bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Color Image Compression with Linear Polynomial Coding and Adaptive Inter-Prediction
Authors:   Baghdad University, B. Al-Obaidi Marwa , Al-Khafaji Ghadah ,   Baghdad University, M. Siddeq Mohammed ,   Northern Technical University, Iraq
Published: June 2024

This paper introduces a proposed technique for compressing color images with the objective of minimizing their size. The technique divides the image into three bands: a source band representing the Green channel, and a non-source band representing the Red and Blue channels. The source band is encoded using a lossless 2D_linear polynomial technique, which ensures that the compressed image retains its original quality. The non-source bands employ an adaptive inter-prediction technique to enhance the efficiency of compression. The experimental results provide evidence supporting the effectiveness of the proposed technique, surpassing traditional compression methods and even outperforming the widely used JPEG technique. Moreover, the technique maintains optimal image quality while achieving efficient compression. The proposed technique achieves a reduction in image size of approximately 13.8 KB and a compression ratio (CR) of about 14, surpassing the capabilities of JPEG. Overall, the proposed technique offers a promising approach to color image compression, providing a means to reduce the size of color images while preserving their quality.
Fossilized Writing Errors of EFL Students
Authors: Azeez Israa B.
Published: June 2024

This study endeavors to investigate the fossilized writing errors of students in the English department at Cihan University, Erbil. Furthermore, the paper seeks to discern the underlying causes for these persistent fossilized forms and outline potential strategies to mitigate them. Twenty-five students were selected from the fourth stage in the English department to partake in three assessments conducted over the course of two semesters. Each assessment required the participants to write essays spanning 120–150 words about any subject. Subsequently, the writing samples from the initial two tests were scrutinized and corrected by the researcher then feedback was given to the students. The researcher categorized errors committed by learners of English based on three aspects; insights gleaned from previous studies, the errors in the tests, and interviews with English language instructors in the English department. The last test aimed to find out the fossilized or the persistent linguistic inaccuracies that continued appearing regardless of correction and feedback. The analysis revealed that students’ writing production is notably influenced by their mother tongue/first language and by faulty learning from the environment.
Factors Influencing Innovation Management in Iraq’s Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises
Authors: Zaidan Muslim N. , Hamdi Sameer S. , Birdawod Hawkar Q. , Agha Azwar M.Q.
Published: June 2024

By adopting technology, enhancing productivity, and fostering economic growth in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), owners and managers can improve their innovation management methods. Owners and managers can optimize their innovation management approaches in small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) by incorporating technology, improving productivity, and promoting economic growth. Despite heightened knowledge of technology, productivity, and economic growth, innovation management has not been adequately examined. This study presents a theoretical framework for evaluating the effects of technology, productivity, and economic growth. A quantitative methodology was utilized, and questionnaires were sent to employees in small and medium-sized enterprises in Erbil, Iraq. This research involved 260 Iraqi workers, and 242 were analysed in Smart PLS. SMEs can address constraints in technology, productivity, and economic growth by implementing these strategies, as indicated by the results. Identifying opportunities for improvement, efficiently allocating resources, and fostering an innovative culture are essential for your company. Technology, productivity, and economic growth have a direct and considerable influence on innovation management. The technological aspect is the most crucial feature in predicting innovation management.
التمييز الايجابي تجاه الاقليات ودورة في الحكومة الرشيدة : نظام الكوتا في العراق انموذجاً
Authors: عبد الجبار هند
Published: June 2024

تعاني الاقليات في دول كثيرة من العالم ولاسيما الدول العربية والعراق من التهميش وقلة التمثيل في النظام السياسي ووضع العوائق امام تمثيلها، لذلك تعد مشكلة امام تكوين حكومة رشيدة ممثلة للجميع، ان التهميش هو عبارة عن عملية معاكسة للتمثيل تمنع الأفراد من الحصول على القوة اللازمة التي تؤهلهم للحصول على حقوقهم، علماً أن هناك علاقة وثيقة بين تمثيل الاقليات ونظام الحكم الرشيد بالتأكيد كلما زاد التمثيل كلما وصلنا الى حكومة رشيدة ممثلة للجميع، بالإضافة الى عدم وجود تناسق وتوافق بين متن الدستور والتشريعات النافذة وما يطبق على الواقع، لذلك لابد من تعديل نصوص هذه القوانين على نحو يمكن لجميع الاقليات التمثيل بصورة مرضية، وان العراق منذ العام 2003 بدأ بسياسات من اجل ابراز دوراً اكبر للأقليات وهذا ما شهدناه منذ دستور عام 2005 وما بعدها من تشريعات كانت اغلبها تحاول اعطاء دور اكبر للأقليات.
Gestalt Counseling for Bullying Cases in Indonesia: A Literature Review
Authors: Haryadi Rudi , Abidarda Yulizar
Published: June 2024

This research aims to confirm the usefulness of Gestalt Counseling empirically through a literature review of a number of relevant scientific literature. This research uses a literature review method. In this case, the researcher collected a number of literatures in the form of scientific articles related to Gestalt Counseling for bullying cases in Indonesia during the last 5 years, namely in the period 2018 to 2023. The researcher conducted a search for scientific literature using the Google Scholar, Publish or Perish, and databases. Lens.Org. Of the 23,181 titles, 8 scientific articles were found that best suited the research criteria. The research results show that Gestalt Counseling can be carried out in individual or group formats to increase self-esteem and self-control, as well as reduce levels of depression for victims of bullying. Apart from that, Gestalt counseling can also be applied to reduce aggression, violence and bullying behavior in bullies. It is recommended that further research examine issues related to multicultural factors in Gestalt counseling for this population, the effects of other Gestalt techniques in interventions for victims and perpetrators of bullying, as well as the phenomenological experiences of victims and perpetrators of bullying in receiving Gestalt Counseling.
PENGARUH KETERAMPILAN GURU MENGADAKAN VARIASI GAYA MENGAJAR RESIPROKAL TERHADAP MINAT BELAJAR PESERTA DIDIK PADA MATA PELAJARAN IPAS KELAS IV SDN 105428 SILAU MERAWAN T.A. 2023/2024
Authors: Ramadani Aulia
Published: June 2024

Penelitian ini dilaksanakan untuk mengetahui pengaruh keterampilan guru mengadakan variasi gaya mengajar resiprokal terhadap minat belajar peserta didik pada mata Pelajaran IPAS kelas IV SDN 105428 Silau Merawan. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah jenis penelitian kuantitatif-eksperimen, dengan desain Nonequivalent (Pretest and Posttest) Control Group Design. Populasi penelitian terdiri dari kelas eksperimen yang berjumlah 28 orang siswa dan kelas kontrol yang berjumlah 18 orang siswa, jadi keseluruhan populasi yang dimiliki adalah 46 orang siswa. Sampel penelitian yaitu kelas eksperimen yang berjumlah 28 orang siswa SN 105428 Silau Merawan. Data dikumpulkan dengan menggunakan lembaran angket dan observasi tidak terstruktur, seterusnya data akan dianalisis menggunakan analisis deskriptif dan analisis regresi linear sederhana. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pengaruh keterampilan guru mengadakan variasi gaya mengajar resiporkal memiliki pengaruh yang positif terhadap minat belajar peserta didik pada mata Pelajaran IPAS kelas IV SDN 105428 Silau Merawan. Dapat dilihat dari perbandingan rata-rata pada saat melakukan pretest dengan rata-rata posstest. Selain itu juga berdasarkan hasil analisis regresi linear sederhana yang dilakukan dengan menggunakan aplikasi SPSS 23 for windows nilai signifikan yang didapat lebih kecil dari 0,05 yaitu 0,000 < 0,05. Hal ini menunjukkan adanya pengaruh keterampilan guru megadakan variasi gaya mengajar resiprokal terhadap minat belajar peserta didik pada mata Pelajaran IPAS kelas IV SDN 105428 Silau Merawan.
Physiology of a Lake as a Whole
Authors: Dussault Antoine C.
Published: June 2024

Analogies between ecological systems and organisms are a common trope in early ecology, but discussions of these analogies tend to focus on the particular version of them found in the works of pioneer plant ecologist Frederic E. Clements (1874-1945). This paper partly fills this gap by analyzing the relatively well-developed version of the analogy between lake ecological systems and organisms found in the works of founding American limnologist Edward Asahel Birge (1851-1950). I argue that although, for Birge, the lake-to-organism parallel did not imply that lakes were literally organisms, it reflected his commitment to a holistic view of lakes, which anticipated the distinctive holological perspective on ecological systems of later ecosystem ecology.
The Relevance of the Marriage Age Maturation Program according to Law No. 52/2009 from the Perspective of Maqāṣid al-Syarī'ah (Case Study in Bontoa District, Maros Regency)
Authors: Alimahmudrikah Nur , Muh. Bakry Muammar , Asni  , Nazaruddin
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this study is to reveal the relevance of the Marriage Age Maturation Program according to Law No. 52 of 2009 from the perspective of Maqāṣid al-Syarī'ah in Bontoa District, Maros. This research is qualitative research, the type of research is field research. The data collection methods used in this research are observation, interview and documentation. Data processing and data analysis techniques used through three stages, namely: data reduction, data presentation, data verification, data classification, data analysis and conclusion drawing. The results showed that; the relevance of Maqāṣhid al-Syarī'ah to the implementation of the Marriage Age Advancement Program according to Law No. 52 of 2009 in Bontoa District, Maros Regency is in expectation of improving the quality and controlling the quantity of the population, the five main elements in Maqāṣhid al-Syarī'ah are very relevant to the Marriage Age Advancement Program for the sake of benefit and preventing evil.
Legality of Implementing an Embargo in Efforts to Resolve Armed Conflicts Between Countries
Authors: Suling Derfy Rizky
Published: June 2024

Embargo have become one of the common strategies used by states in responding to violations of international law by other states including when there is an armed conflict between states. However, the application of embargoes tends to worsen the atmosphere of conflict, disrupt international politics and cause significant impacts in many countries which raises the question of how important the application of embargoes as an effort to resolve conflicts. This problem will also target the legality of such actions in the context of the principles of international law governing state sovereignty, human rights, and international trade rules. With a normative legal analysis approach, this research aims to examine the international legal framework governing the implementation of embargoes, which reveals that the use of economic sanctions has been a common practice found in international law for many years and has developed into an international custom.
Undergraduate students' career perceptions due to pandemic: A study from Bangladesh
Authors: Habib Mohammad Ahsan , Ahmed Zobayer , Siddik Md Abu Bakkar
Published: June 2024

This study examined how the Covid-19 outbreak affected Bangladeshi undergraduates' career planning. The primary purpose of this qualitative study was met by 15 in-depth interviews, four key informant interviews (KIIs), one Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and illustrated case studies. During the Covid-19 outbreak in Bangladesh, many undergraduates worried about job security. Many undergraduates considered government professions the safest and most prepared for them. Another group prepared for higher education overseas and settled in a developed country. The study emphasizes the need for crisis-related professional development policies. Global emergencies affect career planning. This analysis will help stakeholders develop solutions.
When the Earth Was New: Memory, Materiality and the Numic Ritual Life Cycle
Authors: Ruuska Alex
Published: June 2024

This book explores the contentious subject of Indigenous oral history in the Great Basin and a growing interest in oral traditions among archaeologists and anthropologists. When the Earth Was New considers the architecture of Numic place-based knowledge, interrogating traditional narratives that encode some of the earliest forms of scientific observation among diverse Indigenous communities describing a living sentient earth in the process of rebirthing herself. The author employs an interdisciplinaryapproach that identifies and evaluates Numic oral teachings relative to the place-based data available from ethnography, ethnohistory, archaeology, and geology. She invites the reader to consider the nature of contemporary and ancient Numic experiences, the profound possibilities of ancestral memory, the animistic worldview a sentient earth undergoing profound geological changes, Numic ethnogenesis, and the opportunities to explore potential convergences between science and indigenous ways of knowing. When considered in relation to both archaeological and geological processes, it may be possible to temporarily suspend our twenty first century notions, and for a moment, understand embodied perspectives. about When the Earth Was New.
Numerical Investigation of Indentation-Induced Residual Stresses and their Effect on J-Integral and Crack Propagation
Authors: Baltach Abdelghani , Khelil Foudil , Djebli Abdelkader , Benhamena Ali , Chaouch Mohamed Ikhlef , Bendouba Mostefa
Published: June 2024

This work presents an analysis of the effect of ball indentation on fatigue crack growth. The main objective is to assess the effectiveness of indentation, particularly its influence on the J-integral, as a fracture criterion governing fracture toughness. Using the finite element method in Abaqus 6.14, we analyzed the residual stresses induced by indentation at different positions along the predicted line of crack propagation and calculated the J-integral. The results highlight that indentation at the crack tip position significantly reduces the J-integral compared to non-indented structures, demonstrating its potential to extend the lifespan of cracked components by delaying crack propagation. The findings underscore the practical application of ball indentation as a viable technique to retard crack growth, contributing to the longevity of cracked components and, consequently, structural integrity. This analysis revealed a crack propagation retardation gain of up to 56%.
Imprints of Graphene Nanocomposites Towards Energy Storage Potential of Lithium Ion Batteries—State of the Art and Perspectives
Authors: Kausar Ayesha , Ahmad Ishaq
Published: June 2024

This state-of-the-art article is designed to cover essential aspects of graphene based nanomaterials for energy storage purposes. Graphene is, a unique nanocarbon, one atom thick nanosheet made up of sp2 hybridized carbon atoms. Graphene has been focused for various technical energy related devices and systems owing to remarkable structure and properties. In energy storage applications, graphene has been applied for varying devices like supercapacitors, fuel cell and batteries. Important utilization of graphene and derived nanocomposites have been observed for lithium (Li) ion batteries. In this context, graphene has been found to offer superior surface area, electron conduction, electrochemical properties, charge or energy density, reversible capacity, rate capacity, cyclic stability, charge-discharge behavior, and other progressive characteristics for effectual energy or charge storage. In addition, graphene derived nanomaterials have been researched for structural, morphological, mechanical, thermal, and other physical characteristics. Hence, graphene and nanocomposites have been reported as efficient Li ion battery electrode or electrolyte material. Future progress on designing new efficient graphene derived nanocomposites and three dimensional graphene based nanomaterials may overcome the challenges towards the formation of high performance battery electrode or electrolyte materials.
Penetrating Keratoplasty in Children
Authors: Balchev G. , Balabanov C. , Murgova S.
Published: June 2024

Keratoplasty is one of the most common tissue transplants. However, its application in children remains a high-risk procedure. The child eyeball is smaller, the cornea and sclera are more elastic, a higher pressure on the vitreous body and often other malformations of the anterior eye segment are present, all of which makes it a significantly more difficult intervention than that in adults. The aim of the report is to present a case of keratoplasty in a child with corneal perforation due to trauma. A 7-year-old child, who fell off a bicycle 4 days ago and hit their eye area, was admitted to the eye diseases clinic. In the clinic, an examination was performed under general anesthesia; a foreign body was removed from the left eye and a perforation of the cornea was established. A penetrating keratoplasty was performed. Two months after the surgery, loosening of the sutures began, and scarring and their gradual removal became necessary. 18 months after the operation, the eye is completely calm and the transplant is transparent. Penetrating keratoplasty in children remains a major challenge for most surgeons. A good collaboration with the parents is necessary to preserve the transparency of the transplant and improve visual acuity.
Fracture into the Abdominal Cavity and the Presence of A Retroauricular Pseudocyst Are Diagnostic of A Partial Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Dysfunction
Authors: Bal’afif F. , Wibowo O. , Nazwar T. A. , Wardhana D. W. , Mustofa M.
Published: June 2024

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction is frequently observed, with the ventriculoperitoneal shunt fracture being a prevalent etiology. The occurrence of ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction is approximately 40% in the first year after implantation and increases to 50% in the second year. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt fracture accounts for 15% of total ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction incidents. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt fractures commonly occur due to calcification, immune reactions, and abrasions. The report describes a 5-year-old child who exhibited ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction based on clinical examination and CT scan findings. The patient presented with fever and pain in the postoperative wound located posteriorly to the left ear. Radiographic imaging of the cranium and thoracoabdominal region revealed the presence of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt fracture and a C5 spinal disconnection. Additionally, it was demonstrated that the distal catheter had relocated to the abdominal cavity. The laboratory examination and cerebrospinal fluid analysis yielded normal results. The fractured ventriculoperitoneal shunt was subsequently removed and replaced with a new one. It is important to thoroughly investigate and comprehend ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunctions, even during routine follow-ups.
Aggressive Angiomyxoma of the Female External Genitalia
Authors: Gincheva D. , Vanov Al. , Gincheva V.
Published: June 2024

Aggressive angiomyxoma (AAM) is a rare and benign mesenchymal tumor that localizes predominantly in the female pelvis. Its invasive growth and local recurrence are challenging for professionals. Histologically, AAM is a tumor with a myxoid stroma that is highly vascular and hypocellular. The diagnosis is made relatively late due to nonspecific symptoms. Treatment of AAM is extensive local surgical excision with intact resection lines. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists are added postoperatively. The prognosis is good and metastasis is rare. We present a case of an aggressive angiomyxoma located in the left greater labial area in a 50-year-old woman. After discussion and informed consent signed by the patient, on 27.01.2023 at the University Hospital “St. Marina” Pleven, the patient was admitted to the hospital. The tumor was extirpated under epidural anaesthesia on the date of the patient's informed consent. The patient was prescribed postoperative therapy with Zoladex 3,6 mg implant according to the schedule.The patient was subjected to monthly gynecological check-ups for one year after the surgical intervention. To date, no recurrence of the underlying disease has been detected. Long-term results show a good trend. In conclusion, we can say that the optimal treatment of AAM is wide local excision. It is not recommended to aim for radicality because of the risk of postoperative complications. Postoperative administration of GnRH-a is advisable to avoid recurrences. All patients undergo regular follow-up examinations for long-term follow-up.
Sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease
Authors: Zhelyazkova S. , Nachev S. , Kalev O. , Tournev I.
Published: June 2024

Sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease is a rare and fatal human prion disease characterized by a rapidly progressive dementia, myoclonus, cerebellar, pyramidal, extrapyramidal, visual, and psychiatric symptoms. These findings are all non-specific and making diagnosis is often difficult at the symptoms onset, especially in case of atypical clinical and radiological presentation. This case report describes a woman in her 60s, who presented with rapid cognitive decline, confusion, ataxia and electroencephalographic changes compatible with nonconvulsive status epilepticus. Her symptoms progressively worsened and she died 8 weeks after the onset. The two cerebrospinal fluid analyses were normal and no 14-3-3 protein was detected. The brain MRls revealed areas of cortical restricted diffusion involving the right frontal and parietal lobe. The electroencephalographic findings of continuous periodic generalized bi-triphasic complexes, typical for sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease, were detected 1 month after the onset. Sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease was neuropathologically confirmed. Although sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease is a rare neurodegenerative disease, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all cases with unexplained and rapid cognitive decline and confusion, along with ataxia, pyramidal/ extrapyramidal signs, myoclonus and dysphagia.
Comparison of growth performance, pasture usage, carcass yield and breast meat characteristics of two different slow-growing broiler genotypes kept in the free-range
Authors: Sözcü Arda , İpek Aydın , Gündüz Merve , Gunnarsson Stefan
Published: June 2024

Consumers’ interest in animal welfare-friendly systems with outdoor access is growing and therefore the necessity has arisen for genotypes suitable for free-range systems. This study aimed to investigate the suitability of two slow-growing broiler genotypes by comparing growth performance, pasture usage, carcass yield and breast meat traits. Two slow growing genotypes Hubbard ISA Red JA-57 (n= 240) and Sasso XL44 × SA51A (n= 240), were raised in free-range system for 63 days, and their suitability was assessed. Body weight, feed consumption and feed conversion rate were weekly determined. To assess the pasture usage (interior, buffer and outer zones), the observations were performed twice a day. The total of 60 birds (n: 30 broilers/genotype) were randomly sampled for slaughter process at 63rd day of age, and subsequently breast muscle samples were processed for the physical quality and chemical composition parameters of the meat.

At 63 days of age, the final body weight was found to be 2918.0 g and 3253.6 g in Hubbard and Sasso birds respectively (P<0.001). Also, a higher body weight gain was observed for Sasso birds than Hubbard birds as well (3210.2 vs. 2874.8 g, P<0.001). The broilers preferred to pasture at the interior zone rather than buffer and outer zones (P<0.001), and usually in the morning (27.54%) than in the evening (20.93%, P=0.010). The average slaughter weight, carcass weight and carcass yield were higher in Sasso genotype (3296.7, 2540.4 g, 77.1%, respectively] at 63 days of age compared to Hubbard genotype (2878.3, 2192.3g and 76.2%, respectively, P<0.001). The weight and relative weight of breast were also higher in Sasso (746.2 g and 29.4% respectively) than the Hubbard genotype (617.6 g and 28.2% respectively, P>0.001). These findings could help free-range broiler producers to choose a more suitable genotype according to the final body weight, feed efficiency, pasture usage, carcass yield, and breast meat characteristics.
A mouse model of uterine exposure to long-term hyperglycemia and a high-fat diet*
Authors: Zglejc-Waszak Kamila , Korytko Agnieszka , Pomianowski Andrzej , Wojtkiewicz Joanna , Wąsowicz Krzysztof , Juranek Judyta K.
Published: June 2024

A growing body of literature has shown that type 1 diabetes (T1D) and high-fat diet (HFD) affect female reproductive function and may be involved in a chronic inflammatory state. Our previous studies indicated that T1D as well as HFD may evoke perturbations in the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) signaling pathway. The aim of the study was to determine the amount of RAGE protein and its proinflammatory ligands in uterine tissues harvested from T1D and HFD/pre-diabetic mice (n = 5 per group). We sought the impact of T1D and HFD on the activity of the RAGE signaling pathway in uterine tissues during the estrous cycle. The abundance of RAGE and its ligands were estimated using immunohistochemical staining. However, we also performed nerve conduction velocity studies to confirm diabetic neuropathy. The highest amount of RAGE and its ligands were observed in uterine tissues of T1D mice. Moreover, myometrial activity of the RAGE signaling pathway was increased in HFD in comparison to the control group (P≤0.05). We observed a strong relationship between RAGE, Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) proteins in mice myometrium. These data suggest that T1D and HFD could modulate the activity of RAGE and thus RAGE signaling pathway in uterine tissues during estrous cycle. Long-term diabetes and HFD may induce malfunctions in the uterine milieu. In the future RAGE protein may serve as a molecular marker in the diagnosis of malfunctions in pre- and diabetic uterus milieu.
Altered miRNA pattern in canine mammary tumors - pilot study
Authors: Gherman Luciana-Mădălina , Zanoaga Oana , Budisan Liviuta , Isachesku Ekaterina , Lajos Raduly , Ciocan Cristina , Braicu Cornelia , Atanasov Atanas G. , Berindan-Neagoe Ioana
Published: June 2024

Canine mammary tumors (CMTs) represent a prevalent malignancy in female dogs. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of gene expression and are implicated in various cancer types, including CMTs. This study aimed to investigate the altered miRNA expression patterns in CMTs and their potential role in tumorigenesis. We analyzed miRNA profiles in a cohort of CMT samples and matched normal tissues using a custom canine panel microarray slide (Agilent technology). The bioinformatics analysis overlapped the altered miRNA signature in CMT with human breast cancer miRNA (TCGA patient cohort). The biological significance of this altered miRNA signature was evaluated using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Our results revealed a distinctive miRNA expression signature associated with CMTs compared to normal mammary tissues, and when overlapped with human breast cancer miRNA data (TCGA cohort), we identified a common signature composed of one overexpressed transcript and eight downregulated transcripts. In conclusion, our study provides comprehensive insights into the altered miRNA expression patterns in CMTs, shedding light on their potential contribution to the pathogenesis of these tumors. Further investigation into the specific roles of these dysregulated miRNAs is warranted to elucidate their precise involvement in CMT progression and to explore their therapeutic implications.
Energy Recovery from Ice Waste Heat Using Thermoelectric Generators
Authors: Iavnic Tudor , Puiu Dragoş , Popescu Aristotel
Published: June 2024

In recent times, people pay more attention to global warming because they realise its impact on the environment and human life. The main factor that influences it are the emissions produced by the transportation industry. Automobiles are one of the biggest source CO2 emissions. Because the engine efficiency is low, most of the energy produced is lost as heat. If the lost heat is recovered and transformed to electrical energy it could power some of the automobile systems, thus reducing the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Among the researched power generation technologies, one of the most advantageous in this situation is the thermoelectric generator (TEG). TEGs take advantage of Seebeck effect to convert low temperature heat into electricity using materials similar to thermocouples. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of the TEG, including its operational principle, the experiments conducted to test it, the materials used in its construction, and the methods employed to improve its performance.
Applications of Axiomatic Design in the Project Management of New Product Development – A Literature Research
Authors: Nicolau Mihaela
Published: June 2024

The article investigates the applications of Axiomatic Design to the Project Management of new product development as it currently stands based on publicly available materials. Project Management is a collection of processes tailored to fit an application. The research focused on processes associated to Project Management, and it was less focused on product design. The results of the investigation indicate that the application of Axiomatic Design to Project Management would be useful and would lead to improvements of projects’ success and business’s Return-on-Investment. The researcher concludes that product requirements could be used to model a uniform approach to most processes used in Project Management but, depending on the project complexities, a smaller scope approach is more appropriate depending on company’s internal organization of work. It will be beneficial to either project management practitioner or any business manager to have a framework easy to utilize in designing processes as needed for the successful completion of any project.
Overview on Bearing Manufacturers Research and Development Directions
Authors: Chitariu Dragoş-Florin , Eduţanu Florin-Daniel , Oancea Lucian , Mihai Constantin-Gheorghe , Bişoc Cristiana
Published: June 2024

The paper presents an overview of development directions and market interest declared by the largest and relevant manufacturers of bearings worldwide. The general directions of improving the quality of and durability of bearings remained a current research field but also adding different products and services (such as remanufacturing of bearings and conditioning monitoring product and services) are in the manufacturers focus. Special considerations are on introducing AI technologies in the decision making process and process coordination in bearing manufacturing, also electrification is considered to be a large part of future sales in automotive and various electric drive units.
Indigenous Place Names: A Literary Toponomastics Study of Suburb Names in Cape Coast
Authors: Nkansah Samuel Kwesi , Bonsu Emmanuel Mensah
Published: June 2024

Most toponomastics research has ignored the importance of indigenous places as sites for identity and other cultural and social significance. Using Cape Coast as a historical site of the transatlantic slave trade, this study explores the origin, meanings and relevance of indigenous place names in the suburbs of Cape Coast, Ghana. Through an interdisciplinary approach that synergizes an interview with a chief, who is a prosopographer, historical documents, and literary sources, this study traces the city’s evolution from its ancestral hunting origins. The findings revealed that Cape Coast’s identity is encapsulated in the indigenous names, which point out the complex dynamics of culture, geography, identity and power. The names reference landmarks, events, environment and communities, transforming the city itself into a living archive with historical relevance. The literary interpretations uncovered metaphorical meanings encoded in some toponyms. Tracing connections across people, events, geography and time, these names reveal an interconnection often obscured by colonial ruptures. Based on these findings, there is a need to preserve the indigenous place names to foster intergenerational connections to the city’s storied landscape. The study contributes to Critical Toponymy theory and empirical insights into using indigenous toponyms to decolonize urban heritage.
Implementing multilevel environmental governance in Košice region (Slovakia): interactions between regional policies, institutional management, and individuals’ needs
Authors: Dobrucká Lucia , Mynaříková Lenka
Published: June 2024

Multilevel governance concept has been increasingly coined by the EU environmental and climate adaptation policies, but its implementation in some countries faces the heavy dominance of state-level perspective in public discourse. This article explores interactions between regional policies (based especially on the Adaptation Strategy, the Nature Recovery Plan, and their action plans), institutional management (how public institutions approached environmental and climate adaptation needs through the design of their institutional areas), and individual needs (how individuals were considered and involved). Methodology includes the content analysis of documents framing regional policies and a questionnaire collected during September 2021 (in which 150 public institutions were addressed and 87 of them responded). Data show that even though the Košice region strived for holistic approach, cooperation, and participation, the proclaimed values and the real-life situation differed. The developed regional strategy was rather unbalanced, projects implemented by individual institutions seemed to be driven by financial aids rather than real needs, and individuals’ needs as well as their participation on implementing environmental policies were often neglected.
Domestic Competition, Trade Openness and Entrepreneurial Culture: Canonical Correlation Analysis
Authors: Kostić Milan , Živković Jelena
Published: June 2024

The paper analyses canonical correlations between domestic competition, trade openness and entrepreneurial culture. The research covered 141 countries ranked by World Competitiveness Index in 2019. Canonical correlation analysis is applied to find relationship between two canonical variables. The first canonical variable includes sub-indexes from Domestic competition and Trade openness pillars. The second variable contains sub-indexes from Entrepreneurial culture pillar. The results of the analysis showed there is a strong, positive, statistically significant canonical correlation between these canonical variables with a Pearson coefficient of 0.86. The linear regression analysis is also applied. The regression analysis shows that the variable Distortive effects of taxes and subsidies on competition is the most important for all dependent variables. The extent of market dominance, Competition in services and Border clearance efficiency are important, but not as much as taxes and subsidies. It confirms that regulation of domestic competition and trade openness are supreme for entrepreneurial culture.
Gender Entrepreneurial Behaviour: A SSLR (Semi-Systematic Literature Review) Approach
Authors: Mazrekaj Leonita
Published: June 2024

Gender-related entrepreneurship research remains essential for analyzing various socioeconomic, cultural, and socio-family abstractions of human capital that are distinct to gender. This study provides a comprehensive review of the literature about the theoretical foundations, results, assessment, and research that considers specifically composition of human capital as a moderator in the structure of gender entrepreneurial behavior. In this review study course, the SSLR (Semi-Systematic Research Review) approach is utilized to develop future research outlines. The key findings state that studies on female entrepreneurs that concentrate specifically on education and perceived abilities have a number of shortcomings. This includes failing to grasp the importance of simultaneously addressing individual and country-level indicators, as well as structural, historical, and cultural variables. The findings thus reinforce the importance of viewing the structure of female entrepreneurs as part of a holistic interdependent system, highlighting how the interaction of factors at various levels shapes identities, career choices, and perceptions of entrepreneurial opportunities and constraints. Finally, findings indicated that there is a need for a new approach to gender and economic inclusion methods, such as life histories, longitudinal empirical analysis, narrative analysis, approaches with in-depth interviews, or discourse analyses. At the end an agenda for future research is developed based on the review, with implications for entrepreneurship educational attainment and perceived abilities being highlighted.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Millettia pachyloba drake Leaf Ethanol Extract in Alleviating Oxidative Stress Induced by Diamondback Moth Infestation in Mustard Greens [Brassica juncea (L.) czern. & coss.]
Authors: Nhung Tran Thi Phuong , Quoc Le Pham Tan
Published: June 2024

The global threat that the diamondback moth (DBM) (Plutella xylostella) poses to Brassica juncea creates an urgent need to develop effective mitigation strategies. With promising findings, this study explores the potential of plant-derived antioxidants, particularly Millettia pachyloba, in mitigating DBM-induced oxidative stress. Greenhouse experiments conducted using M. pachyloba leaf ethanol extract (MPEE) at concentrations of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 % (w/v) showed the inhibitory effect of MPEE on DBM damage in B. juncea. The comprehensive assessment included the effectiveness of MPEE in reducing oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide), augmenting metabolites (flavonoids, phenolics), enhancing anti-oxidant compounds (glutathione, ascorbic acid, total protein), and stimulating key enzymes (su-peroxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase). The results were compared to controls, in which the plants were treated with water or fipronil. Fipronil and MPEE significantly reduced leaf puncturing and damage, and the impact force increased with MPEE concentration. Both types of protection reduced the content of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide in leaves, stems, and roots. However, a significant increase in the content of flavonoids, phenolic and antioxidant compounds (glutathione, ascorbic acid, and proteins) and enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and catalase) was observed. The enhancement of metabolites, enzymes, and antioxidants was comparable in plants treated with fipronil and MPEE 10%. This study, with its potential to replace synthetic fipronil with M. pachyloba extracts to reduce oxidative stress induced by Plutella xylostella on mustard plants, offers a promising solution for protection against this insect.
Effect of Drying Method on the Nutritional and Antioxidant Properties of Mango, Avocado, and Tomato
Authors: Minuye Masresha , Yenasew Aserse , Belew Segedu
Published: June 2024

The present study aims to evaluate nutrient retention in mango, avocado, and tomato dried using freezing, refractance windows, and oven methods. The quality parameters of the dried products were assessed, such as color, water activity, and antioxidant content. Greater color retention was observed for freeze-dried products than for products dried using other methods. All products showed low water activity (>0.4), which prevented microbial growth. Freeze-dried products had the highest content of lycopene and carotenoids. Instead, more flavonoids and phenolics were detected in the refractance window method and then in the oven-dried products. Although freeze-dried products are preferred, the refractance windows method could be a promising drying technology because of its energy savings, easy operations, and low cost.
Competing Confirmatory Factor Analysis Models in Management Research: Bifactor Modeling of the Employee Work Assessment Tool
Authors: Oamen Theophilus Ehidiamen
Published: June 2024

Management researchers often use structural equation modeling to analyze data from questionnaire-based instruments. Usually, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) is applied to confirm the hypothesized or theorized factor structure of the instrument. Most authors adopt a single CFA model without comparing it against other potentially valid models (general factor, correlated factor model, second-order hierarchical model, and bifactor model). Hence, the dimensionality and reliability of constructs using bifactor modeling to validate latent scores are often ignored. Also, this gap is widened by no unanimous agreement on the use of post hoc modification of CFA models to support fit to the data in covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM). The objective of the study was to explore model fit, dimensionality, and reliability of the Employee Work Assessment Tool (EWAT) using competing CFA models. The study used a published dataset on the EWAT instrument to illustrate the assessment of the dimensionality and model-based reliability of the tool using CB-SEM. Results showed that CFA statistics of the bifactor model were most adequate for the instrument (χ2=70.053, df=19, RMSEA=0.082 [90% confidence interval; 0.062, 0.103], SRMR=0.036, CFI=0.963). The bifactor model ancillary measures supported the unidimensional structure of EWAT with justification for the use of total scores. The study concludes that the instrument is best described and applied as a unidimensional construct, and therefore, a single score can be used to rate employees’ perceptions of their work conditions. The study presents both practical implications for management researchers and simplified reporting for bifactor modelling.
Virtual radioactive source system for exercises modeling high doses
Authors: Bodor Károly , Csalótzky Zsolt , Pető János , Völgyesi Péter , Gulyás Attila , Kaposy Nándor , Zagyvai Péter
Published: June 2024

This article presents the possibilities of working in a virtual high-dose rate field following a procedure developed at the Nuclear Security Department of the Centre for Energy Research (EK NSD) in Budapest. Real-life simulation of a radiation survey and a radiation risk assessment as well as searching for lost radioactive sources, monitoring surface contamination (SC), in addition to localizing and overseeing materials out of regulatory control (e.g., at a radiological crime scene) are only possible under inactive conditions or in low-dose rate environments in accordance with the as low as resonably achievable (ALARA) principle. A virtual radioactive source system (VRSS) developed at the Nuclear Security Department (NSD) makes it possible to simulate “measured” values very accurately, even in a high-dose rate environment, but without exposing trainees to radiation hazards.
Access of primary school students to information and communication technologies in Turkey
Authors: Ira Gözde Özenç , İra Nejat , Güngörc Şevket , Çakır Pınar , Aksu Ali
Published: June 2024

This comparative research aims to investigate 6- to 10-year-old students’ access to information and communication technologies (ICTs), their purposes of using these technologies, and their place in distance education in Turkey. To achieve this aim, the level of students’ access to ICT was determined from an interregional and between-countries perspective by reviewing the relevant literature. The document analysis method was used to analyze the contents of the materials in the corpus. Besides, the research study was built on the statistical data published by the OECD, the Turkish Statistical Institute, and the Ministry of National Education, published official documents, news, and other literature materials related to the subject. In the 2019–2020 academic year, 7,383,213 students at public schools of the Ministry of National Education actively used the Education and Informatics Network (EBA) system. Given 5,328,391 students in primary schools only, around 3.6 million students did not have regular access to the EBA system. All the tiers considered, a total of 11 million students could not access the EBA system. To enable the wider student masses to actively use distance education platforms, the online learning environments must be accessible to everyone and usable without any problems.
CHRONIC PAIN AND NEUROIMMUNE POSSIBLE PREDICTIVE FACTORS: REVIEW
Authors: Ksenchyna Kateryna , Matolinets Nataliya , Nazarchuk Olexandr , Ivaniushko Olena , Dmytriiev Dmytro
Published: June 2024

Secondary post-traumatic and post-operative pain is a problem that is increasingly encountered by medical professionals in Ukraine today in the conditions of war. Chronic pain is an independent nosological unit, which is a severe complication of many performed surgical procedures. Сhronic pain as a result of surgical interventions occurs up to 10% of patients. It develops significantly often after amputations (50–85%), thoracotomies (5–65%), cardiosurgical interventions (30–55%), and chest surgeries (20–50%). Long-term post-operative pain is one of the primary, mostly unrecognized clinical problems.
It can be assumed that patients whose wounds do not heal in time have a predisposition to the development of secondary chronic pain. The long healing process of the wound surface is directly related to the following features: the wound microbiota, the resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics, the group of antibacterial agents chosen for treatment and the duration of exposure to the drug.
Understanding the interaction between microorganisms and the sensory systems of neurons can reveal more information for the putative pain mechanisms study.
In recent years, much attention has been paid to studying the concept of pain sensitization. Inflammation and nerve damage contribute to increased pain signaling, stimulating wound hyperalgesia. These processes can directly affect the formation of long-term post-operative pain.
Among the key problematic factors that contribute to the appearance of remote peripheral neuropathy, the duration of administration, increased dosage, and possible combinations of antimicrobial drugs should be highlighted, as well as the persistence and exacerbating of manifestations of local inflammation with the participation of resistant opportunistic bacteria that colonize the lesion and can directly produce metabolites vital activities, pathogenicity factors with pro-inflammatory properties. This allows us to assume a significant role of persistence in the primary lesion of antibiotic-resistant opportunistic bacteria, as well as antibiotic therapy as a delayed iatrogenic factor, as predictors of the formation of chronic pain syndrome in the wounded.