bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancements Cascades '24: Veg and Pollinator Survey v1
Authors: Ponisio Lauren , not provided rmcdonal
Published: February 2024

Protocol for surveying florally enhanced and control stands within the timberland forests burned by the 2020 wildfire.
Teachers’ Continuous Professional Development through Lesson Study: Voices of Vietnamese EFL Teachers at University
Authors: Nguyen Anh-Thi , Nguyen Huong-Tra , Phuong Hoang-Yen , Le Thanh-Thao , Pham Trut-Thuy , Huynh-Thi Anh-Thu
Published: February 2024

This study investigated how teachers perceived the benefits and difficulties of implementing a Lesson Study (LS) in the context of English language teaching at a university in Vietnam. The data were collected from six teachers through semi-structured interviews. To analyze the data, two addressing themes (teachers’ perceived benefits and teachers’ perceived difficulties) were focused on while implementing LS. The results generally showed that the teachers believed that LS brought them three benefits: encouraging teachers’ exchange activities and helping them deepen knowledge of lesson content, understanding students’ learning activities and working processes, and promoting teachers’ motivation in pursuing their continuous professional development (CPD). Regarding teachers’ perceived difficulties in LS implementation, they reported lacking confidence in actively implementing LS activities. Additionally, they had difficulties in time management and encountered problems reaching a consensus for joint work due to the influence of muti-faceted aspects. Accordingly, the study provides pedagogical implications for related stakeholders (teachers, students, and policymakers) regarding LS implementation issues contributing to the success of LS implementation in Vietnam and other similar contexts.
Role of virtual reality in advancing forensic medical examination in cases of occupational safety violations: a review
Authors: Kassenova Samal O. , Voyevodkin Denis V.
Published: February 2024

This article discusses the prospects for introducing innovative technologies in the form of virtual and augmented reality when conducting forensic examinations of certain categories of criminal cases, such as violations of labor protection rules. Problematic aspects are revealed when conducting inspections of crime scenes in hard-to-reach areas with possible risks to people.
Based on a generalization of scientific works and practical experience of foreign countries, the application of innovations in scientific and technological progress in forensic examinations were analyzed.
The authors proposed an algorithm for conducting forensic examination in the field of labor protection using virtual reality technology, as well as its further application in legal proceedings. The proposed algorithm can serve as basis for the development of more effective and safe methods for conducting forensic examinations in virtual reality.
The development of detailed 3D injury models that simulate real-life accident scenarios will enable more accurate and objective injury assessments. Moreover, compared to traditional forensics, the use of virtual reality technology ensures high accuracy of measurements and coverage of the entire object under investigation, significantly reduces operating time, and stores all received information in its original state, which is an excellent opportunity to recreate the scene of an incident in real time.
The introduction of virtual reality into forensic examination in cases of violation of labor protection rules will contribute to efficiency, objectivity, completeness, and ensuring the reliability of not only the conclusions of forensic examinations but also legal proceedings in general. Additionally, this direction of technology development represents significant benefits for the judicial system, contributing to the reduction of time and fair trials in the field of labor protection and in other categories of criminal cases.
Adjoint Waveform Tomography for Crustal and Upper Mantle Structure of the Middle East and Southwest Asia for Improved Waveform Simulations Using Openly Available Broadband Data
Authors: Rodgers Arthur J. , Krischer Lion , Afanasiev Michael , Boehm Christian , Doody Claire , Simmons Nathan
Published: February 2024

We present a new model of radially anisotropic seismic wavespeeds for the crust and upper mantle of a broad region of the Middle East and Southwest Asia (MESWA) derived from adjoint waveform tomography. The new model enables fully 3D simulations of complete three-component waveforms and provides improved fits that were not possible with previous models. We inverted over 32,000 waveforms from 192 earthquakes recorded by over 1000 openly available broadband seismic stations from permanent and temporary networks in the region with highly uneven coverage. Inversion iterations proceeded from the period band 50–100 s in six stages and 54 total iterations reducing the minimum period to 30 s. Our final model, MESWA, improves waveform fits compared to the starting and other models for both the data used in the inversion and an independent validation set of 66 events. Restitution tests indicate that the model resolves features in the central part of the model to depths of about 150 km. The new model reveals tectonic features imaged by other studies and methods but in a new holistic model of anisotropic shear and compressional wavespeeds (VS and VP, respectively) covering a larger domain with smaller scale length and amplified features. Examples include low crustal VS in the Tethyan belt and low mantle VS following divergent (Gulf of Aden, Red Sea) and transform (Dead Sea fault) margins of the Arabian plate. Low VS is imaged below Cenozoic volcanic centers of the Mecca–Madina–Nafud Line, Arabian Peninsula, and the Türkiye–Iran border region. Elevated VS tracks Makran subduction under southeast Iran with near vertical dip. MESWA could be used as a starting model for further improvements, say, using waveforms from in-country seismic networks that are not currently openly available and/or smaller-scale studies targeting a shorter period. The model could be used to improve earthquake hazard studies and nuclear explosion monitoring.
Fiber Seismic Network on the Moon
Authors: Wu Wenbo , Zhan Zhongwen , Panning Mark , Klesh Andrew
Published: February 2024

Internal structures of the Moon are key to understanding the origin and evolution of the Earth–Moon system and other planets. The Apollo Passive Seismic Experiment detected thousands of lunar seismic events and vastly improved our understanding of the Moon’s interior. However, some critical questions like the state and composition of the core remain unsolved largely due to the sparsity of the Apollo seismic stations and the strong scattering of seismic waves in the top layer of the Moon. In this study, we propose the concept of a fiber seismic network on the Moon and discuss its potential in overcoming the challenges in imaging deep Moon structures. As an emerging technique, distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) can provide a cost-efficient solution for large-aperture and dense seismic network deployment in harsh environments. We compute lunar synthetic seismograms and evaluate the performance of DAS arrays of different configurations in retrieving the hidden core reflected seismic phase ScS from the strong scattered waves. We find that, compared to a sparse conventional seismic network, a fiber seismic network using tens of kilometers of cable can dramatically increase the chance of observing clear ScS by array stacking. Our results indicate that DAS could provide new opportunities for the future lunar seismic surveys, but more efforts and further evaluations are required to develop a space-proof DAS.
The determinants of poverty in the West Papua province
Authors: Pentury Marthen Anthon
Published: February 2024

Poverty has become a serious development problem, including in West Papua Province. This research has become a fundamental issue because West Papua tends to be difficult to get out of poverty problems, which has the second-highest percentage of poverty in Indonesia. This study aims to analyze the determinants of poverty in West Papua. The dependent variable is poverty, and the independent variables are population density, unemployment, human development index, and the average length of schooling. This research uses multiple regression analysis time series, 11 years period. The finding of this study is that unemployment has a positive and significant effect on poverty. Meanwhile, the human development index and the average length of schooling have a negative and significant effect. The implication is that the human development index and the average length of schooling must be expanded in scope to open access to people living in remote areas. The region's characteristics and the population tend to live in the interior, so accessibility is an important factor in alleviating poverty in West Papua.
Development of Speech Command Control Based TinyML System for Post-Stroke Dysarthria Therapy Device
Authors: Riyanta Bambang , Irianta Henry Ardian , Kamiel Berli Paripurna
Published: February 2024

Post-stroke dysarthria (PSD) is a widespread outcome of a stroke. To help in the objective evaluation of dysarthria, the development of pathological voice recognition and technology has a lot of attention. Soft robotics therapy devices have been received as an alternative rehabilitation and hand grasp assistance for improving activity daily living (ADL). Despite the significant progress in this field, most soft robotic therapy devices use a complex, bulky, lack of pathological voice recognition model, large computational power, and stationary controller. This study aims to develop a portable wirelessly multi-controller with a simulated dysarthric vowel speech in Bahasa Indonesia and non-dysarthric micro speech recognition, using tiny machine learning (TinyMl) system for hardware efficiency. The speech interface using INMP441, compute with a lightweight Deep Convolutional Neural network (DCNN) design and embedded into ESP-32. Feature model using Short Time Fourier Transform (STFT) and fed into CNN. This method has proven useful in micro-speech recognition with low computational power in both speech scenarios with a level of accuracy above 90%. Realtime inference performance on ESP-32 using hand prosthetics, with 3-level household noise intensity respectively 24db,42db, and 62db, and has respectively resulted from 95%, 85%, and 50% Accuracy. Wireless connectivity success rate with both controllers is around 0.2 - 0.5 ms.
Early Prediction of Gestational Diabetes with Parameter-Tuned K-Nearest Neighbor Classifier
Authors: Assegie Tsehay Admassu , Suresh Tamilarasi , Purushothaman Raguraman , Ganesan Sangeetha , Kumar Napa Komal
Published: February 2024

Diabetes is one of the quickly spreading chronic diseases causing health complications, such as diabetes retinopathy, kidney failure, and cardiovascular disease. Recently, machine-learning techniques have been widely applied to develop a model for the early prediction of diabetes. Due to its simplicity and generalization capability, K-nearest neighbor (KNN) has been one of the widely employed machine learning techniques for diabetes prediction. Early diabetes prediction has a significant role in managing and preventing complications associated with diabetes, such as retinopathy, kidney failure, and cardiovascular disease. However, the prediction of diabetes in the early stage has remained challenging due to the accuracy and reliability of the KNN model. Thus, gird search hyperparameter optimization is employed to tune the K values of the KNN model to improve its effectiveness in predicting diabetes. The developed hyperparameter-tuned KNN model was tested on the diabetes dataset collected from the UCI machine learning data repository. The dataset contains 768 instances and 8 features. The study applied Min-max scaling to scale the data before fitting it to the KNN model. The result revealed KNN model performance improves when the hyperparameter is tuned.  With hyperparameter tuning, the accuracy of KNN improves by 5.29% accuracy achieving 82.5% overall accuracy for predicting diabetes in the early stage. Therefore, the developed KNN model applied to clinical decision-making in predicting diabetes at an early stage. The early identification of diabetes could aid in early intervention, personalized treatment plans, or reducing healthcare costs reducing associated risks such as retinopathy, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease.
Real-Time Inverse Dynamic Deep Neural Network Tracking Control for Delta Robot Based on a COVID-19 Optimization
Authors: Shamseldin Mohamed
Published: February 2024

This paper presents a new technique to design an inverse dynamic model for a delta robot experimental setup to obtain an accurate trajectory. The input/output data were collected using an NI DAQ card where the input is the random angles profile for the three-axis and the output is the corresponding measured torques. The inverse dynamic model was developed based on the deep neural network (NN) and the new COVID-19 optimization to find the optimal initial weights and bias values of the NN model. Due to the system uncertainty and nonlinearity, the inverse dynamic model is not enough to track accurately the preselected profile. So, the PD compensator is used to absorb the error deviation of the end effector. The experimental results show that the proposed inverse dynamic deep NN with PD compensator achieves good performance and high tracking accuracy. The suggested control was examined using two different methods. The spiral path is the first, with a root mean square error of 0.00258 m, while the parabola path is the second, with a root mean square error of 0.00152 m.
Urinary Tract Infection Bacteria Classification: Artificial Intelligence-based Medical Application
Authors: Fadlil Abdul , Fathurrahman Haris Imam Karim , Lin Yu-Hao , Kamilah Farhah , Sunardi Sunardi
Published: February 2024

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a type of health disorder, an infection in the urinary glands mainly caused by bacteria. Currently, conventional early detection methods that have been established involve rapid dipstick strip test and urine culture analysis, which have suboptimal accuracy and effectiveness. Several retrospective studies regarding UTI bacteria classification have shown promising results, but still have limitations regarding prediction accuracy and technical simplicity. This study aims to implement a method based on artificial intelligence (AI) in classifying images of bacteria that causes UTIs. Eight artificial intelligence methods based on deep neural networks were used in the study; the models were evaluated and compared based on the prediction's effectiveness and accuracy. This study also seeks to create the easiest method of classifying bacteria causing UTIs using a computer-based application with the best obtained AI-based model. The best training results using an intelligent approach placed DenseNet201 as the method with the highest accuracy (83.99%). Then, the output model was used as a knowledge reference for the designed computer-based application. Real-time prediction results will appear in the application window.
Advanced Flowrate Control of Petroleum Products in Transportation: An Optimized Modified Model Reference PID Approach
Authors: Yaseen Yaseen Kh. , Mhmood Ali H. , Subhi Mohammed R. , Rakan Amer B. , Mohammed Hameed A.
Published: February 2024

Efficient flowrate control is paramount for the seamless operation and reliability of petroleum transportation systems, where precise control of fluid movement ensures not only operational efficiency but also safety and cost-effectiveness. The main aim of this paper is to develop a highly effective modified model reference PID controller, tailored to ensure optimal flowrate control of petroleum products throughout their transportation. Initially, the petrol transportation process is analyzed to establish a suitable mathematical model based on vital factors like pipeline diameter, length, and pump attributes. However, using a basic first-order time delay model for petrol transportation systems is limiting due to inaccuracies, variable delay issues, safety oversights, and real-time control complexities. To improve this, the delay portion is approximated as a third-order transfer function to better reflect complex physical conditions. Subsequently, the PID controller is synthesized by modifying its structure to address flowrate control issues. These modifications primarily focus on the controller’s derivative component, involving the addition of a first-order filter and alterations to its structure. To optimize the proposed controller, the genetic, black hole, and zebra optimization techniques are employed, aiming to minimize an integral time absolute error cost function and ensure that the outlet flow of the controlled system closely follows the response of an appropriate reference model. They are chosen for their proficiency in complex optimization to enhance the controller's effectiveness by optimizing parameters within constraints, adapting to system dynamics, and ensuring optimal conditions. Through simulations, it is demonstrated that the proposed controller significantly enhances the stability and efficiency of the control system, while maintaining practical control signals. Moreover, the proposed modifications and intelligent tuning of the PID controller yield remarkable improvements compared to previous related work, resulting in a 36% reduction in rise time, a 63% reduction in settling time, an 80% reduction in overshoot, and a 98% reduction in cost value.
Oil Palm USB (Unstripped Bunch) Detector Trained on Synthetic Images Generated by PGGAN
Authors: Aji Wahyu Sapto , Bin Ghazali Kamarul Hawari , Akbar Son Ali
Published: February 2024

Identifying Unstriped Bunches (USB) is a pivotal challenge in palm oil production, contributing to reduced mill efficiency. Existing manual detection methods are proven time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies. Therefore, we propose an innovative solution harnessing computer vision technology. Specifically, we leverage the Faster R-CNN (Region-based Convolution Neural Network), a robust object detection algorithm, and complement it with Progressive Growing Generative Adversarial Networks (PGGAN) for synthetic image generation. Nevertheless, a scarcity of authentic USB images may hinder the application of Faster R-CNN. Herein, PGGAN is assumed to be pivotal in generating synthetic images of Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB) and USB. Our approach pairs synthetic images with authentic ones to train the Faster R-CNN. The VGG16 feature generator serves as the architectural backbone, fostering enhanced learning. According to our experimental results, USB detectors that were trained solely with authentic images resulted in an accuracy of 77.1%, which highlights the potential of this methodology. However, employing solely synthetic images leads to a slightly reduced accuracy of 75.3%. Strikingly, the fusion of authentic and synthetic images in a balanced ratio of 1:1 fuels a remarkable accuracy surge to 87.9%, signifying a 10.1% improvement. This innovative amalgamation underscores the potential of synthetic data augmentation in refining detection systems. By amalgamating authentic and synthetic data, we unlock a novel dimension of accuracy in USB detection, which was previously unattainable. This contribution holds significant implications for the industry, ensuring further exploration into advanced data synthesis techniques and refining detection models.
Design and Develop a Non-Invasive Pulmonary Vibration Device for Secretion Drainage in Pediatric Patients with Pneumonia
Authors: Wongkamhang Anantasak , Wuttipan Nathamon , Chotikunnan Rawiphon , Roongprasert Kittipan , Chotikunnan Phichitphon , Thongpance Nuntachai , Sangworasil Manas , Srisiriwat Anuchart
Published: February 2024

The study aimed to develop a non-invasive pulmonary vibration device, specifically tailored for pediatric patients, to address a range of pulmonary conditions. The device employs a PID control system to ensure consistent and precise vibrations. The primary contribution of this research is the successful development, testing, and implementation of this innovative device. Utilizing technical components such as an Arduino, a vibration DC motor, and an ADXL335 accelerometer, the device was engineered to deliver stable and continuous vibrations even when subjected to external pressures or interactions with the patient. Controllers, including P, PI, PD, and PID types, were rigorously compared. The Ziegler-Nichols tuning technique was applied for meticulous evaluation of vibration control specifically within the context of this non-invasive pulmonary vibration device. Our findings revealed that the PID controller displayed superior accuracy in vibration control compared to P, PI, and PD controllers. Clinical trials involving pediatric patients showed that the PID-controlled device achieved treatment outcomes comparable to conventional methods. The device's precise control of vibration strength provides an added benefit, making it a well-tolerated, non-invasive treatment option for various pulmonary conditions in pediatric patients. Future research is necessary to assess the long-term effectiveness of the device and to facilitate its integration into standard clinical practice. In summary, this study represents a significant advancement in pediatric pulmonary care, demonstrating the critical role that PID control systems adapted for non-invasive pulmonary vibration devices can play in enhancing treatment precision and outcomes.
Towards Controlling Mobile Robot Using Upper Human Body Gesture Based on Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Fuad Muhammad , Umam Faikul , Wahyuni Sri , Fahriani Nuniek , Nurwahyudi Ilham , Darwaman Mochammad Ilham , Maulana Fahmi
Published: February 2024

Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) has challenges in investigation of a nonverbal and natural interaction. This study contributes to developing a gesture recognition system capable of recognizing the entire human upper body for HRI, which has never been done in previous research. Preprocessing is applied to improve image quality, reduce noise and highlight important features of each image, including color segmentation, thresholding and resizing. The hue, saturation, value (HSV) color segmentation is executed by utilizing blue color backdrop and additional lighting to deal with illumination issue. Then thresholding is performed to get a black and white image to distinguish between background and foreground. The resizing is completed to adjust the image to match the size expected by the model. The preprocessed data image is used as input for gesture recognition based on Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). This study recorded five gestures from five research subjects in difference gender and body posture with total of 450 images which divided into 380 and 70 images for training and testing respectively. Experiments that performed in an indoor environment showed that CNN achieved 92% of accuracy in the gesture recognition. It has lower level of accuracy compare to AlexNet model but with faster training computation time of 9 seconds. This result was obtained by testing the system over various distances. The optimal distance for a camera setting from user to interact with mobile robot by using gesture was 2.5 m. For future research, the proposed method will be improved and implemented for mobile robot motion control.
Comparison of risk factors of postpartum hemorrhage among normal versus cesarean delivery cases at a secondary care center in Naogaon
Authors: Banu M. Dilraj , Jikria Najmatun , Naim Jannatun , Ahmed Ashiq , Rabbani Mokaddes
Published: February 2024

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) involves excessive blood loss of 500 mL or more after vaginal delivery (NVD) or 1,000 mL or more after cesarean section within 24 hours postpartum. PPH significantly contributes to maternal mortality worldwide. Understanding the diverse effects of distinct risk factors is essential for effective mitigation. This study aimed to compare the risk factors of PPH among normal versus cesarean delivery (CD) cases at 250 bed modernized general hospital.
Methods: Conducted at the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, 250 bed modernized general hospital, Naogaon, Bangladesh, this prospective study investigated PPH in 100 women from 01 July, 2022 to 30 June, 2023. Participants were divided into two equal groups in number: Group A (normal vaginal delivery) and group B (caesarean-section delivery). Data collection and analysis were performed using MS office.
Results: In terms of risk factors, group A saw 4% maternal ages <19 and >40, while group B had 4% and 8% respectively. Artificial reproductive technique use was 2% in group A and 4% in group B. Weight gain >15.0 kg during pregnancy was 8% in group A and notably higher at 20% in group B. Gestational age <36 weeks affected 14% in group A and 8% in group B.
Conclusions: In normal vaginal deliveries, maternal age <19 years, gestational age <36 weeks, labor induction/augmentation by oxytocin and neonatal birth weight <2499 gm are prominent risk factors. For cesarean-section deliveries, maternal age >40, weight gain >15.0 kg, pre-eclampsia, and neonatal birth weight >3500 gm also pose significant risks.
Immunohistochemical expression of SNAIL and SLUG in endometrioid endometrial cancer and precursor lesions
Authors: Yadav Sunita , Makker Annu , Nayak Seema , Agarwal Preeti , Singh Uma , Goel Madhu Mati
Published: February 2024

Background: Endometrioid endometrial carcinoma is one of the most prevalent gynecologic cancers. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition is a multistep process involved in the development of cells that results in disappearance of intercellular adhesion in the epithelium and acquiring mesenchymal properties, hence influence cancer progression and metastasis. Loss of intercellular adhesion can be activated by different mechanisms, including transcriptional repression. However, the expression of transcriptional repressors in EEC and precursor lesions remain to be investigated. In the present study, we evaluated the immunohistochemical expression of proteins of transcriptional after repression snail and slug in EEC and its precursor lesions.
Methods: It was a prospective nested case-control study on women from 35 to 70 years of age. Endometrial biopsies were obtained and processed for routine histological diagnosis. Immunohistochemical expression of snail and slug were evaluated.
Results: A total of 39 EEC cases, 37 Endometrial hyperplasia and 19 normal controls were included in this study. Expression of snail was positive in 77% (30/39) and slug in 82% (32/39) of EEC cases while in precancer group snail was positive in 76% (28/37) and slug in 68% (25/37). In normal control snail was positive in 32% (6/19) and SLUG in 21% (4/19).
Conclusion: Up-regulation of snail & slug observed in both precancer and cancer cases, suggesting their involvement from an early stage of carcinogenesis. Therefore therapies targeted at transcriptional repressors at an early stage of carcinogenesis, i.e., at precancerous lesions, could play a valuable role in reducing cancer progression and metastasis.
Carbetocin versus oxytocin in primigravida for active management of third stage of labor: a prospective study
Authors: Patil Ambika , Puram Mounika , Thobbi Vidya A.
Published: February 2024

Background: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) stands as a prominent global contributor to maternal mortality. Oxytocin's short half-life and heat sensitivity pose challenges in resource-limited areas. Carbetocin, not requiring cold storage, is utilized in third-stage labor management. Consequently, this study aimed to compare the effectiveness of carbetocin with oxytocin in third-stage labor management.
Methods: In this prospective study of 200 primigravida patients, group A received heat-stable carbetocin (100 μg), while group B received oxytocin (10 IU) postpartum. Primary outcome such as mean blood loss in ml and Secondary outcomes such as proportion with blood loss >500 ml, need for uterotonic agents, blood transfusion, surgical PPH management, and drop in haemoglobin after 48 hours were recorded and compared.
Results: Groups A and B, comparable in age, blood pressure, and mild anaemia, exhibited significant gestational age differences (p<0.0001). Group B had higher mean blood loss (377.68 ml) than group A (345.34 ml) with a significant p=0.0118*. Side effects showed no differences among groups. Postpartum, group B saw a significant 7% incidence of haemorrhage compared to none in group A (p=0.0071).
Conclusions: Carbetocin showed superiority over oxytocin in the active management of third stage of labor, exhibiting a statistically significant reduction in PPH incidence and decreased requirement for additional uterotonic drugs.
Comparative study on the efficacy of mifepristone versus mifepristone and misoprostol in the induction of labor in cases of intrauterine fetal demise
Authors: Srivastava Sakshi , Sarkar Ruma , Bhadkaria Shivani , Sharma Pratima
Published: February 2024

Background: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of two labor induction methods, mifepristone alone and mifepristone followed by misoprostol, in cases of intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) beyond 28 weeks of gestation.
Methods: A prospective study was carried out at, BRD Medical College in Gorakhpur and aimed to investigate the efficacy of two different methods for labor induction in pregnancies with intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) beyond 28 weeks of gestation during September 2019 to August 2020. Sixty participants were divided into two groups of 30 each, with mifepristone administered orally in both groups. Group 2 received additional vaginal misoprostol. Patient demographics, Bishop scores, induction to active labor intervals, and induction to delivery intervals were examined. Augmentation methods, side effects, complications, and time to full dilatation were analyzed.
Results: The groups exhibited similar patient characteristics, including age, parity, socioeconomic status, and literacy rates. Gestational age at induction and Bishop scores were comparable. Both groups showed substantial improvements in Bishop scores. The induction to active labor interval was shorter in the mifepristone group, and the induction to delivery interval was similar. The mifepristone group required fewer mifepristone tablets, while the combination group used less misoprostol, reducing side effects. Complications were minimal, with a decreased need for augmentation methods in both groups.
Conclusions: Mifepristone, whether used alone or followed by misoprostol, proved effective in labor induction for IUFD beyond 28 weeks. Mifepristone's ability to enhance cervical ripening and prostaglandin sensitivity makes it a promising option for reducing the risks associated with delayed birth in cases of IUFD. These findings suggest that mifepristone can be a valuable addition to obstetric practices, particularly in cases where traditional induction methods may pose greater risks.
High prevalence of D/G group acrocentric RPL chromosome polymorphisms in 1400 recurrent pregnancy losses patients, an evaluation of genetic factor and reassessing CPMs in 21st century as normal variants?
Authors: Fauzdar Ashish , Dixit Vikas , Mavi Ritu , Khan Tanzila , Arya Rahul , Sharma Neeraj Kumar
Published: February 2024

Background: The current burden for recurrent pregnancy losses in India is quite high and is around 7.4% and majority of them with no definitive cause for pregnancy loss even after complete RPL workup. The objective of the study was to investigate the prevalence and possible association of chromosome polymorphisms with recurrent pregnancy loss patients.
Methods: A single centre case-control retrospective study on RPL patients undergoing conventional cytogenetics culture techniques to rule out chromosome abnormalities.
Results: The prevalence of chromosome polymorphism in the study was 33.7% (471/1400) high in comparison to previous studies. The acro ps+/- polymorphisms involving D/G group of chromosomes was significantly higher in the study group observed in 23.5% (330/1400) patients and 15.8% (58/366) in the control group p <0.005. The prevalence of 22ps+ subtype polymorphism was significantly higher in the patient groups with the odd ratio OR (95% CI)- 2.35 (1.245-4.434).
Conclusions: This study substantiates the very high prevalence of CPMs and therefore should be interpreted cautiously till further strong evidence are available, until then patient should be counselled on case-to case basis. In future CPMs may play a crucial role in prognosis and management in unexplained RPL group with no other definitive cause identified after RPL workup as per recommendations from international and national guidelines.
Implanon: subdermal single rod contraceptive implant
Authors: Saurabh Suvidha
Published: February 2024

Implanon is a single rod contraceptive implant which provides protection for three years. The development of subdermal contraceptive implant has been an important improvement in the contraceptive technology in India. Mechanism of action of Implanon is by ovulation inhibition and increase in viscosity of cervical mucus. The side effects associated with Implanon includes irregular periods, weight, gain, acne, headache and breast tenderness. Insertion of implant is an operating procedure done in day care by a skilled care worker. Implanon is proving to be a safe and highly effective long-acting reversible contraceptive.
Expectantly managed previable preterm PROM in an IVF conceived DCDA twin pregnancy: first case of longest extended latency in India
Authors: Tandulwadkar Sunita , Mishra Sneha , Langde Swapnil
Published: February 2024

Previable preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) between 14 and 24 weeks of gestation complicates < 1% of pregnancies. Previable PPROM in dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twin pregnancies are even rarer, and there is no consensus in the literature on outcomes and management due to scarcity of reports. With the recent advances in obstetrics and neonatal care, expectant management is a ray of hope for such precious pregnancies. We presented a case report of a 27 years old lady with previous two abortions with an IVF conceived DCDA twin pregnancy. We were able to extend the latency period by 95 days with our expectant management with favourable outcomes both mother and the baby. To the best of our knowledge, this is the longest case of successful expectant management of IVF conceived twins with PV-PPROM reported in India.
Are we really decreasing maternal mortality rate or we are just pushing mothers to late maternal deaths?
Authors: Arora Aashima , Jain Vanita , Sikka Pooja , Singh Aruna
Published: February 2024

Maternal mortality remains a global concern, and India has made substantial strides in reducing maternal mortality rates (MMR) by about 70%, from 398 /lakh live births in 1997-98 to 99 /lakh live births in 2020. However, it is recognized that maternal mortality represents only tip of iceberg. For every woman who dies, many more survive with severe morbidities, and their long-term outcomes often go unrecorded. Therefore, to truly evaluate maternal health services, it is essential to analyze the long-term outcomes of women discharged with morbidities resulting from complications of pregnancy and childbirth, known as maternal near-miss cases.
Da EBDA a BAHIATER: os serviços públicos de ATER na Bahia
Authors: Andrade Álvaro Antônio Xavier de , Souza Hadma Milaneze de , Cunha Dênis Antônio da , Oliveira Marcelo Leles Romarco de , Ferreira Neto José Ambrósio
Published: February 2024

O objetivo deste artigo é contribuir com as discussões sobre os serviços públicos de assistência técnica e extensão rural (ATER). Pretende-se debater como a substituição da Empresa Baiana de Desenvolvimento Agrícola (EBDA) pela Superintendência Baiana de Assistência Técnica e Extensão Rural (BAHIATER) afetou esses serviços na Chapada Diamantina, semiárido baiano. Além disso, o trabalho possui como objetivo demonstrar as incongruências existentes entre as diretrizes da Agência Nacional de Assistência Técnica e Extensão Rural (ANATER) e da Lei Nacional de Assistência Técnica e Extensão Rural (Lei de ATER), bem como o que estas incongruências podem causar em regiões como a do estudo de caso. Além da pesquisa bibliográfica, o artigo foi construído por meio da síntese dos resultados de pesquisas de campo, realizadas junto a servidores das duas instituições baianas: em 2013 com a EBDA e, em 2016 com a BAHIATER. Constatou-se que, até o final de 2016, o arranjo institucional do governo baiano não havia possibilitado melhorias aos serviços de ATER na Chapada Diamantina e, consequentemente, pouco potencializou o desenvolvimento regional da agricultura familiar. Ademais, observou-se que as incongruências entre ANATER/Lei de ATER podem tornar mais complexos os serviços de ATER em regiões como a deste estudo de caso.
Geografiadas festas religiosas das paróquias na arquidiocese de Natal
Authors: Silva Anelino Francisco
Published: February 2024

As festas religiosas para os santos padroeiros realizadas nas paróquias sob jurisdição da Arquidiocese de Natal – Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil – estão em processo de reformulação.Elas são experiências coletivas que ocorrem nas cidades sedes, onde juridicamente se localizam as paróquias.Nelas se celebram emoções em torno dosanto que é comemorado.As comemorações anuais atraem os católicos da cidade e de diferentes localidades, para, juntos, homenagearem o santo padroeiro e/ou render-lhe gratidão.Pelo poder da fé, as pessoas se dirigem a localidade distante a fim de acompanhar a procissão religiosa do padroeiro, que se realiza na sede da matriz, território de apropriação da Igreja Católica. A religião ancora-se dos recursos simbólicos na forma cristã e na realidade. As paróquias são configurações espaciais da Igreja Católica ereflete tanto na organização da festa quanto nas práticas e cultura da fé. Elas constituem a centralidade por serem um nível hierárquico dessa igreja.A jurisdição da Arquidiocese de Natal se espraia pela área geográfica de Natal e da Região Metropolitana de Natal. Sua espacialização sociorreligiosa e cultural, cobre, além do vicariato urbano, também o vicariato norte e o vicariato sul.
A Need for Daycare Unit for Sickle Cell Disease Patients in Oman
Authors: Al-Majarfi Wafa K
Published: February 2024

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Re: Propofol in Triple Trouble Kearns-Sayre Syndrome, Dyggve-Melchior-Clausen Syndrome, and Chromosome-9 Inversion
Authors: Mehri Sounira , Zarrouk Sinda , Finsterer Josef
Published: February 2024

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Digital citizenship education in the Aotearoa New Zealand curriculum: Developing speculative DCE
Authors: Webster Jack
Published: February 2024

Digital citizenship education (DCE) is a concept that looks to develop learners as competent, critical, and active participants in digitally connected societies. The New Zealand Curriculum (NZC) conveys a vision of DCE across subject disciplines, yet digital citizenship is scarcely defined in teaching content or learning objectives. This article reviews existing conceptions of DCE and their position in curricula, before using a postdigital lens to develop a novel conception, speculative DCE. This conception is rooted in the need to examine knowledge, issues, and speculative visions of the future through and beyond different subject disciplines. NZC and accompanying documents are assessed for their applicability to accommodate different conceptions of DCE. Analysis suggests that the emphasis on a future-focused approach, combined with curriculum integration, has scope for unpacking sociotechnical relations, developing transdisciplinarity, and enacting speculative DCE.
Linguistic tools of persuasion in travel advertisements
Authors: Honcharuk Olena
Published: February 2024

Background. The language of advertising in general has been widely researched since advertising became integrated in all spheres of our life. The researchers also mark the prominent role of extralinguistic elements in advertising. At the same time, the language as an important element of persuasion in tourist advertisements requires a more detailed coverage. Contribution to the research field. The present paper makes an overview of the linguistic tools of persuasion in travel advertisements.Purpose. The purpose of the present study is to analyse how linguistic tools are used to enhance the effectiveness and persuasive power of travel advertisements.Methods. The given research uses the method of description and analysis in order to identify the essential linguistic tools of persuasion in travel advertisements and to evaluate their role in enhancing the effectiveness of travel advertisements.Results. The study of travel brochures from leading tour operators based in the UK, Poland, Australia, New Zealand, the USA has shown that the language of advertising in tourism and in other spheres share a lot of common features, such as the extensive use of commendatory adjectives, frequent occurrence of metaphoric and metonymic expressions, play of words, modified forms of proverbs and sayings, comparisons. At the same time, the language of travel advertisements proper has its own specificities. The linguistic tools used in the texts of travel advertisements highlight the benefits of the advertised tour and help to create a clear image of the given destination. For this purpose, they are often complemented by additional information concerning the advertised tourist site.Discussion. The collected data demonstrate that expressive linguistic tools contribute to the overall effectiveness of travel advertisements.
The switching of youth to Ukrainian: reasons, difficulties, purpose
Authors: Tsar Ivanna
Published: February 2024

Background. After the Revolution of Dignity and the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian war (2014, 2022) linguists began to record the facts of the mass rejection of Russian and switching to Ukrainian. However, there are still no special studies in Ukrainian sociolinguistics that would help to understand the mechanisms and motives of such a switching.Contribution to the research field. These findings may help us to understand the factors that influence young people’s attitude toward a language and determine the change in their language behaviour.Purpose. The purpose of the paper is to find out what motivates young people to switch to Ukrainian in all communicative situations, and to identify the difficulties with which they face.Methods. The method of language biography was used. 65 excerpts from young people’s language biographies, presented over the past 4 years on the Facebook page «Switch to Ukrainian» and 5 language interviews lasting more than 1 hour were processed.Results. It was found out that the strongest incentive to switch to Ukrainian was Russian aggression against Ukraine. The strengthening of the connection between communication in Ukrainian and national self-identification, as well as a change in the attitude of Russian speakers towards those who switched to Ukrainian, was recorded. There are different motives for switching to Ukrainian among young people who changed their language behaviour before the Revolution of Dignity and the war and after it. If earlier the main reason for the switching was self awareness as a Ukrainian due to the study of history, self-development, travels, change of residence, or family changes, then later the switching to Ukrainian is often a conscious political choice.Discussion. The revealed trends indicate the need for new quantitative research on changes in the language behaviour of young people because it is necessary to understand the ways of young people’s adaptation to the new Ukrainian-speaking environment and the possibility of integration into it to avoid potential language conflicts.
Adoption of Learning Management Systems in Higher Education: A Qualitative Analysis of Enabling Factors
Authors: Akwene Godwill Chenyuei
Published: February 2024

The widespread and affordability of multimedia devices such as computers, smartphones and iPads among others has now facilitated teaching and learning to take place in formal as well as informal settings. The teaching and learning process can now be encaged at any time from any part of the globe and open to all through the use of hardware and software, converging teacher and students in an online platform. This study has as objective to examine factors that amplify the adoption of Learning Management Systems, especially after the outbreak of COVID -19 which called for social distancing that left many schools on the global platform in a state of pandemonium. The sudden shutdown of schools and the need to ensure continuity in schooling left no option for institutions at all levels to adopt the new technology of learning online. The changing trends in education have enabled the development of ubiquitous Learning Management System (LMS) to resolve the challenge of continuous schooling in the face of crisis. LMS is a virtual environment designed to connect teachers and students in an online platform. This study which used qualitative descriptive method with an emphasis on thematic content analysis seeks to investigate enabling factors for the integration of LMS in the 21st century classroom. Informants consisted of 8 teachers drawn from two private universities. The findings of the study revealed that critical factors, classified as technology factors, social influence factors and human factors will influence the integration of LMS in the school. This paper therefore provides insight of enabling factors and hence learning effectiveness.
Quest for the Alternative Spirituality: Construction of Religious Identity in Contemporary Lithuania
Authors: Kuznecoviene Jolanta
Published: February 2024

The transformation of religious area by arising of new modes of expressing religiosity is almost worldwide phenomena. The idea of making up personal bricolage of beliefs, choosing what fits and what does not is very popular mode of religiosity or spirituality today. To hear that one could choose religious identity without religious belief is not surprising in Lithuania today. Sociologically, it could be explained referring to the identity constructing theories. This article presents the research that was performed by the Department of Sociology at Vytautas Magnus University (in 2003-2004). The aim of the research was to explore the process of construction of religious identity via applying Hervieu-Leger idea of four dimensions of religious identification. The data of focused interviews confirms that religious identity could be constructed via one or few dimensions of religious identification excluding other dimensions. However, reference exclusively to one or few dimensions shifts traditional ( or confessional) ways of expressing religiousness and still for somebody rises the question about her/his religiousness in general.
Laicyzacja Czech - analiza przestrzenna
Authors: Siwek Tadeusz
Published: February 2024

Republika Czeska jest znana jako jedno z najbardziej ateistycznych państw świata. To odejście od religii przypisywane jest najczęściej czterdziestoletniej indoktrynacji ideologii komunistycznej, która w tym kraju była wyjątkowo wrogo nastawiona do wszystkich kościołów. To jednak zbytnie uproszczenie. Obojętny stosunek Czechów do religii wynika z ich historycznych doświadczeń i ma o wiele dłuższą tradycję niż historia komunizmu. Obecnie większość społeczeństwa czeskiego deklaruje się jako bezwyznaniowa: według ostatniego spisu ludności z roku 2001 było to 60% z ogółu ludności. Ta liczba jest jednak tylko średnią a poszczególne regiony znacznie się pod tym względem różnią.Niniejszy przyczynek przedstawia przestrzenną analizę zjawiska deklarowanego ateizmu w Republice Czeskiej. Okazuje się, że są pewne prawidłowości geograficzne w rozmieszczeniu tego zjawiska. Ateizm jest najbardziej rozpowszechniony w północnozachodnich Czechach i maleje w kierunku wschodnim i południowym. Większy jest także w miastach aniżeli na wsi, przy czym także tutaj widać tę sama zależność: w miastach Czech zachodnich i północnych występuje częściej, aniżeli w miastach Moraw i czeskiego Śląska na wschodzie i południu kraju. Opracowanie stara się wyjaśnić to zjawisko.