bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated Reactive Power Optimisation for Power Grids Containing Large-Scale Wind Power Based on Improved HHO Algorithm
Authors: Zhao Jie , Zhang Mingcheng , Zhao Biao , Du Xiao , Zhang Huaixun , Shang Lei , Wang Chenhao
Published: August 2023

Large-scale wind power grid integration will greatly change the system current distribution, making it difficult for the reactive power regulator to adjust to the optimal state. In this paper, an integrated reactive power optimisation method based on the improved Harris Hawk (HHO) algorithm is proposed. Firstly, a reactive power regulation model is constructed to solve the reactive power regulation interval of wind turbines, and the reactive power margin of wind turbines is used to participate in the system’s reactive power optimisation. Finally, a reactive power compensation capacity allocation optimisation model considering nodal voltage deviation, line loss and equipment investment cost, is established, and a reactive power optimisation scheme is obtained using the Harris Hawk optimisation algorithm on the basis of considering the constraints of the wind turbine reactive power output interval. The improved HHO algorithm is used to solve the reactive power optimisation scheme considering the constraints of tidal power, machine end voltage, a conventional generator and wind farm reactive power. In the simulation, the effects of the improved Harris Hawk optimisation algorithm and the particle swarm optimisation algorithm are compared, and the experimental results prove that compared to the particle swarm algorithm, the optimisation result of the improved Harris Hawk optimisation algorithm reduces the average loss of the system by 42.6% and reduces the average voltage deviation by 30.3%, which confirms that the improved Harris Hawk intelligent optimisation algorithm is effective in proving its superiority and solving the multi-objective model for reactive power optimisation.
Tensor Products and Crossed Differential Graded Lie Algebras in the Category of Crossed Complexes
Authors: Iğde Elif , Yılmaz Koray
Published: August 2023

The study of algebraic structures endowed with the concept of symmetry is made possible by the link between Lie algebras and symmetric monoidal categories. This relationship between Lie algebras and symmetric monoidal categories is useful and has resulted in many areas, including algebraic topology, representation theory, and quantum physics. In this paper, we present analogous definitions for Lie algebras within the framework of whiskered structures, bimorphisms, crossed complexes, crossed differential graded algebras, and tensor products. These definitions, given for groupoids in existing literature, have been adapted to establish a direct correspondence between these algebraic structures and Lie algebras. We show that a 2-truncation of the crossed differential graded Lie algebra, obtained from our adapted definitions, gives rise to a braided crossed module of Lie algebras. We also construct a functor to simplicial Lie algebras, enabling a systematic mapping between different Lie algebraic categories, which supports the validity of our adapted definitions and establishes their compatibility with established categories.
A Note on the Lambert W Function: Bernstein and Stieltjes Properties for a Creep Model in Linear Viscoelasticity
Authors: Mainardi Francesco , Masina Enrico , González-Santander Juan Luis
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this note is to propose an application of the Lambert W function in linear viscoelasticity based on the Bernstein and Stieltjes properties of this function. In particular, we recognize the role of its main branch, W0(t), in a peculiar model of creep with two spectral functions in frequency that completely characterize the creep model. In order to calculate these spectral functions, it turns out that the conjugate symmetry property of the Lambert W function along its branch cut on the negative real axis is essential. We supplement our analysis by computing the corresponding relaxation function and providing the plots of all computed functions.
Exploring Generalized Hardy-Type Inequalities via Nabla Calculus on Time Scales
Authors: Rezk Haytham M. , Mohammed Mahmoud I. , Balogun Oluwafemi Samson , Saied Ahmed I.
Published: August 2023

In this research, we aim to explore generalizations of Hardy-type inequalities using nabla Hölder’s inequality, nabla Jensen’s inequality, chain rule on nabla calculus and leveraging the properties of convex and submultiplicative functions. Nabla calculus on time scales provides a unified framework that unifies continuous and discrete calculus, making it a powerful tool for studying various mathematical problems on time scales. By utilizing this approach, we seek to extend Hardy-type inequalities beyond their classical continuous or discrete settings to a more general time scale domain. As specific instances of our discoveries, we have the integral inequalities previously established in the existing literature.
Measuring Marine Biotoxins in a Hypersaline Coastal Lagoon
Authors: Oller-Ruiz Ainhoa , Alcaraz-Oliver Nuria , Férez Gema , Gilabert Javier
Published: August 2023

Marine biotoxins have posed a persistent problem along various coasts for many years. Coastal lagoons are ecosystems prone to phytoplankton blooms when altered by eutrophication. The Mar Menor is the largest hypersaline coastal lagoon in Europe. Sixteen marine toxins, including lipophilic toxins, yessotoxins, and domoic acid (DA), in seawater samples from the Mar Menor coastal lagoon were measured in one year. Only DA was detected in the range of 44.9–173.8 ng L−1. Environmental stressors and mechanisms controlling the presence of DA in the lagoon are discussed. As an enrichment and clean-up method, we employed solid phase extraction to filter and acidify 75 mL of the sample, followed by pre-concentration through a C18 SPE cartridge. The analytes were recovered in aqueous solutions and directly injected into the liquid chromatography system (LC-MS), which was equipped with a C18 column. The system operated in gradient mode, and we used tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) with a triple quadrupole (QqQ) in the multiple reaction monitoring mode (MRM) for analysis. The absence of matrix effects was checked and the limits of detection for most toxins were low, ranging from 0.05 to 91.2 ng L−1, depending on the compound. To validate the measurements, we performed recovery studies, falling in the range of 74–122%, with an intraday precision below 14.9% RSD.
Development of a New Cell-Based AP-1 Gene Reporter Potency Assay for Anti-Anthrax Toxin Therapeutics
Authors: Ouyang Weiming , Xie Tao , Fang Hui , Frucht David M.
Published: August 2023

Anthrax toxin is a critical virulence factor of Bacillus anthracis. The toxin comprises protective antigen (PA) and two enzymatic moieties, edema factor (EF) and lethal factor (LF), forming bipartite lethal toxin (LT) and edema toxin (ET). PA binds cellular surface receptors and is required for intracellular translocation of the enzymatic moieties. For this reason, anti-PA antibodies have been developed as therapeutics for prophylaxis and treatment of human anthrax infection. Assays described publicly for the control of anti-PA antibody potency quantify inhibition of LT-mediated cell death or the ET-induced increase in c-AMP levels. These assays do not fully reflect and/or capture the pathological functions of anthrax toxin in humans. Herein, we report the development of a cell-based gene reporter potency assay for anti-PA antibodies based on the rapid LT-induced degradation of c-Jun protein, a pathogenic effect that occurs in human cells. This new assay was developed by transducing Hepa1c1c7 cells with an AP-1 reporter lentiviral construct and has been qualified for specificity, accuracy, repeatability, intermediate precision, and linearity. This assay not only serves as a bioassay for LT activity, but has applications for characterization and quality control of anti-PA therapeutic antibodies or other products that target the AP-1 signaling pathway.
Chitinase-1 Activity in Serum of Cats with FIP
Authors: Stranieri Angelica , Ávila Morales Gabriela , Brusasco Laura , Paltrinieri Saverio
Published: August 2023

Background: Chitotriosidase (chitinase 1 or CHIT1) is secreted by activated macrophages. Macrophages are involved in the pathogenesis of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). No reports on CHIT1 activity in cats with FIP are available. Objective: To preliminarily investigate the possible changes in serum CHIT1 activity in cats with FIP. Methods: CHIT1 activity was measured in serum samples from clinically healthy cats (n = 17), cats with FIP (n = 19) and cats with diseases potentially characterized by macrophage activation (n = 20), after a preliminary assessment of the imprecision and linearity of the method. Results: The highest CHIT1 activity was found in cats with FIP, followed by sick cats and clinically healthy cats. The magnitude of the differences between groups was higher than the intra- and inter-assay imprecision of the method (<5% and >57%, respectively). Based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, CHIT1 may differentiate sick from clinically healthy cats and, to a lesser extent, cats with FIP from cats without FIP. Conclusions: CHIT1 activity may identify sick cats and, within the appropriate clinical context, cats with FIP, although larger and more standardized studies, coupled with additional information on analytical performances of the method, are required to fully explore the diagnostic or prognostic potential of this test for FIP.
Genotype Change in Circulating JEV Strains in Fujian Province, China
Authors: Dong Nihua , Zhang Xinya , Zhang Hailong , Zheng Jiayang , Qiu Yafeng , Li Zongjie , Li Beibei , Liu Ke , Shao Donghua , Ma Zhiyong , Wei Jianchao
Published: August 2023

Japanese encephalitis (JE), found in pigs, is a serious mosquito-borne zoonotic infectious disease caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). JEV is maintained in an enzootic cycle between mosquitoes and amplifying vertebrate hosts, mainly pigs and wading birds. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, allowing the pathogen to spread and cause disease epidemics. However, there is little research on JEV genotype variation in mosquitoes and pigs in Fujian province. Previous studies have shown that the main epidemic strain of JEV in Fujian Province is genotype III. In this study, a survey of mosquito species diversity in pig farms and molecular evolutionary analyses of JEV were conducted in Fujian, China, in the summer of 2019. A total of 19,177 mosquitoes were collected at four sites by UV trap. Four genera were identified, of which the Culex tritaeniorhynchus was the most common mosquito species, accounting for 76.4% of the total (14,651/19,177). Anopheles sinensi (19.25%, 3691/19,177) was the second largest species. High mosquito infection rateswere an important factor in the outbreak. The captured mosquito samples were milled and screened with JEV-specific primers. Five viruses were isolated, FJ1901, FJ1902, FJ1903, FJ1904, and FJ1905. Genetic affinity was determined by analyzing the envelope (E) gene variants. The results showed that they are JEV gene type I and most closely related to the strains SH-53 and SD0810. In this study, it was found through genetic evolution analysis that the main epidemic strain of JE in pig farms changed from gene type III to gene type I. Compared with the SH-53 and SD0810 strains, we found no change in key sites related to antigenic activity and neurovirulence of JEV in Fujian JEV and pig mosquito strains, respectively. The results of the study provide basic data for analyzing the genotypic shift of JEV in Fujian Province and support the prevention and control of JEV.
Effect of Subirrigation and Silicon Antitranspirant Application on Biomass Yield and Carbon Dioxide Balance of a Three-Cut Meadow
Authors: Kocięcka Joanna , Stróżecki Marcin , Juszczak Radosław , Liberacki Daniel
Published: August 2023

Meadows are valuable areas that play an important role in the carbon cycle. Depending on several factors, these areas can be carbon sinks or net emitters of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. In the present study, the use of an antitranspirant (AT) with silicon and the groundwater level in a subirrigation system in a three-cut meadow were evaluated on the carbon dioxide exchange balance and the yield of aboveground biomass. The study was carried out in four experimental plots: with high groundwater level (HWL), with a high water level with AT application (HWL_Si), with a lower groundwater level (LWL), and with a lower groundwater level and AT application (LWL_Si). Flux measurements were made using the closed dynamic chamber method. In the drier and colder 2021, the meadow was a net CO2 emitter (mean annual net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of all plots: +247.4 gCO2-C·m−2y−1), whereas in the more wet and warmer 2022, assimilation outweighed emissions (mean annual NEE of all plots: −187.4 gCO2-C·m−2y−1). A positive effect of the silicon antitranspirant application was observed on the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and the increase of gross primary production (GPP) from the plots with higher groundwater levels. For the area with lower water levels, the positive impact of AT occurred only in the second year of the experiment. The yield of aboveground biomass was higher by 5.4% (in 2021) up to 11.7% (in 2022) at the plot with the higher groundwater level. However, the application of AT with silicon contributed to yield reduction in each cut, regardless of the groundwater level. On an annual basis, AT application with silicon reduced the yield by 11.1–17.8%.
A Dimension-Reduced Line Element Method for 3D Transient Free Surface Flow in Porous Media
Authors: Chen Yuting , Yuan Qianfeng , Ye Zuyang , Peng Zonghuan
Published: August 2023

In order to reduce the numerical difficulty of the 3D transient free surface flow problems in porous media, a line element method is proposed by dimension reduction. Different from the classical continuum-based methods, homogeneous permeable pores in the control volume are conceptualized by a 3D orthogonal network of tubes. To obtain the same hydraulic solution with the continuum model, the equivalent formulas of flow velocity, continuity equation and transient free surface boundary are derivable from the principle of flow balance. In the solution space of transient free surface flow, the 3D problem is transformed into 1D condition, and then a finite element algorithm is simply deduced. The greatest advantage of the line element method is line integration instead of volume/surface integration, which has dramatically decreased the integration difficulty across the jump free surface. Through the analysis of transient free surface flow in the unconfined aquifer, trapezoidal dam, sand flume and wells, the transient free surface locations predicted from the proposed line element method generally agree well with the analytical, experimental and other numerical data in the available literatures, the numerical efficiency can also be well guaranteed. Furthermore, the hydraulic anisotropy has significant effect on the evolution of free surface locations and the shape of depression cones in spatial. The line element method can be expanded to model the 3D unsaturated seepage flow, two-phase flow and thermos problems in porous media because of the similarity between the similarity of Darcy’s law, Buckingham Law and Fourier’s law.
A Review of the Harvesting Techniques of Microalgae
Authors: Deepa Ponnuvel , Sowndhararajan Kandhasamy , Kim Songmun
Published: August 2023

Algae are an important group of photosynthetic autotrophs and are commonly found in different types of water bodies, including paddy fields. The algal group possesses distinctive characteristics and ranges from prokaryotic cyanobacteria to eukaryotic algae. Within these, microalgae are unicellular microorganisms widely distributed in saltwater as well as freshwater environments. Microalgae species have been utilized in different fields, especially animal and human nutrition, medicine, bioremediation, and bio-fertilizers. Recently, numerous studies have reported the importance of microalgae in the production of biofuel. Further, microalgae have great carbon dioxide fixation efficiency during growth, so farmable land is not required for cultivating microalgae. Microalgae biomass production is a three-step process: cultivation, harvesting, and processing. Of these, the harvesting process is considered challenging due to its high cost, and it directly affects the processing step. In addition, several factors influence the harvesting process, including the size of microalgae cells (<30 µm), cultural conditions of microalgae, electronegative property of cell membrane, growth rate, etc. The harvesting of microalgae is an elaborate process that involves different chemical or mechanical approaches. A number of harvesting techniques have been utilized to recover algal biomass, such as membrane filtration, chemical and bio-flocculation, flotation centrifugation, sedimentation, and coagulation. In this context, this review aims to discuss various types of techniques used for harvesting microalgae. This review could be useful for selecting appropriate harvesting technology for enhancing the yield of microalgae biomass.
Spatial Distribution of Al, Zn, Fe, As, Pb, Mn, Cr, and Cu in Surface Waters of the Urumqi River Basin, China, and Assessment of Risks to Ecosystems and Human Health
Authors: Chen Yang , Yang Han , Mamattursun Azimatjan , Ablikin Kamila , Mijit Nazakat
Published: August 2023

The study of pollution and risk assessment of surface water in watersheds is important for the use and management of surface water, as well as for the stability of ecosystems and human health. This study focused on a typical watershed in an arid zone, the Urumqi River basin; divided the basin into upper, middle, and lower reaches according to the main uses of the surface water in the region; and collected surface water samples from the basin. We collected 41 surface water samples from the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the Urumqi River Basin, a typical arid zone watershed. The characteristics and spatial distribution of metal elements in the surface waters of the basin were analysed, the pollution status was evaluated, and risk assessments of the effects of these metal elements on natural ecosystems and human health were carried out. The results showed that (1) the average concentration of the metal element Al in the surface water of the Urumqi River Basin was 663.73 µg·L−1, which was 3.3 times that of the standard limit value (200 µg·L−1), with an exceedance rate of 100%, and the standard deviation value was 136.05 µg·L−1, with a large difference in spatial distribution. Spatial distributions for Al, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, and Zn were higher upriver and midstream than downriver, and for Pb and As, they were higher upriver, midstream, and downriver than downriver. (2) The values of the single-factor pollution index of the metal elements Zn, As, Pb, Mn, Cr, and Cu in the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the watershed were all less than 1, which is within the safe range. The integrated pollution indexes of 0.03~0.27 were all less than 0.7, which is within the safe range, and the integrated pollution of the upper reaches was significantly greater than that of the middle and lower reaches. (3) The total ecological risk of the basin ranged from 0.09 to 13.72, which is much lower than the low-risk indicator value of 150, and the ecological risk of the upper reaches was higher than that of the middle and lower reaches. (4) The health risk assessment showed that the total health risks of the eight metal elements to adults and children showed an upstream > downstream > midstream pattern, all of which exceeded the ICRP recommended value (10−5). The average annual total health risks of the carcinogenic metal elements chromium and arsenic to adults and children were 10−6 and 10−5 a−1, respectively, with arsenic concentrations exceeding the ICRP recommended value (10−5). Arsenic and lead in the surface waters of the Urumqi River Basin are important indicators of health risk and need to be prioritised as indicators for environmental risk management.
INFLUENCE OF PRODUCT QUALITY, PRICE, AND PROMOTION ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AT CV. PRIMA JAYA PHARMACY, REGAT BARAT DISTRICT INDRAGIRI HULU REGENCY
Authors: Adjie Gerhana , Astarman Astarman , Heriasman Heriasman , Windartini Sry , Julian Robi Ahmad
Published: August 2023

Consumer satisfaction is very important to note because it will have an impact on sales
results achieved by the organization, where customer satisfaction at CV. Prima Jaya Pharmacy,
Rengat Barat District, Indragiri Hulu Regency has experienced a decline which can be seen from
the product sales table, so this will have an impact on consumer satisfaction.
This study aims to analyze the influence of product quality, price and partial promotion
variables on customer satisfaction at CV. Prima Jaya Pharmacy, Rengat Barat District, Indragiri
Hulu Regency for 6 months.
The data collection method used is the census method, namely giving questionnaires to
consumers according to the research conducted. Data were analyzed using the Quantitative
Method which used the path analysis formula using the SPSS Statistics 21 computer program.
From the results of hypothesis testing, it can be seen that product quality partially has a
significant effect on customer satisfaction at CV. Prima Jaya Pharmacy, Rengat Barat District,
Indragiri Hulu Regency. Price partially has no significant effect on customer satisfaction at CV.
Prima Jaya Pharmacy, Rengat Barat District, Indragiri Hulu Regency. Promotion partially has a
significant effect on customer satisfaction at CV. Prima Jaya Pharmacy, Rengat Barat District,
Indragiri Hulu Regency
The Status of Drug Prescription Based on Beers Criteria (Edition 2022) in the Community-dwelling Older Adults Living in Tabriz, Iran: Data From Tabriz Older People Health Survey (TOPS)
Authors: Naderi Bahar , Azizi-Zeinalhajlou Akbar , Haggani Samira , Samei Sis Siros
Published: August 2023

Background: Physiological, physical, and mental changes along with chronic diseases require the elderly to use multiple drugs. In this study, the status of drug administration in the elderly was investigated. Methods: In this retrospective community-based cross-sectional study, the data of 1362 people aged≥60 years in Tabriz were collected by trained interviewers from July 2019 to January 2020. The data received included demographic variables and the status of drugs used, which were evaluated based on the 2022 edition of the Beers Criteria. Data analysis was done by Microsoft Excel version 2016 and Stata statistical software package (Release 16. College Station, TX: StataCorp LP). Results: The mean and standard deviation of the drug number used by participants were estimated to be 3.72±3.09. According to the Beers criteria, 28% of all used drugs were inappropriate for the elderly, and 62% of participants used at least one inappropriate medicine. Furthermore, the most common inappropriate drugs were from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, benzodiazepines, cardiovascular, and anticonvulsants, including aspirin, gabapentin, diclofenac sodium, glyburide, and triamterene. Conclusion: The use of inappropriate drugs in the elderly had a relatively high prevalence. In addition, the number of drug items used in more than one-third of the elderly indicated polypharmacy. The consequences of taking inappropriate and multiple drugs require the design and implementation of effective interventions in this regard, the findings of this study can provide evidence for policymakers and decision-makers in the health system.
Extracellular Vesicle-Derived Cord Blood Plasma and Photobiomodulation Therapy Down-Regulated Caspase 3, LC3 and Beclin 1 Markers in the PCOS Oocyte: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Sahraeian Samira , Abbaszadeh Hojjat Allah , Taheripanah Robabeh , Edalatmanesh Mohammad Amin
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the communal endocrine illness in women and the most common cause of infertility due to lack of ovulation. The exact cause of PCOS is still unknown. Affected women may have difficulty getting pregnant due to ovulation problems. Various methods have not been effective in the treatment of PCOS due to the positive role of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and extracellular vesicles (ECV) obtained from cord blood plasma in the treatment of various diseases. The aim of this study was to study the role of ECV and PBMT in maturation and improvement of infertility in women with PCOS. Methods: In this research, a number of oocytes were obtained after ovarian stimulation from women who had been referred to the hospital for infertility treatment after obtaining personal consent, and they were divided into three groups: control, ECV and PBMT. Subsequently, in vitro maturation (IVM) was assessed, then some oocytes were cultured with a routine medium and others were treated with ECV and PBMT. Real-time PCR was used to evaluate BCL-2, BAX, caspase-3, and autophagy gene (ATG5, LC3, Beclin 1). Oocyte glutathione (GSH), oxidised gluathione (GSSG), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured. Results: The metaphase II (MII) oocyte ratio formation significantly increased in the ECV and PBMT groups (P<0.05). The expression of the BCL-2 gene was significantly up-regulated in the ECV and PBMT groups, but the expression of BAX and caspase-3 significantly decreased (P<0.05). The expression of the ATG5, LC3, BECLIN-2 genes significantly decreased in the ECV and PBMT groups (P<0.05). ROS, GSSG decreased in ECV and PBMT groups but GSH increased (P<0.05). Conclusion: The use of ECV and PBMT can increase the rate of fertilization and maturation of an oocyte and cause a decrease in apoptosis, autophagy, and ROS in a PCOS oocyte.
Treatment Modelling of a 3D Tumour in Brain by Laser-Induced Interstitial Thermotherapy
Authors: Amini Sadegh , Ahmadikia Hossein
Published: August 2023

Introduction: There are some ways to examine heat transfer in tumor tissue, which is an important issue in bioengineering. One of these ways uses the bioheat equation, proposed by Pennes, in a continuous medium. Another one uses a porous medium to model heat transfer in living tissues. The objective of this paper was to study an approach to modelling the temperature distribution and tumour ablation in brain tissue and compare results to Pennes’ approach. Methods: This approach presents and uses a porous medium as the tissue instead of a continuous medium. In addition, the two approaches (simulation in continuous and porous medium) are compared in terms of temperature simulation and amount of cell ablation. The density, heat conduction factor, and blood perfusion rate are considered functions of temperature. Results: In these approaches, after an 85-second treatment, the temperature increases to about 90°C. The temperature increase of the porous medium is relatively the same as that of the continuous medium and for this reason, the amount of cancerous cells that are ablated in a porous medium is approximately the same as that in a continuous medium. The volume of cell ablation is about 6500 mm3 for two ideas. In addition, the degree of damage, computed from the Arrhenius integral method, and the ablated volume of the tumour endorse equality at the end of treatment. According to the results, similar to the continuous approach, the porous approach predicts the temperature and amount of volume of damaged cells. Conclusion: Therefore, it is possible to use the porous approach instead of the Pennes approach for tumour treatment.
Cinacalcet in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism; a review
Authors: Hemmati Hamid Reza
Published: August 2023

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a condition characterized by the parathyroid glands’ overproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH). These increases calcium levels in the blood, leading to various symptoms and complications. Cinacalcet is a promising therapeutic option for patients with PHPT who are unable or unwilling to undergo surgery. It effectively reduces serum calcium and PTH levels, improving biochemical markers of bone turnover and renal function. However, more research is needed to determine the optimal dosage, duration, and long-term effects of cinacalcet treatment in this patient population. Clinicians should carefully consider the risks and benefits of cinacalcet therapy individually and involve patients in shared decision-making.
Cinacalcet in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism; a review
Authors: Hemmati Hamid Reza
Published: August 2023

Secondary hyperparathyroidism is a common complication of chronic kidney disease characterized by excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone from the parathyroid glands. Cinacalcet is a calcimimetic medication that reduces parathormone levels by increasing the sensitivity of the calcium-sensing receptors on the parathyroid glands. This review aims to summarize the existing literature on the use of cinacalcet in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism.
The Indicators of Effective Parenting: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Jokar Habib , Abbaspour Zabihollah , Khojasteh Mehr Reza
Published: August 2023

Background: Parents are the main caregivers in raising children, and the quality and quantity of knowledge of parenting styles and child-rearing practices are essential for improving the growth, health, and correct upbringing of children. Thus, correct upbringing is one of the very important issues as it requires parental responsibility. To this end, the present study aimed to identify the components of effective parenting. Methods: This study was conducted using a conventional qualitative content analysis method. The participants were 9 family counseling specialists in Ahvaz, who were selected using homogeneous purposive sampling. The data were collected through in-depth and exploratory interviews. The collected data were analyzed using the six-step thematic analysis method proposed by Braun and Clarke. Results: The analysis of the participants’ experiences revealed 5 main themes in effective parenting, including conscious knowledge, cohesion and intimacy in marital relationship, scientific application of direct and indirect parenting practices, a structured family, and creating a context for growth and availability. Conclusion: The results reported in this study can have some implications for parents in using effective child-rearing practices. Besides, family counselors and psychologists can use the results of this study to increase parents’ awareness of effective parenting components and patterns by teaching the components of effective parenting to parents.
Dignity of Iranian Women with Breast Cancer: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Sharif Farkhondeh , Khoshnood Zohreh , Eckert Marion , Helal Birjandi Marzieh , Bagherian Samaneh
Published: August 2023

Background: Respecting the human dignity of patients is one of the most important ethical requirements of the medical and nursing profession. Respect for dignity in all patients, especially in patients with breast cancer, is important because of the profound and lasting effects of this disease on patients. This study aimed to understand the perspective of patients with breast cancer on the concept of patient dignity from June 2020 to December 2020 in Iran Mehr Hospital (Radiotherapy and Oncology Center) in Birjand. Methods: This study was conducted using a qualitative approach. The data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The data were saturated after interviewing 16 patients with breast cancer who were selected using purposive sampling from June 2020 to December 2020. The main interview question was, "What does ‘dignity’ mean to you based on your experiences during your time with cancer?" The data elicited from the interviews were analyzed using content analysis via MAXQDA 2012 software. Results: Analysis of the patients’ statements and experiences of maintaining dignity revealed three main themes. The first main theme was respect for human values, which included the subthemes of personal privacy, avoiding curiosity, confidentiality of information, and use of same-sex caregivers. The second main theme was psychological support, which included the subthemes of spousal and family empathy and support, understanding the patient’s concerns and preoccupations, resentment of pity, and disclosing cancer diagnosis. The third main theme was socioeconomic support, which included the subthemes of spousal and family financial support, financial aid by support organizations, and community awareness. Conclusion: Receiving care by respecting dignity is the right of every patient. Since patients with cancer are more vulnerable, it can be argued that maintaining the dignity of these patients is more important than other patients due to the nature of the disease and the long-term involvement of patients with the disease.
Risk Factors for Suicide Attempts in Patients Hospitalized in Mostafa Hospital, Ilam: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Veisani Yousef , Mohamadian Fathola
Published: August 2023

Background: Suicide is a complicated multifactorial phenomenon. Researchers have attempted to identify the reasons for suicide in different communities. The present study aimed to identify and scrutinize the risk factors for suicide among hospitalized patients. Methods: This qualitative grounded theory study was conducted using in-depth interviews with 53 hospitalized patients in Mostafa Hospital in Ilam, Iran in 2021. Semi-open questions were asked by a psychologist. The interviews continued until reaching the saturation point and achieving the specific objectives of the study. Finally, coding was performed using the grounded theory method. Results: A history of suicide attempts was reported by almost two-thirds of the individuals. The results of the primary coding of the items showed that the most important categories paving the path for committing suicide were social, financial, and family factors. Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, the most important causal conditions contributing to suicide attempts were psychological factors, addiction and its related problems, divorce and its related problems, and love failure.
Determining the Requirements for the Development and Implementation of Follow-up Software for Patients Discharged from intensive Care: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Afraz Ali , Ahmadinejad Mehdi , Khajouei Reza , Shaabani Yousef , Jahani Yunes
Published: August 2023

Background: Intensive care unit stays are associated with numerous complications. These complications can be reduced with timely and appropriate medical services. Mobile applications can provide these services without geographical limitations. Accordingly, the present study aimed to evaluate the statements by the intensive care staff and care team of intensive care survivors on the necessary functionality for designing a mobile-based system for monitoring and following up on patients discharged from intensive care. Methods: This prospective study involved interviews with specialists that provided care to patients after discharge (including nurses, physicians, physiotherapists, speech therapists, psychologists, and nutritionists). The first interviewees were selected from the specialists in Kerman, Iran and then, the selection of the participants proceeded with the snowball sampling method. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed based on content analysis. Codes were extracted and categorized into three levels of abstraction using MAXQDA software. Results: Four general categories emerged from the interview analysis: 1) Training, 2) Consultation, 3) Electronic health records (EHRs), and 4) Care team. The interviewees mentioned items such as nursing and physiotherapy training (training category), physician and psychological consultation (consultation category), nurses (care team category), and side reports (EHRs category). Conclusion: This study presented healthcare professionals’ opinions and statements regarding the requirements for developing a mobile-based intensive care follow-up system. User input is essential to design a scalable and efficient system. Provider input can create a system with all the necessary features. The results can be used to adjust insurance regulations, provide the necessary infrastructure, and train care teams.
Knowledge Creation Among Managers and Supervisors in Palm oil Estates in Malaysia
Authors: Abdul Hamid Zabeda , Chandiram Shangkar Ganesh , Fontaine Rodrigue
Published: August 2023

Knowledge of planting and seeding is critical to ensure the healthy growth of palm oil trees, maintaining efficient harvesting systems, and achieving quality products. However, there is a lack of studies in the palm oil industry on how knowledge is created within the managerial and supervisory staff of palm oil plantations that can enhance the workflow and output. This research conceptualises four knowledge creation tools; Socialisation, Externalisation, Combination, and Internalisation (SECI) based on Nonaka’s Knowledge Spiral Theory. It is hoped the research can discover the knowledge creation tools most utilised among the Managers and Supervisory teams in palm oil estates in Malaysia who were the samples of this research. The findings of this research revealed that Socialisation and Combination significantly contributed to knowledge creation. However, Internalisation and Externalisation were not positively related to knowledge creation. When the data was analysed with moderating variables such as job category, upper management preferred using Socialisation tools while senior assistant or assistant managerial levels preferred Socialisation, Combination, and Internalisation. Furthermore, field supervisors or field conductor levels preferred utilising all four tools. As a result, Socialisation was identified as one of the major tools where there was a relationship with the three levels of job category. Therefore, plantation companies can develop relevant training programmes based on tacit-to-tacit conversion activities. The research data can be applied by plantation companies in Malaysia to implement appropriate training programmes for Managers, Assistant Managers, and Field Supervisors.
Some New Classes of Harmonic Hemivariational Inequalities
Authors: Noor Muhammad Aslam , Noor Khalida Inayat
Published: August 2023

Some new classes of harmonic hemivariational inequalities are introduced and investigated in this paper. It has been shown that the optimality conditions of the sum of two harmonic convex functions can be characterized by the harmonic hemivariational inequalities. Several special cases such as harmonic complementarity problems and related harmonic problems are discussed. The auxiliary principle technique is applied to suggest and analyze some iterative schemes for harmonic hemivariational inequalities. We prove the convergence of these iterative methods under some weak conditions. Our method of proof of the convergence criteria is simple compared to other techniques. Results obtained in this paper continue to hold for new and known classes of harmonic variational inequalities and related optimization problems. The ideas and techniques of this paper may inspire further research in various branches of pure and applied sciences.
Integrating STEM Approach at Primary Education in Bangladesh: Perception and Challenges of the Teachers
Authors: Farhana Zeba , Sultana Tamanna , Amin Md. Al , Hoque Sameul
Published: August 2023

Bangladesh is aspiring to develop a competitive workforce for the 21stcentury. To reach this aspiration, STEM education can be a good way as it has widely been considered to have the potential to prepare students with 21st-century skills. The potentiality of STEM can be fully utilized only when teachers apply STEM approaches effectively in their practices. Since teachers’ prior views and perceptions in fluence their STEM teaching, the study aims to explore theteachers ’ perception of STEM education. This study also analyzes the challenges of introducing STEM at primary education in Bangladesh. A qualitative research design is adopted in this study. Teachers’ perception of STEM education was explored through semi-structured interviews. Additionally, in-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted to examine the challenges of implementing STEM education at the primary level. Data were analyzed thematically following an inductive approach. One of the key discoveries made in this research is that a large majority of teachers have limited knowledge about STEM education. Despite this lack of familiarity, it was observed that these teachers occasionally apply the STEM approach unintentionally. Most teachers perceive STEM education as effective, however, it has several challenges to implement, such as a lack of teachers’ knowledge about the discipline and pedagogical approach, inadequate physical facilities, lack of STEM-related training, the mindset of stakeholders, etc. The findings of the study can be practical guidelines for academic institutions, curriculum developers, teachers’ trainers, and policymakers.
Unlocking the Potential of Smart Watersheds: Leveraging Iot and Big Data for Sustainable Water Resource Management and Indicator Calculation
Authors: Ramos da Silva, Maria Luiza , Mina Falsarella, Orandi , Ferreira Mariosa, Duarcides , de Melo Conti, Diego , Brídiga Brito , Barbosa Moraes, Marcela , Capellani Quaresma, Cristiano
Published: August 2023

The present work aims to show how the Water Quality Indicators (IQA), defined in the Brazilian legislation, can be obtained using Information and Communication Technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data, and organizing them in decision support systems. This allows a decision based on up-to-date data and evidence, turning the water management smarter. Methodologically, based on bibliographic and documentary data, it describes and evaluates the use of IoT and Big Data in calculating indicators applied to water resource management. The study also shows, in a practical way, how anetwork of sensors obtains the necessary data for the calculation of the Water Quality Indicator and how they were calculated using Big Data applications. With this, the results demonstrate how Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can be used to calculate different indicators in the management of water resources and, with the conceptual elements exposed here, provide greater familiarity with the theme of intelligent watersheds to fill a literature gap.
Reforms of Sasanian king Khusro I and the northern bank of the Araxes – Arrān (Caucasus Albania)
Authors: KHALIFA-ZADEH Mahir , MAKSYMIUK Katarzyna
Published: August 2023

The article considers the Sasanian king Khusro I Anushirwan’s reforms to improve the empire’s military and administrative architecture in the northwestern region of Ērānšahr, by creating the kust ī Ādurbādagān. The authors believes that it was a key element in the Sasanian strategy to enforce both central and military power in the defense sensitive Caucasia. The authors argues that the reform initiated the projecting of Ādurbādagān’s name, military, and administrative functions in Arrānšahr forming a strong interrelationship between the southern and northern sides of the Araxes as the entire Ādurbādagānšahr. Since Late Antiquity, Ādurbādagān and Arrān became interchangeable names and were in use on the northern bank of the Araxes.
‹‹Taǰik›› and Other Names to Denote Muslims in Armenian Historical Sources as a Reflection of the Cognition of a Different Ethnic-confessional Community
Authors: MARGARYAN Gor
Published: August 2023

In the course of history, peoples and tribes have given each other designations on the basis of distinctive features, qualities and circumstances. The pretext for the creation of such names was the geographical area, special qualities of a particular people, religious affiliation or epic genesis. With the beginning of the Arab conquests and campaigns in the middle of the 7th century CE, Armenia fell under Arab domination becoming part of the Arab Caliphate within the next decade. The aim of the paper is to present what names were given to Muslims in what historical context, how these names reflected the perception of a different ethnoreligious community.
Gordāfarid of Šāh-nāma, the woman, who revolutionized the naqqāli tradition
Authors: SZKLARZ Joanna , MORADI Maryam
Published: August 2023

Šāh-nāma of Firdowsī and the naqqāli tradition are two distinctive traditions of Iran. Šāh-nāma, an epic that tells the story of pre-Islamic Iran, focuses on a heroic narrative. The naqqāli’s distinctive feature, against the background of other oral traditions, is the combination of heroic and religious narrative in order to spread Shiism in a way that is interesting to the audience. Ferdowsī's work and the naqqāli tradition represent two periods in Iran’s history and its traditions and culture. These periods are separated by the Islamic invasion and the fall of the Sasanid dynasty. Despite some ideological differences, the Šāh-nāma was for a number of centuries one of the sources for naqqāli and from the early period of the Pahlavi dynasty became its main focus. The article briefly discusses the naqqāli tradition, Šāh-nāma of Firdowsī and the relationship between the two. It also introduces the figure of Gordāfarid, daughter of Gaždaham, who, being the heroine of the Persian national epic, became the inspiration for a revolutionary change in the naqqāli tradition – the first naqqāl woman.
Himmelsbeobachtungen und deren Messung, von der Regierungszeit des Gudea von Lagash bis zum Almagest des Claudius Ptolemäus
Authors: KLEB Jens
Published: August 2023

The present article gives an overview on the development of the measurement and practical acquisition of circle section dimensions since the late 3rd millennium BC. In key points, the prerequisites and practical implementation for celestial observations over approx. 1500 years up to the 8th century BC are collected and analyzed, in terms of their logical requirements and connected archaeological findings. A comprehensible and unambiguous calculation is made for the celestial dimensions in cubits used from the 8th to the 2nd century BC, for which estimated values between 2.5 and 2.1 angular degrees have been determined since Kugler 1900 until to recently researchers. Therefore, for the first time, the exact transformation value is presented here. Not only the connections and the further development of this celestial measurement system are presented, but also its coherent adaptation up to the first definition and use of the angular unit measurement, which is still used today, around 200 BC. In addition, some data and their previous interpretation from various sources are put up for discussion, which even include the table of Chords, presented by Ptolemy in his Almagest and their use.
Entertaining the Royalty. A forgotten tradition of the Vidushaka in Ancient Indian History
Authors: SINGH Pushpraj , SHARMA Preeti
Published: August 2023

This paper provides an overview of the importance of dwarf figures/jesters in Ancient Indian history and society. There are numerous dwarf-like figures depicted in ancient Indian temples. These little figurines would have not only filled the area and add decorative value but also, they have a small but significant place in iconography. A dwarf-like figure, the Vidushaka, who was a brahmin with a tuft on his head and a staff in his hand, was found on the walls of Ajanta and in the Natyashastra text. His occupation is to light the stressful environment by making the court laughing. It goes without saying how valuable the Vidushaka is as a kind of entertainment in ancient India. The objective of this research is to look at how the Vidushaka (jester) had been contributing to the ‘entertainment industry’ of ancient India and how they have been portrayed through out the history (from ancient to medieval times). This would also allow us to discover that jesters were not only adept at entertaining others with amusing jokes, but also able to express himself on the oddities of human life.