bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective randomized comparative study of the effect of pemafibrate add‐on or double statin dose on small dense low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertriglyceridemia on statin therapy
Authors: Hirano Tsutomu , Hayashi Toshiyuki , Sugita Hiroe , Tamasawa Atsuko , Goto Satoshi , Tomoyasu Masako , Yamamoto Takeshi , Ohara Makoto , Terasaki Michishige , Kushima Hideki , Ito Yasuki , Yamagishi Sho‐ichi , Mori Yusaku
Published: August 2023

Aims/Introduction

Small dense low‐density lipoprotein (sdLDL) is a more potent atherogenic lipoprotein than LDL. As sdLDL‐cholesterol (C) levels are determined by triglyceride and LDL‐C levels, pemafibrate and statins can reduce sdLDL‐C levels. However, it remains unclear whether adding pemafibrate or increasing statin doses would more effectively reduce sdLDL‐C levels in patients receiving statin therapy.

Materials and Methods

A total of 97 patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertriglyceridemia who were treated with statins were randomly assigned to the pemafibrate 0.2 mg/day addition or statin dose doubled, and followed for 12 weeks. sdLDL‐C was measured by our established homogenous assay.

Results

The percentage and absolute reductions of sdLDL‐C levels were significantly greater in the pemafibrate add‐on group than the statin doubling group (−32.8 vs −8.1%; −16 vs −3 mg/dL, respectively). Triglyceride levels were reduced only in the pemafibrate add‐on group (−44%), and LDL‐C levels were reduced only in the statin doubling group (−8%), whereas levels of non‐high‐density lipoprotein‐C and apolipoprotein B were similarly decreased (7–9%) in both groups. The absolute reductions of sdLDL‐C levels were closely associated with decreased triglyceride, LDL‐C, non‐high‐density lipoprotein‐C and apolipoprotein B. In the subgroup analysis, the effect of pemafibrate add‐on on sdLDL‐C reductions was observed irrespective of baseline lipid parameters or statin type. No serious adverse effects were observed in both groups.

Conclusions

In patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertriglyceridemia, the addition of pemafibrate to a statin is superior to doubling a statin in reducing sdLDL‐C without increasing adverse effects.
Isotretinoin‐associated acne fulminans: A multicentre, retrospective study of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Task Force on Acne, Rosacea and Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Authors: Dessinioti Clio , Dréno Brigitte , Bettoli Vincenzo , Vural Secil , Brzezinski Piotr , Nassif Aude , Svensson Åke , Zouboulis Christos C.
Published: August 2023

Background

Acne fulminans (AF) is a rare severe acne entity. Although occasionally reported, it is unclear whether AF development is associated with oral isotretinoin treatment.

Objectives

To investigate the occurrence of isotretinoin‐associated AF, clinical characteristics and prognosis at follow‐up.

Methods

An international, multicentre, retrospective study was performed in eight hospitals following the call of the EADV Task Force on Acne, Rosacea and Hidradenitis Suppurativa (ARHS). Characteristics of patients treated with isotretinoin before the development of AF (isotretinoin‐associated acne fulminans, IAF) were compared with non‐IAF (NAF).

Results

Forty‐nine patients diagnosed with AF from 2008 to 2022 were included (mean age 16.4 years, SD 2.9, 77.6% male). Αrthralgias/arthritis occurred in 11 patients (22.9%). AF occurred without any previous acne treatment in 26.5% of the patients. Overall, 28 patients (57.1%) developed AF after oral isotretinoin intake (IAF group), while the remaining 21 patients (42.9%) developed AF without previous oral isotretinoin administration (NAF group). IAF occurred after a median duration of isotretinoin treatment of 45 days (IQR: 30, 90). Patients with IAF were more frequently male compared to patients with NAF (89.3% vs. 61.9%, respectively, p = 0.023). There were no differences in patients with IAF versus NAF in patient age, the duration of pre‐existing acne, a family history of AF, the distribution of AF lesions or the presence of systemic symptoms or arthralgias. Regarding the management of AF, patients with IAF were treated more frequently with prednisolone (96.2%) compared to those with NAF (70%; p = 0.033) and less frequently with isotretinoin (32.1%) compared to NAF (85.7%; p < 0.001). At a median follow‐up of 2.2 years, 76.4% of patients were free of AF and scarring was present in all patients.

Conclusions

No specific clinical or demographic characteristics of IAF compared with NAF could be detected, a fact that does not support IAF as a district clinical entity.
Prevalence of subungual melanoma in patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tsiogka Aikaterini , Rubin Adam I. , Gregoriou Stamatios , Soulaidopoulos Stergios , Belyayeva Helena , Rigopoulos Dimitris
Published: August 2023

Background

Subungual melanoma (SUM) is a rare type of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) associated with poor prognosis, while data regarding its prevalence are scarce.

Objectives

We sought to provide a comprehensive systematic review and meta‐analysis of the prevalence rates of SUM among all types of CMM, considering certain demographic and clinical characteristics.

Methods

The MEDLINE electronic database was searched systematically to identify eligible studies providing prevalence rate estimates of SUM in patients with CMM. Included studies were further analysed to estimate the relative prevalences of SUM according to study design, study years, geographical region and sex distribution.

Results

Twenty‐eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The overall SUM prevalence was 1.9% (95% CI [1.5%–2.3%]). The prevalence of SUM did not differ significantly between population‐ and hospital‐based studies and remained stable over time. However, it was found to be significantly higher in Asians compared to patients of other geographical regions as well as in studies with more men than women compared to those with female preponderance (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In all, the overall SUM prevalence among all subtypes of CMM was estimated at 1.9%, without significant changes over time, and was found to exhibit significant variability between subgroups of different geographical regions.
First report of spontaneous hepatic fibrosarcoma in a white‐tufted marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) kept in captivity
Authors: Malaga Soraya Kezam , de Souza Balbueno Melina Castilho , Martins Jéssica Amâncio , da Costa Leonardo Dourado , de Sousa Barbosa Maria Luiza , de Paula Coelho Cidéli
Published: August 2023

Reports of sarcomas in nonhuman primates are scarce and, specifically, primary hepatic sarcomas are rare, as in humans. This is the first report of an aggressive hepatic fibrosarcoma in a young adult Callithrix jacchus. The final postmortem diagnosis was obtained by means of immunohistochemical analysis, which confirmed the tumor histogenesis.
Agrarian change in neoliberal Turkey: Insights from privatization of the sugar industry
Authors: Altaytas Kubra M.
Published: August 2023

This paper investigates the dynamics of neoliberal agrarian restructuring within the Turkish sugar industry, focusing on the 2018 privatization of the Alpullu Sugar Factory. The analysis examines the transformative impact of market dependence and land commodification on relationship of farmers with the agricultural sector. Specifically, it focuses on two significant neoliberal shifts that have altered the dynamics of farming. First, the withdrawal of state support in agricultural markets prompted farmers to diversify their income streams, leading to a transition from sugar beet cultivation to alternative crops and contemplation of urban migration. Second, in the 2000s, farmers, grappling with declining agricultural revenues, increasingly relied on private bank credits as a means of financial security. This shift was propelled by changes in agricultural policy regulations and the dissolution of state‐sponsored credit systems. Employing a blend of qualitative and quantitative research methods, this study elucidated these complex transformations and their profound impact on agrarian livelihoods, land ownership shifts, production strategies and market relationships. The research revealed the complex interplay of social, economic and historical dynamics steering the trajectory of the Turkish sugar industry, providing valuable insights into neoliberal restructuring.
Occurrence of Temporomandibular Disorders among patients undergoing treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS) using Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD): A Systematic Review conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions
Authors: Langaliya Akshayraj , Alam Mohammad Khursheed , Hegde Usha , Panakaje Mangesh Shenoy , Cervino Gabriele , Minervini Giuseppe
Published: August 2023

Background

Patients undergoing mandibular advancement device (MAD) therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may experience changes in jaw position and altered occlusion. This could potentially contribute to the development or exacerbation of TMD symptoms. The literature on the long‐term impact of MAD treated for OSA on TMD is scarce. Hence, this review was undertaken to ascertain the occurrence of TMD in MAD users.

Methods

A comprehensive search protocol was implemented across several online databases using MeSH keywords and Boolean operators. A standardised data extraction form was developed specifically for this review. Two reviewers independently extracted the data. RoB‐2 was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included studies.

Results

A total of 13 clinical studies were selected for this review. Some studies reported a significant reduction in the severity and frequency of TMD symptoms following MAD treatment. However, other studies did not observe significant changes in TMD symptoms or TMJ‐related parameters from baseline to follow‐up intervals. Temporary increases in TMJ‐related pain or symptoms at the beginning of the follow‐up period, which later subsided, were reported in some studies. Overall, MAD was not discontinued in any OSA patient due to TMDs.

Conclusion

The findings reveal that different outcomes associated with TMD are affected differently by MAD treatment for OSAS. According to a few studies, MAD therapy significantly reduced the severity and frequency of TMD symptoms. Other research, however, found no appreciable modifications in TMD symptoms or TMJ‐related indicators. Although the overall results point to no significant effect of MAD treatment on TMD symptoms, the disparity in results between studies highlights the need for additional studies using standardised approaches.
Microbiome analysis of circulating bacterial extracellular vesicles in obsessive‐compulsive disorder
Authors: Kang Jee In , Seo Jun Ho , Park Chun Il , Kim Shin Tae , Kim Yoon‐Keun , Jang Jung‐Kyu , Kwon Cheol‐O , Jeon Sumoa , Kim Hae Won , Kim Se Joo
Published: August 2023

Aim

The present study examined the microbiome abundance and composition of drug‐naive or drug‐free patients with obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) compared with healthy controls. In addition, in the OCD group, the microbiome composition was compared between early‐onset and late‐onset OCD.

Methods

Serum samples were collected from 89 patients with OCD and 107 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. Bacterial DNA was isolated from bacteria‐derived extracellular vesicles in serum and then amplified and quantified using primers specific to the V3‐V4 hypervariable region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. The 16S ribosomal DNA gene amplicon sequencing was performed.

Results

The pooled estimate showed that α‐diversity was significantly reduced in patients with OCD compared with that in healthy controls (PShannon = 0.00015). In addition, a statistically significant difference was observed in β‐diversity between patients with OCD and healthy controls at the order (P = 0.012), family (P = 0.003), genus (P < 0.001), and species (P = 0.005) levels. In the microbiome composition, Pseudomonas, Caulobacteraceae (f), Streptococcus, Novosphingobium, and Enhydrobacter at the genus level were significantly less prevalent in patients with OCD than in controls. In addition, among patients with OCD, the microbial composition in the early‐onset versus late‐onset types was significantly different with respect to the genera Corynebacterium and Pelomonas.

Conclusion

The present study showed an aberrant microbiome in patients with OCD, suggesting a role of the microbiota‐brain interaction in the pathophysiology of OCD. Further longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes adjusting for various confounders are warranted.
Diversity of plant‐parasitic nematodes (PPNs) associated with medicinal plants in Vietnam, Vietnamese PPN checklist and a pictorial key for their identification
Authors: Nguyen Huu Tien , Trinh Quang Phap , Nguyen Thi Duyen , Le Thi Mai Linh , Bert Wim
Published: August 2023

Plant‐parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are one of the most damaging pests to plants and are able to cause significant damage to all parts of plants, including stems, leaves, flowers, fruits and roots. Studies on the diversity, host range, distribution and identification methods of PPNs are therefore vital in order to create a basis for management. This current study represents the first dedicated investigation of PPNs from medicinal plants in Vietnam, focusing on the diversity of nematodes associated with 23 different plant species. In combination with a literature review of PPNs in Vietnam, this work has resulted in an updated list of 217 PPN species belonging to 40 genera, 15 families and three orders and also provides a pictorial online key for the identification of 52 most common and important PPN genera of the world. This key is based on the most crucial diagnostic features of PPN females, including female body shape, cuticle, labial shape, cephalic framework, stylet, stylet base, pharynx, median bulb, pharyngeal gland, vulva, tail shape and phasmid. Pictorial representations of these genera and their diagnostic characters are included in the browser‐based key to benefit users from all levels in nematology, be they beginners or experts.
The physiology of drought stress in two grapevine cultivars: Photosynthesis, antioxidant system, and osmotic regulation responses
Authors: Lin YiLing , Liu Siyu , Fang Xiang , Ren Yanhua , You Zhijie , Xia Jiaxin , Hakeem Abdul , Yang Yuxian , Wang Lingyu , Fang Jinggui , Shangguan Lingfei
Published: August 2023

Drought stress impedes viticultural plant growth and development by modifying various metabolic pathways. However, the regulatory network response underlying drought stress is not yet clear. In this study, the leaves and roots of “Shine Muscat” (“SM,” Vitis labruscana × Vitis vinifera) and “Thompson Seedless” (“TS,” V. vinifera L. cv.) were subjected to drought stress to study the regulatory network used by drought stress. Morphophysiological results showed that the malondialdehyde content after 28 days of drought stress increased more significantly in “TS” than “SM.” Furthermore, the multiomics analysis studies showed that a total of 3036–6714 differentially expressed genes and 379–385 differentially abundant metabolites were identified in “SM” and “TS” grapevine cultivars under drought stress. Furthermore, the retained intron was the major form of differential alternative splicing event under drought stress. The photosynthesis pathway, antioxidant system, plant hormone signal transduction, and osmotic adjustment were the primary response systems in the two grapevine cultivars under drought stress. We have identified GRIK1, RFS2, and LKR/SDH as the hub genes in the coexpression network of drought stress. In addition, the difference in the accumulation of pheophorbide‐a reveals different drought resistance mechanisms in the two grapevine cultivars. Our study explained the difference in drought response between cultivars and tissues and identified drought stress‐responsive genes, which provides reference data for further understanding the regulatory network of drought tolerance in grapevine.
Long‐term stability of respiratory sinus arrhythmia among adults with and without a history of depression
Authors: Seidman Andrew J. , Bylsma Lauren M. , Yang Xiao , Jennings J. Richard , George Charles J. , Kovacs Maria
Published: August 2023

Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) is an index of parasympathetic nervous system activity reflecting respiratory influences on heart rate. This influence is typically measured as high frequency heart rate variability (HF‐HRV) or root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) of adjacent inter‐beat intervals. Examining the long‐term stability of its measurement is important as levels of resting RSA have been conceptualized as a marker of individual differences; in particular, of an individual's autonomic regulation and affect‐related processes, including emotion regulation. At present, it is not known if resting RSA levels reflect stable differences over a long‐term period (i.e., >1 year). Even less is known about how RSA stability differs as a function of depression history and whether it relates to depression risk trajectories. In the present study, we examined the 1.5‐year test–retest reliability of resting RSA using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) in 82 adults: n = 41 with a history of depression (ever‐depressed); n = 41 controls with no depression history (never‐depressed). HF‐HRV was fairly stable in both groups (ever‐depressed ICC = 0.55, never‐depressed ICC = 0.54). RMSSD was also fairly stable in ever‐depressed adults (ICC = 0.57) and never‐depressed controls (ICC = 0.40). ICC values for both indices did not differ between groups per overlapping 95% confidence intervals. Therefore, RSA stability as assessed by both frequency (HF‐HRV) and time domain (RMSSD) measures was not attenuated by a depression history. Implications and the need for future research are discussed.
Seed source environment predicts response to water availability in Plantago patagonica
Authors: Klein Zoë , Mitchell Rachel M.
Published: August 2023

The intensity, duration, and severity of drought increasing across the American Southwest. Plant restoration efforts are often thwarted by drought‐induced effects (i.e. drought‐induced mortality or failure to reproduce). Careful selection of plant materials to match future environmental conditions could improve restoration success under climate change. Here, we focus on Plantago patagonica, a priority arid land restoration species in the southwestern US. Using experimental drought in a greenhouse and supplemental watering in a common garden experiment, we quantified how the seed‐collection site environment influenced plant growth, performance, phenotypic plasticity, and evidence of local adaptation in 12 populations of P. patagonica. In the greenhouse, we found plants from hotter and drier environments had higher root:shoot ratios, while those from more variable precipitation regimes had greater total biomass in response to drought. Populations sourced from warmer environments exhibited sevenfold greater plasticity in root:shoot ratio compared to those from cooler environments, and there was strong evidence for local adaptation in phenology, as populations sourced from geographic locations nearer the common garden exhibited five times more flowering individuals than those sourced furthest from that garden. In the common garden, we found that plants sourced from wetter locations and those with more consistent precipitation regimes had lower mortality and higher specific leaf area, a proxy for growth, under unwatered ambient conditions. These results suggest plant performance of P. patagonica under reduced water availability is strongly shaped by the seed‐collection site environment and may be a useful tool for improving restoration outcomes in a changing world.
Decline in forced vital capacity as a surrogate for mortality in patients with pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Maher Toby M. , Stowasser Susanne , Voss Florian , Bendstrup Elisabeth , Kreuter Michael , Martinez Fernando J. , Sime Patricia J. , Stock Christian
Published: August 2023

Background and Objective

Surrogate endpoints enable determination of meaningful treatment effects more efficiently than applying the endpoint of ultimate interest. We used data from trials of nintedanib in subjects with pulmonary fibrosis to assess decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) as a surrogate for mortality.

Methods

Data from the nintedanib and placebo groups of trials in subjects with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, other forms of progressive pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary fibrosis due to systemic sclerosis (NCT00514683, NCT01335464, NCT01335477, NCT01979952, NCT02999178, NCT02597933) were pooled. Using joint models for longitudinal and time‐to‐event data, we assessed the association between decline in FVC % predicted and time to death over 52 weeks. The rate of change in FVC % predicted and the current value of FVC % predicted were modelled longitudinally and estimates applied as predictors in time‐to‐event models.

Results

Among 2583 subjects with pulmonary fibrosis, both a greater rate of decline in FVC % predicted and a lower current value of FVC % predicted were associated with an increased risk of death over 52 weeks (HR 1.79 [95% CI: 1.57, 2.03] and HR 1.24 [1.17, 1.32] per 5‐percentage point decrease, respectively). Associations between the rate of change in FVC % predicted and the risk of death were consistent between patients with IPF and other ILDs.

Conclusion

Data from clinical trials in subjects with pulmonary fibrosis of diverse aetiology demonstrate a strong association between decline in FVC % predicted and mortality over 52 weeks, supporting FVC decline as a surrogate for mortality in these patients.
Longitudinal effects of FTO gene polymorphism on body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity, inflammatory markers, and cardiovascular risk in children and adolescents. “The UP & DOWN study”
Authors: Mier‐Mota Julián , Ponce‐González Jesús G. , Perez‐Bey Alejandro , Cabanas‐Sánchez Verónica , Veiga‐Núñez Oscar , Santiago‐Dorrego Catalina , Gómez‐Gallego Félix , Castro‐Piñero José
Published: August 2023

The role of polymorphism rs9939609 of the FTO gene has been related with fat mass and cardiovascular risk in adults, but it remains unclear in children and adolescents. Hence, the main aim of this study was to determine the FTO polymorphism effects on body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), physical activity (PA), inflammatory markers, and cardiovascular risk both in cross‐sectional analysis and after two‐years of follow‐up in children and adolescents. A total of 2129 participants were included in this study. The rs9939609 polymorphism was genotyped. Body composition measurements, CRF, and moderate‐to‐vigorous PA (MVPA) were determined at baseline and after two‐year of follow‐up. Moreover, plasma leptin and adiponectin were also determined as inflammatory markers. Furthermore, an index of cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVDRF‐I) was calculated. Codominant (TT vs. TA vs. AA) and dominant (AA+AT vs. TT) models were applied for statistical analysis. The results showed a main effect of the FTO genotype on body composition measures in both first and third year (p < 0.05), with lower adiposity in TT compared with AA or AA+AT group. These differences were maintained after accounting for pubertal maturity, sex, age, VO2max, and MVPA. Moreover, lower leptin level was observed in TT compared to AA+AT group in the third year. An interaction in Gene*Time*Sex was found in height and neck circumference in dominant model (p = 0.047; p = 0.020, respectively). No differences were found in CRF, MVPA nor CVDRF‐I between groups. Hence, homozygous TT allele could be a protective factor against weight gain from early childhood.
Survey of blood collection and transfusion practices among institutions in Africa
Authors: Jacobs Jeremy W. , Stephens Laura D. , Milner Danny A. , Bloch Evan M. , Goel Ruchika , Tobian Aaron A. R. , Shibemba Aaron Lunda , Eichbaum Quentin ,   the Vanderbilt Pathology Program in Global Health (VPPIGH)
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Dramatic improvements in blood transfusion have occurred during the last two decades. Transfusion medicine services and practices in Africa remain underexplored.

Methods

A survey of blood bank/transfusion medicine (BBTM) practices, available blood products, blood product source(s), pre‐transfusion testing, and blood donor infectious disease testing methodologies across Africa was performed using the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) listserv. Survey recipients included hospital‐based laboratories/blood banks, national transfusion medicine services, and free‐standing laboratories (collectively referred to as institutions).

Results

Responses from a total of 81 institutions across 22 countries were analyzed. All 81 institutions provide at least one type of blood product—whole blood, red blood cells (RBCs), platelets, plasma, and cryoprecipitate, with whole blood (90.1%, 73 of 81) and RBCs (79.0%, 64 of 81) most common, while cryoprecipitate is least common (12.4%, 10 of 81). Only five countries had a responding institution that provides all types of products. Among institutions that collect blood onsite, the most common sources of blood products are patients' family members (94.1%, 48 of 51) and pre‐screened on‐demand volunteer donors (82.4%, 42 of 51). The most commonly screened infectious agents are HIV and hepatitis B virus (both 81.5%), while 70.4% (57 of 81) test for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Treponema pallidum.

Discussion

This study highlights significant variability and restrictions in blood product availability, pre‐transfusion testing, and blood donor infectious disease testing across Africa. Further studies are needed to ascertain barriers to improving blood donor availability, blood product safety, and infectious disease testing.
Land regulations, innovation and productivity: Firm‐level evidence from China
Authors: Song Huasheng , Zhang Chao
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we study how land policy reform affects firm innovation and productivity in China. More specifically, we focus on the impact of the land regulations that controlled the quotas of land supply introduced in 2004. We find that land regulations promote firm innovation but inhibit firm productivity. The regulations constitute land input constraints for firms and make them more difficult in expanding production capacity to fully exploit economies of scale, meanwhile they push firms to invest in innovation to alleviate the adverse effects. It is also found that resource allocation efficiency is deteriorated and aggregate productivity is decreased in the post‐land‐regulation period. Moreover, the effects of land regulations on firm performance are stronger for non‐state‐owned enterprises and industries with a lower level of market competitiveness.
AN ENSEMBLE APPROACH FOR COFFEE CROP YIELD PREDICTION BASED ON AGRONOMIC FACTORS
Authors: Santhosh Chandagalu Shivalingaiah , Umesh Kattekyathanalli Kalegowda
Published: August 2023

Coffee is the most burned-through handled drink beside water, which is said to be the most exchanged cultivating product followed by oil in the entire globe. The two most significant sorts of coffee assortment filled in India are Arabica and Robusta out of 103 assortments of class coffee bean variety, which are economically exchanged around the planet. In this regard, we are taking major plantation crop in India i.e., Coffee for our research to explore and develop a predictive model for the development of coffee planters to take precise decisions in time during adverse situations in advance. Hence we propose a framework for coffee yield prediction which using machine learning ensemble approach to estimate the influence of agronomic factors to get a good coffee yield. Here, for our research work, the historic dataset is considered which is obtained from Central Coffee Research Institute (CCRI), Karnataka for the year (2008-2019). For the coffee yield prediction, we are considering agronomic factors like Age, Soil Nutrients: Organic carbon (OC), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Alkaline (pH), Zone and Respective yield obtained in chikkamagaluru   region, Karnataka state, India. Different classifiers are used namely, Extra Tree Classifier, Random Forest Classifier, Decision Tree and Boosting Algorithms for prediction and performance of each is compared and analyzed. Our results shown that Extra Tree Classifier and Random forest (RF) classifier with a precision of 91% with good results based on performance metrics considered respectively is an effective and versatile machine-learning method compared to other algorithms used.
USABILITY WEBSITE EVALUATION FOR FRESH FOOD PRODUCT IN SME’S ONLINE BUSINESS WITH FUZZY AHP-TOPSIS INTEGRATION
Authors: Masudin Ilyas , Wardana Rahmad Wisnu , Wijayanti Mira Wahyu Tunjung , Restuputri Dian Palupi
Published: August 2023

Service providers are increasingly competing to give the highest quality services to satisfy website users with the increased competition. Therefore, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) should use technology in their product sales processes to become more competitive in the global market. This article will evaluate fresh food product e-commerce websites to see which one performs better in terms of usability. These parameters are investigated based on numerous research findings and the website attributes. To compare the outcomes, the evaluation was carried out using two alternative methods: fuzzy AHP and fuzzy TOPSIS. Fuzzy AHP results and analysis were used to determine the weights of the main and sub-factors, while Fuzzy TOPSIS was used to determine the ranking of alternatives. A Triangular Fuzzy Number (TFN) deals with poor assessments in biased judgments. The result from this study shows that the best website usability is website-1 because it closely follows crucial factors compared to the other two websites. The Website-3 comes in second, followed by the Website-2. Website-1 had the highest relative closeness score (0.5333), indicating that Website-1 has the best usability level among the three websites examined in this study. With a relative closeness of 0.5143, Website-3 came in second. Website-2 received the lowest score (0.5012), indicating that it has the least application of the critical success characteristics required for a fresh food product e-commerce website with the best usability level.
PREDICTION OF EROSION IN HILLY AREAS OF KHILAU SUB-SUB WATERSHED USING THE RUSLE METHOD
Authors: Romdania Yuda , Herison Ahmad
Published: August 2023

Soil erosion poses an environmental threat to the sustainability and productivity of the land in the Khilau Sub-Sub Watershed, Bulok Sub-Watershed, Sekampung Watershed, Pesawaran Regency. The research aimed to predict soil erosion by implementing the RUSLE model on the Khilau Sub-Sub-Watershed, combined with remote sensing, GIS techniques, and field observation. This research is divided into several phases, i.e. soil data collection, getting satellite maps, obtaining rainfall data from 2011 to 2019, making the topographic maps of land slopes, land use, and soil types, whose overlay will be made, and data analysis. The results show that the areas with the highest risk of erosion were located on the hills and in the areas characterized by steep slopes of 1,395.48 (t/ha/year) with a slope level of >45% (very steep), which had the highest LS factor value and were characterized as areas with strong relief, i.e. hills (with a slope level of >20%). In conclusion, the erosion rate of the Khilau Sub-Sub Watershed is dominated by the erosion falling into the heavy category with an average erosion value of 405.17 (t/ha/year) by soil parameter, slope inclination, vegetation cover, and climate. The most influential factors in this study were the climate and slopes, where the lands used as mixed gardens and annuals had a high risk of erosion. So, it is of utmost importance to take soil protection and conservation measures for potential erosion protection in the area.
OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY OF PALEMBANG CITY TRANSPORTATION USING SAVING MATRIX METHOD
Authors: Kadarsa Edi , Agustien Melaewaty , Haki Helmi , Alessandrobonaparte Louis
Published: August 2023

Currently, housing development is actively carried out in Palembang City, especially in sub-districts with vast underutilized land with relatively cheap prices. People’s preferences for private transport for movement may give rise to congestion on the roads leading to the housing estates due to narrow access roads. The Government of Palembang City has laid out a plan for feeder transportation connecting buses and LRTs. Going forward, the procurement and management for this feeder transportation will be handed over to the public (private sector). There needs to be a route plan that is efficient and easy to modify considering the low number of passengers outside of peak hours and the constantly-changing number at every point. The Saving Matrix was studied for its effectiveness in planning fast and efficient routes. The results of the study showed that calculations using the Saving Matrix method are easy to carry out and produces efficient routes.
Sustainable Adaptive Reuse Strategy Evaluation for Cultural Heritage Buildings
Authors: Takva Y. , Takva Ç. , İlerisoy Z. Y.
Published: August 2023

Historical buildings are heritages that play a strategic role in the sustainable building environment need to be protected, and the continuation of the building stock from the past to the present should be ensured. With the concept of adaptive reuse, it is important that historical buildings gain new functional features with contemporary additions, ensure the continuity of cultures and carry the traces of the past to future generations. The aim of this study is to determine the adaptive reuse strategy of historic buildings, and to observe how contemporary additions are integrated to maintain a sustainable form of conservation. The research question of th study is how the contemporary additions that can meet the needs of the reuse of the historical buildings are applied. The building samples obtained through the literature review were evaluated in terms of physical aspects include criteria such as the size and mass of the additions, material selection, and the suitability of the existing historical building to the new function by using the comparative analysis method. It has been determined that although the designs of the additions are different from each other, most of the additions to the existing buildings are made for commercial and cultural purposes and involve steel and glass materials. The built environment can be revitalized as a result of bringing these buildings to society, using new functions and contemporary materials, and introducing economic, socio-cultural, and environmental innovations.
An Examination of Mass Housing Residents' Satisfaction with Social Sustainability
Authors: Bıyuk Öksüz Kübra , Midilli Sarı Reyhan
Published: August 2023

With an increased demand for housing, mass housing focuses on speed and economic benefit and standardizes. Different user groups cannot find answers to some of their physical and social needs in this housing and its surroundings. This circumstance generates socially unsustainable regions. From this point of view, the study seeks answers to the questions "What is the social sustainability satisfaction level of the users?" and "Is there a statistically significant difference between the social sustainability satisfaction levels and the different characteristics of the users in the existing mass housing areas?" So, the study reveals the criteria necessary for ensuring social sustainability, defines the level of satisfaction with the fulfillment of these criteria, and determines the statistical difference in satisfaction based on resident characteristics. The link between housing and social sustainability was evaluated using the criteria of social equity and sustainability of community. 87 residents filled out the questionnaire form in a mass housing complex in Istanbul. Researchers used descriptive statistics, the Mann Whitney-U, and the Kruskal-Walis tests to define the statistical difference between social sustainability parameters and the demographic characteristics of the residents. The analysis revealed that inclusion and spatial diversity satisfaction on the housing scale were at the highest level and satisfaction with the Participation criteria was at the lowest level in ensuring social sustainability. The results of the Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests are as follows: The spatial diversity satisfaction differed in terms of education, economic status, housing type, and length of residence; the social diversity satisfaction differed in terms of gender and age; and the accessibility sub-criterion differed in terms of gender. Only social interaction satisfaction differed by gender, education, and employment status among the sustainability of community criteria. The satisfaction of inclusion, security, community stability, sense of place, and participation were unaffected by demographic characteristics.
A Survey of Professionalism Traits among Education Students in Public University/ Kajian Tinjauan Tret Profesionalisme Mahasiswa Pendidikan Universiti Awam
Authors: Abdul Talib Corrienna , Abdul Rahim Habibah , Phang Fatin Aliah , Talib Rohaya , Abd Hakim Nur Wahidah
Published: August 2023

A survey was conducted to identify the professionalism traits among education students, namely Manner Towards Teacher (AB), Appearance (PN), Oral Communication (KL), Respect (HM), Respect for Time (MM), Digital Communication (KD), Integrity (IG), Gratitude (BS), and Group Work (KK). The items were constructed based on operational definitions from the literature and adapted based on the current context. The first administration (pre) of the Educational Student Professionalism Trait Questionnaire (STPMP) was in the second week, while the second administration (post) was in the thirteenth week of the study session 2021/2022 semester 1. The administrations were done through the Google Form application on 126 students taking Teacher Professionalism Course. Both data sets were analyzed to identify professionalism traits (pre and post), professionalism traits based on gender, the relationship between dimensions, and dominant dimensions that are predictors of professionalism traits. STPMP had undergone a consistency verification process (N = 42) where the Cronbach’s Alpha (r) reliability index is at (.95). The findings of the study showed that the mean score for the professionalism traits of the education students is at a moderately high level, while the mean score for the professionalism traits of male students is higher than female students. Next, (BS) is the highest dimension, while (MM) is the lowest dimension. There is also a significant effect on the professionalism of the student (p <0.05); four dominant dimensions are KK (.185), MM (.158), BS (.149), and AB (.139). IG is the dimension least influencing the professionalism traits of educational students.
The Relationship Between Leadership Style and Employee Psychological Well-Being at a Palm Oil Estate in Tawau, Sabah
Authors: Annuar Sarina , Mohd Yusof Halimah , Nur Malek Nerisha Sarah
Published: August 2023

Strong leadership is the true cornerstone of an organisation and the backbone of a business. It has been suggested that the key role in ensuring success in the organisation and maintaining good psychological well-being is shared among employers and employees. Provision visualized that for maintaining a good psychological well-being among employees were shared between employers and employees the key in ensuring the success of maintaining good psychological well-being in the organisation. Hence, this study aims to explore the relationship between leadership style and employee psychological well-being at the palm oil estate in Tawau, Sabah.  Convenience sampling was adopted as a non-probability sample design in this investigation. There were 100 employees that participated in this study, which include the harvester, daily rate employees and line leader. The data collection was conducted by distributing the questionnaire using the Google Form as well in person. Questionnaires used in this research were Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire and Psychological Well Being Scale. The findings showed that the level of leadership style is at a moderate level, while the level of employee psychological well-being is at a high level. This study successfully found a relationship between leadership style and employee psychological well-being within the studied company. Sentence edit: Personal growth dimension was the highest score compared to other dimensionsThere are several limitations that occurred during the research. Firstly, the lack of ability to access the academic journal gave limitations to the researcher to conduct literature review and have a better understanding of the journals. In addition, this study only included one company located in Tawau. The results are not generalizable as the data only reflect one company. Future implications should highlight the importance of role models among leaders by exhibiting leadership style attributes when communicating with their employee as it may affect the employee’s perspectives towards them. Besides, allowing employees to recognize their potential, autonomy, and ideas is a great way to start the journey toward a better leadership style.
The Sun as the Energy Source for Human Beings from the Perspectives of Qu’ran and Science/ Matahari sebagai Sumber Tenaga untuk Manusia dari Perspektif Al-Qu’ran dan Sains
Authors: Mohd Azmi Mohd Syahriman , Supian Faridah Lisa , Othman Mohd Yusof
Published: August 2023

The sun is a great creation of Allah Almighty and a priceless gift for the benefit of mankind. The sun is a major source of energy for the earth’s creatures. Sunlight provides a source of direct radiation, stored radiation, and indirect radiation of energy. Direct radiation energy is the energy that is received directly from the sun. The stored radiation energy is the energy of fossil fuels, biomass, and biogas stored for later use. While indirect radiation energy is wind energy, hydro energy, and ocean thermal energy. These resources have been used from ancient times to the present day and are indispensable to drive the sustainable development of a country. This paper analyzes the information related to the source of energy from the sun and its relationship to the teaching of Islam as contained in the Holy Qu’ran. The resources given to us by God Almighty have no use if we do not use them optimally, efficiently and prudently. The analysis found that the Holy Qu’ran greatly encourages people to make full use of the benefits provided by the energy of the sun. It is hoped that the activities undertaken in utilizing this renewable energy source will not only be fully utilized but will also be used to look for the blessing of Allah Almighty.
Analysis of Brand Effects in Data-Driven Design Based on Online Reviews
Authors: Park Seyoung , Kim Harrison
Published: August 2023

Recently, online user-generated data have emerged as a valuable source for consumer product research. However, most studies have neglected the brand effect, although it is a significant factor in conventional market research. This paper demonstrates the importance of brands in data-driven design using online reviews. Specifically, this study utilizes game theory and suggests a game setting representing market competition. Elements of the game are determined based on online data analysis. The proposed approach consists of four stages. The first stage divides online customers into different segments and analyzes them to extract the feature importance of each brand in each segment. The importance is based on the positive term frequency of features, and it becomes the customer’s partial utility for each feature. The second stage defines the specification of product candidates and calculates their costs. This study refers to real market datasets (bill of materials) available online. At this point, the game is all set. The third stage finds the Nash equilibrium of the designed game, and the final stage compares the optimal strategy for a product portfolio with and without brand consideration. The suggested approach was tested on smartphone reviews from Amazon. The result shows that the lack of brand consideration leads a company to choose a non-optimal product strategy, illustrating the significance of the brand factor.
High-Fidelity Computational Assessment of Aero-Thermal Performance and the Reynolds’ Analogy for Additively Manufactured Anisotropic Surface Roughness
Authors: Jelly Thomas O. , Abu Rowin Wagih , Hutchins Nicholas , Chung Daniel , Tanimoto Koichi , Oda Takuo , Sandberg Richard D.
Published: August 2023

Direct numerical simulations of incompressible turbulent forced convection over irregular, anisotropic surface roughness in a pressure-driven plane channel flow have been performed. Heat transfer was simulated by solving the passive scalar transport equation with Prandtl number Pr = 0.7. The roughness topographies under investigation here are based on an X-ray computed tomography scan of an additively manufactured internal cooling passage, which had an irregular, multiscale and mildly non-Gaussian height distribution. Three different roughness topographies and three different friction Reynolds numbers (Reτ = 395, 590, 720) were considered, along with reference smooth-wall simulations at matched Reτ. By systematically varying the roughness topography and flow conditions, a direct computational assessment of aero-thermal performance (pressure losses and heat transfer) and the Reynolds analogy factor, i.e., 2Ch/Cf, where Ch is the heat-transfer coefficient (Stanton number) and Cf is the skin-friction coefficient, was conducted. The results highlight the profound impact that the roughness orientation (relative to the flow direction) has upon the aero-thermal performance of additively manufactured internal passages, with transverse-aligned roughness augmenting heat transfer by as much as 33%, relative to its streamwise-aligned counterpart. An interrogation of velocity and temperature statistics in the near-wall region was also performed, which underlined the growing dissimilarity between heat transfer and drag as fully rough conditions are approached.
Discussion on Fatigue Reliability Evaluation Method of Welded Structure of Carbody Based on Digital Twin
Authors: Zhao Shangchao , Deng Caiyan , Li Xiangwei , Fang Ji
Published: August 2023

Taking the key welds of the heavy-duty gondola carbody as the research object, first, the fatigue assessment of the carbody is carried out based on the quasi-static the main S–N curve method, and the quasi-static evaluation method is discussed; second, the typical welds are selected. Based on the full-size bench physical test and virtual test of railway freight carbody, the quasi-static method is discussed; finally, the line test is used to verify the results. The results show that: (1) among all the load conditions in the quasi-static analysis of railway freight cars, the damage of the core plate needs to be considered according to different parts of the carbody, and this condition is effective for the evaluation of the bearing area of the linear load transfer of the carbody for the welds with nonlinear load transfer such as floor, the stress response caused by core plate load has the problem of over-estimation of damage. (2) The lap weld of floor and beam is less damaged under heavy load, but the stress response is larger in empty state, which indicates that the vibration effect should be considered in the design. (3) The virtual test can make up for the problem of traditional quasi-static analysis. The combination of the two can better realize the fatigue reliability evaluation of carbody.