bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends and Applications of Gamification in E-Commerce: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Rahmadhan Muhamad Adhytia Wana Putra , Sensuse Dana Indra , Suryono Ryan Randy , Kautsarina Kautsarina
Published: May 2023

Background: Gamification is a trend that has emerged with the growth of e-commerce. Given the wide range of human characteristics, determining which gamification elements perform well and what impact those gamification elements have can be challenging.
Objective: This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review to broadly review the impact that can be caused by the application of gamification elements in e-commerce. This study also attempts to identify the current trends in using gamification elements.
Methods: This study was carried out based on the Kitchenham approach and analyzes 25 research papers extracted from a total of 550 papers. The articles were gathered from ACM, Emerald, ScienceDirect, and Scopus and were published between 2016 and 2021.
Results: This study found that the trend of research in the field of gamification in e-commerce continues to grow every year. Also, this study found that the most frequently used gamification elements are achievement-oriented (such as rewards, points, badges, and leaderboards). Meanwhile, immersion-related gamification elements (such as avatars, fantasy, etc.) are emerging as a new trend for new gamification elements to be incorporated in e-commerce. This study also found three major themes, namely consumer loyalty, consumer engagement, and user behavior, as a result of the application of gamification in e-commerce.
Conclusion: This study helps to improve knowledge of various gamification elements, trends, and impacts on e-commerce. Future studies need to examine the challenges that may arise in the application of gamification elements to the three major themes found in this study and find potential solutions to overcome them.
 
Keywords: E-Commerce, Gamification, Gamification trends and applications, Kitchenham, Systematic literature review.
Factors Affecting Adoption of Telemedicine for Virtual Healthcare Services in Indonesia
Authors: Alviani Rima , Purwandari Betty , Eitiveni Imairi , Purwaningsih Mardiana
Published: May 2023

Background: The utilization of virtual healthcare services, particularly telemedicine, has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the pandemic is no longer the primary concern, telemedicine still holds potential for long-term adoption. However, implementing telemedicine in Indonesia as an online platform for remote healthcare delivery still faces issues, despite its potential. Further investigation is required to identify the factors that affect its adoption and develop strategies to surmount implementation challenges.
Objective: This study aims to examine and enrich knowledge about the adoption of telemedicine in Indonesia.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted through an online questionnaire to collect data. Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) was employed by integrating with several factors, such as eHealth Literacy, Privacy Concerns, and Trust. Gender and age were considered as moderating variables. Data samples were analyzed using Partial Least Square – Structural Equation Modeling (PLS–SEM).
Results: The findings suggest that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, eHealth literacy, and trust have a significant impact on adults’ behavioral intention to use telemedicine. However, facilitating condition, price value, and privacy concern do not show any significant effects on adults’ Behavioral Intention to Use Telemedicine.  
Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of understanding adoption factors to develop effective strategies. Results show performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, eHealth literacy, and trust are significant factors, while facilitating condition, price value, and privacy concern are not. The UTAUT2 model is a good predictive tool for healthcare adoption. To increase usage intention, several aspects must be considered in the implementation of telemedicine.
 
Keywords: Adoption, Behavioral Intention to Use, Telemedicine, UTAUT2, Virtual Healthcare.
Aspect-based Sentiment and Correlation-based Emotion Detection on Tweets for Understanding Public Opinion of Covid-19
Authors: Salsabila Salsabila , Tyas Salsabila Mazya Permataning , Romadhona Yasinta , Purwitasari Diana
Published: May 2023

Background: During the Covid-19 period, the government made policies dealing with it. Policies issued by the government invited public opinion as a form of public reaction to these policies. The easiest way to find out the public’s response is through Twitter’s social media. However, Twitter data have limitations. There is a mix between facts and personal opinions. It is necessary to distinguish between these. Opinions expressed by the public can be both positive and negative, so correlation is needed to link opinions and their emotions.
Objective: This study discusses sentiment and emotion detection to understand public opinion accurately. Sentiment and emotion are analyzed using Pearson correlation to determine the correlation.
Methods: The datasets were about public opinion of Covid-19 retrieved from Twitter. The data were annotated into sentiment and emotion using Pearson correlation. After the annotation process, the data were preprocessed. Afterward, single model classification was carried out using machine learning methods (Support Vector Machine, Random Forest, Naïve Bayes) and deep learning method (Bidirectional Encoder Representation from Transformers). The classification process was focused on accuracy and F1-score evaluation.
Results: There were three scenarios for determining sentiment and emotion, namely the factor of aspect-based and correlation-based, without those factors, and aspect-based sentiment only. The scenario using the two aforementioned factors obtained an accuracy value of 97%, while an accuracy of 96% was acquired without them.
Conclusion: The use of aspect and correlation with Pearson correlation has helped better understand public opinion regarding sentiment and emotion more accurately.
 
Keywords: Aspect-based sentiment, Deep learning, Emotion detection, Machine learning, Pearson correlation, Public opinion.
Do We Need A Bone Block Procedure in Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability?: A Case Report
Authors: Wibowo Hastomo , Sasetyo Dadang Rona , Thoriq Yusa muhammad , Giovanni Hartono Felix
Published: May 2023

Background: Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability (RASI) is usually preceded by trauma. The incidence recurrence rate is high in trauma Induced RASI, especially in younger patients. The right diagnosis and management must be ruled out immediately for a better outcome. Case Report: The 28-year-old man complained of right shoulder instability for the past eight years, which worsened in the last year. The patient had a history of trauma. Anterior apprehension and relocation test for the right shoulder showed a positive result. Radiologic imaging showed bony bankart loss (27%) and an on-track hillsach lesion of the humeral head. The Instability Severity Index Score (ISIS) is 7 points. Based on these results, an open surgery bone block-Latarjet procedure was done. The surgery was successfully performed, and there was no sign of recurrent instability and pain after one year.Discussion: The number of recurrent shoulder dislocations is over 75%. Bone loss found in the patient will increase the chance of RASI. No block procedure effectively prevented future recurrence from the bone stop effect, which increases the glenoid cavity, stretching effect, and tensioning effect that prevents excessive humeral translation.Conclusion: In the case of RASI, treatment decisions need to be based on the patient's exact condition. Bone block-Latarjet procedure is indicated in patients with bony bankart loss >25%, on track hillsach lesion, and >6 ISIS. In this research, the patient showed improved functional and clinical outcomes after eight years of chronic shoulder instability.
TRIAMCINOLONE ACETONIDE EFFECT ON INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE AND EXPRESSION OF COLLAGEN TYPE I AFTER STRABISMUS SURGERY
Authors: A. Nur Ummah Andi Nur Ummah
Published: May 2023

Objective to determine the effect of triamcinolone acetonide as an antifibrotic agent on inflammatory response and collagen type I after strabismus surgery in rabbit Material and methods thirty six eyes of male New Zealand white rabbits divided by two groups, 18 rabbits eyes in control group and 18 rabbits eyes in treatment group. Control group underwent recess muskulus rektus superior and irrigation of balanced salt solution in reattachment site. Treatment group underwent strabismus surgery and irrigation Triamcinolone Acetonide (TCA) (Flamicort ® Dexa-medica)(40 mg/ml) 0,15 ml (6 mg). They were terminated on 15 postoperative days. Staining Hematoxylin & Eosin were performed to evaluate inflammatory response and immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal antibody Collagen I Alpha 2 Antibody (LS-C352030, LifeSpan BioSciences, Inc) was performed to evaluate collagen type I expression. Results this study showed of inflammatory response decreased and statistically significant in the treatment group (p=0.002, p=<0.05). Expression of type I collagen obtained a decrease in the treatment group compared to BSS group (p=0.004, p<0.05). Conclusion triamcinolone Acetonide (TCA) 40 mg/ml is one of therapeutic approaches that aims to reduce fibrosis after strabismus surgery by inhibiting the accumulation of inflammatory cells activation and suppressing of type I collagen deposition.
EFFECT OF BEVACIZUMAB ON α-SMOOTH MUSCLE ACTIN EXPRESSION AND FIBROBLAST COUNT IN TRABECULECTOMY AREA TOWARDS PREVENTION OF FIBROSIS
Authors: Sekar Ayu Sekar Ayu Sitoresmi
Published: May 2023

Objective to analyze the effect of bevacizumab on α-smooth muscle actin expression and fibroblast count in trabeculectomy area of rabbit models in order to find a safer modulator of wound healing to improve surgical outcome. Material and methods 16 New Zealand white rabbits aged 4-6 months and weigh between 2,5-3,5 kg were performed trabeculectomy in their right eyes with postoperative subconjunctival injection of BSS and Bevacizumab. Rabbits were put into control and bevacizumab group using simple random sampling. Examination were done postoperative day 1, 7, and 14 and subjects were terminated and performed enucleation on postoperative day 14. The samples were histologically stained with Haematoxyline-Eosin to count the fibroblast and immunohistochemistry using α-smooth muscle actin antibody to differ the myofibroblast from fibroblast and the expression of α-SMA were collected using immunoreactive score. Result Mann Whitney u test and independent t-test were used to analyze the data, and we found both less expression of α-smooth muscle actin and fibroblast count on bevacizumab group compared to control group which indicates less myofibroblast, fibroblast, and less scarring potential in trabeculectomy area. Conclusion bevacizumab inhibits fibroblast proliferation and its differentiation to myofibroblast that lead to less collagen production and fibrosis.
EFFECT OF Anti-miRNA 144 AND Anti-miRNA 150 ON THE EXPRESSION OF α GLOBIN CHAINS IN PBMC
Authors: Riyanti Rini
Published: May 2023

The excess of unbound α globin chains are the basic pathophysiology of the cause of clinical symptoms in major β thalassemia. Recently there are many alternative therapies by increasing γ globin chains to reduced the effects of unbound α globin chains. Alternative therapies by decreasing α globin chains have not been much noticed. α globin expression involves complex regulatory involving transcription factors and miRNAs. It involves GATA-1, KLFD and MYB transcription factors . It also involves miRNA-144 and miRNA-150. The role of miRNA-144 and miRNA-150 to reduce the α globin chains expression in major β thalassemia patients is an alternative therapy. miRNA-144 and miRNA150 activity need to be known by using anti-miRNA 144 and anti- miRNA 150. Analyzed the effect of anti-miRNA 144 and anti-miRNA 150 on the expression of α globin chains. This study was an experimental study using PBMC of a major β thalassemia patients. PBMC divided into four groups that were not transfected, transfected by anti-miRNA 144, transfected by anti-miRNA 150 and transfected by anti-miRNA 144 and anti-miRNA 150. qPCR examinations to find out expression of miRNA-144 and miRNA-150. Western blot examination to find out the expression of α globin chains. There was significantly lower miRNA-144 expression in PBMC of major β thalassemia patients who had been transfected by anti-miRNA 144 than those not transfected. In line with the result of miRNA-144 expression which was 0.17 times lower than the control group. There was significantly lower miRNA-150 expression in PBMC of major β thalassemia patients who had been transfected by anti-miRNA 150 than those not transfected. In line with the result of miRNA-150 expression which was 0.30 times lower than the control group. There was significantly lower α globin chains expression in PBMC thalassemia patients who had been transfected by anti-miRNA 150 than those not transfected. There was significantly lower α globin chains expression in PBMC thalassemia patients who had been transfected by anti-miRNA 150 and anti-miRNA 144 than those not transfected. This is evidenced by the decreased in the area 10-25 KDa band. Based on this study, the administration of anti-miRNA 150 or anti-miRNA 144 and anti-miRNA 150 is capable of decreasing the expression α globin chains in PBMC of major β thalassemia patients.
Machine Learning for Healthcare: A Bibliometric Study of Contributions from Africa
Authors: Turki Houcemeddine , Sekkal Houda , Pouris Anastassios , Ifeanyichukwu Francis-Alfred Michaelangelo , Namayega Catherine , Lrhoul Hanae , Hadj Taieb Mohamed Ali , Adedayo Sadiq Adewale , Fourie Chris , Currin Christopher Brian , Asiedu Mercy Nyamewaa , Tonja Atnafu Lambebo , Owodunni Abraham Toluwase , Dere Abdulhameed , Emezue Chris Chinenye , Muhammad Shamsuddeen Hassan , Isa Muhammad Musa , Banat Mus'ab , Ben Aouicha Mohamed
Published: May 2023

Machine learning has seen enormous growth in the last decade, with healthcare being a prime application for advanced diagnostics and improved patient care. The application of machine learning for healthcare is particularly pertinent in Africa, where many countries are resource-scarce. However, it is unclear how much research on this topic is arising from African institutes themselves, which is a crucial aspect for applications of machine learning to unique contexts and challenges on the continent. Here, we conduct a bibliometric study of African contributions to research publications related to machine learning for healthcare, as indexed in Scopus, between 1993 and 2022. We identified 3,772 research outputs, with most of these published since 2020. North African countries currently lead the way with 64.5% of publications for the reported period, yet Sub-Saharan Africa is rapidly increasing its output. We found that international support in the form of funding and collaborations is correlated with research output generally for the continent, with local support garnering less attention. Understanding African research contributions to machine learning for healthcare is a crucial first step in surveying the broader academic landscape, forming stronger research communities, and providing advanced and contextually aware biomedical access to Africa.
The Future of Fisheries Co-Management in The Context of Sustainable Blue Economy and Green Deal: There Is No Green Without Blue !
Authors: Kyvelou Stella Sofia , Ierapetritis Dimitrios G. , Chiotinis Michalis
Published: May 2023

Appropriate governance structures are extremely important for the fishery dependent communities to develop integrated territorial development strategies and adaptive capacity to change, including the climate one. This paper assesses to what extent fisheries co-management schemes (e.g Fisheries LAGs, being regional/local governance instruments in fishing communities) are strengthening sustainability. The latter includes improving energy efficiency, promoting renewable energy sources (RES), coping with climate crisis, minimizing environmental impacts, and promoting sustainable blue economy. For detecting policy aspects of aligning climate neutrality and sustainable blue economy, the research lens focuses on the Greek Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs) given that these are mostly located in coastal/marine and insular territories with significant blue growth potential. To map and assess their capacity and efficiency in pursuing Green Deal objectives, a co-development process with FLAG managers was put in place. The results and findings of this process reveal the scarcity of sustainability and blue economy related strategies. Key conclusion is that transition to a post-carbon blue economy on a local level, requires the understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of fisheries co-management schemes. The latter, being multi-sectoral structures, may boost dialogue and cooperation to harmonize local development strategies and EU policies. Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) as an evolutionary governance process itself, can be a driver for making FLAGs evolve, and strengthen commonization and blue justice and equity for fishers.
Stark Effect for Donors in Rolled-Up Quantum Well
Authors: García Russi Luis Francisco , Mikhailov Ilia D. , Escorcia Caballero Ruthber Antonio , Sierra Ortega Jose , Escorcia Salas Gene Elizabeth
Published: May 2023

We calculate energies of shallow donors confined in a rolled-up quantum well in the presence of the electric field by solving numerically the Schrödinger equation in natural curvilinear coordinates. It is found that the curves of density of states (DOS) are very sensitive to the variation of the donor position, the geometry of the spiral and the applied electric field value. Novel results for dependencies of donor’s dipole moment and its polarizability on the electric field strength and its orientation, for different donor positions are presented. Also, we found that anisotropic Stark effect of the first order provides in this structure a dependency of the polarizability on the external electric field in a spike-like shape, giving rise to a sharp variation of the dipole moment.
Two-Color-Thermography for Temperature Determination in Laser Beam Welding of Low-Melting Materials
Authors: Schwarzkopf Karen , Rothfelder Richard , Rasch Michael , Schmidt Michael
Published: May 2023

Knowledge of the temperature evolution is crucial to understand and control laser beam welding of low-melting materials. Existing temperature determination approaches are restricted to i) one-dimensional temperature information (e.g. ratio-pyrometers), ii) a priori knowledge of the emissivity (e.g. thermography) and iii) high temperature regions (e.g. two-wavelength imaging). In this paper, a ratio-based two-color-thermography approach is developed that allows for two-dimensional temperature determination in low-melting temperature ranges (< 1200 K). For static measurement situations it is demonstrated, that temperature can be determined despite variation in signal intensity and emissivity with high accuracy. The two-color-thermography set-up is further transferred into a commercial laser beam welding machine and experiments are conducted for varying process parameters. The direct application of the developed two-color-thermography system in dynamic process situations is limited as image artifacts presumably caused by internal reflections inside the optical beam path are present.
Dry Adhesive Microstructures for Material Handling of Additively Manufactured and Deep Rolled Metal Surfaces with Reference to Mars
Authors: Mensching Nicole , Krüger Mirja Louisa , Kvaratskheliya Askar , Meyer Daniel , Tracht Kirsten , Okulov Ilya V. , Mädler Lutz
Published: May 2023

Once on Mars, maintenance and repair will be crucial for humans as supply chains including Earth andMars will be very complex. Consequently, the raw material available on mars must be processed and used. Factors such as the energy available for material production play just as important a role as the quality of the material that can be produced and the quality of its surface. With the aim of developing and technically implementing a process chain that meets the challenge of producing spare parts from oxygen-reduced Mars regolith, this paper addresses the issue of low-energy handling. Expected statistically distributed high roughnesses of sintered regolith analogs are approximated in this work by parameter variation in the PBF-LB/M process. For low-energy handling, a dry-adhesive microstructure is used. Investigations are carried out to determine the extent to which the rough surface resulting from the manufacturing process can be smoothed by deep rolling in such a way that the microstructure adheres and enables samples to be transported. For the investigated AlSi10Mg samples (12 mm x 12 mm x 10 mm), the surface roughness varies in a wide range from Sa 7.7 µm to Sa 64 µm after the additive manufacturing process, pull-off stresses of up to 6.99 N/cm² could be realized after deep rolling. This represents an increase in pull-off stresses by a factor of 392.94 compared to the pull-off stresses before deep rolling, enabling handling of even larger specimens. It is noteworthy that specimens with roughness values that were previously difficult to handle can be treated post-deep rolling, indicating a potential influence of additional variables that describe roughness or ripples and are associated with the adhesion effect of the microstructure of the dry adhesive.
Research on Performance Deterioration of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotube-lithium Slag Concrete under the Coupling Effect of Sulfate Attack and Dry-wet Cycles
Authors: Zhang Yifei , Qin Yongjun , Guo Zheyi , Li Dongjin
Published: May 2023

Sulfate attack is one of the main factors affecting the durability of concrete structures. In recent years, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have attracted the attention of scholars for their excellent mechanical properties and durability performance. In this paper, the influence of sulfate attack and dry-wet cycles on the performance of multi-walled carbon nanotube-lithium slag concrete (MWCNTs-LSC) with varied MWCNTs content (0wt%, 0.05wt%, 0.10wt% and 0.15wt%) and varied water-cement ratios (0.35, 0.40 and 0.45) were investigated. Besides, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray computed tomography (CT) tests were conducted to analyze the microstructure and pore structure of the concrete. The results show that concrete incorporated with MWCNTs could effectively mitigate sulfate attack The resistance to sulfate attack of concrete is negatively related to the water-cement ratio when the dry-wet cycle is fixed. The MWCNTs-LSC showed the best compressive strength at the water-cement ratio of 0.35 and 0.10 wt% MWCNTs. The SEM test results showed that the MWCNTs both filled the pores and cracks within the specimen and formed bridges between the cracks, enhancing the resistance to sulfate attack. The CT test results also showed that the addition of MWCNTs could reduce the porosity of concrete, refine the pore size and inhibit the generation and development of cracks, thus optimizing the internal structure of concrete and improving its resistance to sulfate attack.
Programmable Complex Shape Changing of Polysiloxane Main-Chain Liquid-Crystalline Elastomers
Authors: Zhang Yuhe , Wang Xiuxiu , Yang Wenlong , Yan Huixuan , Zhang Xinyu , Han Dongxu , He Yifan , Li Chensha , Sun Liguo
Published: May 2023

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are shape morphing materials whose large and reversible shape transformation results from the coupling between the mobile anisotropic properties of liquid crystal (LC) units and the rubber elastic of polymer networks. Their shape changing behaviors under the stimuli are largely directed by LC orientations, and therefore various strategies have been developed to spatially modulate the LC alignments. But most of the methods suffer from complex fabrication technologies or intrinsic limitations in applicability. To address this issue, programmable complex shape changes in some types of LCEs, such as polysiloxane side-chain LCEs or thiol-acrylate main-chain LCEs, etc, have been achieved by using a mechanical alignment programming process coupled with two-step crosslinking. Here, we report a polysiloxane main-chain LCE with programmable 2D and 3D shape changing performances achieved by mechanically programming the polydomain LCE between the two crosslinking steps. The resulting LCEs exhibited reversible thermal induced shape transformation between the initial and programmed shapes due to the two-way memory between the first network structure and the second network structure. Our work would be potential for expanding the applications of LCE materials in actuators, soft robotics and smart structures where arbitrary and easily programmed shape morphings are needed.
Implementation of Deep Learning based Bi-Directional DC-DC Converter for V2V and V2G applications in Microgrid - An Experimental Investigation
Authors: Madichetty Sreedhar , Banda Mohan Krishna , Nandavaram Banda Shanthi Kumar
Published: May 2023

This paper presents a proposal for a non-isolated bidirectional converter (NIBC) controlled by a deep neural network (DNN) to enable vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging, which contributes to the development of more efficient and sustainable transportation and energy systems. The DNN controller manages power flow in both directions, making it possible to charge electric vehicles (EVs) and discharge power from EVs to the grid with improved efficiency and performance compared to traditional control methods. The non-isolated topology used in this proposal offers several benefits, including reduced cost, smaller size, and higher efficiency. To train the DNN controller, a large dataset of simulations was used, and the results were validated with a hardware setup. The real-time performance of the DNN controller was compared to a proportional-integral (PI) based controller through simulated results. The findings of the study show that the DNN controller outperforms traditional PI controllers.
An Ultra-Low Power Consumption Urban Sewer Methane Concentration Monitoring System Based on Ultrasound
Authors: Ding Xin , Shi Yunbo , Sun Hui , Ding Xibo
Published: May 2023

Methane is the main cause of sewer explosion accidents, and the available monitoring methods mainly use portable gas sensors for on-site detection. However, these methods cannot grasp the dynamic changes in methane in a sewer in real time or make better predictions of methane explosion accidents. Here, we present a low-power online monitoring system for sewer methane in order to ensure the safety of urban sewers. A low-power ultrasonic gas sensor was used to monitor the methane content in biogas. Due to the impacts of changes in CO2, temperature, and humidity in the sewer on the ultrasonic methane measurement results, a corresponding compensation method was proposed. The effectiveness of the compensation method was verified through experiments, which measured the methane concentration under different influences, and the methane values measured before and after compensation were compared. The power consumption was only 1.28 mW if the system worked in intermittent operation mode, and it could operate for about 1.5 years by selecting a lithium battery with a capacity of 5 A · H. The experimental results showed that the gas detection accuracy could meet the commercial requirements and had a high compensation for the impacts of carbon dioxide, temperature, and humidity.
Metabolic Role of GABA in the Secretory Function of Pancreatic β-Cells. Its Hypothetical Implication in β-Cell Degradation in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Tamarit-Rodriguez Jorge
Published: May 2023

The stimulus-secretion coupling of glucose-induced release is generally attributed to the metabolism of the hexose in the β-cells in the glycolytic pathway and the citric acid cycle. Glucose metabolism generates an increased cytosolic concentration of ATP and of the ATP/ADP ratio that closes the ATP-dependent K+-channel at the plasma membrane by the interaction of ATP with the regulatory Kir6.2 channel subunit The resultant depolarization of the β-cells opens voltage-dependent Ca2+-channels at the plasma membrane that allow an increase of the cytosolic cation concentration that triggers the exocytosis of insulin secretory granules. The resultant secretory response evolves in time as a biphasic secretion with a first and transient peak of approximately 10 minutes duration followed by a sustained phase of secretion lasting as long as the stimulus. Whereas the first transient peak can be reproduced by a simple depolarization of β-cells with high extracellular KCl maintaining the KATP-channels open with diazoxide, the sustained phase is agreed to depend on the participation of some metabolic signal that remains to be determined Our group has been investigating for several years the participation of β-cell GABA metabolism, together with that of glucose (the β-cell “specific” nutrient secretagogue) and some other “metabolic” secretagogues (branched-chain alpha-ketoacids and a mixture of L-Leucine + L-glutamine, at supraphysiological concentrations) in their mechanism of stimulation of insulin secretion. All three types of stimuli promote the flux in the GABA shunt of rat islets by different metabolic pathways that end in the production of α-ketoglutarate. This citric acid cycle intermediary is preferentially derived to the GABA shunt instead of its continuous oxidation in the citric acid cycle. Islet content of GABA is significantly suppressed by all the stimuli and blocking the GABA shunt with gabaculine, or ϒ-vinyl-GABA (GABAT inhibitors), diminish the insulin secretory responses as well as total ATP and the ATP/ADP ratio. It is concluded that GABA metabolism is increased in parallel to glucose metabolism and is significantly contributing to the magnitude of the insulin secretory response. Its possible implication in β-cells degradation in type-2 (perhaps also in type 1) diabetes is suggested.
The Impact of Public Health Restrictions on Young Caregivers and How They Navigated a Pandemic: Baseline Interviews from a Longitudinal Study Conducted in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Newman Kristine , Chalmers Heather , Wang Arthur Ze Yu , Ciotti Sarah , Luxmykanthan Luxmhina , Mansell Nicole
Published: May 2023

This qualitative research study is a part of a larger research project exploring the experiences of young caregivers aged 5-26 years and their families navigating the COVID-19 pandemic between 2020 to 2023. Data was collected from 14 young caregivers who participated in baseline interviews. The central research question guiding this study: What was, is, and will be the impact of changing public health restrictions on young caregivers and their families during the pandemic and pandemic recovery? Seven themes emerged through analysis: 1) Navigating Care During the Height of Public Health Restrictions, 2) Neighbourhood and Built Environment During the Pandemic, 3) Perceptions Towards COVID and Public Health Restrictions/Efforts, 4) The Impact of Public Health Restrictions on Relationships, 5) Mental Health Challenges of Being a Young Caregiver During a Pandemic, 6) Navigating Formal Services and Supports and 7) Recommendations from Young Caregivers. The findings from this empirical research suggest that young caregivers found it easier to navigate their caregiving responsibilities when public health restrictions and work-from-home mandates were initially implemented, however, this later changed due to challenges in finding respite from caregiving, maintaining social connections with friends, creating personal space at home, and finding adequate replacements of programs once offered in-person.
Comparing the Effects of Lecture-Based Instruction with POGIL-Based Instruction on Self-Efficacy in Grade 12
Authors: Alneyadi Saif Saeed
Published: May 2023

This study compares the effects of lecture-based instruction and process-oriented guided inquiry learning (POGIL)-based instruction on the self-efficacy performance of Grade 12 students. A quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest design was adopted to investigate and assess the impact of POGIL-based instruction versus lecture-based instruction on students’ performance as measured by three types of cognitive outcomes; Knowing, Applying and Reasoning (KAR). Two government high schools in Alain were selected as research sites, one for the boys and one for the girls. The total number of participants was approximately 110 students (N=110); 54 were assigned to treatment groups (25 girls and 29 boys), and 56 were assigned to control groups (27 girls and 29 boys). The treatment group was taught a circular motion unit in physics using POGIL-based instruction, while the control group was taught the unit using lecture-based instruction. The study's findings showed statistically significant differences between students of the control group and the treatment group in favour of the latter regarding their science performance, self-efficacy and science-related attitudes. Moreover, positive correlations were found between participants’ performance at the KAR test, self-efficacy and scientific attitudes towards scientific inquiry after the intervention. In conclusion, it is recommended to shift teaching towards POGIL-based instruction due to its positive impact on students’ performance and self-efficacy. It is also suggested to replicate the study to include government and private schools, elementary and high schools, teachers and advisors.
X-ray 3D-Imaging of Low-Density Laser Target Materials
Authors: Artyukov Igor A. , Borisenko Natalia G. , Bourenkov Gleb , Eriskin Alexander A. , Polikarpov Maxim , Vinogradov Alexander V.
Published: May 2023

Optimum design and accurate control of the internal structure of the laser target materials remain an important goal for various laser physics experiments, especially for generating high flux photon and neutron beams. The low-density material is considered to be one of the most difficult for X-ray study due to its high transparency and imperceptible contrast. To produce clear visualization of foam containing sparse structures we used a high-quality monochromatic X-ray beam of synchrotron radiation source PETRA-III at DESY. The X-ray beam parameters allow tomographic scanning with application of phase contrast retrieval algorithms. A series of 3D images of foam-suspended glass microsphere inside the plastic cylinder were obtained with the quality high enough to observe the internal structure and to visualize uniformity, displacement and surface roughness on both sides of the microsphere. The main object under investigation was a CH-plastic capillary including 10 mg/cc CHO-foam with the centered glass microsphere. The results of this work demonstrate that tomographic visualization based on a high quality X-ray radiation and phase contrast analysis is an effective and useful technique for development of new laser targets containing structured low density materials.
Chemical and Physical Properties of Some Cultivars of Hazelnuts Grown in Azerbaijan
Authors: Hafizov Gharib , Suleymanova Sevil , Askerova Aytac , Piriyeva Mahira , Hafizov Samir
Published: May 2023

Hazelnuts are one of the most valuable nuts in the world due to their unique organoleptic properties and nutritional characteristics. This work was intended to analyze some physical and chemical properties of various hazelnut cultivars grown in Zakataly (Azerbaijan), namely Ata-baba, Elbari, Topqara, Firovan, Nasimi, Qalib, Mirzebeyli, Tala, Dash findiq, Barli, Azeri and Sachaqli. In general, the results showed statistically significant differences between the studied cultivars. The density of kernels, depending on the hazelnut cultivars, varied from 0.71 g/cm3 (Azeri) up to 1. 03 g/sm3 (Sachaqli). The peeled fruits of Dash findiq were heavier on average (1.64±0.34 g), and the peeled fruits of Nasimi, Qalib, Mirzebeyli and Sachaqli were lighter on average (0.8±0.23 g, 0.8±0.31 g, 0.8±0.20 g and 0.80±0.09 g, respectively. In the unpeeled form, Dash findiq nuts were the heaviest (3.70±0.34 g), and Nasimi and Qalib nuts were the lightest of all cultivars (2.0 ±0.48 g and 2.0 ±0.36 g, respectively). Ata-baba nuts account for 49 masses per kernel. %, in other studied cultivars - 33.3- 45.3 wt. %. Nasimi nuts are rounded (in the equatorial zone); Tala, Ata-baba, Firovan and Azeri - rounded-oblong; Topqara, Barli and Dash findiq – oblong; Elbari, Qalib, Mirzebeyli and Sachaqli - elongated. Firovan, Tala and Topqara have thicker shells. Ata-baba is significantly ahead of other varieties in the yield of kernels (490 kg / 1 ton of nuts), Tala is in second place in this indicator (453 kg / 1 ton of nuts), Topqara is in third (433 kg/ 1 ton of nuts). According to the maximum fat content, the cultivars Mirzebeyli (77.00±2.20 g/100 g of kernels) and Firovan (75.0±3.08 u/100 kernels), protein - Sachaqli (16.02±0.50 u/100 kernels) and Ata-baba (15.92±0.48 g/100 g of kernels) were distinguished. The results of this study help to better understand the differences between some varieties of hazelnuts grown in Azerbaijan, which provides important clues for all players involved in this sector.
A Review: On the Density of Quantum States for a Three-Dimensional System
Authors: Khan Muhammad Feroz , Islam S. S.
Published: May 2023

The elegance of mathematical models in quantum mechanics has often been seen with awe, and especially frustration. Nonetheless, the mathematical physics of quantum mechanics is fascinating beyond measure. And fortunately, there are quite baffling things about quantum mechanics that showed us what we never thought could be seen, making it simpler to figure out the behavior of physical systems without having to delve into the subtleties of the subject. In this paper, we present a review on the density of quantum states in an intuitive fashion that is easily comprehensible to undergraduate students with an elementary background in physics.
Analysis of Laser Plasma Aluminum Monoxide Emission Spectra
Authors: Parigger Christian
Published: May 2023

This work communicates analysis of aluminum monoxide, AlO, laser-plasma emission records using line strength data and the ExoMol astrophysical database. A nonlinear fitting program computes comparisons of measured and simulated diatomic molecular spectra. Predicted cyanide spectra of the AlO, ${\rm B}\ ^2\,\Sigma^+ \longrightarrow {\rm X} \ ^2\,\Sigma^+$, $\Delta {\rm v} = 0, \pm 1, \pm 2, + 3$ sequences and progressions compare nicely with 1 nanometer resolution experimental results. The analysis discusses experiment data captured during laser ablation of Al$_2$O$_3$ with 266-nm, 6-mJ pulses. The accuracy of the AlO line strength data is better than one picometer. This work presents as well comparison of the $^{27}$Al$^{16}$O line strength and of ExoMol data for spectral resolutions of 0.1\,nm and 0.07\,nm. Accurate AlO databases show a volley of applications in laboratory and astrophysical plasma diagnosis.
Generation of Ultrashort Pulses in XUV and X-ray FELs via an Excessive Reverse Undulator Taper
Authors: Schneidmiller Evgeny , Dreimann Matthias , Kuhlmann Marion , Roensch-Schulenburg Juliane , Zacharias Helmut
Published: May 2023

The pulse duration in short-pulse schemes for Self-Amplified Spontaneous Emission Free Electron Lasers (SASE FELs) is limited by the FEL coherence time. A recently proposed concept allows to overcome the coherence time barrier and to get much shorter pulses. When the lasing part of an electron bunch is much shorter than the coherence time, one can suppress the radiation in the long main undulator while preserving microbunching within that short lasing slice. Then a short radiation pulse is produced in a relatively short radiator. A possible suppression method, an excessive reverse undulator taper, is discussed and illustrated numerically in this paper. We also performed first experimental tests of this method at the soft X-ray FEL user facility FLASH. The measured pulse duration approaches 1 fs (FWHM) at the wavelength of 5 nm.
The Role of Working Memory in Adult Aphasic Reading Comprehension
Authors: Kis Orsolya , Földi Fanni , Jakab Katalin , Klivényi Péter , Steklács János
Published: May 2023

(1) Background: Many processes play a key role in how language functions, and these processes are strongly related to reading. The aim of our research was to explore the relationship between reading impairment associated with adult acquired cognitive-linguistic impairment (aphasia) and the components of verbal working memory involved in language functioning. (2) Methods: We measured the reading abilities of a total of twenty-two adults diagnosed with aphasia using the Adult Acquired Reading Assessment. To assess working memory, we applied the measurement procedures available in Hungarian for measuring verbal working memory. Correlation analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between reading and the components of working memory involved in processing verbal information. In order to explore this relationship as comprehensively as possible, the results were analysed quantitatively through group-level analyses and qualitatively through case studies. (3) Results: The results suggest that the functioning of phonological short-term memory and verbal working memory is crucial for the reading of vowels, for certain word reading sub-processes such as reading complex words and pseudowords, and for text comprehension tasks, in particular for the processing of implicit text-level infor-mation. (4) Conclusions: The data support a strong relationship between reading and working memory, but not all mechanisms are related with the same weighting. The data will contribute to the understanding of the relationship between reading and working memory, which is important in order to see which cognitive components are dominant in reading instruction and which other cognitive mechanisms are affected in poor readers.
Design Features and Numerical Investigation of Counter-Rotating VAWT with Co-Axial Rotors Displaced from Each Other Along the Axis of Rotation
Authors: Shchur Ihor , Klymko Volodymyr , Xie Shengbai , Schmidt David
Published: May 2023

In this paper, dual-rotor counter-rotating (CR) configurations of vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT) are briefly inspected and divided into three types. This investigation was focused on one of these types – the CR-VAWT with co-axial rotors, in which two equal rotors are placed on the same shaft, displaced from each other along it and rotate in opposite directions. For this CR-VAWT with three-blade H-Darrieus rotors, the properties of the design in terms of aerodynamics, mechanical transmission and electric generator, as well as control system are analyzed. A new direct-driven dual-rotor (DR) permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) was proposed, in which two built-in low-power PM electric machines have been added. They perform two functions – start-up and overclocking of the rotors to the angular velocity at which the lifting force of the blades is generated and stabilizing the CR-VAWT work as wind gusts act on the two rotors. Detailed in this paper is the evaluation of aerodynamic performance of the CR-VAWT via 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The evaluation was conducted using the CONVERGE CFD software with the inclusion of the actuator line model for the rotor aerodynamics, which significantly reduces the computational effort. Obtained results show that both rotors, while they rotate in opposite directions, had a positive impact on each other: the power coefficients of the upper and lower rotors in the CR-VAWT increased by 5.5% and 13.3% respectively compared to the single-rotor VAWT at the optimal distance between the rotors of 0.3 from a rotor height.
Life Origin in the Milky Way Galaxy: II. Scanning for Habitable Stellar Systems on Behalf of Future Space Missions
Authors: Safronov Alexander N.
Published: May 2023

The possibility of the life origin in the stellar systems, located at a distance of ~ 200 pc from the solar system, was investigated. The stars, in the spectrums of which C (carbon), O (oxygen), N (nitrogen), and P (phosphorus) are found, are called DNA–stars. Based on stellar abundances a new method for searching for habitable exoplanets has been developed and a list of 48 DNA–stars in the solar neighborhood, on which life is possible, has been defined. The quota of DNA–stars is equal 1.3% of the total amount of Hypatia Stellar Catalog. Only three DNA–stars out of selected 48 stars belong to the spectral class as our Sun (G2V). The closest to the solar system is the DNA-star with the number HIP 15510, which belongs to the G8V class and is 6 pc away from the solar system. Nine DNA--stars, which have the highest chemical similarity with solar spectrum, were identified. It is identified that one of these nine stars, HIP 24681, has six planets.
A Review of Transformer Fault Diagnosis Based on Information System Theory and Machine Learning
Authors: Huang Xiaoli , Yuan Yumiao , Li Jingyu
Published: May 2023

Safe, high-quality and economical electric energy transportation is the basic requirements of modern power system operation. Transformer, as one of the core equipment of power system and national grid system, has the characteristics of diverse types, variable models and wide deployment. It is the basic equipment for power system to realize voltage change and electric energy distribution. Because the power system transformer needs to operate with load for a long time, the probability of failure is usually higher than that of other power equipment in general. This paper starts from the transformer fault and fault diagnosis. Firstly, the transformer fault types, traditional transformer fault diagnosis techniques and the advantages of machine learning in transformer fault diagnosis are reviewed. Secondly, the application of information system theory and information entropy in transformer fault diagnosis is introduced. Then it introduces machine learning technology, feature selection and extraction technology in transformer fault diagnosis, and machine learning algorithms such as support vector machine and extreme learning machine for transformer fault diagnosis. Finally, the potential development trend of information system theory, information entropy and machine learning in transformer fault diagnosis is forecasted. The combination of transformer fault prediction and machine learning algorithm is helpful for power system maintenance personnel to accurately predict the running state of power equipment, and also provides a new method and technology for the safe and reliable operation and regular maintenance of power system.
Speckle Plethysmography and Photoplethysmography behaviour during Cold Pressor Test
Authors: Herranz Olazabal Jorge , Lorato Ilde , Kling Jesse , Verhoeven Marc , Wieringa Fokko , Van Hoof Chris , Verkruijsse Willem , Hermeling Evelien
Published: May 2023

Speckle Plethysmography (SPG) and Photoplethysmography (PPG) are different biophotonics technologies that allow for measurement of hemodynamics. As the difference between SPG and PPG under low perfusion conditions is not fully understood, a Cold Pressor Test (CPT) was used to modulate blood pressure and peripheral circulation. A custom-built setup simultaneously derived SPG and PPG from the same video streams at two wavelengths (639 nm and 850 nm). SPG and PPG were measured at right index finger location before and during CPT using finger Arterial Pressure (fiAP) as reference. The effect of CPT on Alternating Component amplitude (AC) and Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR) of dual-wavelength SPG and PPG signals was analysed across participants. Furthermore, waveform differences between SPG, PPG, and fiAP based on frequency harmonic ratios, were analysed for each subject (n=10). Both PPG and SPG at 850 nm show a significant reduction during CPT for both AC and SNR. However, SPG showed significantly higher and more stable SNR than PPG in both study phases. Harmonic ratios were found substantially higher in SPG than PPG. Therefore, in low perfusion conditions, SPG seems to offer a more robust pulse wave monitoring with higher harmonic ratios than PPG.