bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Punitive Damage Effects on Post-Loss Bargaining and Settlement
Authors: Eckles David L.
Published: November 2023

We examine the theoretical effects of punitive damages and how they affect pretrial bargaining of insurers and insureds. We also seek to determine how the introduction of symmetric punitive damage awards could affect the bargaining, and by extension, the entire litigation process. We find that asymmetric punitive damage awards do tend to increase the bargaining power of insureds and by allowing for a symmetric system the bargaining power of insureds and insurers are more balanced. We also find that altering the mechanisms for court cost payments also can alter the probability of out of court settlements.
A Profile of Adolescents who Attend Driver
Education for the Insurance Discount:
Are Insurers Rewarding Bad Risks?
Authors: Hirsch Pierro , Maag Urs
Published: November 2023

Problem: The overrepresentation of adolescent drivers in crashes is a robust phenomenon.
Driver education (DE) is a popular countermeasure, and in most North American
juridictions, insurers grant automobile insurance premium discounts to DE graduates.
However, over the past 20 years, evaluations have consistently demonstrated that DE
does not reduce, and may even increase, crash risk among adolescent novice drivers.
Providing premium reduction incentives to DE graduates may possibly increase crash
risk in two ways. One, by reducing the overall cost of licensing and car ownership, insurance
may increase driving exposure. Two, insurance may increase morale hazard, a
careless attitude toward prevention. The human and financial losses resulting from adolescent
crashes are a serious problem for public health and for insurers. Insurance is also
known to increase moral hazard, a tendency to make dishonest claims - losses due to
fraud are a significant problem for insurers. Therefore, the DE insurance discount may
not be optimally efficient for reducing insurers' losses or for improving the public health.
One approach to invesligating the effects of the DE insurance discount is to study the
characteristics and the driving records of adolescents who are insurance-motivated, i.e.
those who attend DE partly or entirely for the insurance discount.

Method: A cohort of 1,804 novice drivers 16- to 19-years of age of both sexes completed
an extensive questionnaire on learning methods, including motivation to attend or not to
attend DE, risk taking, and lifestyles. Questionnaire data were linked on an individual
basis with government records on exam performance, violations, and crashes. Among the
participants who attended DE (N = 1,536), the importance of the insurance discount in
their motivation to attend DE was studied in relation to violation and crash records during
the first 450 days of unsupervised driving and explanatory variables from the questionnaire.

Results: Insurance-motivated participants, compared to those who were not motivated
by the insurance discount, were more likely to have: greater violation risk, more tolerant
attitudes towards speeding and risk taking, and less financial support from family for all
licensing and driving related expenses. Insurance motivation was also associated with the
likelihood of presenting fraudulent DE certificates and expressing a willingness to defraud
insurance companies.

Discussion: Increased violation and crash risk associated with insurance-motivation
may possibly be due to greater morale hazard. The data also indicate thar insurance motivation
may be associated with greater moral hazard and potential future losses for
insurers. Alternative methods for insuring adolescent drivers are suggested with the aim
of decreasing insurance losses and injury risk by attempting to decrease both morale and
moral hazard.
Calcul du risque de défaut d’entreprises publiques canadiennes
Authors: Amar Jonathan
Published: November 2023

Cet article consiste en une application empirique de la méthodologie proposée par Brockman et Turtle (2003) à un échantillon d’entreprises publiques canadiennes
dont les actions sont transigées à la Bourse de Toronto. Ce modèle est étendu à la méthode du maximum de vraisemblance afin de résoudre le problème du manque d’observabilité de la valeur marchande des actifs et pour rendre endogène la barrière de défaut des firmes. Pour ce faire, nous avons retenu la modélisation proposée par Duan, Gauthier et Simonato (2004) du modèle de Brockman et Turtle (2003).
The aesthetic ideal of a modern woman in English-language advertising: sociolinguistic aspect
Authors: Galyavieva Leisan Shagiakhmatovna , Karimova Anna Anatolevna , Khasanova Oksana Vladimirovna
Published: November 2023

This article is devoted to the topic of gender stereotypes and ways of their verbalization in language by the example of the aesthetic ideal of a modern woman in the texts of English-language advertising. The rapid development of feminism as a social and cultural phenomenon has been reflected in various types of discourse – from artistic to advertising. The redistribution of social roles between women and men caused, first of all, the transformation of the image of an ideal woman both at the level of external characteristics and at the level of the axiological paradigm of a woman's personality as a full-fledged member of society. The main means of constructing the concept of the "ideal woman" at the text level are keywords. The lexical and semantic analysis of the description of women in English-language advertising allowed us to make our own classification of the dominant components of the aesthetic ideal of a modern woman based on the theory of archetypes, which determines the novelty of the study. The most famous archetypes of ancient Greek goddesses are taken as a basis. It has been established that the modern English-language advertising text extrapolates four leading archetypes: "the seductress woman" (Aphrodite), "the hearth keeper woman" (Hestia), "the independent woman" (Artemis) and "the warrior woman" (Athena). The choice of an archetype is carried out according to the practical and social orientation of the advertised product. The perspective of the research is seen in the comparison of these archetypes with female images in Russian advertising discourse, taking into account the specifics of linguistic, cultural and sociolinguistic identity
Conceptual model of design in the context of semiotic-interactive methodology
Authors: Gabrielyan Tigran Olegovich
Published: November 2023

The subject of the research is a modern graphic and communicative design, in the context of changing existing and forming new roles of communicators, transforming the communication model, forming a semiotic communication format. The object of the research is modern graphic and communicative design, as well as their traditional, digital and generative subdirections. Design beginning to have digital, semiotic-interactive and artificially intelligent characteristics. The author examines in detail such aspects of the topic as: dialogical, semiotic-interactive qualities of design solutions; digital, semiotic-interactive design-software expressive means; features of semiotic-deconstructivity (analyticity) and semiotic-synthetics (constructiveness) of design solutions in the context of design activity; the influence of technical and technological features of tools and design-environments (design systems) for the formation of automated and artificially intelligent qualities of design solutions. The study of the conceptual model of a semiotic-interactive design is carried out in the context of a semiotic-interactive methodology (a set of principles and strategies of design activity). The main conclusions of the study are the description of the conceptual model of a semiotic-interactive design solution, in the context of a semiotic-interactive methodology implemented in the conceptual-generative subdirection of modern graphic and communicative design. The author's main contribution to the research of the topic is to identify the main components of the conceptual model of a semiotic-interactive design solution and demonstrate their relationship with each other in the form of a holistic model. The novelty of the research lies in the description of the characteristics of the components, the conceptual model of a semiotic-interactive design solution: a dialogical semiotic-interactive format for creating invariant concepts and design solutions; versioning of design solutions based on the semiotic synthesis of design programs; semiotic deconstruction of design solutions at the macro and micro levels; semiotic synthesis of design and artistic design programs; application of design programs as decision tools; use of hyperconnected capabilities of the design environment: the history of actions, integrity and continuous change and development.
Sex-biased regulatory changes in the placenta of native highlanders contribute to adaptive fetal development
Authors: Yue Tian , Guo Yongbo , Qi Xuebin , Zheng Wangshan , Zhang Hui , Wang Bin , Liu Kai , Zhou Bin , Zeng Xuerui , Ouzhuluobu  , He Yaoxi , Su Bing
Published: November 2023

Compared with lowlander migrants, native Tibetans have a higher reproductive success at high altitude though the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we compared the transcriptome and histology of full-term placentas between native Tibetans and Han migrants. We found that the placental trophoblast shows the largest expression divergence between Tibetans and Han, and Tibetans show decreased immune response and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Remarkably, we detected a sex-biased expression divergence, where the male-infant placentas show a greater between-population difference than the female-infant placentas. The umbilical cord plays a key role in the sex-biased expression divergence, which is associated with the higher birth weight of the male newborns of Tibetans. We also identified adaptive histological changes in the male-infant placentas of Tibetans, including larger umbilical artery wall and umbilical artery intima and media, and fewer syncytial knots. These findings provide valuable insights into the sex-biased adaptation of human populations, with significant implications for medical and genetic studies of human reproduction.
Heroes and Villains in Memes on the 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Authors:   Department of Folkloristics, Estonian Literary Museum, Tartu, Estonia, Laineste Liisi , Fiadotava Anastasiya ,   Department of Folkloristics, Estonian Literary Museum, Tartu, Estonia,   Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland
Published: November 2023

Wars and other acute social conflicts are a fruitful ground for the emergence of heroes and villains. This is true for the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine: both the news media and ordinary people have found targets for villainisation (Russian president Vladimir Putin) and heroisation (Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy) since the outbreak of war. The article discusses how the public images of the two leaders appeared in internet memes collected in Estonian and Belarusian social media between February 24 and April 8, 2022. Analysing them against the backdrop of the (stereo)typical traits of heroes and villains in folklore, we outline how the new media format affects the way these two juxtaposed images are portrayed in memes. We also focus on the juxtaposition as one of the key strategies both in the processes of villainisation/heroisation and of humour production. The clear juxtaposition between good and evil in war humour distinguishes it from disaster jokes, which do not usually take a definite stance towards their targets.
The Process of Becoming a War Refugee: The Case of a Finnish Boy
Authors:   Estonian Cultural History Archives, Estonian Literary Museum, Estonia, Ojamaa Triinu
Published: November 2023

The article observes the different stages of the gradual process by which Olev Mikiver became a refugee, following the formation and interweaving of his professional (artist’s) identity, his identity as a soldier and as a refugee, based on his private letters. The study mainly focuses on four letters written by Mikiver during the Finnish Continuation War, in which he participated as a volunteer in 1943–1944; these volunteers later became known as the Finnish Boys. The analysis of the letters focuses on the topics discussed in the letters and on Mikiver’s word usage. In addition to verbal means of expression, visual means have also been observed to gain additional information about the changes in identity, attitudes, and mood of the letter-writer. The analysis showed that despite Mikiver remaining a devoted artist, he adopted the soldier identity in a relatively short time and no conflict arose between the two identities. In 1944, Mikiver fled to Sweden. Based on the letters he sent to his friend Ilmar Laaban between 1948 and 1993, some observations have also been made about how he coped with refugee life in Sweden. In the post-war period, the opportunity to continue as an artist in exile, on the one hand, and the sense of solidarity with other Finnish Continuation War veterans on the other hand, helped Mikiver overcome his depression as a refugee.
Estimate of lysine nutritional requirements for Japanese quail breeders
Authors: Carvalho Lizia Cordeiro de , Sousa Manoela Garcia Borgi Lino de , Pavanini Jaqueline Aparecida , Stivanin Tadia Emanuele , Peruzzi Nelson José , Panosso Alan Rodrigo , Lima Michele Bernardino de , Silva Edney Pereira da
Published: November 2023

Background

Japanese quail breeders are the basis for genetic improvement and multiplication for commercial layers, however, there have been no known studies on the optimal lysine level for these birds. Thus, study the egg output response to the lysine (Lys) supply using different e-functions and evaluate the that best fit, have allowed the partition the lysine requirements for maintenance, both weight and egg output maximum.

Methods

The objectives of this study were to identify the responses to various Lys levels, identify the functions related to these responses and determine the ideal Lys intake amount for Japanese quail breeders. A completely randomized design of seven treatments with seven replicated was used. Treatments consisted of diet supplementation by Lys in concentrations of 16.8, 11.8, 8.4, 6.7, 5.0, 3.4, and 1.7 g/kg. Six exponential models were adjusted.

Results

The level of Lys was found to affect bird responses (P < 0.001). The birds responded to the levels provided, allowing for the creation of a lysine response curve. A monomolecular function with four parameters was balanced against the statistics of adjustment and selection of models. It was possible to estimate the level of lysine required for maintenance as 133 ± 2 mg/kg BW0.67, and based an average of 41% efficiency, 22 mg Lys produced 1 g of egg output (EO). The daily intake calculated by the monomolecular factorial model was 284 mg Lys for a bird with 0.170 kg body weight and production of 10 g EO/day. The four-parameter monomolecular function proposed in this study is adequate for interpreting the animal response and calculating lysine intake for breeders.
Estudio de las variaciones anatómicas inducidas por el estrés hídrico temprano en tallos y pecíolos en dos cultivares de Vitis vinifera
Authors:   , Spoerer Gazitúa María Magdalena
Published: November 2023

En la actualidad la disponibilidad hídrica es uno de los factores más limitantes en los sistemas agrícolas, debido principalmente al cambio climático, entre otras causantes. Estas condiciones afectan el desarrollo de las plantas y por ende el rendimiento de los huertos. En esta investigación se analizó el efecto de tres niveles de riego en dos cultivares de Vitis vinifera (Sauvignon blanc y Chardonnay) en el desarrollo anatómico temprano del sistema vascular xilemático, tanto de tallos como pecíolos. El régimen hídrico tuvo efecto sobre el área de la sección transversal de los conductos xilemáticos de los tallos, disminuyendo esta al restringir el agua disponible, lo que se tradujo en una reducción de la conductividad específica (Ks) de estas estructuras. Lo anterior provoca una disminución de la eficiencia de conducción y podría aumentar las probabilidades de cavitación. En el caso de los pecíolos, se encontraron comportamientos diferentes entre ambas cultivares en el desarrollo del sistema vascular de cada haz. Chardonnay presentó conductos xilemáticos de menor tamaño, pero con mayor frecuencia que Sauvignon blanc, cultivar que tuvo una conducta inversa. La conductividad hidráulica (Kh) se vio afectada por lo anterior, siendo mayor los valores alcanzados por haz vascular en Sauvignon blanc, haciéndola más eficiente en condiciones de disponibilidad hídrica pero más vulnerable si es que se le limita el agua. Es necesario el análisis del efecto del nivel riego en otros parámetros fisiológicos y anatómicos para poder entender los cambios que generan estos dos factores, y como cada cultivar combina distintos mecanismos de adaptación al verse restringida en agua.
Raise Borer previa inyección de lechada como metodología óptima para la construcción de chimeneas en macizos rocosos de baja calidad geomecánica
Authors:   , Rojas Urrutia Cluber Magayani
Published: November 2023

El presente documento tiene como propósito determinar una metodología óptima para la construcción de chimeneas en macizos rocosos de baja calidad geomecánica. Los objetivos son: Evaluar diversas metodologías, tanto convencionales como mecanizadas con equipo Raise Borer, la evaluación de las metodologías están en función a sus ventajas y desventajas, a parámetros como seguridad, eficiencia, control de excavación y fortificación, así como también realizar análisis de estabilidad mediante métodos analíticos y modelos numéricos, el análisis de estabilidad para equipo Raise Borer se hace mediante el método QR, dicho procedimiento se realiza sin incidencia y con incidencia de inyección de lechada, se determina el Factor de Seguridad mediante fórmulas matemáticas empíricas y el modelamiento computacional se realiza mediante el software Unwedge. El proyecto en estudio consiste en la construcción de una chimenea de 3 m de diámetro y 100 m de profundidad en macizo rocoso de baja calidad geomecánica, caracterizados según las clasificaciones Q Barton, RQD (Designación de la calidad de la roca), RMR (Valoración del macizo rocoso) y GSI (Índice de resistencia geológica). En cuanto a los resultados obtenidos todos los análisis de estabilidad son satisfactorios solamente con incidencia de inyección de lechada. La presión y volumen del método de inyección de lechada tipo GIN (Number Intensy Grouting) está en función al RMR, la chimenea en estudio presenta 2 curvas GIN: Hasta los primeros 50 m de profundidad el volumen es de 150 l/m y presión de 22,5 Bar y de los 50 m a 100 m de profundidad el volumen es de 83 l/m y la presión de 23.25 Bar. Con el objetivo de evaluar la constructibilidad de labores subterráneas, esta investigación entrega dicha metodología que es replicable para la construcción de obras subterráneas como piques y túneles.
Agenda climática e o turismo no Brasil
Authors: Gil Jaqueline , Marques Nayara Rodrigues , Andrade Gabrielle Nunes de
Published: November 2023

O turismo contribui para o aquecimento global e é impactado pelas mudanças climáticas, sendo um dos setores vulneráveis ao clima, aos impactos nas infraestruturas das cidades, dependente de serviços ecossistêmicos e da conservação de bens culturais e naturais. Diretrizes internacionais e políticas nacionais para mitigação e adaptação às mudanças climáticas no turismo são estratégias essenciais para evitar desastres, promover justiça climática e, também, para oferecer suporte político e econômico às iniciativas locais e liderar o engajamento do setor privado. Este artigo analisa as principais políticas nacionais de mudanças climáticas e as políticas de turismo no Brasil, tendo como pano de fundo as diretrizes internacionais sobre turismo e mudanças climáticas no período de 2003 a 2022. Constatou-se que existe um baixo nível de integração entre as políticas climáticas e as políticas de turismo, o que reflete no não engajamento do setor nas questões climáticas e na falta de protagonismo do Brasil nos diálogos internacionais sobre mudanças climáticas e turismo.
Assessment of Indices of Vascular Involvement in Children with Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome: A Case-control Study
Authors: Khanna Alok , Saini Mukesh , Sachdeva Ashuma , Sen Jyotsna , Bhalla Kapil , Debbarma Animesh , Verma Yogesh , Lamba Preet
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Nephrotic Syndrome (NS) is characterised by proteinuria, oedema, hypoalbuminaemia, and hypercholesterolemia. The latter is a risk factor for atherosclerosis, suggesting a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in children with NS. Atherosclerosis is proposed to be caused by vascular endothelial dysfunction, reflecting the inflammatory response to tissue damage. Aim: To investigate indices of early vascular involvement in children with Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome (INS). Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted at a tertiary-care hospital, Pt. BD Sharma PGIMS Rohtak, Haryana, India, over a period of two years and two months. The study included 50 children aged <14 years with NS. Vascular indices, including Carotid Intima Media Thickness (CIMT), highsensitive C Reactive Protein (hs-CRP), and Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), were evaluated. Analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 (IBM SPSS Statistics Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA) Windows software program. The correlation of cardiovascular risk in children with NS was calculated by measuring CIMT, AIP, and CRP levels, and the relationship was analysed using the Chisquare test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study found that the thickness of CIMT in group 1 was 0.67±1.39 mm, while in group 2, it was 0.31±0.04 mm. The calculated p-value was <0.001, which was statistically significant. The hs-CRP level in group 1 was 4.64±5.87 mg/L, higher than the control group (0.85±0.10 mg/L), with p-value of <0.001. Furthermore, AIP was higher in children with NS (0.80±0.19) compared to the control group (0.02±0.16). There was a statistically significant difference between both groups (p<0.001). Conclusion: Early assessment of indices of vascular involvement, such as CIMT, hs-CRP, and AIP, in children with INS can aid in the early identification and prevention of cardiovascular complications.
Meningitis in a Neonate Caused by Salmonella enterica Subspecies Enterica: A Case Report
Authors: Sundaresan Aarthi , Prabhala Srujana , Varaiya Ami Yeshwant , Walawalkar Avinash
Published: November 2023

A 14-day-old female baby was admitted to the neonatal Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with complaints of fever for one week, along with reduced intake of feeds and weight loss. Routine investigations, blood culture, Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) routine analysis, and CSF culture were performed. Both cultures grew non typhoidal Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) brain with contrast revealed leptomeningeal enhancement and basal exudates, both suggestive of meningitis, as well as ventriculitis and arachnoiditis. The baby was treated with intravenous Ceftriaxone and Meropenem. Follow-up CSF analysis showed improvement, and the cultures were sterile.
Neonatal Screening for Congenital Hypothyroidism through Dried Blood Spots: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Kumar Vipin , Kumar Ashok , Singh Ankur , Giri Kiran , Palandurkar Kamlesh
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH) is defined as the partial or complete loss of thyroid gland function present at birth. During the first 2-3 years of life, thyroid hormone plays a crucial role in brain development. If a baby is born with a deficiency of thyroid hormone (CH) and is not diagnosed and treated appropriately, it can lead to intellectual disability and growth retardation in the affected child. Aim: To screen newborns for CH using Dried Blood Spot (DBS) sampling. Additionally, the study aimed to compare mean TSH values between two comparison groups based on gender, birth weight, gestational age, and type of delivery. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, from November 2021 to October 2022. A total of 250 live-birth newborns delivered either by Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery (SVD) or Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS) were included in the study after obtaining written informed consent from their parents. Blood samples were obtained on DBS cards through heel prick in all newborns. TSH levels were assessed using a neonatal TSH sandwich ELISA kit. The cut-off value of TSH to label as screen positive was set at >20 mIU/L. A two-tailed Independent t-test was performed to compare mean TSH values between the two comparison groups based on gender, birth weight, gestational age, and type of delivery. Results: Out of the 250 babies, 137 (54.8%) were male and 113 (45.2%) were female. The gestational age ranged from a minimum of 29 weeks to a maximum of 41 weeks in both male and female babies. TSH levels in male babies ranged from 0.16 mIU/L to 10.27 mIU/L, with a mean value of 3.98±2.16 mIU/L. TSH levels were below 20 mIU/L in all 250 newborns, indicating negative screening results for CH in all the neonates. Conclusion: The results concluded that the serum levels of TSH obtained through heel prick were not statistically significant in both term and preterm newborns, as well as in Normal Birth Weight (NBW) and Low Birth Weight (LBW) newborns. Furthermore, there was no significant difference based on the type of delivery (SVD/LSCS) or the gender of the newborn (male or female).
Influence of Intercropping Green Gram with Two Paddy Varieties on Growth, Yield and its Components to Increase Economic Returns
Authors: Weerasinghe P. O. P. , Sutharsan S. , Rifnas L. M.
Published: November 2023

A field experiment was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka to investigate the effects of intercropping green gram on the growth and yield parameters of two varieties of paddy; Suwandel (traditional variety) and At 307 (improved variety) during the period of July to November 2022. The experiment was laid out in a 2 x 2 Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design with four treatments as monocropping Suwandel (T1), intercropping Suwandel with green gram (T2), monocropping At 307 (T3) and intercropping At 307 with green gram (T4), that were replicated five times. Significant differences in leaf area, shoot dry weight, 1000 seeds weight and grain yield were observed in the paddy-green gram intercropping system compared to the monocropping of paddy. Significant synergistic responses were also observed among the treatments, where the leaf area and shoot dry weight were the highest in Suwandel + green gram intercropping system and the 1000 seeds weight was the highest in At 307-green gram intercropping system. However, the cost-benefit analysis revealed that the net profit received from Suwandel + green gram intercropping system was 36.6% higher than the At 307-green gram intercropping system. Therefore, it was evident from the present study that the Suwandel + green gram intercropping system is an environmentally friendly sustainable approach to grow paddy without synthetic fertilizers.
Technical Challenges Facing Water Users in Accessing Water Services from the Public Water Supply Authority in Dodoma City, Tanzania
Authors: Masanja Felix George
Published: November 2023

Water service is essential for human survival. For it to be easily accessed with adequate amount in an increasing population, there are number of challenges that need to be addressed with existing expertise, protocols and operations.  Thus, this study aimed to examine the Technical Challenges Facing Water Users on Accessing Water Service from the Public Water Supply Authority in Dodoma City namely Dodoma Urban Water and Sanitation Authority (DUWASA). The study employed a mixed research approach where a cross sectional research design was used to collect data at one time from July to August 2021. A sample size of the study was 96 respondents drawn from three wards in Dodoma City who are clients of DUWASA, 3 local government leaders and 5 officials from DUWASA. A Multi-stage random sampling was chosen to collect data accurately represents the technical water-related challenges faced by water users. Three wards were selected to represents Dodoma City residents, two streets were then selected from each of the three wards. Sixteen households were randomly selected from one street in each ward, resulting in a total of 32 households per ward. The study used purposive technique in selection of 5 key informants who are the DUWASA officials, one local ward leaders from each of the selected wards. Both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques were employed in the study. Using descriptive statistical analysis, the findings revealed that, limited number of days and number of hours, limited water resources, poor infrastructures which leads to the loss of water through water leakage as technical challenges hindering accessibility of water services. The study recommends for construction of modernized water networks and efforts to increase more sources of water that will lead to exploit more water.
Assessing Low-cost Capacitive Soil Moisture Sensors: Accurate, Affordable, and IoT-ready Solutions for Soil Moisture Monitoring
Authors: Majumder Srijeeta , Kasirao Gummadala , Himavarsha Perli , Himanshi  , Chaudhary Sonu , Sekopo Khauhelo Patricia , Tanwar Taj , Verma Jatin
Published: November 2023

This research, conducted at G D Goenka University, assesses the performance of low-cost capacitive soil moisture sensors in comparison to the standard Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) sensors, with a focus on accuracy, reliability, cost-effectiveness, and IoT integration. The results indicate that these sensors are highly accurate, exhibit low error rates, and are a cost-effective alternative to TDR sensors, making them well-suited for large-scale deployments in agricultural and environmental applications. The study's findings support the integration of these sensors into IoT-based soil moisture monitoring systems, with recommendations for optimizing their performance in specific use cases, thereby contributing valuable insights to the field of soil moisture measurement.
Genetic Divergence and Character Association Studies in Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch ex. Poir)
Authors: Kumar Dharamraj , Ram C. N. , Habeeb Waris , Rani Anjali , Suman Sunil Kumar , Arshad Md.
Published: November 2023

The studies of genetic divergence among 35 genotypes of pumpkin were carried out by using Mahalanobis D2 statistics. The research was conducted at main experiment Station of Department of Vegetable Science, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, (Narendra Nagar), Kumarganj, Ayodhya, U.P.The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The wide range of divergence among the traits during 2021(kharif season). The clustering pattern of the 35 genotypes was grouped into 6 different non-overlapping clusters. Cluster I (26), II (4) and III (2) had same genotypes number as well as cluster IV (1), V (1) and VI (1). The minimum intra-cluster distance was found for 0.00 (cluster VI) and maximum was recorded for 220.05 (cluster III). The inter cluster values between cluster I to IV (1100.17), V to VI (657.01), II to IV (1294.53), III to VI (1069.11) and IV to VI (1879.65) were very high.
High Blood Pressure amongst Adolescents in Lagos, South West Nigeria
Authors: Ezeogu Joseph , Atoh Ifeoma , Okoro Jude Chidi , Ogbonna Ikechukwu Frank
Published: November 2023

Adolescent high blood pressure (HBP), now a growing significant health problem with lasting consequences on cardiovascular health, was considered rare at a time. Several end-organ complications could occur if this asymptomatic condition is uncontrolled, and tracks into adulthood. The 2004 Fourth Report was developed to address the cumbersome challenges in the detection of adolescent hypertension. 

Aims: This study sought to determine high blood pressure prevalence amongst adolescents in Mushin Local Government Area (LGA) using the 2004 Fourth report.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Fourteen secondary schools, in Mushin Local Government Area (LGA) between August 2020 and December 2020.

Methodology: A two-stage sampling method was utilized in selecting 14 secondary schools. Within selected schools; participants were recruited from each class by proportional allocation using the school’s register. Students were stratified as males and females using the class register. Subjects were selected from each stratum by simple random sampling method.  We included 1490, (744 male, 746 female), 10-19 years old students. A structured proforma was used to obtain socio-demographic information and relevant clinical data. The blood pressure measurements were taken according to standard protocol (elevated blood pressure is systolic and/or diastolic pressure ≥ 90th but ≤ 95th percentile for age, gender and height). Descriptive data was used to describe socio-demographic and anthropometric characteristics.  Frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation were used to summarize categorical and numerical variables. P-values of 0.5 was termed significant

Results: Among the 1490 subjects, 49.9% (744) were male and 50.1% (746) females (male: female ratio was 1: 1). Prevalence, of high blood pressure, elevated pressure and hypertension were 14.5% (number =216), 6.1% (number =92), and 8.4% (number =124). The prevalence of high blood pressure rose progressively with the age group in the early and mid adolescent age group, while the prevalence was lowest in the oldest age group.

Conclusions: Adolescent hypertension, elevated blood pressure, high blood pressure, prevalence, was high. Development of cardiovascular complications could be obviated by early detection, life style modification and treatment.
Analysis of Group Pile Bearing Modes of Permeable Pile Dam with Different Incoming Flow Angles
Authors: Zhao Yingzhi , Zhao Xing , Zhang Wenjiao , Lv Mingcong
Published: November 2023

Based on ABAQUS finite element analysis software, the group piles and single piles under different incoming flow angles are compared and calculated, the horizontal bearing characteristics of the group piles of permeable pile dam under different incoming flow angles are analyzed, the pile-soil force is solved, and the change rules of the load-displacement characteristics, the displacement distribution of the pile body, and the distribution of the pile body bending moment are analyzed in detail. The study shows that: for the group piles with flow angles of 0° and 45°, the stresses from the upstream piles to the downstream piles tend to increase along the flow direction, and a stress concentration occurs at the downstream pile; for the group piles with flow angles of 90°, the stresses gradually increase from the central pile to the piles on both sides, and the stress concentration area is distributed at the outermost pile. With the increase of the incoming flow angle, the horizontal bearing capacity of the whole group of piles shows an increasing trend, but due to the effect of the group piles, the bearing capacity of the unit piles is smaller than that of the single piles; The displacements of the group piles at different incoming flow angles were greater than those of the single piles, and the turning points were all at about 12 m below the mud surface; With the increase of incoming flow angle, the group pile starts to change from rigid deformation to flexible deformation, the maximum bending moment of the pile body decreases, and the maximum value of the bending moment of the pile body occurs at the burial depth of 5 m. The maximum value of the bending moment of the pile body decreases with the increase of incoming flow angle.
Hybrid-based approach for pervasive occlusive disease of iliofemoral arteries
Authors:   Ankara University, School of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart Center, Ankara, Türkiye, Saricaoglu Mehmet Cahit , Ozcinar Evren ,   Ankara University, School of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart Center, Ankara, Türkiye
Published: November 2023

Aim: Simultaneous multilevel hybrid-based reconstructions using both endovascular and open femoral endartectomy merit the interest with the widespread adoption of these techniques by vascular surgeons. Here we presented our experience on hybrid-based approach to treat total occlusive iliofemoral lesions and study the technical success and mid-term results of combined femoral endarterectomy and endovascular treatment of iliac occlusion. Material and Methods: This retrospective single center study included patients with only total occlusion in the unilateral iliac artery. The patients underwent hybrid procedure–open femoral endarterectomy and endovascular revascularization of the external or common iliac artery- between 2016 and 2022. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS software version 25. Results: Totally 103 patients who underwent hybrid procedures for pervasive unilateral iliac artery occlusions were included in this study. Of the study cohort, 76% were male patients with a mean age of 74±8.7 years. Technical success rate was 89.3%. Acute myocardial infarction was the most common complication. The 30-day mortality was 7.8% (n=8) and all of them were in-hospital deaths. The survival rates of this cohort at 30 days, 6 months and 12 months were 92.2%, 88.1% and 83.7%, respectively. The primary patency at 30 days, 6 months, and 12 months were 98.1%, 96.6%, and 93.7%, respectively. Conclusion: The clinical and technical outcomes in this study suggest that the hybrid approach to pervasive iliofemoral occlusions, combining femoral endarterectomy and endovascular iliac revascularization, is an effective and applicable treatment in terms of patency rates and perioperative complications.
The management of venous leg ulcers: Effects of four-layer bandage system
Authors:   Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Department Of General Surgery, Ankara, Türkiye, Ulusoy Serap , Iscan Hakki Zafer ,   Ankara City Hospital, Clinic of Cardiovascular Surgery, Ankara, Türkiye
Published: November 2023

Aim: Chronic Venous Ulcer (CVU) accounts for nearly 70% of all chronic leg ulcers (CLU), seriously impacting the quality of life and creating a heavy economic burden. Here, we present CVU therapy with a four-layer bandage system in 113 patients retrospectively treated by the General Surgery Chronic Wound Unit and Cardiovascular Surgery Department. Material and Methods: From January 2022 to January 2023, 113 patients with CVU were evaluated retrospectively. All patients were documented by color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS), ulcer size, and demographics. If there were multiple ulcers, the largest one was assessed. Immobile patients and patients with an Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) of <0.7 were excluded. Debridement, exercise, venoactive drugs, and a four-layer bandage system were performed for all patients. The primary outcome was to assess the ulcer healing, and the secondary outcome was to obtain the recurrence rate and the treatment compatibility of patients. Results: The mean age of the patients was 60.73±11.3 (28-91) years and 77.9% were male. Body Mass Index (BMI) was 30.4±7.7 kg/m2 (min:18-max:51 kg/m2). The mean follow-up period was 18.82±13.4 weeks. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (38%) and Staphylococcus aureus (31.8%) were the most identified microorganisms. Four patients experienced recurrence of the CVU (3.5%). The older patients had larger ulcers than the younger patients. Female patients had larger-sized ulcers (p=0.001). Completely healed ulcers were 26.5% of the total. The four-layer compression bandage was applied 12 times for per patient. The mean healing period was 23.2±13.8 weeks. The mean healing rate was 4.17±3.78% for a week. The multivariant analysis revealed that age and pain had negatively affected the ulcer healing. Conclusion: The management of CVU is challenging and needs a multidisciplinary approach. Compression is the main goal of the treatment. Surgical or endovenous therapies may be beneficial for decreasing ulcer recurrence. For patients with slow ulcer healing, adjuvant treatment modalities such as patient education, smoking cessation, diet and lifestyle modification, and exercise should be recommended.
Final rule broadens flexibilities for initiation of buprenorphine
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: January 2025

Advocates for fewer restrictions on patient access to buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) are expressing support for changes included in a final rule announced this month. The regulations governing initiation of buprenorphine via telemedicine, published Jan. 17 in the Federal Register, will allow practitioners to prescribe an initial six‐month supply of buprenorphine through a telehealth visit, including appointments conducted via audio only.
Enhancing the Efficiency of Polariton OLEDs in and Beyond the Single‐Excitation Subspace
Authors: Siltanen Olli , Luoma Kimmo , Musser Andrew J. , Daskalakis Konstantinos S.
Published: January 2025

Organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) have redefined lighting with their environment‐friendliness and flexibility. However, only 25% of the electronic states of organic molecules can emit light upon electrical excitation, limiting the overall efficiency of OLEDs. Strong light–matter coupling, achieved by confining light within OLEDs using mirrors, creates hybrid light‐matter states known as polaritons, which could “activate” the remaining 75% electronic triplet states. Here, triplet‐to‐polariton transition is studied and rates for both reverse inter‐system crossing and triplet‐triplet annihilation are derived. In addition, how the harmful singlet‐singlet annihilation could be reduced with strong coupling is explored.
Auxin injury on cotton, II: Effects on yield components
Authors: Denton Savana , Raper Tyson , Dodds Darrin , Main Chris , Mueller Thomas
Published: January 2025

Auxin‐tolerant cotton (Gossypium hirsutum, L.) cultivars are the latest tools producers use to combat herbicide‐resistant weed species during the growing season. The widespread implementation of auxin‐tolerant crops has led to an increase in in‐season applications of auxins. Auxin drift has subsequently become a more prominent issue in the agricultural industry and causes producers to shift management tactics. Yield partitioning research based on auxin application timing has been conducted, but more information is needed concerning application rate and the interaction between application rate and timing. Experiments were conducted from 2019 to 2021 in Grand Junction, TN, to determine the effects of synthetic auxin exposure on boll positioning, development, and production. Applications of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) or dicamba were made to cotton cultivars of the opposite technology at either matchhead square or 2 weeks after first bloom (FB + 2WK). Nontreated experimental plots were also included. More severe impacts on overall lint yield, yield partitioning, and yield components were observed following exposure to 2,4‐D than dicamba. Application rate and timing also impacted yield components and partitioning. Exposure to 2,4‐D during vegetative growth caused increased partitioning to vegetative and aborted fruiting positions but decreased partitioning to position 1, zone 2 (nodes 9 through 12), and zone 3 (nodes 13 and above) as application rate increased. Exposure to these rates at FB + 2WK did not impact yield partitioning. Environmental conditions following applications of 2,4‐D or dicamba play an important role in the recovery and growth of cotton and subsequent yield penalties.
Exploring the Clinical Diversity of Castleman Disease and TAFRO Syndrome: A Japanese Multicenter Study on Lymph Node Distribution Patterns
Authors: Otsuka Mizuna , Koga Tomohiro , Sumiyoshi Remi , Fukui Shoichi , Kaneko Yuko , Shimizu Takayuki , Katsube Atsushi , Yano Shingo , Masaki Yasufumi , Ide Makoto , Yoshifuji Hajime , Kitano Masayasu , Sato Yasuharu , Sawa Naoki , Niiro Hiroaki , Nakamura Naoya , Fajgenbaum David C. , van Rhee Frits , Kawakami Atsushi
Published: January 2025

Individuals diagnosed with Castleman disease (CD) and TAFRO syndrome (characterized by thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever, bone marrow fibrosis, and organomegaly) displays a wide range of clinical symptoms, including varying patterns of lymph node enlargement, systemic inflammation, and impaired organ function. Some patients may present with both CD and TAFRO syndrome concurrently. A retrospective study conducted across multiple centers in Japan examined 321 cases to determine if the quantity and position of swollen lymph nodes could forecast the clinical progression and intensity of these conditions. Interestingly, the study revealed that patients with TAFRO syndrome exhibited lymphadenopathy across all ranges of lymph node region counts. Moreover, no specific clinical patterns were associated with the number of affected lymph node regions in CD patients, regardless of whether they also had TAFRO syndrome. These results enhance our understanding of the clinical variability in CD and TAFRO syndrome, suggesting that a comprehensive clinical evaluation, rather than relying solely on lymph node count, is crucial for effectively managing these conditions. Additional studies are required to establish reliable diagnostic markers and to predict disease severity at the time of diagnosis, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
One‐Pot Acid Catalytic Cyclization Synthesis of Imidazo[4,5‐c]Pyrazoles and Pyrazolo[3,4‐d]Pyrimidines from 5‐Amino‐4‐Nitrosopyrazoles with Vilsmeier Reagent
Authors: Cha Chun‐Han , Chung Cheng‐Yen , Zeng Wei‐Zheng , Uramaru Naoto , Niteesh Kancharla , Fuh Wong Fung
Published: January 2025

The convenient and efficient one‐pot acid catalytic cyclization synthesis of imidazo[4,5‐c]pyrazoles or/and pyrazolo[3,4‐d]pyrimidines were individually developed by the reaction of 5‐amino‐4‐nitrosopyrazoles with Vilsmeier reagent (HCONH2/POCl3)under acid mediated solution. In the newly developed method of imidazo[4,5‐c]pyrazoles, 5‐amino‐4‐nitrosopyrazoles were used as starting materials and the transformation process was involved denitrosation, amidination with Vilsmeier reagent (HCONH2/POCl3), cyclization, substitution, and hydrogen migration five steps. This method would be inexpensive and applied to prepare the widely range of substituents at all positions of the imidazo[4,5‐c]pyrazole molecules. Additionally, 5‐amino‐4‐nitrosopyrazoles were also successfully converted to pyrazolo[3,4‐d]pyrimidines with Vilsmeier reagent (HCONH2/POCl3) under hard reflux reaction condition.