Review on Gold Nanoparticles-Based Biosensors in Clinical and Non-Clinical Applications

Gold nanoparticles (GNP) acquire unique properties that have made significant contributions to clinical and non-clinical fields, specifically in the application of GNP’s for designing biosensor devices in which exhibit novel functional properties. Many properties of GNP’s are reviewed in this literature including optical properties, biocompatibility, conductivity, catalytic properties, high surface-to-volume ratio, and high density of the GNPs, that make them excellent in the application of constructing GNP-based biosensors. This literature review covers a specific comparison between the optical, electrochemical, and piezoelectric biosensors, as these are the three most common GNP-based biosensors. Optical biosensors are optimal due to their ability to cater to surface modification, which then leads to the ability for selective bonding. Furthermore, with the use of GNP and the sensor's non-invasive and non-toxic method of use, high-resolution images and signals can be formed. The sensitivity and specificity of electrochemical biosensors with the conductivity of GNPs, the electrodes of this stable biosensor can detect tumour markers in the human body. Piezoelectric biosensors are mass sensitive sensors and with the use of GNP, it amplifies the changes in mass. Through this, these sensors progress to be immunosensors which determine microorganisms and macromolecular compounds. As well, this review will conclude with an outline of present and future research recommendations for real-world application of the three GNP-based biosensors discussed.

Time for a Change

In recent years, the use of smartphones by people with intellectual disabilities (ID) has increased, leading to the development of applications designed to ease and improve their lives and independence, and help them integrate into society. Designing applications tailored to the needs of these users is complex, particularly in terms of accessibility and usability. This chapter presents a case study of the design and development process of a dedicated application aimed at helping people with mild ID in handling cash transactions. The chapter explores the design principles of mobile interfaces for people with ID. It introduces the use of the design thinking methodology, which focuses on user-centered design and helps gain an in-depth knowledge of the end users and their needs. Based on the performed user research, recommendations for the design of such applications are highlighted.

Opportunities and Features of the Palynological Analysis Application on Various Types of Archaeological Sites

A wide variety of archaeological sites associated with various human activity has led to the emergence of a wide range of problems solved by archaeological palynology. On the example of the palynological materials accumulated in the Laboratory of Nature Sciences of the Institute of Archaeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the opportunities and features of the palynological analysis application are considered both on classical objects for Russian archaeopalynology (cultural layer, buried soils, defensive ramparts, burial mounds, etc.) and on non-traditional ones (latrines, vessels, funerary objects, ceramics, etc.). It is shown that the reconstruction of the natural environment, generally accepted for palynology, is mainly possible for the materials from long timed sites of shepherds in caves and rock shelters and cultural layers of sites, settlements, hillforts. Materials obtained from other objects (ancient and medieval arable lands, storage pits, latrines, the contents of ritual objects, vessels, and the gastrointestinal tract of the buried) give an idea of very local and short-term environmental conditions or events usually associated with economic and/or daily activities of a person, with his food, funerary rites and traditions. In this regard, the possibilities of the palynological method and the purposes will be different for each specific research. Recommendations for the sampling for palynological analysis are given for each specific case.

Factors Influencing Green Building Development in Kazakhstan

Green buildings have been actively spreading as a solution for sustainability issues of the construction industry in at least the last two decades. As green building practices unfold in developing countries, the need of identifying factors that both hinder and drive its spread rises. Multiple studies reveal a general inconsistency among results in different parts of the world, caused by each country’s environmental, economic, and social conditions. Taking into account the experience of developing international green buildings and the current state of green building development in Kazakhstan, this study aims to spread the understanding of the factors that hinder and have the potential to drive the development of green buildings in Kazakhstan. A questionnaire survey was carried out among 38 industry experts in Kazakhstan to accomplish study objectives. Multiple data analysis methods were used to identify correlations among groups of experts and rank the factors. The results revealed a lack of skill/experience, a lack of government support, and the high cost of sustainable materials and products as the most crucial barriers. Water and energy efficiency, improved health of occupants, comfort, and satisfaction were identified as the most influential drivers. By expanding knowledge on factors affecting the implementation of green buildings, the study uncovered common trends in the responses of professionals, providing valuable information for field professionals and suggesting future research recommendations.

IMPLEMENTASI KEBIJAKAN PENGGUNAAN DRONE PADA KEMENTERIAN LINGKUNGAN HIDUP DAN KEHUTANAN

There is a lot of literature related to the use of drones, including evidence in the Rawa Tripa-Aceh court, but the implementation of this policy needs to be explored specifically at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. This study aims to examine this. Data were collected through literature studies, interviews, and observations to be analyzed using a policy implementation framework (Grindle, 1980). The findings of the policy content are: the drone policy has positive benefits for validity and legality, as well as authority, but flying permits have the potential to be negative. The degree of change is quite good even though the registration of drones and drone pilots has not been carried out. In the implementation environment, it was found that the central level was quite responsive even though the work unit had not. Competency improvement has been carried out although it is limited to drone pilots. The drone pilot training materials have not met the certification requirements. Research recommendations are: need coordination in drone operation, need guidelines for using drones, need drone registration and drone pilot certification, need competency development designs for drone users and need additional aeronautical knowledge on drone pilot competency development

The perception of doability and how is it measured

This article argues that the propensity to perceive impossible challenges as doable is a personality trait, and presents a method for measuring it. The name coined for this concept is “possibilitivity,” a portmanteau of “possible” and “creativity.” Possibilitivity is related to such personality traits as self-efficacy and locus of control. This article shows that this trait is embedded in individual cognitive processes, whilst targeting social issues; in this vein, it may be seen as an important mechanism facilitating change-making and transgressing the seemingly impossible. Methodology for assessing this trait is presented, i.e., the process of constructing and validating a questionnaire, its psychometric properties, and some comparisons within the sample (N = 1117). One of the findings is that women are significantly more prone to perceive difficult challenges as doable than men. Seeing this study as the first step, further research recommendations are presented, e.g., comparing possibilitivity between various segments of society, as well as analyzing potential correlations with other traits, e.g., empathy or ambiguity tolerance.

Control Strategies of DC Microgrids Cluster: A Comprehensive Review

Multiple microgrids (MGs) close to each other can be interconnected to construct a cluster to enhance reliability and flexibility. This paper presents a comprehensive and comparative review of recent studies on DC MG clusters’ control strategies. Different schemes regarding the two significant control aspects of networked DC MGs, namely DC-link voltage control and power flow control between MGs, are investigated. A discussion about the architecture configuration of DC MG clusters is also provided. All advantages and limitations of various control strategies of recent studies are discussed in this paper. Furthermore, this paper discusses three types of consensus protocol with different time boundaries, including linear, finite, and fixed. Based on the main findings from the reviewed studies, future research recommendations are proposed.

Autogenous and Reactive Obsessions in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Keyness and Collocation Study

This study explored the subjective experiences of individuals with autogenousand reactive forms of obsessions in obsessive-compulsive disorder. Past studieshave found greater levels of shame, stigma, and concealment for thoseexperiencing lesser-known forms of OCD, particularly those that deal with sexualthemes. This study looked at what words most differentiated (i.e, keynessanalysis) these subtypes. In addition, the word networks (i.e., collocates) of thewords that most differentiated the subtypes were examined. The keywords“sexual” and “POCD” had the strongest keyness in the autogenous corpus.Contamination and checking had the strongest keyness in the reactive corpus.The collocates of the node words in the autogenous corpus show a focus on theintrusive thoughts themselves, whereas the collocates in the reactive corpus focuson performing compulsions such as checking. Limitations, clinical implications,and future research recommendations are discussed.

Learning Al-Islam and Kemuhammadiyahan by Using Blended Learning in the New Normal at MTs Muhammadiyah Lubuk Jambi

The implementation of learning in the new normal is not much different from learning during the Covid-19 pandemic, therefore it takes teacher creativity for successful learning implementation. The creativity of Al-Islam and Kemuhammadiyahan teachers at MTs Muhammadiyah Lubuk Jambi is to use blended learning, therefore this research aims to reveal how the implementation of blended learning in AIK learning in the new normal. The study uses a qualitative approach, the data source consists of key informants and additional informants. Data collection techniques are observation, interviews and documentation studies. Data is analyzed using interactive techniques. The application of blended learning model in MTs Muhammadiyah Lubuk Jambi is done by combining online and offline. The obstacles faced by using blended learning are from the aspect of teachers, learners and facilities. Research recommendations require comprehensive training to realize teachers who have information technology capabilities.