bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Digital Tools on English Language Learning and Communication
Authors: Dr. Rajeshkumar Ishwarbhai Patel
Published: February 2024

English language learning has always been an important aspect of education, enabling individuals to communicate effectively in a global world and participate in social and economic activities. With the emergence of digital tools and technologies, there has been a significant shift in how language learning and communication take place. Given the growing significance of digital literacy in today’s interconnected world, it is pertinent and necessary to investigate how digital tools have altered the process of learning and communicating in English. In order to shed light on the expanding subject of digital language learning, this study will analyse the effects of digital technologies on the acquisition and use of the English language.
Optimal method to monitor network for IoT devices based on anomaly detection
Authors: Ali Umar , Calis Cenk
Published: February 2024

Many challenges have been identified to monitor, manage, process, and store the big data that accumulates from different sources in the IoT concept. The focus of this paper is very significant and limited to solving the problem of monitoring classified big data. Detection of anomalies in a grouping of classified data made it easy to monitor and help to make decisions for action to operate. There is no need to store, process, or manage the redundant data further that is already within the range of the group. So, the main concern is abnormal values in the groups that need to be processed further and require focus. The method proposed in this paper serves as an optimal solution designed to address the visualization challenges associated with dense and high-volume datasets. Our approach involves a strategic process of categorizing data into groups and pinpointing anomalies within these groups. This systematic classification not only enhances data organization but also plays a pivotal role in simplifying the visualization of intricate data patterns. Additionally, this method brings about significant cost efficiencies by strategically optimizing the expenses incurred in processing operations and the allocation of storage space for the equipment.
ACALYPHA RHOMBOIDEA IN THE VASCULAR FLORA OF ROMANIA
Authors:   University of Life Sciences “Ion Ionescu de la Brad”, Iaşi, Romania, SÎRBU Culiță
Published: February 2024

In this paper, Acalypha rhomboidea (Euphorbiaceae) is reported for the first time, as a neophyte, in the vascular flora of Romania. We have identified small populations of this species native to North America, in the central area of the Iași city (north-eastern Romania), as a weed in a garden of ornamental plants, near the Palace of Culture. Most likely it has been introduced here accidentally, by importing contaminated growing medium for gardens. It produces viable seeds and seems to survive here for more than 10 years despite regular weed control. The morphology of this species is described based on field and herbarium specimens, and checked on literature data. The paper also includes some data on general distribution and favourite habitats of this species, as well as two identification keys.
ALIEN PLANT SPECIES IN GIURGIU COUNTY, ROMANIA: AN INVENTORY AND DISTRIBUTION ANALYSIS
Authors:   University of Bucharest, Botanic Garden “D. Brandza”, NAGODA Eugenia , HOVANET Marilena Viorica ,   University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, URZICEANU Mihaela ,   University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology,   University of Bucharest, Research Institute of University of Bucharest (ICUB)
Published: February 2024

Giurgiu County, a crucial hub in the Pan-European Corridor with the sole Danube bridge to Bulgaria, plays an important role in potential pathways for introducing alien plant species. However, the information regarding the distribution of alien plants in this county is incomplete. Our study aims to address this gap by providing a comprehensive analysis of the current distribution of alien plant species based on field records collected from September 2019 to November 2022. Following the guidelines of the POIM/178/4/1/120008 project, data were collected across diverse habitats. Our findings reveal 89 alien plant taxa, including 58 newly reported at the county level. Over half of the alien plant species (66.29%) are also present in the natural protected areas. The study contributes essential information for biodiversity conservation, emphasizing ongoing monitoring and invasive species management within Giurgiu County's protected areas.
Validating Meyer and Allen’s Three Component Model Employee Commitment Survey in the Context of the Resort Sector of the Maldives
Authors: AISHATH AZDHA  , MAZUKI JUSOH  , JACQULINE THAM
Published: February 2024

This research aims to analyse the validity and reliability of the Three-Component Model (TCM) Employee Commitment Survey and discover the components of Organisational Commitment (OC) in the context of the Maldives resort sector. This research used the revised version of the TCM by Meyer et al. (1993). The literature reports many issues related to its theory and construct validity. The fact that TCM was developed in Western culture and lacks validation in the Maldivian context reveals the necessity to conduct this study. Towards this, the current study employed 250 employees from the resorts of the Maldives. The results of CFA revealed affective commitment is the only component that constitutes OC. This study contributes to the body of knowledge in OC from different cultural perspectives
Alat Keamanan Brankas Perhiasan Dengan Face Recognition dan Fingerprint Berbasis Arduino Mega 2560 Terkendali Smartphone
Authors: Manurung Joan , Fernandes Beni
Published: February 2024

Seiring perkembangan zaman dan teknologi yang pesat saat ini, dalam kehidupan sehari-hari manusia tidak pernah lepas dari aktivitasnya untuk berinteraksi dengan peralatan elektronik yang membantu dan mempermudah pekerjaan manusia. Salah satunya adalah brankas otomatis dengan keamanan menggunakan sensor face recognition dan fingerprint supaya perhiasan dan barang berharga lainnya lebih terjamin keamanannya dengan sistem keamanan ganda pada brankas. Proyek akhir ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan sebuah  teknologi yang memanfaatkan beberapa macam komponen sensor, dimana komponen sensor tersebut melibatkan sensor getar untuk mengirimkan sms gateway jika brankas berpindah tempat,dan sim800l akan mengirimkan titik kordinat brankas berupa sms gateway.  Dan GPS akan melacak keberadaan brankas sesuai titik kordinat tersebut. Buzzer akan berbunyi untuk memberikan tanda atau notifikasi.
An Investigation of Student’s Problems in Writing Recount Text
Authors: Syafitri  , Octasary Magvirah , Hardianti  , Ratna  , Stenalt Maria Hvid
Published: February 2024

The aim of this research is to find out the problems written by the tenth-grade students of SMA Negeri 1 Sausu in writing recount text. This study concentrated on the issues students had when producing recount texts in terms of grammar, organization, content and vocabulary. The researcher applied descriptive qualitative research in this study. The subject of this research was the tenth-grade social students which consisted of 20 students. The instrument was test. In collecting the data, written test is used in order to know how the students understood in writing recount text and in addition to find out their problems in writing. There were 4 steps in collecting the data in this research. They are preparing research instrument, distributing the test instruction to students, collecting the data, and analyzing students’ writing. In order to determine the percentage and the most common mistakes that students made when producing recount texts, the researcher calculated the difficulties based on the classification. The results made it evident that most students had difficulty writing a recount paragraph. A student (4.5 percent) had extremely poor content, two students (9.09 percent) had extremely poor organization, ten students (45.4 percent) had extremely poor vocabulary and twelve students (54.5%) had extremely poor grammar. The majority of students found it difficult to comprehend how to use language in a recount text, which is why it happened. Additionally, they are inexperienced and lacked knowledge in writing recount texts.
Optimalisasi Aplikasi Quizwhizzer dalam Kegiatan Perkuliahan Terhadap Peningkatan Motivasi Belajar Mahasiswa
Authors: Ekaputra Firdiawan
Published: February 2024

Motivasi belajar memegang peranan penting dalam keberhasilan mahasiswa dalam belajar. Penggunaan media yang kurang mampu membangkitkan semangat belajar dapat menjadikan motivasi belajar menjadi rendah dan berdampak pada tingkat keberhasilan belajar mahasiswa. Penerapan aplikasi quizwhizzer merupakan fokus penelitian untuk meningkatkan motivasi belajar mahasiswa. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah menguji optimalisasi aplikasi quizwhizzer dalam kegiatan perkuliahan terhadap peningkatan motivasi belajar mahasiswa pada mata kuliah Biokimia II kelas R-001. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuasi eksperimen dengan rancangan one group pretest-posttest design. Subjek yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah mahasiswa Program Studi Pendidikan Kimia Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan Universitas Jambi yang mengikuti perkuliahan Biokimia II kelas R-001 tahun akademik 2023/2024. Teknik pengumpulan data motivasi belajar menggunakan angket. Pengisian angket motivasi belajar dilakukan sebelum dan sesudah penerapan aplikasi quizwhizzer dalam perkuliahan. Uji hipotesis penelitian menggunakan uji paired samples t test. Kesimpulan dalam penelitian ini adalah penerapan aplikasi quizwhizzer dalam kegiatan perkuliahan efektif dalam meningkatkan motivasi belajar mahasiswa pada mata kuliah Biokimia II kelas R-001.
Pengaruh Penerapan Model Problem Based Learning terhadap Kemampuan Berfikir Kritis Siswa pada Pembelajaran Tematik Kelas 5 SD N Jomblangan
Authors: Setyawan Arya Dani , Atmaja Dimas Tri , Arief Ardian , Purnamasari Dyan Indah , Wardani Kristi , Marwanti Endah
Published: February 2024

This article is a quasi-experiment with a non-equipvalent control group design. The data obtained in this article are from SD Negeri Jomblangan Banguntapan, Bantul, Yogyakarta. The subject used is the fifth grade students of SD Negeri Jomblangan. The object used is the ability to think critically. Data collection techniques used are observation techniques, tests and documentation. The data analysis technique used is quantitative descriptive. The results of the analysis show that students' critical thinking skills have increased by using the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model. This is evidenced by an increase in critical thinking skills which can be seen from the average score of the test results. The average value of the pretest was 70.14, after the action was taken using the PBL model the average value increased to 86.14. The results of the t-test for experimental pre-test data and control pre-test showed a sig value of 0.332 (sig value> 0.05) or t count <t table (0.980 <1.67), that is, there was no difference in critical thinking skills during the pre-test between the experimental class and the control class. This means that the initial ability to think critically is the same, so different treatments may be given. From these results it can be seen that there is an increase in critical thinking skills in thematic learning with PPKN class V SDN Jomblangan Banguntapan Bantul.
Eksplorasi media Balok Dienes dalam mengakomodasi keberagaman siswa pada pembelajaran Matematika di sekolah dasar
Authors: Hafifah Shintia , Trisniawati Trisniawati , Rahim Abdul
Published: February 2024

This study aims to describe the use of Dienes beam media for third grade students who have problems in learning mathematics, namely students are less active and less enthusiastic in participating in the learning process. The results of this study are (1) Planning for learning mathematics using The Dienes block media (2) The process of using The Dienes block media in learning mathematics with the concept of addition and subtraction for class III students of SD Negeri Glagah. This research was conducted at SD Negeri Glagah Yogyakarta starting on January 20 2023 until February 28 2023. The method used in this research is a qualitative descriptive method. The primary data were in the form of interviews and observations obtained from the results of interviews with teachers and third grade students, while the secondary data in this study were the results of student research documentation. Researchers in analyzing data used an interactive model from Miles and Huberman which was divided into several stages, namely data collection, data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing/verification. Checking the validity of the researcher's data uses triangulation and increases persistence.
Upaya Meningkatan Kapasitas Guru dalam Melakukan Asessmen di SLB Melalui Kegiatan Workshop
Authors: Khoirullah Ihsan Marvel
Published: February 2024

Increasing teacher capacity in carrying out assessments is crucial in special education units. Class teachers in special schools need to have the skills and courage to carry out informal assessments so that the learning program is appropriate to the students' conditions. This research aims to describe the implementation of increasing teacher capacity in conducting assessments in Special Schools. Data collection used a qualitative approach in the form of unstructured interviews, participant observation, and documentation studies. Data were analyzed by means of data reduction, data display, and drawing conclusions (Miles & Hubberman). The validity of this research data was carried out by data triangulation, researcher diligence, and member checking. The results of this research reveal that the assessment workshop process can be carried out in a flip class with online sessions for conceptual material related to assessment, while offline sessions are for practice in preparing instruments and implementing assessments. Teacher capacity building activities are indeed important, but their implementation requires effective and efficient arrangements so that teachers are ready to receive the material. However, it is recognized that the assessment workshop can provide teachers with an understanding of how to make instruments. The description of the implementation of the assessment workshop in this research can be used as a reference for managers of other special education institutions by emphasizing attention to better management of the implementation of activities.
Comparative acute toxicity of chlorofet and thiodan to the amphipod Parhyale basrensis (Salman, 1986) from Iraq
Authors: Al-Gheezy Kadhmia , Yasser Amaal Gh. , Naser Murtada , Rigby Mark
Published: February 2024

The pesticides chlorofet (active ingredient chlorpyrifos) and thiodan (active ingredient endosulfan) are widely used and released to surface waters in Iraq. To determine the potential effects of these pesticides on the aquatic fauna of Iraq, we tested the acute toxicity of chlorofet and thiodan using the talitrid amphipod Parhyale basrensis. Our results indicate that P. basrensis is more sensitive to chlorofet than thiodan. When expressed in terms of the active ingredients, P. basrensis is the most sensitive amphipod species that has been tested to date to endosulfan. In contrast, P. basrensis appears to be of average sensitivity to chlorpyrifos.
Vegetation Classification in Relation to Environmental Factors, in Fars Province, Iran
Authors: Moradipour Leila , Babaei Hassan , Hatami Ahmad
Published: February 2024

The study was carried out in the oak forests that is located in the Southwest part of Iran. The objective of this research was to determine the plant ecological groups and site classification in this region. Data were collected from 96 sample plot using the systematic-random method. The size of sampling plot was 20 m× 50 m for the tree and shrub layers, and 8 m × 8 m for the herbaceous layer. In each plot, topographical factors (elevation, slope, aspect) and percent cover of herbaceous and the crown cover of tree species were recorded. Multivariate analysis methods were used to classify and determine the relationship between species composition and environmental factors. The results of TWINSPAN and MRPP analysis showed that eight groups were recognized. The most important environmental factors associated with plant composition in oak communities were the slope, elevation, aspect, respectively. The ordination results (HRDA) indicated that the topography factors influenced on the establishment of indicator species. Furthermore, they were one of the limiting factors of the growth, presence, and absence of woody and herbaceous species.
Bird habitats in Gosekhurd region of Godavari basin, across Wainganga river India
Authors: G Patil Kishor , A Shende Virendra , B Uke S
Published: February 2024

Wainganga River valley of Eastern Vidarbha hosts major part of lush green landscape. Gosekhurd Dam (Indira Sagar) is one of the largest irrigation project of central India (JI00481) located 20.8738154°N 79.6081781°E near Pauni of Bhandara district, Maharashtra on Wainganga river. It is a good habitat for birds and herpetofauna biodiversity. Bird watching and recording were done from January 2014 to December 2017. 241 species belonging to 152 genera, 46 families and 17 orders (Podicipediformes, Pelecaniformes, Ciconiiformes, Anseriformes, Falconiformes, Galliformes, Gruiformes, Charadriiformes, Columbiformes, Psittaciformes, Cuculiformes, Strigiformes, Caprimulgiformes, Apodiformes, Coraciiformes, Piciformes and Passeriformes) were recorded. The order Passeriformes is the largest order belonging to 16 families and 90 bird species. Out of total bird species, 109 (45.23%) are resident, 95 (39.42%) are resident migrant and 37 (15.35%) are migratory species. Wainganga Valley is of critical importance for Maharashtra to preserve its forests, wildlife, and tribal population dependent on it. Present investigation carried out to prepare an inclusive checklist of bird species and their ecological status in the study area.
Numerical taxonomic studies of some members from four tribes of the family Araceae in south western Nigeria
Authors: Arogundade Oluwabunmi , Adedeji O
Published: February 2024

Sixteen taxa belonging to four tribes in the family Araceae were grouped based on numerical data generated from the coding of 16 morphological and 44 anatomical characters with the aim of inferring phenetic relationships among them. The data from these two fields of evidence were subjected to Paired Group Cluster Analysis (PGCA) and Principal Components Analysis (PCA). From the results, two groups emerged. The first group consists of members of genera Alocasia, Colocasia and Xanthosoma which are acaulescent herbs in that their stem(s) are subterranean and are also corm producers while the members of genera Aglaonema and Dieffenbachia which are caulescent herbs exhibiting decumbent character and non-corms producers constitute the second group. Twenty-nine (29) characters comprising of 15 morphological characters and 14 anatomical characters had high component loadings and can be employed in the delimitation of the taxa. The importance of these characters in the delimitation of the Araceae taxa was discussed.
First record of three species of spider crabs from west coast of India (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura)
Authors: Trivedi Jigneshkumar , Gosavi Swapnil , Vachhrajani Kauresh
Published: February 2024

The present study records occurrence of three species of spider crabs: Hyastenus hilgendorfi De Man, 1887 (Epialtidae), Hyastenus spinosus A. Milne-Edwards, 1872 (Epialtidae) and Paramaya mulli Ng, Prema & Ravichandran, 2018 (Majidae) for the first time from the west coast of India. These species were earlier reported from coastal areas of east coast of India. The diagnostic characteristics and some remarks on the taxonomy of each species are given in this paper.
Micrófono abierto: «Cacophony»
Authors: Ollé Candela
Published: February 2024

La consolidación del pódcast, como formato sonoro heterogéneo, hace que haya un abanico de propuestas para todos los gustos y públicos. En Parenthesis, el pódcast de los Estudios de Ciencias de la Información y de la Comunicación de la UOC, hemos llevado a cabo «Cacophony», una pieza que combina el activismo, el debate y el teatro. «Cacophony» es la primera actividad de 2024 impulsada por el Área de Cultura de la UOC, en el marco del Vicerrectorado de Alianzas, Comunidad y Cultura, que cuenta con la participación de profesorado de los Estudios de Ciencias de la Información y de la Comunicación y de los Estudios de Artes y Humanidades, de estudiantes de los másteres universitarios en línea de Periodismo y Comunicación Digital: Datos y Nuevas Narrativas y de Social Media: Gestión y Estrategia, y de la Unidad de Igualdad. Aprovechamos que tenemos el micrófono abierto para aproximarnos a «Cacophony» desde ángulos diferentes.
Driver lines for studying associative learning in Drosophila
Authors: Shuai Yichun , Sammons Megan , Sterne Gabriella R , Hibbard Karen L , Yang He , Yang Ching-Po , Managan Claire , Siwanowicz Igor , Lee Tzumin , Rubin Gerald M , Turner Glenn C , Aso Yoshinori
Published: February 2024

The mushroom body (MB) is the center for associative learning in insects. In Drosophila, intersectional split-GAL4 drivers and electron microscopy (EM) connectomes have laid the foundation for precise interrogation of the MB neural circuits. However, investigation of many cell types upstream and downstream of the MB has been hindered due to lack of specific driver lines. Here we describe a new collection of over 800 split-GAL4 and split-LexA drivers that cover approximately 300 cell types, including sugar sensory neurons, putative nociceptive ascending neurons, olfactory and thermo-/hygro-sensory projection neurons, interneurons connected with the MB-extrinsic neurons, and various other cell types. We characterized activation phenotypes for a subset of these lines and identified a sugar sensory neuron line most suitable for reward substitution. Leveraging the thousands of confocal microscopy images associated with the collection, we analyzed neuronal morphological stereotypy and discovered that one set of mushroom body output neurons, MBON08/MBON09, exhibits striking individuality and asymmetry across animals. In conjunction with the EM connectome maps, the driver lines reported here offer a powerful resource for functional dissection of neural circuits for associative learning in adult Drosophila.
CyAbrB2 is a nucleoid-associated protein in Synechocystis controlling hydrogenase expression during fermentation
Authors: Kariyazono Ryo , Osanai Takashi
Published: February 2024

The
hox
operon in
Synechocystis
sp. PCC 6803, encoding bidirectional hydrogenase responsible for H2 production, is transcriptionally upregulated under microoxic conditions. Although several regulators for
hox
transcription have been identified, their dynamics and higher-order DNA structure of
hox
region in microoxic conditions remain elusive. We focused on key regulators for the
hox
operon: cyAbrB2, a conserved regulator in cyanobacteria, and SigE, an alternative sigma factor. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing revealed that cyAbrB2 binds to the
hox
promoter region under aerobic conditions, with its binding being flattened in microoxic conditions. Concurrently, SigE exhibited increased localization to the
hox
promoter under microoxic conditions. Genome-wide analysis revealed that cyAbrB2 binds broadly to AT-rich genome regions and represses gene expression. Moreover, we demonstrated the physical interactions of the
hox
promoter region with its distal genomic loci, and the interactions are lowered in microoxic conditions. In the absence of cyAbrB2, the interactions stayed low both in aerobic and microoxic conditions. From these results, we propose that cyAbrB2 is a cyanobacterial nucleoid- associated protein (NAP), modulating chromosomal conformation, which blocks RNA polymerase from the
hox
promoter in aerobic conditions. We further infer that cyAbrB2, with altered localization pattern upon microoxic conditions, modifies chromosomal conformation in microoxic conditions, which allows SigE-containing RNA polymerase to access the
hox
promoter. The coordinated actions of this NAP and the alternative sigma factor are crucial for the proper
hox
expression in microoxic conditions. Our results highlight the impact of cyanobacterial chromosome conformation and NAPs on transcription, which have been insufficiently investigated.
Creating inspiration by developing digital mood boards in student teams
Authors: Omwami Anniliina , Lahti Henna , Seitamaa-Hakkarainen Pirita
Published: February 2024

Mood boards have notable potential to serve as inspirational tools in design. However, we still do not fully understand how mood boards are created utilizing material found online in collaborative educational settings. The purpose of our study is to deepen our understanding of both team design and the creation of shared digital mood boards through a qualitative analysis on how three student teams created shared mood boards using computers, and how they gathered inspirational material from the Web. We discuss how the creation of a shared mood board is a complex process, including deepening and broadening cycles, where a key idea is either explained more thoroughly, or then expanded with additional, related ideas. In relation to mood board ideas, the teams decided the specific keywords to be used to gather images online, balancing the design constraints, with an intuitive yet systematic way of working. We encourage to acknowledge a digitally created mood board as a collaborative method for creating meaningful starting points for designing, and for finding inspiration outside the direct design problem. Our study provides information which is beneficial for developing pedagogies that include collaboration and the use of online inspirational material.Keywords: team ideation; mood board; sources of inspiration; online material; metaphor; design education
Data-driven detection of age-related arbitrary monotonic changes in single-cell gene expression distributions
Authors: Cheng Jian Hao , Okada Daigo
Published: February 2024

Identification of genes whose expression increases or decreases with age is central to understanding the mechanisms behind aging. Recent scRNA-seq studies have shown that changes in single-cell expression profiles with aging are complex and diverse. In this study, we introduce a novel workflow to detect changes in the distribution of arbitrary monotonic age-related changes in single-cell expression profiles. Since single-cell gene expression profiles can be analyzed as probability distributions, our approach uses information theory to quantify the differences between distributions and employs distance matrices for association analysis. We tested this technique on simulated data and confirmed that potential parameter changes could be detected in a set of probability distributions. Application of the technique to a public scRNA-seq dataset demonstrated its potential utility as a straightforward screening method for identifying aging-related cellular features.
Comparison of P-POSSUM Score and NELA Score as Prime Predictors of Mortality in Emergency Laparotomies at a Tertiary Care Centre: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Rinisha A , Pujar K Anupama , Kalaivavani V , Dandu Shubha
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Emergency laparotomies carry significant morbidity and mortality. Preoperative risk assessment is the key part for all emergency laparotomies. Therefore, the use of Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enumeration of Mortality and morbidity (POSSUM) and National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA) scores helps stratify the risk and highlight the importance of high-risk patients, aiding in the provision of appropriate treatment plans and care. Aim: To determine and compare the Portsmouth-POSSUM (P-POSSUM) score and NELA score in predicting mortality at 30 days and 60 days in patients undergoing emergency laparotomies. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included all patients who underwent emergency laparotomy at a tertiary care centre from January 2021 to March 2023. A total of 116 patients were included, and demographic variables, laboratory values, and operative details were recorded. Mortality on postoperative day 30 and 60 was observed. All data were recorded in an MS excel spreadsheet, and statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19.0. An independent sample t-test was used. Results: Among the total study sample of 116 patients, the 30- day mortality rate was 8.6% (10 out of 116), and the 60-day mortality rate was 13.8% (16 out of 116). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for mortality prediction was 0.533 (0.361- 0.726) for the P-Possum score and 0.873 (0.799-0.948) for the NELA score, which was significantly higher. Conclusion: The NELA Score demonstrated greater accuracy in predicting early and late mortality compared to the P-POSSUM score in this study. Therefore, the authors highly recommend the use of the NELA score for risk assessment in all emergency laparotomies.
Los objetivos de déficit en las Comunidades Autónomas: una propuesta basada en la deuda
Authors:   Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Martínez Diego , González Fernando ,   Técnico Comercial y Economista del Estado
Published: February 2024

La ausencia de un proceso coherente y transparente en la definición de objetivos fiscales es una debilidad endémica de nuestro marco de gobernanza fiscal. Este artículo presenta una propuesta para el establecimiento de los objetivos de déficit y deuda pública de las CCAA españolas. Partiendo de un esquema ya utilizado en la gobernanza fiscal europea, se vincula el saldo presupuestario de las haciendas autonómicas al esfuerzo necesario para reducir el nivel de deuda pública hasta un valor normativo de referencia. Se ofrecen en este sentido varias simulaciones numéricas para distintas parametrizaciones de este valor de referencia de la deuda pública y de la velocidad de aproximación al mismo. También se propone un mecanismo de penalización que considera el momento del ciclo económico y el esfuerzo estructural realizado. La situación de la Comunidad Valenciana, altamente endeudada y con una financiación por habitante ajustado por debajo de la media, también es abordada a modo de ejemplo.
Effects of Varying Dietary Levels of Hibiscus rosa sinensis Leaves Powder on Growth and Gonads Development in Nile Tilapia Oreochromis Niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Melvin Mutlen , Paul Zango , Azaria Doumou Owona , Esther Pouomogne Djemna , Victor Pouomogne , Minette Tomedi Eyango
Published: February 2024

Aims: The purpose of this study was to explore the possible use of Hibiscus rosa sinensis leaf powder as a reproductive inhibitor in Oreochromis niloticus

Place and Duration of Study: From 10th February to 21st June 2021 at the Kanhé-Moyo Integrated Fisheries and Aquaculture Research and Application Farm located in the locality of Baho'o belonging to the Baham District,in the West Region of  Cameroon

Study Design: 720 Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings with an average weight of 13±2.5g were randomly distributed in 12 happas arranged in an earthen pond measuring approximately 10 x 20 m and fed 3 experimental diets, formulated from a control diet to contain Hibiscus rosa sinensis leaf powder at doses of 3.5, 4.5 and 5.5 g/kg of feed respectively.

Methodology: After 45 days post-treatment, survival and zootechnical growth parameters were assessed. Histological examination of the gonads was used to determine the impact of treatment on gonadal development at 45 and 65 days post-treatment respectively.

Results: The results show that the different treatments had a similar effect on survival (P˃0.05), with an average value of 97.91 ± 3.81%. Analysis of the growth parameters of  fishes from the different batches treated with different doses of H. rosa sinensis leaf powder revealed that the dose of 4.5 g/kg of H. rosa sinensis had a significantly greater effect than the other treatments applied in terms of Mean Final Weight (with a mean value of 24.77±0.27g), Mean Weight Gain (with a mean value of 3.63±1.18 g), mean specific growth rate (with a mean value of 1.13 ± 0.40%/day) and Mean Daily Gain (with a mean value of 0.25±0.08 g/d). However, analysis of the gonado somatic index at 45 and 60 days post-treatment of batches treated with different doses of H. rosa sinensis leaves revealed a significantly higher effect of the 3.5 g/kg dose on the gonado somatic index in both males and females. Observation of the testicular structures of the males from the treated batches revealed alterations reflecting an inhibition of gonadal development, which justifies the low gonado somatic index values observed in these different treated batches compared with the control batches. These alterations were also observed in the ovarian tissues of the treated females both at 45 and 60 days post-treatment. However, observations of the gonadal structures of satellite males and females at 60 days post-treatment revealed partial restoration of gonadal tissue in both males and females.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that Hibiscus rosa sinensis leaves could be used as an alternative ecological method for inhibiting reproduction in Oreochromis niloticus. The results will help local producer networks to improve tilapia production.
Flue Gas Desulfurization Products Use on Agricultural Land Use Systems
Authors: Sreshma, C. K.  , Vimalashree, H.  , Lamani. Hanumant D.
Published: February 2024

The Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) process is a set of technology that is used to remove the sulphur dioxide (SO2) present in the flue gas, which is exhausted from the thermal power plant during electricity generation. In FGD equipment, high calcium-containing sorbent materials are sprayed, which will react with the SO2 present in the flue gas and result in the formation of calcium sulphite and FGD gypsum etc. these formed waste materials are known as FGD products. The FGD products can be used in agricultural land for the amelioration of the soil acidity, salinity and alkalinity, it improves the soil’s physical property, reduce the runoff rate etc. Now a day around two per cent of generated FGD products is used in the agricultural field. As some of the FGD products may contain heavy metals, their direct use in the agriculture field may cause environmental hazards. To avoid environmental pollution before its direct use the chemical properties of the product have to be thoroughly checked. So by the use of these materials in the agricultural field, we can effectively convert waste material into useful products.
Valuation and design of pharmaceutical R&D licensing deals
Authors: Rogers Michael J. , Maranas Costas D. , Ding Min
Published: December 2004

In today's intensely competitive business environment, pharmaceutical companies are augmenting their product pipelines by both developing drugs on their own and in‐licensing proprietary compounds or drug discovery–related technologies from smaller biotechnology companies. In this work, the OptFolio model of pharmaceutical R&D portfolio management is extended to evaluate partnership opportunities as real options and determine the optimal timing and investment policy for proposed alliances in the face of technological and market uncertainties and budgetary restrictions. Licensing deals are modeled within a decision tree as a series of continuation/abandonment options for the pharmaceutical company, deciding at each stage of R&D whether to make a predetermined milestone payment to continue the alliance or terminate the alliance because of unfavorable market conditions and/or internal resource limitations. Results indicate that early stage alliances become more valuable as market uncertainty and the ability of pharmaceutical companies to enhance the value of the licensed drug increase because of the ability to control downside risk by the abandonment option. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 51: 198–209, 2005
Molecular modeling of H2 purification on Na‐LSX zeolite and experimental validation
Authors: Weinberger B. , Lamari F. Darkrim , Kayiran S. Beyaz , Gicquel A. , Levesque D.
Published: December 2004

Analysis of hydrogen purification process by adsorption in the dehydrated Na‐LSX zeolite is described. New measurements of hydrogen and nitrogen adsorption selectivity of this zeolite have been performed up to a pressure of 20 MPa and at temperatures of 273, 293 and 313 K, by using a gravimetric‐volumetric method. Structural characterizations were realized by helium density displacement, nuclear magnetic resonance, X‐ray diffraction and scanning electronic microscopy. Furthermore, Monte Carlo simulations of gas adsorption were performed in a zeolite model of Na‐LSX, using pair potentials to represent the interaction between gas molecules and zeolite atoms. Comparison of simulation results and experimental data enabled testing of the validity of such a modeling of the gas‐zeolite interaction. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 51:142–148, 2005
Titelbild: Die Erweiterung des genetischen Codes (Angew. Chem. 1/2005)
Authors: Wang Lei , Schultz Peter G.
Published: December 2004

Nichtnatürliche Aminosäuren können als neue Bausteine in die genetischen Codes von prokaryotischen und eukaryotischen Organismen eingefügt werden. Berichtet wurde über mehr als dreißig nichtnatürliche Aminosäuren mit modifizierten Seitenketten, die in eindeutigen Triplett‐ und Quadruplett‐Codons codiert sind. P. G. Schultz und L. Wang beschreiben im Aufsatz auf S. 34 ff. chemische und biochemische Verfahren zur Modifizierung von Proteinstrukturen und zum Einbau von neuen Aminosäuren.
Expanding the Genetic Code
Authors: Wang Lei , Schultz Peter G.
Published: December 2004

Although chemists can synthesize virtually any small organic molecule, our ability to rationally manipulate the structures of proteins is quite limited, despite their involvement in virtually every life process. For most proteins, modifications are largely restricted to substitutions among the common 20 amino acids. Herein we describe recent advances that make it possible to add new building blocks to the genetic codes of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Over 30 novel amino acids have been genetically encoded in response to unique triplet and quadruplet codons including fluorescent, photoreactive, and redox‐active amino acids, glycosylated amino acids, and amino acids with keto, azido, acetylenic, and heavy‐atom‐containing side chains. By removing the limitations imposed by the existing 20 amino acid code, it should be possible to generate proteins and perhaps entire organisms with new or enhanced properties.
The use of reliability techniques to predict the recovery rate of recovering alcohol addicts
Authors: Thornton K.E.B. , Lazzarini A.
Published: December 2004

In this article, we describe a new means of presenting and analyzing information regarding recovering alcoholics. We show that the use of reliability life‐test techniques—specifically Weibull plots—can be used not only to gain an understanding of the recovery rate of alcoholics who are undergoing counseling during their recovery process, but also to present a visual indication of the speed and nature of their recovery. We show that by considering the movement of the recovering addicts with time—as a direct analogy with the degradation of samples on device life‐test—it is possible to predict the time and path that will be taken for a recovering addict to reach a given recovery stage. We also show that, in a direct analogy with overstress life‐tests, it is possible to predict the “time to recovery of addict” based upon the time taken to reach a “part‐way” recovery step (or stage). The results also show that those presenting with different addiction types follow varying recovery models as do those from different locations. This information could be particularly useful in providing appropriate support to those recovering from multiple addictions as well as those living in different locations. The results of this work have great potential for use in this and any other therapeutic interventions, and in medical applications such as the observed stepwise recovery from major operations and RTAs (road traffic accidents). Hence the results of this work have the potential to affect the health of the nation by enabling appropriate patient support, and, by the ensuing cost‐effective support, enable the maximum number possible of patients to be supported by the limited resources of the centralized health‐care umbrella.
Innovative Raumakustik im Spannungsfeld zwischen Forschung und Markt
Authors: Drotleff Horst , Fuchs Helmut V. , Wack Roman
Published: December 2004

Anhand von Beispielen wird gezeigt, daß für Musikerarbeitsplätze, sowie für verbale kommunikationsintensive Raumnutzung eine richtig funktionierende Raumakustik kein entbehrlicher Luxus ist, sondern ein die Arbeitsleistung und Gesundheit förderndes “Muß”. Neue Raumakustik‐Bauteile, sowie Konzepte aus Forschung und Entwicklung müssen außer ihrer akustischen Funktion noch weitere Vorteile aufweisen und können nur mit Hilfe von Industriepartnern im Bau‐Markt etabliert werden. Eine vereinfachte Kostenkalkulation, ohne auch die leistungs‐ und motivationsfördernden Aspekte einer funktionalen Raumakustik in Betracht zu ziehen, zeigt, daß diese Investitionen oft nur vergleichsweise geringe Mehrkosten verursachen. Im Bereich der Freifeldräume sparen schlanke reflexionsfreie Auskleidungen sogar von der ersten Minute an Rohbaukosten in der Größenordnung ihres Anschaffungspreises im Vergleich zu herkömmlichen Auskleidungen.
Aktuelle Ergebnisse zum Schallschutz von Fassaden und Außenbauteilen
Authors: Weber Lutz , Leistner Philip
Published: December 2004

Die schalltechnische Qualität von Außenbauteilen wird häufig als nachgeordnete Anforderung betrachtet, obgleich das mit Lärm und Geräuschen verbundene Belästigungspotential erheblich ist. Wie die Beanstandungen bei schalltechnisch mangelhaften Bauten zeigen, erwartet die Mehrzahl der Benutzer und Betreiber einen hochwertigen Schallschutz. In diesem Kontext sind akustische Qualitätsansprüche und ‐kriterien an Außenbauteile und Fassaden zu betrachten und zu definieren, wobei die Schwachstellen vorwiegend aus der niedrigen Schalldämmung zahlreicher Bauteile und Konstruktionen gegenüber tieffrequenten Geräuschen, wie z. B. Verkehrslärm resultieren. Um dem wachsenden Bedarf an schalltechnischen Verbesserungen von Außenbauteilen zu entsprechen, kann heute auf eine breite Palette von Daten, Erkenntnissen und Lösungsansätzen zurückgegriffen werden. Bezogen auf Wärmedämmverbundsysteme und Lochsteinwände stellt der Beitrag Ergebnisse kürzlich abgeschlossener Forschungsarbeiten vor.
Einsatz von Wärmedämm‐Verbundsystemen in anderen Klimazonen
Authors: Zirkelbach Daniel , Künzel Hartwig M. , Sedlbauer Klaus
Published: December 2004

Gute Erfahrungen mit Wärmedämm‐Verbundsystemen (WDVS) in Deutschland begründen das Interesse von Baufirmen, diese Systeme auch vermehrt international einzusetzen. Dabei ist es in der Vergangenheit auch vorgekommen, daß durch die unsachgemäße Anwendung größere Schäden entstanden sind. Die vorliegende Untersuchung beschäftigt sich mit dem Einsatz von WDVS an Standorten in Südeuropa, Japan, Thailand und auf der arabischen Halbinsel. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass sich durch den Einsatz von WDVS gegenüber einer ungedämmten Wand sowohl in kaltem als auch in heißem Klima deutliche Verbesserungen der raumklimatischen, thermischen und energetischen Verhältnisse erzielen lassen. Allerdings kann es bei herkömmlichem Aufbau in Regionen mit sehr hohen Temperaturen und gleichzeitig hohen Luftfeuchten zu einer Feuchteansammlung in der Konstruktion kommen, die einer genaueren Betrachtung bedarf, um Schäden ausschließen zu können.
Optimierung von Fenstern für die passive Solarenergiegewinnung
Authors: Rabenstein Dietrich
Published: December 2004

Es werden Gleichungen für die Ermittlung von wirtschaftlich optimalen Werten der Wärmedurchgangskoeffizienten und der Flächen von Fenstern hergeleitet und diskutiert. Die Voraussetzungen für die Wirtschaftlichkeit passiver solarer Wärmegewinne mit Fenstern, somit für eine verstärkte Nutzung der erneuerbaren Energiequelle Solarenergie, werden untersucht. Die Analyse zeigt, daß die Bedeutung eines hohen Energiedurchlaßgrades von Verglasungen vielfach unterschätzt wird.
Aus Luftschiffhalle wird Tropischer Regenwald ndash; Brandschutzkonzepte für die größte Halle der Welt
Authors: Kirchner Udo
Published: December 2004

“Tropical Islands” bezeichnet ein Projekt von enormer Größe mit außergewöhnlicher Nutzung. Ursprünglich als Werfthalle für den CargoLifter geplant, sieht das neue Nutzungskonzept die Halle als Veranstaltungsort mit einem Tropischen Regenwald vor. Der Beitrag beschreibt die herausragenden Aspekte des Brandschutzkonzeptes, die Beispielcharakter für andere Projekte haben können. Zur wesentlichen Frage der Rauchabführung werden Ergebnisse von Rauchversuchen und deren Umsetzung unter Berücksichtigung der besonderen äußeren Bedingungen für die Werfthalle dargestellt. Für die neu beabsichtigte Nutzung wurde die Wirksamkeit unter vielfältigen Einflußkriterien systematisch und durch plausible Näherungsverfahren ausgewertet. Es wurde deutlich, daß gerade bei der Dimension dieses Bauwerkes der eher gesamtheitliche Ansatz zielführender und wichtiger sein kann als die detailexakte Simulation von Einzelszenarien ndash; eine Erkenntnis, die gewiß auch für weniger spektakuläre Objekte gelten mag. Das Projekt ist außerdem ein ideales Beispiel dafür, in welch starkem Maße Brandschutzkonzepte an spezifische Nutzungen angepaßt werden müssen ndash; und angepaßt werden können. Dieser Aspekt wird für die Tätigkeit der Brandschutzingenieure gerade in Zeiten an Bedeutung zunehmen, in denen die ehemaligen Nutzungsabsichten aus wirtschaftlichen Gründen aufgegeben werden oder zum schonenden Umgang mit Ressourcen Bestandsimmobilien neuen Zwecken zugeführt werden.
Von der Werfthalle des CargoLifter zum Tropical Island Resort: Klima‐ und Energiekonzept für den weltweit größten überdachten tropischen Freizeitpark
Authors: Post Heinrich
Published: December 2004

Für die Umplanung der ehemaligen CargoLifter‐Halle zum “Tropical Island Resort” werden die wesentlichen Schritte des Climaengineering im Rahmen der Vorplanung beschrieben. Zunächst werden die Klimakonzepte für den winterlichen‐ und sommerlichen Betriebsfall vorgestellt, die sich nach der Analyse von Baukörper, Nutzungsanforderungen und Außenklima und der Optimierung der technischen Anlagenparameter im Rahmen von komplexen, dynamischen Gebäude‐ und Raumströmungssimulationen ergaben. Abschließend wird das Energiekonzept des Tropical Island Resort beschrieben.