bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rasagalor Coffee Education Tourist Attraction Design based on Halal Tourism in Mekarmanik Village, Bandung Regency
Authors: Burhanudin Hani , Weishaguna Weishaguna , Saraswati Saraswati , Asyiawati Yulia , Ahmad Barwanto Lutfhi , Arianto Widagdo Rama , Pratama Aldy , Rifky Ferbiyandani Mochamad , Nurhasanah Halimah , Defannya Serdani Sherly
Published: October 2023

The halal tourism concept is a contemporary tourism development concept that is currently implemented around the world. Halal tourism does not only relate to producing halal products, but also every other aspect of Islamic beliefs, including developing domains that support Islamic activities. This article aims to explore designs for tourist attractions based on the halal tourism concept. The research will take place in Mekarmanik Village, Cimenyan District, Bandung Regency. The location experiences three major issues, which are farmers’ mindset who prefers selling straight to wholesalers for low prices compared to further processing products for higher prices; forest land and coffee vegetation utilization for educational objects; and integration of potential colonial sites to increase local community livelihood. Therefore, the design will aim to include means that could help increase the local community’s knowledge through site planning and 3D designs of a product processing room, product marketing storefront, coffee forest educational hiking trail, and dan colonial coffee garden educational room. Required data will be gathered from literature studies, field observations, and focus group discussions (FGDs). Afterward, collected data will be analyzed using design elements needs analysis and functional relations analysis. Later, design results may bring solutions that would be able to increase local farmers’ and community livelihoods.
Keywords: halal tourism, mekarmanik, design, educational area, rasagalor coffee
Conceptual Design of a UHPC Footbridge in the City of Villach in Southern Austria
Authors: Mischkulnig Tadeja ,   University of Applied Sciences
Published: October 2023

Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has many advantages compared to other building materials if it is used in a proper way. To show the potential of UHPC for slender constructions, the purpose of this work was to design a UHPC-footbridge as an alternative structure to an existing bridge crossing the river Drau in the city of Villach in Southern Austria. The new bridge is a box girder bridge, constructed from fibre reinforced UHPC combined with internal and external post-tensioning. The calculation is based on the final draft of the new Austrian guideline for UHPC, the final version of which has since been published in 2023.
Shellfish Catchers’ Health in Relation to Their Biological Cycles
Authors: Rodríguez García María Dolores ,   University of Vigo
Published: October 2023

Shellfish catchers’ health can be damaged due to several factors in relation to their biological cycles. The menstruation, pregnancy and menopause are natural processes in women, but experienced in some work ambiances, such as the sea, can cause health alterations. It is conducted a descriptive, observational and transversal design, using quantitative methodology through an auto managed survey, being the sample size twenty-five women between 28 and 62 years old. The aim of this paper is to understand the impact of the biological cycle in shellfish catchers´ health and to identify possible risks at their working site. The importance of this issue requires a suitable understanding about their specific needs with the purpose of improving their health and wellness, promoting gender equality and contributing to the implementation of ad hoc health programs and policies for this professional collective.
The ATHENA Colloquial Talks Initiative: A Report and Future Developments
Authors: Petridis Konstantinos ,   Hellenic Mediterranean University
Published: October 2023

In this manuscript, we report the motivation, the content, the challenges and the future plans of one of the outstanding ATHENA Alliance research activities: the ATHENA Colloquial Talks. Thanks to the latter, state-of-the-art scientific work, mainly in engineering and in teaching science, was presented in the last three academic periods from 2020 to 2023. The talks were delivered by world leading experts, many of them scientists with an h-index higher that 100, followed also by talented young researchers working in some of the most prestigious institutions. The event attracted more than 100 scientists as speakers and more than 1800 different individuals as attendees. Besides the expertise-showcase ATHENA Colloquial Talks is an additional incentive to alliance members in achieving the mission of ATHENA European university.
Radiological anatomy of hypoplastic sphenoid sinuses
Authors:   Belarusian State Medical University, Minsk, Belarus, 220116, Kabak S. L. , Mel’nichenko Yu. M. ,   Belarusian State Medical University, Minsk, Belarus, 220116, Savrasova N. A. ,   Belarusian State Medical University, Minsk, Belarus, 220116, Zhuravleva N. V. ,   Belarusian State Medical University, Minsk, Belarus, 220116
Published: October 2023

The degree of pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus varies in different individuals, including the absence of air cavities in the body of the bone or their hypoplasia. Such options are quite rare, they should be considered when planning and choosing a method of surgical treatment. Objective. To classify sphenoid sinuses of unusual size and shape. Patients and methods. The data of cone-beam computed tomography of 16 patients aged 22 to 70 years with dental and ENT pathology, who had an unusual size and shape of the sphenoid sinuses, were studied in order to classify them. On axial scans, the maximum transverse size (width, diameter) of the sinus was measured. On parasagittal scans, the position of the posterior wall of each sphenoid sinus relative to the sella turcica was assessed, and the distance to the plane drawn through the anterior wall of the sella turcica was also measured. Results. There were 13 cases of unilateral and 3 cases of bilateral hypoplasia of the sphenoid sinus. Bilateral hypoplasia is a rare variant of individual variability. With unilateral hypoplasia, the contralateral air cavity may not extend beyond the body of the sphenoid bone or extend into other parts of it or adjacent structures. Conclusion. When diagnosing unilateral hypoplasia of the sphenoid sinus, one should not only consider its distance from the anterior wall of the Turkish saddle but also correlate the absolute dimensions of the two air cavities.
Utilizing Simulation-Based Training to Increase Preeclampsia Recognition in Undiagnosed Patients
Authors: Furr Susan , Martin Dana R. , Schmaldinst Kristy , Daugherty Laura
Published: October 2023

Research suggests that simulation in nursing education is a learning strategy that promotes critical thinking and utilization of clinical judgment in a safe environment without fear of retribution if errors are made. Senior nursing students in a small liberal arts university participated in a complex simulation that involved a pregnant patient with preeclampsia. The students were charged with doing a complete assessment of the patient and unborn baby. Upon completion of the assessment, the students utilized their critical thinking skills to determine the best treatment for the patient and baby that rendered the best outcomes. The goal of the exercise was to provide the students with a realistic scenario that advanced quickly into an emergent situation. The majority of students will not work in labor and delivery, but they will experience situations in their respective units that require quick thinking and critical decision-making. This simulation was a strategy to help facilitate these students into their transition to practice.
Exploring the moderating role of parental income on the link between parental financial communication and financial literacy of young adults
Authors: Ndou Adam
Published: October 2023

The moderating effect of parental income on parental financial communication and financial literacy is increasingly becoming important. The objective of this study was to determine whether the relationship between parental financial communication of young adults and their financial literacy is moderated by parental income. Financial literacy was measured through financial knowledge, financial behaviour, financial attitudes, and financial decision-making. Quantitative research approach was adopted for this study. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data among young adults in South Africa. Moderated regression analysis was used to analyse data. Four hypotheses were tested. The results showed that parental income moderated the relationship between parental financial communication with financial knowledge, financial behaviour, financial attitude, and financial decision-making. Therefore, the overall results indicated that the relationship between parental financial communication and financial literacy is moderated by parental income.  This study is amongst the first to investigate whether the relationship between parental financial communication and financial literacy is moderated by parental income. This study concluded by providing recommendations and suggestions for future research.
Promoting transdisciplinary teaching and learning and research in a world that is faced with multifaceted challenges
Authors: Mashau Takalani
Published: October 2023

With a lot of transformation in higher education, teaching, and learning is becoming very complex. To cope with the transformation that is so complex, academics must be innovative in their teaching. Their teaching should also influence the behaviour of their students. Students after completion of their studies must also be able to solve the challenges of society. There are several approaches to teaching and learning such as multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and ideally transdisciplinary, scholarship of teaching and learning, evidence-based teaching and learning, transdisciplinary teaching and learning and competence-based teaching and learning, and deep learning approaches among others. This paper focuses on the transdisciplinary research and teaching and learning approach. The aim of the paper is to investigate the importance of transdisciplinary research, teaching, and learning in a world that is faced with multifaceted challenges. This is a qualitative design paper where systemic desktop research was used. The systematic reviews follow structured and predefined methods to identify, appraise, and synthesise the relevant literature. Desktop research is a research method that involves the use of existing data. These are secondary collected and summarised data to increase the overall effectiveness of the investigation. Secondary research is much more cost-effective than primary research, as it uses existing data, unlike primary empirical research. The secondary literature was collected based on the history, challenges, and benefits of transdisciplinary research, teaching, and learning. The research study concludes that transdisciplinary research and teaching and learning approach is the way to go in solving constant challenges that face the world. The study recommends that university faculties, schools, and departments should engage in transdisciplinary teaching, and learning and research.
Role of continuing professional teacher development (CPTD) on teachers’ and learners’ achievement in South Africa: A literature review
Authors: Adu Kemi O , Duku N , Adu Emmanuel Olusola
Published: October 2023

Continuing Professional Teacher Development (CPTD) refers to the ongoing learning and development of teachers throughout their careers. It involves a range of activities, programs, and initiatives designed to help teachers improve their knowledge, skills, and effectiveness in the classroom. CPTD programs can take many different forms, such as workshops, seminars, mentoring programs, online courses, and peer networks. This desktop review paper examines the role of CPTD on teachers' and learners’ achievement. The paper reviews among others the following; the nature and concept of  CPTD, the importance of  CPTD, South African teacher education policy framework and CPTD, the educational achievement and CPTD, school effectiveness and CPTD, learner and teacher learning and CPTD. The paper uses social learning theory as a theory that underpins the paper and makes some plausible recommendations.
LIFE CYCLE ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND CO2 EMISSIONS OF DIFFERENT CAR TYPES
Authors: IVANOV Rosen , EVTIMOV Ivan , KIRILOV Krasimir , MINKOVSKA Iliyana
Published: October 2023

In this research, the energy consumption and emissions of gasoline cars, battery electric cars, fuel cells electric (FCE) cars, compressed naturel gas (CNG) cars, liquid propane-butane gas (LPG) cars, etc., during their life cycles are presented. A set of flow charts presenting the production of cars and used fuel/energy is developed. These charts and the latest data for electricity production emission factor and raw materials prices are used. A comparative analysis is done. Results for primary energy and carbon emissions are presented in graphical form. They show the most economical and ecological car decisions.
PBEMS: A Permissioned Blockchain-based Equipment Maintenance System in Smart Manufacturing
Authors: Assaqty Mohammad Iqbal Saryuddin , Gao Ying , Alfatemi Ali , Ibrahim Ashraf Osman , Abulfaraj Anas W. , Binzagr Faisal , Nabawi Fezan , Fahlevi Mohammad Reza
Published: October 2023

In the realm of smart manufacturing, equipment plays a pivotal role, impacting the efficiency and quality of production. Ensuring equipment availability and optimal performance is crucial, necessitating effective maintenance strategies. This paper addresses the complexities of smart device maintenance, which often involves collaboration between multiple entities like device owners, manufacturers, suppliers, and external maintenance services. To enhance this cooperative maintenance, we propose a novel maintenance system based on permissioned blockchain technology, offering superior security and reliability compared to conventional cloud-based platforms. Our contributions include developing an integrated maintenance system framework for smart manufacturing, which facilitates interactions among diverse stakeholders. Additionally, we have developed a prototype of this maintenance system, serving as a practical model for real-world application. Our research primarily demonstrates the practicality and advantages of using permissioned blockchain for maintenance systems in the manufacturing sector, paving the way for more secure, efficient, and collaborative maintenance practices.
Network Inference from Cancer and Epithelial Cell Co-Culture Reveal Microenvironmental Configurations That Drives Population Dynamics
Authors: Queiroga Alexandre Sarmento , Morais Mauro Cesar Cafundó , Stransky Beatriz
Published: October 2023

Cellular Automata and Boolean Networks are generalizations of one another because algorithms to compute the preimage of cellular automata reveal the underlying network, i.e., the global dynamics in terms of the basins of attraction. Therefore, we hypothesize we can reveal the local dynamics of cellular automata from the basin of attraction of an inferred boolean network. Our motivation was the observation that human keratinocytes and melanoma can stick together to form clusters after eight days in co-culture. This cluster formation would be the attractor of population dynamics, and cell seeding would be the initial condition of the basin of attraction. Hence, we propose a method to estimate the rules of cellular automata, which consist of comparing the density states within each state transition and reaching a consensus among state transitions belonging to a basin of attraction. Therefore, we aim: (1) to infer a boolean network from the in vitro co-culture growth curve; (2) to estimate the rules of cellular automata; and (3) to implement a cellular automata for spatial dynamics simulations. The binarization of the growth curve shows high population density after four days; the estimated cellular automata rules were compatible with cell proliferation and migration in agreement with experimental observations. Spatial dynamics shows that: (1) keratinocytes exhibit higher density in neighborhoods where melanoma is present; (2) the chance of keratinocyte migration increases until the fourth day, but the probability of survival increases; and (3) space is freed for cells with maximum proliferation capacity through proliferation compensated by death. Our approach suggests that the attractor state of cell co-culture would be induced by an increase in keratinocyte migration and survival, as well as the balance of proliferation and death concerning melanoma. Our approach has the potential to offer valuable clues about microenvironmental interactions or configurations that drive population dynamics.
Biological Importance of Arginine: Roles in Structure, Disorder, and Functionality of Peptides and Proteins
Authors: Gupta Munishwar Nath , Uversky Vladimir N.
Published: October 2023

Arginine shows Jekyll and Hyde behavior in several respects. It participates in protein folding via ionic and H-bonds and cation-pi interactions; the charge and hydrophobicity of its side chain makes it a disorder-promoting amino acid. Its methylation in histones; RNA binding proteins; chaperones regulates several cellular processes. The arginine-centric modifications are important in oncogenesis and as biomarkers in several cardiovascular diseases. The cross-links involving arginine in collagen and cornea are involved in pathogenesis of tissues but have also been useful in tissue engineering and wound-dressing materials. Arginine is a part of active site of several enzymes such as GTPases, peroxidases, and sulfotransferases. Its metabolic importance is obvious as it is involved in production of urea, NO, ornithine and citrulline. It can form unusual functional structures such as molecular tweezers in vitro and sprockets which engage DNA chains as part of histones in vivo. It has been used in design of cell-penetrating peptides as drugs. Arginine has been used as an excipient in both solid and injectable drug formulations; its role in suppressing opalescence due to liquid-liquid phase separation is particularly very promising. It has been known as a suppressor of protein aggregation during protein refolding. It has proved its usefulness in protein bioseparation processes like ion-exchange, hydrophobic and affinity chromatographies. Arginine is an amino acid, whose importance in biological sciences and biotechnology continues to grow in diverse ways.
Comparison of an Individualized vs. Standardized Vitamin D Supplementation for Insufficient 25(OH)D Status Correction in Athletes—A Randomized Controlled Intervention Study
Authors: Tuma Chiara , Schick Arne , Pommerening Nele , Braun Hans , Thevis Mario
Published: October 2023

Vitamin D is crucial for athletes' health and performance. Although the exact vitamin D requirements for athletes have not been established, maintaining 25(OH)D levels of at least 40 ng/ml is considered beneficial.
This study aimed to determine whether an individual loading dose formula for vitamin D supplementation is suitable to meet a target value of 40 ng/ml and is more effective than standardized supplementation.
In a 10-week supplementation study during the winter months in Germany, 90 athletes with insufficient vitamin D levels (25(OH)D<30ng/ml) were randomly assigned to receive either a universal dose of 2000 IU/day of vitamin D or a loading dose of 4000 IU/day, followed by a maintenance dose of 1000 IU/day.
Total 25(OH)D concentration was measured from dried blood spots at three time points: at baseline, at the computed date of 40ng/ml, and after the 10-week period. Additionally, a vitamin D-specific questionnaire was issued.
On the day when 25(OH)D blood concentrations of 40 ng/ml were calculated to prevail, the individualized group had a significantly higher 25(OH)D level than the standardized group (41.1+-10.9 ng/ml vs. 32.5+-6.4 ng/ml, p<0.001).
This study demonstrated that the examined formula is suitable for athletes to achieve a 25(OH)D concentration of 40 ng/ml. This indicates that a personalized approach is more effective than a one-size-fits-all approach in restoring adequate vitamin D levels in athletes.
Enhancing Thermo-Acoustic Waste Heat Recovery through Machine Learning: A Comparative Analysis of ANN-PSO, ANFIS, and ANN Models
Authors: Ngcukayitobi Miniyenkosi , Tartibu Lagouge Kwanda , Bannwart Flávio
Published: October 2023

Waste heat recovery stands out as a promising technique to tackle both energy shortages and environmental pollution. Currently, this valuable resource, generated from processes like fuel combustion or chemical reactions, is often dissipated into the environment, despite its potential to significantly contribute to the economy. To harness this untapped potential, a travelling-wave thermo-acoustic generator has been designed and subjected to comprehensive experimental analysis. Fifty-two data corresponding to different working conditions of the system were extracted to build ANN, ANFIS and ANN-PSO models. Evaluation of performance metrics reveals that the ANN-PSO model demonstrates the highest predictive accuracy (R^2=0.9959), particularly in relation to output voltage. This research demonstrates the potential of machine learning techniques for the analysis of thermo-acoustic systems. By doing so, it is possible to get an insight into nonlinearities inherent to thermo-acoustic systems. This advancement empowers researchers to forecast the performance characteristics of alternative configurations with a heightened level of precision.
Mitigating Stress Corrosion Cracking of 304L and 316L Laser Welds by Micro-shot Peening
Authors: Kang Chia-Ying , Chen Tai-Cheng , Shiue Ren-Kae , Tsay Leu-Wen
Published: October 2023

Two austenitic stainless steel (ASS) plates, 304L and 316L, were cold-rolled (304R and 316R) with a 10 % reduction in thickness then subjected to laser welding. Cold-rolling caused a slight surface hardening and introduced residual tensile stress into the ASS plates. The susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of the welds (304RW and 316RW) was determined using the U-bend test pieces in a salt spray. To highlight the stress concentration at the weld’s fusion boundary (FB), the top weld reinforcement was not ground off before bending. Moreover, micro-shot peening (MSP) was performed to mitigate the SCC of the welds by imposing high residual compressive stress and forming a fine-grained structure. Cold-rolling increased the susceptibility of the 304R specimen to pitting corrosion (PTC) and intergranular (IG) microcracking. Moreover, PTC and SCC were found more often at the FBs of the 304RW. The corrosion pits of the peened 304RW (304RWSP) were finer but greater in amount than the un-peened one. The results also indicated that the 316L ASS welds with MSP was resistant to the incidence of PTC and SCC in a salt spray. The better reliability and longer service life of dry storage canister could be achieved by using 316L ASS for construction and application of MSP on it.
Epidemiology Patterns of Renal Cell Carcinoma Worldwide: Examining Risk Factors and Contemporary Immunotherapy Approaches
Authors: Uchendu Ikenna K. , Ngaha Tchawe Yvan Sinclair , Angelina V. Zhilenkova , Sangadzhieva Zaiana D. , S. Rusanov Alexander , N. Bagmet Leonid , D. Sanikovich Varvara , Nikitina Nathalia M. , Ikebunwa Obinna A. , Okoroiwu Henshaw U , Kazeem Olokodana Babatunde , I. Sekacheva Marina
Published: October 2023

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), alternative term for kidney cancer, is becoming more common worldwide each year, and there are many different contributing factors. Among all cancers, RCC is the 14th most prevalent; and it ranks as the 14th and 9th most prevalent cancer overall for women and men respectively. RCC cases increased by more than 430,000 in 2020. While disease burdens are highest in Eastern Europe (Belarus and Russia) and North America (Canada and the United States), Africa, Asia, and Latin America are predicted to report increase in prevalence as these regions embrace change in lifestyle. The majority of RCC cases are accidentally found on imaging, and survival is greatly impacted by the disease stage at diagnosis, with a metastatic cancer having a 5-year survival rate of 12%. As a consequence of early discovery and more improved treatments, RCC mortality has declined. The key epidemiologic variables of RCC include vast regional and geographical heterogeneity in prevalence rates, and the cause is largely unclear. Recognized risk factors include smoking, being overweight, having previous episodes of hypertension, and suffering chronic renal illness. Unexpectedly swift, RCC diagnosis and therapy have advanced. RCC prevalence continues to rise although survival rates have sharply improved. Cancer survival and treatment have improved, and more gains are projected as a result of clinical and translational research. In this review, kidney cancer statistics and recent literatures are examined on a global scale. It covered aspects of kidney cancer, including its epidemiology, causes, risk factors, current immunotherapy, chances for prevention, and future planning.
Cybersickness in Virtual Reality: The Role of Individual Differences, Effects on Cognitive Functions &Amp; Motor Skills, and Intensity Differences during and after Immersion
Authors: Kourtesis Panagiotis , Papadopoulou Agapi , Roussos Petros
Published: October 2023

Background: Given that VR is applied in multiple domains, understanding the effects of cybersickness on human cognition and motor skills and the factors contributing to cybersickness gains urgency. This study aimed to explore the predictors of cybersickness and its interplay with cognitive and motor skills. Methods: 30 participants, 20-45 years old, completed the MSSQ and the CSQ-VR, and were immersed in VR. During immersion, they were exposed to a roller coaster ride. Before and after the ride, participants responded to CSQ-VR and performed VR-based cognitive and psychomotor tasks. Post VR session, participants completed the CSQ-VR again. Results: Motion sickness susceptibility, during adulthood, was the most prominent predictor of cybersickness. Pupil dilation emerged as a significant predictor of cybersickness. Experience in videogaming was a significant predictor of both cybersickness and cognitive/motor functions. Cybersickness negatively affected visuospatial working memory and psychomotor skills. Overall cybersickness’, nausea and vestibular symptoms’ intensities significantly decreased after removing the VR headset. Conclusions: In order of importance, motion sickness susceptibility and gaming experience are significant predictors of cybersickness. Pupil dilation appears as a cybersickness’ biomarker. Cybersickness negatively affects visuospatial working memory and psychomotor skills. Cybersickness and its effects on performance should be examined during and not after immersion.
An Exploration on a Normed Space called r-Normed Space: Some Properties and an Application
Authors: Purnawan Rizal
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we explore a new norm on Lp-space called r-norm, and hence producing a new normed space called r-normed space. Measure theoretic and functional analytic properties are covered such as the relation between r-norm and the classical p-norm. An application of r-normed space in probability theory and statsitics is also presented, notably, its role as a rigorous framework in describing the coefficient of determination.
Phytochemical and Biological Investigations of Ficus carica L. Leaf Extract Along with Formulation Development
Authors: Hasnain Syed Zia ul , Ahmed Maryam , Alzahrani Abdullah Y. , Khan Mohsin Abbas , Wazir M asif , Abbas Khizar
Published: October 2023

Utilization of medicine derived from plants has been documented in various traditional systems of medicines throughout the world for different diseases. Therefore, the current research work was carried out to evaluate the phytochemical and biological potential of Ficus carica L ethanolic leaf extract. For this purpose, physicochemical and phytochemical analysis, total phenolic and flavonoids contents was performed. Antioxidant potential was determined by FRAP, DPPH and H2O2 assay. Proteinase inhibition, heat induced hemolysis and BSA denaturation assay was carried out for inflammation. Antiglycation potential was assessed by fructosamine assay, Congo-red assay and estimation of free carbonyl groups. In-vivo antidiabetic, anti-obesity, effect on liver and kidney were investigated by high fat high sugar diet model. FTIR, HPLC and LCMS/MS analysis was performed to find out the compounds. Tablet based formulation was developed using wet granulation method and tested for physicochemical parameters. Results shows that total phenolic and flavonoids content was (333 mg GAE/g) and (123 mg RE/g) respectively, H2O2 assay shows 35.6% free radical inhibition potential, DPPH assay shows (IC50) inhibitory concentration at 0.58 mg/mL, and 88.769 µg/g Fe2SO4 solution FRAP values. Proteinase inhibition assay, Heat induced hemolysis and BSA-denaturation assay shows percentage inhibition of 28 ± 0.01, 55 ± 0.03 and 51.2 ± 0.05 respectively. In Antiglycation activity β-amyloid formation assay shows absorption of 0.017, Fructosamine assay shows inhibition of 19.4±0.06 and free carbonyl group estimation shows inhibition of 17.0±0.03. In in-vivo study FLE at (500 mg/kg) significantly decreased total bilirubin (p ≤ 0.001), decreased (p ≤ 0.05) alanine transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, decreased blood glucose, triglycerides and total cholesterol (p ≤ 0.01) while HDL (p ≤ 0.01) was significantly increased in comparison to obesity and diabetic-obesity groups. Different functional groups presence was confirmed by FTIR spectrum. HPLC analysis revealed the existence of ferulic acid, rutin, chlorogenic acid, coumarin and thymoquinone and these results are corelated by LC-MS/MS. Pre-compression characterization showed angle of repose (33.04°), bulk density (0.54 g/cm3), tapped density (0.73 g/cm3), compressibility index (35.179 %) and Hausner’s ratio (1.35), while the post-compression characterization showed weight variation 826±4.17 mg, thickness 10.50±0.25 kg/cm2, friability 0.57 %, and disintegration time 8.19 min. From the above results it is concluded that F. carica L. leaves extract has strong antioxidant, antidiabetic and hypolipidemic potential and can be used for an obesity and diabetes treatment.
Reprojection Error Analysis and Algorithm Optimization of Hand-Eye Calibration for Manipulator System
Authors: Peng Gang , Ren Zhenyu , Gao Qiang , Fan Zhun
Published: October 2023

During the hand-eye calibration process of the manipulator, the Euclidean distance error of the calibration results cannot be calculated because the true values of the hand-eye conversion matrix cannot be obtained. In this paper, a new method of projection error analysis is presented. Error analysis is carried out by using a priori knowledge that the location of AR markers is fixed in the calibration process. The coordinates of the AR marker center point are reprojected to the pixel coordinate system, and then compared with the true pixel coordinates of the AR marker center point obtained by corner detection or manual labeling in order to obtain the Euclidean distance between the two coordinates as the basis for error analysis. Experimental results show that the proposed optimization method can greatly improve the accuracy of hand-eye calibration results.
Design and Simulation of a Semiconductor Detector-Based Compton Imaging System with Efficiency Analysis
Authors: Niknami Mostafa , Hosseini Seyed Abolfazl , Ebrahimi Loushab Mahdy
Published: October 2023

Compton cameras detect scattered gamma rays and estimate the distribution of gamma-ray sources. Nonetheless, crafting a camera tailored to a specific application presents formidable challenges, often necessitating the implementation of diverse image reconstruction techniques. Delving into the factors influencing these cameras can pave the way for design optimization and performance enhancement. This study introduces an inventive detector design for Compton imaging systems, building upon the achievements of prior designs. The proposed system contains eight scatterer detectors and a semiconductor absorber detector, spaced at 1 mm and 30 mm intervals, respectively. The source-to-first-scatterer-detector distance is 5 mm, with scatterer and absorber detector plates measuring 70× 70× 2.125 mm3 and 70× 70× 10 mm3, respectively. Geant4 simulation toolkit models the Compton imaging system, and an analytical method reconstructs Compton camera images. Unlike more straightforward techniques, the analytical method directly reconstructs Compton camera images by solving the equation relating to the reflected image data. This approach is implemented in the C++ programming language. The study's findings reveal that the analytical method discerns optimal conditions and parameters that significantly influence efficiency, yielding a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 3.7 mm with an angular uncertainty of approximately 2.7 degrees at an energy level of 0.662 MeV. Compared to another experimental design employing the analytical image reconstruction approach, the FWHM value decreased by 0.7 mm. This study presents an innovative detector design and an analytical reconstruction method for Compton imaging systems, showcasing improved efficiency and accuracy.
Antibacterial and Photocatalytic Activity of ZnO/Au and ZnO/Ag Nanocomposites
Authors: Busila Mariana , Muşat Viorica , Alexandru Petrică , Romanitan Cosmin , Brincoveanu Oana , Tucureanu Vasilica , Mihalache Iuliana , Iancu Alina-Viorica , Dediu Violeta
Published: October 2023

The use of nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents can be one of the strategies to overcome the tendency of microbes to become resistant to antibiotics’ action. In this study, two composites ZnO/Au and ZnO/Ag, having 1% wt. of noble metal content, were synthesized by simple aqueous solution methods. The structure and morphology of the resulting nanocomposites were analyzed by standard structural and optical characterization methods. The formation of Au NPs and Ag NPs in these experiments was also discussed. The antimicrobial properties of ZnO, ZnO/Au and ZnO/Ag nanomaterials were investigated against Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). The electrostatic interaction between ZnO and noble metals nanoparticles have contributed to a better visible light adsorption, which led to an enhanced antimicrobial activity. The photocatalytic tests indicated an improvement in photocatalytic degradation of the methylene blue (MB) under UV irradiation using ZnO/Au and ZnO/Ag nanocomposites compared to bare ZnO. The introduction of noble metallic nanoparticles in ZnO matrix proved to be an effective strategy to increase their antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus and their photocatalytic activity evaluated through the degradation of MB dye. Comparing the enhancing effects of Au and Ag, it was found that ZnO/Au was a better antimicrobial agent while ZnO/Ag was more effective photocatalyst under UV irradiation.
Triterpenes from African Antidiabetic Herbs as Inhibitors of DPP-4 and PTP1B Targets: Molecular Modeling Investigation
Authors: Ogunyemi Oludare Michael , Gyebi Gideon A , Olawale Femi , Ibrahim Ibrahim M. , Iwaloye Opeyemi , Fabusiwa Modupe Mercy , Omowaye Stephen , Olaiya Charles , Elgazzar Ahmed M. , Mahmoud Mohamed H. , Batiha Gaber El-Saber
Published: October 2023

African indigenous herbs and medicinal plants are extensively reported for their protective and therapeutic potential against Diabetes. However, most of the constituent phytochemicals that may account for the therapeutic activity are largely uninvestigated. Exploring novel phytochemical–target interactions in silico could help to provide useful insights into the mechanism underpinning the biological activities of these plants and their constituent phytochemicals. The aim of this study was to explore the interactions of terpene struc-tures previously reported from selected African antidiabetic with two emerging drug targets in diabetes. Structure-based virtual screening was used to screen 107 terpene structures against DPP-4 and PTP1B enzymes. The MD simulation, MM-GBSA free energy calculation and DFT were used to clarify the inter-actions of the in silico hits with the target enzymes. Molecular docking, post-docking Prime MM-GBSA analysis revealed the top terpenes with high binding affinity with the active site regions of DPP-4 and PTP1B. Ensemble docking revealed three triterpenes viz: cucurbitacin B (T1), 6-Oxoisoiguesterin (T4) and 20-Epi-isoiguesterinol (T2) as in silico hits which exhibit strong interaction potential with critical residues that define the catalytic triad (Ser630 and His740); oxyanion cavity (Ser631); hydrophobic S1 pocket (Tyr662) and the charged S2 pocket (Arg125) in the active site region of DPP-4. The interactions of these compounds with DPP-4 exhibited structural stability and conformational flexibility during 100 ns full atomistic MD simulation as indicated by the structure dynamics parameters including RMSD, RoG, SASA and hydrogen bond number. The post-MD MM/GBSA calculations further revealed the stability of the triterpene-DPP-4 complexes. Furthermore, Frontier molecular orbital calculations showed that, the triterpenes possess high interaction potential with the enzyme. The triterpenes showed desirable ADMET properties and drug-likeness. Therefore, cucurbitacin B, 6-Oxoisoiguesterin and 20-Epi-isoiguesterinol are recommended for experimental validation.
Physicochemical Properties and Biological Activities of Quinoa Polysaccharides
Authors: Zhu Xucheng , Yang Guiyan , Shen Yingbin , Niu Liqiong , Peng Yao , Chen Haiting , Li Haimei , Yang Xinquan
Published: October 2023

Quinoa, known as the "golden grain" for its high nutritional value, is a significant source of essential nutrients, including proteins, minerals, vitamins, polyphenols, phytosterols, and flavonoids. However, the biological functions of quinoa polysaccharides remain understudied. In this research, two crude quinoa polysaccharides extracts (Q-40 and Q-60) were obtained extracting by 40% and 60% alcohol. The purity of Q-40 and Q-60 was 58.29% and 62.15%, with protein contents of 8.27% and 9.60%, respectively. Monosaccharide analysis revealed that Q-40 contained glucose (Glc), galacturonic acid (GalA), and arabinose (Ara) in a molar ratio of 0.967:0.027:0.006. Q-60 was composed of xylose (xyl), arabinose (Ara), galactose, and galacturonic acid (GalA) with a molar ratio of 0.889:0.036:0.034:0.020. The average molecular weight of Q-40 ranged from 47484 to 626488 Da, while Q-60 showed a range of 10025 to 47990 Da. Rheological experiments showed that Q-40 exhibited higher viscosity, while Q-60 demonstrated more elastic properties. Remarkably, Q-60 showed potent antioxidant abilities, with scavenging rates of 98.49% for DPPH and 57.5% for ABTS. Antibacterial experiments using the microdilution method revealed that Q-40 inhibited the growth of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and E. coli, while Q-60 specifically inhibited MRSA. At lower concentrations, both polysaccharides inhibited MDA cell proliferation, but at higher concentrations, they promoted proliferation. Similar proliferation-promoting effects were observed in HepG2 cells. The research provides important information in application of quinoa in food and functional food industries.
Global Optimization Theories and Techniques for COVID-19
Authors: Wang zhiyi , Wen Xin , Lu Zhihai
Published: October 2023

As the COVID-19 pandemic has caused enormous damage to society, economy and public health security, it is crucial to combat the epidemic and allocate social and health resources effectively. Global optimization algorithms are extensively used in many domains to find optimal solutions to complex problems. Thus, a survey of three typical global optimizations applied on the COVID-19 pandemic is timely. This article is structured into three typical global optimization algorithms - Genetic Algorithm, Particle Swarm Optimization, and Cat Swarm Optimization - and summarizes the framework models and practical applications, as well as other optimization methods that may be applied to COVID-19. Finally, current unresolved challenges and future research opportunities to be explored are summarized.
Theory, Technology and Teaching Exploration of Curriculum Chains
Authors: Liu Peng , Zhang Xuhui , Cao Xiangang , Duan Xuechao , Xinzhou Qiao
Published: October 2023

Curriculum teaching is the basic unit to realize the cultivation and achievement of students’ ability in undergraduate colleges, and it is very important to investigate the influence mechanism of the curriculum system on the achievement states of students' ability. This paper first puts forward the theoretical system and framework of curriculum chains, and constructs a “double-energy and double-space” (DEDS) which consist of the curriculum energy efficiency space and student ability space respectively. Investigating the space-time transformation relationship of curriculum chains in the DEDS, the forward transformation model, inverse transformation model and the rheological model of the achievement states in the curriculum energy efficiency space and student ability space are established. Studying the dynamic evolution mechanism of curriculum chains within the DEDS, the dynamic evolution model, which presents the relationship between achievement states of curriculum energy efficiency/students' ability and curriculum/students' dynamic potential, are established; the control methods of courses/students' dynamic potential based on the proposed dynamic evolution model are developed to ensure the achievements of the graduates’ social ability; the evaluation and detection methods of achievement states of curriculum chains in DEDS are proposed to obtain the actual achievement states of curriculum energy efficiency and students’ ability, and this will provide effective input for the control of curriculums/students’ dynamic potential; the planning and design methods of curriculum chains facing social needs are presented, which can provide theoretical basis for the formulation of the talent training scheme and curriculum system in colleges and universities.
Modifiable Risk Factors and Trends in Changes in Glucose Regulation during the 1st Three Years Postdelivery. The St Carlos Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Prevention Cohort
Authors: Arnoriaga-Rodríguez María , Melero Verónica , Barabash Ana , Valerio Johanna , Del Valle Laura , Martin O´Connor Rocio , De Miguel Paz , Díaz Pérez Jose Ángel , Familiar Cristina , Moraga Inmaculada , Durán Alejandra , Jiménez Inés , Cuesta Martín , Torrejón Maria Jose , Martinez-Novillo Mercedes , Runkle Isabelle , Pazos Mario , Rubio-Herrera Miguel A. , Matía-Martín Pilar , Calle-Pascual Alfonso Luis
Published: October 2023

Objective: To identify risk factors(RF) related to abnormal glucose regulation(AGR) 3 years postpartum according to 3-month-postpartum glucose status.
Research design: Normoglycemic pregnant women of the St. Carlos Gestational Study included before gestational week 12, during 2015-2017. Of 3,036 eligible women, 2529 were followed-up until delivery: 1400 participated in postpartum follow-up. AGR defined as fasting serum glucose (FSG)>5.6 mmol/L and/or HbA1c >5.7% (39 mmol/mol) and/or 2h-SG ≥140/mg/dL after 75-g OGTT. 12-modifiable and 3-unmodifiable RF were analyzed for associations with glycemic changes. Reinforcement of Mediterranean Diet adherence was provided to all women at the postpartum visit by a dietitian
Results: 137/1400(9.8%) women presented AGR 3 years postpartum, 27/137(19.7%) also had at 3 months, whereas 110/137(80.2%) had not. The remaining 1,263(90.2%) women were normoglycemic 3 years postpartum, 1180/1263(84.3%) were at 3 months, while 83/1263(6.08%) had AGR and became normoglycemic. Women with GDM were more likely to progress to AGR 3 years postpartum (OR:1.60[1.33-1.92]) and less likely to remain normoglycemic (OR:0.22[0.15-0.33]) versus non-GDM women. Having >2/3 unmodifiable RF was associated with a reduced rate of maintained normoglycemia (OR:0.56[0.39-0.80]) and an increased risk of progression to AGR (OR:1.90[1.28-2.83]). Having >5/12 modifiable RF was associated with a reduced rate of maintained normoglycemic (OR:0.74[0.51-0.99]) and reversion of AGR (OR:0.49[0.25-0.97]), an increased progression to AGR (OR:1.40[1.00-2.09]), and persistence of AGR (OR:2.57[1.05-6.31]). Pre-gestational BMI≥25kg/m2 (OR:1.80[1.19-2.71]), post-delivery weight gain (OR:2.22[1.10-4.48]), and waist circumference >89.5cm (OR:0.54[0.36-0.79]), (all p<0.05) were the main modifiable RF.
Conclusions: RF related to an increased probability for 3-year-postpartum AGR despite 3-month normoglycemia were identified, potentially useful when designing personalized strategies for pregnant women, directed towards minimizing unfavorable outcomes.
Explaining the Elusive Nature of a Well-Defined Threshold for Blood Transfusion in Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Cytoreductive Surgery
Authors: Laios Alexandros , Kalampokis Evangelos , Mamalis Marios Evangelos , Thangavelu Amudha , Tan Yong Sheng , Hutson Richard , Munot Sarika , Broadhead Timothy , Nugent David , Theophilou Georgios , Jackson Robert Edward , Jong Diederick De
Published: October 2023

There is no well-defined threshold for intra-operative blood transfusion (BT) in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) surgery. We developed a Machine Learning (ML)-driven prediction algorithm to trigger and explain a communication alert for BT based on anticipated peri-operative events irrespective of BT policies. We analysed prospectively collected data from 403 EOC patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery between 2014 and 2019. We calculated the estimated blood volume (EBV) using the formula EBV = weight x 80 and set off 10%EBV as threshold for individual intervention. Based on the known estimated blood loss (EBL) we identified two groups. We employed Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for performance metrics. The model performance for the above threshold prediction was satisfactory (AUC 0.823, 95% CI 0.76-0.88). The top feature commonly shared between interrogators was operative time (OT). Intra-operative blood loss of at least 10%EBV was associated with OT>250 minutes, primary surgery, serous histology, performance status 0, R2 resection and surgical complexity score >4. Large bowel resection, stoma formation, ileocecal resection/right hemicolectomy, mesenteric resection, bladder and upper abdominal peritonectomy were amongst sub-procedures clearly associated with increased intervention risk. Precise prediction of blood requirements is not possible unless a rough estimate of OT is known in advance.