bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coal fly ash-slag and slag-based geopolymer as an absorbent for the removal of methylene blue in wastewater
Authors:   Faculty of Technology, Van Lang University, 45 Nguyen Khac Nhu, Co Giang Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh 700000, Vietnam, Nguyen Khoa Dang , Nguyen Quynh Vo My ,   Faculty of Technology, Van Lang University, 45 Nguyen Khac Nhu, Co Giang Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh 700000, Vietnam, Phan Anh Thi Kim ,   Faculty of Technology, Van Lang University, 45 Nguyen Khac Nhu, Co Giang Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh 700000, Vietnam, Tran Phat Tan ,   Faculty of Technology, Van Lang University, 45 Nguyen Khac Nhu, Co Giang Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh 700000, Vietnam, Huynh Duyen Thi Kim ,   TLK Joint Stock Company, 7A Thanh Thai, Ward 14, District 10, Ho Chi Minh 70000, Vietnam, Le Oanh Thi Kim ,   Faculty of Technology, Van Lang University
Published: January 2024

The fly ash and slag from coal burning were attractive byproducts to prepare geopolymers for the adsorption of methyelen blue in wastewater due to their availability and low cost. Various mixing amounts between them were conducted during geopolymerization with a Na2SiO3/NaOH ratio of 10 M of 2.5 and a curing temperature of 60°C for 24 h. When the amount of coal slag in the geopolymer composition was increased from 0 to 51 %, the surface structures of the resultant geopolymers were much softer and more porous due to the lack of initial material, causing a reduction in the surface area of geopolymers to 119,23 m2/g for 0 % and 5,29 m2/g for 51 %. The adsorption amount of methylene blue performed at pH 12 showed different tendencies on the dependence of contact time for the indivually prepared geopolymer. The uptake amount decreased from 36.2 mg/g to 34.2 mg/g with the enhancement of coal slag in the geopolymer from 0 to 51 % after 180 minutes of immersion in methylene blue solution. In addition, the adsorption mechanism evaluated by FT-IR spectroscopy was observed to involve electrostatic forces formed by hydrogen bonding between hydroxyl groups (Si–OH) and nitrogen atoms in the structure of methylene molecules. This study indicated that coal slag could be a potential material to prepare geopolymers for removing dye pollutants.
The application of unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) to monitor construction area changes
Authors:   Department of Geo-environment, Faculty of Geology and Petroleum Engineering, HCM University of Technology, Viet Nam, Phung Anh Ngoc , Quan Minh Chung ,   Department of Geo-environment, Faculty of Geology and Petroleum Engineering, HCM University of Technology, Viet Nam, Tran Tu Anh ,   Department of Geo-environment, Faculty of Geology and Petroleum Engineering, HCM University of Technology, Viet Nam, Le Phong Thanh ,   Department of Geo-environment, Faculty of Geology and Petroleum Engineering, HCM University of Technology, Viet Nam, Vo Vi Tran The ,   Department of Geo-environment, Faculty of Geology and Petroleum Engineering, HCM University of Technology, Viet Nam, Nguyen Duoc The ,   Department of Geo-environment, Faculty of Geology and Petroleum Engineering, HCM University of Technology, Viet Nam
Published: January 2024

Recently, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) have been applied to various fields: mapping, aerial surveying, mine monitoring, construction monitoring, etc. UAVs have many advantages, such as high flexibility, low cost, and time savings, for each survey. This article studies a monitoring construction site project using photogrammetry images collected with a UAV Phantom 4 Pro. The study area was the Viet Phu Garden residential area in Phong Phu Commune, Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City. Due to the development of computer vision, photogrammetry was used to build 3D models. The study applied the structure-from-motion method to create point clouds, digital surface models (DSMs), and orthomosaics. The author monitored the area for six months (3 times of data collection) with Phantom 4 Pro using Agisoft Photoscan software to process and create products. We measured 28 points to make ground control points and checkpoints. The author proceeded to build orthomosaic and DSM 3 times to analyze changes in the area. The resolutions of the orthomosaic and DSM are 5.5 cm/pixel and 11 cm/pixel, respectively. We used checkpoints to evaluate horizontal and vertical errors. The root-mean-square error was less than 10 cm, which demonstrated the potential of UAVs for monitoring construction. We also used the DoD method to calculate the difference in DSM between each epoch. Then, we combined the DoD method with Orthomosaic to monitor the urban growth of the area. The results are divided into 2 main groups of changes, including changes in linear and regional form. Assessing the regional changes, the author divided 18 points into four main groups: New house, Completed house, House under construction, and other. Urban growth mainly occurred in the west and center of the study area. The results demonstrated that the use of the Phantom 4 Pro is appropriate for monitoring construction changes. The author recommended improving the quality of the results by combining them with the cadastral map to make planning and management easy.
A novel security framework based on blockchain for IoT networks
Authors:   Faculty of Information Technology Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Huynh Thanh Tam , Nguyen Dinh Thuc ,   Decentralized Crypto Lab Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Dang Hai Van ,   Faculty of Information Technology University of Science, Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Huynh Nguyen Chinh ,   Faculty of Information Technology Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education, Vietnam
Published: January 2024

Internet of Things (IoT) devices are indispensable components of smart cities, smart homes, and industrial control systems. Using a blockchain (BC)-based security framework in IoT security is extremely necessary and a current research trend. However, most current BC-based decentralized security frameworks have not yet reached the optimal performance of miners in transactions verification and data consensus in the BC ledger. In this paper, we present a novel BC-based security framework for ensuring the correctness and reliability of the data in the BC ledger and optimizing miners’ performance over an IoT network. We propose the process of verifying transactions and data consensus based on two assumptions about miners in a BC network: (1) all miners are trusted nodes, and (2) some miners are untrusted nodes but less than one-third of the total number of miners. The evaluation results show that the more miners join the network, the more verified transactions increase and the lower the average mining time for a new block for assumption 1. For assumption 2, transactions only need to be verified once even if an untrusted miner is selected to propose a new block at a mining round. The proposed framework is more eﬀective than other decentralized frameworks in the process of verifying transactions and data consensus.
A Treatment Planning Comparison between Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT) and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) for prostate cancer
Authors:   Department of Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Engineering, University of Science, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 227 Nguyen Van Cu Street, Ward 4, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, Nguyen Thu Thi Cam ,   Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, Le Xuan Thanh ,   Department of Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Engineering, University of Science, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 227 Nguyen Van Cu Street, Ward 4, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Oncology Department, FV Hospital, 6 Nguyen Luong Bang Street, Tan Phu Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
Published: January 2024

Introduction: We made a comparison between IMPT plans and VMAT plans for ten prostate cancer patients with the analysis of dosimetric quantities and EUD for both target volume and OARs. Methods: Ten patients planned for VMAT were retrospectively replanned with scanned proton beams. Target and OARs were kept as originally delineated in photon plans with the assumption that the change in dose distribution is acceptable. The prescribed dose to the PTV is 74 Gy using an RBE of 1.1. The optimized VMAT plan of each case was normalized using the PTV coverage value obtained from the optimized IMPT plan. For the PTV and OARs, the dosimetric quantities were analyzed. Moreover, EUD with the exponential parameter a with a 95% confidence level was calculated for both the PTV and OARs. Results: For the PTV, all the averaged dose metrics, including the mean dose, the median dose and the maximum dose, the HI and the EUD, in the IMPT plans were statistically (p0.05) better than those in the VMAT plans. The dose to the PTV from IMPT plans ranged from 69.14.7 to 79.01.1 Gy (RBE), while that from VMAT plans ranged from 68.0 2.8 to 81.6 1.3 Gy (RBE). The mean dose of 2.6 Gy (RBE) to the body from the IMPT plan was significantly (p=0.007) lower than the mean dose of 5.8 Gy (RBE) from the VMAT plans. For all OARs except for the rectum, in the low-to-medium dose region, the volumes receiving low doses in IMPT plans were statistically (p0.05) lower than those in VMAT plans. The IMPT plans show statistically (p0.05) superior dose sparing of the rectum and bladder in comparison to the VMAT plans at the Dmax, Dmean, and V30Gy indices and at all dosimetric indices. Conclusions: The results show that the IMPT plans were statistically superior to the VMAT plans for both the PTV and OARs. IMPT plans produced a more homogeneous dose in the PTV. For OARs, the volumes receiving the low doses were statistically lower in IMPT plans than in VMAT plans.
The chemical constituents of the n-hexane extract of Marchantia polymorpha L.
Authors:   Sai Gon University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, Nguyen Tran-Huynh-Le , Nguyen Cong-Thai-Son ,   Sai Gon University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, Tran Quoc-Tan ,   Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Science, Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, Quach Ngo-Diem-Phuong ,   Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Science, Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, Nguyen Kim-Phi-Phung ,   Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, Nguyen Thu Thi-Hoai ,   Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Marchantia polymorpha belongs to the liverwort family. Marchantia species are known to possess diverse chemical constituents and bioactivities. As part of a chemically systematic study of liverworts, the isolation and structural elucidation of six compounds from Marchantia polymorpha were reported. Method: A dried powder of Marchantia polymorpha was macerated in methanol to prepare the crude extract. Then, the liquid–liquid partition method was applied to this extract to separate it into different polar extracts, including n-hexane, ethyl acetate extracts, and residue. The Sephadex LH-20 and silica gel column chromatography and recrystallization methods were used to isolate organic compounds. Their chemical structures were determined by usual techniques such as MS and NMR spectra interpretation in comparison with the experimentally spectroscopic data reported. Results: Six compounds consisting of marchantin G (1), quercetin (2), kaempferol (3), hexaconazole (4), indole-3-carboxylic acid (5), and sitosterol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (6) were isolated. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, although all isolated compounds were known to be present in other species, they were reported from this species for the first time.
Further report on the chemical constituents of the n-hexane extract of Leonotis nepetaefolia (L.) R. Br (Lamiaceae)
Authors:   Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Science, Vietnam National UniversityHo Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, Nguyen Huong Thi Kim , Duong Thi Thuy Ngo ,   Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Science, Vietnam National UniversityHo Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, Nguyen Phung Kim Phi ,   Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Science, Vietnam National UniversityHo Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, Phan Tung Thanh ,   Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Science, Vietnam National UniversityHo Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, Tran Nguyen Huyen Le ,   Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Science, Vietnam National UniversityHo Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Leonotis nepetifolia (L.) R. Br, a species of the family Lamiaceae, has some interesting biological activities, such as antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. This paper describes the structural elucidation of seven compounds isolated from Leonotis nepetifolia collected in Xuyen Moc district, Ba Ria–Vung Tau Province, in June 2018. Methods: Phytochemical investigations of the n-hexane extract of Leonotis nepetifolia led to the isolation of seven pure compounds. Their chemical structures were elucidated by extensive MS, 1D and 2D-NMR spectroscopic analysis and comparison with previously published data. Results: Seven compounds, namely, (E)-10-oxooctadeca-8-enoic acid (1), ergosterol peroxide (2), turmeronol A (3), methyl (E)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)propenoate (4), methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (5), methyl (E)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propenoate (6), and alpinumisoflavone (7), were identified. Conclusions: Although these compounds are known in other species, this is the first time they have been reported in Leonotis nepetifolia.
Investigation of the n-hexane extract of Melodorum fruticosum stem
Authors:   Sai Gon University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Du Thi-Thanh-Xuan , Nguyen Thi-My-Huong ,   Sai Gon University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Nguyen Ngoc Khanh Van ,   Gia Dinh High School, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Nguyen Kim-Phi-Phung ,   University of Science, Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Nguyen Thu Thi-Hoai ,   University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Melodorum fruticosum is distributed widely in ASEAN countries. Although this species has been used in folk medicine to cure some diseases, its chemical constituents and biological activity have not been systematically studied. This paper reports the isolation and structural elucidation of seven compounds from the n-hexane extract as well as their cytotoxicity against Jurkat and MCF-7-cell lines. Method: Dried powder of Melodorum fruticosum stem was macerated in ethanol at room temperature to prepare the crude extract. This crude was separated into n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and the remaining aqueous extracts by the liquid‒liquid partition method. Then, the organic compounds were isolated by chromatographic methods and chemically structurally elucidated by modern spectroscopic techniques. Cytotoxicity assays were performed using the sulforhodamine B method (SBR assay). Results: The n-hexane extract showed potential activity against the MCF-7-cell line with an IC50 value of 14.37 ± 3.18 µg/mL. From this extract, seven compounds consisting of techtochrysin (1), pinostrobin (2), flavokawin B (3), 2ʹ-hydroxy-3ʹ,4ʹ,6ʹ-trimethoxychalcone (4), 2ʹ-hydroxy-4ʹ,5ʹ,6ʹ-trimethoxychalcone (5), stigmast-4-ene-3-one (6), and lupeol (7) were isolated and chemically elucidated. Conclusion: It is necessary to continue to isolate and perform a bioassay of organic compounds from this extract to determine the bioactive components.
Prospects of innovative integrated structures in the agricultural sector of Kazakhstan
Authors:   L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Moldashbaeva L. , Seisenbayeva Zh. ,   M.Auezov South Kazakhstan University, Kulanova D. ,   M.Auezov South Kazakhstan University
Published: January 2024

The problem of restructuring the mechanism of enterprise management on an innovative basis is brought to the fore. In order to meet the global challenges of our time, economic entities need to form the best development strategies, improve the organizational structure of production, and constantly introduce innovative forms of management. The purpose of the study is to study the existing integrated innovation structures in the world, and to assess the possibility of applying best practices in the agricultural sector of Kazakhstan. The research method consists in applying analytical, statistical, systematic and integrated approaches to the study of the integration of small business entities, individual entrepreneurs, personal subsidiary farms; expanding and specifying scientific ideas about integration processes in the context of the industry specifics of the agro-industrial complex. The results of the study are to develop proposals for the integration of small agricultural producers into an integrated structure representing collective ownership, where the owners are shareholders, and income is distributed in accordance with the contribution made. Integration on an innovative basis makes it possible to introduce new management mechanisms, achieve high work results in order to quickly saturate the market with food.
Islamic social finance efficiency and eco-system: Islamic finance in action
Authors:   Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kuanova L. , Shirazi N. ,   Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doszhan R. ,   Al Farabi Kazakh National University
Published: January 2024

The potential and prospects of Islamic finance are the issue that is currently generating the most discourse among professionals, governmental bodies, and financial experts. The objective of the article is to assess the efficiency of Islamic social finance and suggest potential improvements in the current financial framework. The focus is on assessing the economic and social outcomes of integrating Islamic finance principles into micro businesses, as a means to promote economic development and involve communities in solving social issues. Moreover, the authors explore how social initiatives aimed at supporting micro-businesses can lead to cost savings for public resources. The paper seeks to develop an optimal eco-system design for countries with dual financial system based on conventional and Islamic by utilizing an analysis approach based on Kazakhstani implementation case. The establishment of a social financial ecosystem offers Islamic finance an advantageous role in promoting societal benefits. This is achieved through regulations that encompass not only civil law and human frameworks but also the principles of Islamic Law. Such arrangements enable the development of a sustainable and prosperous financial system and equally nurture a society that prioritizes social welfare and philanthropy. Furthermore, based on the findings from this study, enhancing the societal functions of Islamic finance can address various social challenges present within communities with vulnerable populations, and may serve as a viable solution for reducing government expenditure on targeted social assistance programs. Additionally, this study provides recommendations for institutional support of the Islamic social finance eco-system integrated into the financial system of the country.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the state of the financial market of Kazakhstan
Authors:   L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Zhagyparova A. , Zhusupov Ye. ,   L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Bekbolsynova A. ,   L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University
Published: January 2024

The relevance of the financial market, stability and efficiency of operation in the context of the need to ensure socio-economic development is increasing in the context of growing geopolitical and geo-economic changes in the world. The financial market plays an important role in ensuring the high quality of socio-economic development of any state, regardless of the degree of its development. Of particular importance at the current stage of Kazakhstan's development are the issues of ensuring favorable conditions for increasing the level of competitiveness of Kazakhstan's economy, deeper diversification of the structure of the national economy, which should ultimately affect the improvement of the quality of life of the population. The article considers the current state of the securities market of the Republic of Kazakhstan, financial performance of brokers, dealers and investment portfolio managers, methods of forecasting the dynamics of value dynamics of technical analysis tools: fundamental and technical analysis. Special attention is paid to forecasting prices on the financial market using the latter approach. The reasons for underdevelopment and inefficiency of the stock market and ways to realize further development of the securities market in Kazakhstan are given.
Cultural tourism of Kazakhstan at the present stage of development
Authors:   S.Seifullin Kazakh Agro Technical University, Alpeissova Sh. , Bulkhairova Zh. ,   S.Seifullin Kazakh Agro Technical University, Kizimbayeva A. ,   Caspian University of Technologies and Engineering after S.Yessenov
Published: January 2024

In the article, the authors considered the main aspects of the development of cultural tourism at the present stage of development. The main purpose of the article is to analyze the development of cultural tourism at the present stage of development. Today, most countries of the world are interested in increasing the role of cultural tourism, since it is the promotion and development of the country's culture from the point of view of tourism that should become one of the most important political tasks, especially in the context of leveling the national traits of countries in a globalized world. The authors assessed the development of cultural tourism in Kazakhstan according to the Travel and tourism Development Index: Kazakhstan ranked 66th out of 117 countries. The main programs for the development of cultural tourism are also analyzed, the structure of public spending on paid services in the field of cultural tourism, income from the sale of products and services in the field of cultural tourism is assessed, a SWOT analysis of cultural tourism is given, etc.
Multi-aspect analysis of scientific foundations for tourism digital ecosystems: multi-source approach
Authors:   Almaty Management University, Shilibekova B. , Plokhikh R. ,   Al Farabi Kazakh National University
Published: January 2024

The prospects for the development of the tourism industry are increasingly associated with the introduction of information technologies and the formation of a fundamentally new structure of this sector of the economy, the fundamental elements of which may become digital ecosystems. The article presents the main approaches to defining the essence of the concept of "digital ecosystems" and conceptually considers the classification of digital ecosystems in the field of tourism and hospitality. The classification and advantages of digital platforms acting as a base for building a digital ecosystem of tourism and hospitality are considered. Based on the available world experience, the vectors of digital ecosystems development in various sectors of economic activity are studied and the directions and prerequisites for actualization of the digital ecosystems foundations for the national tourism industry are defined.
Application of new technologies in the logistics market of Kazakhstan: theory and practice
Authors:   Karaganda Buketov University, Arynova Zh. , Kuldeyeva A. ,   Karaganda Buketov University, Nurmaganbetova A. ,   Karaganda Buketov University
Published: January 2024

The article provides an overview of effective innovation tools in the field of logistics. One of the main means of sustainable logistics development is innovation. In the process of digital logistics formation, innovative technologies become the backbone for the industry to reach a new level. Logistics innovations include services, technologies, and changes that help speed up various processes. Thanks to innovative tools, logistics companies can significantly increase their competitiveness and consolidate their place in the market. Means of logistics innovation are the basis of its development. The article identifies five types of innovative tools in logistics: basic logistics innovations, transport innovations, warehouse innovations, IT innovations, innovations aimed at working with customers. In addition, the innovative products of the logistics market are growing in the digital age. This phenomenon leads to major changes in supply chains. Innovation is a tool that takes the processes of delivering goods from the starting point to the end point to a new level, opens up the opportunity for enterprises to gain competitive advantages and allows them to optimize the entire logistics cycle. Effective tools and technologies for logistics innovations, such as robots, IoT, blockchain, were considered within the digital economy. In order to determine their significance, examples were obtained from the foreign experience of the innovative activity of the industry. In addition, the indicators of the world ranking were obtained to consider the current state of logistics in Kazakhstan. The level of application of new technologies in the domestic logistics market has been studied. Based on the conducted research, it was suggested that the country's logistics market is still in the development stage. There are a lot of innovations in the global logistics market, and a small number of innovative enterprises can be observed in the domestic one. These problems, in turn, can be considered as a key constraint in the development of logistics.
Urbanization: demographic and social problems in the northern regions of Kazakhstan
Authors:   Seifullin Kazakh Agro Technical University, Bodauhan K. , Zhenshan D. ,   Seifullin Kazakh Agro Technical University, Samatova J. ,   Makhambet Utemisov West Kazakhstan University
Published: January 2024

To promote the harmonious development of urban and rural areas, Kazakhstan is improving the approach to the development of "growth points" of regions, taking into account the principle of "managed urbanization" and "people to infrastructure". This approach makes it possible to overcome the large differences between rural and urban development that are taking place in the context of the urbanization trend, to develop agglomerations, large and medium-sized cities in the regions, to implement production projects in promising and border areas. The purpose of the study is to study demographic and social problems in the northern regions of Kazakhstan (Kostanay and North Kazakh regions (North Kazakhstan region) with the identification of indicators affecting population decline. As a result of the study, it was found that the decline in the population in the Northern Kazakh and Kostanay regions is directly related to the decline in birth rates. The results of an empirical study showed a decrease in birth rates with the departure of economically active groups in the regions to large cities, a relatively low level of quality of social services compared to the city level. As a result, due to the decline in the population in rural areas, social facilities (kindergartens, schools, health care institutions, etc.) are losing their operational importance. Therefore, the article scientifically substantiated the need to create and invest production facilities with stable employment of economically active groups to regulate demographic and migration problems in the northern regions of Kazakhstan. Increasing the number of economically active groups in regions and their rural territories can be an integrated approach to regulating demogrational, infrastructural, and economic problems in the regions.
Microbes Isolated from Landfill Soil Utilize Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) as Their Sole Source of Carbon: An Unexplored Possibility of Bioremediation in Bangladesh
Authors:   Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, East West University, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh, Swarna Sudipta Kundu , Muntasir Mehmud Al ,   Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, East West University, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh, Mahbub M Murshida ,   Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, East West University, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh, Nusrin Suraia ,   Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, East West University, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh, Jesmin Jesmin ,   Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
Published: January 2024

Plastic products are so extensively used that they continue to strain the already overburdened waste management system and, inevitably, the global climate. Biodegradation is a sustainable remedy. Here, we report a few microorganisms isolated from landfill soil near Dhaka that thrive especially on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymers. Soil samples were subjected to three enrichment cycles that contained no carbon except PET. Pure isolates were recovered and incubated on minimal agar containing PET as the sole carbon. A morphological examination was carried out. Potential PET-degrading enzyme sequences from the isolates and other microalgae were analyzed for homology using BLASTP and TBLASTN, and multiple sequence alignment (MSA) was performed to assess conserved domains. Six isolates were obtained. Two isolates grew around the PET film but did not grow sufficiently in other areas of the minimal agar. Two other isolates with greenish pigmentation flourished around the PET film as well as on other areas of the agar. One of the green cells resembled Aphanocapsa, with irregular shapes and occasionally brown dense bodies, while the others looked round like Microcystis. Homology analysis revealed the hypothetical PETases in green cells contained the highly conserved catalytic triad (Ser-His-Asp) at the active site, as always found in alpha-beta hydrolase fold containing enzymes. Microbes isolated from two landfill sites in the vicinity of Dhaka have been adapted to utilize PET as a carbon source. In the future, sequencing and further characterization would be necessary to validate the findings. Microalgal systems demand increased focus, given their potential to offer valuable resources for bioremediation.
Wood Substitute Material from Coconut Shell Waste and Green Adhesive
Authors:   Environmental Technology Program, School of Energy, Environment and Materials, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand, Watcharawitthaya Ariya , Srisawat Natee ,   Department of Textile Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Pathumthani, Thailand, Chiarakorn Siriluk ,   Environmental Technology Program, School of Energy, Environment and Materials, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand
Published: January 2024

This research aimed to utilise coconut shell waste as a raw material to produce compressed coconut shell sheets by using environmentally friendly adhesive from epoxidized natural latex and gelatinized tapioca starch. The coconut shells were cut into 1-mm particles and mixed with the adhesive. The mixture was then compressed in a 30×30×0.5 cm mould using a hydraulic compression machine at 5 MPa and 170°C for 5 minutes to form a compressed coconut shell sheet. The different ratios of adhesive to coconut shell particles (30, 40, and 50 g) per 100 g of coconut shell and the different ratios of gelatinized tapioca starch and epoxidized natural rubber (ranging from 1:0, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, to 4:1 by weight) were examined. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed to analyse the morphology and chemical composition of the coconut shell sheets, respectively. The physical and mechanical properties of the compressed coconut shell sheets were evaluated based on the Thai Industrial Standard (TIS) number 876-2547 for flat pressed particleboards. The results demonstrate successful production of compressed coconut shell sheets from coconut shell waste using the environmentally friendly adhesive. ENR played a role in networking between lignin and cellulose. While GTS improved the strength of the composite using hydrogen bonding. The optimal ratio of adhesive to coconut shell particles was 40 g of the green adhesive per 100 g of coconut shell. The optimal ratio of gelatinized tapioca starch to epoxidized natural rubber was 2:1 by weight. The coconut shell sheets produced from this study were uniform in shape, had unique textures, and met industry standards for wood substitute materials.
The Pain Characteristics and Caregiver Burden in Patients With Cancer-related Pain and their Associated Factors: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey., Tuğba Yangöz Şefika , Korkmaz Medet ,   Professor, Department of Internal Medicine Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, İnönü University, Malatya, Turkey.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Pain is the most common symptom among patients with cancer; the pain also affects their caregivers. Objective: This study aimed to explore the pain characteristics and caregiver burden in patients with cancer-related pain and their associated factors. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 240 patients and their caregivers (120 patients and 120 caregivers), who were chosen using the convenience sampling method. They completed face-to-face surveys, including information about sociodemographic and disease characteristics, the brief pain inventory, the pain beliefs questionnaire, and the Zarit burden interview scale. The descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, and multiple linear regression model were used to analyze the obtained data according to the two-tailed P<0.05. Results: The mean age of the patients was 58.79±13.46 years, and 50.8% were females. The mean age of the caregivers was 47.84±13.24 years, and 83.3% were females. The linear regression analyses showed demographic and clinical factors of patients were associated with pain severity (R2=0.326, P<0.001). In addition, these factors were associated with all sub-dimension of pain interference and pain beliefs (P<0.001). Furthermore, the linear regression model showed that patients' pain severity, pain interference and pain beliefs were predictive factors of caregiver burden (R2=0.266, P<0.001). Conclusion: These results will help health professionals understand the pain characteristics of patients and caregiver burden to improve cancer-related pain and caregiver burden.
Effect of Auriculotherapy on the Anxiety of Women After Cesarean Section: A Clinical Trial
Authors:   Midwifery (MSc), School of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran., Sharifi Somayeh , Niknami Maryam ,   Instructor, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran., Bostani Khalesi Zahra ,   Associate Professor, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran., Maroufizadeh Saman ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Biostatistics, School of Health, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran., Haji Hadi Fateme ,   Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist and Medical of AL Zahra Educational Research and Remedial Center, Rasht, Iran.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Anxiety after cesarean section can delay the recovery process of mothers after delivery. Auriculotherapy as a complementary medicine may be beneficial in reducing maternal anxiety. Objective: This study assesses auriculotherapy’s effect on women’s anxiety after cesarean section. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 68 women after cesarean section in a teaching hospital in Rasht City, Iran. The mothers were assigned into intervention groups (n=34) and control (n=34). In the intervention group, auriculotherapy was performed by Vaccaria seeds on 1 point in the left ear and 5 points in the right ear. The mothers’ anxiety was measured by the Spielberger state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) before, 3, and 10 days after the intervention. The collected data were analyzed by using the independent t-test, Fisher exact test, and repeated measures ANOVA. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was also used to compare the STAI score between the two groups after the intervention. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The Mean±SD age of the participants was 31.8±7.2 years. In the intervention group, no significant difference was found in the state and trait anxiety scores from baseline to day 3 after the intervention. However, their mean scores were significantly reduced on the 10th day after the intervention compared to the scores at baseline and day 3 (P=0.001). In the control group, the mean state anxiety score on the third day was significantly higher than at baseline and day 10 (P=0.001, η2=0.249). At the same time, there was no significant difference in trait anxiety scores from the baseline to the third day. However, these values increased on day 10 (P=0.001). According to the ANCOVA results, the adjusted means of state and trait anxiety in the intervention group were lower than in the control group on the 3rd and 10th days; these values decreased more from the third to the tenth day (P=0.001, η2=0.829). Conclusion: Auriculotherapy effectively reduces mothers’ anxiety after cesarean section. Therefore, health service providers, especially midwives, can use this complementary medicine to reduce mothers’ anxiety.
Prevalence of Workplace Conflicts and the Used Coping Strategies Among Nurses in Teaching Hospitals in Qom City, Iran: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors:   Health Education (MSc), Emergency Medical Center of Qom, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran ., Farhadloo Roohollah , Azadeh Mohammad Reza ,   Emergency Nursing (MSc), Emergency Medical Center of Qom, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran., Hoseini Mahsa Haji Mohammad ,   Instructor, Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Paramedical Sciences, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran., Sharififard Fatemeh ,   Instructor, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran., Vahedian Mostafa ,   Assistant Professor, School of Medicine, Clinical Research Development Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran., Parvaresh-Masoud Mohammad ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Paramedical Sciences, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Conflicts arise when a person or group perceives that another person or group opposes their interests, beliefs, and values. Although conflict usually carries a negative sense, it may be productive for nurses, their colleagues, or patients in clinical settings. Objective: This study aims to determine the prevalence of workplace conflict and the coping strategies used by nurses working in teaching hospitals in Qom City, Iran. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive-analytical study with a cross-sectional design. Study participants comprised 373 nurses in teaching hospitals affiliated with Qom University of Medical Sciences. They were selected using simple random sampling. Data collection tools were a demographic form, DuBrin workplace conflict questionnaire, and Putnam and Wilson’s organizational communication conflict instrument (OCCI). The obtained data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multivariate linear regression model. Results: Most participants were female (63.8%) with a bachelor’s degree (88.3%). Their mean age was 34.78±5.96 years. The mean score of workplace conflicts was 10.04±3.93 and the mean score of the control strategy was significantly higher in nurses with a high level of workplace conflict (24.90±3.75). The multivariate regression results revealed that age, sex, marital status, educational level, type of employment, department of service, work experience, and three conflict resolution strategies could predict 32% of workplace conflict (adjusted R2=0.32, P=0.001). Conclusion: Workplace conflict among nurses of hospitals in Qom is high. They mostly use the solution-orientated strategy followed by non-confrontation and control strategies.
Review and Comparative Study of Different Energy Saving Techniques in Manet
Authors: Mohan Patsariya  , Anand Rajavat
Published: January 2024

Energy efficiency plays a vital role in the design of protocols for the applications in networks to enhance the network lifetime. Since the networks nodes are battery-powered, thus energy or battery power is a precious resource that has to be carefully used by the nodes in order to avoid an early network failure. In Mobile Ad Hoc Networks researcher has focused on various energy parameters through managing transmission and distribution of loads by limiting the dynamic energy for communication required to send or receive packets. Many researchers suggested, to attain efficient power conservation dual approach may be combined and power usage can be limited by making mobile nodes in-active. In this paper we present a comparative analysis based on review study and have a closer look at some protocols, energy saving techniques and methods adopted in saving power for MANET.
Introduction of Reinforcement Learning and Its Application Across Different Domain
Authors: Harshita Sharma  , Hritik Kumar  , Rashmi  Pandey
Published: January 2024

In the modern era of rapid development in Deep Neural Networks, Reinforcement Learning (RL) has evolved into a pivotal and transformative technology. RL, a learning process where these machine agent interacts with several unknown environment through trial and error. The agent, responsive to the learning machine, go through these interaction, and start receiving feedback in the form of positive rewards or negative rewards like penalties from the environment, and constantly refines its behavior. This research paper offers an in-depth introduction to the foundational concepts of RL, focusing on Markov Decision Processes and various RL algorithms.

Machine Learning (ML) is a subset of Artificial Intelligence, which deals with ‘‘the question of how to develop software agents (Machine) that improve automatically with experience’’. The basic three categories of Machine Learning are.

Supervised Learning

Unsupervised Learning

Reinforcement Learning

RL method is that in any situation the agent has to choose between using its acquired knowledge of the environment i.e. using an action already tried or performed previously or exploring actions never tried before in that situation.

In this review paper, we will discuss the most used learning algorithms in games robotics and healthcare, autonomous control as well as communication and networking, natural language processing.[1]
Review on Anti-inflammatory and Anticoagulant Activity of Medicinal Plants
Authors: Mr. Nitin N. Mali  , Dr.Swapnil R. Nazarkar  , Miss. Payal B. Phadtare  , Miss. Ankita L. Pimpale
Published: January 2024

Since the beginning of time, herbal remedies have been utilized to treat a variety of illnesses and ailments. This review’s primary focus is on anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant medicinal plants. Pain, redness, heat, or warmth, and swelling are the four main signs of inflammation. As secondary metabolites, plants can produce a large variety of phytochemical substances that have anti-inflammatory properties. There are numerous medicinal plants that may have anti- inflammatory properties. We have discussed some medicinal plants in this review that have anti- inflammatory properties. It includes Lantana camera linn., Azadirachta indica, Murraya koenigii, Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, and Hibiscus rosa sinensis. These are the anti-inflammatory medicinal plants, with their materials and methods. Anticoagulants, commonly referred to as blood thinners, are chemical compounds that stop blood from coagulating. Heart attacks, strokes, ischemic heart disease, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism are just a few of the significant issues that blood clots in the body can lead to. Plants with anticoagulant properties have been utilized to treat certain disorders. The plants discussed in this review have effective anticoagulant properties. The plants are like Allium sativum, Camellia sinensis, Allium cepa, Curcuma longa, Cinnamomum cassia, and Vitis vinifera.
Relationship between the Number Of Oecophylla smaragdina Fab. ant nests and the Intensity of Prays endocarpa Meyrick Attacks on Pamelo Citrus (Citrus maxima Merr)
Authors: Andi Ridwan  , Ahdin Gassa  , Nurmiaty  , Rahmad  , Erna Halid
Published: January 2024

This research on the relationship between the number of O. smaragdina nests and the intensity of P. endocarpa attacks has been conducted at the Pamelo citrus plantation of Gelengge in Pangkep Regency. The observation sample trees were those which had the O. smaragdina nests for three weeks in the Pamelo citrus trees. The sample trees were grouped into four categories namely: A) 1-2 nests per tree, B) 3-4 nests per tree, C) 5-6 nests per tree, and D) without nests (control). The observed parameters were the attack intensity of P. endocarpa on fruits on trees and on fallen fruits found under Pamelo citrus trees. The observation of the attack intensity was carried out after the Pamelo citrus fruits reached six weeks old, or after the fruits reached 50 mm-60 mm in size. The results showed the intensity of P. endocarpa attack on the fruits in the lowest tree was 36% in the trees with about 5-6 O. smaragdina nests, and the highest in the trees without nests was 66%. The attack intensity on the lowest falling fruit was 41.5% on the trees with 5-6 nests per tree, and the highest was 60.3% the in trees without the O. smaragdina nests. The regression analysis showed a relationship between the number of O. smaragdina nests with the attack intensity with the regression coefficients, respectively were r = 0.94 and r = 0.98.
Assessing the Impacts of Solar PV Plants on Distribution Systems using DigSilent
Authors: Moilwa S  , Setlhaolo D  , Sakala J. D
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effects of integrating solar PV plants on distribution systems using Botswana Power Corporation greater Gaborone distribution system as a case. The study compares and analyses the system baseline to solar integrated system using DIgSILENT Powerfactory software. The system studies conducted in this paper include short circuit and effects on active and reactive power losses at different penetration factors. This research found out that integrating solar PV plants to the distribution network caused a decrease in grid losses and the extent of power losses decrease vary. Fault level contribution from the PV systems is generally low. In conclusion, the effects of these interconnections on line losses and fault level contribution differs in all circuits under study, therefore network assessment must first be thoroughly conducted before interconnecting solar PV plants with distribution systems as some areas indicated some reverse power flow that could affect the protection systems because initially the distribution system was designed to operate on a single source voltage.