bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Portrait of the Rights of Children With Disabilities in Nigeria: A Policy Review
Authors: Elekanachi Rose Uzoma , Shikako Keiko , Snider Laurie , Dahan-Oliel Noemi
Published: August 2023

Worldwide, 200 million children experience disability, with the vast majority living in low and middle-income countries. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) places great importance on the rights of all children for the opportunities for survival, growth, health, and development. A subsequent document, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) identifies children with disabilities as rights bearers, who should be considered in all policies and programming worldwide. Nigeria, in 1991 and 2010 ratified the CRC and the CRPD respectively. Nonetheless, knowledge of the extent to which their disability and child-directed policies are considered by these two key conventions remains limited. This study examined the extent to which Nigeria’s current disability and childhood policies have integrated the two normative frameworks from the UN. Using a structured search of databases and Nigerian federal and state government websites, we conducted a policy review to identify their disability and child-related disability policies. We also included the CRC and CRPD reports submitted by the Nigerian government to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) (2008 & 2010 cyclical year). A thematic analysis, based on the CRC and CRPD report, identified the following six themes: participation, support systems, awareness-raising, factors associated with adherence to the CRC, laws & rights, and services. The review showed that the available Nigerian disability policies were federal, with some state policies which aligned with the CRC and CRPD. Also identified was the lack of disability policies specific to children and their families. We concluded that, to ensure proper inclusion of the rights of all children, including those with disabilities, in Nigeria there is a need for a more optimal uptake of recommendations of the CRC and CRPD as laid out by the UN.
Ligand-Free Signaling of G Protein Coupled Receptors: Physiology, Pharmacology, and Genetics
Authors: Sadee Wolfgang
Published: August 2023

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are ubiquitous sensors and regulators of cellular functions. Each GPCR exists in complex aggregates with multiple resting and active conformations. Designed to detect weak stimuli, GPCRs can also activate spontaneously, resulting in basal ligand-free signaling. Agonists trigger a cascade of events leading to an activate agonist-receptor-G protein complex with high agonist affinity. However, the ensuing signaling process can further remodel the receptor complex to reduce agonist affinity, causing rapid ligand dissociation. The acutely activated ligand-free receptor can continue signaling, as proposed for rhodopsin and  opioid receptors, resulting in robust receptor activation at low agonist occupancy with enhanced agonist potency. Continued receptor stimulation can further modify the receptor complex, regulating sustained ligand-free signaling - proposed to play a role in opioid dependence. Basal, acutely agonist-triggered, and sustained elevated ligand-free signaling could each have distinct functions, reflecting multi-state conformations of GPCRs. This review addresses basal and stimulus-activated ligand-free signaling, its regulation, genetic factors, and pharmacological implications, focusing on opioid and serotonin receptors, and the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). Ligand-free signaling of intracellular 5-HT2A receptors could mediate therapeutic effects of psychedelic drugs. Research avenues are suggested to close gaps in our knowledge of ligand-free GPCR signaling.
Correlates of Functional Impairment in Patients with the Behavioral Variant of Frontotemporal Dementia: A PRISMA-Compliant Systematic Review
Authors: Chatzidimitriou Electra , Ioannidis Panagiotis , Aretouli Eleni , Papaliagkas Vasileios , Moraitou Despina
Published: August 2023

The behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) has a devastating effect on multiple domains of daily living. The purpose of this PRISMA-compliant systematic review is to summarize the most important factors associated with functional impairment in this clinical group by critically analyzing the existing literature spanning the period from 2000 to 2023. To be included in the review, the study had to investigate any kind of correlates of functional status in bvFTD patients, using a previously validated instrument of functional assessment. Out of 40 articles assessed for eligibility, 18 met the inclusion criteria. The anatomical pattern of cerebral atrophy at baseline appeared to be the strongest predictor of the rate of functional decline over time, with the frontal-dominant anatomical subtype being associated with a faster rate of functional impairment. Additionally, executive dysfunction as well as apathy appeared to contribute significantly to functional disability in bvFTD patients. A comparative examination of bvFTD in relation to other clinical subtypes of FTD and other types of dementia in general suggests that it’s the predominant atrophy of the frontal lobes along with the subsequent unique combination of cognitive and neuropsychiatric manifestations that account for the pronounced functional limitations observed in these individuals, even from the early stages of the disease.
D2WFP: A Novel Protocol for Forensically Identifying, Extracting, and Analysing Deep and Dark Web Browsing Activities
Authors: Ghanem Mohamed chahine , Mulvihill Patrick , Ouzzane Karim , Djemai Ramzi , Dunsin Dipo
Published: August 2023

The use of the un-indexed web, commonly known as the deep web and dark web, to commit or facilitate criminal activity has drastically increased over the past decade. The dark web is an infamously dangerous place where all kinds of criminal activities take place, despite advances in web forensics techniques, tools, and methodologies, few studies have formally tackled the dark and deep web forensics and the technical differences in terms of investigative techniques and artefacts identification and extraction. This research proposes a novel and comprehensive protocol to guide and assist digital forensics professionals in investigating crimes committed on or via the deep and dark web, the protocol named D2WFP establishes a new sequential approach for performing tasks and subtasks to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of current tools' output. Quantitative and qualitative research has been conducted by testing the protocol following a comprehensive and rigorous process in different scenarios and the obtained results show an apparent increase in the number of artefacts recovered when adopting D2WFP. The second contribution of D2WFP is the artefacts correlation and cross-validation which enables Digital Forensics professionals to better document and structure their analysis of host-based deep and dark web browsing artefacts.
Fabrication of Fe3O4 Core-TiO2/mesoSiO2 and Fe3O4 Core-mesoSiO2/TiO2 Double Shell Nanoparticles for Methylene Blue Adsorption: Kinetic, Isotherms and Thermodynamic Characterization
Authors: El-Toni Ahmed Mohamed , Habila Mohamed A. , Sheikh Mohamed , El-Mahrouky Mohamed , Al-Awadi Abdulrhman S. , ALOthman Zeid
Published: August 2023

Water pollution with dyes is a critical environmental issue because off the huge amount of dyes disbarred annually which cause severe damage for the ecosystem and human life. On the other hand, the core-shell based magnetic materials have showed amazing character for controlling the material synthesis with targeted structure to enhance the adsorptive-removal of pollutants. Herein, Fe3O4 core-TiO2/mesoSiO2 and Fe3O4 core-mesoSiO2/TiO2 double shell nanoparticles were prepared by first (R1) and second (R2) routes. The preparation procedure is controlled to prepare the magnetic core with further coating layers from silica and titania for the uptake of methylene blue from aqueous solutions. The reported adsorption capacities for R1-0.2, R1-0.4 and R2 samples were 46, 38 and 50 mg/g respectively at pH 6 after 80 min contact time form 50 ppm methylene blue solution. The adsorption process of methylene blue onto Fe3O4core-meso SiO2/TiO2 double shell was well fitted with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Freundlish isotherm which suggested the quick and multilayer adsorption mechanism. In addition, results of thermodynamic investigation indicated that the surfaces of Fe3O4 core-mesoSiO2/TiO2 and Fe3O4 core-TiO2/mesoSiO2 double shell exhibit spontaneous tendency to adsorb methylene blue from the aqueous solutions. These results will encourage the further application of Fe3O4 core-meso SiO2/TiO2 and Fe3O4 core-TiO2/meso SiO2 double shell for removal of other dyes and pollutants from wastewater.
Influence of Body Fat and Lean Mass on HbA1c and Apolipoprotein in Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Menegucci Thais , Chagas Eduardo Federighi Baisi , De Oliveira Zanuso Barbara , Quesada Karina , Dos Santos Haber Jesselina Francisco , Menegucci Zutin Tereza Laís , Felipe Pimenta Luis , Cressoni Araújo Adriano , Landgraf Guiguer Elen , Rucco P. Detregiachi Claudia , Gabaldi Rocha Marcia , Cincotto dos Santos Bueno Patrícia , Fornari Laurindo Lucas , Barbalho Sandra M.
Published: August 2023

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is used to assess glycemic control in Type 1 diabetes (DM1) patients. Apolipoproteins play an essential role in DM1 pathophysiology and may be associated with complications, as well as HbA1c. This cross-sectional observational study consisting of 81 children and adolescents of both sexes diagnosed with DM1 investigated the relationship between body fat distribution and lean mass with HbA1C and apolipoprotein values analyzing biochemical and body composition measurements. Shapiro-Wilk test with Lilliefors correction, non-parametric Mann-Whitney test, and others were used with a significance level of 5%. The sample had a diagnosis time of 4.32 years and high blood glucose levels (mean 178.19 mg/dL) and HbA1c (mean 8.57%). Subjects also had a moderate level of adiposity, as indicated by arm and thigh fat areas. The study also found significant differences in the distribution of patients concerning levels of apolipoproteins A and B, with a smaller proportion of patients having undesirable levels. Finally, the study found a significant difference in the distribution of patients with estimated cardiovascular risk based on the ApoB/ApoA-1 ratio. Conclusively, visceral fat in children and adolescents with DM1 may increase the risk of DM1 long-term complications owing to its association with elevated HbA1C and apolipoprotein values.
Puppis: Hardware Accelerator of Single-Shot Multibox Detectors for Edge-Based Applications
Authors: Vrbaski Vladimir , Josic Slobodan , Vranjkovic Vuk , Teodorovic Predrag , Struharik Rastislav
Published: August 2023

Object detection is a popular image processing technique, widely used in numerous applications for detecting and locating objects in images or videos. While being one of the fastest algorithms for object detection, Single-Shot Multibox Detection (SSD) networks are also computationally very demanding, which limits their usage in real-time edge applications. Even though the SSD post-processing algorithm is not the most complex segment of the overall SSD object detection network, it is still computationally demanding and can become a bottleneck with respect to processing latency and power consumption, especially in edge applications with limited resources. When using hardware accelerators to accelerate backbone CNN processing, the SSD post-processing step implemented in software can become critical for high-end applications where high frame rates are required, as this paper shows. To overcome this problem, we propose Puppis, an architecture for hardware acceleration of SSD post-processing algorithm. As experiments will show, our solution will lead to an average SSD post-processing speedup of 34.42 when compared with a software implementation. Furthermore, execution of a complete SSD network will be on average 45.39 times faster than software implementation when the proposed Puppis SSD hardware accelerator is used together with some existing CNN accelerators.
Activation of Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+-ATPase by Natural Polyphenolic Compounds. Mechanism of Protection against Oxidative Stress
Authors: Heger Vladimír , Barbora Benesova , Majekova Magdalena , Rezbarikova Petronela , Girst Gabor , Ahmed Sara Hassan Hassan , Gonda Tímea , Hunyadi Attila , Horakova Lubica
Published: August 2023

Many redox diseases, including diabetes, are associated with an imbalance of calcium homeostasis, regulated mainly by a Ca2+-ATPase pump (SERCA). Dysfunction of this enzyme may be prevented by natural polyphenolic compounds, representing a possible supporting treatment. Compounds that increase SERCA activity/expression may be useful for the treatment of diabetic complications. Stimulation of SERCA1 activity was analyzed experimentally and by molecular modeling. SERCA1 activity under methylglyoxal- and palmitate-induced oxidative stress was evaluated. The viability of INS-1E cells and insulin secretion were determined. [6]-Gingerol, resveratrol, and ellagic acid increased SERCA1 activity and exerted a protective effect under oxidative stress in the noncellular system. We found for the first time that the binding of polyphenols ([6]-gingerol, resveratrol, ellagic acid) to Glu439 in the SERCA1 P-domain may be critical for the stimulation of its activity. Moreover, this binding may also be important in the protective effects against oxidative stress. Direct stimulation of SERCA1 activity by ellagic acid was observed for the first time. In INS-1E cells, these compounds increased insulin secretion.
Phase Structures, Electromechanical Responses and Electrocaloric Effects in K0.5Na0.5NbO3 Epitaxial Film Controlled by Non-Isometric Misfit Strain
Authors: Wu Yingying , Ou Yun , Peng Jinlin , Lei Chihou
Published: August 2023

Environmentally friendly lead-free K1-xNaxNbO3 (KNN) ceramics possess electromechanical properties comparable to lead-based ferroelectric materials, but cannot meet the needs of device miniaturization, and the corresponding thin films lack of theoretical and experimental studies. To this end, we developed the nonlinear phenomenological theory for ferroelectric materials to study the effects of non-equiaxed misfit strain on the phase structure, electromechanical properties and electrical response of K0.5Na0.5NbO3 epitaxial films and constructed the in-plane misfit strain (u1-u2) phase diagrams. The results show that K0.5Na0.5NbO3 epitaxial film under non-equiaxed in-plane strain can exhibit abundant phase structures, including orthorhombic a1c, a2c and a1a2 phases, tetragonal a1, a2 and c phases, and monoclinic r12 phases. Moreover, in the vicinity of a2c-r12, a1c-c and a1a2-a2 phase boundaries, K0.5Na0.5NbO3 epitaxial films exhibit excellent dielectric constant ε11, while at a2c -r12 and a1c-c phase boundaries large piezoelectric coefficient d15 is observed. It was also found that high permittivity ε33 and piezoelectric coefficients d33 exist near the a2c - a2, r12- a1a2 and a1c-a1 phase boundaries due to the existence of polymorphic phase boundaries (PPB) in the KNN system, which makes it easy to polarize near the phase boundaries, and the polarizability changes suddenly, leading to electromechanical enhancement. In addition, the results show that the K0.5Na0.5NbO3 thin films possess a large electrocaloric response at the phase boundary at the r12-a1a2 and a1c-a1 phase boundaries. And the maximum adiabatic temperature change ∆T is about 3.62 K when the electric field change is 30 MV/m at room temperature, which is significantly enhanced compared with equiaxed strain. This study provides theoretical guidance for obtaining K1-xNaxNbO3 epitaxial thin films with excellent properties.
Photonic Crystal Waveguides Composed of Hyperbolic Metamaterials for High-FOM Nano-Sensing
Authors: Zheng Yaoxian , Khan Fahim , Asrafali Barkathulla , Wang Qiong
Published: August 2023

This study introduces an innovative integration of hyperbolic metamaterials (HMMs) and photonic crystals (PtCs), each possessing unique dispersion properties that effectively manipulate the propagation of light. We present a PtC waveguide consisting of arrays of HMM nanorods, denoted as HMM PtCs. This waveguide configuration enables the realization of a high figure of merit (FOM) nano-sensor. By modifying the refractive indices of the surrounding materials, the PtC waveguide exhibits alterations in absorption and transmission, allowing for the detection of temperature, pressure, and material variations. Numerical methods were employed to demonstrate the remarkable efficiency of this proposed system, achieving a sensitivity of 324.16 nm/RIU (refractive index unit) and an impressive FOM of 469.58 RIU−1. These results signify a substantial improvement over surface plasmonic sensors, which typically exhibit limited FOMs. As a consequence, the HMM PtC waveguide sensor emerges as an exceptionally appealing option for photonic sensing applications. The proposed HMM PtC waveguide holds vast potential across diverse fields, including biology, medicine, and clinics, representing an exciting advancement for both industry and scientific research.
MicroRNA-34 Family in Cancers: Role, Mechanism, and Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Fu Junjiang , Imani Saber , Wu Mei-Yi , Wu Ray-Chang
Published: August 2023

MicroRNA (miRNA) is small non-coding RNAs that play vital roles in post-transcriptional gene regulation by inhibiting mRNA translation or promoting mRNA degradation. Dysregulation of miRNA has been implicated in numerous human diseases, including cancers. The family members of miR-34 (miR-34s), composed of miR-34a, miR-34b, and miR-34c, have emerged as the most extensively studied tumor-suppressive miRNAs. In this comprehensive review, we aim to provide an overview of the major signaling pathways and gene networks regulated by the miR-34s in various cancers and highlight the critical tumor suppressor role of miR-34s. Furthermore, we will discuss the potential of using miR-34 mimics as a novel therapeutic approach against cancer, while also addressing the challenges associated with their development and delivery. It is anticipated that gaining a deeper understanding of the functions and mechanisms of miR-34s in cancer will greatly contribute to the development of effective miR-34-based cancer therapeutics.
A Sing-Along with Canaries: Gut Bacterial Microbiota along One Female Reproductive Cycle
Authors: Hattab Jasmine , Marruchella Giuseppe , Sibra Alessandra , Tiscar Pietro Giorgio , Todisco Gianluca
Published: August 2023

Investigation of bacterial communities is on the rise both in human and veterinary medicine. Their role in health maintenance and pathogenic mechanisms is in the limelight of infectious, metabolic, and cancer research. Among the most considered, gut bacterial communities takes the cake. Their part in animals was assessed mainly to improve animal production, public health, and pet management. In this regard, canaries deserve attention, being a popular pet and source of economic income for bird-keepers, for whom breeding represents a pivotal point. Thus, the aim of the present work was to follow gut bacterial communities’ evolution along on whole reproductive cycle of 12 healthy female canaries. Feces were collected during parental care, molting, and resting phase, and submitted for 16S rRNA sequencing. Data analysis a substantial presence of Lactobacillus aviarius along all the phases, and a relevant shift of microbiota during molting and rest due to an abrupt decrease of Vermiphilaceae family. Although the meaning of such change is not clear, future research may highlight unforeseen scenarios. Moreover, Lactobacillus aviarius may be deemed for normal bacteria flora restoration in debilitated birds, perhaps improving their health and productivity.
Prediction of Crack Width in RC Piles Exposed to Local Corrosion in Chloride Environment
Authors: Shao Wei , He Xiaoqing , Shi Danda
Published: August 2023

A novel prediction model for crack development of reinforced concrete (RC) piles with localized chloride corrosion in marine environment is proposed. A discrete method is used to solve the corrosion pit radius model and a crack extension model is developed to investigate the initiation and extension of cracks. The maximum corrosion degree of reinforced concrete pile is predicted according to the limit crack criterion, and finally a sensitivity analysis is carried out on the important parameters of crack extension. The results show that the radius of corrosion pit, the depth corrosion pit and cross-sectional area loss of reinforcement gradually increase as the corrosion level increases. The loss of local reinforcement section at crack initiation decreases with the increase of the ratio of concrete cover to initial diameter, and increases with the increase of pitting factor. The required pit depth for reinforcement cracking increases with the increase of the ratio of concrete cover thickness to diameter. The loss of cross-sectional area of reinforcement and the radius of corrosion pit increase with the increase of initial diameter of reinforcement. Increasing the pitting factor will reduce the pit depth and make the crack width develop faster before reaching the limit crack width. Increasing the concrete cover thickness can provide an improvement in the propagation of cracks. A comparative analysis shows that the localized corrosion pattern is more in conformity with marine engineering practice.
Advancements in Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition for Producing Vertical Graphene Nanowalls
Authors: Bertran-Serra Enric , Rodriguez-Miguel Shahadev , Li Zhuo , Ma Yang , Farid Ghulam , Chaitoglou Stefanos , Amade Roger , Ospina Rogelio , Andujar Jose-Luis
Published: August 2023

Vertical graphene nanowalls (VGNWs) have emerged as a highly promising material in recent years due to their exceptional properties, such as a high specific surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, scalability, and compatibility with transition metal compounds. These attributes make VGNWs a compelling candidate for various applications, including energy storage, catalysis, and sensing, fostering great interest in their use in next future commercial graphene-based sensors like optoelectronic and plasmonic devices, energy storage electrodes, and catalytic systems. Among the diverse graphene synthesis methods, plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) has proven to be a robust technique for producing large-scale graphene films and creating VGNWs on diverse substrates. However, despite substantial progress in optimizing growth conditions to achieve micrometer-sized graphene nanowalls, the outcomes are often obtained through empirical approaches, and a comprehensive understanding of the underlying physicochemical mechanisms governing nanostructure formation remains elusive. In particular, a deeper exploration of atomic-level phenomena, such as nucleation, carbon precursor adsorption, and surface diffusion of adatoms, is imperative to exert precise control over the growth process. Concerning the synthesis of VGNWs, hydrogen plays a dual role in the graphene growth process, acting as both a co-catalyst and an etchant for the nanowalls. Nevertheless, a thorough comprehension of the intricate growth process is still required. To address these knowledge gaps, this review paper aims to investigate the nucleation and growth of VGNWs using PECVD, with a specific focus on exploring the temperature effect on the graphene growth ratio and nucleation density across a wide range of temperatures. By providing valuable insights into the PECVD process, our objective is to enable the optimization of growth conditions for tailoring VGNWs' properties, thereby facilitating their application in energy storage, catalysis, and sensing fields.
The Role of Digital Transformation in Healthcare: A Sustainability Perspective, Design and Integration Challenges, Security and Privacy Challenges, Blockchain Technology, Applications, Future Research Directions
Authors: Hameed Faisal , Hameed Khizar
Published: August 2023

This study presents a detailed comparison of existing studies, mainly focusing on integrating ICT technologies in healthcare, an important sustainable development goal (SDG), in terms of sustainable aspects, security and privacy challenges, design and integration challenges, E-health-related applications, and future directions. We also present an overview of the need for digital transformation in healthcare, discuss its significant components, highlight E-health’s importance and benefits, explore its integration and design challenges and categorise the security and privacy challenges. Next, we present an in-depth discussion on the role of Blockchain technology in E-health, discussing Blockchain technology and its characteristics, highlighting its benefits, and describing the possible types of Blockchain-based E-health use cases. Furthermore, we discuss the positive and negative impact of ICT integration along with identifying open issues and challenges of integrating ICT technologies into the healthcare systems and discuss future research directions, which provide the strength for researchers to address the issues in future solutions.
Coupling a gas turbine bottoming cycle using CO2 as the working fluid with a gas cycle: Exergy analysis considering combustion chamber steam injection
Authors: F. Alavi S. Hamed , Javaherian Amirreza , Mahmoudi S.M.S , Soltani Saeed , Rosen Marc A.
Published: August 2023

Gas turbine power plants have important roles in the global power generation market. The examines thermodynamically the impact of steam injection for a combined cycle including a gas turbine cycle with a two-stage turbine and carbon dioxide recompression. The combined cycle is compared with the simple case without steam injection. Steam injection’s impact is observed on important parameters such as energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, and output power. It is revealed that steam injection reduces exergy destruction in components compared to the simple case. The efficiencies for both cases are obtained. The energy and exergy efficiencies respectively are found to be 30.4% and 29.4% for the simple case, and 35.3% and 34.1% for the case with steam injection. Also, incorporating steam injection reduces emissions of carbon dioxide.
Energy-efficient train driving based on optimal control theory
Authors: Heineken Wolfram , Richter Marc , Birth Torsten
Published: August 2023

Efficient train driving plays a vital role in reducing the overall energy consumption in the railway sector. An energy minimising control strategy can be computed using the framework given by optimal control theory, in particular the Pontryagin maximum principle. Our optimisation approach is based on an algorithm presented by Khmelnitsky that considers electric trains equipped with regenerative braking. A derivation of Khmelnitsky’s theory from a more general formulation of the maximum principle is given in this article, and a complete list of switching cases between different driving regimes has been included that is essential for practical application. A number of numerical examples are added to visualise the various switching cases. Energy consumption data from real-life operation of passenger trains are compared to the calculated energy minimum. In the presented study, the optimised strategy was able to save 37 percent of the average energy demand of the train in operation.
Efektivitas Patch Transdermal Ekstrak Etanol Daun Insulin (Smallanthus sonchifolius) Terhadap Kadar Glukosa Darah dan Histopatologi Pankreas Tikus Putih
Authors: Wijayanti Ni Putu Pirna , Hendriati Lucia , Hamid Iwan Sahrial , Widodo Teguh , Kuncorojakti Suryo
Published: August 2023

Diabetes melitus adalah penyakit metabolik yang ditandai dengan hiperglikemia akibat kelainan sekresi insulin, kerja insulin atau keduanya. Salah satu permasalahan yang dihadapi dalam pengobatan pasien diabetes adalah kepatuhan terhadap terapi obat. Daun insulin (Smallantus sonchifolius) memiliki efek menurunkan kadar gula darah, tetapi pada penggunaan jangka panjang per oral dapat menimbulkan efek samping terbentuknya lesi ginjal. Rute penghantaran alternatif untuk meningkatkan kepatuhan pasien dan menurunkan efek samping adalah penghantaran transdermal. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui efek patch transdermal ekstrak etanol daun insulin terhadap kadar gula darah dan gambaran histopatologi pankreas tikus. Tikus putih yang telah diinduksi aloksan dibagi menjadi 6 kelompok perlakuan yaitu: kontrol positif (metformin per oral), patch tanpa ekstrak daun insulin dengan peningkat penetrasi Tween 60, patch tanpa ekstrak daun insulin dengan peningkat penetrasi Span 80, patch ekstrak daun insulin dengan Tween 60, dan patch ekstrak daun insulin dengan Span 80.  Dosis ekstrak etanol daun insulin yang digunakan sebesar 400 mg/kgBB. Pengamatan terhadap kadar gula darah dan gambaran histopatologi pankreas dilakukan selama 14 hari. Analisis data menggunakan Anova satu jalan. Penggunaan patch transdermal ekstrak daun insulin menurunkan gula darah tikus sejak hari ke-1 dan pada hari ke-9 menghasilkan kadar gula darah tikus lebih rendah dibandingkan metformin per oral. Penambahan peningkat penetrasi Tween 60 dan Span 80 meningkatkan penurunan kadar gula darah. Hasil yang sama juga didapatkan pada parameter gambaran histopatologi pankreas tikus.  Berdasar hasil penelitian, pemberian patch transdermal ekstrak etanol daun insulin (Smallanthus sonchifolius) dapat menurunkan kadar glukosa darah dan mempengaruhi gambaran hispatologi pankreas pada tikus putih. 
Assessment of the Model for Calculating the Mass of the Coolant of the First Circuit of the Nuclear Power Plant with VVER-1000 Units
Authors: Koba Kostyantyn , Lys Stepan , Kravets Taras , Yurasova Oksana , Galyanchuk Igor
Published: August 2023

During the design of the nuclear power plant with VVER-1000 units, which today form the basis of the nuclear power industry of Ukraine, the development of information and computing systems (IСS) was insufficient to solve many tasks due to the small capacities of computing systems. Currently, newer ones, the computing capabilities of which are thousands of times greater than their predecessors, have replaced many IСS. IСS download currently does not exceed 1 %...2 %, this is due to the use of simplified models. A model is proposed that adequately describes the considered processes and can work in real time, which significantly increases the range of use. It has a small computational effort, so it can be implemented on the existing IСS. A method has been proposed which, as a result of testing, has shown its effectiveness and, in some cases, higher accuracy and resolution.
A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW ON MEDIA TECHNOLOGY IN CREATIVE THINKING FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
Authors: Lestari Ika , Nurbaeti Meli , Wahyudiana Endang
Published: August 2023

Berpikir kreatif salah satu kemampuan berpikir siswa dalam menyelesaikan masalah didalam proses kegiatan belajar. Penelitian ini bertujuan 1) mengidentifikasi keterampilan berpikir kreatif yang dilakukan oleh siswa sekolah dasar; 2) mengidentifikasi faktor-faktor yang berpengaruh kemampuan berpikir kreatif di sekolah dasar pada era digital; 3) untuk menganalisis pelaksanaan dari metode atau teknik kemampuan berpikirkreatif yang diberikan ke siswa sekolah dasar; 4) menganalisis artikel publikasi (tujuan, metode, dan hasil penelitian) dalam jurnal ilmiah tahun 2010-2022 berkaitan dengan kemampuan berpikir kreatif siswa sekolah dasar. Penenlitian ini menggunakan metode systematic literature review dengan seluruh artikel yang ditemukan dan diolah berdasarkan kriteria inklusi, eksklusi, quality assesment yang kemudian ditemukan sebanyak 25 artikel dianalisis sesuai dengan pertanyaan yang telah ditetapkan. Hasil penelitian berupa gambaran berupa berpikir kreatif yang selama ini banyak dibahas oleh penelitian terdahulu termasuk faktor-faktor yang berpengaruh dalam berpikir kreatif, metode atau teknik yang digunakan dan kecenderungan penelitian selama kurun waktu tahun 2010-2022. Penenlitian ini berimpilkasi pada ditemukannya penelitian berikutnya yang dapat dijadikan sebagai pijakan awal para peneliti berikutnya yang memiliki ketertarikan dalam tema penelitian tentang kemampuan berpikir kreatif pada siswa.
Controls on bioturbation and sediment distribution in carbonate shoreface deposits: insights from heterogeneity in Pleistocene and Recent strata
Authors: Goers Alexa R. , Hasiotis Stephen T. , Rankey Eugene C.
Published: August 2023

Burrowing organisms alter sedimentary textures, influence cement distribution, and affect petrophysical characteristics of carbonate strata. Although many descriptions of carbonate successions reference bioturbation, quantitative data on spatial variability of trace fossils is rare, and fewer studies address trace-fossil influence on postdepositional modification of sedimentary deposits, which can affect petrophysical properties. To address these unknowns and determine the controls on ichnology in carbonate shoreface successions, this study evaluates the along- and across-strike distribution of sediment and bioturbation in recent, Holocene, and Pleistocene shoreface deposits on the leeward margin of Crooked–Acklins Platform (CAP), southern Bahamas. To the north, the extant margin shelf is characterized by poorly to moderately sorted, very fine–fine, skeletal–peloid–ooid sand with an average of 16% mud (< 62.5 µm) that is moderately to intensely bioturbated (ii3–6). Trace assemblages are diverse, and include horizontal tracks and trails, abundant horizontal deposit-feeding and locomotion traces, as well as dwelling and resting burrows attributable to the proximal Cruziana Ichnofacies. In marked contrast, shelf margin deposits to the south are well-sorted, medium ooid–peloid sand with < 1% mud, and display a range of bioturbation, from nonbioturbated to moderately intense bioturbation (ii1–4). Trace-fossil assemblages exhibit low ichnodiversity, dominated by vertical dwelling burrows with reinforced wall lining attributable to the Skolithos Ichnofacies. Holocene and Pleistocene strata show similar proximal-to-distal and along-strike variations in sediment attributes, ichnodiversity, and bioturbation. These trends reflect a progressive, north-to-south increase in energy reflecting the change in margin orientation relative to the direction of dominant wave energy, analogous to the recent system. This study provides data for an integrated sedimentologic–ichnologic conceptual model for processes and patterns of sediment accumulation on carbonate shorefaces, and are distinct from siliciclastic analogs.
Improving of the Generation Accuracy Forecasting of Photovoltaic Plants Based on k-Means and k-Nearest Neighbors Algorithms
Authors: Matrenin P. V. , Khalyasmaa A. I. , Gamaley V. V. , Eroshenko S. A. , Papkova N. A. , Sekatski D. A. , Potachits Y. V.
Published: August 2023

Renewable energy sources (RES) are seen as a means of the fuel and energy complex carbon footprint reduction but the stochastic nature of generation complicates RES integration with electric power systems. Therefore, it is necessary to develop and improve methods for forecasting of the power plants generation using the energy of the sun, wind and water flows. One of the ways to improve the accuracy of forecast models is a deep analysis of meteorological conditions as the main factor affecting the power generation. In this paper, a method for adapting of forecast models to the meteorological conditions of photovoltaic stations operation based on machine learning algorithms was proposed and studied. In this case, unsupervised learning is first performed using the k-means method to form clusters. For this, it is also proposed to use studied the feature space dimensionality reduction algorithm to visualize and estimate the clustering accuracy. Then, for each cluster, its own machine learning model was trained for generation forecasting and the k-nearest neighbours algorithm was built to attribute the current conditions at the model operation stage to one of the formed clusters. The study was conducted on hourly meteorological data for the period from 1985 to 2021. A feature of the approach is the clustering of weather conditions on hourly rather than daily intervals. As a result, the mean absolute percentage error of forecasting is reduced significantly, depending on the prediction model used. For the best case, the error in forecasting of a photovoltaic plant generation an hour ahead was 9 %.
Features of using silicon carbide in melting converter steel
Authors: Bondar V. I.
Published: August 2023

The article discusses the possibility of using silicon carbide as the main component for preliminary deoxidation of a carbonaceous intermediate product when the latter is discharged from the converter into a ladle in order to adjust the costs of tradition‑ ally used deoxidizing materials. It has been established that the use of silicon carbide as a deoxidizer is economically feasible in the smelting of low‑carbon low‑alloy steels of converter production.

The method of adding the material is described and the results of the work performed are presented.
Evaluation of Effectiveness of Application of Horizontal Inertial Barriers to Reduce Vibrations Propagating in Ground Environment
Authors: Povkolas K. E.
Published: August 2023

The paper presents calculations of vibrations of the soil mass when a horizontal inertial barrier in the form of a rectangular concrete slab buried in the ground is placed on the propagation path of vibrations. The damping effect of a surface wave upon its contact with an inertial plate is associated with its reflection, refraction and partial absorption. Theoretical studies have been carried out using the finite element method. The ground medium has been considered as an elastic inertial array bounded by non-reflecting boundaries. Various variants of the geometry of the inertial plate and its spatial arrangement on the surface of the soil medium between the vibration source and the considered point behind the barrier are modeled. The effectiveness of each variant of vibration isolation has been quantified by the value showing how many times the speed of vertical oscillations of the ground behind the barrier decreases compared to the free propagation of surface waves. It is shown that an intensive  decrease in vertical displacements occurs starting from the side face of the inertial plate. Here, the amplitude of vertical oscillations decreases by 9,8 times for a concrete slab 15 m long, and by 4,2 times for a 3-meter slab. At a distance of 22 m from the point of application of the dynamic load, the amplitudes decrease by factors of 5.48 and 2.95, respectively, for slabs  of 15 and 3 m width. This method of reducing vibro-dynamic effects has a simple design and can be used in cramped conditions of urban development to protect existing and planned buildings and structures.
Implementation of Thyroid Eye Disease Registry in Iran: Rationale and Research Protocol
Authors: Akbarian Shadi , Sheikhtaheri Abbas , Khorrami Farid , Ghahvechian Hossein , Karimi Nasser , Kashkouli Mohsen Bahmani
Published: August 2023

Background
To describe the implementation of a registry system for patients with thyroid eye disease (TED) in Iran to obtain more information about its nature, prevalence, and annual incidence, as well as extend insight into the etiology, pathogenesis, and eventually make an accurate prognosis of different medical or surgical treatment methods.
Methods
After receiving approval from the Disease Registry Committee of Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS) in 2019 and the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) in 2020, the protocol was introduced in three consecutive phases at regional, provincial and national levels. The establishment of a registry committee in Rassoul Akram Hospital was the first step to organizing the registry project's main core. The steering committee included six subgroups of required subject fields. The members are experts in developing a guideline, providing a new dataset, drawing an outline for the next steps, and structuring user-friendly software through several panel discussion meetings. The data is collected from clinical and para-clinical/imaging findings, laboratory evaluations, and their selected treatment strategy, retrospectively and prospectively.
Results
The purpose is to broaden our knowledge about the profile of TED; accordingly, data related to patients’ demographics, thyroid gland disease (status, duration, treatments, and function tests), general medical and ocular history, along with visual/ocular exams resulting TED status are collected and recorded in a 2- language software. The web-based software system is accessible at https://orc.iums.ac.ir. To maintain data security, prioritized user access was defined for different members. Furthermore, diverse methods, such as employing trained staff and utilizing software validation rules, were implemented to control data quality in every step of data collection, entry, and registration. Medical records of retrospective subjects were also evaluated and entered after accuracy verification.
Conclusion
Iran's TED registry provides practitioners with comprehensive data on natural history and phenotype variations in clinical features and outcomes. It facilitates patient recruitment and, consequently, earlier diagnosis on a large scale which helps improve treatment and quality of life for patients.
AUTOSurv: Interpretable Deep Learning Framework for Cancer Survival Analysis Incorporating Clinical and Multi-omics Data
Authors: Jiang Lindong , Xu Chao , Bai Yuntong , Liu Anqi , Gong Yun , Wang Yu-Ping , Deng Hong-Wen
Published: August 2023

Accurate prognosis for cancer patients can provide critical information for optimizing treatment plans and improving life quality. Combining omics data and demographic/clinical information can offer a more comprehensive view of cancer prognosis than using omics or clinical data alone and can reveal the underlying disease mechanisms at the molecular level. In this study, we developed a novel deep learning framework to extract information from high-dimensional gene expression and miRNA expression data and conduct prognosis prediction for breast cancer and ovarian cancer patients. Our model achieved significantly better prognosis prediction than the conventional Cox Proportional Hazard model and other competitive deep learning approaches in various settings. Moreover, an interpretation approach was applied to tackle the “black-box” nature of deep neural networks and we identified features (i.e., genes, miRNA, demographic/clinical variables) that made important contributions to distinguishing predicted high- and low-risk patients. The identified associations were partially supported by previous studies.
Epityfication of Perisporiopsis struthanthi and Perisporiopsis lantanae, and the taxonomic implications for Perisporiopsidaceae, Perisporiopsis and Setophoma
Authors: Ferreira Bruno W. , Guterres Debora C , Macedo Davi M. , Barreto Robert
Published: August 2023

Perisporiopsidaceae includes species with superficial ascomata seated on a subiculum, and ellipsoidal oblong, one or more septate, hyaline ascospores. Taxonomy of species in this family has been based, mainly, on morphological characters and host/substrate associations. There is limited information about the taxonomic placement of Perisporiopsidaceae within the Dothideomycetes. Here, an assessment of the phylogenetic position of the Perisporiopsidaceae was conducted based on a multilocus phylogenetic analysis of sequence data obtained from fresh material of the type species of Periosporiopsis – Perisporiopsis struthanthi. An epitype is designated here. In addition, novel specimens and pure cultures of Perisporiopsis lantanae were also obtained, inclusive from the type locality and subjected to molecular analysis. Additionally the status of Perisporiopsis lateritia was investigated. Perisporiopsis struthanthi and P. lantanae were found to belong to a clade within the Phaeosphaeriaceae. Perisporiopsis struthanthi grouped with Setophoma spp. and P. lantanae isolates formed a separate clade within Phaeosphaeriaceae. There was, nevertheless, no morphology-based indication of a connection between Perisporiopsis and Setophoma. The members of Setophoma spp. that are closer to Perisporiopsis struthanthi (Setophoma sacchari, S. pseudosacchari, S. vernoniae, S. chromolaenae, S. antiqua, and S. endophytica) are combined herein into Perisporiopsis as, P. antiqua, P. chromolaenae, P. endophytica, P. pseudosacchari, P. sacchari, and P. vernoniae,). Additionally, Setophoma is splited into three genera: Setophoma stricto sensus (including the type species Setophoma terrestris, S. brachypodii, and S. poaceicola), Pseudosetophoma (type Pseudosetophoma yunnanensis, and with P. yingyisheniae), and Troglophoma (type Troglophoma caverna, and with T. longinqua). Perisporiopsis lateritia grouped in the family Pyrenochaetopsidaceae, Perisporiopsidaceae is merged into Phaeosphaeriaceae, a family having nomenclatural priority over Perisporiopsidaceae. A new genus and combination are proposed to accommodate P. lantanae, namely Sputnikia and Sputnikia lantanae whereas P. lateritia is combined to Pyrenochaetopsis lateritia. Other species and genera in Perisporiopsidaceae should be regarded as Incertae sedis, until specimens are recollected and epitypes designated, or DNA sequences obtained from the type specimens and a molecular phylogenetic study clarifies their taxonomic position.
Efficient Blind Signal Separation Algorithms for Wireless Multimedia Communication Systems
Authors: Ali R. , Zahran Osama , El-Samie Fathi E. Abd , Eldin Salwa Serag
Published: August 2023

This paper studies the problem of multi-user blind signal separation (BSS) in wireless communications. The existing separation algorithms work on quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK). Through this work two proposed algorithms were presented to enhance the BSS performance. The first proposed algorithm uses wavelet denoising to remove noise from the received signals in time domain. It adopts different modulation techniques such as minimum shift keying (MSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), and Gaussian minimum shift keying (GMSK) then uses several BSS algorithms such as independent component analysis (ICA), principle component analysis (PCA), and multi user kurtosis (MUK) algorithms. The second proposed algorithm transfers the problem of BSS to transform domain and uses wavelet denoising to reduce noise effect on received mixture. BSS with Discrete Sine Transform (DST) and Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) were investigated and compared to time domain performance. Minimum square error (MSE) and signal to noise ratio (SNR) were used as the evaluating metrics. Simulation results proved that in time domain, MUK with QPSK gives best performance and wavelet denoising was found to enhance the performance of BSS under all conditions. Signal separation in transform domain was found to give better performance than that in time domain due to the energy compaction process of these transforms and noise reduction due to their averaging effect.
Performance Evaluation of Upstream losses in Passive Optical Network
Authors: goyal Shivani , Jain Vishal
Published: August 2023

In contrast to conventional single-mode fibre, this study illustrates the first Trench Assisted Multi-Core Fibre (TA-MCF) in a passive optical network (PON) that uses space division multiplexing (SDM) to effectively minimise upstream losses and lower the cost per bit of optical fiber.For upstream transmission via 19 optical network units (ONUs) in TA-MCF, an error-free performance is assessed. Excellent reductions of total link losses are analysed using TA-MCF for upstream transmission with minimum acceptable inter-core crosstalk.