bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Performace of Different Varieties of Potato (Sonalum tuberosum L.) in Bajhang, Nepal
Authors: Thapa Saroj
Published: September 2024

A study to Evaluate the performance of different varieties of potato was conducted in Daulichaur, Bajhang from February to June, 2021. Six commonly grown potato varieties namely Cardinal, Janakdev, Khumal rato-2, Khumal Ujjwol, MS 42.3 and Bajhang local were used for the study. An experiment was conducted in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 6 treatments replicating 4 times each. The data on plant height, number of main stems per hill, number of leaves, and canopy diameter were taken at different days after planting (DAP) and the data on number and weight of tubers were taken after harvesting of potato. Data entry and analysis was done in MS-Excel and R-Studio. Significant variation among the varieties in terms of plant height, main stem per hill, canopy diameter and leaves number per plant was observed. Number of stems per hill was found maximum (3.88) and minimum (1.63) on Bajhang local and Janakdev respectively. Plant height is found maximum on Janakdev (42.75 cm) and minimum on Khumal rato-2 (21.45 cm). The maximum (40.90) and minimum (27.55) number of leaves per plant was recorded on Khumal Ujjwol and Cardinal while maximum and minimum canopy diameter was observed on Bajhang local (40.90 cm) and Khumal rato-2 (36.12 cm). Similarly, yield and all the yield attributing parameters was found significant at 5% level of significance. Highest number of tuber per plant was observed on Bajhang local (17.25) and lowest number of tuber per plant was observed on Khumal rato-2 (8.25) in which highest number of marketable size tuber per plant (>25g) was recorded on Khumal Ujjwol (12.05) and lowest number of marketable size tuber per plant (<25g) was recorded on Khumal rato-2 (5.75) but variation among the varieties in case of unmarketable tuber per plant was non-significant. Highest tuber weight per plant (485.50g) and lowest tuber weight per plant (306.25g) was recorded from Khumal Ujjwol and MS 42.3 respectively. The highest tuber yield was recorded from Khumal Ujjwol (40.45 t/ha) and lowest from MS 42.3 (25.52 t/ha).
Intestinal Parasites and Risk factors among inmates in Umuahia Abia State, Nigeria
Authors: Lawrence Queen Ozioma , Amadi Anthonia Nnenna Chuks , Okosa Chinenye , John Eberejah, Juliet , Ukpong Nsikakabasi Charles , Aririguzo Prisca Chimerebere
Published: September 2024

Human intestinal parasites are among the most common infectious diseases worldwide. This study was conducted to determine intestinal parasites prevalence and risk factors in the study area. A total of 350 consented inmates aged 18->60 years participated in the study. Stool samples were screened using wet preparation and formol ether concentration method. An overall prevalence of 48.8% was recorded for intestinal parasite, which was significantly (p< 0.05) high among females. Five species of intestinal parasite were identified. The most common identified was hookworm (95, 33.5%), while the least was Trichuris trichiuria (33, 11.6%). Age group 51-60 years recorded the highest infection (63.33%) among the males, while age group 18-20 years had the least (25.0%). Age groups 51-60 and >60 years recorded 100% infections among the females. Of the 171 infections recorded, 97(56.7%) had single infection, while 74(43.3%) had multiple infections. Questionnaire analysis showed that inmates who have been in the prison for years were more parasitized. Inmates who deworm monthly, yearly and not at all accounted for 64.2%, 78.7% and 39.2% infections respectively which was significant (p< 0.05). The study revealed the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in the inmates. Improved healthcare and awareness is highly recommended inside the facility.
Pengendalian Cacat Produk Pisang Nugget di IKM Almauzu dengan Pendekatan Metode Six Sigma
Authors: Helmi Adlina Safitri , Ramadhani Indah Kurnia , Januarista Nessa
Published: September 2024

Indonesia has an excellent program that is to develop industries upstream to downstream. IKM Almauzu is one of the downstream enterprises that processes agricultural products such as banana fruits some of its products are Banana nuggets, Babana roll, Banana Ball, Risoles and Fried Spring Roll but the main product is Banana Nugget. In one-week IKM Almauzu can produce 850 pcs or 142 boxes of Banana Nuggets. In the production process of Banana Nugget products, it is necessary to carry out quality improvements to minimize product defects. Quality control is carried out with a six-sigma approach that aims to minimize defects and is used as a benchmark for quality control. The study was carried out for one week and it was found that the types of defects are defects such as different thickness of the pod, uneven degree of maturity of the product and uneven baking of bread flour. With the implementation of this six-sigma method, it is hoped that the quality control of the production process at IKM Almauzu can
KEBIJAKAN BANK BTN KANTOR CABANG SOLO MEMBERIKAN RELAKSASI KREDIT BAGI DEBITUR SAAT MASA PANDEMI COVID-19 (Studi Kasus di Bank Tabungan Negara Kantor Cabang Solo)
Authors: Shafira Deassy Prima , Pranoto '
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This article aims to find out the policies used by Bank BTN Solo Branch Office in providing credit relaxation for debtors during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research is empirical legal research and descriptive-analytical. The approach used in this study is qualitative approach. The type of data used is primary data derived from informant interviews at BTN Solo Branch Office as well as secondary data derived from the study of primary and secondary legal materials that use download and copy techniques and then collect, categorize and qualify primary and secondary legal materials as needed based on research objects. The technique of legal material analysis in this study uses sociological/teleological interpretation, systematic interpretation, and uses interactive analysis model. Legal problems arising in number 2 the points of regulation of POJK No. 11/POJK.03/2020 concerning National Economic Stimulus as a Countercyclical Policy on the Impact of the Spread of COVID-19 there is the word "can" which means not obliging banks to implement it, but giving the option to banks to implement or not relax credit based on these regulations in accordance with the policies of each bank. As a result, the policy was used by Bank BTN Solo Branch Office as a legal basis to provide credit relaxation for debtors affected by COVID-19.

 
KEABSAHAN PURCHASE ORDER BERBAHASA ASING SEBAGAI PERJANJIAN JUAL BELI BERDASARKAN UNDANG-UNDANG NOMOR 24 TAHUN 2009 TENTANG BENDERA, BAHASA, DAN LAMBANG NEGARA, SERTA LAGU KEBANGSAAN
Authors: Aditya Wibawa Faiz Rafii , Tuhana '
Published: September 2024

This article describe, first, the validity of a foreign language purchase order as a sale and purchase agreement. Second, the legal consequences of violating Article 31 of Law Number 24 of 2009 concerning the Flag, Language and National Emblem, as well as the National Anthem. This type of article is normative that is prescriptive and applied. The type of data used is secondary data with primary and secondary legal materials, as well as non-legal materials or tertiary legal materials. Data collection techniques are carried out by downloading, copying, collecting and then reading, studying, reviewing and analyzing primary legal materials such as laws, Civil Code and other regulations, books, articles, journals related to the issues reviewed by the author. Furthermore, the technical analysis used is the deduction method. The study show that purchase order is a valid agreement in accordance with the valid terms of the agreement, then if the sale and purchase transaction is carried out with a foreign party and uses a purchase order to reach an understanding, the purchase order must be made in Indonesian then the equivalent is made with the national language of the foreign party country and/or English. Second, purchase orders that violate these provisions do not have a criminal sanction, but purchase order can be canceled or requested for cancellation.

Artikel ini mengkaji mengenai, pertama, keabsahan Purchase Order bahasa asing sebagai perjanjian jual beli.  Kedua, akibat hukum dari pelanggaran Pasal 31 Undang-Undang Nomor 24 Tahun 2009 tentang Bendera, Bahasa, dan Lambang Negara, serta Lagu Kebangsaan. Jenis artikel ini adalah normatif yang bersifat preskriptif dan terapan. Jenis data yang digunakan adalah jenis data sekunder dengan bahan hukum primer dan sekunder, serta bahan non-hukum atau bahan hukum tersier. Teknik pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan cara mengunduh (download), meng-copy, mengoleksi lalu membaca, mempelajari, mengkaji dan menganalisis bahan-bahan hukum primer seperti Undang-Undang, Kitab Undang-Undang Hukum Perdata serta peraturan lain, buku-buku, artikel, jurnal yang berhubungan dengan isu yang dikaji. Selanjutnya teknis analisis yang digunakan adalah metode deduksi. Hasil dari penelitian menunjukan bahwa purchase order merupakan perjanjian yang sah sesuai dengan syarat sahnya perjanjian, lalu apabila transaksi jual beli dilakukan dengan pihak luar negeri dan menggunakan purchase order demi tercapai kesepahaman purchase order wajib dibuat dalam Bahasa Indonesia lalu dibuat padanannya dengan bahasa nasional dari pihak luar negeri dan/atau Bahasa Inggris. Yang kedua, purchase order yang melanggar ketentuan tersebut tidak terdapat sanksi secara pidana namun purchase order tersebut dapat dibatalkan atau dimintai pembatalan.
LAND PROCUREMENT FOR PUBLIC INTEREST DEVELOPMENT IN INDONESIA
Authors: Prayitno Budi , Priyoto ' , Sri Marleni '
Published: September 2024

This research aims to identify the rules and processes of land procurement for public interest development in Indonesia. The government of Indonesia, regardless of its leadership, is responsible for organizing development, including public interest development. In this process, land plays a crucial role as the location for the development. Understanding the rules and procedures of land procurement for public interest development is crucial. The process of land procurement is not as simple as it may seem and can be a significant obstacle in the development process. The researcher used a descriptive qualitative method and obtained data through library research. The primary data consists of regulations on land procurement for public interest development. The research concludes that regulations for land procurement in Indonesia for public interest development can be found in various levels of legislation, including laws and government regulations. The process consists of four steps: planning, preparation, implementation, and submission of the results.
The Influence of Perceived Ease of Use and Perceived Risk on Intention to Use through Trust as Intervening on the Use of ShopeePay
Authors: Rizka Nuranda Azaria
Published: September 2024

This research aims to examine the factors that influence intention to use towards using ShopeePay. This type of research is quantitative research using survey methods through questionnaires that are distributed boldly and used population was ShopeePay users in DKI Jakarta within a total sample of 220 people. The analysis techniques used to process the collected data are validity and reliability tests with SPSS software and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) tests with AMOS 24 software. Through these technical analysis techniques, the results show that all indicators are valid and reliable, as well as perceived ease of use has an positive effect on trust, perceived risk has no effect on trust, perceived ease of use and trust has an positive effect on intention to use, perceived risk has no effect on intention to use, perceived ease of use has positive effect on intention to use through trust, and perceived risk has no effect on intention to use through trust.
 
Keywords: Perceived Ease of Use, Perceived Risk, Trust, Intention to Use, ShopeePay
Analysis of the Effectiveness of the Bukiweb Office Application at PT Bank KB Bukopin Tbk
Authors: Tita Sulastri  , Roni Faslah  , Rizki Firdausi Rachmadania
Published: September 2024

Along with the development of the times and technological advancements, the world has experienced significant changes that have involved almost all aspects of human life. This transformation has created a landscape dominated by efficiency, openness, and superior service quality. Office applications have become the backbone of human resource management, enabling centralized and structured storage of employee data. The implementation of the Bukiweb Office Application is not only an effort to automate administrative tasks, but also a strategy to accelerate the recruitment and performance management process. This research was conducted at PT Bank KB Bukopin Tbk with the aim of determining the effectiveness of the Bukiweb Office Application used by employees of PT Bank KB Bukopin Tbk. The type of research used in this research is a qualitative descriptive method and the data collection techniques used are interviews, observations, literature studies and documentation. The effectiveness of using the Bukiweb Office Application is assessed using five indicators, namely program success, target achievement, program satisfaction, input and output levels and overall goal achievement. Of the five indicators, all have been met, so it can be concluded that the use of the Bukiweb Office Application has achieved satisfactory effectiveness.
The Influence of Budget Transparency and Public Participation on The Effectiveness of Budget Management Policies
Authors: Nurhalisa Siti , Rismawati  , Abid Ramadhan
Published: September 2024

This study aims to investigate the effect of budget transparency and public participation on the effectiveness of budget management policies in Palopo City, with the hope that the findings will provide insights that can be used to strengthen public financial management practices in other similar areas. This research method uses a quantitative method by using the Slovin formula to determine the sample of respondents selected. Data was collected through questionnaires covering the variables of Budget Transparency, Public Participation, and Budget Management Policy Effectiveness. The sample in this study was 130 respondents/samples. The data analysis technique was carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29 application. The results of this study indicate that budget transparency has a significant effect on the effectiveness of budget management policies, and community participation has a significant effect on the effectiveness of budget management policies.
Analysis of Influencer Marketing Campaigns in Digital Marketing on the TikTok Platform
Authors: Rahman Dhevyta Nabila
Published: September 2024

This research aims to identify the factors influencing the success of the campaign for the brand “Kata Oma” conducted by Dina Amrianti on the TikTok platform. This research employs the TEARS model (Trustworthiness, Expertise, Attractiveness, Respect, and Similarity) proposed by Shimp in 2014, which is a framework used to understand the factors affecting the success of influencer marketing strategies. The research approach used in this study is a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. The number of informants involved in this study is thirteen, consisting of two people from the “Kata Oma” brand and eleven followers of the @lordjajanofficial account. Data collection techniques were conducted through in-depth interviews with the informants. The data analysis technique used in this study is the interactive model, which includes data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing or verification. The research findings indicate that the influencer marketing campaign for the “Kata Oma” brand conducted by Dina Amrianti on the TikTok platform has been successful using the TEARS model. Interview data from the thirteen key informants show that Dina Amrianti's followers consider trust and honesty in her reviews of the “Kata Oma” spicy balado variant to be key to the effectiveness of the influencer marketing campaign. Dina successfully leveraged her knowledge and expertise with a cheerful style that attracted the audience's interest in trying the “Kata Oma” product, although there is an expectation for more in-depth details from the audience.
Effectiveness of Marjan Advertising on YouTube Using EPIC Model
Authors: Muhammad Fauzan Abi
Published: September 2024

YouTube is one of the advertising media for brands that advertise in the form of videos, such as Marjan. Marjan is a local syrup brand produced by PT Lasallefood Indonesia. However, there are issues that appear in the comments section on YouTube which have an impact on the decrease in views of Marjan advertising content on YouTube in 2024. For this researchers are interested in researching the effectiveness of Ramadan Marjan advertisements on YouTube using the EPIC Model (Empathy, Persuasion, Impact, Communication). This research uses a type of quantitative research with a survey method through an online questionnaire through Google Form. The distribution of online questionnaires through Google Form was carried out in this study to 120 respondents who were Marjan consumers with domiciles in Jabodetabek and had seen Marjan's Ramadan advertisements on YouTube. Sampling was carried out using non-probability sampling method through purposive sampling technique. The analysis techniques used in this study are descriptive analysis, simple tabulation analysis, and average score. Based on the results of the study, all dimensions of the EPIC Model are declared effective with a score of 3.12. This is supported by the score of each dimension such as empathy with a value of 3.26 which is included in the very effective category, and other dimensions that are included in the effective category such as persuasion with a value of 3.08, impact 3.15, and communication 3.01.
Surveys in Native and Introduced Ranges (2018–2021) for Natural Enemies of Yellow Floating Heart, Nymphoides peltata Kunth
Authors: Harms Nathan , Purcell Matthew , Hafliger Patrick , Stutz Sonja , Sun-hee Hong , Zhang Jialiang , Harlow Megann , Thum Ryan , Lui Chenxi , Brookes Dean
Published: September 2024

Yellow floating heart (Nymphoides peltata), a widespread aquatic invasive plant in the US, is currently under investigation for biological control development. From 2018 to 2021, we conducted native (Europe: 14 locations; Asia: 80 locations) and introduced (US: 39 locations) range surveys to create a list of candidate agents and collect baseline infestation data for comparison. We genetically characterized populations and determined those most-closely related to US N. peltata were European. However, we found no promising agents in that region, except for previously reported fungal pathogens. In Asia, several herbivores were identified as potential agents based on observed damage in situ and previous literature reports about host specificity. These included three species of Bagous weevils, one of which may be Bagous charbenensi, and an unidentified leaf-mining Hydrellia fly. During domestic surveys, generalist leaf-cutting caterpillars were common, similar to the native range. A major discovery was the dam-aging fungal pathogen, Septoria villarsiae, isolated from plants in a private pond in Maine—the first record in the Western hemisphere. The next steps for this program should include preliminary host specificity and impact assessments of S. villarsiae, the fruit-feeding Bagous spp. in China and Korea, and the leaf-mining Hydrellia sp. fly from South Korea.
INSECT HERBIVORY ON FERNS FROM A MODERN MARSH LOWLAND LOCALITY, SOUTHERN BRAZIL: IMPLICATIONS FOR INTERPRETING FOSSIL PLANT–INSECT INTERACTIONS
Authors: CENCI ROMULO , HORODYSKI RODRIGO SCALISE
Published: September 2024

Ferns are a model plant group for comparing insect herbivory between modern and deep time assemblages. We assessed fern–arthropod interactions in a modern marsh to reveal the taphonomic, morphological, and ecological implications of insect herbivory on fossil plant assemblages. Six functional feeding groups—hole feeding, margin feeding, surface feeding, piercing and sucking, galling, and pathogens—are present in eight fern species. We identified a total of 23 distinct damage types (DTs) on ferns, comprising 16 insect-mediated DTs, two of which are newly described in this study, and seven pathogen DTs, including one new addition. Among these, we present six arthropod-induced DTs that were previously undocumented in ferns. Furthermore, we report five DTs with fossil analogs. External foliage feeding, consisting of hole feeding, margin feeding, and surface feeding functional feeding groups, is the principal factor for DT richness on ferns in this lowland locality. We found products of arthropods behavior on ferns, such as instar molts and dead bodies and the byproducts from reproductive processes, which are unlikely to preserve in the fossil record. The taphonomic implications of these arthropod behavioral products are inferred by considering the substances that attach these structures to leaf tissues, potentially enhancing their preservation potential in the fossil record. Relatively mesic conditions support ferns in the lowland locality, resulting in a greater richness of insect herbivory compared to ferns in cooler xeric habitats from a previously surveyed upland locality.
THROUGH FIRE, AND THROUGH WATER, AN ABUNDANCE OF MID-DEVONIAN CHARCOAL
Authors: GLASSPOOL IAN J. , GASTALDO ROBERT A.
Published: September 2024

Evidence of fire in the Middle Devonian remains globally scarce. Charcoalified mesofossils recovered from the Emsian–Eifelian Trout Valley and St. Froid Lake formations of Maine are direct evidence of wildfires proximal to the Acadian Orogen, formed as the Avalon terrane and the North American plate collided. These mesofossils include charred psilophytes, lycopsids, prototaxodioids, enigmatic taxa such as Spongiophyton, and coprolites. Here, fire combusted a senesced and partially decayed litter, and the intimately associated nematophytes, following a period of extended dryness. We envisage wildfires occurred during neap tide when exposure of the flora of this estuarine setting was prolonged. Herein we provide a reconstruction of this Middle Devonian landscape and its flora in which lightning generated by post-dry season storms ignited wildfires that propagated through an extensive psilophyte-dominated litter.
Suicide by Sodium Nitrite Ingestion
Authors: Mañibo May Vell , Del Rosario-Fortun Raquel
Published: September 2024

Sodium nitrite (SN, NaNO2) is a water-soluble, white-yellow crystalline powder with broad applications in food preservation, automotive maintenance, and animal control. It is a strong oxidizing agent that can oxidize hemoglobin iron (Fe) to its oxidized state, leading to methemoglobin formation. An increasing trend of suicide cases by SN ingestion has been reported globally following its popularization in online suicide forums providing detailed instructions of its use solely or as part of a “suicide kit.” We report a case of a 21-year-old male who was found continuously vomiting, with blood per orem and cyanosis of the mouth and digits. Within minutes of the onset of symptoms, the patient lost consciousness and was pronounced dead on arrival at the nearest emergency room. Autopsy findings showed lip erosions, hemorrhage, and perioral and peripheral cyanosis. Internal examination showed characteristic bright red muscle discoloration, dark brown arterial blood, red-brown congested visceral organs, and hyperemic esophageal and gastric mucosa. Methemoglobin studies from sampled arterial blood showed elevated levels (17.5%). Further investigation of the decedent’s belongings, social media posts, and recent online purchases reinforced the intentional sodium nitrite ingestion. While there are plenty of reported SN poisoning in suicide cases internationally, limited reports have been published locally. Death by SN poisoning is preventable with Methylene blue. The role of forensic pathologists through autopsy may be the last chance to detect such cases. The lack of systemic death investigation, experts, and local laboratories to reliably detect the signs of SN poisoning may have affected the low detection rate of cases locally. Further reporting of cases can raise the awareness of medical professionals that is fundamental to the ultimate saving of lives.
Mucosal Schwann Cell Hamartoma Mimicking a Colon Polyp: Pathologic Insights
Authors: Santos Marissa Krizelda , Tan Kathleen Adryon
Published: September 2024

We report a case of a 34-year-old-male who presents with rectal bleeding and finding of a rectal polyp during colonoscopy. Microscopic findings reveal a mucosal based lesion composed of uniform, spindle cells with tapered nuclei, and which expand the lamina propria. No atypia, mitosis, necrosis or associated serrated crypt architecture is seen. The spindle cells exhibit S100 protein positivity. The case highlights the importance of distinguishing gastrointestinal tract spindle cell lesions for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
Climate Change Contributes to Loss of Wild Rice (Manoomin/Psiŋ), Threatening Indigenous Lifeways
Authors: Nyblade Madeline , Larkin Daniel , Vogt Darren , Croll Rob , Ng G.H. , Graveen Joe , Hansen Kristen , Panci Hannah , Byrne Brandon , Panek Bazile
Published: September 2024

Climate change threatens lifeways of Indigenous Peoples, impacting their rights to self-determination and sovereignty. In the Laurentian Great Lakes region, Indigenous communities have experienced declines of wild rice (Ojibwemowin: Manoomin; Dakodiapi: Psiŋ; Latin: Zizania palustris), a sacred plant central to their culture. Past studies have implicated climate change in these declines but without quantification. Leveraging long-term, large-scale monitoring data collected by tribal organizations, we analyzed wild rice density and harvest data in relation to key climate conditions expected to impair wild rice’s vulnerable early life stages. Our results indicate that wild rice available for tribal harvest off-reservations has declined regionally by ~ 5–7% annually and likely will continue in part due to anthropogenic climate change, specifically increased early summer precipitation and warmer winters with less snow and shorter ice-duration. This decline has infringed on Indigenous lifeways by reducing off-reservation tribal harvest, a right guaranteed by treaties with the US government.
Tannic Acid Attenuates Quinolinic Acid-Induced Neurodysfunction by Modulating Oxidative Stress Parameters and Electrogenic Pump Activity
Authors: Ale Ebenezer Morayo , Ayo Victoria Ifeoluwa , Asuelimen Steve Osagie , Timothy Mgbede Joy , Adewole Mulikat Adenike , Nathan Rimamsanati Yohanna
Published: September 2024

The pathophysiology of neurodegenerative illnesses is largely dependent on oxidative stress and poor ion homeostasis, and these conditions represent a substantial worldwide health burden. Endogenous neurotoxic quinolinic acid (QA) is linked to neurodysfunction by inducing oxidative stress and interfering with sodium pump function. In a number of models, the polyphenolic molecule tannic acid (TA), which has strong antioxidant qualities, has demonstrated pharmacological effects in several diseased conditions. However, the neuroprotective effect of TA is rather speculative and still very open for clarification. In the present study, an in vitro model was employed to examine the effect of TA on deoxyribose degradation, lipid peroxidation, thiol status, antioxidant enzymes and cerebral and spinal sodium pump in rat cerebral and spinal tissue homogenates treated with quinolinic acid (QA, 2 mM). Results revealed that QA treatment led to a profound (p < 0.05) degradation of deoxyribose, formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and marked (p < 0.05) reduction in tissue level of free thiols. However, TA treatment significantly (p < 0.05), counteracted TBARS production, deoxyribose degradation and markedly (p < 0.05) increased the thiol level of the cerebral and spinal tissue homogenates. Furthermore, QA markedly (p < 0.05) diminished the activities of cerebral and spinal antioxidant enzymes [catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) and Glutathione S transferase (GST)] and impaired the activities of cerebral and spinal sodium pump. Nonetheless, the activities of the antioxidant enzymes and pump were all raised in both the cerebral and spinal tissue homogenates upon TA treatment. These findings justify the pharmacological action of TA on QA-induced neurotoxicity and suggest its potential use in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Further investigation is required to determine TA's translational usefulness in clinical settings.
Design & Analysis of Multiple effect Evaporator for Sugar Industry
Authors: Sanadi Atulkmar. G. , Khot Sanjay A.
Published: September 2024

A number of process industries, including pulp and paper, sugar, desalination, pharmaceuticals, dairy and food processing, etc., have evaporators as one of their most energy-intensive components. If the heat from the vapour is not used, a single effect evaporator might be energy inefficient. Using multiple-effect evaporators solves this problem. Because Vapour bleeding is implemented, Robert type evaporators are typically regarded as the preferred evaporator design in the cane sugar industry. The three-effect evaporator system model that will be created for this project has three effects. The model includes vapour bleeding as a way to cut back on the amount of steam used in the evaporator. Using waste heat while lowering steam consumption and heating power are the goals of multiple effect arrangements. This is accomplished by employing the vapour produced in the first stage as the second stage's heat source and the third stage's heat source. Condensate, feed and product flashing, vapour compression, and other energy-saving techniques are also available. Vapour bleeding improves the process's steam economy, but at the increased expense of the necessary heat exchangers. Along with designing this evaporator, we will analyse data to identify various stresses and develop a support system to minimise the evaporator's weight. .
Measuring space charge and electric field in axisymmetric dielectric barrier discharge using EFISH technique
Authors: Park Jin , Cha Min Suk
Published: September 2024

We investigated the dynamic interactions between electric fields and space charges within an axisymmetric dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) configuration. Employing a square-wave AC, the DBD setup ensured spatial and temporal consistency in microdischarge occurrences. The Electric Field Induced Second Harmonic Generation (EFISH) technique was utilized to capture electric fields and space charge distributions, with special emphasis on the theoretical deduction of space charges from Gauss’s Law. After a microdischarge occurred, the measured electric fields diminished due to the destructive superposition of external electric fields and th fields induced by space charges. This reduction in electric field intensity prevented subsequent microdischarges from occurring. However, when the polarity changed, our results demonstrated an increase in the electric fields due to constructive reinforcement between the external electric fields and the space-charge-induced electric field. This enhancement in the electric field facilitated the occurrence of subsequent microdischarges. Notably, a dominant excess of negative charges was observed in the negative phase after the microdischarge, indicating a net negative-charge domain likely due to electron emission from a metallic electrode. This study confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed method for estimating space charges by showcasing the inherent operating mechanism of DBD.
Cytomorphological Changes of Oral Mucosal Cells Among Smokeless Tobacco Users in Low and Middle-Income Country Settings: Insights from Pakistan
Authors: Hassan Sabreen , Sifat Ayesha , Munib Muhammad , Saeed Saliha , Nisa Waqar U , Durrani Sofia Haider , Rahim Abid , Ullah Naeem , Afaq Saima , Khattak Farhad Ali , Haq Zia Ul
Published: September 2024

Background: Chronic tobacco use, in any form, induces significant cellular alterations in the oral mucosa. This study investigates four distinct cytomorphological changes in oral mucosal cells among smokeless tobacco users, examining their association across different genders and age groups.
Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study involved collecting mucosal samples from smokeless tobacco (naswar) users through consecutive sampling. The prepared smears were examined for dysplastic changes. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, with Chi-square tests and logistic regression employed to evaluate proportions and associations.
Results: Among 100 Naswar users, the labial sulcus mucosa was the most common site affected (47%). The most frequent cytomorphological change was micronuclei (46%), followed by nuclear budding (25%), perinuclear halo (18%), and binucleated cells (14%). In the 51-60 age group, micronuclei (78.9%), nuclear budding (55.3%), binucleation (31.6%), and perinuclear halo (36.8%) were more prevalent (P < 0.005). Gender analysis revealed that micronuclei were more common in females (54.2%) compared to males (43.4%), while nuclear budding was more prevalent in males (27.6%) than females (P < 0.28). Logistic regression indicated that individuals aged 51-60 were more likely to exhibit micronuclei (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.22 to 5.83, P = 0.863) and nuclear budding (OR = 5.34, 95% CI: 9.23 to 30.75, P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The dysplastic changes observed included micronuclei, nuclear budding, binucleated cells, and perinuclear halo, with micronuclei being the most prevalent. These findings could facilitate the early diagnosis of oral lesions and their timely management in habitual smokeless tobacco users.
SPINK1 Facilitates Tumor Progression in OSCC: Insights from Single-cell RNA Sequencing
Authors: Bao Mingyan , Tang Zhangui
Published: September 2024

Objective This investigation aimed to delineate the role and underlying mechanism of Serine Peptidase Inhibitor Kazal Type 1 (SPINK1) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) via single-cell RNA-seq data.Materials and Methods Subpopulations of OSCC cells were identified via the GEO database. Cell‒cell communication analysis, gene set variation analysis (GSVA), gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and miRNA network construction were used to evaluate the role of SPINK1 in OSCC. The expression profile of SPINK1 in OSCC was authenticated via immunohistochemistry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and Western blotting. The tumorigenic propensity of SPINK1 was evaluated through overexpression and knockdown assays employing Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), scratch assays, and transwell assays.Results SPINK1 was closely associated with T cells, malignant cells, and an array of immune modulators, including chemokines and immunoinhibitors, throughout OSCC progression. SPINK1 operates through pathways involving P53 and WNT signalling cascades. Relative to their normal tissue counterparts, SPINK1 is upregulated in OSCC, resulting in increased cell proliferation, invasion, and migration upon SPINK1 overexpression, whereas SPINK1 knockdown has opposite effects.Conclusion SPINK1 has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for the management of OSCC, offering prospective avenues for tailored therapeutic interventions and precision medicine strategies.
Efficiency of genomic selection for developing superior pure lines
Authors: Silva Jean Paulo Aparecido da , Viana José Marcelo Soriano
Published: September 2024

Developing elite pure lines is the most common breeding process for self-pollinating crops. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of genomic selection in pure line breeding, using a simulated dataset from F2 plants to F8 selected progeny. The simulated genome included 1000 genes and 49825 SNPs, distributed on 10 chromosomes of 100 cM. We used genomic selection with partial phenotyping over generations and phenotyping only in F2. We assessed the significance of selection intensity, training set size, selecting in F2, dominance, and major genes. The efficacy of the genomic selection was based on genetic gains and probability of selecting elite pure lines. Genomic selection with partial phenotyping in each cycle maximized the probability of selecting superior F8 progeny and provided the higher total genetic gain, comparable to the selection based on the true genotypic value. Training set size and selection intensity are important factors affecting the development of elite pure lines. Dominance does not significantly affect the genomic selection efficiency. The existence of QTLs increases the genomic selection efficiency, proportional to the proportion of the phenotypic variance explained by the QTLs. There is no justification for selecting in F2. Pedigree-based BLUP cannot be disregarded as a genetic assessment method in pure line breeding. All selection methods provided high decrease in the genotypic variance at F8. The prediction accuracies with genomic selection showed almost perfect correlation with the genetic gains. A challenger in pure line breeding is minimizing the random fixation of the unfavorable alleles in heterozygotes.
Sowing Intelligence: Advancements in Crop Yield Prediction Through Machine Learning and Deep Learning Approaches
Authors: Jayanthi S , Priya D Tamil , M Naresh Goud , Rajkumar Arugula , Sriva B
Published: September 2024

Ensuring global food security necessitates precise crop yield prediction for informed agricultural planning and resource allocation. We investigated the impact of temperature, rainfall, and pesticide application on crop yield using a comprehensive, multi-year, multi-region dataset. Our research rigorously compared, for the first time, the effectiveness of fifteen different algorithms encompassing both established machine learning and deep learning architectures, particularly Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), in constructing robust CYP models. Through rigorous experimentation and hyperparameter tuning, we aimed to identify the most optimal model for accurate yield prediction. We leveraged a comprehensive dataset encompassing various agricultural attributes, including geographical coordinates, crop varieties, climatic parameters, and farming practices. To ensure model effectiveness, we preprocessed the data, handling categorical variables, standardizing numerical features, and dividing the data into distinct training and testing sets. The experimental evaluation revealed that Random Forest achieved the highest accuracy, with an impressive (R²=0.99). However, XGBoost offered a compelling trade-off with slightly lower accuracy (R²=0.98) but significantly faster training and inference times (0.36s and 0.02s, respectively), making it suitable for real-world scenarios with limited computational resources. While XGBoost emerged as the most efficient and accurate solution in this investigation, we also explored the potential of deep learning approaches, including RNNs, for crop yield prediction, paving the way for future research into even greater accuracy.
Design and implementation of a natural language processing system at the point of care: MiADE (Medical information AI Data Extractor)
Authors: Jiang-Kells Jennifer , Brandreth James , Zhu Leilei , Ross Jack , Jani Yogini , Costanza Enrico , Amran Maisarah , Kraljevic Zeljko , Bai Xi , Cresta Roberto , Dilan M.M.N.S. , Wijayarathne Jayathri , Wickramaratne Ravi , Asselbergs Folkert W. , Dobson Richard J.B. , Wong Wai Keong , Shah Anoop D.
Published: September 2024

Background: Well-organised electronic health records (EHR) are essential for high quality patient care, but EHR user interfaces can be cumbersome for entry of structured information, resulting in the majority of information being in free text rather than a structured form. This makes it difficult to retrieve information for clinical purposes and limits the research potential of the data. Natural language processing (NLP) at the point of care has been suggested as a way of improving data quality and completeness, but there is little evidence as to its effectiveness. We sought to generate such evidence by developing an open source, modular, configurable NLP system called MiADE, which is designed to integrate with an EHR. This paper describes the design of MiADE and the deployment at University College London Hospitals (UCLH), and is intended to benefit those who may wish to develop or implement a similar system elsewhere.
Results: The MiADE system includes components to extract diagnoses, medications and allergies from a clinical note, and communicate with an EHR system in real time using Health Level 7 Clinical Document Architecture (HL7 CDA) messaging. This enables NLP results to be displayed to a clinician for verification before saving them to the patient's record. MiADE utilises the MedCAT library (part of the Cogstack family of NLP tools) for named entity recognition (NER) and linking to SNOMED CT, as well as context detection. MedCAT models underwent unsupervised and supervised training on patient notes from UCLH, achieving precision of 83.2% (95% CI 77.0, 88.1), and recall of 85.2% (95% CI 79.1, 89.8) for detection of diagnosis concepts. In simulation testing we found that MiADE reduced the time taken for clinicians to enter structured problem lists by 89%. We have commenced a trial implementation of MiADE at UCLH in live clinical use, integrated with the Epic EHR at UCLH.
Conclusions: We have developed an open source point of care NLP system called MiADE and successfully integrated it with a live EHR at a major hospital for an evaluation study.
Multimodal Machine Learning for Language and Speech Markers Identification in Mental Health
Authors: Drougkas Georgios , Bakker Erwin , Spruit Marco
Published: September 2024

Background There are numerous related papers focusing on diagnosing mental health disorders using unimodal and multimodal approaches. However, our literature review shows that the majority of these studies either use unimodal approaches to diagnose a variety of mental disorders or employ multimodal approaches to diagnose a single mental disorder instead. In this research we combine these approaches by identifying mental health disorder markers for a wide range of mental illnesses using both unimodal and multimodal methods, and consequently determining whether the multimodal approach can outperform the unimodal ones.
Methods For this study we used a well known and robust dataset derived from clinical interviews: DAIC-WOZ. First, we constructed two unimodal models to analyze text and audio data independently using feature extraction, based on the mental disorder markers that had been identified earlier through related studies. Through the unimodal text model, we also propose an initial pragmatic binary label creation process. Then, we employed an early fusion strategy to combine our text and audio features before model processing. Our fused feature set was then given as input to various machine and deep learning algorithms, including Support Vector Machines, Logistic Regression, Random Forests, and a fully connected neural network classifier (Dense Layers). Ultimately, the performance of our models was evaluated using accuracy, AUC-ROC score, and two F1 metrics: one for the prediction of positive cases and one for the prediction of negative cases.
Results Overall, the unimodal text models achieved an accuracy ranging from 78% to 87% and an AUC-ROC score between 85% and 93%, while the unimodal audio models attained an accuracy of 64% to 72% and AUC-ROC scores of 53% to 75%. The experimental results indicated that our multimodal models achieved comparable accuracy (ranging from 80% to 87%) and AUC-ROC scores (between 84% and 93%) to those of the unimodal text models. However, the majority of the multimodal models managed to outperform the unimodal models in F1 scores, particularly in the F1 score of the positive class (F1 of 1s), which reflects how well the models perform in identifying the presence of a marker.
Conclusions In conclusion, by refining the binary label creation process and by improving the feature engineering process of the unimodal acoustic model, we argue that the multimodal model can outperform both unimodal approaches. This study underscores the importance of multimodal integration in the field of mental health diagnostics and sets the stage for future research to explore more sophisticated fusion techniques and deeper learning models.
Taurine enhances antioxidant enzyme activity and immune response in Seriola rivoliana juveniles after lipopolysaccharide injection
Authors: Teles Andressa , Guzmán-Villanueva Laura , Dios Marco A. Hernández-de , Maldonado-García Minerva , Tovar-Ramírez Dariel
Published: September 2024

The use of additives in fish feeds is a practice used worldwide to provide better productive results and improve the fish's health and immune capacity to face disease outbreaks. This study aimed to analyze the effects of the different doses of taurine in fish feed and its impact on the immune-related parameters and antioxidant enzyme activity after LPS (lipopolysaccharide) injection. For this, immune-related gene expression was evaluated as well as lysozyme activity and antioxidant enzyme activity. The results showed that using taurine at 2% (TAU 2%) improved the expression of il1-β, tnf-α, and tlr-3 compared to the other treatments at 24 hours post LPS injection. Lysozyme activity and antioxidant activity such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were higher in the treatment with both taurine 1% (TAU 1%) and TAU 2% when compared with the negative control (C-) and the positive control (C+) treatments after 72 hours post LPS injection. These results suggest that using 2% of exogenous taurine added to a commercial fish feed for juveniles of Seriola rivoliana can improve their immunocompetency and counteract the oxidative stress caused by exposure to LPS.