bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Game-Based Interactive Approach Using Deep Learning Framework for Dyslogia."
Authors: Mahmood Erum , Hassan Nida , Qazi Farheen , Gohar Sarah
Published: October 2024

Traditional speech therapy approaches have long been considered revolutionary for treating speech disorders. However, as the younger generation becomes increasingly disengaged from these methods, their effectiveness is diminishing. This study identifies the need to revitalize traditional practices by integrating them into virtual environments and incorporating gamification elements. The motivation behind this work is to enhance engagement and improve therapy outcomes by making the process more appealing to children. Our proposed solution involves converting conventional speech therapy exercises into interactive virtual modules that incorporate game-like features to sustain interest and foster a competitive spirit. The method includes developing these virtual modules and testing their effectiveness through user trials. Results indicate a significant increase in engagement and a corresponding improvement in therapy outcomes, suggesting that this approach holds promise for enhancing the effectiveness of speech therapy in the digital age.
Enhancing Traffic Control with AI Blockchain and Dynamic Computation Techniques
Authors: Shaikh Muhammad Kashif , Liaquat Syed Faraz , Siddiqui Fahad Ahmed , Abdul Moid Khan  , Javeed Muhammad , Ahmed Manzar
Published: October 2024

The rapid urbanization and increasing vehicular density in modern cities have led to significant challenges in traffic management and control. As urban areas continue to expand, the demand for more efficient and intelligent traffic control systems has become increasingly critical. This paper presents a novel approach to enhancing traffic management by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain technology, and Dynamic Computation Techniques. AI is utilized to analyze and predict traffic patterns, enabling real-time adjustments to traffic signals and flow management. Blockchain provides a secure, transparent, and decentralized platform for data sharing and coordination among various stakeholders, ensuring data integrity and trust. The incorporation of Dynamic Computation Techniques allows for flexible and scalable processing of complex traffic data, facilitating rapid decision-making and adaptation to changing conditions. This multidisciplinary approach not only improves traffic efficiency and reduces congestion but also paves the way for more resilient and sustainable urban transportation systems. The findings highlight the transformative potential of combining AI, Blockchain, and advanced computation methods in the field of traffic control.
Formal Modelling and Model Checking of a Flood Monitoring and Rescue System: A Case Study of Safety-Critical System
Authors: Sajjad Sidra , Akhter Nadeem , Sajjad Laiqa
Published: October 2024

The flood incidents are becoming more often and severe, thus extreme events require efficient and effective means of controlling and saving lives and property. The reason for this paper is to use Formal Modelling and Model Checking to analyse a new safety critical Flood Monitoring and Rescue System (FMRS) that shall form the basis for the efficient response to floods. Employing the TLA+ analysis, which outlines the FMRS’s dynamic behavior and operational specifications comprehensively. It is important to stress that in our work we address one of the most exciting directions of applying formal methods for the first time in collaboration with real-world safety-critical system designers and offer a powerful and transparent systematic approach to verifying safety-critical systems’ correctness, safety, and reliability. The TLA+ specifications are very carefully designed to represent multiple aspects of the FMRS, such as sensor systems, communication interfaces, as well as the rescue activity itself. To this end, we use model checking methodologies in order to assess the system’s compliance with the required safety properties, including timely detection of floods, correct delivery of data, and synchronization of rescue operations. The performed model checking demonstrates the presence of essential information about the system’s potential failure and weaknesses, which can be used for FMRS architecture improvement and development. Thus, this case shows that the best use of formal methods exist not as ad hoc methods for resolving some issues in the development of safety-critical systems, but a structured template that could be applied in other domains where high degree of assurance in the reliability of a system is needed. Besides the novel method for the better future of the field of formal verification, the proposal also sketches functional relevance of integrating the effective and efficient approaches for monitoring floods and emergency rescue operations in real-world contexts.
Correction of a Golf Club Deformity of the Femur Using a Computer-Assisted Circular Ring Fixator
Authors: Goodwin Margaret A. , Moore Brady P. , Hagedorn John C.
Published: October 2024

Case:

The golf club deformity is the most notable malreduction that occurs after distal femur fracture fixation. This can lead to disruption of the patient’s knee biomechanics, arthritis, and functional deterioration. There is a lack of consensus for optimal treatment of these malunions among the orthopaedic community. We present a technique that uses an osteotomy and ring external fixation with computer-assisted deformity correction and retrograde intramedullary nailing to secure correction.

Conclusion:

Our case shows a potential means to achieve a reliable and objective method of measuring, correcting, and securing the fixation of a golf club deformity.
COLLABORATIVE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT IN THE SHARING ECONOMY: AN EMPIRICAL RESEARCH
Authors: Aktepe Çağlar , Özhan Dedeoğlu Ayla
Published: October 2024

This study examines the impact of the sharing economy on collaborative supply chain management among Turkish international trade firms. The sharing economy, which involves temporary access to underutilized resources via digital platforms, has challenged traditional supply chain models, necessitating resilient and flexible collaborations. The research utilizes the Inter-organizational Relationships (IOR), Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and Resource-Based View (RBV) frameworks, highlighting dynamic capabilities. Through structural equation modeling and expert interviews, the findings reveal that trust and information sharing are essential, but their effects on e-collaboration are complex. Trust negatively correlates with e-collaboration, indicating that electronic platforms may mediate trust in low-trust environments. On the other hand, performance expectancy and facilitating conditions significantly boost e-collaboration adoption. The study identifies e-collaboration as a dynamic capability, improving operational performance, customer/supplier satisfaction, growth, and profitability. This research contributes theoretically by integrating organizational and individual perspectives on e-collaboration and elucidates the intricate relationships between trust, information sharing, and technology in supply chains. Practical recommendations are provided for leveraging technological innovations to enhance trust and information sharing in collaborative supply chains.
Building a fully digital controller with Altera Cyclone FPGA and Nios Processor for Induction Heating application
Authors: Villamizar Jairo , Borra Vamsi , Li Frank
Published: October 2024

This paper presents the development of a fully digital controller designed for induction heating machines capable of delivering up to 50 kW across a frequency range up to 500 kHz. A critical feature of the controller is its ability to prevent operation within capacitive region, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the inverter. The control strategy employs a proportional-integral algorithm based on phase shift between voltage and current to regulate power by adjusting frequency. The phase shift calculation is achieved through successive subtractions performed at high speed. Performance evaluation was conducted by comparing the obtained phase shift with the setpoint. The implementation utilizes Intel Altera devices, ensuring robust performance and adaptability. Experimental results demonstrate the controller’s efficacy, achieving low errors within specified safety margins of operation. The proposed architecture can be adapted to implement control systems for different modulation techniques. This research contributes to advancing digital control solutions in high-frequency power electronics, offering scalability and versatility for industrial applications.
Biodiversity affects the exometabolomes of four benthic functional groups in coral reefs
Authors: Engelhardt Kara Elena , Vetter Jana , Wiederkehr Fabienne , Hartwig Christoph , Klinkenbuß Denise , Sunagawa Shinichi , Schäberle Till F. , Ziegler Maren
Published: October 2024

Coral reef organisms associate with diverse microorganisms as holobionts. The microbial and biochemical properties of these holobionts extend beyond the physical boundary of the organisms into the surrounding environment. This dynamic zone called the aura-biome may mediate and be mediated by interactions between species in the reef. However, the factors such as the surrounding species that shape the biomolecules present in the aura-biome, remain largely unknown. Using LC-MS/MS of water samples in the aura-biome of the organisms, we show that biodiversity of neighboring species affects the exometabolome of species of stony corals, soft corals, macroalgae, and sponges. Exometabolomes were most distinct in organisms in high and low complexity polyculture, while exometabolomes of organisms in monoculture were indistinguishable from empty controls, indicating that surrounding reef species triggered the release of biomolecules. Exometabolomes were species- and organism-group specific with distinct metabolite patterns between the four functional groups. These differences between benthic reef species persisted under varying biodiversity treatments. We annotated 20 compounds from the exometabolomes, 15 of these belong to ten classes of natural products, with known effects ranging from competition to antifouling. Our data demonstrate that reef species have distinct metabolite auras, which are dynamically adapted to the surrounding species diversity, implicating them in the understudied water-mediated interactions between species. It is therefore essential to understand the composition of reef metabolites in aura-biomes and the factors shaping them to understand their role in mediating organismal interactions and nutrient cycling in coral reef ecosystems.
The Optimal Flow in Multicommodity Dynamic Problem using Modified Algorithm
Authors: Beniwal Gautam , Rizwanullah Mohammad
Published: October 2024

The multicommodity flow problem is classical optimization problem where multi commodities transported from sources to sinks subject to different constraints e.g. distance function, demand function with respect to time expanded capacities. Dynamic approach considering time varying flows to resolve the multicommodity flow problem. In this paper, we investigated a time-dependent, stochastic version of min-cost integer multi-commodity flow problem in context of dynamic resource allocation. The stochastic and time dependent dynamic approach uses to resolve the problem considering flow rates changes over time due to certain parameters such as demand function, distance function, conjugation or changing the cost. Linear approximations result in low-quality solutions. Although we will eventually need to use piecewise-linear or hybrid approximation techniques, their quick runtimes can make them respond in the initial piecewise-linear approximation iterations. For this reason, in present work applied an iterative, adaptive dynamic programming approach that influences both non-linear and linear approximations of value function to efficiently tackle this complex problem. The numerical results show that the proposed model gives optimal solution and is computationally useful for large scale problems. It also allows to efficiently manage and optimize the transportation of multicommodity through complex network overtime.
Satisfaction Survey on Practical Teaching in the Health Inspection and Quarantine Major Based on a Likert Scale
Authors: Zhao Tiantian , Yang Yadi , Deng Wenhang , Song Ying , Chen Ying , Jiang Xinyue , Jin Yuyang , Ding Gaojie , Xu Fang
Published: October 2024

Objective
After the implementation of a series of open practice teaching reform measures, the satisfaction of health inspection and quarantine students with practical teaching was investigated.
Method
A self-designed Likert scale was used to survey 110 students regarding their satisfaction with practical teaching.
Results
The Cronbach’s α reliability coefficient of the scale was 0.987, and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value was 0.921. Among the 8 core courses in the health inspection and quarantine major, the satisfaction scores pertaining to the practical teaching of epidemiology were the highest in terms of teaching content, teaching methods, and teaching effectiveness, which received scores of 4.59 ± 0.67, 4.61 ± 0.64, and 4.55 ± 0.66, respectively. The satisfaction scores of students in different grades with respect to the practical teaching of core courses in their majors reveal that the satisfaction scores of fourth-year students were higher than those of students who had already graduated.
Conclusion
The satisfaction survey scale exhibits good reliability and validity, and its results are true and reliable. The satisfaction and overall evaluation scores of fourth-year students with regard to the practical teaching of core courses in their major are higher than those of their classmates who have already graduated, thus indicating that the research on and reform of practical teaching in recent years have achieved certain results. In the future, follow-up surveys on students’ satisfaction with practical teaching will be conducted to test the results of practical teaching research and reform.
Influence of extraction method and solvent system on the antioxidant activity of Scenedesmus parvus extract
Authors: Ruzi Iqbal Iman , Shahpudin Siti Nurfatimah Mohd , Mohamad Sharlina , Kassim Mohd Asyraf
Published: October 2024

Scenedesmus parvus, a Malaysian freshwater microalga, has garnered attention as a promising source of secondary metabolites with applications in various industries, including nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics. This study aimed to evaluate the extraction yield, total phenolic and flavonoid content, and antioxidant potential of S. parvus extracts obtained through different extraction methods (sonication, non-sonication, and soxhlet). Additionally, the fatty acid profile and key chemical constituents of S. parvus were analysed using GC-FID. Results revealed that the sonication method utilizing methanol as the extraction solvent yielded the highest extraction yield (14.5 ± 1.5%), whereas the non-sonication method employing hexane yielded the lowest (1.34 ± 0.2%). Furthermore, the sonicated ethanol extract exhibited the highest total phenolic content (66.32 ± 0.818 mg GAE g− 1 DW) and total flavonoid content (684.45 ± 28.928 mg QE g− 1 DW). Soxhlet extraction demonstrated superior antioxidant activity in both DPPH (IC50: 0.48 ± 0.035 mg mL− 1) and ABTS+ (IC50: 0.13 ± 0.003 mg mL− 1) scavenging assays compared to the others. These findings highlight the potential of different extraction methods from S. parvus, particularly those obtained with methanol as the extraction solvent, as valuable sources of natural antioxidants for application in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics.
Feasibility Study of Cockle Shell Powder as a Partial Cement Replacement in Mortar
Authors: Othman Rokiah , Muthusamy Khairunisa , Sulaiman Mohd Arif , Duraisamy Youventharan , Putrajaya Ramadhansyah , Parsuraman Jeyasaraniya
Published: October 2024

The high demand for mortar in construction necessitates a significant amount of cement. Malaysia has eight cement manufacturers with an estimated production capacity of 40.2 million tonnes. However, natural depletion may occur during the mortar manufacturing process. Additionally, the disposal of seashell waste can negatively impact the environment and contribute to pollution, affecting human quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using marine waste, specifically cockle shell powder (CSP), as a partial replacement for cement in mortar mixtures. The properties of mortar containing varying percentages of CSP (3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%) as a partial cement replacement were investigated. The effects of CSP on workability, compressive strength, and water absorption were analyzed. The findings indicate that the optimum CSP replacement level is 6%, as its properties closely match those of the control mortar, making it an excellent candidate for substitution. However, the experimental results also show that incorporating CSP as a partial cement replacement reduces the workability and strength of the mortar specimens. Furthermore, an increase in CSP percentage corresponds with higher water absorption.
Crack Evolution and its Quantitative Analysis on Unsaturated Loess and Paleosoil
Authors: Xing Yu , Wang Tie Hang , Zhao Zai Kun
Published: October 2024

The alternating loess and loess paleo-soil layers exhibit distinct water contraction cracking behavior in the loess region. Investigating these characteristics is essential for projects in loess areas. This study focused on Q3 loess and loess samples, revealing the following key findings:(1) Cracking occurs in three stages: crack initiation, skeleton formation, and complete development. (2) Loess paleo-soil requires higher initial cracking water content than Q3 loess. After crack development, the overall water content of paleosoil remains higher. (3) Cracks are wider but fewer in paleo-soil. The highest water content is at the specimen’s edge. (4) Initial water content affects crack rate (r), total crack length (L), and average crack width (Dav) in both loess and loess paleo-soil specimens. Conversely, initial dry density inhibits r and L but promotes Dav. (5) The two modes of the presence of clay grains result in higher clay content loess paleosols having greater deformability and soil tensile strength than Q3 loess. Deformation-induced tensile forces and soil tensile strength play distinct roles during early and late crack development. (6) Using fracture toughness, energy diffusion formulas, and the elasticity model, it is concluded that paleosol has a weaker ability to produce new cracks but better deformation performance compared to Q3 loess.
A sociological analysis on the effects of road accident in Gwagwalada Abuja– Nigeria
Authors: Gift Ogbu , umar Abubakar Garba , Adetoun B.E. , Ogbu J.C. , Charity Ogbu Ogechi
Published: October 2024

The project examined the effects of road accident in Gwagwalada area council of the fct. The objective of this study was to find out the factors responsible for road accident and examined the socio-economic implications of road accident in Gwagwalada. The study adopted the survey method: the questionnaire data was collected from a sample frame of 150 respondents. The findings of the study were that there has been an upsurge in the proportion and absolute number of traffic fatalities withnessed in Gwagwalada and the issues of overspending and bad roads are the leading causes of road accident. It also found that loss of life and livelihoods are also the leading implications of road accidents to victims. The study suggested that proper training be given to members of the society on driving lessons to avert further occurences of road accidents.
استخدام التطبيقات التعليمية المعتمدة على الذكاء الاصطناعي في تطوير مهارات الكتابة باللغة العربية
Authors: Habibulloh Muh Habibulloh
Published: October 2024

ملخص
تهدف هذا البح إلى تحليل استخدام التطبيقات التعليمية المعتمدة على الذكاء الاصطناعي في تطوير مهارات الكتابة باللغة العربية. تقدم التطبيقات المعتمدة على الذكاء الاصطناعي مجموعة من الميزات، مثل التصحيح التلقائي، واقتراحات أسلوب الكتابة، والتمارين التفاعلية، التي تدعم عملية التعلم وتعزز المهارات اللغوية. تركز هذا البح على فعالية هذه التطبيقات في تحسين قدرات الكتابة لدى الطلاب مقارنةً بطرق التدريس التقليدية. بالإضافة إلى ذلك، تبحث البح في التحديات التي يواجهها الطلاب عند استخدام هذه التطبيقات، بما في ذلك العقبات التقنية، وفهم اللغة، والتفاعل مع المستخدم. تستخدم هذا البح المنهج النوعي. ومن المتوقع أن تسهم نتائج هذا البح في تقديم رؤى حول كيفية تعزيز الذكاء الاصطناعي لدافعية الطلاب وفعاليته في تعلم الكتابة باللغة العربية.
الكلمات الرئيسية : التَّعْلِيمِيَّةِ الْمُعْتَمِدَةِ عَلَى الذَّكَاءِ الاِصْطِنَاعِيِّ ، مَهَارَاتِ الْكِتَابَةِ بِاللُّغَةِ الْعَرَبِيَّةِ
Abstrak
Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis penggunaan aplikasi pembelajaran berbasis kecerdasan buatan (AI) dalam mengembangkan keterampilan menulis bahasa Arab. Aplikasi berbasis AI memberikan sejumlah fitur, seperti koreksi otomatis, saran gaya penulisan, dan latihan interaktif, yang mendukung proses pembelajaran dan peningkatan keterampilan bahasa. Penelitian ini berfokus pada efektivitas aplikasi berbasis AI dalam meningkatkan kemampuan menulis siswa dibandingkan dengan metode pembelajaran tradisional. Selain itu, penelitian ini mengkaji berbagai tantangan yang dihadapi siswa saat menggunakan aplikasi tersebut, termasuk hambatan teknis, pemahaman bahasa, dan interaksi pengguna. penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif. Hasil dari penelitian ini diharapkan dapat memberikan wawasan mengenai bagaimana aplikasi berbasis AI dapat meningkatkan motivasi siswa dan efektivitasnya dalam belajar menulis bahasa Arab.
Kata kunci : Aplikasi Pembelajaran Berbasis AI, Keterampilan Menulis Bahasa Arab
Effects of Ketamine 0.5 mg/kgBW administration as preemptive analgesia on analgesia duration and the need for Fentanyl following hysterectomy surgery: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fuadi I. , Zulfariansyah A. , Mokoginta Jacklin Edward
Published: October 2024

INTRODUCTION: Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure with a high number of moderate to severe postoperative pain complications. Preemptive analgesia prevents central sensitization before surgery, hampering postoperative hyperesthesia. Ketamine is one of several preemptive analgesia available. This study aims to study the effects of ketamine 0.5 mg/kgBW administration as preemptive analgesia on analgesia duration and the need for fentanyl following hysterectomy surgery. MATHERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a double-blind randomized controlled trial experiment on two groups: the treatment group (n = 20) was given ketamine 0.5 mg/kgBW and the control group (n = 20). The duration was measured starting from surgery completion up to the need for additional fentanyl 25 µg analgesia through Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) within 24-hour periods following surgery. Numerical data statistical analysis was done using unpaired T-test and Mann—Whitney for normally distributed data and non-normally distributed data respectively. Categorical data statistical analysis was done using the Exact Fisher test. RESULTS: The mean time recorded until additional analgesia was needed in the treatment group was 246.00 ± 33.150 minutes and in the control group was 121.50 ± 23.792 minutes. The mean total 24-hour post-surgery additional analgesia was 82.50 ± 11.75 µg and 118.75 ± 11.10 µg for the treatment group and control group respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the duration of analgesia and the need for additional analgesia between the two subject groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Administration of ketamine preemptive analgesia at a dose of 0.5 mg/kgBW resulted in longer analgesia duration and reduced the need for fentanyl as an additional analgesic in postoperative patients compared with no preemptive analgesia and showed no significant side effects.
Thermal Expansion of Römerite under Low-Temperature Conditions Revision 2
Authors: Bird Eli , Pardo Olivia S. , Gilkyson Nina , Jackson Jennifer M.
Published: October 2024

Römerite, a triclinic hydrous sulfate in the P1 space group with the chemical formula Fe2+Fe3+2 (SO4)4 × 14(H2O), is of potential interest in studies of planetary environments, with particular relevance to Mars and the icy Jovian satellites. Past work has indicated the presence of hydrous sulfates on said bodies and the mixed-valence iron in the structure of römerite makes the mineral a worthwhile end-member composition in thermodynamic models. Such models should be constrained with measurements at the low temperatures relevant to the planetary environments in question. We characterized single crystals of römerite with time-domain Mössbauer spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction methods. Through our X-ray diffraction experiment, we refined the unit–cell parameters of the crystal between 100 and 300 K. The resulting temperature-variant lattice parameters and volumes are reported and are fit by physical and empirical models of the thermal expansion coefficient. The physical model considered, a Debye model of thermal expansion, provides estimates of additional thermodynamic parameters: the ratio of the bulk modulus at 0 K and 1 bar to the thermodynamic Grüneisen parameter (K0,0K/γth), the volume at 0 K and 1 bar (V0,0K), and the Debye temperature (θD).
Identification of land fertility and farmer income after an earthquake natural disaster
Authors: Somba Bunga Elim , Isrun  , Effendy
Published: October 2024

Liquefaction is a phenomenon where saturated sand and silt take on the characteristics of a liquid during the intense shaking of an earthquake. It takes place when a quake has increased water pressure in saturated soil and made particles in the soil lose contact with each other, making the soil, particularly sandy soil, act like a liquid. On September 28, 2018, an earthquake was occurred which caused liquefaction and a tsunami in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. This incident triggered a new phenomenon, namely liquefaction in several residential areas in Palu City, especially in the Balaroa and Petobo areas. The liquefaction phenomenon in Petobo Village caused changes in the shape of the land surface. The changes that occurred had an impact on decreasing soil fertility levels in the area along with low crop production and decreased farmer incomes. Soil fertility is a quality value of the soil's ability to provide nutrients for growth. This research aims to determine the level of fertility of agricultural land and the amount of farmer income as well as the best efforts to overcome changes in agricultural land after natural disasters. This research used a descriptive method with a population of all farmers living in the Petobo area affected by the earthquake and liquefaction. There were 25 informants who were determined using a purposive sampling technique. Soil samples were analyzed at the Soil Science laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Tadulako University, Palu. The method used in this study is a direct survey method in the field, then continued soil sampling at several points according to the coordinate points carried out by purposive sampling techniques. The status of soil chemical properties at 4 sample points affected by liquefaction and 2 sample point not affected by liquefaction in Petobo Village, which classified as very low to very high. Areas affected by liquefaction had neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH content, very low to low C-organic content, very low N-total content, very high P-total content, low K-total content, and have medium to high CEC content. Meanwhile, areas that are not affected by liquefaction had neutral soil pH content, very low to low C-organic content, very low N-total content, very high P-total content, low K-total content, and have medium to high CEC. The low level of soil fertility in this area means that crop production is also low. Changes in the amount of income experienced by affected farmers who initially had around 77.26 USD- 186.71 USD/month declined to 61.16 USD-77.26/month. This is due to changes in the polarization of farmers' work. Actions that can be implemented to increase soil fertility are correct soil management, use of organic fertilizers such as compost, manure, harvest residues such as (legume plant stover, rice straw) and the addition of chemical fertilizers according to the dosage.
Agronomic features of introduced Argan tree in eastern of Morocco and optimization of their propagation
Authors: Azizi Salah-eddine , Dalli Mohammed , Roubi Mohammed , Berrichi Abdelbasset , Gseyra Nadia
Published: October 2024

Argania spinosa or argan is an endemic plant of Morocco that belongs to sapotaceae family. This species has significant ecological and socioeconomical impact in Morocco and is mainly recognized by argan oil that is very known for its nutritional quality and health benefits. Our study aims to elaborate an agronomical and pomological characterization of introduced argan trees in Oujda, Morocco (about 200 trees, 10 years old) , select high-performance clone heads based on their productivity and stability criteria, by measuring various productivity parameters over a tree years study period (fresh fruit production, almonds production and oil production), and successfully propagate them asexually using apical grafting technique in controlled condition ( phytotron ) with the aim of stabilizing the high-performance clone. The obtained results indicated the existence of high diversity in terms of the various pomological parameters assessed. Parallelly, productivity and profitability parameters, the average production of fresh fruits, almonds and oil per tree and per year was 8.62 kg, 0.253 kg and 0.133 L, respectively. While, the maximal production was 34.4 kg/year for fresh fruits production, 1.07 kg/year/tree for almonds, and 0.575 liter/year/tree oil produced. Regarding the propagation of these clones, the results showed that the grafting success rate depended on the mother stock and the season, with 100% success rate. The results obtained show that the argan tree is an adaptive species, and the most suitable grafting method for the argan tree is apical split grafting during the autumn season.
Pattern of flower and fruit abscision and fruit growth of hass avocado under tropical conditions
Authors: Roa Alexander Rebolledo , Díaz Ronal Arturo Burbano , Cano Clara Inés Medina
Published: October 2024

Research elucidating abscission processes in fruits of Hass avocados has been conducted in production areas in the subtropics, but there are few studies under tropical climate conditions that can serve as a starting point to guide suitable management practices. In a seven-year-old commercial orchard of Hass avocados, grafted onto native rootstocks (Antillean rootstocks), 20 trees were evaluated. A weather station installed on-site monitored the climate of the location. The pattern of fruit growth and development, flower and fruit abscission, and yield variables were characterized. More than 145,000 and 270,000 flowers abscised per tree were recorded, with final fruit sets of 0.1 ± 0.009% and 0.19 ± 0.04% in the first and second crop years, respectively. Fruit growth followed a sigmoid curve with no differences in growing degree-days until the time of harvest. Additionally, the alternate bearing behavior of Hass avocado was confirmed with an average yield of 24.3 ± 4.5 kg/tree and 93.3 ± 9.5 kg/tree for the first and second crop years, respectively, finding an average alternate bearing index of 0.74 ± 0.06.
local e as tendências da História das Relações Internacionais na ABRI entre os anos de 2007 e 2022
Authors: REZENDE MAXIMO JESSICA CRISTINA
Published: October 2024

Investiga-se o local e as tendências da área de História das Relações Internacionais (HRI) na Associação Brasileira de Relações Internacionais (ABRI) através de memória disciplinar, que identifica suas instâncias de institucionalização mediante a análise de documentações, oralidade e mapeamento de pesquisadores e tendências historiográficas dos artigos apresentados entre 2007 e 2022. Pensava-se que a investigação demonstraria uma interação superficial entre a História e as RIs; contudo, a HRI teve presença relativamente constante nos eventos; seus gestores atuaram em prol do diálogo; seus pesquisadores são qualificados e foi possível identificar o interesse na História Contemporânea da Política Externa Brasileira e Americana.
Long-term casual analysis of the energy-food price relationship
Authors:   Department of Mathematics, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan, Khan Humaira Altaf , Raees Fahim ,   Department of Mathematics, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan, Baig Mirza Mahmood ,   Department of Mathematics, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan
Published: October 2024

The energy price index is a key economic measure that tracks changes in the prices of energy commodities, such as petroleum, electricity, and gas. This study aims to explore how the energy price index influences the food price index, as both have significant impacts on the economy. The relationship between energy and food prices is complex and affected by various factors. The novelty of this research lies in identifying the time period during which increases in energy prices impact food prices due to inflation. A statistical approach is applied to investigate this effect, using data from Pakistan's energy and food price indices for the period between January 2019 and May 2023. The Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test is employed to assess whether the time series is stationary, followed by the Granger causality test to determine if the energy price index can be used to predict changes in the food price index. The Engle-Granger cointegration test is used to identify long-term relationships between non-stationary time series. Additionally, various lag tests are conducted to determine the minimum time period within which changes in energy prices influence food prices. This research has practical implications for policymakers. Government agencies can use the findings to predict potential changes in food prices, and the study may also be relevant to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as shifts in food prices could directly or indirectly affect several SDGs.
Digital Dentists: A Curriculum for the 21st Century
Authors: Mun Michelle , Byrne Samantha , Shaw Louise , Lyons Kayley
Published: October 2024

Future health professionals, including dentists, must critically engage with digital health technologies to enhance patient care. While digital health is increasingly being integrated into the curricula of health professions, its interpretation varies widely depending on the discipline, health care setting, and local factors. This viewpoint proposes a structured set of domains to guide the designing of a digital health curriculum tailored to the unique needs of dentistry in Australia. The paper aims to share a premise for curriculum development that aligns with the current evidence and the national digital health strategy, serving as a foundation for further discussion and implementation in dental programs.
Auxiliary Diagnosis of Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Using Eye-Tracking and Digital Biomarkers: Case-Control Study
Authors: Liu Zhongling , Li Jinkai , Zhang Yuanyuan , Wu Dan , Huo Yanyan , Yang Jianxin , Zhang Musen , Dong Chuanfei , Jiang Luhui , Sun Ruohan , Zhou Ruoyin , Li Fei , Yu Xiaodan , Zhu Daqian , Guo Yao , Chen Jinjin
Published: October 2024

Background

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in school-aged children. The lack of objective biomarkers for ADHD often results in missed diagnoses or misdiagnoses, which lead to inappropriate or delayed interventions. Eye-tracking technology provides an objective method to assess children’s neuropsychological behavior.

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop an objective and reliable auxiliary diagnostic system for ADHD using eye-tracking technology. This system would be valuable for screening for ADHD in schools and communities and may help identify objective biomarkers for the clinical diagnosis of ADHD.

Methods

We conducted a case-control study of children with ADHD and typically developing (TD) children. We designed an eye-tracking assessment paradigm based on the core cognitive deficits of ADHD and extracted various digital biomarkers that represented participant behaviors. These biomarkers and developmental patterns were compared between the ADHD and TD groups. Machine learning (ML) was implemented to validate the ability of the extracted eye-tracking biomarkers to predict ADHD. The performance of the ML models was evaluated using 5-fold cross-validation.

Results

We recruited 216 participants, of whom 94 (43.5%) were children with ADHD and 122 (56.5%) were TD children. The ADHD group showed significantly poorer performance (for accuracy and completion time) than the TD group in the prosaccade, antisaccade, and delayed saccade tasks. In addition, there were substantial group differences in digital biomarkers, such as pupil diameter fluctuation, regularity of gaze trajectory, and fixations on unrelated areas. Although the accuracy and task completion speed of the ADHD group increased over time, their eye-movement patterns remained irregular. The TD group with children aged 5 to 6 years outperformed the ADHD group with children aged 9 to 10 years, and this difference remained relatively stable over time, which indicated that the ADHD group followed a unique developmental pattern. The ML model was effective in discriminating the groups, achieving an area under the curve of 0.965 and an accuracy of 0.908.

Conclusions

The eye-tracking biomarkers proposed in this study effectively identified differences in various aspects of eye-movement patterns between the ADHD and TD groups. In addition, the ML model constructed using these digital biomarkers achieved high accuracy and reliability in identifying ADHD. Our system can facilitate early screening for ADHD in schools and communities and provide clinicians with objective biomarkers as a reference.
User-Oriented Requirements for Artificial Intelligence–Based Clinical Decision Support Systems in Sepsis: Protocol for a Multimethod Research Project
Authors: Raszke Pascal , Giebel Godwin Denk , Abels Carina , Wasem Jürgen , Adamzik Michael , Nowak Hartmuth , Palmowski Lars , Heinz Philipp , Mreyen Silke , Timmesfeld Nina , Tokic Marianne , Brunkhorst Frank Martin , Blase Nikola
Published: October 2024

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI)–based clinical decision support systems (CDSS) have been developed for several diseases. However, despite the potential to improve the quality of care and thereby positively impact patient-relevant outcomes, the majority of AI-based CDSS have not been adopted in standard care. Possible reasons for this include barriers in the implementation and a nonuser-oriented development approach, resulting in reduced user acceptance.

Objective

This research project has 2 objectives. First, problems and corresponding solutions that hinder or support the development and implementation of AI-based CDSS are identified. Second, the research project aims to increase user acceptance by creating a user-oriented requirement profile, using the example of sepsis.

Methods

The research project is based on a multimethod approach combining (1) a scoping review, (2) focus groups with physicians and professional caregivers, and (3) semistructured interviews with relevant stakeholders. The research modules mentioned provide the basis for the development of a (4) survey, including a discrete choice experiment (DCE) with physicians. A minimum of 6667 physicians with expertise in the clinical picture of sepsis are contacted for this purpose. The survey is followed by the development of a requirement profile for AI-based CDSS and the derivation of policy recommendations for action, which are evaluated in a (5) expert roundtable discussion.

Results

The multimethod research project started in November 2022. It provides an overview of the barriers and corresponding solutions related to the development and implementation of AI-based CDSS. Using sepsis as an example, a user-oriented requirement profile for AI-based CDSS is developed. The scoping review has been concluded and the qualitative modules have been subjected to analysis. The start of the survey, including the DCE, was at the end of July 2024.

Conclusions

The results of the research project represent the first attempt to create a comprehensive user-oriented requirement profile for the development of sepsis-specific AI-based CDSS. In addition, general recommendations are derived, in order to reduce barriers in the development and implementation of AI-based CDSS. The findings of this research project have the potential to facilitate the integration of AI-based CDSS into standard care in the long term.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/62704
Establishing Medical Intelligence—Leveraging Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources to Improve Clinical Management: Retrospective Cohort and Clinical Implementation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Brehmer Alexander , Sauer Christopher Martin , Salazar Rodríguez Jayson , Herrmann Kelsey , Kim Moon , Keyl Julius , Bahnsen Fin Hendrik , Frank Benedikt , Köhrmann Martin , Rassaf Tienush , Mahabadi Amir-Abbas , Hadaschik Boris , Darr Christopher , Herrmann Ken , Tan Susanne , Buer Jan , Brenner Thorsten , Reinhardt Hans Christian , Nensa Felix , Gertz Michael , Egger Jan , Kleesiek Jens
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) has been proposed to enable health data interoperability. So far, its applicability has been demonstrated for selected research projects with limited data.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to design and implement a conceptual medical intelligence framework to leverage real-world care data for clinical decision-making.

METHODS

A Python package for the use of multimodal FHIR data (FHIRPACK [FHIR Python Analysis Conversion Kit]) was developed and pioneered in 5 real-world clinical use cases, that is, myocardial infarction, stroke, diabetes, sepsis, and prostate cancer. Patients were identified based on the ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision) codes, and outcomes were derived from laboratory tests, prescriptions, procedures, and diagnostic reports. Results were provided as browser-based dashboards.

RESULTS

For 2022, a total of 1,302,988 patient encounters were analyzed. (1) Myocardial infarction: in 72.7% (261/359) of cases, medication regimens fulfilled guideline recommendations. (2) Stroke: out of 1277 patients, 165 received thrombolysis and 108 thrombectomy. (3) Diabetes: in 443,866 serum glucose and 16,180 glycated hemoglobin A1c measurements from 35,494 unique patients, the prevalence of dysglycemic findings was 39% (13,887/35,494). Among those with dysglycemia, diagnosis was coded in 44.2% (6138/13,887) of the patients. (4) Sepsis: In 1803 patients, Staphylococcus epidermidis was the primarily isolated pathogen (773/2672, 28.9%) and piperacillin and tazobactam was the primarily prescribed antibiotic (593/1593, 37.2%). (5) PC: out of 54, three patients who received radical prostatectomy were identified as cases with prostate-specific antigen persistence or biochemical recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Leveraging FHIR data through large-scale analytics can enhance health care quality and improve patient outcomes across 5 clinical specialties. We identified (1) patients with sepsis requiring less broad antibiotic therapy, (2) patients with myocardial infarction who could benefit from statin and antiplatelet therapy, (3) patients who had a stroke with longer than recommended times to intervention, (4) patients with hyperglycemia who could benefit from specialist referral, and (5) patients with PC with early increases in cancer markers.
Development of an Electronic Data Platform for Interhospital Transfer Between Acute Care Hospitals: User Requirements and Conceptual Design (Preprint)
Authors: Garabedian Pamela , Kain Jazzarae , Emani Srinivas , Singleton Stephanie , Rozenblum Ronen , Samal Lipika , Mueller Stephanie
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

The transfer of patients between hospitals, i.e., interhospital transfer (IHT), introduces discontinuity of care including gaps in health information transfer, which may worsen patient outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This is this first phase of a five-year research study. Our goals are (1) to understand the gaps in health information exchange (HIE) and the clinician experience in accessing and using the electronic health record (EHR) during IHT; and (2) to identify clinician user requirements for development of an internal EHR solution for IHT.

METHODS

We utilized prior work on health information exchange (HIE) during IHT coupled with a user-centered design (UCD) process to engage discussions with clinical users and gather input on EHR workflow during IHT patient admission and planning. Eight UCD sessions were held between 2/2023-7/2023, involving 18 clinicians who interact with the EHR during IHT, including 3 medicine residents, 10 advanced practice providers and 5 direct care attendings – all responsible for caring for IHT patients at Brigham and Women’s Cardiology, Medicine, Oncology and ICU services. Discussions highlighted facilitators and barriers, and suggested improvements for data access and availability at the time of transfer. UCD sessions were recorded, analyzed, and coded by two independent reviewers to identify common themes driving sub-optimal HIE. User requirements were derived from the sessions with users and iteratively refined throughout the process.

RESULTS

Qualitative analysis revealed that a significant number of frontline clinicians experience suboptimal availability of clinical information in the EHR at the time of IHT, including gaps in communication, incomplete data, and inefficient access to clinical data. User requirements emerged from these themes and primarily focused on information prioritization, data accessibility and workflow and efficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

Notable levels of missing information and inefficient access to clinical data were reported by end-users caring for IHT patients at time of transfer. Conducting user research to understand the current process of IHT, involving users in conceptual design and information architecture, and generating prototypes for feedback from users can aid in designing a solution that meets user needs. Results of these early UCD activities will be used to develop and implement a data platform to support clinicians during IHT.

CLINICALTRIAL