bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emotional Intelligence: Employee attitudes as a Mediation Role between Creativity and Emotional Intelligence
Authors: Ismael Zain Noori
Published: November 2022

In spite of the fact that recent research has shown that emotional intelligence plays a significant role in the creative process, not much work has been done so far to verify this theory. As a result, the purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of emotional intelligence on the creation of and the mediating role of employee attitudes at selected private enterprises in the Kurdistan area of Iraq. For the purpose of evaluating this study, a quantitative research methodology was utilized. There was a random sample procedure used, and there were a total of 100 questionnaires sent; however, only 87 questionnaires were returned. In this study, employee attitude served as both a mediator and a dependent variable, while social awareness, self-management, relationship management, and self-awareness were employed as independent variables to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence and creative output. According to the findings, emotional intelligence has a direct and indirect influence, both of which are considerable and favorable for creative output in private companies. Also, the study's results suggested that future research should look into staff commitment and how engaged employees are.
Pectinase Production by Aspergillus niger and Its Applications in Fruit Juice Clarification
Authors: Wagh Vrushali , Patel Hirvitaben , Patel Nafisa , Vamkudoth Koteswara Rao , Ajmera Shanthipriya
Published: November 2022

Pectinases (EC 3.2.1.15) are a class of enzymes that catalyze the depolymerization or de-esterification reactions that degrade pectic substances. In the present study, we have isolated the Aspergillus niger strain from soil samples, in India and evaluated pectinase production. The highest pectinase producing A. niger strain was further evaluated and optimized with various agricultural wastes. Plackett-Burman design (PBD) and Central composite design ‘(CCD)’ were used to determine the best parameters for maximum pectinase production. Pectinase activity was increased to 99.21 U/ml after optimizing the production medium using PBD and CCD statistical analysis. A positive correlation of pectinase activity between predicted (112.65 U/ml) and experimental (99.21 U/ml with SD=0.005) optimum was observed. Maximum pectinase was produced by A. niger under submerged fermentation, utilizing orange peel, which is a cost-effective, adaptable, and environmentally friendly approach. The partially purified pectinase showed significant application for apple juice clarification and showed the ability to degrade pectin and therefore the colour change was observed in apple juice within 120 min. Maximum pectinase was produced by A. niger using agricultural waste orange peel under submerged fermentation which is an economical, versatile and eco-friendly process and pectinase showed a significant application for apple juice clarification.
Money Empire: Intelligent Assistant for Personal Finance Management
Authors: Balathas Mathursan
Published: November 2022

Abstract: Poverty, and debt are burning issues globally and especially in third-world nations such as Sri Lanka. The major contributing factor to poverty is poor personal financial planning resulting in being unable to make ends meet, forcing citizens to live mediocre lifestyles or even resort to debt or crime. Personal financial planning is one of the most crucial practices to overcome this situation namely: setting financial goals, tracking expenses, and meeting set budgets. In Sri Lanka, very few people keep track of their expenses, and a majority of those who do, follow manual methods which are error-prone and easily abandoned due to increased stress and complexity. This paper proposes a solution to automate the flow of personal finance management, requiring minimal effort from the user. The application detects SMS alerts received regarding Bank transactions and extracts transaction details. Users can easily upload their expense bills from which expense details will be fetched and processed. The app also allows users to split their bills with friends or family and track and settle their incoming and outgoing debts. Finally, the user can visualize their income and expense analysis at a glance and make better decisions to meet their financial objectives and all these features in one single application.
Image to Caption Generator
Authors: M Vani , S Priya
Published: November 2022

Abstract: Image captioning aims to automatically generate a sentence description for an image. Our project model will take an image as input and generate an English sentence as output, describing the contents of the image. It has attractedmuch research attention in cognitive computing in the recent years. The task is rather complex, as the concepts of both computer vision andnatural language processing domains are combined together. We have developed a model using the concepts of a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and LongShort Term Memory (LSTM) model and build aworking model of Image caption generator by implementing CNN with LSTM.The CNN works as encoder to extract features from images and LSTM works as decoder to generates words describing image. After the captiongeneration phase, weuse BLEU Scoresto evaluate the efficiency of our model. Thus, our system helpsthe user to get descriptive caption for the given input image.
Impact of AR and VR in Industrial Revolution
Authors: Bhattacharya Biswajit
Published: November 2022

Abstract: Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are state-of-the-art technologies for superimposing information onto the real world, has recently started to have an effect on our everyday lives. There has been an increase in the maturity and versatility of applications based on AR and VR technologies in recent years. Consequently, this improves user productivity and accuracy and offers economic benefits to companies. A wide range of augmented reality applications are now possible thanks to recent advances in the internet of things, smart sensors, and sophisticated algorithms. Currently, many research pieces are being done to expand the application of augmented reality and enhance its effectiveness in industrial production processes. The purpose of this paper is to analyze some use cases and the prospects associated with industrial augmented reality in order to highlight its critical role. This article explores the main future directions for industrial augmented reality applications in industry 4.0 through a systematic analysis. Various applications of this technology and their impact on improving production conditions are discussed in the article. In conclusion, this technology's challenges and research opportunities are discussed.
Analysis of creative home environment and individual characteristics according to life goals and creative mindset cluster types of science gifted students
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Lee Mina , Park Sunghee
Published: November 2022

Objectives This study examined the cluster types according to life goals and creative mindsets for science gifted students, and confirmed what differences appear in creative home environments and individual characteristics (efficacy, esteem, intrinsic motivation, stress) according to each type. Methods For this purpose, data of 145 students in the second year of science high schools in Seoul were analyzed. For data analysis, the SPSS program was used, and descriptive statistical analysis, cluster analysis, and multivariate analysis of variance(MANOVA) were performed. Results As a result, three clusters of science gifted students according to life goals and creative mindset were ‘fixed life goal-oriented type’, ‘fixed life goal absence type’, and ‘growth life goal-oriented type’. As a result of analyzing the differences in home environment and individual characteristics according to these clusters, it was found that there was a statistically significant difference from the other two clusters in the absence of a fixed life goal. Conclusions Through these results, it was possible to confirm the importance of the science gifted students' perception of life goals in their ability beliefs and life goals and points to consider for science gifted students were suggested.
Assessment of the Impact of Fatigue on the Degree of Dependance in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Figueiredo Ana Elizabeth , Domingues de Figueiredo Julia , Santos Bueno Isadora
Published: November 2022

Background: Patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) go through a number of physical and emotional symptoms that can interfere with their comfort and quality of life, a common symptom is tiredness, a condition which is conventionally called post dialysis fatigue (PDF). Therefore, the objective is to evaluate the relationship between fatigue and the degree of dependence in performing basic and instrumental activities of daily living on patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Method: Cross-sectional study, carried out at the hemodialysis unit of Hospital São Lucas da Pontificia Universidad Católica do Rio Grande do Sul.. The study reporting adheres to the STROBE checklist.
Results: From the 101 patients interviewed, 63 (62.4%) had post dialysis fatigue, with a mean age of 59±7 years, where the majority were men with 66.3% (n=67).  The presence of PDF was related to vintage on HD (p<0,041), session recovery time (p<0,000) and shift of the session (p<0.001). There was no association of PDF with the degree of dependence on basic and instrumental activities of daily living.
Conclusion: More than half of the patients on HD experience PDF, it is less frequent in patients dialyzing in the night shift and it is associated with dialysis vintage and with greater recovery time.
Quantized Nonlinear Transport with Ultracold Atoms
Authors: Yang Fan , Zhai Hui
Published: November 2022

In this letter, we propose how to measure the quantized nonlinear transport using two-dimensional ultracold atomic Fermi gases in a harmonic trap. This scheme requires successively applying two optical pulses in the left and lower half-planes and then measuring the number of extra atoms in the first quadrant. In ideal situations, this nonlinear density response to two successive pulses is quantized, and the quantization value probes the Euler characteristic of the local Fermi sea at the trap center. We investigate the practical effects in experiments, including finite pulse duration, finite edge width of pulses, and finite temperature, which can lead to deviation from quantization. We propose a method to reduce the deviation by averaging measurements performed at the first and third quadrants, inspired by symmetry considerations. With this method, the quantized nonlinear response can be observed reasonably well with experimental conditions readily achieved with ultracold atoms.
Atkalatrastā 1671.–1673. gada Vidzemes luterāņu rokasgrāmata un tās izdevēja priekšvārds
Authors:   Viļņas Universitāte, Kazakėnaitė Ernesta
Published: November 2022

Līdz šim gadam veco rakstu pētnieku lokā ceturtais Vidzemes luterāņu rokasgrāmatas izdevums (1671–1673) tika uzskatīts par pazudušo. Lai gan vēl pirms Otrā pasaules kara tā eksemplārs glabājās Rīgas Vēstures un senatnes pētītāju biedrības bibliotēkā, mainīgajos kara gados tas nozudis. Izrādās, ar Aleksandra Jansona palīdzību eksemplārs 1981. gadā nonāca Turaidas muzejrezervāta krājumā, kurā tiek glabāts arī mūsdienās. Atkalatrastā rokasgrāmatas eksemplāra parādīšanās zīmīgi samazina pētniekiem nepieejamo 17. gs. grāmatu skaitu un sniedz daudz vērtīgu ziņu latviešu rakstu valodas un vēstures pētniekiem, taču šai ziņojumā tika aplūkoti tikai daži vairāk ar grāmatniecību saistīti aspekti, proti, eksemplāra stāvoklis un tā iespējamais ceļš uz Turaidu, kā arī izdevēja priekšvārds, kas satur dažādas ziņas par grāmatas tapšanu. Pateicoties Inetai Balodei, pielikumā ir atrodams rakstā apskatāmā atkal pieejamā priekšvārda tulkojums latviešu valodā.
La explicación forense y el perfeccionamiento del cuadro fáctico en el proceso penal. Construyendo las bases de la criminalística del testimonio
Authors: Benavente Chorres Hesbert , Aylas Ortiz Renato
Published: November 2022

El presente artículo presenta como objetivo principal fundamentar que la explicación forense o criminalística del testimonio será la que corrobore el testimonio, perfeccione el cuadro fáctico en el marco del proceso penal y permita afirmar o descartar la infracción de un deber jurídico-penal que a su vez actualiza un determinado tipo penal, así como la afectación de un bien jurídico legalmente protegido. La metodología utilizada en esa inteligencia fue seleccionar un determinado marco normativo, como es la legislación peruana, y estudiar un conjunto de resoluciones judiciales emitidas por la Corte Suprema de Justicia del Perú. Esto se hizo para identificar lo que normativamente se exige para afirmar que se tiene una declaración corroborada y los problemas que los operadores encuentran para lograr tal cometido. En ese contexto, de los resultados obtenidos se formuló como conclusión principal que el testimonio ocupa ser corroborado por las evidencias técnicas y científicas obtenidas por los criminalistas y forenses, incluyendo los psicólogos, en razón al experto procesamiento de los indicios obtenidos. De esta manera, hemos denominado a dicho modelo criminalística del testimonio, el cual se contrapone con la psicología del testimonio, conforme lo explicado en el presente estudio.
Medidas de protección a niños, niñas y adolescentes en situación de crisis sanitaria —COVID-19—. De la teoría a la práctica
Authors: Ravetllat Ballesté Isaac
Published: November 2022

El presente trabajo tiene por finalidad aportar una mirada contingente, crítica y práctica frente al procedimiento proteccional de niños, niñas y adolescentes vigente en Chile. Este propósito se llevará a cabo con un especial enfoque en la situación de emergencia sanitaria global, producto del COVID-19, que ha conllevado la adopción de una serie de medidas estatales para el pretendido resguardo de la vida y la salud de las personas, entre las cuales se encuentran las restricciones a la libertad de circulación y la suspensión de todo tipo de actividad presencial. De este modo, los tribunales de familia y las instituciones que forman parte de la oferta programática existente para el abordaje de las distintas áreas de atención a niños, niñas y adolescentes, han debido modificar su funcionamiento y ajustar su actuar conforme a la evolución de la pandemia. Para la elaboración de este artículo se realizó una investigación de carácter cualitativo con un enfoque hermenéutico de tipo documental. Como resultado de nuestra investigación constatamos que, si bien el sistema público de protección a la infancia y la adolescencia ha tratado de adaptar sus procedimientos, metodologías de intervención, procederes, seguimientos y supervisiones a las nuevas condiciones impuestas por la situación de alarma sanitaria, no se vislumbra una actuación uniforme, homogénea y claramente coordinada. Lo anterior nos lleva a concluir que más allá de las normas, actas, instrucciones y protocolos de intervención que se han ido suscitando para dar respuesta a la mentada coyuntura pandémica, los niños y los adolescentes —especialmente aquellos que se encuentran en situación de vulnerabilidad— no han sido visibilizados, atendidos y tomados en consideración de la manera más adecuada posible.
Vivir entre bastidores: bordado, mujer y domesticidad en la España de la Edad Moderna
Authors: Ágreda Pino Ana María
Published: November 2022

Las artes textiles, especialmente el hilado, han sido actividades impuestas tradicionalmente a las mujeres. Los libros de moral y de conducta, salidos de la pluma de escritores como Juan Luis Vives o fray Luis de León, además de obras literarias como La Celestina, establecieron una honda ligazón entre las mujeres y la rueca o el huso, el hilo o la aguja. Estas fuentes y la documentación de los archivos revelan que la sociedad patriarcal ha utilizado las labores textiles para construir un ideal de feminidad y para controlar los espacios, los tiempos, las actividades y, en definitiva, la vida de las mujeres. En los albores de la Edad Moderna y entre las féminas de condición social elevada, triunfó una de estas labores textiles: el bordado. El bordado y otras artes de la aguja con él emparentadas, cumplieron funciones similares a la hora de crear un modelo de mujer virtuosa y honesta, una mujer anclada a la esfera doméstica. Pero las féminas hicieron del bordado un recurso creativo, a través del cual, combinando técnicas, materiales y motivos, se transmitieron conocimientos y enhebraron relatos para hacer oír su voz. El bordado fue un mecanismo de dominio, incluso de domesticación de las féminas, pero a la vez fue un medio de expresión para ellas, cuando no de subversión de los valores sociales del momento. A lo largo de los distintos capítulos que conforman esta obra se estudian estos aspectos. Se incide en la relación entre textil y virtud femenina, entre bordado y los espacios domésticos, entre las labores de aguja y la palabra femenina. Se aborda también el análisis de los instrumentos, los modelos, las técnicas y las complejas obras creadas por las mujeres a lo largo de la Edad Moderna. Porque estudiar el bordado es fundamental para reconstruir la vida de las mujeres, para entender cómo un grupo subordinado y numeroso utilizó las vías que estaban a su alcance para inventar e idear. También lo es para recuperar unas creaciones en su mayor parte desaparecidas y olvidadas. En definitiva, estudiar el bordado es estudiar la historia de las mujeres.
Dos cruces góticas afiligranadas de Augerius en Maluenda (Zaragoza), hacia 1300
Authors: BARRÓN GARCÍA Aurelio Á.
Published: November 2022

Se presentan dos cruces góticas casi inéditas que se habían considerado del final de la Edad Media. A partir del estudio comparado y de la lectura de la inscripción de una de ellas, se propone al autor, Augerius, y al comitente, fray Martín de Maluenda, abad del monasterio de Piedra, abad con intervalos de 1284 a 1313. Recubiertas de filigrana, fueron originalmente cruces anicónicas vinculadas a la tradición hispana. De virtuosísima elaboración, estas cruces, casi desconocidas, tienen una importancia trascendental para el estudio de la platería española y europea.
História do lazer em Cláudio, Minas Gerais, C. 1888-1920
Authors: Venâncio de Oliveira Amaral Daniel , Reni Anísio Edimar , Dias Cleber
Published: November 2022

Pesquisas sobre a história do lazer em cidades pequenas e áreas rurais são ainda pouco frequentes, apesar da apreciável fortuna crítica já disponível sobre o assunto. Tentando ampliar esse universo de referências, este artigo analisa a dinâmica histórica do lazer em um pequeno distrito rural do interior de Minas Gerais na transição entre os séculos XIX e XX. Mais especificamente, analisamos a história do lazer na cidade de Cláudio nesse período. Por meio de jornais, processos-crime, livros de memória, fotografias e dados censitários apresentamos uma interpretação histórica em que o modo de produção agrícola é apontado como principal elemento explicativo para o surgimento de novas modalidades e regimes de ocupação social do tempo livre.
Loan scams and corporate governance failure in the state-owned banks of a developing country
Authors: Ahmed Zahir Uddin , Begum Shahanaz , Islam Kazi Saidul , Kamal Yousuf
Published: November 2022

The corporate world has witnessed significant corporate governance failures during the last two decades. Although most of these collapses happened in the context of developed countries, the cases within developing counties were not negligible. Yet, there is limited research on corporate governance failures that occurred in developing countries. In this study, we attempted to unfold the underlying reasons for corporate governance failures in the banking sector in a developing country. We collected data from media reports published in local and international media about the loan scandals that happened in Bangladesh between 2008 and 2020. We analyzed over ninety-four media reports to understand the significant factors contributing to such corporate governance failures. We applied the “control fraud theory” to interpret our findings. We have found that weak regulatory framework, political influence, lack of oversight by the corporate regulatory bodies, and personal collusion of bank personnel are the major factors that lead to corporate governance failures in Bangladesh. Our results suggest stern measures to be taken by the regulatory bodies to reduce loan scams and corporate governance failures in the future.
Proinflammatory polarization of monocytes by particulate air pollutants is mediated by induction of trained immunity in pediatric asthma
Authors: Nadeau Kari , Movassagh Hesam , Prunicki Mary , Kaushik Abhinav , Zhou Xiaoying , Dunham Diane , Smith Eric , He Ziyuan , Muench German R. Aleman , Shi Minyi , Weimer Annika K. , Cao Shu , Andorf Sandra , Feizi Amir , Snyder Michael , Soroosh Pejman , Mellins Elizabeth D.
Published: November 2022

The impact of exposure to air pollutants, such as fine particulate
matter (PM), on the immune system and its consequences on pediatric
asthma are not well understood. We investigated whether the ambient
levels of fine PM with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 microns (PM
) are associated with alterations in circulating
monocytes in children with or without asthma. Increased exposure to
ambient PM was linked to specific monocyte subtypes,
particularly in children with asthma. Mechanistically, we hypothesized
that innate trained immunity is evoked by a primary exposure to fine PM
and accounts for an enhanced inflammatory response after secondary
stimulation in vitro. We determined that the trained immunity was
induced in circulating monocytes by fine particulate pollutants, and it
was characterized by upregulation of proinflammatory mediators, such as
TNF, IL-6, and IL-8, upon stimulation with house dust mite or LPS. This
phenotype was epigenetically controlled by enhanced H3K27ac marks in
circulating monocytes. The specific alterations of monocytes after
ambient pollution exposure suggest a possible prognostic immune
signature for pediatric asthma, and pollution-induced trained immunity
may provide a potential therapeutic target for asthmatic children living
in areas with increased air pollution.
Prediction of the clinical course of immune thrombocytopenia in children by platelet kinetics
Authors: Lejeune Julien , V Raoult , M Dubrasquet , R Chauvin , Mallebranche Coralie , pellier isabelle , F Monceaux , S Bayart , Grain Audrey , E Gyan , N Ravalet , O Herault , D Ternant
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Childhood immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a rare
autoimmune disorder characterized by isolated thrombocytopenia.
Prolonged ITP (persistent and chronic) leads to a reduced quality of
life for children in many domains. To provide optimal support for
children, with ITP, it is important to be able to predict those who will
develop prolonged ITP. This study aimed to develop a mathematical model
based on platelet recovery that allows the early prediction of prolonged
ITP. Methods: In this retrospective study, we used platelet
counts from the six months following the diagnosis of ITP to model the
kinetics of platelet evolution using a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic
model. Results: In a learning set (n=103), platelet counts were
satisfactorily described by our kinetic model. The K
parameter, which describes spontaneous platelet
recovery, allowed a distinction between acute and prolonged ITP with an
AUC of 0.74. In a validation set (n=58), spontaneous platelet recovery
was robustly predicted using platelet counts from 15 (AUC=0.76) or 30
(AUC=0.82) days after ITP diagnosis. Discussion: In our model,
platelet recovery quantified using the k parameter
allowed prediction of the clinical course of ITP. Future prospective
studies are needed to improve the predictivity of this model, in
particular, by combining it with the predictive scores previously
reported in the literature.
Impact of surface topography and shear stress on single and dual species biofilm formation by Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes in presence of promotor bacteria
Authors: Patel Jitendra , Prabhukhot Grishma S. , Yin Hsin-Bai , Eggleton Charles D. , Kim Moon
Published: November 2022

Biofilm formation ability of E. coli O157:H7 and L.
monocytogenes in the presence of promotor bacteria R. insidiosa
was evaluated on stainless steel, polycarbonate, PTFE, and EPDM coupon
surfaces under hydrodynamic shear stresses of 0.013, 0.043 and 0.088 N/m
. Surface roughness and topography of coupons were
recorded; surface roughness of stainless steel, EPDM, polycarbonate, and
PTFE was 0.71, 1.11, 2.36 and 3.17 µm; respectively. Coupons used in a
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention biofilm reactor (CBR) were
inoculated with 1 ml of individual bacterial inoculum
(~9 log CFU/ml). Single species E. coli O157:H7
biofilms were significantly higher on polycarbonate compared to EPDM at
0.043 and 0.088 shear stresses. At lower shear stress of 0.013 N/m
, the single species E. coli O157:H7
population were similar on all materials indicating that single species
E. coli O157:H7 biofilm formation is non-surface-specific at this
shear stress. Higher L. monocytogenes biofilm formation was
observed in presence of R. insidiosa on PTFE at 0.043 N/m
, and PTFE and EPDM at 0.088 N/m .
Our study emphasizes the importance of surface skewness, peaks, valleys,
flatter areas, over surface’s roughness while selecting the material for
food processing environments.
Optimal Control of Autonomous PV-BESS-DG based AC Microgrid with GA-INC Algorithm based MPPT for Rural Electrification
Authors: Samoon Farhat , Hussain Ikhlaq , Iqbal Sheikh Javed
Published: November 2022

This paper presents optimal control of an autonomous microgrid
composed of a PV array- a synchronous generator-based diesel generator
(Syn-Gen- DG) system along with a battery energy storage system(BES) for
rural areas that are not connected to the main grid. This configuration
aims at the maximum extraction of solar energy by using maximum power
point tracking (MPPT) using a boost converter with genetic algorithm
(GA)-based incremental conductance (INC) algorithm. The INC algorithm
uses the genetic algorithm to compute the ideal step size (δ), which
significantly improves the tracking of the maximum power point and
increases the algorithm’s efficiency. To enhance better fuel economy, DG
operation is always kept in the fuel economy zone (FEZ). DG is made to
operate only when PV together with the battery cannot support the load
power. Generic sigmoid function-based – modified variable step size
least mean square (GS-MVSS-LMS) adaptive VSC control provides solutions
for power quality issues such as harmonic elimination, and load leveling
and regulates the voltage at PCC. The suggested control method performs
better in terms of convergence rate, steady-state error reduction,
transition tracking effectiveness, and self-coherence. The main features
of this AC microgrid are the operation of a solar array at its MPPT,
less utilization of diesel generators, and reactive power compensation.
The performance of the proposed microgrid topology is studied under
various dynamic conditions and performs satisfactorily as per IEEE 519
standards. MATLAB/ simpower tools are used for the simulation of the
microgrid system.
Structured Approach to the Development of New Cancer Drugs Using Drosophila
Authors: Nezhad Amin Foroughi
Published: November 2022

In the past few years, Drosophila has gained prominence as a tool for drug development due to its capacity to screen tiny compounds against intricate disease phenotypes in the setting of a complete animal. Gene-compound interaction studies combine compound feeding with complex genetic modifications in order to better investigate the compound mechanisms of response and resistance. These studies allow for a more in-depth exploration of the compound response and resistance mechanisms. In this section, I will discuss how the chemical screening and testing procedures performed on Drosophila may be applied to the process of generating novel cancer medicines in the present day. A framework for a Drosophila-based cancer drug discovery strategy is what I propose in order to assist the Drosophila research community in making the most of the benefits that Drosophila offers in terms of locating possible treatments and progressing our discoveries into the clinical setting.
AT1 receptor role in the hypothalamic and renal function interaction
Authors: Ruberto Celia , Occhieppo Victoria , Bregonzio Claudia , Baiardi Gustavo
Published: November 2022

Angiotensin II (ANG II) is involved in the renal sodium homeostasis in
close relation with sympathetic nervous system (SNS) under normal and
pathological conditions. Vasopressin (AVP), a hormone that modulates
renal sodium and water reabsorptionis synthetized and released from
supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) under ANG II
influence. We hypothesized that brain ANG II AT1 receptors (AT1-R)
regulate renal sodium and water reabsorption and excretion through SNS.
In this study male Wistar rats with renal denervation/sham and fed with
hypersodic (4%) or normal (0.4%) diet were evaluated during 5 days in
metabolic cages. On day 5 were injected in lateral ventricle with
losartan (AT1-R antagonist) and sacrificed 12 hours later. The urine was
daily collected, blood samples and brains were obtained for
determinations. The parameters analyzed were: a) c-Fos immunoreactivity
in SON, PVN, subfornical (SFO) and organum vasculosum of the lamina
terminalis nucleus (OVLT), b) c-Fos-AVP immunoreactivity in SON in sham
group, c) sodium and water intake, d) water, sodium and creatinine
excretion. Results: c-Fos expression in SFO, OVLT and PVN was
differentially affected by hypersodic diet or losartan depending on
renal nerve integrity. In sham animals losartan prevented the hypersodic
diet effects in water intake, c-Fos and AVP positive neurons in SON.
Renal denervation modified the effect of hypersodic diet in water
intake, urinary volume and creatinine excretion; losartan prevented
these alterations. Food intake was similar in all groups. Our results
suggest that brain AT1-R regulate renal sodium and water reabsorption
through SNS in close interaction with AVP.
Parkland Diabetes Clinic
Authors: Jafri Farzan , Gunasekaran Uma
Published: November 2022

  

This project was conducted at the Parkland Diabetes Clinic in Dallas, TX, an endocrinology clinic that operates within the Parkland Health System, a safety-net health system that serves the indigent population of Dallas County. The clinic conducts ~1,200 visits per month, including new referrals, follow-up visits, social work services, teleretinal screenings, nursing services, mental health care, and diabetes education visits. The clinic has 16 providers, including several attending physicians (endocrinologists), several endocrinology fellows, physician associates, and nurse practitioners. The clinic is also supported by additional staff, including certified diabetes care and education specialists, a social worker, a clinical pharmacist, a part-time mental health counselor, and a part-time psychiatrist, as well as a nurses, medical assistants, and clerical staff.

The patient population served at the clinic is ethnically diverse (50% Hispanic/Latinos, 30% Black, and 15% non-Hispanic White) and predominantly underserved (50% receive charity care, and 10% have commercial insurance).
Towards a Low-Cost Object Collecting and Organizing Household Robot using Deep Learning
Authors: Khan Tareq
Published: November 2022

Recent advances in deep learning algorithms, and the availability of low-cost sensors, processors, and actuators are opening up a new opportunity for making household robots with a limited budget. Household robots can help automate the monotonous tasks of daily life such as putting dishes in the dishwasher, folding the laundry after washing, cleaning the floor, and organizing kids’ toys on the shelf at the end of the day. In this paper, a robot has been developed that can detect and recognize an object using deep learning from images, move toward the object scoops and lifts the object, and then puts the object to its assigned level on a shelf. This robot can be used to collect and organize objects such as toys, in the kid’s room. A deep learning model is trained with a custom dataset and the mean average precision (mAP) of the object detector is 79.1%. A prototype of the robot - with mechanical structure, camera, motors, controller, and image processing algorithms - is developed and tested successfully.
Natural Synedrella Residues as a Growing Substrate Ingredient: An Eco-friendly Way to Improve Yield and Quality of Beet (Beta vulgaris) Microgreens
Authors: Bayineni Venkata Krishna , Herur N Kavana
Published: November 2022

Microgreens are a new type of edible fresh vegetable salad which are harvested before the cotyledons have fully developed but before the real leaves have entirely emerged. Being new to the market, appropriate substrates which are economical have yet to be established in order to increase production. In order to increase the yields of beet microgreens, this study tested natural synedrella residues (aerial parts) as a growing media component. This investigation was carried out in 2022 at the Prayoga campus in Bengaluru to assess the effects of synedrella residues combined with growth substrates on the yield and quality of beet microgreens grown in a greenhouse. The growth parameters analysed were germination rate, height, fresh and dried weight, and quality of beet microgreens (chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids, microbial safety) grown on substrates of synedrella residues, vermicompost, red soil and coco peat in different combinations. Results showed that the presence of Synedrella nodiflora residues in the growing substrate has increased the yields, quality, germination rate and microbially safe for consumption. Beet microgreens grown on these substrates along with syndrella have minimal levels of microbiological contamination (total coliforms) as a result, they can be consumed as a healthy and safe fresh vegetable salad in the human diet. Results show that employing this natural material as a component in growing substrate could boost beet microgreens' yields and nutritional profile, leading to a sustainable approach.
Decoding the Perception of African Women in Amma Darko’s and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Selected Novels
Authors: Gbaguidi Célestin , Amouzou Lonlonyo
Published: November 2022

This article attempts to analyze how patriarchal society negatively perceives African women using Amma Darko’s and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s selected novels as backdrop. Through in-depth study and critical appreciation of the novels, these two authors depict the way the African woman is regarded, understood, and interpreted by herself in the male-dominated community or in a foreign territory; the African woman is nothing more than a naive, second-class citizen, reproducer, mere commodity, and man's appendage. Analysing the female characters in these novels, with a focus on Mara in Beyond the Horizon and Ifemelu in Americanah, we can understand the perception of African women from their own perspectives, while also considering the perception of African women by others in their given environment. Finally, this article will be informed by the decoding theory in terms of how these novels address the perception of the post-colonial and the modern African woman.
Quit Smoking Clinic: Factors Associated with Successful Quit Smoking in Besut District, Terengganu State of Malaysia
Authors: Ismail Nur Raihan , Awang Hafizuddin , A Rahman Nurul Jannah , Ahmad Daud Arfizah , Zulrushdi Mohd Fariz , Zainuddin Azmi , Abd Rahman Mohd Anuar , Embong Kasemani
Published: November 2022

Background: Malaysian National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019 illustrated the prevalence of current smoker was 21.3%. Out of current smokers, only about half of them made an attempt to quit smoking in the past 12 months and only 7.4% of the smokers had visited a healthcare provider for quit smoking advice. The “Quit Smoking Clinic” was established in Malaysia since 2000 to make smoking cessation service accessible for everyone. This study aims to determine the factors associated with successful quit smoking among smokers attending “Quit Smoking Clinic” in Besut District, Malaysia.

Methods: A district-wide record review study using “Quit Smoking Clinic” record [BPKK/KBM(PKD)/3/2012 Amendment 2018] from seven health clinics was conducted. A logistic regression (LR) model was performed to assess the factors influencing successful quit smoking status. A success quit smoking status was defined as remaining abstinent from smoking behavior at six months of clinic follow-up.

Result: A sample of 414 clients from seven health clinics in Besut were included, 14.3% of them had a success quit smoking status. In the final MLR model, factors influencing successful quit smoking were older age group 45 years old and above (Adj. OR 2.27; 95% CI: 1.22, 4.22, p-value=0.010), voluntary participation in the clinic (Adj. OR 1.86; 95% CI: 1.00, 3.45, p-value=0.049) and frequent visits to the clinic (Adj. OR 5.33; 95% CI: 2.88, 9.86, p-value<0.001).

Conclusion: Recognition of these factors associated with the success of quit smoking status is beneficial to improve the service of “Quit Smoking Clinic” as well as to promote an accessible smoking cessation support for smokers in the district. Reinforcement of tobacco control policies in Malaysia is imperative to encourage more smokers to quit smoking in the country.
¿Una oportunidad perdida? Multiculturalismo y razas invisibles en The Bridgertons
Authors: Herencia Grillo Amalia
Published: November 2022

El cine y la televisión son medios de comunicación cuyo alcance permite contar historias, reflejar ideas, retratar sociedades y establecer debates en torno a diferentes temas como el multiculturalismo. A través del análisis de una serie como The Bridgertons (Shondaland, 2020), en la que la raza de sus actores no está asociada a la de los personajes que representan, queremos comprobar si este hecho supone un apoyo o un escollo al concepto de la invisibilidad de la raza como soporte del multiculturalismo. Para esto, realizamos un recorrido por el papel desarrollado por actores de razas minoritarias (entendiendo como tal aquellas diferentes a la blanca) en las producciones de Hollywood, valorando los estereotipos y las limitaciones a las que se han enfrentado y lo comparamos con el cambio que ha supuesto, en esta serie, el papel protagonista que representan estos actores. Los resultados demuestran que, a pesar de que participan actores de razas minoritarias en papeles que les hubiesen estado vetados hace años, esta posibilidad no se amplía a todas las razas, por lo que podemos concluir que el avance en la normalización del protagonismo de estos actores es solo parcial. A este hecho se suman las diferencias en la representación e identificación de ciertos actores con estereotipos culturales en ambas temporadas.

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The main power of cinema and television as communication media is not just telling stories, but also reflecting ideas, picturing societies and establishing debates around different topics as the one we are dealing with in this study: multiculturalism. Through analysing a series like The Bridgertons (Shondaland, 2020), where their performers’ race is not linked to the characters they play, we want to test if this fact supports or challenges the concept of race’s invisibility as a support for multiculturalism. To do this, we overview the role that minority races’ (meaning those other than white) actors have played in Hollywood productions, considering stereotypes and limitations they have faced and compare this fact with this series’ changes in the protagonist roles that these actors play. Results prove that, despite minority races’ actors playing roles that would have been banned for them years ago, this option is not available for all races, so we can conclude that the improvement in these actors’ protagonism is just partial. Added to this the incongruencies and differences in the representation and identification of certain actors with cultural stereotypes in first and second seasons.
Multicriterial analysis of the relief suitability for spatial planning in Guruslău Depression.
Authors:   ", Costea Andreea ,   Babeş-Bolyai",   University, Faculty of Geography, Cluj-Napoca, Irimuș Ioan-Aurel ,   "Babeş-Bolyai" University, Faculty of Geography, Cluj-Napoca, Filip Sorin ,   "Babeş-Bolyai" University, Faculty of Geography, Cluj-Napoca
Published: November 2022

The present paper aims to assess the suitability for spatial planning of a depression area. For this purpose, a spatial analysis model was developed using GIS techniques, integrating databases representing the morphometric parameters of the relief (depth of fragmentation, density of fragmentation, surface exposure, slope) and additional criteria (land use, the geology and the soil erosion rate.) These were qualitatively evaluated on a scale from 1 to 5 (1-very favourable; 5-unfavourable) and were used to generate the map of relief suitability for spatial planning. The obtained results highlight the fact that the analysed area has high and very high favourability for spatial planning, both as a whole and at the level of the individual analysis of the territorial administrative units.
Indigenous Knowledge of Rural Women in Forest Resources Utilization and Conservation in Agoi-Ibami and Agoi-Ekpo, Yakurr Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Authors:   Department of Geography and Environmental Science, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, EGBE ANOYOM ROBERT , EBU VINCENT TAWO ,   Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Wildlife Management, University of Calabar, Calabar, EKPOTO DAVID FRANCIS ,   Department of Social Science Education, Faculty of Arts and Social Science Education, University of Calabar, Calabar
Published: November 2022

This study was aimed at assessing the indigenous knowledge of rural women in forest resources conservation in Agoi-ekpo and Agoi-ibami in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. The objective of the study is: To examine the extent to which indigenous knowledge of rural women have influenced forest resources utilization and conservation. The sampling techniques used for the study are purposive and systematic in the selection of settlements. Purposive sampling was adopted because it was the researcher’s deliberate intention to choose the rural communities in Yakurr L.G.A. that have direct interface with the Forest Reserves and are involved in the use and management of forest resources. While the systematic sampling was used to select rural women households at fixed intervals. The research findings revealed that a significant percent (71.2%) of the rural women were involved in the harvesting of forest resources. The study also showed that different quantities of edible leaves, fruits, snails, and medicinal herbs were collected by rural women for varying purposes. It further showed that these forest resources were harvested at varying frequencies and that they generate income to the rural women. The main forest resources conserved as revealed by the study included afang, atama, editan, bush mango, and hot leaf because of the high exploitation. Restrictions on the felling and uprooting of plants as well as ban on exploitation were the two prominent ways of forest resources conservation. Pearson’s correlation result indicated a positive and significant association between indigenous practices of rural women and forest resources utilization and conservation. It also showed that problems encountered in the collection of forest resources did not vary by the ages of rural women. In order to control unwanted exploitation of forest resources as well ensure the availability for the future, local communities should set-up forest guards or vigilante to control the quantity of edible forest resources that will be harvested from the forest.
Predictors of ICT Use in Teaching in Different Educational Domains
Authors: Zubković Barbara Rončević , Pahljina-Reinić Rosanda , Kolić-Vehovec Svjetlana
Published: November 2022

This study explored the implementation of the information and communication technology (ICT) into teaching and learning processes in three educational domains (STEM, language education, and other humanities and social sciences). Specificaly, the aim of the current study was to explore the effects of teachers' attitudes towards ICT use in classroom, self-efficacy in the ICT use, and perceived school-level barriers on teachers' ICT use as well as possible domain specific differences in the assessed variables. The data were collected as a part of a larger study conducted within the first phase of the “e-Schools” pilot project (CARNet). An online survey methodology was employed involving a sample of nearly all teachers in 13 middle (N=256) and 7 high schools (N=275). The results revealed that perceived self-efficacy in ICT use proved to be the best predictor of the use of ICT based activities regardless of the domain. Perceived benefits of ICT use significantly predicted the use of ICT in STEM and humanities and social sciences, while school-level barriers negatively predicted ICT use in STEM and in language education. Comparison of educational domains showed that STEM teachers saw more benefits of ICT use in teaching than teachers in humanities and social sciences. STEM teachers perceived themselves as more competent in ICT use compared to other two groups. They also reported that they use ICT more often in lesson preparation and in classroom activities. However, teachers’ perception of possible risks and barriers of ICT use in education did not differ in three educational domains.
Oncogenic KRAS triggers metabolic reprogramming in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Shen Xuqing , Niu Ningning , Xue Jing
Published: November 2022

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with an extremely high lethality rate. Oncogenic KRAS activation has been proven to be a key driver of PDAC initiation and progression. There is increasing evidence that PDAC cells undergo extensive metabolic reprogramming to adapt to their extreme energy and biomass demands. Cell-intrinsic factors, such as KRAS mutations, are able to trigger metabolic rewriting. Here, we update recent advances in KRAS-driven metabolic reprogramming and the associated metabolic therapeutic potential in PDAC.