bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Women’s Family Planning Method Use on Worry Level
Authors: AYDIN Kumru , ŞAHİN Ebru
Published: October 2023

Objectives: The research is aimed to determine the effect of women's family planning method use on worry level.

Methods: The sample of this descriptive study was composed of 339 women who applied to the outpatient clinics of a hospital in Trabzon between 15.05.2019-01.10.2019. Data from the study was collected via the personal data form and the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ). Descriptive statistical methods, Cronbach Alpha reliability Test, t test in independent groups and ANOVA test were used to evaluate the research data. Before collecting data, permission to use the scale, research permission, ethics committee permission and written consent were obtained from the women participate in the research.

Results: The average age of the women involved in the study was 31.51±6.53. %51 of the women were high school graduates and %65.8 were housewives. %12.4 of women expressed concern about the family planning method they used. Women received an average score of 54.16±14.39 from PSWQ. The mean scores of women using oral contraceptives, condoms, intrauterine devices and withdrawal methods from PSWQ are respectively 52.19±9.17, 58.20±15.25, 46.84±14.97 and 59.38±13.82 found to be. The PSWQ mean scores of women 25-32 aged between, 6 Months-1 years married, living in a large family, has a pregnancy and a child, the family planning method he uses negatively affects his sexual life and his relationship with his wife, dissatisfied with the family planning method he and his wife use, not trusting the method, worried about the method, fear of pregnancy it was found to be higher than other women and the difference between groups was statistically significant (p
The Impact of The COVID-19 Pandemic on Smoking Cessation
Authors: YILMAZ Emine Serap , KARAOĞLANOĞLU Selen , KÖKSAL Nurhan
Published: October 2023

Objective: In our study, we aimed to reveal the number of applications made to the smoking cessation clinic in our hospital, smoking cessation behavior, and the relationship between this situation and the status of being diagnosed with COVID-19 in the nine months before and after March 11, 2020, when the first case with a diagnosis of COVID-19 was detected in our country.
Methods: Individuals over 18 who applied to the Ministry of Health’s Ordu University Training and Research Hospital smoking cessation outpatient clinic within nine months before (Group A) and after the COVID-19 pandemic (Group B) were included in our study. Age, gender, chronic diseases, Fagerström addiction scores, and treatment they received for smoking cessation were noted through the tobacco addiction treatment monitoring system (TÜBATİS), and their smoking status was questioned by reaching them three months after their application to us. In the first year of the pandemic, the patients in Group A were reached again and questioned about whether they had been diagnosed with COVID-19 (PCR positivity).
Results: It was determined that there were 320 patients in Group A and 60 patients in Group B, and there was a statistically significant difference in age and smoking cessation behavior between the two groups (p < 0.05). While 20.6% of Group A was 55 years old and over and 8.1% was under 25 years old, these rates were 13.3% and 21.7% in Group B, respectively (p = 0.041). The percentage of those who quit smoking was 48.9% in Group A and 30.9% in Group B (p = 0.029). When the patients in Group A were re-evaluated in the first year of the pandemic, the rate of having COVID-19 was 6.6% in those who quit smoking, 6.3% in those who did not quit, and 31.2% in those who quit and started again (p = 0.001).
Conclusion: Health services have had to give up their workforce to fight the epidemic during the pandemic process, and therefore, there has been a decrease in patient admissions in smoking cessation polyclinics. During the restriction periods, there was an increase in the tendency to smoke due to reasons such as social isolation, increased mental and physical slowdown, psychological effects, and economic concerns, and a decrease in the application to health centers due to the risk of transmission, especially in elderly patients with chronic diseases. We think the decrease in our smoking cessation rates and especially in the applications of patients over 55 years old compared to the pre-pandemic period may be due to this reason. Smoking cessation studies should be carried out more decisively, and information should be provided about the combined risks associated with smoking, even in regular outpatient clinic meetings.
SOME BIOTIC LIMITING FACTORS OF DRYOCOSMUS KURIPHILUS (HYMENOPTERA CYNIPIDAE): A SURVEY IN CHESTNUT ORCHARDS NEAR FLORENCE (ITALY)
Authors: PENNACCHIO FABRIZIO , BINAZZI FRANCESCO , STRANGI AGOSTINO , ROVERSI PIO FEDERICO , GARGANI ELISABETTA , TURCHETTI TULLIO , TOCCAFONDI PAOLO , DANTI ROBERTO
Published: October 2023

The biological control of the Asian Chinese gall wasp (ACGW) Dryocosmus kuriphilus, is influenced by several factors. In 2013, a survey was carried out in three chestnut orchards near Florence (Italy) to investigate ACGW parasitization by native parasitoids and the introduced Torymus sinensis. The following two methods were adopted: the first based on the dissection of cynipid galls with the aim of inspecting cells within each gall and the second based on monitoring adult emergence from galls. Parasitization patterns due to gall position related to plant height were also evaluated. Native parasitoids were more abundant in the upper part of tree crowns in June, while in July and August their activity was more evident in the middle and lower parts of chestnut trees. Conversely, parasitization of T. sinensis, was detected at all plant heights. Plant position within stands also affected the performance of both native parasitoids and T. sinensis, with parasitization that progressively decreasead moving toward the interior of the orchards. Gall necrosis was equally evaluated as a limiting factor of ACGW survival. Among the isolated fungal species, Gnomoniopsis castaneae (Tamietti), an endophyte fungus harmful to fruits, colonized both healthy and necrotic galls together with ubiquitous components of fungal communities such as Alternaria sp., Aspergillus sp., Fusarium sp. and Colletotrichum fioriniae. Our results evidenced that T. sinensis was able control the ACGW, while native parasitoids played only a secondary, though non-negligible, role. Conversely, gall necroses had a minor impact on pest control, as their efficacy was limited to the early stages of gall development. Key words: biodiversity, gall-inducing insects, native parasitoids, fungal species
Effects of Aromatherapy on Mental Health: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Zheng Xinchen , Lee Myung-Sun
Published: October 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the impact of aromatherapy on mental health by meta-analysis and highlight its significance.Methods: A meta-analysis of domestic theses and academic papers was conducted for examining the impact of aromatherapy on mental health over a period of eight years period from 2015 to 2022. The risk of bias was assessed using the cross-sectional study assessment tool from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Quantitative analyses were conducted on the studies that met the inclusion criteria, and a meta-analysis was performed on those with available data using R (R ver. 4.2.1) software.Results: A total of 28 studies were included in the system evaluation, and 17 articles were included in the meta-analysis. Aromatherapy was found to be effective in alleviating stress (SMD=0.67, p<0.01), reducing depression (SMD=0.36, p=0.04), and decreasing anxiety (SMD=0.22, p<0.01). There lies difference between the aromatherapy and control group regarding mental health.Conclusion: This study confirms the effectiveness of aromatherapy in alleviating stress, depression, and anxiety. However, further studies are necessary to verify its beneficial effects on overall mental well-being.
Firmalar ve Kamu Maliyesi Perspektifinden Çevre Harcamalarının Yakın Geleceği:GMDH Tipi Yapay Sinir Ağları Analizi (The Near Future of Environmental Expenditures from the Perspective of Firms and Public Finances: GMDH Type Artificial Neural Networks Analysis)
Authors: Taşdoğan Bilgen
Published: October 2023

Amaç–Çalışmanın amacı, çevre harcamaları konusunda kamunun ve firmaların paylarını ve gelecekte karşılaşabilecekleri olası eğilimleri ortaya koyarak, karar alıcılara yol göstermektir. Yöntem –2021-2028 dönemi için çevre kirliliği, çevre koruma harcamalarında kamu kesimi ve firmaların payları ile 2021-2027 döneminde çevre vergilerinin gelişim seyrinin Grup Veri İşleme Yöntemi Tipi Yapay Sinir Ağları temelinde zaman serisi analizleri yapılmıştır.Bulgular –Türkiye’de Sera Gazı Emisyon değerlerinin ilgili dönemde yaklaşık yüzde 14,2, çevre koruma harcamalarının yaklaşık yüzde 106,9 artacağı ve toplam çevre vergi gelirlerinin de yaklaşık yüzde 15,3 azalacağı tespit edilmiştir. Kamu kesiminin toplam çevre koruma harcamaları içinde cari harcamalarının yüzde 2’ye düşeceği ve kamu yatırım harcamalarının da yüzde 11’e düşeceği de hesaplanmıştır. Buna karşılık firmaların cari harcamalarının toplam çevre harcamaları içindeki payının 2020 yılında yüzde 59,06iken 2027 yılında yüzde 50’ye düşeceği ve yatırım harcamalarının payının da yüzde 89’a yükseleceği hesaplanmıştır. Tartışma –Çalışma, 2028 yılına kadar artan kirliliğe karşı alınan tedbirlerin ekonomik yükünün büyük ölçüde firmaların toplam çevre harcamaları içindeki payının artışı ile karşılanacağı ve bunun için de firmaların yakın dönemde çevre harcamaları için yüksek bütçelerayırması gerektiğine dair bir öneri sunmaktadır. Bu çalışmaya ek olarak daha geniş veri setleri ve farklı değişkenler kullanılarak firmaların yüksek miktarda çevre harcamalarını yapması durumunda ortaya çıkacak olumlu ve olumsuz etkiler tartışılabilir.
Kajian akurasi drone menggunakan ground control point pada Seam C Pit Cendana Selatan PT Hasnur Riung Sinergi
Authors: Renata Aldina , Dwiatmoko Marselinus Untung , Arief Muhammad Zaini
Published: October 2023

PT Hasnur Riung Sinergi menggunakan teknologi drone dalam melakukan kegiatan survey dan pemetaan pada area tambang.  Namun, belum diketahui seberapa akurat tingkat akurasi yang didapatkan dari proses foto udara menjadikan latar belakang dilakukan penelitian. Penilitian menggunakan software Pix4dmapper untuk memproses orthophoto yang diambil menggunakan Drone DJI Mavic 2 Pro dan untuk perhitungan volume area yang berubah menggunakan software surpac. Data pembanding yang digunakan untuk meneliti tingkat akurasi orthophoto adalah data total station. Penelitian menggunakan titik GCP (ground control point) yang berbeda-beda dengan ketinggian yang sama. Ketelitian yang dihasilkan pun berbeda-beda, dengan nilai deviasi terkecil yaitu sebesar titik koordinat x=1,5 meter y= 1,7 meter dan z =0,6 meter. Dengan deviasi volume terkecil yaitu 82,75 bcm dan deviasi volume terbesar yaitu 35.029,75 bcm. Faktor yang mempengaruhi tingkat akurasi pada titik koordinat adalah ketinggian terbang drone dalam pengambilan foto, hardware Pc yang digunakan, pemrosesan point cloud, ukuran GCP (ground control point) yang cukup kecil dan pemilihan titik GCP (ground control point) pada saat pembuatan orthophoto. Sedangkan faktor yang mempengaruhi tingkat akurasi pada perhitungan volume adalah adanya deviasi koordinat x,y,z antara hasil orthophoto dan total station serta disrtibusi sebaran GCP (ground control point).
Optimasi produktivitas bulldozer pada kegiatan penumpukan batubara di Stockpile K3 PT Adaro Indonesia
Authors: Yosafat Yosafat , Saismana Uyu , Hakim Romla Noor Noor
Published: October 2023

Pada area stockpile PT Adaro Indonesia Site Kelanis, untuk menunjang kegiatan penumpukan batubara dan mendukung proses pengapalan batubara diperlukan peran alat berat yaitu bulldozer. Namun tidak adanya target produksi menjadi kendala karena tidak ada acuan untuk mengetahui kegiatan stockpiling sudah produktif atau belum. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah dengan menganalisis faktor-faktor produktivitas seperti efisiensi kerja, cycle time dan jarak dorong bulldozer secara aktual. Berdasarkan data aktual, didapatkan efisiensi kerja dan produktivitas bulldozer dari setiap jarak dorong 10m efisiensi kerja 81,08% produktivitas 996,00m3/Jam, 20m efisiensi kerja 78,25% produktivitas 629,78m3/Jam, 30m efisiensi kerja 83,65% produktivitas 492,20m3/Jam, 40m efisiensi kerja 90,88% produktivitas 410,54m3/Jam, 50 meter efisiensi kerja 96,41% produktivitas 339,23m3/Jam dan 60m efisiensi kerja 88,65%  produktivitas 238,74m3/Jam. Dengan banyaknya waktu hambatan yang bisa dimanfaatkan untuk tetap bekerja, maka efisiensi kerja dan produktivitas bulldozer bisa dioptimalkan dengan cara memperbaiki waktu hambatan yang bisa dihindari pada jarak 10-50m. Didapatkan hasil perbaikan 10m efisiensi kerja 83,36% produktivitas 1027,30m3/Jam, 20m efisiensi kerja 87,93% produktivitas 707,66m3/Jam, 30m efisiensi kerja 88,39% produktivitas 520,10m3/Jam, 40m efisiensi kerja 97,34% produktivitas 439,74m3/Jam, dan 50m efisiensi kerja 97,65% dengan produktivitas 343,59m3/Jam.
Identifikasi karakteristik batuan pembentuk air asam tambang di Pit UEE pada PT Jorong Barutama Greston
Authors: Al Qiftiah Qanita , Syafi’i Ahmad Ali , Noor Rudy Hendrawan
Published: October 2023

Penerapan sistem penambangan terbuka secara open pit yang sebagian besar diterapkan dalam penambangan batubara di Indonesia, menyebabkan batuan yang ada di lokasi terekspos dan terpapar dengan udara dan air. Kandungan mineral sulfida pada batubara dan batuan tersebut meningkat, hal ini diikuti dengan meningkatnya potensi pembentukkan air asam tambang. Peningkatan kadar asam di akan berdampak buruk pada kualitas tanah dan air di sekitar tambang. Identifikasi karakterisik batuan yang berpotensi membentuk air asam pada lokasi tambang di Pit UEE PT Jorong Barutama perlu dilakukan. Hasil yang didapatkan dari penelitian ini antara lain berturut-turut persentase batuan asam, batuan basa yaitu pada drill hole 22 AMD 04 hasil PT JBG (21%, 59%) dan hasil Gard Guide (57%, 22%) memiliki selisih hasil yaitu 36% dan 37%, 22 AMD 05 hasil PT JBG (16%, 75%) dan hasil Gard Guide (25%, 67%) memiliki selisih hasil yaitu 9% dan 8%, dan 22 AMD 06 hasil PT JBG (0%, 88%) dan hasil Gard Guide (76%, 12%) memiliki selisih hasil yaitu 88% dan 64%.
Mécanismes digestifs et métaboliques associés aux différences inter-individuelles de l’efficience alimentaire chez le bovin allaitant
Authors: CANTALAPIEDRA Gonzalo , MARTIN Cécile , ANDUEZA Donato , POPOVA Milka , MORGAVI Diego , ORTIZ-CHURRA Abimael , GRAULET Benoit , CASSAR-MALEK Isabelle , BONNET Muriel , DE LA TORRE CAPITAN Anne , RENAND Gilles , TAUSSAT Sébastien , ORTIGUES-MARTY Isabelle , NOZIÈRE Pierre
Published: October 2023

Comprendre les mécanismes à l’origine des phénotypes d’intérêt en production animale est capital pour la sélection et l’alimentation des animaux. Dans le cadre du programme BEEFALIM 2020, qui visait à améliorer l’efficience alimentaire chez le bovin allaitant, plusieurs expériences ont été menées pour étudier les mécanismes digestifs et métaboliques associés aux variations individuelles de l’efficience alimentaire chez des jeunes bovins, génisses et vaches de race Charolaise. Pour évaluer les mécanismes digestifs et métaboliques impliqués, nous avons couplé des mesures directes à l’aide des méthodes de référence et des mesures indirectes à l’aide d’indicateurs (proxies et biomarqueurs). L’efficience alimentaire était caractérisée par la consommation moyenne journalière résiduelle, définie comme la partie de l’ingestion de matière sèche mesurée qui n’est pas expliquée par les performances animales observées (poids vif, gain de poids et composition du gain). Les résultats obtenus confirment que certains mécanismes d’ordre métabolique, ainsi que la composition corporelle des animaux, seraient associés de façon plus forte aux variations individuelles d’efficience alimentaire que les mécanismes d’ordre digestif, surtout lorsque les régimes sont riches en amidon. Un renouvellement des protéines tissulaires plus lent semble expliquer le meilleur taux de conversion de l’azote alimentaire en muscle chez les animaux efficients alimentés avec des régimes riches en amidon. Cependant, notre dispositif expérimental ne nous permet pas d’exclure la possibilité que l’appétit ou la capacité d’ingestion des animaux contribuent aux différences d’efficience alimentaire entre individus. En effet, les mécanismes identifiés pourraient être associés au phénotype efficient uniquement parce qu’ils covarient avec le niveau d’ingestion. D’après les résultats de cette étude et ceux de la littérature, il est suggéré néanmoins que le métabolisme et en particulier le renouvellement protéique seraient associés aux variations d’efficience alimentaire de manière indépendante du niveau d’ingestion. Ils constitueraient une première piste pour les considérer comme de vrais déterminants du phénotype d’efficience alimentaire. Des études complémentaires sont nécessaires pour établir le lien de causalité entre les mécanismes identifiés et l’efficience alimentaire.
Northern range limits of Plumed Frogmouth Podargus ocellatus plumiferus with notes on other species in Bulburin National Park, Queensland
Authors:   15 Treasure Street, Maryborough QLD 4650, Australia, Espigole Cecile , Joseph Leo ,   Australian National Wildlife Collection, CSIRO National Research Collections Australia, G.P.O. Box 1700, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Published: October 2023

We report observations of the Plumed Frogmouth Podargus ocellatus plumiferus from Bulburin National Park, the largest subtropical rainforest remnant in central Queensland located at the northern limit of the Southeast Queensland bioregion. By documenting the currently understood northern limits of this subspecies of the Marbled Frogmouth Podargus ocellatus, we briefly discuss the broader biogeographical significance of Bulburin National Park in understanding the distribution of other rainforest-inhabiting species that occur in naturally and anthropogenically fragmented ranges along Australia’s eastern seaboard. Among species we discuss are Russet-tailed Thrush Zoothera heinei and Satin Bowerbird Ptilonorhynchus violaceus
Dark Energy and Dark Matter from Extra Dimensional Symmetry as Different Manifestations of Vacuum Energy
Authors: Umar Kabir
Published: October 2023

Dark energy and dark matter are described as different manifestations of vacuum energy within the framework of Extra Dimensional Symmetry (EDS) that doubles large spatial dimensions with microscopic partners. In this framework, the bare vacuum energy component exists in a gravitationally inert state where actual gravitational constant Go= 0G, while real particles oscillate between this inert state and the active state where Go = 2G. Neutrinos induce small component of the gravitational constant in the inert state, causing the gravitation of virtual particles as dark matter. A small component of vacuum energy from the inert state also spills into the gravitationally active state as dark energy due to an energy density constraint and a speed limit asymmetry. This form of dark energy and dark matter, are parameterized by a gravitational potential suppressed asymmetry parameter. The dynamics of dark matter is further parameterized by the flavour, phase and kinetic energy parameters of its neutrino substrate. This results in the existence of a dominant light form of dark matter and a detectable heavy form of dark matter. EDS predicts a curvature suppressed Gravitational Wave Reheating (GWR) mechanism, enhanced by negative pressure. It converts gravitational wave energy to photon energy.
Evaluating design guidelines for intuitive virtual reality authoring tools: a NVIDIA Omniverse's experiment
Authors: Chamusca Iolanda , Winkler Ingrid , Ferreira Cristiano , Murari Thiago , Apolinario Antônio
Published: October 2023

Virtual reality software might be challenging to utilize for beginners and unskilled professionals who do not have a programming or 3D modeling background. Concurrently, there is a knowledge gap in software project design for intuitive virtual reality authoring tools, which were supposed to be easier to use. These tools are frequently insufficient due to a lack of support and standard operating procedures. Adopting the Design Science Research paradigm, this study aims to evaluate the validity of fourteen design guidelines for the development of intuitive virtual reality authoring tools as an artifact. While a previous study completed the first steps of the Design Science Research, by identifying problems, defining solution objectives, and developing and demonstrating the design guidelines, this work seeks to qualitatively evaluate their application in a practical experiment. A group of engineering students with no prior experience in creating virtual worlds were tasked with examining the design guidelines while using the NVIDIA Omniverse Enterprise as an exemplary use case and responding to a questionnaire and a focus group interview about how they perceived these guidelines. A correlation analysis confirmed that most guidelines scores behaved as expected and were ranked according to the use-case functionality. The participants understood the guidelines' definition and could decide if they agreed or disagreed with their presence during the experiment. We conclude that, in accordance with the Design Science Research, the proposed artifact is useful, i.e., the design guidelines for virtual reality authoring tools perform what they are designed to do and are operationally reliable in accomplishing their goals.
Cryptography Romance and War
Authors: Radanliev Petar
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we thoroughly explore the complex realm of cryptography, examining its historical, cultural, and metaphorical aspects. We delve into the roots of cryptography, tracing back to its Ancient Greek origins where it meant the study of secure and hidden writing. We also reveal the historical significance of cryptography in times of war and conflict, showcasing how it has been a vital tool for encoding messages and maintaining confidentiality. Furthermore, we uncover the surprising connection between cryptography and love, highlighting moments from history, such as the encrypted letters between Marie Antoinette and Axel von Fersen during the French Revolution, which showcase the human desire to communicate and connect even during times of turmoil. This paper delves into the cultural and metaphorical representations of cryptography, with a specific focus on the iconic characters Alice and Bob and how they are reinterpreted in different cultural contexts. The paper draws parallels between the complexities of the intertwining of logical, emotional, technical, and personal narratives in cryptographic discourse, offering insights into the lasting legacy of cryptographic metaphors in explaining complex concepts and emphasising the universal human desire for secure and intimate connections.
Alternatives to the Use of Carbon Dioxide in Two Phases for the Stunning of Broiler Chickens at Slaughter
Authors: Rucinque Daniel Santiago , Velarde Antonio , Xercavins Aida , Varvaró-Porter Aranzazu , Gibson Troy John , Michel Virginie , Contreras-Jodar Alexandra
Published: October 2023

This study evaluated gas mixtures of carbon dioxide (CO2) associated with nitrogen (N2) as al-ternatives to the use of CO2 in two phases to improve the welfare of broiler chickens at slaugh-ter. Broilers were exposed to one of three treatments: 40C90C (1st phase: <40% CO2 for 2 min; 2nd phase: >90% CO2 and <2% O2 for 2 min, n=92), 40C60N (40% CO2, 60% N2 and <2% O2 for 4 min, n=79), or 20C80N (20% CO2, 80% N2 and <2% O2 for 4 min, n=72). The time to onset of loss of consciousness (LOC) and death was assessed by brain activity (EEG) and behaviour. Behaviour also allowed characterisation of the aversive response to the treatments. Exposure to 40C60N and 20C80N induced LOC faster (19 s [14 – 30 s] and 21 s [16 – 37 s], respectively) but also with less inter-individual variability compared to 40C90C (53 s [26 – 156 s], P < 0.001) and birds took less time to die (40C60N: 64 s [43 – 108 s]; 20C80N: 70 s [45 – 88 s]; 40C90C: 177 s [89 – 212 s], P < 0.001). The 40C90C birds not only experienced more aversion during induction to LOC but are at risk of remaining conscious when the CO2 concentration is increased in the 2nd phase. From an animal welfare point of view, 40C60N provided the highest welfare, followed by 20C80N and 40C90C.
What Should We Know about Drugs Levels and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding in Inflammatory Bowel Disease under Biologic Therapy?
Authors: Barrau Mathiilde , Roblin Xavier , Andromaque Leslie , Rozieres Aurore , Faure Mathias , Paul Stephane , Nancey Stephane
Published: October 2023

The real long-term influences of in utero drug exposure in pregnant women on childhood development have yet to be fully determined and depend on the duration of in utero drug exposure and maternal drug levels. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) during pregnancy may help limit fetal drug exposure while maintaining therapeutic drug levels in maternal blood. Most antibody therapies used in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are IgG molecules which are actively transported across the placenta, especially during the third trimester of the pregnancy. Here we propose an up to date clinical review to summarize the available findings of serum drug levels in maternal blood during pregnancy, in the blood cord, infants at delivery and in breast milk of patients with IBD treated with biologics. Conversely to adalimumab (ADA) levels, which are relatively stable during pregnancy, infliximab (IFX) drug clearance decreased significantly during the second and third trimesters, leading to increasing maternal IFX concentrations. As most guidelines recommend using live vaccines in infants at the age of one or earlier in case of negative serum drug levels in newborns, statistical models could help clinicians in making a decision to adjust the last dose of the biologic during pregnancy and to determine the optimal date to vaccinate. Altogether, data from the literature offers strong reassurance regarding the safety profile of anti-TNFα therapies during pregnancy not only for IBD patients who intend to conceive, but also for pregnant women and for the physicians taking care of these patients. ADA and IFX levels in breast milk are detectable but very low and therefore it is recommended to pursue breast feeding under anti-TNFα therapy. Our knowledge on ustekinumab or vedolizumab levels in pregnant women remains unclear and scarce. It is currently not recommended in patients with IBD in clinical practice. Therefore, TDM and proactive dose adjustment are not necessary during pregnancy since its impact for making a clinical decision have not yet been clearly demonstrated in routine practice. Overall, drug concentrations in the blood cord, the infant at birth and postpartum serum concentrations in infants, due to active placental drug transfer, may have a greater impact than the limited drug transfer in breast milk during lactation on the risk of infection and developmental outcomes. Ustekinumab and vedolizumab exposure during pregnancy and lactation are both considered low risk by the recent ECCO guidelines despite the limited data currently available.
Alcohol Consumption Assessed by a Biomarker and Self-Reported Drinking in a Sample of Pregnant Women in the South of Europe: A Comparative Study
Authors: Corrales-Gutierrez Isabel , Gomez-Baya Diego , Leon-Larios Fatima , Medero-Canela Rocio , Marchei Emilia , Mendoza Ramon , García-Algar Óscar
Published: October 2023

(1) Background: Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is a major concern, particularly in Europe and North America. Its prevalence has been so far under researched. In most of the studies the determination of this consumption may be underestimated, as it is based on the information obtained from questionnaires rather than from biomarkers, which will provide a much reliable approach. The main objective in this study was the comparison of prevalence of consumption during pregnancy assessed by a questionnaire and a hair biomarker. (2) Method: Cross-sectional study with a random sample of 425 pregnant women treated in public hospital consultations in Seville (Spain) and in the 20th week of their pregnancy, orally interviewed through a questionnaire elaborated ad hoc which evaluated sociodemographic, obstetric, and alcohol consumption variables. Additionally, the ethyl glucuronide metabolite (EtG) was tested on a hair sample in 252 pregnant women who agreed to facilitate it. Once data obtained through the questionnaire and the hair testing were analyzed, the level of metabolites and the self-reported alcohol consumption were contrasted. (3) Results: The prevalence of self-reported alcohol consumption (questionnaire) was 20.7% and real consumption (metabolite analysis) was 20.2%. In 16.8% of pregnant women who declared not consuming alcohol during their pregnancy a noticeable consumption was detected according to the metabolite testing. No relevant level of variability in estimated alcohol consumption was detected in the biomarker with respect to the studied sociodemographic and obstetric variables.
Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Green Synthesis and Their Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Zúñiga-Miranda Johana , Guerra Julio , Mueller Alexander , Mayorga-Ramos Arianna , Carrera-Pacheco Saskya E. , Barba-Ostria Carlos , Heredia-Moya Jorge , Guamán Linda P.
Published: October 2023

Pathogenic microorganisms can cause a range of infectious diseases and are often treated with antimicrobial agents. The rise of antimicrobial resistance caused by inappropriate use of these agents in various settings has become a global health threat. There is, therefore, a need to find new and effective agents to combat infections caused by resistant pathogens. Nanotechnology has seen significant growth and development in recent years and has a wide range of applications in various fields, including health, agriculture, and industry. This novel area offers the potential for the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) with antimicrobial activity, such as iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). The use of IONPs is a promising way to overcome antimicrobial resistance or pathogenicity because of their ability to interact with several biological molecules and to inhibit microbial growth. This review focuses on the most common green synthesis methods for producing IONPs using bacteria, fungi, plants, and organic waste, as well as the most common methods for the characterization of these IONPs. Finally, it summarizes their application as promising antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral agents.
Optimizing Mobile Vision Transformers for Land Cover Classification
Authors: Rozario Papia , Gadgil Ravi , Gomes Rahul , Lee Junsu , Keller Paige , Sipos Gabriel , McDonnell Grace , Impola Westin , Rudolph Joseph
Published: October 2023

Image classification in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) containing various land-cover classes is essential for efficient and sustainable land-use estimation, and other tasks like object detection, localization and segmentation. Deep Learning (DL) techniques have shown a tremendous potential in the GIS domain. While Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) have dominated most of the image analysis domain, a new architecture called transformers have proved to be a unifying solution for several AI-based processing pipelines. Vision Transformers (ViT), a variant of transformers can have comparable and in some cases better accuracy than a CNN. However, they suffer from a significant drawback associated with an excessive use of training parameters. In this research we explore several modifications in the vision transformer architectures, especially MobileViT that can be optimized while boosting accuracy. To verify our proposed approach these new architectures are trained on four land-cover datasets AID, EuroSAT, UC-Merced, and WHU-RS19. Experiments reveal that combination of lightweight convolutional layers including ShuffleNet along with depthwise separable convolutions and average pooling can reduce the trainable parameters by 17.85% and yet achieve higher accuracy than the base MobileViT. It is also observed that utilizing a combination of convolution layers along with multi-headed self attention layers in MobileViT variants provide better performance in capturing local and global features unlike the standalone ViT architecture that utilizes almost 95% more parameters than the proposed MobileViT variant.
A Lattice-Hinge Design-Based Stretchable Textile Microstrip Patch Antenna for Wireless Strain Sensing at 2.45GHz
Authors: Memon Abdul Wahab , Malengier Benny , Van Torre Patrick , Langenhove Lieva Van
Published: October 2023

The manuscript presents a novel approach to designing and fabricating a stretchable patch antenna designed for strain sensing and wireless communication of sensing data at the same time. The challenge lies in combining flexible and stretchable textile materials with different physical mor-phologies, which can hinder adhesion among multiple layers when stacked up, resisting the overall stretchability of the antenna. The proposed antenna design overcomes this challenge by incorpo-rating a lattice hinge pattern in the non-stretchable conductive e-textile, transforming it into a stretchable structure. The innovative design includes the longitudinal cuts inserted in both the patch and the ground plane of the antenna, allowing it to stretch along in the perpendicular direction. Implementing the lattice hinge pattern over the conductive layers of the proposed patch antenna in combination with a 2 mm thick Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate achieves a maximum of 25% stretchability compared to its counterpart antenna without lattice hinge design. The stretchable textile antenna resonates around a frequency of 2.45 GHz and exhibits a linear resonant frequency shift when strained up to 25%. This characteristic makes it suitable for use as a strain sensor. Ad-ditionally, the lattice hinge design enhances the conformability and flexibility of the antenna compared to a solid patch antenna. The realized antenna gains in the E and H-plane were measured as 2.21 dBi and 2.34 dBi, respectively. Overall, the presented design offers a simple and effective solution for fabricating a stretchable textile patch antenna for normal use or as a sensing element, opening up possibilities for applications in communication and sensing fields.
Controlled Creation of Contact Cracks in Additive Manufactured Components
Authors: Preston Daniel , Ashour Ahmed , Wright Julian , Watts James , Sanmartin Daniel Rodriguez , Wood Jacques
Published: October 2023

Techniques for the controlled seeding and growth of cracks are urgently required for non-destructive testing technique evaluation, particularly for additive manufactured (AM) samples. This paper describes a method which uses a combination of tensile load and resonance excitation of notched AM samples, with in-situ monitoring of the resonance frequency serving to track crack dimensions. Mechanical low-cycle fatigue cracks, ranging in length from ~0.3 mm to ~5 mm, are successfully created in five AM samples using this technique. The samples are non-destructively characterized using optical microscopy and Nonlinear Resonance (NLR) testing. The exploitation of resonance enables the concentration of a significant number of stress cycles on the samples in much shorter timespans than conventional fatigue testing, enabling high throughput, while utilising compact components. Furthermore, the tracking of resonance frequency shift throughout the process enables non-invasive and non-contact real-time condition monitoring.
Polarimetric SAR Image Classification Based on Double-Channel Convolution Network and Edge-preserving Markov Random Field
Authors: Shi Junfei , Nie Mengmeng , Ji Shanshan , Shi Cheng , Liu Hongying , Jin Haiyan
Published: October 2023

Deep learning methods have been widely used in PolSAR image classification. To learn the polarimetric information, many deep learning methods expect to learn high-level semantic features from original PolSAR data. However, only original data cannot learn multiple scattering features and complex structures for extremely heterogeneous terrain objects. In addition, deep learning methods always cause edge confusion due to the high-level features. To overcome these shortages, we propose a double-channel CNN network combined with an edge-preserving MRF model(DCCNN-MRF) for PolSAR image classification. Firstly, to combine complex matrix data and multiple scattering features together, a double-channel convolution network(DCCNN) is developed, which consists of a Wishart-based complex matrix and multi-feature subnetworks. The Wishart-based complex matrix network can learn the statistical characteristics and channel correlation well, and the multi-feature network can learn high-level semantic features well. Then, a unified network framework is designed to fuse two kinds of features to enhance advantageous features and reduce redundant ones. Finally, an edge preserving MRF model is designed to combine with the DCCNN network. In the MRF model, a sketch map-based edge energy function is designed by defining adaptive weighted neighborhood for edge pixels. Experiments are conducted on four real PolSAR data sets with different sensors and bands. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed DCCNN-MRF method.
AI evaluates how humans connect to the built environment: two experiments in biophilia
Authors: Ramm Tobias M. , Werwie Mathias , Otto Tim , Gloor Peter A , Salingaros Nikos A.
Published: October 2023

A multitude of factors influence our well-being and health in everyday life. Some of which we are totally aware like a delayed train, car exhausts, or continuous work stress. Other factors influence us on a subconscious level, making them, however, not less important to address. One of these factors is the built environment surrounding us almost every second of our lives. The idea of biophilic design states the importance of natural elements implemented in architectural structures to improve the occupants’ health and well-being. Adding to this field of research, this article targets the impact of biophilic design on positive emotions and productivity by using novel approaches like Facial Emotion Recognition (FER) with Residual Masking Networks, and sentiment detection using Large Language Models. Two separate but related studies were conducted and their results reported here. The first study measured emotions of people when confronted with images of different kinds of architecture, via FER (Facial Emotion Recognition) and also via a user survey. We distinguish between self-stated emotions entered through a survey by study participants, and emotions detected from studying the participants’ faces through AI from our FER (Facial Emotion Recognition) system. We found clear trends for most detected emotions, and significant evidence for self-stated emotions, that architecture implementing biophilic design evokes more positive emotions than one that does not. The second study measures the influence of natural elements on productivity and team-engagement. We found that natural elements do influence productivity and sentiment positively; however, only the change in sentiment was shown to be significant. As our sample size, especially for the second study, was relatively small, future research will apply these ideas in a larger setup to acquire further evidence for the importance of biophilic design for human well-being and health.
Stability Analysis and Identification of High-Yielding Amaranth Accessions for Varietal Development Under Various Agroecologies of Malawi
Authors: Nyasulu Mvuyeni , Chimzinga Sibongile Zimba , Maliro Moses , Kamanga Rowland Maganizo , Medison Rudoviko Galileya , Sefasi Abel
Published: October 2023

Amaranth has the potential to support Malawi's food and nutrition security, income generation and livelihoods, and climate change resilience efforts. Due to the high genetic variability of Ama-ranth, there is a need to develop stable and high-yielding genotypes for sustainable production. To determine the degree of genetic stability in different environments, five Amaranth accessions were subjected to stability analysis. The experiment was carried out at three sites (Bunda, Bembeke, and Chipoka) for two seasons in 2020-2021 in the central region of Malawi. It was laid out in Ran-domized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replicates. Eberhart and Russell linear regres-sion model was used for stability analysis and Pearson correlation was used to test the relationship between variables. Environmental variance + (genotype x environment) was significant for four of the parameters studied, namely grain yield, plant height, leaf length, and leaf width, indicating the presence of a remarkable interaction between genotypes and environment. The results of a pooled analysis of variance showed significant differences at a 5% significance level among the Amaranth accessions, indicating inherent genetic variability. Using the linear regression model of Eberhart and Russell, accessions PE-LO-BH -01 and LL-BH -04 were identified as the highest yielding stable genotypes for leaf and grain yield, respectively. In addition, Bembeke site was the most favourable environment for all the accessions. Thus, to enhance the production of amaranth in Malawi, LL-BH-04 and PE-LO-BH-01 were put forward for release as varieties for grain and leaf respectively. These results will also guide and support for future breeding programs.
Sustainable Use Intention of Voice Search in the U.S.: A Study on User Psychology Factors
Authors: Ahn Hongmin
Published: October 2023

Voice search technology has gained popularity in recent years, transforming the way individuals interact with digital devices. This study aims to explore the sustainable use intention of voice search, focusing on the psychological factors that influence new technology adoption. Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and anthropomorphism theory, it provides insights for developers, marketers, and policymakers interested in voice search technology. Through an online survey targeting experienced voice search users in the U.S., the study examines the impact of TAM factors (perceived usefulness, ease of use, quality satisfaction) and anthropomorphism traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism) on sustainable use intention of voice search. Results from hierarchical regression analysis show that perceived usefulness, ease of use, and quality satisfaction positively affect sustainable intention of voice search. Additionally, narcissism and Machiavellianism predict sustainable intention of voice search. By merging TAM and anthropomorphism theory, this study enhances our understanding of voice search behavior and technology adoption.
The economic essence of electro-pulse extraction technology in the production of extracts from sprouted grains of cereal crops
Authors:   Sh. Murtaz International Innovation Institute, Muslimov Nurzhan , Ospanov Abdymanap ,   Kazakh National Agrarian Research University, Alzhaxina Nazym ,   Kazakh Research Institute of Processing and Food Industry LLP, Dalabayev Askhat ,   Kazakh Research Institute of Processing and Food Industry LLP, Tuyakova Aigerim ,   Kazakh Research Institute of Processing and Food Industry LLP, Sadibaev Abilkhan ,   M. H. Dulati Taraz Regional University
Published: October 2023

In this article, we present an economic analysis and optimization of the production process of functional beverages based on extracts from sprouted grains of cereal crops. When approaching process optimization in production, one of the key tools is mathematical experimental design. In particular, second-order rotational planning provides the opportunity to determine the optimal combination of input factors, which in turn leads to maximum economic efficiency of the extract extraction process. In this study, we applied this methodology to the process of ultrasonic extraction of sprouted grains of cereal crops. A series of experimental studies was conducted to minimize costs and maximize revenue from the production of functional beverages based at currently available economic information. As a result of the analysis, optimal process parameters were determined which ensure maximum economic efficiency. The study also included an assessment of the quality of the obtained extracts in terms of their content of biochemical compounds. The example economic forecast for Nestlé Corporation if introducing the proposed improvements has been given. The results of this study provide valuable data for functional beverage manufacturers and can serve as a basis for making informed strategic decisions regarding the use of ultrasonic extraction in their production processes for production costs reduction and maximization of revenue.
Inventory of Warehouse Pests on Grain Samples at the Plant Quarantine Laboratory of the Makassar Agricultural Quarantine Center
Authors: Isbatullah Muhammad , Amrullah Syarif Hidayat , Harnita Rita
Published: October 2023

This study aims to determine and record the types of warehouse pest insects found in several export grain commodities in the plant quarantine laboratory of the Makassar Agricultural Quarantine Center. Data on the types of warehouse pest insects on several grain commodities were obtained by sampling as much as 2 kg from each commodity. Grain commodities are taken in warehouses: rice, corn, green beans, coffee, and cocoa. Then take insects found on the surface or inside the grain. The types of warehouse pest insects found in grain samples were identified based on insect morphology. Then secondary data related to kinship relationships between insect species and data on optimal environmental factors for insect growth are taken from book and journal references. The number of warehouse pest insects found in several export grain commodities in the plant quarantine laboratory of BBPK Makassar is eight types. Insect pests are only found in rice, corn, and cocoa commodities. Types of insect pests found, namely Sitophilus oryzae, Sitophilus zeamais, Tribolium castaneum, Cryptolestes ferrugineus, Araecerus fasciculatus, Ahasverus advena, Ephestia kuehniella, and Sitotroga cerealella.
The Role of Islamic Service Quality on Intention to Use Indonesian Islamic Bank: Trust as an Intervening Variable
Authors: Saputra Moch Adika , Rahmawaty Anita
Published: October 2023

This study aims to determine the effect of Islamic Service Quality on Intention to Use at Indonesian Islamic Bank with Trust as an Intervening Variable. Type of Field Research research with a sample of 235 respondents. The sampling method uses Non-Probability Sampling with Acidental Sampling technique. The data from this study were analyzed using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method based on the Partial Least Square (PLS) Second Order model with an Embedded Two-Stage Approach. The results of this study show that: (1) Islamic Service Quality has a positive and significant effect on Intention to Use at Indonesian Islamic Bank. (2) Islamic Service Quality has a positive and significant effect on Trust at Indonesian Islamic Bank. (3) Trust has a positive and significant effect on Intention to Use at Indonesian Islamic Bank. (4) Trust can mediate Islamic Service Quality on Intention to Use at Indonesian Islamic Bank by having influence in Partial Mediation.

Keywords: Islamic Service Quality, Trust, Intention to Use