bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Polymorphisms of N-acetyl Transferase 2 and the Risk of Hepatotoxicity in Patients on Isoniazid Preventive Therapy at Kenyatta National Hospital
Authors: Akumu Reveszt M. , Guantai Eric M. , Oluka Margaret Ngwono , Kimotho James , Zablon Jeremiah O.
Published: June 2023

Background
N-acetyl transferase (NAT2) affects metabolism and disposition of isoniazid. Polymorphisms of NAT2 may affect pharmacokinetics of isoniazid (INH) by decreasing concentration of active drug in fast acetylators. High concentrations of drug in slow acetylators may lead to hepatotoxicity; this affects clinical outcomes of patients on therapy.
Objectives
The main objective was to characterize the distribution of selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of NAT2 in patients on IPT at the Comprehensive Care Centre (CCC) of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and to investigate for a relationship between acetylator status and isoniazid induced hepatotoxicity (as indicated by elevated ALT levels).
Methods
The study design was a cross sectional study and entailed collection of patient data. The QIAamp ® DNA Mini kit was used for extraction of DNA and purification of Genomic DNA, followed by DNA sequencing. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25(IBM USA).
Results
The prevalence of the homozygous NAT2 genotype was 19% and that of the heterozygous genotype was 50%. The proportion of the population with slow acetylator alleles was 56% and the proportion of fast acetylator alleles was 44%. Fisher's exact test showed no significant association between ALT levels and NAT2 genotype (P = 0.330).
Conclusion
The study found no significant association between NAT2 genotypes and ALT levels (P = 0.33)
Meta-learning-based Inductive Logistic Matrix Completion for Prediction of Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Du Ming , Xie XingRan , Luo Jing , Li Jin
Published: June 2023

Protein kinases become an important source of potential drug targets. Developing new, efficient, and safe small-molecule kinase inhibitors has become an important topic in the field of drug research and development. In contrast with traditional wet experiments which are time-consuming and expensive, machine learning-based approaches for predicting small molecule inhibitors for protein kinases are time-saving and cost-effective that are highly desired for us. However, the issue of sample scarcity (known active and inactive compounds are usually limited for most kinases) poses a challenge for the research and development of machine learning-based kinase inhibitors active prediction methods. To alleviate the data scarcity problem in the prediction of kinase inhibitors, in this study, we present a novel Meta-learning based inductive logistic matrix completion method for the Prediction of Kinase Inhibitors (MetaILMC). MetaILMC adopts a meta-learning framework to learn a well-generalized model from tasks with sufficient samples, which can fast adapt to new tasks with limited samples. As MetaILMC allows the effective transfer of the prior knowledge learned from kinases with sufficient samples to kinases with a small number of samples, the proposed model can produce accurate predictions for kinases with limited data. Experimental results show that MetaILMC has excellent performance for prediction tasks of kinases with few-shot samples and is significantly superior to the state-of-the-art multi-task learning in terms of AUC, AUPR, etc., various performance metrics. Case studies also provided for two drugs to predict Kinase Inhibitory scores, further validating the proposed method's effectiveness and feasibility.
Bovine Mastitis: Prevalence and Antimicrobial Patterns of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in Smallholder Dairy Farms of Adawa and Enticho Towns, Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Hailay Tekledimanos , Gugsa Getachew , Awol Nesibu , Tsegaye Yisehak , Ahmed Meselu
Published: June 2023

Mastitis is a costly and one of the most economically important production diseases affecting the dairy industry. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2015 to May 2016 in Adwa and Enticho Towns, Tigray, Ethiopia with the objectives of estimating the prevalence of bovine mastitis, isolation, characterization, and determination of antimicrobial profiles of E. coli and S. aureus from milk samples of dairy cows. A total of 156 lactating dairy cows from 23 smallholder dairy farms were sampled. Data related to herd size, breed, body condition, milking practice, farm hygiene, udder, and milk abnormalities were collected. California Mastitis Test (CMT) was performed. CMT-positive samples were collected. Bacteriological isolation, identification, and antibiogram testing were conducted. Data were recorded and analyzed for descriptive statistics. The overall prevalence rates of bovine mastitis, clinical mastitis, and subclinical mastitis in the study areas were found to be 35.9%, 3.85%, and 32%, respectively. Breed-based prevalence of mastitis was 21.74% and 41.8% for local and crossbreeds, respectively, (χ²=5.683; p ≤ 0.05). The overall prevalence of E. coli and S. aureus were 14.1% and 8.3%, respectively. The antimicrobial susceptibility test revealed that S. aureus was 100% susceptible to amoxicillin, kanamycin, and penicillin but 95.5% of E. coli isolates were susceptible to kanamycin, oxytetracycline, and streptomycin. Hence, regular CMT testing should be undertaken on every farm to screen subclinical mastitis-positive cows and all dairy farms should follow a good hygienic milking practice.
A NEW CLIMATOLOGICAL PERCEPTION OF HURRICANES IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC.
Authors: Neto José Augusto Ferreira , Mendes David , Gonçalve Weber Andrade , Cintra Marcio Machado , Júnior José Francisco de Oliveira
Published: June 2023

This study conducts an in-depth analysis of hurricane trajectories and their variabilities across categories 1 to 5 over several decades. Utilizing HURDAT2 data from 1961 to 2021, the analysis categorizes hurricanes based on the rate of pressure drop within a six-hour interval, revealing distinct patterns in intensification and weakening among different categories. The K-means clustering method synthesized hurricane trajectories into representative paths, illustrating significant variations among decades. The research indicates that Category 1 and 2 hurricanes predominantly originate from tropical depressions, with this trend slightly intensifying in Categories 3 and 4. In contrast, Category 5 displayed variation, revealing an increased frequency in subsequent decades. Moreover, the study analyzes the monthly distribution of hurricanes, finding September as the peak month across categories. The analysis further detects a significant interannual variability with a noticeable intensification in hurricane activity since the 1990s, albeit with some reductions in the early 2010s. The Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) is used to summarize cyclonic activities, with results indicating a decrease from 1970–1995, followed by a consistent surge over the last 15 years. This is aligned with previous research suggesting an approximately 60% increase in ACE since the 1980s. Additionally, an analysis of North Atlantic basin data reflects a progressive increase in the frequency of named storms and hurricanes, particularly from 1991 onwards. In conclusion, the study highlights not only an escalating frequency of hurricanes but also an enhanced variability and unpredictability, which necessitates further research to comprehend the underlying causes and evaluate the potential socio-economic and environmental consequences.
Nuclei-Net: A multi-stage fusion model for nuclei segmentation in microscopy images
Authors: Roy Kaushiki , Saha Subhadeep , Banik Debapriya , Bhattacharjee Debotosh
Published: June 2023

In this study, we proposed Nuclei-Net: A multi-stage fusion model for segmenting nuclei in microscopy images. Our proposed model works in two stages. In the first stage, we incorporated a deep learning (DL) based model namely Mask Region-Based-CNN (Mask-RCNN) for the coarse segmentation of the nuclei. However, it can be observed that the predicted mask of Mask-RCNN is unable to segment some complex overlapping nuclei boundaries. So, in the second stage of Nuclei-Net, we detect the complex overlapping nuclei and pass only those overlapping nuclei for fine segmentation. We proposed a marker generation method for each nucleus in a clump. These markers serve as seed points for the marker-controlled watershed algorithm. This algorithm fine segments those overlapping nuclei which were failed by Mask R-CNN. Finally, we fuse the results from the two stages to develop the final segmentation map. Our proposed Nuclei-Net is trained and tested on Kaggle 2018 Data Science Bowl dataset and compared with some standard DL models. Our proposed model achieved a DSC of 83.3%, AJI of 70.03%, Pre of 89.80%, and Rec of 87.20% respectively
An Efficient Framework for Sensor Data Collection by UAV Based on Clustering, Two-Fold Ant Colony Optimization and Node Grouping
Authors: Shayboub Magdy , Reda Eman , Al-Mahdi Hassan , Nassar Hamed
Published: June 2023

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are a promising solution for sensor data collection (DC) in large-scale area. The challenge is to minimize the DC route, which will reduce UAV energy consumption and data latency. We propose a three-phase efficient solution with innovative algorithms to address this challenge. First, an initial shortest route that traverses all SNs is established based on the ant colony optimization (ACO) and the $K$-means algorithms. Second, we group the sensor nodes (SNs) along the initial route using the footprint of the UAV, so that the latter can collect the data of the group in one stop, instead of stopping at each SN. By sequencing the hovering locations, we obtain a (shorter) intermediate route. Third, we shorten this route even further, by applying ACO to the set of hovering locations of the intermediate route. The solution has been implemented fully in Python. The results show that the route length gets shorter progressively with each phase. To evaluate the performance of the solution objectively, we have compared it with four states of the art solutions. The results show vividly that the proposed solution produces a DC route 19.28\% shorter than the shortest route produced by the four competitive solutions. Moreover, it demonstrates a remarkable improvement by retaining 44\% of energy in most SNs while over 99\% energy depletion observed in the five state-of-the-art competitive solutions.
The inhibitory effect of common food spices bioactive compounds against KRAS G12C and KRAS G12D: an in-silico approach
Authors: Agosile Oluwafemi Ojo , Njoku Prisca Chinonso , Oduwe Ugochukwu , Aremu Ayokanmi Joseph , Fajobi Sunday Joseph , Akachukwu Sunday Onyedikachukwu , Adebisi Aderinsola Racheal , Abolaji Amos Olalekan , Omirin Emmanuel Sunday
Published: June 2023

More than 19 percent of all human cancer cases globally express mutant RAS proteins, which are the most frequently altered oncogenic proteins. Targeting cancer cells becomes difficult because these oncogenic proteins and cancer cells that are driven by Ras mutation show very aggressive traits. KRAS is the most expressed among the three isoforms of Ras mutation, which usually occur at position 12. KRAS G12C and KRAS G12D are common types of KRAS that have been proven difficult to target for many years. In recent times, many studies started to show that a lot of food spices possess strong anticancer properties that can target many cancer cells. Therefore, computational methods to access the anticancer properties of some selected compounds that are present in common food spices against KRAS G12C and KRAS G12D in their inactive GDP-bound state. These compounds were molecularly docked with standard drugs after their ADMET screening revealed their druglikeness. Chlorogenic acid and Rosmarinic acid displayed better binding affinity to the targets than all other drugs studied in this research. Molecular dynamics simulation was used to verify this compound's stability. Therefore, after extensive experimental effort, it is most likely that Rosmarinic acid would be effective as a KRAS G12C medicine.
Flow Separation Control of a Vertical Stabiliser using a Rudder-mounted Slat
Authors: Muhammad Mahmud Jamil , Wang Yaxing , Mao Xuerui , Choi Kwing-So
Published: June 2023

A joint study utilising experimental and numerical methods was carried out to investigate the aerodynamic effect of a rudder-mounted slat on a vertical stabiliser. The wind tunnel test results showed that the side force coefficient was increased by up to 4% while the drag coefficient was unchanged when the rudder deflection angle was set to δ = 30°. Large eddy simulation (LES) results suggested that the rudder-mounted slap can increase the circulation around the vertical stabiliser, showing that the flow from the upstream recirculating regions was drawn towards the rudder surface. Associated changes in the turbulent flow field, including the mean and turbulent flow field and the vortical structure are also presented to understand the flow control mechanism by the rudder-mounted slat.
Microglia activation induced by a rat model of mild acute pancreatitis
Authors: Cabral-França Tamires , Cruz Fernanda F. , Silva Paulo C. , Pannain Vera L. N. , Fernandes Arlete , Eulálio José M. R. , Paiva Maurício M. , Macedo-Ramos Hugo , Manso Jose E. F. , Baetas-da-Cruz Wagner
Published: June 2023

Background Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreatic glandular parenchyma that causes injury with or without the destruction of pancreatic acini. Clinical and experimental evidence point to some systemic pro-inflammatory mediators as responsible for triggering the basic mechanisms involved in microglial reactivity. Here, we investigated the possible repercussions of mild acute pancreatitis (AP) on the production of inflammatory mediators in the brain parenchyma focusing on microglial activation in the hippocampus.
Methods The acute pancreatic injury in rats was induced by a pancreas ligation surgical procedure (PLSP) on the splenic lobe, which corresponds to approximately 10% of total mass of the pancreas. Blood samples were collected via intracardiac puncture for the measurement of serum amylase. After euthanasia, frozen or paraffin-embedded brains and pancreas were analyzed using qRT-PCR or immunohistochemistry, respectively.
Results Immunohistochemistry assays showed a large number of Iba1 and PU.1 positive-cells in the CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus (DG) regions of the hippocampus of the PLSP group. TNF-α mRNA expression was significantly higher in the brain from PLSP-group. NLRP3 inflammasome expression was found to be significantly increased in the pancreas and brain of rats of the PLSP-group. High levels of BNDF mRNA were found in the rat brain of PLSP-group. In contrast, NGF mRNA levels were significantly higher in the control group versus PLSP-group.
Conclusion Our results suggest that AP has the potential to induce morphological changes in the microglia compatible with the activated phenotype.
Mass spectrometry-based proteomics data from thousands of HeLa control samples
Authors: Webel Henry , Perez-Riverol Yasset , Nielson Annelaura Bach , Rasmussen Simon
Published: June 2023

Here we provide a curated, large scale, label free mass spectrometry-based proteomics data set derived from HeLa cell lines for general purpose machine learning and analysis. Data access and filtering is a tedious task, which takes up considerable amounts of time for researchers. Therefore we provide machine based metadata for easy selection and overview along the 7,444 raw files and MaxQuant search output. For convenience, we provide three filtered and assembled development datasets for three data levels ready for use: on protein groups, peptides and precursors level. Next to providing easy to access training data, we provide a SDRF file annotating each raw file with instrument settings allowing automated reprocessing. We encourage others to enlarge this data set by instrument runs of further HeLa samples from different machine types by providing our workflows and analysis scripts.
Revisiting the Direct Fourier Filtering Technique for the Maximal Decay Rate of Boundary-damped Wave Equation by Finite Differences and Finite Elements
Authors: Ozer Ahmet Ozkan , Emran Rafi
Published: June 2023

The one-dimensional PDE model of the wave equation with a state feedback controller at its boundary, which describes wave dynamics of a wide-range of controlled mechanical systems, has exponentially stable solutions. However, it is known that the reduced models of the wave equation by the standard Finite Differences and Finite Elements suffer from the lack of exponential stability (and exact observability without a state feedback controller) uniformly as the discretization parameter tends to zero. This is due to the loss of uniform gap among the high-frequency eigenvalues as the discretization parameter tends to zero. One common remedy to overcome this discrepancy is the direct Fourier filtering of the reduced models, where the high-frequency spurious eigenvalues are filtered out. After filtering, besides from the strong convergency, the exponential decay rate, mimicking the one for the partial differential equation counterpart, can be retained uniformly. However, the existing results in the literature are solely based on an observability inequality of the control-free model, to which the filtering is implemented. Moreover, the decay rate as a function of the filtering parameter is implicit. In this paper, exponential stability results for both filtered Finite Difference and Finite Element reduced models are established directly by a Lyapunov-based approach and a thorough eigenvalue estimation.The maximal decay rate is explicitly provided as a function of the feedback gain and filtering parameter. Our results, expectedly, mimic the ones of the PDE counterpart uniformly as the discretization parameter tends to zero. Several numerical tests are provided to support our results.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). 35Q60, 35Q93; 74F15; 35Q74, 93B52.
An image patch selection algorithm for the detection of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma using textural and morphological features
Authors: Subhija Eranjoli Nalupurakkal , Reju Vaninirappuputhenpurayil Gopalan
Published: June 2023

A significant proportion of cancer-related deaths are caused by oral cancer, and oral squamous cell carcinoma is prevalent. Systems for computer-aided diagnosis can lower subjective errors and assist the pathologist in making a more accurate diagnosis. Feature extraction from the whole histopathology images is difficult due to the structural variation of the oral tissue images. A new patch selection algorithm can be used to create and select image patches containing nuclei-specific information and extract their textural and morphological characteristics, improving cancer diagnosis. We extract the morphological characteristics of the nucleus from the selected patches using five pretrained networks. The texture from the regions of the selected patches is also extracted from the Haar wavelet decomposed components using the gray-level co-occurrence matrix. Then, we combine the textural and morphological features to create the final feature vector, followed by feature selection using an extra trees classifier. In order to detect oral squamous cell carcinoma, we examined the feasibility of using six classifiers, including voting classifier, logistic regression, random forest, Naive Bayes, K nearest neighbor, and support vector machine. The performance of the algorithm is evaluated using accuracy, precision, sensitivity, confusion matrix, ROC curves, and AUC values of characteristic curves. Together, ResNet 50 and the voting classifier produce results with a high accuracy of 97.66 % and a precision of 98.00 %. The suggested patch-based method outperforms the image based method and is accurate and efficient for identifying oral squamous cell carcinoma and will be a reliable and precise support tool for oral pathologists.
Improving Detection Capabilities of YOLOv8-n for Small Objects in Remote Sensing Imagery: Towards Better Precision with Simplified Model Complexity
Authors: Bai Ruihan , Shen Feng , Wang Mingkang , Lu Jiahui , Zhang Zhiping
Published: June 2023

This study presents a comprehensive analysis and improvement of the YOLOv8-n algorithm for object detection, focusing on the integration of Wasserstein Distance Loss, FasterNext, and Context Aggravation strategies. Through a detailed ablation study, each strategy was systematically evaluated individually and collectively to assess its contribution to the model's performance. The results indicate that each strategy uniquely enhances the model's performance, significantly increasing mAP and reducing model complexity when all three are integrated. Visualizations through Grad-CAM further substantiate the improved model's capacity to extract and focus on key object features. Comparisons with existing models, such as YOLOv5-n, YOLOv5-s, YOLOX-n, YOLOX-s, and YOLOv7-tiny, the improved YOLOv8-n model achieves an optimal balance between accuracy and model complexity, outperforming other models in terms of model accuracy, model complexity, and model inference speed. Further image inference tests validate the model's performance, showcasing its superior detection capabilities.
Prediction of COVID-19 Diagnosis based on Symptoms
Authors: Malik Sonika , Aggarwal Tanay
Published: June 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant global impact, creating a need for accurate prediction models. Such models can inform public health policies, guide resource allocation decisions, and assist individuals and society as a whole in decision-making. Several prediction models that combine multiple features to estimate infection risk have been developed using various data sources, such as case counts, testing rates, and demographic information. These models aim to assist healthcare professionals in triaging patients, especially in resource-limited settings. Our model accurately predicted COVID-19 test results using features such as sex, age 60 years, known contact with an infected person, and the presence of initial clinical symptoms. While no prediction model is perfect, they can provide valuable insights and contribute to the ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.
Brexit Impact on the UK Trade Agreements
Authors: Alali Walid Y , Ellalee Haider
Published: June 2023

The people of Great Britain said their word to leave the European Union. The Brexit consequences impact on international trade is negative and large. In the meantime, the ambition Great Britain post Brexit aims for new trade agreements while not explicit (clear) about the type and with whom these agreements. Meanwhile, we examine the UK options in this study, emphasising the substance of the Brexit negative trade impact on the UK and other major economic countries, including the EU. After reviewing all the alternative and potential options for UK trade agreements post-Brexit, we find no better substitutions to the EU agreement before Brexit.
JEL-Classification: E52, F13, F14
Quercetin Suppresses TNBC Cell by Targeting ORM2
Authors: Chen Zhijun
Published: June 2023

Background
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is known for its aggressive nature, and Quercetin (QUE) has shown potential anti-cancer effects.
Methods
We determined the IC50 of QUE for inhibiting cell viability in multiple TNBC, non-TNBC, and normal breast cell lines. We compared the expression of ORM2 in TNBC clinical samples and normal tissues. Additionally, we measured ORM2 expression in TNBC and normal breast cell lines. We determined the IC50 of QUE for inhibiting cell viability after ORM2 knockdown. An orthotopic implantation mice model was used to evaluate the treatment effect of QUE. We also conducted molecular docking and amino acid exchange validation to model the binding of QUE to ORM2. Furthermore, we performed a protein-protein interaction network analysis and GO enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes associated with ORM2 in TNBC.
Results
QUE inhibited the viability of both TNBC and non-TNBC cell lines, but it was specifically associated with worse survival in TNBC patients. We observed higher expression of ORM2 in breast cancer cells compared to normal breast cells. Knockdown of ORM2 reduced the viability of TNBC cells. Treatment with QUE inhibited ORM2 expression and decreased viability in TNBC cells. In the animal model, QUE improved survival and downregulated ORM2 expression in tumors. Enrichment analysis provided insights into the potential functions of ORM2.
Conclusion
Our findings indicate that QUE directly inhibits TNBC cell viability through its interaction with ORM2. These results contribute to our understanding of the anti-cancer mechanisms of QUE in TNBC and highlight ORM2 as a potential therapeutic target.
Sub-optimal Breastfeeding Practices Among Women Having 24-59 Months Age Children in Dessie Zuria Woreda, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Chanie Muluken Genetu , Ayele Wolde Melese , Mekonen Asnakew Molla , Diamtie Yitiayish
Published: June 2023

Background Sub-optimal breastfeeding practice is a very important contributor to newborn and young child mortality in developing world including Ethiopia. Early and rapid quiting of breast-feeding, then by a commencement of unclean, unsound formula provision of children with very light milk contents is familiar in LMICs which results thousands of infant death. This study focused on assessing sub-optimal breastfeeding practice and determinant factors among women having 24–59 months age child in Dessie zuria woreda, Northwest Ethiopia.Methods A community based cross-sectional study design was carried out from October 21 to November 25, 2019 in Dessie Zuria Woreda Data collected from a sample of 346 respondents using simple random sampling technique to select participants of the study. Binary and Multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of suboptimal breast feeding practice using AOR with P-value < 0.05, and at 95% CI.Result Three hundred forty six participants completed the questionnaire making the response rate 98%. The overall suboptimal breastfeeding was found 46.3% at 95% CI (42.3%-50.7%). Maternal illiteracy level, number of ANC visit, use of radio and counseling during ANC visit were found preventive factors for sub-optimal breast feeding practice in the study areaConclusion The prevalence of sub-optimal breast feeding was found high magnitude. Four predictor variables that possibly reduce sub-optimal breastfeeding practice which demands an intervention by the policy makers, health care managers and health workers at each level of the health system.
Double level Code Scanning Leveraging network
virtualization to decrease risks of memory
starvation and insecure programming
Authors: Albibrahim Thikra , Hendaoui Saloua
Published: June 2023

This study investigates the impact of a software-defined networking (SDN) controller on resource utilization, system stability, and performance in cloud environments, with a specific focus on the deployment of machine learning techniques. The SDN controller utilizes machine learning algorithms to dynamically detect and block vulnerable and memory-intensive cloudlet codes. The results demonstrate that the deployment of machine learning in the SDN controller significantly improves resource allocation, mitigates resource contention, and reduces the risk of memory exhaustion. By accurately identifying and preventing the execution of insecure cloudlets, the machine learning-enabled SDN controller enhances system security and maintains optimal resource utilization. Moreover, the study highlights the positive influence of the SDN controller on system stability, preventing disruptive operations and minimizing the likelihood of system crashes or slowdowns.
Comparison of Swallowing Measures to Patient-Reported Dysphagia Symptoms in Assessment of Swallowing Function in Head and Neck Cancer Patients.
Authors: Delaney Timothy , McCarroll Liane , Ebersole Barbara , Palladino Olivia , Donocoff Kathleen , Lango Miriam , Liu Jeffrey C.
Published: June 2023

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) such as the SWAL-QOL have been developed to assess quality of life (QOL) burden in Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) patients, while objective swallowing assessments such as the Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS) and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) provide information about the safety and efficiency of a patient’s swallow. Using a combination of these tools may lead to better clinical outcomes.
The purpose of this study was to compare an objective measure of swallow function, the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) score obtained from MBSS/FEES data, with patient-reported dysphagia using the SWAL-QOL survey. On the SWAL-QOL, the domains of burden, desire, duration, food selection, fear, mental health, and social role were used for the Dysphagia Domain Score (DDS).
In the analysis of all patient data points, a statistically significant relationship between PAS and DDS was observed (p<.05, chi sq). When stratified by tumor site, PAS and DDS relationships were significant for oral cavity and larynx subsites. When stratified by T stage, only T4 tumors had a statistically significant relationship between PAS and DDS. Patients were also observed to have less dysphagia symptoms with elevated PAS as they were further removed from treatment.
Understanding how subjective and objective measures of swallowing function overlap will better inform the assessment of HNC patients. Further research should focus on how to incorporate these complementary assessments to better formulate clinical recommendations.
The Psychometric Properties and Performances of Teacher-Made Tests in Measuring Students’ Academic Performance in Ethiopian Public Universities: Baseline Survey Study
Authors: Kenea* Tekalign Geleta , Mikire Fisseha , Negawo Zenebe
Published: June 2023

All education levels today require quality tests to infer students' scores in judging the quality of teaching and learning. In this judgment, as many scholars argue, teacher-made tests (TMTs) are significant and more promissory than other tests. Besides their benefits, TMTs are prone to measurement error if they do not satisfy assumptions about the psychometric properties and performance of tests. Thus, this study aimed to survey the psychometric properties and performance of teacher-made tests (TMTs) in measuring students’ academic performance using pieces of evidence from three Ethiopian public universities. The researchers employed the post-positivist research paradigm, quantitative research approach, cross-sectional research design, purposive sampling size technique, CTT as the theoretical framework, and SPSS version 28 software as a statistical analysis tool. Empirical data reveal Ethiopian public universities' TMTs quality is below the expected CTT test item standard qualities [content validity, S-CVI=.65<.83, IC reliability, α=.57<.6-.7, difficulty (p)=.49<.5-.6, Skewness=-.300 and D=-0.01<.2], requiring curriculum developers to design test tables, teachers to demonstrate professional accountability, and course offering departments to have a TMTs validation team. Future studies need to include intervention and longitudinal evidence to clarify the association between TMTs and academic performance.
Parental Attitudes Towards STEM Scale: Development and Psychometric Properties
Authors: Alabbasi Ahmed M. Abdulla
Published: June 2023

This study describes the development of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Scale, intended to assess parental attitudes toward school programs designed to deliver STEM, and evaluates its psychometric properties. The study group included 400 parents of students (138 males and 262 females) enrolled in STEM programs throughout the KSA. As a result of the analysis, a 40-item scale comprising four subscales was developed: (a) perceived value, (b) perceived control, (c) affective component, and (d) intention component. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses confirmed a four-factor structural model that had a satisfactory fit. Cronbach’s alpha of the overall scale demonstrated good internal consistency. Preliminary results suggest that parental attitudes toward the STEM scale have adequate convergent and divergent validity.
Community Attitudes Towards Condom Use and Unintended Pregnancies under Dual Modes of Sex Education in Ghana
Authors: Ocran Benedict , Alldred Pam
Published: June 2023

Background: Condom education campaigns that aim to prevent early and unintended pregnancies (EUPs) can be undermined by local gender norms, religious edicts, and ineffective sex education policies. This study explored community attitudes towards condom education in the context of either comprehensive sexuality education or abstinence forms of sex education in three schools in Ghana.
Methods: The study adopted a qualitative case study approach informed by in-depth interviews with programme managers and students.
Findings: Findings show that condom education is implemented alongside abstinence education through partnerships between the school and the community. The community largely rejected condom education, while some parents encouraged their daughters into consensual relationships and contraception. The church also rejected condom education, contradicting parental encouragement for contraception use for young women in consensual relationships. The interplay between poverty and gendered power dynamics puts young women at a disadvantage in decision-making on sexual practice condom use. At the same time, cultural taboos and religious norms limit condom use and put 11-15-year-olds at risk of early and unintended pregnancy (EUPs).
Conclusion:It is essential to recognise the impact that local gender, cultural and religious norms have in shaping how sexual health education is delivered and how sexual health outcomes are produced.
Effect of Supply Chain Management Practice on Operational Performance in Case of Bedele Brewery Share Company.
Authors: Hinkosa Jabessa
Published: June 2023

The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of supply chain management practices on the operational performance of Beddelle Brewery Share Company. The dimensions of SCM practices examined in this study were strategic supplier partnership, customer relationship management, level of information sharing, quality of information sharing, and internal lean practice. The metric for measuring the company’s operational performance was the lead time. A quantitative research approach was used for this study to determine the effect of supply chain management practices and the operational performance of BBSc. The descriptive and explanatory research design was employed for the study. The probability sampling technique particularly the stratified and simple random sampling method was used to enable the researcher to use his discretion in selecting samples from the target population. Using a total of 33 questionnaires; the primary data was collected from 184 employees. The data was collected by using 5 point Likert Scale type questionnaire and then the collected data were analyzed using SPSS Version 25. From the result of the analysis, it was concluded that there was strongly positive and significant correlation between SCM practices and overall operational performance since the SCM practices included in this study explained 80.9% of the variability of the operational performance of the company. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended that Beddelle Brewery share company should strive to involve its key suppliers in planning and goal setting, create long-term agreement with key strategic suppliers, and interact with customers to set reliability, responsiveness, and other standard work for the organization, to be informed on the changing needs to improve their understanding with their trading partners and to work on improving quality of information sharing practices across the supply chain timely with its supplier.
SPATIAL PATTERN OF ARSENIC CONCENTRATION AND ASSOCIATED HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT: A CASE STUDY ON GANGNI UNION OF CHUADANGA DISTRICT OF BANGLADESH
Authors: Islam Md. Nazrul , Haque Md. Inzamul , Hossain Md. Anik
Published: June 2023

Underground water is one of the world's most important sources of fresh drinking water. However, various contaminants mix with groundwater, such as arsenic. This study aimed to ascertain the present condition of arsenic concentration, its spatial pattern, and its relationship with depth and to assess the associated health risks in the Gangni Union in Alamdanga Thana of Chuadanga district. Systematic sampling was used to gather water samples (í µí± = 100) along with depth information from these tube wells. Water samples were analyzed with the Hach EZ, Dual-Range Arsenic Test Kit (Range: 0.00-0.5 mg/L). This study used both geostatistical (spatial autocorrelation, Hotspot analysis, and IDW) and statistical (descriptive and correlation statistics) methods. The arsenic content of the samples tested ranged from 0.0004 (mg/l) to 0.10 (mg/L). Arsenic levels in almost 42% of the samples were above the WHO standard, 21% were above the Bangladesh standard, and 37% were below both standards. With the same standard, the spatial distribution shows that 63% of the total area is arsenic contaminated. Hotspot’s analysis reveals that the central and southern northern parts of the study area are more arsenic-contaminated than the other parts. Children have a higher average daily dose (ADD) range (8.33E-06-0.00181) than adults (2.78E-06-0.0006). Similarly, the hazard quotient (HQ) value is also higher for children (0.0277-6.033) than for adults (0.0092-2.011). Finally, the Pearson correlation coefficient, r (98) =-.7580, p = 0.000, proved that there is a negative linear relationship between concentration values and depth, meaning that increasing depth will reduce arsenic contamination from tube well water.
Enhancing critical thinking and English-speaking skills of gifted students through philosophy for children approach
Authors: ACAR Feride , ARSLAN Recep Şahin
Published: June 2023

This study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of "Philosophy for Children (P4C)" approach on the critical thinking and English-speaking skills of twenty-three 7th grade gifted students learning English as a foreign language at a Science and Art Center (SAC) in the city of Denizli, Türkiye. In the study a mixed methods research design was adopted with the participation of randomly assigned experimental and control groups. While quantitative data were collected through the Cornell Critical Thinking Test (CCTT) X level and the Cambridge English Speaking Test (A2 level for Schools), qualitative data were collected through reflective diaries written by the experimental group participants and evaluation forms. While the control group followed the usual SAC English speaking lessons, English speaking lessons for the experimental group were based on the P4C approach. According to the quantitative data findings, there was an increase in the scores of both groups in terms of speaking skills in English, however this difference was not statistically significant. In terms of critical-thinking skills, there was a slight decrease between the pre-test and post-test scores of the control group and an increase in the scores of the experimental group and this difference was statistically significant. In addition, the qualitative data revealed that the experimental group participants generally provided positive feedback on P4C practices and speaking lessons based on the P4C approach created positive effects on their critical thinking and speaking skills in English, while such an application did not create a significant effect on their speaking skills in English.
Examining The Importance of Teachers’ Well-Being on Teaching Quality at A Public University – A Study from Teachers’ Perspectives
Authors: Huyen Nguyen Thanh
Published: June 2023

The term “teachers’ well-being” has been mentioned recently among researchers and scholars around the world. In Vietnam, the aspect of teachers’ effectiveness has been raised in the academics’ community and proposed in some educational laws by the government. This paper discusses the vitalness of teachers’ wellbeing on teaching practice in a state-funded university in Ho Chi Minh City and how it could be further improved to guarantee higher teaching and learning outcomes. Data collected from in-depth interviews with twelve participants (both Vietnamese and non-Vietnamese teachers) have been critically analyzed. The results indicate that teachers’ wellbeing plays a pivotal role in guaranteeing teaching quality and the general class’s atmosphere. The solutions to help teachers maintain healthy, however, seem to be limited in this aspect. Therefore, it is suggested that school and government policies be re-visited to ensure that teachers always feel physically and mentally healthy, and to promote institutional commitment to improve teachers’ job satisfaction.
Mobile–Based Media as a Means of Fostering the Development of Listening Skills
Authors: Hang Trinh Thu
Published: June 2023

Of the four communication abilities, listening is one of the most challenging, but compared to the other three (reading, writing, and speaking), it has gotten far less attention in English language instruction. Also, because students appear to sit quietly in class and listen to conversations, listening is frequently characterized as a passive skill. As language teachers, we work hard to establish the conditions necessary for learning and success for our students. At the same time, we confront challenges that may be damaging to the learning process. This unquestionably applies to how our students use their mobile devices. Almost all students own at least one mobile device. However, students still choose to use smart gadgets for entertainment—whether they are watching movies, listening to music, or playing video games—and it appears that they truly have no idea how to utilize them for learning. This paper will show how to use a mobile phone to teach and learn listening skills. It will do this by conducting literature research. The researcher has come to the conclusion that teaching English to students through the use of mobile devices can help them better comprehend the material being covered or contextualize it to help them apply it more effectively in conversations. Therefore, using mobile devices and other portable technology for the study is an excellent way to enhance the efficacy and quality of learning English.
The Perception of EFL Primary Students Toward Learning English Through Interactive Games
Authors: Uyen Phan Tu
Published: June 2023

Teaching English as a foreign language to primary school children can be challenging due to their linguistic and cognitive limitations. Traditional methods like rote memorization may not be effective or engaging. Interactive games have been proposed as a solution, but there is little research on how students perceive game-based learning and how teachers can incorporate games into language learning curricula. This study examines EFL primary students' attitudes toward three types of interactive games as language learning tools, the impact of game elements on learning outcomes, and the benefits and drawbacks of game-based teaching. The research was conducted in an elementary school in Vietnam and suggests that interactive games can improve EFL learning outcomes in primary school students, but their perception and reaction to this method plays a crucial role in its effectiveness. The study aims to guide the creation of effective language teaching techniques and is relevant to curriculum designers, policymakers, and language teachers worldwide. The research has three main goals: (1) examine EFL primary students' attitudes toward using interactive games to learn English; (2) investigate how game elements affect students' perceptions of game-based learning; and (3) propose ways to improve students' perception of interactive games as a language learning tool. The study has some limitations, such as its focus on Vietnamese EFL primary students and its small sample size. Nonetheless, it contributes to our understanding of how interactive games can enhance EFL learning outcomes in primary school settings by examining students' attitudes, motivations, and enjoyment.
Environmental and ecological risk assessment of municipal sewage sludge management using a sustainable solar drying system
Authors: Dramé Saly Ina , Oba Oluwasuyi Ayobami , Pasaoglulari Aydinlik Nur
Published: June 2023

Providing a cost-effective and suitable way for sewage sludge refinement with the purpose of reducing environmental impacts or reutilization of sewage sludge can be an important issue for researchers. This study is inclined at bringing an economical and sustainable solution to sludge management in a municipal wastewater treatment plant. Three types of sludges were collected for the experiments: raw sludge was collected during winter (R.S.), digested sludge was collected during winter (D.S.1), and digested sludge was collected during summer time (D.S.2). This study proposes replacing mechanical drying by a solar drying system. Experimental analysis was carried out to determine the total solids (TS), volatile solids (VS), heavy metals concentration, and pollution index (index of geo accumulation, contamination factor, ecological risk factor). The solar drying system was demonstrated to be very efficient with the three samples achieving a dry solid content of 96.96% for R.S., 96.75% for D.S.1, and 93.60% for D.S.2. after solar drying. While pollution index calculations showed that all three sludges present a low potential ecological risk.
Peran Masyarakat Akar Rumput dalam Menangani Permasalahan Sampah Galon Sekali Pakai
Authors: Jayanti Ni Komang Oktrisia , Meyrandari Nisrina Kamiliya , Firmansyah Luthfi
Published: June 2023

The need for bottled drinking water (AMDK) in society is a new problem related to plastic waste in Indonesia. Bottled drinking water (AMDK) in the form of disposable gallons is an innovation that has become a polemic among the public. The use of disposable gallons is a new problem for the grassroots community and also the environment. This paper aims to analyze the role of the grassroots community in handling the issue of single-use gallons, the problems encountered, as well as grassroots community networks in cases of single-use gallons. Methods of data collection using literature studies or literature review. The result is that the grassroots community has a positive character, the number is more widespread, this is utilized by the gallon producer company disposables targeting the grassroots community as top consumers of the product. However, the problem is this one-time use packaging is harmful to health because the microplastic content can contaminate it for the consumer. The grassroots community is aware that gallons are disposable and not environmentally friendly because it can have implications for increasing the amount of existing trash. Ways that can be done to voice aspiration related to this problem is through the use of public space, such as creation of petitions and empowerment to make more efficient use of plastic. BesidesIn addition, grassroots communities can use networks such as communities that work on environmental issues.