bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifikasi Senyawa Kimia Asap Cair Cangkang Kemiri (Aleurites moluccana Wild) Grade Premium dengan Menggunakan Zeolit Aktif dan Arang Aktif Alaban
Authors: Arsya Hanifa , Mahdie Muhammad Faisal , Sari Noor Mirad
Published: July 2024

Liquid smoke is acetic acid produced from the dry condensation process of raw materials and followed by condensation. Liquid smoke content Liquid smoke contains cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin which are influenced by the type of wood, moisture content and combustion temperature. The Batu Kura Forest Farmers Group (KTH) is one of the liquid smoke producers that utilizes candlenut shells as a raw material for making liquid smoke. Identification of chemical compounds from liquid smoke produced is important to optimize the benefits of liquid smoke. The purpose of this study was to identify the chemical compounds contained in premium grade hazelnut shell liquid smoke. Purification of grade 3 liquid smoke is carried out by distillation and filtration methods using active zeolite and alaban activated charcoal then the resulting liquid smoke becomes premium grade candlenut shell liquid smoke. After that identify the chemical content of premium grade candlenut shell liquid smoke using a Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) tool. The results showed that there were 11 peaks and contained 27 chemical components with the most dominant compounds being Toluene at 56.35%, 3-Penten-2-one,4-methyl at 35.84%, Cyclohexane, methyl at 5.30%, Phenol,2-methoxy 0.99%, Phenol,2-methoxy-4-(1-propenyl) 0.22%.Asap cair merupakan asam cuka yang dihasilkan dari proses pengembunan kering bahan baku dan dilanjutkan dengan kondensasi. Kandungan asap cair Asap cair memiliki kandungan selulosa, hemiselulosa dan lignin yang dipengaruhi oleh jenis kayu, kadar air dan suhu pembakaran. Kelompok tani Hutan Batu Kura (KTH) merupakan salah satu produsen asap cair yang memanfaatkan cangkang kemiri sebagai bahan baku pembuatan asap cair. Identifikasi senyawa kimia dari asap cair hasil produksi penting dilakukan untuk mengoptimalkan manfaat dari asap cair. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengidentifikasi senyawa kimia yang terdapat pada asap cair cangkang kemiri grade premium. Pemurnian asap cair grade 3 dilakukan dengan metode destilasi dan filtrasi menggunakan zeolit aktif dan arang aktif alaban kemudian asap cair yang dihasilkan menjadi asap cair cangkang kemiri grade premium. Setelah itu mengidentifikasi kandungan senyawa kimia asap cair cangkang kemiri grade premium menggunakan alat Gas Chromatography Mass Spektrometry (GC-MS). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat 11 puncak dan mengandung senyawa kimia sebanyak 27 komponen senyawa kimia dengan senyawa yang paling dominan yaitu Toluene sebesar 56,35%, 3-Penten-2-one,4-methyl sebesar 35,84%, Cyclohexane,methyl sebesar 5,30%, Phenol,2-methoxy sebesar 0,99%, Phenol,2-methoxy-4-(1-propenyl) sebesar 0,22%.
META-ANALISIS: PENGARUH MODEL PBL DAN MODEL PJBL TERHADAP KEMAMPUAN PEMECAHAN MASALAH DAN HASIL BELAJAR MATEMATIKA SISWA
Authors: Rosyadi Muhammad Khairin Rezani , Karim Karim , Sari Asdini
Published: July 2024

Kajian mengenai pengaruh PBL dan model PjBL terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah dan hasil belajar matematika siswa telah banyak dilakukan dengan berbagai variasi hasil penelitian. Para peneliti sekarang lebih bergantung pada rangkuman penelitian yang tersedia, salah satunya menggunakan meta-analisis. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan besar pengaruh dari PBL dan PjBL terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah dan hasil belajar matematika siswa. Artikel diperoleh melalui penelusuran menggunakan aplikasi Publish or Perish. Selanjutnya artikel tersebut diseleksi dengan 4 tahapan yaitu identifikasi, penyaringan, kelayakan, dan lingkup studi. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode systematic review dengan proses meta-analisis menggunakan perhitungan Effect Size. Ada 62 artikel yang telah dianalisis. Dua puluh satu artikel model PBL terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah, 33 artikel PBL terhadap hasil belajar, 2 artikel PjBL terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah, dan 6 artikel PjBL terhadap hasil belajar. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan Effect Size model PBL dan PjBL terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah maupun hasil belajar matematika siswa berada pada kategori besar.
HUBUNGAN GAYA BELAJAR DAN HASIL BELAJAR SISWA MATERI STATISTIKA PADA IMPLEMENTASI KURIKULUM MERDEKA
Authors: Putri Septi Perdana , Fajriah Noor , Juhairiah Juhairiah
Published: July 2024

Gaya belajar siswa mengacu pada berbagai cara siswa belajar dan memproses informasi. Gaya belajar siswa dapat mempengaruhi keefektifan belajarnya, sehingga penting bagi guru untuk memahami gaya belajar siswa agar dapat mengembangkan metode pembelajaran yang tepat. Namun faktanya guru masih menggunakan metode ceramah sehingga suasana kelas kurang menyenangkan dan hasil belajar juga kurang baik. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah: 1) Mendeskripsikan gaya belajar siswa, 2) Mendeskripsikan hasil belajar statistika siswa, 3) Mengetahui hubungan gaya belajar dengan hasil belajar statistika. Jenis penelitian ini termasuk penelitian kuantitatif dengan teknik analisis statistika product moment. Pengumpulan data diperoleh melalui angket dan tes. Pengambilan sampel dilakukan dengan menggunakan Nonprobability Sampling yaitu Purposive Sampling, sampel yang digunakanhanya 1 kelas yang berjumlah 25 orang. Hal inilah yang menjadi objek penelitian siswakelas X jurusan tata busana 3 SMKN 4 Banjarmasin. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat hubungan antara gaya belajar siswa dengan hasil belajar siswa.
NEW APPROACH TO MILITARY PILOT EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN THE NEW SECURITY ENVIRONMENT
Authors: KORECKI Zbyšek , HOIKA Tomáš , BAUER Miloslav , SMRŽ Vladimír
Published: July 2024

Military pilot education, including flight training, is a long, expensive, and complex process. The main goal is to produce as many skilled professionals as possible ready to perform flight tasks on the front-line aircraft and push them to their workload limits with complete control. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to select and educate young people with the aptitude and abilities to perform the most demanding military flight tasks. The creation of a model for the education and training of military pilots depends on the requirements of the Czech Air Force Command and the teaching capacities of the University of Defence and the Aviation Training Centre in Pardubice. Rearmament of the Czech Air Force and the required number of pilots requires a change in the new military pilot training model. This contribution describes a new approach to Czech Air Force pilot education and training in the current security conditions in the world.
RESISTANCE AND SAFETY OF THE RAILWAY TRANSPORT SYSTEM IN THE CONTEXT OF DISRUPTIONS OCCURRING DURING RAIL FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION
Authors: SZACIŁŁO Lucyna , KRZEŚNIAK Mirosław , ZGORZELSKI Rafał , LASOTA Michał , FRANKE Piotr
Published: July 2024

This article presents an approach to planning rail freight transport taking into account the disruptions that occur during their implementation. The issues raised are related to the multi-aspect perception of factors influencing the organization of transport, in which immunity and safety play significant roles. The authors present an analysis of disruptions relating to the causes and effects of adverse events for selected traffic and operational parameters, including delays of freight trains in Poland from 2019-2022. The analysis of adverse events (accidents and serious accidents) in the rail transport system made it possible to present the rates of accidents when crossing tracks in prohibited places, at crossings on the public and separate networks, related to signals passed at danger events, and related to track works and the technical condition of rolling stock. In the case of the effects of adverse events, a rate was determined for freight train delays. The authors also developed a method for determining the value of disruptions in rail freight transport. A case study containing disruption quantification for a given freight train route is presented. The article emphasizes that a significant challenge in the rail transport sector is the proper organization of the operational activities of railway carriers concerning disruptions occurring during transport.
Reduction of occupational injuries as a way to solve the problem of the shortage of personnel to reduce risks in the energy industry
Authors: Kuzmenko Olena , Mezentseva Iryna , Vambol Sergiy , Mezentsev Sergii
Published: July 2024

Energy security is a priority area of economic development and an important component of the state's national security. Among the internal threats to energy security, experts point to market defects, equipment degradation and backwardness of technologies, imperfect management, personnel problems, and others. One of the reasons for the shortage of qualified personnel is industrial injuries. In the work, a comparative analysis of data for the period from 2015 to 2023 was carried out regarding the level of industrial injuries in various sectors of the economy and the causes of accidents. The fact of a sharp increase in the total number of insurance accidents in 2021–2022 was established only in two sectors - the sphere of health care and the sphere of electricity and gas supply. In other sectors of the economy, the number of industrial injuries decreased compared to 2015. The largest number of accidents with fatal consequences in the energy industry is caused by electrocution of personnel during maintenance and repair of electrical installations. As the conducted studies have shown, in recent years the number of accidents has increased significantly not only due to man-made reasons, which was explained by the corona virus pandemic, but also due to organizational reasons. Among the organizational reasons, violations of labor discipline are in the first places – non-fulfilment of the requirements of labor protection instructions, non-fulfilment of job duties and violation of the technological process. Therefore, the development of proposals for the improvement of the labor protection management system and labor relations in the energy industry is an urgent task. There are proposed measures to reduce the level of injuries due to organizational reasons in stressful conditions of mass absenteeism of personnel due to illness or during hostilities.
Use of reactive power compensation devices in implementation of distributed generation
Authors: Danylchenko Dmytro , Kuznetsov Dmytro
Published: July 2024

In Ukraine, a gradual reduction of electricity production at thermal power plants is planned due to the development of renewable sources of electricity. Small hydraulic power plants are being restored, solar power plants and wind power plants are being built. This will allow solving the existing problems of the domestic energy industry regarding the shortage of fuel resources, energy security and reducing the level of harmful effects on the environment caused by the operation of traditional sources of electricity. There is a trend of transition from a purely centralized electricity supply to a combined one, when the number of local decentralized sources of electricity directly in distribution networks is increasing. In this way, distribution electric networks are gradually transformed into a network with features characteristic of a local electric system, which receives power both from its own distribution electric networks and from a centralized source - the electric power system. Renewable energy has a number of advantages compared to traditional energy, but there are also disadvantages. Among them, the complications of the functioning of electrical networks should be highlighted in the event of an increase in the capacities of renewable sources of electricity installed in them and the instability of generation due to their natural dependence on meteorological conditions, if we talk more specifically about technical shortcomings, then this concerns - sinusoidal of voltages and currents and voltage deviations, quality assurance of electricity, which directly depends on ensuring the balance of active and reactive power in the electrical system. Hence the need for coordinated power supply from renewable sources of electricity and substations of the power system. At the same time, there is a gradual transition from the wholesale electricity market of a single buyer to the balancing market of electricity and electricity supply under bilateral agreements, as well as the introduction of market management methods. This article discusses measures to reduce electrical energy losses, limit voltage deviation, improve the quality of electrical energy, and compensate for the reactive power of local loads due to the introduction of reactive power compensation devices together with renewable sources of electricity and facilitating their integration into the power grid.
Development of a conceptual model for management of technological losses of electricity in distribution networks 150-0.38 kV
Authors: Lutsiv Petro , Ostra Natalia
Published: July 2024

The work developed a conceptual model of the process of managing the technological costs of electrical energy in 150-0.38kV distribution networks. The relevance and necessity of developing a conceptual model of the process of managing the technological costs of electricity, which is carried out in relation to the system of distribution of electrical energy (or the electrical distribution system) as a whole, including distribution electrical networks of 150-0.38 kV, is analyzed. The paper proposes a conceptual decomposition, considers the description and formalization of the power distribution system management process based on the criterion of reducing the technological costs of electricity. The proposed conceptual model describes the process of managing the technological costs of electricity in the power distribution system, as a process of regular improvement (optimization) of the functioning of the power distribution system and allows further optimization and automation of the process of managing the technological costs of electricity in the power distribution system, in order to achieve higher levels of energy efficiency of its functioning. It is shown that this model can be used to solve the tasks of not only strategic and tactical management (in terms of years and months) when forming development plans and current operation of distribution systems, but also operational optimization of technological costs of electricity at the pace of the process. Provided that the appropriate software is developed (including the forecasting of power distribution system modes and external environmental influences), the system for managing the technological costs of electrical energy is represented by three control loops that correspond to the stages of its development. Processes and information links between them are shown for each control loop. Each process in the conceptual model of the management of technological costs of electric energy has its own formal representation through generalized functional dependencies, and the information links between the processes correspond to the arguments and values of these functions. The conceptual model describes the process of managing the technological costs of electrical energy in the power distribution system as a process of regular improvement (optimization) of its functioning through increasing its energy efficiency.
Penerapan Komunikasi Empatik Pada Penanganan Krisis Studi kasus Meledaknya Depo Pertamina Plumpang
Authors: Zuhdi Ilyas Naufal , Ayuningtyas Fitria
Published: July 2024

Krisis dapat terjadi pada setiap organisasi secara tiba-tiba kapan dan dimana saja, setiap organisasi pasti pernah mengalami suatu krisis. Salah satu krisis yang pernah terjadi pada PT. Pertamina yaitu meledaknya depo Pertamina Plumpang. Meledaknya depo Pertamina Plumpang mampu menyebabkan krisis karena banyaknya korban jiwa yang disebabkan oleh ledakan. PT Pertamina merespon krisis tersebut dengan cepat, strategi yang diterapkan merupakan strategi pembangunan kembali (rebuild) yaitu dengan cara memberikan pernyataan bahwa Pertamina siap bertanggung jawab secarah penuh terhadap kejadian tersebut, pertamina juga menyampaikan permohonan maaf dan rasa prihatin, serta memberikan kompensasi kepada para korban. Pendekatan emosional dilakukan Pertamina untuk mendapatkan kepercayaan masyarakat kembali, salah satunya dengan cara komunikasi empati, PT. Pertamina  berusaha untuk  memperkuat posisinya di mata stakeholder dengan melakukan permohonan maaf, kompensasi, dan juga memposisikan diri sebagai korban.
PERHITUNGAN BEBAN KERJA OPERATOR LINI PERAKITAN KOMPRESOR TIPE SVC93E20PBE UNIT REFRIGERATOR R600A DI PT. PANASONIC MANUFACTURING INDONESIA
Authors: Anggraini Meli , Azisah Nur Aini , Nugraha Diki , Medikano Alsen
Published: July 2024

Panasonic Manufacturing Indonesia produces electronic equipment especially for the needs of ordinary consumers, business and industry such as refrigerators, ACs, water pumps, fans, washing machines and audio with problems with refrigerator and AC production units. The research was carried out on the SVC93E20PBE type compressor assembly line for the R600A refrigerator unit with the problem of operator workload being too high, above 100%. The research was conducted for 30 days on three compressor assembly line operators using the workload analysis method, with the aim of obtaining the productive percentage and workload level of operators on the SVC93E20PBE type compressor assembly line for the R600A refrigerator unit. Data was taken following a standard work sampling observation sheet, containing employee activities while working or unemployed with adjustments. The results of workload measurement using the workload analysis method showed that operator 1's workload was 133.63%, operator 2's workload was 133.62%, and operator 3's workload was 133.74%. Based on the description of the workload results for compressor assembly operators for the SVC93E20PBE type 600A refrigerator unit, the researcher proposes the addition of two operators to the compressor assembly line, a total of five operators with a workload for each operator of 80.198%.
APLIKASI COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMIC PADA ANALISIS DAMPAK BULBOUS BOW TERHADAP HAMBATAN KAPAL BANTU CAIR MINYAK
Authors: Maulidah Alina Rizka , Karyono Tri , Priyambodo Nur Ardi Nugroho  , Wulandari Dyah Arum
Published: July 2024

The concept of oil liquid auxiliary vessel combines tanker and container ship features, designed to achieve high speed while maintaining the same displacement, necessitating design analysis to optimize hull resistance. One approach used is the addition of a bulbous bow to the hull. This study compares the resistance between the conventional hull of BCM-3 and the bulbous bow-equipped hull of BCM-4 using computational fluid dynamic (CFD) method with NUMECA. Speed variations used were 16 knots, 17 knots, and 18 knots. The research results show that the use of a bulbous bow on BCM-4 yields more optimal total resistance, with respective resistance values of 339.807 N at 16 knots, 374.558 N at 17 knots, and 497.606 N at 18 knots.
On the structural properties of paradoxes: the distinction between formal language and natural language that comes with the use of the liar paradox
Authors: Kelikli Murat
Published: July 2024

This study delves into the intriguing realm of paradoxes that have long fascinated philosophers and logicians throughout history. It begins by discussing the nature and purpose of paradoxes, ranging from their role in entertainment to their capacity to reveal flaws within logical systems. This work emphasizes the challenge paradoxes pose to the completeness of systems and the subsequent development of axiomatic systems that aim to eliminate paradoxes. Rather than providing definitive solutions to paradoxes, the primary aim of this study is to defend the idea that systems containing paradoxes can coexist with completeness. The focus is on categorizing paradoxes, with special attention given to the group known as liar paradoxes, including Russell’s famous variation. The text demonstrates how these paradoxes are intrinsically linked to the principle of non-contradiction and argues that the truth and contradiction of propositions are both the cause and consequence of these paradoxes, presenting a dilemma within the system. The work introduces the concept of Aristotelian Sets (A-Sets) and Empty Sets as potential solutions to these paradoxes. It explores the idea that these sets, when carefully defined, can provide a meaningful representation of individual substances and predicates without violating the principle of non-contradiction. By proposing the inclusion of non-existents within a naive set theory and introducing A-Sets, this work seeks to contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding paradoxes and their resolution. Ultimately, this study offers a fresh perspective on the handling of paradoxes, emphasizing the importance of reevaluating the foundations of formal and natural languages in the pursuit of a more comprehensive understanding of logic and philosophy.
Prediction model of M2 with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma based on multiple machine learning
Authors: Xia Guoyi , Yu Zeyan , Lu Shaolong , Wang Xiaobo , Zhao Yuanquan , Chen Jie
Published: July 2024

Background: Microvascular invasion (MVI) is a crucial factor for early recurrence and poor outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, there are few studies on M2 classification. We aimed to build a predictive model for M2 in early-stage HCC, assisting clinical decision-making.
Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 451 patients with early-stage HCC and employed multiple machine learning algorithms to identify the risk factors influencing the robustness of M2. Model performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, decision curve analysis (DCA)，and clinical impact curve (CIC).
Results: There were 363 M0 and 88 M2 cases. Differences in recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival(OS) between the M0 and M2 groups were statistically significant (P <0.0001). Complement C3, tumor size> 5cm, incomplete tumor capsule, and Edmondson-Steiner stage III-IV were independent risk factors for M2.The prediction model showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUROC) of 0.765 and 0.807 in the training and validation groups, respectively. Calibration curves showed good agreement between actual and predicted M2 risks, and the DCA and CIC showed a significant clinical efficacy.
Conclusion: The nomogram-based model had a good predictive effect for M2 in patients with early-stage HCC ,providing guidance for treatment decisions.
Clinical outcomes of retrograde percutaneous pinning for shaft fracture of metacarpal bone: A case series
Authors: Ushijima Takahiro , Ogawa Hikaru , Kojima Tetsuo
Published: July 2024

Background
Surgical treatment should be considered for metacarpal fractures that have severe angulation or shortening. Percutaneous pinning is a useful technique in that it is minimally invasive. Insertion of Kirschner wires using retrograde pinning is easier than that using antegrade or transverse pinning. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the functional outcomes of retrograde pinning.
Methods
Thirteen patients (15 fingers) were enrolled in this prospective study. All patients were treated using percutaneous retrograde pinning following a brachial plexus block. Two intramedullary Kirschner wires were inserted from the metacarpal head to its base. Clinical outcomes included range of motion (ROM), postoperative complications, and evaluation using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score at final follow up.
Results
ROM in extension/flexion for each joint at final follow up was: metacarpal phalangeal (MP) joint 3.1°/87.1°; proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint 2.0°/103.3°; and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint 0°/74.1°. The percent total active ROM was 91.9% and the Quick-DASH score was 2.7 out of 100. Pin tract infections occurred in two fingers and were treated with oral antibiotics.
Conclusions
In this study, retrograde Kirschner wire fixation was an acceptable technique for the treatment of displaced metacarpal fractures. This simple technique can correct deformity and provide good clinical outcomes.
WITHDRAWN: Assessment of Professional Behaviour: An Imperative Need in the Medical Curriculum
Authors: Shahid Muhammad Siddique , Mushtaq Mazhar , Usman Muhammad Ahmed , Jihwaprani Muhammad Candragupta , Siddique Rahemeen
Published: July 2024

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn, as it was submitted in error. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
Addressing the Second Victim Phenomenon among Community Pharmacists and Its Impact on Clinical Pharmacy Practice: A Consensus Study
Authors: Zimonjić Ivana , Marinković Valentina , Mira José Joaquín , Djokic Borivoje-Boris , Odalović Marina
Published: July 2024

Background: The second victim phenomenon, denoting the harmful effects of patient safety incidents on healthcare practitioners, remains insufficiently examined within the pharmacy workforce.
Aim: This study aimed to investigate the second victim phenomenon in community pharmacies across Serbia, examining its triggers, contexts, and effects on pharmacists’ health, well-being, and implications towards pharmaceutical care.
Method: Thisconsensus study, involving 27 pharmacists with prior experience in the second victim phenomenon, employed the Nominal Group Technique in three groups. The final rank was calculated using the van Breda methodology, where the higher values present a higher impact. Statistical evaluation was applied to ascertain the distribution of events, investigate the potential relationships between event categories and patient outcomes, and determine the subsequent impact on pharmacists.
Results: "Patient-centric anxiety" (6.8) was the top mental health issue, followed by "Personal responsibility and resilience" and "Future concerns and career aspirations" (6.0 each). The dominant support was "Colleague/Peer support" (5.3). Significant patient safety incidents were "Inadequate pharmaceutical service" (8.0) and "Wrong drug dispensed" (7.8). In community pharmacies, 63.0% of incidents involved dispensing errors, with "near misses" or "no harm incidents" at 33.3% each and "harmful incidents" at 25.9%. Transcripts indicate that lack of supervision, crowding, and storage issues led to errors, highlighting the need for better dispensing verification and pharmacist training.
Conclusion: This study highlights the profound impact of the second victim phenomenon on pharmacists, which often stems from breaches in basic practice standards. Unmanaged, it worsens quality and safety in pharmaceutical care and severely threatens pharmacists' well-being.
An assessment of the genomic structural variation landscape in Sub-Saharan African populations
Authors: Lombard Zané , Wiener Emma , Cottino Laura , Botha Gerrit , Nyangiri Oscar , Noyes Harry , MacLeod Annette , Jakubosky David , Adebamowo Clement , Awadalla Philip , Landouré Guida , Matshaba Mogomotsi , Matovu Enock , Ramsay Michele , Simo Gustave , Simuunza Martin , Tiemessen Caroline , Wonkam Ambroise , Sahibdeen Venesa , Krause Amanda , Hazelhurst Scott
Published: July 2024

Structural variants are responsible for a large part of genomic variation between individuals and play a role in both common and rare diseases. Databases cataloguing structural variants notably do not represent the full spectrum of global diversity, particularly missing information from most African populations. To address this representation gap, we analysed 1,091 high-coverage African genomes, 545 of which are public data sets, and 546 which have been analysed for structural variants for the first time. Variants were called using five different tools and datasets merged and jointly called using SURVIVOR. We identified 67,795 structural variants throughout the genome, with 10,421 genes having at least one variant. Using a conservative overlap in merged data, 6,414 of the structural variants (9.5%) are novel compared to the Database of Genomic Variants. This study contributes to knowledge of the landscape of structural variant diversity in Africa and presents a reliable dataset for potential applications in population genetics and health-related research.
Effect of breathing exercises to prevent pulmonary complications in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A pilot study
Authors: Li Chao , Huo Cuiyuan , Li Hongli , Zhang Zichang , Zhang Ping
Published: July 2024

Objective: To determine if perioperative breathing exercises can reduce the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)surgery.
Subjects: This study was conducted in the cardiac surgery department at Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University Institute of Cardiology. The sample size was 30.
Intervention: Patients were randomized into a control group and an intervention group. Patients in the intervention group received perioperative breathing exercises, including balloon-blowing exercises, coughing, and deep breathing. The control group received standard perioperative care without any breathing exercises. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications; the secondary outcome measures were the evaluation of the effect of perioperative breathing exercises on arterial oxygenation, patient satisfaction, and a six-minute walk test (6MWT).
Results: Incidences of postoperative pulmonary complications in the breathing exercises group were lower than that in the control group (1/15 [6.7%] vs 7/15 [46.7%]; P=0.013). Partial pressure of oxygen(PaO2) on the intraoperative and after tracheal were significantly higher in the breathing exercises group than in the control group (P<0.05). Distance walked by patients undergoing breathing exercises was longer than the control group (264.33m vs 214.13m). Higher patient satisfaction (P<0.05) was achieved in the intervention group compared to the control group.
Conclusion: The findings of our pilot study suggest that perioperative breathing exercises may reduce the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications and preserve arterial oxygenation after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). A larger study is warranted to confirm these results and their possible clinical consequences.
Epigenetic age prediction drifts resulting from next-generation methylation arrays
Authors: Garma Leonardo D. , Quintela-Fandino Miguel
Published: July 2024

Background
Epigenetic clocks based on DNA methylation data are routinely used to obtain surrogate measures of biological age and estimate epigenetic age acceleration rates. These tools are mathematical models that rely on the methylation state of specific sets of CpG islands quantified using microarrays. The set of CpG islands probed in the microarrays differed between the models. Thus, as new methylation microarrays are developed and older models are discontinued, existing epigenetic clocks might become obsolete. Here, we explored the effects of the changes introduced in the new DNA methylation array from Illumina (EPICv2) on existing epigenetic clocks.
Methods
We compiled a whole-blood DNA methylation dataset of 10835 samples to test the performance of four epigenetic clocks on the probe set of the EPICv2 array. We then used the same data to train a new epigenetic age prediction model compatible across the 450k, EPICv1 and EPICv2 microarrays. We compiled a validation dataset of 2095 samples to compare our model with a state-of-the-art epigenetic clock. We used a dataset of cancer survivors who had undergone different types of therapy and a dataset of breast cancer patients and controls to test the ability of our model to detect alterations in epigenetic age acceleration.
Results
We found that the results of the four epigenetic clocks tested are significantly distorted by the absence of specific probes in the EPICv2 microarray, causing an average drift of up to 25 years. We developed an epigenetic age prediction model compatible with the 450k, EPICv1 and EPICv2 microarrays. Our model produced highly accurate chronological age predictions that were comparable to those of a state-of-the-art epiclock. This finding reproduced previous results showing increased epigenetic age acceleration in cancer patients and in survivors who had been treated with radiation therapy.
Conclusion
Our work demonstrated that existing epigenetic clocks need to be updated to be applicable to data generated with the new EPICv2 microarray, which has phased out the 450k and EPICv1 models. To overcome this technical hurdle, we developed a new model that translates the capabilities of state-of-the-art epigenetic clocks to the new EPICv2 platform and is cross-compatible with the 450k and EPICv1 microarrays.
Examining parenting behaviors as predictors of fine-grained dimensions of externalizing psychopathology in youth
Authors: Karlovich Ashley R. , Evans Spencer C.
Published: July 2024

Although the associations between specific dimensions of parenting behaviors (e.g., inconsistent discipline, poor monitoring/supervision, positive parenting) and youth externalizing problems are well-studied, externalizing constructs have often been measured broadly, imprecisely, or inconsistently. To clarify this picture, we examined the links between parenting behaviors and fine-grained dimensions of externalizing-spectrum problems. Caregiver-report survey data were collected for 576 youths ages 6-14. Path models revealed that poor monitoring/supervision and inconsistent discipline emerged as robust, independent predictors of all seven types of externalizing variables examined; however, the effects of positive parenting were attenuated to non-significance in combined models. These results held when controlling for, and were not moderated by, demographic variables (parent/child age/gender). Findings underscore the importance of parents’ inconsistent discipline and poor monitoring/supervision in accounting for child externalizing problems, while also revealing the consistency of associations with various externalizing-spectrum problems (e.g., irritability, aggression, ODD, ADHD). Replication using multiple methods and informants is needed.
Plasmodium falciparum infections and Soil Transmitted Helminthes correlates with Anemia in Pregnancy: Cross-Sectional Study in Kwale County
Authors: Nyamu Msc Gibson Waweru , Kaplich Bsc Raphael Tuitoek , Odhiambo Msc Frendrick Ouma , King'oo Bsc Jacintah Mueni , Wigina Msc Ronald Nyarambe
Published: July 2024

Background
Prevalence of Anemia in Pregnancy (AiP) in Kenya ranges from 40.6–69.1%. We estimated the prevalence of AiP and correlated Plasmodium falciparum infections and Soil transmitted Helminthes (STHs) infections among the predictors AiP among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) visits.
Methods
We performed a cross-sectional study among pregnant women attending ANC at Msambweni Hospital, between January and March 2024. Data was collected and analyzed in Epi Info 7. Descriptive statistics were calculated and we compared pregnant women with AiP with those without the condition. Crude Odds Ratios (COR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to identify factors associated with AiP.
Results
A total of 396 pregnant women were included in the study. The mean age was 27.4 years ± 6.5 years. Proportion of anemia was reported in 201 (50.76%) participants, and the mean Hb was 10.87 mg/dl (± 1.46 mg/dl); 108 (53.73%). The malaria positivity rate among them was 13.38% (53/396), and for STHs was 24/396 (6.06%) (95% CI; 4.11–8.86). Pregnant women with Plasmodium falciparum infections were 2.5 times more likely to experience anemia compared to those without malaria parasites (COR; 2.5, 95% CI: 1.35–4.71). Pregnant women residing in rural areas were 4.1 times more likely to have anemia than those living in urban areas (COR; 4.1, 95% CI: 2.64–6.39). Furthermore, pregnant women with STH infections were 1.7 times more likely to experience anemia compared to those without STH infections (COR; 1.7, 95% CI: 0.71–3.90).
Conclusion
The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women attending Msambweni County Referral Hospital remains high, associated with Plasmodium falciparum infections, STH infections, and women residing rural areas. Tailored interventions measures should be put in place to reverse the trend.
Use of confocal laser scanning microscopy to locate Stenocarpella maydis in corn stalk (Zea mays)
Authors: Dorigan Adriano Francis , Barros Aline Vieira , Moreira Silvino Intra , Ferreira Aline Norberto , Alves Eduardo
Published: July 2024

Stenocarpella maydis causes high production losses in almost all countries where corn (Zea mays) is cultivated. The rot caused by S. maydis may occur on the stalks and ears of corn plants. S. maydis in corn poses a significant threat to human and animal nutrition, mainly due to mycotoxins such as diplodiatoxin. This study aimed to validate an efficient methodology for visualizing S. maydis colonization in corn using clarification protocol, fluorochromes, and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM). Conidial suspensions were inoculated into the corn stalk at the V6 stage using a syringe. Corn stalk fragments of 1 cm2 were collected 21 days after inoculation (dai) for CLSM analysis. The samples were fixed in Karnovsky’s solution and clarified in KOH and chloral hydrate. The fungal structures were labeled with Alexa488-WGA at 1.0 mg mL− 1 for 30 min under vacuum (excitation at 488 and emission at 510–540 ƞm). Thereafter, the corn plant tissues were labeled with Calcofluor White at 0.1 mg mL− 1 (excitation at 405 and emission at 440–490 ƞm) for 30 min. The Laser Confocal LSM780 Zeiss Observer Z.1 microscope, LCI Plan-Neofluar 25×/0.8, and C-Apochromat 63×/1.20 objectives were used to acquire fluorescent images. At 21 dai, it was possible to observe the colonization and formation of pycnidia with bicellular conidia of the fungus S. maydis in corn stalk fragments. The fungus colonized parenchymatic tissues and vascular bundles of the corn stalk. In contrast, at 21 dai, colonization of the fungus S. maydis was not observed in the parenchymatic tissues and vascular bundles of the corn stalk from uninoculated control plants. Our study made it possible to validate a new methodology for studying the infectious process of S. maydis in corn stalk using clarification protocols, fluorochromes, and CLSM.
179 Plasma lipids and risk of intracranial aneurysms: A genetic study of association and causality
Authors: Chen Wei , Mei Zhaojun , Zhou Zhou , Cao Weibiao , Xu Zhipeng , Cao Kan , Chen Bo , Lu Xinyu , Ding Lu
Published: July 2024

Background Current evidence suggests that genetic factors, hemodynamic abnormalities, and chronic inflammation of the vascular wall contribute to the onset of intracranial aneurysms (IAs). The deposition of lipid plaques is frequently observed in the walls of IAs. Therefore, the objective of this research was to determine the causal link between plasma lipids and IAs.
Methods Genetic instrumental variables for 179 plasma lipids were acquired from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 7174 unrelated Finnish individuals. Outcome data for individuals with IAs were retrieved from a GWAS involving 23 cohorts, comprising 79,429 individuals of European ancestry. This dataset included 7,495 cases and 71,934 controls. Three databases were utilized for the implementation of Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis. This included an aSAH group with 5,140 aSAH cases and 71,952 controls, a uIA group with 2,070 uIA cases and 71,952 controls, and an IAs group with 7,495 IAs cases and 71,934 controls. An inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was employed as the key analysis method. To ensure the reliability of the findings, MR-Egger regression, weighted-median, and weighted-mode methods were employed. Sensitivity analyses included Cochran’s Q test, MR-Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO), Radial MR test, MR-Egger intercept test, and Leave-one-out (LOO) analysis. The MR-Steiger test was conducted to avoid reverse causality.
Results Following rigorous screening, MR tests, and Bonferroni correction, the genetically predicted level of Phosphatidylethanolamine(18:2_0:0)(LPE(18:2))(OR:1.28,95CI:1.13-1.46, P=1.42×10−4) ,Phosphatidylcholine (PC) (16:0_20:4)(OR:0.86,95CI:0.86-0.93, P=1.38×10−4),Phosphatidylcholine (PC) (18:0_20:3)(OR:1.29,95CI:1.12-1.47, P=2.33×10−4)and Phosphatidylcholine (PC) (O-16:0_20:4)(OR:0.83,95CI:0.75-0.91, P=2.22×10−4) showed significant causal relationships with aSAH. Two plasma lipids, LPE (18:2)(OR:1.22,95CI:1.11-1.34, P=3.14×10−5) and PC (16:1_18:2)(OR:1.19,95CI:1.09-1.31, P=1.53×10−4) exhibited a positive correlation with the risk of IAs. No significant causal link was found between uIA and 179 plasma lipids.
Conclusion Genetically determined LPE (18:2) ,PC(18:0_20:3) and PC (16:1_18:2) can increase the risk of IAs rupture;while PC(16:0_20:4) and PC (O-16:0_20:4) can reduce the risk of IAs rupture.PCs with arachidonic acid (AA) chains and the metabolism of AA may be crucially involved in the occurrence and development of IAs.
Non-linear relationship between blood urea nitrogen to albumin ratio and 3-month outcomes in acute ischemic stroke: a second analysis based on a prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhou PAN , Li Xin , Peng Gang-gang , Hu Haofei , Deng Zhe
Published: July 2024

Objective: Patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) have limited evidence regarding the relationship between blood urea nitrogen and albumin (BUN/ALB). Aiming to investigate the relationship between the BUN/ALB ratio and poor outcomes in AIS patients at 3-months was the purpose of this study.
Methods: AIS participants at a Korean hospital from January 2010 to December 2016 were included in a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study. Logistic regression and restricted cubic splines were used to examine the relationship between BUN/ALB ratio and poor outcomes after 3 months.
Results: There is a skewed distribution of BUN/ALB ratios, ranging from 0.114 to 1.250. Model II of the binary logistic regression showed that the BUN/ALB ratio was not statistically significant in predicting poor outcomes for AIS patients after three months. However, there was a notable nonlinear relationship between them, with the inflection point of the BUN/ALB ratio identified as 0.326. The BUN/ALB ratio on the left side of the inflection point was associated with a 42% reduction in 3-month poor outcomes (OR=0.58, 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.83, P = 0.0033). Conversely, the relationship was not statistically significant on the right side of the inflection point.
Conclusion: The BUN/ALB ratio and poor outcomes in AIS patients show a nonlinear correlation with a saturation effect. For AIS patients, a BUN/ALB ratio of approximately 0.326 is associated with the lowest risk of adverse outcomes at 3 months. Specifically, for non-smoking AIS patients, a BUN/ALB ratio of approximately 0.295 is associated with the lowest risk of adverse outcomes at 3 months.
Effects of stereoisomers of proline-deoxymugineic acid on iron uptake in Poaceae plants
Authors: Namba Kosuke , Ogasa Chie , Murata Yoshiko , Inoue Haruhiko , Suzuki Motofumi , Uchikawa Yoshinori , Karanjit Sangita , Mera Akane , Watanabe Takehiro , Sato Ryota
Published: July 2024

All stereoisomers of proline-deoxymugineic acid, a low-cost and stable analog of phytosiderophore deoxymugineic acid, were synthesized and evaluated for their iron transport activity and growth effect in rice. In addition, the stabilities of their iron complexes were analysed by Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). All stereoisomers showed the iron transport activity in Sf9 cell assay, and a yeast assay also suggested the presence of iron transport activity in all but the DDL and LDD analogs. Rice grew better in alkaline soil by applications of stereoisomers of PDMA, and the natural LLL (PDMA) and unnatural LLD analogs in particular showed significant growth-promoting effects. The diastereomeric mixure at the 3’’ position was found to be promising as a fertilizer, as was the single isomer of LLL (PDMA). Mass spectrometry suggested that the LLD analog forms a stable iron complex, and the stability of iron complexes was correlated with rice growth activity.
An aperiodic chiral tiling by topological molecular self-assembly
Authors: Voigt Jan , Baljozovic Milos , Martin Kevin , Wäckerlin Christian , Avarvari Narcis , Ernst Karl-Heinz
Published: July 2024

Crystallization remains an important method for separating chiral molecules into their two mirror-image isomers, yet the molecular recognition during aggregation into solids is still not fully understood. In particular, there are no definitive rules to predict whether a pair of chiral partners will crystallize together into racemic crystals or as separate counterparts. A more manageable version of this phenomenon is crystallization in two dimensions, such as the formation of surface structures by adsorbed molecules. The relatively simple spatial arrangement of these systems, coupled with the submolecular resolution provided by modern scanning probe technologies, makes it easier to study the effects of specific chiral interactions. Here, we report spiral topological patterns in the two-dimensional aggregation of chiral molecules on a silver crystal surface. The molecules tessellate the plane in chiral nodes and supramolecular triangles. Spiral annihilation is achieved only through the chiral triangular tiling of triads, with N±1 molecules at the edges and a specific strategy of chiral offsetting of triangles. Due to a high degree of molecular flexibility, entropy is maximized by switching molecular handedness in conjunction with the number of nodes controlled by triangle size. Our results demonstrate that two-dimensional self-assembly can be governed by topological constraints and that an aperiodic tiling of the plane can be realized solely by natural forces without human intervention.
An Efficient and Non-Invasive Approach to Identify and Classify COVID-19 from CT Scan Images using Machine Learning in Combination with Hybrid Texture Features
Authors: kumar upendra
Published: July 2024

Rapid and accurate identification of COVID-19 and also other associated diseases is now crucial to limiting the disease's transmission, relaxing lockdown laws, and reducing the burden on public health infrastructures. Recently, several approaches and techniques have been proposed to identify the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) using different clinical data and medical pictures. There are some limitations and shortcomings with the COVID-19 detection technologies that are currently available on the market. Because of this, it becomes essential to develop and study new diagnostic tools that have higher diagnostic accuracy while avoiding the shortcomings of existing tools. This study used the SARS-CoV-2 CT scan dataset to test non-linear SVM and Twin-SVM (TWSVM) classifiers in addition to textural characteristics such as GLCM, GLRLM, and ILMFD separately. There are a total of 2482 CT scan images in this database; 1252 of the scans show positive signs of SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19), and 1230 show negative signs. Eight different models were developed in this work for the purpose of classifying and predicting COVID-19. We found that the GLCM + NLSVM model using RBF kernal, GLCM + TWSVM using linear kernal, GLRLM + NLSVM using RBF kernal, GLRLM + TWSVM using sigmoid, ILMFD + NLSVM using RBF kernal, ILMFD + TWSVM using polynomial kernal, Hybrid feature + NLSVM, and Hybrid feature + TWSVM all performed better in terms of evaluation done by performance metrics used in this work. For the given dataset, the Hybrid feature + NLSVM model with Linear Kernal yielded significantly better results out of eight models tested, including 100% accuracy, 100% recall, 100% precision, 100% F1-score, R-Squared = 1, and RMSE = 0. As a result, the high accuracy of this type of computer-aided screening method would significantly boost the speed and accuracy of COVID-19 diagnosis also encourage the study of other associated diseases with CT-scan images.