bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analisis Metode Penafsiran Mahkamah Konstitusi dalam Perumusan Putusan Nomor 91/PUU-XVIII/2020 terkait Pengujian Formil Undang-Undang Nomor 11 Tahun 2020 tentang Cipta Kerja
Authors: Fadillah Nor
Published: August 2023

Interpretation is one of the legal discovery methods that can provide a clearer explanation of the text of the law. The method of interpretation is a means or tool for understanding the meaning of the law, so that its justification lies in its usefulness for carrying out concrete provisions and not for the sake of the method itself. This paper aims to identify the method of interpretation used by judges in court and find out the method used by judges in interpreting the decision Number 91/PUU-XVIII/2020 on the formal review of Law Number 11 of 2020 on Job Creation. The method used is a normative method which positions law as a system of norms for analyzing laws that have been decided by judges through court proceedings. The approach used is the law approach. Data sources come from secondary data sources with primary legal materials, namely Law Number 11 of 2020 on Job Creation and Consitutional Court Decision Number 91/PUU-XVIII/2020 and secondary law, which are law books and journal articles. Technical data analysis is content analysis which is presented with analytical descriptive. The results of this study indicate that the method of interpretation used by Constitutional Court Judges in interpreting Decision Number 91/PUU-XVIII/2020 regarding the formal review of Law Number 11 of 2020 on Job Creation is a method of systematic interpretation, doctrinal interpretation, and sociological interpretation.
Perlindungan Hukum Bagi Pekerja Rumah Tangga di Indonesia
Authors: Ista Pranoto Baby
Published: August 2023

This study aims to analyze the legal protection for domestic workers (Pekerja Rumah Tangga, PRT) in Indonesia. The type of this research is juridical-normative with data collection that utilizes the literature studies. The results of the research indicate that Law Number 13 of 2003 on Manpower specifically does not provide special legal protection for domestic workers, meaning that normatively domestic workers are not protected in the law. To minimize cases regarding domestic workers and to fulfill their rights, the Minister of Manpower Regulation Number 2 of 2015 on Protection of Domestic Workers (Permen PPRT) was issued which seeks to fulfill the rights of domestic workers. There are still a number of cases experienced by domestic workers, thus it is urgent to pass the Bill on the Protection of Domestic Workers.
An Expert System for Diagnosing the Impact of Traffic Accidents using the Forward Chaining Method
Authors: Yusuf Akbar Maulana , Chelidivano Jonathan Indra , Rizky Tavany Amalia , Sabikhi Yanuar , Sudianto Sudianto
Published: August 2023

Unexpected events that we often hear about are traffic accidents caused by many factors. Accidents also cause impacts in terms of health. This study aims to provide information regarding the effects of traffic accidents in terms of health based on some visible symptoms that emerged from the victim's body at the scene using an expert system. The Expert System is designed on a website-based application. The forward chaining method is used to get a conclusion based on the facts. The results of this research users gain knowledge about the impact of traffic accidents and the diagnosis on the victim's body that is close to the knowledge of experts with accuracy 87.5%. The website is designed to be used as a guide for users to be able to provide appropriate first aid to accident victims.
Design and Creation of Online Attendance Systems in Web-Based Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Heldiansyah Heldiansyah , Salim Muchtar , Rustaniah Rustaniah
Published: August 2023

Kedisiplinan dan kinerja merupakan faktor penting pada institusi pendidikan. Penilaian disiplin dan kinerja pegawai tersebut dapat dinilai melalui kehadiran. Pada masa pandemi COVID-19 dimana seluruh pegawai diharuskan bekerja dari rumah, namun data kehadiran tetap harus dicatat dengan baik tanpa datang secara fisik ke kampus. Hal ini dapat dilakukan dengan memanfaatkan teknologi komputer dan internet berupa sistem presensi online. Penelitian ini merancang dan membuat prototype sistem presensi online berbasis web bagi pegawai institusi pendidikan untuk memberikan solusi terhadap kendala yang dihadapi membantu melakukan pencatatan kehadiran dari mana saja.
Cluster Analysis of Covid-19 in Indonesia Using K-means Method
Authors: Larasvaty Claudia , Khomsah Siti , SA Rona Nisa
Published: August 2023

These days technology are rapidly increasing and developing in various fields, especially data storage. The information that has been stored in a database usually called a dataset. Covid-19 is a new type of respiratory disease that attacks the respiratory system with rapid transmission, followed by the increasing number of Covid-19 cases that continues to increase every day in all provinces in Indonesia. This study aims to cluster the spread of Covid-19 in every province in Indonesia by using the data that obtained from the website named kaggle with many data variables. The method used in this research is K-Means. From many variables in the data, for this study only 3 variables were taken, which are: Number of Recovery, Number of Deaths, and Number of total Cases in Covid-19 in Indonesia. These 3 variables then will be applied using the K-Means method and formed 3 provincial groups. By using the clustering method and the K-means algorithm, this research can be carried out to find the characteristics of the distribution in each province in Indonesia by looking at the best clusters.
Classification of Drug Types using Decision Tree Algorithm
Authors: Putri Alissiyah , Faz Dani Azka , Hafizhulloh Felis Tigris
Published: August 2023

The accurate classification of drugs plays a crucial role in various areas of pharmaceutical research and development. In recent years, machine learning techniques have emerged as powerful tools for drug classification tasks. This paper presents a study on drug classification using machine learning techniques implemented in Python. The objective of this research is to explore the effectiveness of different machine learning algorithms in accurately classifying drugs based on their molecular properties and characteristics. The dataset used in this study consists of a diverse collection of drug compounds with annotated class labels. Several popular machine learning algorithms, including decision trees are implemented and evaluated using Python's extensive libraries such as scikit-learn. The dataset is pre-processed to handle missing values, normalize features, and reduce dimensionality using appropriate techniques. Experimental results demonstrate the performance of each algorithm in terms of accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. The findings of this study highlight the potential of machine learning techniques in accurately classifying drugs and provide valuable insights into the selection and optimization of algorithms for drug classification tasks. The Python implementation serves as a practical guide for researchers and practitioners interested in applying machine learning for drug classification purposes.
Towards Granting of Legal Personality to Autonomous Robots in the UAE
Authors: hussen shuq , Fayyad Mahmoud
Published: August 2023

The Dubai Digital Government launched its recent guidelines, which call for artificial intelligence systems to be subject to legal accountability. This study discusses the extent to which autonomous robots can be granted legal personality in UAE law and the consistency of this approach with the provisions of Islamic jurisprudence. This research paper answered two main questions: First, the extent to which these guidelines are considered the beginning of work on granting legal personality to AI systems in the UAE. Second, what form of legal personality can be given to autonomous robots in UAE law to be consistent with the provisions of Islamic jurisprudence as a primary source of legislation in the country? The research concluded the impossibility of considering autonomous robots as a "thing" and classifying them within the concept of "persons." It also concluded that it is possible to give them legal personality according to two legislative solutions: granting them partial or incomplete performance eligibility like minors.
Viability Assessment of a Hybrid Microgrid System for Rural Electrification: A Case Study of Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Oneroha Nelly A. , Mukisa Nicholas , Nkado Franklin , Zamora Ramon
Published: August 2023

Energy poverty is a severe electrification challenge in Nigeria that has affected the country's economic development. The gap between electricity demand and supply continues to increase, and a large percentage of the populace affected are rural dwellers. With the prevailing electricity inaccessibility in rural, renewable energy sources (RES) present viable option for addressing rural electrification challenge. However, RES like solar have intermittency challenges since they are weather dependent. Thus, a hybrid microgrid system (HMS) comprising solar, hydropower and battery storage was sized as a feasible solution for electrifying rural areas in Nigeria. For the HMS sizing, a site was selected, whose residential load demand was estimated. The renewable energy generation potential for the selected resources at the site as well as grid reliability were assessed. Hybrid Optimisation Model for Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) was used to size the HMS. An economic analysis was performed to determine the levelised cost of energy (LCOE) and net present cost (NPC). For the sized HMS, two scenarios were considered: off-grid and grid-connected HMS configurations. The results showed that the LCOE of the off-grid and grid-connected configurations are $0.101/kWh and $0.046/kWh, respectively. The NPC of the off-grid and grid-connected configurations are $227,307 and $145,282, respectively.
Modelling of Biomass Gasification: From Thermodynamic to Process Simulations
Authors: Marcantonio Vera , Di Paola Luisa , De Falco Marcello , Capocelli Mauro
Published: August 2023

Biomass gasification acquired great interest over the past decades as an effective and trustable technology to produce energy and fuels with net-zero carbon emissions. Moreover, using biomass waste as feedstock enables to recycle organic wastes and to fit the circular economy goals thus reducing the environmental impacts of waste management. Even if many studies have been already carried on, this kind of process must still be investigated and optimized with the final aim to develop industrial plants for different applications, from the hydrogen production to net-negative emission strategies. Modeling and developing of process simulations became an important tool to investigate the chemical and physical behavior of the plant, allowing to make a first raw optimization of the process and to define heat and material balances of the plant as well as to define optimal geometrical parameters with cost and time effective approaches. The present review paper focuses on the main literature models developed until now to describe biomass gasification process, and in particular on kinetic models, thermodynamic models, and computational fluid dynamic models. The aim of this study is to point out the strengths and the weakness of those models, comparing them and indicating in which situation is better to use an approach instead of another. Moreover, theoretical shortcut models and software simulations, not explicitly addressed by prior reviews, are taken into account. For researchers and designers this review provides a detailed methodology characterization as a guide to develop innovative study or project.
What Is It Like to Be A Brain Organoid? Phenomenal Consciousness in a Biological Neural Network.
Authors: Montoya Ivanna , Montoya Daniel
Published: August 2023

Abstract: It has been shown that three-dimensional self-assembled multicellular structures derived from human pluripotent stem cells show electrical activity similar to EEG. More recently, neurons were successfully embedded in a digital game-worlds (Kagan, et al. 2022). The biologically inspired neural network (BNN), expressing human cortical cells, was able to show internal modification and learn the task at hand (predicting the trajectory of a digital ball while moving a digital paddle). In other words, the system allowed to read motor information and write sensory data into cell cultures. In this article, we discuss Neural Correlates of Consciousness (NCC) theories, and their capacity to predict or even allow for consciousness in a BNN. We found that In-formation Integration Theory (IIT) is the only NCC that offers the possibility for a BNN to show consciousness. IIT argues that any system capable of integrating information will have some degree of phenomenal consciousness. The pattern of activity appearing in the BNN, with increased density of sensory information leading to better performance, implies that the BNN could be conscious. This may have profound implications from a physiological, philosophical, and ethical perspective.
Modern Applications of Machine Learning in Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Patel Akshar V. , Stevens Andrew J. , Mallory Noah , Gibbs David , Pallumeera Mustaqueem , Katayama Erryk , Cvetanovich Gregory L. , Bishop Julie Y. , Rauck Ryan C.
Published: August 2023

» There is increased integration of machine learning (ML) to aid clinical decision-making in orthopaedic surgery.

» ML has the ability to predict both clinical outcomes such as range of motion and complications in total shoulder arthroplasty patients.

» An increased area of focus is the ability for ML to identify implants to aid in revision surgery planning.

» In this article, we review the current applications of ML in shoulder arthroplasty and discuss future areas where it may enhance orthopaedic practice.
Accuracy Bound for Positioning the 5R Planar Parallel Manipulator Subjected to Uncertainties in Dimensions and Actuations
Authors: Adriyan Adriyan , Yanto Asmara
Published: August 2023

This article is aimed to determine the accuracy bound for positioning the 5R planar parallel manipulator under the uncertainties in its dimensions and actuation. The accuracy bound is investigated numerically using the interval analysis and multi-dimensional bisection method (MDBM). These numerical methods can give multiple solutions within the workspace of the manipulator. Then, the exact solution is utilized for comparison with the numerical solutions. It is shown that the interval analysis via the interval Newton method gives the guaranteed bounds for positioning accuracy. Meanwhile, the MDBM and the exact solution coupling with the Monte Carlo simulation produce a scattered random value in a parallelogram shape inside the solution yielded by the interval Newton method. Overall, those three methods give nearly a good agreement in terms of that accuracy, but they are different at computation time.
Study of the VRF/VRV Air Conditioning System in the Hospital: A Review of Economic and Environmental Aspects
Authors: Rachman Arfidian , Nesti Lisa , Yanto Asmara
Published: August 2023

Heating, ventilation and air cooling (HVAC) systems are the largest users of electrical energy in the hospital. The results showed that hospitals represent about 60% of the total energy consumption in the utility building sector. In this paper, it is presented about energy efficiency and the potential for energy savings in HVAC systems in hospitals. Conditioning systems with Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) or Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) Technology allow for greater energy efficiency and cost savings compared to traditional HVAC systems.
Effect Of Electric Load On Steam Flow Rate At Steam Turbine As Generator
Authors: Wardianto Dedi , Marfizal  , Sufiyanto
Published: August 2023

PT. Kurnia Batang Hari is a palm oil processing factory into palm oil. At PT KBHB there is a tool called “Steam Turbine Generator Type RB5” which functions as a power generator. This study aims to determine the effect of the load on the mass flow rate, turbine generator power, and determine the efficiency of the steam turbine generator. The research method is to take boiler and turbine data directly for 1 week. Get the enthalpy value from the steam table and can calculate based on the research objective. Based on the research conducted, it was found that the highest average flow rate on Wednesday was 3.48 kg/s. The highest generator power yield on Sunday is 1661 KW. The results of the calculation of the highest average generator efficiency on Sundays are 57.11%. Conclusion It can be seen that if the load on the turbine is getting bigger, then the mass flow rate of the steam will be even bigger and it also depends on the pressure of the steam entering and leaving the turbine. The average load of 1 week borne by the generator is 885 KW and the mass flow rate is 3.81 kg/s. The generator power produced during processing is an average of 1 week, which is 1600 KW. The average efficiency of the generator in 1 week is 55.52% on Sunday.
Analysis of Coupling Gear on Roller Press Cement Mill
Authors: Sulaeman  , Saferi Rozi , Apriadi Ropi
Published: August 2023

This study aims to determine the causes of failure in the coupling gear, reduce or minimize damage that occurs in the coupling gear, determine the hardness of the coupling gear material, and to determine the level of wear and tear on the coupling gear. This research was conducted from July to October 2022, at PT. Semen Padang, ITP Mechanical Engineering Laboratory, FT-Unand Mechanical Engineering Metallurgical Laboratory. The test procedures used in this study are first to identify the damage, hardness testing on the coupling gear, wear testing on the coupling gear. After observing, the types of damage to the coupling gear are obtained, namely in the form of wear. The types of wear and tear on the coupling gear are scoring, plastic flow, and pitting. Based on the results of the hardness test on the first specimen, the average hardness was 41.1 HRC and on the second specimen, the hardness average was 33.5 HRC and on the third specimen, the hardness average was 34.9 HRC. The specimen that has the highest average hardness value is the first specimen with an average hardness of 41.3 HRC. the wear level in test 1 is 0.008 and in test 2 the wear level is 0.004 and in test 3 the wear level is 0.004 and in test 4 the wear level is 0.004 and in test 5 the wear level is 0.004. From the wear test it was found that the type of wear on the coupling gear material is classified as abrasive and fatigue wear because the two materials are rubbing against each other and the eroded material does not stick to each other and there is also fatigue due to the load that is applied continuously so that the material or coupling gear is worn out.
Design and Manufacture of Elephant Grass and Palm Frond Chopping Machines
Authors: Romiyadi  , Dwianda Yudi , Febrianton Adi , Irwan Purnama
Published: August 2023

Elephant grass and palm frond chopping machines is a machine used to chop elephant grass and palm fronds for animal feed. The purpose of the study is to design and manufacture a machine used for animal feed. This machine is designed and manufactured to chop elephant grass and palm fronds. Based on the results of the design and manufacture, a machine for chopping elephant grass and palm fronds for animal feed has been designed and manufactured. This machine uses a gasoline motor with a capacity of 5.5 HP. While the transmission system used is a pulley and belt transmission system. Based on the test results, the elephant grass and palm frond chopping machine can operate and function properly. The test results also show that the volume of chopped elephant grass is greater than the volume of chopped palm fronds. While the results of chopped elephant grass are better than the results of chopped palm fronds
Effect of Electrode Moisture in DC Current SMAW Process on The Welding Results of Low Carbon Steel
Authors: Hafni Hafni , Novriwan Novriwan
Published: August 2023

Welding using a wetelectrode and polarity selection is thought to affect the defects that usually arise in the welding results of low carbon steel type ST 37. To find out how much influence the humidity of the electrode and polarity have on defects in low carbon steel welding results, a study was carried out using oil fluids as a moisturizing agent for the electrode. The process of humidifying the electrode is carried out by immersing the electrode until it absorbs the oil fluid before welding it on the base metal. After welding with these electrodes, a metallographic test was carried out to observe the macrostructure and microstructure of the welding results. The conclusion that can be drawn from the test results is that the humidity of the electrode by oil does not affect the defects that arise in low carbon steel welding results as long as it does not damage the flux from the electrode.
Characterization of Sound Absorption Coefficient and Acoustic Impedance of Palm Frond Fiber Composites with Pine Resin on Various Composition Variations
Authors: Pratiwi Putri , Yanto Asmara
Published: August 2023

This research aims to investigate the ability of sound absorption coefficient and the acoustic impedance of  Palm Frond Fiber Composites using the one-microphone impedance tube method. We used Palm Frond Fibers as a filler and pine resin as an alternative adhesive of composite with a volume fraction of 50%: 50%, 60%: 40%, 70%: 30%, 80%: 20%, and 90%: 10%.  The sound absorption coefficient and acoustic impedance of composites were studied at 500, 1000 Hz, 1500 Hz, 2000 Hz, and 2500 Hz frequency. The results showed that the highest sound absorption coefficient was found in 1500 Hz frequency and using volume fraction 70%:10%. The highest acoustic impedance response was found in composite with a fiber composition of 90% and at the test frequency with a range of 500 Hz -1500 Hz. The composition of the adhesive and fiber greatly affects the impedance value because it was related to the formation of pores in the composite. Based on ISO standard 11654:1997, the value of the sound absorption of sound waves was 0.15, and Palm Frond Fiber had a value above, so it had the potential used as sound absorption material.
Measuring income inequality via percentile relativities
Authors: Greselin Francesca , Brazauskas Vytaras , Zitikis Ricardas
Published: August 2023

"The rich are getting richer" implies that the population income distributions
are getting more right skewed and heavily tailed. For such distributions, the mean is not
the best measure of the center, but the classical indices of income inequality, including the
celebrated Gini index, are all mean-based. In view of this, Professor Gastwirth sounded an
alarm back in 2014 by suggesting to incorporate the median into the definition of the Gini
index, although noted a few shortcomings of his proposed index. In the present paper we
make a further step in the modification of classical indices and, to acknowledge the possibility
of differing viewpoints, arrive at three median-based indices of inequality. They avoid the
shortcomings of the previous indices and can be used even when populations are ultra heavily
tailed, that is, when their first moments are infinite. The new indices are illustrated both
analytically and numerically using parametric families of income distributions, and further
illustrated using capital incomes coming from 2001 and 2018 surveys of fifteen European
countries. We also discuss the performance of the indices from the perspective of income
transfers.
Calcineurin is a central regulator of Process S (sleep homeostasis) in mice
Authors: Liu Qinghua , Yin Xin , Zhang Zihan , Zhou Rui , Zuo Peng
Published: August 2023

In the “Two-Process” model, Process C controls circadian distribution of sleep/wake behaviors, whereas Process S regulates daily sleep amount/depth through the waxing (during waking) and waning (during sleep) of sleep need to maintain sleep-wake homeostasis1,2. Besides baseline sleep regulation, acute sleep deprivation leads to subsequent increase of sleep amount and depth, called recovery sleep3-5. However, the central regulators and mechanisms that govern Process S in mammals remain unclear. Here, we report that induction of constitutively active calcineurin–a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent serine/threonine phosphatase6–in mouse brain neurons markedly increases daily amount (to ~18-h/day) and delta power–an index of sleep need–of non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS). Adult brain neuron-specific knockout of calcineurin diminishes basal NREMS amount (to ~4-h/day) and delta power, but also recovery NREMS after sleep deprivation. Consistent with neuronal activation of calcineurin during sleep deprivation, simulation of Process S in calcineurin knockout mice reveals an essential role of calcineurin in the accumulation of homeostatic sleep need. Moreover, calcineurin promotes daily NREMS by antagonizing protein kinase A (PKA) and activating salt-inducible kinase SIK3 via S551 dephosphorylation. Together, these results establish calcineurin as a NREMS-promoting phosphatase and a central regulator of Process S that governs sleep homeostasis under both baseline and sleep-deprived conditions in mice.
Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease and Its Associations with Veteran Status 1999-2018: Cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhu Yanan , Ye Meijie , Zhang Yasi , Zhan Yiqiang
Published: August 2023

Importance: Diabetes, one of the major causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD), has been reported to be more prevalent among U.S. veterans compared to the general population.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of CKD stages in U.S. veterans and non-veterans, and to examine the association between veteran status and CKD using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data.
Design, Setting, and Participants: A series of cross-sectional surveys were carried out between 1999 and 2018 on nationally representative samples of the U.S. population. All of these surveys were used to estimate the prevalence of CKD stages among 54,481 adults aged 20 years or older. Additionally, the associations between CKD and veterans were explored.
Main outcomes and measures: Cross-sectional surveys from 1999 to 2018 were conducted on nationally representative samples of the U.S. population (54,481 adults aged ≥20 years) to estimate CKD stage prevalence. Associations between CKD and veteran status were explored. CKD stages were defined using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albumin creatinine ratio (ACR): No CKD (eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m², ACR <30 mg/g, no history of weak/failing kidneys); Stage G1-G3 (eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m², ACR ≥30 mg/g or eGFR 30–59 mL/min/1.73 m²); Stage G4-G5 (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m² or received dialysis in the past 12 months).
Results: The prevalence of CKD stages G1-G3 and G4-G5 was consistently higher among veterans compared to non-veterans across all survey cycles (P < 0.01). After adjusting for age, race, diabetes, smoking, AIP, hypertension, and BMI, only two cycles (2005-2006 and 2013-2014) indicated significantly higher odds of having stages G1-G3 or G4-G5 for veterans compared to non-veterans (odds ratio: 1.64).
Conclusion and Relevance: The prevalence of CKD stages among U.S. veterans/non-veterans is substantially higher in U.S. veterans than non-veterans. No strong evidence was found to support that CKD was associated with veteran status.
Structural basis of a redox-dependent conformational switch that regulates the stress kinase p38α
Authors: Macias Maria , Pous Joan , Baginski Blazej , Martin-Malpartida Pau , Gonzalez Lorena , Scarpa Margherita , Aragon Eric , Ruiz Lidia , Mees Rebeca , Iglesias Javier , Orozco Modesto , Nebreda Angel
Published: August 2023

Many functional aspects of the protein kinase p38α have been illustrated by more than three hundred structures, covering free forms and complexes with activators, substrates and inhibitor compounds. All these structures reveal the p38α protein in reduced forms. Here we report an oxidized conformation showing an intramolecular disulfide bond between the Cys119 and Cys162, conserved in vertebrates, thereby maintaining the kinase in a previously undescribed dormant state. This oxidized state does not affect the conformation of the catalytic site, but alters the docking groove by unwinding and displacing the short αD helix caused by the movement of Cys119 towards Cys162. The transition between the oxidized and reduced conformations provides a mechanism for fine-tuning p38α activity as a function of redox conditions, beyond its activation loop phosphorylation. Moreover, the conformational equilibrium between these redox forms reveals an unexplored cleft for p38α inhibitor design, which we describe in detail.
Mechanism of deformation in metallic glasses: Is the concept of defects useful?
Authors: Lieou Charles , Egami Takeshi
Published: August 2023

It is known that deformation in disordered materials such as metallic glasses and supercooled liquids occurs via the cooperative rearrangement of atoms or constituent particles at dynamical heterogeneities, commonly regarded as point-like defects. We show via molecular-dynamics simulations that there is no apparent relationship between atomic rearrangements and the local atomic environment as measured by the atomic-level stresses, kinetic and potential energies, and the per-atom Voronoi volume. In addition, there is only a weak correlation between atomic rearrangements and the largest and smallest eigenvalues of the dynamical matrix. Our results confirm the transient nature of dynamical heterogeneities and suggest that the notion of defects may be less relevant than that of a propensity for rearrangement.
Privatization in Mixed Duopoly with Quality Differentiation: Price versus Quantity Competition
Authors: Choi Kangsik , Lu Yuanzhu
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we investigate the issue of privatization in a mixed duopoly with quality differentiation under Cournot and Bertrand competition. The public firm is assumed to produce a lower-quality product with lower production costs. We find that under both Bertrand and Cournot competition, privatization is socially desirable (undesirable) if the quality level of the private firm is sufficiently high (low). However, if the quality of the private firm is intermediate, Bertrand and Cournot competition yield opposite policy implications: privatization is desirable under Bertrand competition while undesirable under Cournot competition. Therefore, under Bertrand competition, privatization is more likely to be welfare-improving than under Cournot competition.
JEL Classification: D43, L13, M21.
Differences in Phenotypic Age Acceleration Between Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Adults in the USA
Authors: Sun Ming , Ma Zhaoyu , Zhang Yixin , Han Mengying , Jia Wenhan , Hu Daibao , Gong Xiaoyu , Jiang Xia , Wu Chenkai , Ma YaNan
Published: August 2023

Health disparities have been reported between sexual minority and heterosexual populations, but no study investigated Phenotypic Age Acceleration (PhenoAgeAccel) among sexual minority. To investigate differences in PhenoAgeAccel between sexual minority and heterosexual adults. In this cross-sectional study, 3061 participants from 2007–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) included adults aged 20 to 59 years who self-identified as being heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual or others. The main outcome was PhenoAgeAccel predicted using nine routine clinical chemical biomarkers and chronological age. The sex-stratified linear regression model was used to examine the differences of PhenoAgeAccel and its nine biomarkers between sexual minorities and heterosexuality. The current study included 3061 participants consisting of 1518 (49.59%) males and 1543 (50.41%) females. Lesbian (β: -1.37, 95% CI: -2.46 to -0.27) and gay (β: -2.71, 95% CI: -4.13 to -1.29) were found to have the slowest PhenoAgeAccel compared with the heterosexual females. Bisexual males (β: -0.45, 95% CI: -0.73 to -0.18), lesbians (β: -0.49, 95% CI: -0.74 to -0.23) and bisexual (β: -0.41, 95% CI: -0.68 to -0.14) females were found to have a lower level of glucose. Gays (β: -0.14 95% CI: -0.25 to -0.03) and bisexual males (β: -0.06, 95% CI: -0.24 to -0.03) showed a lower level of c-reactive protein. The study for the first time suggested that gay and lesbian adults had the slower PhenoAgeAccel as compared to heterosexual adults.
Design of the Monopulse Feeding Network of a Slotted Waveguide Array on an Annular Disk
Authors: Wang Zongxin , Wang Yulan , Zhu Shengchi , Chen Peng
Published: August 2023

Design of a monopulse feeding network including a compact power distribution network and a monopulse comparator for a dual polarization slotted waveguide array fabricated on an annular disk is presented in this paper. Design details of some key waveguide components, such as compact assembly of H-plane T-junctions and E-plane elbows used to connect power distribution networks and radiation waveguides are provided. Quasi-planar magic tees are designed and used to construct the compact sum and difference comparator. The antenna system contains two comparators, which are used to generate sum and difference beams for horizontal polarization and vertical polarization, respectively. Finally, the monopulse slotted waveguide array antenna is divided into two modules, a comparator module and an antenna module (including power distribution network), and fabricated with layered processing and bonding process. The comparator module is measured using network analyzer to verify its amplitude-frequency characteristics and phase-frequency characteristics. Screwing the comparator module and antenna module together, a monopulse slotted waveguide array antenna is obtained, and the sum beam and difference beam characteristics of the antenna are measured in microwave chamber and presented.
Evaluating Seasonal Rainfall Forecast Gridded Models over Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Atiah Winifred Ayinpogbilla , Bendito Eduardo Garcia , Muthoni Francis Kamau
Published: August 2023

The agricultural industry in Africa has recently been impacted by rainfall variability and long-term changes in amount and distribution. Reliable rainfall forecasts on a daily timescale are vital for in-season decision-making. This study evaluated the relative prediction abilities of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF-S5) and the NOAA Climate Prediction System (CFS) gridded rainfall models across Africa and three sub-regions from2012–2022. The results indicate that the performance of both models declines with increasing lead times and improves with aggregated or coarser temporal resolutions. Besides, the ECMWF-S5 data represents observed daily rainfall better than the CFS data at all lead times, particularly in West Africa. On dekadal timescales, ECMWF-S5 outperformed CFS in all sub-regions, confirming its superiority. Both models are great at capturing rainfall at low elevations than at high elevations. CFS tends to overestimate low- and high-intensity rainfall events, while the ECMWF-S5slightly underestimates low-intensity rainfall events and accurately captures high-intensity events over Africa. Overall, the accuracy of these models in forecasting rainfall patterns in Africa varies according to the lead time, region, intensity of rainfall, and elevation. As a result, it is vital to use effective bias-correction approaches on these models to increase their accuracy and dependability for use in several sectors. This study emphasized the potential and shortcomings of the CFS and ECMWF-S5 models for climate impact studies, particularly in West Africa and regions with low elevations.
Integrative transcriptomic and HPTL-ESI-MS analysis reveals a strong coordination between genes and pathways contributing to high erucic triacylglycerol biosynthesis during Pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) seed maturation
Authors: Claver Ana , Luján María Ángeles , Escuín José Manuel , Savirón María , López María Victoria , Picorel Rafael , Jarne Carmen , Cebolla Vicente , Alfonso Miguel
Published: August 2023

Thlaspi arvense (Pennycress) is an emerging feedstock for biofuel production because of its high seed-oil content enriched in erucic acid (35-40% of total fatty acids). A transcriptomic analysis together with an HPTLC-ESI-MS and MSn positional analysis characterization of the TAG fractions in five different seed maturation stages was performed to study the high erucic seed-oil biosynthesis in Pennycress. The RNA-Seq data showed a temporal pattern of regulation in which genes involved in the synthesis of carbon precursors and fatty acids were highly abundant at the earlier stages of maturation, then decreasing in the mature ones. Genes involved in TAG biosynthesis showed a complex temporal regulation in which DGAT2 and PDAT1 showed higher expression at the earlier stages of maturation, coincident with the rapid incorporation of 22:1 to TAG. Genes from the acyl-editing pathway showed higher expression at the earlier stages of seed maturation, suggesting a major role of this pathway at the initial stages of seed-oil biosynthesis. HPTLC-ESI-MS analysis showed an increase of TAG species containing VLCFAs (22:1 and 24:1) with 18:2 at sn-2 position with seed maturation. This increase was concomitant with an increase of DGAT1 and PDAT2 mRNA levels, suggesting a higher Kennedy pathway activity. However, the concerted regulation between DGAT and PDAT enzymes suggested a coordination between pathways, isoforms and substrate pools for the synthesis of high erucic TAG in Pennycress.
Demographic Transition and Pension in an Endogenous Growth Model
Authors: Accolley Delali
Published: August 2023

The first phase of the enhancement of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), which consists in raising gradually its contribution rate, took place between 2019 and 2023 in a context of low real interest rate and aging population. We have modeled within a dynamic general equilibrium setting the various pillars of the Canadian retirement income system, human capital accumulation through education, and two-sided altruism as a motive for intergenerational transfers. Then, we have investigated the impact on the real interest rate of the improvement in life expectancy and the first impacts of the enhancement of the CPP against alternative taxation aiming at raising retirement income.
Intergenerational altruism and capital income tax rate turn out to be important determinants of the real interest rate that related studies neglected. We have also found that when biological life expectancy increases by one percent, the endogenous accumulation of human capital prevents the real interest rate from falling by one-third of percentage point \textit{per annum}. It further emerges that enhancing the CPP through an increase in either the contribution rate or the maximum amount of earnings covered crowds out private savings. Cutting the capital income tax to foster saving for retirement exacerbates the decline in the real interest rate caused by the improvement in life expectancy.
COVID-19 transmission in dental practice: risks and prevention – narrative review
Authors: Ostrovskyi Pavlo , Smirnova Valentyna , Boitsaniuk Svitlana , Kochan Orest , Levkiv Mariana
Published: August 2023

Dentists are on the frontline of infection, especially regarding respiratory viruses like the new coronavirus. The production of aerosols and droplets accompanies many dental procedures. The emergence of severe acute air-droplet disease, respiratory syndrome, or SARS, warrants a revision of the infection control procedures for aerosols.

The aim. In this article, we aim to raise awareness of the potential risks of COVID-19 transmission in dental practice and discuss and suggest some preventive measures.

Methods. This study reviewed the published research articles and the guidelines of international healthcare institutions on dentistry and COVID-19. We searched Pubmed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS electronic databases using MESH terms.

Results. The main way of transmission of the SARS CoV is air-droplet. Thus, healthcare professionals that perform aerosol-generating procedures, i.e. dentists, need to be updated about the origin of the disease. The patient and the dentist often share close contact while ongoing dental treatment; thus, knowledge about the disease and necessary preventive measures is required. In addition to the standard precautions, some special preventive measures that should be implemented during an outbreak of disease have been raised in this review.

Conclusions. Following the protective protocols in the COVID-19 crisis is of utmost importance in a dental setting
To study the correlation between severe oligohydramnios with perinatal outcome along with histopathology of placenta
Authors: Nirmala Peripydi , Swarupa Kuthadi , Kurakul Kavitha
Published: August 2023

The aim: To study the correlation between severe oligohydramnios with perinatal outcome and the placenta's histopathology.

Materials and methods: comprised of 100 patients with oligohydramnios diagnosed after 28 weeks of gestation, admitted on an emergency basis, both booked / unbooked, who were willing to cooperate, were chosen. All patients with oligohydramnios (AFI<5 %) were included in the study.

Results: 3 cases came with intra-uterine death. All three were totally unbooked cases. 2 preterm babies died neonatal intensive care unit after 4 days due to meconium aspiration syndrome. Thus the perinatal mortality was 5 %. 44 % of neonates required admission into the neonatal intensive care unit. In our study, it was found that neonatal mortality and morbidity increased significantly when oligohydramnios was associated with complications like IUGR and pregnancy-induced hypertension in mothers. All the cases associated with these histopathological changes had adverse perinatal outcomes. Hence estimation of the amount of liquor is important in the antenatal period because oligohydramnios gives insight into the associated maternal complications or fetal anomalies and has a significant bearing on the perinatal outcome. The placental examination will illuminate all the conditions affecting the perinatal outcome. Without associated complications, oligohydramnios does not have adverse perinatal outcomes.

Conclusions: Thus, in cases of oligohydramnios with no associated complications, expectant management can be tried for a better fetal outcome. Only oligohydramnios may be the first sign of placental insufficiency and an independent manifestation of the placental-related complications spectrum.
A clinicoepidemiological study of geriatric dermatoses
Authors: Eslavat Shalini , Vemu Deepthi , Kunti Shankar , Naik NM Prasad , Ramadas Kuna
Published: August 2023

Skin diseases are a common and inevitable consequence of ageing. Moreover, the clinical presentation is not as classical as they do in the younger population. A lifetime of solar exposure, along with intrinsic changes in the dermal structures, predisposes to a variety of skin diseases.

The aim: to study the spectrum of various geriatric dermatoses among our patient population at the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy at Kamineni Academy of Medical Sciences and Research Centre.

Materials and methods: in this study, a total of 200 patients aged 60 years and above attending the DVL OPD of Kamineni Academy of Medical Sciences and Research Centre were included.

Results: maximum number of patients in this study belonged to 60-65 years (60 %), Male to female ratio was 1.86:1. Most of the males had agriculture work, and most of the females were housewives. Diabetes mellitus was the commonest associated systemic disease seen in 68 cases (34 %), and generalised pruritus was the commonest symptom seen in 64 (32 %) cases, of which 42 cases (65.6 %) were associated with xerosis. Pathological skin disorders and eczematous conditions were seen in 56 out of 200 cases. Of this, asteatotic eczema was the common finding among the eczematous conditions seen in 14 cases (7 %). Psoriasis was seen in 32 (16 %) and lichen planus in 10 cases (5 %). Infectious diseases were seen in 78 cases (39 %). Of these, fungal infections were common, seen in 28 cases (14 %). The benign tumour was seborrheic keratosis in this study, seen in 61 cases (30.5 %); among the malignant tumours, 4 cases (2 %) of basal cell carcinoma and 2 cases (1 %) of squamous cell carcinoma were seen. Among 16 cases of bullous disorders, bullous pemphigoid was seen in 12 (6 %) cases. Among 22 cases of psychocutaneous disorders, delusional parasitosis was seen in 10 cases (5 %), and perforating folliculitis in 15 cases (7.5 %). Loss of luster was the commonest nail change seen in 182 cases (91 %), followed by nail plate thickening in 54 cases (27 %). Greying of the hair was seen in all cases. Out of 70 females, diffuse hair loss was seen in 58 cases (82.9 %), and out of 130 males, androgenetic alopecia was seen in 72 cases (55.4 %).

Conclusion: skin diseases cause considerable morbidity in the elderly, particularly if associated with other comorbid conditions. Health education on proper skin care, avoidance of irritants and self-medication etc., would help to reduce the incidence of common dermatoses.
The influence of Umrah service operation on customer value, trust, and commitment
Authors: Rahmawati Aisyah , Sucherly  , Mulyana Asep , Sutisna
Published: August 2023

Umrah is one of the Muslim pilgrimage journeys to the holy city of Makkah. Many Umrah agents provide good services to attract customers. One of the crucial aspects for Umrah agents is service operation quality. The study aims to investigate the influence of service operations on the value, trust, and commitment of Umrah pilgrims in Jakarta, Indonesia. This paper uses a quantitative approach and employs SEM-PLS to analyze the data. Data were collected through an online questionnaire from 425 respondents. The respondents are Umrah pilgrims who performed their pilgrimage before 2019 through agents registered in Jakarta. However, only 370 responses qualified. The results show a strong relationship between service operations and customer value, trust, and commitment. There is also a relationship between customer value and customer commitment and between customer trust and customer commitment. Service operations also have an influence on commitment with trust as a mediator. However, service operations do not influence commitment when mediated by customer value. The practical implication of this study is that Umrah agents should increase their service operation, particularly information technology-based services, add Islamic and social values, and increase the cognitive commitment among customers.
Influence of fermented feeds on the microbiome of the gastrointestinal tract and efficiency in animal nutrition
Authors: GRELA EUGENIUSZ RYSZARD , KLEBANIUK RENATA
Published: August 2023

The gut microbiome of animals varies by species, age, sex, and nutrition. The content of nutrients in the diet as well as feed additives (synbiotics, eubiotics, phytobiotics) determine the quantity and quality of the intestinal flora. The ban on the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) has led to the search for various effective alternatives that affect the gut microbiome, animal health and production results. It has been shown that the use of fermented feeds, beneficially modifying the composition of the intestinal flora, can be a significant alternative to AGP in the production and breeding of monogastric animals. The use of fermented feeds in wet nutrition or in dry mixtures contributes to the improvement of the nutritional value of the diet by increasing the content of protein and exogenous amino acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids, reducing the content of anti-nutritional substances (glucosinolates, phytates, β-glycinates) in feeds (rapeseed, soybean, lupins, horse bean) and increasing the concentration of beneficial microorganisms (Bacillus and Lactobacillus) and their products (bacteriocins, organic acids).