bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Motivation and Work Discipline on Employee Performance
Authors: Zaeni Nurhaeda , Walda Walda , Ayu Mita
Published: July 2023

This study's objective was to examine and determine the impact of work motivation and work discipline on employee performance at PT. PLN (Persero) Transmission Implementation Unit (UPT) MAKASSAR. This study's demographic consisted of 50 employees from PT PLN (PERSERO) Transmission Implementation Unit (UPT) MAKASSAR. Using census sampling, all populations are represented in the sample. The data source is primary data obtained from respondents' responses to questionnaires. The data analysis method entails descriptive statistical analysis, validity tests, normality tests, reliability tests, multicollinearity tests, heteroscedasticity tests, autocorrelation tests, hypothesis testing via multiple linear regression analysis, t-tests, f-tests, and determination coefficient tests. This study's findings indicate that work motivation positively and statistically significantly influences employee performance. While the work discipline variable has a positive but insignificant effect on employee performance, this study demonstrates that work motivation and work discipline together significantly impact employee performance. The results of this study show conclusively that the positive relationship between work motivation and work discipline on employee performance is a crucial factor in achieving company success, as employees who are motivated and disciplined at work tend to contribute more significantly to achieving company objectives.
Brand, Promotion and Innovation: Their Impact on Motorcycle Purchasing Decisions
Authors: Waworuntu Ahmad Yusdarwin , Hajar Hajar
Published: July 2023

This study aims to investigate the effect of brand awareness, promotion, and product innovation on consumer purchasing decisions at PT Makassar Inti Motor. The survey method was used in this study, with the population of visitors to PT Makassar Inti Motor. A sample of 80 people was taken using the accidental sampling method. Data was collected through a questionnaire that had been tested for validity and reliability. Data analysis uses multiple regression to test the hypothesis. The results showed that brand awareness has a positive and significant influence on purchasing decisions. Promotion also has a positive and significant influence on purchasing decisions. In addition, product innovation also has a positive and significant effect on purchasing decisions. The results of this study provide an important understanding of the factors that influence consumer purchasing decisions at PT Makassar Inti Motor.
Can Fiscus Services and Tax Sanctions Improve Individual Taxpayer Compliance?
Authors: Wahyuni Wahyuni , Adil Muhammad , Fuada Nurul , Darwin Khadijah , Amran Amran
Published: July 2023

This study aims to determine the effect of tax services and tax sanctions on individual taxpayer compliance at KPP Pratama Watampone. This research was conducted at KPP Pratama Watampone. The number of samples taken is 100 taxpayers. The method used is accidental sampling. Data was collected by distributing questionnaires. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis. Based on the results of the study indicate that the tax service and tax sanctions have a positive effect on individual taxpayer compliance at KPP Pratama Watampone. The results showed that the tax service and tax sanctions could increase taxpayers at KPP Pratama Watampone.
How Tax Policies and Business Strategies Affect MSME Actors During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lannai Darwis , Syahban Fadel Azyumardi , Nurfadila Nurfadila , Haeruddin St. Hartati , Subhan Subhan
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of tax policies and business strategies on MSME actors during the pandemic in Kolaka City. This type of research includes quantitative descriptive research. The population in this study were SMEs in Kolaka District, Kolaka City. The method used in the selection of the sample is purposive sampling method and set a sample of 52 respondents based on the established criteria. The results of this study are Tax Policy has a Positive and Significant Effect on MSME Actors in the Pandemic Period in Kolaka City. The Tax Policy in question is Tax Incentives for Taxpayers affected by the 2019 Corona Virus Disease Pandemic. And the second is a Business Strategy that has a Positive and Significant Effect on MSME Actors during the pandemic in Kolaka City. The Business Strategy in question is online marketing. Based on the results of the discussion, it can be concluded that the tax policy in this case is tax intensive for MSME actors, it is felt to be very beneficial for MSME actors during the pandemic and this tax policy provides benefits for MSME actors to increase knowledge about taxation. By using a Business Strategy, online marketing is the right strategy for MSME actors to re-increase their business activities during the pandemic.
The Impact of Biological Gender Exploring on L1 Negative Transfer in English Preposition Learning
Authors: Nghi Tran Tin
Published: July 2023

This study investigates the influence of biological gender on L1 negative transfer in learning English prepositions. Interviews were conducted with 12 English language learners, revealing that males performed better in spatial prepositions but struggled with other types. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining qualitative and quantitative research. Female participants demonstrated higher performance, and the study was conducted in Luxembourg, a multilingual country. Ethical considerations were addressed, achieving a 91.08% response rate. Results indicated females generally outperformed males in prepositional accuracy. Language transfer from L1 impacted preposition acquisition, with replacement errors being common. Females showed greater syntactic maturity, while males exhibited advanced linguistic skills. Stylistic differences in writing styles were observed. The study highlights the influence of gender in language acquisition and contributes to understanding gender disparities in second language learning.
Pregled in ocena kazalcev bolezni otrok in mladostnikov s cistično fibrozo v Sloveniji
Authors: Drnovšek Ana , Praprotnik Marina , Krivec Uroš , Aldeco Malena , Lepej Dušanka , Šetina Šmid Saša , Zver Aleksandra , Oštir Majda , Seme Katja , Brecelj Jernej , Orel Anija , Šmigoc Schweiger Darja , Rodman Berlot Jasna
Published: July 2023

Izhodišča: Cistična fibroza (CF) je najpogostejša kronična avtosomno recesivno dedna bolezen belcev. Kaže se s prizadetostjo številnih organov, zato se bolniki spremljajo v centrih CF s specializiranim multidisciplinarnim timom strokovnjakov. Eden takih je center CF Pediatrične klinike Ljubljana, kjer se vodijo vsi otroci in mladostniki s CF v Sloveniji. Od ustanovitve centra dalje vodimo zbirko podatkov o bolnikih, ki nam je v pomoč pri analizi razmer in pri primerjavi kakovosti obravnave naših bolnikov z drugimi evropskimi centri CF.

Metode: Izvedli smo retrospektivno raziskavo z namenom pregledati in oceniti kazalce bolezni otrok in mladostnikov s CF, vodenih na Pediatrični kliniki Ljubljana v letu 2020. Pri 78 vključenih bolnikih smo analizirali podatke o demografskih značilnostih, genetskih mutacijah, pljučni funkciji, prehranjenosti, kroničnih okužbah in zdravljenju s CFTR modulatornimi zdravili (angl. cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, CFTR – regulator transmembranske prevodnosti pri cistični fibrozi). Za primerjavo z drugimi evropskimi centri smo uporabili podatke iz letnega poročila Evropskega registra CF za leto 2020.

Rezultati: Leta 2020 smo v našem centru obravnavali 78 bolnikov, izmed katerih je bilo 56 % (44/78) bolnikov moškega spola. Povprečna starost bolnikov je znašala 13,2 leta (SD 6,4 let), z razponom od 1,2 leta do 25,5 leta. Mutacija F508del je bila najpogosteje zastopana, saj je bilo kar 88,5 % nosilcev vsaj ene, pri 64,1 % obolelih pa je bila mutacija prisotna na obeh alelih. Povprečni forsirani izdihani volumen v 1 sekundi (FEV1) naših bolnikov je bil nad evropskim povprečjem, prevalenca kronične okužbe s povzročiteljem Pseudomonas aeruginosa pa nižja od evropskega povprečja. V letu 2020 smo 21 bolnikom uvedli CFTR modulatorno zdravilo, od tega 5 bolnikom lumakaftor/ivakaftor in 16 bolnikom eleksakaftor/tezakaftor/ivakaftor.

Zaključek: Kazalci kakovosti obravnave otrok in mladostnikov s CF v Sloveniji dosegajo in pogosto presegajo evropsko povprečje. Med prvimi državami v Evropi smo pričeli uvajati CFTR modulatorna zdravila, ki obetajo pomembno izboljšanje kliničnega stanja in kakovosti življenja bolnikov s CF.
Process-structure-property data alignment for additive manufacturing data registration
Authors: Feng Shaw C , Lu Yan , Jones Albert T
Published: July 2023

Melt-pool-monitoring, layer-wise-imaging, microstructure-analysis, and mechanical-property test data are becoming increasingly available during the additive manufacturing (AM) fabrication process. These data along with data analytics tools are becoming more important because they are needed to plan and control AM processes, validate part quality, and accelerate the qualification process. A major impediment to using those datasets, however, is that they sets are highly correlated. Even though they are obtained from different sensors, instruments, and testing machines that live in their own local, coordinate systems. Additionally, these correlated datasets must also be aligned with other build data such as process parameters and scan paths. This paper presents an innovative, data-registration procedure, which is the first step towards addressing the correlation problem. This procedure results in a common, reference, coordinate system that provides an effective way to use those datasets as inputs to downstream applications such as simulation, machine learning, and data analytics.
Connected-closeness: A Visual Quantification of Distances in Network Layouts
Authors: Jacomy Mathieu
Published: July 2023

This paper proposes a network-visualization metric, connected-closeness, designed to provide a quantified statement about the mediation of the topology by the node placement. It allows stating the percentage of connected nodes that are closer than a certain characteristic distance, computed on the basis of the layout, and pictured in the visualization. This statement, and others it provides, are intended to help non-experts interpreting network visualizations visually. Connected-closeness allows assessing a layout's validity from the specific angle of bringing connected nodes closer. A benchmark finds that force-directed layouts are indeed good at bringing connected nodes closer, but the metric also detects situations and layouts where it fails. It allows comparing different layouts for a given network and different networks for a given layout, and provides quantified evidence that force-driven placements consistently capture an aspect of the topological structure of networks. The calculations allow assessing visual distances as a statistical measure of edge presence in terms or precision and recall, and show that in practice, layout algorithms prioritize recall over precision. The paper provides the definition of different indicators, their underlying rationale, visual examples, a simple optimization, implementation remarks, and a benchmark of 14 network generators and 7 node-placement algorithms rendered 100 times each, for a total of 9800 network visualizations.
Approximating the Bundled Crossing Number
Authors: Arroyo Alan , Felsner Stefan
Published: July 2023

Bundling crossings is a strategy which can enhance the readability of graph
drawings. In this paper we consider good drawings, i.e., we require that
any two edges have at most one common point which can be a common vertex or
a crossing. Our main result is that there is a polynomial-time algorithm to
compute an 8-approximation of the bundled crossing number of a good drawing
with no toothed hole. In general the number of toothed holes has to
be added to the 8-approximation. In the special case of circular drawings
the approximation factor is 8, this improves upon the
10-approximation of Fink et al.[Fink et al., LATIN 2016]. Our approach also works with
the same approximation factor for families of pseudosegments, i.e., curves
intersecting at most once. We also show how to compute a
$\frac{9}{2}$-approximation when the intersection graph of the
pseudosegments is bipartite and has no toothed hole.
Experimental research at the Department of Dermatology and Allergy of the University of Szeged during the last 19 years
Authors:   Department of Dermatology and Allergy of the University of Szeged, Bata-Csörgő Zsuzsanna , Groma Gergely , Manczinger Máté , Nagy Nikoletta , Szabó Kornélia , Széll Márta
Published: July 2023

We have been fortunate to be able to perform our research on dermatological diseases and on dermatoimmunology at our clinic in the past 19 years. We strongly believe that doing dermatological research helps us in being better clinicians. These past 19 years proved the importance of research in our field, since due to results of basic dermatological research we were able to have new, better therapies for our patients.
Recent aspects of lymphedema, lipedema and venous leg ulcer-related therapeutic modalities
Authors:   University of Szeged Department of Dermatology and Allergology Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical Center, Szolnoky Győző , Degovics Döniz , Kui Róbert , Vasas Judit , Varga Mónika , Varga Enikő , Korom Eszter
Published: July 2023

This review outlines the novel therapies and their effects in lymphedema, lipedema and chronic wounds. So far compression therapy represents the cornerstone of all treatment modalities in these disoders and recent reports demonstrated compression-related systemic cardiovascular effects. Furthermore, we are able to determine responsiveness of venous leg ulcers to therapy and with application of autologous blood their healing can be ameliorated.
Challenges of the STI outpatient clinic at the Department of Dermatology and Allergology University of Szeged in the past 19 years
Authors:   University of Szeged Department of Dermatology and Allergology Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical Center, Gaál Magdolna , Csányi Ildikó
Published: July 2023

Treatment of sexually transmitted infections can be a real challenge. Establishing the diagnosis is not always an easy task, many diseases come up from a differential diagnostic view. The frequency of the classic venereal diseases - namely gonorrhoea and syphilis - has increased in the last two decades. Patient care and contact research requires more and more time. Venerologists must have up-to-date knowledge about the symptoms, ways of propagation and actual treatment of the sexually transmitted infections, included the antibiotic resistance of the pathogens. Cooperation with colleagues of other specialties is of outmost importance. In the last few years several cases of lymphogranuloma venereum, previously known as a tropical STI, have been reported in Hungary. In addition, last year we have faced a new disease, the monkeypox. The authors provide an overview of the tasks and challenges of the STI outpatient clinic and present a case of monkeypox.
Primary intramedullary melanoma of the spinal cord. Case report
Authors:   Hungarian Army Health Center Honvédkórház Dermatology department and specialist ambulance, Baló-Banga Mátyás , Vajda Adrienne
Published: July 2023

Authors report the case of a79 year old man. After weakness, paraesthesia and walking disturbances developing within weeks he was admitted to the Neurology Department of our institution. Upon negativity of Computed Tomography the Magnetic Resonance Investigation of the spinal cord revealed space constrictor process corresponding to thoracic vertebrae X- XI. This mass wasremoved surgically. Histology supplemented by immuno-histochemistry had proved malignant melanoma. Genetic test out of the removed neoplastic tissue was negative to BRAF-V600 E. The repeated thoroughly performed checks on the entire integument as well as negativity of the ophthalmic status has raised the possibility of primary melanoma originated from the spinal cord. No lymph node metastasiswas detected.Aftersurgery targeted X-ray irradiation was performed, followed by Pembrolizumab administration in monotherapy. This treatment was, however suspended due to rapidly developing side effects. As next Carboplatin therapy was started which was stopped after the 5th cycle due to side effects. The temporary remission has lasted for 7 months but the initial symptoms had returned with increasing pain. From this time urinary infection and disturbance of intestinal passage have dominated the clinical picture. Decubital ulceration and sepsis developed and the patient died 21 months after first appearance of clinical symptoms. Extreme rarity and poor survival not exceeding 5 years are characteristics of the of reported cases
The great imitators – Differential diagnosis of syphilis and systemic lupus erythematosus related to a case
Authors:   University of Pécs Medical School Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Oncodermatology, Bancsók Tamás , Keresztes Dorottya , Várszegi Dalma , Hanyecz Anita
Published: July 2023

The authors report the case of a 29-year-old male patient presenting with erythematous maculopapular rash, painful oral and genital erosions, dysuria, scleroconjunctivitis, painful palmoplantar hyperkeratotic papules, asymmetric, migratory oligoarthritis, recurrent fever and alopecia parvimaculata. Based on the clinical symptoms the first suspected diagnoses were secondary syphilis and reactive arthritis, however the performed laboratory tests did not confirmed the diagnoses. The autoimmune serology tests, the clinical symptoms, and the results of further investigations established the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). By presenting this case the authors highlight the differential diagnostic challanges of secondary syphilis and SLE.
Atypical ulcers localized in the head-neck region: a case report
Authors:   University of Pécs Medical School Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Oncodermatology, Praksch Dóra , Hanyecz Anita , Gömörei Csaba , Kovács László András
Published: July 2023

The authors report the case of a 31-year-old male patient who presented with rapidly evolving, painful cutaneous ulcers localized in the head and neck regions, destroying the surrounding tissues. He had a 10 year history of inflammatory bowel disease, which remained untreated due to poor compliance. Owing to the atypical localization and bizarre manifestation of the ulcers, the possibility of cutaneous tuberculosis and Crohn’s disease/ / other inflammatory bowel disease associated pyoderma gangrenosum was raised. Based on the clinical characteristics, the histological examination and the use of PARACELSUS scoring system, the diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum was confirmed. The implementation of systemic immunosuppressive therapy resulted in the complete healing of the ulcers and total remission of inflammatory bowel disease. The authors underline the possibility of pyoderma gangrenosum in the case of atypical ulcers appearing in the head and neck region, in the diagnosis of which PARACELSUS scoring system can help.
Case report of therapy resistant bullous pemphigoid
Authors:   University of Pécs Medical School Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Oncodermatology, Bognár Máté , Gyömörei Csaba , Kiss Virág , Hanyecz Anita
Published: July 2023

The authors present a case of a 45- year- old female patient, who has been previously treated for psoriasis with guselkumab. In 2021 after COVID vaccination seropapules on erythematous background and annular blisters developed. Early clinical presentation indicated Sweet syndrome or IgA-mediated autoimmune bullous diseases, however histological examination showed intraepidermal eosinophilic spongiosis with IgG and C3 deposits along the basal membrane – concluding the diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid. ELISA test revealed both anti-BP180 and anti-type VII collagen antibody positivity, the latter being atypical in bullous pemphigoid. Despite the usual immunosuppressant therapy – corticosteroid and later azathioprine – the clinical symptoms showed progression. Due to the therapy resistance, rituximab was administered, which resulted in complete regression of skin sypmtoms. During regular follow-up stable remission has been achieved. As described in the published medical case reports of atypical bullous pemphigoid, we suspect that the main pathogenetic factor could be epitope spreading caused by the 10-year history of psoriasis
Multi-study fMRI outlooks on subcortical BOLD responses in the stop-signal paradigm
Authors: Isherwood Scott , Kemp Sarah A , Miletić Steven , Stevenson Niek , Bazin Pierre-Louis , Forstmann Birte
Published: July 2023

This study investigates the functional network underlying response inhibition in the human brain, particularly the role of the basal ganglia in successful action cancellation. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) approaches have frequently used the stop-signal task to examine this network. We merge five such datasets, using a novel aggregatory method allowing the unification of raw fMRI data across sites. This meta-analysis, along with other recent aggregatory fMRI studies, does not find evidence for the innervation of the hyperdirect or indirect cortico-basal-ganglia pathways in successful response inhibition. What we do find, is large subcortical activity profiles for failed stop trials. We discuss possible explanations for the mismatch of findings between the fMRI results presented here and results from other research modalities that have implicated nodes of the basal ganglia in successful inhibition. We also highlight the substantial effect smoothing can have on the conclusions drawn from task-specific general linear models. First and foremost, this study presents a proof of concept for meta-analytical methods that enable the merging of extensive, unprocessed, or unreduced datasets. It demonstrates the significant potential that open-access data sharing can offer to the research community. With an increasing number of datasets being shared publicly, researchers will have the ability to conduct meta-analyses on more than just summary data.
Spatio-temporal dengue risk modelling in the south of Thailand: a Bayesian approach to dengue vulnerability
Authors: Abdulsalam Fatima Ibrahim , Antúnez Pablo , Jawjit Warit
Published: July 2023

Background

More than half of the global population is predicted to be living in areas susceptible to dengue transmission with the vast majority in Asia. Dengue fever is of public health concern, particularly in the southern region of Thailand due to favourable environmental factors for its spread. The risk of dengue infection at the population level varies in time and space among sub-populations thus, it is important to study the risk of infection considering spatio-temporal variation.

Methods

This study presents a joint spatio-temporal epidemiological model in a Bayesian setting using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation with the CARBayesST package of R software. For this purpose, monthly dengue records by district from 2002 to 2018 from the southern region of Thailand provided by the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand and eight environmental variables were used.

Results

Results show that an increasing level of temperature, number of rainy days and sea level pressure are associated with a higher occurrence of dengue fever and consequently higher incidence risk, while an increasing level of wind speed seems to suggest a protective factor. Likewise, we found that the elevated risks of dengue in the immediate future are in the districts of Phipun, Phrom Kili, Lan Saka, Phra Phrom and Chaloem Phakiat. The resulting estimates provide insights into the effects of covariate risk factors, spatio-temporal trends and dengue-related health inequalities at the district level in southern Thailand.

Conclusion

Possible implications are discussed considering some anthropogenic factors that could inhibit or enhance dengue occurrence. Risk maps indicated which districts are above and below baseline risk, allowing for the identification of local anomalies and high-risk boundaries. In the event of near future, the threat of elevated disease risk needs to be prevented and controlled considering the factors underlying the spread of mosquitoes in the Southeast Asian region.
Seasonal changes characterise the shark and ray assemblages in a subtropical shallow sandy habitat in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa
Authors: Ferreira Jessica A. , Alberts Julie A. , Smith Grant , Bernard Anthony T.F. , Pereira Mário J. , De Vos Lauren
Published: July 2023

Understanding how environmental drivers influence shark and ray spatial and temporal patterns can provide crucial knowledge for their evidence-based protection and long-term monitoring. However, information on which drivers of variation are most important for elasmobranch communities on soft sediments is limited. Using baited remote underwater stereo-video systems (stereo-BRUVs), we investigated how seasonal and environmental variables affected the elasmobranchs of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park marine protected area (MPA) in South Africa (SA). In total, 11 species were identified from 48 sites between 12 m and 33 m water depth in a sandy habitat. While species richness was similar across seasons, the total abundance of elasmobranchs recorded was higher in winter than summer. The species assemblage composition varied significantly between seasons, with the Human’s whaler shark Carcharhinus humani prevalent in summer and the Critically Endangered whitespotted wedgefish Rhynchobatus djiddensis more abundant during winter. Most species were sighted throughout the entire depth range, but rays were more common in shallower waters (< 25 m depth), while C. humani and R. djiddensis were more common in the deeper depth zone of this study. This research provides baseline information about this previously unexplored sandy habitat for elasmobranchs in a site of regional and global significance. Records of species of conservation concern in the sampling area highlight the importance of protecting sand environments within an MPA.
Current classification of zirconia in dentistry: an updated review
Authors: Kongkiatkamon Suchada , Rokaya Dinesh , Kengtanyakich Santiphab , Peampring Chaimongkon
Published: July 2023

Zirconia, a crystalline oxide of zirconium, holds good mechanical, optical, and biological properties. The metal-free restorations, mostly consisting of all-ceramic/zirconia restorations, are becoming popular restorative materials in restorative and prosthetic dentistry choices for aesthetic and biological reasons. Dental zirconia has increased over the past years producing wide varieties of zirconia for prosthetic restorations in dentistry. At present, literature is lacking on the recent zirconia biomaterials in dentistry. Currently, no article has the latest information on the various zirconia biomaterials in dentistry. Hence, the aim of this article is to present an overview of recent dental zirconia biomaterials and tends to classify the recent zirconia biomaterials in dentistry. This article is useful for dentists, dental technicians, prosthodontists, academicians, and researchers in the field of dental zirconia.
Formulation and Thermomechanical Characterization of Earth-based Biosourced Composites: Cases of Clay-Hibiscus cannabinus L. Fiber, Clay-sawdust and Clay- Oryza sativa Husk
Authors: Sayouba Sandwidi , Kayaba Haro , Téré Dabilgou , Souleymane Sinon , Oumar Sanogo , Jean Koulidiati , Antoine Bere
Published: July 2023

This work concerns the technical study of implementation, thermal and mechanical characterization of a composite material based on clay and plant fibers, in order to meet the need for bioclimatic and sustainable houses. The objective was to find the proportions of clay and fibers to obtain a mixture that would give better thermal properties. A characterization of the thermal properties was made thanks to the KD2 Pro analyzer on samples of various formulas of mixture clay-plant fibers. The results obtained showed that the thermal properties such as thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of the clay-fiber mixture samples decrease with the increase of the fiber content in the mixture. Thus, the thermal conductivity of the samples varies from 0.85 to 0.65 W/m.K; from 0.88 to 0.72 W/m.K and from 0.83 to 0.75 W/m.K respectively with Hibiscus cannabinus L. fiber, sawdust and Oryza sativa husk. As for the thermal diffusivity, it varies from 0.37 to 0.25 mm2/s; from 0.45 to 0.30 mm2/s and from 0.47 to 0.27 mm2/s respectively with the addition of Hibiscus cannabinus L. fibers, sawdust and Oryza sativa husk. In sum, the earth samples stabilized with Hibiscus cannabinus L. fibers offer better thermal properties for the construction of bioclimatic houses.
Effect of Mining Activities on Some Biochemical Parameters of Opanda-Ugya Inhabitants, Toto Local Government of Nigeria
Authors: Ahmed Mustapha Mohammed , Muhammad Bawa Yusuf , Zaruwa Moses Zira , Ajiboso Semiu Olalekan
Published: July 2023

Mining activities are usually associated with environmental pollution and the infiltration of toxic heavy metals into waterways which could be absorbed by plants or used by inhabitants. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of mining activities on some biochemical parameters of Opanda-Ugya inhabitants, Toto Local government of Nigeria. Four hundred and fifty (450) people were interviewed using questionnaires. Eighty (80) of them were carefully grouped into four: Group 1(20 Control), Group 2 (20 inhabitants), Group 3 (20 indirect miners) Group 4 (20 direct miners). The Survey discovered some symptoms that could be associated with heavy metal toxicity among the inhabitants. Biochemical assay of blood samples revealed no significant (P ˃0.05) increase in Serum ALT, AST and Total bilirubin in groups 2, 3 and 4 when compared to control, but a decrease in TP. Serum creatinine levels increased significantly in group 3 when compared to the control. Both creatinine and urea levels elevated significantly in group 2 and group 4 when compared with the control. The result of Oxidative stress markers has indicated a significant increase in the levels of MDA with a concomitant decrease in the levels of GSH in groups 2, 3 and 4 compared to the control. The AChE activity in groups 2, 3 and 4 significantly increased when compared to the control. The levels of CRP increased significantly in groups 3 and 4 when compared to the control. We conclude that the neurological and other disorders observed in some participants could be attributed to chronic inflammation and oxidative stress induced by heavy metal toxicity, thus something should be done by the necessary authority to curtail the long-time effect of Mining activities in this community.
Isolation, Purification, Identification and Pathogenicity of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary Caused by Sclerotinia Rot of Chickpea
Authors: Sheshma M. K. , Kumhar D. R. , Godara S. L. , Meena A. K. , Prahlad
Published: July 2023

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Barry is a soil habitat plant pathogen, able of infecting more than five hundred host plant spp., all over the world and doing a crucial role in reduce the yield of economically important crops. Sclerotinia rot also known as stem rot, incited by S. sclerotiorum is a certical disease of chickpea. We done an experiment in which, a number of fungal isolation, purification, identification and pathogenicity from the infected plant materals. The plants appear typical symptoms like drooping of petioles and leaflets and in last stage scattered sclerotial bodies. The infected isolates observed on the affected tissues after re-inoculation and generate mycelial growth and sclerotia both plants and culture plates. On re-isolation it was base that the fungus was identical to the authentic isolate. It was found that the infection was much supreme in inoculated plants as compare to control.
Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis for Yield and Yield Attributing Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Saran Deepak , Gauraha Deepak , Sao Abhinav , Sandilya Vivek Kumar , Kumar Rohit
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to investigate the correlations among yield and yield component traits and estimate the direct and indirect effects of these traits on grain yield in rice. The experiment was conducted during kharif 2022. Correlation coefficients and path coefficients were analyzed to determine the relationships between these traits and seed yield. The results showed significant positive correlations between seed yield and traits such as effective tillers per plant, total tillers per plant, number of filled grains, spikelet fertility, biological yield, harvest index, and 100 seed weight. The genotypic correlations were slightly higher than the corresponding phenotypic correlations. Path coefficient analysis revealed that biological yield had the maximum direct effect on seed yield, followed by harvest index, panicle length, and number of filled grains per panicle, plant height, and effective tillers per plant, 100 seed weight, and days to 50% flowering. These findings provide valuable information for selecting superior cross combinations in hybrid rice breeding programs to improve grain yield.
State Flexibility in Emergency Medicaid to Care for Uninsured Noncitizens
Authors: Park Jin K. , Reyes-Becerra Clarisa , Makhlouf Medha D.
Published: July 2023

This Viewpoint discusses how Emergency Medicaid offers an immediately available pathway for states to improve access to care for uninsured, lower-income noncitizens with serious health conditions.
Lifestyle Enrichment in Later Life and Its Association With Dementia Risk
Authors: Wu Zimu , Pandigama Danushika H. , Wrigglesworth Jo , Owen Alice , Woods Robyn L. , Chong Trevor T.-J. , Orchard Suzanne G. , Shah Raj C. , Sheets Kerry M. , McNeil John J. , Murray Anne M. , Ryan Joanne
Published: July 2023

Importance

Lifestyles enriched with socially and mentally stimulating activities in older age may help build cognitive reserve and reduce dementia risk.

Objective

To investigate the association of leisure activities and social networks with dementia risk among older individuals.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This longitudinal prospective cohort study used population-based data from the ASPREE Longitudinal Study of Older Persons (ALSOP) for March 1, 2010, to November 30, 2020. Community-dwelling individuals in Australia aged 70 years or older who were generally healthy and without major cognitive impairment at enrollment were recruited to the ALSOP study between March 1, 2010, and December 31, 2014. Data were analyzed from December 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023.

Exposures

A total of 19 measures of leisure activities and social networks assessed at baseline were classified using exploratory factor analysis.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Dementia was adjudicated by an international expert panel according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition) criteria. Cox proportional hazards regression examined dementia risk over 10 years, adjusting for education, socioeconomic status, and a range of health-related factors.

Results

This study included 10 318 participants. Their median age was 73.8 (IQR, 71.6-77.2) years at baseline, more than half (52.6%) were women, and most self-identified as White (98.0%). In adusted analyses, more frequent engagement in adult literacy activities (eg, writing letters or journaling, using a computer, and taking education classes) and in active mental activities (eg, playing games, cards, or chess and doing crosswords or puzzles) was associated with an 11.0% (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 0.89 [95% CI, 0.85-0.93]) and a 9.0% (AHR, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.87-0.95]) lower risk of dementia, respectively. To a lesser extent, engagement in creative artistic activities (craftwork, woodwork, or metalwork and painting or drawing) (AHR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.88-0.99]) and in passive mental activities (reading books, newspapers, or magazines; watching television; and listening to music or the radio) (AHR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.86-0.99]) was also associated with reduced dementia risk. In contrast, interpersonal networks, social activities, and external outings were not associated with dementia risk in this sample.

Conclusions and Relevance

These results suggest that engagement in adult literacy, creative art, and active and passive mental activities may help reduce dementia risk in late life. In addition, these findings may guide policies for geriatric care and interventions targeting dementia prevention for older adults.
Preparation of
N
‐Formylamides by Oxidative Cleavage of
N
‐Acylaminoacids
Authors: Kilenyi Nick
Published: July 2023

N
‐Formylamides are versatile intermediates for the preparation of pharmacologically‐preferred 1,2,4‐triazole ring system by the Einhorn‐Brunner reaction. They are also important as starting materials for the rather inaccessible enamide and dienamide functional groups, which are found in several highly biologically‐active natural products. This chapter describes the procedure for preparation of N‐formylamides by oxidative cleavage of
N
‐acylaminoacids. It presents some of the important points to be considered, the conditions that need to be maintained, characterization data, and the reagents required, as well as the techniques used and the equipment setup that are vital to carrying out the process. The chapter also describes the hazards associated with working with chemicals and the ways to deal with these hazards.
Discussion Addendum for: Asymmetric Michael Reaction of Aldehydes and Nitroalkenes
Authors: Hayashi Yujiro
Published: July 2023

This chapter describes the procedure for asymmetric Michael reaction of aldehydes and nitroalkenes. Regarding the Michael reaction of aldehydes and nitroalkenes, an aldehyde lacking substitution at the α‐position, such as acetaldehyde, can be successfully employed as a Michael donor, affording the product with excellent enantioselectivity. The chapter also presents some of the important points to be considered, the conditions that need to be maintained, characterization data, and the reagents required, as well as the techniques used and the equipment setup that are vital to carrying out the process. It then describes the hazards associated with working with chemicals and the ways to deal with these hazards.
Preparation of MIDA Anhydride and Reaction with Boronic Acids
Authors: Chen Peng‐Jui , Kelly Aidan M. , Blair Daniel J. , Burke* Martin D.
Published: July 2023

This chapter describes the procedure for preparation of
N
‐methyliminodiactic acid (MIDA) anhydride and reaction with boronic acids. It presents some of the important points to be considered, the conditions that need to be maintained, characterization data, and the reagents required, as well as the techniques used and the equipment setup that are vital to carrying out the process. The chapter also describes the hazards associated with working with chemicals and the ways to deal with these hazards. Boronic acids are amongst the most widely used reagents for the assembly of small organic molecules. The protection of boron with MIDA has broadly enabled the synthesis of many complex MIDA boronate building blocks using transformations otherwise incompatible with boronic acids. MIDA boronates possess an unusual binary affinity for silica gel.
Ethoxypillar[6]arene
Authors: Wilson Chelsea R. , Chen Evan F. W. , Puckett Austia O. , Hof* Fraser
Published: July 2023

This chapter describes the procedure for synthesis of ethoxypillar[6]arene. It presents some of the important points to be considered, the conditions that need to be maintained, characterization data, and the reagents required, as well as the techniques used and the equipment setup that are vital to carrying out the process. The chapter also describes the hazards associated with working with chemicals and the ways to deal with these hazards. Pillar[n]arenes are a family of macrocyclic hosts first reported in 2008 that have quickly become an important scaffold in supramolecular chemistry. First made in 2009, pillar[6]arene has become a highly desired analog due to its ability to bind larger, biologically relevant guest molecules.
Organocatalytic Dimerization of Succinaldehyde
Authors: Bennett Steven H. , Aggarwal* Varinder K.
Published: July 2023

This chapter describes the organocatalytic dimerization of succinaldehyde. Mechanistically, the dimerization process proceeds through the formation of an anti‐enamine with succinaldehyde and L‐proline, followed by pseudo‐equatorial approach of a second succinaldehyde to give trialdehyde 5 via transition state 4. The chapter presents some of the important points to be considered, the conditions that need to be maintained, characterization data, and the reagents required, as well as the techniques used and the equipment setup that are vital to carrying out the process. It also describes the hazards associated with working with chemicals and the ways to deal with these hazards.
Discussion Addendum for: Nickel‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of Aryl Halides with Alkyl Halides: Ethyl 4‐(4‐(4‐Methylphenylsulfonamido)‐Phenyl)butanoate
Authors: Salgueiro Daniel C. , Ehehalt Lauren E. , Johnson Keywan A. , Weix* Daniel J.
Published: July 2023

This chapter describes the procedure for nickel‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of aryl halides with alkyl halides: ethyl 4‐(4‐(4‐methylphenylsulfonamido)‐phenyl)butanoate. It presents some of the important points to be considered, the conditions that need to be maintained, characterization data, and the reagents required, as well as the techniques used and the equipment setup that are vital to carrying out the process. The chapter also describes the hazards associated with working with chemicals and the ways to deal with these hazards. While alkyl halides are far more abundant than alkyl organometallic reagents, the largest commercially available pools of aliphatic electrophile diversity are alcohols, amines, and alkanoic acids.
Preparation of 9‐Azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane‐N‐Oxyl (ABNO)
Authors: Song* Zhiguo J. , Zhou Guoyue , Ye Honglin , Cohen Ryan , Tan Lushi
Published: July 2023

This chapter describes the procedure for preparation of 9‐azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane‐N‐oxyl (ABNO). ABNO is an effective catalyst for aerobic oxidation of alcohols to ketones and aldehydes. This type of oxidation is particularly attractive for large scale preparations because of the potential to reduce cost and minimize waste. The chapter presents some of the important points to be considered, the conditions that need to be maintained, characterization data, and the reagents required, as well as the techniques used and the equipment setup that are vital to carrying out the process. It also describes the hazards associated with working with chemicals and the ways to deal with these hazards.
CDC reports stimulant‐involved OD deaths up; Researchers look at why
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2023

Last month in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a dramatic increase in the presence of cocaine and methamphetamine in opioid overdose (OD) deaths. The increase is largely driven by illicitly manufactured fentanyl, according to the CDC. Users are getting tired of illicit fentanyl, they try to boost it with methamphetamine (mainly, because methamphetamine is less expensive than cocaine), or find themselves exposed to stimulants when they weren't expecting to be due to sloppy lab techniques, according to a study, “The motives and methods of methamphetamine and ‘heroin’ co‐use in West Virginia,” published July 12 in Harm Reduction Journal (see https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12954‐023‐00816‐8 for the full study).
Kent on OTPs and new regulations: Promise for the future
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2023

“The new rules will help opioid treatment programs,” said Rob Kent, former counsel for the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and the New York state Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), now a consultant, in an interview with ADAW last month. He was referring to the SAMHSA [Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration] proposed regulations to modernize methadone treatment (see https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.33643), which have nothing to do with the proposed bills to allow office‐based physicians to prescribe methadone to people with opioid use disorder (see https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.33720). In fact, Kent said he supports making methadone treatment easier to access, but has concerns about the proposals, supported by the American Society of Addiction Medicine and almost all other medical societies, to allow patients to be treated outside of the OTP [opioid treatment program].
Gradient Microstructure and Properties of Surface Mechanical Attrition–Treated AZ91D Alloy: An Effect of Colliding Balls Velocity
Authors: Kumbhar Nilesh K. , Kumar Vikesh , Singh Digvijay , Hosmani Santosh S.
Published: July 2023

The surface properties of the AZ91D alloy are altered using surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT), a promising method of severe surface deformation, where the role of process parameters is crucial. In this study, specimens are SMATed using ≈3 and ≈10 m s−1 ball velocities (maintaining a constant percentage coverage). The SMATed specimens show higher twin density near the surface, which is reduced gradually, and twin thickness is increased with increasing depth. Further, high‐velocity balls cause more twin density and better grain refinement (≈32 nm grain size at the surface). The higher ball velocity helps form a considerably thicker gradient layer (≈3500 μm) with higher hardness (≈1.98 GPa) and compressive residual stress (≈281 MPa) within a shorter SMAT duration (≈10 min). Ball velocity also influences nanomechanical properties such as nanohardness, creep resistance, strain rate sensitivity (SRS), etc. The non‐SMATed alloy's SRS is about 0.037–0.040. The gradient microstructure affects SRS. The SRS value near the SMATed surface (where the reduced grain size plays a dominating role) is about 0.018–0.027; however, it drops suddenly to ≈0.01 (with a slight increase in depth), and subsequently, it rises with an increased distance in the SMATed layer (where twins play a dominating role).
3D HfO2 Thin Film MEMS Capacitor with Superior Energy Storage Properties
Authors: Zhang Yijun , Zhao Huifeng , Yan Tianyi , Ren Wei , Niu Gang , Jiang Zhuangde , Liu Zenghui , Wu Heping , Wang Zhe , Ye Zuo‐Guang
Published: July 2023

Capacitors are ubiquitous and crucial components in modern technologies. Future microelectronic devices require novel dielectric capacitors with higher energy storage density, higher efficiency, better frequency and temperature stabilities, and compatibility with integrated circuit (IC) processes. Here, in order to overcome these challenges, a novel 3D HfO2 thin film capacitor is designed and fabricated by an integrated microelectromechanical system (MEMS) process. The energy storage density (ESD) of the capacitor reaches 28.94 J cm−3, and the energy storage efficiency of the capacitor is up to 91.3% under an applied electric field of 3.5 MV cm−1. The ESD can be further improved by reducing the minimum period structure size of the 3D capacitor. Moreover, the 3D capacitor exhibits excellent temperature stability (up to 150 °C) and charge‐discharge endurance (107 cycles). The results indicate that the 3D HfO2 thin film MEMS capacitor has enormous potential in energy storage applications in harsh environments, such as pulsed discharge and power conditioning electronics.