bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of Virulence Factor Production in Candida Species Colonizer Isolated from Diabetic Patients
Authors: Wasnik Karishma , Wankhade Archana , Wasnik Pritam
Published: November 2022

Candida is a yeast like fungus. It causes candidiasis which is a spectrum of disease from cutaneous, mucosal, systemic & multisystem dissemination. It is a coloniser of mucocutaneous surfaces of body but it is an opportunistic fungus causing severe type of infection. Objective of the study was to detect colonization of Candida species in diabetic patient & to detect virulence factors i.e., phospholipase, proteinase, esterase activity & homolysis activity in isolated strains of Candida from colonised diabetic patients. Throat swab and urine sample were collected from diabetic patients visiting the General Medicine OPD/Ward diagnosed with diabetes mellitus before six months and was submitted in microbiology department. Candida species were identified tested for production of virulence factors. Total 30 diabetes mellitus patients diagnosed 6 months before. In 41-65 years age groups, Candida colonization was found predominantly, 63% patients. Amongst these 78% had fasting sugar levels greater than the normal limits. The study revealed a strong correlation between higher fasting blood sugar levels and Candida colonization. The predominant isolate was Candida albicans in throat followed by Candida glabrata. Out of 27 Candida species isolates, 16 strains showed production of virulence factors. Amongst these 44 % (7/16) strains were positive for proteinase production, 38 % (6/16) were positive for esterase production, 13% (2/16) strains were positive for hemolysin and single strain (6%, 10/16) showed the production of phospholipase. The study concludes that Candida albicans was the predominant colonising species found followed by Candida glabrata in diabetic patients. Non-Candida albicans species can be seen as an emerging colonizing species in the diabetic patients and thereby are increasingly gaining clinical importance. Colonized or commensal Candida species showed in vitro production of virulence factor.
Distribution of CTX-M, TEM, SHV Beta-lactamase Gene among the Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates from Tertiary Care Centre in Palakkad, Kerala
Authors: Kumaran Ramya , Geetha R.V. , Baby Sabitha
Published: November 2022

Resistance against the routinely used antibiotics has reached a worrying level globally. Extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) production is the major mechanism of antimicrobial resistance. These ESBLs bacteria are resistance to penicillin, cephalosporins, monobactams. TEM1&2, CTX-M, SHV are the main ESBLs genes present in Klebsiella pneumoniae, which is produced by the alteration of amino acid in the active site. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of ESBL genes such as blaTEM 1&2, blaCTX-M and blaSHV. The present study was carried out from April 2019 to September 2019, a total of 121 K. pneumoniae isolates were collected and subjected to phenotypic study. Among these 19 isolated was ESBL positive, genes (blaSHV, blaTEM, blaCTX-M) were detected by conventional PCR method. blaTEM (100%) was the predominant gene detected flowed by CTX-M (68.42%) and SHV (57.89%). The highest level of antimicrobial resistance towards ampicillin (93.4%) followed by ceftriaxone (28.9%), cefotaxime (24.8%) and ciprofloxacin (22.3%). However, ESBL-producing isolates were showed resistance to ampicillin (100%) followed by ceftazidime (94.74%), cefotaxime (89.47%), amikacin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (68%). Antimicrobial resistance of bacteria is due to the genes, especially extended spectrum beta lactamase, which is widely found in members of Enterobacteriaceae. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of studies regarding the distribution of ESBL in K. pneumoniae in Palakkad Dist., Kerala. Hence the aim of the current study determines the distribution of ESBL genes in ESBL producing K. pneumoniae isolated from various clinical samples.
A Survey on Cardiac Disease Classifying from Imbalanced Healthcare Facts Using Ensemble Classification Techniques
Authors: Saranya R , Kalaivani Dr. D.
Published: November 2022

Abstract: Heart disease is the leading problem of death globally, and early detection is pivotal in preventing the progression of the disease. In this paper, Improved EnsembleSVM method is proposed for the prediction of heart disease risk. The technique involves randomly partitioning the dataset into smaller subsets using a mean based splitting approach. Oversampling of imbalanced data introduces the extension of Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique through a recent ideology, and recurrent ensemble-based noise filter called duplicative-Partitioning Filter, which can overwhelm the hindrance fashioned by noisy and frontier models in overbalanced dataset. Ensemble classifier with oversampling technique plays an accurate result for predict heart disease in efficient way.
Game Development "Kill Corona Virus" For Education About Vaccination Using Finite State Machine and Collision Detection
Authors: Andi Andi , Charles Juan , Pribadi Octara , Juliandy Carles , Robet Robet
Published: November 2022

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the coronavirus and causes the main symptoms in the form of respiratory problems. One way to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic is through the vaccination process. However, in practice, the public is still not educated about the importance of vaccination in preventing coronavirus infection, so it is necessary to develop a game that provides education to the public to vaccinate. This study chose games as educational media because there are many game enthusiasts and the delivery of education through games is more memorable than on other platforms. This study uses the Game Development Life Cycle (GDLC) method in the game development stage. In addition, to create intelligent coronavirus enemy NPC characters in this study, Finite State Machine (FSM) and Collision Detection methods will be implemented to detect the accuracy of players' shots. The results were obtained in the form of a game "Kill Corona Virus" which is used as a medium of education for the public about the importance of vaccination. Based on the results of the tests carried out, it was found that the implementation of the Collision Detection method in the game in detecting collisions was appropriate and quite accurate and the Finite State Machine method succeeded in creating coronavirus enemy NPCs with appropriate states. In addition, based on the results of processing respondents' answers, it is known that the ”Kill Corona Virus” game that was built can convey vaccination education messages well and make people interested in vaccinating.
Проектирование внутреннего утепления ограждающих конструкций при приспособлении исторических зданий с учетом долговечности
Authors: Желдаков Дмитрий
Published: November 2022

В процессе проектирования работ по реконструкции, приспособлению и реновации первостепенное значение уделяется обеспечению долговечности конструкций. В результате протекания процессов деструкции изменяетсяструктура материала наружных стен исторических зданий, снижается сопротивление теплопередаче. При соблюдении требований к сохранности фасадов зданий применяются ограждения с теплоизоляционным проницаемым слоем со стороны помещения (внутреннее утепление). В статье приводится методика оценки циклической нагрузки с учётом параметра температурной нагрузки на материал, который позволяет связать климатические характеристики наружного воздуха – изменение температуры в связи с изменением климата и изменение количества циклов перехода температуры через ноль с характеристиками ограждающей конструкции:толщиной, теплофизическими и физико-химическими параметрами материала конструкции. Данная методика включена в СП 345.1325800.2017.
Сравнительные динамические характеристики конструкционных материалов
Authors: Смирнов Владимир
Published: November 2022

Работа посвящена изучению динамических характеристик конструкционных материалов, используемых в элементах пролётных строений мостов. Исследуется влияние плотности составов, наличия и типа полых заполнителей, а также наличие фибры на показатели коэффициента механических потерь и динамического модуля упругости. Испытания проводят на стандартных образцах методом экспериментального модального анализа, по результатам которого определяют частоты и формы собственных колебаний и величину коэффициента потерь, соответствующего каждой из собственных форм. Определены величины динамического модуля упругости с использованием аналитического выражения для частоты собственных колебаний шарнирно закреплённой балки.

*Финансирование. Работа выполнена при финансовой поддержке Министерства науки и высшего образования Российской Федерации (Проект: Теоретико-экспериментальное конструирование новых композитных материалов для обеспечения безопасности при эксплуатации зданий и сооружений в условиях техногенных и биогенных угроз. Шифр научной темы FSWG-2020-0007). Работы выполнены на оборудовании Головного регионального центра коллективного пользования научным оборудованием и установками НИУ МГСУ при финансовой поддержке Минобрнауки России (соглашение № 075-15-2021-686).
Архитектурные аспекты преобразования бывших портовых территорий
Authors: Гельфонд Анна
Published: November 2022

Формирование архитектурной типологии здания - процесс вторичный и длительный по отношению к развитию новых технологий. Здание или сооружение не успевает меняться по определённому алгоритму в ногу с техническим прогрессом. Ещё больше вопросов возникает, если речь идёт об обширных территориях, связанных единым технологическим процессом. В практике архитектурно-гра­достроительной адаптации промышленных предприятий к новой функции выделяется тема современного использо­вания территорий бывших портов и гаваней. Особенности их архитектуры по определению диктовались не только спецификой конкретного города, но и его взаимосвязью с другими городами, так как порты одновременно ворота и узлы коммуникативного каркаса, основу которого задают. Архитектурные аспекты преобразования бывших портовых территорий характеризуются общими и локальными при­ёмами. Они раскрываются на основе выявления функцио­нальных, конструктивных, композиционно-художественных особенностей сегодняшней застройки территорий бывших портов и гаваней. Тема рассматривается на примерах Ганзей­ской набережной в Брюггене, старой гавани в Генуе, района Доклендс в Лондоне, Хафен-Сити в Гамбурге, Медиа-порта в Дюссельдорфе, Стрелки в Нижнем Новгороде. Статья сопро­вождается авторскими фотографиями.
Об устойчивости архитектурных решений научно-инновационных комплексов. Принципиальные положения
Authors: Инна Дианова-Клокова , Метаньев Дмитрий
Published: November 2022

Развитие научных и инновационных иссле­дований в последние десятилетия породили в архитектурной науке и практике осознание необходимости особого отноше­ния к вопросам устойчивости архитектуры объектов науки и инноваций. Ситуация активизировала разработки архитектур­ных решений, отвечающих принципам безопасности, ограни­чения негативного воздействия на окружающую среду, учёта интересов будущих поколений. Применительно к созданию научно-инновационных комплексов в статье приведён ряд положений, соответствующих особенностям этих объектов.

На их основе разработан широкий ряд архитектурных и инженерных методов и приёмов. Их использовали в своем творчестве многие выдающиеся мастера. Статья проиллю­стрирована материалами к постройкам научно-инновацион­ного назначения Ричарда Роджерса - всемирно известного английского архитектора, теоретика и идеолога в области урбанизма и экологии.
Detection of Genetic Alterations in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using Multiplex Ligation-Dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA)
Authors: Ern Yong Zachary Wei , Karen-Ng Lee Peng , Kallarakkal Thomas George , Abdul Rahman Zainal Ariff , Ismail Siti MazlipahIsmail , Abraham Mannil Thomas , Tay Keng Kiong , Zain Rosnah Binti , Mohamad Zaini Zuraiza
Published: November 2022

Deletions and amplifications of genes often occur during multistep progression from oral precancer, seen as oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) to cancerous stage. These genetic alterations could be used as markers to aid in detection of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC). This study explored the use of multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) technique in detecting OSCC and OED specific genetic alterations. MLPA was used to detect gains and losses of 106 genes in DNA extracted from frozen tissue samples of 10 OSCC and 10 non-cancer patients. Two biopsies of OED were analyzed to explore the alterations in oral potentially malignant disorders. There were significant differences (p<0.001) in the number of alterations in OSCC and dysplasia compared to non-cancer samples respectively. The most frequently altered genes in OSCC were PTP4A3, RECQL4, ATM, and KLK3 (60%). Five genes (MYC, SLA, TNFRSF1A, MESDC1, MIF) were altered in 50% of OSCC samples. These nine genes were specific to OSCC samples (p<0.05). Some genes, including MYB, MET, CASP2, SLA and PTEN occurred in 50% of OED samples. MLPA was able to detect genetic alterations, that are present only in OSCC samples and showed potential to be used as an adjunctive tool in early diagnosis of OSCC.
Synergistic effect of Promoter addition and Nickel Loading for Catalysed Dry Reforming of Methane
Authors: Suppiah Durga Devi
Published: November 2022

This paper investigates the synergistic influence of both catalyst active sites Lanthanum promoter and Nickel loading on supported Ni catalysts for Dry Reforming of Methane (DRM) reaction. Alumina-supported nanosized Ni-based catalysts were synthesized using the impregnation method with varying percentages of Lanthanum promoter. Structural analysis via XRD, SEM and PSD show Nickel and lanthanum were homogeneously dispersed on Al2O3 supported catalyst with a range of 40-90 nm were obtained. Lanthanum addition favours equilibrated reaction equivalent to DRM mechanism. Increasing the La percentage and temperature however shifts the equilibrium to a higher conversion of CH4 (72%) hence higher H2 selectivity (70%).
BIOAUTOGRAPHY, COMBINATION EFFECTS AND PHOTO-ACTIVATED ENZYMATIC RESTRICTION INHIBITORY ACTIVITY OF ANTIMICROBIAL ALKALOIDS FROM GLYCOSMIS
Authors: Md Taib Nurhaya , Mohd Hassan Norazian , Mohd Kamal Laina Zarisa , Soe May Khin
Published: November 2022

Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz.) DC., locally known as nerapan, has long been used in Asian countries as a traditional remedy for ailments attributed to microbial infections. This study aims to isolate antimicrobial alkaloids from G. pentaphylla, to determine their combination effects with selected antimicrobial agents and to screen for their photoactivated enzymatic restriction inhibitory activity. Bioautography-guided isolation of antimicrobial alkaloids was performed by using column chromatography with Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans as the indicator microbes. The antimicrobial effects of the alkaloids combined with selected antimicrobial agents, namely, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, vancomycin, and ketoconazole, were determined by using a checkerboard assay. Photoactivated enzymatic restriction inhibitory activity was assessed by using agarose gel electrophoresis. Two antimicrobial active alkaloids were isolated and identified as arborinine and arborine. The antimicrobial activity of arborinine and arborine was determined to be in the range of 250 µg/ml and 1000 µg/ml. Partial synergy was observed for all arborine-antibiotics and arborinine-ketoconazole interactions against S. aureus and C. albicans, respectively. Arborine was relatively the strongest photoactivated enzymatic restriction inhibitor, particularly against EcoRI, PstI, and SalI. The results obtained are promising and encourage further research on alkaloids as potential antimicrobial-enhancing agents.
ESTIMATION OF THERMODYNAMIC PARAMETERS OF Ni-Si BASE ALLOYS USING THE SEMI-EMPIRICAL MIEDEMA MODEL
Authors: Alsaedi Ali Kadhim , Abbas Faiz Salih , Alaboodi Azhar S. , Abojassim Ali Abid
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we present a calculation method for evaluating the possibility of enhancing the thermal stability of nickel silicide by alloying with metals, which consists in determining the formation enthalpy (∆H) of nickel silicide using the Miedema model. Changes in formation enthalpy (∆H) were observed for nickel silicides that were alloyed with Mo, Pt, Pd, W, and Zr. The MAAT (Materials Analysis Applying Thermodynamics) software was used to calculate and plot the formation enthalpy of binary and ternary systems. Based on our calculations, we found that in binary systems, the optimum values to expand the formation enthalpy were 51.28 and 49.57 kJ/mol for nickel silicide alloys. For the ternary system, the results showed that adding Zr could increase monosilicide phase stability.
PHOTOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF CARRAGEENANS AGAINST ULTRAVIOLETB-INDUCED EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX (ECM) DAMAGE IN KERATINOCYTES
Authors: Thevanayagam Haema , Mohamed Shar Mariam , Chu Wan-Loy , Eshak Zolkapli
Published: November 2022

Carrageenans, the polysaccharide from red seaweeds is widely used in food, medicine and as an excipient in cosmetics and skincare products. Carrageenans have shown prospective photoprotective effect against ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation on immortalised normal human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. The aim of this research was to evaluate the photoprotective effect of iota (ι), kappa (κ)-carrageenans and their combination with vitamin E against UVB-induced extracellular matrix (ECM) damage in HaCaT cells. The study also assessed the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) antioxidant enzymes in UVB exposed pre-treated and non-pre-treated cells. The parameters assessed were biological mediators important for the structural integrity of ECM, comprising of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), activating protein- (AP-1) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), liberated by the UVB exposed cells. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to evaluate the release of these mediators. Carrageenans enhanced the activities of the antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT which acts as a defence mechanism against oxidative stress. The levels of the biological mediators were also reduced in cells pre-treated with carrageenans, suggesting that the polysaccharide has potential in maintaining the skin’s integrity by reducing the damage to ECM upon UVB exposure. Taken together, the results suggest that carrageenans do possess photoprotective effects against UVB-induced ECM damage and stimulates antioxidant enzymes.
Effectiveness of Virtual Residency Interviews: Interviewer Perspectives
Authors: Domingo Alexander , Rdesinski Rebecca E. , Cheng Anthony , Hatfield Joanna , Aylor Megan , Walker Sara , Cois Adrian , Singer Justin , Sullenbarger John , Hervey Shane , Stenson Amy
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives: Virtual residency interviews were widely utilized during the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about the effectiveness, advantages, barriers, and acceptability of virtual interviews, casting uncertainty about how interviews should be conducted after the pandemic. We conducted a survey of interviewers to inform future decisions.
Methods: We developed and implemented an online postinterview survey of interviewers representing seven residency programs and two clinical psychology programs at one midsized academic medical center. We analyzed results using descriptive statistics.
Results: Of 312 interviewers, 136 completed the survey (44% response rate). A majority rated virtual interviews as very or extremely effective in creating a comfortable setting (79%), answering interviewee questions (86%), establishing a sense of connection (59%), evaluating interviewee strengths (64%), and communicating program culture (51%). About half felt virtual interviews were not effective at all or only slightly effective for evaluating interviewee strengths via informal interactions (51%). A similar portion agreed or strongly agreed that virtual tours (44%) and social environment (50%) information were adequate. The most frequent advantages were time efficiency (81%), reduced carbon footprint (61%) and cost savings (56%). Frequent disadvantages included technological issues (21%) and caregiving duties (18%). Most interviewers (91%) thought some form of virtual interviews should be incorporated postpandemic.
Conclusions: Interviewers found virtual interviews to be effective in most aspects, and identified more advantages than barriers. The vast majority preferred incorporation of virtual interviews in the future. Virtual tours and social activities were areas for improvement.
Evaluating Changes in Family Medicine Applicant Characteristics Following the Onset of Virtual Interviewing
Authors: Grace Aaron J. , Teigen Kari , Buck Katherine , Clark Molly S. , Seavey Allison , Brennan Julie , Ginn Patrick , Griesbach Simon , Krasovich Susanne , Zeman Jennifer
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic obliged the field of graduate medical education to pivot from in-person to virtual residency interviews in 2020. The decreased travel and financial barriers of this format could potentially lead to greater diversity and equity in the primary care workforce. We aimed to evaluate changes in applicant pools from in-person to virtual interviewing cycles.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of Electronic Residency Application Services (ERAS) from five US family medicine residencies across five interview cycles (three in-person and two virtual; 2017/2018 through 2021/2022). We compared geographic and demographic data about applicants as well as administrative program data.
Results: The study included 25,271 applicants. The average distance between applicants and programs was 768 miles during in-person interview years and 772 miles during virtual interview years (P=.27). Applicants who interviewed with programs were 446 and 459 miles away, respectively (P=.06). During in-person application years, applicants with backgrounds historically underrepresented in medicine (URM) submitted an average of 21% of applications; this increased approximately 1% during virtual interviewing years (OR, 1.08; P=.03). There were no other differences between in-person and virtual application years in rates of URM applicants. Residency programs received more applications from US medical schools (OR, 1.46; P<.0001) and were more likely to interview a US medical school applicant (OR, 2.26; P<.0001) in virtual years. Program fill rates appeared to be lower during virtual years.
Conclusions: The virtual interviewing format did not appear to substantially increase the geographic, racial, or ethnic diversity of applicants, and was associated with increased applications from US medical schools.
Anti-corruption mechanisms: A study in the light of international law and national regulation
Authors: Barafi Jamal , Alkrisheh Mohammad Amin , Al-Obeidi Ali Hadi , Alsaadi Saad , Mahameed Waleed Fuad
Published: November 2022

Corruption is a constant dilemma that challenges societies and manifests itself differently in every state and civilization. This phenomenon has disastrous consequences on the economy and society. After clarifying the different approaches to corruption, this paper sheds light on the types of corruption and its causes. Sources of corruption can lie in the weakness of the rule of law, judiciary, internal control system, and low wages (Sumpf, Araji, & Crompton, 2016). This paper also examines important anti-corruption instruments such as international and regional organizations, and governmental and non-governmental bodies. It intends to review the state of corruption at the national level and how Jordan and Iraq tackled corruption by analyzing the data of the reports published by the transparency organization and the local authorities: the Jordanian Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission and the Iraqi Federal Commission of Integrity. The aim is to show what these nations have done on a domestic level to fulfill the international requirement to reduce corruption. This study found that most anti-corruption laws are laws to establish relevant bodies and departments, but they are not special laws to combat corruption crimes. Moreover, although Iraq and Jordan joined international and regional conventions to combat corruption, they have not been fully successful in curbing it. The main recommendations based on these findings are to increase the role of international and local monitoring agencies, enforce written laws, and enhance cooperation between agencies. Arab countries must establish clear public policies and strategies for combating corruption.
Multiple harmonic sources identification including inverter-based distributed generations using empirical Fourier decomposition
Authors: Z.T.Motlagh Shayan , Foroud Asghar Akbari
Published: November 2022

This paper proposes an intelligent approach based on the empirical
Fourier decomposition (EFD) to identify harmonic sources at the point of
common coupling (PCC) when different inverter-based distributed
generations (DGs) like microturbine (MT), Battery energy storage system
(BESS), photovoltaic (PV), superconducting magnetic energy storage
(SMES), wind turbine with a permanent magnet synchronous generator
(PMSG), and doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) wind turbine are
presented. In order to decrease memory storage and computational burden,
strife feature selection is used. Applying just voltage signals consumes
less processing time and decreases measurement devices. Moreover, the
whale optimization algorithm (WOA) as the optimizer of the parameters of
the support vector machine (SVM) classifier is used. Consequently, the
results from the proposed method can be helpful for both engineers and
researchers to plan and develop a better strategy to mitigate harmonic
distortion.
Computation methods to identify elemental accumulation genes
Authors: Whitt Lauren , Mahood Elizabeth , Ziegler Greg , Norton Gareth J , Price Adam H , Dilkes Brian , Baxter Ivan
Published: November 2022

High throughput phenotyping and quantitative genetics have enabled
researchers to identify genetic regions, or markers, associated with
changes in phenotype. However, going from GWAS markers to candidate
genes is still challenging. When selecting candidate genes for ionomic
GWAS markers, we curated a collection of well-known ionomic genes (KIG)
experimentally shown to alter plant elemental uptake and their orthologs
in 10 crop species: 2066 genes total. Yet when compared to ionomic GWAS
markers, over 90% of significant markers were not linked to a KIG -
indicating the list is incomplete and many causal genes are unknown.
Continuing to use only functional annotations as candidate selection
criteria will keep efforts biased toward well-known genes and hinder the
characterization of unknown genes. We propose an unbiased computational
approach that compares analogous GWAS markers from multiple species and
searches for conserved genes linked to trait markers. Like the KIG list,
we expect many of these unknown candidate genes to have orthologs in
other species. By leveraging the evolutionary relationship of these
conserved genes, rather than prior knowledge and gene annotations, this
method: 1) finds more candidate genes than we expect from random chance,
2) selects and prioritizes candidates in poorly annotated species, and
3) includes unknown genes in the results. With this approach, we now
have an unbiased list of gene candidates across 19 ionomic traits in
model species and crop species to verify in future experiments.
High-throughput microscopy image analysis of plant stomata
Authors: Murphy Katie , Harmon Courtney , Allen Doug , Gehan Malia
Published: November 2022

High-oil tobacco varieties have been recently engineered to produce
increased leaf oil content for future food and fuel needs. An engineered
variety of Nicotiana tabacum produces ~30 percent
of leaf dry weight in lipids in the form of triacylglycerol (TAG), a
significant increase relative to the less than 1 percent storage oil
normally found in wild-type leaves. This high-oil tobacco also
accumulates oil bodies in stomatal guard cells. In order to understand
the impact of oil on guard cell shape, aperture, and dynamics, we have
co-opted computer vision tools in PlantCV to create an accurate,
flexible, and high-throughput method for microscopy image analysis of
stomata. To this end, leaf impressions are made with silicone putty;
clear nail polish peels of the putty impressions are imaged using light
microscopy. Binary thresholding followed by point-and-click regions of
interest and morphology calculations provide stomatal counts, aperture,
and other shape characteristics. Applying this method to high-oil
tobacco demonstrated reduced stomatal aperture but the same number of
stomata per unit leaf area, providing a mechanistic explanation of
high-oil tobacco responses to high temperature and water deficit
stresses.
Determining the potential of predicting soil nutrient concentration using hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Kwafo Terence Seldon , McGrath Justin M
Published: November 2022

Proper concentrations of several nutrients, such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn)
and potassium (K) in the soil are needed for plant growth. Thus, farmers
sometimes test soils to determine fertiliser application rates. However,
measuring soil and plant nutrient concentrations is relatively
time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, usually, only a few samples are
collected and analysed. This limits the scale of research but also poses
some limitations on farming practices, as farmers cannot sample fields
at high density in order to customize application rates. Cheap, fast,
and high spatial resolution methods to measure soil nutrient
concentrations would alleviate some of these limitations. This work
aimed to determine the potential of hyperspectral imaging (HI) to
predict the concentration of some soil nutrients. Soil samples were
scanned by visible and near-infrared imaging systems with a total
wavelength range of 450-1700 nm. Fe, Zn, and K were analyzed. Partial
least-square regression models (PLSR) were used to correlate the
relative reflectance of total Fe, Zn and K in the soil samples. The PLSR
models could highly predict Fe concentration (R 0.81,
RMSE% 16.6) and performed moderately well for Zn (R
0.30, RMSE% 0.9) and K (R0.47, RMSE% 5.58)
concentrations. The overall results indicated that the hyperspectral
technique coupled with PLSR could be an accurate and reliable method for
determining soil nutrient concentrations.
The role of metabolic syndrome in the development of osteoarthritis
Authors: Zvekic-Svorcan Jelena , Minakovic Ivana , Vojnovic Matilda , Miljkovic Ana , Mikov Jelena , Boskovic Ksenija
Published: November 2022

Introduction. Knee osteoarthritis is a progressive degenerative disease of
the entire joint that leads to functional limitations and reduced quality of
life. The end-stage of the disease is associated with disability and a
significant burden both for the patient and the society. Osteoarthritis and
metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a group of cardiovascular risk
factors including diabetes and hyperglycemia, abdominal obesity,
hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension. The adverse effects of the metabolic
syndrome are associated with worsening of the clinical manifestations and
disease prognosis through the combined effects of metabolic disorders. It
has also been suggested that individual components of the metabolic syndrome
may be an independent risk factor for knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis
and diabetes mellitus. Experimental and epidemiological evidence supports
the role of type II diabetes mellitus in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.
Chronic hyperglycemia leads to oxidative stress and excessive production of
proinflammatory cytokines, while insulin resistance can act locally and
systemically through chronic low-grade inflammation. Osteoarthritis and
hypertension. The mechanism that explains the relationship between
osteoarthritis and hypertension is unclear. Several potential pathways for
subchondral bone damage due to hypertension have been described.
Osteoarthritis and dyslipidemia. Experimental studies suggest that
dyslipidemia may be involved in the pathophysiological process of
osteoarthritis, while epidemiological studies show heterogeneous results.
Conclusion. Patients with knee osteoarthritis require a holistic approach in
which the emphasis is not only on symptomatic pain relief, but also on the
treatment of metabolic disorders.
The effects оf Chinese population policy оn the labour market
Authors: Filipovic Sanja , Ignjatovic Jelena
Published: November 2022

Faced with high levels of poverty, China introduced its "one-child policy" in 1980 and began economic and systemic reforms that led to the country''s strong economic development. Thanks to the improvement in the average standard of living, certain socioeconomic aspects related to women''s employment, the pursuit of higher education, delays in childbirth, and the number of children have changed. These changes have not only reduced the number of children being born and led to population aging, but have also affected the labour market. The aim of this paper is to determine the effects of Chinese population policy on selected labour market indicators: labour force by age and sex in rural/urban areas, the labour force participation rate, and the unemployment rate. Research results from 2010 to 2020 show the growth of the labour force, while the unemployment rate has been growing since 2018. It is noticeable that the number of workers in the labour force is growing in cities, while it is declining in rural areas. On the other hand, the unemployment rate is lower in rural areas, while the growth of unemployment is evident in urban areas. The research shows that the long-term implementation of this population policy has resulted in a larger number of men, leading to greater participation of men in the labour force. Despite measures to improve the position of women at work, women''s social security is still not guaranteed, and it is more difficult for women to decide to expand their families. As China has ambitious plans for economic development, defining adequate population and social policies is crucial for their implementation.
Reasons for Dermatology Consultations in Nursing Homes and the Estimated Potential of Teledermatology as a Triage Tool
Authors: Klösters Frederik M. , Van Winden Marieke E.C. , Angenent Freya R. , Van Bergen Lambertus Henrikus , Van Steveninck-Wensing Marjolein , Zweers Manon C. , Galimont-Collen Ann F.S. , Bronkhorst Ewald M. , Koopmans Raymond T.C.M. , Lubeek Satish F.K.
Published: November 2022

Considering the limited availability of dermatologists to perform live consultations in nursing homes, teledermatology could be used as a triage tool for selection of cases for which live consultations are considered to be of added value compared with teledermatology. This prospective, multicentre observational study aimed to determine the reasons for dermatology consultations in nursing homes and the estimated value of teledermatology as a triage tool, including potential predictors. Skin tumours were the most common reason (n = 161/270; 59.6%) for dermatology consultations in nursing homes. Dermatologists estimated that live consultations added value compared with teledermatology in 67.8% of cases (n = 183). Multivariable logistic regression showed that predictors for this added value of live consultations were: consultations because of a skin tumour; consultations during which a diagnostic or treatment procedure was performed; consultations during which a secondary diagnosis was made; and the dermatologist involved. These results indicate that using teledermatology as a triage tool potentially reduces the need for additional live consultations in one-third of patients, whereas live consultations are estimated to have added value over teledermatology in two-thirds of cases. To make optimal use of the limited capacity for live consultations by dermatologists, it could therefore be helpful if elderly care physicians use teledermatology more frequently.
HOTS in Arabic Learning: A Study of The Implementation of HOTS on Students' Critical Thinking Ability
Authors: Mustofa Syaiful , Desrani Ayu , Ritonga Apri Wardana
Published: November 2022

Seeing the increasingly fierce scientific competition in the international world, the government has begun to implement HOTS-based learning (Higher Order Thinking Skills) in the 2013 curriculum. HOTS has been applied in learning, including learning Arabic. Using HOTS-based Arabic learning is expected to produce human resources who can think critically about global issues and competition. This study aims to find the effect of learning Arabic based on HOTS and critical thinking skills. This study uses a mixed method approach called sequential explanatory design, started with quantitative and then followed by qualitative. The population in this study is students of X graders of MAN 1 Kota Malang. The data collection technique used is random cluster sampling using X graders of Language Class 1 as the experimental class and Language Class 2 as the control class. Collecting data is done using tests that is analyzed by independent sample t-test. The study results indicate that HOTS-based Arabic learning significantly affects students' critical thinking skills. It is shown by the average value of the experimental class students, which is 68.13, while the average value of the control class is 54.69, with a significance (sig-2 tailed) of 0.00 0.05. It means that HOTS-based learning positively impacts learning Arabic so that it can improve students' ability to think critically. Further research is recommended to measure its effectiveness.
Using Kahoot! Application in the Daily Evaluation of Arabic Lesson: Experimental Studies at Islamic Senior High School in Indonesia | Istikhdām Kahoot! Fī Al-Taqwīm Al-Yaumī li-Mādah Al-Lughah Al-‘Arābīyah: Al-Bahts Al-Tajrībī fī Al-Madrasah Al-Tsānawīyah Al-Islāmīyah Al-Hukumīyah bi-Indūnīsīyā
Authors: Al Ahqaf Muhammad Infithar , Eslayeh Khaled , Mahmoud Mustafa Farouq Abdul-Aleem , Anah Saiul , Rusuly Usfiyatur
Published: November 2022

The lack of technology to make practical Arabic learning evaluation is a concerning problem for researchers. The purpose of the study is to test the effectiveness of Kahoot! in the daily evaluation of Arabic lessons for students at Islamic Senior High School 1 Tapin in Indonesia. This study uses field research with a quantitative approach. The desain used is quasi-experimental with the pretest-posttest control group. The population of this study is students in eleventh grade, with a total of 190. The sample is taken using purposive sampling, and 58 students are divided into experimental and control group. The data collection method is a test. The data analysis to answer the research hypothesis is the Mann-Whitney U test. The results show that the posttest average score from the experimental group was 83.62 and the control group was 73.79, which means that the experimental group's Arabic learning outcome is higher than the control group's. On the other hand, the results of the Mann-Whitney U test show Asymp. Sig. (2-tailed) 0.013 0.05 means that the hypothesis Ha is accepted, and H0 is rejected. It can be concluded that using Kahoot! in the daily evaluation of Arabic learning effectively enhances student learning outcomes.
An Analysis on The Principles of Arabic Textbooks for Madrasah Aliyah in Indonesia: Based on The Ministry of Education and Rusydi Ahmad Thu’aimah
Authors: Asbarin Asbarin , Machmudah Umi , Amalia Nabila Nailil , Taufik Moch
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study is to describe the contents of the tenth-grade Arabic textbook by Hasan Saefullah based on the 2008 Ministry of National Education standards and Ahmad Thu'aimah. The research method used is a literature study using qualitative method with descriptive content analysis techniques. The results of this study indicate that this book generally has complied with the principles of compiling the 2008 Ministry of National Education standard teaching materials. It is aligned with the principles of consistency, relevancy, and adequacy, which have been contained in competency standards and basic competencies in learning objectives. However, on the gradation principle, there is a discrepancy in the material contained in the teaching material preparation, such as the receptive and expressive language mastery section. The author places the mastery of reading skills after listening skills and grammatical mastery before speaking skills. It violates the order of language learning in general because the sequence of language learning starts from maharah istima', then maharah kalam, maharah qiroah, and finally maharah kitaba. Meanwhile, Thu'aimah standards, which includes the principles of validity, meaningfulness, and feasibility, have also been applied in the preparation of this textbook. The researchers expect that the authors of Arabic teaching materials pay more attention to several international and national standardization principles in writing Arabic teaching materials.
Antecedent factors for supermarket visits of Vietnamese consumers: A proposal for store image dimensions
Authors:   The Business School, Bournemouth University, UK, Oe Hiroko , Nguyen Anh Hoang Thu ,   The Business School, Bournemouth University, UK, Yamaoka Yasuyuki ,   The Open University of Japan, Japan
Published: November 2022

This study aims to discuss a practical set of store image dimensions in a supermarket format to understand the relationship between store image and consumer patronage behaviour. A quantitative approach was applied to 506 datasets obtained from a survey conducted in Ho Chi Minh City. Using a structured equation modelling (SEM) approach, an analytical framework with practical dimensions is proposed to measure consumers’ perspectives and attitudes. Five dimensions have been validated, resulting in consumers’ intentions to visit supermarkets: store atmosphere, merchandise, store location, customer service and promotional tools. The SEM results reveal that the most significant impact comes from store atmosphere, followed by merchandise dimension as a merged dimension based on product price. The findings imply that Vietnamese consumers perceive store image through a more holistic and interrelated view of newly boosted retail formats in the transitional market. The study's examination of the factors that determine supermarket image in Vietnam – a leading retail market in a booming, medium-developed country – provides guidelines that contribute to the development of strategies to win consumers’ support. The study is expected to be a valuable reference for research on retail markets in other emerging countries and to provide helpful information for winning consumer support and ensuring business sustainability beyond the impact of COVID-19.
Exploring the interaction of work attitudes and the role of mechanisms in a crisis situation
Authors:   Kingston University, UK, Fragouli Evangelia , Louka Xenia M. ,   Hellenic Open University, Greece
Published: November 2022

This study examines, through a critical literature review and an empirical study, the effect on employee engagement of work-related attitudes as these develop in a crisis situation. Using as case study the Greek financial crisis and its effect on business life & organizational behaviour, the study identifies four work related attitudes - person-organisation fit, affective commitment, psychological climate and ethical leadership- examines their interaction with employee engagement, and, adopting a crisis management (CM) theoretical framework perspective, it also examines employee engagement and ethical leadership as useful and efficient mechanisms to cope with the crisis. Through a quantitative analysis of selected empirical data from a heterogeneous sample of Greek private sector employees, the study indicates that employee engagement has positive relations with person-organisation fit, affective commitment, psychological climate and ethical leadership under an economic crisis. These research findings have important implications to organizations and its decision makers dealing with a crisis. The paper concludes with implications for further research.
IMPLEMENTASI MODEL PEMBELAJARAN INSIDE OUTSIDE CIRCLE (IOC) DALAM PEMBELAJARAN PENDIDIKAN AGAMA ISLAM (PAI) DI SMP PPAKMT IMADUL BILADTAHUN AJARAN 2020/2021
Authors: Isnaini Fauziyah , Kuliyatun Kuliyatun , Noormawanti Noormawanti
Published: November 2022

Model pembelajaran Inside Outside Circle adalah model pembelajaran dengan sistem lingkaran kecil dan lingkaran besar dengan pembentukan kelompok besar dalam kelas yang terdiri dari kelompok lingkaran dalam dan kelompok lingkaran luar. Model pembelajaran ini memungkinkan siswa untuk saling berbagi informasi pada waktu yang bersamaan.Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui implementasi guru Pendidikan Agama Islam terhadap model pembelajaran Inside Outside Circle (IOC) dalam pembelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam di SMP PPAKMT Imadul Bilad, mengetahui aktivitas model pembelajaran Inside Outside Circle (IOC) terhadap Pembelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam di SMP PPAKMT Imadul Bilad dan mengetahui faktor penghambat dan pendukung dalam implementasi model pembelajaran Inside Outside Circle (IOC) pada pembelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan merupakan penelitian deskriptif kualitatif, teknik pengumpulan data, observasi, wawancara dan dokumentaasi, mengggunakan teknik analisis data SWOT. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan aktivitas pembelajaran (PAI) di SMP PPAKMT Imadul Bilad menerapkan model pembelajaran Inside Outside Circle (IOC) dalam pembelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam aktivitas pembelajaran yang efektif dan menciptakan suasana pembelajaran yang menyenangkan atau tidak membosankan proses pembelajaran saat berlangsung siswa lebih aktif. Penelitian ini dapat disimpulkan bahwa Implementasi model pembelajaran Inside Outside Circle (IOC)pada peserta didik, seorang guru harus memiliki kompetensi seperti pedagogik, kepribadian, sosial, dan profesional, model pembelajaran Inside Outside Circle (IOC)memiliki faktor penghambat dan pendukung, faktor pendukung seperti sarana dan prasarana yang memadai, sedangkan faktor penghambatnya adalah alokasi waktu pembelajaran (PAI) yang dianggap masih kurang oleh pendidik dalam melaksanakan aktivitas pembelajaran (PAI).
Cooperative Tax Compliance — A Path to Fiscal Sustainability?
Authors:   ", STANIMIROVIĆ Tatjana ,   Assistant Professor, Ph.D., Economics and Public Sector Management Department, Faculty of Public Administration, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia", SEVER Tina ,   "Assistant Professor, Ph.D., Administrative-Legal Area Department, Faculty of Public Administration, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia"
Published: November 2022

"The idea of cooperative tax compliance promotes a partnership relationship between the tax authority and taxpayers, aiming to improve tax compliance. Fair, efficient, and sustainable taxation is central in delivering a greener and more digital world, espe cially in the recovery process from the fallout of the COVID-19 crisis. Based on the methodology of struc tured interviews, the paper explores the perception of taxpayers and the tax authority participating in the Slovenian cooperative compliance programme. The results revealed the attitude towards internal tax control mechanisms, the relationship between stakeholders, the advantages and disadvantages of the programme, and the perception of tax inspec tions on both sides of this relationship. Based on those, the challenges of internal control mechanism implementation and constant improvement as well as the tax authority experts’ competences were ex posed as the most important inhibitory factors of the programme. Additionally, the paper highlights the recommendations for collaboration improve ment and an increased number of taxpayers enter ing the status in the future. "