bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme on Knowledge Regarding Promotion of Child Mental Health among the Mothers at Selected Area of, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Authors: Rani Jena Sushama , Kumari Devi Sinmayee
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study to assess the effectiveness of structured teaching programme on knowledge regardingpromotion of child mental health among The mothers at selected area of, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The mainobjective is to find out the maximum knowledge of mothers regarding promotion of child mental health.The data were collected from 60 mothers by purposive sampling technique by using close ended knowledgequestionnaire. ‘t’ test and Chi square test has been done for descriptive and inferential statistics. The studyfinding revels that the pre test scores is 12.43±2.98 which is 31% of the total mean score, where as in posttestthe total mean score is 36.95±0.8 which is 92% of the total mean score. From the finding of the presentstudy it is concluded that structured teaching programme on promotion of child mental health is effective forimproving the level of knowledge among mothers.
CULTURAL BELIEFS AND INTERPRETATION OF SYMPTOMS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA IN KENYA
Authors:   Department of psychology, School of applied human and social sciences, Daystar University, Kenya, Kibuh Siver , Malaki Sarah ,   Department of psychology, School of applied human and social sciences, Daystar University, Kenya, Kamunya Joyce ,   Department of psychology, School of applied human and social sciences, Daystar University, Kenya, Thuku Damaris ,   Department of psychology, School of applied human and social sciences, Daystar University, Kenya
Published: April 2024

This abstract provides a concise overview of the prevalence of cultural beliefs and their impact on the recognition and treatment of schizophrenia symptoms in Kenya, drawing from a review of relevant literature including "A survey of psychosis risk symptoms in Kenya," "Cultural Aspects of Major Mental Disorders: A Critical Review from an Indian Perspective," "Psychotic Symptoms in Kenya – Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Relationship with Common Mental Disorders," and "Exploring mental health practice among traditional health practitioners: a qualitative study in rural Kenya." This review reveals a complex interaction between traditional cultural beliefs that are held by many Kenyan communities and Western biomedical viewpoints on schizophrenia. Results of a survey conducted in Kenya on psychosis risk symptoms highlight the substantial overlap between symptoms that are distinctive to a culture and those that meet Western psychiatric standards. This overlap emphasizes how crucial it is to use culturally aware methods when diagnosing and treating schizophrenia in Kenya. Studies conducted on psychotic symptoms in Kenya show that a significant proportion of schizophrenia patients experience symptoms that are culturally specific, such as spirit possession and witchcraft beliefs. These culturally particular symptoms frequently impact behavior related to seeking help and adhering with treatment, with traditional healers having a significant role in the treatment of mental illness. Reliance on conventional healers, however, may impede treatment outcomes for people with schizophrenia and prolong the time it takes to receive evidence-based psychiatric therapy. It is important to consider the cultural perceptions and beliefs around the symptoms of schizophrenia in Kenya highlight the critical need for culturally competent methods to mental health treatment. Schizophrenia treatment initiatives must strike a careful balance between honoring various cultural viewpoints and encouraging cooperation between conventional healers and biological professionals. The creation of culturally appropriate therapies and the improvement of mental health literacy in Kenyan communities ought to be the top priorities for future research in order to guarantee that people with schizophrenia have fair access to high-quality mental health care.
DISTANCE TEACHING OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN GREECE DURING THE PANDEMIC: THE CASE OF ANCIENT OLYMPIC GAMES
Authors: ARVANITIDOU VASILEIA , PATSI CHARIKLEIA
Published: April 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic evoked the greatest disruption in education in the history, affecting both students and teachers around the world, from kindergarten to secondary and higher education, institutions, universities, and adult education organizations. In order to support education pioneering approaches appeared and teaching moves from in class to on line education within a few days for the most of the countries. In Greece, the government planned and implemented distance education in 3 axes: asynchronous, modern and Educational Television. This article presents a proposal for the distance teaching of Physical Education, specifically the subject of the Ancient Olympic Games.
Saccharomycetaceae: delineation of fungal genera based on phylogenomic analyses, genomic relatedness indices and genomics-based synapomorphies
Authors: Liu F. , Hu Z.-D. , Yurkov A. , Chen X.-H. , Bao W.-J. , Ma Q. , Zhao W.-N. , Pan S. , Zhao X.-M. , Liu J.-H. , Wang Q.-M. , Boekhout T.
Published: April 2024

A correct classification of fungi, including yeasts, is of prime importance to understand fungal biodiversity and to communicate about this diversity. Fungal genera are mainly defined based on phenotypic characteristics and the results of single or multigene-based phylogenetic analyses.
However, because yeasts often have less phenotypic characters, their classification experienced a strong move towards DNA-based data, from short ribosomal sequences to multigene phylogenies and more recently to phylogenomics. Here, we explore the usefulness of various genomics-based parameters
to circumscribe fungal genera more correctly taking the yeast domain as an example. Therefore, we compared the results of a phylogenomic analysis, average amino acid identity (AAI) values, the presence of conserved signature indels (CSIs), the percentage of conserved proteins (POCP) and the
presence- absence patterns of orthologs (PAPO). These genome-based metrics were used to investigate their usefulness in demarcating 13 hitherto relatively well accepted genera in Saccharomycetaceae, namely Eremothecium, Grigorovia, Kazachstania, Kluyveromyces,
Lachancea, Nakaseomyces, Naumovozyma, Saccharomyces, Tetrapisispora, Torulaspora, Vanderwaltozyma, Zygosaccharomyces and Zygotorulaspora. As a result, most of these genera are supported by the genomics-based metrics, but the genera
Kazachstania , Nakaseomyces and Tetrapisispora were shown to be genetically highly diverse based on the above listed analyses. Considering the results obtained for the presently recognized genera, a range of 80–92% POCP values and a range of 60–70 % AAI values
might be valuable thresholds to discriminate genera in Saccharomycetaceae. Furthermore, the genus-specific genes identified in the PAPO analysis and the CSIs were found to be useful as synapomorphies to characterize and define genera in Saccharomycetaceae. Our results indicate
that the combined monophyly-based phylogenomic analysis together with genomic relatedness indices and synapomorphies provide promising approaches to delineating yeast genera and likely those of filamentous fungi as well. The genera Kazachstania, Nakaseomyces and Tetrapisispora
are revised and we propose eight new genera and 41 new combinations.
Phylogenomic analysis of the Candida auris- Candida haemuli clade and related taxa in the Metschnikowiaceae, and proposal of thirteen new genera, fifty-five new combinations and nine new species
Authors: Liu F. , Hu Z.-D. , Zhao X.-M. , Zhao W.-N. , Feng Z.-X. , Yurkov A. , Alwasel S. , Boekhout T. , Bensch K. , Hui F.-L. , Bai F.-Y. , Wang Q.-M.
Published: April 2024

Candida is a polyphyletic genus of sexually reproducing yeasts in the Saccharomycotina with more than 400 species that occur in almost all families of the subclass and its name is strongly connected with the infectious disease candidiasis. During the last two decades,
approximately half of the Candida species have been reassigned into more than 36 already existing genera and 14 newly proposed genera, but the polyphyletic feature of the genus largely remained. Candida auris is an important, globally emerging opportunistic pathogen that has
caused life-threatening outbreaks in healthcare facilities worldwide. This species belongs to the Candida auris - Candida haemuli (CAH) clade in the Metschnikowiaceae, a clade that contains multidrug-resistant clinically relevant species, but also species isolated from
natural environments. The clade is phylogenetically positioned remotely from the type species of the genus Candida that is Candida vulgaris (currently interpreted as a synonym of Candida tropicalis) and belongs to the family Debaryomycetaceae. Although previous
phylogenetic and phylogenomic studies confirmed the position of C. auris in the Metschnikowiaceae, these analyses failed to resolve the position of the CAH clade within the family and its delimitation from the genera Clavispora and Metschnikowia. To resolve the
position of the CAH clade, phylogenomic and comparative genomics analyses were carried out to address the phylogenetic position of C. auris and related species in the Metschnikowiaceae using several metrics, such as the average amino acid identity (AAI) values, the percentage
of conserved proteins (POCP), and the presence-absence patterns of orthologs (PAPO).Based on those approaches, 13 new genera are proposed for various Candida and Hyphopichia species, including members of the CAH clade in the Metschnikowiaceae. As a result, C. auris
and related species are reassigned to the genus Candidozyma. Fifty-five new combinations and nine new species are introduced, and this will reduce the polyphyly of the genus Candida.
Impacto de la Tecnocultura Digital en los Procesos la Enseñanza-Aprendizaje
Authors: Morales Cordero Carlos Andrés , Hoyos Figueroa Fredys Enrique
Published: April 2024

En el presente ensayo resulta de gran utilidad determinar la incidencia que ejerce la Tecnocultura digital en la educación cuando es parte de las herramientas de que se valen los educadores para realizar su trabajo. Dicha incidencia se estudia, para el caso de la presente investigación,  caracterizado por la globalización que ha involucrado a todas o casi todas las comunidades humanas en un mismo momento de la historia universal, posibilitado este fenómeno histórico ante todo por el inusitado desarrollo de las tecnologías informáticas, al punto de que los más recientes inventos casi inmediatamente recorren todo el planeta; lo que permite que desde la más grande metrópoli hasta la aldea más apartada conozcan en cuestión de días los últimos inventos, lo que actualmente se llama sociedad del conocimiento y cómo su evolución, producto de la tecnología, ha abarcado distintas áreas, permitiendo innovar en la educación, estimulando la creación de nuevos conocimientos, de esta manera se describe la importancia de cada agente educativo (docente-alumno) y su rol transformador en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje.
Desarrollo Cognitivo de Niños con Necesidades Educativas en Educación Básica Media
Authors: Molina Mora Cristian Paul , Adriàn Loor Geoconda Lorena
Published: April 2024

La presente investigación analiza los procesos de iniciación en el Desarrollo Cognitivo de niños con necesidades educativas en educación básica media, en la cual se observan varias dificultades, al seguir los procesos y secuencias de aprendizaje. El objetivo de la investigación es indagar e identificar el proceso en el desarrollo cognitivo de los estudiantes que tienen necesidades educativas, este proceso de iniciación es fortalecer  del desarrollo cognitivo de los estudiantes de  la educación media La investigación también está orientada a los docentes constructores del aprendizaje, responsables de fomentar la adquisición de habilidades, destrezas y valores que se forjan en la educación de inclusión. En el marco teórico se fundamentan los procesos y secuencias adecuados para su aprendizaje, basadas en la teoría constructivista. En primera discusión teórica se exponen una serie de características como: la planeación, estrategias, la motivación inicial y la psicomotricidad entre otras estrategias didácticas que ayuden a tener un mejor entendimiento a los estudiantes NNE. Estas destacan la importancia de consolidar una secuencia ordenada en los métodos de enseñanza aprendizaje. En el siguiente apartado se discute las capacidades cognitivas y las etapas del desarrollo para fortalecer el ritmo y la evolución del aprendizaje de los estudiantes. La metodología incluye un abordaje tanto cualitativo y  cuantitativo. Esta se basa en la aplicación de instrumentos que ayudan a medir los niveles de aprendizaje (aplicación de un cuestionario, observación, registro anecdotario y evaluaciones a estudiantes). Sin embargo, se observara  también aspectos positivos, como el cumplimiento de la adquisición de ciertas destrezas por parte de los estudiantes, que ayudan en el desarrollo cognitivo.
Revisional notes on Grammodora Aurivillius, 1927 with the descriptions of two new species from Angola and Tanzania (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae: Lasiocampinae: Selenepherini)
Authors: Takano Hitoshi
Published: April 2024

Investigations into the lappet moth genus Grammodora Aurivillius, 1927, hitherto considered monotypic, have resulted in the description of two new species from Angola and Tanzania: G. angolana sp. n. and G. smithi sp. n. Despite variability in the COI-5P locus of mtDNA, stability in the habitus and genital morphology have enabled the accurate delimitations of the species, and biogeographic interpretations are presented based on locality data mined from numerous museum and private collections. It appears the former is an isolated western vicariant of G. nigrolineata (Aurivillius, 1895) whilst the latter, previously believed to be a pale form of G. nigrolineata, is allopatrically (or potentially parapatrically) distributed with it in Tanzania.
Difusão federativa na educação brasileira : a atuação vertical e horizontal dos Estados
Authors: Segatto Catarina Ianni , Silva André Luis Nogueira da , Abrucio Fernando Luiz
Published: April 2024

Este capítulo analisa os dois primeiros casos em políticas educacionais no contexto estadual brasileiro. A educação é de especial interesse, pois é uma política caracterizada por um grau menor de coordenação nacional, se comparada a outras políticas sociais, como saúde e assistência social. Ainda que tenha havido um fortalecimento da coordenação nacional nas últimas décadas, a educação é uma política historicamente descentralizada, com pouca atuação do governo federal enquanto coordenador, o que dá a estados e municípios certo grau de autonomia decisória, permitindo maior espaço para a agência e a difusão de políticas.
Imagining women working stone: the ancient sculptor Marcia in Boccaccio’s
De mulieribus
and responses in fifteenth- and sixteenth-century art literature
Authors: Frasca-Rath Anna
Published: April 2024

This article confronts the widespread stereotype of the supposedly natural inability of women to work stone through an analysis of the iconographic tradition of the ancient sculptor Marcia. A small corpus of fifteenth-century manuscript illuminations shows the ancient artist at work. This case study allows us to trace the memory of a woman artist working in stone that was already circulating at that time. The textual basis for the iconography under discussion was introduced by Giovanni Boccaccio in his biography of Marcia, part of his De mulieribus claris. Boccaccio’s text was received by subsequent generations of authors and reprinted in an Italian version four years before Giorgio Vasari published his account of the life of Properzia de Rossi in his Lives. The article introduces a fresh perspective on the relationship between Boccaccio’s Marcia and Vasari’s Properzia and provides new evidence for connections between the querelles des femmes and sixteenth-century art literature.
Fractal embedded boxes of bifurcations
Authors: Mira Christian
Published: April 2024

UDC 517.9
This descriptive text is essentially based on the Sharkovsky's and Myrberg's publications on the ordering of periodic solutions (cycles) generated by a

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intervals), each of which is associated with a basic cycle of period

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permitting to distinguish cycles with the same period

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 Without using the denominations Intermittency (1980) and Attractors in Crisis (1982), this new text shows that the notion of fractal embedded ``boxes'' describes the properties of each of these two situations as the limit of a sequence of well-defined boxes

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Association Between Inflammatory Markers and Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis
Authors: Joveva Elena , Karakolevska-Ilova Marija , Jovev Marijan , Petrovski Stefan , Serafimov Aleksandar , Dimitrovska-Ivanova Marija
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND: Certain inflammatory mechanisms are involved in the carotid atherosclerotic process, and determining the inflammatory activation can be useful in the assessment of cognitive impairment in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS).
AIM: This study aimed to correlate these markers of inflammation with the degree of asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS) and the degree of cognitive impairment.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty patients with carotid stenosis and 60 patients without carotid stenosis were enrolled in the study. Clinical, neurological, and laboratory evaluations (C-reactive protein [CRP], fibrinogen, tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]) were performed, as well as evaluation of intima-media thickness (IMT) and carotid stenosis degree. Cognitive functions were assessed with the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination test. Neuroimaging tests were included.
RESULTS: There was no significant correlation in the asymptomatic group between TNFα and IMT and between fibrinogen, CRP, and IMT both on the left and the right side. In the same group, there was a statistically significant association between the degree of carotid stenosis and low-to-moderate degree of cognitive impairment on the right side (p < 0.05) and left side (p < 0.05). A moderately weak negative statistically significant correlation between the severity of cognitive impairment and the degree of stenosis in the asymptomatic group was reported. A high degree of carotid stenosis (≥70%) on the right increased the chance of a moderate degree of cognitive impairment by 6 times compared to the low degree of carotid stenosis in the asymptomatic group. The high degree of carotid stenosis (≥70%) on the left increased the chance of a severe degree of cognitive impairment by 20 times compared to the low degree of stenosis in the asymptomatic group.
CONCLUSIONS: ACS increases the risk of cognitive impairment.
Exploring Disparities in Life Satisfaction among LGBTQ+ Older Adults in different Living Environments: The Case of Slovenia
Authors: Nedeljko Mihael , Toplak-Perović Barbara , Grah Miran , Miha-Kaučič Boris
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) older adults are an overlooked minority of the population who face discrimination, stigma, and homo-, bi-, or transphobia. We have not found any research in the European area that examines differences in life satisfaction among LGBTQ+ older adults according to the living environment.
AIM: The aim of the research was to determine differences in life satisfaction according to different living environments (big cities, small cities, and rural areas) among LGBTQ+ older adults.
METHODS: We selected a non-random purposive sample size of 318 units of LGBTQ+ older adults for the quantitative survey. In the first phase, we used exploratory factor analysis. To ascertain the normality of data distribution, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Shapiro–Wilk tests were used. To test the hypothesis, we used a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a post hoc analysis, with which we determined the existence of differences in the perception of life satisfaction according to the living environment.
RESULTS: We find statistically significant differences at p < 0.05, which occur in all items except the item. So far, I have gotten the important things I want in life (p = 0.150). Since there are statistically significant differences between the ratings of satisfaction with life according to the living environment, we confirm the hypothesis. With a post hoc analysis, we determined even more precise differences between the three living environments of the interviewed persons, regarding which we found that life satisfaction increases with the size of the place where they live.
DISCUSSION: As with studies from other countries, we also note that differences exist between rural and urban living environments for LGBTQ+ older adults in Slovenia in terms of life satisfaction. Further research is needed on the factors that account for these disparities among LGBTQ+ older adults.
CONCLUSION: LGBTQ+ older adults in urban settings report higher life satisfaction than those in rural areas, possibly due to factors like community support and acceptance. Further research is needed to understand the needs of LGBTQ+ older adults, especially in countries where they are hidden due to political or religious influences, to ensure optimal conditions for their life satisfaction in old age.
Effects of freeze-drying and vacuum-drying on the quality, total phenolic contents, and antioxidant activities of bee honey in northern Thailand
Authors: Jiamjariyatam Rossaporn , Mekkerdchoo Orachorn , Phucharoenrak Pakkapong , Zheng Lu
Published: April 2024

We aimed to evaluate the effect of freeze-drying and vacuum-drying on moisture, water activities (aw), total soluble solid (TSS), hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), diastase activity, total phenolic content (TPCs), and antioxidant activities (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, ORAC) of longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) blossom honey and Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata Lour.) honey. The fresh longan blossom honey and Siam weed honey were collected from a local apiarist in Northern Thailand. Freeze-drying at 0.013 kPa, −54℃ for 72 h or vacuum-drying at 2.5 kPa at 60 ℃ for 12 h was applied to dehydrate fresh honey. The moisture of freeze-dried samples was 10.10% for longan blossom honey and 11.50% for Siam weed honey, and the aw of both freeze-dried honeys was 0.43. Freeze- and vacuum-dried produced more TSS than fresh honey did (p ≤ 0.05). However, the amounts of TSS derived freeze-dry and vacuum-dry were not significantly different. Freeze-dried honey contained the highest HMF and the lowest diastase activity regardless of honey origins (p ≤ 0.05). Drying processes significantly increased the TPCs levels of honey (approximately 2 folds by freeze-drying method). The antioxidant activity of dried honey was significantly higher than that of fresh honey. It was observed that the freeze-drying method tended to better preserve the antioxidant activity of honey compared to vacuum-drying methods in both types of honey. The results indicated that drying processes significantly affect the quality of dried honey, including TSS, HMF, diastase activity, TPCs, and antioxidant activity. In this study, freeze-drying emerged as the relatively low temperature drying method that can preserve the quality of honey, especially in terms of TPCs and antioxidant activity.
An analysis of a predator-prey model in which fear reduces prey birth and death rates
Authors: Xue Yalong , Chen Fengde , Xie Xiangdong , Chen Shengjiang
Published: April 2024

We have combined cooperative hunting, inspired by recent experimental studies on birds and vertebrates, to develop a predator-prey model in which the fear effect simultaneously influences the birth and mortality rates of the prey. This differs significantly from the fear effect described by most scholars. We have made a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics of the model and obtained some new conclusions. The results indicate that both fear and cooperative hunting can be a stable or unstable force in the system. The fear can increase the density of the prey, which is different from the results of all previous scholars, and is a new discovery in our study of the fear effect. Another new finding is that fear has an opposite effect on the densities of two species, which is different from the results of most other scholars in that fear synchronously reduces the densities of both species. Numerical simulations have also revealed that the fear effect extends the time required for the population to reach its survival state and accelerates the process of population extinction.
Configuration angle effect on the control process of an oscillatory rotor in 8-pole active magnetic bearings
Authors: Kandil Ali , Hou Lei , Sharaf Mohamed , Arafa Ayman A.
Published: April 2024

In an active magnetic bearings (AMBs) model, every pair of opposite poles is aligned at an angle with the horizontal axis. In some configurations, there is a pair of poles which is in line with the horizontal axis. In other configurations, the same pair of poles might make a nonzero angle with the horizontal axis. This paper focused on the effect of changing such a configuration angle on the control process of an oscillatory rotor in an 8-pole active magnetic bearings model. Adopting the proportional-derivative (PD) control algorithm, the radial or Cartesian control techniques were applied. It was found that the rotor's oscillation amplitudes were not affected by the change in the configuration angle, even if its rotation speed and eccentricity were varied in the radial control scheme. However, the amplitudes were severely affected by the change in the configuration angle except at a specific angle in the Cartesian control scheme. The approximate modulating amplitudes and phases of the rotor's oscillations were extracted by the method of multiple-scales and a stability condition was tested based on the eigenvalues of the corresponding Jacobian matrix.
Coupled systems of nonlinear sequential proportional Hilfer-type fractional differential equations with multi-point boundary conditions
Authors: Samadi Ayub , Ntouyas Sotiris K. , Tariboon Jessada
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we studied the existence of solutions for a coupled system of nonlinear sequential proportional $ \psi $-Hilfer fractional differential equations with multi-point boundary conditions. By using a Burton's version of the Krasnosel'ski$\breve{{\rm{i}}}$'s fixed-point theorem we established sufficient conditions for the existence result. An example illustrating our main result was also provided.
Codimension-two bifurcation analysis at an endemic equilibrium state of a discrete epidemic model
Authors: Khan Abdul Qadeer , Akhtar Tania , Jhangeer Adil , Riaz Muhammad Bilal
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we examined the codimension-two bifurcation analysis of a two-dimensional discrete epidemic model. More precisely, we examined the codimension-two bifurcation analysis at an endemic equilibrium state associated with $ 1:2 $, $ 1:3 $ and $ 1:4 $ strong resonances by bifurcation theory and series of affine transformations. Finally, theoretical results were carried out numerically.
Turing patterns in a 3D morpho-chemical bulk-surface reaction-diffusion system for battery modeling
Authors: Frittelli Massimo , Sgura Ivonne , Bozzini Benedetto
Published: April 2024

In this paper we introduce a bulk-surface reaction-diffusion (BS-RD) model in three space dimensions (3D) that extends the so-called DIB morphochemical model to account for the electrolyte contribution in the application, in order to study structure formation during discharge-charge processes in batteries. Here we propose to approximate the model by the bulk-surface virtual element method (BS-VEM) on a tailor-made mesh that proves to be competitive with fast bespoke methods for PDEs on Cartesian grids. We present a selection of numerical simulations that accurately match the classical morphologies found in experiments. Finally, we compare the Turing patterns obtained by the coupled 3D BS-RD model with those obtained with the original 2D version.
Mean time to infection by small diffusing droplets containing SARS-CoV-2 during close social contacts
Authors: Dobramysl U. , Sieben C. , Holcman D.
Published: April 2024

Airborne viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 are partly spread through aerosols containing viral particles. Inhalation of infectious airborne particles can lead to infection, a route that can be even more predominant than droplet or contact transmission. To study the transmission between a susceptible and an infected person, we estimated the distribution of arrival times of small diffusing aerosol particles to the inhaled region located below the nose until the number of particles reaches a critical threshold. Our results suggested that although contamination by continuous respiration can take approximately 90 min at a distance of 0.5 m, it is reduced to a few minutes when coughing or sneezing. Interestingly, there is not much difference between outdoors and indoors when the air is still. When a window is open inside an office, the infection time is reduced. Finally, wearing a mask leads to a delay in the time to infection. To conclude, diffusion analysis provides several key timescales of viral airborne transmission.
Two level neuro-functional forecaster: A novel dynamic hybridization for functional data forecasting
Authors: Deshani K.A.D. , Attygalle D.T. , Hansen L.L.
Published: April 2024

With the advancement of technology, time series data are automatically collected without human intervention. As the data collection process becomes effortless, the next change encountered is to identify the best method to forecast time series data with high accuracies. In this regard, hybrid approaches have gained much attention where the strengths of two approaches can be combined to lessen the weaknesses of each individual approach. When exploring the features of time series data, some depict repetitive patterns and also data can be observed at several levels. The repeating curves can be considered as the higher level, whereas each individual observation can be considered as the lower level. Thus, in order to handle the data in a more effective way, the series can be handled at two levels by giving prominence to the features of each level separately. This paper proposes a novel algorithm named two level neuro-functional forecaster, which is capable of handling data at two levels, hybridizing a statistical approach with an artificial intelligence approach, to gain high accuracy levels. In addition, as this approach handles data at two levels, data sparsity at a particular level can be accommodated at the other level. To apply this algorithm to a real world dataset, electricity demand data in Sri Lanka was considered where the series consisted of daily load curves with repetitive pattern across the days. The proposed hybrid algorithm, outperforms the two approaches when individually used, with a MAPE of 3.324% for a year.
Epidemiology and evolution of dengue outbreaks in Bangladesh (2020–2023)
Authors: Hasan Mehedi , Islam Suprova
Published: April 2024

Objective:

The aim of the study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology and evolution of dengue virus (DV) in Bangladesh from 2020 to 2023.

Methods:

From January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2023, we analyzed the daily press releases on the dengue situation made public by the government. The published sequences from the period were then subjected to phylogenetic analysis, amino acid substitutions, evolutionary rate, and selection pressure analysis.

Results:

In Bangladesh, dengue fever usually peaks during the monsoon season. However, the increase in cases began considerably earlier, at the end of April 2023 and the disease had claimed 1705 lives, marking its highest annual death toll ever. Dhaka is the city most severely affected. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Bangladeshi DV-1 strains clustered far from any known genotype, indicating the circulation of a novel genotype, whereas the DV-3 strains clustered within the existing circulating genotype I. The DV-1 strains had a total of 107 amino acid alterations and two deletions, while the DV-3 strains had 17 alterations. The Bangladeshi DV-1 and DV-3 strains evolve rapidly. Additionally, selection pressure analysis revealed one positive selection site in DV-1 and three in DV-3, respectively, which require further research.

Conclusions:

The circulation of novel genotypes, a higher mutation rate, and positive selection of DV might result in the recent dengue outbreaks in the country. The study will help in the development of strategies to control outbreaks in Bangladesh and other nations with similar conditions in the future.
Gastrointestinal helminthiasis among Nigerian farmers in Delta North communities
Authors: Enudi Antonia , Nmorsi Onyebiguwa , Egwunyenga Andy
Published: April 2024

Objective:

To investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections among farmers of different age groups and the risk factors influencing disease transmission in different geographic settings with intermittent treatment in Delta North Agricultural Zone in Nigeria.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was carried out among all age groups in some farming communities in freshwater swamp forest and lowland rainforest of Delta North Agricultural Zone. Kato Katz method was used to detect gastrointestinal helminth infections in stool samples. Study participants totalled 20 698 including 11215 (54.2%) males and 9483 (45.8%) females. Additionally, diagnostic tests performance forSchistosoma mansoniusing Kato Katz and PCR were compared.

Results:

This study identified six parasites namely,Schistosoma mansoni, Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm,Trichuris trichiura, Enterobius vermicularisandStrongyloides stercoralis,with a total prevalence of 21.6%. The freshwater swamp forest had a slightly higher prevalence (21.8%) with six parasite species than that of the lowland rainforest (21.0%) with five species, but the difference was not statistically significant (P> 0.05). Factors that influenced disease transmission include sex, age, behaviour, type of infection, culture and environment, with vulnerabilities higher among children and females (P< 0.05). Additional investigation comparing Kato Katz method and PCR usingSchistosoma mansoni121 bp primer on 120 samples showed prevalence of 0.0% for Kato Katz and 4.2% for PCR.

Conclusions:

This study revealed persistent gastrointestinal helminth infections in areas where there is intermittent mass antihelminthic administration. This underscores the need for integrated control of gastrointestinal helminthiasis in farming communities.
Development and validation of the Sinonasal Endoscopic Score (SiNES) for chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Hernaiz-Leonardo J C , Alim B M , Pascual A , Aldossari K , Fan J , Alsaleh S , Javer A R
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND: Although there are several endoscopic grading systems for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), they are limited in their range and applicability. We developed a SiNonasal Endoscopic Score (SiNES) that builds upon the strengths of previous systems while addressing their limitations. METHODS: The SiNES system was developed by consensus after multiple rounds of guided discussions. Face, content, and convergent validity were investigated. It was validated using an independent sample of 79 CRS individuals from two referral centres from September 2021 to February 2022. Each patient underwent a sinonasal endoscopy and filled PROM questionnaires. Three independent rhinologists graded endoscopic videos using the SiNES and modified Lund-Kennedy (MLK) scores. Inter-rater and test-retest reliability were assessed via the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). SiNES and MLK scores were correlated with PROMs using a Spearman correlation and canonical correlation analysis (CCA). RESULTS: The SiNES system evaluates five anatomical spaces regarding edema, discharge, and scarring. Face, content, and convergent validity were deemed satisfactory by the study authors and an independent panel of Otolaryngologists. Inter-rater reliability was excellent for the SiNES and good for the MLK score. Test-retest reliability was excellent for both systems. Total SiNES was correlated with self-reported smell loss. CONCLUSIONS: The SiNES system is an accurate and reliable grading framework applicable to all CRS subtypes. It can be utilized in clinical and research settings and improves upon previously published systems.
A Study on the Combined Air Conditioning Condenser System for Ultra Fast Charging Time Reduction
Authors: Jeong Seong-Bin
Published: April 2024

As regulations on exhaust emissions of automobiles are tightened in each country, the paradigm of the automobile industry is rapidly changing from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles, and consumers' interest in electric vehicles and sales volume are soaring. However, it is very inconvenient for consumers that electric vehicles take a considerable amount of time to charge compared to internal combustion engines, which can be refueled within minutes at gas stations. Therefore, shorter charging times are bringing electric vehicles to an inconvenience. It is the most important part in the development. The factors that determine the charging time of the electric vehicle include the capacity of the charger, the characteristics of the battery, Although many aspects such as charging control strategy are included, battery thermal management is one of the most influential factors in determining charging speed. In the case of an electric vehicle that can be charged at high speed, the charging speed is determined by the fixed charging current (A), and the battery generates heat in proportion to the square of the current. At a certain temperature or higher, thermal management of the battery is necessary. If it is impossible, battery deterioration damage may occur, which may be fatal to battery durability and lead to a decrease in charging speed. In electric vehicles currently being developed and mass-produced, a battery water cooling system is applied to increase the density of battery cells in order to increase battery capacity in the same package. A battery cools with coolant having a higher specific heat than a method of cooling with indoor air. The water cooling system cools the battery using the air conditioning system of the vehicle. However, it is impossible to cool the very large battery heating amount generated during rapid charging with the conventional air conditioning system. Therefore, in this study, a combined air conditioner condenser system that can cool the large battery heating amount deviates from the existing air conditioning system framework was developed. Also, it was applied to the e-GMP platform vehicle. The effectiveness was verified.
Efficient Design of Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchangers Using CAD Automation and Fluid flow Analysis in a Multi-Objective Bayesian Optimization Framework
Authors: Chaudhari Prathamesh , Najmon Joel , Tovar Andres
Published: April 2024

Shell-and-tube heat exchangers, commonly referred to as radiators, are the most prevalent type of heat exchanger within the automotive industry. A pivotal goal for automotive designers is to increase their thermal effectiveness while mitigating pressure drop effects and minimizing the associated costs of design and operation. Their design is a lengthy and intricate process involving the manual creation and refinement of computer-aided design (CAD) models coupled with iterative multi-physics simulations. Consequently, there is a pressing demand for an integrated tool that can automate these discrete steps, yielding a significant enhancement in overall design efficiency. This work aims to introduce an innovative automation tool to streamline the design process, spanning from CAD model generation to identifying optimal design configurations. The proposed methodology is applied explicitly to the context of shell-and-tube heat exchangers, showcasing the tool's efficacy. The automation of CAD tasks is facilitated through custom Python code, leveraging the CadQuery library to parameterize CAD models and expedite the CAD process. Meshing and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations are seamlessly integrated within a Python environment, utilizing Ansys Fluent. Concurrently, a multi-objective Bayesian optimization is executed using a Gaussian process regression model facilitated by the GPflow library. By significantly reducing the time required for design tasks, this automation tool addresses a critical challenge that has long persisted in the industry. The tool automates the design processes and identifies an optimal design for the Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger. The tool explores the design space for new non-dominant designs. Three new designs are added to the space, with two dominant and one non-dominant design, further improving the pareto front. Similarly, this tool can be applied to multidisciplinary fields to identify the optimal design quickly with less human intervention in the design process.
The Effect of Image Stabilization on PhotoModeler Project Accuracy
Authors: Neal Joseph , Leipold Tara , Petroskey Karla
Published: April 2024

Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is a technology used in cameras and camcorders to reduce blur and shaky images or videos caused by unintentional camera movements. The primary goal of OIS is to counteract motion and maintain the stability of the image being captured, resulting in clearer, sharper, and more stable photos and videos. PhotoModeler, a photogrammetry software, advises users to turn off OIS on their cameras. Since the iPhone 7, OIS has become standard on all iPhones and cannot be deactivated. When calibrating an iPhone camera for photogrammetry, the OIS affects the calibration project's marking residual. In photogrammetry and 3D modeling terminology, "marking residual" typically refers to the difference between the observed image points and the corresponding points predicted by the photogrammetric process and refers to pixels. In other words, it represents the error between the actual image measurements and the values calculated by the photogrammetric algorithm. Because of OIS, the marking residual for the calibration project for an OIS-equipped camera is often outside the range recommended by PhotoModeler. As camera phones are now ubiquitous, this study aims to understand the effect of the OIS in modern camera phones on the accuracy of a PhotoModeler project. PhotoModeler projects were done using photographs taken with iPhone 7, 8, XS, 11, 12, 13, and 14 Pro models, all equipped with OIS. The results of this study demonstrate that for OIS-equipped cameras, approximately 95 percent of points measured via a calibrated camera project were within 1 to 11 mm (0.04 to 0.42 inches) of their true position, approximately 95 percent of points measured via an exemplar camera project were within 1 to 12 mm (0.03 to 0.48 inches) of their true position, and approximately 95 percent of points measured via a targetless exemplar camera project were within 1 to 14 mm (0.04 to 0.54 inches) of their true position.
Vehicle Accelerations during Common Maneuvers: Speed Bumps, Dips, and Parking Blocks
Authors: Danaher David , Donaldson Drew , McDonough Sean , Cochran Reece , Reed Titus
Published: April 2024

Typical everyday driving scenarios involve acceleration ranges which are relevant to accident reconstruction. Understanding the motions and accelerations endured in common driving maneuvers can help quantify the accelerations of vehicles and occupants when reconstructing a collision. This paper evaluates various everyday driving conditions, such as traversing speed bumps and dips, and impacting parking blocks. The purpose of this paper is to quantify the accelerations experienced during everyday driving scenarios to provide a reference for impact severity analysis in the field of accident reconstruction.
NHTSA’s Evaluation of Glazing Performance Testing
Authors: Rains Corinn
Published: April 2024

FMVSS No. 205, “Glazing Materials,” uses impact test methods specified in ANSI/SAE Z26.1-1996. NHTSA’s Vehicle Research and Test Center initiated research to evaluate a subset of test methods from ANSI Z26.1-1996 including the 227 gram ball and shot bag impact tests, and the fracture test. Additional research was completed to learn about potential changes to tempered glass strength due to the ceramic paint area (CPA), and to compare the performance of twelve by twelve inch flat samples and full-size production parts. Glass evaluated included tempered rear quarter, sunroof, and backlight glazing. Samples with a paint edge were compared to samples without paint, and to production parts with and without paint in equivalent impact tests. A modified shot bag with stiffened sidewalls was compared to the ANSI standard shot bag. The fracture test comparison included evaluating the ANSI Z26.1 impact location and ECE R43 impact location. Over 900 tests covering the various test conditions outlined above were completed. High-speed video was recorded for each test to capture break initiation and propagation. Overall trends showed a decrease in glazing strength due to the CPA when impacted with the 227 gm ball. The modified shot bag concentrated the impact force, resulting in more glass breakages than with the ANSI bag. ECE R43 fracture test location produced larger pieces than the ANSI fracture location. Results of this study may be used to help determine if the tests in ECE R43 and ANSI/SAE Z26.1-1996 can be harmonized to reduce testing burden, and also if the effect of the ceramic paint on glazing performance could be considered in evaluating glazing performance.
Drag Reduction Study on Vehicle Shape Optimization Using Gradient-based Adjoint Method
Authors: Wei Zhou , Hua Zhou , Jiang Zuxiao
Published: April 2024

Given the increasingly stringent environmental regulations, most automotive manufacturers were confronted with tougher exhaust emission and energy consumption standards, thus, improving fuel economy has been the top priority for OEMs during the past few years. In this context, it is quite essential to improve the aerodynamic characteristics, especially drag reduction in vehicle shape development, considering its close correlation with fuel consumption and E-range. Of all the optimization approaches, the gradient-based adjoint method has currently received growing attention for its proven effectiveness in calculating the drag sensitivity with respect to geometry parameters, which is indispensable for subsequent shape modification. In this work, we aim to utilize the adjoint approach to optimize the vehicle shape for a lower drag on the DrivAer models. First, the exterior flow field was solved as the primal solution; then, surface drag sensitivity was calculated by adjoint solver, which helps to confirm the most drag-sensitive regions need to be modified in the next step. After that, the surface mesh was morphed based on the Normal Optimal Displacement results; and then the flow field of the new design was resolved to validate the drag reduction effect. Results showed that it’s around 24 counts of CD decrease for the Notchback, which means 9% drag optimization. This paper evaluated the effectiveness of adjoint method for aerodynamic optimization of a generic vehicle, which indicates more extensive and promising application of this approach in the early stage of vehicle development for its high efficiency as well as strong robustness.