bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designer Phospholipid Capping Ligands for Soft Metal Halide Nanocrystals
Authors: Morad Viktoriia , Stelmakh Andriy , Svyrydenko Mariia , Feld Leon G. , Boehme Simon C. , Aebli Marcel , Affolter Joel , Kaul Christoph J. , Schrenker Nadine J. , Bals Sara , Sahin Yesim , Dirin Dmitry N. , Cherniukh Ihor , Raino Gabriele , Baumketner Andrij , Kovalenko Maksym V.
Published: November 2023

The success of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) in science and optoelectronics is inextricable from their surfaces. The functionalization of lead halide perovskite (LHP) NCs1-5 poses a formidable challenge due to their structural lability, unlike the well-established covalent ligand-capping of conventional semiconductor NCs6,7. We posited that the vast and facile molecular engineering of phospholipids as zwitterionic surfactants can deliver highly customized surface chemistries for metal halide NCs. Molecular dynamics simulations inferred that ligand-NC surface affinity is primarily governed by the structure of the zwitterionic headgroup, particularly by the geometric fitness of the anionic and cationic moieties into the surface lattice sites, as corroborated by the NMR and FTIR data. Lattice-matched primary-ammonium phospholipids enhance the structural and colloidal integrity of hybrid organic-inorganic LHPs (FAPbBr3 and MAPbBr3, FA-formamidinium; MA-methylammonium) and lead-free metal halide NCs. The molecular structure of the organic ligand tail governs the long-term colloidal stability and compatibility with solvents of diverse polarity, from hydrocarbons to acetone and alcohols. These NCs exhibit photoluminescence quantum yield (PL QY) above 96% in solution and solids and minimal PL intermittency at the single particle level with an average ON fraction as high as 94%, as well as bright and high-purity (ca. 95%) single-photon emission.
Stochastic Methods in Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Galić Radoslav , Čajić Elvir , Stojanovic Zvezdan , Galić Dario
Published: November 2023

This paper explores the applications of stochastic methods in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on their contribution to optimization, learning, and decision-making. By employing stochastic models, we enable AI to effectively handle uncertainty, unpredictability, and data variation. We analyze how stochastic processes can improve the convergence of algorithms in training deep neural networks and optimizing parameters. Additionally, we investigate the applications of stochastic simulations in assessing the performance of machine learning algorithms in real-world conditions.
Through this study, we highlight the key advantages and challenges of stochastic methods in the field of artificial intelligence. Furthermore, we explore how stochastic methods allow artificial intelligence models to better adapt to changing circumstances and unpredictable situations, thereby increasing their robustness and applicability in the real world. We analyze the impact of stochastic elements on decision-making processes, examining how these properties contribute to the adaptability of systems in dynamic environments.
By reviewing relevant studies and experiments, this research provides insight into how stochastic methods contribute to the evolution of artificial intelligence, opening new perspectives for understanding and improving the performance of models in real-world scenarios. This paper contributes to a broader understanding of the role of stochastic processes in the field of artificial intelligence, emphasizing the potential for further development and applications in various domains
High-Performance Fine Defect Detection in Artificial Leather Using Dual Feature Pool Object Detection
Authors: Huang Lin , Li Weisheng , Shen Linlin , Xiao Xue , Xiao Suihan
Published: November 2023

In this study, the structural problems of the YOLOv5 model were analyzed emphatically. Based on the characteristics of fine defects in artificial leather, four innovative structures, namely DFP, IFF, AMP, and EOS, were designed. These advancements led to the proposal of a high-performance artificial leather fine defect detection model named YOLOD. YOLOD demonstrated outstanding performance on the artificial leather defect dataset, achieving an impressive increase of 11.7% - 13.5% in AP50 compared to YOLOv5, along with a significant reduction of 5.2% - 7.2% in the error detection rate. Moreover, YOLOD also exhibited remarkable performance on the general MS-COCO dataset, with an increase of 0.4% - 2.6% in AP compared to YOLOv5, and a rise of 2.5% - 4.1% in APS compared to YOLOv5. These results demonstrate the superiority of YOLOD in both artificial leather defect detection and general object detection tasks, making it a highly efficient and effective model for real-world applications.
Exploring The Role of Thigh Muscle Coordination with Biarticular Muscles for Stable Running
Authors: Asai Hidaka , Noda Tomoyuki , Morimoto Jun
Published: November 2023

Legged animals including humans appear to efficiently exploit their elastic muscle coordination to achieve stable locomotion. Previous studies have shown that the elasticity of the leg realizes stable locomotion through the simple models comprising a mass and spring, and explained the stability of fundamental dynamics in human locomotion successfully. However, these models are excessively simple for interpreting the role of muscle coordination and implement on real systems. Thus, this study developed an analytical legged model to determine the role of muscle coordination in stabilizing biped running. In particular, we investigated the manner in which the thigh biarticular elastic mechanical elements aid in the stabilization of the torso pitch angle. We propose the torso-thigh muscle coordination (T-Tmc) model. The T-Tmc model was composed of the torso and three-pair of six-muscle structure in the thigh. We empirically showed that the T-Tmc model has the self-stability and generate a stable running without online input design. Further, the stable parameter region of the proposed model was investigated through numerical simulations and we found that the stable regions appear by setting the parameters appropriately. The T-Tmc model suggests how each muscle is coordinated in human locomotion.
Analysis of Horizontal Gas-liquid Intermittent Flow Sub-Regimes Transitions: Physical Mechanisms and Flow Maps
Authors: Arabi Abderraouf , salhi Yacine , Zenati Youcef , Si-Ahmed El-Khider , Legrand Jack
Published: November 2023

These recent years, several experimental investigations were carried out on horizontal gas-liquid two-phase flow by considering the sub-regimes which are plug, Less Aerated Slug (LAS) and Highly Aerated Slug (HAS) flows. These sub-regimes classification is based on the shape of the elongated bubble/liquid slug interface as well as the aeration within liquid slugs. In this work, an extensive experimental visualization was performed using air-water mixture in a 30 mm ID horizontal pipe. The study has covered a total of 189 operating conditions. It was reported, for the first time, that each sub-regime had a specific mechanism for aeration of the liquid slug flow. the presence of gas bubbles within liquid slugs, in the case of plug flow, is due to the interfacial shear induced waves mechanism. The transitions to LAS and HAS flows are accompanied by the appearance of the shearing-off and scooping of the bubbles present in the liquid film into liquid slug mechanisms, respectively. In addition, the reported flow transition lines, as well those existing in the literature, were analyzed using different existing coordinate systems. This analysis allowed finding that the X-T system is the most suitable one for predicting the three flow sub-regimes.
Factors Influencing Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices Adoption and Crop Productivity among Smallholder Farmers in Nyimba District, Zambia
Authors: Chavula Petros , Shepande Chizumba , Feyissa Samuel , Sileshi Million
Published: November 2023

Background
The environmental, economic, and social implications of climate change are anticipated to have a significant impact on smallholder farmers, whose way of life is heavily reliant on the environment. This study evaluates factors influencing the adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices and crop productivity among smallholder farmers in Nyimba District, Zambia. Data was collected from 194 smallholder farmers' households from June to July 2022 in twelve villages placed in four agricultural camps of Nyimba District. Four focus group discussions were also conducted to supplement data collected from the household interviews. A logistic regression model was used in this study to assess the determinants of crop production and the adoption of climate-smart agriculture in response to changes in climate and climate variations. Propensity score matching was also performed to assess the impacts of climate-smart agriculture adoption among adopters and non-adopter farming households' crop yields in the study area.
Results
Results from the study logit regression model indicate that the smallholder farmer’s level of education, household size, fertilizer usage, age of household head, gender, farming experience, livestock ownership, annual income, farm size, marital status of household head, and access to climate information, all affect smallholder farmers’ household’s climate-smart agriculture practices adoption and crop productivity. The study propensity scores matching analysis found that crop yield for smallholder farmers’ climate-smart agricultural practices adopters was 20.20% higher than for non-adopters. The analysis also found that implementing climate-smart agriculture practices in the study area increases maize yield for smallholder farmers adopters by 21.50% higher than non-adopters.
Conclusion
This study provides direction for policymakers to strengthen farmers' adaptation strategies to climate change and guide policies through the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices. However, these practices and efforts are capable of lessening the adverse effects of changes in climate and improving agriculture production.
Rolle von CD90- und CD34-positiven Zellen in Hepatoblastom- Tumorzelllinien
Authors:   , Volante Giulietta
Published: November 2023

Die Krebsstammzellforschung gelangte in den letzten Jahren vermehrt in den Fokus der Tumorforschung. Im Tumor bilden Krebsstammzellen eine kleine Population an Zellen mit Stammzelleigenschaften, wodurch sie eine große Rolle bei der Entstehung von Rezidiven, Metastasen, sowie der Entwicklung von Chemotherapieresistenzen spielen. Um eine gezielte Bekämpfung von Krebsstammzellen zu ermöglichen, müssen diese im Tumor zunächst zuverlässig durch Krebsstammzellmarker detektiert werden können. Gerade bei soliden pädiatrischen Tumoren, wie dem Hepatoblastom, ergeben sich hierbei Schwierigkeiten dadurch, dass im sehr heterogenen Tumorgewebe viele Zellen aufgrund der embryonalen Natur des Tumors bereits Stammzellmarker exprimieren, ohne dass es sich bei diesen Zellen um Krebsstammzellen handelt. Das Hepatoblastom ist mit 2/3 der Lebertumore des Kindes die häufigste maligne Leberneoplasie im Kindesalter. Auch wenn es bereits Hinweise auf das Vorliegen von Krebsstammzellen im Hepatoblastom gibt, so konnten diese bisher nicht genauer durch fest definierte Krebsstammzellmarker identifiziert werden. Um dies zu erreichen, wurden in dieser Arbeit die beiden Hepatoblastomzelllinien HuH6 und HepG2 auf die Expression der bereits bekannten Krebsstammzellmarker CD90, CD34 und CXCR4 überprüft. Zusätzlich wurde auf eine Bindung des „oval cell“ Antikörpers, OV-6, untersucht. Mittels Durchflusszytometrie-Analysen konnte eine Zellpopulation gefunden werden, welche die Oberflächenmarker CD34 und CD90 koexprimiert und gleichzeitig den OV-6 Antikörper bindet. Im nächsten Schritt wurden die Zellen auf einige Krebsstammzelleigenschaften überprüft. Zur weiteren Untersuchung dieser Subpopulation erfolgte mittels MACS (magnetic activated cell sorting) eine Anreicherung der CD90 exprimierenden Zellen. Diese wurde mittels qPCR auf die Expression der Pluripotenzmarker Oct4 und Nanog, sowie der Zytidindeaminase AID untersucht. Es konnte eine signifikant erhöhte Expression von AID und Oct4 detektiert werden. Im Gegensatz hierzu zeigte sich die Expression von EpCAM, c-myc und Albumin, welche als Kontrollgene untersucht wurden, nicht signifikant erhöht. Um auf das Metastasierungspotential der CD90 angereicherten Zellen rückzuschließen, wurde ein Migrationsassay mit angereicherten und depletierten Zellen durchgeführt. Hier wiesen die CD90 angereicherten Zellen, im Vergleich zu den depletierten Zellen eine erhöhte Migration auf. Im Tumorsphäroid-Assay war die HepG2 Zelllinie in der Lage Tumor-61 -sphäroide auszubilden. Nach der Passagierung zeigten diese eine erhöhte Expression der Krebsstammzellmarker CD90 und CD34, sowie der Pluripotenzmarker Oct4 und Nanog. Zusammengefasst kann mit den Krebsstammzellmarkern CD90, CD34 und OV-6 eine Subpopulation im Hepatoblastom identifiziert werden, die nach unseren Analysen Krebsstammzelleigenschaften aufweisen. Mithilfe dieses Markersets können nun neue Therapieansätze auf ihre Effektivität, Krebsstammzellen gezielt zu eliminieren, getestet werden.
1stWeEat! The story of a food gardening intervention in Makhanda’s ECD centres
Authors: Olvitt Lausanne , Green Nicola , Ntlabezo Sisesakhe
Published: November 2023

To be updated
ОТ ДИФФЕРЕНЦИАЛЬНОЙ ДИАГНОСТИКИ БОЛИ В ГОРЛЕ К ДИФФЕРЕНЦИРОВАННОМУ ЛЕЧЕНИЮ
Authors: Article Editorial
Published: November 2023

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Tecnologias e formação inicial docente: O papel do professor formador na construção do pensamento crítico e da cidadania digital
Authors: Custódio Nathália Meloni , Rodrigues Alessandra
Published: November 2023

Este artigo analisa, pela perspectiva de professores formadores de cursos de licenciatura, o uso e a integração de Tecnologias Digitais de Informação e Comunicação (TDIC) em práticas curriculares de Educação em Ciências no que diz respeito: i) à contribuição desses recursos para a aprendizagem e a formação de professores críticos e reflexivos; ii) ao papel do docente na construção do pensamento crítico e da cidadania no mundo digital. Trata-se de estudo de cunho qualitativo que tem por base dados coletados por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas com nove professores formadores de uma universidade federal do sul de Minas Gerais. Os dados foram analisados a partir de temas emergentes das falas dos participantes. Os resultados indicam que a maioria dos entrevistados entende as TDIC como “ferramentas” a serviço do currículo e da aprendizagem, bem como destacam o papel motivador das TDIC. Entretanto, a visão geral dos professores formadores desconsidera essas tecnologias como bens culturais que interferem diretamente nos processos de ensinar e aprender na cultura digital. O conceito de “cidadania digital” é compreendido em direta articulação com a noção mais ampla de cidadania. Essa, trazida como elemento importante da formação inicial de professores pela maioria dos entrevistados.
Bio-polymer-reinforced nanocomposites for water and wastewater treatment: applications and future prospects
Authors: Naga Jyothi M. S. V. , Amesh P. , Maliyekkal Shihabudheen M.
Published: November 2023

Providing clean water to every citizen is a mammoth task due to the increasing pollution and the shrinking and non-uniform distribution of freshwater reserves. It is affecting and threatening environmental well-being and economic growth. The treatment of water and wastewater is essential, along with other measures, to achieve desired water quality. Nanoscale materials-enabled water and wastewater treatment are attractive due to their enhanced ability to scavenge or degrade pollutants. However, the development of practical and sustainable nanomaterials plays a crucial role in the success of the process. Biopolymer-reinforced nanocomposites (BPNC) are gaining interest as practical adsorbents and catalysts for water and wastewater treatment due to their versatility, the ability to contain a wide range of nanomaterials, abundant availability, eco-friendliness, and low cost. BPNCs can be tailored into various forms, including granules with different shapes and sizes, hydrogels, membranes, and coated substrates. Grafting or immobilization of bio-polymer onto nanomaterials prevents aggregation and shapes functionality, selectivity, physical stability, and controlled pore size. This chapter briefly reviews various BPNCs reported for removing contaminants in water and wastewater. The synthesis protocols, challenges, and the associated prospects of BPNCs in the field application are discussed.
Carbon-based filters for water and wastewater treatment
Authors: Vajitha G. , Madan K. P. , Tewari C. , Sahoo N. G. , Maliyekkal Shihabudheen M.
Published: November 2023

Carbon is a unique and exciting material with extensive use in various fields of science and engineering. Purification of water and wastewater is one of the earliest applications of carbon, which has now become an integral part of most household- and community-based water treatment units. Abundant availability, low cost and toxicity, high chemical inertness and thermal stability, and high surface area and pore volume make carbon and its derivatives ideal for water and wastewater treatment. Carbon has been used to remove excess chlorine, disinfection by-products and their precursors, taste and odour compounds, synthetic organic chemicals, heavy metals, and salts from water. Many bulk and nanoscale carbon modifications have been developed, expecting improved properties and enhanced water-purifying ability. This chapter reviews the evolution and application of carbon-based materials in water and wastewater treatment. The synthesis, removal mechanism, and factors affecting purification by carbon filters are discussed. The challenges and future prospects of carbon-based filtration technology are discussed briefly.
Urban water infrastructure: distribution and collection
Authors: Narasimhan Sridhar Kumar , Narasimhan Shankar , Dilly Timo C. , Bakhshipour Amin , Dittmer Ulrich , Bhallamudi S. Murty
Published: November 2023

Significant urbanization has occurred in the last few decades, especially in the Global South. The provision of sustainable water infrastructure is crucial for making these urban areas liveable, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable. Planning, designing, and operating water infrastructure is highly challenging because of the unpredictability of the growth of urban agglomerations, dwindling water resources, competing needs, transforming governance structures, limited finances, and the impact of climate change. This chapter focuses on issues involved in the planning and operation of water distribution and wastewater and stormwater collection systems in rapidly growing cities, especially in the Global South.
Virtual water and policy implications
Authors: Ragasri S. , Pradeep Thalappil
Published: November 2023

Management of water resources is vital for sustainable development. However, management of water resources can be wholesome only if the aspect of virtual water is also addressed. Virtual water is the water that is required for the production of commodities. With the rise in global trade volume, there is an increase in virtual water exchange. Therefore, water is indirectly becoming a traded commodity. Initially, it was predicted that global market forces would direct the virtual water flows from relatively wet to relatively dry regions. However, currently, water-poor countries like India are becoming the major net virtual water exporters and water-rich counties like the UK are becoming net virtual water importers. It has become important to find management methods for virtual water for water-stressed countries. Policy interventions can play a key role in such management. This chapter aims to address the concept of virtual water and presents the role of policy intervention in virtual water management. Case studies of countries with successful management of virtual water are presented and evaluated critically. Lastly, recommendations for efficient virtual water management will be presented for the Indian scenario.
Exploring the Cell Wall and Secretory Proteins of Mycobacterium leprae
as Biomarkers
Authors: Singh Sakshi , Sharma Devesh , Gautam Sakshi , Arora Mamta , Bisht Deepa
Published: November 2023

The bacterial cell wall is composed of a wide variety of intricate proteins in addition to
lipids, glycolipids, and polymers. Given the diversity of cell wall proteins among bacterial species,
they are a feasible target for biomarker identification and characterization in clinical research
and diagnosis of the disease. The slow growth rate of Mycobacterium leprae poses a major hurdle
in the accurate diagnosis of leprosy before the onset of peripheral neuropathy. The use of biomarker-
based diagnostic methods can help in preventing the spread and manifestation of leprosy. Despite
many advances in research methods and techniques, there remains a knowledge gap regarding
the cell wall proteomes of M. leprae that can be used as biomarkers. The cell wall and secretory
proteins of M. leprae are the major focus of this review article. This article enfolds the characteristics
and functions of M. leprae cell wall proteins and gives an insight into those cell wall proteins
that are yet to be established as biomarkers. Tools and techniques used in cell wall extraction
and biomarker identification can also be explored in this article.
Integrated Network Pharmacology and In-silico Approaches to Decipher the Pharmacological Mechanism of Dioscorea septemloba Thunb in Treating Gout and Its Complications
Authors: Liu Wen-Bin , Dai Jie , Chen Xuan , Du Ning , Hu Jian
Published: November 2023

Background:

Dioscorea septemloba Thunb. (DST) has demonstrated therapeutic potential
in the treatment of gout and its associated complications. However, the underlying mechanisms
of DST’s pharmacological activity remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the
pharmacological substances and network regulatory mechanisms of DST in treating gout and its
complications using network pharmacology.

Methods:

According to ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid
quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS) data and Lipinski’s
rule of five, 24 bioactive phytochemicals from DST were identified. The targets of gout were retrieved
from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), GeneCards, and DisGeNET databases, followed
by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG pathway)
enrichment analysis. The Cytoscape network analysis was used to identify the primary
pathological pathways and key targets. Finally, LeDock was used for molecular docking to verify
the active components of DST and their core target proteins.

Results:

DST contains several core active ingredients, such as tetrahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-
2,5-dione, diosgenin, beta-sitosterol, dioscorol B, montroumarin and 9,10-dihydro-5,7-
dimethoxy-3,4-phenanthrenediol. Moreover, these active components were found to strongly
bind to the key targets for treating gout and its complications, including HSP90AA1, STAT3,
PTGS2, PPARG, MTOR, HIF1A, MMP9, ESR1, and TLR4. As a result, DST alleviates gout
and its complications by inhibiting xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) to reduce uric acid levels and
regulating the HIF-1α, EZH2/STAT3, and COX-2/PPAR-γ pathways to reduce inflammation.
Additionally, it also plays an analgesic role by regulating the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction
pathway and calcium ion signaling pathway.

Conclusion:

This study has provided insights into the underlying mechanisms of DST in the
treatment of gout and its complications, which could serve as a scientific foundation for its clinical
translation.
The Therapeutic Mechanisms of Shenyan Oral Liquid I Against Chronic Kidney Disease Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation
Authors: Cheng Xudong , Liang Guoqiang , Liu Min , Song Rujun , Zhou Lan , Ren Yan , Huang Yuyu , Jin Weimin , Jiang Chunbo
Published: November 2023

Background:

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) leads to structural and functional abnormalities
of the kidneys and seriously jeopardizes human health. Shenyan Oral Liquid (SOLI),
a Chinese medicinal preparation, has been reported to protect podocytes in patients with chronic
kidney disease (CKD).

Objective:

The objective of this study is to investigate the mechanism of action of the Chinese
medicinal preparation Senyan Oral Liquid (SOLI) in the treatment of CKD by protecting podocytes
through network pharmacology technology and experimental validation.

Methods:

Compounds of SOLI and targets of CKD disease were collected and screened. The
SOLI network of bioactive compounds targeting CKD and the protein-protein interaction (PPI)
network were constructed using Cytoscape software and the STRING online database. Gene ontology
(GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were
performed using the R software Cluster Profiler package. Molecular docking was performed using
Autodock software to verify the binding ability of bioactive compounds and target genes. Subsequently,
the potential mechanism of SOLI on CKD predicted by network pharmacological analysis
was experimentally studied and verified in an adriamycin-induced nephropathy rat model.

Results:

A total of 81 targets of SOLI components acting on CKD were identified. The results of
the PPI analysis clarified that five key target genes (TNF, AKT1, IL6, VEGFA, and TP53) play a
critical role in the treatment of CKD by SOLI. The GO analysis and KEGG enrichment analysis
indicated that SOLI acts through multiple pathways, including the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
against CKD. Molecular docking showed that the main compounds of SOLI and five key genes
had strong binding affinity. In a rat model of adriamycin-induced nephropathy, SOLI significantly
ameliorated disease symptoms and improved renal histopathology. Mechanistic studies
showed that SOLI upregulated the expression level of Nephrin, inhibited the PI3K/AKT pathway
in renal tissues, and ultimately suppressed the activation of autophagy-related proteins in CKD.

Conclusion:

SOLI exerted a renoprotective effect by regulating the Nephrin-PI3K/AKT autophagy
signaling pathway, and these findings provide new ideas for the development of SOLI-based
therapeutic approaches for CKD.
Chalcones as Potential Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors: A Review
Authors: Mahboubi-Rabbani Mohammad , Zarei Rosa , Baradaran Mehdi , Bayanati Maryam , Zarghi Afshin
Published: November 2023

Cyclooxygenases (COXs) play a pivotal role in inflammation, a complex phenomenon required in
human defense, but also involved in the emergence of insidious human disorders. Currently-used COX-1 inhibitors
(Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs-NSAIDs), as the most frequent choices for the treatment of chronic
inflammatory diseases, have been identified to be associated with a variety of adverse drug reactions, especially
dyspepsia, as well as peptic ulcer, which lead to diminished output. Moreover, the structural similarities of COX-
1 and -2, along with the availability of comprehensive information about the three-dimensional structure of COX-
2, co-crystallized with various inhibitors, search selective COX-2 inhibitors a formidable challenge. COX-2 inhibitors
were shown to minimize the incidence of metastasis in cancer patients when administered preoperatively.
Developing selective COX-2 inhibitors to tackle both cancer and chronic inflammatory illnesses has been identified
as a promising research direction in recent decades. Identifying innovative scaffolds to integrate as the major
component of future COX-2 inhibitors is critical in this regard. The presence of a central, ɑ, β-unsaturated carbonyl-
containing scaffold, as a characteristic structural pattern in many selective COX-2 inhibitors, along with a
huge count of chalcone-based anticancer agents representing the basic idea of this review; providing a survey of
the most recently published literature concerning development of chalcone analogs as novel COX-2 inhibitors
until 2022 with efficient anticancer activity. A brief overview of the most recent developments concerning structure-
activity relationship insights and mechanisms is also reported, helping pave the road for additional investigation.
Generación de tonos digitales ADSR empleando un Procesador Digital de Señales
Authors: Muñoz Vara Eddie Raúl
Published: November 2023

Este artículo desarrolla dos herramientas de síntesis de formas de onda de sonido, a saber, un sintetizador de tono y un generador de envolvente ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustein and Release) para formar la amplitud del tono. Tales herramientas son codificadas en Matlab y programadas luego en la tarjeta procesadora de señal DSP56811 de Motorola, Empleando la herramienta de síntesis musical de Matlab, previamente instalado en una computadora personal, nosotros podemos variar el período la forma de onda correspondiente a un instrumento, hasta dar con el tono preciso de dicho instrumento. Cabe anotar que las señales musicales así sintetizadas, se puede transmitir, por ejemplo, empleando modems
Quantifying Health Policy Uncertainty in China Using Newspapers: Text Mining Study
Authors: Chen Chen , Zhu Junli
Published: November 2023

Background

From the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003 to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, a series of health measures and policies have been introduced from the central to the local level in China. However, no study has constructed an uncertainty index that can reflect the volatility, risk, and policy characteristics of the health environment.

Objective

We used text mining analysis on mainstream newspapers to quantify the volume of reports about health policy and the total number of news articles and to construct a series of indexes that could reflect the uncertainty of health policy in China.

Methods

Using the Wisenews database, 11 of the most influential newspapers in mainland China were selected to obtain the sample articles. The health policy uncertainty (HPU) index for each month from 2003 to 2022 was constructed by searching articles containing the specified keywords and calculating their frequency. Robustness tests were conducted through correlation analysis. The HPU index was plotted using STATA (version 16.0), and a comparative analysis of the China and US HPU indexes was then performed.

Results

We retrieved 6482 sample articles from 7.49 million news articles in 11 newspapers. The China HPU index was constructed, and the robustness test showed a correlation coefficient greater than 0.74, which indicates good robustness. Key health events can cause index fluctuations. At the beginning of COVID-19 (May 2020), the HPU index climbed to 502.0. In December 2022, China’s HPU index reached its highest value of 613.8 after the release of the “New Ten Rules” pandemic prevention and control policy. There were significant differences in HPU index fluctuations between China and the United States during SARS and COVID-19, as well as during the Affordable Care Act period.

Conclusions

National health policy is a guide for health development, and uncertainty in health policy can affect not only the implementation of policy by managers but also the health-seeking behavior of the people. Here, we conclude that changes in critical health policies, major national or international events, and infectious diseases with widespread impact can create significant uncertainty in China’s health policies. The uncertainty of health policies in China and the United States is quite different due to different political systems and news environments. What is the same is that COVID-19 has brought great policy volatility to both countries. To the best of our knowledge, our work is the first systematic text mining study of HPU in China.
Wearable Devices to Diagnose and Monitor the Progression of COVID-19 Through Heart Rate Variability Measurement: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Sanches Carlos Alberto , Silva Graziella Alves , Librantz Andre Felipe Henriques , Sampaio Luciana Maria Malosa , Belan Peterson Adriano
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have linked low heart rate variability (HRV) with COVID-19, indicating that this parameter can be a marker of the onset of the disease and its severity and a predictor of mortality in infected people. Given the large number of wearable devices that capture physiological signals of the human body easily and noninvasively, several studies have used this equipment to measure the HRV of individuals and related these measures to COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the utility of HRV measurements obtained from wearable devices as predictive indicators of COVID-19, as well as the onset and worsening of symptoms in affected individuals.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted searching the following databases up to the end of January 2023: Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and IEEE Xplore. Studies had to include (1) measures of HRV in patients with COVID-19 and (2) measurements involving the use of wearable devices. We also conducted a meta-analysis of these measures to reduce possible biases and increase the statistical power of the primary research.

RESULTS

The main finding was the association between low HRV and the onset and worsening of COVID-19 symptoms. In some cases, it was possible to predict the onset of COVID-19 before a positive clinical test. The meta-analysis of studies reported that a reduction in HRV parameters is associated with COVID-19. Individuals with COVID-19 presented a reduction in the SD of the normal-to-normal interbeat intervals and root mean square of the successive differences compared with healthy individuals. The decrease in the SD of the normal-to-normal interbeat intervals was 3.25 ms (95% CI −5.34 to −1.16 ms), and the decrease in the root mean square of the successive differences was 1.24 ms (95% CI −3.71 to 1.23 ms).

CONCLUSIONS

Wearable devices that measure changes in HRV, such as smartwatches, rings, and bracelets, provide information that allows for the identification of COVID-19 during the presymptomatic period as well as its worsening through an indirect and noninvasive self-diagnosis.
Feasibility and Usability of the Job Adjustment Mobile App for Pregnant Women: Longitudinal Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Wada Aya , Nakamura Yasuka , Kawajiri Maiko , Takeishi Yoko , Yoshida Mikako , Yoshizawa Toyoko
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Working pregnant women often need to adjust their physically demanding jobs for a healthy pregnancy. However, uncertainty about the extent of these adjustments can hinder their effectiveness. To address this, we developed the Job Adjustment mobile app, which allows users to input job and health details to generate a variety of personalized action plans. As this is the first version of the app, assessing its feasibility and usability is crucial.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to verify the feasibility and usability of the Job Adjustment mobile app.

METHODS

A longitudinal observational study was conducted on pregnant Japanese women who were allowed to use the app anytime from 12 to 34 weeks of gestation; they received reminder emails every 2 weeks encouraging app use. A questionnaire was administered before app use and at 20 and 32 weeks of gestation. Feasibility was evaluated across 4 domains: implementation, demand, acceptability, and adverse events. Implementation was evaluated based on 3 parameters: dropout rate, initial reminder email receipt rate, and adherence rate (measured as pregnant women who used the app at intervals of 2.5 weeks or less). Demand was measured by intervals between use and intervals between log-in, and participants answered 15 questions to assess acceptability. Adverse events were assessed by analyzing the degree of anxiety related to work. Demographic data were analyzed to determine any statistically significant differences in intervals between uses. Usability was evaluated using the System Usability Scale.

RESULTS

The analysis included 66 pregnant women, and 61% (n=40) of them were multipara. The dropout rate, adherence rate, and initial reminder email receipt rate were 18% (13/71), 44% (29/66), and 79% (52/66) respectively. The median intervals between use and intervals between log-in were 2.94 (IQR 2.00-5.13) weeks and 2.28 (IQR 1.81-4.00) weeks, respectively. Overall, 60% (35/58) to 90% (52/58) of the participants responded positively to all 15 questions assessing acceptability, and no anxiety regarding work was recorded. The mean System Usability Scale score was 66.1 points. Multipara women had significantly longer intervals between app use compared to primipara women (P=.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrated acceptable levels of feasibility and usability of the app. However, the low adherence rates, especially among multipara women, suggest the need for modifications to reduce the time burden of the app. Further research should explore more effective and acceptable intervals between use and timing, involving a larger sample and accounting for diverse characteristics of pregnant women.

CLINICALTRIAL

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000042943; https://tinyurl.com/ydrchfas
Struggling for Multiculturalism: The Revival of Chinese Festivals in Three Cities of Java during the Post-Reformation Era and Its Challenges
Authors: Sutrisno Evi Lina
Published: November 2023

In the Reformation era, the Chinese-Indonesians enjoy more freedom in expressing their ethnic identity in the public sphere, which was once oppressed under Soeharto’s New Order (1967-1998). The return of the Chinese festivals appears to indicate the end of discrimination and the celebration of multiculturalism, which recognizes the acculturation between the Chinese and local cultures. However, several festivals received backlash and resentment from local Islamic groups. Based on fieldwork and observation on the Chinese New Year folk festivals 2019-2020 in Semarang, Solo, and Yogyakarta, this article describes the socio-political dimensions behind the revival of Chinese New Year folk festivals. The findings show that while Chinese cultural icons become obvious, these folk festivals accommodate the acculturation between the Chinese and local ethnic and/or religious cultures, which made them closer to the expression of hybrid and multicultural identities. However, the Islamic groups still felt the exposure of Chinese culture was beyond limit and the hybridity is disturbing the Islamic faith. They protested to limit or cancel these festivals. In mitigating the protests and conflicts, the local governments tend to take pragmatic problem solutions, rather than educating the public regarding multiculturalism and tolerance.
The Study of Pauses in Oral Production from the Perspective of Language Proficiency
Authors: Ding Cheng , Yan Jing
Published: November 2023

This study analyzed the pauses of 20 EFL learners’ monologue recordings. Results indicate the group average of pause frequency is higher in the low-level group, which is manifested by the pause frequency at syntactic boundary. The group average proportion of silent pause duration between sentences is higher in the high-level group. The oral output of low-level group features smaller language units, more frequent times of pauses(mostly at non-syntactic boundaries), while the high-level group has longer language units, less frequent times of pauses and more silent pauses between sentences. The group average of pause frequency at non-syntactic boundaries of students' oral production is negatively correlated with foreign language proficiency, and the average proportion of silent pause duration between sentences is positively correlated with proficiency.
Normalización, clasificación y utilidad de toponimias a través de plataformas de geovisualización y webmap en Sacatepéquez, Guatemala, C.A.
Authors: Santos Mansilla Edwin Guillermo , Cano González Jorge Luis Eduardo , Ixjotop Puac Jorge Anselmo
Published: November 2023

En este estudio se analizó la contribución de la normalización (según la Academia de Lenguas Mayas de Guatemala) para la geovisualización en un web-map. Se realizaron clasificaciones que parten de la interpretación de los topónimos normalizados (considerando la traducción del nombre de lugar y el significado que los comunitarios les han otorgado a dichos lugares) dado que, según Lefebvre & Paredes Martínez, las comunidades aplican sus propias categorías al territorio. Se realizó la contextualización de las interrelaciones de la toponimia con el entorno (comunidades y los recursos naturales) para visualizarse en un web-map y un dashboard. Dicho análisis permitió esclarecer algunas de las interrogantes en relación con la geovisualizacion de los recursos naturales y la toponimia de Sacatepéquez. En muchas ocasiones los pobladores de estas comunidades son señalados de ignorantes o no progresistas por oponerse a diversos proyectos de desarrollo (construcciones a gran escala); sin embargo, no se considera la importancia y el significado que tienen estos lugares para las comunidades, ya que, para ellas, muchos lugares poseen categoría de símbolo lingüístico (Rodríguez de Castro y Vázquez Hoehne, 2013). Desde el enfoque sociolingüístico de la toponimia, se realizaron inferencias más profundas, aplicadas al lenguaje de la comunidad (en el idioma maya kaqchikel); que involucran elementos pertinentes para la descripción del territorio, que pueden ser sustantivos, predicados o verbos. Sin embargo, los planificadores de los proyectos hacen caso omiso a las interrelaciones existentes entre el territorio y la cosmovisión de los habitantes. Actualmente muchos topónimos están nombrados de forma castellanizada (una mezcla entre idioma maya kaqchikel y español) o bien, son nombrados completamente en español, utilizando una traducción literal poco lógica.
“Fox Fables” an Adventure based 2D Game in Unity Game Engine
Authors: Deokar Prof. Anuradha S. , Shewale Soham R. , Shardul Swapnil , Singh Amey K. K. , Sharma Sudipt R.
Published: November 2023

Abstract: This research paper explores "Fox Fables," a 2D adventure game developed with the Unity game engine, emphasizing dynamic storytelling and AI-driven gameplay. Players assume the role of Felix, a clever fox navigating an intricately designed world with unique characters and narratives. The Unity engine serves as the project's backbone, enabling the creation of visually stunning environments, 2D characters, and seamless gameplay mechanics. NPC characters, including Grunt Eagles, Frogs, and the formidable Gorilla, are brought to life through specific AI algorithms, such as pathfinding, Finite State Machines, and Behaviour Trees. A standout feature is the dynamic narrative system, adapting to player choices and influencing character alliances. Sparrow, Turtle, and Cat, as static NPCs, offer guidance, items, and in-game purchases. Player choices shape alliances, conflicts, and distinct outcomes in the climactic Dark Theme, where Felix faces the Gorilla in a final battle. Unity's user-friendliness and scalability contributed to an immersive and engaging gaming experience. AI algorithms effectively create realistic NPC behaviours, enriching gameplay. The dynamic narrative system enhances player engagement, providing unique storylines. In conclusion, "Fox Fables" exemplifies the fusion of narrative-driven gameplay and AI-driven character interactions. It underscores the potential of the Unity game engine and dynamic storytelling in modern game development, contributing insights to the broader field.
The Benefit of Bureaucratic Simplification for Bontang City Government
Authors: Daryono Daryono , Ratna Kusuma Aji , Saropah Saropah
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study is to ascertain the advantages of administrative simplification for the Bontang City Government. The methodology in this study is qualitative. Interviews, observation, and documentation were used to gather the data, which was then analyzed utilizing an interactive analytical model through the steps of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion-making. The research results show benefits bureaucratic simplification in Thus it can be concluded that productivity has increased compared to before the simplification of bureaucracy in the Bontang City Government look of the dimensions of the productivity, responsiveness and accountability.In dimension work productivity among others line of a bureaucratic becoming more efficient and effective. Documents completed immediately according to SOP can be completed immediately on the same day, no need to wait for tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. Bureaucratic simplification in dimension responsiveness benefits include employees become more responsive to work, so that the implementation of services becomes fast and precise. Increase innovation services and the complaints has declined and Complaints about service are decreasing. While benefits bureaucratic simplification in dimension accountability among others more can provide services, motivate employees to employees can develop themselves. Better and well-measured supervision from superiors, tiered supervision.
The Leadership Network in Public Service Assurance at Kedawung Community Health Center, Sragen Regency
Authors: Karno  , Kartono Rinikso
Published: November 2023

The leadership is an important and needed factor in health services, therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of leadership in health services at the Kedawung Community Health Center (Puskemas) on public service assurance for the community. Methods used quantitative research approaches and data were collected using questionnaires, observations, and literature studies. Data analysis was used SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) with a study population of 857 people, so that the research sample was 273 respondents. To strengthen the research used triangulation approach. The results showed that leadership has a significant influence on health services categorized as significant and positive with a pathway value of 0.59 greater than 0.5 and a t_value value of 4.49 greater than 1.96. The leadership has a dominant influence in health services at the Kedawung Puskemas is a relationship-oriented leadership dimension including indicators of patient protection, patient/patient family guidance, cooperation in serving patients, and increasing satisfaction of health service recipients. The existence of leadership has a significant effect on health services at the Kedawung Puskemas showing the importance of relationship-oriented leadership in achieving satisfactory health service performance for the community