bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental study of characteristics of stripline device prototype based on meander line turn for protection against pulsed excitations
Authors:   Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics (TUSUR), Karri Salim , Surovtsev Roman S. ,   Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics (TUSUR)
Published: October 2023

The study results of frequency and time characteristics for a prototype device intended to ensure the protection against pulsed ultra-wideband (UWB) excitations based on a meander line (ML) turn are presented. First, the simulation results of the device are briefly presented and the choice of the cross-sectional parameters of the initial turn is justified. In order to design the ML turn on a given PCB area, it is bent into a meander with weak coupling between non-core half-turns, which allowed placing a turn with a length of 2650,6 mm and width of 3.7 mm on an area of 67,3×70,3 mm2 with preserving the properties of protection against UBW influences. The results of measuring the frequency and time characteristics of the manufactured prototype based on a vector network analyzer (VNA), as well as the results of measuring the radiated emissions using the VNA and uTEM-cell are presented. The regularities of pulsed UWB influences decomposition in the turn are experimentally confirmed on the example of idealized and real excitations of different durations. The attenuation up to 3.6 and 2.7 times is obtained at idealized and real excitation respectively. The frequency ranges in which the level of radiated emissions is maximal are revealed.
Multifunctional imaging system based on a laser and a brightness amplifier on copper bromide vapors
Authors:   Sevastopol State University, Gubarev Fedor A.
Published: October 2023

A multifunctional system meant to image the surface of energetic materials during combustion based on copper bromide vapor gain media is proposed. The system allows quickly implement various methods of active visualization and is based on a high-speed video camera, an illuminating laser, and a copper bromide vapor brightness amplifier. Depending on imaging needs, the main components of the system can be configured as a laser-illuminating system, a single-channel laser monitor, or a laser monitor with synchronous laser illumination. A high-voltage pulsed power supply allows connecting both one laser tube and two at the same time, while switching operating modes can be carried out on- the-fly. The source generates one or two synchronized sequences of high-voltage pulses for pumping gasdischarge tubes with a voltage of up to 6 kV and a frequency of 20 kHz. Due to the use of gas discharge tubes with independent control of temperature parameters, the operating modes with a pump power of 500–700 W for each channel can be realized. To generate pump pulses for laser media, a two-channel thyratron circuit for the direct discharge of storage capacitors were used, charged by a common stabilized voltage source provided by a step-down pulse stabilizer and a pulse shaper for charging storage capacitors based on a bridge inverter. A transistor modulator with adjustable delay lines carries out synchronization of the laser illumination and the brightness amplifier in the mode with synchronous laser illumination with an accuracy of ±1 ns.The experimental data of the system operation in various modes are presented. The imaging results for the surface of mixtures of metal nanopowders during combustion, obtained with various configurations of the laser system, are presented.
RUTA WARY DE CUSCO: HUARO A ESPÍRITUPAMPA
Authors: Copa Paucar Mario , Valdez Cenzano Mercedes , Tito Nina Cindy Pamela , Cusiquispe Manuttupa Joilca Jian
Published: October 2023

El trabajo, aborda el proceso de ocupación del extenso espacio de Huaro a Vilcabamba, a partir de la revisión de fuentes cronísticas y documentales, se pudo establecer el proceso de ocupación de diversos grupos asentados en el periodo Wari e Inca; el cual se encuentra asociado al sistema vial, dentro de ese contexto se considera la importante presencia de la formación cultural Wari, describiéndose el proceso de su desenvolvimiento dentro de la dinámica de integración y comunicación, generada por el encuentro de diversos grupos en su afán de acceder a diversos recursos de importancia medular para el desarrollo de esas sociedades.La zona integró varios pueblos como Huaro, Lucre, San Salvador, Calca, Pisaq, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Paucartambo, Vitkus, Pampaconas y Espíritupampa; que constituyen esa integralidad y diversidad de espacios que surcaban de manera transversal, longitudinal y vertical; con la única finalidad de tener acceso a la privilegiada producción de las zonas.En esa medida, la construcción social y económica, fue una constante en el proceso de consolidación cultural de los pueblos que, se irían asentando; el predominio Wari en ese sector se hizo evidente, permitiendo el acceso a esa zona; durante el predominio Inca el control de esos recursos del valle de Cusco serían una fuente importante para el Estado, precisamente la zona comprendía las actuales provincias de Quispicanchi, Calca, Urubamba, Paucartambo y La Convención.La investigación desarrollada, centra su atención en la descripción del camino seguido por los Wari y los Inca en estos valles, cuyas vías en adelante facilitaron la conquista Inca a partir de un complejo tejido vial que se gestó desde el período pre Inca e Inca.
CULTURA TRIBUTARIA Y RECAUDACIÓN DEL IMPUESTO PREDIAL URBANO, GOBIERNO AUTÓNOMO DESCENTRALIZADO DEL CANTÓN PEDRO CARBO
Authors: Bone Chóez Ángelo Daniel , Cruz Verónica Ponce Alvarez
Published: October 2023

Los Gobiernos Autónomos Descentralizados cuentan con la responsabilidad de mejorar la recaudación del impuesto predial urbano con el propósito de asegurar ingresos adecuados para la provisión de servicios públicos en beneficio de la ciudadanía. Por lo tanto, el objetivo central de este trabajo fue el análisis de la incidencia de la cultura tributaria en la recaudación del impuesto predial urbano en el Gobierno Autónomo Descentralizado del cantón Pedro Carbo, período 2022, en este contexto la metodología aplicada abarcó la investigación de campo en conjunto con las técnicas de la entrevista y la encuesta, así como la aplicación del método estadístico, además la población objeto de estudio comprendió un total de 300 contribuyentes. Entre los resultados obtenidos, se destaca que el 44% de los encuestados carece de conocimientos sólidos sobre la cultura tributaria, lo cual genera problemas como la evasión fiscal, sanciones y la disminución de ingresos municipales.
RIESGO LABORAL Y LA NORMA ISO-45001 EN INTENERGY CIA. LTDA
Authors: Proaño Ponce William Patricio , Espinoza Herrera Germania María
Published: October 2023

La Norma 45001:2018, es un estándar internacional que establece requisitos para prevenir accidentes laborales, además de promover un entorno laboral seguro y saludable. Es por ello que esta investigación se centra en determinar el riesgo laboral y su incidencia al cumplimiento de Norma 45001 en la empresa INTENERGY CIA. LTDA del cantón Guayaquil, asimismo diagnosticar el estado actual del riesgo laboral, debido a que la empresa no es consciente de la importancia de gestionar adecuadamente los riesgos laborales en su entorno. La metodología empleada tuvo una ruta mixta mediante la técnica de la encuesta aplicada a 300 empleados. Los resultados proporcionaron que el principal riesgo laboral está asociado al síndrome de bournt, esto fue considerado por el 36% de los empleados, además de que se determinó un bajo porcentaje del 8% en las cláusulas de la evaluación del desempeño y mejora continua.
GESTIÓN OPERATIVA EN EL PROCESO ADMINISTRATIVO: EMPRESA PÚBLICA DE AGUA POTABLE Y ALCANTARILLADO, CANTÓN JIPIJAPA
Authors: Rodríguez Bravo Argenis Gabriel , Castro Zorrilla Marlon Jacinto
Published: October 2023

La gestión operativa es definida como el conjunto de actividades y procesos que se realizan para asegurar la eficiencia en la ejecución de los servicios que lleva a cabo la Empresa Pública de Agua Potable y Alcantarillado Sanitario del cantón Jipijapa, En este sentido, la investigación tiene como objetivo analizar la gestión operativa en el proceso administrativo de la empresa pública. La metodología utilizada tuvo un enfoque mixto de los métodos cualitativos y cuantitativos, dado que se adquirió conocimiento a partir de recursos como entrevistas, encuestas y cuestionarios aplicados a una muestra de 20 funcionarios públicos, además del gerente de la empresa y 379 ciudadanos del cantón. Los resultados relevantes que se obtuvo a partir de la encuesta indicaron que el 85% de los ciudadanos califican a la gestión operativa de manera positiva, sin embargo, no están seguros de la transparencia de sus procesos.
CONTROL INTERNO Y SU INCIDENCIA EN EL PROCESO ADMINISTRATIVO DEL GOBIERNO AUTÓNOMO DESCENTRALIZADO CANTÓN QUININDÉ
Authors: Chiquito Tigua Gloria Pascuala , Cedeño Vivero Lizbeth Carolina
Published: October 2023

El control interno juega un papel fundamental en la eficiencia del funcionamiento de cualquier entidad, incluidos los Gobiernos Autónomos Descentralizados. En este contexto, el objetivo de estudio es evaluar el control interno y su incidencia en el proceso administrativo del Gobierno Autónomo Descentralizado del cantón Quinindé, período 2021. Para ello se utilizó el método deductivo- inductivo incluyendo la técnica de la encuesta y una matriz FODA. La población estuvo conformada por 45 trabajadores del municipio. Los resultados permitieron afirmar sobre cómo se evalúa la efectividad del control interno, lo cual consideraron que es mediante la ejecución de auditorías internas con un 62,2% de los encuestados, por otra parte, el conocimiento que tienen sobre el control interno, da un resultado que en parte tiene una percepción de aquello con el 82,2% de los trabajadores, en este sentido, estos hallazgos señalan la importancia de implementar medidas para contribuir a una gestión más eficiente y transparente.
PROCESOS ADMINISTRATIVOS Y LOS OBJETIVOS ORGANIZACIONALES DE LA COMPAÑÍA DE TAXI EJECUTIVO ZARACAY EXPRESS S.A.
Authors: Delgado Gutiérrez Zoila Marianita , Anchundia Villamar Joel Santiago
Published: October 2023

El proceso de administración es el factor crítico y determinante para el éxito o fracaso de las empresas, además de la planificación en la asignación de responsabilidades de los empleados para el logro de los ob-jetivos y metas, es por ello que el propósito central de este estudio fue analizar el proceso administrativo y su relación con el cumplimiento de los objetivos organizacionales de la Compañía de Taxi Ejecutivo Zaracay Express S.A., Santo Domingo. De tal manera que los resultados más relevantes de esta investigación indi-caron que el 39,7% de los socios están de acuerdo con el proceso administrativo de la compañía de taxis, por otra parte, el 44,4% de los socios desconocen de la importancia del cumplimiento de objetivos organizacio-nales. Es importante señalar que, este estudio se fundamentó bajo una investigación no experimental de naturaleza cualitativa y cuantitativa con un alcance descriptivo y correlacional, además de incluir la encuesta.
GESTIÓN DEL TALENTO HUMANO Y SU RELACIÓN CON EL DESEMPEÑO LABORAL: MUNICIPIO PEDRO CARBO
Authors: Alvarado Cruz Narcisa Paulina , Morejón Santistevan Maryury Elizabeth
Published: October 2023

Esta investigación aborda la gestión del talento humano y su impacto en el desempeño laboral en el Gobierno Autónomo Descentralizado del cantón Pedro Carbo. El objetivo general fue examinar las variables, diagnosticar la situación actual y describir los problemas asociados al bajo rendimiento laboral. Se empleó una metodología no experimental y se encuestó a 45 funcionarios, revelando un desconocimiento generalizado y la falta de aplicación de las políticas de gestión de talento humano. Los resultados destacaron que el 56% desconoce estas prácticas, aunque el 62% las considera fundamentales. Además, el 56% percibe el proceso de reclutamiento y selección como poco eficiente. Estos hallazgos resaltan la necesidad de mejorar la comunicación y aplicación de políticas de gestión de talento humano para mejorar la relación con el desempeño laboral.
MANEJO DE LOS FONDOS DE CAJA CHICA EN EL SECTOR PÚBLICO DEL ECUADOR
Authors: Calle García Aldrin Jefferson , Quiñónez Cercado Mónica del Pilar , Espinoza Tuárez Yixcely Maribel
Published: October 2023

Este estudio se llevó a cabo mediante cuatro auditorías realizadas por la Contraloría General del Estado (CGE), se basó en un examen especial a diferentes instituciones públicas. Las auditorías se centraron principalmente en lineamientos relacionados con la normativa aplicable a la administración y supervisión de los fondos de caja chica. Este estudio reveló varios aspectos legales que involucran tanto acciones como omisiones por parte de los responsables, además se encontró que las leyes y otras normas que regularizan a las instituciones públicas fueron sistemáticamente ignoradas. Este incumplimiento de normas se evidenció en el Gobierno Autónomo Descentralizado (GAD) Ilustre Municipalidad del cantón Daule, la Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí (ULEAM), el Gobierno Autónomo Descentralizado (GAD) Municipal del cantón San Francisco de Milagro y el Instituto Geográfico Militar (IGM), que se tomaron como muestra en este estudio. Los resultados determinaron que, en las cuatro entidades mencionadas, se inobservaron repetidamente las siguientes normas: Ley Orgánica de la Contraloría General del Estado (LOCGE) (2002), Normas de Control Interno (NCI) (2009), Acuerdo No. 086 del Ministerio de Economía y Finanzas (2012), entre otras. La metodología utilizada se centró en los métodos deductivo e inductivo, así como en un análisis exhaustivo que permitió obtener una comprensión adecuada para el cumplimiento de las leyes y otras normativas, con el propósito de identificar las inobservancias y formular las conclusiones correspondientes.
CULTURA TRIBUTARIA Y SU IMPACTO EN EL DESARROLLO SOCIOECONÓMICO DEL SECTOR COMERCIAL, CANTÓN PEDRO CARBO
Authors: Mora Pita Yajaira Elizabeth , Moreira Cañarte Mercy Karina
Published: October 2023

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la cultura tributaria y su influencia en el desarrollo socioeconómico del sector comercial en el cantón Pedro Carbo, al mismo tiempo diagnosticó el nivel de cultura tributaria e identificó los factores internos y externos que inciden en el cumplimiento tributario. Para llevar a cabo este estudio, se procedió a identificar las variables relacionadas con la temática, mediante una revisión de la literatura. Además, de la investigación de campo, que permitió recopilar datos primarios, se utilizó la encuesta para recopilar los datos más relevantes de 360 contribuyentes, lo que posibilitó estudiar las percepciones y actitudes que influyen en el cumplimiento tributario. Los resultados destacan que el 88% de los contribuyentes mencionaron que tienen poco conocimiento de la cultura tributaria. Sin embargo, el 84% de los encuestados consideran que esta percepción es relevante, lo que demostró la necesidad de implementar estrategias educativas y de concienciación tributaria.
Pension Insurance as a Social Security Institution: State, Problems and Prospects
Authors: Cherney Daniil
Published: October 2023

The article examines the function of pension insurance in the social security system of Russian Federation. The purpose of the article is to determine whether the insurance system is capable of performing its social and economic objectives. The research is based on the analysis of the Russian Federation legislation and scientific works of Russian authors on the development and performance problems of the pension insurance system in Russia. The article studies the main legal provisions of compulsory and voluntary pension insurance in the Russian Federation, examines the main aspects of the compulsory and voluntary pension insurance performance, identifies problem areas, analyzes the dynamics of the earnings replacement rate, considers the factors that negatively impact the interest of citizens in voluntary pension insurance. The author comes to the conclusion that the best option for the development of pension insurance is the joint use of voluntary and compulsory forms of pension insurance.
Identifying groundwater recharge potential zone using analytical hierarchy process (AHP) in the semi-arid Shinile watershed, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Kassa Asfaw Kebede , Tessema Negash , Habtamu Amensis , Girma Bekele , Adane Zablon
Published: October 2023

Surface and groundwater are priceless resources not consistently concentrated both spatially and temporally. Groundwater is the most valuable resource and dynamic and is not distributed equally. Analytical hierarchy processes (AHP) were used in Shinile Watershed, Eastern Ethiopia to identify high-potential groundwater recharge zones. The amount of groundwater in a particular location depends on topography, lithology, geological structure, depth of weathering, slope, drainage pattern, land use land cover (LULC), and rainfall patterns. Numerous themes are covered in the potentiality mapping according to their relative relevance, including geology, slope gradient, LULC, soil texture, rainfall, lineament density, drainage density, groundwater fluctuation, etc. The weights of various themes have been determined using the AHP method, and then overlay analysis in the geospatial context has been completed. According to the investigation, the groundwater recharge potential zone has five levels: very low, low, moderate, high, and very high. The validation results using existing borehole sites demonstrate that the applied approach produces extremely dense data that can support long-term planning and sustainable groundwater resource utilization in a region with scarce water resources. This study guides effectively incorporating acceptable research findings into national policy and decision-making processes to dramatically improve groundwater supplies' sustainability in the study area.
Developing model of risk-based sanitary-epidemiological control (surveillance) over food products in consumer market
Authors:   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation, Zaitseva N.V. , May I.V. ,   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation, Nikiforova N.V. ,   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation, Kiryanov D.А. ,   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation
Published: October 2023

The relevance of this study arises from products being fixed as an independent object for state sanitary-epidemiological control in law. The contemporary stage of the public regulation involves the following: administrative pressure on economic entities ought to be easer but the best possible protection of citizens’ life and health should be provided. In this study, our aim was to test approaches to developing the risk-based model for control of food products on the consumer market in the country. The study relied on using the fundamental methodical approaches to the risk-based control model used by the Sanitary Service of Russia. A potential health risk was determined as a combination of likely violations of legal requirements to a certain product, severity of health outcomes due to such violations, and coefficients that described a scale of undesirable consequences. Food products were assigned into one of the following categories as per health risks: objects of extremely high risk, high risk, considerable risk, moderate risk, medium risk, or low risk. We suggest a fundamental scheme describing how to organize risk-based control of food products as an independent control object. It includes several basic elements, namely, creating a register of consumer food products; identifying priority groups of food products as per risk criteria at the federal level; identifying regional priorities. We provide substantiation for advisability of profound risk assessment performed for food products in each group considering specific frequency of sanitary violations, scales in which a certain food product in consumed in different regions, and priority consumer demands. Our suggestion is to integrate risk profiles of products and risk-based laboratory support for control into the general model. We’d like to highlight the relevance of creating a unified database to keep the results of all the control and surveillance activities including data obtained by laboratory tests of products bound to manufacturers, distributors, and sellers. It is also quite relevant to include algorithms and mathematical methods of science-intensive analysis of the data sets into software modules of the Rospotrebnadzor’s Unified Information System.
Assessing risks of hepatobiliary disorders in children under combined exposure to persisting herpes and technogenic chemicals
Authors:   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya St., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation, Maklakova О.А. ,   Perm State University, 15 Bukireva St., Perm, 614068, Russian Federation, Valina S.L. ,   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya St., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation, Shtina I.Е. ,   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya St., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation, Ustinova О.Yu. ,   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya St., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation
Published: October 2023

Chronic persistent viral infection leads to developing immune deficiency and may induce lesions in many organs, the hepatobiliary system included. This, in its turn, may facilitate the onset of diseases of the digestive system under exposure to technogenic chemicals, especially those able to produce hepatotoxic effects. In this study, our aim was to examine risks of developing hepatobiliary disorders in children under combined exposure to persisting herpes infection and technogenic chemicals. We conducted a clinical examination of 324 children aged between 6 and 17 years living either in a large industrial city or on a territory where the sanitary-hygienic situation was favorable. The examination included a clinical checkup, laboratory diagnostic tests identifying herpes markers, chemical analyses aimed at establishing levels of technogenic chemicals in blood, and ultrasound scanning of hepatobiliary organs. We established that exposure to airborne technogenic chemicals created elevated levels of aromatic hydrocarbons and formaldehyde in 64.9–97.6 % of the exposed children; elevated manganese and chromium levels, in 20.8–34.6 % of them. Markers of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein Barr virus (EBV) were detected in 75 % of the exposed children; each second child had HSV-1 or HSV-2; each third child had human herpesvirus 6. Hepatobiliary disorders occurring under combined exposure to persistent herpes and echnogenic chemicals were represented by structural liver changes in 30.8 % of the examined children; abnormally shaped gallbladder or reactive changes in its walls and dyscholia, in 15.7–48.8 %. These disorders entail elevated levels of direct bilirubin and greater ALT against imbalance of oxidant and antioxidant systems and manifest themselves as biliary pathology in 69.5 % of cases. Exposed children with persistent herpes infection have 1.2–2.3 times higher likelihood of developing structural changes in the liver and gallbladder pathology and up to 4.3 times higher risks of biliary dysfunction and chronic gastroduodenitis.
Molecular Docking Simulations of Protoporphyrin IX, Chlorin e6, and Methylene Blue for Target Proteins of Viruses Causing Skin Lesions: Monkeypox and HSV
Authors: Lara-Vega Israel , Vega-López Armando
Published: October 2023

Background:

The replication of monkeypox in the skin is critical to understanding its pathogenesis and spread. p37, a highly conserved 37 kDa peripheral membrane protein encoded by the
F13L gene in Orthopoxvitidae is a validated target for anti-poxviral medication like tecovirimat, the
first FDA-approved anti-poxviral drug that was approved in 2018. The detailed recognition mechanism
of tecovirimat on p37 of monkeypox has not been fully clarified. As p37, HSV-1 gD and HSV-2 gD
proteins of HSV are viral envelope glycoproteins identified as ligands for the human nectin-1 as a
functional receptor of permissive cells. The use of non-damaging light for microbial inactivation (MI)
has been documented for different virus like HSV, where photosensitizers (PSs) are used as lightresponsive agents which could generate antiviral responses primarily by oxidation. In addition, some
PSs could elicit antiviral responses in a light-independent way by interacting within the viral-cell
recognition sites.

Objective:

This paper aims to evaluate the formation of complexes between the latest structural data
available on the range of monkeypox and HSV-1/2 envelope proteins with the approved PSs protoporphyrin IX, chlorin e6, and methylene blue.

Methods:

Ligands and receptors preparation, and molecular docking analyses were performed with
Chimera and the Autodock Vina Software. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation
(MD) analyses for a 100 ns trajectory were also performed for the p37 – Methylene blue complex.

Results:

PSs studies were found to form complexes into the patch regions of recognition between
HSV-1/2 gD and human receptors, while MB was found to form a complex with the p37 protein into
de pocket region where tecovirimat acts. MD simulation showed stability in the interaction of MB with
the pocket region of the p37 protein.

Conclusion:

The molecular mechanisms of potential dual antiviral activity for these complexes were
clarified showing that MI with the use of these PSs could be further evaluated for viral skin lesions
produced by monkeypox and HSV.
Current Views About the Link between SARS-CoV-2 and the Liver:
Friends or Foe?
Authors: Lovero Roberto , Charitos Ioannis Alexandros , Topi Skender , Castellaneta Francesca , Cazzolla Angela Pia , Colella Marica
Published: October 2023

The emergence of the novel coronavirus and the pandemic resulting from its spread
have led to significant negative impacts on health, economy, relationships, and others. Particularly
in the field of hospital care, the need for a greater number of patients has led to a breakdown of
the system. Gastrointestinal manifestations are common in SARS-COV 2 patients, while 10% of
those who are sick exhibit symptoms only from gastrointestinal without any manifestation on the
part of the respiratory tract. The main manifestations are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and anorexia.
It is also interesting to note that biochemical liver disorder is a frequent finding and is associated
with a worse prognosis and higher probability admission to intensive care. It was also
observed that RNA from the virus was found in the stool several days after the tests came back
negative pulmonary secretions, while rectal swab virus detection methods were used with a lower
but comparable sensitivity to that of nasal swabs. Gastrointestinal symptoms in SARS-COV 2
infection are common and their search should be part of the initial diagnosis approach and have a
connection with the gut microbiota dysbiosis and this can lead to an alteration of the gut/liver
axis.
Artificial Intelligence System-based Chatbot as a Hotel Agent
Authors: Ali Javeria , Amjad Ume Aymen , Ansari Wajeeha Iqbal , Hafeez Fareeha
Published: October 2023

Background:

The idea of being able to communicate with an electronic device in a
similar way as human beings is now the new big thing in the world of Artificial Intelligence. The
fusion of AI and Cloud computing has given rise to a new technology that can understand and
learn conversations in the natural language used by humans. In this Era, where automation is taking over the world, the invention of smart chat-bots has made it possible to imitate humans in
various applications to reduce human effort and thereby perform at maximum efficiency.

Objective:

The objective is to replace a human-constituted assignment with an error-free technology. By using the intent modular concept of dialog flow, the role of the hotel receptionist is eliminated. The purpose of using an API of Google Cloud Platform namely Dialog flow in this project is to conveniently perform NLP (Natural Language Processing) i.e. training a robot to perform according to our instructions and understand the natural language spoken by humans and
the hardware attached to the device enables the listening and speaking of the smart bot.

Methods:

Utilization of Dialog flow Enterprise Edition to make “Hotel Agent” with the use of
intents comprising of a general hotel glossary.

Results:

Dialog flow as a natural language processing recognizer running on the processor Raspberry pie with Python as its constituent language. Finally, it is connected to Google Assistant to
make it publicly available in the execution phase.

Conclusion:

The successful testing of the Artificial Intelligence-based device has ensured that
manpower could be conveniently replaced by Machine Intelligence by using knowledge-based
databases.
A Review on Carbon Nanotubes and its Biomedical Applications
Authors: Singh Sonia , Chauhan Vandana , Barik Piyali
Published: October 2023

Carbon nanotubes, as their name implies, are nanotubes made of carbon. Carbon nanotubes,
liposomes, dendrimers, quantum dots, nanogels, and others are carbon nanoparticles. CNTs
are synthesized using a variety of processes, including laser ablation, chemical vapor deposition,
and arc discharge. Each method affects the nanotubes' final structure, diameter, and chirality, which
affects their qualities and future applications. Furthermore, CNT functionalization and doping allow
for changes in surface characteristics, compatibility with various materials, and improving performance
in multiple applications. Carbon nanotubes are used in drug delivery systems to transport
drugs from one place to another to achieve therapeutic effects. Carbon nanotubes have a wide variety
of applications like those used in gene therapy, the treatment of cancer, diagnosis, tissue regeneration
or engineering, etc. Moreover, CNTs (carbon nanotubes) have been recently revealed as
promising antioxidants. They have great results in medicine and pharmacy. Its simple structure,
high thermal and electronic conductivity, and nanometer size attract. Carbon nanotubes can deliver
proteins, bioactive peptides, drugs, and nucleic acids to organs and cells. CNTs have a thin graphene
sheet, which classifies them and changes their functions. This manuscript covers carbon
nanotube history, classification, and applications.
Investigation of Quality of Life After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: A 10-Year Long-Term Follow-Up Study
Authors: Yildiz Esra , Yildiz Ziya , Dayapoğlu Nuray
Published: October 2023

Background. Quality of life (QoL) is a multifactorial concept that is used to assess physical and mental health. This cross-sectional study administered the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) and a sociodemographic datasheet to evaluate the QoL of patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Aim. With this study, we aimed to determine the quality of life of patients who had open heart surgery years later.

Methods. Patients who underwent elective isolated CABG from January to December 2011 in the cardiovascular disease’s clinic of a hospital in Eastern Turkey were recruited, after which data were collected from them via telephone and mail. One patient was contacted by mail, and 32 others were contacted by telephone. The data were examined through the analysis of numbers of percentages, mean values, and standard deviations. The Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Walli’s test, and correlation analysis were also conducted.

Results. Of the patients who underwent surgery, 33 responded to our survey. Their mean age was 69.03±10.91 years. The results showed that gender, marital status, and educational attainment affected the mean SF-36 scores of the participants (p < 0.05) and that the mean QoL score of the patients was low.

Conclusion. Considering the mean age of the respondents, studies that compare such patients with those who did not undergo surgery should be carried out.
Evaluation Of Life Quality In Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Kayserilioğlu Gülşah , Aygin Dilek
Published: October 2023

Introduction. The diagnostic period of cancer, the treatment process and the complications caused by the treatments negatively affect the quality of life of the patients and his relatives who support his care. The concept of quality of life has gained more importance in recent years due to reasons such as prolonged life expectancy and increased public awareness.

Aim. Colorectal cancer affects the life quality of individuals negatively. In this study, life quality of colorectal cancer patients and the factors affecting their quality of life were examined.

Materials and method. The sample of the study consisted of 110 patients who applied to the General Surgery Clinic/Service and Chemotherapy Unit in State Hospital and Training and Research Hospital between 01.05.2014 and 01.11.2015. Survey data were collected using the socio-demographic questionnaire, EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-CR38 (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Questionnaire) and Beck Depression Scale. Number, percentage, mean distribution, variance analysis, Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used with SPSS v.20.0 software in evaluating the data.

Results. The mean age of the patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer was obtained 61.9 ± 10.92 years. It was determined that 61.8% of the patients were male, 87.3% were married, and 20.9% had cancer history in their family. It has been determined that, women suffered more from stoma-related problems than men and the perception of the body image of female patients were worser than men. Patients were found to have a high emotional function and high pain level; and have low constipation scores in the symptom subscale. Patients' scores related to stoma problems were high and sexual enjoyment scores were low. The age, number of children, marital status and educational status of the patients were found to have an influence on the quality of life.

Conclusion.As a result, as the age of colorectal cancer patients progressed and as the number of children increased, the functional status was worse and the incidence of symptoms was higher. It was determined that gender did not affect the quality of life or depression.
BNT162b2 versus mRNA-1273 Third Dose COVID-19 Vaccine in Patients with CKD and Maintenance Dialysis Patients
Authors: Yau Kevin , Tam Paul , Chan Christopher T. , Hu Queenie , Qi Freda , Abe Kento T. , Kurtesi Alexandra , Jiang Yidi , Estrada-Codecido Jose , Brown Tyler , Liu Lisa , Siwakoti Aswani , Leis Jerome A. , Levin Adeera , Oliver Matthew J. , Colwill Karen , Gingras Anne-Claude , Hladunewich Michelle A.
Published: October 2023

Background

There is a lack of randomized controlled trial data regarding differences in immunogenicity of varying coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccine regimens in CKD populations.

Methods

We conducted a randomized controlled trial at three kidney centers in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, evaluating the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody response after third dose vaccination. Participants (n=273) with CKD not on dialysis or receiving dialysis were randomized 1:1 to third dose 30-µg BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) or 100-µg mRNA-1273 (Moderna). The primary outcome of this study was SARS-CoV-2 IgG-binding antibodies to the receptor-binding domain (anti-RBD). Spike protein (antispike), nucleocapsid protein, and vaccine reactogenicity were also evaluated. Serology was measured before third dose and 1, 3, and 6 months after third dose. A subset of participants (n=100) were randomly selected to assess viral pseudovirus neutralization against wild-type D614G, B.1.617.2 (Delta), and B.1.1.529 (Omicron BA.1).

Results

Among 273 participants randomized, 94% were receiving maintenance dialysis and 59% received BNT162b2 for initial two dose COVID-19 vaccination. Third dose of mRNA-1273 was associated with higher mean anti-RBD levels (1871 binding antibody units [BAU]/ml; 95% confidence interval [CI], 829 to 2988) over a 6-month period in comparison with third dose BNT162b2 (1332 BAU/ml; 95% CI, 367 to 2402) with a difference of 539 BAU/ml (95% CI, 139 to 910;P= 0.009). Neither antispike levels nor neutralizing antibodies to wild-type, Delta, and Omicron BA.1 pseudoviruses were statistically different. COVID-19 infection occurred in 10% of participants: 15 (11%) receiving mRNA-1273 and 11 (8%) receiving BNT162b2. Third dose BNT162b2 was not associated with a significant different risk for COVID-19 in comparison with mRNA-1273 (hazard ratio, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.27 to 2.2;P= 0.63).

Conclusions

In patients with CKD, third dose COVID-19 mRNA vaccination with mRNA-1273 elicited higher SARS-CoV-2 anti-RBD levels in comparison with BNT162b2 over a 6-month period.

Clinical Trial registry name and registration number

COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters in Patients With CKD (BOOST KIDNEY), NCT05022329.
“What Do I Feel? Who Am I?”: Exploring Secondary School EFL Student Teachers’ Emotion Labor in Identity Construction from a Post-Structuralist Perspective
Authors: Zhang Panpan
Published: October 2023

This study examined the emotion labor of student teachers in Chinese secondary schools and explored how they negotiated and constructed their teacher identities, with Zembylas’ model of three levels of teacher emotions (intrapersonal, interpersonal, and intergroup levels) as the analytical framework. The primary data was collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with three student teachers who served as interns for fifteen weeks. To ensure data triangulation, emotional diaries, student focus group interviews, classroom observations and relevant documents were also gathered as supplementary data. Findings revealed the inextricably interwoven relationship between teacher emotion labor and identity. Firstly, student teachers’ confusion about their identity emerged partly due to their student-teacher equal educational philosophy. Secondly, the prerequisite for natural expressions of emotions is the mutual trust among both parties. Lastly, self-reflections evoked by emotion labor could facilitate student teachers’ identity formation and transformation. The implications derived are significant for stakeholders in the field of teacher education.
Feasible and Ethical Dilemmas of Rehabilitation - Focusing on Community Sanction
Authors: Zhang Xinyi
Published: October 2023

Imprisonment and rehabilitation are two widely used approaches to crime control in countries around the world. In recent years, numerous scholars have engaged in theoretical reasoning and empirical research from various angles in an attempt to argue that rehabilitation is superior to imprisonment in both feasibility and ethical considerations for offenders. Community sanctions, as a primary form of rehabilitative punishment, indeed exhibit several advantages over traditional retributive incarceration. However, the feasibility and ethical dimensions of rehabilitative community sanctions face significant challenges in the absence of personalized needs assessments, resource constraints within the criminal justice system, a tendency towards conservatism, and a theoretical inclination towards explaining crime through social factors. It is imperative to recognize the complexity and limitations of rehabilitation and adopt a more nuanced approach in sentencing and correction, striving to find a balance between offenders' rights and the public interest.
Translating Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse into Surrealist Art
Authors: Liskowska Hanna Agnieszka
Published: October 2023

Virginia Woolf often crosses the boundaries between literature and painting in her writing, masterfully combining these two realms. However, her novels are only ever read within a post-Impressionist framework. In this essay, I aim to challenge this well-established notion by translating To the Lighthouse into the terms of surrealist art. Firstly, I compare automatic writing used by surrealists and Woolf’s stream-of-consciousness technique and free indirect discourse, also reflecting on their significance in Lily Briscoe’s painting. Then, I explore the concept of the surreal house and space in both surrealism and To the Lighthouse. Lastly, I develop the notion of Mrs Ramsay as a ghost and her influence on Lily’s final piece of art. To justify my translation, I return to Freudian psychoanalysis, which was fundamental for surrealists and equally significant for Woolf, although in a less immediate way. It is essential to note that existing scholarship does not associate Woolf with surrealism at all, and, accordingly, I am not going to argue that Woolf considered herself a surrealist, nor that To the Lighthouse is representative of the movement. Instead, I plan to challenge the form of Woolf’s novel, redirecting our transfixed gaze towards new possible dimensions of this well-known, extensively interpreted text, and assist in merging the realms of literature and painting.
CARACTERIZAÇÃO DA CONDUTA AUTOLESIVA EM ADOLESCENTES: um estudo descritivo
Authors: Junior Antonio Pinto , Lima Claudia Henschel de , Mendonça Thalles Cavalcanti dos Santos , Damaciano Hiago Teixeira , Teixeira Ian Paschoal da Silva , Oliveira Vitória Lopes da Silva de
Published: October 2023

The paper is the result of research on self-injury in the transition from childhood to adolescence. The objective is to present and discuss the research results of a survey on the characteristics of self-injurious behavior among adolescents in the city of Volta Redonda/RJ. A Cross-sectional study with 61 pre-adolescents and adolescents assisted by the Specialized Reference Center for Social Assistance of both sexes, aged between 10 and 16 years old, with self-harm practice, seeking to collect data on the characterization of this behavior, sociodemographic profile and referrals made. Data analysis was conducted through the categorization of interviews, descriptive analysis of simple and relative frequency survey, and standard deviation. As a result, most participants are female (80.3%), between 13 and 14 years old (50.9%), who predominantly used sharp objects (88.5%), mainly affecting arms, hands, or wrists (94.1%). Family conflicts stand out (83.6%) as a motivation and the majority (50.8%) were not referred for treatment. With these results, the study had concluded that knowledge about the characterization of self-injurious behavior in adolescents is fundamental for the design of public policies for prevention and psychosocial assistance for adolescents.
CUIDADOS PALIATIVOS E POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS NO BRASIL: aspectos conceituais e históricos
Authors: Hoffmann Maria Cristina , Vidotti Janaína , Oliveira Julia , Polejack Larissa
Published: October 2023

Palliative Care aims to promote quality of life for patients with life-threatening diseases, seeking relief and prevention of physical, social, psychological and spiritual suffering. This study is a narrative review of the literature, which aims to present a conceptual and historical overview of Palliative Care, focusing on the Brazilian reality and the scenario regarding existing public policies. The results indicate that, despite an important health practice and the growing interest in the subject, it was only in 2018 that the Tripartite Inter-Agency Commission published a resolution that regulates its offer by the SUS as part of integrated continuing care. However, legal bases for its full implementation are still lacking and some challenges persist, such as the concentration of services in some regions of the country, difficulty in accessing opioids, lack of specialized teams, distance between demand and professional training, and the challenge of diversification at different levels of care.
Using acoustic testing to estimate strength and stiffness of wood-polymer composites
Authors: Hillig Éverton , Bobadilla Ignacio , Arriaga Francisco , Íñiguez-González Guillermo
Published: October 2023

This study used non-destructive testing with ultrasonic and stress wave propagation to evaluate bending strength and stiffness of wood-polymer composites. Twelve composite plate products were produced with different formulations of polymer matrix (high- and low-density polyethylene and polypropylene) and type and proportion of flour (coconut shell and wood). Mechanical and acoustic properties were influenced primarily by the type of matrix used in the composite. The greater the proportion of wood and coconut shell flour the higher the wave propagation velocity, stiffness, and strength. We found a correlation between mechanical properties (strength and stiffness) and wave velocity and stiffness coefficient. We also present linear regression equations of the stiffness and strength of the specimen as a function of wave velocity and stiffness coefficient obtained through non-destructive testing. For polypropylene and high-density polyethylene matrix composites, the stiffness coefficient provided a better estimate of stiffness, while for low-density polyethylene the wave velocity provided better results.
Cyber Security for Children: Parental Monitoring from a Technological, Child Psychology and Islamic Psychospiritual Perspective during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Abdul Aziz Nor Azah , Sa’ari Che Zarrina , Wahab Suzaily
Published: October 2023

Cyber ethics awareness and education is crucial when children surf the internet especially during the Covid-19 pandemic situations where internet use is a common norm. During the pandemic, children from preschool until secondary school level had to stay at home and learn online (Teaching and Learning at Home (PdPR)). In this study, interviews are conducted to parents on how children surf the internet during the pandemic and how parents monitor and advise their children. The findings of this research suggest that parental monitoring of children related to cyber issues is equally important for the children. Parents are noticeably given a lot of advice regarding the appropriate way of communicating when playing games, the types of games played by children, the commandments and prohibitions of Allah in Islam, and also the safety and health’s concern of children when playing games. Not only that, but parents also suggested to government agency such as Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to increase regulation on those inapproproate websites in Malaysia and take proactive measures to prevent our personal data be misused by the cyber criminals such as scammers and pornorgraphy’s criminals. Proactive measures need to be taken by the government such as making restrictions on games like Mobile Legend because of the destructive effects it could have on the children’s behavior. Children who are negatively affected by the game will likely stay home most of the time and are reluctant to socialize. Besides, there are also other concerning safety issues raised by parents when children play games such as abusive words, bullies, games addiction and pornography