bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ingqiqo yamanina kuxanduva lokusiphula neengcambu ugonyamelo nokuxhatshazwa: Uhlalutyo lweetekisi ZesiXhosa ezicatshulwe kuncwadi olubhalwe ngamanina (1976-2015)
Authors:   , Bilatyi Katy Nomthandazo
Published: June 2024

Uphando luza kuqwalasela ingqiqo yamanina kuxanduva lokusiphula neengcambu ugonyamelo nokuxhatshazwa kwawo ngamadoda. Ingxoxo iza kugxila kubabhali abangamanina beencwadi zesiXhosa ezicatshulweyo kolu phando, nalapho kuqwalaselwa indlela ababazoba ngayo abalinganiswa babo abangamanina. Kule ngxoxo kuqwalaselwa indlela ababhali abangamanina abafana noBelebesi (1976), Dazela (1988), Magadla (1992) Madolo (1998), Mayosi (2003), Magqashela (2006) kunye noBuzani (2015) abathe babazoba ngayo abalinganiswa abangamanina kwiincwadi zesiXhosa ezicatshuliweyo. Oku kukutyhila ubukrelekrele bababhali ekusebenziseni uncwadi ukuzisa izisombululo kwimingeni ajamelene nayo amanina efana nogonyamelo kunye noxhatshwazo. Obu bukrelekrele baba babhali bujongwa ngokweembali ezimbini, imbali yaphambi kozuzo lwenkululeko emva kongenelelo lobuKoloniyali kunye neyasemva kozuzo lwenkululeko yaseMzantsi Afrika. Iincwadi ezikhethiweyo zibhalwe phakathi kweminyaka ye-1976 ukuya kwiminyaka yama-2015. Uphando luya kujonga ukuba lungaba lukhona utshintsho kusini na kwindlela la manina ababazoba ngayo abalinganiswa ngokwezi mbali zahlukileyo kananjalo naxa bezotywa ngababhali abangamadoda. Uphando luya kutyhila kananjalo imixholo nemixholwana abayikhethayo nedlulisa iimvakalelo zabo bengamanina kumbandela wogonyamelo olukhatshwa yipatriyakhi kunye noxhatshazo abalufumana kumadoda. Xa kuphendlwa le mixholo yaba babhali bahlukileyo baneemvelaphi ezahlukileyo ngokwemontlalo bebhala ngokwamaxesha okanye iimbhali ezahlukileyo, kuya kucaca ukuba amava abo ayafana nokuba linina okanye ibhinqa. Loo mava abo anele ukuba bajikeleze kwimixholo ebizwa ngokuba yifeminist themes nakubeni izimbo zabo zokubhala zahlukile nje. Injongo kukubonisa ukuba nangona amanina aphila phantsi kweemeko neemontlalo ezahlukileyo nje, iinzima neentlungu zawo azisombulula ngendlela efanayo ngokusebenzisa usiba. Le ngxoxo ikhatshwa ziithiyori ezifana nefemayinizimu, ngakumbi ifemayinizimu yaseAfrika kunye kunye nangokoMzantsi Afrika iquka iMotherism kunye nenkcubeko ephehlelelwe phantsi kwePatriyakhi. Ezi thiyori ziludondolo lokuphendla nokuhlalutya ezi ncwadi zikhethiweyo zesiXhosa ukuze sicacelwe yeyona ndima idlalwa ngamanina kuluntu nanjengoko sisazi ukuba apha eMzantsi Afrika adlale eyona ndima yokuncedisa ekuziseni utshintsho kwimibandela yengcinezelo nasekuzuzweni kwenkululeko. Yiyo loo nto kufuneka nawo abonakale exhamla ngokulinganayo namadoda kwinkululeko ayisebenzeleyo ngokususa ugonyamelo, uxhatshazo nokubulawa kwawo ngamadoda.
Avançaremos! Articulação e participação indígena na luta por direitos e cidadania
Authors: Felberg Altemar , Giannella Valéria
Published: June 2024

A despeito de serem reconhecidos como sujeitos de direitos pela Constituição Federal de 1988, os povos indígenas brasileiros têm sido alvos de sistemáticos ataques por parte do governo nacional, sejam esses conservadores ou progressistas. Neste artigo, suportados por uma pesquisa implicada em âmbito de doutoramento, apresentamos um recorte da questão indígena no país, e um breve relato de como esses povos foram “incluídos” na arquitetura de participação, em sua luta por reconhecimento, direitos e autodeterminação. Ainda, com base na observação da experiência e percepção do povo Pataxó da Bahia, trazemos uma reflexão sobre os possíveis rumos e desafios dessa participação, e a indicação de múltiplas trincheiras de ação, seja resistindo por dentro das instituições políticas, seja tonificando suas organizações de base.
Developing a machine learning-based flood risk prediction model for the Indus Basin in Pakistan
Authors: Khan Mehran , Khan Afed Ullah , Ullah Basir , Khan Sunaid
Published: June 2024

Pakistan is highly prone to devastating floods, as seen in the June 2010 and September 2022 disasters. The 2010 floods affected 20 million people, causing 1,985 fatalities. In 2022, approximately 33 million individuals were impacted, with multiple districts declared as ‘calamity struck’ by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Since June 14th, these floods have caused the loss of approximately 1,400 lives. Hence, the urgent necessity to develop an accurate and efficient flood risk prediction system for early warning purposes in Pakistan. This research aims to address this need by developing a predictive model using machine learning (ML) techniques such as k-nearest neighbors (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), Naive Bayes (NB), artificial neural network (ANN), and random forest (RF) for flood risk prediction in the Indus Basin of Pakistan. The performance of each model was evaluated based on accuracy, precision, recall, and F-measure. The findings revealed that SVM outperformed the other models, achieving an accuracy of 82.40%. Consequently, the results of this study can provide valuable insights for organizations to proactively mitigate frequent flood occurrences in Pakistan, aiding preventive actions.
Análisis imagenológico de lesiones odontogénicas: ameloblastoma, quiste dentígero y queratoquiste
Authors: Dominguez-Romero Eliana , Tovío-Martínez Eilien , Urbano-Del-Valle Samuel
Published: June 2024

Introducción: en la cavidad oral existen muchos hallazgos que solo son detectados en el examen radiográfico rutinario, entre los frecuentes se encuentran el quiste dentígero, queratoquiste y ameloblastoma. Objetivo: realizar un análisis imagenológico comparativo de los hallazgos radiográficos de lesiones odontogénicas entre ellas el ameloblastoma, el quiste dentígero y el queratoquiste. Método: estudio retrospectivo en el periodo 2018 – 2023, llevado a cabo con una muestra de 146 ayudas diagnósticas de pacientes entre los 13 y 66 años que acuden a consulta privada en la ciudad de Medellín-Colombia, divididos en variables sociodemográficas, patológicas y anatómicas. Resultados: el estudio incluyó a 98 hombres y 48 mujeres, con un promedio de edad de 36 ± 5 años. El 46% de los casos diagnosticados fueron de quiste dentígero confirmados mediante estudio de histopatología, la mayoría se localizaron en la región mandibular posterior con un 50% y un 58% de los casos fueron relacionados a terceros molares. Conclusiones: a pesar de que se encuentran ampliamente descritas las características imagenológicas en la literatura, se hace relevante tener claridad con respecto a las de mayor predomino en la población, sin dejar de lado a las características clínicas e histopatológicas necesarias para determinar el manejo definitivo.
Clinical and Linguistic Profiles and Challenges in Diagnosis of Primary Progressive Aphasia in Medan, Indonesia: A Hospital-based Study
Authors: Fitri Fasihah Irfani , Rambe Aldy Safruddin , Gustianingsih   , Widayati Dwi
Published: June 2024

Background

Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is a degenerative condition characterized by progressive loss of language function. Studies on PPA patients in Indonesia are still limited, and none has reported clinical and linguistic profiles of PPA patients who speak Bahasa Indonesia.

This study aimed to describe clinical and linguistic profiles and challenges in the diagnosis of PPA patients from referral hospitals in Medan, Indonesia.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of patients diagnosed with PPA based on the 2011 diagnostic criteria during the 2022-2023 period and described clinical characteristics data and linguistic profiles using descriptive analysis.

Results

We included 6 cases that fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for PPA. There were 3 cases categorized as nfvPPA, 1 case as svPPA, and 2 cases as lvPPA. There was female predominance (83.3%) and the mean age at onset was 59±2.96 years. The first symptom reported in the nfvPPA group was effortful, non-fluent speech; in svPPA, it was impaired naming and single word comprehension, while in lvPPA, it was impairment in word retrieval. Challenges in diagnosis included the availability of a standardized language tool aimed specifically for PPA in Bahasa Indonesia and the expertise needed to make such a diagnosis.

Conclusion

The main clinical features of the PPA reported were similar to previous findings with specific characteristics of Bahasa Indonesia. Determining language profiles of each variant of PPA in Bahasa Indonesia is crucial to establishing a correct diagnosis. Language assessment tool in Bahasa Indonesia is urgently needed to facilitate better assessment and management planning to improve quality of life.
PEMANFAATAN ZEOLIT NAA DARI KAOLIN SEBAGAI ADSORBEN LOGAM BESI (FE) PADA LIMBAH CAIR LABORATORIUM
Authors: Zuryati Ulul Khairi , Honiar Ruru , Fahrurazi Fahrurazi
Published: June 2024

Excessive iron (Fe) content in water caused corrosion and at high amounts are toxic to the human body. One of the laboratory waste water treatment techniques is adsorption method. The adsorbent used in this study was zeolite NaA which was synthesized using kaolin as one of the most abundant minerals in Indonesia. The zeolite obtained was analyzed by FTIR to determine the functional groups. The synthesis of NaA zeolite have been successful indicated by the absorption band appeared in the wavenumber range of 558–546 cm−1 which showed the formation of double ring structure as a characteristic of the NaA zeolite crystal. Optimum pH for adsorption of Fe (II), Fe (III) ions and mixtures in laboratory waste using zeolite NaA is 3. The maximum adsorption capacity of NaA zeolite on Fe (II), Fe (III) ions and laboratory wastewater are 16.00, 18.33, and 6.50 m/g adsorbent. Whereas adsorption equilibrium times for Fe (II), Fe (II), and laboratory deposit waste water were 30, 20, and 10 minutes, respectively.
PENGARUH VARIASI SUDUT DAN JARAK PENEMBAKAN SANDBLASTING PADA PROSES PRETREATMENT TERHADAP KUALITAS PELAPISAN CAT DAN SIFAT KOROSI PADA BAJA KARBON RENDAH
Authors: Saputra Indra Adi , Widodo Teguh Dwi , Yuliati Lilis
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of variations in the angle and distance of sandblasting on paint coating quality and corrosion properties of low carbon steel. The success of a coating is highly dependent on surface roughness, so sandblasting is needed to clean and create a surface roughness profile with the aim that the paint can coat the surface perfectly. The test method used in this research is the pull off test method for testing the adhesive strength of paint and open circuit potential (OCP) for testing the corrosion potential. The sandblasting variations used are angles of 45⁰, 60⁰, 75⁰ and nozzle distances of 15 cm, 35 and 50 cm. The tests carried out were roughness, paint thickness, paint adhesive strength and corrosion potential. From the test results it can be concluded that the greater the angle and the closer the sandblasting nozzle distance, the greater the surface roughness. The greater surface roughness affects the paint layer to be thicker and has a high paint adhesion strength, resulting in a smaller corrosion potential. In this study, the highest test results were obtained at an angle of 75⁰ and a distance of 15 cm with a surface roughness value of 5.981 µm, a paint thickness of 115 µm, a paint adhesive strength of 7.28 MPa and an initial corrosion potential position of -0.101 V then a final position of -0.063 V.
PENINGKATAN PRODUKSI BAHAN BAKAR HIDROGEN DENGAN BANTUAN NATURAL SURFACTANT PADA PROSES WATER SPLIT
Authors: Purnami Purnami , Dewi Fransisca Gayuh Utami , Wardana ING , Sasongko Mega Nur , Yusuf M Umar , Nugroho Willy Satrio
Published: June 2024

Hydrogen is an alternative fuel due to its environmental friendliness and abundance. Hydrogen can be produced through water-splitting technique, in which the Oxygen (O2) and Hydrogen (H2) are separated. Water electrolysis is one of many causes of water-splitting that effectively results H2 with high purity. One drawback of electrolysis is the low efficiency. In this study, a rice straw natural surfactant was utilized to improve the efficiency. Rice straw with the volume of 5 ml, 10 ml, dan 15 ml were added to the electrolyte solution. This study shows the rice straw based natural surfactant contains hydrophilic and hydrophobic sides. Both sides capable to reduce the surface tension of the solution which destabilizes water molecules. The aromatic magnetic field of rice straw surfactant homogenizes the water net dipole moment due to the diamagnetism of water. These contributes towards the weakened hydrogen bond of the water in the solution. The synergy between hydrophobic and hydrophilic sides is potent to alter hydrogen production rate through intrinsic magnetism.
STUDI NUMERIK KINERJA PENDINGIN COOLANT HYBRID-NANOFLUID AL2O3-TIO2 PADA RADIATOR
Authors: Hidayat Najmul , Sudarmadji Sudarmadji
Published: June 2024

Coolant in automotive engine cooling systems generally uses coolant with a minimum ethylene2 glycol mixture of 30 percent. Currently, the use of nanoparticles can be mixed in basic coolant between fluid and nanoparticles that have better thermal physical properties than pure coolant. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of CFD to tests on the effect of concentration, discharge and inlet temperature of Hybrid Nanofluid Al2O3 TiO2 to temperature distribution, pressure and radiator performance. The method used in this research is CFD simulation. The data taken in this study is the rate of heat transfer in the cooling fluid of pure radiator coolant and radiator coolant plus Al2O3 TiO2 hybrid nanoparticles (hybrid nanofluid radiator coolant) with a mass percentage of nanoparticle hybrid mixture of 0.25, 0.30, 0.35 percent. Variations in the amount of fluid flow with a liter/ minute discharge (LPM) of 20, 24 ,28, and using variations in the amount of radiator fluid inlet temperature (Tin), namely 70, 80, 90 Celsius which will be simulated by ANSYS FLUENT software.
ANALYSIS OF COGGING TORQUE REDUCTION FROM DESIGN COMPUTATIONAL PERMANENT MAGNET SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR WITH TAGUCHI METHOD
Authors: Wahyuni Fitri , Julian James , Ferdyanto Ferdyanto , Fauzi Ade Fikri
Published: June 2024

Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) applications include electric vehicles, industrial pumps, wind turbines, aerospace technology, and many others. In this study, cogging torque is the central aspect of the discussion, which is the motor model, the thickness of the permanent magnet rotor, and the air gap in the electric motor influence. The Taguchi method uses parameter levels on the motor, which are divided into 16 types of orthogonal arrays, where the process is carried out twice in iterations. The first stage of simulation testing was to produce the primary model where number 4 (A1B4 series) was obtained as the most optimal motor model with a cogging torque of 1.56 Nm and an air gap flux density of 768 mTesla (mili tesla). Then the second test was to modify several parts of the motor with the following 16 orthogonal array types, which produced number 8 (A2B4 series) with a cogging torque of 1.08 Nm and an air gap flux density of 733 mTesla. One of the parameters apart from the cogging torque must be maintained is the air gap flux density. This variable affects the permeability of the motor so that later it will affect the amount of material used and the production costs of electric motors. The final result is a model that produces the lowest cogging torque while maintaining other parameters on the motor.
ANALISIS KARAKTERISTIK ALIRAN MELALUI PENAMPANG PERSEGI PANJANG MENGGUNAKAN MODEL TURBULEN LARGE EDDY SIMULATION (LES)
Authors: Barata La Ode Ahmad , Samhuddin Samhuddin
Published: June 2024

Dynamic response, fatigue, and stability issues of a structure are closely related to flow behavior past a bluff body structure. Flow past the free-end rectangular prism is investigated numerically using a Large Eddy Simulation (LES) turbulence model at Re = 22000. The prism model has a constant depth (D) to width (H) ratio D/H = 0.5 for span length variation L (= 10; 7,5; 5,0 and 2,5H). Effects of the free end on the flow characteristics showed that the flow pattern, velocity vector, and fluid forces component are changed. The presence of the free end is closed related to the flow characteristics alteration in the wake, which is presented graphically in this paper. This study suggests the critical aspect ratio of the slender rectangular is 2,5<L/H<5,0 The prism with critical aspect L = 2,5H presented an unusual flow behavior among the test models. The dynamic response of the test model affects the flow pattern in the wake, which is indicated by alteration of the region and intensity of vorticity, velocity vector, hydrodynamic force components, and other local components.
EVALUASI KINERJA DIRECT EXPANSION SOLAR-ASSISTED HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER KAPASITAS 30 LITER DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN REFRIGERAN R134A
Authors: Irawan Teguh , Mainil Rahmat Iman , Aziz Azridjal
Published: June 2024

Experiments were carried out to determine the performance of a direct expansion solar assisted heat pump water heater (DX-SAHPWH) which mainly consists of an evaporator panel with a surface area of ​​0.23 m2, a rotary compressor with an input power of 122.5 W, an insulated water tank that has been wrapped around a condenser with a diameter of 0.024 m and a length of 15 m and a capillary tube with a diameter of 0.001 m and a length of 1.61 m. Tests were carried out in open spaces, enclosed spaces and air-conditioned rooms exposed to direct sunlight. The results of this test are that the highest coefficient of performance (COP) on the DX-SAHPWH system is obtained at 1,25 and the smallest COP is obtained at 0.60. The higher intensity of solar radiation has a positive effect on the performance of the DX-SAHPWH system, which results in the heat transfer rate at water (Q wm) increases, the time required for heating is faster, and the COP of the DX-SAHPWH system increases.
PENGARUH CO-FIRING SERBUK KAYU KEDONDONG TERHADAP PERFORMA DAN EMISI GAS BUANG BRIKET BATU BARA
Authors: Nuryanto Edi , Sudarno Sudarno , Winardi Yoyok
Published: June 2024

Coal is the main fuel in steam power plants (PLTU) whose availability is dwindling. Realizing this, one of the efforts made is to mix coal with other fuels, known as Co-Firing. This is done as an effort to substitute new and renewable energy and is friendly to the environment. The purpose of this study was to find out the effect of a mixture of kedondong sawdust in coal on performance and exhaust emissions at PLTU. This research was conducted using quantitative methods based on experimental data. Kedondong wood powder as co-firing is varied, namely 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and compared to 100% coal. The combustion process is carried out in the boiler and the data obtained is in the form of operating parameters and exhaust emissions. Based on this research, it was found that all operational parameter data were normal and were within the allowable standard limits. Likewise, exhaust emissions produced by both NOx and SO2 show better results than the use of 100% coal.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF STEEL AISI 1045 VARIATION OF AUSTENITIZATION HOLDING TIME IN THE QUENCHING-TEMPERING PROCESS WITH ICE WATER MEDIA
Authors: Parmita Ade Yusariarta Putra , Utomo Yogi Mirza Pangestu , Rakhmat Arie Mifthahul , Lubis Muthia Putri Darsini
Published: June 2024

AISI 1045, Medium-carbon steel is commonly used as machining components like bulldozer bushings and widely used in construction equipment such as hammerheads. Hence, it needs good hardness and impact resistance. The methods to achieve these properties are through a heat treatment process called quenching and tempering. This research analyzed the effects of various austenitizing holding times during the quenching and tempering process on the microstructure, hardness, and impact strength of AISI 1045 steel. The procedure involved quenching the steel at a temperature of 850°C with austenitizing holding times of 5, 15, and 25 minutes, followed by rapid cooling using ice water. Subsequently, tempering was performed at 500°C with a holding time of 15 minutes, followed by air cooling. The research showed that all three test specimens exhibited bainite and martensite phases. The hardness of the steel increased after undergoing the quenching and tempering process, with the highest hardness value obtained at a 5-minute austenitizing holding time, measuring 32.37 HRC. Additionally, there was an increase in impact strength after the quenching and tempering process. Tobe found the highest impact strength value observed at with a 25-minute austenitizing holding time at 27.39 J/cm².
EFFECT OF ANNEALING ON MICROSTRUCTURE AND HARDNESS OF FeNiCo ALLOYS SYNTHESIZED BY MECHANICAL ALLOYING
Authors: Sutrisna Sutrisna , Pamuji Didit Setyo , Prasetiyo Angger Bagus , Ababil Ismail Zulpria , Aziz Ihwanul
Published: June 2024

Alloys based on Fe-Ni-Co are categorized as special nickel-based superalloys with braod application as magnetic sensors in electric motors, recording devices as well as for vehicle engine parts. The purpose of this study was to determine the physical and mechanical properties of Fe-Ni-Co materials synthesized by mechanical alloying method, then subjected to annealing temperature variation i.e 800oC, 900oC, and 1000oC for 1 hour. Test methods carried out by XRD-spectra to identify the phase, SEM and EDS mapping to determine the microstructure and composition together with micro hardness test to represent the mechanical properties of this FeNiCo alloys. The results of the XRD test showed that Co atoms and some Fe dissolved into the Ni crystal lattice tended to form a solid solution of g-Ni(Fe,Co). Microstructural observations at 900 OC after milling for 16 hours showed a fine and homogeneous grain structure. The highest hardness value was 421.5 kg/mm2 at 16 hours milling. The Fe-Ni-Co alloy exhibited a homogeneous microstructural distribution with a fine grain structure and high densification.
COMPARISON OF THE ACTIVATION OF GIGANTOCHLOA APUS TO INCREASE THE ADSORPTION ABILITY OF MEDICAL LIQUID WASTE
Authors: Setyarini Putu Hadi , Iksandy Jemmie , Fachrezi M. Qashmal , Sonief Achmad As'ad
Published: June 2024

Medical facilities are exposed to substantial health and safety hazards as a result of the existence of perilous substances such as germs, viruses, and mold. The integration of drug use courses in medical education is hindered by constraints such as time limitations, a scarcity of well-informed personnel, and insufficient institutional backing. In order to mitigate these dangers, a comprehensive assessment of the risks, effective instruction, and stringent procedures are required. Effective waste management systems and precise detection of influent are crucial. Activated carbon, a highly porous material, is extensively utilized as an adsorbent in several industrial applications. Bamboo charcoal, a desirable lignocellulosic substance, is employed in the manufacturing process of activated carbon. The objective of the study was to generate and examine activated carbons obtained from Gigantochloas Apus (GA) through the utilization of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium chloride (NaCl) activation methods. The study determined that was the most efficient activating agent for achieving ideal ash content characteristics, resulting in the lowest ash percentage of 6.21%. The acidity of medical liquid waste is increased and its adsorption duration is extended by activating GA with NaCl and NaOH.
STEAM TURBINE HEAT RATE ANALYSIS BY METHOD PERFORMANCE TESTS ON POWER PLANT IN PT. KSA PALM FACTORY
Authors: Khusnaini Alfan , Aspiansyah Aspiansyah , Harianto Agus , Adrianur Halim
Published: June 2024

This research analyzed the heat rate of a steam turbine in the palm factory of PT. KSA (PT. KSA) using performance testing methods. Steam turbine heat rate is a crucial parameter in power plant efficiency, and optimizing it can lead to significant cost savings. The research methodology conducted performance tests on the steam turbine at KSA's palm factory. The collected data was analyzed to determine the rate of improvement. The efficiency of a steam turbine can be seen from the heat energy input to produce 1 kWh of electricity and the turbine heat rate. Steam turbine efficiency was compared with the fuel energy required for every 1 kWh with the turbine heat rate. The turbine heat rate value was obtained based on the performance test, with the highest value being 51.516 (kJ/kWh) and the lowest being 40.514 (kJ/kWh). For steam turbine efficiency, the highest value was 8.89%, and the lowest value was 6.99%.
UNJUK KERJA MOTOR BAKAR PERTALITE DENGAN PENAMBAHAN BIOETHANOL DARI TETES TEBU
Authors: Purnama Ari , Romdloni Macrus Afif
Published: June 2024

The rapid increase in the number of motorized vehicles has resulted in the depletion of the availability of fossil-based fuel oil. Bioethanol from sugarcane molasses waste is an alternative that can be applied to vehicles with the condition that it has 99.95% ethanol fuel grade. The study used a bioethanol sample fuel blend BE10 (Bioethanol 10%+90% Pertalite), and then conducted property testing and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) to observe the compound structure of the fuel. Modification of the ignition timing forward 2o (+2) was done by reprogramming the Engine Control Module (ECM). The addition of up to 20% bioethanol to pertalite increased the octane number from 90 to 93.1. However, the heating value decreased from 42.5 to 39.18 MJ/kg. In the GC-MS test, the number of compounds in the fuel increased to 52 and 51 compounds, respectively. The highest improvement in engine performance of all parameters using bioethanol and advance ignition was sample (BE10+2). The thermal efficiency was 6.16%. Thus, the use of bioethanol fuel blends and ignition timing modifications can be applied to vehicles to get good performance and be more environmentally friendly.
Molecular Cytogenetic Characterization of Rare but Repeatedly Observed Translocations
Authors: Fontes Ana Luísa Teixeira , Padutsch Niklas , Kankel Stefanie , Liehr Thomas
Published: June 2024

Balanced chromosomal rearrangements, including translocations, contribute to infertility, repeated abortions, and/or genetically imbalanced offspring in corresponding carriers. A translocation is usually considered a unique, de novo, or familial event. Besides, some translocations have also been shown to develop multiple times with slightly different or even identical breakpoints; for others, founder effects have been suggested. Here, two known recurrent translocations [t(11;22)(q23.3;q11.21) and der(X)t(X; Y)(p22.32;p11.31)] and two possibly at low frequencies repeatedly observable translocation events [t(5;16)(q13.3~14.1;p13.3) and t(Y;12)(q11.23;q12)] were studied. In the here applied molecular cytogenetic setting, it could be confirmed that the translocation t(11;22)(q23.3;q11.21) has its breakpoints in chromosome 11 between 116.585061 and 116.774263 Mb (GRCh37/hg19) and in chromosome 22 between 21.502000 and 21.616240 Mb (GRCh37/hg19). Corresponding suited bacterial artificial chromosome probes are suggested for their unequivocal characterization. For der(X)t(X;Y)(p22.32;p11.31) seen in 46, XX males, it could be confirmed that there is a significant variance in the derivative X-chromosome’ breakpoints and two new breakpoints are reported for one case. Breakpoints could also be narrowed down for two cases, each of a balanced translocation t(5;16)(q13.3~14.1;p13.3) and t(Y;12)(q11.23;q12). For the latter two cases, further studies need to show if these are more often observable rearrangements in infertile. Overall, it seems worthwhile considering translocations as inversions, as possibly regularly observable recurrent chromosomal rearrangements in human (infertile) populations, in which the formation mechanisms are still far from being understood. The contribution of such rearrangements to the genetic variety of the human population has not fully assessed yet.
Handling Missing Data in COVID-19 Incidence Estimation: Secondary Data Analysis
Authors: Pham Hai-Thanh , Do Toan , Baek Jonggyu , Nguyen Cong-Khanh , Pham Quang-Thai , Nguyen Hoa L , Goldberg Robert , Pham Quang Loc , Giang Le Minh
Published: June 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed significant challenges in disease forecasting and in developing a public health response, emphasizing the need to manage missing data from various sources in making accurate forecasts.

Objective

We aimed to show how handling missing data can affect estimates of the COVID-19 incidence rate (CIR) in different pandemic situations.

Methods

This study used data from the COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 surveillance system at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Vietnam. We separated the available data set into 3 distinct periods: zero COVID-19, transition, and new normal. We randomly removed 5% to 30% of data that were missing completely at random, with a break of 5% at each time point in the variable daily caseload of COVID-19. We selected 7 analytical methods to assess the effects of handling missing data and calculated statistical and epidemiological indices to measure the effectiveness of each method.

Results

Our study examined missing data imputation performance across 3 study time periods: zero COVID-19 (n=3149), transition (n=1290), and new normal (n=9288). Imputation analyses showed that K-nearest neighbor (KNN) had the lowest mean absolute percentage change (APC) in CIR across the range (5% to 30%) of missing data. For instance, with 15% missing data, KNN resulted in 10.6%, 10.6%, and 9.7% average bias across the zero COVID-19, transition, and new normal periods, compared to 39.9%, 51.9%, and 289.7% with the maximum likelihood method. The autoregressive integrated moving average model showed the greatest mean APC in the mean number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 during each COVID-19 containment cycle (CCC) when we imputed the missing data in the zero COVID-19 period, rising from 226.3% at the 5% missing level to 6955.7% at the 30% missing level. Imputing missing data with median imputation methods had the lowest bias in the average number of confirmed cases in each CCC at all levels of missing data. In detail, in the 20% missing scenario, while median imputation had an average bias of 16.3% for confirmed cases in each CCC, which was lower than the KNN figure, maximum likelihood imputation showed a bias on average of 92.4% for confirmed cases in each CCC, which was the highest figure. During the new normal period in the 25% and 30% missing data scenarios, KNN imputation had average biases for CIR and confirmed cases in each CCC ranging from 21% to 32% for both, while maximum likelihood and moving average imputation showed biases on average above 250% for both CIR and confirmed cases in each CCC.

Conclusions

Our study emphasizes the importance of understanding that the specific imputation method used by investigators should be tailored to the specific epidemiological context and data collection environment to ensure reliable estimates of the CIR.
The Mediating Role of Human Mobility in Temporal-Lagged Relationships Between Risk Perception and COVID-19 Dynamics in Taiwan: Statistical Modeling for Comparing the Pre-Omicron and Omicron Eras
Authors: Chang Min-Chien , Wen Tzai-Hung
Published: June 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted all aspects of human life for over 3 years. Understanding the evolution of public risk perception during these periods is crucial. Few studies explore the mechanisms for reducing disease transmission due to risk perception. Thus, we hypothesize that changes in human mobility play a mediating role between risk perception and the progression of the pandemic.

Objective

The study aims to explore how various forms of human mobility, including essential, nonessential, and job-related behaviors, mediate the temporal relationships between risk perception and pandemic dynamics.

Methods

We used distributed-lag linear structural equation models to compare the mediating impact of human mobility across different virus variant periods. These models examined the temporal dynamics and time-lagged effects among risk perception, changes in mobility, and virus transmission in Taiwan, focusing on two distinct periods: (1) April-August 2021 (pre-Omicron era) and (2) February-September 2022 (Omicron era).

Results

In the pre-Omicron era, our findings showed that an increase in public risk perception correlated with significant reductions in COVID-19 cases across various types of mobility within specific time frames. Specifically, we observed a decrease of 5.59 (95% CI −4.35 to −6.83) COVID-19 cases per million individuals after 7 weeks in nonessential mobility, while essential mobility demonstrated a reduction of 10.73 (95% CI −9.6030 to −11.8615) cases after 8 weeks. Additionally, job-related mobility resulted in a decrease of 3.96 (95% CI −3.5039 to −4.4254) cases after 11 weeks. However, during the Omicron era, these effects notably diminished. A reduction of 0.85 (95% CI −1.0046 to −0.6953) cases through nonessential mobility after 10 weeks and a decrease of 0.69 (95% CI −0.7827 to −0.6054) cases through essential mobility after 12 weeks were observed.

Conclusions

This study confirms that changes in mobility serve as a mediating factor between heightened risk perception and pandemic mitigation in both pre-Omicron and Omicron periods. This suggests that elevating risk perception is notably effective in impeding virus progression, especially when vaccines are unavailable or their coverage remains limited. Our findings provide significant value for health authorities in devising policies to address the global threats posed by emerging infectious diseases.
Prediction of Mild Cognitive Impairment Status: Pilot Study of Machine Learning Models Based on Longitudinal Data From Fitness Trackers
Authors: Xu Qidi , Kim Yejin , Chung Karen , Schulz Paul , Gottlieb Assaf
Published: June 2024

Background

Early signs of Alzheimer disease (AD) are difficult to detect, causing diagnoses to be significantly delayed to time points when brain damage has already occurred and current experimental treatments have little effect on slowing disease progression. Tracking cognitive decline at early stages is critical for patients to make lifestyle changes and consider new and experimental therapies. Frequently studied biomarkers are invasive and costly and are limited for predicting conversion from normal to mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Objective

This study aimed to use data collected from fitness trackers to predict MCI status.

Methods

In this pilot study, fitness trackers were worn by 20 participants: 12 patients with MCI and 8 age-matched controls. We collected physical activity, heart rate, and sleep data from each participant for up to 1 month and further developed a machine learning model to predict MCI status.

Results

Our machine learning model was able to perfectly separate between MCI and controls (area under the curve=1.0). The top predictive features from the model included peak, cardio, and fat burn heart rate zones; resting heart rate; average deep sleep time; and total light activity time.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that a longitudinal digital biomarker differentiates between controls and patients with MCI in a very cost-effective and noninvasive way and hence may be very useful for identifying patients with very early AD who can benefit from clinical trials and new, disease-modifying therapies.
When AI Meets Art Therapy: Evaluating AI-Generated Art Through Art Therapists Insights (Preprint)
Authors: Shojaei Fereshtehossadat , Shojaei Fatemehalsadat , Osorio Torres John , Shih Patrick C.
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

With the increasing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into various aspects of daily life, there is a growing interest among designers and practitioners in incorporating AI into their fields. In healthcare domains like art therapy, AI is also becoming a subject of exploration. However, the use of AI in art therapy is still undergoing investigation, with its benefits and challenges being actively explored.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the integration of AI) into art therapy practices to comprehend its potential impact on therapeutic processes and outcomes. Specifically, the focus is on understanding the perspectives of art therapists regarding the utilization of AI-assisted tools in their practice with clients, as demonstrated through the presentation of our prototype consisting of a deck of cards with words covering various categories alongside an AI-generated image.

METHODS

Employing a co-design approach, ten art therapists affiliated with the American Art Therapy Association participated in this study. They engaged in individual interviews where they discussed their professional perspectives on integrating AI into their therapeutic approaches, evaluating the prototype. Qualitative analysis was conducted to derive themes and insights from these sessions.

RESULTS

Our findings provide a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of AI on facilitating the therapeutic process. The combination of a deck of cards and the utilization of an AI-generated tool demonstrated an enhancement in the quality and accessibility of therapy sessions. However, challenges such as credibility and privacy concerns were also identified.

CONCLUSIONS

The integration of AI into art therapy presents promising avenues for innovation and progress within the field. By gaining insights into the perspectives and experiences of art therapists, this study contributes knowledge for both practical application and further research.
Features of the course of hepatorenal syndrome in decompensated portal hypertension (case report)
Authors: Tutchenko M.I. , Rudyk D.V. , Besedinskyi M.S. , Chub S.L. , Nerushchenko Yu.V.
Published: June 2024

Hepatorenal syndrome is a critical and potentially life-threatening complication in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis, characterized by the development of renal dysfunction in the absence of underlying structural kidney disease. Despite some encouraging studies of pharmacological treatments, the development of hepatorenal syndrome in people with cirrhosis implies a poor prognosis, as renal failure is usually irreversible unless a liver transplantation is performed. The purpose is to show the peculiarities of hepatorenal syndrome and the method of its successful treatment. The article describes a clinical case of hepatorenal syndrome in the postoperative period in a 54-year-old woman who was hospitalized urgently with bleeding esophageal varices. She has a history of liver cirrhosis associated with HCV and portal vein thrombosis, portal hypertension syndrome, blee­ding esophageal varices, ascites. After stabilization of hemodynamic parameters, the patient underwent a portoazygous disconnection, which included devascularization of the distal esophagus, proximal stomach, and esophageal transection. The first day of the postoperative period was complicated by the development of hepatorenal syndrome. Only its timely diagnosis in decompensated portal hypertension, with the elimination of pathophysiological components of the pathological process, allows correcting this complex pathology. When draining ascites, detoxification of the body is possible, which makes it possible to partially compensate for impaired kidney function. Albumin replacement therapy helps maintain osmotic balance.
Assessing the impact of antimicrobial stewardship programs in tertiary hospitals for UTI: does it work alone?
Authors: Yuri Prahara , Shigemura Katsumi , Dahesihdewi Andaru , Zulfiqqar Andy , Kitagawa Koichi , Fujisawa Masato
Published: June 2024

Antibiotic resistance is currently an emergent global challenge. Urinary tract infection (UTI), one of the most commonly reported infections, are is becoming a difficult case to treat considering the increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The objective of this study was to assess the impact of a hospital antibiotic stewardship program on AMR in managing UTI at a tertiary referral hospital in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, while considering the absence of the program in lower-tier referral hospitals. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2017 to December 2020, classified into pediatric and adult samples. Urine samples were collected and cultured from all patients with UTI hospitalized in the Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta. The UTI causative bacteria and antibiotic susceptibilities were investigated in the comparison of the first 2 years (2017-2018, prior to the hospital antibiotic stewardship program) and the last 2 years (2019-2020, following the implementation of the hospital antibiotic stewardship program). The isolates from 717 adult urine samples were cultured. Escherichia coli (39.1%), Acitenobacter baumanii (9.3%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8.5%) were identified as the most common bacteria prior to the hospital antibiotic stewardship program. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing E. coli and Burkholderia cepacia were still increasing in the following the implementation of the hospital antibiotic stewardship program. Our study indicated that the stewardship program does not exhibit a significant change during the first two years considering the absence of the program in lower-tier referral hospitals.
THE UNSEEN: BURDEN IN CAREGIVERS OF PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA IN A TERTIARY CARE INSTITUTE
Authors: DEVALIYA SANGEETA , TOMAR SHASHI PRABHA , GUPTA PREETI , SONI VAISHALI , DHAKAR JAGMOHAN SINGH
Published: June 2024

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of caregiver burden in patients with schizophrenia using the burden assessment schedule (BAS).
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and their respective caregivers from the patients admitted in the male and female wards of the psychiatric department to evaluate caregiver burden. The BAS is used to determine the burden on caregivers of schizophrenic patients.
Results: This study revealed that 51% of the caregivers had experienced moderate levels of burden. Older caregivers experienced a significantly higher burden (p=0.03), whereas residence and educational status had no significant effect on the burden. The burden was highest among parents, followed by spouses, and the burden is positively correlated with gender and older caregivers.
Conclusion: It is evident that an unaddressed burden exists among the caregivers of patients who have mental illness. It is crucial to develop strategies to lessen the load of caregiving and implement them effectively. Counseling and psychological support, though they do not directly mitigate the suffering of patients, may help improve the quality of care given by them to individuals with schizophrenia, thus overall improving the mental well-being of the whole family.
PREVALENCE OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA IN CASES OF METABOLIC SYNDROME: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: SHIVALINGAIAH BHAVYA , MALLIKARJUN  , J VARSHINI , K SPURTHI
Published: June 2024

Objectives: The study aimed to find out the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in individuals with metabolic syndrome (MS).
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the department of respiratory medicine of a tertiary care medical institute. Eighty patients infected with MS diagnosed on the basis of national cholesterol education program adult treatment panel III criteria were included in this study on the basis of predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic details such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status of all the patients were noted. A thorough general and clinical examination was conducted, including the assessment of vital signs. Polysomnography was done in all cases and the diagnosis of OSA was based on polysomnography results. SSPS 21.0 was used for statistical analysis and p<0.05 was taken as statistically significant.
Results: Out of 80 patients, there were 58 (72.50%) males and 22 (27.50%) females with a M: F ratio of 1: 0.37. The overall mean age of the studied cases was found to be 44.60±12.92. Mild (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] 5–14), moderate (AHI=15–30), and severe OSA (AHI >30) was seen in 33 (41.25%), 17 (21.25%) and 9 (11.25%) patients, respectively. Overall prevalence of OSA in cases of MS was found to be 73.75% as the severity of OSA increased there was decreased in mean sleep time and the difference was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). The most common presenting complaint was loud snoring, observed in 55 patients (93.22%). This was followed by daytime sleepiness in 47 patients (79.66%), waking up tired in 37 patients (62.71%), and disturbed sleep in 36 patients (61.02%).
Conclusion: The prevalence of OSA is notably high among individuals with MS. Consequently, routine assessment for OSA should be an integral component of the management strategy for patients with MS.
COMPARISION OF LICHTESTEIN OPEN TENSION-FREE VERSUS LAPROSCOPIC TOTALLY EXTRAPERTIONEAL TECHNIQUE FOR INGUINAL HERNIA REPAIR
Authors: SHARMA VINEET , BHARDWAJ GIRISH , SAINI VIVEK , PORWAL PANKAJ , TRIPATHI ANIL KUMAR
Published: June 2024

Objectives: The study aimed to assess and compare Litchtenstein’s open tension-free and laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) mesh repair.
Methods: This hospital-based comparative type of observational study was conducted on 50 cases for each of two groups at upgraded Department of General Surgery, SMS Hospital, Jaipur, between January 2014 and January 2016. All the cases of elective inguinal hernia coming to SMS outpatient department in a single surgical unit operated by a single surgeon in the given period which meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thus, collected data were entered in Microsoft Excel sheet and analysis was done by Epi info software of CDC.
Results: Total 100 patients were included in this study; 50 each in the two groups, the laparoscopic TEP group and open Lichtenstein group. Mean age in the laparoscopic group was 39.54 years and the open Lichtenstein group was 42.78 years. The mean pain score out of 10 at 24 h was 2.96 (±0.638) and 3.60 (±0.969) in TEP and Lichtenstein groups, respectively. The mean return to work for open group was 17.00 and TEP group was 11.34 days. There is no any recurrence and readmission in both groups.
Conclusion: Laparoscopic TEP repair may be done in all uncomplicated inguinal hernia by an experienced surgeon for those desiring less pain, better cosmotic results, less post-operative complications, less hospital stay, and early return to work.
The Intersection of Reality and Fiction in Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead: A Study of Absurdity and Metadrama
Authors: Massaad Dr. Madoline
Published: June 2024

The article titled "The Intersection of Reality and Fiction in Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead: A Study of Absurdity and Metadrama" explores how Tom Stoppard's play transforms the minor characters from Shakespeare's Hamlet into central figures within an absurdist framework. This study examines the play’s themes of human identity, confusion, and helplessness, common in the Theatre of the Absurd, using postmodernist metadramatic techniques. By employing metadrama, Stoppard highlights the blurred lines between reality and fiction, as seen in the characters' struggles to understand their existence within the play. The paper delves into the philosophical implications of absurdity, drawing on the ideas of Albert Camus and other theorists to illustrate how Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead reflects the chaotic and purposeless nature of human life. Through various metadramatic devices like the play within a play, role-playing, and the breakdown of conventional narrative structures, Stoppard's work is analyzed as a profound commentary on the human condition and the search for meaning in an incomprehensible world.