bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Sales Force Automation System on Performance of Salesman: Pakistani Companies’ Perspective
Authors: Naqvi Adeel , Akber Imad-ud-din
Published: August 2023

Rapid growth in advance technologies haschanged the life of sales force. Sales Force Automation (SFA) ismarketing tool which provides the functions to sales team andmanagers to monitor sales, forecast sales and analyze employeeperformance. Acceptance of the SFA tools such as phone, pagers,wireless devices etc., in sales tasks will remain an issue for salesforce. Researcher wants to investigate the impact of SFA systemon performance of salesman from Pakistani Fast MovingConsumer Goods (FMCG) perspective. They have selected 162salespersons from Lahore based companies (who are usingautomated sales devices), and sample size and MANOVA(Multivariate Analysis of Variance) were utilized to find out therelationship between independent and dependent variables. Ithas found that SFA system has positive relationship withimprovement in performance and sales of salesforce.
Mikrozonasi Seismik : Sebuah Pendekatan Delineasi Penguatan Gelombang Seismik oleh Sedimen Permukaan untuk Penyediaan Data Dasar Penataan Ruang Wilayah, Studi Kasus Daerah Demak, Jawa Tengah
Authors: Marjiyono  , J.H Setiawan , Hidayat  , S Andriani , A Ibrahim , W.T Buana , Subagio
Published: August 2023

Kerusakan bangunan dan infrastruktur dalam kejadian gempabumi tidak hanya terkait dengan besaran gempabumi dan jarak sumbernya, tetapi juga sangat dipengaruhi oleh kondisi geologi permukaan. Daerah dengan litologi permukaan yang belum mengalami konsolidasi cenderung menguatkan gelombang yang meningkatkan intensitas goncangan. Karakterisasi sedimen permukaan diperlukan dalam rangka mengidentifikasi nilai panguatan gelombang. Sebagai daerah yang telah ditetapkan menjadi Kawasan Strategis Nasional, ketersediaan data mikrozonasi seismik di daerah Demak dan sekitarnya untuk penataan ruang wilayah mutlak diperlukan. Pengukuran mikrotremor array dan single station telah dilakukan untuk memodelkan kondisi bawah permukaan dangkal. Hasil analisis nilai penguatan gelombang menunjukkan zona kerentanan tinggi menempati bagian tengah, timur dan utara daerah penyelidikan. Zona kerentanan tinggi direkomendasikan untuk pengembangan sektor-sektor beresiko rendah. Pengembangan perkotaan lebih lanjut direkomendasikan di zona kerentanan rendah.

 

Kata kunci : tata ruang wilayah, penguatan gelombang, mikrozonasi seismik, mikrotremor, kerentanan.
Entrepreneurial Assistance for Marketing Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) Products for Multicultural Class Students at Bakti Karya Parigi Vocational
Authors: Maulani Hikmah , Muthmainah Nur , Tatang Tatang , Saleh Nalahuddin , Khalid Shofa Musthofa
Published: August 2023

This community service activity program aims to accommodate student creativity in efforts to develop entrepreneurship in the digital era by utilizing community environmental commodities and technology. The methods for implementing community service activities were processing assistance virgin coconut oil (VCO), packaging and marketing in social media. The target of the activity was the selling value of this VCO innovation is expected to generate economic value that is beneficial not only for students and schools but also for the community. Bakti Karya Vocational School is a multimedia vocational school; with this provision, students can learn to manage marketing through multimedia. The instrument for this activity used observation to see things naturally and observe the process from gathering materials to selling. Besides that, other instruments used were in-depth interviews with entrepreneurship supervisors (teachers), the surrounding community as material suppliers, and students as actors of entrepreneurial activities and then analyzed descriptively. The results of this service activity conclude that this activity generates program ideas about effective sales patterns through social media, introducing Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) products through Multicultural class volunteers. Through observation, the media was effective as a marketing medium, but packaging determines the attractiveness of potential buyers. Through this assistance, students gained a new enthusiasm with the confidence that the products they produce had a sale value. This assistance collected materials through the community around the school, which fosters the value of social communication for students and the community, as well as good communication between the school and the community. The results obtained are not just product selling points and marketing, but another value is the growth of students' self-reliance and social values that are intertwined between students, schools, and the community environment.
Pelatihan Pembuatan Produk Keripik Melon Menggunakan Alat Dehydrator bagi Kelompok UMKM Inkubator Bisnis Teknologi (ITe) Unizar
Authors: Rosadi Narita Amni , Novida Sari , Syuhriatin Syuhriatin , Juniawan Alvin
Published: August 2023

This Community Service program aims to increase the knowledge and skills of ITe Universitas Islam Al-Azhar MSME group members in making rock melon chips using a Dehydrator. The training was conducted through several stages: planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. The participants for this service were the university's business technology incubator MSME group consisting of rock melon farmers and chip entrepreneurs, with 35 participants. The activities resulted in the participants' understanding of making rock melon chips using the Dehydrator tool could increase after the training, as well as understanding regarding the packaging of fruit chip products that were durable and long-lasting.
Simulasi Pertolongan Pertama Manajemen Fraktur di SMP Islam Terpadu Al-Ghozali Jember
Authors: Ridla Akhmad Zainur , Setioputro Baskoro , Hakam Mulia
Published: August 2023

This community service aims to increase students' knowledge and skills in first aid for fractures at Al-Ghozali Integrated Islamic Middle School Jember. The method used in carrying out community service activities regarding first aid to fracture victims involved lectures, discussions, and simulations related to handling fracture victims. The fracture Knowledge Questionnaire evaluated students' knowledge about fracture first aid. The results of the Wilcoxon test from the pre-test and post-test had a significance value of < 0.05, meaning there are differences in students' knowledge before and after health education about first aid trauma management fractures. Fracture education and simulation improved students' ability to identify and perform appropriate fracture first aid.
Pelatihan Strategi Manajemen Sumberdaya dalam Mengelola Bisnis bagi UKM Goyang 1.1 Kabupaten Kubu Raya
Authors: Syamsuri Syamsuri , Asriati Nuraini , Matsum Junaidi H. , Achmadi Achmadi , Witarsa Witarsa , Basri M.
Published: August 2023

This service activity aims to increase entrepreneurial competency through resource management training in business management. The partner in this activity was the Rengginang Goyang 1 UKM, Kubu Raya Regency. The method of implementing this service was community education-based training. This activity was evaluated by comparing the results of the pretest with the posttest and analyzed descriptively. The results of the dedication showed that there had been an increase in participants' knowledge regarding resource management strategies in managing the business. It was shown from the pretest and posttest values; the pretest value was 35%, and at the time of the posttest, it increased to 65%. In addition to the test results, the observation showed that the participants were very satisfied with this activity.
Pelatihan Peningkatan Keterampilan Belajar Peserta Didik Menggunakan Aplikasi Canva di Sekolah Perbatasan Indonesia-Malaysia
Authors: Ramadhan Iwan , Imran Imran , Ulfah Maria , Prancisca Stella , Yani T Ahmad , Linda Linda , Febrianti Uray Rosa , Wahyudi Agung
Published: August 2023

This service activity is to improve students' learning skills using the Canva application at SMA Negeri 1 Jagoi Babang, Bengkayang Regency (Indonesia – Malaysia Border School). The method of implementing this service uses training and assistance in making products. The evaluation instrument uses survey percentages and is analyzed descriptively. The results of this service show that training activities using the Canva application provide positive benefits and impacts for students, where students can understand the Canva application as an application that can support it in learning activities. Students are able to use this application and produce output in the form of design products, one of which is presentation material.
Pelatihan Pengolahan Data Penelitian Pendidikan IPA Menggunakan STATA Data Analysis
Authors: Sudirman Sudirman
Published: August 2023

The community service aims to increase the capacity of Universitas Qamarul Huda Badaruddin (UNIQHBA) lecturers in processing and analyzing science education research data using STATA Software. The method of community service was used for interactive training for two weeks with the Zoom application for 37 lecturers from UNIQHBA. To determine the participants' ability to use the STATA software, practice processing and data analysis were carried out using a science education case study guide provided by the facilitator. The evaluation was carried out at the end of the training to get participants' responses through online questionnaires that were then analyzed descriptively. The results of this community service were that as many as 89.32% of the participants were able to complete the practice correctly based on the assignments given, 89.74% of the presentations given by the facilitator were clear and easy to understand and will use STATA for the processing and analysis of their research data because it was easy to use. Most of the participants recommended further training using the STATA Software.
Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Miskin Ekstrem dalam Pengolahan Produk Bioteknologi Pangan Daun Kelor sebagai Upaya Penanganan Stunting
Authors: Nursamsu Nursamsu , Mardina Vivi , Zeki Muhammad
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this community service is to enhance the knowledge and skills of the extreme poverty citizens in the Rantau Sub-district of Aceh Tamiang Regency through the utilization of moringa leaves. As the local potential, moringa leaves can be processed into innovative biotechnological food products in order to address stunting. The method used for implementing this community service was society-participatory-based training. The instrument used for evaluation was questionnaires. The results of this community service show an excellent improvement in society’s knowledge (82.93%) regarding the utilization of moringa leaves as food to address stunting. In addition, the community members have acquired the skills to produce some biotechnological food products, such as moringa chocolate, moringa tea, moringa cookies, moringa sticks, moringa pudding, and moringa milk.
INTERACTION OF PTERIDOPHYTIC BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS WITH FUNGAL DIHYDROFOLATE REDUCTASE ENZYME AS INHIBITOR
Authors: SİNGH Manohar , RAGHAV Mansi , SİNGH Akanksha , KUMARİ Akanksha , BANSAL Prıya , PRAKASH Surya , KUMAR Abhıshek
Published: August 2023

Objective: Fungal infections which are relatively common mainly invades the body of an immunosuppressed patients and people undergoing therapy. These pathogens act through different pathways like the Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) has a role in the folate synthetic pathway which is responsible for DNA synthesis. Since the early ages herbal remedies were used and have been tested for treating these fungal infections. Previous studies have revealed the use of bioactive molecules of pteridophytes to demonstrate antifungal activity.
Material and Method: In the present study different pteridophytes were selected from available library which showed the presence of bioactive phytoconstituents. In-silico studies on DHFR target (PDB ID: 6DRS and PDB ID: 3QLW) was carried out using PyRx program (India) to determine the affinity of bioactive molecules against the fungal strain.
Result and Discussion: Molecular docking was performed with 11 bioactive molecules showing activity against the selected target proteins. So, we can conclude that the selected bioactive molecules are active against fungal strain and can be further investigated for both in-vivo and in-vitro studies.
Penyimpangan Hukum Waris Di Indonesia
Authors: Dul Jalil
Published: August 2023

Indonesia adalah sebuah negara yang mayoritas penduduknya penganut beragama Islam oleh karena itu banyak sekali ketertarikan masyarakat dalam menggunakan sistem hukum Islam secara kaffah baik tekstual ataupun kontekstual namun dengan seiring perkembangan zaman prinsip-prinsip dalam hukum Islam mengalami pembaharuan dan peningkatan yang signifikan hal ini bertujuan untuk kemaslahatan umat tetapi fenomenanya ada beberapa yang menimbulkan sebuah perselisihan dikalangan masyarakat. Diantaranya Hukum Islam yang mengalami pembaharuan ialah Hukum Waris tentang pembagian harta warisan berdasarkan asas kesepakatan dan mengakomodir prinsip keadilan gender bagi Anak Laki-laki dan perempuan. Karena menurut pandangan sebagian masyarakat pembagian harta warisan bagi Anak Laki-laki dan perempuan sudah jelas termaktub dalam surat an-Nisa’ ayat 11 dan merubah ketentuan tersebut dianggap menyimpang dari aturan Islam, sedangkan bagi sebagian masyarakat yang lain meninjau hal tersebut sebagai sebuah aturan yang dikontekstualisasikan sesuai perkembangan zaman dan tidak bertentangan dalam hukum Islam.
Atmospheric response to SST isolation on the interannual variability scale during ENSO episodes
Authors: Moura RG , Correia FWS , Veiga JAP , Capistrano VB , Kubota PY
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of SST, isolated on an interannual scale, on the dynamics of atmospheric circulation, especially in the tropical region of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Although there are several studies based on observations and numerical modeling, the isolated effects caused by a specific mode of variability are not yet fully known. For this purpose, the Brazilian Global Atmospheric Model (BAM) forced with an isolated interannual SST, obtained by Moura et al. (2022; Clim Res 87:67–80), was used as a surface boundary condition. To quantify the response of the atmosphere to this time scale, anomalous atmospheric fields were obtained from a reference numerical experiment, where unfiltered SST fields were used as boundary conditions. The effects of the interannual time scale on the dynamics of atmospheric circulation were evaluated for the positive and negative phases of ENSO. In general, when the atmosphere is forced by the isolated interannual variability mode, the atmospheric circulation patterns become weaker than the variability obtained by the non-isolated mode. This weakening is statistically significant and independent of the positive or negative phase of ENSO. The isolated interannual mode significantly reduced the areas of precipitation and its intensity in South America, especially over the Amazon basin and northeastern Brazil. However, changes in precipitation in these regions are more evident in the positive phase of ENSO than in the negative phase. The SST filtering methodology and the use of an atmospheric general circulation model applied in this study adequately revealed the purely dynamic effects of the isolated interannual mode on the atmosphere.
Characteristics of east Australian demersal trawl elasmobranch bycatch as revealed by short-term latitudinal monitoring
Authors: Barnes TC , Johnson DD
Published: August 2023

Elasmobranchs are being depleted on a global scale, caused mainly by fisheries. Demersal trawling is a component of mortality but is often not assessed. This could pose risk to benthic/demersal elasmobranchs which are often endemic and therefore vulnerable to fisheries when species ranges are within (or mainly within) trawl footprints. Northern New South Wales (NSW) is an area with endemism but also an area with fisheries such as the ocean prawn trawl (OPT) (penaeid sector). The OPT may interact with elasmobranchs, but this has never been comprehensively studied. To identify high assessment-priority species, determine spatiotemporal stratification for designing future monitoring, and to report catch rates of individuals caught during a trip (i.e. form baseline), we implemented an observer programme (2017 to 2019). To test for stratification of assemblages, we used model-based multivariate analysis. On 435 trawl trips, observers identified elasmobranchs from ~54 species, 13 orders and 34 families from variable catches. Only 2 elasmobranchs were protected in NSW, ~7% qualified for conservation listing, and ~33 and ~17% were endemic and lifeboat (listed elsewhere) species, respectively. Models suggested common elasmobranch assemblages were significantly affected by all strata (geographic zone, season and depth). Elasmobranch catch rates were low compared to other taxonomic groups (e.g. teleost fish), with 2 species captured at >10, 5 species at >2, and the remaining species <2 individuals per trip. The occurrence of endemism and spatiotemporal assemblage variation was explained by mesoscale climate transitions and oceanography. This study forms a timely baseline which can be used to assess the impact of the OPT on elasmobranchs in the future.
Spatial and temporal separation of toothed whales in the western North Atlantic
Authors: Cohen RE , Frasier KE , Baumann-Pickering S , Hildebrand JA
Published: August 2023

A diverse group of toothed whale species inhabits the pelagic habitats of the western North Atlantic, competing for overlapping prey resources. Historical data deficits have limited fundamental research into many of these species, such as establishing baselines of distribution and abundance, so their occurrence and habitat use patterns are not well characterized. Periodic cycles in activity have been reported at a range of temporal scales for odontocetes in other regions, such as seasonal movements, foraging activity modulated by lunar cycles, and diel activity patterns. A variety of spatial, temporal, and behavioral separation strategies have also been observed among predator guilds in both marine and terrestrial systems, and these may also contribute to observed spatiotemporal patterns in activity. Recently, passive acoustic data has been applied to monitor odontocete species continuously, with improved detection and species discrimination for some cryptic species. We used a long-term passive acoustic data set collected at sites spanning the western North Atlantic shelf-break region to quantify presence and characterize seasonal, lunar, and diel activity patterns for 10 species. Our results demonstrated strong regional preferences and clear patterns of spatiotemporal separation between species with similar foraging ecology. Latitudinal shifts in seasonal presence peaks may suggest meridional seasonal migrations for some dolphin species. We also observed strong diel activity patterns that were modulated by both seasonal and lunar cycles. This study reveals complex behavioral patterns arising in response to natural cycles playing out over multiple temporal scales and provides new insights into habitat partitioning among toothed whale species.
Isolated and Tangential Bladder Perforation in Gunshot Injury: A Case Report
Authors: Ahmad Jalal , Raza Abbas Ali , Abdullah Abdullah , Khan Faizan , Rafi Hamza
Published: August 2023

Approximately 3.6% of abdominal gunshot injuries result in urinary bladder damage. However, damage to the nearby organs frequently goes along with bladder injuries brought on by a gunshot wound. One must expect two injury sites in a urinary bladder gunshot wound because failure to close one site may lead to severe complications. In the present study, the case of a 30-year-old male patient with an isolated bladder injury with a single perforation after being shot in the left iliac fossa is presented and discussed based on the literature.
Examining the Hidden Curriculum of the Physical Environment in Higher Education
Authors: TOR Dürdane , ENGİN DEMİR Cennet
Published: August 2023

In this grounded theory study, the hidden curriculum of the physical environment is examined. Hidden curriculum conveys unstated norms, values, and ideas in an educational setting. The physical environment, which carries information about social order, the nature of the learning process, and the roles of teachers and students, is one area covered in literature on hidden curriculum. In this respect, the primary objective was to examine the physical environment as hidden curriculum in university education. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data in two different ways: Walking interviews and photo-elicitation. 93 undergraduate students from seven different contexts were included in the sample at one public university in Ankara, Türkiye. Using the Nvivo qualitative analysis program, data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding within the grounded theory framework. The study identified three key aspects of the physical environment as hidden curriculum: (1) the physical environment's impact on students' socialization, feelings, and ideas regarding field specificity of building; (2) meaning of the physical environment as a symbol of the university, and (3) the physical environment's invisible aspects, which depend on the researchers' backgrounds and ideologies.
The Evaluation of High School Curricula Considering Teachers’ Views
Authors: KARAGÜL Arzu , KİNAY İsmail , ORAL Behçet
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study is to evaluate and determine the functionality of each element of the high school curricula used in Turkey according to teachers’views. The study took a convergent parallel design, which is one of the mixed research methods. The participants included 366 high school teachers working in 21 public schools determined by random sampling technique. The quantitative data obtained through the "The Curriculum Evaluation Scale" developed by Baş (2016), while the qualitative data obtained through the semi-structured interview form. Descriptive statistics, frequency, percentage, arithmetic mean and standard deviation analysis techniques were used to analyse quantitative data, while content analysis method was used to analyse qualitative data. The results of the analysis of quantitative data showed that teachers' views on the curricula functionality is at the undecided level, but the Information Technology teachers’ views are at the agree level. Teachers’ views classified under different themes as positive and negative. The findings showed that the curricula’ functionality is at the midlevel and addressed within different themes. As positive themes, tachers mostly referred to the functionality, teacher competence, and consistency, while as negative themes, they mostly referred to the inappropriate for students, not functional, and inefficacy. The themes were stated and discussed in unity and suggestions were made in scope of the findings. To conclude, it is thought that the study provides a guiding contribution for all educational stakeholders in the curricula evaluating and developing processes.
IMPACT OF MIGRATION ON THE VULNERABILITY OF POVERTY: A CASE STUDY ON THE AGRICULTURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN WEST JAVA PROVINCE, INDONESIA
Authors: Gilang Wirakusuma  , Imade Yoga Prasada  , Ilmas Abdurofi
Published: August 2023

Rural area in Indonesia relies heavily on the activity in agricultural sectors, while the source of income from the rural households is considerably obtained by the effort of cultivating the agricultural products or commodities. Nevertheless, several problems arise from the issue among agricultural households, as one of them is migration. Indeed, most migrants come to rural areas due to livelihood and poverty alleviation motives. Hence, the objectives of the study are to identify the determinants for agricultural households involving family members in rural-urban migration and measure the impact of migration on vulnerability to poverty. The study focuses on observing primary data with a face-to-face interview of 400 agricultural households in the area of West Java, Indonesia as a sample size. Then, the analysis uses the model of Propensity Score Matching (PSM), which is estimated by using the Probit Model. The empirical evidence from a Probit model indicates that the variables of the household head’s age, education level, household size, house ownership and per capita expenditure significantly determines the propensity of agricultural households to be involved in migration movement. Meanwhile, migration activity has a positive impact on decreasing vulnerability to poverty by the agricultural households in West Java, Indonesia.
TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE, MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY AND SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING PRACTICE IN SMES
Authors: Thanawat Pichagonakesit  , Pittawat Ueasangkomsate  , Yuraporn Sudharatna
Published: August 2023

Nowadays, sustainability practices in manufacturing are required for the business environment, especially for SMEs. In particular, technology capabilities are essential to enhance firms’ capacity. This paper explores the relationship between technology infrastructure, manufacturing technology and sustainable manufacturing practice (SMP) in the context of SMEs. The data were collected through questionnaires using purposive sampling in Thailand, with completed 237 surveys being returned. We used structural equation modeling to test the research framework. The results reveal that the implementation of SMP in SMEs is still at a medium level, thus demonstrating that there is still substantial room for enhancement. Moreover, the findings show that technology infrastructure has an impact on SMP, while manufacturing technology also significantly mediates the relationship between technology infrastructure and SMP. These findings imply that SMEs in the manufacturing industry can develop technology capabilities as essential resources to gain higher SMP for sustainability in the competitive business environment and to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS ON TURNOVER INTENTION
Authors: Brenda Ranee Francis  , Rusli bin Ahmad  , Siti Mariam binti Abdullah
Published: August 2023

The study aimed to examine past study publication trends for turnover intention over 39 (thirty-nine) years (1982 to 2021). Bibliometric analysis was conducted through the searching method on the Scopus database. The search string for the Scopus database was conducted systematically. A total of 2215 documents were identified and screened for the scope of this study. Data screening was performed, and no duplicates were found in the document list. Therefore, 445 documents were removed. A total of 1770 published articles were analysed using Microsoft Excel, VOSviewer, and Harzing’s Publish or Perish. The analysis revealed that the study of turnover intentions displays an increasing trend annually. The majority of articles are published in English, whereas the United States of America (USA) generated the highest number of publications. Osman M. Karatepe is the author with the highest number of publications and article citations in this analysis. The Journal of Vocational Behavior has the highest citation impact. In addition, a well-known publication entitled "Job Satisfaction, Organizational Commitment, Turnover Intention, and Turnover: Path Analyses Based on Meta-Analytic Findings" authored by Tett and Meyer (1993) has the highest citation with 65.21 per year. Concepts related to turnover intention such as job satisfaction, nurses, organizational commitment, turnover and burnout were the most frequently studied. In addition, this study also contributed to historical development, scientific development and identified research gaps to be filled in the future.
Effects of dietary supplementation of selenium and moringa oleifera leaves on growth performance of pre-pubertal Kundhi buffalo bull calves
Authors: Vighio Saeed Ahmed , Korejo Nazar Ali , Memon Akeel Ahmed , Khatri Parshotam , Mughal Ghulfam Ali , Korejo Rashid Ali , Malhi Hargundas , Mangrio Saqib , Lakhani Loveson
Published: August 2023

The Kundhi buffalo, a unique and robust breed of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), is native to the Sindh province in Pakistan. This breed is well-adapted to the local environment and known for its excellent milk production, meat quality, and draught power. There is a growing need to develop strategies that focus on the sustainable conservation and genetic improvement of this breed to preserve its valuable traits for future generations. Twelve young bull calves belonging to elite Kundhi buffaloes (observed phenotypically) were obtained from progressive farmers based on their parent's performance records. The bull calves, aged approximately 10-15 months, were initially weighed (rages from 150 to 200 kg) and randomly divided into three groups, namely C, S, and M, each group were comprising 04 animals. Group C was designated as the control group and fed basal diet only, while calves belonging to Group S were given a dietary supplement of Selenium Yeast Sel-Plex®, with a dosage of 0.3mg/kg dry matter and Group M was treated with Moringa olifera leaves (dried) at the rate of 100g/ animal. This experiment was conducted for 12 weeks. The results of present study indicated that significantly (P<0.05) higher monthly body weight gains (14.05 kg/month) were recorded in Kundhi buffalo bull calves of S followed by the M (11.67 kg/month) in comparison to the C group (9.75kg/month) of the animals. The positive coefficient of correlation was seen between age and body weight in all tested subjects. In terms of the body conformation; the monthly developmental gains of the heart girth, body length, and height were observed significantly (P< 0.05) higher (11.2, 8.89 and 8.94 cm) in S, followed by M (8.23, 4.89 and 6.39 cm) in comparison to the control bull calves (4.74, 3.58 and 3.27 cm), respectively. High levels of the testosterone (0.481 ng/ml) were determined in the bull calves of S, followed by M (0.33 ng/ml) in comparison to C (0.208 ng/ml) group. The monthly gains of the scrotal circumference were recorded significantly (P<0.05) higher (1.65 cm) in the S, than to M (1.21 cm) and that of control (0.40 cm) group calves
Challenge of material haemocompatibility for microfluidic blood-contacting applications
Authors: Newman Gwenyth , Leclerc Audrey , Arditi William , Calzuola Silvia Tea , Feaugas Thomas , Roy Emmanuel , Perrault Cécile M. , Porrini Constance , Bechelany Mikhael
Published: August 2023

Biological applications of microfluidics technology is beginning to expand beyond the original focus of diagnostics, analytics and organ-on-chip devices. There is a growing interest in the development of microfluidic devices for therapeutic treatments, such as extra-corporeal haemodialysis and oxygenation. However, the great potential in this area comes with great challenges. Haemocompatibility of materials has long been a concern for blood-contacting medical devices, and microfluidic devices are no exception. The small channel size, high surface area to volume ratio and dynamic conditions integral to microchannels contribute to the blood-material interactions. This review will begin by describing features of microfluidic technology with a focus on blood-contacting applications. Material haemocompatibility will be discussed in the context of interactions with blood components, from the initial absorption of plasma proteins to the activation of cells and factors, and the contribution of these interactions to the coagulation cascade and thrombogenesis. Reference will be made to the testing requirements for medical devices in contact with blood, set out by International Standards in ISO 10993-4. Finally, we will review the techniques for improving microfluidic channel haemocompatibility through material surface modifications—including bioactive and biopassive coatings—and future directions.
Do visual and step height factors cause imbalance during bipedal and unipedal stances? A plantar pressure perspective
Authors: Guo Panjing , Wang Duoduo , Li Yumin , Wang Ruiqin , Xu Haoran , Han Jia , Lyu Jie
Published: August 2023

Objective: The plantar pressure analysis technique was used to explore the static balance ability and stability of healthy adult males under the influence of visual and step height factors during bipedal and unipedal stances.

Methods: Thirty healthy adult males volunteered for the study. Experiments used the F-scan plantar pressure analysis insoles to carry out with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) at four different step heights. The plantar pressure data were recorded for 10 s and pre-processed to derive kinematic and dynamic parameters.

Results: For unipedal stance, most of kinematic parameters of the subjects’ right and left feet were significantly greater when the eyes were closed compared to the EO condition and increased with step height. The differences in toe load between right and left feet, open and closed eyes were extremely statistically significant (p < 0.001). The differences in midfoot load between the EO and EC conditions were statistically significant (p = 0.024) and extremely statistically significant between the right and left feet (p < 0.001). The difference in rearfoot load between EO and EC conditions was extremely statistically significant (p < 0.001) and statistically significant (p = 0.002) between the right and left feet. For bipedal stance, most of kinematic parameters of the subjects’ EO and EC conditions were statistically significant between the right and left feet and increased with step height. The overall load’s difference between EO and EC states was statistically significant (p = 0.003) for both feet. The overall load’s difference between the right and left feet was extremely statistically significant (p < 0.001) in the EC state. The differences between the right and left feet of the forefoot and rearfoot load with EO and EC suggested that the right foot had a smaller forefoot load, but a larger rearfoot load than the left foot (p < 0.001). The differences between the forefoot and rearfoot load of the subjects’ both feet with EO and EC were extremely statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Both visual input and step height factors, even the dominant foot, act on kinematic and dynamic parameters that affect the maintenance of static balance ability.
A novel salt- and organic solvent-tolerant phosphite dehydrogenase from Cyanothece sp. ATCC 51142
Authors: Abdel-Hady Gamal Nasser , Tajima Takahisa , Ikeda Takeshi , Ishida Takenori , Funabashi Hisakage , Kuroda Akio , Hirota Ryuichi
Published: August 2023

Phosphite dehydrogenase (PtxD) is a promising enzyme for NAD(P)H regeneration. To expand the usability of PtxD, we cloned, expressed, and analyzed PtxD from the marine cyanobacterium Cyanothece sp. ATCC 51142 (Ct-PtxD). Ct-PtxD exhibited maximum activity at pH 9.0°C and 50°C and high stability over a wide pH range of 6.0–10.0. Compared to previously reported PtxDs, Ct-PtxD showed increased resistance to salt ions such as Na+, K+, and NH4+. It also exhibited high tolerance to organic solvents such as ethanol, dimethylformamide, and methanol when bound to its preferred cofactor, NAD+. Remarkably, these organic solvents enhanced the Ct-PtxD activity while inhibiting the PtxD activity of Ralstonia sp. 4506 (Rs-PtxD) at concentrations ranging from 10% to 30%. Molecular electrostatic potential analysis showed that the NAD+-binding site of Ct-PtxD was rich in positively charged residues, which may attract the negatively charged pyrophosphate group of NAD+ under high-salt conditions. Amino acid composition analysis revealed that Ct-PtxD contained fewer hydrophobic amino acids than other PtxD enzymes, which reduced the hydrophobicity and increased the hydration of protein surface under low water activity. We also demonstrated that the NADH regeneration system using Ct-PtxD is useful for the coupled chiral conversion of trimethylpyruvic acid into L-tert-leucine using leucine dehydrogenase under high ammonium conditions, which is less supported by the Rs-PtxD enzyme. These results imply that Ct-PtxD might be a potential candidate for NAD(P)H regeneration in industrial applications under the reaction conditions containing salt and organic solvent.
Cohousing design guidelines for better social integration in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Yahia Moohammed Wasim , Mushtaha Emad , Yassin Samar Adel , AlFoudari Kawthar Ahmad , Atoum Yasmeen Adnan , Opoku Alex , Dirar Samir , Maksoud Aref Mohamad
Published: August 2023

Considering cohousing as a new typology in the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) housing market is a challenge due to the cultural and societal dimensions. However, the variety of societies in the Emirates reflecting various habits, experiences, and traditions can allow testing such new types of housing which can be adapted to the local context, considering the needs of the society. This study aims at developing design guidelines for future cohousing in the UAE, considering the pillars of the Estidama program, i.e., social, cultural, economic, and environmental aspects, in addition to the role of architecture design. The present study is based on an empirical investigation from the viewpoint of future cohousing residents in the UAE. Semi-structured interviews considering 87 individuals were conducted. Moreover, a focus group discussion targeting eight professionals was performed. Furthermore, the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) method was applied to include the people’s voices directly when developing the design guidelines for cohousing in the UAE. The study showed that the aspects of culture and privacy are crucial in the future of cohousing in the UAE. In addition, providing local facilities such as majlis and praying rooms is vital to consider. Moreover, other aspects such as sustainable design, universal design, and safety are also valuable. For the outdoor environment, the study highlighted the importance of urban design quality, landscape solutions, shading, and natural ventilation strategies in outdoor spaces. Future cohousing in the UAE is expected to enhance social interaction and contribute to sustainability in the long-term perspective.
Explainable AI: roles and stakeholders, desirements and challenges
Authors: Hoffman Robert R. , Mueller Shane T. , Klein Gary , Jalaeian Mohammadreza , Tate Connor
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The purpose of the Stakeholder Playbook is to enable the developers of explainable AI systems to take into account the different ways in which different stakeholders or role-holders need to “look inside” the AI/XAI systems.

Method

We conducted structured cognitive interviews with senior and mid-career professionals who had direct experience either developing or using AI and/or autonomous systems.

Results

The results show that role-holders need access to others (e.g., trusted engineers and trusted vendors) for them to be able to develop satisfying mental models of AI systems. They need to know how it fails and misleads as much as they need to know how it works. Some stakeholders need to develop an understanding that enables them to explain the AI to someone else and not just satisfy their own sense-making requirements. Only about half of our interviewees said they always wanted explanations or even needed better explanations than the ones that were provided. Based on our empirical evidence, we created a “Playbook” that lists explanation desires, explanation challenges, and explanation cautions for a variety of stakeholder groups and roles.

Discussion

This and other findings seem surprising, if not paradoxical, but they can be resolved by acknowledging that different role-holders have differing skill sets and have different sense-making desires. Individuals often serve in multiple roles and, therefore, can have different immediate goals. The goal of the Playbook is to help XAI developers by guiding the development process and creating explanations that support the different roles.
Early steps toward practical subsurface computations with quantum computing
Authors: Greer Sarah , O'Malley Daniel
Published: August 2023

Quantum computing exploits quantum mechanics to perform certain computations more efficiently than classical computers. Current quantum computers have performed carefully tailored computational tasks that would be difficult or impossible for even the fastest supercomputers in the world. This “quantum supremacy” result demonstrates that quantum computing is more powerful than classical computing in some computational regimes. At present, it is unknown if any computational problems related to the Earth's subsurface fall within these regimes. Here, we describe an approach to performing seismic inverse analysis that combines a type of quantum computer called a quantum annealer with classical computing. This approach improves upon past work on applying quantum computing to the subsurface (via subsurface hydrology) in two ways. First, the seismic inverse problem enables better performance from the quantum annealer because of the Earth's relatively narrow distribution of P-wave velocities compared to the broad distribution of hydraulic conductivities. Second, we develop an iterative approach to quantum-computational inverse analysis, which works with a realistic set of observations. By contrast, the previous method used an inverse method that depended on an impractically dense set of observations. In combination, these two advances significantly narrow the gap a quantum-computational advantage for a practical subsurface geoscience problem. Closing the gap completely requires more work, but has the potential to dramatically accelerate inverse analyses for subsurface geoscience.
Assessment of dysfunctional tunneled hemodialysis catheters and outcome of endovascular salvage techniques: a simple solution to a complex problem
Authors: Xu Tao , Zeng Ni , Li Nan
Published: August 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the causes of the dysfunctional tunneled cuffed catheters (TCCs) using multi-spiral computed tomography venography (MSCTV), and to analyze the outcomes of endovascular salvage techniques.

Material and methods

This retrospective review data from 27 patients who experienced TCC dysfunction between July 1, 2016 and January 31, 2021 was conducted. Patients’ demographic data, clinical signs and symptoms, and imaging data were collected from interventional radiology database.

Results

MSCTV showed a range of abnormalities in the hemodialysis (HD) patients, including central venous occlusion (n = 4), fibrin sheath formation (n = 3), malposition of the catheter tips (n = 4), central venous perforation (n = 1), thrombus formation (n = 12), regular catheter exchange without determined lesions (n = 3). Interventional catheter salvage procedures were performed, such as catheter exchange, balloon disruption of a fibrin sheath, angioplasty for central vein stenosis, and stent deployment. The technical success rate for catheter insertions was 100%, and no procedure-related severe complications were observed. The 30-day catheter patency for all assessable catheters was 85.2%.

Conclusion

The use of MSCTV showed abnormal findings in almost 88.9% of cases concerning dysfunctional TCC. In this study, the examined appropriate endovascular techniques were found to be safe and technically successful, with a low incidence of procedure-related complications.
High-density mapping of the average complex interval helps localizing atrial fibrillation drivers and predicts catheter ablation outcomes
Authors: Squara Fabien , Scarlatti Didier , Bun Sok-Sithikun , Moceri Pamela , Ferrari Emile , Meste Olivier , Zarzoso Vicente
Published: August 2023

Background

Persistent Atrial Fibrillation (PersAF) electrogram-based ablation is complex, and appropriate identification of atrial substrate is critical. Little is known regarding the value of the Average Complex Interval (ACI) feature for PersAF ablation.

Objective

Using the evolution of AF complexity by sequentially computing AF dominant frequency (DF) along the ablation procedure, we sought to evaluate the value of ACI for discriminating active drivers (AD) from bystander zones (BZ), for predicting AF termination during ablation, and for predicting AF recurrence during follow-up.

Methods

We included PersAF patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation by pulmonary vein isolation and ablation of atrial substrate identified by Spatiotemporal Dispersion or Complex Fractionated Atrial Electrograms (>70% of recording). Operators were blinded to ACI measurement which was sought for each documented atrial substrate area. AF DF was measured by Independent Component Analysis on 1-minute 12-lead ECGs at baseline and after ablation of each atrial zone. AD were differentiated from BZ either by a significant decrease in DF (>10%), or by AF termination. Arrhythmia recurrence was monitored during follow-up.

Results

We analyzed 159 atrial areas (129 treated by radiofrequency during AF) in 29 patients. ACI was shorter in AD than BZ (76.4 ± 13.6 vs. 86.6 ± 20.3 ms; p = 0.0055), and mean ACI of all substrate zones was shorter in patients for whom radiofrequency failed to terminate AF [71.3 (67.5–77.8) vs. 82.4 (74.4–98.5) ms; p = 0.0126]. ACI predicted AD [AUC 0.728 (0.629–0.826)]. An ACI < 70 ms was specific for predicting AD (Sp 0.831, Se 0.526), whereas areas with an ACI > 100 ms had almost no chances of being active in AF maintenance. AF recurrence was associated with more ACI zones with identical shortest value [3.5 (3–4) vs. 1 (0–1) zones; p = 0.021]. In multivariate analysis, ACI < 70 ms predicted AD [OR = 4.02 (1.49–10.84), p = 0.006] and mean ACI > 75 ms predicted AF termination [OR = 9.94 (1.14–86.7), p = 0.038].

Conclusion

ACI helps in identifying AF drivers, and is correlated with AF termination and AF recurrence during follow-up. It can help in establishing an ablation plan, by prioritizing ablation from the shortest to the longest ACI zone.