factors of the short-term prognosis of septic shock patients after adjustment. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for T3 was associated with ICU mortality (AUC = 0.796, p < 0.05) and was higher than that for FT3 (AUC = 0.670, p < 0.05) and T3/FT3 (AUC = 0.712, p < 0.05). A Kaplan-Meier curve showed that patients with T3 greater than 0.48 nmol/L had a significantly higher survival rate than the patients with T3 less than 0.48 nmol/L.

Conclusions

The decrease in serum level of T3 in patients with septic shock is associated with ICU mortality. Early detection of serum T3 level could help clinicians to identify septic shock patients at high risk of clinical deterioration.
OS DESAFIOS DA TEMÁTICA DE RELIGIÃO NO ENSINO DE SOCIOLOGIA: UMA PERSPECTIVA DAS PROFESSORAS E PROFESSORES
Authors: Oliveira Fabrício Roberto Costa , Baptista Mauro Rocha
Published: May 2023

A obrigatoriedade e a legitimidade do ensino da temática da religião em sociologia vem sendo recorrentemente questionadas no Campo das Vertentes de Minas Gerais. O objetivo deste artigo, portanto, é compreender como o tema da religião se insere nas aulas do componente curricular de sociologia na perspectiva dos professores. Considerando os pressupostos da História Oral foram entrevistados nove docentes em pleno exercício da profissão. Como se viu, o tema da religião é ponto de tensão em suas práticas, sobretudo, em uma região tradicionalmente católica. Entre outras coisas, os resultados indicam que a experiência prática dos/as docentes e a estabilidade no cargo são importantes elementos que pesam para que temas considerados polêmicos, como a religião, possam ter (ou não) relevância nas salas de aula.
ОБ ОДНОМ РЕЗОНАНСНОМ ПОДХОДЕ К ОЦЕНКЕ СОСТОЯНИЯ СЕЙСМИЧНОСТИ, "Наука юга России"
Authors: Евдокимова О.В. , Бабешко В.А. , Евдокимов В.С. , Бабешко О.М. , Зарецкая М.В. , Шестопалов В.Л.
Published: May 2023

На основании последних исследований в области контактных задач с деформируемым штампом обнаружено, что эти результаты имеют важные приложения в вопросе прогноза землетрясений. В контактных задачах с деформируемым штампом при колебаниях могут возникать дискретные резонансы. Появление дискретной резонансной частоты в контактных задачах о действии деформируемых штампов на слоистой среде было предсказано академиком И.И. Воровичем. Вышли работы, в которых показано, что это явление может приводить к нарастанию сейсмичности в сейсмоопасных зонах. В настоящей статье дано теоретическое изложение построения уравнения резонансных частот и приведены экспериментальные данные, свидетельствующие о возможности колебательных подвижек литосферных плит. В работе рассмотрен случай взаимодействия с многослойным основанием двух литосферных плит, разделенных разломом. Изучен тот случай, когда разлом достаточно велик и литосферные плиты удалены торцами. Каждая из литосферных плит оказывается автономной и может рассматриваться как деформируемый штамп. Применяется новейшая, разработанная методом блочного элемента, теория дефор мируемых штампов. В процессе исследования применен созданный новый универсальный метод моделирования, позволяющий решения векторных граничных задач для систем дифференциальных уравнений в частных производных, описывающих материалы сложных реологий, представлять разложенными по решениям отдельных скалярных граничных задач. Недавно разработанная теория контактных задач с деформируемыми штампами, действующими на слоистое основание, позволила в явном виде выявлять соотношения, описывающие резонансные частоты гармонически колеблющихся штампов. Результат применен для литосферной плиты в форме полосы конечной ширины, лежащей на слоистом основании, моделируемой деформируемым штампом. Для этого случая найдено соотношение, позволяющее вычислять резонансные частоты, свидетельствующие о возможном разрушении плиты, то есть землетрясении.
АДВЕНТИВНЫЙ КОМПОНЕНТ ФЛОРЫ ТРАНСФОРМИРУЕМЫХ ТЕРРИТОРИЙ БАШКИРСКОГО ПРЕДУРАЛЬЯ (НА ПРИМЕРЕ КЛАДБИЩ), "Наука юга России"
Authors: Голованов Я.М.
Published: May 2023

Приведены результаты исследования адвентивного компонента флоры 10 кладбищ в пределах городов Салават и Стерлитамак, а также Ишимбайского и Мелеузовского районов Республики Башкортостан, расположенных в степной и лесостепной зонах Южного Предуралья и различающихся как площадью территории, так и степенью хозяйственной освоенности. Применены классические методы флористического анализа. Показатели адвентизации флоры кладбищ (от 13 до 52 %) зависят от степени антропогенного воздействия и, соответственно, хозяйственной освоенности территории. Среди адвентивных видов растений по времени заноса преобладают неофиты, по степени натурализации – эпекофиты. В сложении флоры кладбищ большое участие принимает группа колонофитов. Число инвазионных видов растений колеблется от 4 до 15 в зависимости от размера населенного пункта. К наиболее распространенным инвазионным видам, отмеченным на территориях практически всех кладбищ, относятся Acer negundo, Carduus acanthoides и Lactuca serriola. Для флоры городских кладбищ характерно присутствие таких видов-трансформеров, как Hordeum jubatum и Solidago canadensis. Таким образом, кладбища могут служить источниками распространения данных видов на прилегающие территории.
РАЗРАБОТКИ НОВЫХ ПОДХОДОВ В ИЗУЧЕНИИ ПАТОГЕНЕЗА ЗЛОКАЧЕСТВЕННЫХ ОПУХОЛЕЙ В ФЕДЕРАЛЬНОМ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОМ БЮДЖЕТНОМ УЧРЕЖДЕНИИ «НАЦИОНАЛЬНЫЙ МЕДИЦИНСКИЙ ИССЛЕДОВАТЕЛЬСКИЙ ЦЕНТР ОНКОЛОГИИ» МИНЗДРАВА РОССИИ, "Наука юга России"
Authors: Кит О.И. , Шихлярова А.И. , Франциянц Е.М. , Каплиева И.В. , Жукова Г.В.
Published: May 2023

В рамках настоящего сообщения освещены современные научные проблемы, связанные с влиянием хронической нейрогенной боли и иных коморбидных патологий на развитие злокачественного процесса, а также экспериментальные разработки по митохондриальной терапии опухолей. Фундаментальные исследования проводили на новых моделях: 1. Бимодельная система роста меланомы В16/F10 на фоне хронической нейрогенной боли. Генерализация болевого синдрома способствовала отмене генетической программы сдерживания канцерогенеза в экспериментах на мышах с нокаутом по гену uPA. 2. Бимодельная система роста карциномы Герена и развития сахарного диабета у крыс. Сочетание патологических процессов привело к различным последствиям у животных разного пола: у самцов отмечалась стимуляция роста первичной опухоли, а у самок при умеренном росте первичного очага наблюдалась обширное метастатическое поражение брюшины, яичников и почек, что указывало на выраженное проонкогенное влияние диабета. 3. Бимодельная система роста карциномы Герена или саркомы 45 и гипотериоза, на фоне которого у крыс-самцов наблюдалось усиление роста опухоли и снижение продолжительности жизни по сравнению с самками. Это было обусловлено превалированием у самок эстрогенов, участвующих в регуляции работы щитовидной железы и оказывающих разное пролиферативное и антиапоптотическое влияние на клетки рака. Разработаны новые способы патогенетической митохондриальной терапии для предотвращения развития инфаркта миокарда и блокирования метастатической агрессии меланомы В16/F10 с эффектом замедления роста опухоли, растущей на фоне хронической нейрогенной боли у мышей обоего пола.
Study of Influence of Air Ions on the Growth Rate of Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae Based on Analytical Growth Model
Authors: Yanko M. V. , Chorny A. D. , Zayats E. M.
Published: May 2023

The influence of the concentration of ions in a nutrient medium both on the surface charge and potential of a yeast cell and diffusion of nutrients through its membrane and on the productivity of baking yeast was studied theoretically. It was shown that the ionized molecules of air components (first of all, of oxygen and nitrogen) changes the concentration of ions in the medium, the surface charge and potential of the yeast cell. This feature affects the diffusion of nutrients through membrane into the cell. The growth rate of the yeast mass depends on the amount of electricity, transported by air ions in the nutrient medium, and is limited by its certain value. That is why the yeast mass growth equation take into account the amount of electricity transported by air ions into the nutrient medium. A priori calculation shows that the productivity of the baker’s yeast can increase by 12…17%.
Potentials of Plantain Value Addition in Improving Rural Households’ Income in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: Adedapo A. O. , Abdu-Raheem K. A.
Published: May 2023

Aim: This study examined the potential of value addition to Plantain in improving rural households’ income in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The study investigated the socio-economic variables of plantain processors, identified the value-added products, factors influencing plantain value addition, the profitability and the overall contributions of value addition of Plantain to rural households’ income.

Methodology: A multi-stage sampling technique was used coupled with a well-structured questionnaire to elicit information from 120 respondents. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Relative Importance Index, and partial farm budget analysis.

Results: The study revealed that plantain processors were mainly middle-aged (mean age-42 years), primarily female (83%), educated, and married (78 per cent), with a mean household size of 6 people. The most common forms of value added to Plantain are chips, flour, roasted Plantain (boli), fried Plantain (dodo), and flakes. In order of their relative importance index, the motivating factors for value addition to Plantain are unemployment, peer influence, regular income, drive for self-employment, social relevance, self-accomplishments and satisfaction. The study revealed the average total variable cost of ₦148,200.00; for plantain chips, ₦99,050.00 for fried Plantain, ₦82,000.00 for plantain flour and ₦55,600.00 for roasted Plantain. The total revenue of ₦205,000.00 for plantain chips, ₦151,600.00 for fried Plantain, ₦92,000.00 for plantain flour and ₦60,000.00 for roasted Plantain. The Net profit of ₦96,100.00 for plantain chips, ₦91,850.00 for fried Plantain, ₦37,000.00 for plantain flour and ₦14,900.00 for roasted Plantain. The Rate of returns for plantain chips is 0.65, followed by 0.93 for fried Plantain, 0.45 for plantain flour and 0.27 for roasted Plantain. These indicate that for every N1.00 invested in Plantain value-added products, 65 kobo, 93 kobo, 45 kobo and 27 kobo are gained for plantain chips, fried Plantain, plantain flour and roasted Plantain, respectively. The cost-benefit ratio is 1.38, 1.53, 1.12, and 1.08 for plantain chips, fried Plantain, plantain flour and roasted Plantain, respectively.

Conclusion: Plantain production is a profitable enterprise with small capital investment and its value addition contributes significantly to household income in Ekiti State.
A Hybridized Feature Extraction Model for Offline Yorùbá Document Recognition
Authors: Ajao Jumoke F. , Isiaka Rafiu M. , Babatunde Ronke S.
Published: May 2023

Document recognition is required to convert handwritten and text documents into digital equivalents, making them more easily accessible and convenient to store. This study combined feature extraction techniques for recognizing Yorùbá documents in an effort to preserve the cultural values and heritages of the Yorùbá people. Ten Yorùbá documents were acquired from Kwara State University’s Library, and ten indigenous literate writers wrote the handwritten version of the documents. These were digitized using HP Scanjet300 and pre-processed. The pre-processed image served as input to the Local Binary Pattern, Speeded-Up-Robust-Features and Histogram of Gradient. The combined extracted feature vectors were input into the Genetic Algorithm. The reduced feature vector was fed into Support Vector Machine. A 10-folds cross-validation was used to train the model: LBP-GA, SURF-GA, HOG-GA, LBP-SURF-GA, HOG-SURF-GA, LBP-HOG-GA and LBP-HOG-SURF-GA. LBP-HOG-SURF-GA for Yorùbá printed text gave 90.0% precision, 90.3% accuracy and 15.5% FPR. LBP-HOG-SURF-GA for Handwritten Yorùbá document showed 80.9% precision, 82.6% accuracy and 20.4% (FPR) LBP-HOG-SURF-GA for CEDAR gave 98.0% precision, 98.4% accuracy and 2.6% FPR. LBP-HOG-SURF-GA for MNIST gave 99% precision, 99.5% accuracy, 99.0% and 1.1% FPR. The results of the hybridized feature extractions (LBP-HOG-SURF) demonstrated that the proposed work improves significantly on the various classification metrics.