bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Planning the Implementation of a Multilevel Blood Pressure Control Intervention in Chicago: Community and Clinical Perspectives
Authors: Philbin Sarah , Johnson Rebecca E. , Pedamallu Havisha , Carroll Allison J. , Ekong Abbey , Lazar Danielle , Sanuade Olutobi A. , Mohanty Nivedita , McHugh Megan , Tedla Yacob , Davis Paris , Kho Abel , Smith Justin D.
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Hypertension is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The complications of hypertension disproportionately impact African American residents in Chicago’s South Side neighborhood. To inform the implementation of an evidence-based multilevel hypertension management intervention, we sought to identify community member– and clinician-level barriers to diagnosing and treating hypertension, and strategies for addressing those barriers.

Methods

We conducted 5 focus groups with members of faith-based organizations (FBOs) (n=40) and 8 focus groups with clinicians and administrators (n=26) employed by community health centers (CHCs) located in Chicago’s South Side.

Results

Participants across groups identified the physical environment, including lack of access to clinics and healthy food, as a risk factor for hypertension. Participants also identified inconsistent results from home blood pressure monitoring and medication side effects as barriers to seeking diagnosis and treatment. Potential strategies raised by participants to address these barriers included (1) addressing patients’ unmet social needs, such as food security and transportation; (2) offering education that meaningfully engages patients in discussions about managing hypertension (eg, medication adherence, diet, follow-up care); (3) coordinating referrals via community-based organizations (including FBOs) to CHCs for hypertension management; and (4) establishing a setting where community members managing hypertension diagnosis can support one another.

Conclusions

Clinic-level barriers to the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension, such as competing priorities and resource constraints, are exacerbated by community-level stressors. Community members and clinicians agreed that it is important to select implementation strategies that leverage and enhance both community- and clinic-based resources.
Perceived Religious Influence on Health Is Associated with Beneficial Health Behaviors in Members of Predominantly Black Churches
Authors: Allouch Farah , Mills Katherine T. , Laurent Jodie , Alvarado Flor , Gustat Jeanette , He Hua , He Jiang , Ferdinand Keith C.
Published: April 2024

Background

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and Black populations are disproportionately affected. Black populations also have high rates of religiosity, which may be an important health motivator, but mechanisms are unclear.

Objective

We examined the relationship between perceived religious influence on health and cardiovascular health behaviors, risk factors, and confidence participating in medical care in Black church congregants.

Methods

We surveyed 302 members of 13 churches with predominantly Black congregations in New Orleans, Louisiana. Participants reported if religious beliefs had an influence on their health and if they avoided harmful behaviors because of religion. Fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, smoking status, confidence asking questions to health care providers, understanding treatment plans and self-reported hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes were assessed. Logistic regression was used adjusting for age, sex, and education.

Results

Survey respondents were 77% female with a median age of 66 years, and 72%, 56%, and 37% reported hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes, respectively. Perceived religious influence on health was positively associated with fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, and confidence asking questions to health care providers. Avoiding harmful behaviors because of religion was positively associated with physical activity. There was no association between perceived religious influence on health and smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, or diabetes.

Conclusion

Perceived religious influence on health was associated with beneficial cardiovascular health behaviors and confidence participating in medical care. These findings can inform the design and delivery of interventions to reduce cardiovascular disease among Black religious communities.
Engaging Predominantly Black Churches in an Intervention to Improve Cardiovascular Health and Reduce Racial Inequities
Authors: Mills Katherine T. , Laurent Jodie , Allouch Farah , Payne Marilyn J. , Gustat Jeanette , He Hua , Alvarado Flor , Anderson Andrew , Bundy Joshua D. , Chen Jing , Ferdinand Keith C. , He Jiang
Published: April 2024

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in the United States and disproportionately impacts Black adults. Effective implementation of interventions to improve cardiovascular health in the Black community is needed to reduce health inequities. The Church-Based Health Intervention to Eliminate Health Inequalities in Cardiovascular Health (CHERISH) study is implementing interventions recommended by the 2019 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guideline on the primary prevention of CVD in Black communities to improve cardiovascular health and reduce health disparities. The recently completed 3-year planning phase of CHERISH has focused on engaging with the predominantly Black church community in New Orleans with the goals of informing study protocol development and recruiting churches for study participation. Community engagement approaches include convening a community advisory board (CAB), conducting qualitative and quantitative needs assessments, and hosting and attending church events. These activities have resulted in an engaged CAB that has contributed meaningfully to planning activities and the study protocol. The needs assessment found that while there are substantial barriers to cardiovascular health, such as knowledge, access to healthy foods, and safe spaces for physical activity, people are willing to make lifestyle changes and think that the proposed intervention components are feasible. Community engagement activities have resulted in the recruitment of 50 geographically and denominationally diverse predominantly Black churches willing to participate in the study (exceeding our goal of 42). Overall, a multicomponent approach to extensive community engagement has produced effective church enrollment for study participation and meaningful input on study design and implementation.
Conditions for the formation of ore-bearing Lower-Middle Paleozoic sedimentary formations of the Chatkal-Qurama Mountains of Uzbekistan
Authors: Munduzova M.
Published: April 2024

The article describes stratiform lead-zinc and polymetallic deposits in Paleozoic sedimentary rocks of the southwestern Tien Shan of the Chatkal-Qurama Mountains using rhythmostratigraphic analysis developed by professor at Tashkent State University V. I. Popov (Popov et al., 1963; Popov, 1980). Tectonic movements play a major role in the formation of new structural elements of the lithosphere and the earth's surface. Large tectonic movements spread over large areas and become regional tectonic rhythms. Considerable phases of tectonic movements were divided into smaller phases. We observed the change in formational composition: the boundary and beginning of the rhythm series were dominated by clastic facies of mobile shallow water (surf-clastic), closer to the beltv — quiet-water or stagnant (Popov et al., 1963; Popov, 1980). We stadied the northwestern slopes of the Qurama ridge in the upper reaches of the Karakiya River. Lithological-facies sections and maps of actual materials were made in the study areas. Early Silurian sediments of the were formed in the conditions of a quiet-water (central-sedimentary) shallow-water basin, zones under the influence of bottom currents (bottom current) and deltaic (underwater deltaic) facies belt; Devonian-Lower Carboniferous sediments were accumulated in wave surf zone, bay (shallow-flood belt) and underwater delta (underwater delta belt).
Three ore-bearing units with high contents of gold, copper, lead, zinc and a number of other metals were identified in the Lower Silurian terrigenous formations. Black dolomites of the stagnant zone of a shallow-water bay (shallow-bay facies) with high contents of lead were identified in the Devonian sedimentary formations. The confinement of increased concentrations of polymetals to certain layers and units of sedimentary dolomite rocks enriched in organic matter indicates that the accumulation of dispersed ore matter is syngenetic to the sedimentation process.
Influence of aquatic environmental factors on mineralization of cyanobacteria and green algae (Komi Republic)
Authors: Mityusheva Tat'yana , Katkova Valentina , Filippov V. , Tropnikov E. , Patova E.
Published: April 2024

This article describes crystallization formed in the exogenous mucous sheath of phototrophic microorganisms living in the surface waters of the south area of the Komi Republic. The mineralization of colonies of cyanobacteria of the Gloeotrichia sp. and green algae Chaetophora elegans was studied. The waters of rivers in the Northern Dvina basin have been studied as habitats for the microorganisms. They have a different composition: HCO3 Ca–Mg, typical for the taiga zone of a temperate continental climate; SO4–HCO3 Ca–Mg and Cl–Na (in the zone of technogenic pollution). Using the example of these neutral — weakly alkaline ultrafresh — salty (0.2—2.8 g/L) waters, it is shown that the geochemistry of the aquatic environment is one of the most important factors influencing the minerogenesis. Calcite, vaterite, quartz and halite were identified in dried colonies of microorganisms within the extracellular polymeric substance using the methods of X-ray diffractometry, electron microscopy, microprobe analysis and IR spectroscopy. The morphological features of microminerals are presented depending on the type of microorganisms. Calcium carbonate crystals and aggregates are formed within the exogenous mucous sheath of algae and cyanophytes. The carbon isotope composition of carbonates (13C –7.5 and –3.8 ‰ PDB) indicates their organic nature. The formation of minerals, morphological features of crystals and the degree of biomineralisation of colonies of phototrophic microorganisms are conditioned by the physicochemical parameters of the aquatic environment. The possibilities of chemogenic precipitation of carbonates from the studied natural waters were assessed.
Regenerative peripheral nerve interfaces (RPNIs): an overview of innovative surgical approaches
Authors: Berberoglu Ipek , Burke Katherine L. , Cederna Paul S. , Kemp Stephen W.P
Published: April 2024

Complications following amputation can be devastating for patients, including debilitating neuropathic pain, the inability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) or gain meaningful employment. While prosthesis use allows patients to restore independence and reintegrate into daily activities, patients often abandon these devices. Despite the immense advancements in prosthetic technology, there is still a need for an interface that can provide a natural experience with accurate and reliable long-term control. The Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (RPNI) is a simple surgical technique that offers real-time control of myoelectric prosthetic devices to restore extremity function. This stable, biological nerve interface successfully amplifies efferent motor action potentials, provides sensory feedback, and offers a more functional prosthetic device experience. Based on the principles of RPNI, novel surgical approaches have been developed to expand its applications and improve outcomes. This review article summarizes the utilization of the RPNI and its recent modifications of different neural interfaces in the setting of major limb amputation and musculoskeletal injuries.
Biomarkers in anderson-Fabry disease: what should we use in the clinical practice?
Authors: Aguiar Patrício
Published: April 2024

Major organ involvement in Anderson-Fabry disease (FD) is clinically silent for a long period and clinically heterogeneous; thus, it is difficult to identify the patients at increasing risk of a progressive disorder. Moreover, accumulating evidence suggests that early disease-specific treatment (DST) is safe and effective in preventing the progression of heart and kidney damage, with poorer results in patients with extensive myocardial fibrosis, advanced glomerulosclerosis, and/or heavy proteinuria. Therefore, biomarkers defining preclinical involvement, with a prognostic value and a correlation with response to treatment, are an urgent need in FD. Several types of biomarkers are recognized in FD, pertaining to total disease burden and specific organ involvement (central nervous system, heart, and kidney). Currently, plasma globotriaosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb3), cardiac and brain imaging, and albuminuria are recognized as the “gold standard” biomarkers of total disease burden or specific organ involvement in FD. However, severe globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) storage and organ damage may occur within the affected organs with minimal changes in these standard tests. Given the heterogeneity and rarity of the disease, the identification of new biomarkers is challenging. Several ways may be used to identify new biomarkers in FD, namely “omic” medicine, biomarkers identified in other pathological models similar to FD, and biomarkers linked to the pathophysiological pathways involved in FD. This article aims to review the clinical value of the available biomarkers in FD and give an overview of the research on new biomarkers.
Clinical Research and Mechanistic Exploration of Combined Treatment with Everolimus and EP Chemotherapy in Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma
Authors: Xiong Shuanglong , Yang Chengxiang , Liao Xingyun , Fu Kaiwen , Zhang Li , Wang Ting , Long Jianlin , Li Yongsheng , Li Yan
Published: April 2024

First-line treatment for advanced large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung (LCNEC) has limited efficacy. This study aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of everolimus combined with EP regimen chemotherapy (etoposide + cisplatin, EP) in the first-line treatment for LCNEC. The patients were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group, with 20 patients in each group. The experimental group received the mTOR inhibitor everolimus 5 mg once a day combined with EP ivgtt, d1-3, every 3 weeks for 4–6 cycles. The control group received EP only and the infusion method was the same as that of the experimental group. The safety in the experimental group was controllable and not inferior to that in the control group. Serious adverse effects were observed in approximately 10% of patients. Objective response rate (ORR) for the experimental and control groups were 15% vs. 0 (P=0.231), disease control rate (DCR) was 100% vs. 32% (P
Highly Oxygenated Cyclobutane Ring in Biomolecules: Insights into Structure and Activity
Authors: Dembitsky Valery M
Published: April 2024

This review explores the unique structural and functional characteristics of natural products featuring highly oxygenated cyclobutane rings, with a specific focus on oxetane and 1,2-dioxetane motifs. It presents the structures and biological activities of compounds containing these rings, highlighting their contribution to molecular stability and pharmacological potency. Through detailed case studies and recent research findings, it has been demonstrated that these oxygen-rich rings enhance the molecular diversity and biological efficacy of natural products, potentially offering new avenues for drug development. Notably, these compounds are predominantly synthesized by microorganisms and can also be found in extracts from fungi, plants, and certain marine invertebrates. Compounds with oxetane and 1,2-dioxetane rings are primarily noted for their strong antineoplastic properties, among other biological activities. In contrast, most 1,2-dioxetanes exhibit potent antiprotozoal effects. It is important to note that 1,2-dioxetanes often serve as intermediate products in oxidation reactions, characterized by their instability and propensity to decompose into new compounds.
An Evaluation of the Primary Causative Factors Affecting
Durability of Flow Diversion Simple Weirs in Muchinga
Province in Zambia
Authors: KABWE Alex Lushikanda , HYODO Masahiro , OGATA Hidehiko , Sagawa Yoshihiro , ADACHI Yoshinao , ISHII Masayuki
Published: April 2024

The effectiveness of simple weirs and the ability of rural farmers to construct durable weirs are still areas of concern in rural areas in Zambia. The objective of this study is to investigate the factors contributing to the varying levels of durability of the simple weir structures used for the diversion of river flows. This study was conducted in 5 districts where 33 SWs located in similar geographical zones were analyzed for their longevity. The research delved into catchment and climatic variables, and the social and psychological perception of simple weirs. The study conducted interviews with key informants who were familiar with the use of SWs in 5 districts in Muchinga provinces between 26 December 2023 and 15 January 2024 using semi-structured questions. The findings of this study indicated that simple weirs constructed on relatively square-shaped catchments and narrow-shaped catchment areas were less vulnerable to damage and easy to operate and maintain. The study also found that climatic factors such as storm rainfall events had little impact on the operation and maintenance of these weirs in Muchinga province, as most sites are in the rainfall shadow while farmers` views about the structures varied from site to site. Overly, planning is necessary for implementing small or large irrigation structures.
Does Point of Care Testing Reduce Antibiotic Prescribing in Patients Presenting with Acute Sore Throat to Primary Care? A Prospective Test of Change
Authors: Daniels Rob , Miles Esther , Button Karen
Published: April 2024

Accurate clinical diagnosis of patients presenting to primary care settings with acute sore throat remains challenging, often resulting in the over-prescribing of antibiotics. Using point-of-care tests (POCTs) to differentiate between respiratory infections is well-accepted, yet evidence on the application within primary care is sparse. We assessed the application of testing patients (n=160) from three family practices with suspected Streptococcal infections using rapid molecular tests (ID NOW Strep A2, Abbott). In addition to comparing clinical evaluation and prescription rates with either usual care or with testing, patients and staff completed a questionnaire about their experience of molecular POCT in primary care. The immediate availability of the result was important to patients (100%) and staff (≈90%) stated that molecular testing improved quality of care. Interestingly, only 22.73% of patients with a Centor score >2 tested positive for Strep A and overall, less than 50% of Centor scores 3 and 4 tested positive for Strep A with the ID NOW testing platform. The addition of rapid molecular POCTs to clinical assessment resulted in a 55- 65% reduction in immediate and deferred antibiotic prescriptions. The intervention was popular with patients and medical staff but was associated with increased cost and a longer appointment length.
The Key Sustainable Strategies Criteria for Effective Human Resource Management Practices
Authors: Khalid Alrashedi Ahmed
Published: April 2024

The management of an organization's human resources is the first stage in the governance process for any operation. This present study examine the strategies employed in Saudi Arabia for establishing effective governance through the implementation of human resource management practices and the key sustainable strategies criteria for effective human resource management practices. This step is considered crucial in governance as it involves the selection of highly qualified individuals who are expected to contribute to the achievement of optimal governance outcomes and the overall well-being of the population within a nation as well as the key criteria involves. Qualitative research methodology as well as Decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) were utilized with a sample of 31 participants from 8 government ministries and 14 companies in Saudi Arabia. The study's findings from qualitative interview exert four key criteria influencing sustainable effective human resources management practices. Cultural reflection" is the most important long-term goals of Saudi Arabia's HRM initiatives found from DEMATEL evaluation impacting three criteria with7.9181, 8.2294, 8.1961 above the threshold value of 7.783599781. This means that HR professionals should take the time to study and evaluate the cultural dynamics at work, in order to promote cultural introspection and understanding of cultural differences.
Chaotic Instability of Oscillations in Microwave Power Amplifierswhen Amplifying a Biharmonic Signal
Authors: Morozova L.A. , Savel'ev S.V.
Published: April 2024

The occurrence of chaotic instability of oscillations at the output of a single-stage amplifier on a powerful bipolar microwave transistor when a biharmonic signal is amplified is considered. It has been established that at a high level of the input signal at the output of the amplifier, the signal contains a significant chaotic component. Cases were experimentally studied when the frequency distance between the partial frequency components of a biharmonic signal is close to the gain band and when it is much smaller than this band. It has been established that in the first case, the chaos in oscillations is associated with the emergence of a sequence of trains of a forced oscillatory process with arbitrary initial phases and durations. In the second case, the appearance of a chaotic pedestal is associated with the chaos in the passive underexcited mode of the nonlinear circuit formed by the capacitance of the p-n junction and the input matching circuits of the amplifier stage.
Investigation of the Possibility of Using Coal Flotation Waste in the Production of Agglomerate
Authors: Ibraev IRSHEK , Ibraeva Orazbike , Айткенов Нурбек , Sakipov K.E. Kamalchan
Published: April 2024

Involving industrial waste into economic circulation, in particular flotation waste from coal enrichment, is an urgent task. The coal preparation waste of ArcelorMittal Temirtau JSC was studied with a view to the possibility of using it as an alternative substitute for coke breeze in the sintering process. During a thermoanalytical study on a synchronous thermal analyzer STA 449 NETZSCH in dynamic mode with a heating rate of 10, 20, 30 °C/min in an air flow of 30 cm3/min in the temperature range 30–1000 °C, we determined the lower heat of combustion of carbon-containing material, change mass during calcination, change and rate of change in the mass of the sample, thermal effect of the process, the temperature of the beginning, end and maximum development of thermal effects. It has been established that the greatest mass loss is observed in the temperature range 580 °C- 610 °C, which is about 65–67% of the total mass of the organic component of coal. The maximum burnout rate corresponds to a temperature of 540–563 °C. The lowest calorific value of the studied waste was 15.9 MJ/kg. The results of thermal analytical research and technical analysis substantiate the possibility of using flotation waste in a mixture of up to 10% with coke breeze for combustion in the sintering layer for the production of sinter. Analysis of the composition of flotation waste showed that they have a high specific surface area (56.8∙103 m2/kg), are highly dispersible, soggy, and capable of swelling, and the predominant amount of clay substance makes them a plastic material. The possibilities of using coal flotation waste as an alternative substitute for coke breeze have been studied after the regimes of its preparation for sintering have been developed and a rational regime of layer-by-layer combustion in the sintering layer has been established. The optimal ratio of coke and OPC in the fuel mixture of the sintering charge was determined.
Self-Powered Acceleration Sensor for Distance Prediction via Triboelectrifications
Authors: Ding Zhengbing , Nguyen Dinh Cong , Kim Hakjeong , Wang Xing , Choi Kyungwho , Lee Jihae , Choi Dukhyun
Published: April 2024

Accurately predicting the distance an object will travel to its destination is very important in various sports. Acceleration sensors as a means of real-time monitoring are increasingly gaining increasing attention in sports. Due to the low energy output and power density of Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs), recent efforts have focused on developing various acceleration sensors. However, these sensors suffer from significant drawbacks of large size, complexity, high power input requirements, and high cost. Here, we described a portable and cost-effective real-time refreshable strategy design comprising a series of individually addressable and controllable units based on TENGs embedded in a flexible substrate. This results in a highly sensitive, low-cost, and self-powered acceleration sensor. Putting, which accounts for nearly half of the strokes played, is obviously an important component of the golf game. The developed acceleration sensor has an accuracy controlled within 5 %. The initial velocity and acceleration of the forward movement of a rolling golf ball after it is hit by a putter can be displayed, and the stopping distance quickly calculated and predicted in about 7 seconds. This research demonstrates the application of the portable TENG-based acceleration sensor, while paving the way for designing portable, cost-effective, scalable, and harmless ubiquitous self-powered acceleration sensors.
Design and Analysis of Novel Anti-rocking Bearing
Authors: Yang Yuqing , Kong Fanchang , Bu Longgui , Mu Zaigen
Published: April 2024

In order to tackle the issue of severe rocking phenomenon under seismic conditions in structures equipped with steel spring isolation bearings, this paper investigates a novel type of anti-rocking bearing. Firstly, the structural configuration and working principle of the novel anti-rocking bearing are introduced, and a design method for bearing parameters is proposed. Secondly, a finite element analysis model is established using SAP2000 software to conduct nonlinear dynamic time history analysis under seismic loading. The analysis results show that the structural arrangement of the novel anti-rocking bearing reduces both the vertical displacement difference and the rocking angle of the isolation layer. The bearing exhibits a certain level of anti-rocking effect, but it may cause significant tensile forces in some bearings, necessitating the installation of anti-tensile reinforcement. The effectiveness of the anti-rocking effect improves as the stiffness of the steel tension rod in the bearing increases; however, it also leads to higher maximum tension in individual bearings as well as the total tension in all bearings. For structures equipped with the novel anti-rocking bearing, the acceleration amplifies under most cases, with amplification coefficients ranging from 0.82 to 1.55. The performance of the novel anti-rocking bearing varies significantly for different seismic waves. The stiffness of the steel tension rod should be determined considering the reference pressure of the bearing and the maximum designed tension of the bearing. Through the finite element simulation of the bearing, the mechanical properties of the bearing are basically the same as the theoretical analysis results. For the cylinder and the joint bearing, certain structural measures need to be taken to ensure its strength and stiffness.
Quantum Retarded Field Engine
Authors: Yahalom Asher
Published: April 2024

Recent efforts to conceptually design a technologically meaningful electromagnetic retarded engine indicated that this can only be done using the immense charge and current densities which exist in the atomic scale. However, this scale cannot be described by Newtonian physics, and only a quantum description will suffice to describe the dynamics of an electron on this scale properly. Here we study the retarded field quantum engine and highlight the differences between the quantum and the classical retarded engines.
Case Report: Eliminating Dairy as a Novel Treatment in Acne Vulgaris
Authors: Martini Olnita , Tchernogorova Elizabeth , Cox Ryan , Miller Parker , Tidwell Mary , Skalka Nicole , Ortiz-Jimenez Alexandra , Brooks Benjamin
Published: April 2024

Acne Vulgaris is a multifactorial skin disorder affecting many adolescents involving a complex array of factors. Previous extensive research has delved into the correlation between acne outbreaks and specific diet consumption, and while there have been a variety of treatment indications for decreasing acne in patients, many do not involve the significant impact a holistic approach can take. This case reports on the relationship between cystic acne and dietary habits, presenting a possible treatment approach for acne vulgaris by eliminating dairy consumption.
Refractive Index and Dispersion Measurement with Polarization Change in Total Internal Reflection
Authors: Chang Jyung-Ping , Tsai Cheng-Mu , Weng Jun-Hong , Han Pin
Published: April 2024

Refractive index measurements have been an important task for a long time because that index plays an essential role in describing the optical properties of a material. Many methods have been developed to perform that task. Some of them use interferometry to achieve high precision, however these configurations are complicated. Some measure the critical angle using simple structures, but the accuracy is not satisfactory because it is difficult to judge the exact critical angle with intensity variations. Here we propose several new schemes based on measuring the polarization change in the total internal reflection. The proposed method has the merits of simple structure and easy incident angle determination that gives the maximum phase change. Additionally, it is possible to find the material dispersion by measuring the wavelength dependence of the polarization ellipticity. Some useful formulas relating the refractive index with the maximum phase change are obtained. This work can provide valuable alternatives for index measurement.
Green Energy from Palm Kernel Shell Gasification – dual fuel engine performance analysis
Authors: Putro Firman Asto , Pranolo Sunu Herwi , Waluyo Joko , Hantoko Dwi , Aditama Agapeano , Utomo Mochamad Wahyu
Published: April 2024

Electricity generation in Indonesia is mainly generated from non-renewable fuels. Based on these problems, this research utilizes palm kernel shells to be converted into producer gas as secondary fuel for a 5 kW diesel engine. Through a gasification process equipped with a cooling and gas cleaning system, low tar gas is fed to the diesel engine with variations of gas flow rate ratio to combustion air. A dummy load is installed to investigate the effect of load on diesel consumption. The diesel engine vibration increases due to using two fuel types was measured by installing a vibration meter. The research results show that the higher the load and the greater the ratio of producer gas injected, the less diesel consumption. At a gas ratio of 4:1 and an increase of load from 1 to 5 kW, the diesel fuel flow rate reduces by 25 - 31%. The most significant reduction in diesel consumption occurred at a load of 5 kW, valued at 38.49%. On the other hand, increasing the gas ratio causes an increase in diesel engine vibration. The research results showed an increase in engine vibration of 5.84% - 10.25%. The largest vibration was recorded at a load of 5 kW with a value of 92.4 m/s2  
The Effect of HCl Activator on PET Adsorbent to Reduce Phosphate Content in Laundry Waste
Authors: Rizky Lutfi Wahidatur , Zulkarnain Iskandar , Raharjo Ismadi , Wulandari Yeni Ria
Published: April 2024

Abstract. Plastic waste is waste that cannot be decomposed so it will cause serious problems to the environment. The National Waste Management Information System (SIPSN) reported that in 2020 plastic waste was found to be 17.2% of the total waste collected. Several types of plastic can become porous charcoal through the heating process in a furnace so that it can be used as an adsorbent for liquid waste from the laundry industry. Laundry liquid waste containing excess phosphate will disrupt the environment such as eutrophication. This research aims to determine the effect of the HCL activator on carbon from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottle waste to reduce phosphate levels in liquid laundry waste. This research uses varying concentrations of HCl as a carbon activator, namely 1M, 5M, and 10M. The activated carbon is added to the liquid laundry waste and stirred at a speed of 100 rpm. Phosphate content analysis was carried out using a spectrophotometer in liquid laundry waste before and after the adsorption process and BET (Brunauer-Emmet-Teller) analysis on activated carbon with activator HCL 10 M. The greatest decrease in phosphate levels was 10 M HCL concentration of 52.87%, with a carbon surface area of 203.1222 m2/g and a particle size of 29.53 nm. The adsorption capacity of activated carbon with a 10 M activator is 0.1499 mg/g
The Meaning of The Shen Nong Da Di's (神农大帝Shen Nong Da Di) Birthday Ceremony at Ngo Kok Ong Temple Cibarusah, West Java
Authors: Widya Dhyana , Hartati C. Dewi
Published: April 2024

This article discusses the meaning of the tradition Shen Nong Da di’s birthday ceremony (sejit) at Ngo Kok Ong Temple, Cibarusah, West Java. Ngo Kok Ong temple put Shennong Dadi in Hokkien dialect is called Sin Long Tay Te which means Agricultural Emperor as the main deity. The research methodology and data collection techniques used are qualitative methods. Data collection by indepth interviews and participant observations. Observations and participant observation carried out during the ceremony of Shen Nong's birthday from 26 June 2019 to 29 June 2019 with a descriptive analysis design. The purpose of this research is to describe the meaning of traditions at the Shen Nong’s birthday ceremony. The results of the research show that there are various traditions during this ceremony, prayer together, mediumship such as making amulet, slashing the tongue,  stamping on coals lion dance and liong performances, and the tradition of electing locu. These various traditions have religious functions, social functions and psychological functions. Apart from that, the contained meaning in this tradition is the symbolic meaning and philosophical meaning for every Chinese community.
Action Recognition in videos using VGG19 pre-trained based CNN-RNN Deep Learning Model
Authors: Memon Fayaz Ahmed , Memon Majid Hussain , Halepoto Imtiaz Ali , Memon Rafia , Bhangwar Ali Raza
Published: April 2024

Automatic identification and classification of human actions is one the important and challenging tasks in the field of computer vision that has appealed many researchers since last two decays. It has wide range of applications such as security and surveillance, sports analysis, video analysis, human computer interaction, health care, autonomous vehicles and robotic. In this paper we developed and trained a VGG19 based CNN-RNN deep learning model using transfer learning for classification or prediction of actions and its performance is evaluated on two public actions datasets; KTH and UCF11. The models achieved significant accuracies on these datasets that are equal to 90% and 95% respectively on KTH and UCF11 which beats some of the accuracies achieved by handcraftedfeature based and deep learning based methods on these datasets.
Towards Secure Identification: A Comparative Analysis of Biometric Authentication Techniques
Authors: Warda Hassan  , Nosheen Sabahat
Published: April 2024

This paper provides an overview and analysis of existing biometric authentication methods. Biometric authentication enhances the security of traditional authentication methods by utilizing unique biological characteristics of individuals, such as fingerprints, facial features, or iris patterns, to verify identity. However, implementing biometric authentication may involve initial setup costs for service providers due to the need for specialized hardware and software. Additionally, users may experience some initial inconvenience during the enrollment process to register their biometric data. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the usability of biometric authentication techniques. Initially, a survey of existing work is conducted by comparing techniques, algorithms, and metrics used in research. Later the challenges of the distinct types of authentication techniques are discussed, and their problems are discovered. Subsequently, the findings of a quantitative study based on a are presented, aimed at assessing the usability of those techniques. The findings indicate that authentic biometric techniques are perceived as usable.
Buku Ajar Supply Chain Management dan Aplikasinya
Authors:   Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya, Gunawan Ivan , Wahyuni Hana catur
Published: April 2024

Dalam era globalisasi yang semakin berkembang pesat, Supply Chain Management (SCM) menjadi salah satu aspek yang tidak bisa diabaikan dalam menjaga keberlanjutan bisnis. Dengan semakin kompleksnya rantai pasokan, pemahaman yang mendalam tentang konsep dan aplikasi SCM menjadi krusial bagi para praktisi dan peneliti di berbagai bidang industri. Melalui buku ini, saya berusaha untuk memberikan gambaran komprehensif tentang Supply Chain Management dan aplikasinya dalam konteks bisnis modem. Dengan menggali berbagai teori dan praktik terkini, diharapkan pembaca akan memperoleh wawasan yang lebih mendalam tentang bagaimana SCM dapat diimplementasikan secara efektifuntuk meningkatkan kinerja perusahaan. Saya berharap buku ini dapat memberikan kontribusi yang berarti bagi para pembaca khususnya mahasiswa Teknik industri, baik mereka yang tengah mempelajari SCM maupun yang sudah berkecimpung dalam dunia industri. Terima kasih atas perhatiannya
Incidence and Predictors of Kummell’s Disease in Patients with Benign Vertebral Compression Fractures
Authors: Hong Jeong-Ju , Jwa Cheolsu , Kim Jae Hoon , Kang Hee In , Bae In-Suk , Kwon Hyungjoo
Published: April 2024

Objective: Kummell's disease (KD) is a form of delayed vertebral compression fracture. However, its incidence and predictors remain unclear. We investigated the incidence rate and predictors of KD in patients with benign vertebral compression fractures.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 437 consecutive patients with benign vertebral compression fractures admitted to XXX between 2015 and 2018. The inclusion criterion was patients with newly diagnosed KD at ≥20 years of age. The control subjects had acute benign vertebral compression fractures. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to evaluate the predictors of KD.Results: In total, 39 patients (8.9%) were newly diagnosed with KD, with an average age of 77.3 years. In older patients (≥70 years), the incidence was 12.8%. The incidence rate was highest in patients in their 70s. Most cases of KD (69.2%) occurred in the thoracolumbar region. Multivariate regression analysis showed that age ≥70 years (odds ratio [OR], 3.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–9.97; p=0.041) and a history of ischemic stroke (OR, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.26–6.74; p=0.012) were independently associated with KD.Conclusion: KD appears to be relatively common, especially in older people (≥70 years). Older age and a history of ischemic stroke may be independent predictors of KD. This study also indicated that ischemic factors may play a more important role than mechanical factors in the development of KD from vertebral compression fractures.
Cholesterol inhibition enhances antitumor response of gilteritinib in lung cancer cells
Authors: Mai Shi-Juan , Sun Chao-Yue , Cao Di , Wang Yue-Ning , Ren Qian-Nan , Wang Shuo-Cheng , Zhang Mei-Yin , Wang Hui-Yun
Published: April 2024

Repositioning approved antitumor drugs for different cancers is a cost-effective approach. Gilteritinib was FDA-approved for the treatment of FLT3-mutated acute myeloid leukaemia in 2018. However, the theraputic effects and mechanism of Gilteritinib on other malignancies remains to be defined. In this study, we identified that gilteritinib has an inhibitory effect on lung cancer cells (LCCs) without FLT3 mutation in vitro and in vivo. Unexpectedly, we found that gilteritinib induces cholesterol accumulation in LCCs via upregulating cholesterol biosynthetic genes and inhibiting cholesterol efflux. This gilteritinib-induced cholesterol accumulation not only attenuates the antitumor effect of gilteritinib but also induces gilteritinib-resistance in LCCs. However, when cholesterol synthesis was prevented by squalene epoxidase (SQLE) inhibitor NB-598, both LCCs and gilteritinib-resistant LCCs became sensitive to gilteritinib. More important, the natural cholesterol inhibitor 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC) can suppress cholesterol biosynthesis and increase cholesterol efflux in LCCs. Consequently, 25HC treatment significantly increases the cytotoxicity of gilteritinib on LCCs, which can be rescued by addition of exogenous cholesterol. In a xenograft model, the combination of gilteritinib and 25HC showed significantly better efficacy than either monotherapy in suppressing lung cancer growth, without obvious general toxicity. Thus, our findings identify an increase in cholesterol induced by gilteritinib as a mechanism for LCC survival, and highlight the potential of combining gilteritinib with cholesterol-lowering drugs to treat lung cancer.
Optimized administration of human embryonic stem cell-derived immunity-and-matrix regulatory cells for mouse lung injury and fibrosis towards clinical use
Authors: Song Dingyun , Li Zhongwen , Sun Faguo , Zhang Kan , Liu Wenjing , Liu Kaidi , An Bin , Wu Kaiwei , Wang Zai , Zhao Tiemei , Chen Huaiyong , Xiao Li , Wang Liu , Xie Lixin , Li Wei , Peng Liang , Hao Jie , Wu Jun , Dai Huaping
Published: April 2024

Background
Lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis are common sequelae of severe and acute lung disease, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), for which there are presently no effective drugs. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with immunomodulatory and tissue repair functions have the potential to treat lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis. However, the best administration route, timing, and frequency remain unclear. Human embryonic stem cell-derived immunity-and-matrix-regulatory cells (IMRCs) have shown therapeutic potential for lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis.
Methods
Here, the best treatment scheme of IMRCs for pulmonary fibrosis was evaluated. In a mouse pulmonary fibrosis model induced by bleomycin (BLM), IMRCs were administered by single or double intravenous or tracheal injection on the first and seventh days after bleomycin injection.
Results
Intravenous infusion of IMRCs improved the survival rate, body weight, and Ashcroft and Szapiel scores of model mice more effectively than intratracheal infusion, including more profound suppression of lung inflammation and fibrosis. Moreover, earlier timing of administration and more frequent administration were beneficial to improve the therapeutic effects. Indeed, early administration of two infusions better improved body weight, the lung organ coefficient, pulmonary ventilation and diffusion functions, and pulmonary fibrosis; increased numbers of alveolar type I and type II epithelial cells; and inhibited macrophage infiltration.
Conclusion
This study provides basic scientific evidence for the clinical application of stem cell therapy products to treat lung diseases including COVID-19.
The Impact of Pregnancy Pilates Assisted Childbirth Preparation Training on Urinary Incontinence and Birth Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Buran Gonca , Avcı Serap Erim
Published: April 2024

Purpose
To examine the effect of pregnancy pilates-assisted birth preparation training on urinary incontinence (UI) including stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urge urinary incontinence (UUI) during pregnancy, and the postpartum period and birth outcomes.
Method
In this single-center, single-blind, randomized, controlled study, one hundred and twenty-six participants who have 28–30 weeks of gestation and nulliparous were randomly assigned to receive either the experimental group (n = 63) or control group (n = 63). The study was carried out between March and August 2022. Pregnancy pilates intervention was applied twice in a week, a total of eight weeks to pilates group. The control group was given routine obstetric and pregnancy care. A personal data form and the Michigan Incontinence Severity Index Form (MISI) were used as data collection tools.
Results
The mean weight gains of the experimental group during pregnancy was significantly lower than the control group. The experimental group had almost twice the rate of vaginal birth than those of the control group. The duration of labor mean score of experimental group was five hours and 43 minutes less than the duration of labor of the control group (p < 0.001). After intervention, and postpartum period, the SUI and UUI severity of the experimental group was significantly lower than those of the control group (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Pilates-assisted childbirth preparation training reduced the severity of UI including SUI and UUI symptoms during pregnancy and the early postpartum. In addition, the decrease in weight gain during pregnancy and the increase in the vaginal birth rate contributed to the shortening of the duration of labor.
Measuring and Manipulating Density of States in Two-Dimensional Materials with Electrochemical Capacitance
Authors: Liu Jun , Yan Mengyu , Kaiser Mitchell , Sushko Maria , Zhou Yang , Tang Hao , Tseng Chun-Chih , Yankowitz Matthew , Yang Jihui , Xia Ying
Published: April 2024

Measuring and controlling the density of states (DOS) and defect states of two-dimensional van der Waals materials is of profound importance for understanding their unique physical properties, and for advancing their future practical applications. However, probing their defect states typically requires experiments performed at cryogenic temperatures and/or in ultra-high vacuum conditions, severely constraining efforts to monitor the electronic structure evolution of these materials under useful device operating conditions. Here, we develop a new electrochemical quantum capacitance spectroscopy (EQCS) technique for detecting the absolute energies of defect states and band edges in an ambient environment. We demonstrate the viability of this method with a variety of two-dimensional material systems, with the ability to easily extend to many more. The highest energy resolution achieved at room temperature, 116 meV, approaches the theoretical limit of 91 meV (3.5kBT). The in-situ EQCS platform can be further used to monitor and manipulate the DOS in real-time, enabling a controlled enhancement of electrochemical reactions. Notably, band shifts driven by as little as ≈ 1% mechanical strain can increase of the catalytic activity for hydrogen generation by half an order of magnitude. The EQCS platform provides a powerful new method for probing and manipulating the intrinsic DOS and defect states of 2D materials in ambient environments.