bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the questionnaire assessing reasons for school non-attendance
Authors: Martinez-Torres Javier , Perez-Marco Maria , Fuster-Rico Andrea , Gonzalvez Carolina
Published: November 2024

The study aimed to translate, culturally adapt and validate the Spanish version of the Assessing Reasons for School Non-attendance (ARSNA) originally developed by Havik, Bru and Ertesvåg in 2015 to assess the reasons for school absence in adolescents. We used the back-translation method to translate and adapt the instrument without substantially altering it. A total of 1168 Spanish adolescents (M = 15.03, SD = 2.40) enrolled in 6 secondary education institutes participated in the study. The confirmatory factor analysis establishes a four-dimensional model (FI: Somatic symptoms; FII: Subjective health complaints; FIII: Unjustified absences; FIV: School refusal) with 16 items and invariant depending on gender. The results obtained provide the Spanish version of the ARSNA with good understandability, internal consistency, and reliability for measuring the causes of lack of school attendance. This research makes a new instrument available to the Spanish population that evaluates reasons for school absenteeism.
The attitude of gifted college students towards self-regulated mobile learning and student satisfaction: The mediation role of teacher's support and moderator role of gender
Authors: Haneefa Manar Mohammed
Published: November 2024

This study aims to investigate the mediation role of teacher's support and the moderator role of gender in the relation between attitude towards self-regulated mobile learning and student satisfaction. 410 undergraduate students from different universities in the KSA were recruited. Purposive sampling was used to collect the data. Attitudes towards the self-regulated mobile scale, satisfaction with the mobile learning scale and teacher’s support were used to collect data. Attitudes towards self-regulated mobile learning positively correlated with the teacher's support. Teachers' support and attitude towards self-regulated mobile learning significantly and positively correlated with the students’ satisfaction. These results indicated that teacher's support partially mediated the relationship between attitude towards self-regulated mobile learning and student satisfaction. However, the interaction between teacher's support and gender was not correlated with attitude towards self-regulated mobile learning. Gender could not moderate the relationship between attitude towards self-regulated mobile learning and teacher's support. This study highlights the mediation role of teacher's support and the moderator role of gender in the relation between attitude towards self-regulated mobile learning and student satisfaction. This study contributes to the improvements in the education system in the KSA especially when the increasing value of self-regulated mobile learning is considered.
Breast cancer cell resistance to hormonal and targeted therapeutics is correlated with the inactivation of the NR6A1 axis
Authors: Andreeva Olga E. , Sorokin Danila V. , Vinokurova Svetlana V. , Kopnin Pavel B. , Elkina Nadezhda V. , Katargin Alexey N. , Faskhutdinov Radik S. , Salnikova Diana I. , Scherbakov Alexander M. , Krasil’nikov Mikhail A.
Published: November 2024

Aim: Resistance to hormonal and targeted therapies in breast cancer limits treatment efficacy. Epigenetic alterations, including changes mediated by DNA methyltransferases, play a key role in this process. Previously, we identified that resistance to tamoxifen and rapamycin is associated with the suppression of DNMT3A. This study aims to further explore the mechanisms underlying this suppression, with a focus on identifying NR6A1 as a novel regulatory factor.

Methods: Acquisition of resistant breast cancer cell sublines, MTT-test, immunoblotting, transient transfection and reporter analysis, lentiviral infection, qRT-PCR, and analysis of methylation using bisulfite pyrosequencing.

Results: Our findings indicate that the development of cross-resistance in breast cancer cells to hormonal and targeted therapies involves a shift in cell signaling to alternative AKT pathways, marked by a localized suppression of the NR6A1/DNMT3A axis and associated DNA methylation changes. We demonstrated the critical role of NR6A1 downregulation in resistance development. Additionally, we observed activation of Snail - a key regulator in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition - as a mediator of the effects of NR6A1 depletion, establishing a direct link between Snail expression and resistance formation.

Conclusion: The coordinated suppression of NR6A1 and DNMT3A may contribute to sustaining the resistant phenotype in breast cancer cells. This pathway could serve as a predictive marker, helping guide the selection of optimal therapeutic strategies for breast cancer treatment in the future.
Path planning method for USVs based on improved DWA and COLREGs
Authors: Liu Shiqi , Wang Xingmin , Wu Yang , Li Qian , Yan Jiuxiang , Levin Eugene
Published: November 2024

In the navigation of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), various types of obstacles may be encountered, which can be categorized into real-time collision avoidance among multiple USVs and obstacle avoidance between USVs and other obstacles. Most existing autonomous obstacle avoidance algorithms do not account for the nonlinear motion characteristics of USVs, often resulting in non-compliance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and a tendency to fall into local optima. To address these issues, this paper proposes a path planning algorithm that integrates the dynamic window approach (DWA) considering nonlinear characteristics with COLREGs, making the USV's motion trajectory more applicable to practical engineering scenarios. A kinematic mathematical model is established based on the motion characteristics of USVs, and an evaluation function for the optimal path is constructed using DWA. The fully informed search algorithm (FISA) is employed to select the optimal set of velocities and steering angles from the velocity sampling set, based on different cost calculation methods. The USVs use a laser radar for local obstacle detection, enabling real-time dynamic obstacle avoidance. To address the real-time collision avoidance problem among multiple USVs in open waters, the algorithm filters out COLREGs-compliant avoidance maneuvers during path planning. The correctness and feasibility of the fusion algorithm were verified through comparative simulations. In the simulated environment model, the influence of ocean currents on the USV was introduced, and multiple sets of experiments under different conditions were conducted to compare the motion trajectories, average travel distances, and average travel times of the USV. The simulation results indicate that the USV can perform accurate obstacle avoidance when encountering various types of obstacles. Compared to the traditional DWA algorithm, the proposed approach demonstrates advantages in terms of travel distance and travel time, while still achieving effective obstacle avoidance.
Simple formula learned via machine learning for creep rupture life prediction of high-temperature titanium alloys
Authors: Wang Ping , Zhao Shang , Zhou Changlu , Fan Jiangkun , Tang Bin , Li Jinshan , Yuan Ruihao
Published: November 2024

Creep behavior of high-temperature titanium alloys determines their service life and thereby prediction of creep rupture life is in demand due to the costly and time-consuming measurements. Machine learning (ML) has been employed to build surrogate models for creep rupture life; however, the commonly used algorithms are often black-box due to the pursuit of high accuracy. Here, we first show that multiple linear regression (MLR) can result in models or formulae with much higher accuracy than those based on typical black-box methods. Furthermore, by combining feature selection and symbolic regression, we obtain a simple and unified formula for accurately predicting the creep rupture life of high-temperature titanium alloys. The formula is learned using the short-term creep rupture life data and consists of merely three attributes, that is, the Molybdenum equivalent, the test stress and test temperature. It outperforms the MLR models and generalizes well to different testing data with varying long-term creep rupture life. The simple formula can be readily applied to new titanium alloys for predicting the creep rupture life and is easily accessible to experimentalists in the materials community.
Experimental Investigation on Velocity Field in Subterranean Water Flow Under Different Size of Gravel
Authors: Yasuda Youichi , Uemura Megumi
Published: November 2024

Direct measurement of flow velocities within subterranean layer is important for predicting subterranean flow. The authors conducted a study on the velocity field of subterranean water flow by directly measuring the flow velocity within the subterranean layer using crushed stone to form a gravel mount. Namely, they directly measured subterranean flow velocities for five different sizes of gravels (5.3 mm, 16.5 mm, 25.5 mm, 47.5 mm, and 92.4 mm) and showed for the first time how the time-averaged flow velocity and standard deviation vary with the size of the gravels. The velocity field including turbulent intensity in the subterranean layer was revealed, and the flow field of the subterranean flow depends on the size of the gravels that make up the gravel mount. The relationship between the configuration of the gravel mount, the water surface profile, and the velocity field within the subterranean layer allowed a discussion of the vertical distribution of time-averaged velocities and standard deviations, as well as stream wise changes in the subterranean layer. From the results of time-averaged velocity and turbulent intensity (here, standard deviation) in the subterranean layer for different sizes of gravels, it is possible to estimate the velocity field of subterranean water flow formed by the grain size distribution of the depositing gravels and the difference in water level. In other words, by clarifying the velocity field of subterranean water flow consisting of different gravel sizes, it may be possible to evaluate the subterranean function of the sand and gravel zone deposited by transported gravels.
Implementasi Metode Hybrid Recommendation untuk Sistem Rekomendasi Mitra MSIB di Prodi Pendidikan Informatika
Authors: Aini Nuru , Arif Muchamad , Toyibah Zulfah Binti , Agustin Irka Tri
Published: November 2024

Magang dan Studi Independen Bersertifikat Kampus Merdeka (MSIB) merupakan bagian dari program Merdeka Belajar-Kampus Merdeka yang bertujuan menciptakan perubahan signifikan dalam sistem pendidikan tinggi di Indonesia dalam menghadapi era industri 4.0. Kebijakan ini mendorong mahasiswa agar mengembangkan kemampuan hard skill maupun soft skill. Banyaknya pilihan mitra program MSIB yang ditawarkan, seringkali membuat mahasiswa merasa kesulitan dalam memilih program sesuai dengan kemampuan dan minat. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah membangun sebuah model sistem rekomendasi mitra MSIB di prodi Pendidikan Informatika berdasarkan bidang yang relevan. Metode yang digunakan dalam memberikan rekomendasi adalah Hybrid Recommendation. Metode ini menggabungkan pendekatan Naïve Bayes untuk mengklasifikasikan mitra MSIB sesuai dengan bidang berdasarkan data nilai mata kuliah. Selain itu, minat mahasiswa juga dipertimbangkan menggunakan algoritma Item-based collaborative filtering untuk menghitung kesamaan pilihan mitra yang diberikan oleh mahasiswa. Evaluasi hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa uji coba algoritma Naïve Bayes dengan penghitungan confusion matrix dalam mengolah data nilai memperoleh hasil accuracy 85%, precision 88% dan recall 88%. Sedangkan untuk pengolahan kesamaan pilihan mahasiswa berupa data rating menggunakan algoritma Item-based Collaborative Filtering menggunakan pengujian MAE, diperoleh hasil evaluasi pada masing-masing bidang diantaranya pada bidang TKJ menghasilkan MAE sebesar 0,359, bidang RPL menghasilkan MAE sebesar 0,356, bidang MM menghasilkan MAE sebesar 0,396, dan bidang AI menghasilkan MAE sebesar 0,409.
Pengembangan Game Edukasi Berbasis Android Elemen Sistem Komputer Untuk Siswa Sekolah Menengah Pertama
Authors: Prihadi Syafiq Saviola , Dellia Prita
Published: November 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan sebuah game edukasi berbasis Android yang berfokus pada elemen sistem komputer untuk siswa Sekolah Menengah Pertama (SMP). Media pembelajaran ini dirancang sebagai solusi untuk meningkatkan pemahaman siswa terhadap konsep hardware, software, dan bilangan biner dalam pelajaran informatika. Game yang dikembangkan merupakan jenis Role-Playing Game (RPG) platformer, di mana pemain dapat berinteraksi dengan materi pembelajaran melalui tantangan dan soal-soal terkait elemen sistem komputer. Metode yang digunakan dalam pengembangan game ini adalah Game Development Life Cycle (GDLC), yang melibatkan tahap inisiasi, produksi, pengujian, hingga rilis. Uji kelayakan dilakukan di SMP Muhammadiyah 10 Bungah, dengan hasil menunjukkan game ini efektif dan mendapatkan respons positif dari siswa. Pengujian menggunakan System Usability Scale (SUS) memberikan skor 75,75, menandakan bahwa game ini dapat diterima dengan baik dan sangat layak digunakan sebagai media pembelajaran. Kesimpulan yang dapat diambil yaitu, game edukasi ini berhasil membantu siswa memahami materi elemen sistem komputer secara lebih interaktif dan menarik, serta diharapkan mampu meningkatkan motivasi belajar. Pengembangan lebih lanjut dapat dilakukan dengan menambah konten dan fitur dalam game untuk memberikan pengalaman belajar yang lebih bervariasi.
Pengembangan Game Edukasi Berbasis Android PADA Materi Jenis Konektivitas Internet Kelas X TKJ SMKN 1 Sepulu
Authors: Diana Luluk Mauli , Wulandari Ana Yuniasti Retno , Nilasari Alfina Kusuma
Published: November 2024

The development of technology in the world of education can produce learning innovations, one of which is educational games. This study aims to develop an Android-based educational game application as a learning medium on the material of internet connectivity types for class X TKJ students at SMKN 1 Sepulu. This study uses the Research and Development (RD) method with the ADDIE development model consisting of five stages: analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The results of the study indicate that this educational game application has succeeded in increasing the effectiveness of learning through validation testing and user trials. Validation by media experts obtained a percentage of 96.3% and material experts 98.4%, both in the "very good" category. User trials involving students were carried out in three stages, namely individual trials 95.7%, small groups 96.0%, and large groups 90.7%, all in the "very good" category. With these results, this Android-based educational game application is considered suitable for use as a learning medium to increase student motivation and learning outcomes. This study shows that the development of educational game-based learning media can be an innovative solution to support more interesting and effective learning.
METAL AND MINERAL MICROINCLUSIONS IN ADAKITES FROM THE FRAMING OF THE UTANAK MASSIF (Stanovoi superterrane, Russian Far East) AS EVIDENCE FOR METAL ENRICHMENT IN ADAKITIC MAGMAS
Authors: Kepezhinskas P.K. , Berdnikov N.V. , Krutikova V.O.
Published: November 2024

Porphyritic amphibole–plagioclase andesites at the southern margin of the Utanak ultramafic massif (Stanovoi superterrane, Russian Far East) show low yttrium and ytterbium contents and high Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios typical of adakites. Microinclusions in these volcanic rocks are Cu–Ag–Au alloys, native silver, composites of gold and silver with Cu, Zn, In, Mn, Ni, and Mo minerals, as well as microparticles of platinum, silver sulfides and chlorides, pyrrothite, chalcopyrite, barite, tungsten oxide, crocoite, and cassiterite. The structural features of some microinclusions and their association with primary amphibole and plagioclase suggest their magmatic origin, while other microinclusions hosted in the quartz–chlorite–K-feldspar groundmass formed during later metasomatism. The Utanak adakites are characterized by elevated gold contents (up to 134 ppb) and, together with other manifestations of Mesozoic adakitic magmatism within the Stanovoi superterrane (Il’deus, Lucha, and Gabbrovyi massifs), are classified as ore–bearing (fertile) adakites according to geochemical criteria. We suggest that common association of adakitic magmatism with large porphyry, epithermal, and skarn deposits at convergent plate boundaries is related not only to the high water content and the oxidation state of adakitic magmas but also to the initial enrichment of the latter in various ore components.
Operationalising health in global climate adaptation commitments: A qualitative synthesis of 37 National Adaptation Plans
Authors: Adhikari Ajay , Pourmarzi Davoud , Kowal Paul , Lal Aparna
Published: November 2024

Better alignment of National Adaptation Plan (NAP) strategic goals with implementation strategies is needed to protect communities from the health impacts of climate change. Using the World Health Organization (WHO) Operational Framework for Building Climate Resilient Health Systems, we undertook content analysis to review 37 NAPs published in English through 2023 to identify the overlap between strategic goals and implementation pathways. The high variability in the overlap of theoretical NAP objectives with operational WHO objectives suggests a lack of knowledge sharing across countries. While almost all the NAPS acknowledged major health vulnerabilities that will occur because of climate change, only 5% identified climate-health funding streams and specific pathways for healthcare service delivery during extreme events. While almost half the NAPS recognised the importance of risk monitoring and early warning systems, the lack of specific funding mechanisms to invest in, and maintain the infrastructure and technical capacity for implementation was obvious. “Evaluation” as a strategic and implementation objective was missing entirely and is a critical gap that will inhibit measuring and improving efforts to manage the impacts of climate change. The identified misalignment between strategic goals and implementation pathways points to some important areas for proactive planning and climate change adaptations in resource limited settings.
Justicia y jurisdicción constitucional
Authors: Gozaíni Osvaldo A.
Published: November 2024

Una de las más claras diferencias que tiene la jurisdicción constitucional europea  respecto a la americana, está en la idea que se tiene del concepto “jurisdicción”. Para el derecho constitucional es un poder o autoridad que tienen jueces y magistrados; mientras que para el derecho procesal es el deber de resolver controversias aplicando el derecho vigente a los hechos de la causa. Ninguno de estos explica que en Europa el poder no está en la institución judicial sino en un órgano político que, a pesar de su evolución, continúa el criterio de dar inteligencia a las normas o hechos  constitucionales en conflicto; a diferencia de América que radica distintos modelos de jurisdicción constitucional (dentro o por fuera del Poder Judicial) permitiendo que la tarea de resolver controversias, articule la interpretación con la justicia del caso.
The Impact of Agricultural Support on the Cost of Certain Forage Crops in Erzurum Province
Authors: Karabacak Tuba , Külekçi Murat , Okcu Melih
Published: November 2024

The objective of the study is to reveal the impact of agricultural subsidies provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry on the costs of certain forage crops in Erzurum province. The study used data obtained from 306 surveys conducted through a simple random sampling method from farms producing alfalfa, sainfoin, and vetch in Erzurum province during the 2021 production year. All data obtained from the surveys were averaged per decare and analyzed. The cost calculation includes all expenses incurred to produce a crop. In alfalfa farms, the cost of alfalfa was calculated as 1.05 ₺/kg before receiving subsidies. However, after receiving subsidies, this cost decreased to 0.86 ₺/kg. In sainfoin farms, the production cost was determined to be 1.32 ₺/kg for farms not receiving subsidies, while it was 0.99 ₺/kg for farms receiving subsidies. In vetch farms, the production cost was found to be 1.49 ₺/kg for farms not receiving subsidies, while it was 1.25 ₺/kg for farms receiving subsidies. The research explains the difference that agricultural subsidies make in the production of these forage crops. The findings indicate that agricultural subsidies have the potential to reduce costs, which can increase farmers' income and encourage agricultural production.
Antimicrobial Effect of Drinkable Lugol Solution
Authors: Karacalı Tunç Ayşe , Sarıtaş Büşra Merve , Marzi Mahdi , Şenel Dursun Feray , Kaya Şevin
Published: November 2024

The death rates due to infection in patients receiving long-term antibiotic treatment and hospitalized patients are quite alarming. Treatment of multidrug-resistant strains of Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, which cause widespread nosocomial infection, has become a global problem. Alternative treatment methods are needed for these species, which use all their resistance mechanisms day by day. Recently, it has been seen that iodine (lugol) solution has been used in the treatment of many infections. Significant results are observed, especially for nosocomial and wound infections. The literature on the antimicrobial effect of Lugol solution is very limited. In order to scientifically support such treatments, we aimed to investigate the antimicrobial effect of lugol on resistant bacteria in a laboratory environment. In our laboratory, we have previously isolated Acinetobacter baumannii, Shigella sonneii, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus strains with known antibiotic resistance. For these isolates, the agar dilution method prepared with different concentrations of lugol and the Broth Microdilution Method were used. As a result of our study, it was observed that drinkable Lugol solution affects multidrug-resistant microorganisms at very low concentrations. Thus, Lugol's success in infection treatments will be scientifically supported.
Investigation of Interface States, Series Resistance and Barrier Height Variation with Frequency in Al/WO3/p-Si (MOS) Capacitors
Authors: Lök Ramazan
Published: November 2024

In the study, Tungsten oxide (WO3) was synthesized via the sol-gel method on P-type 〈100〉 silicon wafer. Electrical characterization of the Al/WO3/p-Si (MOS) capacitor was performed through capacitance-voltage (C-V) and conductance-voltage (G/ω-V) measurements at different frequencies (from 50 kHz to 1 MHz). As the applied voltage frequency increased, the maximum values of the measured C-V and G/ω-V characteristics decreased. This phenomenon was attributed to interface state trap (Dit) charges following low-frequency AC voltage signals. The variation of series resistance (Rs) and barrier height (ΦB) with frequency was examined. It was shown that Rs significantly affects the device behaviour. The ΦB also decreased with increasing frequency. This situation is suggested to indirectly affect the mobility of charge carriers directly through the Vo value. Ultimately, although WO3 material exhibits variable results in terms of dielectric properties, the study's finding of a high dielectric constant (e.g., 3688.75) is consistent with similar results in the literature. This high dielectric property underscores the material's importance for future applications.
From Hearth to Holy Path: Exploring Women’s Agency and Religious Resistance in the Therīgāthā
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of History, DCAC College, University of Delhi, Kalra Drishti
Published: November 2024

The Therīgāthā, a collection of poems from the ninth book of the Khuddaka Nikāya, offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the lives of early Buddhist nuns (bhikkhunis). These 73 poems, spanning 522 stanzas, unveil compelling narratives of women who navigated the constraints of a patriarchal society to embrace a path of religious life. Beyond mere struggles and triumphs, the Therīgāthā presents a unique lens through which to explore counter-resistance to deeply embedded cultural norms and the construction of alternative power structures within a nascent religious order.

Positioned within the context of early Buddhism’s evolving relationship with gender, the Therīgāthā provides crucial insights into the radical act of choosing a celibate life. This decision transcended the procreative expectations imposed on women by societal norms, offering a potent challenge to the existing social order. Furthermore, religious life presented a space for these marginalised women to articulate their own experiences, express agency, and contribute to the shaping of their communities.

However, the voices of these women have long been obscured by the androcentric tendencies of early Buddhist textual traditions. Employing feminist critical hermeneutics, this research seeks to reclaim and amplify the narratives of the Therīgāthā nuns. By critically examining the social and historical context in which these poems were composed, we can begin to reconstruct their lived experiences and contributions to the evolving Buddhist landscape.

Ultimately, the Therīgāthā stands as a testament to women’s resilience, agency, and transformative power within early Buddhist communities. By excavating their voices and re-examining their historical significance, we can enrich our understanding of early Buddhism and contribute to a more inclusive and nuanced narrative of human history.
Olive tree drought stress: A systematic review
Authors: Majikumna Kaloma Usman , Zineddine Mhamed , El Hilali Alaoui Ahmed
Published: November 2024

The olive tree is an ancient crop that has been continually cultivated in the Mediterranean region for many centuries. This ancient tree is generally known to be a drought-resistant crop; however, it is now threatened by climate change. The Mediterranean is one of the world's most vulnerable regions to climate change effects, especially drought stress, with rising summer temperatures and low precipitation. This shows the significance of having a full knowledge of the various techniques that could contribute to drought stress monitoring and mitigation. On this note, some studies have conducted reviews on this scope. However, with the limitation of having an in-depth analysis and synthesis of the topic, this study tries to bridge the gaps by conducting a comprehensive review following a systematic approach with in-depth analysis and synthesis to cover a wider scope and reveal the current state-of-the-art. The study contributes a comprehensive evaluation of olive tree drought stress monitoring methodologies, datasets, experiments, challenges, and potential future directions. The study also revealed that certain countries that are significant producers of olives are not adequately represented or studied in the field of olive drought stress. Furthermore, the study proposed a holistic AI-based framework for monitoring and mitigating drought stress.
Assessment and spatial mapping of treated wastewater quality for safe agricultural reuse in Tunisia
Authors: Krouma Meriem , Ayed Layla Ben , Sabbahi Sonia , Dridi Emna , Rebhi Mohamed , Karanis Panagiotis
Published: November 2024

Treated wastewater (TWW) reuse in agriculture offers a solution to water shortage, enhances crop production, and supports environmental sustainability. This study assessed TWW quality across Tunisia. Surveys and analyses of seven physicochemical (total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand over five days (BOD5), cadmium, and lead) and five microbiological (faecal coliforms, faecal streptococci, Salmonella spp., Vibrio cholerae, and helminths eggs) parameters were conducted on 81 samples from 27 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) (2017–2018). Compliance with standards was found in 11.11% (COD), 14.80% (BOD5), and 18.50% (TSS) of WWTPs. Cadmium, lead, and V. cholerae were fully removed. However, faecal indicators did not meet standards. Maps and multiple correspondence analysis confirmed a need for better treatment and tertiary processes to eliminate microbiological contamination.
Vertical electrical sounding technique for evaluating and characterizing weathered Neogene basaltic aquifer in Jbab area, Southern Syria
Authors: Asfahani Jamal
Published: November 2024

Vertical electrical sounding (VES) technique with Schlumberger array is used to characterize the subsurface basaltic aquifers in Jbab area, Southern Syria. The Dar-Zarrouk (D-Z) parameters of 18 VES points allow to characterize the subsurface basaltic environment and the weathered Neogene basalt aquifer in the study region. The Neogene basaltic aquifer exists at a depth varying between 12.40 and 291.8 m, its thickness varies between 32.3 and 244.4 m. Its resistivity is between 12.53 and 53.40 Ω.m. The hydraulic conductivity (K) varies between 0.64 and 0.68 m/day, while the transmissivity (T) ranges between 21.94 and 162.68 m2/day. The overburden protective capacity (OPC) is evaluated through modeling the longitudinal conductance of the layers above the Neogene basaltic aquifer. OPC varies between 0.064 Ω-1 and 2.90 Ω-1, reflecting that more than 83% of the study region is identified by relatively moderate to good aquifer protective capacity. The use of the VES technology with its related D-Z parameters provides a vital information about the subsurface weathered basaltic aquifer in the study area, and can be practiced worldwide to characterize areas with similar geological context.
Exploring effective institutional models for piped drinking water management: a comparative study of Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur and proposal of a new model for Indonesia's new capital city
Authors: Plamonia Nicco , Anjani Raissa , Amru Khaerul , Sudaryanto Agus
Published: November 2024

This article presents a comparative analysis of water management systems between two water utilities, Air Selangor in Malaysia and PAM JAYA in Indonesia. The study evaluates various dimensions including performance comparison, input–throughput–output analysis, hierarchy in operational action situations, and internal structures. Key findings reveal that Kuala Lumpur demonstrates superior service coverage and performance metrics compared to Jakarta, attributed to stronger financial performance and effective governance structures. The success of Air Selangor is highlighted, emphasizing the role of gubernatorial agencies in overseeing water resource management and ensuring operational efficiency. In contrast, Jakarta's water management faces challenges due to central government control and private sector focus on financial targets rather than operational goals. The proposed institutional model for Indonesia's New Capital City advocates for multi-stakeholder involvement to enhance water provision efficiency and address equitable access challenges. Overall, the study underscores the importance of robust governance frameworks and collaborative approaches in achieving sustainable and reliable urban water management outcome.
Üniversite öğrencilerinde birinci basamak sağlık hizmeti kullanımı ve sağlık bakımı ihtiyacının belirlenmesi: Kesitsel Araştırma
Authors: Limnili Gizem , Günvar Tolga , Mevsim Vildan , Özçakar Nilgün
Published: November 2024

Giriş: Üniversite öğrencilerinin sağlık ihtiyaçlarının değerlendirilmesi ve anlaşılması, sağlıklı kampüs topluluklarının oluşturulması açısından önemlidir. Bu nedenle bu çalışmada, üniversite öğrencilerinin birinci basamak sağlık hizmeti kullanımı ve sağlık bakımı ihtiyaçlarını belirlemek amaçlanmıştır.
Yöntem: Kesitsel olarak tasarlanan bu araştırmada veriler araştırmacılar tarafından literatür taranarak hazırlanan sorulardan oluşan formlar aracılığı ile yüz yüze toplanmıştır. Bu formda öğrencilerin sosyodemografik ve sağlıkla ilgili özelliklerine ilişkin sorular, öğrencilerin sağlık hizmetlerini nereden aldıkları ve sağlık bilgilerini nereden edindiklerine dair sorular ve birinci basamak sağlık bakımı ihtiyaçlarına ilişkin sorular yer almaktadır. Veriler SPSS Versiyon-23 ile değerlendirildi; ortalama, standart sapma ve ki-kare kullanıldı.
Bulgular: Toplam 1832 öğrencinin %50,9'u kadın ve %70,1’i birinci basamak sağlık hizmeti aldığını belirtmiştir. Birinci basamak sağlık hizmetlerinden ihtiyaçlarının neler olduğu sorulduğunda; %84,9'u hastalandığında muayene olmak, %67,4'ü ilaçların reçetelenmesi, %48,9’u sağlık raporu almak istemektedir. Yalnızca %5,4'inin danışmanlığa ihtiyacı olduğunu belirtmiştir. Katılımcıların ihtiyaçları cinsiyete göre karşılaştırıldığında kadın öğrencilerin reçete yazma ve tahlil yaptırma (sırasıyla p<0,001; p<0,001); erkek öğrencilerin ise sağlık raporu alma beklentisi daha yüksektir (p<0,001). Ailesinden uzakta yaşayanlar birinci basamak sağlık hizmetlerine daha çok başvurmuştur (p<0,001). Birinci basamak sağlık hizmetlerinden yararlananların çoğunluğu periyodik sağlık muayenesi yerine (p=0,007) daha çok akut hastalık durumunda (p<0,001) başvurmuşlardır.
Sonuç: Sağlık hizmeti ihtiyaçlarını belirlemek için atılan adımlar arasında gereksinimlerin belirlenmesi yer almaktadır. Bu çalışmada öğrencilerin çoğunluğu akut sorunlarıyla ilgili hizmet almak istediklerini belirtmiştir. Sağlık danışmanlığı ihtiyacı oldukça düşüktür. Yine de yaş grubunun sağlık sorunları dikkate alındığında danışmalık fırsatlarının iyi değerlendirilmesi gerekmektedir.
How Does Birth-Related Content in Mass Media Affect Pregnant Women?
Authors: Sönmez Gülen , Sarı Esra
Published: November 2024

Aim: This study was conducted to identify how content on childbirth in mass media affects pregnant women. In the study, an answer is sought to how the birth content in the mass media affects pregnant women.
Method: The research data were collected through in-depth interviews using an identifying information form and a semi-structured interview guide. In this phenomenological study, conducted between May and July 2022, 15 pregnant women were interviewed. First, a preliminary interview was made with the pregnant women who came to the clinic, and they were informed about the subject. Afterward, in-depth interviews were conducted with the pregnant women who accepted the interview. A descriptive reporting method was preferred in the study. The data obtained were subjected to a thematic analysis and the main themes were revealed. The emerging themes were turned into tables and sub-themes and categories were determined.
Results: The data obtained consisted of seven sub-themes, which were the birth plan, information sources on birth, being affected by the information obtained, encountering content related to birth, thoughts about birth scenes or visuals encountered, the effects of contents on attitude and behaviour and the desired content to encounter.
Conclusion: As a result, it was found that the information obtained from mass media affected pregnant women from various aspects in all themes. Additionally, it was determined that the effects varied depending on the content or information that pregnant women were exposed to.
Tip 2 Diyabetli Hastaların Sağlık Kuruluşu Tercihlerini Etkileyen Faktörler ve Tedaviye Uyumuna Etkileri
Authors: Figen Serhat , Tunç Karaman Sibel , Basat Okcan
Published: November 2024

Giriş: Bu çalışmanın amacı; Tip 2 diyabetli hastaların sağlık kuruluşu (SK) tercihlerini, tercihlerini etkileyen faktörleri ve tercihleri ile tedaviye uyumları arasındaki ilişkiyi araştırmaktır.
Yöntem: Bu kesitsel çalışma; üçüncü basamak bir hastanenin Aile Hekimliği Polikliniğine 20.10.2022-17.03.2023 tarihleri arasında başvuran ve çalışmaya dahil edilme kriterlerini karşılayan Tip 2 diyabet tanılı hastalar ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Katılımcıların sosyodemografik karakteristikleri, tıbbi öyküleri ve SK tercihlerine yönelik özellikleri sorgulanmıştır. Tedaviye uyumları Morisky Tedavi Uyum Ölçeği-8 (MTUÖ-8) ile değerlendirilmiştir. Açlık plazma glukozu (APG) ve HbA1c düzeyleri kaydedilmiştir.
Bulgular: Çalışmaya dahil edilen 210 katılımcının yaş ortalaması 59,84±9,45 olup %61,4’ü (n=129) kadındır. İlaç yazdırmak (%94,3) ve eve yakınlık (%81) sebebiyle daha çok birinci basamak SK tercih edilmektedir. Diyabet kontrolü (%76,2), ilaç raporu yenilemek (%85,2) ve komplikasyon takibi (%81,4) için daha çok üçüncü basamak SK tercih edilmektedir. MTUÖ-8’e göre katılımcıların %53,8’i (n=113) tedaviye yüksek düzeyde uyumludur. Takip için birinci basamak ve özel SK tercih edenlerin tedaviye uyumu daha yüksektir (p:0.001). Aynı doktora muayene olmak için birinci basamak SK tercih edenlerin de tedaviye uyumları daha yüksektir (p=0,033).
Sonuç: Birinci basamak SK ilaç yazdırmak ve eve yakınlık sebebiyle tercih edilmektedir. Diyabet komplikasyonlarının takibi ve ilaç raporlarının yenilenmesi için ise üçüncü basamak SK tercih edilmektedir. Aynı doktor tarafından takip edilmenin önemli olduğu hastalarda tedaviye uyum yüksektir. Hastaların aynı doktor tarafından takip edilebildiği birinci basamak SK’da tetkik, tedavi ve takip açısından yetkinliğin artırılması ile tercih edilme oranının artırılması gerektiği ve böylece hastaların tedaviye uyumlarının artacağı düşünülmektedir.
Optimization of Hybrid Power Plant System to Increase Reliability by Maximizing Renewable Energy (Case Study: Semau Island)
Authors: Utami Ananda Rizky , Mulyana Iwa Garniwa
Published: November 2024

Semau Island is one of the islands in the 3T region. Semau Island's electricity system is supplied by 5 diesel engines, Solar Power Plant, and battery storage, with a renewable energy mix that reaches 13%. This is not in accordance with the target renewable energy mix in Indonesia in 2025 which is 23%. The generation operation pattern applied on Semau Island experiences blackouts due to intermittent conditions when the Solar Power Plant fully supplies the load during the day and the battery is unable to back up. So, to mitigate the intermittency nature of the Solar Power Plant while still increasing the penetration of renewable energy, it is necessary to optimize the integrated generation operation pattern between the Solar Power Plant, the diesel engine and the battery storage. In this research, optimization is carried out using HOMER software. The HOMER application uses a derivative-free algorithm in the HOMER Optimizer feature to find the cheapest system. The optimization results in the existing scenario found that the use of 2 diesel engines, namely DG Mdec, DG Adec in base load operations and a combination of PV and batteries can optimize the operating pattern with NPC costs of $9762426, OM costs of $583589 and LCOE value of $0.1999/kWh.
Automated Hydroponics System using the Internet of Things
Authors: Yulianto Dinan , Nugraha Abiema Febrian , Rahani Faisal Fajri
Published: November 2024

The Indonesian government has instituted urban farming regulations to bolster food security and catalyze economic growth. However, implementing urban farming initiatives across various regions of Indonesia is expected to face challenges in the quality and availability of arable land, along with deficiencies in community knowledge. Hydroponics represents a sustainable agricultural approach proposed as a viable solution to address land quantity and quality limitations. This paper presents the comprehensive design and deployment of an automatic monitoring and control system tailored to hydroponic parameters using Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. This system integrates web technology with a NodeMCU microcontroller and sensor devices, such as DHT22 Sensor, SEN011 Sensor, TDS SEN0244 Sensor, DS18820 Sensor, and HC-SR04 Sensor. Web technology was successfully built to display eight hydroponic environmental data variables in real time, including nutrient levels, water pH, water level, water temperature, air temperature, air humidity, and pump performance status. The pH threshold value of water on a scale of 5.0 to 6.5 will automatically control the pH pump, the nutrient threshold value on a scale of 500 to 800 ppm will automatically control the nutrient pump, and the water height threshold value on a scale of 30 to 10 cm will automatically control the water pump. Through web technology, users can also intervene in system performance based on natural plant conditions. The entire system functionality was tested with 25 scenarios through a black box test approach, demonstrating that the hydroponic environment was monitored and controlled efficiently.
IoT-based Epever Tracer 1210 MPPT Monitoring System Using Modbus Communication Protocol
Authors: Rohman Rizky Habibur , Sulistiyowati Indah , Anshory Izza , Saputra Dwi Hadidjaja Rasjid
Published: November 2024

This research examines the integration of Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technology with Internet of Things (IoT) and Modbus communication protocols in solar energy systems, with the main objective of increasing efficiency and enabling real-time performance monitoring. The research method used is experimental. The Epever Tracer 1210 MPPT is used to optimize energy absorption from solar panels, while IoT devices are connected via ESP32 using Modbus protocol. Data such as current, voltage, power, and energy generated are collected and analyzed in real-time using the Blynk app. Tests were conducted at three time periods (morning, afternoon, evening) to measure the accuracy and consistency of the data, and the results show that the IoT-based monitoring system provides accurate data, with minimal difference between the data from the MPPT, measuring instruments, and Blynk application. In addition, the integration of Modbus RTU with the IoT platform improves communication efficiency and security. IoT-connected MPPT technology has proven effective in improving operational efficiency and power conversion in solar energy systems, enabling optimal energy absorption in various weather conditions, thereby maximizing energy production. IoT integration also strengthens the real-time remote monitoring system, which is essential for early detection of faults or performance degradation.
Epidemiological Features, Clinical Symptoms, and Environmental Risk Factors for Notifiable Japanese Encephalitis in Taiwan From 2008 to 2020: Retrospective Study
Authors: Lin Fu-Huang , Chou Yu-Ching , Hsieh Chi-Jeng , Yu Chia-Peng
Published: November 2024

Background

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), and may cause fever, nausea, headache, or meningitis. It is currently unclear whether the epidemiological characteristics of the JEV have been affected by the extreme climatic conditions that have been observed in recent years.

Objective

This study aimed to examine the epidemiological characteristics, trends, and potential risk factors of JE in Taiwan from 2008 to 2020. Specifically, the study focused on gender, age, season, residential area, clinical manifestations, high-risk areas, and the impact of environmental and climate factors.

Methods

This study reviewed publicly available annual summary data on reported JE cases in the Taiwan Centers for Diseases Control between 2008 and 2020.

Results

This study collected 309 confirmed domestic patients and 4 patients with imported JE. There was an increasing trend in the incidence of JE, 0.69‐1.57 cases per 1,000,000 people, peaking in 2018. Case fatality rate was 7.7% (24/313). Comparing sex, age, season, and place of residence, the incidence rate was highest in males, 40‐ to 59-year-old patients, summer, and the Eastern region, with 1.89, 3.27, 1.25, and 12.2 cases per million people, respectively. The average coverage rate of the JE vaccine for children in Taiwan is 94.9%. Additionally, the major clinical manifestations of the cases included fever, unconsciousness, headache, stiff necks, psychological symptoms, vomiting, and meningitis. The major occurrence places of JE included paddy fields, pig farms, pigeon farms, poultry farms, and ponds. For air pollution factors, linear regression analysis showed that SO2 (ppb) concentration was positively associated with JE cases (β=2.184, P=.02), but O3 (ppb) concentration was negatively associated with them (β=−0.157, P=.01). For climate factors, relative humidity (%) was positively associated with JE cases (β=.380, P=.02).

Conclusions

This study is the first to report confirmed cases of JE from the surveillance data of the Taiwan Centers for Diseases Control between 2008 and 2020. It identified residence, season, and age as risk factors for JE in Taiwan. Air pollution and climatic factors also influenced the rise in JE cases. This study confirmed that JE remains a prevalent infectious disease in Taiwan, with its epidemic gradually increasing in severity. These findings empower clinicians and health care providers to make informed decisions, guiding their care and resource allocation for patients with JE, a disease that significantly impacts the health and well-being of the Taiwanese population.
Artificial Intelligence-Driven Tacrolimus Dosing: Improving Precision in Transplant Care (Preprint)
Authors: Huo Mingjia , Perez Sean , Awdishu Linda , Kerr Janice S , Xie Pengtao , Khan Adnan , Mekeel Kristin , Nemati Shamim
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Tacrolimus is the backbone of immunosuppression in solid organ transplantation, requiring precise dosing due to its narrow therapeutic range. Maintaining therapeutic tacrolimus levels post-operatively is challenging due to diverse patient characteristics, donor organ factors, drug interactions, and evolving perioperative physiology.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this project is to design a machine learning model to predict the next-day tacrolimus trough concentration (C0) and guide dosing to prevent persistent under- or over-dosing.

METHODS

Retrospective data from 1,597 adult kidney and liver transplant recipients at UC San Diego Health were used to develop a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model to predict next-day tacrolimus C0 in an inpatient setting. Predictors included patient demographics, comorbidities, vital signs, laboratory parameters, ordered diet, and medications. Permutation feature importance was evaluated for the model. We further implemented a classification task to evaluate the model’s ability to identify underdosing, therapeutic dosing, and overdosing. Finally, we generated next day dose recommendations that would achieve tacrolimus C0 within the target ranges.

RESULTS

The LSTM model provided a mean absolute error (MAE) of 1.880 ng/mL when predicting next-day tacrolimus C0. Top predictive features included the recent tacrolimus concentrations, tacrolimus doses, transplant organ type, diet and interactive drugs. When predicting underdosing, therapeutic, overdosing using a 3-class classification task, the model achieved a micro F1 score of 0.653. For dose recommendation, the best clinical outcomes were achieved when the actual total daily dose closely aligned with the model's recommended dose (within 3mg).

CONCLUSIONS

As one of the largest studies applying artificial intelligence to tacrolimus dosing, our LSTM model effectively predicts tacrolimus C0 and could potentially guide accurate dose recommendations. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the model's performance in real-world dose adjustments.