bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Psidium guajava and Phyllanthus amarus extracts on digestive enzyme activity and growth of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus fingerlings under high-temperature stress
Authors: Pham Ngoc Nhu , Tran Thi Phuong Hang , Do Thi Thanh Huong , Nguyen Thanh Phuong , Bui Thi Bich Hang , Kestemont Patrick , Vien Tuyen Anh , Nguyen Thi Kim Ha
Published: April 2024

The rise in water temperature by global warming is of high concern to aquaculturists. In this study, the effects of extracts-based diets on digestive enzymes, and growth performance in Pangasianodon hypophthalmus fingerlings under elevated temperatures were investigated. Four distinct diets (control, Psidium guajava, (0.2%/kg) – Pg0.2, Phyllanthus amarus (0.5%/kg) – Pa0.5, and a mixture of Pg0.2 and Pa0.5 - Mix.) were administered to fish fingerlings for 42 days, followed by 4 days of temperature elevation. Fish were then continuously subjected for 42 days to temperatures of 27, 31, and 35°C to evaluate enzymatic activities and growth performance of fish. The results showed that although there is no interaction between two experimental factors on digestive enzyme activity and growth performance of fish, Pg0.2 followed by Mix groups accelerated digestive enzymes (trypsin, chymotrypsin, amylases and pepsin). Besides, enzymatic activities increased from 31°C to 35°C. The highest growth was observed from fish at 35°C followed by those at 31°C (p<0.05) which was significantly higher than the control (27°C); however, there was no significant difference in survival rate. In conclusion, these findings suggested 2 appropriate diets (Pg0.2 and Mix) for optimizing growth of this species and consequently contributing to the sustainable aquaculture under the global warming scenario.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF PLEUROTUS OSTREATUS FOR ANTI-OXIDATIVE AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS
Authors: CHANDANA LAKKARAJU , BHIKSHAPATHI DARNA VRN
Published: April 2024

Objective: This particular study was aimed to evaluate the anti-oxidant effect of Pleurotus ostreatus using the in vitro method and also against inflammation.
Methods: A methanolic extract of P. ostreatus (MEPO) was prepared by the cold maceration technique. Different tests. In vitro anti-oxidant activity was investigated using the 1,1-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) method. Wistar rats were chosen for the study; animals weighing 150–200 g were divided into six groups of six each (n=6). Control animals were grouped as I, group II was administered with approximately 100 μL of 1% suspension of carrageenan in saline and injected into the plantar surface of the right hind paw, group III, IV, V, and VI were given with carrageenan, followed by diclofenac sodium (150 mg/kg body weight, p.o.) and MEPO at the dose of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg orally for 21 days. The paw volume and percentage of inhibition of the paw were measured in all animals.
Results: The IC50 values of the test extract in the DPPH free radical scavenging assay were found to be 44.02±0.09 as compared with the standard drug 35.01±0.12, which was considered significant (***p<0.001). The test extract at the dose of 400 and 800 mg/kg significantly decreased (**p<0.001) the paw volume thereby, the inflammation, the % percentage of inhibition in paw volume was compared to the positive control in the carrageenan-induced paw edema.
Conclusion: The study explored a potential source for anti-oxidants in the MEPO, which also seems to be effective in chemical-induced inflammation.
A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY ON SEVERITY AND ASSESSMENT OF MEDICATION ERRORS IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL
Authors: K UMAMAHESWARA RAO , ANUHYA P  , SUCHARITHA J  , SAI KIRAN A
Published: April 2024

Objectives: This study mainly aims to assess the severity and occurrence of medication errors (MEs) in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital and suggest solutions for reducing MEs.
Methods: It is a retrospective study of patients receiving medication during treatment. The techniques used during this study to identify MEs are direct observation of patients, daily review of medication charts by clinical pharmacists, daily audit of prescriptions, and using medication administration records.
Results: The study revealed that the majority of MEs fall under the age groups of 51–60 (45), 41–50 (40), 61–70 (31), 31–40 (19), 21–30 (17), 71–80 (16), 81–90(7), 11–20(6), 1–10(3), and 91–100 (1), respectively. Among 185 patients, males were 100 and females were 85, indicating that MEs occurred more in males than females, and the personnel involved in MEs were more nurses than physicians.
Conclusion: By assessing the severity and occurrence of MEs, we identified the most common risk factors for the occurrence of MEs. The study concludes that educating nurses, implementing an evidence-based treatment strategy, and fostering communication and collaboration among hospital pharmacists, doctors, and nurses can help to decrease the occurrence of MEs.
EFFECTIVENESS OF DOUBLE-GLOVING METHOD ON PREVENTION OF SURGICAL GLOVE PERFORATIONS AND BLOOD CONTAMINATION: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY
Authors: H Chavda Divyang , Mudgal Manish
Published: April 2024

Objectives: To evaluate efficacy of double gloving to provide mechanical barrier against communicable diseases and also to evaluate different parameters affecting glove perforation rate.
Methods: This prospective study was performed in department of General Surgery at tertiary care teaching hospital of Gujarat. This study involved a group of surgeons and operation theatre nursing staff. Randomization of the participants was done with the closed envelope method in two groups: single gloving and double gloving. Glove perforation rate and hand contamination rate was calculated and compared between both the groups. Participants of double gloving groups were also asked for discomfort using double gloves and compromised tactile sensations.
Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the glove perforation rate between single gloves and double outer gloves. (p=0.55) But, the glove perforation rate was significantly low in double inner gloves than single gloves. (p=0.004) The hand contamination rate was significantly lower amongst perforated double gloves than perforated single gloves. (p=0.00001) Awareness of glove perforation was absent in majority of the participants in both the groups. All the participants in the double gloving group were comfortable with using double gloves and their tactile sensations were not compromised.
Conclusion: This study concluded that double gloving efficiently prevented hand contaminations during a surgery. There was no significant difference noted in glove perforation rates in both single and double gloving groups. Double gloving is recommended for the surgeons and nursing staff to protect them from blood borne infections and eliminate the chances of surgical site infections in the patients.
OPEN REDUCTION AND INTERNAL FIXATION WITH PLATING VERSUS EXTERNAL FIXATOR IN DISTAL END RADIUS FRACTURES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
Authors: SATYANARAYANA Y  , SIVAKUMAR C  , RAVI PRAKASH D  , HEMANTH REDDY
Published: April 2024

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to compare the external fixation and locking plate fixation of intraarticular fractures of the distal radius in terms of functional outcome and complications. The study aims to assess the patients for fracture union, wrist range of motion (ROM), grip strength, pain, and activity among the locking plate and external fixator group.
Methods: This study aimed to compare distal end radius external fixator to distal end radius plating regarding functional outcomes. This is an observational type of study where 40 patients were included in the study, among them, 20 were treated with external fixator/k wire and 20 with distal radius plate. The study was conducted in a tertiary care institute during the study period.
Results: The most patients were males >50 years of age, with injury caused by a fall on an outstretched hand. In the present study, we got excellent functional results according to the G and O’Brien system in 11 (55%) of patients treated with the plating group, good results in 5 (25%), fair results in 4 (20%), and poor (0%) in the plating.
Conclusion: Plating provides better functional outcomes, as assessed by Green and O’Brien’s score, as compared to external fixation. It allows for an early post-operative ROM exercises compared to an external fixator and better anatomical positioning of the fracture segments.
The Role of Charismatic Leaders in National and Liberation Movements: A Comparative Study of Mahatma Gandhi and Mullah Mustafa Barzani
Authors: Fattah Hejar Ali
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the essential roles played by charismatic leaders in national and liberation movements, specifically examining the contrasting leadership approaches of Mahatma Gandhi during India's independence struggle and Mullah Mustafa Barzani in the Kurdish liberation movement. Through a comprehensive comparative analysis utilizing historical literature, primary sources, speeches, and biographies, the research endeavors to illuminate both the similarities and disparities in their leadership styles, strategies, ideologies, and impacts on their respective movements. Essential areas of investigation encompass the genesis and evolution of their charismatic authority, methods employed for mobilization and resistance, dynamics of relationships with followers and adversaries, and the lasting legacies they left behind. By drawing upon theoretical frameworks from disciplines such as leadership studies, political science, and sociology, this study aspires to deepen our comprehension of the intricate dynamics of charismatic leadership within the context of national and liberation movements. It aims to offer valuable insights into historical trajectories and contemporary leadership contexts, with a particular emphasis on the ongoing struggle for social justice and human rights. Through meticulous examination and analysis, this research endeavors to contribute to the scholarly understanding of effective leadership strategies in navigating complex socio-political landscapes, ultimately aiming to enrich our knowledge of transformative leadership practices in the pursuit of societal change.
Bacterias extremótrofas y extremófilas resistentes a radiación UV-B aisladas de la laguna de Salinas, un humedal altoandino del Perú
Authors: Quispe-Choque Kevin Gabriel , Valderrama-Valencia María Rosario Elsa
Published: April 2024

La laguna de Salinas es un humedal salino altoandino ubicado en la región de Arequipa al sur de Perú. Actualmente, está sometido a actividades antropogénicas como la extracción de sales, el turismo de aventura y el cambio climático. A pesar de ser un entorno de importancia biológica, la diversidad de poblaciones microbianas ha sido poco explorada. La ubicación de este entorno en una región con índice UV extremos, altitud sobre 4,000 m y otros factores adversos destacan este ambiente como potencial para la bioprospección de microorganismos extremófilos y extremótrofos. En el presente estudio aislamos cepas bacterianas nativas de muestras de agua de la laguna de Salinas y realizamos la caracterización fenotípica a nivel morfológico y fisiológico mediante ensayos de tolerancia a NaCl, temperatura, pH y radiación UV-B. Reportamos cepas halotolerantes, psicrotolerantes, alcalófilas moderadas y cepas resistentes a radiación UV-B y una cepa alcalófila obligada. La identificación se realizó mediante el análisis molecular basado en el DNAr 16S. Los géneros identificados fueron Arthrobacter, Brachybacterium, Dietzia, Bacillus y Planococcus. Hasta donde sabemos, el presente trabajo es el primer reporte sobre microorganismos extremófilos y extremótrofos presentes en la laguna de Salinas, promoviendo un nuevo enfoque de prospección sobre este entorno.
Digital Content for Libraries considering Extended Reality, Physical Interaction Disabilities, Universal Design for Learning and User-Centered Design: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ramos Aguiar Luis Roberto , Álvarez Rodríguez Francisco Javier
Published: April 2024

A systematic review of Digital Content for Libraries, Extended Reality, Physical Interaction Disabilities, Universal Design for Learning and User-Centered Design is presented to find the basis for a software development methodology that covers these characteristics. A protocol oriented to studies in software engineering is used, which consists of the following stages: 1. Defining research questions, 2. Conducting the search for articles, 3. Selecting inclusion and exclusion criteria, 4. Keywords for abstracts, and 5. Data extraction and mapping process. This review is performed through search engines such as Google Scholar, Science Direct, IEEE Xplore, and ACE Library and is limited to publications between 2016 and 2021. Results show an incremental trend in Extended Reality articles but low scientific productivity in Digital Content for Libraries, demonstrating the availability of services that consider the previously exposed topics. Finally, the article defines elements aiming to a future methodological proposal for the construction of Digital Content for Libraries and Extended Reality.
Fire Prevention in Buses Using Water Head and AWO System
Authors: Kiranmayee T. , Purushotham B. , Vyshnavi C. , Kumar KA.Pavan , Prameeth Md. Syprion , Kumar B. Raju
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Buses can be designed to carry many passengers ,and in public places, incidents such as bus fires impose a relatively high threats to assets and lives. Hence, it is common to witness substainal casualties when a bus fire occurs .Fire diaster is common threat to lives and property . An IOT based automatic window opening system when smoke is detected by sensors is efficient one but ,this paper represents with a doubt if any one is struck on the bus ,this project helps to save their lives that keeping the steel pipes inside and outside of the bus and providing sprinkles and holes to the pipe In and Out side of the side of the bus in respectively. When some amount of fire/flame and smoke is detected by the sensors the water and foam mixture pass through the pipes and spreads over the bus.The rectangular water and foam storage tank is kept on the roof of the bus .The equipment here is the foam that can resists the fire so, Silicon Foam is the flame-retardant, self-extinguishing and can withstand 2100℃ flame .This project helps minimizing and delaying the spread of fire
GestureFusion: A Gesture-based Interaction System
Authors: Kathe Vedant
Published: April 2024

Abstract: In an era of increasingly sophisticated human-computer interaction, the ability to comprehend and interpret hand gestures has become a pivotal element for bridging the gap between humans and machines. This project, titled ”GestureFusion: A Gesture-based Interaction System,” seeks to contribute to this rapidly evolving field by developing a comprehensive system for recognizing and categorizing hand gestures through the application of computer vision techniques. The primary objective of this project is to create a versatile and extensible hand gesture recognition system that can be employed in various domains such as virtual reality, robotics, sign language interpretation, and human-computer interface design. To achieve this, the project employs state-of-the-art computer vision algorithms and deep learning techniques. Key components of this project include data collection and annotation, model training and optimization, the development of a user-friendly application programming interface (API) for integration into diverse applications.
Detection of Illegal Goods using X-ray Image Enhancement Algorithm
Authors: Bhargavi S. , Reddy B. Sadhvik , Reddy T. Sumanth , Sushma T. , Reddy S. Narendra , Kusuma P. Sai
Published: April 2024

bstract: An X-ray image enhancement technique integrating USM+CLAHE+HAZEREMOVAL and YOLOV2 for object detection is presented to address the problem of colour distortion in CLAHE enhanced airport security X-ray images. Calculating the grayscale images on the R, G, and B channels of the X-ray image and applying CLAHE enhancement to each, then merging the enhanced R, G, and B grayscale images will take place. After that, USM sharpening operation is applied to the CLAHE-enhanced X-ray image, and then it is merged with the original and USM-sharpened images according to the weight. Later haze removal technique is added to obtained results. For detection, YOLOV2 is used. The results of the experiments reveal that the USM+CLAHE+ HAZEREMOVAL algorithm can successfully improve the security X-ray image while also suppressing colour distortion in the enhanced image
Escala de Forças de Caráter: novas evidências de validade
Authors: Rocha Rafael Moreton Alves da , Santos Camila Grillo , Gonzalez Henrique Vazquez , Noronha Ana Paula Porto
Published: April 2024

As forças pessoais são consideradas como construto da personalidade com aspecto positivo, indicando uma vida satisfatória e autêntica. A Escala de Forças de Caráter (EFC) é a única que se tem conhecimento que avalia as forças pessoais dos brasileiros. A literatura aponta que a estrutura proposta, das 24 forças pessoais divididas em 6 virtudes, não é replicada empiricamente. Estudos tem comparado as forças de caráter entre homens e mulheres e entre etapas do desenvolvimento, porém, compreender a equivalência do instrumento entre os grupos deve preceder tais comparações. Este estudo objetiva testar a estrutura fatorial da EFC encontrada por Noronha e Batista (2020) e avaliar a invariância do construto entre: adolescentes e adultos, sexo em adolescentes, sexo em adultos. Para o primeiro objetivo, empregou-se uma Análise Fatorial Confirmatória (AFC), que corroborou a estrutura testada. Para o segundo, avaliou-se a invariância dos fatores da escala entre os grupos a partir da AFC-Multigrupo, que apontou alguns fatores como equivalentes e outros não. Pode-se concluir que a estrutura fatorial testada é empiricamente pertinente e que, ao comparar médias das forças entre os grupos em estudos futuros com a EFC, os autores devem se atentar a quais forças pertencem a fatores invariantes.
ANALISIS PRODUKSI USAHATANI PADI SAWAH DI DESA TORIBULU KECAMATAN TORIBULU KABUPATEN PARIGI MOUTONG
Authors: Pratiwi Alin Ayu , Howara Dafina , Alamsyar Al
Published: April 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk untuk mengetahui berapa besar pengaruh lahan, benih, pupuk, tenaga kerja, pestisida terhadap produksi usahatani padi sawah di Desa Toribulu Kecamatan Toribulu Kabupatten Parigi Moutong. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada bulan Januari – Februari 2023. Lokasi penelitian ditentukan secara sengaja (Purposive Sampling) dengan pertimbangan bahwa Desa Toribulumerupakan bagian dari kecamatan Toribulu yang memiliki produksi padi sawah tertinggi dengan luas panen 446,5 ha dan produksi 225 Ton. di Kabupaten Parigi Moutong. Sumber data yaitu data primer dan data sekunder. Metode analisis data analisis fungsi produksi Cobb-Douglas dalam penelitian ini digunakan metode pendekatan kuantitatif untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor yang memengaruhi produksi. Secara simultan (Uji F) variabel luas lahan (
ANALISIS PENDAPATAN USAHA SAMBAL IKAN DUO PADA IKM SAL-HAN DI KOTA PALU
Authors: Prayoga Putu Herdin , Antara Made , Khatima Husnul
Published: April 2024

Sambal merupakan makanan pendamping yang menjadi bagian dan budaya makan yang dikenal bangsa Indonesia, karena sambal dapat dihidangkan bersamaan dengan makanan lain sebagai penyedap rasa. IKM Sal-Han memiliki kendala yang dapat mempengaruhi pendapatan yaitu besarnya biaya bersama yang dikeluarkan sehingga hal tersebut dapat mempengaruhi pendapatan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pendapatan usaha sambal ikan duo pada IKM Sal-Han di Kota Palu. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada IKM Sal-Han di Kota Palu Sulawesi Tengah dilaksanakan pada dari bulan Maret sampai April 2023. Penentuan Responden dalam penelitian ini dilakukan secara sengaja (purposive) dengan responden yang diambil dalam penelitian ini adalah 1 orang pimpinan dan 3 orang karyawan. Analisis data yang digunakan yaitu analisis kuantitatif untuk mengetahui besarnya pendapatan usaha yang dihitung dari total biaya (TC) yang dikeluarkan oleh industri meliputi biaya tetap dan biaya variabel, mengetahui jumlah total penerimaan (TR) yang diperoleh industri,mengetahui jumlah pendapatan (π) yang diperoleh industri. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa jumlah penerimaan yang diperoleh IKM Sal-Han pada bulan Januari-April 2023 yaitu sebesar Rp 22.238.000 dengan total biaya yang dikeluarkan pada bulan Januari-April 2023 yaitu sebesar Rp 14.682.354 dan menghasilkan Pendapatan pada bulan Januari-April 2023 yaitu sebesar Rp.7.555.646.
STRATEGI PENGEMBANGAN USAHATANI SELADA HIDROPONIK SISTEM DFT KE SISTEM NFT DI PT. NINA AGRO JAYA DESA POMBEWE KECAMATAN SIGI BIROMARU KABUPATEN SIGI
Authors: Fahrurazi Andre Ahmad , Sulaeman Suleman , Syamdi BS Puput Puspita
Published: April 2024

Hidroponik adalah budidaya menanam tanpa menggunakan media tanah melainkan dengan cara memanfaatkan air, dan pada prinsip dasar hidroponik dibagi menjadi dua yaitu DFT (Deep Flow Technique) dan NFT (Nutrient Film Technique). Peningkatan produksi dengan sistem dan peluang yang kurang menguntungkan berpengaruh pada ketidakmasimalan keuntungan pendapatan usahatani hidroponik. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui strategi pengembangan sistem hidroponik DFT ke sistem NFT berdasarkan kondisi faktor internal dan eksternal pada usahatani PT. Nina Agro Jaya. Penentuan responden ditentukan secara purposive sampling, jumlah responden sebanyak 13 orang, yaitu pimpinan dan staff PT. Nina Agro Jaya, serta mitra PT. Nina Agro Jaya dan konsumen tetap PT. Nina Agro Jaya. Analisis yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah analisis SWOT. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa pengembangan di PT. Nina Agro Jaya berada pada strategi SO yaitu kuadran I, artinya pada posisi ini perusahaan dapat memanfaatkan peluang dengan cara menggunakan kekuatan yang dimiliki. Alternatif strategi yaitu: (a) Memanfaatkan penggunaan alat dan bahan hidroponik yang sudah memenuhi kualifikasi standar nasional, penggunaan varietas benih unggul, dan pengendalian secara. Tempat usaha yang cukup luas agar dapat memaksimalkan potensi pengembangan usahatani hidroponik. (b) Memanfaatkan media sosial dan website dalam penjualan dalam lajunya perkembangan penggunaan teknologi dan informasi dalam pemasaran, sehingga memudahkan perusahaan dalam melakukan promosi kepada konsumen. (c) Banyaknya penyelenggaraan event atau pameran tanaman pangan yang diadakan dapat dimanfaatkan sehingga berpotensi nilai tambah selada.
Experiences of Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Walsh Zara , Gorczynska Wiktoria , Glennon Rachel , O'Shea Jennifer , Smith Lucy
Published: April 2024

Avoidance and self-isolation are often adapted as safety behaviours to manage social anxiety. However, such safety behaviours were actively encouraged throughout the COVID-19 outbreak to reduce the spread of infection. This study aims to explore the impact of pandemic-related social isolation among anxious and non-anxious university students. Participants were screened using the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7) and allocated to anxious and non-anxious groups based on their scores. Fifteen participants (9 female and 6 male) were interviewed remotely (mean age=28.6). The study found that whilst social anxiety and anxiety about pandemic related socialising co-occurred, there were no distinct differences between the two groups. Instead, intragroup difference (the impact of COVID-19, adaptability, and self-development) differentiated participants’ experiences. An increased desire for human connection, online communication, and the perspective of others were protective factors against the development of social anxiety related to pandemic lockdown for participants, regardless of their group. This research develops the field in understanding early pandemic experiences and its link to social distancing and isolation practices.
Discovery of a monoclonal, high-affinity CD8+ T cell clone following natural hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Cai Curtis , Keoshkerian Elizabeth , Wing Kristof , Samir Jerome , Effenberger Manuel , Schober Kilian , Bull Rowena , Lloyd Andrew , Busch Dirk , Luciani Fabio
Published: April 2024

CD8+ T cells recognising their cognate antigen are typically recruited
as a polyclonal population consisting of multiple clonotypes with
varying T-cell receptor (TCR) affinity to the target peptide-MHC (pMHC)
complex. Advances in single-cell sequencing have increased accessibility
towards identifying TCRs with matched antigens. Here we present the
discovery of a monoclonal CD8+ T cell population with specificity for a
hepatitis C virus (HCV)-derived HLA class I epitope (HLA-B*07:02
GPRLGVRAT) which was isolated directly ex vivo from an individual with
an episode of acutely resolved HCV infection. This population was absent
prior to infection and underwent expansion and stable maintenance for at
least two years after infection as measured by HLA-multimer staining.
Furthermore, the monoclonal clonotype was characterised by an unusually
long dissociation time (half-life = 794 seconds and koff = 5.73×10-4)
for its target antigen when compared to previously published results. A
comparison with related populations of HCV-specific populations derived
from the same individual and a second individual suggest that
high-affinity TCR-pMHC interactions may be inherent to epitope identity
and shape the phenotype of responses which has implications for rational
TCR selection and design in the age of personalised immunotherapies.
Residual stress induced by deep rolling process and its influence over component-level fatigue life
Authors: Cantisano Artur , Fonseca Luiz Aun , Colombo Tiago Cristofer Aguzzoli , Gomes Jefferson de Oliveira , Faria Alfredo de
Published: April 2024

In the pursuit of reducing fuel consumption and emissions, engine
downsizing has become a prevalent strategy in the automotive industry.
This approach leads to increased mechanical loads on critical components
such as the crankshaft. Surface treatments like deep rolling have been
used to increase fatigue resistance. This study addresses the
establishment of a connection between compressive residual stress
induced by deep rolling and the fatigue performance of crankshafts. The
experimental setup involves a residual stress measurements using x-ray
diffraction and fatigue tests using a crankshaft test rig. Experimental
outcomes include residual stress measurements, fatigue tests and
correlation with a computational model of the deep rolling process.
These results contribute to a deeper understanding of the relationship
between residual stress, surface treatments, and fatigue strength in
automotive crankshafts, paving the way for future advances in engine
design and manufacturing.
Association Between Influenza Vaccination and Reduced Risk of Acute Kidney Injury Among the Elderly
Authors: Cho Haerin , Lim Eunsun , Kim Hee-Jin , Jeong Na-Young , Choi Nam-Kyong
Published: April 2024

Background: Several cases of renal complications including
acute kidney injury (AKI) after influenza vaccination have been
reported, but the association remains unproven. We evaluated the
association between influenza vaccination and AKI occurrence among the
Korean elderly in the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 seasons.
Methods: We used a large database that combined vaccination
registration data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency
and the claims data from the National Health Insurance Service. The
study subjects were patients hospitalized with AKI for the first time
following vaccination among those who received one influenza vaccine in
the 2018–2019 or 2019–2020 season. Only those who were 65 or older at
the date of vaccination were included in our study. We performed a
self-controlled case series study in which the risk period was
designated as 1 to 28 days after vaccination, and the observation period
as each influenza season. We conducted sensitivity analyses with varied
risk periods and observation periods. Results: A total of
16,713 and 16,272 AKI events were identified during each influenza
season. The adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) for AKI was 0.83 (95%
confidence interval [CI]= 0.79–0.87) in the 2018–2019 season. The
IRR of the 2019–2020 influenza vaccination was similar to the
2018–2019 season (aIRR=0.86; 95% CI=0.82–0.90). Sensitivity analyses
showed similar results. Conclusions: We suggest that influenza
vaccination is associated with a lower risk of AKI in the elderly over
65.
Rare events, ecological dynamics, and the importance of long-term demographic studies
Authors: Oro Daniel , Doak Daniel , Garcia Maria , Genovart Meritxell
Published: April 2024

While multiple reasons make long-term demographic studies
disproportionally valuable, much of their importance comes from the
ability to detect and quantify rare events. We argue here that rare
events can be critical for understanding important ecological and
evolutionary processes. We highlight the additive or interactive nature
of anthropogenic rare events with environmental rare events that may
cause outsized changes in vital rates and therefore in population
dynamics. Rare events may also generate complex responses in populations
due to interactions between demographic processes and evolutionary
responses. Complex, non-linear dynamics of populations may include
threshold, extreme responses such as long transients, tipping points,
regime shifts and collapse. When occurring locally, rare events may also
exacerbate spatial heterogeneity with consequences for demographic
processes. In sum, these effects represent substantial challenges for
prediction, especially when considering the increase in the frequency of
rare extreme events, and emphasise the need for long-term studies. Our
perspective attempts to integrate the occurrence of rare events in
variable environments and the consequences for the overall fitness,
growth rates, and the spatial-temporal dynamics of populations.
Barchan-barchan repulsion investigated at the grain scale
Authors: Lima Nicolao C , Assis Willian Righi , Alvarez Carlos Azael , Franklin Erick
Published: April 2024

Barchans are dunes of crescent shape found on Earth, Mars and other
celestial bodies. Among the different types of barchan-barchan
interaction, there is one, known as chasing, in which the dunes remain
close but without touching each other. In this paper, we investigate the
origins of this barchan-barchan repulsion by carrying out grain-scale
numerical computations in which a pair of granular heaps is deformed by
the fluid flow into barchan dunes that interact with each other. In our
simulations, data such as position, velocity and resultant force are
computed for each individual particle at each time step, allowing us to
measure details of both the fluid and grains that explain the repulsion.
We show the trajectories of grains, time-average resultant forces, and
mass balances for each dune, and that the downstream barchan shrinks
faster than the upstream one, keeping, thus, a relatively high velocity
although in the wake of the upstream barchan. In its turn, this fast
shrinkage is caused by the flow disturbance, which induces higher
erosion on the downstream barchan and its circumvention by grains
leaving the upstream dune. Our results help explaining the mechanisms
behind the distribution of barchans in dune fields found on Earth and
Mars.
Reconciling Surface Deflections From Simulations of Global Mantle Convection
Authors: O'Malley Conor Patrick , Roberts Gareth G , Panton James , Richards Fred D , Davies J. Huw , Fernandes Victoria M , Ghelichkhan Sia
Published: April 2024

The modern state of the mantle and its evolution on geological
timescales is of widespread importance for the Earth sciences. For
instance, it is generally agreed that mantle flow is manifest in
topographic and drainage network evolution, glacio-eustasy and in the
distribution of sediments. There now exists a variety of theoretical
approaches to predict histories of mantle convection and its impact on
surface deflections. A general goal is to make use of observed
deflections to identify Earth-like simulations and constrain the history
of mantle convection. Several important insights into roles of radial
and non-radial viscosity variations, gravitation, and the importance of
shallow structure already exist. Here we seek to bring those insights
into a single framework to elucidate the relative importance of popular
modelling choices on predicted instantaneous vertical surface
deflections. We start by comparing results from numeric and analytic
approaches to solving the equations of motion that are ostensibly
parameterised to be as-similar-as-possible. Resultant deflections can
vary by $\sim$10\%, increasing to
$\sim25$\% when viscosity is
temperature-dependent. Including self-gravitation and gravitational
potential of the deflected surface are relatively small sources of
discrepancy. However, spherical harmonic correlations between model
predictions decrease dramatically with the excision of shallow structure
to increasing depths, and when radial viscosity structure is modified.
The results emphasise sensitivity of instantaneous surface deflections
to density and viscosity anomalies in the upper mantle. They reinforce
the view that a detailed understanding of lithospheric structure is
crucial for relating mantle convective history to observations of
vertical motions at Earth’s surface.
Link between crustal thickness and Moho transition zone at 9oN East Pacific Rise
Authors: Wang Zhikai , Singh Satish Chandra , Canales Juan Pablo
Published: April 2024

Oceanic crust at fast-spreading ridges is formed by melt percolating
through the Mohorovičić Transition Zone (MTZ), the boundary between
crust and mantle. However, the relationship between the crustal
structures and MTZ remains elusive. Applying full waveform inversion to
wide-angle seismic data acquired near the 9oN East Pacific Rise, we show
that the variations in crustal MTZ thicknesses are inversely correlated
along the segment, although their total cumulative thickness shows
little variations. These variations could be attributed to different
melt migration efficiency through MTZ or variation in mantle thermal
structures. Thin MTZ could be due to rapid percolation of melt from
mantle to crust whereas the thick MTZ results from the crystallization
of melt within the transition zone. On the other hand, for relatively
hot segments, melt will accumulate at shallower depth within the lower
crust. In contrast, melt could freeze at Moho depth for relatively cold
segments thickening the MTZ.
From labquakes to megathrusts: Scaling deep learning based pickers over 15 orders of magnitude
Authors: Shi Peidong , Meier Men-Andrin , Villiger Linus , Tuinstra Katinka , Selvadural Paul , Lanza Federica , Yuan Sanyi , Obermann Anne , Mesimeri Maria , Münchmeyer Jannes , Bianchi Patrick , Wiemer Stefan
Published: April 2024

The application of machine learning techniques in seismology has greatly
advanced seismological analysis, especially for earthquake detection and
seismic phase picking. However, machine learning approaches still face
challenges in generalizing to datasets that differ from their original
setting. Previous studies focused on retraining or transfer-training
models for these scenarios, though restricted by the availability of
high-quality labeled datasets. This paper demonstrates a new approach
for augmenting already trained models without the need for additional
training data. We propose four strategies - rescaling, model
aggregation, shifting, and filtering - to enhance the performance of
pre-trained models on out-of-distribution datasets. We further devise
various methodologies to ensemble the individual predictions from these
strategies to obtain a final unified prediction result featuring
prediction robustness and detection sensitivity. We develop an
open-source Python module quakephase that implements these methods and
can flexibly process input continuous seismic data of any sampling rate.
With quakephase and pre-trained ML models from SeisBench, we perform
systematic benchmark tests on data recorded by different types of
instruments, ranging from acoustic emission sensors to distributed
acoustic sensing, and collected at different scales, spanning from
laboratory acoustic emission events to major tectonic earthquakes. Our
tests highlight that rescaling is essential for dealing with
small-magnitude seismic events recorded at high sampling rates as well
as larger magnitude events having long coda and remote events with long
wave trains. Our results demonstrate that the proposed methods are
effective in augmenting pre-trained models for out-of-distribution
datasets, especially in scenarios with limited labeled data for transfer
learning.
Need for orthognathic surgery in cleft patients from Northern Finland
Authors: Podleśny Mateusz , Ylikontiola Leena , K. Sándor George , Vuollo Ville , Harila Virpi
Published: April 2024

Objective: Northern Finland has a unique distribution of clefts compared to the rest of Europe and Finland. This may reflect the need for orthognathic surgery among Northern Finland’s patient pool. The aim of this study was to compare previously operated patients aged 18 years or older with cleft lip, cleft lip and alveolus, cleft lip and palate, cleft palate and to evaluate the need for orthognathic surgery in order to achieve a stable and functional occlusion. 
Materials and methods: The study group consisted of all 18-years-old cleft patients treated in the Oulu Cleft Center. The total amount of patients was 110. The patients were compared retrospectively using patients’ hospital records. The majority of patients did not have any cleft-associated syndrome. The need for maxillary or bimaxillary orthognathic or corrective-jaw surgery was evaluated by the Oulu Cleft Team. A descriptive and statistical analysis was used to determine the need for orthognathic surgery according to sex and cleft type.
Results: There were nineteen patients of the total of 110 patients who met the criteria requiring corrective-jaw surgery (17,3%). In total 12 males (25,0%) and 7 females (11,3%) were evaluated for the need of orthognathic surgery. Sixteen of the 19 patients had palatal involvement of the cleft.
Conclusions: The need for orthognathic surgery was greater in the cleft lip palate and cleft palate patient groups compared to cleft lip alveolus or cleft lip groups. This study also found that males from Northern Finland need surgery more often than females.
A Report on a Case and Literature Review on Cervical Sympathetic Chain Schwannoma that Mimics a Paraganglioma
Authors: Lakhdar Youssef , El Khalifa Youssef , Mohamed Amine Aitlhadj , Benhoummad Othman , Rochdi Youssef , Raji Abdelaziz
Published: April 2024

Background: Cervical sympatric schwannoma is a rare benign tumor originating from de Schwan cells. Its clinical presentation is misleading and it can remain asymptomatic for a long time. Mostly, it appears as slow slow-growing cervical mass and may be a differential diagnosis with other neck masses such as paragangliomas. We discuss a case of Cervical sympatric schwannoma and go over its radiological, surgical, and surgical characteristics.
Case Presentation: With no prior medical history, a 61-year-old lady appeared with a right cervical mass that had been present for over two years but had lately grown in size without causing dysphagia, dysphonia, or dyspnea. Clinical examination found a firm, slightly pulsatile, non-painful latero-cervical mass measuring 2 × 3 cm. Without other abnormalities on examination of the upper aerodigestive tract or thyroid gland and no neurological deficit. Cervical Ultrasound showed an oval tissular mass with regular contours in close contact with the right common carotid artery. Computed Tomography showed a right superior jugulocarotid mass located behind the vascular axis of the neck with early central vascularization. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), this mass was well limited, hypointense on T1 and hyper-intense on T2 with intense contrast enhancement, corresponding to a paraganglioma or schwannoma. A full blood work came back negative. Our patient underwent a complete surgical excision of the tumour which originated in the deep branches of the cervical plexus. Following surgery, the patient had Horner’s syndrome, histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of schwannoma.
Conclusions: It is still challenging to differentiate between cervical sympathetic chain schwannoma and paraganglioma clinically and radiological. In the case of the schwannoma surgical approaches must be as conservative as possible to avoid damages of the origin nerve and the patient must be aware of the possibility of Horner syndrome.
Experiences of Part-time Primary School Teachers Studying in One University in Lesotho
Authors: Morena Malebohang Catherine , Mokhetsengoane Setho John , Letseka-Manka Maqenehelo
Published: April 2024

This study explored the experiences of part-time students at a university in Lesotho, aiming to comprehensively examine both the challenges and opportunities that come with this mode of study. Moore’s Theory of Transactional Distance was used as the theoretical framework as it is relevant in understanding the dynamics between educational structure, dialogic interactions, and the psychological and communication gap in distance learning environments. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve participants, evenly distributed across the first-year to third-year level, with four students representing each academic year of study. The researchers employed the Google Meet video conferencing platform to collect data from the participants. All interviews were recorded, and subsequently, the collected data were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis. The findings revealed that the challenges outweigh the opportunities presented by part-time study. Although some coordinators and lecturers provided psychosocial support, students reported challenges such as feeling isolated and discriminated against, lack of time management, financial constraints, and infrastructural limitations, among others. The study recommends that financial aid programs, grants, and scholarships should be designed specifically for part-time students to make higher education more accessible to them. Additionally, flexible payment options should be made available to accommodate various financial circumstances, easing the anxiety that financial constraints impose. Lastly, institutions should take proactive measures to create a more inclusive and respectful campus environment.
Higher Education Students’ Perceptions of Risk and Crisis Management in Universities
Authors: Skoulidas Nikolaos , Alexopoulos Nikolaos , Raptis Nikolaos
Published: April 2024

Universities, as social organizations, are places where hazardous risks and crises are occurring with an ever-increasing pace and intensity. Therefore, their administrations are required to be properly prepared for any eventuality, regardless of how extreme or excessive a case may be considered or the probability of its occurrence. Among other things, such readiness requires the formation of positive perceptions and attitudes among the members of the university community towards risk and crisis management. Based on the lack of relevant research in the literature, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the perceptions and attitudes of students at the University of Thessaly regarding risk management and crisis management in the institution’s wider environment (educational, research, social and work environments). The main results of the current research show that, although the operation of the university takes place in a reasonably protected environment, risks are ever-present and critical incidents take place frequently. However, the level of preparedness of the university community in terms of risk and crisis management is judged to be low.
Jual Beli Pakaian Bekas Dalam Perspektif Fikih Al-Bi’ah
Authors: Hidayah Okti Nur Hidayah , Abdurrahman M. Iqbal
Published: April 2024

Industri tekstil menjadi industri strategis di Indonesia, namun industri ini juga menjadi penyumbang polusi terbesar kedua di dunia. Dalam dunia fashion saat ini terdapat trend yaitu thrifting atau menjual dan membeli pakaian bekas. Dengan adanya penjualan pakaian bekas, tidak adanya limbah yang dihasilkan dari pembuatan pakaian baru. Islam sebagai mayoritas agama yang dipeluk oleh penduduk Indonesia mempunyai formula konseptual dalam fokus kajian isu-isu ingkungan hidup yang dikenal dengan Fikih al-biah. Dalam penelitian ini akan dibahas mengenai penjualan dan pembelian pakaian bekas dilihat dari fikih al-bi’ah. Adapun penelitian ini merupakan penelitian library research dengan data sekunder dari literatur yang sudah ada dan dianalisis dengan fikih al-bi’ah. Hasil dari penelitian ini dengan menjual dan membeli pakaian bekas atau biasa disebut dengan thrifting dalam perspektif fikih al-biah atau menjaga lingkungan dapat berkontribusi dalam 5 Aspek utama dalam tujuan hukum Islam yaitu menjaga agama, menjaga jiwa, menjaga keturunan, menjaga akal dan menjaga harta.
PENINGKATAN KETERAMPILAN MENULIS DALAM PEMBELAJARAN TEKS EKSPOSISI
Authors: Halida Nur , Akidah Ihramsari , Rahmawati Sitti
Published: April 2024

Deskripsi proses penerapan metode Discovery learning dalam meningkatkan keterampilan menulis teks eksposisi siswa dan untuk mendeskripsikan hasil peningkatan keterampilan menulis siswa dengan menggunakan metode Discovery learning pada siswa. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan pada penelitian ini yaitu analisis data kualitatif dan kuantitatif. Hasil penelitian keterampilan menulis siswa meningkat yaitu dari hasil siklus I ke siklus II mengalami peningkatan, pada siklus I jumlah siswa yang mencapai ketuntasan berjumlah 19 siswa dengan persentase 54%, siswa yang belum mencapai ketuntasan berjumlah 16 siswa dengan persentase 46%. Pada siklus II siswa yang mencapai ketuntasan 30 siswa dengan persentase 85% dan siswa yang belum mencapai ketuntasan sebanyak 5 siswa dengan persentase 15%. Disimpulkan bahwa keterampilan menulis siswa menggunakan metode Discovery learning pada siswa kelas X SMA Negeri 5 Barru dinyatakan berhasil.
ANALISIS MODEL PEMBELAJARAN AKTIF BERBASIS PROYEK UNTUK MENINGKATKAN PEMAHAMAN KONSEP FISIKA
Authors: Simanjuntak Yanthy Leonita Perdana , Sari Silvia Dona , Barus Eviyona Laurenta Br
Published: April 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis efektivitas model pembelajaran aktif berbasis proyek dalam meningkatkan pemahaman konsep fisika pada mahasiswa Jurusan Fisika Universitas Negeri Medan. Pemahaman konsep fisika merupakan aspek kunci dalam pendidikan fisika, namun sering kali mahasiswa mengalami kesulitan dalam memahaminya. Model pembelajaran aktif berbasis proyek menawarkan pendekatan yang berpotensi untuk mengatasi hambatan-hambatan tersebut dengan melibatkan mahasiswa secara aktif dalam proyek-proyek fisika yang relevan. Dengan menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dan kuantitatif, penelitian ini akan mengumpulkan data tentang pemahaman konsep fisika sebelum dan sesudah penerapan model pembelajaran. Data akan dianalisis untuk mengevaluasi dampak model pembelajaran terhadap pemahaman konsep fisika mahasiswa serta merumuskan rekomendasi untuk pengembangan pendidikan fisika di tingkat perguruan tinggi. Hasil penelitian ini diharapkan dapat memberikan kontribusi yang berharga bagi peningkatan kualitas pembelajaran fisika di Universitas Negeri Medan dan institusi pendidikan tinggi lainnya.