bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A high-throughput approach for quantifying turgor loss point in wine grapes
Authors: Martin Adam R. , Li Guangrui , Cui Boya , Mariani Rachel. O. , Vicario Kale , Cathline Kimberley A. , Findlay Allison , Robertson Gavin
Published: February 2024

Quantifying drought tolerance in crops is critical for agricultural management under environmental change, and drought response traits in wine grapes have long been the focus of viticultural research. Turgor loss point (πtlp) is gaining attention as an indicator of drought tolerance in plants, though estimating πtlp often requires the construction and analysis of pressure-volume (P-V) curves which is time consuming. While P-V curves remain a valuable tool for assessing πtlp and related traits, there is considerable interest in developing high-throughput methods for rapidly estimating πtlp, especially in the context of crop screening. We tested the ability of a dewpoint hygrometer to quantify variation in πtlp across and within 12 varieties of wine grapes (Vitis vinifera) and one wild relative (Vitis riparia) and compared these results to those derived from P-V curves. At the leaf-level, methodology explained only 4–5% of the variation in πtlp while variety/species identity accounted for 39% of the variation, indicating that both methods are sensitive to detecting intraspecific πtlp variation in wine grapes. Also at the leaf level, πtlp measured using a dewpoint hygrometer significantly approximated πtlp values (r2 = 0.254) and conserved πtlp rankings from P-V curves (Spearman’s ρ = 0.459). While the leaf-level datasets differed statistically from one another (paired t-test p = 0.01), average difference in πtlp for a given pair of leaves was small (0.1 ± 0.2 MPa (s.d.)). At the species/variety level, estimates of πtlp measured by the two methods were also statistically correlated (r2 = 0.304), did not deviate statistically from a 1:1 relationship, and conserved πtlp rankings across varieties (Spearman’s ρ = 0.692). The dewpoint hygrometer (taking ~ 10–15 minutes on average per measurement) captures fine-scale intraspecific variation in πtlp, with results that approximate those from P-V curves (taking 2–3 hours on average per measurement). The dewpoint hygrometer represents a viable method for rapidly estimating intraspecific variation in πtlp, and potentially greatly increasing replication when estimating this drought tolerance trait in wine grapes and other crops.
Theoretical investigation on phosphorescent platinum complexes based on two tetradentate bipyridine ligands
Authors: MEZOUAR Hadj , BRAHIM Houari , BOUMEDIENE Mostefa , CHERIF Fatima YAHIA , HADJI Djebar , GUENDOUZI Abdelkrim
Published: February 2024

In this work, the geometrical, optical, and phosphorescence properties of four complexes with general formula [dRpypy―C(OCH3)R′―dRpypy]Pt, with Pt-1 (R = F, R′=methyl), Pt-2 (R = F, R′=hexyl), Pt-3 (R = methoxy, R′=methyl) and Pt-4 (R = methoxy, R′=hexyl) were studied using the B3PW91 and TD-B3PW91 methods. The effect of the double substitution R and R′ on the electronic properties of the four complexes has been investigated. Replacing the two fluorine atoms with the two methoxy groups modifies the shape of the UV-vis spectra and red shift the phosphorescence spectra, while the substituents on the linker R′ do not induces changes in both spectra. Normal modes involved in the vibronic structure were identified and analyzed using adiabatic Hessian approaches according to the Franck-Condon approximation. The computed phosphorescence wavelengths agree with the observed ones and indicate that the fluorinated complexes exhibit a bright light blue color, while the methoxy complexes display a light spring green color.
Characteristics and Co-morbidities of Autism Spectrum Disorder as Risk Factors for Severity: A National Survey in the United States
Authors: Salehi Mona , Ahmad Arham , Lotfi Aida , Gunturu Sasidhar
Published: February 2024

Background
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) consists of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders with impairments in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. This condition is associated with several co-morbidities which significantly affect the quality of life. Therefore, individuals with ASD should undergo screening for common co-morbidities to enable early diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and common socio-demographic characteristics of ASD as well as both medical and psychiatric co-morbidities and their effects on the severity of ASD.
Methods
Data from the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) in the US from 2020 to 2021 were used in this study. We included 79,182 children and adolescents aged between 3 to 17 years for the analysis. The mean age of these individuals was 10.1 (standard deviation: 4.6), and 2,568 (3.2%) had ASD diagnosis.
Results
Our analysis showed that ASD is more common in males (78.7%) than females (21.3%). Additionally, ASD was associated with lower family income and a higher level of education in the family. We found that 96.4% of patients developed at least one co-morbid condition. The most common neuropsychiatric co-morbidities included developmental delay (64%), behavioral and conduct problems (57.8%), and anxiety (45.7%). While the most common medical co-morbidities were allergies (32.4%), genetic disorders (26.2%), and asthma (12.6%). The odds of intellectual disability (odds ratio, OR: 5.8), developmental delay (OR: 5.0), Down syndrome (OR: 4.5), epilepsy (OR: 3.4), cerebral palsy (OR: 3.0), vision problems (OR: 2.5), and genetic disorders (OR: 2.3) were significantly higher among severe cases.
Conclusions
The presence of numerous co-morbidities in individuals with ASD, often linked to increased ASD severity, underscores the critical importance of comprehensive screening, early diagnosis, and targeted treatment strategies to enhance the overall health and well-being of these individuals.
Core shell ZnO-MnO 2 nanocomposites for dye degradation and DFT simulation
Authors: Joudi F. , Selmi W. , Naceur J. Ben , Chtourou R.
Published: February 2024

To promote the photogeneration of charge–carriers separation, the ZnO/MnO2 nanocomposites have been efficiently synthesized via simple hydrothermal process and tested as photocatalyst for dye degradation. The samples of ZnO, MnO2, and ZnO/MnO2 nanocomposites have been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectra (PL). The photocatalytic activity of the ZnO/MnO2 prepared using 10 mg is much higher than that of ZnO or MnO2 as demonstrated by optical and photoluminescence measurement. The improvement of Methyl Orange (MO) photodegradation compared with pure ZnO and MnO2 is originated from the high surface area, the efficient sun light absorption and the excellent charge carrier’s separation of the ZnO/MnO2 photocatalyst. The DFT simulations of ZnO and MnO2 have determined the electronic origin of structures properties and demonstrate that photocatalytic activity is attributed to the electrons transition between valence and conduction bands of materials.
Quantifying the Contributors to Extreme Sea Level Events in the Western Mediterranean at High Spatio-temporal Resolution
Authors: Ramos-Alcántara Jorge , Agulles Miguel , Gomis Damià , Jordà Gabriel
Published: February 2024

A comprehensive characterisation of extreme sea levels at different spatio-temporal scales is presented for the Western Mediterranean. The classical view of extreme sea levels as a consequence of the concurrence of storm events and high tides may lead to an incomplete picture for the Mediterranean coasts, where the tidal regime is small and processes operating at high frequencies can contribute significantly to extreme levels. Our approach bases on the analysis of tide gauge records with a high sampling frequency (1 minute), in order to consider other contributors beyond storm surges and tides. To have a basin-scale view, we first analyse the tide gauges operated by Puertos del Estado, which are distributed over all the Spanish Mediterranean coasts and cover at least from 2010 to 2022. Next, we focus on a more reduced domain to take advantage of the unprecedented spatio-temporal resolution of the VENOM tide gauge network, operating since 2020 in the Balearic archipelago. Last, we analyse the role of waves in local extreme sea level events by propagating waves towards the coast in the Bay of Palma. The wave run-up estimates are calculated considering the type of coastal protection and are used to simulate the potential flooding that could occur in the future under an unfavourable climate change scenario. Our results highlight the importance of high-frequency sea level records to study extreme events, and the key role of processes such as meteotsunamis and waves in the occurrence of extreme sea levels.
Mechanism study of BMSC-exosomes combined with hyaluronic acid gel in regulating oxidative stress in the treatment of posttraumatic osteoarthritis
Authors: Liu Xianqiang , Chen Yongshuai , Zhang Tao
Published: February 2024

Objective
To explore the efficacy and mechanism of exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC-EXOs) combined with hyaluronic acid (HA) gel in treating post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) by regulating injury caused by mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced oxidative stress.
Methods
This study utilized a combination of in vitro and in vivo experiments to investigate the potential benefits of BMSC-EXOs in the treatment of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). The in vitro experiment involved the isolation and characterization of BMSC-EXOs from rats, which were then labeled with Dil. Then the primary chondrocytes of rats were isolated, and a cell model of PTOA was established. The cells were assigned into control group, model group, BMSC-EXOs group, HA group, BMSC-EXOs + HA group, BMSC-EXOs + 740Y-P group, and BMSC-EXOs + HA + 740Y-P group. Oxidative stress levels and cartilage matrix function were measured in each group. In the in vivo experiment, the rat model of PTOA was constructed via anterior cruciate ligament resection alone. The rats were divided into the same aforementioned groups and evaluated for oxidative stress levels, cartilage matrix function, and joint recovery.
Results
According to in vivo and in vitro experimental results, BMSC-EXOs + HA gel could effectively lower the level of oxidative stress of chondrocytes and rat PTOA models, and improve the mechanical function of the cartilage, exhibiting superior effects to those of BMSC-EXOs alone.
Conclusion
BMSC-EXOs + HA gel can be adopted to treat PTOA by regulating injury caused by mitochondrial ROS-induced oxidative stress.
Risk analysis of air pollutants and types of anemia: a UK Biobank prospective cohort study
Authors: Li Laifu , Ran Yan , Zhuang Yan , Wang Lianli , Chen Jiamiao , Sun Yating , Lu Shiwei , Ye Fangchen , Mei Lin , Ning Yu , Dai Fei
Published: February 2024

Background:
Previous studies have suggested that exposure to air pollutants may be associated with specific blood indicators or anemia in certain populations. However, there is insufficient epidemiological data and prospective evidence to evaluate the relationship between environmental air pollution and specific types of anemia.
Methods:
We conducted a large-scale prospective cohort study based on the UK Biobank. Annual average concentrations of NO2, PM2.5, PM2.5−10, and PM10 were obtained from the ESCAPE study using the Land Use Regression (LUR) model. The association between atmospheric pollutants and different types of anemia was investigated using the Cox proportional hazards model. Furthermore, restricted cubic splines were used to explore exposure-response relationships for positive associations, followed by stratification and effect modification analyses by gender and age.
Results:
After adjusting for demographic characteristics, 3–4 of the four types of air pollution were significantly associated with an increased risk of iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency and folate deficiency anemia, while there was no significant association with other defined types of anemia. After full adjustment, we estimated that the hazard ratios (HRs) of iron deficiency anemia associated with each 10µg/m3 increase in NO2, PM2.5, and PM10 were 1.04 (95%CI: 1.02, 1.07), 2.00 (95%CI: 1.71, 2.33), and 1.10 (95%CI: 1.02, 1.20) respectively. The HRs of folate deficiency anemia with each 10µg/m3 increase in NO2, PM2.5, PM2.5−10, and PM10 were 1.25 (95%CI: 1.12, 1.40), 4.61 (95%CI: 2.03, 10.47), 2.81 (95%CI: 1.11, 7.08), and 1.99 (95%CI: 1.25, 3.15) respectively. For vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, no significant association with atmospheric pollution was found. Additionally, we estimated almost linear exposure-response curves between air pollution and anemia, and interaction analyses suggested that gender and age did not modify the association between air pollution and anemia.
Conclusion
Our research provided reliable evidence for the association between long-term exposure to PM10, PM2.5, PM2.5−10, NO2, and several types of anemia. NO2, PM2.5, and PM10 significantly increased the risk of iron deficiency anemia and folate deficiency anemia. Additionally, we found that the smaller the PM diameter, the higher the risk, and folate deficiency anemia was more susceptible to air pollution than iron deficiency anemia. No association was observed between the four types of air pollution and hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, and other types of anemia. Although the mechanisms are not well understood, we emphasize the need to limit the levels of PM and NO2 in the environment to reduce the potential impact of air pollution on folate and iron deficiency anemia.
Validation of the Thai version of the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire-8 (CPAQ-8T) in chronic pain patients
Authors: Pasutharnchat Koravee , Seangrung Rattaphol , Lertmongkonaksorn Prateep , Kamdeang Sirima
Published: February 2024

Background:
Chronic pain significantly affects patients’ quality of life, often leading to the avoidance of activities that exacerbate their pain. Embracing pain acceptance and willingness is crucial for patients to maintain their functionality. This study aimed to translate and validate the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire-8 (CPAQ-8) into the Thai language and to facilitate the assessment of pain acceptance in Thai patients.
Methods:
The study involved the translation of the English CPAQ-8 into a Thai version, subsequently, referred to as the CPAQ-8T. The psychometric properties of the CPAQ-8T were rigorously examined. Study participants were administered a set of questionnaires, including the 100-mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS), CPAQ-8T, and the Barthel Index for Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Test-retest reliability was assessed by readministering the CPAQ-8T two weeks after the initial test. The validity and overall reliability of the CPAQ-8T were thoroughly assessed.
Results:
A total of 160 patients with chronic pain (duration > 3 months) at Ramathibodi Hospital completed all the questionnaires. The mean CPAQ-8T score was 24.2 (SD = 7.26). The CPAQ-8T score exhibited the expected correlation with the Barthel Index for ADL but showed no significant correlation with the VAS score, indicating moderate convergent validity. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability findings support the validity and reliability of the CPAQ-8T.
Conclusions:
The translation and validation of the CPAQ-8 into the Thai language offers a reliable and valid instrument for assessing pain acceptance in Thai patients with chronic pain. The results suggested that the CPAQ-8T is a valuable tool for healthcare professionals and researchers working in the field of chronic pain management.
Trial registration
The study was registered on the Thai Clinical Trial Registry under the identifier TCTR20230824004 (retrospectively registered).
Load-bearing behaviors of sandwich plates with non-uniformly distributed grid cores: Dynamic impact and blast
Authors: Wang Youlong , Ruan Sihan , Hao Ning , Chen Jie , Ma Quanjin , SONG Yiheng
Published: February 2024

Sandwich plates with grid-core structures possess extensive applications, and non-uniform grid plates (NUGPs) show enhanced potential under varied loading modes. The current study embarks on an investigation into non-uniform grid-core plates (NUGP) by adjusting the dimensions of transverse and longitudinal grid walls. This comprehensive analysis explores the dynamic responses of these plates when subjected to impact and blast loads, focusing on deformation patterns, damage, and the underlying processes. The findings are illustrated as follows. 1) NUGPs, specifically those with an optimized configuration of grid walls termed the d2 structure, display improved resistance to blast and impact loads compared to their uniformly distributed grid plate counterparts. Notably, designs featuring a less dense grid in the central area yield a more evenly distributed damage pattern under impact loads and a lesser severity of damage from blast loads. 2) The study also reveals that under impact loads, the sandwich structure showcases distinct behaviors through three stages evident in the load-displacement curves: initial localized indentation, followed by overall deformation, and ending with deformation recovery. 3) Moreover, when facing blast loads, the initial response involves rapid plastic deformation of the upper skin, succeeded by compression and buckling of the core. This sequence effectively dissipates energy, acting as a protective shield for the lower skin. 4) The optimized NUGP design achieves a perfect balance between stiffness and ductility, reducing displacement through adequate stiffness while ensuring the effective absorption of dynamic forces through significant ductility, thus preventing catastrophic failure. This research significantly advances topology optimization for sandwich plates, providing essential insights for designing lightweight structures resilient under various modes.
Sustainable Education Practices: Voices from Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Park Yuyeong
Published: February 2024

This qualitative research delves into the intricate landscape of sustainable education practices within higher education institutions, exploring the motivations, challenges, and transformative strategies voiced by educators, administrators, and students. Grounded in diverse values and motivations, the commitment to sustainability emerges as a shared imperative among participants, underscoring the role of higher education in nurturing responsible global citizens. Implementation, however, encounters challenges ranging from limited resources and institutional resistance to a perceived lack of awareness among students, necessitating strategic planning and a cultural shift within institutions. The integration of sustainability into the curriculum and the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration signify a departure from traditional educational paradigms. Advocating for a holistic approach, participants emphasize the importance of embedding sustainability principles across disciplines and fostering collaborative projects to cultivate critical thinking skills. Institutional support and policies emerge as pivotal, with clear guidelines and top-level leadership support providing a foundation for sustainability initiatives. Student engagement and empowerment, facilitated through active involvement in decision-making processes and experiential learning opportunities, are recognized as transformative outcomes. Innovative teaching methods and technologies are embraced as tools to make sustainability tangible and accessible, despite challenges associated with integration. Emotional intelligence is identified as integral to navigating the complex social and emotional dimensions of sustainability challenges, fostering personal growth and self-awareness. Sustainability extends beyond the academic realm, becoming ingrained in institutional practices, with green campus programs and operational sustainability initiatives serving as tangible expressions of commitment.
Adult-onset neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis misdiagnosed as autoimmune encephalitis and normal-pressure hydrocephalus: a 10-year case report and literature review
Authors: Huang Huasheng , Liao Yuqi , Qin HuiHui , Wei YiZhi , Jiang Hongliang , Cao Liming
Published: February 2024

Background: Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are rare, fatal, inherited neurodegenerative disorders characterized by myoclonic epilepsy, cognitive decline, brain atrophy, and retinopathy. The pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of NCL are not well understood and frequently result in misdiagnosis and overtreatment.
Case presentation: We present a case of adult-onset NCL (ANCL) that initially presented with refractory epilepsy mimicking autoimmune encephalitis and normal-pressure hydrocephalus. A correct diagnosis was established through biopsy and genetic testing after ten years of observation.
Conclusion: Combined with a literature review, we summarize our experience in improving the clinical management of this disease. Improved clinical and imaging insights into ANCL, along with its early consideration in the differential diagnosis, can lead to timely treatment, better management, and the prevention of overtreatment.
Nonlinear optimal control for cooperation of car-like front-wheel-steered autonomous robots
Authors: Rigatos Gerasimos , Abbaszadeh Masoud
Published: February 2024

Car-like front-wheel-steered mobile robots exhibit underactuation and the solution of the related nonlinear control and autonomous navigation problem is a non-trivial task. In this article, a nonlinear optimal control approach is proposed for the dynamic model of such robotic vehicles. It is proven that the vehicle's kinematic model is differentially flat. In a first approach, an extended state-space model of the kinematic model of the autonomous vehicle is developed after applying the dynamic extension concept and by considering some of its control inputs as additional state variables. It is shown that by inverting the dynamically extended state-space model of the vehicle a stabilizing feedback controller can be designed. Next, in the nonlinear optimal control approach, the kinematic model of the car-like front-wheel-steered autonomous robot undergoes approximate linearization around a temporary operating point that is recomputed at each time-step of the control method. The linearization relies on Taylor series expansion and on the associated Jacobian matrices. For the linearized state-space model of the autonomous robot a stabilizing optimal (H-infinity) feedback controller is designed. This controller stands for the solution to the nonlinear optimal control problem under model uncertainty and external perturbations. To compute the controller's feedback gains an algebraic Riccati equation is repetitively solved at each iteration of the control algorithm. The stability properties of the control method are proven through Lyapunov analysis. Finally, to implement state estimation-based control without the need to measure the entire state vector of the front-wheel-steered autonomous robot, the H-infinity Kalman Filter is used as a robust state estimator.
The effects of Organoclay on the Mechanical, Thermal and Rheological Properties of Polyvinylchloride (PVC)
Authors: bendjaouhdou Chaouki
Published: February 2024

The aim of this work was to study the effects of an organomontmorillonite or organoclay (OMMT) on the properties of a polyvinylchloride (PVC) polymer used in the fabrication of electrical cable sheath in order to replace the chalk by organoclay in the cable PVC sheath manufacturing. The resulted nanocomposite blend, based on organoclay and PVC polymer, was prepared by melt blending. The results obtained showed a slight improvement of the blend mechanical properties (tensile strength, and elongation at break) when the amount of the organoclay was 1 wt. %. The thermal stability (deshydrochloration test) is maximal when the concentration of the organoclay was equal to 1 wt. %. The water uptake study reveals that the amount of the absorbed water does not exceed 0.1 wt % when the concentration of the organoclay is 1.5 wt. %. A rheological test revealed that the addition of organoclay doesn’t increase the melt viscosity of the PVC/OMMT nanocomposite blend.
HP-FLDet: A High Performance Joint Face and Landmark Detector
Authors: Liu Xueli , Zhang Ziqun , Liu Yao , Fu Kexue , Chen Xiao , Chen Xinrong
Published: February 2024

Face detection and landmark localization are usually the fundamental and important steps of facial analysis. The accuracy degradation of any task has impacts on the accuracy and robustness of the downstream analysis. In most facial analysis systems, face detection and landmark detection, as two independent tasks, are predicted sequentially with single-task detectors respectively, which suffer from the higher complexity and poorer consistency. In contrast, multi-task joint face and landmark detectors are more efficient and have more shared features. However, when two tasks are predicted in one model, it is difficult to improve the accuracy of all tasks simultaneously, due to the different requirements of the different targets to be detected. In our opinion, the multi-task detection model, integrating the perception ability of both scale variation and detailed texture information for face and landmark detection, is arduous but important in unconstrained settings. In this paper, a High-Performance joint Face and Landmark detector(HP-FLDet) is proposed, which can predict facial bounding boxes and landmarks in single stage and improve the accuracy of both face detection and landmark localization simultaneously. In this detector, the context inception block and scale-aware multi-task strategies are designed to resolve extreme scale variance and improve the perception ability of detailed texture information. It demonstrates superior performance on both face and landmark detection datasets including AFW, PASCAL Face, FDDB, Wider Face and AFLW. Especially, it achieves SOTA results on the most challenging WIDER FACE dataset with 0.970(Easy), 0.963(Medium), 0.921(Hard) mAP on the test subset, which outperforms all state-of-the-art rivals.
A Unet-like Low-cost Image Inpainting Method Built upon Efficient ViT
Authors: Huang Zhen , Feng Yapei , Chen Xiao-Diao
Published: February 2024

Image inpainting is the process of replacing broken or defective regions in an image. Recent models use an ensemble of Transformer and CNN to expand the diversity and accuracy of image inpainting. However, when processing high-resolution images with Transformers, the computational cost can be high due to the need to establish global dependencies. This paper proposes a new inpainting method based on the ViT U-net structure. The network utilises a single memory-bound MHSA and cascade group attention ViT which incorporates an improved adaptive gated convolution in the encoder to extract features and employs a PixelShuffle upsampling in the decoder to generate the restored image. Additionally, it recovers local spatial features at multiple levels to refine details. We evaluate our model on CelebA-HQ, Places2, and Paris StreetView datasets. The experimental results demonstrate that the model achieves faster training speed and less memory consumption with fewer parameters, while matching the current state-of-the-art in terms of quantitatively and qualitatively.
Olink Proteomics Platform Reveals Serum Inflammatory Related Protein Biomarkers in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Zhang Ruijing , Chang Runze , Wang Heng , Chen Jinshan , Yan Sheng , Li Yaling , Xuan Xuezhen , Qiao Maolin , Gao SiQi , Li Lizheng , Lu Chuanlong , Fan Keyi , Dong Honglin
Published: February 2024

Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a cardiovascular disease associated with chronic inflammation that poses a serious threat to the population. This study used the emerging Olink proteomics technology with the aim of identifying markers associated with inflammation in the serum of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm. Serum samples were collected from 14 patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms on the day of admission to the hospital and serum samples from 14 healthy individuals were used as controls. The expression levels of 92 inflammation-related proteins were compared between abdominal aortic aneurysm patients (n=8) and controls (n=8) using the Olink Proximity Extension Assay inflammation plate. Differential proteins were analyzed by enrichment analysis and ROC curve analysis to determine their role and value in the diagnosis and study of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Subsequently, five proteins were screened for ELISA validation by correlation analysis between differential proteins and the maximum diameter of abdominal aortic aneurysms in combination with expression differences and diagnostic value. The results of the study showed that 26 proteins were upregulated in expression in the abdominal aortic aneurysm group compared with the control group, and the selected FGF-19, CCL11, TNFRSF9, FGF-21, and IL-12B were validated by ELISA. The results showed that these five proteins were up-regulated in the serum of abdominal aortic aneurysm patients（P<0.05）, which may be novel diagnostic markers for abdominal aortic aneurysm disease.
Impact of work and working conditions on Low Back Pain among fisher women: A cross sectional study in Trivandrum
Authors: Rahim Jazeela Abdul , Kannan Srinivasan , Rajagopalan Harini
Published: February 2024

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of Chronic Low Back Pain, its severity and associated factors among fisherwomen.
Methods: Cross-sectional survey conducted among 336 fisherwomen aged 18-49 years from 7 fishing villages in Trivandrum. The prevalence of Chronic Low Back Pain estimated using Nordic Body Map. Pain severity was assessed using the Pain Numeric Rating Scale.
Results: Prevalence of chronic low back pain was 45%. High BMI, UTI history, stress-induced headaches, falls, physical abuse, water-collection frequency, work-experience, and standing duration were associated with chronic low back pain. The Pain severity prevalence was 23.8% mild, 51.65% moderate and 24.5% severe. Income, continuous-standing, improper-seating, and stipulated rest-time were associated with seventy of Chronic Low Back Pain. Standing continuously and improper seating were predictors of pain severity.
Conclusion: Low back pain is common among fisherwomen contributed by work-related behavior. Posture correction measures such as educating the fisherwomen on appropriate posture and need for relaxation will improve their health conditions. Improved working environments which include proper resting place, designated space for vending with proper seating arrangement with chairs and with back support will improve the LBP status of fisherwomen.
Halothane sedation with local anesthesia as a bailout procedure for neonate with subglottic stenosis and post-MMC repair defect for O-Z flap: a case report
Authors: Shimekit Mikael Aseged , Eshetie Zemed Geleta , Lemma Mahlet Getachew
Published: February 2024

Introduction:
Subglottic stenosis (SGS) can develop after intubation in children. With mild subglottic stenosis, children can be asymptomatic. Endotracheal intubation is difficult in infants with subglottic stenosis. Here is a case of subglottic stenosis in infant planned for flap wound closure managed with sedation.
Case presentation:
A 1 month-old infant for whom thoracolumbar myelomeningocele (MMC) was repaired during her 2nd week of life, then she developed a wound infection on the 4th postoperative day, and after 2 weeks she was scheduled for a wound closure. However, intubation was difficult and rescheduled but with the senior anesthesiologist it was not possible to intubate and after discussion with an anesthesiologist sedation and local anesthesia was used to proceed with wound closure with a flap.
Conclusion
sedation with local anesthesia can be used for neonates and infants with subglottic stenosis when intubation is difficult.
THE CULTURAL UNCONSCIOUS OF PETER HESSLER AS A PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER TEACHER IN RIVER TOWN
Authors:   Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia, Ming Hao ,   School of Foreign Studies, Changsha University of Science and Technology, 410004 Changsha, Hunan Province, China, Pillai Shanthini ,   Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia,   Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia, Vengadasamy Ravichandran ,   Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
Published: February 2024

This article investigates the influence of the Peace Corps’ salient ideology in Peter Hessler’s works focusing on modern China. As a volunteer of the third cohort of the Peace Corps in China, Hessler served in Sichuan province from 1996 to 1998. We argue that the ideological overtones of the Peace Corps programme significantly influence his representation of China and use his memoir River Town as an example. Applying the concepts of the cultural unconscious by Ming Dong Gu, as well as decoloniality, colonial matrix of power and border thinking by Walter Mignolo and Catherine Walsh, we show how Hessler’s various actions in the memoir match the mission of the Peace Corps consciously and unconsciously. However, we also show that the narrative emits decoloniality through border thinking as Hessler eventually understands China and its different political culture and proceeds to recognise the shortcomings of American politics. While many enthusiasts of Hessler perceive his writings as challenging the dominant negative view of China in the Western mainstream media, we conclude that, from the perspective of the cultural unconscious, the Peace Corps volunteer’s objective to spread American values far outweighed the Peace Corps’ other mission of achieving a better understanding of other peoples on the part of the Americans.
A Study on Prioritizing Education Contents Required for Settlement Workers : Focusing on the case of support for North Korean migrants settling in South Korea
Authors:   Human Engagement Institute, Roh Kyungran , Hur Sunjoo , Kim Eunbee
Published: February 2024

This study aims to prioritize education contents to improve the abilities of settlement workers who provide settlement support services to North Korean immigrants who have migrated to South Korea. In this study, based on the analysis results of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), the results derived by conducting FGI for experts in the field are as follows. As a research results, first, practical skills that can be used in the field are important. Second, family-based understanding is necessary in understanding migrants as a target of support. Third, protect and manage sensitive personal information derived from the process to difficulties faced by migrants is important. Fourth, education contents to the method of providing migrant support services that can respond to situations in which face-to-face services are impossible is required.
The Effects of Self-Directed Learning Readiness, Meta-cognitive Learning Strategy, and Creative Achievement Intention on Learning Leader Competency in University Students
Authors:   Human Engagement Institute, Jun Jusung , Yoon Jinkyung , Bae Heera , Lee Kyunghwa
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of self-directed learning readiness, meta-cognitive learning strategy, and creative achievement intention on the learning leader competency of Korean university students. It also investigated differences in these variables by gender, major, and grade. The study samples were 757 students from University A in Seoul who were taking liberal arts courses. Data were collected using scales on self-directed learning readiness, meta-cognitive learning strategy, creative achievement intention, and learning leader competency. The data collected was analyzed using two independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and multiple regression analysis. The findings are as follows: First, there were significant relationships between self-directed learning readiness, meta-cognitive learning strategy, creative achievement intention, and learning leader competency. Second, self-directed learning readiness, meta-cognitive learning strategy, and creative achievement intention had significant effects on learning leader competency. Finally, there were differences in self-directed learning readiness, meta-cognitive learning strategy, creative achievement intention, and learning leader competency based on gender, major, and grade.
Arsitektur Vernakular yang Mendukung Pembangunan Berkelanjutan di Kampung Adat Tamkesi Kabupaten Timor Tengah Utara
Authors: Tanggela Stephani Jecquelin Daindo , Bawole Paulus
Published: February 2024

Title: Vernacular Architecture that Supports Sustainable Development in the Tamkesi Traditional Village, North Central Timor Regency

Indonesia has a wealth of diverse vernacular architecture. Still, in this era of openness to information and outside cultures, it seems the uniqueness of this architecture has become neglected and threatened with loss. Amid the external-internal influences that cause changes in the archipelago's vernacular buildings, the Atoni tribe in the Tamkesi traditional village responds otherwise. This paper examines how the indigenous Atoni people maintain the authenticity and sustainability of the Tamkesi traditional village, its architecture, and their involvement in sustainable development. This research uses descriptive qualitative research methods, while analysis techniques are carried out by coordinating data collection techniques through books, journals, articles, and an understanding of the theory of vernacular architecture and sustainable development. Based on the results of the analysis show that the Tamkesi traditional village is one of the oldest villages on the island of Timor, East Nusa Tenggara, which is still sustainable today and has developed from generation to generation based on the concept of local cultural wisdom and harmonization with nature.
Comparative Analysis of Phytocompound Variations in Leaves, Bark and Roots of Allspice (Pimenta Dioica) Collections in Tanzania
Authors: Lutege Raymond Malinda , Venkataramana Pavithravani B , Ndunguru Joseph
Published: February 2024

Allspice, scientifically known as Pimenta dioica, holds potential as a natural source of beneficial compounds that have been historically used to address various human health concerns. The aim of this research was to explore differences in the compounds found in parts of Allspice (i.e., the leaves, bark, and roots). Petroleum ether, dichloromethane, and methanol were used to extract the substances from each part; the resulting crude extracts were then analyzed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. To interpret the obtained data, the National Institute of Standards and Technology database was referred to for a spectra analysis. The findings indicated that the leaves contained 81 phytocompounds, bark had 18 types, and roots exhibited 12 varieties. Prominent phytocompounds found in the leaves were eugenol in 72.24% – 73.91% of the total compounds detected. Bark was primarily composed of 1,4-Methanoazulene, decahydro-4,8,8-trimethyl-9-methylene-, [1S-(1. alpha.,3a. beta.,4. alpha.,8a. beta.)] in 74.35% – 84.24%; while roots contained γ-sitosterol at an 86.08% concentration level. In terms of solvent performance, methanol exhibited high efficiency on leaves, while dichloromethane demonstrated optimal results on bark and roots. The findings confirm significant variations in phytocompound composition in different parts of Allspice and underscores the importance of considering specific types of phytocompounds, as well as extraction techniques to achieve valuable outcomes.
AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF JUVENILE ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Dhuri Kalpana , Kamble Namrata
Published: February 2024

A 16year old boy, who wasdiagnosed with Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis treated with a combination of Panchakarma procedures and Ayurvedic medicines(Integrative approach). The patient was considered suffering from Aamavata(âˆ¼Vata disorder involving bone and joints) and was treated based on fundamentals of treatment as mentioned by ayurvedic texts. Patients condition was assessed every 7 days initially for 1 monthend later monthly.Thescore sets of Assessment of Spondylo Arthritis BASDAI and ASDAS score and symptoms showed substantial improvement after 120 days of treatment.
AN OPEN LABELLED CLINICAL TRIAL TO EVALUATE THE COMBINED EFFICACY OF MATRA BASTI, GODHUMA UPANAHA AND LAKSHADI GUGGULU IN THE MANAGEMENT OF JANU SANDHIGATA VATA VIS-A-VIS OSTEOARTHRITIS OF KNEE IN PERIMENOPAUSE WOMEN
Authors:   Final Year PG Scholar, Department of PG Studies in Kayachikitsa, Government Ayurveda Medical College, Mysuru, Karnataka, India., Vidya Vadeyara , Kumar M.D Sanjay ,   Professor, Department of PG Studies in Kayachikitsa, Government Ayurveda Medical College, Mysuru, Karnataka, India.
Published: February 2024

Sandhigatavatais a disease in which Vata affects the joint causing pain and swelling, this is also characterized bypalpation which feels like bag filled with air and pain experienced during extension and flexion of joint.The disease janu Sandhigata vata is described asOsteoarthritis (OA)which manifests the abnormality of the synovial joints characterized by softening, splitting and fragmentation of articular cartilage not attributable to direct contact with inflammatory tissue.osteoarthritis tends to have a stronger association with women during perimenopause (Rajonivrutti). The prevalence rate of OA in perimenopause women is 31.6%. Perimenopause is menopausal transition phase to nonproductive stage in women. It includes somatic, phychological and uro-genital symptoms. The somatic symptoms make phase difficult to cope with routine life. In Ayurveda It can be understood as Rajonivrutti is JarakalajaSwabhavikaavastha during this phase Kshaya of Bala, Utsaha, Veerya leads to Vata Prakopa. Considering all these, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the combined efficacy of Matrabasti, GodhumaUpanahaandLakshadiGuggulu in the management of Janu Sandhigata Vata. Objective of the study: To evaluate the combined efficacy of Matrabasti, GodhumaUpanahaandLakshadiGuggulu in the management of Janu Sandhigata Vata vis-a-vis Osteoarthritis of knee in Perimenopause women. Methods: The data was collected on 0th day, on the day of completion of MatraBasti and Upanaha Karma and Shamanoushadhisi.e. on 0th, 9th day 31st day. Results: Matrabasti, GodhumaUpanaha and LakshadiGuggulushowed clinical improvement and statistically highly significant results in reduction of Pain, Swelling, Stiffness, Crepitus and WOMAC-Index for Osteoarthritis with p value 0.000. in the management of Janu Sandhigata Vata in perimenopause women.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HEALTH AWARENESS PROGRAMME ON KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE REGARDING PREVENTION OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION AMONG ANTENATAL WOMEN IN GOVT. DOON MEDICAL COLLEGE HOSPITAL
Authors:   PG Faculty of Nursing, Department of Obstetrical and Gynaecological Nursing, Sushila Institute of Medical Sciences, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India., Chand Rashmi
Published: February 2024

Background: Pregnancy is a most beautiful journey filled with ups and downs, and its only natural to feel overwhelmed at times. While being pregnant can be the most beautiful experience for women, it brings along a whole load of worries as well such as medications, exercises and personal hygiene. In which Urinary tract infection is frequently experienced during pregnancy and it is associated with adverse maternal, fetal and neonatal effects. UTI is common cause of serious infection in pregnant women. In pregnancy UTI cause changes in the urinary tract, that makes women likely to get infection. This study focused on the enhancement ofknowledge and practice regarding prevention of UTI among antenatal women during pregnancy. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of health awareness program on knowledge and practice regarding prevention of UTI during pregnancy among antenatal women. Material and Methods: Pre-experimental research design was used in the study.Convenient sampling technique was used to collect to data from antenatal women of government doon medical college and hospital, the sample size was 60. Result: There was statistically significance effect was seen with mean value and SD of knowledge (17.58 Â± 1.825) and practice (7.70 Â± 1.183) with t value of knowledge (29.382) and practice (15.413) at p value 0.001.It was found significant. Conclusion: This study concluded that health awareness programme on knowledge andpractice regarding prevention of urinary tract infection among antenatal women was effective.
VIRAL VIDEO ON INSTAGRAM BY DAWA INFLUENCER : QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS
Authors:   Master Student, Department of Dawa and Leardership, Falculty of Islamic Studies, National University of Malaysia., Hajar Roslan Muna , Faisal Ashaari Muhammad ,   Senior Lecturer, Department of Dawa and Leardership, Falculty of Islamic Studies, National University of Malaysia., Zulkifli Abdul Ghani Mohamad ,   Senior Lecturer, Department of Dawa and Leardership, Falculty of Islamic Studies, National University of Malaysia., Anis Suraya Hussen Intan ,   Master of Science in Managerial Communication, Universiy Utara Malaysia.
Published: February 2024

Dawa Influencer has made Instagram (IG) as the main platform for delivering dawa to public. Instagram functioned as an effective medium for sharing high-quality photos and videos. Majority of influencers own this account to utilize it for personal Dawah Influencers produced and shared their videos in various forms and creative versions on Instagram, hence these videos still often fail to generate an encouraging viewers response and failed to capture the interest of viewers due to their lack of adherence to the criteria of newsworthiness. Consequently, this study aims to evaluate the application of newsworthiness criteria in viral videos shared by Dawah Influencers on Instagram. This research is a qualitative-based research that implementing content analysis on 50 viral videos(reels) produced by 10 different Dawah Influencers on Instagram based on the Theory ofNews Value which is invented by Harcup and ONeill. The results gained from this research found that there are five main criteria which frequently being applied by the Dawa Influencer in their viral videos on Instagram. Criteria with the highest frequency was the human interestwhich appears in 49 times out of 50 videos analyzed, followed by impact with 43 times, next criteria is proximity with 35 times, conflictwith 29 times and the least one was the currency with only 28 times. This research can be set as reference by the Dawa Influencer in producing a high impact quality videos which fulfilling all the five criteria of newsworthiness to ensure that their videos in social media especially Instagram would be more effective and efficient in terms of viewers and readers acceptanceand encouraging a higher understandingfrom the target audience (Madu).