bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering Students’ Perception on Self-Efficacy in Pre and Post Pandemic Phase
Authors: Viegas Clara , Lima Natércia , Costa Alexandra R.
Published: June 2023

During 2020 and 2021, the world experienced a global change in everyone’s daily lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students were confined in their homes but, luckily, had access to online classes. This study aims to assess the changes in self-efficacy perceived by engineering students in a school in Portugal. By helping to understand how students have changed their learning capacities, developed new strategies, and/or need more (or different) support to learn, teachers can target their teaching methods accordingly and contribute to a more sustainable education. A questionnaire was constructed and validated to assess students’ perceptions before and after the associated lockdowns. Five theoretically supported factors emerged from a statistical factor analysis: Communication and Empathy; Focus and Personal Organization; Teamwork and Individual Work Capacity; Technical and Cognitive Resources Management; and Emotional Resources Management. This work shows students’ percept that they improved their teamwork and individual work capacity and their technical and cognitive resources management. In general, students seem to have been able to be more autonomous as they managed to work and develop their cognitive resources; however, their emotional state and ability to focus decreased. Perceived self-efficacy was less affected in older students than in younger ones, suggesting that this group may have adapted better to the pandemic restrictions. Students who were already at university showed less impact than those moving from high school to university. There was also a difference between those who endured these changes at only one level of education and those who endured them at both levels (high school and university), with this last group being the most negatively affected.
Linking Geoheritage or Geosite Assessment Results with Geotourism Potential and Development: A Literature Review
Authors: Štrba Ľubomír , Vravcová Andrea , Podoláková Michaela , Varcholová Lenka , Kršák Branislav
Published: June 2023

Geotourism is sustainable tourism form which is primarily based on the existence of geoheritage. Many research studies have been devoted to assessing geoheritage in last two decades, from various perspectives. Depending on the assessment methods and results, authors of such studies often refer to potential geotourism development based on specific geoheritage values. This paper, based on a study and analysis of relevant literature retrieved from WoS and Scopus databases, focuses on assessment criteria and their relevance to geotourism development for the general public. The results show that the absolute majority of assessment methods are probably of high importance for experts. However, in terms of effective application of the assessment results to sustainable geotourism development, different criteria should be used, including visual attractiveness, uniqueness, accessibility, safety, and the possibility of gaining knowledge. In this regard, extensive research is required on how geoheritage and its interpretation appeal to visitors, especially among the lay public.
Study on Vertical Load Distribution of Pile Group–Liquefied Soil System under Horizontal Seismic Environment
Authors: Huang Zhanfang , Bai Lichao , Su Tian , Bai Xiaohong , Zheng Junjie , Liu Yongqiang
Published: June 2023

The dynamic responses of pile–liquefied composite soils are complex, and the bearing capacities of single piles or pile groups in liquefiable soils remain unclear. For friction piles, the friction resistance determines the vertical bearing capacity of the pile. In a pile–soil system, it is very important to study the friction resistance changes in the pile during vibration. Based on a shaking table test, this study investigated the vertical bearing capacity of a pile foundation–liquefied soil system under simulated horizontal seismic forces, using the MIDAS GTS software. The load borne by the top of the pile was studied under a horizontal earthquake with a certain vertical load, different pile spacings, and different vibration times, along with the cumulative coefficient CCPF of the pile side friction. The distributions of the CCPF along the pile body of a single pile and pile groups with different pile spacings were analyzed at different vibration times. It was found that the CCPF intuitively reflected the distribution law of the pile side friction during vibration. When the CCPF at the bottom of the pile was equal to 1, the load on the top of the pile was equal to the average value of the total load. When the CCPF at the bottom of the pile was less than 1, the load on the top of the pile was less than the average value of the total load. When the CCPF at the bottom of the pile was greater than 1, the load on the top of the pile was greater than the average of the total load.
The Influence of the Information System Success Model and Theory of Planned Behavior on the Zoom Application Used by Elementary Education Teachers
Authors: Alismail Halah Ahmed
Published: June 2023

The study uses the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Influence of Information System Success to understand how users respond to the technology used for teaching and learning. The study intends to look at the relationship between the Information System Success model and Theory of Planned Behavior variables on utilizing the Zoom application by elementary education teachers, as well as how teachers’ satisfaction and intention to use technology affect the usage of technology. The primary approach for gathering data involved distributing the Influence of Information System Success model and Theory of Planned Behavior theories questionnaire survey to teachers in elementary education. A total of 219 elementary school teachers in Saudi Arabia who prepared for their online classes participated in the survey for this research. According to the study’s findings, behavioral intentions for using Zoom for educational purposes and user satisfaction have a strong positive association. Additionally, there is a strong association between other variables and users’ intention to use and satisfaction with the product (i.e., perceived technology fit, educational system quality, information quality, attitude towards using Zoom in elementary education, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norm). The findings also show that data points are favorably connected with the teachers’ satisfaction and intention for using the Zoom factors of the Information System Success model and Theory of Planned Behavior theories, despite the fact that there is no connection between both the attitudes towards utilizing Zoom and the behavioral intention to use Zoom for teaching elementary education students.
Insurtech, Proptech, and Fintech Environment: Sustainability, Global Trends and Opportunities
Authors: Cruz Rambaud Salvador , López Pascual Joaquín
Published: June 2023

The Special Issue “Insurtech, Proptech, and Fintech Environment: Sustainability, Global Trends and Opportunities” is focused on the InsurTech, PropTech, and FinTech environments [...]
Evaluation of Conventional and Mechanization Methods towards Precision Agriculture in Indonesia
Authors: Herdiansyah Herdis , Antriyandarti Ernoiz , Rosyada Amrina , Arista Nor Isnaeni Dwi , Soesilo Tri Edhi Budhi , Ernawati Ninin
Published: June 2023

Food security is a major concern in many countries, including Indonesia. Land productivity has decreased due to shrinking agricultural land, global warming, and land degradation. Precision agriculture (PA) empowers people to use agricultural technology to increase productivity. Therefore, this study aims to examine PA from adopting agricultural machinery. The method used in time series analysis is pooled least squares (PLS). The results show that the transition from conventional methods to using mechanized tools, especially tractors, significantly (at a sig level of 1%) affects rice production in Indonesian rice centers. These results form the basis that Indonesian rice farmers are enthusiastic about various technologies, so the opportunities for PA are significant. However, the gap between PA research in Indonesia and developed countries needs attention, and research collaboration can be a solution. From a practical standpoint, PA integrated with the internet is challenging for Indonesian farmers. Therefore, empowering farmers through various synergy mechanisms is proposed in this study.
Tourists’ Motivation in Wetland Destinations: Gornje Podunavlje Special Nature Reserve Case Study (Mura-Drava-Danube Transboundary Biosphere Reserve)
Authors: Stojanović Vladimir , Mijatov Ladičorbić Maja , Dragin Aleksandra S. , Cimbaljević Marija , Obradović Sanja , Dolinaj Dragan , Jovanović Tamara , Ivkov-Džigurski Anđelija , Dunjić Jelena , Nedeljković Knežević Milena , Marković Vladimir
Published: June 2023

The main objectives of this research were twofold: firstly, to evaluate tourists’ perception of Gornje Podunavlje Special Nature Reserve, one of the four significant protected areas within the Serbian part of Mura-Drava-Danube Biosphere Reserve, and secondly, to identify the motivations behind tourists’ visits to wetlands and their overall satisfaction with the visits. In addition, this study was also focused on the relationships between aforementioned constructs and tourists’ socio-demographic characteristics and visit characteristics. Finally, this study attempts to address the relationships between tourists’ motives for their visit, their image perception and satisfaction. The research findings showed that each of the three remaining factors had significant relationships with Satisfaction and experience. The research was conducted in the form of the survey in the period between May 2020 and April 2022 on the sample of 216 visitors. The research findings showed that each of three remaining factors had significant relationships with Satisfaction and experience. Relationships are also found between identified improvement requirements, Motivation for spending time particularly in wetlands, and perceived biodiversity image. Finally, there are significant relationships between duration of the visit with Satisfaction and experience and Motivation for spending time in nature and future behavior. Practical implications of the research results might be beneficial for managers of wetland destinations, in order to improve the offer in line with tourists’ preferences.
The Relationship between Democracy and Economic Growth in the Path of Sustainable Development
Authors: Mohammadi Hosein , Boccia Flavio , Tohidi Amirhossein
Published: June 2023

Democracy has both a direct and an indirect relationship with sustainable development. Democracy is related to the movement toward long-term economic development directly, and indirectly, democracy can provide the means to create the institutional structures needed to create links between the political systems, the culture of participation, and the social values of a society. Since economic development is a multidimensional concept and one of its primary requirements is to achieve a high level of income and appropriate economic growth, knowing the relationship between democracy and economic growth is especially important for policymakers. Many important questions are raised about the relationship between democracy and economic performance. What is the relationship between democracy and economic growth? Is this relationship different in developed countries and developing countries? Considering the effects of democracy and economic growth on the welfare of communities, the main purpose of this study was to investigate the causal relationship between democracy and economic growth from 1990–2020 for the OECD and selected developing countries. The results showed that the conflict and skeptical hypotheses had been established in OECD and developing countries, respectively. It was concluded that the pattern of economic growth and development in OECD countries differed from that in developing countries. For OECD countries, real per capita GDP growth was mainly affected by previous per capita GDP growth, and the effect of democracy on per capita economic growth was negative. Moreover, the results indicated that in developing countries, democracy alone had not triggered economic growth and that real per capita GDP growth depended on other important structural variables such as social and physical infrastructure.
Thin Luminous Tracks of Particles Released from Electrodes with A Small Radius of Curvature in Pulsed Nanosecond Discharges in Air and Argon
Authors: Tarasenko Victor F. , Beloplotov Dmitry V. , Panchenko Alexei N. , Sorokin Dmitry A.
Published: June 2023

Features of the nanosecond discharge development in a non-uniform electric field are studied experimentally. High spatial resolution imaging showed that thin luminous tracks of great length with a cross-section of a few microns are observed against the background of discharge glow in air and argon. It has been established that the detected tracks are adjacent to brightly luminous white spots on the electrodes or in the vicinity of these spots, and are associated with the flight of small particles. It is shown that the tracks have various shapes and change from pulse to pulse. The particle tracks may look like curvy or straight lines. In some photos, they can change their direction of movement to the opposite. It was found that the particle’s track abruptly breaks and a bright flash is visible at the break point. The color of the tracks differs from that of the spark leaders, while the bands of the second positive nitrogen system dominate in the plasma emission spectra during the existence of a diffuse discharge. Areas of blue light are visible near the electrodes as well. The development of glow and thin luminous tracks in the gap during its breakdown is revealed using an ICCD camera. Physical reasons for the observed phenomena are discussed.
High-Resolution Magic Angle Spinning (HRMAS) NMR Identifies Oxidative Stress and Impairment of Energy Metabolism by Zearalenone in Embryonic Stages of Zebrafish (Danio rerio), Olive Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) and Yellowtail Snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus)
Authors: Annunziato Mark , Bashirova Narmin , Eeza Muhamed N. H. , Lawson Ariel , Benetti Daniel , Stieglitz John D. , Matysik Jörg , Alia A. , Berry John P.
Published: June 2023

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a mycotoxin, commonly found in agricultural products, linked to adverse health impacts in humans and livestock. However, less is known regarding effects on fish as both ecological receptors and economically relevant “receptors” through contamination of aquaculture feeds. In the present study, a metabolomics approach utilizing high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (HRMAS NMR) was applied to intact embryos of zebrafish (Danio rerio), and two marine fish species, olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) and yellowtail snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus), to investigate the biochemical pathways altered by ZEA exposure. Following the assessment of embryotoxicity, metabolic profiling of embryos exposed to sub-lethal concentrations showed significant overlap between the three species and, specifically, identified metabolites linked to hepatocytes, oxidative stress, membrane disruption, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired energy metabolism. These findings were further supported by analyses of tissue-specific production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipidomics profiling and enabled an integrated model of ZEA toxicity in the early life stages of marine and freshwater fish species. The metabolic pathways and targets identified may, furthermore, serve as potential biomarkers for monitoring ZEA exposure and effects in fish in relation to ecotoxicology and aquaculture.
The Association between Influenza Vaccine and Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease/Dialysis in Patients with Hypertension
Authors: Hao Wen-Rui , Yang Tsung-Lin , Lai Yu-Hsin , Lin Kuan-Jie , Fang Yu-Ann , Chen Ming-Yao , Hsu Min-Huei , Chiu Chun-Chih , Yang Tsung-Yeh , Chen Chun-Chao , Liu Ju-Chi
Published: June 2023

Backgrounds: Influenza vaccination could decrease the risk of major cardiac events in patients with hypertension. However, the vaccine’s effects on decreasing the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) development in such patients remain unclear. Methods: We retrospectively analysed the data of 37,117 patients with hypertension (≥55 years old) from the National Health Insurance Research Database during 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2012. After a 1:1 propensity score matching by the year of diagnosis, we divided the patients into vaccinated (n = 15,961) and unvaccinated groups (n = 21,156). Results: In vaccinated group, significantly higher prevalence of comorbidities such as diabetes, cerebrovascular disease, dyslipidemia, heart and liver disease were observed compared with unvaccinated group. After adjusting age, sex, comorbidities, medications (anti-hypertensive agents, metformin, aspirin and statin), level of urbanization and monthly incomes, significantly lower risk of CKD occurrence was observed among vaccinated patients in influenza season, non-influenza season and all season (Adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 0.39, 95% confidence level [C.I.]: 0.33–0.46; 0.38, 95% C.I.: 0.31–0.45; 0.38, 95% C.I.: 0.34–0.44, respectively). The risk of hemodialysis significantly decreased after vaccination (aHR: 0.40, 95% C.I.: 0.30–0.53; 0.42, 95% C.I.: 0.31–0.57; 0.41, 95% C.I.: 0.33–0.51, during influenza season, non-influenza season and all season). In sensitivity analysis, patients with different sex, elder and non-elder age, with or without comorbidities and with or without medications had significant decreased risk of CKD occurrence and underwent hemodialysis after vaccination. Moreover, the potential protective effect appeared to be dose-dependent. Conclusions: Influenza vaccination decreases the risk of CKD among patients with hypertension and also decrease the risk of receiving renal replacement therapy. Its potential protective effects are dose-dependent and persist during both influenza and noninfluenza seasons.
Clinical Outcomes in Dogs Undergoing Cholecystectomy via a Transverse Incision: A Meta−Analysis of 121 Animals Treated between 2011 and 2021
Authors: Chae Hyung-Kyu , Jeong Ju-Yeon , Lee Se-Yoon , Hwang Hyun-Min , Shin Kyoung-In , Park Jung-Hoon , Ji Seo-Yeoun , Hong Yeon-Jung
Published: June 2023

Although many studies have been conducted on the use of median and transverse incisions in various surgeries in the field of human medicine, related studies in veterinary medicine are lacking. This study aimed to present treatment options for dogs requiring cholecystectomy by reporting the pros and cons of 121 cholecystectomies performed via transverse incision at our hospital over 10 years. In most included cases, nonelective cholecystectomy was performed in an unstable emergency situation. The perioperative mortality rate was 23.14%, which was not significantly different from that of cholecystectomy performed via the conventional midline approach. However, the overall operation time (46.24 ± 6.13 min; range 35–65 min) was shortened by securing an adequate surgical field of view. The transverse incision approach facilitates fast and accurate surgery without increasing the fatality rate in small-breed dogs, in whom securing an adequate surgical field of view is difficult. Thus, transverse incision should be actively considered in dogs undergoing cholecystectomy due to emergency conditions, such as bile leakage or biliary tract obstruction, since prolonged anesthesia can be burdensome. This study may improve cholecystectomy outcomes in small-breed dogs with difficult-to-secure surgical fields.
Optimization of Subsurface Drip Irrigation Schedule of Alfalfa in Northwest China
Authors: Zheng Hexiang , Wang Biyu , Cao Xuesong , Wu Jiabin , Yan Haofang , Tian Delong
Published: June 2023

Determination of an optimum irrigation amount and buried depth of subsurface drip irrigation laterals is significantly important in improving crop yield and irrigation water using efficiency in arid regions. In this study, the effects of three irrigation volumes (15.0, 22.5 and 30.0 mm) and three burial depths (10, 20 and 30 cm) of drip laterals on water consumption, yield and water productivity of alfalfa were investigated in a field trial. The water balance equation and FAO-56 crop coefficient methods were applied to determine the evapotranspiration of alfalfa. The results showed that the alfalfa evapotranspiration estimated by the dual crop coefficient method was closer to the actual measured values. The alfalfa water consumption, yield and water productivity increased significantly (p < 0.01) with the increase in irrigation amount, but the increasing trend turned to decrease (p < 0.05) with the increase of the buried depth of the drip irrigation laterals. During the whole growing period of alfalfa, the total water consumption ranged from 400 to 500 mm, the total yield ranged from 7500 to 12,000 kg/hm2 and the water productivity was 1.80 to 2.50 kg/m3. An optimized irrigation amount of 22.5 to 30.0 mm for an irrigation event with a frequency of 5 to 7 days using buried drip irrigation with an irrigation lateral depth of 20 cm was recommended for alfalfa in the study area.
Mixed Linear Model of a Safety Dispatch Model in an Active Distribution Network for Source–Grid–Load Interactions
Authors: Jiang Peng , Dong Jun , Zhu Yuan
Published: June 2023

There are a large number of plug-and-play loads in an active distribution network, such as EVs(Electric Vehicles), energy storage, solar power, etc. Due to the lack of security control methods for each terminal node and the lack of distributed power voltage control methods, the large number of loads brings a huge challenge to the security of the distribution network. At present, some regional distribution networks dominated by new energy in China have long-standing problems, such as high voltage impact and frequency flickering, which are extremely harmful to electric equipment, and the resulting load-side accidents have brought huge economic losses. Therefore, research on an optimization model of the source–grid–load interaction in the active distribution network considering the safety characteristics, especially the voltage of the system, will help to improve the quality of the grid dispatch. In this paper, the safety limits of the independent operation of a source network loaded on three sides are used as the operating constraints of the system, and the social welfare of the interaction is maximized as the goal. A joint optimization modeling after the independent solution of the three sides is used as the core means, a heuristic algorithm is used to solve the overall optimization of the whole system, a scheduling optimization model that meets the system security goals is constructed, and this model is used to guide the operation strategy of each node in the system. The Lagrangian relaxation factor is introduced for structural optimization, and finally, the simplified 36-node model of the actual power grid is used for verification. The results show that under the goal of ensuring the economy of the system, the system voltage is controlled within the specified range of the safe operation of the system, which can meet the safety needs of the interaction.
Diversity and Opportunities for Rural Development: Reflecting Awareness, Understanding and Activities in Rural Areas
Authors: Dax Thomas , Copus Andrew , Ge Dazhuan
Published: June 2023

What does rural development policy aim to achieve, and how does it go about it [...]
Experimental study on sound absorption performance of microporous aluminum square tube space absorber
Authors: Gai Xiao-Ling , Cai Ze-Nong , Li Xian-Hui , Hu Wen-Cheng , Xing Tuo , Guan Xi-Wen , Zhao Jia-Mei
Published: June 2023

The aluminum square tube is one of the ceiling materials that have been produced in recent years. It has become the most popular product in the decoration market because its lines are bright and clean with distinct layers, reflecting the simple modern style, and it is easy to install
and dismantle. However, the aluminum square tube used in the market is mostly a single aluminum panel structure, mainly used for decoration, without sound absorption and noise reduction. In order to improve the sound absorption properties of the aluminum square tube, a microporous aluminum
square tube space absorber is proposed. The reverberation chamber method is used to investigate the sound absorption properties of the microporous aluminum square tube. The results show that the sound absorption performance of the aluminum square tube can be greatly improved by the formation
of micropores on it. The sound absorption performance of the aluminum square tube perforated on three sides is better than that of the aluminum square tube perforated on only two sides. In the case of perforation on only two sides, with the increase in the height of the perforated surface,
the peak value of sound absorption is gradually increased. In addition, the sound absorption peak gradually shifts to the low-frequency direction as the distance between the perforated surfaces increases. The reasonable design of structural parameters of microporous aluminum square tube can
make it have beautiful decorative effect and good sound absorbing effect.
Fulfilling Needs in County 4-H Programs with Volunteer Facilitation Coaches
Authors: Shelstad Nancy
Published: June 2023

University of Idaho Extension 4-H professionals have learned to work with volunteers in new ways to expand capacity and continue to build the quality of the 4-H program in Idaho. This article identifies how defining new position descriptions for volunteer facilitation coaches addressed two program needs, expanded capacity, and provided a higher quality experience for new 4-H families. If Extension staff invest time in selecting, training, and mentoring volunteer facilitation coaches, other volunteers are better able to fulfill important roles related to meeting specific needs of the 4-H program.
Puisi Ayub 42:2-6 dan Relevansinya Bagi Pengabdian Hamba Tuhan
Authors: Rouw Randy Frank
Published: June 2023

Ayub 42:2-6 merupakan sebuah puisi yang menyimpan kebenaran indah. Penelitian terdahulu kebanyakan belum “menyentuh” teks ini dan mengaitkannya dengan pelayanan Hamba Tuhan. Tujuan dari artikel ini adalah untuk menggali kebenaran dalam Ayub 42:2-6 dengan analisis puisi dan merefleksikannya bagi pengabdian Hamba Tuhan. Melalui metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan analisis puisi Jan Fokkelman, penulis menemukan bahwa lewat respons Ayub, Hamba Tuhan belajar untuk mengabdi dengan kesadaran dan pengharapan.
Perancangan Tata Letak Fasilitas Bisnis Retail dengan Pendekatan ARC dan TCR di Kota Depok
Authors: Amelia Putri Alda , Sarwati Almay , Fesyahputra* Davin , Serli Selvia
Published: June 2023

Service quality and comfort are largely determined by the people and the service environment. The aim of this research is to prove the effect of layout design with the ARC and TCR approaches in a service at Alfamart. The type of research used in this study qualitative and quantitative methods. Then the data obtained is carried out by taking primary data, by directly taking data in the field to find out the data needed as a basis for making decisions on making a solution layout. The high interconnectivity between rooms in the shop will make it easier for employees to work because employees will find it easier and faster to arrange goods and carry out work SOPs, of course this will affect work efficiency. Product grouping needs to be considered carefully because it will make it easier for consumers to find the items they are looking for. From the results of the study using the servicescape method, namely ARC and TCR, it was found that the layout update at Alfamart Tapos where the warehouse should be placed on the 1st floor. The location of the warehouse on the 1st floor aims to make it easier for employees to display and load and unload goods.
Application of Novel VEGF-Loaded PCL-P Based Hybrid Copolymer Scaffold for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Shabestari Khiabani Saeid , Zivari-Ghader Tayebeh , Aghazadeh Marziyeh , Keyhanvar Peyman , Gholizadeh Pourya , Shabestari Khiabani Zahra , Asyraf M. R. M. , Davaran Soodabeh
Published: June 2023

Background: Polymeric materials are widely known as versatile materials, particularly for biomedical applications. The bioavailability, low toxicity, solubility, and permeability of this material play an essential role in biomedical implants, such as joint replacements, bone plates, ligaments, vascular grafts, intraocular lenses, heart valves, sutures, and dental implants. These materials can be formed as either biodegradable or other naturally bioactive polymers, which are composed of nano-sized particles in the composition of other materials. For example, PCL-P (HEMA-NIPAAm) is a thermosensitive, biodegradable, and biocompatible hydrogel for biomedical applications. In this study, we aimed to create a VEGF-loaded PCL-P (HEMA-NIPAAm) hybrid copolymer and analyze VEGF gene expression in human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) that adhere to the copolymer. Methods: VEGF (0.1 Â g/mL) was loaded onto synthesized PCL-P (HEMA-NIPAAm), and hDPSCs were seeded into the scaffolds. To describe the hDPSC changes, VEGF mRNA, VEGF protein, and calcific deposition were examined. Results: VEGF-loaded PCL-P (HEMA-NIPAAm) increased VEGF mRNA and protein expression in hDPSCs compared to PCL-P (HEMA-NIPAAm) and cells with any scaffold (P>0.05). After 21 days of culture, the color intensity of alizarin red was significantly higher in VEGF-loaded PCL-P (HEMA-NIPAAm) cells than in those with any scaffold (P<0.05) and PCL-P (HEMA-NIPAAm) cells (P<0.05). Conclusion: Finally, thermosensitive and injectable PCL-P (HEMA-NIPAAM), including VEGF, enhanced the expression of genes associated with osteogenesis and angiogenesis in hDPSCs. Thus, these results imply that the thermo-sensitive PCL-P (HEMA-NIPAAm) scaffold may be a good option for future use as a VEGF carrier for hDPSC implantation.
Renal effects of hydatiform mole and choriocarcinoma
Authors: Nasri Hamid
Published: June 2023

Molar pregnancy is an abnormal growth of trophoblastic tissue in the uterus. It can be either complete or partial. In complete moles, the development of the fetus is absent, while partial moles contain an abnormal gestational sac. Choriocarcinoma is a malignant form that arise from molar tissue. Hydatiform mole and choriocarcinoma are rare and complicated diseases with numerous pathological conditions that can lead to significant kidney damage. Proteinuria, nephrotic syndrome, preeclampsia, decreased glomerular filtration rate, interstitial inflammation, crescentic glomerulonephritis, and thrombosis of the renal veins are the commonly encountered renal disorders with these diseases. Early intervention and treatment during pregnancy minimize these risks and lessen the risk of chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal failure. A multidisciplinary team approach involving obstetricians, nephrologists, pathologists, gynecologists, and radiologists is necessary for optimal management.
Evaluation of the TXNIP gene expression in gastric adenocarcinoma and its relationship with overall survival of patients
Authors: Shahsavar Haghighi Zahra , Farhadi Arezoo , Rafi Taheri Sara , Hazrati Ebrahim , Heidari Reza , Heidari Mohammad Foad , Rajaeinejad Mohsen , Khodabandehloo Fatemeh , Behroozi Javad
Published: June 2023

Background. Gastric Cancer (GC) is a common gastrointestinal tumor, and its incidence is increasing. The pathogenesis of GC is very complex and remains unclear. Recent basic studies of GC have focused on gene expression dysregulation. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) is abnormally expressed in a variety of malignant tumors but it is obscure in GC. This study aimed to compare the expression of the TXNIP gene in cancerous and adjacent tissue of gastric cancer and evaluate its clinical significance in the prognosis and survival analysis of gastric cancer patients. Methods. A total of 50 tumor tissues and marginal non-tumor control tissues were obtained from GC patients. Also, TXNIP gene expression levels were evaluated by real-time PCR. Meanwhile, bioinformatic approaches were used to evaluate TXNIP expression in two different cohorts of GC patients. A data mining study was also performed to determine the prognostic role of TXNIP expression in the overall survival of GC. Furthermore, a pan-cancer analysis of TXNIP expression was performed using TCGA data. Results. The TXNIP gene was down-regulated in tumor samples with a fold change of 0.33, and the same results were repeated in bioinformatics analysis. Decreased expression of TXNIP was significantly associated with metastasis, poor differentiation, and drug abuse. Our results provided evidence that TXNIP gene expression level is positively correlated with the overall survival of GC patients. Pan-cancer analysis of TCGA data revealed down-regulated TXNIP in a variety of malignant tumors. Conclusion. This study established low TXNIP expression as a prognostic biomarker in GC. It also revealed that the decrease in TXNIP expression likely favors metastatic GC. Practical Implications. Evaluation of TXNIP expression is informative in the prognosis of GC patients.
Application of Nobel QSM technique in MRI for diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease: What is the relationship between iron deposits in brain nuclei with age and severity of disorders?
Authors: Nikparast Farzaneh , Shoeibi Ali , Niroumand Shabnam , Akbari-Lalimi Hossein , Zare Hoda
Published: June 2023

Background. Iron deposits impair neurons and cause cognitive disorders through different pathways. Today, with the help of quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM), iron accumulations in different brain areas can be evaluated and measured.This research aims to identify the changes of iron deposits in the brain nuclei in different stages of cognitive disorders using the QSM technique and introduces biomarkers for the early diagnosis of these disorders. Methods. The data of thirty-five participants with normal cognitive conditions and forty six patients with cognitive disorders, classified into four different groups based on the severity of the disorder, were downloaded from the ADNI database. After determining the regions (ROIs) with the FSL automatic segmentation tool, the mean QSM values of twelve brain nuclei were determined with the help of Slicer software, and SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. Results. There was an inverse correlation in the left putamen nucleus of LMCI group (P=0.041). Direct correlation between age variable and QSM values of the left putamen nucleus (P=0.000078) and right putamen nucleus (P=0.000017) of the control group were reported. Conclusion. As the severity of disorders increases in the LMCI group, the number of paramagnetic deposits, such as iron, in the left putamen nucleus increases. Therefore, the QSM values of the left putamen nucleus can be used as an indicator of the severity of the disorder in the advanced stages of cognitive disorders. Practical Implications. Iron deposits cause damage to neurons and cause cognitive disorders through various pathways. Today, with the help of the quantitative susceptibility mapping technique, the numeral of iron accumulations in different brain areas can be evaluated and measured. This research aims to identify the changes of iron deposits in the brain nuclei in different stages of cognitive disorders by using the Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) technique to introduce biomarkers for early diagnosis of these disorders.
Keutamaan Menurut Alasdair Macintyre: Keutamaan dalam Konteks Dimensi Biologis Manusia, Kerentanan, Kebergantungan dan Perkembangan Optimal Manusia
Authors: Purwoko Ardhi
Published: June 2023

MacIntyre melihat bahwa dimensi biologis manusia perlu diperhatikan jika ingin melakukan penyelidikan tentang moral. Tulisan ini pertama-tama bermaksud untuk menjelaskan ada tiga hal yang perlu diperhatikan jika ingin melakukan penyelidikan tentang moral. Tiga hal itu adalah fakta kerentanan, kebergantungan dan manusia dengan tubuh hewaninya. Kemudian akan dikaji jenis keutamaan seperti apa, yang di satu sisi, dapat mengatasi kerentanan, lalu, di sisi yang lain, dapat menjaga kebergantungannya serta sekaligus menolong manusia untuk mencapai perkembangan optimalnya. Terakhir, sebuah evaluasi singkat akan diberikan terhadap pemikiran MacIntyre mengenai keutamaan yang berkaitan dengan fakta kerentanan dan kebergantungan. Dalam artikel ini akan ditunjukkan bahwa manusia membutuhkan dua jenis keutamaan untuk mengatasi kerentanan, menjaga kebergantungan dan sekaligus membantunya mencapai pertumbuhan optimal. Keutamaan itu adalah, di satu sisi, keutamaan seperti yang diusulkan oleh MacIntyre yaitu keutamaan mengakui kebergantungannya, tetapi, di sisi yang lain, manusia membutuhkan keutamaan kerendahan hati.
Pengelompokan Daerah Rawan Kriminalitas di Sulawesi Selatan Menggunakan Metode K-means Clustering
Authors: Irwan Irwan , Sanusi Wahida , Saman Febriyanto
Published: June 2023

Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian terapan yang menekankan cara melaksanakan analisis cluster secara matematis, mengetahui bagaimana aplikasi k-means clustering, dan ciri dari setiap kelompok daerah rawan kriminalitas. Adapun data simulasi yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah data yang diperoleh dari Badan Pusat Statistika (BPS) Propinsi Sulawesi Selatan. Data tersebut selanjutnya dianalisis dengan metode K-means clustering. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa terdapat empat ciri dari tiap kelompok daerah rawan kriminalitas di Sulawesi Selatan. Kelompok 1 masuk kategori daerah yang cukup aman kriminalitas, Kelompok 2 masuk kategori daerah yang rawan kriminalitas, kelompok 3 masuk ketegori daerah yang aman kriminalitas,  dan kelompok 4 masuk kategori daerah yang cukup rawan kriminalitas. Kata Kunci: Analisis Cluster,K-means Clustering, KriminalitasThis research is an applied research that emphasizes how to carry out cluster analysis mathematically, knowing how to apply k-means clustering, and the characteristics of each group of crime-prone areas. The simulation data used in this study is data obtained from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of South Sulawesi Province. The data was then analyzed by the K-means clustering method. The results of the study show that there are four characteristics of each group of crime-prone areas in South Sulawesi. Group 1 is categorized as a crime-safe area, Group 2 is categorized as a crime-prone area, group 3 is categorized as a crime-safe area, and group 4 is categorized as an area that is quite prone to crime.Keywords: Cluster Analysis, K-means Clustering, Crime.
O recall e as sanções administrativas decorrentes do descumprimento do dever de informar: análise sobre o caso dos pacientes de doença celíaca
Authors: Kiame Eduarda Alencar Maluf
Published: June 2023

No âmbito da tutela dos direitos dos consumidores, é importante o estudo do direito à informação, em especial quanto à informação de “contém glúten” na rotulagem dos produtos frente aos consumidores celíacos. O método utilizado foi a realização de pesquisas bibliográficas e leituras, como doutrinas, artigos e jurisprudências brasileiras. Os sites do PROCON e da ANVISA foram fontes essenciais, utilizados para realizar o levantamento de dados. O Poder Público exerce a tutela do consumidor por meio das agências reguladoras e dos Programas de Proteção e Defesa do Consumidor. A atividade fiscalizadora e normativa das agências reguladoras não exclui a atuação de outros órgãos federais, municipais, estaduais ou do Distrito Federal. É relevante também o instituto do recall, ou chamamento, que é o procedimento pelo qual o fornecedor informa o público ou o convoca para sanar os defeitos encontrados em produtos vendidos ou serviços prestados, sendo importante o seu estudo frente aos pacientes portadores da doença celíaca, uma vez considerados que os erros nas rotulagens podem trazer consequências gravíssimas para os portadores da doença. A doença celíaca é uma doença autoimune, que afeta diretamente a absorção de nutrientes essenciais, definida pela intolerância permanente ao glúten, por isso que o único tratamento é a dieta isenta de glúten, é essencial que os portadores da doença saibam se determinado alimento ou remédio possui glúten. A presente pesquisa visa analisar as sanções administrativas e o recall decorrentes do descumprimento do dever de informar, com o foco sobre a problemática da informação a respeito do glúten, atingindo os consumidores portadores da doença celíaca, considerada principalmente a sua restrição alimentar. Busca-se identificar as entidades que podem fiscalizar a presença adequada da indicação de “contém glúten” nas embalagens, quais são as sanções impostas, a quantidade de recalls realizados e a sua efetividade.
FOREIGN BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARIES OF EDUCATORS: CREATION CONCEPTS AND CONTENT FEATURES
Authors: Міхно Олександр
Published: June 2023

The article considers foreign experience in creating biographical dictionaries of educators. The table presents 8 dictionaries published in Australia, Great Britain, Italy and the USA in 1978-2021. The content of each dictionary is analyzed according to the following parameters: number of authors, structure, number and volume of articles, distribution of articles by gender, scheme of biographical article, availability of appendices.

It has been found that the dictionaries published in the 1970s and 1990s in the Great Britain and the USA were created according to the established scientific tradition: short biographical articles (up to 500 words), with theorists, practitioners and administrators of education, as well as philosophers and psychologists predominating among the personalities. An exception is the bio-bibliographic sourcebook published in the USA in 1994, which is the first publication devoted exclusively to women educators and contains extensive biographical articles. Instead, biographical dictionaries of educators published in the 2010s and early 2020s demonstrate new methodological approaches to both the selection of individuals and the creation of the dictionary: 1) the Italian biographical dictionary of educators (2013), in addition to educational theorists and practitioners, presents founders and heads of educational institutions of various types, editors of pedagogical periodicals, children's writers and illustrators of books for children, theorists and popularizers of physical and sports education, leaders of youth associations, etc, 2) the concepts of creating an Australian dictionary of Catholic educators (2020) and an encyclopaedia of modern Asian educators (2021) include a division into sections with introductory review articles on the development of education in a particular historical period.

A generalized scheme of a biographical article about an educator is presented. The features of the content of dictionaries are highlighted. The prospects of using foreign experience in the creation of an encyclopaedic biographical dictionary of educators of Ukraine are determined: creating a more objective and complete list of educators whose biographies will be included in the dictionary, improving the scheme of writing a biographical article, introducing appendices into the structure of the dictionary.
ВИХОВНИЙ ПОТЕНЦІАЛ ВОЛОНТЕРСЬКОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ ЛІЦЕЇСТІВ
Authors: Бісовецька Людмила , Верхова Ірина
Published: June 2023

Статтю присвячено дослідженню виховного потенціалу волонтерської діяльності ліцеїстів. Визначено, що волонтерство є відносно новим явищем у діяльності загальноосвітніх навчальних закладів. Встановлено, що волонтерство – це добровільна безкорислива суспільно корисна діяльність; одна з форм благодійності і одна з підвалин громадянського суспільства; спосіб підтримки, піклування, надання допомоги членам громади; взаємодії між людьми для спільного вироблення нових шляхів вирішення проблем, які виникають. Волонтерська робота проводиться у закладі освіти у позаурочний час, спрямована на виховання таких соціально-значущих якостей підростаючої особистості, як патріотизм, гідність, відповідальність, милосердя, ініціативність; формування гуманної свідомость, позитивної та конструктивної міжособистісної і внутрішньогрупової взаємодії учнів засобами доброчинної групової діяльності.

З’ясовано, що волонтерство розвиває соціальні, громадянські та емоційні навички, які є ключовими для концепції Нової української школи. Ці компетентності необхідні для ефективної та конструктивної участі у громадському житті, сім’ї та роботі. Волонтерство допомагає розвивати комунікаційну компетентність: школярі вчаться висловлювати свою позицію, приймати аргументи інших, вести дискусію.

Наведено приклади волонтерських акцій в Рівненському ліцеї № 15, а саме: благодійний ярмарок; збір теплих речей, смаколиків, засобів гігієни, сухого палива, листівок, книг; виготовлення окопних свічок тощо.
PROBLEM W BADAŃ PEDAGOGICZNYCH – ANALIZA METODOLOGICZNA
Authors: Руденко Володимир , Руденко Наталія
Published: June 2023

Badania naukowe zaczynają się i kończą na problemach. Obecność problemu odróżnia naukę od pseudonauki. Postęp poznania polega na formułowaniu, wyjaśnianiu i rozwiązywaniu nowych problemów. Główne wady formułowania problemów w badaniach pedagogicznych są: a) problem nie jest formułowany explicite; b) problem jest utożsamiany z zadaniem praktycznym; c) problem jest sprowadzany do sprzeczności poznawczych; d) problem jest rozumiany jako nierozwiązane zadanie naukowe; e) problem badawczy jest utożsamiany z celem. Źródłem problemu jest sytuacja problemowa, która odbija się w umyśle badacza. Problem to zarówno rodzaj pytania, na które odpowiedź nie jest zawarta w zgromadzonej wiedzy, jak i forma myślenia charakteryzująca niewystarczalność dostępnych środków do osiągnięcia celu wiedzy naukowej. Cechy metodologiczne: problem to forma odzwierciedlenia obiektywnie istniejącej sytuacji problemowej; punkt wyjścia cyklu poznawczego; początkowa forma organizacji wiedzy; nastawienie na uzyskanie nowej wiedzy; system twierdzeń i wymagań; hierarchicznie uporządkowany zbiór pytań. Etapy opracowania problemu naukowego w badaniach pedagogicznych: badania wstępne w celu uzyskania nowych faktów i potwierdzenia dotychczasowych; dyskusja nad procesami i zjawiskami, których nie można wyjaśnić w ramach istniejących teorii; przyjęcie założeń, na podstawie których można uzyskać rozwiązanie sytuacji problemowej; dokonanie preferowanego rozwiązania dla konkretnego badania; wstępny opis i interpretacja problemu; określenie relacji między danymi, na których opiera się problem, a założeniami teoretycznymi dotyczącymi jego rozwiązania; ostateczne sformułowanie i ujęcie problemu.