bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An overview of seismic attenuation in the Northern Appalachians Seismic Zone, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia
Authors: Farahbod A M , Cassidy J F
Published: March 2022

In this study we investigated coda-wave attenuation (QC) from the northern Appalachian region of eastern Canada in the two provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. We used earthquake recordings from 8 broadband and 2 short period seismograph stations of the
Canadian National Seismograph Network (CNSN) across the region. Our dataset is comprised of 476 earthquakes recorded between 1983 and 2021 with magnitudes ranging from 1.5 to 4.1, depths from 0 to 20 km (with the vast majority being <10 km) and epicentral distances of 5 to 100 km. This
gives a total of 261 high signalto- noise (S/N) traces (S/N greater than or equal to 5.0) useful for QC calculation (with a maximum ellipse parameter, a2, of 100) across the region. Coda windows were selected to start at tc = 2tS (two times the travel time of the direct S wave), and were filtered at
center frequencies of 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 Hz. Our study reveals a consistent pattern. We find that in the northern New Brunswick, the lowest Q0 values (e.g., Q0 of 61) are at station KLN which is the closest station to the epicenter of the 1982 Miramichi earthquake (M 5.8). The highest Q0 values that
we find (e.g., Q0 of 178) are at station GGN, located in the southern New Brunswick. Smaller Q0 values for stations in the north (closer to the Charlevoix-Kamouraska seismic zone or Miramichi source area) is explained by Jin and Aki's (1988) finding that Q0 is lower in the vicinity of large
earthquakes. An average for all the data results in a Q relationship of QC = 99f0.96 for the frequency band of 2 to 16 Hz for the entire region.
Evaluating Changes in Determinants of Stunting among Children Under 2 Years and Assessing Their Contribution to Socioeconomic Disparity in Child Nutritional Status across India
Authors: Das Deboshree
Published: March 2022

Background:

Despite concentrated global efforts to bring about reduction in malnutrition among children, it continues to remain a public health concern, especially in developing countries such as India. While substantial reduction in the levels of stunting has taken place over the years, high levels of variation exist in distribution of stunting across the country.

Objective:

The study aimed to identify the determinants of stunting in early childhood and their contribution to change in levels of stunting across India. It also compared the socioeconomic disparity in the levels of stunting and changes therein over the last decade.

Methods:

The study utilizes data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3 and NFHS-4) on children aged under-2 years. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression identified determinants of early childhood stunting followed by Oaxaca decomposition model to assess the contribution of each of the factors to reduction in levels of stunting over the years. Concentration index was used to study the socioeconomic disparity in early childhood stunting.

Results:

Nearly 19% decrease in early childhood stunting can be attributed to increase in institutional deliveries, 14% to increase in maternal schooling, and 10% to improvement in maternal body mass index. In spite of an overall decrease, very little change is seen in socioeconomic disparity of childhood stunting.

Conclusions:

The study identifies institutional deliveries, maternal schooling, and maternal health as major contributors of decrease in early childhood stunting. It identifies persisting socioeconomic disparity in childhood stunting over the last decade.
Quantifying Age Heaping and Age Misreporting in a Multicentric Survey
Authors: Basannar D. R. , Singh Sumeet , Yadav Jyoti , Yadav Arun Kumar
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

Demographic indices known as the age-heaping indexes were used to explore the patterns of age misreporting in a multicentric survey.

Methods:

The data of 3252 individuals were analyzed, and measurement of errors in age for the sampled data has been evaluated by Whipple's Index (WI), Myer's Blended Index, and United Nations Age–Sex Accuracy Score which comprises Sex Ratio Score, Male Age Ratio Score (ARS), and Female ARS.

Results:

Out of total 3252 participants, 828 (25.5%) were female. The mean statistical division age of our population was 34 (8.5) years and ranged from 15 to 65 years. The percentage of female ages ending with digits 0 or 5 is 23.55% and percentage of male ages ending with digits 0 or 5 is 23.28%. The calculated WI was 117.75 and 116.34 for males and females, respectively. The calculated Myer's Index for females and males is 10.53 and 25, respectively.

Conclusion:

The study provides evidence that probably age-heaping bias is less of problem in the conducted study.
Awareness of the Use of Standard Precautions during Care of People Living with HIV by Ward Attendants in Indian Hospitals
Authors: Fernandez Ryan , Raj Tony D. S. , Heylen Elsa , Nyblade Laura , Devadass Dhinagaran , Srinivasan Krishnamachari , Ekstrand Maria L.
Published: March 2022

Context:

Standard precautions (SP) are infection prevention practices universally used during patient care to lower infection transmission.

Aims:

The aim of the study was to (1) assess Indian ward attendants' (WAs) knowledge, perceived efficacy, and self-efficacy regarding SP and (2) examine correlates of SP self-efficacy and intent to use unnecessary precautions during care of people living with HIV.

Subjects and Methods:

Data are sourced from a face-to-face baseline survey of a stigma-reduction trial among 1859 WAs from Indian hospitals. Percentages were used to describe categorical variables means and standard deviations for continuous variables. Multiple regressions examined associations between measures.

Results:

WAs who had heard of SP had 44% higher odds of confidently using SP than those who had not heard of them. Those aware of universal SP use were 43% more likely to feel confident in using SP but also reported greater intent to use unnecessary precautions.

Conclusions:

Hospitals could implement SP training for WAs, as their knowledge of universal use was lacking.
Lung Function Impairment In Patients Treated For Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Associated Factors in Puducherry, South India
Authors: Pydipalli Mounika , Chinnakali Palanivel , Rajaram Manju , Sundaram Shanthosh Priyan , Roy Gautam
Published: March 2022

Context:

After completion of treatment, a proportion of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) (PTB) patients experience lung function impairment (LFI) which can influence their quality of life.

Aim:

This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of LFI in patients treated for PTB and the associated factors.

Settings and Design:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients treated for PTB in eight primary health centers in Puducherry.

Subjects and Methods:

The study was carried out among 118 patients. Those aged 18 and above whose PTB treatment outcomes were declared as cured or completed between 2018 and 2019 were included. Demographic data, respiratory symptoms before TB diagnosis, comorbidities, and chest radiography findings before TB treatment were collected. All participants underwent spirometric tests before and after dilatation with salbutamol nebulization.

Statistical Analysis:

Multivariable analysis identified smear-negative TB and indoor exposure to biomass for cooking as significant independent risk factors for LFI.

Results:

Of 118 participants interviewed, 70.3% were male and the median age of the participants was 47.7 years. The prevalence of LFI was 62.7% (95% confidence interval: 53.3–71.4).

Conclusion:

LFI was frequent in patients treated previously for TB. Creating awareness about the possible LFI among these patients along with the awareness for seeking health care for this condition is the need of the hour.
Factors Associated with Out-of-Pocket Expenditure among Patients Admitted for Cataract Surgery under District Blindness Control Society Scheme
Authors: Shambhu Rashmi , Akshaya Kibballi Madhukeshwar , Bappal Anupama , Jain Rashmi , Hegde Vidya , Pavithra H.
Published: March 2022

Background:

The National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment in India supports the management of various conditions of the eye including cataracts.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to estimate out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) and factors associated with it among patients admitted for cataract surgery under District Blindness Control Society (DBCS) scheme.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a Medical College Hospital of Coastal Karnataka, South India. Data were collected using a predesigned semi-structured interview schedule from 100 patients admitted for cataract surgery under DBCS scheme. Costs were reported as median values with interquartile range (IQR) and compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test.

Results:

Median total cost incurred by the patient was INR 1700 (IQR 1052–2575). Median direct costs (1425, IQR 762.5–2200 INR) included medical expenditure (600, IQR 0–1475 INR), mainly contributed by the treatment of systemic comorbid conditions and nonmedical expenditure toward travel. Median indirect costs (400, IQR 200–600 INR) included loss of wages for the patient and the bystander.

Conclusions:

OOPE for cataract surgery among DBCS patients was associated with the presence of comorbidity, postponement of surgery, duration of hospital stay, and distance traveled by the patient.
A Cross-Sectional Study Investigating the Association of Serum Iron Concentration and Platelet Count as a Risk Biomarker among the Pregnancy-Induced Hypertensive Women in the Highlands Western Ghats of Nilgiris
Authors: Basutkar Roopa Satyanarayan , Chauhan Bhaktraj Singh
Published: March 2022

Background:

The elevated serum iron levels and reduced platelet count at 20–24th week of gestation period cause oxidative stress that leads to the pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH).

Objectives:

The objective is to determine the prevalence of serum iron concentration, decrease in platelet count, and its association with PIH.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the secondary care hospital of Udhagamandalam. A total of 150 study participants were enrolled. Descriptive analysis was performed for demographic characteristics. The Pearson Chi-square test was performed for categorical variables. To measure the strength of the association between the two variables, Pearson's correlation test and logistic regression analysis were performed.

Results:

The mean serum iron levels in both the groups were 99.01 ± 12.86 ug/dL and 82.76 ± 18.95 ug/dL, respectively, at a P value of 0.005. The platelet count (96.34 ± 9.77 vs. 116.68 ± 23.55) was significantly lower in PIH group. A moderate and weak correlation was seen between serum iron levels and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (r = 0.435; P = 0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (r = 0.435; P = 0.01). Moderate negative correlation was observed between SBP, DBP, and platelet count. The risk of developing PIH is 6.76 times due to increased serum iron levels and 3.67 due to decreased platelet count.

Conclusion:

The serum iron levels were elevated, and the platelet indices were reduced in the PIH group. This should be considered a possible risk biomarker for PIH.
Epidemiological and Clinical Profile of COVID-19 Patients Admitted in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Western India
Authors: Jain Shikha , Raval Devang A. , Mitra Aarohi , Chaudhary Diksha , Khare Utkarsh
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

Ahmedabad city reported the highest number of cases and deaths. In order to guide various interventions and monitor future trends, evidence is required. Hence, we conducted the present study to explore the epidemiological determinants, clinical profile, risk factors, and predictors of mortality of COVID-19.

Methods:

This was a retrospective record-based descriptive study of 2268 confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted in a designated COVID hospital of Ahmedabad city from March to July 2020.

Results:

The median age of patients was 54 years, and 60.9% of them were males. Majority (83.27%) had comorbidities; the most common comorbidity was hypertension (62.59%) followed by diabetes (44.76%). The most common symptoms reported were fever (69.76%), breathlessness (55.47%), and cough (53.18%). Majority (61.12%) of the patients showed lymphocytopenia, and in one-third (34.85%), D-dimer levels were elevated (>1 μg/ml). Odds of inhospital deaths were higher in patients having breathlessness and gastrointestinal symptoms and comorbidities. More of the deceased had leukocytosis and lymphocytopenia, high D-dimer levels, C-reactive protein, and altered liver function tests as compared to the survivors.

Conclusion:

While making decisions such as prevention of exposure of high-risk population to the infection, control of the existing comorbid condition, and prioritization of this population for vaccination, criteria of case definition for surveillance keeping in mind the typical and atypical manifestations of the disease, require robust evidence which the current study could provide insight to.
A Rare Case of Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis with Severe Acute Malnutrition in an Infant
Authors: Mohakud Nirmal Kumar , Sahu Sanjay Kumar
Published: March 2022

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare hematological entity in children that presents with unremitting fever, organomegaly, cytopenias, hemophagocytosis by activated macrophages, and results in a fatal outcome in untreated cases. Other biochemical abnormalities include hyperferritinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypofibrinogenemia, increased soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels, histological evidence of benign hemophagocytic macrophage, and impaired natural killer cell activity. It is the result of an aberrant hyper inflammatory response that usually does not respond to conventional treatment. Secondary HLH is mostly associated with infection, malignancy, and autoimmune diseases and usually resolves on the treatment of the primary condition. Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) causing secondary HLH is rare, although hemophagocytosis in bone marrow without other diagnostic features of HLH is seen in many deficiency states including SAM. Here, we present a 1-year-old female child with SAM and secondary HLH focusing on clinical manifestation, diagnosis and treatment.
Asymptomatic chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia BCR-ABL. (+) without splenomegaly
Authors: Rajabto W , Angkasa YK
Published: March 2022

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is one of the myeloproliferative disorders characterized by Philadelphia chromosome presence. Contrary to Western countries, most CML patients in Indonesia present symptoms with splenomegaly as the most common finding. It is rare to find asymptomatic CML patients. We present a case of asymptomatic chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia BCR-ABL (+) without splenomegaly who achieved a hematologic and molecular response to imatinib.
Comparison of factors affecting patients with a myofascial temporomandibular disorder with and without sleep bruxism
Authors: Tuncer A , Atay F , Guzel HC , Tuncer AH
Published: March 2022

Aims and Background:

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between jaw function, neck disability, sleep quality, fatigue, and headache in patients with myofascial temporomandibular disorder (TMD) with sleep Bruxism (SB) and without it (non-SB).

Subjects and Methods:

This case-control study was conducted with a total of 200 myofascial TMD patients, comprising 91 identified as SB and 109 as non-SB. The Jaw Function Limitations Scale (JFLS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6) scales and indexes were used.

Results:

In the group with SB compared to the non-SB group, JFLS, NDI, PUKI, and FSS scores were statistically significantly higher (P < 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of visual analog scale (VAS) (P = 0.127) and HIT-6 scores (P = 0.365). The probability of having JFLS in patients with SB compared to those without was folded 3.551 times (P = 0.002), and the probability of having NDI increased 3.473 times (P = 0.002). In addition, SB was observed to trigger poor sleep quality (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant determinant of bruxism on FSS (P = 0.196), and on HIT-6 (P = 0.488).

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that SB causes limitation of the jaw's functional activities, neck problems, and decreased sleep quality in myofascial TMD. These findings emphasize the importance of considering SB when evaluating and treating patients with myofascial TMD problems.
Associaton of dermatoglyphic patterns and salivary pH with DMFT index of patients in Riyadh
Authors: Lingam Amara Swapna
Published: March 2022

Background:

Dental caries is a multifactorial disease with a genetic disposition.

Aim:

To evaluate correlation among dermatoglyphic patterns, salivary pH, and dental caries.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 150 randomly selected volunteers between 15 and 30 years of age who visited dental clinics from November 2019 to December 2020. Caries status was evaluated as decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index, and salivary pH was measured. Patients with a DMFT score of 0–5 were into Group A, those with DMFT 5–10 into Group B, and those above 10 were classified into Group C. The dermatoglyphic patterns on the palmar digits of participants were recorded using the method by Cummins and Midlo.

Results:

A higher salivary pH was observed in Group A and Group B when compared with Group C (P = 0.001), and this difference was statistically significant. Group A exhibited a statistically significant association with the arch form of fingerprint (58.1%), whereas Group B exhibited a statistically significant association with the loop form (51.9%). Group C exhibited a statistically significant association with the whorl pattern of fingerprint pattern (98.8%) (P = 0.001).

Conclusion:

The loop pattern is associated with lesser incidence of caries, whereas whorl pattern is associated with higher incidence of caries. Dermatoglyphics is a noninvasive method that can be used to identify caries susceptibility and take appropriate prophylactic measures.
Is there a threshold for red cell distribution width to predict malignancy in breast masses?
Authors: Akturk OM , Yıldırım D , Çakır M , Vardar YM , Erozgen F , Akıncı M
Published: March 2022

Background:

Red cell distribution width (RDW) has been shown to have predictive properties in different diseases as well as solid cancers.

Aim:

We aimed to investigate the discriminative properties of RDW in benign and malignant breast lesions.

Subjects and Methods:

In a retrospective cohort study the files of patients who underwent surgery for fibroadenomas (Group A) and breast cancer with axillary lymph node metastasis (Group B) were reviewed. The pathology reports and laboratory parameters and demographics of the patients were recorded for comparison. The patients were later excluded if they had an hemoglobin level below 12 mg/dl and the outliers were removed for a comparison. Seventy-six patients in the fibroadenoma group and 62 patients in the breast malignancy group were compared for the RDW levels to predict the presence of malignancy. Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted for RDW and a threshold for prediction of malignancy was calculated.

Results:

The difference in RDW levels between group A and group B was found to be significant, 13,10% (IQR 12.60 -13.70) versus 13,80% (IQR 13.10-14.40) respectively, P = 0,00. The area under the curve was 0.71 (95% confidence interval 0.62 to 0.79), P = 0,00. For the threshold of 13,75 the positive predictive value was 67.35 (95% CI 55.72 to 77.17) and negative predictive value was 67.42 (95% CI 60.76% to 73.44).

Conclusion:

The RDW levels, after adjusted for anemia, were found to have a positive prediction for malignancy in more than two thirds of the patients for the level of 13.75%.
CORAL DISEASES IN NORTHEASTERN BRAZILIAN REEFS
Authors:   Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Avelino Camile Dias , Dias Thelma Lúcia Pereira
Published: March 2022

In the last decade, corals from northeastern Brazil have experienced bleaching events linked to thermal anomalies, the consequences of which have been the appearance of disease outbreaks affecting different species. As a way to explain and monitoring diseases progression and other characteristics regarding the identification in the field for coral diseases, this article aimed to demonstrate the particularities that follows each diseases symptom. This study presents the results of an assessment of the presence of coral diseases on six coastal reefs in northeastern Brazil, including marine protected areas. After 300 hours of visual censuses, a total of 875 colonies were observed; of these, 114 colonies had some disease, representing 13.02% of the colonies analyzed. Five diseases/syndromes were recorded in four host coral species: white syndrome, white plague, red band, dark spots, and white band. This is the first record of white band on the Brazilian coast. The massive coral Siderastrea stellata showed colonies with all registered diseases, which arouses great concern for conservation of the Brazilian coast.
Impact of the COVID-19 National Lockdown on a Rural and Tribal Population of Tamil Nadu, Southern India: A Mixed-Methods Survey
Authors: Ramesh Rohan Michael , Aruldas Kumudha , Marconi Sam David , Janagaraj Venkateshprabhu , Rose Anuradha , John Sushil Mathew , Moorthy Mahesh , Muliyil Jayaprakash , Saravanakumar Puthupalayam Kaliappan , Ajjampur Sitara Swarna Rao , Sindhu Kulandaipalayam Natarajan
Published: March 2022

We assessed the impact of the national lockdown on a rural and tribal population in Tamil Nadu, southern India. A mixed-methods approach with a pilot-tested, semi-structured questionnaire and focus group discussions were used. The impact of the lockdown on health, finances, and livelihood was studied using descriptive statistics. Multivariable logistic regression was carried out to identify factors associated with households that borrowed loans or sold assets during the lockdown, and unemployment during the lockdown. Of the 607 rural and tribal households surveyed, households from comparatively higher socioeconomic quintiles (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.84; 95% CI, 1.01–3.34), with no financial savings (aOR, 2.91; 95% CI, 1.17–7.22), and with larger families (aOR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.22–2.53), took loans or sold assets during the lockdown. Previously employed individuals from rural households (aOR, 5.07; 95% CI, 3.30–7.78), lower socioeconomic households (aOR, 3.08; 95% CI, 1.74, 5.45), and households with no savings (aOR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.30–2.44) became predominantly unemployed during the lockdown. Existing government schemes for the elderly, differently abled, and widows were shown to be accessible to 89% of the individuals requiring these schemes in our survey. During the focus group discussions, the limited reach of online classes for schoolchildren was noted and attributed to the lack of smartphones and poor Internet connectivity. Although the sudden, unannounced national lockdown was imposed to flatten the COVID-19 curve, aspects related to livelihood and financial security were affected for both the rural and tribal populations.
Fatty acid composition and nutritional analysis of waste crude fish oil obtained by optimized milder extraction methods
Authors: Mgbechidinma Chiamaka Linda , Zheng Gang , Baguya Elnalee Buyagao , Zhou Hanghai , Okon Samuel Ukpong , Zhang Chunfang
Published: March 2022

The increasing environmental impact of fish waste has attracted more attention towards developing simple, greener, and effective valorization methods. This study employed optimized milder extraction methods as a potential process intensification strategy to valorize marine and freshwater fish wastes with significant proximate compositions (p < 0.05). Using response surface methodology, the optimized parameters, including lower temperature (60℃), less enzyme concentration (1%), and 1:1 ratio of less toxic solvents, had high desirability levels (˃ 0.92). Although identical chemical functional groups were observed in the infrared spectra, the marine fish waste produced higher oil yields. The physicochemical characteristics of the oils were within the international CXS 329-2017 standard. Palmitic acid (21.21–26.63%), oleic acid (19.78–27.11%), eicosapentaenoic acid (6.02–9.97%), and docosahexaenoic acid (17.00- 20.83%) were the dominant saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in the crude fish oil. The average nutritional quality values of the fatty acids were: polyunsaturated/saturated (0.85–1.33), omega-6/omega-3 (0.18–0.22), atherogenic index (0.35–0.46), thrombogenic index (0.23–0.33), hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (2.21–2.77), nutritive value index (0.87–1.68), health-promoting index (2.19–2.82), and fish lipid quality (24.18–28.88). The present research revealed the potentiality of fish waste valorization by optimized milder extraction methods as a possible sustainable approach for targeting the era of zero waste while producing quality crude fish oil.
Detection of Faults in Photovoltaic Module in the Frequency Domain
Authors:   Electrical Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Bejaia, 06000, Algeria, Tafinine Farid , Behloul Fatiha ,   Electrical Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Bejaia, 06000, Algeria
Published: March 2022

A photovoltaic system can be subject to various faults and anomalies during its operation, leading to a drop in performance. Allowing fine diagnosis, detection and localisation of faults in a Photovoltaic (PV) installation reduces maintenance costs and above all increases productivity. In what follows, we focus specifically on the detection and localisation of faults on the AC side of the PV system. For this purpose, the choice was made to analyse the power generated by the PV in the frequency domain for the various operating modes under consideration. Based on the spectral analysis of the three phases of the generated currents, faults characteristic frequencies are highlighted in the power spectral density of the first principal component. The diagnosis method gives a good basis for a non intrusive condition monitoring tool for PV system.
A family of adaptive filtering algorithms based on the variable step size
Authors:   Detection Information and Communication Laboratory (DIC), Department of electronics, University of Blida 1, Route of Soumaa B.P. 270, Blida 09000, Algeria, Hassani Islam , Bendoumia Rédha ,   Detection Information and Communication Laboratory (DIC), Department of electronics, University of Blida 1, Route of Soumaa B.P. 270, Blida 09000, Algeria
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we present the most used adaptive filtering algorithms such as Least Mean Square (LMS) and its normalized version NLMS with their advantages and drawbacks, and then show how the Variable Step Size (VSS) algorithms have been proposed to slove problems coming from the fixed step size. Series of simulations have been carried out under different effects such as: the size of the adaptive filter and different values of step size to validate the good behaviour of the four presented VSS based algorithms over the classical adaptive filtering algorithms with fixed step size. Also, results have confirmed the superiority of VSS based algorithms in terms of convergence speed with almost identical computational complexity.
Simulation and Optimization of a Wind Energy System in the Adrar Region
Authors:   LDDI Laboratory, University of Adrar Adrar, Algeria, ABBAS Razika , Harrouz Abdelkader ,   LDDI Laboratory, University of Adrar Adrar, Algeria, Belatrache Djamel ,   VPRS Laboratory,Department of Renewable Energies,Kasdi Merbah University Ouargla, Algeria, DUMBRAVA Virgil ,   Polytechnic University of Bucharest, Department of Electric Power Systems, Bucharest, Romania
Published: March 2022

The production of Electrical energy from so-called renewable sources in general and wind energy in particular, continues to increase and becomes more and more significant. Currently, the problem is not just how much energy is produced from an unpredictable source but how much can be improved and optimized. Each wind power system contains three main subsystems which can be modeled independently: Turbine (aerodynamic power), Generator side converter (active and reactive power) and the grid side converter (injected power). Our objective in this article is to contribute to the improvement and optimization of the quality of energy produced taking into consideration the real wind speed in the Adrar region. With the help of Simulink, we simulate this energy system and identify it more accurately and easily by monitoring the change in wind speed and its impact on the work of the system.
O ekološkoj funkciji pojedinih poreskih podsticaja
Authors:   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Law, Stojanović Predrag
Published: March 2022

Tax incentives can be seen as state support to the taxpayer. The most frequent argument for in their favour is the possibility of increased stimulation of foreign investments in the economy. Still, tax incentives are only one of the factors taken into account by the investors and included in their economic decisions. It seems necessary to establish a balance between such a way of satisfying the need to attract foreign capital and the need to protect the environment as our existential conditio sine qua non. The intention of the legislator to stimulate the purchase of electric and hybrid vehicles is to be welcomed, in order to reduce pollution in that way as well. However, it remains debatable whether the existing tax incentives will indeed fulfill their non-fiscal, environmental, function
Evaluation of Some Advanced Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Lines for Agronomic Traits Under Kırklareli and Tekirdağ Conditions
Authors: GÜNGÖR Hüseyin , ÇAKIR Mehmet Fatih , DUMLUPINAR Ziya
Published: March 2022

This study was carried out to determine grain yield and yield components of five bread wheat genotypes and 20 advanced lines at Kırklareli and Tekirdağ locations in 2017-2018 cropping year. The experiments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. In the study, grain yield (GY), plant height (PH), spike length (SL), number of spikelets/spike (SS), number of grains/spike (KS), grain weight/spike (KWS), test weight (TW) and thousand kernel weight (TKW) were investigated. Bread wheat genotypes were found statistically significant for all investigated traits according to the data obtained from two locations. According to the results of two locations the investigated traits such as GY ranked from 423.8 to 572.5 kg da-1, PH 85.3 to 116.2 cm, SL 8.8 to 12.2 cm, SS 16.5 to 21.6, KS 39.4 to 65.6, KWS 1.30 to 2.91 g, TW 65.9 to 75.6 and TKW 32.6 to 44.7 g. Relationship between GY and SS, KS and KWS were found positive and significant. In addition, relationship between PH and SL (r=0.39*), SS and KS (r=0.39*), SS and KWS (r=0.42*), TW and KS (r=0.42), TW and KWS (r=0.44*), KS and KWS (r=0.64**) were significant and positive. The highest grain yield was obtained from SME9 bread wheat advanced line at both Kırklareli and Tekirdağ, which was concluded as promising.
Medical use of Phenol
Authors:   Assistant Prof., Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University, Faculty of Education, Department of Chemistry, Rasheedy Sheeraz Khan
Published: March 2022

In organic chemistry, phenols, in some cases called phenolic, are a class of substance compounds comprising of at least one hydroxyl gatherings (- OH) fortified straightforwardly to a sweet-smelling hydrocarbon bunch. The easiest is phenol, C_6 H_5 OH. Sorption of phenolic compounds is an exceptionally perplexing cycle and many variables impact it. Toward the start, definite compound construction of phenols is given its ramification for actual properties, for instance, benefits of dissolving and edges of boiling over, solvency in water, pKa and Log P. Additionally impact of enacting and deactivating substituents on the properties is clarified. On this premise, cooperation with the most often utilized sorbents, for instance, artificially changed silica’s, polymers and permeable carbons, is depicted. Phenol is a kind of natural compound. It has a somewhat sweet aroma that could help you to remember some place that is clean, for example, a medical clinic room. In restricted amounts, it’s accessible for quite a long time and wellbeing related employments.
Develop HR Contingency Strategies to Deal with Situations Similar to Covid-19 in Future in Jordan
Authors:   Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, Almohtaseb Ahmad Ali
Published: March 2022

The study aims to explore the importance of developing HR contingency strategies in dealing with situations like Covid-19 in the future. For this purpose, the primary quantitative data collection technique was applied using a structured survey questionnaire. The sampling size of the research was 300 respondents, which includes the general manager and vice president of industrial companies listed on the Amman financial market. The data were analysed using SPSS software. The test that was executed on the gathered data includes frequency analysis, reliability analysis and regression analysis. The estimated results show that developing remote operational policies can help sustain organisational performance in times of crisis such as a pandemic (P-value<0.05). Meanwhile, developing lean HR policies can help sustain organisational operations and performance in times of Pandemic (P-value<0.05). Therefore, the study concluded that developing HR contingency strategies has significant importance particularly in dealing with similar situations like Covid-19.
Analysis of the Effect of Food Quality, Price, Location and Environment, and Service Quality on Customer Loyalty through Customer Satisfaction of Burger King Customers in Surabaya during the Pandemic
Authors:   Universitas Pelita Harapan falculty of Economic and Buissnes, S.M. Alexander,
Published: March 2022

Community needs in the food industry have decreased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. . This can be seen from the economic growth in the second quarter of 2020 which decreased by minus 5.32 percent. Restaurant companies that rely on dine-in eating habits must also pay more attention to the development of online delivery so that restaurants can survive, with good online development, making their own restaurant applications, would be able to attract more buyers, the use of technology to facilitate payments and ordering is one of the steps restaurants to survive and thrive. With the changes in habits implemented during the pandemic, this can be an opportunity for a fast food restaurant like Burger King, which has more practicality compared to other non-fast food meals. The concept of a drive-tru and delivery-order is becoming more and more due to these pandemic times, which should pay more attention to various sectors of the food and beverage industry, especially Burger King. This study aims to analyze how the influence of food quality, price, location and environment, and service quality on customer loyalty through customer satisfaction variables. The benefits expected in this study can increase knowledge in the field of management, especially how much influence customer satisfaction has so that it can increase customer loyalty and correct existing errors and ultimately this will be able to increase sustainable transactions from Burger King restaurant customers in Surabaya. The data collection in this study was carried out by distributing questionnaires to 132 respondents with the characteristics of male and female respondents, aged 18-60 years, domiciled in Surabaya, had bought and consumed ( dine in / on the spot) Burger King in Surabaya twice in the last two years. For processing and analyzing data in this study using SPSS 22.0. After that, to tabulate the results of the respondent's research, and to test the research model using the Structural Equation Model (SEM) AMOS 22.0 data analysis technique.
The Effect of Product Quality, Service Quality, Environment Quality, and Product Assortment on Customer Loyalty trough Customer Satisfaction of BCA Mobile Application
Authors:   Master of Management Student, Pelita Harapan University of Surabaya, Indonesia, Amadea Evelyn
Published: March 2022

The spread of the Covid-19 virus which is still increasing requires the Indonesian government to issue a policy to limit mobility for the sake of the nation's recovery. In the end, community activity in public places decreased and community activity in the house increased. This causes an increase in internet usage traffic, including digital transactions. Banking is one of the industries that also plays a major role in digital transactions, one of which is Bank BCA which has been the largest and most trusted private bank in Indonesia since 1957. The study will use six variables, namely product quality, service quality, environment quality, product assortment, customer satisfaction, and customer loyalty on the BCA Mobile application. This study uses a quantitative approach with Structural Equation Model (SEM) analysis techniques and AMOS 22.0 software. Collecting data in this study using an online questionnaire to 100 respondents with the characteristics of men and women who live in Surabaya and aged 18-60 years who have used the BCA Mobile application at least three times in the last six month. The results of this study indicate that product quality has a significant effect on customer satisfaction with a regression coefficient of 0.354 but product quality has no significant effect on customer loyalty with a regression coefficient of 0.059, service quality has a significant effect on customer satisfaction with a regression coefficient of 0.520 and service quality also has a significant effect. on customer loyalty with a regression coefficient of 0.283, environment quality has a significant effect on customer satisfaction with a regression coefficient of 0.480 and environment quality also has a significant effect on customer loyalty with a regression coefficient of 0.287, product assortment has no significant effect on customer satisfaction with a regression coefficient of 0.060 and product assortment also has no significant effect on customer loyalty with a regression coefficient of 0.097, and customer satisfaction has an effect significant to customer loyalty with a regression coefficient of 0.312.
The Influence of Preoperative Thyroid Gland Volume On Intraoperative Time and Postoperative Complications for Total Thyroidectomy Patients
Authors:   ORL-HNS Consultant in King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Ghafouri Abdullah , Hawsawi Hassan ,   Department of ORL-HNS in King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Published: March 2022

Objective: To determine the influence of preoperative thyroid gland volume on intraoperative time and postoperative complications for total thyroidectomy patients in a militaty tertiary hospital.
Peranan Efikasi Kendiri dan Kemahiran Teknologi Digital Guru Sekolah Rendah dalam Memotivasikan Pembelajaran Murid
Authors: Eng Ling Ong , Kutty Faridah Mydin
Published: March 2022

Pelaksanaan Education 4.0 mementingkan kemahiran teknologi. Teknologi digital menjadi satu pelantar penting untuk merevolusikan pembelajaran, menginovasi pedagogi dan meningkatkan kualiti pembelajaran murid. Justeru, kajian ini bertujuan mengenal pasti hubungan antara efikasi kendiri dan tahap kemahiran teknologi digital guru dengan motivasi belajar murid. Kajian ini menggunakan reka bentuk kuantitatif berbentuk kajian tinjauan. Sejumlah 118 orang guru dari lima buah sekolah rendah dipilih sebagai sampel kajian melalui persampelan rawak mudah. Data dikumpulkan menggunakan soal selidik yang diadaptasi daripada instrumen Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES), Computer Self-Efficacy Scale (CSE) dan Instructional Material Motivational Survey (IMMS). Statistik deskriptif dan statistik inferensi untuk menganalisis data menggunakan perisian Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) versi 26.0. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa tahap efikasi kendiri guru dalam penggunaan teknologi digital adalah tinggi (M=4.04, SD=0.62) dan tahap kemahiran teknologi digital guru juga tinggi (M=4.01, SD=0.71). Berdasarkan perspektif guru, tahap motivasi belajar murid melalui penggunaan teknologi digital juga tinggi (M=4.30, SD=0.62). Hasil dapatan menunjukkan terdapat hubungan yang sederhana dan signifikan antara efikasi kendiri guru dengan motivasi belajar murid, r(118)=.590, p=.000 (p<0.01) dan juga antara tahap kemahiran teknologi digital guru dengan motivasi belajar murid, r(118)=.671, p=.000 (p<0.01). Hasil kajian ini membuktikan efikasi kendiri guru terhadap teknologi digital dan tahap kemahiran teknologi digital guru memainkan peranan dalam memotivasikan pembelajaran murid. Penggunaan teknologi digital oleh guru di dalam bilik darjah dapat meningkatkan motivasi belajar dan kualiti pembelajaran murid.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ENTREPRENEURIAL TEAM AND GROWTH OF SMALL AND MEDIUM MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES IN KENYA
Authors: Mwaniki Zipporah , Nyang’au Samson , Ngugi Patrick
Published: March 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between entrepreneurial team and growth of small and medium manufacturing enterprises in Kenya.

Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The target population was 422 manufacturing SMEs in Nairobi County who are members of Kenya Association of Manufacturers. Nairobi County was purposively selected. Both stratified and simple random sampling was used to select a representative sample. Both primary and secondary data collection techniques were employed. A Pilot study was conducted on 20 manufacturing SMEs in Kiambu County to establish and improve on the validity and reliability of research instruments. Data collected was coded and stored in tabular form using Microsoft Excel. Data was analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods. Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25 software through descriptive statistics (measures of central tendency and measures of dispersion). Data was presented through Tables.

Results: The study found out that the there was a significant positive relationship between entrepreneurial team and growth of small and medium enterprises. The conclusion from the results is that that 23.8% of growth of small and medium enterprises in Kenya is explained by entrepreneurial team.

Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommended that the government should formulate supportive policies for entry, survival and growth of manufacturing SMEs such as favorable terms and conditions for accessing finance, entrepreneurial education and training, research and development and markets.
A Dual-Cancer Patient with Disease-Free Survival for 63 Months and Over 70 Cycles of Alimta: A Case Report
Authors: Zhang Min , Zhou Huan , Liu Dan , Chen Jun
Published: March 2022

Of all malignant tumors, lung cancer has the highest mortality rate. Here, a rare case of a dual-cancer patient with stage IVA non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and stage IIA lung adenocarcinoma has been reported. The patient received more than 70 cycles of Alimta without any adverse reactions caused by chemotherapy, and his disease-free survival reached 63 months.
Design and Implementation of VANET in Ad hoc Network using MATLAB
Authors: Kuthe Annaji , Chaudhari Tejas , Thakare Shekhar , Dohtare Praful , Waghmare Divyadeep
Published: March 2022

Today wireless communications is becoming the most useful means of transferring data, and the most active research sector. In this I will demonstrate one of the most useful types of the Ad-Hoc networks; the Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks. VANET is the sort of technology of constructing an Ad-Hoc network with resilience between vehicles and each other, as well as, between mobile vehicles and with all roadside unit additionally. To facilitate the communication between automobiles, a special type of MANET known as VANET has been developed. Using realistic vehicle mobility models, we develop VANET simulators and models for representing vehicle communication and mobility. This test necessitates the use of both a traffic and network simulator. However, because it is simple, easy, and inexpensive, the MATLAB has been preferred to the traffic simulation. An urban scenario Vehicular Ad-Hoc Network (VAN) simulation is the goal of this paper, which can be used for testing. MAC protocols in VANETs can benefit from this type of environment.
Studying the trend and progress on Covid-19 pandemic from 29th January to 4th of February 2022 across different countries of the world
Authors: Simeon Joseph Oyepata , Tosin Joseph Opeyemi , Zubairu Sabastine Aliyu , Oyepata Joseph Sunday
Published: March 2022

Background and Objective: According to WHO most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.. This work is aim at Studying the trend and progress on Covid -19 pandemic from 29th January to 4th of February 2022 across different countries of the world. Material and Method: Data from one hundred and seventy two (172) countries and regions of the world were gotten from United Nations Geoscheme. Results were collated and subsequently compared to the values obtained for USA. Result: Europe and America still have high situation rate of the virus.Compared to the USA most European countries tend to have lower mortality factor when compared to incidence factor. Asia also has a relatively high incidence and mortality factor, while Africa has little to no comparism factor value. The Omicron is the most predominant strain with high infectivity rate as the original virus. Conclusion: despite various variant of COVID-19, Africa appears to developed a natural surval mechanism. There is therefore need for the rest of the globe to further investigate the reason for this spared onslaught and develop vaccine based on AfricansCOVID-19 antibody make up so as to develop a more robost immunity