bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainability Education for Trainee Teachers: Landscape and Mirror Classes as Educational Tools
Authors: Martínez-Hernández Carlos , Robles-Moral Francisco Javier
Published: December 2023

Under the sustainability education paradigm, the landscape has a key role as an identity object of study in the interaction between nature and society. This research is motivated by a practical experience with trainee teachers on the systematized analysis of local degraded landscapes in Spain. This study is based on environmental, sustainability, and global citizenship literacies—the guarantors of sustainability education. A mirror class methodology was implemented with the objective of evaluating the effectiveness of sustainability learning and the influence of students’ personal factors. A quasi-experimental methodology was followed through a didactic and statistical analysis of student reports and a validated questionnaire. The findings reveal a 2.9/4 global didactic evaluation, one that is higher in didactic tasks and lower in comparative ones, and a statistically significant learning acquisition of +0.8. The results suggest that the study of local landscapes captures interest and mirror classes bring distant realities closer, thus achieving a successful eco-social education and didactic transfer.
Characterization of Quantum and Classical Critical Points for an Integrable Two-Qubit Spin–Boson Model
Authors: Grimaudo Roberto , Messina Antonino , Nakazato Hiromichi , Sergi Alessandro , Valenti Davide
Published: December 2023

The class of two-interacting-qubit spin–boson models with vanishing transverse fields on the spin-pair is studied. The model can be mapped exactly into two independent standard single-impurity spin–boson models where the role of the tunneling parameter is played by the spin–spin coupling. The dynamics of the magnetization are analyzed for different levels of (an)isotropy. The existence of a decoherence-free subspace, as well as of different classical regimes separated by a critical temperature, and symptoms of quantum (first-order and Kosterlitz–Thouless type) phase transitions in the Ohmic regime are brought to light.
Exploration of the Pathogenesis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Caused by Smoking—Based on Bioinformatics Analysis and In Vitro Experimental Evidence
Authors: Zhang Yingchi , Sheng Yuxin , Gao Yanrong , Lin Yujia , Cheng Bin , Li Hongmei , Zhang Ling , Xu Haiming
Published: December 2023

This study was aimed at investigating the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) caused by smoking—based on bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experimental evidence. The GEO, GEO2R, TargetScan, miRDB, miRWalk, DAVID, and STRING databases were used for bioinformatics analysis. The mRNA expression and the protein levels were determined by real-time PCR and ELISA. After taking the intersection of the diversified results of the databases, four differentially expressed miRNAs (hsa-miR-146a, hsa-miR-708, hsa-miR-150, and hsa-miR-454) were screened out. Subsequently, a total of 57 target genes of the selected miRNAs were obtained. The results of DAVID analysis showed that the selected miRNAs participated in COPD pathogenesis through long-term potentiation, the TGF-β signaling pathway, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, etc. The results of STRING prediction showed that TP53, EP300, and MAPK1 were the key nodes of the PPI network. The results of the confirmatory experiment showed that, compared with the control group, the mRNA expression of ZEB1, MAPK1, EP300, and SP1 were up-regulated, while the expression of MYB was down-regulated and the protein levels of ZEB1, MAPK1, and EP300 were increased. Taken together, miRNAs (hsa-miR-146a, hsa-miR-708, hsa-miR-150, and hsa-miR-454) and their regulated target genes and downstream protein molecules (ZEB1, EP300, and MAPK1) may be closely related to the pathological process of COPD.
Application of Machine Learning in Modeling the Relationship between Catchment Attributes and Instream Water Quality in Data-Scarce Regions
Authors: Kovačević Miljan , Jabbarian Amiri Bahman , Lozančić Silva , Hadzima-Nyarko Marijana , Radu Dorin , Nyarko Emmanuel Karlo
Published: December 2023

This research delves into the efficacy of machine learning models in predicting water quality parameters within a catchment area, focusing on unraveling the significance of individual input variables. In order to manage water quality, it is necessary to determine the relationship between the physical attributes of the catchment, such as geological permeability and hydrologic soil groups, and in-stream water quality parameters. Water quality data were acquired from the Iran Water Resource Management Company (WRMC) through monthly sampling. For statistical analysis, the study utilized 5-year means (1998–2002) of water quality data. A total of 88 final stations were included in the analysis. Using machine learning methods, the paper gives relations for 11 in-stream water quality parameters: Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, SO42−, Cl−, HCO3−, K+, pH, conductivity (EC), and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). To comprehensively evaluate model performance, the study employs diverse metrics, including Pearson’s Linear Correlation Coefficient (R) and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). Notably, the Random Forest (RF) model emerges as the standout model across various water parameters. Integrating research outcomes enables targeted strategies for fostering environmental sustainability, contributing to the broader goal of cultivating resilient water ecosystems. As a practical pathway toward achieving a delicate balance between human activities and environmental preservation, this research actively contributes to sustainable water ecosystems.
Probabilistic Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Mining Soils Based on Fractions: A Case Study in Southern Shaanxi, China
Authors: Han Lei , Fan Yamin , Chen Rui , Zhai Yunmeng , Liu Zhao , Zhao Yonghua , Li Risheng , Xia Longfei
Published: December 2023

With rapid economic development, soil heavy metal (HM) pollution has emerged as a global environmental concern. Because the toxicity of HMs differs dramatically among various fractions, risk assessments based on these fractions are of great significance for environmental management. This study employed a modified Hakanson index approach to evaluate the possible ecological impacts of soil HMs in a gold mine tailings pond in Shaanxi Province, China. A modified Hakanson–Monte Carlo model was built to perform a probabilistic risk assessment. The results showed that: (1) the exceedance rates of chromium (Cr) and zinc (Zn) were 68.75% and 93.75%, respectively. Moreover, the overall concentrations of nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), and lead (Pb) were higher than the background soil environmental values in China. (2) HMs with the lowest oxidizable fraction were mostly present in the residual fraction. The oxidizable portions of Cr, Cu, and Pb and the reducible and residual fractions of As were notably distinct. (3) The risk degrees of Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn were low; those of As and Pb were very high and moderate; and the comprehensive ecological hazard index was very high. This study offers a solid scientific foundation for ecological risk notification and environmental management.
Perturbations in Osteogenic Cell Fate Following Exposure to Constituents Present in Tobacco: A Combinatorial Study
Authors: Madrid Joseph V. , Vera-Colón Madeline K. M. , zur Nieden Nicole I.
Published: December 2023

Tobacco smoke contains between 7000 and 10,000 constituents, and only an evanescently low number of which have been identified, let alone been evaluated for their toxicity. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration has published a list of 93 chemical tobacco constituents that are harmful or potentially harmful to a number of cellular processes. However, their effect on developing skeletal cells is unknown. In this study, we used ToxPI, a computational tool, to prioritize constituents on this list for screening in osteogenically differentiating human embryonic stem cells and fibroblasts. In selected endpoint assays, we evaluated the potential of these chemicals to inhibit osteogenic differentiation success as well as their cytotoxicity. Six of these chemicals, which were ascribed an embryotoxic potential in our screen, as well as nicotine, which was not found to be osteotoxic in vitro, were then evaluated in combinatorial exposures, either in pairs of two or three. No one single chemical could be pinpointed as the culprit of reduced calcification in response to tobacco exposure. Combining chemicals at their half-maximal inhibitory concentration of differentiation often elicited expected decreases in calcification over the individual exposures; however, cytotoxicity was improved in many of the dual combinations. A reverse response was also noted, in which calcification output improved in combinatorial exposures. Results from ternary combinations reflected those from double combinations. Thus, the results from this study suggest that it may be difficult to isolate single chemicals as the primary drivers of skeletal embryotoxicity and that the full combination of chemicals in tobacco smoke may produce the hypomineralization phenotype that we have so far observed in vitro in human embryonic stem cells as well as in vivo in zebrafish.
360-Degree Virtual Reality Utilising Head-Mounted Devices in Undergraduate Nursing and Midwifery Education: A Scoping Review
Authors: Alammary Maram A. , Halliday Lesley , Konstantinidis Stathis Th.
Published: December 2023

Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) is a promising tool for improving the teaching and learning of nursing and midwifery students. However, the preexisting literature does not comprehensively examine scenario development, theoretical underpinnings, duration, and debriefing techniques. The aim of this review was to assess the available evidence of how 360-degree Virtual Reality (VR) utilising head-mounted devices has been used in undergraduate nursing and midwifery education programmes and to explore the potential pedagogical value based on Kirkpatrick’s evaluation model. This review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. A comprehensive electronic search was conducted across five databases. All studies published in English between 2007–2022 were included, regardless of design, if the focus was undergraduate nursing and midwifery programmes and utilised fully immersive 360-degree VR scenarios. Out of an initial pool of 1700 articles, 26 were selected for final inclusion. The findings indicated a limited diversity in scenario design, with only one study employing a participatory approach. Within the Kirkpatrick model, the most measurable outcomes were found at level 2. The main drawback observed in interventional studies was the absence of a theoretical framework and debriefing. The review concludes that the increased use of fully IVR in nursing education has improved student learning outcomes; however, published literature on midwifery education is scarce.
Practical features of the implementation of a risk-based approach in the occupational safety management system
Authors:   ANO CPE Education Center “StroyEnergoMontazhServis”, Bogdanov A.S.
Published: December 2023

The article considers the prerequisites for the creation and implementation of occupational safety management systems in organizations, assessment of occupational risk levels, identifies the reasons for changes in labor protection legislation in the period from 2014 to the present, and also considers the recommendations of the Ministry of Labor of the Russian Federation on risk management and minimizing their consequences, including practical examples of their application.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of cows of Holstein breed
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Ural State Agrarian University”, Russia, Yekaterinburg, Gorelik O. V. , Fedoseeva N. A. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Russian State University of National Economy named after V. I. Vernadsky”, Russia, Moscow region, Balashikha, Neverova O. P. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Ural State Agrarian University”, Russia, Yekaterinburg, Efimov I. A. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Russian State University of National Economy named after V. I. Vernadsky”, Russia, Moscow region, Balashikha, Kelin Yu. V. ,   OJSC “Agrofi rm Uralskaya”, Russia, Sverdlovsk region
Published: December 2023

According to the latest regulatory documents for conducting a breed inventory of breeding livestock for dairy cattle, all animals with Holstein blood of 75 % or higher are classified as Holstein breed. In the Sverdlovsk region, such animals consist of more than 75 % of the total dairy cattle population. The study of their effectiveness when used under the conditions of the Middle Urals is relevant and has both scientific and practical significance. The purpose of the work was to assess the efficiency of Holstein cows in the Middle Urals zone, taking into account the age dynamics in lactations. Productive longevity on average for the farm where the research was conducted was 2,45 lactations, i.e. the majority of animals did not survive to mature lactation. The highest milk yield indicators were for cows in their 3rd mature lactation. However, intensive rearing of replacement heifers, their early insemination and further intensive use to obtain high milk yields with increasing lactation duration leads to rapid wear and tear of the body. They culled out of the herd without reaching physiological maturity. As a result, there is a shortage of off spring, lifetime milk yield and a decrease in the efficiency of the industry. A low positive correlation was established between the duration of the period of open days and the frequency of insemination of cows in the fi rst 6 lactations, which ranged from 0,002 (2 lactation) to 0,12 (6 lactation). The highest milk production rate was in the 2nd lactation, and then it decreased. The optimal ratio of milk yield and live weight is a milk yield of 9800 kg of milk or more with a live weight of cows of 617 kg. The increase in milk yield with a simultaneous increase in live weight leads to a slight but decrease in this indicator.
Yield and fat content in oil flax seeds under the conditions of the Northern Trans-Urals
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Northern Trans-Ural State Agricultural University”, Russia, Tyumen, Pershakov A. Yu. , Belkina R. I. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Northern Trans-Ural State Agricultural University”, Russia, Tyumen, Suleimenova A. K. ,   Federal State Budgetary Scientifi c Institution “Federal Scientifi c Center” V. S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops “, Russia, Krasnodar, Kostomakhin N. M. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy”, Russia, Moscow
Published: December 2023

Oil flax is a valuable agricultural crop that is widely used in industry. Technical oil and cheap vegetable protein for livestock production are obtained from it, which makes it a valuable feed crop for the production of oilcake and presscake. The purpose of the work was to study collection samples of oil fl ax in the forest-steppe zone of the Northern Trans-Urals, to identify the best in terms of yield and fat content. It was revealed as a result of the research that some samples of oilseed fl ax from the world collection of All-Russian Institute of Plant Growing have high adaptability to the conditions of the forest-steppe zone of the Northern Trans-Urals. These samples are characterized by high yield, as well as a high amount of oil in the seeds. Thus, the use of these samples in breeding work will make it possible to create new varieties of oil fl ax that meet modern production requirements. As a result of the research, Russian varieties were identifi ed that were distinguished by high productivity such as Voronezhsky 1308/138, VIR 1650, Sibirsky 397, and August. Some varieties of imported selection such as Micael (France), Omega amd Prairie Blue (Canada), Chibik (Chibis, Ukraine) and BaYaNo 7 (China), their yield varied at the level of 210–247 g/m2. The highest fat content in seeds was in the following varieties: BaYaNo 12 and BaYaNo 7 (China) – 50,7 and 47,5 %, August (Russia) – 47,5 %, Bakhmalsky 1056 (Uzbekistan) – 47,6 %. The selected varieties are recommended for use in practical selection and production on the soils of the Northern Trans-Urals region.
Beef productivity of steers of different productivity
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Penza State Agrarian University”, Russia, Penza, Shishkina T. V. , Nikishova N. V. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Penza State Agrarian University”, Russia, Penza, Dmitrieva S. Yu. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Penza State Agrarian University”, Russia, Penza, Galiullin A. A. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Penza State Agrarian University”, Russia, Penza
Published: December 2023

The purpose of the work was to compare the indicators of beef productivity of steers of different breeds and different productivity. The results of assessing the growth intensity and slaughter traits of steers have been presented in the article. The object of the research was steers of Black-and-White (dairy productivity) and Simmental (dairy and beef productivity) breeds. When studying the fattening traits of steers, the dynamics of live weight, its absolute, average daily and relative gains were established. When assessing meat traits, the live weight after fattening and pre-slaughter weight, slaughter weight and slaughter yield were determined, and a tasting assessment of the meat and broth was carried out. When comparing the beef productivity indicators of steers of two breeds, it was found that the breed of animals had a signifi cant infl uence on live weight and its growth. At the end of the rearing period, animals of Simmental breed had the highest live weight 496,0 kg; for steers of Blackand- White breed the fi gure was significantly lower 449,5 kg. When slaughtering animals, carcasses with the high slaughter yield were obtained. The largest carcass weight and slaughter yield were in animals of Simmental breed: 275,7 kg and 58,8 % (p ≤ 0,01), respectively. The results of the tasting assessment showed that the meat of Simmental steers was superior in organoleptic qualities to the meat of steers of Black-and-White breed. Thus, in order to increase the volume of beef production and improve its quality with optimal technological indicators in the Penza region, it is recommended to breed steers of Blackand-White breed, and to obtain high-quality beef, to rear animals of Simmental breed.
Gambaran Perilaku Dalam Menyikat Gigi Terhadap Kejadian Abrasi Di Bagian Servikal Gigi Pada Lansia Di Posyandu Lansia Puskesmas Kejaksan
Authors: Fikayuliani Fikayuliani
Published: December 2023

Tooth abrasion is the mechanical erosion of teeth due to interaction with the instrument used. The significant horizontal use of the toothbrush also erodes tooth enamel. The general purpose of this study is to find out how the picture of brushing behavior at the posyandu for the elderly puskesmas Kejaksan. The specific objectives of this study are: (a) to determine brushing behavior in the elderly at the posyandu for the elderly at the Kejaksan Health Center. (b) to determine the incidence of tooth abrasion in the elderly at the posyandu for the elderly puskesmas Kejaksan. The data of this study was collected from 30 elderly people by means of interviews and direct examinations. This type of research is qualitative. The results of this study show that the behavioral picture in brushing teeth against the incidence of abrasion in the cervical part of the tooth in 2022 is: from 30 samples taken 22 people (73.3%) experienced abrasion events and did not have good enough knowledge about how to brush their teeth and as many as 8 people (26.7%) had good knowledge in brushing.
Identifying the factors influencing the occupational identity of people journeying from adolescent anorexia nervosa toward well-being
Authors:   , Sievwright Maree
Published: December 2023

Occupational Identity describes the way occupation (doing) interacts with a person’s identity, and includes the constructs of occupational identity disruption, discrepancy, and construction. It is not well understood within the field of eating disorders. This project was conducted with people recovered from Anorexia Nervosa in New Zealand and aimed to identify factors influencing the occupational identity of people as they journeyed from adolescent Anorexia Nervosa towards wellbeing. It also aimed to inform the practice of occupational therapists working in the field of eating disorders. A qualitative research project of Interpretive description design recruited 6 people of diverse gender, geographic and ethnic backgrounds who received treatment for Anorexia Nervosa as adolescents between the years of 2012 and 2019. They self-identified as at least 1 year recovered. Semi structured interviews explored their experiences of occupational identity throughout their journey of anorexia nervosa. Themes emerged from the research including finding authenticity, recognising the dark side of occupations and the need for adaptation, managing internal factors such as perfectionism, environmental factors such as where they live. Additionally those of stigma, gender and cultural factors that influence access to meaningful occupation and support during recovery. The study confirmed the centrality of occupation to people’s experience of identity during recovery from Anorexia Nervosa. A new model describing occupational identity transitions into and out of anorexia nervosa is described, providing an evidence base for occupational therapists' practice as they support the transition into wellbeing for those working to recover from this illness.
Traženje Boga u školi službe Gospodnje svetoga Benedikta
Authors: Milanović Jozo
Published: December 2023

Monaški život nema svoje posebne svrhe. Ne određuje ga rad na nekom posebnom polju djelovanja, nego molitva i dosljednije traženje Boga. Za sv. Benedikta, pisca poznatoga Pravila za monahe, povlašteno mjesto traženja Boga je bratska zajednica. Od onih koji žele tražiti Boga u monaškoj zajednici Benedikt u svom Pravilu zahtijeva trostruku revnost: revnost za Djelo Božje, kako on zove Časoslov, za poslušnost i za služenje. Iako sveti bogotražitelj Benedikt ističe da je Djelo Božje prvi pokazatelj istinskoga traženja Boga, on liturgijskom molitvom želi sve prožeti i povezati; ne samo ostale molitve, nego i poslušnost i služenje. Članak je napisan prvenstveno na temelju Benediktova Pravila, u koje je nadahnuti Svetac utkao vlastito iskustvo pustinjačkoga i zajedničkoga života, a zatim i radova istaknutijih poznavatelja benediktinskoga monaštva. U prvom dijelu članka predstavljena je monaška zajednica kao “škola službe Gospodnje” u kojoj Benediktovi početnici postaju Kristovi učenici, a u drugom dijelu izlaže se što znači stvarno traženje Boga i koje revnosti istinski bogotražitelji moraju usvojiti. Na sažet način tumači se traženje Boga u molitvi i poslušno vršenje njegove volje u raznim službama zajedničkoga života.
Iconografia claustrale e spazi liturgici
Authors: Stroppa Francesca
Published: December 2023

Gli ambienti della vita claustrale sono stati adattati nel corso dei secoli alle esigenze primarie della vita comunitaria, ai suoi ritmi e alle sue funzioni. Lo stesso vale per gli ambienti liturgici, modellati in base alle esigenze del culto e della preghiera comune dei singoli monaci; immagini, altari e arredi non solo abbellivano artisticamente gli spazi di culto, ma erano soprattutto funzionali all'incontro dei monaci con Dio. Tuttavia, alcuni elementi e devozioni, come l'atrio, il coro, le cappelle, o il culto della croce e della memoria dei defunti, assunsero un valore simbolico e un'importanza rituale tali da modificare la percezione e l'articolazione degli spazi stessi. Seguire questo sviluppo, come il caso di Santa Maria di Zara, aiuta a comprendere l'architettura monastica al servizio dell'Opus Dei nell' Europa cristiana, anche dopo il Medioevo.
Benediktinsko monaštvo i sakralna arhitektura u Ninu i Biogradu tijekom srednjega vijeka
Authors: Jordan Knežević Ana
Published: December 2023

U radu se donose nova istraživanja o benediktinskim sakralnim kompleksima u Ninu i Biogradu. Autorica se dotiče ranokršćanske bazilike Sv. Marije te analizira ostatke sakralne arhitekture na položaju Mijovilovac gdje se tijekom predromanike podiže crkva Sv. Mihovila s pripadajućim muškim benediktinskim samostanom. Autorica zaključke temelji na vlastitim istraživanjima, ali i na proučavanju neobjavljenih rukopisa iz arhiva don Luke Jelića u Arheološkom muzeju u Splitu te iz arhiva Ejnara Dyggvea u Konzervatorskom odjelu, također u Splitu. Na osnovi spomenute arhivske građe autorica donosi i zaključke o benediktinskim samostanima i bazilikama u Biogradu. Naime, sačuvani tlocrti i dokumentacija s istraživanja koje je vodio dr. don Luka Jelić u Biogradu tijekom razdoblja od 1902. do 1905. ukazuju na posve drugačiji položaj važnih biogradskih spomenika, što bi značilo da su oni dugi niz godina bili krivo ubicirani.
Investigation of the level of agreement between bone mineral density and trabecular bone score regarding gender, age and body mass index
Authors: Rajaei Alireza , Kamkar Ideh , Farsad Faraneh
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Increasing and maintaining bone density can play a role in preventing osteoporosis, as changes in the trabecular bone score (TBS) and bone mineral density (BMD) affect bone density, especially in the spine. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the level of agreement between TBS and BMD in patients with osteoporosis and also to investigate the relationship between these two indices with body mass index (BMI). Patients and Methods: Data were collected from 843 patients, referred to the densitometry department of Resalat hospital. BMD and TBS were measured in the subjects to determine the risk of osteoporosis. The results of BMD were measured based on T-score level. The patients’ individual and clinical characteristics were also recorded and factors influencing the prognosis of density changes were evaluated. Moreover, the effect of BMI was investigated in this study. Results: The mean age of patients was 55.5 years. The kappa coefficient and Spearman’s correlation coefficient of BMD and TBS were 0.004 and -0.015, respectively. There was a significant correlation between BMI and BMD in men. The kappa coefficient gradually increased from normal bone density to osteoporosis. There was a significant negative correlation between BMI and BMD, while a significant positive correlation between height and BMD in women was existed. On the other hand, a significant negative correlation between weight and BMD was detected accordingly. Conclusion: According to the results of our study, there is no agreement between BMD and TBS.
Propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Ciberbullying para agresores durante la educación virtual
Authors: Reátegui-Ramírez Rossana , Cabrera-Camacho Ruth , Palomino-Ccasa Joel
Published: December 2023

The psychometric properties of the Cyberbullying Scale for aggressors in Peruvian adolescents were analyzed. This research has a non-experimental, quantitative, cross-sectional approach and instrumental design, in which 1019 adolescents of both sexes, students of public educational institutions of Secondary Level, aged between 12 to 17 years old (M=14; SD=1.56) participated. Results of the confirmatory factor analysis were χ2 = 103.725, p = 0.000, CFI = 0.965, TLI = 0.951 and RMSEA = 0.064. Likewise, convergent validity is reported, showing a moderate correlation between cyberbullying and cyberaggression (r= 0.548; p= 0.00) and an Omega Coefficient = 0.94. In conclusion, the scale consists of 8 items that measure cyberbullying caused by aggressors in an educational environment, whether face-to-face or virtual.
DEPOSITION PERFORMANCE OF HYDRODYNAMIC ULTRASONIC ATOMISING NOZZLES WITH DIFFERENT SPRAY PARAMETERS
Authors: SONG Zengqiang , GONG Jinliang , ZHANG Yanfei
Published: December 2023

In order to study the spraying effect of hydrodynamic ultrasonic atomizing nozzle under different spraying methods, and to investigate the practical application effect of hydrodynamic ultrasonic atomizing nozzle in agriculture, the atomization angle test and droplet size test under different spraying conditions were designed. Different spraying conditions atomization angle test and droplet size test were designed, the test results data were recorded, the pattern of change of the data was observed, and the data were fit to give the data changes in line with the functional equation; different spraying conditions and different corn leaf position droplet deposition coverage test were designed and the value of the deposition coverage of each position was recorded. The results showed that: the maximum value of the variation of atomization angle under different spraying conditions was 75.49°, and the minimum value was 14.49°; the maximum value of the variation of droplet size was 18.23 μm, and the minimum value was 4.78 μm; and the droplet deposition coverage was the highest in the mid-leaf position of the upper and lower leaves of the maize when the input air pressure was 0.3 MPa, which was 86.98% and 46.97%, respectively. Fitting the atomization angle data and droplet size data, the R2 of the binomial fit was 0.85 and 0.94, respectively, and the Adjusted R2 was 0.87 and 0.88, respectively, which made the fitting function meaningful and the fitting accuracy high. The hydrodynamic ultrasonic atomizing nozzle has a great advantage in generating small droplet sizes and performs well in deposition effect, and the experimental results can provide a reference for the research of hydrodynamic nozzles in the application technology.
Improving Connectivity in6G Maritime Communication Networks with UAV Swarms
Authors: Nomikos Nikolaos , Giannopoulos Anastasios , Kalafatelis Alexandros , Ozduran Volkan , Trakadas Panagiotis , Karagiannidis George K.
Published: December 2023

In this study, we focus on an MCN where the direct links towards a shore BS are not available, due to excessive fading conditions. For this case, we use a UAV swarm to provide improved wireless connectivity, adopting non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) for high resource efficiency. In downlink communication, UAVs take into consideration the desired service rate and the channel quality of their links towards the maritime nodes. In the uplink, UAVs employ dynamic decoding ordering to enhance the performance of successive interference cancellation, avoiding fixed ordering of the maritime nodes’ signals. Moreover, to ensure highly flexible UAV selection, UAVs have buffers to store data. Performance comparisons show that the UAV swarm-aided MCN enjoys increased average sum-rate by relying on multi-criteria-based interference cancellation and buffer-aided UAVs, over other benchmark schemes in the downlink and uplink.
Factores predictores del consumo de drogas en estudiantes de secundaria
Authors: López Sauceda María del Rosario , Norzagaray Benítez Claudia Cecilia , Arreola Romero Fara Gisela , Corral Frías Nadia Sarai
Published: December 2023

La adolescencia es una etapa del desarrollo humano que se caracteriza por cambios importantes, los cuales incrementan la probabilidad de experimentación con drogas psicoactivas. Debido al alto aumento del consumo de sustancias en población adolescente mexicana, el propósito del presente estudio fue analizar factores personales, familiares y contextuales relacionados con el consumo de drogas. Para ello, se llevó a cabo un estudio cuantitativo transversal/causal en 1107 estudiantes de secundarias del noroeste de México. Los resultados mostraron que la droga de mayor consumo fue el alcohol y hubo diferencias en los reportes de consumo entre hombres y mujeres. Se encontraron discrepancias en los factores personales, familiares y contextuales entre quienes reportaron consumir y no consumir drogas; no sentir confianza al rechazar un ofrecimiento de sustancias y la percepción de tener amigos y compañeros que usan drogas son las principales variables predictoras del consumo. Se concluye que los resultados permiten favorecer la implementación de intervenciones con bases científicas para prevenir conductas de riesgo en adolescentes y promover estilos de vida saludables.
Role of endoscopic ultrasound in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding management
Authors: Lesmana Cosmas Rinaldi Adithya
Published: December 2023

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) is one of the challenging situations in clinical practice. Despite that gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer are still the main causes of acute NVUGIB, there are other causes of bleeding which might not always be detected through the standard endoscopic evaluation. Standard endoscopic management of UGIB consists of injection, thermal coagulation, hemoclips, and combination therapy. However, these methods are not always successful for rebleeding prevention. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has been used recently for portal hypertension management, especially in managing acute variceal bleeding. EUS has been considered a better tool to visualize the bleeding vessel in gastroesophageal variceal bleeding. There have been studies looking at the role of EUS for managing NVUGIB; however, most of them are case reports. Therefore, it is important to review back to see the evolution and innovation of endoscopic treatment for NVUGIB and the role of EUS for possibility to replace the standard endoscopic haemostasis management in daily practice.
A bottom-up visioning process of "Gjirokastra 2030"
Authors: Aliaj Besnik
Published: December 2023

The City and the Municipality of Gjirokastra have historically been the most important center of socio-economic-administrative gravity for the whole region in particular, and for the Southern part of Albania in general. Gjirokastra Region has given a multi-dimensional contribution to the country, which is highly appreciated by all at the national level. But at this moment the city suffers from serious demographic depletion, and mass migration of the population (particularly the young generation) towrad Tirana the Capital, or emigration abroad, especially to the bordering Greece. However, Gjirokastra is a municipality with great potentials too, particularly for the fact that its historic center is recognized by UNESCO as part of the global heritage. The municipality has a regional university, a regional hospital and many other regional services. The administrative reform of the territory in 2015, although it did not have the expected effects, it served for the overall consolidation of the territory and its population (Fig.1). As result of this reform, the newly established Municipality faces a 50% increase in population and a 15 times higher increase in its surface area, while it integrates 7 previous smaller administrative units (communes and old municipalities) into a new single unit.
Demographic profile of Gjirokastra region
Authors: Rembeci Godiva
Published: December 2023

Nowadays, demographic change is one of the key challenges for local development, without forgetting, climate change, development of the green economy, inclusiveness and poverty. Strategic solutions cannot be based on addressing one of these factors alone but must take into account the interplay of these elements within a particular local area of development, urban or rural. (Cristina Martinez&al,2012). According to the latest administrative-territorial reform of local government, the number of municipalities in Albania, has been reduced from 370 to 61 municipalities, while the number of regions still remained unchanged at 12. The reform does not imply changes in the number of population at the region level, but has brought drastic changes at the municipality level. While the population at the national and regional level has been declined, the population in the new administrative units has been “increased” almost doubled, due to the merger of the former municipalities with rural areas, “bringing” in the same-time multiplication of problems related to the need of implementing efficient management of natural and human resources of new administrative units. More specifically in January 1,2021, the Albanian resident population has reached about 2.82 million inhabitants or a decrease compared to last year for about 0,6% and compared to year 2001 for about 8.3%. The only exception during this period is the year 2017 in which a positive population growth rate was recorded for about 0.03%. The highest annual rate decline of the national population for the same
period, was recorded in 2020, estimated for about -0,58 %. The greatest positive contribution to the annual growth rate of national population is "offered" by Tirana and Durrës municipalities, meanwhile the rest of municipalities have contributed negatively to the annual growth rate of population.
Punctuating Gjirokastra’s Modernism
Authors: Luarasi Skender
Published: December 2023

In one of the most poetic passages of Ismail Kadare’s Chronicle in Stone, the youngster - the main character of the novel – sends a handful of sky to the water cistern of the house through a mirror, only to receive a pale, fleeting reflection. Or he would send a sound - ‘AUU’, only to receive a muffled echo (and sometimes nothing, when the cistern was full of water…). The interaction with the cistern is a metonymic figure, which stands for the way the youngster communicates with his home, his homely environment, his very own town which he knows very well; that sloped town which looked like “prehistoric creature stuck to the face the mountain;” a town, where, if a drunkard “were to fall on the side street, he would fall on the roof of tall house, instead of a ditch,”1 The youngster’s communication with his home takes place in a familiar way, through gestures, looks, and feelings, rather than with words, not unlike those signals exchanged with the dark cistern. His home in an expanded sense – the old city, the castle with its labyrinthian tunnels (real or imagined), the houses with stone ‘scales’, the steep streets, the supercilious neighbors, the old women that never slept…, drinking coffee and looking at other people’s houses with
binoculars – often feel rather strange and opaque, not unlike the dark void of the cistern beneath the house.
Diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin for bacteremia in the emergency department: a systematic review
Authors: Julián-Jiménez Agustín , Eduardo García Darío , Merinos-Sánchez Graciela , García de Guadiana-Romualdo Luis , González del Castillo Juan
Published: December 2023

Introduction. Obtaining blood cultures (HC) is performed in 15% of the patients treated with suspicion of infection in the Hospital Emergency Services (ED) with a variable diagnostic yield (2-20%). The 30-day mortality of patients with bacteremia is two or three times higher than the rest with the same process. Procalcitonin (PCT) is a biomarker that has been used as a tool to help predict bacteremia in HEDs. The main objective of this systematic review is to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of PCT in predicting true bacteraemia in adult patients treated with clinical suspicion of infection in the ED, as well as to identify a specific PCT value as the most relevant from the clinical decision diagnostic point of view that can be recommended for decision making Method. A systematic review was performed following the PRISMA guidelines in the PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Lilacs, Cochrane, Epistemonikos, Tripdatabase and ClinicalTrials.gov databases from January 2010 to May 31, 2023 without language restrictions and using a combination of MESH terms: “Bacteremia/ Bacteraemia/ Blood Stream Infection”, “Procalcitonin”, “Emergencies/ Emergency/ Emergency Department” and “Adults”. Observational cohort studies and partially an systematic review were included. No meta-analysis techniques were performed, but the results were compared narratively. Results. A total of 1,372 articles were identified, of which 20 that met the inclusion criteria were finally analyzed. The included studies represent a total of 18,120 processed HC with 2,877 bacteraemias (15.88%). Ten studies were rated as high, 9 moderate and 1 low quality. The AUC-COR of all the studies ranges from 0.68 (95% CI: 0.59-0.77) to 0.98 (95% CI: 0.97-0.99). The PCT value >0.5 ng/ml is the most widely used and proposed in up to ten of the works included in this systematic review, whose estimated mean yield is an AUC-COR of 0.833. If only the results of the 6 high-quality studies using a cut-off point (PC) >0.5 ng/mL PCT are taken into account, the estimated mean AUC-COR result is 0.89 with Se of 77.6% and It is 78%. Conclusions. PCT has a considerable diagnostic accuracy of bacteraemia in patients treated in EDs for different infectious processes. The CP>0.5 ng/ml has been positioned as the most suitable for predicting the existence of bacteraemia and can be used to reasonably rule it out.
N-Boc-α-diazo glutarimide as efficient reagent for assembling N-heterocycle-glutarimide diads via Rh(II)-catalyzed N–H insertion reaction
Authors: Kantin Grigory , Golubev Pavel , Sapegin Alexander , Bunev Alexander , Dar’in Dmitry
Published: December 2023

A technique has been proposed for incorporating a heterocyclic component into a glutarimide framework employing a Rh2(esp)2-catalyzed N–H insertion with the involvement of N-Boc-α-diazo glutarimide. The new diazo reagent is more stable, soluble and convenient to prepare than the previously suggested one. The approach permits the application of diverse heterocycles, including both aromatic and saturated NH-substrates. This yields structures that are appealing for generating cereblon ubiquitin-ligase ligands and for potential use in crafting PROTAC molecules.
A Study on Oscillatory Micropolar Flow Beyond a Contaminated Micropolar Fluid Sphere
Authors: Phani Kumar Meduri  , Vijaya Lakshmi Kunche
Published: December 2023

In this paper, the hypothesis of the axisymmetric rectilinear oscillatory flow beyond a micropolar tainted fluid sphere particle in an incompressible non-Newtonian fluid and also the axisymmetric rectilinear oscillatory flow over a viscous tainted fluid sphere particle in an incompressible Newtonian fluid with small amplitude oscillations have been investigated. The velocity field is exhibited in terms of stream functions, and a slip condition is considered on the boundary. The fluid velocities and microrotation components were derived through analytical procedure. The drag force acting on the particle was also computed and verified for special cases. The real drag and imaginary drag values are numerically extracted for varying slip parameter i.e., 2≤s≤30, micro polarity i.e., 8≤e≤32 , and viscosity ratio i.e., 5≤μ≤20 at a fixed parameter values k=0.1,ρ=0.6,ω=0.6,t=0.6. Graphs and tables are used to display the numerical results. It was observed that there was an inverse proportion between slip parameter values, real drag and direct proportion between slip parameter and imaginary drag, for different viscosity ratio and micro polarity values.
A REVIEW ARTICLE ON WASTE MANAGEMENT IN EAST AFRICA COMMUNITIES USING CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Authors: AGBEBUNMI Oluwapelumi , VASAREVIČIUS Saulius
Published: December 2023

Solid garbage-organic, paper, plastic, and glass-makes up most East African waste. Only a small part of the East African Community’s solid waste is managed and composted. The rest are dumped in an unsanitary landfill, an open land, or in inappropriate places. Proper waste management helps boost the economy and prevent the environment from being harmed. In Africa, poor waste management methods affect trash disposal, causing environmental and health issues (contamination of groundwater pore spaces). This study shows how circular economy can help manage waste in East Africa and its region. Almost all waste in developed and highly developed countries are well sorted, collected and managed. An integrated waste management method (Circular economy) should be established in EAC to help reduce waste, prevent the harmful impacts of improper trash collection on the environment and human health, and recover valuable products for recycling and reuse. The circular economy can reduce, recycle, and reuse waste in East Africa, providing job opportunities and keeping the communities clear of excessive waste.
NAMINIŲ GYVŪNŲ KAILIO PRIEŽIŪROS ATLIEKŲ SUSIDARANČIO KIEKIO ANALIZĖ BIRŽŲ RAJONE
Authors: BALBIERYTĖ Rugilė , PLIOPAITĖ BATAITIENĖ Ingrida
Published: December 2023

Straipsnyje analizuojami naminių gyvūnų kailio priežiūros atliekų susidarantys kiekiai, jų esamas tvarkymas ir tvaraus (alternatyvaus) tvarkymo galimybės. Naminių gyvūnų kailio priežiūros atliekos, jų tvarkymas – tai sritis, kuri mažai išnaudojama. Gyvūnų augintinių registro duomenimis, Biržų rajone 2023 m. sausio 1 d. registruoti 2305 šunys, remiantis Lietuvos kinologų draugijos pateiktais duomenimis ir atliktos apklausos rezultatų analize, šiame rajone susidaro apie 1500 kg vilnos per metus. Apklausos metu išsiaiškinta, jog didžioji dalis šunų savininkų ir kailio priežiūros specialistų susidariusią vilną išmeta kartu su buitinėmis atliekomis. Šios atliekos yra biodegraduojančios, todėl turėtų būti tvarkomos biodegraduojančių atliekų tvarkymo būdais. Iššukuota ilgaplaukių šunų vilna gali būti naudojama kaip žaliava įvairiems tekstilės gaminiams, tačiau šiuo metu dažniausiai naminių gyvūnų kailio priežiūros atliekos yra tiesiog išmetamos kartu su buitinėmis atliekomis.
TRIVAMZDĖS VRF SISTEMOS SU ATLIEKINE ENERGIJA IR BE JOS ATGAVIMO EFEKTYVUMO TYRIMAS PEREINAMUOJU METŲ LAIKU
Authors: BANUŠKEVIČIUS Artūras , STRECKIENĖ Giedrė
Published: December 2023

Pastatų sektorius tapo didžiausiu pirminės energijos vartotoju pasaulyje. Tai sukuria didžiulį iškastinio kuro suvartojimo mastą ir didelį poveikį aplinkai. Yra pripažinta, kad labai svarbu gerinti pastatų šildymo, vėdinimo ir oro kondicionavimo (ŠVOK) sistemų, kurios sunaudoja beveik pusę visos komercinių pastatų energijos, efektyvumą. Taip pat manoma, kad visame pasaulyje labai padaugės ŠVOK įrenginių, didėjant pastatų mikroklimato ir vidaus komforto poreikiams. Kintamojo šaldymo agento srauto (angl. variable refrigerant flow, VRF) sistema, kaip viena iš besiformuojančių ŠVOK technologijų, dešimtmečius buvo ir vis dar yra plačiai naudojama Azijoje, Europoje ir užima sparčiai augančią rinkos dalį Šiaurės Amerikoje. Straipsnyje analizuojama daugianarė oro kondicionavimo sistema, galinti savarankiškai keisti šaldymo agento srautą, priklausomai nuo vėsinimo ar šildymo apkrovos. Nagrinėjama sistemos konfigūracija su šilumos atgavimo funkcija (VRF-HR), kai galima atgauti šilumą iš vidinių įrenginių vėsinamose zonose ir perduoti ją šildomoms patalpoms, taip vienu metu atliekant šildymo ir vėsinimo funkcijas. Kadangi tokia sistema gali panaudoti atliekinę šilumą, mažėja VRF-HR sistemos lauko įrenginio reikalinga galia, palyginti su įprastomis šilumos siurblių sistemomis. Darbe tiriama trivamzdė kintamojo šaldymo agento srauto (VRF) sistema, ruošianti karštą vandenį, pereinamuoju metų laiku, analizuojamas šios sistemos efektyvumas vienu metu ruošiant karštą vandenį, o atliekinę energiją naudojant patalpoms vėsinti. Gauti duomenys lyginami su tradicine VRF sistema atskirai ruošiant karštą vandenį ir vėsinant. Rezultatai parodė, kad kintamojo šaldymo agento sistema su šilumos atgavimo konfigūracija gali būti apie 38 % efektyvesnė ruošiant karštą vandenį, palyginti su tradicinėmis sistemomis be šilumos atgavimo, o vertinant vidaus garintuvų pernešamą vėsos kiekį, gali siekti net iki 80 %. Taip pat sistema su šilumos atgavimo funkcija gali atidėti lauko bloko garintuvo užšalimą, todėl atitirpinimo ciklai gali vykti rečiau, o tai ne tik padidina sistemos efektyvumą, bet ir geriau užtikrina šilumos ar vėsos poreikius bei ilgina sistemos komponentų naudojimo laiką.