bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of financial performance on the profitability of Indonesian Islamic banks
Authors: Sjarief Lidia , Abdul Ghoni Muhammad , Affandi Muchammad Taufiq
Published: October 2023

Purpose – This study aims to analyse the effect of non performing financing (NPF), capital adequacy ratio (CAR), financing to deposit ratio (FDR), and Bank Indonesia shariah promissory notes (SBIS) on Islamic banks’ profitability (ROA) in Indonesia.Methodology – The data set consists of 10 Islamic banks operating in Indonesia between 2017—2021. The secondary data was collected from the Financial Services Authority (Otoritas Jasa Keuangan, OJK). A method of panel data is used for this study by using Stata 17 to process the data.Findings – The estimation results showed that NPF partially has a significant negative relationship on ROA, both CAR and SBIS have a significant effect on ROA, while FDR does not affect ROA. Simultaneously, NPF, CAR, and FDR do not affect ROA. But NPF, CAR, FDR, and SBIS simultaneously have a positive and significant effect on the Islamic Bank's profitability (ROA) by the year 2017 – 2021.Implications – Islamic banks need to be more selective in providing financing to customers so that financing risks can be minimized. In addition, CAR and SBIS need to be increased or maintained so that the profitability level of Islamic banks can be maximized.Originality – This research tries to re-examine the effect of financial performance on the profitability of Islamic banks in 2017-2021.
Hubungan Lingkungan Pembelajaran Daring dengan Kejenuhan Belajar Mahasiswa Pendidikan IPS
Authors: Purnama Sari Rita , Alfia Purwandari Dian , Saipiatuddin Saipiatuddin
Published: October 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan lingkungan pembelajaran daring dengan kejenuhan belajar mahasiswa Pendidikan IPS Fakultas Ilmu Sosial Universitas Negeri Jakarta. Metode dalam penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan simple random sampling. Populasi yang digunakan pada penelitian ini yaitu mahasiswa Pendidikan IPS angkatan 2019-2021 sebanyak 254 mahasiswa dan jumlah sampel sebanyak 155 responden. Berdasarkan hasil analisis uji korelasi product moment menunjukkan nilai sig.(2-tailed) 0,000 kurang dari 0,05 dan Rhitung (-0,416). Hasil penelitian tersebut dapat disimpulkan bahwa terdapat hubungan negatif antara lingkungan pembelajaran daring dengan kejenuhan belajar mahasiswa Pendidikan IPS Fakultas Ilmu Sosial Universitas Negeri Jakarta. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa semakin baik lingkungan pembelajaran daring maka semakin rendah kejenuhan belajar mahasiswa Pendidikan IPS Fakultas Ilmu Sosial Universitas Negeri Jakarta.Kata Kunci: Lingkungan Pembelajaran Daring, Kejenuhan Belajar.
Analisis Faktor Kesulitan Membaca Peserta Didik Pada Jenjang Sekolah Menengah Pertama Kelas VI Serta Upaya Mengatasinya
Authors: Anugrah Rezni Vebiana , Safitri Sani
Published: October 2023

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan kesulitan yang dihadapi siswa Kelas 7 di Sekolah Menengah Pertama yang menghambat belajar membaca permulaan. Penelitian ini termasuk penelitian observasional. Teknik pengumpulan data, menggunakan observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis secara deskriptif setelah terlebih dahulu direduksi (data reduction), dan diuji keabsahannya melalui uji kredibilitas data. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa bentuk-bentuk kesulitan yang dihadapi peserta didik kelas 7 di Sekolah Menengah Pertama  tempat peneliti bertugas dalam program kampus mengajar yang berpotensi menghambat belajar membaca peserta didik adalah sebagai berikut: 1) peserta didik sulit untuk melafalkan huruf yang memiliki bunyi yang sama seperti j dengan g, peserta didik sulit untuk membaca kata yang lebih dari 4 huruf, peserta didik tidak bisa membaca kata dengan baik, peserta didik sulit mengeja suku kata yang diinstruksikan, peserta didik sulit membedakan antara huruf b dengan d, huruf m dengan w, dan huruf j dengan g dan sebagainya, 2) faktor–faktor yang menghambat Siswa Kesulitan Membaca pada siswa Kelas 7 adalah dari faktor intelektual, faktor lingkungan seperti dari orang tua, faktor psikologis, dan faktor pandemi Covid-19. Solusinya dari permasalahan ini yakni peserta didik diberi tambahan jam diluar kelas seperti dengan membuat kelas literasi yang dilaksanakan dua kali pertemuan dalam seminggu kemudian dikelompokkan sesuai dengan kemampuan peserta didik.

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A FOSSIL FOREST FROM ITALY REVEALS THAT WETLAND CONIFERS THRIVED IN EARLY PERMIAN PERI-TETHYAN PANGEA
Authors: TRÜMPER STEFFEN , RÖßLER RONNY , MORELLI CORRADO , KRAINER KARL , KARBACHER SARA , VOGEL BJÖRN , ANTONELLI MATTEO , SACCO ENRICO , KUSTATSCHER EVELYN
Published: October 2023

In-situ fossil forests are valuable biogenic archives for the structure and setting of paleocommunities and the ecology of their organisms. Here, we present the first trees preserved in growth position in their embedding strata from the Kungurian (lower Permian) Athesian Volcanic Group, Northern Italy—one of the most extensive volcanic successions of post-Variscan Euramerica. We reconstruct the structure, rise and demise, and paleoecology of the forest based on high-resolution documentation of facies architectures and petrography, and the paleontological and taphonomic characters of the fossil content. Generally, the fossiliferous strata record a volcanotectonically controlled base-level rise in a limnic, possibly endorheic wetland basin from a low-relief volcanic landscape. The forest, preserved as calcified stem bases with roots, grew during a short interval of lake-level stasis on a small deltaic sheetflood fan. The forest comprised trees less than 5 m tall with tabular root systems adapted to the waterlogged substrate, and was buried and destroyed by mass flows following rapid submergence. These mass-flow deposits yield parautochthonous woody debris providing anatomical evidence of conifers as the major arborescent plants of the fossil forest. Our results not only elucidate the root architecture of Paleozoic conifers, but also document the ecomorphological plasticity of these plants and substantiate the presence of coniferopsids in wetlands around the Carboniferous/Permian boundary. Further, the evidence of lake perenniality in the studied succession is among the youngest known from the Permian of Europe, pointing to the highly differentiated late-icehouse impacts on continental environments in the Euramerican tropics.
Identification of copy number variations among fetuses with isolated ultrasound soft markers in pregnant women not of advanced maternal age
Authors: liu yunyun , Liu Sha , Liu Jianlong , Bai Ting , Jing Xiaosha , Deng Cechuan , Xia Tianyu , Cheng Jing , Xing Lingling , Wei Xiang , Luo Yuan , Zhou Quanfang , Xie Dan , Xiong Yueyue , Liu Ling , Zhu Qian , Liu Hongqian
Published: October 2023

Background: Pathogenic (P) copy-number variants (CNVs) may be associated with second-trimester ultrasound soft markers (USMs), and non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) can enable interrogate the entire fetal genome to screening of fetal CNVs. This study evaluated the clinical application of noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) for detecting copy number variants (CNVs) among fetuses with ultrasound soft markers (USMs).
Results: Fetal aneuploidies and CNVs were identified using the Berry Genomics NIPS algorithm in 6632 pregnant women. Fetal aneuploidies and CNVs were identified using the Berry Genomics NIPS algorithm. Those with positive NIPS results underwent amniocentesis for prenatal diagnosis. The NIPS and prenatal diagnosis results were analyzed and compared among different USMs.
A total of 96 pregnancies were scored positive for fetal chromosome anomalies, comprising 37 aneuploidies and 59 CNVs. Positive predictive values (PPVs) for T21, T18, T13, and sex chromosome aneuploidies were 66.67%, 80.00%, 0%, and 30.43%, respectively. NIPS sensitivity for aneuploidies was 100%. For CNVs, the PPVs were calculated as 35.59% and false positive rate of 0.57%. There were six pathogenic (P) CNVs; two successfully identified by NIPS and four missed, of which three were below the NIPS resolution limit and one false negative. The incidence of aneuploidies was significantly higher in fetuses with absent or hypoplastic nasal bone, while that of P CNVs was significantly higher in fetuses with aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA), compared with other groups.
Conclusions: NIPS yielded a moderate PPV for CNVs in pregnant women with fetal USM. However, NIPS showed limited ability in identifying P CNV. Positive NIPS results for CNV emphasize the need for further prenatal diagnosis. We do not recommend NIPS to screen for CNV in pregnant women with fetal USM, especially in fetuses with ARSA.
Factors Influencing Attitudes of University Students towards ChatGPT and its Usage: A Multi-National Study Validating the TAME-ChatGPT Survey Instrument
Authors: Abdaljaleel Maram , Barakat Muna , Alsanafi Mariam , Salim Nesreen A. , Abazid Husam , Malaeb Diana , Mohammed Ali Haider , Hassan Bassam Abdul Rasool , Wayyes Abdulrasool M. , Farhan Sinan Subhi , Khatib Sami El , Rahal Mohamad , Sahban Ali , Abdelaziz Doaa H. , Mansour Noha O. , AlZayer Reem , Khalil Roaa , Fekih-Romdhane Feten , Hallit Rabih , Hallit Souheil , Sallam Malik
Published: October 2023

Artificial intelligence models, like ChatGPT, have the potential to revolutionize higher education when implemented properly. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing university students’ attitudes and usage of ChatGPT in Arab countries. The survey instrument “TAME-ChatGPT” was administered to 2240 participants from Iraq, Kuwait, Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan. Of those, 46.8% heard of ChatGPT, and 52.6% used it before the study. The results indicated that a positive attitude and usage of ChatGPT were determined by factors like ease of use, positive attitude towards technology, social influence, perceived usefulness, behavioral/cognitive influences, low perceived risks, and low anxiety. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated the adequacy of the “TAME-ChatGPT” constructs. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the attitude towards ChatGPT usage was significantly influenced by country of residence, age, university type, and recent academic performance. This study validated “TAME-ChatGPT” as a useful tool for assessing ChatGPT adoption among university students. The successful integration of ChatGPT in higher education relies on the perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, positive attitude towards technology, social influence, behavioral/cognitive elements, low anxiety, and minimal perceived risks. Policies for ChatGPT adoption in higher education should be tailored to individual contexts, considering the variations in student attitudes observed in this study.
Laboratory assessment of influence of alternating temperature on growth and development of Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) in Bt cotton
Authors: P HARSHAVARDHAN , Kaur Amandeep , Kumar Vijay
Published: October 2023

Pectinophora gossypiella is one of the most destructive pests of Bt cotton. P. gossypiella gradually became a serious threat after gaining resistance to Bt toxin owing to which resulted in huge economic losses to the cotton growers. Present investigation was carried in order to study the most favourable temperature of P. gossypiella for its growth and development under various altering temperature regimes (20:30oC, 24:30oC,28:30oC, 20:35oC, 24:35oC, 28:35oC, 20:40oC, 24:40oC and 28:40oC) in Integrated Pest Management Laboratory, Department of Entomology, PAU, Ludhiana during kharif 2022-23. The results revealed that duration of all larval instars and total larval duration were significantly shorter at an alternating temperature of 28:40oC. The pupal duration, adult longevity and total developmental period of male and female were recorded significantly lower at an alternate temperature of 28:40oC. The fecundity and survivability (egg, larval and pupal) recorded maximum at 28:30oC, whereas the larval and pupal weights were recorded highest at an alternate temperature of 28:35oC. The correlation between developmental parameters and fecundity shown significant negative correlation, the survival of egg, larva and pupa show non-significant negative correlation, whereas the larval and pupal weights show non-significant positive correlation with alternate temperatures.
Development and validation of a novel nutrition-based nomogram to predict prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients receiving first-line systemic chemotherapy from three centres.
Authors: Zheng Song , Zheng Hui , Li Binbin
Published: October 2023

Background
According to clinical trials, the median survival time of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer does not exceed 1 year. There are great differences in prognosis between different patients with pancreatic cancer, and their nutritional status may play a role. In our study, we sought to explore the predictive value of body composition and weight alteration during chemotherapy.
Methods
In this retrospective study, 90 patients from 3 hospitals with metastatic or locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer treated with chemotherapy were analysed. The changes in weight and skeletal muscle index (SMI) and other clinical characteristics were evaluated with LASSO Cox regression and multivariate Cox regression analysis, which were applied to construct nomograms. The performance of the nomograms was validated internally by using the bootstrap method with 100 resample models and was assessed by the concordance index (C-index), calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA).
Results
The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 5.9 months and 11.8 months, respectively. Liver metastases, local therapy, operation, L3SMI change per 2 months and CD4:CD8 ratio were identified for PFS, while CA19-9, local therapy, operation, weight change per 2 months and CD4:CD8 ratio were identified for OS. The C-index for the nomograms of PFS and OS were 0.709 and 0.755, respectively.
Conclusion
Nomograms were developed from clinical features and nutritional indicators to predict the probability of achieving 2-month and 4-month PFS and 6-month and 12-month OS with chemotherapy for advanced PC. In advanced pancreatic cancer with limited treatment options, screening for patients who may benefit from chemotherapy is important.
A conjugated structure discloses interaction between two fault systems in eastern Taiwan during 2022 Guangfu earthquake
Authors: Lu Chih-Heng , Hsu Yi-Chun , Chang Chung-Pai , Chen Yue-Gau
Published: October 2023

The Longitudinal Valley (LV) in the eastern Taiwan is located at the convergent boundary between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate. Within the LV, two significant fault systems, the Longitudinal Valley Fault (LVF) in the eastern part and the Central Range Fault (CeRF) in the western part, have been recognized. In this study, we integrate various data sources, including geodetic data, seismic data, field survey, and simulation results, all obtained during the Guangfu earthquake. Our goal is to shed light on the complex structural interactions between two fault systems. We introduce a coupled structures model consisting of a main fault plane and a coupled ramp plane. The deep-seated fault plane is constrained using seismic data, while the shallow ramp plane is determined through field survey. Geodetic data is used to constrain the surface deformation resulting from dislocation model. The simulation outcomes reveal that the Guangfu earthquake was triggered by the activity of CeRF. The CeRF experienced an eastward reverse slip of around 58 cm along the fault plane. This fault not only intersects LVF beneath the Coastal Range but also initiates the development of a ramp plane along pre-existing faults of LVF. This intricate interplay results in about 20 cm of uplift deformation within the Coastal Range. The linear connection observed in the simulation residuals is associated with faults within LVF system. This alignment corresponds to the ground distribution of ramp plane, suggesting that old faults within this area exhibit characteristics of reactivation in response to earthquake-induced processes.
Statewide analysis of U.S. Metal Waste and Industrial Residues Trade Dynamics from 2002 to 2022
Authors: Bourtsalas Athanasios
Published: October 2023

Amidst growing global apprehensions surrounding metal and mineral waste management and trade, this study aims to elucidate the patterns and impacts of such waste, focusing predominantly on the United States. Analyzing data from 2002–2022 for exports and 2008–2022 for imports, it explores state-specific trends, trade dynamics, and their environmental and economic implications. Results reveal the trade of approximately 430 million tons of materials, with 84% constituting exports. While ash, slags, and some metals exhibit a negative trade balance, commodities like Ferrous, Copper, and Aluminum waste and scrap display a notably positive trade balance. Distinct state preferences and international partnerships exist, with California and Washington emerging as leaders in exports and imports, respectively. Internationally, Turkey and China are the main recipients of U.S. exports, and Canada and South Africa are principal contributors to U.S. imports. Economic and environmental analyses reveal marginal advantages of electrorefining in metal recovery, emphasizing its environmental efficiency. Initial assessments of systems focusing on mineral recovery show negative differences, but inclusive of savings from resource extraction and waste avoidance, results are favorable. Conclusively, this study advocates for a shift in waste perception, emphasizing the need for innovative technologies, strategic policies, and international collaborations to unlock the untapped potentials in metal and mineral waste management, promoting global sustainability.
Exploring the Value of Combining Glucocorticoids with RAS Blockers and Modified Huangqi Chifeng Decoction in the Treatment of Moderate Proteinuria in IgA Nephropathy: A Propensity-Score Matching Study
Authors: Duan Hangyu , zhang qi , shi yue , zhang yu , shi xiujie , zhang yifan , liu jing , lou chengxin
Published: October 2023

Objective:
Utilizing propensity-score matching (PSM) to investigate the efficacy of combining glucocorticoids with Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) blockers and Modified Huangqi Chifeng Decoction (MHCD) in treating moderate proteinuria in IgA nephropathy.
Methods:
Patients diagnosed with focal proliferative IgA nephropathy through renal biopsy and treated at the outpatient clinic of Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, from October 2012 to September 2022, were retrospectively analyzed. The control group received MHCD + RAS blockers therapy, while the observation group received MHCD + RAS blocker + glucocorticoid therapy. We used the PSM to eliminate the Confounding factors, five covariates such as gender, age, baseline blood pressure, baseline 24h urine protein quantification (24hU-TP), and baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were selected to be matched 1:1 (with a caliper value of 0.01), and there were 65 cases in each group after matching. Clinical data of patients at 1, 3, and 6 months of treatment were collected and analyzed, and adverse reactions were recorded. 24hU-TP, Serum Creatinine (Scr), Blood Albumin (ALB), and eGFR were selected as the main clinical efficacy evaluation indexes.
Results:
Compared with the pre-treatment period, 24hU-TP and Scr decreased significantly in the observation group at all time points, ALB level increased significantly at 3 and 6 months of treatment, and eGFR increased at 6 months of treatment (P ＜ 0.05). Compared with the same period in the control group, the decrease in the levels of 24hU-TP and Scr at all time points was more significant in the observation group (P ＜ 0.05), and the elevated levels of eGFR and ALB were more significant in the observation group at 6 months of treatment (P ＜ 0.05). The mean eGFR rate of change (eGFR-Slope) in the observation group was higher than that in the control group after 6 months of treatment(P ＜ 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of adverse reactions during treatment between the two groups.
Conclusions:
Combining glucocorticoids with RAS blockers and MHCD can significantly reduce urinary protein in patients with IgA nephropathy, potentially improving renal function and increasing ALB levels, while not increasing the risk of adverse reactions.
Structures under Multiple Design-Dependent Loads: Topology Optimization Enabled by Load Thresholding and Sensitivity Scaling
Authors: Ibhadode Osezua , Bonakdar Ali , Toyserkani Ehsan
Published: October 2023

Topology optimization of structures subjected to both design-independent loads, such as point forces and constant elevated temperatures, and design-dependent loads, including distributed temperature and pressure abound. However, fewer studies have addressed the optimization of structures when multiple design-dependent load cases interact. This study focuses on optimizing a rotating structure subject to an elevated temperature distribution and a point force. Firstly, we establish theoretical frameworks for thermoelastic stress loads, steady-state heat transfer, and rotational inertia loads. Secondly, we introduce the concept of load thresholding for managing complex load conditions. Thirdly, we develop a weighted multi-objective topology optimization framework and perform sensitivity analysis for a combination of design-dependent loads (centrifugal and thermoelastic stress loads) and design-independent point force. To enhance numerical stability, we incorporate scale factors into the consolidated sensitivity equation. Our results demonstrate that the adoption of load thresholding, sensitivity scaling, and reduced weight factors (typically below 0.5) for TSLs and centrifugal loads not only reduces numerical instabilities but also yields structures with lower compliance values and more distinctive topologies.
Benzocaine-N-acylindoline Conjugates: Synthesis and Antiviral Activity Against Coxsackievirus B3
Authors: Volobueva Alexandrina , Shetnev Anton , Mikhalski Mikhail , Panova Valeria , Barkhatova Darina , Korshunova Ekaterina , Ivanovskii Sergey , Zarubaev Vladimir , Baykov Sergey
Published: October 2023

Indoline-5-sulfonamide derivatives of benzocaine have been synthesized using a sequence of three reactions: N-acylation, sulfochlorination, and sulfamidation, and their antienteroviral activity has been evaluated. Two compounds, namely, ethyl 4-((1-(cyclobutanecarbonyl)indoline)-5-sulfonamido)benzoate and ethyl 4-((1-benzoylindoline)-5-sulfonamido)benzoate exhibited a medium level of activity against coxsackievirus B3 (Nancy strain) in vitro. Their antiviral potential is exerted upon prophylactic application when added to cell culture before infection with the virus.
Removal of sarafloxacin from aqueous solution through Ni/Al-layered double hydroxide@ZIF-8.
Authors: Samadi-Maybodi Abdolraouf , Davanlo Sahar Abaskhani
Published: October 2023

In recent years, excessive amounts of drugs such as antibiotics have been used to combat COVID-19 and newly discovered viruses. This has led to the production and release of significant amounts of drugs and their metabolites as toxic pollutants in aquatic systems. Therefore, pharmaceutical wastes must be removed efficiently before entering the environment and entering water sources. In this research, Ni/Al-LDH@ZIF-8 nanocomposite was synthesized from layered double hydroxides and metal-organic frameworks and used to remove the antibiotic sarafloxacin (SRF) in the aqueous medium. The work aimed to develop the performance and combine the features of the adsorbent compounds such as high surface area, adjustable porosity, and low-density structure. Different methods implemented to analyze the nanocomposite, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The experiment utilized the central composite design to evaluate statistics and the response level method to optimize the factors affecting the absorption process. The initial concentration of SRF, adsorbent dose, pH, and contact time were considered in this experiment. The results showed an increase in the removal efficiency of SRF to 97%. Statistical studies showed that the optimal adsorption conditions are as follows: initial concentration of SRF 40 mg·L–1, pH 6.3, adsorbent dose of Ni/Al-LDH@ZIF-8 49 mg, and contact time of 44 minutes. According to the model of isotherms parameters, the adsorption process is more consistence with the Freundlich model with the absorption capacity of 79.7 mg·g-1.
Energy Management Strategy for a Hybrid Micro-Grid System Using Renewable Energy
Authors: Ndeke Christian , Adonis Marco , Almaktoof Ali
Published: October 2023

This paper presents an energy management strategy for hybrid renewable micro-grid system. The optimal operation of a hybrid renewable micro-grid system necessitates a sophisticated energy management strategy that can orchestrate the intricate interplay of diverse energy sources and loads while considering factors such as weather variability, demand fluctuations, and equipment limitations. This strategy is crucial in achieving the overarching goals of such systems: maximizing renewable energy utilization, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing energy independence, and ensuring grid resilience. Furthermore, the intermittent and weather-dependent nature of renewable sources necessitates a predictive approach that anticipates energy availability and adapts the operation of the system accordingly. The aim of this study was to develop an energy management system for a hybrid renewable micro-grid system to optimize the deployment of renewable energy resources and increase their integration in the power system. Therefore, the main objective of this proposed work was to develop an energy management strategy that controls the flow of energy between the hybrid micro-grid system and the load connected directly as well as the load connected to the utility grid using MATLAB/Simulink software. The second objective was to control the charging and discharging of the battery energy storage. The results show that the developed algorithm was able to control the energy flow between the hybrid micro-grid system and the variable AC load directly connected as well as connected to the utility grid and also to ensure a proper relation between the charging / discharging rate of the battery energy storage system based on their operating conditions and finally, it ensured the SOC of battery remained in the admissible limits (between 20% and 100%).
Changes in the level of unitization moderate the impact of unitization on associative memory
Authors: Liu Zejun
Published: October 2023

Recent studies revealed that unitization could promote familiarity to support associative memory. However, its effects on the associative memory and recollection remain controversial. The current study aims to explain these mixed results by considering a potential moderator: Changes in the level of unitization between the studied and rearranged pairs. In this study, participants were required to learn both related and unrelated picture pairs during the encoding phase. Subsequently, they needed to distinguished intact pairs form rearranged-change and rearranged-no-change pairs at retrieval. The results revealed that unitization can enhance familiarity to support associative memory, while its impact on associative memory and recollection varied depending on the level of unitization changes. Specifically, under the no-change conditions, unitization enhanced the role of absolute familiarity and recollection in supporting associative memory, but it did not lead to a significant improvement in the overall performance. Conversely, under the change conditions, unitization not only strengthened the contributions of both types of familiarity (i.e., absolute and relative) but also enhanced the role of recollection, leading to an improved associative memory. These findings not only clarify some of the inconsistencies in the literature concerning the impact of unitization on associative memory, but also suggest that unitization affects the contributions of absolute familiarity and relative familiarity differently, with its effectiveness varying according to the level of unitization changes.
Use of serum KL-6 and chest radiographic severity grade to predict 28-day mortality in COVID-19 patients with pneumonia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zou Jing , Shi Yiping , Xue Shan , Jiang Handong
Published: October 2023

Background:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had a global social and economic impact. An easy assessment procedure to handily identify the mortality risk of inpatients is urgently needed in clinical practice. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a simple nomogram model to categorize patients who might have a poor short-term outcome.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort study of 189 COVID-19 patients was performed at Shanghai Ren Ji Hospital from December 12, 2022 to February 28, 2023. Chest radiography and biomarkers, including KL-6 were assessed. Predictive factors of 28-day mortality were selected by a Cox regression model. A nomogram was developed based on selected variables. The predictive performance of the derived nomogram was evaluated by calibration curve and decision curve.
Results:
In total, 173 patients were enrolled in this study. The 28-day mortality event occurred in 41 inpatients (23.7%). Serum KL-6 and radiological severity grade (RSG) were selected as the final prognostic factors. A nomogram model was developed based on 120 patients and validated in 53 patients. The calibration curve and decision curve suggested that the nomogram model was clinically useful. The AUCs for serum KL-6, RSG, and the combined score in the development group and validation group were 0.885 (95% CI: 0.804-0.952), 0.818 (95% CI: 0.711-0.899), 0.869 (95% CI: 0.776-0.942) and 0.932 (95% CI: 0.862-0.997), respectively.
Conclusions:
Our results suggested that the nomogram based on KL-6 and RSG is a useful model to predict 28-day mortality in COVID-19 patients. A high combined score might indicate a poor outcome in COVID-19 patients with pneumonia.
Glycaemic variability, assessed with continuous glucose monitors, is associated with diet, lifestyle and health in people without diabetes.
Authors: Berry Sarah , Bermingham Kate , Smith Harry , Gonzalez Javier , Duncan Emma , Valdes Ana , Franks Paul , Delahanty Linda , Dashti Hassan , Davies Richard , Hadjigeorgiou George , Wolf Jonathan , Chan Andrew , Spector Tim
Published: October 2023

Background
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) provide high-frequency information regarding daily glucose variation and are recognised as effective for improving glycaemic control in individuals living with diabetes. Despite increased use in individuals with non-diabetic blood glucose concentrations (euglycemia), their utility as a health tool in this population remains unclear.
Objectives
To characterise variation in time in range (TIR) and glycaemic variability in large populations without diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance; describe associations between CGM-derived glycaemic metrics and metabolic and cardiometabolic health traits; identify key diet and lifestyle factors associated with TIR and glycaemic variability.
Design
Glycaemic variability (coefficient of variation) and time spent in both the ADA secondary target range (TIRADA; 3.9-7.8 mmol/L) and a more stringent range (TIR3.9-5.6; 3.9-5.6 mmol/L) were calculated during free-living in PREDICT 1, PREDICT 2, and PREDICT 3 euglycaemic community-based volunteer cohorts. Associations between CGM derived glycaemic metrics, markers of cardiometabolic health, diet (food frequency questionnaire and logged diet records), diet-habits, and lifestyle were explored.
Results
Data from N=4135 participants (Mean ± SD; Age: 47 ± 12 y; Sex: 83% Female, BMI: 27 ± 6 kg/m2). Median glycaemic variability was 14.8% (IQR 12.6-17.6%), median TIRADA was 95.8% (IQR 89.6-98.6%) and TIR3.9-5.6 was 75.0% (IQR 64.6-82.8%). Greater TIR3.9-5.6 was associated with lower HbA1c, ASCVD 10y risk and HOMA-IR (all p < 0.05). Lower glycaemic variability was associated with lower % energy derived from carbohydrate (rs: 0.17, p < 0.01), ultra-processed foods (NOVA 4, % EI; rs: 0.12, p = 0.01) and a longer overnight fasting duration (rs: -0.10, p = 0.01).
Conclusions
A stringent TIR target provides sensitivity to detect changes in HOMA-IR, ASCVD 10 y risk and HbA1c that were not detected using ADA secondary targets. Associations among TIR, glycaemic variability, dietary intake (e.g. carbohydrate and protein) and habits (e.g. nocturnal fasting duration) highlight potential strategic targets to improve glycaemic metrics derived from continuous glucose monitors.
Steel Surface Roughness Parameter Calculations Using Lasers and Machine Learning Models
Authors: Milne Alex , Xie Xianghua
Published: October 2023

Control of surface texture in strip steel is essential to meet customer requirements during galvanizing and temper rolling processes. Traditional methods rely on post-production stylus measurements, while on-line techniques offer non-contact and real-time measurements of the entire strip. However, ensuring accurate measurement is imperative for their effective utilization in the manufacturing pipeline. Moreover, accurate on-line measurements enable real-time adjustments of manufacturing processing parameters during production, ensuring consistent quality and the possibility of closed-loop control of the temper mill.In this study, we leverage state-of-the-art machine learning models to enhance the transformation of on-line measurements into a significantly more accurate Ra surface roughness metric. By comparing a selection of data-driven approaches, including both deep learning and non-deep learning methods, to the close-form transformation, we evaluate their potential for improving surface texture control in temper strip steel manufacturing.
Knowledge on Hospital Discharge Information Among Patients With Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy at a Tertiary Hospital in Tanzania
Authors: Amiji Fatema Zahra , Said Ali , August Furaha , Rashid Sabria , Wangwe Peter , Kidanto Hussein
Published: October 2023

Background: Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) are one of the leading causes of the persistently high maternal mortality ratio in Tanzania. Complications of HDP can occur during pregnancy, delivery or postpartum period hence prevention of these partly depends on the patient’s understanding of information given during discharge from hospitals. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of vital information given to patients at the time of discharge.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from September to November 2020. Exit face-to-face interviews were conducted among 422 women treated for HDP who were conveniently recruited at the time of discharge. A Swahili translated structured questionnaire adapted from World Health Organization (WHO), California Medical Quality Care Collaborative tool kit (CMQCC) and previous studies was used to collect data. The questionnaire consisted of 4 domains; knowledge on postpartum danger signs, diagnosis, medication, and follow-up plan. A score of at least half or more of the maximum score in each domain were defined as adequate knowledge. Data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test and logistic regression was used to determine factors that strongly affect the knowledge on discharge information. The results were expressed as Odds Ratio (OR), with statistically significant level at p<0.05.
Results: Seventy-three percent of women with HDP had adequate knowledge on the hospital discharge information. Furthermore, 79% of women had adequate knowledge on postpartum danger signs, 77% in diagnosis, 87% in prescribed medications and 92% in follow up plan. Women who were married, employed, with higher level of education, booked ANC at an early gestational age of less than four months and had more than four ANC visits were more likely to have adequate knowledge on hospital discharge information.
Conclusion: Most women with HDP had an adequate knowledge on their discharge information. As observed from our study, most women were in the younger age group and primiparous. Greater emphasis and a more tailored education should be given to these women due to high rate of recurrence of HDP in subsequent pregnancies.
Married Women’s Decision Making Power in Familly Planning Utlization and Associated Factors in Addis Ketema Sub City Addis Abeba 2022
Authors: Demissie Bekele Simegn , Teka Sosina
Published: October 2023

Background: Women’s decisions on family planning use have multiple benefits to their Family and for the community at large. In developing countries like Ethiopia, the choice of Women to use family planning is influenced by social and environmental factors that mitigate their ability to decide independently and freely. This study, therefore determined the level of Women’s decision-making power on family planning use and associated factors among Married women in the study area.
Objective: To assess Married women’s decision making power in family planning use and its determinant in Addis Ketema sub city Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Method: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Addis Ketema sub city from June 21 – July 17, 2022. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 419 married Women & Data was collected using pre-tested interviewer self-administered structured questionnaire. Data was entered into Epi -data 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with women's decision-making power on family planning use. Crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence interval were used and p-value of <0.05 was considered as statistical significance.
Results: A total of 419 (99%) women participated in this study. Majority of the respondents (73%) found to have good decision making on modern family planning. Multivariate analysis showed that having a positive attitude towards family planning (AOR =2.56, 95%, CI: 1.33, 4.95), Women who have a high educational level (AOR =2.62 95% CI: 1.4, 4.93) and better knowledge to wards family planning (AOR =4.6, 95%, CI: 2.47, 8.56) were statistically significantly associated with decision-making power on family planning use among married women.
Conclusion: The results show that women's decision-making power over family planning use was higher than in previous Ethiopian studies. Women who have a high educational level, women having a positive attitude towards family planning and women better knowledge to wards family planning have a better decision-making abilities.
Anti-factor B antibodies in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome
Authors: Khandelwal Priyanka , Nambiar Shreesha , Saini Rahul , Saini Savita , Coshic Poonam , Sinha Aditi , Hari Pankaj , Kumar Jayanth , Bagga Arvind
Published: October 2023

Background
The etiology of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is unknown in 30–40% patients. Anti-factor B (FB) antibodies are reported in C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) and immune-complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN), though not in aHUS.
Methods
We screened patients < 18-year-old from cohorts of aHUS and C3G/idiopathic IC-MPGN. Anti-FB IgG antibodies were measured by ELISA and confirmed by Western blot. Normative levels were based on antibody levels in 103 healthy blood donors.
Results
The prevalence of anti-FB antibodies was 9.7% (95% CI 6.1–14.5%; n = 21) in 216 patients with aHUS, including 11.5% (95% CI 6.4–18.5%; n = 14) in anti-FH associated aHUS and 11.8% (95% CI 4.4–23.9%; n = 6) in patients without a definitive genetic or autoimmune etiology. Patients with significant genetic variants did not show anti-FB antibodies. In patients with concomitant anti-FB and anti-FH antibodies, median anti-FH titers were higher (11312 AU/ml vs. 4920 AU/ml; P = 0.044). Anti-FB antibody titer correlated with disease severity (hemoglobin and platelets; P < 0.05), declined following plasma exchange and increased during relapse. While 4/64 patients with C3G (6.3%) and 1/17 with IC-MPGN showed anti-FB antibodies, titers were higher in aHUS (544.8 AU/ml vs.1028.8; P = 0.003).
Conclusion
Anti-FB antibodies are present in 6–10% patients with aHUS and C3G/IC-MPGN, with higher titers in the former. The diagnostic and therapeutic implication of anti-FB antibodies in aHUS needs confirmation and further studies. The study shows propensity for autoantibody generation and co-existence of multiple risk-factors for aHUS in Indian children.
Highly efficient and thermally stable fullerene-free organic solar cells based on a rhodanine acceptor to enhance photovoltaic performance: A DFT study
Authors: Abbas Faheem , Noormohammadbeigi Motahareh , Roy Aritra , Kamalinahad Seedeh , Khalid Maria
Published: October 2023

Five rhodanine-based small molecule (SMs) photovoltaic materials (A1-A5) were rigorously manufactured and methodically evaluated to evaluate their optoelectronic characteristics as donor moiety in organic solar cells (OSCs) compared to O-IDTBR. The newly developed compounds (A1-A5) possess electron-withdrawing functional groups on both terminal ends of the reference molecule (Ref). After a benchmark study, simulations performed at MPWPW91/6-311G (d, p). A2 exhibited the lowest energy gap (Eg) of 1.818 eV and largest dipole moment of 13.43 D in dichloromethane solvent. A2 photophysical characteristics predict good miscibility and performance. The unique molecules demonstrate superior open-circuit voltage (VOC), the lowest band gap, elevated absorption spectra, and power conversion efficiency (PCE) explore to the reference material, hence enhancing operational efficiency. The reference molecule (Ref) PCE is 18.30%, but newly developed compounds have PCEs from 11.47–21.11%. Thus, Ref molecule terminal structural changes can improve solar material efficiency. PSCs and OSCs use small-molecule hole transporting materials (HTMs) as donor contributors in this solar energy research achievement.
Mechanism analysis and simulation for effects of glass powder content on macroscopic properties of glass concrete
Authors: 黄 一军 , Hui Su
Published: October 2023

Waste glass can be used as building materials to save solid material. However, the mechanical performance of concrete using waste glass would be reduced. To understand the mechanism of performance reduction in glass concrete, this study investigated the glass concrete mechanical properties, including the influence from glass powder content on the cube strength. Based on the testing data collected from 35 cases of glass concrete with different mix proportion, cube compressive strength, axial compressive strength, slump and elastic modulus, the effects of water binder ratio, glass powder content and other factors on the macro mechanical properties of glass concrete are studied respectively. According to the test data, the calculation formulas of cube compressive strength and axial compressive strength of glass concrete are derived by using calculation software.
Substantial Radiative Warming by an Inadvertent Geoengineering Experiment from 2020 Fuel Regulations
Authors: Yuan Tianle , Song Hua , Oreopoulos Lazaros , Wood Robert , Bian Huisheng , Breen Katherine , Chin Mian , Yu Hongbin , Barahona Donifan , Meyer Kerry , Platnick Steven
Published: October 2023

Human activities affect the Earth’s climate through modifying the composition of the atmosphere, which then creates radiative forcing that drives climate change 1. The warming effect of anthropogenic greenhouse gases has been partially balanced by the cooling effect of anthropogenic aerosols 2. In 2020, fuel regulations abruptly reduced the emission of sulfur dioxide from international shipping by more than 80%3 and created an inadvertent geoengineering experiment4,5 with global scale. Here we show the regulation leads to a radiative forcing of 0.12 Wm-2 averaged over the global ocean using a combination of modeling and satellite data. The forcing is estimated to effectively double the warming rate of global mean temperature in this decade with strong spatiotemporal heterogeneity. The warming effect contributes 50% to the measured increase in planetary heat uptake since 2020. The radiative forcing also has strong hemispheric contrast of 0.12 Wm-2 and contributes to the measured hemispheric contrast in absorbed solar radiation, which has important implications for precipitation patterns. Our result suggests marine cloud brightening may be a viable geoengineering method in temporarily cooling the climate.
Ontologies4Cat: Investigating the Landscape of Ontologies for Catalysis Research Data Management
Authors: Behr Alexander Stephan , Borgelt Hendrik , Kockmann Norbert
Published: October 2023

As scientific digitization advances it is imperative ensuring data is Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) for machine-processable data. Ontologies play a vital role in enhancing data FAIRness by explicitly representing knowledge in a machine-understandable format. Research data in catalysis research often exhibits complexity and diversity, necessitating a respectively broad collection of ontologies. While ontology portals such as EBI OLS and BioPortal aid in ontology discovery, they lack deep classification, while quality metrics for ontology reusability and domains are absent. Thus, this work provides an approach for systematic collection of ontology metadata with focus on the catalysis research data value chain.By cassifying ontologies by subdomains of catalysis research, the approach is offering efficient comparison across ontologies.Furthermore, a workflow and codebase is presented, facilitating representation of the metadata on GitHub. Finally, a method is presented to automatically map the classes contained in the ontologies of the metadata collection against each other, providing further insights on relatedness of the ontologies listed.The presented methodology is designed for its reusability, enabling its adaptation to other ontology collections or domains of knowledge.
The ontology metadata taken up for this work and the code developed and described in this work are available in a GitHub repository at: https://github.com/nfdi4cat/Ontology-Overview-of-NFDI4Cat/jcheminf
Object classification with aggregating multiple spatial views using a machine-learning approach
Authors: Grác Šimon , Beňo Peter , Duchoň František , Malý Michal , Dekan Martin
Published: October 2023

The article proposes a solution for object classification using multiple views generated from 3D data rendering and convolutional neural networks. For presentation purposes and easier verification of the solution, an application was developed to create views of 3D objects, classify them using the selected CNN and evaluate the performance of the CNN. The evaluation is based on metrics and characteristics described in the article. Seven testing objects were used to verify the proposed solution; five CNNs were tested for each.