bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Burnout and Quality of Life: Security Employees of Professional Private Agencies in Focus
Authors: Rancic Natasa K , Veljkovic Dejan R , Mirkovic Momcilo R , Kulic Ljiljana M , Jovanovic Verica S , Stamenkovic Bojana N , Maksimovic Natasa S , Vojislav Ciric M , Marinkov-Zivkovic Emilija M , Giljaca Sonja D , Stojanovic Marko M , Bojanic Novica Z , Miljkovic Dusan P , Otasevic Suzana A
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Introduction. Burnout syndrome develops as a consequence of chronic stress among employees. The study objectives were to examine burnout syndrome and to evaluate the quality of life among security employees of the professional private security sector in Central Serbia. Methods. A multicenter cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was performed. The questionnaire for staff employed at institutions who are in direct contact with people (Human Services Survey, MBI-HSS) and Short Form 36 Health Survey-(SF-36). Results. A total of 353 respondents participated in the study. The response rate was 80%. Approximately one-third (32.6%) had symptoms of total burnout, and a much higher number of responders had a moderate or high level of burnout on individual subscales:- depersonalization (high 82.4%, moderate 16.2%) and emotional exhaustion (high 66.3%, moderate 19.8%) and, slightly more than one-third (34.5%) had low personal achievement, while about one-third (32.9%) had moderate personal achievement. Female sex and older age were associated with a higher risk of total burnout and the development of emotional exhaustion. Male sex, higher education, and managerial position were associated with higher personal achievement and lower risk of total burnout. Male sex, marital union, two or more children, and direct contact with clients were significantly associated with a lower quality of life of employees. Conclusion. Female sex and older age were associated with a higher risk of total burnout and the development of emotional exhaustion. Male sex, university education and managerial position were associated with greater personal achievement and were protective factors in relation to the development of burnout. Male sex, marital union, two or more children, and direct contact with clients were significantly associated with lower quality of life of employees.
Keywords: burnout syndrome; security employees; professional private sector; quality of life
Critical Evaluation of the Methods for the Characterisation of the Degree of Sulfonation for Electron Beam Irradiated and Non-Irradiated Sulfonated Poly(ether ether ketone) Membranes
Authors: Pakalniete Laura Dace , Maskova Elizabete , Zabolockis Rudolfs Janis , Avotina Liga , Sprugis Einars , Reinholds Ingars , Rzepna Magdalena , Vaivars Guntars , Pajuste Elina
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study is to compare different methods used for determination of the DS for sulfonated membranes before and after high dose irradiation. Commercial PEEK was homogenously sulfonated up to DS of 60-90% and the membranes were prepared using solvent casting method. Part of the samples were irradiated with 10 MeV electron beam up to 500 kGy dose to assess the ionising radiation induced effects. Both non-irradiated and irradiated membranes were characterized by Fourier Transformation infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), electrochemical impedance analysis and for the first time for non-irradiated membranes by spectrophotometric analysis with Cr(III). Comparison of the above-mentioned methods for application for DS assessment was done. It was observed that irradiated membranes presented a higher value of DS. Appearance of different new signals in 1H-NMR and FT-IR spectra of irradiated membranes indicated the effects of radiation induced changes in the structure of SPEEK materials. It was determined that the novel method with Cr(III) is applicable for the determination of SPEEK DS under 80%.
Effects of Early General Anesthetic Exposure on Susceptibility to Chronic Pain by Enhancement of Neural Activity via Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Pathway
Authors: Li Qun , Mathena Reilley Paige , Li Fengying , Dong Xinzhong , Guan Yun , Mintz Cyrus David
Published: August 2023

Patients who have undergone surgery in early life may be at elevated risk for neuropathic pain in later life. The risk factors for this susceptibility are not fully understood. Here, we used a mouse chronic pain model to test the hypothesis that early exposure to general anesthetic (GA) causes cellular and molecular alterations in dorsal spinal cord (DSC) and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) that produces a predisposition to neuropathic pain via an upregulation of the mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. Mice were exposed to isoflurane at postnatal day 7 (P7) and underwent spared nerve injury at P28 which causes chronic pain. Selected groups were treated with rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, for eight weeks. Behavioral tests show early isoflurane exposure enhances susceptibility to chronic pain, and rapamycin treatment improves outcomes. Immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and q-PCR indicates that isoflurane upregulates mTOR expression and neural activity in DSC and DRG. Accompanying upregulation of mTOR and rapamycin-reversible changes in chronic pain-associated markers, including N-cadherin, cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), purinergic P2Y12 receptor, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in DSC; and connexin 43, phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), GFAP, Iba1 in DRG, were observed. We conclude that early GA exposure alters the development of pain circuits such that mice are subsequently more vulnerable to chronic neuropathic pain states.
The chemosensing role of CatSper in mammalian sperm: an updated review
Authors: Ke Sulun , Luo Tao
Published: August 2023

After sperm enter the female reproductive tract, the physicochemical and biochemical microenvironment undergoes significant changes. Thus, the response of sperm to environmental factors is vital for successful fertilization. The cation channel of sperm (CatSper) is a sperm-specific, pH-sensitive, and Ca2+-permeable ion channel. It is responsible for the predominant Ca2+ entry in mammalian sperm and is involved in nearly every event of sperm to acquire fertilizing capability. CatSper also serves as a pivotal polymodal chemosensor in mammalian sperm by responding to multiple chemical cues. Physiological ligands (such as progesterone, prostaglandins, β-defensins, and odorants) provoke Ca2+ entry into sperm by activating CatSper and thus triggering sperm functions including hyperactivation, capacitation, the acrosome reaction, and chemotaxis. Additionally, synthetic and natural chemicals (such as medicines, endocrine disrupting chemicals, drugs of abuse, and antioxidants) affect sperm functions by regulating CatSper-dependent Ca2+ signaling. Therefore, understanding the interactions between CatSper and extracellular ligands sheds light on the mechanisms underlying male infertility and offers innovative diagnostic and treatment approaches. This underscores the importance of CatSper as a crucial regulatory target in male reproduction, linking sperm function with the extracellular environment. This review comprehensively summarizes the relevant studies describing the environmental factors that affect CatSper in humans and rodents.
Aircraft Target Interpretation Based on SAR Images
Authors: Wang Xing , Hong Wen , Liu Yunqing , Hu Dongmei , Xin Ping
Published: August 2023

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is an active sensor that uses microwave for sense, it is unrestricted by weather and illumination conditions, and it can observe targets all day and weather. Aircraft targets are important monitoring objects in military and civilian fields, and how to efficiently detect and recognize aircraft targets is an important topic in the field of SAR image interpretation. Based on the features of SAR images, such as complex background, high resolution, and multi-scale, we proposed an improved method based on YOLOv5s. Firstly, this paper proposed the structure of the multi-scale receptive field and channel attention fusion, which is applied to the shallow layer of the backbone of YOLOv5s, it can adjust the weights of the multi-scale receptive field during the training process to enhance the extraction ability of feature information. Secondly, we proposed four de-coupled detection heads to replace the original part in YOLOv5s, which can improve the efficiency and accuracy of SAR image interpretation for small targets. Thirdly, in the case of the limited amount of SAR images, this paper proposed multi methods of data augmentation, which can enhance the diversity and generalization of the network. Fourthly, this paper proposed the K-means++ to re-place the original K-means to improve the network convergence speed and detection accuracy. Finally, Experiments demonstrate that the improved YOLOv5s can enhance the accuracy of SAR image interpretation by 9.3%, and the accuracy of small targets is improved more obviously, reaching 13.1%.
Current Concepts about Calcaneus Fracture Management: Review of Metanalysis and Systematic Reviews
Authors: Leigheb Massimiliano , Codori Francesco , Samaila Elena Manuela , Mazzotti Antonio , Villafañe Jorge Hugo , Bosetti Michela , Ceccarini Paolo , Cochis Andrea , Daou Farah , Ronga Mario , Grassi Federico , Rimondini Lia
Published: August 2023

Background: Calcaneal fractures are the most frequent traumatic injuries of the hindfoot and can cause severe disability with social and economic sequelae; since 1980 an increasing number of studies and new technologies have led to an improvement in their management and complications but treatment is still controversial. The purpose of the study to review the secondary scientific literature looking for the optimal management of calcaneal fracture; Methods: through the PubMed MEDLINE database, 4856 articles were identified; only meta-analyses and systematic reviews were included in the study. Results: 59 reviews with more than 10,000 calcaneus fractures were examined and results were divided into various topics; the majority of articles agree on the superiority of surgical versus conservative treatment; minimally invasive access to the sinus tarsi shows better results and fewer complications than traditional extended lateral access; reduction and osteosynthesis with percutaneous and/or minimally invasive techniques seem to provide better outcomes if compared to open treatments. Conclusions: The management of calcaneus fractures requires an individualized planning based on the functional demands of the patient, the type of fracture and associated injuries. New technologies and further studies may still improve the management of these lesions.
Does Prehospital Suspicion of Sepsis Shorten Time to Administration of Antibiotics in the Emergency Department? A Retrospective Study in One University Hospital
Authors: Bollinger Matthias , Frère Nadja , Shapeton Alexander Daniel , Schary Weronika , Kohl Matthias , Kill Clemens , Riße Joachim
Published: August 2023

Early treatment is the mainstay of sepsis therapy. We suspected that early recognition of sepsis by prehospital healthcare providers may shorten time to antibiotic administration in the Emergency Department. We retrospectively evaluated all patients above 18 years of age that were diagnosed with sepsis or severe infection in our Emergency Department between 2018 and 2020. We recorded the suspected diagnosis at time of presentation, type of referring healthcare provider and time until initiation of antibiotic treatment. Differences between groups were calculated using Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test. Of the 277 patients that were diagnosed with severe infection or sepsis in the emergency department, an infection was suspected in 124 (44.8%) patients and sepsis was suspected in 31 (11.2%) patients by referring healthcare providers. Time to initiation of antibiotic treatment was shorter in patients where sepsis or infection had been suspected prior to arrival for both patients with severe infections (p = 0.022) and sepsis (p = 0.004). Given the well described outcome benefits to early sepsis therapy, recognition of sepsis needs to be improved. Appropriate scores should be used as part of routine patient assessment to reduce time to antibiotic administration and improve patient outcomes.
Use of Elicitors and Beneficial Bacteria to Induce and Prime the Stilbene Phytoalexin Response: Main Experiments and Appli-cations to Grapevine Disease Resistance
Authors: Jeandet Philippe , Trotel-Aziz Patricia , Jacquard Cédric , Clément Christophe , Mohan Chandra , Morkunas Iwona , Khan Haroon , Aziz Aziz
Published: August 2023

Phytoalexins are naturally-occurring molecules with antimicrobial activity deriving from the secondary metabolism of plants, which are synthesized in response to physical agents or stresses, phytopathogenic agents (fungi, bacteria and viruses) as well as numerous chemical compounds and biological control agents. Among these, grapevine phytoalexins, which belong to the chem-ical group of stilbenes, exhibit biocidal activity against a large number and a variety of plant pathogens. An important issue in research on these compounds is to be able to stimulate their synthesis in planta and to determine whether the induction of their production can serve as a basis for protecting that plant against its pathogens. Quite a few chemical compounds, derivatives of phytohormones bio-elicitors as well as biocontrol agents have been used to induce the synthesis of stilbene phytoalexins with the aim of conferring protection to grapevine against its main dis-eases (gray mold, downy mildew, powdery mildew and esca). This article reviews the experi-ments that have been carried out in this direction during the last thirty years and shows that the observed protective effects towards pathogens are generally linked to induction and priming of the grapevine phytoalexin response, confirming the interest of using, in a more general way, stimulation of the production of phytoalexins in plants as a basis for crop protection.
Scipion-EM-ProDy: A Graphical Interface for the ProDy Python Package within the Scipion Workflow Engine enabling Integration of Databases, Simulations and Cryo-Electron Microscopy Image Processing
Authors: Krieger James Michael , S. Sorzano Carlos Oscar , Carazo Jose Maria
Published: August 2023

Macromolecular assemblies, such as protein complexes, undergo continuous structural dynamics, including global reconfigurations critical for their function. Two fast analytical methods are widely used to study these global dynamics, namely elastic network model normal mode analysis and principal component analysis of ensembles of structures. These approaches have found wide use in various computational studies, driving the development of complex pipelines in several software packages. One common one has been conformational sampling through hybrid simulations incorporating all-atom molecular dynamics and global modes of motion. However, wide functionality is only available for experienced programmers with limited capabilities for other users. We have, therefore, integrated one popular and extensively developed software for such analyses, the ProDy Python application programming interface, into the Scipion workflow engine. This enables a wider range of users to access a complete range of macromolecular dynamics pipelines beyond the core functionalities available in its command-line applications and the normal mode wizard in VMD. The new protocols and pipelines can be further expanded and integrated into larger workflows together with other software packages for cryo-electron microscopy image analysis and molecular simulations. We present the resulting plugin, Scipion-EM-ProDy, in detail, highlighting the rich functionality made available by its development.
Progerin, an Aberrant Spliced form of Lamin A, is a Potential Therapeutic Target for HGPS
Authors: Kim Bae-Hoon , Chung Yeon-Ho , Woo Tae-Gyun , Kang So-Mi , Park Soyoung , Park Bum-Joon
Published: August 2023

Hutchison-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is an extremely rare genetic disorder caused by the mutant protein progerin, which is expressed by the abnormal splicing of LMNA gene. HGPS affects systemic levels, except cognition or brain development in children, showing that cellular aging can occur in the short term. However, the causes of aging that humanity is working to overcome remain poorly understood. Studying progeria could be useful for unraveling the causes of human aging (as well as fatal age-related disorders). Elucidating the clear cause of HGPS or the development of a therapeutic medicine will provide inconceivable comfort for young patients and enable them to live a normal life. This review aimed to: i) briefly describe how progerin was discovered as the causative agent of HGPS, ii) elucidate the puzzling observation of the absence of primary neurological disease in HGPS, iii) present several studies showing the deleterious effects of progerin and the beneficial effects of its inhibition, and iv) summarize research to develop a therapy for HGPS, and introduce clinical trials for its treatment.
Responses to Reduced Feeding Frequency in Captive-Born Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus): Implications for Behavioural and Physiological Stress and Gastrointestinal Health
Authors: Brown Kelsey Lee , Ganswindt André , Steenkamp Gerhard , Tordiffe Adrian Stephen Wolferstan
Published: August 2023

Unnatural diet composition and frequent feeding regimes may play an aetiological role in the multiple diseases prevalent in captive cheetahs. This study investigated the responses of captive-born (hand-reared) cheetahs (n = 6) to a reduced feeding frequency schedule. During the 3-week treatment period, the study cheetahs were fed four once-daily meals per week and two daily rations six days a week, subsequently, during the control period of equal duration. Total weekly food intake was maintained throughout the study. Variations in body temperature (Tb), heart rate (HR), locomotor activity (LA), behaviour, faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentration, and faecal consistency score (FCS) were measured. Less frequent feeding resulted in higher FCS (p < 0.01) and LA (p < 0.0001) and lower HR (p < 0.0001) among the studied cheetahs. The study found that their HR was higher when the cheetahs were fed (p < 0.0001) than on days when they were not. Additionally, Tb (p < 0.0001) and HR (p < 0.05) were higher during feeding, suggesting a psychological excitation to food consumption. The results of the FCS analysis indicate that the more natural feeding pattern could have benefited the studied cheetahs’ GI health without a significant behavioural or physiological stress response to the change in feeding frequency.
Towards Sensitive Electrochemical Sensing of Chemical Warfare Agent mimics with Remote based
Drone Technology
Authors: Dawoud Amer , Mia Rashid , MotchaAlangaram JesyAlka , Miao Wujian , Wallace Karl
Published: August 2023

The present work focuses on developing miniaturized, light weight electrochemical sensors for detection of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) like sarin and tabun simulants, i.e., diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP), and O,S-diethyl methyl phosphonothioate (O,S-DEMPT). Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was employed to examine the redox properties of capturing molecular probe CE2 with the nerve agent stimulants. Coupling of a portable potentiostat with the drone technology could allow on-situ and remote detection of analytes such CWAs to be realized, which can be crucially important to the national and global securities.
Marcus Cross-Relationship Probed by Time-Resolved CIDNP
Authors: Geniman Maksim , Morozova Olga B. , Lukzen Nikita N. , Grampp Günter , Yurkovskaya Alexandra
Published: August 2023

The time-resolved CIDNP method can provide information about degenerate exchange reactions (DEE) involving short-lived radicals. In the temperature range from 8 to 65°C, the DEE reactions of the guanosine-5’-monophosphate anion GMP(-H)- with the neutral radical GMP(-H)•, of the N-acetyl tyrosine anion NacTyrO- with a neutral radical NacTyrO• and of the tyrosine anion TyrO- with a neutral radical TyrO• were studied. In all the studied cases, the radicals were formed in the reaction of quenching triplet 2,2’-dipyridyl. The reorganization energies were obtained from Arrhenius plots. The rate constant of the reductive electron-transfer reaction in pair GMP(-H)•/TyrO- was determined at T = 25°C. Rate constants of GMP(-H)• radical reduction reactions with TyrO- and NacTyrO- anions calculated by the Marcus cross relation differ from the experimental ones by two orders of magnitude. The rate constants of several other electron transfer reactions involving GMP(-H)-/•, NacTyrO-/•, and TyrO-/• pairs calculated by cross relation agree well with the experimental values. The rate of nuclear paramagnetic relaxation was found for the 3,5 and β-protons TyrO• and NacTyrO•, the 8-proton GMP(-H)• the 3,4-protons DPH• at each temperature. In all cases, the dependences of the rate of nuclear paramagnetic relaxation on temperature are described by the Arrhenius dependence.
Factors associated sarcopenia and frailty in hemodialysis patients with chronic kidney disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Suz-Fan , Lin Chun-Chih , Hwang Su-Lun , Han Chin-Yen , Huang Ya-Ling , Chen Li-Chin
Published: August 2023

The study investigated the relationships between sarcopenia, frailty, and related factors in hemodialysis patients with chronic kidney disease. A prospective cross-sectional study with convenience sampling was conducted between August 2021 and February 2022 at a hospital-affiliated hemodialysis center. Ninety-six hemodialysis patients participated in the study. Quantitative data were collected with structured interviews. Sarcopenia was determined with a rapid screening tool. Frailty was determined with the Rockwood clinical frailty score. Descriptive analysis, Person Correlations, and Linear regression analysis were used to evaluate the associations between frailty, sarcopenia, and health-related factors in hemodialysis patients. The mean age of the participants was 65.4 11.5 years, with an average of 95.0 77.5 months of hemodialysis. The most common comorbidity was hypertension (72.9%), followed by diabetes mellitus (39.6%) and cardiovascular health problems (35.4%). A significant difference in frailty between sarcopenia patients and a healthy population (X2 =9.51, p <.001) was identified. There was a strong negative correlation (r= −.853, p<.001) between sarcopenia and frailty, while moderate correlations between sarcopenia and frailty in sarcopenia patients (r= −.66, p<.001) and a healthy population (r= −.58, p<.001) were observed. Age, body weight before dialysis, and hand grip strength were found to be potential predictors of sarcopenia and frailty. Left calf circumference was significantly associated with sarcopenia (ß= −.128, p = .049). Age, body weight before dialysis, and hand grip strength are potential predictors of sarcopenia and frailty in hemodialysis patients with chronic kidney disease. Comorbidities, which may be preventable, are common in this population.
Searching for Possible Design Solutions to Extend the Service Life of the HPC of a Powerful NPP Turbine after Damage to the Rotor Blades
Authors: Usatyi Oleksandr , Chernousenko Olga , Peshko Vitalii
Published: August 2023

The aim of this research was to analyze and evaluate possible design solutions for the flow path of the high-pressure cylinder (HPC) of the K-1000-60/3000 turbine and the possibility of their short-term implementation in a nuclear power plant after an accidental destruction of the working blades of the last stage of the HPC in conditions of the shortage of generating capacities and a tense operation state of the power system. To achieve the set goals, an appropriate methodology was developed; a mathematical model of thermo-and gas dynamic processes in the flow path of a steam turbine was improved. To make appropriate decisions on changing the design of the turbine, the necessary computational studies of the HPC of the K-1000-60/3000 turbine of the designed structure, the structure without rotor blades of the 5th stage and the structure with four first stages (without the fifth stage) were carried out for both turbine steam flows. The results of the study of thermo- and gas dynamic parameters of the flow showed the presence of differences in the operating conditions of all turbine stages, and these are the most significant for the 4th and 5th stages. A significant redistribution of thermal differences in the stages, and a decrease in the internal power of the HPC of the turbine by 35.5 MW and 6.6 MW respectively, as well as a decrease in their internal efficiency by 11.8 % and 2.1 %, respectively, were noted. Taking into account all the aspects related to the operation of the power unit, the most successful solution for the rapid resumption of operation of a powerful turbine plant used by a nuclear power plant after an accidental damage to the working blades is a HPC design without the working blades of the fifth stage. It is planned to carry out additional studies of the HPC design by replacing the nozzle apparatus of the fifth stage with an appropriate simulator.
The Method of Determining Total Losses in the Nozzle Cascades of Turbomachines
Authors: Lapuzin Alexander , Subotovich Valery , Yudin Yuriy , Naumenko Svetlana
Published: August 2023

To assess the level of aerodynamic efficiency of the nozzle cascades of steam and gas turbines, the method was suggested to determine the total loss coefficient instead of kinetic energy loss coefficient that takes into account both kinetic energy losses and kinematic losses. This method allows us to transform the original non-uniform spatial flow behind the cascade into an axisymmetric cylindrical flow. In the tested annular cascade with cylindrical meridional boundaries, the total loss coefficient is approximately 0.02 higher than the kinetic energy loss coefficient. By taking into account kinematic losses when performing thermal calculations for the turbines we eliminate the need for an unjustified correction of the kinetic energy loss coefficient of the nozzle cascade by 0.01–0.03, increasing thus the accuracy of calculations. To analyze the operation of individual sections of the nozzle cascade and to determine the relationship between kinetic energy losses and kinematic losses, it is advisable to use the averaging method proposed in 2021 that enables the transformation of the initial non-uniform spatial flow behind the cascade into an axisymmetric conical flow. The aerodynamic characteristics of this flow are the widely used kinetic energy loss factor and two averaged flow angles.
PENGARUH PENGGUNAAN MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN KOMIK DIGITAL TERHADAP MOTIVASI DAN PRESTASI MAHASISWA JURUSAN ILMU KOMUNIKASI
Authors: Rohmah Nurul , Anom Erman
Published: August 2023

Sesuai dengan kemajuan teknologi bahan ajar dapat berupa non cetak. artinya potensi teknologi dapat menjadi alat yang ampuh untuk menstraformasikan pembelajaran. Alat penyampaian informasi inilah yang disebut dengan media pembelajaran. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan dengan tujuan untuk mengetahui seberapa besar pengaruh media pembelajaran komik terhadap motivasi    dan prestasi. Metode penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian survei. Dalam hasil penelitian dimaksudkan untuk memberikan gambaran umum mengenai penyebaran/distribusi data. Data dari motivasi mahasiswa diperoleh berdasarkan hasil angket/kuesioner. Angket terdiri dari 40 butir. Untuk menentukan uji penelitian validitas besarnya nilai r tabel dengan ketentuan df= (N-2) = 119 – 2 = 117 dengan tingkat signifikansinya 0,1801. Hasil analisis menunjukan 34 item pernyataan valid dan 6 item tidak valid. Hasil uji reliabilitas dengan metode alpha croanbach diukur dari SPSS 25.0 maka dari itu hasil penelitian memiliki hubungan kuat dengan nilai 0,717. Analisis regresi linear digunakan untuk menguji pengaruh variabel bebas dan variabel terikat. Jika nilai pada kolom sig =0,00 lebih kecil dari 0,05 artinya variabel X berpengaruh terhadap variabel Y. Jika nilai t hitung Y1= 3,962 > 1,980, siginifikasi variabel motivasi terhadap variabel artinya variabel motivasi berpengaruh siginifikan terhadap motivasi. Sedangkan nilai koefisien regrasi variabel prestasi Y2 adalah t hitung sebesar 5,758 dengan t tabel 1,980, siginifikasi variabel prestasi yang artinya variabel prestasi berpengaruh. Diketahui nilai sign 0,000 < 0,05 dan nilai f hitung 37,094 > 3,07, sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa hipotesis diterima berarti dapat pengaruh antara variabel X1 terhadap Y1 dan Y2. Nilai R Square 0,390 atau 39,0% yang menunjukan bahwa terdapat pengaruh yang simultan antara variabel X1 terhadap Y1 dan Y2 sebesar 39,0% . Hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa sebagian besar mahasiswa di Fakultas Ilmu Komunikasi Universitas Ibnu Chaldun memiliki motivasi dan prestasi yang tinggi dengan nilai validitas yang dominan dengan signifikansinya 0,1801 dan memiliki nilai interprestasi koefisien korelasi tingkat yang kuat.
Investigation of Heat and Mass Transfer in the Process of Fuel Preparation from Biomass Particles with High Moisture
Authors: Mitrofanov A. V. , Kolibaba O. B. , Gabitov R. N. , Dolinin D. A. , Vasilevich S. V.
Published: August 2023

Currently, in a number of countries an urgent task for development of fuel and energy complexes is to increase the share of generation by involving solid fuels in circulation. Among such projects, those that allow the disposal of waste from various industries are particularly significant. Expired food products in this context are represented as a renewable local energy resource. However, such products require serious activities to prepare them for incineration or other type of high-temperature processing in order to obtain energy. The purpose of the present work is to improve methods of preparing fuel from recycled carrot fruits (unsuitable for use in the food sector). During the fuel preparation of carrots, the drying stage is limiting for the rational organization of its processing in boilers. In addition, the drying stage is extremely energy-consuming, so reliable prediction of its kinetics largely determines the efficiency of the entire technological process. In the course of the study, the following tasks were solved: a numerical method was developed for describing the processes of internal and external heat and mass transfer problems using an explicit difference approximation of differential equations of heat and mass transfer; parametric identification of the proposed one-dimensional mathematical model was performed using empirical dependencies known from literature sources; empirical verification of the proposed mathematical model was carried out by comparing the calculated forecasts obtained with the results of their own field experiments. The fact that the proposed mathematical model and the results of the full-scale experiment are independent, while the calculated forecasts and experimental data are in good agreement, makes us possible to consider the proposed calculation method as a reliable scientific basis for a computer method for calculating of heat and mass transfer processes when organizing the preparation of fuel from carrot fruits.
A study of the workers’ working conditions in areas of the manufacture castings from copper alloys
Authors: Lazarenkov A. M. , Ivanov I. A. , Sadokha M. A.
Published: August 2023

The results of the study of workers working conditions at the areas of the manufacture of castings from copper alloys are presented. It is noted that the main production factors of working conditions are noise, vibration, dustiness, gas contamination, temperature, intensity of infrared (thermal) radiation, severity and labor process intensity. The results have shown that at all workplaces there are exceedances of permissible values for noise and local vibration, the content of dust and harmful substances in the air of the working environment, the intensity of infrared (thermal) radiation and temperature. It is noted that the work performed due to the severity and labor process intensity can negatively affect the workers’ health.
Annealing of work pieces of hypereutectoid grades of steels
Authors: Pankovets I. A. , Puteev V. S.
Published: August 2023

The process of heat treatment (homogenization) of workpieces before rolling has been developed, the homogenization annealing of hypereutectoid grades of steels in rolling production has been improved. Because of the improvement, it was possible to combine the process of heating to the temperature of plastic deformation and the process of homogenization of workpieces. In particular, the optimal mode of heating and holding at certain temperatures in a pass‑through heating furnace was determined in order to reduce the carbide heterogeneity (liquation) of steel and reduce costs. Homogenization is a technological process carried out over a two‑ or multiphase system, during which the degree of heterogeneity of the distribution of carbide phases over the volume of a heterophase system decreases.
The influence of the source material and the method of forming the object by layer-by-layer synthesis on the structure of the resulting product
Authors: Fedosenko A. S. , Lovshenko F. G.
Published: August 2023

The article presents the studies’ results aimed at structure and properties learning of steel samples obtained by layer‑by‑layer application of structural material in the form of powder and wire. The ways that allow controlling the grain size in the formed products are given. It is shown that the structural products grinding manufactured by selective laser fusion can be achieved using powders obtained by reaction mechanical alloying and products formed by plasma and arc surfacing – by optimizing the conditions for applying layers.
Methodology for Determining the Effective Thickness of the Cemented Layer of Steel
Authors: Sandomirski S. G. , Val’ko A. L. , Rudenko S. P.
Published: August 2023

Highly loaded transmission gears are cemented and hardened. An important parameter of the hardened cemented layer is its effective thickness hef . Metal banding and the unavoidable instrumental error in hardness measuring have a great influence on the reliability of hef determination. The purpose of this article was to develop a methodology to improve the reliability of determining of the effective thickness hef of the hardened layer in steel after carburizing and quenching.

The value of hef is the distance h from the surface of the product to the hardness zone of 50 HRC. The article substantiates that approximation of hardness change from the distance h to the product surface will allow to obtain a more reliable dependence of hardness change in the investigated area when making hardness measurements in a wider range of distance h. Therefore, to increase the reliability of hef determination, results of the HV0.5 hardness measurement in an extended range of changes in h in the vicinity of the analyzed zone were used. The HV0.5 measurement results are converted to HRC hardness values using the formula recommended by the international standard. The HRC(h) distribution of HRC hardness values in the measurement area is interpolated by a second-degree polynomial which physically correctly reflects the change in metal hardness in the analyzed area. The resulting polynomial is used to determine of the distance hef at which the hardness takes on a value of 50 HRC. The methodology was used to determine the hef of an 18KhGT steel gear wheel after carburizing and quenching. It is shown that results of two independent measurements of the hef sample differ from each other by 0.003 mm. This is significantly less than the permissible error of 0.02 mm of the hef determination according to the standard technique. The error of hef determination is reduced by extending the range of variation of h and statistically valid interpolation of the monotonic change in hardness with the distance from the surface of the item in the measurement area. The developed method of determining the effective thickness hef of the hardened steel layer consists in determining the distribution of its hardness in the expanded vicinity of the hef area, approximating the obtained dependence by a polynomial of the second degree and solving the square equation obtained with its use. The technique provides a significant reduction in the influence of the structural banding of the metal and the inevitable error in measuring hardness on the result of determining the hef . Its application will allow to optimize the cementation regimes of gear wheels to increase their service life.
Physician's conceptions of the decision-making process when managing febrile infants ≤60 days old: a phenomenographic qualitative study
Authors: Orfanos Ioannis , Lindkvist Rose-Marie , Eklund Erik A , Elfving Kristina , Alfvén Tobias , Koning Tom J , Castor Charlotte
Published: August 2023

Background
The management of febrile infants aged ≤ 60 days and adherence to guidelines vary greatly. Our objective was to describe the process of decision-making when managing febrile infants aged ≤ 60 days and to describe the factors that influenced this decision.
Methods
We conducted 6 focus group discussions with 19 clinically active physicians in the pediatric emergency departments of 2 university hospitals in Skåne region, Sweden. We followed an inductive qualitative design, using a phenomenological approach. A second-order perspective was used, focusing on how physicians perceived the phenomenon (managing fever in infants) rather than the phenomenon itself. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using a 7-step approach.
Results
Performing a lumbar puncture (LP) was conceived as a complex, emotionally and mentally laden procedure and dominated the group discussions. Three central categories emerged as factors that influenced the decision-making process on whether to perform an LP: 1) a possible focus of infection that could explain the origin of the fever, 2) questioning whether the temperature at home reported by the parents was a fever, especially if it was ≤ 38.2°C, and 3) the infant’s general condition and questioning the need for LP in case of well-appearing infants. Around these 3 central categories evolved 6 secondary categories that influenced the decision-making process of whether to perform an LP or not: 1) the physicians’ desire to be able to trust their judgement, 2) fearing the risk of failure, 3) avoiding burdensome work, 4) taking others into account, 5) balancing guidelines and resources, and 6) seeing a need to practice and learn to perform LP.
Conclusions
The difficulty and emotional load of performing an LP were important factors that influenced the decision-making process regarding whether to perform an LP. Physicians highlighted the importance of being able to rely on their clinical judgment and make independent decisions. Guidelines may consider allowing a degree of flexibility and independent thinking to take into account patients’ characteristics and needs.
Assessing Anaerobic Speed Reserve: A Systematic Review on the Validity and Reliability of Methods to Determine Maximal Aerobic Speed and Maximal Sprinting Speed in Running-based Sports
Authors: Thron Maximiliane , Düking Peter , Ruf Ludwig , Härtel Sascha , Woll Alexander , Altmann Stefan
Published: August 2023

Purpose.Locomotor profiling using anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) enables insights into athletes’ physiological and neuromuscular contributing factors and prescription of high-intensity training beyond maximal aerobic speed (MAS). Several methods have been developed to assess characteristics of ASR, i.e., methods to assess MAS and maximal sprinting speed (MSS). This systematic review aimed to determine the validity and reliability of different methods to assess MAS and MSS in running-based sports.
Methods. A comprehensive search of the PubMed and Web of Science databases was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they reported data on validity and/or reliability for methods to assess MAS or MSS.
Results. 58 studies were included with 28 studies referring to MAS and 30 studies to MSS. Regarding MAS, cardio-pulmonary exercise testing (CPET; n=19), time trials (n=20), incremental continuous field tests (n=12) and shuttle runs (n=10) were examined. Different methods for CPET yielded different values (four out of seven studies) of MAS (Cohen’s d (ES)=0.83–2.8; Pearson’s r/intraclass correlation coefficient (r/ICC)=0.46–0.85). Criterion validity (against CPET) of different field tests showed heterogeneous results (ES=0–3.57; r/ICC=0.40–0.96). Intraday and interday reliability was mostly acceptable for the investigated methods (ICC/r>0.76; CV<16.9%). The studied methods to assess MSS included global or local positioning systems (GPS; LPS) (n=18), timing gates (n=8), radar/laser (n=3), treadmills (n=2), and video analysis (n=2). Radar and laser measurements (one out of one studies), timing gates (two out of two studies), and video analysis showed mostly good criterion validity (two out of two studies) (ES=0.02–0.53; r/ICC=0.93–0.98) and reliability (r/ICC>0.83; CV<2.43%). Criterion validity (ES=0.02–7.11) and reliability (r/ICC=0.14–0.97; CV=0.7–9.77%) for GPS or LPS (seven out of nine studies) and treadmill sprinting (one out of one studies) was not acceptable in most studies.
Conclusion. The criterion validity of incremental field tests or shuttle runs to examine MAS cannot be confirmed. Results on time trials indicate that distances adapted to the participants’ sporting background, fitness, or sex might be suitable to estimate MAS. Regarding MSS, only sprints with radar or laser measures, timing gates, or video analysis provide valid and reliable results for linear sprints of 20 to 50 m.
Measurement-Based Methane Inventory for Upstream Oil and Gas Production in Alberta, Canada Reveals Higher Emissions and Starkly Different Sources than Official Estimates
Authors: Conrad Bradley , Tyner David , Li Hugh , Xie Donglai , Johnson Matthew
Published: August 2023

As a signatory of the Global Methane Pledge, Canada has committed to > 75% reductions in oil and gas sector methane emissions by 2030. Regulations are being developed to meet this critical objective, but are hampered by uncertainty in true levels of emissions and source breakdowns. This paper presents a measurement-based, source-resolved, hybrid top-down/bottom-up methane inventory for conventional upstream oil and gas operations in Canada’s largest oil and gas-producing province, Alberta. The derived 2021 inventory of 1338 kt/y is approximately 1.8× the most recent official federal inventory and matches independent top-down aerial mass-balance and satellite estimates within measurement uncertainties. Moreover, the breakdown of major sources is starkly different from those assumed in the federal inventory, with venting (e.g., uncontrolled tanks, pneumatics, unlit flares) responsible for almost two-thirds of emissions implying important opportunities for mitigation. Derived methane intensities are similar to basins in the U.S.A. but approximately 4× those in the neighbouring province of British Columbia. Quantified methane intensities of individual anonymized companies reveal order-of-magnitude differences in performance at directly comparable facility types, highlighting the need for independent monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) to ensure collective success in reducing emissions.
Effective transformation of wild tomato species Solanum pimpinellifolium mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Authors: Xu Maomao , Liu Jiecai , Li Xin , Liu Lei , Huang Zejun , Wang Xiaoxuan , Guo Yanmei , Du Yongchen , Zhang Hui , Su Wenyue , Zhang Min , Chen Yisong , Li Junming , Gao Jie
Published: August 2023

Genetic transformation has become a routine method for understanding the growth and development of crops and promoting sustainable agricultural production. The standard transformation methodology for tomato crops, as a model plant, has been extensively established. However, most studies have focused on tomato cultivars with typical genotypes, while less information is known about wild species that have the potential for crop improvement. This study aimed to construct an effective transformation system for the wild species Solanum pimpinellifoliumbased on a routine method.The results indicate that the addition of acetosyringone promotes shoot regeneration in the wild species S. pimpinellifolium. A reduced IAA content along with an appropriate Zeatin level plays a key role in improving regeneration efficiency. Using a lower bacterial solution (OD600 = 0.25) and a shorter infestation time (15 minutes) may also benefit the regeneration efficiency. Although the transformation of S. pimpinellifolium has shown genotype dependence, a medium named B2 in this study shows potential for broad applicability in the wild species S. pimpinellifolium. The findings from this study will contribute to the understanding of wild species and their potential role in tomato improvement.
Implementing H-shaped Antenna for Ku-band Applications by Multilayer Perceptron with Reptile Search Algorithm
Authors: Kumar Jakkuluri Vijaya , Shaby S.Maflin
Published: August 2023

In many applications such as aerospace systems, satellites, mobile radar, and other wireless applications, the Microstrip patch antenna (MPA) plays an important role due to its properties like simplicity, lightweight, low cost of production, and compact structure. Low gain, narrow frequency bandwidth, and high return loss are the shortcomings in the existing microstrip patch antenna (MPA) design approaches. Moreover, the developed models of the antenna are hard to design and larger in size. The antenna's geometrical specifications should be optimized to address this problem. In the proposed approach Reptile Search Algorithm (RSA) based Multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network is employed to design the H-shaped antenna for Ku-band applications. The multilayer perceptron neural network is employed to calculate the fitness value of the RSA. To train the MLP neural network, the dataset is generated using MATLAB software that contains values of the substrate height, dielectric constant, length of the patch, resonant frequency, width of the patch as the input parameters, and the values of gain and return loss as the output parameters. The performance of the optimally designed antenna with the proposed approach is evaluated in terms of the radiation pattern, return loss, Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR), gain, computation time, directivity, and convergence speed. The experimental and simulation results of the proposed approach show better performance with 8.89 dB gain, -33.06 dB return loss, and 1.07 VSWR.
Contactless exercise intervention in prenatal and postnatal period during COVID-19 lowers the risk of postpartum depression
Authors: Hwang Dong-Joo , Cho Joon-Yong , Hyun Ah-Hyun
Published: August 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial adverse impact on the physical and mental health of pregnant and postpartum women, thereby increasing the risk of postpartum depression (PPD). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a continuous contactless exercise intervention in reducing the risk of PPD during the prenatal and postnatal periods. The study utilized a real-time contactless exercise program consisting of Pilates for eight weeks during pregnancy and eight weeks after childbirth. Metabolic and psychological factors related to PPD, including pain, stress, and stress-response markers, were analyzed. The results showed that the exercise intervention significantly alleviated PPD by improving pain and stress factors caused by physical structural imbalances in postpartum women. Additionally, the intervention improved the metabolic imbalances commonly observed after childbirth, including reductions in triglyceride (TG), insulin, leptin, and cortisol levels, which are recognized risk factors for PPD. Taken together, these findings suggest that contactless online exercise interventions can mitigate postpartum depression by addressing metabolic dysregulation that frequently occurs after delivery, especially in situations of social isolation caused by the pandemic.