bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of the List of Plant Diseases in Korea and the Names of Korean Tree Diseases
Authors: Cha Byeongjin , Seo Sang-Tae , Han Sang-sup
Published: April 2024

Since the List of Plant Diseases in Korea (DisList) was first published in 1986, the 6th edition appeared 36 years later. In 2023, the 6.1 edition, a revised and improved version of the 6th edition, was released to the public on the web free of charge. The contents of DisList increased, with the number of hosts increasing from 437 taxa to 1,420 taxa and the number of disease species increasing from 1,539 to 6,680. Among these, tree diseases are 3,586 species and their hosts include 504 taxa, providing much help to experts who need them. Meanwhile, the importance of accurate disease names continues to grow with the legalization of tree care, but many disease names are still inappropriate or misused, causing confusion. Disease names that do not follow the naming regulations are still registered, and even if the same pathogen infects hosts of the same taxa, the disease names are given differently, and there are many disease names that do not indicate the characteristics of the disease. Also, there are diseases reported without Korean names. In order to make DisList better, the review committee for disease names should establish the regulations to review and register disease names, and establish a system to review new disease names before publishing papers.
First Discovery of Stereostratum corticioides Causing Rust on the Culm of the Bamboo Pseudosasa japonica
Authors: Kim Su-Hyun , Choi Tae-Jin
Published: April 2024

A fungus strain Stereostratum corticioides PKVL1, belonging to the family Pucciniaceae that causes rust in plants, was discovered on the sheath of the bamboo Pseudosasa japonica leading to the death of the infected bamboo in the following year. Microscopic observation of the yellow fungal mass revealed teliospores with an oval, one-septate (two-celled) structure. The average length and width of teliospores were 31.83±3.57 μm and 20.74±1.72 μm, respectively. The large-subunit ribosomal RNA gene was amplified using the LR0R and LR7 primers, showing that the strain PKVL1 had a similarity of 99.34% to previously reported S. corticioides. In particular, the two Stereostratum strains form a separate cluster among the fungi in the family Pucciniaceae. This is the first report in the Republic of Korea of fungal rust occurring on the culm of bamboo rather than on the leaves.
Genetic Structure of Macrophomina phaseolina Populations, the Causal Agent of Sesame Charcoal Rot Disease in Iran
Authors: Dolatkhah Maryam , ghaderi Fariba , Ahmadpour Abdollah
Published: April 2024

Charcoal rot disease, caused by the fungus Macrophomina phaseolina, is one of the most important diseases of Sesame (Sesamum indicum) all over the world. However, the population biology of M. phaseolina is poorly understood. In this study, M. phaseolina isolates from five different regions of Iran (Khuzestan, Fars, Bushehr, Hormozgan, and Kohgiluyeh & Boyer-Ahmad provinces) (n=200) were analyzed for genetic variation using inter simple sequence repeats marker. In total, 152 unique haplotypes were identified among the 200 M. phaseolina isolates, and gene diversity (H=0.46–0.84) and genotypic diversity were high in each of the regions. The structure analysis clustered five Iranian populations into two distinct groups, the individuals from group 1 were assigned to the Bushehr population and the individuals from Khuzestan, Fars, Hormozgan and Kohgiluyeh & Boyer-Ahmad were aggregated and formed group 2. The results matched with genetic differentiation and gene flow among regions. Analyses of the distribution of gene diversity within and among five Iranian populations were 61% and 39%, respectively. Our results showed that infected seeds are thought to be the dominant mechanism responsible for the spreading of the pathogen in southern parts of Iran. In summary, it is essential to have local quarantine and prevent seed exchanges between geographical populations to restrict the dispersal of pathogen over long distances and provide certified seeds in Iran.
Characterization of Cucumber Mosaic Virus Isolated from Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis) in Korea
Authors: Kim Ye-Yeong , Park Tae-Seon , Park Ji-Soo , Min Dong-Joo , Shin You-Seop , Hong Jin-Sung
Published: April 2024

In July 2020, total RNA was extracted from passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) leaves showing virus symptoms such as chlorotic spots and vein banding in Haenam, South Korea. Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV)-HN2 was identified through reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and sequencing analysis. To confirm the biological characteristics of the CMV infecting passion fruit, 10 indicator plants were inoculated with CMV-HN2, and the results showed a typical CMV symptoms. Phylogenetic analysis based on the amino acid of the coat protein (CP) of CMVs revealed that the CMV passion fruit isolates belonged to subgroup I, among which CMV-HN2 belonged to subgroup IA. Additionally, CMVs isolated from passion fruit in Korea have amino acid sequence variation between the subgroup. Among them, CMV-HN2 had four to eight amino acid differences in CP from other CMV isolates from passion fruit. These results confirm the presence of genetic diversity in the CPs of passion fruit CMV isolates.
Isolation and Identification of Competitive Fungi on Medium for Black Wood Ear Mushroom in Korea and In Vitro Selection of Potential Biocontrol Agents
Authors: Kim Seoyeon , Jo Miju , An Sunmin , Park Jiyoon , Park Jiwon , Hong Sungkook , Kim Jiwoo , Cha Juhoon , Roh Yujin , Kim Da Som , Jeon Mi jin , Chi Won-Jae , Park Sook-Young
Published: April 2024

Black wood ear mushroom (Auricularia auricula-judae) is one of the most economically important mushrooms in China, Japan, and Korea. The cultivation of wood ear mushrooms on artificial substrates is more efficient in terms of time and cost compared with their natural growth on trees. However, if the substrate cultivation is infected by fast-growing fungi, the relatively slow-growing ear mushroom will be outcompeted, leading to economic losses. In this study, we investigated the competitive fungal isolates from substrates infected with fast-growing fungi for the cultivation of ear mushrooms in Jangheung and Sunchon, Korea. We collected 54 isolates and identified them by sequencing their internal transcribed spacer region with morphological identification. Among the isolates, the dominant isolates were Trichoderma spp. (92.6%), Penicillium spp. (5.6%), and Talaromyces sp. (1.8%). To find an appropriate eco-friendly biocontrol agent, we used five Streptomyces spp. and Benomyl, as controls against Trichoderma spp. and Penicillium spp. Among the six Streptomyces spp., Streptomyces sp. JC203-3 effectively controlled the fungi Trichoderma spp. and Penicillium spp., which pose a significant problem for the substrates of black wood ear mushrooms. This result indicated that this Streptomyces sp. JC203-3 can be used as biocontrol agents to protect against Trichoderma and Penicillium spp.
Neopestalotiopsis Leaf Blight, an Emerging Concern on Leatherleaf Fern in Indonesia
Authors: Widiastuti Ani , Aruan Indah Khofifah , Giovanni Alvina Clara , Tsaniyah Barokati , Joko Tri , Priyatmojo Achmadi
Published: April 2024

Leatherleaf fern (Rumohra adiantiformis) is an important ornamental plant in Indonesia and global. Green fern leaves with bold dark green color with long shelf-life, attract florists as decoration. Indonesia is one important leatherleaf fern exporters, however currently an outbreak of leaf blight decreased production significantly. Initial symptom was reddish brown spots from edge of leaf, which was gradually followed by dark-brown necrotic lesions causing leaf blight and dried. This is a study to do Koch-Postulate approach and molecular identification, to identify the pathogen of the “new emerging disease” reported. Based on multigene analysis using primers from ITS, β-tub and tef1-α gene markers, the pathogen was identified as Neopestalotiopsis sp. All sequences have been deposited in GenBank with accession number of OR905551 (ITS), OR899817 (ß-tubulin) and OR899816 (TEF). This Neopestalotiopsis leaf blight causes an emerging concern in leatherleaf fern in Indonesia and global biosecurity because it infected an export commodity.
Artificial Intelligence Plant Doctor: Plant Disease Diagnosis Using GPT4-vision
Authors: Hue Yoeguang , Kim Jea Hyeoung , Lee Gang , Choi Byungheon , Sim Hyun , Jeon Jongbum , Ahn Mun-Il , Han Yong Kyu , Kim Ki-Tae
Published: April 2024

Integrated pest management is essential for controlling plant diseases that reduce crop yields. Rapid diagnosis is crucial for effective management in the event of an outbreak to identify the cause and minimize damage. Diagnosis methods range from indirect visual observation, which can be subjective and inaccurate, to machine learning and deep learning predictions that may suffer from biased data. Direct molecular-based methods, while accurate, are complex and time-consuming. However, the development of large multimodal models, like GPT-4, combines image recognition with natural language processing for more accurate diagnostic information. This study introduces GPT-4-based system for diagnosing plant diseases utilizing a detailed knowledge base with 1,420 host plants, 2,462 pathogens, and 37,467 pesticide instances from the official plant disease and pesticide registries of Korea. The AI plant doctor offers interactive advice on diagnosis, control methods, and pesticide use for diseases in Korea and is accessible at https://pdoc.scnu.ac.kr/.
Blockchain security and applications: A comprehensive analysis from hash functions to consensus algorithms
Authors: Wang Xuyang
Published: April 2024

This article delves into the inherent security of blockchain technology by evaluating the sophisticated techniques it employs. Key among these are mathematical hash functions, elliptic curve cryptography, and zero-knowledge proofs. Mathematical hash functions ensure that data stored is immutable; any slight alteration to the information will lead to a drastically different hash output, making any tampering evident. Elliptic curve cryptography provides a robust encryption mechanism, ensuring that data transactions remain confidential and secure. Meanwhile, zero-knowledge proofs enable one party to prove to another that they possess specific knowledge without revealing the actual information, further bolstering privacy. Owing to these technological underpinnings, blockchain not only excels in safeguarding sensitive data but also facilitates operations like verifying information authenticity. Moreover, in sectors like supply chain management, it offers capabilities for precise logistics positioning and traceability. Such applications underline blockchains potential as a tool for transparency and security in various industries. Through these features and mechanisms, blockchain stands as an exemplar of digital security in todays interconnected era.
Drag reduction of locomotive and practical scene
Authors: Lu Sichen
Published: April 2024

As an important tool for peoples long-distance travel and transportation, the design accuracy of the high-speed railway must be strictly controlled. In addition, the train design needs to conform to aerodynamics, such as improving the linearity of the train flow to ensure that the gas flows smoothly through every part of the train, or reducing the front pressure to reduce the wind resistance, so as to reduce the problems of train instability, high noise and high energy consumption. This paper will analyse the design concept, flow linearity and how to reduce the resistance of locomotives under high-speed motion of Shinkansen trains in Japan. Because the Shinkansen trains developed in the early and later generations are mainly flat-headed, the study of Shinkansen can understand the significance of flat-headed trains. The practicability and manoeuvrability of ' flat head and 'bullet head' locomotives and the application of locomotives in real life are analysed in detail. Finally, it is concluded that the bullet train has a large turning angle and needs to open up a special road to run smoothly, but the bullet train is faster than the flat head. The flat-head train is highly practical and suitable for driving in the city, and another advantage of the flat-head train is that it can still maintain high stability and safety when carrying many passengers.
Research on high-rise building risk identification and safety risk factor analysis
Authors: Zhao Xueqi
Published: April 2024

High-rise building is the trend of the future construction industry and the symbol of the continuous development of urbanization in China. However, safety accidents often occur during the construction of high-rise buildings, which bring people property losses, and sometimes even endanger the safety of life. Therefore, in order to effectively reduce the construction safety accident rate and improve the level of risk management, the construction of high-rise building safety risk focus on and research. This paper first analyzes the construction characteristics of high-rise buildings and accident types. According to the accident cause theory and hazard identification method, the major hazard sources in high-rise building construction are identified. Finally, this paper analyzes the construction of high-rise building risk factors. This paper can provide a theoretical basis for the construction of high-rise building safety risk assessment system, and provide a scientific and reliable risk management platform for the relevant units, so as to improve the safety awareness and risk management level of construction personnel.
River water injecting into sea: Movement of sediments in stable stratified flows
Authors: Yao Suni
Published: April 2024

The study of sediment movement in a stably stratified (each layer is less dense than the one below it) fluid is important for applications such as airborne virus transport, contaminant transport, and sediment settling in river inlets. This project will quantify the effect of sediment-driven instability on the horizontal motion of sediment in a stably stratified fluid. Experiments are designed to analyze this process by adding sediment-rich brine-free water to sediment-free brine, where salinity differences are used to construct stably stratified fluids. The experiments are done with salinity same as salty water with concentration of sediments derived from linear stability analysis. This work provide baseline experiments for sediment settling in a stably stratified fluids for numerical validations in the future.
An enhancement methodology for predicting transaction amounts for freelancers on freelance platforms: Based on sentiment analysis
Authors: Zhang Hongbin
Published: April 2024

Freelancing is a type of labor arrangement in which independent freelancers use their discretionary time to perform ad hoc tasks, usually of a single nature, with the aim of getting paid. This study proposes an augmented method for predicting the amount of freelance transactions using textual sentiment analysis. First, a unique feature labeled Freelancer Sentiment was selected to summarize the positive or negative sentiment orientation of freelancers. Subsequently, Naive Bayes algorithm is applied to process the text data from the freelancers platform to finally develop a Model for Computing Word Sentiment Values. The model helps to accurately calculate the sentiment values associated with emotional words. Finally, the Word Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF) algorithm is used to construct the Text Sentiment Value Calculation Model, so as to accurately calculate the sentiment values of freelancers. The results of the comparison experiments of the five commonly used prediction models show that the mean squared error (MSE) of the model that includes the freelancer sentiment feature is significantly reduced by 6%-11% compared with the model that does not include the freelancer sentiment feature. This study contains theoretical explorations and practical implications. First, the proposed approach of extracting features from textual data to build predictive models provides a valuable reference for future enhancement of predictive modeling on freelance platforms, especially those that rely on unstructured data. Second, incorporating textual sentiment value features relevant to freelancers can significantly improve the accuracy of predicting transaction amounts. Third, the calculation of word and text sentiment values employs a series of algorithms that target specific features of the freelancer platforms text data. This approach is important for improving the accuracy of feature value calculation.
FT_HTlist: A fault-tolerant frequent itemset mining algorithm based on the linear table
Authors: Li Xingyue , Lu Jun
Published: April 2024

This paper proposes a fault-tolerant frequent itemset mining algorithm (FT_HTlist) based on the linear table when the fault-tolerance is 1. The algorithm uses the method of concatenating 1 in the highest bit of the binary number of the known fault-tolerant frequent patterns to generate the candidate fault_tolerant patterns, called FT_Candidate. The algorithm is based on the data structure of the linear table for fault-tolerant frequent itemset mining. This method does not need recursion, so it reduces the consumption of mining space. At the same time, the paper proposed a deduplication algorithm to remove the support for repeat calculations. So the algorithm has a strong advantage in spatial performance. In addition, the algorithm only needs to mine two horizontal chains of the FT_Candidate, thus reducing the consumption of mining time. Finally, the paper shows the time performance and space performance of the proposed algorithm under sparse datasets and dense datasets. The results show that our algorithm has better mining time than other algorithms, and the horizontal chain reduces the memory occupation of the algorithm.
Dynamic switching of psychological test questions and design of scalable database: A study of web page data visualization and front-end interaction
Authors: Hu Xinyu
Published: April 2024

As the need for efficient and user-friendly web applications in the field of psychological assessment continues to grow, traditional web development approaches are challenged to provide a dynamic and adaptive user experience. This study focuses on addressing these challenges through a comprehensive study that provides insight into the current state of psychological assessment web development, highlighting the shortcomings of traditional approaches, including the static limitations of Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) and limited client-side scripting. The result is a user experience that lacks the responsiveness and flexibility that modern users expect. To tackle these problems, the intended solution suggested in this work combines a strong and scalable database design with a dynamic switching mechanism for psychological exam questions. Features-rich, aesthetically pleasing, and functioning client-server Web applications are created using technologies such as Servlets and Java Server Pages (JSP). The research contains practical case studies that demonstrate how Java-based user interface design can be successfully applied in real-world scenarios. The advantages of modularity, code reusability, and maintainability are demonstrated in these case studies. The study examines how selected technologies affect the performance, security, and accessibility of web UI, while also addressing load times, data integrity, and user inclusion issues. To summarize, this investigation underscores the crucial role of dynamic and scalable databases and Java-based technologies in enhancing the design of psychological assessment Web UIs.Developers can create web applications that exceed user expectations and provide superior user experience in the evolving digital landscape by using the proposed frameworks comprehensive toolkit.
Variable magnification beam expander system based on semiconductor laser
Authors: Zhang Ke , Ru Zhanqiang , Ding Peng , Hao Kunkun , Han Tengfei , Wang Chengao , Xiang Yang
Published: April 2024

Due to the different divergence angles in two perpendicular directions and the presence of astigmatism in edge-emitting semiconductor lasers, the communication distance and efficiency of underwater communication are seriously affected. Therefore, based on the fact that the semiconductor laser beam belongs to Gaussian beam, satisfying Gaussian characteristics and collimating and expanding characteristics, a system composed of fast-axis collimation mirror and variable magnification beam expander is designed. Simulation is performed, and the final divergence angle is calculated. Experimental results show that the divergence angles of the fast axis and the slow axis have been compressed from 49 and 9, respectively, to 0.315 mrad and 0.180 mrad. Simulation demonstrates that the system can achieve propagation over a distance of 100m underwater and solve the alignment difficulty of APT. The designed structure is compact, easy for processing and adjustment, with high practical value, which helps to solve the problems of optical energy loss and low coupling efficiency in underwater long-distance communication.
Aile Hekimliği Uzmanlık Öğrencilerinin Otizm Spektrum Bozukluğu Konusundaki Bilgi Düzeyi
Authors: Sakızcı Murat , Alvur Tuncay Müge
Published: March 2024

Amaç: Türkiye’de eğitim alan aile hekimliği uzmanlık öğrencilerinin otizm spektrum bozukluğu (OSB) konusundaki bilgi düzeyinin değerlendirilmesidir. Ayrıca bilgi düzeyini etkileyen özelliklerin saptanarak geliştirilmesine katkı sağlamak istenmiştir.Yöntem: Çalışmamıza 22.02.2022 ile 29.05.2022 tarihleri arasında online anket ile Türkiye’de eğitim alan 247 aile hekimliği uzmanlık öğrencisi katılmıştır. Anket formu; sosyodemografik ve OSB ile ilgili bilgi düzeyini etkileyebilecek özellikler ve bilgi düzeyi sorularından oluşmaktadır.Bulgular: Katılımcılarımızın; SAHU (Sözleşmeli aile hekimliği uzmanlığı) öğrencisi olması, tıp eğitimi boyunca OSB konusunda teorik veya klinik eğitim alması, meslek hayatında OSB şüpheli/tanılı çocuk ile karşılaşması, OSB konusunda kendisini yeterli hissetmesi, Sağlık Bakanlığı’nın yürüttüğü “Otizm Spektrum Bozukluğu Tarama ve Takip Programı” hakkında bilgi sahibi olması bilgi düzeyini istatistiksel olarak anlamlı yükselten etkenlerdir. Ayrıca uzmanlık öğrenciliği süresi ile bilgi düzeyi arasında pozitif yönde korelasyon saptanmıştır.Sonuç: Çalışmamızda genel puan ortalamasına bakıldığında katılımcılarımızın bilgi sorularına %50’den fazla doğru yanıt vereceği varsayımını karşıladığı ve bilgi düzeyinin nispeten iyi olduğu söylenebilir. Ancak OSB şüpheli birey ile sık karşılaşacak olan aile hekimliği uzmanlık öğrencilerimizin yetersiz yönlerinin tespit edilerek OSB hakkında bilgi düzeyi ve farkındalığının daha ileri seviyeye yükseltilmesi gerekmektedir. Gerek tıp eğitimi gerekse mezuniyet sonrası meslek içi ve uzmanlık eğitimlerinde OSB konusuna önem verilmelidir. OSB konusunda yeterlilik hissinin ve OSB şüpheli hastaya yaklaşımda özgüvenin yükseltilmesi sağlanmalıdır. Aile hekimlerinin hastalara yaklaşımında bedenen, ruhen ve sosyal açıdan bütüncül olarak değerlendirmenin önemi vurgulanmalıdır.
Micorrização de trufas em um pomar de nogueira- pecã
Authors: Souza Mylla Trisha Mello , Freiberg Joice Aline , Grebenc Tine , Sulzbacher Marcelo Aloisio , Fronza Diniz , Magalhães Juliano Borela , Gonçalves Vanessa da Rosa , Kessler Nathalie Caroline Hirt , Somavilla Lucas Moura , Antoniolli Zaida Inês
Published: April 2024

Em pomares, a presença da associação ectomicorrízica de Tuber spp. é fundamental para a produção de trufas. Portanto, este estudo objetivou avaliar a associação ectomicorrízica de Tuber aestivum Vittad e Tuber brumale Vittad em nogueira-pecã, após cinco anos de cultivo em pomar. O experimento foi conduzido em Santa Maria – Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, em um pomar de nogueira-pecã implantado com mudas inoculadas com estas duas espécies de trufas. O solo do pomar foi caracterizado para as propriedades físicas e químicas do solo e o quanto ao tipo de solo. As plantas não inoculadas, inoculadas com Tuber aestivum (TA) e inoculadas com Tuber brumale (TB) foram avaliadas quanto ao percentual (%) de raízes colonizadas por Tuber spp., outras ectomicorrizas e raízes não micorrizadas. Após cinco anos do transplante das mudas ao pomar, houve redução da colonização de ambas as espécies de trufas, porém estas apresentam potencial de manter a associação ectomicorrízica com mudas de nogueira-pecã.
A Free From Local Minima Algorithm for Training Regressive MLP Neural Networks
Authors: Montisci Augusto
Published: April 2024

In this article an innovative method for training regressive MLP networks is presented, which is not subject to local minima. The Error-Back-Propagation algorithm, proposed by WilliamHinton-Rummelhart, has had the merit of favoring the development of machine learning techniques, which has permeated every branch of research and technology since the mid1980s. This extraordinary success is largely due to the black-box approach, but this same factor was also seen as a limitation, as soon more challenging problems were approached. One of the most critical aspects of the training algorithms was that of local minima of the loss function, typically the mean squared error of the output on the training set. In fact, as the most popular training algorithms are driven by the derivatives of the loss function, there is no possibility to evaluate if a reached minimum is local or global. The algorithm presented in this paper avoids the problem of local minima, as the training is based on the properties of the distribution of the training set, or better on its image internal to the neural network. The performance of the algorithm is shown for a well-known benchmark.
Student Worksheet Design Peration Material for Rank Shape and Root Shape to Develop Students' Comprehension Skills
Authors: Hasim Aslami Ode , Abdillah Abdillah
Published: April 2024

The limited learning media, especially in studying the material of rank form and root form for students of SMA Negeri 4 Waesala motivated the author to make student worksheet practical, easy to understand, interesting, because it is equipped with pictures and systematics arranged in sequence with simple and clear language. This study aims to produce Student Worksheets on the operation material of binding shapes and root shapes of class X SMA Negeri 4 Waesala. The type of research used in the development process of student worksheet Mathematics operation material of rank form and root form is using the type of R&D (Research and Development) research, which is research that aims to produce a product and test the effectiveness of the product developed. The stages that researchers carry out in the development of student worksheet operation material for rank form and root form include analyzing the needs of student worksheet to be developed, developing initial products, expert validation and revision, small group trials, large group trials, final products. The subjects in this study totaled 27 people. Data collection techniques used observation, questionnaires, and interviews. The data analysis technique used is descriptive. Based on the results of data analysis, the student worksheet feasibility test was carried out through three stages as follows, namely the first stage of material validation tests, design, and language, the results of which all experts declared feasible. The second phase of the small group trial with 10 students, the result is that the student worksheet design is stated to be very interesting, but in terms of language it still needs to be simplified so that it is easier for students to understand. The third stage of the large group trial, the result is that the student worksheet design is suitable for use as a medium for learning mathematics, especially in the operation material of rank form and root form in grade X of SMA Negeri 4 Waesala. Most students stated that the design of student worksheet was interesting, as evidenced by 34 students who stated that they strongly agreed that the learning process was carried using student worksheet
Correlation of Academic Stress with Age and Academic Year Among Nursing Students at Private Nursing Institute, Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Bibi Afsha , Ejaz Khizra , Khan Ismail , Khan Muhammad Jehangeer , Ahmad Tufail , Zeb Khan , Ahmad Ashfaq , Iqbal Javed
Published: April 2024

Stress is a complex process when people interpret demands, restrictions, or possibilities as challenging their ability to cope effectively. Objective: To explore the correlation of academic stress with age and academic year among nursing students at the private nursing institute in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from February to July 2023. A convenience sampling technique was utilized to approach study participants. A total of 206 nursing students were part of this study. Moreover, a reliable questionnaire was used for the data collection, consisting of demographic data, stress levels, contributing factors, and coping mechanisms. Results: This study revealed that 80.6% of nursing students had moderate and 14.1% had high academic stress. The study also identifies a significant association between academic year and age and academic stress (p-0.006) and (p-0.033). Conclusions: Educational institutions should develop specialized support programs because 80.6% of nursing students experience moderate academic stress and 14.1% experience high stress. Implement stress-management classes, counseling, and academic resources to assist students in handling the challenging tasks of their coursework. Students can be given valuable tools to handle academic stresses by including stress management techniques in the curriculum. These abilities include time management, study strategies, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques.
Moral Distress and Job Satisfaction among Nurses Working in Tertiary Care Hospitals, Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Ali Mahboob , Masih Sarfraz , Farooqui Waqas Ahmed , Zulfiqar Rukhsana , Khan Rasheed Ahmed , Yousufzai Aziz Ur Rehman , Rahman Amir , Bibi Afsha , Ali Javed
Published: April 2024

Moral distress is a painful feeling and a mental disturbance that occurs when a morally correct course of action is known but cannot be performed. Objective: To determine the moral distress and job satisfaction level, their correlation and their association with demographics among nurses working in public sector tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: This study was conducted in public sector tertiary care hospitals in Karachi through an analytical cross-sectional study design among 300 nurses. Results: This study shows that 52.7% of the participants had low, 38% have moderate, while 9.3% have high/very high levels of moral distress. Most of the nurses, 94%, were satisfied with their job. Moral distress was negatively correlated with job satisfaction (r=-0.180, p=0.002). Moreover, moral distress was associated with age (p=0.03) and ward (p= <0.001). In contrast, job satisfaction was associated only with gender (p=0.008). Conclusions: The study findings illustrated that most nurses had low moral distress and were satisfied. Moral distress was negatively correlated with job satisfaction.
Examining Barriers and Perceptions in Reporting Medication Administration Errors among Nurses at the Tertiary Care Hospitals in Peshawar Pakistan
Authors: Anwar Muhammad , Muhammad Dildar , Shah Bakhtayar Ali , Shah Sumayya , Ullah Asad , Bibi Sumaira
Published: April 2024

Medication administration is vital for patient safety, yet medication errors can lead to life-threatening situations and increased mortality rates. Nurses, being essential members of the healthcare team, are constantly present with patients and regularly tasked with drug administration, facing a significant burden of medication errors compared to other healthcare providers. Objectives: To explore the barriers and perceptions of nurses' regarding medication errors reporting in public sector tertiary care hospitals. Methods: A convenient sample of 209 staff nurses participated in this cross-sectional survey from June to October 2022. A three-part questionnaire was used to gather information on the general characteristics of nurses, the causes of medication errors, and the justifications for not reporting them. Results: The Pharmacy supplies inappropriate doses to this unit with a mean of (2.53 ± 1.28) and    an insufficient number of staff nurses in each working shift (4.23 ± 0.76) were the two least and most significant contributing factors to medication errors. Additionally, the two most and least significant factors for not reporting medication errors were that nurses may be held accountable if the patient suffered harm (3.94 ± 1.16) and that nurses did not agree with the hospital's definition of a medication error (2.33 ± 1.26) on average. Conclusions: The main causes of drug mistakes and failure to reveal them were nursing and management issues. Moreover, attempt to establish a blame-free culture to motivate reporting errors.
Maternal Stress and its Associated Factors among Working Nurses in Public Sector Tertiary Care Teaching Hospitals, Karachi
Authors: Zulfiqar Sharmeen , Hafeez Rubina , Badil . , Channar Husan Bano , Kumar Ashok , Ali Zahid , Chandio Saran
Published: April 2024

Maternal stress has been identified as an epidemic that has a detrimental effect on work productivity and personal and professional growth. Objectives: To determine maternal stress and its associated factors among working nurses in public sector tertiary care teaching hospitals in Karachi, Sindh. Methods: The analytical cross-sectional study was accomplished at Dr. Ruth K.M Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi and Dow University Hospital Karachi. A total of 131 nurses were approached by a convenient non-probability sampling method. The Parental Stress Scale was used for data collection. Data were entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 24.0. Chi-square test was applied out to find an association between maternal stress and associated factors. Results: Nurses reported 72 (55%) mild parental stress, 58 (44.3%) parental moderate stress, and 1 (1%) severe parental stress. Nurses belonging to the younger age group, widowed or divorced, had mild parental stress, while nurses who lived with their husbands had lesser moderate stress. Female participants with one child of either gender, whose more family members were earning, had less tendency to have mild parental stress. A statistically significant association was found between working nurses' parental stress level and age group (p-value=0.005). Conclusions: It was concluded that nurses reported mild, moderate, and severe maternal stress. Hence, it is increasingly imperative to create facilities like daycare centers and offer them the flexibility to perform their job effectively
Food Allergy: Current and Future Treatment Approaches
Authors: Mehboob Riffat
Published: April 2024

Human gut is abundantly populated with different immune cells responsible for protection against antigens entering the host through oral routes. It is perfectly developed to induce immunity against pathogenic antigens by maintaining non-responsiveness or immune tolerance against non-pathogenic antigens. A disruption in immune tolerance resulting in allergic reactions to different food items falls under the term food allergy. It affects different body organs such as gastrointestinal tract, skin, eyes and respiratory system. Food allergy is generally categorized into IgE mediated and non-IgE mediated food allergy. The worldwide prevalence of food allergy is estimated to be around 4% of children and 1% of adults, with an increased prevalence in the past two decades [1]. The increasing prevalence of food allergy has drawn our attention towards the significance of effective and safe therapeutic strategies for food allergy. Current treatments include gene therapy, probiotics, allergen-specific and non-specific immunotherapy, and anti-IgE therapy. Gene therapy for food sensitization is characterized by adenoviral vector mediated transfer of gene encoding omalizumab to provide lifelong immunity to the allergic reactions caused by food. The idea of using probiotics revolves around promoting the colonization of the gastrointestinal tract with healthy gut bacteria significantly reducing the IgE mediated food sensitization. In allergen specific immunotherapy, patients are frequently exposed to food containing increased doses of allergen causing food desensitization. For this purpose, approaches involving different administrative routes such as oral, sublingual and cutaneous immunotherapy are employed. In contrast, therapies involving anti-IgE, cellular targets, Toll like receptors and cytokines fall under the category of allergen non-specific immunotherapy. Despite the availability of treatment strategies, many challenges regarding the side effects and un-intended immune response associated with immunotherapies that can pose safety concerns for patients. Due to high cost, not all individuals have the access to such therapies prohibiting them from availing advanced healthcare support. These challenges need to be addressed and require further research along with the collaboration of clinicians, researchers and regulatory authorities so the lifestyle of the individuals affected by food allergies can be improved.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Bacterial Pathogens in Our Setup: Ear, Nose and Throat Perspective
Authors: Saqulain Ghulam , Ahmed Jawwad , Naqvi Syed Ahsan Raza , Imtiaz Nazia
Published: April 2024

With a high prevalence of infections involving the ear, nose, and throat, and the occurrence of drug resistance the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacterial pathogens is of immense importance. Objective: To determine the antimicrobial sensitivity profile of pathogenic bacteria isolated from representative infected areas of patients with ear, nose, and throat infections. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Outpatient Department (OPD), Capital Hospital Islamabad, over two years. The sample included 639 pathogenic bacterial culture specimens, grown from the representative infected ear, nose, or throat of patients who attended ENT outpatients of the hospital. The bacterial cultures were subjected to the standard disc agar diffusion method to know the antimicrobial susceptibility profile. Data collected included the patient’s age, gender, area/ site of infection, bacterial pathogen isolated, and sensitivity to antibiotics. Results: The sample included 49.30% males and 50.70% females and mean age of 30.13±19.24 years. Gram-positive organisms were predominant [n=441, (69.01%)] with Staphylococcus aureus being the commonest isolate (67.92%) followed by Pseudomonas spp. (26.13%). Gram-positive isolates were sensitive to Cefoperazone+Sulbactam, Ceftazidime, Cefoperazone, Amikacin, Pipercillin+Tazobactam, Vancomycin, Gentamycin, Linezolid, Amoxicillin + Clavulanate, and Ceftriaxone with resistance to Cefixime, while the Gram-negative isolates were sensitive to Vancomycin and Meropenum, Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Ceftriaxone and Ceftazidime and highly resistant to Cefixime, Cefuroxime, Amoxicillin+Clavulanate and Co-trimoxazole. Conclusions: Since ENT infections are predominated by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas spp. When unavoidable the empirical therapy should cover these pathogens, however culture and sensitivity studies are justified keeping in view the growing resistance to antimicrobials.
Comparison Between Efficacy of Serial Glycolic Acid Peel with Modified Kligman’s Regimen Vs Modified Kligman’s Regimen Alone in Epidermal Melasma
Authors: Akhtar Nadia , Hassan Tahir , Shahzad Muhammad Khurram , Aliya Naima , Yousaf Sumera , Anwar Madiha
Published: April 2024

The background of melasma involves its psychological impact and multifactorial etiology, encompassing genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Management strategies include sun protection and targeted treatments like glycolic acid peels and the modified Kligman's regimen to mitigate hyperpigmentation. Objective: To compare the clinical outcome specifically in terms of  MASI score  in epidermal melasma patients treated with the Modified Kligman's regimen alone versus combined with 35% Glycolic acid peels. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, a total of 90 patients of epidermal melasma (with MASI score over 10)  aged 18-55 years, visiting out-patient Dermatology department of Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan were enrolled via non-probability consecutive sampling. The patients were divided into two groups (group A and group B), each having 45 patients. Patients in group A received the Modified Kligman's regimen (hydroquinone 4%, 0.05% tretinoin, and fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%), and those in group B received serial 35% Glycolic acid peels plus Modified Kligman's regimen over 3 months. Outcomes were measured at 4, 8, and 12-weeks post-treatment in terms of the MASI score. Results:  Most of the patients i: e.75.5 % in group B showed moderate clinical improvement while most of the patients in group A i: e. 53.3% observed only mild improvement. In terms of the mean MASI score improvement, the Group B patients exhibited a significantly greater reduction from baseline compared to the Group A (8.91±2.42 vs. 7.05±4.05, p=0.010). Conclusions: The combination of Glycolic acid peels plus Modified Kligman's regimen is relatively more efficacious as compared to Modified Kligman's regimen alone.
Shaping identities beyond the classroom: The influence of journal editorship on Vietnamese EFL lecturers’ professional development
Authors: Hua Hong Hieu , Phuong Hoang Yen , Le Thanh Thao
Published: April 2024

This qualitative study investigates the impact of journal editorship on the professional identity of Vietnamese English as a Foreign Language (EFL) lecturers. Situated within the unique context of Vietnam’s rapidly evolving EFL educational landscape, the research aims to uncover how the role of a journal editor influences lecturers’ professional self-perception and practices. The study employs a qualitative design, utilizing semi-structured interviews with two Vietnamese EFL lecturers—one male with one year of experience and one female with three years of experience as journal editors. Thematic analysis is used to analyze the data. Four key themes emerge from the study: enhanced professional efficacy, navigating challenges and resilience, expanding professional networks and influence, and integrating global and local perspectives. These themes collectively illustrate the transformative role of journal editorship in shaping professional identities, highlighting increased self-efficacy, resilience, expanded professional networks, and the integration of global and local EFL teaching methodologies.
A Study on Strategies of Urban Design in accordance with Change of City Industry: Focused on Malmö City of Sweden
Authors:   Korea Society of Public Design, Kang Sung Joong
Published: April 2024

A city that takes on collapse of regional core industry would reset vision of city, seek new growth engine industry, and establish urban planning to rebuild regional economy and recover city's vitality. In 90s Malmö city of Sweden encountered a financial catastrophe resulted by bankruptcy of shipbuilding industry which had supported Malmö's Economy. Malmö city set ups Eco City as future vision of city, and drives related projects and policy to achieve goals. As result, high tech industry companies flow in and population of city grows and Malmö is chosen as the best lively city in Europe. The Study aims to suggest strategy and methods of urban design for reference of Korea city where meet similar crises through analyzing success of Malmö. Even Malmö selects high-tech industry as new engine for city, urban design of Malmö focuses on life quality of citizen, and invests projects to visualize city vision. The city establishes detaild design guideline to realize ‘eco-city’, and develop urban design to practice and experience eco-life such as green area, bike path, and energy recycle. Malmö gives lessons including cooperative setting of city vision, urban design centered on residence, linkage with vision and design, and importance of landmark.
Eco-Friendly Management of Potato Tuber Moth (Phthorima operculella Zeller) Under Storage and Field Condition in Dailekh, Nepal
Authors: Gautam Sudan , Pandey Roman , Yadav Ritesh
Published: March 2024

Potato tuber moth, (Phthorima operculella Zeller) is one of the most destructive pests of potato damaging the potato tuber in the field and storage conditions leading to a huge loss of potato tubers. An experiment was conducted to access the effect of different treatments for eco-friendly management of potato tuber moth in field and storage conditions in Dailekh, Nepal. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and Completely Randomized Design (CRD) in field and storage condition respectively with 10 different treatments and 3 replications. The treatments were T1(Control), T2(Bacillus thuringiensis), T3(Artemisia vulgaris), T4(Malathion) as check, T5(Lantana camara), T6(Coriandrum sativum), T7(Curcuma longa), T8(Azadirachta indica oil 5%EC), T9(Justicia adhatoda) and T10(Yucca sp.). Among the different treatments, Azadirachta indica oil 5%EC showed the least foliage damage and severity which was statistically at par with Malathion and Curcuma longa. Similarly, the Pre-sowing treatment of tuber with Malathion had the least infection caused by PTM at tuber harvest which was at par with pre-sowing treatment with Curcuma longa, Yucca sp. and Bacillus thuringiensis. Tubers treated with Malathion before storage showed the least infection percentage and severity caused by PTM followed by Coriandrum sativum, Curcuma longa, and Lantana camara. Tuber rot caused by PTM in the storage condition was found least in the tuber treated with Malathion, Coriandrum sativum, Curcuma longa, and Yucca sp. Analyzing all the parameters, eco-friendly management of PTM can be done by a successive spray of Azadirachta indica oil 5%EC and Curcuma longa. Likewise, pre-sowing treatment with Curcuma longa, Yucca sp., and Bacillus thuringiensis reduces the tuber infection at tuber harvest. Seed tuber when treated with different botanicals could protect tuber from PTM infestation during storage. The most potent powders were Lantana camera, Coriandrum sativum, and Curcuma longa.
Examining the Relationship Between Prison Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Recidivism among Federal Sex Offenders
Authors:   Federal Bureau of Prisons, Faust Erik , Evans Trent , Bazerman Ivonne E.
Published: April 2024

This study examines how sex offenders who engage in prison sexual misconduct (PSM) compare to other sex offenders who do not offend in prison in terms of sexual, violent, and nonviolent rearrest rates upon their release. Differences in the connection between PSM and recidivism between two groups were also examined: offenders with a history of adult victims (ASO) and offenders with a history of child victims (CSO). The findings reveal that for the sample as a whole, PSM is associated with overall recidivism, but it is not associated specifically with sexual, violent, or nonviolent offending. For ASO, PSM was significantly associated with sexual rearrest but not violent rearrest, while for CSO, PSM was significantly associated with violent rearrest but not sexual rearrest. Implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.