bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estrategias de Gestión Pública durante la Pandemia del COVID-19: Análisis y Resultados
Authors: Castro Ortega Mariana
Published: October 2023

En esta investigación, se examinan las estrategias adoptadas en la gestión pública durante la devastadora pandemia del COVID-19 en 2020. Se destaca la importancia de contar con planes de acción para enfrentar crisis de esta magnitud. La metodología utilizada es de enfoque cuantitativo, basada en la revisión exhaustiva de diversas fuentes bibliográficas de organismos nacionales e internacionales, así como de autores especializados en el tema. Los resultados revelan que una gestión pública eficiente permite implementar planes, estrategias y políticas nacionales orientadas a satisfacer las necesidades de la ciudadanía. En conclusión, se evidencia que varios países han actuado con rapidez para proteger a sus ciudadanos, pero también se pone en relieve la fragilidad del sistema de salud y la falta de preparación de algunos gobiernos para enfrentar crisis de esta magnitud. Esta investigación revisa las estrategias de gestión pública durante la pandemia del COVID-19. Se destaca la importancia de tener planes de acción para enfrentar crisis. La metodología empleada es cuantitativa, basada en la revisión de bibliografía de organismos nacionales e internacionales. Los resultados muestran que una gestión pública eficiente satisface las necesidades ciudadanas. Se concluye que varios países actuaron rápidamente para proteger a sus ciudadanos, pero el sistema de salud y la preparación gubernamental resultaron frágiles ante la crisis.
Data-Driven Machine Learning Techniques for the Prediction of Cholera Outbreak in West Africa
Authors: O. H. Onyijen , E.O Olaitan , T. C Olayinka , S. Oyelola
Published: October 2023

The cholera epidemic remains a public threat throughout history, affecting vulnerable populations living with unreliable water and substandard sanitary conditions. Various studies have observed that the occurrence of cholera has a strong linkage with environmental factors such as climate change and geographical location. Poor Hygiene has been strongly linked to the seasonal occurrence and widespread of cholera through the creation of weather patterns that favour the disease’s transmission, infection, and the growth of Vibrio cholerae, which cause the disease. Over the past decades, there have been great achievements in developing epidemic models for the proper prediction of cholera. However, machine learning techniques have not been explicitly deployed in modelling cholera epidemics due to the challenges that come with its datasets, such as imbalanced data and missing information. This paper explores the use of machine learning algorithms such as decision tree, random forest, and logistics regression to evaluate the prevalence of cholera epidemics in West African countries while overcoming the data imbalance problem. In addition, mean square error, mean absolute error, F1 score, precision and balanced accuracy metrics were used to evaluate the performance of the three (3) models. The results show that logistic regression has an accuracy of 0.47%, random forest 0.978% and the most efficient model was the decision tree 0.998% with a mean squared error and mean absolute error of 0.001% respectively shows that the model will accurately predict cholera outbreak in Africa. Overall results will improve the understanding of the significant roles of machine learning techniques in healthcare data. The study recommends a review of healthcare systems to facilitate quality data collection and deployment of machine learning techniques
Feasibility study of utilization of palm oil mill effluent (POME) as a source for microalgae nutrients
Authors: Baihaqi Rifqi Ahmad , Pratama Wahyu Dizky
Published: October 2023

As palm oil productivity increases, the waste produced will increase. Every palm oil industry produces liquid waste known as palm oil mill effluent (POME). POME contains very high BOD and COD so that it can inhibit microalgae growth. Therefore, comprehensive research is needed to find pre-treatment steps to reduce the COD and BOD content in POME before it is used as a medium for the growth and development of microalgae. The experimental mixture procedure carried out POME and microalgae according to the specified ratio. Research shows that Pond IV POME waste can be used as wild microalgae to grow, thereby reducing the BOD and COD levels of POME waste. Variable modifiers were applied to the volume of POME to the ratio of microalgae volume and the amount of nutrients provided. Microalgae growth with a ratio of 1:4 resulted in a decrease in BOD and COD to 61.66 ppm and 173.33 ppm from 110.6 ppm and 496.67 ppm. On the effect of providing C nutrition (120 ppm), resulted in lower BOD and COD at 65.33 ppm and 186.67 ppm, while the effect of providing N (40 ppm) nutrition resulted in lower BOD and reached 55.41 ppm and 158.33 ppm.
ประชาสังคมของกรัมชี่โดยสังเขป
Authors: อังศุชวาล ธีรพัฒน์
Published: October 2023

ในวงการศึกษาเรื่องประชาสังคม นับได้ว่า อันโตนีโอ กรัมชี่ นักการเมืองและนักทฤษฎีมาร์กซิสต์ชาวอิตาเลียน เป็นนักคิดที่สำคัญคนหนึ่ง ประชาสังคมของกรัมชี่พัฒนารากฐานทางแนวคิดอย่างกลับหัวกลับหางมาจากเรื่องรัฐและสังคมของเฮเกล อันที่จริง แนวคิดเรื่องประชาสังคมนี้เองที่ทำให้กรัมชี่แตกต่างอย่างโดดเด่นจากนักคิดก่อนหน้าอย่างเฮเกลและมาร์กซ์ หาใช่เรื่องรัฐไม่ กรัมชี่จำแนก ‘ประชาสังคม’ ออกจาก ‘สังคมการเมือง’ และปฏิเสธเส้นแบ่งระหว่างรัฐและสังคมซึ่งนำเสนอโดยกลุ่มแนวคิดเสรีนิยมกระแสหลัก ในทางกลับกัน กรัมชี่เสนอว่าประชาสังคมและรัฐคือสิ่งเดียวกันและเหมือนกัน รัฐในที่นี่คือผลรวมของสังคมการเมืองและประชาสังคม รัฐของกรัมชี่จึงมีความหมายครอบคลุมกว้างขวางกว่ารัฐในความหมายทั่วไป ไม่ใช่เพียงแต่รัฐบาล ประชาสังคมของกรัมชี่ยังทำหน้าที่เป็นโล่ป้องกันรัฐอีกด้วย ประชาสังคมจึงเป็นแนวคิดที่สำคัญมากสำหรับกรัมชี่ รัฐที่ปราศจากประชาสังคมคือรัฐที่มีแต่เปลือกนอก งานเขียนของกรัมชี่แสดงให้เห็นถึงความสัมพันธ์อันซับซ้อนที่มีลักษณะวิภาษวิธีระหว่างประชาสังคม รัฐ และอำนาจนำ ภายใต้ความสัมพันธ์นี้ ประชาสังคมมีบทบาทสองประการ กล่าวคือ เป็นตัวแทนของรัฐบาลและเป็นขุมพลังอำนาจนำซึ่งครอบงำรัฐ ในการนี้ จึงเป็นการไม่ผิดนักหากจะกล่าวว่ากรัมชี่สร้างแนวคิดประชาสังคมขึ้นใหม่ที่เป็นมากกว่าการทบทวนหรืออธิบายเพิ่มเติมประชาสังคมของเฮเกลอย่างที่นักคิดสายมาร์กซ์มักนิยมทำ
“ภูมิภาคนิยม” แบบใดเป็นคำตอบสำหรับเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้?—การสร้างนิทรรศการศิลปะในเวลาแห่งโลกาภิวัตน์และนโยบายเสรีนิยมแนวใหม่
Authors: สิรีกัญจน์ รัฐศรัณย์
Published: October 2023

บทความชิ้นนี้ศึกษาการสร้างองค์ความรู้เกี่ยวกับ “ภูมิภาคนิยม” ในเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้รูปแบบต่างๆ ที่แสดงออกผ่านการออกแบบนิทรรศการศิลปะที่มีเนื้อหาเกี่ยวกับประเด็นดังกล่าวบทความตั้งคำถามว่าการออกเเบบนิทรรศการ Concept Context Contestation ของ Iola Lenzi ที่แม้จะแสดงบทบาททางการเมืองแต่อยู่บนพื้นฐานของความคิดแบบรัฐชาตินั้นเป็นคำตอบสำหรับประชาคมเศรษฐกิจอาเซียนหรือไม่โดยเฉพาะเมื่อการรวมกลุ่มดังกล่าวอยู่บนพื้นฐานของการปฏิสัมพันธ์ข้ามชาติจากนั้นบทความศึกษาการออกแบบนิทรรศการ Missing Links โดยกฤติยา กาวีวงศ์เพื่อชี้ให้เห็นว่ากฤติยาใช้การมีปฏิสัมพันธ์ข้ามชาติในการนิยาม“ภูมิภาคนิยม”อย่างไรก็ดี ในมุมมองของฝ่ายซ้าย การมีปฏิสัมพันธ์ข้ามชาติก็มีปัญหาในตัวเองกล่าวคือในเมื่อการมีขึ้นของประชาคมเศรษฐกิจอาเซียนเป็นการรวมกลุ่มประเทศด้วยเหตุผลทางเศรษฐกิจเป็นหลักและเป็นส่วนหนึ่งของกระบวนการแผ่ขยายไปทั่วโลกของลัทธิทุนนิยมแบบเสรีนิยมแนวใหม่ บทความตั้งคำถามว่าเรื่องราวการย้ายถิ่นฐานและการเคลื่อนที่ที่ Missing Links เสนอนั้นมีนัยรับใช้กิจกรรมข้ามชาติภายใต้ลัทธิโลกาภิวัตน์ และทุนนิยมแบบเสรีนิยมแนวใหม่ในฐานะปัจจัยการผลิตหรือไม่หรือว่าการเคลื่อนไหวดังกล่าวเป็นการต่อต้าน
IMPACT OF EMPLOYEE TURNOVER ON ORGANIZATIONAL PROFIT WITH MODERATING ROLE OF RECRUITMENT
Authors: KHAN DR. ZARGHAM ULLAH , ALAM NAVEED , BADAR AYESHA , AHMAD DR. MUHAMMAD BILAL
Published: October 2023

Turnover rate is an important factor to consider as it relates to the performance of employees intending to leave, thus significantly impacting the company’s profitability. This study aims to examine the impact of employee turnover on organizational profit. Employee turnover is examined on organizational profitability with the moderating role of recruitment. This study used quantitative research with a descriptive approach. The finding indicates a significant negative association between employee turnover and organizational profit. Furthermore, the analysis also confirmed the moderation role of recruitment influences organizational profit.  This research delivers essential perceptions for organizations about what may influence employee turnover. The research signifies possible pathways to decrease employee turnover and increase productivity in the organization.
Implementation of Implant Traceability at Landspitali Hospital
Authors: Helgadóttir Helga , Möller Dr Eðvald
Published: October 2023

Iceland is obliged to adopt the regulations of the European Union in cooperation with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). In 2019, Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (2017) concerning medical devices was approved by the Icelandic Parliament. The regulation was established to prevent the mishandling of equipment used in medical procedures and thereby enhance patient safety. One requirement is complete traceability of an implant – an object used in a procedure and left in the body for longer or shorter periods – from the manufacturer until it is used in a patient. To ensure traceability, it is necessary to review and simplify the entire process and to prevent errors as much as possible. The Lean methodology, which focuses on simplifying processes, eliminating waste, and getting things right the first time, is used for project management at Landspitali, the National University Hospital of Iceland. Landspitali’s working environment is complex, and mistakes can be costly. There is a high demand for data collection and record keeping, which contribute to ensuring patient safety. The process of implementing changes to workflows needs to be carefully managed, and it is crucial to inform and establish trust with those involved in workflows and technical solutions. Involving staff in process improvement using Lean principles enhances insight and fosters greater acceptance of changes, making it easier to respond to problems and external circumstances affecting the transition.
The Effects of Energy Drinks on Concentration and Exercise Performance
Authors: Chiu Jhih-Jhen , Wang Hung-Tsung , Tseng Kuo-Wei , Hou Chien-Wen
Published: October 2023

Athletes\' concentration, lower limbs explosive power, lower limbs muscle strength and anaerobic exercise capacity are closely related to sports performance. This study explores the concentration, lower limb explosive power, lower limb muscle strength and anaerobic exercise capacity of 19 martial arts athletes after ingesting brewed energy drinks. The double-blind experimental design was carried out by means of balanced sequential crossover method and random assignment. All subjects will undergo the same experiment three times, each time ingesting low-dose energy drink, high-dose energy drink or placebo, with an interval of 7 days between each experiment. For each experiment, the subjects first performed a concentration pre-test, and then after ingesting different doses of energy drinks or placebos according to groups, they rested for 1 hour, and then implemented a concentration post-test. After a standardized warm-up, the sports performance will be tested sequentially. All data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA with repeated measures. There were no significant differences in concentration, lower limbs explosive power, and lower limbs muscle strength. However, the jump height and peak power of the lower limbs explosive power showed an upward trend. In the part of anaerobic power, the anaerobic peak power (734.4±42.0W), anaerobic power (11.7±0.3W/kg) and anaerobic capacity (9.0±0.3W/kg) of the high-dose group compared with the placebo group, there were significant differences (p<0.05), but no significant difference in the fatigue index. Therefore, ingesting energy drinks before exercise can help improve the anaerobic performance of martial arts athletes. It is suggested that coaches and athletes can ingest energy drinks before training or competition as a supplement to improve exercise performance, which will help improve sports performance.
Reforming Music Education: Integrating Music Business and Technology for the Modern Industry
Authors: Miranda Bruno George DiMatteo
Published: October 2023

This paper explores the need for reform in higher music education institutions by incorporating music business and technology into music degree programs. Drawing from Richard Mendelson's insights and experiences at Berklee College of Music, the study highlights the complexities and challenges associated with implementing these reforms. It emphasizes the importance of responsiveness to the evolving dynamics of the music industry and the need for universities to overcome bureaucratic obstacles to effect positive changes in music education. The paper also offers advice to traditional music students, emphasizing the significance of seeking guidance, making informed decisions, and embracing music business and technology opportunities. It underscores the importance of being open to modifying plans based on feedback and personal growth, while also acknowledging the competitive nature of the music industry. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of empirical research to validate assumptions and assess students' preparedness for post-graduation endeavors. The paper concludes by advocating for the integration of music business and technology in music education to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge for successful careers in the modern music industry.
Acordes de Impacto: La Música y los ODS Unidos por el Cambio
Authors: Hernández Pérez Ruth
Published: October 2023

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) together with the 2030 Agenda generate a proposal for change, not only environmental, but also educational. Music is a tool that allows us to create artistic projects in which society is involved to achieve social well-being, thus complying with the SDGs. This bibliometric work analyzes the magazine articles that refer to music and the SDGs. Different bibliometric indicators are studied: the year, author, journal, quartile and area of the journal. We work from the results of different databases, to the timing of the publication, to observe the evolution and the importance given to the implementation of music to face the SDGs. Being a proposal that has been in action for eight years, and three in action, there is not much background that refers to music education and the SDGs. However, it is interesting to investigate in this field, since it can imply a new vision of the future of our society and of education.
ОРГАНИЗАЦИЈА УСТАШКЕ ВОЈСКЕ 1942. ГОДИНЕ
Authors: Димитријевић Бојан
Published: October 2023

Чланак представља анализу снага Усташке војнице (војске) у 1942. години, кроз анализу органи- зације војне структуре усташког покрета у Независној Држави Хрватској. Даје се преглед њених саставних делова, од највиших команди и штабова, преко нових организационих целина – здругова, до посебних де- лова какве су железничке, припремне, добровољачке, затим јединице немачке народносне групе, и конач- но јединица за обезбеђење поглавника или логора. На крају се разматра и бројно стање усташке војске у 1942. години. Рад је настао на основу ауторовог ис- траживања у београдском Војном архиву, Хрватском државном архиву у Загребу, као и консултовања лите- ратуре која се бавила овом проблематиком.
ПЕШАДИЈСКА 342. ДИВИЗИЈА, КОМАНДНИ КАДАР И РАТНА КРЕТАЊА ПЕШАДИЈСКИХ ПУКОВА И БАТАЉОНА ОДГОВОРНИХ ЗА РАТНЕ ЗЛОЧИНЕ У ЗОНИ ЈАДРА
Authors: Бејатовић Виктор
Published: October 2023

Рад се бави обрадом кретања и саставом јединица 342. пешадијске дивизије, које су у јесен и зиму 1941. извршиле велике ратне злочине над српским цивилним становништвом у широј зони Јадра и Лознице, као и одговорним лицима за тај злочин. Она су преносила наредбе инстанцама на релацији дивизија-пук-батаљон-чета, те самим тим сносе исту одговорност као и командно одговорна лица за ма- совне ратне злочине у Крагујевцу и Краљеву, изврше- не у истом периоду. Обрада јединица и лица, која су им командовала, нуди добре резултате, јер постоји проценат вероватноће да су та лица преживела зав- ршетак рата, а нису била потраживана од стране ту- жилаштава за почињена дела. Приказан је командни кадар јединица три пука и девет батаљона, које су на широј територији Лознице, Цера и долине Јадра у оперативно-тактичком смислу вршиле ратна дејства, током којих су спроведене најсуровије одмазде са смртним квотама 100:1. Резултати овог рада ће се на- даље користити у даљим компаративним параметри- ма са методама физичке антропологије, форензичке психологије и војне историје у правцу што прециз- нијег закључивања броја страдалих лицa, што је као упоредни контролни метод дало одличне резултате на примеру злочина у Крагујевцу, и што се тиче бројева страдалих лица, и што се тиче одговорних лица која су преживела рат, а која би у оквиру судских сведочења разјаснила своју одговорност, потребне детаље и број стрељаних лица..
Problems of formation of pedagogical consciousness in the framework of designing a coherent environment of the future
Authors: Glebova Lyubov' Nikolaevna
Published: October 2023

The subject of the study is the problem of the formation of pedagogical consciousness in the conditions of designing a coherent environment of the future. Based on the analysis of the development of pedagogical reality and activity over the past decades from the standpoint of system-structural, humanistic approaches, the concept of pedagogical education as the goal and result of psychological and pedagogical education, the conditions for ensuring the coherence of the environment is substantiated. A unique model of the formation of pedagogical consciousness within the framework of the design of the environment is presented. It is concluded that changes in the public world consciousness lead to the need for the Russian pedagogical community to rethink pedagogical education and consciousness in the system of functioning of the modern educational space of the surrounding world, the country, as well as to search for those guidelines that will remain core, value- and system-forming. The mechanism of formation of pedagogical consciousness among future teachers from the standpoint of the ideas of humanities, mediocrity, is the comprehension of values through the study and analysis of materials, the creation of dialogical situations, games based on the inconsistency of the pedagogical environment and the surrounding reality, inconsistent development of the environment, opposing views in its evaluation, based on the substitution of values. This process should be carried out purposefully, systematically, consistently. The dependence of students on consciousness, self-understanding, professional activity and its basic value orientations of the value attitude to their future profession, a conscious approach to the implementation of activities, understanding the dependence on the result of pedagogical and psychological-pedagogical activity of the conditions for designing a harmonious environment for the development of the younger generation of the future is revealed.
Respuesta patológica completa de pacientes con cáncer de mama HER2 positivo tratadas con quimioterapia neoadyuvante en Colombia
Authors: Rodríguez Mauricio , González Diego M. , El-Sharkawy Farah , Castaño Mileny , Madrid Jorge
Published: October 2023

Introduction. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and the leading cause of death by cancer in women in Colombia. Approximately 15 to 20% of breast cancers overexpress HER2.Objective. To analyze the relationship between multiple clinical and histological variables and pathological complete response in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant therapy in a specialized cancer center in Colombia. Materials and methods. We performed a retrospective analysis of non-metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer patients who received neoadjuvant therapy between 2007 and 2020 at the Instituto de Cancerología Las Americas Auna (Medellín, Colombia). Assessed parameters were tumor grade, proliferation index, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, HER2 status, type of neoadjuvant therapy, pathologic complete response rates, and overall survival.Results. Variables associated with low pathologic complete response rates were tumor grades 1-2 (OR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.37-0.81; p = 0.03), estrogen receptor positivity (OR =0.65; 95%; CI = 0.43-0.97; p=0.04), and progesterone receptor positivity (OR = 0.44; 95% CI = 0.29-0.65; p = 0.0001). HER2 strong positivity (score 3+) was associated with high pathological complete response rates (OR = 3.3; 95% CI = 1.3-8.35; p=0.013). Five-year overall survival was 91.5% (95% CI = 82.6-95.9) in patients with pathological complete response and 73.6% (95% CI = 66.4-79.6) in patients who did not achieve pathological complete response (p = 0.001). Additionally, the pathological complete response rate was three times higher in patients receiving combined neoadjuvant chemotherapy with anti-HER2 therapy than in those with chemotherapy alone (48% versus 16%).Conclusion. In patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, tumor grade 3, estrogen receptor negativity, progesterone receptor negativity, strong HER2 positivity (score 3+), and the use of the neoadjuvant trastuzumab are associated with higher pathological complete response rates.
Bacteremia by non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio cholerae: Case description and literature review
Authors: Rodríguez José Y. , Duarte Carolina , Rodríguez Gerson J. , Montaño Lucy Angeline , Benítez-Peñuela Miguel A. , Díaz Paula , López Olga , Álvarez-Moreno Carlos A.
Published: October 2023

Bacteremia by non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio cholerae is a rare entity associated with high mortality rates. We report a case of non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae bacteremia confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and agglutination tests. The clinicoepidemiological characteristics and therapeutic options for this infection are also described.
Artefactos histológicos asociados a gingivectomía con láser y electrobisturí: serie de casos
Authors: Orozco Jennifer , Rico David , Barrios Lía , Hoyos Vivi , Blanco Pilar
Published: October 2023

Introducción. Históricamente se ha invertido esfuerzo en el diseño de nuevos instrumentos que superen las desventajas del estándar de referencia en cirugía, el bisturí. Como consecuencia de esto, han surgido equipos electrónicos como el electrobisturí y los diferentes dispositivos de tecnología láser. La información disponible sobre estos instrumentos sugiere que la respuesta del tejido intervenido está influenciada por los principios físicos y biológicos de corte del instrumento.Objetivo. Comparar los cambios histológicos en muestras de encía asociados al corte quirúrgico realizado con láser de diodo de 940 nm, láser de erbio, cromo: itrio-escandiogalio-granate (Er,Cr:YSGG) (2780nm) y electrobisturí mediante una presentación de serie de casos.Presentación de los casos. Se presentan tres casos de pacientes sanos sometidos a cirugía estética. El examen clínico reveló la exposición de una banda gingival queratinizada mayor de 4 mm, tejido gingival de color y textura normales, de consistencia firme y sin sangrado al sondaje periodontal. Se indicó gingivectomía con los siguientes protocolos: láser de diodo de 940 nm a 1 W, en modo continuo; láser de Er,Cr:YSGG de 2780 nm a 2,5 W, 75 Hz, modo H, aire 20, agua 40, punta de oro MT4; y bisturí eléctrico en modo de corte, a nivel de potencia cuatro. Se tomaron muestras de tejido gingival y se almacenaron en formaldehído al 10 % para su análisis histológico.Conclusión. Los tres instrumentos de corte generaron cambios histológicos producidos por el efecto térmico; los principales fueron coagulación del colágeno y carbonización.
Ultrasound image segmentation based on Transformer and U-Net with joint loss
Authors: Cai Lina , Li Qingkai , Zhang Junhua , Zhang Zhenghua , Yang Rui , Zhang Lun
Published: October 2023

Background

Ultrasound image segmentation is challenging due to the low signal-to-noise ratio and poor quality of ultrasound images. With deep learning advancements, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been widely used for ultrasound image segmentation. However, due to the intrinsic locality of convolutional operations and the varying shapes of segmentation objects, segmentation methods based on CNNs still face challenges with accuracy and generalization. In addition, Transformer is a network architecture with self-attention mechanisms that performs well in the field of computer vision. Based on the characteristics of Transformer and CNNs, we propose a hybrid architecture based on Transformer and U-Net with joint loss for ultrasound image segmentation, referred to as TU-Net.

Methods

TU-Net is based on the encoder-decoder architecture and includes encoder, parallel attention mechanism and decoder modules. The encoder module is responsible for reducing dimensions and capturing different levels of feature information from ultrasound images; the parallel attention mechanism is responsible for capturing global and multiscale local feature information; and the decoder module is responsible for gradually recovering dimensions and delineating the boundaries of the segmentation target. Additionally, we adopt joint loss to optimize learning and improve segmentation accuracy. We use experiments on datasets of two types of ultrasound images to verify the proposed architecture. We use the Dice scores, precision, recall, Hausdorff distance (HD) and average symmetric surface distance (ASD) as evaluation metrics for segmentation performance.

Results

For the brachia plexus and fetal head ultrasound image datasets, TU-Net achieves mean Dice scores of 79.59% and 97.94%; precisions of 81.25% and 98.18%; recalls of 80.19% and 97.72%; HDs (mm) of 12.44 and 6.93; and ASDs (mm) of 4.29 and 2.97, respectively. Compared with those of the other six segmentation algorithms, the mean values of TU-Net increased by approximately 3.41%, 2.62%, 3.74%, 36.40% and 31.96% for the Dice score, precision, recall, HD and ASD, respectively.
Evaluation of crystalline amino acids as potent stimulatory chemoattractants for the slipper lobster Thenus orientalis
Authors: Teoh Chui-Fen , Tuzan Audrey Daning , Yong Annita Seok-Kian , Liew Kit-Shing , Lim Leong-Seng , Liew Hon-Jung
Published: October 2023

Intensive research on the effectiveness of chemoattractants has been widely explored to improve the feed qualities in expanding crustacean farming. Taste preferences in slipper lobster remained unknown despite their significant contribution to the lobster fisheries. Chemoattractants allow better performance in aquaculture species by increasing food attractiveness and palatability. Amino acids (AA) have been leading in previous research on crustacean feeding behavior. Given that slipper lobster possesses chemoreceptors to detect and orient towards food, this study investigated an approach to identify the AA with the most potent chemoattractant in eliciting a response from slipper lobster. Behavioral assays were performed to evaluate the responses of slipper lobster Thenus orientalis (carapace length, 52.34 ± 1.52 mm) on 15 crystalline AA and three derivatives of AA (DAA) at three concentrations between 10−1 and 10−3 M as test substances (TS). Meretrix sp. extract was used as a positive control and clean filtered seawater as a negative control. The behavioral responses of 14 T. orientalis were evaluated based on their antennular flicking rate, third maxillipeds activity, and substrate probing by the pereiopods. T. orientalis responded to the solutions of single AA down to a concentration of 10−3 M, excluding histidine and serine. The behavioral activity displayed by T. orientalis increased with the TS concentrations. L-glutamic acid monosodium salt monohydrate, betaine, and glycine solutions elicited the most behavioral responses, whereas histidine exhibited the lowest behavioral responses. Conclusively, L-glutamic acid monosodium salt monohydrate, betaine, and glycine can be potential chemoattractants for T. orientalis.
Validating a re-implementation of an algorithm to integrate transcriptome and ChIP-seq data
Authors: Ahmed Mahmoud , Kim Deok Ryong
Published: October 2023

Transcription factor binding to a gene regulatory region induces or represses its expression. Binding and expression target analysis (BETA) integrates the binding and gene expression data to predict this function. First, the regulatory potential of the factor is modeled based on the distance of its binding sites from the transcription start sites in a decay function. Then the differential expression statistics from an experiment where this factor was perturbed represent the binding effect. The rank product of the two values is employed to order in importance. This algorithm was originally implemented in Python. We reimplemented the algorithm in R to take advantage of existing data structures and other tools for downstream analyses. Here, we attempted to replicate the findings in the original BETA paper. We applied the new implementation to the same datasets using default and varying inputs and cutoffs. We successfully replicated the original results. Moreover, we showed that the method was appropriately influenced by varying the input and was robust to choices of cutoffs in statistical testing.
Online Learning Self-Efficacy during an Emergent Transition: A Cross-sectional Survey among Undergraduate Students in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Thangam Mathar Mohideen Nagoor , Alatawi Ahlam , Albalawi Ahoud , Aljuhani Ashjan , Albalawi Eman , Albalawi Taif
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic significantly affected higher education, necessitating a sudden shift to virtual classes in response to COVID-19 restrictions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This transition has highlighted the importance of exploring factors that may influence students’ Self-Efficacy (SE) in online learning. Aim: To identify the dimensions of perceived SE in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and examine the association between demographic characteristics and SE levels. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnairebased research design was conducted at the Department of Nursing, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia from January 2022 to May 2022, spanning a duration of five months. Data was collected through an online structured questionnaire, which included a demographic section and the Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Online Learning (SeQoL). A total of 250 complete responses were received. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 23.0. Mean and standard deviation were used to identify the mean SE in online learning. The Chi-square (χ2 ) test was used to explore the association between SE and demographic variables. Results: Out of the total 250 students, the majority were females, 184 (76%), with age range of 20-21 years. The study found that nearly half of the participants had a high level of SE (119, 47.6%), one-fourth had moderate SE (64, 25.6%), and 67 (26.8%) had a low SE level. The mean SE in online learning among the students was 150.8 with a Standard Deviation (SD) of 77.43, corresponding to a mean percentage of 60.3%. The sub-sections of the SE scale related to interacting with classmates and instructors scored lower than other subsections. The level or year of education (p<0.001), the device used for online learning (p=0.031), previous online education exposure (p=0.038), and hours of online learning (p=0.036) were significantly associated with participants’ online SE. However, age (p=0.187) and gender (p=0.609) did not have a significant effect on online SE. Conclusion: In the present study, the majority of participants exhibited high or moderate SE in online learning. However, one-fourth of them had low SE levels, indicating the need for improvements in the online learning framework at the University of Tabuk. The study recommends enhancing learning support systems, technical support systems, and interaction to develop SE in online learning, thereby improving the overall quality of the online learning experience.
Comparison of Vantej and Dente 91 Toothpastes in the Management of Dentin Hypersensitivity: A Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Nagarajappa Ramesh , Panigrahi Priyanca , Satyarup Dharmashree , Nanda Jagruti , Dalai Radha Prasanna , Bal Sourav Chandra Bidysagar , Sethi Sashikant
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Dentinal hypersensitivity is a prevalent and distressing dental condition characterised by acute, transient pain or discomfort arising from exposed dentin in response to external stimuli, such as variations in temperature, mechanical stimuli, or consumption of acidic or sweet foods. Dentinal Hypersensitivity (DH) impacts daily activities, such as eating, drinking, and oral hygiene practices. Dentifrices are commonly used in the treatment of hypersensitivity, as they relieve sensitivity by obstructing nerve pathways through the formation of compounds. Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of two types of desensitising toothpastes, Vantej and Dente 91, in treating DH. Materials and Methods: A randomised controlled clinical trial was conducted with 40 patients who had a minimum of two hypersensitive teeth. The clinical investigation took place in a dental set-up in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from July to August 2022. The patients were randomly allocated to two groups (20 in each group) in a 1:1 ratio for the Vantej and Dente 91 groups. Over a four-week period, the patients were instructed to use the prescribed toothpaste twice daily. DH assessment techniques included a Verbal Response Scale (VRS), air blast stimulation, and cold stimulation, both at baseline and after the four-week duration. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test, with the significance level set at p<0.05. Results: The fourth-week scores compared to baseline scores for the verbal scale, air blast stimulus, and cold sensitivity methods in both groups showed a reduction in DH. In the inter group comparison, the Dente 91 group exhibited greater effectiveness compared to the Vantej group, with a significant reduction in VRS (p=0.02) and air blast stimulus (p=0.01), but not in cold sensitivity (p=0.09). Conclusion: Both Vantej and Dente 91 toothpastes significantly reduced dentinal hypersensitivity. However, the percentage reduction was higher in the latter group, suggesting more effective management of DH. Dente 91 could be considered a promising alternative to the existing over-the-counter desensitising toothpastes.
Immune System and Malnutrition: The Inseparable Duo in Managing HIV: A Narrative Review
Authors: Nitin Priyanka , Shashidara R , Hegde Usha , Jaishankar HP , Sreeshyla HS
Published: October 2023

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are among the greatest public health challenges around the globe. India ranks the third largest HIV epidemic in the world. People Living With HIV (PLWH) are highly susceptible to life threatening conditions as HIV destroys the body’s immune system. Despite anti-retroviral treatments, tackling HIV and AIDS has been an uphill task for decades with all the countries contributing their best to decrease the incidence and mortality rate. But this has been difficult as there are problems in plenty across the globe. Loss of life, economic burden, psychological effects, stigma, discrimination are the perennial problems of HIV and AIDS. Awareness about HIV/AIDS and factors influencing the disease progression is the key to break this cycle. One of the important factors influencing the disease outcome is immune status of an individual. The immune system is highly influenced by nutrition which is an integral part in managing HIV. Nutrition has always contributed to the robust functioning of the immune system of an individual. PLWH almost always have malnutrition which, if not corrected, influences the outcome of HIV infection drastically. With people across the globe showing malnutrition, either under or excess, the immune system functioning is impaired, particularly so in PLWH. Unfortunately, nutrition has been ignored or sidelined in managing HIV/AIDs. This review gives an overview of the interrelation of nutrition and immune system and how these influence the outcomes in PLWH.
Evaluation of Serum Creatinine and Serum Uric Acid In Hypothyroid Patients: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Eranhikkal Hajfa , Asha E , Krishnan Neethi R , Chacko Arun Mathew , Dhanya AK , Nath Maekha JU , Raseema AK
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Hypothyroidism, a prevalent endocrine disorder, leads to a generalised metabolic slowdown due to insufficient thyroid hormone production, potentially resulting in elevated levels of serum uric acid and creatinine, thus affecting renal function and purine metabolism. Aim: To assess serum creatinine and serum uric acid levels in hypothyroid patients while establishing correlations with their thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4) levels. Materials and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, Government Medical College, Kozhikkode, Kerala, India. The study involved 140 participants, including 70 recently diagnosed hypothyroid patients and 70 age- and sex-matched euthyroid individuals. Thyroid hormone levels (FT3, FT4) and TSH were quantified using the Cobas e411 electro-chemiluminescence technique. Serum creatinine levels were measured using the Modified Jaffe’s method, and serum uric acid levels were assessed through the Uricase method (Enzokit). Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0, and tables and graphs were generated using Microsoft Word and Excel. Results: The mean age of study participants of control group was 39.02 years and of the hypothyroid group was 36.80 years. The comparative cross-sectional analysis revealed significantly higher levels of serum uric acid and serum creatinine in hypothyroid patients compared to euthyroid controls. Specifically, hypothyroid patients exhibited a mean serum uric acid level of 10.77±2.34 mg/dL, while euthyroid controls had a mean of 4.37±0.94 mg/dL. Mean serum creatinine levels for hypothyroid patients and euthyroid controls were 2.16±0.80 mg/dL and 0.75±0.14 mg/dL, respectively. Notably, a significant positive correlation was observed between serum uric acid and serum creatinine levels with TSH (r=0.42, p-value<0.001 and r=0.45, p=0.00, respectively). Conclusion: The study identified significantly higher levels of serum uric acid and creatinine in hypothyroid patients compared to euthyroid individuals, potentially attributed to haemodynamic changes and disruptions in purine metabolism. Regular monitoring of these parameters is crucial for individuals with hypothyroidism.
Electricity Consumption (kW) Forecast for a Building of Interest Based on a Time Series Nonlinear Regression Model
Authors: Omogoroye Olajide Oyebola , Olaniyi Oluwaseun Oladeji , Adebiyi Olubukola Omolara , Oladoyinbo Tunbosun Oyewale , Olaniyi Folashade Gloria
Published: October 2023

This paper investigates the relationship between a building's past energy consumption and the outdoor temperature and predicts the next day's energy consumption using a refined time series model. Maintaining optimal indoor temperatures relative to outdoor temperatures determines a building's HVAC demand and, thus, energy consumption. We want to determine how outdoor temperature and other factors determine this consumption. With increasing urbanization and energy demand, it is important to understand building energy consumption, especially in terms of its impact on the environment. Previous research has shown the link between electricity consumption and external environmental factors and highlighted energy optimization's importance in urban structures. As cities become large energy consumers, studies point to the need to understand energy use patterns on a regional and temporal scale.

For accurate energy forecasts, data becomes the linchpin. Time series—data points arranged in chronological intervals—are foundational in predictive modeling. Due to buildings' intricate electricity consumption patterns, traditional linear forecasting often falls short. Enter nonlinear regression models: These complex models are apt for mapping and predicting nonlinear data trends. Notwithstanding their advantages, they come with challenges, primarily the high-frequency data influx from smart meters and IoT devices. But their potential benefits - from cost savings to efficient energy management - are significant. In a world caught between urban expansion and ecological preservation, efficient energy management is crucial. Accurate energy forecasting, especially for buildings, combines technological advances, statistical acumen and environmental imperatives. Understanding building energy consumption using sophisticated nonlinear regression models is evolving from an academic goal to a global necessity.
Community Forest Associations Boundaries and Sustainable Forest Management in Loita Forest, Narok County, Kenya
Authors: Kimiri Kiramba Lestan , Ming’ate Felix L. M. , Kioko Eric M.
Published: October 2023

The Kenya Forest Act of 2005, subsequently revised in 2016, introduced the Kenya Forest Service and its mandate to engage in Participatory Forest Management (PFM) agreements with local communities adjoining state forests. This framework necessitated the establishment of Community Forest Associations (CFAs) nationwide, including the Loita Community Forest Association. However, a prevailing concern surrounding CFAs is the delineation and redefinition of boundaries, an issue that has gained prominence due to Kenya's decentralized forest governance system and the ambiguity surrounding the management of locally-held common resources. This study centers on investigating the process of establishing boundaries for the CFAs both in forest resources and the users within Loita Forest in Narok County, Kenya. Notably, Loita forest operates under a Traditional Participatory Forest arrangement, controlled by community elders, led by the revered Oloibon, who steers the resource utilization decisions. The vast expanse of Loita forest encompasses both lush woodlands and savanna landscapes. Employing purposive sampling, the study engaged 52 respondents from nine distinct Loita sub-locations. Key informants were interviewed individually, complemented with focus group discussions conducted with the use of semi-structured questions. Participant observation further enriched data collection, consolidating insights from key informants and group discussions. Collected data was meticulously tape-recorded and subjected to summative content analysis. The inquiry delved into the practicality of existing traditional resource-use boundaries, the adequacy of governmental regulations, policies, and institutions in elevating forest governance within Kenya, and the extent to which individual indigenous rights have been upheld in managing and using communal forest resources. Key findings of this study show that the Loita Maasai still values their traditional norms and have great respect for cultural institutions. Major decisions concerning the management of Loita forest are made by the council of elders led by the Chief Laibon. The study also found that there exists no CFA in Loita forest and that the presence of government institutions in the forest is minimal. This study's outcomes contribute to a nuanced understanding of the intricate interplay between indigenous wisdom, modern frameworks, and sustainable forest management. It underscores the indispensable role of tradition in shaping boundaries, governance, and ecological equilibrium within Loita forest and offers practical directives for future forest management endeavors.
Factors Contributing to the Failure of Women’ssmall-Scaled Enterprises in Dodoma City Council, Tanzania
Authors: Gamba Frank Biseko , Pesha John , Chaula Egidio
Published: October 2023

Aims: This study presents the findings on the Factors Contributing to the Failure of Female Small-scale Enterprises in Dodoma City Council, Tanzania. The study was guided by three specific objectives: to identify structural factors contributing to the failure of women small-scale entrepreneurs, to find out social factors contributing to the failure of women small-scale entrepreneurs and to examine economic factors contributing to the failure of women small-scale entrepreneurs.

Methodology: The study adopted a cross-sectional research design where structured questionnaire with open and close-ended questions were used to collect primary information from a sample size of 70 respondents. The researcher used a mixed-research approach, that is, qualitative and quantitative. A qualitative approach was used in collecting respondents’ views during the interviews while the quantitative approach was used to collect information from respondents through questionnaires. Quantitative data analysis was done by using Statistical Product for Social Solution (SPSS) computer program version 25.0.

Results: The general findings indicated that government regulations like long license processing and unfavorable tax, scarcity of cash flow at the start-up, and operating and expanding their businesses served as the factors contributing to the failure of women small-scale enterprises in Dodoma City Council. It was further found that high interest rates from banks and other financial institutions affected the growth of enterprises; also, men’s perception that women’s responsibility is to take care of their families instead of working to increase their family income accelerated women to perform business as a part-time activity hence failure in business.

Conclusion: the study recommends that women’s small-scaled entrepreneurs must form groups to work together in cooperatives to reduce the business running costs such as tax, rent payable and interest rates from the financial institutions. In addition, the government should enforce laws to eradicate bureaucracy and corruption based on sex, place of origin, favoritism and infidelity from some government officials and credit officers during the compliance of business tax approximation and loan application processing.