bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responses of Gulf States to the Palestine-Israel Conflict in the Post 7th October 2023
Authors: Khalid Nasruddin , Mat Bakri
Published: January 2025

The events of 7th October 2023 marked a turning point in Middle Eastern geopolitics, prompting Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to reassess their foreign policy approaches to the escalating Israel-Palestine conflict. This study explores shifts in GCC foreign policies post-escalation through the lens of Realist theory, focusing on national interests, security concerns, and state survival amid regional instability. Employing qualitative methods, including historical analysis and data triangulation, the research analyses policy statements, reports, and scholarly sources to uncover the motivations behind individual state actions. The findings reveal significant disparities in GCC responses. Saudi Arabia suspended normalisation talks with Israel to align with pro-Palestinian sentiment, while Qatar intensified mediation efforts and expanded humanitarian support. The UAE and Bahrain, balancing diplomatic ties with Israel and public concerns, adopted more cautious stances. Oman maintained neutrality, while Kuwait upheld a strongly pro-Palestinian position. The lack of unified GCC action highlights the bloc's fragmented nature, driven by diverging national priorities and geopolitical alliances. This study sheds light on the complexities of GCC diplomacy and its limitations in formulating a cohesive response to the conflict. By examining these dynamics, the research provides insights into regional geopolitics and proposes strategies to foster unity within the GCC, enhancing its role in addressing the Palestine-Israel conflict and broader regional challenges.

Keywords: diplomatic relations; GCC states; geopolitical strategy; Palestine-Israel conflict; Realism
Pilihan Raya Presiden Amerika Syarikat 2024: Dinamika, Isu dan Implikasi Global
Authors: Hed Norhafiza Mohd
Published: January 2025

Pilihan Raya Presiden Amerika Syarikat (AS) 2024 yang telah melabuhkan tirainya pada 5 November 2024 menyaksikan kemenangan kali kedua Donald Trump sebagai presiden dalam sejarah politik Amerika. Trump berjaya mengekalkan popularitinya dalam kalangan pengundi Republikan meskipun menghadapi cabaran sengit daripada lawannya, iaitu Kamala Harris yang bertanding di bawah tiket parti Demokrat. Pilihan raya presiden 2024 ini dilihat sebagai peristiwa signifikan yang mencerminkan perubahan politik, ekonomi, dan sosial yang besar dalam konteks moden. Dalam keadaan politik yang berpecah, tumpuan diberikan kepada pengaruh pengundi muda, dikotomi bandar-luar bandar dan minoriti, serta isu-isu seperti ekonomi, hak asasi manusia, dan perubahan iklim yang menjadi agenda utama. Oleh itu, komentar ini membincangkan beberapa dimensi utama pilihan raya presiden AS dengan menumpukan kepada dinamika politik terkini, isu-isu kritikal, serta implikasi global pilihan raya ini. Pada skala global, keputusan pilihan raya ini bukan hanya membawa kesan besar kepada dasar politik dan ekonomi di Amerika Syarikat sahaja, namun ianya memberi impak besar terhadap hubungan dan keselamatan antarabangsa, khususnya isu Palestin-Israel. Secara keseluruhan, artikel ini menekankan signifikan pilihan raya ini dalam menentukan arah masa depan AS dan implikasinya terhadap landskap geopolitik dunia.

Kata Kunci: dinamika; isu; implikasi; geopolitik; Pilihan Raya Presiden Amerika Syarikat
Dasar Populisme dan Pembangunan di Malaysia
Authors: Abadi Abdul Muein
Published: January 2025

Pergolakan geopolitik dan geoekonomi kontemporari telah memaksa negara sedang membangun di seluruh dunia - termasuk Malaysia - untuk menyemak kembali pendekatan pembangunan domestik pada skala yang lebih intensif berbanding di awal abad ke-21. Perang Rusia-Ukraine yang diikuti lonjakan harga komoditi di pasaran antarabangsa, pelanjutan Perang Perdagangan Amerika Syarikat-China yang diikuti pengaturan semula rantaian bekalan global dan pola perdagangan antarabangsa, disusuli pula dengan ledakan arus perkembangan teknologi yang memberi kuasa dan suara yang lebih besar kepada rakyat teramai untuk sentiasa mengangkat kepentingan mereka dalam setiap dasar dan perencanaan negara telah menimbulkan satu dialektika yang cukup dinamik: bagaimanakah negara sedang membangun, khususnya Malaysia, boleh memaksimumkan peluang serta meminimumkan risiko persekitaran ketidaktentuan geopolitik dan geoekonomi global, sedang dalam masa yang sama memelihara kestabilan ekonomi politik domestik yang semakin dipengaruhi kemaraan ideologi populisme?
Student Models for a Risky Asset with Dependence: Option Pricing and Greeks
Authors: Leonenko Nikolai , Liu Anqi , Schestyuk Nataliya
Published: January 2025

We propose several new models in finance known as the Fractal Activity Time Geometric Brownian Motion (FATGBM) models with Student marginals. We summarize four models that construct stochastic processes of underlying prices with short-range and long-range dependencies. We derive solutions of option Greeks and compare with those in the Black-Scholes model. We analyse performance of delta hedging strategy using simulated time series data and verify that hedging errors are biased particularly for long-range dependence cases. We also apply underlying model calibration on S&P 500 index (SPX) and the U.S./Euro rate, and implement delta hedging on SPX options.
Estimation of Concentrations Parameters in the Model of Mixture with Varying Concentrations
Authors: Maiboroda Rostyslav , Miroshnychenko Vitaliy , Sugakova Olena
Published: January 2025

Model of Mixture with Varying Concentrations (MVC) is a generalization of the finite mixture model (FMM) at which the mixing probabilities (concentrations of components in the mixture) vary from observation to observation. In this paper we assume that the components' distributions are completely unknown, while the concentrations are known up to some unknown euclidean parameter. Two approaches are considered to the semiparametric estimation of this parameter in the case of two-component mixture. The Least Squares (LS) estimator is based on fitting the distribution functions of the observations. The Empirical Maximum Likelihood estimator (EML) utilizes some empirical version of the likelihood function. Consistency of the LS estimator is demonstrated. A fast algorithm for the LS estimator calculation is presented. EML and LS estimators are compared via simulations. Both EML and LS estimators show sufficiently good performance in all the experiments. The LS estimator performed better then the EML one for components with different variance. The EML estimator outperformed the LS one for nongaussian components with asymmetric tails.
LD de Geografia e Sustentabilidade
Authors: De Vasconcelos Marcela Vitória , Dutra Gomes Rodrigo , Barbosa Almeida Maria do Socorro
Published: January 2025

O Livro Didático (LD) de Geografia é uma importante ferramenta de apoio no processo de ensino aprendizagem e está sempre presente em sala de aula, sendo indispensável em diversos momentos. É nesse sentido que propor uma abordagem do LD pautada nos pressupostos da teoria da complexidade, entende-se, poderia favorecer, de forma significativa, a compreensão de um espaço geográfico interligado, conectado e, também, incerto, mas do qual se faz parte e que se pode transformar. Desta forma, o objetivo geral deste trabalho é refletir sobre a disposição dos conteúdos programáticos nos livros didáticos de Geografia sobre sustentabilidade. A discussão será feita com base em levantamentos bibliográficos e a análise de uma coleção aprovada pelo PNLD para o período de 2020 a 2023, do 6º ao 9ºano. A análise dos livros de geografia verificou que os conteúdos ainda são apresentados de forma fragmentada e muitas vezes incipiente. Com base nos dados obtidos, discute-se a necessidade de formular obras que se pautem na teoria da complexidade e em suas visões dialógica, hologramática e recursiva.
Proposta de diretrizes para a elaboração do Plano de Gestão da Área de Proteção Ambiental - APA serra do Rosário, Sobral – CE
Authors: Souza Lívia Alves de , Caracristi Isorlanda
Published: January 2025

As Unidades de Conservação (UCs) são espaços territorialmente protegidos por seus atributos ambientais. O uso e ocupação dessas áreas têm acontecido de forma desordenada por meio de atividades degradadoras e poluidoras. Diante disso, esta pesquisa tem como objetivo apresentar a primeira etapa de proposição de diretrizes e diagnóstico para elaboração do Plano de Gestão da APA Serra do Rosário. Para tanto, uma pesquisa de campo de natureza exploratória-descritiva foi realizada no ano de 2023, com vistas a construção da dissertação do Programa de Pós-graduação Mestrado Acadêmico em Geografia - UVA, ancorada na abordagem teórica e metodológica da tríade: Geossistema Território e Paisagem (GTP) e ferramenta de análise. Na investigação, identificou-se os elementos de análise e compreensão da organização do espaço geográfico e sua inter-relação natureza-sociedade. Ademais, firmou-se como proposição a elaboração da caracterização, diagnóstico e o zoneamento como instrumento, tendo em vista que desde a sua criação há 15 anos, a unidade não dispõe do Plano de Gestão e Manejo, Conselho Gestor consultivo legalmente constituídos.
Különleges Bánásmód, 2024.10.(4.)
Authors: Különleges Bánásmód Folyóirat Szerkesztősége
Published: January 2025

Journal of Special Treatment, 2024.10.(4.) - full text
Kognitív kompetenciák felmérése hátrányos helyzetű óvodások körében Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, Hajdú-Bihar és Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg megyében
Authors: Szerepi Sándor
Published: January 2025

Between 2017-2020 I was a member in the project called „Opportunity Maker Kindergarten” (EFOP-3.1.3-16-2016-00001). It was organised by the National Educational Office. The purpose of this project is helping and supporting the kindergartens which are teaching and educating lots of disadvantaged (and roma) children. There was an important part of this work: taking an ability measurement by the kindergarten teachers. It was a special measurement, because we collected their judgements of some statement. In the study, we looked at children aged 5-7 years. The statements described the cognitive competences of children. Results were obtained in three categories (perception, thinking and imagination), in five dimensions per category, from the kindergartens participating in the project in the three selected counties. In the overall survey, kindergartens provided information on a total of 1,112 children, with the following numbers of responses in the three counties analysed: 259 in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, 178 in Hajdú-Bihar and 271 in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg. No significant difference was observed in the results: only in the category of perception and sensation did the data from Sablos score higher in several areas e.g. in the case of tactile and visual perception.
Az alvás körülményeinek vizsgálata az óvodás korú gyermekek életében
Authors: Vargáné Nagy Anikó , Molnár-Kovács Mária
Published: January 2025

This study explores the conditions surrounding nap in the lives of kindergarten-aged children, focusing on both family and kindergarten environments. Recognizing that restful napping and relaxation are essential for healthy development, the research aims to identify factors that support or hinder children's nap quality. The study examines the effects of nap-related habits and practices, addressing both beneficial and detrimental influences on children's daily well-being. The goal is to uncover outdated or ineffective approaches to nap management and to promote strategies that consider the individual needs of children. By investigating the conditions of nap and rest, the study contributes to the development of nap hygiene for kindergarten-aged children. This includes providing insights that can guide parents and educators in adopting more effective methods to support children's mental health and overall well-being through proper nap routines.
The Impact of Cultural Heritage on Coexistence Relations in a Local Community
Authors: Szabó Henriett
Published: January 2025

The analysis of community processes in peripheral local rural societies is usually described in terms of assimilation, integration and segregation. The basic motivation for the research presented in this paper was that, in my experience, the integration processes of the largest ethnic minority in Hungary can only be fully comprehended if the autonomous narratives of local communities concerning their own life situations are acknowledged as interpretations that underpin our conclusions. A field study was conducted using ethnographic and anthropological methods in two settlements in Hajdú-Bihar County. The aim was to investigate the impact of the structure of the Gypsy subcommunity's traditional heritage, its recurrent functions and the emerging revival processes on coexistence. I was looking for an answer to the question whether the traditional practices of the Roma, the use of language, the set of customs, the ethnic norms help or hinder social integration. This paper presents the results and conclusions of a research conducted in one of the settlements, in Nagyrábé. The objective of the research was to identify the factors that influence the social acceptance of local Roma communities and examine their relation to the quality of the preservation of ethnic traditions.
Társadalmi felelősségvállalás a magyar felsőoktatásban: a Lorántffy Zsuzsanna Mentorprogram a Nemzeti Közszolgálati Egyetemen II: a pilot kutatás eredményei
Authors: Biró Éva , Korpics Márta Katalin
Published: January 2025

The National University of Public Service is dedicated to social responsibility. One of its forms is volunteering, a cultural aspect that is lacking in the societal embedding in our country (Fejes & Szűcs 2016). The study presents the results of an ongoing mentoring program at NUPS, where university members provided weekly subject tutoring online for residents of child protection centers in Transylvania. The primary goal of the program is to provide a form of compensation for disadvantages and psycho-social care through the establishment of personal connections (Baráth, 2016), aiding in the improvement of academic performance for underprivileged youth. In the long term, it aims to provide opportunities for the development of coping strategies that support participants in breaking through and achieving further success (Szőtsné et al., 2007). In the spring semester of the 2022/23 academic year, three children's homes had 36 students participating in the pilot phase of the program. After methodological training, 28 mentors provided assistance. Mentoring took place weekly in the requested subjects, including related study method counseling. Among the mentors were students, university lecturers, and functional staff, Continuous methodological counseling and experience exchange were provided. Each mentor kept a progress diary. At the end of the program, individual and focus group evaluations were conducted for all participant groups. The results of the pilot research are presented in two parts. The first paper (Biro & Korpics, 2024) presented the literature review and the academic background to the programme. The second paper will present the results of the research, the discussion and further steps planned.
A Kisteleki kistérségben élő gyermekek, fiatalok és családjaik helyzetének, igényeinek és szükségleteinek felmérése
Authors: Laki Ildikó , Kocsis Péter Csaba
Published: January 2025

Poverty research in Hungary has more than a decade of experience. The issue of poverty and child poverty is one of the most prominent challenges of domestic social policy, and it is hoped that by addressing it correctly and providing appropriate services, it will be possible to reduce the recurrence of poverty. Since accession to the European Union, particular attention has been paid to specific areas of social inclusion, such as disadvantaged areas, the problem of districts to be developed and the specificities arising from social differences. One response to these territorial disparities and the resulting social challenges has been to launch services to compensate for disadvantages. In this study, we present the results of the Kistelek district municipalities of the Child Poverty Programme, with some highlighted aspects. It is also considered significant because it was a replication of an earlier survey in 2012, with data from several districts - Baktalórántházai, Bátonyterenie, Hegyháti, Hevesi, Kistelek and Szécsényi.
Az Ovi-Sport Program pilot vizsgálata néhány debreceni óvodában
Authors: Szabó Éva , Rábai Dávid
Published: January 2025

The aim of this study is twofold: first, to present the development, essence, and key elements of the Ovi-Sport Program, and second, to assess, through an empirical pilot questionnaire survey, the opinions of preschool teachers (n=52) from several preschools in Debrecen regarding the Program. The goal is to identify, based on the responses of the surveyed preschool teachers, the strengths and weaknesses of the Program. The research questions aimed to explore the following: the practical purposes for which the respondents use the Ovi-Sport track, whether they are methodologically prepared for the widespread implementation of the Ovi-Sport Program, and what they perceive as the main strengths and weaknesses of the Program's operation. Based on the results, it can be stated that preschool teachers generally have a positive evaluation of the existence of the Ovi-Sport Program. In addition to positive feedback, the respondents pointed out areas that they suggest require further consideration and development, such as the insufficiency of the methodological materials available in the Program, which need to be expanded and revised. Furthermore, the surveyed teachers expressed the need for additional professional training and the involvement of external experts to provide assistance.
A Survey Development for Human Resources Management Professionals Encompassing Awareness, Assistive Technology Knowledge, and Workplace Accommodations
Authors: VanderMolen Julia K. , Ward-Sutton Courtney
Published: January 2025

Background:An employer’s attitude is essential in the workplace. It is often associated with hiring behaviors, in addition to their required awareness and knowledge of providing reasonable assistive technology (AT) and workplace accommodations (WA) for persons with disabilities (PwDs).

Objective:The study aimed to draw out knowledge and feedback from hiring managers, human resources management professionals, and recruitment specialists for PwDs, in addition to assessing the awareness and knowledge of AT and WA (AT-WA).

Methods:Researchers conducted a focus group to gain an insight for developing a survey that assesses the awareness and knowledge of AT-WA’s best practices used by hiring managers and human resources management professionals for employing PwDs.

Findings and Conclusions:Results from the focus group participants were all in agreeance that training improvements are needed to help diversify the workforce for PwDs.
Assessing the impact of a pumped-storage power station on the normal operation of the Mongolian power system
Authors: Sidikov S. N. , Rusina A. G. , Osgonbaatar T. , Arestova А. Yu. , Burentsagaan B.
Published: January 2025

The paper is aimed at assessing the impact of integrating pumped-storage power stations on the steady-state operation of the Mongolian central power system, as well as its operational reliability, in the context of growing power consumption and the increasing share of renewable energy sources. The study was conducted employing the machine learning method (specifically, ensemble models and statistical ranking models) to build a model of the daily load curve, as well as the power generation of wind and solar power plants. The computations were performed using the Pandapower software, which provided a means to take into account the actual technical characteristics of power grid equipment, analyze normal conditions, and optimize the operating conditions. The modeling results indicate that the integration of four pumped-storage power stations with a total capacity of 250 MW significantly smoothes out the irregularity of the daily output curve of thermal power plants. The irregularity factor indicating the minimum-to-maximum daily load ratio increased from 0.8 to 0.96. An analysis of operating conditions did not reveal overloading of backbone transmission lines or unacceptable node voltage deviation. The total power losses in the central energy system of Mongolia were shown to increase insignificantly with the integration of pumped-storage power stations amounting to 5.54% (5.36% without taking them into account). This fact confirms that the redistribution of significant amounts of power associated with the growing share of renewable energy sources in the Mongolian power system requires a thorough analysis of the technical status of equipment and an increase in transmission line capacity. Thus, the integration of pumped-storage power stations by 2030 will make the control of the Mongolian central power system more flexible. This will increase domestic power generation, reduce ohmic losses in the grid, decrease the volume of power imports from Russia, lower the risks of outages in the central region of Mongolia, and effectively solve the power shortage problem.
Physical simulation of separating two immiscible liquids in the “Pobeda” smelting unit with localized melt sparging by means of side and basal tuyeres
Authors: Bulatov K. V. , Zhukov V. P. , Menshchikov V. A. , Bratygin E. V.
Published: January 2025

The paper aims to find physicochemical patterns in the separation of liquid smelting products with the melt blasted by side and basal tuyeres installed in the area of a “Pobeda” smelting unit intended for charging and melting copper-containing charge. The study adopted the physical simulation method with the use of transparent media (vegetable oil and colored water) and a glass cuvette. The dynamic similarity between the sample and model was ensured by the constancy of the Archimedes number Ar. The initial ratio between the levels of less and more dense fluids was chosen according to the Weber number We. The Archimedes numbers per one side and one basal tuyere amounted to 5;3 and 12;6 (Variants 1 and 2, respectively). The completeness of phase separation was determined visually through filming the liquid-liquid interface emergence and the settlement front advance, as well as quantitatively via the sampling method with subsequent separation of water and oil through centrifugation. According to the condition Ar = idem, the blasting parameters were determined for the cold model with the installation of six basal and three side tuyeres, which were assumed to be located in the sparging zone of the melt. The phase separation patterns are shown to depend on the duration and intensity of the blast. Under Variant 1, blasting is characterized by the formation of a constant phase immiscibility profile at the end of the experiment, which occurs in a limited area of the settlement zone that is far from the sparging zone. At higher Archimedes numbers (Variant 2), the melt pool acquires a homogeneous structure in a shorter time, and no immiscibility boundaries are observed along the entire length of the melt. Thus, a cold modeling technique was developed to study the patterns of phase separation in the presence of a separate sparging zone in the melt pool. This provides a means to obtain objective parameters for the location of tuyeres and blasting conditions, thus ensuring a reduction in the mechanical losses of copper with slag at a given smelting capacity in the “Pobeda” unit.
Development of a technology for setting a high-amperage electrolytic cell for electrical preheating using fusible links
Authors: Radionov E. Yu.
Published: January 2025

The paper aims to develop and test a design procedure for setting an electrolytic cell for electrical preheating without current interruption in a series of electrolysis units using aluminum fusible links. For the analysis of a complex electrical circuit, the circuit conversion technique, a direct application of Kirchhoff’s circuit laws, was used. The obtained patterns were identified and determined using graphical and analytical methods. Mathematical modeling was performed by means of approved programs. A design procedure was developed for setting an electrolytic cell for electrical preheating without current interruption in the series of electrolysis units. The computations (mathematical modeling) were performed for two startup variants: without current load interruption in the series of electrolysis units and with the lowering of current load in the series (to 250 kA). Pilot startup tests of two high-amperage electrolytic cells were performed without current interruption in the series of electrolysis units, i.e., at an operating current of 330 kA, as well as the startup of one electrolytic cell with the current load lowered to 250 kA. The study results indicate that the developed method allows a high-amperage electrolytic cell to be set for electrical preheating with the use of fusible links without interrupting the current load or with its lowering in the series of electrolysis units. Successful pilot tests of three high-amperage electrolytic cells operating at a current strength of 330 kA provide a means to extrapolate this preheating method to other high-amperage electrolytic cells operating at current strengths of 400 and 550 kA.
Valuable aluminum alloys obtained from secondary metallized raw materials
Authors: Fernandes Penya A. , Bazhin V. Yu. , Makushin D. V.
Published: January 2025

In this work, we aim to obtain a high-alloy product of the Al-Fe-Si-Mn system from scrap and metallized waste, as well as to determine the optimal technological mode of melting for increasing the yield of finished products during complex processing of the melt. The study involved the following methods: X-ray fluorescence (XRF), spectral, X-ray structural, and differential–thermal analysis. Chromatographic and mass-spectrometric analysis of gases released during the remelting of aluminum waste was carried out to determine irrecoverable losses. Analysis data indicate that volatile compounds account for 13–15% of the total mass of aluminum lost during heating and melting of the charge. As a result of the test melts carried out with various aluminum wastes, the obtained castings were shown to correspond to some grades of high-alloy aluminum alloys (for example, 3xxx and 8xxx) mainly belonging to the Al-Fe-Si-Mn system. The metal losses during loading of the charge into the melt at various layer heights in the furnace were determined. Its rational value was established based on the best results, representing 30–40% of the mass of the loaded charge. The implementation of a comprehensive technology for refining and step-by-step processing of the melt produced samples with a yield of 86 to 88%. According to the conducted analysis of the chemical composition, the castings contain a minimal quantity of non-metallic inclusions (SiO2, CaO, Al2O3, TiO2) with an acceptable hydrogen content (0.08–1.0 cm³/100 g). A study of the structural features characterized all samples as having a complex dendritic structure with the presence of intermetallic phases of the AlFe(Si)Mn type, which have a characteristic appearance known as "Chinese script" and reach sizes from 70 to 120 µm. The structure of the castings, which is generally characterized by its homogeneity and the uniform distribution of agglomerates of nanosized intermetallic compounds in the aluminum matrix, is suitable for obtaining cast blanks and rolled products for a wide range of purposes.
A Health Professional Mentorship Platform to Improve Equitable Access to Abortion: Development, Usability, and Content Evaluation
Authors: Abdulai Abdul-Fatawu , Duong Cam , Stroulia Eleni , Czerniak Efrat , Chiu Rachel , Mehta Aashay , Koike Ken , Norman Wendy V
Published: January 2025

Background

Access to safe abortion care is a reproductive right for all individuals across Canada. Underserved populations are overrepresented among those with unintended pregnancies and particularly those seeking abortion. Yet, few resources exist to help health care and allied helping professionals provide culturally competent and gender-affirming abortion care to such a population group.

Objective

This project aimed to redesign and adapt an existing subscription-based medication abortion mentorship platform into a culturally appropriate and gender-affirming open-access website of curated health professional resources to promote equitable, accessible, high-quality abortion care, particularly for underserved populations.

Methods

We drew on a user-centered design framework to redesign the web platform in 5 iterative phases. Health care and allied helping professionals were engaged in each stage of the development process including the initial design of the platform, curation of the resources, review of the content, and evaluation of the wireframes and the end product.

Results

This project resulted in an open-access bilingual (English and French) web-based platform containing comprehensive information and resources on abortion care for health care providers (physicians, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists) and allied helping professionals (midwives, medical officers, community workers, and social workers). The website incorporated information on clinical, logistical, and administrative guidance, including culturally competent and gender-affirming toolkits that could equip health care professionals with the requisite knowledge to provide abortion care for underserved populations.

Conclusions

This platform contains resources that can increase the competencies of health care professionals to initiate and sustain culturally and contextually appropriate abortion care for underserved groups while clarifying myths and misconceptions that often militate against initiating abortion. Our resource also has the potential to support equitable access to high-quality abortion care, particularly for those among underserved populations who may have the greatest unmet need for abortion services yet face the greatest barriers to accessing care.
An Explainable AI Application (AF’fective) to Support Monitoring of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation After Catheter Ablation: Qualitative Focus Group, Design Session, and Interview Study
Authors: She Wan Jou , Siriaraya Panote , Iwakoshi Hibiki , Kuwahara Noriaki , Senoo Keitaro
Published: January 2025

Background

The opaque nature of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms has led to distrust in medical contexts, particularly in the treatment and monitoring of atrial fibrillation. Although previous studies in explainable AI have demonstrated potential to address this issue, they often focus solely on electrocardiography graphs and lack real-world field insights.

Objective

We addressed this gap by incorporating standardized clinical interpretation of electrocardiography graphs into the system and collaborating with cardiologists to co-design and evaluate this approach using real-world patient cases and data.

Methods

We conducted a 3-stage iterative design process with 23 cardiologists to co-design, evaluate, and pilot an explainable AI application. In the first stage, we identified 4 physician personas and 7 explainability strategies, which were reviewed in the second stage. A total of 4 strategies were deemed highly effective and feasible for pilot deployment. On the basis of these strategies, we developed a progressive web application and tested it with cardiologists in the third stage.

Results

The final progressive web application prototype received above-average user experience evaluations and effectively motivated physicians to adopt it owing to its ease of use, reliable information, and explainable functionality. In addition, we gathered in-depth field insights from cardiologists who used the system in clinical contexts.

Conclusions

Our study identified effective explainability strategies, emphasized the importance of curating actionable features and setting accurate expectations, and suggested that many of these insights could apply to other disease care contexts, paving the way for future real-world clinical evaluations.
User-Centered Design of Trauma Systems Solutions for Re-Triage of Injured Patients: A Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Slocum John Dwight , Jelke David , Mai Qixuan , Johnson Julie , Nguyen My LT , Cong Lixuan , Chandrasekaran Aditya , Holl Jane L , Moklyak Yuriy , Mis Justin , Gabaldo Molly , Adams James G. , Brigode William M , Voights MaryBeth , Andersen Rebecca , Gilbert Tamuriat , Siparsky Nicole , Proust Arthur , Stey Anne M , Berry Andrew B.L
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Re-triage is the emergent inter-hospital transfer of severely injured patients from non/low-level to high-level trauma centers.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to apply user-centered design to develop a robust, acceptable, and feasible solution to improve the re-triage process.

METHODS

The mixed methods, observational, cross-sectional study applied the 5 phases of a user-centered design approach, including Phase 1: Understanding the design needs, through site visit observations and virtual focus groups; Phase 2: Ideation of potential solutions through a second round of virtual focus groups; Phase 3: Rank Ordering solutions to identify the most robust, acceptable, and potentially feasible solutions; Phase 4: Prototyping by creating low-fidelity prototypes for the highest-ranked solutions; and Phase 5: Validation of the robustness of the prototypes through virtual focus groups. All virtual sessions were recorded, transcribed, and inductively coded to generate themes of robustness, acceptability, and feasibility of the re-triage solution. Thematic analysis was anchored on the Desirability, Viability, and Feasibility Design Thinking Methodology.

RESULTS

A total of 19 sessions were conducted across all 5 phases with 49 participants from 12 trauma centers across Illinois. Participants included front-line users and leadership. The key design requirement was resource transparency between centers. The ideation phase produced 70 solutions. A systemwide bed-tracker was ranked the highest by participants. Protoyping and validation resulted in a centralized, systemwide, bed-tracker with hourly updated bed availability being the final solution to improve the re-triage of trauma patients from non-trauma/low-level and high-level trauma centers.

CONCLUSIONS

A 5 phase user-centered design approach resulted in a single solution consisting in a centralized bed-tracker of available beds at high-level trauma centers to improve re-triage.
PIT1 gene Polymorphism and its Relationship with Growth Performance of Cross-Bred (Brahman X Lai Sind); (Red Angus x Lai Sind) and (BBB x Lai Sind) Cattle Kept in Dak Lak Province, Vietnam
Authors: Chi Ngo Thi Kim
Published: January 2025

Based on the correlation of PIT1 gene polymorphism with cattle fattening (especially local breeds), the aim of this study was to determine the correlation between PIT1 gene polymorphism and growth traits of crossbred cattle. Total 150 cattle from 3 crossbred (Brahman x Laisind, BRL), (Red Angus x Laisind, RAL) and (Blanc Bleu Belge x Laisind, BBL) were collected for ear tissue sampling for DNA extraction to determine the genotype of the PIT1 gene. The body weights at birth, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months of age were recorded, and average daily gains were calculated accordingly. PCR-RFLP analysis was used to analyze PIT1 gene polymorphisms of individual animals. PCR reaction specifically amplified the PIT1 gene segment. The results of genotype/allele analysis of the PIT1 gene of BRL, RAL and BBL cattle showed that the PIT1 gene has two allele forms A and B corresponding to three genotypes AA, AB and BB appearing in all three cattle populations. The actual distribution frequencies of genotypes AA, AB and BB were consistent with the theoretical distribution frequencies according to the Hardy Weinberg Law. PIT1 gene polymorphism is related to body weight and absolute gain (ADG) of crossbred cattle combinations BRL, RAL and BBL. Body weight and average daily gain in BRL, RAL and BBL cattle tend to favor the BB genotype.
Sustainability and Strategy for Development of the Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes) Concept for Coastal Communities through Triple Bottom Line and Interpretative Structural Modeling
Authors: Hadi Syamsul
Published: January 2025

The benefits of the existence of Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) in coastal areas are still not felt by the local community, so their sustainability is also in doubt. There are internal and external factors such as the commitment of the government and other stakeholders and a more appropriate concept development strategy is needed to strengthen its effectiveness. The objectives of this research are 1) to measure the sustainability of BUMDes in empowering the economy of coastal communities, and 2) to formulate a strategy for developing the BUMDes concept in driving the economy of coastal communities. This research method uses a survey method which will take place in 2022-2023 in six Tapal Kuda districts, in East Java Province. Three sub-districts were taken from each sample district and one village was taken from each sample sub-district based on the health conditions of BUMDes using Cluster sampling. The sample for this research came from a population of 30 BUMDEs administrators, 60 village government officials, and 120 coastal community residents who were determined intentionally. To answer the first objective, analysis was used using the Corporate Sustainability approach using the Triple Bottom Line model approach, and to answer the second objective, analysis was used using the Interpretative Structural Modeling approach. The research results reveal that 1) in the economic dimension, the sustainability of BUMDes in the research area is sustainable, and 2) The most basic variable and has a real influence on the other nine variables in building a strategy for developing the BUMDes concept is efforts to minimize the vested interest of village heads and the impact of local politics. Therefore, each variable, either independently or collaboratively in forming the Reachability Set, Antecedent Set, Interceptions, and coordinates, affects the other variables. These phenomena include the variable of increasing capital participation in BUMDes from various sources which influences three other variables, namely the variable of awareness for village governments regarding the strategic importance of BUMDes in empowering the economy of coastal communities, the variable of optimizing and diversifying business units by local wisdom, and the variable of strengthening Statutes and bylaws (Village regulations) for BUMDes governance.
Synthetic Seeds Production by Encapsulated Somatic Embryo of White Olive Cultivar
Authors: Abd El-Zaher Mohamed Helmy
Published: January 2025

In vitro protocol for the micropropagation has been developed and standardized in vitro propagation methods by culture cotyledons of seeds and embryonic callus induction, encapsulation somatic embryos of white olive cultivar was evaluated. Explants of (cotyledons) of white olive cultivar were subjected to disinfection treatments and used to produce somatic embryo and encapsulated somatic embryo to produce synthetic seeds. Stages of production synthetic seeds are: sterilization stage, callus induction, somatic embryos induction with Rugini media (RM) supplemented with different concentration of kinetin or glutamine or/1 2ip (Poly Vinyl Pyrrolidone) or GA3 or zeatin and encapsulation somatic embryos with Na-alginate with different concentration and time. The results showed that cotyledons cultured on RM were the best part in vitro cultured for 6 weeks. The best Sterilization treatments of cotyledons were Clorox 15% for 10 min; HgCl2 at 0.2 and 0.3 % for 10 min, the highest embryonic calli percentage formed on Rugini Media (RM) with 30 gm sugar and 6mg/L 2,4-D or 15 g Sugar. in conclusion, The highest somatic Embryo formation with Rugini Media (RM) 4(+1mg/L 2iP. The suitable encapsulated somatic embryos with Na –Alginate 4% and solidified by 8% CaNO3 for 45 minutes with high transparency and solidity%. Synthetic seeds obtained from encapsulated somatic embryogenesis is a suitable method for micro propagation at any time and has the potential for use in the commercial propagation and useful in exchange of sterile material between laboratories, germplasm conservation of white olive cultivar.
Factors Affecting Traditional Spinning Silk Yarn Quality in the Soppeng Regency, Indonesia, and Optimisation Strategies
Authors: Batara A. Wahyu
Published: January 2025

Since 1964, one of the livelihoods of the inhabitants of Soppeng Regency has been the cultivation of natural silk for the production of silk yarn products. Currently, the silk yarn production industry is dealing with challenges connected to the low quality of the yarn produced, which can only be utilized as weft yarn in creating silk garments. Soppeng Regency in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, has a rich history of silk production, traditionally serving as a significant source of income for its residents. This natural silk industry has played a vital role in the region's economy in the Donri-Donri District area. This study investigates the factors influencing silk yarn quality in Soppeng Regency's traditional production system, aiming to revitalize the industry. Employing the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), we identified the two most critical leverage factors: silkworm seedling quality (weight: 0.303) and the silkworm rearing process (weight: 0.290). A SWOT analysis positioned the industry in a promising quadrant (I), indicating strengths outweigh weaknesses and opportunities exceed threats (strengths: 0.284, opportunities: 0.139). These findings suggest that improving silkworm seedling quality and rearing methods presents a significant opportunity to enhance yarn quality, potentially leading to increased production and profitability for Soppeng's silk producers. This study shows that improving the quality of silkworm seedlings and rearing methods can significantly enhance the silk industry in Soppeng Regency. This will result in higher quality yarn, increased production and sales, and greater profitability for silk producers. This will benefit the entire industry, creating a positive ripple effect for the local economy. Future research implies comparing the most suitable silkworm breed and the most appropriate rearing method to produce high-quality silk thread in Soppeng Regency.
Impact of Different Diets and Temperature Exposure Intervals on the Biology and Mortality of Dhora Beetle (Challosobrochus chinensis: Coleoptera)
Authors: Ali Qurban
Published: January 2025

Pulse beetle caused severe damage to the pulses stored for food and seed purpose. This pest is can be Trolled by phosphine fumigation and synthetic insecticides but resistant and residual causes major problems. The experiment was conducted in a stored grain laboratory at ERI, Faisalabad. Twenty dhora beetles were released on three different pulses (chickpeas, kidney beans, and lentils) to evaluate the impact of offered diets on the developmental parameters of C. chinensis. The results represented that the offered cereals have a significant impact (p<0.05) on the tested developmental parameters with the shortest larval, pupal and adult longevity has been recorded in the case of chickpea cereal with a maximum percentage damage was 57.65% to these grains. In another experiment where insects were exposed to various temperatures i.e. -5 to 40ºC for 10, 30, 50 and 90 minutes and mortality was recorded. Maximum mortality was observed at an extreme temperature 40oC followed by -5oC while the mortality level declined as the temperature moved towed room temperature (25oC) so at 20oC minimum mortality was observed. The exposure time period also affects the percentage mortality of dhora beetle. Highest mortality was observed at the maximum exposure time period at all levels of the temperature while declined in mortality as exposure time decreased.
Powdered Inoculum: A New Approach for Improving Bioethanol Production During Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF) of Lignocellulosic Biomass
Authors: Suryaningsih Ni Luh Sri
Published: January 2025

This study presents a practical approach to enhancing microbial inoculum availability through the development of powdered inoculum for use in simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of lignocellulosic materials for bioethanol production. The powdered inoculum is composed of a consortium of three microbes: Trichoderma reesei, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Zymomonas mobilis. Rice, corn, and soybean flour, supplemented with 5% (w/w) glucose, serve as carriers for the microbial consortium. The stability and viability of the powdered inoculum were evaluated using the Total Plate Count (TPC) method. The inoculum was applied to lignocellulosic material in the form of Dewaka banana pseudostem (DBP), which underwent pretreatment involving chemical-free pressure heating and drying. The powdered inoculum was applied to the lignocellulosic material for a 15-day fermentation period. Parameters monitored included optical density, reducing sugar levels, and bioethanol concentration. The results showed that microbial growth in the inoculum at the time of preparation was 1.26 × 10⁷ CFU g⁻¹, and after four weeks of storage, it was 9.42 × 10⁸ CFU g⁻¹. The bioethanol yield was 34.85 g g⁻¹ substrate on the third day of inoculation, with a bioethanol concentration of 12.25% achieved by the 12th day.
Antifungal Activity of Clove Essential Oil-Based Nanoemulsion against Tomato Fusarium Wilt and Potential Toxicity on Male Albino Rats
Authors: Abbas Almajed Abdulmohsen
Published: January 2025

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) is a serious soil-borne disease of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.). The study aimed to prepare clove essential oil (CEO) in a nanoemulsion (CEONE) form and to evaluate its antifungal potential against FOL in comparison to its bulk form (CEO) using a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments. CEONE was prepared and characterized using DLS, Zeta potential, and TEM analysis. The wilt disease incidence (WDI%) and wilt disease severity (WDS%) were assessed. Enzymatic activity and biochemical changes as well as histopathological alterations were subsequently investigated. Anti-proliferative effect of CEONE on male albino rats was investigated through hematological, biochemical, and histological analyses. The prepared CEONE showed a Z-average diameter of 50.75 nm having a spherical-shaped droplet structure as confirmed by TEM imaging and showed a surface charge exceeding -37.6 mV. Laboratory results revealed that CEONE had a significant antifungal activity towards FOL at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200µl/L with inhibition percentages of 44.72, 64.17, and 78.06%, respectively. Greenhouse findings showed that CEONE significantly decreased the WDI and WDS of FOL when applied at 200 µl/L with efficacy reaching 85.19 and 87.72%, respectively. Field experimental results indicated that the application of CEONE at 200 µl/L decreased the WDI of FOL to 66.67% and WDS up to 60.92 % when compared to CEO, and untreated control. Application of CEONE (100 µl/L) and CEO (1000 µl/L), significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated the level of PPO. Whereas, the highest concentrations of CEONE (200 µl/L) and CEO (1500 µl/L) significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated the level of PPO. Out of all treatments, CEONE at a concentration of 50 µl/L exhibited a significant increase in total chlorophyll, and carotenoids with values reaching 54.41μg/g FW and 2.0 μg/g FW, respectively. Anatomical analysis revealed no tissue damage in the epidermis, cortex and vascular bundles of the treated tomato stem. Toxicity analyses revealed that renal function parameters (blood urea and serum creatinine) and hepatic function markers (ALT and AST) were slightly altered among animals treated with CEONE at 200 µl/kg body weight. The hematological, biochemical, and histopathological analyses did not demonstrate any remarkable toxicity of CEONE on rats organs, indicating no harmful properties of CEONE. Further experimental and field trials may be advised.