bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating Water Quality Parameters of the Water of the Distribution Network, the Outlet Water of the Household Water Purification Device, and the Widely Consumed Bottled Waters Distributed in the City of Ardabil, and Comparing them with Drinking Water Standards in 2019
Authors: Pourakbar Zahra , Dargahi Abdollah , Mokhtari Ahmad , Vosoughi Mehdi , Sadeghi Hadi
Published: August 2023

Background & Aims: The quality of water consumed by individuals in a society will significantly affect the health of individuals of that society. Various substances that enter individuals’ bodies through drinking water play a critical role in maintaining their health so that the lack or excess of some of these substances can cause many complications. Thus, this study aims to determine water quality parameters of the water of the distribution network, the outlet water of the household water purification device, and the widely consumed bottled waters distributed in the city of Ardabil, and compare them with drinking water standards in 2019. Materials and Methods: This study is a descriptive cross-sectional type, in which 30 bottled waters from 10 most widely consumed brands of bottled water distributed in the city of Ardabil and also 30 samples of the water of the distribution network and the outlet water of the household water purification device were randomly selected. All samples were tested based on the method standard reference. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used to compare the brands of bottles, the one-sample t test was used to compare the mean of each parameter with the standard value, and the paired student t-test was used to compare the mean inlet and outlet of the water purification device. Results: The results showed no microbial pollution in the investigated samples. The highest removal efficiency of the parameters by the household water purification device was 93.18% for sodium, and the lowest was 7.0% for nitrite. Conclusion: In terms of chemical and microbial quality, the widely consumed bottled waters distributed in Ardabil had no health problems. In general, since the concentration of most urban physicochemical parameters is below the drinking water standard limit of 1053 in household water purification devices, the use of these devices is not necessary for the city of Ardabil.
The Efficiency of Polyaluminum Silicate Chloride Coagulants in Nickel Removal from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Mohammadi Mohammad Javad , Takdastan Afshin , Zhoolanezhad Mehdi , Neisi Abdolkazem
Published: August 2023

Background & Aims: Nickel is one of the toxic heavy metals naturally released into the environment through industrial activities. Coagulation and flocculation are one of the available heavy metal removal methods, but experience has shown that high pH and the addition of coagulant aid are usually required to remove nickel by coagulation and flocculation process. This study aimed to examine the efficiency of polyaluminum silicate chloride (PASiC) coagulant in nickel removal from aqueous solutions. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted experimentally on a laboratory scale using the standard jar testing method. We investigated the effect of pH parameters (4-11), amount of coagulant (7.5-75 mg/L based on aluminum), initial metal concentration (10-400 mg/L), and settling time (15-90 minutes). Nickel concentration was measured by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. In this study, t test, between-groups ANOVA, and regression were used for analysis. Results: Results showed that the removal efficiency decreased at higher concentrations of nickel metal. Furthermore, increasing the settling time beyond 30 minutes did not significantly change the removal efficiency. PASiC had a removal efficiency of over 99% at an optimum pH of 8, an optimum PASiC concentration of 15 mg/L, an optimum time of 30 minutes, and a nickel concentration of 10-100 mg/L. Conclusion: According to the results, the use of PASiC as a coagulant is a suitable option for removing nickel from polluted wastewater.
Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Domestic Violence and Attitude to Life of Women With Emotional Divorce
Authors: Khosravi Saleh Baberi Fatemeh , Pasha Reza , Heidari Alireza , Bavi Sasan
Published: August 2023

Background & Aims: Many couples never refer to a therapist or counseling centers in courts while they suffer from various degrees of marital dissatisfaction and experience emotional divorce. The impacts of marital dissatisfaction are more lasting than divorce and extend to people who are close to couples and their acquaintances, especially children. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on domestic violence and the attitude to life of women with emotional divorce. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted using a pretest-posttest control group design. Forty women experiencing emotional divorce visiting the counseling centers of Ahvaz in 2021 were selected using convenience sampling and randomly divided into intervention (n=20) and control (n=20) groups. Participants completed the Domestic Violence Questionnaire and life orientation test in the pretest and posttest. The intervention group received eight 90-minute sessions of ACT. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis of covariance. Results: The means±standard deviations of post-test scores related to domestic violence and attitude to life in the experimental group were 48.90±6.99 and 25.65±3.31, respectively, which improved compared to the post-test of the control group. The results suggested that ACT improved domestic violence (F=421.04, P<0.001) and attitude to life (F=172.37, P<0.001) in the posttest. Conclusion: This study achieved promising results concerning the applicability of ACT. ACT was effective in reducing domestic violence and improving attitudes to life in women with emotional divorce.
Identification of Psychological-Motivational, Humanistic-Educational, and Cultural Factors Affecting the Sports Performance of Tourist Cyclists
Authors: Ahmad Joshaghani Ali Reza , Esmaeili Mohammad Reza , Sajadi Hazave Hamid
Published: August 2023

Background & Aims: Productivity and profitability among cycling tourists are important. The aim of this study was to identify the psychological-motivational, humanistic-educational and cultural factors in the sports efficiency of tourist cyclists. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out as qualitative-quantitative research that included interviewing experts and designing a questionnaire. The questionnaire included psychological-motivational, human-educational, cultural, and welfare factors, which were prepared through interviews with 13 experts, and 278 subjects were examined using a random sampling method. Results: The results of open code interviews and questionnaires were as follows. These findings were managers’ expertise and experience in the field of sports tourism, focusing on training and increasing motivation of the organization’s educated employees, detecting and solving economic problems, increasing welfare and livelihood, and using the PLS software. The relationships between the categories and the identified variables were psychological-motivational, human-educational, cultural, and productive cycling tourism, and had a good fit. Conclusion: Psychological-motivational, human-educational and cultural factors had an effect on the sports efficiency of tourist cyclists and the model had a good fit. Therefore, based on the results, the tourism organization should have effective and accurate procedures in applying the present model to be productive and consider influential factors (both psychological-motivational, human-educational, and cultural) in their programs.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Intention of Rural Elderly About Influenza Preventive Behaviors, Fasa, Iran, 2019
Authors: Keshavarz Asghar , Nazari Mahin , Dastmanesh Sanaz
Published: August 2023

Background & Aims: Influenza is one of the leading causes of death in the world, especially in the elderly. This study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and intention of rural elderly about influenza prevention behaviors. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study was performed on 140 rural older people who were selected by multi-stage random sampling in Fasa, Iran. A questionnaire was developed to inform about individuals’ knowledge, attitude, and practice on influenza prevention measures. Data were analyzed using frequency descriptive statistics and the Chisquare test by SPSS-21. Results: A total of 61 men (mean age of 69.32±6.81) and 71 women (mean age of 69.04±7.52) responded to the questionnaire. The mean score of knowledge in women (6.8±2.1) was significantly higher than in men (5.8±2.7). The mean score of knowledge in illiterate people (6.45±2.43) compared to literate people (6.08±2.58) showed no significant differences. In addition, the differences between the mean score of attitudes in both men (5.67±5.67) and women (6.05±29.59) were not significant. Likewise, there were no significant differences between the mean scores of attitudes in the literate (28.74±5.74) and illiterate (29.87±5.89) elderly. The mean scores of intention in men and women were 6.18±1.76 and 6.13±1.53, respectively, which was not significantly different. Finally, the mean scores of intention in literate (5.85±2.14) and illiterate (6.25±1.42) participants were not significantly different. Conclusion: The knowledge, attitude, and intention of rural elderly about influenza prevention behaviors are not satisfactory, and large-scale educational interventions are required in this regard, especially in rural areas.
Evaluation of Bio-Membrane System Efficiency Optimized With Nanotechnology for Treatment of Pulp and Paper Industry Wastewater
Authors: Seify Alireza , Ahmadi Hassan , Peyravi Majid , Esfahanian Mehri
Published: August 2023

Background & Aims: The membrane adsorption bioreactor (MABR) process is the integration of biological treatment and membrane technology. Accordingly, in this study, an MABR was employed for the pulp and paper industry wastewater treatment. Materials and Methods: The purchased powdered activated carbon (PAC) was added to the system as an adsorbent which improved the flux of the membrane. Results: Based on the obtained results, the organic compounds were successfully removed by the average removal of 62% and 86% without and with an adsorbent, respectively. Moreover, the activated sludge was prepared from the Babol-Toyoor Slaughterhouse wastewater treatment, and adding the PAC to the activated sludge led to the better performance of the MABR system by providing a proper condition for microorganism growth. Monitoring the mixed liquid suspended solids during the process demonstrated that increasing mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) increased the contaminant removal rate. Conclusion: Overall, the presence of PAC could prevent microorganisms from accumulating on the membrane surface.
Association Between Marital Infidelity Based on Fear of Intimacy and Self-differentiation Through the Mediating Role of Sexual Satisfaction in Women with Marital Conflict
Authors: Sarhani Zeinab , Homaei Rezvan
Published: August 2023

Background & Aims: Marital infidelity is regarded as a behavioral disorder with undesirable impacts that leads to considerable damages and problems for both the betraying and betrayed spouses. The present study aimed to investigate the association between marital infidelity based on fear of intimacy and self-differentiation through the mediating role of sexual satisfaction in women with marital conflict. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM). The study population included all women with marital conflict visiting the consulting centers in Ahvaz, Iran, in 2021. A total of 144 participants were selected through convenience sampling. The research instruments included the Marital Conflict Questionnaire (MCQ), the Attitudes Toward Infidelity Scale, the Fear-of-Intimacy Scale (FIS), and the Differentiation of Self Inventory-Revised (DSI-R). The data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient as an inferential statistical test, and SEM. Results: The results revealed that all direct paths to marital infidelity were significant (P<0.001), except self-differentiation. In addition, there was an indirect relationship between fear of intimacy and infidelity as well as self-differentiation and infidelity through the mediating role of sexual satisfaction (P<0.001). Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that fear of intimacy and self-differentiation can predict marital infidelity through the mediation of sexual satisfaction. Therefore, family counselors should take these factors into account to reduce the psychological problems of women experiencing marital conflict and improve their marital relationships.
Mediating Role of Coping Strategies and Defense Mechanisms in Relationship of Mental Health, Resilience, and Perceived Social Support with Posttraumatic Growth in COVID-19 Survivors
Authors: Deldadeh Mehraban Elnaz , Farhangi Abdolhassan , Abolghasemi Shahnam
Published: August 2023

Background & Aims: Posttraumatic growth (PTG) refers to positive changes resulting from trauma. As a traumatic stressor, COVID-19 can affect various aspects of one’s life. The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of coping strategies and defense mechanisms in the relationship of PTG and mental health, resilience, and perceived social support in COVID-19 survivors. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted using a path analysis method from the correlation matrix. The research population included all COVID-19 recovered patients in Golestan province, Iran. Using the convenience sampling method, 300 patients who recovered from COVID-19 were selected. The participants were given questionnaires online. The research instruments included the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ), and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WOC). The data were analyzed through structural equation modeling (SEM) using SPSS and AMOS version 25. Results: The findings of SEM revealed that the model fits the data. The relationship between problem-focused coping strategies and PTG, mental health, and perceived social support, the relationship between PTG and perceived social support, resilience, and mental health, and the relationship between mature defense mechanisms and PTG, mental health, resilience, and perceived social support were positive and significant (P<0.01). The relationship between emotion-focused strategies and PTG, resilience, and perceived social support, the relationship between neurotic defense mechanisms and mental health, resilience, PTG, and perceived social support, and the relationship between immature defense mechanisms and mental health, resilience, and PTG were negative and significant (P<0.01). Furthermore, the direct path analysis revealed that the relationships between mental health and emotion-focused strategies and between perceived social support and immature defense mechanisms were not significant. Conclusion: The study results suggested that mental health, resilience, perceived social support, as well as problem-focused coping strategies played a crucial role in increasing PTG in COVID-19 patients. Therefore, they can be utilized to reduce the mental damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Human Health Risk of Some Heavy Metals in the Surface Soil of Arak Plain
Authors: Saberinasab Faezeh , Mortazavi Samar , Riyahi Bakhtiari Alireza
Published: August 2023

Background & Aims: Soil contamination with heavy metals is becoming a major environmental concern today. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the health risks of heavy metals in the surface soil of Arak plain. Materials and Methods: Soil samples were collected by random sampling from 30 stations with three replications from a depth of 0-20 cm. After acidic digestion of the samples (HNO3: HclO4: HF=3: 2: 1), the concentrations of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and cadmium (Cd) were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Finally, the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic hazards of heavy metals in surface soils for human health were assessed through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption using the method recommended by the EPA for children and adults. Results: The results indicated that the average total concentrations of heavy metals of Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Cd in the study area are 10.01, 13.83, 39.82, 43.41, and 11.9 mg/kg, respectively. The highest and lowest average daily dose (ADD) of elements in both age groups were related to Ni metal from the ingestion route and Cd metal from the inhalation tract, respectively. Further, the non-carcinogenic risk hazard quotient (HQ) of heavy metals in all three paths was less than 1. The results of the non-carcinogenic hazard index (HI) risk assessment of all three pathways separately for each metal and for both groups of children and adults showed metal values as Cu>Cd>Zn>Pb>Ni, respectively. In addition, the results of the carcinogenic risk index (RI) in the surface soil of Arak plain revealed that Ni and Pb have the highest and the lowest carcinogenic risk, respectively. Conclusion: Finally, considering the size of the study area and proving the carcinogenic hazards and risks in the area, it is necessary and important to pay attention to health and environmental principles.
The Antibacterial Effects of Curcumin-Silver Nanoparticle and Curcumin-Copper Nanoparticle Loaded Niosomes
Authors: Abolhassani Targhi Arefa , Mousavi-Niri Neda , Jaberi Ansari Farshid , Jafari Mansoorian Hossein
Published: August 2023

Background: The threat of antimicrobial resistance is increasing worldwide. Niosomes are a new drug delivery system that increases the antimicrobial potential of antibiotics. Accordingly, this study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of niosomes loaded with curcumin-silver nanoparticles (Cur-AgNPs) and curcumin-copper nanoparticles (Cur-CuNPs). Methods: Initially, a unique combination of metal and curcumin nanoparticles was prepared in free and encapsulated forms to investigate the synergistic effects of the two drugs and to evaluate them through a niosomal carrier. Particle size and polydispersity index were measured using dynamic light scattering (DLS), and entrapment efficiency (EE) was measured through indirect centrifugation. The rate of drug release from the loaded niosomes was assessed through in vitro dialysis. Finally, the antibacterial activity of Cur-AgNPs and Cur-CuNPs loaded niosomes on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were measured. Results: The curcumin-loaded niosomal formulations and the simultaneous combination of Cur-AgNPs and Cur-CuNPs had an optimum particle size of less than 200 nm and uniform dispersion. These formulations also showed high entrapment efficiencies and slow release for more than 72 hours. Conclusion: A significant increase in antibacterial activity was observed when using curcumin in combination with metal nanoparticles loaded in niosomes, indicating that the concomitant use of metal nanoparticles and curcumin had a synergistic effect in inhibiting bacterial growth.
Reproductive Health Literacy and its Related Factors in Women of Reproductive Age Referring to Comprehensive Healthcare Centers in Chabahar in 2021
Authors: Sayadi Zahra , Ahmadipour Habibeh
Published: August 2023

Background: Reproductive health literacy plays a vital role in the health of women as one of the vulnerable groups in the community. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate reproductive health literacy and its related factors in women of reproductive age referring to comprehensive healthcare centers in Chabahar in 2021. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on women of reproductive age referring to comprehensive urban and rural healthcare centers in Chabahar. The participants were 220 women who were selected using convenience sampling. The data were collected using the Reproductive Health Literacy Scale and analyzed via SPSS software (version 22). Results: The mean score of reproductive health literacy was significantly lower in the women aged 15-24 years, those with lower education, women in rural areas, and housewives. The mean score of reproductive health literacy was significantly different among the women in terms of socioeconomic status (P=0.12). The results of multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the age group and education could significantly predict the women’s overall reproductive health literacy. Conclusion: Following the findings of this study, effective interventions need to be incorporated into national women’s health programs to improve reproductive health literacy in women with lower age and primary education, women living in villages, and housewives
Incidence of Natal Teeth and Cleft Lip and Palate among the Newborns in Kerman: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Poureslami Hamidreza , Torab Sajedeh , Poureslami Parnian , Hatami Nima , Sayadizadeh Mahsa , Mazloomian Mahla , Sharifi Maryam
Published: August 2023

Background: Natal teeth and cleft lip and palate are orofacial malformations and important health problems in children. These abnormalities are major causes of parental worry and childhood complications. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of natal teeth and cleft lip and palate as well as other facial and cranial abnormalities in newborns in Afzalipour hospital in Kerman, Iran. Methods: All newborns who were born from 2020 to 2021 in Afzalipour Hospital were reviewed and their oral, facial, and cranial abnormalities were recorded in a checklist. The information in the checklist consisted of two parts. The first part contained information about the mother including age, maternal health status before delivery, and type of delivery. The second part included information about the newborn (sex, weight, type of abnormality, and health status of the newborn at birth). The results were analyzed by SPSS 21 software. Results: In this study, 6225 newborns were reviewed, of whom 3015 were born by normal delivery (48.4%) and 3210 by cesarean section (51.6%). Head, cranial, and neck abnormalities and deformities were present in 3 newborns (0.05%), cleft lip and/or palate was present in 3 newborns (0.05%), and natal teeth was present in 2 newborns (0.03%). Three newborns (0.05%) had facial asymmetry. Newborn’s gender, mother’s systemic diseases, and mother’s age were not related with anomalies in the newborn, but newborns with anomalies were significantly heavier than healthy newborns. Conclusion: The prevalence of natal teeth and cleft lip and/or palate is not high in Kerman.
The Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Online Test Anxiety in Paramedical Students in Qom During the COVID-19 Epidemic in 2021
Authors: Tourdeh Maedeh , Ghamkhar Roudposhti Aryan
Published: August 2023

Background: Following a shift in the exam mode from face-to-face to online exams during the COVID-19 pandemic, test anxiety became more prevalent among students. Emotional intelligence is one of the factors that may be effective in controlling anxiety. To this end, the present study examined the relation between emotional intelligence and anxiety caused by online exams in students of paramedical sciences during the COVID-19 epidemic. Methods: This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2021 during the final-semester exams of the students at the Faculty of Paramedicine of Qom University of Medical Sciences. The data in this study were collected using a demographic information questionnaire, the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT), and the FRIEDBEN Test Anxiety Scale. The questions were developed in Google Form and sent to the students. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, including analysis of variance (ANOVA), independent samples t-test, and Pearson’s correlation test at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The participants in this study were 193 undergraduate students. The mean scores of the students’ online test anxiety and emotional intelligence were 42.03±10.90 and 97.05±14.36, respectively. There was a statistically significant relation between test anxiety scores with age (P=0.020), gender (P=0.010), field of study (P=0.001), and place of residence (P=0.034). However, there was no statistically significant relation between the students’ emotional intelligence and test anxiety (r=0.042; P=0.563). Conclusion: The paramedical students in this study had high online test anxiety and a moderate level of emotional intelligence. However, the students’ emotional intelligence had no relation with their online test anxiety. Thus, other strategies should be adopted to reduce students’ online test anxiety.
A Survey About How Much Physicians Give Information to Their Patients in Kerman, Iran
Authors: Danaei Mina , Mobasher Mina , Mahdiasa Mohammad Hossein
Published: August 2023

Background: Providing accurate information to patients is an important task of the medical staff that can help establish a relationship complying with current ethical principles. The present study aimed to clarify the current status of providing information to patients about their diseases by physicians. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the internal medicine and surgery wards of a teaching hospital at Kerman University of Medical Sciences. The participants, selected using the convenience sampling method, answered 13 yes/no questions about the information given to them by their physicians based on Braddock et al.’s study and the second part of the Patients’ Rights Charter in Iran. Results: Totally, 396 patients participated in this study. The results showed that less than half of the patients confirmed their physicians had given information to them. There was a significant difference in participants’ answers to the questions on knowing about drug names (P=0.002), drug side effects (P=0.002), paraclinical test results (P=0.002), and patient’s preference and consent to have awareness of adverse outcomes of the disease (P<0.001) between patients hospitalized at internal medicine and surgery wards, and the frequency of "yes" answers was higher in patients at internal medicine than surgery ward. Conclusion: It is recommended to offer appropriate training courses to physicians in order to further improve their relationship with patients to be able to make more informed decisions.
Effects of Photobiomodulation With Two Wavelengths of 630 and 810 nm on Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Ebadi Seyed Alireza , Tabeie Faraj , Tavakoli Sahar , Khalili Shayesteh
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common complication of diabetes patients. Among different therapeutic approaches for treating DPN, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM) is a new promising non-invasive technique. This study aims to evaluate the effect of visible and infra-red LLLT on DPN. Methods: Sixty DPN patients enrolled in a randomized-controlled study. The patients were randomly divided into the same population of control and laser groups. The patients in the laser group received LLLT with two wavelengths of 630 and 819 nm and conventional therapy, and those in the control group received conventional therapy alone. Irradiation of the patients lasted 15 minutes per session, and it was performed over the surface of each foot three times a week for 12 sessions. The patients were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the study with the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) and microfilament test. Results: Patients’ sensation in the right foot in the monofilament test had increased from 22 (84.6%) to 26 (86.7%) (P=0.000), and in the left foot it had increased from 20 (80%) to 25 (86.2%) (P=0.001). The mean and standard deviation of the scores of section A of the Michigan questionnaire showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05), but the B part scores of the Michigan test did not show a significant difference. Conclusion: This study showed that the visible and infra-red LLLT significantly improved the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy without any side effects.
Dental Faculty Experiences of Drug Prescription Patterns: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Navabi Nader , Karbasi Nahid , Najminouri Fatemeh , Malek-Mohammadi Mahsa , Roshan Pour Mohammad Amin
Published: August 2023

Background: Dental prescribing is considered a basis for short-term treatment of clinical problems. Therefore, dentists should be familiar with the patterns of rational drug prescription. Neglecting this important issue can lead to misprescription and side effects. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the experiences of a group of dental specialists about prescribing drugs. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using a conventional content analysis approach. A total of 19 specialists from 5 different fields (oral diseases, pediatric dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, and periodontics) participated in this study. Purposive and theoretical sampling was used to collect data and semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted in the form of focus group discussions from each department at Kerman dental school. Data collection and content analysis were performed simultaneously. Results: The analysis of the data revealed five categories including more frequently prescribed drugs, common concerns about prescribing drugs, recommendations for reducing potential side effects, experience of clinical pharmacology training, and criteria for prescribing new drugs. Conclusion: Since the knowledge of dental students affects the quality and effectiveness of treatment and patient safety, this study emphasized the need to improve clinical pharmacology training provided to dentistry students, residents, and dentists.
The Law of Nature, which Makes it Necessary to Develop the Fundamental Science of Cybernetics
Authors: Vyshinskiy Vitaliy
Published: August 2023

Understanding the environment ultimately boils down to the exploration of the laws of nature. Many years of experience have shown that not all of these laws are currently within the scope of scientists' attention. This law produces the development of fundamental sciences: physics, chemistry, botany, biology, including cybernetics, thereby defining its subject of research. This law and its connection with the scientific achievements of V.M. Hlushkova are considered in this work. Keywords: cybernetics, physics, chemistry, botany, biology, problem, fundamental.
An Overview of Algorithms for Solving Vehicle Routing Problems in the Quantum-Classical Cloud
Authors: Hulianitskyi Leonid , Korolyov Vyacheslav , Khodzinskyi Oleksandr
Published: August 2023

Introduction. The hope of solving the problem of the avalanche-like growth of requirements for computing power, essential for solving complex routing problems and other problems of combinatorial optimization, relies on the latest quantum computers, in the development of which governments and corporations invest multi-billion investments.
The article examines modern routing algorithms and performs their analysis and verification, if the authors of the algorithm provided appropriate test programs.
The purpose of the article is to review the current state of development in the field of development of routing algorithms for hybrid quantum-classical clouds, analyze them and propose a classification of algorithms.
Results. Modern quantum computers (QCs) make it possible to find approximate solutions to some of mathematical problems faster than classical computers. The inaccuracy of the solutions obtained by the QC is a consequence of physical and technological limitations: calculation errors are caused by thermal noise, a small number of computational elements - qubits and connections between them, which requires the decomposition of the problem and the use of heuristic algorithms.
The analysis of approaches to the solution of optimization problems on QC allows us to single out: quantum response and variational search of eigenvalues based on quantum logic gates as the general directions of development of the vast majority of algorithms for solving routing problems. The considered algorithms reduce the vehicle routing problem to a quadratic unconstrained binary optimization problem, which is isomorphic to the Hamilton-Ising model. In this form, the problem is suitable for embedding in QC, which finds an approximate solution that has the best statistical reliability or corresponds to the quantum state with the lowest energy.
As a separate class, vehicle routing algorithms for classical computers that use quantum computing to accelerate problem solving can be distinguished. For example, neural networks that calculate weighting factors using QC or an ant algorithm that calculates a pheromone trail in a hybrid cloud. It should be mentioned the quantum-inspired algorithms, which are based on software tools for the simulation of QC and the corresponding libraries and allow creating an effective class of algorithms for solving problems of vehicle routing.
Conclusions. Combining hardware quantum annealing with a number of software tools for calculating optimization problems for classical computers in a hybrid quantum-classical cloud service allows to obtain advantages in speed and accuracy of some types of complex optimization problems of a commercial scale, in particular, routing vehicles, which is already bringing substantial profits to a number of corporations. Keywords: vehicle routing problem, quantum computer, annealing, combinatorial optimization, traveling salesman problem, clustering, qubit.
Computational Experiments for the r(α)-Algorithm with an Accelerated Implementation of Space Dilation
Authors: Suprun Anton
Published: August 2023

In the article, a modification of the r(α)-algorithm with adaptive line search which implements accelerated space dilation operation is considered. In classical r(α)-algorithm with adaptive line search, space is dilated along the difference of the two successive subgradients. In its modified variant, space is dilated along the direction which is determined by the largest absolute value components of the vector of difference of the two successive subgradients. The number of such components varies at each iteration of the algorithm and depends on a control parameter. Thus, at each iteration only corresponding subspace of a smaller dimension is dilated and the number of multiplication operations used for this decreases from 2n2 + 3n to 2nm + 2m + n, where n is the dimension of the space, m is the number of non-zero components of the space dilation direction.
Description of the modified r(α)-algorithm with adaptive line search which implements accelerated space dilation operation is given. Results of the numerical experiments of minimization of the two classes of convex piecewise linear functions and quadratic strongly convex functions are presented. To solve the problems C++ implementations of the classical r(α)-algorithm with an adaptive line search ralgb5a and its modified version with accelerated space dilation ralgb5at were used. Obtained results show that for minimization of the piecewise linear functions compared with the classical r(α)-algorithm its modified version requires approximately the same number of iterations to converge but uses a significantly smaller number of multiplication operations. For minimization of the quadratic strongly convex functions modified r(α)-algorithm requires a smaller number of iterations to converge and as a result has a smaller execution time.
Therefore, it is concluded that the variants of the r-algorithm that implements accelerated space dilation operation along directions which approximate the difference of the two successive subgradients may be quite promising since for some classes of functions they might better take into account the shape of the function’s ravines and with appropriate software implementation have a smaller execution time. Keywords: space dilation operator, r(α)-algorithm, piecewise linear function.
Smart-Systems for Precision Agriculture, Environmental Protection and Healthcare
Authors: Romanov Volodymyr , Galelyuka Igor , Hrusha Volodymyr , Antonova Hanna , Voronenko Oleksandr , Kedych Anna , Kovyrova Oleksandra
Published: August 2023

Appearance of innovative tools of informatics in the world is determined by development of information-communication technology, microelectronics, sensor and biosensor technologies. Spreading of these technologies on precision agriculture, environmental protection and health care gives opportunity to create smart fields, gardens, greenhouses, forests and parks, and also smart health monitors, which estimate the health state of person as in rehabilitation, so in emergency situations.
Results of research of authors in the development of new information technologies and creation of main components of the smart systems for different purposes on this base are shows in this paper.
Main requirements for knowledge bank for precision agriculture and ecological monitoring are defined. Main principles of creating knowledge bank on base of requirements are proposed. The typical smart system models and their development stages are considered. Structure of wireless multilevel networks for the estimation of state of biological objects of different origin and their nodes are described. Developed sensor networks and smart systems for agriculture are considered. Structure of proposed smart system for agriculture and ecological monitoring is given. Approaches for chlorophyll fluorescence induction curves analysis are studied. Results of network testing for the estimation of the autonomous work time of network nodes and possible errors are given.
Wireless sensor network and smart system for remote medical monitoring are described. Diagnostic smart systems for estimation of quality of life are considered. Medical communicator, computer device on base of tablet computer, was used for their development. The short form of Survey Instrument (SF-36) for life quality estimation and abnormal uterine bleeding questionnaire, which was developed in State Scientific Institution "Center for Innovative Medical Technologies of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine", were embedded in communicator. STEPS questionnaire which was designed for epidemiological monitoring of the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases and their risk factors in the target subpopulations could be added to communicator.
Development of smart systems for estimation of quality of life and prevalence of noncommunicable diseases was made in cooperation with R.E. Kavetsky Institute of Experimental Pathology, Oncology and Radiobiology NAS of Ukraine (department of research management and innovation), Chebotarev Institute of Gerontology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Center for Innovative Medical Technologies of the National Academy of Sciences of the Ukraine. Keywords: wireless sensor network, precision agriculture, chlorophyll fluorescence induction, express-diagnostics of plant state, quality of life, SF-36.
Unpacking Informality Dilemma in Private Equity Markets
Authors: Khan Muhammad Zubair , Khan Zafir Ullah , Khan Amin Ullah , Gul Akhtar
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT
Venture capital and private equity represent established asset categories utilized for funding formal entrepreneurial endeavors, often drawing investments from adept fund managers who typically refrain from engaging in informal ventures. However, it is not well investigated how informal economic activities impact resource allocation in private equity. In this paper, we analyze private equity data from 32 economies across Europe and the Asia Pacific region, spanning from 1996-2017. Utilizing a random effects estimation technique, we find that shadow economies have a strong negative impact on private equity investment and inhibit the positive effect of both stock markets and GDP per capita on private equity investment. This suggests that despite a thriving stock market for exit opportunities and favorable wealth conditions facilitating the supply side, economies witness constrained private equity investments due to the existence of informal sectors. This research makes a significant contribution to the cross-country private equity literature and offers valuable policy recommendations.
The position of the Entente States on the idea of Armenia’s independence (1917 and early 1918)
Authors: POGHOSYAN Samvel , GHRMAJYAN Genya
Published: August 2023

The article highlights the emergence of the idea of Armenia’s independence at the end of the First World War. The Russian revolutions and the position of the United States brought new ideas to the problems of colonization and self-determination of nations. In the autumn of 1917, representatives of the great powers began to speak positively about the independence of Armenia. This eventually led to the declaration of independence of Armenia on May 28, 1918. The article is based on archival materials and collections of documents. Many archival sources are introduced into scientific circulation for the first time. The analyzes were presented based on verified facts. The study was conducted by the historicalcomparative method, according to the principle of historicity. An attempt has been made to present the problem in its entirety. In this article, we have revealed the position of Great Britain, France and the United States on the issue of the formation of an independent Armenian state.
The main trends in the use of documents in the Central State Archive of Scientific and Technical Documentation of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Authors: SABLIN Syrym , MAGIER Dariusz
Published: August 2023

According to the state program ‘Archive 2025’ for wide access to archival documents in Kazakhstan the web portal ‘Unified electronic archive of documents was launched’. At the moment, there is no information on the funds of the Central State Archive of Scientific and Technical Documentation on this site yet, but it is planned to add it to the electronic catalog in the future. For the successful implementation of data on documents stored in the funds of the Central State Archive of Scientific and Technical Documentation, it is necessary to analyze which types of documents are most popular among the archive users (both in the reading room and when executing information requests by the archive) and which need to be translated into electronic format as a priority, for this purpose, the reports of the Central State Archive of Scientific and Technical Documentation were studied for the period from 1974 to 2021.
Who was the author of the map of the Khotyn fortress siege of 1788?
Authors: OPYRCHAŁ Leszek
Published: August 2023

Two maps documenting the capture of Khotyn, which took place during the Russian-Turkish war fought in 1787-1792, have been preserved in Polish archival collections. One was made by Adam Dłuski, the other is anonymous. A comparison of the details of the two maps and the plan of the Kamianets-Podilskyi fortress made by Jan Bakałowicz shows that the author of the anonymous map was the commanding officer of the Kamianets-Podilskyi fortress – Józef de Witte. Due to the fact that his wife, Zofia, maintained too close relationships with General Saltykov, who commanded the Russian army, he was accused of treason. Probably in order to regain the favor of the Polish King Stanisław August Poniatowski, Józef de Witte made a map of the siege of Khotyn.
Da luta feminista aos estudos de gênero: breve reflexão sobre a importância dessa categoria no ensino de Geografia e no combate à violência contra mulher
Authors: Alves Rahyan de Carvalho , Vidal Victória Caroline , França Iara Soares de
Published: August 2023

O presente artigo versa sobre a situação de subalternidade das mulheres, proveniente das práticas e discursos que pautam a hierarquização histórica de gêneros. Nesse ínterim, tecemos reflexões sobre: as contribuições do movimento feminista na visibilidade de pautas das mulheres; apresentamos a conceituação da categoria gênero, a introdução deste estudo na academia brasileira; a aproximação com a ciência geográfica e a importância dessa categoria no ensino de Geografia. Para tanto, estabeleceu-se o diálogo entre autores diversos que discutem sobre as temáticas: Movimento Feminista; Gênero; Geografia de Gênero; Violência de Gênero e Violência contra a Mulher. Concluímos que negligenciar a categoria gênero é ser conivente com a violência de gênero que tantos danos físicos, psicológicos e morais causam às vítimas. É perpetuar a violência contra a mulher. Discorrer sobre gênero é ir de encontro a este problema que acompanha a vivência feminina; é unir forças, alçar a voz e dizer: basta.
KLUSTERISASI PENYAKIT ENDEMIS PADA KECAMATAN SABU BARAT, KABUPATEN SABU RAIJUA MENGGUNAKAN ALGORITMA K-MEANS
Authors: Ina Wenefrida Tulit , Mesakh Yefta , Pella Stephanie I.
Published: August 2023

Teknologi informasi dapat diterapkan untuk mengidenfikasi penyakit endemis pada suatu wilayah dalam hal ini Kabupaten Sabu Raijua. Penyakit endemis dapat diidentifikasi dini dengan metode Clustering K-Means dimana metode ini mempartisi data ke dalam bentuk satu atau lebih cluster/kelompok, sehingga data yang memiliki karakteristik yang sama dikelompokkan dalam satu cluster yang sama dan data yang memiliki karakteristik berbeda dikelompokkan ke dalam kelompok lain. Data yang dipakai dalam penelitian ini yaitu data rekam medis pada Puskesmas Seba sejumlah 1020 data dengan variabel tahun, desa, diagnosa, usia dan gender. Dikarenakan data yang banyak, proses Clustering K-Means akan menggunakan  Weka 8.5 sebagai alat bantu.

Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukan karakteristik dan pola penyakit endemi pada daerah pelayanan Puskesmas Seba dengan variabel tahun, desa, diagnosa,  usia dan gender, karakteristik yang dipakai berdasarkan jumlah klaster yang paling optimal. Jumlah klaster paling optimal dapat dicari menggunakan Metode Elbow. Hasil klasterisasi dari 1020 data rekam medis menunjukan jumlah klaster yang paling optimal adalah 2 klaster dengan karakteritik diagnose ISPA.

Kata Kunci:  Klusterisasi K-Means, Metode Elbow, WEKA, Rekam Medis
Exploration of Hybrid Courses for Physical Education in Higher Education: A Case Study of a Leading Chinese Public University
Authors: Cui Jinghang , Bai Ruirui , Zhang Minxin , Ma Rui , Cheng Ran , Zhao Yuehan , Jiang Shiquan , Zhai Yifei , McNabb Joseph
Published: August 2023

Against the backdrop of technological advances, educational reforms, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, hybrid courses have become increasingly popular in higher education in China. The study draws from existing theoretical knowledge and practical experiences to provide insights on the feasibility and potential benefits of using the hybrid course modality in physical education, aiming to investigate the applicability of the hybrid course modality in promoting undergraduate students’ engagement in physical education courses at a large public university in China. It also focuses on practical implications of the hybrid course modality to enhance physical education courses in Chinese higher education institutions, by exploring how this modality can serve as a useful tool in such courses.