bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent and New Information from the Slug Test Data of Ferris and Knowles (1954)
Authors: Chapuis Robert P.
Published: May 2023

The slug test theories take into account or not the tested material storativity, S. Ferris and Knowles (1954) proposed a first theory with S, the Ferris-Knowles (FK) theory. A few reasons were given to reject it in the 1970s. New and stronger reasons are given here. The FK test was incomplete because the data started 75 seconds after slugging with a large volume of water. These data are reinterpreted here with recent and correct methods, which have proven that the theories with S are wrong and cannot give an S value. The FK partial data yield a straight velocity plot, typical of all slug tests in aquifers, and a small piezometric error of 1 cm. During the first 75 seconds, 99 % of the water volume left the riser pipe to enter the aquifer. The only data (t > 75 s) were for the last 1 % of the water volume. The article shows that the FK theory yields an elastic S value corresponding to peat, which is nonsense. If the authors tested an aquifer, then their late data described the return to equilibrium of a water mound due to slugging 150 L of water and not the slug test data, which took place in the first 75 seconds. The delay in starting data collection may have been due to long dynamic effects with gas trapping and outgassing after slugging with a huge volume of water, but this was not documented. The correct methods for slug tests show that the FK theory tries to fit an exponential with a hyperbola. The FK theory was the first of weird methods trying to find the S value with confusing math and physics, which have so far delayed the use of physically correct methods in ASTM standards for slug tests.
Evaluation on Feasibility of Carbon Black and Hindered Amine Light Stabilizer as UV-Resistant Additives of Asphalt Binder
Authors: Guo Meng , Liang Meichen , Du Xiuli
Published: May 2023

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the main causes of asphalt pavement aging. The development of UV-resistant technology is of great significance to improve the durability of asphalt pavement. In order to evaluate the feasibility of carbon black (CB) and hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS) as UV-resistant additives, the modified asphalt binders were prepared by adding CB and HALS. The dispersibility of UV-resistant additives in asphalt binder was evaluated by using a fluorescence microscope. Then, the aging resistance of additives and their effects on virgin asphalt binder were qualitatively evaluated by calculating rheological parameters. The new aging-resistant index and impact index were defined. The results show that the aging-resistant index and impact index can accurately characterize the aging resistance of additives and their effect on virgin asphalt binder. The UV-resistant additives slowed down the aging rate of asphalt binder. A 3 % dosage of CB had a great adverse effect on the properties of virgin asphalt binder. HALS showed good UV resistance and had little effect on virgin asphalt binder. The aging-resistant index of asphalt binder modified by HALS was about 1.63 times that of the asphalt binder modified by CB at the same dosage (1 %). The aging-resistant index of asphalt binder modified by 1 % HALS was only about 1.31 times that of asphalt binder modified by 0.5 % HALS. In addition, the dosage of HALS was changed from 0.5 % to 1 % and the impact indexes changed to more than 2.67 times. It was considered that HALS was more suitable for improving the aging resistance of asphalt binder with an optimal dosage of 0.5 %.
Smart Manufacturing Pathways for Industrial Decarbonization and Thermal Process Intensification
Authors: Price Christopher R. , Nimbalkar Sachin U. , Thirumaran Kiran , Cresko Joe
Published: May 2023

Rapid decarbonization is fast becoming the primary environmental and sustainability initiative for many economic sectors. Industry consumes more than 30 % of all primary energy in the United States and accounts for nearly 25 % of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. More than 70 % of energy consumed by the industrial sector is related to thermal processes, which are also the largest contributors of carbon emissions, overwhelmingly due to the combustion of fossil fuels. Thermal process intensification (TPI) seeks to dramatically improve the energy performance of thermal systems through technology pillars focusing on alternative energy sources and processes, supplemental technologies, and waste heat management. The impacts of TPI have significant overlap with the goals of industrial decarbonization (ID) that seeks to phase out all GHG emissions from industrial activities. Emerging supplemental technologies such as smart manufacturing (SM) and the industrial internet of things (IoT) enable significant opportunities for the optimization of manufacturing processes. Combining strategies for TPI and ID with SM and IoT can open and enhance existing opportunities for saving time and energy via approaches such as tighter control of temperature zones, better adjustment of thermal systems for variations in production levels and feedstock properties, and increased process throughput. Data collected by smart processes will also enable new advanced solutions such as digital twins and machine learning algorithms to further improve thermal system savings. This paper examines the individual pathways of TPI, ID, and SM and how the combination of all three can accelerate energy and GHG reductions.
Exploitation of platelets for antitumor drug delivery and modulation of the tumor immune microenvironment
Authors: Guo Jie , Wang Meng-Fei , Zhu Yong , Watari Fumio , Xu Yong-Hong , Chen Xiao
Published: May 2023

Platelets are blood components traditionally believed to have fundamental roles in vascular hemostasis and thrombosis. In recent years, platelets have received new attention for their roles in tumorigenesis and progression. On the one hand, platelets are actively recruited by various tumors and comprise a crucial part of the tumor microenvironment (TME), thus inspiring the use of platelets for tumor-targeted drug delivery. To this end, various platelet-based devices have been proposed, such as natural platelets, engineered platelets, platelet membranes, and platelet-derived microparticles. On the other hand, platelets are involved in tumor immunosuppression mechanisms, by directing and/or assisting various tumor-associated immune cells. However, in the context of inflammation and autoimmune diseases, platelets can amplify immune responses by promoting immune cell mobilization and activation, thereby exacerbating tissue damage. Thus, interest is growing in the use of tumor-associated platelets as targets for therapeutic modulation of the TME and augmenting anti-tumor immune responses. In this review, we summarize current advances in exploiting platelets for both antitumor drug delivery and immune modulation of the TME.
Satellite monitoring of fires and air pollution
Authors:   Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Institute, OSADCHYI Volodymyr I. , ORESHCHENKO Andrii V. ,   Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Institute, SAVENETS Mykhailo V. ,   Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Institute
Published: May 2023

The monograph contains an analysis of the spatio-temporal distribution of fire hotspots, potentially dangerous wildfires and atmospheric air pollution based on remote sensing data of the territory of Ukraine. It describes the technical and scientifically-applied aspects of the data using of satellite monitoring including the developed automatic monitoring systems of the above indicators. The monograph describes how monitoring systems were used during the full-scale Russian military invasion of Ukraine.
Primary Well-Differentiated Neuroendocrine Tumor of the Kidney
Authors: Prasad Vishnu , Sreelakshmi Charakkulam Vijay , Chandran K Ravi , Agrawal Shashank , Pooleri Ginil Kumar , Sao Amrita
Published: May 2023

Primary neuroendocrine tumors (NET) of the kidney are rare. They present with varied symptoms, making their diagnosis difficult clinically as well as pathologically. We present to you the case of a renal NET, which presented in a young female patient. A 48-year-old female patient came with an incidentally detected right renal mass during the evaluation of a nonspecific gynecological problem. She underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen, which showed a 57*45*34 mm mass with enlarged retrocaval and aortocaval nodes (25*12 mm). Renal cell carcinoma was suspected as per the CT findings, and metastatic workup in the form of FDG PET CT was done in view of the unusually enlarged nodes. She underwent robot-assisted radical nephrectomy along with lymph node dissection. Surgery was uneventful, and she recovered well in the postoperative period. In the final pathology, there was confusion regarding the diagnosis, and further immunohistochemistry (IHC) was recommended by the pathologist. IHC showed synaptophysin positive, chromogranin negative, CD56 focally positive with Ki-67 of 2–3%, which was suggestive of low-grade NET of the kidney. Lymph nodes were negative. She was kept on follow-up and a Ga 68-DOTANOC scan at 3 months showed no evidence of disease. Diagnosis and management of NET of the kidney still remains a debatable and controversial topic in view of its rarity. High index of suspicion needs to be observed in patients presenting with carcinoid syndrome and a renal mass. Nuclear scans like PET scan and DOTANOC scan can accurately stage the disease. Management includes partial or radical nephrectomy depending on the tumor characteristics. Further studies are required to optimize the treatment protocols for these patients.
Exploiting Action Impact Regularity and Exogenous State Variables for Offline Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Liu Vincent , Wright James R. , White Martha
Published: May 2023

Offline reinforcement learning—learning a policy from a batch of data—is known to be hard for general MDPs. These results motivate the need to look at specific classes of MDPs where offline reinforcement learning might be feasible. In this work, we explore a restricted class of MDPs to obtain guarantees for offline reinforcement learning. The key property, which we call Action Impact Regularity (AIR), is that actions primarily impact a part of the state (an endogenous component) and have limited impact on the remaining part of the state (an exogenous component). AIR is a strong assumption, but it nonetheless holds in a number of real-world domains including financial markets. We discuss algorithms that exploit the AIR property, and provide a theoretical analysis for an algorithm based on Fitted-Q Iteration. Finally, we demonstrate that the algorithm outperforms existing offline reinforcement learning algorithms across different data collection policies in simulated and real world environments where the regularity holds.
The social inclusion of waste pickers and the adoption of energy recovery using municipal solid waste as a raw material
Authors: Costa Alexandre Sylvio Vieira da Costa , Araújo Murilo Ferreira de Araújo
Published: May 2023

Brazil produces more than 79 million tons of municipal solid waste per year, and around 1 million waste pickers work in the recovery of this waste. Brazilian law provides for the social inclusion of these workers with a leading role in waste management. The legislation makes it possible to recover energy from waste, but there is resistance from waste pickers, as these technologies can consume materials that are of value to pickers, such as paper, fabrics and plastics. Based on a bibliographic survey, it is intended to contribute to a better understanding of the phenomena involving the modernization of waste management and the social inclusion of waste pickers.
Lipoprotein(a): Role in atherosclerosis and new treatment options
Authors: Tomic Naglic Dragana , Manojlovic Mia , Pejakovic Sladjana , Stepanovic Kristina , Prodanovic Simeunovic Jovana
Published: May 2023

Atherosclerosis is a chronic process characterized by inflammation and the progressive accumulation of inflammatory cells and lipids in the blood vessel wall, resulting in narrowing of the blood vessel’s circumference. Treatment of people with dyslipidemia aims to reduce the risk of developing atherosclerotic disease and prevent major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The results of previous studies indicated that lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a critical causal factor in the estimated risk of developing a cardiovascular (CV) incident even after achieving desirable low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. Lp(a) is a low-density lipoprotein particle, like LDL cholesterol. The levels of Lp(a) in plasma are genetically determined. Lp(a) catabolism is still controversial. The pathogenic potential of Lp(a) can be divided into three categories: promotion of plaque formation, thrombogenicity, and proinflammatory effects. Lp(a) levels above the 75th percentile reduced the risk of aortic valve stenosis and myocardial infarction, whereas higher levels (above 90th percentile) were associated with an increased risk of heart failure. However, no hypolipidemic agents have been approved for targeted use in patients with high Lp(a) levels. There are insufficient randomized controlled trials assessing CV outcomes that would support the evidence that current treatment options, which effectively lower Lp(a) levels, also effectively prevent CV event. However, according to some studies, there is strong evidence that better CV outcome is one of the benefits of such therapy. The results of ongoing clinical trials are eagerly awaited.
Streamers, influencers y videojuegos: el efecto del product placement en el contenido gamer
Authors: Cristancho Triana Gerson Jaquin , Forero Contreras Carlos Andrey , Ramírez Ramírez Laura A.
Published: May 2023

El product placement ha sido estudiado desde diferentes contextos, como por ejemplo en programas de televisión y películas, no obstante, su aplicación en redes sociales ha tenido derivaciones las cuales difieren consistentemente al emplazamiento de productos. Esta investigación tiene como objetivo determinar si la actitud hacia el influencer y su contenido influyen en el efecto del product placement del contenido de streamers en su audiencia. Para esto se desarrolló un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, y no experimental en 491 hombres y mujeres de la ciudad de Bogotá, entre los 18 y 40 años quienes manifestaron ser visualizadores de contenido gamer en redes sociales y de seguir cuentas de streamers. Se hizo un análisis factorial confirmatorio, y a través del modelo de ecuaciones estructurales se probó la relación entre la actitud hacia el influencer y el efecto del product placement. Las conclusiones indican que el efecto del product placement en el contenido gamer tiene un alto nivel de influencia si la actitud hacia el influencer es positiva, adicionalmente que la relación entre la marca y el contenido también influyen en el efecto del product placement.
NCEM Drop - Inactivation of sample on grid (TM-014) v2
Authors: not provided sandra.crameri
Published: May 2023

NCEM Drop - inactivation of samples on grid
NCEM Drop - Cell Pellet Dounce Homogenisation (TM-014) v2
Authors: not provided sandra.crameri
Published: May 2023

cell pellet dounce homogenisation
NCEM Drop - Paramyxo confirmation, generation of RNP (TM-014) v1
Authors: not provided sandra.crameri
Published: May 2023

Generate RNP to confirm Paramyxoviurs
CUT&Tag-direct for whole cells with CUTAC v2
Authors: Henikoff Steven
Published: May 2023

We previously introduced Cleavage Under Targets & Tagmentation (CUT&Tag), an epigenomic profiling method in which antibody tethering of the Tn5 transposase to a chromatin epitope of interest maps specific chromatin features in small samples and single cells.With CUT&Tag, intact cells or nuclei are permeabilized, followed by successive addition of a primary antibody, a secondary antibody, and a chimeric Protein A-Transposase fusion protein that binds to the antibody. Addition of Mg++ activates the transposase and inserts sequencing adapters into adjacent DNAin situ.We have since adapted CUT&Tag to also map chromatin accessibility by simply modifying thetransposaseactivation conditions when using histone H3K4me2, H3K4me3 or Serine-5-phosphorylated RNA Polymerase II antibodies. Using these antibodies, tagmentation of accessible DNA sites is redirected to produce chromatin accessibility maps with exceptionally high signal-to-noise and resolution. All steps from nuclei to amplified sequencing-ready libraries are performed in single PCR tubeswith non-toxic reagents using inexpensive equipment, making our simplified strategy for simultaneous chromatin profiling and accessibility mapping suitable for the lab, home workbench or classroom. New with this version are simple modifications to make the one-tube CUT&Tag-direct protocol suitable for whole cells, while providing data quality comparable to that for Bench-top CUT&Tag.
Matematik Eğitiminde Dijital Oyun Tabanlı Öğrenme Üzerine Bibliyometrik Analiz
Authors: POÇAN Serdal
Published: May 2023

Matematikte öğrenmenin etkili bir şekilde gerçekleşmesi için öğretim süreçlerinde farklı modellerin kullanılması önemli görülmektedir. Özellikle somut kavramlardan soyut kavramlara geçişte yaşanabilecek problemlerin üstesinden gelmek için ek materyallerin kullanımına ihtiyaç vardır. Teknolojik gelişmeler, matematik derslerinde kullanılan yöntem ve teknikleri de etkilemiştir. Son yıllarda dijital oyunların eğitim-öğretim ortamlarında kullanımı artmıştır. Özellikle matematiği zor bir ders olarak gören öğrenciler için, matematiğin eğlenceli yönünü ortaya çıkarmada bu tür araçlar önemli bir araştırma alanı olarak öne çıkmaktadır. Dijital oyunların öğrenme motivasyonunu artırma, problem çözme ve yaratıcı düşünmeyi teşvik etme ve takım çalışmasını geliştirme gibi birçok olumlu katkısı olduğu bilinmektedir. Ancak, dijital oyunların sosyal beceriler üzerinde olumsuz etkileri de bildirilmiştir. Bu durum, konunun araştırılmasının önemini vurgulamaktadır. Ayrıca dijital oyun içeriklerinin teknolojik gelişmelere bağlı olarak sürekli gelişmesi, konunun güncel kalmasına sebep olmaktadır. Bu nedenle çalışmanın amacı matematik eğitiminde dijital oyunlara yönelik yapılan araştırmaların entelektüel yapısını ortaya koymaktır. Bu amaç doğrultusunda, Web of Science veri tabanında taranan matematik eğitiminde dijital oyunlarla ilgili yayınlar bibliyometrik yöntemlerle analiz edilmiştir. Çalışmada en etkili ülkeler, anahtar kelimelerin birlikte oluşumu, kavramsal, sosyal ve entelektüel eğilimler incelenmiştir. Araştırma sonuçları matematik eğitimcilerine alanda yazılmış makalelere geniş bir perspektiften bakış açısı sağlayarak, konunun ana hatlarını, konuyla ilgili eğilimlerin neler olduğunu ve farklı bileşenler arasındaki ilişkileri anlamalarına yardımcı olacaktır.
Turkey’s Domestic Car TOGG in the Framework of New Trends in Electric Vehicles and Consumer Ethnocentrism
Authors: DURMUŞ ŞENYAPAR Hafize Nurgül , TÜR Mehmet Rıda
Published: May 2023

Rising energy demands, and technological requirements are causing the world to focus more and more on Electric Vehicles (EVs). Developing technologies for these needs accelerate the development of smart and sustainable transportation and builds smart cities of the future. In this context, Turkey’s Automobile Enterprise Group, known as TOGG, was established in Turkey in 2018 with six partners and joined the EV market. In this study, new trends and emerging EV technologies such as wireless charging, smart power distribution, vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid systems, connected vehicles, and autonomous driving for EVs are compared with TOGG technology; and its potential effects on the market are evaluated within the framework of consumer ethnocentrism. It also provides perspectives and recommendations for future smart transportation to serve as a guide for the future technological development and commercialization of EVs
YÜKSELEN EKONOMİLERİN PETROL ŞOKLARINA MAKRO EKONOMİK TEPKİLERİ
Authors: TUNAY K. Batu , TUNAY Necla
Published: May 2023

Bu çalışmada petrolde dışa bağımlı orta üst gelir grubundaki yükselen ekonomilerde petrol şoklarının makro ekonomik etkileri incelenmiştir. Çin, Endonezya, Güney Afrika ve Türkiye’den oluşan bir örneklem analiz edilmiş ve 1999-2019 döneminde yıllık veriler kullanılmıştır. Panel SVAR yöntemiyle yapılan analizlerde, ekonomik büyüme, enflasyon oranı, bütçe dengesi ve cari dengenin değişim oranlarının petrol fiyatı şokuna tepkileri araştırılmıştır. Elde edilen bulgular, dış kaynaklı petrol fiyatı şoklarının yükselen ekonomilerde makro ekonomik şokları tetiklediği ve değişkenler arasındaki güçlü karşılıklı etkileşimler nedeniyle derin ve kalıcı etkiler doğurabileceğini göstermektedir.
Evaluación de un prototipo de ensayo de aglutinación látex-estreptavidina-tp17 para detección de anticuerpos anti-Treponema pallidum
Authors: Sanabria Arianna , González Cecilia , de Guillén Ivalena , Aria-Zaya Laura , Rojas Alejandra , Bernal Cynthia , Acosta-de Hetter María Eugenia
Published: May 2023

La sífilis es una infección bacteriana causada por Treponema pallidum. El diagnóstico se basa en las características clínicas y en pruebas laboratoriales serológicas indirectas. El objetivo fue evaluar un prototipo de ensayo de aglutinación de látex-estreptavidina-Tp17 para detección de anticuerpos anti-T. pallidum. Se estandarizaron las condiciones óptimas de un prototipo de ensayo de aglutinación basado en la unión estreptavidina-biotina sobre soporte de látex con la proteína recombinante Tp17. Se analizó la concordancia del ensayo con otras pruebas comerciales para determinar su utilidad como alternativa en el diagnóstico de sífilis. Se lograron obtener las condiciones óptimas de preparación del reactivo y se demostró la estabilidad del mismo hasta los 90 días conservado a 4ºC. En cuanto a la concordancia entre el prototipo y otras pruebas comerciales, se analizaron 56 muestras con la prueba de VDRL y se obtuvo un índice kappa de 0,48 IC95% (0,24-0,73) indicando una fuerza de concordancia moderada. Por otro lado, 44 muestras fueron previamente evaluadas por quimioluminiscencia (CLIA), siendo el índice kappa calculado 0,81 IC95% (0,55-1) representando una fuerza de concordancia casi perfecta entre los métodos. Adicionalmente< se determinaron la sensibilidad y la especificidad teniendo como referencia a la prueba de CLIA debido a la similitud en la utilización del antígeno Tp17 en ambos métodos, brindando un resultado de 94,87% y 100% respectivamente. Estos resultados plantean obtener una evaluación de la performance orientada a una posible aplicación en la población general.
Risk factors of mortality in hospitalized children with severe acute malnutrition
Authors: Bidhan Chandra Podder  , Minara Sikder  , Rubina Bari  , Dipannita Dhar  , Anjumanara Begum  , Farjana Sarmin  , Ahmed Nazmul Anam  , Sarmin Sultana Swarna
Published: May 2023

Background: Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children around the world. It is critical to identify the factors that contribute to mortality to reduce SAM related mortality. This study aimed to analyze the risk factors of mortality in hospitalized children with SAM.
Methods: This case-control study was conducted in the SAM unit, department of pediatrics, institute of child and mother health, Matuail-1362, Dhaka, from January 2021 to December 2021. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22. Univariate analysis was done to determine factors affecting mortality, and multivariate logistic regression was used to determine significant independent risk factors.
Results: Mean age of the study subject was 6.38±3.45 months and 10.90±10.00 months in the case and control groups respectively. So, death was more common in younger children. The percentage of death was more (61.5% vs 54.6%) in males. Mortality was more common in family income <10,000 Tk/ month, 53.8% in the case group and 21.9% in the control group. The mean age of the mother was 19.23±0.60 years and 21.78±4.78 years in the death and survived group. Among risk factors of mortality, dermatosis (46.2% vs 4.9%), oral ulcer (46.2% vs 5.5%), hypoglycemia (46.2% vs 3.8%), severe anemia (38.5% vs 2.2%), septicemia (76.9% vs 29.5%) in case and control group respectively. These risk factors were significantly higher in the death group compared to the surviving group. After doing multivariate logistic regression analysis it was observed that hypoglycemia (OR=9.17 with 95% CI 1.44 to 58.29) and severe anemia (OR=13.42 with 95% CI 1.42 to 126.13) were the strongest predictors of mortality among the hospitalized children with SAM.
Conclusions: Hypoglycemia and severe anemia were the main contributing factors of mortal among the children with SAM in the hospital.
Analysis of presentation, etiology, management and outcome of perforation peritonitis in a tertiary care centre
Authors: Kumari Shweta , Kumar Ajay , Ranjan Alok , Thakur Indra Shekhar
Published: May 2023

Background: The most common surgical emergency in general surgery is perforation peritonitis. It is a serious condition with a mortality rate of up to 20%, and it is the third most common cause of surgical abdomen after appendicitis and intestinal obstruction. The aim of this study to discuss presentation, etiology, management and outcome of perforation peritonitis in our hospital.
Methods: The 60 patients with features of perforation peritonitis admitted from September 2021 to August 2022 in the department of general surgery, PMCH, Patna were chosen. Descriptive statistics was used for analysis. Detailed history was taken, physical examination and X-ray was done. Signs and symptoms, duration of illness, age of presentation, intra-op findings regarding size and location, its management, post-op complications were documented.
Results: Total 60 cases of perforation peritonitis were included in this study, among that 80% (48) were males and 20% (12) were females, with male to female ratio of 4:1. Pain abdomen was a universal symptom. Generalized pain abdomen was seen in 54 (90%) cases, followed by lower quadrant in 3 cases (5%) and epigastrium pain seen in 3 cases (5%). Radiation of pain to right iliac fossa was seen in 6 cases (10%). Blunt injury was seen in 9 (15%) case. 14 patients were treated with anti-ulcer medications. Three patients with duodenal ulcer perforation were treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Liver dullness was obliterated in 28 patients (47%). Bowel sounds were either sluggish or absent in most cases.
Conclusions: Perforation peritonitis is a frequently encountered surgical emergency. Various factors like age, sex, duration, site of perforation, extent of peritonitis and delay in surgical intervention are associated with morbidity and mortality. A successful management depends upon early surgical intervention, source control and exclusive intraoperative peritoneal lavage.
Gall bladder specimen histopathological findings after cholecystectomy
Authors: Kumari Shweta , Kumar Ajay , Ranjan Alok , Thakur Indra Shekhar
Published: May 2023

Background: Cholecystitis is a generally widespread problem in adult population. Multiple finding has been found in gross and microscopic examination of gallbladder. Existence of stones is one of the known causative factors that lead to histopathological changes in gallbladder. It is also responsible for the development of gallbladder carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to find out the histopathology of gall bladder specimens following surgical intervention.
Methods: This observational study included 116 patients admitted in the department of general surgery, PMCH, Patna with acute or chronic cholecystitis from August 2018 to July 2019. Written and informed consent was taken from all the participants. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.
Results: A total of 116 gallbladder specimens that presented for histopathological examination during the study period were included into the study, with male to female ratio of 1:3. The highest prevalence was found in the age group of 31-50 years. The results of histopathological examination of these gallbladder specimens showed that chronic cholecystitis was found in 93 (80.1%), acute cholecystitis in 17 (14.6%), and dysplasia was found in 5 (4.3%) patients, and gall bladder carcinoma was detected in 1 (0.8%) patients. On morphological analysis, the commonest gall stones were made up of cholesterol and the most common lesion was chronic cholecystitis by histopathology.
Conclusions: This study concludes that the chronic calculus cholecystitis was dominant in our population. It is assumed that routine histopathological examination following cholecystectomies essential for all gallbladder specimens even in the non-existence of macroscopic signs of carcinoma, which was the case in our patients.
Flap and finger-tip blood glucose level monitoring to predict venous thrombosis in free flaps: a simple and effective method
Authors: Jain Manish , Garg Saurabh , Yadav Dinesh , Sharma Sanjay
Published: May 2023

Background: Rapid detection and early re-exploration is the key to salvage congested flap. Various methods have been described in literature to monitor flaps in post operative period. We evaluate the efficacy of measurement of flap and fingertip blood glucose level and its role in predicting the flap congestion and salvage.
Methods: prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care centre in North India between December 2020 to December 2022. A total of patients 500 underwent 507 free tissue transfer were included in this study. Flap congestion was noted clinically in 41 flaps. In these 41 flaps, flap and fingertip blood glucose level were measured.
Results: Congested appearing flaps divided into 2 groups. Group A consist of 8 flaps out of 41. The difference in flap and fingertip blood glucose level is less than 10%. Out of 8, 5 does not required re-exploration and were successfully salvaged. In 3 flaps, difference in flap and fingertip glucose level rises with time and were taken for re-exploration. Out of these 3, 2 were successful salvaged. Group B consist of 31 flaps. In these 31 flaps, 41. the difference in flap and fingertip blood glucose level is more than 10%. All these flaps were re-explored and 21 were salvaged.
Conclusions: Flap and body glucose level monitoring is a simple and reliable method for flap monitoring and it can be performed by residents as well as nursing staff.
Newborn care practices in rural Puducherry; a peek into the harmful practices-a cross sectional study
Authors: Earan Sujay Kumar , Reddu Duvvur Preethika , Arunagirinathan Arulkumaran
Published: May 2023

Background: Immediate care of the newborn is vital not only for the survival but for the growth and overall development of the child. Owing to regional customs and practices, various traditional practices are followed during the neonatal period. There are many beliefs that have developed around those practices and the same has been passed on from one generation to the other. There is a need to understand the dynamic factors which are contributing to the potentially harmful practices and the role the family plays
Methods: This was a cross sectional hospital-based study. The study was conducted in Sri Manakula Vinayagar medical college and hospital, tertiary care centre catering to the nearby rural population in Puducherry, India.
Results: There was a practice of kajal application to the babies by the care, 606 (89.1%) mothers had the habit of applying kajal to the babies. Care givers also had the practice of instilling oil in either the ear or nose of the babies in order to cure any ailments related to the nose or ears, 277 (40.73%) of them had the habit of oil instillation. Pre-lacteal or extra lacteal feeds which included cow’s milk, buffalo or goat’s milk, water, honey, sugar water was given among 588 (86.4%) babies. In 55% of them some herbal medicine or over the counter medicines given as they believed that it would help in the digestion of the baby and would decrease the excessive crying in baby.
Conclusions: Every country owing to its geography cultural variations has their unique traditional rituals and practices. The good practices followed in the community must be motivated and reinforced at the same time all the family members must be made aware of the practices that are detrimental to the health of the baby, such practices must be discouraged. There is a need to plan for a culturally acceptable and scientifically appropriate practice of neonatal health care.
How do economic growth, financial sector development and environmental regulation impact FDI inflows in the MENA countries?
Authors: Abdouli Mohamed , Ouni Mariem
Published: May 2023

This paper asks lots of questions about the hit of economic growth, environmental regulation and financial sector development on FDI inflows, using both the static and dynamic panel data approaches for a panel of 17 MENA countries for the 1990-2015 period. Our results pointed out that a higher level of growth attracts FDI inflows. They also point out that laxer environmental regulation decreases FDI inflows. On the other hand, our findings proved that FDI inflows in react positively to the financial development sector. This implies that foreign direct investment aims to invest in a country that has a higher developed financial sector to facilitate the transaction with their original country. However, more policy implications are concluded of our study can be presented as follows. First, based on the impacts of economic growth and financial development on the FDI inflows for the MENA countries, policymakers showed develop economic and financial policies concerning the FDI inflows. This suggests that policy makers in these countries consider that more prudent policies might involve eliminating barriers that prevent local firms from establishing adequate linkages, improving local firms' access to inputs, technology, and financing, and streamlining the procedures associated with selling input. Second, policymakers in the MENA region implement more environmental regulation policies in order to control carbon emissions and prevent FDI capital flights.
Enhanced spirulina platensis growth for photosynthetic pigments production in oil palm empty fruit bunch medium
Authors: Claude Simo , Oscar Wamba Fotsop , Laure Nyabeu Ngnikeu Pascaline , Rodrigue Magwell Pierre Fils , Lucinda Maffo Nguena Momo , Kennedy Tchoffo Djoudjeu , Emile Minyaka , Gustave Lehman Leopold
Published: May 2023

S. platensis is a cyanobacterium known for its richness in protein and bioactive compounds, with very captivating therapeutic and nutritional properties. In Cameroon, the medium commonly used for the cultivation of S. platensis is Jourdan's medium which is expensive and less available. Thus, it is necessary to find an alternative medium that is more efficient, less expensive and more available. Nutrients present in agro-industrial by-products can be used to enhance the production of biomass and photosynthetic pigments of S. platensis. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the growth and Photosynthetic pigments productivity of S. platensis on the Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) medium. The culture medium was formulated by distilling different concentrations (0; 2; 4; 6; 8 and 10 g L-1) of ash from previously dried and incinerated OPEFB medium in distilled water. The highest optical density (1.01 ± 0.09), dry biomass (1.35 ± 0.10 g L-1) and productivity (0.032 g L-1d-1) were recorded on the medium formulated with 8 g L-1 of the OPEFB compared to the standard (Jourdan medium). The same medium showed the highest content of chlorophyll a (4.96 ± 0.31 mg L-1), chlorophyll b (2.21 ± 0.16 mg L-1) and carotenoids (1.43 ± 0.01 mg L-1). However, the protein (156.1 ± 0.70 mg L-1) and sugar (4.50 ± 0.43 mg L-1) contents recorded on the standard medium were significantly high (P < 0.05). These results suggest that the OPEFB medium is a potential medium for S. platensis culture that can replace the expensive and less accessible Jourdan medium.
The association between umbilical cord coiling index and adverse perinatal outcomes at term pregnancies
Authors: AYDIN BOYAMA Burcu , YILMAZ Emine Zeynep
Published: May 2023

Objectives: The umbilical coiling index, calculated by dividing the total coil number to the cord length, is a representative parameter for umbilical cord coiling status. Recent studies have shown that abnormal umbilical coiling index is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Here, we aimed to determine this association at term gestation in our population.
Methods: A total of 98 singleton, term pregnant women were included in this prospective study. Demographic, obstetric features and perinatal outcomes of the patients were recorded. Patients were grouped according to the umbilical coiling index as hypocoiled, normocoiled and hypercoiled. Recorded parameters were firstly compared between normocoiled (n = 60) and abnormal coiled (n = 38) groups. Then, they were compared between normocoiled, hypocoiled (n = 20) and hypercoiled (n = 18) groups. Significantly different adverse perinatal outcomes were compared between normocoiled and other groups.
Results: Abnormal coiled group had an higher incidence of low fifth minutes Apgar scores, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, intrauterine growth restriction and acute fetal distress as compared to normocoiled group. No significant adverse perinatal outcome was detected between hypocoiled and normocoiled groups. Intrauterine growth restriction (p = 0.004), low Apgar scores (p = 0.046) and fetal distress (p = 0.038) and meconium-stained amniotic fluid were found to be more common in hypercoiled group than normocoiled ones.
Conclusions: Abnormal umbilical coiling is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Hence antenatal measurement of umbilical coiling index could be a useful parameter to determine high-risk pregnancies and can provide close monitoring for fetal well-being.
Effect of Feed Supplementation with Probiotics and Antimicrobial Agents on Meat Quality of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Mogotlane P.M. , Ng’ambi J.W. , Nyazema N.Z. , Chitura T.
Published: May 2023

Background: This study was conducted to determine the effect of supplementing probiotics and antimicrobial agents on the meat quality of broiler chickens. Methods: A complete randomized design was used and 90 male chickens were randomly assigned to five treatments which were replicated 3 times with each replicate having 6 chickens. The treatments had the same nutrients (20% CP and 12MJ/kg) but different supplementation levels of the probiotics and antimicrobial agents. Result: Antimicrobial and effective microorganism supplementations did not have any effect (p greater than 0.05) on feed intake, growth rate and live weights. A significantly lower (p less than 0.05) feed conversion ratio was observed with supplementation of the antimicrobial. Blood glucose levels were optimized at an effective microorganism supplementation level of 29.00 ml of EM/l of drinking water. Supplementation with 100 ml of EMs per litre of drinking water reduced significantly (p less than 0.05) the pH of ileum. Effective microorganism supplementation level of 85.00 ml per litre of drinking water optimized the crop pH value. Antimicrobial and effective microorganism supplementations did not have any influence (p greater than 0.05) on live weight, carcass weight, breast weight, drumstick weight ad thigh weight. Similarly, antimicrobial and effective microorganism supplementations did not have influence on meat tenderness, juiciness and flavour. There were no antibiotic and effective microbe residues in the meat. It is, therefore, concluded that effective microorganism supplementation did not have much effect on production parameters, carcass characteristics and meat quality of Ross 308 broiler chickens.
Antifungal Properties of Selected Seaweed and Seagrass Extracts against Macrophomina phaseolina Infecting Pigeon Pea
Authors: Somasundaram G. , Paramasivam R. , Archana H.A. , Sujatha K. , Ambika S.
Published: May 2023

A study was conducted to evaluate in vitro efficacy of seaweed (Sargassum myriocystum and Sargassum wightii) and seagrass (Cymodocea serrulata and Syringodium isoetifolium) extract against the mycelial growth of Macrophomina phaseolina at different concentrations of 5, 10, 15 and 20% along with control by poison food technique. The result revealed that, the extract of S. wightii (20%) exhibited the highest suppression of mycelial growth (10, 25 and 38 mm) at 24, 48 and 72 h after incubation. Among the antagonists tested against Macrophomina phaseolina, the fungal Trichoderma viride was found to be the most effective in reducing mycelial growth than the bacterial antagonist Pseudomonas fluorescens. Both the antagonistic fungi and bacteria have compatibility with seaweed and seagrass extracts in the concentrations.
Regulation of Proline Metabolism in Soybean Leaves under Drought Stress at Seedling Phase
Authors: Zhou X.Y. , Li X.M. , Tian Y.M. , Qu Z.P. , Wu Z.H. , Wang X.Y. , Dong S.K.
Published: May 2023

Background: Soybean is the most important oil crop globally; however, droughts are expected to seriously affect the growth and development of soybean in the context of climate change. Methods: In this study, polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used to simulate drought to explore the regulation of proline metabolism in soybean leaves under different degrees of drought stress at the seedling stage. Result: The results showed that the activities of ornithine aminotransferase and Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase increased while the activities of proline dehydrogenase decreased with an increase in drought stress. During the same number of treatment days, the higher the degree of drought stress, the greater the increase or decrease in enzyme activity. The content of leaf proline increased gradually with an extension in stress time at PEG concentrations of 5% and 10%, first increased and then decreased at PEG concentrations of 15% and 20% and the peak value appeared on the 7th and 9th day, respectively.
Classification and Mechanical Behaviors of Inner Concave Cable-Arch Structure with V-Shape Web Struts
Authors: Yang Dabin , Sun Yi , Liu Renjie , Guo Leilei
Published: May 2023

The inner concave cable-arch structures with V-shape web struts were classified, and single-tensioning construction method and multiple-tensioning construction method for continuous cable-arch structures were described. The optimization of pretension for multiple-tensioning construction
method was carried out. FE models of cable-arch structures including the single-tensioning models and the multiple-tensioning models were created. The mechanical behaviors including stress ratios, stiffness, horizontal bearing reaction force and structural stability of the two kinds of models
were compared. The results show that the pretension does not significantly influence the maximum resultant displacement, horizontal bearing reaction force, and stability of the singletensioning cable-arch structures. With pretension increasing the stress ratios can be reduced. The stress ratios
and stiffness decrease with the increasing of the rise-to-span ratio, and horizontal bearing reaction force slightly decreases, but structural stability has no obvious changing rules. There is no difference in mechanical behaviors between two types of cable-arch structures with the rise-to-span
ratio of 0.2, it is recommended to use the singletensioning construction method. However, the mechanical behaviors of multiple-tensioning type are generally better than that of single-tensioning type with the rise-to-span ratio of 0.3 and 0.4. It is necessary to consider the cost of construction
and mechanical behaviors to determine its tensioning construction method.
Errors in the Writing of Indonesian Sounds by Arabic Native Speakers Students at the University of Al Azhar, Cairo
Authors: Masrukhi Moh
Published: May 2023

Learning Bahasa Indonesia (bI) for al-Azhar students is new knowledge. Indonesian language is considered a second language(L2) or third (L3) language after Arabic (Ar). Each of the languages being studied has its own system of rules. These differ significantly from one another on phonological, morphological, and syntactic levels. At the phonological level, for example, their mother tongue (B1), namely Arabic, does not have middle or middle cardinal vowels, does not have nasal sounds, such as (ə/elang), (ɛ/nènèk), (ng/datang) as in Indonesian language. This leads to errors and irregularities in the Indonesian language. Later issues include changes, omissions, and replacement of phonemes that should not be used in Indonesian vocabulary. Knowing which phonemes are a stumbling block and make the learning process difficult can help to prevent these defects from happening again. A number of research data were obtained from the results of reading and writing assignments for first semester students at Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Language and Translation in Cairo (FBT-UAC). Furthermore, the learners' changes, omissions, and replacement of phonemes in Indonesian sentences were classified using predetermined criteria. The obtained data were then analyzed using contrastive theory and error analysis. This theory is applied by comparing the phonemes used by learners with standard Indonesian phonemes. The results revealed that the errors that occurred were the emergence of vowel changes, consonant changes, phoneme omission, and the replacement of diphthongs with single phonemes. This error happens as a result of students' inadequate comprehension and lack of sufficient reading practice.
THE STRATEGY OF HOUTHIS TO SEIZE CONTROL OF YEMEN'S TERRITORY: DISTORTION OF SOCIAL NORMS IN CONFLICT
Authors: Hariyani Nety Novita , Haque Arina , Wargadinata Wildana , Ulya Muflikhah
Published: May 2023

The Houthis' attempt at seizing control of Yemeni territory initially seemed like a protest against the presence of power. However, the Houthi rebellion grew louder and bolder until it crossed the boundaries of social norms. The Houthi group's efforts experienced increasing strong power dynamics, leading to a rising severe conflict. In line with the background, the researchers formulated three problem formulations: (1) How did the Houthis begin their efforts to seize control of Yemen's territory? (2) What are the factors that make the strategy of the Houthis a distortion of social norms in the conflict? (3) How do the dynamics of the Houthi power over Yemen play out in the distortion of social norms? This research is based on the argument that the Houthis are trying to distort social norms in Yemen. This research is a qualitative descriptive study. The technique used in data collection is reading and taking notes. The data analysis techniques in this study are data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion. This research indicates that the conflict between the Houthis and Yemen is an organized conflict of interest.
Design and Build Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) Based Internet of Things on Microgrid System
Authors: Putera Andhika Rizkita , Nizam Muhammad , Adriyanto Feri
Published: May 2023

Electrical energy is a primary human requirement for continuously operating electronic devices. However, nonrenewable electrical energy is becoming increasingly scarce. As a backup power source, regenerative energy sources are an option. Because the conventional power grid transfer system takes a relatively long time, the application of a control system on the power grid transfer automatically can maximize efficiency, safety, and accuracy. In this study, an ATS system was developed using the electrical grid switching method for 300ms, 600ms, and 1000ms, as well as IoT to optimize the ATS manual override system with monitor voltage, current, and power. The test results show that the switching accuracy of 300ms is 98.40% and 98.18% with an average voltage of 19.65V and 41.22V when switching, 600ms switching is 98.14% and 99.25% with an average voltage of 17.77V and 18.18V when switching, and 1000ms switching is 99.40% and 99.41% with an average voltage of 17.52V and 21.05V, respectively. The voltage overshoot is obtained for 16ms and 40ms in linear loading and is stable within 2ms. There is harmonic distortion when loading non-linear for 9 cycles and 2 cycles of periodic frequency. The hardware data transmission accuracy is 97.94%, and the success rate of manual override is 100%.