bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Herramientas educativas para la prevención de equinococosis quística humana en escolares de una zona endémica de Perú
Authors: León Córdova Daphne , Vicuña Alvarado Fariva , Mejía García Carolina , Rodríguez Álvarez Estela , Salcedo Rodríguez Consuelo
Published: July 2023

El estudio desarrolló y validó herramientas educativas para la prevención de equinococosis quística humana (EQH) en la población escolar de tercer, cuarto, quinto y sexto grado de educación primaria de una institución educativa pública de la región Junín, Perú. El estudio cuasiexperimental estuvo conformado por tres fases: 1) diseño de herramientas educativas; 2) validación de las herramientas por juicio de expertos; y 3) aplicación y validación de las herramientas en campo. El efecto de las herramientas se evaluó contrastando conocimientos antes y después de la intervención a través de un test de diez preguntas. Se generó cuatro herramientas educativas: un cuento para pintar, un juego de mesa, un rotafolio y un museo. El juicio de expertos determinó una validez fuerte para el rotafolio y el cuento (V de Aiken = 1.14 y 1.21, respectivamente), y una validez aceptable para el juego y el museo (V de Aiken = 1.08 y 1.03, respectivamente). En la evaluación en campo, participaron 131 alumnos, 42.8 % niñas y 57.2 % niños, con edades entre 8 a 13 años. La proporción de alumnos que modificó sus conocimientos postperíodo de intervención tuvo diferencia significativa para la mayoría de preguntas (p < 0.05). De igual manera, hubo diferencia significativa (p < 0.05) entre las notas del pre-test y post-test. Los alumnos lograron adquirir conocimientos a través del uso conjunto de las herramientas educativas. Se espera que los conocimientos perduren y, a través del tiempo, favorezcan la modificación de actitudes y prácticas para reducir el riesgo de infección por EQH.
Factores sociodemográficos y económicos que influyeron en el consumo de carne de pollo y otras aves en el Perú durante el período 2016- 2020
Authors: Zuazo José , Amarista Manuel
Published: July 2023

El objetivo del estudio fue analizar los factores sociodemográficos, micro y macroeconómicos que influyeron en el consumo de carne de pollo en el Perú entre 2016 y 2020. Para ello se diseñó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo y correlacional. La información usada se recolectó de la plataforma digital del Ministerio de Desarrollo Agrario y Riego (Midagri) y del Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática (INEI). Los resultados obtenidos mostraron la existencia de crecimiento sostenido del consumo. El coeficiente de correlación de Pearson permitió identificar la existencia de una relación lineal, fuerte, positiva y significativa entre el consumo y las variables sociodemográficas nivel educativo (r = 0.95; p = 0.01) y crecimiento poblacional (r = 0.99; p = 0.0004); los factores macroeconómicos PIB (r = 0.90; p = 0.03) e importación del maíz amarillo duro (r = 0.93; p = 0.01); y el factor microeconómico consumo nacional de maíz amarillo duro (r = 0.99; p = 0.001). Sin embargo, se identificó una relación negativa entre el consumo y la variable inflación (r = –0.86; p = 0.057). Asimismo, se calculó el coeficiente de determinación para las variables que mostraron una relación significativa, y se encontraron valores superiores a 0.81. De esta forma, se determinó que estas variables independientes explican más del 80 % de la varianza del consumo de carne de pollo. Se concluye que la variable consumo estaría afectada negativamente por el entorno externo, como la variación del precio de la carne de pollo, el aumento de la materia prima, o por el entorno interno, como el aumento de la inflación, que afecta negativamente el ingreso familiar y genera inseguridad alimentaria en las poblaciones vulnerables.
Habermas and Internet: The Reversed Transformation of Public Sphere in the New Media Age?
Authors: Zhaparaliev S.
Published: July 2023

According to Jürgen Habermas, one of the leading figures in the conceptualization of the public sphere and public opinion, the public sphere must be considered as an arena that allows citizens to freely express, discuss, criticize and, eventually, publish their opinions on common topics. According to some new media theorists, such a sphere is being re-created within the age of new information technologies. The Internet’s contribution to public opinion and organization of social movements is also attributed to the development of deliberative democracy, changing the perception that citizens can participate in political processes only during elections. In this sense, the Internet can become a new impetus for democratization of societies and formation of a participatory culture, providing equal opportunities to all people, including members of diverse minority groups excluded from the public sphere in the era of traditional media. Supporters of this thesis are trying to adapt the concept of the public sphere by J. Habermas to the modern digital world. In other words, for them, the Internet-cafe of the 21st century plays the role of coffeehouses and salons of the 18th‑19th centuries. Those who analyze the new media from a critical perspective, on the contrary, see the Internet as a great machine that can be used to control and manipulate citizens. Approaching the issue from a completely different perspective, they note that new information technologies lead to capitalist exploitation and corporate control, on the one hand, and to the dissemination of false information and interference in the private life of citizens, on the other. In the field of economics, the concepts of “digital capitalism”, “cybercapitalism”, “surveillance capitalism”, and “wikinomics” are already widely used, implying the commodification of virtual data, which ultimately results in a huge “personal data market”. This study aims to compare the aforementioned perspectives and answer the question of whether the Internet can contribute to the formation of a free public sphere separate from the political sphere.
Digitalization of International Settlements: Tradecoin vs US Dollar
Authors: Balyuk I. , Balyuk M.
Published: July 2023

Russia as the main object of the Western sanctions is forced to look for alternative mechanisms of international settlements. The establishment of a new mechanism of international settlements without the US dollar is the basic condition for further transformation of global monetary system, which will become an incentive for the development of fair international relations. Digitalization provides new opportunities for world economy. At present trading on digital platforms using electronic payment units actively competes with traditional forms of trade relations. The level of digitalization of world economy makes it possible to create a new system based on fairer relations and attracting more countries. There is not only a technical, but also social and economic option to replace the US dollar in international economic relations with more universal, convenient and reliable instruments that do not have national affiliation and political engagement. The authors propose to establish a digital international settlements platform (DISP) which makes it possible to guarantee avoiding external data manipulation. Such a platform could provide participants with the possibility of using national currencies in international settlements, with cross rates based on real purchasing power. Purchasing power of currencies can be determined by comparing domestic prices expressed in national currencies for widely used goods or a basket of goods. The distinguishing feature is the possible standardization to ensure correct comparison. Comparing the price level for a specially formed basket of similar goods will facilitate to determine the cross rates of currencies more correctly, excluding the speculative component. The average cost of the basket will determine the value of digital international currency asset (DICA) and its exchange rate to national currencies. A pilot project of implementing a new mechanism of international settlements can be initiated by Russia within BRICS with a participation of countries wishing to join it.
ANALISIS SEMIOTIK JOHN FISKE MENGENAI REPRESENTASI PERJUANGAN KELAS PADA SERIAL FILM PEAKY BLINDERS
Authors: Mukti laksana Rangga Cahyo , Kusuma Nararya RR Widya Dhana
Published: July 2023

Tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu: (1) mengetahui tanda semiotik apa saja yang merepresentasikan perjuangan kelas pada Serial Film Peaky Blinders; (2) mengetahui maksud dan pesan yang ingin disampaikan pada film tersebut melalui tanda semiotik. Teori yang digunakan untuk menganalisis penelitian ini menggunakan teori kelas Marxisme. Metode penelitian ini menggunakan Semiotika John Fiske dengan mengklasifikasinya ke dalam tiga bagian, yaitu: realitas, representasi, dan ideologi. Data diambil dari beberapa scene film pada musim 1-5. Hasil penelitian ini menemukan bahwa pembagian kelas sosial adalah nyata, itu semua terjadi secara disengaja dan dikonstruksi secara sosial. Dalam serial Peaky Blinders ditampilkan selalu ada perjuangan kelas untuk menentang hegemoni kelas di atasnya.
PENERAPAN PITCH BIBLE DALAM PRODUKSI FILM ANIMASI 2D LEGENDA NAYA SENTIKA
Authors: Arifudin Dani , Astrida Deuis Nur
Published: July 2023

Perkembangan teknologi di bidang perfilman salah satunya adalah Animasi.  Dalam proses produksinya ada banyak bagian yang harus dikerjakan, mulai dari menemukan ide, scenario/naskah cerita, Storyboard, concept art, animation of Storyboard, recording and casting, music and sound FX dan lain-lain. Tentunya dalam proses produksi ini melibatkan banyak bagian dalam tim produksi, sehingga masing-masing bagian harus menjalin komunikasi yang efektif dan efisien serta mendokumentasikan hasil kerjanya ke dalam sebuah dokumen, salah satu panduannya yaitu Animation Pitch Bible. Pada penelitian ini penerapan pitch bible diaplikasikan pada proses produksi film animasi 2D legenda Naya Sentika, yang sekaligus bertujuan mengangkat budaya lokal daerah untuk diangkat ke dalam film animasi. Metode perancangan yang digunakan adalah metode yang dikembangkan oleh Villamil-Molina, di mana Pitch Bible masuk pada tahap produksi. Hasil dari penelitian ini berupa implementasi dokumen pitch bible dalam pembuatan film animasi, sehingga proses pembuatan film animasi akan lebih terstruktur.
IMPLEMENTASI TEKNOLOGI KENDARAAN LISTRIK BERBASIS BATERAI UNTUK MEMBANTU MOBILITAS PENGGUNA KURSI RODA
Authors: Adhitia Guspara Winta , Saputra L. Kuncoro Probo , Satwikasanti Winta Tridhatu , Cohen Felicula Cardiyanta Elia , Bagastira Yusuf Tegar
Published: July 2023

Agenda nasional mengenai percepatan kendaraan listrik berbasis baterai perlu mendapatkan usulan implementatif supaya dapat membantu pengguna kursi roda dalam melakukan mobilitas. Argumentasi ini didasarkan pada dua hal penting, yaitu adopsi teknologi yang memungkinkan untuk diwujudkannya alat bantu mobilitas untuk kursi roda dan definisi kursi roda yang ditetapkan oleh World Health Organization sebagai perangkat mobilitas beroda dengan tempat duduk yang digunakan oleh orang yang mempunyai kesulitan berjalan atau bergerak. Masalahnya adalah, situasi ini belum banyak diminati oleh desainer, yang ditandai dengan belum banyak munculnya alternatif desain alat penggerak listrik berbasis baterai untuk kursi roda di Indonesia. Berdasarkan situasi itu, kami mencoba merancang perangkat yang kami sebut penggerak listrik kursi roda yang dapat dilepas-pasang. Kami menggunakan metode PIRUS yang merupakan metode desain pengembangan sendiri untuk membangun prototipe. Bekerja sama dengan salah satu bengkel di Yogyakarta selama delapan bulan dan akhirnya membangun prototipe pertama kami yang diberi nama MOKURA (Mobilitas Kursi Roda). Saat ini kami sedang mencoba membangun Mokura-2 dan Mokura-3 untuk penyempurnaan prototipe.
PERANCANGAN VISUAL IDENTITY GETUK BARS SEBAGAI OLEH-OLEH KEKINIAN BANYUMAS
Authors: Pertiwi Elianna Gerda , Prayuka Mayopi , Kalbuadi Gandung Anugrah
Published: July 2023

Kuliner legendaris memiliki daya tarik terhadap wisatawan untuk mejelajahi suatu kota. Seperti hal nya getuk goreng yang menjadi salah satu kuliner legendaris Sokaraja. Inovasi terhadap kuliner terus berkembang seiring dengan perkembangan zaman. Getuk Goreng juga tak lepas dari upaya inovasi tersebut dengan tujuan memperlebar target audiens, terutama anak muda. Salah satu bentuk inovasi terhadap getuk goreng adalah Getuk Bars. Getuk Bars mengombinasikan getuk dengan dua lapis krim rasa menjadi satu produk snackbar. Dengan inovasi tersebut, Getuk Bars memiliki potensi untuk berkembang dan diminati oleh generasi muda. Namun dengan potensi yang ada, Getuk Bars belum memiliki identitas visual yang baik. Sebagai upaya awal untuk mendukung hal tersebut, maka dilakukan perancangan identitas visual produk. Perancangan ini dilakukan dengan metode penelitian kualitatif berupa observasi, wawancara, kuisioner dan dokumentasi. Setelah itu metode analisis SWOT, kompetitor, USP dan positioning. Kemudian hasil dari perancangan ini adalah logo baru dari Getuk Bars yang memiliki konsep kekinian dan feminim dengan warna pastel. Hasil lainnya adalah perancangan GSM Graphic Standart Manual (GSM) dari Getuk Bars.
ANALISIS STRUKTUR FILM; NARRATIVE DAN NARRATION PADA FILM LAMUN SUMELANG
Authors: Widhi Dwi Putri Nugrahaning
Published: July 2023

Penelitian “Analisis Struktur Film: Narrative dan Narration pada film Lamun Sumelang” ini mengkaji tentang struktur film dengan melihat struktur cerita dan struktur penceritaannya. Film Lamun Sumelang memiliki struktur cerita tiga babak dengan penceritaan tak terbatas yang menunjukkan sebuah proses kreatif dalam penciptaan film dilihat dari dari sisi cerita dan gaya penceritaannya. Sehingga penelitian ini layak untuk diangkat dan dapat menambah wacana bagaimana hubungan isu-isu lokalitas pada masyarakat dapat disajikan dalam film. Penelitian ini akan menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif dengan melihat pendekatan struktur film tiga babak dan penceritaan tidak terbatas  pada medium audio dan visual. Film Lamun Sumelang menghadirkan cerita yang relate dan dekat dengan masyarakat di Gunung Kidul atas fenomena “pulung gantung”. Film Lamun Sumelang memberikan sudut pandang lain dalam menjawab kebenaran atas mitos “pulung gantung” dengan memperlihatkan kondisi masyarakat yang tinggal di daerah Gunung Kidul. Film ini menyajikan keterikatan sebuah budaya masyarakat dalam melihat mitos, sosial, ekonomi, nasib, kehidupan dan kematian yang menjadi bagian dari problematika manusia. Film secara penceritaan memiliki bangunan cerita ke arah tujuan/goal dari karakter utama, sementara itu pembuat film menerjemahkan cerita tersebut ke dalam bahasa visual melalui gaya penceritaannya. Penelitian ini akan fokus dengan mengamati film sebagai teks yang terdapat dari unsur audio dan visual. Penelitian ini akan memperlihatkan bangunan audio dan visual yang menggambarkan sebuah narasi cerita pada fenomena “pulung gantung”.  Hasil dari penelitian ini bertujuan dapat memaparkan unsur dari narrative; yaitu hubungan sebab akibat antara tokoh, masalah dan tujuan serta narration pada film Lamun Sumelang; yaitu bagaimana cara pembuat film menceritakannya melalui audio visual.
ANALISIS KECACATAN PRODUK PADA PRODUKSI BATU BATA MERAH DENGAN METODE PLAN, DO, CHECK, ACT PADA DR GROUP MAJENANG
Authors: Rusyd Ibnu
Published: July 2023

DR Group Majenang is an MSME engaged in printing production. One of the products produced is red brick. In January 2022, DR Majenang Group can produce 15,500 red bricks but 840 red bricks fail or are considered defective. There are 2 (two) types of products that occur in red bricks, namely slow drying and brudul. Slow drying defects in January 2022 reached 445 pieces (53%), while the delivery of fruit was 395 pieces (47%). For this purpose, this research was conducted with the aim of knowing the causes of rejection of red brick products and proposed improvements using the PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Action) method and the tools used are: Pareto diagrams, Fishbone diagrams, p-charts. The result of the research is the cause of the occurrence, namely the soil material that is not in accordance with the standard for the completion of the purchase of soil material with the quality of the soil which is dark red in color and when clenched by hand it clumps. The soil that is said to be not good is soil that is a bit dark black and if it is clenched it will not clump. The absence of supervision is the supervisor of every production process taking place and the use of a 6:2,5 measure. Six (6) for soil and two and a half (2.5) for water with a cast bucket measuring 31x26 cm, but the employee was negligent and gave a dose of 3 buckets or even more.
IDENTIFIKASI KEBUTUHAN PELANGGAN TERHADAP PRODUK RAK KALENG
Authors: Nurjannah Nurjannah
Published: July 2023

Minuman kaleng merupakan salah satu minuman siap saji yang bisa disantap kapanpun dan dimanapun. Penggunaan kemasan kaleng merupakan salah satu cara praktis untuk penyimpanan minuman dalam jangka waktu lama. Penyimpanan minuman kaleng perlu diperhatikan agar bagian luar tidak terkontaminasi bakteri dan tidak terjadi perubahan warna maupun karat pada permukaan kaleng, Oleh karena itu dibutuhkan rak kaleng. Rak kaleng digunakan untuk penyimpanan minuman kaleng dan juga berfungsi sebagai dekorasi rumah, serta kemudahan dalam penyimpanan dan pengambilan minuman kaleng. Tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu mengidentifikasi kebutuhan pelanggan terhadap rak kaleng minuman, dengan menggunakan metode Quality Function Deployment (QFD). Responden dalam penelitian ini berjumlah 30 orang yang mengisi kuesioner secara on line, dengan kriteria responden pernah melihat dan menggunakan rak kaleng. Hasil penyebaran kuesioner didapatkan kebutuhan pelanggan antara lain yaitu memiliki material yang bersifat kuat, material yang tahan lama, mampu menampung banyak kaleng, memiliki bahan yang ringan, aman digunakan, nyaman digunakan, mampu melindungi kaleng dari kotoran, dan dapat mengeluarkan kaleng secara otomatis.
Investigating Stakeholders Networks; Case Study on Cidanau Watershed in Indonesia
Authors: Budiarto Moh Sofyan , Widianingsih Ida , Muhtar Entang Adhy , Buchari Rd Ahmad , Saksono Herie -
Published: July 2023

Social network analysis is extensively employed for the examination of relationships and networks among actors across diverse disciplines and thematic research domains. Nevertheless, the utilization of this approach in agriculture and natural resources, particularly pertaining to watershed management, has been relatively limited. The objective of this study is to conduct an analysis of the social interaction and networks of Cidanau Watershed Management (CWM) stakeholders and measure the nodes of units as individuals or organizations in relation to the role and influence of each other through a quantitative approach. The results of the data analysis show that Fkdc has a high degree of centrality and centrality betweenness. This shows that Fkdc has a strong influence and controls CWM network interaction. Conversely, Hs (households) have a low degree of centrality, and centrality betweenness values have a low influence and role in actors’ networks. According to the closeness centrality parameter, it is observed that both Households (Hs) and Universities (Univ) have exhibited the shortest geodesic distance in relation to other stakeholders within the network, thus indicating their highest level of closeness. It means that households and universities had interdependency and were controlled by others. The lowest centrality of Fkdc means that Fkdc has independence of influence and high control access over others. There are four CWM network clusters based on total link strength. Fkdc demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities, enjoys a strong reputation, and possesses a high degree of popularity within the network. Furthermore, Fkdc serves as a positive central node that effectively brings together the interests of all actors, fostering a collective commitment towards shared goals and mutual rewards. In the CWM case, Fkdc is a sustainable watershed organization that acts as a central network body and plays a fundamental role as an intermediary between networks and interactions. Ultimately, with regards to the viewpoint of CWM, the decentralization of watersheds aimed to facilitate wider public engagement by establishing Fkdc as a central network entity and assuming a crucial role as a medium for the dissemination of information, exchange of ideas, and the exertion of influence among its members.
Real-Time Exploration on Buildup Dynamics of Diode-Pumped Passively Mode-Locked Nd:YVO4 Laser with SESAM
Authors: Cheng Pi-Wen , Hsu Yu-Hsin , Wei-Chang Xiu , Liang Hsing-Chih , Chen Yung-Fu
Published: July 2023

The buildup dynamics of diode-pumped passively mode-locked solid-state laser is thoroughly explored by the real-time measurement with temporal sampling rate up to 40 GHz. A concise cavity is developed to ensure the transient dynamics purely arising from the gain medium and saturable absorber. Experimental results reveal that the laser output in the buildup process exhibits numerous passively Q-switched pulses followed with a damped relaxation oscillation prior to the stable mode locking. Furthermore, it is confirmed that the laser output has already displayed single clean mode-locked pulses inside the first several Q-switched envelopes before stepping into the stage of relaxation oscillation. The present real-time exploration is expected to provide important information for practical applications with temporal modulation of the pump intensity.
Federated Learning in Small-Cell Networks: Stochastic Geometry-Based Analysis on the Required Base Station Density
Authors: Nguyen Khoa , Nguyen Quan , Hong Jun-Pyo
Published: July 2023

Recently, federated learning (FL) has been receiving great attention as an effective machine learning method to avoid the security issue in raw data collection as well as to distribute the computing load to edge devices. However, even though wireless communications is a essential part for implementing FL in edge networks, there have been a few works that analyze the effect of wireless networks on FL. In this paper, we investigate FL in small-cell networks where multiple base stations (BSs) and users are located according to homogeneous Poisson point process (PPP) with different densities. We comprehensively analyze the effects of geographic node deployment on the model aggregation in FL on the basis of stochastic geometry-based analysis. We derive the closed-form expressions of coverage probability with tractable approximations and discuss the minimum required BS density for achieving a target model aggregation rate in small-cell networks. Our analysis and simulation results provide insightful information for understanding the behaviors of FL in small-cell networks, and it can be exploited as a guideline for designing the network facilitating the wireless FL.
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): A Mini Review of Lipid Profile, Blood Glucose, and Ovarian Histological Improvements
Authors: Wahid Syawany , Ramli Muhammad Danial Che , Mohd Fathil Ezza Fazleen , Rosli Muhammad Naim , Mokhtar Mohd Helmy
Published: July 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women, characterized by fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries and various symptoms including high androgen levels, endometrial irregularities, and cysts. While the cause of PCOS is unknown, it has been linked to genetic, endocrine, and metabolic factors, and there are several treatment options, including lifestyle modifications, medications, and surgery. Natural products, such as medicinal plants and fruits, are being explored as potential treatments for PCOS due to their bioactive compounds with pharmacological effects related to antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties. Some of these compounds improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and enhance glucose metabolism, which is beneficial for women with PCOS. This review examined the effects of natural products on PCOS, including their effects on ovarian histological changes, blood glucose, sex hormones, and lipid profile, based on animal and human studies. This study suggests that the use of natural products as complementary medicine can be a promising resource for the development of effective therapeutics for PCOS, but that further research is needed to fully understand their benefits
Analysis of Frequent Marine Accidents in Commercial Fishing Vessels: Focus on Fatal Accidents in Trap Boats and the Development of Preventive Guidelines
Authors: Kim Su-Hyung , Ryu Kyung-Jin , Lee Seung-Hyun , Lee Kyoung-Hoon , Kim Seong-Hun , Lee Yoo-Won
Published: July 2023

The number of fishers working on commercial fishing vessels worldwide is approximately 159,800 according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The International Labour Organization estimates that the mean annual number of deaths during fishing is approximately 24,000. Most guidelines for the prevention of marine accidents have been developed with a focus on vessels involved in international navigation. As these guidelines may have parts that are unsuitable for application in small-scale boats operating in coastal areas, appropriate modifications are required. This study analyzed quantitative data on 1,790 marine accidents that occurred in trap fishery, a globally common type of fishery, and data obtained through a survey of 101 fishers in South Korea. A guideline to reduce the rate of fatal accidents was developed using the Bayesian network, a method used for the analysis of accidents, as suggested in the formal safety assessment protocol. The results of data analysis and the developed guidelines are expected to be beneficial to all fishers involved in trap fishery across many countries worldwide.
Dual Energy CT Arthography: Advanced Muscolo-Skelatal Applications in Clinical Practice
Authors: Foti Giovanni , Booz Christian , Buculo Giuseppe Mauro , Oliboni Eugenio , Longo Chiara , Avanzi Paolo , Campacci Antonio , Zorzi Claudio
Published: July 2023

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the potential applications of dual energy CT (DECT) in improving image quality and diagnostic capabilities of CT arthrography (CTA) in clinical practice. The paper covers the use of virtual non contrast (VNC) images, in which the injected contrast medium is reduced from the articular cavity, in order to better analyze 2D and 3D images of the bone. Moreover , virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) applications and their potential use for the reduction of metal artifacts and improving image contrast are reviewed. The role of virtual non calcium (VNCa) in detecting bone marrow edema surrounding the imaged joint will be discussed. Furthermore , the role of iodine map to enhance the contrast between soft tissues, optimizing the visualization of contrast material, and to distinguish contrast material from calcifications is described. Finally, a case series including different joints is provided to underline the additional advantages of high spatial resolution dual energy CT reconstructed images.
Exploring Cobalt Doping Methods for Enhancing Blue-TiO2 Catalyst Efficiency
Authors: Irodia Roberta , Ungureanu Camelia , Sătulu Veronica , Mîndroiu Vasilica Mihaela
Published: July 2023

This study presents a straightforward electrochemical and plasma deposition method for producing Cobalt-doped Blue-TiO2 nanotubes with enhanced catalytic properties. After a titanium plate has been anodized, specific procedures are carried out that cause oxygen vacancies to form inside the TiO2 nanostructures. The obtained catalysts were subjected to electrochemical tests (to identify charge transfer resistance and flat band potential), optical analysis (to determine the band gap and Urbach energy) and also characterized in terms of morphology, wettability and antibacterial effect in order to understand and analyze the impact of the Co doping method on the final catalyst characteristics. A hydrophilic film with star-shaped structures and with antibacterial effect was created when cobalt was electrochemically doped to Blue-TiO2 nanotubes. By using this electrochemical doping technique, the Urbach energy was raised from 1.171 to 3.836 eV while the band gap energy was decreased from 3.04 to 2.88 eV. Additionally, photodegradation experiments using artificial doxycycline (DOX) water were conducted to determine the practical relevance of the research findings. In areas like antimicrobial applications and photodegradation of DOX, these extra experiments aimed to show the practical applicability and potential advantages of the research findings.
Big Five Personality Factors and Aggression Among School Students
Authors: Alsadi Fadwa A. , Ayyoub Abdulkarim , Abualkibash Shadi
Published: July 2023

The study sought to determine the impact of the Big Five personality characteristics on aggressiveness among school children aged 12 to 16 in the Jenin governorate. The study employing the Big five-factor scale of Macri and Costa and the scale of aggressive behaviour in three areas [aggressive behaviour against oneself, aggressive behaviour against others, and aggressive behaviour against property]. The sample size in this study was 314 students. The quantitative study tool [the questionnaire] revealed the following correlation between the five major personality factors and aggression: neuroticism [+], openness [-], conscientiousness [-], extraversion [-], agreeableness [-]. The most prevalent main personality variables were conscientiousness and neuroticism. The degree of aggressiveness in the Jenin governorate was relatively low on the overall scale.
Deep Learning-Enhanced Multi-Modal Sensing Platform for Robust Human Object Detection and Tracking in Challenging Environments
Authors: Cheng Peng , Xiong Zinan , Bao Yajie , Zhuang Ping , Zhang Yunqi , Blasch Erik , Chen Genshe
Published: July 2023

In modern security situations, tracking multiple human objects in real-time within challenging urban environments is a critical capability for enhancing situational awareness, minimizing response time, and increasing overall operational effectiveness. Tracking multiple entities enables informed decision-making, risk mitigation, and the safeguarding of civil-military operations to ensure safety and mission success. This paper presents a multi-modal electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) and radio frequency (RF) fused sensing (MEIRFS) platform for real-time human object detection, recognition, classification, and tracking in challenging environments. By utilizing different sensors in a complementary manner, the robustness of the sensing system is enhanced, enabling reliable detection and recognition results across various situations. Specifically designed Radar tag and thermal tag can be used to discriminate friendly and non-friendly objects. The system incorporates deep learning-based image fusion and human object recognition and tracking (HORT) algorithms to ensure accurate situation assessment. After integrating into an all-terrain robot, multiple ground tests were conducted to verify the consistent HORT in various environments. The MEIRFS sensor system has been designed to meet the Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C) requirements for installation on autonomous ground and aerial vehicles.
Effects of Surface Treatment Method Forming New Nano/Micro Hierarchical Structures on Attachment and Proliferation of Osteoblast-like Cells
Authors: Im Jae-Seung , Choi Hyunsuk , An Hyun-Wook , Kwon Tae Yub , Hong Min-Ho
Published: July 2023

Titanium (Ti) and Ti-based alloys are commonly used in dental implants, and surface modifications of dental implants are important for achieving osseointegration (i.e., direct connection between the implant surface and bone). This study investigated the effect of an eco-friendly etching solution—a hydrogen peroxide–sodium bicarbonate mixture—on the surface properties and contact angles of and osteoblast adhesion and proliferation on Ti surfaces. Disk-shaped Ti specimens were prepared using different surface treatments (machining, sandblasting, and sandblasting/acid-etching), and they were immersed in the etching solution and then ultrasonically cleaned. Surface characterization was performed using scanning electron microscopy, digital microscopy, contact angle analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. MG-63 osteoblasts were cultured on the specimens, and their adhesion to the specimen surface and their proliferation were examined using staining and the MTT assay, respectively. Additional etching with the etching solution caused the formation of nano/micro hierarchical structures, increased the surface roughness, and enhanced the hydrophilicity. Osteoblast adhesion and proliferation were found to improve on the modified surfaces. The eco-friendly etching method has the potential to enhance the biological properties of Ti implant surfaces and to thereby improve the dental implant performance.
Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis Lesion Segmentation on Bone Scintigraphy
Authors: Chen Yi-You , Yu Po-Nien , Lai Yung-Chi , Hsieh Te-Chun , Cheng Da-Chuan
Published: July 2023

Bone metastasis detection and quantification on bone scintigraphy is challenging and clinical important for treatment and patient’s life quality. To develop a CNN based diagnostic system for automated segmentation on bone metastasis regions is non-trivial, especially for a small dataset. A dataset in house comprising 100 breast cancer patients and 100 prostate cancer patients is utilized for this research. The Double U-Net model is adapted through the integration of background removal, adding negative samples, and transfer learning methods for bone metastasis detection. The performance is investigated via 10-fold cross-validation and computed in pixel-wise scale. The best model we achieved has precision of 63.08%, sensitivity of 70.82%, and F1-score of 66.72%. The developed system has the potential to provide pre-diagnostic reports for physicians in final decisions and the calculation of the bone scan index (BSI) with the combination with bone skeleton segmentation.
The Challenge of Overcoming Antibiotic Resistance in MDR Gram-Negative Bacteria: “Attack on Titan”
Authors: Mancuso Giuseppe , De Gaetano Silvia , Midiri Angelina , Zummo Sebastiana , Biondo Carmelo
Published: July 2023

The global burden of bacterial resistance remains one of the most serious public health concerns. Infections caused by multiresistant (MDR) bacteria in critically ill patients require immediate empirical treatment, which may not only be ineffective due to the resistance of MDR bacteria to multiple classes of antibiotics, but may also contribute to the selection and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Both the WHO and the ECDC consider carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) to be the highest priority. The ability to form biofilm and the acquisition of multiple drug resistance, in particular to carbapenems, have made these pathogens particularly difficult to treat. They are a growing cause of healthcare-associated infections and a significant threat to public health, associated with a high mortality rate. Moreover, co-colonization with these pathogens in critically ill patients was found to be a significant predictor for in-hospital mortality. Importantly, they have the potential to spread resistance using mobile genetic elements. Given the current situation, it is clear that finding new ways to combat antimicrobial resistance can no longer be delayed. The aim of this review was to evaluate the literature on how these pathogens contribute to the global burden of AMR. The review also highlights the importance of the rational use of antibiotics and the need to implement antimicrobial stewardship principles to prevent the transmission of drug-resistant organisms in healthcare settings. Finally, the review discusses the advantages and limitations of alternative therapies for the treatment of infections caused by these "titans" of antibiotic resistance.
Tribological Investigation of the Effect of Nano-Sized Transition Metal Oxides on a Base Oil Containing Overbased Calcium Sulfonate
Authors: Tóth Álmos Dávid , Hargitai Hajnalka , Szabó Ádám István
Published: July 2023

In this article, copper(II) oxide, titanium dioxide and yttrium(III) oxide nanoparticles were added to Group III type base oil formulated with overbased calcium sulfonate. The nano-sized oxides were treated with ethyl oleate surface modification. The tribological properties of the homogenized oil samples were tested on a linear oscillating tribometer. Friction was continuously monitored during the tribological tests. Surface analysis was performed on the worn samples: the amount of wear was determined using a digital optical and confocal microscope. The type of wear was examined with a scanning electron microscope, while the additives adhered to the surface were examined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. From the results of the measurements, it can be concluded that the surface-modified nanoparticles worked well with the overbased calcium sulfonate and significantly reduced both wear and friction. In the present tribology system, the optimal concentration of all three oxide ceramic nanoadditives is 0.4 wt%. By using oxide nanoparticles, friction can be reduced by up to 15% and the wear volume by up to 77%. Overbased calcium sulfonate and oxide ceramic nanoparticles together form a lower friction anti-wear boundary layer on the worn surfaces. It is advisable to further investigate the possibility of formulating nanoparticles into the oil.
Effect of Shexiang Baoxin Pill on Inhibiting Atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- Mice by Reshaping Gut Microbiota and Fecal Metabolites
Authors: Xie Bin , Zu Xianpeng , Wang Zhicong , Xu Xike , Xin Jiayun , Fu Peng , Liu Runhui
Published: July 2023

Background: Atherosclerosis (AS), a key pathological contributor of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), was characterized by formation of atherosclerotic plaque in aortic wall and caused high mortality and morbidity worldwide. Factors contributing to the initiation and progression of AS included vascular endothelial dysfunction, dyslipidemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Shexiang Baoxin Pill (SBP) was a traditional Chinese medicine that had been widely applied in clinic and proved to be effective for patients with CVDs. However, the mechanisms underlying its anti-atherosclerotic effects have not been completely elucidated. The study aimed to investigate the protective effects of SBP on AS and its potential mechanisms. Methods: Different dose of SBP was orally administered in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice treated with a high-fat diet (HFD). Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis, ELISA, untargeted metabolomics analysis, 16S rRNA sequence analysis, and spearman analysis were applied to identify the protective effects and mechanisms of SBP in HFD-induced AS. Results: SBP significantly alleviated HFD-induced atherosclerotic lesion both in aorta and aortic sinus with a reduction in serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), as well as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HFD-C) level with no significant change of body weight in HFD-induced ApoE-/- mice. Mechanismly, SBP markedly reshaped the gut microbiota composition and associated metabolomic characteristics. 2 differential intestinal floras at phylum level and 8 differential microbes at genus level, 5 metabolic pathways and 9 differential fecal metabolites related to CVDs were figured out. Besides, intensive correlation between 8 differential microbes and 9 fecal metabolites was observed. Conclusions: Our results showed that SBP could improve HFD-triggered serum lipid disorder, systematic inflammation, and contribute to the alleviation of atherosclerotic lesion. The antiatherogenic properties of SBP might partly result from the reshaping of the gut microbiota and fecal metabolic profile.
Are Rotations and Translations of Head Posture Related to Performance Parameters in Three Different Dynamic Tasks?
Authors: Saad Nabil , Moustafa Ibrahim Moustafa , Ahbouch Amal , Alsaafin Nour , Oakley Paul A. , Harrison Deed E.
Published: July 2023

This study assessed the relationship between head posture displacements and biomechanical parameters in three different tasks. One hundred male and female students (20 ± 3yrs) were assessed via the PostureScreen Mobile app to quantify postural displacements of head rotations and translations including: 1) the cranio-vertebral angle (CVA) (°), 2) anterior head translation (AHT) (cm), 3) lateral head translation in the coronal plane (cm), and 4) lateral head side bending (°). Biomechanical parameters during gait and jumping were measured using the G-Walk sensor. The assessed gait spatiotemporal parameters were cadence (steps / min), speed (m / s), symmetry index, % left and right stride length (% height), and right and left propulsion index. The pelvic movement parameters were: 1) tilt symmetry index, 2) tilt left and right range, 3) obliquity symmetry index, 4) obliquity left and right range, 5) rotation symmetry index, and 6) rotation left and right range. The jump parameters measured were: 1) flight height (cm), 2) take off force (kN), 3) impact Force (kN), 4) take off speed (m / s), 5) peak speed (m / s), 6) average speed concentric phase (m / s), 7) maximum concentric power (kW), 8) average concentric power (kW) during the counter movement jump (CMJ), and 9) CMJ with arms thrust (CMJAT). At a significance-level of p ≤ 0.001, moderate to high correlations (0.4 < r < 0.8) were found between CVA, AHT, lateral translation head and all the gait and jump parameters. Weak correlations (0.2 < r <  0.4) were ascertained for lateral head bending and all the gait and jump parameters except for gait symmetry index and pelvic symmetry index, where moderate correlations were identified (0.4 < r < 0.6). The findings indicate moderate to high correlations between specific head posture displacements, such as CVA, lateral head translation and AHT with the various gait and jump parameters. These findings highlight the importance of considering head posture in the assessment and optimization of movement patterns during gait and jumping. Our findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge and may have implications for clinical practice and sports performance training. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and establish causality in these relationships, which could potentially lead to the development of targeted interventions for improving movement patterns and preventing injuries.
Neuroendocrine Tumor Chromogranin A Response following Synthetic Somatostatin analog (Lanreotide): First Observations from an Isolated Duodenal Neoplasm
Authors: Sills E. Scott , Wood Samuel H. , Tan Seang Lin , Ibach Daniel M.
Published: July 2023

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of duodenal origin are an unusual subset among all NETs, comprising only about 3% of this neoplasm class. In general, NETs are characterized by overexpression of somatostatin receptors and carry an excellent prognosis with early diagnosis and intervention. Chromogranin A (CgA), a protein originating in secretory vesicles of neurons and endocrine cells, has gained wide usage in NET diagnosis and surveillance. Lanreotide is a synthetic octapeptide somatostatin analog with potent anti-proliferative action which has been approved by the FDA (U.S.) and EMA (E.U.) for NET treatment. It is known for its inhibitory effects on growth hormone, serotonin, CgA, and other markers. Here we describe a 56yr-old female with functional NET of duodenal origin, where serum CgA was successfully reduced from 3636 to <100 ng/mL after multidose lanreotide within five months. Of note, no metastatic spread was identified on positron emission tomography/computed tomography with 64Cu-labeled somatostatin analog tracer. Surgical resection of distal antrum, pylorus, and proximal duodenum followed without complication. Histology revealed several foci of well-differentiated tumor cells with characteristic neuroendocrine features and clear surgical margins; low proliferation index (2%) was noted on Ki-67 staining. While select laboratory and imaging modalities are available for diagnosis and monitoring of duodenal NET, this is the first reported therapeutic use of lanreotide in this NET setting. The observed serum CgA attenuation, even before surgery, supports its effectiveness in management of primary nonmetastatic duodenal NET.
Addressing the Knowledge Deficit in Hospital Bed Planning, Defining An Optimum Region for the Number of Different Types of Hospital Beds in An Effective Health Care System
Authors: Jones Rodney P.
Published: July 2023

. The number of hospital beds per 1000 population is commonly used to compare international bed numbers. This method is flawed because it does not consider population age structure or the effect of nearness-to-death on hospital utilization. Deaths are also serving as a proxy for wider bed demand arising from undetected outbreaks of 3 000 species of human pathogens. To remedy this problem a new approach to bed modelling has been developed which plots beds per 1 000 deaths against deaths per 1 000 population. Lines of equivalence can be drawn on the plot to delineate countries with higher or lower bed supply. This method is extended to attempt to define the optimum region for bed supply in an effective health care system. England is used as an example of a health system descending into operational chaos due to too few beds and manpower. The former Soviet bloc countries represent a health system overly dependent on hospital beds. Several countries also show evidence for over-utilization of hospital beds. The new method is used to define a potential range for bed supply and manpower where the current most effective health systems currently reside. The method is applied to total curative beds, medical beds, psychiatric beds, critical care, geriatric care, etc., and can also be used to compare different types of healthcare staff, i.e., nurses, physicians, surgeons. Issues surrounding the optimum hospital size and the optimum average occupancy will also be discussed. The role of poor policy in the English NHS is used to show how the NHS has been led into a bed crisis.
Life stages and phylogenetic position of the new scale-mite of the genus Neopterygosoma (Acariformes: Pterygosomatidae) from Robert's Tree Iguana
Authors: Fajfer Monika , Skoracki Maciej
Published: July 2023

A new pterygosomatid mite species, Neopterygosoma robertmertensi sp. n. (Acariformes: Pterygosomatidae) was collected from two specimens of Liolaemus robertmertensi (Liolaemidae) from Argentina. This new species is described based on active stages: adults (female and male) and juveniles (deutonymphs, protonymphs, larvae), and quiescent stages (nymphchrysalis, deutochrysalis and imagochrysalis). The changes in morphological characters during the ontogeny of N. robertmertensi have been analyzed in detail. A difference in larval sex morphology was observed for the first time in the family Pterygosomatidae (female larvae differ from male larvae by the shape and size of the idiosoma and position of the genital area). This new mite species is most similar to N. cyanogasteri but can be distinguished by the presence of different leg chaetotaxy patterns of genua IV and femora IV, four to six genital setae, three to five dorsomedial setae and two to three ventromedial setae. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted based on 120 morphological characters of all Neopterygosoma spp. and four outgroup species using the maximum parsimony approach. The results indicated that this species is nested within mites of the chilensis group of Neopterygosoma associated with host species of the section chiliensis of Liolaemus s. str. An updated diagnosis of the chilensis group of Neopterygosoma and an identification key for all species of this genus has been provided.