bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DFT CALCULATIONS AND MOLECULAR DOCKING STUDY IN 6-(2”-PYRROLIDINONE-5”-YL)-(-) EPICATECHIN MOLECULE FROM FLAVONOIDS
Authors: BAĞLAN Mehmet , YILDIKO Ümit , GÖREN Kenan
Published: February 2023

The 6-311G(d,p) and SDD basis sets have been used to calculate the vibration frequencies, and the DFT/B3LYP approach was used to optimize the structure. The energy gap of the molecule has been calculated using the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) with the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO). The stability and charge delocalization of the Title molecule have been investigated using natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. The dipole moment, polarizability, and first-order hyperpolarizability, as well as the molecular electrostatic potentially (MEP) and thermodynamic features, have been used to compute the nonlinear optical (NLO) behavior of the title molecule. The Schrödinger program was used to conduct molecular docking works to determine information about the interactions between the AChE and BChE enzymes and the chemical. In addition, a molecular docking study was analyzed for compounds PEP with AChE and BChE synthase binding protenins (PDB:4M0E) and (PDB:6SAM) using the Discovery Studio 2021 Client program. Compound AChE showed -7.105 kcal/mol while compounds BChE showed a inding score of -7.784 kcal/mol.
Henning Mankell’in Ölümün Karanlık Yüzü Adlı Romanında Yabancı Olarak Öteki
Authors: ERDOĞAN Umut
Published: February 2023

Bauman’a göre yabancı ne düşman ne de dosttur. Üçüncü bir kategori olarak ötekileştirilen yabancı, bilinmeyen ve tekinsiz öteki olarak diğerleri tarafından bir hedef haline getirilir. İstenmeyen ve toplumdan uzaklaştırılması gereken yabancı, toplum düzeni için bir tehdit olarak algılanır. Bu çalışma, yabancının ötekileştirilmesini Henning Mankell’in Ölümün Karanlık Yüzü adlı romanında, göçmenlerin yabancı öteki olarak sunulmasına dair bir okuma sunmaktadır. İsveç’in yoğun göç aldığı, öte yandan yabancı karşıtlığının da arttığı bir dönemde yazılan roman, yabancı kategorisinin inşasına dair bir kurgu sunmaktadır. Biz ve öteki bağlamında toplumdan ayrıştırılan yabancı, romanda göçmenlere bakış üzerinden değerlendirilmektedir. Bu nedenle çalışma kapsamında seçilen romanda ötekileştirilen yabancı, çalışmada Bauman’ın yabancı olgusu üzerine görüşleri çerçevesinde değerlendirilmektedir.
Comparative morphological characteristics of helicobacter pylori and autoimmune gastritis
Authors: Pachuashvili N. V. , Nagornaya D. P. , Tertychnyy A. S.
Published: February 2023

Objective: to conduct a comparative morphological analysis of helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and autoimmune gastritis and to determine the significant morphological criteria for differential diagnosis.

Materials and methods. 30 cases of chronic atrophic helicobacter gastritis and 30 cases of chronic atrophic autoimmune gastritis were retrospectively selected for the study. In all cases of helicobacter gastritis, the presence of H. pylori was confirmed by morphological diagnostic methods using Giemsa staining or additionally using immunohistochemistry. All cases of autoimmune gastritis were additionally confirmed by clinical and laboratory diagnostic methods, some patients had a long history of follow-up and biopsy material was taken from them repeatedly. A prerequisite was taking at least 5 biopsies according to the Sydney Protocol.

Results. The main differential diagnostic feature in our study was the detection of H. pylori, as well as the localization of the lesion in the stomach body characteristic of autoimmune gastritis and in the antrum in helicobacter gastritis. The study groups differed by gender (the predominance of females in the group of autoimmune gastritis), the prevalence and activity of inflammation (all cases of helicobacter gastritis had signs of inflammation activity). When studying the content of neuroendocrine cells in cases of helicobacter gastritis in the stomach body, simple hyperplasia of neuroendocrine cells was noted, in cases of autoimmune gastritis, the appearance of chains and nodules was noted, which corresponded to linear and nodular hyperplasia of neuroendocrine cells.

Conclusion. The morphological criteria obtained in the study make it possible to make a differential diagnosis between helicobacter and autoimmune gastritis. This is extremely important because of the differences in treatment approaches and dynamic monitoring tactics in these variants of chronic gastritis.
Pengawasan Dewan Pengawas Syariah (DPS) Terhadap Kepatuhan Prinsip Syariah Pada Bank Syariah
Authors: Antiek Firdausi Putri
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Nowadays financial institutions based on sharia principle such as Islamic Bank is one of the signs of the rapid growth of Islamic financial institutions. Therefore, the supervisor from the aspect of compliance with sharia principles is needed to maintain the existence and quality of Sharia Bank in its operation. However, the speed dynamics of banking backfired for the Supervision of Sharia Principles Compliance. Furthermore, the method used in this paper is normative legal research. The result of the analysis shows that supervision of Sharia Principles Compliance with Islamic Banks is operated by Sharia Supervisory Board (DPS). Besides, DPS’s negligence that causes a violation of compliance with sharia principles will have legal consequences related to the accountability of DPS. In this case, the form of DPS responsibility can be administrative sanctions, criminal sanctions, to the prohibition of becoming DPS.
 Keywords: DPS, Sharia Compliance, Responsibility
 
 Abstrak
Lembaga keuangan islam saat ini mulai berkembang pesat di Indonesia ditandai dengan semakin banyak kemunculan lembaga keuangan yang kegiatan operasionalnya berbasis prinsip syariah salah satunya Bank Syariah. Untuk menjaga eksistensi dan kualitas Bank Syariah dalam menjalankan operasionalnya, perlu ada pengawasan dari aspek Kepatuhan prinsip syariah. Pengawasan terhadap Kepatuhan prinsip syariah tidak mudah apabila melihat dinamika Perbankan sangat cepat sehingga menjadi problematika dan tantangan tersendiri. Metode yang digunakan dalam penulisan ini yaitu penelitian hukum normatif. Hasil dari analisa menunjukan bahwa pengawasan terhadap Kepatuhan prinsip syariah pada Bank Syariah dilakukan oleh Dewan Pengawas Syariah (DPS). Pelanggaran atau penyelewengan terhadap Kepatuhan prinsip syariah yang terjadi akibat kelalaian atau kesalahan DPS akan menimbulkan suatu akibat hukum. Akibat hukum tersebut berkaitan dengan pertanggungjawaban DPS. Bentuk tanggung jawab DPS dapat berupa sanksi administratif, sanksi pidana, hingga pelarangan menjadi DPS.
Kata Kunci : DPS, Kepatuhan Prinsip Syariah, Tanggung Jawab
Penolakan Pemerintah Indonesia Untuk Memulangkan Warga Negara Indonesia yang Bergabung Dengan ISIS
Authors: Natasya Christin Lauren
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Since ISIS suffered defeat, many of its members now want to return to their home countries, one of which is Indonesian citizens. The government refused to repatriate them on the grounds of maintaining the security of the people. Based on the Citizenship Law regarding the procedures for losing citizenship, it means that they are still citizens because they have not issued a Decree stating that they have lost Indonesian citizenship. Thus, the Government must be responsible for repatriating them, deradicalising them and being prosecuted based on the applicable law. For those who meet the requirements to lose citizenship, the government must immediately issue a decree. The type of research used in this paper is Doctrinal Research using a statutory approach and a conceptual approach. The legal material that has been obtained is then subjected to a systematic interpretation.
Keywords: ISIS; citizenship rights; losing citizenship; responbility
 
Abstrak
Semenjak ISIS mengalami kekalahan banyak anggotanya yang kini ingin kembali ke negara asalnya, salah satunya adalah warga negara Indonesia. Pemerintah menolak untuk memulangkan mereka dengan alasan untuk menjaga keamanan rakyat. Berdasarkan Undang-Undang Kewarganegaraan tentang tata cara kehilangan kewarganegaraan bahwa mereka masih berstatus sebagai WNI karena belum dikeluarkannya Surat Keputusan yang menyatakan bahwa mereka telah kehilangan kewarganegaraan Indonesia. Dengan demikian, maka Pemerintah harus bertanggung jawab memulangkan mereka, melakukan deradikalisasi dan diadili berdasarkan hukum yang berlaku. Bagi mereka yang memenuhi syarat kehilangan kewarganegaraan maka pemerintah harus segera mengeluarkan Surat Keputusan tersebut. Tipe penelitian yang digunakan dalam penulisan ini adalah Doctrinal Research dengan menggunakan pendekatan peraturan perundang-undangan dan pendekatan konseptual. Bahan hukum yang telah diperoleh kemudian dilakukan interpretasi sistematis.
Kata Kunci: ISIS; status kewarganegaraan; kehilangan kewarganegaraan; Tanggung Jawab.
Perspektif Hukum Pidana Terhadap Penggunaan Dinar-Dinar sebagai Alat Pembayaran di Indonesia
Authors: Akbar Muhammad Risky Oktavian
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Dinar and Dirham as a means of payment in Indonesia certainly attracts the attention of several people because it is a new case and needs to be studied based on Indonesian Legislation. Dinars and Dirhams obtained throught PT. ANTAM and purchased using Rupiah are then used as legal tender, while the legal medium of exchange in Indonesia is Rupiah. Based on Decision Number 202/Pid.Sus/2021/PN.Dpk Regarding when a person a legal entity can be convicted of making payments using Dinars and Dirhams it can be seen from several factors, namely there are indications that the Dinars and Dirhams are used as legal money and are used in payments because based on the Decree of ministry of Finance says that these Dinars and Dirhams included in gold jewelry that has a Value Added Tax.
 Keywords: Dinar Dirham, Decision, Rupiah, Jewelry.
 
Abstrak
Dinar dan Dirham yang didapat melalui PT. ANTAM dan dibeli menggunakan Rupiah kemudian digunakan sebagai alat pembayaran yang sah, sedangkan alat tukar yang sah di Indonesia adalah Mata Uang Rupiah. Berdasarkan Putusan Nomor 202/Pid.Sus/2021/PN.Dpk, Terkait dengan kapan dapat dipidananya seseorang atau badan hukum yang melakukan pembayaran menggunakan Dinar dan Dirham dapat ditinjau dari beberapa faktor yakni adanya indikasi bahwa Dinar dan Dirham tersebut digunakan sebagai Uang yang sah dan digunakan dalam pembayaran, karena berdasarkan Keputusan Kementrian Keuangan mengatakan bahwasanya Dinar dan Dirham ini termasuk dalam emas perhiasan yang memiliki Pajak Pertambahan Nilai.
Kata Kunci: Dinar Dirham; Putusan; Rupiah; Emas Perhiasan.
Ketidakpastian Hukum Sanksi Sapu Bersih Pungutan Liar (Studi Kasus di Kabupaten Sidoarjo)
Authors: Pratama Sultan Herlambang Yoga
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Illegal levies are defined as giving something such as money or objects and certain facilities to government officials and individuals within an organization. The practice of illegal levies nowadays yet far from the principles of good governance in public services. However there is no certainty regulates the imposition of sanctions on perpetrators. The purpose of this study was to analyze and explain the legal certainty of illegal levies sanctions in Sidoarjo using an administrative law perspective. This study used a typology of doctrinal research with a statue, conceptual, and case approach. Results revealed the absence of specific regulations regarding illegal levies has an impact on uncertainty imposing sanctions. Besides, the goal of establishing Satgas Saber Pungli is to eradicate illegal levies in a firm, integrated, effective, efficient, and capable of creating a deterrent effect. To be in line, sanctions given refers to the concept of restorative justice.
Keywords: Illegal Levies; Legal Uncertainty; Sanctions; Restorative Justice.
 
Abstrak
Pungli merupakan pemberian sesuatu baik berupa uang maupun benda serta fasilitas tertentu terhadap oknum-oknum pemerintah maupun oknum yang bernaung di bawah suatu organisasi. Maraknya pungli yang terjadi saat ini tidak berjalan lurus dengan prinsip good governance pada pelayanan publik. Oleh karenanya untuk memberantas praktik Pungli dibentuk Satgas Saber Pungli, namun pada praktiknya terdapat pemberian sanksi yang berbeda-beda. Maka penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis dan menjelaskan ketidakpastian hukum pemberian sanksi Pungli di Kabupaten Sidoarjo yang menggunakan perspektif hukum administrasi. Penelitian ini menggunakan tipologi penelitian doctrinal dengan pendekatan perundang-undangan (statue approach), pendekatan konsep (conseptual approach), dan pendekatan kasus (case approach). Hasil penelitian mengungkapkan bahwa tidak adanya regulasi khusus mengenai Pungli berdampak pada ketidakpastian dalam pemberian sanksi. Selain itu, tujuan pembentukan Satgas Saber Pungli merupakan upaya pemberantasan pungli secara tegas, terpadu, efektif, efisien, dan mampu menimbulkan efek jera. Agar sejalan dengan tujuan tersebut diberikan sanksi yang mengacu pada konsep Restorative Justice.
Kata Kunci: Pungli; Ketidakpastian Hukum; Sanksi; Restorative Justice.
The Effect of Citric Acid Soaking Time on The Levels of Lead (Pb) in Lorjuk Meat (Solen sp.)
Authors: Saltsa Arinda Putri  , Endang Dewi Masithah  , Eka Saputra
Published: February 2023

Lead (Pb) is one of the pollutants in the aquatic environment that is often questioned because it has toxic and dangerous properties for aquatic biota and indirect impacts on humans who consume it. Lorjuk (Solen sp.) is one of the aquatic biotas that can accumulate lead in its body because it is a filter feeder. The levels of lead accumulated in the body of lorjuk can be reduced by immersion using a chelating agent, such as citric acid because can bind metals thereby freeing food from metal contamination such as lead. This study aimed to determine the effect of different soaking times with citric acid on the levels of lead (Pb) and determine the optimal soaking time to reduce the levels of lead (Pb) in lorjuk meat. This study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) which consisted of three treatments for soaking lorjuk meat (1.5 hours; 3 hours and 4.5 hours). The results showed that the duration of immersion in citric acid affected the levels of lead (Pb) in lorjuk meat. The best treatment is soaking for 4,5 hours because it could reduce the levels of lead with a percentage decrease of 14,38%, organoleptic values on appearance parameter 6,07 (whole, specific meat color, bright and clean); odor 7,40 (very fresh) and texture 7,07 (elastic, solid and compact), moisture content 78,25%; protein content 8,67%; lipid content 0,65% and ash content 0,61%.
Identification of Morphometric and Intensity of Marine Leech Zeylanicobdella Infestation on Cantang Grouper from Brondong District, Lamongan and Mandangin Island, Madura
Authors: Ririn Agustiya  , Mahasri Gunanti , Subekti Sri
Published: February 2023

Cantang grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus lanceolatus) is the result of hybridization between female tiger grouper and male grouper fish which is widely cultivated because it has fast growth, easy to breed, and lower cannibalism. Cultivation of cantang grouper can be carried out in semi-intensive ponds and floating net cages (KJA) which have the potential for grouper nursery and rearing activities. One of the problems in the cultivation of cantang grouper is the presence of disease attacks caused by marine leeches Zeylanicobdella with a prevalence of up to 100% in grouper culture in floating net cages. This study aims to determine differences in species and intensity of marine leech Zeylanicobdella infestation in cantang grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus lanceolatus) from semi-intensive ponds in Brondong District, Lamongan and floating net cages (FNC) on Mandangin Island, Madura. The method used in this research is a survey and sampling is done by purposive sampling method. Cantang groupers measuring 15-20 cm from semi-intensive ponds and 20-25 cm from floating net cages each were taken as many as 35 individuals. Identification of Zeylanicobdella marine leeches using a binocular microscope and making sketches of ectoparasites with the help of a binocular microscope equipped with a lucida camera. Marine leech species found to infest the cantang grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus lanceolatus) is Zeylanicobdella arugamensis which was found on the body surface, fins, gills, and eyes. The results of statistical analysis using the Mann-Whitney U test showed that there was no significant difference (p>0,05) between species and intensity of Zeylanicobdella arugamensis in cantang grouper reared in semi-intensive ponds and floating net cages. The intensity of marine leeches Zeylanicobdella arugamensis in semi-intensive ponds was in the medium category (14,74 individuals/head) and in floating net cages was in the medium category (27,74 individuals/head). The highest intensity of infestation marine leeches Zeylanicobdella arugamensis in floating net cages of 27,74 individuals/head. There was no significant difference in the intensity of Zeylanicobdella arugamensis marine leech infestation in cantang grouper both from semi-intensive ponds and floating net cages (FNC) which were included in the medium category.
The Effect of Adding Different Amounts of Turmeric (Curcuma domestica) on The Consumer Acceptance Level of Milkfish (Chanos chanos) Amplang
Authors: Aulia Nabila , Andriyono Sapto , Saputra Eka
Published: February 2023

Turmeric as a natural dye contains curcuminoids which are beneficial for the body and have the potential to be applied in food stuffs such as in amplang. Milkfish amplang (Chanos chanos) is a snack made from typical Indonesian fish which is quite popular in society. This study used experimental laboratory research methods which aimed to determine the effect of adding the amount of turmeric (Curcuma domestica) on the level of consumer acceptance of the chemical and organoleptic characteristics of milkfish amplang. The design used was a completely randomized design (CRD) with one factor, namely the addition of turmeric to the production of milkfish amplang consisting of four treatments and three repetitions. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the treatments (p<0.05), the highest nutritional value was found in milkfish amplang with the addition of 0.5 g of turmeric with an average value of water content (2.64%), ash content (1.75%), protein content (10.54%), fat content (7.51%), and carbohydrate content (77.53%). Organoleptic test results showed that the best treatment was the addition of 0.5 g turmeric with average values for color (8.60), smell (8.40), taste (8.53), and texture (8.80).
Effect of Sugar Concentration on Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Kombucha Seaweed (Gracilaria verrucosa)
Authors: Gustishio Averio , Monica Sahidu Adriana , Saputra Eka
Published: February 2023

Seaweed has been identified to increase endurance, anti-cancer, prevent premature aging, maintain skin smoothness. The potential for developing kombucha tea is very large in Indonesia, because until now there is no industry that produces and sells kombucha tea widely. Kombucha is an herbal product in the form of a drink which is the result of a symbiosis of bacteria and yeast containing a number of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and organic acids. Kombucha tea is also beneficial for health, namely as an antioxidant, antibacterial, improving intestinal microflora, increasing body resistance and lowering blood pressure. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of sugar concentration on the physical and chemical characteristics of Gracilaria verrucosa seaweed kombucha tea. The study was carried out using a one factorial completely randomized design. The treatment of sugar concentration was 9%, 10%, 11% and 12%. The results showed that with the addition of the higher sugar concentration, the higher the viscosity and alcohol content, while the pH value and vitamin C content were inversely proportional to the added sugar concentration.The optimal treatment was found at a sugar concentration of 9% because it had viscosity and pH values that were not much different from P0 as comparison data, and had the highest vitamin C content and the lowest alcohol content.
The Effect of Different Steaming Temperatures on Albumin Levels of Scad Fish (Decapterus ruselli)
Authors: Fitrawan M. Dzaky , Shofy Mubarak Ahmad , Yuli pujiastuti Dwi
Published: February 2023

Albumin is a plasma protein that consists of a single polypeptide chain and is used to accelerate the recovery of split/damaged cell tissue. Albumin is produced from human blood in the form of human serum albumin (HSA) which is fulfilled through imports at a relatively expensive price. The alternative albumin is needed to get the cheaper albumin but has the same clinical aspects, such as albumin from the scad fish (Decapterus ruselli). The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of different steaming temperatures on the albumin levels of scad fish (Decapterus ruselli) and get the optimal steaming temperature used to obtain albumin levels from scad fish (Decapterus ruselli). This research was conducted by the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) method which consists of 4 different steaming temperature treatments with 5 replications. The parameters observed were albumin content, protein content, and yield. The parameters were tested using One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by the Duncan Multiple Range Test. The results of this study showed that the treatment of different steaming temperatures had a significant effect (p<0.05) on the albumin levels and percentage of protein content. The optimum steaming temperature to obtain the highest albumin content from scad fish species Decapterus ruselli is 35℃ with an albumin content of 0.1394 g/L.
 
Keywords: Scad fish, steaming, albumin, protein, yield
Enantioselective synthesis of 3-arylindole atropisomers via organocatalytic indolization of iminoquinones
Authors: Liu Yu-Wei , Chen Ye-Hui , Cheng Jun Kee , Xiang Shao-Hua , Tan Bin
Published: February 2023

The direct enantioselective construction of axially chiral 3-arylindole frameworks via nucleophilic addition of 2-substituted indoles to iminoquinones has been achieved with high efficiencies under mild chiral phosphoric acid (CPA) catalytic conditions. The utility of this method was demonstrated in successful scale-up syntheses without compromising the product yields and enantioselectivities. The oxidation of products yields axially chiral heteroaryl-p-quinone monoimine, which could be subjected to structural diversification via addition of nucleophiles.
Omnidimensional Convex Polytopes
Authors: Łukaszyk Szymon , Tomski Andrzej
Published: February 2023

The study shows that the volumes and surfaces of $n$-balls, $n$-simplices, and $n$-orthoplices are holomorphic functions of $n$, which makes those objects omnidimensional, that is well defined in any complex dimension. Applications of these formulas to the omnidimensional polytopes inscribed in and circumscribed about $n$-balls reveal previously unknown properties of these geometric objects. In particular, for $0 < n < 1$, the volumes of the omnidimensional polytopes are larger than those of circumscribing $n$-balls, and both their volumes and surfaces are smaller than those of inscribed $n$-balls. The surface of an $n$-simplex circumscribing unit diameter $n$-ball is spirally convergent to zero with real $n$ approaching negative infinity but first has a local maximum at $n=-3.5$. The surface of an $n$-orthoplex circumscribing unit diameter $n$-ball is spirally divergent with real $n$ approaching negative infinity but first has a local minimum at $n=-1.5$, where its real and imaginary parts are equal to each other; similarly, as its volume, where the similar local minimum occurs at $n=-3.5$. Reflection functions for volumes and surfaces of these polytopes inscribed in and circumscribed about $n$-balls are proposed. symmetries of products and quotients of volumes in complex dimensions $n$ and $-n$ and of surfaces in complex dimensions $n$ and $2-n$ are shown to be independent of the metric factor and the gamma function. Specific symmetries also hold between volumes and surfaces in dimensions $n = -1/2$ and $n = 1/2$.
Cryptic Persistence of Truncated Abdominal Legs in Insects Enabled Diverse Outgrowths with Novel Functions
Authors: Bruce Heather S. , Patel Nipam H.
Published: February 2023

An iconic feature of insects is the apparent lack of legs on the abdomen, which is believed to be due to the repression of the leg-patterning gene Distalless (Dll) by abdominal Hox genes. However, in contrast to these molecular observations, it is not widely appreciated that the embryos of most insect groups do in fact form paired protrusions on most abdominal segments that appear to be homologous to the thoracic legs. However, these degenerate before hatching to form the abdominal body wall. To resolve this discordance between molecular and morphological observations, the expression patterns of pannier and araucan, genes known to distinguish proximal leg segments in all arthropods, are examined in embryos of the flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. In Tribolium embryos, all pregenital abdominal segments develop leg-like paired protrusions, and the stripes of pannier and araucan expression that delineate the proximal leg segments of the thorax are also expressed in the same configuration around these abdominal protrusions. This suggests that insect abdominal legs are homologous to only the proximal portion of the thoracic legs, which in insect adults forms the body wall (lateral tergum and pleura). These cryptic, truncated abdominal legs – likely inherited from their crustacean ancestors – appear to be an important wellspring for new functions in insects, such as caterpillar prolegs, gills, and structures for camouflage16 and aposematic warning.
Traffic Flow with the Adaptive Cruise Control: The Comparison between Autonomous and Manual Driving
Authors: Acerra Ennia Mariapaola , Brasile Claudia , Lantieri Claudio , Vignali Valeria
Published: February 2023

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is useful in the most dangerous maneuvers such as braking and acceleration. This study assesses how ACC modifies traffic flows by analysing the differences be-tween manual and autonomous driving in connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs). Using a platoon of 80 vehicles, tested in pairs on the road, it was possible to define the speed trends during braking and acceleration and the reaction times to the driving maneuvers (PRT, TH, TCC) with a kinematic data detector. The interactions between the CAV and the driver, have been studied in-novatively, i.e through gaze analysis. Situations of potential danger, characterized by the braking of the vehicle that precedes the car with the driver equipped with the eye tracker tool, have been recreated, considering the influence of the driver’s ACC experience. Results statistically confirmed that with the ACC switched on the reaction times are greater than manual driving (2.4/3.8 sec); this can lead to a reduction in road safety, further motivated by the rapid decrease in speed. The interpolation between automated and human data, finally, has allowed the detection of some criticalities of the system that are fundamental in order to reach the second level of automation.
Owl Neck Spine inspired, Additively Manufactured, Joint Assemblies with Shape Memory Alloy Wire Actuators
Authors: Löffler Robin , Tremmel Stephan , Hornfeck Rüdiger
Published: February 2023

Nature provides plenty of good examples for simple and very efficient joint assemblies. One example is the enormously flexible cervical spine of American barn owls, which consists of 14 cervical vertebrae. Each pair of vertebrae produces a comparatively small individual movement in order to provide a large overall movement of the entire cervical spine. The biomimetic replication of such joints is difficult due to the delicate and geometric unrestricted joint shapes as well as the muscles that have to be mimicked. Using X-ray as well as micro computed tomography images and with the utilisation of additive manufacturing, it is possible to produce the owl neck vertebrae in scaled-up form, to analyse them and then to transfer them into technically usable joint assemblies. The muscle substitution of these joints is realised by smart materials actuators in the form of shape memory alloy wire actuators. This actuator technology is outstanding for its muscle-like movement and for its enormous energy density [1,2]. The disadvantage of this wire actuator technology is the low rate of contraction, which means that a large length of wire has to be installed to generate adequate movement. For this reason, the actuator wires are integrated into additively manufactured carrier components to mimic the biological joints. This results in joint designs that compensate for the disadvantages of the small contraction of the actuators by intelligently installing large wire lengths on comparatively small installation spaces, while also providing a sufficient force output. With the help of a test rig, the developed technical joint variants are examined and evaluated. This demonstrates the technical applicability of this bionic joints.
Efficiency in B2B Communications: The Benefits of VBA Macro Implementation for Repetitive Tasks
Authors: Torcãtoru Constantin , Sãvescu Dan
Published: February 2023

The best business relationships are built as relationships between people and organizations that work together to achieve common goals. In the current digital era, B2B collaboration relationships are essential for business success. The response time to customer requests can be a key factor in maintaining these relationships and obtaining a competitive advantage. The use of VBA automation for repetitive tasks can help speed up this process, but it is important that computer operators have medium knowledge about using VBA macros. This work deals with issues related to improving response times to requests received by email, using a macro program for repetitive tasks. The empirical study was conducted on an average of 50 daily emails for order confirmation, with an average writing time of 68 s per email, resulting in a potential reduction in working time for the operator of approximately 1 h/day, only for order confirmation. The results show a significant improvement in working time for computer operators, using VBA buttons for repetitive tasks.
Work-Related Stress and Well-Being of Teachers. An Exploratory Study Within Primary Schools in Italy
Authors: Arbia Giulia , Carbone Agostino , Stanzione Irene , Szpunar Giordana
Published: February 2023

This study analyses key aspects of the professional life of primary school teachers in a southern European context. In the social changes of last two decades profoundly impacted the well-being of teachers putting a strain on their ability to adapt to sometimes unfair working conditions. For this purpose twenty teachers (M = 38.85; DS = 9.17) were interviewed from different areas of Italy, data were analyzed using the Grounded Theory Method. Through data analysis were summa-rize and emphasize eight core themes. The results show the effects of a gradual impoverishment of the recognition of the role of teacher, highlighting the difficulty for teachers of renegotiating more flexible workload assessments and of reinforcing psycho-emotional skills for the development of a teaching methodology attentive to the psycho-emotional needs of pupils. Schools emerge as a rigid working context, in which a competent organizational function is often absent. Practical psychological implications are discussed.
Consumer buying behaviour in crisis times: Uncertainty and Panic buying mediation analysis
Authors: Mensah Kobby , Madichie Nnamdi , Mensah Gilbert
Published: February 2023

This study uses the social impact theory to analyse consumer behaviour amidst Covid-19. Fear of scarcity has changed consumer buying behaviour in crisis times such as the now abating global health crisis – i.e., Covid-19. The study asserts that the existing five-stage model of consumer purchasing decisions does not fit neatly in turbulent times. It proposes a shortened four-stage process of need recognition, purchase, ownership and satisfaction as a better and more adaptable fit. Cutting out information search and evaluation of alternatives in the old model, and replacing these with ownership, is where the main contribution of the study lies. The study has implications for managing the marketing mix as we know it. It asserts that not all the 4Ps of the marketing mix are important in crisis times.
Comprehensive Analysis of Calcium Sensor Families, CBL and CIPK, in Aeluropus littoralis and Its Expression Profile in Response to Salinity
Authors: Arab Mozhdeh , Najafi Zarrini Hamid , Nematzadeh Ghorbanali , Heidari Parviz , Hashemipetroudi Seyyed Hamidreza , Kuhlmann Markus
Published: February 2023

Plants have acquired sets of highly regulated and complex signaling pathways to respond to unfavorable environmental conditions during evolution. Calcium signaling, as a vital mechanism, enables plants to respond to external stimuli, including abiotic and biotic stresses, and coordinate the basic processes of the growth and development. In the present study, the calcium sensor families, including CBL and CIPK, were investigated in the halophyte plant, Aeluropus littoralis, with a comprehensive analysis. Here, six AlCBL genes, and twenty AlCIPK genes were presented. The analysis of the gene structure and conserved motifs, as well as physicochemical properties, showed that these genes are highly conserved during evolution. The expression levels of AlCBL genes and AlCIPK genes were evaluated under salt stress in leaf and root tissue. Based on the real-time RT-PCR results, AlCIPK gene family had a higher variation in mRNA abundance compared to the AlCBL gene family. The AlCIPKs were found to have a higher abundance in leaves than in roots. The results suggest that the interaction pattern of AlCBL genes with AlCIPK is tissue-specific, and different interactions can be expected in leaves and roots. Based on these patterns AlCIPK3.1 - AlCBL4.1 and AlCIPK1.2 - AlCBL4.4 can interact in root tissue, while the AlCBL10 has the potential to interact with the AlCIPK5, AlCIPK26 and AlCIPK12.3 in the leaf tissue. These findings provide valuable information on the structure and function of calcium sensor families in Aeluropus littoralis a halophyte plant, for future research on the biological function of CBLs and CIPKs on salt stress resistance.
Lucy-Richardson-Rosen Algorithm Assisted Classification of Blurred Images with Deep Learning Networks
Authors: Jayavel Amudhavel , Gopinath Shivasubramanian , A Praveen P , Arockiaraj Francis Gracy , Bleahu Andrei , Xavier Agnes Pristy Ignatius , Slobozhan Ivan , Han Molong , Smith Daniel , Ng Soon Hock , Katkus Tomas , John Francis Rajeswary Aravind Simon , Sharma Rajesh , Juodkazis Saulius , Anand Vijayakumar
Published: February 2023

Pattern recognition techniques form the heart of most, if not all, incoherent linear shift-invariant systems. When an object is recorded using a camera, the object information gets sampled by the point spread function (PSF) of the system, replacing every object point with the PSF in the sensor. The PSF is a sharp Kronecker Delta-like function when the numerical aperture (NA) is large with no aberrations. When the NA is small, and the system has aberrations, the PSF appears blurred. In the above case, if the PSF is known, then the object information can be obtained by scanning the PSF over the recorded object intensity pattern and looking for pattern matching conditions through a mathematical process called correlation. In this study, a recently developed deconvolution method, the Lucy-Richardson-Rosen algorithm (LR2A), has been implemented to computationally refocus images recorded in the presence of spatio-spectral aberrations. The performance of LR2A was compared against the Lucy-Richardson algorithm and non-linear reconstruction. LR2A exhibits a superior deconvolution capability even in extreme cases of spatio-spectral aberrations and blur. Experimental results of deblurring a picture captured using high-resolution smartphone cameras are presented. LR2A was implemented to significantly improve the performances of the widely used deep convolutional neural networks for image classification.
Preparation and Characterisation of Activated Carbon Derived From Acacia erioloba Seed Pods by Chemical Activation With Phosphoric Acid
Authors: Daniel Likius , Rahman Ateeq , Ndakola Hamushembe Mirjam , Kapolo Paulus , Jonnalagadda Sreekantha Babu
Published: February 2023

Due to its high specific surface area and rich porous structure, acacia-derived porous activated carbon is the most potentially effective material for wastewater treatment. This research study aimed to prepare activated carbon using Acacia erioloba seedpods as carbonaceous materials and phosphoric acid as an activating agent. The specific surface area of the prepared activated carbon sample was characterised by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller instrument. The specific surface area value was 387 m2/g. The activated carbon prepared was then sieved into three different particle sizes of 50, 100 and 200 micrometres and characterised using various analytical procedures, including proximate analysis to study moisture content, ash content, volatile matter content and fixed carbon content. The bulk density, SEM, power of hydrogen, iodine number and methylene blue number index were also investigated to determine the adsorption properties of the prepared activated carbon. Batch adsorption dynamics for the removal of organic compounds such as methylene blue and unsaturated character of fatty acid from aqueous solution were also carried out at room temperature to evaluate the prepared activated carbon's applicability in water treatment. The iodine number was 528, 638, and 554 mg/g for the 50, 100, and 200 μm activated carbon particles, respectively. From the results, the adsorption of methylene blue favoured the Freundlich adsorption model, showing higher correlation (R2) values than the Langmuir model. The results indicate that methylene blue particles were adsorbed on heterogeneous surfaces.
An Adaptive Layered Clustering Framework with Improved Genetic Algorithm for Solving Large-Scale Traveling Salesman Problems
Authors: Xu Hai-yang , Lan Heng-You
Published: February 2023

Traveling salesman problems (TSPs) are well-known combinatorial optimization problems, and most existing algorithms are challenging for solving TSPs when its scale is large. To improve the efficiency of solving large-scale TSPs, this work presents a novel adaptive layered clustering framework with improved genetic algorithm (ALC\_IGA). The primary idea behind ALC\_IGA is to break down a large-scale problem into a series of small-scale problems. First, the $k$-means and improved genetic algorithm are used to segment the large-scale TSPs layer by layer and generate the initial solution. Then, the developed two phases simplified $2$-opt algorithm is applied to further improve the quality of the initial solution. The analysis reveals that the computational complexity of the ALC\_IGA is between $O(n\log n)$ and $O(n^2)$. The results of numerical experiments on various TSP instances indicate that, in most situations, the ALC\_IGA surpasses the state-of-the-art algorithms in convergence speed, stability, and solution quality. Specifically, the ALC\_IGA can solve instances with $2 \times 10^5$ nodes within 0.15h, $1.4 \times 10^6$ nodes within 1h, and $2 \times 10^6$ nodes in three dimensions within 1.5h.
Optimization of the Extraction of Antioxidant Compounds from Roselle Hibiscus Calyxes (Hibiscus sabdariffa), as a Source of Nutraceutical Beverages
Authors: Villalobos-Vega María José , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Gerardo , Armijo-Montes Orlando , Jiménez-Bonilla Pablo , Álvarez-Valverde Víctor
Published: February 2023

Secondary metabolites from Hibiscus sabdariffa have been used to prevent different diseases. Roselle Hibiscus is known for being rich in phenolic bioactive compounds. The extraction conditions are directly related to the chemical composition and then to the overall bioactivity of the extract. In this study, a Box Behnken experimental design has been used to optimize the antioxidant activity, considering four variables: the ethanol:water ratio, the temperature, the extraction time, and the solvent:solid ratio. The experiment comprises 27 experiments and 3 repetitions at the central point. The results are described by surface response analysis and a second-degree polynomial equation. The model explains 87% of the variation in the response. The maximum antioxidant activity is yielded when 1% solids are extracted in 35.5% ethanol at 60°C for 33 min. Finally, a nutritional functional supplement of 495 µmol Trolox Equivalent (TE) antioxidant capacity was prepared with the optimized extract.
All-Cause Mortality According to COVID-19 Vaccination Status: an analysis of the UK Office for National Statistics Public Data
Authors: Donzelli Alberto , Malatesta Giovanni , Di Palmo Giovanni , Cosentino Marco , Alessandria Marco
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemics has had an unprecedented global impact, and the COVID-19 mass vaccination campaign has been commonly regarded as crucial to overcome the pandemics. Since all-cause mortality is the best way to measure the consequences of a health intervention, the present study was devised to analyze the all-cause mortality data of the United Kingdom (UK), which are made publicly available broken down by vaccination status. Data from January to May 2022 were retrospectively collected and analyzed according to age groups and vaccination status and the relative risk (RR) for all-cause mortality was calculated in comparison to the corresponding unvaccinated groups. All-cause mortality RR was also calculated from January to May 2021 for vaccinated people. Results show that the all-cause mortality RR was higher in people who received one or two doses of COVID-19 vaccines throughout the whole period and in any of the age groups considered. People vaccinated with three doses more than 21 days earlier had RRs lower than unvaccinated people, which however linearly increased over time. RR in vaccinated people of all ages in comparison to unvaccinated people were lower in January-May 2021, however they steadily grew over time. The finding that all-cause mortality RR in vaccinated in comparison to unvaccinated people increases over time requires careful examination to understand the underlying factors. Meanwhile, all the other major countries should undertake a systematic collection of all-causes mortality broken down by vaccination status, and mass vaccination campaigns should be suspended.
Heart Rate Estimation by Video-Based Reflec-tance Photoplethysmography
Authors: King Ozzy
Published: February 2023

Non-invasive heart rate (HR) monitoring is important in clinical settings as it plays a critical role in diagnosing a range of health conditions and assessing well-being. Presently, the gold standards for HR measurement are all based on sensors which require skin contact. Apart from inconvenience, contact sensors have proven problematic in certain scenarios – they cannot be used when mechanical isolation of the patient is imperative (burn victims, patients with shaky hands and feet), cause skin damage to premature babies in the ICU and increase the risk of spreading infections. Non-contact HR monitoring using a camera has been recently shown to be a viable alternative. It is now possible to record cardiac-synchronous blood volume variations from facial videos of human subjects under ambient lighting. These variations produce corresponding changes in skin reflectance which can be extracted as a raw reflectance photoplethysmography (rPPG) signal and processed to reveal HR. In this project, an algorithmic framework for webcam-based HR detection was successfully implemented in MATLAB. The investigation was based on 100 self-captured videos (dark-skinned subject) and 48 videos (from 12 subjects, all but one fair-skinned) obtained from COHFACE – an online database of facial videos and corresponding physiological signals. While the performance metrics (mean error, SNR) of the rPPG signals obtained from the self-captured videos were poor (best case mean error of 22%), they were good enough to demonstrate the success of the implementation. The poor results were primarily imputed to skin tone as rPPG SNR is known to be particularly low for dark tones. The results of the COHFACE videos were far superior, with mean error ranging from 3% to 15% (among 8 different rPPG signals) and 0% to 9% under ambient and dedicated lighting, respectively. This investigation sets the foundation for future research directed at optimizing rPPG performance metrics for dark-skinned subjects.
Research on Wavelet Transform Modulus Maxima and OTSU in Edge Detection
Authors: You Ning , Han Libo , Liu Yuming , Zhu Daming , Zuo Xiaoqing , Song Weiwei
Published: February 2023

In the course of routine bridge maintenance, edge detection allows the partial condition of the bridge to be viewed. However, many edge detection methods often have unsatisfactory performances when dealing with images with complex backgrounds. Moreover, the processing often involves the manual selection of thresholds, which can result in repeated testing and comparisons. To addresses these problems in this paper, the wavelet transform modulus maxima method is used to detect the target image, and then the threshold value of the image can be determined automatically according to the OTSU method to remove the pseudo-edges. Thus, the real image edges can be detected. The results show that the information entropy and SSIM of the detection results are the highest when compared with the commonly used Canny and Laplace algorithms, which means that the detection quality is optimal. To more fully illustrate the advantages of the algorithms, images with more complex backgrounds was detected, and the processing results of the algorithms in this paper are still optimal. In addition, the automatic selection of thresholds saves the operator's effort and improves the detection efficiency. Thanks to the combined use of the above two methods, detection quality and efficiency are significantly improved, which has a good application in engineering practice.
Multimodal Radiobioconjugates of Magnetic Nanoparticles Labeled with 44Sc and 47Sc for Theranostic Application
Authors: Unak Perihan , Yasakçı Volkan , Tutun Elif , Karatay K. Buşra , Walczak Rafał , Wawrowicz Kamil , Żelechowska-Matysiak Kinga , Majkowska-Pilip Agnieszka , Bilewicz Aleksander
Published: February 2023

This study was performed to synthesize multimodal radiopharmaceutical designed for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. To achieve this goal, Super Paramagnetic Iron Oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles were used as a platform for targeting molecule (PSMA-617) and for complexation of two scandium radionuclides, 44Sc for PET imaging and 47Sc for radionuclide therapy. TEM and XPS images showed that the Fe3O4 NPs have a uniform cubic shape and a diameter from 38 to 50 nm. The Fe3O4 core are surrounded by SiO2 and an organic layer. The saturation magnetization of the SPION core was 60 emu/g. However, coating the SPIONs with silica and polyglycerol reduces the magnetization significantly. The obtained bioconjugates were labeled with 44Sc and 47Sc, with a yield higher than 97%. The radiobioconjugate exhibited high affinity and cytotoxicity towards the human prostate cancer LNCaP (PSMA+) cell line, much higher than for PC-3 (PSMA-) cells. High cytotoxicity of the radiobioconjugate was confirmed by radiotoxicity studies on LNCaP 3D-spheroids. In addition, the magnetic properties of the radiobioconjugate should allow for its use in guide drug delivery driven by magnetic field gradient.