bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of blood sugar and lipid profile with first, second and third trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Mawlood Muhanad
Published: December 2024

Background and objective: Many physiological, hematological, biochemical and metabolic changes can be associated with pregnancy. Changes in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism occur during pregnancy to ensure a continuous supply of nutrients to the growing fetus. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the influence of duration of pregnancy in term of trimester on glucose and lipid metabolism.

Methods: This study was cross – sectional study comprised 62 women. The study population was classified into four groups, non-pregnant (14), first trimester (16), second trimester (16) and third trimester (16). The resulting Sera were analyzed at the same day of sampling for the determination of FBS and serum lipid profile in DNA medical lab.

All data are expressed as mean ± SD. Differences between mean levels of fasting blood sugar and lipid profile of the four groups were evaluated statistically using students’ t-test. A value of P <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Mean of BMI, FBS, TG, TC and LDL in the 3rd trimester pregnant group were significantly higher than non-pregnant group (P = 0.002), (P = 0.025), (P <0.001), (P = 0.021) and (P = 0.034) respectively. Mean of TG in the 3rd trimester group was significantly higher than that in 1st and 2nd trimester groups (P <0.001) respectively.

Conclusion: Lipid profile and blood glucose is variable during each trimester of a normal pregnancy. Total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol increased in both second and third trimester. The estimation of lipid profile is highly recommended during pregnancy.
Estradiol level on day two and day of trigger: A potential predictor of the invitro fertilization success
Authors: Mohammed Alaa , Mawlood Chiman
Published: December 2024

Background and objective: Infertility is defined as not getting pregnant after 12 months of unprotected sex for women under 35 or 6 months for those over 35. Ten to fifteen percent of couples struggle to conceive. All cases of infertility are evaluated; however, evaluations should be conducted sooner if there is a male factor or if the female has endometriosis, tubal illness, oligomenorrhea, or amenorrhea. Investigation includes an assessment of ovulatory function, ovarian reserve, uterinecavity, tubalpatency, and a semen analysis, diagnostic laparoscopy, hormone levels estradiol, the number of ovarian antral follicles have role in successful pregnancy in IVF cycles. It is generally known that a particular quantity of estradiol per follicle is necessary for pregnancy to occur. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of IVF on the normal level of E2 in follicular day (12.5-166 pg/ml) and ovulation day (85.5-498 pg/ml) in relation to the estradiol level.

Methods: Because it depended on a few indications (questionnaire), the retrospective study of 50 infertile women at the YAD infertility center in Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, was analyzed.

Results: In this research the median age was 33 years, and their mean age (SD) was 32.6 (5.9) years. Their average body mass index was ≥ 30 at 28%, although their rate was 34%.Over 38% of women have no history of pregnancy, which is also more common in multigravidas than in primigravidae. In contrast, 23% of nulliparous women are infertile, and 46% of infertile women are nulliparous compared to primiparous and multiparous women. While the success rate was highest for the type of oocyte (M II) (89.7%) compared to 65% for the other types, the mean estradiol level on day 2 of the cycle was 46.9%, and the mean estradiol level on the day of HCG administration was also higher among women with successful biochemical pregnancies than those with failed pregnancies.

Conclusion: The estradiol 2nd day of cycle and the trigger day was found to have influence on IVF success.
Prevalence of ocular pseudoexfoliation in type II diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yousif Afrah , Abdulgani Ahmed
Published: December 2024

Background and objective: Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is a systemic disorder related to age mostly affects the anterior structures of the eye. It is characterized by increased production and accumulation of abnormal fibrillar material inextraocular and intraocular tissues. There was a variation in the prevalence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome in diabetic patients compared with non-diabetic patients. The aim of the study is to estimate the prevalence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome among diabetic patients in a sample of the Iraqi population and evaluate the impacting factor that affects this prevalence

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Ophthalmology Department/ Erbil Teaching Hospital during the period from 1st of August 2021 to 31st of March 2022. A convenient sample of 100 patients with an age of ≥50 years old and who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were enrolled in the current study. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics of the patients (age, gender, smoking, and alcohol state), past medical history and investigations (duration of diabetes mellitus and HbA1c), and the results of the ophthalmologic history and examination including intraocular pressure, presence of diabetic retinopathy, and the presence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome

Results: About 52% of the patients were aged 50-59 years, while 9% had an age of ≥70 years. The prevalence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome was 9%. While diabetic retinopathy was presented in 37%. The prevalence of glaucoma was 12%. There was a significant association between pseudoexfoliation syndrome incidence and increasing the age of the patients, the highest prevalence was among patients with ≥70 years (P = 0.001). The pseudoexfoliation syndrome was significantly associated with diabetic retinopathy, the presence of glaucoma, and diabetic duration (P-values were 0.001, 0.001, and 0.026, respectively). In addition, the mean intraocular pressure was significantly higher among those with pseudoexfoliation syndrome than patients without pseudoexfoliation syndrome (P = 0.001)

Conclusion: The prevalence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome in diabetic patients was 9%. The duration of diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and the age of the participants significantly impacted the prevalence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome.
Comparison between intraocular pressure spikes following intravitreal aflibercept injections between phakic and pseudophakic eyes
Authors: Chafrash Ahmed , Abdulgani Ahmed , Joma Ahmed , Alwan Eman
Published: December 2024

Background and objective: The quickest growth in the field of ophthalmology are intravitreal injections. Age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and occlusive venous disease associated macular oedema include the most frequent indications of injections. Antiangiogenic agents are the most common injections. The aim of this study is to determine intraocular pressure changes following intravitreal injections between phakic and pseudophakic eyes.

Methods: A hospital based prospective cross-sectional study involved 50 patients divided into two groups; 27 phakic patients marked as group A, while 23 pseudophakic patients as group B. The study conducted in ophthalmology department of Erbil Teaching Hospital in Erbil city from July 2021 till April 2022. The participants were recruited from the outpatient clinic and planned for intravitreal anti-VEGF / aflibercept (EYLEA®) injection.

Results: The mean intraocular pressure difference pre-injection and six hours after single injection was -0.59 ± 1.21 and -0.65 ± 1.19 mmHg (higher in the post injection period) for group A and B respectively. This difference was statistically significant (P value was 0.018 and 0.015) for both group A and B respectively. The intraocular pressure levels reduced slightly after twenty-four hours following injection; the difference in intraocular pressure level between 6 hours and twenty-four hours was statistically significant for the phakic group (P value of 0.29) but insignificant for the pseudophakic group (P value of 0.056).

Conclusion: The status of the lens either being phakic or pseudophakic has no implication on intraocular pressure after intravitreal anti-VEGF injection. There was a statistically significant short-term increase in intraocular pressure in both groups after six hours of intravitreal injection.
Hydrothermally synthesized highly stable binary manganese magnesium sulfide (MnMgS) composite with carbon nanotubes for high-performance supercapattery applications
Authors:   Department of Electrical Engineering, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Engineering and Technology, Multan Pakistan, Sadi M. A. , Mahmood A. ,   Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, King Saud University, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia, Al-Masry W. ,   Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, King Saud University, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia, Dunnill C. W. ,   Energy Safety Institute (ESRI), Swansea University Bay Campus, Swansea, SA1 8EN, UK, Mahmood N. ,   Department of Physics, The University of Lahore, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
Published: December 2024

The device which combines the outcomes supercapacitor (SC) and battery is known as
supercapattery. Due to their high conductivity, sensitivity, and storage capacity, carbon
nanotubes have drawn attention in energy storage (EES) applications. To achieve highperformance supercapattery, this study used an electrode based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs)
and manganese magnesium sulfide (MnMgS). It showed 963 C/g specific capacity which is
significantly greater than the reference sample's value of 1 A/g. The supercapattery is
engineered using the CNT-doped MnMgS electrode (MnMgS/CNT//AC), which has a
specific capacity (Cs) of 268 Cg-1 at 1 Ag-1 current density. A significantly higher power and
energy densities of 2230 WKg-1 and 35.6 Wh/Kg than the previously published graphs is
proposed. Moreover, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and BrunauerEmmett-Teller (BET) tests and verify an increase in surface area and conductivity. The
device goes through 5000 GCD cycles as part of a reliability test to investigate stability, and
it is found that 95% of the claimed capacity is maintained. Our research offers a great
foundation for creating high-performing energy storage devices similar to supercapattery.
Advanced supercapattery materials: hydrothermally synthesized niobium sulfide/reduced graphene oxide composites
Authors:   Department of Physics, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, Pakistan, Abbas W. , Moussa I. M. ,   Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia, Elhindi Khalid M. ,   Plant Production Department, College of Food & Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia, Dunnill C. W. ,   Energy Safety Institute (ESRI), Swansea University Bay Campus, Swansea, SA1 8EN, UK
Published: December 2024

Supercapattery combines batteries with the advantages of supercapacitors. The
hydrothermal method was employed to synthesize niobium sulfide (NbS), then doped them
with reduced graphene oxide (rGO). A total surface area of 15.50 m2
/g was identified for
NbS/N-GQDs by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). The composite niobium sulfide
(NbS/rGO) displayed 858 Cg-1 regarded as a higher specific capacity (Cs) in the threeelectrodes assembly. To construct an asymmetric supercapacitor, battery-graded NbS/rGO
was used as the +ve as well as AC as the -ve terminals respectively. The Nbs/rGO//AC
demonstrated maximum Cs of 190 Cg-1 besides power and energy densities of 1510 WKg-1
and 34.6 WhKg-1 respectively. 90% of the initial capacity of NbS/rGO//AC remained after
5000 cycles. Future energy storage systems can use NbS/rGO as a nanostructured electrode
due to its remarkable electrochemical efficiency.
Investigating the effect of variation of TiO2 nanoparticle concentration on the performance of nylon/TiO2 nanocomposite-based teng
Authors:   Nano Research Laboratory of Center of Excellence for Research, Development, and Innovations, Baku State University, Baku, AZ1148, Republic of Azerbaijan, Gulahmadov O. , Gahramanli L. ,   Nano Research Laboratory of Center of Excellence for Research, Development, and Innovations, Baku State University, Baku, AZ1148, Republic of Azerbaijan, Muradov M. ,   Nano Research Laboratory of Center of Excellence for Research, Development, and Innovations, Baku State University, Baku, AZ1148, Republic of Azerbaijan, Mamedov H. ,   Faculty of Physics, Department of Physical Electronics, Baku State University, Baku, AZ1148 Republic of Azerbaijan, Musayev A. ,   World School at Khazar University, Khazar University, Baku, AZ1148 Republic of Azerbaijan, Vacacela Gomez C. ,   NEXT laboratory, INFN, LNF, Via E. Fermi 54, Frascati, Roma, Italy, Bellucci S. ,   NEXT laboratory, INFN, LNF, Via E. Fermi 54, Frascati, Roma, Italy
Published: December 2024

This study explored the impact of varying concentrations of TiO2 NPs on the performance
of TENGs made from nylon/TiO2 NCs. The TENGs were constructed using nylon films as
one triboelectric material and polysiloxane (PS) as the other. Electrical measurements were
performed to assess the TENGs' output parameters, such as open-circuit voltage and shortcircuit current, with different TiO2 concentrations (1%, 3%, and 5%). The findings revealed
that increasing the TiO2 concentration initially enhances the TENG's performance. For
example, TENGs based on 1% TiO2 NCs achieved maximum voltage and current values of
41.38 V and 2.5 µA, respectively, which are higher than those of ordinary nylon TENGs
(30.36 V and 1.82 µA). This improvement is due to the increased dielectric constant of the
NC material, which enhances charge storage capacity and boosts the TENG's output.
However, when the TiO2 concentration is further increased (e.g., to 5%), the TENG's
performance begins to decline. This drop is caused by the agglomeration of TiO2 NPs on
the nylon surface, which reduces the active contact area between the nylon and PS films,
weakening the triboelectric effect. Similar patterns were observed in TENGs with 3% and
5% TiO2 concentrations, where excessive TiO2 led to a decrease in output power due to
uneven nanoparticle distribution.
Reversible suppression of hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal axis in Addison’s disease due to ethinyl oestradiol-induced increase in total cortisol
Authors: Lewandowski Krzysztof C , Głuchowska Monika , Karbownik-Lewińska Małgorzata , Lewiński Andrzej
Published: December 2024

An oral contraceptive pill (OCP)-induced increase in total cortisol lead to reversible suppression of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and insulin resistance (IR) in a patient with Addison’s disease. We suggest that this might influence the choice of an OCP in such patients. A 20-year-old female was diagnosed with Addison’s disease (cortisol: 44 nmol/L, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH): >500 pg/mL) and started on hydrocortisone (HC). Few months later, an OCP (30 μg ethinyl oestradiol (EE) and 3 mg drospirenone) was added. Total cortisol was above the upper assay detection limit (UADL), while ACTH was inappropriately ‘normal’: cortisol 8:00 (pre-dose) 83 nmol/L, post-dose 10:00 >1757 nmol/L, ACTH 8:00 (pre-dose) 24.1 pg/mL and post-dose 10:00 3.8 pg/mL. Even 5 mg of oral HC induced an increase in cortisol above UADL. The glucagon stimulation test (GST) showed brisk growth hormone secretion. The corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) test showed partial hypothalamic suppression of CRH release: minimal ACTH 42.4 pg/mL and maximal ACTH 87.3 pg/mL, i.e. relatively low levels for all cortisol concentrations <69 nmol/L. Withdrawal of the OCP resulted in the return of high ACTH concentrations typical for patients with Addison’s disease on HC replacement. There was also a marked improvement in insulin resistance (a fall in homeostasis model assessment - insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) from 3.64 to 1.69 and a marked decline in mean insulin concentrations during GST). EE administration resulted in a massive increase in total cortisol with suppression of the HPA axis and IR suggestive of relative hypercortisolaemia. This raises the question of whether EE should be avoided as a contraceptive agent in women with adrenal failure.

Learning points

An OCP containing 30 μg EE induced relative and reversible hypercortisolaemia in a patient with Addison’s disease with evidence of suppression of ACTH secretion on dynamic pituitary function tests.

We suggest that, in some patients with adrenal failure, EE administration may lead to unrecognised relative hypercortisolaemia and IR.

There is literature evidence that, in patients with Addison’s disease, EE may decrease cortisol clearance.

These alterations are reversible upon EE withdrawal and may have implications for the choice of a contraceptive agent in women with Addison’s disease.
The Evolution of the Media System and the Media Studies: the Case of Croatia
Authors: Barredo Ibáñez Daniel , Brautović Mato , Roško Marko
Published: December 2024

A journalistic culture is referred to the identity traits of media professionals within the collective where they belong. In the case of Croatia, this context fits within the polarized pluralist model, which is common among Mediterranean countries. But apart of this general characteristic, this is a country with some unique factors that determine the media system according to political, cultural, economic and professional matters. In this article, and through a systematic revision, we aim to analyze the attributes of Croatian media system from an evolutionary approach. Our results suggest five factors that determine the evolution and the contemporary media working practices and organizations in Croatia. The diverse conceptualizations of communism and the previous context of Croatia before communism, the transition to democracy, the normative context and the working conditions can contextualize the Croatian’s media system. We also describe both the historical background of the Croatian field in mass communication, and the context of the research within the field detected by the previous specialized literature.
Corporeal Spaces in L. S. Černiauskaitė’s “The Jasmin Chamber”
Authors: Skikaitė Izabelė
Published: December 2024

The description of space in Greimas’ classical semiotics is based either on the subject’s narrative program and its relationship with the object of value or on the plastic properties of space, which determine the actor’s way of moving. In both cases, the relationship with space depends on the moving body; however, in literary texts, not only is motion important, but also the perception of space and the feelings it evokes. Usually, in literary criticism, the emotional relationship with space is regarded as a mental representation of the character. The analysis of Laura Sintija Černiauskaitė’s novelette “The Jasmin Chamber” highlights the limitations of this perspective, which assumes a one-sided link between the body and space. In the text, the character establishes a reciprocal bond with the home space. The home possesses corporeal properties, appears active and inviting, and the character functions as a sensitive and responsive body. In the novelette, a homology exists between the architectural structure and the individual body, both of which share the same category: continuous / discontinuous. The analysis of space shows that the characters connect only with family, driven by an unconscious desire for lasting relationships and continuity in their living space. Different characters’ interactions with space uncover the duality of desire: the wish to possess an object of value is intertwined with an unconscious pursuit of intense experiences.
Fabella Syndrome: hidden culprit of knee pain
Authors: Afonso Sara Caldas , Ramalhão Nuno Caria , da Silva Marta Moreira , Cavalheiro Ana , Gomes João , Costa Rui Prado
Published: December 2024

Fabella Syndrome is a rare cause of posterolateral knee pain caused by mechanical irritation or compression of the fabella, a sesamoid bone within the tendon of the lateral gastrocnemius muscle. We present the case of a 76-year-old male with a one-year history of posterolateral knee pain, unresponsive to medication and physiotherapy. The pain, exacerbated by stair use, localized to the fabella region and was reproduced during ultrasound examination, which also identified the fabella. An ultrasound-guided injection with corticosteroids and local anesthetics provided immediate and sustained symptom relief, confirmed at the one-month follow-up. Radiographs revealed mild degenerative changes and a flattened fabella. This case highlights the importance of considering Fabella Syndrome in the differential diagnosis of posterolateral knee pain and demonstrates the value of ultrasound for diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment, offering significant symptom relief and improved quality of life.
FLIGHT ACCELERATION CONTROL, SELF-ADAPTATION OF THE RADAR SERVO-MECHANISM AND SOME ADAPTIVE METHODS OF SUPERSONIC AVIATION
Authors: Ignatkin V. U. , Dudnikov V. S. , Shulzhyk Y. O. , Yushkevich O. P.
Published: December 2024

Some adaptive systems are considered with an emphasis on theoretical issues. From an analysis of the scientific literature on this issue, most of the systems described in it have never been implemented and, at best, can be considered theoretical. From an engineering point of view, "complexity" is generally justified only when it leads to improved performance or when a problem cannot be solved by a simpler means. The article provides some examples of adaptive systems, in particular, rocket acceleration control taking into account changes in dynamic atmospheric pressure and self-adaptation of the tracking servomechanism of the radar control system, which identifies aircraft regardless of the amount of interference.
There are certain advantages of adaptive systems with a reference model compared to other types of adaptive systems, particularly those used in supersonic aviation. At the same time, at the moment, there is no complete theory of systems with a reference model.
The article provides some approaches and methods of implementation of these systems, in particular, methods of setting parameters; parameter perturbation methods and adaptive systems with variable increments (for example, a perturbed signal) of the controlled signal. In order for the adaptation to give the specified accuracy, it is necessary to set the bandwidth of the model no wider than the bandwidth of the closed system. Under these conditions, system adaptation will be practically insensitive to changes in the parameters of the control object itself. Adaptive systems usually require a certain accuracy, since the impulse response changes in some way in time, and at the same time, the cross-correlation function needs to be determined for a sufficiently small time interval. In order for the impulse response to be considered a constant value, periodic noise (disturbance) is applied to the system.
If the dynamic pressure varies significantly, for example by two orders of magnitude, then the uncontrolled natural frequency will also vary significantly, and this is unacceptable. The problem is solved by measuring atmospheric parameters and temperature on the surface of the rocket, as well as by means of appropriate calculations.
Acompanhamento Clínico Pós-Transplante
Authors: Carolina Raymundi Moreira Maria , Dai Prá Maestri Helena , Alexandre Traesel Moacir
Published: December 2024

O transplante renal é considerado o tratamento de escolha para a maioria dos pacientes com doença renal crônica em estágio terminal, visto que um transplante renal bem-sucedido melhora a qualidade de vida e reduz o risco de mortalidade para a maioria dos pacientes quando comparado à diálise de manutenção (Rossi; Klein, 2021). Nos últimos tempos, o sucesso dessa terapia de substituição renal tem aumentado devido ao aprimoramento das técnicas cirúrgicas e do tratamento imunossupressor, além do maior conhecimento acerca da evolução do paciente transplantado e de possíveis complicações (Goldman; Schafer, 2018). Após a cirurgia, iniciam-se os cuidados médicos que vão durar por toda a vida do transplantado. No presente capítulo, serão abordados os principais aspectos do acompanhamento clínico pós-transplante, com ênfase às possíveis complicações da internação pós-operatória e aos cuidados para o resto da vida.
Avaliação Pré-Transplante Renal
Authors: Liberman Thomé Bibiana , Mariel König de Souza Letícia , Sartori Giaretta Débora
Published: December 2024

A avaliação pré-transplante é um processo criterioso que envolve consultas médicas com o receptor com vistas à avaliação clínico-laboratorial para investigação de potenciais complicadores pré e pós-cirúrgicos. A seguir, revisaremos o processo de avaliação clínica para ingresso em lista de transplante renal, de acordo com o protocolo do Serviço de Nefrologia do Hospital São Lucas da PUC.
Land cover mapping of tropical forest areas using spot image in central Borneo
Authors: Indarto Indarto , Irsyam Mahrus , Subagio Achmad
Published: December 2024

Land cover is fundamental information for understanding human activities' interaction with nature. This information is derived from remotely sensed images. This study analyzes and compares tropical forested areas' land cover (LC) classification results. In this study, we use a SPOT image as the primary input. The study was conducted in Central Borneo and covered 162.60 km2. The image was processed using three algorithms, including NN-MLP, MLC, and ECHO Classifier, with three treatments (2×2, 4×4, and 6×6) sized block of pixels. The classification produces nine (9) land cover classes, i.e., Sparse vegetation area, Dense Vegetation area, Shrubland, Open Water Body, Open Land, Grassland, Mining Area, Pavement Area, and Palm Oil Area. The three algorithms can produce land cover maps with kappa and an overall accuracy value of more than 85%. However, NN-MLP has better accuracy than other algorithms (MLC and ECHO), with a kappa value of 90.72% and an overall accuracy of 93.88%.
A means of measuring small concentrations of dissolved substances based on a refractometric sensor
Authors: Vozniak Oleksandr , Hraniak Valerii
Published: December 2024

Determining the quantitative and qualitative composition of solutes is an important scientific and applied problem that arises in various fields of science and technology. However, in a number of practical problems there is a need to determine the concentration of substances whose mass (volume) fraction in the solution is quite small.
Common measurement methods, characterized by high speed and versatility are refractometric methods. Of particular interest among refractometric methods in the measurement of low concentrations of solutes is the method based on the use of the effect of surface plasmon resonance. The main advantages of this method are its high sensitivity and low weight of the sample used in the study. To date, the widespread use of this method of measurement is significantly limited by the lack of high-precision mathematical models of primary measuring transducers (sensors) implemented on its basis.
The main directions of refractometry development and its relevance in various spheres of human activity, such as science, technology, medicine and even the food industry, were considered in the work. As a result of the need to use the phenomenon of surface-plasmon effect, a detailed description of this phenomenon, its features, nature and practical application. The peculiarity of the interaction of radiation with gold nanofilms is considered.
A mathematical model of the refractometer based on the surface plasmon effect was developed. The adequacy of the obtained conclusions was confirmed by means of computer modeling and experimental research.
The design of a means of measuring small concentrations of dissolved substances, built on the basis of the described sensor, has been developed. It is shown that such a measuring tool will be characterized by relative simplicity of construction while preserving all the advantages of the refractometric measurement method.
Investigation of dynamics of the pipe robot with vibration drive based on centrifugal forces
Authors: Ragulskis Kazimieras , Pauliukas Arvydas , Paškevičius Petras , Spruogis Bronislovas , Matuliauskas Arvydas , Mištinas Vygantas , Murovanyi Igor , Ragulskis Liutauras
Published: December 2024

Vibration drive based on centrifugal forces can be used as an exciter of vibrations in the structure of a pipe robot. In this paper, a pipe robot with vibration drive based on centrifugal forces is proposed and investigated. A dynamic model of the pipe robot is presented, and differential equations of motion are obtained. Model in which excitation is assumed to be of unlimited power is described and investigated as well. Typical graphical relationships for the investigated pipe robot with vibration drive based on centrifugal forces are obtained and presented. It is determined that the obtained results reproduce the main dynamic effects taking place during the motion of a pipe robot with vibration drive based on centrifugal forces.
Acute effects of Nordic hamstring exercise on ultrasound shear wave elastography
Authors:   Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain, Cámara-Calmaestra Rubén , Martinez Kylie ,   Graduate Program, Department of Kinesiology and Sports Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, United States, Calaway Caleb P. ,   Graduate Program, Department of Kinesiology and Sports Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, United States, Mishra Shaunak ,   Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, United States, Peaguda Jose ,   Undergraduate Program, Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, United States, Calzada Ana R. ,   Graduate Program, Department of Kinesiology and Sports Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, United States, Signorile Joseph F. ,   Faculty of Exercise Physiology, Department of Kinesiology and Sports Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, United States
Published: December 2024

Aim: The Nordic hamstring curl appears effective in reducing the incidence of injury in physically active young adults, likely through its capacity as an eccentric exercise to increase muscle stiffness. Although eccen- tric exercises have been shown to increase muscle stiffness, medium- and long-term Nordic hamstring curl training programs have not demonstrated an effect on muscle stiffness. This study examined the acute ef- fects of a single session of Nordic hamstring curls on the stiffness of the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus muscles using ultrasound shear wave elastography, an accepted method for measuring passive muscle stiffness. Material and methods: Twenty physically active adults (ages 19–27 years) were ran- domly assigned to either the Nordic hamstring curl group (n = 10) or the control group (n = 10). Shear wave elastography was performed on the dominant kicking leg for both groups. The exact location of the probe was marked to ensure the same area was assessed during post-testing. Both groups performed a 5-minute cycle ergometer warm-up followed by three 30-second standing static stretches. The Nordic hamstring curl group then performed three sets of six repetitions of the eccentric phase of the Nordic hamstring curl with 1-minute rest intervals between sets. All subjects then rested for five minutes before shear wave elastography was performed. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA revealed no significant main effects or interactions for the biceps femoris or semitendinosus (p >0.05). However, analysis of the semimembranosus was incon- clusive due to variability of measurement values. Conclusions: These results are in agreement with findings indicating that long- and short-term Nordic hamstring curl training has no impact on hamstring stiffness, although the effects of Nordic hamstring curl on reducing the probability of hamstring injury are still valid.
Colonial Durabilities and Anticolonial Conundrums
Authors: Riggs Erin P. , Majumdar Anena , Chakravarthy Sumedha
Published: December 2024

Modern settings and individual perspectives are commonly inextricably entangled with the hegemonic logics of long-standing global inequalities, so that the boundaries between oppressive force and subjugated subject can be difficult if not impossible to identify. We discuss strategies for considering modern-day material culture from an anticolonial perspective that acknowledges this entanglement. To build our argument, we provide descriptions and interpretations of five contemporary objects that have been shaped simultaneously by histories of colonization and processes of neocolonial and neoliberal exploitation in the present. The objects we discuss, all located in either Delhi or Kolkata – the two previous capital cities of the British Raj – are (1) ceramic gargoyle drainpipes on a still in-use, colonial-era built railroad workers’ cottage; (2) a vandalized fifteenth-century Islamic monument; (3) terracotta figurines that are being leveraged as part of a state heritage craft initiative program; (4) a baby boy’s shirt featuring a repeating Apple company logo pattern; and (5) a British-themed pub. Together, we feel these items serve as examples of colonial durabilities in modern-day India – durabilities which, while informed by history, are remade and maintained by diverse subjects in the present. We argue that anticolonial contemporary archaeologists must strive to identify and critique all those who seek to perpetuate and legitimize the forms of exploitative privilege embodied by these objects.
Material Expressions of Social Memory
Authors: Hallett Karl
Published: December 2024

In October 2017, the Maltese journalist and anti-corruption activist Daphne Caruana Galizia was assassinated by a car bomb. Within days, the first objects that would become the Daphne memorial appeared at the foot of the Great Siege Monument in Valletta, which commemorates the siege of Malta by the Ottomans in 1565. Since 2017, these two contrasting entities have clashed and coalesced in unexpected ways. This paper explores the material and symbolic interaction between the monument, which was unveiled in 1927, and the spontaneous shrine that appeared ninety years later. It employs a multitemporal approach to investigate the heritage space through two “timelines”, one concerned with the history of the monument and the other with the memorial. Drawing from González-Ruibal’s interpretation of “parataxis”, the study argues that the juxtaposition has created a palimpsest that can be called a “monument-memorial”. By engaging with contemporary archaeological themes, it is suggested that the palimpsest shares characteristics consistent with James Young’s model of “counter-monumentality”.
METHOD FOR SIGNAL PROCESSING BASED ON KOLMOGOROVWIENER PREDICTION OF MFSD PROCESS
Authors: Gorev V. N. , Shedlovska Y. I. , Laktionov I. S. , Diachenko G. G. , Kashtan V. Yu. , Khabarlak K. S.
Published: December 2024

Context. We investigate a method to signal processing based on the Kolmogorov-Wiener filter weight function calculation for the prediction of a continuous stationary heavy-tail process in the MFSD (multifractal fractional sum-difference) model. Such a process may describe telecommunication traffic in some systems with data packet transfer, the consideration of the continuous filter may be reliable in the case of the large amount of data.
Objective. The aim of the work is to obtain an approximate solution for the Kolmogorov-Wiener filter weight function and to show the applicability of the method to signal processing used in the paper.
Method. The Galerkin method based on the orthogonal Chebyshev polynomials of the first kind is used for the calculation of the weight function under consideration. The approximations up to the thirteen-polynomial one are investigated. The corresponding integrals are calculated numerically on the basis of the Wolfram Mathematica package. The higher is the packet rate, the higher accuracy of the integral calculation is needed.
Results. It is shown that for rather large number of polynomials the misalignment between the left-hand side and the right-hand side of the Wiener-Hopf integral equation under consideration is rather small for the obtained solutions. The corresponding mean absolute percentage errors of misalignment for different packet rates are calculated. The method to signal processing used in the paper leads to reliable results for the Kolmogorov-Wiener filter weight function for the prediction of a process in the MFSD model.
Conclusions. The theoretical fundamentals of the continuous Kolmogorov-Wiener filter construction for the prediction of a random process in the MFSD model are investigated. The filter weight function is obtained as an approximate solution of the Wiener-Hopf integral equation with the help of the Galerkin method based on the Chebyshev polynomials of the first kind. It is shown that the obtained results for the filter weight function are reliable. The obtained results may be useful for the practical telecommunication traffic prediction. The paper results may also be applied to the treatment of heavy-tail random processes in different fields of knowledge, for example, in agriculture.
Influencia de sistemas buffer en la interacción entre una biblioteca de ADN aleatorio y células de Salmonella typhimurium.
Authors: Valdivieso Quintero Wilfredo , Gómez Guarnizo Sharon Sofía
Published: December 2024

Introducción. Salmonella entérica subsp. entérica ser. Typhimurium (S. typhimurium) es una bacteria gramnegativa de gran relevancia para la salud pública debido a su capacidad de transmitirse a través de alimentos, causando diversas enfermedades conocidas colectivamente como salmonelosis. El desarrollo de sistemas de detección rápidos y específicos para este microorganismo es crucial para fortalecer los programas de control de calidad alimentaria y prevenir brotes infecciosos. Esta necesidad resalta la importancia de estudiar nuevos enfoques de diagnóstico, como aquellos basados en aptámeros, que suelen generarse mediante la técnica SELEX. Los parámetros de esta técnica son definidos por cada grupo de investigación y afectan directamente las capacidades de reconocimiento de los aptámeros hacia sus objetivos. Objetivo. En este estudio, evaluamos la influencia de tres sistemas tampón diferentes y de concentraciones variables de cloruro de magnesio (MgCl₂) en la capacidad de unión de una biblioteca aleatoria de ADN monocatenario a células de S. typhimurium. Materiales y Métodos. Las células de S. typhimurium se incubaron con secuencias de ADN aleatorias en presencia de tampones buffer salino fosfato (PBS), Tris buffer salino (TBS) o Tris nitrato de potasio (TK), con diferentes concentraciones de MgCl₂. Las secuencias no unidas o débilmente unidas se separaron por centrifugación y se cuantificaron mediante qPCR. Las diferencias estadísticas entre las condiciones experimentales se analizaron utilizando ANOVA. Resultados. El sistema tampón utilizado no afectó significativamente la recuperación de secuencias de ADN unidas a las células de S. typhimurium a una concentración constante de MgCl₂. Sin embargo, las variaciones en la concentración de MgCl₂ influyeron significativamente en el número de secuencias unidas a las células de S. typhimurium. Conclusiones. La interacción entre las secuencias de ADN y las células de S. typhimurium aumentó a una concentración de MgCl₂ de 2,5 mM en el tampón TBS.
ENTRE CENAS, POEMAS E CANÇÕES
Authors: Silva Janaina Barbara Rangel , Marcelino Valéria de Souza
Published: December 2024

A implementação do Novo Ensino Médio, proposto pela lei 13.415/2017, tem sido questionada por diferentes segmentos da comunidade escolar. No entanto, acredita-se que durante o processo de luta, por sua revogação, estudantes não podem ficar sujeitos a gambiarras pedagógicas, principalmente nesta etapa de sua formação. Por esta razão, o objetivo deste trabalho é discutir a construção de um arranjo curricular, voltado para um Itinerário Formativo, em Linguagens e suas Tecnologias, aliando os fundamentos do Teatro do Oprimido, sob a perspectiva da pesquisa (auto)biográfica, e das narrativas (autobiográficas). Dessa forma, a partir de processos de biografização, por meio do teatro, da poesia e da música, pode-se  compreender o quanto uma formação ética e estética, baseada na fala/escuta em espaços escolares, promovem novas formas de ser e estar no mundo, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento integral dos estudantes.
MÚSICA NO BERÇÁRIO
Authors: Brito Ivoneide dos Reis , Lima Daniele Dorotéia Rocha da Silva de
Published: December 2024

O presente texto tem como tema a música no currículo do berçário, sendo as práticas curriculares, nesta faixa etária, marcadas por singularidades e sutilezas que permeiam as diversas situações no cotidiano dos espaços educativos que atendem bebês. Assim, este trabalho teve como objetivo compreender a partir das narrativas docentes como a música faz-se presente nas interações e brincadeiras por meio do corpo e da expressividade nas relações cotidianas, especialmente, nas diversas ações curriculares que se particularizam nos modos de interagir e brincar musicalmente a partir do corpo expressivo em movimento e suas possibilidades linguageiras e sonoras. Nesse sentido, metodologicamente, este texto, é fundamentado na pesquisa narrativa, na qual as narrativas das docentes sobre as práticas curriculares, envolvem a música enquanto linguagem potencializadora do desenvolvimento integral. Tais aspectos contribuem para o entendimento das finalidades e sentidos diversos da música para atender às variadas demandas curriculares de uma turma de berçário, como as necessidades fisiológicas, psicológicas, emocionais, sentimentais e culturais que cotidianamente ressoam por meio da comunicação e expressão do corpo ativo, sonoro, que produz cultura, conhecimento e formação humana. Os resultados apontam que as práticas curriculares que envolvem a música no cotidiano do berçário ganham novos olhares, que se dão para além dos momentos de cuidar do corpo, mas também momentos educativos, a partir das brincadeiras cantadas e das situações indissociáveis de cuidar e educar bebês.
REFORMA CURRICULAR BRASILEIRA PÓS-2016 E AS REPERCUSSÕES DA LEI 13.415/2017 PARA O ENSINO MÉDIO DO TOCANTINS
Authors: Gomes Wanessa Cardoso , Carvalho Roberto Francisco de
Published: December 2024

Este artigo tematiza a proposta Curricular do Tocantins para o Ensino Médio elaborada com base Lei 13.415/2017 como parte da reforma da educação pós-2016. No estudo que resultou no presente texto indagamos, como ponto de partida, quais as repercussões da referida reforma curricular para o Ensino Médio no estado do Tocantins? O estudo teve por objetivo explicitar as repercussões advindas da reforma pós-2016 expressas na Lei nº 13.415/2017 para Ensino Médio do estado do Tocantins. No desenvolvimento do estudo, assentado na abordagem crítico-dialética, revisitamos estudos críticos e realizamos a pesquisa documental como base para análise e compreensão do problema levantado. O estudo possibilitou compreender que a Proposta Curricular do Tocantins tem potencial para o esvaziamento do currículo, o estreitamento da formação e a realização de um tipo formativo de cunho utilitário e pragmático, além de fortalecer a ideia de antecipação da profissionalização dos estudantes no Ensino Médio. Tal proposta, aparentemente, também fortalece o viés formativo unilateral com foco na profissionalização, o que impõe barreiras à educação de espectro formativo integral, exigindo, assim, a exploração das contradições dos espaços da educação escolar na disputa da formação de perspectiva emancipadora que fortaleça a autonomia dos sujeitos da ação formativa.
AVANÇO DOS AGENTES PRIVADOS E A PRODUÇÃO DE OUTRA (DES)ORGANIZAÇÃO DA EDUCAÇÃO
Authors: Mendes Valdelaine
Published: December 2024

A obra reúne nove artigos sobre a região nordeste e quatro sobre a região sudeste, produções decorrentes de uma pesquisa nacional, desenvolvida por pesquisadores da Unicamp, que pretendeu analisar a incidência de atores privados em todas as redes estaduais de educação e do Distrito Federal, nas três dimensões da política educativa – oferta, gestão e currículo – de modo a identificar possíveis desdobramentos para a efetivação da educação como direito humano. Neste volume foram analisadas a educação nos estados do Nordeste e Sudeste.  O recorte temporal estabelecido na pesquisa foi de 2005-2018.
REFORMAS EDUCACIONAIS, POLÍTICAS CURRICULARES E DESAFIOS CONTEMPORÂNEOS
Authors: Santos Joedson Brito dos , Silva Luciana Leandro da , Hypolito Álvaro Moreira , Oliveira Dalila Andrade de
Published: December 2024

As reformas educacionais ocorridas no Brasil e na América Latina, fazem parte do Global Educational Reform Movement que tem, entre suas finalidades, a de acomodar a sociedade às novas necessidades de acumulação do capital. Nessa direção, intensifica as disputas pelo campo da educação, em geral, e do currículo escolar, em particular. Os efeitos dessas reformas nas políticas e práticas curriculares resultam de princípios gerencialistas, via padronização e homogeneização, prestação de contas, responsabilização docente, bem como do controle da gestão escolar, da formação e do trabalho dos professores. Tais processos precisam ser pensados também à luz dos impactos da pandemia da Covid-19, que, dentre outros aspectos, escancararam as desigualdades sociais e educacionais, o movimento da ascensão da extrema direita e seu projeto ultraconservador por meio da educação. A professora Dalila Andrade Oliveira é uma das pesquisadoras na área da educação que, desde os anos de 1990, vem promovendo contundentes contribuições ao debate e ao enfrentamento dessa realidade. Nesta entrevista, a professora compartilha um pouco sobre suas pesquisas recentes vinculadas ao Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia (INCT) GESTRADO/UFMG, destacando aspectos importantes para o enfrentamento dos desafios para a redução das desigualdades educacionais demarcadas nas reformas e políticas em questão.
Dynamics of cell membrane lesions and adaptive conductance under the electrical stress
Authors: Silkunas Mantas , Pakhomova Olga N , Silkuniene Giedre , Pakhomov Andrei G.
Published: December 2024

Exceeding physiological limits of the cell membrane potential compromises structural integrity, enabling the passage of normally impermeant solutes and disrupting cell function. Electropermeabilization has been studied extensively at the cellular scale, but not at the individual membrane lesion level. We employed fast total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) imaging of Ca2+ entry transients to discern individual lesions in a hyperpolarized cell membrane and characterize their focality, thresholds, electrical conductance, and the lifecycle. A diffuse and momentary membrane permeabilization without a distinct pore formation was observed already at a -100 mV threshold. Polarizing down to -200 mV created focal pores with a low 50- to 300-pS conductance, which disappeared instantly once the hyperpolarization was removed. Charging to -240 mV created high-conductance (> 1 nS) pores which persisted for seconds even at zero membrane potential. With incremental hyperpolarization steps, persistent pores often emerged at locations different from those where the short-lived, low-conductance pores or diffuse permeabilization were previously observed. Attempts to polarize membrane beyond the threshold for the formation of persistent pores increased their conductance adaptively, preventing further potential build-up and "clamping" it at a certain limit (-270 ± 6 mV in HEK cells, -284 ± 5 mV in CHO cells, and -243 ± 9 mV in neurons). The data suggest a previously unknown role of electroporative lesions as a protective mechanism against a potentially fatal membrane overcharging and cell disintegration.