bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caractéristiques structurales et écologiques des populations de Pseudocedrela kotschyi de la forêt de Pénéssoulou (Bénin)
Authors: TRAORE MOUSSILIMI Ibrahim , KOURA Kourouma , AOUDJI Augustin K. N. , GBETOHO Jaures Alain , AKOUEHOU Gaston S. , GANGLO Jean Cossi
Published: February 2023

La présente étude a été conduite dans la forêt classée de Pénéssoulou (Nord-Ouest, Bénin) et a caractérisé les structures et étudié l’écologie des populations de Pseudocedrela kotschyi (Schweinf.) Harms afin d’asseoir de meilleures stratégies de gestion de l’espèce dans ladite forêt. Pour y arriver, vingt-trois (23) placeaux de 50 m x 50 m ont été aléatoirement installés  à travers les différentes formations végétales (forêt galerie, savane, forêt dense). Dans ces dispositifs, la circonférence à 1,30 m du sol et la hauteur de tous les arbres de dbh ≥ 10 cm ont été mesurés et les sujets de dbh < 10 cm ont été comptés. Le mode de répartition des individus de l’espèce a été déterminé grâce au calcul des indices de Blackman (IB) et de Green (IG). L’étude révèle une richesse spécifique de 44 espèces et une meilleure répartition (H = 3,78 bits, Eq = 0,87) des espèces au sein de la forêt galerie. Pseudocedrela kotschyi, n’est retrouvée que dans la savane (4 arbres/ha) et dans la forêt galerie (104 arbres/ha). Les valeurs du diamètre moyen quadratique, de la hauteur moyenne de Lorey, de la surface terrière des arbres de l’espèce dans la forêt galerie sont respectivement : Dg = 21,04 cm, HL = 19,24 m et G = 3,61 m²/ha avec une asymétrie gauche pour la structure en diamètre. En ce qui concerne la régénération, les individus juvéniles de l’espèce (dbh compris entre 1 cm et 5 cm) se retrouvent exclusivement dans la forêt galerie (Densité = 125 individus juvéniles/ha) tandis que les savanes sont plus riches en plantules (dbh ˂ 1 cm) de l’espèce (Densité = 1580 plantules/ha). Les jeunes perches (dbh compris entre 5 cm et 10 cm) sont inexistantes dans les formations végétales étudiées. Face à tous ces constats, des stratégies de conservation ont été proposées.
Déterminants de la viabilité des entreprises agricoles créées par les jeunes au Nord-Ouest du Bénin
Authors: BATONWERO Patrice , AGALATI Barnabé , DEGLA Pamphile
Published: February 2023

L’amélioration de la performance et la survie des entreprises agricoles est un enjeu majeur pour l’attractivité du secteur agricole. Dans la perspective de l’amélioration de l’employabilité des jeunes par la création et le développement d’entreprises agricoles durables, cette étude s'est intéressée à l’analyse de la viabilité de 140 entreprises agricoles détenues par les jeunes, sélectionnées de façon aléatoire dans le département de l’Atacora au Nord-Ouest du Bénin. La méthode d’indicateurs de durabilité des exploitations agricoles (IDEA) adaptée au contexte du Nord-Bénin a été utilisée pour évaluer les viabilités économique, socio territoriale et agroécologique puis la viabilité globale des entreprises des jeunes enquêtés. Le modèle de régression logistique ordinal a été estimé pour identifier les facteurs qui déterminent la viabilité des entreprises agricoles. Les résultats montrent que seulement 26% des entreprises agricoles enquêtées sont viables. L’utilisation de la main d’œuvre salariée, le renforcement des capacités, l’expérience et la motivation de l’entrepreneur influencent positivement la viabilité des entreprises agricoles détenues par les jeunes. A l’opposé, l’appartenance à une association professionnelle influence négativement la viabilité des entreprises agricoles. Ces résultats pourraient aider à la définition de stratégies visant à booster le développement durable des entreprises agricoles détenues par les jeunes dans la zone d’étude.
Perception de l'efficacité des outils d'information et de communication dans la diffusion des pratiques de restauration des terres au Nord-Bénin
Authors: ASSOGBA S. Claude-Gervais , ZANCRAN D. Sandrine , DIOGO Rodrigue V. Cao
Published: February 2023

La présente recherche est une contribution à la compréhension du rôle des Outils d’Information et de Communication (OIC) dans la diffusion des mesures de Gestion Durable des Terres (GDT) à travers une évaluation de la perception des producteurs de l’efficacité de ces outils. Elle s’est déroulée à Banikoara, une commune caractérisée par une forte dégradation des sols et qui bénéficie des interventions du Projet Protection et Réhabilitation des Sols pour améliorer la sécurité alimentaire. Les données ont été collectées au moyen d’un questionnaire et d’un guide d’entretien auprès d’un échantillon aléatoire simple de 150 producteurs. La statistique descriptive et l’analyse en composante principales ont été utilisées pour analyser les caractéristiques des enquêtés et l’utilisation des OIC. Des résultats obtenus, la radio, les formations après Assemblées Générales Villageoises, les projections vidéos SOL-Mobil et les foires agricoles constituent les principaux outils utilisés pour la diffusion des mesures GDT. Près de 63,33% des producteurs obtiennent les informations sur les mesures GDT à la fois par les formations, la radio et la projection vidéo SOL-Mobil, 20% obtiennent à la fois par les formations et la projection vidéo SOL-Mobil et 5,33% par les formations. Par ailleurs, l’usage des OIC a un effet positif sur la diffusion des mesures et a permis l’adoption de trois principales mesures GDT dont la Gestion Intégrée de la Fertilité des sols (68%), l’Agriculture de conservation (83,33%) et la Conservation des eaux et des sols (16,66%). Pour rendre l’usage des OIC plus efficace, il importe de lever les contraintes liées à une faible mobilisation des producteurs, au défaut d’énergie électrique, aux difficultés d’accès aux intrants et à un suivi rapproché des producteurs, et celles de la protection des résidus de récolte contre les feux de végétation incontrôlés.
PENGARUH KUALITAS PRODUK DAN HARGA TERHADAPKEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN PRODUK FAST FASHION BRAND H&M GALLAXY MALL BEKASI
Authors: Nonik Nonik
Published: February 2023

Tujuan pada Penelitian untuk mengetahui serta menganalisis pengaruh harga dan kualitas produkterhadap keputusan pembelian produk fast fashion Brand H&M Gallaxy Mall Bekasi. Penelitian inimenggunakan metode kuantitatif dengan menggunakan data primer yaitu data yang diambil sebanyak 100responden. Tahap Uji yang dilakukan adalah uji validitas, uji reliabilitas, uji asumsi klasik (UjiNormalitas dan Uji Multikolinearitas), regresi linier berganda, Uji Hipotesis (Uji T dan Uji F), analisiskoefisien determinasi(R² ). Dengan alat pengujian yang digunakan adalah SPSS. Hasil pada penelitian inimenyatakan bahwa variabel independen yaitu kualitas produk berpengaruh secara parsial terhadapkeputusan pembelian, harga berpengaruh secara parsial terhadap keputusan pembelian produk FastFashion Brand H&M Gallaxy Mall Bekasi. kualitas produk dan harga pada variabel dependen secarasimultan mempengaruhi keputusan pembelian produk Fast Fashion Brand H&M Gallaxy Mall Bekasi.Dan hasil perhitungan Uji Koefisien Determinasi diketahui Kualitas Produk dan Harga memilikipengaruh terhadap Keputusan Pembelian pada produk fast fashion Brand H&M Gallaxy Mall Bekasisebesar 53,7% sedangkan sisanya sebesar 46,3% merupakan kontribusi variabel lain bukan termasukdalam penelitian ini
Circumstances to be proved in the investigation of violations of the laws or customs of war
Authors: Taran Olena , Zapototskyi Andrii , Starenkyi Oleksandr
Published: February 2023

Investigating violations of the laws and customs of war is a relatively new area of activity for law enforcement agencies in Ukraine. Although some experience of such investigations has existed since 2014, the international armed conflict that began on February 24, 2022, identified almost all forms (methods) of violation of the laws and customs of war, which requires a comprehensive analysis and correct understanding of the rules of international humanitarian law that define the rules for participants in armed conflict. The purpose of the research is to define some circumstances to be proved in the course of the investigation of violations of the laws and customs of war and to disclose their content with due regard for the rules of international humanitarian law which determine the specifics of the object of proof in such criminal proceedings. The research employs philosophical (dialectical and hermeneutical), general scientific (systemic, historical, functional), and special scientific (comparative jurisprudence, technical-legal, and interpretation of legal provisions) methods of cognition. The work is based on the provisions of the treaty and customary law of armed conflict, the practice of its application at the national and international level, national law providing for liability for violation of the laws and customs of war, the procedural procedure for investigating criminal offences, and forensic recommendations for investigating particular types of crimes. Based on the results of the research, the author develops several circumstances to be proved in the course of investigation of the laws and customs of war as separate but related to other elements of the object of proof, namely: lawful combatants, combatant's immunity; territorial and time limits of international humanitarian law; legitimate purpose, military necessity. Their content, evidentiary value, and relationship are covered
An exploratory survey of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in carnivores (Urocyon cinereoargenteus and Spilogale angustifrons) of Yucatan, Mexico.
Authors: Guadalupe Interian Aguiñaga Jesus , Javier Escobedo-Ortegón Francisco , Guillermo-Cordero José Leonardo , Ruiz-Piña Hugo Antonio
Published: February 2023

OBJECTIVE: We carried out an exploratory study to determine the infection with Trypanosoma cruzi in the gray fox (U. cinereoargenteus) and the southern spotted skunk (S. angustifrons) in Yucatan, Mexico. METHODS: We used samples from various organs (heart, skeletal muscle, kidney, spleen, liver, esophagus, and stomach) corresponding to individuals of gray fox and spotted skunk, captured in the peridomicile of eight rural localities of Yucatan between the period 1990–2008. The presence of T. cruzi DNA in tissue samples was determined by PCR technique and histopathology study. RESULTS: All the individuals studied had at least one tissue sample with T. cruzi DNA. The esophagus (9/13), heart (7/13), and skeletal muscle (6/13) were the organs with the highest frequency of T. cruzi DNA. No nests of amastigotes were found, however, microscopic observation revealed lesions characteristic of T. cruzi infection, such as inflammatory infiltrate by lymphocytes and histiocytes with or without necrosis of cardiomyocytes cells, and proliferation of fibrocytes, fibroblasts and collagen fibers (fibrosis). CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that these two wild carnivores are natural hosts for T. cruzi in Yucatan, Mexico. The synanthropic behavior of these two mammals in Yucatan makes it necessary to focus future studies on their role within the rural peridomiciliary transmission cycle of T. cruzi in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Rethinking Abiogenesis: Part III, Meaning in the Light of Complexity, Information, and Simplification
Authors: Isaac Randy , Freeland Stephen
Published: February 2023

This article concludes a three-part series on abiogenesis that suggests meaningful configurations of organic components can arise spontaneously, leading to organisms that successfully survive and reproduce. While the complexity of the disorganized abiotic world makes it appear to some that such a feat of organization would require the nonnatural intervention of an intelligent mind (including but not limited to supernatural intervention), we suggest that careful considerations of thermodynamics and information lead to the plausibility of a natural occurrence. No specific, complete pathway for abiogenesis has yet been identified, but the fundamental processes that enable such a path can be articulated more clearly now than ever before as a result of new and continuing research in multiple disciplines. This concluding article centers on the way in which complex states of molecular organic information can be generated to produce the most meaningful configurations.
A Survey of Science/Theology Paradigms among Students at a College in the Young-Earth or Old-Earth Creationist Tradition
Authors: Scott Tyler D.
Published: February 2023

I report and analyze the administration of a survey investigating students' beliefs about the relationship between science and theology at a college in the young-earth or old-earth creationist tradition. Using a previously established survey, science-theology paradigms were identified. With 221 responses, there was enough statistical power to identify some links between the science-theology paradigms and other beliefs in areas of epistemology of science, theology, and preferred model of creation or evolution. Results showed that these paradigms are often interconnected, not allowing for tidy classifications of students' beliefs about faith and science. Results suggest that students who are more religious and know more science are more likely to match with at least one science-theology paradigm. And, those with more constructivist epistemological views on the nature of science are more likely to view science and Christian faith in harmony.
Confidential Reporting on Structural Safety (CROSS ): newsletter No.53
Authors:   Confidential Reporting on Structural Safety
Published: February 2023

In this article, we highlight a report from CROSS newsletter No. 53, on the lack of method statements on domestic projects.
Technical Guidance Note Level 2, No. 19: Design and detailing of windposts to masonry walls
Authors: O'Regan Chris
Published: February 2023

This Technical Guidance Note provides guidance on the design and detailing of windposts relating to their incorporation into building structures.
Profile: Will Arnold
Authors: Whitelaw Jackie
Published: February 2023

One of Will Arnold's highlights after being named Young Structural Engineering Professional of the Year was judging the Structural Awards. But he had to do that from Rwanda, as he explained to Jackie Whitelaw.
An introduction to bridges for structural engineers (Part 1)
Authors: Bourne Simon
Published: February 2023

This paper is the first of a two-part introduction to bridge design for structural engineers. Part 1 addresses construction, aesthetics, value, environment and loads; while Part 2 will cover materials, elements, effects and detailing.
Optimize your treatment outcome
Authors: Dawson Victoria , Arnarsdóttir Elisa Kristin , Malmberg Leona , Zandi Homan , Markvart Merete
Published: February 2023

Headlines

High clinical success rate is expected when each step of the root canal treatment adheres to high quality standard of care.

An aseptic working field is maintained throughout the treatment using a tightly placed rubber dam preventing microbial contamination.

Access cavity with adequate size and shape enables a straight-line entry to the root canals.

Chemomechanical preparation using chemically-active irrigants removes microbial products and dissolve necrotic tissues.

A root-filling material with adequate length and size without any voids obturate the root canals, and the final restoration is placed in a timely manner.
Utvikling av endodontien i fremtiden
Authors: Virtej Anca , Wigsten Emma , Ørstavik Dag , Haug Sivakami Rethnam
Published: February 2023

Hovedbudskap

Tannleger bør ha bedre kommunikasjon med pasientene om behandlingsmål og prognose, og henvise til spesialist til riktig tid uten forsinkelser for å oppnå optimalt behandlingsresultat.

Forskning må ikke bare konsentrere seg om tekniske innovasjoner som kan gi kortsiktige fordeler for produsenter, men i større grad fokusere på variabler som kan ha betydning for resultater i kliniske langtidsstudier.

Vi trenger bedre kunnskap for å forstå tannsmertemekanismer, håndtering av smertefølelse, og kontrollere og fjerne infeksjon.

Studenter med kompetanse og evner til å lære å gi endodontisk behandling av høy kvalitet må rekrutteres av utdanningsinstitusjoner. Dette er en økende utfordring i et konkurranseutsatt arbeidsmarked.

Man kan forutse at kostnadene for tannbehandling, inkludert endodonti, vil vise økt tredjepartsbetaling fra offentlige eller private forsikringsordninger. Dette vil nokså sikkert innebære at kost/nytte-vurderinger må gjennomgås i større bredde enn i dag.
Future Directions in Endodontics
Authors: Virtej Anca , Wigsten Emma , Ørstavik Dag , Haug Sivakami Rethnam
Published: February 2023

Headlines

Dental practitioners should have better communication with the patients about treatment goals and prognosis or refer to a specialist at the appropriate time without delays to achieve optimal treatment outcome.

Research must not only concentrate on innovations which may interest stakeholders with short-term benefits but on randomized studies, to compare with existing materials, to prove their superiority in clinical outcomes.

We need better knowledge to understand dental pain mechanisms, management of pain sensation, control and eradicate infection.

Recruitment of students with outstanding performances by educational institutions in a competitive job market is a challenge that needs to be addressed.

The cost of dental treatment, including endodontics, may call for increased third-party payment by government or private insurance schemes. By studying the cost-effectiveness of treatment, current systems may need to be reviewed.
Seasonal Variation in the Nutritional Composition of Fishes in Tuticorin, Southeast Coast of India
Authors: Jeyasanta K. Immaculate , Patterson Jamila
Published: February 2023

Background: The nutritional quality of fish is very important for human consumers. The consumption of fish provides important nutrients to a large number of people worldwide and makes a very significant contribution to nutrition. The purpose of the study was to investigate the proximate composition of economically important marine water fish.

Methods: The present work was conducted between March 2016 and February 2017, investigated the seasonal variations in the contents of protein, lipid, carbohydrate, ash and moisture in six fish species namely Sardinella fimbriata, Stolephorus commersonnii, Epinephelus areolatus, Carangoides chrysophrys, Gazza achlamys and Parupeneus indicus. The fish samples were collected from the fish market of Tuticorin. The proximate compositions of the samples were analysed according to standard AOAC methods.

Results: Remarkable seasonal variations are found in the levels of the parameters studied in the six selected species. In all the seasons, Epinephelus areolatus is characterized by the highest moisture and ash contents, and Carangoides chrysophrys by the highest protein and carbohydrate contents, whereas Sardinella fimbriata contains more lipids. Except for moisture content all other nutrient compositions are high during the monsoon and post-monsoon periods. During summer the nutrient contents decrease due to breeding activities involving maturation of gonads, and after the breeding season the nutrient contents again show a rising trend. The seasonal variations in nutrient composition in fish are related to the cycle of maturation and depletion of gonads. Different phases of maturation are associated with marked quantitative fluctuations of each nutrient in different fishes.

Conclusion: Based on the current finding, it is concluded that fishes are very good sources of protein, carbohydrates, ash, and lipids and that the biochemical constituents of the body tissues of fishes fluctuate during different seasons. The results suggested that the consumption of those fish species contributed to human health. Finally, this research work might help to understand the changes in nutritional values of some commercial fishes in various seasons and will assist in identifying the proper fish harvesting period.
UTILIZING MHEALTH (MOBILE HEALTH) MESSAGING TO INCREASE UPTAKE OF CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING SERVICES: IMPACT, PERCEPTIONS, AND EXPERIENCES FROM LUSAKA PROVINCE, ZAMBIA
Authors: HALWIINDI HIKABASA , MULIOKELA ROSEMARY , SONGOLO PETER , SIMANGA TWAMBO , JOSHI SURABHI , MSADABWE SUSAN , MWABA CATHERINE K. , KAPAMBWE SHARON
Published: February 2023

Background: Cervical cancer screening rates in Zambia have remained low for women 25 - 59 years old despite efforts to raise awareness among women using different communication platforms. The mHealth for cervical cancer used mass messaging and was implemented to complement already existing interventions aimed at increasing knowledge levels and the number of women accessing screening services.

Methods: A concurrent mixed methods design was used. Quantitative data was collected using telephone interviews with both women and men to whom text messages on cervical cancer screening had been sent. The qualitative data was collected using focus group discussions and key informant interviews, and focused on the implementation process as well as the perceptions and experiences of the users. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis while quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (proportions).

Results: From the 990 (473 men and 517 women) participants sampled in the survey, only 46% of the women and 34% of men had received the short message services (SMSs). The SMSs resulted into 14% (72) of women going for screening for the first time, and 4% (22) for follow-up screening, totaling 18% (94). The intervention was described as appropriate because it resulted in more awareness about cervical cancer; and the frequency, time of day of transmission, the language and content of the SMSs were perceived good. The challenges experienced include low number of SMSs successfully delivered to the target population (50%), and the high cost of transmission.

Conclusion: Despite the challenges experienced, the mCervical cancer intervention showed moderate effectiveness in reaching women and encouraging them to go for first time and follow-up screening.
Assessment of Production Performances of Exotic Chickens Under Village Production System in Kembata-Tembaro Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Tadesse Feleke , Ersino Alemu
Published: February 2023

The current study was carried out between July 2019 and October 2021 in the districts of Doyogena, Hadero- Tunto (HT), and Angecha of kembata-Tembaro (KT) Zone, Southern Ethiopia, with the aim of assessing management practices and production performance of various exotic chickens under village production system. Based on the possibility for distributing exotic chicken, the districts were deliberately selected. A random selection of nine kebeles was made. Data from a household survey were gathered utilizing a semi-structured questionnaire and file monitoring. To evaluate the data quantitatively, descriptive statistics were employed. For the purpose of strengthening data from the household survey, information from focus groups and individual observations was qualitatively evaluated. The study found out that, the chicken house was constricted 60.4% of the respondents share with people, 20.4% separate with animals and 19.2% constricted separate chicken house. The main feed supplements used for chicken were maize and wheat grains (55.6%), industrial by products (15.2%) and kitchen waste (29.2%). The respondents were provided water as free access (32.2%), in the morning and evening (30%) and provided only in the morning (37.8%). About (78.9%) of the respondents did not used vaccine to their chicken against different diseases. The average mean (60.4%) and (70.2%) of the respondents had good market access to buy chicken production inputs and to sell eggs and chicken, respectively. The breed (BB) was superior for number of egg/year (221.47±12.8) than (SSB) breed (202.91±16.15) and (PK)breed (184.29±5.65); whereas (PK)breed was superior for average age at first egg lying (155±0.94) than (SSB) breed (176.92±0.49) and (BB)breed (168.21±2.78). Diseases and feed shortage were major constraints in the study areas. The overall results of the present study reveal that the majority of the respondents were not used separate chicken housing system and the main feed resources used for their chicken was obtained from grains. Disease and feed problems were the first and the second constraint of exotic chicken production in the study areas. The overall finding indicate that the performance of exotic chicken under farmers’ management condition (BB) breed had better egg production performance than (SSB) and (PK) breeds; whereas (PK)breed was reach better sexual maturity at first egg laying than (SSB) and (BB)breeds in the study areas. However, the performance of the three breeds in the study areas was lower than other findings on similar exotic chicken. The attention given to exotic chicken, particularly in supplementary feeding, health care and housing practices was very low in the study areas. Hence, better housing system, improving the health of chicken, practicing supplementary feeding could increase the productivity.
Atresia de las vías biliares, reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura
Authors: Serpa Sarmiento Ana Paula , Pacheco Merchán Juan Pablo
Published: February 2023

La atresia biliar (AB) es una rara enfermedad hepática, siendo la principal causa de trasplante hepático en niños. Su incidencia va desde aproximadamente 1:5-10.000 (1) a 1:22.000 (2) nacidos vivos, mientras que, en la India, América del Sur y África, está menos clara (1). Se trata de una paciente femenino de 8 días de vida, que debuta con ictericia persistente, siendo diagnosticado de atresia de vías biliares al mes de vida, tratada quirúrgicamente con hepatoportoenterostomía a los dos meses de edad, tras ello hay falta de adherencia al tratamiento y seguimiento médico, a partir de los 3 años de vida se identifica hepatoesplenomegalia, y posteriormente cirrosis hepática, hiperesplenismo, varices esofágicas, siendo hospitalizada por múltiples ocasiones. Se concluye que el diagnóstico y tratamiento precoz (<30 días) proporciona un mejor pronóstico para estos pacientes. Estos hallazgos sugieren mejorar los conocimientos de los profesionales sanitarios de atención primaria sobre la detección precoz de la AB, incluida la información sobre la ictericia prolongada y el cribado con la tarjeta de color de las heces. Los niños con AB presentan riesgo de deterioro de la calidad de vida (CV), especialmente de la física. Se debe prestar especial atención a los niños con acontecimientos médicos adversos, trastornos motores o problemas de conducta, que podrían tener un mayor riesgo de deterioro de la CV. Los médicos deben proporcionar a los pacientes y a sus cuidadores/padres información sobre los efectos a largo plazo de la AB.
User-Interactive Display Integrating Stimuli-Detecting Sensors and
Visualizing Displays
Authors: Kim Yaewon , Choi Moon Kee
Published: February 2023

Wearable devices, which are currently widely used, are difficult to use because
they are thick and hard. In order to solve this, a thin and flexible display is
required. In addition, sensors which are combined with them respond to external
stimuli, transmit signals to the device and display them. In this way, wearable
devices are in a direction in which they interact in both ways rather than in a
single way. Furthermore, instead of processing stimuli as signals and showing
them on the display, devices that can react and represent changes in external
stimuli immediately are being developed. As a step of process in information
processing is reduced, the response time can be reduced and the device may be
miniaturized and lightweight. In this paper, we will look at the display that
responds to various types of external stimuli. Furthermore, we will introduce
how a display can be utilized.
Alq3/MgF2 Multilayered Encapsulation Film for
Enhanced Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Jin-Gyu , Yoon Beomhee , Kwak Ho-Gyun , Jun Jae-Woo , Yun Jong-Mun , Song Seung-Hoon , Lee Hyunho
Published: February 2023

Environmental factors such as oxygen and moisture are known to severely degrade
perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In general, rigid glasses and resins are used to
prevent moisture penetration. However, typical encapsulation exhibits the
disadvantage of being vulnerable to external physical impact. In this study, to
minimize device degradation from environmental factors, we present the
organic/inorganic multilayered encapsulation film (MEF) that can effectively
block moisture and oxygens. Tris (8-hydroxyquinolinato) aluminum
(Alq3) and magnesium fluoride (MgF2) were used as an
organic and inorganic layer in the MEF structure, respectively. The optimal
condition for effective encapsulation exhibits the 5 pairs of
Alq3/MgF2 structure and the water vapor transmission
rate (WVTR) of the MEF is measured about 0.2635 g/m2 per day. The
PSCs integrated with MEF show remarkable moisture barrier performance compared
to the PSC without MEF (bare PSCs). After 12 days of degradation, the PSCs with
MEF shows 40% degradation in terms of a power conversion efficiency (PCE), while
the degradation rate of PCE of the bare PSCs shows 72.7% loss in PCE. Moreover,
the change of the perovskite film absorbance under the film degradation provides
the superior encapsulation characteristics of MEF. By investigating the changes
in the photovoltaic parameters and water vapor transmission rate of MEF, we
confirm that the moisture barrier performance of the MEF improved the stability
of PSCs.
Heavy Chromium metal determination concentration in cheese
Authors: Ruaa R. Muneam  , Ali Abid Abojassim
Published: February 2023

The concentration of the heavy element Chromium in cheese samples was investigated using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. 72 random samples from six country groups (Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Turkey, Hungary, and Saudi Arabia) available in Iraqi markets were collected. Cr concentration rates in cheese samples were discovered. The non- carcinogenic risk parameters for health from the accumulation of Cr, such as daily Cr metal intake ( ), the Cr target hazard quotient ( ), and the Cr carcinogenic risk ( ) were revealed. The highest average Cr metal level in the samples was found in Saudi Arabia cheese, while the lowest was in Iraqi once. The descending Cr order of the countries was Saudi Arabia> Hungary> Egypt> Iran> Turkey> Iraq, according to the T-test confirmation. The carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risk parameters values were less than the permissible and risk values. Eventually, the health risk parameters revealed that there are no pose risks from those cheeses to Iraqi consumers.
Identification of the clay minerals of some chosen soils in Aljabal Alakhdar district, Libya by Ethylene Glycol and Heat: X-ray Diffraction studies
Authors: Gibrel Salah Eldiabani
Published: February 2023

Due to the widespread use of clay minerals and their importance in various industries and agricultural projects, sufficient knowledge of clay minerals as well as how to identify them is so important. Therefore, understanding these minerals can optimize the use and application of them. Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar, as it represents the only green spot in northeastern of Libya, the identification of clay minerals in this region is very important for its relationship to the management of the chemical and physical properties of its soil. Four samples were selected from the Al-Haniya area, and due to the shallow depths of its soil, these samples were taken from the last depth (35-60 cm). X-ray diffraction device used to obtain clear X-ray diffraction (XRD) curves for identification of clay minerals in selected samples from the study area. The results of the qualitative analysis of the minerals showed that there was a similarity in the types of pyrophyllite silicates and the illite is the most crystalline mineral indicated by the relative strength in these soils. The results also showed the presence of kaolinite minerals and the chlorite-vermiculite complex. The results did not show the presence of expansion minerals such as montomorollonite.
US Military Aid, Political Risk Insurance, and Foreign Direct Investment
Authors: Blanton Shannon , Machain Carla
Published: February 2023

How do national security interests influence outbound foreign direct investment (FDI)? FDI is a major part of the global economy, and a great deal of research has been devoted to understanding the economic and sociopolitical factors that make a country a more (or less) attractive recipient of FDI. However, less attention has been paid to the role of home-country interests, particularly in the realm of national security, in influencing such investment. Seeking to better understand the ways home-country interests and policies influence the locational decisions of their firms, in this study we examine the impact of two policy tools—military aid and state-sponsored political risk insurance—on outflows of US FDI to developing countries.
Performing Chinese Masculinities on the World Stage
Authors: Lei Jun
Published: February 2023

Chapter 1 offers historical and academic contexts for this book’s thematic explorations of male Chinese intellectuals’ aspiration to Chinese masculinities in the face of the double crisis of the Chinese nation and Chinese men. It explicates the necessity of tackle the “Man Question” in China studies and gender studies, and reveals the underlying mechanisms in male intellectuals’ repositioning to Confucian wen (literary) and wu (martial) masculinities in the quest for Chinese masculinity and Chinese modernity.
Triggering, developing and internalising teamworking skills in neuro-typical and neuro-atypical students with a computer orchestrated group learning environment: a multi case study
Authors: Malik Manish , Sime Julie-Ann
Published: February 2023

Project-based learning and flipped classroom approaches are often used for developing team working skills in graduates. However, many engineering schools face efficiency and effectiveness challenges when it comes to facilitating students in these settings. For neuro-atypical (NAT) students, such as those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Autism, support for developing teamworking skills can be limited. Even neuro-typical (NT) students find teamwork challenging and can benefit from an intervention that supports development of such skills. Self, Co and Shared regulation skills are considered important for effective team working. Regulation is a multi-staged process, which includes goal setting, planning, doing, monitoring and evaluating own and a team's work. Research on use of computer scripts to successfully orchestrate the multiple stages at a shared level shows only partial success. Many Computer Supported and Collaborative Learning studies cite over-scripting as a common criticism related to orchestration of shared regulation and team work. This work investigates "How computer orchestration scripts affect the triggering and internalisation of Self, Co and Social regulation skills in NT and NAT students when using a Computer Orchestrated Group Learning Environment (COGLE)?". COGLE was used with first year neurotypical and neuro-atypical engineering students to study its impact on triggering existing and/or internalising new regulation scripts in team working. Qualitative data from two literal replication cases were analysed. This work shows how different types of scripts in COGLE helped trigger, develop and internalise regulation skills and highlights areas where more work is needed.
What is the role of ethics in accreditation documentation from a global view?
Authors: Junaid Sarah , Gwynne-Evans Alison , Kovacs Helena , Lönngren Johanna , Jiménez Mejía José Fernando , Natsume Kenichi , Polmear Madeline , Serreau Yann , Shaw Corrinne , Toboșaru Mircea , Martin Diana A.
Published: February 2023

Ethics in engineering has long been an important element in engineering programmes, however these subjects are often taught at a basic learning level with little attempt to connect to demonstrative learning outcomes. In recent years there has been a step change in the importance of ethics as an integral part of engineering programmes and is reflected in the text of accreditation documents. In this paper we expand our analysis from an earlier study, which focused on four European countries, to understand the role of ethics on a more global scale. We conducted a multi-country analysis on how and where ethics features in accreditation documents in twelve countries across five continents (Belgium, Canada, Colombia, France/Switzerland, Ireland, Japan, Romania, South Africa, Sweden, UK and USA). We identified explicit or implicit references to ethics education, extracted verbs relating to learning outcomes, and compared definitions of key terms. A comparison to Bloom’s taxonomy showed considerably higher frequency of verbs linked to ethics teaching associated to lower levels of cognitive learning. Definitions of terms relating to the process of accreditation were often lacking in documents, highlighting a need for setting terms of reference. This study highlights differences in how ethics is described in accreditation documents. However, more needs to be done to explicitly highlight ethics as an integral part of engineering education. Relying on implicit links to ethics leaves the role of ethics open to interpretation, resulting in uneven emphasis in the translation of ethics within programme designs.
Exploring students’ perceptions of engineering culture: a comparative analysis between Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and the United States
Authors: Murzi Escobar Homero , Márquez Mervyn , Morris Lloyd , Guerra Moscoso Miguel Andrés
Published: February 2023

Several studies have explored engineering culture in terms of how it is perceived by engineers, students, or faculty members. However, less is known about how engineering culture varies (or not) when considering national culture as the lens. This study aims to explore how engineering students perceive different dimensions of national culture and identify any patterns that connect to how they perceive their engineering programs. We use Hofstede’s theory of dimensions of national cultures to measure culture in different ways in the student’s perceptions of engineering. Data were collected using a validated survey that explores dimensions of culture and the sample included engineering students from Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and the United States. The survey was translated into Spanish and was reviewed by several native Spanish speakers. We piloted the survey with several students. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results provide preliminary information on how students perceive aspects of culture like individualism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance, and masculinity. We discuss the comparison of the different countries and provide implications of these results to our understanding of engineering culture.
Kết quả sử dụng bóng đối xung động mạch chủ hỗ trợ can thiệp động mạch vành ở bệnh nhân nguy cơ cao
Authors: Nguyễn Trung Hậu , Phạm Mạnh Hùng , Tạ Mạnh Cường
Published: February 2023

Giới thiệu: Can thiệp động mạch vành ở bệnh nhân nguy cơ cao có tỷ lệ thành công thấp và nguy cơ các biến chứng cao hơn. Bóng đối xung động mạch chủ là một thiết bị hỗ trợ huyết động được khuyến cáo dùng trong can thiệp nhóm bệnh nhân này.Mục tiêu: (1) Mô tả đặc điểm lâm sàng, cận lâm sàng ở bệnh nhân bệnh động mạch vành nguy cơ cao. (2) Đánh giả kết quả sử dụng bóng đối xung động mạch chủ hỗ trợ can thiệp động mạch vành ở bệnh nhân nguy cơ cao.Đối tượng và phương pháp: Từ tháng 8 năm 2020 đến tháng 9 năm 2021, chúng tôi tiến hành nghiên cứu trên 16 bệnh nhân có bệnh động mạch vành nguy cơ cao được can thiệp dưới sự hỗ trợ của bóng đối xung động mạch chủ.Kết quả: Tổng số có 16 bệnh nhân, gồm 11 nam và 5 nữ, tuổi trung bình 72,5±8,14. Các yếu tố nguy cơ tim mạch thường gặp nhất là Tăng huyết áp (62,5%), hút thuốc lá (50%) và đái tháo đường (43,75%). Phân số tống máu thất trái (EF) trung bình 33,12±6,48%. Điểm SYNTAX trung bình là 27,44±3,18. Có 9 bệnh nhân (56,25%) được can thiệp ở vị trí thân chung động mạch vành trái. Bóng đối xung động mạch chủ được đặt thành công ở 100% bệnh nhân. Huyết áp trung bình trước đặt bóng là 77,67±7,2 mmHg và sau đặt bóng là 88,31±7,39 mmHg, p=0,001. Tần số tim trước đặt bóng là 83,93±12,66 chu kỳ/phút và sau đặt bóng là 80,75±9,84 chu kỳ/phút, p=0,007. Có 1 bệnh nhân có biến chứng giả phình động mạch đùi (6,2%) nhưng không cần xử lý thêm. 1 bệnh nhân tử vong trong thời gian nằm viện.Kết luận: Bóng đối xung động mạch chủ nên được sử dụng để hỗ trợ can thiệp với các bệnh nhân bệnh động mạch vành nguy cơ cao.
Cập nhật vai trò của thuốc ức chế SGLT2 trong dự phòng và điều trị suy tim
Authors: Nguyễn Lân Việt , Huỳnh Văn Minh , Phạm Mạnh Hùng , Trần Văn Huy , Đinh Thị Thu Hương , Phạm Nguyên Sơn , Nguyễn Ngọc Quang , Phạm Trường Sơn , Nguyễn Thị Thu Hoài , Phạm Như Hùng , Phan Đình Phong , Nguyễn Anh Quân
Published: February 2023

Cập nhật vai trò của thuốc ức chế SGLT2 trong dự phòng và điều trị suy tim
Đặc điểm lâm sàng và cận lâm sàng ở bệnh nhân nghi ngờ viêm cơ tim cấp tại Viện Tim mạch Việt Nam
Authors: Lê Ngọc Thiện , Phạm Thị Hồng Thi
Published: February 2023

Viêm cơ tim cấp là tình trạng cơ tim bị tổn thương cấp tính do các tác nhân khác nhau, với triệu chứng lâm sàng không đặc hiệu. Chẩn đoán xác định dựa vào cộng hưởng từ tim và hoặc sinh thiết cơ tim.Nghiên cứu được tiến hành mô tả bao gồm 108 bệnh nhân, trong đó có 45 bệnh nhân hồi cứu và 63 bệnh nhân tiến cứu với chẩn đoán nghi ngờ viêm cơ tim cấp tại Viện tim mạch Việt Nam (do chưa có điều kiện chụp MRI tim và/hoặc sinh thiết cơ tim)để tìm hiểu các đặc điểm lâm sàng và cận lâm sàng của bệnh nhân nghiên cứu.Kết quả nghiên cứu: ở bệnh nhân nghi ngờ viêm cơ tim cấp có đặc điểm lâm sàng đa dạng và không đặc hiệu với bệnh cảnh giống hội chứng vành cấp hoặc suy tim. Bệnh gặp chủ yếu ở nam giới (71,3%), trẻ tuổi với tuổi trung bình 27 ± 10,8 tuổi; tiền triệu thường gặp nhất là sốt (53,7%), đau ngực là triệu chứng khởi phát thường gặp nhất với 94,4%. Các triệu chứng lâm sàng suy tim như gan to, phù, lạnh đầu chi, thiểu niệu gặp ở dưới 1/3 bệnh nhân. Đa số bệnh nhân không có rối loạn huyết động lúc vào, sốc tim gặp ở 19,4%. Men tim troponin T lúc vào trung bình là 2006,1 ± 1854,7 ng/L, không có sự khác biệt giữa nam và nữ (p < 0,05). Xét nghiệm CRP-hs tăng ở 75,9% bệnh nhân. Nồng độ NTproBNP tăng lúc vào có giá trị tiên lượng tình trạngsuy tim lúc ra viện (p < 0,001). Chức năng tâm thu thất trái trung bình LVEF là 58,8 ± 11,3%. Tất cả bệnh nhân chụp động mạch vành đều có kết quả bình thường (100%).
Vị trí của digoxin trong điều trị suy tim
Authors: Hồ Huỳnh Quang Trí
Published: February 2023

Qua phân tích các chứng cứ nêu trên và tham khảo các hướng dẫn điều trị hiện hành, có thể kết luận tóm tắt về việc dùng digoxin điều trị suy tim mạn như trong bảng 2.

Bảng 2: Vị trí của digoxin trong điều trị suy tim mạn

Người bệnh suy tim rung nhĩ:- PSTM <40%: Digoxin và thuốc chẹn bêta là 2 lựa chọn hàng đầu để kiểm soát tần số thất. Có thểphối hợp 2 thuốc này với nhau nếu đơn trị không đủ để kiểm soát tần số thất.- PSTM ≥40%: Thuốc chẹn bêta, verapamil và diltiazem là những lựa chọn hàng đầu để kiểm soát tầnsố thất. Nếu đơn trị bằng các thuốc này không đủ để kiểm soát tần số thất, xem xét phối hợp thêmdigoxin.- Dùng liều digoxin ≤0,125 mg/ngày.- Không dùng digoxin cho người có hội chứng kích thích sớm.Người bệnh suy tim nhịp xoang:- PSTM <40%, tình trạng lâm sàng ổn định, đang uống digoxin: tiếp tục dùng.- PSTM <40%, không đang uống digoxin: Digoxin không phải là thuốc được ưu tiên kê toa. Ưu tiêndùng các thuốc giảm tử vong và nhập viện vì suy tim (hàng 1: sacubitril/valsartan, chẹn bêta, khángaldosterone, ức chế SGLT2; hàng 2: ivabradine nếu tần số tim ≥70/phút). Nếu bệnh nhân vẫn còntriệu chứng, xem xét phối hợp thêm digoxin để giảm nguy cơ nhập viện.- Dùng liều digoxin ≤0,125 mg/ngày.- PSTM ≥40%: không có chỉ định dùng digoxin.
Development and Validation of Discovery-Based Modules in Teaching Chemistry
Authors: D. Medina Enrico , G. Baraquia Lee
Published: February 2023

This study is focused on developing and validating the discovery-based modules in chemistry. This exploration was initiated in response to the criminology student's least-learned concepts in the general (organic) chemistry course. A descriptive–developmental approach was utilized and guided by the Analysis-Design-Development-Implementation-Evaluation (ADDIE) model in the development and validation of the discovery-based modules. In the study, two discovery-based modules were developed. Each module had the following parts: a pre-test, an overview, safety precautions, preparation, a review, the activity itself, a discussion after the activity, a post-activity test, an application, and a reference. Five (5) chemistry teacher experts and five (5) criminology student-users evaluated the aspects of the discovery-based modules using the validation and evaluation forms of the study. The researcher interviewed the criminology student-users using the validated interview guide questions to determine their feedback using the modules. Findings revealed that both chemistry teacher experts and criminology student-users rated the two developed discovery-based modules as excellent and strongly agreed on all pertaining aspects of the modules, in terms of objectives, content, format and language, presentation, and usefulness. The feedback of the student-users revealed interactive, well-designed, discovery-based, and outcome-based themes perceived as the characteristics of the developed chemistry modules. Therefore, it was concluded that the developed discovery-based modules in chemistry are valid, acceptable, and could be used as supplementary material for criminology students and further recommended for possible replication to cover the other least-learned chemistry concepts.
The role of teacher support in the acquisition of digital skills associated with technology-based learning activities: the moderation of the educational level
Authors: Tirado-Morueta Ramón , García-Ruíz Rosa , Hernando-Gómez Ángel , Contreras-Pulido Paloma , Aguaded-Gómez José I.
Published: February 2023

The presence of the technology in the lives of young students does not guarantee that they know how to use it as a learning resource. Likewise, doubts remain about the role of teacher support in the digital literacy of their students. Assuming the moderating capacity of educational level, the aim of this study was to understand to what extent teacher support can determine students’ ability to use technology as a learning resource. In order to respond to this objective, the Model for Developing Effective e-Learners (MDEeL) was used. A multigroup analysis with structural equations and a simple quota sample of secondary education (N = 300) and higher education (N = 300) students in Spain were used. The results showed that the influence of teaching support on basic digital skills associated with the use of the Internet as a learning resource was moderated by educational level. The study provides an approach that allows teacher support for digital literacy to be evaluated in the context of student learning practices.