bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zebrafish as Model Organism in Aquatic Ecotoxicology: Current Trends and Future Perspectives
Authors: Axel Elizalde-Velázquez Gustavo , Elizabeth Herrera-Vázquez Selene
Published: December 2023

Assessing the welfare of aquatic ecosystems has gained immense importance within the scientific community, elevating ecotoxicology to a fundamental discipline. This field utilizes bioindicators, often referred to as model organisms, to investigate the harmful effects of environmental pollution. Amid this array of biological markers, the zebrafish stands out as an exceptional contender. The primary objective of this present investigation is to highlight the complete information available in the literature about the utilization of zebrafish in ecotoxicology. Zebrafish are commonly utilized in research to study reproductive and embryonic toxicity due to their intricate sex-determination mechanism, which is significantly impacted by environmental factors. Similarly, this particular fish species is also employed in studying neuronal signaling, behavior, and DNA damage from pollutants due to their susceptibility and swimming abilities around day five post-fertilization. In addition to the established methodologies, recent advancements in environmental toxicology have incorporated zebrafish into emerging genome editing techniques. These innovative approaches provide fresh and compelling avenues for exploring detoxification mechanisms and organisms’ intricate adaptive responses to environmental stressors. In conclusion, zebrafish are important as model organisms, providing profound insights into diverse facets of ecotoxicological investigations. Furthermore, their relevance is further underscored by their adaptability to evolving genome editing technologies.
Position of the Ceremony with the Psychedelic Drink Ayahuasca in the Society of the Amero-Indians of the Amazon
Authors: Stiperski Matoc Matea , Stiperski Zoran , Hruška Tomica
Published: December 2023

The Amero-Indians of the Amazon traditionally use ayahuasca for various physical and psychological ailments. Shamans in the Peruvian Amazon use the psychedelic drug ayahuasca to have various experiences in guided rituals. The goal of this religious experience is to expand consciousness and gain deeper insights. Consumption of the drink can cause harmful psychotic and paranoid reactions, but the therapeutic value is paramount, namely, the expansion of consciousness, the sensitization to psychological problems, and the search for their solution. The experience gained in the ayahuasca ritual is colorful yet indescribable, so painting pictures serves to better understand the problem that the person is trying to solve. After the ayahuasca ritual, the Amazon shamans knew how to express their expanded consciousness and deep knowledge through painting. The paintings that emerge after the ayahuasca ceremony are imbued with their cosmology of understanding the world.
Railways Passenger Comfort/Discomfort: Objective Evaluation
Authors: Silva Patrícia , Mendes Joaquim , Seabra Eurico , Pratas Pedro
Published: December 2023

Railways are one of the most used public transportation modes. Due to the low environmental impact, governments are promoting their use as a solution for mass transportation for middle-distance. Critical parameters to satisfy passengers and attract new ones are related to comfort, safety, and user conditions. Comfort is classified by dynamic and static methods, ideally combining both. The former is based on the comfort evaluation in the presence of vibration, whilst the latter is applied to standstill situations. Vibration, derived from the train motion, will be presented throughout the trip; thus, it is a major concern. For the same reason, assessing vibration levels associated with comfort gives important information about the train’s condition and its major maintenance or repair needs. Vibration transmissibility allows the study of the vibration frequency that is being transmitted to the user. In this chapter, the complete seat structure and the passenger’s comfort are evaluated combined with the interface pressure. This chapter presents the commonly used methodologies and results from the tests conducted on railway environment whilst running passenger service. These tests report the seat comfort evaluation and a new methodology to identify train and rail maintenance needs based on comfort analysis.
Široká definice a typologie seniorského abusu: fenomén týrání, zneužívání, zanedbávání a dalšího nevhodného jednání a zacházení s muži a ženami ve vyšším věku (EAN)
Authors: Lorman Jan , Prchalová Jaroslava , Kalvach Zdeněk , Vidovićová Lucie
Published: December 2023

The aim of the methodology is to give an understanding of elder abuse, typologies, manifestations, risks of occurrence and procedures for detection and solution. The methodology helps those who regularly come into contact with older people to put knowledge about elder abuse into practice. This can be anyone who is not, or should not be, indifferent to seeing an older person treated inappropriately. The methodology is primarily intended for people working in support services, with recommendations for other relevant actors such as general practitioners and specialists, the police, the social services of local authorities, etc. However, it can also be used by interested members of the public and by non-profit organisations, which also have an essential role to play in dealing with this phenomenon. The procedures and recommendations presented here are based on the research activities of the RESTABUS project, which draw on the findings of other research teams from all over the world and from a wide range of scientific disciplines, as well as on many years of experience in working with older people.
Caravaggio’s The Crucifixion of St. Peter
Authors: Nielsen Simen K. ,   Zeta Books
Published: December 2023

This paper explores conflations of martyrdom, spectatorship, and image theory in Caravaggio’s Crucifixion of St. Peter (1601). It argues that Caravaggio employs an “iconic” visual formula as a response to the pressures of a post-Tridentine poetics. Through these strategies, an iconography of immediacy and presence is paired with a sacrificial subject-matter. This merging united witness and visual experience in the shape of the sacred image. Martyrdom, as both a historical and representational phenomenon of early modern sociality and culture, invoked the act of spectatorship. In connecting the Crucifixion of St. Peter with the cultural and aesthetic paradigms of post-Tridentine Italy, the article argues that Caravaggio’s image re-imagines the codes of iconic repre­sentation. While not a novel academic context for Caravaggio scholarship, I will read this image less as the expression of stylistic tensions in the Roman artworld than as the result of overlapping frameworks—martyrdom, Petrine iconography, and a Counter-Reformation aesthetic. Reenergized as part of the visual rhetoric of Tridentine politics, the icon reflected a new propensity for paleochristian cultural revival. Discussing both the contextual pressures of this new aesthetic regime as well as intertwining it with the increasing presence of Catholic image treatises, the article suggests an “iconic” space for reading Caravaggio’s Crucifixion. This “iconic” framework is built into the charged discourse surrounding the image itself.
Narrative and Temporal Ambiguity in Caravaggio and Rembrandt’s Supper at Emmaus
Authors: Young Michela ,   Zeta Books
Published: December 2023

Caravaggio and Rembrandt have often been considered together in light of their realism and use of chiaroscuro, as propounded in the 2006 exhibition “Caravaggio-Rembrandt”. This article explores another unifying characteristic of their paintings, ambiguity. By specifically considering the artists’ construction of narrative ambiguity in their first versions of The Supper at Emmaus, from their respective climates of Protestant Holland and Counter-Reformation Italy, it analyses the significance of the pictorial and temporal strategies employed for the exegesis of the Emmaus narrative. It considers these paintings as intentionally aporetic artworks, relying on the spiritual awareness of the viewer to resolve their indeterminacy and to reactivate their Eucharistic meaning.
What Is Ethical Enfranchisement?
Authors: Stock Timothy , Schlehofer Michèle , Nyland Jennifer ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: December 2023

Epistemic injustice occurs when people are harmed as knowers, especially when we lack the conceptual and interpretive resources to recognize people as knowers of their own experience. This essay addresses the ways in which concerns about epistemic injustice create a positive obligation to include diverse knowers of ethics within the academy and models a community-based alternative. This is ethical enfranchisement, by which we mean expanding the range of people included within ways of knowing ethical concepts, reflecting on the way people’s experiences are represented in ethical discourse, and allowing priority ethical conversations to be identified by community research. The goal of teaching ethics through enfranchisement is the creation of social infrastructure and exchange between community and classroom. We describe our Re-envisioning Ethics Access and Community Humanities (REACH) Initiative at Salisbury University as an example; a community-based research partnership between public philosophy and community psychology in descriptive ethics. We also explore the obligation held by ethics professionals and academics to enfranchise community members in their conceptualization of ethical concepts, priorities, and knowledge.
A Naturalistic View of the Technical Artifacts
Authors: Cuevas-Badallo Ana ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: December 2023

This paper suggests revising the notion of in consideration of the naturalist position. I analyze whether the characterizations of technical artifacts proposed by the philosophy of technology can be extended to include the technical creations of other organisms. This will be done using the theories of “niche construction” and “organisms as ecosystem engineers.” Those theories would allow us to understand human technical creations within what human beings do naturally and in gradual continuity with what other species do.
Los briófitos de las zonas altas de Sierra Nevada (Andalucia, España)
Authors: Montserrat Brugués , Cecília Sérgio , Rosa M. Cros , Creu Casas
Published: December 2023

Este trabajo es el resultado de un estudio briológico realizado en las partes elevadas de Sierra Nevada (ca. 3.000 m), donde la vegetación briofítica está ligada básicamente a los cursos de agua y a los bordes de las lagunas. El catálogo comprende 94 táxones, de los que destacamos Amphidium lapponicum, Brachymenium commutatum, Pohlia andalusica, Schistidium occidentale, Anthelia juratzkana y Scapania scandica.

A bryological study in the high elevations (ca. 3.000 m) of the Sierra Nevada is presented. Bryophytes are restricted to the edge of springs and watercourses and beside small glacier-derived lakes. The catalogue includes 94 taxa. We point out Amphidium lapponicum, Brachymenium commutatum, Pohlia andalusica, Schistidium occidentale, Anthelia juratzkana and Scapania scandica.
Nuevos briófitos para la provincia de Toledo
Authors: Lisa Pokorny , David Cortés , Juan A. Calleja , Francisco Lara
Published: December 2023

Se aportan 49 primeras citas (1 antocerota, 16 hepáticas y 32 musgos) y 11 segundas citas (1 hepática y 10 musgos) para Toledo, una de las provincias españolas menos conocida desde el punto de vista briológico. De ellas, son destacables Atrichum angustatum, Diplophyllum albicans, Frullania tamarisci, Heterocladium heteropterum, Hookeria lucens, Hyocomium armoricum, Isothecium alopecuroides, Neckera pumila, Orthotrichum ibericum, Rhodobryum roseum, Sphagnum denticulatum, S. palustre, S. subnitens y S. subsecundum.

49 new records (1 hornwort, 16 liverworts and 32 mosses) and 11 second records (1 liverwort and 10 mosses) are given for Toledo, one of the Spanish provinces bryologically less intensively explored. Among others, Atrichum angustatum, Diplophyllum albicans, Frullania tamarisci, Heterocladium heteropterum, Hookeria lucens, Hyocomium armoricum, Isothecium alopecuroides, Neckera pumila, Orthotrichum ibericum, Rhodobryum roseum, Sphagnum denticulatum, S. palustre, S. subnitens and S. subsecundum should be pointed out.
Acerca de la identidad de Didymodon soaresii Luisier
Authors: Cecília Sérgio , Juan A. Jiménez Fernández
Published: December 2023

Como consecuencia de la revisión del material tipo de Didymodon soaresii Luisier se llega a la conclusión de que no se trata de un taxon perteneciente al género Didymodon por lo cual debe ser excluido de este género.

After the revision of material type of Didymodon soaresii Luisier we concluded that this taxon do not belong to genus Didymodon. Therefore it must be excluded of this genus.
Noticias sobre el estado de Orthotrichum handiense en Fuerteventura (Islas Canarias)
Authors: Francisoc Lara , Ricardo Garilleti , Vicente Mazimpaka
Published: December 2023

Tras una visita a la localidad clásica de Orthotrichum handiense se ha podido constatar la situación y estado actual de este musgo. Se aportan nuevos datos ecológicos y se estima el volumen poblacional, que indica la buena salud de la única población conocida de este musgo. Prospecciones infructuosas en islas próximas y en las montañas de la fachada atlántica africana refuerzan la hipótesis de que se trata de un endemismo local, por lo que la vulnerabilidad de la especie resulta elevada. La recolección de nuevas muestras ha permitido estudiar su variabilidad, que refleja escasos nuevos datos morfológicos sobre la descripción original. Finalmente, se da a conocer una forma gemífera y con filidios caducos de Frullania azorica, que convive con el musgo epífito que nos ocupa.

An exploratory visit was made to the classical locality of Orthotrichum handiense in order to evaluate the present state of this moss. New data on its ecology and population state are reported, which reveal a good health of the unique population known to date. Neighbouring Canary islands and Moroccan Atlantic mountains have been prospected without finding any record of this moss, which emphasizes the hypothesis on its character as a local endemics, and thus, its high vulnerability. The recollection of new samples has allowed to assess the morphological variability of this moss, which confirms its character stability, since very few morphological data could be added to those of the original description. Finally, a new form of Frullania azorica that has deciduous leaves is reported as well. It has been found growing together with Orthotrichum handiense.
Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Anticoagulation and Monitoring: Where We Were and Where Are We Now?
Authors: Kiskaddon Amy L. , Sochet Anthony A. , Stock Arabela , Ignjatovic Vera , Goldenberg Neil A.
Published: December 2023

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support in neonates and pediatric patients has continued to advance. In addition to technologic progress, there is a growing interest in the anticoagulation agents and laboratory monitoring strategies used in children requiring ECMO support. This review summarizes current available evidence and provides guidance for clinicians regarding anticoagulation agents and monitoring.
The Impact of Montelukast’s Black Box Warning on Pediatric Mental Health Adverse Event Reports
Authors: Abdelkader Samer , Hendrix-Dicken Amy Dawn , Condren Michelle
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVE

In March 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required a black box warning for montelukast due to serious mental health side effects. We hypothesized the warning would lead to an overall decrease in reports of mental health symptoms and disorders related to montelukast in both ­pre-adolescent and adolescent groups.

METHODS

Adverse events of pre-adolescent and adolescent children taking montelukast sodium were reviewed from March 1, 2018 to March 3, 2020 and March 4, 2020 to February 28, 2022 using the FDA’s Adverse Events Reporting System. The objective was to determine if mental health adverse event reports were influenced by placement of a Boxed Warning. Adverse reactions were grouped into 8 categories deemed to be related to mental health guided by the research team’s interpretation of the FDA Sentinel Report. Chi-square tests were used to compare time periods and reports of the mental health categories.

RESULTS

Of the 1570 reports assessed, 1295 (82.5%) included ≥1 mental health concern. Nine hundred ninety-six (84.2%) of the 1183 reports involving pre-adolescents and 299 (77.3%) of the 387 reports involving adolescents included ≥1 mental health reaction. Statistically significant changes for pre-adolescents were found in reports related to depression (χ2 (1) = 4.30, p = 0.044), and sleep (χ2 (1) = 5.74, p = 0.019), which both decreased between the pre and post periods. The only statistically significant change across categories for adolescents was a reduction in aggression reports between time periods (χ2 (1) = 8.5, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

After placement of an FDA black box warning on montelukast, total number of reports ­including mental health adverse events decreased in pre-adolescents; however, several categories ­assessed increased for adolescents.
Characterization of Propofol Use For Non-Procedural Sedation in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Bartlett Jenna Wood , Curry Brooke N. , Musick Matthew A. , Moore Megan McKee
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVE

Given the limited literature describing propofol use in pediatric patients, this study aimed to describe the dosing and duration of propofol infusions for non-procedural sedation in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The secondary objectives were to describe the change in concomitant sedative requirements from the 24-hour period before propofol initiation to the 24-hour period after discontinuation of propofol and to review the frequency of adverse events.

METHODS

This retrospective descriptive cohort study evaluated children 1 month to less than 18 years old who received a continuous infusion of propofol for non-procedural sedation in the PICU between May 2018 and August 2020.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty propofol infusions representing 127 unique patients (median age, 2.9 years) were included. The median (IQR) propofol infusion duration was 18 (10–28) hours, and the median (IQR) average dose was 4.1 (2.9–5.6) mg/kg/hr. Extubation was attempted in 96 patients (74%) within 24 hours of propofol infusion discontinuation. For patients that remained intubated with continuous sedation, concomitant continuous opioid and midazolam requirements decreased by 20% (p = 0.865) and 43% (p = 0.011), respectively. Patients receiving propofol for over 24 hours experienced the largest percent decrease in concomitant sedation with midazolam. There were no confirmed cases of propofol-related infusion syndrome (PRIS).

CONCLUSIONS

Durations and doses of propofol infusions for non-procedural sedation vary widely at our institution. Propofol may be beneficial as an adjunct sedative, but prospective studies are needed to further explore the effect of propofol on decreasing the requirements of concomitant opioids and benzodiazepines.
Effects of a Multidisciplinary Stewardship Program on the Prevention of Delirium in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Gilbert Madison M. , Hershberger Rachel , Para Jenna L. , Smart Keyosha , Shaddix Brittany Powers
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of a multidisciplinary practice bundle on the incidence of delirium in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

METHODS

This retrospective observational study evaluated patients admitted to the PICU with Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium (CAPD) scoring. A multidisciplinary practice bundle was implemented involving pharmacists, nurses, and providers. Study endpoints included CAPD scores greater than or equal to 9, length of hospital stay, and days spent in the PICU.

RESULTS

The study included 192 patients. The pre-intervention mean CAPD score was 3.59, maximum of 24 (range, 0–24), and 4.5% of patients had a score ≥9. The post-intervention mean score was 4.04, maximum of 21 (range, 0–21), and 9.6% of patients had a score ≥9. The pre-intervention mean total length of hospital stay was 8.7 days, maximum of 149 days (range, 0–149); the mean number of days spent in PICU was 4.5 days, and maximum days in PICU was 89 days (range, 0–89). The post-intervention mean total length of hospital stay was 8.8 days, maximum of 57 days (range, 0–57); the mean number of days spent in PICU was 3.9 days, and maximum days in PICU was 31 days (range, 0–31).

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of a multidisciplinary practice bundle, the use of CAPD scores, and the stewardship of high-risk patients increased overall awareness of the occurrence of pediatric delirium in the PICU and reduced length of stay in the intensive care unit and therefore reduced cost for families and the institute.
Educational Initiative to Increase Knowledge for Transition to Adult Care in Adolescents With Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Perez Anne , Vogt Hilary , Pettit Rebecca S.
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVE

Preparation for transition from pediatric to adult cystic fibrosis (CF) care is essential for successful self-management in adulthood. The primary objective of this study was to determine if education improved performance on follow-up assessments to increase knowledge for transition into adult care. The secondary objective of this study was to identify areas of greatest educational opportunity for adolescent CF patients.

METHODS

A knowledge assessment containing 13 multiple-choice questions was given to patients between 14 and 19 years of age. Three educational handouts covering topics including nutrition, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, or vitamins were provided when a question corresponding to the topic was answered incorrectly. The same assessment was completed at the next clinic appointment as a follow-up. The scores of initial and follow-up assessments were compared based on number of correct answers. Additionally, the number of educational handouts provided was analyzed to determine area of greatest educational need.

RESULTS

The average score ± SD on the initial assessment was 8.3 ± 1.6 of 13 questions answered correctly. For patients who completed both assessments, scores improved significantly between initial and follow-up assessments (8.4 ± 1.8 before education vs 10.3 ± 1.1 after; p = 0.0008). Nutrition, pancreatic enzyme, and vitamin handouts were given to 14 (70%), 17 (85%), and 20 (100%) patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This pharmacist-driven educational initiative increased knowledge assessment scores after education was provided. Future studies of similar knowledge assessments starting at younger ages and other disease topics may determine if targeted education is the optimal way to build knowledge for transition to adult CF care.
Avoiding a Poke: A Case Series of Intravenous Olanzapine in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Hassan Abdiweli , Raschka Mike
Published: December 2023

Although it was originally developed and approved for the treatment of various psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder, recent studies have identified the role of olanzapine in the treatment of intensive care unit (ICU)–related delirium and nausea and vomiting. Unfortunately, olanzapine is currently only indicated to be administered via the intramuscular (IM) route or enteral route, limiting the opportunity of its use in certain pediatric patients. IM injections are typically avoided in pediatrics whenever possible, and it is not uncommon for pediatric patients, especially those in an ICU setting, to be restricted to nothing by mouth. Studies in the adult population have demonstrated both safety and efficacy for the administration of reconstituted olanzapine powder by the intravenous (IV) route, which would provide an ideal administration route for pediatric patients unable to receive IM or enteral administration. We report a case series of 4 pediatric patients who received at least 1 dose of IV olanzapine. All 4 patients reported a positive response from the medication and no safety concerns were noted.
Social representation and identity processes in relation to COVID-19 reactions: an introduction
Authors: Jaspal Rusi
Published: December 2023

The articles in this special issue enable us not only to reflect upon changes in representation, identity and human reactions during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also to anticipate the effects of future health crises. More generally, they demonstrate the multitude of ways in which research can and should be conducted, but also the value in ensuring a coordinated research effort that seeks to synthesise research findings. It should be noted that in all the articles in the special issue there is a strong focus upon social psychological theory. This is based upon the premise that evidence-based policy approaches to risk reactions that are grounded in robust, testable theory are more likely to be effective. The social sciences have a crucial role to play in enhancing future pandemic preparedness. This special issue presents some key foci for research that seeks to do so.
Public uncertainties in relation to COVID-19 vaccines in the United Kingdom
Authors: Jaspal Rusi , Breakwell Glynis M.
Published: December 2023

Uncertainties about COVID-19 vaccines and variants have been linked to vaccination refusal on a significant scale. To optimise public health communication on vaccination and inform vaccination policy, it is necessary to understand the substantive nature of these uncertainties. Our study, using a corpus of texts from 324 UK citizens, examines these uncertainties. The results suggest that major public uncertainties regarding COVID-19 vaccines are expressed in terms of: (1) concerns about the safety of the vaccines; (2) concerns about the effectiveness of the vaccines; (3) perceived lack of trustworthiness and/or competence of actors in the vaccination process; (4) concerns about the logistics of the vaccination roll-out; and (5) uncertainty about the longer-term need for vaccines and social consequences. Public uncertainties regarding COVID-19 are complex and will continue to evolve. Policy responses must be informed by an understanding of the factors that instigate and maintain uncertainties in individuals and the wider society.
Psychological influences on COVID-19 preventive behaviours and vaccination engagement in the United Kingdom and the United States: the significance of ethnicity
Authors: Breakwell Glynis M. , Barnett Julie , Jaspal Rusi , Wright Daniel B.
Published: December 2023

Two studies are reported here: a mapping review of literature on the effect of ethnicity on psychological influences upon COVID-19 responses, and a survey simultaneously undertaken in the United Kingdom and United States designed to examine ethnic differences in levels of, and in relationships between, identity resilience, social support, science trust, COVID-19 fear, COVID-19 risk and vaccination likelihood. The review found that very few studies during 2020–2021 examined the effect of ethnicity on the psychological influences on COVID-19 preventive behaviours. The survey study found that science trust, vaccine positivity, perceived risk, COVID-19 fear, identity resilience and social support account for roughly 50 per cent of the variability in COVID-19 vaccination likelihood. Ethnic categories report different levels of these influences but similarity in the way they interact. Taken together, the results indicate that a single model of psychological influences on vaccination decisions is applicable across ethnic categories.
Design of an Android-based Prayer Guidance Application Based on Al-Quran and Sunnah
Authors: Adi Novi Hendri , Somad Abdul , Kassimov Farid , Kuanyshuly Abzal
Published: December 2023

Prayer is the cornerstone of religion, and it is an obligation for Muslims who have reached the age of accountability. Prayer is a great act of worship, because it is a direct command from Allah ta'ala to Muslims, whose command was directly received by the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) without the mediation of Gabriel (peace be upon him) at Sidratul Muntaha on the occasion of Isra' and Mi'raj. Prayer is the first thing that will be judged on the Day of Judgement, as the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "The first thing that will be judged of a slave on the Day of Judgement is prayer. If his prayer is good, all his deeds will be good. If the prayer is bad then all his deeds will be bad". Education or teaching prayer to children is so important that even Rosulullah sholallahu alaihi wassalam has firmly prescribed that prayer education begins at an early age, that is, before they reach the age of puberty. Even when children are seven years old, they have been ordered to pray. This application is multimedia-based to be more interesting and easily understood by children in learning prayers because there are images, sounds and videos in it.
The development of android-based computer and basic network learning media
Authors: Sansi Aisah Sunari , Rini Faiza , Mary Thomson , Kiong Tee Tze
Published: December 2023

This study aims to produce valid and practical android-based learning media. Learning methods that are not yet optimal and there is no Android-based learning media can be used as a supporting medium for the learning process. This study used the Research and Development (R&D) method with the ADDIE development model. The subjects of this study were 20 students as a sample. Data collection techniques using a questionnaire with a Likert scale. The results of this study indicate that the average value of the media expert's validity test is 0.68 with the valid category and the material expert is 0.67 with the valid category. For the practicality test on the teacher's response it reached 83.33% in the very practical category and for student responses it reached 90.92 % in the very practical category . Based on the assessment along with input from media experts and material experts as well as the results of field trials of Android-based learning media, it is feasible to use.
Demographic Forecast of the Population of Kazakhstan: Methods and Development Prospects
Authors: Chulanova Z. K. , Spankulova L. S.
Published: December 2023

The state and prospects of demographic processes are very important for the country's development since a change in these parameters entails changes in other areas of society and the economy. The purpose of the article is to predict the demographic situation in Kazakhstan, taking into account the peculiarities of socio-economic development. Forecasting of demographic indicators was carried out by several methods, in particular, by cohort component. Forecasts of the population size and structure are developed based on an analysis of trends in demographic processes, and their cause-and-effect relationships with socio-economic processes. Data from official demographic statistics and Republican population censuses of 2009 and 2021 were used as initial data. Calculations by alternative methods are also presented: population projections using the methods of prospects and displacements and using the average growth rate, exponential curve formulas, natural and mechanical displacements, and polynomials of the second and third degrees. The results obtained include data on the total population of Kazakhstan, its age, and gender structure.
DIVULGANDO OS MICRORGANISMOS EFICIENTES (EM’s): UM RELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA
Authors: Neri Lavinya Santos , Santos Maria Clara Cerqueira de Araújo , Oliveira Joanne de Brito , Araújo Ana Sophia Mota de , Gama Erasto Viana Silva , Marques Carla Teresa dos Santos
Published: December 2023

Os microrganismos regenerativos ou eficientes (EM’s) atuam no solo produzindo substâncias orgânicas úteis às plantas e melhorando as suas propriedades físicas, químicas e biológicas. O objetivo do presente trabalho é relatar a experiência desenvolvida por estudantes da primeira série do Curso Técnico em Agroecologia, do Instituto Federal Baiano - Campus Serrinha, com a divulgação da tecnologia de captura de microrganismos eficientes (EM’s) e produção de bioinoculante ativador da microbiota do solo. A divulgação ocorreu em três momentos distintos: 1) Realizado no dia 25 de maio, na Escola Municipal Antônio Alves da Silva, localizada na Chapada, município de Serrinha; 2) Aconteceu no dia 12 de setembro na Feira de Ciências realizada na sede do IF Baiano - Campus Serrinha, como parte das atividades da II Semana de Biologia; 3) Dia 28 de setembro, na Escola Municipal Marcolino Santana Lima, Município de Ichu. Para a divulgação da tecnologia foram confeccionados pela equipe envolvida um folder com orientações do processo de captura dos microrganismos, preparação do bioinoculante e formas de uso e um painel para exposição local do passo-a-passo, além de amostras dos materiais utilizados que os participantes podiam pegar, manipular e observar. Os participantes das atividades de divulgação mostravam-se curiosos com o processo de captura e possibilidades de uso, surpresos com a cores e diversidade de microrganismos, e até mesmo com nojo dos EM. A partir da experiência é possível considerar que a extensão tecnológica a partir da agroecologia tem muito a contribuir com formas de agricultura mais sustentáveis no Território do Sisal e com o processo de ensino-aprendizagem de estudantes da educação profissional desde as séries iniciais.
BRINQUEDOTECA: UM ESPAÇO LÚDICO PARA AS CRIANÇAS DENTRO DAS CRECHES E CENTRO DE EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL DE SERRINHA-BAHIA
Authors: Calixto Adriana Miranda da Silva
Published: December 2023

O presente relato tem como objetivo demonstrar de forma concisa a relevância da construção e ou estruturação de brinquedoteca como espaço lúdico dentro das creches e centros de educação infantil- CMEI de Serrinha- Bahia. A idealização da brinquedoteca nas creches de Serrinha tem como primazia o desenvolvimento das crianças, a sua interação com o novo, com o brincar, com o se reconhecer, com o se movimentar, pois é com ludicidade que o processo de aprendizagem se concretizará nas crianças. O lúdico tem que ser visto como algo indispensável e fundamental e que deve ser utilizado nas unidades de ensino, aqui destaca-se as creches e centros de educação infantil. Neste viés, a brinquedoteca deve ser vista como um ambiente que auxiliará no desenvolvimento das potencialidades, habilidades e interação das crianças com o seu meio e que é a partir da lúdico que elas passarão a entender a sua importância em cada local e se reconhecerão como indivíduos que obtém de direitos como qualquer outro.
Barreras organizacionales para la implementación de la logística 4.0 en una empresa mexicana
Authors: Galicia Orozco José Agustín , Rios Estrada Ruth Selene
Published: December 2023

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar los procesos de dirección estratégica y de digitalización para identificar los elementos que inciden en la conformación de las barreras organizacionales en la implementación de la logística 4.0 en la empresa Logística Integral Marklog. El abordaje metodológico de esta investigación es de carácter descriptivo, basado en un enfoque sistémico, considerando que la empresa se encuentra en un ambiente complejo. Los primeros resultados de esta investigación establecen que las principales barreras que se encontraron en Marklog para implementar las tecnologías asociadas a la logística 4.0 fueron las siguientes: 1) la ausencia de capacidad tecnológica; 2) la incapacidad financiera y capacitación de los trabajadores; 3) la identificación de los trabajadores con la cultura organizacional; 4) las presiones originadas por el mercado, y 5) la visión estratégica impulsada por los clientes y los operadores. Las principales limitantes afrontadas durante la realización de la presente investigación fueron, en primer lugar, la limitada cantidad de investigaciones previas sobre cuestiones organizacionales enfocadas en la logística 4.0 (L4.0 en adelante) y, en segundo lugar, la carencia de investigaciones previas que aborden el tema de la I4.0 (industria 4.0), desde la perspectiva de las ciencias administrativas con enfoque en lo organizacional. Los hallazgos que se desprendieron de la investigación permiten establecer una división entre las dimensiones de dirección estratégica y de digitalización, toda vez que sus efectos recaen en los colaboradores, en la apertura de la organización a nuevos procesos y en las alianzas estratégicas.
Türkçe Derslerinde Öğretim Yöntemi Olarak Kullanılan Biyografilerin 4. ve 5. Sınıf Ders Kitaplarında Kullanımının İncelenmesi
Authors: Altunkanat Serdar , Yalçınkaya Yusuf , Bağrık Halil , Çoban Suat , Güngör Mustafa , Kalaycı Birsen
Published: December 2023

kitaplarındaki biyografi kullanım durumunun incelenmesidir. Çalışmada Türkçe dersinin eğitim ve öğretiminde yeni yöntem ve teknikler konusunda yapılan literatürdeki araştırmalar ile daha etkili Türkçe öğretimi için kavramlardan, görsel materyallerden ve edebiyattan nasıl yararlanılabileceği üzerinde durulmaktadır. Araştırmada nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden doküman incelemesinden yararlanılmıştır. Araştırmada Milli Eğitim Bakanlığı (MEB) tarafından hazırlanan İlköğretim Türkçe 4. ve 5. sınıf ders kitapları inceleme nesnesi olarak ele alınmıştır. Araştırmanın sonucunda elde edilen veriler içerik analizine tabi tutularak çözümlenmiştir. Yapılan araştırmanın sonuçlarına göre 4. sınıf ders kitabında 7 biyografi 5. sınıf ders kitabında ise 21 biyografi olmak üzere toplam 28 kişinin biyografisine yer verildiği görülmüştür. Bazı ünitelerde çok bazı ünitelerde az biyografiye yer verilmiş, bazı ünitelerde ise hiç biyografi kullanılmadığı tespit edilmiştir. Araştırmada 4. sınıf ders kitabında biyografisi kullanılan kişilerin tamamı erkek, 5. sınıf ders kitabında ise 29 kişiden 27’sinin erkek 2’sinin ise kadın olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Araştırmanın çıktılarına göre Türkçe ders kitabındaki bütün ünitelerde uygun kişiler araştırılarak biyografi kullanımında eşit dağılım yapılması ve kadın kişilerin biyografilerine daha fazla yer verilmesi önerileri sunulmuştur.
Corporate governance and financial performance: Evidence from Vietnamese listed companies in Food Manufacturing industry
Authors:   Banking Academy of Vietnam, Trần Ngọc Mai , Hà Phương Linh
Published: December 2023

This study examines the impact of corporate governance on firm performance of Vietnamese listed companies in food manufacturing in Vietnam. Using most updated dataset from 31 companies during 2008-2022, this study shows that corporate governance measured by board size and foreign ownership contribute significantly to the firm performance. An increase in non-executive directors is not statistically significant to the firm performance while the increase of number of committees is considered to be negatively affect the financial performance of food manufacturing companies. Based on these empirical results, the study proposes recommendations for food industry businesses to enhance the role of corporate governance in improving the financial efficiency of the company.
Phonon Mediated Collective Dynamics of Coherently Pumped Two-Level Emitters
Authors:   Institute of Applied Physics, Moldova State University, Academiei str. 5, MD-2028 Chisinau, Moldova, CEBAN VICTOR , MACOVEI MIHAI A. ,   Institute of Applied Physics, Moldova State University, Academiei str. 5, MD-2028 Chisinau, Moldova, ISAR AURELIAN ,   Horia Hulubei National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Reactorului 30, RO-077125, Magurele-Bucharest, Romania
Published: December 2023

"We investigate the collective quantum dynamics of an ensemble of two-level emitters, embedded in a crystal, and coherently pumped by a moderately intense, and externally applied coherent electromagnetic field. The ensemble is damped preponderantly via the surrounding phonon reservoir which mediates the inter-particle collective interactions. We have found that generally phonon transitions among the corresponding dressed states are taking place involving simultaneously many single emitters or pairs of two-level emitters, respectively. In both cases the phonon intensity can be proportional to the squared number of involved two-level emitters."
Wave Amplification Outside of the Modulation Instability Band
Authors:   1. Division of Arts and Sciences, Texas A&M University at Qatar, P.O. Box 23874 Doha, Qatar 2. Institute of Physics Belgrade, University of Belgrade, Pregrevica 118, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia, NIKOLIĆ STANKO N. , ALEKSIĆ NAJDAN B. ,   1.Division of Arts and Sciences, Texas A&M University at Qatar, P.O. Box 23874 Doha, Qatar 2. Serbian Academy of Nonlinear Sciences, Kneza Mihaila 36, Belgrade, Serbia, KROLIKOWSKI WIESLAV ,   1. Division of Arts and Sciences, Texas A&M University at Qatar, P.O. Box 23874 Doha, Qatar 2. Department of Quantum Science and Technology, Research School of Physics, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia, BELIĆ MILIVOJ R. ,   1. Division of Arts and Sciences, Texas A&M University at Qatar, P.O. Box 23874 Doha, Qatar 2. Serbian Academy of Nonlinear Sciences, Kneza Mihaila 36, Belgrade, Serbia, AKHMEDIEV NAIL ,   Department of Fundamental and Theoretical Physics, Research School of Physics, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
Published: December 2023

"We show that linear stability analysis not only describes the effect of modulation instability of a plane wave in nonlinear media but it also predicts significant wave amplification outside of the standard instability band. As an example, we consider the classic MI in the case of the nonlinear Schr¨odinger equation. However, similar amplification may take place in many other nonlinear media that admit modulation instability."
Numerical Simulation of Thermally Radiative and EMHD Influenced Viscoplastic Fluid Flow: A Second Law Investigation
Authors:   Department of Mathematics, Shiv Nadar University Chennai, Kalavakkam 603110 Tamilnadu, India, DEEPA K.
Published: December 2023

"This work rigorously presents the findings of entropy generation in Casson fluid flow on a Riga plate, exposed in a radiative environment. The conceptual basis for the investigation of fluid flow is the system of governing boundary layer equations. By means of implicit finite difference procedure the solutions of boundary layer equations are acquired. Primary goal of this study manifests the optimization of entropy generation in Casson fluid flow associated with EMHD (Electro Magneto Hydro Dynamics) Lorentz force and thermal radiation. Additionally, the contours of entropy generation and Bejan number are demonstrated. Validation of present results with previously obtained results from literature is accomplished conscientiously."
Steps Toward Optimizing HPGE Detector Efficiency in the Context of Low-Level Radioactivity Detection
Authors:   Radiation Protection Department, Nuclear and Radiation Safety Center, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, AZIZ DALAL ABDEL , SAUDI H. A. ,   Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University ('Girls' Branch), Nasr City, Egypt, ZAKALY HESHAM M. H. ,   1. Institute of Physics and Technology, Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg 620002, Russia 2. Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, 71524 Egypt, EL-MELEGY WAFFA ,   Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University ('Girls' Branch), Nasr City, Egypt, DIAB H. M. ,   Radiation Protection Department, Nuclear and Radiation Safety Center, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority
Published: December 2023

"Different empirical and theoretical methods are used to precisely determine radionuclide activity concentrations. This study used Monte Carlo simulation MCNP5 code and EFFTRAN software (Efficiency Transfer) to determine the HPGe detector Full-Energy Peak (FEP) efficiency. A set of point sources (133Ba, 152Eu, 137Cs, 60Co, and 22Na) fixed on the top of the standard geometry plastic container were measured in order to obtain the calibration curve. Because of the importance of chemical composition parameters, the detector behavior due to different matrices was investigated. Experimental verification of the calibration was obtained using IAEA-TEL-2021-03 quality control water sample spiked with 152Eu and 133Ba, and the results were compared with reported results. A set of Certified Standard Reference samples were used for method validation. The obtained results were compared with the experimental results. The comparison clarified the advantages and disadvantages of both methods and their precision to demonstrate and suitable method for matrix types."
Hyperbranched PEI-PEG/DNA Polyplex Formation: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors:   Faculty of Physics, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, TROFIN PAUL , BEU TITUS ADRIAN ,   Faculty of Physics, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Published: December 2023

"PEGylated PEIs are intensely studied non-viral vectors for gene delivery, having high transfection efficiencies. Using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, the interaction of hyperbranched polyethylenimine polyethylene glycol (HPEI-PEG) with DNA was investigated for different number of PEG chains per HPEI core, and, to this end, a new CHARMM Force Field for PEG was developed. The obtained force field parameters are validated by the good agreement of structural measures, such as the radius of gyration, with experimental evidence. The reported investigations reveal an upper bound for the PEG fraction in the modelled HPEI-PEG polymers. The addition of PEG reduces cytotoxicity, increases solubility, while still ensuring a high efficiency of forming polyplexes with DNA. Useful correlations between the copolymer structure and polyplex properties are observed, along with insights on the dynamics of the formation of hydrogen bonds between the HPEI core and DNA."
Boosting Efficiency Up to 34.5 % of CIGS-Based Solar Cells Using a New Heterostructure by Simulation
Authors:   Department of Physics, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, AUC Avenue, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt, MOUSTAFA MOHAMED , YASIN SHADI ,   Physics Program, Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Physics, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, P.O. 2713, Doha, Qatar, SWILLAM MOHAMED ,   Department of Physics, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, AUC Avenue, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
Published: December 2023

"This work explores the photovoltaic performance of a high efficiency heterostructure based on CIGS solar cells using SCAPS. Various electrical specifications were explored at various thicknesses and doping densities. Initially, photovoltaic characteristics of the ITO/GaSe/CIGS heterostructure are investigated. The results show an optimized PCE of 22.59%. Then, a thin film strongly doped p-type is employed (CIGS-p+) to the structure. The engagement of the CIGS-p+ layer increases the PCE to 31.94%. The proposed CIGS-p+ layer is interpreted to serve as a back surface field. The structure is further improved by adding a third interfacial layer of p-MoS2 transition metal dichalcogenide material between the absorber and the Mo back contact. Adding a third interfacial layer implied an efficiency increase of 34.55%. The results reveal that the MoS2 layer at the CIGS/Mo interface adapts it creating Schottky-type contact to quasi-ohmic contact. The results confirm the beneficial influence of the interface layers on the CIGS heterostructure. Additionally, the performance of the photovoltaic cell against the defect intensity of the absorber layers is found to degrade behind a level of 1  1018 cm–3. An ITO/GaSe/CIGS/CIGS-p+ based structure exhibited the highest stability in performance against the temperature change among the three examined systems."