bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction of Platinum Corrosion in Molten Glass
Authors: Fischer Bernd
Published: February 2024

In order to ensure the high quality necessary for use in scientific instruments, most high-technology optical glasses are melted in platinum containers. In general, this noble metal has excellent corrosion and erosion resistance, as well as low solubility, when in contact with molten glass. Therefore the dangers of discoloration and reduction in optical transmission are low. Glass melts may be contaminated by the uptake of corrosion and erosion products if the glass is melted in ceramic materials. The use of platinum, instead of ceramics, for both containers and stirrers enables glass melts to be stirred more thoroughly and hence become more homogeneous. In this way a better quality and higher yields of glass are obtained. Even totally new glass systems which have superior optical properties, but which would attack ceramics very quickly, can be melted in platinum vessels and produced to extremely high quality. Generally, platinum or its alloys enables optical glass to be produced with high purity, homogeneity and the absence of streaks and bubbles.
Platinum Group Organometallics
Authors: Rubezhov A. Z.
Published: February 2024

Platinum group organometallics have recently been the subject of intensive investigation designed to establish the basic characteristics of their decomposition, which results in the formation of metallic or metalcontaining coatings. This review has been compiled from a literature search and indicates some of the applications that are, or could be, of commercial significance.
The Structure of Platinum-Tin Reforming Catalysts
Authors: Srinivasan R. , Davis Burtron H.
Published: February 2024

Platinum-tin on alumina catalysts appear to have potential for use during naphtha reforming in processes utilising continuous catalyst regeneration, and without the need for complex activation procedures. To gain a better understanding of the properties that contribute to their effectiveness, the surface and bulk characteristics of these bimetallic catalysts have been studied by a variety of techniques which make more direct measures of the chemical and physical states of the elements present than, for example, temperature-programmed reduction. The data presented demonstrate that catalyst formation by the addition of platinum and tin by co-precipitation leads to alloy formation, but that this does not occur when a support prepared by co-precipitating tin and aluminium oxide is impregnated with chloroplatinic acid.
Diesel Emission Control Technology
Authors: Hawker P. N.
Published: February 2024

Recent concerns over the health effects of particulate emissions from vehicles have focused on diesel engines. While European legislation to limit their emissions is now in place it is expected that future legislation will be more demanding. Using a platinum catalyst it has been possible to demonstrate in various trials the practical application of a novel system for the removal of both the soot and hydrocarbon components from diesel powered vehicle exhaust. The background to the development of this successful technology is described here.
The Transport of Platina to Spain in the Late Eighteenth Century
Authors: Capitán Vallvey Luis Fermin
Published: February 2024

The founding of a platina refinery in Madrid in 1786 required the establishment of a system for collecting platina from the Chocó district of New Granada in South America and shipping it to Spain. After several unsuccessful attempts to amass platina over many years, the Viceroy
of New Granada ordered a district attorney at the Santa Fé Audiencia to arrange an official visit to the Chocó district to establish a Royal monopoly in platina and to set up a local collection procedure. This time it was successful and the shipment to Spain of a considerable
amount of platina took place between 1788 and 1805.
COLLECTION EFFICIENCY ANALYSIS AND STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION OF FUGITIVE FUMES FROM ALUMINUM ELECTROLYSIS BASED ON MULTIFIELD COUPLING
Authors: Liu Shuichang , Wang Qingyu , Zhang Yong , Mao Fengzhao , Zhao Huijuan , Hu Xindan
Published: February 2024

The collection of fugitive fumes from aluminum electrolysis is a major technical issue that has hampered the green production of aluminum electrolysis for a long time. The collection process of fugitive fumes from aluminum electrolysis also is a complex flow process containing multifield coupling. There are various structural parameters that affect the collection efficiency in this procedure. In this paper, a multifield coupling simulation method based on a computational fluid dynamics discrete phase model was developed. To achieve the best collection efficiency, a multifactor interaction effect analysis was executed with the length LW of the exhaust hood edge, the vertical distance DH between the exhaust hood and the surface of the residual carbon block, and the horizontal distance DL between the exhaust hood and the surface of the residual carbon block as the optimization parameters. The response surface methodology and multi-island genetic algorithm were used to carry out the optimization study of maximizing the collection efficiency. The results showed that for the flue gas and dust collection efficiency, the DH contributes the most, followed by the LW, and the DL is the smallest; when the LW is 748.99 mm, DH is 224.06 mm, and DL is 227.66 mm, it can effectively improve the flue gas and dust collection efficiency, in which the flue gas collection efficiency is increased by 6.01% and the dust collection efficiency is increased by 5.97%.
STATISTICAL INVESTIGATION OF SISKO NANOFLUID WITH HALL AND ION-SLIP EFFECTS OVER A POROUS MEDIUM
Authors: Nisha S. Siraj , De Poulomi
Published: February 2024

Investigating Sisko fluids with Hall and ion-slip effects through a porous regime has become essential
with respect to various engineering and industrial processes that utilized nanofluids. Therefore, in this study we analyzed Sisko nanofluids under varied physical conditions. The governing equations were altered to ordinary differential equations by similarity transformations using the fourth-order Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg method via shooting techniques. The flow analysis results showed that the
momentum distribution increased for the buoyancy and suction parameters, while it decreased for the
magnetic parameter. The temperature profile reduced the buoyancy ratio and mixed convection. The effects
of reduced Nusselt numbers on the heat transfer rates for the major parameters were investigated. Regression analysis was performed on the effects of reduced skin friction and Nusselt and Sherwood numbers with respect to the Brownian motion and thermophoresis parameters. The results obtained in this study were compared with prior works and found to be in complete accord.
The role of clinical, radiologic and laboratory markers in distinguishing an appendiceal mucocele from acute appendicitis
Authors: BOLAT Hacı , ERDOĞAN Alirıza , ÖZBEY Caner
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT
AIM: This study aims to assist the surgical treatment plan by increasing the rate of correct preoperative diagnoses through comparing the clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings of appendiceal mucocele (AM) and acute appendicitis (AA) before surgery.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 63 patients with a histopathologic diagnosis of AM and AA among 4867 patients who underwent appendectomy with the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in the general surgery clinic between 2009 and 2020. The patients were separated into two groups: those with AM (21 patients) and those with AA (42 patients). Age, gender, physical examination (PE), Alvarado appendicitis score, ultrasonography (USG), computed tomography (CT), laboratory, preoperative diagnosis, intraoperative diagnosis, and pathological diagnosis results of both groups were compared.

RESULTS: PE, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever symptoms, and Alvarado score were found to be significant between the two groups (p<0.05). In addition, WBC, NE, LYM %, and CRP were found to be high in group 2 (p<0.05), while there was no difference in radiological diagnosis (USG/CT) between the two groups (p<0.05). However, the appendix diameter was larger in group 1 (p<0.05). Patients with AM in 80% preoperatively, and 52% intraoperatively were operated on with a provisional diagnosis of AA. The second surgery was performed in Group 1 with a rate of 9.5% (2/21).
CONCLUSION: In our study, patients with AM who underwent surgery with a diagnosis of AA were found to differ in radiological, clinical, and laboratory findings from patients with AA.
KEYWORDS: Appendiceal Mucocele, Acute Appendicitis, Differential Diagnosis
El diseño de la Red Terminológica del Comercio en Español (ReTeCE) y su aprovechamiento para la enseñanza de la variación terminológica
Authors: Costa León Piero Renato
Published: February 2024

La presente contribución se interesa en mostrar de qué forma una base de datos terminológicos de próxima publicación, la Red Terminológica del Comercio en Español (ReTeCE), puede ofrecerse como un recurso para el aprendizaje del léxico especializado del comercio y, en especial, de su variación para quienes se aproximan al español como lengua extranjera/segunda lengua. En vista de este interés, en las siguientes páginas se hace un recorrido por algunas propiedades del diseño de ReTeCE, enfatizando sobre todo su interés por reflejar la variación, tanto la denominativa (dos o más formas léxicas para el mismo concepto) como la conceptual (dos o más conceptos asociados a la misma forma léxica), a partir de sus condicionamientos textuales, temáticos y, sobre todo, temporales y geográficos de uso. Por tanto, se explica, en primer lugar, el trabajo de confección de un corpus y, luego, el diseño de fichas terminográficas conducentes a una interfaz digital capaz de reflejar la conectividad entre los rasgos lingüísticos, interlingüístico-traductológicos y distribucionales asignados a cada término, siempre teniendo en cuenta cuál puede ser el provecho redituable de cara a la enseñanza del castellano como lengua extranjera/segunda lengua. Así, a partir de las propiedades explicadas en relación con ReTeCE, se explora hacia el final de la contribución algunas posibilidades de consulta con los que los aprendientes de castellano como lengua extranjera/segunda lengua pueden aprovechar la base de datos para ampliar su conocimiento y conciencia sobre la variación terminológica en un ámbito especializado.
UV decontamination of reagents/buffers v1
Authors: Essel Elena , Meyer Matthias , Szymanski Merlin
Published: February 2024

Protocol for reducing DNA contamination of reagents and buffers used in the ancient DNA cleanroom by UV treatment. Change log: small formatting edits (20240111, EE) small language edits for consistency (20240123, EE)
Abundantly more.
Authors: De Gruchy John W
Published: February 2024

Abundantly More is far more than another monograph on theology and the arts, or a dummy’s guide to theological aesthetics. It is a Christian apologia in the classical sense – a carefully reasoned and theologically astute response to a world struggling for abundant life but seduced by the reductionist consequences of secularism and scientism. But, argues Begbie, “there is more to the world than we will ever be able to account for, more than could ever be fully discovered, thought, or spoken.” This “more” is beyond philosophical proof; it is discerned by the theological insight that it arises “from the sustaining presence of the infinitely living God”, that is “from the world’s being upheld by a limitless plenitude of meaning and significance.” (p. 177)
Postpartum depression in adolescent mothers before and during COVID-19 and the role of self-esteem, maternal self-efficacy, and social support
Authors: Patiño Pamela , Asunción Lara María , Benjet Corina , Alvarez-del Río Asunción , Bartolo Solís Feliciano
Published: February 2024

Introduction. Although the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the mental health of vulnerable populations, such as adolescent mothers, very few studies have documented the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) in this population. Objective. a) Determine the frequency of PPD (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS] ≥ 9) in adolescent mothers before (AM-BP) and during (AM-DP) the pandemic, b) Examine psychosocial factors (self-esteem, maternal efficacy, social support, depression and anxiety in pregnancy, planned and wanted pregnancy) in AM-BP and AM-DP, and c) Determine whether being an AM-DP was a significant factor for experiencing PPD (EPDS ≥ 9). Method. Cross sectional study. Subjects: Forty-one AM-BP recruited at Health Centers and interviewed face to face and forty-one AM-DP surveyed online. Results. PPD (EPDS ≥ 9) was 42% (p = .001) more frequent in AM-DP. The groups differed significantly in all psychosocial factors, with AM-DP faring worse. Unadjusted regressions showed that being an AM-DP, having lower maternal efficacy and self-esteem, greater dissatisfaction with social support, and depression and/or anxiety in pregnancy increased PPD (EPDS ≥ 9). Adjusted multiple analysis indicated that lower self-esteem was the only factor to maintain its association with PPD (EPDS ≥ 9; p = .017). Discussion and conclusion. The pandemic negatively affected PPD (EPDS ≥ 9) and psychosocial factors in AM-DP, as compared to AM-BP, with self-esteem being the main factor associated with PPD (EPDS ≥ 9). In situations of extreme stress as happened in the pandemic, the mental health of adolescent mothers should be prioritized to prevent negative effects such as PPD. PPD preventive and treatment interventions should consider strengthening self-esteem.
Uzman Görüşleri Bağlamında Metaverse ve Gazeteciliğin Geleceği
Authors: DUMANLI KÜRKÇÜ Duygu , ALTINOK Burak
Published: February 2024

Sanal gerçeklik, artırılmış gerçeklik gibi birçok teknoloji birleşenini bir araya getiren ve sanal dünya ile eşanlama gelen metaverse kavramı, kullanıcıların avatarlarının diğer avatarlar ile sosyal, politik ve ekonomik olarak üç boyutlu bir şekilde etkileşime girdiği, gerçek bir sanal yapay topluluk oluşturmaktadır. Metaverse’de oluşan bu sanal yapay topluluklar, birçok alanda olduğu gibi gazetecilik alanında da sürükleyici deneyimler ile haber hikayelerine ulaşabilecektir. Bu çalışmada metaverse platformlarının ve blokzincir teknolojilerinin gazetecilik sektörünün geleceğini ve gazetecilik pratiklerinin yakın gelecekte nasıl etkileyeceğini ortaya koymak amaçlanmaktadır. Bu kapsamda 1 Şubat 2023 ve 1 Temmuz 2023 tarihleri arasında, iletişim bilimi alanındaki akademisyenler, gazeteciler, editörler, muhabirler, teknoloji köşe yazarları ve metaverse platform kurucuları olmak üzere 20 katılımcı ile yarı yapılandırılmış sorulardan oluşan bir form ile yüz yüze görüşmeler ile veriler toplanmıştır. Bu veriler nitel veri analizi ile incelenmiştir. Çalışma sonucunda katılımcıların metaverse kavramının mevcut durumu ve geleceği, blokzirciri ve metaverse’nin gazeteciliğin geleceğine ve gazetecilik pratiklerine etkileri, metaverse platformlarının gazetecilere sunacağı fayda ve riskler, metaverse platformlarında yalan haber ve dezenformasyon konularına ilişkin algı ve kaygılarına yönelik bulgular elde edilmiştir.
Empirical Earthquake Source Scaling Relations for Maximum Magnitudes Estimations in Central America
Authors: Arroyo-Solórzano Mario , Belén Benito María , Alvarado Guillermo E. , Climent Alvaro
Published: February 2024

Central America is a seismically active region where six tectonic plates (North America, Caribbean, Cocos, Nazca, Panama, and South America) interact in a subduction zone with transform faults and two triple points. This complex tectonic setting makes the maximum magnitude—Mmax—estimation a challenging task, with the crustal fault earthquakes being the most damaging in the seismic history of Central America. The empirical source scaling relations (ESSR) allow the Mmax of faults to be determined from rupture parameters. In this study, we use a dataset of well-characterized earthquakes in the region, comprising 64 events from 1972 to 2021 with magnitudes between Mw 4.1 and 7.7. The dataset incorporates records of rupture parameters (length, width, area, slip, and magnitude) and information on the faults and aftershocks associated. This database is an important product in itself, and through its use we determine which global relations fit best to our data via a residual analysis. Moreover, based on the best-quality records, we develop scaling relations for Central America (CA-ESSR) for rupture length, width, and area. These new relations were tested and compared with recent earthquakes, and logic trees are proposed to combine the CA-ESSR and the best-fit global relations. Therefore, we estimate the Mmax for 30 faults using the logic tree for rupture length, considering a total rupture of the fault and multifault scenarios. Our results suggest that in Central America rupture areas larger than other regions are required to generate the same magnitudes. We associate this with the shear modulus (μ), which seems to be lower (∼30% less) than the global mean values for crustal rocks. Furthermore, considering multifault ruptures, we found several fault systems with potential Mmax≥Mw 7.0. These findings contribute to a better understanding of regional seismotectonics and to the efficient characterization of fault rupture models for seismic hazards.
Canal centering ability of various file systems during endodontic treatment and re-treatment: A systematic review
Authors: Patil Pravin , Banga Kulvinder , Metkari Sachin , Sheth Komal , Sachdev Sanpreet , Latke Siddhesh
Published: February 2024

Introduction: The canal-centering ability of an endodontic file is the ability of a file to maintain its path centered through the root canal without causing transportation. Various researchers have attempted to compare the canal-centering ability of the different file systems used routinely in endodontic practice. The present systematic review aimed to comparatively analyze the canal-centering ability of the various endodontic file systems. Methods: A systematic search was performed using the keywords ‘Canal centering ability’ and ‘Endodontics’ across the databases Medline, PubMed, PubMed Central, Web of Science Citation Index Expanded, and Google Scholar to identify studies related to canal-centering ability of various file systems in endodontic treatment or re-treatment in English language without any restriction for the date of publication. Results: A total of 22 studies were identified, most of which utilized human extracted teeth for analyzing the canal-centering ability. The mesial root of the mandibular first molars was most commonly used, with the mesiobuccal canal being commonly chosen to compare the canal centering ability. No significant difference was found between the canal-centering ability of reciprocating and continuous rotary file systems. The individual conclusions regarding comparisons made between respective file systems in each study have been summarized in the text. Conclusion: The canal-centering ability of various endodontic file systems does not depend on the speed or motion of the file but is a derivative of multiple factors including geometry, composition, size, and shape of the files. Findings from the present systematic review would serve as a guide for an appropriate selection of the files to be used in cases with challenging canal morphology requiring endodontic treatment.
A feasibility study using radio-frequency sensors to collect respiratory metrics in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Authors: Zhang Zijing , Park Taeyoung , Krishnan Jamuna , Gangwar Kapil , Zhou Jianlin , Conroy Thomas , Kan Edwin , Phongtaknuel Veerawat
Published: February 2024

Background: The symptom of dyspnea is commonly encountered in patients with underlying serious illness and can lead to distress and poor quality of life. In patients with chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), the prevalence is reported in up to 95% of patients. With the growth in sensor technologies, continuous monitoring of respiratory metrics provides an opportunity to better understand the relationship between patient-reported dyspnea and objective respiratory measures. Aims: To assess the feasibility of implementing a radio-frequency (RF) sensor in patients with COPD and describe the relationship between dyspnea and respiratory metrics in patients with COPD when compared to healthy controls. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted to collect data on dyspnea scores and respiratory metrics in patients with COPD and healthy controls while conducting a walking test using a wearable RF sensor. Results: Of the 12 COPD patients and 15 healthy controls recruited, all participants completed the modified incremental shuttle walking test while wearing the RF sensor; there was no attrition. For every one-point increase in the dyspnea score, there was a mean 1.94 increase in the respiratory rate per minute in the COPD group as compared to a 1.09 increase in respiratory rate in the healthy control group. Conclusion: Preliminary data demonstrate the potential of using the RF sensors to track respiratory metrics in COPD patients and healthy adults. As this technology develops, it shows considerable promise and could provide significant implications regarding the use of non-invasive continuous monitoring for patients with lung disease.
The Physical Activity and Dietary Habits of Nursing Students
Authors: Jovanović Željko , Šarić Maja , Miletić Bojan
Published: February 2024

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physical activity and dietary habits of nursing students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted; anonymous questionnaire and descriptive statistical methods were used. Results: One hundred and one student were interviewed, 80 women and 21 men. Although 96% of students consider physical activity important, but they are not physically active. Fast food and sugary carbonated drinks are frequently consumed by 52% of students. Alcoholic beverages are never consumed by 27% of respondents, 27% of the surveyed students smoke daily and 23% of respondents eat sweets daily. Fruits and vegetables are consumed daily by 53 % . Breakfast is consumed regularly by 54 students (53%). Conclusions: Nursing students are well acquainted with the importance of obesity for public health, but students' dietary and lifestyle habits are not proportionate to their knowledge about the causes and ways of obesity prevention.
The RNA Genome Sequencing Demonstrates Increased Production of Metabolic Genes in Late Ages in Highly Differentiated Tissues
Authors: Salnikov Lev , Goldberg Saveli , Pinsky Eugene
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we continue statistical analysis of RNA-Seq results of the whole genome of Mus musculus during their lifetime. We propose that the implementation of the developmental program by cells and their transition to the active performance of functions is the main mechanism of aging. The data obtained confirm the basis of our ideas that the triggering of aging processes is embedded in the very "design" of multicellulars. Previously, we noted a gradual decrease in RNA production in the part of the genome responsible for cellular infrastructure. At the same time, we noted a rise in the level of production of genes of this part in late ages. We hypothesized that this is associated with the increased demand of cells for energy production to maintain the weakening functions of the organism. We identified a block of 24 most productive genes responsible for metabolic activity and energy production in the cell. As shown by data analysis, it was these genes that appeared to be responsible for the rise in the overall activity of infrastructural genes in the late period. We also hypothesized that the rise in demand for cellular energy structures in the aging organism is most pronounced in highly differentiated tissues. For this purpose, we distinguished two groups of tissues, according to the level of their mitotic index. The results show that the rise in the production of the infrastructural part of the genome found in late ages is due to RNA synthesis of metabolic genes and is expressed only in the group of tissues with low mitotic index. We plan to further investigate the age-related dynamics of the proteome, comparing our results with other databases to identify similar patterns of RNA production dynamics in them.
The Role of Mobile Learning in Supporting Community Health Workers’ Continuous Learning: A Case of Village Health Teams in Patongo and Lokule Sub Counties-Uganda
Authors: Moses Mwebaze
Published: February 2024

The study assesses the role of Mobile learning in supporting Community Health Workers' continuous learning using a Smartphone application. The Community Health Workers are members of the community commonly known as Village Health Teams in Uganda. This group is presumed not be a priority for training. The aim is to objectify using Mobile learning affordances to support Community Health Workers' training, an activity presently considered to be irregular and underfunded. This is achieved through the implementation of a Mobile App prototype used as a learning tool for digitized training content on the subject of diseases, reproductive health, sanitation, and family wellbeing. The study involved 41 participants categorized as Community Health Workers, community health students, and Community Health Leaders who selectively participated in piloting the mobile application, responded of a survey questionnaire, took an interview and attended a feedback session. The study examined the availability of Smartphone devices, ease of Mobile App use, challenges of the existing approach to training and information delivery, Mobile Application accessibility issues, and anticipated technical challenges. Despite the conspicuous challenges of mobile technology in a rural setting, 97% of the participants indicated that Mobile learning is a favorable alternative to support the training of Community Health Workers, though, only 48% had access to a Smartphone. Attrition of volunteer workers was identified as the primary challenge to the training of Community Health Workers. The identified advantages relate to geographic convenience, cost of training, numerous mobile services, ease of access, update, storage, and sharing of content. However, imminent bottlenecks identified include the availability of Smartphone devices among Community Health Workers, lack of electricity, unreliable networks, and lack of internet data. Notable interventions from stakeholders aiming to mitigate the challenges are highlighted.
The Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome in the Pathogenesis of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Authors: Iqbal Omer
Published: February 2024

Stevens Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SJS/TEN) are mainly drug-induced severe cutaneous adverse reactions with increased mortality. It also involves the eyes causing ocular surface disease leading to visual impairment and blindness. The role of NLRP3 Inflammasome in causing ocular surface disease and keratinocyte apoptosis is not fully explored. This study is focused on determining the role of NLRP3 Inflammasome in the pathogenesis of SJS/TEN. The NLRP3 Inflammasome plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of SJS/TEN and may correlate with the degree of severity of skin detachment and ocular surface disease. This study looked at the expression of the NLRP3 Inflammasome in the skin of patients with biopsy confirmed SJS/TEN compared to the lichen planus and normal controls by immunohistochemistry as well as observing the mitochondrial function of platelets challenged with plasma from patients with SJS/TEN and Normal Human Plasma using Agilent Seahorse XF Analyzer. Under a current, Loyola IRB approved protocol, 12 collected and archived unstained slides of skin and blood plasma samples from patients with biopsy confirmed SJS/TEN was used for this study. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed using anti-NLRP3 antibodies followed by imaging on a Delta Vision microscope. The precise roles of cytokines and chemokine receptors in severity of skin detachment has not been completely studied. The identification of the roles of NLRP3 in SJS/TEN would bridge the gaps in the basic understanding regarding the pathogenesis of this disease spectrum, especially skin detachment seen in SJS/TEN. NLRP3 Inflammasome is a potential therapeutic target and its inhibition by phytochemicals may be appropriate effective treatment strategies in the management of this condition.
Costs of Target Therapy and Proportionality to Number of Purchases: Propose Using Maintenance Dose and Limited Duration
Authors: Guirgis Helmy
Published: February 2024

The 2-year costs of the immune check point inhibitors (ICI) were equitable with overall survival in advanced/metastatic non-small lung cancer. Target therapy (TT) is presently continued till disease progression or toxicity. The TT 2-3-year costs were justified in view of outcome and safety. Economically, what matters most is duration of use beyond 3-years. Li et al (2022)) identified the cost burden of prolonged TT administration. Guirgis (2023) suggested using caps to limit costs. The current cost policy of continued TT is untenable, and a fresh perspective is warranted. Objectives: 1-Focus on the deleterious cost impact of prolonged TT. 2-Propose using maintenance doses at 50% of the current recommendations and 4-year-limit. Methods: The ICI costs were calculated as dose in mg x price x number of cycles and TT as the monthly optimal dose x 12. Results: The 2019 Pembrolizumab, ICI prototype, was at $134,796 cost in 2018-19, increasing to $190,400 in 2023. The median cost of 5-ICI was $163,640. The 3-month $47,700 cost, if therapy extended beyond 2-years, was unnecessary due lack of further survival. The annual Osimertinib cost, TT prototype, was $229,600, the median of 5-TT. Costs multiplied with each extended year. We reasoned that if 3000 United States patients be treated by all TT at $229,600 for 5-years, the cost would mount to $344,000,000. If used for 4-years, the cost would drop to $2,755,200,000. Treating 9000 patients in the European nations for 5-years would cost $10,332,000,000 and 4-years $8,265,600,000. Using TT dose as maintenance at 50% of the current recommendations would further cut costs. Conclusion: Costs of TT were proportional to number of purchases. The proposed TT maintenance dose and the 4-year-limit on duration of use in advanced lung cancer would drastically cut costs. Clinical studies are warranted to ensure the safety of our proposal.
Artificial Intelligence Chatbot Platform: AI Chatbot Platform for Educational Recommendations in Higher Education
Authors:   Railway Technical School, Bangkok, Thailand, Kingchang Thanarat , Chatwattana Pinanta , Wannapiroon Panita
Published: February 2024

AI chatbots platform for educational recommendations in higher education is a tool intended to promote learning through the “Line” application, an application which is compatible with a variety of responsive web designs. This platform can be used to assess the decision to study in higher education based mainly on the user’s aptitudes. Consequently, this study explores the perspectives with regard to the development of the AI chatbot platform and the assessment of the decision to study in higher education. The study is mainly related to the use of AI technologies and digital innovations with the aim of creating a decision support tool that can operate on a small mobile device and can be accessed anywhere and anytime, for admission to the Railway Technical School, Bangkok, Thailand. The participants in this research are divided into two groups: 1) six experts chosen by means of purposive sampling, all of whom are from different higher education institutions and who specialize in information system development, and 2) 65 students interested in studying at the Railway Technical School, all of whom were chosen by means of voluntary selection. The participants in both groups are well protected in terms of confidentiality and anonymity; in other words, the identities of the participants were neither indicated nor mentioned in the research instruments. The research results show that: 1) The overall efficiency of the AI chatbot platform in terms of three aspects (function requirement, functions, and usability) were assessed as being at a very high level. 2) According to the results of decision assessment based on the aptitudes of AI chatbot platform users, 86.15% of the said users made their decision based on the suggestions of the platform. 3) The satisfaction with regard to the AI chatbot platform is at very high level. According to the above results based on the analysis of the users’ aptitudes and abilities, it was found that the AI chatbot platform can be used as a tool for educational recommendations in higher education. The platform is also able to analyze users’ questions accurately and precisely in order to provide answers that meet the users’ needs.
Exploring the Effects of Using Podcasts on EFL College Students with Low English Proficiency Listening Comprehension
Authors:   Universidad del Cauca, Colombia, Yazmin Delgadillo , Clara Illera
Published: February 2024

This study delves into the impact of using Podcasts on college students with low English proficiency. The objectives of the study encompass understanding students’ attitudes toward Podcasts concerning listening comprehension, evaluating the influence of Podcasts on motivation for listening skills, and comparing pre-test and post-test results. Employing a mixed-method design, quantitative data were gathered through pre-and post-tests as well as a questionnaire, while qualitative data were derived from semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that a majority of students exhibited improvement in their post-test results, underscoring the effectiveness of Podcasts. The responses from the questionnaire indicated that the students derived high levels of enjoyment and experienced improved skills as a result of Podcast usage. Notably, motivation and vocabulary acquisition also displayed significant gains. The semi-structured interviews further corroborate the positive impact of Podcasts on language acquisition. Podcasts actively engage students through their versatility and stimulating content, fostering positive attitudes, motivation, and enjoyment. Ultimately, this study highlights Podcasts as a valuable tool for enhancing language education, offering autonomy, exposure to authentic materials, and heightened engagement. This study recommends further exploration of Podcasts’ efficacy for college students of English by conducting larger-scale studies encompassing diverse proficiency levels and extended timelines. Incorporating student perspectives and insights into future research endeavors will enrich understanding and application. This study contributes to the enhancement of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students’ listening skills through the integration of Podcast, providing a foundation for future investigations.
Gas-liquid two-phase flow pressure drop in flattened tubes: an experimental and numerical study
Authors: YAQOP Banipal Nanno
Published: February 2024

Experimental, numerical and empirical research is carried out on pressure drop features of air-water two-phase flow in horizontal flattened tubes. Circular tubes of 10.5 mm I.D. made of copper were successively flattened into inner heights of 9, 8, and 6 mm (AR=1.27, 1.5, and 2.2, respectively). The experiment operation conditions were 200, 500, and 1000 kg/m2s for mass velocity, 6, 8, 10 LPM for flow rate, and 0 to 0.005 for gas quality. Also, the pressure drop for R134a and R410A was estimated numerically using ANSYS Fluent. The simulation test condi-tions were for vapor quality of 0.1 to 0.9 and saturation temperature of 40°C, while the condi-tions for mass velocity and flowrate are taken as that of the experiment test. The experimental data were examined to see how different factors affect on the pressure gradient. According to the outcomes and as compared to the circular tube, the pressure gradient was raised up to 27%, 95%, and 218% for tubes ﬂattened with aspect ratio of 1.27, 1.5, and 2.2, respectively. More-over, the pressure drop for either air-water or refrigerant fluids is increased dramatically with increasing flow rate, but it decreases with increasing vapor quality. When compared to known circular tube correlations, a good agreement was achieved. Finally, the minimum difference between the experimental, numerical, and correlated results was less than 3% for gas quality of 0.0048 and aspect ratio of 2.2.
Effect of modifying bowl geometry for IC engine fueled with diesel and Biofuels - Review
Authors: PATHAK Bhavesh , PATEL Nikul
Published: February 2024

Bio-fuels are one of the most prominent, emerging, and promising fuels, which are aimed to replace diesel in the next decade. Though bio-fuels may not give the same performance as conventional diesel due to certain issues related to both technical and economic aspects, this fact leads to the need for alterations that are supposed to incorporate either changes in the shape of the combustion chamber or other critical factors that affect the performance of the engine. The shape of the top surface, which is known as the "bowl," in the piston plays a major role, and any slight modification in that shape leads to amplified effects on various combustion, emission, and performance parameters. This article shows the valid reason for accepting bio-fuels as fuel for CI engines by considering outcomes derived from experiments and numerical analysis with changes in the shape of the piston bowl. The results obtained are based on the attainment of various parameters, which leads to higher turbulence velocity distribution, better mixture fraction values, and lower soot formation distribution that can be obtained by modifying the shape of bowl. The pressure, temperature and heat release in the combustion chamber found to be changed due to the modification in bowl geometry.
Teaching English Using Flashcards to Improve Elementary School Students’ Vocabulary
Authors: Putri Farrah Aufa Khasani , Sorohiti Maryam , Ariebowo Teguh
Published: February 2024

Acquiring new English words is a challenge for students because they commonly need to learn to use the words in their daily lives, which are dominated by their first language for communication. Flashcards are instrumental in facilitating their vocabulary learning. This research examined flashcards' use in teaching and learning English language vocabulary. This research used a quantitative approach with an experimental design. The data was collected by asking students to do a vocabulary test before and after the treatment. The object of this research was fourth-grade students in a private primary school in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The results indicated that the student's English vocabulary level on the pre-test was at the intermediate level, which showed a mean score of 52.20. Meanwhile, on the post-test, the student's English vocabulary level was at an advanced level, showing a mean score of 77.60. In addition, the Wilcoxon test showed that the p-value of asymp.sig.2tailed was 001. It means that the students’ English vocabulary significantly improved after being taught using flashcards. It indicates that the hypothesis that flashcards have significantly improved students' vocabulary was accepted.
Conjunctival chemosis unfolding to adrenocortical carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Sreenivasan Sreeja , Shaji Anjali , Thulaseedharan Sinumol Sukumaran
Published: February 2024

Conjunctival chemosis is a common ocular sign in clinical practice and is a non-specific clinical entity. We report a case of a 53-year-old male who presented with bilateral conjunctival edema due to adrenocortical carcinoma. Adrenocortical carcinoma is a very rare adrenal gland tumor with an annual global incidence of about 1- 2 per million population. The definitive diagnosis was made by detailed ophthalmic and systemic evaluation, imaging techniques, histopathological examination (HPE) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). This case report emphasizes the significance of complete evaluation of a patient, even in a specialty clinic.
Understanding the potential of market and brand orientations: An empirical investigation of the mediating role of brand equity on business performance
Authors: Jha Rohan Kumar , Sarabhai Samar
Published: February 2024

Brand Orientation and Market Orientation have been demonstrated to exert a significant impact on brand equity. Moreover, brand equity serves as a crucial link connecting these orientations to company performance. However, the existing literature presents a substantial gap in understanding this relationship, particularly within the context of India. To address this gap, this study proposes an innovative framework for examining the interplay between brand orientation, market orientation, business performance, and brand equity. A survey was done in northern India using a causal study design to determine cause-and-effect correlations among the components. The participants were asked to respond to an English-language questionnaire. The outcomes of the structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis support all of the proposed hypotheses. The findings of this study carry significant implications for businesses aiming to optimize their brand and market orientations while capitalizing on their brand equity to enhance their overall performance. This research offers fresh insights for businesses operating in diverse cultural and economic contexts through its innovative methodology and empirical evidence. Businesses can enhance their brand and reputation, launch tailored offerings, and gain a competitive advantage through market and brand orientation. The framework developed in this study can be adapted to other emerging economies or even larger organizations. For both businesses and academics, this research serves as a valuable resource, providing a deeper comprehension of the intricate relationship between brand orientation, market orientation, company performance, and brand equity in India and beyond.
Libertad contractual, libertad religiosa y principio de no discriminación: reflexiones desde la experiencia del common law
Authors: Benatti Francesca
Published: February 2024

El ensayo examina la evolución del principio de no discriminación a la luz de la experiencia estadounidense. Se examinan en particular las decisiones en los asuntos Masterpiece y Creative 303. Se señala cómo una resolución cuidadosa del conflicto entre libertades fundamentales sólo puede partir de una valoración de la persona en un sentido ontológico-relacional, teniendo en cuenta los matices del caso concreto.
La teoría de la coautoría no ejecutiva e imputación penal a líderes de protestas sociales
Authors: Chanjan Documet Rafael
Published: February 2024

El presente artículo tiene por objetivo analizar la teoría de la coautoría no ejecutiva y su viabilidad como título de imputación penal a líderes de protestas sociales por delitos originados en dicho contexto. Para ello, se realiza una revisión de la jurisprudencia y doctrina nacional e internacional respecto de la teoría de la coautoría no ejecutiva con la finalidad de evidenciar bajo qué concepto dicha figura es compatible con los fundamentos tradicionales de la coautoría. Ello, para, des-pués, evidenciar cuándo es posible su aplicación, considerando sus planteamientos dogmáticos y un enfoque de derechos humanos, en dicho contexto de protesta. Al respecto, se sostiene que solo podrá ser imputado bajo dicho título si se presenta prueba suficiente que evidencia que el líder social, bajo un plan común, participó de manera esencial y remota en la fase ejecutiva del delito atribuido.
GELCO: Gamified Educational Learning Contents Ontology
Authors: Antunes António , Lopes Miguel , Barateiro José , Cardoso Elsa
Published: February 2024

Higher education students and teachers lack the necessary information to monitor and analyse student performance with respect to the learning experience and autonomous work during the semester. This research is based on the need for continuous improvement of student learning monitoring for students and teachers. It aims to combine ontologies with a monitoring platform, creating new ways of structuring and visualizing the elements of a course unit, of mapping and visualizing the dependencies between taught concepts and coursework, enabling the inference of new knowledge. The Gamified Educational Learning Contents Ontology (GELCO) was designed to define educational concepts and respective relations. A Syllabus Content Mindmap was developed within the Learning Scorecard, an academic performance management platform based on Business Intelligence and Gamification, taking advantage of the knowledge from GELCO. The ontology was successfully evaluated with competency questions, and students found the mindmap visualization useful and valuable for their academic performance monitoring.
An Evaluation of Various Machine Learning Approaches for Detecting Leaf Diseases in Agriculture
Authors: Cho Ok-Hue
Published: February 2024

Background: Machine learning has shown remarkable promise in recent years for use in areas such as pattern detection and categorization. The diagnosis of diseases is crucial in agriculture since they are a natural occurrence in plants. The easiest and most effective way to identify crop disease is through the use of image processing, computer vision and machine learning techniques. Methods: To identify and categorize cotton leaf diseases, the study compares the effectiveness of established techniques like Support Vector Machine (SVM) and random forest with state-of-the-art techniques like neural network (CNN) methods and architectures like Inceptionv3, VGG16 and RasNet50 with data augmentation and transfer learning. Result: The models were trained with four distinct types of plant photos that were manually gathered from a government agency and a farm. It was also noted that as the quantity of training data rose, so performed the resultant models.
Problemas metodológico-didácticos del profesor novel: aprendiendo a enseñar en la práctica
Authors: Vargas Castro Erick Zorobabel
Published: February 2024

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo compilar los problemas metodológico-didácticos confrontados por el profesorado novel de Primaria, ante su preponderancia en el proceso de Aprender a enseñar. Más allá de considerarlos eventualidades endémicas del sujeto que inicia su ejercicio profesional, involucran la confluencia del “choque con la realidad” escolar, inexperiencia, vacíos formativos y la falta de una inserción profesional oportuna in situ. El estudio adoptó un enfoque mixto, soporte de un diseño analítico-explicativo, desde el cual se definió una muestra no probabilística de caso ideal-tipo con 70 profesores noveles que trabajaban en escuelas primarias del estado de Sinaloa, México. Los datos fueron recopilados mediante dos técnicas. La primera, Incidentes Críticos, registró las situaciones conflictivas imprevistas en diferentes momentos didácticos de la clase. La segunda, Cuestionario, representó un análisis de validación empírica bajo una Escala Likert con ítems de comprobación contradictoria. Los resultados exponen diversos indicadores y valores de la práctica docente, vinculados con la resolución de problemas, mediante un recurso ensayo-error, que son regulados espacial y temporalmente hasta poder transferirlos a situaciones similares para sobrevivir una realidad caótica, proyectada en cuatro dimensiones: 1) Estructura de clase, 2) Interacción didáctica, 3) Secuencia didáctica, 4) Autorregulación profesional. Se concluye que la atención de los diferentes problemas acontecidos en el inicio de su enseñanza profesional, aportan experiencias que diversifican la apropiación de saberes prácticos entre lo estratégico y procedimental.