bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of forest fire effects based on automated processing of Earth remote sensing imager
Authors: Valasiuk Andrew I. , Topaz Antonina A.
Published: June 2022

The article presents a study of the automated detection specifics within forest-covered areas traversed by fires based on the different time satellite imagery from the Sentinel-2A and Sentinel-2B using the differential normalised burn ratio index (dNBR) for the pre-fire and post-fire periods the calculation. The studies carried out on the research topic are given and a review of the currently functioning forest fire monitoring systems has been implemented. The urgency of the development and testing of an automated system for assessing the forest fire consequences using open source software and Earth remote sensing data has been substantiated. It has been established that the differential index dNBR, calculated from the Sentinel-2A and Sentinel-2B satellite images captured on different dates makes it possible to effectively detect burned-out areas. It is shown that the Python ecosystem makes it possible to successfully create systems for automated processing of Earth remote sensing data. A prototype of a system for the automated detection of forest-covered areas traversed by fires has been developed, based on the materials of different dates satellite imagery from Sentinel-2A and Sentinel-2B spacecraft. The flowchart of the algorithm of processing Earth remote sensing data using the proposed system was presented. For the Sentinel-2 satellite images for the dates before and after the fire, the differential index dNBR was calculated, the analysis of the results of which showed a close correlation of the dNBR index with the degree of burnout of the territory. A schematic map of the areas affected by the fire has been drawn up and the accuracy of identifying burnedout areas has been assessed by calculating the confusion matrix. An assessment of the effectiveness of the automated system for identifying areas affected by forest fires, ways of its modernisation and improvement, as well as the prospects for implementation in production has been carried out. It is noted that the results of the created system have high reliability indicators. At the same time, the need was revealed to increase the sensitivity of the system when identifying areas that have undergone partial burnout. A variant of improving the algorithms used in the work by introducing the multilevel Otsu’s method, intended to significantly increase the sensitivity of the system, has been proposed.
Fulbright paradox and the end of the unipolar world (polemical notes)
Authors: Antonovich Ivan I.
Published: June 2022

The article is an attempt to analyse the consequences of the American and NATO defeat in Afghanistan, which is a demonstration of the inability of the Anglo-Saxon strategy of world dominaton to build a unipolar world, where the United States and their allies would control the world situation. The situation is developing in a way, which has no place for the Anglo-Saxon strategy of world domination.
Digitalisation as a form of modernisation
Authors: Smirnov Victor E.
Published: June 2022

The article substantiates the interpretation of digitalisation in post-Soviet countries as a form of modernisation on the basis of sociological and political economic approaches. Theoretical and practical approaches to the development of digital technologies in the West are considered. The prospects of digitalisation in the radical transformation of the economy and social order are revealed. It is proved that such a transformation is possible only if there are social forces ready to carry out this process. The political economic justification of the emergence and development of digitalisation in modern capitalist society is based on the idea of K. Marx about the expenditure of physical and nervous forces of the worker in the process of labour in the conditions of capitalist production. It is shown that from a political economic point of view, nervous activity has both the most important similarity with physical labour and a decisive difference from labour defined as universal. Unlike a person’s creative ability, this work can be measured by time. It is assumed that digital technologies imitate those aspects of human mental activity that can be interpreted as the expenditure of nervous forces. In this sense, an analogy is drawn between the industrial revolution of the past, which replaced the expenditure of physical forces by machines, and the digital revolution, in which the expenditure of nervous forces will be removed by the operation of digital devices.
How to measure educational environment of university?
Authors: Simkhovich Valentina A.
Published: June 2022

The article is devoted to the issue of evaluating the educational environment of a higher educational institution. The issue is of actual character since an optimal educational environment is one of the conditions for training competitive and competent specialists. University educational environment is specific as it purposefully affects the future specialist’s professional and personal development, ensures his readiness for professional activity, successful fulfillment of social roles and self-realisation in the process of life. In the article the educational environment of university is considered from the viewpoint of a competency-based approach wherein the subject-subject relations (teacher-student activity), educational goals and learning outcomes are treated as elements of the educational environment. Due to the fact that there are a few native methods of evaluating the educational environment of university, the DREEM methodology (Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure) developed by the University of Dundee (UK) in 1997 and actively used by foreign medical universities is suggested to consider. A valid tool for evaluation is the DREEM questionnaire with the aim to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the university educational environment. Although the DREEM questionnaire requires some adjustment in terms of taking into account the realities of the national system of higher education, fields of training and the like, wordings of its questions are quite universal that makes it possible to use the given toolkit to evaluate the educational environment of Belarusian higher educational institutions training specialists in various fields.
Cellular catalase: structure, biogenesis, diversity, functions
Authors: Aladyeva Tatyana L. , Zimatkin Sergey M.
Published: June 2022

Catalase is an important antioxidant enzyme that destroys hydrogen peroxide formed in a result of normal cell metabolism, with the formation of water and oxygen, preventing lipid peroxidation of membranes and cell damage. This review analyses and summarises information about the history of discovery, structure, biogenesis, polymorphism and biological functions of cellular catalase.
DİLENMEK BİR İNSAN HAKKI MIDIR? İfade Özgürlüğü Kapsamında Karşılaştırmalı Bir Çalışma
Authors: DOĞAN Oğuz Kaan
Published: June 2022

Dilenmek, Amerika Birleşik Devletleri (ABD) ve Avrupa kıtasında uzun bir süre kanunlarda ceza olarak nitelendirilirken, 20. Yüzyılın ilk yarısından itibaren idari yaptırıma tabi bir kabahate dönüşmüştür. Bunun sonucu olarak dilencilere para cezası ve alternatif olarak hafif hapis cezası yaptırımları getirilmiştir. Çeşitli türleri olan dilenme eylemine karşı uygulanan idari yaptırımların iptali için mahkemeler, anayasa ve insan hakları sözleşmeleri kapsamında değerlendirme yapmaktadır. Karşılaştırmalı bir yöntemin izlendiği bu çalışmada, dilenme eyleminin türleri dikkate alınarak dilenme eylemini gerçekleştirenlerin ihtiyaçlarını gidermek için kamuya açık alanlarda diğer insanlarla iletişime geçmesinin ifade özgürlüğü kapsamına girip girmeyeceği incelenmiştir. Amerika Birleşik Devletleri’nde Anayasanın Ek 1. Maddesindeki ifade özgürlüğü temel norm olarak mahkeme kararlarının gerekçesinde yer alırken Avrupa’da anayasalar ve Avrupa İnsan Hakları Sözleşmesi’nin (AİHS) 8. ve 10. maddeleri kapsamında kararlar verilmiştir. Bu makalede, dilenme eylemine karşı yapılan düzenlemelere karşı açılan davalarda ABD ve Avrupa’daki mahkemeler ile Avrupa İnsan Hakları Mahkemesi’nin (AİHM) yakın tarihli bir kararı birlikte değerlendirilerek dilenme eyleminin ifade özgürlüğü kapsamına girip giremeyeceği araştırılmıştır.
ALMAN CEZA MUHAKEMESİ KANUNU’NDA DÜZENLENEN “KATALOG SUÇLARDA TUTUKLAMA” (Md. 112/3)
Authors: KAHRAMAN Recep
Published: June 2022

Ceza muhakemesinde maddi gerçeğin ortaya çıkartılmasını temin etmek amacıyla başvurulan koruma tedbirleri içerisinde tutuklama, kişi özgürlüğünü doğrudan sınırlandırmaktadır. Alman Ceza Muhakemesi Kanunu’nun 112’nci maddesinde, soruşturma aşamasında şüphelinin tutuklanması hali düzenlenmektedir. Tutuklama için kuvvetli suç şüphesiyle birlikte mutlaka bir nedeninin somut olayda bulunması gerekir. 112’nci maddenin 3’üncü fıkrasında yer alan katalog suçlarda ise tutuklama nedenleri bulunmasa dahi tutuklama kararı verilebilmektedir. Kanun koyucu, tutuklama için nedenlerin kanıtlanması zorunluluğunu kaldırmaktadır. Tedbirin uygulanmasında somut olay değerlendirmesi yapma gereği duyulmamaktadır. Kişi özgürlüğünün güvencesi olarak kabul edilen tutuklama nedenlerinin, tutuklama talebinde ve tutuklama kararında somutlaştırılarak ortaya konulması gerekli değildir. Katalog suçların işlendiğine yönelik kuvvetli suç şüphesi, tutuklama nedenlerinin varlığı konusunda karine olarak kabul edilmektedir. Lehine olan görüşler de bulunmasına rağmen tutuklama tedbirinde katalog suç düzenlemesi en başta kişi özgürlüğüne, tutuklamanın ihtiyari olmasına, ceza muhakemesinin işleyişine, amacına, karar mercilerinin tarafsızlığına, gerekçe açıklama zorunluluğuna ve masumiyet karinesine zarar verebilmektedir.
Mobile Banking Adoption in Islamic Bank
Authors: Yusron M Helmi , Suryandari, S.E., M.E., Ph.D. Retno Tanding
Published: June 2022

In line with digitization and the development of information technology, digital banking solutions are in great demand by customers. Bank Syariah Indonesia continues to innovate consistently to meet customer needs and demands for digital banking solutions. This study was conducted to see how high customer interest in adopting mobile BSI, attributes of mobile banking innovation, religiosity using mobile banking, bank reputation, the attitude toward adoption and intention to adopt mobile banking. This study used a sample of 100 Islamic bank mobile banking customers. Analysis using SPSS shows that the attributes of mobile banking innovation and bank reputation have a significant effect on attitudes and intentions to adopt mobile banking, the results of this study also emphasize the importance of religiosity in mobile banking adoption. This study provides an opportunity for Indonesian Islamic Banks to increase the adoption of mobile banking services while still paying attention to environmental balance. Thus, it is hoped that the marketing strategy can consider these aspects. Especially by prioritizing solutions for customers in conducting transactions during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Applying the values of Buddhist ethical thought to moral education in the family in Ho Chi Minh City today
Authors: Bich Can Nguyen Thi
Published: June 2022

Buddhism acknowledges scientific rationality standards; on the other hand, it emphasizes moral and existential aspects of a modern Vietnamese’s life. With the teachings upholding love, compassion, selflessness, and selflessness, Buddhism has become a national religion and has influenced most areas of human spiritual life. The findings of this study have shown that Vietnam from conceptions and ideas; ethics, lifestyle; customs, and practices; to the fields of culture, art, and style of behavior and communication, not only in the family and society but also in the protection of the natural environment. However, besides the positive effects of Buddhist ethics on the moral life of Vietnamese people, it inevitably has certain limitations affecting self-concept, way of thinking, and lifestyle. behavior. It can be said that, despite certain limitations, the noble values that Buddhist ethics contribute to the nation and country cannot be denied.
Analisis Kelayakan Usaha Budidaya Lebah Kelulut di Lombok, Nusa Tenggara Barat
Authors: Yumantoko Yumantoko , Hasan Rubangi Al , Riendriasari Septiantina Dyah
Published: June 2022

ENGLISHEven though the demand for honeybees is high, the production of this commodity is considered low. Generally, the production of honey can be categorized as the wild honeybee and cultivated honeybee productions. Honeybee cultivation has the potential to be developed in Lombok island. Apart from its ease of honeybee cultivation, this activity creates a positive impact on economic aspects like income generation and opening job opportunities. This study investigated the feasibility of the honeybee production business. The research was conducted in three districts in Lombok Island namely Lombok Timur, Lombok Utara, and Lombok Barat Districts. Data were collected through conducting surveys, in-depth interviews, and document studies. The sampling method used purposive sampling. The study showed that the production cost of the kelulut honeybee cultivation was Rp17,893,468 while the revenue was Rp21,850,000 so generated profit was Rp3,956,532. Thus, the revenue cost ratio (R/C ratio) of the kelulut honeybee cultivation was 1.2 which meant the kelulut cultivation business was feasible. The profit of this business was relatively low because this business was a small-scale honeybee production that applied a traditional method. To develop the kelulut cultivation business, support from stakeholders in particular local government is needed. INDONESIAMeskipun tingkat permintaan produk madu di pasaran cukup tinggi, produksi madu di Indonesia masih rendah sehingga belum mampu mencukupi kebutuhan pasar. Secara umum, produksi madu dapat dikategorikan menjadi dua yaitu produksi madu alam dan madu budidaya. Budidaya madu Lebah Kelulut berpotensi untuk dikembangkan di Pulau Lombok. Selain budidaya Lebah Kelulut relatif mudah, aktivitas ini juga berdampak positif terhadap aspek ekonomi yaitu peningkatan pendapatan masyarakat dan pembukaan lapangan kerja. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melakukan analisis finansial budidaya Lebah Kelulut. Penelitian dilaksanakan di tiga kabupaten di Pulau Lombok, yaitu Kabupaten Lombok Timur, Lombok Utara, dan Lombok Barat. Metode pengumpulan data yang dilakukan meliputi survei, wawancara, dan studi dokumen. Teknik sampling yang digunakan adalah purposive sampling. Hasil studi menunjukkan bahwa biaya yang dikeluarkan untuk produksi madu dari budidaya Lebah Kelulut di Pulau Lombok sebesar Rp17.893.468, penerimaan sebesar Rp21.850.000 sehingga diperoleh hasil keuntungan sebesar Rp3.956.532. Nilai rasio RC diperoleh sebesar 1,2 yang berarti usaha budidaya kelulut layak diusahakan. Keuntungan yang diperoleh relatif kecil. Hal ini disebabkan skala usaha yang juga masih kecil. Oleh karena itu, diperlukan dukungan khususnya dari pemerintah daerah untuk mengembangkan usaha budidaya Lebah Kelulut.
Perencanaan Pengembangan Kawasan Pesisir dan Laut di Kepulauan Karimunjawa
Authors: Destyananda Nanditya Putri , Suaedi Falih , Setijaningrum Erna
Published: June 2022

ENGLISHPopulation growth, tourism activities and fast development in the Karimunjawa Islands have created adverse impact on the quality of the coastal and marine environment. Coastal and marine areas are very vulnerable to environmental changes, so it requires proper management. The purpose of this study is to analyze the development plan for coastal and marine areas in the Karimunjawa Islands, Jepara Regency. This study uses a qualitative approach while secondary data are collected from books, journal articles, regulations, and relevant online news. Obtained data is analyzed qualitatively using an interactive model. The results show that the management or utilization of resources in the Karimunjawa Islands still encounters a number of crucial problems. The development of coastal and marine areas in the Karimunjawa Islands must comply with the regulations as well as consider ecological, economic, and social aspects as a basic of sustainable development concept. Since various activities carried out by the local community or tourists also give negative impact on the environment, related action plans need to be formulated and executed well by stakeholders. INDONESIAPertumbuhan penduduk, aktivitas pariwisata, dan pengembangan pembangunan di Kepulauan Karimunjawa menimbulkan ancaman yang membahayakan kualitas lingkungan pesisir dan laut. Hal itu dikarenakan kawasan pesisir dan laut sangat rentan terhadap perubahan lingkungan sehingga diperlukan pengelolaan sumber daya secara tepat. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis perencanaan pengembangan kawasan pesisir dan laut di Kepulauan Karimunjawa, Kabupaten Jepara. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan pengumpulan data sekunder yang diperoleh dari buku, artikel jurnal, peraturan perundang-undangan, berita online yang relevan dengan masalah penelitian. Data dianalisis secara kualitatif menggunakan model interaktif. Hasil studi menunjukkan bahwa pengelolaan atau pemanfaatan sumber daya di Kepulauan Karimunjawa masih ditemukannya sejumlah permasalahan yang krusial. Pengembangan kawasan pesisir dan laut di Kepulauan Karimunjawa harus berpedoman pada peraturan perundang-undangan yang berlaku sekaligus memperhatikan aspek pembangunan secara berkelanjutan dalam rangka mencapai tujuan ekologi, ekonomi, dan sosial. Perlu dilakukan upaya untuk meminimalkan terjadinya dampak negatif dari berbagai aktivitas yang dilakukan oleh penduduk lokal ataupun wisatawan.
A LA ESPADA Y EL COMPÁS
Authors: Cabello Berdún Santiago
Published: June 2022

La dualidad de “la pluma y la espada” se hace patente durante la conquista y colonización de América.  Los hombres que consiguieron esta magna obra no podían separar su mentalidad militar de la del hombre renacentista y ello fue la consecuencia de su aportación a la Tratadística Militar en el Nuevo Mundo.  Un ejemplo sobresaliente de esta de este grupo de soldados-escritores es Bernardo de Vargas Machuca que en su obra Milicia Indiana (1599), a la que después se añadirán Compendio de la esfera y Descripción de las Indias, consigue construir un auténtico manual sobre el arte de la guerra en el Muevo Mundo
Marketing Mix Strategy of Culinary MSMEs in South Tangerang City During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Syamruddin Syamruddin , Ruknan Ruknan , Khair Oki Iqbal
Published: June 2022

This study aims to determine the development of Culinary SMEs in South Tangerang City. In addition to knowing the marketing mix strategy in the management of Culinary MSMEs in South Tangerang City during the Covid-19 Pandemic. This research method is qualitative. The research was conducted on Culinary SMEs in South Tangerang City. Determination of the informant as the selected data source using purposive sampling technique. Collecting data using observation, interview and documentation techniques. The validity of the data is obtained through credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmatory. Qualitative data analysis: data reduction, data exposure, and drawing conclusions. The results showed that: 1) The number of Culinary MSMEs in South Tangerang City in 2021 amounted to 28,036, with details: Pamulang District 5.552, Setu District 2,084, Ciputat District 4,235, Ciputat Timur District 3,754, Serpong District 4,274, North Serpong District 2,911, and Pondok Aren District 5,226. The number of Culinary MSME workers in South Tangerang City is very large, namely 51,095 people. Then the total turnover of Rp. 3,933,700,000,000,-. 2) The marketing mix strategy carried out by Culinary MSMEs in South Tangerang City during the Covid-19 Pandemic, namely: in terms of products, in addition to offering new products, innovations are also made to existing products so that they are more attractive to consumers; in terms of price, many Culinary MSME managers make adjustments; in terms of promotion, in addition to giving discounts, promotions are carried out through word of mouth, networking for the Culinary MSME community and online; from the place side, from the place side, the sales system carried out during the Covid-19 pandemic is more limited in nature, the Culinary MSME managers use more facilities through the online system.
Latihan Batuk Efektif pada Pasien dengan Pneumonia
Authors: Novitasari Dwi , Putri Rizki Ayu Adiani
Published: June 2022

Pneumonia is a disease that infects the respiratory tract and is accompanied by symptoms of cough and runny nose and shortness of breath caused by viruses, bacteria, and foreign substances. One of the interventions to expel phlegm is to practice coughing effectively independently. Effective coughing is a coughing exercise that aims to expel phlegm that is stuck in the patient's airway, which is done correctly will help expel phlegm to the maximum. This case study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the implementation of an effective cough on sputum production in patients with pneumonia at Kardinah Hospital, Tegal. The research method used is a descriptive case study with a nursing care process approach. The study was conducted by purposive sampling with the following criteria: medical diagnosis of pneumonia, adult age, experiencing ineffective airway clearance nursing problems, RR>20 x/minute, and willingness to be a respondent, in the upper Edelweiss room. The results showed that the patient's respiratory rate before the implementation was 26 x/minute to 20 times per minute. In addition, giving effective coughing exercises for 3x24 hours has shown a change in the patient's ability to expel phlegm. This study concludes that coughing exercises can effectively reduce the patient's respiratory rate within the normal range, improve SPO2, and increase sputum output. It is recommended for nurses to be able to use effective coughing exercises on airway clearance disorders.
Analisis Risiko Penyakit Paru Obstruksi Kronis Akibat Paparan Debu Pm2.5 pada Pekerja Mebel Kayu CV Mekar Baru Kota Padang
Authors: Anjelicha Dhinie , Riviwanto Muchsin , Wijayantono Wijayantono
Published: June 2022

Particulate matter 2.5 (particulate dust 2.5) is a particle with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 m. The presence of PM2.5 dust in wood dust in the air can be inhaled into the respiratory tract and deposited into the alveolus to the lungs. Long-term risks of these particulates can cause chronic lung disease to lung cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine the risk analysis of COPD due to PM2.5 dust exposure on wood furniture workers CV. Mekar Baru, Padang City in 2021. The research design uses the Environmental Health Risk Analysis (ARKL) method. The samples taken were air samples with a size of 2.5 micrometers and a sample of 16 workers. The results of this study are a potential source of activity that contains PM2.5 elements from sawing and sanding and painting activities with a PM2.5 concentration of 0.067 mg/m3 in the process. sawing and sanding and 0.32 mg/m3 in the painting process. . The results of COPD disorders (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) in furniture industry workers are 73.3% of workers experiencing COPD symptoms. 33% at risk. Suggestions from this study are that workers are expected to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) at work to reduce the danger of exposure to dust that enters the body.
Algorithmic and Numerical Techniques for Computation of Binomial and Geometric Series
Authors: Annamalai Chinnaraji
Published: June 2022

Geometric series plays a vital role in the areas of combinatorics, science, economics, and medicine. This paper presents algorithmic and numerical techniques for computing the summation of multiple series of binomial coefficients and the multiple summations of geometric series in an innovative way and also the relation between the binomial expansions and geometric series. These are the methodological advances which are useful for researchers who are working in science, economics, engineering, computation, and management.
Ecotourism Source of Poverty Alleviation and Natural Conservation in Kashmir India
Authors: Khan Bilal
Published: June 2022

Ecotourism is associated with nature and poverty alleviation. Ecotourism is believed to be significant for the generation of income, sustainability of the environment, political enablement of local societies as well as for educational purposes. Ecotourism generates economic benefits at local to national level and thus create incentives to preserve the resources. With its backward and forward linkages with other sectors of the economy, ecotourism is an effective tool for poverty alleviation and ensuring growth with equity. The Jammu and Kashmir has a vast potential to become one of the India’s best ecotourism destinations and having numerous attractive and beautiful tourist spots. Ecotourism helps in sustainable development. Ecotourism is believed to be associated with various challenges which are environmental deterioration, inability to contribute to local economy as well as cultural exploitation and deterioration. The study would attempt to explore the potential sites of ecotourism for future development in Kashmir and would examine the correlation between ecotourism and natural conservation with regard to the perception of tourist and conservation agencies. The study is exploratory in nature but empirical tools are also applied to highlight the potential of ecotourism. Jammu and Kashmir is blessed with diverse geographical features, offers a plethora of attractions to tourists. A balance between development and the environment should be created.
Impact of Frontier Development of Alveolar Bone Grafting on Orthodontic Tooth Movement
Authors: Miao Yilan , Chang Yu-Cheng , Tanna Nipul , Almer Nicolette , Chung Chun-Hsi , Zou Min , Zheng Zhong , Li Chenshuang
Published: June 2022

Sufficient alveolar bone is a safeguard for achieving desired outcomes in orthodontic treatment. Moving a tooth into an alveolar bony defect may result in a periodontal defect or worse–tooth loss. Therefore, when facing a pathologic situation such as periodontal bone loss, alveolar clefts, long-term tooth loss, trauma, and thin phenotype, bone grafting is often necessary to augment bone for orthodontic treatment purposes. Currently, diverse bone grafts are used in clinical practice, but no single grafting material shows absolutely superior results over the others. All available materials demonstrate pros and cons, most notably donor morbidity and adverse effects on orthodontic treatment. Here, we review newly developed graft materials that are still in the pre-clinical stage, as well as new combinations of existing materials, by highlighting their effects on alveolar bone regeneration and orthodontic tooth movement. In addition, novel manufacturing techniques, such as bioprinting, will be discussed. This mini-review article will provide state-of-the-art information to assist clinicians in selecting grafting material(s) that enhance alveolar bone augmentation while avoiding unfavorable side effects during orthodontic treatment.
Characterization of the Shells in Layer-By-Layer Nanofunctionalized Particles: A Computational Study
Authors: Barchiesi E. , Wareing T. , Desmond L. , Phan A. N. , Gentile P. , Pontrelli G.
Published: June 2022

Drug delivery carriers are considered an encouraging approach for the localized treatment of disease with minimum effect on the surrounding tissue. Particularly, layer-by-layer releasing particles have gained increasing interest for their ability to develop multifunctional systems able to control the release of one or more therapeutical drugs and biomolecules. Although experimental methods can offer the opportunity to establish cause and effect relationships, the data collection can be excessively expensive or/and time-consuming. For a better understanding of the impact of different design conditions on the drug-kinetics and release profile, properly designed mathematical models can be greatly beneficial. In this work, we develop a continuum-scale mathematical model to evaluate the transport and release of a drug from a microparticle based on an inner core covered by a polymeric shell. The present mathematical model includes the dissolution and diffusion of the drug and accounts for a mechanism that takes into consideration the drug biomolecules entrapped into the polymeric shell. We test a sensitivity analysis to evaluate the influence of changing the model conditions on the total system behavior. To prove the effectiveness of this proposed model, we consider the specific application of antibacterial treatment and calibrate the model against the data of the release profile for an antibiotic drug, metronidazole. The results of the numerical simulation show that ∼85% of the drug is released in 230 h, and its release is characterized by two regimes where the drug dissolves, diffuses, and travels the external shell layer at a shorter time, while the drug is released from the shell to the surrounding medium at a longer time. Within the sensitivity analysis, the outer layer diffusivity is more significant than the value of diffusivity in the core, and the increase of the dissolution parameters causes an initial burst release of the drug. Finally, changing the shape of the particle to an ellipse produces an increased percentage of drugs released with an unchanged release time.
Advanced Nanofiber-Based Scaffolds for Achilles Tendon Regenerative Engineering
Authors: Zhu Senbo , He Zeju , Ji Lichen , Zhang Wei , Tong Yu , Luo Junchao , Zhang Yin , Li Yong , Meng Xiang , Bi Qing
Published: June 2022

The Achilles tendon (AT) is responsible for running, jumping, and standing. The AT injuries are very common in the population. In the adult population (21–60 years), the incidence of AT injuries is approximately 2.35 per 1,000 people. It negatively impacts people’s quality of life and increases the medical burden. Due to its low cellularity and vascular deficiency, AT has a poor healing ability. Therefore, AT injury healing has attracted a lot of attention from researchers. Current AT injury treatment options cannot effectively restore the mechanical structure and function of AT, which promotes the development of AT regenerative tissue engineering. Various nanofiber-based scaffolds are currently being explored due to their structural similarity to natural tendon and their ability to promote tissue regeneration. This review discusses current methods of AT regeneration, recent advances in the fabrication and enhancement of nanofiber-based scaffolds, and the development and use of multiscale nanofiber-based scaffolds for AT regeneration.
Fluidic Flow Enhances the Differentiation of Placental Trophoblast-Like 3D Tissue from hiPSCs in a Perfused Macrofluidic Device
Authors: Deng Pengwei , Cui Kangli , Shi Yang , Zhu Yujuan , Wang Yaqing , Shao Xiaoguang , Qin Jianhua
Published: June 2022

The human placenta serves as a multifunctional organ to maintain the proper development of a fetus. However, our knowledge of the human placenta is limited due to the lack of appropriate experimental models. In this work, we created an in vitro placental trophoblast-like model via self-organization of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) in a perfused 3D culture macrofluidic device. This device allowed cell seeding, in situ trophoblast lineage differentiation, and formation of trophoblast-like tissues from hiPSCs in a biomimetic microenvironment. It incorporated extracellular matrix (ECM) and fluid flow in a single device. After trophoblast lineage differentiation, we were able to generate the 3D clusters with major cell types of the human placenta, including trophoblast progenitor cytotrophoblasts (CTBs), differentiated subtypes, syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs), and extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) under long-term 3D culture (∼23 days). Moreover, the formed tissues exhibited enhanced expressions of CTB-, STB-, and EVT-related markers at the level of genes and proteins under a dynamic culture compared with static conditions. RNA-seq analysis revealed the higher expression of trophoblast-specific genes in 3D tissues, indicating the essential role of fluid flow to promote the trophoblast differentiation of hiPSCs. The established placental 3D model combined a bioengineering strategy with developmental principles, providing a promising platform for the study of placental biology in a biomimetic microenvironment in health and disease.
Inhibitors of Mitochondrial Dynamics Mediated by Dynamin-Related Protein 1 in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Xiao Fan , Zhang Rui , Wang Lan
Published: June 2022

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic, lethal pulmonary disease characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling. It leads to malignant results, such as rupture of pulmonary arterial dissection, dyspnea, right heart failure, and even death. Previous studies have confirmed that one of the main pathological changes of this disease is abnormal mitochondrial dynamics, which include mitochondrial fission, fusion, and autophagy that keep a dynamic balance under certain physiological state. Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), the key molecule in mitochondrial fission, mediates mitochondrial fission while also affecting mitochondrial fusion and autophagy through numerous pathways. There are various abnormalities of Drp1 in PAH pathophysiology, including Drp1 overexpression and activation as well as an upregulation of its outer mitochondrial membrane ligands. These aberrant alterations will eventually induce the development of PAH. With the process of recent studies, the structure and function of Drp1 have been gradually revealed. Meanwhile, inhibitors targeting this pathway have also been discovered. This review aims to shed more light on the mechanism of Drp1 and its inhibitors in the abnormal mitochondrial dynamics of PAH. Furthermore, it seeks to provide more novel insights to clinical therapy.
Granulosa Cells Improved Mare Oocyte Cytoplasmic Maturation by Providing Collagens
Authors: Zhu Xinyuan , Zhao Shanshan , Xu Shibo , Zhang Dongyu , Zhu Minghui , Pan Qingjie , Huang Jiaojiao
Published: June 2022

Assisted reproductive technology has important clinical applications and commercial values in the horse industry. However, this approach is limited largely by the low efficiency of oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM), especially cytoplasmic maturation. To improve the efficiency of mare oocyte IVM, we evaluated the effects of co-culture with cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) and granulosa cells (GCs) from follicles with small (<15 mm) and large diameters (>35 mm). Our results showed that oocyte nucleus maturation was not significantly improved by co-culturing with GCs. Interestingly, the cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes, defined by the distribution of cortical granules and mitochondria, as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, improved dramatically by co-culture with GCs, especially those derived from small follicles. Moreover, GCs promoted cumulus cell expansion by upregulating the expression of BMP15 in oocytes. To determine the mechanism underlying the effects of GCs, the transcriptomes of GCs from large and small follicles were compared. Expression levels of COL1A2, COL6A1, and COL6A2 were significantly higher in GCs from small follicles than in those from large follicles. These three genes were enriched in the extracellular matrix proteins-receptor interaction pathway and were involved in the regulation of collagens. Taken together, our results suggest that co-culture with GCs is beneficial to oocyte cytoplasmic maturation, and the increased expression of COL1A2, COL6A1, and COL6A2 improve the mare oocyte IVM system via the regulation of collagen.
Acclimation to Nutritional Immunity and Metal Intoxication Requires Zinc, Manganese, and Copper Homeostasis in the Pathogenic Neisseriae
Authors: Branch Alexis Hope , Stoudenmire Julie L. , Seib Kate L. , Cornelissen Cynthia Nau
Published: June 2022

Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis are human-specific pathogens in the Neisseriaceae family that can cause devastating diseases. Although both species inhabit mucosal surfaces, they cause dramatically different diseases. Despite this, they have evolved similar mechanisms to survive and thrive in a metal-restricted host. The human host restricts, or overloads, the bacterial metal nutrient supply within host cell niches to limit pathogenesis and disease progression. Thus, the pathogenic Neisseria require appropriate metal homeostasis mechanisms to acclimate to such a hostile and ever-changing host environment. This review discusses the mechanisms by which the host allocates and alters zinc, manganese, and copper levels and the ability of the pathogenic Neisseria to sense and respond to such alterations. This review will also discuss integrated metal homeostasis in N. gonorrhoeae and the significance of investigating metal interplay.
Postoperative In-Stent Thrombus Formation Following Frozen Elephant Trunk Total Arch Repair
Authors: Walter Tim , Berger Tim , Kondov Stoyan , Gottardi Roman , Benk Julia , Rylski Bartosz , Czerny Martin , Kreibich Maximilian
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Our aim was to investigate the occurrence and clinical consequence of postoperative in-stent thrombus formation following the frozen elephant trunk (FET) procedure.

Methods

Postoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) scans of all 304 patients following the FET procedure between 04/2014 and 11/2021 were analysed retrospectively. Thrombus size and location were assessed in multiplanar reconstruction using IMPAX EE (Agfa HealthCare N.V., Morstel, Belgium) software. Patients’ characteristics and clinical outcomes were evaluated between patients with and without thrombus formation.

Results

During the study period, we detected a new postoperative in-stent thrombus in 19 patients (6%). These patients were significantly older (p = 0.009), predominantly female (p = 0.002) and were more commonly treated for aortic aneurysms (p = 0.001). In 15 patients (79%), the thrombi were located in the distal half of the FET stent-graft. Thrombus size was 18.9 mm (first quartile: 12.1; third quartile: 33.2). Distal embolisation occurred in 4 patients (21%) causing one in-hospital death caused by severe visceral ischaemia. Therapeutic anticoagulation was initiated in all patients. Overstenting with a conventional stent-graft placed within the FET stent-graft was the treatment in 2 patients (11%). Outcomes were comparable both groups. Female sex (p = 0.005; OR: 4.289) and an aortic aneurysm (p = 0.023; OR: 5.198) were identified as significant predictors for thrombus development.

Conclusion

Postoperative new thrombus formation within the FET stent-graft is a new, rare, but clinically highly relevant event. The embolisation of these thrombi can result in dismal postoperative outcomes. More research is therefore required to better identify patients at risk and improve perioperative treatment.
Adaptability Analysis of Full Height Mining at One Time of Deep Soft Thick Coal Seam
Authors: Li Qinghai , Wang Haonan , Zheng Xuejun , Li Kaixin , Ji Yonghu , Wang Zijun
Published: June 2022

With the improvement of technology and equipment, it is preferred to adopt full-height mining at one time when conditions permit. According to the specific geological conditions of no. 3 coal seam in Lilou Coal Industry, the feasibility of full-height mining and top-caving mining method for soft thick coal seam with large buried depth is analyzed by means of theoretical analysis, numerical simulation and field application analysis, which provides basis for the subsequent improvement of field mining method. Through the establishment of cantilever beam mechanical model of basic roof, the influence of two mining methods on the energy response of basic roof is analyzed. Based on the energy storage characteristics of coal seam, roof and floor measured in the field, the intensity of energy released from disturbed strata by two coal mining methods is analyzed. PFC2D numerical simulation was used to compare the roof failure of the two mining methods, to monitor the change of the stress in the coal seam after excavation, and to calculate the coal seam burial depth suitable for a full mining height by adjusting the in-situ stress. The results show that compared with top-coal mining, the elastic strain energy accumulated in the full-height roof beam is more, and the energy release intensity of disturbed rock is greater. The roof crack extension height is 9.1 m and the coal wall failure depth is 5.46 m under the condition of full mining height at one time. The roof crack extension height is 1.19 m and the coal wall failure depth is 2.19 m under the caving coal mining method. In the caving coal mining method, the stress level of the original rock is restored at 3 m in front of the coal wall, and the stress level of the original rock is restored at 5 m in front of the coal wall when the full mining height is once taken. It is safer to adopt full-height mining method when the buried depth of coal seam is less than 380 m. The research results can provide reference for mining soft thick coal seam with large buried depth.
Amplifying Meteorological Droughts Across Middle- and Low-Latitude Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Wang Danzhou , Zhang Qiang , Singh Vijay P. , Shen Zexi , Wang Gang , Wu Wenhuan , Yuan Ruyue
Published: June 2022

Drought changes and the underlying causes have, in the backdrop of warming climate, aroused widespread concern. However, exact changes in patterns of meteorological droughts in both space and time are still open for debate. The Northern Hemisphere is home to 90% of the world’s population and has been afflicted by droughts over time. Here we present the evolution of spatiotemporal patterns of meteorological droughts, quantified by standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index across the Northern Hemisphere and related causes during a period of 1961–2018. We found amplifying droughts characterized by higher frequency, longer duration, and stronger severity across middle- and low-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, specifically, Mongolia, China and Central Asia expanding along central Eurasia, Circum-Mediterranean region, and southwestern North America (NA). Russia, Central Asia, China and the Indian Peninsula are regions with frequent droughts. Period of 1961–2018 witnessed spatial evolution of droughts in counterclockwise direction over North America. In general, the spatial evolution of meteorological droughts in Northern Hemisphere also followed counterclockwise direction due to the atmospheric pressure belt, wind belt, atmospheric circulation, and sea-land breeze. SPEI-based droughts were in close relation with El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). In particular, La Niña phenomenon could dry out southern NA and central and western Russia; and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation might affect the spatiotemporal variation of the drought in mid-high latitudes. These findings help understand meteorological droughts in the context of global warming.
Precipitation Moisture Sources of Ethiopian River Basins and Their Role During Drought Conditions
Authors: Stojanovic Milica , Mulualem Getachew Mehabie , Sorí Rogert , Vázquez Marta , Nieto Raquel , Gimeno Luis
Published: June 2022

In this study, we identified and investigated the annual climatological moisture sources for the Ethiopian river basins during 1980–2018. First, according to cluster analysis, the 12 river basins of this country were grouped into four regions: northeast (NE), southeast (SE), southwest (SW), and west (W), which were characterised by similar annual precipitation features. Global outputs from the Lagrangian FLEXPART model were used to investigate the air mass humidity gain before reaching each region. This revealed five main oceanic moisture sources located in the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf, and the Arabian Sea, in addition to three main terrestrial moisture sources located in the African continent, Arabian Peninsula, and the regions themselves. Once the main climatological sources of moisture for each region were identified, a forward-in-time analysis of air masses over each source was performed to calculate the moisture contribution to precipitation (E – P) < 0 over the defined regions. The most important source at the annual scale for the NE, SW, and W regions is the African continent, while for the SE, it is the Indian Ocean. Indeed, terrestrial moisture sources are the major contributors (>50%) to the precipitation over the NE, SW, and W, whereas oceanic sources are the major contributors to the SE. Another analysis identified the years affected by drought conditions in the regions. The role of the sources was evaluated for those years affected by severe and extreme drought, revealing the heterogeneous and also direct influences on the regions. Finally, according to the normalised difference vegetation index, the impacts of annual severe and extreme droughts were more prominent in areas of the NE and SE, but also in the SW during 1984.
Evaluating the Bachelor of Education Program Based on the Context, Input, Process, and Product Model
Authors: Sankaran Surendran , Saad Norazlinda
Published: June 2022

The study aims to evaluate the Bachelor of Education (BEd) program based on the Context, Input, Process, and Product (CIPP) model. The CIPP paradigm was employed in this study, and data were collected utilizing a questionnaire, an interview guide, and related papers. A quantitative descriptive approach was used to analyze the data. The students, teachers, and top management employees of the polytechnic departments were evaluated. The study was analyzed using SPSS version 15. The descriptive statistics were used to make descriptions related to the respondents’ demographic backgrounds and the effectiveness of the BEd program. The prototype verification findings in the Glickman quadrant were used to assess the success of the learning program. According to the results, the execution of the teaching program at the polytechnic is successful considering the interdependence of CIPP. Lesson plan, semester teaching plans, curriculum, infrastructure, and facilities are the limits to the implementation of teaching at the polytechnic. The study concluded that it would be beneficial to the universities in Malaysia in the long-term effort to improve the quality of the program offered and increase the performance and wisdom of the trainers.