bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spinal ultrasound – Identification of the normal structures
Authors:   Neonatology Department, Life Memorial Hospital, Bucharest, Romania, Toma Adrian Ioan ,   Faculty of Medicine, ”Titu Maiorescu” University, Bucharest, Romania, Gont Bogdan Florin ,   Neonatal Intensive Care Department, ”Marie Curie” Hospital, Bucharest, Romania, Nemes Alexandra Floriana ,   Neonatology Department, Life Memorial Hospital, Bucharest, Romania,   Faculty of Medicine, ”Titu Maiorescu” University, Bucharest, Romania, Dima Vlad ,   Filantropia Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania, Bohiltea Roxana Elena ,   Filantropia Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania,   ”Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, Bivoleanu Anca Roxana ,   ”Cuza Vodă” Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Iasi, Romania
Published: December 2022

The incomplete ossification of the spinal processes allows the ultrasonographic evaluation of the spinal cord and the adjacent structures in neonates and small infants. The paper describes the ultrasonographic examination of the spinal structures and the normal appearance of the spinal cord, the structures within the spinal canal, and the bony and muscular adjacent structures. Sagittal and axial sections at cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral levels are described. There are also mentioned findings in the M mode and Doppler examinations.
Treatment of spondyloarthritis (facet syndrome) by puncture techniques
Authors:   Department of Miniinvasive Surgery, State Institution of Science ”Research and Practical Center of Preventive and Clinical Medicine” State Administrative Department, Kyiv, Ukraine, Kvasnitskyi MV
Published: December 2022

Objective. The aim of the study was to determine effectiveness of radiofrequency denervation of facet joints in combination with periarticular administration of local anaesthetics and steroids for elimination of pain in patients with low lumbar pain and predominantly spondyloarthritis. Material and methods. 78 patients with lower lumbar pain syndrome and arcuate joints arthrosis as a leading clinical manifestation underwent radiofrequency denervation of facet joints and periarticular administration of local anaesthetic and steroid drug (main group). The control group involved 136 patients with lumbar pain and dominating spondylarthritis treated only by radiofrequency denervation of facet joints. Results. Both in the early and late periods after treatment, reliable results were obtained in treatment of chronic lower lumbar pain caused mainly by arcuate joints damage both in the main and control groups. However, there was a significant difference between the main group and the control group in the early period (in three months after treatment), in favour of the main group. In the late period (in 1 year after treatment) a reliable treatment result was obtained both in the main and control groups, but there was no difference in the treatment results between these groups. Conclusions. Periarticular administration of local anaesthetics and steroids is effective in the short term, and radiofrequency denervation of facet joints is effective in both the short and longer term.
Spor Bilimleri Fakültesi Öğrencilerinin Akademik Başarılarının Yordanması
Authors: KÜÇÜKER Kazim , IŞIK Özkan
Published: December 2022

Bu araştırmanın amacı Spor Bilimleri Fakültesi öğrencilerinin akademik motivasyon, öz yeterlik ve mükemmeliyetçiliğinin onların akademik başarı düzeylerini yordama gücünü belirlenmesidir Araştırmanın örneklemini 2021-2022 Eğitim-Öğretim Yılı Balıkesir Üniversitesi Spor Bilimleri Fakültesinde öğrenim gören toplam 339 öğrenci oluşturmuştur. Verilerin toplanması amacıyla kişisel bilgi formu, akademik motivasyon ölçeği, akademik öz yeterlik ölçeği ve akademik mükemmeliyetçilik ölçeği kullanılmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda, öğrencilerin akademik motivasyon puanları cinsiyet, yaş ve sınıf değişkenine göre anlamlı farklılık gösterirken, bölüm değişkenine göre farklılığa rastlanmamıştır. Ayrıca, öğrencilerin akademik öz yeterlik puanları hiçbir değişkende anlamlı farklılık oluşturmamıştır. Öğrencilerin akademik mükemmeliyetçilik puanları, yaş ve sınıf değişkenlerinde anlamlı farklılık gösterirken, cinsiyet ve bölüm değişkeni açısından anlamlı farklılığa rastlanmamıştır. Ek olarak, araştırmaya katılan öğrencilerin cinsiyet, bölüm ve sınıf değişkenlerine göre AGNO dereceleri anlamlı farklılık olduğu, diğer yandan, yaş değişkeni açısından farklılık olmadığı tespit edilmiştir. Çoklu doğrusal regresyon analizi sonucunda, motivasyonsuzluğun olumsuz yönde, öz yeterliğin ise akademik başarıyı olumlu yönde yordadığı saptanmıştır. Araştırmadan elde edilen sonuçlar doğrultusunda, akademik başarıyı etkisi olabilecek farklı duyuşsal etmenler üzerine araştırmaların yapılması önerilmektedir.
Biathlonda Atış İsabetini Etkileyen Bazı Fizyolojik Faktörlerin İncelenmesi
Authors: KARABAĞ Sefer , HAZAR Serkan , GEZER Engin
Published: December 2022

Araştırmanın amacı Türk Biathlon Milli Takımında aktif spor hayatı devam eden biathletlerin maksimum oksijen tüketim kapasiteleri, atıştan önceki nabız değerleri ve atış sırasındaki soluk frekans değerlerinin atıştaki isabetlerine etkisinin incelenmesidir. Çalışmaya, 15 milli biathlet katılmıştır. Biathletlerin maksimum oksijen kullanma kapasitelerinin (MaxVO2) tespiti için Bruce Treadmill Test Protokolü uygulanmıştır. Üç değişik tempo ile poligona gelen biathletlerin solunum ritimleri, toparlanma kalp atım değerleri ve isabetli atış sayıları tespit edilmiştir. Kayaklı koşu yüklenme yoğunluğu, dinlenik kalp atım sayısı (İKAS) metodu ile hesaplanmıştır. Yüklenme tempoları % 40-60 ve 80 lik kalp atım sayısı hedeflenerek hesaplanmış, RC3 GPS kalp atım hızını gösteren saat ile kontrolü sağlanmıştır. Soluk frekansları sporcular mat üzerine yerleştikleri andan, ayrılıncaya kaydedilmiştir. Atışlardaki isabetleri biathlon atış poligonundaki elektronik hedeflerle kaydedilmiştir. Yapılan araştırmada elde edilen bulgular neticesinde çalışmaya katılan biathletlerin maksimum oksijen tüketim kapasitelerinin atış öncesindeki nabız değerlerinin düşmesini etkilediği, sporcuların farklı yüklenme yüzdeleri ile atış alanına girdiklerinde atış sırasında kalp atım değerlerinin istirahat esnasındaki kalp atım değerlerine kıyasla değişimi arasında istatistiksel açıdan anlamlı bir farklılık olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Ancak bu durumun atış isabet yüzdesini anlamlı etkilemediği tespit edilmiştir. Yapılan ilişki analizinde MaxVO2 ile atış isabet yüzdesi arasında %80 lik yüklenmedeki atış yüzdesi ile pozitif korelasyon olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
Three-Point Rule, Average Goals Per Game and Predictability in Football: A Long-Term Analysis with The Markov-Regime Switching Approach
Authors: KULA Hale , KULA Ferit , KAÇAY Zülbiye
Published: December 2022

In this study, the effects of the three-point rule in football on the average goals per game and the predictability of the matches were investigated by using the Markov-Regime Switching Model. The results obtained in the analysis covering 61 seasons and 3 teams in the example of the Turkish First Division Football League showed that the three-point rule increased the average goals per game, as expected. However, the effects of the three-point rule on the predictability of matches are different for each team.
TD 2705 - Ciclo de negócios e incertezas : avaliando o comportamento e as perspectivas da indústria automotiva diante da crise pandêmica da Covid-19 no Brasil
Authors: Andrade Gerlane Gonçalves de , Betarelli Junior Admir Antonio , Silva Carlos Alberto Gonçalves da , Faria Weslem Rodrigues
Published: December 2022

As incertezas e os efeitos econômicos apos a eclosão da Covid-19 geraram serias preocupações sobre as condições de negócios do setor automobilístico no Brasil. Este estudo analisa o comportamento da demanda e oferta de automóveis e comerciais leves na conjuntura brasileira, antecedente a crise pandêmica, para, em seguida, apontar como esse tipo de atividade produtiva reagiria aos choques inesperados no período inicial da eclosão da Covid-19 no país. Para tanto, a analise procedeu a partir de um modelo de vetor autorregressivo (VAR) com funções de resposta ao impulso e decomposição da variância dos erros de previsão. Os resultados conclusivos sinalizam que o credito, a renda, o preço e o imposto influenciam as condições de negócios do setor no curto prazo. Não obstante, as flutuações geradas pelos choques de demanda ou de oferta são momentâneas e o setor tipicamente retorna a tendência estacionaria em um período de cinco meses. Nessa variante, a análise sugere que a atividade automotiva possui uma capacidade de recuperação rápida para a tendência mesmo diante de um eventual choque adverso de ciclo de negócios como o do período pandêmico da Covid-19. O tempo dessa convergência pode ser encurtado por politicas creditícias e de redução de impostos, bem como com as novas tecnologias de automação e eletrificação da indústria automotiva.
TD 2706 - O Programa Nacional de Fortalecimento da Agricultura Familiar (Pronaf) : uma revisão bibliográfica (2009-2019)
Authors: Valadares Alexandre Arbex
Published: December 2022

Objeto de sucessivas avaliações ao longo dos últimos vinte anos, o Programa Nacional de Fortalecimento da Agricultura Familiar (Pronaf) coleciona uma vasta bibliografia a seu respeito. A presente revisão bibliográfica se dedicará a oferecer um panorama da produção acadêmica, relativa ao programa, publicada entre 2009 e 2019. O objetivo é apresentar análises e leituras que, tanto quanto possível, permitam desenvolver uma visão plural e qualificada de sua história recente.
TD 2708 - Agricultura familiar nordestina, políticas públicas e segurança alimentar
Authors: Castro César Nunes de , Freitas Rogério Edivaldo
Published: December 2022

A notável expansão da produção agrícola brasileira nas últimas décadas não foi, uniforme no território e nem com relação a espécies cultivadas e por tipo de produção animal. Algumas lavouras prosperaram significativamente mais que outras e se expandiram em ritmo mais acentuado. Nesse cenário, como se comportou a evolução da produção de itens básicos da alimentação da população brasileira, produtos voltados eminentemente para o mercado interno? Para tentar responder a tal pergunta, analisa-se, por meio dos dados do Censo Agropecuário do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) relativo a 2017 (IBGE, 2019), a produção da agricultura familiar nordestina de alguns produtos agropecuários selecionados que se constituem em itens da cesta básica regional. A partir dessa análise, relaciona-se a produção da agricultura familiar e a segurança alimentar regional e das próprias famílias de agricultores e, por último, investiga-se a conexão da agricultura familiar, por intermédio da produção de itens básicos, com programas federais promotores da segurança alimentar, como o Programa de Aquisição de Alimentos (PAA) e o Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE), promotores da segurança alimentar na região. Tais programas, bem como sua ligação com a agricultura familiar e seus impactos sobre a segurança alimentar regional, constituem o segundo, e maior, objetivo deste estudo. De que modos esses programas contribuem para a segurança alimentar da região Nordeste? De que maneira estes se relacionam com a agricultura familiar regional? O Nordeste exemplifica um cenário em que os agricultores familiares (AFs) já foram inseridos em algum grau pelas respectivas políticas, contribuindo com objetivos mais amplos destas. Em resumo, este trabalho destaca a importância destes como medida de incentivo para a produção da agricultura familiar nordestina.
DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY OF A REGIONAL ECONOMIC UNIVERSITY OF RUSSIA IN THE CONDITIONS OF A POST-INDUSTRIAL SOCIETY (BY THE EXAMPLE OF THE URAL STATE ECONOMIC UNIVERSITY)
Authors:   Ural State University of Economics, MARINA B. VIDREVICH MARINA B.
Published: December 2022

Analysis of the current state of higher education system in Russia is carried out. Basing on the analysis results recommendations are proposed for working out an effective strategy for regional economic university development in the realities of a changing society (case of the Ural State University of Economics is considered). It is shown that a prerequisite for the success of a regional university is thoughtful and active interaction with regional authorities, business, and social institutions to provide the development of the region.
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE IMPACT OF PUMP DEFORMATIONS ON CIRCUMFERENTIAL GAP HEIGHT AS A FACTOR INFLUENCING VOLUMETRIC EFFICIENCY OF EXTERNAL GEAR PUMPS
Authors: Cieślicki Rafał , Karpenko Mykola
Published: December 2022

Gear pumps are widely used in transport machines not only in hydraulic drive systems, but also in lubrication and fuel systems. A positive displacement pump converts mechanical energy into pressure energy stored in the liquid, which it transports to the hydraulic cylinder or motor. The efficiency of this process depends on the efficiency of the system components, including the efficiency of the pump, which depends on the amount of internal leakage through the gaps between the high and low pressure sides. The larger the gaps, the lower the volumetric efficiency. This article presents an investigations of impact of pump deformations on circumferential gap height. The article presents a three-dimensional model of an external gear pump using Finite Element Method (FEM) during operating conditions. The model reflects pumping operation at discharge pressures up to 32 MPa and it was validated against strain measurements of pump casing. The simulation results indicate that the pump casing becomes deformed due to pressure, causing a significant increase in the height of the circumferential gap. The increase of the discharge pressure from 8 to 32 MPa causes more than twofold local increase in the height of the circumferential gap. The obtained results indicate that for the correct modelling of the flow generated by gear pumps, it is necessary to consider the change in the size of the gaps resulting from the deformation of the pump.
La corporéité, vecteur de continuité entre les trois vagues des thérapies systémiques
Authors: Duriez Nathalie
Published: December 2022

Dans l’histoire de la thérapie familiale, nous pouvons distinguer la première, la deuxième et la troisième génération. Les nouvelles approches thérapeutiques sont-elles apparues dans la continuité ou dans la rupture avec les précédentes ? En étudiant les fondements épistémologiques de ces tournants paradigmatiques, nous observons que la corporéité, à travers la recherche sur l’activité neuronale, a toujours été au cœur de la réflexion des systémiciens qui ont pris en considération le corps agissant, le corps connaissant et aujourd’hui le corps régulant ses affects. En explorant les interactions familiales du point de vue du comportement, des cognitions et de la régulation émotionnelle, le thérapeute est amené à se positionner avec la famille selon une éthique de la coopération pour faire face à cette complexité.
Impulsive strategies in nonlinear dynamical systems: A brief overview
Authors: Zhu Haitao , Ji Xinrui , Lu Jianquan
Published: December 2022

The studies of impulsive dynamical systems have been thoroughly explored, and extensive publications have been made available. This study is mainly in the framework of continuous-time systems and aims to give an exhaustive review of several main kinds of impulsive strategies with different structures. Particularly, (i) two kinds of impulse-delay structures are discussed respectively according to the different parts where the time delay exists, and some potential effects of time delay in stability analysis are emphasized. (ii) The event-based impulsive control strategies are systematically introduced in the light of several novel event-triggered mechanisms determining the impulsive time sequences. (iii) The hybrid effects of impulses are emphatically stressed for nonlinear dynamical systems, and the constraint relationships between different impulses are revealed. (iv) The recent applications of impulses in the synchronization problem of dynamical networks are investigated. Based on the above several points, we make a detailed introduction for impulsive dynamical systems, and some significant stability results have been presented. Finally, several challenges are suggested for future works.
A Preliminary Study on the Correlation Factor Analysis of Language Cognitive Assessment System Based on Scale Construction
Authors: Yu Zhou Yu
Published: December 2022

This paper explores the 12 dimensions of language cognition assessment system using factor analysis. Principal component analysis and correlation analysis of factors within the system were conducted on the language cognition assessment system. Factor analysis and principal component analysis: KMO: 0.934, weak bias correlation, suitable for factor analysis, and the contribution of principal component variance was 79.837%, respectively. The correlations between the 12 factors ranged from 0.611-0.903. The correlation values between the remaining 11 factor assignments and the total score of the system were higher than the correlations between the subscales. The system is constructed with good structural validity, but the correlations between the factors are strong. It is suggested that the indicators be combined or the form of the questions be modified to provide guidance for the modification of the language cognition assessment system.
Analysis of Cell Viability in Microfluidic Spheroid Arrays by Image Analysis and Neural Networks
Authors: Schurr Jonas , Eilenberger Christoph , Selinger Florian , Ertl Peter , Scharinger Josef , Winkler Stephan Mark
Published: December 2022

The outcomes of clinical studies are strongly influenced by their preceding preclinical studies. Due to higher physiological relevance, 3D spheroid arrays can potentially improve drug screening outcomes in preclinical studies. Analytical accessibility is still limited. To further increase usability and simplify subsequent analyses of spheroid arrays, the authors present an automated method for analyzing spheroid viability. The developed easy-to-use workflow provides viability analysis using fluorescence images of cell aggregates. It allows the automated analyses in an early development stage of microarrays with a low amount of available experiment data. The proposed workflow provides an accurate spheroid extraction (with a segmentation accuracy evaluated by Dice score with a score of 0.89) which is compared to the performance of the workflow with the segmentation of a Unet. By reducing human intervention in the analysis task, information extraction and the evaluation process are simplified leading to an overall shorter analysis time, while objectivity and comparability are increased.
Applications of IoT-Driven Multi-Sensor Fusion and Integration of Dynamic Data-Driven Symbiotic Machine Learning
Authors: Klinger Volkhard
Published: December 2022

The internet of things is enabling new applications, especially in the field of biomedical systems. Such internet of things systems can not only use an existing infrastructure, but also build their own network for data exchange. By linking multiple distributed sensors, complex interpretations of data and identification of scenarios can be realized based on sensor fusion. This allows new relationships to be captured and interpreted. Data fusion is thus a key concept for object, motion, and scenario identification based on sensor values. Here, the authors first introduce specific applications of sensor fusion. Driven by the increase of pandemic work from home, this paper describes an IoT-based posture monitoring. The selection of different sensor types can be made on an application-specific basis using the flexible IoT platform, providing a toolbox. Second focus is the presentation of a concept for the integration of process models into the data fusion process. This model-based data fusion extends the concepts of the data fusion information group (DFIG) model.
An Optimization Algorithm for the Uncertainties of Classroom Expression Recognition Based on SCN
Authors: Niu Wenkai , Zhou Juxiang , He Jiabei , Gan Jianhou
Published: December 2022

With the gradual application of facial expression recognition (FER) technology in various fields, the facial expression datasets based on specific scenes have gradually increased, effectively improving the application effect. However, the facial images of students collected in real classroom scenes often have problems, such as front and rear occlusion, blurred images, and small targets. Moreover, the current students' classroom expression recognition technology faces several challenges as a result of sample uncertainties. Therefore, this paper proposes an optimization algorithm for the uncertainties based on SCN. The correction weight of the sample through the sample weight was calculated, and the loss function was designed according to the correction weight. The dynamic threshold is obtained by combining the threshold in the noise relabeling module and the correction weight. The experimental results on public datasets and self-built classroom expression dataset show that the optimization algorithm effectively improves the robustness of SCN to uncertain samples.
Comparing the Cost of IaaS and CaaS Services
Authors: Liagkou Vasiliki , Fragiadakis George , Filiopoulou Evangelia , Kyriakidou Vagia , Michalakelis Christos , Nikolaidou Mara
Published: December 2022

Cloud computing environments allow businesses to deploy applications in a fast and scalable way. Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) and container-as-a-service (CaaS) models can be adopted for the deployment of cloud-based applications. The current paper presents a specific near-real-world scenario of a cloud-based application, deployed by the two aforementioned cloud models. The deployment cost differs between the cloud models and relies on the number of utilized resources, which is driven by the user demand. Since the cost is a major importance factor that finally determines the adoption of cloud technology, it is challenging to estimate and examine the cost of each proposed approach. This research can help cloud computing professionals pick a model that meets their goals and budget. It's also useful for cloud cost analysis. The corresponding costs of the two deployments are estimated based on the pricing policies of major providers, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.
Characterization of Functional Polyphenylsilsesquioxane (PhSiO3/2) Hybrid Glass Reinforced with MWCNTs
Authors: Al-Marzoki Kutaiba , Whieb Nofel Zuhier , Hmood Firas Jabar
Published: December 2022

Hybrid (inorganic- organic) glass is an emerging material for engineering applications like protection and functional coatings. This material is very brittle and cannot stand mechanical loads. In this work, multi-wall carbon nanotubes were suggested as a reinforcing material to toughen the hybrid glass. Sol-gel method was used to prepare the hybrid glass (melting glass) by mixing two alkoxysilanes precursors, mono-substituted and di-substituted alkoxysilanes. Four weight ratios (0.0125, 0.025, 0.05, 0.25 wt%) of multi-wall carbon nanotubes were employed. The composite coatings were synthesized by mixing multi-wall carbon nanotubes with the sol once and with the gel another route. The mechanical, structural and functional properties to the yield composite films were characterized. The results showed that the addition of multi-wall carbon nanotubes to the hybrid glass has lowered the wettability of the resulting composite, where the maximum contact angle (θ) was 102°. Besides, existing of multi-wall carbon nanotubes in the matrix has increased the hardness of the hybrid glass to about 43 MPa at 0.0125 wt%. Correspondingly, the fracture toughness (kIC) has decreased in comparison to the hybrid glass alone. This refers to lower the glass ability to absorb the energy of fracture. The optical transmission has reduced as the weight ratio of multi-wall carbon nanotubes increased.
Surface Enhancement of Magnesium Implants for Long Term Applications
Authors: Al-Janabi Amna , Alhasani Fatima J. , Al Hassani Emad S.
Published: December 2022

Mg is a biodegradable metal that possesses excellent biocompatibility, bioactivity, nontoxic degradation products, and unique mechanical properties. These characteristics make it an attractive element to be used as implant material in physiological environments because it biodegrades and has excellent biocompatibility and bioactivity. In addition, an excess of magnesium ions does not result in cellular toxicity in the human body, where it is often getting rid along with urine. The most significant disadvantage of magnesium is its uncontrolled quick corrosion rate, which can cause rapid loss in mechanical qualities. As a consequence, this might cause the implant to fail before the tissue has completely healed.The purpose of this research is to improve the surface features of the implant, as well as to control the rate at which magnesium corrodes and, as a result, the concentration of magnesium ions that are released into the surrounding environment. This will be accomplished by coating the implant surface with a composite biodegradable polymer (Polycaprolactone PCL) matrix reinforced with MgO Nano-particles which will act as a protective layer to increase the corrosion resistance of magnesium implants. In addition, a laser surface modification procedure was implemented in order to improve the surface's qualities and make certain that there is a strong adhesion between the coating and the surface of the substrate. In order to increase the surface roughness of the specimen, (Nd: YAG) laser device was utilized to create pulses on the surface of the specimen.
Numerical Analysis of Lid Driven Convective Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow around a Tilted Elliptical Cylinder
Authors: Olayemi Olalekan Adebayo , Ibitoye Segun Emmanuel , Obalalu Adebowale
Published: December 2022

A study of the heat transport and fluid flow behaviour around a tilted elliptical cylinder that is located concentrically in a square enclosure whose top horizontal wall is driven by a lid in the positive x-direction is presented. Due to the disparities in the results of convective heat transfer in square cavities in the literature, this study seeks to investigate the combined effects of the Grashof number, Aspect ratio of the geometry, and Elliptical cylinder inclination angle on the dynamics of thermal and flow fields within the geometry investigated. COMSOL Multiphysics 5.5 version was used to resolve the non-dimensional transport equations, while simulations were performed to examine the implications of salient parameters such as the elliptical inclination angle , Grashof number and aspect ratio . The simulation outcomes are displayed as average Nusselt numbers, velocity streamlines, and isothermal contours. Findings from this study show that an increase in aspect ratio resulted in increased heat transfer at the elliptical cylinder wall, with the highest rate of heat transfer occurring when .0. Furthermore, the inclination angle increments when Gr= and led to a reduction in the average Nusselt number of the elliptical cylinder wall. At and AR ranges of , the value of the elliptical cylinder wall increased as the ellipse's inclination angle increased. The findings of this study have found use in heat transfer systems, particularly electronic cooling and nuclear technologies.
Purification of Raw Biodiesel Using Modified Fractional Distillation
Authors: Reginio Renee Rose , Tongco Ariane Jan , Aguilar Jay Carlo S.
Published: December 2022

This research focuses on purifying the biodiesel provided by the Davao City Biodiesel Plant using a modified fractional distillation. The researchers considered six variables to determine raw and purified biodiesel properties and characteristics: density, kinematic viscosity, flashpoint, fire point, soap content (NaOH and KOH), and water content. The experimentation results were verified using ASTM D6751 – Standards Specification for Biodiesel Fuel (B100). For the purified biodiesel, an increase in flashpoint and fire point temperatures has been observed using the modified process, thus exceeding the standard limit. Although it affects biodiesel quality, an increase in flashpoints and fire points may be better for fuel handling, transportation, and storage safety reasons. These barely influence the overall performance of biodiesel. In conclusion, the modified process improved the quality of the raw biodiesel from 50% to 83% of the variables' set standard with the optimum conditions of 3.5 inHg at 2 hours and 2.5 inHg at 1 hour.
Growth hormone inhibits the JAK/STAT3 pathway by regulating SOCS1 in endometrial cells in vitro: a clue to enhance endometrial receptivity in recurrent implantation failure
Authors: Li Haixia , Sun Ning , Zhu Yaqiao , Wang Wei , Cai Meihong , Luo Xiaohuan , Xia Wei , Quan Song
Published: December 2022

Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is defined as failure to achieve clinical pregnancy after at least 3 transfers of good-quality embryos by natural or artificial means. RIF is often a complex problem with a wide variety of etiologies and mechanisms as well as treatment options. In this study, using immunohistochemistry and Western blot, we demonstrated that the expression of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), Janus kinase 1 (JAK1), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was increased, while that of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) was decreased in RIF patients. Growth hormone (GH) administration proved to have positive effects on embryo implantation in RIF patients, but the action mechanism of GH has not been elucidated yet. To this aim, we studied the effects of GH on the proliferation in vitro of endometrial adenocarcinoma Ishikawa cells. GH stimulated the expression of LIF and SOCS1, and through SOCS1 inhibits the expression of phosphorylated STAT3, and finally inhibits the occurrence of RIF. Excessive phosphorylation of STAT can lead to decreased endometrial receptivity and abnormal embryo implantation. We also examined the effects of LIF overexpression and an LIF inhibitor (EC330) on the JAK/STAT pathway. LIF promoted cell proliferation, and the up-regulation of LIF increased the expression of SOCS1 and JAK1/STAT3 pathway-related genes in Ishikawa cells. As GH can inhibit the JAK1/STAT3 pathway through LIF, we hypothesize that upregulating SOCS1 may be a potential approach to treat RIF at the molecular level. GH can inhibit the JAK1/STAT3 pathway through LIF, up-regulating SOCS1 to treat RIF at the molecular level.
Automation is not a moral deus ex machina: electrophysiology of moral reasoning toward machine and human agents
Authors: Cassioli Federico , Angioletti Laura , Balconi Michela
Published: December 2022

The diffusion of automated decision-making systems could represent a critical crossroads for the future society. Automated technology could feasibly be involved in morally-charged decisions, with major ethical consequences. In the present study, participants (n=34) took part in a task composed of moral dilemmas where the agent (human vs. machine) and the type of behavior (action vs inaction) factors were randomized. Responses in terms of evaluation of morality, the consciousness, responsibility, intentionality, and emotional impact of the agent’s behaviour, reaction times (RTs), and EEG (delta, theta, beta, alpha, gamma powers) data were collected. Data showed that participants apply different moral rules based on the agent. Humans are considered more moral, responsible, intentional, and conscious compared to machines. Interestingly, the evaluation of the emotional impact derived from the moral behavior was perceived as more severe for humans, with decreased RTs. For EEG data, increased gamma power was detected when subjects were evaluating the intentionality and the emotional impact of machines, compared to humans. Higher beta power in the frontal and fronto-central regions was detected for the evaluation of the machine’s derived emotional impact. Moreover, a right temporal activation was found when judging the emotional impact caused by humans. Lastly, a generalized alpha desynchronization occurred in the left occipital area, when subjects evaluated the responsibility derived from inaction behaviors. Present results provided evidence for the existence of different norms when judging moral behavior of machine and human agents, pointing to a possible asymmetry in moral judgment at a cognitive and emotional level.
Come cambia la percezione della professione medica di fronte alla richiesta di morte
Authors: Valentini Vincenzo , Marconi Elisa , Dinapoli Loredana , Casà Calogero
Published: December 2022

Nel contesto di una società in continua e rapida evoluzione, la morte si ripresenta come una ineludibile tematica di peculiare urgenza esistenziale. Sebbene, infatti, il progresso tecnologico e delle scienze mediche abbia facilitato una risposta tecnica alla domanda di salute che sempre di più incontra metodiche multimodali e multidisciplinari di terapia, la tecnologia di cura relega spesso il paziente ad una solitudine esistenziale dove, pur in presenza di una terapia per la sua malattia, non trova spazio una relazione di cura per la sua sofferenza. Questa dicotomia della cura, che si suddivide da una parte nel “trattare” dall’altra nell’“essere presente”, porta, soprattutto nel contesto del fine vita, al rischio di attestare la cura al solo livello tecnico, rendendo ‘giustificata’ la richiesta del paziente al medico di ‘somministrare il fine vita’, sopprimendo l’eco relazionale di ritorno del medico di fronte al bisogno umano del paziente. Lo scopo di questo articolo è di recuperare le riflessioni legate all’esperienza clinica ed umana propedeutiche ad accompagnare il paziente in un percorso relazionale offrendogli, nelle varie fasi della cura, una “eco di ritorno”, utili a non comprimere la percezione del medico a livello di somministratore automatico.
La maternità biotech e il discorso mancante
Authors: Colombetti Elena
Published: December 2022

L’approdo alla questione della surrogacy è l’esito di un processo culturale e tecnico che ha anche portato a guardare alle tecnoscienze come uno strumento privilegiato di liberazione della donna, rompendo quella che era vista come un’alleanza per lei oppressiva tra natura e cultura. In particolare, la liberazione dalla maternità, inteso dal femminismo radicale come una condanna, si è trasformata in quella che appare come una liberazione della maternità, inserendola nella dimensione controllata del progetto. In queste pagine ci si propone di affrontare la questione della surrogacy proprio dalla prospettiva della donna, saggiando la veridicità di tale lettura del binomio tecnologie-liberazione. Lo faremo a partire da alcune letture femministe che danno voce filosofica, non semplicemente testimoniale, all’esperienza vissuta o comunque possibile della gravidanza, e che mettono a tema l’esprimibilità e l’oblio della genealogia materna.
Correlation between serum surfactant protein-D level with respiratory compliance and acute respiratory distress syndrome in critically ill COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Jayadi  , Airlangga Prananda Surya , Kusuma Edward , Waloejo Christrijogo Soemartono , Salinding Agustina , Lestari Pudji
Published: December 2022

Background:

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is one of the manifestations of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with low respiratory compliance and poor oxygenation as main characteristics and mortality rate of 50%–94%. Surfactants, including surfactant protein D (SP-D), have a role in maintaining respiratory compliance. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between serum SP-D levels with respiratory compliance and ARDS in patients with critically ill COVID-19 pneumonia.

Methods:

This study was a cross-sectional study. Subjects were adult reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction-confirmed COVID-19 patients who had ARDS treated with invasive mechanical ventilation. All data were obtained from medical records. Statistical analysis was done using Spearman test, Mann–Whitney test, and receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results:

Serum level of SP-D was significantly correlated with static respiratory compliance (P = 0.009; correlation coefficient [rs] = 0.467). Serum SP-D levels correlated with ARDS severity (P < 0.001). SP-D levels had a very strong diagnostic value for ARDS severity, with an optimal cutoff value of 44.24 ng/mL (sensitivity 92.3%; specificity 94.1%). ARDS severity also correlated significantly with respiratory compliance (P = 0.005; correlation coefficient 0.496).

Conclusion:

Higher serum SP-D levels were associated with lower respiratory compliance, ARDS severity, and may be utilized diagnostically to identify patients with severe ARDS.
Dose Kelofan Syrup Effective for Clinical Symptoms and Biochemical Factorsin COVID-19 Patients? A double-Blind Clinical Trials
Authors: Jazani Arezoo Moini , Habibzadeh Shahram , Nasimi Doost Azgomi Hamidreza , Nasimi Doost Azgomi Alireza , Aghabalaii Moharram , Nasimi Doost Azgomi Ramin
Published: December 2022

Introduction:

COVID-19 is one of the most severe, intestinal, respiratory, and systemic infections in animals and humans. The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of kelofan syrup on biochemical factors and clinical signs of patients with COVID-19.

Materials and Methods:

This randomized clinical trial was performed on 60 hospitalized patients with moderate or severe COVID-19. The intervention group received 7.5 cc of kelofan syrup(a traditional Persian medicine product) every 12 hours for one week and the placebo group received 7.5 cc of placebo syrup. Serum levels of white blood cells (WBCs), C - reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine, lymphocyte, and clinical outcomes were measured before the beginning of the intervention and on day 7.

Results:

Kelofan syrup enhanced the white blood cell and reduced creatinine and LDH in the syrup group. However, serum levels of WBC, lymphocyte, CRP, LDH, and creatinine(P > 0.05) in the kelofan group at the end of the study did not significantly change than in the placebo group. Also, clinical outcomes such as fever, respiratory rate, saturated oxygen, cough, dyspnea, myalgia, duration of hospitalization, and fatigue did not change significantly from in the placebo group.

Conclusion:

our findings indicate that kelofan syrup for seven days could not alter biochemical and clinical outcomes than in the placebo group in patients with COVID-19. However, in some clinical symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, weakness, and biochemical factors like WBC, Cr, and LDH, a significant change was observed at the end of hospitalization in the intervention group.
Biodistribution Study of Pantoprazole Sodium in Rodent Tissues
Authors: Desai Bhargavi , Dedhiya Praful , Desai Ditixa , Vyas Ruchi , Vyas Bhavin
Published: December 2022

Background:

Pantoprazole sodium is one of the most widely used drugs for treating gastric acid–related disorders as well as is the most popular drug among various cancer therapy protocols for treating gastric disturbances pertained to the chemotherapy. The present study aims to validate high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the quantification of pantoprazole sodium in mice plasma and various tissue homogenates including kidney, heart, prostate, lung, pancreas, liver, and brain. Pantoprazole sodium estimation was done using 100 μL aliquot, which was injected into HPLC system, and the separation was achieved using Shimadzu C18 column at 40°C. Mobile phase composed of acetonitrile/dibasic phosphate buffer (40:60, v/v), pH = 7.4 was isocratically pumped at 1.0 mL min-1, and detection was performed at wavelength of 290 nm.

Material and Methods:

All the samples including tissues and plasma were collected after 4 h of oral administration of pantoprazole sodium to Swiss albino mice (10 mg/kg, p.o.).

Results:

Bioanalytical method was further validated according to the standard guidelines and portrays to be selective as well as linear (r2 ≥ 0.999) over the concentration range of 10–50 ng/injection. The intraday (% relative standard deviation [RSD] = 0.29%–1.21%) and inter-day precision (%RSD = 0.52%–2.88%) was found to be within the layout standards by International Council for Harmonization. Pantoprazole sodium extraction recovery was achieved between 64.15% and 78.17% demonstrating the suitability of the method.

Conclusion:

Bio-distribution study so carried out by bioanalytical technique can be used as an aiding tool for the quantification of pantoprazole sodium in all the studies involving the pharmacokinetic profiling of drug in various tissues of rodents.
Azol fonksiyonel gözenekli ve içi boş silika nanokompozitlerin karakterizasyonu ve antifungal uygulamaları
Authors: KAPTAN USUL Sedef , ASLAN Ayşe , ÖZÇİMEN Didem
Published: December 2022

Bu çalışmada çok gözenekli (MSN) ve tek gözenekli (HSS) silika nanopartiküllerin yüzeyinde, viniltriazol (VTri) monomerinin polimerizasyon reaksiyonu ile amin grupları oluşturulmuştur. Hazırlanan nanokompozit yapıların karakterizasyonu ve antifungal özelliği incelenmiştir. Nanokompozitlerin karakterizasyonunda MSN ve HSS' nın viniltriazol ile etkileşimini, yüzeydeki azol gruplarının varlığını belirlemek için FTIR ve XRD analizi, termal özelliklerini incelemek için TGA analizi yapılmıştır. Nanokompozitlerin morfolojisini belirlemek için SEM analizi yapılmıştır. Nanokompozit yapıların antifungal özellikleri MİK yöntemi ile kanıtlanmıştır.
governo contra a ciência
Authors: Sinhoretto Jacqueline
Published: December 2022

O texto propõe breve descrição e análise de desafios políticos enfrentados pela produção científica, em especial das ciências sociais, diante do crescimento da contraposição à ciência e o avanço destrutivo do autoritarismo governamental sobre a liberdade acadêmica e a autonomia universitária no Brasil. O objetivo é descrever mudanças recentes na política educacional e na política científica que ameaçam as condições de desenvolvimento da pesquisa em ciências sociais.
A importância das Revistas Discentes de Sociologia
Authors: Breda Thalles Vichiato
Published: December 2022

Este ensaio tem como objetivo celebrar os 10 anos da Revista Áskesis e discutir quais são os desafios e perspectivas na gestão discentes de revistas científicas na área de Sociologia. Busca-se discutir o papel das revistas cientificas na produção e divulgação da ciência e compreender quais as potencialidades de uma revista discente, seu papel pedagógico e formativo. Também é apresentado um levantamento sobre o cenário das revistas discentes na área de Sociologia nos principais Programas de Pós-graduação e Institutos no Brasil, segundo a Capes, nos últimos dois quadriênios. Destaca-se um papel fundamental das revistas discentes para pesquisadores e pós-graduandos em início de carreira, tanto como um canal de divulgação de suas pesquisas, mas também como um instrumento pedagógico que colabora para moldar pesquisadores e acadêmicos mais cientes sobre o mundo editorial, um aspecto central na vida de todo acadêmico.
Nilai Hospitalitas Dalam Budaya Raputallang: Upaya Gereja Mencegah Kasus Bunuh Diri
Authors: Ayu Purnama Sari  , Ela Kristiani
Published: December 2022

Masyarakat Toraja dikenal sebagai masyarakat yang kaya akan kebudayaan dan tingkat toleransi yang tinggi, baik dalam keluarga maupun dalam kehidupan sosialnya. Namun, fakta yang ditemui ada begitu banyak kasus yang menarik perhatian yaitu kasus bunuh diri yang beberapa waktu yang lalu sangat marak terjadi di daerah Toraja. Salah satu penyebab terjadinya bunuh diri adalah karena tidak adanya perhatian dari orang disekitar individu tersebut dalam menghadapi persoalan kehidupannya, dalam hal ini tidak adanya nilai hospitalitas yang diterapkan dalam menjalin hubungan sosial. Kurangnya cinta kasih yang terjalin dalam sebuah hubungan dapat mengakibatkan seseorang memilih tindakan bunuh diri sebagai jalan untuk terlepas dari persoalan tersebut. Salah satu budaya atau filosofi yang masih dipegang oleh masyarakat Toraja sampai saat ini adalah raputallang. Di dalam raputallang terdapat nilai-nilai hospitalitas Kristen yang dapat dijadikan sebagai pedoman masyarakat Toraja secara khusus Gereja dalam membangun hubungan dengan sesamanya. Karena itu penulis ingin menjelaskan nilai-nilai hospitalitas Kristen yang terdapat dalam raputallang sebagai dasar bagi Gereja dalam mencegah kasus bunuh diri. Untuk mencapai tujuan tersebut, penulis menggunakan metode studi pustaka serta model sintesis dari Stephen B. Bevans. Hasilnya, nilai kepedulian dalam budaya raputallang seyogyanya mampu mencegah seseorang melakukan bunuh diri.
Safranin O dye removal using Senna fistula activated biomass: Kinetic, equilibrium and thermodynamic studies
Authors: Ajaelu C. J. , Oyedele O. , Ikotun A. A. , Faboro E. O.
Published: December 2022

The availability of potable water has decreased in recent times due to the extensive discharge of effluents from some industries. This contaminated water poses a great danger to both human and aquatic life. Senna fistula was activated using phosphoric acid, H3PO4 and its ability to remove Safranin O from aqueous solution was investigated. The characterization of Senna fistula activated carbon was done by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The impacts of pH, initial dye concentration, contact time, and effect of temperature were investigated. Results showed that the optimum pH for the removal of Safranin O was 4.4. The adsorption capacity increased as the initial dye concentration increased from 30 - 130 mg/L. The dye adsorption equilibrium data were properly fitted to both Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms. The maximum uptake capacity for Safranin O was 22.1 mg/g. The kinetic studies indicated rapid sorption dynamics via a second-order kinetic model. The thermodynamic parameter shows that the sorption of Safranin O on Senna fistula activated carbon was feasible, spontaneous and endothermic. Senna fistula-activated carbon was found to be cheap and efficient adsorbents for the removal of Safranin O dye from aqueous solutions.
The role of trade unions in the regulation of social and labor relations and policy making (on the example of Australia)
Authors: Kuzhelnyi Mykola
Published: December 2022

The article analyzes the functional purpose of trade unions in a democratic society, their role in the regulation of social and labor relations and the formation of public policy. Based on a retrospective analysis, the formation of the institution of trade unions was studied on the example of Australia. The experience of their gradual institutionalization and formation as a subject of socio-economic and political relations is considered. The important role of trade unions in ensuring social justice, supporting the processes of self-improvement of politics, development of democracy and full-fledged development of civil society institutions has been clarified. The importance of trade unions and unions for the actualization in public discourse of ensuring the labor rights of citizens, creating an appropriate social infrastructure in accordance with the demands and needs of workers, supporting the national producer and stable economic development in general. The peculiarity of trade unions is that they are voluntary public organizations created to represent and protect the social and labor rights and interests of workers, at the same time they can declare that they are not involved in politics. Trade union structures can be described as part of a political system endowed with organizational, legal, and ideological resources, which determines their subjectivity in politics, ie allows them to play the role of participants in the political process. In many countries, trade unions are actively involved in politics. Their organizational structure includes a special unit engaged in political activities. Such a "political department" provides an opportunity to ensure that the position of trade union members is voiced and heard in the political arena, as well as to inform about the positions of trade union leaders. Public organizations, political parties, as well as, in fact, public authorities and representatives of big capital are valuable allies of trade unions in their agency of progressive social change.