bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Magnetic Field and Porous Medium on the Steady State and Flow Resistance of Second Grade Fluids over an Infinite Plate
Authors: Fetecau Constantin , Moroşanu Costică
Published: June 2023

The main purpose of this work is to completely solve two motion problems of some differential type fluids when velocity or shear stress is given on the boundary. In order to do that, isothermal MHD motions of incompressible second grade fluids over an infinite flat plate are analytically investigated when porous effects are taken into consideration. The fluid motion is due to the plate moving in its plane with an arbitrary time-dependent velocity or applying a time-dependent shear stress to the fluid. Closed-form expressions are established both for the dimensionless velocity and shear stress fields and the Darcy’s resistance corresponding to the first motion. The dimensionless shear stress corresponding to the second motion has been immediately obtained using a perfect symmetry between the governing equations of velocity and the non-trivial shear stress. Furthermore, the obtained results provide the first exact general solutions for MHD motions of second grade fluids through porous media. Finally, for illustration, as well as for their use in engineering applications, the starting and/or steady state solutions of some problems with technical relevance are provided, and the validation of the results is graphically proved. The influence of magnetic field and porous medium on the steady state and the flow resistance of fluid are graphically underlined and discussed. It was found that the flow resistance of the fluid declines or increases in the presence of a magnetic field or porous medium, respectively. In addition, the steady state is obtained earlier in the presence of a magnetic field or porous medium.
International University Students’ Pre-Travel Preparation, Knowledge and Practices towards Travel Health in Thailand: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Jaita Sawettachai , Pisutsan Phimphan , Lawpoolsri Saranath , Kitro Amornphat , Kittitrakul Chatporn , Kusolsuk Teera , Kamolratanakul Supitcha , Chompoosri Poom , Flaherty Gerard T. , Dhitavat Jittima
Published: June 2023

International university students are vulnerable travellers due to their unpredictable schedules and lifestyles. As Thailand continues to see an increase in international students, evaluating their pre-travel preparation and preventive behaviours is crucial to identify areas for improvement. For this purpose, an online survey focusing on pre-travel preparation, knowledge and preventive practices related to travel health was distributed to 324 eligible international students from 14 Thai universities, with the majority being from Asia and Oceania (79.0%; n = 256). The results showed that half of the respondents (53.7%; n = 175) received professional pre-travel advice, mainly because of the mandatory health examination and vaccination requirements of the host university. The study also revealed inadequate knowledge about infectious and non-infectious health risks, with only one-third being aware that Japanese encephalitis is transmitted by mosquito bites, and less than half of the students recognising Thailand’s emergency services number. Poor preventive practices were also observed, with less than half of those with new sexual partners consistently using condoms and less than half of those riding motorcycles always wearing helmets. These findings highlight the need for a new strategy to improve the standard of travel health preparation among this group of young adult travellers, particularly those from resource-limited countries.
Prevention of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: Review and Case Series of Valaciclovir versus Hyperimmune Globulin Therapy
Authors: Nigro Giovanni , Muselli Mario ,   on behalf of the Congenital Cytomegalic Disease Collaborating Group
Published: June 2023

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common cause of congenital infections in developed countries because is capable of infecting the fetus after both primary and recurrent maternal infection, and because the virus may be spread for years through infected children. Moreover, CMV is the most serious congenital infection associated with severe neurological and sensorineural sequelae, which can occur at birth or develop later on. Hygienic measures can prevent CMV transmission, which mainly involve contact with children under 3 years of age and attending a nursery or daycare. In animal and human pregnancies, many observational and controlled studies have shown that CMV-specific hyperimmune globulin (HIG) is safe and can significantly decrease maternal–fetal transmission of CMV infection and, mostly, the occurrence of CMV disease. Recently, valaciclovir at the dosage of 8 g/day was also reported to be capable of decreasing the rates of congenital infection and disease. However, comparing the results of our two recent case series, the infants born to women treated with HIG showed significantly lower rates of CMV DNA positivity in urine (9.7% vs. 75.0%; p < 0.0001) and abnormalities after follow-up (0.0% vs. 41.7%; p < 0.0001). The implementation of CMV screening would enable primary prevention via hygiene counseling, improve the understanding and awareness of congenital CMV infection, and increase the knowledge of the potential efficacy of preventive or therapeutic HIG or antiviral administration.
Evidence of a Link between Hepatitis E Virus Exposure and Glomerulonephritis Development
Authors: El-Mokhtar Mohamed A. , Kamel Ayat M. , El-Sabaa Ehsan M. W. , Mandour Sahar A. , Abdelmohsen Ahmed Shawkat , Moussa Abdelmajeed M. , Salama Eman H. , Aboulfotuh Sahar , Abdel-Wahid Lobna , Abdel Aziz Essam M. , Azoz Nashwa Mostafa A. , Sayed Ibrahim M. , Elkhawaga Amal A.
Published: June 2023

Viruses can trigger glomerulonephritis (GN) development. Hepatitis viruses, especially Hepatitis C virus and Hepatitis B viruses, are examples of the viruses that trigger GN initiation or progression. However, the proof of a correlation between GN and Hepatitis E virus infection is not clear. Some studies confirmed the development of GN during acute or chronic HEV infections, mainly caused by genotype 3. While others reported that there is no relation between HEV exposure and GN development. A recent study showed that a reduced glomerular filtration rate was developed in 16% of acute HEV genotype 1 (HEV-1) infections that returned to normal during recovery. HEV-1 is endemic in Egypt with a high seroprevalence among villagers and pregnant women. There is no available data about a link between HEV and GN in Egypt. Methods: GN patients (n = 43) and matched healthy subjects (n = 36) enrolled in Assiut University hospitals were included in this study. Blood samples were screened for hepatotropic pathogens. Tests for HEV markers such as HEV RNA and anti-HEV antibodies (IgM and IgG) were performed. Laboratory parameters were compared in HEV-seropositive and HEV-seronegative GN patients. Results: Anti-HEV IgG was detected in 26 (60.5%) out of 43 GN patients. HEV seroprevalence was significantly higher in GN than in healthy controls, suggesting that HEV exposure is a risk factor for GN development. None of the GN patients nor the healthy subjects were positive for anti-HEV IgM or HEV RNA. There was no significant difference between seropositive and seronegative GN patients in terms of age, gender, albumin, kidney function profiles, or liver transaminases. However, anti-HEV IgG positive GN patients had higher bilirubin levels than anti-HEV IgG negative GN patients. HEV-seropositive GN patients had a significantly elevated AST level compared to HEV-seropositive healthy subjects. Conclusion: exposure to HEV infection could be complicated by the development of GN.
m6A Regulates the Stability of Cellular Transcripts Required for Efficient KSHV Lytic Replication
Authors: Manners Oliver , Baquero-Perez Belinda , Mottram Timothy J. , Yonchev Ivaylo D. , Trevelyan Christopher J. , Harper Katherine L. , Menezes Sarah , Patterson Molly R. , Macdonald Andrew , Wilson Stuart A. , Aspden Julie L. , Whitehouse Adrian
Published: June 2023

The epitranscriptomic modification N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a ubiquitous feature of the mammalian transcriptome. It modulates mRNA fate and dynamics to exert regulatory control over numerous cellular processes and disease pathways, including viral infection. Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) reactivation from the latent phase leads to the redistribution of m6A topology upon both viral and cellular mRNAs within infected cells. Here we investigate the role of m6A in cellular transcripts upregulated during KSHV lytic replication. Our results show that m6A is crucial for the stability of the GPRC5A mRNA, whose expression is induced by the KSHV latent–lytic switch master regulator, the replication and transcription activator (RTA) protein. Moreover, we demonstrate that GPRC5A is essential for efficient KSHV lytic replication by directly regulating NFκB signalling. Overall, this work highlights the central importance of m6A in modulating cellular gene expression to influence viral infection.
The Lambda Variant in Argentina: Analyzing the Evolution and Spread of SARS-CoV-2 Lineage C.37
Authors: Nabaes Jodar Mercedes Soledad , Torres Carolina , Mojsiejczuk Laura , Acuña Dolores , Valinotto Laura Elena , Goya Stephanie , Natale Monica , Lusso Silvina , Alexay Sofia , Amadio Ariel , Irazoqui Matias , Fernandez Franco , Acevedo Maria Elina , Alvarez Lopez Cristina , Angelletti Andres , Aulicino Paula , Bolatti Elisa , Brusés Bettina , Cacciahue Marco , Cavatorta Ana , Cerri Agustina , Cordero Andres , Debat Humberto , Dus Santos Maria Jose , Eberhardt Maria Florencia , Ercole Regina , Espul Carlos , Farber Marisa , Fay Fabián , Fernandez Ailen , Ferrini Florencia , Formichelli Laura , Ceballos Santiago , Gallego Fernando , Giri Adriana , Gismondi Maria , Acevedo Raul Maximiliano , Gramundi Ivan , Ibañez María Eugenia , Konig Guido , Leiva Viviana , Lorenzini Campos Melina , Lucero Horacio , Marquez Nathalie , Mazzeo Melina , Mistchenko Alicia Susana , Montoto Luciana , Muñoz Marianne , Nadalich Victoria , Nardi Cristina , Ortiz Belén , Pianciola Luis , Pintos Carolina , Puebla Andrea , Rastellini Carolina , Rojas Alejandro Ezequiel , Sfalcin Javier , Suarez Ariel , Theaux Clara , Thomas Guillermo , Tittarelli Estefania , Toro Rosana , Villanova Vanina , Wenk Gretel , Ziehm Cecilia , Zimmermann Maria Carla , Zunino Sebastian , PAIS Proyecto , Viegas Mariana
Published: June 2023

The second wave of COVID-19 occurred in South America in early 2021 and was mainly driven by Gamma and Lambda variants. In this study, we aimed to describe the emergence and local genomic diversity of the SARS-CoV-2 Lambda variant in Argentina, from its initial entry into the country until its detection ceased. Molecular surveillance was conducted on 9356 samples from Argentina between October 2020 and April 2022, and sequencing, phylogenetic, and phylogeographic analyses were performed. Our findings revealed that the Lambda variant was first detected in Argentina in January 2021 and steadily increased in frequency until it peaked in April 2021, with continued detection throughout the year. Phylodynamic analyses showed that at least 18 introductions of the Lambda variant into the country occurred, with nine of them having evidence of onward local transmission. The spatial–-temporal reconstruction showed that Argentine clades were associated with Lambda sequences from Latin America and suggested an initial diversification in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires before spreading to other regions in Argentina. Genetic analyses of genome sequences allowed us to describe the mutational patterns of the Argentine Lambda sequences and detect the emergence of rare mutations in an immunocompromised patient. Our study highlights the importance of genomic surveillance in identifying the introduction and geographical distribution of the SARS-CoV-2 Lambda variant, as well as in monitoring the emergence of mutations that could be involved in the evolutionary leaps that characterize variants of concern.
Validation of Automated Driving Function Based on the Apollo Platform: A Milestone for Simulation with Vehicle-in-the-Loop Testbed
Authors: Li Hexuan , Makkapati Vamsi Prakash , Wan Li , Tomasch Ernst , Hoschopf Heinz , Eichberger Arno
Published: June 2023

With the increasing complexity of automated driving features, it is crucial to adopt innovative approaches that combine hardware and software to validate prototype vehicles in the early stages of development. This article demonstrates the effectiveness of a Vehicle-in-the-Loop (ViL) testbed in conducting dynamic tests of vehicles equipped with highly automated driving functions. The tests are designed to replicate critical driving scenarios from real-world environments on the ViL testbed. In this study, the Apollo platform is utilized to develop an automated driving function that can perceive the surrounding traffic in a virtual environment and generate feasible trajectories. This is achieved with the help of a multibody simulation platform. The control commands from the simulated driving function are then transmitted to the real vehicle to execute the planned action. The results demonstrate that critical traffic scenarios can be replicated more safely and repeatedly on the ViL testbed. Meanwhile, the Apollo-based driving function can effectively and comfortably cope with critical scenarios. Importantly, this study marks a significant milestone for the Apollo platform as it is implemented in a real-time system and tested on a ViL testbed.
Safety and Efficacy of Prostaglandin Analogues in the Immediate Postoperative Period after Uneventful Phacoemulsification
Authors: Anastasopoulos Eleftherios , Koronis Spyridon , Matsou Artemis , Dermenoudi Maria , Ziakas Nikolaos , Tzamalis Argyrios
Published: June 2023

Prostaglandin analogues (PGAs) have been associated with the development of pseudophakic macular edema (PME) in complicated cataract cases, but evidence on their effects in uncomplicated phacoemulsification remains controversial. This two-arm, prospective, randomised study included patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension under PGA monotherapy who were scheduled for cataract surgery. The first group continued PGA use (PGA-on), while the second discontinued PGAs for the first postoperative month and reinitiated use afterwards (PGA-off). Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were routinely administered to all patients during the first postoperative month. The patients were followed up for three months and the primary outcome was PME development. Secondary outcomes were corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), central and average macular thickness (CMT and AMT), and intraocular pressure (IOP). The analysis included 22 eyes in the PGA-on group and 33 eyes in the PGA-off group. No patient developed PME. CDVA was not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.83). CMT and AMT showed a small but statistically significant increase until the end of follow-up (p < 0.001). Mean IOP values had no significant differences between the groups at each visit (p > 0.05). At the end of follow-up, the IOP values were significantly lower than baseline in both groups (p < 0.001). In conclusion, PGA administration with concomitant topical NSAIDs appears to be a safe practice in the early postoperative period of uncomplicated phacoemulsification.
Salinity-Dependent Species Richness of Bacillariophyta in Hypersaline Environments
Authors: Balycheva Daria , Anufriieva Elena , Lee Raisa , Prazukin Alexander , Shadrin Nickolai
Published: June 2023

Hypersaline habitats are among the most polyextreme habitats on Earth, but they contain a rather large diatom species diversity. A review of the diatom species’ richness was made on three scales: 1. a separate lake in Crimea; 2. all hypersaline waters in Crimea; and 3. the world totality as a whole. In total, 51 species were found in Lake Chersonesskoye during sampling from 2004 to 2018. In ten Crimean hypersaline lakes, 91 species were noted in total. All diatom species found in the studied hypersaline water bodies of the world belong to 458 species, which is 2.7% of the total number of known species of Bacillariophyta. In all three scales, the similarity of the species’ composition between water bodies as well as studied periods was not found. Most of all the identified species were found only in one of the studied water bodies, and only 59 species (13% of the total list) were found in more than three water bodies. An analysis showed that no more than 40% of the species that exist in hypersaline waters have been identified on a global scale. The diatom shell nanostructure from hypersaline waters has specific peculiarities that may be valuable for some technological applications. The knowledge of diatoms in hypersaline waters not only has pure scientific importance but also covers some needs of bio- and nanotechnologies.
An Evaluation of Radon in Drinking Water Supplies in Major Cities of the Province of Chimborazo, Central Andes of Ecuador
Authors: Orbe Jheny , Herrera-Robalino José Luis , Ureña-Callay Gabriela , Telenchano-Ilbay Jonatan , Samaniego-León Shirley , Fienco-Bacusoy Augusto , Cando-Veintimilla Andrea , Toulkeridis Theofilos
Published: June 2023

The activity concentrations of 222Rn were measured in 53 public water supplies of underground (50) and surface (3) origin, and the relation of such with five geological units where these supplies are located, in the central Ecuadorian Andes, was also explored. These units supply drinking water to 10 cities, located between the 1500 and 3120 m.a.s.l. The experimental setup consisted of the RAD7 radon detector and the RAD H2O degassing system. The 222Rn levels measured in groundwater ranged from 0.53 to 14.78 Bq/L while surface waters did not indicate detectable radon levels. The radon concentrations were below the parametric value of 100 Bq/L for water intended for human consumption, recommended by the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) in its Directive 2013/51, and the alternative maximum contamination level (AMCL) of 150 Bq/L, proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Pisayambo Volcanic unit, mapped as intermediate volcaniclastic to felsic deposits, presented a mean radon concentration higher than the other geological units and lithologies (9.58 ± 3.04 Bq/L). The Cunupogyo well (11.36 ± 0.48 Bq/L) presented a radon concentration more than 70% higher than the neighboring springs, which may be explained by its proximity to the Pallatanga geological fault. The maximum annual effective doses, by cities, due to the ingestion and inhalation of radon, ranged from 0.010 to 0.108 mSv and from 0.008 to 0.091 mSv, respectively; therefore, these waters do not represent a risk to the health of the population. In addition, a correlation was observed between the activity concentration of 222Rn and the activity concentration of the parent 226Ra in samples collected from some springs.
Influences of Anthropogenic Pollution on the Dynamics of Sedimentary Fulvic Acid Fractions as Revealed via Spectroscopic Techniques Combined with Two-Dimensional Correlation Spectroscopy
Authors: Xiao Yanchun , Yu Huibin , Song Yonghui
Published: June 2023

To identify the influences of anthropogenic activities on the composition, spatial distribution, sources, and transformation mechanism of sedimentary fulvic acid (FA) fractions from different reaches of an urban river were tracked via excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy with parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis and two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS). Sediment samples were collected from Baitapu River (BR) along gradients with human activities (e.g., rural, town, and urban sections) in Shenyang, northeast China, from which FA fractions were extracted and then determined via EEM fluorescence spectroscopy. According to optical indices, the autochthonous sources of sedimentary FA fractions in BR were more significant than the terrestrial sources. Among the sections, the contribution from autochthonous sources decreased in the following order: Rural > Urban > Town. Six components of sedimentary FA fractions were identified via EEM–PARAFAC: C1 comprised tryptophan-like (TRL) compounds; C2 was associated with microbial humic-like (MHL) compounds; C3, C4, and C5 were associated with FA-like (FAL) compounds; and C6 comprised humic acid-like (HAL) compounds. The proportion of sedimentary FA fractions decreased in the following order: MHL + FAL + HAL (humus, 77.37–88.90%) > TRL (protein, 11.10–22.63%) for the three sections, showing that humus dominated. The town section exhibited the highest sedimentary FA fractions (5328.87 ± 1315.82 Raman unit [R.U.]), followed by the urban (4146.49 ± 535.75 R.U.) and rural (2510.56 ± 611.00 R.U.) sections. Three pollution sources were determined via principal component analysis (i.e., the dominant industrial source, domestic wastewater, and agricultural effluent). Additionally, the results from 2D-COS revealed that sedimentary FA fractions tended to stabilize as the protein-like component was transformed into the HAL component. Furthermore, we used the structural equation model to validate the critical environmental variables affecting the FA fraction transformation. The results can elucidate the influences of human activities on the dynamics of sedimentary FA fractions in urban rivers.
Identification of Potential Farm Pond Sites for Spring Surface Runoff Harvesting Using an Integrated Analytical Hierarchy Process in a GIS Environment in Northern Kazakhstan
Authors: Teleubay Zhanassyl , Yermekov Farabi , Tokbergenov Ismail , Toleubekova Zhanat , Assylkhanova Aigerim , Balgabayev Nurlan , Kovács Zoltán
Published: June 2023

People living in arid and semi-arid areas with highly variable rainfall often face droughts and floods that affect water availability. Surface runoff harvesting is a historical water delivery system utilized in times of water scarcity to fulfill the ever-increasing demand for water, address climate change, and prevent desertification. However, the study of snowmelt and flood water harvesting in steppe areas with cold and semi-arid climates are understudied in the international literature. This paper, combining remote sensing (RS) and a geographic information systems (GIS)-based analytical hierarchy process (AHP), provides a cost-efficient and reliable tool for assessing potential farm pond sites in the steppe region of Northern Kazakhstan. The research is based on six weighted thematic layers: hydrogeology (5%), slope (10%), drainage density (25.5%), land use/land cover (25.5%), soil (5%), and snow water equivalent (29%), which mainly influence the availability, runoff, infiltration, and accumulation of snowmelt and flood water, in order to identify potential farm pond sites in the Akkayin district (North Kazakhstan). As a result, 3.3% of the study area had a very high potential, 35.5% high, 56.5% medium, 4.6% low, and only 0.1% was recognized as the least preferred. The most suitable sites had medium drainage density, low slope, high snow water equivalent, and were located on flooded vegetation. The accuracy of our model was assessed using the existing farm pond sites from the Soviet era, which showed 82% coincidence. Furthermore, by collecting meltwater from 30% of the study area (135,000 ha), one-fourth of the cultivated land in the Akkayin district (i.e., 54,000 ha) could be transferred to deficit irrigation. This would reduce floods, stabilize farmers’ income in dry years, and open up the possibility of cultivating other highly profitable crops. Overall, the study provides evidence of the great potential of the Akkayin district in snow meltwater harvesting in farm ponds as a response to agricultural drought and spring floods.
The Influence of Meteorological Variables on Reference Evapotranspiration Based on the FAO P-M Model—A Case Study of the Taohe River Basin, NW China
Authors: Ma Yali , Niu Zuirong , Wang Xingfan , Sun Dongyuan , Jia Ling
Published: June 2023

To explore the mechanisms driving variation in ET0 (reference evapotranspiration) in an arid inland region of Northwest China, daily meteorological data from 1960 to 2019 from 19 meteorological stations in the Taohe River basin and its surrounding areas were used to analyze the temporal and spatial distributions of ET0 and meteorological variables. Various qualitative and quantitative analysis methods were used to reveal the correlation between ET0 and meteorological variables. The degree of sensitivity of ET0 variations to meteorological variables and the contribution from each meteorological variable were clarified, and the mechanisms driving variation in ET0 were fully revealed. These are the results: (1) ET0 in the Taohe River basin presented a significant upward trend with a linear change rate of 0.93 mm/a, and a sudden change occurred in 1994. The spatial variation in ET0 ranged from 779.8 to 927.6 mm/a, with low values in the upper and middle reaches and high values in the lower reaches. The ET0 at 14 stations (73.68% of the total) was significantly increased (p < 0.05), and that at 5 stations (26.32% of the total) was not significantly increased (p > 0.05). (2) RH, Rn, and u2 did not change significantly, while Tmax and Tmin showed a significant upward trend. (3) Rn is a meteorological variable closely related to variations in ET0, and is the most sensitive variable for variations in ET0, followed by Tmax and u2. (4) Tmax is the meteorological variable that contributes most to the variation in ET0 (30.98%), followed by Tmin (29.11%), u2 (6.57%), Rn (2.22%), and RH (0.05%). The research results provide a scientific basis for the rational and efficient utilization of water resources and the maintenance of ecosystem health.
Evolution Characteristics of Meteorological Drought under Future Climate Change in the Middle Reaches of the Yellow River Basin Based on the Copula Function
Authors: Zhang Guodong , Zhang Zhaoxi , Li Xiaoyu , Zheng Baoqiang , Zhang Xueli
Published: June 2023

Against the background of global warming and frequent extreme precipitation events, the changes in drought characteristics in the middle reaches of the Yellow River Basin (YRMB) have been particularly pronounced in recent years. Under the new situation, it is necessary to further our understanding of drought risk in the basin and its response mechanisms to climate change. In this study, YRMB was utilized as the research area. Based on the precipitation (P) and potential evapotranspiration (PET) data under four emission scenarios (historical and future), five timescales (SPEI-1, SPEI-3, SPEI-6, SPEI-9, and SPEI-12) of SPEI drought indices were estimated in this study. Drought events were identified using the run-length theory, and the spatial distribution values of drought frequency, duration, intensity, and severity were also examined. Based on the preferred copula function, the two-dimensional joint distribution of drought variables was established, and the two-dimensional return period of drought indices in the historical (1901–2014) and future (2022–2100 under SSP245 and SSP585 emission scenarios) periods were calculated. The results show that the SPEI index in the middle reaches of the YRMB is increasing in the future period and the basin tends to be more humid. Under the SSP245 and SSP585 scenarios, the frequency of long drought durations, high drought intensities, or severe drought events in the basin may be higher. The univariate return period is always higher than the joint return period, but lower than the co-occurrence return period, and both types of return periods can be used to assess range estimations in the future. The research results can provide support for understanding the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of drought in the YRMB and improving the accuracy of drought decision making.
Technical Assessment of Reusing Retired Electric Vehicle Lithium-Ion Batteries in Thailand
Authors: Phophongviwat Teeraphon , Polmai Sompob , Maneeinn Chaitouch , Hongesombut Komsan , Sivalertporn Kanchana
Published: June 2023

A rapid growth in electric vehicles has led to a massive number of retired batteries in the transportation sector after 8–10 years of use. However, retired batteries retain over 60% of their original capacity and can be employed in less demanding electric vehicles or stationary energy storage systems. As a result, the management of end-of-life electric vehicles has received increased attention globally over the last decade due to their environmental and economic benefits. This work presents knowledge and technology for retired electric vehicle batteries that are applicable to the Thai context, with a particular focus on a case study of a retired lithium-ion battery from the Nissan X-Trail Hybrid car. The disassembled battery modules are designed for remanufacturing in small electric vehicles and repurposing in energy storage systems. The retired batteries were tested in a laboratory under high C-rate conditions (10C, 20C, and 30C) to examine the limitations of the batteries’ ability to deliver high current to electric vehicles during the driving operation. In addition, the electric motorcycle conversion has also been studied by converting the gasoline engine to an electric battery system. Finally, the prototypes were tested both in the laboratory and in real-world use. The findings of this study will serve as a guideline for the sorting and assessment of retired lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles, as well as demonstrate the technical feasibility of reusing retired batteries in Thailand.
A Comparative Analysis of Transfer Learning Architecture Performance on Convolutional Neural Network Models with Diverse Datasets
Authors: Putra Muhammad Daffa Arviano , Winanto Tawang Sahro , Hendrowati Retno , Primajaya Aji , Adhinata Faisal Dharma
Published: June 2023

Deep learning is a branch of machine learning with many highly successful applications. One application of deep learning is image classification using the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) algorithm. Large image data is required to classify images with CNN to obtain satisfactory training results. However, this can be overcome with transfer learning architectural models, even with small image data. With transfer learning, the success rate of a model is likely to be higher. Since there are many transfer learning architecture models, it is necessary to compare each model's performance results to find the best-performing architecture. In this study, we conducted three experiments on different datasets to train models with various transfer learning architectures. We then performed a comprehensive comparative analysis for each experiment. The result is that the DenseNet-121 architecture is the best transfer learning architecture model for various datasets.
Klasifikasi Penyakit Kanker Prostat Menggunakan Algoritma Naïve Bayes dan K-Nearest Neighbor
Authors: Muzakir Adi , Desiani Anita , Amran Ali
Published: June 2023

Kanker prostat merupakan kanker yang berkembang di prostat dalam sistem reproduksi pria, hal ini terjadi ketika sel prostat mengalami keterikatan pada reseptor androgen melalui proses molecular docking. Insidensi kanker prostat meningkat seiring pertambahan usia, di mana risiko yang dimiliki pria untuk menderita kanker prostat dalam seumur hidupnya mendekati angka 10%. Deteksi dini terhadap kasus kanker prostat pada banyak pengidap atau pria yang rentan risiko kanker prostat penting dilakukan untuk memulai pengobatan dan perencanaan kebutuhan medis yang tepat. Salah satu cara yang dapat dilakukan dalam deteksi penyakit kanker prostat adalah dengan melakukan klasifi-kasi menggunakan pendekatan data mining dengan algoritma Naïve Bayes dan K-Nearest Neighbor (K-NN). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendapatkan hasil klasifikasi terbaik untuk mendeteksi penyakit kanker prostat dengan membandingkan kedua algoritma tersebut. Hasil akurasi klasifikasi kanker prostat dengan menggunakan algoritma Naïve Bayes adalah 80% dan K-NN sebesar 90%. Sementara untuk rata-rata keseluruhan nilai presisi algoritma Na-ïve Bayes dan K-NN masing-masing berada di angka 71,5% dan 93%. Nilai recall untuk algoritma Naïve bayes didapatkan sebesar 88% dan algoritma K-NN yaitu 87,5%. Berdasarkan nilai akurasi, presisi, dan recall kedua algo-ritma tersebut, algoritma K-NN memiliki nilai yang lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan algoritma Naïve Bayes, sehing-ga dapat dikatakan bahwa algoritma K-NN bekerja dengan baik dalam melakukan klasifikasi penyakit kanker prostat. Meskipun algoritma Naïve Bayes memiliki nilai yang lebih rendah dibandingkan dengan algoritma K-NN, tetapi nilai rata-rata untuk performa presisi, recall, dan akurasinya masih berada di atas 70%. Dapat dikatakan bahwa algoritma Naïve Bayes cukup baik dalam mengklasifikasi penyakit kanker prostat.
DETERMINATION OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE OF SALMONELLA SPP. ISOLATED FROM ICE CREAM
Authors: Noor Maimoona , Riaz Samreen , Saleem Faiza
Published: June 2023

The current study sought to determine the extent of antibiotic resistance and prevalence among Salmonella spp. The Salmonella spp. Antibiotic resistance threat and bacteriological safety of food goods like ice cream present therapeutic management problems within the public health system. Salmonella bacteria are Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic, flagellated bacilli containing antigens like V, Hi, and O. Nearly 1800 serovars have been found. Each of them is categorized as a different species under the current classification system. To obtain the concentration of food borne pathogens, Ice cream was gathered from various locations and put on SS and MacConkey agar to test for the presence of Salmonella spp. in ice cream. Azithromycin, gentamycin, cefotaxime, and ciprofloxacin were among the many classes of antibiotics present in the SS agar on which it was also dispersed. To lessen the burden of Salmonella spp. prevalence in milk, the study advises farmers and raw milk vendors to adopt substantial interventions in animal husbandry and milk marketing, respectively. Additionally, the enforcement and animal health divisions’ active involvement in ensuring prudent antibiotic usage at the farm level may aid in limiting Salmonella spp. antimicrobial resistance. Antibiotic resistance might be reduced by concentrating on alternative remedies for treatment of GIT infections including the use of probiotics, organic approaches, and preventing the horizontal gene transfer of resistant genes.
Russian double annexation and the issue of religious consciousness in post‑soviet Georgian music
Authors: Ghvinjilia Gvantsa
Published: June 2023

The article is dedicated to the сonsequences of Russian double annexation in post-modern and post-avant-garde Georgian music. As a result of the research, it was determined that Russian annexation changed the natural path of development of Georgian music. It is a well-known fact that in order to establish a national composition school, first of all, it is necessary to rely on the roots of national professional music (which in any case originates from the church music of a particular nation) from a stylistic point of view. As Georgian Orthodox chanting was chased from the Georgian Сhurch, they were completely unknown to first generation of Georgian composers. That is why the first Georgian composers were not honored to be the founders of the national composition school, and this became a historical misfortune of the first Georgian patriotic artists. During second annexation, due to the regime’s rejection of the Christian religion, Georgian composers were unabled to address the stylistic-intonational characteristics of Georgian chants. During the Soviet period, the regime banned music with religious content, and the use of church genres, as well as religious themes or church hymns in any genre of music. After the collapsing regime, the requirement to ban church genres or religious music was canceled, and it turned out that composers are often interested in religious themes and intensively refer to the stylistic and intonation, and mode characteristics of Georgian chants. Compositions of Maka Virsaladze and Eka Chabashvili are clear examples of it.
Juvenil Dermatomiyozit Tanısı ile Takipli Çocuk Hastaların Klinik, Laboratuvar ve Görüntüleme Bulgularının Değerlendirilmesi: Tek Merkez Deneyimi
Authors: ÇAKMAK Figen , DEMİRKAN Fatma Gül , AKTAY AYAZ Nuray
Published: June 2023

Giriş ve Amaç: Juvenil dermatomiyozit (JDM) idiyopatik inflamatuar miyozitlerin büyük çoğunluğunu oluşturan, kas ve cilt tutulumu ile seyreden nadir görülen bir otoimmün miyopatidir. Çalışmamızın amacı merkezimizde JDM tanısı ile takip edilen çocuk hastaların demografik, klinik, laboratuvar, görüntüleme özelliklerinin ve tedavilerinin değerlendirilmesidir. Gereç ve Yöntemler: Kliniğimizce 2015-2021 tarihleri arasında JDM tanısı ile en az 6 ay takip edilen hastaların verileri geriye yönelik olarak hasta tıbbi kayıtları incelenerek değerlendirildi. Bulgular: Çalışmaya 6 kız 6 erkek hasta dahil edildi. Başvuru sırasında 5 hasta hafif, 3 hasta orta, 4 hasta ağır klinik bulgular ile tanı aldı. Takip süresince klinik seyir 2 hastada monosiklik, 7 hastada kronik persistan ve 3 hastada polisiklikti. Tüm hastaların tanı sırasında cilt ve kas bulguları mevcuttu, laboratuvar olarak 9 hastada en az bir kas enzimi yüksekliği, 7 hastada CK yüksekliği, 7 hastada LDH yüksekliği ve 5 hastada AST yüksekliği vardı. Takip süresince 5 hastada kalsinozis, 2 hastada eklem kontraktürü ve 1 hastada lipodistrofi gelişimi gözlendi. Başlangıç tedavisi olarak 9 hastaya yoğun yüksek doz metilprednizolon 3 gün süre ile verildi. Takipte yedi (58,3) hastaya IVIG tedavisi verildi. Sonuç: JDM tedavisi ve takibi zor olan, multidisipliner deneyimli çocuk romatoloji merkezlerince yönetilen bir hastalıktır. Mevcut hasta verilerinin dökümente edilmesi ve multidisipliner verilerin sunulması bu hastaları takip eden hekimler için yol gösterici olacaktır.
The Effect of Radiotherapy-Related Anxiety and Depression on Quality of Life in Cancer Patients
Authors: ARIKAN Fatma , ÖZTÜRK Nazli , YERLİ Nuran , AKSU Melek Gamze
Published: June 2023

Objective: This study aimed to investigate anxiety and depression levels and quality of life in cancer patients before and after radiotherapy.

Materials and Methods: This study is a prospective descriptive study. Data were collected via patient information form, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) and European Organization for Research and Treatment (EORTC QLQ-C30) before and after radiotherapy. Data were analyzed by chi-squared test, t-test, and multivariate regression analysis.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the mean scores for the subdimensions of the QOL scale before and after radiotherapy. Anxiety and depression before radiotherapy were found to affect the emotional function subdimension by 52% and anxiety after radiotherapy by 67%.

Conclusion: The findings of this study emphasise the significant effect of age, chemotherapy, presence of metastasis, anxiety and depression on quality of life in cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. We recommend that oncology nurses should evaluate anxiety and depression and provide training in cancer patients receiving radiotherapy
A very rare disease of lymphatic malformation 6: five new patients and review of the literatur
Authors: GERİK CELEBİ Hamıde Betul , AKBAS Murat , YÜCE Tuncay , CEYLANER Serdar , ÇAM Sırrı
Published: June 2023

Objective: Lymphatic Malformation 6 (MIM no:616843) is characterized by generalized edema, bilateral pleural effusions, ascites and non-immune hydrops fetalis. PIEZO1 gene has been associated with the LMPHM6 disorder. Here, we aimed to evaluate five patients from two different families, with various clinical presentations of generalized lymphatic dysplasia.

Materials and Methods: Between January 2015 and January 2021, 5 cases with were evaluated with a pre-diagnosis of congenital lymphatic malformation. Whole exome sequencing was performed on the probands, and family segregation analysis was performed by Sanger sequencing.

Results: We identified a novel compound heterozygous PIEZO1 gene: NM_001142864.4: c.4030_4032delGAG (E1344del)/ c.5455_5456delAA (K1819Efs*46) variants in the first family and a novel homozygous PIEZO1 gene: c.5876A>G (D1959G) variant in the second family.

Conclusion: This study, which presents the clinical features and variations of five patients with long-term follow-up, contributed to the phenotypic and mutation spectrum of Lymphatic Malformation 6. The novel compound heterozygous E1344del/K1819Efs*46 variation leads to a premature stop codon that caused a shorter protein product. It was thought that two compound nonsense variations might be associated with the poor prognosis of family 1. Also, the second novel c.5876A>G (D1959G) biallelic homozygous mutation was thought to be associated with impaired PIEZO1 by causing loss of function. This study was the first LMPHM6 report from the Turkish population.

Keywords: Neurofibromatosis type 1, Next generation DNA sequencing, NF1 gene, novel variants
Ідентифікація сейсмічних подій природнього та військового характеру з використанням цифрових лазерних сейсмометрів
Authors: Петров Вячеслав Васильович , Бріцький Олександр Ігорович , Крючин Андрій Андрійович , Щербина Сергій Валентинович
Published: June 2023

Наводяться результати досліджень сейсмічних подій природнього та військового характеру з використанням цифрових лазерних сейсмометрів. Дослідження спрямовані на ідентифікацію сейсмічних подій шляхом використання прецизійних лазерних сейсмометрів і методів кореляційного аналізу. Актуальність таких досліджень підтверджується підвищенням сейсмічної активності зі значними руйнівними наслідками (Туреччина, Сирія) та агресивними діями Російської Федерації щодо України. Події останніх років свідчать про необхідність моніторингу переміщення важкої техніки та її використання поблизу державного кордону України. Сутність проблеми посилюється широкомасштабним маскуванням таких подій з погляду повітряного, космічного та радіолокаційного спостереження і створенням завад засобам зв’язку. Подібне маскування важко виконати у сейсмічному фізичному полі, але для моніторингу переміщення важкої військової техніки потрібно використовувати надчутливі сейсмометри. Такі сейсмометри розроблені в Інституті проблем реєстрації інформації НАН України. Їхньою особливістю є застосування цифрових лазерних інтерферометрів як вимірювальних елементів переміщень земної поверхні з точністю до 2 нм. Ідентифікація виконується шляхом обчислення взаємно кореляційних функцій попередньо записаних сейсмічних портретів важливих подій і поточних сейсмічних записів. При експериментальних дослідженнях використовувалися сейсмічні портрети вантажних і пасажирських залізничних потягів. При цьому виявлялися потяги за портретами п’ятирічної давнини. Очевидно, що з використанням запропонованого підходу можна ідентифікувати рух важкої військової техніки. Це можуть бути танки, самохідні артилерійські установки, бойові машини піхоти. Окремо досліджувалася сейсмічна реакція на дії ствольної артилерії.
River Tourism in Bangladesh: Present Status and Future Prospects
Authors: Islam Nora
Published: June 2023

River tourism is quite different from the conventional tourism concept which is based on rivers. Bangladesh has great potential to flourish in this sector. Bangladesh is already famed as a riverine country. A good number of tourists are interested in river tourism in Bangladesh. Though there is huge potential for Bangladesh to become a prominent destination for river tourism but still it is untapped due to various challenges. This study analyzed the existing river tourism sector of Bangladesh to explore the potentialities and challenges of this sector. The study revealed that there are some challenges to gaining success in the development of river tourism. Lack of skilled manpower, safety and security issues, lack of tourism infrastructure, and inadequate funding are some remarkable challenges. Based on the findings, the paper suggested several recommendations for the development of river tourism in Bangladesh.
Fraktursonografie in der Pädiatrie
Authors: Troxler David Samuel
Published: June 2023

Die Fraktursonografie ist in der Pädiatrie z.B. zur Diagnose von Schädelfrakturen bereits seit längerem etablierter Behandlungsstandard. Mit der zunehmenden Verfügbarkeit von Ausbildung und Geräten durch das Aufkommen von Point-of-Care Ultraschall (POCUS) werden diverse weitere Anwendungen etabliert.
Die Ultraschalluntersuchung: Das neue Schweizer Taschenmesser zur Beurteilung des Knochenalters, der Pubertät und der Schilddrüse bei Kindern und Jugendlichen
Authors: Deladoey Johnny , Spörri Diego , Vuissoz Jean-Marc
Published: June 2023

Die Ultraschalluntersuchung «am Patientenbett» (Point-of-Care-Ultraschall, POCUS, ein in diesem Artikel weit gefasster Begriff) gewinnt als Instrument bei der Beurteilung von Kindern und Jugendlichen in Kliniken für pädiatrische Endokrinologie zunehmend an Bedeutung. Tatsächlich sind die Kosten für Ultraschallgeräte im letzten Jahrzehnt gesunken, ihre Grösse hat sich verkleinert und die Bildqualität hat sich verbessert. Dies ermöglicht es den Kinderärzten, die Ultraschalluntersuchung insbesondere bei der Beurteilung des Wachstums (Knochenalter), der Pubertät (Hoden- oder Beckenultraschall) und der Schilddrüse einzusetzen.
Utilité du POCUS pour évaluer l’état de choc en pédiatrie
Authors: Tonson la Tour Aude , Troxler David Samuel , Gauthey Magali
Published: June 2023

Le POCUS ou ultrasonographie point-of-care, est un outil performant de plus en plus utilisé, entre autres par les pédiatres urgentistes et intensivistes, pour évaluer et traiter les patients en état de choc hémodynamique. Son utilisation a permis d’augmenter considérablement la rapidité de la prise en charge en améliorant les chances de survie de l’enfant instable hémodynamiquement.
L’échographie : le nouveau couteau suisse pour l’évaluation de l’âge osseux, de la puberté, et de la thyroïde chez l’enfant et l’adolescent
Authors: Deladoey Johnny , Spörri Diego , Vuissoz Jean-Marc
Published: June 2023

L’échographie « au lit du patient » (point-of-care ultrasonography, POCUS, terme pris au sens large dans cet article) devient un outil de plus en plus pertinent lors de l’évaluation des enfants et adolescents en clinique d’endocrinologie pédiatrique. En effet, au cours de la dernière décennie, le coût des appareils échographiques a diminué, leur taille s’est réduite alors que la qualité des images s’est améliorée. Ceci permet aux pédiatres d’utiliser l’échographie lors de l’évaluation de la croissance (âge osseux), de la puberté (échographie testiculaire ou pelvienne) et de la thyroïde, notamment. Son usage permet un triage rapide entre cas bénins et cas pathologiques qui nécessiteront des investigations supplémentaires.
Registry Application Design and Development
Authors: Situmorang Sutrisno
Published: June 2023

Registry is a central database that stores configuration settings on an operating system, in this case a Microsoft Windows. Registry on Windows OS usually contains information and settings for hardware, software and the operating system itself, non-system software. These settings are set by Key. In this study, the author makes a Registry system application which can edit, create and delete the Registry. To design this software, the writing uses the Visual Basic 6.0 programming language due to the convenience provided in the design and manufacture of programs
Implementation of the Least Significant Bit Method for Hiding Text in Digital Images
Authors: Lubis Harmoko , Manullang Jontinus
Published: June 2023

To speed up the process of sending secret messages, we need a medium for small messages that can still guarantee the confidentiality of the messages they contain. GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) is an image format that is one of the most commonly used formats on the web because of its small size and for encrypting the text that is sent. Encryption is carried out at the time of delivery by converting the original data into confidential data, while decryption is carried out at the time of receipt by converting the confidential data into original data. The most common way to hide messages is to use the Least Significant Bit (LSB). This research has succeeded in implementing the LSB algorithm to solve steganography on digital images in GIF format optimally