bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generalized relation of bitumen stress at shear to its penetration in a range from softening point temperature to breaking point temperature
Authors: Zolotaryov Victor
Published: February 2023

The problem of assessing the quality of bitumen is in the fact that the common quality indicators are empirical. They do not allow the objective characterization neither the consistency of bitumen no its transition from one state of matter to other. Goal. The solution to this problem is based on the principle that the resistance of bitumen to the penetration of the needle is a shear characteristic under conditions of complete adhesion to the surface of the needle. Methodology. The practical confirmation of this approach is based on the Core & Laurent method, which takes into account the rate of the bitumen layer and the resistance force to this displacement based on the geometric parameters of the needle and the force applied to it. Attempts to estimate bitumen viscosity with the depth of needle penetration have failed for two reasons. Firstly, bitumen viscosity is principally a technological characteristic. Secondly, in the simple conversion of the penetration value into viscosity neither the shear rate nor flow anomalies and a units ratio were taken into account. Results. In this research work the shear stress at penetration at the softening point temperature and breaking point temperature is taken as a mechanical characteristic of the states of matter. This statement of the problem is based on the linearity of the relationship between the test temperature and log of penetration, established by Hekelom. Later, this relationship was supplemented with a temperature of equal penetration T31 as a midpoint of the plasticity interval of bitumen with the same penetration but different penetration indexes. Practical value of this work is results in finding the relation between penetration and the reverse pliability G*/sin φ, which is applied in the Superpave system to evaluate the bitumen component in the rutting resistance of asphalt concrete.
Similar goods search based on FAISS
Authors: Znakhur Serhii , Znakhur Liudmyla
Published: February 2023

Problem. The problem of obtaining a complete set of similar goods from different manufacturers based on the image and description of the product is relevant and interesting. The article includes description of algo and architecture solution for online goods clustering. Goal. The goal of the work is to create and explore models of e-commerce ML (online goods clustering). The work includes developing AI components based on FAISS and Deep Learning to implement Product Quantization of goods searches based on their embedding vectors and vectors of images. The proposed approach to the search for similar goods uses the DNN for features detection and embedding vectors, which are used for FAISS clustering. Methodology. The analytical and empirical methods of research based on the development and DNN are used, ML methods to determine features of goods and solve classification problems. Results. The architecture of the solution is based on the use of  GCP services. Practical value. AI solutions have practical value for e-commerce, they help retain or return customers, and recommend products. As a result of the work, a basic solution to the problem of matching similar products based on the use of FAISS and Deep Learning algorithms in GCP was developed and tested.
Analyzing the efficiency of technologies for developing mobile applications for Android OS
Authors: Fedorchenko Volodymyr , Poliakov Andrii , Sievierinov Сєвєрінов
Published: February 2023

Problem. Mobile application development is quite a complex process that requires developers with high expertise in a particular development platform for Android. There are also several singleplatform, cross-platform, Xamarin development platforms but there is no comparison of their performance as with native ones. Methodology. As a method, it is proposed to use an experimental approach in which a mobile application is developed with the necessary components, and then the performance of the profiler on the metrics of CPU usage, memory, power consumption and network is investigated. Results. According to the study, the Xamarin platform has additional restrictions on permissions, requires more resources, both memory and power, which can be felt in large applications, but allows you to attract a large community of .Net developers. Originality. This approach to the analysis of productivity will reveal at a preliminary stage the problematic aspects of the mobile development platform, its integration with native Android services, as well as possible user preferences. Practical value. The proposed technique will introduce a preliminary analysis of the various components integrated into the Android OS. This approach will provide a more reasonable management decision for the full process of developing mobile applications for Android OS, considering such criteria as speed of development, professional level of developers to be involved in the development process, application integration with Android components, integration of new functionality to the application and others.
Keberlanjutan Pembangunan Wilayah Pesisir di Kabupaten Trenggalek
Authors: Lubis Lunariana , Wahyudi Agus
Published: February 2023

The coastal area is an area that has the potential to be developed, but the coastal area must also be conserved by making efficient use of coastal resources and utilizing the function of the area in a planned and rational manner, including at Prigi Beach in Watulimo District, Trenggalek Regency. The strategy for developing coastal areas in Trenggalek Regency has been stated in Regional Regulation Number 15 of 2012 concerning Spatial Planning of Trenggalek Regency for 2012-2032. This study uses a qualitative method with a case study approach in an effort to understand the sustainability of coastal development in Trenggalek Regency. Data were obtained through observation, documentation, and interviews with the head of Bappeda (Regional Development Planning Agency of Trenggalek Regency) and the community around Prigi Beach, Trenggalek Regency. Data analysis techniques with interactive models are data collection, data condensation, data presentation and conclusion drawing. Aspects of sustainable development in Watulimo District, Trenggalek Regency include (1) ecology, the existence of Prigi Bay provides benefits in the fields of Tourism, Fisheries and Marine, namely Prigi Beach, Damas Beach, Cengkrong Beach, Mangrove Tourism Forest, Karanggongso White Sand Beach and Pearl Beach. (2) the economy, the low income of fishermen in Prigi is also influenced by natural conditions, so that the fishing process cannot take place throughout the year and (3) social, the fishermen community empowerment program in Prigi has been implemented by the Government to improve the fishing community but the program has not running optimally.
ANALISIS PERAN PEMERINTAH DALAM MEMBERIKAN PEMENUHAN HAK PEKERJAAN BAGI PENYANDANG DISABILITAS
Authors: Marsitadewi Komang Ema
Published: February 2023

Persons with disabilities are a group that often gets discriminated against in various rights. One of them is the right to get a job. The role of the government is very much needed by people with disabilities so that the rights of people with disabilities can be fulfilled. The size of the government's role will greatly affect the extent to which the rights of persons with disabilities can be fulfilled. Therefore, this study analyzes the role of the government in providing fulfillment of work rights for Persons with Disabilities in Yogyakarta City and Denpasar City. The method used in this study is a qualitative research method. This study describes the problem of fulfilling the employment rights of persons with disabilities with different loci, namely in Yogyakarta and Denpasar. Based on the results of the analysis of the government's role, the activities carried out by both the Denpasar City Government and the Yogyakarta City Government are almost the same, namely providing training to people with disabilities, outreach to job providers and connecting people with disabilities with job providers which are still done manually. Recommendations for the government to provide more training to persons with disabilities in accordance with the current needs of persons with disabilities.
Penerapan Media Jenga dalam Program Literasi Kampus Mengajar 4 di SDN Sanggar Jaya
Authors: Iswari Fitria
Published: February 2023

Literasi merupakan kemampuan yang penting dalam proses pendidikan, karena kemampuan literasi mencakup kemampuan membaca, menulis dan berbicara. Program kampus mengajar adalah salah satu program pemerintah yang berfokus pada literasi, numerasi, dan adaptasi teknologi. Program ini memberikan kesempatan kepada mahasiswa untuk membantu guru dan kepala sekolah dengan membaktikan ilmu, keterampilan, dan menginsiparasi para siswa. Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi  data yang diperoleh dari pretes AKM kemampuan literasi siswa SDN Sanggar Jaya Cibinong, yang menunjukan 34,4% kemampuan literasi siswa. Media jenga dipilih sebagai media yang digunakan dalam proses pembelajaran. Media ini terdiri dari 48 balok, yang masing- masing balok memiliki pertanyaan terkait literasi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui perencanaan, pelaksanaan, serta hambatan dalam pengaplikasian media jenga. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan teknik pengumpulan data melui observasi dan wawancara dilapangan. Data menunjukan 80% dari 39 siswa mampu menjawab 48 soal dengan benar, tidak hanya itu para siswa merasa senang dan bersemangat dalam memainkan media jenga.
Fleksibilitas Ruang pada Desain Rumah Mikro di Pondok Pinang 88 Residence
Authors: Pratama Fery Mulya , Suryani Nia
Published: February 2023

Pondok Pinang 88 Residence  hadir sebagai  rumah mikro dengan luas kavling 3m x 5m dan ketinggian 4 lantai dan diperuntukkan bagi kaum milenial. Rumah mikro ini hadir sebagai respon dari tingginya harga lahan di area pusat kota yang strategis tetapi calon pembelinya belum memiliki kemampuan finansial untuk membeli rumah dengan luas lahan pada umumnya yang bisa menyentuh angka 3-5 Milyar di area ini mengingat lokasinya merupakan salah satu pusat pergerakan ekonomi di Jakarta Selatan. Penelitian mengenai desain rumah mikro ini berjenis kualitatif dengan metode pendekatan teori flesibilitas ruang. Metode tersebut digunakan agar dapat menghasilkan ruang-ruang yang fleksibel karena dimensi kavling ini bahkan hanya seluas kamar tidur walaupun dengan ketinggian 4 lantai. Menurut teori fleksibiltas ruang, ruang-ruang yang fleksibel bersifat ekspansibilitas, konvertibilitas, dan versabilitas. Dalam artikel ini penulis ingin menunjukan bagaimana desain rumah mikro ini bisa dibentuk dengan pendekatan fleksibilitas ruang sehingga bisa memenuhi kebutuhan ruang penghuninya walaupun dengan dimensi yang relatif kecil.
Penggunaan Multibahasa dalam Melaksanakan Layanan Bimbingan dan Konseling
Authors: Sutirna Sutirna , Intisari Intisari
Published: February 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menginformasikan pentingnya penggunaan multibahasa dalam memberikan layanan bimbingan dan konseling bagi peserta didik. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah survei melalui pembagian kuesioner kepada guru-guru bimbingan dan konseling sebagai subjek penelitian. Teknik pengolahan data yang digunakan adalah statistik deskriptif untuk menghitung besarnya persentase jawaban responden menurut kategori sangat setuju, setuju, cukup setuju, tidak setuju, dan sangat tidak setuju. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa sebagian besar responden sangat menyetujui penggunaan multibahasa (bahasa daerah, bahasa ibu, bahasa “jaman now”) dalam layanan bimbingan dan konseling.
Analisis Gaya Bahasa Kiasan pada Lirik Lagu Adele dalam Album 30
Authors: Betari Deka , Dwiastuty Nina , Prasetyo Agung
Published: February 2023

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan jenis bahasa kiasan yang terdapat dalam lagu Adele di album 30. Metodologi penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian kepustakaan dengan pendekatan deskriptif kualitatif. Data utama yang digunakan adalah lirik lagu Adele dalam album 30. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya beberapa jenis bahasa kiasan dalam lirik lagu-lagu tersebut, meliputi simbolik (36%), personifikasi (9%), metafora (4,5%), simile (18%), hiperbola (4,5%), dan alegori (28%). Dengan demikian, dapat ditarik kesimpulan bahwa bahasa kiasan yang paling banyak digunakan dalam album tersebut adalah jenis simbolik.
Tamara Sebagai Upaya Meningkatkan Semangat Menabung Masyarakat
Authors: Anggarini Alifia Ganeshi , Yusdita Elana Era
Published: February 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui produk dan pelayanan dari simpanan deposito berjangka atau tabungan khususnya produk Tamara di PT BPR Pundhi Arta Indonesia yang memberikan kemudahan bagi masyarakat untuk melakukan tabungan. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif dengan metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah wawancara dan observasi. Pengumpulan data menggunakan metode dokumentasi yaitu pengumpulan data dengan melihat catatan-catatan atau dokumen yang ada dan erat kaitannya dengan masalah yang diteliti berupa simpanan deposito berjangka atau tabungan Tamara. Data yang diperoleh berasal dari beberapa karyawan PT BPR Pundhi Arta Indonesia yang berhubungan dengan pelayanan produk Tamara. Tamara merupakan Tabungan Masyarakat Sejahtera yang memberikan pelayanan khusus kepada nasabah. Pertama kali Tamara muncul dikarenakan PT BPR Pundhi Arta Indonesia melihat adanya peluang di lapangan dengan kondisi masyarakat menengah ke bawah. PT BPR Pundhi Arta Indonesia mencoba mencari solusi untuk menghadapi kendala yang dihadapi masyarakat.
Bir Sanat Sosyolojisi Örneği: Sanatın Meta Yolculuğu
Authors: TEMİZER GÜNEŞ Merve
Published: February 2023

İnsanların; duygu, düşünce ve hayal dünyalarının bir ifade aracı olan sanat tarihsel süreçte her dönem ve toplumun gerçeklikleri paralelinde şekil alır. Başlangıçta maddi ve manevi ihtiyaçlarla ortaya çıkan bu ifade aracı; geleneksel dönemden modern döneme kadar din ve siyaset gibi dönemin gerçeklikleri doğrultusunda varlığını sürdürür. Ancak modernizmin başlangıcı olarak kabul edilen Rönesans Dönemi’ne geçişle birlikte bu koşulların etkisinden uzaklaşan sanat; ekonomik ve kültürel açıdan güç sahibi belirli bir toplumsal sınıfın koruyuculuğu ve yönlendirmesi altında şekillenmeye başlar. Dolayısıyla bu dönemde de tam olarak özgürleşemeyen sanat, modern döneme geçişle birlikte bir taraftan klasik anlamını yitirmeye diğer taraftan maddi bir değere doğru sürüklenmeye başlar. Bilimsel ve teknolojik gelişmelerin oldukça yükseldiği postmodern dönemde ise metalaşması artarak devam eder. Bu çalışmada sanatın tarihsel süreçte geçirdiği değişim ve bu süreçte tüketimi sağlamak amacıyla bir metaya dönüşümü toplumsal ve kültürel koşullar doğrultusunda ele alınmıştır.
A realizmus változó gravitációs ereje a digitalizációban (Alfonso Cuarón: Anyádat is, Ember gyermeke, Gravitáció)
Authors: Sólyom Kristóf
Published: February 2023

A tanulmányban arra vállalkozom, hogy megvizsgáljam a digitalizálódás által elbizonytalanodott film médiumának technológiai, mediális és esztétikai átalakulását Alfonso Cuarón reprezentatív szerzői útja kapcsán, amely jól láthatóan mutatja meg azt a változást, amelyen a film és a filmtudomány is egyidőben megy keresztül. Mindezt a digitalizálódás nyomán megélénkült, a bazini filmelmélet körüli tudományos érdeklődésből kiindulva teszem. E filmelméleti kérdéseken keresztül a valóság reprezentálhatóságának, a médiumspecifikusságnak kérdéseihez és a realizmus fogalmának újrakeretezési kísérleteihez jutok. Az áttekintett tudományos elméletek tükrében foglalkozok Alfonso Cuarón három filmjével (Anyádat is, Ember gyermeke, Gravitáció), amelyek elemzése során a realizmus ontológiai és fenomenológiai elképzelései közötti változás mikrotörténeti narratívaként válik leírhatóvá.
Spurious Precision in Meta-Analysis of Observational Research
Authors: Irsova Zuzana , Bom Pedro R. D. , Havranek Tomas , Rachinger Heiko
Published: February 2023

Meta-analysis upweights studies reporting lower standard errors and hence more precision. But in observational settings common to much research in social sciences, precision is not given to the researcher. Precision must be estimated, and thus can be p-hacked to achieve statistical significance. Simulations and applications show that spurious precision can invalidate inverse-variance weighting and bias-correction methods based on the funnel plot. Selection models fail to solve the problem, and common cures to publication bias can become worse than the disease. We introduce a novel approach that addresses spuriousness: meta-analysis instrumental variable estimator (MAIVE).
Designing remote care services for eating disorders: HCI considerations and provocations based upon service user experience and requirements.
Authors: Branley-Bell Dawn , Murphy-Morgan Claire Naomi
Published: February 2023

The use of remote support for eating disorder recovery has become increasingly important since COVID-19. It is important to explore the suitability of current platforms; to do this effectively, co-design with people with lived experience (PWLE) is essential. RHED-C (Remote Healthcare for Eating Disorders throughout COVID-19) is a 3-year project focused on future remote care solutions. As part of this larger project, we conducted a two-stage process exploring user experiences with remote care and key design considerations. The first, exploratory stage involved workshops and semi-structured interviews with 27 PWLE based within the UK. Reported barriers included complicated platform functionalities leading to sensory overload and a lack of perceived self-efficacy; poor or unstable internet access disrupting the therapeutic space; a focus upon the quantification of eating disorders (e.g., focus on BMI) that was perceived as triggering. Participants wanted more sharing of honest recovery stories to inspire, and help them to envisage recovery. At the second stage, a creative team comprising researchers, a service provider and person with lived experience reflected upon these findings to identify provocations for future co-design of remote care based around: i. The value of qualitative research methodologies and avoidance of quantification; ii. Need for design that minimizes physical representation and sensory overload; iii. Importance of honest, recovery-focused content that fosters realistic expectations; iv. promotion of digital accessibility and self-efficacy. These provocations are discussed in this paper.
Leisure engagement and self-perceptions of aging: Longitudinal analysis of concurrent and lagged relationships
Authors: Bu Feifei , Mak Hei Wan , Bone Jessica Katherine , Gao Qian , Sonke Jill , Fancourt Daisy
Published: February 2023

Objectives: There is evidence to suggest that leisure engagement may influence self-perceptions of ageing, but disentangling potential bidirectionality in this relationship is challenging. A better understanding of the directionality of this association is essential for designing more effective interventions to promote healthy aging. We therefore tested both lagged and concurrent effects in both directions both for a composite measure of leisure engagement as well as specific domains of community, cognitive, creative, and physical activities.Method: A total of 17,753 adults aged 50 or above living in the United States from the Health and Retirement Study were included in the analysis. They provided 32,703 observations over three waves between 2008/2010 and 2016/2018. Data were analysed using structural equation modelling with both concurrent and lagged associations between self-perceptions of aging and leisure engagement, controlling for confounders including age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic position, and health conditions. Results: We found consistent evidence for leisure engagement as a predictor of self-perceptions of aging. There was weaker evidence for a reciprocal relationship, although this was found in the domains of creative activities and physical activities, where these two activities were also predicted by older adults’ self-perceptions of aging.Discussion: Our findings provide empirical support for potential benefits of leisure engagement on positive self-perceptions of aging, regardless of the type of activities. As the overall association appears to be stronger between leisure engagement and subsequent self-perceptions of aging, interventions designed to increase leisure engagement may be effective for improving older adults' health.
The Response Process Evaluation Method
Authors: Wolf Melissa Gordon , Ihm Elliott Daniel , maul andrew , Taves Ann
Published: February 2023

Pretesting survey items for interpretability and relevance is a commonly recommended practice in the social sciences. The goal is to construct items that are understood as intended by the population of interest and test if participants use the expected cognitive processes when responding to a survey item. Such evidence forms the basis for a critical source of validity evidence known as the response process, which is often neglected in favor of quantitative methods. This may be because existing methods of investigating item comprehension, such as cognitive interviewing and web probing, lack clear guidelines for retesting revised items and documenting improvements, and can be difficult to implement in large samples. To remedy this, we introduce the Response Process Evaluation (RPE) method. The RPE method is a standardized framework for pretesting multiple versions of survey items and generating individual item validation reports. This iterative, evidence-based approach to item development relies on feedback from the population of interest to quantify and qualify improvements in item interpretability across a large sample. The result is a set of item validation reports that detail the intended interpretation and use of each item, the population it was validated on, the percent of participants that interpreted the item as intended, examples of participant interpretations, and any common misinterpretations to be cautious of. Researchers may find that they have more confidence in the inferences drawn from survey data after engaging in rigorous item pretesting.
Systematic Meaning in Life Psychotherapy: From systematic literature reviews to a systematic treatment manual
Authors: Vos Joel
Published: February 2023

Background: Change is inherent to life. Consequently, many clients in psychotherapy ask questions about meaning in life. Overall, meaning-centered therapies have positive effects, but there are often large differences between therapies, missing information from treatment manuals, and unsupported therapeutic components. Therefore, the literature was systematically reviewed on meaning and meaning-centered therapies to systematically develop a comprehensive meaning-centered treatment manual.Aim: This article describes the development of Systematic Meaning in life Psychotherapy (SMP) which helps individuals live a meaningful and satisfying life despite life’s challenges. SMP integrates common denominators identified in effective meaning-centered therapies and that are supported by systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses on meaning in life. Methods: The treatment manual was developed via five rounds of systematic literature-reviews and meta-analyses on philosophical foundations, meaning in psycho-oncology, meaning-centered therapies, assumptions in meaning-centered therapies, and translations into a manual.Results: SMP consists of 10 sessions: sessions 1-3 examine the relevance of meaning and historical resilience, and session 9-10 help clients make decisions, set goals and change daily-life. In sessions 5-8, cancer-clients are asked to systematically reflect on past, present or future examples of six universal types and 29 sub-types of meaning in life: materialistic, hedonistic, self-oriented, social, larger and existential-philosophical types/subtypes of meaning. Clients are stimulated to develop a critical-intuitive/phenomenological approach to life instead of a dominantly traditional or functionalistic approach. Therapists use assessment, meaning-oriented, relational, experiential/phenomenological and existential-therapeutic competencies. Sessions usually consist of an emotional check-in, discussing homework, agenda-setting, mindfulness/experiential exercises, self-reflective questions, sharing, decision-making, homework-setting and ending. Discussion: SMP is a common-denominator therapy systematically grounded in the currently available empirical research. Over 2000 therapists have been trained in SMP and apply this in psycho-oncology settings. Several trials discussed elsewhere indicate that SMP has large positive effects, which are explained/mediated by the hypothesized therapeutic mechanisms.
The characteristics and trajectories of ‘left behind places’ in the EU15
Authors: Velthuis Sanne , Le Petit-Guerin Mehdi , Royer Jeroen , Cauchi-Duval Nicolas , Franklin Rachel S. , Leibert Tim , MacKinnon Danny , Pike Andy
Published: February 2023

Over the past ten years or so, concern has mounted about places in the Global North that have been ‘left behind’ by the growth and prosperity experienced in superstar cities and other wealthy regions. This briefing paper summarises the findings from the first stage of the ‘Beyond Left Behind Places’ project, which involved quantitative analysis of changes experienced by regions across the EU15 over the past four decades and draws out key policy implications.
Effectiveness of TVET in Nepal
Authors: Adhikari Ramesh , Adhikari Shiva Raj , Upreti Dilli Ram , Adhikari Keshav Prasad
Published: February 2023

The technical and vocational education and training (TVET) program has been implemented in the country for a long time. Nevertheless, the actual impact it had made on the national economy is unknown. The main objective of this study is to examine the effectiveness of the TVET program in Nepal. The study employed concurrent mixed methods which used both quantitative and qualitative approaches. A retrospective post-then-pre design was used in this study. A total of 21 districts (3 districts from each province) were selected. A survey was conducted with 1,231 Diploma and Pre-Diploma (TSLC) graduates who studied in the institutions either affiliated to or constituent of the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT). Similarly, 42 key informants’ interviews (2 from each district) were conducted with key stakeholders, such as school principals, instructors, and employers. Overall, out of the total graduates, only 8.8% were working before joining TVET, and the remaining 91% did not work, while the percentage of graduates employed during the time of survey was 58.2%. A remarkable difference in average income was found before and after graduation (NRs 1,815 vs NRs 15,656). The income difference was highest among the people who studied engineering (NRs 16,005) followed by health (NRs 14,908). The income of males was 1.6 times higher than that of females after graduation. Current income is higher among graduates from Lumbini Province (NRs 21,427), followed by Province-1 (NRs 20,396). The study revealed that overall, TVET has a positive impact on the society's economy through increased employment opportunities among youths. TVET has been effective in generating employment for many young people, ultimately contributing to elevate the family's economic status, thereby ensuring quality life.
Effects of acetic acid on toxic metal content and proximatecomposition in the muscle of blood cockle (Anadara granosa)
Authors:   Faculty of Fisheries, Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Phuc Cam Tu
Published: February 2023

Blood cockle Anadara granosa is an important food source and one of the most commonly cultured species in the Mekong delta. But, cockle is a filter feeder, it can accumulate toxic metals from the water environment. This study aims conducted to evaluate the soaking effects of acetic acid in different concentrations at different times on the levels of Cd and Pb and proximate nutritional composition in the soft tissues. The levels of Pb in cockle tissue collected from Binh Dai district, Ben Tre province were over the permissible limits set by the European Commission (EC) and the Vietnamese Ministry of Health (MOH) (1.5 mg/kg). Concentrations of Cd in tissue were higher than the EC guideline of 1.0 mg/kg but lower than the MOH guideline of 2.0 mg/kg. The results showed that the removal efficiencies of two metals in cockle tissues with acetic acid were increased with increasing a range of acid concentration and soaking time. The highest removal efficiency of Cd and Pb was achieved with an acetic acid concentration of 5% and soaking in 15 minutes with minimum loss in the nutritive value of cockle tissue. After the soaking process, the levels of Cd and Pb in the tissue of the cockle were below the permissible limits recommended by the EC and the MOH.
Selection of elite purple waxy corn hybrids by MGIDI multivariate selection method in Vietnam
Authors:   Crops Research and Development Institute, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Pham Quang Tuan , Nguyen Trung Duc ,   Crops Research and Development Institute, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Nguyen Thi Nguyet Anh ,   Crops Research and Development Institute, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Vu Van Liet ,   Faculty of Agronomy, Vietnam National University of Agriculture
Published: February 2023

This study aims to select the elite purple waxy corn hybrids by Vietnam by multivariable selection method by multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI) based on growth, yield, and quality traits for purple waxy corn varieties commercialisation in the North of Vietnam. The field experiment was arranged in a randomised complete block design with 3 replications and evaluated 25 crosses with two check varieties in the Spring and Winter season of 2021 in Hanoi. The results of the selection of purple waxy corn hybrids by MGIDI in the Spring and Winter 2021 season identified the two most promising hybrid combination having the MGIDI index with a commercial potential as THL01 (D161 x FP1, named VNUA261, MGIDI=1.449 in the Spring season and 1.869 in Winter season), and THL02 (Q2151 x FP1, named VNUA191, MGIDI=1.218 in Spring season and 0.404 in Winter season). The fresh corn harvest time of VNUA261 and VNUA191 ranged from 70-75 days and 66-73 days, respectively. Fresh corn yield of VNUA261 and VNUA191 reached 12.51-13.85 tons/ha and 12.24-13.56 tons/ha, respectively. Corn has good eating quality, thin pericarp (≤60 μm), and high anthocyanin content, in which VNUA261 reached 112.93-124.07 mg/100 g dry seed, VNUA191 reached 100.33-119.57 mg/100 g dry seed.
İÇ DENETİMİN ETKİNLİĞİNDE MESLEKİ ŞÜPHECİLİĞİN ROLÜ: KAMU ÜNİVERSİTELERİ UYGULAMA ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: KOCA Nurettin , HATUNOĞLU Zeynep
Published: February 2023

Bu çalışma, kamu üniversitelerinde görevli iç denetçilerin denetim faaliyetinin etkinliğindeki mesleki şüpheciliğin rolünü tespit etmek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Anket yardımıyla elde edilen veriler SPSS for Windows 25.0 programında yararlanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Yapılan analiz sonucunda; mesleki şüpheciliğin iç denetimin etkinliği üzerine olumlu bir katkısının olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Ancak, katılımcıların tanımlayıcı özelliklerine göre mesleki şüphecilik ve iç denetimin etkinliği algısında herhangi bir farklılaşmanın olmadığı yapılan analizler sonucunda tespit edilmiştir.
Gallstone Ectopia: A Rare Clinical Entity
Authors: Khoury Audrey L. , J. Kumar Rashmi , Khoury Audrey L. , Merlo Aurelie , Haase Conner , B. Stitzenberg Karyn , E. Haithcock Benjamin
Published: February 2023

Gallstone ectopia to the lung is a rare clinical entity. Our case is a 69-year-old man with a history of cholecystectomy complicated by intra-abdominal abscesses and retained gallstone remnants requiring laparoscopic extraction. He presented with hemoptysis and imaging showed multiple calcified lung nodules. There was a concern for gallstone ectopia in the lungs. He underwent a right middle lobectomy via thoracotomy with gallstone extraction. The patient did well postoperatively and was discharged home on postoperative day 4. This case report briefly reviews the literature to determine the timeline for presentation for similar patients, which may be of clinical utility to thoracic surgeons.
HPLC/UV Analysis and In Vitro, Promising Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, Anti-Alzheimer, and Anti-Tyrosinase Potentials of the Algerian Pistacia atlantica Desf. Methanolic Extract
Authors: Benabdallah F. Z. , Zellagui A.
Published: February 2023

The main objective of this work is to evaluate the species Pistacia atlantica by analyzing the chemical composition of the methanolic extract of the plant leaves; then by determining its content on phenolic compounds, flavonoids and condensed tannins; and finally by testing its antioxidant and inhibitory activities against some enzymes involved in several diseases. To identify phenolic compounds, a high-performance liquid chromatography analysis with ultraviolet detector was used; Folin–Ciocalteu trichloroaluminum and vanillin methods were carried out for phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and condensed tannins quantification, respectively. The antioxidant effect was tested by five different methods. Acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, α-glucosidase, and tyrosinase were used to evaluate the inhibitory power of the plant against those enzymes. The results indicated the presence of phenolic compounds in the extract, including phenolic acids and flavonoids. The total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and condensed tannins contents obtained, respectively, were equal to 36.089 ± 0.047 mg equivalent of galic acid per gram, 0.775 ± 0.01 mg equivalent of quercetin per gram, and 5.44 ± 0.5 mg of equivalent catechin per gram of dry plant. High antioxidant activity was observed and it was expressed by IC50 ranging from 3.50 ± 0.05 to 11.11 ± 4.03 μg/ml and concentrations at absorbance 0.5 from 0.84 ± 0.08 to 54.57 ± 0.24 μg/ml values. Strong antidiabetic effect was recorded which far exceeds the effect of acarbose, and interesting anti-Alzheimer and anti-tyrosinase effects were noted.
Recognizing Pearls and Pitfalls in The Emergency Medicine Department During Initiation of a New Stroke Thrombolysis Service
Authors: Singh Gurjeet , Ameen Muhammad Noorul Azman bin Noorul , Darshan Siva
Published: February 2023

Strokes are a common presentation to emergency departments all over the world. Early recognition of strokes is essential which is followed by ruling out stroke mimics, going for a radiologic investigation and decision making for thrombolysis. To create a fully functioning Neuro emergency stroke team in assisting in stroke thrombolysis, a dry run was done for a month in the emergency department which saw the common challenges and pitfalls to tackle before the actual thrombolysis is started to prevent or minimize the risk of complications of stroke management.
External validation of the R2eD AVM scoring system to assess rupture risk in pediatric AVM patients
Authors: Rangwala Shivani D. , Albanese John S. , Slingerland Anna L. , Papadakis Joanna E. , Weber Daniel S. , Smith Edward R. , Scott R. Michael , See Alfred P.
Published: February 2023

OBJECTIVE

The assessment of hemorrhagic risk is of central importance in the management of pediatric brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). A recently published scoring system, the R2eD AVM (race, exclusive deep location or not, AVM size < 3 or ≥ 3, venous drainage exclusively deep or not, and monoarterial feeding or >1 arterial feeders) considers patient race and AVM location, size, venous drainage, and arterial supply and was successfully externally validated for use in adults to predict the risk of AVM hemorrhagic presentation. In this study the authors sought to externally validate the R2eD AVM score for prediction of hemorrhagic risk in the pediatric AVM population.

METHODS

A pediatric database at Boston Children’s Hospital was retrospectively reviewed for all patients with a diagnosis of intracranial AVM. Exclusion criteria included age > 21 years, multiple AVMs, and incomplete clinical/radiographic data. Demographic data and R2eD AVM score calculations were collected for all patients. Univariate binary logistic regression and multivariate stepwise backward elimination models were used to determine factors associated with hemorrhagic presentation.

RESULTS

A total of 212 AVMs were identified in 212 patients with vascular anomalies from 1995 to 2021, and 144 patients met the inclusion criteria (74 [51.4%] male, 111 [77.1%] White), of whom 87 (60.4%) patients presented with rupture and 122 (84.7%) underwent resection. The mean age at surgery was 12 years (range 3 months to 20 years). The R2eD AVM scoring system was applied to each patient. The score components of size < 3 cm and exclusive deep venous drainage were significantly associated with rupture risk (p < 0.05). The complete model for the R2eD AVM score had an area under the curve of 0.671 (95% CI 0.586–0.757).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated poor external validity of the R2eD AVM score in predicting pediatric AVM rupture risk. The results suggest that future studies are warranted to determine a better scoring method to capture pediatric rupture risk, given the significant differences in clinical presentation in pediatric compared with adult AVM patients.
A multicenter initiative to reduce intrathecal baclofen pump surgical site infection: a Cerebral Palsy Research Network quality improvement project
Authors: Bollo Robert J. , Gross Paul H. , Rocque Brandon G. , Browd Samuel R. , Raskin Jeffrey S. , Leonard Jeffrey R. , Albarqawi Lama , Bailes Amy F. , _ _
Published: February 2023

OBJECTIVE

Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy is an effective treatment for spasticity and dystonia in children with cerebral palsy (CP). However, ITB pump surgery is associated with one of the highest rates of surgical site infection (SSI) in medicine, leading to significant morbidity and expense. Surgical protocols have reduced the rate of SSI in children with other CNS implants, and single-center protocols have been effective in ITB surgery in pediatrics. The authors describe the first multicenter quality improvement (QI)–driven standardized protocol for ITB pump surgery in children with CP across the Cerebral Palsy Research Network (CPRN), implemented with the aim of reducing ITB-associated SSI.

METHODS

SSI was defined as a culture-positive infection, ITB pump system removal for suspected infection, or wound dehiscence with exposed hardware. Each center reported historical infection rates for at least 3 years before initiating the SSI protocol (preintervention phase). After initiation of a 13-step surgical protocol, a consecutive series of 130 patients undergoing 149 surgical procedures for ITB at four CPRN tertiary pediatric neurosurgery centers were prospectively enrolled at surgery during a 2-year study period (intervention phase). QI methodology was used, including development of a key driver diagram and tracking performance using run and control charts. The primary process measure goal was documented compliance with 80% of the protocol steps, and the primary outcome measure goal was a 20% reduction in 90-day infection rate. Patient characteristics were collected from the CPRN Research Electronic Data Capture registry, including age at surgery, BMI, Gross Motor Function Classification System level, and pattern of spasticity.

RESULTS

The aggregated preintervention 90-day ITB SSI rate was 4.9% (223 procedures) between 2014 and 2017. During the intervention phase, 136 of 149 ITB surgeries performed met inclusion criteria for analysis. The mean documented compliance rate with protocol steps was 75%, and the 90-day infection rate was 4.4%, with an average of 42 days from index surgery to infection.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first multicenter QI initiative designed to reduce SSI in ITB surgery in children with CP. Ongoing enrollment and expansion of the protocol to other CPRN centers will facilitate identification of patient- and procedure-specific risk factors for SSI, and iterative plan-do-study-act cycles incorporating these data will further decrease the risk of SSI for ITB surgery in children.
Management of asymptomatic cutaneous lumbosacral findings in newborns: a neurosurgical perspective
Authors: Aby Janelle L. , Rocque Brandon G. , Loyal Jaspreet
Published: February 2023

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to find areas of agreement among pediatric neurosurgeons with respect to the clinical management of asymptomatic newborns with a variety of lumbosacral skin findings.

METHODS

An electronic survey containing 18 clinical images and brief vignettes was sent to pediatric neurosurgeons within the American Academy of Pediatrics Section of Neurological Surgery (AAP SONS). In total, 38% (n = 21) of AAP SONS members submitted complete responses to the survey. Respondents were asked if they would advise routine care, watchful waiting, imaging, or subspecialty consultation for each clinical case. Responses were categorized into two groups: 1) watchful waiting and/or routine care, or 2) imaging and/or subspecialty consultation. Consensus was categorized as good (> 90% of responses in the same group), modest (70%–90%), and poor (< 70%). Demographic information, local factors impacting management, and experiences with local referral patterns were also collected.

RESULTS

Among the pediatric neurosurgeons within the AAP SONS network, the authors found high levels (> 90%) of agreement that subcutaneous lipomas, faun tail nevi, large skin tags, and deep/atypical lumbosacral dimples in asymptomatic newborns should prompt an imaging study. Similarly, the authors found high agreement that simple coccygeal dimples do not need imaging. The management of some types of lumbosacral vascular marks and gluteal crease deviations had poor agreement (< 70%). When imaging was recommended, there was preference for spinal MRI in most cases (67%).

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric neurosurgeons generally agree that imaging of the spine is indicated for asymptomatic newborns with subcutaneous lipomas, faun tail nevi, large skin tags, or deep/atypical lumbar dimples (deep or atypical appearing). They also agree that imaging is unnecessary for infants with simple coccygeal dimples. There was a notable lack of consensus on the appropriate management of certain gluteal cleft deviations and cutaneous vascular marks.
MEKTUPLARINDAKİ SÖYLEMLERİ EKSENİNDE KEMAL İLERİCİ (1910-1986) VE HAYAT MÜCADELESİ
Authors: PELEN Semih , DOĞRUSÖZ DİŞİAÇIK Nilgün , BAYRAKTARKATAL Melik Ertuğrul
Published: February 2023

Bugün Türkiye’de Dörtlü Armoni denilince, en azından bu kavramı daha önce duymuş olanların aklına gelen ilk isim, doğal olarak bu sistemin mimarı olan Kemal İlerici’dir (1910-1986). Bu sebeple kimi zaman İlerici Armonisi olarak da anılan bu sistem özünde, geleneksel Türk müziğinin çok seslendirilmesine olanak sağlamayı amaçlamaktadır. İlerici ile tanışarak öğrencisi olabilmiş ve bu sistemi bizzat ondan öğrenebilmiş bir kuşağın bestecileri, eserlerinde bu armonik sistemden yararlanmış / yararlanmaktadırlar. Bu sebeple, İlerici’nin kullanıma sunduğu bu sistem, Türk müzik tarihi açısından önem arz etmektedir. Hayatı ve armonik sistemi ile ilgili çeşitli çalışmalar yapılmış olsa da bu sistemin İlerici tarafından hangi ihtiyaçla inşa edildiğine ışık tutacak derin bir araştırma mevcut değildir. Dolayısıyla bu çalışmada, hem kişisel arşivlerimizde hem de Kültür Bakanlığı arşivinde bulunan, İlerici tarafından dönemin çeşitli isimlerine yazılmış ve onlardan gelmiş olan seçilmiş mektuplar ekseninde, Dörtlü Armoni sisteminin arkasındaki motivasyonun ne(ler) olduğu irdelenmiştir. Bu bağlamda, İlerici’nin hayat felsefesinin merkezinde yer aldığı anlaşılan zıtlık düşüncesinin, en önemli eseri olan armonik sisteminin çıkış noktasını oluşturduğu gibi ona meşruiyet kazandırma yolunda verdiği mücadelenin de temel gerekçesini oluşturduğu anlaşılmıştır. Böylece, İlerici’nin hayatı ile ilgili bilinmeyenler de ilk defa gün ışığına çıkartılarak Türk müzik modernleşmesi sürecinde yaşananların farklı bir açıdan ele alınması amaçlanmıştır.
Alcohol and drug abuse in post-conflict Iraq
Authors: Al-Hemiary Nesif J. , Hashim Mushtaq T. , Al-Diwan Jawad K. , Razzaq Emad Abdul
Published: February 2023

Background: The 2006-2007 Iraqi Mental Health survey (IMHS) reported surprisingly low prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse in the Iraqi population. Since then anecdotal and clinical reports have suggested that abuse of alcohol and drugs in Iraq has increased. To investigate this possibility, we conducted a survey of drug and drug abuse at youth centers in Baghdad.Objective: To investigate this possibility, we conducted a survey of drug and drug abuse at youth centers in Baghdad.Patients and methods: A total of 2678 persons were included in this survey with male to female ratio of 3.8:1. They were randomly selected from youth centers located in different sectors in Baghdad (Sader city, Al-Rusafa side and Al-Karkh side). Composite International Diagnostic Interview was used to generate diagnosis. The interviewers were youth center staff who were trained by psychiatrists. Demographic data, age of onset and crowding index were obtained. Data collection was carried out on Dec. 2009.Results: A total of 16.7% met criteria for alcohol abuse and 7.02% met criteria for drug abuse. In those below 18 years of age, 2.1% reported alcohol abuse and 1.1% reported drug abuse. The peak age for alcohol and drug abuse was at 24-35 years. No female reported alcohol and substance abuse. The age of onset of alcohol was 21.7 ± 3.6 years and for drug abuse was 22 ± 5.8 years. Alcohol abuse was significantly associated with high crowding index, but drug abuse was not associated with crowding index. Low educational level was associated significantly with both alcohol and drug abuse.Conclusion: High rates of alcohol and drug abuse were recorded. A tendency for early age of onset in alcohol and drugs was observed. High household density and low educational level are important factors in alcohol and drug abuse.
Parameter sensitivity analysis and efficiency optimization design of wireless charging system
Authors: Wang Huanmin , Chen Jing , Yuan Xunfeng , Chen Yao , Zhang Hui
Published: February 2023

Electric vehicle (EV) wireless charging technology has recently attracted a lot of attention and has a broad potential for commercial application development. A fundamental performance indicator of wireless charging systems is efficient transmission. Magnetic coupling mechanism design and circuit parameters have the greatest effects on the transmission efficiency of the system. In this study, the output power and efficiency of the wireless power transfer (WPT) circuit were theoretically computed based on the LCC-type resonant network. Simulation studies demonstrate that the transmission efficiency and output gain deviate significantly from the expected value when circuit parameters are changed. To improve transmission efficiency, the optimal impedance configuration was created using a semi-controlled rectifier circuit. Based on electromagnetic field theory and equivalent magnetic circuit model, a new contactless transformer structure was optimized and created, and the new contactless transformer had a higher coupling coefficient. The coil offset had a greater impact on the transmission efficiency. The results indicate that within a certain distance, the coupling coil offset had no impact on transmission efficiency, and beyond that distance, the transmission efficiency was almost non-existent. Both the feasibility of the practical verification and the accuracy of the theoretical study were tested using a low-power wireless charging experimental setup. This paper provides design guidelines for wireless charging systems using circuit parameter sensitivity analysis and contactless transformer optimization design.