bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Life-Cycle Assessment and Costing of Alternative Fuels and Emission Reduction Technologies
Authors: Ventikos Nikolaos P. , Sotiralis Panagiotis , Annetis Manolis
Published: March 2023

Decarbonisation in maritime industry can be possible by considering renewable sources of energy or various novel technologies for improving the environmental footprint. The established strategy and the respective regulatory framework are pushing hard towards this direction, while the European Union (EU) introduces regulations and initiatives to accelerate the transition. Each decarbonisation effort should be closely examined both in terms of emissions and cost in order to prove its benefits to the environment and ship owner, respectively. Uncertainties should be carefully considered, especially when it comes to carbon pricing and fuel prices. This paper lays the path towards life-cycle assessment and costing for alternative fuels and emission reduction technologies, while an indicative case study is qualitatively considered.
The Potential of Methanol and Ammonia to Decarbonize Shipping: Impact on GHG and Other Pollutants
Authors: Voniati G. , Dimaratos A. , Kyklis S. , Koltsakis G. , Ntziachristos L.
Published: March 2023

Decarbonization of the maritime sector towards the achievement of the ambitious IMO targets requires the combination of various technologies. Alternative fuels with low or zero carbon content can play a significant role. This work makes a preliminary assessment of the potential of methanol and ammonia to contribute to the decarbonization of shipping, analyzing their benefits and highlighting the main challenges before their extensive application.
CII compliance: Effects of operational and technological measures on current levels and time development of calculated CII
Authors: Trakakis Antonios , Daremas Nikolaos , Papatheodorou Markos , Chatzinikolaou Stefanos , Papadopoulos Christos , Kaiktsis Lambros
Published: March 2023

From 2023, commercial ships must report their actual annual Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), which will have to be verified against the required annual CII; the latter will become progressively stricter with time - a significant challenge for the maritime sector. The main objective of the present work is to investigate how various factors, influencing the value of CII, will affect its development, and therefore to identify the compliance challenges that existing ships may face. In this context, for a time horizon up to 2035, calculations have been performed and analyzed for two representative commercial ships, both built in 2011: (i) a handy bulker (28k DWT), and (ii) a supramax (56k DWT), with different performance characteristics. The effect of important factors on the current level of CII and its time development has been investigated. The present results indicate that compliance of both vessels is feasible, in meaningful and cost-effective ways. Nonetheless, a point of concern is associated with the high probability of a rating of “D”, for several consecutive years, higher than three, which is not favored by the present regulatory frame. Handling the problem may thus be a key issue for many ships, especially ones approaching the end of their service life; for them, investment for achieving an improved rating may not be justified. Beyond an horizon of one decade, solutions associated with the extensive use of low- and zero-carbon fuels, or with carbon capture, seem inevitable.
Concept assessment of a marine carbon capture system for vessel regulatory lifetime extension
Authors: Beltsidis Ioannis Marios , Georgopoulou Chara , Dimopoulos George , Koukoulopoulos Lefteris
Published: March 2023

Anthropogenic Greenhouse gas emissions increase rapidly throughout years, forcing International Maritime Organization (IMO) to set strict targets on reducing emission in shipping. Carbon Capture (CC) could be one of the solutions within the decarbonization spectrum, given its potential for significant emission reduction. The shipping community is already exploring CC solutions through concept studies, joint development projects and pilot demonstrations. However, no clear window for CC inclusion in CII calculations has been provided by IMO, at the time this paper is written. The objective of this paper is to explore on a concept design level, the capacity of a CC system to improve the CII of a VLCC tanker vessel, to ensure regulatory compliance throughout her life expectancy. Newbuilt and conversion assessment is conducted, accounting for the vessel’s annual operating profile and the benefits of tight heat integration. To calculate the CC performance, a process model is developed of a conventional amine-based carbon capture system integrated to the ship machinery, with and without waste heat recovery (WHR) for CC heat supply. At design conditions all features of CCS and WHR components are determined. At operating conditions, estimates of pumping and compression requirements, reboiler duty and WHR production capacity are evaluated and accounted for in the total footprint of the ship. The results are annualized and compared to baseline no CCS conditions. The associated increase in fuel consumption due to CC use is estimated, along with the CC system’s capital and operational costs.
Characteristics of Alveolo-palatal Affricates Produced by Mandarin-speaking Children with Repaired Cleft Palate
Authors: Duan Haifeng , Xie Qingqing , Zhang Zhifang
Published: March 2023

Objectives: In this study, examined the acoustic properties of affricates /t/ and /th/ in Mandarin Chinese, and analyzed the differences of the acoustic characteristics of these affricates produced by children with repaired cleft palate and normally developing children.
We also explored the relationship between the affricates and high-front vowel /i/. Methods: We analyzed 16 monosyllabic words with alveolo-palatal affricates as the initial consonants produced by children with repaired cleft palate (N=13, Mean=5.9 years) and normally developing children
(N=6, Mean age=5.3 years). We used several acoustic parameters to investigate the characteristics of these affricates, such as the center of gravity, VOT and the formants of vowels. Results: Compared with normally developing children, children with cleft palate exhibited a lower center
of gravity for the 2 affricates /t/ and /th/. Data from the control group showed that the affricate /th/ had a significantly greater center of gravity than that of /t/. The accuracy of /t , th/ produced by speakers of cleft palate was significantly correlated
with that of /i/ (r=0.63). High-front vowel /i/ is a significant index in diagnosing speech intelligibility which is more valuable than /a/ and /u/. There was a significant difference in F2 of vowel /i/ between children with cleft palate without speech therapy (CS1) and after speech therapy
(CS2). After speech intervention, the accuracy of affricates produced by children with cleft palate was improved, the acoustic properties "stop + noise segments" appeared. Conclusion: Children with cleft palate can be distinguished better from children with normal development by 2
significant acoustic characteristics: center of gravity and VOT. As alveolo-palatal affricates /t , th/ and high-front vowel /i/ have a similar place of articulation, front-tongue-blade, their production accuracy can be improved mutually. The analysis showed that
the articulation of Chinese /i/ has a higher frontal lingual position and less variability, which is more conducive to articulation training and improves the effect of cleft palate training. These findings provide a potential relationship on affricates /t, th/ and vowel /i/. Children
with cleft palate have difficulty pronouncing the /t, t h/ and /i/. It is better to start with a vowel /i/, resulting in improvement in overall speech intelligibility.
Adherence to Analgesic Drugs and its Associated Factors among Patients with Cancer Pain: A Crosssectional Study in China
Authors: Zhao Xincai , Xu Rong , Wang Yonggang , Zhou Yan , Lu Jin , Zhu Wanhu , Qiu Yao , Yang Quanjun , Shen Zan , Guo Cheng , Zhang Jianping
Published: March 2023

Objectives: Pain is one of the most common and distressing symptoms co-occurring with cancer progression and treatment, and medication adherence plays an important role in achieving good pain control. However, research on medication adherence and influential factors among individuals
with cancer pain (CP) is limited in China. The present study aimed to investigate the adherence to analgesics in patients with CP in China and to identify factors that may influence adherence. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2020 to February 2021. Study instruments
consisted of a set of validated questionnaires, 5 measurement instruments including the numerical rating scale (NRS), ID-Pain, Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-Chinese validated version (MMAS-C), Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) – Specific, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression
Scale (HADS). Results: A total of 141 participants with CP including 71 males (50.4%), aged 54.5±15.5 years were surveyed in this study. Overall, 83 patients (58.9%) showed adherence, but 58 patients (41.1%) showed non-adherence to analgesics. The univariate analysis showed that
analgesic adherence was associated with pain duration of>3 months, outbreaks of pain in the last 24 hours, presence of side effects, getting analgesics in time, presence of neuropathic pain, stopping analgesics or adjusting dosage by themselves, presence of anxiety and depression, and beliefs
about medicines. Moreover, the multivariate logistic regression showed that getting analgesic drugs in time (odds ratio [OR]=5.218, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.691-16.100) and high BMQ-Necessity (OR=1.907, 95% CI 1.418-2.565) were associated with high adherence, stopping analgesics or adjusting
dosage by themselves (OR=7.958, 95% CI 2.443-25.926) and high BMQ-Concern (OR=0.760, 95% CI 0.600-0.964) were more likely to be associated with non-adherence. Conclusion: In view of our findings, it may be critical for individuals to have a better understanding and strong beliefs about
their prescribed analgesic drugs. Pain education, counseling and follow-up of patients and their caregivers, and removal of barriers to accessing analgesic drugs could be considered in further intervention strategies.
De la “gobernanza instrumental mutua” a la “gobernanza del bien común” : hacia unas nuevas relaciones entre universidades y ciudades.
Authors: Collet-Sabé Jordi , Castillo Adrián Josep
Published: March 2023

The paper aims, first of all, to present the traditional models from which university governance related to community are thought and enact: the “instrumental governance” and the “shared governance or civic engagement”. Secondly, the article shows the theoretical bases of the emergent model of “the common good university governance” based on both the “common good” approach, the Education Cities chart and the UNESCO rapport about education as a global common good. The emergent model of “common good university governance” transforms high education institutions nature and orients them to contribute relevantly to the right to education for all citizens. The paper discusses strengths and weakness of the three models and of some of their most well-known implementations. The paper finishes with a proposal of social and academic debate about five dimensions of this university – community relationship from the common good model: tracking; economy – production; cooperation in knowledge production; research and knowledge transfer; and some transversal issues.

En este artículo sobre la gobernanza universitaria y su relación con el territorio, en primer lugar, se presentan los dos modelos tradicionales de gobernanza universitaria: la instrumental y la compartida o de “civic engagement”. En un segundo momento, se presentan las bases conceptuales de un tercer modelo emergente de “gobernanza del bien común”, basadas en las teorías del bien común, la propuesta de la UNESCO de la “educación como bien común mundial” y la carta de Ciudades Educadoras. Un modelo en el cual las universidades devienen un bien común de la ciudad que puede y debe contribuir de manera notable al derecho a las educaciones de toda la ciudadanía. El artículo debate las fortalezas y debilidades mostradas por los tres modelos y sus implementaciones más relevantes. Para finalizar, se presenta una propuesta para el debate académico y social de cinco ámbitos de actuación en los que se podrían concretar las relaciones entre universidades y ciudades basadas en el modelo de “gobernanza del bien común”: el formativo; el productivo - económico; el de co-construcción de conocimiento; del de investigación y transferencia de conocimiento; y uno final de elementos transversales.
Validación del modelo secuencial de la herramienta Schoolweavers para transformar ecosistemas educativos
Authors: Cos Vilar Miriam , Civís Zaragoza Mireia , Díaz Gibson Jordi
Published: March 2023

Collaboration within educational networks promotes efficient use of human and physical resources, acting as a catalyst for innovation, change and the generation of professional and social capital. This article presents the validation of the sequential model of the Schoolweavers tool developed by the NetEduProject team, with the aim of creating an online resource aimed at management teams that promote strategies to improve the social capital of their schools and, consequently, transform the learning ecosystem through network collaboration. This instrument contains a basic questionnaire that contemplates 6 adaptations depending on the target population. Each of these questionnaires is configured by 3 constructs with a total of 7 dimensions. The exploratory and confirmatory factor analyzes showed evidence of convergence validity, internal and construct reliability, confirming the usefulness of the sequential model as a diagnostic and knowledge transfer tool promoted from the university for the support of the school community, offering its leaders a systemic vision to detect challenges and opportunities.

La colaboración dentro de las redes educativas promueve un uso eficiente de los recursos humanos y físicos, actuando como catalizador para la innovación, el cambio y la generación de capital profesional y social. Este artículo presenta la validación del modelo secuencial de la herramienta Schoolweavers desarrollada por el equipo de NetEduProject, con el objetivo de crear un recurso en línea dirigido a los equipos directivos que promueven estrategias para mejorar el capital social de sus escuelas y, en consecuencia, transformar el ecosistema de aprendizaje a través de la colaboración en red. Este instrumento contiene un cuestionario base que contempla 6 adaptaciones en función de la población destinataria. Cada uno de estos cuestionarios está configurado por 3 constructos con un total de 7 dimensiones. Los análisis factoriales exploratorio y confirmatorio mostraron evidencias de validez de convergencia, fiabilidad interna y de constructo, confirmando la utilidad del modelo secuencial como una herramienta diagnóstica y de transferencia de conocimiento impulsada desde la universidad para el apoyo de la comunidad escolar, ofreciendo a sus líderes una visión sistémica para detectar retos y oportunidades.
News Media Branding in the 21st Century Media Business Environment
Authors:   , Saulīte Linda
Published: March 2023

The media industry has experienced significant transformation due to digitalization. The development of various technological platforms, mainly social media platforms, has created new habits in consuming media content and news and contributes to decreasing media brand associations and a corresponding decrease in news media brand equity. The topicality of the Doctoral Thesis research is related to the national news brands’ challenges in the existing media environment. It aims to ascertain how to strengthen the brand uniqueness and brand equity of the national news media as perceived by Generation Z and to develop a methodology for strengthening the brand uniqueness and equity of the news media.
Open-source tools for behavioral video analysis: Setup, methods, and best practices
Authors: Luxem Kevin , Sun Jennifer J , Bradley Sean P , Krishnan Keerthi , Yttri Eric , Zimmermann Jan , Pereira Talmo D , Laubach Mark
Published: March 2023

Recently developed methods for video analysis, especially models for pose estimation and behavior classification, are transforming behavioral quantification to be more precise, scalable, and reproducible in fields such as neuroscience and ethology. These tools overcome long-standing limitations of manual scoring of video frames and traditional ‘center of mass’ tracking algorithms to enable video analysis at scale. The expansion of open-source tools for video acquisition and analysis has led to new experimental approaches to understand behavior. Here, we review currently available open-source tools for video analysis and discuss how to set up these methods for labs new to video recording. We also discuss best practices for developing and using video analysis methods, including community-wide standards and critical needs for the open sharing of datasets and code, more widespread comparisons of video analysis methods, and better documentation for these methods especially for new users. We encourage broader adoption and continued development of these tools, which have tremendous potential for accelerating scientific progress in understanding the brain and behavior.
Promoting Fc-Fc interactions between anti-capsular antibodies provides strong immune protection against Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Aguinagalde Salazar Leire , den Boer Maurits A , Castenmiller Suzanne M , Zwarthoff Seline A , de Haas Carla , Aerts Piet C , Beurskens Frank J , Schuurman Janine , Heck Albert JR , van Kessel Kok , Rooijakkers Suzan HM
Published: March 2023

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia and an important cause of childhood mortality. Despite the introduction of successful vaccines, the global spread of both non-vaccine serotypes and antibiotic-resistant strains reinforces the development of alternative therapies against this pathogen. One possible route is the development of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that induce killing of bacteria via the immune system. Here, we investigate whether mAbs can be used to induce killing of pneumococcal serotypes for which the current vaccines show unsuccessful protection. Our study demonstrates that when human mAbs against pneumococcal capsule polysaccharides (CPS) have a poor capacity to induce complement activation, a critical process for immune protection against pneumococci, their activity can be strongly improved by hexamerization-enhancing mutations. Our data indicate that anti-capsular antibodies may have a low capacity to form higher-order oligomers (IgG hexamers) that are needed to recruit complement component C1. Indeed, specific point mutations in the IgG-Fc domain that strengthen hexamerization strongly enhance C1 recruitment and downstream complement activation on encapsulated pneumococci. Specifically, hexamerization-enhancing mutations E430G or E345K in CPS6-IgG strongly potentiate complement activation on S. pneumoniae strains that express capsular serotype 6 (CPS6), and the highly invasive serotype 19A strain. Furthermore, these mutations improve complement activation via mAbs recognizing CPS3 and CPS8 strains. Importantly, hexamer-enhancing mutations enable mAbs to induce strong opsonophagocytic killing by human neutrophils. Finally, passive immunization with CPS6-IgG1-E345K protected mice from developing severe pneumonia. Altogether, this work provides an important proof of concept for future optimization of antibody therapies against encapsulated bacteria.
Longitudinal map of transcriptome changes in the Lyme pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi during tick-borne transmission
Authors: Sapiro Anne L , Hayes Beth M , Volk Regan F , Zhang Jenny Y , Brooks Diane M , Martyn Calla , Radkov Atanas , Zhao Ziyi , Kinnersley Margie , Secor Patrick R , Zaro Balyn W , Chou Seemay
Published: March 2023

Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), the causative agent of Lyme disease, adapts to vastly different environments as it cycles between tick vector and vertebrate host. During a tick bloodmeal, Bb alters its gene expression to prepare for vertebrate infection; however, the full range of transcriptional changes that occur over several days inside of the tick are technically challenging to capture. We developed an experimental approach to enrich Bb cells to longitudinally define their global transcriptomic landscape inside nymphal Ixodes scapularis ticks during a transmitting bloodmeal. We identified 192 Bb genes that substantially change expression over the course of the bloodmeal from 1 to 4 days after host attachment. The majority of upregulated genes encode proteins found at the cell envelope or proteins of unknown function, including 45 outer surface lipoproteins embedded in the unusual protein-rich coat of Bb. As these proteins may facilitate Bb interactions with the host, we utilized mass spectrometry to identify candidate tick proteins that physically associate with Bb. The Bb enrichment methodology along with the ex vivo Bb transcriptomes and candidate tick interacting proteins presented here provide a resource to facilitate investigations into key determinants of Bb priming and transmission during the tick stage of its unique transmission cycle.
Sida chlorotic leaf virus: a new recombinant begomovirus found in non-cultivated plants and Cucumis sativus L
Authors: García-Rodríguez Daniel Alejandro , Partida-Palacios Brenda Lizet , Regla-Márquez Carlos Fernando , Centeno-Leija Sara , Serrano-Posada Hugo , Bañuelos-Hernández Bernardo , Cárdenas-Conejo Yair
Published: March 2023

Background

Begomoviruses are circular single-stranded DNA plant viruses that cause economic losses worldwide. Weeds have been pointed out as reservoirs for many begomoviruses species, especially from members of the Sida and Malvastrum genera. These weeds have the ability to host multiple begomoviruses species simultaneously, which can lead to the emergence of new viral species that can spread to commercial crops. Additionally, begomoviruses have a natural tendency to recombine, resulting in the emergence of new variants and species.

Methods

To explore the begomoviruses biodiversity in weeds from genera Sida and Malvastrum in Colima, México, we collected symptomatic plants from these genera throughout the state. To identify BGVs infecting weeds, we performed circular DNA genomics (circomics) using the Illumina platform. Contig annotation was conducted with the BLASTn tool using the GenBank nucleotide “nr” database. We corroborated by PCR the presence of begomoviruses in weeds samples and isolated and sequenced the complete genome of a probable new species of begomovirus using the Sanger method. The demarcation process for new species determination followed the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses criteria. Phylogenetic and recombination analyses were implemented to infer the evolutionary relationship of the new virus.

Results

We identified a new begomovirus species from sida and malvastrum plants that has the ability to infect Cucumis sativus L. According to our findings, the novel species Sida chlorotic leaf virus is the result of a recombination event between one member of the group known as the Squash leaf curl virus (SLCV) clade and another from the Abutilon mosaic virus (AbMV) clade. Additionally, we isolated three previously identified begomoviruses species, two of which infected commercial crops: okra (Okra yellow mosaic Mexico virus) and cucumber (Cucumber chlorotic leaf virus).

Conclusion

These findings support the idea that weeds act as begomovirus reservoirs and play essential roles in begomovirus biodiversity. Therefore, controlling their populations near commercial crops must be considered in order to avoid the harmful effects of these phytopathogens and thus increase agricultural efficiency, ensuring food and nutritional security.
La permeabilidad hacia la ciudad : porosidad y figuración geométrica estructural
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Marika Parisi
Published: March 2023

La presente investigación surge por la preocupación acerca de algunos espacios actuales, que se presentan cerrados y demasiados excluidos del exterior. De este modo se investiga acerca de la permeabilidad como un tipo de solución que permite el paso de la visual por diferentes espacios, admitiendo una mejor relación entre el exterior e interior. Esta investigación tiene como fin: analizar cómo se podría lograr la permeabilidad por medio de elementos que en su forma de asociación permitan porosidad, que la forma garantice el ingreso de luz y genere filtros dentro del edificio, además de espacios que sean continuos y así favorecer una mejor relación con los espacios públicos y privados. Se plantea como hipótesis de emplear elementos que se generan a partir de una base modular estructural para mejorar la permeabilidad. La forma del elemento estructural, la multiplicidad y la yuxtaposición tienen la capacidad de organizar el espacio con reglas estructurales a través una figuración geométrica. En este caso se utiliza la forma triangular, pero también se podría lograr con el uso de cualquier forma.
Estudio de aceptabilidad y factibilidad de la implementación de una batería de instrumentos diagnósticos estandarizados en la Unidad de Salud Mental del Centro Médico San Joaquín
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Escuela de Psicología, Arias Lucero María Jesús
Published: March 2023

La evidencia indica que un diagnóstico preciso es una precondición fundamental para planificar y ejecutar un tratamiento eficaz en salud mental. Respecto de los métodos de evaluación disponibles, se ha demostrado la relevancia de utilizar instrumentos estandarizados, los cuales permitirían una mayor precisión diagnóstica, detección de comorbilidades y evaluación temprana de indicadores de severidad. Sin embargo, se ha observado que los terapeutas tienden a subestimar la aceptabilidad de los pacientes frente a este tipo de evaluación, prefiriendo en su lugar utilizar entrevistas abiertas como herramienta diagnóstica única y principal. El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar la aceptabilidad de los pacientes de una unidad de salud mental ante la experiencia de una entrevista de evaluación estructurada y, junto con esto, determinar la factibilidad de implementar un protocolo diagnóstico con estas características. La muestra estuvo conformada por 33 participantes, quienes fueron evaluados con una batería de instrumentos diagnósticos estandarizados y un cuestionario de aceptabilidad. Posteriormente, se realizó un análisis descriptivo de los datos. Los resultados sugieren altos niveles de aceptabilidad (M=4.348) y una factibilidad suficiente para que un protocolo con estas características sea implementado en este centro. La principal limitación del estudio refiere al acotado tamaño muestral.
Estudio de experiencia de usuario de un material audiovisual para la promoción de alimentación saludable en niños entre 6 y 12 meses
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Escuela de Psicología, González Canessa Daniela Paz
Published: March 2023

La obesidad infantil es un tema relevante de salud pública, es por ello que es importante abarcar este tema desde edades tempranas. Una de las estrategias es la promoción de alimentación saludable a través videos disponibles en internet. Objetivo: Describir y analizar la experiencia de usuario de un material audiovisual educativo para la promoción de alimentación saludable en niños entre 6 y 12 meses. Participantes y método: Estudio cualitativo de tipo descriptivo con muestreo intencionado. Se entrevistó remotamente a 13 expertos en el área audiovisual-comunicacional y médica a través de una entrevista semiestructurada; y a 9 cuidadores de niños entre 6 y 12 meses usuarios del sistema público de salud por medio de una entrevista cerrada. El análisis de los datos se realizó mediante la teoría fundamentada, utilizando codificación abierta. Resultados: Se categorizaron las respuestas en cuatro grupos: Relevancia del tema y del material; Caracterización de la audiencia; Respuesta al material; Difusión del material. Conclusiones: La experiencia de usuario es distinta en los expertos audiovisuales, de contenido y los cuidadores. Aunque hay elementos en común, cada uno enfatiza en algunos aspectos. Los dos tipos de participantes valoran el material y contenido de este, sin embargo, es necesario que los videos sean concordantes con las recomendaciones que los cuidadores reciben en sus centros de salud para evitar confusiones. Es fundamental que los expertos dialoguen entre sí y con los cuidadores para conocer sus necesidades y encontrar la mejor manera de transmitir el mensaje con un contenido adecuado, atractivo y accesible.
Altered Quality of Life in Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Review
Authors: Sanchla Abhishek Deepak , Shrivastav Sunita , Kamble Ranjit Haridas , Nerurkar Sumukh Arvind , Toshniwal Nandalal
Published: March 2023

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD’s) represents a cluster of disorders that include the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) and also the masticatory apparatus. Any alteration in its function will have an impact on the overall function of the masticatory apparatus and in turn the stomatognathic system. Though the aetiology, symptoms, and treatment modalities for TMD’s have been extensively studied, they remain a subject of prime concern for clinicians as it not only affects the form and function but also negatively affects the overall standard of living of the patient. Symptoms of TMD’s such as chronic pain, restriction of function, and psychological effects lead to a lower Quality of Life (QoL) for the patient, which is caused due to various factors such as chronic pain, sleep deprivation, and stress or anxiety. Additionally, personal, professional, and social problems directly or indirectly affect the lifestyle of the patient. Some extra-craniofacial symptoms such as otologic and neurologic symptoms tend to worsen the situation. Majority of patients reporting to an orthodontist present with atleast one symptom of TMD that has affected their QoL. Various questionnaires can be used to assess the patient’s QoL, and plan the treatment accordingly. Managing TMD’s at an early stage while considering these factors and a multidisciplinary approach may help in improving the QoL of the patient.
Clinicopathological Spectrum of Vulvar Lesions-A Retrospective Study
Authors: Pratti Sesha Deepthi , Rajlaxmi Pratti Lohi S , Rajan Yadavalli RD
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Vulvar lesions constitute a wide spectrum ranging from non neoplastic inflammatory lesions to malignancies. Some show nodular masses and others remain asymptomatic. This poses challenges to clinicians in differentiating non neoplastic inflammatory dermatoses from benign and malignant lesions. Along with the clinical history and physical examination, a biopsy of the lesion plays an important role in proper diagnosis and treatment. Aim: The aim of the present study was to identify the morphological spectrum of vulvar lesions with clinical and histological findings. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective observational study conducted in the Konaseema region of India for two years from January 2019 to January 2021. A total of 85 female patients with vulvar lesions were included in the study. Biopsy samples were obtained from all the 85 cases and were formalin-fixed, routinely processed, and paraffin embedded. Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining was done. Special stains were done wherever necessary. The results were analysed using Microsoft excel. Results: The age of patients ranged from 18 to 88 years. The most common age of patients was in the 4th decade (30 cases amounting for 35.29%). The mean age of the study population was 39.5±15 years. Among the 82 cases, 40 (48.78%) were non neoplastic lesions, and 42 (51.21%) were neoplastic lesions. Among the neoplastic category, 27 (64.2%) were benign lesions and 15 (35.71%) were malignant lesions. The non neoplastic category included five infections (12.5%) and 35 non infectious inflammatory lesions (87.5%). The infections included one case of MC and 4 cases of condyloma acuminatum. The non infectious, and non neoplastic inflammatory lesions included 10 cases of Lichen Sclerosus Atrophicus (LSA), one case of Lipomatoushamartoma, four cases of Lichen planus, six cases of epidermal cysts, 10 cases of Bartholin cysts and four cases of Gartner duct cyst. The benign lesions in the neoplastic category included four cases of Hidradenomapapilliferum, four cases of Aggressive Angiomyxoma (AA), 12 cases of Fibroepithelial Stromal Polyps (FEP), and a case of Leiomyoma. The malignant lesions included 14 cases of squamous cell carcinoma and a case of extramammary Paget’s disease. Conclusion: Vulvar lesions can be due to eclectic causes and pose a diagnostic difficulty both clinically and histopathologically due to their similar presentation. Thorough clinical and pathological examination along with proper clinicopathological correlation is required for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Patient’s Perspective of Preoperative Anxiety and Need for SupportAn Observational Study
Authors: Shree C Vidya , Madhusudhana Ravi
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Majority of the patients undergoing elective surgery generally experience anxiety. Preoperative anxiety causes emotional distress and needs support to cope. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing elective surgery and to examine association between the intensity of anxiety and need for assistance. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted at Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Kolar, Karnataka, India on 100 participants. The inclusion criteria were - age >18 years of either sex belonging to American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA)- Physical Status (PS) grade I or II and undergoing elective surgery. After obtaining informed consent, a questionnaire including both Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety Information Scale (APAIS) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) to measure anxiety was given to the patients in preanaesthetic evaluation clinic by anaesthesiology resident one day prior to the scheduled surgery. The questionnaire included a semi dichotomous scale (yes/no) for anxiety assessment; to quantify the intensity of anxiety levels the questions on APAIS were given on 5-item scale (not at all/ somewhat/moderate/moderately-high/extremely) and NRS on 4-item scale (no anxiety/mild/moderate/severe). Results: The prevalence of anxiety was 100%.The mean age was 43.3±11.9 years. The majority (53%) were females. According to NRS, majority of patients undergoing major surgeries had higher mean anxiety levels (6.95±1.96). APAIS anxiety about anesthesia was 4.78±2.1 and about surgery was 5.52±1.9. A cut-off of 13 on the APAIS anxiety scale had a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 81.1%. A cut-off of 3.5 on the NRS scale had a sensitivity of 72.7% and a specificity of 65.2%. Conclusion: All the patients undergoing elective surgery should be subjected for preoperative anxiety assessment and those with higher anxiety levels requiring support should be addressed to have better postoperative outcomes. Grade of surgery had a significant role in causing anxiety. Hence both Anaesthesiologist and Surgeons should be involved in counselling the patient.
Factors Influencing the Korean Version of the Digit-in-Noise Test
Authors: Kim Subin , Kwak Chanbeom , Han Woojae , Seo Jae-Hyun , Oh Yonghee
Published: March 2023

Background and Objectives: The digits-in-noise (DIN) test was developed as a simple and time-efficient hearing-in-noise test worldwide. The Korean version of the DIN (K-DIN) test was previously validated for both normal-hearing and hearing-impaired listeners. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing the outcomes of the K-DIN test further by analyzing the threshold (representing detection ability) and slope (representing test difficulty) parameters for the psychometric curve fit.Subjects and Methods: In total, 35 young adults with normal hearing participated in the K-DIN test under the following four experimental conditions: 1) background noise (digit-shaped vs. pink noise); 2) gender of the speaker (male vs. female); 3) ear side (right vs. left); and 4) digit presentation levels (55, 65, 75, and 85 dB). The digits were presented using the method of constant stimuli procedure. Participant responses to the stimulus trials were used to fit a psychometric function, and the threshold and slope parameters were estimated according to pre-determined criteria. The accuracy of fit performance was determined using the root-mean-square error calculation.Results: The listener’s digit detection ability (threshold) was slightly better with pink noise than with digit-shaped noise, with similar test difficulties (slopes) across the digits. Gender and the tested ear side influenced neither the detection ability nor the task difficulty. Additionally, lower presentation levels (55 and 65 dB) elicited better thresholds than the higher presentation levels (75 and 85 dB); however, the test difficulty varied slightly across the presentation levels.Conclusions: The K-DIN test can be influenced by stimulus factors. Continued research is warranted to understand the accuracy and reliability of the test better, especially for its use as a promising clinical measure.
A Hybrid Method of Backpropagation and Particle Swarm Optimization for Enhancing Accuracy Performance
Authors: Widiartha I. Made , Gunawan Anak Agung Ngurah , Sanjaya E. R. Ngurah Agus , Sari Kartika
Published: March 2023

Aims: Backpropagation is an algorithm for adjusting the weight of neural networks in the training stage. The performance of backpropagation has proven superior in optimizing the weight of neural networks; however, this method needs improvement in the initiation stage, where the random process creates local optimal solution. Applying an algorithm based on the global search is an alternative to solve the drawback of backpropagation. One global search method with superior performance is particle swarm optimization. In this research, we apply the hybridization of backpropagation and particle swarm optimization (BP-PSO) to overcome the problem of backpropagation.

Study Design: Research Papers and Short Notes.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Informatics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Udayana University, between June 2022 and November 2022.

Methodology: The dataset used in this study is a handwriting image dataset of the mathematical symbol. There are 240 symbols consisting of 180 images for training and 60 for testing. The robustness of the PSO method in obtaining the optimum global solution is expected to help backpropagation out of local optimal solutions. The application of PSO is carried out at the initial weight initialization stage of the artificial neural network. The tuning parameters of the artificial neural network are the number of neurons in the hidden layer and the value of the learning rate. There are three combinations in the number of neurons in the hidden layer, namely 10, 20, and 30. Meanwhile, the learning rate values are five different combinations, namely 0.1 to 0.9, the minimum error value is 0.01, and the maximum number of epochs is 1000. We carry out five repetitions in each test scenario.

Results: The performance results showed that PSO has succeeded in optimizing backpropagation, where the accuracy of the BP-PSO is higher than BP without optimization. The accuracy of BP-PSO is 97.2%, while the BP is 94.4%. The optimal learning rate value and the optimal number of hidden layers are 0.1 and 30 neurons, respectively.

Conclusion: The performance results showed that PSO has succeeded in optimizing backpropagation, where the accuracy of the BP-PSO is higher than BP without optimization. The optimization process of weighting the artificial neural network as the initial weight for later retraining shows a higher average accuracy, while decreasing the average number of epochs does not optimize initial weight.
Study of Advanced Techniques to Predict the Soil Properties
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Singh K. P. , Mangaraj S. , Chandel N. S. , Kumar Manoj , Singh Karan
Published: March 2023

Information about soil properties helps the farmers to adopt eﬀective and eﬃcient farming practices, which can increase higher yields with optimum usage of farm resources. An attempt has been made in this paper to predict soil properties using geospatial kriging approaches. This study mainly focuses on predicting soil pH using different kriging methods. Soil pH dramatically affects many other soil processes, such as nitrification and denitrification, mineralization, precipitation, and dissolution of soil organic matter. Total of seven kriging semivariogram models, namely spherical, circular, exponential, Gaussian, and linear, while two models of universal kriging, such as linear with linear drift and linear with quadratic drift, have been taken to interpolate the spatial soil pH. The performances of these entire models have been validated using mean error, and root mean square error. Spatial analysis revealed that Universal kriging outperformed ordinary kriging with less mean error and root mean square error, 0.016 and 0.52, respectively. The spatial analysis of soil mapping can be instrumental in adopting real-time and on-the-go soil precision practices.
Effect of Bio-stimulants on Growth, Development and Yield of Chilli (Capsicum annum L.)
Authors: Chakravarthy Gudapati Ashoka , Mohan K. Krishna
Published: March 2023

A field experiment was conducted during December 2018 to April 2019 at the Student’s farm, Department of Agriculture Science & Rural Development, Loyola Academy, Secunderabad to know the effect of bio-stimulants on growth and yield of Chilli. The experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design (RBD) and the treatments comprised of: T1- Folicist @ 3 ml/L, T2 – Fylloton @ 3 ml/L, T3 – Globalga @ 3 ml/L, T4 – Tata Bahar @ 2.5 ml/L, T5 – Neo-Alpha @ 2.5 ml/L, T6 – Daiwik @ 2.5 ml/L, T7 – Recommended dose of NPK, T8 – Control. Biostimulants were applied as foliar spray at pre-flowering, flowering and fruit setting stages. From the results of the experiment, it was observed that all the growth parameters i.e., plant height (85 and 82 cm), no. of branches (29 and 26) and number of leaves/plant (288 and 262) were significantly increased by the application of Folicist @ 3.0 ml/L and Tata Bahar @ 2.5 ml/L compared to other treatments and control (54 cm, 13 and 150). Same treatment application resulted in significant increase interms of no. of flowers/plant (78 and 75), number of fruits/plant (128 and 124) and % fruit set (80.5 and 78.2%). The highest number of fruits/ plant, average fruit weight (110.5 and 105.6 g/ 10 fruits), yield/plant (682 g) were recorded in foliar application of Folicist @ 3 ml/L closely followed by Tata Bahar (674 g) and Daiwik (650 g) and the lowest values were observed in control (410 g). Application of biostimulants significantly increased the vitamin-C content of fruits compared to control.
Impact of Application Methods and Doses of Micronutrients on Wheat’ Grain Yield, Nutrient Content and Their Uptake
Authors: Kumar Sekhar , Kumar Rohtas , Kumar Sawan , Kumar Satender , Sharma Jyoti
Published: March 2023

Various methodologies (soil or foliar application) and doses of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) either in conjunction with urea or in combination with one another were used to evaluate grain and straw production as well as nutrient concentration and their uptake in wheat. The experiment's findings showed that adding Zn, Fe and Mn significantly enhanced grain and straw production over control as well as available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) content and their uptake. When 2.5 mg Zn kg-1 + 5 mg Fe kg-1 + 5 mg Mn kg-1 + 30 mg N kg-1 was applied, the maximum grain yield, straw yield, P uptake in grain and straw, as well as K concentration and uptake in grain and straw were found. Highest N content both in grain and straw was observed when 0.5% FeSO4 + 3 % Urea were applied. Phosphorus content in grain was recorded highest when 0.5% MnSO4 + 0.5% Citric acid was applied whereas in straw maximum concentration of phosphorus was noticed when 0.5% ZnSO4 + 2% Urea were applied. Highest uptake of nitrogen in grain was found when 0.5% MnSO4 + 2.5% Urea were applied and in straw when 0.5% FeSO4 + 3 % Urea were applied. The experimental results also showed that micronutrient (Zn, Fe and Mn) concentration and uptake significantly increased as compared to control with micronutrient application (Zn, Fe and Mn).
Effect of Nitrogen and Spacing on Growth and Yield of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Authors: Sandhya Eslavath , Singh Rajesh , Pradhan Akankhya , Indu Thakur
Published: March 2023

A field experiment was carried out during kharif season of 2022, at crop research farm of Department of Agronomy at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj in North Eastern plains of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India with the objective to study the effect of nitrogen and spacing on growth, yield and economics of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)with 10 treatments of which treatments (T1-T9) with different combination of nitrogen along with spacing and T10The soil experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.1) The result revealed that application of 70 kg N/ha + 55 X 20 cm recorded Maximum plant height (148.48 cm), plant dry weight (60.53 g), test weight (41.40 g), capitulum diameter (15.13 cm).
Conditional Composting of Cowdung, Sawdust and Straw Husk as a Treatment Approach to Slaughterhouse Menace
Authors: Daniel Ogbebor , John Ugbebor N. , Ngozi Udeh U.
Published: March 2023

Aim: The study aimed at Investigating of suitability of composting process in treatment of slaughterhouse wastes.

Study Design: The experimental set up was cylindrical bin design with C:N ratios at 30:1 each, and with turning frequencies at every 2 days intervals. Data was generated from the laboratory on the concentrations of selected heavy metals at varying depths of land discharged slaughterhouses. This was used to estimate the level of nutrient build-up in the soil within these environs.

Methodology: Fresh cow dung was collected from Omuigwe slaughterhouse at Aluu, in Ikwere Local Government Area of Rivers State using sterile water rinsed containers. About 36kg of cow dung was collected in each of the three 0.18m3 cylindrical container. Three piles of fresh cow dung were built in a cylindrical design of diameter 0.54 m and height of 0.84 m. Each pile was turned manually using a hand shovel. The MC was measured periodically (precisely every 15 days) and turning operation was in such a way to ensure that every part is well aerated.

Results: Compost results showed high wastes volume reduction ranging from 36.67%, 66.4% and 63.3% for CD, CDSD and CDSH; also, weight reduction at the end of 90days showed a 55.51%, 67.42% and 64.38% reduction for CD, CDSD and CDSH respectively.

Conclusion: The problems of waste generated in our slaughterhouses can be better managed and corrected if proper assessment of the amount of waste generated are properly documented. This would help in accurate prediction of the best method to manage the waste generated.