bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rural Revitalization Driven by Design Communities. An evidence from a case study of rural China
Authors: Yang Zhou , Mokhtar S'harin , Shahlal Norazmi
Published: May 2024

This study explores the construction and operation of design communities for sustainable rural service design under a service design ecosystem perspective. It analyzes a case study of rural China and proposes a design community model based on the concept of the service design ecosystem. It also discusses the factors influencing the design communities' role in rural sustainable development. The study contributes to the service design theory and practice by providing a new viewpoint and tool for rural revitalization.
Possible Application of Activated Palm Kernel Shell (APKS) from Palm Oil Industry as Potential Filler in Carboxylated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (XNBR)
Authors: Mamauod Siti Nur Liyana , Zainal Rashid Syazwani Aqilah , Zainal Nahrul Hayawin , Ismail Hanafi
Published: May 2024

In this study, different APKS loadings from 0 phr to 50 phr were incorporated into the carboxylated butadiene rubber (XNBR). The average filler particle size was identified as between 1.217 to 31.944μm based on particle size analysis. The curing, crosslink density, tensile properties, and morphology values of the APKS-filled XNBR were studied. The incorporated APKS has increased the crosslink density, delta torque, cure time (t90), and decreased the swelling degree of the XNBR. The overall mechanical properties were enhanced due to the mechanical interlocking of rubber-filler phases until the optimum APKS loading which was 40 phr.
Product Development of Smartphone Accessories for Solo Creators for Self-Monitoring during Video Recording for Social Media Content
Authors: Mohd Nazar Ahmad Azahari , Che Daud Norhayati , Mohd Fadzludin Isyraq Nur Hazriq , Mohd Fadzludin Isyraq Nur Hazriq , Abdullah Mazlinda
Published: May 2024

This paper aims to explore the development of new products from the Industrial Design Approach as smartphone accessories that help solo content creators as a new career in the new media revolution. Recognizing the limitations of recording via smartphones today, with features such as slow-motion video and better quality missing from existing smartphone selfie (front) cameras, additional accessory product projects were developed as a solution for solo creators of video content on social media to record themselves they use the back of the smartphone camera. This product is developed from problem-solving and supported with features that can give users a better smartphone screen display while recording videos.
Influence of Job Factors and Risky Riding Behaviours by Food Delivery Riders in Malaysia
Authors: Abd Murad Aini Athirah , Mokhtar S’harin
Published: May 2024

Road traffic accidents in Malaysia have progressively increased, enhancing the potential of a food delivery rider breaking traffic regulations and causing a road accident. The objectives are to identify the level of safety awareness of riders when they perform their work. Next, determine the primary circumstances that contributed to the food delivery rider being involved in a road accident. Hence, identify the implications for the food delivery rider while delivering the food to the customer. It benefits food delivery riders because it minimises the number of violations and improves training for practicing road safety while delivering food.
A Review on Natural Extractives as Protective Agent against Decay on Wood and Bamboo Products
Authors: Abdul Karim Siti Rafedah , Mazlan Maryam Syafiqah
Published: May 2024

This study examined plant extracts from leaves, bark, bole, roots, flowers, and fruits. Plant metabolites and derivatives inhibit brown, white, and soft rot, which decomposes wood and bamboo. The metabolites and derivatives found in plant extracts serve as a protective measure against the biodeterioration of wood and bamboo. The effectiveness of the plant depends on the toxicity of its extract. Plant extracts contain volatile compounds with antifungal properties. Mineral salts such as aluminium and copper sulphates, as well as MUF, impede the process of alcohol evaporation. Plant extract is a more effective and environmentally friendly treatment for bamboo and wood.
A Conceptual Review of Uniform Wear Attributes Identification for Size Fit
Authors: Mohd Tajuddin Rosita , Zakaria Norsaadah , Shariff Shaliza , Taif Basitah
Published: May 2024

With the accessibility of fast fashion, consumers have opportunities to purchase fashion clothes that are current trends, besides providing them options to choose the right garment at any time and place. However, dissatisfaction with garment fit has always been a challenge. Size fit provides a good fit, emphasizing comfort, ease of wearing, and shape. This research has conceptualized several attributes that could enhance the excellent fit of uniform wear that are divided into functional, aesthetic, and emotional. Employing dimensional attributes would enhance the performance of workwear besides pleasing the wearers due to comfort and making them look attractive.
Assessment of Bending Strength of Eucalyptus Pellita Wood by Acoustic Velocity (AV) Technique
Authors: Mansoor Noorsyazwani , Muhammad Roseley Adlin Sabrina , Salim Sabiha , Meder Roger
Published: May 2024

This study was conducted to validate the bending strength of Eucalyptus pellita using the acoustic velocity method and the conventional method. Acoustic velocity was measured on slabs using Fakopp Microsecond Timer, which relies on the time-of-flight principle. Acoustic velocity was converted to the dynamic modulus of elasticity MOEdyn based on the equation MOEdyn = ρAV2. The conversion equations between MOEdyn and static MOE were established using the regression method. The bending test was conducted according to standard ISO 13061. Results show that the acoustic velocity method can be used to predict the static MOE value.
Design of Smart Underwear Nursing Service System to Assist Elderly Walking based on Kano Model
Authors: Hong Wenjin , Mohd Tajuddin Rosita , Shariff Shaliza
Published: May 2024

This study was to design an intelligent underwear nursing service system that can assist the elderly in walking according to their original demand for intelligent underwear fall prevention. The research proposed an intelligent underwear nursing service system that integrates the App through the Kano model, which was analyzed with the help of the Four-Quadrant Scatter Model Plot model diagram. Monitoring Service Interaction Subsystem, Monitoring Sports, and Health Management of the intelligent nursing service system. This result indicated that the demand satisfaction rating that the smart underwear nursing service system assists elderly walking was scientific, effective, and fulfilled the needs of elderly users.
Green Performance: Critical factors from Malaysian electrical and electronics suppliers
Authors: Shaharudin Mohd Rizaimy , Abd Rahim Saiful Azmir Kasdi , Zainoddin Amir Imran , Ahmad Yazid Noor Jasmina Natasha
Published: May 2024

The objective of the study is to identify critical factors influencing suppliers' environmental performance. Employing survey methodologies, a cross-sectional study was conducted, analysing 110 completed survey questionnaires from electrical and electronic suppliers. The findings revealed that suppliers' green performance is significantly influenced by quality practices, technical competence, a green image, and environmental management, although not by pollution control. In light of the growing importance of environmental achievements for market competitiveness, these results offer valuable insights for manufacturers seeking to enhance suppliers' green performance. Future studies should explore additional crucial factors impacting suppliers' environmental accomplishments.
Pediatric Cancer Communication on Twitter: Natural Language Processing and Qualitative Content Analysis
Authors: Lau Nancy , Zhao Xin , O'Daffer Alison , Weissman Hannah , Barton Krysta
Published: May 2024

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Twitter (recently rebranded as “X”) was the most widely used social media platform with over 2 million cancer-related tweets. The increasing use of social media among patients and family members, providers, and organizations has allowed for novel methods of studying cancer communication.

Objective

This study aimed to examine pediatric cancer–related tweets to capture the experiences of patients and survivors of cancer, their caregivers, medical providers, and other stakeholders. We assessed the public sentiment and content of tweets related to pediatric cancer over a time period representative of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

All English-language tweets related to pediatric cancer posted from December 11, 2019, to May 7, 2022, globally, were obtained using the Twitter application programming interface. Sentiment analyses were computed based on Bing, AFINN, and NRC lexicons. We conducted a supplemental nonlexicon-based sentiment analysis with ChatGPT (version 3.0) to validate our findings with a random subset of 150 tweets. We conducted a qualitative content analysis to manually code the content of a random subset of 800 tweets.

Results

A total of 161,135 unique tweets related to pediatric cancer were identified. Sentiment analyses showed that there were more positive words than negative words. Via the Bing lexicon, the most common positive words were support, love, amazing, heaven, and happy, and the most common negative words were grief, risk, hard, abuse, and miss. Via the NRC lexicon, most tweets were categorized under sentiment types of positive, trust, and joy. Overall positive sentiment was consistent across lexicons and confirmed with supplemental ChatGPT (version 3.0) analysis. Percent agreement between raters for qualitative coding was 91%, and the top 10 codes were awareness, personal experiences, research, caregiver experiences, patient experiences, policy and the law, treatment, end of life, pharmaceuticals and drugs, and survivorship. Qualitative content analysis showed that Twitter users commonly used the social media platform to promote public awareness of pediatric cancer and to share personal experiences with pediatric cancer from the perspective of patients or survivors and their caregivers. Twitter was frequently used for health knowledge dissemination of research findings and federal policies that support treatment and affordable medical care.

Conclusions

Twitter may serve as an effective means for researchers to examine pediatric cancer communication and public sentiment around the globe. Despite the public mental health crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic, overall sentiments of pediatric cancer–related tweets were positive. Content of pediatric cancer tweets focused on health and treatment information, social support, and raising awareness of pediatric cancer.
ChatGPT and Medicine: Together We Embrace the AI Renaissance
Authors: Hacking Sean
Published: May 2024

The generative artificial intelligence (AI) model ChatGPT holds transformative prospects in medicine. The development of such models has signaled the beginning of a new era where complex biological data can be made more accessible and interpretable. ChatGPT is a natural language processing tool that can process, interpret, and summarize vast data sets. It can serve as a digital assistant for physicians and researchers, aiding in integrating medical imaging data with other multiomics data and facilitating the understanding of complex biological systems. The physician’s and AI’s viewpoints emphasize the value of such AI models in medicine, providing tangible examples of how this could enhance patient care. The editorial also discusses the rise of generative AI, highlighting its substantial impact in democratizing AI applications for modern medicine. While AI may not supersede health care professionals, practitioners incorporating AI into their practices could potentially have a competitive edge.
CSR of Platform Enterprises in the Era of Digitalization
Authors: Zheng Yaxin
Published: May 2024

The concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has a long history and has always been a topic of controversy. Scholars have continuously researched it without pause. During the traditional phase dominated by manufacturing industries, scholars debated whether companies should assume social responsibility and what specific responsibilities they should fulfill. The theories of shareholder orientation and stakeholder theory emerged in this context. In the present era of digitalization, which has reshaped traditional business models and significantly impacted people’s work and lives, platform enterprises have not only contributed to economic development but have also brought forth prominent social issues. These issues include allegations of monopolistic behavior, leakage of user information, and infringement of consumer rights. To varying degrees, these challenges expose the lack of social responsibility in platform enterprises and the absence of effective legislation and regulation. This paper explores the legal and regulatory dilemmas faced by platform enterprises in fulfilling social responsibility in the digital age, and discuss the innovation and governance of social responsibility from individual, corporate, and societal perspectives.
Translating Research into Change: Reporting the Lived Experience of hEDS and HSD in Scotland
Authors: Berg Kathryn , Dockrell Dervil , Matheson Rose
Published: May 2024

This report offers a comprehensive examination of the lived experiences of individuals with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and Hypermobile Spectrum Disorders (HSD) in Scotland. The findings presented are primarily drawn from the “hEDS-START” project, an initiative aimed at highlighting the challenges faced by individuals living with hEDS/HSD in the United Kingdom.
Senderos del saber: un viaje por la ciencia, la cultura y las artes
Authors: del Ángel Martínez Rosa María
Published: May 2024

Con gran emoción, les presentamos el tercer número del año de la Revista Digital Universitaria. En esta ocasión, quisimos dedicar un espacio para honrar la labor incansable de aquellos que se dedican a la divulgación científica y celebrar el legado de figuras destacadas en este campo, como la inolvidable Estrella Burgos, quien fue una integrante del Comité editorial de nuestra revista. Su influencia y dedicación nos inspiran a seguir adelante en el camino de compartir el conocimiento y la pasión por la ciencia, las artes y las humanidades.
Dolor menstrual y endometriosis: de lo normal a la enfermedad
Authors: Dragustinovis Valdez Irma Yadira
Published: May 2024

Hace años se consideraba normal que una mujer tuviera dolor al menstruar; las recomendaciones eran ponerse una bolsa con agua caliente en el vientre, descansar y tomar té. Lamentablemente,las ideas erróneas de: “se te va a quitar cuando te cases o cuando tengas hijos” persisten.Existen factores biológicos y ambientales que exacerban esta condición, lo que desencadena complicaciones desconocidas por las mujeres, pasando de lo socialmente aceptado como dolor menstrual normal a una menstruación anormal o endometriosis, una enfermedad en la que se ven involucrados factores ambientales, biológicos, inmunológicos y psicológicos, y que amerita el estudio personalizado de cada paciente. Así, en este artículo exploraremos cómo el dolor menstrual no es normal.
Nanofertilizantes en la agricultura: una visión hacia el futuro alimentario
Authors: Ávila Quezada Graciela , Álvarez Álvarez Cynthia Aylin
Published: May 2024

La infografía aborda las nuevas estrategias de aplicación de fertilizantes en la agricultura, destacando el uso de la nanotecnología para mejorar el potencial agrícola de manera ambientalmente racional. Explora cómo los nanofertilizantes facilitan la absorción de nutrientes por parte de las plantas, promoviendo un mayor crecimiento y producción. Además, subraya la importancia de estas innovaciones tecnológicas en un contexto de crisis alimentaria mundial, enfatizando la necesidad de promover prácticas agrícolas más sostenibles y eficientes.
El lado verde de la alfarería oaxaqueña: ¿estrategia de permanencia?
Authors: Sánchez-Medina Patricia S.
Published: May 2024

¿Alguna vez te has preguntado en qué cocinaban y comían nuestras abuelitas? Antes de la inserción del plástico, peltre y otros cuantos materiales más, la alfarería tenía un papel central en la actividad comercial de muchas comunidades rurales, pero, ante la inclusión de materiales alternativos y la divulgación generalizada del uso de sustancias tóxicas en la elaboración de artesanías de barro, la alfarería fue desplazada, No obstante, cuando visitamos comunidades rurales, sobre todo en el estado de Oaxaca podemos ver la importancia que tiene la actividad alfarera, pues de ella dependen numerosas familias que viven en condiciones de pobreza y que encuentran en esta actividad un medio de subsistencia. El siguiente artículo tiene como objetivo concientizar acerca de la importancia de mantener la actividad alfarera a partir de estrategias que permitan su continuidad.
Cuasicristales: de universos paralelos a sombras multidimensionales
Authors: Solórzano Kraemer Ricardo Atahualpa , Mendoza Sosa Alan Rodrigo
Published: May 2024

Este texto se encuentra en el límite de la física de los materiales, la geometría y la topología. Comenzamos exponiendo el concepto topológico de espacio localmente isomorfo, a través de un experimento mental, en el que nos transportamos a un universo paralelo. Después, para poder hablar de cuasicristales, revisamos cuáles son los diferentes estados de la materia y sus propiedades principales. En seguida, presentamos la historia sobre el descubrimiento de los cuasicristales para seguir la discusión sobre las matemáticas que los describen, en especial la interpretación de los cuasicristales como proyecciones geométricas de cristales periódicos de dimensiones mayores (es decir, espacios donde las coordenadas requieren más de tres valores). Relacionamos la interpretación en altas dimensiones con las perturbaciones termodinámicas que describen la conductividad térmica y con ello regresamos al concepto de espacio localmente isomorfo y a ese un universo paralelo inicial.
Maravillas del océano: secretos de la reproducción y desarrollo de los pulpos
Authors: López Peraza Diana Judith , Hernández Rodríguez Mónica
Published: May 2024

Los pulpos son animales marinos reconocidos por su inteligencia, camuflaje, capacidad de expulsar tinta al sentirse amenazados, así como por el desarrollo de sus crías, que puede ser directo o indirecto. En este texto se habla sobre las características principales de ambos tipos de desarrollo, para facilitar su entendimiento en estudios de biología, reproducción y ecología.
Las especies con desarrollo directo tienen crías conocidas como juveniles, que habitan
el fondo marino desde su nacimiento; por el contrario, las especies con desarrollo indirecto tienen crías llamadas paralarvas, que viven en la columna de agua. Los juveniles y las paralarvas también difieren en la conducta, alimentación, fisiología, nutrición, morfología, entre otras características. Aún es indispensable realizar más investigaciones para entender las características biológicas de los pulpos en etapas tempranas del desarrollo con fines de cultivo, para su consumo y comercialización.
Basura a la vista: el problema de los residuos sólidos en el Valle de Zamora
Authors: Barrera Valdivia Ismael , Hernández García Guillermo
Published: May 2024

En la región del Valle de Zamora, ubicada en el estado de Michoacán, México, el problema de los residuos sólidos es evidente, reflejando una carencia de educación ambiental. Esta educación se concentra principalmente en los niveles medio superior y superior, excluyendo a una parte significativa de la población. Para analizar este fenómeno, se llevó a cabo observación directa en las ciudades del Valle de Zamora y se realizó un muestreo aleatorio mediante redes sociales debido a la contingencia sanitaria. Los resultados revelaron una falta de acción con respecto a los residuos sólidos, a pesar de que existe conocimiento sobre su manejo. Además, se evidenció la presencia visible de residuos sólidos en las áreas urbanas, lo que indica una necesidad urgente de intervención. Se destaca la importancia de una educación ambiental más amplia y accesible para toda la población, así como la implementación de medidas concretas para abordar el manejo inadecuado de los residuos sólidos en la región del Valle de Zamora.
Inmersión a la primera computadora que llegó a México adaptando HTC Vive a Meta Quest
Authors: Cruz Lovera Tayde Martín
Published: May 2024

Se describe cómo se realizó la adaptación de la aplicación de realidad virtual Inmersión 650. Esta aplicación, inicialmente diseñada para PC y ejecutada en el dispositivo HTC Vive, fue adaptada para el dispositivo independiente Meta Quest 2, el cual funciona con un sistema operativo basado en Android. Durante este proceso, se rediseñaron algunas interacciones con el objetivo de mejorar la experiencia del usuario.
Quality improvement of food products using taguchi method: a study in a bread product SME
Authors: Alifin Fakhri Ikhwanul , Rahma Rana Ardila , Sadidan Ikhwanussafa , Fitriani Risma
Published: May 2024

Quality is one of the most crucial factors for manufactured products. Good product quality will increase customer loyalty and hence, higher profit for the company. SR company is a local Small Medium Enterprise (SME) in Bandung that produces bread products. Among various kinds of bread, Kadet is the main product with an average production of approximately 1000 pcs per day. In addition, Kadet bread has numerous defective products with an average of 3%-5% per 1000 pcs. Moreover, Kadet is a product baked at high temperatures, and hence, the timing of the production staff is crucial to prevent defectiveness. In this work, we use the Taguchi method to obtain factors that produce defectiveness and the combination of the optimal production factors. Furthermore, using the Analysis of Variance, the results show the optimal process design for minimum defective Kadet bread products as the process evaluation for better product quality.
Design of service quality and analysis of customer satisfaction in SME culinary products with the quality function deployment method
Authors: Supriyati Supriyati , Putra Fibi Eko , Widya Adi Rusdi
Published: May 2024

SMEs are medium-level community businesses with limited capital. The type of business that can revive the economy, especially the economy for families, is the SMEs culinary business which is consumed by the community every day. One of the SMEs that is still surviving despite experiencing a decline is the SMEs in the culinary field. The results of observations and interviews with one of the SMEs culinary businesses, in a period of 12 months, sales decreased by an average of up to 50%. The cause of the decline in sales is not known with certainty, so it is necessary to evaluate the performance of these SMEs. QFD is one method that can be used to obtain a clear and objective picture of Customer needs. The research method involves Customers as respondents, the number of samples is 80 with 26 valid and reliable attributes. The results of the analysis using Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) show that there are five attributes that are considered important for Customers to become priority improvements. These attributes are related to the Tangible aspect, namely the presentation of Durian sticky rice products that are attractive, the portion according to expectations, Assurance, namely the consistency of the ripeness of the durian fruit, the taste of the durian fruit is felt in every portion, Empathy, namely the ethics in serving Customers. Based on the QFD approach, the priority is the technical importance rating by making standard operating procedures for each technical response in the form of standard operating procedures for checking raw materials and the amount of raw materials used in each serving, re-examining, providing the composition of the main raw materials so that the taste remains consistent (Assurance). Serving techniques with serving portions, cleanliness of physical facilities (Tangible), service to Customers and socialization of Customer service standards (Emphaty), and ordering techniques (reliability). So that in order to maintain and maintain the quality of SMEs products and services in the culinary field, it is necessary to conduct a performance assessment, especially related to the four aspects of service quality Assurance, Tangible, Empathy and Reliability as a design in assessing service quality
Product design of upper sandal fabric cutting machine using ergonomic function deployment method
Authors: Wibisono Aldino , Tranggono Tranggono
Published: May 2024

In the production process, the upper sandal cutting of KUB Mampu Jaya is still done manually using scissors one by one for each mold. The purpose of this research is to create an ergonomic upper sandal cutting machine. The method used in this research is Ergonomic Function Deployment (EFD). Direct data collection involved observing the production stages and activities carried out by workers through interviews and surveys. The results show that this sandal upper cutting machine has been designed by adjusting user needs so as to minimize production time and the cutting process becomes more efficient. Previously, the production or cutting time took 2 minutes per one upper sandal mold, but with this new cutting machine, the cutting process only takes 1 minute per upper sandal mold, saving up to 1 minute. The results of this study will provide a better solution in designing a sandal upper fabric cutting machine that prioritizes ergonomic aspects and can reduce musculoskeletal complaints.
Integrated Strategic and Tactical Planning of non-Edible Biomass-to-Biofuel Supply Chains
Authors: Rezaei Mohsen , Babazadeh Reza
Published: May 2024

Iran has high potential of renewable resources and biomass is one of the most important of them. While the biomass is fairly cheap, the logistic costs are major obstacles in utilizing these sources. In this paper, a mathematical programming model (a MILP model) is presented to design the biodiesel supply chain network (BSCN) in Iran. A supply chain model is presented that is in accordance with the real conditions and geographical features of the case study. Due to, importing most of edible oils in Iran and their high production costs, non-edible biomass including Jatropha curcas L. (JCL) and waste cooking oil (WCO) are considered as sources of producing biodiesel. In addition, in this study, the possibility of capacity expansion of facilities in different periods is considered. The presented approach is used to design a three-echelon, multi-product, multi-period BSCN. This model determines the strategic and tactical decisions including location, number, capacity of the facilities, production, inventory and material flow throughout the network. The result of this paper shows the effectiveness of the presented approach for designing the BSCN.
STUDY ON THE SUCCESS AND LIMITATIONS OF FEED IN TARIFF (FIT) MECHANISM IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Ravichandran Dilasini , Selvaraj Jeyraj
Published: May 2024

Malaysia have set an ambitious target for the national Renewable Energy (RE) installed capacity mix at 31% and 40% by 2025 and 2035 respectively. Based on the current RE growth rate, it will be a hustle for the government to meet the target. The growth of each RE sources also differs significantly even though similar FiT design mechanism applies for all RE sources available in Malaysia. Therefore, in this research project, the RE installed capacity mix is forecasted for Business as Usual (BAU) and alternative new RE projects scenario. The analysis of success and limitations of each RE sources under Feed in Tariff (FiT) mechanism is also done through a questionnaire survey to the energy sector personnel in Malaysia. The response were then analyzed using Oneway Analysis in JMP15 software
Carbon Monoxide-Resistant Anode Catalysts for Single-Cell Direct Carbon Monoxide Fuel Cells: Binary, Ternary, And Quaternary Platinum Alloys as Anode Electrocatalysts
Authors: Zabihian Farshid , Davari Asad , Osei-Prempeh Gifty
Published: May 2024

The objective of this paper is to present the results of experimentations on the custom-made anode electrocatalysts for direct carbon monoxide fuel cells (DCMFCs) inspired by catalysts commonly used for direct alcohol fuel cells. Seven different catalysts were fabricated and tested. The uniform and consistent manufacturing process and the test procedure allowed a meaningful comparison of the developed fuel cells. The results indicated that homemade Pt-Ru membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) could not compete with the Pt-Sn MEA. While the performance of the MEAs with Pt-Ru-Ni, Pt-Ru-Sn-Ni, and Pt-Ru-Sn-Co was not satisfactory, the Pt-Ru-Sn-Co-W MEA achieved the best performance among all MEAs with Nafion® 117 membrane. The last MEA was made of the Pt-Sn anode catalyst and Nafion® 212 membrane and outperformed all other MEAs by a wide margin. The experiments demonstrated that the performance of the best-developed MEA was three times better than the performance of the commercial Pt-Ru MEA. This means the performance of DCMFCs can be significantly improved by developing a suitable anode electrocatalyst, using a thinner membrane, and operating at optimum conditions. These results are not only applicable for DCMFCs but also are very useful for other proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) operating with CO-containing fuels.
Impression management strategies in accordance with social role theory
Authors: Ensour Waed , Sarhan Nael M.
Published: May 2024

Impression management (IM) is a process where individuals consciously or unconsciously control the information, behaviors, and expressions they present to others. Studies on IM that are based on social role theory have mostly focused on gender roles. However, there is a growing recognition of the need to expand social role research beyond traditional gender roles (Anglin et al., 2022). This study aims to investigate the influence of various societal roles, including gender, age, occupation, and education, on IM strategies among Jordanian public sector employees within organizational contexts. Drawing upon social role theory and existing literature, this research seeks to explore how different social roles intersect and shape IM behaviors. Data were collected from 927 participants via an online questionnaire distributed through convenience sampling. Nonparametric analysis was employed, utilizing the Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis H test to analyze gender-based and other variables with three or more groups, respectively. The findings suggest that while gender, occupation, and educational background can impact IM, their influence is often overshadowed by the broader organizational context. This study contributes to the literature by expanding our understanding of IM beyond traditional gender roles and elucidating the complex interplay between societal roles and IM strategies.
BERT-based Document Clustering: Unveiling Semantic Patterns in 20News Group, Reuters, and BBC Sports Corpora
Authors: Dodda Ratnam , Alladi Suresh Babu
Published: May 2024

Document clustering plays a pivotal role in structuring and
analyzing vast textual datasets. In this paper, we leverage the
Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT)
algorithm, a cutting-edge natural language processing model, to perform
document clustering on three distinct datasets: the 20News Group
dataset, Reuters dataset, and BBC Sports dataset. BERT’s contextualized
embeddings enable a deeper understanding of document semantics,
enhancing the clustering process. The objective is to investigate the
efficacy of BERT-based document clustering across diverse domains,
shedding light on its performance and potential applications. We
implement BERT for document clustering, utilizing its pre-trained
contextual embeddings to capture intricate relationships within textual
data. Our study aims to assess how well BERT adapts to the unique
characteristics of each dataset, offering insights into the model’s
generalizability and effectiveness across various domains.
Minocycline improves sperm parameters and hormonal receptor expression in varicocele-induced rat model
Authors: Shokoohi Majid , Abdi Morteza , jourabchi Amirreza , Mohammadzadeh Linda , Dolatkhah Mohammad Amin , Shoorei Hamed , Abtahi Hossein
Published: May 2024

Background and Purpose: This study investigated the potential
antioxidant effects of minocycline on sperm parameters and hormonal
receptor expression in male rats. Experimental Approach: A total of 32
male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: Sham,
Varicocele induced (VC) group, VC+Mino group (Varicocele induction with
minocycline treatment), and Mino group (only treated with minocycline).
The researchers measured serum levels of “testosterone”, “luteinizing
hormone” (LH), and “follicle-stimulating hormone” (FSH) and examined
“sperm parameters”, “histopathological” analysis, and expressions of
“hormonal receptor genes” among the different groups. Results: The
outcomes showed that VC meaningfully improved serum levels of FSH and LH
compared to the sham group (P < 0.05). Additionally, VC led to
a reduction in sperm parameters, serum “testosterone” level, number of
germ cells, and expression of hormonal receptor genes (P <
0.05). However, treatment with minocycline improved sperm quality and
prevented testis tissue damage caused by VC. Conclusion: These findings
suggest that minocycline treatment can be protective against testis
tissue damage induced by VC.
Hypothalamic Inflammation Improves Through Bariatric Surgery, and Hypothalamic Volume Predicts Short-Term Weight Loss Response in Adults With or Without Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Pané Adriana , Videla Laura , Calvet Àngels , Viaplana Judith , Vaqué-Alcázar Lídia , Ibarzabal Ainitze , Rozalem-Aranha Mateus , Pegueroles Jordi , Moize Violeta , Vidal Josep , Ortega Emilio , Barroeta Isabel , Camacho Valle , Chiva-Blanch Gemma , Fortea Juan , Jiménez Amanda
Published: May 2024

OBJECTIVE

Preclinical research implicates hypothalamic inflammation (HI) in obesity and type 2 diabetes pathophysiology. However, their pathophysiological relevance and potential reversibility need to be better defined. We sought to evaluate the effect of bariatric surgery (BS) on radiological biomarkers of HI and the association between the severity of such radiological alterations and post-BS weight loss (WL) trajectories. The utility of cerebrospinal fluid large extracellular vesicles (CSF-lEVs) enriched for microglial and astrocyte markers in studying HI was also explored.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We included 72 individuals with obesity (20 with and 52 without type 2 diabetes) and 24 control individuals. Participants underwent lumbar puncture and 3-T MRI at baseline and 1-year post-BS. We assessed hypothalamic mean diffusivity (MD) (higher values indicate lesser microstructural integrity) and the volume of the whole and main hypothalamic subregions. CSF-lEVs enriched for glial and astrocyte markers were determined by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Compared with control group, the obesity and type 2 diabetes groups showed a larger volume and higher MD in the hypothalamic tubular inferior region, the area encompassing the arcuate nucleus. These radiological alterations were positively associated with baseline anthropometric and metabolic measures and improved post-BS. A larger baseline tubular inferior hypothalamic volume was independently related to lesser WL 1 and 2 years after BS. CSF-lEVs did not differ among groups and were unrelated to WL trajectories.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest HI improvement after BS and may support a role for HI in modulating the WL response to these interventions.
Impaired Awareness of Hypoglycemia in Older Adults with Type 1 Diabetes: A Post-hoc Analysis of the WISDM Study
Authors: Bilal Anika , Yi Fanchao , Whitaker Keri , Igudesman Daria , Pratley Richard , Casu Anna
Published: May 2024

Objective: Up to one-third of older adults with type 1 diabetes experience impaired awareness of hypoglycemic (IAH), yet the factors associated with IAH remain underexplored in older adults. Research Design and Methods: This post-hoc analysis evaluated the clinical and glycemic correlates of IAH in adults ≥60 years old with type 1 diabetes in the WISDM study. IAH and normal awareness (NAH) were defined by a Clarke score of ≥4 or <4, respectively. Demographic, clinical, and glycemic metrics were compared in those with IAH and NAH at baseline; and in whom IAH did or did not improve over 26 weeks using descriptive statistics and a multiple logistic regression variable selection procedure. Results: Of the 199 participants (age 68.1±5.7years, 52�male), 30.6% had IAH. At baseline, participants with IAH had a longer diabetes duration, greater daytime hypoglycemia and glycemic variability, and more participants had non-detectable C-peptide levels than those with NAH. Logistic regression associated longer diabetes duration (odds ratio [OR]:1.03, 95%CI,1.01–1.05, p=0.008) and greater daytime hypoglycemia (OR:1.31,95% CI,1.15–1.51, p<0.0001) with a greater odds of IAH. A similar modeling procedure identified less daytime hypoglycemia (OR per additional percentage point: 0.55, 95%CI; 0.32–0.94, p=0.029) and shorter diabetes duration (OR per additional year: 0.96, 95%CI, 0.91–1.004, p=0.07) as predictors of restored awareness at 26 weeks, although the effect size for diabetes duration was not statistically significant. Conclusion: In older adults with type 1 diabetes, longer diabetes duration and greater daytime hypoglycemia are drivers of IAH. Dedicated research can personalize IAH management.
Incidence and survival of primary metastatic breast cancer in Denmark; implication of breast cancer screening, classification, and staging practice
Authors: Berg Tobias , Jensen Maj-Britt , Rossing Maria , Axelsen Christian T. , Kümler Iben , Søndergaard Lise , Vogsen Marianne , Knoop Ann S. , Ejlertsen Bent
Published: May 2024

Background: Primary metastatic breast cancer (pMBC) accounts for 5–10% of annual breast cancers with a median survival of 3–4 years, varying among subtypes. In Denmark, the incidence of breast cancer increased until 2010, followed by a stabilisation. Several factors influencing pMBC incidence and survival, including screening prevalence, staging methods, and classification standards, remain pivotal but inadequately documented.
Material and method: This retrospective observational study involving pMBC patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2020 encompassed all Danish oncology departments. Data from the Danish Breast Cancer Group database and the National Patient Register included diagnosis specifics, demographics, treatment, and follow-up.
Results: Between 2000 and 2020, 3,272 patients were diagnosed with pMBC, a rise from 355 patients in 2000–2004 to 1,323 patients in 2015–2020. The increase was particularly observed in patients aged 70 years or older. Changes in tumour subtypes were observed, notably with a rise in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive cases but a steady distribution of estrogen receptor (ER) status. Diagnostic practices changed over the two decades, with 6% evaluated with PET/CT (positron emission tomography–computed tomography) or CT (computed tomography) with a bone evaluation in 2000–2004 and 65% in 2015–2020. Overall survival (OS) improved from 23 months in 2000–2004 to 33 months in 2015–2020. In patients with ER-positive and HER2-positive disease, the multivariable model showed improved survival by year of diagnosis, and further, patients with ER-negative/HER2-negative disease fared worse the first 2 years after diagnosis.
Interpretation: Our study delineates changes in the treatment and survival of pMBC over two decades. Stage migration, screening introduction, and changes in registration practice, however, prevent a valid assessment of a possible causal relationship.
Risk of conversion to total knee arthroplasty after surgically treated tibial plateau fractures: an observational cohort study of 439 patients
Authors: Olerud Fredrik , Garland Anne , Hailer Nils P , Wolf Olof
Published: May 2024

Background and purpose: We aimed to assess joint failure rate, i.e., subsequent conversion to TKA after surgical treatment of a tibial plateau fracture (TPF). Secondary aims were to explore the association between joint failure and fracture type, and to determine the risk of failure associated with inadequate joint surface reduction.Methods: We included all patients ≥ 18 years of age with a surgically treated TPF, treated at Uppsala University Hospital between 2002 and 2015. All fractures were classified according to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Traumatology Association (AO/OTA) classification. Postoperative radiographs were evaluated to determine the quality of joint surface inadequate reduction, defined as an articular step-off ≥ 2 mm. The study cohort was linked with the Swedish Arthroplasty Register (SAR) for information on subsequent total knee arthroplasty (TKA).Results: 439 patients (57% women) with a mean age of 55 years (SD 17) were included. According to the AO/OTA classification, the fracture distribution was B1: 4.8%, B2: 10%, B3: 47%, C1: 12%, C2: 6.4%, and C3: 19%. 23 patients (5.2%) were converted to a TKA within 2 years of initial surgery, and 34 patients (7.7%) had been converted by the end of follow-up (16 years). AO/OTA type B3 and C3 had a 6.8 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6–29) times greater risk of joint failure compared with B1–2 and C1–C2 at 2 years’ follow-up. Inadequate joint surface reduction led to an 8.4 (CI 3.6–20) times greater risk of conversion to TKA at 2 years’ follow-up.Conclusion: Overall, 5.2% were converted to a TKA within 2 years. Fracture types AO/OTA B3 and C3 with a comminuted articular surface and inadequate joint surface reduction were strongly associated with joint failure.
Early functional factors for predicting outcome of independence in daily living after stroke: a decision tree analysis
Authors: Kim Heegoo , Lee Chanmi , Kim Nayeong , Chung Eunhye , Jeon HyeongMin , Shin Seyoung , Kim MinYoung
Published: May 2024

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the predictive functional factors influencing the acquisition of basic activities of daily living performance abilities during the early stages of stroke rehabilitation using classification and regression analysis trees.
Methods: The clinical data of 289 stroke patients who underwent rehabilitation during hospitalization (164 males; mean age: 62.2 ± 13.9 years) were retrospectively collected and analysed. The follow-up period between admission and discharge was approximately 6 weeks. Medical records, including demographic characteristics and various functional assessments with item scores, were extracted. The modified Barthel Index on discharge served as the target outcome for analysis. A “good outcome” was defined as a modified Barthel Index score ≥ 75 on discharge, while a modified Barthel Index score < 75 was classified as a “poor outcome.”
Results: Two classification and regression analysis tree models were developed. The first model, predicting activities of daily living outcomes based on early motor functions, achieved an accuracy of 92.4%. Among patients with a “good outcome”, 70.9% exhibited (i) ≥ 4 points in the “sitting-to-standing” category in the motor assessment scale and (ii) 32 points on the Berg Balance Scale score. The second model, predicting activities of daily living outcome based on early cognitive functions, achieved an accuracy of 82.7%. Within the “poor outcome” group, 52.2% had (i) ≤ 21 points in the “visuomotor organization” category of Lowenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment, (ii) ≤ 1 point in the “time orientation” category of the Mini Mental State Examination.
Conclusion: The ability to perform “sitting-to-standing” and visuomotor organization functions at the beginning of rehabilitation emerged as the most significant predictors for achieving successful basic activities of daily living on discharge after stroke.
Clinical Characteristics of Women in this New Global Immunodeficiency
Authors: WL* Huang
Published: May 2024

Introduction: We are facing another kind of immunodeficiency caused by a different mechanism of HIV and the use of some medications such as corticosteroids and immunosuppresses. This article will show that the human being is affected by energy deficiency inside the five internal massive organs (Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lungs and Kidneys) caused by the chronic exposition to electromagnetic radiation after the implementation of cell phones, computers and 4G and 5G technology. It will be shown as to which are the clinical characteristics presented by these women patients that are suffering from this energy deficiency situation (because energy alterations are the main cause of manifestation of many different clinical presentations), and what we need to do to treat this condition accordingly.
Multiphasic MDCT of Living Renal Donors, Prior to Surgery
Authors: MG* Hira
Published: May 2024

Background: Live kidney donor evaluation mandates anatomical and functional assessment of the donor kidney. Multiphasic Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) with advanced 3‐D techniques provides a detailed description of the vascular, parenchymal, and collecting system. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical application of Multiphasic MDCT in the pre-operative anatomic assessment of prospective donor kidneys. Methods: Multiphasic MDCT was performed in thirty-eight patients as part of a pre-operative assessment. Each study comprised three phases of imaging, including the arterial, venous, and excretory phases. Results: The predominant radiological finding amongst the cases studied was that of the presence of accessory renal arteries in 35% of the patients. Multiphasic MDT was also able to detect renal parenchymal disease in one case. Post-renal anatomical evaluation also identified renal calculi in 12.5% of the total cases. Conclusions: There is considerable scope for multiphasic MDCT in the pre-operative evaluation of donor kidneys, especially as modern-day renal transplant surgery sees a shift towards laparoscopic techniques where intraoperative anatomic evaluation can be restricted. The multiphasic MDCT is useful in pre-renal, renal, and post-renal anatomic evaluation. Advances in Knowledge: Multiphasic MDCT can provide noninvasive, detailed, and fast images to aid the preoperative evaluation of donor kidneys.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: An Approach in the Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: RMS* Correa
Published: May 2024

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) is a treatment indicated for various types of hematological neoplasms, such as leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and other autoimmune hematological diseases and immunodeficiencies. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that shortens the survival of red blood cells, causing anemia. This research sought to address advances and new perspectives in HSCT in the treatment of sickle cell disease. Currently, HSCT is the only curative option for patients with sickle cell disease and aims to restore normal hematopoiesis and thus prevent damage from successive episodes of sickling. Allogeneic HSC transplantation has become an increasingly acceptable treatment option for sickle cell disease. Currently, even with advances in supportive therapy to prevent complications of SCD, access to care for this disease is unequal. However, worldwide, 120 million people are affected by the disease, and of these, 66% live in Africa. Therefore, in Africa and Asia, the number of patients tends to grow. Therefore, it is important to apply and expand neonatal screening programs, and the need for investment in health policies, especially in these countries where the disease is more severe.