bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Algılanan Kullanım Kolaylığı, Algılanan Fayda, Güven Duyma ve Keyif Alma Faktörleri İle Aynı Web Sitesi Üzerinden Yeniden Alışveriş Yapma Niyeti Arasındaki İlişki (The Relationship between Perceived Ease of Use, Perceived Benefit, Confidence and Enjoyment Factors and Intention to Shop Again on the Same Website)
Authors: Ocak Altuğ
Published: July 2023

Amaç –Bu çalışmanın amacı, Z kuşağı başta olmak üzere internetten alışveriş yapan kişilerin algılanan kullanım kolaylığı, algılanan fayda, güven duyma ve keyif alma değişkenlerinin birbirleriyle olan ilişkilerini ve bu değişkenlerin aynı web sitesi üzerinden yeniden alışveriş yapma niyeti üzerindeki etkisini ortaya çıkarmaktır. Bu konuda yapılan benzer çalışmalar olsa da, konunun öneminin güncelliğini koruması, önceki benzer çalışmalarla elde edilen sonuçlarla bu çalışmada elde edilen bulguların karşılaştırılması, çevrimiçi alışveriş sitelerinin tasarımından içeriğine nelerin müşteriyi cezbettiğinin belirlenmesinde faydalı olacaktır.Yöntem –Bu çalışmada nicel araştırma yöntemlerinden ilişkisel tarama modeli kullanılmıştır, bağımlı değişken olan aynı web sitesi üzerinden yeniden alışveriş yapma niyeti ile bağımsız değişkenler olan algılanan kullanım kolaylığı, algılanan fayda, güven duyma ve keyif alma faktörlerinin ilişkilerinin analiz edildiği bir model ortaya konmuştır. Araştırmada, çevrimiçi alışveriş yapan 391 kişiyle yüz yüze ya da çevrimiçi anket yollarıyla iletişim kurulmuş ve elde edilen veriler SPSS 25 programı ile analizlere tabi tutulmuştur. Gerekli verilerin toplanması sonucunda oluşturulan hipotezler test edilerek, değişkenler arasındaki ilişkiler ve elde edilen bulgular sonraki araştırmalara ışık tutacak şekilde paylaşılmıştır.Bulgular –Araştırmanın sonuçları, algılanan kullanım kolaylığı, algılanan fayda, güven duyma ve keyif alma değişkenlerinin aynı alışveriş sitesi üzerinden yeniden alışveriş yapma niyetini pozitif yönde anlamlı bir şekilde etkilediğini göstermektedir.Bununla birlikte sonuçlarımız, kadınların erkeklere göre web sitesi kullanmayı daha kolay algıladıklarını, webden alışverişin daha faydalı olduğuna inandıklarını, çevrimiçi alışveriş sitelerine daha fazla güvendiklerini ve çevrimiçi alışverişten daha fazla keyif aldıklarını ortaya çıkarmaktadır.Tartışma –Çalışmanın katılımcıları arasında Z kuşağından kişilerin çoğunlukta olması nedeniyle elde edilen bulguların öncelikle Z kuşağı için anlam ifade ettiği söylenebilir.
Örgütsel Dışlanma ve İşten Ayrılma Niyeti İlişkisinin Meta Analiz Yöntemi İle İncelenmesi (Investigation of The Relationship Between Workplace Ostracism and Turnover Intention By Meta-Analysis Method)
Authors: Öztürk Çiftçi Didem
Published: July 2023

Amaç –Bu araştırmanın amacı, örgütsel dışlanma ve işten ayrılma niyeti arasındaki ilişkinin belirlenmesidir. Örgütsel davranışın olumsuz unsurlarından birisi olan örgütsel dışlanma ile çalışanların işten ayrılmayı düşünmeleri arasında bir ilişkinin var olup olmadığının belirlenmesinin, hem dışlanmaya maruz kalan çalışanlar açısından hem de personel devir hızının yarattığı maliyetlere katlanan işletmeler açısından önem arz ettiği düşünüldüğünden söz konusu tespitin yapılması amaçlanmıştır. Yöntem –Bu araştırmada değişkenler arası ilişki, nicel bir araştırma yöntemi olan meta analiz ile değerlendirilmiştir.Bu bağlamda, ulusal ve uluslararası yazında 2010-2022 yılları arasında yapılmış olan makale, lisansüstü tez, kitap ve sempozyum tam metin çalışmaları taranmıştır. Yapılan tarama sonucunda belirlenen kriterlere uygun 23 makale, 1 yüksek lisans tezi ve 3 sempozyum tam metin olmak üzere toplam 27 akademik çalışma (n= 8115), meta analize dahil edilmiştir. Bulgular –Araştırmada yayın yanlılığı Huni Grafiği, Begg ve Mazumdar Testi, Güvenli N Testi ve Egger doğrusal regresyon testi ile belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca, Q, I2 ve p değerleri araştırmaların heterojen dağıldığına işaret etmektedir. Rastgele etkiler yöntemi ile gerçekleştirilen analizler sonucunda ulaşılan ortak etki büyüklüğü değeri, örgütsel dışlanmanın işten ayrılma niyeti ile orta düzeyli ilişkisi olduğuna işaret etmektedir.Tartışma –Araştırma sonuçları, çalışanların sosyal anlamda bir parçası olmayı bekledikleri örgütsel yapı tarafından dışlandıklarında oluşan olumsuz duygular sonucu işlerini değiştirme düşüncesine yaklaştıkları şeklinde değerlendirilebilir
Havalimanlarının Covid-19 Emniyet Performanslarının Entropy Tabanlı WASPAS Yöntemiyle Değerlendirilmesi (Evaluation of the Covid-19 Safety Performances of Airports with Entropy-Based WASPAS Method)
Authors: Duran Zafer , Macit Armağan
Published: July 2023

Amaç –Covid-19 salgını, ortaya çıktığı ilk günden itibaren yaşamın her alanında olduğu gibi havayolu sektöründe de benzeri görülmemiş değişikliklere neden olarak havalimanlarında Covid-19 emniyet tedbirleri adlı uygulamaların benimsenmesini zorunlu kılmıştır. Bu tedbirler, havalimanlarının salgın sürecinde faaliyetlerini sürdürebilmelerine imkân tanırken aynı zamanda salgınla mücadeleye önemli katkılar sağlamıştır. Ancak havalimanlarında uygulanan tedbirlerin başarısı, tam olarak ortaya konulamamıştır. Bu nedenle bu araştırmada havalimanlarında Covid-19 emniyet performanslarının, çok kriterli karar verme yöntemleriyle değerlendirilmesi amaçlanmıştır.Yöntem –Araştırmada Türkiye’nin en yoğun havalimanlarının yanı sıra dünyanın önde gelen topla-dağıt ağ yapısına sahip havalimanları ele alınmıştır. Değerlendirme işlemlerinde göstergelerinin ağırlıkları Entropy yöntemiyle, havalimanlarının Covid-19 ile mücadele performansları ise WASPAS yöntemiyle hesaplanmıştır. Bu işlemlerde Skytrax adlı derecelendirme kuruluşu tarafından kamuoyuna sunulan verilerden yararlanılmıştır.Bulgular –Değerlendirme işlemlerinin sonucundakoltuklara ilişkin sosyal mesafe işaretleri, yiyecek-içecek alanlarının temizliği ve takibi, sosyal mesafe uygulamaları Covid-19 emniyet performansının en belirleyici göstergeleri olarak ön plana çıkmıştır. Bununla birlikte araştırmaya konu olan havalimanları içerisinden Covid-19 ile mücadelede en başarılı havalimanı Paris Charles de Gaulle Havalimanı olmuştur. Bu havalimanını sırasıyla İstanbul Havalimanı ve Tokyo Haneda Havalimanı izlemiştir.Tartışma –Havalimanı Covid-19 emniyet performansı, pandemi süreciyle birlikte gündeme gelmiş bir konudur. Bu nedenle konu hakkındaki araştırmalar oldukça sınırlıdır. Bu araştırmada havalimanlarının covid-19 emniyet performansları, çok kriterli karar verme yöntemleri ile analiz edilerek bu sınırlılık azaltılmaya çalışılmıştır. Bununla birlikte elde edilen bulgular, sadece araştırmaya konu olan havalimanlarını yansıtmaktadır. Diğer havalimanları için ayrıca değerlendirmeler yapılması gerektiği unutulmamalıdır.
Makroekonomik Göstergeler Çerçevesinde Vergilerin Ülke Performanslarına Etkisi: OECDÜlkeleri Üzerine VZAUygulaması (The Impact of Taxes on Country Performance within the Framework of Macroeconomic Indicators: DEA Application over the OECD Countries)
Authors: Arslan Kifayet Erdem , Karabulut Kerem
Published: July 2023

Amaç -Bu çalışmada seçilmiş 20 OECD ülkesinin vergi temelli makroekonomik performanslarının ölçülmesi amaçlanmıştır. Yöntem -Belirlenen amaç doğrultusunda, daha önce yapılmış bilimsel çalışmaların sonuçları ve ilgili literatür taraması sonucunda tespit edilen 6 girdi ve 4 çıktı kullanılarak analizler yapılmıştır. Seçilmiş ülkelerin 2000-2020 yılları arası veriler ağırlıklandırılarak veri seti elde edilmiş, bu verilere Veri Zarflama Analizi (VZA) ve Malmquist toplam faktör verimliliği (TFV) analizi yapılarak sonuçlar yorumlanmıştır. Bulgular -Araştırma sonuçları incelendiğinde ülke etkinliklerinde en fazla ilerlemenin %8,5 oranıyla 2016-2017 döneminde olmuştur. Bu dönemdeki ilerlemenin temel nedeni teknolojik ilerlemedeki %9,3’luk artıştan kaynaklandığı söylenebilir. Ayrıca Türkiye’nin, incelenen tüm yıllarda BCC modeline göre etkin olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. BCC modeline göreetkin olması Türkiye’nin ulusal çerçevede vergi gelirlerini etkin yönettiğini göstermektedir. Tüm yılların toplamda değerlendirildiği Malmquist Toplam Faktör Verimliliği Analizine göre de Türkiye bu süreçte %2,5 oranında etkinliğini artıran 10 ülkeden biri olmuştur. Tartışma-Analiz sonucunda OECD ülkeleri ve Türkiye için toplanan vergi gelirlerinin yanı sıra vergilerin yönetilmesi ve denetlenmesi ön plana çıkmıştır. Ülkelerin yönetimsel becerileri ile uygun ölçekte hareket etmeleri önem arz etmektedir. Toplanan vergi gelirleri ve uygulanan vergi politikaları ile teknolojide yaşanan gelişmeler ve ülkelerin bu gelişmeleri takip etmeleri, teknolojik gelişmelere yönelik harekete geçmeleri uygun yazılım programı ve alt yapı sistemlerini kurmaları makroekonomikgöstergelere daha olumlu yansımaları olacağını göstermektedir. Ülkelerin yıl bazında yapılan VZA ve uzun dönemde TFV ile performansları ya da etkinlikleri karşılaştırıldığında etkin çıkmayan ülkelerin teknolojik yenilikleri takip edemediklerinden kaynaklandığı tespit edilmiştir. Daha etkin olabilmeleri için digital dönüşümün ivme kazanması gerektiği söylenebilir.
Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages: a cross-sectional study among university students in Sarawak
Authors: CHEAH Whyelian , LAW Leh Shii , MYAT Su Bo , GANİ Abigail Eleanor , LAU Andy, Yueh Lee , ABİNG Mechyle , MOHD YASİN Nur Nadhirah Aisyah
Published: July 2023

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and type of SSB among the students at a public university in Sarawak. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among undergraduate students in a public university of Malaysia. Using questionnaire, data on socio-demographic, SSB consumption, family and personal history of diabetes, knowledge on SSB intake was collected, together with anthropometry measurement. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 22.0. Results: A total of 208 respondents participated in the study. About one fourth of the respondents consumed SSB at least one time daily (83.6%) and as high as 72.1% consumed SSBs more than three times a week. The top three most consumed types of SSBs were coffee, flavoured milk and 3-in-1 sachet drink (53.4 to 76.0%). Only ethnicity showed a significant association with daily intake of SSB where Malay and other ethics groups (Bumiputra Sarawak, Bumiputra Sabah, Indian and other ethnic groups) had higher daily consumption (≥1 times) of SSB compared to Chinese respondents. Other independent variables showed no significant difference between those who consumed SSB and consumed more than once per day. Conclusions: Understanding the SSB consumption among young adults is important to formulate a more effective intervention strategy especially at Malaysia with a multicultural society, in which every ethnicity has their own eating culture.
PENGEMBANGAN MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN INTERAKTIF BERBASIS WEB PADA MATERI PENGETAHUAN DASAR PEMETAAN DENGAN METODE TUTORIAL
Authors: Margita Eka , Sukmawati R. Ati , Adini Muhammad Hifdzi
Published: July 2023

Abstrak. Pemanfaatan teknologi pendidikan penting untuk meningkatkan kualitas pendidikan. Dengan memanfaatan teknologi dapat dihasilkan media pembelajaran yang lebih kreatif. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengembangkan media pembelajaran interaktif berbasis web pada materi pengetahuan dasar pemetaan dengan metode tutorial dan menganalisis kelayakan pengembangan media pembelajaran interaktif berbasis web ditinjau dari validitas, kepraktisan, dan efektivitas. Penelitian ini berdasarkan model pengembangan Prototype. Subjek peneliti 16 peserta didik dan 1 orang guru SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Banjarmasin, validasi 2 orang ahli materi dan 2 orang ahli media. Penelitian ini menghasilkan media pembelajaran interaktif berbasis web pada materi pengetahuan dasar pemetaan dengan metode tutorial yang dikembangkan menggunakan teknologi HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, Javascript, Firebase, dan Arcgis. Media pembelajaran telah valid dengan kategori sangat tinggi, media pembelajaran dikategorikan praktis ditinjau dari respon guru dan peserta didik dinyatakan sangat praktis, media pembelajaran dikatakan efektif dalam kategori sedang. Maka, disimpulkan bahwa media pembelajaran interaktif yang dikembangkan layak untuk digunakan dalam proses pembelajaran pengetahuan dasar pemetaan.
Casting concrete with fabric formwork: Active learning methodologies in architectural education Fabricando hormigón con encofrados textiles: Metodologías de aprendizaje activo en educación arquitectónica
Authors: Márquez-Muñoz Iván José
Published: July 2023

Basándose en el material producido por dos grupos de estudiantes del Máster de Arquitectura dirigidos por el autor y otros académicos en la Universidad de Newcastle (Reino Unido), este artículo examina las diferentes maneras en las que estudiantes de arquitectura desarrollan su entendimiento de la investigación de materiales siguiendo metodologías de aprendizaje activo experimentando con hormigón. En el material analizado, los estudiantes exploraron el potencial de innovadores métodos de encofrado, centrándose en el uso de materiales textiles como encofrado de paneles y columnas a pequeña escala. Los trabajos se basaron en el trabajo pionero con encofrados flexibles desarrollado por el arquitecto español Miguel Fisac en el siglo veinte, proponiendo a los alumnos una serie de ejercicios de fabricación de hormigón gradualmente más complejos. El análisis comparativo de los trabajos aboga por una diferente aproximación pedagógica a la educación arquitectónica, en la que el trabajo manual directo con materiales juega un papel fundamental en el proceso de aprendizaje de los alumnos.AbstractBased on the material from a couple of Master of Architecture studios taught by the author with other colleagues at Newcastle University, this paper examines the ways higher education students in architecture hone their critical and creative understanding of materials research by following specific learning through making methodologies when working with concrete. The studios explored the potential of innovative methods of shuttering for concrete construction, focusing on the use of fabric as formwork for the creation of small columns and panels. They built upon the work with fabric formwork developed by Spanish architect Miguel Fisac in the twentieth century, asking students to engage with casting concrete in a series of exercises that became progressively more complex. The comparative examination of these projects argues about a more holistic pedagogical attitude to architectural design, in which a hands-on approach working with materials plays an important role in the student learning process.
The impact of Islamic financial development on renewable energy production in Islamic countries
Authors: Siswantoro  , Mahmud Amir
Published: July 2023

Purpose − This study aims to determine the impact of the development of Islamic finance on renewable energy production in Islamic countries. Two variables representing Islamic finance (Islamic financing and Sukuk) and five control variables (economic growth, foreign investment, CO2 emissions, trade openness, and consumer price index) are also studied.Methodology − Ninety-panel data from 10 Islamic countries over a period of 9 years (2013-2021) were analyzed using panel data analysis with the fixed effect model approach.Findings − The results show that Islamic countries with good development of Islamic banking and Sukuk tend to experience an increase in renewable energy production. Other empirical findings show that economic growth, CO2 emissions, and consumer price index are the next variables that affect renewable energy in Islamic countries.Implications − The results of this study have implications for the policies of Muslim countries to further encourage Islamic finance to be channeled into the renewable energy sector. The government should establish a clear regulatory framework for green Islamic investment and financing and if necessary, they are needed to provide incentives to the green investment sector.Originality − Previous studies that directly examine the effect of Islamic financial development on renewable energy are still limited. Most of the previous studies have examined the impact of Islamic financial development on environmental issues such as sustainable development, climate change, or environmental quality
Generating Potential Protein-Protein Interaction Inhibitor Molecules Based on Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Ohue Masahito , Kojima Yuki , Kosugi Takatsugu
Published: July 2023

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are associated with various diseases; hence, they are important targets in drug discovery. However, the physicochemical empirical properties of PPI-targeted drugs are distinct from those of conventional small molecule oral pharmaceuticals, which adhere to the ”rule of five (RO5).” Therefore, developing PPI-targeted drugs using conventional methods, such as molecular generation models, is difficult. In this study, we propose a molecule generation model based on deep reinforcement learning, specialized for generating PPI inhibitors. By introducing a scoring function that can represent the properties of PPI inhibitors, we successfully generated potential PPI inhibitor compounds. The generated virtual compounds possess the desired properties for PPI inhibitors, and show similarity to commercially available PPI libraries. These generated virtual compounds are freely available as a virtual library.
Accumulation of Trace Metals in Fruits from Mango And Syzigium guineense Growing in Residential Households from A Contaminated District of Lubumbashi (Dr Congo): Is Fruit Consumption at Risk?
Authors: Langunu Serge , Mpia Imanda  Imabo Précis , Bibi Fwanda Benie , Kilela Mwanasomwe Jacques , Colinet Gilles , Ngoy Shutcha Mylor
Published: July 2023

Copper smelting has been the source of soil contamination in trace metals in Penga Penga (Lubumbashi). Residents are exposed to trace metal ingestion and planting trees is challenging in such soil conditions. Nevertheless, planting trees in former household dumps or using various types of amendments allowed the provisioning of fruits in few residences. In the perspective of scaling up the process, a survey has been conducted with the aim of assessing the effectiveness of the planting processes on the trace metal content in fruits and leaves of Mangifera indica L. and Syzygium guineense (Willd) DC. Samples were collected in residential households from Penga Penga and Kalebuka (a non-polluted suburb). The bioconcentration factor (BCF) and the safe weekly consumption (SWC) were calculated for each species. Results showed higher values of total and soluble concentrations of Cu, Pb, and Zn in the rhizosphere of the two species at Penga Penga. Metal concentrations were higher in fruits and leaves from Penga Penga with 47% of samples above FAO and WHO thresholds (vs 18.5% in Kalebuka). The BCF values were below 1 demonstrating the effectiveness of the process to reduce metal translocation to leaves and fruits. Recommendations from the SWC limited by Pb for consumption to 9 kg for mango flesh and by Cd 6.6 kg for S. guineense fruits at Penga Penga (Vs 78 and 68 kg at Kalebuka). Finally, results from this study provide interesting lessons from the scaling up and the technical itinerary of planting tree un Penga Penga.
Selection for Transcatheter versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement and Long-term Survival: 10-year Results of the AUTHEARTVISIT Study
Authors: Auer Johann , Krotka Pavla , Reichard Berthold , Traxler Denise , Wendt Ralph , Mildner Michael , Ankersmit Hendrik Jan , Graf Alexandra
Published: July 2023

Background Limited data are available from randomized trials comparing outcomes between transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgery in patients with different risks and with follow-up >2 years. Objective In this large, population-based cohort study, long-term mortality and morbidity were investigated in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) for severe aortic stenosis using a surgically implanted bioprosthesis (sB-AVR) or TAVR. Methods Individual data from the Austrian Insurance funds from 2010 through 2020 were analysed. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, assessed in the overall and propensity score–matched populations. Secondary outcomes included reoperation and cardiovascular events. Results From January 2010 through December 2020, a total of 18 882 patients underwent sB-AVR (n=11 749; 62.2%) or TAVR (n=7133; 37.8%); median follow-up was 4.0 (interquartile range 2.1–6.5) years (maximum 12.3 years). The risk of all-cause mortality was higher with TAVR compared with sB-AVR: hazard ratio (HR) 1.552, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.469–1.640, p<0.001; propensity score–matched HR 1.510, 1.403–1.625, p<0.001. Estimated median survival was 8.8 years (95% CI 8.6–9.1) with sB-AVR vs 5 years (4.9–5.2) with TAVR. Estimated 5-year survival probability was 0.664 (0.664–0.686) with sB-AVR vs 0.409 (0.378–0.444) with TAVR overall, and 0.690 (0.674–0.707) and 0.560 (0.540–0.582), respectively, with propensity score matching. Other predictors of mortality were age, sex, previous heart failure, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Conclusions In >2-year follow-up, selection for TAVR was significantly associated with higher all-cause mortality compared with sB-AVR in patients ≥65 years with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis.
Oscilatory PEEP (BiPEEP) Improves Oxygenation and Reduces Inflammation in an Experimental Model of ARDS
Authors: Forgiarini Junior Luiz Alberto , Forgiarini Luiz Felipe , Mariano Rodrigo , Paludo Artur De Oliveira , De Moraes Mikael Marcelo , Félix Elaine Aparecida , Andrade Cristiano Feijo
Published: July 2023

Abstract: To compare the use of variable mechanical ventilation with conventional mechanical ventilation in porcine model of ARDS. Methods: Animals were divided into two groups (n = 6), conventional ventilation and variable ventilation with bi-oscillatory PEEP. For induction of ARDS, intravenous oleic acid was used until a P/F ratio of 200 to 300 mmHg. The animals were ventilated with pressure control, FiO2 1.0, inspiration-expiration ratio = 1:2, tidal volume 6 ml/kg with the initial respiratory rate adjusted to maintain an end tidal CO2 tension of 35 to 45 mmHg. Variable ventilation was characterized by the oscillation of PEEP from 5 to 10 cmH2O every 4 respiratory cycles, in convencional ventilation group PEEP was set from 5 cmH2O. Ventilatory, hemodynamic parameters, oxidative stress, antioxidant enzymes, Interleukin 8 (IL8) and 17-a (IL17a) and histological analyzes were evaluated; Results: The use of BiPEEP demonstrated improvement in lung compliance and PaO2 in relation to control. The levels of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes showed no significant difference. There was no difference in IL17a between groups. In IL8 there was a significant increase in the lung base of control in relation to BiPEEP, and a reduction in the apex of BiPEEP in relation to control. The control group showed changes in lung morphology characterized by cellular infiltrates, a thickening of the alveolar septae and atelectasis, which were attenuated in BiPEEP group; (4) Conclusions: The use of variable ventilation with bi-oscillatory level of PEEP demonstrates a potential ventilatory strategy in an experimental model of ARDS.
What Nutraceuticals Can Do for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Lessons Learned from Amino Acid Supplementation in the Mouse Model
Authors: De Paepe Boel
Published: July 2023

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the severest form of muscular dystrophy, is characterized by progressive muscle weakness with fatal outcome most often before the fourth decade of life. Despite recent addition of molecular treatments, DMD remains a disease without a cure, and the need persists for the development of supportive therapies aimed to help improve patients’ quality of life. This review focusses on the therapeutical potential of amino acid and derivative supplements, summarizing results obtained in preclinical studies in the murine disease model. Several promising compounds have come forward, with L-arginine, N-acetylcysteine and taurine featuring among the most intensively investigated. Beneficial effects include improved muscle function and reduced muscle fiber necrosis and reduced inflammatory and oxidative damage to muscle tissues, however mild side effects have also surfaced. In order to identify amino acid formulae that are safe and of true benefit to DMD patients, more explorative, placebo-controlled and long-term clinical trials need to be conducted, documenting therapeutic outcomes.
A Survey on Cyber Risk Management for the Internet of Things
Authors: Parsons Emily Kate , Panaousis Emmanouil , Loukas George
Published: July 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) continues to grow at a rapid pace, becoming integrated into the daily operations of individuals and organisations. IoT systems automate crucial services within daily life that users may rely on, which makes the assurance of security towards entities such as devices and information even more significant. In this paper, we present a comprehensive survey of papers that model cyber risk management processes within the context of IoT, and provide recommendations for further work. Using 39 collected papers, we studied IoT cyber risk management frameworks against four research questions that delve into cyber risk management concepts and human-orientated vulnerabilities. The importance of this work being human-driven is to better understand how individuals can affect risk and the ways that humans can be impacted by attacks within different IoT domains. Through the analysis, we identified open areas for future research and ideas that researchers should consider.
Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Cropland Area and Its Driving Factors in the Farming-Pastoral Ecotone of Northern China during 1992−2020
Authors: Zhou Wencun , Liu Zhengjia
Published: July 2023

Cropland area is closely related to food production. More previous focuses were paid on impacts of extreme events on food production, but less on cropland dynamics. This study took the Farming-Pastoral Ecotone of Northern China (FPEN) as a case area, to investigate its cropland area dynamics and driving factors in view of perspectives of extreme events, environmental conditions, socioeconomic development, urban expansion, and ecological construction. We used ridge regression approach to quantify contributions of these drivers to cropland area dynamics. Results showed that cropland area increased significantly at a rate of 333.5km2/a during 1992−2020 and were spatially clustered in east of the FPEN. Impact extent and size each driving factor on cropland trend presented large spatiotemporal differences, but ecological construction (EC) had overall the greatest impact on cropland area changes, followed by urban expansion (UE). In comparison, TL10p has the smallest. UE-dominated areas increased 41.9% since 2010s, but still less than EC. Furthermore, we found that extreme events effects on cropland area trend evidently increased. Particularly, TH90p displayed the most increase (~99.4%). Cropland area changes dominated by extreme temperature events in 2010−2020 increased nearly six times than that in 1992−2010. These findings suggest that increasing impacts of extreme weather events on cropland area changes should be cautioned.
Approaches to Building AC and AC-DC Microgrids on Top of Existing Passive Distribution Networks
Authors: Volnyi Vladislav , Ilyushin Pavel , Suslov Konstantin , Filippov Sergey
Published: July 2023

The process of building microgrids on top of existing passive distribution networks warrants a multi-criteria analysis. Besides the calculation of investment outlays needed for the modernization of distribution networks, such an analysis covers an assessment of the technological and economic effects of building microgrids. The resulting effects depend on the topology and configuration of distribution networks, specific microgrid features, the choice of current type for the entire microgrid or its individual parts, the ways of connecting distributed energy resources (DER), the availability and condition of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, and other factors. Complete input data allow one to design an optimal microgrid configuration, but the main technological and economic effects are determined by the algorithms of operation and the parameters setting of the automatic control system (ACS) and the protection system. Known approaches to designing microgrids focus on addressing basic tasks while minimizing investment required for their implementation. The above is fully justified when constructing new microgrids, but building microgrids on top of existing distribution networks, given the uniqueness of their topology and configuration, does not allow the use of standardized solutions. The development of approaches to the design of microgrids under such constraints, with minimized investment for the modernization of existing distribution networks, is an urgent task. The use of different types of current for microgrid segments determines the choice of particular ACS and protection system, which depends on the availability of information and communications technology infrastructure. This article contributes a review of approaches to designing AC and AC-DC microgrids to maximize their technological and economic effects. We review techniques for analyzing existing distribution networks aimed at choosing the type of current for the entire microgrid or its individual parts, the optimal connection points of microgrids to distribution networks, the mix and capacity of DERs, with such choices informed by the condition of switching devices and information and communications technology infrastructure. The article presents the results of the analysis of approaches to choosing the optimal configuration of microgrids, microgrid ACS and protection system, with an evaluation of the technological and economic effects subject to minimization of investment for the modernization of existing distribution networks.
Does Omeprazole and Melatonin Enhance Photosynthetic Efficiency in Bean Plants?
Authors: Ramírez-Estrada Carlos Abel , Sánchez Esteban , Flores-Córdova María Antonia , Pérez-Álvarez Sandra , Noperi-Mosqueda Linda Citlalli , Chávez-Mendoza Celia
Published: July 2023

Current environmental conditions have prompted agri-food systems to explore new strategies for improving the production of crops in a sustainable manner. The use of omeprazole (OMP) and melatonin (MEL) have been proposed as innovative strategy for crop improvement when applied as biostimulants. However, although their role in the growth of several species has been studied, the results in photosynthetic efficiency parameters are still scarce. Therefore, the objec-tive of the present study was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of OMP and MEL on bi-omass, yield, SPAD values, leaf chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), photochemical quenching (qP), Non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), quantum yield of photosystem II (PhiPSII) and elec-tron transport rate (ETR) in bean plants. Treatments were applied separately at doses of 1, 10, and 100 µM, plus a control without application. The results obtained indicate that OMP and MEL were able to increase biomass, yield, SPAD values, as well as photochemical quenching, fluores-cence, and PhiPSII coefficients. Finally, it is concluded that foliar application of OMP and MEL at a dose of 1 and 10 µM can increase photosynthetic efficiency and decrease photoinhibition, which is reflected in higher biomass accumulation and yield in green bean plants cv. Strike.
The Role of Crisis Management in Sustainable Post-Disaster Recovery
Authors: DUARTE COLARDELLE Cheila
Published: July 2023

This paper sheds light on how crisis management affects post-disaster re-covery. Based on the study of the management of a major environmental disaster, hurricane IRMA, we consider how post-disaster recovery is impacted by crisis management strategies. The perspectives of local stakeholders from the islands of St Martin and St Barthélémy will be shared. We analyze how territories exposed to the same natural phenomena have different outcomes and consider some of the possible reasons. This study reveals underlying risk drivers, to address governance reorganization with a view to better managing socio-economic recovery.
Drought on the Coast: Climate and Sea-Level Impact to Groundwater Fluctuations Along the Polish Baltic
Authors: Czerniawska Jolanta
Published: July 2023

The Baltic Sea coast is one of the geographical areas of Europe most threatened by the current climate change. This issue concerns erosional processes, groundwater flows affecting sea-shore settings. Long term hydrological investigations within the western sector of the Łeba Barrier, northern Poland, based on a network of monitoring stations, coupled with the meteorology records of the past 12 years, revealed significant fluctuations in ground water fluxes from the Baltic Sea on the adjoining mainland. Groundwater resources are negatively affected by sea-level drops in the coastal areas along the southern Baltic coast. The low sea levels strengthen the effects of low precipitation and high temperatures, causing altogether the occurrence of hydrogeological drought in the coastal sandbar areas. Drought periods are characterized by lowering of water-tables in the Slowinski National Park. The obtained results have direct relevance to a long-term assessment of water resources, environmental protection of the climatically most susceptible ecosystems, as well as the tourism management of this popular visitors’ destination.
A Green Voltammetric Determination of Molnupiravir using a Disposable Screen-Printed Reduced Graphene Oxide Electrode: Application to Pharmaceutical Dosage Form and Biological Fluid
Authors: Nabile Abdelrahman , Hendawy Hassan , Abdel Salam Randa , Ahmed Rasha , Shawky Ahmed , Emara Samy , Ibrahim Noha
Published: July 2023

A new green-validated and highly sensitive electrochemical method for the determination of molnupiavir (MOV) has been developed using cyclic voltammetry. The proposed analytical platform involves the use of disposable screen-printed reduced graphene oxide 2.5% electrode (SPrGOE 2.5%) for the first time to measure MOV with high specificity. The surface morphology of the sensor was investigated by using a scanning electron microscope armed with an energy-dispersive X-ray probe. The fabricated sensor attains improved sensitivity when sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactant was added to the supporting electrolyte solution. Thus, various factors were investigated in order to select the best supporting electrolyte for voltammetric determination of MOV, and the optimum conditions were achieved by employing 0.04 M Britton-Robinson at pH 2, 10-4 M SDS, and SPrGOE 2.5%. Well-defined MOV oxidation peaks were obtained with no reduction peaks in cyclic voltammetry using diffusion-controlled pathways. The method was validated using differential pulse voltammetry according to ICH guidelines, providing it to be precise, accurate, specific, and robust with linearity over a concentration range of 50-6017 ng/mL. The incorporation of the reduced graphene nanoparticles supported the in situ interaction between electrode surface and MOV, improved the selectivity, and reduced the detection limit to the concentration level of 15.98 ng/mL. The stability investigation demonstrated that SPrGOE 2.5% can provide high-stability behavior throughout a three-month period under refrigeration. The fabricated SPrGOE 2.5% was successfully employed for the measurement of MOV in pharmaceutical capsules and human bio-fluids without the interference of endogenous matrix components as well as the commonly used excipient.
Mucocele of the Appendix Discovered Golestan Hospital of Ahwaz: A Case Report
Authors: Arabi Milad , Ghaedamini Hossein , Ashrafi Amir , Salimi Kouchi Mohammadsina , Pakmehr Mostafa
Published: July 2023

IntroductionOne rare cause of appendicitis is mucocele which may have a neoplastic or non-neoplastic source. Simple appendectomy or right hemicolectomy may be necessary, sometimes medication may be prescribed to manage symptoms. In this study, we reported a rare case with Mucocele of the Appendix managed by antibiotic therapy and simple appendectomy.Case PresentationA 60-year-old female with a seven-month history of right lower quadrant pain. A physical exam showed tenderness and rebound tenderness in the McBurney’s point. In her CT-Scan tubular mass measured 105 * 37 mm in RLQ is noted suggested for mucocele appendicitis. Appendectomy performed through McBurney incision and the pathology was mucocele of the appendix with mucin-secreting mucosal hyperplasia.ConclusionMalignancy of the appendix is extremely rare. Appendiceal tumors have a low prevalence; But due to the nature of these tumors, which can also be malignant, they should be given importance and careful follow-up is mandatory. As the Surgical community continues to learn more about this condition, it is essential that patients remain informed and proactive about this situation. With timely diagnosis and treatment, mucocele appendix can be successfully managed and treated.
Clonal Selection of Autochthonous Grape Varieties in Badacsony, Hungary
Authors: Jahnke Gizella , Szőke Barna , Deák Tamás , Oláh Róbert , Oláh Krisztina , Knolmajerné Szigeti Gyöngyi , Németh Csaba , Nyitrainé Sárdy Diána Ágnes
Published: July 2023

In the case of indigenous grapevine varieties, the aim of clonal selection is twofold: to improve their technological cultivation problem while preserving the varietal character. As the sensitivity of perennial crops to climate change becomes more pronounced, clonal selection, which is already very time-consuming for perennial woody crops, may take even longer. In Badacsony, clonal selection breeding of the ‘Kéknyelű’ and ‘Juhfark’ varieties was started in the early 2000s. The problem mentioned above in cultivation technology is the poor fertility of ‘Kéknyelű’ (functionally female-flowered variety), while in the case of ‘Juhfark’ the high susceptibility to grey rot (Botrytis). Based on 11 years of data significant difference in yield between clone B.2. and the base variety was found. In this comparison the year clusters also gave different values, as in years belonging to cluster 1 the ’Kéknyelű’ yielded more than in another year. Both clones of ‘Kéknyelű’ matured with significantly lower pH compared to the base variety. ‘Kéknyelű' is renowned for the distinctive variety character of its wine, which is said to be acidic. Given the acidic nature of ‘Kéknyelű’ wine and the expected increase in must degrees and pH due to climate change, these distinctions may be beneficial in the future. Daily meteorological parameters were also recorded in the years under study, and different indexes were calculated for both of varieties for different phenological periods. The years were classified into 3 clusters and the harvest data were analyzed within each cluster. In the case of 'Kéknyelű' our results revealed significant differences in yield between vintage clusters for clone B.2. However, clone B.1 demonstrated distinct KMW and pH values. Both 'Kéknyelű’ clones have produced a substantially higher incidence of Botrytis infection in cluster 2 years than in cluster 3 years. Botrytis infection only showed statistically significant differences between year clusters for ‘Juhfark’. It is intriguing that in most years, the rotting rate was lower in both clones, especially in year clusters 1 and 3 when the overall rate of Botrytis infection was quite low. Our results highlighted the year-round sensitivity of the two varieties studied and the difficulties of clonal selection.
In Vitro Efficacy of Dalbavancin as an Anti-biofilm Long Acting Agent Loaded in Bone Cement
Authors: Sánchez-Somolinos Mar , Díaz-Navarro Marta , Benjumea Antonio , Matas José , Vaquero Javier , Muñoz Patricia , Sanz-Ruíz Pablo , Guembe María
Published: July 2023

Based on previous studies of our group in which we demonstrated that dalbavancin loaded in bone cement had good elution capacity for the treatment of biofilm-related periprosthetic infections, we now assess the anti-biofilm activity of dalbavancin and compare it with that of vancomycin up to a 3-month period. We performed an in vitro model based on calculation of percentage reduction of log cfu/ml counts of sonicated steel discs contaminated with Staphylococci and further exposed to bone cement discs loaded with 2.5% or 5% vancomycin and dalbavancin at each study period (24 hours, 48 hours, 1 week, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months). In addition, we tested the anti-biofilm activity of eluted vancomycin and dalbavancin at each study period based on a 96-well plate model assessing percentage reduction of metabolic activity. Overall, dalbavancin showed a significant concentration decrease from 2 weeks of incubation and maintain its anti-biofilm activity up to 3 months, whereas, despite vancomycin showed a significant decrease at 1w and then it gradually increased, its anti-biofilm activity was significantly lower. Dalbavancin percentage reduction cfu/ml counts were higher than those of vancomycin, both at 2.5% and 5% concentrations. Reduction of log cfu/ml counts were higher for S. epidermidis than for S. aureus, being more notable for 5% dalbavancin at month 3. In addition, percentage reduction of metabolic activity also decreased at 3 months in 5% dalbavancin and 5% vancomycin, being more notable in the last.
Carbonization of Zr-Loaded Thiourea-Functionalized Styrene-Divinylbenzene Copolymers: An Easy Way to Synthesize Nano-ZrO2@C and Nano-(ZrC, ZrO2)@C Composites
Authors: Martiz Alejandro , Károly Zoltán , Bereczki Laura , Trif László , Farkas Attila , Menyhárd Alfréd , Kótai László
Published: July 2023

Thermal processing of Zr-loaded ion-exchangers is a facile route to synthetize (ZrO2, ZrC)@C composites. The chemical character of the functional groups in the cation exchanger is an essential factor in the composition and properties of the (ZrO2, ZrC)@C composites. In the present paper furnace and RF-thermal plasma processing of ZrOCl2 loaded thiourea-functionalized styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer was investigated that led to various composites containing ZrO2 and ZrC. Depending on the synthesis conditions, different ZrO2@C composites were formed between 1000 and 1400 °C in 2 h, whereas the composite containing ZrC was created at 1400 °C in 8 h. The ratio of ZrO2/ZrC, the prevailing ZrO2 modifications, and the crystallite sizes strongly depend on the synthesis conditions. The ZrC-containing composites formed only at 1400 °C in 8 hours and by the plasma treatment of the ZrO2@C sample prepared in the furnace, resulting in 8 and 16% ZrC content, with 44 and 41 nm ZrC crystallite sizes, respectively. The ZrO2-containing composites (tetragonal, monoclinic, and cubic modifications with 65–88 nm ZrO2 crystallite sizes and 15–43 m2/g BET surface areas, depending on the carbonization temperature) formed in a tube furnace between 1000 and 1400 °C in 2 h. The tube furnace–prepared sample formed at 1400 °C in 8 h contained ZrC, ZrO2 modifications, and amorphous carbon, whereas the plasma-treated sample contained ZrC, ZrO2 modifications, and graphite. All ZrO2@C composites had both amorphous carbon and graphite, and their ratio is temperature-dependent. The carbonaceous compounds of the prepared composites were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, with analysis of the G and D band intensities. XPS studies showed the surface oxidation of ZrC.
New Non‐Invasive Technologies in Cardiac Transplant Follow‐Up: Acquired Evidence and Future Options
Authors: Pergola Valeria , Mattesi Giulia , Cozza Elena , Pradegan Nicola , Tessari Chiara , Dellino Carlo maria , Savo Maria Teresa , Amato Filippo , CECERE ANNAGRAZIA , Perazzolo Marra Martina , Tona Francesco , Guaricci Andrea Igoren , De Conti Giorgio , Gerosa Gino , Iliceto Sabino , Motta Raffaella
Published: July 2023

Heart transplantation (HT) represents the mainstream therapy of end-stage heart failure for selected patients with a median survival of more than 10 years after surgery and substantial improvement in quality of life. Current guidelines suggest a variety of examinations including invasive (coronary angiography and endomyocardial biopsy (EBM) and non-invasive methods (echocardiography, stress echocardiography, computed tomography, PET and MRI) to monitor HT patients. Guidelines do not specify the timing of echocardiographic evaluations and do not recommend echocardiography as an alternative to serial EMB in rejection monitoring [2]. They still recommend as gold standard coronary angiography to be done 1 year after surgery and every 2 years after. In this review we will discuss the advantages of non-invasive techniques over the invasive ones for an adequate follow-up of HT patients.
Carcinoembryonic Antigen-Related Cell Adhesion Molecule 6 (CEACAM6) Promotes Metastatic Spread to the Lung in Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Saraji Alireza , Wulf Katharina , Stegmann-Frehse Janine , Kang Duan , Offermann Anne , Kirfel Juta , Perner Sven , Sailer Verena Wilbeth
Published: July 2023

Prostate cancer (PCa) Lung metastases are rarely resected, therefore PCa lung metastases are insufficiently molecularly characterized. We recently identified carcinoembryonic antigen cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6) as a potential driver of pulmonary metastatic spread. Here, we show the biological significance of CEACAM6 in PCa cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration. CEACAM6 was silenced by siRNA in PC3 cells. Functional assessment of apoptosis, cell viability, proliferation and migration were performed in siRNA-CEACAM6 PC3 cells. Non-treated and scrambled (scr) RNA PC3 cells were used as control. Following a specific knockdown of CEACAM6 in PC3 cells, the expression of CEACAM6 protein was significantly decreased in comparison to controls. Cell viability and cell counts decreased in CEACAM6 silent PC3 cells. In contrast, caspase-3 activity was highly elevated in siRNA-CEACAM6 PC3. Furthermore, by performing a cell scratch assay, the migration ratio in siRNA-CEACAM6 PC3 cells were significantly diminished compared with the control group after 48 hours of post transfection incubation. CEACAM6 as a cell adhesion molecule has been implicated in promoting metastatic disease in several solid tumours such as colorectal or gastric cancer. We could show that silencing of CEACAM6 has a significant functional effect on PCa cells. CEACAM6 might play an important role in fostering metastatic spread to the lung of PCa patients via enhancing proliferation and suppressing apoptosis. CEACAM6 might therefore pose an attractive therapeutic target to prevent metastatic disease.
Gut Microbiota Composition and Cardiovascular Disease: A Potential New Therapeutic Target?
Authors: Belli Martina , Barone Lucy , Longo Susanna , Prandi Francesca Romana , Lecis Dalgisio , Mollace Rocco , Margonato Davide , Muscoli Saverio , Sergi Domenico , Federici Massimo , Barillà Francesco
Published: July 2023

Much evidence reveals an important link between gut microbiota and the heart. In particular, the gut microbiota plays a key role in the onset of cardiovascular (CV) disease, including heart failure (HF). In HF, splanchnic hypoperfusion causes intestinal ischemia resulting in the translocation of bacteria and their metabolites into the blood circulation. Among these, the most important is the Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO), which is responsible through various mechanisms for pathological processes in different organs and tissues. In this review, we summarise the complex interaction between gut microbiota and CV disease, particularly with HF, and the possible strategies to influence its composition and function. Finally, we highlight the potential role of TMAO as a novel prognostic marker and new therapeutic target of HF.