bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Undergraduates’ Participation in Campus Newspaper Production and Management in South East Nigeria
Authors: OBIORA Adanma Vivian , UCHE Anthony Ogbonna
Published: October 2023

This study centered on the appraisal of undergraduates’ participation in campus newspaper production and management in southeast Nigeria. It studied public universities made of up both federal and state-owned universities as well as privately owned universities in the southeastern region of Nigeria. The sample size was 300 from 15 selected universities. The study was designed as a descriptive survey with the questionnaire as an instrument for data collection. Findings indicate that two out of the five federal universities do not offer mass communication whereas two privately owned institutions (though having mass communication departments) placed their campus newspaper production on hold. Findings also indicate that printing processes are outsourced (95%) while content creation and circulation are handled by the students (100%). The study recommends that universities offering communication and media studies should not only establish a campus newspaper but also set up a printing press to expose and enhance the skills of students for a holistic newspaper production and management capacity.
Actualización en Traumatología Vol. 5
Authors: Rivadeneira Jurado Elias Agustin , Encalada Ortiz Carlos Alejandro , Larrea Parra Nicolas Felipe , Masapanta Quimis Tamara Talia
Published: October 2023

"Actualización en Traumatología Vol. 5" se configura como un recurso académico y clínico esencial para traumatólogos, ortopedistas y otros profesionales de la salud que se dedican al manejo de lesiones traumáticas. Este quinto volumen de la serie se centra en los avances más recientes en el campo de la traumatología, con un enfoque particular en la traumatología deportiva, las fracturas complejas y la rehabilitación post-traumática.
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of the Aqueous Extract of Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) from Indonesia
Authors: Ounaceur Lynda Sabrina , Bouacha Mabrouka , Taguida Oumaima , Djaber Nesrine , Messarah Mahfoud , Boumendjel Amel
Published: October 2023

The clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is an aromatic herb that originates mainly from Central Asia and Africa. This herb has been used in many ways, especially in the medical field. Given its many therapeutic benefits, it would be interesting to identify the different phytochemicals of this plant. The primary objective of this work is to measure the various phenolic compounds in the aqueous extract of the plant and to identify them, using the HPLC technique. The study of the antioxidant activity in vitro of this extract as well as its antimicrobial activity have been carefully carried out. According to the results of the phytochemical analysis, this plant contained, more or less, significant amounts of phenolic compounds such as total phenols (176.02 mg), flavonoids (23.5 mg) and ortho-diphenols (740,14 mg). Moreover, some phenolic compounds, in particular flavonols, were present in smaller amounts, (2.09 x 10-3 mg). The presence of certain compounds was then confirmed by the HPLC technique. The results of the study of the antioxidant activity of clove extract (DPPH, ABTS and β-carotene test), showed values that ​​were high. As for the antibacterial activity tests, they showed remarkably high inhibition zones and sensitivity (diameter 18mm and 15mm diameter) for the Gram negative bacteria : Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia Coli. As regards for the gram-positive strain which is Staphylococcus aureus, it had a high sensitivity and an inhibition diameter of (19 mm).
Foraging Behavior of Apis florea F. on Wax Apple, Syzygium samarangense and their Role in Pollination of West Bengal, India
Authors: Gayen Amit Kumar , Ghorai Narayan
Published: October 2023

Foraging behavior of Apis florea F. on wax apple (Syzygium samarangense) was studied in arid zones of west Bengal during March 2021 to May 2022. Dwarf honey bee Apis florea F. is an important hymenopteran insect for their pollination services. Foraging behavior of Apis florea on the blooms of wax apple were assessed in different day time and in different weather conditions. Peak foraging activity of dwarf honey bee was mainly observed at 1100 hrs. and minimum foraging activity was noticed at 0600 hrs. & 1800 hrs. The present study also reported that foraging activity of Apis florea was maximum in sunny day and least in cloudy day.
Transición del rol cuidador en el niño con cáncer desde el patrón de conocimiento empírico
Authors: Barrios Huerta Dulce Fabiola , Rivas Herrera José Cruz , Reyes Juárez Cecilia
Published: October 2023

El patrón de conocimiento empírico propuesto por Carper, permite a la disciplina de enfermería adentrarse en fenómenos particulares como la transición del rol de padre a cuidador familiar del niño con cáncer a través de la observación, la percepción y la experiencia documentada por los profesionales de enfermería; para lograr visibilidad e importancia en la transición de padre a cuidador. Se analizan los hallazgos relacionados con la transición del rol de padre a cuidador del niño con cáncer, considerando: el afrontamiento al diagnóstico, la incorporación de la familia al sistema de salud en los cuidados profesionales y no profesionales, así como, la adaptación de rol y la introyección a los procesos de cuidado como parte de su esencia de vida. El patrón empírico en la transición del rol que desempeña el cuidador, está inmerso en la cotidianidad de la práctica profesional, sin embargo; las particularidades equidistantes que reflejan la invisibilidad de este personaje en los sistemas de salud y su vulnerabilidad como individuo social, determinan el estado de salud del niño con cáncer.
PERCEPTION OF HEALTHY EATING: ROLE OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES
Authors: SETHI SRISHTI , RASTOGI MAYURI
Published: October 2023

A more profound comprehension of one of the factors affecting eating patterns is necessary to advocate and encourage individuals to eat effectively and successfully. Among the many things, people's eating habits influence how they view nutritious food. In this review, "Perception of healthy eating" is people's ideas about eating nutritious, ingesting for health, and consuming healthy foods. This article aims to summarise the study's findings on eating healthy and determine the current perception of knowledge, attitude, and practices. Twenty recent articles were reviewed in the present study. It is crucial to comprehend the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) underlying young people's eating habits to comprehend their viewpoints on food. It helps combat unhealthy eating and decreases the ratio of many diseases due to an unhealthy body. Adolescent obesity can be avoided by encouraging good eating habits; families may play a big part.
Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, Nutritional Status, Obesity, Tools for Assessment.
The detection and identification of footprint impressions at the scene of crime – A mini review
Authors: Abbas Malik Hafiz Muhammad , Bashir Kamran
Published: October 2023

In order to identify the offender and solve a mystery crime like Footprint, forensic investigators hunt for physical evidence at crime scenes or the place of the crime. Forensic science is based on physical evidence. Even in the early stages of the inquiry, the footprint is simply overlooked since it is thought to be unimportant, even though it is essential physical evidence found at many crime scenes, including those of homicide, burglary, and sexual assault. The most similar kind of pattern-based evidence to fingerprint and gait analysis are blood pattern analysis. The most crucial aspect of forensic science is the analysis and comparison of the footprint impressions. The investigation officer or forensic science specialist usually follows the parameters, such as the design, size, or shape of a footprint, when taking footprint impressions. In a criminal investigation, a footprint impression can be helpful evidence that steers the case in the wrong way. In comparison to the footprints left by walking, those left by standing are smaller. In this review paper, we demonstrate how to quickly analyze the footprint imprint found at the crime scene using the scientific method.
Pelatihan Manajemen Bengkel Bidang Teknologi dan Rekayasa Bagi Guru Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan (SMK) Canda Bhirawa Pare Kabupaten Kediri
Authors: Yoto Yoto , Marsono Marsono , Suyetno Agus , Mawangi Putri Ardista Nursisda , Kustono Djoko
Published: October 2023

Sebuah bengkel pada sekolah kejuruan rentan terhadap bahaya kecelakaan terutama SMK bidang teknologi dan rekayasa, oleh karena itu bengkel harus dikelola oleh guru yang profesional memiliki keterampilan manajemen bengkel yang memadai. Oleh karena itu sangat diperlukan pelatihan bagi guru SMK tentang manajemen bengkel untuk mencegah terjadinya kecelakaan kerja bagi para siswa saat kegiatan di bengkel. Pelatihan saat ini dilakukan pada pada guru-guru produktif bidang teknologi dan rekayasa di SMK Canda Bhirawa Pare kediri sebanyak 41 orang. Pelatihan dilakukan oleh Tim pengabdian kepada Masyarakat LP2M Universitas Negeri Malang. Pelatihan manajemen bengkel dilakukan dengan materi teori dan praktik. Hasil pelatihan menunjukkan bahwa rata-rata kompetensi nilai pre-test 68,07; nilai pos-test 90,64. Sehingga terdapat kenaikan kompetensi dari sebelum pelatihan disbanding setelah pelatihan sebesar 22,57.
Pelatihan Pemanfaatan Mesin Pencacah Pakan Ternak (Choper) untuk Meningkatkan Efektifitas Pakan Sapi bagi Kelompok Tani “Loh-Jinawi’ di Desa Sambigede Kecamatan Sumberpucung Kabupaten Malang
Authors: Yoto Yoto , Marsono Marsono , Suyetno Agus , Mawangi Putri Ardista Nursisda
Published: October 2023

Pencacahan pakan dalam jumlah yang banyak memerlukan waktu pencacahan yang relatif lama sehingga pemenuhan kebutuhan pakan untuk hewan ternak dalam jumlah banyak kurang maksimal. Selain proses pencacahan masalah yang sering timbul adalah hasil dari pencacahan pakan yang kurang halus karena pencacahan pakan dalam jumlah banyak masih menggunakan cara manual atau tenaga manusia. Bantuan dan pelatihan Pelatihan Mesin pencacah pakan ternak (Choper) memberikan  bermanfaat untuk mempermudah petani peternak dalam menghasilkan pakan ternak yang baik sehingga mampu memperbaiki dan  mempercepat pertumbuhan ternak. Kehadiran Choper pada kelompok tani “Loh-Jinawi” juga memberikan dampak: menghemat tenaga para petani untuk mencari pakan ternak, hemat  waktu dalam mencari pakan, limbah pakan menjadi sangat kecil kerena pakan dapat dimakan oleh ternak dengan bersih, dan Kesehatan ternak terjamin karena hidangan pakan menjadi lebih baik.
The Nursing Profession in the new era of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mujallad Alaa
Published: October 2023

People unfamiliar with Saudi Arabia will never realize the change the country is experiencing today. Women have become empowered over a short period. Change is happening now and is happening quickly. Women who have never even considered being engaged in higher positions are taking managerial and leadership positions. Along with the change that is taking place, the healthcare sector is one priority for the newly crowned prince Mohammed bin Salman in his 2030 vision to the nation. The Minister of Health addresses that nursing is the top priority to achieve the vision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, pointing out that 50% of the total workforce in the health sector are nurses. The researcher used secondary data from the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia to do a Descriptive Comparative Research Design to compare the number of nursing students to medical students in the major public universities in Saudi Arabia to see if there is a big difference between choosing nursing and medicine in the light of the high demand for the nursing profession. Key Words: Nursing, Saudi Arabia, Nursing Shortage, Vision 2030
Electronic Incidence reporting impact on Quality and Patient Safety: Results of Quality Improvement Project at Yarmouk Health Care Center, Kuwait
Authors: Alduwaisan Huda , AL-Khamees Maryam , Hussein Doaa khalifa , AlRasheed Rasheed , Aljarki Tasneem , Qidwai Waris
Published: October 2023

At Yarmouk Primary Health Care Center (PHCC), a continuous quality improvement and patient safety system is in place. \ Health care delivery was explored and paper-based incident reporting was found to compromise patient safety and quality. Induction of electronic reporting of incidents was started and its favorable outcome demonstrated. This was followed by establishing a continuous quality improvement process at the facility. Ethical principles were followed during data collection and analysis. Electronic Incidence reporting was started in January 2022. A substantial increase (16 in paper-based versus 53 in electronic reporting) in Incidence reporting, following introduction of electronic reporting at Yarmouk PHCC was demonstrated. A reduction of time consumption from 35 minutes in paper-based Incidence reporting to 10 minutes in electronic reporting was demonstrated. An improvement in accuracy while using electronic Incidence report (94%) in comparison to that while using Paper based Incidence reporting (85%) was documented. Maximum Incidence reporting was by Pharmacy followed by doctors, administration staff and laboratory. Maximum Incidences were product related followed by investigation related. No sentinel event reporting was found. The majority of reported incidences were in “no harm” and “near miss” categories. Employee satisfaction improved with electronic Incidence reporting. Due to advancement of technology today, it is imperative and strongly recommended to use principles of quality improvement process to improve patient safety and quality of care. Electronic Incidence reporting is found to improve quality and patient safety. Further studies into impact of better utilization of electronic Incidence reporting on health care outcomes is strongly recommended. Key words: Patient safety; Quality Improvement; Electronic Incidence reporting; Paper-based Incidence reporting
Assessment of Vaccination Rates and Barriers in Family Medicine Practices: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Alkahmous Mohammed Ali , Alyahya Anisah Zead T. , Almansour Abdullah Nasser , Aldhfeeri Maha turki , Alsanari Amal Abdullah , Fagehi Shwog Eissa Yehya
Published: October 2023

Background: Vaccination is a crucial tool in publichealth for preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Understanding the factors influencing vaccine acceptance and addressing barriers to vaccination are essential in promoting vaccine uptake and achieving population-level protection. Methodology: This study examined the demographic factors, vaccination rates, and barriers to vaccination among 385 participants. The participants were categorized based on age, gender, marital status, having children, monthly income, educational level, occupation, and nationality. Data on willingness to vaccinate, completion of the vaccination course, and barriers to vaccination were collected through surveys. Results: The study found that 80% of participants expressed their willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Factors included age, having children, monthly income, and educational level, influenced vaccine acceptance. Participants in the 18-25 years age group showed the highest willingness to vaccinate (85%), while those with higher incomes and higher educational levels also demonstrated higher rates of acceptance. Several barriers to vaccination were identified, including fear of vaccination, concerns about vaccine safety, and accessibility issues. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of vaccination and provides valuable insights into the demographic factors, vaccination rates, and barriers to vaccination. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to address specific concerns and improve accessibility to vaccines. By addressing these barriers, public health authorities can enhance vaccine acceptance and achieve widespread vaccination coverage, thereby mitigating the impact of infectious diseases on public health. Key words: Vaccination rates, Barriers
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Pregnancy-Related Anxiety: A Systematic Review
Authors: Alzahrani Afaf Farouq , Abdulaal Nada Abdulfattah , Ahmed Ahmed Salah A.M.
Published: October 2023

Background: Pregnancy is a unique period of life that can overwhelm an expectant mother with experiences of psychological ambivalence, concretized by emotional disturbances, sudden transitions from exhaustion to exaltation, or even mixed anxiety. Objective: To determine the prevalence of pregnancy-related anxiety and its associated factors among pregnant women. Methods: We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A structured literature review was carried out using the component of the PICO framework. The literature search was conducted in Medline, Ovid, Embase, Google Scholar, and PubMed. A combination of relevant search terms was used. Electronic searches were supplemented by manual searches of references of included studies and review articles. The duplicate citations were identified and removed. Results: A total of 69 articles were identified through the searches, while 13 articles met the inclusion criteria. The characteristics and results of included studies were discussed, regarding the study design, screening tools, prevalence, onset, and risk factors of pregnancy-related anxiety. Conclusions: Anxiety disorders are common during pregnancy. There is wide variability in its measurement, with a subsequently wide range in reported prevalence rates. Several risk factors are associated with pregnancy-related anxiety, such as younger age, low income, past history of stillbirth, unwanted pregnancy, current comorbidity, or mental illness. Key words: Pregnancy, anxiety, onset, prevalence, risk factors, systematic review, PRISMA.
Neonatal Tetanus: case report in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alotaibi Waad A. , Alotiabi Shahad A. , Alanezi Tareq J.
Published: October 2023

Aims: This paper aims to investigate a case of neonatal tetanus in Saudi Arabia, studying the different factors leading to infection, role and protocols used in hospital in diagnosis and management of the case. Methods: A medical profile of neonatal case confirmed for neonatal tetanus was collected and studied, in addition to collecting literature reviews about epidemiology, diagnosis and management. Results: A newborn 7-day old girl with poor socioeconomical status and poor aseptic delivery had been admitted to hospital with symptoms of jerky repetitive movement and history of decreased feeding and poor sucking for one day. Laboratory tests, cranial computed tomography (CT) and lumbar puncture were performed, all of them with normal results. She was hospitalized on 12 November, 2019 in an environment free of sensorial stimuli in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), with assisted ventilation. The patient was treated with metronidazole 30mg/kg/day, ampicillin 150 mg/kg/day, and cefotaxime 150mg/kg/day. Sedation was maintained with midazolam 6mic/kg/min. Also, we started on muscle relaxation pancuronium 0.1 mg /kg/hr. and Magnesium sulfate. Besides that, we administered human immunoglobulin IM (500 IU), as well as one dose of tetanus toxoid. During hospital admission the condition of the patient was much improved. On 19 December 2019 the patient was extubated and started with baclofen and physiotherapy. Conclusion: This case indicates that non-sterile delivery by non-practical attendants are the biggest cause of neonatal tetanus along with mothers unimmunized against tetanus. However, in the rarest of incidence of neonatal tetanus, physicians should be prepared to suspect, diagnose and treat neonatal tetanus and ensure clear and clean delivery of newborns. A combination of antibiotics and muscular relaxants are used to manage neonatal tetanus. Key words: neonatal tetanus, case report, Saudi Arabia
What Insights Can We Gain from the Scientometric Analysis of Scientific Publications Related to Multiple Sclerosis?
Authors: Ahmadian Mohammad , Mokhtari Heidar , Mohammadi Fahime , Saberi Mohammad Karim , Yousefi Naseh
Published: October 2023

Background: Bibliometrics is one of the credible methods of evaluating scientific publications and research output. This is the first study in the multiple sclerosis (MS) field that can guide researchers and policy-makers in contributing more to MS. Objectives: The main purpose of this study is to conduct a bibliometric analysis and visualization of MS scientific products of the 17 Middle East (ME) countries during 1900 - 2020. Methods: Data from January 1, 1900, to December 31, 2020, were searched in the Web of Science (WoS) database. Research productivity was evaluated by considering the country, year, number of publications, and time trend of these publications. Co-word and co-authorship analyses were done, and top authors, journals, institutions, and country contributions to MS research were identified. Results: Middle Eastern countries produced 5.5% of the total number of MS research worldwide. Turkey (29.18%), Iran (23.54%), and Egypt (13.066%) had the top positions. King Saud University as a research center, Baser, Kemal Husnu Can as an author, and the Multiple Sclerosis Journal as a scientific journal, respectively, with a total of 1,582 (4.26%), 360 (0.97%) and 1,172 (3.15%) publications had the highest research productivities. Conclusions: Accurate policy-making in research centers, prioritizing research topics, promoting journals, and making more international collaboration can decrease the gap in research on MS and increase its quality and quantity. Despite rising trends in research results, more strategic planning and cooperation between researchers are needed for regional advancement in the field.
Are There any Possible Side Effects of Neurofeedback? A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Rahmani Ebrahim , Rahmanian Mahdiyeh , Mansouri Kamyar , Mokhayeri Yaser , Jamalpour Yousef , Hassanvandi Saba
Published: October 2023

Context: This study aimed to investigate the pieces of evidence related to the possible side effects of neurofeedback (NFB) for individuals suffering from attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and epilepsy. In this systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for individuals suffering from these two conditions, several databases were investigated. Evidence Acquisition: To achieve this goal, the table of the first outcomes was to rate the symptoms of epilepsy based on the evaluation of patients. CANTAB (Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery), Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children II (WISC II), and attention span test. Additionally, side effects were assessed by ADHD and epilepsy side effect checklists. Among the documents, 17 of them had the criteria to be included. Results: It was a randomized effect model that was used to evaluate the pooled prevalence of side effects with confidence intervals (CI) of 95%. Moreover, in Stata software (version 14), a Metaprop command was deployed. The approximate pooled prevalence of the side effects was 0.05 (95% CI: 0.03 - 0.08). To measure heterogeneity among studies, I2 statistics and the Galbraith diagram were applied. I2 statistics were estimated as 2.34%, and the Galbraith diagram did not indicate any heterogeneity. The univariate meta-regression (UMR) model showed despite a decreasing trend, the results were not statistically significant. Conclusions: It could be inferred from the results that preliminary evidence is that NFB is a non-invasive treatment and a more beneficial clinical method. It is proposed that to compare standard treatments, such as medication, neurological, and behavioral interventions, further RTCs are required.
Is the Cell-Free Circulating Mitochondrial DNA a Potential Biomarker for Atrial Fibrillation?
Authors: Rahmanian Mohammad , Khaheshi Isa , Khani Mohammad , Bayati Reza , Ataee Mohammadamin , Sohrabifar Nasim
Published: October 2023

: Atrial fibrillation (AF), considered the most common tachyarrhythmia, is associated with severe complications, such as ischemic stroke and heart failure. Mitochondria are organelles that supply cells energy by converting various forms of molecules into adenosine triphosphate. Mitochondria has a double-stranded, independent DNA (mtDNA), the copy number of which in peripheral blood is associated with the oxidative stress status in the patient. Oxidative stress is also regarded as a potential factor contributing to AF. This study reviews the association between the cell-free circulating mitochondrial DNA (Cfc-mtDNA) in peripheral blood and AF. We searched for studies on AF and mtDNA; four investigations were included. The three of these studies revealed that the level of Cfc-mtDNA in serum appears to be associated with AF, but there are no similar results about Cfc-mtDNA and Per-AF. In addition, the age and gender of patients do not affect Cfc-mtDNA levels. However, further research is necessary in the future.
The Interaction Between Tricuspid Regurgitation and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Response in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Payami Babak , Mohammadyari Elham , Madjidi Shahla , Zoroufian Arezou
Published: October 2023

Background: Aggravation of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a predictable issue following cardiac device implantation, while its clinical importance is subject to debate. Objectives: We aimed to recognize the alteration of TR following cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and its effect on the response to CRT. Methods: In this prospective study, 70 candidates were recruited for CRT from those who visited two university hospitals in Tehran and Ahvaz (Iran) from January 2012 to March 2013. Baseline specifications were recorded for all the participants. All the patients underwent echocardiography before and 6 months after CRT administration. They were then divided into two categories for further comparison: (1) Patients with no or mild TR and (2) patients with moderate-to-severe TR. The echocardiographic response to CRT was defined as a left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) decrease of >15% or left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) advancement of >5%. The clinical response to CRT was one class improvement based on the New York Heart Association (NYHA) class. Results: Of the patients, 24 had moderate-to-severe TR. Although the increase in cases with moderate-to-severe TR after CRT was not significant, the aggravation of TR degree after the procedure was significant (P = 0.002). Moreover, the NYHA class significantly improved after the CRT (P = 0.02). The number of cases with a clinical response to CRT based on improvement of the NYHA class was significantly greater in patients with no TR or mild TR at baseline (P = 0.003). There was no significant variation in response to CRT among patients who experienced TR exacerbation after CRT compared with those who had no change or a reduction in TR. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that TR severity was exacerbated following CRT, but this alternation in TR severity had no significant effect on the response to CRT. Therefore, the presence and development of TR before and after CRT must not affect the criteria for choosing cardiac resynchronization therapy for appropriate patients.
Cytomegalovirus Reactivation in Postrenal Transplant Patients Immediately in Association with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Infection: A Case Report of 2 Patients and a Brief Review of the Literature
Authors: Bale Charan , Saha Debapriya , Shinde Nilesh , Wakhare Pavan , Sajgure Atul , Dighe Tushar
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection has been associated with multiple opportunistic infections, including secondary cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation. Several cases of CMV syndrome and invasive CMV infection have been reported following severe COVID-19 infection worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients. A case-control study conducted in India showed that during the first and second waves, CMV was the most common co-infection among fatal cases of severe COVID-19 lung infection in Indian renal transplant recipients. Case Presentation: We present 2 cases of CMV disease in postrenal transplant patients who developed clinical manifestations of CMV co-infection after mild COVID-19 infection during the fourth wave of COVID-19 infection in India. In both cases, CMV infection was treated by discontinuing mycophenolate mofetil and administering ganciclovir injections. However, the treatment resulted in 2 contrasting clinical outcomes: Cure and death. Conclusions: We reviewed the recent literature on the increased incidence of CMV reactivation after both COVID-19 infection and vaccination in immunocompetent and immunocompromised populations. Subsequently, we discussed some clinical questions relevant to the population of postrenal transplant recipients after the detection of mild COVID-19 infection.
Zinc Transporters in the Livers of Healthy Male Wistar Rats: An Investigation of the Effects of Aerobic Exercise and Supplementation with Pumpkin Seed and White Pea
Authors: Dashti Khavidaki Ali , Ghanbari-Niaki Abbass , Nasiri Khadijeh , Dashti Khavidaki Mohammad Hasan
Published: October 2023

Background: The current study aims to investigate the impacts of aerobic exercise with pumpkin seed oil and white pea extract supplementation on the gene expression of the liver zinc transporters of healthy male Wistar rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 60 male Wistar rats (130 - 150 g, aged 4-6 weeks old) were divided into 6 groups (n = 10/groups) by randomization. These groups include (1) saline control, (2) saline training, (3) pumpkin seed oil control, (4) pumpkin seed oil training, (5) control-pea, and (6) training-pea. The aerobic exercise protocol consisted of running at a velocity of 25 m/min, 5 days a week and for 6 weeks. Supplement groups received 4 ml/kg/day of pumpkin seed oil and 2 g/kg/day of white pea extract through oral gavage. Gene expression levels of ZnT5, ZnT9, and ZIP14 of liver tissue were determined through real-time PCR, and serum levels of Zn were measured using the ICP-EOS technique approximately 48 hours after the final session of the training program. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests (P < 0.05). Results: Regarding the results of one-way ANOVA, there were no significant changes in serum Zn levels (P = 0.418) as well as gene expression levels of ZnT5 and ZIP14 among intervention groups (P = 0.586 and 0.677, respectively), but ZnT9 gene expression level was significantly changed among the study groups (P = 0.029). Also, the results of the Tukey test showed that six weeks of aerobic exercise along with pumpkin seed oil supplementation had the greatest effect on ZnT5 gene expression. Conclusions: Findings showed that aerobic training along with pumpkin seed oil supplementation had the greatest impact on the up-regulation of ZnT5 as a Zn transporter to retain the blood Zn levels in healthy trained rats, suggesting that pumpkin seed oil can be an effective ergogenic aid for improving circulatory Zn levels.
Multiphysics simulation in buildings
Authors:   , Souaihi Oussama
Published: October 2023

Numerical simulation play an important role in the design, engineering, operation and management of buildings. It can help reducing energy consumption, improving indoor air quality and thermal comfort and provide quantitative data supporting decision making, e.g. choosing the best solution for designing, retrofitting or choosing the optimal HVAC system. Besides, buildings are composed more and more of different complex elements and systems which make the simulation of only thermal physics in buildings not enough to evaluate their whole performance. All the involved physical phenomena like moisture, airflow and pollutants should be considered and coupled in order to reproduce the reality with the highest possible level of details. In this context, this PhD thesis presents the models and the simulations of multi-physics inside buildings using an in-house developed modular and object oriented tool called NEST. All the physics of the coupled heat, moisture, airflow and pollutants transfer that take place inside buildings are considered and solved. In addition, the software allows the simulation of a building system as a collection of different numerical elements, like walls, rooms, HVAC systems, outdoor, etc., connected with each other and able to exchange boundary conditions. In this manner any building configuration can be set and simulated.
The physical and mathematical formulations of the implemented elements are presented. Then, in order to assure the credibility of the developed software, the implemented models are validated and verified with different test cases from the literature. The list of test cases cover all the aspects of heat, moisture, airflow and pollutants transfer in the whole building and it can be used as a reference list for the validation of other buildings simulation tools. Special emphasis is placed on the simulation of buildings performance in real applications. First, the hygrothermal behaviour in different public buildings with different climates conditions are analysed before retrofitting them. Several weak points in the thermal and moisture resistance of the façades layers are identified and thermal and moisture loads before and after the expected retrofitting solutions are evaluated. Second, a residential building (semidetached house) in Netherlands is simulated and the airflow, heat and CO 2 transfer inside it is studied in order to optimize the energy consumption while maintaining acceptable levels of thermal comfort and indoor air quality.
Filtering in the numerical simulation of turbulent compressible flow with sysmmetry preserving discretizations
Authors:   , Baez Vidal Aleix
Published: October 2023

The present thesis investigates how explicit filters can be useful in numerical simulations of turbulent, compressible flow with symmetry preserving discretizations. Such explicit filters provide stability to simulations with shocks, provide stability to
low-dissipation schemes on smooth flows and are used as test filters in LES turbulence models such as the Variational Multi-Scale eddy viscosity model or regularization models. The present thesis is a step forward in four main aspects.
First, a comparative study of the Symmetry Preserving schemes for compressible flow is conducted. It shows that Rozema’s scheme is more stable and accurate than the other schemes compiled fromthe literature. A sligh tmodification on this scheme is presented and shown to be more stable and accurate in unstructured meshes, but lesser accurate and stable in uniform, structured meshes. Second, a theoretical analysis of the properties of filters for CFD and their consequences
on the derivation of the LES equations is conducted. The analysis shows how the diffusive properties of filters are necessary for the consistency of the model. Third, a study of explicit filtering on discrete variables identifies the necessary
constraints for the fulfillment of the discrete counterpart of the filter properties. It puts emphases on the different possibilities when requiring the filters to be diffusive. After it, a new family of filters has been derived and tested in newly developed tests
that allow the independent study of each property. And last, an algorithm to couple adaptive filtering with time integration is reported and tested on the 2D Isentropic Vortex and on the Taylor-Green vortex problem. Filtering is shown to enhance stability at the cost of locally adding diffusion. This saves the simulations from being diffusive everywhere. The resulting methodology is also shown to be potentially useful for shock-capturing purposes with the simulation of a shock-tube in a fully unstructured mesh.
Mesógenos alquiloxicianobifenilos : aspectos teóricos y experimentales en las transiciones de fase SmA-N y N-I
Authors:   , Cusmin Paul
Published: October 2023

The work presented here has been focused, basically, on the study of the SmA-N and N-I phase transitions of a group of liquid crystals, the alkyloxycyanobiphenyls (nOCB), in which, for some of them, as it is the case of 9OCB, there was practically no information. This study has been performed for the pure compounds (6OCB, 7OCB, 8OCB, 9OCB, 10OCB) and also for certain binary mixtures (8OCB+10OCB, 7OCB+9OCB).
From an experimental point of view, there were used various techniques, as MDSC, dielectric spectroscopy, X ray diffraction, optical microscopy, densitometry and pressure calorimetry. These techniques allow us to obtain the evolution of various physical magnitudes of the materials used throughout their different phase transitions.
The theoretical study centered on the application of the different theories about the order of the phase transitions with the aim of evaluating their critical behavior, based, generally, on thermodynamic and structural considerations. At the same time, using purely thermodynamic considerations, there has been developed an extension of the Oonk's method, which, makes possible the calculation of reentrant nematic domains and the estimation of the tricritical temperatures.

Esta tesis de desarrolla básicamente en cuatro partes:
En la primera describiremos y clasificaremos los cristales líquidos de una manera general; se describirán las transiciones de fase de éstos y las teorías relacionadas con las mismas.
En la segunda parte se describirán las técnicas experimentales estudiadas, así como el instrumental y los métodos que se aplicaron para los datos experimentales. Asimismo, se presentarán los conceptos de estabilidad y el análisis termodinámico basado en el método de Oonk.
En la tercera parte se presentan las características generales de los compuestos puros estudiados con un análisis detallado de los compuestos 6,7, y 9OCB, con sus respectivos resultados de mediciones experimentales.
En la cuarta parte, se demuestra un nuevo procedimiento de estimación de dominios de nemática reentrante y determinación de puntos tricríticos en sistemas biocomponente aplicado en algunos sistemas binarios.
Finalmente, en la última parte se presentan las conclusiones generales, donde se explican de una manera global los resultados de este trabajo
Development and applications of a computer code for Monte Carlo simulation of electronphoton showers
Authors:   , Sempau Roma Josep
Published: October 2023

Se presenta el trabajo realizado sobre el paquete de Subrrutinas Penélope. Este código permite la simulación MC del transporte de fotones y electrones en la materia con geometrías complejas. Los aspectos considerados son:

A) mejora del algoritmo de SCATTERING de la radiación primaria y de los algoritmos que dan cuenta de las secundarias.

B) simplificación del algoritmo de SCATTERING mixto par electrones empleado anteriormente.

C) incorporación de secciones eficaces diferenciales.

D) un paquete de subrutinas geométricas, pengeom, ha sido desarrollado. Permite geometría combinatoria con superficies cuadricas.

e) presentación de un marco teórico para aplicar técnicas de reducción de varianza.

F) comparación con resultados experimentales y presentación de 4 aplicaciones reales que emplean pengeom y reducción de varianza. En su estado actual Penélope permite que usuarios externos no especializados puedan abordar problemas en el campo de la ingeniería de radiaciones, de la física médica, etc.
Estudio del comportamiento térmico y dinámico de los amortiguadores para vehículos automóviles tipo turismo
Authors:   , Alonso Báez Marcos
Published: October 2023

Se propone un modelo general de amortiguador hidráulico (monotubo y de doble tubo) para automóvil tipo turismo a partir de las propiedades físicas y geométricas de las partes que lo componen con el fin de predecir el comportamiento mecánico y térmico del amortiguador a partir de unas condiciones de operación conocidas.
Como resultado de la simulación, se determina la fuerza de amortiguamiento, los perfiles de temperaturas de los componentes y un análisis energético, en el cual se analiza la energía requerida para hacer el ciclo de trabajo, la energía disipada por el amortiguador hacia el exterior y la energía acumulada.
Asimismo, a título informativo se realiza un estudio de la necesidad del uso de los amortiguadores dentro del sistema de suspensión del vehículo junto con un sistema de optimización.
La contrastación experimental se efectúa mediante una máquina de ensayo de amortiguadores la cual, mediante sensores de posición y de fuerza, permite obtener la fuerza de amortiguamiento en frente de la velocidad y/o posición para un ciclo sinusoidal puro.

A general model of hydraulic shock absorber (monotube and twin tube) for automobiles based on the geometrical and physical properties of its components is described in order to predict the mechanical and thermal behaviour from a known working condition.
Simulation calculates the damping force and the temperature fields of the shock absorber components as well as makes an energy analysis from which the energy required to do the working cycles, the shock absorber dissipated energy to the environment and the accumulated energy into the shock absorber are predicted.
Additionally, the necessity of using the shock absorbers as part of the automobile suspension system and the optimization method is presented.
The experimental validation is done by using a shock absorber testing machine which permits to obtain actual shock absorber force versus position nd/or speed for a sinusoidal working cycle by using both, a position and force sensors.
Subenfriadores criogénicos nitrógeno: aportación a la metodología para el diseño
Authors:   , Ruiz Mansilla Rafael
Published: October 2023

Se establece la metodología, incluyendo la formulación necesaria, para el diseño térmico de subenfriadores criogénicos n2(i)-n2(i), observando en todo momento criterios de optimización para con los diferentes parámetros y dimensiones que han de caracterizar el resultado final del mismo. La metodología esta contrastada experimentalmente, a partir de los datos obtenidos tras los ensayos realizados con el prototipo construido en base a la propia metodología. Ello ha permitido proponer una correlación, inspirada en la de Kutateladze, y que es especifica para la pareja fluido superficie utilizada, en áreas a determinar el coeficiente de convección en ebullición nucleada.
From the i* diversity to a common interoperability framework
Authors:   , Cares Gallardo Carlos
Published: October 2023

Since the i* framework emerged in the requirements engineering community in the mid-90s, different research groups have proposed variations to the modelling language proposed in the i* framework (¿the i* language¿). There are basically two reasons behind this fact:
¿ The definition of the i* language is loose in some parts, and some groups have opted by different solutions or proposed slight changes to the original definition.
¿ Some groups have used the i* framework with very different purposes, thus different concepts have become necessary, many of them have added their own modelling constructs. As a consequence, several i* variations at different maturity levels have been produced.

The adaptability of i* to different needs is part of its own nature, therefore these variations are not to be considered pernicious, on the contrary, flexibility may be considered one of the framework¿s key success features.
In this context, the objective of this thesis is to tackle the i* Interoperability Problem: to propose a framework to understand the variations of the i* modelling language and, considering this framework, to generate a proposal to support the interoperability and integration of these variations.

To do so, the PhD thesis has identified and solved up to ten research questions related to the following categories:
1) The i* variants have been identified and characterized. Metamodels have been used to align these variants and identify an appropriate kernel. A critical look on the ¿why¿ this happened has been conducted from several perspectives.
2) An interoperability framework in terms of metamodel alignment has been formulated. This interoperability framework has come from the adaptation of a solution to metamodel evolution and model co-adaptation formulated in the domain of model-driven engineering.
3) An XML-based interoperability format implementing the framework, iStarML, has been deployed.
4) The solution has been validated in terms of community acceptance by means of an empirical study, and from a practical point of view by the interconnection of different existing tools.
The set of related publications shows the research path, starting from the identification and characterization of the interoperability problem, pass trhought a theoretical explanation that sustaints a technical proposal, and ends illustrating inteoperation cases and its community acceptation.
Efficient algorithms for the realistic simulation of fluids
Authors:   , Ojeda Contreras Jesús
Published: October 2023

Nowadays there is great demand for realistic simulations in the computer graphics field. Physically-based animations are commonly used, and one of the more complex problems in this field is fluid simulation, more so if real-time applications are the goal. Videogames, in particular, resort to different techniques that, in order to represent fluids, just simulate the consequence and not the cause, using procedural or parametric methods and often discriminating the physical solution.

This need motivates the present thesis, the interactive simulation of free-surface flows, usually liquids, which are the feature of interest in most common applications. Due to the complexity of fluid simulation, in order to achieve real-time framerates, we have resorted to use the high parallelism provided by actual consumer-level GPUs. The simulation algorithm, the
Lattice Boltzmann Method, has been chosen accordingly due to its efficiency and the direct mapping to the hardware architecture because of its local operations.

We have created two free-surface simulations in the GPU: one fully in 3D and another restricted only to the upper surface of a big bulk of fluid, limiting the simulation domain to 2D. We have extended the latter to track dry regions and is also coupled with obstacles in a geometry-independent fashion. As it is restricted to 2D, the simulation loses some features due to the impossibility of simulating vertical separation of the fluid. To account for this we have coupled the surface simulation to a generic particle system with breaking wave conditions; the simulations are totally independent and only the coupling binds the LBM with the chosen particle system.

Furthermore, the visualization of both systems is also done in a realistic way within the interactive framerates; raycasting techniques are used to provide the expected light-related effects as refractions, reflections and caustics. Other techniques that improve the overall detail are also applied as low-level detail ripples and surface foam.
Colour and technology in historic decorated glazes and glasses
Authors:   , Molina Giralt Glòria
Published: October 2023

Historical decorated glass and glazed ceramics are studied with the object to determine the technology of production and to relate it with the optical properties (colour, shine, opacity). Four different case of study are investigated: production technology and replication of lead antimonate yellow glass from New Kingdom Egypt and the Roman Empire, technology of production of polychrome lustre, analyses of Syrian lustre pottery (12th–14th centuries AD) and study of color and dichroism of silver stained glasses. These different coloured glazes or glasses have in common to be produced by the presence of micro or nanoparticles embedded into the glaze which give their special optical effect. Chemical and microstructural analyses are performed using a selection of complementary Microscopic and Spectroscopic techniques that are the most adequate for the analyses of each decoration. Physical optical properties are also modeled and measured by means of UV-Vis spectroscopy. The composition and structure of the different phases formed during the processing of the decorations in historical times is obtained with the object to learn about their stability and processing conditions and to relate them to their optical properties