bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tendencias educativas de las aulas del futuro
Authors: Blanco Rosado Lisander Antonio
Published: May 2023

La educación actual tiene que ir en armonía con los cambios que las sociedades promueven como producto de las transformaciones tecnológicas y científicas. Son muchos los estudios y teorías que afirman la necesidad de contextualizar la dinámica educativa con base a las realidades sociales y la globalización es una realidad innegable. Sin embargo, los procesos educativos siguen promoviendo prácticas tradiciones y memorísticas, lo que deja ver un desfase entre la educación, la realidad y lo social. En este sentido, el estudio se orientó a analizar las tendencias educativas de las aulas del futuro. La metodología empleada se ajustó al paradigma postpositivista, que permitió hacer una interpretación de la experiencia pedagógica de los docentes en Colombia, particularmente del departamento del Magdalena, enfatizada en el método fenomenológico. El  instrumento para la recolección de información fue la entrevista, realizada a 8 docentes de las instituciones educativas dePlato, la información se procesó mediante el método de categorización y triangulación. Los hallazgos del estudio permitieron que las nuevas tendencias educativas en las aulas del futuro apunten a una educación virtual o una combinación de dos sistemas educativos presencial – virtual, el primero, rescate el acercamiento humano, docente-dicentes y estudiantes- estudiantes. Y el segundo, tiene como objetivo preparar al estudiante para que sea capaz de enfrentar los retos que la globalización y lassociedades imponen. Asimismo, las categorías que surgen del estudio tienen implicación directa con: la responsabilidad digital, competencias tecnológicas, la colaboración dentro de nuevos espacios educativos, pedagogía innovadora, habilidades para la vida y preparación laboral, aprendizajes dirigidos por estudiantes y nuevas conexiones que implican nuevas formas de pensamiento.
Un estudio de casos: Acerca de la evaluación de los aprendizajes en las instituciones educativas. “Cinco preguntas para mejorar”
Authors: Morón Granados Eliana , Gamez Dáninso
Published: May 2023

La evaluación necesita cambios rigurosos, desde la forma como se define, hasta la forma como se hace, para ello, se realizó un estudio de casos en la Institución Educativa Distrital (IED) Olivos de la ciudad de Santa Marta, Colombia, para ello se aplicó un cuestionario a 22 docentes y 2 directivos docentes de cinco preguntas abiertas acerca de: ¿qué es la evaluación?, ¿qué se evalúa?, ¿para qué se evalúa?, ¿cómo se evalúa? y las consideraciones finales ¿Cómo considera que debe ser nuestro modelo de evaluación? Se calcularon los porcentajes de acuerdo a las frecuencias de las respuestas obtenidas, reflexionando sobre la necesidad de revisar algunos conceptos acerca de la evaluación de los aprendizajes en la IED. El 66,66% de los encuestados consideró que la evaluación es una prueba de medición de lo captado de un concepto y un 20,83%, manifestó: la evaluación como la valoración de conocimientos, compromiso y aprendizaje de un estudiante; las cuatro primera preguntas mantienen similar comportamiento en la forma como piensan los encuestados acerca de la evaluación: “medición de lo cognitivo de forma memorística, cuantificable y sancionatoria”, por el contrario en la última pregunta los docentes reconocen que el modelo de evaluación actual no se ajusta al contexto, necesidades, ni realidades de la comunidad atendida.
La ética del docente en el contexto educativo colombiano: Una práctica pedagógica transformadora. 83-92
Authors: Casadiegos Lázaro Reinaldo , Duarte Ramírez José Luís
Published: May 2023

La expresión, es una de las tendencias que se presentan en la realidad, por tanto, se toma en cuenta En el siguiente artículo se analiza la ética del docente en el contexto educativo colombiano desde una práctica pedagógica transformadora. Es de señalar que el discurso docente en su praxis tiene unas implicaciones éticas aparte de contribuir en la formación y desarrollo de las habilidades del estudiante. La formación integral del individuo exige que los valores estén implícitos en la praxis educativa del docente e indudablemente que a ello contribuye la familia y el contexto.
Hybrid-Flexible Course Design
Authors: Beatty Brian
Published: May 2023

This volume provides readers with methods, case stories, and strategies related to Hybrid-Flexible (HyFlex) course design so that they may make decisions about using it themselves and even begin their own HyFlex course (re)design. More specifically, based on the needs identified for their course(s), readers will be able to a) determine if and how HyFlex course design could help them solve critical needs, b) take advantage of emerging opportunities to improve their education practice, enabling them to better serve more students, c) gain an awareness of the HyFlex design, d) find their own innovative HyFlex solution to their specific challenges, and e) begin the HyFlex implementation process using strategies similar to those used by instructors described in this book. The volume describes the fundamental principles of HyFlex design, explains a process for design and development, and discusses implementation factors that instructors have experienced in various higher education institutions. These factors include the drivers, the variations in implementation approaches and constraints, and the results (e.g., student scores, student satisfaction). A series of worksheets provides specific guidance that can be used by individuals or teams engaging in HyFlex design projects at their own institution. Case reports from institutions and faculty who have successfully implemented HyFlex-style courses provide a rich set of real-world stories to draw insights for a reader’s own design setting.
Laser tracker interim testing per the ASME B89.4.19-2021 and ISO 10360-10:2021 standards
Authors: Motta de Souza Marcos , Muralikrishnan Bala , Lee Vincent , Sawyer Daniel
Published: May 2023

The recently revised ASME B89.4.19-2021 and ISO 10360-10:2021 standards for laser trackers include a new interim test that is comprehensive and more sensitive to systematic errors than the interim tests in the previous versions of the standards, i.e., the ASME B89.4.19-2006 and ISO 10360-10:2016. This interim test can be performed by users periodically in the field to assess the health of their trackers. There are two components to this interim test - the first is designed to detect geometric errors in laser trackers while the second is designed to assess the performance of the inclination sensor. In this report, we present an overview of the interim test for geometry errors, describe four methods of realizing the test, present performance evaluation data on a laser tracker from the different methods, and compare the methods in terms of their advantages and disadvantages.
Physical characterization of the weathering profile over a sheared, biotite-muscovite granite in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Kuna Raj John
Published: May 2023

The weathering profile can be separated into an upper, 11.8 m thick pedological soil (zone I) comprising gravelly clayey sands and a lower, >31.9 m thick saprock (zone II) consisting of gravelly silty sands with distinct preservation of the minerals, textures and structures of the original granitic bedrock material and mass. Zone I can be separated into A, B and C soil horizons, whilst zone II can be differentiated into sub-zones IIA, IIB, IIC and IID based on differences in preservation of relict structures and content of core-boulders. The earth materials of zone I represent rock mass weathering grade VI, whilst those of sub-zones IIA and IIB represent grade V, and those of sub-zones IIC and IID represent grades IV and III respectively. Constant volume samples show the earth materials to have variable dry unit weights (11.98 to 17.66 kN/m3), but a limited range in specific gravity (2.62 to 2.70) due to similar primary and secondary minerals. The zone I earth materials have relatively large clay contents (>19%) and are more porous (33% to 55%) than those of zone II (36% to 44%) which have large silt contents (>23%). Sand contents are more variable (23% to 44%) though relatively large total sand and gravel contents (37% to 68%) point to the original, coarse grained granitic bedrock. Increasing clay contents (of kaolinite and illite) up the profile, and a corresponding decrease in silt contents (of mainly sericite), reflect increasing alteration of the bedrock; a feature also shown by increasing values of the textural weathering index (Iw). Distinct preservation of granitic textures and structures in saprock (zone II) indicate in situ alteration of bedrock; weathering resulting from gradual lowering of an unconfined groundwater table.
Los dueños de la información especializada en moda, belleza y lifestyle. Una revisión de la estructura de comunicación e información en Hearst Magazines, Lagardère Media y Condé Nast
Authors: Luque Ortiz Sergio
Published: May 2023

La industria de la moda no podría entenderse sin la presencia de los medios de comunicación de masas. Holdings como Hearst Magazines, Lagardère Media y Condé Nast gestionan la edición de revistas como Elle, Cosmopolitan, Paris Match y Vogue, además de poseer empresas de múltiples sectores determinando el discurso informativo. Alcance de la revisión: el presente artículo de revisión tiene como alcance abordar, desde la perspectiva de la estructura de la comunicación y de la teoría crítica de las industrias culturales, el desarrollo y evolución de los mencionados grupos mediáticos. Período de las publicaciones revisadas: para la realización del trabajo se han revisado diferentes fuentes de información publicadas entre 1990 y 2022.Origen y tipos de documentos revisados: las fuentes de información revisadas (libros, tesis doctorales, artículos científicos y trabajos académicos) proceden de repositorios científicos, lo que garantiza la pluralidad y el contraste de la información. Aportación del autor sobre las publicaciones analizadas: en cuanto a la aportación principal del artículo, destaca la exhaustiva revisión bibliográfica realizada, además de la citación de trabajos académicos relacionados con el objeto de estudio abordado firmados por el autor de este trabajo.Conclusiones sobre las líneas de investigación estudiadas: como conclusión principal, puede afirmarse que los grupos editoriales abordados en el artículo simbolizan las consecuencias de la mercantilización informativa, que se convierte convirtiéndose ésta en un producto en manos de empresas, magnates y líderes ajenos al periodismo.
Coordinated stimulation of axon regenerative and neurodegenerative transcriptional programs by Atf4 following optic nerve injury
Authors: Somasundaram Preethi , Farley Madeline M. , Rudy Melissa A. , Stefanoff David G. , Shah Malay , Goli Puneetha , Heo Jenny , Wang Shufang , Tran Nicholas M. , Watkins Trent A.
Published: May 2023

Previously we showed that neurodegeneration initiated by axonal insults depends in part on the stress-responsive kinase Perk (Larhammar et al., 2017). Here we show that Perk acts primarily through Activating Transcription Factor-4 (Atf4) to stimulate not only pro-apoptotic but also pro-regenerative responses following optic nerve injury. Using conditional knockout mice, we find an extensive Perk/Atf4-dependent transcriptional response that includes canonical Atf4 target genes and modest contributions by C/ebp homologous protein (Chop). Overlap with c-Jun-dependent transcription suggests interplay with a parallel stress pathway that couples regenerative and apoptotic responses. Accordingly, neuronal knockout of Atf4 recapitulates the neuroprotection afforded by Perk deficiency, and Perk or Atf4 knockout impairs optic axon regeneration enabled by disrupting the tumor suppressor Pten. These findings contrast with the transcriptional and functional consequences reported for CRISPR targeting of Atf4 or Chop and reveal an integral role for Perk/Atf4 in coordinating neurodegenerative and regenerative responses to CNS axon injury.
Trend Analysis of Malaria Prevalence in a District of Western Ghats, Karnataka, India: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Jagadish Lavanya , . Vishwajith , Rao K Archana
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Among vector borne diseases, malaria remained a major threat to public health from decades because of its course and complications. Being the endemic region, malaria poses a great threat because it causes multiorgan failure. Though continuous monitoring, effective implementation of control measures are in place still India contributes to majority of cases in sub Asian region. Aim: To estimate the prevalence of malaria, to determine the seasonality and to analyse the trend of the disease over the period. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted at Chikamagalur a district in Karnataka, India, in the year 2022 over a period of six months. The study was done by collecting the data of patient details from the laboratory register. The results were analysed, positive results were calculated for disease burden by Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) and Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum). Results: Out of 27,474 samples, 94 were found positive for malaria parasite of which P. vivax cases were 90 (95%) and 4 (5%) was P. falciparum cases. Prevalence rate was 0.34%. There is 24% drop in malaria cases from 2019-2021 when compared to 2015-2018. Conclusion: The present study shows decline in the number of malaria cases from 2015 to 2021. The cases showed seasonal variation with maximum cases being reported in September. As India is in the decline phase of cases, with the collective efforts of clinicians, laboratory personnel and community health workers, elimination of malaria could be a possibility.
Impact of Environment on Motor Function and Methods of Mobility in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Chinniah Hemachithra , Sambandam Elansuriyan
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Activities of Daily Living (ADL) in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) include a variety of environmental settings. Environmental setting plays an important role in clinical assessment and therapeutic intervention to improve the mobility in children with CP. There are various environmental factors like movable surfaces, stairs, carpeting, physical obstacles, which facilitate or constrain the mobility of children with CP. Aim: To study the differences in motor function and gait speed at different environmental settings and find out the usual mobility methods of children with CP in home, school and community settings. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Outpatient Department (OPD) of Paediatrics at Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India. The duration of the study was seven months, from February 2022 to August 2022. A total of 50 CP children aged between 4-12 years were included and demographic details were collected. Type of CP, gross motor function, gait speed and methods of mobility were evaluated at home, community and school in all the children with CP. Gross Motor Function Measurement (GMFM 88-E), One-Minute Walk Test (1MWT) and parent checklist for mobility methods were used as outcome measures to collect the data and analysed with Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Friedman test. Results: The mean age of the study population was 8.34±1.62 years, which included 29 (58%) male children and 21 (42%) female children. Gross motor function and gait speed varied across the environment and statistically significant differences (p-value=<0.001) were observed in the home, community and school. Results related to methods of mobility showed that, most of the children, 38 (76%) walk alone in the home and are carried by adults in the community 30 (60%) and use all mobility methods in school. Conclusion: The present study concluded that, the gross motor function, gait speed and methods of mobility varied across the different environmental settings (home, community and school). Motor function and gait speed were better at home, followed by the school than the community. The common method of mobility was walking alone at home and being carried by adults in the community
Prevalence of Insomnia among Paediatric Cancer Patients: A Hospital-based Observational Study
Authors: Sharma Sanjana , Bharti Pooja , Sharma Pallavi , Digra Sanjeev Kumar , Sharma Sunil Dutt , Saini Ghanshyam
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Insomnia and other sleep disturbances are the common occurrences in paediatric patients suffering from cancer. These may be attributed to the disease itself or its treatment and accompanying psychosocial stress. Sleep disorders including insomnia are known to have a detrimental effect on the quality of life in these patients. Aim: To estimate the prevalence of insomnia among cancer patients aged 1-15 years admitted in the paediatric oncology ward. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational, hospital-based study was conducted in the Paediatric Oncology ward, Shri Maharaja Gulab Singh (SMGS) Hospital, Government. Medical College (tertiary care institute), Jammu, India, from June 2022 to August 2022. A total of 50 patients, in the age group of 1-15 years, diagnosed with malignancies like leukaemia, lymphoma, aplastic anaemia, hepatoblastoma, etc., were enrolled after taking informed consent from their parents. Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) was administered to parents of children below 10 years age and to patients themselves who were between 10-15 years to screen for symptoms of insomnia with the help of their parents/investigators as and when required. Continuous variables were expressed as mean±Standard Deviation (SD) and categorical variables were summarised as frequencies and percentages. Results: The study subjects were distributed according to their age into three groups, as 1-5 years (n=26), 6-10 years (n=16), and 11-15 years (n=8). There were 24 (48%) males and 26 (52%) females. In this study, 32 (64%) study subjects did not have insomnia, 5 (10%) had subthreshold insomnia,13 (26%) had moderate insomnia and none had severe insomnia. Conclusion: The prevalence of insomnia found in the study was 26%. Insomnia is common in paediatric cancer patients necessitating its recognition and management for improved quality of life.
Adoption of Integrated Pest Management Technologies in Controlling Pink Bollworm by Cotton Growers in Nagpur District of Maharashtra, India
Authors: Dupare Ruchita P. , Mazhar Syed H.
Published: May 2023

The present study was conducted in Nagpur district of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra state. The study was taken up in Umred and Nagpur rural talukas of Nagpur district. 10 respondents were selected from 12 villages of these talukas which constitutes total number of 120 respondents. The findings of the research revealed the adoption level of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) technologies in controlling pink bollworm by cotton growers. Most of cotton growers i.e., 60.84 per cent of cotton growers had medium level of adoption of IPM technology. Socio economic characteristics like Education, land holding, area under cotton cultivation, source of irrigation, annual income, source of information, extension contact, economic motivation and risk orientation were positively and significantly related with adoption of IPM for controlling pink bollworm. Whereas, age and farming experience were negatively significant with adoption of IPM for controlling pink bollworm and occupation was positively non- significant with adoption of IPM for controlling pink bollworm.
Investigating the Impact of Inflation and Other Macroeconomic Variables on Stock Returns in Nigeria
Authors: Folorunso Ayinuola Tunde
Published: May 2023

This study investigates the impact of inflation and other macroeconomic variables on the stock returns of listed firms across five sectors: In Nigeria. A GARCH model and multivariate panel analysis were used in this study. The results show that inflation negatively and significantly impacts stock returns in the short and long run on an aggregate and sectoral basis. Moreover, money supply has a negative impact on stock returns in the long run and a positive impact in the short run, while the exchange rate has a positive impact. In contrast, interest rate is inversely related to stock returns in the short-run. Therefore, the Nigerian Monetary Authority should introduce a contractionary monetary policy and a stable exchange rate regime in order to achieve moderate inflation commensurate with economic growth and development.
The Relationship between Foreign Ownership and Financial Performance: A Vietnam Cases Study
Authors: Son Pham Duc , Truong Do Xuan
Published: May 2023

To implement the policy of attracting capital from foreign investors into the stock market, the Vietnamese government (2015) issued Decree 60 to allow joint-stock companies to attract indirect capital flows from foreign investors. Foreign ownership is said by some studies to increase the efficiency of the company's operations, however, there are also some studies that suggest that a too high foreign ownership rate will reduce the operating efficiency of enterprises. To determine the relationship between these two issues, we conducted a study with 100 companies listed on the Vietnamese stock market from 2015 to 2022. With the use of dynamic panel data model (GMM) , the analysis results show that foreign ownership has a nonlinear relationship with financial performance of the business. With a certain percentage of foreign ownership (0 to nearly 40%) will increase the financial efficiency of the enterprise, however this ratio exceeding the upper limit will have the opposite effect. From these results, we have made some recommendations in corporate governance related to ownership structure.
Exploring the Experiences of Parents as Facilitators of Learning in the New Normal in the Philippines
Authors: Magonalig Carlo A. , Gascon Mervin G. , Campaña Cherrelyn P.
Published: May 2023

Aims: To explore and understand the experiences of parents as facilitators of learning to their school-aged children during the ‘new normal.

Study Design: Qualitative-Phenomenology.

Place and Duration of Study: Digos City, Davao del Sur, Philippines, during the School Year 2021-2022.

Methodology: The study used purposive sampling in choosing the participants. The target participants were parents who had school-age children. Fifteen parents who gave their consent to participate were included in the study. The information was obtained through validated semi-structured interview questionnaires.

Results: Most of the participants were female, aged 36-40, college graduates, and either housewives or teaching jobs. Five themes emerged. Themes for the challenges were difficulty in balancing time and responsibilities, lack of knowledge of the lessons, difficulty in imposing discipline on their children, physical and health concerns, and slow internet connectivity. On the other hand, four themes emerged for the strategies used by parents as facilitators: proper time management, use of the Internet for research, use of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, and close supervision of children’s performance.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic did not spare anyone. Its emergence brings new challenges and responsibilities, particularly for parents with school-aged children. The parents’ concerns are family health and how they could help their children with their studies. These instances highlight the parents to adjust to the new and unexpected role in the new normal. Parents thought of solutions not only for their daily living but also for their children's education demands. The situations may be unpleasant and tiring, but parents, as they are, they show perseverance and patience. Parents' techniques may be better, but they are adequate for their problems. During these challenging times, the Department of Education (DepEd), the Local Government Units (LGU), and the Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD) may investigate the circumstances of parents with school-aged children and develop alternative programs which could address the educational needs of the parents.
Rare Case of C4 Perineurinoma with Lambdatic Parieto-occipital Neuroma in Von Recklinghausen Disease in a 5 Years Old Child: A Case Report
Authors: Joseph Fondop , Faustin Atemkem Tsatedem , Christine Atyam Ekoto Marie , Djam C. A. , Victor Eyenga , Didier Scavarda , Djientcheu V. D. P.
Published: May 2023

Neuro fibromatosis groups together distinct diseases that most often share only certain cutaneous signs. Neuroﬁbromatosis (NF) is a neurocutaneous syndrome characterized by the development of tumors of the central or peripheral nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, organs, skin, and bones. Prineurinoma is a relatively rare tumour that has been shown to be a proliferation of perineural cells with an incomplete basal lamina and no onion bulb appearance. Neuroma also known as traumatic neuroma or amputation neuroma or stump neuroma, is a focal non-neoplastic area of proliferative hyperplastic reaction secondary to peripheral nerve damage that commonly occurs after a focal trauma (acute or chronic) or surgery, such as amputation or partial transection; We report an extremely rare clinical case of a 5 year old child with neurfibromatosis congenita type 1 with asyntomatic medullary comrepssion and incidental discovery of a left intraductal C4 perineurinoma during the exploration of an occipital-parietal neuroma associated with a dehiscence of the lambda suture. He was operated on, with the postoperative course marked by paresis of the cervical muscles, which was in the process of recovery by physiotherapy.
Generation and Evaluation of Tabular Data in Different Domains Using Gans
Authors: Marecha Persevearance , Ye Lu
Published: May 2023

Deep learning techniques like Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) provide solutions in many domains where real data needs to be kept private. Synthesizing tabular data is difficult because of its high complexity. Tabular data usually contains a mixture of discrete and continuous data, which is not an easy model to build. The contributions made in this paper include training and generating data with the original Vanilla Gan, then CGan and WGan-Gp and WCGan-Gp which performs better than the former. The Adult Income Census dataset mainly focuses on predicting whether income exceeds 50,000 per year based on census data, then comparing the accuracy of machine learning models and calculating the F1 scores. Then the use of TimeGan on the stock dataset, comparing synthetic data vs real data. This paper will explore the use of GANs for generating and evaluating tabular data in different domains.
Yield and Yield Components of Onion as Influenced by Intra-Row Spacing and Nitrogen Fertilizer Levels in Rift Valley, Ethiopia
Authors: Ashenafi Mitiku , Tenaye Sintayehu
Published: May 2023

Background and Objectives: Farmers currently employ nationally approved fertilizer rates and plant spacing when growing onions, but knowledge of plant population density and fertilizer rates that may produce the best bulb production for different cultivars and locations is limited. As a result, gardeners frequently use nonspecific plant population densities for various cultivars, resulting in sub-optimal bulb yields.

Materials and Methods: A field experiment was conducted in 2019 from August to December to study the effects of intra-row plant spacing and levels of nitrogen on yield and quality of onion (Allium cepa L.) variety Nafis under irrigation.

Results: The main effect of intra-row spacing on stand count and both nitrogen levels and intra-row spacing on plant height and the number of leaves per plant was observed. The interaction of nitrogen level and intra-row distance affected days to maturity, leaf length, leaf diameter, bulb diameter, mean bulb weight, marketable and unmarketable bulb yield, and all bulb size categories. Increased intra-row spacing to 10.5 cm and N rate of 82 kg ha-1 increased marketable and total bulb yield by approximately 3.14 and 3.21 t ha-1, respectively, spacing and decreased unmarketable bulb yield by 1.38 t ha-1.

Conclusion: The use of 82 kg ha-1 N at the intra-row spacing of 10.5 cm was optimum for bulb production of onions. 82 kg ha-1 N at 10.5 cm intra-row spacing resulted in the highest net benefit.
Isolation, Characterization and Evaluation of the Antioxidant Potential of Different Extracts and Biomolecules of the Roots of Paullinia pinnata (Sapindaceae)
Authors: Bervis Adjadi Jeanne , Benjamin Kassi Amian Brise , Daouda Ballo , Chardin Seri Seri , David Virieux , Jean-Luc Pirat , Yaya Soro , Doubou Danho , Ané Adjou
Published: May 2023

Cardiovascular diseases, which are now among the leading causes of death in the world, are increasingly prompting the search for new antioxidant remedies. It is in this context that the chemical study and evaluation of the antioxidant potential of the different extracts of Paullinia pinnata (Sapindaceae), a plant used in the traditional treatment of cardiovascular diseases was carried out. The assessment of antioxidant potential was carried out by the ABTS free radical scavenging method. Phytochemical study of extracts (ethyl acetate and aqueous) of Paullinia pinnata roots isolated epicatechin, laproanthocyanidin A-2, epicatechin-(2β→O→7, 4β→8)-epicatechin-(4β→8)-epicatechin (cinnamtannin B-1) and O-β-D-glucopyranosyloxy-4-methyl-2(5H)-furanone. These compounds were first isolated from the genus Paullinia pinnata from Côte d'Ivoire. Their structures are elucidated by spectroscopic analyses (NMR and MS) in comparison with data from the literature.
Assessment of Physical Properties of Soil from Different Blocks of Coastal Areas, Ganjam District of Odisha, India
Authors: Panigrahi Sumanjeet , Swaroop Narendra , David Arun Alfred , Thomas Tarence , Mohanta Satya Ranjan
Published: May 2023

An investigation was conducted to analyse the physical properties of soils of different blocks of coastal areas of Ganjam district of Odisha. For this purpose, the soil samples were collected at three depths: 0-15 cm, 15-30 cm, and 30-45 cm, from nine different villages of three different blocks of coastal areas, a total of 27 samples collected and analysed for their physical parameter by using standard Laboratory Technique. The result showed that the Soil Texture of Chatrapur, Rangeilunda, and Chikiti block varied from Sandy loam to Sandy clay loam. The Bulk Density reported 1.31-1.36 Mg m-3, Particle Density reported 2.41 to 2.59 Mg m-3, Specific gravity varied from 2.61 to 2.69, Percent of Pore Space varied 44.56 to 48.13 Percent, Water Retaining Capacity ranged 42.98 to 45.92 Percent. Results suggest that farmers should adopt appropriate soil management techniques, such as crop rotation and conservation tillage, which will contribute to maintain the soil physical characteristics to ensure the sustainability of agricultural practices and the long-term health of the soil.
Fertigation Studies in Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam) under High Density Planting System for Leaf Biomass
Authors: Balakumbahan R. , Sivakumar V. , Ravindran C.
Published: May 2023

A field experiment was conducted at Horticultural College and Research Institute, TNAU, Periyakulam to determine the effect of drip fertigation on the plant growth and leaf yield of moringa variety PKM -1 under high density planting system. The treatment consisted of 75,100, 125, 150 percent of recommended dose of fertilizers under fertigation system along with soil application of 100 percent of recommended dose of fertilizers and without any fertilizers application as control. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with six treatments and four replications. Five individual plants were randomly selected from each plot and observations were recorded on growth, physiology and yield characters. Observations were recorded initially at 70 days after planting and subsequently at 35 days interval and totally three harvests were made during the study period.The result of the study indicated that among all the treatments application of 150 percent of recommended dose of fertilizers through drip fertigation produced significantly higher estimated fresh leaf yield of 2.93, 3.79 and 4.04 tonnes per hacter in first, second and thire harvests respectively when compare to other treatments.
Stability of Finite Difference Solution of Time-Dependent Schrodinger Equations
Authors: Ohwadua E. O.
Published: May 2023

In this paper, the stability of finite difference methods for time-dependent Schrodinger equation with Dirichlet boundary conditions on a staggered mesh was considered with explicit and implicit discretization. Using the matrix representation for the numerical algorithm, it is shown that for the explicit finite difference method, the solution is conditionally stable while it becomes unconditionally stable for implicit finite difference methods. A 1D Harmonic Oscillator problem shall be used to illustrate this behaviour.
Utility of EVendo Score as a Screening Tool for the Detection of High Risk Esophageal Varices in Pakistani Population
Authors: Jan Mahboob , Khan Raja Taha Yaseen , Ismail Hina , Shahzad Saleem , Tasneem Abbas Ali , Panezai Muhammad Qaiser , Kumar Danish , Mehmood Nasir , Adeel Muhammad , Khalid Muhammad Ali , Lail Ghulamullah , Nasir Abdullah , Luck Nasir Hasan
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Endoscopy for the screening of esophageal varices (EVs) is costly and cannot be performed in remote areas with limited resources. Recently, certain non-invasive cost effective models have been proposed for the prediction of EVs but have failed recommendation on a larger scale. EVendo score is a recently developed bedside score for the detection of EVs. Therefore, our aim was to determine the utility of EVendo score as a screening tool for the detection of high risk esophageal varices in Pakistani population.

Methods: It was a cross sectional study which was conducted in the department of Hepatogastroenterology from January 2021-June 2022.All the patients of either gender aged greater than 18 years with newly diagnosed cirrhosis were included in the study while those patients with prior history of esophageal varices and variceal bleeding as well as those with acute liver failure, renal impairment, non-cirrhotic portal hypertension and those on anticoagulants were excluded from the study. Area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) was obtained for EVendo score, Aspartate Transaminase to platelet ratio(APRI) and Platelet count to Splenic Diameter and diagnostic accuracy was obtained for these scores in predicting EVs and also in identifying HRVs.

Results: A total of 272 patients were enrolled in the study. Among them, 167(61.4%) were males. Most common cause of chronic liver disease was viral hepatitis.On screening endoscopy, EVs were noted in 118(43.4%) patients while high risk EVs (HRV) were noted in 47(17.3%) patients respectively. AUROC was obtained for EVendo score, APRI and Platelet count to Splenic Diameter in predicting EVs and also for identifying HRVs and it was 0.93 (p-value <0.001), 0.821(<0.001) and 0.842(p<0.001) respectively for the prediction of EVs with diagnostic accuracy of 86.76% and 0.852 (p-value <0.001), 0.835(<0.001) and 0.814(p<0.001) respectively for identifying HRVs with a diagnostic accuracy of 84.19%.

Conclusion: The performance of EVendo score was reliable and better than the other non-invasive scores in predicting EVs in our population with an excellent sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy in predicting the EVs and also in identifying HRVs. However, studies comprising larger sample sizes are required in this regard.
Effect of Borrower's Socio-Economic Profile on Agribusiness Loans Default Rate in Agricultural Finance Corporation, Mount Kenya Region
Authors: Miriti M’Muruku Salesio , Kingori Gathungu Geofrey , Mwirigi Rael Nkatha
Published: May 2023

Background: Agribusiness loans advanced by Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) in Mount Kenya Region have high default rate of 20.33% which compares unfavourably with 10% benchmark for all types of loans in Kenya. This is a challenge, given the strategic importance of agribusiness credit in mainstreaming livelihoods to alleviate poverty by offering occupational and professional opportunities. This study aimed at analysing effect of borrower’s socio-economic profile on AFC loan default rate in agricultural finance corporation, Mount Kenya Region.

Methods: According to AFC records Mount Kenya region represents a branch network of 11 branches and a population of 3,002 agribusiness borrowers. Using a descriptive research design a sample of 300 borrowers was drawn from a combined list through systematic random sampling technique with an interval of ten. Primary data on borrower’s socio-economic profile was collected using a structured questionnaire. The data was analysed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS V.27) and Stata version. Using regression analysis, the effect of independent and dependent variable to predict default rate was estimated. ANOVA was performed to get the F-statistic so as to test for the adequacy of the regression model. The logit econometric model was used to specify the statistical relationship between the independent variable and AFC loan default.

Results: Results of the study revealed that multiple borrowing and borrower-lender distance were significant at 5%. Farming experience, borrowing experience and off-farm income were significant at 10%, 5% and 1% levels of significance. Multiple borrowing and borrower-lender distance were found to have 5.5% and 0.8% associations with default rate, respectively.

Conclusion: The findings show that to mitigate default, the borrower should avoid multiple borrowing and manage the friction of distance. The study is significant since it enlightens the credit stakeholders on collective efforts that are effective in addressing the problem of default. The study recommends government interventionist policy by facilitating uptake of agricultural insurance and subsidizing input costs. Borrowers are encouraged to embrace technology, team up as farming communities to look for markets and affordable inputs, adopt agricultural insurances and adhere to lending directives.
Non-contact Measurement Using Ultrasonic Technology for Human Anthropometric: A Narrative Review
Authors: Siswati Tri , Rialihanto Muhammad Primiaji , Paramashanti Bunga Astria
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Stunting is a public health priority in low- and middle-income countries. Thus, the validity and reliability of anthropometric measurement tools become critical for early stunting detection in children. 

Objective: This article aims to review the use of ultrasonic sensors in human anthropometric and body measurements.

Methods: We conducted a narrative review of articles regarding the ultrasonic sensor for measuring anthropometrics in the human body between 2016 and 2022. We focused particularly on the use of ultrasonic sensors in children’s anthropometrics, body size, and body measurements.

Results: According to the findings, the majority of non-contact measurements using ultrasonic sensors were applied to adults, though several studies also involved pregnant women to measure foetus size. These studies showed that ultrasonic sensors were beneficial as they served as accurate, reproducible, affordable, and easy-to-use tools.

Conclusion: Future studies are warranted to understand the significance of the non-contact measurements for children’s anthropometrics, especially for early stunting detection.
A Man Aged 45 Years With Chinese Dragon Sign on Chest Radiography
Authors: Balcer Molly , Ailawadi Shaina , Valencia Damian
Published: May 2023

This case report discusses a diagnosis of acute systolic heart failure in a man aged 45 years with multiple radiographic findings, including the Chinese dragon sign.
The Skin of Color Society’s Meeting the Challenge Summit, 2022
Authors: Cobb Caryn B. C. , Heath Candrice R. , Byrd Angel S. , McKinley-Grant Lynn J. , Callender Valerie , Adamson Adewole S. , Brown Stafford , Desai Seemal R. , Glass Donald A. , Jaleel Tarannum , Okoye Ginette A. , Taylor Susan C. , Harvey Valerie M.
Published: May 2023

Importance

Clinical trials remain the cornerstone for determining the safety and efficacy of an intervention. A diverse participant pool in dermatology clinical trials is critical to ensure that results are generalizable among the patient population who will ultimately depend on the efficacy of the intervention. The Skin of Color Society hosted the inaugural Meeting the Challenge Summit: Diversity in Dermatology Clinical Trials in Washington, DC, from June 10 to 11, 2022. The summit was an interactive and collaborative effort to advance discussions regarding the need for broader inclusion of racial and ethnic minority patients in dermatology clinical trials.

Observations

The summit focused on 3 principal areas: (1) understanding the current clinical trials landscape; (2) breaking down patient, clinician, industry, and regulatory barriers; and (3) effecting change through a diversity-focused strategy. The program hosted thought-provoking panel talks and discussions with various stakeholder groups, including a keynote presentation from the family of Henrietta Lacks.

Conclusions and Relevance

Panel discussions and insightful presentations from physicians, industry leaders, community trailblazers, and patients fostered new collaborations. The summit provided recommendations and suggested strategies for future initiatives designed to increase the representation of minority individuals in dermatology clinical trials.
A deep learning‐based crack damage detection in exterior finish of timber houses in Japan for automated damage diagnostic system
Authors: Yamada Tomoyuki , Chida Hiroyuki , Takahashi Noriyuki
Published: May 2023

To ensure the speed, accuracy, and fairness of the building damage survey, a deep learning diagnostic support technique for crack damage that occurs around openings such as windows on the exterior finish is studied. Firstly, using training images based on fake crack images generated by Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Network (DCGAN), a deep learning model that can detect with high accuracy was constructed. Generally, in order to clarify the relationship between exterior finish damage and inter‐story drift ratio, it is necessary to analyze a wide range of intervening parameters. Secondly, this paper begins by focusing on “the relationship between exterior finish surface damage and the deformation of the exterior finish itself”, and this relationship is investigated by an optical measurement method applied for the in‐plane shear force tests. Finally, to analyze the relationship between the deep learning model and the image acquisition conditions, outdoor camera shooting test of damaged specimens was conducted.
Characteristics of co‐renovation (part 1): Effectiveness of renovation in detached house areas for human connections, case study in Shioya, Kobe
Authors: Nishino Yuichiro , Takeshita Masataka , Honda Yuki , Tokuono Tetsu , Yokoyama Shunsuke
Published: May 2023

This paper introduces the concept of co‐renovation, which involves creating a network of people, objects, and events during the renovation process. The study examines the effectiveness of co‐renovation in two ways. First, by promoting an open approach to the renovation process and the resulting house, it is possible to stimulate connections between those involved in the renovation. Second, the creation of a renovation network can encourage a sense of community development, leading to independent regional initiatives that extend beyond the renovation project. To optimize the effectiveness of co‐renovation, it is crucial to foster spontaneous connections, and this paper provides a summary of the factors that contribute to this.
Morphological Effects on the Performance of Broadband Organic Photomultiplication Photodetectors Containing Selenium Substituted Non‐Fullerene Acceptors
Authors: Suthar Gajendra , Hsiao Yu‐Tang , Tsai Kuen‐Wei , Liao Chuang‐Yi , Chu Chih‐Wei , Chang Yi‐Ming , Chen Fang‐Chung
Published: May 2023

Organic photodetectors (OPDs) with spectral response extending from ultraviolet to near‐infrared domains are of great interest for many applications. Morphological impact on the performance of photomultiplication (PM)‐type OPDs, however, is still rarely investigated so far. Herein, a non‐fullerene acceptor, Y6‐Se‐HD, is synthesized, in which heavier selenium atoms substitute the sulfur atoms in the core of Y6, and used for fabricating PM‐OPDs. The resulting devices exhibit remarkable PM effects in a very broadband spectral range covering from 320 to 1090 nm. A maximum EQE value of ≈6500% at 860 nm is achieved at a low bias of −1.0 V. As compared with the device prepared with Y6 molecules, the Y6‐Se‐HD OPDs exhibited much enhanced performance. From the morphological analysis, we infer that Y6‐Se‐HD almost covers the entire active layer and avoids the direct contact of the hole‐trapping donor polymers with the Ag electrode, thereby resulting in stronger charge trapping and preventing possible charge recombination and/or quenching. Furthermore, finer phase separation between the donor and acceptor molecules also facilitates hole trapping and strengthens the PM effects. This research highlights the importance of morphological effects on the PM‐OPDs and demonstrates one approach for controlling the device morphology.
Supramolecular Fibrous Hydrogel Augmentation of Uterosacral Ligament Suspension for Treatment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Authors: Miller Beverly , Wolfe Wiley , Gentry James L. , Grewal M. Gregory , Highley Christopher B. , De Vita Raffaella , Vaughan Monique H. , Caliari Steven R.
Published: May 2023

Uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS) is a common surgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). However, the relatively high failure rate of up to 40% underscores a strong clinical need for complementary treatment strategies, such as biomaterial augmentation. Herein, the first hydrogel biomaterial augmentation of USLS in a recently established rat model is described using an injectable fibrous hydrogel composite. Supramolecularly‐assembled hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel nanofibers encapsulated in a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐degradable HA hydrogel create an injectable scaffold showing excellent biocompatibility and hemocompatibility. The hydrogel can be successfully delivered and localized to the suture sites of the USLS procedure, where it gradually degrades over six weeks. In situ mechanical testing 24 weeks post‐operative in the multiparous USLS rat model shows the ultimate load (load at failure) to be 1.70 ± 0.36 N for the intact uterosacral ligament (USL), 0.89 ± 0.28 N for the USLS repair, and 1.37 ± 0.31 N for the USLS + hydrogel (USLS+H) repair (n = 8). These results indicate that the hydrogel composite significantly improves load required for tissue failure compared to the standard USLS, even after the hydrogel degrades, and that this hydrogel‐based approach can potentially reduce the high failure rate associated with USLS procedures.
Ready‐To‐Use and Rapidly Biodegradable Magnesium Phosphate Bone Cement: In Vivo Evaluation in Sheep
Authors: Schröter Lena , Kaiser Friederike , Preißler Anna‐Lena , Wohlfahrt Philipp , Küppers Oliver , Gbureck Uwe , Ignatius Anita
Published: May 2023

In clinical practice, hydroxyapatite (HA) cements for bone defect treatment are frequently prepared by mixing a powder component and a liquid component shortly before implantation in the operation theater, which is time‐consuming and error‐prone. In addition, HA cements are only slightly resorbed, that is, cement residues can still be found in the bone years after implantation. Here, these challenges are addressed by a prefabricated magnesium phosphate cement paste based on glycerol, which is ready‐to‐use and can be directly applied during surgery. By using a trimodal particle size distribution (PSD), the paste is readily injectable and exhibits a compressive strength of 9–14 MPa after setting. Struvite (MgNH4PO4·6H2O), dittmarite (MgNH4PO4·H2O), farringtonite (Mg3(PO4)2), and newberyite (MgHPO4·3H2O) are the mineral phases present in the set cement. The paste developed here features a promising degradation of 37% after four months in an ovine implantation model, with 25% of the implant area being newly formed bone. It is concluded that the novel prefabricated paste improves application during surgery, has a suitable degradation rate, and supports bone regeneration.