bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Families Facing Pandemic Modifications of Everyday Life: A Mixed Study on Mothers’ and Children’s Emotional Reactions and Regulation Strategies.
Authors: Guerra Giulia Carlotta , Nardozza Odette , Frigerio Alessandra , Garito Maria Concetta , Ponzetti Silvia , Passaquindici Ilenia , Fasolo Mirco , Spinelli Maria , Lionetti Francesca
Published: August 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic caused many enduring changes in everyday life of families with negative effects on parents’ and children well-being. However, literature lacks of studies exploring emotional reactions and coping strategies of both mothers and children of different ages. Furthermore, most studies used only self-reports. This study aimed to identify the emotions and coping strategies of children, adolescents and their mothers and to verify the association between maternal and children well-being. A mixed-method design using interviews and questionnaires was applied to collect information on well-being (emotional reactions, behavioral/emotional problems) and coping strategies of both mothers (n=65), and their children (n=35, 8-10 year; n=30, 11-13 year) during the second wave of the pandemic (December 2020). No differences between the groups emerged concerning the emotional reactions reported. In contrast, mothers and children of different ages reported different self-regulation and other-regulation strategies. Moreover, maternal strategies had different effects on children well-being. The integration of qualitative and quantitative results was informative to understand how families adapted to the radical changes of everyday life caused by the pandemic. Implications for developing interventions in such similar stressful situations to promote family well-being are discussed.
Exciton-Phonon Interactions in Strained Domes of Monolayer MoS2 Studied by Resonance Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Lemos Jessica S. , Blundo Elena , Polimeni Antonio , Pimenta Marcos A. , Righi Ariete
Published: August 2023

This work describes a resonance Raman study performed in domes of monolayer MoS2 using 23 different laser excitation energies covering the visible and near-infrared (NIR) ranges. The multiple-excitation results allowed us to investigate the exciton-phonon interactions of different phonons (A1’, E’ and LA) with different electronic and excitonic optical transitions in biaxially strained monolayer MoS2. The analysis of the intensities of the two first-order peaks, A1’ and E’, and the double-resonance 2LA Raman band as a function of the laser excitation furnished the values of the energies of the indirect gap and the excitonic transitions in the strained MoS2 domes. It was noticed that the out-of-plane A1’ phonon mode is significantly enhanced only by the indirect gap I and the C exciton, whereas the in-plane E’ mode is only enhanced by the C exciton of MoS2 dome, revealing thus a weak interaction of these phonons with the A and B excitons in the strained MoS2 domes. On the other hand, the 2LA Raman band is significantly enhanced at the indirect gap I transition and by the A (or B) exciton, but not enhanced by the C exciton, showing thus that the LA edge-phonons that participate in the double resonance process in MoS2 have a weak interaction with the C exciton.
Additive Manufacturing Approaches to Design Pore Structures for Development of Bioactive Scaffolds for Orthopedic Applications: A Critical Review
Authors: Kiselevskiy Mikhail V , Anisimova Natalia Yu , Kapustin Alexei V , Ryzhkin Alexander A , Kuznetsova Daria N , Polyakova Veronika V , Enikeev Nariman A
Published: August 2023

We overview recent findings achieved in the field of model-driven development of additively manufactured porous materials for development of a new generation of bioactive implants for orthopedic applications. Porous structures produced of biocompatible titanium alloys by selective laser melting can present a promising material to design scaffolds with regulated mechanical properties and with capacity to be loaded with pharmaceutical products. Adjusting pore geometry, one could control elastic modulus and strength/fatigue properties of the engineered structures to be compatible with bone tissues, thus preventing the stress shield effect when replacing a diseased bone fragment. Adsorption of medicals by internal spaces would make it possible to emit the antibiotic and anti-tumor agents into surrounding tissues. We critically analyze the recent advances in the field featuring model design approaches, virtual testing of the designed structures, capabilities of additive printing of porous structures, biomedical issues of the engineered scaffolds and so on. A special attention is paid to highlight the current troubles in the field and the ways of their solutions.
Geosites in the Gole della Breggia Geopark, Ticino, southern Switzerland
Authors: Oppizzi Paolo , Pasquaré Mariotto Federico , Stockar Rudolf , Stella Andrea , Corti Noemi , Pedicini Martina , Andò Sergio , Vezzoli Giovanni , Bonali Fabio Luca
Published: August 2023

This work is aimed at showcasing one of the most engaging geoparks in Europe, the Gole della Breggia Geopark. By following its geotrail, the visitors can observe a great deal of features that encompass a wide variety of sedimentary, stratigraphic, tectonic and paleogeographic processes. Its contents are valorized by a comprehensive geotrail that encompasses 23 geostops, enriched with explanatory panels, which enable viewers to gain an overall picture of the complex processes that led to the present-day configuration of the outcrops encountered in the Geopark. We have selected five significative outcrops, which we have regarded as fully-fledged geosites, and which encompass the whole 170-million-year interval, from Early Jurassic to Late Miocene times, during which the rocks of the Geopark were deposited and deformed. We have performed an assessment of the five geosites, using the most common criteria that can be applied for geosite evaluation. The result of the assessment show that the most valuable geosite is the Lombardian Maiolica, highly representative of a pelagic limestone, which is rich in fossil contents, marked by integrity, scien-tific interest and has a major educational value. All geosites, thanks to a QR code added to each figure along the text, can be viewed as Virtual Geosites (VGs), integrated by 360° videos.
RHIZOPHORA MANGLE as a Bioindicator of Environmental Exposure to Heavy Metals in the Navachiste Lagoon Complex, Sinaloa, Mexico
Authors: González-Ocampo Héctor Abelardo , Parra-Olivas María Cecilia , Pérez-González Ernestina , Rodríguez-Meza Guadalupe Durga
Published: August 2023

The objective of this work was to analyze the potential of Rhizophora mangle as a bioindicator of seven heavy metals, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni, Cr, and Cd, in the mangrove sediments of the Navachiste lagoon complex (NAV). The concentration of trace metals (TM) in sediments and tis-sues (leaf, stembark, and root of R. mangle) were determined by digestion with nitric acid (HNO3), whereas the metal absorbance was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry with an air-acetylene flame. The enrichment factor, the bioavailable fraction, the seasonal varia-tion of heavy metal concentrations and their correlation with those determined in R. mangle tissues were assessed. Metal concentrations found in sediments were as following: Fe>Mn>Zn>Cr>Ni>Cu>Cd, and for tissues: Mn>Fe>Zn>Cu>Cr>Ni>Cd, and regarding the roots, the findings were as following: Fe>Mn>Zn>Cu>Cr>Ni>Cd. The highest trace metal concentra-tions were correlated with silt, clay, and organic matter in sediments with basic pH. The highest salinities were found adjacent to R. mangle trees. Of all the trace metals analyzed, there was only a positive linear regression between the bioavailability of Mn in the sediment with the concen-tration of Mn in leaf tissue consistently throughout the year. The Cu bioavailability in the sedi-ment showed similar positive linear regressions except for winter, where it did not show this pattern. These results suggest that the concentrations of Mn and Cu in the R. mangle leaf could be a potential bioindicator of environmental exposure to anthropogenic sources of contamination by these trace metals in sediments
Pan-Cancer Profiling of Intron Retention and Its Clinical Significance in Diagnosis and Prognosis
Authors: Huang Leihuan , Zeng Xin , Ma Haijing , Yang Yu , Akimoto Yoshie , Wei Gang , Ni Ting
Published: August 2023

Alternative splicing can produce transcripts that affect cancer development and shows potential for cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, intron retention (IR), a type of alternative splicing, has been less systematically studied in cancer biology research. Here, we generated a pan-cancer IR landscape for more than 10,000 samples across 33 cancer types from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We characterized differentially retained introns between tumor and normal samples and identified retained introns associated with survival. We discovered 988 differentially retained introns in 14 cancers, some of which demonstrated diagnostic potential in multiple cancer types. We also inferred a large number of prognosis-related introns in 33 cancer types, and the associated genes included well-known cancer hallmarks such as angiogenesis, metastasis, and DNA mutations. Notably, we discovered a novel intron retention event inside 5′UTR of STN1 that is associated with the survival of lung cancer patients. The retained intron reduces translation efficiency by producing upstream open reading frames (uORFs) and thereby inhibits colony formation and cell migration of lung cancer cells. Besides, the IR-based prognostic model achieved good stratification on certain cancers, as illustrated in acute myeloid leukemia. Taken together, we performed a comprehensive IR survey at a pan-cancer level, and the results implied that IR has the potential to be diagnostic and prognostic cancer biomarkers, as well as new drug targets.
Simulation of Relaxation Processes in Hypersonic Flows with One-Temperature Non-Equilibrium Model
Authors: Karpenko Anton , Tolstoguzov Semen , Volkov Konstantin
Published: August 2023

Steady-state one-dimensional flows of five-component air behind a normal shock wave are considered with one-temperature model. A mathematical model is formulated to describe the relaxation of a five-component air mixture with a one-temperature non-equilibrium approximation. A numerical study of non-equilibrium flows of a reacting five-component air mixture behind shock waves at different heights and velocities of free flow is performed. The contribution of different types of reactions to the overall relaxation of the mixture is discussed, and the distributions of macro-parameters of the flow behind the shock wave front are calculated. The lengths of the relaxation zones behind the shock wave front are compared at different initial conditions.
Synthesis, Structural and Luminescent Properties of TmMgB5O10 Crystals
Authors: Volkova Elena A. , Maltsev Victor V. , Antipin Alexander M. , Deineko Dina V. , Nikiforov Ivan V. , Marchenko Ekaterina I. , Mitina Diana D. , Kosorukov Vladimir L. , Yapaskurt Vasiliy O. , Naprasnikov Daniil A. , Koporulina Elizaveta . V
Published: August 2023

TmMgB5O10 spontaneous crystals were synthesized via flux-growth technique from a K2Mo3O10-based solvent. The crystal structure of the compound was solved and refined within the space group P21/n. The first principles calculations of the electronic structure reveal that TmMg-pentaborate is an insulator with an indirect energy band gap of approximately 6.37 eV. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements and powder X-ray diffraction studies of heat-treated solids show that TmMgB5O10 is an incongruent melting compound. A characteristic band of Tm3+ cation corresponding to the 3H6 → 1D2 transition is observed in the photoluminescence excitation spectra of TmMg-borate. The as-obtained crystals exhibit intense blue emission with the emission peaks centered at 455, 479, 667 and 753 nm. The most intensive band corresponds to the 1D2 3F4 transition.
Calmodulin Contributes to Lipolysis and Inflammatory Responses in Clinical Ketosis Cows through the TLR4/IKK/NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Chang Jinshui , Wang Zhijie , Hao Yu , Song Yuxi , Xia Cheng
Published: August 2023

Clinical ketosis is a crucial metabolic disease in dairy cows that is often accompanied by severe lipolysis and inflammation in adipose tissue. Our previous study suggested that the fold change of calmodulin (CaM) was upregulated 2.401-fold in the adipose tissue of cows with clinical ketosis. Therefore, we hypothesize that CaM may regulate lipolysis and inflammatory responses in clinical ketosis cows. To verify the hypothesis, we conducted a thorough veterinary assessment of clinical symptoms and serum β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration before collecting subcutaneous adipose tissue samples from six healthy and six clinically ketotic Holstein cows at 17 ± 4 days postpartum. Commercial kits were used to test the abundance of BHB, Non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), Liver function index (LFI), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). We found that Clinical ketosis cows had higher levels of BHB, NEFA, LFI, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and lower glucose levels compared to healthy cows. Furthermore, the abundance of CaM, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), inhibitor of nuclear factor κB kinase subunit β (IKK), phosphorylated nuclear factor κB/nuclear factor κB, (p-NF-κB/NF-κB), adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and phosphorylated hormone-sensitive lipase/hormone-sensitive lipase (p-HSL/HSL) were increased, while that of perilipin-1 (PLIN1) was decreased in the adipose tissue of cows with clinical ketosis. To investigate the mechanistic underlying the responses, we isolated the primary bovine adipocytes from the adipose tissue of healthy cows and induced the inflammatory response mediated by TLR4/IKK/NF-κB with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), in addition to treating with CaM overexpression adenovirus and CaM small interfering RNA. In vitro, LPS upregulated the abundance of CaM, TLR4, IKK, NF-κB, ATGL, p-HSL/HSL, and CaM and downregulated PLIN1. CaM silencing downregulated the abundance of LPS-activated p-HSL/HSL, TLR4, IKK, and NF-κB and upregulated PLIN1 in bovine adipocytes, except for ATGL. By contrast, CaM overexpression upregulated the abundance of LPS-activated p-HSL/HSL, TLR4, IKK, and NF-κB and downregulated PLIN1 expression in bovine adipocytes. In summary, these data suggest that CaM promotes lipolysis in adipocytes through HSL and PINL1 while activating the TLR4/IKK/NF-κB inflammatory pathway to promote an inflammatory response. There is a positive feedback loop between CaM, lipolysis, and inflammation. Overall, inhibiting CaM may act as an adaptive mechanism to alleviate metabolic dysregulation in adipose tissue, contributing to relief from lipolysis and inflammatory response.
Modelling the Characteristic Residues of Chlorophyll f Synthase (ChlF) from Halomicronema Hongdechloris to Determine Its Reaction Mechanism
Authors: Chen Min , Sawicki Artur , Wang Fanyue
Published: August 2023

Photosystem II (PSII) is a quinone-utilising photosynthetic system that converts light energy into chemical energy and catalyses the splitting of water. PsbA (D1) and PsbD (D2) are the core subunits of the reaction centre that provide most of the ligands to the redox-active cofactors and exhibit photooxidoreductase activities that convert quinone and water into quinol and oxygen. This analysis explored the putative uncoupled electron transfer pathways surrounding P680+ induced by far-red light (FRL) based on photosystem II (PSII) complexes containing substituted D1 subunits in Halomicronema hongdechloris. Chlorophyll f-synthase (ChlF) is a D1 protein paralog. Modelling PSII-ChlF complexes determined several key protein motifs of ChlF. The PSII complexes showed a dysfunctional Mn4CaO5 cluster if ChlF replaced the D1 protein. We propose the mechanism of chlorophyll f synthesis from chlorophyll a via free radical chemistry in an oxygenated environment created by over-excited pheophytin a and an inactive water splitting reaction due to an uncoupled Mn4CaO5 cluster in PSII-ChlF complexes. The role of ChlF in the formation of an inactive PSII reaction centre is under debate and the putative mechanisms of chlorophyll biosynthesis are discussed.
Mathematical Estimation of Indigenous Proline as a Bioindicator to Regulate the Stress of Trivalent Chromium on Rice Plants Grown in Different Nitrogenous Conditions
Authors: Li Cheng-Zhi , Feng Yu-Xi , Tian Peng , Yu Xiao-Zhang
Published: August 2023

The effects of exogenous inorganic [i.e., nitrate (NO3-)/ammonium (NH4+)] and organic [i.e., glutamate (Glu)/argine (Arg)] N alone and in combination on the accumulation of proline (Pro) in rice plant under trivalent chromium [Cr(III)] stress were studied through the mass balance matrix model (MBMM). ‘NH4+’ application showed the largest contribution to the Pro content in rice shoots under different concentrations of Cr(III), followed by ‘NO3-’, ‘Arg’, and ‘Glu’ application respectively. While, ‘Arg’ application displayed the largest contribution to the Pro content in roots under Cr(III) stress, followed by ‘NH4+’, ‘Glu’, and ‘NO3-’ application. Among the combination cases of N sources used, the application of ‘NH4++Arg’ showed the greatest contribution to the Pro content in both roots and shoots of Cr(III)-treated rice seedlings, while the application of ‘NO3-+Glu’ showed the least contribution to the Pro content in rice seedlings under Cr(III) stress. Results from this study indicated that the level of indigenous Pro in rice seedlings is quite sensitive to Cr(III) stress under different N sources, and mathematical modeling showed a reliable result to estimate the relationship between Pro content and N source application in rice plants in response to Cr(III) exposure .
Tackling Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis: New Challenges from the Old Pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Mancuso Giuseppe , Midiri Angelina , De Gaetano Silvia , Ponzo Elena , Biondo Carmelo
Published: August 2023

Antibiotics have played a crucial role in the reduction of TB incidence globally as evidenced by the fact that before the mid-20th century, the mortality rate within five years of the onset of the disease was 50%. The use of antibiotics has eliminated TB as a devastating disease, but the challenge of resistance to anti-TB drugs, which had already been described at the time of the introduction of streptomycin, has become a major global issue in disease management. Mismanagement of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) cases, resulting from intermittent drug use, prescription errors and non-compliance of patients, has been identified as a critical risk factor for the development of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB). Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in TB is a multi-factorial, complex problem of microbes evolving to escape antibiotics, the gradual decline of antibiotic development, and different economic and social conditions. In this review, we summarise recent advances in our understanding of how Mycobacterium tuberculosis evolves drug resistance. We also highlight the importance of developing shorter regimens that rapidly reach bacteria in diverse host environments, eradicating all mycobacterial populations and preventing the evolution of drug resistance. Lastly, we also emphasise that the current burden of this ancient disease is driven by a combination of complex interactions between mycobacterial and host factors, and that only a holistic approach that effectively addresses all the critical issues associated with drug resistance will limit the further spread of drug-resistant strains throught the community.
A Comparison between SARS-CoV-2 and Gram-Negative Bacteria-Induced Hyperinflammation and Sepsis
Authors: Brandenburg Klaus , Ferrer-Espada Raquel , De Tejada Guillermo Martinez , Nehls Christian , Fukuoka Satoshi , Mauss Karl , Weindl Günther , Garidel Patrick
Published: August 2023

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the body's overwhelming response to an infection, such as pneumonia or urinary tract infection. It occurs when the immune system releases cytokines into the bloodstream, triggering widespread inflammation. If not treated, it can lead to organ failure and death. Unfortunately, sepsis has a high mortality rate, with studies reporting rates ranging from 20% to over 50%, depending on the severity and promptness of treatment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the annual death toll in the world is about 11 million. One of the main toxins responsible for inflammation induction are lipopolysaccharides (LPS, endotoxin) from Gram-negative bacteria, which ranks among the most potent immunostimulants found in nature. Antibiotics are consistently prescribed as a part of anti-sepsis-therapy. However, antibiotic therapy (i) is increasingly ineffective due to resistance development and (ii) most antibiotics are unable to bind and neutralize LPS, a prerequisite to inhibit the interaction of endotoxin with its cellular receptor complex, namely Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/MD-2, responsible for the intracellular cascade leading to pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. The pandemic virus SARS-CoV-2 has infected hundreds of millions of humans worldwide since its emergence in 2019. The COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease-19) caused by this virus is associated with high lethality, particularly for elderly and immunocompromised people. As of August 2023, nearly 7 million deaths were reported worldwide due to this disease. According to some reported studies, upregulation of TLR4 and the subsequent inflammatory signaling detected in COVID-19 patients “mimics bacterial sepsis”. Furthermore, the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 was described by others as “mirror image of sepsis”. Similarly, the cytokine profile in sera from severe COVID-19 patients was very similar to those suffering from the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and sepsis. Finally, the severe COVID-19 infection was frequently accompanied by bacterial co-infections, as well as by the presence of significant LPS concentrations. These data indicate similarity and interdependences of both syndromes, but also significant differences which will be discussed in the present review.
Exploring Graph and Digraph Persistence
Authors: Bergomi Mattia G. , Ferri Massimo
Published: August 2023

Among the various generalizations of persistent topology, the one based on rank functions and leading to indexing-aware functions appears to be particularly suited to catch graph-theoretical properties without the need for a simplicial construction and a homology computation. This paper defines and studies "simple" and "single-vertex" features in directed and undirected graphs, by which several indexing-aware persistence functions are produced, within the scheme of steady and ranging sets. The implementation of the "sink" feature and its application to trust networks provide an example of the ease of use and meaningfulness of the method.
SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein S1 Induces MG-H1/RAGE Activation to Promote Inflammation in Human Bronchial BEAS-2B Cells
Authors: Manfredelli Dominga , Pariano Marilena , Costantini Claudio , Graziani Alessandro , Bozza Silvia , Romani Luigina , Puccetti Paolo , Talesa Vincenzo Nicola , Antognelli Cinzia
Published: August 2023

The pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with a hyperinflammatory response. The mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2-induced inflammation are scantly known. Methylglyoxal (MG) is a glycolysis-derived by-product, endowed with a potent glycating action, leading to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), the major of which is MG-H1. MG-H1 exerts strong pro-inflammatory effects, frequently mediated by the receptor for AGEs (RAGE). Here, we investigated the involvement of MG-H1/RAGE axis as a potential novel mechanism in SARS-CoV-2-induced inflammation by resorting to human bronchial (BEAS-2B) and alveolar (A549) epithelial cells, expressing different levels of ACE2 receptor (R), exposed to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein 1 (S1). Interestingly, we found in BEAS-2B cells that do not express ACE2-R, that S1 exerted a pro-inflammatory action through a novel MG-H1/RAGE-based pathway. RAGE expression levels in nasopharyngeal swabs from SARS-Cov-2 positive and negative individuals, as well as glyoxalase 1 expression, the major scavenging enzyme of MG, seem to support the results obtained in vitro. Altogether, our findings reveal a novel mechanism involved in the inflammation triggered by S1, paving the way to the study of MG-H1/RAGE inflammatory axis in SARS-CoV-2 infection as a potential therapeutic target to mitigate COVID-19 associated pathogenic inflammation.
Hybrid Approach to Colony-Forming Unit Counting Problem using Multi-Loss U-Net Reformulation
Authors: Jumutc Vilen , Suponenkovs Artjoms , Bondarenko Andrey , Bļizņuks Dmitrijs , Lihachev Alexey
Published: August 2023

The Colony-Forming Unit (CFU) counting problem remains a complex issue without a universal solution in biomedical and food safety domains. A multitude of sophisticated heuristics and segmentation-driven approaches have been proposed by numerous researchers. Among those, U-Net is the most frequently cited and popular Deep Learning method. The latter approach provides a segmentation output map and requires an additional counting procedure which accounts for unique segmented regions and detected microbial colonies. However, because of pixel-based targets it tends to generate irrelevant artifacts or errant pixels, leading to inaccurate and mixed post-processing results. In response to these challenges, we propose a novel hybrid counting approach, incorporating a multi-loss U-Net reformulation and a post-processing Petri dish localization algorithm. First of all, our unique innovation lies in the multi-loss U-Net reformulation. We introduce an additional loss term at the bottleneck U-Net layer, focusing on delivering an auxiliary signal indicating where to look for distinct CFUs. Second, our novel localization algorithm accurately incorporates an agar plate and its bezel into the CFU counting routines. Finally, our proposition is further enhanced by the integration of a fully automated solution. This comprises a specially designed uniform Petri dish illumination system and a counting web application. The latter application is capable of directly receiving images from the camera, which are subsequently processed, and the segmentation results are sent back to the user. This feature provides an opportunity to correct the CFU counts, offering a feedback loop that contributes to the continued development of the Deep Learning model. Through extensive experimentation, we have found that all probed multi-loss U-Net architectures incorporated in our hybrid approach consistently outperform their single-loss counterparts which utilize exclusively the combination of Tversky and Cross-Entropy training losses at the output U-Net layer. We report further significant improvements by the means of our novel localization algorithm. This reaffirms the effectiveness of our proposed hybrid solution in addressing contemporary challenges of the precise in-vitro CFU counting.
Renewable Energy Integration for Power Outage Mitigation: A Data-Driven Approach in Advancing Grid Resilience Strategies
Authors: Murshed Mahtab , Chamana Manohar , Schmitt Konrad , Pol Suhas , Adeyanju Olatunji , Bayne Stephen
Published: August 2023

This article presents a comprehensive study on enhancing grid resilience through advanced forecasting and optimization techniques in the context of power outages. Power outages pose significant challenges to modern societies, affecting various sectors such as industries, households, and critical infrastructures. The research combines statistical analysis, machine learning algorithms, and optimization methods to address this issue to develop a holistic approach for predicting and mitigating power outage events. The proposed methodology involves the use of Monte Carlo simulations in MATLAB for future outage prediction, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks for forecasting solar irradiance and load profiles, and a hybrid LSTM-Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) model to improve accuracy. Furthermore, the role of Battery State of Charge (SoC) in enhancing system resilience is explored. The study also assesses the techno-economic advantages of a grid-tied microgrid integrated with solar panels and batteries over conventional grid systems. The results highlight the potential of the proposed approach in strengthening grid resilience, reducing downtime, and fostering sustainable energy utilization.
Метод высокого порядка точности для расчета начальной стадии обледенения элементов конструкции гражданского самолета
Authors: Босняков Сергей Михайлович , Bosnyakov Sergei Mikhailovich , Волков Андрей Викторович , Volkov Andrei Viktorovich , Михайлов Сергей Владимирович , Mikhailov Sergei Vladimirovich , Подаруев Владимир Юрьевич , Podaruev Vladimir Yur'evich
Published: August 2023

Представлен эффективный подход на основе разрывного метода Галеркина высокого порядка точности для расчета начальной стадии обледенения крыла самолета. Задача решена в приближении Эйлера для водяных капель малого размера, не оказывающих влияния на основной поток. Выписаны системы уравнений Навье-Стокса и модели Эйлера для движения водной среды и некоторые соотношения уравнений термодинамики нарастания льда. Сформулированы начальные и граничные условия. Предложена суперкомпьютерная реализация разрывного метода Галеркина для решения указанных систем уравнений. Исследована эффективность параллельной версии программы. Даны комментарии по особенностям организации процедуры расчета. Исследована точность расчета с применением схем разрывного метода Галеркина различного порядка точности. Представлены тестовые случаи обтекания цилиндра и профиля NACA0012 мелкодисперсным потоком переохлажденных капель. Проведено сопоставление расчетных и экспериментальных данных. Сделано заключение о возможности применения разработанной методологии на практике.
The Form and Pattern of Business Actors Requirements in Exclusive Dealing: A Rule of Reason Approach
Authors: Tri Anggraini Anna Maria , Sabirin Ahmad , Rumahorbo Yoel Nixon A
Published: August 2023

Tying is usually defined as the dominant company selling one product since the buyer must also purchase a different product or agree not to purchase the bonded product from other suppliers. This paper analyzes requirements imposed by the reported business actor on other parties deemed to have violated the tying and bundling under competition law in Indonesia, the U.S., and the European Union. Also, it discusses the application of the Rule of Reason by the competition commission in these three region. This study uses a comparative law approach. The results of the analysis show that a tying agreement is an agreement that requires the recipient of the supply to buy other products that are not necessarily needed. Usually, these agreements are entered into by two affiliated companies or at least cooperating partners, one of which occupies a dominant position to prevent competitors from entering the relevant market. Not all tying agreements have a negative impact. Therefore, an impact analysis is needed through a rule of reason approach, especially in digital-based industries.
Reconsideration of Urbanization in Tokyo Metropolitan Area Since 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake from the Perspective of Exposure
Authors: Murao Osamu , Fujiwara Kyota , Kato Haruna , Yonemura Fumitake , Inagaki Keiko , Meguro Kimiro
Published: August 2023

The year 2023 marks the 100th commemoration of the disastrous Kanto Earthquake in Japan, which shattered the urban fabric of Tokyo and other southern prefectures. In the years following 1923, much research into disaster risk reduction (especially fire prevention) was undertaken. This study evaluated research trends and the impact of the earthquake on the city using metropolitan population data. The following is reported: (1) This study summarized English and Japanese academic papers and reports on the Great Kanto Earthquake that have been published over the last 100 years. (2) The area of fire spread and number of damaged buildings in Tokyo due to the Great Kanto Earthquake were overwhelmingly larger than those in other areas. (3) The difference in the relative amount of damage caused by natural disasters with more than 1,000 death toll to the annual national budget in Japan became clear. (4) The Great Kanto Earthquake was the only natural disaster that caused a net worth of damage exceeding the Japanese national budget by 3.8 times. (5) The expansion of the Tokyo metropolitan area over the 100 years since the Great Kanto Earthquake was visually clarified based on demographics. (6) Today, many people live densely on soft ground, with an amplification factor of 1.8 or higher, which is 23.0% of the total population.
La base de la adecuada participación ciudadana
Authors: Olague Palacios José Enrique
Published: August 2023

En este artículo, mi intención ha sido generar un espacio en el que se reconozca que, pese a que vivimos en una época de inmensa masa informativa, y donde parece ser que los gobiernos buscan que las personas participen más activamente en los procesos de gestión pública, como se da, por ejemplo, en los esfuerzos de apertura del gobierno, el ciudadano promedio no esta preparado para discriminar adecuadamente la información que se le presenta, y en este sentido requerimos de más y mejor educación si es que realmente nos importa el crear espacios cooperativos de gobierno en donde todos puedan participar.
IMPLEMENTASI PENGEMBANGAN KREATIVITAS MELALUI KEGIATAN EKSTRAKURIKULER DI SD MUHAMMADIYAH BANTUL KOTA YOGYAKARTA
Authors: Suyatno Suyatno , Komarina Safitri
Published: August 2023

Untuk mengembangkan kreativitas siswa, SD Muhammadiyah Bantul Kota menyelenggarakan kegiatan ekstrakurikuler robotik, lukis dan bengkel batra. Tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu untuk mendeskripsikan implementasi pengembangan kreativitas melalui kegiatan Ekstrakurikuler robotik, lukis dan batra di SD Muhammadiyah Bantul Kota. Jenis penelitian adalah kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kasus. Subjek penelitian adalah kepala sekolah, koordinator ekstrakurikuler, dan siswa. Pengumpulan data melalui teknik wawancara dan dokumentasi. Keabsahan data menggunakan  tri-angulasi sumber dan metode. Teknik analisis data menggunakan interaktif model Milles dan Huberman. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa implementasi pengembangan kreativitas melalui kegiatan ekstrakurikuler robotik, lukis dan bengkel batra memuat beberapa aspek yang meliputi tujuan pelaksanaan kegiatan, materi, metode, evaluasi, sarana dan prasarana. Faktor pendukung meliputi tersedianya sarana dan prasarana pendukung, manajemen pengelolaan kegiatan  yang  bagus,  semangat  yang  dimiliki  siswa,  adanya  motivasi  dari orangtua, dan adanya pelatih yang mendampingi. Sedangkan untuk faktor penghambat meliputi kurangnya fasilitas ruang kegiatan, terkadang siswa lupa membawa peralatan, tabrakannya jadwal pelatih, terkadang siswa kurang bersemangat, dan siswa kurang percaya diri.
POTRET KEMAMPUAN KOMUNIKASI DAN KEMELEKWACANAAN TEKNOLOGI GURU SD DI INDONESIA: DALAM PANDANGAN KEPALA SEKOLAH
Authors: Andayani  , Handayani Monika , Hanafi Hanafi , Iasha Vina
Published: August 2023

Evaluasi Diri bertujuan untuk mengetahui hasil pendidikan dalam bentuk transisi daridunia pendidikan tinggi ke dunia usaha dan industri, keluaran pendidikan berupa penilaian diriterhadap penguasaan dan pemerolehan kompetensi, proses pendidikan berupa evaluasi prosespembelajaran dan kontribusi pendidikan tinggi terhadap pemerolehan kompetensi serta input pendidikan berupa penggalian lebih lanjut terhadap informasi lulusan. Selain itu, melalui evaluasi diriini penyelenggara pendidikan dapat mengetahui bagaimana penyelenggaraan dan mutu layananprogram melalui penilaian para alumni dan atau pengguna alumni. Melalui ini maka penyelenggarapendidikan mampu untuk memperbaiki dan meningkatkan kualitas layanannya. Metode berisi jenismetode atau jenis pendekatan yang digunakan, uraian data kualitatif dan/atau kuantitatif, prosedurpengumpulan data, dan prosedur teknik analisis Jenis penelitian yang digunakan dalam pelaksanaankegiatan penelitian ini adalah Pendekatan deskriptif mix kuantitatif dan kualitatif. Dari data yangdiperoleh pengguna alumni (Kepala Sekolah) menilai bahwa kompetensi lulusan Pendidikan GuruSekolah Dasar sangat baik. Hal tersebut menunjukkan bahwa alumni prodi Pendidikan Guru SekolahDasar dapat mengaplikasikan kompetensi yang diperoleh selama kuliah. Adapun aspek yang dinilaimasih kurang dan perlu ditingkatkan, yaitu pengembangan diri
ANALISIS KEMAMPUAN TECHNOLOGICAL PEDAGOGICAL AND CONTENT KNOWLEDGE (TPACK) CALON GURU SEKOLAH DASAR
Authors: Linda Zakiah  , Nur Wulandari  , Elyana Hidayat
Published: August 2023

Kemampuan seorang pendidik dalam menyesuaikan perkembangan pembelajaran abad 21 harus dipenuhi dan menjadi tantangan tersendiri. Oleh karena itu mahasiswa sebagai calon guru nantinya harus dapat memenuhi tantangan tersebut. Upaya ini dilakukan agar mahasiswa sebagai calon guru SD dapat mempersiapkan sumber daya manusia yang unggul dengan kompetensi global dan mampu beradaptasi dengan era pembelajaran abad 21. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menghasilkan analisis dan memetakan kemampuan Technological Pedagogical And Content Knowledge (TPACK) Calon Guru Sekolah Dasar yang dapat digunakan untuk mengukur penguasaan TPACK yang dimiliki calon guru sekolah dasar pada mata kuliah pembelajaran PPKn SD sesuai dengan pembelajaran abad 21. Penelitian ini menggunakan mixed methods. Metode atau pendekatan yang digunakan adalah explanatory sequential mixed methods. Dalam penelitian explanatory sequential mixed methods, prosedur pengumpulan data dibagi menjadi dua tahap, yaitu tahap persiapan dan tahap pelaksanaan. Kata Kunci : Guru SD, Pembelajaran PPKn SD, dan TPACK
STABILITY OF ISLAMIC BANK EFFICIENCY IN INDONESIA AND MALAYSIA: HAS COVID-19 MADE ANY DIFFERENCE?
Authors: Ikhwan Ihsanul , Riani Ririn
Published: August 2023

This study examines whether COVID-19 has affected the stability of Islamic banking efficiency in Indonesia and Malaysia using the Data Envelopment Window Analysis (DEWA) using data from 2017 to 2022. The findings indicate that Islamic banks in Malaysia exhibit a higher level of efficiency and stability as compared to their counterparts in Indonesia across all three efficiency measures, namely Technical Efficiency (TE), Pure Technical Efficiency (PTE), and Scale Efficiency (SE). In addition, the findings show that Islamic banks in both countries have stable efficiency performance over the period under investigation and hence the Covid-19 pandemic has not affected their efficiency levels. From the analysis, we further note that financing and labor costs are the main sources of inefficiency in Malaysian Islamic banks while fixed assets and operating revenue contribute the most to Indonesian Islamic banks’ inefficiency.
Socioeconomic Inequalities in Avoidable Mortality in Italy: the Role of Education Level
Authors: Petrelli Alessio , Ventura Martina , Napoli Anteo , Pappagallo Marilena , Simeoni Silvia , Frova Luisa
Published: August 2023

Disparities in avoidable mortality have never been evaluated in Italy at the national level.
The present study aimed to assess the association between socioeconomic status, measured by individual education level, and avoidable mortality.
The nationwide closed cohort of the 2011 Census of Population and Housing was followed up for 2012-2019 mortality. Outcomes of preventable and of treatable mortality were separately evaluated among people aged 30-74. Education level (elementary school or less, middle school, high school diploma, university degree or more) and residence macro area (North-West, North-East, Center, South-Islands) were the exposures, for which adjusted mortality rate ratios (MRRs) were calculated through multivariate quasi-Poisson regression models, adjusted for age at death. Relative index of inequalities was estimated for preventable, treatable, and non-avoidable mortality and for some specific causes.
The cohort consisted of 35,708,459 residents (48.8% men, 17.5% aged 65-74), 34% with a high school diploma, 33.5% living in the South-Islands; 1,127,760 deaths were observed, of which 65.2% for avoidable causes (40.4% preventable and 24.9% treatable).
Inverse trends between education level and mortality were observed for all causes; comparing the least with the most educated groups, a strong association was observed for preventable (males MRR=2.39; females MRR=1.65) and for treatable causes of death (males MRR=1.93; females MRR=1.45).
The greatest inequalities were observed for HIV/AIDS and alcohol-related diseases (both sexes), drug-related diseases and tuberculosis (males), and diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and renal failure (females). Excess risk of preventable and of treatable mortality were observed for the South-Islands.
Socioeconomic inequalities in mortality persist in Italy, with an extremely varied response to policies at the regional level, representing a possible missed gain in health and suggesting a reassessment of priorities and definition of health targets.
SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Breakthrough Infections and the Assessment of Pre and Post- vaccination Attitude among Healthcare Workers towards the Practice of Safety Precautions in South West, Nigeria
Authors: Oni Oluwatosin Oni , Osho Patrick Olanrewaju , Odesanmi Tayelolu Mary , Raji Habeebat Motunrayo , Ojo Faith T. , Ibina Demian
Published: August 2023

Introduction Worldwide, it has been reported that fully vaccinated people still died of COVID-19-associated symptoms, generating public uncertainty about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines. Hence, this research is aimed at assessing the incidence of COVID-19 breakthrough infection among vaccinated Health Workers and the possible effect of changes in the practice of post-vaccination safety precautions.
Method This was a Health facility-based descriptive cross-sectional study. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires distributed at the participant’s work unit across the selected health facilities. The nasopharyngeal specimen was also obtained from the participants and analysed using STANDARD Q COVID-19 Ag Test rapid chromatographic immunoassay for the detection of antigens to SARS-CoV-2. All data were input and analyzed using SPSS version 20.
Results There was a statistically significant relationship between the vaccination status of respondents and the post-vaccination test result (χ2 = 6.816, df =1, p= 0.009). The incidence of covid-19 infection among the vaccinated and unvaccinated HCWs was 2 % and 8 % respectively. 5 of the 15 respondents who tested positive for covid-19 had been fully vaccinated. However, all 5 of them did not practice safety measures after vaccination. None of the respondents who practised safety measures after vaccination tested positive for covid-19. The remaining 10 respondents that tested positive for covid-19 had not been vaccinated though they practised safety precautions.
Conclusion Vaccination and the practice of safety precautions will go a long way to preventing future Covid-19 breakthrough infections.
Obstetrical and perinatal outcomes of pregnancies with advanced maternal age in Sinnar Maternity Hospital
Authors: Isam Mohammed Babbiker , alteib mogahid alteib yousif , alhag sabah mohammed ibrahim
Published: August 2023

The age of a woman during pregnancy is a significant component that impacts the pregnancy process and labor. A study was conducted at Sinnar Maternity Hospital, involving 162 participants from both the case and control groups. The results showed that the majority of participants were similar in terms of educational attainment, parity, and postpartum health (PMH). However, the case group had a higher incidence of complications such as preeclampsia (PPH), and neonatal mortality (NMC). PPH was the most common postpartum complication in both populations. The majority of patients in both groups had live babies, indicating a higher incidence of neonatal mortality, infant CMF, and NICU hospitalization. The study highlights the importance of understanding the reactivity of women to pregnancy and the impact of various factors on their reactivity.
Contact-separation-induced self-recoverable mechanoluminescence of CaF2:Tb3+/PDMS elastome
Authors: Zhang Jiachi , Wang Wenxiang , Wang Shanwen , Gu Yan , Zhou Jinyu
Published: August 2023

Centrosymmetric-oxide/PDMS elastomers emit ultrastrong nonpreirradiation mechanoluminescence (ML) under stress and are considered one of the most ideal ML materials. However, previous centrosymmetric-oxide/PDMS elastomers show severe ML degradation under stretching, which limits their use in applications. This work presents an elastomer based on centrosymmetric fluoride CaF2:Tb3+ and PDMS, with ML that can self-recover after each stretching. Experimentation indicate that the self-recoverable ML of the CaF2:Tb3+/PDMS elastomer occurs essentially due to contact electrification arising from contact-separation interactions between the centrosymmetric phosphor and PDMS. Accordingly, a contact-separation cycle model of the phosphor-PDMS couple is established, and first-principles calculations are performed to model state energies in the contact-separation cycle. The results reveal that the fluoride-PDMS couple helps to induce contact electrification and maintain the contact-separation cycle at the interface, resulting in the self-recoverable ML of the CaF2:Tb3+/PDMS elastomer. Therefore, it would be a good strategy to develop self-recoverable ML elastomers based on centrosymmetric fluoride phosphors and PDMS.
Disease activity, and disease extent and fecal incontinence among Japanese patients with ulcerative colitis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hanayama Masakazu , Furukawa Shinya , Miyake Teruki , Yoshida Osamu , Shiraishi Kana , Tange Kazuhiro , Hashimoto Yu , Kitahata Shogo , Ninomiya Tomoyuki , Yagi Sen , Suzuki Seiyuu , Shibata Naozumi , Murakami Hidehiro , Ohashi Katsuhisa , Tomida Hideomi , Yamamoto Yasunori , Takeshita Eiji , Ikeda Yoshio , Hiasa Yoichi
Published: August 2023

Background
Fecal incontinence (FI) reduces patients’ quality of life. However, evidence regarding FI in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) is limited. In previous studies of patients with UC, disease activity is positively associated with FI. On the other hand, the association between the disease extent and FI remains inconsistent. Therefore, we examined disease activity, disease extent, and a combination of disease activity and disease extent, and FI in Japanese patients with UC.
Methods
This study included 290 Japanese UC patients. FI and severe FI were defined on the basis of the frequency of incontinence. The disease extent was divided into total colitis, left-sided colitis, proctitis, and others. Complete mucosal healing (CMH) and mucosal healing (MH) were defined as Mayo endoscopic subscores of 0 and 1, respectively. Information on clinical remission (CR) was collected from the medical records.
Results
The rates of male sex, CMH, MH, CR, FI, and severe FI were 57.6%, 25.2%, 61.0%, 59.3%, 13.8%, and 5.9%, respectively. CMH, MH, and CR were independently inversely associated with FI and severe FI, respectively. No association was found between the disease extent and FI, and severe FI. Total colitis active stage UC was independently and positively associated with FI and severe FI (adjusted OR 2.51 [95% CI 1.22–5.18], and adjusted OR 3.95 [95% CI 1.38–11.85]). Other disease extents were not associated with FI or severe FI, regardless of active stage.
Conclusions
In Japanese patients with UC, disease activity was independently inversely associated with FI and severe FI. The total colitis with active stage was significantly positively associated with FI and severe FI. Other disease extents were not associated with FI, regardless of disease activity.
Trial registration
This study is also registered UMIN (000051334).