bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectrum of Genes for Non-GJB2-Related Non-Syndromic Hearing Loss in the Russian Population Revealed by a Targeted Deafness Gene Panel
Authors: Shatokhina Olga , Galeeva Nailya , Stepanova Anna , Markova Tatiana , Lalayants Maria , Alekseeva Natalia , Tavarkiladze George , Markova Tatiana , Bessonova Liudmila , Petukhova Marina , Guseva Daria , Anisimova Inga , Polyakov Alexander , Ryzhkova Oxana , Bliznetz Elena
Published: December 2022

Hearing loss is one of the most genetically heterogeneous disorders known. Over 120 genes are reportedly associated with non-syndromic hearing loss (NSHL). To date, in Russia, there have been relatively few studies that apply massive parallel sequencing (MPS) methods to elucidate the genetic factors underlying non-GJB2-related hearing loss cases. The current study is intended to provide an understanding of the mutation spectrum in non-GJB2-related hearing loss in a cohort of Russian sensorineural NSHL patients and establish the best diagnostic algorithm. Genetic testing using an MPS panel, which included 33 NSHL and syndromic hearing loss (SHL) genes that might be misdiagnosed as NSHL genes, was completed on 226 sequentially accrued and unrelated patients. As a result, the molecular basis of deafness was found in 21% of the non-GJB2 NSHL cases. The total contribution pathogenic, and likely pathogenic, variants in the genes studied among all hereditary NSHL Russian patients was 12%. STRC pathogenic and likely pathogenic, variants accounted for 30% of diagnoses in GJB2-negative patients, providing the most common diagnosis. The majority of causative mutations in STRC involved large copy number variants (CNVs) (80%). Among the point mutations, the most common were c.11864G>A (p.Trp3955*) in the USH2A gene, c.2171_2174delTTTG (p.Val724Glyfs*6) in the STRC gene, and c.107A>C (p.His36Pro) and c.1001G>T (p.Gly334Val) in the SLC26A4 gene. Pathogenic variants in genes involved in SHL accounted for almost half of the cases with an established molecular genetic diagnosis, which were 10% of the total cohort of patients with non-GJB2-related hearing loss.
New Therapeutics for Extracellular Vesicles: Delivering CRISPR for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Yan Biying , Liang Yaxuan
Published: December 2022

Cancers are defined by genetic defects, which underlines the prospect of using gene therapy in patient care. During the past decade, CRISPR technology has rapidly evolved into a powerful gene editing tool with high fidelity and precision. However, one of the impediments slowing down the clinical translation of CRISPR-based gene therapy concerns the lack of ideal delivery vectors. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized membrane sacs naturally released from nearly all types of cells. Although EVs are secreted for bio-information conveyance among cells or tissues, they have been recognized as superior vectors for drug or gene delivery. Recently, emerging evidence has spotlighted EVs in CRISPR delivery towards cancer treatment. In this review, we briefly introduce the biology and function of the CRISPR system and follow this with a summary of current delivery methods for CRISPR applications. We emphasize the recent progress in EV-mediated CRISPR editing for various cancer types and target genes. The reported strategies for constructing EV-CRISPR vectors, as well as their limitations, are discussed in detail. The review aims to throw light on the clinical potential of engineered EVs and encourage the expansion of our available toolkit to defeat cancer.
Healthcare Professionals’ Perspectives on the Outgoing Geriatric Team: A Qualitative Explorative Study
Authors: Beck Sanne Have , Nielsen Dorthe Susanne
Published: December 2022

The need for communication and collaboration increases when an older patient is discharged from the hospital, as the transition of care is complex for older patients living with multiple concurrent diseases. An intervention: The outgoing geriatric team was developed and initiated to address these patients’ complex needs. The outgoing geriatric team aimed to collaborate with healthcare professionals at a skilled nursing facility. This study explored how the intervention was experienced by the healthcare professionals from both the outgoing geriatric team and the skilled nursing facility. The study employed a qualitative explorative design using semi-structured interviews. Fourteen healthcare professionals participated in the interviews. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clark’s thematic analysis. Three themes emerged: (1) The need for personal contact and communication; (2) the need for competent care and sensitive observation; and (3) the need for clarification of responsibilities. The study emphasized the importance of meeting face-to-face during cross-sectoral collaboration when treating and caring for patients with complex care needs.
Biomaterials and Clinical Applications of Customized Healing Abutment—A Narrative Review
Authors: Chokaree Parima , Poovarodom Pongsakorn , Chaijareenont Pisaisit , Yavirach Apichai , Rungsiyakull Pimduen
Published: December 2022

Customized healing abutments have been introduced in clinical practice along with implant surgery to preserve or create natural-appearing hard and soft tissue around the implant. This provides the benefits of reducing the overall treatment time by eliminating the second stage and reducing the elapsed time of the fabrication of the final prostheses. This article aims to review the types and properties of materials used for the fabrication of customized healing abutments and their clinical applications. Articles published in English on customized healing abutments were searched in Google Scholar, PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and the Scopus databases up to August 2022. The relevant articles were selected and included in this literature review. Customized healing abutments can be fabricated from materials available for dental implants, including PEEK, PMMA, zirconia, resin composite, and titanium. All the materials can be used following both immediate and delayed implant placement. Each material provides different mechanical and biological properties that influence the peri-implant tissues. In conclusion, the studies have demonstrated promising outcomes for all the materials. However, further investigation comparing the effects of each material on peri-implant soft and hard tissues is required.
Modeling the Risks of the Global Customs Space
Authors: Borysenko Olha , Vasyl’yeva Olena , Katerna Olga , Masiuk Iuliia , Panakhi Oleg
Published: December 2022

The influence of globalization processes, the customs space of the country, requires the development and implementation of a transparent state customs policy to ensure security and integration into the space of the higher hierarchical order. The purpose of the study is to form scientific-applied recommendations regarding the development vectors of the customs space of a country in the global environment to improve its risk management system. The main method of study is econometric modeling, namely, canonical analysis in determining the interdependence of sustainable development and customs space. The purpose of the study is to suggest directions for development vectors for a country’s customs space that will mitigate various risks. Originally, 174 countries were selected for analysis, but the final sample was formed by 98 countries. According to the results of econometric modeling, it was determined that the following variables have the greatest impact on the customs space: human development index; GDP per capita; corruption perception index; global enabling trade index; environmental performance index; social progress index; global competitiveness index. The findings can be used by public authorities in developing a strategy for reforming the customs system of developing countries, taking into account the risks and challenges of the global environment.
Application of Nanoparticles: Diagnosis, Therapeutics, and Delivery of Insulin/Anti-Diabetic Drugs to Enhance the Therapeutic Efficacy of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Debele Tilahun Ayane , Park Yoonjee
Published: December 2022

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins due to a deficiency of insulin secretion or failure to respond to insulin secreted from pancreatic cells, which leads to high blood glucose levels. DM is one of the top four noncommunicable diseases and causes of death worldwide. Even though great achievements were made in the management and treatment of DM, there are still certain limitations, mainly related to the early diagnosis, and lack of appropriate delivery of insulin and other anti-diabetic agents. Nanotechnology is an emerging field in the area of nanomedicine and NP based anti-diabetic agent delivery is reported to enhance efficacy by increasing bioavailability and target site accumulation. Moreover, theranostic NPs can be used as diagnostic tools for the early detection and prevention of diseases owing to their unique biological, physiochemical, and magnetic properties. NPs have been synthesized from a variety of organic and inorganic materials including polysaccharides, dendrimers, proteins, lipids, DNA, carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, and mesoporous materials within the nanoscale size. This review focuses on the role of NPs, derived from organic and inorganic materials, in the diagnosis and treatment of DM.
Simulation of a Hybrid Thermoelectric-Magnetocaloric Refrigerator with a Magnetocaloric Material Having a First-Order Transition
Authors: Palacios Elías , Beltrán Jesús Francisco , Burriel Ramón
Published: December 2022

A simple hybrid thermoelectric-magnetocaloric (TE-MC) system is analytically and numerically simulated using the working parameters of commercial Peltier cells and the properties of a material with a first-order and low-hysteresis magneto-structural phase transition as La(Fe,Mn,Si)13H1.65. The need for a new master equation of the heat diffusion is introduced to deal with these materials. The equation is solved by the Crank–Nicolson finite difference method. The results are compared with those corresponding to a pure TE system and a pure MC system with ideal thermal diodes. The MC material acts as a heat “elevator” to adapt its temperature to the cold or hot source making the TE system very efficient. The efficiency of the realistic hybrid system is improved by at least 30% over the pure Peltier system for the same current supply and is similar to the pure MC with ideal diodes for the same cooling power.
Characterizing the Effects of Voluntary Wheel Running on Cardiac SERCA Function in Ovariectomized Mice
Authors: Marcella Bianca M. , Geromella Mia S. , Mohammad Ahmad , Sweezey-Munroe Jacob , MacPherson Rebecca E. K. , Fajardo Val A.
Published: December 2022

The sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) actively transports Ca2+ into the sarcoplasmic reticulum to facilitate cardiac muscle relaxation. Phospholamban (PLN) allosterically inhibits SERCA, and an imbalance of SERCA2a, dominant cardiac isoform, and PLN content disrupts Ca2+ homeostasis and cardiac contractility. A previous study has shown that ovariectomized (OVX) rats have reduced SERCA activity due to lowered SERCA2a and increased PLN content. Furthermore, it was found that forced treadmill running in OVX rats restored SERCA activity and protein content levels. Here, we investigated whether voluntary wheel running (VWR) would produce similar effects on cardiac SERCA function in OVX mice. Female mice were divided into the following groups for 8 weeks: SHAM; OVX; SHAM + VWR; and OVX + VWR (n = 10/group). SERCA activity and Ca2+ uptake assays were performed in cardiac muscle homogenates. Protein levels of SERCA2, PLN, and pPLN were determined via Western blot analysis. We found statistical interactions for Ca2+ uptake, maximal SERCA activity, and SERCA2a content where VWR increased these parameters in SHAM mice but not in OVX mice. We detected a main effect of OVX on PLN content, and main effects of OVX and VWR on pPLN content. The OVX mice ran significantly less than the SHAM mice, suggesting that estrogen deprivation and lack of regular exercise may blunt the effects of voluntary aerobic exercise on cardiac SERCA function.
Therapeutic Approaches for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Exacerbations
Authors: Rosenwasser Yehudis , Berger Irene , Loewy Zvi G.
Published: December 2022

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive pulmonary disorder underpinned by poorly reversible airflow resulting from chronic bronchitis or emphysema. The prevalence and mortality of COPD continue to increase. Pharmacotherapy for patients with COPD has included antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory corticosteroids (but with little success). Oral diseases have long been established as clinical risk factors for developing respiratory diseases. The establishment of a very similar microbiome in the mouth and the lung confirms the oral-lung connection. The aspiration of pathogenic microbes from the oral cavity has been implicated in several respiratory diseases, including pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This review focuses on current and future pharmacotherapeutic approaches for COPD exacerbation including antimicrobials, mucoregulators, the use of bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs, modifying epigenetic marks, and modulating dysbiosis of the microbiome.
Black Masculinities and Jewish Identity: Ethiopian-Israeli Men in Contemporary Art
Authors: Dekel Tal
Published: December 2022

The identity of Jewish-Israeli men of Ethiopian descent has undergone deep-seated changes in the last decade, as evident in visual representations created by contemporary black artists living in Israel. In recent years, a new generation of Ethiopian-Israeli artists has revitalized local art and engendered deep changes in discourse and public life. Ethiopian-Israelis, who comprise less than two percent of the total Jewish population in the country, suffers multiple forms of oppression, especially due to their religious status and given that their visibility—as black Jews—stands out in a society that is predominantly white. This article draws links between events of the past decade and the images of men produced by these artists. It argues that the political awareness of Jewish-Ethiopians artists, generated by long-term social activism as well as police violence against their community, has greatly impacted their artistic production, broadened its diversity, and contributed a wealth of artworks to Israeli culture as a whole. Using intersectional analysis and drawing on theories from gender, migration and cultural studies, the article aims to produce a nuanced understanding of black Jewish masculinity in the ethno-national context of the state of Israel.
A Direct Feedback FVF LDO for High Precision FMCW Radar Sensors in 65-nm CMOS Technology
Authors: Lee Jun-Hee , Lee Mun-Kyo , Park Jung-Dong
Published: December 2022

A direct feedback flipped voltage follower (FVF) LDO for a high-precision frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar is presented. To minimize the effect of the power supply ripple on the FMCW radar sensor’s resolution, a folded cascode error amplifier (EA) was connected to the outer loop of the FVF to increase the open-loop gain. The direct feedback structure enhances the PSRR while minimizing the power supply ripple path and not compromising a transient response. The flipped voltage follower with a super source follower forms a fast feedback loop. The stability and parameter variation sensitivity of the multi-loop FVF LDO were analyzed through the state matrix decomposition. We implemented the FVF LDO in TSMC 65 nm CMOS technology. The fabricated FVF LDO supplied a maximum load current of 20 mA with a 1.2 V power supply. The proposed FVF LDO achieved a full-spectrum PSR with a low-frequency PSRR of 66 dB, unity-gain bandwidth of 469 MHz, and 20 ns transient settling time with a load current step from 1 mA to 20 mA.
Superior Gait Symmetry and Postural Stability among Yoga Instructors—Inertial Measurement Unit-Based Evaluation
Authors: Lin Ang-Chieh , Lin Tzu-Tung , Tan Yin-Keat , Pan Wei-Ren , Shih Chih-Jen , Lee Chun-Ju , Chen Szu-Fu , Wang Fu-Cheng
Published: December 2022

This study investigates gait symmetry and single-leg stance balance of professional yoga instructors versus age-matched typically developed controls using inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based evaluation. We recruited twenty-five yoga instructors and twenty-five healthy control subjects to conduct the walking experiments and single-leg stance tests. Kinematic data were measured by attaching IMUs to the lower limbs and trunk. We assessed the asymmetry of swing phases during the normal-walk and tandem-walk tests with eyes open and closed, respectively. The subjects subsequently conducted four single-leg stance tests, including a single-leg stance on both legs with eyes open and closed. Two balance indexes regarding the angular velocities of the waist and chest were defined to assess postural stability. The gait asymmetry indexes of yoga instructors were significantly lower than those of the typically developed controls. Similarly, the yoga instructors had better body balance in all four single-leg stance tests. This study’s findings suggest that yoga improves gait asymmetry and balance ability in healthy adults. In the future, further intervention studies could be conducted to confirm the effect of yoga training.
Silicon Self-Switching Diode (SSD) as a Full-Wave Bridge Rectifier in 5G Networks Frequencies
Authors: Yi Liang Tan , Zakaria Nor Farhani , Kasjoo Shahrir Rizal , Shaari Safizan , Mohamad Isa Muammar , Md Arshad Mohd Khairuddin , Singh Arun Kumar
Published: December 2022

The rapid growth of wireless technology has improved the network’s technology from 4G to 5G, with sub-6 GHz being the centre of attention as the primary communication spectrum band. To effectively benefit this exclusive network, the improvement in the mm-wave detection of this range is crucial. In this work, a silicon self-switching device (SSD) based full-wave bridge rectifier was proposed as a candidate for a usable RF-DC converter in this frequency range. SSD has a similar operation to a conventional pn junction diode, but with advantages in fabrication simplicity where it does not require doping and junctions. The optimized structure of the SSD was cascaded and arranged to create a functional full-wave bridge rectifier with a quadratic relationship between the input voltage and outputs current. AC transient analysis and theoretical calculation performed on the full-wave rectifier shows an estimated cut-off frequency at ~12 GHz, with calculated responsivity and noise equivalent power of 1956.72 V/W and 2.3753 pW/Hz1/2, respectively. These results show the capability of silicon SSD to function as a full-wave bridge rectifier and is a potential candidate for RF-DC conversion in the targeted 5G frequency band and can be exploited for future energy harvesting application.
Fiber/Yarn-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs): Fabrication Strategy, Structure, and Application
Authors: Chen Yu , Ling Yali , Yin Rong
Published: December 2022

With the demand of a sustainable, wearable, environmentally friendly energy source, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) were developed. TENG is a promising method to convert mechanical energy from motion into electrical energy. The combination of textile and TENG successfully enables wearable, self-driving electronics and sensor systems. As the primary unit of textiles, fiber and yarn become the focus of research in designing of textile-TENGs. In this review, we introduced the preparation, structure, and design strategy of fiber/yarn TENGs in recent research. We discussed the structure design and material selection of fiber/yarn TENGs according to the different functions it realizes. The fabrication strategy of fiber/yarn TENGs into textile-TENG are provided. Finally, we summarize the main applications of existing textile TENGs and give forward prospects for their subsequent development.
Buckypaper-Based Nanostructured Sensor for Port Wine Analysis
Authors: Ferreira Luiza , Pinheiro Paula , Neto Newton Barbosa , Reis Marcos
Published: December 2022

The development of electronic gadgets has become of great relevance for the detection of fraud in beverages such as wine, due to the addition of adulterants that bring risks to human health as well as economic impacts. Thus, the present study aims to apply a buckypaper (BP) based on functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/cellulose fibers as a sensor for the analysis of Port wine intentionally adulterated with 5 vol.% and 10 vol.% distilled water and ethyl alcohol. The morphology of BP characterized by scanning electron microscopy indicates the formation of agglomerates of random MWCNTs dispersed on the surface and between the fibers of the cellulosic paper. The analysis of the response of the film through the normalized relative resistance change showed a higher response of 0.75 ± 0.16 for adulteration with 10 vol.% of water and a mean response time of 10.0 ± 3.60 s and recovery of approximately 17.2 min for adulteration with 5 vol.% alcohol. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used in data processing to evaluate the ability of BP to recognize and discriminate analytes and adulterating agents, allowing the investigation of its potential application as a low-cost and easy-to-handle multisensor.
Uniformity Correction of CMOS Image Sensor Modules for Machine Vision Cameras
Authors: Becker Gabor Szedo , Lovas Róbert
Published: December 2022

Flat-field correction (FFC) is commonly used in image signal processing (ISP) to improve the uniformity of image sensor pixels. Image sensor nonuniformity and lens system characteristics have been known to be temperature-dependent. Some machine vision applications, such as visual odometry and single-pixel airborne object tracking, are extremely sensitive to pixel-to-pixel sensitivity variations. Numerous cameras, especially in the fields of infrared imaging and staring cameras, use multiple calibration images to correct for nonuniformities. This paper characterizes the temperature and analog gain dependence of the dark signal nonuniformity (DSNU) and photoresponse nonuniformity (PRNU) of two contemporary global shutter CMOS image sensors for machine vision applications. An optimized hardware architecture is proposed to compensate for nonuniformities, with optional parametric lens shading correction (LSC). Three different performance configurations are outlined for different application areas, costs, and power requirements. For most commercial applications, the correction of LSC suffices. For both DSNU and PRNU, compensation with one or multiple calibration images, captured at different gain and temperature settings are considered. For more demanding applications, the effectiveness, external memory bandwidth, power consumption, implementation, and calibration complexity, as well as the camera manufacturability of different nonuniformity correction approaches were compared.
Green Pit Viper Envenomations in Bangkok: A Comparison of Follow-Up Compliance and Clinical Outcomes in Older and Younger Adults
Authors: Othong Rittirak , Eurcherdkul Thanaphat , Chantawatsharakorn Prasit
Published: December 2022

We compared older and younger adults envenomated by the green pit viper (GPV) with regard to the following: follow-up compliance, elapsed time between envenomation and emergency department (ED) visit, and clinical/treatment outcomes. This was a two-site retrospective cohort study. We searched hospital electronic medical databases between January 2011 and December 2021. Patients aged 15 and above were eligible if they had a history of snakebite and had at least two VCT and/or platelet count results in their medical records. After the search, 1550 medical records were reviewed and 760 cases were found to be eligible for analysis. In total, 205 cases (27.0%) were ≥60 years old. The median ages in the younger and older groups were 40 (26–51) and 68 (64–75) years, respectively. The median elapsed times from bite to the ED were 47 (30–118) vs. 69 (35–150) min (p-value = 0.001). Overall, 91.3% of all cases were managed as out-patient cases and were eligible for follow-up appointments. The rate of out-patient follow-up at 72 ± 12 h in the older patients was significantly higher (43.2%) than in the younger adult patients (32.4%) (p-value = 0.01). Regarding the clinical/treatment outcomes, the rates of coagulopathy, antivenom administration, and hospital admission were not statistically different between both groups.
Numerical Investigation of Hydrodynamics in a U-Shaped Open Channel Confluence Flow with Partially Emergent Rigid Vegetation
Authors: Shi Zhengrui , Jin Sheng
Published: December 2022

The effects of partially emergent rigid vegetation on the hydrodynamics of a curved open-channel confluence flow were simulated using OpenFOAM. The numerical model using the Volume of Fluid method and the RNG k-ε turbulence model in the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations was first validated by existing experimental data with good agreement. Then the characteristics of hydrodynamics were analyzed in aspects of separation zone, water level, streamwise velocities, secondary flows, bed shear stress and flow resistance. Some main conclusions can be drawn from the results. Compared to the non-vegetated cases, the separation zones in vegetated cases are smaller in both length and width. With higher vegetation Solid Volume Fraction (SVF), the separation zone is divided into two parts, a smaller one right after the confluence point and a larger one on the second half of the curved reach after the confluence. The main circulation cell shrinks and the circulation near the concave bank moves towards the channel midline. The differences in velocities and bed shear stress between the convex and concave banks become larger with a higher SVF. Under the same SVF, a larger vegetation density has more disturbance on the tributary than a larger stem diameter.
Surface Water Mapping from SAR Images Using Optimal Threshold Selection Method and Reference Water Mask
Authors: Kavats Olena , Khramov Dmitriy , Sergieieva Kateryna
Published: December 2022

Water resources are an important component of ecosystem services. During long periods of cloudiness and precipitation, when a ground-based sample is not available, the water bodies are detected from satellite SAR (synthetic-aperture radar) data using threshold methods (e.g., Otsu and Kittler–Illingworth). However, such methods do not enable to obtain the correct threshold value for the backscattering coefficient (σ0) of relatively small water areas in the image. The paper proposes and substantiates a method for the mapping of the surface of water bodies, which makes it possible to correctly identify water bodies, even in “water”/“land” class imbalance situations. The method operates on a principle of maximum compliance of the resulting SAR water mask with a given reference water mask. Therefore, the method enables the exploration of the possibilities of searching and choosing the optimal parameters (polarization and speckle filtering), which provide the maximum quality of SAR water mask. The method was applied for mapping natural and industrial water bodies in the Pohjois-Pohjanmaa region (North Ostrobothnia), Finland, using Sentinel-1A and -1B ground range detected (GRD) data (ascending and descending orbits) in 2018–2021. Reference water masks were generated based on optical spectral indices derived from Sentinel-2A and -2B data. The polarization and speckle filtering parameters were chosen since they provide the most accurate σ0 threshold (on average for all observations above 0.9 according to the Intersection over Union criterion) and are resistant to random fluctuations. If a reference water mask is available, the proposed method is more accurate than the Otsu method. Without a reference mask, the σ0 threshold is calculated as an average of thresholds obtained from previous observations. In this case, the proposed method is as good in accuracy as the Otsu method. It is shown that the proposed method enables the identification of surface water bodies under significant class imbalance conditions, such as when the water surface covers only a fraction of a percent of the area under study.
Hydrological Modelling and Climate Adaptation under Changing Climate: A Review with a Focus in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Banda Vincent Dzulani , Dzwairo Rimuka Bloodless , Singh Sudhir Kumar , Kanyerere Thokozani
Published: December 2022

Empirical evidence continues to show that climate change remains a threat to the stability of the hydrologic system. As the climate system interacts with the hydrologic cycle, one significant repercussion of global warming includes changes in water availability at both regional and local scales. Climate change adaptation is intrinsically difficult to attain due to the dynamic earth system and lack of a comprehensive understanding of future climate and its associated uncertainties. Mostly in developing countries, climate adaptation is hampered by scarcity of good quality and adequate hydro-meteorological data. This article provides a synopsis of the modelling chain applied to investigate the response of the hydrologic system under changing climate, which includes choosing the appropriate global climate models, downscaling techniques, emission scenarios, and the approach to be used in hydrologic modelling. The conventional criteria for choosing a suitable hydrological model are discussed. The advancement of emission scenarios including the latest Shared Socioeconomic Pathways and their role in climate modelling, impact assessment, and adaptation, are also highlighted. This paper also discusses the uncertainties associated with modelling the hydrological impacts of climate change and the plausible approaches for reducing such uncertainties. Among the outcomes of this review include highlights of studies on the commonly used hydrological models for assessing the impact of climate change particularly in the sub-Saharan Africa region and some specific reviews in southern Africa. Further, the reviews show that as human systems keep on dominating within the earth system in several ways, effective modelling should involve coupling earth and human systems models as these may truly represent the bidirectional feedback experienced in the modern world. The paper concludes that adequate hydro-meteorological data is key to having a robust model and effective climate adaptation measures, hence in poorly gauged basins use of artificial neural networks and satellite datasets have shown to be successful tools, including for model calibration and validation.
The Chemically Modified Leaves of Pteris vittata as Efficient Adsorbent for Zinc (II) Removal from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Khan Qaiser , Zahoor Muhammad , Salman Syed Muhammad , Wahab Muhammad , Talha Muhammad , Kamran Abdul Waheed , Khan Yousaf , Ullah Riaz , Ali Essam A. , Shah Abdul Bari
Published: December 2022

High concentrations of zinc along with other metals are released by steel mills, and this has a number of negative effects on organism health; most notably, neurological symptoms have been recorded with a high risk of brain atrophy. In the current study, Zn (II) was eliminated from steel mill effluent, utilizing chemically processed Pteris vittata plant leaves as a biosorbent. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were applied to characterize the chemically modified Pteris vittata leaves, from now onward abbreviated as CMPVL. In order to identify the ideal parameter, batch studies were conducted varying a single parameter affecting the biosorption process at a time, including variations in temperature (293–323 K), initial metal concentration (20–300 mg/L), and adsorbent doses (0.01–0.12 g), pH (2–8), as well as contact time (10–140 min). To describe the isothermal experimental results, a number of models were used including Freundlich, Langmuir, Temkin, Jovanovich, and Harkins–Jura. Among these models, the Langmuir model provided a significant fit to the isotherm data with an R2 of 0.9738. The kinetics data were fitted to the pseudo first order, pseudo second order, power function, Natarajan–Khalaf, and intraparticle diffusion models. The highest R2 (0.9976) value was recorded for the pseudo second order model. Using the Langmuir isotherm, the highest uptake ability (84.74 mg/g) of Zn was recorded. The thermodynamic investigation, carried out at various temperatures, led to the conclusion that the biosorption process was exothermic and spontaneous in nature. The CMPVL, thus, has the potential to function well as an alternative to existing carbon-based adsorbents in the effective elimination of zinc from aquatic environments.
Microplastic Accumulation and Degradation in Environment via Biotechnological Approaches
Authors: Thakur Sonal , Mathur Shivangi , Patel Saumya , Paital Biswaranjan
Published: December 2022

The extensive use of plastics in daily life has led to the generation of huge amounts of plastic waste, which causes an enormous burden on the environment. More than half of the plastic waste ends up in the landfill, and about one-fifth of waste is managed by incineration. Only about one-tenth of plastic waste is recycled, and the rest, about one-fifth of mismanaged plastic waste, ends up in the terrestrial and aquatic environment. Here, we review how the deterioration of plastics leads to the formation of microplastics and nanoplastics, which are now found abundantly and are contaminating aquatic life and water bodies. It observed that increasing experimental evidence provides data about the presence of these microplastics in food items, terrestrial environment, and even the human body. The harmful effects of microplastics on human health still need to be substantiated with more precise experimental studies. However, measures can be taken to reduce the production of microplastics by improving the methods used for plastic degradation. This review focuses on the use of genetic engineering, genome editing, synthetic biology, and system biology approaches to increase the potential of microorganisms to degrade plastics.
INDIVIDUAL EDUCATIONAL ROUTE AS A FROM OF PEDAGOGICAL SUPPORT OF STUDENTS THAT ARE IN NEW CIRCUMSTANCES OF LIFE AND STUDY BECAUSE OF BEING INTERNALLY DISPLACED
Authors: SAS N.
Published: December 2022

In the article, the author reveals the possibilities of using individual educational routes and the use during their development of techniques and techniques aimed at developing the ability to solve problems and skills of independent decision-making; self-control and self-development programs; universal systems of performance indicators.In particular, when applying the behavioral self-control process, an individual educational path consists of five main steps: the definition of the behavioral form (which should be influenced), the collection of basic data, the development of the program for the development of the desired behavior, the implementation and evaluation of the program and the completion of the program.When applying the Shukhart-Deming cycle (Continuous Improvement Model), an individual educational path consists of a logical sequence of four recurring stages for continuous improvement and learning: plan, do, check and action.The functions of a subject in the design of an individual educational route may be concentrated either on the "pole of the teacher" or on the "pole of the student as an internally displaced person". All this enriches the possibilities of individual pedagogical support for students that were internally displaced.
STRENGTH ANALYSIS OF A PROTOTYPE COMPOSITE HELICOPTER ROTOR BLADE SPAR
Authors: KLIZA Rafał , ŚCISŁOWSKI Karol , SIADKOWSKA Ksenia , PADYJASEK Jacek , WENDEKER Mirosław
Published: December 2022

This paper investigates the strenght of a conceptual main rotor blade dedicated to an unmanned helicopter. The blade is made of smart materials in order to optimize the efficiency of the aircraft by increasing its aerodynamic performance. This purpose was achieved by performing a series of strength calculations for the blade of a prototype main rotor used in an unmanned helicopter. The calculations were done with the Finite Element Method (FEM) and software like CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) which uses advanced techniques of computer modeling of load in composite structures. Our analysis included CAD (Computer-Aided Design) modeling the rotor blade, importing the solid model into the CAE software, defining the simulation boundary conditions and performing strength calculations of the blade spar for selected materials used in aviation, i.e. fiberglass and carbon fiber laminate. This paper presents the results and analysis of the numerical calculations.
Broadband coherently synthesized two-color electro-optic frequency combs with phase noise suppression
Authors: Li Runmin , Tian Haochen , Kato Takashi , Asahara Akifumi , Minoshima Kaoru
Published: December 2022

A coherently synthesized 1550/1560 nm two-color EO comb is generated by modulating two continuous-wave lasers with common EO modulators and phase-locking their beat note. Compared with a single-color EO comb, the phase noise of comb modes that accumulated from the RF synthesizer is effectively suppressed in our coherently synthesized two-color EO comb. Besides, a broader spectrum is demonstrated in a coherently synthesized 1535/1560 nm two-color EO comb, with a 60-nm total spectrum span. The coherently synthesized two-color EO combs are expected to be applied in coherent communication, spectroscopy, absolute distance measurement, etc.
Two-dimensional Bi2S3/MoS2 van der Waals heterostructure for self-powered photodetectors
Authors: Hui Jiangxin
Published: December 2022

Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor materials have been widely applied for optoelectronic devices, but fast charge recombination severely affects device performance. The construction of a 2D heterostructure is a proven strategy for effectively reducing carrier recombination. 2D Bi2S3/MoS2 heterostructure is prepared by a sequential vapor deposition method. This heterostructure displays a fast response/recovery time of 4/15 ms and a high responsivity of 218.3 μA W−1. The improved photodetection performance is mainly ascribed to the internal electric field-induced efficient charge transfer in the type-II Bi2S3/MoS2 heterostructure. This study provides a guideline to extend other heterostructure photodetectors and improve the photodetection performance.
Digital Transformation in Human Resource Management in the Industrial Age 4.0
Authors: Sari Sakarina  , Zet Ena  , Jenita  , Pandu Adi Cakranegara  , Susilo Surahman
Published: December 2022

The global world has entered the era of industrial revolution 4.0, which demands the speed of production flexibility and increased service to consumers. The age of the industrial revolution 4.0 has transformed various sectors into more practical and complex ones through the use of automated and digitized technology. This research aims to discover digital transformation in improving human resource management that is superior, creative, and innovative in the corporate sector. This research method uses a qualitative approach, with the type of literature review research. The data sources used are secondary data sources by reviewing journal articles and secondary data from books to support this research, all of which are by the research objectives. The results show that digital transformation will result in intense competition and compete with each other in facing the demands of industrial revolution 4.0. Therefore, the abilities and skills will result in superior performance and HR achievement
Teacher's evaluation of the social skills and recreation activities of 10- to 12-year-old children with Down Syndrome
Authors: Myburg Cara-Mari , Kriel Cindy , Stevens CYolanda
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACT
Children with Down Syndrome (DS) are perceived to be sociable and to enjoy social interaction, but they are often also found to lag in developmental milestones relating to communication and social skills. Apart from school contributing to the development of social skills, leisure and recreation participation can also contribute to the social skills development of children. The study aimed to determine the social skills and the recreation activities of 29, 10- to 12-year-old children with DS by means of a quantitative observational study design. Teachers applied the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills with Youngsters (MESSY) as an observational rating scale over five consecutive school days, whereafter the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) IBM software, Version 25 was used to determine the group’s social skills. The teacher also completed a supplementary questionnaire on the children’s recreational activities. This data was analysed in Excel. Results indicated that the children with DS show slightly more Appropriate than Inappropriate Social Skills and that they are most likely to participate in fine arts.
Management of Rib Avascular Necrosis Complicated by Osteomyelitis in a Patient With Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Albalkhi Ibrahem , Saleh Tariq , Khan Jibran , Saleh Waleed
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Avascular necrosis of the rib is a rare presentation of sickle cell anemia's vaso-occlusive crisis. This report describes the case of a 45-year-old man known to have sickle cell anemia presenting with rib avascular necrosis complicated by osteomyelitis. The patient came to the outpatient department with left lateral chest wall pain. Antibiotics produced no improvement. A computed tomography scan of the chest revealed a left sixth rib fracture with a thick fluid collection consistent with pus. The patient was taken to surgery and underwent necrotic bone debridement and pus drainage. The patient showed improvement and became afebrile after the surgery.

Conclusion

The lack of distinct clinical indicators and low occurrence of rib avascular necrosis can lead to misdiagnosis and mismanagement of the disease.
Recent Therapeutic Advances in Pituitary Carcinoma
Authors: Robertson Ian J. , Gregory Timothy A. , Waguespack Steven G. , Penas-Prado Marta , Majd Nazanin K.
Published: December 2022

Pituitary carcinoma (PC) is a rare, aggressive malignancy that comprises 0.1–0.2% of all pituitary tumors. PC is defined anatomically as a pituitary tumor that metastasizes outside the primary intrasellar location as noncontiguous lesions in the central nervous system or as metastases to other organs. Similar to pituitary adenoma, PC originates from various cell types of the pituitary gland and can be functioning or nonfunctioning, with the former constituting the majority of the cases. Compression of intricate skull-based structures, excessive hormonal secretion, impaired pituitary function from therapy, and systemic metastases lead to debilitating symptoms and a poor survival outcome in most cases. PC frequently recurs despite multimodality treatments, including surgical resection, radiotherapy, and biochemical and cytotoxic treatments. There is an unmet need to better understand the pathogenesis and molecular characterization of PC to improve therapeutic strategies. As our understanding of the role of signaling pathways in the tumorigenesis of and malignant transformation of PC evolves, efforts have focused on targeted therapy. In addition, recent advances in the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors to treat various solid cancers have led to an interest in exploring the role of immunotherapy for the treatment of aggressive refractory pituitary tumors. Here, we review our current understanding of the pathogenesis, molecular characterization, and treatment of PC. Particular attention is given to emerging treatment options, including targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy.
DIFERENCIAÇÃO TERRITORIAL E URBANODIVERSIDADE
Authors: Cordeiro da Trindade Júnior Saint-Clair
Published: December 2022

A presente reflexão busca discutir a diversidade territorial e urbana brasileira como pressuposto para pensar teorias e políticas urbanas em nível nacional. Para isso, considera-se o atributo da diversidade, recorrentemente sugerido como elemento importante para compreender a sociedade, como igualmenteválido para tratar diferenças espaciais brasileiras e a manifestação não homogênea do fenômeno urbano em nível nacional. Nesse sentido, utiliza-se o termo urbanodiversidade como sugestivo para dois tipos de empreendimentos: o primeiro, no campo do pensamento teórico, e o segundo, no campo da ação política. Para esse intento de reflexão, inicialmente são feitas algumas considerações a respeito da pertinência do atributo da diversidade para abordar questões atuais no âmbito da ciência geográfica e, em seguida, visualiza-se esse mesmo atributo para enfocar a particularidade regional e urbana amazônica. Finaliza-se apresentando elementos caracterizadores da particularidade urbana  da Amazônia e que buscam anunciar a urbanodiversidade que se faz  presente nessa mesma realidade regional.
PENINGKATAN PRESTASI SISWA SMK TEKNIKOM CIKARANG MELALUI PEMANFAATAN INTERNET DI ERA INDUSTRI 4.0
Authors: Ahmad Fauzi  , Sutan Faisal  , Amril Mutoi
Published: December 2022

SMK Teknikom Cikarang merupakan sekolah kejuruan di kabupaten Bekasi pada bidang teknik pemesinan, teknik pengendalian produksi, teknik kendaraan ringan, teknik komputer dan jaringan, dan multimedia. Letaknya yang berada pada Kawasan industri potensial menuntut lulusan yang memiliki keahlian sesuai kebutuhan industri pada era industri 4.0. Para siswa perlu diberikan motivasi, pengetahuan dan keahlian dalam pemanfaatan internet untuk meningkatkan potensi yang dimiliki. Internet merupakan teknologi yang menyediakan berbagai data dan informasi dari penulis atau pengisi konten mengenai topik tertentu. Melalui pelatihan pemanfaatan internet untuk siswa SMK Teknikom Cikarang, siswa dapat menggunakan internet secara sehat, mendapatkan data dengan pencarian melalui key yang tepat, memanfaatkan Google Applications dengan lebih baik. Hal tersebut menunjang peningkatan prestasi siswa dalam pembelajaran di sekolah maupun peran di masyarakat.

Kata kunci—era industri, internet, prestasi siswa

SMK Teknikom Cikarang is a vocational school in Bekasi district in the fields of engineering, production control techniques, light vehicle engineering, computer and network engineering, and multimedia. Its location in a potential industrial area demands graduates who have skills according to industrial needs in the industrial era 4.0. Students need to be given motivation, knowledge and skill in using the internet to increase their potential. Internet is a technology that provides various data and information from writers or content fillers on certain topics. Through internet use training for SMK Teknikom Cikarang students, students can use the internet healthily, get data by searching through the right key, make better use of Google Applications . This supports the improvement of student achievement in learning at school and the role in society.

 Keywords—industrial era, internet, student achievement