bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of Foods from Genetically Modified Agricultural Product
Authors: Daksa Tariku
Published: August 2024

Genetically modified (GM) foods have emerged as a significant force in agriculture, offering transformative potential to address pressing global issues such as food security, malnutrition, and environmental sustainability. This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted landscape of GM foods, examining advancements in crop improvement, environmental impact, food safety, nutraceuticals, and consumer perception. GM technologies have facilitated notable enhancements in agricultural productivity and resilience, with crops exhibiting increased yields and resistance to environmental stresses. Furthermore, biofortification initiatives have the potential to alleviate malnutrition by enhancing the nutritional content of staple crops. Additionally, the development of functional foods through genetic modification holds promise for promoting health and wellness. However, the widespread adoption of GM foods also raises ethical, health, and safety concerns, as well as challenges related to consumer acceptance. It is imperative that rigorous research, transparent communication, and responsible governance frameworks are in place to address these issues effectively. This review navigates through diverse perspectives to offer a nuanced understanding of GM foods, recognizing both their opportunities and challenges. By providing insights into the ethical dilemmas and complexities surrounding GM technologies, it aims to facilitate informed decision-making, guide policy development, and inform future research initiatives. Ultimately, the review underscores the importance of balancing innovation with ethical considerations and public concerns to ensure the sustainable and responsible deployment of GM foods in agriculture.
External Fixation of Tibial Shaft Fractures in Cameroon-Central Africa
Authors: Tsiagadigui Jean , Wolle Berna , Nana Théophile , Fonkoue Loïc , Muluem Olivier , Ekengoue Clautaire , Yamben Marie-Ange , Bahebeck Jean , Sosso Maurice
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Open Tibial Shaft Fractures (TSF) are the most commonly encountered injury type in Cameroon. External fixation, relatively unfamiliar in Cameroon, helps prevent its complications. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of the treatment of TSF using external fixation in Cameroon. Materials and Methods: Patients operated at Laquintinie and Edea Regional Hospital (ERH) with an external fixator (EF) for TSF were followed up from 2018 to 2022. Circumstances of the trauma, anatomo-clinical lesions, types of management, complications, and duration of fixator maintenance were assessed. Results: 161 EFs were placed on 144 patients. Of these, 93 (64.6%) were aged between 20 and 49 years with a sex ratio of 2.5/1. Motorcycle crashes were involved in 68.2% of patients. The fracture involved the middle third in 61 patients (37.9%). It was oblique in 57 patients (35.4%). The injuries were open in 126 (78.3%) cases. The average length of hospital stay was 36.2 days. 122 fractures (75.8%) healed within the expected time, and 21 cases (13.0%) of delayed union were observed. Bone infection was noted in 24 patients (14.9%). The outcome was deemed excellent and good in 122 cases (84.8%). Conclusion: External fixation is effective in managing TSF and is recommended for wider use in Cameroon.
A Hybrid Extreme Gradient Boosting Model for Credit Risk Modelling in the Presence of Inflation
Authors: Langat Kenneth Kiprotich , Waititu Anthony Gichuhi , Ngare Philip Odhiambo
Published: August 2024

The recent developments in the credit and banking industry brought by technology has led to increased competition and the rise of risks and challenges. Credit scoring is one of the core items that keeps this industry competitive and profitable. The creation of credit score models to assess the ability of the loan applicant to repay his or her loan remains an active field of research. Practically, the existing models ignore the factor of inflation in determining the credit score of a loan applicant. Inflation affect the performance of the financing institution negatively because it makes some of the borrowers struggle to repay the loan and so leading to some bad debts that might end up being written off. By integrating the inflation factor to the Extreme gradient boosting algorithm led to improved accuracy of the model. In this paper, a new model that uses the inflation rate of a specific region or country in the regularization term of the extreme gradient boosting model has been developed. The evaluation of the model is by comparison with the other common models using ROC, Accuracy, precision and recall. The developed model emerge the second best in terms of performance but better than the standard extreme gradient boosting model.
Empirical Review on Determinants of Willingness to Pay for Natural and Environmental Resource Valuation: Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bassa Zekarias
Published: August 2024

Even if natural and environmental resource plays detrimental role prosperity of nations, measuring their value is highly problematic. Lack of realistic markets data to estimate its value for the goods and services necessitates the use of nonmarket valuation techniques. The meta-analysis was carried out to see the mean size effect of certain demographic, socioeconomic and institutional factors on willingness to pay of natural resources conservation and improvement. The empirical analysis review was done on about 57 published articles for total of 116 observations. The data synthesis was done from published articles include coefficients of explanatory variable and standard error, model used, value measured, study region, sample size and publication from the year of 2002 up to 2019 year. The data analyzed in excel sheet and SPSS software. The study countries were Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Guinea, Nigeria, Malaysia, USA, Iraq, China and India. The result confirmed that measurement errors and heterogeneity of case studies, interviewed resulted difference in willingness to pay estimate. The result implied inverse relationship between willingness estimate and environmental resource valued and study destination [Eat Africa]. The meta-analysis indicated mean size effect of willingness to pay defined as function of income, age, bid value, occupation, sex, knowledge, and education level of respondents. The empirical analysis result showed that increasing awareness, enabling to expand income earning believed to increase the willingness to pay value.
An Empirical Study of the Teachability and Learnability of L2 “Thinking for Speaking” Patterns
Authors: Zhu Sanmao
Published: August 2024

This study examines whether explicit pedagogical instructions of multimodal strategies based on typological contrastive analysis have any facilitative effect on the restructuring of “thinking for speaking” patterns, focusing on motion event construal which has been demonstrated to be notoriously difficult in second language acquisition (Hendriks and Hickmann 2011, Slobin 1996). Eighty adult Chinese intermediate-level EFL learners were recruited for a classroom-based quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design. Teaching TFS instructions with awareness enhancement strategies as an independent variable divided the participants into two groups, the experimental group that received instructions and control group that followed a traditional teaching approach over a period of 4 weeks. Writing data were elicited by means of the Frog Story and was coded on specific measures of accuracy and complexity of the properties of lexicalization patterns: the description of Motion, Path and Ground. The results showed positive instructional effect on learners’ writing performance of motion event expression and confirmed the possibility of restructuring L1 thinking-for-speaking patterns in L2 through pedagogical instructions. The findings provide practical implications for teachers, typological contrastive awareness and explicit pedagogical instructions prove to be significant for learners’ development of L2 thinking for speaking patterns.
Optimizing Food101 Classification with Transfer Learning: A Fine-Tuning Approach Using EfficientNetB0
Authors: Philip Adebayo
Published: August 2024

Much research has been done on the classification of the food101 dataset, but much of this research which achieved an accuracy score of more than 90% explores heavyweight architecture such as EfficientNetB7, Visual Geometry Group19, ResNet-200, Inception v4, DenseNet-201, ResNeXt-101, MobileNet v3 and many more. This study explores the classification of the Food101 dataset using the EfficientNetB0 architecture, a lightweight architecture. Compared to other popular CNN architecture, EfficientNetB0 has relatively small parameters, which makes it computationally efficient and suitable for deployment on resource-constraint environments. The research aims to balance model accuracy and computational efficiency, addressing the need for resource-constrained environments. Five experiments were conducted while varying the number of fine-tuned layers. Results demonstrate that the fine-tuned EfficientNetB0 model achieves an accuracy score of accuracy score of 97.54%, Top_k_categorical accuracy of 99.89%, precision of 98.21%, and recall of 97.02% in just 5 epochs. This research will significantly contribute to the field of transfer learning by developing specialized models that excel in target tasks. Besides, it will advance dietary monitoring, food logging, and health-related technologies, enabling more accessible and practical solutions for consumers. However, the optimal number of layers to fine-tune for achieving perfect accuracy with EfficientNetB0 remains uncertain. It often involves trial and error to determine the best configuration for optimal results, presenting an opportunity for future research.
Isolation of Microbes from Landfill Soil of Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Singh Shalini , Srivastava Deepa
Published: August 2024

This study focuses on the isolation and characterization of microbes from landfill soil in Gorakhpur, India. Landfills are a major source of soil pollution, and understanding the microbial composition in these environments is crucial for assessing soil quality and developing remediation strategies. Microorganisms can degrade numerous of organic pollutants owing to their metabolic machinery and to their capacity to adapt to inhospitable environment. Thus, microorganisms are major players in site remediation. However, their efficiency depends on many factors, including the chemical nature and the concentration of pollutants, their availability to microorganisms, and the physio-chemical characteristics of the environment. The research identified a diverse microbial community in the landfill soil, with predominant bacterial representatives including Gamma-proteobacteria, firmicutes, and bacteroids. Gram staining revealed the prevalence of gram-positive bacilli, along with distinct fungal species. These findings emphasize the potential of microorganisms in degrading organic pollutants and transforming various compounds in landfill soil. By elucidating the microbial diversity in landfill sites, this study provides insights for sustainable waste management practices and environmental conservation efforts. One of the major cause of soil pollution are landfills. There are the sites designated for dumping rubbish, garbage, or other sorts of solid wastes. Because most of these waste materials are non-biodegradable, they heap in the landfills where they stay for years, impacting on soil quality and polluting the land. The aim of this study is to isolate and investigate the role of microorganisms in a particular landfill area of Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh and to identify the microbial community found in that particular area.
Green Human Resource Management and Organizational Performance: Structural Equation Model Evidence from Nekemte Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia
Authors: Ayana Isubalew , Wodajo Misganu
Published: August 2024

Organizations have been more environmentally conscious in recent years, particularly since the sustainable development target was established worldwide. Consequently, scholars' attention has been drawn to the connection between green human resource management (GHRM) and organizational performance. This study aims to investigate the relationship between organizational performance and green human resource management at Nekemte Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (NCSH), a public hospital located in Nekemte City, east Wallagga zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. Data was gathered using a closed-ended, five-point Likert questionnaire survey in order to meet the study's goals. All 223 questionnaire were received and analyzed using the structural equation modeling (SEM) method. Convergent and discriminant validity tests, as well as construct and composite reliability, were performed on the specified SEM model. The outcome of these tests showed that the SEM model's validity and reliability had been attained. Further, the SEM was checked for model fit indices and it was assured that the model is fit in all aspects. The SEM results revealed positive and significant effects of green reward and compensation (GRC) with a path coefficient of 0.41 (P<0.05) whereas green performance management and appraisal (GPMA) with a path coefficient of 0.48 (P<0.05) on organizational performance (OP) of Nekemte comprehensive specialized hospital. The structural model further revealed that green training and development (GTD) and green reward and compensation (GRC) have a significant effect on green performance management and appraisal (GPMA) with an estimated path coefficient of 0.49 (P<0.05) and 0.52 (P<0.05, respectively. The effect size analysis results indicated that GRC has the largest effect on organizational performance with an estimated path coefficient of 0.55 while GPMA has appeared with an estimated coefficient of 0.45 revealing a medium effect on OP. The result from the mediation analysis has indicated that GPMA has fully mediated between GTD and OP while it partially mediated between GRC and OP. From the econometric results, it is concluded that GHRM practices are positively contributing to the performance of the organization. The overall conclusion of the study is that there are limited GRHM practices that positively contribute to the performance of the hospital. The policy implication is that better organizational performance of the hospital demands the continuous effort of putting GRHM practices at the center of the organizational goal. Further, the dual contribution of GRC and the dual advantage of GPMA need to be well exploited.
Prevalence of ENT, Neck and Face Diseases in Children Aged 0-14 Years in the ENT Department of the Center Hospitalier Universitaire Gabriel Toure in Bamako
Authors: Ouattara Mamadou , Sangaré Mariam , Keita Lassana , Dramé Diaffé , Diarra Karim , Ouattara Fatoumata , Koné Siriman , Tiama Mahamane , Koné Fatogoma , Timbo Samba , Haidara Abdoul , Dienta Lassine
Published: August 2024

ENT, neck and face disorders are usually benign, but can often be grafted to complications with after-effects that affect the child's psychomotor development, with serious school and social consequences. The aim of the present study is to determine the prevalence of ENT, neck and face disorders in children aged 0 to 14 in the ENT department of the Gabriel Touré University Hospital Centre (UHC) in Bamako. This was a prospective descriptive study conducted from September 1 to November 30, 2021. The results show that the prevalence of ENT, neck and face disorders in children aged 0 to 14 years was 14.53% of department consultations during our study period. Males predominated with 53.07% of cases, a sex ratio of 1.6. The 0-4 age group was best represented, with 49.01% of cases. Otalgia was the most frequent reason for consultation, accounting for 38.60% of cases. Acute otitis media (AOM) was the most common pathology with 24.30% of cases, followed by nasopharyngitis with 17.40%. Otological conditions accounted for the majority, with 58.29% of cases. Otological conditions were followed by naso-sinus conditions with 26.57% of cases, and pharyngolaryngeal conditions with 14% of cases. ENT, neck and face infections are frequent in children. This frequency, linked to immune learning, has repercussions on social and school life. Early treatment can help reduce the morbidity of these conditions.
Effect of Concurrent Training on Selected Physical Fitness of Middle Distance Runners
Authors: Beyene Eshetie , Demeke Atsede
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of concurrent training on cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and speed in middle distance runners. The study used an experimental research design. All twenty-six (26) Awuscod middle-distance-Runners were given EG and CG and randomly separated in two equal groups. Both (EG= 13) and (CG= 13) completed PT and POT of the 12-minute run test, sit-reach test, and 30-meter acceleration test to assess cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and speed, respectively EG participated in an additional ten weeks of concurrent treatments While the CG conducted their routine training. The data gathered from the study subject were analyzed using SPSS Version 25 Software, using descriptive statistics (mean and SD) and inferential statistics (paired t-test and independent) and Ten weeks of concurrent training significantly enhanced cardiorespiratory endurance and speed (p<0.05). But no significant variation was observed in flexibility. Furthermore, no significant differences have been observed in any of the CG-Factors (p>0.05). Based on these findings, it is possible to conclude that 10 weeks of simultaneous exercise improve cardiorespiratory endurance and speed of physical fitness components. As a result, the study recommended that runners incorporate concurrent training in their middle distance athletic-training- program to improve their cardiorespiratory endurance und speed.
On Inference of Weitzman Overlapping Coefficient ∆(X,Y) in the Case of Two Normal Distributions
Authors: Eidous Omar , Daradkeh Salam
Published: August 2024

The Weitzman overlapping coefficient ∆(X,Y) is the most important and widely used overlapping coefficient, which represents the intersection area between two probability distributions. This research proposes a new general technique to estimate ∆(X,Y) assuming the existence of two independent random samples following normal distributions. In contrast to some studies in this scope that place some restrictions on the parameters of the two populations such as the equality of their means or the equality of their variances, this study did not assume any restrictions on the parameters of normal distributions. Two new estimators for ∆(X,Y) were derived based on the proposed new technique, and then the properties of the estimator resulting from taking their arithmetic mean was studied and compared with some corresponding estimators available in the literature based on the simulation method. An extensive simulation study was performed by assuming two normal distributions with different parameter values to cover most possible cases in practice. The parameter values were chosen taking into account the exact value of ∆(X,Y), which taken to be small (close to zero), medium (close to 0.5) and large (close to 1). The simulation results showed the effectiveness of the proposed technique in estimating ∆(X,Y). By comparing the proposed estimator of ∆(X,Y) with some existing corresponding estimators, its performance was better than the performances of the other estimators in almost all considered cases.
Prevalence of Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Factors Among Coffee Processing Factory Workers in Addis Ababa and Gelan City in Ethiopia, 2023
Authors: Legesse Getahun , Bayisa Feyisa , Abaya Samson , Abegaz Teferi , Tadesse Olira
Published: August 2024

Background: Globally, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) account for around 40% of the total compensated cost of occupational diseases and injuries. It has a huge impact on the public health problems and economic loss of the society. There was few information about prevalence and risk factors for musculoskeletal diseases associated with job among coffee processors in Ethiopia. Objective: The study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among coffee processing factory workers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was utilized to assess the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders from March to June-2023. Data were collected by face-to-face interview using a standardized Nordic questionnaire. Simple random sampling method was used to select 633 of study participants. EPInfo version 7.1 was used to enter and cleaned up the data and exported into SPSS version 23 software for further statistical analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to determine potential predictors of MSDs. Results: The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders over the course of a year was 529 (83.6%). The limbs (64.5%) and shoulders (64.5%) were most commonly affected, followed by the neck (61.8%), upper back (60.2%), lower back (54.0%), and hands (51.2%). The final multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that male [AOR: 1.8, 95%CI: 1.1, 2.9], married [AOR: 2.2, 95%CI: 1.3, 3.8], physical activity habit [AOR: 2.2, 95%CI: 1.1, 4.2], work-related stress [AOR: 2.0, 95%CI: 1.3, 3.4], health and safety training [AOR: 2.6, 95%CI: 1.1, 5.9], working hours [AOR: 3.0, 95%CI: 1.2, 7.5] and repetitive work [AOR: 2.0, 95%CI: 1.1, 3.5] were found to be statistically significant associating factors with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Conclusion: In this study the prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorder was high. Sex, marital status, habit of doing physical exercise, job related stress, work hours, health and safety training work place were statistically significant factors to work related musculoskeletal disorder.
The Mediating Roles of Beauty Ideals and Upward Comparison in Social Media’s Influence on Body Image Anxiety Among Chinese High School Students
Authors: Zhou Zhaowei , Dong Yixuan
Published: August 2024

This comprehensive study delves into the intricate relationship between problematic social media use and the escalating issue of body image anxiety among Chinese high school students. By meticulously analyzing the roles of beauty ideal internalization and upward social comparison as critical mediating factors, the research uncovers a troubling pattern where a substantial number of students are drawn into a vortex of endless social media browsing and comparative behavior. This engagement is not only linked to an excessive allocation of time on social media platforms but also to the exacerbation of body image anxiety. The findings poignantely illustrate the strong correlations between the propensity for upward social comparison, the absorption of societal beauty ideals, and the subsequent increase in body image anxiety experienced by the student population. The study’s revelations underscore the imperative need for a multifaceted intervention strategy that involves the active participation of social media platforms, educational institutions, and the family unit to cultivate a digital ecosystem that supports mental health and well-being. By addressing the root causes of beauty ideal internalization and upward social comparison, the research aims to equip stakeholders with the insights necessary to design and implement effective solutions, fostering an online environment that nurtures positive body image perceptions and reduces the psychological distress associated with problematic social media use, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more resilient generation of young adults.
Plant Pathology - Crossing the Boundaries with Novel Approaches and Perspectives for Scientists
Authors: Mamo Tsigehana
Published: August 2024

The review "Plant Pathology: Crossing the Boundaries: Novel Approaches and Perspectives for Scientists" explores the evolving field of plant pathology, emphasizing the necessity for innovative strategies and interdisciplinary collaboration to address the challenges posed by plant diseases. It highlights the integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as genomics and omics techniques, with ecological perspectives to better understand disease dynamics and develop sustainable management solutions. Traditional methods are insufficient to tackle the complex nature of plant diseases that threaten agriculture and ecosystems. The review points to the transformative potential of advanced technologies. Genomics offers deep insights into the genetic structures of pathogens and their interactions with host plants, crucial for identifying disease-resistant varieties and developing targeted treatments. Omics techniques, including transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, provide comprehensive views of molecular changes during plant-pathogen interactions, aiding in the identification of biomarkers for early disease detection and understanding mechanisms of plant resistance and susceptibility. Moreover, the review underscores the importance of an ecological approach to plant pathology. Understanding disease dynamics in the context of ecological systems reveals how environmental factors like climate change and biodiversity influence the emergence and spread of diseases. This ecological perspective is essential for developing robust and adaptable disease management strategies. The review advocates for crossing disciplinary boundaries and promoting collaboration among scientists from diverse fields. Such interdisciplinary efforts are crucial for advancing understanding and creating effective control strategies. Collaboration among molecular biologists, ecologists, agronomists, and other specialists can lead to innovative solutions addressing the root causes of plant diseases and reducing their impact on agriculture and natural ecosystems. In summary, the review emphasizes the need for novel approaches that combine cutting-edge technologies with ecological insights. Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential to enhance the understanding of plant diseases and to develop sustainable management practices. This comprehensive approach is vital for ensuring food security and maintaining ecosystem resilience in the face of emerging plant disease threats. The integration of these innovative strategies aims to meet the global demand for sustainable agricultural productivity and the health of natural ecosystems.
Mortality and Associated Factors Among HIV/TB Co-infected Patients Under ART Clinic in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, 2023
Authors: Bayisa Feyisa , Nimani Teshome
Published: August 2024

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health concern globally, especially among HIV-positive individuals. The study aimed to investigate the factors associated with mortality among HIV/TB co-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia. Methods: A retrospective follow-up study was conducted at Dilchora Referral Hospital among 434 HIV/TB co-infected patients enrolled in ART from January 2008 to January 2023. Standardized checklist was used for data collection and taken from patient’s medical cards and database system. Binary logistic regression was used to identify baseline factors associated with mortality. Results: The study found a mortality rate of 31% among HIV/TB co-infected patients. Factors such as WHO clinical stage III (AOR: 9.3, 95% CI: 3.03, 28.34) and WHO clinical stage IV (AOR: 11.3, 95% CI: 3.5, 36.34) and underweight and overweight body mass index were (AOR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.35, 4.83) and (AOR: 21.4, 95% CI: 8.24, 55.5), poor ART adherence (AOR: 4.24, 95% CI: 2.25, 7.98), alcohol consumption (AOR: 3.15, 95%: 1.69, 5.87), and smoking (AOR: 4.12, 95% CI: 2.32, 7.29) were associated with increased odds of mortality. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of identifying and addressing baseline factors that contribute to mortality in HIV/TB co-infected patients. Interventions targeting factors like clinical staging, adherence to ART, and lifestyle habits could help reduce mortality rates in this population.
COVID-19 Pandemic and the Current Challenges of the Angolan Higher Education System
Authors: Yambi Tomás
Published: August 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has precipitated an unprecedented shift towards distance and online learning (DOL) globally, including in Angola, where the transition has revealed numerous challenges and uncertainties, especially within higher education. This paper delves into the historical context of DOL in America, Europe, and Africa, highlighting the diverse experiences and lessons learned in these regions. The emphasis is on the necessity of a well-planned, strategic approach to DOL implementation, tailored to the unique context of each region. In Angola, the Ministry of Education has initiated discussions around DOL, but the transition has been fraught with issues such as inadequate digital infrastructure, limited internet access, and a lack of training and support for both educators and students. This paper argues for a phased implementation strategy for DOL in Angola, incorporating comprehensive market research, meticulous project planning, and clearly defined deliverables. It also stresses the critical importance of involving all stakeholders, including government bodies, educational institutions, and private sector partners, to ensure the sustainability and success of DOL initiatives. By addressing these challenges and adopting a structured, inclusive approach, Angola has the potential to develop a more resilient and effective online education system. The paper concludes by outlining the steps necessary to overcome existing barriers and create a supportive environment for digital learning, ultimately aiming to enhance educational access and quality in the country.
Rain Microphysics Associated with Continental, Oceanic, and Orographic Regions of India during Wet and Dry Spells
Authors: Radhakrishna Basivi , Saikranthi Kadiri , Rao Thota Narayana
Published: August 2024

The dominant microphysical processes responsible for differences in the mass-weighted mean diameter (Dm) of deep and shallow rain during wet and dry spells of southwest monsoon (SWM) and northeast monsoon (NEM) over continental, oceanic, and orographic regions of India are inferred from Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) dual-frequency precipitation radar (DPR) measurements made between 2014 and 2022. The deep precipitating systems’ Dm shows oceanic and continental nature during wet and dry spells of SWM and NEM. The dry spells of SWM over northwest India, all the spells except the wet spells of NEM over southeast peninsular India, and dry spells of NEM over northeast India show continental rain clusters and others show maritime rain characteristics. Mean Dm of deep systems at various rain-rate intervals shows marked intraseasonal variations over northwest India, central India, and foothills of the Himalayas during SWM and over the Western Ghats, southeast peninsular India, and northeast India during the NEM. Though Dm is larger in SWM than in NEM at seasonal scale, the dry spells of NEM show largest Dm than in other spells in SWM and NEM. The observed near-surface Dm differences between the wet and dry spells of SWM and NEM are seen from 1.5 km below the melting layer and are magnified during the descent of raindrops by the microphysical processes over all the regions except for southeast peninsular India and Myanmar coast during the SWM dry spells. Below the melting layer, collision–coalescence and breakup processes are considerable in the deep precipitating systems, and only the collision–coalescence process (>95%) dominates in shallow rain over all regions.

Significance Statement

Rainfall exhibits considerable intraseasonal variations triggering wet (or active) and dry (or break) spells during both southwest monsoon (SWM) and northeast monsoon (NEM). Significant progress has been made in understanding the wet and dry spells characteristics, while least explored is the raindrop size distribution (DSD) characteristics, which is the fundamental property of precipitation. At seasonal scale, DSDs show numerous smaller raindrops in NEM than in SWM; contrastingly, at intraseasonal time scales, abundant bigger raindrops are found in NEM dry spells than in SWM spells. At the seasonal scale, DSD characteristics show maritime precipitation features over India; however, SWM dry spells over northwest India, all the spells except the NEM wet spells over southeast peninsular India, NEM dry spells over northeast India show continental and others indicate maritime rain characteristics.
Sources of Tropical Cyclone Track Bifurcation in the COAMPS-TC and GFS Ensembles
Authors: Prince Kevin C. , Moskaitis Jonathan R. , Doyle James D. , Komaromi William A.
Published: August 2024

As tropical cyclone (TC) official and model track forecasts improve, cases still exist where model position errors and uncertainty are large. The goal of this study is to identify forecast track bifurcations in both the Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System–tropical cyclone (COAMPS-TC) ensemble and the Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS), with subsequent analyses focusing on the comparison of the synoptic environments of the bifurcating cases between the ensembles. Thirty-three bifurcating cases are identified in the COAMPS-TC ensemble, while 38 are identified in the GEFS over a time period spanning the 2020–22 TC seasons in the Northern Hemisphere. For these bifurcating cases, early lead time position of an ensemble member relative to the ensemble mean shows little correlation to the 72-h member’s position relative to the ensemble mean. Rather, the TC’s 72-h forecast position relative to the ensemble mean shows high sensitivity to the tropospheric deep-layer steering flow at early lead times, particularly in the COAMPS-TC ensemble. For both ensembles, a region of weak flow is located near the TCs at the forecast initial time. Minor differences in the steering flow at early lead times induced by variations in the synoptic-scale environment cause the TC’s position relative to the col to vary across the ensemble members, resulting in a bifurcation. Differences in the results for the COAMPS-TC ensemble and GEFS are thought to be driven, in part, by the fact that the COAMPS-TC ensemble utilizes flow-independent initial-state perturbations, while the perturbations in the GEFS are flow dependent.
Promoting Standardization of Clinical Evidence With Severity-Guided Treatments for Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis: A Narrative Review
Authors: Gillen Nora , Leahy Jada
Published: August 2024

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a benign disease of the breast which causes a great deal of discomfort for patients. More comparable data and greater consensus in treatment are needed to better understand the disease and help with evidence-based clinical decision making. This narrative review aims to discuss the literature available on IGM and illustrate the need for consensus on treatment. We highlight the existing severity scores for this disease in the literature and discuss the value of severity-guided treatment. In our review, 81 studies out of 319 reviewed publications met established criteria. With the selected results from our search results, the available research on IGM etiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment is summarized with an emphasis on the existing severity scores. A total of four proposed severity scores were found in our review. Consensus on the treatment of IGM must be established. There are varying severity scores on IGM severity. We suggest using an established standardized severity score to guide treatment and recommend one such score.
Back to Basics: A Clinical Medicine to Safeguard International Cooperation
Authors: Arredondo Montero Javier , Ortolá Fortes Paula , Bardají Pascual Carlos
Published: August 2024

The medical profession is currently undergoing a significant transformation. In recent decades, we have seen the emergence and implementation of new diagnostic tools, therapeutic targets, and technical procedures that have revolutionized our clinical practice. These resources have undoubtedly improved patient outcomes but have also led to excessive reliance on technology. This overreliance can limit the new generation’s capacity to provide humane and comprehensive patient care and develop critical thinking skills. In this article, we reflect on the urgent impact of this trend on pediatric international cooperation and propose workable solutions to this problem. We stress the importance of maintaining a patient-centered approach in the face of these technological advancements, as it ensures that the patient’s needs remain at the forefront of our practice.
Validity of Energy Ladder Hypothesis through Types of Residence: An Ordered Probit Analysis for Indian Households
Authors: Kumar Rahul
Published: August 2024

This study attempts to examine the role of the nature of residence of households as a determinant of their primary cooking fuel choices in India. Using an ordered probit model, we highlight the significance of the economic and social status of the households in driving their primary cooking fuel choices. This study has used India Residential Energy Survey (IRES) 2020 data for the analysis. Our findings suggest that as households shift from kutcha houses to semi-pucca houses or from semi-pucca houses to pucca houses, the probability of using clean fuel, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and electricity, increases by 8.76 per cent. We also find that household income level, educational attainment of primary earners and members and household location have a positive association with cleaner fuel consumption, whereas household size exerts a negative influence on modern modes of fuel usage. Our study has significant policy implications for government agencies and policymakers in implementing initiatives that encourage infrastructure and household welfare programmes. These policies can have positive spillover effects on population health and environmental improvement through cleaner fuel consumption.

JEL Codes: C25, C35, D12, Q40
Building social work capacity in Ukraine in times of war: The role of global social work engagement
Authors: Gusak Nataliia , Burlaka Viktor , Huseynli Aytakin , Sousa Cindy , McNitt Myrna , Martin James
Published: August 2024

This article uses the reflections from three international initiatives aimed at assisting professionals who provide psychosocial services to those affected by Russia’s war in Ukraine. It concludes by highlighting how the international social work community could offer its support to promote the well-being of colleagues experiencing war and political violence globally.
Mitigating rACEsm in K-12 Classrooms: The Consideration of Culturally-Informed Adverse Childhood Experiences and Utilization of Culturally Relevant Education and Systemically Trauma-Informed Practice
Authors: Danforth Laura , McElwee Tracey , Miller John , Burse Jacqueline
Published: August 2024

Forty-six percent of children in the United States experience a potentially traumatic event (PTE), also known as an Adverse Childhood Experience (or ACE), including abuse (physical, sexual, emotional), neglect, and/or household dysfunction (incarceration of a family member, parental mental illness, divorce, etc.) before their 18th birthday. In the United States, 61% of African-American youth experience at least one ACE (more than any other racial or ethnic group), compared with 40% of White children. A culturally informed conceptualization of the ACEs framework (C-ACEs) that considers the effects of historical trauma, racist social conditions, and race-based biological stress on African-American youth is essential. This is particularly important in K-12 Educational institutions for two reasons: (1) Schools are a major environment in which African-American youth are exposed to racial trauma via teachers, peers, policies, and practices within the school itself; (2) Popularity of the “trauma-informed” movement in schools that overemphasizes and overuses the existing ACEs framework (i.e., a “neoliberal biomedical trauma model”) and does not consider larger systems that cause and perpetuate trauma (p. 105). Further, it is essential to review how school teachers, administrators, and staff can amalgamate Systemically Trauma-Informed Practice (SysTIP) with Culturally Relevant Education (CRE) to increase education equity, reduce the trauma of racism experienced within educational spaces, and help ensure that African-American students succeed academically and personally.
Appalachia - Bridging the Opioid Epidemic Amid the Fentanyl Crisis
Authors: Ann Fecci Tammy
Published: August 2024

Although the opioid epidemic and fentanyl crisis are nationwide problems of immense proportions, calming the storm raging across the isolating geo-economic framework of Appalachia demonstrates the need for courageous, culturally effective programs that have the power to address and overcome the grave situation of addiction in this region. In the Appalachian region, unjust social structures are embedded in the communities’ socio-economic conditions. As this reality poses even greater barriers to addressing the opioid epidemic in these communities, the restoration of social relationships within a community becomes vital to the development of a broader approach to social functioning and human flourishing. 1 Faith traditions and faith communities can play an important role in helping to establish and support such social cohesion 2 through attention to the individual, social, and spiritual needs of the community. 3 This essay explores the complex problem of the opioid epidemic compounded by the fentanyl crisis. It considers the importance of public health research within the regional geo-economic framework 4 of Appalachia to (a) inform policies that improve health inequities and promote social cohesion, (b) develop social solutions with a spiritual dimension, and (c) reveal remedies capable of informing moral norms in support of building a more just society. 5 Reflecting on the virtue of solidarity, 6 this essay also highlights the witness of the Catholic Church's response to the suffering experienced within the communities and the societies within the Appalachian mountains. While there may be considerable interest in viewing this article as a research document, foundationally, this essay utilizes a literary narrative approach through a Catholic lens to inform ethical deliberations, reasoning, and practice while supporting ethical reflection and consideration of the responses raised. 7 Further, the reader is strongly encouraged to reference the comprehensive footnote system provided for extension and verification of the data presented.
Aging Suit and Motor Performance in Young Adults: Effects Depend on Why the Suit is Worn!
Authors: Moutoussamy Ilona , Pothier Kristell , Toussaint Lucette , Kerroum Shaïma , Taconnat Laurence
Published: August 2024

By 2030, one in six people worldwide will be at least 60 years old, with associated sensorimotor changes that complicate daily activities. Aging suits simulate these conditions for younger individuals to enhance their empathy and understanding of older adults’ challenges. Research on aging suits has recently increased, withevidence that these suits impair younger adults' motor performance; but, for a greater understanding of the motorchanges induced by aging suits, and, to identify any factors that may modify them, more research is needed. In this research, we explored how the presentation of the suit and the wearer’s physical activity level affected motor performance. We divided 95 younger adults into two groups: (a) one informed about the suit’s aging properties ( aging suit group); and (b) one in which participants were told that it was a posture training suit ( posture training group). Each group was further divided into low and high physical activity levels by a median-split method. Participants completed two fine motor tasks (i.e., placing and building bricks) and two gross motor tasks (i.e., heel-to-toe walking and figure-of-eight walking/running) with and without the suit. The aging suit significantly affected motor performance on all tasks, but participants aware that it was an aging suit performed worse on the figure-of-eight walking/running task than participants who thought it was a posture training suit. In addition, for the same motor task, the groups engaged in low physical activity were more affected by wearing the suit than those engaged in high physical activity. Thus, how aging suits are presented and the general activity level of wearers significantly influenced the aging suits’ effects on motor performance. The findings from this study can guide future researchers in validating the use of these suits in larger studies.
Extraction of terahertz wave parameters that characterize woollen clothes
Authors: Yoshizumi Toa , Iwasaki Kazuma , Fujii Sho , Kimura Tsuyoshi , Yamamoto Masaya , Manago Gaku , Yu Jeongsoo , Tanabe Tadao
Published: August 2024

Wool is a natural fiber with a high price, making it practical in the recycled fiber market. To reduce the cost of sorting fibers, terahertz waves have been used to extract parameters within the spectral information that is characteristic of wool fiber. Differences due to the specific surface shape (scale shape) and the terahertz measurement area were utilized for the identification. Characteristic features of wool content were observed between 19.4 THz and 19.8 THz by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements. At 19.5 THz, the reflectance decreased from 2.0% to 0.85% as the wool content increased. This is due to the scale shape of the wool surface causing scattering. Samples with more than 80% wool could be identified by 1.4% or less reflectance at this frequency. A mathematical expression for a reflectance that decreases as the wool content increases can be successfully expressed as an exponential function. In addition, a correlation between the surface structure of the sample and its anisotropy due to weaving to the polarized terahertz wave was confirmed. Due to the structural characteristics of the sample, there is an anisotropy of 45° or 90° which could be identified by a transmittance of 40%.
Substance Use Disorder Stigma and Professional Decision Making Among Pre-Professional Healthcare Trainees
Authors: Witte Tricia H. , Oldenburg Brantley
Published: August 2024

Provider stigma toward people who have substance use disorders (SUDs) may be a barrier to effective treatment delivery. The purpose of this study was to measure provider stigma among healthcare professionals-in-training and determine whether stigma levels were associated with professional decision making. A sample of 240 participants were recruited from the following academic programs at a large university in the southeastern United States: Nursing, Social Work, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Psychology. Through an online, anonymous survey, provider stigma and other constructs were measured. The participants were also asked to make two hypothetical professional decisions: one regarding their choice to provide treatment for an SUD patient and the other regarding their likelihood of attending a professional development event (i.e., conference session) on the topic of SUDs. Results showed that self-reported stigma toward patients with SUDs was associated with a reduced likelihood of choosing to provide treatment for a patient with SUD (compared to patients with other conditions) and a reduced likelihood of attending SUD training at an upcoming conference (compared to other conference topics). Results have potential implications for the development of training programs for pre-professional healthcare trainees.