bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unveiling the Influence of Xylocaine on Patient Pain Sensation Preceding Propofol Administration
Authors: - Watanpatch Mongkolchaipak , - Thanakom Manthananon
Published: July 2024

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is one of the world’s fastest growing operations in the world and is a groundbreaking reproductive technology discovery that has changed the lives of countless families around the planet. However, such a paramount discovery would not be possible without advancements in anesthetics, particularly the local anesthetic Xylocaine(lidocaine), and the intravenous (IV) anesthetic Propofol. Xylocaine is used to provide a loss of sensation in a discrete region of the body by disrupting nerve impulse generation or propagation. Depending on the patient’s body mass, 1-2 milligrams per kilogram is administered. Propofol, on the other hand, is used to induce and maintain a controlled state of unconsciousness and analgesia (pain relief), when a dosage of 2 milligrams per kilogram is administered. The purpose of this investigation was to unveil the true extent to which Xylocaine affects the perception of pain on the IV line in patients during the administration of Propofol by measuring each patient’s pain score on a scale from 0 to 10. Two groups were compiled for this endeavor: one being the control group, which did not receive Xylocaine and was represented by the digit 0, and the other being the counterpart group, which was administered the anesthetic and represented by the digit 1. Initial averaging of the complete data set of pain scores concluded that Xylocaine did, in fact, help reduce pain on the IV line in patients prior to Propofol infusion. Further statistical analysis with IBM SPSS v.25, including a T-test and an independent samples test, was conducted and further validated the significance of the use of Xylocaine in pain reduction on the IV line during Propofol infusion. Overall, this study confirms the effectiveness of combining these two anesthetics on IVF patients on reducing side effects, improving patient’s satisfaction, and providing legitimacy to an ever-growing IVF industry.
Crisis of Democracy and Modern Fundamentalism: a Reflection of Karl Popper’s Critical Rationalism
Authors: - Ali Ahmed
Published: July 2024

The emergence of fundamentalism in modern society calls for an understanding of it as well as the development of practical countermeasures. The theoretical and practical solution to this issue begins with Karl Popper's critical rationalism. This article's primary goal is to evaluate Karl Popper's critical rationalism approach in light of the fundamentalist phenomenon as a manifestation of democracy's dilemma. To do this, the concepts of "fundamentalism" and "crisis of democracy" will be covered in the first section. The previously indicated procedure will then be presented in the second section. It is stated that Popper's contributions to epistemology and his body of work constitute a critical turning point in the preservation of a democratic vision that places a premium on open and responsible discourse with others.
Comprehensive Review on Schiff Base Heterocyclic Moiety Conjugates: Synthesis, Reactions and Diverse Applications
Authors: - Harshil P. Vasoya , - Shraddha A. Dubey , - Hiren V. Doshi , - Sarita R. Chourasia
Published: July 2024

Schiff bases exhibit a broad spectrum of uses in the industrial, pharmacological, and biological fields. With a particular focus on Schiff base heterocyclic moiety conjugates, this review paper provides an extensive overview of the synthesis, reactions, applications, and biological activities of Schiff bases. It explores different approaches to synthesizing Schiff base; including water-based media, conventional methods, metal-catalyzed processes, acidic and phase transfer catalysis, ultrasonic and microwave conditions, and grinding chemistry techniques. Furthermore, the industrial applications of Schiff bases, particularly as corrosion inhibitors, are highlighted. The paper also delves into the biological activities of Schiff bases, such as their antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anthelmintic, and antioxidant properties, showcasing their potential in medicinal and industrial applications. The review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the versatile roles Schiff bases play and their significant contributions to advancing various scientific and practical domains, emphasizing their wide ranging benefits and applications.
Experimental research on the preparation of composts based on organic waste and plant residues of cattle farms using microbiological preparations
Authors: Pariev A. ,   Institute of Mechanics and Automatics of Agroindustrial Production of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Filonenko J. ,   Institute of Mechanics and Automatics of Agroindustrial Production of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine
Published: July 2024

Purpose. Increase of efficiency of mechanized process of processing of vegetable bits and pieces and organic wastes in fertilizes with the use of microbiological for preparations the fertility- improving of soils in the system of organic agriculture. Methods. An analysis of realization of decomposition of organic wastes and vegetable bits and piece of farms cattle is by means of the biological punching. Experimental determination of quality indicators of finished compost. Results. Laboratory- field studies are undertaken from punching of organic wastes and vegetable bits and pieces of farms of cattle by means of the ground microorganisms, the results of researches are analyses and content of nourishing elements is certain in the prepared compost. Conclusions. After analyzing the results of laboratory and field studies on the preparation of composts using the biological product Extrakon based on a consortium of soil microorganisms, it was found that the use of the biological product creates conditions for the complete decomposition of organic waste and plant residues within two months from the start of the composting process. Keywords: biological product Extracon, plant residues, compost, organic wastes.
Experimental research of the safety clutch moment operation of a bulk agricultural materials screw conveyor
Authors: Bulgakov V. ,   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Trokhaniak О. ,   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine
Published: July 2024

Purpose. Іncreasing the efficiency of the screw conveyor by justifying the rational parameters of the safety clutch. Methods. When conducting experimental studies to determine the moment of operation of the safety clutch, methods of conducting experiments on modern equipment, and methods of planning a multifactorial experiment were used. The methods of probability theory, mathematical statistics and regression analysis were used to process the research results, in particular statistical calculations were carried out according to the program developed by the authors in the STATISTICA environment. Results. To increase the amount of axial movement of the driven half-coupling with a jammed working body, together with the reduction of dynamic loads during the occurrence of an overload, the design of the safety clutch was developed. In order to determine the moment of activation of the clutch, an experimental setup for studying the operation of the screw conveyor in extreme operating conditions was developed. When conducting a multifactorial experiment to determine the activation moment T of the safety clutch of the screw conveyor, the variable factors were the angle of inclination of the working body to the horizon , the rotation frequency of the screw working body n, and the time of the increase of the resistance moment . According to the results of experimental studies, appropriate regression equations, response surfaces and their two-dimensional cross- sections were constructed to establish the influence of controlled factors on the moment of operation of the safety clutch in extreme operating conditions. The obtained regression equation can be used to determine the moment of activation of the clutch during the transportation of loose and lumpy agricultural materials by a screw conveyor. Conclusions 1. Based on experimental studies of the moment of application of the secondary coupling of the screw conveyor in extreme conditions of operation, it was established that the greatest influx by value T is the frequency of rotation of the screw working element n. Further on the intensity of the inflow at the time of application T is the value of the slope of the working body to the horizon and the smallest infusion by the value of T is the hour of increase in the moment of support . 2. Based on the analysis of linear regression, it was established that changing n in the range of 50– 250 rpm leads to an increase in T by 1.12 times, a change at the range of 0–40° leads to a change in T by 1.05 times and change in the range of 0.15– 0.65 s, bring the temperature down to 1.04 times. Keywords: screw conveyor, screw, coupling, groove, torque.
The rapidly changing treatment landscape of first-line advanced urothelial cancer (aUC) or metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC)
Authors: Aslanova Minira , Yu Eun-Mi , Aragon-Ching Jeanny B.
Published: July 2024

The landscape of treatment for first-line therapy in advanced urothelial cancer (aUC) and metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC) has rapidly changed in the last year alone. Maintenance avelumab remains a viable treatment option for many patients across the globe for those who have responded or have achieved stable disease after platinum-based chemotherapy. However, the recent FDA approvals based on EV-302 for enfortumab vedotin (EV) and pembrolizumab, as well as CheckMate-904 with gemcitabine and cisplatin with nivolumab (GC+N) followed by maintenance nivolumab have left clinicians with the complicated decision of determining which regimen is most appropriate for their individual patients with untreated aUC. This commentary highlights the key trials that have set the standard-of-care for front-line aUC treatment and suggestions for choosing different regimens for the appropriate patient.
obligaciones de registro documental e información sobre hospedaje y alquiler de vehículos a motor en españa a la luz de la normativa europea sobre protección de datos
Authors: Corral Sastre Alejandro
Published: July 2024

Se analiza en el presente trabajo la adecuación a la legislación europea sobre protección de datos del Real Decreto 933/2021, de 26 de octubre, por el que se establecen las obligaciones de registro documental e información de las personas físicas o jurídicas que ejercen actividades de hospedaje y alquiler de vehículos a motor. Estas obligaciones impuestas a los prestadores de estos servicios en virtud de la Ley Orgánica 4/2015, de 30 de marzo, de protección de la seguridad ciudadana, se basan en una imprecisa y difusa razón de seguridad pública que no justifica el tratamiento masivo y sistemático de toda la información sin discriminación alguna. Sobre todo, cuando lo que se pretende evitar son las formas de delincuencia más graves, esto es, terrorismo y delincuencia organizada. La más reciente jurisprudencia del Tribunal de Justicia de la Unión Europea exige el cumplimiento estricto de los principios de minimización y proporcionalidad en el tratamiento de datos con fines policiales que no cumple la citada norma reglamentaria.
reforma del Tribunal de justice de la Unión Europea: La ruptura de un tabú
Authors: Martín Pérez de Nanclares José
Published: July 2024

Esta contribución analiza el alcance de la reforma del Protocolo núm. 3 sobre el Estatuto del Tribunal de Justicia aprobada por el Parlamento Europeo y el Consejo de conformidad con el procedimiento legislativo previsto en el artículo 281 TFUE. Con ella, se materializa, más de 20 años después de su inclusión por el Tratado de Niza, la previsión recogida en el párrafo tercero del artículo 256 TFUE, en virtud de la cual se transfiere al Tribunal General la competencia para conocer de cuestiones prejudiciales que versen sobre el IVA, los impuestos especiales, el código aduanero, la clasificación arancelaria de mercancías, la compensación y la asistencia a los pasajeros en caso de denegación de embarque o de retraso o cancelación de los servicios de transporte y el régimen de comercio de derechos de emisión de gases de efecto invernadero. La reforma pretende descargar de trabajo al Tribunal de Justicia, de forma que pueda concentrarse en las cuestiones de mayor relevancia y en los asuntos de principio o con una dimensión constitucional. La reforma rompe con el monopolio del Tribunal de Justicia en materia de cuestiones prejudiciales, lo cual arroja consecuencias profundas para la arquitectura judicial de la Unión.
Peculiarities of assessing the quality of education in physical education at the level of secondary general education
Authors: A. V. Ageev ,   Stavropol State Pedagogical Institute, Daurov A. M. , Makhnovskaya N. V. , Kasyanov S. V. , Sokolova N. I. ,   Stavropol State Pedagogical Institute,   Stavropol State Pedagogical Institute,   NCFU,   NCFU
Published: July 2024

The article deals with the problem of evaluating educational results in the subject area "Physical culture". Disclosed shortcomings associated with skills ambiguity in the choice of means, methods, forms of assessment. The work notes insufficient methodological support from the standpoint of assessing educational results. An analysis of approaches to assessing the individual achievements of students, regulated by normative acts, the results of research by specialists in approbation of monitoring programs and a system for assessing the quality of physical education, and a survey of teaching staff is presented. The paper provides a theoretical justification and defines a list of recommendations aimed at improving the quality and objectivity of monitoring the assessment of educational achievements of students, obtaining comprehensive and reliable information about the state of education; conducting a systematic and comparative analysis of the educational achievements of students and making the necessary adjustments to the educational process. The mechanisms of planning and monitoring the quality of educational achievements in physical culture are determined. The indicators influencing educational results are revealed. The parameters of increasing the student's interest in the educational process are presented. A description is given of the assessment tools used for such methods as control, stimulation and diagnostics. The diagnostic parameters that should be relied upon when developing evaluation materials are determined. Effective online data collection tools are proposed to improve the quality of diagnosis, allowing flexible assessment of students' achievements. An assessment of the objectivity of control and the receipt of comprehensive and reliable information is given. As a value judgment, the directions for the implementation of self-assessment skills, self-analysis of educational achievements, which contribute to increasing motivation and motor activity, are disclosed.
Estruturação de Compliance como prevenção jurídica frente ao Código de Defesa do Consumidor
Authors: Sousa Martins Pedro Guilherme , Carneiro da Cunha Julio
Published: July 2024

Objetivo: O estudo tem como objetivo mostrar como a implementação de ações de compliance pode prevenir problemas jurídicos nas relações com os consumidores e mitigar riscos legais e financeiros significativos.
Metodologia: A pesquisa apoia-se em uma revisão de literatura abrangente, examinando a intersecção teórica entre compliance, ética empresarial e direito do consumidor. Baseia-se em normas e legislações brasileiras, como o Código de Defesa do Consumidor, enfatizando a necessidade de uma abordagem orientada à efetivação do compliance nas organizações.
Resultados: O estudo destaca que práticas robustas de compliance, alinhadas com a ética e sustentadas por uma cultura organizacional forte, podem reduzir significativamente os riscos operacionais e legais. Revela-se também que o compliance não é apenas uma função de departamentos individuais, mas uma responsabilidade organizacional que exige comprometimento em todos os níveis da empresa.
THE ROLE OF LINGUISTIC PATTERNS IN ANALYZING LITERARY TEXTS
Authors: Abdul.Z Ali Abdulhamzah ,   University of Kerbala, Presidency University/ Information Technology Center, Iraq
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the relevance of linguistic patterns in literary text analysis by focussing on their function in revealing hidden meanings and stylistic subtleties. This study seeks to show how phonological, morphological, syntactic, and semantic patterns add depth and complexity to literary works by analyzing these linguistic aspects. By dissecting several texts from different periods and genres, this study sheds light on how authors manipulate language and literary themes to achieve their desired effects in the minds of their readers. According to the results, we can gain a deeper comprehension of literature by methodically seeking and analyzing linguistic patterns, allowing us to appreciate better the expressive and communicative roles that language plays in literature.
THE ROLE OF FINE ART IN THE AESTHETIC EDUCATION OF CHILDREN
Authors: Rahmonov Gaffarjon Ruzmatovich ,   Doctor Of Philosophy In Philology (Phd), Tashkent International School Of Finance Technology And Science Institute Associate Professor, Uzbekistan
Published: July 2024

In this work, the educational aspects of artistic and speech activities are studied in depth, and how they can be used in the modern education system is explained. Also, important conclusions and suggestions were made in the aesthetic education of children in the artistic and speech activities of this methodology.
CLINICAL CASE OF MULTISYSTEM ATROPHY WITH PARKINSONISM
Authors: Aripova Naira F. ,   Researcher Tashkent Pediatric Medical Institute, Uzbekistan, Omonova Umida T. ,   Researcher Tashkent Pediatric Medical Institute, Uzbekistan
Published: July 2024

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a steadily progressive neurodegenerative disease involving the pyramidal system, cerebellum, and autonomic nervous systemх[1]. MSA is an α-synucleinopathy with specific glioneuronal degeneration involving striatonigral, olivopontocerebellar, and autonomic nervous systems but also other parts of the central and peripheral nervous systems[3]. Clinical manifestations include hypotension, urinary retention, constipation, ataxia, parkinsonism, and postural instability. Multiple system atrophy affects both men and women equally, the first symptoms usually appear after age 53. The etiology of this pathology is unknown, but is associated with the accumulation of bodies containing alpha-synuclein in different parts of the brain[1]. There are two types of MSA. The first type occurs with a predominance of cerebellar dysfunctions: ataxia, postural instability. In the clinical setting of the second type of MSA, symptoms of parkinsonism predominate, such as muscle rigidity, bradykinesia, postural disturbances, non-resting tremor and dysarthria. Also, both types exhibit autonomic disorders. The prognosis for this pathology is unfavorable; after the first symptoms appear, life expectancy is 9-10 years.
AI for Psychological Profiles: Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions
Authors: Ocana Flores Hernan Isaac , Luna Andrea
Published: July 2024

This paper assesses Artificial Intelligences in the development of psychological profiles where it has prospects in clinical examination, therapy of mental disorders, and description of behavior. Yet, in the adoption of AI in the field of psychology, there are corresponding challenges to it.  Issues include ethical questions in, data protection, and the transparency of the created models. This paper lays down these issues, the advantages and efficiency of employing AI solutions in profiling psychology, and possible recommendations for the further studies and research that could overcome current deficiencies. The literature review and systematic study, shows the author’s goal as to clarify the current trends and possible development of AI in psychological profiling, focusing on possible interdisciplinary cooperation and the importance of ethical regulation for achieving the best result.
Estrategias Prenatales para Prevenir la Muerte Fetal en Gestantes de Riesgo
Authors: Paladines Loayza Stefany Fernanda , Ayala Moreno Peter Steeven , Agudo Gonzabay Brígida Maritza
Published: July 2024

Introducción: La muerte fetal es la ausencia de latidos cardíacos fetales después de las 20 semanas de gestación, que afecta aproximadamente a dos millones de familias anualmente, con implicaciones emocionales, sociales y económicas. Objetivo: Establecer las estrategias prenatales para prevenir la muerte fetal en gestantes de riesgo. Metodología: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en el periodo de noviembre-2023 hasta marzo-2024, en diferentes fuentes de datos digitales. Para la investigación se utilizaron el motor de búsqueda: Google Académico y bases de datos (PubMed, Fronteirs, Women and Birth) con ayuda de los términos (muerte fetal, movimiento fetal, prevención, clasificación, factores de riesgo, sífilis congénita, controles prenatales, auditorias clínicas y mortalidad infantil). Resultados: La búsqueda inicial identificó 5278 publicaciones. Se filtraron 5 publicaciones duplicadas y 5231 tras leer títulos. Se revisaron 45 artículos a texto completo y se excluyeron 30, por no cumplir con los criterios de inclusión. Finalmente 10 estudios fueron incluidos y 5 fueron identificados en la revisión, concluyendo en un total de 15 artículos. Conclusión: Los suplementos nutricionales, la mejora de los hábitos de vida, la prevención de infecciones, la educación en salud sexual y reproductiva en ambos conyugues, la capacitación a parteras, aplicación de auditorías, así como el seguimiento del bienestar fetal, permiten mejorar la calidad de los controles prenatales. Además, la implementación de planes de intervención que incluyan estas estrategias, puede disminuir la brecha entre la prevención y la muerte fetal.
Obesity Predictor Identification: Comparison of Correlation Based Feature Selection Method and Wrapper Method on Nutrition Dataset
Authors: Nuraina Daud  , Nurulhuda Noordin  , Anitawati Mohd Lokman
Published: July 2024

The prevalence of obesity among Malaysians is estimated by calculating the obesity prevalence percentage using BMI prevalence data from the national health morbidity survey (NHMS). However, the nutrition data from the NHMS has not been used to predict the national obesity prevalence as it was collected solely for the documentation of an analysis report on the food consumption patterns of the base population. To address this gap, this study utilises nutrition data by employing 15 nutrition variables derived from grocery data to predict obesity. This paper seeks to identify the appropriate nutrition variable, which involved exploring 8238 rows of raw grocery data (grocery receipt) collected from 35 households. During the data pre-processing phase, 15 nutrition variables were generated in the data conversion and data transformation phase of the data pre-processing phase of this study. This study predicts the percentage of selected nutrition variables that could lead to obesity in individuals. The purpose of this study is to find alternative data (grocery data) that can be used to predict obesity and to test the relevance of using that alternative data in predicting obesity by evaluating the accuracy performance measurement of the prediction through the use of data mining technology. This study predicts the percentage of macronutrients variables that could lead to obesity in individuals. To simplify the prediction model, the dataset variables were filtered using the automated feature selection method in the WEKA machine learning tool version 3.8. The objective of the feature selection performance of variables from the dataset was to identify the nutrition variables that have the most significant impact on developing accurate prediction models by evaluating the accuracy performance of the model using area under curve score (AUC). The generated nutrition dataset was subjected to the subset method known as correlation-based-feature-selection (CFS) and wrapper methods that included a learning algorithm in the attribute selection process. Several subsets were extracted during the feature selection phase, which served as potential input datasets (predictor) for developing obesity prediction models using different classification algorithms. Based on the feature selection evaluation conducted in this study, the CFS method was found to be the best feature selection method compared to the three wrapper methods conducted, which resulted in the selection of calorie_intake and foodpyramid_level3% variables as the appropriate predictors for this study. These results can enhance the reliability of using household grocery data to predict obesity and open new avenues for research into nutrition and health prediction.
Enhanced Oil Recovery through Carbon Dioxide Injection: A Compositional Simulation Approach
Authors: Tamanna Zafrin Orin  , Md Tauhidur Rahman  , Mohammad Amirul Islam  , K. M. Haidarul Alam  , A.S.M. Mannafi  , Khairul Habib
Published: July 2024

Primary recovery techniques of hydrocarbons are insufficient to meet the ever-growing energy demand. This fact encourages researchers to establish tertiary hydrocarbon extraction techniques to increase production and meet the energy demand. The implementation of CO2 flooding has been widely regarded as a highly favourable approach for enhancing the recovery of both light and heavy oil resources. The rate of CO2 injection must be consistent so that viscosity decreases, and medium crude oil mobility is increased in accordance with production requirements. In this research, the compositional simulation model for CO2 flooding has been developed using Eclipse 2010.1 software with Lorentz-Bray-Clark correlation for enhanced oil recovery by reducing viscosity with constant CO2 injection. The compositional reservoir simulated model was executed from January 1, 2027 to January 1, 2050. From January 1, 2027 to January 1, 2048, the oil production rate remained constant. The concentration of CO2 in the oil phase has exhibited a notable increase, rising from 27.25% to 58.658% over the course of the twenty-three-year simulation period. This observation indicates that the oil phase has experienced a greater dissolution of CO2. Consequently, there has been a reduction in the viscosity of the reservoir oil, with a decrease from 0.126 centipoise (cp) to 0.088 cp, representing a 69.84 percent decline. Additionally, there has been an increase in the mobility of the reservoir oil. Furthermore, the enhanced oil recovery technique successfully achieved the recovery of 35.77 million stock tank barrels per day of medium crude oil. Finally, CO2 flooding reduces the amount of CO2 in nature, which is extremely significant from an environmental standpoint.
An Interactive Tool to Learn the Sensors and Transducers Subject for Kinaesthetic Domain Students
Authors: Wan Mariam Wan Muda  , Salisa Abdul Rahman  , Nur Farizan Munajat  , Woro Agus Nurtiyanto
Published: July 2024

The main course learning outcome in the Sensors and Transducers subject is the ability of students to present the sensing mechanism for some specific sensors. This sensing principle is physical or chemical in nature and cannot be seen with bare eyes. Different teaching techniques have been used; however, all the techniques did not favour the kinaesthetic domain. Hence, an interactive tool has been proposed to motivate students to be more participate in class and increase their understanding. The proposed tool was the Arduino board, which was connected to five different sensors: water level sensor, infra-red sensor module, proximity sensor, pH sensor, and thermocouple. A graphical user interface (GUI) was developed using Visual Studio software as a monitoring system to show the sensors’ outputs interactively. The tool can be re-developed by students from the circuit connection given in the menu of the monitoring system. The source code for the user-friendly Arduino board can be easily obtained from any related electronics website. The developed GUI can be installed by students on their laptops using the created setup file. Using the interactive tool, students can see in real-time the output of the sensors on the monitoring system by exposing them to their corresponding measurand. All sensors work as expected and the GUI correctly presents the data from the sensors. The setup file can also be installed and the tool can run successfully on the computer even without the Visual Studio software. The positive feedback from students and their performance also showed a positive trend. From the performance of the students, the developed tool has been proven to improve students’ understanding of the sensors learned.
Investigation on the Effect of Process Parameters on Mechanical Properties of Vetiver Fiber Reinforced LDPE Composites
Authors: Zaman Haydar
Published: July 2024

Natural fibers (NFs) are extensively used for the ecological concern of synthetic fibers. The benefits of NFs over man-made fibers are their easy accessibility, renewability, lightweight, biodegradability, high specific features, and low price. The key reasons for affecting the features of the composite are the length and content of the fiber and the time of treatment of the fiber. Consequently, the prediction about the optimal fiber length, fiber content and treatment time becomes important, so that composites with optimal mechanical properties can be prepared. The current study narrates an experimental investigation on the effect of process parameters, namely fiber condition (untreated and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) treatment), fiber sizes (3, 5, and 7 mm), fiber contents (10, 20, and 30 wt%), and treatment time (2, 4, and 6 h) on vetiver fiber (VF)-reinforced low-density polyethylene (LDPE) composite. The VF-reinforced LDPE composites have been developed by hot compression molding method and then characterized by mechanical properties (e.g., tensile strength, tensile modulus, compressive strength and modulus, impact strength, and fracture toughness) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the composites’ tensile, compressive, impact properties and fracture toughness increased with increasing fiber size, fiber percentage, and treatment time. Afterwards, mechanical properties decreased by a certain size, percentage, and treatment time. SDS-treated VF-reinforced LDPE composite samples produced better tensile, compressive, and impact properties compared to the untreated composites. The composites reinforced with 20 wt% fiber content, 5 mm in length and 6 h showed the best tensile, compressive, impact properties and fracture toughness. The SEM study revealed that the SDS-treated fiber composite confirmed the homogeneous dispersion rather than the untreated composite. The composite properties reveal that VF can be a good candidate for polymer reinforcement.
Texto para Discussão 2993
Authors: Cerezini Monise Terra , Castro César Nunes de
Published: July 2024

As mudanças climáticas constituem um tema cada vez mais relevante nos meios acadêmico, diplomático e governamental. Os impactos esperados das mudanças climáticas nas cidades são variados. Tais impactos podem incluir: inundações e danos causados pelo aumento do nível do mar em cidades costeiras; danos à infraestrutura urbana existente provocados por eventos climáticos extremos; danos à saúde da população; impactos sobre a disponibilidade hídrica e sobre o uso energético etc. Este artigo tem por objetivo investigar como a questão da adaptação às mudanças climáticas tem se incorporado ao planejamento urbano nacional. Para isso, utiliza-se o Índice de Adaptação Urbana (IAU), proposto por Neder et al. (2021), para se avaliar o nível de preparação nas 81 regiões metropolitanas (RMs) nacionais, nas três regiões integradas de desenvolvimento (Rides) e três aglomerações urbanas (Aglos). Os resultados apresentados indicam que as diferentes regiões do Brasil possuem diferentes níveis de capacidade adaptativa às mudanças climáticas.
Texto para Discussão 2998
Authors: Salles Marcus Maurer de , Carvalho Marina Amaral Egydio de
Published: July 2024

Este Texto para Discussão identifica as regras sobre coerência regulatória previstas no Acordo Abrangente e Progressivo para Parceria Transpacífica (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership – CPTPP), da Parceria Econômica Regional Abrangente (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership – RCEP) e da Área de Livre Comércio Continental Africana (African Continental Free Trade Area – AfCFTA). Ademais, o trabalho compara as regras previstas nesses mega-acordos, com as regras sobre coerência regulatória disponíveis nos acordos celebrados pelo Mercado Comum do Sul (Mercosul) internamente e com parceiros externos.
Anxiety and sensory overload: A perspective on how chemistry undergraduate students perceive their time in the lab
Authors: Washbourn Gina
Published: July 2024

For many chemistry students, laboratory-based practical sessions are considered ‘high-value’ and the reason they embark on a chemistry degree, but even these students often feel overwhelmed by lab-based chemistry. This article aims to reflect on the author’s experiences of undergraduate students suffering increased sensory overload and anxiety across several chemistry undergraduate teaching laboratories and suggestions for how we as lab educators can improve the lab experience for all students. Suggestions include improved course design and creating a learning environment conducive to lab learning, not lab anxiety.

This article was published open access under a CC BY licence:
https://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0
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Evaluation of lab performance: An assessment of progress or a record of failures?
Authors: Luzyanin Konstantin V. , Sedghi Gita
Published: July 2024

With the increasing recognition of the importance of good academic practices, various disciplines are striving to enhance their assessment strategies to foster inclusivity. The conventional evaluation of laboratory performance requires immediate adjustments to tackle issues such as subjective grading, inconsistent marking, and a lack of student engagement. In line with our research project on re-designing assessment in chemistry education, we have undertaken the task of revamping the assessment strategy for several chemistry modules aimed at intermediate years of undergraduate study at the University of Liverpool. Specifically, we have focused on implementing alternative more inclusive forms of continuous assessment of lab practice. This paper presents the results of implementing these assessment changes and incorporates initial student evaluations to provide valuable insights into their effectiveness.

This article was published open access under a CC BY licence:
https://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0
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Sensory, communication, and processing differences and collaborative learning: Don’t forget about autistic students!
Authors: Hammond Katherine
Published: July 2024

Collaborative learning is generally seen as an inclusive way to engage students, encourage a sense of belonging, and increase confidence and critical thinking skills. However, for many autistic students, communication, sensory, and processing differences combine to make collaborative work an often stressful and inaccessible experience. Communication differences can lead to difficulty effectively working and contributing within a group of non-autistic peers. Sensory and processing differences can make it impossible to concentrate and process information in a room full of other students. The result can be extreme anxiety, shutdown, and mental health difficulties as well as lost learning and feelings of exclusion. Good practice should include allowing autistic students to opt out of collaborative learning. Inclusive approaches such as providing good information in advance and flexibility in how students engage with learning and assessment, plus not using group work to assess non-group work related learning outcomes should also benefit everyone.

This article was published open access under a CC BY licence:
https://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0
.
The BME enterprise in the life sciences challenge: A resource-efficient, high impact initiative
Authors: Wattret Gemma , Delaney Jennifer , Golding Elizabeth , Lewis Zenobia , Foden Jennifer , Abdulkadir Amal , Ali Mst Lucky , Murray Kate , Marsh Jane
Published: July 2024

This case study explores the impact of an extra-curricular enterprise initiative for Black, Minority Ethnic (BME) students within the School of Life Sciences. The aim of this activity was to connect students with employers to work on real-world problems facing the sector. This provided students with the opportunity to develop professional networks and employability skills addressing progression gaps and positively impacting career confidence. Over the course of three weeks, students worked together to engage in entrepreneurial concepts such as idea generation, business modelling, and planning. Following the challenge students self-assessed their development in terms of skills development, confidence, and likelihood to take further action in relation to entrepreneurial and employability enhancing activity. Student responses were positive across the board and the results from this survey and lessons learned have been used as a platform to embed enterprise at scale within the curriculum. This case study outlines how using resources and employer input efficiently can have a real impact on student development.

This article was published open access under a CC BY licence:
https://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0
.
Workshops redeveloped: Group work to nurture a more inclusive learning environment
Authors: Luzyanin Konstantin V.
Published: July 2024

Merging assessment and feedback during continuous assessment involves the seamless integration of evaluating learning outcomes with providing constructive feedback to enhance learning. An illustrative example of this integration can be observed in active-learning-based analytical chemistry workshops conducted for a core undergraduate module within a chemistry programme. Extensive inquiring with students indicates that combining group work and merging assessment and feedback in these workshops can yield a multitude of benefits, including increased efficiency and enhanced communication, subsequently leading to a more inclusive learning environment.

This article was published open access under a CC BY licence:
https://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0
.
Expression of cytokeratin 7/20 and Ki67 in Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis and intestinal metaplasia
Authors: Ismael Ava T , Abdulhameed Rafal A , Jalal Jalal A , Tawfeeq Rawaz D , Ommar Aram , Jalal Aveen
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Cytokeratins (CKs) have been associated with precancerous and cancerous gastric lesions in patients with Helicobacter pylori-associated chronic gastritis, making them useful for diagnosing epithelial tumors.
Methodology: A retrospective study was conducted utilizing 200 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded gastric biopsy samples collected from the lesser curvature of the stomach. Samples from the control group, patients with H. pylori infection, and patients with H. pylori-associated gastritis, with complete and incomplete intestinal metaplasia (IM) were immunostained. Monoclonal antibodies were utilized to determine the expression of CK7, CK20, and Ki-67.
Results: Patients infected with H. pylori had strong CK20 expression on the surface, and weak CK7 expression on the surface and deep glands; while non-specific chronic gastritis patients had weak focal CK7 expression and strong CK20 expression. The normal gastric mucosa of patients in the control group had relatively weak CK7 expression, restricted to a few cells in the neck and deep glands. CK20 showed diffuse strong reactivity on the surface. On the other hand, patients with complete IM showed a CK7 staining pattern that was either negative or weakly focal on the surface and crypts associated with diffuse surface CK20 and focal crypt staining corresponding to gastric type IM. The Ki67 proliferating index was low (≤ 15%) in H. pylori infected patients, high (> 30%) in patients with incomplete IM, and intermediate (16–30%) in patients with complete IM.
Conclusions: These results indicate a significant link between the expressions of CK7/CK20 and Ki67 in patients afflicted with H. pylori and IM.
Epidemiological study on seroprevalence of syphilis in patients with mental diseases
Authors: Liu Taixiu , Gao Peng , Lv Xinhui , Shi Zheng , Zhang Heng , Li Wu
Published: July 2024

Introduction: The objective of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of syphilis and its possible influencing factors in patients with mental illness.
Methodology: A total of 24,414 patients with mental illness from 2019 to 2021 were included. Serum syphilis antibody test results and available demographic data were collected. Chi-square test and regression analysis were used to analyze the data.
Results: The seroprevalence of syphilis was 0.59% (95% CI 0.49-0.69%) in patients with mental illness in the study area. There were significant differences in the seroprevalence of syphilis in age, marital status, occupation, urban region, and mental disease classification. The seroprevalence of syphilis increased with age (p < 0.01). The seroprevalence of syphilis was higher in patients with “Nonorganic sleep disorders” and “Reaction to severe stress, and adjustment disorders”. Adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that the seroprevalence of syphilis in patients with mental illness was associated with age, region, and psychiatric classification. Older age group was a risk factor for syphilis seropositivity. Compared with schizophrenia, “bipolar affective disorder” (OR = 1.707, 95% CI: 1.017-2.864, p = 0.043) and “severe stress response and adjustment disorders”(R = 4.912, 95% CI: 1.138-21.204, p = 0.033) were risk factors for syphilis antibody positivity.
Conclusions: The patients with “nonorganic sleep disorders” and “reaction to severe stress, and adjustment disorders” had a high seroprevalence of syphilis. Age and psychosis types became the influencing factors of the positive rate of serum syphilis antibody in patients with mental illness.
Epidemiological, clinical, biochemical, and treatment characteristics of brucellosis cases in Turkey
Authors: Arslan Mustafa , Ertunç Barış , Düz Muhammed Emin , Menekşe Elif , Avci Burak Yasin , Avci Ecem , Yilmaz Gürdal
Published: July 2024

Introduction: In our study, we aimed to evaluate the epidemiological features of brucellosis and the efficacy of different treatment options in patients with various organ involvements.
Methodology: Patients diagnosed with brucellosis and treated in two different centers between 2009 and 2019 were retrospectively screened and evaluated regarding epidemiological and clinical features, laboratory findings, and treatment responses.
Results: The study included 297 complete-data patients (76% of rural patients were farmers). Farming (76%) and raw dairy (69%) were the main transmission methods. Most patients (98.6%) had positive tube agglutination tests. Ninety-two patients' blood and bodily fluid cultures grew Brucella spp. The incidence of leukopenia was 18.8%, thrombocytopenia 10.7%, anemia 34.3%, and pancytopenia 4.3%. Doxycycline and rifampicin were the major treatments, with streptomycin utilized in osteoarticular patients. Pregnant women with neurobrucellosis took ceftriaxone and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. After one year, 7.1% of patients relapsed. Doxycycline + streptomycin and doxycycline + rifampicin had similar relapse rates (p = 0.799). The double- and triple-antibiotic groups had identical recurrence rates (p = 0.252).
Conclusions: In uncomplicated brucellosis cases doxycycline + streptomycin and doxycycline + rifampicin treatments were equally effective. Again, there is no statistical difference in relapse development rates between double and triple combination treatments in uncomplicated brucellosis cases. Relapsed patients generally miss follow-ups, interrupt therapy, have osteoarticular involvement, and get short-term treatment. Patients with focused participation should be thoroughly checked at diagnosis and medicine, and treatment should be lengthy to prevent relapses.
An immunoinformatic investigation on Rift Valley fever virus protein reveals possible epitopes for vaccines
Authors: Hosen Tanjir , Huq Saaimatul , Abdullah-Al-Shoeb Mohammad , Islam Shahidul , Azad Muhammad Abul Kalam
Published: July 2024

Introduction: This immunoinformatic study identified potential epitopes from the envelopment polyprotein (Gn/Gc) of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), a pathogenic virus causing severe fever in humans and livestock. Effective vaccination is crucial for controlling RVFV outbreaks. The identification of suitable epitopes is crucial for the development of safe and effective vaccines.
Methodology: Protein sequences were obtained from the UniProt database, and evaluated through VaxiJen v2.0 to predict the B and T-cell epitopes within the RVFV glycoprotein. Gn/Gc protein sequences were analyzed with bioinformatics tools and algorithms. The predicted T-cell and B-cell epitopes were evaluated for antigenicity, allergenicity, and toxicity by the VaxiJen v2.0 system, AllerTop v2.0, and ToxinPred server, respectively.
Results: We employed computational methods to screen the RVFV envelopment polyprotein encompassing N-terminal and C-terminal glycoprotein segments, to discover antigenic T- and B-cell epitopes. Our analysis unveiled multiple potential epitopes within the RVFV glycoprotein, specifically within the Gn/Gc protein sequences. Subsequently, we selected eleven cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) and four helper T-lymphocytes (HTL) for population coverage analysis, which collectively extended to cover 97.04% of the world's population, representing diverse ethnicities and regions. Notably, the CTL epitope VQADLTLMF exhibited binding affinity to numerous human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles. The identification of glycoprotein (Gn/Gc) epitopes through this immunoinformatic study bears significant implications for advancing the development of an effective RVFV vaccine.
Conclusions: These findings provide valuable insights into the immunological aspects of the disease and may contribute towards the development of broad-spectrum antiviral therapies targeting other RNA viruses with similar polymerase enzymes.