bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Redox Stress Test: A novel technique reveals oxidative stress in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Wright Albert
Published: February 2024

A novel Redox Stress Test has been developed to identify symptoms of diseases associated with oxidative stress by observing symptom changes induced by short-term activation of the transcription factor Nrf2, to restore redox homeostasis. The Nrf2 pathway is triggered by a herbal preparation, Broccoli Seed Tea, developed to deliver a therapeutic dose of highly bioavailable sulforaphane, a potent activator of Nrf2. We discuss the rationale behind the tea and describe the methods used to optimise the bioavailability of sulforaphane to match the pharmacodynamics of Nrf2 activation. When consumed by people with Parkinson’s disease, the Redox Stress Test induced powerful and concurrent attenuation of a diverse group of Parkinson’s non-motor symptoms, including fatigue, constipation and urinary urgency. Motor symptoms were strictly unaffected. This observation indicates that oxidative stress may be a common factor contributing to non-motor symptoms involving sites in the CNS and peripheral organs. We tentatively interpret the results in terms of a hypothetical model for Parkinson’s Syndrome which we describe as a multisystem redox disorder with reservoirs of the disease in peripheral organs as well as in the brain. Eliminating the disease in peripheral organs is therefore a prerequisite to stopping disease progression in the brain. According to this model, the redox disorder in the brain provokes progressive neurological damage, which is not recognised as such in the early years. More specific neurological symptoms only come to light many years later, when damage to dopaminergic neurons creates a dopamine deficiency which eventually exceeds the threshold required for normal motor control, generating a new coherent group of neurological symptoms which define movement disorder. Given the apparent ease with which oxidative stress can be quenched in several locations simultaneously, we briefly discuss possible implications for public health, medical research, patients and patient advocacy groups. We note that the Redox Stress Test may have the potential to explore symptoms of other diseases where oxidative stress is believed to play a major role, although this remains subject to validation by further research.
Behavioral Paradigms in Rodent Models of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Yao Yao
Published: February 2024

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains an untreatable neurodegenerative disease without a cure or effective treatment, mainly due to elusive underlying mechanisms. ALS is primarily characterized by motor neuron dysfunction in the brain and spinal cord. However, it also exhibits non-motor symptoms such as executive, behavioral, and language dysfunction, making it challenging to establish informative disease models for relevant preclinic and clinical research. The discovery of ALS- causing genes, such as C9orf72 and SOD1, has paved the way for developing various animal models. Among these models, rodents have emerged as particularly valuable, demonstrating unique ALS-related behavioral defects in multiple behavioral tests. These models enable further understanding of disease mechanisms and provide sensitive and precise functional assessments of ALS-related defects for drug development. This report endeavors to present a chronological overview of various behavioral assessments, encompassing motion ability tests, cognitive evaluations, sensory analyses, and other paradigms described in rodent models of ALS. Our goal is to summarize and compare the behavioral alterations observed in diverse rodent models of ALS with distinct gene mutations, thus providing comprehensive references and guidance for advancing pathogenic and therapeutic research in ALS.
Comparative analysis of harmonic sensitivity for stator fault diagnosis in induction motors
Authors: Abderrahim Allal , Zakaria Lamouchi , Khechekhouche Abderrahmane , Siqueira Antonio Marcos de Oliveira , Campos Julio César Costa , Lamamra Kheireddine
Published: February 2024

Induction motors play a vital role in various industrial applications due to their commendable efficiency and reliability. However, their susceptibility to faults, especially in challenging industrial environments, highlights the need for vigilant fault detection to prevent unforeseen downtimes and reduce subsequent repair costs. Early fault diagnosis is crucial in this context. A systematic approach to diagnosing faults in asynchronous motors involves the application of signal processing techniques, particularly utilizing the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). The FFT, as a mathematical tool, enables a comprehensive analysis of signals, facilitating the identification and isolation of their frequency components. Monitoring the frequency components within a motor's signal provides a means to determine the existence and severity of faults. FFT analysis allows for the monitoring of four distinct categories of harmonics: time harmonics (TH), rotor slot harmonics (RSH), rotor bar fault harmonics (RBFH), and eccentricity fault harmonics (EFH). Each type of harmonic offers valuable insights into specific fault categories. Empirical evidence, drawn from experimental results, emphasizes the heightened sensitivity of rotor slot harmonics (RSH) in detecting stator faults. Continuous monitoring of the RSH frequency component enables the prompt detection and localization of stator faults, along with an assessment of their severity. Additionally, this diagnostic methodology proves effective in identifying micro short-circuits between stator coils, allowing for a proactive strategy in predictive maintenance. This proactive approach enables anticipatory part replacement before degradation progresses to the point of causing comprehensive failure in the production chain. The combination of FFT-based signal processing and harmonic analysis establishes a robust framework for the early detection and localization of faults in asynchronous motors within industrial settings. This contributes to enhanced operational reliability and efficiency, ultimately ensuring smoother industrial processes.
Enhanced Heavy Metal Removal from Wastewater Produced by Chemical Analysis Laboratory Using Calcium Oxide Precipitation: pH Improvement and Characterization of Precipitated Phases
Authors: LOUGHLAIMI Intıssar , BAKHER Zineelabidine , ZOUHRİ Abdeljalil
Published: February 2024

This article presents research results on the precipitation of heavy metals: Aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), vanadium (V), and molybdenum (Mo) from wastewater generated in mining chemical analysis laboratory. Calcium oxide was used as the precipitating agent. The efficiency of heavy metal removal was achieved by increasing the dosage of precipitating reagent (8-28 g/L). Efficiencies greater than 90% are achieved. The efficiency of chemical precipitation depends on the pH of the process. Over a wide pH range from 6-11, the removal efficiency of zinc, iron, cadmium, and arsenic were approximately 99.9%. The optimum pH range for the removal of most elements was found to be between 8 and 11, where the removal efficiency of heavy metal ions reached up to 99%. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction results indicated that the metals in the wastewater precipitated in various forms as mentioned in Table 7, and not just as hydroxides, due to the presence of different ions in the solution.
Calamares loligínidos del Golfo de California: Un recurso pesquero potencial
Authors:   Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, S.C., Morales Azpeitia Rufino , López-Martínez Juana , Herrera-Valdivia Eloisa
Published: February 2024

Los calamares loligínidos, son moluscos cefalópodos, también conocidos como calamares costeros porque se distribuyen en la plataforma continental de casi todo el mundo, con hábitos demersales o semi-pelágicos. Pertenecientes a la familia Loliginidae, crecen rápidamente, se reproducen casi todo el año, con tasas de fecundidad alta y ciclo de vida corto. Tienen gran demanda en el mercado mundial para consumo humano, por ser una rica fuente de proteína de alto valor biológico y bajo costo, como ácidos grasos omega 3 y colesterol, además de sus propiedades nutricionales, siendo ricos en minerales y vitaminas. Los calamares loligínidos son explotados por varios países y representan el 10% de la captura total mundial de cefalópodos, con volúmenes de producción de 529,000 toneladas (t). Lamentablemente, en México no existe ni una pesquería de calamares loligínidos, a pesar de que en nuestras costas tenemos algunas especies como L. panamensis, L. argus, L. diomedeae, Loligo opalescens y Pickforditeuthis vossi. Estas especies se capturan de manera incidental durante la pesca de arrastre de camarón principalmente en 12 estados del litoral mexicano, siendo los principales productores los estados de la Península de Baja California, donde la especie dominante es L. panamensis. Esta especie ha sido considerada con potencial pesquero, debido a tres factores; 1) amplia distribución, abundancia y disponibilidad, 2) alto valor nutricional y bajo costo y 3) alta demanda del mercado nacional de calamar para consumo y carnada. Por lo anterior, los calamares loligínidos pueden ser una alternativa para diversificar la pesca y aprovechar especies no explotadas. En este sentido, este manuscrito tiene el propósito de divulgar el conocimiento biológico, ecológico y nutricional de los calamares chicos del Pacífico mexicano y discutir sobre las posibilidades de aprovechamiento de loligínidos.
Vacunas contra el dengue: Retos y perspectivas
Authors:   Grupo de Inmunología y Vacunología, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, La Paz, México, Ojeda-Vargas A.P. , Angulo C. ,   Grupo de Inmunología y Vacunología, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, La Paz, México, Monreal Escalante E. ,   CONACYT-Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR), Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, La Paz, México
Published: February 2024

El dengue es una infección viral que prevalece en regiones tropicales y es causada por uno de cuatro serotipos del virus del dengue denominados DENV1, DENV2, DENV3 y DENV4 transmitidos al hombre, principal hospedero del virus, a través de la picadura de mosquitos del género Aedes. Un inadecuado control del mosquito y la infraestructura de salud deficiente en la mayoría de los países han permitido un aumento de la enfermedad. Además, la existencia de cuatro serotipos de los virus genéticamente distintos favorece el contraer dicha enfermedad en más de una ocasión provocando en algunos casos, síntomas graves en reinfecciones, ocasionando incluso la muerte. Por lo anterior, se han buscado estrategias de control de mosquitos. para reducir los casos de enfermedad y muerte por el dengue. Además, se ha explorado el desarrollo de nuevas vacunas de base biotecnológica contra el dengue, que prevengan la manifestación de la infección y que contribuyan a la erradicación de la enfermedad. Las opciones de vacunas disponibles y nuevos modelos promisorios se discuten en este artículo.
Serratia marcescens y su prodigiosina, del milagro a la medicina e industria
Authors:   Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, México., Andrade Angel , Alvarado-Martínez Alejandra ,   Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Nuevo León, México., Tavares-Carreón Faviola ,   Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Nuevo León, México.
Published: February 2024

Dentro de la gran familia de pigmentos naturales se encuentran las prodigininas, éstas tienen una estructura central de anillos de tripirrol y destacan por las diversas actividades biológicas que presentan. Una de las prodigininas más estudiadas es la prodigiosina, un metabolito secundario con pigmentación rojiza producido por la bacteria Serratia marcescens. Este pigmento rojo ha sido documentado desde el siglo XII al aparecer en forma de manchas de “sangre” en alimentos que contienen almidón y hoy en día el principal objetivo es producirlo a gran escala para su uso industrial o farmacéutico. Entre las actividades biológicas más estudiadas para la prodigiosina destacan anticancerígena, inmunosupresora, bactericida, antifúngica, inclusive como colorante de alimentos, plásticos y potenciador de bloqueadores solares. Por ello, el creciente interés en mejorar la biosíntesis y producción masiva para incrementar el rendimiento de este pigmento amable con el ambiente y con amplia demanda biotecnológica. Esta revisión se enfoca en las posibles aplicaciones biotecnológicas de la prodigiosina con perspectiva histórica, desde el descubrimiento del pigmento hasta los potenciales usos en la medicina e industria.
Interacción de ciclones tropicales, viento y productividad primaria en la bahía de La Paz, B.C.S.
Authors:   Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada-Unidad La Paz, Miraflores 334,  Fracc. Bellavista, La Paz, C.S. 23050, México., Herrera Cervantes Hugo , Aguirre Estrada Alfredo ,   Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada-Unidad La Paz, Miraflores 334,  Fracc. Bellavista, La Paz, C.S. 23050, México.
Published: February 2024

En este artículo se muestra como Estaciones Meteorológicas Autónomas (EMAs) instaladas en la zona costera de la Bahía de La Paz (BLPZ), registraron el paso de 2 ciclones tropicales (CT); Lidia (29 de agosto al 2 de septiembre de 2017) y Lorena (21 de septiembre de 2019) y su efecto sobre el patrón de viento y la productividad biológica de la BLPZ. Las EMAs ubicadas en el sur y centro de la bahía, registraron las mayores velocidades y rachas de viento (~23 y 30 m s-1) durante el paso de ambos CTs y direcciones predominantes del primer, segundo y tercer cuadrante. Las imágenes semanales del satélite MODIS-Aqua de Clorofila a superficial (Chl-a), mostraron un incremento en los valores de Chl-a (> 3 mg m-3) en BLPZ después del paso de Lidia y Lorena.Tanto las imágenes de satélite como las observaciones registradas por las EMAs, aportan información valiosa para la toma de decisiones, en la prevención de riesgos, sustentabilidad, aprovechamiento de energías renovables e incentivan el monitoreo de los ecosistemas costeros como la mejor forma de evaluar los impactos de los CTs en áreas de gran valor ecológico como la BLPZ.
¿Tiene algún impacto La aplicación de vacunas COVID-19 en el incremento de la incidencia de cáncer de mama en Baja California Sur, México? Diagnóstico de 1990 al 2021
Authors:   Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, Ave. IPN 195, La Paz, B.C.S. 23096, México., Serrano-Pinto Vania , Leyva-Soto Luis ,   CONACYT Investigador por México, Dirección de Recursos Naturales, Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora, Ciudad Obregón, Sonora. C.P. 85000, México
Published: February 2024

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la tendencia que ha mostrado el cáncer de mama en Baja California Sur del primer año de registro en 1990 hasta el impacto de la vacunación COVID-19 en 2021. Se analizó el total de casos en el estado y la tasa de incidencia en la población general, por grupos de edad y género. Los casos en la población general durante este lapso fueron 1,161. El género más afectado fue el femenino. El grupo de edad más afectado fue el de 50-59 años. De los treinta y un años de registro, el año con mayor número de casos notificados fue el 2021 con 124 casos. La tasa de incidencia de nuevos casos durante este segundo año de confinamiento y comienzo de la vacunación COVID-19 se disparó a 18.21 por 100 mil habitantes, dos y media veces más alta que en el 2020.
Controle de legalidade dos ilícitos atípicos
Authors: Messias Ewerton , Nunes Geilson
Published: February 2024

A presente pesquisa objetiva verificar a necessidade de afastamento do mundo jurídico, por meio do controle de legalidade dos atos administrativos, de eventuais Ilícitos Atípicos que estejam relativizando de forma inconstitucional e ilegal a dignidade da pessoa humana de servidores públicos. Para tanto, inicialmente serão analisadas as seguintes questões: as finalidades legais da Sindicância; a vinculação da Sindicância aos princípios da legalidade e da moralidade administrativa; e a questão dos Ilícitos Atípicos e a sua existência e de seus efeitos no mundo jurídico. Para a obtenção dos resultados almejados pela pesquisa, os métodos de abordagem e de procedimento a serem seguidos serão, respectivamente, o empírico-dialético e o bibliográfico. Em conclusão, aponta-se para a necessidade de anulação dos atos administrativos que se revelem como Ilícitos Atípicos, seja pelo Poder Executivo, seja pelo Poder Judiciário.
impacto da Covid-19 nas relações jurídicas
Authors: Mittlaender Sergio , Poffo Goulart Vinicius , Alves Balby Garcia Luiza , Martins Viol Dalila
Published: February 2024

Este artigo apresenta um panorama de decisões judiciais relacionadas a conflitos de natureza privada nas quais a pandemia da Covid-19 foi empregada como argumento. Ao analisar julgamentos de 2020 e 2021, constatamos que tais decisões geralmente não consideraram a pandemia como fundamento suficiente para deferir o pleito. Existem exceções, comumente encontradas em ações de despejo e corte de fornecimento de energia elétrica ou água. No TJRJ, em particular, as decisões relacionadas a despejo fundamentaram-se na Lei Estadual n. 9.020/2020, a qual suspendeu o cumprimento de mandados desta natureza durante o período da pandemia. Isso indica a aceitação do argumento em função da legislação específica e não em decorrência das “circunstâncias excepcionais”. Os resultados da pesquisa contribuem para a compreensão de como o Judiciário lidou com os impactos da pandemia e, consequentemente, sobre os efeitos desta no direito privado.
Efeitos da superlotação no trabalho de segurança socioeducativa
Authors: Vinuto Lima Juliana
Published: February 2024

Este trabalho se baseia em uma análise comparativa sobre os efeitos da superlotação no trabalho de segurança socioeducativa. Para tanto, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com trabalhadores de segurança socioeducativa oriundos de dois contextos diversos no que se refere à superlotação: Amazonas e Rio de Janeiro. Com base em tais entrevistas, será possível compreender que o atual momento de diminuição da superlotação em ambos os contextos não causou os mesmos efeitos na jornada de trabalho e nas vidas desses trabalhadores: enquanto os socioeducadores amazonenses afirmam que o fim da superlotação impactou positivamente suas vidas pessoais e suas rotinas de trabalho, os agentes de segurança socioeducativa fluminenses não indicam mudanças profundas no estado do Rio de Janeiro.
Perkebunan dan Transportasi Eksploitasi: Pembangunan Jaringan Kereta Api menuju Blitar, 1884-1942
Authors: Sasmita Nurhadi
Published: February 2024

Artikel ini membahas mengenai korelasi positif antara perkembangan perkebunan di Blitar dengan dibangunnya jaringan kereta api. Persoalan menarik yang dikaji adalah: (1) bagaimana perkembangan perkebunan di daerah tersebut, seberapa besar produksinya ? (2) bagaimana pengaruh perusahaan-perusahaan perkebunan terhadap pemerintah kolonial dalam membangun jalur kereta api di daerah tersebut ? Pembahasannya merupakan narasi sejarah transportasi dengan teori modernisasi transportasi. Kesimpulan dalam pembahasan ini adalah bahwa : (1) kebijakan pintu terbuka oleh Pemerintah Kolonial Belanda berdampak positif bagi Blitar dan sekitarnya karena banyak investor yang menanamkan modalnya di daerah tersebut; (2) tingginya produktivitas perkebunan di daerah Blitar dan sekitarnya mendorong Pemerintah Kolonial Belanda membangun jaringan kereta api; (3) kereta api menjadi moda transportasi yang efektif untuk melancarkan eksploitasi wilayah Blitar dan sekitarnya.
Pengolahan Limbah dan Pencemaran Lingkungan Tahun 2010–2018
Authors: Mardhiyah Antis Sholihatul , Krisnadi IG
Published: February 2024

This study discusses the waste treatment by PT.Putra Restu Ibu Abadi (PT.PRIA) and environmental pollution in Lakardowo Village, Jetis District, Mojokerto regency in 2010-2018. The problem to be dealt with here are: the presence of the factory B3 waste treatment as a solution to waste problems from the growing development industry in East Java, the process of establishment and development of PT. PRIA, the influences of the establishment PT. PRIA on socio-economic and environmental conditions, as well as conflicts that arise as a result of the influence of the PT. PRIA. The research used a historical method according to Louis Gottschalk which includes four stages, namely the stages of heuristics, criticism, interpretation and historiography. In analyzing the problem of what happened in Lakardowo Village, the study used an environmental sociology approach from Rachmad K.Dwi Susilo and Giddens' social movement theory. Environmental pollution had an impact on the decline in the environmental quality of Lakardowo Village, thus affecting the social and economic conditions of the people. This situation raised a protest from the community, the response from PT. PRIA, and the government was present as a mediator from problems that occured in Lakardowo Village.
The History of The Ponoragan Bridal Tradition in Ponorogo Regency in 2008 - 2019
Authors: Pratama Kristian Aji
Published: February 2024

This thesis examines the history of Ponoragan wedding customs in Ponorogo Regency in 2008-2019. The purpose of this study is to explain the history of the formation to the inauguration of the Ponoragan bridal custom in Ponorogo Regency and the existence of the Ponoragan bridal custom after it was nationally confirmed by the Central Leadership Council of the Indonesian Bridal Makeup Expert Association (HARPI) "MELATI" in 2017. The method used in this study is a historical method consisting of heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. The approach used is cultural anthropology with anthropological theory in socio-cultural dynamics put forward by Kingsley Davis. The results of this study indicate that the Ponoragan bridal custom is a new cultural identity inspired by several iconic elements found in Ponorogo Regency, especially the Reyog Ponorogo Art. The early formation of the Ponoragan wedding tradition was inseparable from the influence of Mataraman culture, namely Solo and Yogyakarta. Prior to the existence of the Ponoragan wedding custom, the Ponorogo people wore Solo and Yogyakarta wedding customs. After 2008 the wedding customs used by the Ponorogo people were the Ponoragan wedding customs, the Modern wedding customs, and the Sunda Siger wedding customs. In 2008 Sutji Hariati who was chairman of the HARPI "MELATI" Ponorogo District Leadership Council had aspirations to create a regional bridal custom typical of Ponorogo Regency, then the idea was discussed in monthly meetings with the management of the HARPI "MELATI" Ponorogo District Executive Board with an agenda Excavation of traditional bridal traditions from the Ponorogo Regency area. The Ponoragan bridal custom was nationally confirmed by the HARPI Central Leadership Council "MELATI" in 2017 and won second place in the national level traditional bridal make-up event in the city of Bandung in 2019.

Keywords: Ponoragan Bridal Tradition, Reyog, Mataraman
Besoekich Proefstation for European Investors in the District Oosthoek Dutch East Indies
Authors: Izzah Latifatul
Published: February 2024

In 1870 the Dutch Colonial Government had a new policy towards the Dutch East Indies as its colony. The promulgation of the Agrarische Wet and Agrarische Besluit by the Dutch Colonial Government, it opened opportunities for investors to invest in the Dutch East Indies. European investors flocked to the Dutch East Indies to invest. The business that was run was a plantation, by growing agro-industrial plants that were selling well in the European region at the time. This research used historical methods to explore the secrets behind the courage of European investors to lease land in the Indies, especially the Oosthoek area. The results of the research proved the success of European investors doing business because of the large role of a research laboratory named Besoekisch Proefstation. From this research, there has been a success in minimizing crop failures which impacted the high profits earned by the investors.
Model Penelitian dan Penjelasan Sejarah Sosial: Kelompok Reog sebagai Diaspora Warga Ponorogo di Jember tahun 1950-2005
Authors: Suharto Suharto
Published: February 2024

Reog Ponorogo is one of the performing arts that characterizes the native people of Ponorogo. The cultural diaspora was experienced by Ponorogo’s group residents, who settled in Jember and established the existence of their original culture in their residence. This existentialist shows the emergence of the process of assimilation-structuralism. Using a field study approach accompanied by a literature review, this article will discuss and formulate research instruments and historical explanations from case studies of the establishment of reog groups by Ponorogo residents in Jember from 1950 to 2005.
Stresses of the power plant of a feller buncher during operation of a feller head with a disk saw
Authors: Зверев И.А. , Александров В.А.
Published: February 2024

В статье рассматривается динамическая нагруженность силовой установки валочно-пакетирующей машины, оснащенной захватно-срезающим устройством с дисковым режущим органом, в процессе разгона пильного диска. Разработана математическая модель, позволяющая на этапе проектирования валочно- пакетирующей машины, определить величину добавочного динамического момента, действующего на силовую установку машины. Математическое описание составлено в форме уравнения Лагранжа 2-го рода. Приведен пример расчета математической модели для валочно-пакетирующей машины ЛП-19Ф, оснащенной захватно-срезающим устройством с дисковым режущим органом «FMG-Timberjack». Представлен график изменения добавочного динамического момента при времени разгона системы 0,3, 0,5 и 0,8 с. Анализ результатов исследования показал, что величина добавочного динамического момента в режимах разгона пильного диска является незначительной. При времени разгона равном 0,3 с, максимальное значение добавочного динамического момента составляет всего 7,6 Н·м.

The article develops the dynamic loading of the power plant of a feller buncher machine, equipped with a feller head with a disk saw, during the acceleration of the saw blade. A mathematical model has been developed that allows, at the design stage of a compact feller buncher machine, to determine the magnitude of a significant dynamic moment existing on the machine’s power plant. The mathematical description is in the form of the Lagrange equation of the second kind. An example of calculating a mathematical model for a LP-19F feller buncher machine equipped with an FMG Timberjack feller head with a disk saw is given. The presented graph of changes in the additional dynamic moment at system acceleration times of 0.3, 0.5 and 0.8 s. Analysis of the research results showed that the amount of additional dynamic moment in the saw blade acceleration modes is insignificant. With an acceleration time of 0.3 s, the maximum value of the additional dynamic moment is only 7.6 N·m.
Variability of shrinkage of pine wood in a tree trunk
Authors: Кантиева Е.В. , Снегирева С.Н. , Платонов А.Д.
Published: February 2024

Древесина является анизотропным материалом, вследствие чего ее физико- механические свойства различны как в продольном, так и поперечных направлениях. Усушка – важное технологическое свойство древесины. Величина усушки древесины неравномерна в продольном и поперечных направлениях и во многом зависит от породы и изменчивости плотности в стволе дерева. Знание величины усушки необходимо для рационального использования древесины, её учета и выбора технологии обработки. Целью исследования является установление изменчивости усушки древесины сосны в стволе дерева на примере древостоев лесостепной зоны Воронежской области. Исследования выполнены на срезах древесины, выпиленных на разной высоте ствола. Установлено, что величина объемной усушки по высоте ствола уменьшается от комля к вершине в среднем на 1,2% на каждый метр. Изменчивость усушки древесины в стволе дерева в тангенциальном направлении больше в центральной и средней части радиуса ствола, в радиальном направлении в периферийной и средней части радиуса.

Wood is an anisotropic material, as a result its physical and mechanical properties are different in the longitudinal and transverse directions. The variation in the wood properties is characteristic within the same species and in the tree trunk. Shrinkage is an important technological wood property that characterizes the change in the linear dimensions and volume of wood with a change in the amount of bound moisture. The value of wood shrinkage is uneven in the longitudinal and transverse directions and largely depends on the species and density variability in the tree trunk. The shrinkage value is necessary for the rational use of wood, its accounting and the choice of processing technology. The aim of the study is to establish the shrinkage variability of pine wood in a tree trunk with forest stands in the forest-steppe zone of the Voronezh region. The studies were carried out on sections of wood sawn at different trunk heights. It has been established that the value of volumetric shrinkage along the trunk height decreases from the butt to the top by an average of 1.2% per meter. The variability of wood shrinkage in the tree trunk in the tangential direction is greater in the central and middle parts of the trunk radius, in the radial direction in the peripheral and middle parts of the radius.
Some power aspects of the process of chipless division of wood with disc knives
Authors: Ивановский В.П. , Верхоломов А.Е.
Published: February 2024

Технологический процесс в деревообработке, связанный с деформацией обработки древесины мягких лиственных пород, является прогрессивным. Для определения этого было выполнено несколько конкретных задач. Путем моделирования физических процессов деформирования в древесине мягких лиственных пород учтены определенные особенности и условия, что наиболее полно отражают математические модели. Через этот инструмент предложен для резания перечень рациональных режимов как итог аналитической обработки контактного взаимодействия инструмента с древесиной в специализированной компьютерной среде. Рекомендованы наиболее результативные из технологических операций, а также подготовлены технологические карты, где предписана каждая основная деформирующей обработки мягколиственной древесины для механически обрабатываемой древесины. С пересмотром исследовательской методики, определен новый ракурс применения перечисленных технологических процессов – экономичный и эргономичный. С помощью последующего анализа была определена прогрессивность новых разработок, позволяющих проводить деформацию обработки древесины мягких лиственных пород максимально эффективно.

The technological process in woodworking associated with the deformation of the processing of soft hardwood is progressive. Several specific tasks have been carried out to determine this. By modeling the physical processes of deformation in soft deciduous wood, certain features and conditions are taken into account, which is most fully reflected by mathematical models. Through this tool, a list of rational modes is proposed for cutting as a result of analytical processing of the contact interaction of the tool with wood in a specialized computer environment. The most productive of the technological operations were named, and technological maps were prepared, where each basic deforming treatment of soft-deciduous wood for mechanically processed wood is prescribed. With the revision of the research methodology, a new perspective for the application of the listed technological processes was determined – economical and ergonomic. With the help of subsequent analysis, the progressiveness of new developments was determined, which make it possible to carry out deformation of the processing of soft deciduous wood as efficiently as possible.
Introduction of trees and shrubs in the B.V. Grozdov Botanical garden of Bryansk
Authors: Скок А.В. , Скок А.А. , Сорокопудов В.Н. , Соловьева С.Ф.
Published: February 2024

В статье приведена характеристика Ботанического сада им. Б.В. Гроздова и история его создания. Дана характеристика коллекции Ботанического сада, дано распределение их по географической принадлежности и таксонам. Приведены особенности интродукции и акклиматизации видов на территории сада. Даны ре- комендации по подбору растений для введения в зеленые насаждения г. Брянска.

The article provides characteristics of the Botanical Garden named after. B.V. Grozdov and the history of its creation. The characteristics of the collection of the Botanical Garden are given, yes, but their distribution by geographical location and taxa. The features of the introduction and acclimatization of species in the garden are given. Recommendations are given on the selection of plants for introduction into green spaces in Bryansk.
Deep Learning-based Compression Artifacts Reduction for JPEG Image Classification
Authors: Reis Andrey , Hung Edson , Silva Daniel
Published: February 2024

Computer vision has been one of the main application areas for Deep Learning (DL) techniques. Image classification, in particular, has been widely culminating in systems increasingly capable of replacing human visual analysis. However, having high-quality images is one of the main requirements for high performance of DL-based classification, but often factors associated with the models application condition make this ideal scenario impossible. Lossy compression fits very well in these conditions because it is a type of coding technique widely used in image storage and transmission. In this paper, we propose compression artifact reduction (CAR) as a way to circumvent the degradation problem for lossy compression. To this end, we perform experiments using JPEG with very low levels of quality factor (QF) compressing the test dataset for classification. Then, using a DL-based CAR model, we restore this same dataset in order to investigate a possible improvement in the classifiers performance. The two evaluated datasets presented positive results: in Flowers-102 we reached an average 0.52% increase in accuracy for 10 QFs values, whereas for Cub-200 this value was more expressive, around 34.57%. Those findings reinforce that DL-based CAR may increase performance in classification models degraded by drastic levels of signal corruption.
Comparative in-Vitro Evaluation of Material Properties of Commonly Used Root-End Filling Materials
Authors: Maqsood Maryam , Gul Hashmat , Kaleem Muhammad
Published: February 2024

Background: Standard guidelines for performing conventional endodontic procedures have undergone a number of modifications recently. An ideal characteristics of a root end filling materials include dimensional stability; radio-opacity; non-resorbability; compressibility, adequate working and quick setting time; biocompatibility especially in peri-radicular area; bioactivity and easy handling properties. 
Objectives: This study evaluated and compared different root-end filling materials by determining their solubility, sorption and fluid uptake after immersion in deionized water over a period of 28 days.
Methods: Materials were mixed a per manufacturer’s instructions and disc-shaped specimens were made (15mm×1mm). After 24h curing, discs were immersed in deionized water and incubated at 37±1◦C. At specified time intervals, measurements for mass and volume of discs were taken to calculate fluid sorption, solubility and uptake.
Results: Fluid uptake of MTA was 0.029±0.0025g at day 1 and 0.066±0.004g at day 28 whereas, for Acroseal it was 0.0006±0.0001g at day 1 and 0.006±0.001g at day 28. Fluid uptake of MTA and Acroseal increased with passage of time but for Biodentine fluid uptake decreased from day 1 (0.017±0.005g) to day 28 (0.008±0.005g). Acroseal exhibited lowest values of fluid sorption (0.006±0.0005%) and solubility (0.0006±0.00005%) whereas bio-dentine exhibited maximum values of fluid sorption (0.06±0.007%) and solubility (0.04±0.03%).
Conclusions: Percent water solubility and sorption of Biodentine is higher than MTA and Acroseal, whereas its fluid uptake decreases over a period of 28 days in comparison to MTA and Acroseal, indicating its stability and thus making Biodentine a better root-end filling material.
Social Support as a Mediator between Psychological Maladjustment and Quality of Life among Patients with Hemodialysis
Authors: Naz Bushra , Zohaib Khan Muhammad , Fida Muhammad Kashif , Safdar Azkaa , Asghar Muhammad Aqeel
Published: February 2024

Background: Renal issues are highly devastating and can significantly impact health, particularly in developing nations like Pakistan.
Objectives: To assess the relationship between psychological maladjustment, social support, and quality of life among patients on hemodialysis. 
Methods: Correlational research design was used to assess the relationship between the variables. The sample comprised N= 60 hemodialysis patients including (male=32, female=28) with an age range from 28 to 71 years. Informed consents were taken and confidentiality of the responses were ensured. The data were elicited through reliable and valid research instruments. Furthermore, data were analyzed using SPSS-23 and AMOS-19.
 Results: The mean age of the participants was 48+3.1 years. Psychological maladjustment negatively correlated (p<.05) with patients’ quality of life and social support. Further, path analysis through structure equational modeling revealed that social support mediated the association between psychological maladjustment and quality of life (χ2/df=1.08, p<.05, CFI=.94, GFI=.93). However, the quality of life in the mediational model appeared to be statistically significantly influenced by the covariates.
 Conclusion: Research highlights the adaptive functions of social support as a defensive mechanism to improve the patient’s quality of life and the need to incorporate the belief in developing culturally sensitive intervention programs to enhance the social support and quality of life with hemodialysis patients.
Impact of Hydroxychloroquine, on QTC Interval, in Patients with Rheumatologic Diseases
Authors: Ahmad Faizan , Mahmood Tafazzul e Haque , Rasheed Aflak , Hafeez Usman , Asad Amna , Gulzar Roma
Published: February 2024

Background:
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has been historically used for treatment of autoimmune diseases and more recently, it is used for treatment of COVID-19 patients. Using HCQ in COVID-19 patients resulted in corrected QT(QTc) prolongation which has potential to deteriorate into Torsades de Pointes and sudden cardiac death. As it is used chronically by rheumatologic patients so this study was designed to establish effect of HCQ on QTc in rheumatic patients.
Methods:
A cross sectional comparative study conducted in Rheumatology Department Shaikh Zayed hospital, Lahore. Non-probability consecutive sampling technique was used. Duration of study was 169 days. 45 patients used HCQ for three months and 45 patients did not use HCQ. ECG was done at induction in the study and after three months. Serum calcium, potassium and magnesium were also checked at onset. QTc was calculated by Bazett’s formula.
Results:
QTc did not raise in 21(46%) patients, in both groups. QTc raised between 1- 50msec in 20(44.4%) and 23(51.1%) patients in HCQ exposed and unexposed patients, respectively. QTc rise more than 50msec in 4(8.88%) and 1(2.2%) patient in HCQ exposed and unexposed patients, respectively (p-value=0.344). The QTc change is associated with heart rate showing 75.0% chances of increased QTc among those with increased heart rate.
Conclusion:
HCQ did not increase QTc interval in 46% study. 8.88% of HCQ exposed population and 2.22% of HCQ unexposed population had significant change in QTc. However, no adverse cardiac events were observed in study duration
Transfusion Transmitted Infections in Blood Donors of Pakistan Red Crescent Lahore: A Mixed Method Study
Authors: Aslam Unum , Gohar Awais , Ahmad Farah , Hasan Muhammad , Nausherwan Muhammad
Published: February 2024

Background: According to Punjab Blood Transfusion Authority, blood donors are screened for five “Transfusion Transmitted Infections (TTIs). But lack of adequate screening methods threatens the rapid spread of TTIs.
Objective: This study aimed at adding to the surveillance data about TTIs in Pakistan and explored blood banking phenomenon to find workable ways for minimizing their spread.
Methods: It was a mixed method study, with retrospective cross-sectional design to find out the frequency of TTIs amidst the blood donors of “Pakistan Red Crescent Punjab” during 2015 to 2019, and with phenomenological design to explore reasons for any changes in the trends of TTIs. Records were analysed for descriptive statistics of the five TTIs, and reasons for the observed changes in the trends were explored through semi-structured interviews from the blood bank’s managers. The qualitative data was analysed by deductive thematic analysis.
Results: Among 6380 blood donors, 2.19% (n=140) were positive for at least one of five TTIs. Out of total donors, 1.12 % (n= 72) were HCV positive, 0.83 % (n= 53) HBV positive, 0.2 % (n= 13) Syphilis positive, and 0.03% (n = 2) HIV positive, whereas none was positive for Malaria. 61.34% (n= 3914) of donors were males, and 38.65% (n= 2466) were females. Of the total, 86.52% (n= 5520) were mobile blood camp donors, and 13.47% (n= 860) were walk-in donors. The reasons for the observed increasing number of Syphilis cases and other observed trends were found to be due to differences in sensitivity of screening method used and other blood bank processes like Donor recruitment.
Conclusion: TTI prevalence among donors of said blood bank in private sector is more in male donors in comparison to female ones and is more in “mobile blood camp donors” than in “walk-in donors”.
Bacteriological Profile of Patients Suffering from Acute Versus Chronic Port Site Infection at a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Qayyum Hammad , Ziafat Aymen , Ali Waqas Farooq , Shehzad Muhammad , Minhas Sultan Ahmed , Rashid Abdul Rehman
Published: February 2024

Background: Surgical (port) site infections can complicate the course of recovery in a surgical patient. It is important to know the spectrum of organisms and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern for targeted treatment of SSI.
Objective: To determine bacteriological profile of patients suffering from acute and chronic surgical (port) site infection (SSI).
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was held at CMH, Rawalpindi from May-Dec 2022 which included the patients who had elective laparoscopic surgery and eventually developed acute or chronic surgical-site infection. Bacteriologic profile of both acute and chronic surgical-site infections was assessed along with their sensitivity to various commonly used antibiotics. Data was analyzed by statistical package for social sciences 21.
Results: A total of 526 patients had elective laparoscopic surgical procedures during study period amongst which 60 patients (11.40%) developed SSI which were included in the study. Amongst these 60 patients, 39 (65.00%) were male and 21 (35.00%) were females with a mean age of 34.31 ± 8.93years. Acute SSI occurred in 38 (63.30%) while 22 (36.70%) were found to have chronic SSI. In cases of acute SSI, Staphylococcus aureus while in chronic SSI cases, Mycobacterium fortuitum was common. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found in both types of SSI.
Conclusion: Overall frequency of SSI was 11.40%. In acute SSI, Staphylococcus aureus was the main culprit while in chronic SSI, Mycobacterium fortuitum was found to be the major pathogen.
Hydrologic connectivity assessment among natural hydrosystem components using emerging entropy and evolutionary computing methods
Authors: Jafariroodsari Saied , Gökçekuş Hüsein , Nourani Vahid
Published: February 2024

Understanding the interactions among the natural components of hydrological systems is essential for managing water resources, addressing environmental concerns, and mitigating the impacts of natural events such as floods and droughts. In this study, long-term (1993–2019) hydrologic connectivity among precipitation, humidity, evaporation, surface runoff, minimum/maximum temperature, and their interactions with groundwater level (GWL) in the southeastern Caspian Sea region was assessed using mutual information theory and the state-of-the-art jittered genetic programming approach. While the former was used to find dominant components, their effective time delay, and the power of potential nonlinear interactions, the latter was utilized to extract an explicit relation between the GWL and the most influential components. The data were gathered from several piezometers, meteorological stations, and a stream gauge available in the study area. The results showed an overall positive trend in the GWL with an increasing rate since 2007 that reflects the influence of artificial recharge infrastructures built in the study area. Statistical connectivity analyses demonstrated that historical precipitation and streamflow series have the least impact on the temporal variation of the average GWL.
Batch adsorption study of Congo Red dye using unmodified Azadirachta indica leaves: isotherms and kinetics
Authors: Javed Tariq , Thumma Anusha , Uddin Abdullah Nur , Akhter Rubbai , Babar Taj Muhammad , Zafar Shagufta , Mahmood Baig Mirza , Shoaib Ahmad Shah Syed , Wasim Muhammad , Amin Abid Muhammad , Masood Tariq , Idrees Jilani Muhammad , Batool Maryam
Published: February 2024

A low-cost adsorbent developed from unmodified Azadirachta indica leaves was used for adsorptive removal of the Congo Red dye from an aqueous medium. The adsorbent was characterized by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. For optimization of operational parameters such as dye concentration, solution pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, and temperature, batch adsorption experiments were performed. It was found that for neem leaves powder (NLP), the optimum conditions were as follows: adsorbent dose of 0.8 g, contact time of 100 min having a solution with pH value of 5, adsorbate initial concentration of 40 ppm at temperature 60 °C where maximum amount of dye, i.e., 84%, removal was observed. The process followed pseudo-first-order kinetics, which reveals physical adsorption. According to isothermal investigations, sorption data were best fit with the Freundlich isotherm model. Thermodynamically, the adsorption of the Congo Red dye by the neem leaf powder was exothermic. Furthermore, the mechanistic removal of the Congo Red dye by the NLP has been explored with the help of the surface complex formation (PHREEQC) mechanism. Overall, the results of the study explore the promising nature of NLP for Congo Red dye removal.
Green synthesis, characterisation, and performance evaluation of ZnO/TiO2 nanocomposite for cationic and anionic dye removal from aqueous solutions under solar irradiation
Authors: Anil Kavya , Surenjan Anupama
Published: February 2024

Utilising plant extract for the synthesis of nanocomposite shows great potential as a viable substitute for conventional chemical method. In this study, ZnO/TiO2 composite of three different weight ratios (1:2, 1:1, and 2:1) were green synthesised using hibiscus leaf extract as the capping agent. The synthesised composites were characterised using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), UV–Vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (UV–Vis DRS), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer (EDS), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). XRD results confirmed the presence of wurtzite ZnO and anatase TiO2 in the composite. FTIR and FESEM analysis confirmed the formation of the composite. The composite was used for the removal of methylene blue and methyl orange dye under solar radiation. The degradation rate constant (k) of the composite with 1:2 weight ratio was 1.9 times the k value of pure TiO2. The effect of photocatalyst amount, initial pH of the dye solution, and reusability of the catalyst was investigated. The TiO2 and ZnO/TiO2 samples indicated a bandgap of 3.14 and 2.98 eV, respectively, which suggests better photocatalytic activity and also making the composite more active in the visible region.