bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emotional intelligence characterization in university students at a nutrition bachelor’s degree
Authors: Torres-Zapata Ángel Esteban , Lara-Gamboa Carmen Cecilia , Pérez-Jaimes Alejandra Karina , Estrada-Reyes César Uziel , Brito Cruz Teresa del Jesús
Published: October 2023

Objective: Identify the levels of emotional intelligence possessed by students of a Bachelor ofNutrition degree at a university in southeastern Mexico.Materials and methods: According to reviewed documental sources this is a quantitative study,with a descriptive non-experimental approach. In this research, a validated Salovery and MeyerTMMS-24, adapted to Spanish, was applied; this instrument consists of 24 items, subdivided intothree subscales or dimensions of the Likert type made up of five items. The sampling was nonprobabilistic,including 172 university students, who accepted the terms of the informed consent. Fordata analysis, the SPSS v.25 program was executed to assembly the information obtained throughdescriptive statistics (frequency, mean, median and percentage) and variability measures (range,standard deviation and variance). A t-Student test was performed for the analysis of means accordingto the levels, with a p value <0.005 to determine statistically significant differences.Results: 52.91% of the students are located at a level of “adequate attention”, but 47.1% mustimprove. In relation to the level of understanding, 43.60% have adequate clarity in this sphere ofemotional intelligence, while 56.60% must improve this component and 52.33% have adequateregulation, while 47.67% must improve. No statistically significant differences were found; as wellas there were no differences in the means between both genders (p = ≥0.05).Conclusions: The study population showed an adequate management level of their emotionalintelligence, being emotional perception the one that is presented more frequently as adequate,however, the clarity of feelings presents the lowest levels, so It is evident the need to carry outintervention programs in university students to promote further development of the dimensions thatmake up emotional intelligence.Keywords: Emotional intelligence; Students; Nutrition; University.
Intervención de educación nutricional en línea a población infantil en el estado de Veracruz
Authors: Cruz Lara Nidia Mercedes
Published: October 2023

Objetivo: Contribuir a la mejora del estado nutricional, hábitos alimentarios y conocimiento alimentario nutricional de alumnos de escuela primaria; mediante una intervención de educación nutricional, modalidad en línea.Materiales y Métodos: Intervención de diseño cuasi experimental en la que participaron 30 alumnos de una escuela primaria pública ubicada en el municipio de Veracruz, la muestra estuvo integrada por 10 alumnos de primer grado, 8 alumnos de tercer grado y 12 alumnos de quinto grado, los cuales estaban separados en grupo control (GC) y grupo de intervención (GI), en ambos grupos se midió pre y post intervención, estado nutricional, hábitos alimentarios y conocimiento alimentario-nutricional, posteriormente se proporcionó un taller de educación nutricional únicamente para el grupo de intervención, para el análisis se empleó estadística no paramétrica ocupándose las pruebas estadísticas de Wilcoxon y de MC Nemar.Resultados: No hubo mejora significativa para la variable estado nutricional (p=0.625) ni para la variable de hábitos alimentarios (p=0.688), sin embargo se encontraron variaciones como reducción en el consumo de alimentoschatarra e incrementó de consumo de agua, legumbres y productos lácteos, cambios no observados para GC, en cuanto a la variable conocimiento alimentario se obtuvieron resultados positivos (p=0.04), el grupo control no presento mejora significativa para ninguna de las variables antes expuestas.Conclusiones: La educación nutricional tiene un campo muy amplio de temas que deberían proporcionarse como asignatura desde la educación básica y siempre por personal capacitado, son conocimientos necesarios pues se ocupan a lo largo de la vida y esta razón debería ser suficiente justificación para su inclusión desde la educación primaria, además de ser medida de prevención para el desarrollo de enfermedades crónicodegenerativas y promover el buen estado de salud general.
Palabras Clave: Educación Nutricional; Estado Nutricional; ConductaAlimentaria; Salud Infantil
Manifestaciones bucales en pacientes con SIDA bajo terapia antirretroviral en un hospital en Perú
Authors: Ramos Tejada Katherine Liset , Romero Gamboa Julio César , La Serna Paola
Published: October 2023

Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de las manifestaciones bucales, en pacientes con SIDA bajo terapia antirretroviral en un Hospital Referencial en Perú.Materiales y métodos: Estudio prospectivo, no experimental, transversal y cuantitativo. Se contó con una población de 380 y una muestra de 191 pacientes, que cumplieron los criterios de selección. El instrumento utilizado fue una ficha de recolección de datos adaptada, que consta de dos partes, en una los datos personales y en otra las manifestaciones bucales más frecuentes.Resultados: La prevalencia de las manifestaciones bucales en pacientes con SIDA bajo terapia antirretroviral en un 59.50%,siendo la candidiasis oral la más frecuente con un 35.5%; El predominio de estas manifestaciones bucales es mayor en elgénero masculino con un 67% y en el rango de edades entre 18-25 años en un 57%.Conclusiones: Existe alta prevalencia de manifestaciones bucales en pacientes con SIDA bajo terapia antirretroviral, siendo la más frecuente la candidiasis oral, en el género masculino y en menores de 25 años.
Palabras clave: VIH-1; Antirretrovirales; Carga viral; Linfocitos T
Jednostka operacyjno-techniczna ochotniczej straży pożarnej – uwagi na tle projektu ustawy o ochotniczych strażach pożarnych
Authors: Jaroszek Andrzej
Published: October 2023

Activity of voluntary fire brigades, as a community organisations, is longer than 100 years. It is a tradition of helping people in situations of danger (life, health and property danger). In 90s of the XX century, voluntary fire brigades were established as community organisations with legal capacity, it strenghten but also complicated their situation. That was the reason for the project of voluntary fire brigades law.
Thirdhand vaping exposures are associated with pulmonary and systemic inflammation in a mouse model
Authors: Commodore Sarah , Sharma Shikha , Ekpruke Carolyn Damilola , Pepin Robert , Hansen Angela M. , Rousselle Dustin , Babayev Maksat , Ndeke Jonas M. , Alford Rachel , Parker Erik , Dickinson Stephanie , Sharma Sunita , Silveyra Patricia
Published: October 2023

Thirdhand smoke (THS) is the accumulation of secondhand smoke on surfaces that ages with time. THS exposure is a potential health threat to children, partners of smokers, and workers in environments with current or past smoking, and needs further investigation. In this study, we hypothesized that thirdhand Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) exposures elicit lung and systemic inflammation due to resuspended particulate matter (PM) and inorganic compounds that remain after active vaping has ceased. To test our hypothesis, we exposed C57BL/6J mice to cotton towels contaminated with ENDS aerosols from unflavored vape fluid (6 mg nicotine in 50/50 propylene glycol/vegetable glycerin) for 1h/day, five days/week, for three weeks. We assessed protein levels in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) using a multiplex protein assay. The mean ± sd for PM10 and PM2.5 measurements in exposed mouse cages were 8.3 ± 14.0 and 4.6 ± 7.5 µg/m3, compared to 6.1 ± 11.2 and 3.7 ± 6.6 µg/m3 in control cages respectively. Two compounds, 4-methyl-1, 2-dioxolane and 4-methyl-cyclohexanol, were detected in vape fluid and on ENDS-contaminated towels, but not on control towels. Mice exposed to ENDS-contaminated towels had lower levels of serum Il-7 (P = 0.022, n = 7), and higher levels of Il-13 in the BALF (P = 0.006, n = 7) than those exposed to control towels (n = 6). After adjusting for sex and age, Il-7 and Il-13 levels were still associated with thirdhand vaping exposure (P = 0.010 and P = 0.017, respectively). This study provides further evidence that thirdhand ENDS aerosols can contaminate surfaces, and subsequently influence lung and systemic health upon exposure.
The human capital and human capability models: Showing the connection between graduation and employment
Authors: Dube Sithobile Priscilla
Published: October 2023

The purpose of the paper is to examine the human capital and human capability models in order to show the connection between graduation and employment. There appear to be topical issues in Zimbabwean electronic and print media regarding the complaint of the mismatch between the students’ training and the product of graduates, which may lead to the failure to meet the industry’s needs. The mismatch between the university curriculum and national developmental needs results in the production of graduates who have to be trained in order to be employable in industry, and this little linkage led me to write this paper. A qualitative interpretive study of the examination of the gap between graduation and employability was used after identifying a small-scale case study with twenty (20) managers and university students that were purposefully sampled and then interviewed. The results of the interviews were presented in tables and graphs, then analyzed and interpreted. The findings of the results revealed that Zimbabwean businesses are suffering from the influx of recent graduates who lack the market-required scientific, technological, social, problem-solving, and creative abilities. The involvement of different stakeholders in higher education institutions, including the government, universities, and industries, should lead to the production of education and economic policy’s new language, posture, position, and direction that Zimbabwe could take to stabilize the economy. A new stable season where values are corrected and projected towards economic recovery, industrialization of the economy, and the creation of employment can be realized.
Investigating the adoption of indigenous knowledge in mitigating climate-linked challenges
Authors: Phoobane Paulina , Masinde Muthoni
Published: October 2023

Indigenous knowledge (IK) plays a crucial role in rural African communities by contributing to the development of mitigation and adaptation strategies, enhancing resilience to climate-related challenges. However, there is limited documentation of its application in South Africa. This study investigates the adoption of IK in the Vhembe district, focusing on general use, disease prediction and farming practices. Results indicate that the respondents possessed a rich reservoir of IK, with 76.1% affirming its use for different purposes. Most respondents (75.3%) use IK for farming, with 63.1% using it for disease prediction. Most participants (74.3%) reported adequate confidence levels in their use of IK for general purposes. Respondents who had stayed longer in Vhembe reported higher confidence levels in using IK, as did those above 66 years old in using this knowledge system for disease prediction. The use of IK indicators for early warning of malaria outbreaks was also documented. Investigating and documenting IK use in communities could inform the basis for preservation and hence, enhance IK recognition. The integration of IK in the development of early warning systems may enhance their relevance and effectiveness in combating the effects of climate change and infectious diseases.
Assessing the role of entrepreneurship industry and SMEs to economic growth in South Africa
Authors: Ramsuraj Trisha
Published: October 2023

The study looked at the role and contribution of entrepreneurship industry to foster social and economic development through small, micro, and medium-sized businesses in South Africa. The conceptual research looked at the influence of small, micro, and medium-sized businesses (SMMEs) on South African development. The study's objective was to evaluate how small, medium-sized businesses (SMMEs) are now driving economic growth and solving social issues in a setting where big businesses and governments appear to be doing very little. As a result, the study examines how SMMEs might help the nation solve persistent societal evils including poverty, inequality, and social isolation. A desktop literature review research design was adopted to collect data on the role of entrepreneurship in South Africa, policies and practices of big business and government that exacerbate social issues in communities and impede socioeconomic development, as well as the specific roles that SMMEs play in achieving socioeconomic development goals. Findings from research indicate that, among other development outcomes, SMMEs are at the vanguard of creating jobs and fostering social and political justice in the nation. Future empirical studies that account for and evaluate the importance of SMME contributions to the construction of economic, social, and political justice in the nation are advised because this work lacks the empirical support necessary to substantiate its conclusions and observations.
Exploring the drivers and the utility of road tolling in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chilunjika Alouis
Published: October 2023

The issue of road tolling is a topical subject, especially for developing countries who are being affected by paltry budgetary allocations towards highway infrastructure investment. The Zimbabwean Government took almost a decade before implementing road tolling. It was thus needful to come up with innovative, long-lasting solutions to address the financial constraints towards highway infrastructure investment hence the introduction of road tolling systems in Zimbabwe. To this effect, the study unpacks the drivers and the utility of road tolling in Zimbabwe. Through the usage of a case study research design which triangulates both the qualitative and quantitative methods, the study collected data using a survey questionnaire, document analysis and in-depth interviews with key informants. Data was analysed using the SPSS, content analysis and thematic analysis techniques. The results revealed that the dwindling budgetary allocations towards highway infrastructure investment, hyperinflation, and backlog in the maintenance and construction of trunk roads were the key factors that led the Zimbabwean Government to introduce road tolling. Additionally, the study highlighted that road tolling was introduced primarily to generate revenue for the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of highway infrastructure in Zimbabwe. Recommendations were made to enhance the adoption and operationalisation of road tolling systems.
Derivative Misconduct and the Employee’s Duty to Act Bona Fide
Authors: Tchawouo Mbiada Carlos Joel , Lavhengwa Livhuwani Sosanah
Published: October 2023

In what circumstances may an employer dismiss an employee who deliberately chooses not to disclose information even though she/he was expressly requested to do so? Can a negative inference be drawn against the said employee? These questions are examined within the context of derivative misconduct which emphasises a duty placed upon employees to disclose any misconduct perpetrated by fellow employees. This duty arises out of the implied common law duty of good faith that an employee owes to his/her employer by virtue of the contract of employment. The duty of good faith is a sacrosanct principle of any employment relationship, the breach of which justifies an employee’s dismissal.
Determinants of going-concern audit opinion
Authors: Didied Neni Meidawati , Dwitama Difa Sukma
Published: October 2023

This research aims to analyze the influence of financial and non-financial factors on going-concern audit opinion. The variables analyzed in this study were profitability, liquidity, leverage, KAP reputation, previous year’s audit, and audit lag. The sample of this study consisted of 16 manufacturing companies in the consumer goods sector listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during the period of 2019-2022. The research findings indicate that the previous year’s audit opinion had a positive and significant influence on going-concern audit opinion. Profitability, liquidity, leverage, KAP reputation, and audit lag did not have any influence on going-concern audit opinion.
Towards a world-class bureaucracy: Corporate University’s contribution to state civil apparatus talent development
Authors: Paewai Aries Agung , Budiyanto Budiyanto , Riharjo Ikhsan Budi
Published: October 2023

This study aims to explore the application of the East Java Corporate University (Jatim CorpU) which is used as a talent management instrument for the state civil apparatus in East Java province in relation to realizing the governor's vision and mission as outlined in the nawa bhakti satya program. Thus, the right type of research to answer this is qualitative research. This research will concentrate on the perspectives of key stakeholders, namely BPSDM (Human Resources Development Agency) of East Java Province, which oversees East Java CorpU, and BKD (Regional Civil Service Agency) of East Java Province, responsible for talent management. Based on the research, it is evident that the implementation of CorpU in East Java, in the form of East Java CorpU, is well-established and has significant ramifications for talent management in East Java Province. An effective and efficient strategy adopted in the direction of East Java CorpU to bolster talent management is the application of the 70:20:10 competency development framework. The rationale behind this choice lies in its ability to provide flexibility for the extensive scope of SCA competency development in East Java Province, involving a substantial workforce of approximately 80,000 SCAs. Moreover, the 70:20:10 competency development method proves instrumental in addressing the intricacies associated with SCA competency development across various organizational tiers.
Contribution of higher education in the development of village-owned enterprises (BUMDes) Jejama Village Suak Sidomulyo District Selatan Lampung District
Authors: Rosalia Feni , Kagungan Dian
Published: October 2023

South Lampung Regency has 256 Village-Owned Enterprises (BumDes). A total of 47 of them are in the developing classification, so BumDes in the developing classification must be encouraged to become advanced BumDes. In order to encourage BumDes to progress, Universities (PT) have a strategic position to help develop Village-Owned Enterprises (BumDes), this is because PTs with their human resources are seen to have reliable expertise in accordance with the demands for developing BumDes. This research aims to describe the contribution of PT in the development of BumDes. The research location is Suak Village, Sidomulyo District, South Lampung Regency as a village that has a BumDes in the developing category towards Advanced BumDes. Data collection was carried out through interviews, documentation and literature study methods with BumDes actors, namely, BumDes administrators and members. Then, to complete the data, interviews were conducted with the Village Head and several people from the Suak community. Other important data was exported from secondary data, namely documentation related to BumDes and the contribution of universities. The research results illustrate that universities have contributed to developing BumDes. BumDes collaboration with PT is carried out through joint activities, where universities through teaching staff (lecturers) become facilitators and sponsors of these activities. Through community service activities as one of PT's tri-dharma, lecturers (academics) provide several materials related to efforts to develop BumDes. The weakness of the contribution from academics is that service activities are not carried out continuously or unsustainably so they do not reach the evaluation of BumDes development. Therefore, the contribution of PT with BumDes can be further increased in the form of providing more concrete material/knowledge/skills.
Big Data Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in Indonesian state-owned financial services and banking
Authors: Andi Sukma Erlangga , Nikmah Farika , Rahmawati Rizka , Ulya Izzatul
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study in general is to examine the influence of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and perceived risk on intention to use. The subject of this study is the account officer of the big data user of a state-owned company in Malang, East Java, Indonesia. Specifically, this research has the purpose of finding out both the simultaneous and partial influence of perceived use, perceived usefulness, and perceived risk on the intention to use the big data of State-Owned Bank customers. This study is a survey employing both quantitative and qualitative data analysis. The samples of the subjects used were 95 account officers of a state-owned bank in East Java who used customer big data. The analysis conducted in this study included multiple linear regression testing and hypothesis testing for both simultaneous and partial The result of the F testing indicates that collectively, the perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and perceived risk variables have a simultaneous and positive influence on the intention to use the customer's big data. However, based on the T-test, it was observed that perceived usefulness is the only variable that has a partial influence on the intention to use the big data of the customers. While the other two variables, perceived ease of use and perceived risk, were found to have no significant influence on the intention to use the bank’s customers' big data.
Antivirulent Properties of the Adamantane Derivative 4-(Adamanthyl-1)-1-(1-Aminobutyl) Benzene Against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Authors: Humeniuk Nataliia , Vrynchanu Nina , Zelena Liubov , Ishchenko Liudmyla , Bukhtiarova Tetiana , Vazhnichaya Elena , Boiko Iryna
Published: October 2023

Background. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen characterized by a high level of virulence and classified as a microorganism with a critical priority for the development of new antimicrobial drugs. Targeting virulence factors is one of the promising approaches in antimicrobial drug development.
Objective. Investigating the antivirulence properties of the aminoadamantane derivative 4-(adamantyl-1)-1-(1-aminobutyl)benzene against P. aeruginosa.
Methods. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 4-(adamantyl-1)-1-(1-aminobutyl)benzene (code AM-166) against the clinical strain P. aeruginosa 449 was determined using the serial microdilution method. We conducted quantitative real-time PCR to assess the impact of AM-166 on gene expression. Additionally, we investigated the synthesis of pyocyanin, hemolytic and protease activity, as well as motility of P. aeruginosa under the influence of AM-166.
Results. The obtained data indicate that the MIC of the AM-166 compound is 100 μg/ml. When exposed to AM-166 (at 0.5 MIC), we observed a decrease in the transcriptional activity of the lasI, lasR, pqsR, aprA, exoA, and exoS genes, along with an increase in the expression of the rhlR gene. Notably, AM-166 did not alter the expression of the toxA gene. Furthermore, AM-166 increased the production of pyocyanin, had no significant effect on protease activity, and inhibited both hemolytic activity and motility in P. aeruginosa 449.
Conclusions. The adamantane derivative AM-166 disrupts the functioning of the Quorum sensing systems and pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa while also altering the expression of genes that regulate the synthesis of virulence factors.
A STUDY ON INTERSTATE FREIGHT MODE CHOICE BETWEEN TRUCKS AND TRAINS USED TO TRANSPORT OIL PRODUCTS: A CASE STUDY OF IRAQ
Authors: NOOR Hussein M. , ASMAEL Noor M.
Published: October 2023

Freight mode choice is an important stage in shipping demand modeling. Transporting oil products using trucks between cities has several issues, including increased risk of accidents, higher transportation costs, environmental impact, and traffic congestion. Due to the absence of local studies, in addition to the few global studies that deal with freight mode selection used to transport oil derivatives between cities, the aim of the study is to develop transport mode choice models for trucks and trains transporting oil products between the interstate capital of Baghdad and the government of Basra for export. The revealed preference survey was used for 277 goods transport data collected with the help of personal interviews, questionnaires, and government institutions. The collected data were processed using two statistical approaches: binary logistic regression and Firth logistic regression. The study’s findings assist decision-makers in selecting sustainable modes of transport.
COVID-19 AND LONG-DISTANCE COACH SERVICES IN EUROPE: THE IMPACT OF CHANGING PASSENGER BEHAVIOR
Authors: TARACHA Michał , GUIHÉRY Laurent
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study is to present the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis in the long-distance coach market in Europe. Firstly, the literature review depicts the dynamic situation of European long-distance transport service providers. It is reiterated that the disruptions to long-distance coach transport triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic are multidimensional. Secondly, 10 econometric panel models, including one spatial and two dynamic panel models, were constructed for 505 or 495 regions (depending on the model) of 26 European countries. The analysis allowed us to draw conclusions about the impact of excess mortality, public sentiment, population density, and infrastructure quality on the number of long-distance FlixBus coach departures. Models indicate that increased anxiety associated with COVID-19 leads to a drop in the number of departures even when mortality anomaly is accounted for. Moreover, the number of departures changed more significantly in response to an increased infection rate in 2021 compared to 2020. This may indicate that long-distance coach companies were encouraged to implement new policies aiming at a lower frequency of trips, thereby increasing certainty that planned departures would not be canceled at the last minute. This can serve as an evidence of a shift in companies’ focus towards greater flexibility of their offers.
THE INFLUENCE OF INTAKE VALVE CLOSE TIMING ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE OF A SPARK IGNITION ENGINE USING GASOLINE AND NATURAL GAS
Authors: VIPARTAS Tadas , RIMKUS Alfredas , MATIJOŠIUS Jonas
Published: October 2023

The tightening of environmental requirements has forced car manufacturers to look for various ways to reduce exhaust gas emissions. The existing structural solutions of internal combustion engines allow this type of pollution to be reduced by adjusting the intake valve timing. This is especially relevant when it comes to reducing spark ignition engine emissions when using natural gas as fuel. In this study, a wide range of intake valve timing adjustments from 24° to 54° every six crank angle degrees was taken at a constant engine speed (n = 2500 rpm) and different loads and fixed excess air ratios (λ = 1). The changes in oxygen (O2), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (NOx), methane (CH4), and propane (C3H8) gas emissions were observed in the aforementioned intake valve timing range.
FLAME PROPAGATION IN A NARROW GAP BETWEEN THE PISTON AND CYLINDER OF A HYDROGEN ENGINE
Authors: KAVTARADZE Revaz , NATRIASHVILI Tamaz , GLONTI Merab , CHILASVILI Giorgi , GELASHVILI Otar , IOSEBIDZE Jumber
Published: October 2023

The processes of flame penetration and propagation in a narrow annular gap between the piston and cylinder of a hydrogen piston engine are investigated by the method of 3D mathematical modeling. The model is verified by comparing the changes in pressure and heat release rate in the cylinder obtained from an experimental hydrogen engine, considering the data collected during numerical experiments. The movement of the flame front into the gap is analyzed by changes in the instantaneous local values of the hydrogen fractions in the mixture and the local temperatures of the cold gas (unburned mixture) and combustion products. A comparative analysis of the spread of gasoline and hydrogen flames is carried out. The phenomenon of increasing heat losses in the combustion chamber of a hydrogen engine compared to a gasoline engine, previously confirmed experimentally by different authors and not yet having an acceptable theoretical interpretation, is explained by neglecting the role of heat transfer in the indicated gap.
Penerapan Polluter Pays Principle dalam Perkara Tumpahan Minyak di Teluk Kota Balikpapan
Authors: Kurnia Kana , Fawwaz Indra Rizqullah , Herlina Lita
Published: October 2023

The environmental pollution that occurred in Balikpapan Bay was the result of a pipe leak caused by PT Pertamina (Persero) Refinery Unit V, where this is the largest environmental pollution occurring with the impact of an oil spill that threatens the sustainability of the ecosystem in the sea and the coastal communities of the bay of Balikpapan City. This study aims to analyse how the polluter pays principle is regulated in Law Number 32 of 2009 on Environmental Protection and Management as well as identifying and applying this principle to environmental pollution that occurs in Balikpapan Bay. The method used in this research is normative juridical thus the data used is secondary data collected through literature study. The results of this research are, firstly, the polluter pays principle regulated in Article 87 of Law Number 32 of 2009, which states that business actors who pollute the environment are obliged to allocate funds for activities to improve the environment they have polluted. Second, PT. Pertamina (Persero) Refinery Unit V, apart from being subject to compensation, must also be responsible for taking legal action such as installing or repairing waste processing units in accordance with specified environmental quality standards, restoring environmental functions, eliminating or destroying the causes of pollution and/or damage to the environment, and provide compensation or compensation to communities affected by oil spills.
Urgensi Konsep Pembaruan Perlindungan Hukum Terhadap Whistleblower Tindak Pidana Korupsi di Indonesia
Authors: Ariyanti Dwi Oktafia , Ramadhan Muhammad
Published: October 2023

The existence of a whistleblower really benefits law enforcers in uncovering criminal acts of corruption. The role of a whistleblower in uncovering criminal acts of corruption carries a very big risk considering that many parties feel disadvantaged because of the testimony of a whistleblower. Protection for whistleblowers must be provided with clear and adequate statutory provisions considering that the role of a whistleblower is very important and carries rather high risks. The problem in this research is the urgency of legal protection for whistleblowers for criminal acts of corruption amidst the lack of existing laws and regulations in Indonesia and the concept of legal protection for whistleblowers in efforts to eradicate criminal acts of corruption in Indonesia in the future. The method used in this research uses a normative juridical research type which places law as building norms with a statutory approach, a conceptual approach and a comparative approach. This research discusses, firstly, the important role of a whistleblower that needs to be given comprehensive protection, not only limited to legal protection and special protection that applies during the criminal justice process, but also needs to be implemented after the criminal justice process has been completed. Second, to provide optimal protection for whistleblowers, a legal reform concept is needed, such as in the United States, it is necessary to create laws and regulations regarding institutions that specifically regulate and handle whistleblowers in a comprehensive manner adapted to the Indonesian criminal justice system and special unit to take care of whistleblowers is formed.
Only in Natural Spacetime Does Nature Disclose Her Secrets
Authors: Niemz Markolf H.
Published: October 2023

Special (SR) and general relativity (GR) describe nature subjectively. Mathematically, their equations are correct. Here I show: (1) Physically, both SR and GR have an issue. Spacetime in either theory is not natural, but construed by observers. Rulers and clocks measure proper distance di and proper time τ. Period. They are not aware of coordinate distance (xi or x'i) nor of coordinate time (t or t') in SR. Nor are they aware of how an observer parameterizes spacetime in GR. Rulers and clocks are thus not able to measure what is calculated in SR/GR. Still, the Lorentz factor and gravitational time dilation are correct. This is why SR/GR work so well in an observer’s reality. (2) Euclidean relativity (ER) describes nature objectively. In ER, proper space d1, d2, d3 and proper time τ of any (!) object span “natural spacetime”, which is 4D Euclidean space (ES) if we set cτ = d4. All energy is moving through ES at the speed of light c. Each observer’s reality is created by projecting ES orthogonally to his proper space and to his proper time. These axes are reassembled in SR/GR to a non-Euclidean spacetime. But the SO(4) symmetry of ES is not compatible with waves. This is fine because waves are observer-related features: What I deem wave, deems itself matter. We must learn to distinguish between an observer’s reality (with waves) and the master reality (without waves). SR/GR describe an observer’s reality. ER describes the master reality. ER improves our understanding of cosmology and quantum mechanics: It solves the Hubble tension, dark energy, and non-locality.
Curvature Coding in Human Vision: A Classical Review Across Psychophysics, Neurophysiology and Computer Vision. What’s Missing?
Authors: Nisar Irfa
Published: October 2023

A study of curvature along the contour provides important sources of information about the shape of an object. Knowledge of contour curvature allows for the perception of and interaction with 3D objects. In this review, we will explore the value of contour curvature in the field of neurophysiology, psychophysics, computer vision, and psychology. The serial consolidation of disjoint edges, oriented in a particular manner, into composited curves allows building of identifiable shapes in occluded natural environments [Hess1999, Wertheimer1923, Zucker1989, Feldman2001]. Examples are our ability to pick objects, sort and manage shapes otherwise hidden or confounded by occlusion in messy natural environments. Contour curvature has been intensively studied in psychology as it forms the first steps in 2D shape building which eventually becomes 3D object recognition in the human brain.
Effects of H2-Receptor Antagonists on the Exposure of Dacomitinib
Authors: Liu Jian , Lin Swan , Huynh Anthony , Tan Weiwei
Published: October 2023

Dacomitinib is an irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and EGFR-activating mutations. Proton pump inhibitors decreased dacomitinib exposure. This anal-ysis summarizes the effect of H2RA on dacomitinib exposure. A within-patient comparison of steady-state trough concentrations (Ctrough,ss) of dacomitinib and its active metabolite and active moiety with and without concomitant use of H2RA was conducted using a linear mixed effects model with pooled data from 11 clinical studies in patients with NSCLC. An oral absorption PBPK model was constructed and verified using clinical PK data after a single dose of dacomitinib in healthy volunteers to estimate the effect of gastric pH altered by an H2RA on dacomitinib PK. The adjusted geometric mean of dacomitinib Ctrough,ss of dacomitinib parent, metabolite and active moiety following co-administration with H2RA was approximately 86%, 104% and 100% relative to that following dacomitinib 45 mg administration without H2RA (P>0.05). The PBPK modeling showed negligible change in dacomitinib Cmax and AUC over 0-24 hours after H2RA administra-tion, when compared with those administered dacomitinib alone. Co-administration of an H2RA with dacomitinib is not expected to have any clinically relevant effect on dacomitinib exposure.
Open versus Transcutaneous (Ultrasound-Guided and Based on Anatomic Landmarks) Tunneled Venous Access to the Right Internal Jugular Vein in Children: A Prospective Single-Center Study
Authors: Kouna Niki , Noutsos George , Koufopoulou Christina , Panagopoulos Dimitrios , Kattamis Antonis , Myrilas Petros
Published: October 2023

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the immediate and long-term complications that are associated with the utilized techniques for the insertion of indwelling central venous catheters, that is the open surgical technique, the ultrasound-guided technique and the transcutaneous technique based on external anatomical landmarks in the right internal jugular vein, to a pediatric population. Methods: This was a prospective randomized trial based on a pediatric patient population, under 16 years of age, of a tertiary pediatric-oncological hospital. Procedure was performed by a medical team with varying experience regarding the percutaneous and open insertion methods. We studied the outcome of our procedure, based on the immediate and delayed complication rate, as well as the needed time in order to complete the procedure and mean duration of line use. Results: The patients that were inserted in our protocol were divided into three subgroups, based on the selected technique for the insertion of the central venous catheter. A total number of 88 insertions (25.4%) (out of 346) were based on the technique that was using external anatomical landmarks, 121 insertions were based on the ultrasound-guided transcutaneous technique (34,9%), whereas in 137 cases (39.5%) the open surgical technique was preferred. All cases that were related to catheter re-insertion were excluded from our study. We performed a statistical analysis regarding the catheter dwell time between the three subgroups of patients and no significant difference was recorded. Moreover, the development of thrombosis was investigated, and we mentioned that the higher percentage of this complication was related with the transcutaneous external landmark and open surgical technique. Also, the incidence of infection was taken into consideration, which manifested an increased incidence when the transcutaneous technique based on external landmarks was used. Conclusions: Ultrasound guided percutaneous insertion was considered to be a safe and effective technique for the insertion of central venous catheters. Our study also demonstrated a decrease in operating times, when performed by operators with increasing expertise, increased preservation of the diameter of the venous lumen, and no increase in complication rates when the ultrasound-guided technique was selected.
A Novel PSO Self-Reinforcement Mechanism for Enhancing Photovoltaic MPPT Performance
Authors: Baatiah Adel O. , Eltamaly Ali M. , Alotaibi Majed A.
Published: October 2023

This article presents the development of an innovative Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) strategy, utilizing a Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm to improve the effectiveness of PV systems and expedite convergence. The new MPPT method incorporated a unique Swarm Self-Reinforcement Mechanism (SSRM) within the PSO algorithm, targeting quick convergence and excellent tracking accuracy. This approach enables the PSO to eliminate the fitness function that has the lowest value and subsequently reinforce it in the next iteration, revolving around the global maximum power point (GMPP). By applying this novel PSO-based method, the MPPT performance of PV systems was significantly improved, facilitating the algorithm to proficiently navigate through the solution space and quickly locate the GMPP, even in rapidly changing environmental conditions. The outcomes derived from this novel approach were contrasted with other algorithmic optimization methods, validating its superior convergence speed and tracking accuracy. Different swarm sizes were examined using SSRM, and the optimal swarm size for the system employing MPPT was identified to achieve the lowest convergence time (CT). The results showcased the impressive performance capabilities of this novel strategy, resulting in a time con-traction of up to 28% compared to the conventional PSO technique, where the optimal swarm size was found to be 5. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the evolution of PSO-based MPPT techniques, and paves the way for future advancements in this exciting field.
Analysis of Rat Brainstem Transcriptome Changes after Acute Stress
Authors: Lanshakov Dmitriy A. , Sukhareva Ekaterina V , Bulygina Veta V , Khozyainova Anna A. , Gerashchenko Tatiana S. , Denisov Evgeny V. , Kalinina Tatiana S
Published: October 2023

In this work, we tried to emphasize whole transcriptome expression changes in the Wistar rats brainstem two hours after acute stress. Most of the genes were upregulated. We detected massive shift of neuropeptides Crh, Trh,Cga, Tshb, Uts2b, Tac4, Lep and neuropeptide receptors Hcrtr1, Sstr5, Bdkrb2, Crhr2 signaling, as well as Glutamate Grin3b, Grm2 and GABA Gpr156, Acetylcholine Chrm4,Chrne, Adreno- Adra2b receptors expression uprising. Intensive increase in expression of intermediate filaments Krt83/Krt86/Krt80/Krt84/Krt87/Krt4/Krt76 and motor proteins Myo7a, Klc3 was detected. Remarkably, at this time we also observed signs of microglia activation. Both expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines Il13, Ccl24 and proinflammatory cytokin’s receptors Il9r, Il12rb1, Tnfrsf14, Tnfrsf13c, Tnfrsf25, Tnfrsf1b were increased. In the Wnt signaling pathway, we have seen increased expression of ligands-receptors Wnt1, Wnt11, Ror2, and also negative regulators Notum, Sfrp5, Sost. Also we conducted cDNA libraries normalization with duplex specific nuclease and compared results. On the basis of our RNAseq data, we chose reference genes for RT-qPCR best suitable for experiments with acute stress.
Feature-based Place Recognition Using Forward Looking Sonar
Authors: Gaspar Ana Rita , Matos Aníbal
Published: October 2023

The port environments have some structures that still need regular control. However, the nature of these environments presents a number of challenges in determining an accurate vehicle position and consequently performing successful image similarity detection. These scenarios, however, can have poor visibility conditions and are highly dynamic, making place recognition difficult because the appearance of a place can change over time. Under these operational conditions, imaging sonars are a promising solution. There are some factors that affect the quality of the captured images, but the fact that they do not suffer from haze is a plus. Therefore, in this paper, a purely acoustic similarity detection method based on forward-looking sonar (FLS) data is proposed to overcome the inherent perceptual problems in a port scenario. Considering the lack of available data in this context and to facilitate the variation of environmental parameters and sensor configurations, a port scenario was simulated using the Stonefish simulator. Experiments were conducted on predefined trajectories near structures. The place recognition approach performs better compared to the results obtained with optical imagery. In general, it provides a good compromise in terms of distinctiveness and achieves a performance of 87.5% when appropriate constraints and assumptions are made.
Precise Detection and Transcriptomic Concordant Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells from Prostate Cancer
Authors: Cho Hyungseok , Han Ki-Ho , Chung Jae-Seung , Byun Seok-Soo , Chung Jae Il , Seo Won Ik , Lee Chan Ho
Published: October 2023

This study focused on the precise detection and concordant analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) to verify the usefulness of CTCs as promising clinical markers. CTCs are traditionally achieved using immune-fluorescence and morphological techniques. By combining two prostate cancer-specific genes (PSA and PSMA) and two epithelial-specific genes (EpCAM and KRT19), the CTC detection efficiency can be enhanced. The detection rates of localized prostate cancer (LPC), locally advanced prostate cancer (LAPC), metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC), and metastatic castration-resistive prostate cancer (mCRPC) were 63.04 % (29/46), 70.59% (34/51), 94.34% (50/53), and 90% (126/140), respectively. Subsequent correlation analysis between the four genes, baseline PSA, and CTC count revealed that only the CTC count correlated with baseline PSA in the localized stages of prostate cancer, whereas all four genes were correlated with baseline PSA and CTC count in the metastatic stages of prostate cancer. The precise detection of CTCs using both numerical and transcriptomic analyses can improve the accuracy of biomarker investigations. This study provides valuable insights into the limitations of serum PSA testing and offers a promising alternative to diagnose and manage prostate cancer via the CTC number and specific genes for prostate cancer.
Role of Phase Information Propagation in the Realisation of Super-resolution Based on Speckle Interferometry
Authors: Arai Yasuhiko
Published: October 2023

Super-resolution technology is important not only in bio-related fields but also in nanotechnology, particularly in the semiconductor industry, where fine patterning is required and super-resolution is essential. However, observing microstructures beyond the diffraction limit proposed by Abbe and Rayleigh is considered impossible because of diffraction in traditional optical microscopy ob-servation techniques. However, in recent years, it has been possible to observe microstructures beyond the Rayleigh criterion by analysing the phase distribution of light. This study investigated the physical reasons why phase analysis makes this new analysis technique possible using simula-tions. The results confirmed that the phase component of the zero-order diffracted light reflected from the microstructure and able to pass through the lens system contained the phase information related to the shape of the measured object. Analysis of this information demonstrates the possi-bility of realising super-resolution based on speckle interferometry.
Nuclear Factor-κB Decoy Oligodeoxynucleotide Attenuates Cartilage Resorption in vitro
Authors: Nemoto Hitoshi , Masuda Koichi , Watson Deborah , Sakai Daisuke
Published: October 2023

: Background: Cartilage harvest and transplantation is a common surgery using costal, auricular, and septal cartilage for craniofacial reconstruction. However, absorption and warping of the cartilage grafts can occur due to inflammatory factors associated with wound healing. Transcriptional factor nuclear factor κB (NFκB) is activated by cytokines, such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), and plays a central role in the transactivation of this inflammatory cytokine gene. Inhibition of NFκB may have anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to explore the potential of an NFκB decoy oligodeoxynucleotide (Decoy) as a chondroprotective agent. Materials and Methods: Evaluation of safe and efficacious concentrations of Decoy were assessed using rabbit nasal septal chondrocytes (rNSCh) and assays for cytotoxicity, proteoglycan (PG) synthesis, and PG turnover. The efficacious concentration of Decoy determined from the rNSCh was then applied to human nasal septal cartilage (hNSC) in vitro and analyzed for PG turnover, the level of inflammatory markers, and catabolic enzymes in explant-conditioned culture medium. Results: Over the range of Decoy conditions and concentrations, no inhibition of PG synthesis or cytotoxicity was observed. Decoy at 10 μM effectively inhibited PG degradation in the hNSC explant, prolonging PG half-life 63% and decreasing matrix metalloprotease 3 (MMP3) by 70.7% (P = 0.027). Conclusions: Decoy may be a novel chondroprotective therapeutic agent in cartilage transplantation due to its ability to inhibit cartilage degradation due to inflammation cytokines.