bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinerja Birokrasi Pemerintah Dalam Penyaluran Bantuan Sosial di Masa Pandemi Covid-19 di Kecamatan Wonosari Kabupaten Boalemo
Authors: Ali Ismail , Sakir Mochammad , Bau Hasan , Purwanto Purwanto
Published: May 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengambarkan dan menganalisis bagaimana kinerja birokrasi pemerintahan dalam penyaluran bantuan sosial di masa pandemi coid-19 di Kecamatan Wonosari. Desain penelitian yang digunakan untuk penelitian ini adalah kualitatif deskriptif. Teknik penentuan informan menggunakan purposive sampling pengambilan sampel sumber dengan pertimbangan tertentu, yakni warga masyarakat penerima bantuan sosial aparatur dan pimpinan. Adapun metode analisis data yaitu reduksi data,penyajian data, kesimpulan dan verifikasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kinerja birokrasi pemerintahan dalam penyaluran bantuan sosial di masa pandemi covid-19 terbilang berhasil dalam beberapa indikator diantaranya produktivitas dan responsivitas, namun mengenai ketepatan waktu para petugas dalam penyaluran bantuan sosial di masa pandemi covid-19 masih diperlukan evaluasi yang mendalam dalam pengembangannya, begitu juga dengan ketidak tahuan masyarakat mengenai laporan kinerja yang dibuat semua masyarakat yang peneliti wawancarai tidak mengetahui keberadaan laporan tersebut

This study aimed to describe and analyze the performance of the government bureaucracy in the social assistance distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Wonosari subdistrict. The research design used in this study was descriptive- qualitative. The technique of informant determination employed purposive sampling by taking samples of sources with special considerations, namely community members receiving social assistance from the apparatus and leaders. Data analysis methods covered data reduction, data display, conclusion, and verification. The results showed that the performance of the government bureaucracy in the social assistance distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic was quite successful on several indicators, including productivity and responsiveness. However, the timeliness of apparatus in the social assistance distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic still required an in-depth evaluation of its development. The performance reports made by all the communities interviewed were found to be not aware of the existence of those reports (communityignorance).
Implementasi Program Bantuan Rumah Hunian Bagi Masyarakat Miskin Di Provinsi Gorontalo
Authors: Ngabito Neneng , Razak Darmawaty Abd , Raf Balada
Published: May 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagamana Implentasi Program Bantuan Rumah Hhunian Bagi Masyarakat Miskin Di Provinsi Gorontalo. Penelitian ini menggunakan jenis penelitian kualitatif dengan analisis data interaktif menurut Miles and Huberman. Hasil penelitian adalah Implementasi Program Bantuan Rumah Layak Huni Untuk Masyarakat Kurang Mampu Di Provinsi Gorontalo yang  tersebar di 2 (dua) kabupaten dan 1 (satu) kota sudah berjalan dengan optimal, jika dilihat dari penyampaian sosialisasi yaitu pemberian informasi, semua informasi dapat di terima dan difahami oleh pihak penerima bantuan. Baik itu dalam hal pelaksanaan teknis maupun dalan hal anggaran Sehingga dalam pelaksanaan di lapangan tidak terdapat kendala-kendala.  Komunikasi antara pedamping dan pihak penerima bantuan juga terjalin dengan baik. Dalam pelaksanaan pembangunan hampir tidak ada hambatan karena melihat dari sumber daya manusia para pendamping sangat memiliki keahlian dan kemampuan dalam pembangunan rumah layak huni. pelaksanaan pembangunan rumah yang tepat sasaran yaitu kepada masyarakat kurang mampu, fasilitas dalam pembangunan rumah layak huni yang memadai, dan besarnya anggaran dalam pembangunan rumah layak huni serta Dimensi Struktur Birokrasi yang baik terkait  SOP dalam pembangunan tersebut menjadikan program ini berhasil dijalankan dengan baik.
This study aims to find out how the Residential Housing Assistance Program for the Poor in Gorontalo Province is Implemented. This study uses a type of qualitative research with interactive data analysis according to Miles and Huberman. The result of the research is that the implementation of the Livable Housing Assistance Program for Poor Communities in Gorontalo Province which is spread over 2 (two) districts and 1 (one) city has been running optimally, when viewed from the delivery of socialization, namely the provision of information, all information can be received and understood by the beneficiary. Both in terms of technical implementation and in terms of budget so that there are no obstacles in the field implementation. Communication between the mentor and the beneficiary is also well established. In carrying out the development there were almost no obstacles because from a human resource standpoint the assistants had the expertise and ability to build livable houses. implementing the construction of houses that are right on target, namely for the underprivileged, adequate facilities in the construction of livable houses, and the size of the budget for the construction of livable houses as well as good Bureaucratic Structure Dimensions related to SOPs in this development have made this program run successfully
INVENTORY MANAGEMENT WITH STOCHASTIC DEMAND: CASE STUDY OF A MEDICAL EQUIPMENT COMPANY
Authors: Ternero Rodrigo , Sepulveda-Rojas Juan Pedro , Alfaro Miguel , Fuertes Guillermo , Vargas Manuel
Published: May 2023

This research proposes an inventory management system based on a periodic review model for a medical equipment company. The work aims to reduce inventory volume and out-of-stock and to improve service levels. The proposed methodology is a combined ABC/XYZ classification using the patterns and magnitude of demand under the constraints of spare parts cost. For the ABC/XYZ classification, we propose a model to forecast demand; and we evaluate eight forecasting methods to adjust the classification characteristics. The results obtained allow the reduction of arrears, an increased service level, and a decrease in average inventory.
THREE-STEP SEQUENTIAL COMPOUND REAL OPTIONS METHOD FOR ELECTRICITY CAPACITY EXPANSION
Authors: Bashe Mantombi , Shuma-Iwisi Mercy , Van Wyk Michael Anton
Published: May 2023

A three-step sequential compound real options (SCRO) method is developed and applied to the South African technology for fluidised bed combustion with carbon capture and storage (FBCwCCS). The objective of this paper is to address the plan’s implementation when electricity demand is uncertain. The SCRO results are compared with the net present value (NPV) approach. The data for both the SRCO and the NPV is extracted from the mixed integer two-stage stochastic programming results. Negative NPV results indicate that the investment for the FBCwCCS should be rejected. The SCRO results suggest that decision-makers can exercise the option to invest if the start-up costs are less than or equal to R130 million, or otherwise defer the FBCwCCS investment projects. The industry lags behind in implementing the real option models; the same is expected with the SCRO models.
AN ANALYSIS OF DEVOPS’ IMPACT ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ORGANISATIONS: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Mudadi Austin , Lotriet Hugo H
Published: May 2023

DevOps is a software development philosophy that involves the working together of development, operations, and other software development departments in order to accomplish common business objectives. However, very little has been done to establish the organisational impact of DevOps on information technology organisations; so an understanding of this phenomenon remains incomplete among practitioners and academic researchers. In this paper a framework for an appropriate DevOps restructuring approach is presented, based on the literature and on a single case study of a large multinational company with its headquarters in South Africa. The paper contributes to a better understanding of the organisational implications of the implementation of DevOps.
PARTICIPATIVE MANAGEMENT FOR TEAM EFFECTIVENESS AND INNOVATION
Authors: Smit Izanne , Bam Louzanne , Zincume Philani Nduna
Published: May 2023

This study investigates the effect of a participative management practice, ‘mini-business activities’ (MBAs), on three outcome variables: team effectiveness, team innovation, and job satisfaction. An empirical approach is employed, with survey data gathered from 340 individuals working in 50 teams in South African manufacturing organisations. The results indicate that MBAs have a significant and positive effect on team effectiveness and team innovation in a similar way to that of quality circles. However, MBAs are found to have no direct or indirect effect, through employee engagement, on job satisfaction. The findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the impact of participative management practices in different contexts, and indicate that future research considering the impact of high unemployment levels on the relationship between participative management practices and job satisfaction would be valuable.
Adjuncting for Life: The Gendered Experience of Adjunct Instructors in Ontario
Authors: Nichols Leslie
Published: May 2023

The market-based imperatives driving economic growth in Western societies have, in ways, both been acknowledged and implicitly used to reorient public institutions - academia dramatically so. This article deals with upending of post-secondary academic hiring priorities, and the impact on the adjunct or sessional lecturers implicated in the change. Over half of the courses offered by academic departments and programs in Ontario, Canada, are now taught by part-time faculty members (Pasma & Shakes, 2018). Their use in post-secondary education is underpinned by a notion of just-in-time course delivery in a free market of untenured PhD holders. This study assessed 26 adjuncts in Ontario, Canada, equally divided between male and female. It found working conditions, development of research dossiers, and health and work-life balance to be characterized by gendered differences and hardships. Although the hardships of post-PhD adjunct work have been abundantly documented, this work brings to light components of the experience that have not been previously studied, most significantly, its health effects and gender nature. It concludes with policy recommendations to support adjuncts in Ontario and beyond, including mentorship, longer term contracts, institutional research funding, extended health benefits, and affordable childcare.
Third Natural Connection on Riemannian Π-manifolds
Authors: Manev Hristo
Published: May 2023

A natural connection whose torsion tensor is a 3-form is defined and called the third natural connection on a Riemannian Π-manifold. In the cases of existence of this connection, a relation between it and the known first and second natural connections on the considered manifolds is established. An explicit example of dimension 5 is given in confirmation of the proven assertions.
Saharan Dust Loads over Sofia, Bulgaria: Lidar Observations on Winter and Spring Dust Events
Authors: Peshev Zahari , Vulkova Liliya , Deleva Atanaska , Dreischuh Tanja
Published: May 2023

Aerosols have significant impacts on the climate, ecosystems, and human health. Sahara Desert is the largest source of natural mineral aerosols (dust) on Earth. Enormous amounts of Saharan particulate matter are frequently transported to Europe through advection of warm air masses, being typical for spring and summer. Over the last years, winter Saharan dust load events have also been reported for various locations over Europe, including Sofia. In this work, we give a description of lidar observations of atmospheric aerosols present above Sofia, Bulgaria, during episodes of Saharan dust intrusions in periods of minimum (in winter) and maximum (in spring) activity of dust transport to the region. Measurements were conducted in February and April 2021, with the two aerosol channels (at 532 nm and 1064 nm) of the Nd:YAG-laser based lidar. Aerosol/dust layering and optical and microphysical properties are characterized. Colourmaps of the vertical aerosol distribution and its temporal dynamics were presented. Time-averaged vertical profiles of the aerosol backscatter coefficients and corresponding backscatter-related Ångström exponents were retrieved and analyzed. The Saharan origin of the aerosols detected was identified using online available air/dust tracking and mapping web resources. Results obtained show that the considered here dust load events have affected significantly both the structure and aerosol composition of the local troposphere.
Microbial Transformation of Lycorine by Talaromyces pinophilus Isolated from the Rhizosphere of Leucojum aestivum L.
Authors: Mutafova Blaga , Krumova Ekaterina , Stoyancheva Galina , Kostadinova Nedelina , Miteva-Staleva Jeny , Dishliyska Vladyslava , Nikolova Milena , Angelova Maria , Berkov Strahil
Published: May 2023

In the present study we report on the isolation of 12 strains of filamentous fungi from the rhizosphere of Leucojum aestivum L. (Amaryllidaceae). They were screened for ability to transform the Amaryllidaceae alkaloid lycorine. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was applied to analyze the samples. The Talaromyces pinophilus S120 strain was found to transform 19% of lycorine into its 2-oxo-derivative. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on transformation of lycorine by a filamentous fungus.
Extremes in the Concentrations of CCN at Mt. Musala and Synoptic Classifications
Authors: Kleshtanova Viktoria , Tonchev Vesselin , Stoycheva Anastasiya , Angelov Christo
Published: May 2023

According to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change the aerosols are having generally a negative but decreasing in magnitude contribution to the effective radiative forcing (ERF) and, therefore, they act against the global warming. Leading role in this ERF balance play the aerosols involved in aerosol-cloud interaction, named the cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). In the present article we study the distribution of CCN as monitored by the Basic Environmental Observatory Musala in 2016 and their performance in different atmospheric circulations. As first step, we determine the days with extrema in the concentration and sort them separately for minima and maxima using the circulation scheme of Jenkinson–Collison Types that comprises 26 types of circulations. Thus we determine the most frequent types of circulation occurring in the studied period. Consequently, for each of these days we obtain the backward trajectories using the Hybrid Single-particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory model. This permits to match the prevailing types of circulation with the origin of air masses, and, on the other hand, their origin with respect to prevailing height of the trajectory.
Localization of Substance P-Immunoreactive Nerve Structures in the Rat Colon
Authors: Kirov Todor , Malinova Lina , Atanasova Dimitrinka , Lazarov Nikolai
Published: May 2023

The tachykinins, including their major representative substance P (SP), are an essential component of its non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic transmission of the myenteric plexus of the enteric nervous system. Hence, the understanding of the role that SP plays in the conduction of a wide variety of motility and secretory reflexes lies in the evidence-based understanding of the sites of its expression. In the present study, the presence, distribution and staining intensity of the SP-positive nerve structures in the myenteric plexus of the proximal and distal colon of the adult rat have been investigated by means of immunohistochemistry at the light microscopic level. We observed an abundance of intensely stained beaded SP-immunopositive fibres, surrounding the SP-immunonegative myenteric neuronal cell bodies in a basket-like manner. Fine bundles of SP-immunostained varicose fibres were also registered in the adjacent smooth muscle layers. The statistical analysis revealed discernible prevalence of the staining intensity in the proximal colon, compared to the distal one. In summary, our findings provide immunohistochemical evidence for the occurrence of abundant SP-immunopositive nerve structures in the colonic region of the rat. Taken together with previous morphological and pharmacological research the results of this study suggest that the SP-mediated neurotransmission is of physiological and likely of pathological significance for the examined region.
Shrinkage Estimators for the Intercept in Linear and Uplift Regression
Authors:   Institute of Computer Science, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jaroszewicz Szymon ,   Faculty of Mathematics and Information Science, Warsaw University of Technology, Rudas Krzysztof ,   Institute of Computer Science, Polish Academy of Sciences,   Faculty of Mathematics and Information Science, Warsaw University of Technology
Published: May 2023

Shrinkage estimators modify classical statistical estimators by scaling them towards zero in order to decrease their prediction error. We propose shrinkage estimators for linear regression models which explicitly take into account the presence of the intercept term, shrinking it independently from other coefficients. This is different from current shrinkage estimators, which treat the intercept just as an ordinary regression coefficient. We demonstrate that the proposed approach brings systematic improvements in prediction accuracy if the true intercept term differs in magnitude from other coefficients, which is often the case in practice. We then generalize the approach to uplift regression which aims to predict the causal effect of a specific action on an individual with given characteristics. In this case the proposed estimators improve prediction accuracy over previously proposed shrinkage estimators and achieve impressive performance gains over original models.
The behaviour and activity budgets of two sympatric sloths; Bradypus variegatus and Choloepus hoffmanni
Authors: Cliffe Rebecca N. , Haupt Ryan J. , Kennedy Sarah , Felton Cerys , Williams Hannah J. , Avey-Arroyo Judy , Wilson Rory
Published: May 2023

It is usually beneficial for species to restrict activity to a particular phase of the 24-hour cycle as this enables the development of morphological and behavioural adaptations to enhance survival under specific biotic and abiotic conditions. Sloth activity patterns are thought to be strongly related to the environmental conditions due to the metabolic consequences of having a low and highly variable core body temperature. Understanding the drivers of sloth activity and their ability to withstand environmental fluctuations is of growing importance for the development of effective conservation measures, particularly when we consider the vulnerability of tropical ecosystems to climate change and the escalating impacts of anthropogenic activities in South and Central America. Unfortunately, the cryptic nature of sloths makes long term observational research difficult and so there is very little existing literature examining the behavioural ecology of wild sloths. Here, we used micro data loggers to continuously record, for the first time, the behaviour of both Bradypus and Choloepus sloths over periods of days to weeks. We investigate how fluctuations in the environmental conditions affect the activity of sloths inhabiting a lowland rainforest on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica and examined how this might relate to their low power lifestyle. Both Bradypus and Choloepus sloths were found to be cathemeral in their activity, with high levels of between-individual and within-individual variation in the amounts of time spent active, and in the temporal distribution of activity over the 24-hour cycle. Daily temperature did not affect activity, although Bradypus sloths were found to show increased nocturnal activity on colder nights, and on nights following colder days. Our results demonstrate a distinct lack of synchronicity within the same population, and we suggest that this pattern provides sloths with the flexibility to exploit favourable environmental conditions whilst reducing the threat of predation.
Effect of Low Dose Intravenous Magnesium Sulphate on Sensory Regression Time in Patients undergoing Spinal Anaesthesia- A Randomised Placebo-controlled Double-blinded Study
Authors: Lahkar Babita , Reddy Vidyasagar V , Baruah Vikramjit , Saikia Priyam
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Adjuvants like intravenous (i.v.) Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO4 ) are used to improve the efficacy and duration of spinal anaesthesia and postoperative analgesia. But it is unclear, whether this prolongation of duration of analgesia is an independent effect of MgSO4 or it is because of increased duration of spinal anaesthesia itself. Aim: To evaluate the effect of intraoperative i.v. low dose MgSO4 on two-segment regression time of sensory block, regression time up to L2 dermatome from the highest level of sensory block and postoperative analgesic requirement. Materials and Methods: This randomised placebo-controlled blinded study was conducted in the Department of Anaesthesia, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital, Barpeta, Assam, India from September 2020 to August 2021. A total of 60 patients, satisfying American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) physical status I and status II, aged between 40-70 years, patients undergoing femur fracture surgery under spinal anaesthesia were enrolled in the present study. Patients in the magnesium group (Group M, n=30) received MgSO4 5 mg/kg infusion, and control group (Group C, n=30) received at the same volume of saline during operation. Unpaired t-test was used to test the significance in normally distributed continuous variable and Mann-Whitney U test was used to test the significance of the difference between the quantitative variables. The software Predictive Analytics Software (PASW) 18.0 was used for statistical analysis and the graphs have been generated using the Microsoft Excel 2007. A p-value of less than 0.05 has been considered to be significant. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to patient characteristics (age, weight, and height).The mean time for two segment regression in the group M was prolonged by around 13 minutes, as compared to group C (104.96±11.37 minutes versus 91.2±11.86 minutes, respectively, p<0.001). The mean regression time up to L2 dermatome in the group M was prolonged by 15 minutes as compared to the group C. (171.23 minutes versus 156.43 minutes, respectively, p=0.0003). The total consumption of tramadol in the group M was significantly lesser than the control group (192.5±58.03 mg and 245.0±43.74 mg, respectively, p=0.0002). Conclusion: An i.v. infusion of 5 mg/kg MgSO4 prolongs two segment regression time upto L2 dermatome and reduces postoperative opioid consumption without any complication in patients undergoing femur fracture surgery under spinal anaesthesia
Assess the Knowledge and Adoption Level of Knowledge towards Mushroom Cultivation Technique
Authors: Kumari Shreya , Mazhar Syed H.
Published: May 2023

The present investigation entitled “Assess the Knowledge and Adoption Level of Knowledge towards Mushroom Cultivation Technique” was carried out in Dhanbad district of Jharkhand. 120 farmers are taken as respondents as a size sample. The respondents were interviewed personally by a well-structured interview schedule. The data were coded, tabulated, and analyzed using suitable statistical tools. It was revealed that the majority of farmers had a medium level of knowledge regarding mushroom cultivation farming and a majority of farmers had a medium level of adoption regarding mushroom cultivation farming. There is a significant increase in the socio-economic status of the mushroom cultivation farmers after undergoing various development of entrepreneurial qualities in farmers through mushroom cultivation, the social freedom of farmers had increased they are allowed to mix with friends, their self-confidence increased, they joined social organization and literacy rate also improved. The majority of them had their own bank account, their income increased, and now they change their social status and as well as improved themselves.
Teachers’ Level of Motivation and Job Satisfaction
Authors: Cabaron Geneline J. , Oco Richard M.
Published: May 2023

Aims: Teachers are the front-liners in transmitting knowledge to learners. They hone the children to become productive citizens in the community. To achieve this, their motivational factors and job satisfaction should be at a high level to combat challenges. The aim of this study is to determine the respondents' level of motivational factors and level of job satisfaction; and to determine the significant relationship between teachers' motivational factors and job satisfaction.

Study Design:  The study used Descriptive Correlational Research Design

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in selected elementary schools in the division of El Salvador City during the school year: 2022.

Methodology: The respondents were One fifty-eight (158) teachers at the selected elementary schools in El Salvador City. This study used a researcher modified survey questionnaire that underwent validity and reliability testing.

Results: The results showed that the teachers' overall motivational factors were interpreted as very high level. The teachers' overall job satisfaction was interpreted as very high level. Teachers’ motivational factors and job satisfaction have moderate positive relationships which means there is a significant relationship. Thus, the null hypothesis is rejected.

Conclusions: The motivational factors of teachers are a contributory factor to their job satisfaction. As was clearly illustrated in data analysis and results, in conclusion: Teachers’ highest motivational factors were on professional development were being utilized as part of teachers’ source of strength at workplace. Teachers’ highest job satisfaction was on work relationship. This means that teachers value their work relationship with colleagues and even stakeholders. Teachers’ motivational factors were significantly correlated to job satisfaction. Therefore, teachers’ motivational factors are relevant in their job satisfaction that can positively as well as in performing their best in their duties, and responsibilities and in achieving the departments' goals and objectives. The administrators may consider workshops and trainings specially on financial literacy to equip teachers in appropriately spending their income to avoid overspending as well as workshops and trainings on communication and community involvement to inspire and involve stakeholders in accomplishing much better teaching and learning environment as these factors can affect their level of motivation and job satisfaction.
Genetic Heritability, Variability, Genetic Advance, Correlation and Path Analysis Assessment in Garden Pea (Pisum sativum L.)
Authors: Kumar Rupesh , Singh Bijendra , Tomar Harshit , Kumar Vipin , Chaudhary Akhil Kumar , Marwah Akanksha , Yashraj
Published: May 2023

The objective of the current study was to quantify the genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance as a percentage of mean among 20 genotypes of pea (Pisum sativum L.) using  ten quantitative characters at the Horticulture Research Centre (HRC) of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, U.P, in the years 2021–2022. The results of the ANOVA revealed substantial variations across the genotypes for each attribute, demonstrating a broad range of genetic variability. The results showed that for the ten traits under study, the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV). According to estimations, the number of pods per plant has the greatest phenotypic diversity (26.63), whereas additive genetic variation is the least (26.47). In this assessment, the highest heritability was found to be around 60% (in the broad sense) found in days to maturity (99.39) followed by plant height (98.98), pod yield per plant (98.95), pod yield (98.89), number of pods per plant (98.80), days to 50% flowering (98.25), length of pod (89.35), days to germination (84.57), seeds per pod (83.91) and the minimum heritability was found in width of pod (73.83). Additionally, high heritability in combination with high additive gene action as a percentage of mean (>20%) Number of Pods per plant, Plant height (cm), Pod yield per plant (g), Days to 50% Flowering, Days to Maturity, and Pod yield (q/ha), which appear to suggest presence of additive gene action and imposes for population improvement by selection. We could use particular genotypes with certain characteristics for hybridization.
A Novel Alternate Point-taking Strategy for Surrogate-Assisted Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Li Muxi , Zhang Jian
Published: May 2023

The essence of surrogate model is a low-cost alternative, which mainly replaces the computationally heavy simulation process to reduce the time cost consumed. In the past two decades, this approximation based optimization method has made remarkable progress, and surrogate models are widely used in computationally expensive simulation model analysis and optimization. In addition, with the development of technology, the surrogate model is no longer a simple substitute, but can drive new sample points to join the training process based on historical data, so as to gradually approach the global optimal solution of the problem. For optimization problems, there are many surrogates-assisted optimization algorithm methods. However, the selection of sample points has great influence on the accuracy of the surrogate model. In order to obtain a more accurate surrogate model, the newly added sample points should meet the sample diversity criterion of the specified distance, and at the same time, corresponding strategies should be adopted to fully explore sparse regions, so as to avoid falling into the local optimal phenomenon in the optimization process. Therefore, an ensemble of surrogates based on alternate point-taking strategy (APTS) is proposed, and a hierarchical search framework is designed, using different algorithms at each stage. The effectiveness of APTS is verified on three benchmark examples with different dimensions and compared with several advanced methods. The results show that this method has better accuracy and robustness than other methods on most test problems.
A Comparison of Inventory Strategies for a Manufacturer within the Air Conditioning Industry
Authors: Pineda Marcela del Carmen Montiel , Caballero-Morales Santiago-Omar
Published: May 2023

The present manuscript describes the application of two inventory strategies to optimize the supply process within an air conditioning manufacturing facility. These approaches were considered as the air conditioning industry involves variable demand patterns due to its large market (automotive, home, cooling/heating systems, among others). Because the components which are assembled in this factory involve 45 components which have different demand, lead times and inventory management costs, the strategies were adjusted to reduce costs and management complexity. First, inventory management costs were optimized according to the classification of the most important components. Then, periodic and continuous review models were adapted to optimize the management costs of these components. Validation of these strategy through discrete-event computer simulation led to determine their suitability for this case study, significantly reducing inventory management costs while increasing service level. Simulation also led to determine that for specific components, a model can lead to better (and feasible) results than the other and showing no stock-out events. This is an outcome which can be considered by companies to make a better evaluation of the supply strategies during the planning process.
Synthesis of (E)-N'-(Pyridine-2-ylmethylene) Picolino Hydrazide with Promising Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory Activities Along with their In-silico Studies
Authors: Loni Gulafshan , Giri Sanjeevkumar
Published: May 2023

In recent years, there has been a significant amount of interest in hydrazide-hydrazone compounds as a result of their extensive use in the pharmaceutical industry. In this study, the new compound (E)-N'-(pyridin-2-ylmethylene) picolino hydrazide, with the formula C20H19N3O2, was synthesised and confirmed using different spectroscopic techniques. The newly synthesised compound was tested for anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties in vitro. The results of an in vitro anti-inflammatory activity test using the denaturation of bovine serum albumin as the measurement kit revealed a highly effective inhibitory effect. In addition, the results of the antimicrobial test showed that the compound demonstrated a maximum zone of inhibition (18.2 mm) against the Staphylococcus aureus strain at a higher concentration (32 μg/ml) of the tested sample (32 g/ml), which is greater than the standard drug (ciprofloxacin: 17.5 mm). The antifungal activity of (E)-N'-(pyridin-2-ylmethylene) picolinohydrazide indicated a maximum inhibition zone of 9.2 mm at a higher concentration (32 μg/ml) of the tested sample, which is comparable to that of the standard drug (ketoconazole: 9.0 mm). The anti-inflammatory activity performed by the carrageenan-induced paw edema method also gave a promising result. Molecular docking analysis revealed that the active compounds had a higher docking score and interacted effectively with the target protein. In silico molecular docking, results revealed the COX-5 and LL-37 (residues 17–29) proteins mainly depends on H-bonds between the pyridine groups of the synthesized ligand and the catalytic residues of the binding site, π-cation/anion interactions, (iii) π-alkyl interactions, and formation of carbon-hydrogen bond, π- π bond that stabilizes the interaction with the active site. Among the analogs of the hydrazine hydride class, the newly synthesized compound: (E)-N'-(pyridin-2-ylmethylene) picolino hydrazide proved to be a vital bioactive molecule.
Quantum Materials
Authors: Pho Hue Q. , Jiao Yiran , Jiao Yan , Sun Wei , Tansu Nelson , Wojnicki Marek , Shabbir Hasan , Rogóż Katarzyna , Tran Nam N. , Lewis David , Hessel Volker
Published: May 2023

The article contains sections titled:

1
Introduction

2
Fundamentals of Quantum Materials

2.1
Brief Chronicle of Quantum Materials

2.2
Definition

3
Classification of Quantum Materials

3.1
Topological Insulators and Semimetals

3.2
Quantum Spin Liquids

3.3
Superconductors

3.4
Perovskites

3.5
Quantum Dots

3.5.1
Core‐Type QDs

3.5.2
Core–Shell Quantum Dots

3.5.3
Alloyed or Composite QDs

4
Physical and Chemical Properties, Characterization, and Epitaxy

4.1
Hall Effect and Hall Measurement

4.2
Secondary‐Ion Mass Spectrometry

4.3
X‐ray Diffraction

4.4
Photoluminescence and Electroluminescence

4.5
Electron Spin Coherence Characterization

5
Production of Quantum Materials

5.1
Metalorganic Vapor‐Phase Epitaxy

5.2
Solution Growth of Intermetallic Single Crystals

5.3
Vapor Transport Growth of van der Waals Magnets

5.4
Induction Furnace Heating for the Growth of Intermetallic Quantum Materials

5.5
Floating‐Zone Crystal Growth

5.6
Hydrothermal Method

5.7
High‐Throughput Synthesis of Quantum Materials

5.8
Engineering Epitaxial Superconductor–Semiconductor Heterostructures by Molecular‐Beam Epitaxy

6
Applications of Quantum Materials

6.1
Energy Storage

6.2
Solar Cells

6.3
Catalysis

6.4
Biomedical Sensing and Imaging

6.5
Thermoelectric Devices

6.6
LEDs and Display Applications

6.7
Photodetectors

6.8
Magnetic Devices

6.9
Field‐Effect Transistors

7
Future Perspectives

Acknowledgments

References
Adaptive sliding mode control for uncertain nonlinear switched system under probabilistic replay attacks: The output feedback approach
Authors: Zhang Yujiao , Hu Jun , Zhang Hongxu , Yi Xiaojian
Published: May 2023

This article investigates the output‐feedback‐based adaptive sliding mode control problem for a class of switched systems with probabilistic nonlinearities and replay attacks. The adversary might attack the system during the communication transmissions. The objective of the problem addressed is to design a new output‐feedback‐based adaptive sliding mode control law by utilizing the actual measured output information such that the impacts of immeasurable states and probabilistic replay attacks are compensated. In addition, the input‐to‐state stability in probability of closed‐loop switched system and the reachability analysis of the specified sliding surface are discussed, where the sufficient conditions are established accordingly. Finally, two simulations are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed sliding mode control method.
Drug policy or lack of it, from users' view: ADAW on site in San Francisco
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2023

Last week, we were in San Francisco for the 2023 annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), and for a visit to the Tenderloin — the part of the city that is home to the homeless drug users, mainly fentanyl users. We spent a sunny Monday morning walking through the streets of the Tenderloin. One of our main goals was to find out whether the users there had been offered, or wanted, treatment. We passed the OTP (opioid treatment program), which is in the midst of it all. But we did get one response that treatment was too much trouble. It's hard to see how it would be more trouble than the lives that these drug users, most of whom are homeless, currently live.
NAATP vows to carry momentum from outcomes project to advocacy
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: May 2023

Building on the accomplishment of unifying its members around an unprecedented outcome research initiative, leaders of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) last week sought to fuel a similar commitment on other high‐priority issues, from equity in treatment services to a stronger presence in Washington, D.C.
Causes of death in children and adolescents: Guns outpace ODs
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2023

Concern about overdose deaths in young people is certainly warranted; it's a growing problem, with more than an 83% increase from 2019 to 2020 among children and adolescents. Gun deaths are increasing even faster.
8% of mental health patients have comorbid OUD: Study
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2023

The 8% of patients with mental health conditions who have opioid use disorder (OUD) are at high risk for overdose, according to a study that analyzed a large state‐wide Medicaid claims database. The study, presented as a poster by Felipe Castillo, M.D. of Montefiore Medical Center in New York, at the American Psychiatric Association annual meeting in San Francisco last week, noted that OUD among patients — even those in treatment for mental health conditions — is difficult to treat. In particular, there is a high risk of overdose for those who are at a younger age, who have schizophrenia, or receive services in settings that typically serve individuals with more severe mental illness. In addition, the seriously mentally ill individuals with OUD were more likely to have suicide attempts, suicidal ideation and housing instability. OUD prevalence — not overdose — was significantly higher among adults aged 25 and older, American Indian and Hispanic individuals, adults who are male, those who live in a community residence and/or rural domicile, and those with a diagnosis of anxiety, bipolar, and/or post‐traumatic stress disorder. The study population of 523,885 included individuals who were 18 years and older in New York State and enrolled in Medicaid during 2020. The individuals had a mental health diagnosis on at least one inpatient or two outpatient records from a clinical setting. The diagnosis by claim excluded substance use disorders, neurodevelopmental (other than ADHD) and neurocognitive diagnoses alone. The prevalence of co‐occurring OUD was 8.1% among the population examined. Among those with OUD, 7.7% had an opioid overdose in the prior year.
Serial Block Face‐Scanning Electron Microscopy as a Burgeoning Technology
Authors: Marshall Andrea G. , Neikirk Kit , Stephens Dominique C. , Vang Larry , Vue Zer , Beasley Heather K. , Crabtree Amber , Scudese Estevão , Lopez Edgar Garza , Shao Bryanna , Krystofiak Evan , Rutledge Sharifa , Davis Jaimaine , Murray Sandra A. , Damo Steven M. , Katti Prasanna , Hinton Antentor
Published: May 2023

Serial block face scanning electron microscopy (SBF‐SEM), also referred to as serial block‐face electron microscopy, is an advanced ultrastructural imaging technique that enables three‐dimensional visualization that provides largerx‐ and y‐axis ranges than other volumetric EM techniques. While SEM is first introduced in the 1930s, SBF‐SEM is developed as a novel method to resolve the 3D architecture of neuronal networks across large volumes with nanometer resolution by Denk and Horstmann in 2004. Here, the authors provide an accessible overview of the advantages and challenges associated with SBF‐SEM. Beyond this, the applications of SBF‐SEM in biochemical domains as well as potential future clinical applications are briefly reviewed. Finally, the alternative forms of artificial intelligence‐based segmentation which may contribute to devising a feasible workflow involving SBF‐SEM, are also considered.
Recent Progress on Structure Manipulation of Poly(vinylidene fluoride)‐Based Ferroelectric Polymers for Enhanced Piezoelectricity and Applications
Authors: Zhang Liwei , Li Shuangfeng , Zhu Zhiwen , Rui Guanchun , Du Bin , Chen Dazhu , Huang Yan‐Fei , Zhu Lei
Published: May 2023

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)‐based polymers demonstrate great potential for applications in flexible and wearable electronics but show low piezoelectric coefficients (e.g., −d33 < 30 pC N−1). The effective improvement for the piezoelectricity of PVDF is achieved by manipulating its semicrystalline structures. However, there is still a debate about which component is the primary contributor to piezoelectricity. Therefore, current methods to improve the piezoelectricity of PVDF can be classified into modulations of the amorphous phase, the crystalline region, and the crystalline–amorphous interface. Here, the basic principles and measurements of piezoelectric coefficients for soft polymers are first discussed. Then, three different categories of structural modulations are reviewed. In each category, the physical understanding and strategies to improve the piezoelectric performance of PVDF are discussed. In particular, the crucial role of the oriented amorphous fraction at the crystalline–amorphous interface in determining the piezoelectricity of PVDF is emphasized. At last, the future development of high performance piezoelectric polymers is outlooked.
High Linearity, Low Hysteresis Ti3C2Tx MXene/AgNW/Liquid Metal Self‐Healing Strain Sensor Modulated by Dynamic Disulfide and Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Wang Yanli , Qin Wenjing , Yang Min , Tian Zhenhao , Guo Wenjin , Sun Jinkun , Zhou Xiang , Fei Bin , An Baigang , Sun Ruimin , Yin Shougen , Liu Zunfeng
Published: May 2023

Flexible wearable strain sensors have received extensive attention in human–computer interaction, soft robotics, and human health monitoring. Despite significant efforts in developing stretchable electronic materials and structures, developing flexible strain sensors with stable interfaces and low hysteresis remains a challenge. Herein, Ti3C2Tx MXene/AgNWs/liquid metal strain sensors (MAL strain sensor) with self‐healing function are developed by exploiting the strong interactions between Ti3C2Tx MXene/AgNWs/LM and the disulfide and hydrogen bonds inside the self‐healing poly(dimethylsiloxane) elastomers. AgNWs lap the Ti3C2Tx MXene sheets, and the LM acts as a bridge to increase the lap between Ti3C2Tx MXene and AgNWs, thereby improving the interface interaction between them and reducing hysteresis. The MAL strain sensor can simultaneously achieve high sensitivity (gauge factor for up to 3.22), high linearity (R2 = 0.98157), a wide range of detection (e.g., 1%–300%), a fast response time (145 ms), excellent repeatability, and stability.In addition, the MAL strain sensor before and after self‐healing is combined with a small fish and an electrothermally driven soft robot, respectively, allowing real‐time monitoring of the swinging tail of the small fish and the crawling of the soft robot by resistance changes.
Re‐Doped p‐Type Thermoelectric SnSe Polycrystals with Enhanced Power Factor and High ZT > 2
Authors: Su Bin , Han Zhanran , Jiang Yilin , Zhuang Hua‐Lu , Yu Jincheng , Pei Jun , Hu Haihua , Li Jing‐Wei , He Yu‐Xiao , Zhang Bo‐Ping , Li Jing‐Feng
Published: May 2023

Thermoelectric technology enables the direct interconversion between heat and electricity. SnSe has received increasing interest as a new promising thermoelectric compound due to its exceptionally high performance reported in crystals. SnSe possesses intrinsic low thermal conductivity as a congenital advantage for thermoelectric, but high thermoelectric performance can be hardly achieved due to the difficulty to realize efficient doping to raise its low carrier concentration to an optimal level. In this work, it is found that a series of rare earth elements are effective dopants for SnSe, which can greatly improve the electrical transport properties of p‐type polycrystalline SnSe. In particular, the remarkable enhancement in electrical conductivity and power factor is achieved by Na/Er co‐doping at 873 K. The lattice thermal conductivity is reduced due to the presence of abundant defects (dislocations, stacking faults, and twin boundaries). Consequently, a peak thermoelectric figure of merit ZT (2.1) as well as a high average ZT (0.77) are achieved in polycrystalline SnSe.
The Efficacy of Nanoparticle Delivery to Hypoxic Solid Tumors by ciRGD Co‐Administration Depends on Neuropilin‐1 and Neutrophil Levels
Authors: Izci Mukaddes , Maksoudian Christy , Gonçalves Filipa , Pérez Gilabert Irati , Rios Luci Carla , Bolea‐Fernandez Eduardo , Vanhaecke Frank , Manshian Bella B. , Soenen Stefaan J.
Published: May 2023

The ability to improve nanoparticle delivery to solid tumors is an actively studied domain, where various mechanisms are looked into. In previous work, the authors have looked into nanoparticle size, tumor vessel normalization, and disintegration, and here it is aimed to continue this work by performing an in‐depth mechanistic study on the use of ciRGD peptide co‐administration. Using a multiparametric approach, it is observed that ciRGD can improve nanoparticle delivery to the tumor itself, but also to tumor cells specifically better than vessel normalization strategies. The effect depends on the level of tumor perfusion, hypoxia, neutrophil levels, and vessel permeability. This work shows that upon characterizing tumors for these parameters, conditions can be selected that can optimally benefit from ciRGD co‐administration as a means to improve NP delivery to solid tumors.