bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marriage, Conflict, and Communication: Pragmatic Inquiry into Impoliteness in the Marital Relationship
Authors: Li Shan Shan , Wu Ying Qi
Published: June 2023

The issue of impoliteness has long been a matter of interest in linguistic investigations. Considerable research has been conducted to uncover factors and features regarding the realizations of impoliteness in multiple social contexts. This study engages in a pragmatic inquiry into impoliteness in the marital relationship. The data of this study consisted of a TV episode from one famous on-site mediation reality program in China. Primarily drawing on Bousfield’s (2008) model of impoliteness realizations, this study used a qualitative approach to examine the means by which the couple in a marital relationship causes face-attacking effects and ultimately arouses conflicts. The primary findings of this study indicate that couples might struggle with various communicative challenges. A problematic marital relationship tends to be signaled in some practices of impoliteness. This study has identified thirteen realizations of impoliteness linguistically and behaviorally that indicate gender variations concerning the couple’s frequent impoliteness practices.
Thematic Structure in Students’ Writings: Implications on their Ideas Organization and Development
Authors: Okta Zefki , Ashadi Ashadi , Triyono Sulis , Djoko Pranowo Dwiyanto
Published: June 2023

Thematic structure is an important concept in organizing ideas in academic writing. Although numerous studies have focused on investigating how it is realized in students' writing, only a few focus on investigating thematic structure in students' text across different proficiency levels. This article is based on a study analyzing idea organization and development in 24 high and low-scoring essays through Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL). It was a qualitative content analysis with complementary quantitative data. The results show significant differences in how ideas are organized and developed in high and low-scoring essays. Even though all types of Themes (topical, interpersonal, textual Theme) were observed in both groups, the high-scoring essays elaborated more themes than the low ones indicating that the high-scoring essays comprised more clauses. As for Thematic Progression, all the patterns were present in the essays. The Linear Theme pattern was primarily applied in high-scoring essays, while the Constant Theme pattern was applied frequently in the low-scoring ones. The Split Rheme pattern was less observed in all the students' essays. These findings indicate that the high achievers provided more expounded ideas through linear theme patterns, whereas their counterparts tended to focus on a subject reflected through Theme reiteration. Thus, this implies that proficiency characterized writers in organizing and developing ideas in writing as reflected through thematic Choice and Progression.
СИСТЕМА ПОКАЗНИКІВ ОЦІНЮВАННЯ КІБЕРСТІЙКОСТІ ІНФОРМАЦІЙНИХ СИСТЕМ ОБ’ЄКТІВ КРИТИЧНОЇ ІНФРАСТРУКТУРИ
Authors: Шиповський Володимир
Published: June 2023

У сучасному світі, де комп’ютерні технології є невід’ємною частиною більшості аспектів нашого життя, кібербезпека стає все більш актуальною та критичною. Особливо це стосується критично важливих об’єктів, таких як електростанції, транспортні системи, медичні установи, банки та інші системи, в яких недостатня кіберстійкість може призвести до серйозних наслідків, включаючи втрату життів та матеріальних збитків. У статті проведено порівняльний аналіз основних підходів до оцінювання рівня кіберзахисту інформаційних систем, проаналізовано основні критерії та показники цих підходів та розроблено загальну модель системи показників оцінювання кіберстійкості інформаційних систем критично важливих об’єктів. Оцінювання кіберстійкості таких систем є складною та відповідальною задачею, оскільки вимагає аналізу великої кількості факторів, які впливають на безпеку інформаційних систем. Тому, вибір показників та критеріїв оцінки кіберстійкості інформаційних систем критично важливих об’єктів є дуже важливою та актуальною проблемою для науково-дослідних робіт в галузі кібербезпеки.
Adopting complementary and integrative medicine: Effects of Antox® and Bactofort® administrations on clinico-pathological changes in pullets inoculated with a very virulent infectious bursal disease virus
Authors: Andamin Aliyu Danlami , Orakpoghenor Ochuko , Markus Talatu Patience , Akade Felix Tertsua , Abdu Paul Ayuba , Aluwong Tagang
Published: June 2023

This study evaluated the ameliorative effects of Antox® and Bactofort® on clinico-pathological changes in ISA Brown chicks inoculated with a very virulent infectious bursal disease virus (vvIBDV). Two hundred (200) ISA Brown day-old chicks were randomly assigned into four groups (A to D) of 50 birds each. Groups A, and B were administered with Antox®, and Bactofort®, respectively from day-old to 42 days of age, and inoculated with vvIBDV at 28 days of age. Groups C, and D served as positive, and negative controls, respectively. Clinical signs, morbidity and mortality rates, gross and histopathological changes were determined. The clinical signs were moderate in groups A and B, but severe in group C and absent in group D by 7 days post-inoculation (dpi). Morbidity and mortality rates were lower in groups A and B compared to C. Gross and histopathological lesions were less severe in groups A and B compared to C. Antox® and Bactofort® ameliorated the negative effects of vvIBDV. Antox® and Bactofort® could be recommended for use in vvIBDV outbreaks to ameliorate the negative effects due to the infection.
Phytochemical Characterization of Hydroponic Naked Barley, Analysis of Antioxidant Potential
Authors: Romayssa Bechiri , Nabiha Belahcene , Noureddine Zenati
Published: June 2023

Background: In the present quantitative and qualitative study, to compare the new variety of naked barley with other cereals (durum wheat, commun wheat, coated barley). Regarding the richness in phytonutrients including mainly flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins condensed in a hydroponic culture. Methods: The experiment was conducted in Laboratory of life sciences and techniques, Souk Ahras University in Algeria during 2019-2022. The antioxidant power was tested according to the DPPH free radical scavenging method. The results obtained from the quantitative study of methanolic extracts show that varieties rich in tannins and flavonoids have a significant antioxidant activity than a variety rich only in total polyphenols. Qualitative studies based on HPLC of these compounds allow us to visualize phenolic traces of our extracts, this analysis showed that our extracts mainly contain flavonoids of the flavone and flavonol type, potentially interesting for their biological properties. Result: The results reported the existence of a very highly significant difference (P less than 0.001) between IC50 of the new variety Chaiir Ennabi (Naked Barley) compared to ascorbic acid, which shows a lower antioxidant activity of this variety.Barley variety Barbarous (coated barley) had the highest antioxidant activities and the highest contents of phenolic compounds.
Time flies, waste piles: A bibliometric analysis of solid waste management research
Authors: Abdullah Khairul Hafezad
Published: June 2023

Implementing efficient solid waste management practices is paramount in safeguarding the long-term viability of our planet’s natural resources and ecosystems. In addition, it represents a reasonable approach to future management decisions. This study aims to analyse the trend of solid waste management research publications in the Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases. ScientoPy was used to analyse the datasets in this study by defining publication growth, projected subject areas, productive source titles, productive countries, and the most frequently used keywords over time. The findings of this study underscored that the Scopus and WoS databases evince a steady escalation in publications throughout the years, with a marked upswing from the outset of the 21st century. The three subject areas with the most published documents are Environmental Sciences & Ecology, Engineering, and Science & Technology - Other Topics. India has been found to possess the highest count of published documents, amounting to 474 papers, and displays a comparatively high percentage of documents published in 2021 and 2022 (PDLY) of 23%. Based on an analysis of research topics, it has been determined that solid waste management is a multifaceted and interdisciplinary area of research that encompasses a broad spectrum of topics, including but not limited to sustainability and life cycle assessment. This input provides valuable insights that can aid in comprehending issues, addressing gaps, and directing future research endeavours, particularly those related to ecological cycles. Such insights can assist researchers in resolving pressing concerns and generating innovative solutions. Prospective studies in solid waste management may focus on innovative waste treatment technologies, policy analysis, economic implications, and investigation of emerging issues such as sustainability and life cycle assessment. Interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing can facilitate the resolution of solid waste management issues.
Perlindungan Hukum Bagi Tenaga Medis dalam Melakukan Tindakan Aborsi atas Indikasi Perkosaan [Legal Protection for Medical Personnel in Performing Abortion with Indications of Rape]
Authors: Irawati Jovita , Santoso Sindur Pangestu
Published: June 2023

Abortion is an act that cannot be justified because it is an act of taking away someone's life. Abortion should not be an option to get rid of the shame of having a child out of wedding. Doctors who are workers in the process of abortion also need legal protection from alleged abortions that could happen to them if they are proven to have had abortions without medical indications. Professional organizations such as the Indonesian Doctors Association do not support the act of having an abortion, and the provisions in Article 75 of the Law on Health and the provisions in the KODEKI do not justify abortion. Therefore, this study aims to be able to find legal loopholes that can be used by doctors as protection against demands for abortion without medical indications, namely based on Article 31 paragraph (1) of Government Regulation Number 61 of 2014 concerning Reproductive Health which states that abortion can be justified by reason of medical emergency indications and/or indications of rape. So that doctors in carrying out abortions with indications of rape can have legal rules that can protect them. Thus, this research concludes that abortion behavior which is carried out within the limits of indications of rape can be made possible in accordance with the policies in the Government Regulation on Reproductive Health.

Bahasa Indonesia Abstrak: Aborsi adalah tindakan yang tidak dapat dibenarkan karena merupakan tindakan menghilangkan nyawa seseorang. Aborsi tidak seharusnya menjadi pilihan dalam menghilangkan rasa malu karena telah hamil di luar pernikahan. Dokter yang merupakan tenaga dalam proses terjadinya aborsi juga memerlukan perlindungan hukum dari dugaan aborsi yang dapat menimpanya apabila terbukti melakukan aborsi tanpa indikasi medik. Organisasi profesi seperti Ikatan Dokter Indonesia tidak mendukung adanya tindakan melakukan aborsi, serta aturan dalam Pasal 75 UU Kesehatan serta aturan dalam KODEKI tidak membenarkan adanya tindakan aborsi. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk dapat menemukan celah hukum yang dapat dimanfaatkan oleh dokter sebagai perlindungan terhadap tuntutan atas tindakan aborsi tanpa indikasi medik yaitu berdasarkan Pasal 31 ayat (1) Peraturan Pemerintah Nomor 61 Tahun 2014 tentang Kesehatan Reproduksi yang menyatakan bahwa tindakan aborsi dapat dibenarkan dengan alasan indikasi kedaruratan medis dan/atau indikasi perkosaan. Sehingga dokter dalam melaksanakan aborsi atas indikasi perkosaan dapat memiliki aturan hukum yang dapat melindunginya. Maka, penelitian ini menghasilkan kesimpulan bahwa perilaku aborsi yang dilakukan dalam batasan indikasi perkosaan dapat dimungkinkan sesuai dengan kebijakan pada Peraturan Pemerintah Tentang Kesehatan Reproduksi.
Methods for Improving the Monitoring System and Rating Evaluation of Branches of a Logistics Company
Authors: Kudryavceva Tat'yana , Shvediani Angi , Arteeva Valeriya , Plotnikov Dmitriy , Banite Aushra
Published: June 2023

The rapid development of e-commerce and, consequently, the increasing demands and expectations of customers require transport and logistics companies to apply improved methods of managing their activities. The article discusses methods to improve the monitoring system and rating evaluation of the logistics company’s branches on the actual tonnage of loading during the reporting period. The authors propose to establish a boundary value for % of plan fulfillment when calculating rating scores on the basis of statistical methods — the calculation of the confidence interval based on historical data, which will allow to take into account statistically justified deviation of actual results from the planned ones. In addition, the authors propose to evaluate the loading indicator as an integral — to use several indicators for assessing the effectiveness of loading that most accurately and fully reflect the performance of branches. This will allow to take into account not just the implementation of the plan by the branch, but also its achievements in comparison with the same period last year. The conclusion is made about the need to distinguish the reasons for the failure to implement the plan depending on the operating activities of branches and those depending on external factors, which are not related to the operating activities of branches.
Construction of Distributed Microprocessor-Based Train Control Systems
Authors: Nikitin Aleksandr , Nasedkin Oleg , Lykov Andrey , Zhuravleva Natal'ya , Korniyenko Anatoliy , Kopytov Dmitriy
Published: June 2023

High material requirements of new relay systems make it impossible to modernize devices within existing areas and require the construction of new interlocking system buildings, which significantly affects the volume of capital investments. Transitioning to microelectronic and microprocessor electronic platforms allows for the design of more compact systems with expanded functional capabilities. In global practice, there is a trend towards widespread use of microprocessor-based interlocking system. However, there is a slow pace of device updates, mainly due to the high cost of microprocessor-based interlocking system, which exceeds by several times the cost of similar relay-based interlocking system. The high performance of computing resources and fiber-optic data transmission channels allows for the design of efficient structures for microprocessor-based interlocking system. The article presents a comparative analysis of the structures of microprocessor-based interlocking system. The implemented decentralized structures solve the issues of reducing investments for the design and construction of the station’s cable network. The advantages of using these systems from the point of view of controlling the transportation process are described, conclusions are drawn on the effective use of the capabilities of modern control systems with integrated subsystems in relation to field-based train traffic control technologies.
Organizing Information Structure for a Digital Station Control System
Authors: Groshev Vasiliy
Published: June 2023

The article is devoted to the study of control systems for the operation of railway station, driven by the trend in the industry towards the development and implementation of digital control systems that increase the functionality of the technological means used. The analysis of automated control systems used on railways and in the metro is carried out, their advantages and disadvantages are described. It is shown that it is necessary to build a digital system of operational control of the station, which provides automation of such intellectual functions as planning operations, forming tasks and monitoring their implementation by responsible departments. In the presented work, the synthesis of the information structure of such a system is carried out, providing the receipt, transmission and processing of data, the source of which is currently operated automated railway transport systems for various purposes. The gates of the structure (databases, information arrays) are defined, their description is given, connections between them are built, implemented functions are described. The concept of a model unit as a data package describing the information stored in the system for each element of the technological process of the station is formulated. Examples of algorithms for the functioning of the described structure in terms of movement control and the formation of model units of rolling stock located in the control loop of the system are given. Possible directions for further research are formulated.
A cidade está lá fora?
Authors: Tavares Maria de Fátima Duarte
Published: June 2023

Introdução: A cidade capital criada para simbolizar a modernidade brasileira dos anos 60, do século XX, tem nos seus acervos locais documentais referências para a memória social. A dimensão pública da memória urbana apresenta na atualidade graus diferenciados de relação com os equipamentos culturais, que são cada vez mais interdependentes entre si pela presença das tecnologias digitais.  A pesquisa trata da disponibilidade pública das coleções de imagens fotográficas sobre Brasília e como o seu arquivamento, com restrições de acesso e sem políticas de preservação digital no longo prazo, reduzem as possiblidades de interação para a construção da memória digital e seus desdobramentos na vida cotidiana. Objetivo: identificar a representatividade dos acervos locais de Brasília em relação ao universo digital, sua disponibilidade pública no presente em paralelo à existência ou não de estruturação de políticas de preservação digital de longo prazo.  Metodologia: identificar condições de acesso e uso de tecnologias digitais por equipamentos culturais; levantar dados sobre a disponibilidade digital de documentação imagética sobre Brasília em comparação a outras cidades brasileiras; analisar a representatividade dos acervos e o papel cultural das entidades locais. Resultados: reconhecimento da relevância dos acervos locais para a construção da dimensão pública da memória urbana no longo prazo. Conclusão: importância de valorizar os acervos locais, considerando as políticas de preservação digital, a memória urbana e o acesso no longo prazo.
Analisis Peningkatan Polusi Cahaya Berdasarkan Pembacaan SQM dan Citra Satelit VIIRS tahun 2017 – 2022 di Kota Medan
Authors: Putraga Hariyadi , Raisal Abu Yazid , Firdaus Muhammad Dimas , Rakhmadi Arwin Juli
Published: June 2023

Telah dilakukan analisis terhadap polusi cahaya berdasarkan pembacaan fotometer bernama Sky Quality Meter (SQM) yang menunjukkan tingkat polusi cahaya dinyatakan dalam acuan MPASS. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui peningkatan polusi cahaya pada daerah kota Medan dan untuk mengetahui implikasinya bagi pengamatan astronomi di sana. Peta sebaran polusi cahaya dan data kuantitas radiance diperoleh melalui platform yang menyajikan data pemetaan polusi cahaya dan selanjutnya dianalisis dengan studi literasi. Ditemukan bahwa nilai radiance sebanding dengan tingkat polusi dan dipengaruhi oleh populasi peradaban di Medan sejak 2017 hingga 2022 sehingga pengamatan astronomi dan fenomenanya juga semakin menurun untuk dapat terlihat.
The The Concept of Fiqh al-Bī’ah in the Qur’an: A Study of the Quranic Verses on Environment in the Ulamas’ Views of Lombok
Authors: Acim Subhan Abdullah , Suharti Suharti
Published: June 2023

This article examines the Qur'anic verses about the environment and the Islamic legal understanding of it (fiqh al-bī’ah) in the view of the ulama of Lombok. This study was based on library resources, compiling the works of Quranic exegesis (tafsīr) and relevant literature, and fieldwork data from the interviews with ulama in Lombok. This study found that the verses of the Qur’an associated with fiqh al-bī’ah can be classified based on the following themes: 1) environmental elements; 2) the diverse ecosystems; 3) the description of ideal and non-ideal environments; 4) the creation of the universe; 5) the purposes of nature’s creation; 6) the causes of natural damage; and 7) the role of humans as caliphs. Second, the interpretation of ulama of Lombok regarding verses related to fiqh al-bī’ah can be classified into seven themes: 1) the procedure for interacting with the environment; 2) the impact of environmental damage; 3) environmental stability as a blessing and grace from Allah; 4) fourth, human immorality as the source of environmental damage; 5) environmental equilibrium and prohibition of environmental damage; 6) the responsibility of leaders in environmental protection; and 7) the urgency of fiqh al-bī’ah.
Attitude and Behavior Towards Covid-19 Control Among High School Students in Surabaya and Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Authors: Muhammad Nuh Ihsan  , Meliana Ahila , Hasanatuludhhiyah Nurina , Visuddho Visuddho , Abdul Khairul Rizki Purba  , Annete D’Arqom
Published: June 2023

Morbidity and mortality due to Covid-19 tend to be milder in adolescents. Nevertheless, their perception, attitude, and behavior towards Covid-19 deserve attention since they would also contribute to the success of Covid-19 control. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the perceived severity, susceptibility, attitudes, and behavior toward Covid-19 among high school students. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in five schools in Surabaya and Sidoarjo. Questionnaires were given online to teachers who then forwarded them to high school students. Data were taken from July to October 2021. Attitude and behavior were examined using the scoring previously tested. The data were then analyzed using Mann-Whitney U and Spearman’s correlation tests. The significance level was set at p<0.05. More than 50% of students had good preventive behavior, the most frequent one was wearing masks (87.3%), followed by washing hands (73%). The behavior was correlated with their attitude (r= 0.285, p=0.000). Fifty-three percent of the respondents felt they would experience mild symptoms if they were infected with Covid-19. Most students perceived that they were susceptible to getting infected with Covid-19. Significant results were obtained using the Mann-Whitney test on gender toward attitudes and behavior (p<0.05). There were significant correlations between the mother’s educational level (r=0.164, p=0.001) and the father’s educational levels (r=0.120, p=0.013) with attitude toward Covid-19 control policies. Female students in Surabaya and Sidoarjo have better behavior in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Parents’ educational level plays a role in influencing the student’s attitude toward Covid-19 control.
Grain engineering of high energy density BaTiO3 thick films integrated on Si
Authors: Ouyang Jun , Teng Xiaoman , Yuan Meiling , Wang Kun , Zhao Yuyao , Cheng Hongbo , Zhu Hanfei , Liu Chao , Xiao Yongguang , Tang Minghua , Zhang Wei , Pan Wei
Published: June 2023

Ferroelectric (FE) ceramics with a large relative dielectric permittivity and a high dielectric strength have the potential to store or supply electricity of very high energy and power densities, which is desirable in many modern electronic and electrical systems. For a given FE material, such as the commonly-used BaTiO3, a close interplay between defect chemistry, misfit strain, and grain characteristics must be carefully manipulated for engineering its film capacitors. In this work, the effects of grain orientation and morphology on the energy storage properties of BaTiO3 thick films were systematically investigated. These films were all deposited on Si at 500 °C in an oxygen-rich atmosphere, and their thicknesses varied between ~500 nm and ~2.6 μm. While a columnar nanograined BaTiO3 film with a (001) texture showed a higher recyclable energy density Wrec (81.0 J/cm3vs. 57.1 J/cm3 @3.2 MV/cm, ~40% increase) than that of a randomly-oriented BaTiO3 film of about the same thickness (~500 nm), the latter showed an improved energy density at a reduced electric field with an increasing film thickness. Specifically, for the 1.3 μm and 2.6 μm thick polycrystalline films, their energy storage densities Wrec reached 46.6 J/cm3 and 48.8 J/cm3 at an applied electric field of 2.31 MV/cm (300 V on 1.3 μm film) and 1.77 MV/cm (460 V on 2.6 μm film), respectively. This ramp-up in energy density can be attributed to increased polarizability with a growing grain size in thicker polycrystalline films and is desirable in high pulse power applications.
Occurrence of pesticide residues in fig crops (Ficus carica L.), in Morelos, Mexico
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Avenida Universidad 1001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, C.P. 62209, Morelos, México., Rosas-Sánchez Jael , Saldarriaga-Noreña Hugo ,   Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Avenida Universidad 1001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, C.P. 62209, Morelos, México., Chávez-Almazán Luis Alberto ,   Secretaría de Salud de Guerrero, Avenida Juan R. Escudero 128, Ciudad Renacimiento, Acapulco, C.P. 39715, Guerrero, México., Murillo-Tovar Mario Alfonso ,   Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Avenida Universidad 1001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, C.P. 62209, Morelos, México., Ramírez-Bustos Irene Iliana ,   Universidad Estatal de Sonora, Calle Ley Federal del Trabajo Colonia Apolo, Hermosillo, C.P. 83100, Sonora, México., León-Hernández Viridiana Aydeé ,   Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Avenida Universidad 1001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, C.P. 62209, Morelos, México., Reyes Pedro Guillermo ,   Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Instituto Literario Número 100, Colonia Centro, Toluca, C.P. 50000, Estado de México, México., Vergara-Sánchez Josefina ,   Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Avenida Universidad 1001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, C.P. 62209, Morelos, México., Fernández-Herrera Ernesto ,   Universidad de Sonora, Carretera Bahía de Kino, kilómetro 21, Hermosillo, C.P. 83000, Sonora, México.
Published: June 2023

The state of Morelos is the main producer of figs in the Mexican Republic, contributing 50% of the national production. Despite the fact that the official regulations in Mexico only allow the use of some pesticides on figs, it is common to find residues of prohibited substances. This work aims to assess the occurrence of pesticide residues in the fig cultivation from 15 different parcels located in Morelos in order to determine their degree of dissipation and the resultant health risk. The fig samples were analyzed using the QuEChERS multi-residue extraction, followed by gas chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometer. Nine pesticides were detected in the sampled crops, of which five were above the maximum allowed residue levels. The pesticides with the highest concentrations were thiophanate-methyl (0.733 mg/kg), chlorothalonil (0.445 mg/kg), propamocarb (0.395 mg/kg), and carbendazim (0.313 mg/kg). All Risk Health Index values were less than 1, indicating no risk to human health. However, it is noteworthy that dietary pesticide intakes estimated in this study considered only exposures from fig fruit and did not include other fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, fish, or meat, among others. These findings suggest the need for a continuous monitoring program for pesticide residues in cultivated vegetables in Morelos.
A New Approach Combining a Multilayer Radiative Transfer Model with an Individual Based Forest Model: Application to Boreal Forests in Finland
Authors: Henniger Hans , Bohn Friedrich J , Schmidt Kim , Huth Andreas
Published: June 2023

To understand forest dynamics under today’s changing environmental conditions, it is important to analyze the state of forests at large scales. Forest inventories are not available for all regions, so it is important to use other additional sources of information, e.g. remote sensing observations. Increasingly, remotely sensed data based on optical instruments and airborne LIDAR are becoming widely available for forests. There is great potential in analyzing these measurements and gaining an understanding of forests state. In this work, we combine the new generation radiative transfer model mScope with the individual-based forest model FORMIND to generate reflectance spectra for forests. Combining the two models allows us to account for species diversity at different height layers in the forest. We compare the generated reflectances for forest stands in Finland, in the region of North Karelia, with Sentinel-2 measurements. We investigate which level of forest representation gives the best results. For the majority of the forest stands, we generated good reflectances with all levels forest representation compared to the measured reflectance. Good correlations were also found for the vegetation indices (especially NDVI with R²=0.62). This work provides a forward modelling tool for relating forest reflectance to forest characteristics. With this tool it is possible to generate a large set of forest stands with corresponding reflectances. This opens the possibility to understand how reflectance is related to succession and different forest conditions.
Social and Environmental Determinants of Diarrheal Diseases among Children Under Five Years in Epworth Township, Harare
Authors: Chari Sandra , Mbonane Thokozani Patrick , Van Wyk Renay Helouise
Published: June 2023

Children five years or younger in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are severely affected by diarrhoea disease, especially in the sub-Saharan region. Hence, the study aimed at determining the prevalence and determinants of diarrhea disease among children under 5 years in Epworth Township, Zimbabwe. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a local clinic in Epworth Township, Harare. A convenience sampling strategy was used to recruit study participants for participation and 386 children were enrolled in the study. The majority were male children (n=229; 59.3%), while there were more female caregivers (n=370; 95.9%) than male caregivers (n=16; 4.1%). The prevalence of diarrhea disease in the study was 25.1%. The determinants associated with diarrhea were being partially vaccinated (OR 2.38, CI 95% 2.80–8.22), collecting water more than 1 kilometre from a household (OR 4.55; CI 95% 2.10–9.85) and using untreated water (OR 6.22; CI 95% 2.13–18.20). The age of the caregiver and using a clean water container (OR 0.05; p=0.020) were protective factors. Provision of primary health care, especially prevention of disease through immunization and rendering environmental health services could reduce the prevalence of diarrhea in disadvantaged townships.
Genomic Detection of the Emerging, Highly Pathogenic HIV-1 Subtype D in Bahia, Northeast Brazil
Authors: Rego Filipe Ferreira de Almeida , Moraes Laise de , Giovannetti Marta , Silva José Adriano Góes , Torres Felipe Guimarães , Silva Marcio de Oliveira , Da Silva Maria da Purificação Pereira , Weyenbergh Johan Van , Santos Luciane Amorim , Khouri Ricardo
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: The HIV subtype D is generally associated with a faster decline in CD4+ T cell counts, a higher viral load, and a faster progression to AIDS. However, it is still poorly characterized in Brazil. In this study, we used genomics and epidemiological data to investigate the transmission dynamics of HIV subtype D in the state of Bahia, Northeast Brazil. (2) Methods: to achieve this goal, we obtained four novel HIV-1 subtype D partial pol genome sequences using the Sanger method. To understand the emergence of this novel subtype in the state of Bahia, we used phylodynamic analysis on a dataset comprising 3,704 pol genome sequences downloaded from the Los Alamos database. (3) Results: Our analysis revealed three branching patterns, indicating multiple introductions of the HIV-1 subtype D in Brazil from the late 1980s to the late 2000s and a single introduction event in the state of Bahia. Our data further suggest that these introductions most likely originated from European, Eastern African, Western African and Southern African countries. (4) Conclusion: Understanding the distribution of HIV-1 viral strains and their temporal dynamics is crucial for monitoring the real-time evolution of circulating subtypes and recombinant forms, as well as for designing novel diagnostic and vaccination strategies. We advocate for a shift to active surveillance, to ensure adequate preparedness for future epidemics mediated by emerging viral strains.
Electronically Excited States of Free Radicals
Authors: Khudyakov Igor Vladimir
Published: June 2023

Formation of the excited doublet (D) and quartet (Q) states of free radicals under their photoexcitation is discussed. Relative positions of D and Q states are compared to the positions of photoexcited states of organic molecules (Jablonsky diagram). A number of representative cases of the detected by emission or absorption excited is presented. A special case of the population lowest Q-state in some radicals of is discoursed. Spin-statistical factor in the reactions of Q and D is debated.
On Orthogonal Fuzzy Iterative Mappings with Applications to Volterra Type Integral Equations and Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Ishtiaq Umar , Jahangeer Fahad , Kattan Doha A. , Argyros Ioannis K. , Regmi Samundra
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we report orthogonal fuzzy versions of some celebrated iterative mappings. We provide various concrete conditions on the real valued functions J,S:(0,1]→(−∞,∞) for the existence of fixed-points of (J,S)-fuzzy iterative mappings. We obtain many fixed point theorems in orthogonal fuzzy metric spaces. We apply (J,S)-fuzzy version of Banach fixed point theorem to show the existence and uniqueness of the solution. We support these results with several non-trivial examples and applications to Volterra-type integral equations and fractional differential equations.
Examining the Gambling Behavior of University Students: A Cross-Sectional Survey Applying the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) of Health Behavior Change in a Single Institution
Authors: Kapukotuwa Sidath , Bonsu Laurencia , Chatterjee Anita , Fudolig Miguel , Sharma Manoj
Published: June 2023

Gambling among college students can start as a pastime activity. However, this pastime can lead to problem gambling and pathological gambling. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify and explain gambling behavior among university students using a novel fourth-generation multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change. Data were collected from a sample of 1,474 university students at a large southwestern university in the U.S. between January 2023 and February 2023, utilizing a validated 39-item survey. The statistical analyses employed in this study encompassed descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, and hierarchical regression modeling. Among students who engaged in gambling in the past month, the constructs of participatory dialogue (β = 0.052; p < 0.05), behavioral confidence (β = 0.073; p < 0.0001), and changes in the physical environment (β = 0.040; p = 0.0137) accounted for 27.7% of the variance in the likelihood of initiating the behavior change. Furthermore, the constructs of emotional transformation (β = 0.104; p = 0.0003) and practice for change (β = 0.060; p = 0.0368) accounted for 22.6% of the variance in the likelihood of sustaining quitting gambling behavior. The Multi-Theory Model (MTM) can be employed to design interventions aimed at reducing problem gambling among college students.
Plasma Sphingomyelin Disturbances: Unveiling Its Dual Role as a Crucial Imunopathological Factor and a Severity Prognostic Biomarker in COVID-19
Authors: Toro Diana Mota , Da Silva-Neto Pedro Vieira , De Carvalho Jonatan Constança Silva , Fuzo Carlos Alessandro , Pérez Malena Martínez , Pimentel Vinícius Eduardo , Fraga-Silva Thais Fernanda de Campos , Oliveira Camilla Narjara Simão , Rigotto Caruso Glaucia , Vilela Adriana , Nobre Pedro , Felippe Thiago , Argolo Jamille Guedes Malta , Degiovani Augusto Marcussi , Ostini Fátima Magro , Feitosa Marley Ribeiro , Parra Rogério Serafim , Vilar Fernando Crivelenti , Gaspar Gilberto G. , Da Rocha José Joaquim Ribeiro , Feres Omar , Costa Gabriel Peinado , Maruyama Sandra R. , De Sousa Russo Elisa Maria , Fernandes Ana Paula Morais , Santos Isabel Kinney Ferreira de Miranda , Malheiro Adriana , Sadikot Ruxana T. , Bonato Vânia Luiza Deperon , Cardoso Cristina Ribeiro de Barros , Dias-Baruffi Marcelo , Trapé Átila Alexandre , Faccioli Lúcia Helena , Sorgi Carlos A.
Published: June 2023

SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers distinct patterns of disease development, characterized by significant alterations in host regulatory responses. Severe cases exhibit profound lung inflammation and systemic repercussions. Remarkably, critically ill patients display a "lipid storm", influencing the inflammatory process and tissue damage. Sphingolipids (SL) play pivotal roles in various cellular and tissue processes, including inflammation, metabolic disorders, and cancer. In this study, we employed high-resolution mass spectrometry to investigate SL metabolism in plasma samples obtained from control subjects (n=55), COVID-19 patients (n=204), and convalescent individuals (n=77). These data were correlated with inflammatory parameters associated with the clinical severity of COVID-19. Additionally, we utilized RNAseq analysis to examine the gene expression of enzymes involved in the SL pathway. Our analysis revealed the presence of thirty-eight SL species from seven families in the plasma of study participants. The most profound alterations in the SL species profile were observed in patients with severe disease. Notably, the predominant sphingomyelin (SM d18:1) species emerged as a potential biomarker for COVID-19 severity, showing decreased levels in the plasma of convalescent individuals. Elevated SM levels were positively correlated with age, hospitalization duration, clinical score, neutrophil count, as well as the production of IL-6 and IL-8. Intriguingly, we identified a putative protective effect against disease severity mediated by SM (d18:1/24:0), while ceramide (Cer) d18:1/24:1 and d18:1/24:0 was associated with increased risk. Moreover, we observed enhanced expression of key enzymes involved in SL pathway, in blood cells from severe COVID-19 patients, suggesting a primary flow towards Cer generation in tandem with SM synthesis. These findings underscore the potential of SM as a prognostic biomarker for COVID-19 and highlight promising pharmacological targets. By targeting sphingolipid pathways, novel therapeutic strategies may emerge to mitigate the severity of COVID-19 and improve patient outcomes.
AFEX-Net: Adaptive Feature EXtraction CNN for Classifying CT Images
Authors: Zahedi Nasab Roxana , Mohseni Hadis , Montazeri Mahdieh , Ghasemian Fahimeh , Amin Sobhan
Published: June 2023

Deep convolutional neural networks (CNN) are favored methods widely used in medical
image processing due to their assured shown performance. Recently, the emergence
of new lung diseases and the possibility of early detection of their symptoms has
attracted many researchers to classify diseases by training deep CNNs on lung CT
images. The trained networks are expected to distinguish between lung indications in
diﬀerent diseases, especially at the early stages of them. With the hope of achieving this
purpose, we proposed an eﬃcient deep CNN called AFEX-Net with adaptive feature
extraction layers that successfully extract distinguishing features and classify chest CT
images. The eﬃciency of the proposed network has two aspects: it is a lightweight
network with low number of parameters and fast training and it has adaptive pooling
layers and adaptive activation functions to increase its level of compatibility to the
input data. The proposed network has been evaluated on a dataset with more than
10K chest CT slices, while an eﬃcient pre-processing method is developed to remove
any bias from the images. Additionally, we evaluated the performance of the proposed
model on the public COVID-CTset dataset to prove the generalisability of our model.
The obtained results conﬁrm the competence of the proposed network in confronting
medical images, where prompt and accurate learning is required.
On Structural Identifiability of System with Nonsymmetric Nonlinearities
Authors: Karabutov Nikolay
Published: June 2023

The complexity of objects and control systems increases the requirements for mathematical models. The structural identifiability (SI) assessment of nonlinear systems is one of the identification problems. Until now, this problem solves by parametric methods using various approximation methods. This approach is not always effective under uncertainty. We apply an approach to SI estimation based on the analysis of virtual structures. The requirements form for the system input based on the expansion of the excitation constancy property and S-synchronizability. The approach generalization to structural identifiability used in the analysis of systems with symmetric nonlinearity is given. homothety and identifiability conditions for systems with non-symmetric nonlinearities (SNN) obtained. The detectability and recoverability proofed for virtual frameworks (VF) guaranteed the SI estimation under uncertainty. The conditions under which the non-symmetric nonlinearity is hypothetical symmetric nonlinearity obtained. SI estimation examples considered for closed nonlinear systems under uncertainty.
UAV-based Optical Methods to Estimate the Flow of Temporary Streams and Evaluate their Environmental Status
Authors: Koutalakis Paschalis , Stamataki Mairi Danai , Tzoraki Ourania
Published: June 2023

Temporary streams are a key component of the hydrological cycle in arid and semi-arid regions, but their flow is highly variable and difficult to measure. In this paper, we present a novel approach that could be used to assess the flow of temporary streams and characterize their environmental status. Specifically, we apply the Image Velocimetry method to estimate surface velocity in temporary streams using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with optical sensors (IV-UAV method). The IV-UAV method enables the easy, safe and quick estimation of the velocity on the water’s surface. This method was applied in different temporary streams in Lesvos Island, Greece. The produced results show that the IV-UAV can be implemented at low discharges, at temporary streams and at small streams. However, there were many occasions that measurements were unable due to various reasons such as dense vegetation or archaeological sites. Despite of this, the proposed methodology could be incorporated in optical protocols which are used to assess the environmental status of temporary streams of Mediterranean conditions. Finally, this would become a valuable tool for understanding the dynamics of these eco-systems and monitoring changes over time.
Microbiological analysis of surgeons' hands in a public hospital in São Luis, Maranhão State, Brazil
Authors: Neto Artur Serra , Marques Sirlei Garcia , Bomfim Maria Rosa Quaresma , Monteiro Silvio Gomes , Souza Rosangela Cipriano , Nunes Rodolfo Acatauassu
Published: June 2023

Antisepsis of the hands of medical personnel is one of the most important steps in the process of patient care, since direct contact can cause the cross-transfer of potentially pathogenic microorganisms at surgical sites.This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of microorganisms on the hands of 131 surgeons in a university hospital before the surgical procedure. Swabs were collected from each clinician's hands before and after handwashing. The samples were placed in a transport medium and immediately delivered to a private Clinical Analysis Laboratory from São Luis-Maranhão. The microorganisms were identified by ionization source mass spectrometry and matrix-assisted laser desorption (MALDI-TOF), and antibiotic susceptibility tests (AST) were performed using the Vitek2 automated system. The results showed a high frequency (100%) of microorganisms before handwashing, but after surgical antisepsis, the rate dropped significantly (p<0.05) to 27.5%. Gram-positive cocci and rods were the most common microbes, followed by gram-negative bacilli species. The effectiveness of hand antisepsis was 72.5%. The ideal would be 100% efficacy, that is, 0% microorganisms in all surgeons. It is logical that the presence of any organism, no matter how infrequent it may be, will always represent a great risk of postoperative infection for any patient.
Using Remote Sensing Techniques to Assess Land-Cover Change and Degradation in the Deserts of the Southeast Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Ramírez-Juidias Emilio , Madueño-Luna Antonio , Luna José Miguel Madueño , Gordillo Miguel Calixto López , Leiva-Piedra Jorge Luis
Published: June 2023

Many drylands around the world have seen both soil and vegetation degradation around watering points. It can be seen in spaceborne imagery as radial brightness belts that fade with distance from the water areas. The study's primary goal was to characterize spatio-temporal land degradation/rehabilitation in the drylands of the southeast Iberian Peninsula. The brightness index of Tasseled Cap was discovered to be the best spectral transformation for enhancing the contrast between the bright-degraded areas near the points and the darker surrounding areas far from and in-between these areas. To comprehend the spatial structure present in spaceborne imagery of two desert sites and three key time periods, semi-variograms were created (mid-late 2000s, around 2015, and 2020). In order to assess spatio-temporal land-cover patterns, a geostatistical model (kriging) was used to smooth brightness index values extracted from 30 m spatial resolution images. To assess the direction and intensity of changes between study periods, a change detection analysis based on kriging prediction maps was performed. These findings were linked to the socioeconomic situation prior to and following the EU economic crisis. The study discovered that degradation occurred in some areas as a result of the region's agricultural activities being exploited.
Age Related Changes in Epilepsy Characteristics and Response to Antiepileptic Treatment in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Gundogdud Beliz Su , Gaitanis John , Adams James B. , Rossignol Daniel A. , Frye Richard E.
Published: June 2023

Despite the high prevalence of epilepsy in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) there is little information regarding whether seizure characteristics and treatment effectiveness change across age. Using an on-line survey, seizure characteristics, effectiveness of antiepileptic treatments, comorbidities and ASD diagnosis were collected from individuals with ASD and seizures. We previously reported overall general patterns of treatment effectiveness but did not examine the effect of seizure characteristics or age on antiepileptic treatment effectiveness. Such information would improve the personalized medicine approach to the treatment of seizures in ASD. Survey data from 570 individuals with ASD and clinical seizures were analyzed. Seizure severity (seizure/week) decreased with age of onset of seizures, plateauing in adolescence, with a greater reduction in generalized tonic clonic (GTC) seizures with age. Seizure severity was worse in those with genetic disorders, neurodevelopmental regression (NDR) and poor sleep maintenance. Carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine were reported to be more effective when seizures started in later childhood while surgery and the Atkin’s/Modified Atkin’s Diet (A/MAD) were reported to be more effective when seizures started early in life. A/MAD and the ketogenic diet were reported to be more effective in those with NDR. Interestingly, atypical Landau-Kleffner syndrome was associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and NDR, suggesting a novel syndrome. These interesting findings need to be verified in independent, prospectively collected cohorts, but none-the-less these data provide some insight into novel relationships that may assist in a better understanding of epilepsy in ASD and providing insight into personalizing epilepsy care in ASD.