bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of geneticin in isolation and culturing of skin melanocytes and melanoma cells
Authors: Ścieżyńska Aneta , Sobiepanek Anna , Soszyńska Marta , Łuszczyński Krzysztof , Radziszewski Marcin , Levkovych Iryna , Krześniak Natalia , Orzechowska Beata , Lutyńska Anna , Malejczyk Jacek 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Development of an effective, suitable, and reliable method for both the isolation and culturing of melanocytes is crucial for studies on pathomechanisms of skin diseases originating from melanocyte disorders. In this study, we have investigated the influence of geneticin (G418), a substance used for melanocyte selection, in the view of the frequency of presence of cells such as keratinocytes and fibroblasts, widely known as contaminators of melanocyte-originating cell cultures.

Materials and Methods
Study was conducted on primary, freshly isolated melanocytes, keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and melanoma cells as well as on commercially available melanoma cell lines MeWo, G-361, and A375. Cells were cultured in different culture media supplemented with various concentrations of geneticin ranging from 0.05 to 1 mg/mL. Cell viability, proliferation rate and detection of apoptotic/necrotic cells was assessed.

Results
Choice of culture media supplemented with various concentrations of geneticin (0.05 mg/mL, 0.1 mg/mL, 0.5 mg/mL and 1 mg/mL) strongly affect viability of melanocytes, fibroblasts, and keratinocytes. Selective culture media without FBS facilitate the process of melanocytes and melanoma pure cell culture, yet without geneticin supplementation are insufficient for complete eradication of fibroblast contamination from cell culture.

Conclusions
In this study we provide, for the first time, the dose-response action of keratinocytes and fibroblasts upon geneticin stimulation in different culture media and show that a low concentration (0.05 mg/mL) of geneticin added to the selective culture media may be safely implemented to facilitate the production of melanocyte and melanoma cell cultures that are free from frequent cell contaminants.
Evaluation of Biofilm Forming Potential and Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa Isolated from Peripheral Venous Catheters and Urinary Catheters In Algeria, in vitro Study
Authors: Hoceini Amina , Benbaha Karima , Adoul Hafidha , Bensaber Ahlem , Tahraoui Hichem , Chelghoum Hayet , Amrane Abdeltif , Zhang Jie 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are prominent pathogens responsible for device-associated infections that pose a significant challenge in clinical management. The biofilm-forming ability of these bacteria is a major factor contributing to treatment failures and the recurrence of infections. This study was conducted to evaluate the biofilm production potential of these bacteria isolated from urinary and peripheral venous catheters. Additionally, the study aimed to determine the antibiotic resistance pattern of biofilm producers and non-biofilm producers strains. The identification of bacteria followed conventional microbiological procedures, while the detection of biofilm production involved both qualitative and quantitative methods using Congo red agar (CRA) and Tissue Culture Plate (TCP) techniques, respectively. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined through the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Of the 22 strains of P. aeruginosa and 29 strains of S. aureus isolated from 116 Peripheral venous catheters and 20 urinary catheters, the CRA method identified 27.27% of P. aeruginosa and 24.14% of S. aureus strains as strong biofilm producers. Meanwhile, 9.09% of P. aeruginosa and 51.72% of S. aureus strains were moderate biofilm producers. The TCP method detected 9.09% of P. aeruginosa and 37.93% of S.aureus strains as strong biofilm producers, while 54.55% of P. aeruginosa and 48.28% of S. aureus strains were moderate biofilm producers. The antibiotic susceptibility test revealed that biofilm-producing bacteria were mostly more resistant to antibiotics than nonbiofilm producers. All S. aureus strains, were resistant to Penicillin (100%), but susceptible to Vancomycin (100%) and Teicoplanin (100%). All P. aeruginosa strains were susceptible to almost all groups of antibiotics, except for Ticarcillin (18.18%), Piperacillin (27.27%), Imipenem (100%), and Rifampicin (100%). Our findings showed that biofilm-producer strains exhibited high resistance rates to only some antibiotics, and emphasized the importance of seeking new strategies to prevent biofim formation and combat the emergence of antibiotic resistance.
End-of-life mobile phones parts contain toxic metals that make them hazardous, but can also serve as resource reserves for such metals
Authors: Abiodun Bukola Omoyemi , Iniaghe Paschal Okiroro 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In this study, the concentration of some toxic metals in different parts of end-of-life mobile phones was assessed. Twenty end-of-life mobile phones of different brands and countries of origin, which were widely in use up to the year 2011, were collected from phone repair workshops in Lagos, Nigeria. The collected mobile phones were disassembled into the phone screens, printed wiring boards, plastic casings and batteries. Disassembled parts were individually milled and pulverized, and digested using HCl, HNO3 and H2O2. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry was used to quantify some toxic metals (Pb, Cd and Ni) in the digested samples, and the determined concentrations were compared with permissible limits. The average metals concentration in the disassembled parts followed the order: printed wiring boards > batteries > plastic casings > phone screens. The concentrations of Pb and Ni exceeded their toxicity threshold limit concentration in printed wiring boards, while Ni exceeded the limit concentration in batteries. Based on the maximum permissible concentration required by the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directives, all Cd concentrations were below the limit concentration; Pb and Ni in printed wiring boards exceeded their limit concentrations, while Ni exceeded its permissible concentration in batteries. The results of this study indicate that printed wiring boards and batteries of end-of-life mobile phones are hazardous, and their improper disposal of could cause environmental and health problems. However, considering the very high concentrations of Pb and Ni, these mobile phone parts could serve as resource reserves for these metals.
The Impact of Bilateral Investment Agreements on Attracting Foreign Direct Investments
Authors: Petrović Ružica , Jocić Dragana Radenković , Kerković Tamara Milenković 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Foreign investors' fear of expropriation led to the emergence of the idea of new ways of protection and adequate treatment of foreign investments on the international level. Primarily, the home countries wanted to protect their interests and became the main proponents of the creation of bilateral investment agreements. Developing countries that aspire to become and remain part of international economic flows, had to provide additional protection to investors, as investment host countries. They saw bilateral investment agreements as an opportunity to attract foreign direct investment. They provide a certain standard in the treatment and protection of investments and thus influence the creation of an environment that favors the transfer of capital from one country to another. In modern economic conditions, there are almost no entities that are absolutely risk-averse. For this reason, bilateral investment agreements are counted on to play one of the key roles in minimizing the risks of investing in developing countries.
China - Africa Trade and Investment Relations Under the Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Mrdaković Sanela , Todorović Miloš 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
China’s investment activities and infrastructure development in Africa under the Belt and Road Initiative (“BRI”) have changed the prospects of economic cooperation between African countries and Asia’s largest economy. Africa plays a prominent role in one of the key BRI corridors, which explains China’s active engagement on the continent through the construction of hard infrastructure, port development and trade and investment activities. China is Africa’s largest bilateral trading partner and foreign direct investor. This paper analyses China’s investments and trade flows with Africa, the importance of African countries for the BRI and China-Africa relations within the geopolitical triangle US-EU-Russia. We applied correlation analysis to assess the intensity of the relationship between FDI and trade and an autoregressive model to extrapolate import and export data for a given period with the aim of forecasting trends in the development of China - Africa economic relations. Empirical results indicate a strong correlation between China’s FDI to African countries and their trade flows. The autoregressive model estimates a substantial increase in their trade flows, which, along with China’s infrastructural development in Africa, suggests a change in the dynamics of their trade cooperation and in the geographical structure of African countries’ foreign trade.
Impact of Income and Assets Diversification on Bank Performance in Serbia
Authors: Radojičić Jelena , Marinković Srđan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The paper explores the relationship between the diversification of bank activities and a set of bank performance indicators by running multiple regression on panel data set of 22 operating banks in Serbia in the time period spanning the last 15 reporting years. We have found a positive influence of the degree of diversification, measured both by income composition and earning assets composition indicators, on the levels and stability of the banks’ return on equity. For ROA-related performance measures the relationship is not conclusive. We have also tested whether the presence of COVID-19 crisis challenged the observed regularity and confirmed that it has had tendency to reverse the long-term relationship.
Distribution Channels for Organic Food in the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Stanković Tamara , Andjelković Aleksandra , Milovanović Goran 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Continuous organic production growth in the Republic of Serbia poses the issue of the existence of adequate distribution channels for these products, as they require specific storage and distribution requirements. In addition, the development of organic food production and demand for these products indicates that this market segment is not negligible. Hence, there is a need to analyze the degree of customer satisfaction with organic foods with existing distribution channels. Are there adequate channels for the distribution of organic food? How much trust do consumers have in distribution channels and whether the level of trust in distribution channels can affect consumers’ buying decisions? These are just some questions that come up. In this regard, the subject of research will be the existing distribution network of organic products in the Republic of Serbia, as well as the degree of satisfaction and trust of consumers in distribution channels, in order to define guidelines and recommendations for the redesign of the organic food distribution network. In order to answer those questions, empirical research was conducted on the territory of the Republic of Serbia, and for the purposes of statistical analysis was used following statistical methods: ANOVA, MANOVA, cluster analysis, and descriptive statistics.
The Kos Angle, an optimizing parameter for football expected goals (xG) models
Authors: Karim Hassani , Marwane Lotfi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The utilization of metrics such as expected goals (xG) has the potential to provide teams with a competitive edge. By incorporating xG into their analysis and decision-making processes, teams can gain valuable insights. This study proposes a new approach to football xG modeling using Kos Angle which represents the shooting angle, from which we substract the angles occupied by players inside the shot angle. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of the Kos Angle feature on the performance of football xG models. After developing the mathematical formula of the Kos Angle, we selected additional features and built different xG models. Subsequently, the impact of the Kos Angle feature on the models’ performances was evaluated, revealing an increase in Recall and Precision and a decrease in Brier score and RMSE. We also found that the Kos Angle accounted for a significant portion of the models’ predictive power. By providing a more realistic representation of shot situations, the addition of the Kos Angle feature allows the improvement of xG models performances, which can give a more valuable insights to football professionals who rely on xG metrics and their variations.
Exploring multiple intelligences and language learning strategies among science and technology students in a Malaysian university
Authors: Husin Norhayati , Md Adnan Wan Najmiyyah Wan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Student profiling and learning strategies have gained the interest of many researchers. In language learning in particular, understanding students’ learning strategies as well as their multiple intelligence profiles is significant because it allows the teachers to develop and design lessons and materials that are customised to their diverse learning needs. Hence, this study investigates the Multiple Intelligences (MI) and Language Learning Strategy (LLS) profiles of students from various science and technology faculties of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Terengganu, with a focus on gender differences. The study’s objectives were to determine the dominant students’ MI profiles, their preferred LLS, and gender variations in these variables. Two instruments were adopted in this study, namely McKenzie’s Multiple Intelligences Inventory and the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL). The findings indicated that the students mostly acquire introspective intelligence, and the majority of male respondents use metacognitive learning strategies. However, the findings revealed a significant positive relationship between MI and LLS. Based on these findings, the study emphasises the importance of incorporating MI and LLS in language teaching and learning and provides recommendations for language teachers to create lesson plans and teaching materials that suit the students’ needs.
An examination of the educational and instructional facets in isiXhosa children’s oral songs
Authors: Diko Mlamli 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
It is incontrovertible that African, and in particular, isiXhosa children’s oral songs play a significant role in the educational and instructional facets given their propensity to contribute to children’s cognitive development when used and applied meticulously. Bearing that in mind, this article aimed to unravel two selected children’s oral isiXhosa songs in respect of their didactic and pedagogical components. The principal objective, among others, was to determine their latent interplaying meanings. The sociocultural theory of learning was deployed to examine the two songs while the songs themselves served as a primary source of data subsumed under qualitative research methodology. The examination and discussions maintained that isiXhosa children’s oral songs contain educational and instructional dimensions that may not be privy to everyone, and as such, it is consequential that they continue to be probed. The closing remarks underlined the deficit in the evaluation of isiXhosa children’s songs concerning their didactic and pedagogical facets.
Assessing the innovative skills and competencies required of construction management graduates
Authors: Toyin James Olaonipekun , Mewomo Modupe Cecilia 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The construction industry has been experiencing high waves of revolutionised innovative technologies globally. These resulted from the highly innovative demands of the 4th industrial revolution (IR), which does not exclude the construction industry. These technologies do not rely on traditional design and build principles, and they require sophisticated skills and competencies. Currently, the construction industry is still struggling to find professionals with innovative competencies and the skills needed to manage the building lifecycle process. These have been a major concern in developing countries’ construction industry sector. Employers in the construction industry are now looking for construction management graduates (CMG) who are academically qualified and also possess considerable construction-related innovative skills and competencies in related technological software or tools. This study investigates the expected core skills and competence required by CMG. The methodology entails a well-structured systematic literature review, wherein 13 expected core competencies and 27 expected core skills were identified. Based on these, primary data were elicited through an online Google Forms survey distributed to professionals in the Nigerian construction industry. A total of 330 valid responses were obtained. Relative Important Index (RII) and principal component analysis (PCA) were carried out and presented. The result reveals the industry’s expectations and provides guidance to CMG seeking employment in the construction industry. Understanding the industry expectations and possessing the required core competencies will enable the CMG to remain relevant in the dynamic built environments. This study contributes to building information modelling (BIM) knowledge and the current innovative competencies and skills required in the built environment.
Technico and Economic Optimization of the Injection of a Photovoltaic System on a Low Voltage Network
Authors: Ksentini Abdelhamid , Hadef Zakaria , Azzag El-Bahi , Necaibia Salah , Necaibia Ammar 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This paper investigates an experimental study of photovoltaic PV modules behavior (SM110-24) connected to the low-voltage grid (230 V / 50 Hz) with a three-phase inverter. In order to ensure maximum power point tracking (MPPT), The input voltage is delivered via a DC/DC converter that is controlled by the Fuzzy Logic Technical FLC to ensure maximum power MPPT. The control system of the setup is designed for the extraction of maximum power. The primary aim of this investigation is to synchronize the two sources namely PV-grid, using the Phase Locked Loop PLL command with the injection of an alternating current into the network whose aim is stabilizing the system and minimizing the cost of the energy consumed by the load. In this study, the authors have taken into account the real kWh price of the Algerian society of distribution of electricity (Sonelgaz) as the basis for their research. The simulation results obtained by utilizing the MATLAB software show that the proposed system exhibits high performance and flexibility, indicating its potential usefulness for practical applications in the future.
Quadcopter Prototype Stability Assessment With Pid Controller And Euler-Lagrange Approach
Authors: Djizi Hamza , Zahzouh Zoubir , Bouzaouit Azzedine 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The increasing use of drones in various fields has led to their popularity in developed countries due to their ease of use and manufacture. This Miniature Pilotless Aircraft has numerous beneficial usages such as express shipping, gathering information, crop monitoring, cargo transport, storm tracking, geographic mapping of inaccessible terrain, search and rescue operations, among others. This study aims to investigate the stability of a quadcopter through simulations based on the mathematical model that describes the quadcopter’s dynamic and flight mechanics, using the Euler-Lagrange approach. It conducts simulations in MATLAB and present the principles that govern quadcopter stability, focusing on setting the PID coefficients to achieve optimal stability. This study provides insights into the principles of drone mechanics and stability, enabling us to better understand the quadcopter’s behavior and performance.
Studies About Gamma-Ray Irradiation of PVC Plates Used in Electric Cable Insulation
Authors: Paun C. , Gavrila D.E. , Pintea J. , Paltanea V. Manescu , Stoica V. , Paltanea G. , Nemoianu I.V. , Ionescu O. , Mihalache I. , Brancoveanu O. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In this paper, studies concerning the changes brought by gamma radiation on some PVC plates were made. The respective samples were exposed to gamma irradiation, at room temperature and different doses, such as (10, 20, 40, 80) kGy. The changes in the irradiated PVC plates’ properties were studied by UV-Vis, electrical measurements, and SEM analysis on non-irradiated and irradiated samples. The results show that gamma irradiation affects the properties of PVC plates. This degradation leads to the appearance of free radicals, the interruption of polymer chains, reticulation, and the decrease of molecular weight.
Thermal Scanning System Using Arduino Nano
Authors: Zamfir E.M. , Avram Miruna , Radu M. , Stănescu C. , Preduşcă G. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The paper presents the study and implementation of a thermal scanning system that collects and transmits in real time the thermal data of scanned objects for their constant monitoring using an infrared temperature sensor and an Arduino Nano board. The application is made with the Arduino IDE, with the help of which the control of the Arduino board, sensors, screen, and LEDs connected to the platform is conducted. The sensors create the overall image of the thermal scan and send it to the Liquid-Crystal Display Thin-Film Transistor (LCD TFT) screen, and if an anomaly occurs, the red LED lights up.
The Effects of Government Expenditure on the Output: A Real Business Cycle Analysis for the Romanian Economy
Authors: Radu Ștefan-Constantin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
One of the most researched topics in macroeconomics is the development and implementation of Real Business Cycle models. This article presents a small Real Business Cycle model, which is built for the Romanian economy, with data from the 2nd quarter of 1995 through the 3rd quarter of 2022. The main aim of this analysis is to assess the historical influence of exogenous and government spending shocks on economic growth. In order to obtain accurate results, we implemented a Bayesian estimation technique for calculating the parameters of the model. The main findings indicate the significant exogenous shocks effect on the Romanian economy, and the way in which government spending had a positive effect on increasing economic growth for the period between the 1st quarter 2000 and the 3rd quarter of 2022.