bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting Factors of Atherosclerosis in Children with Beta-Thalassemia Major
Authors: Darbandi Bahram , Ghorbannezhad Nasim , Baghersalimi Adel , Koohmanaee Shahin , Hassanzadeh Rad Afagh , Roshan Zahra Atrkar , Anvari Saeid , Dalili Setila , Tabrizi Manijeh
Published: January 2023

Background: Atherosclerosis is an important cardiovascular disorder in beta-thalassemia major patients. The present study aimed to predict factors of atherosclerosis in children with beta-thalassemia major.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 36 patients with beta-thalassemia major and 36 healthy children as the control group. The carotid intima-media thickness (CAIMT) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were compared between groups.
Results: The mean age of the patients in the case and control groups were 13.5 ± 3.7 and 13 ± 3.1 years old, respectively. Significant differences in CAIMT in the right (P = 0.001) and left (P = 0.001) arteries were recorded between the two groups. The mean serum OPG in the beta-thalassemia group was significantly higher than the control group (3.9 ng/ml and 1.4 ng/ml, respectively, P=0.001).
Conclusion: CAIMT is a non-invasive method for diagnosing atherosclerosis. According to the significant difference between groups, serum OPG could be helpful in the diagnosis of early atherosclerosis in beta-thalassemia major.
A survey of intracranial blood flow velocity in thalassemia intermedia in Khuzestan Province, Iran
Authors: Rafie Shahram , Keikhaei Bijan , Sarshad Hourshid
Published: January 2023

Background: Beta-thalassemia intermedia (BTI) is a type of hemoglobinopathy with an increased risk of cerebrovascular accidents, and transcranial cerebral Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) through determining the mean cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) can serve to predict the risk of a developing stroke. This study aims to compare patients with beta-thalassemia intermedia and healthy individuals in terms of the cerebral blood flow velocity.
Materials and Methods: This research was a case control study on 35 BTI patients and 25 healthy subjects. The patients were categorized into three age groups including 7-10, 11-15 and 16-20 years old. The mean CBFVs were compared between the two groups. The factors of age, gender, serum ferritin level, hemoglobin level, spleen size, thrombocytosis, and thalassemia genotypes were evaluated for their effects on CBFVs.
Results: Mean CBFVs were significantly higher in all the intracranial arteries of BTI patients compared to normal subjects (p-value < 0.05). The hemoglobin levels showed a negative correlation between the left and right vertebral arteries of BTI patients in terms of blood flow velocity (p-value < 0.05). The mean CBFVs in the left vertebral and basilar arteries were negatively correlated to age in BTI. There was no correlation among ferritin level, thrombocytosis, splenomegaly, splenectomy, XmnI polymorphism, and cerebral blood flow velocity in the BTI patients group (p-value > 0.05).
Conclusion: This study showed that cerebral blood flow velocities of BTI patients were higher than normal control group. In addition, CBFVs were not affected by factors such as gender, serum ferritin, platelet count, size of spleen and XmnI genotype, however, there was negative correlation between age and hemoglobin level with CBFVs.
Leylâ el-Osmân’ın “Fethiye Tehtâru Mevtehâ” ve James Joyce’un “Eveline” Adlı Öykülerinde Aile İçi Şiddet
Authors: ÇETİN Sevda
Published: January 2023

Bu çalışmada James Joyce’nin Eveline isimli kısa öyküsüyle Leyla el-Osman’ın Fethiye Tehtaru Mevteha adlı öyküsünde yer alan aile içi şiddet sorunu ele alınmaktadır.

İrlandalı bir yazar olan James Joyce’un ilk ve son öykü koleksiyonu olan Dublinliler adlı eserinde pek çok sosyal sorunların ele alındığını görmekteyiz. Yazarın Eveline isimli öyküsünde babası tarafından fiziksel ve psikolojik şiddete maruz kalan Eveline isimli genç kızın yaşadığı sorunlar anlatılmaktadır.

Kuveytli önemli Arap kadın yazarlarından biri olan Leyla el-Osman’ın öykü koleksiyonuyla aynı adı taşıyan Fethiye Tehtaru Mevteha isimli öyküsünde Fethiye isimli genç kızın annesi tarafından uygulanan ağır bir fiziksel şiddetin yaşandığını görmekteyiz.

Bu makalemizde ele aldığımız toplumun önemli bir sorunu olan ve her iki öyküde de sıklıkla işlenen aile içi şiddet vakasıdır. Aile içinde yaşanan gerek fiziksel gerek psikolojik şiddete uğrayan kahramanların yaşadığı mağduriyetler ve üzerlerinde bıraktığı etki anlatılmaktadır.
Energia termosolar: uma revisão de literatura
Authors: Brito Fabiano Baldez da Costa , Moreira Marcos Antonio Cruz , Pinto Augusto Eduardo Miranda , Neto Severino Joaquim Correia , Huziwara Eurico
Published: January 2023

O sol é a principal fonte de energia do nosso planeta e sua utilização contribui para o equilíbrio da matriz energética. A energia do calor solar concentrado é um campo de pesquisa em expansão, carecendo de melhorias em todos os sistemas das plantas termosolares para aumento da eficiência. O presente trabalho apresenta uma breve introdução ao assunto e uma revisão bibliográfica de trabalhos publicados entre 2015 e o primeiro trimestre de 2019, mostrando as principais tendências de pesquisa neste tema, classificadas em: estudos de viabilidade e modelagem matemática. análise de falhas; armazenamento de energia térmica; revestimentos para coletores solares; riscos ambientais; e, outros usos relevantes. O desenvolvimento de plantas CSP, seja de grande capacidade instalada ou para geração distribuída, além de diversificar as fontes de energia aumentando a confiabilidade do sistema de geração nacional, pode fomentar a geração de emprego e renda no sertão brasileiro, área de grande vulnerabilidade social.
Reutilização do efluente de piscicultura para fertirrigação: uma alternativa ambiental e economicamente rentável
Authors: Sátiro Thaise Mota , Maia Zacardi Diego , Barroca de Almeida Neto Onofre
Published: January 2023

A intensificação da produção de organismos aquáticos quando conduzida de forma inadequada pode levar a um aumento do impacto ambiental em termos de produção de dejetos, com isso, uma forma de minimizar tais fatores, é o reuso da água com vistas à racionalização deste recurso natural. Esta revisão aborda a questão da utilização das águas residuárias de piscicultura na irrigação de culturas agrícolas, mostrando ser uma prática de grande potencial gerando maior produtividade para o agricultor, possibilitando o desenvolvimento de mais de uma atividade econômica adotando o reaproveitamento da água. A estruturação dos dados foi realizada por meio de revisão de literatura com base em trabalhos técnico-científicos divulgados, utilizando ferramentas disponíveis na web como Google Acadêmico, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) e Web of Science (WoS). As águas residuárias contém elevados teores de nutrientes advindos da ração, excretas e metabólitos dos peixes, principalmente nitrogênio e fósforo, que em quantidades elevadas na água, podem levar à eutrofização dos corpos d’água. Irrigar culturas agrícolas com a água residuária proveniente de piscicultura evita a necessidade do lançamento desses efluentes nos ambientes naturais e em contrapartida os produtos vegetais acabam por utilizar esses nutrientes disponíveis na água para seu metabolismo/crescimento, funcionando como fertirrigação, o que faz com que os produtores reduzam seus custos com fertilizantes. Ressalta-se a necessidade de mais estudos científicos nessa temática, para tornar possível e dar maior visibilidade desta prática aos produtores, na tentativa de que este sistema seja adotado como modelo de integração.
Direito ao meio ambiente de trabalho seguro: ergonomia no home office
Authors: Marques Aline Míriam , Maia Bruno Luis da Silva , Pinto Augusto Eduardo Miranda , Moreira Marcos Antônio Cruz
Published: January 2023

A modalidade de trabalho home office ou teletrabalho cresceu exponencialmente, principalmente com a necessidade emergencial e impositiva de adequação em decorrência da pandemia do COVID-19. Com objetivo de ampliar as discussões existentes sobre o tema, expor a regulamentação vigente, os meios de aplicação da Segurança e Medicina do Trabalho e desenvolver uma forma simplificada de análise de conformidade ergonômica do ambiente laboral do teletrabalho como forma de proteção dos direitos constitucionais do trabalhador, analisou-se a legislação, destacou-se a responsabilidade das empresas em prover meios ideais para realização da função, evidenciou-se os riscos ergonômicos oferecidos pelas condições inadequadas do ambiente laboral e desenvolveu-se um formulário de avaliação ergonômica para ser aplicado no home office. Nesse contexto, identificou-se as diferentes formas de trabalho telemático, a legislação, os principais fatores de risco e a dificuldade de fiscalização dos postos de trabalho fora das dependências da empresa. Observou-se que a infraestrutura do ambiente laboral no domicílio, as condições para desempenho da função, as medidas e as orientações se chocam com os princípios emanados pela Constituição Federal. Em virtude das necessidades levantadas propôs-se um modelo de análise para auxiliar na avaliação do ambiente laboral, evidenciar não conformidades, além da utilidade como nexo causal em caso de acidentes e doenças ocupacionais.
Geração distribuída por energia solar fotovoltaica e mitigação de CO2: um estudo de caso no Instituto Federal Fluminense campus Campos-Guarus
Authors: Fernandes Verediano Bruno , Mendes Luiz Fernando Rosa Mendes
Published: January 2023

No governo federal, o Ministério da Educação (MEC) é responsável por 32,2% do consumo de eletricidade e, dentro da estrutura do ministério, a Rede Federal de Educação Profissional, Científica e Tecnológica (RFEPCT) contribui com 19,9% dos gastos com esse insumo. Todavia, mediante tal realidade a RFEPCT vem articulando a mitigação desses gastos e o aumento da sustentabilidade. Diante do exposto, o presente trabalho tem como finalidade propor a implantação de sistema de produção de energia solar fotovoltaica conectada à rede elétrica (ESFV-CR) no Instituto Federal Fluminense (IFF) campus Campos-Guarus, estimando a produção de energia elétrica, em kWh, e a mitigação de CO2. A partir da metodologia proposta, foi feito um estudo de caso que utilizou dados de consumo de energia elétrica do campus no ano de 2019 e para modelagem do sistema de ESFV-CR utilizou-se o software PVSyst (versão 6.84 – DEMO). Dessa maneira, foi possível estimar dois sistemas independentes com áreas de 100m² e 120m² de módulos fotovoltaicos (MFV), capazes de fornecer uma produção anual de energia elétrica 58.370 kWh, gerando uma economia anual de R$ 66.320,38 e mitigar 52,2 tCO2 ao longo de 30 anos.
Telhado Verde: da Teoria à Viabilidade de Implementação no IFF campus Macaé/RJ
Authors: Zanon Branco Sabrina
Published: January 2023

O Telhado Verde é um sistema sustentável de cobertura ​​cada vez mais difundido na construção civil de vários países. A procura de aplicações sustentáveis nas edificações faz com que este item ganhe força, além de contribuir para a melhoria no conforto térmico, na qualidade do ar, na redução do consumo de energia elétrica e ser um atrativo contemplativo e valorizador de um imóvel. Este trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de analisar aspectos teóricos e práticos do telhado verde para garantir a viabilidade da sua implementação no Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia Fluminense (IFF) no município de Macaé/RJ. Entre vantagens e desvantagens, a revisão bibliográfica mostra através de mapas e imagens o impacto da presença da vegetação no microclima de um local assim como a temperatura num telhado verde. As conclusões do estudo incluem que o telhado verde contribui para a redução da temperatura interna de uma edificação e que a implementação do Telhado Verde no IFF ficará harmônico com o local que já é arborizado.
Avaliação dos parâmetros físico-químicos e da eficiência operacional de estações de tratamento de esgoto na região das Baixadas Litorâneas, RJ
Authors: Soares Alexandre Mioth , Carvalho Tiago Gomes Barroso
Published: January 2023

O desenvolvimento da região das Baixadas Litorâneas do Rio de Janeiro, e consequentemente de seu potencial turístico, dependem de uma rede de tratamento de esgotos ampla e eficaz. O presente estudo objetivou a avaliação dos parâmetros físico-químicos e das eficiências de remoção da Demanda Bioquímica de Oxigênio e dos Sólidos Suspensos Totais de sete estações de tratamento em operação na região. Os parâmetros monitorados no estudo foram determinados pelo Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (SMEWW). Dentre as estações analisadas, a estação de tratamento de esgoto de Armação dos Búzios foi a que apresentou melhor desempenho, pois atingiu as metas de acordo com a legislação em cinco dos oito parâmetros analisados. As estações de tratamento de esgotos de menor desempenho foram Praia do Siqueira e São Pedro da Aldeia, pois ficaram em conformidade com a legislação em somente três dos oito parâmetros estudados. Espera-se que esses resultados sirvam de base para adoção de melhorias contínuas nos processos de tratamento de esgotos nas estações analisadas.
ANALISIS EFEKTIVITAS PEMBELAJARAN FISIKA MENGGUNAKAN MODUL FLUIDA STATIS BANGUNAN KERAMBA IKAN PADA SISWA SMA NEGERI 5 JEMBER
Authors: Pratiwi Sri Septi Dyah , Prihandono Trapsilo , Nuraini Lailatul , Rozak Abdul
Published: January 2023

Analysis of the effectiveness of learning using static fluid modules in fish cage buildings is carried out by collecting data through the results of the students' Pre-test and Post-test which then determines the level of effectiveness through the N-Gain test. This study has a goal, namely to find out how the effectiveness of learning by using static fluid modules in fish cage buildings for students of SMA Negeri 5 Jember. The type of research used is an experiment, with a pretest-posttest control group design. Respondents in the study were students of class XI MIPA 2 as the control class and students of class XI MIPA 3 as the experimental class. The research results obtained in the experimental class with learning using the static fluid module of fish cage buildings obtained an N-Gain value of 69.4% in the "Moderate" category with an effectiveness interpretation of "Effective enough", while the results for the control class obtained an N-Gain value of 36 % category "Moderate" with the interpretation "Not Effective". The conclusions that can be obtained in this study are based on hypothesis testing, so there is a significant effectiveness of learning using static fluid modules in fish cage buildings.
PENGELOLAAN LABORATORIUM FISIKA SMA DI KOTA SAMARINDA PADA ERA DIGITAL
Authors: Hendrawan Jimmy , Nurfaika Sitti , Rahmadayanti Novia , Ramadhani Zulaika , Setiyawan Rahman , Sulaeman Nurul Fitriyah
Published: January 2023

The problem in this study is how to manage the physics laboratory at A Samarinda Senior High School and B Samarinda Senior High School. The purpose of this study was to find out and describe the management of physics laboratories in A Samarinda Senior High School and B Samarinda High School. This study used descriptive research with data collection techniques carried out by means of documentation and interviews. The results of this study generally concluded that the management of physics laboratories at A Samarinda Senior High School and B Samarinda High School is quite good and supports physics learning. This can be seen from the laboratory planning that has been carried out optimally even though there are still many limitations, the implementation of the planning has been done well.
Antiphospholipid Syndrome (Clinical case)
Authors: Sousa Bruno
Published: January 2023

40-year-old woman, unemployed. She sought Nutrition Consultation for nutritional control, as she was taking oral anticoagulant therapy. No other pathologies requiring nutritional therapy, but she wanted to lose a little weight. She is followed in the Thrombophilia Consultation for Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) for mutation of the prothrombin gene in heterozygosity. She takes warfarin as an oral anticoagulant, with INR (International Normalized Ratio) control. Keywords: International Normalized Ratio, nutritional intervention, vitamin K, Antiphospholipid Syndrome, warfarin
Desenvolvimento e testes iniciais de validade da escala de experiências associadas ao ensino remoto
Authors: Ferreira Danielle Mello , Mourão Luciana , Martins Lara Barros
Published: January 2023

Na Pandemia da Covid-19, muitas instituições de ensino superior adotaram aulas remotas para manter o distanciamento social e garantir a continuidade dos estudos nesse período. Este artigo apresenta o processo de desenvolvimento e as evidências iniciais de validade da Escala Experiências Associadas ao Ensino Remoto, que contou com três etapas: 1) construção de 20 itens derivados de entrevistas e da adaptação de uma escala de domínio de habilidades de uso de novas tecnologias. Após a avaliação por juízes, a escala contou com 15 itens distribuídos em duas dimensões (autodisciplina e domínio tecnológico); 2) aplicação da escala a 971 universitários, de 17 instituições públicas e privadas, matriculados em cursos presenciais que durante a pandemia adotaram aulas remotas. As análises fatoriais exploratória e confirmatória indicaram uma estrutura bidimensional com 10 itens e bons indicadores psicométricos e de ajuste; 3) teste da relação da medida com os construtos de atitudes frente à educação a distância e desenvolvimento profissional; e comparação entre grupos de estudantes com ou sem experiência prévia na EaD. Tal relação positiva com ambas as variáveis foi confirmada, além de terem sido identificados escores mais elevados de adaptação ao ensino remoto entre os discentes que já tinham alguma experiência com a modalidade a distância. Os resultados permitem recomendar o uso da escala desenvolvida, com indicações de possíveis contribuições teóricas e práticas a partir da adoção da medida.
La educación superior en la literatura académica de América Latina
Authors: Santin Dirce Maria , Miorando Bernardo Sfredo , Caregnato Célia Elizabete
Published: January 2023

La educación superior es un campo en desarrollo a nivel mundial y en América Latina. Este artículo analiza el desarrollo del campo en la región a partir de la literatura académica. Con un enfoque cienciométrico, basado en datos de publicación, analiza el crecimiento, el idioma, las revistas, la distribución geográfica, temática y de citas, la coautoría y la colaboración internacional en los artículos latinoamericanos sobre educación superior con circulación regional e internacional. Los resultados muestran un campo multidisciplinario, que crece y se desarrolla en torno a debates e investigaciones sobre la educación superior y la universidad en una multiplicidad de temas y enfoques.
Relações de gênero no meio acadêmico
Authors: Francisco Junior Wilmo Ernesto , Souza Andreza Alves de , Ferreira Mônica dos Santos
Published: January 2023

Introdução/Objetivo: A pesquisa aqui relatada se refere a um estudo exploratório realizado com estudantes universitários sobre suas concepções acerca das relações de gênero na educação superior. Metodologia: A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de um questionário aberto e contou com a colaboração de 149 participantes (47 homens e 102 mulheres) de diferentes cursos e instituições de ensino. O reconhecimento e análise de situações, tais como a predominância de gênero em alguns cursos e as diferenças históricas de participação das mulheres na ciência, ainda revelam concepções pouco problematizadas e simplistas. Por exemplo, a natureza do cuidar ainda é atribuída como uma característica feminina e de pouco valor intelectual. Resultado: Tais visões podem se desdobrar em atitudes de discriminação que atuam na manutenção do status quo vigente, pois obstaculizam algumas tarefas, em especial no campo científico. Conclusão: Abandonar compreensões e práticas de uma sociedade patriarcal não é simples ou natural. Ainda é preciso uma análise crítica e a problematização dos meios de produção e divisão do trabalho, bem como de comportamentos e atitudes ao longo do percurso de vida.
BLERD: The Exploration of Blackness in gaming spaces, practice of fan-interpretations, and creation of counterpublics
Authors: Porter Diamond E.B.
Published: January 2023

The politics of visibility is determined and impacted by existing physical and digital environments. In recent years, the focal point of game studies has shifted to the culture and impact that games have on everyday life in and out of virtual spaces, one of these spaces being fanfiction communities. Gaming spaces and counterpublics have historically been sites for critical intervention and play. Fanfiction is a unique landscape that culturally exists at the intersection of pop culture, politics of space and play. Black fanfiction communities and counter publics are an important source for understanding Black discourse in academia. As such it is important to consider how fanfiction communities add to existing narratives and create a collaborative individual experience. Fanfiction is an art form that centers Black cultural production. Drawing on the works such as of Mary Flanagan in Critical Play, Intersectional Tech by Kishonna Gray, and Black fanfiction authors, I argue that Fanfiction provides grounds for understanding and integrating Black discourse surrounding fandom and video games within academia. Including these interpretations of game media complicates the players understanding and interaction with the game as a technological artifact.
Familism and Neighborhood preferences
Authors:   KOREA DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS ASSOCIATION, Park Seol an
Published: January 2023

This study using World Value Survey data shows that the stronger one’s familism, the more likely one is to dislike a certain group of people. In their neighborhood preferences, those who regard family more important in their life tend to less favor people of different color, immigrants/foreign workers, homosexuals/the AIDS-infected, or people of different religion. These results show that strong familism could undermine the mutual trust of society as a whole.
Solving the Mystery of Time and Unifying Relativity with Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Niemz Markolf H. , Stein Siegfried W.
Published: January 2023

Today's concept of time traces back to Albert Einstein's theories of special (SR) and general relativity (GR). In SR, uniformly moving clocks are slow with respect to my clocks. In GR, clocks in a more curved spacetime are slow with respect to my clocks. Many physicists anticipate that GR has an issue as it isn't compatible with quantum mechanics. Here we show: "Einstein time" (Einstein's concept of time) has an issue because it takes the proper time of an observer as the fourth coordinate of all objects in the universe. We replace Einstein time with "Euclidean time", which takes the proper time of an object as its fourth coordinate. SR and GR work very well as long as we describe the world on or close to Earth. Only then does time flow in one 4D direction for all objects. In all other cases, we must take a 4D vector "flow of time" into account. Unlike other models of Euclidean relativity (ER), we claim that reality is formed by projecting 4D Euclidean spacetime to an observer's 3D space. We prove: The Lorentz factor is recovered in ER; gravitational time dilation is also recovered in ER; ER is compatible with quantum mechanics. We solve 14 mysteries of physics, such as time's arrow, the c2 in mc2, dark energy, the wave–particle duality, and quantum entanglement. Our theory is supported by experimental data: ER empowers us to match the two competing values of the Hubble constant by adjusting redshift measurements of celestial objects.
COVID-19 Vaccines: The Impact on Pregnancy Outcomes and Menstrual Function
Authors: Thorp James A. , Rogers Claire , Deskevich Michael P. , Tankersley Stewart , Benavides Albert , Redshaw Megan D. , McCullough Peter A.
Published: January 2023

Objectives Assess rates of adverse events (AE) after COVID-19 vaccines experienced by women of reproductive age, focusing on pregnancy and menstruation, using data collected by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) database. Design Population-based retrospective cohort study. Setting US and global entries in US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS). Participants CDC VAERS entries from January 1, 1998 to June 30, 2022. Interventions None. Main Outcome Measures A proportional reporting ratio analysis is performed using data in the VAERS system comparing adverse events (AE) reported post-COVID-19 vaccines with that of post-Influenza vaccines. Results COVID-19 vaccines, when compared to the Influenza vaccines, are associated with a significant increase in AE with all proportional reporting ratios of > 2.0: menstrual abnormalities, miscarriage, fetal chromosomal abnormalities, fetal malformation, fetal cystic hygroma, fetal cardiac disorders, fetal arrhythmias, fetal cardiac arrest, fetal vascular malperfusion, fetal growth abnormalities, fetal abnormal surveillance, fetal placental thrombosis, low amniotic fluid, preeclampsia, premature delivery, preterm premature rupture of membrane, fetal death/stillbirth, and premature baby death (all p values were much smaller than 0.05). When normalized by time-available, doses-given, or persons-received, all COVID-19 vaccine AE far exceed the safety signal on all recognized thresholds. Conclusions Pregnancy complications and menstrual abnormalities are significantly more frequent following COVID-19 vaccinations than Influenza vaccinations. A worldwide moratorium on the use of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy is advised until randomized prospective trials document safety in pregnancy and long-term follow-up in offspring.
Econometrics Analysis of Financial Risk and Earnings Management in Dual System Banking for Asean-5 Countries
Authors: Ramadhanti Wita , Rahayu Sri Mangesti , Muarrifah Safrina
Published: January 2023

Nowadays, many Muslim-majority countries have implemented a dual banking system, namely the sharia and conventional systems. The development of Islamic banks is to fulfill the Muslims' need for the existence of halal transactions in financial institutions. However, in some countries, it turns out that conventional banks still dominate the country's economy. Because of that, it is necessary to see whether there are differences in financial risk and Earnings management between Islamic and conventional banks. The samples are conventional and Islamic banks in Southeast Asia, analyzed by the purposive sampling method from 2010-2019. The analytical tool used is the statistical difference test and economometrics analysis using generalized least square (GLS) regression with panel data (time series and cross-sectional data). These models are intended to forecasting the macroeconomics effects in applying dual banking system in one country or region. The results using non parametrics means difference test showed that the first hypothesis is accepted It means that Earnings management in conventional banks is greater than in Islamic banks. The Random Model Effect (REM) for second and third hypotheses testing on Conventional banks shows the Bankruptcy Risk and NPL do not affect the dependent variable Earnings Management (LLP). While fixed effect model testing on Islamic banks, the second and third hypothesis testing is rejected. Therefor Islamic Banks the value of Bankruptcy Risk (z-score) and the value of Non-Performing Loans (NPL) do not affect Earnings management. It also means that hypothesis 2 and 3 are rejected both in conventional as well as Islamic Banking. Sensitivity analysis for conventional as well as Islamic banking altogether using fixed effect model shows that the second and third hypotheses show that the independent variables (Bankruptcy Risk and NPL) do not affect the dependent variable Earnings Management (LLP). These results can be concluded that Islamic bank are enganged in less earnings management. Therefor in the the long run there are still more research that should conduct in comparing dual banking system in one region.
Meta-analysis and Multivariate GWAS Analyses in 77,850 Individuals of African Ancestry Identify Novel Variants Associated with Blood Pressure Traits
Authors: Udosen Brenda , Soremekun Opeyemi , Kamiza Abram Bunya , Machipisa Tafadzwa , Cheickna Cisse , Omotuyi Olaposi Idowu , Soliman Mahmoud E. S. , Wele Mamadou , Nash Oyekanmi , Chikowore Tinashe , Fatumo Segun
Published: January 2023

Background: High blood pressure (BP) has been implicated as a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in several global populations, including in individuals of African ancestry. Despite the elevated burden of high BP-induced cardiovascular diseases in Africa and other global populations with African ancestry, limited genetic studies have been carried out to explore the genetic machinery driving this phenomenon. Methods: We performed univariate and multivariate analyses using Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and summary statistics data of 77,850 individuals of African ancestry for systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) traits. The six independent cohorts used included individuals derived from the African Partnership for Chronic Disease Research (APCDR), the UK Biobank, and the Million Veteran Program (MVP). Subsequently, we annotated, prioritized, visualized, and interpreted our meta-analyses results using FUMA, to gain further insight into the molecular mechanism(s) that contribute to the genetics of BP traits. Finally, loci attaining genome-wide significance, GWS (p<5x10-8) were also followed up with Bayesian fine-mapping to identify potential causal variants. Results: Our meta-analyses altogether identified 350 GWAS SNPs for SBP (166 SNPs) and DBP (184 SNPs, including two novel loci) whilst our multivariate GWAS method identified 166 SNPs (including three novel loci). Interestingly, in FUMA there was significant tissue enrichment of up-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the sigmoid and transverse colon for SBP, as well as 10 significant gene sets from MAGMA gene set analyses, However, for DBP, no significant DEGs nor gene sets in MAGMA were found; instead, in DBP for gene property analysis for tissue specificity nine candidates were found to be significant and all nine were in different brain regions. Finally, Bayesian fine-mapping revealed that only 11 variants from the lead SNPs had >50% posterior probability (PP) of being causal and they included novel variant rs562545 (MOBP, PP = 77%) and 10 other previously published variants. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate the importance of performing GWAS in large sample sizes of global populations of African ancestry, including continental Africans; which yield novel insights, from novel loci to novel pathways/tissue expression candidates. Large-scale genomic datasets are required to enhance further discovery and fine-mapping of high-risk loci/variants in highly susceptible groups for cardiovascular disease and other related traits. Our study highlights the need for diversity in genetic research and the importance of expanding large GWASs to include ancestrally diverse populations.
Characterization and Cellular Localization of a SFT-2/Got-1- like Transporter Protein of Leishmania infantum
Authors: Teixeira-Pinto Luiz A. , Lechuga Guilherme C. , Napoleão-Pêgo Paloma , De-Simone Salvatore G.
Published: January 2023

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis affects approximately 12 million people worldwide. Current existing drugs cause several side effects and resistance, the identification of new therapeutic targets for the development of new drugs is necessary. The vesicular trafficking in the parasite flagellar pocket is essential for parasite survival and proliferation, but little is known about the proteins involved in the endocytic/secretory pathways. In this work, we are describing the characterization of a transporter cargo protein SFT-2/Got-1 like in Leishmania infantum. Material and Methods: Using bioinformatics tools, the putative Got-1 protein A4HSK3 was characterized structurally and phylogenetically. Molecular biology was used to clone and express the protein and confocal fluorescence to determine its subcellular localization. Results: The Got-1 like protein presents four alpha helix TM conserved domains (aa38-aa147) characteristics of the Got-1/SFT-2 family proteins and an important Pen-2 conserved motif LGDYXXF located in the extracellular loop. Confocal microscopy suggests that Got-1/SFT-2 like is localized in the flagellar pocket, and is partially co-localized with the L. infantum presenilin-like protein. Phylogenetically, the Leishmania sp Got-1 like is contained in a subgroup of proteins clearly detached from the other Trypanosomatidae, such as T. cruzi and T. brucei. Conclusions: Our data show the presence of an important transported proteins, and its colocalization with the presenilin aspartyl protease in the flagellar pocket of the L. infantum open new perspectives to identify novel targets, which can be an alternative therapeutic strategy against leishmaniasis.
Integrated Optical Frequency Microcomb Applications
Authors: Moss David
Published: January 2023

Optical microcombs represent a new paradigm for generating laser frequency combs based on compact chip-scale devices, which have underpinned many modern technological advances for both fundamental science and industrial applications. Along with the surge in activity related to optical micro-combs in the past decade, their applications have also experienced rapid progress ‒ not only in traditional fields such as frequency synthesis, signal processing, and optical communications, but also in new interdisciplinary fields spanning the frontiers of light detection and ranging (LiDAR), astronomical detection, neuromorphic computing, and quantum optics. This paper reviews the applications of optical microcombs. First, an overview of the devices and methods for generating optical microcombs is provided, which are categorized into material platforms, device architectures, soliton classes, and driving mechanisms. Second, the broad applications of optical microcombs are systematically reviewed, which are categorized into microwave photonics, optical communications, precision measurements, neuromorphic computing, and quantum optics. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives are discussed.
Modernisation of the Country in the Context of Social Environmental Sustainability: Example of Lithuania
Authors: Navickienė Olga , Meidutė-Kavaliauskienė Ieva , Činčikaitė Renata , Morkūnas Mangirdas , Valackienė Asta
Published: January 2023

The present paper investigates the 'soft' determinants of social environmental sustainability of the country. A three-dimensional research approach, covering the education system and educational culture; socio-economic integration; and the legal system and the importance of public administration and citizenship, was utilized. A cross-sectional survey of 1,021 respondents and a structural equation modelling were selected as main research tools. Lithuania served as an empirical basis for the research. It was revealed that the most important factors in shaping the modernisation of the country through the lens of social environmental sustainability are the participation of citizens in social communities and social activities. Factors that need improvement are public participation and tolerance for the disabled.
Prediction of Specific Antibody- and Cell-mediated Responses using Baseline Immune Status Parameters of Individuals Received Measles-mumps-rubella Vaccine
Authors: Toptygina Anna Pavlovna , Grebennikov Dmitry , Bocharov Gennady
Published: January 2023

The successful vaccination implies the induction of effective specific immune responses. We intend to find biomarkers among various immune cell subpopulations, cytokines and antibodies which could be used to predict the levels of specific antibody- and cell-mediated responses after measles-mumps-rubella vaccination. We measured 59 baseline immune status parameters (frequencies of 42 immune cell subsets, levels of 13 cytokines, immunoglobulins) before vaccination and 13 response variables (specific IgA and IgG, antigen-induced IFN-γ production, CD107a expression on CD8+ T lymphocytes, and cellular proliferation levels by CFSE dilution) 6 weeks after vaccination for 19 individuals. Statistically significant Spearman correlations between some baseline parameters and response variables were found for each response variable (p<0.05). Due to the low number of observations relative to the number of baseline parameters and missing data for some observations, we utilized three feature selection strategies to select potential predictors of the post-vaccination responses among baseline variables: (a) screening of the variables based on the correlation analysis, (b) supervised screening based on the information of changes of baseline variables at day 7, (c) implicit feature selection is performed using regularization-based sparse regression. We identified optimal multivariate liner regression models for predicting the effectiveness of vaccination against measles-mumps-rubella using the baseline immune status parameters. It turned out that the sufficient number of predictor variables ranges from one to five depending on the response variable of interest.
Investigating Factors that Impact Employee Turnover in the Medical Device Industry in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Mossarah Ali
Published: January 2023

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has established itself as the medical device industry’s preferred regional center. Major multinational corporations either have a regional subsidiary or are planning to open up a principal office in the UAE to expand their business. Employees in the industry are in high demand as new opportunities open up frequently and that causes challenges to companies, namely employee turnover. This research helps bridge the gap found in the literature by investigating the factors that impact employee turnover in the medical device industry in the UAE. These factors were tested with their subsequent sub-factors. Using a quantitative approach, the study surveyed 230 participants from 47 medical device companies in the UAE. The result of one-way ANOVA demonstrated a significant relationship between employee salary and employee turnover. The linear regression analysis was statistically significant between perceived external prestige, location, flextime, organizational justice, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, extrinsic rewards, career advancement, lack of alternatives, constituent attachments, and employee turnover. These findings indicate the need for a strategy utilizing these factors for existing and new medical device companies in the UAE to prevent high employee turnover or limit it at least.
An Evaluation of the National Higher Education Policy of Zambia
Authors: Bwalya Tuesday
Published: January 2023

Policies are adopted and implemented to achieve specific goals. In this regard, the Government of Zambia in 2019 adopted the higher education policy with many objectives which include, the expansion of access to higher education; reduction of gender and other forms of inequity in accessing higher education; the improvement of quality of higher education by increasing funding to higher education institutions, construction, and repair of infrastructure in higher and improvement in the provision of learning materials in higher education institutions (HEIs).This paper, therefore, sought to evaluate the higher education policy of 2019. The four criteria were used namely; effectiveness, equity, policy sustainability, and consistency. Other principles such as political and social acceptability of a policy were not used because the policy is already adopted and being implemented. Further, the principle of efficiency was not used because it would have been problematic to gauge the expenditure against the outcomes.The findings have revealed that the policy to some extent has been effective; some of the objectives such as increased access to higher education and reduction of inequality have been partially achieved. It has been established that the number of students pursuing higher education has been increased to 114,049 in 2020 from 91,969 in 2017. Further, in 2021, 48.5% of scholarships in public universities were awarded to female students while 51.5% were awarded to female students. Further, more students are encouraged to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); and more women are pursuing studies in STEM-related fields. However, the policy has not helped to achieve the quality of higher education as funding in public HEIs has not improved. Further, infrastructure remains very poor and inadequate; and access to update and relevant learning materials also remains a challenge in HEIs. However, the policy seems to be duplicated by the recent re-launched Technical Education Vocation Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET) national policy.Given the above findings, it has been recommended that the government among other things improve funding and build infrastructure in public HEIs. There is also a need to harmonise the TEVET national policy with the higher education policy.
Calibration Completes the Quantum-Mechanical Description of Physical Reality
Authors: Krechmer Ken
Published: January 2023

This paper is a response to the EPR paper titled: "Can quantum-mechanical description of physical reality be considered complete?", published in Physical Review in 1935. A quantum-mechanical (QM) measurement function describes a distribution of local results and each empirical measurement process produces one result as exact as allowed by a measuring instrument calibrated to a non-local unit standard. Repeating these empirical measurements produces a bell shaped distribution of measurement results. Each of these distributions can be compared to the other. To precisely compare a QM measurement function describing a distribution of eigenvectors to a distribution of repetitive empirical measurement results, it is necessary to determine, by calibration, the precision of the eigenvectors to the same standard as the empirical results, because each eigenvector evidences uncertainty relative to a standard. When the calibration process is recognized as formal as well as empirical, QM measurement function results and metrology measurement process results are unified.
Quick Report of the ML=3.3 on 1 January 2023 Guidonia (Rome, Italy) Earthquake: Evidence of a Seismic Acceleration
Authors: Marchetti Dedalo , Zhu Kaiguang , Marchetti Laura , Zhang Yiqun , Chen Wenqi , Cheng Yuqi , Fan Mengxuan , Wang Siyu , Wang Ting , Wen Jiami , Zhang Donghua , Zhang Hanshuo
Published: January 2023

This communication investigates possible anomalies in the lithosphere atmosphere and ionosphere on the occasion of the ML=3.3 earthquake that occurred on 1st January 2023 close to Guidonia Montecelio (Rome, Italy). This earthquake followed another event on 23 December 2022 of magnitude ML=3.1 with a very close epicentre (distance less than 1km). Seismological investigations clearly show an acceleration of seismicity in the last six months in the area. Two solutions of fitting time to failure power law on the Cumulative Benioff strain curve are the more likelihood: the ML3.3 of 1 January is the mainshock of seismic sequence or incoming earthquakes of a magnitude of about 4.1 provides a slightly better fit of the seismic data. Further investigation are necessary to assess if the accumulated stress have been totally released or not. No atmospheric anomalies related to this seismic activity have been identified even if some SO2 emissions could come from tectonic or volcanic sources in the South-Tyrrhenian Sea. Swarm satellites' magnetic data shows an anomalous track on 16 December 2022, which is temporally compatible with the seismic acceleration but other sources for the anomalous signal are also possible.
Matter as Pure 'Atoms' of Electricity
Authors: Kirimi Misheck
Published: January 2023

Dirac’s equation depicts electron mass as either positive or negative. Taken as correct description of nature, the equation identifies electron mass as ‘electrically active’ – therefore fundamentally different from the ordinary, ‘electrically passive’ mass. Following this cue, I demonstrate that electron mass (me) is nature’s elementary mass: positive (me+) and negative (me–) elementary masses neutralise to elementary unit of the electrically passive mass (2me0). Further, I show that electron mass (me± ) and the electrostatic field (ef±) around it compose an elementary charge (e±), thereby relating charge to mass. The underlying principles are: 1) electric charge and gravitational mass have a common root: positive (e+) and negative (e–) charges coexist as neutral charge (2e0) or nature’s quantum of gravitational mass; 2) charge is a static (nonrelativistic) ‘atom of electricity’; electron is the same ‘atom’ at ultrahigh (relativistic) speed. The decisive proof that this paradigm shift correctly describes nature is that it unifies, verifiably, Newton’s laws of gravity and Coulomb’s law of electrostatics to: 8G/mpme = K/e2; where G and K are respective constants, mp proton mass, me electron mass, and e elementary charge. Ultimately, I prove that matter consists of pure ‘atoms’ of positive and negative electricity.
Molecular Docking and Dynamics Identifies Potential Repurposed Drug Candidates for COVID-19 Studies
Authors: Muzaffar-Ur-Rehman Mohammed , Suryakant Chougule , Chandu Ala , Kumar Banoth , Joshi Renuka , Jadhav Snehal , Murugesan Sankaranarayanan , Vasan Seshadri
Published: January 2023

The novel coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has resulted in an estimated 20 million excess deaths and the recent resurgence of COVID-19 in China is predicted to result in up to 1 million deaths over the next few months. With vaccines unable to halt transmission it is important to continue our quest for safe, effective, affordable drugs that will be available to all countries. Drug repurposing is one of the strategies being explored in this context. Recently, out of 7,817 approved drugs, 214 candidates were systematically down-selected using a combination of 11 filters including approval status, assay data against SARS-CoV-2, pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and toxicity profiles. These drugs were subjected in this study to virtual screening against various targets of SARS-CoV-2 followed by molecular dynamic studies of the best scoring ligands against each target. The chosen molecular targets were Spike receptor binding domain, Nucleocapsid protein RNA binding domain, and key non-structural proteins 3, 5, 12, 13 and 14. Four drugs approved for other indications — alendronate, cromolyn, natamycin and treprostinil — look sufficiently promising from our in silicostudies to warrant further in vitro and in vivo investigations as appropriate to ascertain their extent of anti-viral activities.
Controlling Chaos – Forced Lorenz System
Authors: Kuck Emily , Sands Timothy
Published: January 2023

Chaotic systems are systems whose results are sensitive to the initial conditions. Chaotic systems generally have nonlinearities that can be difficult to model. One example of a chaotic system with nonlinearities is the Lorenz system. The Lorenz system can be used to model weather, wind disturbances, and electronic circuit design, among other applications. In this manuscript, the Lorenz system is modeled and various control methods are applied in an effort to dictate the system’s state and rate trajectories. The combination of the linear feedback and nonlinear feedforward controllers can show over an 80% improvement in state trajectory errors when compared to the baseline run. However, the improved state trajectory performance comes at a cost of as much as 1800% error in the rate trajectories.