bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Amplification Effect Using Ambient Seismic Noise: Adana Basin
Authors: Bakırcı Taciser
Published: July 2024

The applicability of Rayleigh waves retrieved from Ambient Seismic Noise (ASN) to estimate the amplification of the Adana basin is investigated. The amplitudes of Impulse Response Functions (IRFs) obtained from pairs of stations in and around the basin are analysed. In addition, the validity of the IRFs is analysed using an earthquake that occurred near the reference station. The amplitudes of IRFs between station pairs within the basin (H1) are high, as expected from the basin structure, while those following the basin margins are low. In the D1 group, which covers the entire study area, the amplitudes in the northeast are higher than those in the H1 group. The results indicate that amplification can be successfully estimated by using ambient noise data for the region.
Fibroblasts-derived migrasomes promote skin wound healing
Authors: Sa Guoliang , Yang Xuewen , Zhou Haoyu , Zhang Zhen , Liu Zhan , Sa Guodong , Jiang Mingjing , Zou Zhongyang , Shi Yingliang , Zheng Liwu
Published: July 2024

Migrasomes are newly discovered organelles with demonstrated functions in organ morphogenesis and angiogenesis. However, the effect of migrasomes in tissue repair remains unreported. Our transmission electron microscopy findings revealed that migrasomes were directly connected with retraction fibers and could release their contents into the surroundings in the human and rat skins and oral mucosae. Multiplex immunofluorescence staining results revealed that these retraction fibers and migrasomes originated from fibroblasts. Live-cell imaging demonstrated that human oral mucosal fibroblast-derived migrasomes could be taken up by both fibroblasts and HaCaT cells. In addition, the injection of purified fibroblast-derived migrasomes into the edges of rat skin wounds significantly accelerated wound healing. Single-cell sequencing results suggested that the clusters of keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells play key roles in the wound-healing process. Moreover, the expression of Vegfa, Il-6, and Col1a1 in the fibroblast subcluster was significantly upregulated. Furthermore, these purified migrasomes increased the protein levels of VEGFA, IL-6, and COL1A1 in cultured fibroblasts in vitro. Thus, our research revealed that fibroblast-derived migrasomes are potential therapeutic vesicles for skin wound-healing repair.
Strategic Construction of Initial Datasets for Active Learning: Leveraging Self-Supervised Learning
Authors: Hwang Sekjin , Choi Jinwoo , Choi Joonsoo
Published: July 2024

Deep learning has demonstrated remarkable achievements across various fields. However, its success heavily relies on the availability of large-scale labeled data. Labeling data is a time-consuming and costly process, prompting numerous studies aimed at reducing these expenses. Active learning is a prominent data-efficient learning methodology that has garnered significant attention. Active learning methods iteratively select data that are most effective for training models, thereby gradually constructing a compact dataset. It typically assumes the presence of a small amount of labeled data at the start of training, and experiments generally use randomly composed initial labeled datasets. Although the importance of initial dataset construction is well recognized because of its impact on the level of model training in most active learning methods, practical research in this area remains limited. In this study, we propose a method of data initialization using self-supervised learning from an active learning perspective. This method focuses on constructing a small initial dataset that maximizes learning efficiency by utilizing an unlabeled dataset. The impact of the proposed method on active learning was evaluated using a representative image classification dataset, which demonstrated significant performance improvements.
High-Efficiency Dual-Band RF Energy Harvesting with Integrated Impedance-Matching and Rectifier Circuits
Authors: Lakade Nilesh , Nawale Shankar
Published: July 2024

Efficient RF energy harvesting is crucial for enabling self-powered wireless devices and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. This work presents a dual-band impedance-matching network with an integrated rectifier configuration operating at 2.45GHz (Wi-Fi and IoT) and 3.5GHz (5G mobile network), addressing the challenge of achieving simultaneous conjugate matching and maximum power transfer from the antenna to the rectifier circuit across multiple frequencies. We propose an inverted L-shaped matching network with series and shorted stubs for 2.45GHz matching, coupled with an additional series stub for 3.5GHz matching. The integrated voltage doubler rectifier, comprising Schottky diodes, filtering capacitors, and optimized load resistance, was simulated using an Advanced Design System (ADS) on an FR4 substrate with a dielectric constant of 4.3. The designed circuit exhibits a high conversion efficiency of 85.96% at -6dBm input power levels, making it suitable for low-power applications. This integrated approach facilitates efficient RF-to-DC power transfer from the antenna to the rectifier circuit across dual bands, paving the way for compact, efficient RF energy harvesting systems that contribute to the development of self-sustainable wireless sensor networks and enable a wide range of IoT applications in various domains, including environmental monitoring, healthcare, and industrial automation.
Power curve modelling for wind turbines and wind power prediction based on mixed Richards model
Authors: Wang Zhiming , Chen Xiaoguo , Wang Lingjun
Published: July 2024

Accurate modelling of wind speed-power curve of wind turbines plays an important role in wind power prediction, state detection and performance evaluation. While model selection is one of the keys to improve the accuracy of wind power curve (WPC) modelling. To improve the accuracy of models and accurately characterize the overall output behavior of wind turbines, a method of WPC modelling based on the mixed Richards model is proposed in this paper. By using the measured data of two wind fields, the method proposed in this paper is compared and verified with the sixth to ninth order polynomials and the four-parameter and five-parameter logistic function models based on the genetic least square method through five indicators include the root mean squared error, the coefficient of determination R2, the mean absolute percentage error, the improved Akaike information criterion and the Bayesian information criterion. Finally, based on the measured data of a wind field in Jiangsu Province, the two-fold mixed Richards model is used to predict the wind turbine power. The results show that the two-fold mixed Richards model is the optimal option with the highest fitting accuracy, effectively avoids the model’s over-fitting, and can accurately predict wind turbine output power.
Understanding regularized crack initiation through the lens of Finite Fracture Mechanics
Authors: Doitrand Aurélien , Molnár Gergely
Published: July 2024

The nucleation of a regularized crack at a V-notch is studied using the coupled criterion through matched asymptotic expansions. The process zone around the crack is described by crack regularization usually employed in phase-field models. The effective crack length increases with increasing regularization length so that the incremental energy release rate decreases, which in turn increases the critical generalized stress intensity factor at initiation. Decreasing incremental energy release rate is also obtained with increasing Poisson's ratio. For a given material characteristic length, it is shown that the initiation crack length only depends on the V-notch angle and Poisson's ratio. For a given geometry and Poisson's ratio, the initiation length is proportional to the regularization length. The proposed description of regularized crack initiation shows good correspondence to the generalized stress intensity factor obtained by phase-field calculation, the only difference being in the description of the process zone prior to crack initiation.
Enhancing Seismic and Resilient Performance of Resilient Walls with Concealed Bracings: Experimental and Numerical Investigation
Authors: Zhang Man , Zhang Jianwei , Sun Yuping , Dong Hongying
Published: July 2024

Resilient walls incorporating ultra-high-strength bars (UHSB) with weak bond performance are expected to exhibit drift-hardening properties. Thus, to improve the shear stiffness and lateral resistance of the resilient walls, the present research applied the concealed bracings composed of UHSB to the resilient walls and explored the effect on the hysteretic and resilient performance of the proposed walls. Five walls were tested to investigate the effect of relevant variables, including shear span ratio, the presence of steel fibers and recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) strength, on the hysteretic performance and resilience. Reinforced with bracings, test wall showed satisfactory hysteretic and resilient performance up to 2% drift ratio and maintained stable increase in lateral force. Concealed bracings consisted of UHSB were also conducive to reducing residual drift ratio, ranging from 8.7–31.3%. Residual drift ratios of all test walls were within the limit value of 0.5%, until a loading drift ratio of 2%. Additionally, adding steel fibers restricted the development of cracks and had a positive effect on slowing down stiffness degradation. Numerical models were established based on OpenSees platform, and more resilient-related parameters were analyzed, including reinforcement ratio and arrangement height of the concealed bracing ratio, longitudinal reinforcement ratio, axial ratio, and UHSB replacement ratio. Based on the parameter analysis results, design recommendations were given.
Presence of antibiotic resistance non-typhoidal Salmonella spp. from green leafy vegetables in Dehradun
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Kamboj Neha , Kumar Navin , Gautam Pankaj
Published: July 2024

Non-typhoidal Salmonella infections (NTS) are a significant public health issue in low-income countries because of inadequate hygiene and sanitation facilities. This issue is further complicated by inadequate periodic surveillance for the better management of Salmonella-related infections. Furthermore, reports of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella species pre- and post-harvest require periodic characterization of bacterial isolates to ascertain the appropriate medication for effective treatment. In the present study, 645 green leafy vegetable samples were examined for the presence of typhoidal and non-typhoidal Salmonella species. Isolate culture on differential medium and biochemical characterization confirmed the presence of Salmonella species in 61 out of 645 samples (9.45%) collected from ten sample sites in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand state in India. The culture confirmed that 15 isolates were randomly selected, and each sample was subjected to 47 antibiotics for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Of the bacterial isolates, 93.33% were resistant to methicillin, whereas 80% were resistant to cefpodoxime, teicoplanin, and clindamycin. In total, 55.33% of the isolates were resistant to Linezolid, Novobiocin, colistin, and nitrofurantoin. 46.66% were resistant to chloramphenicol. Salmonella sp. with Antibiotic resistance of Salmonella spp. was found in the Dehradun area, and this study may help with disease management and adequate food safety measures.
Novel Synthesis of porous BN/β-SiC/SnO 2 /In 2 O 3 Quaternary Nanocomposites and its Gas Sensing Properties under Different Working Temperatures
Authors: Otgonbayar Zambaga , Joo Young Jun , Cho Kwang Youn , Oh Won-Chun
Published: July 2024

The novel quaternary nanocomposite was composed of porous boron nitride, β-SiC fibers, SnO2, and In2O3, and their successful combination led to effective and highly stable gas sensing. The physical and chemical properties of the nanocomposites were analyzed using analytical techniques such as XRD, SEM, TEM-HRTEM, BET, XPS, PL, and Raman techniques. Especially, the first-principles calculations were performed to evaluate the proportion of the states occupied by the system at each energy level. The gas sensing capabilities of the quaternary nanocomposites were evaluated using CO2 and O2 gas purging at various temperatures. The usefulness of the β-SiC fiber and previously studied β-SiC/In2O3/SnO2 was altered by the outstanding electronic conductivity and chemical activity of the pBN/β-SiC/SnO2/In2O3 quaternary nanocomposites. At room temperature, the pBN-105 NCs displayed high resistivity and robust response to O2 gas but a weak response to CO2 gas. The sensor exhibited a robust sensitivity to both CO2 and O2 gases at high temperatures. In every gas-sensing test, the predicted quaternary nanocomposites displayed a strong resistivity and low current density. The effective charge transfer and separation properties, as well as the electron density of the sensor layer of the quaternary nanocomposites, allowed for better sensing under a variety of high-temperature variations, whereas the addition of MOs and porous boron nitride increased the usability of the β-SiC fiber.
Evaluating predictors of kinase activity of STK11 variants identified in primary human non-small cell lung cancers
Authors: Chen Yile , Lee Kyoungyeul , Woo Junwoo , Kim Dong-wook , Keum Changwon , Babbi Giulia , Casadio Rita , Martelli Pier Luigi , Savojardo Castrense , Manfredi Matteo , Shen Yang , Sun Yuanfei , Katsonis Panagiotis , Lichtarge Olivier , Pejaver Vikas , Seward David J. , Kamandula Akash , Bakolitsa Constantina , Brenner Steven E. , Radivojac Predrag , O’Donnell-Luria Anne H. , Mooney Sean , Jain Shantanu
Published: July 2024

Critical evaluation of computational tools for predicting variant effects is important considering their increased use in disease diagnosis and driving molecular discoveries. In the sixth edition of the Critical Assessment of Genome Interpretation (CAGI) challenge, a dataset of 28 STK11 rare variants (27 missense, 1 single amino acid deletion), identified in primary non-small cell lung cancer biopsies, was experimentally assayed to characterize computational methods from four participating teams and five publicly available tools. Predictors demonstrated a high level of performance on key evaluation metrics, measuring correlation with the assay outputs and separating loss-of-function (LoF) variants from wildtype-like (WT-like) variants. The best participant model, 3Cnet, performed competitively with well-known tools. Unique to this challenge was that the functional data was generated with both biological and technical replicates, thus allowing the assessors to realistically establish maximum predictive performance based on experimental variability. Three out of the five publicly available tools and 3Cnet approached the performance of the assay replicates in separating LoF variants from WT-like variants. Surprisingly, REVEL, an often-used model, achieved a comparable correlation with the real-valued assay output as that seen for the experimental replicates. Performing variant interpretation by combining the new functional evidence with computational and population data evidence led to 16 new variants receiving a clinically actionable classification of likely pathogenic (LP) or likely benign (LB). Overall, the STK11 challenge highlights the utility of variant effect predictors in biomedical sciences and provides encouraging results for driving research in the field of computational genome interpretation.
An in-depth Investigation of the Photovoltaic Properties of CH 3 NH 3 PbCl 3 Perovskite for improved efficiency using SCAPS-1D Frameworks
Authors: Kabir Md Raihan , Ishraq Mohammad Hasin , Tarekuzzaman Md. , Nahid Nazmul Islam , Modak Jibon Krishna , Ahmad Sohail , Arfi Asif Mohammed , Rasheduzzaman Md. , Hasan Md. Zahid
Published: July 2024

Perovskite solar cells are increasingly acknowledged for their unique characteristics in the realm of photovoltaic technology. This study focuses on simulating the impact of methylammonium lead chloride-based perovskites, specifically the CH3NH3PbCl3 layer, as the absorber in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) using the SCAPS-1D simulator. Our research delves into how the performance of these solar cells is affected by the choice of Electron Transport Layer (ETL) and Hole Transport Layer (HTL) configurations, in addition to the absorber layer. This investigation marks the first comprehensive exploration of this material. The optimization of device design involves employing ZnO, SnO2, IGZO, and CdS as ETLs, CuO as the HTL, Ni, and Au as the back and front contact. The performance of these device architectures is significantly influenced by factors such as defect density, absorber layer thickness, ETL thickness, and the combination of different ETLs and CuO HTLs. The power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of devices optimized with ZnO, SnO2, IGZO, and CdS are found to be 16.10%, 16.06%, 16.05%, and 14.41%, respectively. Furthermore, this study elucidates the impact of absorber and HTL thickness on key photovoltaic parameters such as VOC, JSC, FF, and PCE. Also, we have discussed the VBO, CBO for different ETLs. Additionally, we examine the effects of series resistance, shunt resistance, operating temperature, quantum efficiency (QE), capacitance-voltage characteristics, generation and recombination rates, and current density-voltage (J-V), and impedance analysis behavior on achieving the highest efficiency of the device. Through this extensive simulation study, researchers are equipped to develop cost-effective and highly efficient PSCs, thereby advancing solar technology.
Targeting lung-resident memory T cells via mucosal vaccination to combat staphylococcus aureus infections
Authors: Zuo Qianfei , ouyang xue , Liu Bixia , zheng yan , Wang wenhao , Gu yaru , Zhou jinrui , Lan Chunhui , Zhang Rui , Tang tengqian
Published: July 2024

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) pneumonia accounts for about 5% of community-acquired pneumonia and 10%-30% of hospital-acquired pneumonia, with high morbidity and mortality. Our group developed Recombinant five-antigen Staphylococcus aureus vaccine (rFSAV), and Phase III clinical trial (CTR20221329) used to prevent S. aureus infection after orthopedic surgery is under way. However, the protective effect on bacterial infection of mucosal tissue is not clear. In present study, rFSAV immunization via mucosal route can protect against pulmonary infection of different S. aureus strains and induce humoral and cellular immune responses, but the protective effect of rFSAV mucosal immunity does not necessarily depend on rFSAV specific antibodies. Through single-cell T-cell receptor (TCR) sequencing, it was discovered that there exists a highly expanded clone (HEC) in the immunized mice. Moreover, lung IL-17A + CD4 TRM cells could protect the mice from bacterial infection independent of circulating memory T cells, and could persist in the lung tissue of mice for a long time. Pulmonary IL-17A + CD4 TRM cells may rapidly recruit neutrophils to the lungs through IL-17A signaling pathway to enhance the mucosal immune protective effect of rFSAV. Thus, A deeper understanding of how the IL-17A + CD4 TRM that produce these cytokines could be selectively boosted or recalled can augment cellular immunity against S. aureus.
Unveiling Hope in Social Media: A Multilingual Approach using BERT
Authors: Krasitskii Mikhail , Kolesnikova Olga , Hernandez Liliana Chanona , Sidorov Grigori , Gelbukh Alexander
Published: July 2024

This article presents research on the topic of detecting hope speech in English and Spanish on social media platforms. The study explores the significance of hope speech in fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion, as well as its implications for individuals’ mental well-being and resilience. Leveraging advanced natural language processing (NLP) techniques, including BERT and transformer models, the research develops robust methodologies for binary and multiclass hope speech detection tasks. The methodology encompasses data preprocessing, model selection, fine-tuning, training, and evaluation stages, aiming to accurately identify expressions of hope across diverse linguistic contexts. Furthermore, the paper discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with analyzing hope speech on social networks, emphasizing the ethical considerations and practical implications for various fields, such as psychology, sociology, and public health. The results demonstrate promising performance in accurately detecting hope speech in both binary and multiclass settings across English and Spanish languages, underscoring the potential of NLP approaches in understanding and promoting positive communication dynamics on social media platforms.
Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors for Toxoplasma Gondii Among HIV Positive Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Uasin Gishu County - Kenya.
Authors: Kurere Maureen , Mwandawiro Charles , Kagira John M. , Karanja Simon
Published: July 2024

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular Apicomplexan protozoan parasite that infects humans who ingest raw or undercooked meat or congenitally by trans-placental transmission. Immunocompromised patients are at risk of contracting T. gondii which can be fatal if not promptly treated. This study determined the seroprevalence of T. gondii and its associated risk factors among HIV infected pregnant women. We enrolled pregnant, HIV positive women aged 18 years and above from the antenatal clinics of Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare Program (AMPATH) centers within Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. Blood samples from the women were collected aseptically, transported to the immunology laboratory and screened for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Participant sociodemographic, clinical and risk factor data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential data analysis was conducted using Stata Version 11.2. Chi-square test was used to determine the association between seropositivity and various risk factors with a p-value ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant. Logistic regression analysis was conducted for significant variables at the bivariate level. Of the 102 women enrolled, ___(46%) had T. gondii IgG antibodies. __ (27%) were aware of T. gondii transmission mechanisms and boiled water prior to consumption, 98% washed their hands during food preparation and after visiting the toilet, while 39.2% kept cats in their homesteads. __ (41.2%) were in their second trimester of pregnancy and ___(19%) had a history of abortion. Women aged 25–30 years had nearly five-fold significant risk (RR = 4.840 [95% CI; 0.699–23.297, p = 0.017) of having a T. gondii infection compared to their counterparts. Additional infection risks were seen among women who did not treat water were (RR = 2.801 [95% CI; 1.00-7.851]) and practiced farming (RR = 9.950 [95% CI; 0.691–8.197]). In conclusion, T. gondii is a highly prevalent pathogen among HIV infected pregnant women receiving antenatal care at AMPATH clinics in Uasin Gishu county. This study also highlights age, lack of water treatment and farming practices as significant risk factors for infection. There is need to institute risk reduction measures of factors associated with T. gondii infection. These include encouraging adequate cooking food to safe temperatures, avoiding direct contact with potentially infected soil or cat litter and treating water before use.
Psychometric Properties of an Arabic Translation of the short form of the Affective Lability Scale (ALS-18) in a non-clinical sample of Arabic-speaking adults.
Authors: Kanj Gaelle , Malaeb Diana , Sakr Fouad , Dabbous Mariam , Obeid Sahar , Hallit Souheil , Fekih-Romdhane Feten
Published: July 2024

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of an Arabic version of the Affective Lability Scale in its short form (ALS-18) within an Arabic-speaking sample. Particularly, the concurrent validity, sex invariance and factorial structure were examined.
Methods: The total sample of this cross-sectional study consisted of 748 adults, with a mean age of 34.48 ± 13.25 years, 66.5% females. The forward-backward translation method was applied.
Results: The study’s findings denoted good internal consistency of the Arabic ALS-18 with values of McDonald’s ω and Cronbach’s α greater than .70. The fit of the scale’s original three-factor model was supported through confirmatory factor analyses. Sex invariance at the configural, metric, and scalar levels was established. The scale also yielded evidence of concurrent validity, being notably associated with increased measures of depression, anxiety and stress, and lower levels of self-esteem.
Conclusion: Results revealed that the Arabic ALS-18 is a reliable and valid self-report measure that can be utilized among an Arabic-speaking population to assess affective lability. The availability of the Arabic version of the ALS-18 is deemed to increase its use for research and clinical purposes, globally benefiting Arabic-speaking individuals.
LIBRA: Low spectral resolution brain tumor classifier for medical hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Villa Manuel , Martín-Perez Alberto , Vazquez Guillermo , Rosa-Olmeda Gonzalo , Sancho Jaime , Sutradhar Pallab , Chavarrías Miguel , Jimenez-Roldan Luis , Perez-Nuñez Angel , Lagares Alfonso , Juarez Eduardo , Sanz Cesar
Published: July 2024

Gliomas constitute a significant challenge in neurosurgery due to their high incidence and poor prognosis. Despite advancements in tumor detection techniques using machine learning approach with hyperspectral imaging, accurately distinguishing between healthy and tumoral tissues remains challenging. Following this trend, this paper introduces Libra, a low spectral resolution classifier designed for brain tumor detection, leveraging ensemble learning techniques to enhance classification performance. Evaluated across the Helicoid and Slim Brain databases, Libra demonstrates superior tumor sensitivity and a notable increase in accuracy compared to standalone SVM and the state-of-the-art Helicoid classification chain. While facing challenges in accurately distinguishing between blood vessels and tumoral tissues, Libra performs 32 % better than Helicoid in tumor sensitivity and 25.1 % in tumor F1-score. Moreover, when using unseen data, Libra demonstrates notable improvements of 7.8 % and 6.9 % respectively. These improvements are obtained using low complexity algorithms exploiting ensemble learning techniques.
WebCiência IQ-UFG: uma escala do tipo Likert na mensuração da opinião dos participantes
Authors: SGOBBI Lívia Flório , BARBOSA Martin Schwellberger , TELES Bianca Fagundes , PAULA Daniel Santos de , FERRI Pedro Henrique
Published: July 2024

A análise de atitudes compreende um conjunto de ferramentas imprescindíveis para a mensuração de opiniões, as quais são influenciadas por crenças, impressões e comportamentos. Neste contexto, utilizou-se de uma escala do tipo Likert de quatro pontos para avaliar a opinião dos participantes quanto ao tema (Q1), qualidade do material disponibilizado e clareza na exposição (Q2) dos webinários de uma ação de extensão na plataforma YouTube®. As análises exploratórias e preditivas dos resultados da escala indicaram um elevado percentual de satisfação dos participantes com os dois itens e conduziram à identificação das características dos respondentes associadas às opiniões. Características como pertencerem ou não à comunidade da instituição, a categoria ou atividade atual, além do local de onde foram acessados os webinários, foram importantes na modelagem e predição das opiniões dos participantes.
In memoriam of Abdul-Hamid Davudovich Aliyev
Authors: Editorial Article
Published: July 2024

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Using spectacle lenses with embedded rings of high-spherical microlenses Stellest® for the myopia control in children: two-year results
Authors: Proskurina O. V. , Tarutta E. P. , Tarasova N. A. , Milash S. V. , Harutyunyan S. G. , Markosyan G. A.
Published: July 2024

Purpose: to evaluate the effect of wearing glasses with Stellest® lenses on the spherical equivalent of refraction (SER) dynamics, the yearly progression gradient (YPG) and the axial length (AL) of the eye in children with progressive myopia 12, 18 and 24 months after the start of use. Material and methods. The main and the control groups of the study included children aged 8 to 13 years with low to moderate myopia at the beginning of observation. Stellest® glasses (the main group) were prescribed to 35 children with myopia 3.15 ± 0.19 D, while single vision (SV) glasses (the control group) were prescribed to 32 children with myopia 2.68 ± 0.18 D. The dynamics of the SER, YPG, and AL of the eye were assessed. Results. In the main (Stellest®) group, after 24 months of observation, SER increased by ave. 0.20 ± 0.06 D. YPG was shown to decrease in 93.5 % of cases by ave. 0.81 ± 0.05 D. The AL increased by an average of 0.15 ± 0.03 mm. In the control group, after 24 months of observation, the SER averaged 0.95 ± 0.08 D. YPG showed a decrease of ave. 0.38 ± 0.05 D in 61.1 % of cases. The AL of the eye increased by an average of 0.48 ± 0.04 mm. Conclusion. Stellest® glasses, if worn constantly, effectively slow myopia progression and axial elongation as compared with SV glasses. By the end of the follow-up period, in the Stelest® group, SER showed an increase by 79 % less than in the control group of SV glasses, and the AL showed increase in the length of the eye which was 69 % less than in the control group. Over the 24 months’ wearing of Stellest® glasses, YPG turned out to be 4.8 times lower than in the control group.
Isolationism as the United States’ Grand Strategy: From the Founding Fathers to Donald Trump
Authors: Konkova Daria ,   Georgetown University
Published: July 2024

The article explores the characteristic features and controversies of the grand strategy of the 45th president of the United States in the context of the evolution of the US isolationism as one of the main historical strands in the US foreign policy thought. In order to provide a more nuanced approach than the classical isolationism-internationalism dichotomy the author turns to the four schools theory of American historian W. R. Mead. Within the theory framework, the two isolationist schools, i.e., Jeffersonianism and Jacksonianism, are studied in detail. As a special methodology, the author applies neoclassical realism, which allows to determine the impact of domestic factors on the controversial nature of Trumps’ grand strategy. Isolationist ideas are studied on the example of the interwar period when the public debate about the course of the US foreign policy reached its peak. The next section analyzes D. Trump's grand strategy using the theory of W. R. Mead and neoclassical realism methodology. Despite the fact that Trump’s ideology combined Jeffersonian and Jacksonian components, in practice the 45th President gravitated more towards Jacksonian hawks than to the minimalist realism of the Jeffersonian school. The differences from the Jeffersonian school were especially evident in the spheres of defense and security policy. Finally, the resistance of the foreign policy apparatus, opposition of the Congress and the subjective inconsistency of Trump explain the failures in the implementation of Trump’s grand strategy. The author draws the conclusion about the coexistence of the two parallel grand strategies during Trump’s presidency: isolationism and interventionism.
US Satellites during the Crisis: Outer Space Cyber Threats
Authors: Romashkina Nataliya ,   Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: July 2024

Against the background of significant dynamic changes in the use of outer space by mankind, the transformation of outer space into a sphere of military confrontation becomes not a danger of the distant future, but a real urgent threat. Important characteristics of the current stage are the ubiquity and significant growth in the number of artificial Earth satellites, which solve more and more research and applied tasks, as well as the steady increase in the importance of applied satellites used for military purposes. The most important role among them is played by communication satellites, navigation, remote sensing of the Earth (remote sensing), as well as satellites of the Early warning system. In the course of military operations, artificial Earth satellites serve to ensure combat operations and the combat use of various means of armed struggle. The United States has the largest satellite grouping. The analysis presented in the article of the capabilities of modern US artificial satellite systems, as well as their destructive use during a military conflict, allows us to conclude that the risk of threats to international security is increasing. In addition, the facts of the destabilizing use of artificial satellites by the United States of America and other NATO countries to achieve their military and political goals increase the likelihood of an escalation of the conflict and are associated at the current stage with threats to Russia and strategic stability. Against the background of other urgent challenges and threats, this poses a number of global problems posed in this study as acutely as possible. The article presents the characteristics of the current stage of space use; the possibilities of the US ISP during the crisis, which serve to provide various means of armed struggle, are identified; the problems of using the US ISP in the current situation are posed. Proposals have been developed to minimize threats and reduce the likelihood of escalation of the conflict.
Review of studies on the distribution of Antarctic krill accumulations in the Scotia Sea and analysis of mesoscale dynamics of its habitat
Authors: Belonenko Tatyana V. ,   St. Petersburg State University, Travkin Vladimir S. , Kochnev Alexander V. ,   St. Petersburg State University,   N. N. Zubov’s State Oceanographic Institute,   Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M. V. Lomonosov
Published: July 2024

This article studies the mesoscale dynamics of the waters of the Scotia Sea, located at the northern tip of the Southern Ocean on its border with the Southern Atlantic Ocean. The Scotia Sea is one of the most promising fishing areas where the industrial catch of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) is produced. Since the distribution of commercial krill accumulations is largely determined by oceanological conditions, this paper analyzes mesoscale vortex dynamics, frontal zones, and topography in the Scotia Sea, affecting the creation of favorable oceanological conditions for the formation of commercial krill accumulations. The study is conducted using satellite and model data. It is shown that the distribution of sea level according to the GLORYS12v1 reanalysis data in the Scotia Sea has a zonal character. In winter and spring, sea level anomalies are positive (up to 20 cm), and in summer and autumn, they are negative (up to -180 cm). In the northwestern part of the Scotia Sea, according to the data of the GLORYS12v1 reanalysis for 1993-2020, thermal frontal zones with high repeatability (> 80%) are distinguished. Dynamic frontal zones are also distinguished in the northwestern part of the water area and have a repeatability reaching 100%. This area in the Scotia Sea is the most dynamically active: increased kinetic energy values are observed here. The increased dynamic activity in the northwestern part of the Scotia Sea, considered above by the average and average seasonal distributions of characteristics, is also confirmed in the synoptic range of periods. Spatial distributions of long-lived mesoscale vortices according to META 3.2 data for 1993-2021 show the localization areas of these vortices, with cyclones forming significantly more than anticyclones. Analysis of the trajectories of these vortices showed that the direction of their propagation is mainly eastern. The intense vortex dynamics in the Scotia Sea is also confirmed by reconstructed altimetric data for 1970-1992.
Socially responsible human resource management, employees’ well-being and innovative work behaviour: A conceptual model
Authors: Tsybova Victoria S. ,   Graduate School of Management, St. Petersburg State University, Kucherov Dmitriy G. , Lisovskaia Antonina Yu. ,   Graduate School of Management, St. Petersburg State University,   International University of Rabat
Published: July 2024

Goal: to develop a conceptual model of the connection between socially responsible human resource management (HRM) practices, well-being-oriented HRM practices and innovative work behaviour. Metodology: the study is based on an analytical literature review concerning socially responsible HRM, employees’ well-being and innovative work behaviour. Findings: the proposed model is based on the idea that well-being oriented HRM practices depend on socially responsible HRM practices. Well-being-oriented HRM practices, in turn, are fostering innovative work behaviour. Originality and contribution of the authors: the paper represents the first stage of the study where at the conceptual level an idea of the synergy potential between socially responsible HRM, employees’ well-being and IWB and the potential contribution of socially responsible HRM into employees’ well-being and the IWB development are argued.
Impact of climate change on water scarcity in Pakistan. Implications for water management and policy
Authors: Baocheng He , Jamil Amir , Bellaoulah Mihad , Mukhtar Ayesha , Clauvis Nouayou Kamdoum
Published: July 2024

Water resources in Pakistan are under serious threat from climate change (CC), exacerbating water scarcity. The implications for water policy and management are far-reaching. Pakistan relies heavily on the Indus Basin Irrigation System (IBIS) for agricultural production and water supply, but the distribution and availability of water resources are threatened by changing climatic patterns, such as changing precipitation and melting glaciers. Water scarcity is heightened by faster glacial melt and erratic precipitation patterns, which affect the timing and quantity of water flow. Effective water management techniques, such as increased effectiveness, sustainable practices, and conservation measures, as well as robust infrastructure and governance are required to address these issues. Pakistan can benefit greatly from international cooperation and assistance to mitigate the impacts of CC and ensure water security for long-term development.
Effect of pyrolysis temperature on the transformation of phosphorus forms in sludge biochar
Authors: Yu Zhongpu , Yu Weichao , Sun Xianjun , Xu Rumin , Liang Mengdi , Wang Jun , Liang Yuan , Li Feiyue
Published: July 2024

The Standards, Measurements, and Testing (SMT) phosphorus fractionation approach was used to measure the amounts of total phosphorus (TP), organic phosphorus (OP), inorganic phosphorus (IP), apatite inorganic phosphorus (AP), and non-apatite inorganic phosphorus (NAIP) in sludge biochar. Sludge biochar was characterized using methods such as X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The findings showed that IP content increased significantly after pyrolysis, reaching up to 97% of TP content at the optimal temperature of 350 °C. Furthermore, when the pyrolysis temperature increased, the AP/IP ratio showed fluctuations between decreases and increases, maximum at 60%. The results of the correlation analysis indicate that IP has a positive correlation with yield, pH, and S elements (p < 0.05) and a negative correlation with N, C, and H elements (p < 0.01). OP, on the other hand, has a positive correlation with H elements (p < 0.05) and a negative correlation with yield (p < 0.01). Furthermore, TP, NAIP, and AP all show negative correlations with N, C, and H elements (p < 0.01), with TP and NAIP also displaying negative correlations with pH and S elements (p < 0.05).
Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Binding Free Energy Calculations to Discover New Insights into NLRP3 Inhibitors
Authors: da Silva Menezes Karla Joane , De Franca Genuíno Ramos Campos Fernanda , de Souza Marianny , Medeiros Daniel Calazans , dos Santos Nascimento Igor Jose , Moura Ricardo Olimpio
Published: July 2024

Background:

Inflammation is an immunological reaction against an aggressor agent.
NLRP3 inflammasome is a component of the immune system, which, when excessively activated,
results in several inflammatory diseases, making it an attractive target for discovering antiinflammatory
drugs. Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD) techniques are powerful tools used to
search for new drugs in less time and financial cost. Recently, studies demonstrated the CADD
methods to discover information about NLRP3 inhibitors MCC950 and NP3-146. In addition, the
discovery of GDC-2394 and its evaluation in clinical trials instigate new studies to find binding
modes and structural attributes that can used in drug design works against this target.

Objectives:

Here, molecular modeling methods were used to discover the significant interactions of
GDC-2394, MCC950, and NP3-146 with NLRP3 to obtain helpful information in drug design compared
to other inhibitors.

Methods:

Molecular docking was performed using GOLD software. The best complexes were submitted
into molecular dynamics simulations using GROMACS software, and the MM-PBSA was
used to provide the free binding energy, which was performed using the tool g_mmpbsa compiled in
GROMACS.

Results:

The RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SASA, and H-bond plots showed that the compound was stable
during MD simulation time (100 ns) for GDC-2394. The PCA analysis for all compounds verified
similar variance of the complex with the inhibitors to the apo-NLRP3, indicative of stability. DCCM
analysis showed the best correlation in residues 134 - 371 region, which contains critical amino acids
from the binding site (Ala227, Ala228, and Arg578), besides the newly identified residues. Using MMPBSA
to provide the binding free energy, it was observed that the high affinity of the drugs against
NLRP3 is related to the lower rigidity of the structure. Furthermore, we identified the critical residues
Phe575, Pro352, Tyr632, and Met661 related to the coupling process.

Conclusion:

Thus, these discoveries may contribute to the development of new anti-inflammatory
drugs, such as NLRP3 inhibitors.
Antiasthamatic Activity of Betulinic Acid as a Current Bioactive
Compound in an Experimental Model
Authors: Narayan Shiv , Gupta Jeetendra Kumar , Mandal Sudip Kumar
Published: July 2024

aims:

The purpose of this study was to assess BA's effectiveness in treating bronchial asthma and to use molecular docking to find BA's binding energy with β-adrenoceptor.

background:

The natural triterpenoid molecule betulinic acid (BA) has many biological and therapeutic uses, one of which is the relief of asthma symptoms.

objective:

The purpose of this study was to assess BA's effectiveness in treating bronchial asthma and to use molecular docking to find BA's binding energy with β-adrenoceptor.

method:

Methods: The extraction technique involved the use of ethanol as a solvent and the herb Bacopa monnieri. Budesenoid was used as a standard drug. AutoDock vina in PyRx 0.8 was used for the molecular docking investigation. An acute toxicity examination was conducted according to OECD guideline 425. A guinea pig model of asthma called anaphylactic microshock was employed to ascertain the antiasthmatic efficacy of the medication under investigation. Antiasthmatic activity was performed by dividing the animals into four groups each containing six animals. Group 1 was the control group received only vehicle. Group 2 was the standard group received budesenoid. Group 3 was the test group received B. monnieri extract. Group 4 was the test group received betulinic acid (BA).

result:

Results: In terms of binding affinity, BA has a value of -7.45 kcal/mol. In line with earlier findings, molecular docking showed that BA bound to the hydrophobic cavity of LOX-5, and the formation of hydrogen bonds altered the micro-environment and structure of LOX-5. This resulted in a reduction in enzyme activity. The mean pre-convulsion time for Drug-1 was 506.66 in comparison to the control group as observed in guinea pig model of asthma.

conclusion:

Conclusion: It may be a good analytical approach to test BA or BA derivatives with a stronger antiasthmatic profile with the help of computed properties. BA was found effective in reducing anaphylaxis in animal model, thus, it may be useful against asthma.

other:

Conclusion: It may be a good analytical approach to test BA or BA derivatives with a stronger antiasthmatic profile with the help of computed properties. BA was found effective in reducing anaphylaxis in animal model, thus, it may be useful against asthma.
Advancements in GaN Technologies: Power, RF, Digital and Quantum Applications
Authors: Mohanbabu A. , Maheswari S. , Vinodhkumar N. , Murugapandiyan P. , Kumar R. Saravana
Published: July 2024

Quantum well devices based on III-V heterostructures outperform Field
Effect Transistors (FETs) by harnessing the exceptional properties of the twodimensional electron gas (2DEG) in various material interface systems. In high-power
electronics, III-V-based Gallium Nitride (GaN) HEMTs can have a great influence on
the transport industry, consumer, RADAR, sensing systems, RF/ power electronics, and
military systems. On the other hand, the devices made of HEMTs and MIS-HEMTs
work in enhancement mode, having very low leakage current, which can conserve
energy for more efficient power conversion, microwave/ power transistors and highspeed performance for wireless communication. The existing physics of the wellestablished AlGaN heterostructure system imposes constraints on the further progress
of GaN-based HEMTs. Some of the scopes include: Initially, the semiconductor
materials made of SiC, GaN, and AlGaN allow a device that is resistant to severe
conditions, such as high-power /voltage-high temperature, to operate due to its
effective dielectric constant and has a very good thermal conductivity, which makes
this device well-suited for military applications. Secondly, with the urgent need for
high-speed internet multimedia communication across the world, high transmission
network capacity is required. GaN-based HEMT devices are suitable candidates for
achieving high-speed limits, high gain and low noise performance. In conclusion, GaN
and related interface materials exhibit chemical stability and act as robust
semiconductors, exhibiting remarkable piezoelectric polarization effects that lead to a
high-quality 2DEG. Integrating free-standing resonators with functionalized GaNbased 2DEG formation reveals the potential for designing advanced sensors.
Phosphor-Converted III-Nitride Nanowire White Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Nguyen Hoang-Duy , Sankar Muthu Mano Bala , Trung Nguyen Hieu Pham
Published: July 2024

III-nitride nanowire light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have emerged as the nextgeneration solid-state lighting technology. Currently, white-light LEDs rely on the
phosphor-converted white LED (pc-WLEDs) technology, which normally depends on
the mixture of blue/ultraviolet emitters and green/yellow/red color-converters. In this
chapter, a summary of current research progress on nanophosphors and their
applications in improving the device performance of InGaN nanowire pc-WLEDs in
terms of color rendering properties and optical and electrical characteristics is
presented. These investigations have concentrated on manufacturing methods,
morphologies, optoelectronic characterizations and device performances. By
concentrating on these critical elements, our goal is to contribute valuable insights and
advancements to the field, paving the way for the continued development and
application of III-nitride nanowire LEDs in the landscape of solid-state lighting
technologies. 