bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ROLE OF INTERCELLULAR ADHESION MOLECULES (ICAM-1), VASCULAR CELL ADHESION (VCAM-1) AND CALPROTECTIN (MRP8/14) IN PATHOGENESIS OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Authors: Saklakova O. A. , Maksimenya M. V. , Fefelova E. V. , Karavaeva T. M. , Tereshkov P. P. , Perelomova A. A. , Kotsyurzhinskaya N. N.
Published: July 2024

Aim of the research. The aim is to study the content of intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) and calprotectin in the blood serum of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and various stages of diabetic retinopathy. The aim is also to evaluate the role of these molecules in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Materials and methods. Four groups of people were formed: first group (control group) included 21 healthy individuals; second group included 21 patients with prediabetes, third group 21 patients with type 2 diabetes. The fourth group included 63 patients with diabetic retinopathy, and this group was further divided into 3 groups of 21 people each: with non-proliferative stage of DR, with preproliferative stage, with proliferative stage..

The concentrations of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and calprotectin (MRP8/14) in blood serum were determined using Human Vascular Inflammation Panel 1 multiplex analysis kits from Biolegend (USA). The results were assessed using CytoFlex flow cytometer (USA). The results were calculated using Jamovi version 2.3.

Results. In individuals with prediabetes, the content of MRP8/14 was increased by 111,7% (p < 0,001) relative to the control group. In type 2 diabetes without retinopathy, the values of MRP8/14 protein exceed the control group values by 2,7 times (p < 0,001) and those in individuals with prediabetes by 29,2% (p = 0,049). In the group of patients who had non-proliferative stage of DR, the levels of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and MRP8/14 are higher than control group values in the groups of people with prediabetes and patients with diabetes without complications. During the preproliferative stage, the number of adhesion molecules increases even more; during the proliferative stage, the concentrations of VCAM-1 and calprotectin remain high, and the level of ICAM-1 increases relative to the previous stages.

Conclusion. Increasing of MRP8/14 level in diabetes and increasing of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 concentrations in the initial stage of DR demonstrate the role of these molecules in the initiation of DR in type 2 diabetes. Researching the relationship between these markers and the development of DR can provide additional information to develop strategies for prevention and treatment of DR as well as predicting its complications.
ASSESSMENT OF THE LEVEL OF CONSCIOUSNESS IN REAL CLINICAL PRACTICE USING THE GLASGOW COMA SCALE AND THE FOUR SCALE
Authors: Vechorko V. I. , Zimin A. A. , Obuhova E. V.
Published: July 2024

Examination of the level of consciousness is one of the basic elements of assessing patients in a life-threatening condition. Depression of the consciousness influence on the patient’s severity, therapy planning. The dynamic assessment is carried out at the prehospital stage, as well as in intensive care units. Domestic and foreign literature sources were studied to determine the optimal tool and algorithm for its use in assessing the level of consciousness of patients delivered by emergency medical services. The analysis of the works from the scientific databases PubMed, eLibrary, Google Scholar, MedRxiv devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with a reduced level of consciousness was carried out.

The Full Outline of Unresponsiveness (FOUR) scale and the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) have an equally high level of psychometric parameters when assessing patients in general intensive care, however, the assessment of brainstem reflexes included in the FOUR scale makes it optimal for triage and dynamic monitoring of patients during ongoing treatment.
SIMULTANEOUS DETERMINATION OF ASCORBIC ACID, URIC ACID, AND DOPAMINE ON CARBON NANOTUBE PASTE ELECTRODE
Authors: Santos Hélcio Silva dos , Andrade Lúcia Betânia da Silva , Moreira Fabriciany Lourenço , Paulino Felipe Wesley de Vasconcelos , Maciel Danielle Rodrigues , Julião Murilo Sérgio da Silva
Published: July 2024

Background: Ascorbic acid (AA), uric acid (UA), and dopamine (DA) play crucial roles in human metabolism. These substances coexist in biological fluids, and their levels are directly associated with various pathologies. A significant problem encountered in the direct and simultaneous electrochemical detection of AA, UA, and DA is that these species present very close oxidation potentials on most electrode materials, leading to an overlap in the voltammetric response. Aim: The main goal of this work was to determine the concentration of AA, UA, and DA in a natural water sample on a carbon nanotube paste electrode (CNTPE). Methods: All voltammetric measurements were performed on a µAutolab potentiostat/galvanostat (Metrohm) connected to an electrochemical cell of three electrodes: working, reference (Ag/AgCl, KCl3.0M), and auxiliary (platinum). The working electrode was handmade in our laboratory. The following proportions were used to prepare the paste: 50% CNT + 50% mineral oil and 65% CNT + 35% mineral oil. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were used for the electroanalytical study. Results: The linear ranges for the simultaneous determination of AA, DA, and UA by DPV were: 0.45 – 1.0 mM, 50 – 200 ?M, and 10 – 90 ?M, respectively. The LODs of the proposed method for AA, DA, and UA were: 7.97 mM; 8.57 ?M, and 5.96 ?M, respectively. The relative standard deviations (RSD) were 4.6, 2.8, and 1.6% for 0.45 mM of AA, 50 ?M of DA, and 50 ?M of UA. Discussion: The oxidation mechanism of: AA, UA, and DA is a process that involves two electrons and 2 protons. Electrochemical detection of DA in the presence of high levels of AA on carbon-based electrodes becomes difficult due to the catalytic oxidation of AA by DA. For the three molecules, AA, UA, and DA, it is observed that the oxidation peak currents increased with increasing concentration. Conclusions: CNTPE allowed the separation of the oxidation peaks of the ternary mixture of AA, UA, and DA by cyclic voltammetry and, when associated with DPV allowed the simultaneous quantitative determination of AA, UA, and DA.
AN AUTOMATED CROP MONITORING AND IRRIGATION SYSTEM WITH PREDICTIVE ANALYSIS
Authors: Deka Nilotpal , Neogi Devaj , Islam Atowar ul , Borkakoty Sangeeta
Published: July 2024

Background: The rising global population and decreasing agricultural land challenge the food supply, worsened by land degradation and water scarcity. Using IoT solutions, precision farming offers promise for addressing these issues by enhancing productivity, profitability, and environmental sustainability. The paper proposes an IoT-based automated monitoring and irrigation system with predictive analysis as a solution. Aims: To develop an IoT-based irrigation model with cloud computing, a mobile app for remote monitoring and irrigation control, and a predictive analysis method for forecasting weather conditions. Methods: IoT sensors are connected to a node MCU, and they monitor real-time temperature, humidity, and soil moisture. A water pump adjusts irrigation accordingly. Data is sent to ThingSpeak for visualization and Firebase for storage and is accessible via a mobile app. Predictive analysis combines sensor and historical weather data using the Random Forest algorithm to optimize irrigation. This determines the ideal irrigation frequency, duration, and timing based on predicted temperature and soil moisture levels, ensuring optimal soil moisture for plant growth. Results: The system exhibited encouraging outcomes. It displayed transformative potential by harnessing IoT, cloud computing, and predictive analytics. Offering precise soil moisture monitoring, instant data access, and tailored advice, the system can elevate crop management, streamline water consumption, and boost productivity among Indian farmers. Discussion: The automated crop monitoring and irrigation system has transformative potential in farming. Some future scope and enhancements may include broadening crop compatibility, integrating satellite data, enhancing pest monitoring, improving connectivity, enriching the mobile app, scaling up through partnerships, and refining the predictive models. Conclusions: The IoT-driven crop monitoring system revolutionizes Indian agriculture by optimizing irrigation and integrating weather forecasts. With mobile app enhancements and future improvements, it promises sustainable farming and empowerment for farmers.
Accounting Information System and Financial Reporting Quality of Quoted Service Companies in Nigeria
Authors: A. R. Onaolapo , H. T. Fasina , O. O. Olayemi
Published: July 2024

AIS is seen as a significant organizational mechanism but it can only be of benefit to organizational operations, including the Quality of Financial Reporting (QFR) produced if the right factors are well integrated and operated harmoniously. Therefore, the study examined AIS and QFR of listed service companies in Nigeria. The study adopted cross-sectional survey research design. Primary data was employed through a questionnaire which was administered on 256 respondents. Variables used included Information Quality (IQ), Service Quality (SERVQ), faithful representation, relevance, understandability and timeliness. The study adopted the use of structural equation modeling for data analysis. The findings revealed that IQ has a significant effect on QFR while SERVQ has no significant and negative effect on QFR. It is therefore recommended that organizations should ensure that they maintain good information quality which should start from the point of data collection from different sources to the point of final preparation of the financial reports.
The Socio-Economic Characteristics and Challenges of Homeless Youths in Maiduguri and Lagos: A Comparative Study
Authors: Aigbolosimon Famous Joseph
Published: July 2024

Homelessness is a pervasive and multifaceted global issue affecting societies across various economic landscapes. This study provides a critical and extensive examination of youth homelessness in Maiduguri and Lagos, Nigeria. By analysing socio-economic characteristics, pathways into homelessness, living conditions, health challenges and experiences of social discrimination, the study underscores the importance of tailored interventions considering regional variations and the diverse needs of homeless youth populations. The findings highlight both commonalities and disparities, reflecting the complex interplay of socio-economic factors and regional dynamics, and provide valuable insights for developing effective policies and interventions.
The Morphological Study of Colour Terms in Nigerian English
Authors: B. D. Danladi
Published: July 2024

The paper investigates the nature of morphological processes of colour terms among the users of English in Nigeria and their syntactic usages using a multi-dimensional approach in data gathering. The data was drawn from one hundred subjects across ten ethnic groups, including Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba as well as fifteen textual materials written in English by Nigerian scholars. The paper adopts a cognitive linguistic multidimensional framework. The paper reveals that the colour systems and usages among Nigerians contrast with the system within the native speakers of the language. For instance "fresh leave green", "pale blue", "blood red", "yolk yellow", "black black", "dark so and so", "charcoal", "flesh", , "dirty green", "dudu" and so on are formed through several morphological processes such as coining, clipping, blending, borrowing, compounding, reduplication and affixation as well as usage in various syntactic operations as in nominals and adjectives: "The shirt is dark so and so." and "The yellows ran out of the scorching sun." which serves as adjective and nominal plural respectively. Hence the paper concludes that morphology and syntax of most colours in Nigerian context have been influenced by many indigenous languages in the country. Hence, the hierarchy of the basic colours violates the Berlin and Kay"s evolutionary sequence and Kay and Maffi"s Trajectory model of Colour terms within the circle of the native speakers of English.
Telogen Effluvium in Patients After Bariatric Surgery: A Scoping Review
Authors: Andrade Izabella Dias Muniz , Vitoretti Matheus , Caliman Gabriella Catharino , Mota David de Freitas , Silva Gabriel Thiago , Carneiro Ana Clara Warkentin Araújo , Almeida João Kleber de
Published: July 2024

Telogen Effluvium (TE) is excessive hair loss caused by the premature transition of follicles to the resting phase. After bariatric surgery, especially in women, hair loss is associated with nutrient deficiencies, although the exact cause is still uncertain. A structured review, following PRISMA-ScR, was conducted in July 2023 to evaluate the prevalence of telogen effluvium after bariatric surgery, using data from PubMed, BVS, and Scielo. After bariatric surgery, hair loss is linked to nutritional deficiencies (zinc, iron, proteins, vitamin B12, and folic acid) and rapid weight loss. The surgery affects nutrient absorption, making it essential to monitor and address the nutritional needs of patients. Hair loss after bariatric surgery is common, especially in women between the third and sixth months, due to nutritional deficiencies, stress, and restrictive diets. Supplementation with zinc, vitamins C and D, as well as medications, can help. The study highlights the relationship between vitamin deficiencies (such as zinc, iron, and vitamin B12) and telogen effluvium after bariatric surgery. However, it notes the need for more studies, including randomized research. This underscores the importance of monitoring and treating these deficiencies in post-bariatric surgery patients.
Twitter Based Sentiment Analysis of Russia-Ukraine War Using Machine Learning
Authors: Dineshkumar Bhagwandas Vaghela
Published: July 2024

Social media platforms and micro blogging websites can be used as a potential source for gathering opinions and sentiments from the public on a variety of topics, such as the present state of affairs in nations that have experienced conflict. Twitter, in example, offers a variety of text tweets that might link to feelings across time and geography. Using Textblob and Vader as a lexicon method, this research paper performs sentiment analysis over a dataset containing tweets regarding the situation before and after Russia invades Ukraine. It also performs standard machine learning over the dataset. This machine learning model categorizes opinions about Russia's invasion of Ukraine according to sentiments. The current study examines different machine learning algorithms and focuses on the Doc2Vec feature extraction approach utilizing Chi2 (χ2) as a feature selection. The objective of this research is to use Twitter to get people's opinions about the war. The current study helps news media organizations analyze public opinion, particularly that of Russia and Ukraine, about the conflict and draw attention to upcoming difficulties.
Evaluation of therapeutic outcomes in emphysematous pyelonephritis: a single-center experience at Siriraj Hospital
Authors: Wijarn Kitipat ,   Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, Mahamongkol Katunyou , Suk-ouichai Chalairat , Nualyong Chaiyong , Phinthusophon Kittipong ,   Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand,   Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand,   Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand,   Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Published: July 2024

Objective: Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is an acute, severe, necrotizing parenchymal and perirenal infection associated with high morbidity and mortality. The radiographic classifications, which determine the treatment strategies, however, remain controversial. Our study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical parameters related to nephrectomy and the treatment outcomes in current practices. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data from 21 EPN patients who had been diagnosed using computed tomography (CT) scans, who were admitted to Siriraj Hospital from January 2009 to December 2019. The clinical manifestations, imaging results, laboratory findings, treatment methods, and overall outcomes of each patient were reviewed and analyzed. Huang–Tseng’s and Wan’s classifications were used to classify the images obtained from the CT scans. Results: Among the 21 patients with EPN, all had at least one comorbidity associated with a compromised immune response. Common manifestations included fever (74%) and initial laboratory findings showed hyperglycemia (66%), acute kidney injury (72%), and metabolic acidosis (76%). Inotropes were used in 13 patients for hemodynamic support. Eleven patients were treated with a non-nephrectomy approach, while 10 patients underwent nephrectomy. No statistical difference in treatment outcomes was observed between groups in both classification systems. Overall survival was 100% with a minimum one-year follow-up. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that the current treatment approach has resulted in a zero mortality rate of EPN most probably due to advancements in antibiotics, surgical techniques, and postoperative intensive care over the years. However, refining treatment strategies, considering radiographic criteria, clinical parameters, and initial treatment response, is essential in future studies to further decrease disease morbidity.
The impact of musical intervention on pain and anxiety levels during percutaneous nephrostomy tube replacement: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Santanapipatkul Krit ,   Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Loei Hospital, Loei, Thailand, Sukjaem Abhisit , Suanmalee Longprapa , Butchaingam Waraporn ,   Department of Anesthesiology, Loei Hospital, Loei, Thailand,   Department of Operation Theater, Loei Hospital, Loei, Thailand,   Department of Operation Theater, Loei Hospital, Loei, Thailand
Published: July 2024

Objective: Percutaneous nephrostomy tube replacement (PNTR) is a significant and frequently performed outpatient urological procedure. Patients undergoing this procedure often experience pain and anxiety. Various non-pharmacological methods are currently utilized to alleviate pain and anxiety. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of music on pain and anxiety during PNTR . Materials and Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted in patients undergoing PNTR at Loei Hospital from May 1, 2023, to September 30, 2023. A total of 104 patients were randomly assigned to two groups: group 1, where patients did not listen to music during the procedure, and group 2, where patients listened to their preferred choice of music. Demographic data, vital signs, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain levels, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State Anxiety (STAI-SA), and willingness to repeat procedures were compared. Results: The VAS pain scores in the music group were significantly lower than in the non-music group during and after PNTR (2.5 vs 5, p < 0.005 and 0 vs 3, p < 0.001, respectively). Moreover, the STAI-SA levels in the music group were significantly lower post-procedure (32.98±5.61 vs 39.98±6.18, p < 0.001), and the willingness to repeat the procedure was significantly higher (41 vs 22, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that listening to a preferred choice of music during PNTR has the potential to reduce pain, and anxiety, and increase the willingness of patients to repeat procedure. The intervention of music serves as a cost-effective, safe, and side effect-free non-pharmacological approach to facilitate patient outcome in PNTR.
Cardiovascular risk and urolithiasis: underestimated or unknown relationship?
Authors: Melo Pedroza Valentina ,   Universidad de La Sabana, Bogotá, Colombia, Solano Catalina , Jaramillo Sierra Manuela , Prieto Angarita Gabriela , Ascencio Medina Andrea , Traxer Olivier ,   GRC n20, Groupe de Recherche Clinique sur la Lithiase Urinaire, Hôpital Tenon, Sorbonne Université, 75020, Paris, France, Department of Endourology, Uroclin, Medellín, Colombia, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia,   Universidad de La Sabana, Bogotá, Colombia,   Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia,   Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia,   GRC n20, Groupe de Recherche Clinique sur la Lithiase Urinaire, Hôpital Tenon, Sorbonne Université, 75020, Paris, France
Published: July 2024

Objective: Urolithiasis, a multifactorial disease, is increasingly recognized for its association with cardiovascular disease (CVD), a leading global cause of morbidity and mortality. Despite the establishment of links between urolithiasis and CVD risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, this relationship remains underexplored. This study aims to characterize the trend of information regarding cardiovascular risk and urolithiasis through comprehensive bibliometric analysis, highlighting the importance of investigating this association further. Materials and Methods: We searched publications between 2002 and 2022 on the Web of Science (WOS) database, filtered by exclusion criteria. Impact factor (IF) 2021 and Journal Citation Reports (JCR) were evaluated and analyzed by mapping using VOSviewer. Results: We obtained 63 articles from 49 journals over the last two decades, identifying an increase in publications in the last two years without a rising annual trend. Gambaro G is the author of most citations (12,317), underscoring the extent of the global and interdisciplinary effort in understanding the cardiovascular implications of urolithiasis. Our findings highlight the varied impact of journals, with IFs ranging from 1 to 10.6, and point to a significant yet overlooked global research interest in the intersection between urolithiasis and cardiovascular risk. The USA was the country with the most publications (20.6%) followed by Taiwan (12.6%) and Spain (9.5%). Despite the observed increase, the rate of publications especially in high-impact journals remains low, particularly in Latin America, indicating a need for heightened research efforts in this important field. Conclusion: This bibliometric analysis underscores a growing yet insufficient global scholarly interest in the relationship between urolithiasis and cardiovascular risk. Despite some high-impact publications, the overall scarcity points to a need for increased research efforts, particularly in underrepresented regions such as Latin America. The study calls for a broader interdisciplinary collaboration to further understand and address the cardiovascular implications of urolithiasis, aiming to improve patient care and outcomes in this significant public health intersection.
Transforming urology: exploring the innovations and utilizations of robotic systems
Authors: Bejrananda Tanan ,   Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand, Shiroki Ryoichi ,   Department of Urology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Dengakugakubo, Kutsukakecho, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
Published: July 2024

Robot-assisted surgery represents the pinnacle of minimally invasive surgical techniques, surpassing laparoscopic surgery in its efficacy. This study aimed to evaluate the current status of robotic surgery in urological practice, examining its advantages and disadvantages. A literature review was conducted using PUBMED and the pertinent articles in the field of urology selected. Various single-port and multiport robotic platforms, such as Da Vinci, Versius, Hugo RAS, Revo-I, Senhance, Mantra, Avatera, hinotori, and MicroSurge, are discussed along with their respective pros and cons. Details of the 4 robotic platforms used in our centers are also included. With an influx of diverse medical surgical robots entering the market and a competitive drive to establish the next standard of care in robotic surgery, it is inevitable that robotic surgery will soon become economically comparable to laparoscopic procedures.
Development, Construction, Operation and Maintenance of Shouhang Dunhuang 100 MW Molten Salt Solar Power Tower Plant
Authors: Huang Wenbo , Xiao Jun , Liu Fuguo , Qi Zhipeng
Published: July 2024

The Shouhang Dunhuang 100 MW molten salt solar power tower plant is the first 100 MW-scale commercial demonstration project in China. The plant started to break ground in October 2016, was completed and connected to the grid for power generation in December 2018, and achieved full-load operation in June 2019. This paper comprehensively introduces the development, design, and construction process of the project as well as its operation and maintenance over the past five years, and shares experiences and lessons learned from the project.
5G as Communication Platform for Solar Tower Plants
Authors: Schwarzbözl Peter , Miadowicz Inga , Maldonado Quinto Daniel , Golembiewski Julian , Jörke Pascal , Faulwasser Timm , Wietfeld Christian
Published: July 2024

Wiring of heliostat fields for solar tower plants is a cost factor that becomes more important as the overall cost target is decreasing. Wireless heliostats with radio communication and autarchic energy supply have therefore been proposed in the past. But none of the communication solutions investigated so far could realistically scale to commercial size plants with tens of thousands of heliostats. Moreover, the digitalization of CSP plants with numerous mobile and stationary sensor systems requires a suitable data communication, too. The new generation of mobile radio communication (5G) is capable of handling the heterogenous communication profile portfolio comprising large numbers of units with low data rates – like heliostats - and few units with very large data volume – like e.g. drone-based camera systems. The communication requirements of a typical solar tower installation are assessed in this work and a data traffic model is created for the most relevant communication channels. The various existing 5G implementations are assessed to find the most suitable solution. Different operator models for 5G are considered and their applicability in CSP target countries is discussed. A simulation test case is presented that models the radio communication traffic of a heliostat field control during a cloud passage. Finally, the experimental 5G campus network is introduced that is currently installed at the Solar Tower Jülich research plant and will be operated in the upcoming months to demonstrate the technical feasibility of 5G radio for communication in solar fields.
Impact of Temperature and Optical Error on the Combined Optical and Thermal Efficiency of Solar Tower Systems for Industrial Process Heat
Authors: Zolan Alexander , Augustine Chad , Westphal Evan , Armijo Kenneth , Wang Ye , Pye John
Published: July 2024

Concentrating solar thermal (CST) power towers can provide high flux concentrations at commercial scale. As a result, CST towers exhibit potential for high-temperature solar industrial process heat (SIPH) applications. However, at higher operating temperatures, thermal radiation losses can be significant. This study explores the trade-off between thermal and optical losses for SIPH applications using a collection of three case studies at operating temperatures that range from 900-1,550 °C. We assume blackbody radiation to represent the thermal losses at the receiver and we use ray tracing to estimate the optical losses. The results show the impact of process temperature on the maximum attainable system efficiency, as well as the higher flux concentration requirements as the temperature increases.
Advanced Controllers for Heat Transfer Fluid Mass Flow Rate Control in Solar Tower Receivers
Authors: Anderson Cody B. , Gentile Giancarlo , Longhi Alessandro , Casella Francesco , Cholette Michael E. , Manzolini Giampaolo
Published: July 2024

Efficient control strategies for managing the mass flow rate (MFR) of heat transfer fluids (HTF) during cloud transients in Solar Tower receivers play a pivotal role in optimizing plant profitability and receiver durability. This study focuses on the performance and durability of Solar Tower receivers during cloud transients. It evaluates adaptive feedback and feedforward control methods, which adjust the flow rate of heat transfer fluids based on real-time measurements of direct normal irradiance (DNI), receiver outlet and receiver panel outlet temperatures. The effectiveness of an aggressive all-sky and conservative clear-sky control strategy is explored against a conventional PI controller, emphasizing energy efficiency and receiver longevity. Simulations using a thermal Modelica model resembling a 100 MWel Crescent Dunes-like solar tower plant reveal that both advanced controllers provide precise setpoint tracking, while the PI controller struggles. The conservative controller which has a cloud standby mode prevents overheating during cloud transients by using a clear sky mass flow rate, while the aggressive controller uses the receiver panel outlet temperatures to correct for upstream tube temperature variations allowing for fast tracking correction and disturbance rejection, albeit with slight overshoots. Furthermore, the controllers significantly decrease the creep-fatigue damage accumulated in the receiver panels during cloudy days, due to limiting the increase in wall temperature spikes when cloud events end. Overall, this study underscores the pivotal role of HTF mass flow rate control systems in influencing receiver system failure modes and longevity and offers a new tool in controller design and operation assessment.
Comparative Assessment of the Durability of Glass and Polymer Mirrors for Concentrated Solar Thermal Technologies
Authors: Karim Mounia , Sansom Christopher , King Peter , Almond Heather , Hussaini Zaharaddeen
Published: July 2024

This paper describes experimental work that has been carried out to assess the durability of glass and polymer mirrors against erosion and soiling phenomena. Both outdoor and indoor tests have been performed and the results show that polymer mirrors are quickly degraded in comparison to glass. Soiling deposition has been simulated using a soiling test rig developed for laboratory use. Results show that polymer mirrors, due to their high roughness and their surface energy properties, can accumulate more soiling on their surface generating a higher drop in specular reflectance compared to glass mirrors. Contact cleaning processes have also been simulated on polymer mirrors and the results show that using a hard brush, even at low speed with rotational motion, causes significantly more degradation than a soft brush.
Pirate Terrors: Rome’s Ancient War on Piracy as an Analogue for Contemporary Wars on Terror
Authors: Ruprecht Jr. Louis A.
Published: July 2024

This article offers an analogy between the Roman wars against Mediterranean piracy in the 70s and 60s BCE, especially on Crete and in Cilicia, and the United States’ long wars against terror, which now span more than two decades (2002–), especially in Afghanistan, until recently, and Iraq. The article hopes to show that there are fruitful points of convergence, especially useful for drawing ethical and political lessons from history. Wars against piracy are waged against non-state actors and nearly impossible to prosecute to a negotiated settlement. Such wars quite naturally result in “mission creep,” particularly when situated in a region with broader strategic interests.
Anxiety Levels and Sleep Quality of Patients in Neurology Department during the Pandemic Process
Authors: Can Akman Tuba , Yarar Feride , Yılmaz Ayşenur , Tekin Selma
Published: July 2024

Amaç: COVID-19, kısa zamanda tüm dünyayı etkisi altına alarak yaşam koşullarını çok büyük oranda etkilemiştir. Bu çalışmanın amacı pandemi sürecinde nörolojik hastalığı olup nöroloji servisinde yatan nöroloji hastalarının anksiyete düzeyi ve uyku kalitesini amacıyla yapılmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Araştırma verileri 20 Mart -20 Mayıs 2021 tarihleri arasında yüzyüze soru-cevap olarak toplanmıştır. Araştırmaya, 100 ( 55 Kadın, 45 Erkek) hasta katılmıştır. Veri toplama aracı olarak uyku kalitesini değerlendirmek için Pittsburgh Uyku Kalitesi İndeksi (PUKİ), anksiyeteyi değerlendirmek için Koronavirüs anksiyete Ölçeği (KAÖ) kullanılmıştır. Bulgular: İki grubun anksiyete ölçeği puan ortalamaları, PUKİ total puan ortalamaları ve alt parametrelerinden uyku latansı, uyku süresi, uyku bozukluğu arasında anlamlı fark saptandı (p0,05). Anksiyete düzeyi ile uyku kalitesi arasında pozitif yönde orta düzey korelasyon olduğu görüldü (p=0,000, r=0,472). Anksiyete düzeyi ile uyku kalitesinin alt parametrelerinden öznel uyku kalitesi (p=0,000, r=0,439) ile pozitif yönde orta düzey anlamlı ilişki saptandı. Sonuç: Covid19 hastalığının bireylerin anksiyete düzeyi ve uyku kalitesi üzerinde olumsuz etkileri vardır. Bu etkilerin boyutları incelenmelidir. Ve tedavilerde bu etkilerin gözönünde bulundurularak yapılması önemlidir.
Pembelajaran Adaptif sebagai Inovasi Strategi Pembelajaran bagi Anak Usia Dini
Authors: Boiliu, M.Pd. Esti Regina , Messakh Jefrit Johanis
Published: July 2024

Early childhood education plays a crucial role in shaping the developmental foundation of children. Adaptive learning emerges as a strategic innovation in enhancing the effectiveness of learning at this stage. This study aims to explore the concept and effectiveness of adaptive learning in early childhood through a qualitative approach with a literature review. By analyzing various relevant literature sources, this research seeks to understand the background of adaptive learning, its implementation objectives, and its impact on the learning outcomes of early childhood. The results indicate that adaptive learning can enhance the interest, motivation, and learning abilities of early childhood by providing tailored learning experiences to meet their individual needs. The implications of these findings support the need for integrating adaptive learning into early childhood learning practices to achieve optimal learning outcomes. Keywords: Adaptive learning; learning strategies; early childhoodAbstrakPendidikan anak usia dini memegang peranan penting dalam membentuk fondasi perkembangan anak. Pembelajaran adaptif menjadi inovasi strategis dalam meningkatkan efektivitas pembelajaran pada tahap ini. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi konsep dan efektivitas pembelajaran adaptif pada anak usia dini melalui pendekatan kualitatif dengan studi pustaka. Dengan menganalisis berbagai sumber literatur yang relevan, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memahami latar belakang pembelajaran adaptif, tujuan penerapannya, dan dampaknya terhadap hasil pembelajaran anak usia dini. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pembelajaran adaptif dapat meningkatkan minat, motivasi, dan kemampuan belajar anak usia dini dengan memberikan pengalaman belajar yang disesuaikan dengan kebutuhan individual mereka. Implikasi temuan ini mendukung perlunya integrasi pembelajaran adaptif dalam praktik pembelajaran anak usia dini untuk mencapai hasil pembelajaran yang optimal.Kata Kunci: Pembelajaran adaptif; strategi pembelajaran; anak usia dini.
Towards primary school mathematics multipronged top-bottom intervention framework
Authors: Graham Baloyi Dingaan
Published: July 2024

Performance outcomes in mathematics in South African primary schools have reached alarming proportions. This paper seeks to delve deep into the challenges contributing to mathematics underperformance and gain insights from the perspectives of the departmental heads regarding the strategies they deploy in improving performance in their schools. In examining this phenomenon, we conducted semi-structured interviews that targeted departmental heads in primary schools in the Province of Limpopo, South Africa. In addition, quality management theory was used as a lens to frame the study theoretically. The study results demonstrate that departmental heads employ differentiated strategies to mitigate the pertinent challenges facing mathematics performance in primary schools. Amongst the key strategies departmental heads deploy include the following: Collaborative workshops and subject meetings, departmental heads initiated continuous professional development opportunities, provision of resources for teaching mathematics, control, and monitoring as accounting measures, and confronting teacher insubordination. This paper is of significant value as it adds to new knowledge in managing and teaching mathematics in primary schools.
Motivi djetinjstva u autobiografskoj prozi suvremenih hrvatskih književnica Maje Gluščević i Višnje Stahuljak
Authors: Verdonik Maja , Štiglić Granić Monika
Published: July 2024

U radu se književnoteorijskim pristupom analiziraju autobiografske proze Odrastanje (1995) Maje Gluščević i Sjećanja (1997) Višnje Stahuljak. Nakon prikaza teorijskih odrednica autobiografskoga diskursa u hrvatskoj dječjoj književnosti, ova književna djela interpretirana su polazeći od kriterija određivanja pripadnosti teksta dječjoj književnosti te su promatrana na tematskoj razini s obzirom na motive djetinjstva i njihov odnos prema motivima širega društvenoga konteksta. Uzimajući u obzir regionalni i lokalni identitet književnica, analizirani su i zavičajni motivi odabranih djela, odnosno njihova pojavnost u jeziku i prikazima govora. Rezultati analize pokazuju širok raspon iskaznih mogućnosti autobiografskoga diskursa u hrvatskoj dječjoj književnosti. Utjecaj periodizacije stvaralaštva književnica očituje se u razini literarizacije pojedinoga književnoga djela koja, pritom, pripadaju tipu literarizirane autobiografije. Razloge za navedeno moguće je pronaći u zahtjevima dječje književnosti s obzirom na dob čitatelja iako namjena i izraz teksta te izbor motiva djetinjstva otvaraju mogućnost propitivanja granica dječje književnosti. Analiza odabranih književnih djela potvrđuje prožimanje privatnoga i javnoga prostora na tematskoj razini, pri čemu univerzalni motivi djetinjstva omogućuju poistovjećivanje čitatelja s tekstom, a motivi širega društvenog konteksta pridonose izgradnji specifičnoga konstrukta djetinjstva. Prisutnost zavičajnih motiva potvrđuje autobiografski karakter tekstova.
FROM SHADOWS TO SPOTLIGHT: THE HIDDEN MENTAL HEALTH COSTS OF BULLYING IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Authors: Kanwal Afshan , Hashmi Sumira , Shafiq Saba
Published: July 2024

The motivation of this research is to examine the effect of multiple types of bullying on the mental health of students in public universities in Punjab, Pakistan. The researchers used quantitative research method & positivism philosophy. The current research sample consisted of 300 students from two well-known public universities, namely Thal University Bhakkar and the University of Sargodha. To test the study's hypothesis, the researchers used SPSS software. The findings of the current study indicated that there is a significant and negative effect of physical bullying on the mental health of the respondents. Moreover, current research indicates that social bullying has a significant and negative effect on respondents' mental health. Results indicated that there is a significant and negative effect of cyberbullying on the mental health of the respondents. These findings put forth a critical point: the universities should take up anti-bullying measures and provide support for mental health to mitigate the effects. From this research, some insights come out as to how the policymakers, educators and mental health professionals could promote student welfare & reduce bullying incidences in academic settings.
THE ANALYSIS OF PSYCHOPHYSICAL IMPACT OF LEARNERS ON THEIR COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT AT SECONDARY LEVEL IN KPK
Authors: Said Mir Alam , Kiran Sidra , Moin Muhammad
Published: July 2024

This study explored teachers' views on psychophysical impact of learners on their cognitive development at secondary level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Objectives were to examine psychophysical effects on academic performance, compare academic results with social behavior, investigate the importance of social behavior on academic performance, and suggest steps to improve cognitive development and social behavior. The study used descriptive survey methodology, collecting data from 15 randomly selected schools. A 25-item questionnaire was developed & administered to teachers. The sample included 90 students categorized as high, average, and below-average achievers from both science and arts. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings indicate that psychophysical impact and cognitive development are interrelated, with social behavior influencing the academic performance to varying degrees across achievement levels. Similarly, study recommends a holistic approach to education that considers social and academic factors in promoting the student development towards desired success.
IMPACT OF BLENDED LEARNING TEACHING TECHNIQUE ON STUDENTS ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS AT ELEMENTARY LEVEL
Authors: Ejaz Misbah , Javaid Muhammad Amjad , Ali Shafqat
Published: July 2024

The increasing demands on teachers have led to the strategic integration of information communication technology, suggesting that teachers' efficacy can be heightened through the judicious incorporation of technology into their teaching techniques. In light of this premise, this research aimed to assess the impact of blending learning teaching techniques on the academic achievements of 8th class science subject students in Gujranwala. The main objective was to compare achievement levels between blending learning and traditional methods. In this regard, the pre-test post-test control group design was utilized, with a sample of sixty students randomly selected. Data were collected through achievement test, revealing the blending learnings' superiority in enhancing the students' cognitive skills according to Bloom's taxonomy. This study examined the leading issues in contemporary situation wherein results provide significant information in reaching the decision of study and making some appropriate recommendations. This highlighted the potential benefits in a tailor-made format thereby incorporating blending learning in developments of education at different levels especially at the elementary level.
Impact of COVID-19 on mental health of public health workers
Authors: Alqablan Amal Khalid , Alamri Ghadah Mater , Alsaif Hanan Saif , Almahboub Maha Saad , Alluhaydan Jumanah Abdulaziz , Alanazi Nadyah Khalaf
Published: July 2024

Aim: This study examines the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of public health workers and explores the pivotal role of social workers in addressing these challenges. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather data on the mental health effects of COVID-19 on healthcare professionals and the interventions implemented by social workers. Sources included peer-reviewed articles, reports from health organizations, and case studies from various regions affected by the pandemic. Results: The findings indicate that healthcare professionals experience heightened levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout due to increased workloads, lack of resources, and the fear of infection. Social workers play a crucial role in mitigating these effects through mental health support, resource coordination, advocacy, and policy development. They provide individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and psychoeducation. Social workers also facilitate access to essential resources, support vulnerable populations, and implement telehealth and digital support services to maintain continuity of care. Conclusion: The mental health of healthcare workers is critically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Social workers are essential in providing emotional support, facilitating resource access, and advocating for vulnerable groups. Their interventions help mitigate the psychosocial effects of the pandemic and promote resilience within healthcare teams.
Sosialisasi dan Pelatihan Budidaya Tanaman Hidroponik Bawang Merah (Allium Cepa) di Lingkungan Kampus STKIP-PI Makassar
Authors: Irnayanti Bahar  , Syahruni Karim
Published: July 2024

Pelaksanaan kegiatan bertujuan untuk membantu pengembangan, pengetahuan dan pemahaman mahasiswa mengenai tanaman hidroponik dengan memanfaatkan lahan terbatas serta media sederhana. Metode penyajian pelatihan yaitu sosialisasi dan praktik. Adapun hasil yang dicapai yaitu bertambahnya keterampilan, pemahaman, dan pengetahuan mahasiswa mengenai cara membuat tanaman hidroponik khususnya bawang merah atau Allium cepa, selain itu mahasiswa juga dapat mengetahui cara pemilihan bibit bawang merah yang bisa digunakan agar mendapatkan hasil yang maksimal. Pelatihan ini memberikan pengetahuan mengenai teknik budidaya tanaman hidroponik dan manfaatnya. Selain pengetahuan dan pengalaman mahasiswa juga mendapatkan manfaat dari kegiatan ini. Terdapat 18 dari 20 peserta yang sudah mampu membuat tanaman hidroponik. Hasil pengabdian menunjukkan adanya peningkatan pengetahuan dan keterampilan peserta pelatihan.
An evaluation of the process of measuring outcomes of a cognitive stimulation therapy group
Authors: Bridge Roseanna , Allan Sophie , Gracey Fergus
Published: July 2024

The evaluation took place in an NHS Older People’s Mental Health community service in the east of England. One intervention provided by these teams is a Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) group, an evidence-based therapy for people with dementia. This evaluation was completed in the context of procedural changes following the Covid-19 pandemic. CST groups moved from face-to-face to online delivery, and there were changes in the clinical systems used across the service. These changes led to inconsistencies in how outcome measures were administered and how data was gathered and stored across the teams. The aim was to recommend improvements to the procedures for evaluating the CST groups, namely, the use of outcome measures. Data on processes was acquired from professionals and quantitative data was procured from the clinical records system. A literature review was carried out to summarise the most recent evidence on outcome measures used to evaluate the CST intervention. This resulted in descriptive data about the inconsistencies across teams in evaluating the CST group. Findings focused on descriptive data and recommendations were shared with the service about the most efficacious process and outcome measure to evaluate the CST group.
Caracterización de los actores involucrados en cuatro convocatorias de Proyectos Agropecuarios en Boyacá Colombia
Authors: Puentes Montañez Gloria Acened , Cepeda Araque Carmen Helena , Prieto Puentes Daniel Fernando
Published: July 2024

El objetivo de la investigación fue identificar y caracterizar a los actores que han participado en la gestión de proyectos agropecuarios en Boyacá, Colombia; la metodología utilizada fue la del mapeo de actores clave y uso de la técnica de análisis de correspondencias múltiples (ACM) para el tratamiento de datos de los 189 proyectos analizados. Dentro de los resultados se  encontró que 72 municipios de los 123 del departamento gestionan recursos para el sector agropecuario, solo 4 universidades de las 16 que hacen presencia en el departamento están en los proyectos, los principales actores son las organizaciones de pequeños productores, con repetición en las 4 convocatorias estudiadas, concentración de proyectos en las ciudades más grandes como Tunja, Duitama y Sogamoso, y con actores dinámicos como Ministerio de Agricultura y Desarrollo Rural, SENA, empresas de apoyo al sector agropecuario EPSEA, UMATA y OGA; también se pudo evidenciar la desarticulación de los actores en cada convocatoria y proyectos sobre los mismos temas.