bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Placenta Previa, Percreta – A Case Report of Successful Management
Authors: Begum Sartaj , Sharmin Shanzida , Parvin Maleka , Majumder Shima , Naher Akterun , Parvin Tahamina , Akter Romena , Zafrin Rummana
Published: October 2023

Background: Placenta percreta is a rare complication of pregnancy and is associated with significant postpartum hemorrhage. Incidence of morbidadherant placenta has dramatically increased due to increasing caesarean section rate all over the world. Placenta percreta is the most severe form of morbid adherent placenta. It frequently results in maternal morbidity and mortality which is mainly caused by massive obstetric hemorrhage emergency hysterectomy. Majority of these cases are seen in patient with history of previous LSCS with anterior low lying placenta. Here we present a case of placenta in lower segment with percreta in a women with H/O previous 2 C/S with large fibroid in fundus. 
J Com Med Col Teachers Asso Jan 2023; 27(1): 34-37
Primary Hepatic Tuberculosis: An Unexpected Diagnosis
Authors: Hasan SM Ali , Hassan Nazmoul , Hossain Delwar , Islam AKM Shafiqul , Abedin Forhad , Jamal Shah , Hoque Izazul
Published: October 2023

Background: Primary hepatic tuberculosis (PHT) is a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis that affects the liver and is difficult to diagnose. The present case report describes a patient who was diagnosed with PHT and was successfully treated with a combination of anti-tuberculosis drugs. A 55-year-old diabetic male presented with a history of abdominal pain, fever and weight loss. An abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scan revealed multiple hepatic lesions, and fine needle aspiration cytology confirmed the diagnosis of PHT. The patient was treated with a standard regimen of isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol for two months, followed by isoniazid and rifampin for another four months. The patient showed improvement in symptoms and the disappearance of hepatic lesions, as seen on follow-up ultrasound scans. This case highlights the importance of considering PHT in the differential diagnosis of patients with hepatic lesions, particularly in regions with a high burden of tuberculosis. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can lead to a good outcome in PHT.
J Com Med Col Teachers Asso Jan 2023; 27(1): 38-41
Hepatitis B: Fighting a Battle
Authors: Zareen Afshan
Published: October 2023

Abstract not available
Sir Salimullah Med Coll J 2023; 31: 1-2
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Based Teaching-learning Activities on Medical Program in COVID-19 with Prospects and Privileges
Authors: Yusuf Riti , Iqbal Jalaluddin Md , Hasan Md Ifta Khiarul , Moon Kawsar Jahan , Nahar Sharmin
Published: October 2023

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is enabling a concrete learning activity along with proved academic achievement. It is one of the most dynamic techniques, which can help to utilize the aptitude of recent science. E-learning and M-learning can further provide easy access to education for many and providing good teachers closer to students too. This article is an initial trial to review prior studies on ICT based teaching-learning activities for technological advancement in medical sector. The sector has improved in using ICT in their professional routines. A high-quality education can run only when it is supported by the institutions within the framework with a coherence to national and regional policies. Very few trials and setup has been built to run this. But further transformation is necessary to provide easy access towards them. This study adopted a narrative literature review study, involving recent relevant scholarly researches of medical sector and education development program, online monthly magazine and online websites with highlights on some very important integral issues- the perspective of COVID related E-learning, recent ICT Tools, Bangladesh towards new era of ICT, the key factors to achieve E-learning and M-learning and some needful as for security purpose. This expectantly will help to explore ICT state in Bangladesh on COVID-19 and some further steps needed to fetch the medical sector forward, towards this initiative to cope up with other countries, in a planned way. This study contributes to a better understanding of the under researched topic of; ICT in teaching-learning activities, which came forward at the time of COVID-19.
Sir Salimullah Med Coll J 2023; 31: 34-40
Trends of Proton Pump Inhibitor Uses among Pharmaceutical Promotional Workers
Authors: Saha Shasanka Kumar , Saha Madhusudan , Shil Bimal Chandra , Saifullah Md ANM , Hasan Monirul , Chowdhury Nahian Faruque
Published: October 2023

Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are one of the most frequently used drugs in the world for the management of gastric- acid related diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the trend of PPIs uses among the pharmaceutical promotional workers in Bangladesh.
Methods: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted on pharmaceutical promotional workers from different regions in Bangladesh. The study data were collected which includes demographics, PPIs uses in terms of duration, dose, generics, symptoms for which they took PPIs and effects of PPIs on symptoms. Drugs or diseases that influenced the intake of PPIs were also recorded.
Results: Among six hundred surveys issued for the study, 581 valid questionnaires were returned. Among the respondents 520 individuals (89.5%) were male and 61 individuals (10.5%) were female. Common indications for taking PPIs were abdominal discomfort (51.5%), vomiting (34.1%) and abdominal pain (24.6%). Two hundred seventy (48.56%) respondents had satisfactory relief of symptoms, 125 (22.48%) had symptoms reappeared after stopping PPIs and 77 (13.85%) had complete cure of symptoms. Most of the participants (42.60%) were on PPIs therapy for up to one year. Most of the participants (64.49%) took PPI once daily. Most of the participants (60.75%) started PPI by themselves. Esomeprazole (40.1%) and rabeprazole (30.1%) were the most frequently used PPIs.
Conclusion: PPI is found to be a frequently used medication among pharmaceutical promotional workers. Further well-designed study with adequate work up may be designed to see misuse and overuse of PPI among workers of pharmaceutical sector as well as general population.
Sir Salimullah Med Coll J 2023; 31: 41-46
A Study of LDL Status of Stroke Patient Admitted in Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Sarker Nayan Ranjan , Rashid Un Nabi Quazi Md , Saha Swapan Kumar , Ghosh Liton Chandra , Khan Mohammad Ehasun Uddin
Published: October 2023

Background: Stroke is the leading cause of morbidity globally and the second most frequent cause of mortality after ischemic heart disease. Previous findings regarding the relationship between lipids and stroke were debatable.
Objective: To observe LDL status of stroke patients in tertiary care hospital.
Method: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Medicine Unit of Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital, Dhaka from August 2011 to January 2012. A total of 104 patients of any sexes who were clinically present with features of stroke and then confirmed on CT scan were included. Patients were randomly enrolled according to the selection criteria. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Patients demographic profile, co-morbidities, history of TIA, and lipid profile were collected and recorded. Data were presented as frequency with percentage in case of categorical data and mean and standard deviation in case of numerical data. The Chi- Square test and unpaired t test was used to analyze categorical and numerical data respectively. A value of p <0.5 was considered statistically significant. Statistical software SPSS was used for data analysis.
Result: The average age was 62.12±11.65 years. The majority of patients (61.5%) were men, while 38.5% were women. Out of 104 patients, 57.7% had high blood pressure, 33.7% had diabetes, 22.1% had IHD, and 26.0% had had a stroke or TIA in the past. 21.2% of the patients used smokeless tobacco, and about 41.3% smoked cigarettes. 73.1 percent of the patients had ischaemic strokes, and the remaining 26.9 percent had hemorrhagic strokes. It was found that dyslipidaemia was more frequently linked to ischaemic stroke than hemorrhagic stroke. Nearly 78.8% of stroke victims had high LDL levels, 44.2% had low HDL levels, 57.7% had high cholesterol, and 57.7% had high triglyceride levels. Patients who had ischaemic strokes were found to have higher levels of LDL than patients who had hemorrhagic strokes, but the difference was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Elevated LDL cholesterol was found higher in ischemic stroke patients than hemorrhagic stroke patients but there was no significant difference.  
Sir Salimullah Med Coll J 2023; 31: 53-59
Perception of Infant Feeding among Urban Educated Women
Authors: Masoom Ahsan Kabir , Shameem Md , Jahan Jesmin , Bhuiyan A N M Nurul Haque , Islam Md Tariqul , Khan Nabila Zohra , Tauhid Syed Ahsan , Rahman Lutfor
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Despite of high prevalence of breast feeding practices among mothers, infant feeding pattern is not ideal in our country. Short duration of exclusive breast feeding and inappropriate feeding for newborn and infant are common in both urban and rural areas of Bangladesh.
Objectives: To explore the perceptions on breastmilk, pre lacteal feeding, complementary feeding and infant feeding among medical and non-medical female students of urban area and to compare their perceptions.
Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was done at Bangladesh Medical College (BMC), Dhanmondi, Dhaka and Hazrat Shah Ali Women University College (HSAWUC), Mirpur, Dhaka from December 2015 to May 2016 and study populations were 100 of which 50 from female medical students of BMC and 50 from female non-medical students of HSAWUC. Data were collected by random sampling as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data was compiled manually and analyzed by statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 22.
Results: Majority of study population were unmarried (88%), most of them were in 21-25 years age group (77%) and a high number among them had crossed higher secondary school level (84%). Comparison of perceptions between medical and non-medical students students of both institutions regarding knowledge of first feed of a newborn, pre lacteal feeds and its importance; time of initiation of breast feeding and harmful effect of bottle feeding showed differences which were statistically significant (P<0.05). The female medical students had relatively better perceptions regarding infant feeding.
Conclusions: Although perceptions on infant feeding were more correct among medical students, incorrect perceptions on infant feeding still present in both medical and nonmedical students which is alarming.
Sir Salimullah Med Coll J 2023; 31: 86-93
Correlation Between the Degree of Midline Shift in Computed Tomography Scan of Brain and Level of Consciousness of the Patients with Acute Spontaneous Intracerebral Haemorrhage
Authors: Islam Md Quamrul , Rahman Arifur , Bahar Hijbul , Hossain Mousumi , Rabbi Akand Fazle , Asaduzzaman Md
Published: October 2023

Background: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the second most common cause of stroke, following ischemic stroke, but accounts for a disproportionate amount of cerebrovascular mortality and morbidity. The extent of midline shift, observed on computed tomography (CT) scans, has been recognized as an important radiological finding associated with the severity of ICH.
Objective: To evaluate correlation between the degree of midline shift in computed tomography scan of brain and level of consciousness of the patients with acute spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage.
Material and method: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 100 patients, out of this 50 had spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage with mass effect and 50 had spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage without mass effect taken as the control group, the age range from 30-75 years. These patients were purposively collected from the Department of Radiology and Imaging in collaboration with Department of Medicine, Neuromedicine and Neurosurgery of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka. All the patients were evaluated by CT findings. On admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score were recorded from participant’s treatment sheet and reviewed by the senior Neurologist after taking permission of the authority.
Results: This study shows there is significant inversely correlation of the GSC score with degree of midline shift measure using septum pellucidum shift (P<0.05). The GCS score of <10 mm of septum pellucidum shift compared to greater than 10 mm of septum pellucidum shift is significantly different (P<0.05). The GCS score of SICH with mass effect compared to the GCS score of SICH without mass effect is significantly different (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Radiologist should carefully and elaborately interpret the spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage with midline shift at CT-scan brain and help clinicians to evaluate the level of consciousness which is significant predictor of outcome of our valuable patients.
Sir Salimullah Med Coll J 2023; 31: 94-99
Effectiveness of A Surgical Wound Care Bundle for Reducing Surgical Site Infection after Emergency Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Saha Gobinda Chandra , Saifullah Mohammad , Dey Debashis , Salahuddin Gazi Muhammad , Selim Abdur Rahman , Sofiuzzaman Mohammad , Islam Md Zabiul , Kawsar Maksuda , Pervin Murshida
Published: October 2023

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) imposes a considerable financial burden to both hospital and patient by increasing the hospital stay, utilization of resources and readmission rates. This study compared the effectiveness of surgical wound care bundle concept with traditional ongoing wound care for reduction of SSI after emergency abdominal surgery.
Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was carried out in Department of Surgery of SSMC, for one-year period after ethical approval. A total of 120 patients who underwent emergency abdominal surgery were included after taking informed written consent and divided into two groups: Group-A (n=60, surgical wound care bundle) and Group-B (n=60, traditional ongoing care). A detailed history and thorough clinical examination were carried out in each patient. Data were collected in separated case-record form and analyzed by SPSS 24.
Results: Mean age of Group A and Group B was 44.88±11.2 years and 44.82±13.3 years accordingly (p=0.391) with male majority in both groups (70% in Group-A and 80% in Group-B, p<0.292). Both groups were statistically similar regarding comorbidities, baseline laboratory parameters and pre-operative diagnosis (p>0.05). Group-B patients had higher frequency of SSI development compared to Group-A (43.3% vs. 15%, p=0.001). Besides, patients having traditional ongoing care had longer hospital duration than surgical wound care bundle (10.1±2.7 vs. 6.9±1.9 days, p<0.01). Though not significant, 30-day readmission rate was also higher in Group-B than Group-A (16.7% vs. 5%, p=0.075).
Conclusion: Surgical wound care bundle reduce surgical site infections in patients with emergency abdominal surgery. However, further multicenter studies are warranted.
Sir Salimullah Med Coll J 2023; 31: 101-106
Urinary Detection of COVID-19 Virus and its Implication in Urology Practice
Authors: Faruque Mohammad Salahuddin , Akhter Most Tahmina , Alam AKM Khurshidul , Hossain Md Shameem , Gupta Sudip Das
Published: October 2023

Background: More than 25 crores of world population is affected by the pandemic corona virus SARS-CoV-2 since its first detection from Wuhan, china on December 2019. The widely accepted routes of human to human transmission for COVID-19 are through respiratory droplets and direct contact, however viral shedding in urine has been reported and infection transmission through infected urine remains a possibility.
Objective of the study: To investigate the presence of COVID-19 virus in urine of infected patients and evaluate the probability of infection transmission through urine in different urological procedure.
Methodology: After obtaining approval from institutional review board (IRB) of BSMMU this prospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the department of urology BSMMU from September 2020 to august 2021. Informed written consent was taken from the patients, the patients who are in ventilators legal guardian signed the consent form. After taking relevant history from the patients admitted in covid dedicated unit of BSMMU urine of the patients was collected in sterile container and with appropriate labeling and it was sent in virology department to detect the presence of SARS-COV-2 by quantitative real time polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR). The date of covid 19 infection, date of urine sample collection, previous renal status, present renal function all were recorded.
Results: Fifty patients were enrolled for investigation for detection of covid 19 virus in urine who were infected with SARS-COV-2. Thirty patients were male and Twenty were female. Male and female sex ratio was 3:2. We found the presence of SARS-COV-2 in urine of 2 patients, one male and one female. The rate of detection of SARS-COV-2 virus in urine of patients infected by covid 19 virus was 4%.
Conclusion: Urinary detection of COVID-19 Virus was lower than oropharyngeal and rectal samples. Urological surgical intervention should be performed with caution considering the possibility of urine infection and possibility of COVID-19 transmission through this route.
Sir Salimullah Med Coll J 2023; 31: 116-119
Common Presentation of Choledochal Cyst in Adult Female – A Case Report
Authors: Dey Debashis , Saha Gobinda Chandra , Islam Md Zabiul , Kawsar Maksuda , Salahuddin Gazi Muhammad
Published: October 2023

The Choledochal cyst is a rare disease of unknown etiology. Incidence of diagnosis of choledochal cyst is much higher in children (80%) than in adult (20%). It is prevalent among Asian & female populations & the incidence is 1:100000-150000. We are reporting one such case, a 57-year-old female presenting with recurrent pain with right hypochondriac region and investigations revealed type -1 choledochal cyst. This case was managed successfully by complete excision of cyst & Roux-en-Y hepatico-jejunostomy.  
Sir Salimullah Med Coll J 2023; 31: 120-123
El tipo de cambio y la tasa de interés interbancaria de equilibrio: determinantes del índice de precios y cotizaciones, 2000-2023
Authors: Lopez Dominguez Sergio Ivan
Published: October 2023

El Índice de Precios y Cotizaciones (IPC) es un elemento importante en la actividad bursátil dentro del mercado mexicano y hacia el exterior, ya que, con la emisión de él, puede generar atractivo a invertir en el mercado bursátil mexicano. La presente investigación tiene por objetivo determinar si las variables tipo de cambio (TC), tasa de interés interbancaria de equilibrio 28 días (TIIE28) y la pandemia H1N1, como variable dummy, explican el comportamiento del IPC, así como también bajo un sustento teórico empírico. El periodo de estudio comprende del 2000-2023, con datos mensuales. Para ello, la metodología a seguir fue aplicar tasa de crecimiento a las variables para obtener estacionariedad; verificar la raíz unitaria; mediante el modelo econométrico de mínimos cuadrados ordinarios (MCO) y; comprobar los supuestos de regresión lineal (heterocedasticidad, autocorrelación y multicolinealidad). Los resultados econométricos principales son: el modelo es significativo y estacionario, por lo que no hay raíces unitarias; empleando las técnicas pertinentes, se comprueba el cumplimiento a los supuestos de regresión lineal. Finalmente, las conclusiones que se destacan son: el TC y TIIE28 son determinantes para el IPC, ya que, al haber un incremento, tanto en el TC como en el TIIE28, el IPC se reduce en puntos porcentuales.
The Effect of Self-Confidence and Mathematics Anxiety on Mathematical Communication Ability of Class IX Students of Madrasah Tsanawiyah
Authors: Yuniarti Yuniarti , Sripatmi Sripatmi , Azmi Syahrul , Turmuzi Muhammad
Published: October 2023

This research was conducted at MTsN 1 Mataram in the 2023/2024 school year with the aim of seeing the effect of self-confidence and math anxiety on student’s mathematical communication skills. This type of research is descriptive quantitative research with ex post facto method. The population of this study was class IX MTsN 1 Mataram. In determining the sample, probability sampling technique with cluster random sampling type was used. The sample in this study were students of class IX-4 MTsN 1 Mataram, totaling 32 students. The instruments used in this study were self-confidence questionnaire, math anxiety questionnaire, and mathematical communication ability test. The data analysis technique used was descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. The results of data analysis showed that: (1) The average self-confidence of class IX students of MTsN 1 Mataram in the 2023/2024 school year is in the medium category, where the largest frequency is in the low category with a percentage of 37.50%. The average student math anxiety is in the low category with the largest frequency in the low category at 53.13%. And the average mathematical communication ability of students is in the high category with the largest frequency in the medium category at 40.63%. (2) There is a positive and significant influence between self-confidence on student’s mathematical communication skills by 24.9%. (3) There is a negative and significant influence between math anxiety on student’s mathematical communication skills by 25.6%. (4) There is a significant influence between self-confidence and math anxiety together on student’s mathematical communication skills by 36.4%.
МОЖЛИВОСТІ ВИКОРИСТАННЯ CHATGPT У ДИСТАНЦІЙНОМУ НАВЧАННІ ПРОГРАМУВАННЯ ПОЧАТКІВЦІВ
Authors: Сіциліцин Юрій Олександрович , Осадчий Вячеслав Володимирович
Published: October 2023

Ця стаття присвячена аналізу можливостей використання Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) моделі, а саме ChatGPT, у дистанційному навчанні програмуванню  студентів спеціальності "Комп'ютерні науки". Після огляду та аналізу сучасних наукових досліджень, автори статті досліджують актуальність та потребу використання штучного інтелекту та чат-ботів на прикладі ChatGPT у вищій освіті, зокрема для забезпечення ефективності навчання та збереження інтересу студентів до предмету. У контексті глобальних змін у системі освіти, спричинених епідеміологічною ситуацією COVID-19 та військовою агресією стаття аналізує можливі проблеми дистанційного навчання та його вплив на студентів. Автори докладно проаналізували результати попередніх наукових робіт та висвітлили як позитивні, так і негативні аспекти використання ChatGPT у вищій освіті. Особлива увага приділяється аналізу можливих ризиків та викликів, пов'язаних з використанням ChatGPT у навчальному процесі, зокрема етичні аспекти та конфіденційність. Стаття надає пропозиції для подальших досліджень, які містять глибший аналіз наслідків застосування штучного інтелекту у сфері освіти, розробку стратегій вирішення проблем конфіденційності та вивчення оптимальних підходів до підготовки навчальних закладів до інтеграції технологій штучного інтелекту в навчальний процес. Також відзначаються підходи та методи, які можуть бути використані для покращення навчання програмуванню на основі ChatGPT та інших технологій штучного інтелекту. Основним результатом статті є виявлення перспективного використання ChatGPT у навчанні програмуванню для студентів комп'ютерних наук та виділення шляхів подальшого вдосконалення дистанційної освіти в цьому контексті.
ДІАГНОСТИКА СФОРМОВАНОСТІ ЦИФРОВОЇ КОМПЕТЕНТНОСТІ УЧНІВ СТАРШОЇ ШКОЛИ
Authors: Кривонос Олександр Миколайович , Бірук Наталія Петрівна , Торгонська Анастасія Олегівна , Яценко Оксана Іванівна
Published: October 2023

У статті обґрунтовано необхідність формування цифрової компетентності старшокласників та проаналізовано проблеми її формування в сучасному інформаційному просторі. Розглянуто нормативні документи державного рівня щодо забезпечення діяльності структур, які визначають рамку цифрової компетентності та блоки, що її наповнюють. Доведено, що сьогодення інформатизації освіти України потребує формування такої важливої складової професійної компетентності, як цифрова компетентність здобувачів освіти. Окреслено дефініції «цифрова компетентність», «цифрова грамотність» та їх взаємозв’язок у розрізі проведеного дослідження, акцентовано увагу на формуванні окреслених категорій в освітній сфері, зокрема в учнів старшої школи. Колектив авторів представив загальний аналіз засобів застосовуваних для визначення рівня сформованості цифрової компетентності та, зокрема, модифіковані засоби «цифрограм» і «колесо цифрової компетентності», ресурс Digital Competency, на основі яких побудовано власний тест для визначення рівня сформованості досліджуваної компетентності в учнів 10-11 класів трьох ліцеїв Житомирщини. Для врахування супутніх факторів, що сприяють більш ефективному формуванню цифрової компетентності, було проаналізовано такі показники: статевий розподіл учасників опитування, їх успішність, рівень контролю використання гаджетів із боку батьків, екранний час користування пристроями, рівень самооцінки сформованості окресленої компетентності та рівень обізнаності старшокласників щодо складників цифрової компетентності.
Водночас, наведено приклади тем для розгляду під час вивчення дисциплін інформатичної галузі та інформаційних ресурсів, які сприятимуть більш високому рівню розвитку цифрової компетентності учнів старших класів. Розроблено поради педагогам щодо сприяння розвитку цифрової компетентності учнів під час планування освітнього процесу, зокрема активне використання прийомів навчання та інтеграція освітніх компонент.
Проведене дослідження підтверджує потенціал цифрової компетентності як необхідної здатності орієнтуватися в інформаційному просторі, отримувати інформацію та оперувати нею відповідно до власних потреб і вимог сучасного високотехнологічного суспільства.
CLASSIFICATION OF RICE TEXTURE BASED ON RICE IMAGE USED THE CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORK METHOD
Authors: Budiono Gesang , Wirawan Rio
Published: October 2023

There are several types of rice that are commonly sold in rice stores. Many people, especially millennials, are not familiar with the different types of rice such as IR42 rice, Pera rice, sticky rice, and Pandan Wangi rice. Therefore, digital image processing techniques are needed to help analyze the types of rice to help people know what kind of rice they are going to buy at the market. The method commonly used in image processing for image classification is the convolutional neural network (CNN) method. Currently, CNN has shown the most significant results in image classification. This research used a dataset of 1560 rice images. The data was divided into two sets (training data and validation data) with an 80:20 ratio. The accuracy obtained by the CNN model using InceptionV3 for the rice data was 95.7% with a loss of 0.123. The Android application developed in this research achieved an accuracy of 83,4% based on the testing results calculated using the confusion matrix.
Mapping electroencephalographic changes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors:   , Dukic Stefan
Published: October 2023

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disorder that predominantly affects the motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and impairments in motor functions. Additionally, a significant proportion of patients exhibit cognitive and behavioural changes. To date, ALS remains an incurable disease, and the prediction of its onset and progression remains elusive. Hence, an unmet need exists for objective biomarkers that can facilitate early diagnosis, assess disease progression, and provide novel insights contributing to targeted treatment strategies.
Objective: This thesis seeks to explore the utility of electroencephalography (EEG) as a tool for unravelling the intricacies of network disruption in ALS.
Methods: Chapters 2, 3, and 4 employ resting-state EEG analysis of spectral power and connectivity to investigate ALS patients for potential biomarkers relevant to disease diagnosis and progression. Chapter 5 employs clustering analysis on EEG-derived measures from previous chapters to categorise ALS patients into subgroups with similar network impairments. Chapter 6 focuses on the sustained attention to response task (SART) and event-related analysis to study ALS patients, while Chapter 7 employs the same approach to study asymptomatic family members of individuals with familial C9orf72-associated ALS.
Results: The thesis reveals changes in power and connectivity in ALS across multiple brain networks, not confined solely to motor functions. Some of these alterations correspond with disease severity and progression, suggesting potential objective biomarkers. Additionally, the thesis demonstrates the ability to categorise ALS patients into stable groups with distinct brain network alterations. Finally, the thesis identifies impaired SART networks in ALS patients and their asymptomatic family members, the latter potentially indicating early pathological changes in the course of ALS.
Conclusions: The thesis maps uncharted territories of EEG changes in ALS. It underscores the value of EEG in advancing our understanding of ALS and it unveils promising avenues for the enhancement of diagnostic tools, innovative patient subgrouping strategies, and the early identification of prodromal signs of the disease.
Modelling and Analysis of Salient-Pole Rotor Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor for Oil and Gas Pump Applications
Authors: Epemu Ayebatonye Marttyns , Onyishi Donatus Uchechukwu
Published: October 2023

This paper presents the design and dynamic simulation of a line-start, three-phase Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (IPMSM) intended for pump applications in the oil and gas industry. The problem addressed in this paper pertains to the replacement of an existing induction motor (IM) in an oil and gas pump station with a more efficient and controllable solution, the IPMSM since IMs are known to be less efficient and IPMSM is easier to control. The chosen motor type employs a traditional salient-pole rotor with cage windings, known for its line-start capability, making it a feasible choice for constant-speed and pump applications. The dynamic simulation of the proposed IPMSM is carried out using MATLAB/Simulink, focusing on fundamental harmonic analysis in direct-phase variables. The results demonstrate rapid startup to synchronous speed with minor deviations effectively dampened by the rotor's damper windings. Torque characteristics exhibit some pulsations caused by magneto-motive force (MMF) harmonics; a phenomenon captured by Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The performance results show that the proposed IPMSM with a salient-pole rotor is viable and a promising replacement for induction motors in oil and gas pump stations.
Review of the Approach to Modelling Pesticides Dispersion in Environment for Determining the Concentrations to Which Organisms are Exposed as Part of Risk Assessment
Authors: KOUADIO Saint-Pierre , Assidjo Nogbou Emmanuel
Published: October 2023

There is an interest in the toxicity of pesticides in plant protection treatments for humans and the environment. As such, assessing toxicity risk is essential. Risk assessment is constrained due to the large amount of data to be measured, short collection times, insufficient data even when available, and the absence of bioaccumulation of the pollutant in the target organism. Modelling becomes an ally in overcoming these shortcomings. The assessor thus has at his disposal statistical, compartmental, Gaussian, Lagrangian, and Eulerian models to estimate the exposure of target organisms.
Effect of Ethrel as a Flower Induction Agent on the Growth and Quality of Fresh Golden Pineapple (MD2) in Malaysia
Authors: Mohedin Hawa Sahil , Yeo Wan sieng , Jong Tze Khiun , Jong Alex Choon Teck , Saptoro Agus , Lau Shiew Wei
Published: October 2023

Ethrel was proposed as a good flowering agent to induce the flowering of various fresh pineapples. However, very limited research studies have been carried out on the effect of this inducing agent on the growth of the golden pineapple or Millie Dillard (MD2) in Malaysia, with none in Sarawak. To address this research gap, this study aims to investigate the effect of ethrel on the growth and fruit quality of MD2 pineapples growth in Miri, Sarawak. In this study, ethrel acts as an induction agent that was applied to induce the pineapples at maturity around 11 months after planting (MAP). Moreover, these induced pineapples were harvested 15 MAPs, whereas no pineapples were available for harvesting from the control group that was induced by natural flowering. These results showed that ethrel provided a higher yield in the number of pineapples compared to natural flowering, classifying them as Grade B pineapples. For the growth and fruit quality of the MD2 pineapples, it was found that the average values for the total soluble solids (TSS), total titratable acidity (TTA), pH, diameter, height with a crown, and whole fruit fresh weights with the crown of the pineapples were 16.48 Brix, 0.54 %, pH 3.89, 11.7 cm, 40.3 cm, and 1.4 kg, respectively. Furthermore, the average TSS to TTA ratio was 32.52, which was within the range of 5.5 to 66.4, indicating that the pineapples were sweet with prospects for commercial selling. Hence, it can be concluded that using ethrel as an induction agent is significant in Malaysia.
The Effect of Chemical Treated Okra Waste for Heavy Metal Adsorption from Natural Gas Production Wastewater
Authors: Barasikina Jean d'Amour , CHIDAMOIO JOAO
Published: October 2023

Nowadays, one of the leading environmental pollutants is heavy metals. Hence, heavy metals in wastewater must be removed before discharge because they are toxic even at low concentrations. This research aims to evaluate the efficiency of okra waste as an adsorbent for heavy metals removal from wastewater in natural gas production. In this study, chemical activation of okra adsorbent was processed to increase the surface area of okra adsorbent for better adsorption, whenever the impregnation of the powdered okra waste was performed using phosphoric acid (H3PO4) as the impregnating agent. The okra powder was impregnated at a rate of 4: 1 (v / m). The FTIR was used to characterize the okra-activated carbon and the peaks showed the presence of functional groups such as Hydroxyl (OH), Amino (N-H), Carboxyl (C=O, C-O-C), C-0 stretching and M-O at 3390.05, 2905.5, 1640-1658, 1050.05 and 650 stretching bands respectively. Furthermore, the batch adsorption experiments were conducted via varying agitation speed, contact time, adsorbent dose and adsorbent particle sizes. The results showed that the maximum removal percent of Cd2+, Cu2+, Pb2­+, Zn 2+, Ag2+ and Ba2+metal ions had been observed to be at an agitation speed of 1000 rpm, contact time of 90 min­, okra adsorbent dose of 0.25 g and particle size of 1.00mm. The experimental findings show that okra wastes from agricultural by-products may be a low-cost adsorbent for future research to remove additional heavy metals owing to their high effectiveness in removing Cd2+, Cu2+, Pb2+, and Zn2+ ions from wastewater.
UTAUT2 MODEL EVALUATION OF ACCEPTANCE WEB-BASED MULTIMODALITY LEARNING MEDIA
Authors: Solihah Dewi Siti , Abidin Yunus , Kurniawan Dede Trie
Published: October 2023

In carrying out learning, teachers need a learning media. Along with advances in technology, teachers are required to be able to use technology-based learning media in learning. The purpose of this study is to determine the factors that influence the acceptability of web-based multimodality learning models in elementary school teachers using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) model. The method used in this study is a quantitative method with a survey method using a questionnaire. Data processing was carried out using the PLS-SEM analysis technique. The research data was obtained from distributing questionnaires to 100 elementary school teachers. The results of this study indicate that the factors that influence teacher acceptance of web-based multimodality learning media are behavior intention, use behavior, performance expectancy, effort expectancy. ), social influence, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, price values, and habits. Based on the value of R Square, this web-based multimodality learning model is good for use in teaching in elementary schools.
ANALISIS KEBUTUHAN DAN DISTRIBUSI JARINGAN AIR BERSIH DESA LABUNGGA KECAMATAN ANDOWIA KABUPATEN KONAWE UTARA
Authors: Magribi Amal Ichlasul , Sukri Ahmad Syarif , Tamburaka Romy Suryanigrat Edwin
Published: October 2023

Air bersih merupakan salah satu kebutuhan pokok manusia dalam berbagai aspek. Pemenuhan kebutuhan air bersih sangat penting, baik dalam kebutuhan domestik dan non domestik. Desa Labungga merupakan salah satu desa di Kabupaten Konawe Utara yang mengalami kekurangan persediaan air. Secara administrasi desa Labungga memiliki 3 dusun yang dimana memiliki tingkat pertumbuhan dan kepadatan penduduk dari tahun ketahun cukup tinggi, sementara masyarakat mengandalkan sumber air bersih melalui mata air dengan sistem gaya gravitasi. Hal ini dikarenakan kebutuhan air tidak tersalurkan secara keselurahan pada masyarakat desa Labungga, sehingga air yang seharusnya dapat peroleh setiap hari, harus tertunda dan masyarakat tidak bisa memenuhi kebutuhan air bersih secara maksimal. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui besarnya debit aliran pada mata air desa Labungga. Selain itu penelitian ini juga bertujuan Menganalisis kebutuhan air bersih desa Labungga hingga tahun 2033 dengan melakukan real demand survey kebutuhan air bersih menggunakan metode proyeksi jumlah penduduk dan untuk menganalisis perpipaan distibusi jaringan air bersih menggunakan aplikasi EPANET 2.0.

Berdasarkan hasil analisa data, debit mata air desa Labungga adalah sebesar 10,489 ltr/dtk, untuk real demand survey kebutuhan air bersih tahun 2023 yaitu 0,605 ltr/dtk, tahun 2028 yaitu 0,721 ltr/dtk dan tahun 2033 yaitu 0,867 ltr/dtk ,dan hasil pengolahan dengan aplikasi EPANET 2.0. Kecepatan aliran (Velocty) terbesar terdapat pada pipa 1 yaitu 0,68 m/s dan terendah berada pada pipa 5 dan 6 yaitu 0,17 m/s.Kehilangan energi (Unit Headloss) terbesar berada pada pipa 1 yaitu 3,52 m/km dan terendah berada pada pipa 6 yaitu 0,33 m/km.Tekanan (Pressure) terbesar terdapat terdapat pada node 6 yaitu 68,41 m sedangkan terkecil terdapat pada node 1 yaitu 43,76 m.

Kata kunci : Debit, Kebutuhan air bersih, Distribusi air bersih, EPANET 2.0.
The Fifth Coefficient Approximation of The Inverse Strongly Convex Function
Authors: Daniswara Krisna Adilia , Alfan Aris , Umam Ahmad Khairul
Published: October 2023

This paper discusses the fifth coefficient approximation of the inverse strongly convex function. Strongly convex function is a subclass of convex function. Those functions are included as univalent functions. Using corresponding lemmas, we give sharp limits for the fifth coefficient of the inverse strongly convex function. The limit is sharp if the value of the approximation has the same value as the limit. We verify that the limit of the fifth coefficient of the inverse strongly convex function differs from that of the strongly convex function in some interval but still have the same value in a point. Besides, we also explain that the sharp limit of the fifth inverse coefficient is less than or equal to one.
Hybrid Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average-Support Vector Regression for Stock Price Forecasting
Authors: Hanan Albarr  , Rosita Kusumawati
Published: October 2023

Stock investment provides high-profit opportunities but also has a high risk of loss. Investors use various decision-making methods to minimize this risk, such as stock price forecasting. This research aims to predict daily closing stock prices using a hybrid Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA)-Support Vector Regression (SVR) model and compare it with the single model of ARIMA and SVR, as well as compiling the R-shiny web for the hybrid ARIMA-SVR model which makes it easier for investors to use the model to support investment decision making. The hybrid ARIMA-SVR model is composed of two components: the linear component from the results of stock price forecasting using the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model and the nonlinear components from the residual forecasting results of the ARIMA model using the Support Vector Regression (SVR) model. The data used was closing stock price data from April 1, 2019, to April 1, 2021, from PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk (UNVR.JK), PT Perusahaan Gas Negara Tbk (PGAS.JK), and PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk (TLKM.JK), from the Yahoo Finance website. The research results conclude that the hybrid ARIMA-SVR model has excellent capabilities in forecasting stock prices with the MAPE values ​​for UNVR, PGAS, and TLKM stocks, respectively of 0.797%, 2.213%, and 0.993%, which are lower than the MAPE values of ARIMA-GARCH and SVR models. The hybrid model can be an alternative model with excellent capabilities in forecasting stock prices.
Evaluation on the possibility of sound conduction independent of tympanic air cavity for severe tympanic adhesion patients by finite element analysis
Authors: Qin Xiao , Yin Yue , Sun Huiying , Feng Guodong , Gao Zhiqiang
Published: October 2023

Background: For patients with severe tympanic adhesion, reconstructing the tympanic air cavity is often challenging, resulting in poor hearing reconstruction outcomes. Therefore, establishing a sound conduction pathway independent of the tympanic air cavity may be a viable method for reconstructing hearing in these patients.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of sound conduction independent of the tympanic air cavity (i.e., replacing the original cavity with a tympanic vibrating material) using finite element analysis.

Methods: We established a sound-structure coupling finite element model of the tympanum vibration conduction system, which included the tympanic membrane (TM), ossicular prosthesis, and tympanic vibrating material. This model was used to simulate middle ear vibrations under sound pressure, and we extracted the frequency response curve of the ossicular prosthesis’ vibration displacement amplitude to evaluate the sound conduction effect of the middle ear. Next, we adjusted the structural and mechanical parameters of the tympanic vibrating material to analyze its impact on the sound conduction effect of the middle ear. Finally, we compared the frequency response curve of the stapes footplate in normal subjects to evaluate the feasibility of sound conduction independent of the tympanic air cavity.

Results: The Shell tympanic vibrating material had a better vibration conduction effect compared to solid or porous tympanic vibrating material. The vibration amplitude decreases with the increasing elastic modulus of the tympanic vibrating material. Implantation of 40 kPa-shell tympanic vibrating material had the lowest hearing loss less than 5 dB, and the hearing loss with 1 MPa-porous tympanic vibrating material was largest and less than 25 dB.

Conclusion: Our study suggests that replacing the tympanic air cavity with a tympanic vibrating material is feasible. The establishment of a sound conduction pathway independent of the tympanic air cavity could potentially provide a method for hearing reconstruction in patients with severe tympanic adhesion.
Isolation and identification of Tete virus group (Peribunyaviridae: Orthobunyavirus) from Culicoides biting midges collected in Lichuan County, China
Authors: Yin Qikai , Cheng Rui , Xu Xiuyan , Xu Ziqian , Wang Jing , Fu Shihong , Xu Hongbin , Zhang Shaozai , He Ying , Li Fan , Xu Songtao , Lu Xiaoqing , Wang Huanyu , Wang Bin , Liang Guodong
Published: October 2023

In July 2018, a virus (JXLC1806-2) was isolated from Culicoides biting midges collected in Lichuan County, Jiangxi Province, China. The virus isolate showed significant cytopathic effects within 48 hours after inoculation with mammalian cells (BHK-21). JXLC1806-2 virus could form plaques in BHK-21 cells, and the virus titer was 1×105.6 pfu/mL. After inoculation with the virus, suckling mice developed disease and died. The nucleotide and amino sequence analysis showed that the JXLC1806-2 virus genome was composed of S, M and L segments. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the S, M and L genes of JXLC1806-2 virus belonged to the Tete serogroup, Orthobunyavirus, but formed an independent evolutionary branch from the other members of the Tete serogroup. The results showed that the JXLC1806-2 virus, which was named as Lichuan virus, is a new member of Tete serogroup, and this is the first time that a Tete serogroup virus has been isolated in China.
A fast parallelized DBSCAN algorithm based on OpenMp for detection of criminals on streaming services
Authors: Mochurad Lesia , Sydor Andrii , Ratinskiy Oleh
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Streaming services are highly popular today. Millions of people watch live streams or videos and listen to music.

Methods

One of the most popular streaming platforms is Twitch, and data from this type of service can be a good example for applying the parallel DBSCAN algorithm proposed in this paper. Unlike the classical approach to neighbor search, the proposed one avoids redundancy, i.e., the repetition of the same calculations. At the same time, this algorithm is based on the classical DBSCAN method with a full search for all neighbors, parallelization by subtasks, and OpenMP parallel computing technology.

Results

In this work, without reducing the accuracy, we managed to speed up the solution based on the DBSCAN algorithm when analyzing medium-sized data. As a result, the acceleration rate tends to the number of cores of a multicore computer system and the efficiency to one.

Discussion

Before conducting numerical experiments, theoretical estimates of speed-up and efficiency were obtained, and they aligned with the results obtained, confirming their validity. The quality of the performed clustering was verified using the silhouette value. All experiments were conducted using different percentages of medium-sized datasets. The prospects of applying the proposed algorithm can be obtained in various fields such as advertising, marketing, cybersecurity, and sociology. It is worth mentioning that datasets of this kind are often used for detecting fraud on the Internet, making an algorithm capable of considering all neighbors a useful tool for such research.