bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Energy Storage Unit Size and Location in a Radial Distribution Network to Minimize Power Loss Using Firefly Algorithm
Authors: Suresh Babu Maddina  , R. Thirunavukkarasu  , N. Karthik
Published: August 2023

By strategically deploying BESS sources within a distributed generation (DG) environment, power distribution losses could be reduced. Misallocation of these units may result in under- or overvoltage, which is undesirable. The objective is to select transit locations with the lowest possible losses and the greatest potential benefits. This study describes how to use a firefly algorithm (FA) to size a battery energy storage system (BESS) in order to minimise the voltage increase in a radial distribution network that employs a hybrid solar and wind energy conversion system (WECS). This research analyses the optimal capacity and positioning of the BESSs in a radial distribution network with 33 buses and 69 buses with the goal of minimising power loss to the greatest extent feasible. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, wind energy conversion systems (WECS), and energy storage systems (ESSs) are only some of the distributed energy resources that might benefit from the conservation voltage reduction (CVR) architecture proposed by this study. The proposed method is assessed by simulating it in Matlab while contrasting the results to those of the Genetic Algorithm (GA) and the Ant Colony Algorithm (ACA), among others.
Sustainable Industrial Revolution Competency Framework for 5G Technology Applications using TRIZ
Authors: Zulhasni Abdul Rahim  , Muhammad Saqib Iqbal  , Nor Azian Abdul Rahim  , Naoki Ohshima
Published: August 2023

The Malaysian industrial revolution strategy, also known as Industry4WRD, has been the driving force behind the transformation of the industrial sectors by accepting and implementing modern technology. The initial phase of the Industry4WRD initiative focuses on the readiness assessment of industrial businesses to determine their level of adoption of Industry 4.0. However, the second phase challenges firms to advance and increase their readiness index. According to data collected from 473 firms, the 'People' shift element has the most significant obstacle for companies to overcome, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). In the 'people' dimensions of Industry4WRD, the research emphasised the importance of competency in developing human capital for 5G technology applications. The benchmarking technique revealed five skill levels, the competency unit and work activities associated with 5G telecommunications and system networks. The theory of creative problem solving (TRIZ) was applied to a system-based idea to develop a conceptual competence framework. Twenty-five firms were selected and contributed to this research by designing and verifying a conceptual competence framework for 5G technology implementation. With a 0.81 concordance coefficient, the study's objective has been accomplished by obtaining a high level of unanimity across 25 organisations in three rounds of the Delphi poll. As a guideline, the conceptual competency framework may be utilised to create other technology competencies, such as automation and artificial intelligence workforce. It would benefit the country to conduct more research on the specifics of competence units depending on the needs of industrial sectors.
Aquaponic Ecosystem Monitoring with IOT Application
Authors: Muhammad Naufal Mansor  , Mohd Zamri Hasan  , Mohamed Mydin M. Abdul Kader  , Wan Azani Mustafa  , Syahrul Affandi Saidi  , Mohd Aminudin Jamlos  , Noor Anida Abu Talib
Published: August 2023

Aquaculture is an agricultural technology that combines aquaculture (fish farming activities) with hydroponic activities (planting crops without soil media) in one circulation. The most important element in aquaculture is the existence of fish, plants, and bacteria. These three elements form a mutually beneficial relationship or symbiotic mutualism. The main purpose of the aquaculture system is to maintain water quality and reduce ammonia levels from the water so that it can be utilized by other organisms. In addition, aquaculture can also save space and can produce two types of human food simultaneously, plants and livestock. Agricultural technology design with Aquaculture also uses the concept of Internet of Things (IoT) as information from sensors and sensors of value generator is accessible through applications installed on smartphones from anywhere with an Internet connection. Development of monitoring of aquaponic ecosystems with IoT systems was developed using a program using micro-controls to control temperature, humidity, pH levels and water pumps. There are some improvements made to this project.
Analysis of Physical and Mechanical Properties of Rice Husk-based Particle Board
Authors: M. Milawarni  , Sri Aprilia  , Nasrullah Idris  , E. Elfiana  , Y. Yassir  , Yasir Asnawi  , S. Suryati  , Novi Quintena R  , Jenne Syarif  , Nawawi Juhan
Published: August 2023

This study was conducted to determine the physical and mechanical properties of particleboard. Manufacture of particleboard utilizes raw materials of rice husk with epoxy resin. The composition variations of rice husk : Epoxy are, 82:18, 77:23, 72:28. The rice husk was soaked in 5% NaOH solution for 1.5 hours, then smoothed and filtered with a size of 20 mesh. After preparation, the rice husk and epoxy were mixed with their respective compositions. Then the hot forging process was carried out with a pressure of 25 kg/cm2 at a temperature of 140° C for 8 minutes. The results of density test was found from 0.703 - 0.712 g/cm3, the water absorption value from 7.12 % - 8.75% and the thickness expansion value from 11.5% - 19.4%. The compressive strength (MOR) values range from 56.105 -82.63 kgf/cm3 and the flexural strength (MOE) values range from 8695 kg/cm2 - 10470.49 kg/cm2.
О НЕКОТОРЫХ ПРАВОВЫХ ПРОБЛЕМАХ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОГО КОНТРОЛЯ ПРЕДПРИНИМАТЕЛЬСКОЙ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ
Authors: Abakumova Yekaterina B.
Published: August 2023

В настоящем исследовании посредством анализа судебной практики установлен ряд правовых проблем, возникающих при осуществлении государственного контроля над предпринимательской деятельностью. Проблемы государственного контроля в сфере предпринимательства связаны с законодательными пробелами в некоторых аспектах регламентации порядка осуществления контрольной деятельности, что на практике создает непонимание или неправильное толкование правовых норм. По мнению автора, существующая законодательная неопределенность может быть устранена путем внесения предложенных в работе изменений в Федеральный закон.
Christianity, ‘supernatural’ beliefs and COVID-19
Authors: Shoko E.
Published: August 2023

COVID-19 arguably had far-reaching implications for Christianity and the church as an institution. Issues around social distancing and lockdown directly impacted articulation and religious expression, while understanding of the pandemic and the virus were mediated through constructions of religio-spiritual beliefs. Given this, the study sought to explore some neo-Pentecostal church leaders’ messages in South Africa regarding the novel coronavirus or COVID-19, what this meant to their followers and the associated implications for the spread and effects of COVID-19. Methodologically, the researcher iewed and listened to uploaded YouTube video clips of news related to the church and COVID-19, uploaded bymedia outlets and the neo-Pentecostal church leaders themselves as well as online newspaper reports from the period 2 March to 19 June 2020. The findings of the study reveal that neo-Pentecostal church leaders attributed the origins of SARS-COV-2 to “evil” spirits. Neo-Pentecostal church leaders had mixed messages on the possible cure for COVID-19, with some emphasising miracles as the panacea for COVID-19, and a minority believing that God exhibits his power through epidemiologists. Prayer was also viewed as a tool for Christians to protect themselves from contracting COVID-19 through the invocation of divine powers. The paper concludes that the pervasive influence of church leaders and their emphasis onspiritual remedies such as prayer and miracles may have given Pentecostal followers a false sense of security, which might have affected their awareness of COVID-19.
Common grace as theological encouragement for interreligious dialogue
Authors: Salurante T. , Kristanto D. , Wibowo M.
Published: August 2023

The Dutch theologian-statesman Abraham Kuyper developed the doctrine of common grace in a lengthy manner. Common grace emphasises that God’s grace operates not only in a salvific way for the elect, but also in a general way for every individual. Despite sin, human beings are capable of doing beautiful, just, and wise things and are endowed with gifts and talents, due to God’s act of common grace. On that doctrinal basis, Christians are called upon to appreciate the people outside the church, for there are fruits of common grace in their lives. On many occasions, Kuyper acknowledgedthat people of other religions have better qualities than Christians. Although not salvific, common grace opens various possibilities for Christians to learn from non-Christians. Thus, common grace could be a theological encouragement for interreligious dialogue toward mutual enrichment. This doctrine shows how the interreligious relationship between Christians and non-Christians should not be reduced to evangelism alone; it should also include dialogue and further cooperation toward the common good.
The constant reality beyond exception and rule in Dietrich Bonhoeffer's theology
Authors: Radler K.
Published: August 2023

Due to the many warnings at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic of an increased transfer of power to governments and the subsequent impending demise of democracy, this article presents a theological response to a persistent theory of autocratic power. Employing, but reinterpreting the semantics of the concepts of the jurist and theorist of state Carl Schmitt, the theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer redirects the former’s rhetoric regarding history, rule, nothingness, creation ex nihilo and miracle. As a result, Bonhoeffer responds to a secular method with faith in Christ’s cross and provides for a reality that can serve as a constant grounding for a new life carried by ultimate hope.
"In The Spirit"
Authors: Santoso A.
Published: August 2023

The Ecumenical and Reformed Creeds and Confessions hold a continuity of Trinitarian doctrine as formulated since the Nicene creed (325 AD). Yet the role of the spirit seems to be undermined in such formulations. The historical context of the Nicene creed emphasized on the homoousios of the Son. Thus, the filioque in the Nicene later formulation. In this article, the author addresses the lacuna of the role of the Spirit in the traditional Trinitarian formulations. Based on John Calvin’s understanding of an autotheos Trinity, and his timeless view of eternity, the significance of the Spirit should have an equally prominent role. The renewed position should leave no ontological subordinationism either of the Son or the Spirit—a correction to the Eastern and the Western church formulations. In addition, the reformulation read in autothean interpretation shows how the inherent hypostasis submission fits with God’s mission in the history of salvation.
Pointing out persuasion in Philemon
Authors: Decock P.B.
Published: August 2023

This informative and insightful work reveals the vast field of the history and life of the Letter to Philemon after it was written. This approach to biblical texts has received greater attention in recent years when the reader’s contribution to the meaning of textswas first recognised. This attention to the reception of biblical texts is the special subject of the Encyclopedia of the Bible and Its Reception (EBR), which started in 2009 and of which 20 volumes have already been published. This encyclopedia surveys not only sermons and commentaries, but also the various ways in which biblical texts have been received, such as in the creative arts, including paintings, sculptures, novels, films and music. Professor Tolmie’s study, however, focuses on how commentators and preachers have “pointed out persuasion” in this Pauline letter. He has selected, as the subtitle indicates, 50 readings of Philemon from three periods, the early church (starting with Ambrosiaster in chapter 1), the Middle Ages (chapter 2), and the period from the 16th to the 18th century (Chapter 3). For each of these interpreters, Tolmie offers a brief introduction and then focuses on the way they explain the rhetorical situation. He then focuses on the way each author explains the rhetorical strategy by moving through the letter, section by section. Chapter 4, the conclusion, is actually a synthesis, in which Tolmie looks for tendencies in the interpretation of Paul’s letter by focusing first on the way the rhetorical situation is imagined and then on Paul rhetorical strategies in the different literary units of Philemon.
On the Likely Dynamical Origin of GW191109 and Binary Black Hole Mergers with Negative Effective Spin
Authors: Zhang Rachel C. , Fragione Giacomo , Kimball Chase , Kalogera Vicky
Published: August 2023

With the growing number of binary black hole (BBH) mergers detected by LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA, several systems have become difficult to explain via isolated binary evolution, having components in the pair-instability mass gap, high orbital eccentricities, and/or spin–orbit misalignment. Here we focus on GW191109_010717, a BBH merger with component masses of

65

−
11

+
11

and

47

−
13

+
15

M
⊙ and an effective spin of

−

0.29

−
0.31

+
0.42

, which could imply a spin–orbit misalignment of more than π/2 rad for at least one of its components. Besides its component masses being in the pair-instability mass gap, we show that isolated binary evolution is unlikely to reproduce the proposed spin–orbit misalignment of GW191109 with high confidence. On the other hand, we demonstrate that BBHs dynamically assembled in dense star clusters would naturally reproduce the spin–orbit misalignment and masses of GW191109 and the rates of GW191109-like events if at least one of the components were to be a second-generation BH. Finally, we generalize our results to all events with a measured negative effective spin, arguing that GW200225 also has a likely dynamical origin.
Intercomparison of Brown Dwarf Model Grids and Atmospheric Retrieval Using Machine Learning
Authors: Lueber Anna , Kitzmann Daniel , Fisher Chloe E. , Bowler Brendan P. , Burgasser Adam J. , Marley Mark , Heng Kevin
Published: August 2023

Understanding differences between substellar spectral data and models has proven to be a major challenge, especially for self-consistent model grids that are necessary for a thorough investigation of brown dwarf atmospheres. Using the random forest supervised machine-learning method, we study the information content of 14 previously published model grids of brown dwarfs (from 1997 to 2021). The random forest method allows us to analyze the predictive power of these model grids, as well as interpret data within the framework of Approximate Bayesian Computation. Our curated data set includes three benchmark brown dwarfs (Gl 570D, ϵ Indi Ba, and Bb) as well as a sample of 19 L and T dwarfs; this sample was previously analyzed by Lueber et al. using traditional Bayesian methods (nested sampling). We find that the effective temperature of a brown dwarf can be robustly predicted independent of the model grid chosen for the interpretation. However, inference of the surface gravity is model-dependent. Specifically, the BT-Settl, Sonora Bobcat, and Sonora Cholla model grids tend to predict

log
g
∼
3

–4 (cgs units) even after data blueward of 1.2 μm have been disregarded to mitigate for our incomplete knowledge of the shapes of alkali lines. Two major, longstanding challenges associated with understanding the influence of clouds in brown dwarf atmospheres remain: our inability to model them from first principles and also to robustly validate these models.
Rotational Characteristics of the Solar Transition Region Using SDO/AIA 304 Å Images
Authors: Wu Qian-Rui , Zheng Sheng , Zeng Shu-Guang , Wan Miao , Zeng Xiang-Yun , Deng Lin-Hua , Huang Yao
Published: August 2023

To date, the rotational characteristics of the solar transition region remain unclear. In this work, by applying the flux modulation method to the images derived from the Solar Dynamics Observatory/Atmospheric Imaging Assembly between 2011 and 2022 at 304 Å wavelength, we have studied the rotation of the solar transition region, and the results obtained are as follows. The solar transition region rotates differentially, while, from the perspective of the entire time interval, the rotation coefficients A and B are 14.39 (±0.08) and −1.61 (±0.15), respectively, and we find no prominent asymmetry in the average rotation rate of the northern and southern hemispheres. The solar transition region rotates fastest during the solar cycle maximum, and the average rotation rate follows the overall trend of solar activity. Both the equatorial rotation rate (represented by coefficient A) and the latitudinal gradient (represented by coefficient B) of the solar transition region are smaller than that of the solar chromosphere and the corona, indicating the solar transition region rotates more slowly and more rigidly than the other two layers, and we speculate that the solar chromosphere and corona seem to restrain the rotation of the solar transition region at the same time.
Analysis of Solar-like X-class Flare on Wolf 359 Observed Simultaneously with TESS and XMM-Newton
Authors: Pietras M. , Falewicz R. , Siarkowski M. , Kepa A. , Bicz K. , Preś P.
Published: August 2023

We present an analysis of a flare on the Wolf 359 star based on simultaneous observations of Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite and XMM-Newton. A stellar flare with energy comparable to an X-class solar flare is analyzed on this star for the first time. The main goal of the study was to determine whether the same physical processes drive and occur in stellar flares as in solar flares. We tried to estimate the flare class by various direct and indirect methods. Light curves and spectra in different energy ranges were used to determine the parameters and profiles of the flare. From the XMM-Newton EPIC-pn X-ray data, we estimated the temperature and emission measure during the flare. The thermodynamical timescale and the loop semi-length were also determined with two different methods. The RGS spectra enabled us to calculate the differential emission measure (DEM) distributions. The obtained DEM distributions have three components at temperature values of 3, 7, and 16–17 MK. The analysis of the line ratio in helium-like triplets allowed us to determine the plasma electron density. Our results for the flare loop on Wolf 359 were compared to typical parameters for solar flares observed with GOES and RHESSI. This supports our conclusion that the processes taking place in stellar flares are like those in solar flares. The determined geometrical parameters of the phenomenon do not differ from the values of analogs occurring on the Sun.
An Automated Early Warning Biosecurity Alert System for Finland
Authors: Morris William , Piirainen Esko
Published: August 2023

Effective and timely pest plant and animal control necessitates access to relevant biodiversity data as quickly as possible. For Finland, on Europe's frontier, biosecurity is of particular importance. The Natural Resources Institute Finland and the Finnish Food Authority are the organisations responsible for biosecurity in Finland. The Finnish Biodiversity Information Facility (FinBIF) is a data repository for researchers, government and the public. FinBIF consolidates datasets of living Finland from many providers at a single online source. The data held in FinBIF's data warehouse include the results of national monitoring programs, museum collections and citizen science platforms. On average, over the last five years more than 10,000 occurrence records have been collated by FinBIF per day. These records often include invasive taxa or pest plants and animals that require control. FinBIF acts as bridge between biodiversity data collectors, researchers, other government agencies and the two organisations responsible for Finnish biosecurity. An automated early warning system has been established to alert biosecurity coordinators at the Natural Resources Institute Finland and the Finnish Food Authority as soon an occurrence record of biosecurity concern enters the FinBIF data warehouse. We outline the development of the alert system, its implementation to date, and present some of the lessons learned so far and prospects for the future.
The effect of a small polyphenolic and terpenoids phytochemical constituent on curing and preventing of Covid-19 infections
Authors: Jaber Saif Aldeen
Published: August 2023

Covid-19 spreading have caused millions of deaths worldwide and caused sever economic shrinking resulted in high levels of inflations. The on going pandemic has pushed the pharmaceutical companies to invent different vaccines to overcome the spreading of the virus and to reduce its effect on health and economy. Unfortunately, the middle and low income countries have been struggling in providing vaccines to their people due to the high expenses associated with vaccines ordering. Thus, the interest in finding a treatment and a prevention of Covid-19 from natural products has increased not in those countries only, even in high income countries. In this review we investigated the promising natural phytochemical compounds and their published mechanism of action in a prestigious peer-reviewed research journal throw different molecular docking and in vivo and vitro techniques. Its was found that the consumption of the medicinal plants containing small phenolic and terpenoids phytoconstituent like as thymoquinone, quercetin, caffeic acid, ursolic acid, ellagic acid, vanillin, and thymol have a great therapeutic effect for curing and preventing viral infections. This review has focused on the small polyphenolic and terpenoids compounds and their potential and mechanism activity against SARS-CoV-2. Our comprehensive analysis provides mechanistic insight into plant components for virus containment prevent infections and provide better solutions through natural therapeutically active ingredients.
The Incidence, Time to Development, and Risk Factors for Fellow Eye Retinal Vein Occlusions
Authors: Liu Brian J. , Shaia Jacqueline K. , Allan Kevin , Kuo Blanche L. , Singh Rishi P. , Talcott Katherine E.
Published: August 2023

Background and Objective:

Little is known about factors affecting risk or time to development of fellow eye retinal vein occlusion (RVO). The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence and risk factors for fellow eye RVO.

Patients and Methods:

This was a retrospective case-control study comparing unilateral and fellow eye RVO patients. This study was exempt by the Cleveland Clinic Institutional Review Board.

Results:

Out of 1,083 patients, fellow eye RVO had a cumulative incidence of 3.6% (95% CI 2.61, 4.94) with a median time to development of 18 months (95% CI 6.0, 28.0). Fellow eye disease was associated with multiple characteristics including chronic kidney disease (odds ratio [OR] 3.78, 95% CI 1.89 to 7.55) and diabetic retinopathy (3.18, 1.57 to 6.44).

Conclusion:

While fellow eye RVO is relatively rare, it typically occurs within the first few years following initial diagnosis. Multiple characteristics were associated with fellow eye disease and time to onset.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
2023;54:471–476.]
Transition and bifurcation analysis for chemotactic systems with double eigenvalue crossings
Authors: Pan Haiping , Mao Yiqiu
Published: August 2023

Our main objective of this research is to study the dynamic transition for diffusive chemotactic systems modeled by Keller-Segel equations in a rectangular domain. The main tool used is the recently developed dynamic transition theory. Through a reduction analysis and focusing on systems with certain symmetry where double eigenvalue crossing occurs during the instability process, it is shown that the chemotactic system can undergo both continuous and jump type transitions from the steady states, depending on non-dimensional parameters $ \alpha $, $ \mu $ and the side length $ L_1 $ and $ L_2 $ of the container. Detailed dynamic structures during transition, including metastable and stable states and orbital connections between them, are rigorously obtained. This result extends the previous work with only one eigenvalue crossing at critical parameters and offers more complex insights given the symmetry of our settings.
Improving Students’ Literacy and Numeracy Using Mobile Game-Based Learning with Augmented Reality in Chemistry and Biology
Authors: Cahyana Ucu , Luhukay Jack Roland , Lestari Ika , Irwanto Irwanto , Suroso Jarot S.
Published: August 2023

The purpose of the current study is to enhance students’ literacy and numeracy using mobile game-based learning with augmented reality (ARGBL) in chemistry and biology. In this quasiexperimental design, 714 10th and 11th grade students from five high schools in Indonesia were recruited as participants. To gather the data, the Chemical Literacy and Numeracy Test (C-LNT) and the Biological Literacy and Numeracy Test (B-LNT) were administered to the treatment and control group (CG) students. Quantitative data were then analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-tests. The results highlighted that the treatment group students who were instructed using ARGBL had higher literacy and numeracy scores than the comparison group students who were taught using PowerPoint (PPT) slides. This indicates that ARGBL is effective in promoting literacy and numeracy among high school students in chemistry and biology. Thus, we suggest teachers apply ARGBL to elevate students’ literacy and numeracy to a satisfactory level.
An Ensemble Filter for Indoor Positioning Technology of Mobile Home Service with Agile iBeacon Deployment
Authors: Ibrahim A. Abu-AlSondos  , Anas A. Salameh  , Mohd Nasrun Mohd Nawi  , Rafikullah Deraman
Published: August 2023

In this article, we undertake a thorough investigation into the theory of indoor location, adopt an effective and quick positioning algorithm, and make use of a network of lowpower iBeacons. An iBeacon-based indoor positioning system (IPS) is presented to investigate how to utilize iBeacon for accurate location and whether it can successfully replace the current dominant positioning technology based on the analysis that was conducted. However, the first things that should be taken into account at this point in the design of house robots for indoor environments are how to quickly and precisely gather target node location information as well as how to regulate and plan a course. This article examined the more popular and often used indoor positioning techniques, provided a succinct summary of current indoor positioning technologies and regulators, and examined ultrasonic locating technology in depth. Based on this, a system for mobile home service robots was developed, and simulation tests were performed to assess the accuracy of node locating, node reception and arrival times, the best level of route planning, and navigation and path estimation errors in both absolute and comparative terms. Additionally, we go into detail about the difficulties in developing a practical IPS, the solutions that are already available, a thorough performance comparison, and some potential future IPS development trends.
Biosecurity practices on commercial layer farms in Abyek county, Qazvin, Iran: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Mirzaie Kamran , Rabiee Mohammad Hasan , Bashashati Mohsen , Ghalyanchi Arash , Shoushtari Abdulhamid , Parsai Arash , Mehrabadi Mohammad Hossein Fallah
Published: August 2023

Objective:

To investigate the biosecurity measures practiced at commercial layer chicken farms in Abyek country, Qazvin, Iran..

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, all licensed and active commercial layer chicken farms in Abyek county, Qazvin province, Iran in 2019 were recruited. We used a risk-based weighted scoring system (Biocheck.UGent) to assess the level of biosecurity according to internal and external classification. Biosecurity was quantified by converting the answers to 169 questions into score from 0 to 100. The minimum score, “0,” represents total absence of any biosecurity measure on the farm, whereas the maximum score, “100,” means full application of all investigated biosecurity measures.

Results:

The mean score of overall biosecurity in the commercial layer chicken farms in Abyek county, Qazvin province was 72.7. The mean score of internal and external biosecurity measures were 77.1 and 72.2, respectively. The lowest mean score was due to “Disease management” (69.7) among internal biosecurity measures and the lowest mean scores were for "Location of farm” (39.0) and “Removal of manure and dead animals” (42.6) among external biosecurity measures. The highest mean score was for “Transport of the eggs level” (91.0) for external biosecurity measures.

Conclusions:

This study showed the biosecurity status of commercial layer chicken farms in Abyek county, Qazvin, Iran and revealed some weaknesses in the implementation of these measures at the internal and external levels. It showed the biosecurity measures of these farms, especially at the external levels need to be improved. This information can aid decision-making on efforts used to improve disease control and prevention strategies in poultry farms.
Cryptosporidium infections in Nepal: A narrative review
Authors: Dhakal Pitambar , Li Junqiang , Zhang Longxian
Published: August 2023

Cryptosporidium, a ubiquitous intracellular protozoan parasite, is capable of causing zoonotic infections in humans and domestic and wild animals. The primary aim of this review is to summarize the infection prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in Nepal. Based on all the available papers published until November 2022, we have also summarized the pattern of diagnostic methods, epidemiological factors, prevalence, and its genotypes distributed in humans, animals and environmental samples (mainly water). Among humans, the overall prevalence of cryptosporidiosis was 7.6% (1328/17527), of which the highest prevalence was identified in children (9.0%; 1225/13545), followed by HIV patients (4.6%; 51/1107) and adults (1.8%; 52/2875). The domestic animals were more infected (23.2%; 252/1088) than the wild animals (18.2%; 63/347) by Cryptosporidium, and water (32.6%; 29/89) remained the major source of environmental contamination by Cryptosporidium oocysts. Molecular epidemiological studies regarding the zoonotic transmission of cryptosporidiosis in Nepal are very few. However, molecular techniques have confirmed Cryptosporidium (C.) parvum isolates from humans as genotype Ia2, C. ryanae in zebu cattle and water buffalo, and C. ubiquitum in swamp deer by PCR-RFLP and sequence analysis of SSU rRNA gene. Extensive studies of Cryptosporidium at molecular level are warranted to find out its genomic variants in human and other vertebrates, both domestic and wild, in Nepal to elucidate its zoonotic potential in the future.
Seroprevalence and risk factor analysis of small ruminant brucellosis in the semi–arid region of India
Authors: Vakamalla Sai Simha Reddy , Kumar Murthy Suman , Dhanze Himani , Rajendran Vinodh Kumar Obli , Rafeeka Chandni Abdul Jabbar , Singh Dhirendra Kumar
Published: August 2023

Objective:

To study the occurrence of brucellosis in small ruminants in a district of Southern India.

Methods:

A total of 425 serum samples (215 sheep and 210 goats) were collected from January to March 2022 using a multistage sampling method. The serum samples were subjected to three serological tests that were employed in this study, namely RBPT (Rose Bengal Plate Test), STAT (Standard Tube Agglutination Test), and I-ELISA. The risk factors were determined by collecting data through a questionnaire and establishing correlations between the responses and seropositivity within a specific flock.

Result:

Among the 425 samples collected, 91 samples (21.4%) were positive by RBPT, 124 samples (29.2%) by STAT and 156 samples (36.7%) by I-ELISA in sheep and goats. Sheep showed higher seropositivity in all three tests than goats. Analysis of multivariable logistic regression showed that age (>3vs.<3 years;OR: 2.262, 95%CI: 1.414–3.618), abortion history (yesvs.no;OR: 1.837; 95%CI: 1.098–3.071), vaginal discharges (yesvs.no;OR: 2.334; 95%CI: 1.421–3.835), the migratory herd (yesvs.no;OR: 2.197; 95%CI: 1.369–3.527), and place of disposal of the foetus (yesvs.no;OR: 2.093; 95%CI: 1.320–3.318) were significant risk factors of brucellosis.

Conclusions:

Livestock owners and consumers of sheep and goats should be educated about brucellosis and prevention strategies to mitigate its uncontrolled spread and lower the potential threat of human brucellosis. Choosing the right rearing practices, enhancing husbandry procedures, changing farmer's perspectives on brucellosis, and inclusion of small ruminants in brucellosis control programs are all key management approaches that can aid in the prevention and control ofBrucellainfection in small ruminants.
Molecular detection and public health risk assessment of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Blastocystis sp. of animals in a tropical wildlife park of Hainan Island, China
Authors: Ren Guangxu , Li Jiaqi , Xiong Jingyan , Lai Xiuyi , Wang Yuan , Lei Sheng , Lu Xin , He Tianya , Zhou Yunfei , Zhang Yun , Lv Gang
Published: August 2023

Objective:

To detect the prevalence and characterize of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia (G.) duodenalis, Enterocytozoon (E.) bieneusi and Blastocystis sp. of animals at a tropical wildlife park in Hainan Province, China, and to assess zoonotic risks and the potential threat of public health.

Methods:

Fecal specimens were collected from animals of 27 species at the wildlife park in Hainan Province, China, and detected these pathogens using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifications and sequencing of gene fragments based on small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene, glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and SSU rRNA gene, respectively.

Results:

A total of 99 animals were studied, and 33 (33.3%) animals were found to harbor intestinal parasite, and the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, E. bieneusi and Blastocystis sp. were 9.1%, 2.0%, 5.1%, and 25.3%, respectively. Five Cryptosporidium species (C. parvum, C. ubiquitum, C. scrofarum, C. xiaoi and C. parvum-like), one G. duodenalis assemblages (E), four E. bieneusi ITS genotypes (CM1, HLJD-I, HNR-III and 1 novel genotype HNED-III) were detected, and seven subtypes of Blastocystis sp. (ST1, ST2, ST3, ST5, ST10, ST14 and ST15) were also identified.

Conclusions:

This is the first molecular detection and public health risk assessment of four intestinal protozoa species in Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park and Botanical Garden, China. Almost all species/genotypes/subtypes of four intestinal protozoa identified in this study have the potential of zoonosis and may cause public health risks.
Lysosomal Storage Disorders
Authors: Goyal Manisha , Gupta Ashok
Published: August 2023

Introduction:

Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are a heterogeneous group of large molecule inborn errors of metabolism, rather commonly seen by clinician.

Objectives:

This study aims to highlight the more common type of LSDs, their frequency, clinical spectrum and outcome from Rare disease centre in Rajasthan.

Methods:

The retrospective data were collected including clinical profile, investigations, screening test and enzyme analysis results. All outcomes were recorded from follow-up clinic.

Results:

This cohort comprised 65 children with different type of LSDs including 54 males and 11 females. The average age of presentation of the LSD patients was 3.5 years (range 6 months to 13 years). Gaucher disease was the most commonly found LSD (46.1%) followed by mucopolysaccharidosis (35.3%). Common presentations among GD patients were anemia, thrombocytopenia, and abdominal distension due to splenohepatomegaly/hepatomegaly. Among MPS Disorder, MPS type 2 (Hunter syndrome) was the most common (39.1%), followed by MPS type 1(Hurler syndrome) (30%) and MPS type IVA (Morquio syndrome) (17.3%). Non GD non MPS group comprised most commonly of GM1 gangliosidosis followed by pompe disease, Metachromatic Leucodystrophy, Mucolipidosis type II (I cell disease), and Sandhoff disease.

Conclusions:

LSDs comprises an important group of genetic metabolic disorders. Among these GD are the most common, followed by MPS.
Development of Bedside Aphasia Battery in Tamil (BAB-T)
Authors: Sivagnanapandian Divya , Preethi Shanmuga , Selvaraj Jasmine Lydia
Published: August 2023

Bedside Aphasia Battery in Tamil (BAB-T) was developed for assessing the linguistic abilities of Tamil-speaking individuals following an acquired brain injury.

Method:

The conception of the test took place in two phases: Phase 1 was the development of the Bedside Aphasia Battery in Tamil (BAB-T) and phase 2 administration of the test battery in neurotypical adults and patients with aphasia. A Delphi panel was constructed based on selected experts from the field of neuro-communication disorders and linguistics majors in the Tamil language. Recruited participants were surveyed using a modified Delphi method to establish opinions. A three-round Delphi process-derived consensus among the experts regarding the components and subdomains employed in the construction of BAB in Tamil. A pilot study was also conducted on nine participants (six neurotypical and three patients with stroke) to content validate the constructed BAB in Tamil.

Outcomes and Results:

BAB-T and its subdomains were identified to have excellent internal consistency, test retest and interrater reliability. BAB-T takes approximately 15–20 min to administer and can be employed in busy wards. This tool is especially useful in low-resource countries like India, where professional specialized speech and language services are scarce. The BAB-T significantly differentiates performance between neurotypical adults and patients with aphasia. Additionally, differences among the patient group also reflect the type of fluent and non-fluent aphasia.
Impact of COVID-19 on Guillain-Barre Syndrome in India
Authors: Sireesha Yareeda , Shree Ritu , Nagappa Madhu , Patil Anuja , Singla Monika , Padma Srivastava MV , Dhamija RK , Balaram Neetha , Pathak Abhishek , Ramachandran Dileep , Kumar Sujit , Puri Inder , Sharma Sudhir , Panda Samhita , Desai Soaham , Samal Priyanka , Choudhary Aditya , Vijaya Pamidimukkala , Ferreira Teresa , Nair S. S. , Sinha H. P. , Bhoi S. K. , Sebastian Joseph , Sharma Sanjay , Basheer Aneesh , Bhartiya Manish , Mathukumalli N L , Jabeen Shaikh Afshan , Lal Vivek , Modi Manish , Sharma Praveen P , Kaul Subash , Singh Gagandeep , Agarwal Ayush , Garg Divyani , Jose James , Dev Priya , Iype Thomas , Gopalakrishnan Maya , Upadhyay Ashish , Bhatia Rohit , Pandit Awadh K. , Singh Rajesh K. , Salunkhe Manish , Yogeesh P.M. , Reyaz Alisha , Nadda Nishant , Jha Menkha , Kumar Bismay , Kushwaha PK , Chovatiya Harshadkumar , Madduluri Bhavani , Ramesh P , Goel Abeer , Yadav Rahul , Vishnu Venugopalan Y
Published: August 2023

Introduction/Aims:

Studies conducted during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have reported varied data regarding the incidence of Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS). The present study investigated demographic and clinical features, management, and outcomes of patients with GBS during a specified period of the COVID-19 pandemic, and compared these features to those of GBS in the previous year.

Methods:

A multicenter, ambispective cohort study including 26 centers across India was conducted. Data from a pre-COVID-19 period (March 1 to August 31, 2019) were collected retrospectively and collected ambispectively for a specified COVID-19 period (March 1 to August 31, 2020). The study was registered with the Clinical Trial Registry India (CTRI/2020/11/029143).

Results:

Data from 555 patients were included for analysis: pre-COVID-19 (n = 334) and COVID-19 (n = 221). Males were more commonly affected during both periods (male:female, 2:1). Gastroenteritis was the most frequent antecedent event in 2019 (17.4%), whereas fever was the most common event in 2020 (10.7%). Paraparesis (21.3% versus [vs.] 9.3%, P = 0.001) and sensory involvement (51.1% vs. 41.3%; P = 0.023) were more common during COVID-19 in 2020, whereas back pain (26.3% vs. 18.4%; P = 0.032) and bowel symptoms (20.7% vs. 13.7%; P = 0.024) were more frequent in the pre-COVID period. There was no difference in clinical outcomes between the two groups in terms of GBS disability score at discharge and 3 months after discharge. Independent predictors of disability in the pre-COVID period included areflexia/hyporeflexia, the requirementfor intubation, and time to bulbar weakness; in the COVID-19 period, independent predictors included time from onset to admission, intubation, and intubation requirement. The mortality rate was 2.3% during the entire study period (13/555 cases).

Discussion:

Results of this study revealed an overall reduction in the frequency of GBS during the pandemic. The lockdown likely reduced the risk for antecedent infections due to social distancing and improved hygiene, which may have resulted in the reduction of the frequency of GBS.
Management of Parkinson's Disease Dysarthria
Authors: Kumar Raj , Tripathy Manoj , Kumar Niraj , Anand Radhey Shyam
Published: August 2023

Speech disorder is a significant problem for people affected with Parkinson's disease (PD) leading to a substantial disability to communicate with others. PD affects the voice, including changes in pitch, intensity, articulation, and syllable rate.We aimed to study the current status of artificial intelligence (AI) using machine learning algorithms (MLAs) in the assessment of speech abnormalities in PD along with the generation of intelligible synthetic speech for voice rehabilitation. We searched the literature for studies focusing on speech/voice disorder in PD and rehabilitation techniques till June 18, 2022. We searched PubMed and Engineering Village (Compendex and Inspec combined) databases. After careful screening of the title and evaluation of abstracts, we used select articles describing the use of AI or its various forms in the management of speech abnormalities in PD to synthesize this review. MLAs classify PD and non-PD patients with an accuracy of more than 90% using only voice features. Non-acoustic sensors can rehabilitate PD patient by converting dysarthric speech to highly intelligible speech using MLAs. MLAs can automatically assess several speech features and quantify the progression of speech abnormalities in PD. PD speech rehabilitation using MLAs may prove superior to other available therapies.
18F-FDG PET/CT and 99mTc-TRODAT Scan Findings in the Variants of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Correlation With Clinical Findings
Authors: Seniaray Nikhil , Verma Ritu , Ranjan Rajeev , Belho Ethel , Mahajan Harsh
Published: August 2023

Aim:

The aim of this study is to elucidate the patterns of characteristic hypometabolism on 18F-Fluoro Deoxy-glucose (18F-FDG) Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) in the variants of Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and its correlation with their core clinical features.

Material and Methods:

A retrospective analysis of 88 subjects with clinically suspected PSP was done. An institutional informed consent to participate in the study was taken from all the subjects. All the subjects had undergone a prior 99mTechnetium labeled Tropane derivative of dopamine transporter Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (99mTc TRODAT-1 SPECT) study and had abnormal scans to confirm degenerative parkinsonism. The subjects were clinically examined by the neurologists using the Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Rating Scale proposed by the Movement Disorder Society and were further clinically segregated into eight subtypes. All the included subjects further underwent a detailed clinical analysis to obtain their individual Schwab and England activities of daily living scale and Modified Hoehn and Yahr staging by a neurologist. All the subjects underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT scan after adequate preparation. The scans were analyzed both qualitatively (visually) and quantitatively using Statistical Parametric Mapping.

Results:

The frontal, limbic, and sensorimotor cortices represented the common areas of hypometabolism among all the subtypes of PSP. The subcortical regions showing the most significant hypometabolism were the thalami, mid-brain, nucleus accumbens, caudate, globus pallidus, and putamen in descending order. Multiple cortical and subcortical regions of hypometabolism were identified in different subtypes of PSP.

Conclusion:

The characteristic patterns of hypometabolism observed in the different subgroups were more apparent on quantification and based on visual analysis alone, it may not be possible to differentiate the different subtypes of PSP. A good correlation was seen between some of the core clinical features and hypometabolic clusters.
FDG-PET in Autoimmune Encephalitis
Authors: Jha Shreyashi , Nagaraj Chandana , Mundlamuri R. C. , Alladi Suvarna , Nashi Saraswati , Kenchaiah Raghavendra , Mahadevan Anita , Bhat Maya , Saini Jitender , Netravathi M.
Published: August 2023

Background:

Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in autoimmune encephalitis (AE) as an adjunctive investigation helps in characterizing the type of AE based on characteristic metabolic patterns.

Objectives:

We aimed to study the following: (i) the sensitivity of FDG-PET in the diagnosis of AE, (ii) describe abnormal patterns of metabolism of various subtypes of AE, and (iii) correlate serum serology with FDG-PET abnormalities.

Materials and Methods:

This study was conducted at a tertiary university hospital in South India. The demographic profile, clinical features, and investigations (FDG-PET, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain, electroencephalography (EEG), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)) were reviewed. The nuclear medicine physician performed blinded qualitative visual and semi-quantitative analysis of the 18-FDG-PET (fluorine 18-FDG-PET) findings of these patients.

Results:

Twenty-nine (M:F: 11:18) patients were recruited; among them, 22 (75.8%) patients had autoimmune antibodies; the rest seven (24.1%) patients were seronegative. Among the 22 seropositive patients, 9 (31%) patients were positive for anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), 8 (28%) for anti-leucine-rich glioma inactivated 1 (LGI-1), 4 (14%) for anti-contactin-associated protein 2 (CASPR2), 1 (3%) for anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)-65, and rest 7 (24%) patients were seronegative. The patterns most commonly observed were isolated hypermetabolism (41%), isolated hypometabolism (41%), and combined hypermetabolism with hypometabolism (18%). The fraction of abnormalities was lower for MRI (17/22; 73.9%) than for FDG-PET (27/29; 93.1%). FDG-PET correlated with serology in 10 (34%) cases [NMDAR: 6 (60%) and LGI-1: 4 (40%)]. The sensitivity of FDG-PET was 94.1% when compared with MRI.

Discussion and Conclusion:

FDG-PET correlated with serology in only one-third of patients. The most consistent pattern in both seropositive and seronegative AE is characterized by parieto-occipital hypometabolism and fronto-temporal with basal ganglia hypermetabolism.