bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of the factors associated with malaria infection among forest rangers
Authors: Dapari Rahmat , Mohd Yusop Muhamad Zazali Fikri , Chinnasamy Dharsshini , Zakaria Nurul Izati , Mohd Shoaib Siti Munisah , Edros Mohd Erfan
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Malaria is a vector-borne disease that initially manifests as fever, headache, and chills. The illness could progress to more severe conditions, including lethargy, impaired consciousness, convulsions, shortness of breath, blood in urine, jaundice, and haemorrhage if left untreated. The risk of contracting malaria is considerably heightened in specific occupational settings, particularly among forest rangers, following frequent exposure to natural habitats. Consequently, advancing the understanding of malaria and emphasising how specific occupational environments (including those of forest rangers) contribute to disease risk and management is imperative.

Objective

The present study aims to determine the factors associated with malaria infection among forest rangers by systematically reviewing electronic articles from three databases (EBSCOhost, ScienceDirect, and ResearchGate).

Methods

The current review was prepared based on the updated preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. First, three independent reviewers screened the titles and abstracts of the data collected. The information was then stored in Endnote20 based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The articles were critically appraised with the mixed methods appraisal tool (MMAT) to assess their quality.

Result

A total of 103, 31, and 51 articles from EBSCOhost, ScienceDirect, and ResearchGate, respectively, were selected, resulting in 185 unique hits. Nevertheless, only 63 full-text publications were assessed following a rigorous selection screening, from which only five were included in the final review. The studies revealed that several factors contribute to malaria infection among forest rangers. The parameters were classified into sociodemographic, individual, and living condition-related.

Conclusion

A better understanding of malaria progresses and identifying its potential risk factors is essential to impact worker well-being. The findings might be utilised to improve malaria infection prevention programme implementations, hence maximising their success. Pre-employment and regular health screenings could also aid in evaluating and identifying potential risks for malaria infection among forest rangers.
Acteoside and isoacteoside alleviate renal dysfunction and inflammation in lipopolysaccharide-induced acute kidney injuries through inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Lian Jing , Xu Yisheng , Shi Ji , Liu Pengpeng , Hua Yue , Zhang Chao , Ren Tianhang , Su Guoming , Cheng Shizan , Nie Zixuan , Jia Tianzhu
Published: May 2024

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a sudden loss of renal function with a high mortality rate and inflammation is thought to be the underlying cause. The phenylpropanoid components acteoside (ACT) and isoacteoside (ISO), which were isolated from Cistanche deserticola Y.C.Ma, have been reported to have preventive effects against kidney disorders. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties and protective mechanisms of ACT and ISO. In this investigation, kidney function was assessed using a semi-automatic biochemical analyzer, histopathology was examined using Hematoxylin-Eosin staining and immunohistochemistry, and the concentration of inflammatory cytokines was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. In addition, using Western blot and q-PCR, the expression of proteins and genes connected to the NF-κB signaling pathway in mice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced AKI was found. The findings showed that under AKI intervention in LPS group, ACT group and ISO group, the expression of Rela (Rela gene is responsible for the expression of NFκB p65 protein) and Tlr4 mRNA was considerably elevated (P<0.01), which led to a significant improvement in the expression of MyD88, TLR4, Iκ-Bɑ and NF-κB p65 protein (P<0.001). The levels of Alb, Crea and BUN (P<0.001) increased along with the release of downstream inflammatory factors such as IL-1β, IL-6, Cys-C, SOD1 and TNF-α (P<0.001). More importantly, the study showed that ISO had a more favorable impact on LPS-induced AKI mice than ACT. In conclusion, by inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway, ACT and ISO could relieve renal failure and inflammation in AKI, offering a fresh possibility for the therapeutic management of the condition.
Air Pollution and Covid-19
Authors: Ferrão Catarina , Almendra Ricardo
Published: May 2024

Air quality stands out as an important determinant of health, as its degradation was associated with around 4.2 million premature deaths in 2019, primarily due to heart and respiratory problems. It is shown that the elderly, the children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are simultaneously more sensitive to the impacts of air pollution and Covid-19, due to their fragile immune systems. Scientific evidence has shown the consequences of exposure to air pollutants to respiratory system diseases, emphasizing that it could be an important factor in explaining the spatial pattern of Covid-19 incidence and mortality. The aim of this study is to analyze the spatial association between air pollutant PM₂.₅ and the incidence and mortality of Covid-19 during March and December of 2020 in mainland Portugal. Weighted geographical models (GWR), were applied to identify and understand patterns, as well as explanatory factors in this relationship. The results obtained through the GWR models reveal that the pollutant PM₂.₅ has an association that varies in space. The incidence rate is higher in the southern, central, and northern regions of the country. The results of this study contribute to the analysis and assessment of the impact of air pollutants on human health, specifically in relation to health outcomes associated with Covid-19. It became evident that the concentration of PM₂.₅ is an important factor in explaining Covid-19 incidence rate in Portugal.
Exploring occupational stress among employees in the financial industry – A perspective from developing economies in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Demissie Esayas Degago , Koech Daniel Kibet , Molnár Edina
Published: May 2024

The study aims in analyzing the role of workplace stressors on occupational stress levels. A descriptive and explanatory research design has been used. A mean scale as a measure of central tendency was used to explain the existing situation. Correlation and multiple regression have been implemented to measure the association of variables and the stress level prediction ability of the constructs. A random sampling technique was used in determining the sample size. Mainly primary data is collected through a structured questionnaire and distributed to people online through Google form. Occupational stresses have shown a strong and significant association with stress constructs. The cumulative prediction ability of the constructs is stronger on the occupational stress level of the organization. Social support and job control are inversely associated with occupational stress levels. However. role ambiguity and role overload have a direct relationship with the magnitude of occupational stress.
Emprego juvenil nas grandes regiões brasileiras; comparativo da reforma trabalhista (2017) com base nos microdados trimestrais da PNAD
Authors: Cardoso Faro Kelly , Fachinelli Ferrarini Angel dos Santos
Published: May 2024

O estudo investiga a segmentação no mercado de trabalho juvenil, informal e formal, por gênero e atividades nas grandes regiões brasileiras. Tem como marco institucional a nova Consolidação das Leis Trabalhistas (CLT), lei nº 13.467 de 2017. A metodologia abarca um recorte nos dados da PNAD contínua para os jovens (16-24 anos), trimestralmente, de 2017 a 2019. As alterações trabalhistas não afetaram a dinâmica preexistente do emprego jovem no Brasil, com a permanência das desigualdades inter-regionais. A prevalência da informalidade dos jovens homens no Norte e Nordeste persiste, enquanto as regiões Sudeste e Sul apresentam percentual equivalente quanto ao emprego formal.
Outsourcing Intranacional: a segmentação da indústria automotiva brasileira, uma abordagem salarial
Authors: Marques Moura Guilherme
Published: May 2024

Este estudo analisa a discrepância salarial regional na indústria automotiva, investigando se trabalhadores com características semelhantes recebem remunerações diferentes em diferentes estados do Brasil, refletindo estratégias de outsourcing intranacional das empresas. A análise é feita usando Decomposição Quantílica e os resultados mostram que a localização geográfica do empregado é um fator determinante para o diferencial salarial, independentemente do nível salarial. Os trabalhadores fora do polo automotivo de São Paulo recebem salários médios menores. Os resultados indicam uma correlação positiva entre a concentração sindical nessas regiões e a implantação de novos polos produtivos
Perfil da pobreza no trabalho no Brasil: o papel das estruturas produtiva e ocupacional (2012-2021)
Authors: Cabreira Brito Elohá , Dathein Ricardo
Published: May 2024

O artigo analisa o perfil dos trabalhadores pobres no Brasil a partir dos dados da PNADC em 2012, 2016, 2019 e 2021. O objetivo é investigar a relação da estrutura produtiva e ocupacional e, de forma secundária, o papel da reforma trabalhista de 2017, sobre a expansão da pobreza no trabalho. Os resultados revelam o papel determinante das estruturas produtiva e ocupacional para a redução (ou expansão) da pobreza no trabalho em relação às diferenças setoriais de renda média do trabalho principal, nível de formalização e subocupação da força de trabalho e proporção de ocupados em situação de pobreza.
Transições ocupacionais e tempo investido no mercado de trabalho brasileiro por cor e por sexo entre 2012 e 2021
Authors: Eduardo Monsueto Sandro , Guinesi Mattos Borges Carolina , Furlan Antigo Mariangela
Published: May 2024

Este artigo analisa o padrão de transição ocupacional e as frações de tempo em cada estado, além da influência da ocupação inicial sobre a trajetória de mobilidade. Com dados da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios Contínua Trimestral (PNADC/T), são estimadas tábuas de vida multiestado e matrizes de probabilidades de transição entre ocupações de maior ou menor nível socioeconômico e desocupação/inatividade, bem como modelos de probabilidade. Os resultados mostram que brancos alocam uma maior parcela do tempo em ocupações com alta qualificação. Também revelam uma dependência temporal da situação ocupacional anterior, evidenciando dificuldades para realizar transições entre segmentos, principalmente entre pretos/pardos.
Geographic analysis of the distribution of surface temperature, vegetation cover and its relationship with socioeconomic indicators – Cuiabá/MT
Authors: Soria Lucyla Silva , Mengue Vagner Paz , Scottá Fernando Comerlato
Published: May 2024

In Brazil and around the world, the problems resulting from urban planning, changes in land cover and the increase in urban infrastructure influence temperature change. The aim of this research is to understand the difference in temperature over the last 36 years (1985-2021) in the city of Cuiabá/MT, and its relationship with vegetation and socioeconomic and racial-ethnic factors. Annual images (36 images) from the Landsat 5 and 8 satellites between 1985 and 2021 were used, and Google Earth Engine was used to obtain this data for the urban area of the city of Cuiabá. Mapping of the spatial distribution of surface temperature, vegetation and changes in land use and cover was carried out using data from the MapBiomas project and socio-economic data from the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE, Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics in English) 2010 census. The results indicated that over the last 36 years Cuiabá's surface temperature has increased by an average of 13°C, as part of the result of the growth of urban infrastructure and loss of vegetation cover, specifically in the peripheral areas. There is an inequality between the high-income population living in neighborhoods with milder temperatures and the low-income population living in neighborhoods with higher temperatures. In the temperature and skin color data, the white population generally lives in neighborhoods with milder temperatures, unlike the black population, which mostly suffers from high temperatures.
Kecerdasan Buatan dan Permasalahan Kemanusiaan
Authors: Ammar Ammar Mahir Hilmi
Published: May 2024

Penelitian ini berusaha untuk mengidentifikasi keterkaitan konsep manusia menurut Muhammad Taqi Mishbah Yazdi dengan diskursur Kecerdasan Buatan (Artificial Intelligence/AI). Permasalahan dari penelitian ini yakni sejauh mana posisi manusia dipengaruhi oleh teknologi kecerdasan buatan dalam mengambil keputusan, apa saja dampak yang berpotensi dirasakan oleh manusia dengan semakin massifnya penggunaan AI, serta apakah baik atau buruk penerapan kecerdasan buatan. Pemikiran Mishbah Yazdi tentang manusia oleh penulis coba dikaitkan dengan permasalahan kemanusiaan yang terjadi. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode studi pustaka dengan mengumpulkan berbagai data pustaka yang terkait dengan pemikiran tokoh Mishbah Yazdi tentang manusia dan tema diskursus kecerdasan buatan, utamanya terkait dengan permasalahan kemanusiaan yang ditimbulkannya. Hasil dari penelitian menemukan adanya beberapa persamaan maupun perbedaan antara konsep manusia menurut Mishbah Yazdi dengan diskursus kecerdasan buatan dan permasalahannya terkait kemanusiaan. Persamaannya antara lain manusia dan AI sama-sama mempunyai pengetahuan yang membuatnya menjadi cerdas. Adapun yang membedakan dari keduanya yaitu segala yang dimiliki oleh manusia semuanya bersifat alami dan diperoleh langsung melalui serangkaian usahanya. Sedangkan pada sistem AI, segala kemampuannya bagaimanapun hebatnya tetap bergantung pada manusia yang telah memprogramnya. Pada akhirnya penulis berpendapat bahwa posisi manusia tetaplah lebih mulia jika dibandingkan dengan kemampuan kecerdasan buatan yang telah mampu meniru perilaku manusia.
Logika Empirisme Ibnu Taimiyyah
Authors: Muhammad Aviv Nafiudin
Published: May 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menggali prinsip-prinsip dasar logika empirisme Ibnu Taimiyyah dan melihat relevansi dari konstruksi logika Ibnu Taimiyyah tersebut terhadap stabilisasi epistemologi Islam. Bukan tanpa sebab, pasalnya Islam yang memiliki nilai “shalih likulli zaman wa makan” meniscayakan perkembangan keilmuan Islam yang dinamis dan adaptable dengan tuntutan perkembangan zaman yang untuk merealisasikannya, keilmuan Islam tidak bisa mengambil jarak terhadap hal-hal yang menyangkut wilayah historis-empiris. Hingga pada akhirnya akan meneguhkan ilmu-ilmu keislaman sebagai keilmuan yang dinamis yang tidak hanya berhenti dalam ranah normatif-spekulatif-intuitif namun juga menjangkau wilayah rasional, supra-rasional, dan historis-empiris. Oleh karenanya penelitian kepustakaan ini mengacu kepada dua karya Ibnu Taimiyyah, “Naqdh al-Manthiq” dan “al-Radd ‘ala al-Manthiqiyyin” yang memuat kritiknya terhadap logika formal Aristotelian. Selanjutnya, gagasan yang termuat dalam dua karya terebut akan dianalisis menggunakan pendekatan historis dan filosofis-epistemologis untuk menjawab tujuan dari penelitian ini. Adapun hasil dari penelitian ini adalah, pertama, latar historis keilmuan sebelum dan saat masa Ibnu Taimiyyah hidup menjadi faktor yang mempengaruhi konstruksi logika empirismenya. Kedua, mengenai logika empirisme terebut, Ibnu Taimiyyah melihat bahwa hakikat dari realitas kealaman adalah segala sesuatu sejauh ia bersifat partikular-konkret, yang untuk menangkapnya diperlukan penalaran induktif yang berupa observasi indrawi, silogisme partikular dan penalaran analogis. Ketiga, logika empirisme Ibnu Taimiyyah tersebut memiliki relevansi terhadap stabilisasi epistemologi Islam untuk melahirkan ilmu-ilmu keislaman yang komperhensif dan dinamis.
Sustainable Approaches of Ozone Wash and Laser Fading Over Conventional Denim Wash
Authors: Md. Nahid-Ull-Islam  , Hasan Shah Md. Maruf , Chowdhury Md. Kamrul Hassan , Shahidul Islam Sakib  , Sabbir Ahamed  , Md. Abu Sayeed  , Akter Mahmuda
Published: May 2024

Sustainability is highly valued in the contemporary process of washing denim. The apparel business, specifically the denim washing sector, faces significant sustainability concerns, mostly due to its contribution to water contamination and chemical waste. This study employed a range of strategies to highlight the issue of sustainability in apparel washing. This study examined the sustainability of different denim wash techniques, including ozone wash and ozone wash with laser fading, in comparison with conventional methods. Its aim was to establish the credibility of these techniques as sustainable practices by demonstrating their efficacy across various denim wash categories using environmental impact measurement (EIM) software. Environmental impact measurement evaluates the ecological consequences of apparel across four key areas: water usage, chemical usage, energy consumption during production and the impact on labour. It was observed that the methods mentioned above necessitate minimal usage of water and chemicals, resulting in reduced waste and pollution. This study included a comprehensive assessment of various aspects of apparel washing, and concluded that ozone washing and ozone wash with laser fading are advantageous methods for adopting sustainable washing.
Total losses and dispersion effects management and upgrading fiber reach in ultra-high optical transmission system based on hybrid amplification system
Authors: Ramkumar Govindaraj , Shahila Ferlin Deva , Lingaraj Vanitha , Chandran Prabhu , Chidambaram Vivek , Arumugam Parimala , Ramadan Hegazy Mahmoud
Published: May 2024

This work demonstrated the total losses and dispersion effects management and upgrading the fiber reach in ultra-high optical transmission system based on hybrid amplification system. Based on the requirements of the system, a number of trade-offs must be made between the numerous interconnected performance characteristics of each component in the design of a high quality transmission link. The transmission distance is the greatest distance that an optical signal has to travel. It affects the choice of optical component, fiber type, and signal amplification techniques. Fiber amplifiers or signal regeneration may be required to compensate for signal loss over greater distances. Reviewing these crucial aspects helps when selecting the best optical components and system layout. This ensures the optical link performs as expected. Hybrid amplification system unit (EDFA/Raman/EDFA), (EDFA/Raman), (BFA/PDFA) and (Raman/EDFA) is employed in the transmission system to strength the signal and upgrade the system performance operation efficiency. Space division multiplexing scheme is also employed with the propagation scheme in order to upgrade and control of the total losses and dispersion effects. The optimum total losses/dispersion/repeater spacing are studied with the variations of the total number of links per fiber core channel.
The impact of prepregnancy body mass index on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes
Authors: Mackeen A. Dhanya , Boyd Victoria E. , Schuster Meike , Young Amanda J. , Gray Celia , Angras Kajal
Published: May 2024

Context

The obesity epidemic in the United States is continuing to worsen. Obesity is a known risk factor for pregnancy morbidity. However, many studies use the patient’s body mass index (BMI) at the time of delivery, do not stratify by class of obesity, or utilize billing codes as the basis of their study, which are noted to be inaccurate.

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the prepregnancy BMI class specific risks for pregnancy and neonatal complications based on a prepregnancy BMI class.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 40,256 pregnant women with 55,202 singleton births between October 16, 2007 and December 3, 2023. We assessed the risk of pregnancy and neonatal morbidity based on the maternal prepregnancy BMI category. The primary outcome was composite maternal morbidity, including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (i.e., gestational hypertension [GHTN] and preeclampsia), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), adjusted for pregestational diabetes mellitus and chronic hypertension (cHTN). Secondary maternal outcomes included preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), preterm delivery (PTD<37 and <32 weeks), induction of labor (IOL), cesarean delivery (CD), and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Neonatal outcomes included a composite adverse outcome (including stillbirth, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), hypoglycemia, respiratory distress syndrome [RDS], APGAR [Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration] <7 at 5 min, and neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] admission), birthweight, fetal growth restriction (FGR), and macrosomia.

Results

Composite maternal morbidity (odds ratio [OR] 4.40, confidence interval [CI] 3.70–5.22 for class III obesity [BMI≥40.0 kg/m2] compared with normal BMI), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), GDM, PTD, IOL, CD, PPH, neonatal composite morbidity, hypoglycemia, RDS, APGAR<7 at 5 min, NICU admission, and macrosomia showed a significant increasing test of trend among BMI classes. Increased BMI was protective for FGR.

Conclusions

Our data provides BMI-class specific odds ratios (ORs) for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Increased BMI class significantly increases the risk of HDP, GDM, IOL, CD, composite adverse neonatal outcomes, and macrosomia, and decreases the risk of FGR. Attaining a healthier BMI category prior to conception may lower pregnancy morbidity.
Language Ideologies and Dialect Shift in Helvécian Portuguese
Authors: Lamberti Luana
Published: May 2024

Speakers from the Helvécian community in Bahia, Brazil, have been accommodating their language variety towards standard Brazilian Portuguese for the past 60 years. This article demonstrates that a complex web of socioeconomic events is tied to this phenomenon. It provides an overview of the most recent socioeconomic and political changes in the community, combined with a discourse analysis of the metalinguistic commentaries identified in narratives collected during my 2019 fieldwork in the community. The research demonstrates that speakers’ metalinguistic patterns are mediated by iconization, which sees younger speakers linguistically differentiate themselves from the traditional dialect. The findings support the theory that socioeconomic events cause direct linguistic change, especially among speakers of minority languages.
Forging Frontline Russians
Authors: Bækken Håvard
Published: May 2024

This article considers efforts by the de facto authorities of non-governmental-controlled areas (NGCAs) of eastern Ukraine to shape regional identity from 2014 through 2021. It focuses on the paradoxes of top-down identity construction in an environment of mixed popular sentiments, fluid borders, and an uncertain political future. It argues that nascent identity construction projects in the NGCAs were often inconsistent and unclear, emphasizing different layers of “candidate Fatherlands,” be it the individual self-declared republics, the Donbas, Novorossiia, the Russian Federation, or a broader Russian civilization. While internally inconsistent and contradictive, however, the various initiatives often took antemurale political myths as a point of departure. These myths spin around the idea that regional inhabitants constitute a particular brand of “frontline Russians”—hardened warriors protecting a western outpost of the Russian civilization. Even as “candidate Fatherlands” came and went, this ideational core manifested not only in policy and aloof declarations, but also in a persistent growth of so-called military-patriotic education in the region. Militarized ideas of political identity became mainstream within the occupied areas—reflecting both influences from Russia and the ongoing war.
Black-and-red broadbill
Authors: Kunkekar Aryan
Published: May 2024

The black-and-red broadbill (Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos) is a species of bird in the Asian broadbill family, Eurylaimidae. It is the only species in the genus Cymbirhynchus. A large, distinctive bird, it has maroon underparts, black upperparts, a maroon half-collar covering the auricular regions, and white scapulars that form a white stripe on the wings at rest. It also has a large, two-colored, blue-and-yellow bill. The species shows slight sexual dimorphism, with females being smaller than males. No other bird in its range resembles it, though the black-and-yellow broadbill has a similar call. It is found in Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Inhabiting lowland riparian forest throughout its range, it can also adapt quite well to disturbed habitat, such as secondary forest growth and degraded habitat near rivers. The black-and-red broadbill is mainly insectivorous, supplementing its diet with aquatic creatures such as mollusks, snails, fish, and crustaceans. It also takes leaves and seeds incidentally. Breeding takes place during the dry season throughout its range, with the nest being a large, conspicuous structure that usually hangs over water. Nests are built by both sexes, out of creepers, fungal hyphae, moss, and other plant matter. Eggs are laid in clutches of two to three, occasionally with a fourth runt egg, and incubated by both parents. The black-and-red broadbill is evaluated as a least-concern species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to its large range and the lack of a severe decrease in its global population. However, the species has experienced declines in several parts of its range, and may face threats due to deforestation, trapping for the songbird trade, and hunting.
On the Relationship Between Curl and Cockling
Authors:   Northvolt AB, Torsgatan 122, 931 36, Skellefteå, Sweden, Nam Won Seok , Srinivasa Prashanth ,   RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Torshamnsgatan 24A, 164 40, Kista, Sweden, Kulachenko Artem ,   KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Engineering Mechanics, SE-10044, Stockholm, Sweden
Published: May 2024

The paper concerns itself with the effect of pre-curl (induced curvature during the wet state) on cockling when paper is dried. Laboratory experiments are carried out on copy paper to identify this interplay between induced curvature and cockling. Using the uniform wavelike deformation that occurs during the intermediate stage of drying in narrow paper strips as a proxy for the extent of cockling, it is demonstrated that increased pre-curl in MD, alleviates cockling. In addition, under two contrasting drying boundary conditions of free drying on a flat table and hang drying without weights, it is seen that free drying induces more cockles than hang drying. As a corroboration of the experimental observations, numerical experiments are carried out on flat (varying tensile loads) and curved specimens (varying radii), using moisture-induced deformations together with an orthotropic elastic material model. Using the Hausdorff distance metric to compare the deformed and undeformed geometries, it is shown that, both pre-curl in MD and tensile loading in CD, alleviate cockling. The results of these experiments could be useful for aftermarket applications of paper, like printing, where pre-curl could be induced mechanically to reduce or prevent cockling.
Porosity Centrifuge: Analysis of the Porous Structure of Paper in Contact with Water Under Hypergravity Condition
Authors:   Macromolecular Chemistry and Paper Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Postulka Niels , Seibert Michelle ,   Macromolecular Chemistry and Paper Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Geißler Andreas ,   Macromolecular Chemistry and Paper Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Fricke Mathis ,   Mathematical Modelling and Analysis, Department of Mathematics, Technical University of Darmstadt, Bothe Dieter ,   Mathematical Modelling and Analysis, Department of Mathematics, Technical University of Darmstadt, Meckel Tobias ,   Macromolecular Chemistry and Paper Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Biesalski Markus ,   Macromolecular Chemistry and Paper Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt
Published: May 2024

The characterization of pore sizes in paper is an important parameter, as numerous modifications of paper fibers influence or even aim to change them. yet, most methods for determining pore size only work in the absence of water (e.g. mercury porosimetry or computed tomography). However, the influence of swelling on pore size caused by water is of great interest, especially, but not only, for the porous material paper. Here we present a new method for determining the characteristic pore radius of paper sheets, being in direct contact with water. We call our device “porosity centrifuge”, in which the capillary forces that develop during the wetting and swelling process within a paper sheet are counter-balanced by a matching centrifugal force. While the capillary pressure is determined by the pore radius of the porous structure, some paper intrinsic parameters lead to a reduction from the predicted imbibition distance calculated from the force balance between centrifugal and capillary forces. Since we are able to modulate the degree of this reduction by changing the fiber type or by applying various fiber pretreatments, such as beating, reduction of fines content or calendering, we refer to it as “substrate coefficient”. Our method enables a simple and fast determination of characteristic pore radii in paper sheets using water as liquid.
COVID-19 Infection: A Mozambican Case Study
Authors: Teodoro M. Filomena , Oliveira Teresa A. , Arune Francisco
Published: May 2024

In China, the country of COVID-19 origin, until February 23rd, 2020, more than 77000 cases of COVID-19 infection were reported, and 60% of confirmed cases were reported in the city of Wuhan. Mozambique declared a state of emergency in March 2020, different prevention measures were implemented to control and respond in a timely manner to the pandemic, including the early diagnosis of cases of the disease. The present work reports some details about a larger project with the main objective of computing models of analysis and visualization of COVID-19 data in Mozambique. The topic falls within the area of Statistics with the purpose of providing evidence that explains the stage of the country regarding the evolution of COVID-19 cases, (from the notification of the first case of COVID-19 in Mozambique on March 22nd, 2020, until May 31st, 2022) with the focus on the provinces of Maputo, Nampula, Cabo Delgado and Niassa. The work considered qualitative and quantitative data to allow decision-making in the health area on measures to prevent the pandemic and the trend of cases and deaths from the disease.
Potential of fractionated doses of gamma rays to stimulate growth and yield of amaranthus caudatusin M1 (First filial generation) and M2 (Second filial generation) generation
Authors: Singh Shyam Shanker , Rawat Veer Singh , Wani Mohd Rafi , Singh Ankita
Published: May 2024

The increasing demand of convenience, wholesome and health promoting foods has resulted in search of new technologies to improve the yield of agriculture crops. The present study investigate the influence of fractionated gamma irradiation doses on germination, growth and yield of Amaranthus caudatus; a potential plant in food and medicinal industry. The air dried seeds of A. caudatus were exposed to different set of gamma irradiation doses (10KRF, 20KRF, 40KRF and 80KRF) using 60 Co source. For fractionated treatment, it was done by fractionating the doses in two equal parts by allowing an interval of 24 hours between two equal doses. Treated and untreated seeds were sown in a uniform soil medium. The whole experiment was arranged in a complete randomized block design, and the observations were taken upto M2 generation. The gamma irradiations significantly (p≤0.05) alter the germination energy index in M1 and M2 generations. In contrast, the germination percentage didn’t show any significant difference. The highest percentage of survival was recorded under 20KRF treatment in both M1 and M2 generations. The maximum yield per plant in M1 and M2 generations was recorded by 20KRF gamma irradiation treatment. The different growth parameters were significantly (p≤0.05) enhanced in both M1 and M2 generations, by the gamma irradiation treatments in a dose dependent manner. Also, it was observed that the growth and yield in M2 generation across all doses was better than M1 generation. The present study demonstrated that the fractionated gamma irradiation treatments can be used as a novel approach to enhance the growth and yield of A. caudatus.
Carbon stock variation along altitudinal and slope gradients in gara–muktar forest, west hararghe zone, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfaye Mehari A , Wodajo Asaminew , Mohammed Muktar
Published: May 2024

Forests play vital role in combating climate change through carbon sequestration in the atmosphere and serving as a carbon sink. The species composition and carbon stock were studied along environmental gradients using systematic sampling method. Data were collected in the 36 quadrant plots of 20 x 20m each distributed along transect lines. Diameter at breast ≥5cm and total height measured for each tree in the main plot. Above and below ground biomass was estimated using allometric equation, while the litter carbon was estimated by taking 50% of dry biomass as carbon. Soil sample was collected using auguring method and carbon was analyzed following Walkley-Black method, while bulk density analyzed using oven dried method. The data was analyzed was performed using one way ANOVA of R software. The carbon stocks in aboveground, belowground, litter biomass and soil organic carbon showed distinct variation along environmental gradients. The aboveground and below ground carbon stock was showed a decreasing trend along with increasing altitude, while soil organic carbon and liter carbon showed increasing trend along with increasing in altitude. The mean above and below ground carbon stocks were 156.60 t C ha-1 and 31.32 t C ha-1 respectively whereas, litter carbon and soil organic carbon stocks were 2.72 t C ha-1 and 125.86 t C ha-1 respectively. The total carbon stock density of Gara- Mukitar forest was found to be 316.6±67.15 t C ha-1. Similarly 49.5% of carbon was contained in the above ground biomass, 9.9% in below ground biomass, 0.9% in litter carbon and 39.8% in soil organic carbon (0-30 cm depth), respectively. The analysis of carbon stock variation of different carbon pools along altitude of the forest showed a significant variation, whereas the above and belowground carbon stock variation with slope gradient was also significant except soil organic carbon and liter carbon. In conclusion Gara-muktar forest is a reservoir of high carbon, since it has a good capacity to sink carbon from the atmosphere having positive role in reduction of greenhouse gases. Therefore, proper community based forest management options should be implemented for its continuity.
Management of azoospermia with special emphasis on microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) in non obstructive azoospermia prior to IVF/ICSI to optimize sperm retrieval rates, pregnancy, live birth rates–a systematic review
Authors: Kochar Kaur Kulvinder , Allahbadia Gautam , Singh Mandeep
Published: May 2024

Previously there was no option for infertility due to non obstructive azoospermia (NOA). But with advent of technology NOA has become treatable with the use of testicular sperm extraction and IVF. The most correct approach for sperm retrieval remains microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE). This systematic review discusses and examines the literature in terms of Patient optimization before mTESE, Technique of mTESE, along with post mTESE testicular tissue processing. Preoperative patient medical therapy, data for varicocele repair support increased sperm retrieval, pregnancy and return of sperm in the ejaculate. Post mTESE tissue processing has few studies where comparison has been done, though most studies support the combination of mechanical mincing and use of type 4 collagenase for tissue disintegration along with pentoxifylline in assisting in identification of motile and viable spermatozoa for intractoplamic injection.
Urine bladder microbiota predicting uterine prolapse: a comprehensive review
Authors: Sofoudis Chrisostomos , Bitzi Garyfalia
Published: May 2024

This research endeavors to elucidate the potential association between urinary microbiota and the prevalence of female pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Leveraging state-of-art metagenomics analysis, we scrutinize the microbial landscape within the urinary tract of individuals with POP, justaposed against a cohort study and summarizing the results of all the correlated papers that approach this subject. Through meticulous study and research, it is aimed to pinpoint distinctive and diverse microbial patterns related with POP development. Findings of the review aspire to shed light on the intricate dynamics between urinary microbiota and female pelvic health, offering nuanced insight into the contributory factors underpinning pelvic organ prolapse. This research not only deepens the understanding of the microbial aspect of POP but also holds promise for informing potential diagnostic and therapeutic avenues in the realm of female pelvic floor disorders.
Laparoscopic entry in obese patients: Jain point
Authors: Jain Nutan , Srivastava Sakshi , Jain Vandana , Sureddi Priyanka
Published: May 2024

Objectives: The study aims to analyze the safety of a novel entry port, the Jain Point for first blind laparoscopic entry port in obese patients, which is non umbilical in position, located in mid abdomen, applicable in patients with or without previous surgery. Methods: The study was conducted at an advanced laparoscopy center between January 2011 to December 2023. Total 9715 patients underwent laparoscopy and out of these, 1362 were selected and categorized as per WHO criteria for obesity. The selection criteria were solely based on BMI. All first blind entries were made by Jain point. The entry related complications were compared with other conventional techniques. Results: In the study period, 1362 obese patients were operated. Time spent in establishing the pneumoperitoneum and trocar entry was comparable to other conventional approaches with a short learning curve. Major complications in the form of MRV (major retroperitoneal vessel) injury was not noted in our series. No injury to stomach and any other viscera noted. Minor complications in the form of prepertioneal insufflation and omental emphysema in 2.7% and failed entry were noted in 1% cases. All surgeries were completed laparoscopically and majority of patients were discharged in 24 to 48 hours. Conclusions: Keeping in context the safety of non umbilical entry ports, this study proposes Jain Point a, lateral, non-umbilical, primary blind entry port, as a viable option in obese patients, with or without previous surgeries.
Cervical degenerative espondilopathy in post-menopausal women
Authors: Romero Galván Edison Edgardo
Published: May 2024

Cervical syndromes comprise a set of clinical conditions that have pain (cervicalgia) in common, to which are added muscular, articular, neurological and even vascular manifestations, with cephalic (cervical cephalic syndrome) and brachial (cervical brachialgic syndrome) irradiations, whose The origin is degenerative spondylodiscopathy or cervical spondylosis. It is a very common entity with an incidence of 85% in people over 60 years of age and onset at an early age, with a high incidence in women. The most common etiology is degenerative: spondylo-disc-uncus-arthrosis constituting 90% of cases, the rest would be inflammatory, tumorous, septic and traumatic, being rare.
Emergency embolization in locally advanced cervical cancer: a case series in a tertiary referral center in Argentina
Authors: Camargo Alfredo , Federico Bianchi , Mariana de León , Bianca Ballarino , Mariana Ceretti , Francisca Quiroga , Tomás Garcia Balcarce , Tomás Ramilo Pablo
Published: May 2024

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women in South America. However, it represents the greatest impact on morbidity and mortality in women under 45. Among the most serious complications of cervical cancer, bleeding occupies a significant place, being the main symptom in advanced stages and leading to high morbidity and mortality. Uterine artery embolization is a minimally invasive method that consists of injecting an embolizing material into terminal vessels. The objective of this study is to describe cases of patients with advanced cervical cancer who required embolization of uterine arteries to control massive vaginal bleeding in a tertiary referral hospital. Materials and methods: This is an observational, retrospective study, conducted at Sanatorio Güemes, Buenos Aires between October 2017 and May 2023. We included patients that required embolization due to severe vaginal hemorrhage and diagnosis of locally advanced cervical cancer. Our Institution is one of the largest third-level centers in the city of Buenos Aires, receiving referrals for cervical cancer from other more disadvantaged regions of Argentina. Variables such as age, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, hemoglobin level, oncological treatment performed, embolization material, complications and re-embolization were analyzed. A univariate analysis was performed. The data are expressed in categorical variables in absolute numbers and percentages. Results: A total of 21 patients were included. Median age was 46 years (range, 24 - 83). The mean hemoglobin level was 7.6 g/dl. In our study, 95.2% of the patients responded to the first embolization, and 28.5% required a second intervention throughout the oncological treatment, and only one patient (4.76%) needed a third embolization. Regarding the material used, 66.6% of the patients were embolized with a gelatin sponge, while definitive material was used in the remaining patients (33.3%). Patients who underwent a second embolization, gelatin sponge was used in 83.33% and definitive material was used in only 1 (16.66%). The average survival time from diagnosis was 17.8 months, while the time from the first embolization was 9.8 months. 47.6% of the patients died after the first or second episode of embolization. 95.2% of the patients did not present complications and only 1 (4.76%) died two days after the procedure. Conclusion: Uterine artery embolization is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of acute hemorrhage in patients with advanced cervical cancer. However, since it is a procedure that is performed only in tertiary centers, it makes it difficult to have universal access.
Élő method based mobile TV recommendation system
Authors: Ercsey Zsolt , Forray László , Storcz Tamás
Published: May 2024

Streaming services spread rapidly. Among these services there are the linear TV, video library or program review system, while the online platform offering these contents is called mobile TV. A recommendation system may not only keep existing clients, but may also generate further turnover, should it introduce new content to the users. In this paper a recommendation system based on the Élő point calculation method is addressed. It is detailed how the programs should be grouped into different dimensions and what type of categories should be considered. Further, the idea of punch cards is introduced. Besides, the user profiles are set. The match system introduced by Élő is applied to the present situation. The system is introduced at a local mobile TV provider with 20,000 users.
Centrifuge modeling of levees with geocomposite chimney drain subjected to flooding
Authors: Viswanadham B. V. S. , Kumar P. , Saran R. K.
Published: May 2024

The objective of present study is to evaluate the performance of a levee subjected to flooding and seepage through centrifuge model tests. For this, six model tests were conducted on a 240 mm high levee model at 30g in a 4.5 m radius large beam centrifuge. A custom-developed simulator is employed to induce identical flood rates on the upstream side of models. Further, using (a) geocomposite (GC) and (b) sand-sandwiched geocomposite (SSGC) as internal chimney drain, the suitability of GC material for dissipation of pore-water pressure (PWP) is also studied. The results of the centrifuge tests are discussed in terms of the development of upstream flood function, PWP within the levee body, and the surface settlements at the levee's crest. Further, the influence of an internal chimney drain, the material used for its construction, and its type and composition on the seepage response of the levee are discussed. It is observed that a GC-based chimney drain with sand cushioning on both sides in the horizontal portion of the chimney drain performs well. Further, digital image analysis of SEM micrographs of exhumed GC after centrifuge tests and the analyzed PWP data during sustained flooding-induced seepage is found to corroborate well.
Success Stories of Non-ABM Accountancy Graduates
Authors: Magadan Christine S. , General Leowel A. , Negrido Throy Y. , Sumicad Jr. Eligen H.
Published: May 2024

The study aimed to explore the experiences and journeys of non-ABM students who pursued a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy program and eventually became successful Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). Following Polkinghorne's (1998) Narrative Mode of Analysis, a qualitative narrative inquiry approach was employed. Three participants were purposively selected based on the criteria of being non-ABM senior high school graduates, having completed a BS Accountancy program, and currently holding a CPA license. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured face-to-face and phone interviews. The interviews explored the participants' motivations for choosing the accountancy program, their college experiences, challenges faced, preparations for the CPA licensure examination, and insights gained throughout their journeys. The study revealed that while the participants initially struggled due to a lack of background knowledge in accounting, they eventually adapted and succeeded through determination, hard work, and perseverance. The findings highlight the importance of passion, commitment, and proper guidance in achieving academic and professional goals, even when facing challenges stemming from misalignment between pre-university education and chosen career paths.