bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Aquatic Physicochemical Parameters Variation on the Phytoplankton Abundance and Diversity in the Babon River, (Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia)
Authors: Haeruddin Haeruddin , Purwanti Frida , Rahman Arif , Prakoso Kukuh
Published: September 2024

The Babon River is an integral component of Semarang City's drainage system, which is heavily impacted by the influx of waste, leading to elevated water temperatures caused by global warming and decreased pH levels due to acid rain. The two main environmental factors that affect phytoplankton growth and productivity are temperature and nutrient availability. Nutrients can change the balance of the natural food webs of aquatic ecosystems. Meanwhile, metals are toxic and can accumulate in biota tissues. This study examined how nutrients, pH, temperature, and heavy metals in water affected the diversity and abundance of phytoplankton. Water samples and phytoplankton were collected from 7 observation stations representing the upstream, middle, and downstream rivers. Observations at each station were made 3 times in the months of April-May, June-July, and August-September. Temperature and pH were measured in situ with the HORIBA Water Checker. Analysis of nitrate, phosphate, and heavy metals was carried out with an AAS. The results showed that the dominant phytoplankton in the Babon Rivers consisted of Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, and Cyanophyceae. There is no diversity against all independent variables (temperature, pH, nitrate, phosphate, Cd, Total Cr, Pb concentrations) and dependent variables (number of genera, abundance, and diversity index of phytoplankton) due to the sampling station's location. However, sampling time caused diversity in nitrate, phosphate, Cd, Total Cr, and Pb concentrations, the sampling location effect was more dominant than sampling time, so the results showed that all independent variables did not contribute significantly to the dependent variables.
Combined Economic Emission Dispatch Including Variable Energy Resources
Authors: Behera Soudamini , Barisal Ajit Kumar , Behera Sasmita , Bagal Dilip Kumar
Published: September 2024

Sustainable energy solutions are becoming more and more necessary as the world's energy needs increase as a result of population expansion and industrialization. Using renewable energy sources has become essential to meeting these needs and reducing the negative effects on the environment. The increasing incorporation of renewable energy sources (RES) like wind and solar into microgrid systems poses a notable obstacle to attaining optimum power dispatch because of their intrinsic unpredictability. The combined economic emission dispatch (CEED) issue may become inefficient as a result of this fluctuation, especially in islanded microgrid systems. In particular, in areas with significant RES potential, resolving this problem is essential to improving the sustainability and dependability of the energy supply. In this work, the optimization of the CEED issue in an islanded microgrid system with wind, solar, and thermal energy sources is the main emphasis. By employing a weighted sum approach and a Butterfly Optimization Algorithm (BOA), the research aims to provide an efficient solution to the multi-objective CEED dilemma. The proposed method outperforms traditional optimization techniques, offering a more robust framework for integrating RES into microgrids. This research reveals a number of limitations that affect the effectiveness of energy dispatch systems, such as thermal unit ramp rates and operating restrictions. Subsequent investigations have to concentrate on delving deeper into these limitations and devising tactics to augment the flexibility of optimization algorithms such as the Butterfly Optimization Algorithm (BOA) approach.
Assessment of Annual Litterfall of Woody Plant Community in Southern Thorn Forest, Tirunelveli, Peninsular India
Authors: Evitex-Izayas Johnson , Udayakumar Muthulingam
Published: September 2024

The biological phenomenon, litterfall acts as a connection between tree canopy and substratum of the habitats, influencing the concentration of vital soil nutrients thereby contributing to the tree growth and forest productivity. Information on litter generation of tropical forests including tropical thorn forest is lacking. Therefore, the current study was conducted to find annual litterfall of tree community existing within a Reserve Forest in Tirunelveli, India. A field ecological study was carried out to find annual litter production of woody plant community. Litter traps were kept randomly across the forest to assess the litter production. The litter fallen in each trap was collected separately on monthly basis for one calendar year. The collected litter was separated in to four different classes viz., leaf, wood, amorphous and reproductive organs. The relationship of climatic variables with litterfall was estimated by Pearson’s simple correlation test. The annual litter generation of the study area was estimated at 8.058 tons ha-1 y-1. The amount of total fallen and four classes litter per month varied significantly. In addition, litterfall did not show any significant relationship with the mean monthly temperature (p = 0.128; r2= 0.216) and monthly rainfall (p = 0.817; r2 = 0.0056). The deciduous species accounted for 95% (3.449 tons ha-1) of total annual leaf litterfall. Among four litter classes, the leaf litter accounted for 45.05%. The quantity of annual litterfall recorded from present study area is comparable with other tropical dry forests. The present study concentrated on limited forest areas, further studies with larger study area are needed to quantify the actual annual litter generation of southern thorn forests flourishing in various districts of Tamil Nadu.
Exploring Air Quality Dynamics and Predictive Modeling by Using Artificial Intelligence During COVID-19 Lock Down Over the Western Part of India
Authors: Bhati Vikram Singh , Saxena Abhishek , Khatwal Ravi
Published: September 2024

The lockdown period, initially imposed for three months due to the COVID-19 outbreak in India, was later prolonged. Air quality data from eight monitoring sites in Rajasthan was used to calculate the AQI according to the following parameters: Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Ammonia (NH3), Sulfur dioxide (SO2), Ozone (O3), and Carbon monoxide (CO), dispersed throughout the state by CPCB. Among the chosen cities, the study found that the AQI percentage dropped the most in Alwar, by 35.6% between pre-lockdown and lockdown. Conversely, it rose the most in Jaipur, by 86.77% between lockdown and post-lockdown. Python deep learning was used to simulate the relationship between Air Quality Index and Air contamination in the study area. Air quality index values ranging from Good (0–50) to Severe (>401) were used to create the AQI class categorization in Python. The study found that PM2.5 and PM10 had the strongest correlation. Metrics such as the coefficient of determination (R2) and the root mean square error (RMSE) were applied to assess the model on the datasets used for training and testing. Random forest, decision trees, and linear regression were worked to verify the precision of the prototype. The author used supervised learning techniques, such as decision tree (DT), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), logistic regression (LR), and random forest (RF), to determine the model's prediction. These findings suggest that urban areas are characterized by societal, commercial, and cultural aspects that contribute to similar discharge patterns and air quality issues. The study would be advantageous for authorities, as it is clearly apparent that reducing the sources of emissions can improve quality. This will set the stage for safeguarding and improving the environment.
Health Risks and Dust Exposure among Flour Mill Workers in Eastern India: A Comprehensive Study
Authors: Mishra Jaynarayan , Verma Kumudini , Mohanty Santosh Kumar , Rath Ipsita
Published: September 2024

Flour milling, a prevalent agricultural industry in semi-urban and urban areas of India, involves grinding whole wheat to produce flour. However, this indoor occupation exposes workers to hazardous flour dust for prolonged periods without adequate ventilation. To investigate the health implications, a study was conducted on 142 flour mill workers in and around Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The findings revealed significant health issues, including respiratory problems (20%), eye irritation (8.6%), headache (11.4%), and shortness of breath (31.4%) among workers. Alarming levels of PM2.5 (330–385 ?g m-3) and PM10 (420–470 ?g m-3) dust particles were recorded. Notably, workers with over 10-15 years of experience displayed reduced pulmonary function, with a decline in force vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). To mitigate these risks, the study recommends implementing personal protective equipment, improved ventilation, and regular medical care for flour mill workers.
Anaemia and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in pregnant women in Ghana
Authors: Owusu-Sarpong Akosua Agyeiwaa , Sarpong Godfred Kwabena , Anane Agnes Achiamaa , Kusi Rita Agyakumwah Asante , Djan Richardson Ohene , Adu-Gyamfi Rhoda , Sackey Evelyn , Armstrong-Mensah Elizabeth , Tetteh Ato Kwamena
Published: September 2024

Background/Aims

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency worsens the risk of anaemia and complicates gestation and birth if poorly managed. This study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with anaemia and this deficiency in pregnant women.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 369 pregnant women at the Cape Coast Metropolitan Hospital, Ghana. Multiple logistic regression was used to investigate the relationship between anaemia and various sociodemographic variables.

Results

The prevalence of anaemia was 41.2% at 13 weeks' and 66.7% at 36 weeks' gestation. Overall, 29.8% of participants were glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficient. Age (P=0.024)and marital status (P=0.009) were significantly associated with anaemia at 13 weeks. Gravidity (P=0.014) and employment status (P=0.001) were significantly associated with anaemia at 36 weeks.

Conclusions

There was a high prevalence of co-morbid anaemia and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency at 13 and 36 weeks' gestation. Future studies should consider genetic and dietary factors that may contribute to gestational anaemia.

Implications for practice

Clinicians and midwives should be aware of the factors that can affect anaemia and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, particularly in areas where deficiency is prevalent. Early detection could allow individualised treatment.
Is pregnancy a disease?
Authors: Winter George F
Published: September 2024

George F Winter explores the rationale behind treating pregnancy as a disease, and whether it is useful to do so
Getting the most from urine and sediment analysis
Authors: McGrotty Yvonne
Published: September 2024

Urine sediment examination is an integral part of urinalysis which is frequently overlooked as it can be time consuming and requires a functional microscope, a centrifuge and staff with both the time and expertise to perform the exam. Sediment examination allows the operator to identify crystals, casts, cells and bacteria in a urine sample. Failure to perform sediment examination promptly can lead to ageing artefacts which may negatively affect case management. Examination of the urine sediment should ideally be performed within 1–2 hours of urine collection.
Advances in Immune Checkpoint Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Huang Yamei , Yu Weiping
Published: September 2024

The incidence and lethality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are increasing annually, and traditional treatments have been proven to be ineffective for patients with advanced stages of the disease. In recent years, immune checkpoint therapy has rapidly evolved, demonstrating promising results across a wide range of cancers and offering new hope for cancer treatment. However, the efficacy of immune checkpoint therapy in HCC varies greatly among individuals, with only a small proportion of HCC patients responding positively. A major cause of immune resistance and poor efficacy in HCC patients is immune evasion, which is often due to insufficient infiltration of immune cells. Understanding the mechanisms underlying immune evasion is crucial for enhancing the efficacy of immune therapies. In this review, we aim to summarize the mechanisms of immune evasion observed during immune checkpoint therapy and discuss future directions for this therapeutic approach. Our goal is to provide insights that could help overcome immune evasion, thereby improving the efficacy of immune therapies and extending patient survival time.
Effects of Temporomandibular Disorders on the Oral Hygiene Status and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of Young Adults
Authors: Jung Su-Jin
Published: September 2024

Objective: This study aimed to provide basic data to develop effective measures to improve the oral hygiene and oral health-related quality of life of individuals by preventing temporomandibular disorders. Methods: Data were collected from 148 young adults who visited the Department of Dental Hygiene of K University in Region D for practical training. The collected data were subjected to independent sample t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient and logistic regression analyses. Results: Incidence of temporomandibular disorders and oral hygiene status were significantly negatively correlated with oral health-related quality of life, whereas that of temporomandibular disorders was significantly positively correlated with the oral hygiene status. Additionally, incidence of temporomandibular disorders was 3.821 times higher in the poor oral hygiene group than in the good oral hygiene group and 0.845 times lower in the good oral health-related quality of life group than in the poor oral healthrelated quality of life group. The explanatory power of these factors was 53.9%. Conclusions: These results suggest the importance of the prevention, early detection, and treatment of temporomandibular disorders to ensure good oral hygiene status and oral health-related quality of life of young adults. Furthermore, there is need for effective oral health education measures, including oral health projects for young adults, to prevent and treat temporomandibular joint disorders.
Spatio-temporal Prediction of Air Quality Using Spatio-temporal Clustering and Hierarchical Bayesian Model
Authors:   School of Mathematics and Statistics, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China, Wang Feiyun , Hu Yao ,   School of Mathematics and Statistics, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China, Qin Yutao ,   School of Mathematics and Statistics, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
Published: September 2024

Air pollution can cause many negative impacts, so it is meaningful to establish an air quality prediction model with high accuracy for air pollution prevention and control. In previous studies, most models did not consider the spatio-temporal distribution characteristics of air quality. So this study proposes a novel spatio-temporal prediction approach STC-HBM, which combines spatio-temporal clustering (STC) and hierarchical Bayesian model (HBM) to build a spatio-temporal prediction model. In this study, we first perform spatio-temporal clustering on the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region in China and then apply hierarchical Bayesian models to different clusters separately. We consider three hierarchical Bayesian models: the separable spatio-temporal (SST) model, the Gaussian process (GP) model, and the autoregressive (AR) model. Since the prior distribution affects the prediction accuracy of the HBM, the resultant output of the Bayesian linear regression (BLR) model is used as the prior input of the HBM, which improves the flexibility of the model. The experimental results show that 13 cities in the BTH region are clustered into two clusters according to their spatio-temporal characteristics. Based on MAE, RMSE, MAPE, and coverage (CVG), cluster 1, and cluster 2 are better in both temporal and spatial prediction compared to the overall prediction model. In addition, for cluster 1, the models with the best prediction in time and space are AR and GP, respectively; for cluster 2, the models with the best prediction in time and space are SST and GP, respectively.
Service-Learning and Project-Based Learning Methodologies in Higher Music Education: a review of the literature
Authors: Cuervo-Calvo Laura , Cabedo-Mas Alberto
Published: September 2024

INTRODUCTION. Recent research highlights the potential of multidimensional and holistic learning in educational transforation, the provision of social services from the university and development of professional identity. This article aims to analyse the relationship between the Service-Learning and Project-Based Learning methodologies in higher music education and the acquisition of transversal competences. METHOD. A review of 29 articles on both methodologies in higher music education, published between 2012 and 2022, was conducted. The articles were selected from WoS, Scopus, and ERIC databases. Four categories were explored: (1) Social interaction, (2) personal growth, (3) academic learning, and (4) challenges related to the implementation and contextualization of the methodologies. RESULTS. Results show that, in the context of higher music education, both methodologies have a potentially positive impact on the development of transversal competencies in students. The review shows benefits in social aspects such as the development of civic responsibility and communication skills among peers and teachers; academic aspects such as adaptation to complex learning environments, mutually beneficial goals and shared authority; and personal development aspects such as flexibility, solidarity and respect. The review also shows that reflective practice contributes to developing students’ openness to constructive criticism, which is perceived as a positive contribution to learning. CONCLUSIONS. The methodologies studied can foster students’ personal growth, the mitigation of their biases in the classroom and the reflective and conscious appreciation of their own learning. To be taken into account are the challenges related to the complexity of adjusting the projects to the academic curriculum and community needs, as well as the large amount of time and effort required for the process. Finally, further research using different search terms and criteria is encouraged to achieve a broader understanding of how music initiatives can be designed and implemented through these methodologies, the projection they can have, and how research is conducted in this field.
Sub-100 fε resolution strain sensing based on optical fiber frequency comb
Authors: Wu Shun , Li Xinlong , Li YongQi
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we introduced a high-resolution optical fiber strain sensing system capable of detecting both static and dynamic strain through optical frequency comb (OFC) beat frequency demodulation. The system employed a fiber Fabry-Perot interferometer (FFPI) as the strain sensing element, which was probed by a narrow-linewidth laser stabilized to it using the Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) locking technique. By leveraging the concept of beat frequency demodulation, the OFC, characterized by its stable repetition rate and offset frequency, translated the optical frequency shifts within the strain sensor into the radio frequency (RF) domain for detection. Our findings revealed a static strain resolution of 247 pε over a 10-second period, and a dynamic strain resolution of 87 fε/Hz-1/2 at 8 kHz. Additionally, we investigated the potential of a free-running OFC with a stable repetition rate for high-resolution static strain sensing. By actively sweeping the OFC’s offset frequency in conjunction with the FFPI, we achieved a static strain resolution of 630 pε within 10 seconds. This sensor system offers high resolution, moderate cost, and a degree of portability, rendering it suitable for a range of geophysical research applications.
Nerve conduction, latency, and its association with hand function in young men
Authors: Almuklass Awad M. , Alassaf Abdulmajeed Mansour , Alanazi Rakan F. , Alnafisah Turki Rashed , Alrehaily Thamir Ali , Al Malik Yaser
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The median and ulnar nerves have been suggested to play a significant role in hand function; however, there are insufficient data to determine the strength of this association. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between hand function as measured with the Grooved pegboard test (GPT) and conduction velocity and latency of the median and ulnar nerves.

Methods

We collected convenience samples in the College of Medicine, KSAU-HS. We used GPT to characterize hand function and performed measured nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and latency of the ulnar and median nerves of both hands. We used the Edinburgh handedness inventory (EHI) to determine hand dominance.

Results

We recruited 28 healthy medical students aged 20–29 years (mean: 21.46 ± 1.62 years). Most were right-handed (n = 25, 89.3%), with a mean EHI score of 302 ± 210. The mean GPT time was significantly faster in the dominant (65.5 ± 6.4 s) than in the non-dominant (75.0 ± 9.6 s) hand. The NCV for the ulnar nerve of the dominant hand was significantly correlated with GPT (r = -0.52, p = 0.005) while median nerve was not correlated (0.24, p = 0.21). Regression analysis and collinearity test showed that the ulnar NCV explained 20% of the variance in GPT of the dominant hand (R2 = 0.203, p = 0.016).

Conclusion

The ulnar nerve conduction velocity, explained 20% of the variance in GPT times of the young men. Performance on this biomarker of neurological health seems to be more influenced by other factors in healthy young individuals.
Statistical inference of entropy functions of generalized inverse exponential model under progressive type-II censoring test
Authors: Gong Qin , Yin Bin
Published: September 2024

This article explores the estimation of Shannon entropy and Rényi entropy based on the generalized inverse exponential distribution under the condition of stepwise Type II truncated samples. Firstly, we analyze the maximum likelihood estimation and interval estimation of Shannon entropy and Rényi entropy for the generalized inverse exponential distribution. In this process, we use the bootstrap method to construct confidence intervals for Shannon entropy and Rényi entropy. Next, we select the gamma distribution as the prior distribution and apply the Lindley approximation algorithm to calculate `estimates of Shannon entropy and Rényi entropy under different loss functions including Linex loss function, entropy loss function, and DeGroot loss function respectively. Afterwards, simulation is used to calculate estimates and corresponding mean square errors of Shannon entropy and Rényi entropy in GIED model. The research results show that under DeGroot loss function, estimation accuracy of Shannon entropy and Rényi entropy for generalized inverse exponential distribution is relatively high, overall Bayesian estimation performs better than maximum likelihood estimation. Finally, we demonstrate effectiveness of our estimation method in practical applications using a set of real data.
It is child’s play: Caregiver and playworker perspectives on a community park-based unstructured play program
Authors: McCormack Gavin R. , Naish Calli , Petersen Jennie , Ghoneim Dalia , Doyle-Baker Patricia K.
Published: September 2024

Unstructured play is characterized as play that is child initiated and determined, allowing children the freedom and flexibility to engage in activities, including taking risks, without adult intervention. However, playworkers and caregivers are important mediators of children’s unstructured play. Studies have investigated playworker and caregiver perspectives regarding play, yet few have done so within the context of community based unstructured play interventions. Our qualitative study explored knowledge, attitudes and perspectives regarding play among playworkers (“play ambassadors”) and caregivers exposed to a community based unstructured play intervention implemented in Calgary, Canada. The intervention aimed to encourage unstructured and risky play in local parks via loose parts. Between August and October 2020, ten caregivers and four play ambassadors completed individual semi-structured interviews. Using thematic analysis, we identified four overarching themes. The importance of play (theme 1) reflected play ambassador and caregiver perspectives about how unstructured and risky play promoted health and development and offered opportunities for enjoyment, exploration, and social interaction. Perceptions of the play environment (theme 2) reflected play ambassador and caregiver experiences of the play hubs including the role of loose parts in shaping play. Challenges and triumphs in promoting play (theme 3) reflected play ambassador experiences in facilitating play as well as interactions between caregivers and play ambassadors. Play hub impacts on the community (theme 4) reflected play ambassador and caregiver perspectives on the role of the play hubs in facilitating social interactions and community engagement. Play Ambassadors and caregivers shared common beliefs about the benefits of unstructured and risky play and about the play hubs affects on facilitating social interactions. Community based unstructured play interventions may support play and promote a sense of community.
A Universidade de Coimbra: a instituição senhorial na longa duração
Authors: Neto Margarida Sobral
Published: September 2024

A Universidade de Coimbra foi, na época moderna, uma instituição poliédrica. A historiografia tem-nos revelado a sua função de entidade produtora de conhecimento e de formação de letrados que desempenharam cargos no reino e no império. Foi também um senhorio territorial, que constituiu a base material do seu financiamento, e um senhorio jurisdicional dotado de várias prerrogativas que lhe conferiam poder real e simbólico. Dotada da jurisdição senhorial intermédia, usufruía da prerrogativa de isenção de correição, do apuramento das eleições das justiças concelhias que era feito pelo Reitor ou pelo ouvidor e do conhecimento de apelações e agravos. A Universidade era ainda detentora de vários privilégios, destacando-se o foro privativo que libertava das justiças régias os membros da corporação universitária, assim como muitas pessoas que com ela interagiam. Numa análise de longa duração (1290-1835) apreendem-se as fases de estruturação e consolidação do sistema senhorial, que coincidem com períodos de reforma nos estudos, bem como as dificuldades de a instituição obter os recursos humanos e materiais adequados para controlar um território senhorial geograficamente disperso e habitado por enfiteutas e paroquianos que não se deixavam apanhar nas malhas das justiças privativas senhoriais
Neste estudo, analisamos a Universidade de Coimbra na sua vertente senhorial no sentido de identificar a natureza, proveniência e forma de gestão das suas fontes de financiamento e apuramos alguns dos constrangimentos dos Estudos provenientes da impossibilidade de afetar os recursos suficientes às atividades específicas da Academia.
Female landscapes
Authors: Ferraz de Matos Patrícia
Published: September 2024

The aim of this article is to reflect on the presence of colonized women in photographs and other representations, such as drawings, posters, postcards, exhibition catalogues, newspapers and magazines, which were disseminated in the context of the Portuguese colonial expositions, and in exhibition spaces conceived by the Portuguese with a colonial component. Generally speaking, the exhibitions sought to put forward the progress, taking into account land, rail and sea transport, but also roads, communications, trade, industry, arts, architecture, culture, and the most recent advances in science and medicine. The exhibitions were also places where the logic of colonial models was staged, showing a clear relationship between colonial domination and gender representation. The research includes several materials produced throughout the 1930s (a fertile period regarding the Portuguese participation in this kind of international events) intended to publicize these exhibitions or serve as a complement to them. These materials may include art works or merely propagandistic works, or works that combine both components. The analysis will include materials associated with several exhibitions between 1931 and 1940, such as the International Colonial Exhibition of Paris (1931), the Lisbon Industrial Exhibition (1932), the Portuguese Colonial Exhibition in Porto (1934), the Exhibition of the Portuguese World in Lisbon (1940), and the Portugal of the Little Ones (Portugal dos Pequenitos) in Coimbra (1940). The contexts in which women appear and the way they are represented — as active beings (performing tasks), as contemplative beings (as in natural landscapes) or as objects of sexual desire, revealing the context of power (legislative, administrative, male and colonial) in which the images and the representations were produced — will be analyzed.
Spectacle Politics, Folklorist Practices, Visual Representations, and Printed Media at the 1940 Portuguese World Exhibition
Authors: Serra Filomena
Published: September 2024

Este ensaio baseia-se na noção de “espetáculo político”, construída a partir da conceção de Guy Debord em A Sociedade do Espetáculo (1967). Através dessa noção, investigaremos a propaganda visual do Centro Regional da Exposição do Mundo Português de 1940, realizada em Lisboa, e a sua relação com o álbum ilustrado Vida e Arte do Povo Português, uma publicação luxuosa sobre etnografia produzida pelo Secretariado de Propaganda Nacional, o organismo de propaganda cultural do regime.Procurando, analiticamente, aproximar dois dispositivos de propaganda – uma exposição e um livro ilustrado o qual reforça as mensagens da exposição – examinaremos o papel que ambos desempenharam enquanto propaganda visual. Exploraremos a interligação entre os dois suportes e com outras publicações, bem como a interação entre a visualidade da exposição e os arranjos gráficos que combinam desenhos, fotografias, textos e símbolos, a retórica da “portugalidade” e a coincidência desses discursos imagéticos. Por outras palavras, a forma como o espetáculo político foi formalmente reencarnado, como memória e instrumento, nesse processo transmediático.
Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer May be Possible with Combination of Artificial Intelligence and Liquid Biopsies
Authors:   Sunvalley Communication, LLC / Onco'Zine, Hofland Peter
Published: September 2024

A liquid biopsy - a blood test - in combination with machine learning/artificial intelligence (AI) to detect and analyze distinctive tumor components, cancer-related genetic changes, and protein biomarkers released into the peripheral circulation, could help screen women for early signs of ovarian cancer, enabling a new accessible approach for non-invasive ovarian cancer screening and diagnostic evaluation.
A deprofesszionalizálódó középiskolai tanárképzés a két világháború között: A tanárképzés 1921–1929 közötti reformja
Authors: Garai Imre
Published: September 2024

1924 különleges évnek tekinthető az 1924. évi XVII. törvény bevezetése miatt, amely a középiskolai tanárképzést szabályozta Magyarországon. A törvényhez kapcsolódó eddigi irodalom a tanárképzési intézményrendszer hozzáigazítását emelte ki az átalakuló középiskoláztatáshoz, amely tükrözte a kormányzat társadalmi célkitűzéseit.

A tanulmány a tanárképzési intézményrendszer reformjának egy más szempontú megközelítését javasolja egy új kronológiai és elméleti keret alkalmazásán keresztül. A professzióelméletek kritikai megközelítésének és különösen a deprofesszionalizáció fogalmának alkalmazása feltárhatja a kormányzat és a tanárképzés szakértői elitcsoportjai közötti kapcsolatok megváltozását. A kutatás során a levéltári források dokumentumelemzése és a szakirodalmi dokumentumelemzés módszerei kerültek elsődlegesen alkalmazásra.

A kutatás eredményei azt sugallják, hogy a professziós csoportok standardizációs törekvéseit a kormányzati szereplők felhasználták a professziós intézmények feletti politikai kontroll kiterjesztésére a működésüket szabályozó dokumentumok felülvizsgálati kereteinek meghatározásán és az intézményt működtető kulcsszemélyek gondos megválogatásán keresztül. A professziós intézmények belső működésébe történő ilyen mértékű beavatkozás a deprofesszionalizáció veszélyével fenyegette a teljes középiskolai tanárképzést.
Corrosion Inhibition Potential of Aqueous Extract of Bauhinia acuminata Linn Leaves on Carbon Steel in Hydrochloric Acid Medium
Authors: Prabhu S. Arun , Padusha M. Syed Ali , Abuthahir S.S. Syed
Published: September 2024

The corrosion of carbon steel in 1 N HCl was analyzed using an aqueous Bauhinia acuminata Linn (BaL) leaf extract. Weight loss method was used to determine the inhibitor efficaciousness and corrosion rate. When dissolved in water, a linneus plant leaf extract exhibit an inhibitory effect which is proportionate to the amount of inhibitors present. It is possible to speed up the corrosion process by increasing the inhibitors’ concentration. Studies have shown that the BaL leaves extract has a 97.30% inhibitory efficiency. By increasing the concentration of inhibitor solutions, a surface layer forms on carbon steel, which inhibits the activity of the active site. The potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and AC impedance studies (EIS) were employed to examine the mechanical properties of corrosion inhibition. The surface homogeneity and irregularity of carbon steel were examined using AFM and SEM under polished, corroded and inhibitor-treated surfaces. The surface irregularity of the carbon steel were analyzed using atomic force microscopy.
Synthesis and Characterization of Ester Derivatives of N-Phenylanthranilic Acid
Authors: Bala Madhu , Yadav Rachna , Girdhar Amit
Published: September 2024

N-Phenylanthranilic acid (fenamic acid) serves as the fundamental structure for synthesizing several non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibacterial drugs and also functions as a modulator of membrane transport. To reduce the dose-related side effects of existing drugs, research is focussing to improve fenamic acid derivative solubility and bioavailability. A series of ester derivatives of N-phenylanthranilic acid (MB-1 to MB-5) viz. 2-(phenyl amino)methyl benzoate, 2-(phenyl amino)ethyl benzoate, 2-(phenyl amino)isopropyl benzoate,2-(phenyl amino)butyl benzoate and 2-(phenyl amino)phenyl benzoate were synthesized. The chemical structures and functional groups of these derivatives were confirmed using elemental analysis and spectral data. Furthermore, the derived compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) strains using the agar-well diffusion method followed by molecular docking studies to predict binding interactions of the synthesized compounds with DNA gyrase.
Antibacterial and Cell-Viability of Hydroxyapatite Derived from Waste Marine Shell for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Suresh G. , Dhanaraj K. , Viswanath R.N. , Dhanalakshmi B. , Sindhya A.
Published: September 2024

The present study discusses on the functional groups, structural characterization and thermal behaviour of Crassostrea angulata shell used for the synthesis of a biocompatible hydroxyapatite material. The hydroxyapatite was synthesized from C. angulata shell through precipitation method and characterized using XRD, FTIR, FE-SEM, EDX mapping, HR-TEM and SAED pattern. The formation of hydroxyapatite was confirmed from the high intense X-ray diffraction lines and by the presence of chemical groups such as PO43–, OH– and CO32–. The structural changes during the formation of hydroxyapatite from the thermal decomposition of C. angulata shell were studied through XRD and TG-DTA. The morphology study by FE-SEM indicates that the synthesized hydroxyapatite materials were in the form of clusters of rod-like particles. The SAED patterns and XRD spectral lines confirmed the crystalline nature of the synthesized hydroxyapatite. The antibacterial activity and cell viability assay of prepared hydroxyapatite were studied to assess its suitability in various biomedical applications. The antibacterial activity of hydroxyapatite was assessed against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus saprophyticus) bacterial strains. The cytocompatibility of hydroxyapatite was assessed through an MTT assay using osteoblast cells (MG-63 cell). Thus, the prepared hydroxyapatite shows good antibacterial action and cell viability nature and it can be applied in various biomedical applications.
Magnetostructural Studies of Dinuclear Ni(II) Complexes with Tridentate NNO Chelator Schiff Base Ligands Originating from N-Substituted Diammines and Salicyldehyde or its Analogues: A Review
Authors: Biswas Rituparna , Bhattacharyya Pranabes
Published: September 2024

Considering its significant single-ion zero-field splitting and distinctive spin magnetic moment, nickel(II) complex is frequently utilized as a paramagnetic center in the synthesis of magnetic complexes. In this review, the magnetostructural features of dinuclear nickel(II) complexes of tridentate Schiff base ligands with NNO chelator resulting from several N-substituted diamines and salicyldehyde or its analogus aldehydes is discussed. A perfect combination of a tridentate Schiff base together with bridging coligands produces a large number of complexes with fascinating magnetic properties. The structural diversity of the Ni(II) complexes with NNO blocking Schiff bases are mostly directed by both the coordination number of the metal ions and different bridging modes of the co-ligands like azide, nitrate, thiocyanate, carboxylates, etc. The relationship between magnetic exchange interaction (i.e. ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic) with bonding parameters such as Ni···Ni separation, Ni–O–Ni angles have also been analyzed. This review is focused on the structural aspects as well as the magnetic characterization of nickel(II) dimmers of tridentate Schiff bases having NNO donor sets to establish a magnetostructural correlation.
DFT, Structure Activity Relationship, Fukui, Wave Function, NBO, NLO, Spectral and Hole-Electron Analyses of Dexmethylphenidate
Authors: Pushpam E. Jimla , Jebaraj J. Winfred
Published: September 2024

Dexmethylphenidate (DMP) is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and belongs to the central nervous system (CNS) stimulant group of medicines. The physical properties of DMP were analyzed under the DFT/B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) basis set. The ESP study reveals the electrophilic attack is possible, while FMO analysis shows that the molecule is hard, stable and an electron donor. The non-covalent interaction (NCI) study explains that van der Waals and steric repulsion forces are observed. The HEI studies indicated that this molecule has CT excitation in the S0→S5 state. The shaded surface map analysis reveals the presence of electron depletion regions in this molecule. The UV-Vis spectral analysis was carried out in various solvents. The Fukui function analysis conveys that 7C is the best domain for electrophilic attack. Theoretical IR determinations and NLO properties were also performed. The structure-activity relationship findings were performed in order to improve the docking score.
Structural, Magnetic and Electrochemical Properties of Nickel Manganese Ferrite (NixMn1-xFe2O4) Nanoparticles Prepared via Coprecipitation Method
Authors: Oviya K.J. , Sivagurunathan P.
Published: September 2024

In current work, the co-precipitation approach was effectively used to synthesize NixMn1-xFe2O4 nanoparticles. Thermal stability of the nickel manganese ferrite nanoparticle was observed at temperatures above 390 ºC by TG/DTA analysis. XRD investigation revealed the cubic structure of the synthesized NixMn1-xFe2O4 nanoparticles. The average crystallite size of synthesized nanoparticles determined via Scherrer’s equation, increases linearly with calcination temperature and nickel concentration. The FTIR spectra showed the existence of stretching vibrations of metal oxide, which are ascribed to the formation of nickel manganese ferrite nanoparticles. The surface morphology of NixMn1-xFe2O4 nanoparticles, as observed using FESEM, exhibited a spherical shape. The EDX spectrum indicates the occurrence of Ni, Fe, Mn and O in the synthesized nickel manganese ferrite nanoparticles. The average size of the crystallites, as determined by XRD, closely matches the analysis conducted using HRTEM. The magnetic properties of NixMn1-xFe2O4 nanoparticles were analyzed using VSM. Nickel manganese ferrite nanoparticles exhibit increasing saturation magnetization and coercivity values as nickel concentration increases, indicating soft ferrimagnetic properties and making it appropriate for high-density recording devices. The cyclic voltammetry investigation of Ni0.7Mn0.3Fe2O4 sample, calcinated at 600 ºC, reveals a significant specific capacitance of 590 F g–1 at a scan rate of 2 mV s–1, suggesting its potential use in supercapacitors.
Recent Innovations in Biosurfactant Production: Exploring Biomedical and Environmental Applications: A Review
Authors: Yuvarani M. , Kaviya V. , Prasannabalaji N. , Matharasi A. Anahas Perianaika
Published: September 2024

The unique characteristics and ecological friendly nature of biosurfactants, which are compounds with amphiphilic properties derived from biological sources, have garnered considerable interest. This review article explores into the fascinating characteristics of biosurfactants, with a particular emphasis on identifying and studying microorganisms that produce biosurfactants in unusual conditions, such as harsh ecosystems and agricultural wastes. Using innovative techniques, researchers investigated a wide variety of microbial strains for their ability to produce biosurfactants and evaluated the biosurfactants that were recovered. Furthermore, researchers also conducted assays on a laboratory scale to explore their possible uses in fields including bioremediation and increased oil recovery. The effectiveness of biosurfactants in combating environmental problems and fostering sustainability is emphasized in this investigation. Additionally, researchers considered cost-effective techniques while evaluating the economic viability of biosurfactant production. These findings provide insight into strategies to effectively incorporate biosurfactants into new technologies for a range of applications. This study highlights the potential of biosurfactants as eco-friendly alternatives in industrial processes and enhances the awareness of their sources of production. The purpose is to explore a more sustainable future by integrating biosurfactants into widespread biomedical devices while supporting further research and advancement in the pharmaceutical industry.
Design, Synthesis, Molecular Docking Studies and Antimicrobial Profiling of 7-Nitroquinazoline Derivatives against Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Authors: Halappanavar Vishwanath , Teli Sangappa , Teli Dharyappa , Melavanki Sammed P.
Published: September 2024

The alarming increase in antibiotic resistance contributes to the growing risk posed by Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the worldwide healthcare sector. To address the challenge, this study designed, synthesized and evaluated novel quinazoline derivatives, specifically 7-nitroquinazolines, for their antimicrobial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Molecular docking studies revealed that compounds 8a and 8b exhibited superior binding affinity to the protein 1T2W, with binding energies of -9.6 kcal/mol and -8.8 kcal/mol, surpassing ciprofloxacin. The derivatives demonstrated favourable pharmacokinetic properties, including moderate lipophilicity, optimal polarity and good water solubility. Compound 8b shows a potent minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 31.1 µg/mL against S. aureus (MRSA ATCC6538), outperforming ciprofloxacin. These findings indicate that compound 8b and related derivatives hold promise as novel therapeutic agents against MRSA, warranting further research to combat the growing issue of antibiotic resistance.
Characterization of Pimavanserin Stress Degradation Products by LCMS/MS and Optimization of Green Analytical HPLC Method for Quantification of Pimavanserin and its Impurities
Authors: Varma B. Rajesh , Pavani P. , Swamy T. Venkata , Rekha K. , Rao B. Sreenivasa
Published: September 2024

Green HPLC analytical procedures can quantify contaminants since they employ few hazardous chemicals and waste, reducing environmental impact and improving laboratory safety. In literature, no green analytical method reported for quantification of impurities in pimavanserin and hence this study aimed to establish green analytical method. The method comprises XBridge BEH C18 3.0 µm (100 mm × 4.6 mm) C18 column along with ethanol and 0.01 M aqueous orthophosphoric acid in 60:40 (v/v) at 0.75 mL/min flow and 249 nm wavelength. These conditions proved to be appropriate for asymmetric peak shape along with good resolution and permissible tailing. This method produces well correlated linearity in 3-18 µg/mL for pimavanserin and 0.03-0.18 µg/mL for impurities. This method exhibit a very sensitive detection limit of 0.01 µg/mL that enables precise and accurate impurity quantification at very low concentrations. All validation parameters performed and permissible results observed for both pimavanserin and impurities. Different stress conditions like acid, base, oxidative, thermal and photolytic was analyzed for pimavanserin to evaluate method effectiveness to resolve stress degradation products (DPs). The stress study identifies two distinct DPs in acid and base degradation chromatograms and was named as DP 1 and DP 2. The applicability of MSn studies and mass fragmentation confirms DP 1 as (4-fluorobenzyl)(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)carbamic acid and DP 2 as [4-(2-methylpropoxy)benzyl]carbamic acid. The GAPI (Green Analytical Procedure Index) and AGREE (Analytical GREEnness) metric tools were employed to assess the method greenness. This proposed green method can significantly reduce the usage of hazardous solvents without losing chromatographic performance and method efficiency. This study concluded that the method is suitable for quantifying pimavanserin and its impurities along with identification of degradation products.
Comparative Assessment between Glowing Family Elements of Metal and Graphene Quantum Dots Based on their Properties: A Theoretical and Experimental Study
Authors: Routh Parimal
Published: September 2024

The quantum dots (QDs) have wide range of applications in the field of biology and energy due to exceptionally photo-physical properties and highly active larger surface area. Both metal quantum dots (MQDs) and graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have created a new platform for quantum chemistry not only theoretical point of view but also open various real applications. The photo-physical properties arise due to tunable band gap and active functional groups adhere to the surface. Both MQDs and GQDs have very good properties such as solubility in wide range of solvent, good stability in photo-physical and chemical environment, less poisoning in animal body, small size and tunable photoluminescence is favourable for cell dynamics and imaging, up-conversion and down conversion photoluminescence nature, good electrochemical activity. The functionalization of QDs with micro and macromolecules in all direction are possible as results we find different shape of QDs due to very small size of QDs just like few atoms. Some theoretical studies have been observed to evaluate the origin of these properties. This review focused on the comparative studies including advantage and disadvantage between GQDs and MQDs based on their properties and also give significant imminent to motivate more encouraging development. Moreover, this review study offers significant insights for enhancing the characteristics of quantum dots.