bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust megavoltage x-ray spectra estimation from transmission	measurements
Authors: Manciu Marian , Manciu Felicia S. , Vulcan Teodor , Nes Elena , Waggener Robert G.
Published: November 2024

Megavoltage X-ray sources are commonly used for therapy planning, and knowledge of their spectral distribution is important for accurate dose calculations. There are many methods that could provide reasonable estimations of Megavoltage X-ray spectra, when very accurate attenuation data or at least very good set of initial guesses of the spectra are available. We present here a novel method, which can be used for accurate Megavoltage spectral reconstruction without any prior knowledge of spectral distribution; the method performs well even when the available transmission data are affected by noise. The method is based on a search for a smooth function that minimizes the differences between measured and calculated attenuation data. The algorithm is compared with well-known existing algorithms, using computer simulated data, both error-free and containing added random Gaussian noise. The reconstructed spectra are subsequently used to calculate the transmission through 50 cm of bone, muscle or fat tissue. It is shown that the relative errors in dose calculations, using the spectra reconstructed via this method, are significantly smaller than those obtained via well-established reconstruction algorithms – Truncated Singular Value Decomposition (TSVD) and Expectation Maximization (EM).

These results suggest that the novel algorithm might be practical for routine Megavoltage therapy X-ray source calibration.
Preliminary experimental results on controlled cardiac computed	tomography: A phantom study
Authors: Lu Yang , Cai Zhijun , Wang Ge , Zhao Jun , Bai Er-Wei
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we present the preliminary experimental results on controlled cardiac computed tomography (CT), which aims to reduce the motion artifacts by means of controlling the x-ray source rotation speed. An innovative cardiac phantom enables us to perform this experiment without modifying the scanner. It is the first experiment on the cardiac CT with speed controlled x-ray source. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method successfully separates the phantom images at different phases (improve the temporal resolution) through controlling the x-ray speed.
Imaging of patients having metal implant using X-ray Computed	Tomography
Authors: Liu Julian J. , Lutkin John E.
Published: November 2024

This study introduces a method to reduce the artefact caused by metal implant, and improve the image quality. The factors affecting the image quality of the existing methods are analysed from a different point of view. The observed projection is decomposed into several components including the correspondence of biological tissues, the correspondence of metal implant, noises, and inconsistencies caused by beam hardening. The correspondence of metal implant is identified by initial reconstruction and forward modelling, and the noises are detected and isolated from the projection in wavelet domain. The inconsistencies are approximated and compensated. A patient with medial epicondyle of right femur replaced using femoral component made by Biomet Inc was scanned using a GE Lightspeed 16 X-ray CT scanner and the observed projection is processed by this method. The output image shows that all of the streaking caused by metal implant is eliminated, and the darkness areas caused by beam hardening are retrieved. Comparing with the default output of the CT scanner, the image quality has been significantly improved.
A lung area estimation method for analysis of ventilation	inhomogeneity based on electrical impedance tomography
Authors: Zhao Zhanqi , Steinmann Daniel , Müller-Zivkovic Danijela , Martin Jörg , Frerichs Inéz , Guttmann Josef , Möller Knut
Published: November 2024

Purpose: To evaluate a novel method for lung area estimation (LAE method) in electrical impedance tomography (EIT) images as a prerequisite of quantitative analysis of ventilation inhomogeneity.

Methods: The LAE method mirrors the lung regions in the functional EIT (fEIT) image and subsequently subtracts the cardiac related areas. In this preliminary study, 51 mechanically ventilated patients were investigated, including 39~patients scheduled for thoracic surgery (test group); 10~patients scheduled for orthopedic surgery without pulmonary disease (control group) and 2 ICU patients undergoing chest computed tomography (CT) examination. EIT data was recorded in all groups. The results of the LAE method were compared to those obtained with the fEIT method and to CT images.

Results: The lung area size determined with fEIT in control group is S $_{C,fEIT}$ =361 ± 35 (mean ± SD) and in test group S $_{T,fEIT}$ = 299 ± 61 (p< 0.01). The sizes estimated with the LAE method in control group S $_{C,LAE}$ = 353 ± 27 and in test group S $_{T,LAE}$ = 353 ± 61 (p=0.41). The result demonstrates that the novel LAE method improves the identification of lung region in EIT images, from which the analysis of ventilation distribution will benefit. The preliminary comparison with CT images exemplarily indicates a closer match of the lung area shapes after the LAE than after the fEIT-based analysis.

Conclusion: The LAE method is a robust lung area determination method, suitable for patients with healthy or seriously injured lungs.
Selective energy dispersive diffraction peak fitting by using	genetic algorithm
Authors: Brunetti A. , Bailo D. , Albertini V. Rossi
Published: November 2024

Accurate and precise estimates of X-Ray diffraction peak parameters is mandatory, when small dynamic changes of lattice parameters have to be quantitatively analyzed. To follow in real time such changes, a large set of patterns must be usually collected, so that the position of certain peaks of interest can be tracked. To calculate the positions, a fitting procedure of the peaks is required and several algorithms are reported in the literature for this purpose. However, these algorithms are mainly focused on the determination of parameters based on a model of the cell geometry.

Here, we present a new algorithm allowing to carry out the fitting procedure on a portion only of the pattern, with neither tight constraints on the dataset, nor restrictive hypotheses on the sample structure. In our case, a coarse estimate of the detector resolution and of the positions of the peaks to fit are the only initial conditions required. This method can be regarded as a hybrid technique, as it makes use of a genetic algorithm approach, mixed with an intensive multiple random generation of the population, that makes it similar to a Monte Carlo technique. Moreover, adaptive genetic operators have been implemented in the data processing code.

These properties result in a fast and efficient algorithm, a fundamental requirement when, as in the present case, the Energy Dispersive X-ray Diffraction method is applied to observe structural changes, which implies the acquisition of many patterns in a relatively short time. The result of this application is shown by some practical examples.
Scatter correction for clinical cone beam CT breast imaging based	on breast phantom studies
Authors: Cai Weixing , Ning Ruola , Conover David
Published: November 2024

In flat-panel detector-based cone beam CT breast imaging (CBCTBI) systems, scattering is an important factor that degrades image quality. It is not practical to measure the scattering profiles of a breast for all view angles in a patient study, but it is possible to develop a method to estimate the scattering profiles based on information acquired from breast phantom studies. A new scattering correction method is proposed for clinical CBCTBI in this study. The scattering profiles of three anthropomorphic uncompressed breast phantoms of different sizes were thoroughly investigated, and the results indicated that though phantom size differed, the scattering profiles were mainly determined by local breast diameters, which are the approximate diameters of coronal slices that are perpendicular to the nipple-to-chestwall direction. Thus for scattering correction purposes it is possible to establish a relationship between location breast diameters and local scattering profiles, namely the fitted smooth curves of scatter-to-primary ratios (SPR) and normalized scattered radiations (NSR). In clinical CBCTBI studies, after the local breast diameters are sampled and measured on projection images, the scattering image for every projection image can be generated based on the established relationship, and the projection images can be corrected using either the SPR based method or the NSR based method. Phantom studies and clinical studies showed that both the SPR and NSR methods are able to correct cupping artifacts and reduce reconstruction error. The SPR method does not increase tissue contrast or noise while the NSR method increases both.
GPU-based fast low-dose cone beam CT reconstruction via total	variation
Authors: Jia Xun , Lou Yifei , Lewis John , Li Ruijiang , Gu Xuejun , Men Chunhua , Song William Y. , Jiang Steve B.
Published: November 2024

X-ray imaging dose from serial Cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans raises a clinical concern in most image guided radiation therapy procedures. The goal of this paper is to develop a fast GPU-based algorithm to reconstruct high quality CBCT images from undersampled and noisy projection data so as to lower the imaging dose. The CBCT is reconstructed by minimizing an energy functional consisting of a data fidelity term and a total variation regularization term. We develop a GPU-friendly version of a forward-backward splitting algorithm to solve this problem. A multi-grid technique is also employed. We test our CBCT reconstruction algorithm on a digital phantom and a head-and-neck patient case. The performance under low mAs is also validated using physical phantoms. It is found that 40 x-ray projections are sufficient to reconstruct CBCT images with satisfactory quality for clinical purposes. Phantom experiments indicate that CBCT images can be successfully reconstructed under 0.1 mAs/projection. Comparing with the widely used head-and-neck scanning protocol of about 360 projections with 0.4 mAs/projection, an overall 36 times dose reduction has been achieved. The reconstruction time is about 130 sec on an NVIDIA Tesla C1060 GPU card, which is estimated ∼ 100 times faster than similar regularized iterative reconstruction approaches.
Reconstruction from truncated projections using mixed	extrapolations of exponential and quadratic functions
Authors: Zhao Shuangren , Yang Kang , Yang Xintie
Published: November 2024

In computer tomography (CT), truncated projections are produced due to scanning large objects with a detector that is limited in width. Applying filtered back-projection(FBP) method directly to truncated projections, the reconstructed image will contain truncation artifacts – bright rings on the boundary of region of interest (ROI). Extrapolation algorithms can be used to reduce the truncation artifacts; however extrapolations are usually double the length of the projection data; resulting in an increased calculation time. This paper introduces mixed extrapolation, which is a combination of exponential and quadratic extrapolation. It is proven that doubling the length of the projection data for the mixed extrapolation can be avoided. The projections were extrapolated according to the boundary values and their derivatives. The algorithm achieves equivalence to the extrapolation approach with negligible increased calculation time. Supplementary functions are introduced in order to simplify the calculations. These functions can be calculated prior to extrapolation process, hence the calculation time is significantly reduced. The calculation times are compared between fast extrapolation introduced in this paper and normal extrapolation with doubling the length of projection data.
Immunostimulatory properties of glycated chitosan
Authors: Zhou Feifan , Song Sheng , Chen Wei R. , Xing Da
Published: November 2024

Glycated chitosan (GC) is a new compound derived from chitosan by attaching galactose molecules to the chitosan molecules. GC was designed for immune stimulations in combination with phototherapies in the cancer treatment. The future clinical applications require a thorough understanding of the properties of GC. Murine macrophage cells (RAW264.7) were used to investigate NO formation and TNFα secretion stimulated by GC. Murine mammary tumor cells (EMT6) were treated in vitro and in vivo by laser irradiation with 980 nm in combination with GC stimulation. Here is the first in a series of studies designed to understand the immunological mechanisms of GC. Our in vitro results show that GC could enter into macrophages to stimulate NO generation and TNFα secretion. GC could further enhance the TNFα secretion of macrophages stimulated by laser treated tumor cells. Our in vivo results also show immunological effects of GC, particularly in inducing tumor-specific immune responses. Our results indicated that GC was a strong immunological stimulant for cancer treatment, particularly when combined with laser phototherapies.
Designing Infographics – A Manual for Health Care Provider Learners and Practitioners
Authors: Thompson Jim , Macartney Gail , Welton stephanie
Published: November 2024

Infographics are combinations of text and imagery commonly used in health care to summarize complex information in a story for health care learners, providers, patients or other audiences. Infographics are used in health care higher education both for teaching and for learners’ projects. Family Medicine residents, Nurse Practitioner students and others often make infographics (handouts, one-pagers or brochures) for their scholarly projects. Our objective for this manual was to summarize published evidence for the basic principles of infographics development with an emphasis on the design phase. Our primary audience for this manual is health care provider learners and practitioners. Our goal is to help them share evidence-based information with colleagues and the public.
Diferentes tipos de poda em videira associado ao uso de cianamida hidrogenada na variedade Marselan (Vitis vinifera L.)
Authors:   Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Morandi Sandro , Fogaça Marco Aurélio de Freitas ,   Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Lazzari Renato ,   Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Bergonsi Marcelo ,   Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Lima Luis Henrique de ,   Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Meazza Ivanio ,   Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Sul
Published: November 2024

The objective of the work was to evaluate the production of the Marselan grape variety subjected to 3 types of pruning and with and without the application of hydrogenated cyanamide (CH), grown in espalier, with a spacing of 1.25x3.2m and between plants of 1. 0 m. The experimental design was a factorial (2x3), completely randomized with 2 doses of CH (0% and 3%) and 3 pruning systems (Royat, Cazenave and Sylvoz) and five replications per treatment. Variables analyzed: sprouting index (ib), fertility index (if), number and mass of bunches.plant-1, production.ha-1, and soluble solids content (0Brix). The results obtained showed that there was no interaction between pruning and CH, but individually within the Sylvoz pruning treatment there was an increase in the plants' ib. Considering the other pruning variables in Sylvoz, it presented the best response for production per ha and per plant. The if were not affected by the treatments. The 0Brix was lower in the Sylvoz pruning system, the Royat and Cazenave pruning did not differ. Considering production results and 0Brix, Sylvoz pruning can be recommended as an alternative to short pruning to increase production without affecting grape quality.
Critical Voices of Asian American Non-Tenured Female Faculty: A Dialogue on Intersectionality
Authors: Saito L. Erika , Flores Nirmla
Published: November 2024

Marginalization of non-tenured faculty of color in academia endure increased responsibilities and workload without compensation, based on cultural affiliation (Cleveland, et al., 2018; Rideau, 2021). The gender equity gap in salary among non-tenured faculty further exacerbates the issue (American Association of University Professors, 2020). In raising this awareness, this collaborative autoethnographic study focuses on foregrounding the positionality in Asian American non-tenured female faculty (AANTFF) who experience triple marginalization of being Asian, female, and non-tenured. The theoretical framing for this work draws upon Asian Critical Race Theory (AsianCrit) (Chang, 1993; Iltikar & Museus, 2018; Yoo et al., 2022). Critical Asian American Feminism (Chow, 1987), and Critical Collaborative Autoethnography (Bhattacharya, 2008), to develop an interdisciplinary framework using the lens of intersectionality both as a concept and a method. Guided by this research question, in what ways do AANTFF amplify their critical voices through autoethnographic work to understand positions within Asian Critical Feminism and AsianCrit? The researchers critically reflect and engage in a dialogue on their lived experiences with intentional and collective engagement, which are rooted in a deeply seeded racialized history that has informed and shaped their present context.
Peningkatan Hasil Belajar Passing Bawah Permainan Bola Voli Melalui Metode SAVI Pada Siswa Kelas X-A MAN 1 Jombang
Authors: Budi Hartono Agus
Published: November 2024

Penelitian ini memiliki tujuan untuk mengetahui hasil peningkatan passing bawah bolavoli dengan metode SAVI, penelitian tindakan kelas sebagai metode penelitian, 30 siswa kelas X-A MAN 1 Jombang menjadi subjek penelitian. Pelaksanaan penelitian dengan dua siklus terdiri dari setiap siklus dengan perencanaan, tindakan, observasi, refleksi. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan tes hasil belajar passing bawah bola voli dan dokumentasi. Berdasarkan hasil yang diperoleh untuk data siklus I diketahui bahwa ada 18 siswa tuntas dan 12 siswa tidak tuntas, sedangkan pada siklus II menunjukkan peningkatan hasil 28 siswa tuntas dan 2 siswa tidak tuntas, Kesimpulan hasil dari siklus II 28 siswa masuk kategori tuntas dalam passing bawah bola voli, itu terbukti bahwa penggunaan metode SAVI dapat meningkatkan hasil passing bawah bola voli siswa dengan hasil peningkatan siklus I 60 %, dan siklus II 93.3%.
Оцінка ефективності застосування ультрасонографії у діагностиці запально-дегенеративних хворіб скронево-нижньощелепних суглобів
Authors: Штибель Денис Володимирович , Кулінченко Руслан Вадимович , Мельник Юрій Олексійович
Published: November 2024

Вступ. Сучасним методом діагностики поєднання зміщення дисків (ЗД) та запально-дегенеративних хвороб (ЗДХ) СНЩС є ультрасонографія (УСГ), яка дозволяє одночасно оцінити як м’якотканинні структури суглобів, так і субхондральні. Чутливість та специфічність УСГ щодо ЗД СНЩС є достатньо вивчена, тоді як ефективність застосування УСГ для виявлення ЗДХ СНЩС залишається дискусійною та потребує додаткових досліджень. Мета. Визначити ефективність застосування УСГ в діагностиці запально-дегенеративних хвороб СНЩС. Матеріал і методи. У дослідження було включено 243 пацієнта, яким досліджували правий і лівий СНЩС за допомогою УСГ та конусно-променевої комп’ютерної томографії (КПКТ). Для проведення КПКТ використовувався комп’ютерний томограф MORITA ACCUITOMO з ефективною дозою 0,1мЗв. У 248 суглобах на основі клінічного огляду та висновку лікаря радіолога щодо КПКТ обстеження було діагностовано ЗДХ СНЩС. Для виявлення ЗДХ СНЩС за допомогою УСГ оператор оцінював субхондрально-хрящовий комплекс (СХК) суглобової головки нижньої щелепи. При цьому використовувався лінійний трансдюсер 12L3 частотою від 2,9 до 11,5 МГц (SIEMENS Acuson Juniper). Результати дослідження та їх обговорення. Обчислено наступні параметри ефективності УСГ щодо ЗДХ СНЩС: чутливість становила 66,53%, специфічність – 76,89%, загальна точність – 71,60%, позитивне прогностичне значення – 75%, негативне прогностичне значення – 68,80%. Висновки. За умови достатнього досвіду оператора та використання УСГ апарату з високою роздільною здатністю, УСГ можна вважати ефективним методом для початкового скринінг обстеження пацієнтів з підозрою на перебіг запально-дегенеративних хворіб СНЩС.
Медико-соціальне обґрунтування системи надання медичної допомоги хворим на злоякісні новоутворення на регіональному рівні з метою профілактики захворювань
Authors: Зюзін Віктор Олексійович , Савельєв Андрій Олегович , Фролов Юрій Андрійович
Published: November 2024

Вступ. Мета дослідження. Запропонувати новий методичний підхід для створення системи надання медичної допомоги хворим на злоякісні новоутворення на регіональному рівні з метою профілактики захворювань. Матеріали і методи дослідження. Концептуальна функціонально-організаційна модель та принципи створення системи надання медичної допомоги хворим на злоякісні новоутворення на регіональному рівні з метою профілактики захворювань. Використано метод структурно-логічного аналізу. Результати та їх обговорення. Проведеними дослідженнями встановлені: основні стратегії рішення проблеми покращення онкологічної допомоги населенню; основи політики системи надання медичної допомоги хворим на злоякісні новоутворення; цілі системи надання медичної допомоги хворим на злоякісні новоутворення; державна соціальна програма профілактики й протидії ЗН з підпрограмами; функціонально-організаційна структура суб’єкта управління; функції суб’єкта управління, ресурси регіонального центру профілактики й протидії ЗН; види медичної допомоги, які покладаються на регіональний центр профілактики й протидії злоякісних новоутворень. Таким чином, компонентний набір суб’єкта управління містить в собі органи управління галузевого, регіонального та місцевого рівня – МОЗ України, департамент охорони здоров’я обласної державної адміністрації, управління охорони здоров’я районної державної адміністрації, міську державну адміністрацію, координаційні ради з профілактики та протидії злоякісних новоутворень. Як новий компонент додаються органи управління ОТГ, на які законодавством покладається відповідальність за піклування здоров’я громади та які спроможні використовувати нові механізми фінансування пріоритетних заходів – через прямі трансферти з державним бюджетом та шляхом наповнення місцевих бюджетів з додаткових джерел. До складу моделі системи надання медичної допомоги хворим на ЗН на регіональному рівні введено новий елемент – обласний / регіональний Центр профілактики й протидії ЗН, мета діяльності якого – задовольнити потреби пацієнтів у інтегрованій міждисциплінарній третинній медичній допомозі та консультативний і організаційно-методичний супровід надання вторинної та первинної медичної допомоги. Висновки: 1. Створення концептуальної функціонально-організаційної моделі системи надання медичної допомоги хворим на злоякісні новоутворення на регіональному рівні з метою профілактики захворювань являється на даний час пріоритетним напрямком в сучасній охороні здоров’я. 2. Вирішальну роль у попередженні ЗН відіграє спосіб життя людей, який базується на усвідомленні провідних факторів ризику виникнення злоякісних захворювань. 3. За допомогою цільових профілактичних оглядів можна вчасно виявити злоякісні новоутворення на ранніх стадіях їх розвитку, що сприяє ефективної профілактиці та своєчасному лікуванню онкологічних захворювань.
Аналіз сучасних тенденцій в обізнаності та ставленні студентів-медиків до ризиків захворювань сечостатевої системи
Authors: Макаренко Ольга Володимирівна , Заславський Даніель Дмитрович
Published: November 2024

Вступ. У сучасному світі значна кількість молоді стикається з ризиками інфекційних та онкологічних захворювань сечостатевої системи. Розповсюдження ІПСШ, зокрема ВІЛ, продовжує збільшуватися. Також значно зростає кількість випадків онкологічних захворювань сечостатевої системи, що пов’язане із шкідливими звичками та певними умовами працевлаштування. Враховуючи ці фактори, важливо проаналізувати ставлення молоді, зокрема студентів медичних закладів, до свого здоров’я. Мета дослідження. Метою цього дослідження є вивчення обізнаності студентів медичного закладу щодо захворювань сечостатевої системи, їхнього ставлення до здорового способу життя, частоти відвідування лікаря та перевірки на ВІЛ, а також оцінка ризиків щодо шкідливих звичок та інфекцій. Матеріали та методи. Дослідження базувалося на кількісному аналізі шляхом анкетування 158 студентів Дніпровського державного медичного університету. Використовувався соціальний аналіз з акцентом на описові та аналітичні методи. Опитування включало питання про спосіб життя, наявність шкідливих звичок, обізнаність про інфекції, що передаються статевим шляхом (ІПСШ), та частоту відвідування лікарів. Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Серед опитаних 55,7% студентів ведуть активний спосіб життя, але 44,3% дотримуються пасивного способу життя. Шкідливі звички, такі як паління та вживання алкоголю, є серед 34,8% студентів, які ведуть активний спосіб життя, і 31% тих, хто веде пасивний. Обізнаність щодо ІПСШ висока – 93% студентів знали про ці інфекції до початку статевого життя. Проте 40,5% опитаних ніколи не перевірялися на ВІЛ. Щодо відвідування лікаря, лише 22,8% студентів ніколи його не відвідують, тоді як інші роблять це з певною регулярністю. Висновки. Дослідження показало, що хоч більшість студентів ведуть активний спосіб життя, значна частина має шкідливі звички, що підвищує ризики виникнення серйозних захворювань. Лише 16,5% студентів живуть здорово, без шкідливих звичок та регулярно відвідують лікарів. Інші 83,5% мають щонайменше один ризиковий фактор для розвитку онкологічних або інфекційних захворювань. Важливо підвищити рівень обізнаності студентів щодо профілактики, регулярного медичного обстеження та здорового способу життя.
Вплив війни проти російської військової агресії на захворюваність населення України на туберкульоз
Authors: Слабкий Геннадій Олексійович , Білак-Лук’янчук Вікторія Йосипівна
Published: November 2024

Вступ. Мета дослідження: дослідити та проаналізувати влив війни проти російської військової агресії на захворюваність населення України на туберкульоз. Матеріали та методи. Матеріали: дані галузевої статистичної звітності за 2020-2021 рр (передвоєнний період) та 2022-2023 рр (період війни проти російської військової агресії). Статистичні дані наведені із територій, які підконтрольні Україні. Показники розраховані на 100 тис відповідного населення. Методи: бібліосемантичний, епідеміологічний, медико-статистичний, структурнологічного аналізу. Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. За період війни в Україні зареєстровано підвищено показників захворюваності: дорослого населення на всі форми активного туберкульозу в 1,13 разу та в 1,07 разу на активний туберкульоз органів дихання і склали відповідно 45,3 та 41,0 в розрахунку на 100 тисяч дорослого населення; дитячого населення на всі форми активного туберкульозу в 1,59 разу та в 1,56 разу на активний туберкульоз органів дихання і склали відповідно 11,1 та 9,8 в розрахунку на 100 тисяч дитячого населення. На територіях, які відносяться до зони активних бойових дій, відмічається достовірне зниження реєстрації вказаних показників. Так, в Донецькій області вказані показники зменшилися до 3,49 разів, а в Херсонській – до 38,0 разів. Дане опосередковано вказує на зниження доступності медичної допомоги. У віддалених від зони активних бойових дій територіях з великою кількістю вимушених переселенців відмічається достовірне зростання реєстрації вказаних показників. Так, в Кіровоградській області вказані показники підвищилися до 8,90 разів, а в Волинській – до 4,73 разів. Висновки. Війна проти російської військової агресії негативно вплинула на стан захворюваність населення України на туберкульоз.
SEMI-ANALYTIC SOLUTION OF MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF DISEASE DYNAMICS IN SCHOOL USING HOMOTOPY PERTURBATION METHOD (HPM)
Authors: Bako Deborah , Odo Chika Emelda , Oluwafemi Temidayo J. , Oladejo Janet K.
Published: November 2024

School is a place where the transmission of diseases is easy, resulting from the interaction between students and instructors. In this study, we consider the application of the Homotopy Perturbation Method (HPM) to solve a mathematical model of disease dynamics in schools. The model equation consists of five classes: the susceptible class , the infected and careless class , the infected and unhygienic class , the infected and aware class , and the recovered class . The non-linear differential model equations are transformed into a series of linear differential equations, enabling faster derivation of approximate solutions.
PYRETHROIDS RESISTANCE IN CULEX QUINQUEFASCIATUS (SAY) (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE) POPULATIONS FROM BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Umar Aliyu
Published: November 2024

This study examines pyrethroid resistance in Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes collected from some selected Local Governments Areas of Bauchi State, North-Eastern Nigeria. Insecticide resistance to different phyrethroids was determined using WHO bioassay method. The mosquitoes were also pre-exposed to Piperonyl butoxide (PBO) using the WHO method as part of the synergist assay. The results obtained from this study indicated that Culex quinquefasciatus showed resistance to deltamethrin in Misau (70% mortality), permethrin resistance was detected in Bauchi (58% mortality) and Katagum (37% mortality). Phyrethroids resistance was not detected in Lamda-cyhalotrin and alphacypermethrin. Pre-exposure to PBO in Bauchi LGA has led to 100% mortality of culex mosquitoes exposed to deltamethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin while mortality to permethrin increased from 58% to 95%. In Misau, Pre- exposure to PBO led to 100% mortality of mosquitoes exposed to permethrin and alphacypermethrin while in deltamethrin exposed mosquitoes, PBO increased the mortality from 70% to 90% mortality. The study revealed high pyrethroids resistance of Cx. quinquefasciatus in Bauchi state which causes serious problems in the management of insecticides resistance and also diseases transmitted by this mosquito.
أثر التمويل الاجتماعي الإسلامي في تمويل المشاريع الصغيرة في دولة مالي
Authors: Ahmad El Habib El Hassen SiD , Sangare Bilaly
Published: November 2024

This study aims to give a picture of the situation of small projects in Mali, considering the use of Islamic social financing tools as financing tools for these projects and their various sectors as a reason for their development, due to the various mechanisms and methods that are appropriate to the situation of these projects, and the establishment of institutions that supervise zakat, taking into account Giving, as well as waqf  and spending, have a role in influencing the strengthening of these projects and finding solutions to the problems that these projects suffer from, starting with the problem of financing. It is worth noting that interest in the agricultural sector with agricultural contracts contributes to employing a larger number of young people and owners of small projects, which reduces unemployment and crime rates. Irregular migration in Mali society. The researcher used the descriptive inductive approach in this study, using books, reports, and all sources related to the research topic. This study aims to give a picture of the situation of small projects in Mali, considering the use of Islamic social financing tools as financing tools for these projects and their various sectors as a reason for their development, due to the various mechanisms and methods that are appropriate to the situation of these projects, and the establishment of institutions that supervise zakat, taking into account Giving, as well as waqf  and spending, have a role in influencing the strengthening of these projects and finding solutions to the problems that these projects suffer from, starting with the problem of financing. It is worth noting that interest in the agricultural sector with agricultural contracts contributes to employing a larger number of young people and owners of small projects, which reduces unemployment and crime rates. Irregular migration in Mali society. The researcher used the descriptive inductive approach in this study, using books, reports, and all sources related to the research topic. 
 
تهدف هذه الدراسة إلى توصيف حال المشروعات الصغيرة في مالي، وبيان الفائدة المعتبرة في توظيف أدوات التمويل الاجتماعي الإسلامي كوسيلة تمويلية فعالة لتطوير هذه المشاريع، باعتبار ما تتميز به من آليات وأساليب ملائمة لوضع هذه المشاريع، وقد استخدم الباحث المنهج الوصفي التحليلي لدراسة وتحليل ما كتب في الموضوع، في ضوء ما يناسب موضوع الدراسة المتعلق بتمويل المشاريع الصغيرة والمتوسطة في مالي.  
وتوصلت الدراسة إلى أن الضعف الإداري والعجز المالي الذي يحدُّ من إقامة وتطوير المشاريع الصغيرة والمتوسطة يمكن التغلب عليه بإنشاء مؤسسات وقفية إدارة وتطويرا، وأخرى للزكاة أخذا وعطاءً، واستغلال تلك الأموال الزكوية والوقفية في تمويل المشاريع الصغيرة والمتوسطة في قطاعات الزراعة والصناعة والإنشاءات من خلال عقود التمويل الاجتماعي الإسلامي، بما يساهم في خفض نسبة البطالة والجريمة والهجرة غير النظامية في المجتمع المالي من خلال توظيف أكبرعدد من الشباب في هذه المشاريع.
HALAL AWARENESS AMONG HOSPITALITY LECTURERS AND STUDENTS: A QUANTITATIVE STUDY AT CHENDEROH COMMUNITY COLLEGE, MALAYSIA
Authors: Zulkafli Zuriani , Sabri Shahrul Hafiz , Zulkafli Zawati
Published: November 2024

This study investigates Halal awareness among hospitality lecturers and students at Chenderoh Community College, Malaysia. Halal awareness, defined as the understanding, perception, and practice of Halal principles, is crucial in ensuring compliance within the hospitality industry. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 50 respondents comprising 28 lecturers and 22 students through a structured questionnaire. The results reveal that knowledge has the strongest positive correlation with Halal awareness (r = .791, p < .01), followed by practice (r = .652, p < .01), and perception (r = .524, p < .01). This suggests that a comprehensive understanding of Halal principles and active engagement in Halal practices significantly contribute to heightened awareness. The study also found that lecturers tend to have higher levels of Halal awareness compared to students, primarily due to their extensive exposure and professional experience. These findings indicate the need for more robust educational interventions that integrate theoretical and practical aspects of Halal education to bridge the knowledge and experience gap among students. Curriculum reform in hospitality programs, including hands-on training and exposure to Halal certification processes, is recommended to enhance students’ preparedness for the industry. This study underscores the importance of a holistic approach, incorporating knowledge, perception, and practice to cultivate a well-rounded understanding of Halal standards among future hospitality professionals.
THE ROLE OF FASHION INNOVATIVENESS, INVOLVEMENT, AND SELF-EXPRESSION IN ENHANCING MUSLIM FASHION BEHAVIOR INTENTION: A CONCEPTUAL PAPER
Authors: Hapsari Raditha , Maulida Annina
Published: November 2024

Muslim fashion contributes to global economic growth by encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment. Muslim fashion is considered as an industry and a societal phenomenon that has triggered strong reactions from various stakeholders in various fields (socio-cultural, business, law, politics). The literature has reported the role of identity, religion, digital platforms, influencers, and social norms on consumer behavior in the Muslim Fashion industry. Muslim Fashion fosters a homogenous image of the ideal pious, beautiful, and modest Muslim woman that serves to flatten the global differences of the world's Muslims. The increasing number of social media users can shape new marketing trends and strategies, and marketers are starting to consider social media platforms as a primary channel to communicate and interact with customers. Social media platforms have revolutionized the mindset of modern business engagement, producing innovative content to create customer loyalty and expand brand reach. Customers to repurchase a brand because their strong attitude and commitment to innovative products have an impact on brand loyalty. In addition, the level of brand innovation can increase the likelihood of customers making additional purchases. With the presence of products that can express themselves, brands will be loved more and found to increase emotional responses, provide more potential to increase consumer love and encourage post-consumption loyalty behavior.
MENINGKATKAN SIFAT PADUAN ALUMINIUM (7075): MENGEVALUASI DAMPAK WAKTU PEMANASAN, PENAHANAN DAN PENDINGINAN
Authors: Sugito Ery , Nugraha Widi , Fasha Robby Hallun
Published: November 2024

Paduan aluminium (7075) sering digunakan di industri penerbangan, di mana lebih dari 73% dari komponen pesawat terbuat dari bahan ini. Meskipun aluminium murni merupakan bahan yang umum untuk memenuhi kebutuhan industri, namun meningkatkan kekerasannya melalui perlakuan panas sangat diperlukan. Dalam penelitian ini, ditemui kendala konsisten antara input dan output dalam perlakuan panas pada bahan baku alunimium. Untuk mengatasi hal ini, digunakan metode eksperimen Taguchi untuk mengidentifikasi faktor-faktor yang memengaruhi peningkatan kekerasan dan produktivitas aluminium. Faktor-faktor seperti waktu penahanan, media pendinginan, dan suhu dianalisis dengan waktu penahanan yang telah ditetapkan memiliki dampak paling signifikan, diikuti oleh media pendinginan dan suhu. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa kondisi optimal pada waktu penahanan 35 menit, pendinginan dengan air, dan suhu 490°C dapat meningkatkan kekerasan sebesar 74,40% dan produktivitas sebanyak 10 part per minggu dan 40 part per bulan. Oleh karena itu, pendekatan terbaik dan paling efisien dalam perlakuan panas (heat treatment) adalah menggunakan waktu penahanan (holding time) 35 menit dan pendinginan (quenching) dengan air.
Chapter 2. THE BEGINNING OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR (SEPTEMBER 1939): MAIN TENDENCIES OF HISTORIOGRAPHY, MODERN SOCIO-POLITICAL DISCOURSE
Authors: Soliar Ihor , Rukkas Andrii
Published: November 2024

The historiography and contemporary socio-political discourse of events related to the onset of the Second World War are considered, covering two periods: (a) 1945–1989, (b) the late 20th to early 21st century. It is noted that during the first period, under the influence of communist ideology, comprehensive and bibliographic works oriented towards the Soviet scientific concept were prepared. Conversely, the subsequent period was characterized by the emergence of new methodological approaches and a humanistic-anthropological discourse in the study of the Great War.

The significance of individual monographs and comprehensive works by Polish and Ukrainian historians, published during the 1940s to 1980s, highlighting the specifics of the war’s beginning and the military-political processes in Poland before and during Nazi aggression, is outlined. An overview of key thematic directions in the studies of Polish and Ukrainian historians is provided, including military operations, the administrative structure of occupied territories, and crimes of the Nazi regime. Emphasis is placed on the insufficient attention of contemporary scholars to the events of the September Campaign of 1939, especially regarding the Red Army’s entry into eastern Polish voivodeships.

It is mentioned that new methodological approaches and access to sources that emerged after 1989 contributed to expanding knowledge about the events of the Second World War and influenced their interpretation in Polish and Ukrainian historical scholarship. Special attention is given to studies concerning the entry of the Red Army into the territory of the Second Polish Republic, notably the works of V. Tsyhan and Ch. Hzhelak (where scientific and methodological aspects are critically evaluated, highlighting both their strengths and weaknesses). Works by Polish emigrant researchers who created an original narrative about the Second World War are also analyzed.

Contemporary Ukrainian historiography related to the German attack on Poland in 1939 is characterized. It is noted that the vast majority of Ukrainian scholars interpret these events as a military operation by the Armed Forces of Hitler’s Germany, provoked by Hitler's ambitions and his desire to create a strategically important foothold for a future attack on the USSR. Attention is focused on the contemporary socio-political discourse in the interpretation of the events at the beginning of the Second World War, particularly outlining the main messages of Russian propaganda
Chapter 4. BORDER GUARD CORPS IN DEFENSE OF THE STATE BORDER OF THE SECOND COMMONWEALTH In the VOLYN VOIVODESHIP
Authors: Demianiuk Oleksandr
Published: November 2024

After signing the Riga Peace Treaty in March 1921, the Second Polish Republic seemed to have gained guarantees of security for its own statehood on the eastern border. However, these hopes proved deceptive. Soon, such neighboring relations became toxic for the Polish state. Once again, the phrase of German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck was confirmed: «Agreements with Russia are not worth the paper they are written on.» In the early 1920s, espionage in favor of Soviet Russia, Bolshevik agitation in border counties, illegal migration across the eastern border, armed provo­cations on the Polish side of the border, bribery of local and state officials, etc. spread along the border strip. Later, Soviet sabotage groups began to act more actively.

Poland was forced to experiment with border security - customs battalions (1921-1922), border guards (1922-1923), and state police (1923-1924). Finally, the Border Protection Corps (BPC) came into play, whose units were located in the Volyn region (voivodeship) from 1924 to 1939: 1st BPC Brigade, 1st BPC Brigade «Volyn», Brigade «Volyn», BPC Regiments «Sarny» and «Rivne». During this period, the structure of the BPC changed repeatedly, new tasks for border protection, reconnaissance, and defensive actions were added. The backbone of the BPC military formations consisted of infantry and cavalry units stationed in Volyn settlements, primarily in Rivne, Hoshcha, Ostroh, Dederkaly, Zdolbuniv, Nevirkiv, Mizoch, Sarny, Rokytne, Berezne, and others.

After the start of World War II, part of the BPC personnel stationed on the eastern borders was mobilized into the regular army and sent to the western front. Therefore, the quality of border guards in terms of military training deteriorated on the Soviet-Polish border. From 17 September 1939, after the Soviet troops violated the border, most border units did not receive specific orders from the command, so they acted at their own discretion in conditions of disorientation and limited ability to assess events. Most border posts did not engage in battles, some retreated chaotically into the depths of the Volyn region, and some soldiers fell into Bolshevik captivity
Subcutaneous Panniculitis in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD): A Rare Disease Complication
Authors: Scott Sharena , Edwards Christopher L. , Boggan Michaela , Meek Jordan , Wood Mary , Bryson W. Jeff , Sollers John J. , Barker Camela S , Sawuna-Luketo Gradi , Broadnax McKenzie , Wax Noa , Muhammad Malik , Miller Jessica , Downey Brianna , Whitworth Elaine , Thorpe Roland , McDougald Alexandria , Byrd Goldie , Whitfield Keith , Parker Debra O , Burford Tanisha , Livingston Jonathan , Robinson Elwood , Lawrence Raymona , Boorst-Marx Richard , Sudhakar Shiv , Osunkwo Ify
Published: November 2024

Objective: To delineate the explore potential etiological contributions to subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) in adults with sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited hematologic disorder where standard treatment may enhance risk of the development of rare comorbidities like SPTCL.
Methods: We reviewed the scientific literature and only found one case report detailing the development of SPTCL in an adult with SCD.
Results: We reviewed 1 case reports and the general literature on hematolymphoid disorders. We discovered that there are several potential mechanisms to explain SPTCL in SCD but no conclusive evidence to support either. We reported radiographic, serological, immune, and hematological finding from the previous case.
Conclusions: SPTCL is a complex disorder with a likely multifactoral etiology. The development of the disease in adults with SCD is rare but possible as evidenced by a published case report. We advocate for additional attention to the intersection of these two diseases for the purpose of better understanding their etiology and epidemiology. More research is needed.
Occupancy of four endangered aquatic species on Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico, USA, using environmental DNA
Authors: Beauchamp JS , York G , Butler MJ , Johnson WP , Wieringa J , Wilson W
Published: November 2024

Environmental DNA (eDNA) has the potential to play an important role in surveys for rare and endangered aquatic species. eDNA sampling is non-invasive, and for small cryptic species that are difficult to survey, it may offer a viable, more efficient, and less expensive alternative than traditional techniques. We used eDNA for surveying 5 endangered spring-endemic species at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Chaves County, New Mexico, USA. Water samples (n = 40) in spring systems were evaluated in July 2018 for presence of residual DNA for Gambusia nobilis, Gammarus desperatus, Juturnia kosteri, Pyrgulopsis roswellensis, and Assiminea pecos. We detected eDNA at 50% of sites for G. nobilis, 42.5% of sites for J. kosteri, 27.5% of sites for P. roswellensis, 20% of sites for G. desperatus and did not detect A. pecos eDNA at any of the sites. We also examined the habitat conditions that drive patterns in occupancy for these endangered species and developed thresholds for habitat parameters to inform conservation decisions. Salinity and dissolved oxygen influenced sample occupancy for G. desperatus, P. roswellensis, and J. kosteri, but only dissolved oxygen influenced sample occupancy for G. nobilis. Results highlighted the efficacy of using eDNA to monitor 4 of the 5 spring-endemic species and provided insight to the habitat preferences for each species, which will help drive conservation activities.
The future for Australia’s flatback turtles
Authors: Hobday AJ , Cvitanovic C , Hamann M
Published: November 2024

The flatback turtle Natator depressus is endemic to Australia, where all known breeding sites occur. Flatback turtles have the smallest migratory range of any marine turtle species and nest on coastal islands and the shores of the Australian mainland, from southern Queensland to the north coast of Western Australia. They are threatened by various impacts associated with coastal development, including artificial light, predation from introduced animals, and climate change. They are listed as ‘vulnerable’ under Australian legislation. In response, research and conservation efforts relating to flatback turtles have expanded over the past decade, which can inform the management of the species for the future. Here, we review the current threats and prospects for the improved status of this species, including the latest research to support the current and future management of flatback turtles in Australia that has been compiled in the Endangered Species Research Special ’Managing flatback turtles for the future’. We also outline future research and management needs and emphasise the need for long-term planning underpinned by adaptation pathways and scenarios.