bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between Serum Copper, Zinc Level and Tumour Aggressiveness in Invasive Cervical Cancer
Authors: Akter Naznine , Naher Syfun , Akhter Mahfuza , Jahan Mahbuba , Islam Jannatul , Sayed Sunzia , Islam Raihana , Rana Muhammad
Published: September 2024

Background: Cervical cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality, exhibits considerable variability in aggressiveness. The role of trace elements such as copper and zinc in influencing tumor behavior and progression has garnered attention. This study investigates the relationship between serum copper and zinc levels and tumor aggressiveness in invasive cervical cancer. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among 150 women with invasive cervical cancer attending the outpatient department and Colposcopy Clinic of the Department of Gynecological Oncology, BSMMU, Dhaka, from April 2022 to March 2023. Participants were divided into two groups based on tumor aggressiveness: Group 1 (less aggressive) and Group 2 (more aggressive), with 75 women in each group. Serum copper and zinc levels were measured and analyzed for differences between groups. Result: Serum copper levels were significantly higher in Group 2 (152.31 ± 41.81 µg/dL) compared to Group 1 (139.31 ± 25.52 µg/dL) with a p-value of 0.023. Conversely, serum zinc levels were significantly lower in Group 2 (55.24 ± 28.13 µg/dL) compared to Group 1 (66.29 ± 31.58 µg/dL) with a p-value of 0.025. The copper/zinc ratio was significantly higher in Group 2 (2.76 ± 1.20) compared to Group 1 (2.10 ± 1.00) with a p-value of <0.001. Conclusion: Elevated serum copper levels and copper/zinc ratio, along with decreased zinc levels, are associated with more aggressive cervical cancer. These findings suggest that trace element imbalances may serve as biomarkers for assessing tumor aggressiveness and could inform future therapeutic strategies.
The Practice of Urban Planning In Managing Urban Expansion: The Case of Level-I Towns in Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Abadura Diress , Sokido Daniel
Published: September 2024

The world’s urbanization continues to grow rapidly occurring in developing regions. The rapid pace of urbanization without equivalent economic growth causes uneven spatial dispersion, land speculation, urban sprawl, ecological damage, and socio-cultural chaos. Urban planning is a key tool in managing such urbanization and particularly urban expansion challenges through several strategies. The objective of this study is to evaluate the practice of urban planning in managing urban expansion by applying both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. The first-hand data was collected by a structured questionnaire survey, interview, and physical observation, whereas secondary data was analyzed from spatial and non-spatial data of the study towns, national urban policy and strategy documents, and the national urban development spatial plan. Descriptive analysis, principal factor analysis, spatial trend analysis, and content analysis techniques were applied with the help of the SPSS and GIS analysis tools to reach the findings. The practices of urban planning in managing the urban expansion of the study town were evaluated on the basis of factors including urban spatial growth management, community engagement, economic change, and peri-urban communities’ understanding of urban planning. The major findings indicated that these variables are poorly practical, and their failure has been collectively posing significant obstacles to the effectiveness of urban planning. This implies that the urban planning practice in managing urban expansion was insignificant in the study towns. Therefore, it is best to use the alternative expansion area planning strategy, that promotes planned spatial growth, community inclusivity, mixed economic activity, environmental sustainability, and the community’s awareness of expansion areas.
Simplified Neural Network-Based Models for Oil Flow Rate Prediction
Authors: Umana Uduak , Okon Anietie , Agwu Okorie
Published: September 2024

Available neural network-based models for predicting the oil flow rate (qo) in the Niger Delta are not simplified and are developed from limited data sources. The reproducibility of these models is not feasible as the models’ details are not published. This study developed simplified and reproducible three, five, and six-input variables neural-based models for estimating qo using 283 datasets from 21 wells across fields in the Niger Delta. The neural-based models were developed using maximum-minimum (max.-min.) normalized and clip-normalized datasets. The performances and the generalizability of the developed models with published datasets were determined using some statistical indices: coefficient of determination (R2), mean square error (MSE), root mean square error (RMSE), average relative error (ARE) and average absolute relative error (AARE). The results indicate that the 3-input-based neural models had overall R2, MSE, and RMSE values of 0.9689, 9.6185x10-4 and 0.0310, respectively, for the max.-min. normalizing method and R2 of 0.9663, MSE of 5.7986x10-3 and RMSE of 0.0762 for the clip scaling approach. The 5-input-based models resulted in R2 of 0.9865, MSE of 5.7790×10-4 and RMSE of 0.0240 for the max.-min. scaling method and R2 of 0.9720, MSE of 3.7243x10-3 and RMSE of 0.0610 for the clip scaling approach. Also, the 6-input-based models had R2 of 0.9809, MSE of 8.7520x10-4 and RMSE of 0.0296 for the max.-min. normalizing approach and R2 of 0.9791, MSE of 3.8859 x 10-3 and RMSE of 0.0623 for the clip scaling method. Furthermore, the generality performance of the simplified neural-based models resulted in R2, RMSE, ARE, and AAPRE of 0.9644, 205.78, 0.0248, and 0.1275, respectively, for the 3-input-based neural model and R2 of 0.9264, RMSE of 2089.93, ARE of 0.1656 and AARE of 0.2267 for the 6-input-based neural model. The neural-based models predicted qo were more comparable to the test datasets than some existing correlations, as the predicted qo result was the lowest error indices. Besides, the overall relative importance of the neural-based models’ input variables on qo prediction is S>GLR>Pwh>T/Tsc>γo>BS&W>γg. The simplified neural-based models performed better than some empirical correlations from the assessment indicators. Therefore, the models should apply as tools for oil flow rate prediction in the Niger Delta fields, as the necessary details to implement the models are made visible.
Enhancing Rice Seed Production in Ethiopia with Silicon-Rich Biochar
Authors: Assaye Yilikal
Published: September 2024

Rice is a critical staple crop in Ethiopia, playing a key role in ensuring food security. However, rice production in the country faces significant challenges, including low seed quality and yield. The application of silicon-rich rice husk biochar has emerged as a promising approach to address these constraints and improve the sustainability of rice seed production systems. This comprehensive review synthesizes the current state of knowledge on the use of rice husk biochar as a source of plant-available silicon to enhance rice seed quality, yield, and stress tolerance in Ethiopian agroecosystems. The manuscript critically evaluates the existing research on the agronomic, environmental, and socioeconomic impacts of applying silicon-enriched biochar in rice seed production, and identifies key knowledge gaps and future research priorities. The findings suggest that the integration of rice husk biochar into rice seed production systems can significantly improve seed germination, vigor, and yield, while also enhancing nutrient use efficiency and soil health. However, more research is needed to optimize application rates, methods, and integration with other sustainable management practices. Overall, this review provides important insights to guide the development of evidence-based strategies for enhancing the productivity and sustainability of rice seed production in Ethiopia.
The Role of Occupational Therapists in the Treatment of COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sharma Nirvi
Published: September 2024

Context: Many COVID-19 patients have long-term physical, functional, and psychological deficits, posing hitherto unheard-of challenges to healthcare systems around the world. Occupational therapists (OTs) are essential to multimodal care and rehabilitation; yet, little is known about how specifically they might help treat COVID-19 patients. Goal: The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the function of occupational therapists (OTs) in the care and recovery of COVID-19 patients, as well as to pinpoint the precise therapies and methods that OTs use to enhance functional results and quality of life. Techniques: A comprehensive exploration was carried out on PubMed to locate pertinent research articles released until December 2022. Included were studies that looked into OTs' role in COVID-19 patient care. After data extraction, standardized instruments were used to evaluate the studies' quality. Findings: The review contained four studies, which included reviews, observational studies, interventional studies, and case reports. In COVID-19 patients, OT-led interventions in respiratory care, functional rehabilitation, and psychosocial support showed encouraging benefits in terms of boosting mental health, increasing respiratory function, and improving functional outcomes. Conclusion: A vital and varied role is played by occupational therapists in the care and recovery of COVID-19 patients. The identified OT-led therapies have demonstrated effectiveness in boosting mental health, augmenting functional outcomes, and increasing respiratory function. To assess the long-term impacts and develop standardized protocols for occupational therapy interventions in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, more study is required.
A Novel Analytical Method for Determining a Combination of Tetrahydrozoline and Antazoline HCl by Modulating Ratio Spectra
Authors: Elhalim Lamia , Ramadan Nesrin , El Rahman Mohammed , Galal Maha
Published: September 2024

In this study, the combination of pharmaceutical formulation of tetrahydrozline HCl (TZ) and antazoline HCl (AN) was determined without separating them using smart analytical UV spectrophotometric methods. While the Extended Ratio Subtraction Method (EXRSM) is used to determine AN, the Ratio Subtraction Method (RSM) is utilized to determine TZ and is linked with the ratio subtraction technique. The calibration curves for AN and TZ are linear, ranging from 3.0 to 30.0 µg/mL and 5.0 to 45.0 µg/mL, respectively. Analyzing several laboratory-prepared combinations of the two medications allowed researchers to assess the specificity of the designed methods. The selected drugs' combined dosage form was determined with success using both approaches. Validation was carried out in accordance with ICH requirements, and it was found that repeatability, accuracy, and intermediate precision were all within acceptable limits. Statistical studies showed that both methods can be competitively applied in quality control laboratories. RSM and the EXRSM are complementary to one another, as shown by the determination of AN and TZ without pre-separation. Without any prior separation, the EXRSM was able to differentiate between substances with an extended spectrum using the same characteristics. Therefore, one alternative approach to liquid chromatography techniques is the combination of EXRSM and RSM.
Applications of Replacement Model Approach in Management of God- Is-Good Transportation Company
Authors: Racheal Nwachukwu , Cynthia Orumie
Published: September 2024

When it comes to replacing the cars in their fleets, transportation companies have a lot of factors to take into account. The age of the cars is one of the most crucial variables because older models typically need more upkeep and repairs, and if possibly replace, which may be expensive both financially and in terms of time. Using God is Good Motors as a case study, the research applied replacement theory in a transportation company to predict when to replace a vehicle using Replacement Policy when Value of Money does not change over time. The study looked at the creation, application, and assessment of a replacement model specifically designed to meet the requirements of God is Good (GIGM) Transport Company, one of Nigeria's top providers of intercity transportation services. The study commenced with an extensive examination of previous research, including current approaches, variables impacting replacement choices, and consequences for both operational and environmental results. On the basis of this framework, a methodical approach is created for creating and executing the replacement model, which includes data gathering, model creation, simulation methods, and validation procedures. The replacement model's practical use within GIGM Transport Company offered insightful information about how to apply abstract ideas to actual situations. The result showed that the average total cost A(n) is minimum at the end of the 6th year and from the next year, that is the 7th year onwards, the value of A(n) increases. Thus, a decision of replacement of the vehicle, would be right to be taken on the 6th year.
Determination of Physico-chemical Parameters of Well Water in the Central Niayes Area of Mboro (Senegal)
Authors: Dione Mame , Dione Sitor , Ndiaye Birame , Hane Maoudo , Cisse Dame , Dione Cheikh , Diagne Ibrahima , Ba Seydou , Ndiaye Momar
Published: September 2024

The Niayes of Mboro zone has significant hydro-agricultural potential and is marked by a diversity of crops. It is Senegal's main market-garden production zone. The Mboro area is characterized by a landscape of depressions and dunes resting on a shallow water table. There are generally no permanent watercourses, and the region's only significant water resource is the water table located in the quaternary coastal aquifers, which is influenced by several anthropogenic factors. The aim of this study was to determine the physico-chemical quality of water from four wells in the Mboro region, located in the hydromorphic zone of the Niayes. pH, temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS) and electrical conductivity (EC) were measured using a portable multiparameter, and chemical parameters by UV-visible spectrophotometry. The results show that the physical parameters comply with WHO standards (2000 for EC, 1000 for TDS and between 6.5 and 8.5 for pH), with the exception of the temperature of wells P2, P3 and P4, which varied between 25.9 and 28.4°C. The chemical study shows the presence of phosphate, sulfate, nitrate, fluoride and chloride ions at levels ranging from 0.1 mg/L (F-) to 400 mg/L (Cl-). The chloride content (400 mg/L) and CaCO3 hardness (284.8 mg/L) in well P2 exceed WHO standards of 250 and 200 mg/L respectively. Phosphate (PO4-P) ion levels in all four wells are equal to 0.8 mg/L. This value is higher than the recommended guide. This value is higher than the recommended guide value of 0.5 mg/L. Spatio-temporal variations in physico-chemical parameters appear to depend on the direction of water flow, the geological nature of the terrain crossed, the geographical position of the wells, the depth of the water tables tapped, industrial activities, the intrusion of marine water and the use of fertilizers. On the whole, the water from the wells studied is of good quality and suitable for irrigation and human consumption.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Thermal Stability of the Schiff Base N,N'-bis(2,4-dichlorobenzylidene-3-propylammonium) Amine Chloride
Authors: Diop Aboubacar , Diop Tidiane , Boye Mouhamadou , Seye Dame , Tinnemans Paul , Diop Cheikh
Published: September 2024

New Schiff base compound N,N'-bis(2,4-dichlorobenzylidene-3-propylammonium)amine chloride obtained by a condensation reaction between 3,3’-iminidipropylamine (C6H17N3) and 2,4-dichlorobenzaldehyde (C7H4Cl2O) in 1:2 ratio in methanol. The compound is characterized by elemental analyze (CHN) and FT-IR (Fourier-transform infrared) spectroscopic technique which shows the presence of the imine group resulting from a condensation reaction and two potentiel donor sites. Crystal structure was obtained by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (RX). Compound crystallize in the orthorhombic system, space groupe Pnma with unit cell parameters: a = 7.0681(2) Å, b = 29,7679 (10) Å, c = 11.4545(4) Å, α =β =Ɣ = 90°, V = 2410.06 (14) Å3 and Z = 4. Due to a mirror plane through the molecule, the asymmetric unit consists of only half the molecule. In the crystal structure of the compound, the dihedral angle formed between an aromatic ring C08/C06/C07/C10/C13/C09 and the aliphatic group C11/C15/C14/N04/C14/C15/C11 is equal to 77.42°. In addition, the aromatic rings are in the Trans position with the aliphatic group compared to the imine bonds C12-N05 and the angle formed around C12 is 120.78 (11)° whose is sufficient to maintain the cycles in Trans configuration. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG) of the compound shows very good thermal stability and decomposition from 180°C.
Phytochemical Screening and Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Antiplasmodial Activities of "Ahoutou", a Recipe Used in the Treatment of Malaria in Ivory Coast
Authors: Bohui Gouegoui , Beourou Sylvain , Sanogo Djibiliour , N’guessan Jean , Attioua Koffi , Adima Augustin
Published: September 2024

Recipes based on medicinal plants are frequently used to treat malaria in Ivory Coast. Among these recipes is Ahoutou, made from a mixture of the leaves of three plants, one of the most widely used in the village of Djahakro in the commune of Yamoussoukro. However, the use of medicinal plant-based recipes in the fight against malaria must be based on scientific evidence of safety, efficacy and quality. The aim of this study is to provide a scientific, phytochemical and pharmacological basis for the traditional therapeutic use of Ahoutou. To this end, a phytochemical study of the Ahoutou extract was carried out, the antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH test and then the in vitro anti-plasmodial activity was carried out on clinical isolates and on the reference strain Dd2. The phytochemical study revealed the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, steroids and triterpenes. The antioxidant activity test showed that Ahoutou was capable of reducing the DPPH free radical. Ahoutou showed promising anti-plasmodial activity (IC50 =12.86 µg/mL) in the clinical strain and moderate activity (IC50 =23.40 µg/mL) in the reference strain. Our results would justify the use of this recipe in the treatment of malaria. We plan to study the toxicity of Ahoutou.
The Transition from Agricultural Land to Nzila Village in the Commune of Bimbo in Bangui in the Central African Republic
Authors: Gonitoua Line , Ngana Felix
Published: September 2024

Agricultural land near large cities is undergoing unprecedented changes across the world. The land resources suitable for agriculture in Nzila village, in the commune of Bimbo near the city of Bangui are no exception. The objective of this study is to analyze the transition that agricultural land is undergoing in the Nzila village in the face of the phenomenon of urbanization. It makes it possible to diagnose the causes and consequences of this transformation on the food security of rural and urban populations. Analytical and descriptive methods are used to carry out this study. A survey of 60 people based on a series of interviews and questionnaires made it possible to collect the field data contained in this work. According to this survey, 78.33% of people recognize that agricultural land in Nzila has undergone a transition due to urbanization. In 2008, this agricultural area was selected for the establishment of industries. This project came to fruition in 2010 with the construction of a cement plant in Nzila by an Indian company. This cement plant occupies a large part of the 10 hectares to the detriment of the first occupants of the area. The subdivision of the entire Laurent-Bois sector in 2012, by the land registry services, took place in plantations of cassava, yams and plantains, and corn, leading to uprisings among the victims. Farmers are forced to free up this agricultural space to cross beyond 1 kilometer, to the Trandia village opposite to cultivate, while the others have left 54 km away due to the transformation of the village into an industrial zone. The anarchic occupation of land for the construction of housing has negative effects on peri-urban agricultural land, that is to say without notice from the land registry services or town planning services following the urbanization of the certain peripheral districts of Bangui. This situation will push farmers to seek or move very far from the city in search of agricultural land. The State is involved in the disappearance of peri-urban agricultural land south of the city of Bangui through its subdivisions. He expropriates farmers from their agricultural land by forcing them to go 30 km, very far, to make way for him. In the Central African Republic, the State has the power to expropriate and evict a natural or legal person from land.
The Integration of 21st-Century Skills into the Higher Education Curriculum: Practices and Perspectives Systematic Review
Authors: Birru Yonas
Published: September 2024

There is a need to enrich higher education to meet future challenges by integrating 21st-century skills into the curriculum and by applying new teaching methods. Numerous studies have examined the integration of 21st-century skills into the higher education curriculum in various countries. This systematic review intends to analyze articles published on the integration of 21st-century skills into higher education. Three overarching questions identified for the systematic review were formulated and refined by PICO. A search for relevant articles was conducted using keywords from electronic databases. The study identified relevant published articles between 2014 and 2023 from Google Scholar, ERIC, and Semantic Scholar electronic databases. Eighteen articles were identified and included in the study by applying eligibility criteria fixed for the systematic review study. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) criteria were used to organize the articles search and to prepare the systematic review paper. EndNote software was used for reference management. The articles were analyzed and findings were presented by qualitative systematic review. The review findings reveal that the 21st-century skills include learning and innovation skills; information, media, and technology skills; life and career skills to equip the students for future workplaces. The findings also indicate that the integration of 21st-century skills into the curriculum enables the development of students' creativity, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, flexibility and adaptability, initiative and self-direction, social and cross-cultural skills, productivity and accountability, and leadership and responsibility. Moreover, teachers play a significant role in assisting students to develop 21st-century skills by applying different methods of teaching that increase higher education students’ abilities. The study suggests there is a high need for enriching the higher education curriculum by focusing on 21st-century skills to meet the twenty-first-century challenges. Modernizing the curriculum for higher education in Ethiopia by incorporating 21st-century skills will be viewed as a critical national policy intervention issue, as many of the graduate programs that are currently offered were created several years ago and require current knowledge and radical teaching techniques.
Research on College Students' Attitudes Towards Online Learning Platforms and Their Impact on Learning Engagement: A Case Study of the "Cloud Classroom" Teaching Platform
Authors: Wei Li , xing Qiu
Published: September 2024

With the continuous advancement of information technology and its deepening integration with educational teaching, online learning has developed rapidly. Online learning platforms have become increasingly sophisticated, and many universities choose Yun Class as the platform to provide diverse teaching interactions for teachers and students. To understand students' attitudes towards using the Yun Class platform for professional courses and its impact on student engagement, a survey was conducted among 80 junior college students majoring in Finance at the College of Applied Sciences, Beijing Union University, from the class of 2022. The collected data were organized and analyzed using software such as SPSS26, Amos22, and Graphpad7.0. Research findings show that students' attitudes towards using Yun Class significantly influence two sub-dimensions of learning engagement—emotional engagement and behavioral engagement. This indicates that students generally support the use of the Yun Class platform for professional courses, and this supportive attitude positively affects their learning engagement. The study concludes that Yun Class, as an aid to teaching, embodies the student-centered teaching philosophy and provides a convenient and powerful learning platform for independent student learning, which is worth promoting. It also points out that the implementation of teaching using the Yun Class platform must highlight the crucial role of teachers, strengthen supervision and guidance, focus on cultivating students' ability for independent learning, and improve the learning outcomes based on the Yun Class platform.
Costal Amyloidosis: First Case in Literature
Authors: Mouad Gourti , Hachmi Mohammed , Belfkih Imane , Ammor Fatimezzahra , Makloul Mouhssine , Elmehdi Maidi
Published: September 2024

Amyloidosis is a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by the extracellular deposition of amyloid proteins in various tissues and organs, which leads to significant morbidity and mortality. The most commonly affected organs include the kidneys, liver, spleen, heart, and nervous system, where the deposition of amyloid proteins disrupts normal function and causes a wide range of clinical manifestations. Involvement of osseous structures, particularly the ribs, is exceedingly rare and has not been extensively documented in the medical literature, making it a subject of significant clinical interest. This study aims to present a rare and fortuitously discovered case of costal amyloidosis in a patient who initially presented with a chest wall mass. The patient’s presentation, diagnostic workup, and subsequent management are detailed to provide a comprehensive overview of this unusual manifestation of amyloidosis. Clinical evaluation revealed a firm, non-tender mass on the chest wall, prompting further investigation. Biological analyses included a series of laboratory tests to rule out common differential diagnoses and identify potential systemic involvement. Radiological evaluation comprised of advanced imaging techniques, including chest X-ray, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which highlighted the nature and extent of the osseous involvement. A biopsy of the mass was performed, and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of amyloidosis through the identification of amyloid deposits using specific staining techniques. The case also examines the evolutionary aspects of the disease, discussing the progression and changes observed over time through regular follow-ups. Therapeutic strategies were implemented based on the latest guidelines and tailored to the patient's specific condition, including both pharmacological and surgical interventions. The short-term and long-term outcomes of these interventions are analyzed, highlighting the challenges and successes encountered during the treatment process. By presenting this case, we aim to shed light on the rare occurrence of costal amyloidosis, its diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic considerations. This case underscores the importance of considering amyloidosis in the differential diagnosis of chest wall masses and contributes to the broader understanding of the disease's clinical spectrum. Additionally, it emphasizes the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach in managing such rare and complex cases, ensuring comprehensive care and improved patient outcomes.
The Bard, the witch and the cathedral: A Shakespearean note on sacred kingship
Authors: Meylan Nicolas
Published: September 2024

Sacred kingship has been a fixture of anthropology and the history of religions since its introduction by James Frazer in the late 19th century. While sacred kingship has gone through numerous iterations, it has consistently served as a means to reflect on the more-than-human nature of kings, and hence of royal legitimation. It is to this latter issue that this article seeks to contribute by means of a case study drawn from the historical plays of William Shakespeare. Not only does the Bard provide a fine instantiation of sacred kingship; his plays also shed light on the ways the concept might be instrumentalized. Nicolas Meylan’s reading of Shakespeare thus suggests a theoretical adjustment to the general concept of sacred kingship by foregrounding its discursive dimension.
The occupation of Ottawa: Canadian rupture, American rapture or Reformation tradition?
Authors: Wolfart Johannes
Published: September 2024

The key practices of the Freedom Convoy/trucker protest – prominently, truck-borne pilgrimage and truck-based occupation, but also ‘hot-tubbing’ – as well as the discursive practices of observers – notably, intimations of moral depravity, including child abuse – bear a remarkable resemblance to the behaviours often associated with the ‘popular’ or ‘radical’ protests of evangelicals in the 16th-century European Reformation. This suggests that the presence of diverse aspects of Christian evangelicalism in the Freedom Convoy (placards, rhetorical performances, etc.), generally considered exotic by those members of the press who did not just ignore them altogether, was deeply rooted in several histories of European immigration and settlement in Canada. This article argues that the Freedom Convoy, far from representing a rupture in Canadian political culture (possibly due to an invasive influence of contemporary American political culture), demonstrates long cultural continuities mediated by religious communities firmly established in Canada. Several Canadian evangelical subcultures present at the Freedom Convoy actively maintain a strong sense of European Reformation heritage, apparently along with what J. C. Scott once termed ‘hidden transcripts’ for evangelical political protest.
Adaptive neural network terminal sliding mode tracking control for uncertain nonlinear systems with time-varying state constraints
Authors: Jiang Dao-gen , Lv Long-jin , Song Sun-hao , Li Jia-hao
Published: September 2024

Exploring a novel adaptive asymmetric sliding mode control methodology with time-varying state constraints (TVSCs), we address trajectory tracking issues in uncertain nonlinear systems. The asymmetric barrier Lyapunov functions (ABLFs) and neural networks is employed within each subsystem’s virtual control design process using back-stepping control (BSC) method. This ensures the imposition of TVSCs and effectively addresses challenges posed by system uncertainties. Additionally, to enhance the convergence of tracking deviations within small zero neighborhoods, a nonsingular integral terminal sliding mode control (NITSMC) method is incorporated into the actual control algorithm design. This method illustrates that, the system states consistently stay within the specified boundaries, tracking errors rapidly converge to a confined range. All signals within the system remain bounded. Simulation findings affirm the efficacy of the suggested control strategy.
Physical Intimate Partner Violence and Increased Partner Aggression During Pregnancy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results From the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System
Authors: D’Angelo Denise V. , Kapaya Martha , Swedo Elizabeth A. , Basile Kathleen C. , Agathis Nickolas T. , Zapata Lauren B. , Lee Rosalyn D. , Li Qing , Ruvalcaba Yanet , Meeker Jessica R. , Salvesen von Essen Beatriz , Clayton Heather B. , Warner Lee
Published: September 2024

Objectives:

Public health emergencies can elevate the risk for intimate partner violence (IPV). Our objectives were 2-fold: first, to assess the prevalence of physical IPV and increased aggression from a husband or partner that occurred during pregnancy and was perceived to be due to the COVID-19 pandemic; second, to examine associations between these experiences and (1) COVID-19–related stressors and (2) postpartum outcomes.

Methods:

We used data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System that were collected in 29 US jurisdictions among individuals with a live birth in 2020. We estimated the prevalence of violence during pregnancy by demographic characteristics and COVID-19–related stressors. We calculated adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) to examine associations of physical IPV or increased aggression with COVID-19–related stressors, postpartum outcomes, and infant birth outcomes.

Results:

Among 14 154 respondents, 1.6% reported physical IPV during pregnancy, and 3.1% reported increased aggression by a husband or partner due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents experiencing any economic, housing, or childcare COVID-19–related stressors reported approximately twice the prevalence of both types of violence as compared with those without COVID-19–related stressors. Physical IPV and increased aggression were associated with a higher prevalence of postpartum depressive symptoms (APRs, 1.73 and 2.28, respectively) and postpartum cigarette smoking (APRs, 1.74 and 2.19). Physical IPV was associated with a lower prevalence of attending postpartum care visits (APR, 1.84).

Conclusions:

Our findings support the need for ongoing efforts to prevent IPV during pregnancy and to ensure the availability of resources during public health emergencies.
Increased Identification of Vaccines for Vaccine Safety Surveillance Through Linkage With the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection as of December 31, 2023
Authors: Zhu Jingyi , Vazquez-Benitez Gabriela , DeSilva Malini B. , Kuckler Leslie , Trower Nicole , Muscoplat Miriam Halstead , Bieringer Aaron , Groom Holly C. , Kharbanda Elyse O.
Published: September 2024

Objectives:

The HealthPartners’ Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) team maintains standardized files of vaccines from medical and pharmacy claims and electronic health records (established data sources) for safety surveillance. Since 2021, for selected vaccines, data from the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC), Minnesota’s immunization information system, have been added to the HealthPartners’ VSD files. We examined how MIIC data have enhanced the identification of novel and routine vaccines.

Methods:

We describe the approach to incorporating MIIC data. We determined and compared the number and proportion of vaccines identified from established data sources with the additional capture of vaccine data identified from MIIC, in which age group and period of observation varied by vaccine.

Results:

As of December 31, 2023, of 1 099 411 people in the HealthPartners’ VSD cohort, 1 001 400 people (91%) were linked with an MIIC record. Across all data sources, for the full cohort, >2.7 million COVID-19 vaccine doses were recorded since 2020, >4000 mpox vaccine doses since 2022, >7.3 million influenza vaccine doses since 2004, >600 000 human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine doses since 2006, and >1.1 million diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine doses since 2004. For COVID-19 vaccines, about 30% of vaccine doses were exclusively captured from MIIC, with the remaining 70% from established data sources. For the mpox vaccine, about 42% were exclusively from MIIC. For influenza, HPV, and DTaP vaccines, about 20%, 14%, and 17%, respectively, were exclusively identified from MIIC.

Conclusions:

Incorporation of data from state immunization information systems into existing vaccine data files can enhance monitoring on the safety of novel vaccines administered outside traditional health care settings and can enhance data quality for routine childhood and adult vaccines.
Design of nature-inspired patterns on knitted fabrics for directional transportation of sweat and study of their performances
Authors: Liu Li-Yan , Liu Guo-Hua , Shou Bing-Bing , Li Ting-Ting , Ren Hai-Tao , Lin Jia-Horng , Lou Ching-Wen , Xu Yu-Man
Published: October 2024

The human body in a hot environment or during intense training will sweat a lot. Traditional cotton fabrics are soft and breathable, but they tend to absorb moisture easily and evaporate it slowly, which makes people feel cold and wet. Sweat staying on fabrics for a long time could also cause bacteria to grow. Thus, it is necessary to transport the excessive sweat from the gathering section to the collection points along the surface paths in time to minimize such problems. The mechanism of directional water transport of desert beetles, cacti, nepenthes, and river meanders was referenced in this paper. The paths in dot, tree, V-shape, and river meander patterns were designed and manufactured from the inspiration of these natural architectures. The paths were coated on the surfaces of selected knitted fabrics with different structures through a one-step coating process. The optimal recipe of hydrophobic solution was determined when 0.1 g hydroxyethyl-cellulose (HEC) was added into MS-S002 solution. The results showed that sweat movement is mainly influenced by FL, FWD, FG, and knitted structure. The continuous and enclosed paths such as tree and river contribute to a better sweat moving track than those of dot and V-shape ones. Terry structure is more suitable for surface sweat transport than plain and pique. The highest movement speed of the terry structure with a tree pattern reaches 0.43 cm/s, followed by that of the terry structure with river pattern 0.35 cm/s. The coated fabrics also have ideal moisture and air permeability for wearing.
A Cross-Sectional Study of Concurrent Validity of the “Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale” with the “Sheehan Disability Scale” in Patients with Common Mental Disorders
Authors: Kondapura Manjunatha B , Manjunatha Narayana , Nagaraj Anil Kumar M , Praharaj Samir K , Kumar Channaveerachari Naveen , Math Suresh Bada
Published: October 2024

Background:

Worldwide, common mental disorders (CMDs) (depression, anxiety, somatoform disorders) have a high prevalence in the community. About one-third of them experience disability. As the Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale (IDEAS) was originally designed by the Indian Psychiatric Society to assess disability in severe mental illnesses, it has not been widely used among CMDs. Our objective was to compare and establish a correlation between the level of disability obtained using IDEAS and the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) in CMDs.

Methods:

A cross-sectional assessment of disability was performed among 220 consenting patients with CMDs. Disability scores of IDEAS and SDS were compared and correlated across the three varieties of CMDs.

Results:

Age, gender, education, socioeconomic class, duration of illness, and duration of treatment exhibited significant differences among the three CMD groups. Both IDEAS and SDS show a milder level of disability; they did not differ significantly in their scores across CMDs. A strong correlation was seen between SDS and IDEAS across most domains.

Conclusion:

The study revealed strong concurrent validity between the two scales, thus advocating that indigenously designed IDEAS can convincingly assess disability across the CMDs among the Indian population.
Design of decolorization of methylene blue mixed synthetic wastewater via modified vermiculite using Taguchi method
Authors: Dandil Sahra
Published: October 2024

In this study, vermiculite was modified and used in the decolorization of wastewater containing methylene blue. Taguchi experimental design method was applied to the process. An L16 orthogonal array was obtained according to Taguchi design by determining five factors effective on the process (pH, time, concentration, amount, and temperature) and four levels of these factors. Taguchi method determined concentration as the most effective factor. It suggested pH 3, 60 min, 5 mg.L−1, 2 g.L−1 and 50°C as optimum conditions. Equilibrium studies were carried out with Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models, and the process was found to be compatible with the Langmuir ( R2 = 0.9103) and Dubinin–Radushkevich ( R2 = 0.9344) model. It was determined that the material had a maximum capacity of 9.60 mg.g−1. In kinetic studies conducted with pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and intraparticle diffusion models, the process complied with the pseudo-first-order ( R2 = 0.9903) and intraparticle diffusion ( R2 = 0.9811) models. The chemical composition was determined, and phase analysis was performed. By Branuer–Teller–Emmet analysis, it was determined that vermiculite exhibited a higher surface area (8.00 m2/g) by modifying it. It was seen as a result of Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy analysis that the active functional groups were similar for vermiculite and modified vermiculite. Mass losses of both materials were evaluated by thermal analysis.
Flag sign: a case report of an unusual magnetic resonance imaging finding of a free lateral meniscal fragment
Authors: Zhang Liang , Zhang Li , Ren Bo , Kang Xin , Zhang Xian , Zhao Zandong , Zheng Jiang
Published: September 2024

Background

Meniscal injury is a common sports medicine condition. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used to effectively diagnose meniscal injury. A flag sign on MRI is usually typical of a meniscal root tear. We report the case of a “flag sign” caused by a free lateral meniscal fragment that mimicked the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) signal on MRI.

Case presentation

This was a 21-year-old male patient who suffered a knee injury (swelling and pain) playing football. A physical examination revealed positive Lachman and lateral McMurray tests. MRI images showed an ACL injury and the flag sign, and a diagnosis of ACL tear and lateral meniscal injury was made. Arthroscopic lateral meniscal repair and ACL reconstruction were performed. Six months postoperatively, MRI showed that the injuries were well healed. In this particular case, the flag sign introduced interference to the MRI assessment of ACL injury.

Conclusions

This case illustrates that clinicians should carefully identify the morphological changes in the meniscus and the relationship of the meniscus with the femoral condyle before reaching a final diagnosis.
At what temperature should the tire rolling resistance be measured?
Authors: Ejsmont Jerzy , Ronowski Grzegorz , Berge Truls , Sommer Sławomir , Owczarzak Wojciech , Szerszyńska Anna
Published: October 2024

The climate crisis is already an indisputable fact and therefore, it is necessary to reduce energy consumption, and especially energy wasting. One of the ways to reduce energy consumption of motor vehicles is to decrease vehicle movement resistance, including rolling resistance. In order for the optimization of tire rolling resistance to be efficient, it is necessary to apply appropriate optimization criteria that are closely related to typical vehicle traffic conditions. The article discusses the influence of the temperature at which tire rolling resistance tests are carried out on the results obtained. Currently applicable standards require testing of tire rolling resistance at ambient temperatures of 25°C (ISO) and 24°C (SAE). However, these temperatures are far from the typical temperatures in most areas with intense road traffic. The results obtained at a temperature of 25°C do not allow clear conclusions about the tires’ performance in more typical thermal conditions prevailing in different seasons. The analyzes presented in the article indicate that better representativeness of the rolling resistance estimates can be obtained by testing summer tires at a temperature of +15°C and winter tires at a temperature of −5°C.
Practical three-dimensional path following and control for unmanned combat aerial vehicles based on expansion of L1+ guidance logic and disturbance rejection
Authors: Wang Zian , Zhang Chengxi , Wan Haiying , Zheng Xiong , Gong Zheng , Zeng Xingxing , Wu Jin
Published: October 2024

An effective virtual-target-based three-dimensional path-following algorithm is proposed for unmanned combat aerial vehicles, which extends from the planar [Formula: see text] guidance. The separated implementation of the planar guidance law in two perpendicular planes provides the longitudinally-laterally decoupled acceleration commands. In order to obtain a non-unique virtual-target-point, a numerical iterative method using auxiliary path-related variables is proposed. Moreover, two protection improvements are discussed for real-word implementation: one involves the modification of adaptive [Formula: see text] length for vehicle position far away from the desired path; the other involves a switching strategy for multi-segment paths. The improved algorithm eliminates complex coordinate transformation and easily connects different types of path segments. For the control loop, technology enhanced with the active disturbance rejection control was used to facilitate the design of a bank-to-turn autopilot. For the pitch and roll channels, a rate-damping augmentation loop was used first to transform the original system into a generalized plant. Then the second-order active disturbance rejection control was structured to estimate the total disturbance, including time-varying dynamics, model mismatch, and coupling of channels, making the system an ideal integral-series type. The non-smooth optimization technique in the H-infinity methodology was used to facilitate tuning of the fixed-structure active disturbance rejection control.
Men in European Union’s gender equality policies
Authors: Gulczyński Michał
Published: October 2024

Gender mainstreaming is designed to address the social roles of both women and men. How are men included in gender equality policies? I conduct an analysis of all gender equality strategies and annual reports of the European Commission – a global leader in this field – since 1982. I find that, since the mid 1990s, the Commission has included men as contributors to gender equality (‘problem solvers’). Yet, men’s disadvantages in education and health were only addressed between 2006 and 2015. Later on, men’s problems have been ignored, as they have been increasingly portrayed as a uniformly privileged group, undeserving of European policies. This withdrawal from addressing men’s problems exposes the tension between legitimising policies for one group (women) and addressing the needs of a complementary group (men). A novel approach to gender equality policies should revive the global debate on their meaning and implications. My findings also raise new questions about the power of the European Commission to construct policy target populations.
Replications are informative, particularly when they fail
Authors: Derksen Maarten , Morawski Jill
Published: October 2024

Our comment on Archer’s enticing article focuses on his extension of Bhaskar’s philosophy to psychology, and on direct replication, which the author says is of very limited use in psychology. We only deal with critical realism indirectly. Our arguments boil down to two points: experiments can usefully be seen as performative (and the same goes for research in general), and replication is not problematic in psychology because of the variability of results, but useful for precisely that reason. Replication studies may even inspire psychologists to accept a wider range of epistemic approaches, although there are reasons to be pessimistic about the likelihood of fundamental change in the discipline.