bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Variants, Epidemiological Trends, and Comorbidities on Hospitalization Rates of Unvaccinated Children in Brazil: A Retrospective Study (2020-2022)
Authors: CONTE DANIELLE DIAS , Silva Rai Watanabe , Chaves Ana Cunha , Lei Felipe , Perosa Ana , Barbosa Gabriela , Bellei Nancy Cristina
Published: September 2023

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the impact of the
emergence of new variants and the epidemiological scenario on
hospitalization rates of unvaccinated children (0-12 years) in Brazil.
The study included 1,614 children admitted to a hospital between March
2020 and December 2022, with only 101 (6.3%) of them testing positive
for COVID-19 via RT-PCR. The frequency of COVID-19 cases increased from
7.5% in 2020 to 9.3% in 2022 with the emergence of the Omicron
variant. Children over five years old with comorbidities accounted for
the majority of cases (69% [70/101]). Sickle cell anemia was the
most frequent comorbidity (20%), and flu disease (36% [36/101])
and decompensation of underlying disease (33% [33/101]) were the
main reasons for hospitalization. Co-infection was detected in 11% of
cases, with RSV being the most common viral pathogen (71%). Hospital
readmission occurred in 26% of cases, with a higher frequency in
children over five years old. The death rate was 2.2%, with
comorbidities such as cystic fibrosis and congenital heart disease as
risk factors. These findings emphasize the need to prioritize
vaccination with monovalent Omicron XBB for high-risk groups, including
children over five years old with comorbidities, to mitigate the impact
of new variants and reduce severe disease outcomes.
CMMSE: State-space realization of periodic input/output quaternionic linear systems
Authors: Aleixo José , Serôdio Rogério
Published: September 2023

The investigation of linear periodic systems is a prominent subject of
research within the domain of linear systems theory. In this context,
the state-space realization of such systems is of particular
significance. In fact, after successfully treating the realization
problem for time-invariant systems, various researchers have directed
their attention toward investigating the case of linear periodic
systems. Meanwhile, in the late 1980s, Jan C. Willems proposed an
approach that broadened the range of systems studied, now referred to as
the behavioral approach. This approach views the behavior of a system as
its fundamental element, including all signals that adhere to the system
laws (also called system trajectories). More recently, the behavioral
framework has also been extended separately to periodic and quaternionic
behavioral systems. Our work consists of considering linear periodic
input/output quaternionic behavioral systems and using recent
developments in order to obtain quasi-minimal and uniform state-space
realizations.
On the bounds of the coupling tensor of anisotropic laminates
Authors: Vannucci Paolo
Published: September 2023

The problem of determining the elastic bounds of the coupling tensor for
anisotropic laminates is addressed in this paper. It is shown how the
invariant polar moduli of the coupling tensor interact with those of the
extension and bending tensors to define all the conditions to be
satisfied by such set of tensors describing the elastic behavior of an
anisotropic laminate composed by identical layers. Some peculiar cases,
interesting for applications, are also considered.
Enhancing Photovoltaic Performance of Nonfused-Ring Electron Acceptors via Asymmetric End-group Engineering and Noncova-lently Conformational Locks
Authors: Liu Bo , Li Congqi , Gu Xiaobin , Han Yinghui , Wei Zhixiang , Cai Yunhao , Zhang Xin , Huo Yanping
Published: October 2023

By employing the asymmetric end-group engineering, an asymmetric
nonfused-ring electron acceptors (NFREAs) was designed and synthesized.
Compared with the symmetric analogs (NoCA-17 and NoCA-18), NoCA-19
possesses broader light absorption range, more coplanar π-conjugated
backbone, and appropriate crystallinity according to the experimental
and theoretical results. The organic solar cells based on J52:NoCA-19
exhibited a power conversion efficiency as high as 12.26%, which is
much higher than those of J52:NoCA-17 (9.50%) and J52:NoCA-18
(11.77%), mainly due to more efficient exciton dissociation, better and
balanced charge mobility, suppressed recombination loss, shorter charge
extraction time, longer charge carrier lifetimes, and more favorable
blend film morphology. These findings demonstrate the great potential of
asymmetric end-group engineering in exploring low-cost and
high-performance NFREAs.
US tornado outbreaks in May: characteristics of atmospheric patterns identified by maximum covariance analysis
Authors: Cwik Paulina , Furtado Jason C. , McPherson Renee A. , Taszarek Mateusz
Published: September 2023

Under a warming climate, it is unclear how environments associated with
US tornado outbreaks are changing. This work narrows this gap by using
maximum covariance analysis (MCA) to find multivariate relationships
between 500-hPa geopotential height anomalies and a severe thunderstorm
proxy – WMAXSHEAR (a product of convective available potential energy
and 0–6 km vertical wind shear) associated with past (1950-2019) May
major tornado outbreaks. Results highlight three main patterns that
explain the majority of covariance between tornado outbreaks and the
large-scale atmospheric environment. Tornado outbreaks occurring under
the dominant pattern (MCA1) initiate at different hours of the day and
tend to last for many hours. Tornado outbreaks associated with the
second (MCA2) and third (MCA3) patterns are shorter in duration and tend
to initiate during the warmest daytime hours. Moreover, an increase in
the magnitude and the spatial extent of the patterns conducive to
tornado outbreaks was observed after 1980.
Imaging Step Formation in In-cloud Lightning Initial Development with VHF Interferometry
Authors: Pu Yunjiao , Cummer Steven A.
Published: September 2023

We investigate sequential processes underlying the initial development
of in-cloud lightning flashes in the form of initial breakdown pulses
(IBPs) between 7.4–9.0 km altitudes, using a 30–250 MHz VHF
interferometer. When resolved, IBPs exhibit typical stepped leader
features but are notably extensive (>500 meters) and
infrequent (~1 millisecond intervals). Particularly, VHF
radio features indicating space stems and space leaders are identified,
evidencing the conducting main leader forming. We observed five distinct
phases within an IBP stepping cycle: the emergence of space stems with
discrete VHF pulses at previous streamer zone edges, the conversion to a
space leader, the fast VHF propagation along the space leader, an
immediate transition to fast breakdown into undisturbed air, and a
decaying corona fan. These measurements illustrate clearly the processes
involved in the initial development of in-cloud lightning flashes and
provide insights into other processes known to occur simultaneously,
such as TGFs.
Crustal and Upper Mantle anisotropy configuration of Northwestern South America inferred from Local S and SKS Shear Wave Splitting measurements
Authors: Canal Daniel Alfonso Aranguren , Jimenez Carlos Alberto Vargas
Published: September 2023

Seismic anisotropy parameters (φ, δt) were estimated between 2016 and
2021 using records from the Colombian National Seismological Network
(CNSN) stations and related to regional tectonic features in NW South
America. To achieve it, we studied the polarization of S-wave phases of
local events (associated with Nazca-South America and Caribbean-South
America subduction processes) and SKS phases of teleseismic events. The
local events used in this study are deeper than 70 km and Mw≥4.5. The
teleseismic events have epicentral distances between 90°-130° and
Mw≥6.5. We found seismic anisotropy linked to structural control in the
crust, suggesting a dominant S-wave polarization inside the faults
rather than polarization due to the regional tectonic field stress.
Erratic patterns of φ due to the possible presence of fluids in the
crust were interpreted, and orientations of asthenospheric flow under
the subducting slabs were inferred with a generalized
convergence-oriented SW-NE under NW South America.
Simulated slidequakes: Insights from DEM simulations into the high-frequency seismic signal generated by geophysical granular flows
Authors: Arran Matthew , Mangeney A , Rosny J De , Toussaint R
Published: September 2023

Geophysical granular flows generate seismic signals known as
‘slidequakes’ or ‘landquakes’, with low-frequency components whose
generation by mean forces is widely used to infer hazard-relevant flow
properties. Many more such properties could be inferred by understanding
the fluctuating forces that generate slidequakes’ higher frequency
components and, to do so, Arran et al.
(2021, https://doi.org/10.1029/2021JF006172) (A21) compared the
predictions of pre-existing physical models to the forces exerted by
laboratory-scale flows. However, A21 was unable to establish whether the
laboratory flows exhibited basal slip, and the conditions for applying
its results are therefore unclear. Here, we describe discrete-element
simulations that examined the fluctuating forces exerted by steady,
downslope-periodic granular flows on fixed, rough bases that prevented
basal slip. We show that, in its absence, A21’s results do not hold:
simulated basal forces’ power spectra have high-frequency components
more accurately predicted using mean shear rates than using
depth-averaged flow velocities, and can have intermediate-frequency
components which we relate to chains of prolonged inter-particle
contacts. We develop a ‘minimal model’, which uses a flow’s collisional
properties to even more accurately predict the high-frequency
components, and empirically parametrize this model in terms of mean flow
properties. Finally, we demonstrate that the bulk inertial number
determines not only the magnitude ratio of rapidly fluctuating and mean
forces on a unit basal area, consistent with A21, but also the relative
magnitudes of the high and intermediate-frequency force components.

Plain Language Summary

Any geophysical granular flow-such as a landslide, rockfall, or debris
flow-exerts fluctuating forces that cause the ground to vibrate, in a
‘slidequake’ that can provide useful information about the flow. Here,
we examine simulated slidequakes: computer models of the individual
particles within idealized flows, the collisions between them, and the
rapidly fluctuating forces they exert on the flow’s base. By recording
particle and collision properties throughout the flow, we examine
pre-existing models for the fluctuating forces; develop, test, and
simplify a new model; and relate ratios between forces to an ‘inertial
number’ that characterizes different flows. Our results differ from
those of laboratory experiments that previously investigated
slidequakes, but the two sets of results can be combined to provide
information about real geophysical flows.
Quantifying magma overpressure beneath a submarine caldera: A mechanical modeling approach to tsunamigenic trapdoor faulting near Kita-Ioto Island, Japan
Authors: Sandanbata Osamu , Saito Tatsuhiko
Published: September 2023

Submarine volcano monitoring is vital for assessing volcanic hazards but
challenging in remote and inaccessible environments. In the vicinity of
Kita-Ioto Island, south of Japan, unusual M~5
non-double-couple volcanic earthquakes exhibited quasi-regular
repetition near a submarine caldera. Following the 2008 earthquake, a
distant ocean bottom pressure sensor recorded a distinct tsunami signal.
In this study, we aim to find a source model of the tsunami-generating
earthquake and quantify the pre-seismic magma overpressure within the
caldera’s magma reservoir. Based on the earthquake’s atypical focal
mechanism and efficient tsunami generation, we hypothesize that
submarine trapdoor faulting occurred due to highly pressurized magma. To
investigate this hypothesis, we establish a mechanical earthquake model
that links pre-seismic magma overpressure to the size of the resulting
trapdoor faulting, by considering stress interaction between a
ring-fault system and a reservoir of the caldera. The model reproduces
the observed tsunami waveform data. Our estimates indicate trapdoor
faulting with large fault slip occurred in the critically stressed
submarine caldera accommodating pre-seismic magma overpressure of
~10 MPa. The model infers that the earthquake partially
reduced magma overpressure by 10–20%, indicating that the magmatic
system maintained high stress levels even after the earthquake. Due to
limited data, uncertainties persist, and alternative source geometries
of trapdoor faulting could lead to estimate variations. These results
suggest that magmatic systems beneath calderas are influenced much by
intra-caldera fault systems. Monitoring and investigation of volcanic
tsunamis and earthquakes help to obtain quantitative insights into
submarine volcanism hidden under the ocean.
Effects of balanced motions and unbalanced internal waves on steric height in the mid-latitude ocean
Authors: Zhang Xiujie , Yu Xiaolong , Ponte Aurelien L.S. , Gong Wenping
Published: September 2023

The baroclinic component of the sea surface height, referred to as
steric height, is governed by geostrophically balanced motions and
unbalanced internal waves, and thus is an essential indicator of ocean
interior dynamics. Using yearlong measurements from a mooring array, we
assess the distribution of upper-ocean steric height across frequencies
and spatial scales of O(1-20 km) in the northeast Atlantic. Temporal
decomposition indicates that the two largest contributors to steric
height variance are large-scale atmospheric forcing (32.8%) and
mesoscale eddies (34.1%), followed by submesoscale motions (15.2%),
semidiurnal internal tides (8%), super-tidal variability (6.1%) and
near-inertial motions (3.8%). Structure function diagnostics further
reveal the seasonality and scale dependence of steric height variance.
In winter, steric height is dominated by balanced motions across all
resolved scales, whereas in summer, unbalanced internal waves become the
leading-order contributor to steric height at scales of a few
kilometers.
Early to Middle Miocene Orbitally-Paced Climate Dynamics in the Eastern Equatorial Atlantic
Authors: Spiering Bianca Robin , Wubben Evi , Hilgen Frits , Sluijs Appy
Published: September 2023

Detailed analysis of tropical climate dynamics is lacking for the Early
to Middle Miocene, even though this time interval bears important
analogies for future climates. Based on high-resolution proxy
reconstructions of sea (sub)surface temperature, export productivity and
dust supply at Ocean Drilling Program Site 959, we investigate orbital
forcing of the West African monsoon in the eastern equatorial Atlantic
across the prelude, onset, and continuation of the Miocene Climatic
Optimum (MCO; 18-15 Ma). Along with previously identified eccentricity
periodicities of ~400 kyr and ~100 kyr,
our records show that climate varied on ~27-17 kyr,
~41 kyr, and ~60-50 kyr timescales,
which we attribute to precession, obliquity, and their combination
tones, respectively. Three intervals with distinct variability were
recognized: (1) strong eccentricity, obliquity, and precession
variability prior to the MCO (18.2-17.7 Ma), (2) strong influence of
obliquity just after the onset of the MCO (16.9-16.3 Ma) concurring with
a node in the 2.4 Myr eccentricity cycle, and (3) dominant eccentricity
and precession variability during the MCO between 16.3 and 15.0 Ma.
Sedimentation at Site 959 was influenced by orbitally-paced variations
in upwelling intensity and North African aridity related to West African
monsoon dynamics. Continuously present patterns of precession imply
low-latitude forcing, while asymmetric eccentricity and obliquity
imprints and strong obliquity influence suggest that Site 959 was also
affected by high-latitude, glacial-interglacial dynamics.
First Results of Mars Express - ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter Mutual Radio Occultation
Authors: Parrott Jacob , Svedhem Hakan , Witasse Olivier , Wilson Colin F , Mueller-Wodarg Ingo C. F. , Moinelo Alejandro Cardesín , Schmitz Peter , Godfrey James , Reboud Olivier , Geiger Bernhard , Sánchez‐Cano Beatriz , Nava Bruno , Migoya-Orué Yenca
Published: September 2023

Spacecraft-to-spacecraft radio occultations experiments are being
conducted at Mars between the Mars Express (MEX) and Trace Gas Orbiter
(TGO) spacecraft, the first ever periodic inter-spacecraft occultations
at a planet other than Earth. Here we present results from the first 83
such occultations, conducted between
2\textsuperscript{nd} Nov 2020 and
5\textsuperscript{th} of July 2023. Of these, 44
observations have to-date resulted in the extraction of vertical
electron density profiles. These observations are the successful results
of a major feasibility study conducted by the European Space Agency to
use pre-existing relay communication equipment for radio science
purposes. Mutual radio occultations have numerous advantages over
traditional spacecraft-to-ground station occultations. In this work, we
demonstrate how raw data are transformed into electron density values
and validated with models and other instruments.
Dynamic neutron imaging of solute transport and fluid flow in sandstone before and after mineral precipitation
Authors: Shafabakhsh Paiman , Cordonnier Benoit Jérome Bertrand , Pluymakers Anne , Borgne Tanguy Le , Mathiesen Joachim , Linga Gaute , Hu Yi , Kaestner Anders , Renard François
Published: September 2023

Advances in micro-scale imaging techniques, such as X-ray
microtomography, have provided new insights into a broad range of porous
media processes. However, direct imaging of flow and transport processes
remains challenging due to spatial and temporal resolution limitations.
Here, we investigate the use of dynamic three-dimensional neutron
imaging to image flow and transport in Bentheim sandstone core samples
before and after in-situ calcium carbonate precipitation. First, we
demonstrate the applicability of neutron imaging to quantify the solute
dispersion along the interface between heavy water and a cadmium aqueous
solution. Then, we monitor the flow of heavy water within two Bentheim
sandstone core samples before and after a step of in-situ mineral
precipitation. The precipitation of calcium carbonate is induced by
reactive mixing of two solutions containing CaCl2 and Na2CO3, either by
injecting these two fluids one after each other (sequential experiment)
or by injecting them in parallel (co-flow experiment). We use the
contrast in neutron attenuation from time-lapse tomograms to derive
three-dimensional fluid velocity field by using an inversion technique
based on the advection-dispersion equation. Results show mineral
precipitation induces a wider distribution of local flow velocities and
leads to alterations in the main flow pathways. The flow distribution
appears to be independent of the initial distribution in the sequential
experiment, while in the co-flow experiment, we observed that higher
initial local fluid velocities tended to increase slightly following
precipitation. These findings suggest that neutron imaging is a
promising technique to investigate dynamics processes in porous media.
Characterizing Climatic Socio-Environmental Tipping Points in Coastal Communities: A Conceptual Framework for Research and Practice
Authors: Shortridge Julie Elizabeth , Bukvic Anamaria , Mitchell Molly , Goldstein Jesse , Allen Tom
Published: September 2023

The concept of climate tipping points in socio-environmental systems is
increasingly being used to describe nonlinear climate change impacts and
encourage social transformations in response to climate change. However,
the processes that lead to these tipping points and their impacts are
highly complex and deeply uncertain. This is due to numerous interacting
environmental and societal system components, constant system evolution,
and uncertainty in the relationships between events and their
consequences. In the face of this complexity and uncertainty, this
research presents a conceptual framework that describes systemic
processes that could lead to tipping points socio-environmental systems,
with a focus on coastal communities facing sea level rise. Within this
context, we propose an organizational framework for system description
that consists of elements, state variables, links, internal processes,
and exogenous influences. This framework is then used to describe three
mechanisms by which socio-environmental tipping could occur: feedback
processes, cascading linkages, and nonlinear relationships. We presented
this conceptual framework to an expert panel of coastal practitioners
and found that it has potential to characterize the effects of secondary
climatic impacts that are rarely the focus of coastal risk analyses.
Finally, we identify salient areas for further research that can build
upon the proposed conceptual framework to inform practical efforts that
support climate adaptation and resilience.
Towards Revolutionizing Water-Energy-Food Nexus Composite Index Model: From Availability, Accessibility, and Governance
Authors: He Bowen , Zheng Han , Guan Qun
Published: September 2023

The water-energy-food nexus has emerged as a critical research interest
to support integrated resource planning, management, and security. For
this reason, many tools have been developed recently to evaluate the WEF
nexus security and monitor progress towards the WEF-related sustainable
development goals. Among these, the calculation of the WEF composite
index model is critical since it can provide a quantitative approach to
demonstrate the WEF nexus security status. However, the current WEF
nexus index model framework needs to include the incorporation of
governance indicators, neglecting the importance of governance in the
WEF nexus framework. Thus, this article develops a new WEF nexus
composite index model that incorporates governance indicators in each
subpillar is developed. The principal component analysis (PCA) is
adopted to reduce the variables’ collinearity and the model’s
dimensionality. A quasi-Monte Carlo based uncertainty and global
sensitivity analysis are applied to the index model to assess its
effectiveness. Finally, the new WEF index model is applied on the 16
South African Development Community (SADC) countries as a case study. A
critical synergy effect within the WEF nexus framework is identified
that nations with better WEF governance ability tend to perform better
in improving the WEF accessibility capability, suggesting the importance
of the governance in the WEF nexus security framework.
Causes for decadal trends in surface solar radiation in the Alpine region in the 1981-2020 period
Authors: Correa Lucas Ferreira , Folini Doris , Chtirkova Boriana , Wild Martin
Published: September 2023

Extending across seven countries, the Alps represent an important
element for climate and atmospheric circulation in Central Europe. Its
complex topography affects processes on different scales within the
atmospheric system. This is of major relevance for the decadal trends in
surface solar radiation (SSR), also known as global dimming and
brightening (GDB). In this study we analysed data from 38 stations in
and around the Swiss and Austrian Alps, over a period ranging from the
1980s up to the 2020s, with the aim of characterizing the
spatio-temporal variations of the GDB and understanding the causes for
such trends in this region. Our results show a different behavior in the
SSR decadal trends in the western part of the Alps in comparison to the
eastern part. Our results also suggest a remarkable difference between
the causes of such trends at the stations at low altitudes in comparison
to the stations at higher altitudes. Significant contribution from cloud
optical depth and surface albedo to the SSR decadal trends at high
elevation sites were found, in contrast to a strong clear-sky forcing
that dominates at low elevations. Results from previous literature and
available data suggest that cloud optical depth changes at high
altitudes and clear-sky forcing at low altitudes could be associated
with the indirect and direct aerosol effects, respectively, due to
differing pollution levels at low and high elevation sites.
Application of Downscaled Extreme Precipitation to Flood Control Agency Operations: A Framework for Stakeholder-driven Climate Science
Authors: Dennis Eli , Goldenson Naomi , Krantz Will , Rahimi-Esfarjani Stefan R. , Hall Alex , Nasseri Iraj
Published: September 2023

Extreme precipitation is expected to intensify as the climate warms, but
the magnitude of the increase will vary regionally. In many cases,
global climate models (GCMs) are not well-suited to project the changes
in extreme precipitation due to their coarse resolution, particularly
over complex terrain. Here, we analyze an unprecedented suite of eight
bias-corrected dynamically downscaled GCMs over the western U.S., which
allow us to assess extreme precipitation changes at high resolution. We
pool data across the downscaled ensemble to adequately sample extreme
events and characterize 99.99th percentile precipitation in Los Angeles
County, home to 10M people. This high-resolution data allows us to
advise a county government agency on expected changes in local extreme
precipitation so that they may consider the suitability of their urban
design standards in the coming decades. We find that the 99.99th
percentile precipitation event is expected to increase by about 6.5%
per degree Celsius global warming on average over Los Angeles County.
However, Los Angeles County contains numerous micro-climates associated
with, e.g., high mountains, marine ecosystems, and urban centers, whose
future changes the downscaled projections are uniquely suited to
predict. The absolute increases in extreme precipitation are shown to be
magnified in the mountains and minimized in the desert regions. The
agency will use this data to become more resilient to climate change.
This project underscores the importance of stakeholder engagement with
scientists for translating climate data into actionable guidance.
Changes in External Forcings Drive Divergent AMOC Responses Across CESM Generations
Authors: Needham Michael Robert , Falter Douglas D , Randall David Allan
Published: September 2023

The Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) in many CMIP6
models has been shown to be overly-sensitive to anthropogenic aerosol
forcing, and it has been speculated that this is due to the inclusion of
aerosol indirect effects for the first time in many models of that
generation. We analyze the AMOC response in a newly-released ensemble of
historic simulations performed with CESM2 and forced by the older CMIP5
input datasets (CESM2-CMIP5). This AMOC response is then compared to the
CESM1 large ensemble (CESM1-LE, forced by the older CMIP5 inputs) and
the CESM2 large ensemble (CESM2-LE, forced by the newer CMIP6 inputs). A
key conclusion, only made possible by this experimental setup, is that
changes in modeled aerosol-indirect effects cannot explain the
differences in turbulent fluxes between CESM1-LE and CESM2-LE. Instead,
differences in surface turbulent heat fluxes from changes in model
inputs likely drive the different AMOC responses.
Dust Under The Radar: Rethinking How to Evaluate the Impacts of Dust Events on Air Quality in the United States
Authors: Ardon-Dryer Karin , Clifford Katherine R , Hand Jenny L
Published: September 2023

Dust is an important and complex constituent of the atmospheric system,
having significant impacts on the environment, climate, air quality, and
human health. Although dust events are common across many regions of the
United States, their impacts are not often prioritized in air quality
mitigation strategies. We argue that there are at least three factors
that result in underestimation of the social and environmental impact of
dust events, making them receive less attention. These include (1)
sparse monitoring stations with irregular spatial distribution in
dust-influenced regions, (2) inconsistency with dust sampling methods,
and (3) sampling frequency and schedules, which can lead to missed dust
events or underestimation of dust particle concentrations. Without
addressing these three factors, it is challenging to characterize and
understand the full air quality impacts of dust events in the United
States. This paper highlights the need for additional monitoring to
measure these events so that we can more fully evaluate and understand
their impacts, as they are predicted to increase with climate change.
Impact of Type 1 Versus Type 2 Diabetes on Developing Herpes Zoster and Post-herpetic Neuralgia: A Population-based Cohort Study
Authors: Wen Su-Ying , Ou-Yang Chao , Chang Catherine , Chen Chu-Chieh , Chang Hung-Yu
Published: October 2023

Type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia. However, the association of type 1 diabetes with herpes zoster or postherpetic neuralgia remains unclear. This retrospective cohort study using Taiwan’s Health Insurance Research Database included 199,566 patients with type 1 diabetes and 1,458,331 with type 2 diabetes, identified during the period 2000 to 2012. Patients with type 1 diabetes had a significantly higher risk of developing herpes zoster than those with type 2 diabetes (p < 0.001). Across all age groups, the impact of diabetes on herpes zoster was greater in type 1 than in type 2 diabetes. Patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes had a 1.45-fold higher risk of post-herpetic neuralgia than those without diabetes (hazard ratio 1.45, 95% confidence interval 1.28–1.65; hazard ratio 1.45, 95% confidence interval 1.37–1.52, respectively), and there was no difference between the 2 types of diabetes (hazard ratio 1.06; 95% confidence interval 0.93–1.21). The results recommend consideration of herpes zoster vaccination at an earlier age in patients with type 1 diabetes.
Investigation the Role of Various Antiseptics on the Prevalence of Skin Microbiota and Post Cesarean Surgery Infections
Authors: Edwar Dalia Awni , Naji Iman Natiq , Aboul-Ela Haiam Morsy
Published: September 2023

During this study, 690 swabs were taken from different sites divided as the following: First, 350 swabs from surgical instruments, doctor gloves, and antiseptics before beginning cesarean surgery to ensure their sterilization. Second, 310 swabs from 70 skins (out of 100) of female patients attending Al-Elwiya Educational Maternity Hospital were taken at the site of cesarean surgery incision before and after sterilization with 10% povidone-iodine and 10% povidone-iodine mixed with 70% ethanol to detect the efficiency of antiseptics and any bacterial invasion might cause post operative infections. Furthermore, 30 swabs from infected surgical sites were taken from 30 female patients with post operative cesarean infections to detect the causative bacterial pathogen. The result of 350 swabs that were all taken from different surgical instruments, doctor gloves, and antiseptics before surgery in all groups showed negative growth culture. The bacterial isolates were primary identified by phenotypic examinations and biochemical tests and final identification by VITEK -2 system. Staphylococcus epidermidis was revealed to be the prevalent bacterial species from all skin sample sources, while Staphylococcus aureus was dominant in surgical site infections. Sterilization with 10% povidone iodine mixed with 70% ethanol showed less bacterial load on skin with a significant decrease in the numbers of isolated bacteria in comparison to use 10% povidone iodine solution alone.
Plasma Parameters Diagnosis of Laboratory Ar/O2 Cold Atmospheric Plasma Jet using Different Potential Discharges
Authors: Alkareem Roonak Abdul Salam , Ahmed Baida M. , Dakhil Osama Abdul Azeez , Albeer Ali
Published: September 2023

This paper offers a clear methodology for the characterization of cold atmospheric plasmas and their development. The optical emission spectra of an Ar/O2 plasma jet produced in a plasma jet system at constant flow rates and for various potential discharges between 14 kV and 18 kV revealed that variations in voltage caused a significant difference in the intensity of the Ar/O2 emission. The plasma characteristics of electron temperature (Te), electron density (ne), plasma frequency (fp), Debye length (λD), and the number of particles in the Debye sphere (ND), were estimated using the technique of optical emission spectroscopy (OES). The obtained data are subject to further analysis and discussion. It was determined that potential discharges increased, and an electron temperature increased from 1.34 eV to 1.54 eV. With rising potential discharges, the Debye length decreases while the electron density, plasma frequency, and number of particles in the Debye sphere increase.
Implementasi Kebijakan Penguatan Moderasi Beragama (PMB) dalam Kurikulum Pada Perguruan Tinggi Keagamaan: (Studi Kasus Pada IAIN, IAKN dan IAHN Tampung Penyang Palangka Raya)
Authors: Ajahari Ajahari , Puspita Puspita , Teddy Teddy , Husna Nahdiyatul , Iriantara Yosal
Published: October 2023

The Policy on Strengthening Religious Moderation is a national policy and within the scope of the Ministry of Religion it is a strategic, priority and serious policy to implement. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach which seeks to present information, data in the form of descriptions based on data and facts found in the field. The research method is a case study with a purposive sampling technique. The subjects in this study were IAIN, IAKN and IHAN TP Palangka Raya. The results of the study show that there are differences in the implementation of the policy of strengthening religious moderation at the curriculum level in 3 religious universities in Palangka Raya City. Some of the factors constraining the not yet optimal implementation of religious moderation in the curriculum and learning structure are: 1. Internal regulations and organizational structures in the form of SOPs and implementation guidelines that do not yet exist; 2. Limited human and financial resources; 3. Communication relations between organizations that are not yet optimal; 3. Disposition of the implementer, namely the understanding of the implementer that is still uneven; 4. Limited communication
Nonlinear Static Stiffness of Rail Pads for Different Materials and Thicknesses using Finite Element Method
Authors: Abdul Wahab Abdul Malek
Published: October 2023

The rail pad located in between the steel rail and base plate provides flexibility to the track and cushions from shocks and vibrations resulting from train operation. This polymeric material has nonlinear behaviour. In this study, the behaviour of the rail pad for different polymeric materials and various thicknesses was investigated. The three different types of rail pads were ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). Three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) approach was used to model the fastening system under the static load. The Abaqus software was used for the FE analysis. The thicker rail pad deformed more than the thinner for the same load value. Comparing the thickness, EPDM pad had the highest amount of deformation which had an average difference of 40%, followed by TPE and then EVA with 33% and 23% respectively. The static stiffness of EVA material was the highest followed by TPE and EPDM. For all materials, the rail pad became stiffer as thickness decreased. The reaction force decreased as the thickness of the rail pad increased. EVA, TPE and EPDM showed 15%, 9% and 5% reduction of reaction force respectively as the rail pad thickness increased from 5 mm to 10 mm. Despite that, in term of material, EVA had highest capability to reduce reaction force compared to EPDM and TPE.
Optimization of Machining Parameters in Turning for Different Hardness using Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Zolpakar Atiqah
Published: October 2023

Surface finish and temperature rise are the crucial machining outcomes since it determines the quality of the machining and the tool life. During machining operations, choosing optimal machining parameters is critical since it affects the machining outcome. In this work, Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA) optimization is used to find the combination of machining parameters at different levels of hardness of 20, 36, and 43 to obtain minimum surface roughness and minimum cutting temperature in turning operation. Cutting depth, cutting speed, and feed rate are the machining variables that are used in the process of optimization. From the results, it shows that the minimum temperature rise is 243.333 ℃ with a surface roughness of 1.975 μm during machining of 20 hardness. It also observed that the hardness of the material significantly affects the surface roughness and temperature rise. The outcome shows that as the hardness of the material is increasing the temperature is increasing while the surface roughness is decreasing. This research also revealed that using a MOGA to optimize multi-objective replies produces positive outcomes.
Accuracy of CFD Simulations on Indoor Air Ventilation: Application of Grid Convergence Index on Underfloor Air Distribution (UFAD) System Design
Authors: Jerai Fauziah
Published: October 2023

Underfloor air distribution system (UFAD) mesh flow velocity was simulated using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Three mesh sizes were used to explore the domain's core x-y plane velocity contour and profiles. Compared to medium and fine, the coarse mesh underestimated the velocity significantly. A slight discrepancy occurred where the shear flow was dominant. The symmetrical flow velocity for both sides of the room length was shown in the xy-plane at the centre of the inlet. The mean error for coarse and medium mesh was larger than for the medium and fine mesh. It shows that the difference between the medium mesh and the fine was accepted. The computational time for medium mesh was acceptable for simulation, and it will not vary substantially even if the grid is refined further. The normalised mean square error (NMSE), the factor of two observations (FAC2), the factor of 1.3 observations (FAC1.3), and the fractional bias (FB) are used to measure the performance of the models and the value of the outcomes was exceptional. As a result, the accuracy of the finding can be improved by conducting additional research with manikins and in a fully occupied room under real-world conditions. In addition, this study could analyse and anticipate the optimal scenario regarding ventilation performance, etc.
Principles for training PR specialists in libraries (new requirements for the training of industry specialists)
Authors: Seyidli (Guliyeva) Nigar , Agamirzayev Alish
Published: September 2023

The main purpose of the article is to explore the principles of training PR specialist in libraries. Thus, changes in the socio-economic life of modern society require qualitative transformations in the nature and content of labor, an increase in the level of socio-psychological mobility, and the competitiveness of specialists working in various fields of industrial and social activities. Vocational education is designed to meet the need for human resources in the economic and social spheres. Additionally, in the educational practice of Azerbaijan, the concept "specialist" has long been interpreted as a graduate who has achieved knowledge and success as a result of mastering an educational program. In the context of this work, a librarian is considered a practical librarian who has a special education and is competent in the field of professional librarianship, regardless of the training level (bachelor's, master's). Methods: The article is based on the method of comparative analysis. Application importance: the material can be used in lecturers and seminars in higher education institutions (HEIs). Libraries occupy a large place among non-profit organizations involved in PR activities. Primarily because it has a wide structured network throughout the country. Also, the public trusts the sincerity of the activities of this institution as a non-profit enterprise. It is from this point of view that it is important to use PR technologies and methods of image formation in the process of training specialists. When organizing library and information activities, along with the promotion of existing products and enterprise capabilities by means of PR, such tasks as maintaining a reliable image are also solved. The training of highly qualified library and information specialists in this direction is accompanied by an increase in their demand in the labor market. The article analyzes the issues of training highly qualified specialists in the direction of library and information activities, as competent personnel in the field of PR and in the direction of image formation. It is also important to study viewpoints and research of experienced scientists on this topic, as well as to analyze the experience of leading enterprises in the field of industry. To sum up, we would like to draw the attention of industry experts to the concept proposed in the article.
Characterization of Juno in the Film Kucumbu Tubuh Indahku
Authors: Sugihartono Ranang Agung , Wanggay Diego Aiwawi
Published: October 2023

Background: The film Kucumbu Tubuh Indahku (Memories of My Body) raises the theme of gender and the social life and culture of the Javanese people. This film has a main character named Juno, who has a strong and interesting character. Purpose: This study aims to explain how the main characters embody the film Kucumbu Tubuh Indahku. The reading of Juno’s character is carried out to explain how the character Juno through his name and appearance, can represent his life as a Lengger dancer. Methods: This research uses a qualitative descriptive approach to explain the characterization using the Telling Method of Albertine Mainderop. Data collection used observation and literature study methods and was processed using qualitative data analysis techniques. Results: This film presents the main character’s complexity from childhood to adulthood. The results of character analysis based on three character dimensions show that physical, sociological, and psychological typologies also influence the determination of character functions. Character development is increasingly obvious when Juno is a small teenager until he grows up. The study shows an overview of Juno’s character and the changes formed by the influence of the sociocultural environment of the community. The character of Juno reflects the conditions of his life journey and the social conditions at that time. Implications: It can provide an overview for society about the psychological life of a man who looks like a woman. It can be a learning tool for novice filmmakers in creating the characters in their films.
PENILAIAN KONDISI TERUMBU KARANG DI PULAU GENTENG BESAR DAN KAYU ANGIN GENTENG, KEPULAUAN SERIBU
Authors: Assyifa Siti Fatma , Yulianto Gatot , Yulianda Fredinan
Published: October 2023

Sumber daya terumbu karang di Taman Nasional Kepulauan Seribu memiliki persentase sebesar 40% tutupan terumbu karang hidup sejak tahun 2011 hingga 2017, dan sudah tergolong dalam kategori rusak. Kondisi tutupan terumbu karang pada Pulau Kayu Angin Genteng memiliki persentase sebesar 49% sejak tahun 2018 hingga 2019 dan masuk ke dalam kategori rusak sedang. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi kondisi terumbu karang di Pulau Genteng Besar dan Kayu Angin Genteng. menggunakan metode Underwater Photo Transect dan dianalisis menggunakan software CPCe (Coral Point Count with Excel Extensions). Lokasi pengambilan data dilakukan dengan cara purposive sampling. Hasil pengamatan yang di Pulau Genteng Besar menunjukkan hasil tutupan karang keras tertinggi yaitu berada pada titik utara (57,25%). Kategori jenis lifeform tertinggi yang ditemukan di titik barat adalah jenis Coral Massive (CM) (13,31%) dan terendah terdapat pada kategori Acropora Digitate (ACD) (0,27%). Hasil pengamatan yang dilakukan di Pulau Kayu Angin Genteng menunjukkan persentase hasil tutupan karang keras sebesar 32,30%, 10 jenis kategori lifeform tertinggi yang ditemukan di titik utara adalah Coral Foliose (CF) (24,06%) dan terendah pada kategori Coral Massive (CM).
KALSIUM OKSIDA CANGKANG KERANG SEBAGAI MATERIAL REAKSI EKSOTERMIS KEMASAN PEMANAS SENDIRI UNTUK PANGAN DARURAT LOKAL
Authors: Riyanto Bambang , Trilaksani Wini , Rahmaeni Nur’afni
Published: October 2023

Konsep pangan darurat di Indonesia belum sepenuhnya memperhatikan aspek pemenuhan kecukupan gizi dan model pangan yang sesuai, termasuk potensi pangan lokal. Pengembangan kemasan pemanasan sendiri dengan reaksi eksotermik sebagai respons terhadap tuntutan modern akan kepraktisan dan higienitas masih belum dilakukan. Di sisi lain, terdapat potensi kalsium oksida cangkang kerang sebagai sumber material pemanas eksotermik yang menjanjikan. Penelitian bertujuan menentukan reaktan kalsium oksida yang diperoleh dari limbah cangkang kerang darah untuk digunakan sebagai kemasan pemanasan sendiri dengan reaksi eksotermik pada pangan darurat lokal bubbor paddas. Tahapan penelitian meliputi pembuatan dan penentuan karakteristik bubbor paddas sebagai pangan darurat lokal sesuai asupan harian, kalsinasi kalsium oksida dari cangkang kerang darah, serta perancangan dan penentuan karakteristik kemasan pemanasan sendiri dengan reaksi eksotermik untuk pangan darurat lokal. Bubbor paddas sebagai model pangan darurat lokal yang dihasilkan, memiliki takaran saji 380 g dengan asupan harian 510 kilokalori energi. Kalsium oksida yang diperoleh dari kalsinasi cangkang kerang darah pada suhu 900°C selama 4 jam memiliki kristalisasi yang menghasilkan perubahan energi (entalpi) sebesar -312,20 J/g dan -21,30 J/g, dengan pelepasan panas yang bersifat eksotermik. Melalui perbandingan 1:2 dengan air dan nilai pH 11,68±0,49, kemasan pemanasan sendiri dengan reaksi eksotermik ini mampu menghasilkan panas 6,72 kilojoule atau dapat memanaskan bubbor paddas hingga suhu 28°C setelah menjalani waktu 40 menit untuk mencapai kestabilan suhu.
Current screening and diagnostic approaches of retinoblastoma in limited setting
Authors: Utomo Nunki Puspita , Kristiani Devie , Mulatsih Sri , Pradana Pande Komang Wahyu
Published: October 2023

As the most common intraocular malignancy in children, retinoblastoma poses a vision, globe, and life-threatening risk and hence requires thorough evaluation and surveillance. While the disease is one of the most curable malignancies in established countries, children of lower-middle-income countries are not so fortunate, especially those with familial history of retinoblastoma. The delay of diagnosis proposes a grave prognosis, thus screening is a must. This study aimed to review the literature on various screening programs and applications described for the early detection of retinoblastoma, especially in a setting where genetic examination performance is limited. A literature search across PubMed®, ProQuest, and EbscoHost (MEDLINE Full text) with the topic of current methods and programs of retinoblastoma screening in neonates, infants, and children were carried out denoting various guideline and recommendations but the implementation is not uniform. Examination under anesthesia and red-reflex tests are among the most frequently conducted but the practices vastly vary especially in a place with low resources. Recent updates in mobile phone freeware should be rigorously upgraded due to its current inadequate sensitivity and specificity in detecting retinoblastoma but pose a promising future for retinoblastoma screening and diagnosis, especially in lower-middle-income countries.
Lear's Daughters? Unenumerated Fundamental Rights and the Constitution
Authors: Halper Thomas
Published: September 2023

How to determine whether fundamental unenumerated constitutional rights exist, and if so, what they are? The questions are of obvious enormous importance—witness the current controversy over abortion—and yet courts have generally been content to address the issues superficially, sometimes, cavalierly. Their treatment of the most common rationale, an historical/traditional consensus, exemplifies this shallow approach. The underdeveloped character of the argumentation on this topic stubbornly remains one of the most glaring shortfalls of modern constitutional law.