bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies to Improve Data Quality Management Using Total Data Quality Management (TDQM) and Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK): A Case Study of M-Passport Application
Authors: Rahmawati Rina , Ruldeviyani Yova , Abdullah Puja Putri , Hudoarma Fathurahman Ma'ruf
Published: June 2023

M-Passport is a mobile application developed for Indonesians to request for passport online. The applicants independently input all required data using this application, so the quality of data entered must be considered to ensure the passport’s validity as an official state document. However, input errors increase the time needed for the interview process and make the data verification procedure inefficient. The research aims to assess the data quality of M-Passport for organizations to take deliberate actions to enhance the data quality. The research applies the Total Data Quality Management (TDQM) method and the Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK). Six data quality dimensions are used. It consists of completeness, validity, accuracy, timeliness, uniqueness, and consistency. The measure phase is carried out on 17 entities in the M-Passport database through a query process in the production environment. Then, the analysis phase observes the problems based on the pre-determined dimensional classification groups. The result indicates that the average values of completeness, validity, accuracy, consistency, timeliness, and uniqueness are 99.20%, 99.41%, 100%, 90.68%, 78.52%, and 99.98%, respectively. According to the findings, timeliness and consistency are the lowest dimensions in fulfilling business rules. It indicates that organizations need to focus more on improving data quality in these dimensions. Then, based on the DMBOK, the research also generates recommendations for resolving technical and operational issues.
Smart Agriculture Water System Using Crop Water Stress Index and Weather Prediction
Authors: Purwoko Jason Timotius , Wingardi Taurean Orlin , Soewito Benfano
Published: June 2023

Water is essential for crops to grow well. However, overwatered or underwatered plants hinder growth and produce less fruit than plants with sufficient watering. Using the Internet of Things (IoT), agriculture can be controlled to achieve the best condition for plants to grow. The research aims to develop a watering system based on Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI), soil moisture content, and weather prediction. By evaluating CWSI and soil moisture content, the research makes a smart watering system that efficiently monitors water concentration in a plant. However, there is a flaw in the watering system that water from the rain makes the plant overwatered. So, using weather prediction can delay irrigation to save water and produce a better stress index result. Next, the research compares the watering system using four pots: (1) weather prediction, CWSI, and soil moisture watering system; (2) CWSI and soil moisture watering syste;, (3) soil moisture watering system; (4) manual irrigation watering system to get the best watering system by water consumption and CWSI. The results show a significant difference by using CWSI. It gets a 42.7754% smaller CWSI value by using CWSI value in making watering decisions. By adding weather prediction, the research saves water consumption by 21.9% compared to CWSI and soil moisture watering systems. These results show that weather prediction and CWSI are vital for IoT plant watering systems.
A Case of Intra-thyroidal Parathyroid Adenoma Confirmed by Intraoperative Near-infrared Autofluorescence
Authors: Choi Dong Gyu , Cha Jun Sang , Kim Yeong Joon , Lee Hyoung Shin , Lee Kang Dae
Published: June 2023

In general, the anatomical location and number of parathyroid glands are well known, but they are often found in a variety of locations, making it difficult to find parathyroid glands during surgery. Besides Intra-thyroidal parathyroid adenoma is extremely rare case, and it is harder to identify in surgery. We encountered a 51-year-old patient with a thyroid nodule. The results of the additional blood test and the Tc-99m MIBI were combined to determine that the left lower lobe parathyroid adenoma was highly likely. This patient was treated with left thyroid lobectomy with parathyroid identification using Near-infrared (NIR) imaging. Afterwards, the biopsy confirmed that it was a parathyroid adenoma, and has since been monitored through outpatient observation without any problem. We present this rare case with a review of related literatures.
Modelos matemáticos compartimentales para describir la dinámica de la transmisión de la COVID-19
Authors: Hernández Ávila Jorge Antonio , Villafuerte Segura Raúl , Velázquez Velázquez Juan Eduardo , Ávila Pozos Roberto
Published: June 2023

A lo largo de su historia, la humanidad ha padecido diferentes tipos de pandemias causadas por enfermedades infecciosas letales. Los modelos matemáticos son herramientas muy útiles para entender la dinámica del comportamiento/propagación de estas. Algunos de estos modelos son conocidos como SIS, SIR y SEIR. En este manuscrito se presenta una sucinta explicación de la estructura de estos modelos y su empleo en algunas pandemias. En particular, se analizan con especial interés algunos modelos tipo SIR sin y con retardos, así como sus aplicaciones a la actual pandemia causada por el virus SARS-CoV-2. Para determinar la correspondencia entre algunos de los modelos analizados y los datos/casos Infecciosos/Recuperados de México reportados por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), se presentan simulaciones en tres periodos de tiempo distintos entre el 2020-2021. Además, como una contribución principal, se propone un modelo matemático inédito tipo SIR con tres retardos. Finalmente, se realiza una discusión sobre la aplicación de algoritmos numéricos, como el de mínimos cuadrados ordinarios, para identificar algunos parámetros de los modelos matemáticos.
Frequency Spectrum Analysis of Signals Used in Transcorneal Electrical Stimulation
Authors: Santiago Amaya Jorge , Mendoza Hernández José Antonio , Gil Carrasco Félix , Aguilar Guggembuhl Jarumi , López García Claudio
Published: June 2023

The contribution of this research work focuses on understanding the biological behavior of time-varying electric fields, specifically in the eyeball, by proposing sensitive frequency ranges, specifically for primary open-angle glaucoma POAG and RP retinitis pigmentosa. These ranges were obtained from the analysis of the frequency spectrum of the signals used by other authors in transcorneal electrical stimulation TES therapies. This analysis was performed using an algorithm proposed in this work. The frequency spectra of the signals used in the TES were also compared with the frequency response of the cellular behavior evoked by genestein drug, in order to compare the frequency characteristics of the signals applied in the TES and the biological response of the drug. which causes the same effect in POAG.
Economic analysis of backyard agriculture and livestock farming in semi-urban areas of the central highlands of Mexico
Authors: Bautista-Martínez Yuridia , Martínez-Castañeda Francisco Ernesto , Morales Alfonso , Haro José Guadalupe , Granados Rivera Lorenzo Danilo
Published: June 2023

In the backyard systems in urban and semi-urban areas of the central highlands of Mexico, agriculture and livestock activities are practiced. In order to know the behavior of the economic variables in these farms, a non-probabilistic sampling by quotas was carried out, using the snowball technique, which consisted of applying surveys to a total of 92 producers, which was designed to collect information on the general characteristics of the backyard, social, and economic system, as well as the products generated from agriculture and livestock. With the information collected, an inventory of the plant and animal species that are produced in the backyard system was made, in addition to estimating economic income, variable costs, fixed costs, total costs, profits and the benefit-cost ratio for carrying out livestock activities agriculture or both in backyard systems. It was found that farmers have an average space in the backyard of 360.5 m2 to carry out activities of agriculture, livestock or both. Farmers who carry out agriculture and livestock activities generate higher income and economic profits, compared to those who only carry out one activity, obtaining a benefit of 27.44 cents for each dollar invested, compared to 16.64 and 18.00 cents for developing the activity agriculture and livestock respectively. The agricultural and livestock activity in the backyard systems of the highlands of Mexico, represent an option to generate economic income for families, and generate food products for self-consumption and reduce expenses for food purchases in the family nucleus.
sWSN3: A simulation tool for reliability calculation in WSN
Authors: Cortés Aguilar Teth Azrael , Cantoral Ceballos José Antonio , Tovar Arriaga Adriana
Published: June 2023

Knowledge about the reliability of a wireless sensor network is important in industry. Indeed, in holonic manufacturing, it is convenient to ensure that decisions are made with reliable data. However, experimental evaluation in a real environment is a task that consumes time and financial resources, it also depends on several factors such as the technical characteristics of the transceiver and the location of the nodes. Thus, the use of simulation and calculation software in Industry 4.0 can potentially reduce costs and implementation time significantly, nonetheless some simulators deal with power consumption and network reliability with theoretical models that have limitations for commercial devices. This paper presents the sWSN3 tool that, through an intuitive graphical interface allows placing sensor nodes on the virtual environment of a plant layout and calculates the reliability of a wireless sensor network using parameters such as signal to noise ratio, received packet rate, and battery life time. Results show that sWSN3 can accurately estimate the reliability of a virtual WSN.
Factores que influyen en la sustentabilidad de microempresas mayas de la miel en Campeche, México
Authors: Abud Russell Said José , Limón Aguirre Fernando , Guízar Vázquez Jr. Francisco , Pat Fernández Lucio Alberto
Published: June 2023

Apicultores y meliponicultores en comunidades rurales mayas han conformado microempresas como alternativa para mejorar sus condiciones comerciales, en un contexto de mercado dominado por grandes empresas. En este artículo se analizan factores que determinan la sustentabilidad de dos microempresas de la comunidad Tankuché, Campeche, colindante con la reserva de la biosfera Los Petenes, y los beneficios socioambientales que generan. Se empleó el marco de Modos de Vida Sustentables poniendo énfasis en la dimensión cultural. La información se obtuvo mediante estancias de campo, entrevistas en profundidad, una encuesta semiestructurada y acceso a fuentes secundarias. Los hallazgos muestran que la capacitación, la motivación, la cohesión del grupo y la extensión de redes, a la vez que mitigan limitaciones en capitales físico y financiero, son los factores que determinan la permanencia de las microempresas. Asimismo, los emprendimientos, si bien generan ingresos modestos en un contexto de pluriactividad económica-laboral, contribuyen a fortalecer la identidad cultural de sus integrantes, generan satisfacciones y brindan acceso a nuevas oportunidades de vida. El estudio de caso sugiere que es necesario implementar políticas públicas que consideren las particularidades culturales del funcionamiento de las microempresas en contextos rurales, atendiendo a su territorialidad, sus valores y los anhelos de sus integrantes.
Gastronomía. Una aproximación a su historia, epistemología y corrientes
Authors: Galarza Cachiguango Iván Santiago , Aguinaga del Hierro Carlos Alberto , Guevara Aroca Francisco Xavier
Published: June 2023

El objetivo de este trabajo es establecer una aproximación epistemológica de la gastronomía basada en la descripción histórica. Se describe el pensamiento filosófico y la práctica de los impulsores de la gastronomía. El estudio identifica aspectos de la gastronomía desde el siglo XV hasta el siglo XXI, incluyendo la década de los 80, época en la que Nicolás Kurti, Hervé This y Harold McGee hicieron sus aportes científicos para explicar las reacciones que ocurren en el proceso de cocinar. La metodología empleada fue la revisión bibliográfica de bases de datos bibliográficos. Se revisaron específicamente obras como La Fisiología del Gusto, Ingeniería Gastronómica, La Gastronomía del siglo XXI, Modernist Cuisine y la Guía Michelin. Los datos muestran que la disciplina de la gastronomía nace de la mezcla de arte, técnica y ciencia, y que el objeto de estudio converge con otras disciplinas como el arte, la cultura, la historia, la salubridad, la economía y la nutrición, otorgándole a la gastronomía un carácter multidisciplinario.
Climate change effects on soil salinity in rainfed maize areas: a case study from South Africa
Authors: Haj-Amor Zied , Araya Tesfay , Kim Dong-Gill , Bouri Salem
Published: June 2023

In maize fields, few studies have been conducted to identify the temporal trend of soil salinity and formulate optimal irrigation plans under climate change. Therefore, the main goals of this study were to predict changes in soil salinity over 2022–2050 and to formulate an optimal supplemental irrigation plan preventing soil salinity in a South African rainfed maize field. The study used the Global Climate Model (GCM) MPI-ESM1-2-LR to obtain future climate data for the study area from 2022 to 2050 and applied the HYDRUS-1D model to project the effects of these future climate data on soil salinity over the same period and to identify the best irrigation plan under climate change. Two key findings were revealed: first, the combined use of GCMs (i.e., MPI-ESM1-2-LR model) and soil-water models (i.e., HYDRUS-1D) was a powerful tool to identify soil salinity trends and formulate optimal irrigation plan under climate change. Second, in addition to rainfall amount, supplying a limited supplemental irrigation amount equal to 8% of the actual evapotranspiration of maize at the mid-season stage of maize growth can significantly reduce soil salinity (<1.7 dS m−1) and enhance soil moisture under climate change by 2050. These findings will be useful for preventing soil salinity in rainfed maize fields.
Ambientes virtuales de aprendizaje con metodología de aprendizaje basado en problemas (ABP): una estrategia didáctica para el fortalecimiento de competencias matemáticas
Authors: Baloco Claudia , Lopez-Mendoza Oscar
Published: June 2023

En este artículo se presentan los resultados de una investigación que tuvo como objetivo implementar estrategias didácticas para el fortalecimiento de la competencia matemática de resolución de problemas mediante el aprendizaje basado en problemas (ABP) y los ambientes virtuales de aprendizajes. Como propuesta de innovación se fundamentó el la metodología ABP, implementadas en un ambiente de aprendizaje con la plataforma Edmodo como herramienta tecnológica. La opción metodológica usada fue la investigación-acción en el aula, con la participación de 36 estudiantes de séptimo grado de una institución de educación publica de Barranquilla-Colombia. Entre los hallazgos se resalta, la recepción positiva de la estrategia educativa y la motivación de los estudiantes frente a los aprendizajes construidos en situaciones reales.
evaluación institucional como estrategia para el mejoramiento continuo de la educación colombiana
Authors: Navarro Viloria Ivonnis
Published: June 2023

El presente artículo tuvo como objetivo describir los procesos de evaluación institucional como estrategia para el mejoramiento continuo de la educación colombiana. Para ello se sustenta en una revisión documental que permitió dilucidar el concepto general de evaluación; conocer los fundamentos de la práctica evaluativa; determinar cómo ha sido el proceso de evaluación interna y externa en las organizaciones educativas; para ahondar en los principios por los que se rige la evaluación a las instituciones educativas. En atención a su metodología se recurrió al paradigma cualitativo, fundamentado en la hermenéutica para la interpretación de la información recabada en las fuentes consultadas. La población objeto de estudio recayó sobre 46 unidades de análisis entre las que se encuentran artículos de revistas indexadas, tesis y trabajos de grado, libros, así como páginas web de organismos confiables. Se obtuvo que: la evaluación institucional implementada en las organizaciones educativas de Colombia plantea modelos y retos diferentes cuando se trata de instituciones educativas públicas o privadas. En el que prevalecen los criterios mercantilistas que tienen como finalidad optimizar la gestión directiva y calidad educativa, asumidas como un servicio prestado a los usuarios.
Efecto de la capacidad visoespacial en el rendimiento académico de estudiantes de anatomía médica
Authors: Caldichoury Obando Nicole , Araya Cristian , Romo Cristian , Ducassou Alejandro , Porto Torres Maria F. , Florez Niño Yuliana , Herrera Pino Jorge , Ripoll Cordoba Daniela , Escorcia Villarreal Jahaira , Castillo Acobo Roxana , Bellido Medina Rildo , Castellanos Cesar E. , Saldías Carol , Camargo Loida , López Velásquez Norman Darío
Published: June 2023

La capacidad visoespacial se asocia con habilidades clínicas en la educación médica, ya que predice el desempeño académico de los estudiantes de anatomía. Objetivo: Determinar si el procesamiento visoespacial genera cambios en la enseñanza de la anatomía médica y predice el desempeño académico en esa asignatura. Método: 140 estudiantes evaluados al inicio de semestre y antes de exámenes finales con el Test de la Figura Compleja de Rey. Se realizaron análisis t de Student para contrastar las diferencias pre y pos-test, d de Cohen para medir el tamaño de efecto y regresión lineal para evaluar la predicción con las notas finales. Resultados: Edad promedio 20.22 años (DE=1.12), media de calificaciones 4.96 (DE=1.20). El 70% de los estudiantes aprobó la asignatura. La prueba t reporta diferencias significativas del TFCR (Evocación de Memoria: t=-17.383; p<0.001; Evocación diferida: t=-16.547, p<0.001) con un tamaño del efecto mediano (d=0.59 y d=0.56), respectivamente. Las puntuaciones obtenidas en el post-test en la tarea de memoria diferida del TFCR, explicaron hasta en un 90% el desempeño académico de los estudiantes. Conclusiones: La memoria diferida del instrumento predijo el rendimiento académico y el aprendizaje de anatomía mejoró el desempeño en la función visoespacial de los estudiantes.
Identification of a Novel Diagnosis Model based on 5 Hub Genes for
Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Zhang Feng , Huang Xiaoming , Lin Junqi , Yu Ruilin , Lin Shaoming , Shen Guanle , Chen Wenbiao
Published: June 2023

Background:

As a type of precapillary pulmonary hypertension, chronic
thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) results from incomplete pulmonary
embolism resolution. In this study, we aimed to determine biomarker genes for predicting
the prognosis of CTEPH.

Methods:

RNAseq of CTEPH was collected from the public database, namely Gene Expression
Omnibus (GEO), including GSE84538 and GSE188938, which combined a dataset
(GSE). Differentially expressed genes (DEG) or miRNA (DEM) were identified by
limma package. Functional enrichment analysis was performed by the WebGestaltR package.
Then, the miRNA-mRNA network was presented by Cytoscape, and the protein-protein
interactions (PPI) network was constructed by STRING. MCODE was mined by mature
MCODE algorithm. Immune infiltration analysis was conducted by ESTIMATER
and ssGSEA analysis. A diagnosis model was established by SVM algorithm.

Results:

In the GSE dataset, CTEPH samples had a lower GOBP_RESPONSE_-
TO_OXIDATIVE_STRESS score. A total of 628 DEGs and 31 DEMs were identified between
CTEPH and normal samples. Afterward, DEGs were intersected with genes,
which correlated with the GOBP_RESPONSE_TO_OXIDATIVE_STRESS score. A 26
DEMs-152 DEGs network was constructed, and a PPI network was established based on
152 DEGs to find 149 target genes. From the above 149 target genes, 3 modules were extracted
to obtain 15 core targets. Finally, 5 hub genes were obtained by the intersection
of 15 core targets and genes in MCODE2. A total of 5 hub genes were positively correlated
with most immune cell scores as well as GOBP_RESPONSE_TO_OXIDATIVE_
STRESS. It was found that a diagnosis model based on 5 hub genes had a well diagnostic
ability for CTEPH.

Conclusion:

We identified 5 hub genes associated with oxidative stress. It can be concluded
that they may be beneficial in diagnosing CTEPH.
Benefits of Manuka Honey in the Management of Infectious Diseases:
Recent Advances and Prospects
Authors: Sinha Shweta , Sehgal Alka , Ray Sudip , Sehgal Rakesh
Published: June 2023

The benefits of honey have been recognized since ancient times for treating numerous
diseases. However, in today's modern era, the use of traditional remedies has been rapidly
diminishing due to the complexities of modern lifestyles. While antibiotics are commonly used and
effective in treating pathogenic infections, their inappropriate use can lead to the development of
resistance among microorganisms, resulting in their widespread prevalence. Therefore, new
approaches are constantly required to combat drug-resistant microorganisms, and one practical and
useful approach is the use of drug combination treatments.

:

Manuka honey, derived from the manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium) found exclusively in New
Zealand, has garnered significant attention for its biological potential, particularly due to its
antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Moreover, when combined with antibiotics, it has
demonstrated the ability to enhance their effectiveness. In this review, we delve into the chemical
markers of manuka honey that are currently known, as well as detail the impact of manuka honey on
the management of infectious diseases up to the present.
A Review on Solid Lipid Nanoparticles as Nano Drug Delivery
Transporters
Authors: More Smita D. , Wadhokar Anjali S. , Bedjawalge Rushali S.
Published: June 2023

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) have several potential uses in research for medicine such
as drug discovery and drug delivery, an area at the forefront of evolving area of nanobiotechnology.
In general, SLNs were created to address the drawbacks of conventional colloidal carriers, including
emulsions, liposomes, and polymeric nanoparticles since they provide various advantages such
as favourable release profiles and tailored drug delivery with outstanding physical-chemical stability.
Solid lipid nanoparticles are spherical solid lipid particles that are distributed in water or an
aqueous surfactant solution and are in the nanometer size range. Therefore, SLN is used to deliver
hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. The review article focuses on various aspects of SLN including the
structure, the influence of excipients, the drug incorporation model, the principle of release, the
method of preparation, characterization, the route of administration and biodistribution, and the application
of SLN.
Neuroprotective Effect of Morinda citrifolia on Behavioural and Biochemical
Deficits in PTZ-induced Kindled Mice
Authors: Ali Moazzam , Singh Prabhat , Singh Lubhan , Pandey Rupesh Kumar , Soni Priyadarshini , Singh Akansha
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

Epilepsy is a group of chronic neurological disorders characterized by seizures.
Kindling, a chronic epileptic mouse model, was used to explore the epileptogenic mechanism
and seek new anti-epileptics. In kindling, sub-convulsive (chemical/ electrical) stimuli were delivered
repeatedly and erratically, eventually causing massive convulsions. Moreover, Morinda citrifolia (Noni)
extracts are used as a remedy in ayurvedic preparations for many ailments. Noni has recently been
shown to protect mice from amyloid beta-induced memory loss.

Objective:

This study was used to investigate the neuroprotective potential of Morinda citrifolia in
mice over pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced kindling seizure.

Methods:

Kindling was provoked by subsequent (one-day-gap) injections of PTZ (subconvulsive; 35
mg/kg; s.c.) for 29 days in mice. Following PTZ injection, convulsive behaviours were noted for 30
minutes. Forced swimming test (depressive behaviors), elevated plus-maze, and passive avoidance
tests were employed to evaluate cognition. Brain homogenate was used to estimate oxidative stress
(glutathione, superoxide-dismutase, lipid-peroxidation) and acetylcholinesterase activity.

Results:

PTZ-provoked kindled mice displayed depressive behaviors, impaired locomotion, cognitive
dysfunctions and various biochemical changes. However, treatment with Morinda citrifolia extract
(500 and 1000 mg/kg, p.o) and valproic acid (200 mg/kg, p.o) before 60 min of each PTZ injection
diminished kindling scores and restored behavioural, and biochemical changes.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest Morinda citrifolia offered neuroprotective effects against PTZinduced
kindling seizures in mice, which were established by behavioural and biochemical paradigms.
Leptotrichia trevisanii: Case Report and Review of the Literature on
Patients with Leptotrichia trevisanii Bacteremia in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Chady Awad , Emmanuel Garrastegui-Mercado , Antony Suresh
Published: June 2023

Background:

Leptotrichia spp. are fastidious facultative anaerobic, pencil-shaped, gramnegative
rods that reside in the mouths, intestines, and female genital tracts of humans. Bacteremia and
septic shock have been rarely reported in the immunocompromised host. We report a case of L. trevisanii
bacteremia in a patient recently diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) on chemotherapy.

Case Presentation:

A 75-year-old male with a history of diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and coronary
artery disease status post-CABG presented with neutropenic fevers and signs of sepsis after the
initiation of chemotherapy. Blood cultures were ordered and extensive gene sequencing helped identify
Leptotrichia trevisanii as the causative pathogen. Subsequently, the patient was successfully treated
with empiric cefepime.

Discussion:

Opportunistic pathogens are involved in a variety of diseases and have been isolated from
immunocompromised patients undergoing transplantation or in patients with comorbidities, like leukemia,
lymphoma, or neutropenia. L. trevisanii has been reported as a cause of bloodstream infections
in patients with hematologic malignancies receiving chemotherapy.

Conclusion:

This case highlights the key role that Leptotrichia trevisanii plays in the introduction of
sepsis among immunocompromised patients, particularly with hematologic malignancies, like AML,
on chemotherapy.
Going Green for Blue - An Indigo Approach
Authors: Thadepalli Srivani , Amsamani Sundarvel
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

Dominating use of chemical processes for reducing indigo at several small-scale
production houses formed the ground for initiating this study. Conventional textile processing hubs still
use sodium hydrosulphite as a reducing agent irrespective of the source of indigo, whether natural or synthetic
ignoring the unfavourable consequences of their disposal and elimination from effluent

Method:

The paper addresses the critical environmental issues related to the conventional reduction of
indigo and studies already undertaken. It examines the indigo dyeing process of cotton using natural,
chemical and eco-friendly reducing agents in combination with calcium hydroxide for a comparative
study. Identification of natural indigo through High-Performance Liquid Chromatography was undertaken
for further experimentation. Under specific parameters, the study examined the effect of Thiourea dioxide
and natural reducing agents in indigo dyeing replacing Sodium hydrosulphite. The difference in weight,
strength, and colour parameters such as K/S (HUNTERLAB), CIELab values and colourfastness are
measured. The experimental results showed weight gain in all fabrics after indigo dyeing. There is a decrease
in weft strength only in tamarind, iron, jaggery and dextrose vats. Iron vat showed a higher colour
yield out of all reducing agents due to forming metal complexes with the cotton fabric, which influenced
colour depth and highest relative colour strength % (114.11) and ΔC (8.48).

Result:

Thiourea dioxide showed the next highest relative colour strength % (96.59) and lowest ΔH values
(8.54) concerning the values of the hydro process. Structural changes of fiber were studied by using
SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) after using different reducing agents, which revealed superior surface
topography of samples dyed using thiox. The colour difference showed no significant effect on the
colourfastness of alternative reducing agents.

Conclusion:

Thiox can be a perfect substitution for hydro in indigo dyeing as it was found practical and
feasible for implementation even by small-scale units in India.
Matrix Models
Authors: Polanco Carlos
Published: June 2023

This chapter describes and provides an example of the matrix models:
Lefkovitch model, Leslie model, Malthus model, and stability matrix models. From
these the Discrete- and Continuous-Time Markov Chain Process is introduced.
These matrix models are presented as they were historically occurring, and it is
highlighted how the matrix structure offers a simple algebraic solution to problems
involving multiple variables, where the elements of those matrices are conditional
probabilities when going from a state A (row i) to a state B (column j). Once these
matrix models have been defined and exemplified, it is shown that the eigenval.ues and eigenvectors of the conditional probability matrix determine the long-term
stability matrix of the Markov Chain Process.
Random Walks
Authors: Polanco Carlos
Published: June 2023

In this chapter a review is made of the main Random walks in plane and
space, and then focus on two random walks that are important to the purpose of
this book: Gaussian-Dimensional Random Walk, and Markov-Dimensional Random Walk. Its definition focuses on a random process where the position at a certain moment depends only on the previous step, this particularity is called Markov
condition and is essencially a Markov Chain Process. Random walks are used in
simulation in different disciplines for their simplicity to handle phenomena involving several variables. Its use in physics, chemistry, ecology, biology, psychology
and economics stands out. In this chapter we do not involve random walks in finite graphs since it is outside the purpose of this work. The definitions of these
processes are accompanied by graphic and analytical examples.
Computational Urban Issues
Authors: Polanco Carlos
Published: June 2023

This chapter defines a Discrete-Time and Continuous-Time Markov
Chain Process oriented to the flow of people from one point to another in a region
or city, from their transit in different neighbourhoods. This is a current problem
that affects more and more countries due to the growth of communication routes
and means of transport, and that has been modeled under different mathematical
approaches. On the other hand, it is a multifactorial problem. In discrete type modeling we have registered in the matrix of conditional probabilities the conditional
probabilities to go from a region i to another region j. In the case of continuous
type modeling we have considered the rate of pedestrian mobility between regions
Short notice/ Call for participation: Collateral Councils – Collaterale Raden - Conseils collatéraux of the Low Countries (1531-2031)
Authors: Cools Hans , De Meulenaere Vincenzo , le Bailly Marie-Charlotte , Romein Christel Annemieke , Ruys Nicolas , Vermeir René , Weis Monique
Published: June 2023

A collaborative workgroup aims to bring together scholars and researchers from the four countries that share a common past as the Habsburg Low Countries: the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and (Northern/North-Eastern) France. The workgroup focuses on the 500th anniversary of the so-called “Collateral Councils” in 2031. The multinational workgroup aims to stimulate and publish hitherto unpublished and novel research in a special issue in the Journal for Digital Legal History (Open Access, peer-reviewed, with ongoing publications).
Collaborative online learning: implementation of vocational alignment in accordance with industry's needs
Authors: Abdurrahman Isnaini Sholihan , Mahmudah Fitri Nur , Santosa Achadi Budi , Paryono P , Saryadi Saryadi , Cahyono Sulistio Mukti
Published: June 2023

The current acceleration of digital transformation requires the adaptability of schools, teachers, students, and school partner institutions, namely the industry. The purpose of this study is to reveal the important components and indicators in the online collaborative learning process as part of a vocational alignment program. This study uses a qualitative case study approach. The research model uses the Miles Huberman interactive model. The participants of this research are productive teachers, alumni, and instructors from industry. This research was conducted in Yogyakarta. Data analysis was carried out with the help of Atlas.ti software version 9. The validity of the data was using source triangulation. The results of this study are that there are main components that must exist in collaborative on-line learning, namely pedagogical learning environments, instructions, digital tools, apply methods, and development of critical thinking. Recommendations for this study are given to all teachers who teach in vocational high schools and all instructors as partner schools to improve the quality of learning as technology develops. So that they can take advantage of technology in learning through online learning collaborations.
Exploring the Feasibility and Usability of Smartphones for Monitoring Physical Activity in Orthopedic Patients: Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Ghaffari Arash , Kildahl Lauritsen Rikke Emilie , Christensen Michael , Rolighed Thomsen Trine , Mahapatra Harshit , Heck Robert , Kold Søren , Rahbek Ole
Published: June 2023

Background

Smartphones are often equipped with inertial sensors that measure individuals’ physical activity (PA). However, their role in remote monitoring of the patients’ PAs in telemedicine needs to be adequately explored.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the correlation between a participant’s actual daily step counts and the daily step counts reported by their smartphone. In addition, we inquired about the usability of smartphones for collecting PA data.

Methods

This prospective observational study was conducted among patients undergoing lower limb orthopedic surgery and a group of nonpatients as control. The data from the patients were collected from 2 weeks before surgery until 4 weeks after the surgery, whereas the data collection period for the nonpatients was 2 weeks. The participant’s daily step count was recorded by PA trackers worn 24/7. In addition, a smartphone app collected the number of daily steps registered by the participants’ smartphones. We compared the cross-correlation between the daily steps time series obtained from the smartphones and PA trackers in different groups of participants. We also used mixed modeling to estimate the total number of steps, using smartphone step counts and the characteristics of the patients as independent variables. The System Usability Scale was used to evaluate the participants’ experience with the smartphone app and the PA tracker.

Results

Overall, 1067 days of data were collected from 21 patients (n=11, 52% female patients) and 10 nonpatients (n=6, 60% female patients). The median cross-correlation coefficient on the same day was 0.70 (IQR 0.53-0.83). The correlation in the nonpatient group was slightly higher than that in the patient group (median 0.74, IQR 0.60-0.90 and median 0.69, IQR 0.52-0.81, respectively). The likelihood ratio tests on the models fitted by mixed effects methods demonstrated that the smartphone step count was positively correlated with the PA tracker’s total number of steps (χ21=34.7, P<.001). In addition, the median usability score for the smartphone app was 78 (IQR 73-88) compared with median 73 (IQR 68-80) for the PA tracker.

Conclusions

Considering the ubiquity, convenience, and practicality of smartphones, the high correlation between the smartphones and the total daily step count time series highlights the potential usefulness of smartphones in detecting changes in the number of steps in remote monitoring of a patient’s PA.
The ChatGPT (Generative Artificial Intelligence) Revolution Has Made Artificial Intelligence Approachable for Medical Professionals
Authors: Mesko Bertalan
Published: June 2023

In November 2022, OpenAI publicly launched its large language model (LLM), ChatGPT, and reached the milestone of having over 100 million users in only 2 months. LLMs have been shown to be useful in a myriad of health care–related tasks and processes. In this paper, I argue that attention to, public access to, and debate about LLMs have initiated a wave of products and services using generative artificial intelligence (AI), which had previously found it hard to attract physicians. This paper describes what AI tools have become available since the beginning of the ChatGPT revolution and contemplates how it they might change physicians’ perceptions about this breakthrough technology.
Prevalence and Trends of Sexual Behaviors Among Young Adolescents Aged 12 Years to 15 Years in Low and Middle-Income Countries: Population-Based Study (Preprint)
Authors: Jing Zhengyue , Li Jie , Wang Yi , Zhou Chengchao
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Risky sexual behaviors remain significant public health challenges among adolescents. Nearly 90% of adolescents live in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), but few studies have used standardized methodology to monitor the prevalence and trends of sexual behaviors among adolescents in LMICs.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of sexual behaviors (ever had sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners, and condom use) among adolescents aged 12 years to 15 years as well as the trends in prevalence between 2003 and 2017.

METHODS

For this population-based study, we used recent data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey conducted in 69 LMICs from 2003 to 2017 to assess the recent prevalence of sexual behaviors by using complex analysis and a random effects meta-analyses method. Using the chi-square trend test, we also assessed the trends in the prevalence of sexual behaviors in 17 countries that had conducted ≥1 round of surveys from 2003 to 2017.

RESULTS

We included 145,277 adolescents aged 12 years to 15 years (64,719/145,277, 44.5% boys) from the 69 LMICs that had conducted ≥1 survey and 80,646 adolescents aged 12 years to 15 years (34,725/80,646, 43.1% boys) from the 17 LMICs that had conducted ≥1 round of surveys. The recent global prevalence of ever had sexual intercourse was 6.9% (95% CI 6.2%-7.6%) and was higher among boys (10.0%, 95% CI 9.1%-11.1%) than girls (4.2%, 95% CI 3.7%-4.7%) and among those aged 14 years to 15 years (8.5%, 95% CI 7.7%-9.3%) than those aged 12 years to 13 years (4%, 95% CI 3.4%-4.7%). Among adolescents who had ever had sex, the recent global prevalence of having multiple sexual partners was 52% (95% CI 50.4%-53.6%) and was higher among boys (58%, 95% CI 56.1%-59.9%) than girls (41.4%, 95% CI 38.9%-43.9%) and among those aged 14 years to 15 years (53.5%, 95% CI 51.6%-55.4%) than those aged 12 years to 13 years (49.7%, 95% CI 45.9%-53.5%). Among adolescents who had ever had sex, the recent global prevalence of condom use was 58.1% (95% CI 56.2%-59.9%) and was higher among girls (59.2%, 95% CI 56.4%-61.9%) than boys (57.7%, 95% CI 55.7%-59.7%) and among those aged 14 years to 15 years (59.9%, 95% CI 58.0%-61.8%) than those aged 12 years to 13 years (51.6%, 95% CI 47.5%-55.7%). Between the earliest and latest surveys, the overall prevalence of ever had sexual intercourse (3.1% decrease) and condom use (2.0% decrease) showed downward trends. The overall prevalence of having multiple sexual partners increased by 2.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide evidence and important implication for policymakers to develop targeted policy support systems to prevent and reduce risky sexual behaviors among young adolescents in LMICs with a high prevalence of risky sexual behaviors.
Experiences of Using a Digital Guidance and Assessment Tool (the Technology-Optimized Practice Process in Nursing Application) During Clinical Practice in a Nursing Home: Focus Group Study Among Nursing Students (Preprint)
Authors: Johnsen Hege Mari , Nes Andréa Aparecida Gonçalves , Haddeland Kristine
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Nursing students’ learning during clinical practice is largely influenced by the quality of the guidance they receive from their nurse preceptors. Students that have attended placement in nursing home settings have called for more time with nurse preceptors and an opportunity for more help from the nurses for reflection and developing critical thinking skills. To strengthen students’ guidance and assessment and enhance students’ learning in the practice setting, it has also been recommended to improve the collaboration between faculties and nurse preceptors.

OBJECTIVE

This study explores first-year nursing students’ experiences of using the Technology-Optimized Practice Process in Nursing (TOPP-N) application in 4 nursing homes in Norway. TOPP-N was developed to support guidance and assessment in clinical practice in nursing education.

METHODS

Four focus groups were conducted with 19 nursing students from 2 university campuses in Norway. The data collection and directed content analysis were based on DeLone and McLean’s information system success model.

RESULTS

Some participants had difficulties learning to use the TOPP-N tool, particularly those who had not attended the 1-hour digital course. Furthermore, participants remarked that the content of the TOPP-N guidance module could be better adjusted to the current clinical placement, level of education, and individual achievements to be more usable. Despite this, most participants liked the TOPP-N application’s concept. Using the TOPP-N mobile app for guidance and assessment was found to be very flexible. The frequency and ways of using the application varied among the participants. Most participants perceived that the use of TOPP-N facilitated awareness of learning objectives and enabled continuous reflection and feedback from nurse preceptors. However, the findings indicate that the TOPP-N application’s perceived usefulness was highly dependent on the preparedness and use of the app among nurse preceptors (or absence thereof).

CONCLUSIONS

This study offers information about critical success factors perceived by nursing students related to the use of the TOPP-N application. To develop similar learning management systems that are usable and efficient, developers should focus on personalizing the content, clarifying procedures for use, and enhancing the training and motivation of users, that is, students, nurse preceptors, and educators.
Indirect estimation of asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 using the network scale-up approach. An Application to Italy in the First Wave (Preprint)
Authors: Ocagli Honoria , Azzolina Danila , Bartolotta Patrizia , Acar Aslıhan Şentürk , Snidero Silvia , Berchialla Paola , Gregori Dario
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Silent carriers were relevant in spreading infection during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Estimating the prevalence of undocumented cases of COVID-19 has been a significant public health issue since the beginning of the pandemic.

OBJECTIVE

In this work, we propose to modify a commonly used indirect estimation method by assuming undetected COVID-19 cases as a hidden population. The proposed method is based on Bernard’s Network Scale-Up Method (NSUM) and its subsequent modification in a Bayesian framework. The primary aim of this study is to estimate the proportion of undocumented COVID-19 cases in three Italian regions, Veneto, Piemonte, and Lombardia, using a modified NSUM method. The secondary endpoints included estimating COVID-19 cases, people in quarantine, and those who moved between regions after the Italian law act during the earliest pandemic wave.

METHODS

For this purpose, a cross-sectional survey with social networks sampling between 15 April 2020 and 6 May 2020 involving three Italian regions (Lombardia, Piemonte, and Veneto) was conducted. The prevalence of documented and undocumented COVID-19 cases, people in quarantine, and those who moved between regions were estimated. The three methods proposed by Maltiel and based on Network Scale-Up Method: the random degree model (RDM), the barrier effects model (BEM), and the transmission bias model (TBM), were applied. The analysis assumed several scenarios on the average network degree size on the log-normal scale.

RESULTS

The respondents were 1484: 895 (60%) were women with a median age of 39. For all the regions considered, RDM estimates of COVID-19 cases were closer to the official data than those obtained using the other two models. According to the RDM, estimated undocumented cases were higher in Lombardia compared to Piemonte and Veneto (2.78%, 0.44%, and 0.24%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Although there are gold standard methods for detecting the size of undocumented cases, such as mass testing, using an indirect method could still help define the prevalence of a hard-to-reach phenomenon. This modification of NSUM is useful, especially in the early phase of the pandemic when the mass testing procedure was not widespread.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

RR2-10.3390/ijerph18115713
The Benefits of Using Active Remote Patient Management for Enhanced Heart Failure Outcomes in Rural Cardiology Practice: Single-Site Retrospective Cohort Study (Preprint)
Authors: Craig William , Ohlmann Suzanne
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Rural populations have a disproportionate burden of heart failure (HF) morbidity and mortality, associated with socioeconomic and racial inequities. Multiple randomized controlled trials of remote patient monitoring (RPM) using both direct patient contact and device-based monitoring have been conducted to assess improvement in HF outcomes, with mixed results.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess whether a novel digital health care platform designed to proactively assess and manage patients with HF improved patient outcomes by preventing HF re-exacerbations, thus reducing emergency room visits and HF hospitalizations.

METHODS

This was a single-site, retrospective cohort study using electronic medical record (EMR) data gathered from 2 years prior to RPM initiation and 2 years afterward. In January 2017, this single center began enrolling New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II and class III patients with HF prone to HF exacerbation into an RPM program using the Cordella HF system. By July 2022, 93 total patients had been enrolled in RPM. Of these patients, 87% lived in rural areas. This retrospective review included 40 of the 93 patients enrolled in RPM. These 40 were selected because they had 2 years of established EMR data prior to initiation of RPM and 2 years of post-RPM data; each consented to this Sterling IRB–approved study.

RESULTS

We included 40 patients with at least 4 years of follow-up, including 2 years prior to RPM initiation and 2 years after RPM initiation. In the 2 years after RPM initiation, check-up calls increased 519%, medication change calls increased 519%, and total calls increased by 519%. Emergency room visits for HF fell 93%, heart failure hospitalizations fell 83%, and all other cardiovascular hospitalizations fell 50%. Additionally, the total number of office visits declined by 15% after RPM, and unscheduled or urgent office visits declined by 73%.

CONCLUSIONS

Daily monitoring of trends in vital sign data between engaged patients and a collaborative team of clinicians, incorporated into daily clinical workflow, enhanced patient interactions and allowed timely response or intervention when HF decompensation occurred, resulting in a reduction of outpatient and inpatient clinical use over more than 2 years of follow-up.