bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial activity of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Uyayak) extracts, ADMET profiling and molecular docking of its bioactive compounds against dihydropteroate synthase of Escherichia coli
Authors: Bebia Glory P. , Edet Uwem Okon , Eyo Aniekan-Augusta Okon , Ogar Agbor Yeneochia , Ugwu Joy Chinweokwu , Mbim Elizabeth Nkagafel , Ogba Ofonime Mark , Nwaokorie Francisca O.
Published: March 2023

BackgroundEscherichia colilike otherEnterobactericeaeare frequent isolates implicated in food-borne diseases. The prevalence of multi-drug resistantE. coliisolates from street vended fruits and its salad is on the increase across Nigeria. This study was designed to evaluate the antimicrobial activityTetrapleura tetraptera(Uyayak) againstE. colias well as the druggability and pharmacokinetics of its bioactive compounds using in-silico and in-vitro approaches. Methods We utilized previously reported standard protocols in the isolation, characterization and the identification of the isolates, and the collection and preparation of theT. tetrapterapods. Antimicrobial activity of the extracts was done using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Resulting bioactive compounds from gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) were converted into canonical stings and used to for target prediction in humans and ADMET properties using the SWISSADME and pkCSM tools. Bioactive compounds that met Lipinski’s rule of five (ROF) were subjected to molecular docking against dihydropteroate synthase ofE. coliusing the AutoDock vina tool and the resulting interactions visualized in 2-D via Biovia Discovery Studio 21. Results The GC-MS analysis returned a total of twenty-eight (28) bioactive compounds. The abundance of theE. coliisolates varied according to location and fruit types. At trimethoprim and extracts concentrations of < 100mg/ml and < 100% respectively, the isolates showed resistance. A total of 13 bioactive compound showed zero violations to Lipinski’s rule of five (ROF). ADMET analysis of the screened bioactive compounds showed favourable absorption (intestinal and water solubility) and toxicity (AMES and hepatoxicity) profiles than trimethoprim. Molecular docking revealed various amino residues interacting with dihydropteroate synthase and gave docking scores that ranged from − 4.0 to -5.3 kcal/mole for the bioactive compounds and − 6.5 5 kcal/mole for trimethoprim. Target prediction showed that all the bioactive are capable of reaching various targets with nuclear receptor being the most abundant target. Conclusion The bioactive compounds ofT. tetrapteraexamined in this study showed favourable antimicrobial activity againstE. coli, docking scores and pharmacokinetics, suggesting the need for further studies to validate their potential as antimetabolites for management of pathogenicE. coliinfections.
An unusual presentation of primitive embryonal tumour of the meninges in a paediatric patient and review of literature
Authors: Mehta Ankita , Kotta Sridhar , Kotta Srawant , Nayak Sonali Susmita , Velagala Swetha , Vadgaonkar Rohit Avinash
Published: March 2023

Primitive embryonal tumours of the meninges are an exceedingly rare entity and has been predominantly reported in the paediatric population. It poses a unique challenge in establishing the diagnosis as it closely resembles meningioma. This makes the incorporation of sophisticated techniques such as immunohistochemistry, molecular studies, and genetic analysis mandatory to arrive at a confirmative diagnosis. We hereby report a case of a 13-year boy who was diagnosed with primitive embryonal tumour that was initially sought to be a meningioma. Alongside, we have also included a review of literature on this entity focussing on paediatric population, where only a handful of case reports have been published till date. Although these tumours are biologically aggressive, but they tend to have good response rate with treatment. Due to rarity of this entity, consensus on the management guidelines is lacking. However, an acquaintance to this entity is important amongst neuro-oncologists to decrease the possibility of misdiagnosis and improve the cure rates and survival.
Pregnancy- and lactation-associated osteoporosis: A report of six cases
Authors: Qian Ying , Wang Lei , Qu Wei , Zhai Kai , Wang Jingming , Wu Aifang , Huang Weimin
Published: March 2023

Objective To illustrate the clinical characteristics of pregnancy- and lactation-associated osteoporosis (PLO) by retrospectively analyzing six cases of PLO.
Methods Six cases of PLO diagnosed in our Endocrinology and Orthopedics Departments from January 2018 to June 2020 were retrospectively studied. The baseline characteristics, clinical features, laboratory findings, radiological manifestations and follow-up outcomes were analyzed and compared with previous reports.
Results The mean age of the six patients was 33.5 years old (range 30-36 years) with a mean height of 163 cm (range 151-171 cm), mean weight of 56.2 kg (range 47-73 kg) and mean body mass index (BMI) of 21.3 kg/m2 (range 17.4-28.5 kg/m2). All enrolled patients complained of low back pain, with a mean visual analogue scale (VAS) score of 7.0 points (4-10). The mean bone mineral density (BMD), as assessed by the Z-score obtained from the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurement, was -2.90 (range -4.37- -1.34). All six patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and vertebral compressive fractures were detected in four patients. The main feature of MRI images of the patients was the appearance of strip-shaped abnormal signal area under the upper endplate of the vertebrae, with low T1 phase signal and high T2 fat-suppressed phase signal. The fractures mainly affected the thoracolumbar regions. Fractures in four patients were all multiple vertebral fractures, with at least two and at most nine vertebral fractures. All six patients received conservative treatment, and no surgical intervention. After a mean follow-up of 27.3 months (range 24-31 months), the symptoms of the six patients were significantly relieved, although four patients still had low back pain to varying degrees.
Conclusion PLO tends to occur in older and thinner women with clinical manifestations varying in severity. MRI often reveals multiple vertebral compressive fractures in patients with PLO. PLO has good prognosis with conservative treatment, but complete relief may take a long time.
The Paradox of Collective Climate Action in Rural U.S. Ecovillages: Ethnographic Reflections and Perspectives
Authors: Schelly Chelsea , Rubin Zach , Lockyer Joshua
Published: March 2023

Are ecovillages suited to the challenge of climate change and radical social transformation? While often framed as social experiments with the potential to support dramatic social change, we argue that ecovillages should be seen as more than that - complicated sites which both enable and constrain social action in the fight to stem the effects of climate change. As ethnographic researchers with a variety of experiences researching ecovillages, we critically examine some of the factors that affect the power of ecovillages to accomplish this mission, including: governance modes that support reduced individual consumption patterns and impact; a commons infrastructure with decreased socioeconomic demands on members, and differing geographic locales with varying socio-political limitations. We conclude this piece by discussing how these factors should inform future research on the transformative nature of ecovillages.
A Novel Mutation of the SOX10 Gene Associated with Waardenburg Syndrome Type IV
Authors: Wang Yanan , Chai Yuqiong , Zhang Pai , Zang Weiwei
Published: March 2023

Background
Waardenburg syndrome (WS) is a genetic disorder that affects skin, hair, and iris pigmentation, and causes sensorineural deafness. The syndrome is classified into four types (WS1, WS2, WS3, and WS4), each with different clinical phenotypes and underlying genetic causes. The aim of this study is to identify the pathogenic mutation in a Chinese family with Waardenburg syndrome type IV.
Methods
The patient and her parents underwent a comprehensive examination. DNA was extracted from their peripheral venous blood. The mutation was identified through whole exome sequencing technology and was validated via Sanger sequencing.
Results
The patient presents with iris pigmentary anomalies, congenital megacolon, and sensorineural hearing loss. And we identified a heterozygous c.452_456dup mutation in exon 3 of the SOX10 gene, which is known to be associated with Waardenburg syndrome type Ⅳ. Our analysis suggests that this mutation produces a truncated protein that may contribute to the development of the disease.
Conclusions
Our findings provide additional information for diagnosing clinical diseases associated with mutations in the SOX10 gene and expand the existing database of such mutations. The use of WES and Sanger sequencing can aid in the accurate diagnosis and management of WS and related syndromes.
Electric vehicle integration system for power management on a blockchain-based smart grid platform with AI capabilities
Authors: Khan Mohd. Afzal , Gupta Nidhi , Kathuria Rahit , Vanshika Sharma , Sharma Vivek , Vaghmare Anil Kumar
Published: March 2023

A virtual power plant (VPP) is composed of a network of dispersed power generating units, available power users, and storage systems. The AEBIS system is an AI-enabled, block chain-based electric car integration system that is presented in this research for power management in a smart grid platform. The use of AI based chips guarantees a performance that is economical. A safe and transparent service is further achieved with the addition of block chain technology to the system at an affordable memory and latency cost. A VPP is made up of a network of dispersed power generating units, users, and storage systems. During times of peak load, a VPP distributes the electricity generated by numerous connected units to balance the network's load. When used effectively, demand-side energy equipment like mobile robots and electric vehicles (EVs) may also balance the supply and demand of energy. The balancing of supply power is an ambitious goal due to the volatility in power produced by various power units. Furthermore, although it is crucial, the security of communications and the end installations has not received adequate attention. This article suggests an electrical solution that is blocking chain-based and AI-powered. The vehicle integration system for the energy management of the smart grid platform is known as AEBIS. The solution is based on artificial neural networks and federated learning algorithms for EV load prediction and utilizes the fleet of electric vehicles as both a consumer and a supplier of electric energy within a VPP platform. The evaluation findings demonstrate that the suggested approach produced high power consumption forecasts in the standard training scenario with an R2 score of 0.938. Applying a federated learning strategy resulted in a 1.7% accuracy reduction. The suggested system produces a dependable and prompt service to deliver additional electricity from the vehicular network as a result, consequently lowering the amount of power fluctuation and providing an accurate estimation of power consumption. Additionally, adopting an AI chip guarantees economical performance. A safe and transparent service may also be obtained at the level at the cost of an acceptable memory cost and latency thanks to the system's integration of block chain technology.
Infinite memory effects on the stabilization of a Biharmonic Schrödinger equation
Authors: Capistrano-Filho Roberto A. , de Jesus Isadora Maria , Martinez Victor Hugo Gonzalez
Published: March 2023

This paper deals with the stabilization of the linear Biharmonic Schrödinger equation in an $n$-dimensional open bounded domain under Dirichlet-Neumann boundary conditions considering three infinite memory terms as damping mechanisms. We show that depending on the smoothness of initial data and the arbitrary growth at infinity of the kernel function, this class of solution goes to zero with a polynomial decay rate like t-n depending on assumptions about the kernel function associated with the infinite memory terms.
2020 Mathematics Subject Classification. 35B40, 35B45.
"How I cook with no kitchen": An investigation of the public perception of #apartment kitchens on TikTok
Authors: Mandzufas Joelie , Lombardi Karen , Winter Dorian , Foster Sarah , Hickling Siobhan , Trapp Gina
Published: March 2023

Despite the prevalence of urban high density, little research to-date has investigated the impacts of apartment living on food practices. Physical constraints of apartment kitchens (size, storage, cooking facilities) and the influence of the surrounding community food environment may present challenges to apartment residents’ healthful food practices, particularly in smaller apartments. This study aimed to determine whether these hypothesised barriers were evident in TikTok videos (n=250) sampled from five popular apartment-related hashtags. Overall, the majority of videos (87%) portrayed apartment living with a positive or neutral sentiment; with only 2% of videos portraying kitchen size and function negatively. Only a small number of videos portrayed the food practices of cooking at home (n=11), grocery shopping (n=5), and eating foods prepared out of the home (n=5). Further research investigating the actual impact of apartment living on the food practices of residents will enable comparison of this public portrayal, to the reality.
Effect of breakdown path on discharge of Micro - gap electrode
Authors: Ma Guokai , Zhao Laijun , Wang Guoda , Zhang Hao , Sun Yanzhou
Published: March 2023

In order to study the causes and influencing factors of the "plateau period" of breakdown voltage curve at the micron scale, three groups of different electrodes were set up for gas discharge experiments within the range of 20-100 𝜇m electrode spacing and 1-100kPa air pressure, and the results were analyzed. Under the conditions of different electrode curvature radii, the breakdown voltage curve deviates from Paschen curve with the change of air pressure, and there is a "plateau period". The "plateau period" is the (Pd) min when the charged particles meet the minimum breakdown voltage by changing the path near the electrode edge, and the "plateau period" range is affected by the radius of curvature of the electrode edge. However, the breakdown voltage curve of the electrode edge after insulation treatment is consistent with the Paschen curve, and the breakdown path is not along the minimum spacing between the electrodes at the micron spacing.
The co-dispersal strategy of Endocarpon (Verrucariaceae) shapes an unusual lichen population structure
Authors: Yang ChunYan , Zhou QiMing , Shen Yue , Liu LuShan , Cao Yunshu , Tian HuiMin , Cao ShuNan , Liu Chuanpeng
Published: March 2023

Lichen as the typical symbioses, reproduction and dispersal strategies play a major role in shaping their population structure and photobiont diversity. Sexual reproduction strategy is common in lichenized fungi, which leads to a high lichen genetic diversity and a low photobiont selectivity. Whereas a rare myco-and photobiont co-dispersal sexual patterns in lichens whose mycobiont is sexually reproductive, provides a different insight to understand how lichen population structure is shaped. Individuals from Endocarpon (Verrucariaceae, Verrucariales, Ascomycota) are widely distributed in desert or high mountains with well-known stress tolerance, and implement a co-dispersal strategy that their ascospores are sprayed with photosynthetic algae. A total of 62 Endocarpon individuals and 12 related Verrucariaceae genera (Placidiopsis, Placidium, and Verrucaria) individuals, representing co-dispersal strategy and conventional independent dispersal mode were studied to explore the dispersal strategy impact on lichen population structures. These individuals were collected from six areas, spanning almost across China from north to south. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Endocarpon, with a large-scale geographical distribution, showed an extremely high specificity of symbiotic associations with their photobiont, while the other genera showed different photobiont diversity. Furthermore, three types of group I intron at 1769 site have been found in most Endocarpon mycobionts, which showed a high variety of group I intron in the same insertion site even in the same species collected from one location. The current study suggested that the ascospore-alga co-dispersal mode of Endocarpon resulted in this unusual mycobiont-photobiont relationship; also provided an evidence for the horizontal transfer of group I intron that may suggest the origin of the complexity and diversity of lichen symbiotic associations.
Differential hypopigmentation between vitiligo and lichen sclerosus et atrophicus
Authors: Park Young Joon , Lee Heera , Park Hyung Soo , Kim You Chan
Published: March 2023

Several case studies of lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LS) have reported its association with vitiligo. LS may result in oral and genital depigmentation without textural changes and should be differentiated from vitiligo. However, the histopathological features of hypopigmentation during vitiligo and LS have rarely been compared and have not been precisely described using quantitative immunohistochemical analysis. This study, therefore, aimed to investigate and compare the pigmentary characteristics of LS and vitiligo lesions using histochemical and immunohistochemical staining. We included 31 and 46 patients diagnosed with LS and vitiligo, respectively, at Ajou University Hospital between March 2009 and March 2020 in this study. Their medical charts and skin biopsy specimens were retrospectively reviewed. Additionally, Fontana–Masson staining for melanin and immunohistochemical staining for Melan-A, NKI/beteb, tyrosinase, and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor was performed. Melanin pigment was significantly increased in the epidermis of patients in the LS group compared with that in the vitiligo group. The number of melanocytes and their activity were also significantly increased in the LS group. However, 22.6% of LS tissues showed less melanin pigmentation, 25.8% of LS specimens exhibited a lower number of melanocytes, and 29.0% of LS specimens demonstrated less melanocyte activitythan the average number in vitiligo specimens. In conclusion, in our study, melanin pigmentation and the number of melanocytes decreased in several patients with LS, as in vitiligo patients. Therefore, to differentiate vitiligo from LS, both the clinical and histological findings must be comprehensively reviewed.
Exploration of new positions for cabozantinib for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma in the latest real-world practice
Authors: Kanzaki Hiroaki , Ogasawara Sadahisa , Okubo Tomomi , Itokawa Norio , Yoshino Ryohei , Fujimoto Kentaro , Kogure Tadayoshi , Yumita Sae , Ishino Takamasa , Ogawa Keita , Iwanaga Terunao , Nakagawa Miyuki , Fujiwara Kisako , Kojima Ryuta , Koroki Keisuke , Inoue Masanori , Kobayashi Kazufumi , Kanogawa Naoya , Kiyono Soichiro , Nakamura Masato , Kondo Takayuki , Nakagawa Ryo , Nakamoto Shingo , Muroyama Ryosuke , Chiba Tetsuhiro , Itobayashi Ei , Atsukawa Masanori , Kato Jun , Kato Naoya
Published: March 2023

Background:Cabozantinib was found to be effective as a second-line treatment after sorafenib in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in phase 3 CELESTIAL trial. So far, as immunotherapy has substituted molecular target agents as the primary systemic therapy for advanced HCC, cabozantinib is extensively used in the latest real-world clinical practice in a greatly different position than that shown by the CELESTIAL trial. In the current analysis, we examined the safety and effectiveness of cabozantinib administration in real-life settings for patients with advanced HCC.Methods:We retrospectively obtained data from patients with advanced HCC who received cabozantinib in 3 institutions in Japan between September 14, 2018, and November 30, 2021.Results:During the study period, 23 patients with advanced HCC received cabozantinib. Our cohort included 21.7% of patients with Child-Pugh class B, and 52.2% of patients in fourth-line or later. The median progression-free survival of patients given cabozantinib was 3.7 months (95% confidence interval, 1.5–8.9 months). Regarding patients with Child-Pugh class B or administration in fourth-line or later, the discontinuation rate due to adverse events in patients who initialized at 40 mg or 20 mg was fewer, unlike those who initialized at 60 mg (42.9% vs. 75.0%,p= 0.205).Conclusion:In the era of immunotherapy, cabozantinib is extensively administered to patients with various advanced HCC, indicating that with precise dose reduction initiation, the clinical benefit might be achieved even in patients with poor liver function or at the late line.
Synthesis and characterization of an innovative poly vinyl alcohol / sodium alginate bioartificial hydrogel for forward-osmosis desalination
Authors: Saad M. A. , Sadik E. R. , Eldakiky B. M. , Moustafa H. M.A. , Fadl E. A. , He Z. , Elashtokhy EL. Z. , Khlifa R. E. , Zewail T. M.
Published: March 2023

Hydrogels are three-dimensional network of polymeric materials that can hold large amount of water due to their hydrophilic structure. Hydrogels have received considerable attention for their use in FO desalination. The primary goal of the present work is the synthesis of a bioartificial hydrogel from a blend of sodium alginate (SA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) using epichlorohydrin (EPC) as cross-linking agent. The effects of the percentage of PVA in the blend and cross linker / total polymer ratio on equilibrium swelling ratio (ESR) were investigated to optimize the hydrogel’s composition. Furthermore, the water flux and the reverse solute flux of the optimum PVA/SA hydrogel was evaluated in batch FO unit under the effect of different parameters such as: hydrogel particle size, temperature of feed solution, feed solution concentration and membrane orientation. FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, XRD were used to characterize the prepared hydrogel. In addition, mechanical properties of the prepared hydrogel were measured. Results reveal that maximum % ESR of 5228 was achieved with a hydrogel which has 25% PVA and cross linker/total polymer ratio of 0.8. FO experimental data indicated that as the hydrogel particle size decreases the water flux increases. However, the increase of feed solution temperature has a proportional effect on water flux whereas the feed solution concentration has a reverse effect on water flux. PRO mode proves to be superior to FO mode. In all FO experiment reverse solute flux approached zero. The performance of the present hydrogel to desalinate real brackish water has been examined.
Exact Solutions of position dependent mass Schrodinger equation with Pseudoharmonic Oscillator and its thermal properties using extended Nikiforov-Uvarov method
Authors: Ikot Akpan , Okon I. B. , Okorie U. S. , Omugbe E. , Abdel-Aty A.-H. , Obagboye L. F. , Ahmadov A.I. , Okpara N , Duque C.A , Abdullah H , Qadir K
Published: March 2023

In this work, we find the exact solution of Schrödinger wave equation for position dependent mass with pseudoharmonic oscillator using extended Nikiforov-Uvarov method. We obtained the energy-eigen equation presented in a closed and compact form and used the result to study both superstatistics and thermodynamic properties by first determining the partition function of the system. The unnormalized wave function was obtained and expressed in terms of Confluent Heun function. Using the resulting energy eigen equation, the numerical computation were computed for varying masses for with fixed physical constant potential parameter λ. The numerical result shows that the bound state energies increase with quantum states but decreases with the dependent mass m(x). The thermodynamics and superstatistics plots are also reported.
Comparison of standard-percutaneous nephrolithotomy combined ultrasonic lithotripsy system and mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy combined high-power holmium laser for staghorn calculus: A retrospective comparative study
Authors: Shen Zhonghua , Xie Linguo , Luo Di , Xie Haijie , Chen Hongyang , Liu Chunyu
Published: March 2023

Purpose To compare the outcomes of standard-percutaneous nephrolithotomy combined ultrasonic lithotripsy system(s-PCNL+ULS) and mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy combined high-power holmium laser(m-PCNL+hHL) for the treatment of staghorn calculus.
Methods The data of patients who underwent PCNL for the treatment of staghorn calculus were retrospectively reviewed between 2019 and 2022 from the second hospital of Tianjin medical university. The nephrostomy tracts were dilatated to 24 F in standard PCNL and 16-18 F in mini PCNL, standard PCNL combined ultrasonic lithotripsy system and mini PCNL combined high-power holmium laser. The preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables of the patients were calculated to evaluate the efficacy and reliability of the two groups.
Results 1778 patients were received PCNL between 2019 and 2022, After screening computed tomography, finaly 310 patients with staghorn calculus were included. 98 underwent s-PCNL+ULS and 212 underwent m-PCNL+hHL. The total operative time (min) ,haemoglobin deficit (ΔHGB (g/L)) ,the postoperative hospitalization days for s-PCNL+ULS and m-PCNL+hHL groups were 76.07±26.68 vs 103.93±24.84(P＜0.001), 9.30±9.26 VS 7.73±7.50(P=0.017); 7.32±5.14 VS 4.71±2.42(P＜0.001). The incidence complications for s-PCNL+ULS and m-PCNL+hHL groups were 28.57% vs 16.04%(P = 0.064), s-PCNL+ULS group had more severity complications (9.18% vs 2.83%, P = 0.022) . The firist and second stone-free rates of PCNL were 56.12% VS 57.08%(P=0.902) and 92.86% VS 86.32%(P=0.126) for the m-PCNL+hHL and s-PCNL+ULS groups.
Conclusion The efficacy of m-PCNL+hHL was comparable to s-PCNL+ULS in the treatment of staghorn calculus. The advantages of m-PCNL+hHL included the lower haemoglobin deficit, shorter hospital stay and lesser severity complications.
Enhancing Navigation Accuracy in Geostationary Orbit Through Utilization of Regional Navigation Satellite System
Authors: Nakajima Yu , Yamamoto Toru
Published: March 2023

This paper proposes the use of Regional Satellite Positioning Systems (RNSSs) in addition to a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)to determine the positions of satellites in Geosynchronous EquatorialOrbit (GEO). Signals from GNSS satellites observed in GEO are limitedbecause they can only receive GPS signals over the other side of theearth where they are not obscured. In addition, those observable signalsare from a paricular direction opposite side of the earth, resulting inpoor Dilution of Precision (DOP), which causes a significant radial error.Signals from RNSSs, located at different altitudes from MEO GNSSs,are observed from the diverse direction compared to the MEO GNSSs.These additional signals from the diverse direction enhance observabilityand improve the DOP. In this paper, we analyze the link budget andDOP in GEO using GPS and Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) asexamples to verify the effectiveness of receiving signals from near RNSSs.Our link budget analysis showed that QZSS signals could be receivedfrom satellites in GEO over a wide range. The DOP was improved byusing signals from a near QZSS. The proposed method can be utilizedfor other GEO RNSSs, such as NavIC or BeiDou, and can be expandedto any GEO satellite by adapting the receiver. In addition, the navigationperformance was analyzed to validate the improved performance.
Evaluation Of Iron Overload Approach in Thalassemia Patients at The Thalassemia Center
Authors: alchujaa Mohamad nahel , halim Haya abdul , sulaiman Seham
Published: March 2023

Background: Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder as a result of a defect in the genes responsible for the production of globin chains in hemoglobin, which is responsible for transporting oxygen to the cells of the body. Iron buildup is common in thalassemia patients as a result of frequent blood transfusions or because of the disease itself. The objectives of this research depend on the approach of iron overload in thalassemia patients, its causes and the resulting complications.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in July 2022 by collecting data for thalassemia patients at the Damascus University Center, and work was done to convert this information into statistical tables and graphs in order to obtain the required objectives of this research.
Results: By studying and comparing the serum ferritin values and following up the iron chelates used in thalassemia patients, these inferential statistics were reached: An increase in serum ferritin values in 70.6% of thalassemia patients while taking iron chelates. After discussing the reasons with the Thalassemia Center doctors supervising these cases, it was concluded that the reasons for the increase are due to: Non-compliance and lack of commitment with iron chelates as a result of its side effects such as nausea or vomiting, flatulence and abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, Material costs, Neglecting to take medication (either disregard for medical importance or as a result of being busy with work).We note from the cases of the 29.4% of patients whose ferritin values decreased that: 50% of cases were treated with the combination of deferiprone with another drug, and this indicates its effectiveness more than others.
gym-flp: A Python Package for Training Reinforcement Learning Algorithms on Facility Layout Problems
Authors: Heinbach Benjamin Thomas , Burggräf Peter , Wagner Johannes
Published: March 2023

Reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms have proven to be useful tools for combinatorial optimisation. However, they are still underrepresented in facility layout problems (FLPs). At the same time, RL research relies on standardised benchmarks such as the Arcade Learning Environment. To address these issues, we present an open-source Python package (gym-flp) that utilises the OpenAI Gym toolkit, specifically designed for developing and comparing RL algorithms. The package offers one discrete and three continuous problem representation environments with customisable state and action spaces. In addition, the package supports 138 discrete and 61 continuous problems commonly used in FLP literature. The user can choose between numerical and visual output of observations, depending on the RL approach being used. The package aims to facilitate experimentation with different algorithms in a reproducible manner and advance RL use in factory planning.
NEED ANALYSIS OF NON-ENGLISH DEPARTMENT STUDENTS IN ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSE (ESP)
Authors: Fitria Tira Nur
Published: March 2023

This research is to investigate the need analysis of the non-English students in ESP. This research is descriptive and qualitative. The findings show that in the educational students’ background in high school from 348 students as respondents, most students (196 students or 56.3 %) graduated from Vocational High School. They think that the career opportunities available to tertiary education graduates are much wider and more numerous. Most students (259 students or 74.4 %) have a ‘Basic’ level. The students can use simple vocabulary/expressions in English, know a little grammar and make lots of pronunciation errors. Most students (232 students or 66.6 %) are motivated to learn English to have the ability in communicating orally in English and to get a good job after graduating from the study. Most students (231 students or 66.6 %) have difficulty understanding grammar’. Most students (250 students or 71.8 %) want to have the reading ability in looking for information on English text. Most students (283 students or 81.3 %) want to have the ability in writing English sentences properly and correctly. Most students (270 students or 77.6 %) want to have the ability in listening to and understanding English presentations from the lecturer. Most students (304 students or 87.4 %) want to have the speaking ability in pronouncing English words correctly. Related to English language material needs for specific purposes required by students, most students (303 students or 87.1 %) want the material of vocabulary, especially English specific terms in several references such as books, journal articles, textbooks, modules, or other sources according to their study program in the fields of Accounting, Taxation, Engineering and Information Systems, and Islamic Economics.
PENDEKATAN PEER TEACHING BERBENTUK GROUP DISCUSSION UNTUK MENINGKATKAN PEMBELAJARAN DHAMIR DI KELAS X-1 MAN KOTA SURABAYA
Authors: Safitri Intan
Published: March 2023

Peer teaching or commonly referred to as peer tutoring is a method based on student activity in learning. Certain students who meet the criteria will be appointed by the teacher to become tutors and teach their friends in a group. So that the material delivered by peer tutors will be understood by each student in the group equally. This study aims to determine the effect of applying the peer teaching method with a group discussion strategy to improve understanding of nahwu rules. This research uses a qualitative approach with the type of case study. Data collection techniques in this study were using observation and tests. The population in this study were all students of class X MAN Surabaya, while the sample in this study were students of class X-1, totaling 34 students. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the peer teaching method with a group discussion strategy has a positive influence on increasing the understanding of nahwu rules in class X-1 students of MAN Surabaya City.
Demographic factors affecting Chinese tourists traveling to Thailand in the post-Covid-19 era
Authors: Fu Haiying , Sutunyarak Chonlavit
Published: March 2023

Chinese tourists contribute significantly to the development of the tourism industry in Thailand. However, only some studies have systematically discussed the role of demographic factors in developing Thai international tourism. The study aims to research the behavior of Chinese citizens traveling to Thailand in the post-Covid-19 era based on combining the behavioral dynamics, the push-pull theories and demographics. 432 Chinese travelers who have visited Thailand participated in the survey. The scale included four parts: international tourism development in Thailand (A1-A8); pushers (B1-B9); pullers (C1-C8); demographic variables: gender, age, occupation, income, education level, marital status, and location. The study used exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, correlation, and variance analyses with SPSS 26.0. Therefore, exploratory factor analysis identified for this study three factors: F1 (5 items), F2 (3 items), and F3 (4 items). The correlation between F1 and F2 is 0.8, between F1 and F2 is 0.87, between F2 and F3 is 0.79. The findings of the analysis of demographic variables indicate that: gender does not affect tourists’ perceptions and changes; age has a significant impact on the three constructs; monthly income should be considered in the development of inbound tourism strategies; undergraduate and postgraduate visitors showed higher scores for research constructs; there is no need to consider the marital status of tourists. The study suggests that the Thai tourism department pay attention to the push and pull factors that motivate Chinese citizens to choose Thailand to expand international tourism.
AcknowledgmentThe authors would like to acknowledge supervisors, family members, and colleagues for their support and guidance.
Political Connections Impact on Corporate Governance Quality
Authors:   School of Business and Economic, Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama, BSD City, Tangerang, 15339, Indonesia, Harianto Sandy
Published: March 2023

The paper explores political connections impact on corporate governance quality in Indonesia. Using data from publicly listed firms in Indonesia stock exchange for the 2010-2019 period, this study find that politically connected firms are actually having better corporate governance quality than their counterparts. The significant development on corporate governance system implementation and changes in political system may influence the political connections impact on corporate governance quality. Additionally, the findings also indicates that the political connections improve board efficiency, risk management and stakeholders relationship. The findings from this study is markedly dissimilar from previous studies that emphasize on the rent-seeking nature of political connectedness. Institutional setting changes such as the changes in political system and coporate governance system may changes the nature of politically connected firms to become more responsible. The results maybe of interests for regulators of emerging countries around the world and shed a new paradigm on political connectedness. The findings of the papers indicates that the design of regulatory frameworks and policies should consider the potential positive effects of political connections, rather than simply focusing on potential drawbacks. The results indicate that promoting political connections that are accountable and transparent can be beneficial for the investment environment.
Dialogues for the blind and those who can see, or Philosophy in the boudoir
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Altashina Veronika D.
Published: March 2023

The article analyzes the artistic features of Diderot and Sade’s philosophical dialogues, which allow authors to convey innovative ideas to readers, to turn a serious treatise into a fascinating theatrical show. These works (Diderot’s D’Alembert’s Dream (1769, publ. 1830–1831) and Conversation of a philosopher with the Maréchale de *** (1774, publ. 1775); Marquis de Sade’s Dialogue between a priest and a dying man (1782) and Philosophy in the Boudoir (1785)) are united not only by a dialogical form, but also by the original use of such rhetorical figures as fantasy and evidence, thanks to which abstract philosophical and scientific ideas appear directly before the reader’s eyes. Briefly dwelling on the importance and specificity of these techniques in antiquity, the author of the article examines their manifestations in the studied texts, referring to the history of their creation, structure, chronotype, heroes, mise-en-scène. All dialogues take place in a private setting, which allows the libertine heroes to express without fear their views, communicating them to their listeners in an intelligible language. In all dialogues, fictionality is combined with factuality, but if Diderot represents real characters in fictional situations, the Sade’s fictional characters quote well-known philosophical and anthropological works. The research makes it possible to better understand specificity and popularity of the genre of dialogue in the French Enlightenment literature.
On the ways of expressing irony in simultaneous interpreting
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Abdulmanova Adelia Kh. , Vyunova Ekaterina K. ,   St. Petersburg State University, Lekomtseva Irina A. ,   St. Petersburg State University, Shutemova Natalia V. ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: March 2023

The paper deals with the ways of irony representation in simultaneous interpreting, which is regarded in a broader context with the notions of humour and alogism. The subject is interconnected with the translation quality issue determining the relevance of the research. It is based on the comparative analysis of speeches delivered by politicians, public figures and TV stars in English and their simultaneous interpreting in Russian provided by the second-year students of the corresponding master’s programme. The authors highlight various approaches to the notion irony, such as oppositions theory, The Direct Access Account, The Pretense Theory, Relevant Inappropriateness theory, Graded Salience Model, The Echoic Mention Theory. Kinds of irony and means of its production are reviewed including blame-by-praise, understatement, exaggeration, self-deprecation, creating the effect of surprise, ironic concession and defence. Considered from a cognitive-discursive perspective, the representation of irony in simultaneous interpreting is proved to be a difficulty of understanding the original and objectifying its idea by means of the target language. Irony is revealed to be completely or partially reduced due to the lack of background knowledge, in particular realia, and/or due to the interpreter’s inability to objectify ironic implications. The character of simultaneous interpreting is regarded as a factor complicating the task, because it limits time for comprehending irony and inventing ways to verbalize it. It is discovered that the main strategies of representing irony include exaggeration, understatement and the use of expressive lexicon.
Lexical markers of unity in Russia’s state programmatic documents: Words with the morpheme -edin-
Authors:   Penza State University, Dubrovskaya Tatiana V. ,   Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N.Yeltsin
Published: March 2023

The paper explores lexicon derived from the Russian stem morpheme -edin- as markers of the semantics of unity. The author reveals how these lexical units function and codify social categories. The data include legal-political discourse, i.e. state strategies and concepts that codify social processes, including association and disassociation of social actors. Methodologically, the paper draws on lexical semantics, semantic syntax, discourse analysis and social constructionism assumptions. A set of research operations involves defining the list of the lexical units, discovering their syntagmatic relations, describing their semantics in context, as well as disclosing functional resources of this lexical group. Eleven words with the stem morphem -edin- (used 80 times altogether) have been identified. These words are surrounded by their derivatives and other words that carry the semantics of unity, which predetermines promoting the ideas of unity through the texts. The lexemes are used discriminately in different contexts and realize the set of their meanings in a distinctive way. In terms of language system, the words with the stem morpheme -edin- have a neutral or positive axiological status; however, negative semantics can be constructed in context, through the attributes with negative connotations. Structurally different word combinations allow for varying conceptualizations of unity: as a quality that characterizes subjects of activities, and as an object that is regulated by the state. Unity is conceptualized as a characteristic of four various dimensions: materialistic (unity of the country’s infrastructure), spacial (territorial unity), axiological (unity of social values) and temporal (historical and generation continuity).
German-Russian parallel corpus as an instrument for studying the modality of obligation: Оn semantic differences between müssen and sollen
Authors:   Vinogradov Russian Language Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Dobrovol’skij Dmitrij О. ,   Institute of Linguistics, Russian Academy of Sciences,   Stockholm University, Zalizniak Anna А. ,   Institute of Linguistics, Russian Academy of Sciences,   Institute of Informatics Problems of the Federal Research Center “Computer Science and Control” of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this article is to clarify the semantics of two German verbs expressing the modality of obligation (müssen and sollen) by comparing their translation equivalents from the German-Russian parallel subcorpus of the Russian National Corpus (RNC). These translation equivalents represent a set of Russian words and constructions with a potentially modal meaning, including those not recorded in bilingual and explanatory dictionaries. Some Russian lexical units are used as translation equivalents only for müssen or only for sollen, while others are preferred for one of these verbs, and this preference is not accidental. The distribution of translation equivalents indicates that the verb müssen expresses some absolute necessity, and sollen a kind of relational necessity. Relational necessity is established on the basis of certain correlations. In the ontological plane, it is the correlation represents some logic of the development of events. In the deontic plane, it is the will of another person or one’s own idea of causal relationships. In the communicative plane, it is someone else’s statement. The weakness of necessity, usually recognized as a feature of the modal meaning expressed by the verb sollen, as opposed to the more hard meaning of necessity expressed by müssen, is secondary: it is a potential effect of primordial relationality.
Systemic organization of French predicate adjectives of relation
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Khutoretskaya Olga A. , Alexeytseva Tatiana A. ,   St. Petersburg State University, Kucherenko Natalia L. ,   St. Petersburg State University, Miretina Maria S. ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: March 2023

This paper examines modern French adjective and nominative constructions with a qualitative adjective, a noun defined by it and a dependent prepositional noun, complement to the adjective. The adjective in such construction is a predicate adjective that assigns semantic roles and category features to its arguments. The rection of the adjective is a transitive usage of adjective, and the adjectives that enable such usage are included in the inter-part-of-speech lexico-semantic field of relation. The topicality of the research is determined by insufficient knowledge of rection of the adjective in the modern Romanic studies. This paper offers a new systemic approach to the predicate adjectives of relation and their semantic valences. Prototypical attributes, relevant to the French transitive adjectives, were formulated. It was established that predicate adjectives of relation constitute a dynamical system and are disposed according to the degree of expression of their features from the center to the periphery inside the system and its sub-systems. As a result, semantic roles of predicative actants of each particular system were described and the role of hidden grammar categories of nouns in the differentiation of meanings of governing adjectives and of their explicitly expressed arguments was elucidated. Methods used are contextual analysis, componential analysis, synonymic transformation and paraphrasing. The linguistic material for this study was French works of fiction of 19th and 20th centuries and modern French dictionaries.
Influence of large-scale teleconnections on annual and seasonal floods in Godavari and Narmada River basins
Authors: Gurrapu Sunil , Ranade Ashwini , Patra Jagadish Prasad
Published: March 2023

Indian summer monsoon rainfall is strongly influenced by large-scale atmosphere-ocean oscillations including Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). Researchers have shown that the negative phase of PDO or La Niña episodes of ENSO produce higher magnitude rainfall and hence relatively wetter years. So, it is imperative to have better knowledge of flood characteristics in the Indian watersheds for optimal planning and design of various infrastructure, and for optimal planning and management of reservoir operations. Traditionally, such information is estimated using flood frequency analysis (FFA), however the adequacy of traditionally accepted assumption that the annual peak flows are independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) is questioned globally. This study evaluates the adequacy of this assumption in Godavari and Narmada River basins and assesses the influence of PDO, ENSO and IOD on flood characteristics. The results indicate that the flood characteristics at the majority of gauges are significantly influenced by these oscillations, higher magnitude floods are associated with negative episodes. A very few gauges are inversely related to these teleconnections, although statistically not significant. Overall, the signal of all the three teleconnections is found in the annual and seasonal floods in the majority of gauging stations.