bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Aerodynamic Performance and Wake Characteristics of a Floating Offshore Wind Turbine in Wind–Wave Coupling Field
Authors: Liang Xiaoling , Li Zheng , Han Xingxing , Fu Shifeng , Zhu Weijun , Pu Tianmei , Sun Zhenye , Yang Hua , Shen Wenzhong
Published: June 2024

Floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) exhibit complex motion with multiple degrees of freedom due to the interaction of wind and waves. The aerodynamic performance and wake characteristics of these turbines are highly intricate and challenging to accurately capture. In this study, dynamic fluid body interaction (DFBI) and overset grid technology are employed to investigate the dynamic motion of a 5 MW FOWT. We use the volume of fluid (VOF) method and improved delayed detached eddy simulation (IDDES) model to investigate the aerodynamic performance and wake evolution mechanism for various wave periods and heights. According to the findings, the magnitude of the pitch motion increases with the period and height of the waves, leading to a decrease in both the power output and thrust; the maximum power was reduced by nearly 6.8% compared to a wind turbine without motion. The value of power and thrust reduction varies for different wave periods and heights, and is influenced by the relative speed and pitch angle, which play a crucial role. Wind–wave coupling has a significant impact on the evolution of both wake and vortex structures for FOWT. The wake shape downstream is also dynamically influenced by the waves. In the presence of wind and wave coupling, the interaction between the wind turbine and the wake is heightened, leading to the merger of two unstable vortex rings into a single, larger vortex ring. The research unveils a comprehensive picture of the offshore wind energy dynamics and wake field, which holds immense significance for the design of floating wind turbines and the optimization of wind farm layout.
Towards a General Theory of Sustainable Development: Using a Sustainability Window Approach to Explore All Possible Scenario Paths of Economic Growth and Degrowth
Authors: Luukkanen Jyrki , Vehmas Jarmo , Kaivo-oja Jari , O’Mahony Tadhg
Published: June 2024

Across decades of contemporary discussion on sustainable development, a core concern has been the balance between economic, social, and environmental dimensions. A critical strand of the debate focuses on economic growth versus economic degrowth and, more specifically, on whether economic growth can be sustainable in environmental terms and whether degrowth can be sustainable in social terms. This conceptual and theoretical article used the Sustainability Window, or “SuWi”’ method, to theoretically determine the sustainable window of economies. The window is defined as the upper and lower bounds of future change in GDP that could be deemed in line with achieving both environmental and social sustainability. The conceptual analysis considers all theoretically possible scenario paths for development by combining the outcome paths of economic, environmental, and social dimensions with the environmental and social productivities of GDP. Through SuWi analysis, it is found that only four of the logically possible scenario paths could be considered theoretically “sustainable”—two cases involving economic growth and two of degrowth. In the cases of each of the four paths, sustainability only emerges where they adhere to strict conditions in terms of environmental and social outcomes, as well as related productivities. The SuWi approach and its applied analytical formulas have many potential uses in 21st-century policymaking for sustainability, including supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It provides a unique and comprehensive theoretical and analytical framework that enables the categorisation of the complex challenges of sustainability and quantitative analysis of policy choices. Such foresight analysis could greatly assist in providing an evidence base for future development planning and policy formulation, ex ante of locking in a pathway. Further implementation in applied studies that explore a comprehensive indicator set, robust and consistent across all relevant dimensions, offers a promising opportunity to advance empirical analysis of key questions in sustainable development globally at a critical juncture in human history.
How Low-Code Tools Contribute to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the Workplace: A Case Study of a Large Japanese Corporation
Authors: Takahashi Natsumi , Javed Amna , Kohda Youji
Published: June 2024

Learning and using technology in the workplace are essential for a company’s commitment to the sustainable development of its resources. Finding competent engineers who can handle information communication technologies (ICTs) is a challenge for companies. Currently, however, the ability to use these technologies is limited to technicians with specialized training, and not everyone can engage in development. Therefore, it is safe to conclude that equity in the use of technology has not yet been realized. This study aims to analyze, based on actual cases, the necessary conditions and mechanisms for people with diverse experiences and circumstances, not limited to engineers, to participate in ICT development to address human resource diversity. The use of technology such as low-code platforms (LCPs) that have recently emerged on the market has shown that nonprofessional engineers without programming training can participate in development projects. This research will be useful to managers in advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategies in their workplaces and contribute to organizational research regarding new trends in technology use by individuals: low codability. The findings of this study are of significant relevance to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of decent work and economic growth, as well as gender equality.
The Economic Spillover Effect of the Collaborative Agglomeration between Manufacturing and Producer Services
Authors: Li Xiaoxuan , Liu Ying
Published: June 2024

High-quality economic development is an inevitable requirement for promoting sustainable development. Stacks of research papers have suggested that the quality of China’s economic development will make an important contribution to promoting global sustainable development. The collaborative agglomeration between manufacturing and producer services is determined by multiple factors, including industrial characteristics and industrial associations. This is conducive to the efficient evolution of the industrial structure and to further achieving high-quality economic development. Based on the provincial data from 2010 to 2021 in China, this research evaluated the impact of co-agglomeration between manufacturing and producer services on high-quality economic development by using the double-fixed-effect spatial Durbin model. The benchmark regression results showed that industrial co-agglomeration impacted high-quality economic development in an inverted U-shaped. This result had a significant positive spatial spillover and was robust. In the spatial heterogeneity tests, the co-agglomeration of industries had different effects on high-quality development in regions. The strongest spillover effect of positive externalities was in the eastern region, which played an active role as a “growth pole”. The “siphon effect” happened in the central region. The spillover effect had a “U” shape in the western region, and the co-agglomeration inhibited current high-quality development. In the mechanism analysis, the industrial co-agglomeration enhanced high-quality development by stimulating green innovation, and the digital economy had a positive moderating effect. The study presented in this article provides empirical evidence and offers policy recommendations for formulating industrial policies and improving the quality of economic development.
Digital Infrastructure Construction and Improvement of Non-Farm Employment Quality of Rural Labor Force—From the Perspective of Informal Employment
Authors: Ding Wenxin , Wu Qiang , Xu Xuanguo
Published: June 2024

The pivotal role of digital infrastructure as hardware support for fostering economic efficiency in the digital economy is widely acknowledged. However, it begs the question, can the development of digital infrastructure also advance social equity, particularly concerning horizontal equity, as exemplified by the quality of non-farm employment among rural laborers, which serves as a barometer for the fairness and inclusivity of the social opportunity landscape? This article delves into the ramifications of digital infrastructure development on the quality of non-farm employment for rural laborers. Initially, it conducts a theoretical exploration of the impact and mechanisms of digital infrastructure construction on non-farm employment quality within rural labor sectors, drawing upon the Todaro model framework and existing scholarly discourse. Subsequently, by integrating data on digital infrastructure construction at the prefecture-level city level with four periods of the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) data spanning 2014 to 2020, employing various endogenous treatment methods including two-way fixed effects, sensitivity analysis, and instrumental variable techniques, it empirically tests and analyzes the internal mechanisms. The findings reveal that digital infrastructure construction plays a beneficial role in enhancing the quality of non-farm employment for rural laborers, encompassing both subjective perceptions and objective circumstances of non-farm work. Notably, it is observed that digital infrastructure construction significantly fosters improvements in the quality of informal employment among rural laborers, with notable disparities across gender and skill levels. This discovery exerts a positive influence on advancing the sustainable development of the labor market. Specifically, female rural laborers necessitate higher skill proficiency and educational attainment to attain commensurate benefits as their male counterparts. Moreover, caution is warranted regarding the potential for digital infrastructure construction to exacerbate existing power differentials and widen socioeconomic disparities through the perpetuation of the digital divide.
A Systematic Review on Education Outside the Classroom: Lessons for Science EOC Practices
Authors: O’Neill Deirdre , Kelly Regina , McCormack Orla , Azevedo Nathália Helena
Published: June 2024

The United Nations’ sustainable development goals highlight the importance of embracing our natural environment through action in education. In science education, it is therefore important to enhance our understanding of pedagogical approaches that promote Education Outside the Classroom (EOC). The aim of this systematic review is to investigate EOC methods and pedagogies and examine how they can help inform students’ acquisition of scientific knowledge and skills. In total, 157 full texts were read and considered for inclusion in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The final review included 49 empirical studies that examined EOC research between 2012 and 2021 across all disciplines. Positive outcomes are reported regarding student learning, motivation, and enjoyment, which highlight the benefits and rationale for adopting such approaches to support learning. However, a lack of longitudinal data was evident regarding the impact of the EOC experiences. This review shows that the pedagogical models underpinning the approaches to EOC were not always explicit or clearly stated. In terms of the methodological considerations, a number of gaps emerged in relation to the reporting of geographical and gender differences. We offer recommendations to implement EOC in science education and suggest areas for future research.
Uptake and Level of Use of Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices by Small-Scale Urban Crop Farmers in eThekwini Municipality
Authors: Khumalo Nolwazi Z. , Mdoda Lelethu , Sibanda Melusi
Published: June 2024

Climate fluctuations significantly impact small-scale farmers’ farm welfare (food, nutrition and income). This situation highlights an urgent need to invest in climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices. Climate-smart agriculture has prospects for enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience. Therefore, this study addresses the knowledge gap concerning the uptake and level of use of CSA practices by small-scale urban crop (SSUC) farmers, which is critical to enhancing food and income security in urban settings. The relatively low adoption and uptake of CSA practices among small-scale farmers warrants an investigation of the factors influencing its adoption and level of use, especially in urban agriculture (UA) settings. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, this study collected data from 412 SSUC farmers through a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis, the composite score index (CSI), and an ordered probit model (OPM) were utilised for the analysis. The results reveal that most (74%) are aware of CSA practices. Despite the high awareness of CSA practices by SSUC farmers, many (66%) are medium users of CSA practices, suggesting a moderate CSA practices level of use in eThekwini Municipality. The top five preferred CSA practices include crop diversification (with a CSI of 3.694), followed by crop rotation (3.619), mulching (3.608), drought tolerant crops (3.459) and organic manure (3.442). The popularity of these CSA practices in eThekwini Municipality suggests their immediate benefits when implemented or their lesser complexity in terms of implementation. Age, gender (being male), and household size exhibit a statistically significant negative influence on the CSA practices’ level of use, increasing the likelihood of being in the lower user category. Yet, education, group membership and farming experience promote a higher level of use of CSA practices. The results show that while awareness is critical, socio-economic factors should not be ignored when upscaling the adoption of widespread CSA practices. Therefore, targeted and tailored socio-economic programmes that are age-directed, gender-sensitive, educational, emphasise collective action and leverage the experiences of urban farmers would be paramount in promoting effective CSA practices adoption and uptake by SSUC farmers in eThekwini Municipality, thus enhancing UA resilience against climate change reparations.
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Schools: A Catalyst for Upholding Human Rights to Water and Sanitation in Anápolis, Brazil
Authors: Pereira Carmencita Tonelini , Sorlini Sabrina , Sátiro Josivaldo , Albuquerque Antonio
Published: June 2024

Ensuring access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, along with behavior change education in schools, is essential for fostering a conducive learning environment and promoting principles of inclusion, dignity, and equality. This study focuses on 12 primary schools in Anápolis, Brazil, with a total of 4394 students and 248 teachers. WASH assessments were conducted using a questionnaire, observations of water and sanitation facilities, and microbiological analysis. Between 2018 and 2020, the proportion of schools with safely managed drinking water increased from 42% to 92%. However, sanitation conditions in the schools were categorized as basic, with hygiene services rated as limited in 92% of the schools due to the absence of soap. While this study shows that Anápolis schools generally meet WASH guidelines for basic/advanced drinking water services, there is a crucial need for improvements in both hardware and software facilities to address sanitation and hygiene challenges.
Life Cycle Environmental Impacts of Wind Turbines: A Path to Sustainability with Challenges
Authors: Atilgan Turkmen Burcin , Germirli Babuna Fatos
Published: June 2024

This study aims to evaluate in detail the environmental impacts of the turbines used for electricity generation by wind energy, from a life cycle perspective. For this purpose, a comprehensive literature review is conducted and the life cycle environmental impacts of two sizes of wind turbines, namely 3.6 and 4.8 MW, in Turkey are analyzed. Sustainability studies, especially life cycle assessment (LCA) findings, yield healthy results only if the data used are site-specific. The system has been modeled using GaBi software and the Ecoinvent database. The functional unit is defined as 1 kWh of generated electricity. The impacts have been estimated using the CML 2 Baseline 2001 method. The 4.8 MW turbine has lower environmental impacts than the other turbine. The construction of wind turbines has the greatest share of the environmental impacts of all the options considered. Recycling materials at the end of plant life can reduce unwanted environmental impacts by up to 49%. Similar studies based on site-specific data will help to inform electricity producers and policymakers about wind energy’s current impacts and environmental hotspots. Conducting analogous studies is critical to reducing the environmental impacts of wind energy, which will play an important part in the future of the energy sector.
Analysis of Thermal Rehabilitation and Seismic Strengthening Solutions Suitable for Heritage Structures
Authors: Bocan Dragos , Bocan Catalina , Keller Alexandra , Gruin Aurelian
Published: June 2024

Heritage structures built in the 19th and 20th centuries in the western part of Romania are marked by the significant aesthetic influence of the Austro-Hungarian empire, with highly decorated façades facing the street and rather more simple surfaces towards the back and inner courtyard. This region is also marked by shallow earthquakes, which significantly affect the structural integrity of these buildings. Considering the current climatic context, energy efficiency regulations that also apply to the refurbishment of heritage structures, and the additional need by private owners and authorities to reduce the seismic vulnerability of these structures, it is necessary to develop integrated solutions that could improve the thermal performance of the building and strengthen its load-bearing structure, while preserving the highly valuable aesthetic features that are visible from the street. Therefore, this study is intended to investigate the viability of using different thermal rehabilitation solutions and materials that are suitable for the architectural characteristics of heritage buildings, while also integrating seismic strengthening solutions. These solutions are applied to a 19th-century building that comprises all the specific architectural and structural features found in the western part of Romania. It compares the effectiveness of using mineral-based insulation materials, cork and lime-based plasters, and aerogel–lime-based plaster applied to the inner or outer parts of the wall, depending on the solution. This solution to the problem will combine suitable wet, strengthening techniques that can be used on the inner part of the exterior walls without affecting the aesthetic value of the building. In this way, through the analysed results, this study provides valuable insights concerning potential suitable solutions that can be used to increase sustainability and reduce the seismic vulnerability of heritage masonry buildings.
Optimizing Tomato Cultivation: Impact of Ammonium–Nitrate Ratios on Growth, Nutrient Uptake, and Fertilizer Utilization
Authors: Wang Chengshun , Wu Gang , Wang Hong , Wang Jiabao , Yuan Manman , Guo Xiong , Liu Chuang , Xing Suzhi , Sun Yixiang , Talpur Mir Moazzam Ali
Published: June 2024

Tomatoes, an essential crop in controlled environments, benefit significantly from the careful use of nitrogen fertilizers, which are crucial for improving both yield and nitrogen efficiency. Using a tomato pot experiment arranged in a facility greenhouse, five treatments were established as follows: a control excluding the application of nitrogen fertilizer (C), and applications of ammonium nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen with nitrogen mass ratios of 0:100 (A0N100), 25:75 (A25N75), 50:50 (A50N50), 75:25 (A75N25), and 100:0 (A100N0), to study the effects of different ratios of nitrogen mass on tomato yield, quality, nutrient accumulation, and nitrogen fertilizer utilization. The results showed that compared with C, the different ammonium–nitrate ratios significantly increased the yield, dry matter mass, N, P, and K accumulation, soluble solids, soluble sugars, and vitamin C content (Vc) of the tomatoes. Among all the treatments, A75N25 tomatoes had the highest dry matter accumulation, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium accumulation in fruits, soluble sugar, and soluble solids content. The differences in tomato yield and nitrogen fertilizer utilization between A75N25 and A100N0 were insignificant but their values were significantly higher than those of the other treatments. A75N25 had the highest nitrogen fertilizer utilization rate, 42.1% to 82.3% higher than C, A25N75, and A50N50. Hence, an ammonium-to-nitrate nitrogen mass ratio of 75:25 optimized tomato yield and quality in a controlled environment while minimizing nutrient loss.
Healthcare Supply Chain Resilience Investment Strategy Analysis Based on Evolutionary Game
Authors: Li Chaoling , Ke Youan , Lu Lin , Xu Ke
Published: June 2024

Healthcare is considered one of the necessities for sustaining life. However, frequent emergencies raise the risk of supply chain disruption, seriously threatening people’s lives and health security. Therefore, building a resilient healthcare supply chain is an important initiative to manage the healthcare crisis effectively. Based on the secondary supply chain formed by medical supply manufacturers and retailers, this paper constructs an evolution game model of resilience investment decisions under the non-disruption and disruption symmetry scenarios of the supply chain and analyzes the stabilization strategies employed by both parties based on their asymmetry strategy choices. Subsequently, the numerical simulation is used to analyze the impact of various parameters on the evolutionary results and their evolutionary trends. The results of the study show that additional benefits from resilience investment, potential costs, disruption losses, market encroachment revenue, “free-rider” benefits, additional benefit increase coefficient, resilience investment reduction coefficient, disruption loss reduction coefficient, additional unit cost reduction coefficient, and market encroachment revenue coefficient all influence the resilience investment decisions. Finally, based on the simulation results, specific recommendations are formulated to improve the resilience of the healthcare supply chain.
Fast Prediction of Airfoil Aerodynamic Characteristics Based on a Combined Autoencoder
Authors: Wang Xu , Qian Weiqi , Zhao Tun , He Lei , Chen Hai , Sun Haisheng , Tian Yuan , Cui Jinlei
Published: June 2024

Aircraft airfoils are classified into two main categories: symmetrical and asymmetrical. Both types of airfoils have a significant impact on the flight performance and safety of the aircraft. The fast prediction of the aerodynamic coefficients and pressure distributions of airfoils is crucial for the design of aircraft. The traditional wind tunnel test and CFD methods have the disadvantages of high test cost and high time consumption. To solve these problems, a combined autoencoder (CAE) network is proposed in this paper, which can achieve the fast prediction of airfoil aerodynamic coefficients and pressure distributions. The network consists of an airfoil shape autoencoder (AE) network and a multilayer perceptron (MLP) network. Firstly, an autoencoder network reflecting the characteristics of the airfoil shape is established, and the effects of different latent variables on the performance of the autoencoder network are investigated. Then, the latent variables obtained from the autoencoder are concatenated with the inflow conditions such as the Reynolds number and the angle of attack to be used as inputs to the MLP network, and the aerodynamic coefficients of different airfoils in different inflow conditions are predicted. The effects of various latent variable inputs, as well as the direct input of the airfoil shape into the MLP network, on the prediction performance of aerodynamic coefficients are compared and analyzed. The optimal aerodynamic coefficient prediction network is then obtained. Finally, the CAE network is also applied to predict the pressure distributions of different airfoils in different inflow conditions and the effects of different latent variables and input conditions on the prediction performance of the pressure distributions are analyzed and compared with the advantages and disadvantages of the CAE network and the conditional variational autoencoder (CVAE) network. The results demonstrate that the proposed method is capable of accurately predicting aerodynamic characteristics in a shorter time, offering a valuable reference for the fast and efficient design of aircraft airfoils.
Quantitative and Compositional MRI of the Articular Cartilage: A Narrative Review
Authors: Albano Domenico , Viglino Umberto , Esposito Francesco , Rizzo Aldo , Messina Carmelo , Gitto Salvatore , Fusco Stefano , Serpi Francesca , Kamp Benedikt , Müller-Lutz Anja , D’Ambrosi Riccardo , Sconfienza Luca Maria , Sewerin Philipp
Published: June 2024

This review examines the latest advancements in compositional and quantitative cartilage MRI techniques, addressing both their potential and challenges. The integration of these advancements promises to improve disease detection, treatment monitoring, and overall patient care. We want to highlight the pivotal task of translating these techniques into widespread clinical use, the transition of cartilage MRI from technical validation to clinical application, emphasizing its critical role in identifying early signs of degenerative and inflammatory joint diseases. Recognizing these changes early may enable informed treatment decisions, thereby facilitating personalized medicine approaches. The evolving landscape of cartilage MRI underscores its increasing importance in clinical practice, offering valuable insights for patient management and therapeutic interventions. This review aims to discuss the old evidence and new insights about the evaluation of articular cartilage through MRI, with an update on the most recent literature published on novel quantitative sequences.
FLRW Transit Cosmological Model in f (R, T) Gravity
Authors: Singh Vijay , Jokweni Siwaphiwe , Beesham Aroonkumar
Published: June 2024

A Friedmann–Lemaitre–Robertson–Walker space–time model with all curvatures k=0, ±1 is explored in f(R,T) gravity, where R is the Ricci scalar, and T is the trace of the energy–momentum tensor. The solutions are obtained via the parametrization of the scale factor that leads to a model transiting from a decelerated universe to an accelerating one. The physical features of the model are discussed and analyzed in detail. The study shows that f(R,T) gravity can be a good alternative to the hypothetical candidates of dark energy to describe the present accelerating expansion of the universe.
SARS-CoV-2 Accessory Protein ORF8 Targets the Dimeric IgA Receptor pIgR
Authors: Laprise Frederique , Arduini Ariana , Duguay Mathew , Pan Qinghua , Liang Chen
Published: June 2024

SARS-CoV-2 is a highly pathogenic respiratory virus that successfully initiates and establishes its infection at the respiratory mucosa. However, little is known about how SARS-CoV-2 antagonizes the host’s mucosal immunity. Recent findings have shown a marked reduction in the expression of the polymeric Ig receptor (pIgR) in COVID-19 patients. This receptor maintains mucosal homeostasis by transporting the dimeric IgA (dIgA) and pentameric IgM (pIgM) across mucosal epithelial cells to neutralize the invading respiratory pathogens. By studying the interaction between pIgR and SARS-CoV-2 proteins, we discovered that the viral accessory protein Open Reading Frame 8 (ORF8) potently downregulates pIgR expression and that this downregulation activity of ORF8 correlates with its ability to interact with pIgR. Importantly, the ORF8-mediated downregulation of pIgR diminishes the binding of dIgA or pIgM, and the ORF8 proteins of the variants of concern of SARS-CoV-2 preserve the function of downregulating pIgR, indicating the importance of this conserved activity of ORF8 in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. We further observed that the secreted ORF8 binds to cell surface pIgR, but that this interaction does not trigger the cellular internalization of ORF8, which requires the binding of dIgA to pIgR. These findings suggest the role of ORF8 in SARS-CoV-2 mucosal immune evasion.
Efeito de diferentes doses de gesso agrícola na produção de Brachiaria decumbens e na porosidade do solo
Authors: Tavares Samuel , Couto Paiva Julia
Published: June 2024

A pecuária é uma atividade de grande importância para o Brasil e também o estado do Mato Grosso. Contudo, grande percentual de suas pastagens está localizada em solos com sérias limitações químicas, como por exemplo baixa fertilidade e elevados teores de alumínio. Assim, o gesso agrícola em tais áreas pode ser uma alternativa para melhorar os atributos químicos do solo. Dessa forma, a presente pesquisa teve como objetivo comparar o efeito de diferentes doses de gesso agrícola na produtividade de Urochloa decumbens e na porosidade do solo. O experimento foi conduzido no setor de produção do campo experimental do Instituto Federal de Mato Grosso, campus Confresa, no período de agosto de 2022 a julho de 2023. Foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado (DIC), com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos pelas dosagens de 0 t.ha-1; 0,73 t.ha-1; 1,46 t.ha-1; 2,92 t.ha-1. A coleta do experimento foi feita aos 75 e 108 dias após plantio (DAS). Os parâmetros analisados foram matéria fresca, matéria seca, e porosidade. O único parâmetro para o qual resultou diferença significativa entre os tratamentos foi a massa seca na primeira colheita. Nesse caso, foi observado que os tratamentos controle e com 0,73 t.ha-1 de gesso não diferiram entre sim, e foram significativamente superiores aos demais tratamentos, pelo teste Tukey a 5% de significância.
Predictive factors reducing the effectiveness of the rehabilitation process in patients with congenital orofacial clefts combined with malformations in other organs and systems
Authors: Rogozhina Yu. S. , Blokhina S. I. , Bimbas E. S.
Published: June 2024

Relevance. The successful completion of the rehabilitation process for patients with complex congenital defects, specifically those with a combination of orofacial clefts (OFC) and malformations in other organs and systems, presents a significant challenge. This challenge is pertinent not only to medical practice but also to the socio-psychological development of the child.

Objective. To identify predictive factors that diminish the success of the rehabilitation process in patients with congenital OFC combined with malformations in other organs and systems by systematising and addressing these factors at various stages of specialised care.

Materials and methods. An analysis of medical records was conducted for 2,475 patients with congenital orofacial clefts (OFC) over a 24-year period (1998-2022) who were under dispensary observation at the "Bonum" Center in Yekaterinburg. Among these patients, 823 (33.25%) had OFC combined with malformations in other organs and systems. A comprehensive study was conducted among these 823 individuals within the framework of dynamic observation and treatment, focusing on patients who had reached 18 years of age and were subsequently removed from dispensary observation. The study included an examination of staged treatment and discharge summaries, alongside the clinical characteristics of the restored midface area following surgical correction of OFC amidst correction for concomitant congenital malformations.

Results. Among the 823 individuals surveyed, a retrospective study registered 591 (71.81%) who had completed the main stages of comprehensive specialised care amidst concomitant malformations, while the remaining 232 (28.19%) continue to receive combined rehabilitation. Within the 591 patients, a subgroup of 123 (20.81%) individuals who had reached 18 years of age, completed the full cycle of medical-social rehabilitation at the "Bonum" Center, and were removed from dispensary observation due to age, was selected and studied in detail. Questionnaires, parent interviews, and analysis of the results obtained were conducted. The study identified predictive factors reducing the effectiveness of the rehabilitation process in patients with congenital orofacial clefts (OFC) combined with malformations in other organs and systems.

Conclusion. The multifaceted study conducted has facilitated the identification and systematisation of predictive factors that reduce the success of the rehabilitation process. Consequently, this enables the enhancement of comprehensive specialised treatment outcomes for this category of patients.
Characteristics of rehabilitation for patients with severe asymmetric jaw deformities resulting from temporomandibular joint pathology
Authors: Zangieva O. T. , Fedotov R. N. , Shtempel M. S. , Shomin E. A. , Topolnitsky O. Z. , Epifanov S. A.
Published: June 2024

Relevance. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pathology, along with the resultant facial asymmetry, is a common condition within maxillofacial disorders. Addressing the rehabilitation of these patients within specialised medico-social care is a crucial and challenging task.

Purpose. To develop a comprehensive rehabilitation protocol for patients with severe asymmetric jaw deformities caused by TMJ pathology.

Materials and methods. From 2018 to 2023, ten patients with defects and deformities of the TMJ condylar process, presenting with severe asymmetric jaw deformities, were treated. An assessment of subjective and objective facial aesthetic parameters was conducted based on photographic protocols, as well as 2D and 3D cephalometric facial measurements. Comprehensive preparation for orthognathic surgery with simultaneous endoprosthesis replacement was performed based on the collected data. A regimen of postoperative therapeutic procedures was prescribed following the surgery.

Results. All patients achieved the intended statistically significant outcomes: in the sagittal plane, an improvement in facial profile was noted based on the position of the chin (Pog) relative to the true vertical line passing through the subnasale point. In the frontal plane, alignment of the occlusal plane and normalization of the central line of the upper and lower incisors relative to the midline of the face were observed.

Conclusion. The algorithm for the comprehensive preparation of patients with asymmetric jaw deformities, developed during growth, prior to performing orthognathic surgery with simultaneous TMJ endoprosthesis replacement should include: orthodontic treatment aimed at aligning teeth position and dental arches, eliminating rotations and pathological inclinations of teeth using a bracket system, fully restoring interocclusal height with temporary implant-supported structures, using occlusal splints and temporary composite restorations, as well as employing separating orthodontic plates. These stages enabled the achievement of good aesthetic results and improved patients' quality of life.
Experiências limiares em L'Analphabète, de Agota Kristof
Authors: Fanganiello Fabiana
Published: June 2024

Na autobiografia L’Analphabète, Agota Kristof revisita alguns períodos na sua vida, marcados por uma experiência de escrita das mais surpreendentes: a autora, de origem húngara, abandonou o idioma materno para escrever em francês, língua da região onde se exiliou, na Suíça. À parte esta diáspora linguística, a autora retratou nesse curto texto as fases mais fundamentais de um percurso artístico marcado pelo princípio da negação: ela é a estrangeira, a exilada, a escritora tornada, de repente, analfabeta, buscando, através da aprendizagem da uma língua, com qual nunca travou contato, a recuperação da sua escrita e da sua própria identidade cindida. Esses períodos, analisados à luz do conceito de limiar, de Walter Benjamin, conforme o explicam Jeanne-Marie Gagnebin e João Barrento, e tendo como fio condutor a sua relação com a leitura e com a escrita, podem oferecer-nos uma leitura vigorosa da obra, no sentido de recuperar a importância dos ritos de passagem num contexto de guerra, exílio e exclusão social.
Rûhun Aslî Sûretine Dönüş Yolculuğu “Seyr u Sülûk”: Rûzbihân-ı Baklî’nin (ö. 606/1209) “Meşrebü’l-Ervâh” Adli Eseri Bağlamında
Authors: Çelik İsa , Urhan Adem
Published: June 2024

Bu makale, sâlikin ruhunu sâfiyete ulaştırma yolunda geçtiği bazı merhalelerini konu edinmektedir. Rûhî bir tecrübe elde etme arayışı içerisinde olan sûfîler, Hak Teâlâ’nın sevgisine mazhâr olmak ve O’nun (c.c.) birliğine ulaşmak için rûhu sâfiyete kavuşturmayı amaç edinmişlerdir. Öyle ki onlar, bu gayeleri doğrultusunda “seyr u sülûk” adında bir mânevî eğitim modeli benimsemişler ve bu minvâlde çeşitli yöntemler ve pratikler kullanmışlardır. Rûhun aslî sûretine dönüştürme hususunda kendine özgü bir yöntem belirleyen sûfîlerden birisi de Rûzbihân-ı Baklî’dir. Nitekim Rûzbihân-ı Baklî, Milâdî XI. asrın başları ile XII. asrın ortalarında İran sınırları içerisinde yer alan Fesâ’da dünyaya gelmiş ve hayatının büyük bir kısmını Şîraz’da geçirmiş Deylem kabilesine mensup bir sûfîdir.
Çalışmamız, Rûzbihân-ı Baklî’nin Meşrebü'l-ervâh adlı eserinde rûhun aslî sûretine dönmek için yapmış olduğu yolcululuk serüvenini ve bu yolculuk esnasında elde ettiği makamları ayrıntıya girmeden onun görüşleri çerçevesinde aktarmayı ve seyr u sülûk’a dâir yöntem geliştirip-geliştirmediğini ortaya koymayı hedeflemektedir. Bu makale, hakkında çok az çalışma yapılan Rûzbihân-ı Baklî’nin mezkûr hususta naklettiği düşüncelerinin analitik bir değerlendirilme yapılarak aktarılması açısından önem arz etmektedir.
Makalede, Rûzbihân-ı Baklî’nin Meşrebü'l-ervâh adlı eserinde zikrettiği mertebelerin bazıları kendisinden önceki mutasavvıfların görüşleri de dikkate alınarak ele alınmış ve bunlarda kendine özgü bir düşünce sergileyip sergileyemediği ortaya konulmaya çalışılmıştır. Araştırmanın sonucunda Rûzbihân-ı Baklî’nin mezkûr hususta tasavvuf terminolojisi açısından yeni bir paradigma geliştirdiği tespit edilmiştir.
Gastronomi Rotalarının Belirlenmesinde Turist Rehberlerinin Bilgi Düzeyleri ve Önerileri Üzerine Bir Araştırma
Authors: Ürekli Havva , Çelik Sabri
Published: June 2024

Amaç ve Önem: Araştırmada turistlere tur programı boyunca eşlik eden, bir bölgenin tarihi, kültürü, gelenek ve görenekleri ile yemek kültürü hakkında bilgi veren ve yol gösteren turist rehberlerinin gastronomi rotalarının belirlenmesindeki önerilerini ve bilgi düzeylerini değerlendirmek amaçlanmaktadır. Bu çalışma, turist rehberlerinin gastronomi rotalarının belirlenmesindeki görüşlerini inceleyen ilk kapsamlı araştırma olması açısından önemlidir.

Yöntem: Araştırmada nicel araştırma yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Veri toplama tekniği olarak anket tercih edilmiştir. Araştırmanın evrenini İstanbul Rehberler Odası’na (İRO) kayıtlı turist rehberleri oluşturmaktadır ve basit tesadüfi örneklem yöntemi kullanılarak turist rehberlerine anket soruları elektronik posta ve sosyal medya grupları üzerinden çevrimiçi anket olarak gönderilmiştir.

Bulgular: Çalışmanın sonucunda gastronomi rotalarının belirlenmesi sürecinde turist rehberlerinin önemli bir rolü olduğu, genel bilgi düzeylerinin yüksek olduğu, bu doğrultuda tur rotası belirlenmesi aşamasında turist rehberlerinin görüşlerinin alınması ve rehberlerle iş birliği içinde olunması, turist rehberlerinin deneyimlerinden, fikirlerinden ve görüşlerinden yararlanılması konularının önemli olduğu ortaya çıkmıştır.

Özgünlük/Bilimsel Katkı: Çalışma, tur programı boyunca gruba eşlik eden turist rehberlerinin gastronomi rotalarının belirlenmesi konusunda görüşlerinin değerlendirilmesi açısından özgün bir çalışmadır. Çalışmanın gastronomi turlarına çıkan turist rehberlerine ve seyahat acentelerine fikir sağlayabileceği ve gastronomi turizmi literatürüne katkı sağlayacağı düşünülmektedir.

Sınırlılıklar: Bu çalışma İRO’ya kayıtlı eylemli turist rehberleri ile sınırlandırılmıştır. Eylemsiz rehberler araştırmaya dahil edilmemiştir.
Literature Study on the Development of Neural Networks For Weather Forecasting
Authors: Amir Fail , Utami Ema , Hanafi Hanafi
Published: June 2024

Weather prediction has always been crucial for individuals to make informed decisions and protect themselves from potential hazards. Achieving accurate weather forecasts has historically been a significant challenge. Modern weather forecasting has evolved to integrate sophisticated computer models, data from atmospheric balloons and satellites, and insights from local observations. These methods have resulted in fairly precise predictions. Most forecasting models depend on complex mathematical formulas, but Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) offer a dynamic alternative, adapting their structure based on incoming data. This research aimed to thoroughly evaluate the effectiveness of ANNs in weather prediction. It explored the advantages of ANNs over traditional models, reviewed a range of methodologies, and documented the latest advancements in the field. The ultimate goal was to consolidate research findings to highlight the strides made in enhancing weather forecasting through ANNs.
Harnessing the Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Kangari Parisa , Salahlou Reza , Vandghanooni Somayeh
Published: June 2024

Cancer, as a complicated disease, is considered to be one of the major leading causes of death globally. Although various cancer therapeutic strategies have been established, however, some issues confine the efficacies of the treatments. In recent decades researchers for finding efficient therapeutic solutions have extensively focused on the abilities of stem cells in cancer inhibition. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stromal cells that can the most widely extracted from various sources such as the bone marrow (BM), placenta, umbilical cord (UC), menses blood, Wharton’s jelly (WJ), adipose tissue and dental pulp (DP). These cells are capable of differentiating into the osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes. Due to the unique characteristics of MSCs such as paracrine effects, immunomodulation, tumor-tropism, and migration, they are considered promising candidates for cancer therapeutics. Currently, MSCs are an excellent living carrier for delivery of therapeutic genes and chemical agents to target tumor sites. Also, exosomes, the most important extracellular vesicle released from MSCs, act as a strong cell-free tool for cancer therapeutics. MSCs can prevent cancer progression by inhibiting several signaling pathways, such as wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/AKT/mTOR. However, there are several challenges associated with the use of MSCs and their exosomes in the field of therapy that need to be considered. This review explores the significance of MSCs in cell-based therapy, focusing on their homing properties and immunomodulatory characteristics. It also examines the potential of using MSCs as carriers for delivery of anticancer agents and their role in modulating the signal transduction pathways of cancer cells.
An update on a technical method of cartilage decellularization: (a physical-based protocol)
Authors: Dortaj Hengameh , Vaez Ahmad , Hassanpour-Dehnavie Ashraf , Alizadeh Ali Akbar
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Despite advances in orthopedic surgery, the lack of effective conventional treatment for cartilage defects has led to research in cartilage tissue engineering. One of the interesting topics is the use of decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) as a suitable natural scaffold that supports the growth and function of cells cultured in it. A concern with decellularization protocols, especially those with high detergent concentrations, is the disruption of native ECM, which has deleterious effects on subsequent scaffold recellularization. Therefore, this study focused on optimizing cartilage decellularization by physical methods without the use of ionic detergents. Methods: The bovine tracheal cartilage fragments were decellularized by a combination of 8 cycles of freeze-thaw and ultrasound techniques. Then, the tissues were immersed and shaken in 0.25% trypsin for 24 hours. Efficient cell removal and preservation of ECM were confirmed by histological and cytocompatibility assessments. The in-vivo studies were performed to evaluate the biocompatibility and bioactivity of the scaffold. Results: The histological assessments indicated the appropriate cytocompatibility and the fibroblast cell culture study demonstrated that cells were able to proliferate and migrate on the decellularized cartilage. In-vivo evaluation also showed a reduced adverse immune response, including leukocyte infiltration into the ECM. Conclusions: These results suggest that a cartilage scaffold created using a physical decellularization protocol that efficiently removes cells while preserving the native ECM can be a suitable scaffold for cartilage reconstruction. The main advantage of this protocol is the absence of potentially toxic chemicals in the tissues.
Oil-in-water nanoemulsions for glaucoma treatment: An insight into the latest trends
Authors: Kishore Ankita , Mahor Alok Kumar , Singh Niraj Kumar , Singh Prem Prakash , Rathore Priyanka , Bansal Kuldeep Kumar
Published: June 2024

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease characterized by elevated intraocular pressure, which can ultimately lead to blindness, making it the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, following cataracts. The condition is associated with various risk factors and primarily affects the optic nerve. To treat glaucoma, a range of approaches, both traditional and innovative, have been employed. Recently, there has been a significant focus on nanoemulsions as a promising avenue for treatment. This review underscores the advantages of using oil-in-water nanoemulsions for ocular drug delivery, showcasing their superiority in terms of enhanced bioavailability and stability compared with other dispersion systems. This review also delves into the limitations inherent in traditional drug formulations, elucidates the mechanisms governing drug release, explores the pivotal role of surfactants, and examines the landscape of granted patents in this domain. By addressing these critical aspects, the review offers invaluable insights into the treatment of glaucoma, shedding light on innovative approaches that hold great promise in the fight against this debilitating eye condition. During our search, it was noticed that despite the existence of commendable research in the field of ocular nanoemulsions, particularly in the context of glaucoma along with granted patents, the commercialized nanoemulsion formulations for glaucoma is not yet exist.