bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leg and Joint Stiffness of the Supporting Leg during Side-Foot Kicking in Soccer Players with Chronic Ankle Instability
Authors: Tamura Akihiro , Shimura Keita , Inoue Yuri
Published: November 2023

Soccer players with chronic ankle instability (CAI) may stabilize their supporting leg by the proximal joint to compensate for the ankle instability during kicking motion. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of leg and joint stiffness of the supporting leg during side-foot kicking in soccer players with CAI. Twenty-four male collegiate-level soccer players with and without CAI participated in this study. The kinematic and kinetic data were obtained using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. Leg stiffness and joint (hip, knee, and ankle) stiffness in the sagittal and frontal planes were calculated and analyzed. The results clarified that soccer players with CAI (0.106 ± 0.053 Nm/°) had greater knee stiffness in knee adduction during the kicking cycle compared to those without CAI (0.066 ± 0.030 Nm/°; p = 0.046), whereas no characteristic differences were observed in knee stiffness in knee flexion and hip and ankle stiffness (p > 0.05). Knee stiffness is believed to occur to compensate for ankle joint instability in the supporting leg. Therefore, adjusting knee stiffness to accommodate ankle joint instability is crucial for maintaining kicking performance. Based on results of this study, it may be important to consider training and exercises focused on joint coordination to improve knee stiffness in soccer players with CAI.
Improving Massive Open Online Course Quality in Higher Education by Addressing Student Needs Using Quality Function Deployment
Authors: Li Hongbo , Gu Huilin , Chen Wei , Zhu Qingkang
Published: November 2023

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are playing an increasingly important role in higher education. However, some MOOCs still suffer from low quality, which hinders the sustainable development of higher education. Course characteristics reflect students’ needs for online learning and have a significant impact on the quality of MOOCs. In the course improvement process, existing research has neither improved the MOOC quality from the perspective of student needs nor has it considered resource constraints. Therefore, to deal with this situation, we propose a student-needs-driven MOOC quality improvement framework. In this framework, we first map students’ differentiated needs for MOOCs into quality characteristics based on quality function deployment (QFD). Then, we formulate a mixed-integer linear programming model to produce MOOC quality improvement policies. The effectiveness of the proposed framework is verified by real-world data from China’s higher education MOOCs. We also investigate the impacts of budget, cost, and student needs on student satisfaction. Our results revealed that to significantly improve student satisfaction, the course budget needs to be increased by a small amount or the course cost needs to be greatly reduced. Our research provides an effective decision-making reference for MOOC educators to improve course quality.
The Effect of Information Provision and Color Coding in Product Labeling on the Preference for Meat Substitutes
Authors: Assele Samson Yaekob , Meulders Michel , Michiels Helena , Flamant Nanou , Vandebroek Martina
Published: November 2023

For health, environmental, and animal welfare reasons, an increase in the consumption of meat in our diet is of great concern in today’s society. Meat substitutes have been advocated for a long time as a solution to these problems and are evolving continuously with technological advancements. Despite these efforts, it is remarkable that meat alternatives only account for a small portion of the global meat market. As a result, we examined the factors that affect Flemish consumers’ preferences for meat substitutes in Belgium using a discrete choice experiment. We also examined consumers’ preferences after providing additional information, as well as the impact of color-coding certain attribute levels on their preferences. The study was conducted using a sample size of 162 participants selected via convenience sampling. The findings show that it is important to keep the sensory properties of meat substitutes similar to those of actual meat. The results also indicate that additional information regarding the environmental and health impact of meat consumption can help to promote meat substitutes. The traffic light color coding of the levels of saturated fat and ecofootprint attributes increases the preference for healthy and environmentally friendly alternatives. Finally, we observed that individual-level variations in the utility attributed to meat substitutes are explained significantly by age, gender, education, current diet group, and attitudinal factors. Overall, we can conclude that the promotion of meat substitutes can be achieved via a combined strategy that focuses on improving the taste, appearance, and nutritional profile of meat substitutes, as well as raising consumers’ awareness of the environmental and health impact of meat consumption.
Development of a PV/Battery Micro-Grid for a Data Center in Bangladesh: Resilience and Sustainability Analysis
Authors: Amin S. M. Mezbahul , Hossain Nazia , Lipu Molla Shahadat Hossain , Urooj Shabana , Akter Asma
Published: November 2023

Energy resiliency plays an important role in the proper functioning of data centers as they heavily rely on an uninterrupted power supply to ensure smooth operation. In the case of a power outage, the data center’s operation might be hampered, which results in system downtime, data, and economic loss. This issue is severe in developing countries where power supply infrastructures are inadequate and conventional. Microgrids can be an effective solution in this regard. Although several studies developed microgrids to observe the energy resilience benefit for some critical facilities, critical facilities like data centers are often overlooked. In addition, sustainability analysis of a microgrid is also scarce in the present literature. Therefore, one new resilience and sustainability indicator has been developed and implemented in this analysis to fill this gap. For this, new indicators, such as the resilience cost index (RCI) and renewable energy penetration (REP), were used in this study. This study used HOMER version 3.13.3 and REopt software to simulate a robust photovoltaic (PV) and battery microgrid for a hypothetical data center in Bangladesh. A random (48 h) outage was assigned to witness the adaptability of the modelled micro-grid. The suitable size of PV and battery was found to be 249,219 kW and 398,547 kWh, respectively. The system’s USD 18,079,948 net present value (NPV) demonstrates the economic potential of utilizing PV and battery microgrids for data centers. The RCI of the system is found to be 35%, while the REP is 87%. The energy consumption saving of the system is USD 21,822,076. The system emits 652% less CO2 than the grid. The result of this system is also compared with a diesel-based system. After comparison, it is found that the developed PV/battery microgrid provides better environmental and economical service than the diesel generator. During blackouts, the system keeps the data center powered up without interruption while improving energy resilience and lowering carbon emissions. The outcome of this current analysis can serve as a blueprint for other microgrid projects in Bangladesh and other developing countries. By integrating PV/battery microgrids, data centers can cut costs, reduce emissions, and optimize energy use. This will make data centers less reliant on grid services and more flexible to forthcoming development.
Enhancing Elderly Fall Detection through IoT-Enabled Smart Flooring and AI for Independent Living Sustainability
Authors: Alharbi Hatem A. , Alharbi Khulud K. , Hassan Ch Anwar Ul
Published: November 2023

In the realm of sustainable IoT and AI applications for the well-being of elderly individuals living alone in their homes, falls can have severe consequences. These consequences include post-fall complications and extended periods of immobility on the floor. Researchers have been exploring various techniques for fall detection over the past decade, and this study introduces an innovative Elder Fall Detection system that harnesses IoT and AI technologies. In our IoT configuration, we integrate RFID tags into smart carpets along with RFID readers to identify falls among the elderly population. To simulate fall events, we conducted experiments with 13 participants. In these experiments, RFID tags embedded in the smart carpets transmit signals to RFID readers, effectively distinguishing signals from fall events and regular movements. When a fall is detected, the system activates a green signal, triggers an alarm, and sends notifications to alert caregivers or family members. To enhance the precision of fall detection, we employed various machine and deep learning classifiers, including Random Forest (RF), XGBoost, Gated Recurrent Units (GRUs), Logistic Regression (LGR), and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), to analyze the collected dataset. Results show that the Random Forest algorithm achieves a 43% accuracy rate, GRUs exhibit a 44% accuracy rate, and XGBoost achieves a 33% accuracy rate. Remarkably, KNN outperforms the others with an exceptional accuracy rate of 99%. This research aims to propose an efficient fall detection framework that significantly contributes to enhancing the safety and overall well-being of independently living elderly individuals. It aligns with the principles of sustainability in IoT and AI applications.
Examining Policy Strategies for Electrifying Transportation in ASEAN: A STEELUP Framework Evaluation
Authors: Huang Bernice , Choi Yunkyung , Chng Samuel , Neo Harvey
Published: November 2023

With the recent emphasis on carbon neutrality following COP27, many countries prioritise shifting to electric mobility as a crucial strategy to combat carbon emissions. A significant portion of this comes from transportation. Notably, countries such as Norway, China, and the United States have taken the lead in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, driven by their effective e-mobility policies. In contrast, the 10 member nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are still in the early stages of adopting this emerging trend. This paper conducts a comprehensive evaluation of the current e-mobility policies within the ASEAN region, employing the STEELUP (Sociocultural and demographic, Technological, Economic, Environmental, Legislative, Urban design, and Political) framework to provide a holistic perspective on the e-mobility landscape in the ASEAN countries. By critically assessing the implementation of e-mobility policies in each country, this paper aims to identify key gaps and challenges that hinder the acceleration of EV adoption in the region. The findings from the STEELUP framework, coupled with a thorough analysis of the current conditions in ASEAN, provide crucial insights for governments and policymakers to act upon. Through evidence-based recommendations, this study concludes by suggesting effective strategies to expedite the uptake of EVs in the ASEAN region.
Research on Users’ Privacy-Sharing Intentions in the Health Data Tracking System Providing Personalized Services and Public Services
Authors: Li Shugang , Peng Kexin , Zhu Boyi , Li Ziyi , Zhang Beiyan , Chen Hui , Li Ruoxuan
Published: November 2023

The utilization of user privacy data in the health data tracking system (HDTS) offers numerous benefits for businesses and public services, contingent upon users’ privacy sharing intentions. However, previous research neglected users’ preferences for public services and focused mainly on personalized services. Additionally, traditional privacy calculus theory has a limited focus on data security, leaving gaps in understanding individual and societal aspects. This study aims to fill these gaps by examining the influence of risk perception and factors like potential loss expectations, perceived personalized service benefits, group value identification, perceived public service utility, and perceived privacy on privacy sharing intentions in the context of personalized and public services. The results indicate a positive relationship between individual privacy protection perception and data sharing intention, as well as a positive relationship between group value identification and perceived public service utility with individuals’ privacy sharing intentions. Moreover, this research uncovers the moderating effect of information type sensitivity on the impact of perceived privacy and perceived public service utility on privacy sharing intentions, while there is no moderating effect of information type sensitivity on the relationship between group value identification and privacy sharing intentions. We recommend improving individual privacy education, ensuring data use transparency, and fostering identification with common group values to increase users’ privacy sharing intentions.
The Effectiveness of a Mechanical Ventilation System for Indoor PM2.5 in Residential Houses
Authors: Shin Dongho , Kim Younghun , Hong Kee-Jung , Lee Gunhee , Park Inyong , Kim Hak-Joon , Kim Sangwoo , Hwang Cheong-Ha , Noh Kwang-Chul , Han Bangwoo
Published: November 2023

The mechanical ventilation systems used in houses are designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions while minimizing the energy loss resulting from ventilation. However, the increase in indoor fine particulate (PM2.5) concentration because of external PM2.5 influx through the ventilation system poses a problem. Here, we analyzed the changes in indoor PM2.5 concentration, distinguishing between cases of high and low outdoor PM2.5 concentrations and considering the efficiency of the filters used in residential mechanical ventilation systems. When using filters with the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 10 in the ventilation system, the outdoor PM2.5 concentration was 5 μg/m³; compared to the initial concentration, the indoor PM2.5 concentration after 60 min decreased to 73%. When the outdoor PM2.5 concentration was 30–40 μg/m³, the indoor PM2.5 concentration reached 91%. However, when MERV 13 filters were used, the indoor PM2.5 concentration consistently dropped to 73–76%, regardless of the outdoor PM2.5 concentration. Furthermore, by comparing the established equation with the mass balance model, the error was confirmed to be within 5%, indicating a good fit. This allows for the prediction of indoor PM2.5 under various conditions when using mechanical ventilation systems, enabling the formulation of strategies for maintaining indoor PM2.5, as recommended by the World Health Organization.
Ionospheric Response on Solar Flares through Machine Learning Modeling
Authors: Arnaut Filip , Kolarski Aleksandra , Srećković Vladimir A. , Mijić Zoran
Published: November 2023

Following solar flares (SF), the abrupt increase in X-radiation and EUV emission generates additional ionization and higher absorption of, e.g., electromagnetic waves in the sunlit hemisphere of the Earth’s ionosphere. The modeling of the ionosphere under solar flares are motivated by new observations with spacecrafts, satellites, and ground-based measurements. The estimation of modeling parameters for the ionospheric D-region during SF events poses a significant challenge, typically requiring a trial-and-error approach. This research presents a machine learning (ML) methodology for modeling the sharpness (β) and reflection height (H′) during SF events occurred from 2008 to 2017. The research methodology was divided into two separate approaches: an instance-based approach, which involved obtaining SF parameters during the peak SF, and a time-series approach, which involved analyzing time-series data during SFs. The findings of the study revealed that the model for the instance-based approach exhibited mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) values of 9.1% for the β parameter and 2.45% for the H′ parameter. The findings from the time-series approach indicated that the model exhibited lower error rates compared to the instance-based approach. However, it was observed that the model demonstrated an increase in β residuals as the predicted β increased, whereas the opposite trend was observed for the H′ parameter. The main goal of the research is to develop an easy-to-use method that provides ionospheric parameters utilizing ML, which can be refined with additional and novel data as well as other techniques for data pre-processing and other algorithms. The proposed method and the utilized workflow and datasets are available at GitHub.
Antibody Profiling of Microbial Antigens in the Blood of COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Recipients Using Microbial Protein Microarrays
Authors: Saito Hiroaki , Yoshimura Hiroki , Yoshida Makoto , Tani Yuta , Kawashima Moe , Uchiyama Taiga , Zhao Tianchen , Yamamoto Chika , Kobashi Yurie , Sawano Toyoaki , Imoto Seiya , Park Hyeongki , Nakamura Naotoshi , Iwami Shingo , Kaneko Yudai , Nakayama Aya , Kodama Tatsuhiko , Wakui Masatoshi , Kawamura Takeshi , Tsubokura Masaharu
Published: November 2023

Although studies have demonstrated that infections with various viruses, bacteria, and parasites can modulate the immune system, no study has investigated changes in antibodies against microbial antigens after the COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. IgG antibodies against microbial antigens in the blood of vaccinees were comprehensively analyzed using microbial protein microarrays that carried approximately 5000 microbe-derived proteins. Changes in antibodies against microbial antigens were scrutinized in healthy participants enrolled in the Fukushima Vaccination Community Survey conducted in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, after their second and third COVID-19 mRNA vaccinations. Antibody profiling of six groups stratified by antibody titer and the remaining neutralizing antibodies was also performed to study the dynamics of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and the changes in antibodies against microbial antigens. The results showed that changes in antibodies against microbial antigens other than SARS-CoV-2 antigens were extremely limited after COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, antibodies against a staphylococcal complement inhibitor have been identified as microbial antigens that are associated with increased levels of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. These antibodies may be a predictor of the maintenance of neutralizing antibodies following the administration of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine.
Genetic Diversity and Population Dynamics of Invasive Ascidiella aspersa: Insights from Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I and 18S rDNA Analyses in Korean and Global Populations
Authors: Lee Jeounghee , Kwon Soyeon , Ubagan Michael Dadole , Lee Taekjun , Shin Sook
Published: November 2023

Ascidiella aspersa, originally native to the northeastern Atlantic, has emerged as a prolific invasive species in coastal waters worldwide. In 2010, it was identified as an alien species in Republic of Korea, rapidly colonizing artificial harbor structures and outcompeting native species. This study employs morphological analyses and genetic sequencing, focusing on mitochondrial DNA (cytochrome oxidase subunit I; mt-COI) and nuclear markers (18S rRNA), to unravel the genetic structure and haplotype diversity (Hd) of A. aspersa populations in Republic of Korea and globally. The analysis of 154 mt-COI and 127 18S rDNA global population sequences, as well as 80 mt-COI and 79 18S-rDNA Korean population sequences, revealed distinct genetic patterns. Among global populations, the mt-COI gene displayed significant genetic diversity, with 21 distinct haplotypes distributed across 41 polymorphic sites, which is indicative of extensive genetic variability. In contrast, the 18S rDNA marker exhibited limited diversity, with only four haplotypes identified at three polymorphic sites. In Korean populations, the mt-COI gene also exhibited substantial genetic diversity, with 14 distinct haplotypes displaying genetic variations at 29 polymorphic sites. Conversely, the 18S rDNA marker in Korean populations revealed a unique genetic pattern, with only one shared haplotype. These findings emphasize the complex genetic diversity within A. aspersa populations, both globally and in Republic of Korea. This genetic analysis provides valuable insights into the species’ colonization history and adaptation mechanisms, shedding light on the factors shaping its genetic structure. Further research is warranted to elucidate the ecological implications of these genetic patterns in the context of invasion biology.
Estrategias comunicativas orales en el aula. Una revisión sistemática
Authors: Torres Honores Delgado Sandra del Carmen , Sigüenza Torres Honores Stefany Cristina , Calero Cerna Jenny Isabel
Published: November 2023

Los agentes educativos deben generar motivación para el trabajo en equipo. Es decir, tanto los directivos y docentes tienen la responsabilidad desarrollar un trabajo cooperativo para lograr tener éxito en la implementación de la propuesta comunicativa. Para ello, es necesario analizar las estrategias comunicativas orales que se aplican en el aula. Metodológicamente el estudio se estableció como una revisión sistemática; la búsqueda se realizó en las bases de datos Scopus, Scielo, Redalyc, Google Académico, Latindex y DOAJ encontrándose un total de 70 estudios de los cuales se seleccionaron 30 por cumplir con los criterios de inclusión. Como resultado de búsqueda se encontraron 9 teorías que sustentan las estrategias comunicativas orales. Se encontraron 8 funciones sobre estrategias comunicativas orales. Se destacan además can 5 estrategias como programa, las emotivas, las que usan el Moodle, las evaluativas y las lúdicas. Finalmente se pude concluir que en efectos las estrategias comunicativas orales en el aula se pueden catalogar como muy favorables, destacables, muy positivos y positivos.
Sistem Informasi Manajemen Persediaan Berbasis Web di CV. Makmur Sejahtera Palopo
Authors: Aqilah Aqilah al afif fadhil , Bustamin Syamsumar , Sultan sahrir Sukmawati
Published: November 2023

Penelitian ini membahas penerapan sistem informasi manajemen stok berbasis teknologi informasi pada CV. Makmur Sejahtera, sebuah perusahaan dagang yang berfokus pada perdagangan air compressor. Saat ini, perusahaan masih menggunakan sistem manajemen stok secara manual, yang menyebabkan beberapa masalah, termasuk keterlambatan, ketidakakuratan data stok, dan kesalahan dalam pencatatan. Metode waterfall digunakan sebagai pendekatan sistematis dalam pengembangan perangkat lunak. Tahap-tahap yang dilakukan meliputi analisis kebutuhan, perencanaan, pemodelan, konstruksi, hingga penyerahan sistem kepada pengguna. Berdasarkan analisis kebutuhan, desain antarmuka dibuat dengan menggunakan Unified Modeling Language (UML), termasuk Use Case Diagram dan Class Diagram. Sistem informasi yang diusulkan memiliki berbagai fitur, termasuk manajemen pengguna dengan hak akses yang berbeda, pelacakan data stok secara real-time, pemantauan barang masuk dan keluar, serta pembuatan invoice. Diharapkan dengan penerapan sistem ini, CV. Makmur Sejahtera dapat meningkatkan efisiensi dan akurasi dalam manajemen stoknya, sehingga dapat bersaing lebih baik di pasar global.
Analisa untuk Pengembangan E-Learning Universitas X pada Pasca Pandemi
Authors: Sutoyo Mochammad Arief Hermawan Sutoyo , Setiawan Roby
Published: November 2023

Pasca pandemi penggunaan e-learning tidak wajib dilakukan pada Universitas X, dikarenakan dilakukannya kembali kuliah secara luring, sehingga penggunaan aplikasi yang telah dibangun tidak digunakan maksimal seperti aplikasi EDMODO yang digunakan sebelumnya sebagai sistem e-learning Universitas X. Perubahan kondisi ini tidak hanya terjadi pada Universitas X tetapi juga pada tempat lain. Perubahan kondisi ini menyebabkan perlunya penelitian terkait dampak dari penggunaan pasca pandemi terhadap e-learning yang digunakan saat ini oleh mahasiswa dan dosen Universitas X. Penelitian ini dilakukan secara kuantitatif menggunakan kuesioner dengan instrumen system usability scale dengan responden civitas akademika Universitas X. Berdasarkan perhitungan yang dilakukan didapatkan nilai SUS e-learning Universitas X yaitu 68,97.  Nilai tersebut menyatakan bahwa sistem yang digunakan saat ini dikategorikan cukup baik. Namun nilai SUS sistem e-learning yang digunakan saat ini lebih rendah daripada nilai yang didapatkan pada penelitian sebelumnya menggunakan EDMODO sebagai aplikasi e-learning.
HUBUNGAN ANTARA KUALITAS UDARA DENGAN GEJALA SICK BUILDING SYNDROME, BAGAIMANA PENANGGULANGANNYA? : LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Hefnita Hefnita , Budiyono Budiyono , Suhartono Suhartono
Published: November 2023

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) adalah kumpulan gejala yang dapat dialami oleh pekerja selama berada di dalam ruangan seperti iritasi mata, gangguan pernapasan, sakit tenggorokan, sakit kepala, mual, pusing, dan iritasi kulit. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui faktor yang dapat memicu gejala SBS dan penanggulangannya. Metode pembuatan artikel ini menggunakan literature review yang membahas hubungan antara kualitas udara dengan gejala SBS dan juga penanggulangannya. Pencarian artikel menggunakan Pubmed, Science Direct, PLOS Journal, ProQuest, PubMed, Scopus, Research Gate, BMC, Springer Link. Penulusuran jurnal nasional menggunakan portal Garuda, Sinta, dan Google Scholar dengan tahun publikasi 2013 – 2023. Pemilihan artikel berdasarkan desain penelitian yaitu penelitian observasional dengan pendekatan cross-sectional dengan kriteria inklusi, jenis penelitian observasional, membahas SBS dengan kualitas udara dalam ruangan, dan terbit 10 tahun terakhir. Hasil review 17 artikel menunjukkan bahwa faktor yang memicu SBS antara lain penggunaan Air Conditioner (AC), luas ventilasi, tingkat pencahayaan, suhu, kelembaban, dan kebiasaan merokok. Hal yang dapat untuk menanggulangi faktor pemicu SBS antara lain mengidentifikasi sumber polutan, melakukan evaluasi dan memperbaiki sistem tata ruang seperti peletakan AC, dan bahan yang berpotensi menjadi polutan.
Examination of Lung and Thorax Volume of Patients with Covid 19 Positive
Authors: KABAKCI Ayşe Gül , TAŞOVA Yeşim , BOZKIR Memduha Gülhal
Published: November 2023

Background: We aimed to reveal lung volume, lesion volume and thorax diameters in patients with Covid-19 positive in CT images according to gender and presence of ground glass opacity.
Materials and Methods: We included CT images of 113 people (male;58, female;55) diagnosed with Covid-19 positive in our study. CT images of each patient were imported the DICOM datasets and thorax diameter measurements were performed by using MicroDicom. Moreover, lung volume and lesion volume parameters were calculated from the CT images using the three-dimensional imaging method (Vitrea). All measurement parameters were compared according to gender and ground glass opacity appearance.
Results: The 113 patients (male;58, female;55) with a mean age of 44.57±14.59 diagnosed with Covid-19 were included in our study. There was a significant difference between the gender in the mean values of lung volume (males; 3530.90±1454.99 ml and females; 3149.92±1335.16 ml) and lesion volume (males; 434.59±664.19 ml and females; 557.10±671.99 ml) parameters. In addition, a significant difference in lung volume (p<0.001) and lesion volume (p<0.001) was obtained between the groups with ground glass opacity and without ground glass opacity. Moreover, A significant difference (p=0.001) in thorax anteroposterior diameter length was obtained between the groups the with/without ground glass opacity. However, there was no significant difference (p=0.542) between genders in thorax diameters.
Conclussion: In our study, we found that in the females may have more lung damage from Covid-19. We believe that our work in the light of the available data, we believe that the findings of our study will contribute to early stages of the pandemic, in which vaccination has not yet , and the long-term effects of post-covid.
Yaban Mersini Ekstresinin Metotreksat Kaynaklı Hepatotoksisite Üzerine Etkilerinin Araştırılması
Authors: KERİMOĞLU Gökçen , BİLGİN Gamze , KERİMOĞLU Servet , TÜRKMEN ALEMDAR Nihal , DEMİR Selim , ALİYAZICIOĞLU Yüksel
Published: November 2023

Amaç: Metotreksat (Mtx), kanser ve otoimmün hastalıkların tedavisinde yaygın olarak kullanılmaktadır. Ancak Mtx, kendisi gibi birçok kemoterapötiğin metabolizmasından sorumlu olan karaciğerde toksisiteye neden olabilir. Yaban mersini (Ym) meyvesi, yapısında yoğun olarak bulunan fenolik bileşikler sayesinde antioksidan ve antienflamatuvar etkiye sahiptir. Bu çalışma, Ym ekstresinin, Mtx kaynaklı hepatotoksisiteye olan etkilerini araştırmayı amaçlamakta-dır.
Materyal ve metod: Çalışma için 21 adet Spraque Dawley ırkı erişkin sıçan, sayıca eşit üç gruba bölündü. Bir gruba, deneyin ilk günü tek doz 30 mg/kg intraperitoneal (ip.) Mtx verildi (MtxG). Diğer gruba tek doz 30 mg/kg ip. Mtx ve beş gün boyunca günde bir kez oral gavajla 200 mg/kg Ym ekstresi verildi (Mtx+YmG). Kontrol grubuna ise herhangi bir işlem yapılmadı (KG). Deney sonunda alınan karaciğer dokularının bir kısmı histolojik olarak değer-lendirilerek skorlanırken diğer kısmı da biyokimyasal olarak değerlendirildi.
Bulgular: MtxG’nin karaciğer dokularında malondialdehid (MDA) ve kaspaz 3 düzeyleri KG’ye göre yüksekti. KG’ye göre anlamlı olmamakla birlikte MtxG’de, 8-hidroksi-2′-deoksiguanozin (8-OHdG) ve oksidatif stres indeksi (OSİ)’nde artış; süperoksit dismutaz (SOD), katalaz (CAT) ve total antioksidan kapasite (TOS)’de ise azalma mevcut-tu. Mtx+YmG’de MDA düzeyleri MtxG’ye göre azaldı. Bu grupta, kaspaz 3, OSI ve 8-OHdG düzeylerinde de MtxG'ye göre istatistiksel olarak anlamlı olmayan belirgin bir azalma görüldü. Ayrıca bu gruptaki SOD seviyesi KG’ye göre düşükken CAT ve total antioksidan kapasite (TAS) seviyeleri ise MtxG’ye göre istatistiksel anlamlı olmasa da yüksekti. MtxG’de; total hasar skorunda, hepatositlerdeki vakuolizasyon/dejenerasyon/piknoziste, Kupffer hücrelerinde ve vazodilatasyon/konjesyonda kontrole göre artış mevcuttu. Mtx+YmG’de ise tüm bu histopatolojik bulgularda ve total hasar skorunda azalma mevcuttu.
Sonuç: Oral yolla uygulanan Ym ekstresi, sıçan karaciğerindeki Mtx kaynaklı oksidatif stresi, apoptozu ve bunların neden olduğu hepatotoksisiteyi azaltabilir.
Conducting Meta-analyses of Proportions in R
Authors: Wang Naike
Published: November 2023

Meta-analysis of proportions has been widely adopted across various scientific disciplines as a means to estimate the prevalence of phenomena of interest. However, there is a lack of comprehensive tutorials demonstrating the proper execution of such analyses using the R programming language. The objective of this study is to bridge this gap and provide an extensive guide to conducting a meta-analysis of proportions using R. Furthermore, we offer a thorough critical review of the methods and tests involved in conducting a meta-analysis of proportions, highlighting several common practices that may yield biased estimations and misleading inferences. We illustrate the meta-analytic process in five stages: (1) preparation of the R environment; (2) computation of effect sizes; (3) quantification of heterogeneity; (4) visualization of heterogeneity with the forest plot and the Baujat plot; and (5) explanation of heterogeneity with moderator analyses. In the last section of the tutorial, we address the misconception of assessing publication bias in the context of meta-analysis of proportions. The provided code offers readers three options to transform proportional data (e.g., the double arcsine method). The tutorial presentation is conceptually oriented and formula usage is minimal. We will use a published meta-analysis of proportions as an example to illustrate the implementation of the R code and the interpretation of the results.
PROCESSOS DE RECRUTAMENTO E SELEÇÃO: UM ESTUDO EM UMA COOPERATIVA DE SERVIÇOS MÉDICOS DE SANTA MARIA/RS
Authors: NUNES REZENDE RODRIGUES SAMILLA , CONCATO ALINE , PEIXOTO STECCA JAIME , HELENA DOS SANTOS BENTO MARCIA
Published: November 2023

O êxito organizacional está ancorado em seu componente humano, o qual deve condizer com as suas perspectivas. A pesquisa objetiva analisar os processos de recrutamento e seleção desenvolvidos pela Unimed Santa Maria a fim de compreender e elucidar a metodologia empregada no que se refere à área de recursos humanos da organização. Para tanto, utilizou-se a entrevista semiestruturada, por meio da aplicação de questionário junto à diretoria de Recursos Humanos da cooperativa de Serviços Médicos em Santa Maria/RS. Os processos de recrutamento e seleção são desencadeados pelo surgimento de demandas, as quais são obtidas através do preenchimento do formulário de “Solicitação de Contratação” pelos setores requerentes de pessoal. A prioridade institucional é recrutar internamente, contudo o mais aplicado é o método de recrutamento externo, o qual é divulgado por meio do sistema on-line. Neste contexto, o recrutamento e seleção são tidos como mecanismos fundamentais ao ideal funcionamento institucional, dado que através destes a cooperativa assegura a qualidade de seu quadro institucional e, consequentemente, de seus serviços.
¡Sin libertad!: hechos históricos para una memoria del conflicto armado colombiano
Authors: Iglesias Ortega Enoc
Published: November 2023

"Solamente una persona que haya visitado y convivido con otros países del mundo, y que conozca a conciencia la idiosincrasia de las gentes de su propio país ha podido escribir la excitante y dramática obra intitulada “¡SIN LIBERTAD! HECHOS HISTÓRICOS PARA UNA MEMORIA DEL CONFLICTO ARMADO COLOMBIANO”. Es el caso de Enoc Iglesias Ortega, quien mediante una narrativa limpia, fría y aséptica en medio de retazos poéticos que iluminan su prosa a la altura de los mejores narradores de la literatura contemporánea, ha producido este libro. Con frases que aletean abriendo surcos de reflexión constante, va acentuándose el relato de las ignominias en una polvareda tremenda de cierto suspenso. El tema como experimentado en carne viva, lleno de energía y originalidad, guarda la magia de la profundidad en el sufrir y la ironía de conductas inhumanas en su carnosidad latente. De repente aparecen como brotados de una encanijada Inquisición colonial los enemigos de mirada espectral, y campesinos inocentes, arropados por la niebla del miedo y por las imborrables imágenes que han visto sus ojos. En un estilo de sencillez y gracia rizado por el viento de las leyendas, “los pensamientos de muerte trepanan los cráneos”, frente al nerviosismo de los menores que crecen y se desarrollan en fincas y haciendas infiltradas por los temores del secuestro. Los vibrantes cuadros de un realismo expectante revelan el conocimiento que tiene el autor de las costumbres, tradiciones y herencias atávicas de obreros y campesinos de tierras donde el sufrimiento, la desesperanza y la soledad de hombres y mujeres, son elementos esenciales del libro escrito por Enoc Iglesias Ortega, como testimonio memorable de la historia de nuestro país en medio siglo de terrorismo y pánico. Una obra que aporta revelaciones trascendentales con agudas observaciones del acontecer cotidiano en ciudades y áreas rurales, como extraídas de la propia expiación. Bien puede el romancero acercarse al relato crudo de la obra como en la inspiración de un Garcilaso de la Vega: “En el mesón al campo abierto se ve la olla donde la leña humea, una brisa corre por los pajonales y de pronto el torbellino de la maldad carga con los niños que nunca aparecen para ser acariciados por sus padres”. Sociología, antropología, historia, literatura y poesía iluminan el espíritu de “¡SIN LIBERTAD! HECHOS HISTÓRICOS PARA UNA MEMORIA DEL CONFLICTO ARMADO COLOMBIANO”, donde cada capítulo es una visión filosófica de los hechos que nunca deberían suceder si es que educamos a la gente para la convivencia, el respeto a los demás, y para usar el derecho a vivir en sana paz."
An Evaluation of Drug Information Services at the "IAF" Pharmacy in Makassar City
Authors: Murniati Murniati , AR Nurul Izza , Rahmawati A.
Published: November 2023

Drug information services are activities carried out by pharmacists in providing impartial drug information, evaluated critically and with the best evidence in all aspects of drug use to other health professionals, patients or the public. Information about drugs including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs and herbs. The aim of the research is to find out drug information services at the "IAF" pharmacy in Makassar city. The research method used is a descriptive survey. Sampling in this study by purposive sampling technique. The population in the study were all "IAF" pharmacy staff in May-June 2021. The results showed that the evaluation of drug information services at the "IAF" pharmacy in Makassar city in implementing PERMENKES No.73 of 2016 in drug information services such as answering oral and written questions, providing information and education to patients, providing knowledge and skills to students who are practice, conducting research on drug use and conducting quality assurance programs have been carried out in accordance with PERMENKES No. 73 of 2016 concerning drug information service standards in pharmacies, while making bulletins/brochures/leaflets and writing or presenting papers in scientific forums has not been fully implemented.
ПАТРІОТИЧНІ МОТИВИ В ЛІРИЦІ ВЛАДЛЕНА КОВТУНА
Authors: Немченко Іван
Published: November 2023

У статті розглядаються ліричні твори патріотичної тематики з доробку сучасного українського поета В. Ковтуна. До аналізу залучено тексти, присвячені Україні та національним світочам, малій батьківщині письменника, природі рідного краю. Особливу увагу приділено патріотичним віршам, котрі стали відомими піснями. Простежено зв’язок творчості митця з українським фольклором.
БЛОГ ТА ЖУРНАЛІСТ, БЛОГІНГ І ЖУРНАЛІСТИКА: ВЕКТОРИ ЗБІЖНОСТИ / КОНТРАСТИВНОСТИ
Authors: Степаненко Микола , Комарова Анна
Published: November 2023

Інформаційне століття покликало до життя нові професії чи просто не знані раніше форми діяльности, зосереджені в медійному просторі. З-поміж них по-особливому відчутною та впливою є блогерська діяльність. У розряді культивованих лексем на позначення модерних «майже професій» опинилося слово блогер. Номінативи блог, блогінг, блогерська діяльність взаємодіють, конкурують із такими утрадиційненими поняттями, як журналіст, журналістика, журналістська діяльність; медійник, масмедіа, медійна діяльність. На думку одних, вирізнені лексичні одиниці й репрезентовані ними поняттєво-семантичні обсяги перебувають у відношенні ізофункційности, взаємозамінности, за переконанням інших, вони лише почасти корелюють між собою, нерідко навіть контрастують, оскільки вибазувані на різних засадах, що стосуються комуніканта, каналу повідомлення, зрештою, реципієнта, продукованого контенту й ін.
Data-Driven Radio Propagation Modeling using Graph Neural Networks
Authors: Bufort Adrien , Lebocq Laurent , Cathabard Stefan
Published: November 2023

Paper that propose a new radio propagation modeling technic using graph neural network. 
A Novel Tongue-based Remote Control and the Implication of Adaptive Semi-automation, Fixed Semi-Automation and Manual Control of a Wheelchair mounted Assistive Robotic Manipulator
Authors: Pálsdóttir Ásgerður Arna , Leck Kæseler Rasmus , Bengtson Stefan Hein , Moeslund Thomas B. , Andreasen Struijk Lotte N. S.
Published: November 2023

Increasing the independence of individuals with tetraplegia is a challenging task. One potential solution is to allow for use of assistive robotics, specifically an assistive robotic manipulator (ARM), when solving varying tasks in personal and remote space. Allowing for remote performances has a positive influence on the independence of the user, allowing the user to be self-sufficient even when lying in bed. The control interfaces that are suitable for severely disabled individuals is lacking. The aim of this paper is twofold: to allow for remote tongue-based control of an ARM and second, to compare the effect of semi-automation on the control of a robotic ARM. Ten able-bodied individuals participated in a two-day experiment where they were asked to drive a wheelchair mounted ARM away from the participant and out of sight. Thereafter, they should either pick up a strawberry or a bottle from a table. All the participants successfully finished three trials for three different control methods: 1) manual control (MA), 2) adaptive level semi-automation (SA), and 3) fixed level semi-automation (FA). When grasping the strawberry, there was a significant decrease in the gripping time and number of used commands when using FA compared to MA. When grasping the bottle, the SA showed a significant reduction in gripping time and number of used commands compared with MA. This paper is a step in the direction of providing severely paralyzed individuals with a way to increase their independence and overall quality of life.
Smart Roads: Roadside Perception, Vehicle-Road Cooperation and Business Model
Authors: Chen Rui , Gao Lu , Liu Yutian , Guan Yong Liang , Zhang Yan
Published: November 2023

Smart roads have become an essential component of intelligent transportation systems (ITS). The roadside perception technology, a critical aspect of smart roads, utilizes various sensors, roadside units (RSUs), and edge computing devices to gather real-time traffic data for vehicle-road cooperation. However, the full potential of smart roads in improving the safety and efficiency of autonomous vehicles only can be realized through the mass deployment of roadside perception and communication devices. On the one hand, roadside devices require significant investment but can only achieve monitoring function currently, resulting in no profitability for investors. On the other hand, drivers lack trust in the safety of autonomous driving technology, making it difficult to promote large-scale commercial applications. To deal with the dilemma of mass deployment, we propose a novel smart-road vehicle-guiding architecture for vehicle-road cooperative autonomous driving,  based on which we then propose the corresponding business model and analyze its benefits from both operator and driver perspectives. The numerical simulations validate that our proposed smart road solution can enhance driving safety and traffic efficiency. Moreover, we utilize the cost-benefit analysis (CBA) model to assess the economic advantages of the proposed business model which indicates that the smart highway that can provide vehicle-guided-driving services for autonomous vehicles yields more profit than the regular highway.
Markers of antroponotic viral infections in vervet monkeys arrived from their natural habitat (Tanzania)
Authors: Dogadov Dmitriy I. , Kyuregyan Karen K. , Alexandra Goncharenko M. , Minosyan Albert A. , Kochkonyan Armen A. , Karlsen Anastasia A. , Vyshemirsky Oleg I. , Karal-ogly Dzhina D. , Mikhailov Mikhail I.
Published: November 2023

Introduction. Various human viruses have been identified in wild monkeys and in captive primates. Cases of transmission of viruses from wild monkeys to humans and vice versa are known.
The aim of this study was to identify markers of anthroponotic viral infections in vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) arrived from their natural habitat (Tanzania).
Materials and methods. Fecal samples (n = 56) and blood serum samples (n = 75) obtained from 75 animals, respectively, on days 10 and 23 after admission to the primate center, were tested for the markers of anthroponotic viral infections (Ebola virus, Marburg virus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis, hepatitis C virus, herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), parainfluenza types 1 and 3, intestinal adenoviruses, rotaviruses) by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Results and discussion. Among the examined animals, markers of 6 out of 11 tested viral infections were identified. Detection rates of IgG antibodies to HSV-1,2 (15.9%) and CMV (15.9%) were two times as low as IgG antibodies to EBV (31.8%). Among the markers of respiratory viral infections, IgG antibodies to parainfluenza virus type 1 were found (6.8%). 14.3% of the animals had rotavirus antigen, and 94% had simian adenovirus DNA. Markers of hemorrhagic fevers Ebola, Marburg, LCM, hepatitis C, and type 3 parainfluenza were not detected.
Conclusion. When importing monkeys from different regions of the world, an expanded screening for viral infections is needed considering the epidemiological situation both in the country of importation and in the country of destination.
Vaccines to prevent Ebola virus disease: current challenges and perspectives
Authors: Kovyrshina Anna V. , Sizikova Tatiana E. , Lebedev Vitaliy N. , Borisevich Sergey V. , Dolzhikova Inna V. , Logunov Denis Yu. , Gintsburg Alexander L.
Published: November 2023

Relevance. Ebola virus disease (EVD) is an acute infectious disease with an extremely high case fatality rate reaching up to 90%. EVD has become widely known since 2014–2016, when outbreak in West Africa occurred and led to epidemic, which caused travel-related cases on the territory of other continents.
There are two vaccines against EVD, prequalified by WHO for emergency use, as well as a number of vaccines, approved by local regulators in certain countries. However, even with the availability of effective vaccines, the lack of data on immune correlates of protection and duration of protective immune response in humans and primates is limiting factor for effectively preventing the spread of EVD outbreaks.
Aims. This review highlights experience of use of EVD vaccines during outbreaks in endemic areas, summarizes data on vaccine immunogenicity in clinical trials, and discusses perspectives for further development and use of effective EVD vaccines.
Thrombolytic Therapy in Strokes: A Retrospective Clinical Data Analysis of 40 Patients in a 7-Year Period: The Experience of a Greek Internal Medicine Department
Authors: Myrou Athina , Tsolaki Anthoula , Tegos Thomas , Savopoulos Christos
Published: November 2023

Stroke is one of the main causes of mortality and disability in developed countries. In acute ischemic stroke, the standard treatment is recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA). The benefits of the treatment depend on the time of administration, the earlier it is administered, the greater its benefit. There are limited studies on the retrospective outcome of thrombolytic therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke outside of clinical trials. The present retrospective study aimed to analyze the clinical data of 40 patients over 7 years who were hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke at the AHEPA University Hospital in Greece. From January 2013 to December 2020, 40 patients with acute ischemic stroke were admitted and treated. Computed tomography (CT) was performed at 24 h after thrombolytic treatment or earlier in case of neurological worsening. The hospital had 3 months follow-up at the stroke clinic and data consisting of the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), functional outcome assessed by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and mortality were reviewed in the medical records from the stroke clinic. The clinical outcome of functional independence defined by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤ 2 at 3 months was evaluated. Safety outcomes were in-hospital mortality, mortality at 3 months, and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) defined by the Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke-Monitoring Study (SITS-MOST) criteria. The main finding of the present study, that there was an overall reduction in the NIHSS scale after thrombolysis, proves that the patients showed improvement after performing thrombolysis. Consequently, from the total of 40 thrombolysis performed at the clinic, it can be concluded that most patients had a good outcome.