bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eye health knowledge, attitude, and practice among special school managers and barriers to eye health programmes in special schools in Hyderabad, India
Authors: Prakash Winston D. , Morjaria Priya , McCormick Ian , Khanna Rohit C.
Published: August 2024

Background

Children with special education needs (SEN) are at high risk of developing vision problems. In India, there is no data available on the awareness level of eye health needs of children with SEN among special school managers (SSM) and on the barriers to providing eye care for these children in schools. This study aimed to identify the awareness level among SSM and the barriers to organizing School Eye Health (SEH) programmes in special schools, as reported by the eye health program organizers.

Methods

A mixed-method study was conducted between July and August 2020 among SSM and eye health programme organizers from a local eye care provider in Hyderabad, India. SSM participants completed an online questionnaire assessing their knowledge, attitude, and practice concerning the eye health needs of children with SEN. Quantitative responses were described with summary statistics. Qualitative interviews with eye health programme organizers were conducted via telephone, and transcripts were thematically analysed. Results: In total, 13/67 (19.4%) invited SSM participated and 2/4 invited eye health programme organizers (50%) were interviewed. Among the SSM participants, 92.3% were aware of vision impaired (VI) children in their schools. Awareness of potential causes of VI ranged from 53.9%-92.3%, common eye conditions ranged from 7.7%-69.2%, and difficulties experienced by children with SEN in classroom activities ranged from 46.2%-76.9%. Only 30.8% of the special schools organized SEH programmes at least once a year. Eye health programme organizers reported barriers, such as a lack of interest from SSM, unavailability of qualified screening staff, and a lack of provision for spectacles and low-vision devices.

Conclusion

This study identified varied levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of SSM related to the eye health needs of children with SEN. Key barriers to conducting SEH programmes included a lack of demand, inadequate human resource availability, and limited access to government-funded resources. As the study was negatively impacted by the Covid pandemic, further research with wider representation is needed to plan comprehensive eye health programmes for children with SEN.
Clinical symptoms and faecal shedding of SARS-CoV-2 RNA among hospitalized COVID-19 patients: Implication for transmission
Authors: Bamidele Rebecca Folasade , Fowotade Adeola , Bakare Rasheed , Bamidele Olufunso Opeyemi , Omoruyi Chukwuma Ewean , Oladunni Amos Abimbola , Alonge Temitope
Published: August 2024

SARS-CoV-2 shedding in human stool has been suggested as a probable route for faeco-oral transmission of the virus due to the availing evidence on the infectivity and pathogenicity of similar highly infectious respiratory viruses. Determining association of SARS-CoV-2 shedding in stools and presenting clinical status might be useful for prediction of the viral transmission spectrum and disease outcome. This study involved a descriptive cross-sectional survey of 91 consenting hospitalized, confirmed COVID-19 patients in Infectious Disease Isolation Centre, Oyo State, Nigeria. Socio-demographic characteristics and other ancillary data were collected from patient’s hospital records with the aid of a structured investigator administered questionnaire. The laboratory detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the stool of patients was performed using RT-PCR method. 27 (29.7%) of the 91 COVID-19 patients shed SARS-CoV-2 in their stools. The frequency of male (38.3%) patients shedding the virus in stools was higher than female (12.9%) patients (P = 0.012). Higher proportion of patients who had symptoms (41.2%) at admission shed the virus in their stool (P <0.007); particularly, fever (0.001), fatigue (0.003), headache (0.003), catarrh (0.001), and loss of smell (0.009). The frequency of viral shedding in stool was higher among patients with loss of taste (p = 0.028). Viral shedding in stool was significantly associated with low CT values (47.2%) and moderate CT value (21.4%) (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that patients with moderate CT-value (OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.08–0.94, P = 0.039) and high CT-value (OR = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01–0.80, P = 0.033) were less likely to shed the virus in stool. The gastrointestinal tract could be a route of SARS-CoV-2 transmission irrespective of the patients’ clinical status. The low and moderate CT values of the nasopharyngeal swab is associated with shedding of the virus in patients’ stools, although infectivity will depend on viral activity obtainable from further laboratory test analyses, such as viral culture.
A comparison of self-triage tools to nurse driven triage in the emergency department
Authors: Trivedi Sachin V. , Batta Rachit , Henao–Romero Nicolas , Mondal Prosanta , Wilson Tracy , Stempien James
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Canadian patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) typically undergo a triage process where they are assessed by a specially trained nurse and assigned a Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) score, indicating their level of acuity and urgency of assessment. We sought to assess the ability of patients to self-triage themselves through use of one of two of our proprietary self-triage tools, and how this would compare with the standard nurse-driven triage process.

Methods

We enrolled a convenience sample of ambulatory ED patients aged 17 years or older who presented with chief complaints of chest pain, abdominal pain, breathing problems, or musculoskeletal pain. Participants completed one, or both, of an algorithm generated self-triage (AGST) survey, or visual acuity scale (VAS) based self-triage tool which subsequently generated a CTAS score. Our primary outcome was to assess the accuracy of these tools to the CTAS score generated through the nurse-driven triage process.

Results

A total of 223 patients were included in our analysis. Of these, 32 (14.3%) presented with chest pain, 25 (11.2%) with shortness of breath, 75 (33.6%) with abdominal pain, and 91 (40.8%) with musculoskeletal pain. Of the total number of patients, 142 (47.2%) completed the AGST tool, 159 (52.8%) completed the VAS tool and 78 (25.9%) completed both tools. When compared to the nurse-driven triage standard, both the AGST and VAS tools had poor levels of agreement for each of the four presenting complaints.

Conclusions

Self-triage through use of an AGST or VAS tool is inaccurate compared to the established standard of nurse-driven triage. Although existing literature exists which suggests that self-triage tools developed for specific subsets of complaints may be feasible, our results would suggest that adopting the self-triage approach on a broader scale for all-comers to the ED does not appear to be a viable option to enhance the current triage process. Further study is required to show if self-triage can be used in the ED to optimize the triage process.
Coping mechanisms and strategies adopted to improve the quality and timeliness of immunization data among lower-level private-for-profit service providers in Kampala Capital City, Uganda
Authors: Ssegujja Eric , Akulume Martha , Ekirapa-Kiracho Elizabeth , Kiggundu Paul , Zalwango Sarah Karen , Rutebemberwa Elizeus
Published: August 2024

Background

Lower-level urban private-for-profit health service providers are actively engaged in the delivery of immunization services. However, not much is known about their everyday endeavours to improve data quality and ensure the submitted data meets the quality and timeliness requirements as per established guidelines. The objective of this paper was to examine the coping mechanisms and strategies adopted to improve the quality and timeliness of immunization data among lower-level private-for-profit service providers in Kampala Capital City, Uganda.

Methods

A qualitative study design was adopted with in-depth interviews (n = 17) and key informant interviews (n = 8) completed among frontline health workers, district health managers and immunization implementing partners. Analysis followed a thematic approach with coding conducted using Atlas. ti, a qualitative data management software.

Results

Overall, coping mechanisms and strategies adopted to improve the data quality among lower-level urban private-for-profit immunization service providers included; Experiential attachment for practical skills acquisition in data management, data quality peer-to-peer learning among private-for-profit immunization service providers, registration using cohort system for easy tracking of records during subsequent visits, separation of visiting service user records from regular attendants, service delivery modifications such as reward for better performance, engagement of Village Health Teams (VHTs) in outreaches and data completion, and data quality checks through review of monitoring charts to identify gaps in data quality.

Conclusions

Within the urban context, the delivery of immunization services by lower-level private-for-profit services faces data quality challenges some of which stem from the implementation context. Different coping strategies focusing on frontline health worker skills, enhanced experience sharing through peer-to-peer learning, modifications to registration and routine review of monitoring charts. However, these efforts were often faced with chronic barriers such as the high staff turnover calling for dedicated efforts to optimize the available implementation opportunities like guidelines mandating the public health facilities to supervise the lower-level private immunization service providers within their catchment areas to respond to the identified gaps.
Differences in modifiable cancer risk behaviors by nativity (US-born v. Non-US-born) and length of time in the US
Authors: Rolle LaShae D. , Parra Alexa , Baral Amrit , Trejos Rolando F. , Chery Maurice J. , Clavon Reanna , Crane Tracy E.
Published: August 2024

Previous studies have identified racial-ethnic disparities in modifiable risk factors for cancers. However, the impact of US nativity on these risks is understudied. Hence, we assessed the association between US nativity and length of time in the US on modifiable cancer risk factors. Utilizing the 2010 and 2015 National Health Interview Survey datasets, we analyzed 8,861 US-born and non-US-born adults. Key variables included age, sex, race-ethnicity, education, income, diet, body mass index, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking. Statistical methods included descriptive statistics and regression. Most respondents were US-born (n = 7,370), followed by long-term (≥15 years, n = 928), and recent (<15 years, n = 563) immigrants. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was higher among US-born individuals (342.45 minutes/week), compared to recent (249.74 minutes/week) and long-term immigrants (255.19 minutes/week). Recent immigrants consumed more fruits (1.37 cups/day) and long-term immigrants more vegetables (1.78 cups/day) than US-born individuals. Multivariate analyses found recent immigrants had lower odds of consuming alcohol (AOR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.21–0.50) and smoking (AOR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.19–0.46), and higher odds of meeting fruit consumption guidelines (AOR: 2.80, 95% CI: 1.76–4.45) compared to US-born individuals. Long-term immigrants had lower odds of alcohol consumption (AOR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.37–0.84) and smoking (AOR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.30–0.59), and higher odds for meeting fruit (AOR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.22–2.86) and fiber (AOR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.02–4.05) consumption guidelines. Our findings illustrate the importance of considering the impact nativity and length of US residency has on health. Our findings underscore the need for culturally tailored public health strategies.
Assisted cloning of an unknown shared quantum state
Authors: Zhai Dengxin , Peng Jiayin , Maihemuti Nueraminaimu , Tang Jiangang
Published: August 2024

We first propose a novel protocol to realize quantum cloning of an arbitrary unknown shared state with assistance offered by a state preparer. The initial phase of this protocol involves the utilization of quantum teleportation (QT), enabling the transfer of quantum information from an arbitrary number of senders to another arbitrary number of receivers through a maximally entangled GHZ-type state serving as a network channel, without centralizing the information at any specific location. In the second stage of this protocol, the state preparer performs a special single-qubit projective measurement and multiple Z-basis measurements and then communicates a number of classical bits corresponding to measurement results, the perfect copy or orthogonal-complementing copy of an unknown shared state can be produced at senders hands. Then, using a non-maximally entangled GHZ-type state instead of the aforementioned quantum channel, we extend the proposed protocol from three perspectives: projective measurement, positive operator-value measurement (POVM), and a single generalized Bell-state measurement. Our schemes can relay quantum information over a network without requiring fully trusted central or intermediate nodes, and none of participants can fully access the information.
Association between cardiometabolic index and testosterone levels in adult men: NHANES 2011–2016
Authors: Huang Xuanchun , Hu Lanshuo , Tao Shiyi , Xue Tiantian , Li Jun , Wang Xuejiao
Published: August 2024

Objective

Exploring the relationship between the cardiometabolic index (CMI) and serum testosterone levels as well as testosterone deficiency in American adult males. Additionally, comparing the diagnostic value of the CMI with several common obesity and metabolism indices for identifying testosterone deficiency.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2016. Serum testosterone levels and testosterone deficiency were used as dependent variables, with the cardiometabolic index as the independent variable. Multivariable regression was used to assess the relationship between the independent and dependent variables, while subgroup analyses were performed to ensure the stability of the results. Smooth curve fitting was utilized to evaluate the nonlinear relationship between the CMI and testosterone levels. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were plotted for several obesity and metabolism prediction indices and the area under the curve was calculated to compare the specificity and sensitivity of each diagnostic index in the diagnosis of testosterone deficiency.

Results

Among 3541 adult male participants, CMI is negatively associated with serum testosterone levels and positively associated with testosterone deficiency. In the fully adjusted model, for every unit increase in CMI, serum testosterone decreased by 14.89 ng/dl. Comparing the highest quartile to the lowest quartile of CMI, each unit increase in CMI, serum testosterone decreased by 98.58 ng/dl. Furthermore, each unit increase in CMI was associated with a 16% increase in incidence of testosterone deficiency. By plotting the ROC curves, we found that the AUCs for Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP), Body Mass Index (BMI), Weight Adjusted Waist Index (WWI), CMI, Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) and Triglyceride glucose index (TyG) were 0.73, 0.72, 0.71, 0.69, 0.66, and 0.66 respectively.

Conclusion

Elevated levels of CMI are associated with lower testosterone levels and an increased risk of testosterone deficiency. The predictive value of the LAP was superior to that of CMI, while the predictive value of CMI was higher than VAI and TyG.
Efficient motion estimation and discrete cosine transform implementation using the graphics processing units
Authors: Agha Shahrukh , Jan Farmanullah , Khan Haroon Ahmed , Kaleem Muhammad , Khan Mansoor
Published: August 2024

Motion Estimation (ME) and the two-dimensional (2D) discrete cosine transform (2D-DCT) are both computationally expensive parts of HEVC standard, therefore real-time performance of the HEVC may not be free from glitches. To address this issue, this study deploys the graphics processing units (GPUs) to perform the ME and 2D-DCT tasks. In this concern, authors probed into four levels of parallelism (i.e., frame, macroblock, search area, and sum of the absolute difference (SAD) levels) existing in ME. For comparative analysis, authors involved full search (FS), test zone search (TZS) of HEVC, and hierarchical diamond search (EHDS) ME algorithms. Similarly, two levels of parallelism (i.e., macroblock and sub-macroblock) are also explored in 2D-DCT. Notably, the least computationally complex multithreaded Loeffler DCT algorithm is utilized for computing 2D-DCT. Experimental results show that ME processing task corresponding to 25 frames, with each frame of size (3840×2160) pixels, is accomplished in 0.15 seconds on the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080, whereas the 2D-DCT task along with the image reconstruction and differencing corresponding to 25 frames took 0.1 seconds. Collectively, both ME and 2D-DCT tasks are processed in 0.25 seconds, which still leaves enough room for the encoder’s remaining parts to be executed within one second. Due to this enhancement, the resultant encoder can safely be used in real-time applications.
Stroke but no hospital admission: Lost opportunity for whom?
Authors: Milcent Carine , Ramaroson Hanta , Maury Fleur , Binder-Foucard Florence , Moitry Marie , Moulin Anne-Marie
Published: August 2024

To counter the spread of COVID-19, the French government imposed several stringent social and political measures across its entire population. We hereto assess the impact of these political decisions on healthcare access in 2020, focusing on patients who suffered from an ischemic stroke. We divide our analysis into four distinct periods: the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period, the lockdown period, the “in-between” or transitional period, and the shutdown period. Our methodology involves utilizing a retrospective dataset spanning 2019–2020, an exhaustive French national hospital discharge diagnosis database for stroke inpatients, integrated with income information from the reference year of 2019. The results reveal that the most affluent were more likely to forgo medical care, particularly in heavily affected areas. Moreover, the most disadvantaged exhibited even greater reluctance to seek care, especially in the most severely impacted regions. The data suggest a loss of opportunity for less severely affected patients to benefit from healthcares during this lockdown period, regardless of demographic, location, and socioeconomic determinants. Furthermore, our analysis reveals a notable discrepancy in healthcare-seeking behavior, with less affluent patients and seniors (over 75 years old) experiencing slower rates of return to healthcare access compared to pre-pandemic levels. This highlights a persistent gap in healthcare accessibility, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, despite the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
Effects of far infrared therapy in hemodialysis arterio-venous fistula maturation: A meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Chiu-Feng , Yeh Tzu-Pei , Lin Tzu-Chen , Huang Po-Hsiang , Huang Pin-Jui
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Hemodialysis patients rely on stable vascular access to perform effective hemodialysis and reach good dialysis quality. However, an obstructed or under-matured arteriovenous fistula (AVF) may increase infection rate and mortality in hemodialysis patients. Far infrared (FIR) therapy might help to promote AVF maturation and reduce obstruction rate. Therefore, this meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of FIR therapy on AVF obstruction rate and maturation.

Material and method

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and other databases which provide publications in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of FIR to improve AVF in patients with CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) or HD (hemodialysis) were used to collect articles which published before February 2023. Two authors selected relevant articles independently based on pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and assessed the quality of the articles by using the Cochrane Handbook before performing a meta-analysis in Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4 software.

Results

Four RCTs with 475 patients were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the FIR therapy groups had better physiological maturation at 3 months (RR = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.07 to 1.39; p = .002) and clinical maturation at 12 months (RR = 1.35; 95% CI = 1.14 to 1.60; p < .001) than the control groups without FIR therapy. The obstruction rates within 12 months were much lower in the FIR therapy groups than in the control groups (RR = 0.24; 95% CI = 0.08 to 0.68; p = .007), also, there was no statistical heterogeneity.

Conclusions

FIR could promote fistula maturation and reduce the incidence of AVF obstruction.
A comparison of new cardiovascular endurance test using the 2-minute marching test vs. 6-minute walk test in healthy volunteers: A crossover randomized controlled trial
Authors: Surapichpong Suchai , Jisarojito Sucheela , Surapichpong Chaiyanut
Published: August 2024

Trial design

This was a 2×2 randomized crossover control trial.

Objective

To compare the cardiovascular endurance of healthy volunteers using a 2-minute marching test (2MMT) and a 6-minute walk test (6MWT).

Methods

This study included 254 participants of both sexes, aged 20–50 years, with a height and body mass index (BMI) of ≥150 cm and ≤25 kg/m2, respectively. Participants were hospital staff who could perform activities independently and had normal annual chest radiographs and electrocardiograms. A group-randomized design was used to assign participants to Sequence 1 (AB) or 2 (BA). The tests were conducted over 2 consecutive days, with a 1-day washout period. On day 1, the participants randomly underwent either a 6MWT or 2MMT in a single-anonymized setup, and on day 2, the tests were performed in reverse order. We analyzed maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) as the primary outcome and heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), blood pressure (BP), oxygen saturation, dyspnea, and leg fatigue as secondary outcomes.

Results

Data were collected from 127 participants, categorized into two groups for different testing sequences. The first (AB) and second groups had 63 and 64 participants, respectively. The estimated VO2max was equivalent between both groups. The 2MMT and 6MWT estimated VO2max with a mean of 41.00 ± 3.95 mL/kg/min and 40.65 ± 3.98 mL/kg/min, respectively. The mean difference was -0.35 mL/kg/min (95% confidence interval: -1.09 to 0.38; p <0.001), and no treatment and carryover effect were observed. No significant changes were observed in HR, RR, and systolic BP (p = 0.295, p = 0.361 and p = 0.389, respectively). However, significant changes were found in the ratings of perceived exertion (p <0.001) and leg fatigue scale (p <0.001).

Conclusion

The 2MMT is practical, simple, and equivalent to the 6MWT in estimating VO2max.

Trial registration

TCTR20220528004 https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org.
Multi-Scale Depthwise Separable Capsule Network for hyperspectral image classification
Authors: Wei Lin , Ran Haoxiang , Yin Yuping , Yang Huihan
Published: August 2024

Addressing the challenges in effectively extracting multi-scale features and preserving pose information during hyperspectral image (HSI) classification, a Multi-Scale Depthwise Separable Capsule Network (MDSC-Net) is proposed in this article for HSI classification. Initially, hierarchical features are extracted by MDSC-Net through the employment of parallel multi-scale convolutional kernels, while computational complexity is reduced via depthwise separable convolutions, thus reducing the overall computational load and achieving efficient feature extraction. Subsequently, to enhance the translational invariance of features and reduce the loss of pose information, features of various scales are processed in parallel by independent capsule networks, with improvements in max pooling achieved through dynamic routing. Lastly, features of different scales are concatenated and integrated through the concatenate operation, thereby facilitating precise analysis of multi-level information in the hyperspectral image classification process. Experimental comparisons demonstrate that MDSC-Net achieves average accuracies of 94%, 98%, and 99% on the Kennedy Space Center, University of Pavia, and Salinas datasets, respectively, indicating a significant performance advantage over recent HSI classification models and validating the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Comparison of machine learning methods for genomic prediction of selected Arabidopsis thaliana traits
Authors: Kelly Ciaran Michael , McLaughlin Russell Lewis
Published: August 2024

We present a comparison of machine learning methods for the prediction of four quantitative traits in Arabidopsis thaliana. High prediction accuracies were achieved on individuals grown under standardized laboratory conditions from the 1001 Arabidopsis Genomes Project. An existing body of evidence suggests that linear models may be impeded by their inability to make use of non-additive effects to explain phenotypic variation at the population level. The results presented here use a nested cross-validation approach to confirm that some machine learning methods have the ability to statistically outperform linear prediction models, with the optimal model dependent on availability of training data and genetic architecture of the trait in question. Linear models were competitive in their performance as per previous work, though the neural network class of predictors was observed to be the most accurate and robust for traits with high heritability. The extent to which non-linear models exploit interaction effects will require further investigation of the causal pathways that lay behind their predictions. Future work utilizing more traits and larger sample sizes, combined with an improved understanding of their respective genetic architectures, may lead to improvements in prediction accuracy.
Evaluation of the Xpert Carba-R assay for quantifying carbapenemase-producing bacterial load in stool samples
Authors: Chua Jie Yin , Lim Ze Qin , Loy Song Qi Dennis , Koh Vanessa , Thevasagayam Natascha May , Huan Xiaowei , Linn Kyaw Zaw , Marimuthu Kalisvar , Ng Oon Tek
Published: August 2024

Background

The spread of Carbapenemase-producing Organisms (CPO) remains a major threat globally. Within clinical settings, the existing method of determining gene load involves traditional culture to determine bacterial load and polymerase-chain-reaction-based Xpert Carba-R Assay to determine carbapenemase gene type. However, there is a need for a fast and accurate method of quantifying CPO colonisation to study the risk of persistent CPO carriage.

Objective

This study evaluated the accuracy of Xpert Carba-R Ct value in estimating carbapenamase producing bacterial loads in stool samples.

Methods

Stool samples were obtained from an ongoing study investigating the household transmission of CPO in Singapore. Stool samples lacking carbapenemase producing organisms were spiked with organism carrying a single carbapenemase gene (blaKPC, blaNDM, blaVIM, blaOXA-48(-like) or blaIMP-1) and serially diluted before being subjected to Xpert Carba-R assay and traditional culture. Standard curves with regression lines showing correlation between Ct values and plate counts were generated. The standard curves were validated with stool samples collected from patients.

Results

The limit of detection of blaNDM, blaKPC, and blaOXA-48 was approximately 103 cfu/mL, while that of blaIMP-1 and blaVIM was approximately 104 cfu/mL. Validation of the blaNDM and blaOXA-48 curves revealed average delta values of 0.56 log(cfu/mL) (95% CI 0.24–0.88) and 0.80 log(cfu/mL) (95% CI 0.53–1.07), respectively.

Conclusions

Our validation data for stool positive for blaNDM and blaOXA-48-type suggests that bacterial loads can be estimated within a reasonable range of error.
Identification of breast cancer-associated PIK3CA H1047R mutation in blood circulation using an asymmetric PCR assay
Authors: Thao Dinh Thi , Thanh Nguyen Phu , Quyen Dong Van , Khai Ly Tuan , Song Le Huu , Trung Ngo Tat
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To establish a highly sensitive and specific approach for the detection of circulating PIK3CA H1047R mutation in breast cancer (BC) patients and to investigate the association between the prevalence of PIK3CA H1047R mutation and clinical presentations.

Methods

A proper blocker was designed in an allele-specific manner and optimized for PCR-based identification of the PIK3CA H1047R mutation. The established technique was validated in cell-free DNA samples from 196 recruited BC patients.

Results

The allele-specific PCR assay with a properly designed blocker was able to detect the H1047R mutant variant with 0.01%. By applying the newly established assay, 62 cases (31.6% of the total recruited cases) were found to carry a blood-circulating H1047R mutant. Wherein, the detected mutant rates increased with disease stages from 2/18 (11.1%) of stage I to 17/71 (23.9%) of stage II, 20/53 (37.7%) of stage III, and 23/31 (42.6%) of stage IV (p = 0.025), respectively. Higher frequencies of H1047R mutation were associated with late-stage (p = 0.033) or recurrence (p = 0.045) or metastatic patients (p = 0.049) as well as radiation-treated human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive BC (p = 0.004). PIK3CA mutant carriers were frequently observed in patients under the age of 50 who had liver-metastasized or brain metastases or lymph node-invaded (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

A novel allele-specific PCR assay with high sensitivity was established successfully for the detection of the PIK3CA H1047R mutation in clinical practice.
Playing supremacy: DEIA games in higher education
Authors: Phillips Delores B. , Thomas Christopher L.
Published: August 2024

The 45th presidential administration of the United States created numerous sweeping pieces of legislation that drastically curtailed how Americans thought of diversity and where marginalized folks of colour fit in the grand scheme of things. This administration pushed back against notions of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) as they pertained to marginalized groups, particularly in spaces of higher education. To combat this, there were numerous institutions across the country that began to develop or revamp their diversity programmes as a way to ‘show’ those who had been targeted – both faculty and students of colour – still had played a significant role in higher education. Unfortunately, these diversity programmes did little to nothing to help support faculty and students who relied on these programmes, but instead made them feel like this was meant to be ‘played’, like the latest video game. This article seeks to demonstrate how DEIA programmes function as a method of pay, while doing little to provide the necessary support for the folks that need it. Additionally, it shows how institutions of white supremacy are being perpetuated within these programmes, as they are merely used as a way to show others that the programmes exist, while both not actually serving the individuals these programmes were designed to benefit. It will also illustrate in a succinct fashion what DEIA programmes are meant to do and what they are not meant to do while using experiences of marginalized individuals to focus on the problems that exist within DEIA programmes. Finally, the article will provide a potential rubric, or call to action, that could help these programmes to function as an actual form of support as opposed to a system of ‘play’, because they do serve a vital purpose, but not in their current iterations.
Introduction
Authors: Round Julia
Published: August 2024

This introduction to Studies in Comics (SiC) 14.2 signposts the themes covered by the articles, interviews and reviews therein. It summarizes how our first trio of articles address the politics and consequences of conflict, with a particular focus on depictions of space and place and how these speak to – or can challenge – existing hierarchies. It then discusses our second grouping of articles, highlighting the ways that these represent the potential of academic study to bring fresh eyes to old questions, as our contributors use comics to revisit or rearticulate key debates, such as defining metalepsis, exploring the Derridean archive, or teaching literacy. It stresses the wide breadth of both texts and approaches that appear within this issue, which covers many types of comics (graphic novel, small press, educational); multiple methodologies (applied analysis, theoretical discussion, empirical study); and represents contributors and content from diverse locations (including Austria, Belgium, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Spain, United Kingdom and United States).
‘Inside this membrane is Us. Beyond the membrane, Them’: Spatiality in Amruta Patil and Devdutt Pattanaik’s Aranyaka: Book of the Forest
Authors: Mohan Amrutha , Chandrasekharan Nair Anup
Published: August 2024

Forests have always occupied a significant position as places of exile, transformation and retreat in the epics, myths and folklores that are popular in India. A journey into the forest, as depicted in most of these narratives, is often deployed as a metaphor for epistemological pursuits and also symbolizes a peregrination into the subconscious or the inner self. The graphic novel Aranyaka: Book of the Forest (2019) is a joint creative venture by the Indian graphic novelist Amruta Patil and mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik, in which they borrow a thin thread of the story from Brihadaranyaka Upanishad and weave layers of Puranic tales, Vedic philosophy, feminist perspectives and ecological consciousness to create a rich tapestry of metaphors and meanings. Aranyaka (‘of the forest’) is a graphic retelling of the life of the Indian sage Yajnavalkya, his wives, Katyayani and Maitreyi, and of his disciple, Gargi. The forest is not a mere exotic location or an ideal backdrop in which the story of the sage and the three women unfolds. As the title denotes, the forestscape assumes a central role in this graphic narrative and hence it is pertinent to looking into how the forest shapes and is shaped by the narrative. The article hence proposes that the forest is imagined and visualized as a heterotopia in this graphic text. It brings Yajnavalkya’s unscholarly wife Katyayani to the forefront and weaves a story through her words and imagination. The article also strives to foreground the liminal and gendered spaces represented in the narrative. The article therefore offers a critical reading of Aranyaka and explores the spatial dimensions represented in it.
Enhancing Mechanical Properties of PLA Filaments through Orange Peel Powder Reinforcement: Optimization of 3D Printing Parameters
Authors: Shunmugam Muthu Natarajan , Sankaranarayanan Senthil , Pandiarajan Narayanasamy , Parrthipan Balasubramanian Karthekeyan , Pandiarajan Balasundar
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the augmentation of the mechanical properties of Polylactic Acid (PLA) filaments by incorporating Orange Peel Powder (OPP) as an eco-friendly filler for 3D printing applications. The study delves into optimizing the printing parameters to achieve enhanced mechanical characteristics while maintaining printability. Various 3D printing process parameters were analyzed systematically to assess their impact on tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact resistance. A thorough investigation was conducted to determine the impact of layer height, infill density, and printing speed on the overall mechanical properties of the printed specimens. The findings demonstrate that adding 25% OPP significantly enhances the mechanical strength of the PLA composite without compromising printability, with optimal concentration and printing parameters identified. Thermo gravimetric study reveals that the PLA/OPP composite filament has a higher maximum thermal degradation temperature of 329 °C, compared to the PLA’s temperature of 316 °C. This research contributes to advancing the development of sustainable and mechanically robust materials for additive manufacturing, offering insights into the fabrication of PLA-based biodegradable composites tailored for specific applications in various industries.
PENGOLAHAN LIMBAH ORGANIK RUMAH TANGGA SEBAGAI PUPUK ORGANIK CAIR DI KABUPATEN PANDEGLANG
Authors: Yeyen Maryani  , Rochmat Agus , Herayati  , Meri Yulvianti
Published: August 2024

The waste problem was one of the priorities of the local government. The waste sorting business started from the beginning, but the management and reprocessing of waste was a separate homework from the Environment Agency. The Untirta Community Service Team offered the processing of organik waste into Liquid Organik Fertilizer (POC) through a fermentation process with the used of EM4. The fermentation process for 7-15 days produced POC which has essential nutrients needed by plants. Giving 1:1 POC to plants increased more fruit and increased color brightness in ornamental plants. Socialization and training activities were carried out in 2 farmer groups in Pandeglang Regency. Direct practice of making POCs and the team giving POCs to participants so that they can be applied directly in their respective places. The socialization activities were supported by the village government and support from the Pandeglang Regency Agricultural Extension Center.
PARTISIPASI MASYARAKAT DALAM PEMBUATAN RUMAH KACA (GREEN HOUSE) SEBAGAI SARANA PEMBENIHAN BERWAWASAN EKOEDUWISATA DI KEBUN BUAH BENDOSARI
Authors: Widiakongko Priyagung Dhemi
Published: August 2024

The construction of a greenhouse as a nursery facility with an ecotourism perspective has been carried out at the Bendosari Orchard, Sumbersari Moyudan, Sleman. The purpose of making this greenhouse is as a means of seeding fruit plants which are a source of income for the Bendosari Orchard, namely guava and avocado and as a tourist attraction to attract more visits to the fruit garden. This research was carried out using the Rural Rapid Appraisal (RRA) approach with 6 stages, namely socialization, interviews, workshops on equalizing perceptions about fruit plant breeding using the grafting method and about greenhouses, surveys of prospective greenhouse construction locations, workshops on planning and building greenhouses and home supervision. glass. With this research, the perception and awareness of garden managers regarding fruit plant nurseries has increased as proven through questionnaires and the success of building a Greenhouse at the Bendosari Orchard. Apart from that, park managers have also realized the need to build greenhouses independently. The greenhouse that was built was made of galvalum, UV plastic and insect-proof glass. This is done to maintain ecological aspects in the greenhouse and in the Bendosari Orchard.
PETA DAN ORIENTASI PENELITIAN
Authors: Muh. Isnanto
Published: August 2024

The development of research in higher education for academic improvement and knowledge development as well as for the professionalism of lecturers is a necessity, as is research based on community service. Therefore, a map and orientation for community service-based research is needed at the Research and Publishing Center of the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) UIN Sunan Kalijaga. The results of the research show firstly, the research map at the LPPM Research and Publishing Center has experienced a shift in terms of quantity, clusters, research output, and research that has been carried out by lecturers/research researchers if they need credit numbers, now there is awareness and this has changed to become an academic need for lecturers /researcher. Second, the research orientation is that research results are required to be published in the OJS journal and research based on community service at the Research and Publishing Center started in 2018. Third, the research results have been used as a reference for preparing Semester Learning Plans (RPS) for courses, namely 80%, and not used as a reference of 20%.
Optimasi Portofolio Saham Menggunakan Model Markowitz Berdasarkan Prediksi Harga Saham
Authors: Nur Fadhila Shofia , Zuliana Sri Utami
Published: August 2024

Model ARIMA dapat digunakan untuk memprediksi data dengan pola data linear masa lalu. Asumsi yang harus dipenuhi dalam model ARIMA adalah stasioneritas data. Pergerakan harga saham yang cenderung berubah memerlukan peramalan harga saham. Selain itu, untuk memaksimalkan keuntungan dan meminimalkan kerugian, investor dapat membentuk portofolio yang mengandung aset berharga yang dapat memberikan keuntungan bagi investor. Model Markowitz atau Mean – Variance Model merupakan salah satu model untuk membentuk portofolio optimal. Model Markowitz memberi investor opsi melalui perhitungan terperinci dari proporsi risiko, korelasi, dan kovarians yang terkandung dalam setiap aset portofolio. Dalam teori Markowitz terdapat diversifikasi Markowitz yang bertujuan untuk meminimalkan kerugian. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah mengkaji hasil simulasi penerapan Markowitz pada masalah optimasi portofolio. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian deskriptif kuantitatif yang bertujuan untuk mengetahui prediksi harga saham dengan menggunakan metode ARIMA dan untuk mengetahui komposisi pembentukan portofolio yang dihasilkan dengan menggunakan model Markowitz. Sampel penelitian ini adalah saham PT. Aneka Tambang Tbk. (ANTM), PT. Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur Tbk. (ICBP), dan PT. United Tractors Tbk. (UNTR). Data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah data sekunder berupa harga penutupan bulanan untuk setiap sampel yang diperoleh dari situs resmi Yahoo Finance. Berdasarkan hasil analisis dan pembahasan yang dilakukan, total modal yang diperoleh investor mengalami peningkatan. Hal ini disebabkan oleh model Markowitz sebagai pengendali dengan memberikan batasan tertentu yang pasti dan sebagai pengambil keputusan terbaik berdasarkan prediksi harga saham dalam mengelola setiap modal dalam suatu portofolio aset.
Reducing Energy Demand in Concrete Pavements by the Use of Blended Cements
Authors: Szpotowicz Réka , Tóth Csaba
Published: August 2024

This research explores strategies to minimise energy consumption and enhance environmental sustainability in road construction. Focusing on concrete pavement structures, the study evaluates the impact of substituting Portland cement with environmentally friendly alternatives such as fly ash and blast furnace slag. A comprehensive model is employed to analyse the energy demands of different pavement types, considering various cement replacements over their lifetime, from the initial extraction of materials to the conclusion of construction. Results indicate an energy saving potential of 8.63% by substituting 10% of Portland cement with fly ash, while an impressive reduction of 58.63% in cement production energy is achieved by replacing Portland cement with 80% blast furnace slag. The study underscores the significant role of cement variations in mitigating energy consumption, emphasizes the potential of blast furnace slag as a sustainable alternative as well as highlights the significance of alternative cement types in reducing energy consumption in concrete pavement construction, aligning with environmental sustainability goals and offering insights for more eco-friendly infrastructure development.
Curso de historia del derecho y de las instituciones españolas
Authors: Ruiz Rodríguez Ignacio
Published: August 2024

... Una primera parte dedicada a introducir a los alumnos en el concepto de historia e historia del derecho, a la que seguirá, en segundo lugar, la exposición de cada uno de los períodos que conforman la historia. En este caso concreto trabajaremos desde épocas Romanas, Visigoda, el Medievo en su más amplio recorrido histórico, la Edad Moderna, terminando en el mundo Contemporáneo, en donde no faltarán referencias a la actual España Democrática, iniciada sin lugar a dudas de la mano de personajes del talante del rey Juan Carlos I, Adolfo Suárez, Felipe González o José María Aznar, sin las correspondientes y obligatorias referencias a los gobiernos de José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, Mariano Rajoy, Pedro Sánchez o el inicio de la monarquía de Felipe VI, en el marco ya de una España democrática consolidada...
Trend of Halmahera Eddy and Mindanao Eddy
Authors: Martono Martono , Santoso Heru , Nurlatifah Amalia , Felix Mark Jayson
Published: August 2024

Global warming, due to increasing greenhouse gases, has increased the frequency of El Niño Southern Oscillation events and influenced ocean dynamics. This research determined the trends of Mindanao Eddy’s and Halmahera Eddy’s over 28 years (1993–2020). The data used in this research consist of sea surface currents, surface wind, sea surface height, and NIŇO3.4 index. Determination of eddy currents was done using the Automated Eddies Detection method. The results showed that the Asian-Australian monsoon and El Niño Southern Oscillation events influence the characteristics of the Mindanao Eddy and Halmahera Eddy. During the Asian monsoon, the position of the Mindanao Eddy and Halmahera Eddy shifts southward, while during the Australian monsoon, it shifts northward. During El Niño, the position of the Mindanao Eddy turns eastward with a smaller diameter, but the position of the Halmahera Eddy does not shift. Conversely, during La Niña, the position of the Halmahera Eddy turns northwestward with a smaller diameter, while the position of the Mindanao Eddy remains unchanged. The shift of the Mindanao Eddy during the El Niño event is closely related to the weakening of the North Equatorial Current and the strengthening of the North Equatorial Countercurrent. On the other hand, the shift of the Halmahera Eddy during the La Niña event is related to the strengthening of the South Equatorial Current as a source of water masses for the New Guinea Coastal Current. The velocity of the Mindanao Eddy and Halmahera Eddy experienced an increasing trend in 1993-2020.
A new finite element formulation for the lateral torsional buckling analyses of orthotropic FRP-externally bonded steel beams
Authors: Doan-Tan Thi , Nguyen Xuan-Huy , Van Pham Phe
Published: August 2024

The present study develops a new finite element (FE) formulation for the lateral torsional buckling (LTB) analyses of steel beams exteriorly bonded with orthotropic fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) layers. The formulation considers shear deformations, partial material interaction, local and global warping deformations, and orthotropic FRP properties. The buckling responses of multispan FRP-bonded steel beams predicted by the present solutions are excellently validated against experiment and numerical solutions. As observed, the FRP strengthening is highly effective for the LTB resistance of steel beams. However, the LTB responses are strongly dependent on the orthotropic properties and strengthening lengths of FRP layers. The effects of shear deformations, span ratios, and loading conditions on the LTB responses are also quantified in the present study.