bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ASSESSING THE DIFFUSION OF FINTECH INNOVATION IN FINANCIAL INDUSTRY: USING THE ROUGH MCDM MODEL
Authors: Chang Hsu-Hwa , Lu Ming-Tsang , Huang Li-Hua , Ling Hsiang Fa , Yen Yen-Chen
Published: February 2024

We develop a conceptual structure to explore how financial technology (FinTech) innovation is being implemented to deal with vague, inconsistent and ambiguous knowledge in actual world. The structure of this study is built upon the technology, organization, environment (TOE) context, which one uses the concept of multi-criteria estimation to measure the significance of FinTech innovation. We develop an integrated MCDM (multiple criteria decision-making) model through rough set theory help administrators obtain a strategic influence relation map for enhancing performance approaching towards the aspiration value. This model involves three steps: primary, we apply this rough number to define group views which reflect upon experts’ real experiences; second, we use the rough DEMATEL-based ANP-(RDANP) to acquire the rough influential weights and rough influential network relationship map (RINRM) based on this TOE structure and its corresponding attributes; finally, we utilize the rough modified VIKOR with the influence to analyze the gap between the performance value and the aspirated level. The empirical case was originated from financial industry in Taiwan. According to the weighting results the expected benefits, technology integration, and competitive pressure were the most important criteria. Our results also illustrate how FinTech innovation can be used for promoting financial services.
Fenugreek galactomannan: High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) method for identification and quantification of galactose and mannose
Authors: Nalbantova Vanya , Todorova Velislava , Benbassat Niko , Delattre Cedric
Published: February 2024

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is a leguminous, medicinal plant that finds applications in traditional medicine and as an agent in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. Its seeds contain various compounds to which numerous beneficial effects are attributed, such as soluble polysaccharides, in particular galactomannan. There are limited data reporting the determination of Bulgarian fenugreek galactomannan composition by HPTLC. The analysis was successful in separating galactose and mannose, each demonstrating different Rf values 0.36, 0.48, respectively. After developing the method with the appropriate conditions, it was validated for linearity, accuracy and precision, range, limits of detection (LD) and quantification (LQ), and robustness. The LD of galactose and mannose was found at 91.34 ng/band and 85.26 ng/band, respectively. The method confirmed the composition of hydrolyzed galactomannan from fenugreek, revealing a ratio of galactose to mannose closed to 1:1, and this capability can be of significant value in both the pharmaceutical and food industries.
Atlas Florae Europaeae notes, 33. Taxonomic synopsis of East European species of the Cytisus ratisbonensis group (Fabaceae)
Authors: Sennikov Alexander N. , Tikhomirov Valery N.
Published: February 2024

A group of species of Cytisus sect. Tubocytisus with strictly lateral inflorescences, commonly referred to as C. ratisbonensis s.l., is critically revised in Eastern Europe on the basis of morphology and comprehensive treatment of herbarium specimens and observations. Seven species and two presumed hybrids are recognised. Complete accounts are provided for each species, with synonyms, typifications, brief morphological descriptions, data on ecology and distributions, taxonomic and nomenclatural annotations. Cytisus polonicus is described as new to science, separated from C. ratisbonensis on the basis of morphology and diploid (vs. tetraploid) chromosome count. The lectotype of C. elongatus is superseded and a new lectotype is designated; this name has priority for the species previously known as C. triflorus. Six species names are newly placed to the synonymy: Chamaecytisus pineticola under Cytisus ruthenicus s. str., and Cytisus czerniaevii, C. leucotrichus, C. lindemannii, C. ponomarjovii and Chamaecytisus korabensis under Cytisus elongatus. The presumed hybrid between C. ruthenicus and C. elongatus, which was incorrectly known as C. czerniaevii, is described here as C. semerenkoanus. Cytisus lithuanicus, which has been an obscure name since its original publication, is resurrected for a newly-recognised octoploid species, which is endemic to eastern Poland, western Belarus and north-western Ukraine. The name C. cinereus is re-instated for the species previously known as C. paczoskii, and C. horniflorus is added to its synonymy; its complete distribution area is circumscribed, and its occurrence in Austria, Poland, Romania, Serbia and Slovakia is documented. Cytisus kreczetoviczii and C. elongatus are reported for the first time from Belarus, and the latter species also from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Slovenia. Cytisus borysthenicus and C. elongatus are reported as new to some territories in European Russia. Cytisus ratisbonensis s. str. is treated as absent from Eastern Europe. The neglected protologue of C. ruthenicus is discovered, and the nomenclature of all other names is verified and corrected when necessary. The original material of C. borysthenicus is re-discovered. Five further lectotypes and one neotype are designated. Distribution areas are circumscribed on the basis of numerous herbarium collections and documented observations, identified or verified by the authors. Chromosome counts published for nameless taxa from Belarus, Ukraine and Russia are assigned to the species according to their herbarium vouchers: C. borysthenicus, C. kreczetoviczii and C. lithuanicus are octoploid (2n = 100), C. ruthenicus is tetraploid (2n = 50) and octoploid (2n = 100), and C. semerenkoanus and C. elongatus are tetraploid (2n = 50).
Atlas Florae Europaeae notes, 35. Further critical notes on Cytisus sect. Tubocytisus (Fabaceae) in Europe
Authors: Sennikov Alexander N. , Tikhomirov Valery N.
Published: February 2024

A few species names in Cytisus sect. Tubocytisus are re-assessed and taxonomically evaluated. Diagnostic characters are discussed and the species status of C. absinthioides Janka, C. eriocarpus Boiss., C. frivaldszkyanus Degen, C. jankae Velen. and C. smyrnaeus Boiss. is confirmed. The holotype of Cytisus triflorus Lam. was found to belong to C. hirsutus L. rather than to the C. ratisbonensis group as currently treated. Cytisus lasiosemius Boiss. is not the correct name for C. frivaldszkyanus Degen, but another synonym of C. hirsutus. Cytisus litwinowii V.I.Krecz., which was known solely from the holotype, is a synonym of C. austriacus L. s.str. Chamaecytisus pseudojankae Pifkó & Barina, reported from a small area shared between Albania, Greece and North Macedonia, is treated as a subalpine variant of C. austriacus. Cytisus tmoleus Boiss. is removed from the synonymy of C. eriocarpus and added to the synonymy of C. pygmaeus Willd. Cytisus falcatus subsp. albanicus Degen & Dörfl. and C. pubescens Gilib. are synonymised with C. hirsutus. Cytisus microphyllus Boiss. is moved from C. austriacus s.l. to the synonymy of C. frivaldszkyanus, and C. pindicola (Degen) Halácsy to the synonymy of C. jankae. Chamaecytisus calcareus (Velen.) Kuzmanov is accepted as Cytisus calcareus (Velen.) Sennikov & Val.N.Tikhom., comb. nov., and its distribution is circumscribed. Cytisus hirsutus var. ciliatus (Wahlenb.) Hazsl. and C. polytrichus var. subglabratus Val.N.Tikhom. & Sennikov, var. nov. are recognised as glabrous variants of the corresponding species. Lectotypes of C. ciliatus, C. hirsutissimus K.Koch, C. jankae, C. lasiosemius, C. pubescens, C. rhodopeus J.Wagner ex Bornm. and C. thirkeanus K.Koch are designated. Cytisus polytrichus is reported from the Western Caucasus in place of C. wulffii auct.
The impact of YouGlish on English speaking competency in higher education
Authors: Quispe-Vargas Miliam , Laura-De La Cruz Kevin Mario , Talavera-Mendoza Fabiola , Manzur-Vera Gabriela , Pérez-Postigo Gerber , Turpo-Gebera Osbaldo , Diaz-Zavala Rocio
Published: February 2024

Globalization and the information and knowledge age in which we find ourselves demands that Higher Education develops English speaking competency in their students to respond adequately to academic and labor challenges, taking advantage of the virtues of the variety of resources offered by technology. YouGlish is an online oral dictionary whose characteristics can be leveraged for the development of English-speaking competency. This study aims to determine the impact of the use of YouGlish on English speaking competency on their sub-skills of fluency, grammatical adequacy, pronunciation, communicative interaction, and vocabulary. The research was of quasi experimental design and was carried out with a sample of 19 students in the Control Group and 19 students in the Experimental Group from a national university in Peru. For data collection, a pre-test and a post-test were applied regarding the English-speaking competency, and a questionnaire of perception on the use of YouGlish was also used. The arithmetic mean indicates that it improved by 35.25 points using YouGlish when comparing the entrance and exit tests. Concluding with an increase in the English-Speaking competency among university students.
The impact of collaborative ePortfolios on academic learning in a university setting
Authors: Feridouni Solimani Anita , Ahmed-Mohamed Karim
Published: February 2024

This study is focused on promoting self-reflection and self-regulation of learning through the use of digital tools to improve the academic performance of university students. Specifically, the main objective is to evaluate the impact of the use of collaborative ePortfolios on facilitating the comprehension of the concepts being studied. During the 2021/2022 academic term, a voluntary survey was administered to 60 students in the Adaptation Course of the Primary Education Degree Program. Through a structural equation analysis, a theoretical model was analyzed in which the intensity of participation in the ePortfolio appears as a mediating variable between the different independent variables and the improvement in academic learning. The results of the study confirm this mediating function for some variables, while at the same time they show a direct positive relationship between the intensity of participation in the ePortfolio and comprehension of the course concepts. The findings of this study can have important implications for the promotion of digital tools, such as ePortfolios, to improve learning in the university context. In addition, the work offers methodological alternatives to the recurring problem of analyzing complex relationships (both direct and indirect effects) with small samples.
Implementation of educational sequences based on peer assessment for learning key concepts of statistics
Authors: Pons Ernest , Cano Maria Elena
Published: February 2024

This article presents the results of applying an educational sequence implemented with technological support on an LMS and focused on peer assessment that was designed specifically to address key concepts in statistics with first-year undergraduate students. Individualized information is available for a total of n=232 students to support the empirical conclusions that are drawn. Based on the comparison of the peer assessments and the academic performance obtained in the two previous academic years in which a different methodology was applied, differential effects are found in the quality of the assignments presented. This, together with the perception of the learning by the students, suggests the incorporation of peer assessment processes in future curricular design.
The importance of integrated STEM learning in chemistry lesson: Perspectives from high school and vocational school chemistry teachers
Authors: Fitriyana Nur , Wiyarsi Antuni , Pratomo Heru , Marfuatun Marfuatun
Published: February 2024

Different goals of high schools and vocational schools in Indonesia become the main factor causing the distinction of preparedness of chemistry teachers in using the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) approach in their teaching. Yet the High School Chemistry Teachers (HSCT) and Vocational School Chemistry Teachers (VSCT) need to have positive perceptions about STEM since it offers students meaningful chemistry learning. Through an explorative survey method, this research investigated in-service chemistry teachers' perspectives toward the implementation of STEM in high school and vocational schools of chemistry. A number of 131 in-service chemistry teachers (82 HSCT and 49 VSCT) from Yogyakarta, Indonesia, voluntarily participated in this research through a saturated sampling technique. Perception Scale on STEM (PC-STEM) consisting of 54 closed-ended questions and seven open-ended questions were used as the data collection tools. The data were analysed following content analysis using interpretive coding, descriptive statistics, and the one-way MANOVA test. The findings showed that HSCTs' and VSCTs' perspectives toward STEM fall into the good category. Thus, integrated STEM learning is potential to be used in chemistry lessons at high school and vocational school. However, there were no statistically significant differences in HSCT and VSCT perceptions about the implementation of STEM in chemistry learning. Unfortunately, despite their perception being good, both groups of teachers signified a poor experience in applying STEM in their chemistry lessons. Therefore, teachers' professional development program about STEM is needed for chemistry teachers to implement STEM-based chemistry learning.
Exploring gender disparities in online platform utilization and attitudes: A case study of Jerash university's zoom platform
Authors: Aljaraideh Yousef , Rabee Ahmad
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the impact of gender differences on the utilization of online platforms and attitudes toward them. A quantitative approach was adopted, employing a questionnaire comprising two domains: utilization and attitudes. The questionnaire consisted of 34 items, and its validity and reliability were assessed. The study's sample comprised 153 randomly selected graduate students from Jerash University. The findings indicate that students' utilization of online learning platforms, particularly the Zoom platform, is high, as is their positive attitude toward it. Furthermore, statistically significant gender-based differences were observed, favoring male students in both platform utilization and attitudes. The study recommends the implementation of a quasi-experimental approach to explore the gender variable's impact on students' platform utilization. Additionally, encouraging the use of Zoom platform among both students and instructors through incentivization is suggested.
Torque and d-q axis current dynamics of an inverter fed induction motor drive that leverages computational intelligent techniques
Authors: Chirantan Shaswat , Pati Bibhuti Bhusan
Published: February 2024

Emphasizing the significance of Model Predictive Control (MPC) in modern optimization of control systems, the proposed research distinctively highlights its predictive prowess through the application of current state variables and well-structured mathematical models. We introduced a Predictive Current Control (PCC) strategy applied to a Three-Phase Inverter-fed Induction Motor (IM), with a particular focus on the Sequential Model methodology. The Sequential Model MPC algorithm employed a cost functional approach, predicated on the square of the discrepancy between reference and stator-measured currents of the IM in d-q reference frame. This method, implemented and tested in both MATLAB/Simulink and Python environments, utilized a minimization principle to guide the switching states of the inverter, thereby ensuring the accuracy of voltage signals for the induction motor. The projected study further included a comparative analysis of the electromagnetic torque, load currents, rotor speed, and angle deviations derived from the Sequential Model with those obtained through the Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) and Nelder-Mead methods. The results distinctly illustrated the robust adaptability of the Sequential Model methodology, outperforming the ACO and Nelder-Mead techniques in certain aspects such as minimum current errors, better speed regulations, and rotor angle trajectories.
The nearest point problems in fuzzy quasi-normed spaces
Authors: Wu Jian-Rong , Liu He
Published: February 2024

Motivated by the fact that the fuzzy quasi-normed space provides a suitable framework for complexity analysis and has important roles in discussing some questions in theoretical computer science, this paper aims to study the nearest point problems in fuzzy quasi-normed spaces. First, by using the theory of dual space and the separation theorem of convex sets, the properties of the fuzzy distance from a point to a set in a fuzzy quasi-normed space are studied comprehensively. Second, more properties of the nearest point are given, and the existence, uniqueness, characterizations, and qualitative properties of the nearest points are obtained. The results obtained in this paper are of great significance for expanding the application fields of optimization theory.
Backward bifurcation of a plant virus dynamics model with nonlinear continuous and impulsive control
Authors: Qiu Guangming , Yang Zhizhong , Deng Bo
Published: February 2024

Roguing and elimination of vectors are the most commonly seen biological control strategies regarding the spread of plant viruses. It is practically significant to establish the mathematical models of plant virus transmission and regard the effect of removing infected plants as well as eliminating vector strategies on plant virus eradication. We proposed the mathematical models of plant virus transmission with nonlinear continuous and pulse removal of infected plants and vectors. In terms of the nonlinear continuous control strategy, the threshold values of the existence and stability of multiple equilibria have been provided. Moreover, the conditions for the occurrence of backward bifurcation were also provided. Regarding the nonlinear impulsive control strategy, the stability of the disease-free periodic solution and the threshold of the persistence of the disease were given. With the application of the fixed point theory, the conditions for the existence of forward and backward bifurcations of the model were presented. Our results demonstrated that there was a backward bifurcation phenomenon in continuous systems, and there was also a backward bifurcation phenomenon in impulsive control systems. Moreover, we found that removing healthy plants increased the threshold $ R_{1}. $ Finally, numerical simulation was employed to verify our conclusions.
EFFECT AND MECHANISM OF CHINA’S PREFABRICATED BUILDING POLICIES TO PROMOTE PATENT OUTPUT WITH CARBON-NEUTRALITY AS A TARGET
Authors: Wang Layin , Zhang Jinrong , Lei Xin , Yang Bozheng
Published: February 2024

Unlike cast-in-place buildings, prefabricated buildings can conserve energy and reduce pollution, diminish damage to the environment caused by construction projects, drive greening of the construction industry, and promote carbon neutrality. The prefabricated construction industry is highly developed in China. This study analyzes prefabricated building policies and patents in Chinese provinces from 2011 to 2020 and systematically discusses the impact mechanism of supply-oriented, environment-oriented, and demand-oriented prefabricated building policies on patent output from static and dynamic perspectives. Correlations between policies and patent output were analyzed in the spatiotemporal dimension from a static perspective. A system dynamics model was used to investigate the causal relationship between the enterprise, university research, and government subsystems. Simulations were conducted to determine the sensitivity of policies in different dimensions to evaluate the impact of different policy categories and dynamics on patent output. The results: (1) policies are significantly and positively spatiotemporally correlated with patent output; (2) patent output increases over time, the positive effect is enhanced when policy implementation is strengthened; and (3) the effects of different dimensional policies on patent output differ across different periods. Overall, the effect of demand-oriented policies was the most significant, followed by environment- and supply-oriented policies. Before 2020, the effects of environment- and supply-oriented policies were equivalent, but the promotional effects of supply-oriented policies became more prominent after that, and (4) sub-policies contributing to dimensional policies vary. Fiscal and financial, science and technology, and public procurement sub-policies are critical in supply-, environment-, and demand-oriented policies, respectively. The findings can contribute to a virtuous cycle of prefabricated building policies and patent output systems, and provide information to accelerate sustainable, green industrialized development of the prefabricated construction industry in China.
ASYMMETRIC FLEXURAL BEHAVIOR OF GLULAM BEAMS BASED ON BAMBOO-INSPIRED FUNCTIONALLY GRADED STRUCTURE FOR HIGH BENDING LOAD APPLICATIONS
Authors: Ramful Raviduth
Published: February 2024

Natural materials are being further processed into functionally engineered products to reduce their natural variability and enhance their performance for use in construction, given their noteworthy recyclability, availability and sustainability traits. To date, the mechanical strengths of natural and engineered wood products are limited by their inherent micromechanical characteristics which are outclassed by homogeneous materials like steel and concrete. This study proposes a less process-intensive technique to improve the strength of engineered wood products by considering glulam based on a bio-inspired functionally graded structure. The finite element method was considered to investigate the effects of the functionally graded arrangement on the asymmetric flexural deformation and on the underlying fracture mechanisms in glulam beams. The numerical results showed that the functionally graded arrangements across the cross-section led to an improvement in the bending strength and consequently enhanced the resistance to transverse crack propagation. In the functionally graded glulam beam, the stiffer layers at the bottom were found to promote the onset for longitudinal crack initiation. Moreover, transverse cracks tended to propagate sideways in an orthogonal direction in the beam layers with a high longitudinal to transverse stiffness ratio whereby the tangential normal stress was a maximum. The improvement in performance, which resulted from a shift of the neutral axis and redistribution of stress within the glulam beams, was attributed to the degree of graded arrangement across their cross-section besides the orthotropic characteristics of their individual layers. Key findings of this study could be useful to further develop high-strength engineered wood products based on bio-inspired solutions to replace conventional materials in the construction industry for improved sustainability.
Distribution des pratiques mégalithiques actuelles et subactuelles et dynamique du peuplement dans le Faro au nord du Cameroun durant ces deux derniers siècles
Authors: Mezop Temgoua-Noumissing Alice Lucie
Published: February 2024

Au Faro dans le Nord-Cameroun, le mégalithisme apparaît sur des restes visiblement récents de villages modernes et se poursuit bien de nos jours. Mais ce patrimoine reste encore largement sous-exploité et menacé de destruction. Notre étude vise à analyser la distribution des pratiques mégalithiques actuelles et subactuelles et montrer en quoi les résultats d’une telle démarche peuvent éclairer concrètement l’histoire des strates de peuplement et des interactions humaines dans le Faro. Grâce à la variété des approches, on découvre au-delà d’une apparente uniformité, l’existence de deux spécificités stylistiques géographiques : la rive ouest marquée par des pierres dressées associées à des poteaux en bois et la rive est caractérisée par des cercles constitués de monolithes et de meules. Ces deux grandes tendances culturelles, singularisent ces territoires, mais s’interpénètrent à la fois suffisamment pour attester de l’existence d’un fond culturel commun à l’ensemble de la région.
Digital Imperialism and the Cyberization of Contemporary Life
Authors: Amoah Lloyd G. Adu
Published: February 2024

Cyberization has become the new inescapable reality of contemporary life. Cyberization points to the ways in which daily living in the last thirty years has become decidedly entangled in digital artifacts, infrastructure, and networks. The recent COVID-19 pandemic provides the most recent empirical, incontrovertibly global, and demonstrable snapshot of this reality. This chapter concerns itself with what all this means for Africa's place in the scheme of global power mediated by the era of cyberization. Using Ghana's attempt at scientific and technological advance under President Kwame Nkrumah and its cyberization experience in the era of neoliberal capitalism as a case study, and drawing insights from the fields of techno-politics, science and technology studies (STS), development studies and international relations, the chapter offers some conceptual building blocks wound around the idea of digital imperialism as a starting point for catalyzing theorizing about Africa and the power dynamics of the cyberization turn in the global political economy.
Creating the African Digital Platform Play
Authors: Nsarkoh Eric
Published: February 2024

Fintech infrastructure in Africa has continued to evolve towards more resilient digital forms over the past decade. The chapter reviews various stages of the Ghanaian journey and the disaggregation into the pillars of innovation that the chapter identifies. Fintech is considered as only one of such pillars. The discussion touches briefly on AI, Big Data, Blockchain and other generic elements, which can be considered as arrowheads of change. The conclusion is that Platform Play is enabled by stitching together the various axes and multifaceted domains of digital and other forms of knowledge.
What Influences Citizen Use of a Digital National Property Addressing System?
Authors: Fianu Eli , Boateng Stephen , Arku Zelda
Published: February 2024

The chapter attempts to unravel the factors that influence citizens' usage of an e-government location-based service, the Ghana Post GPS. The research model comprises a set of relationships between constructs from UTAUT (effort expectancy, performance expectancy, and social influence; age and gender as moderating variables), the model of PC utilization (complexity and affect towards use), TAM2 (output quality, intention to use, and actual usage). A quantitative research design was used for the study. The sample consisted of three hundred and thirty-seven (337) respondents. Data was analysed using PLS-SEM (partial least squares structural equation modelling) via SmartPLS 3. Twelve (12) hypotheses were tested; eight (8) were rejected while four (4) were accepted. The results are thoroughly discussed, and relevant recommendations made.
Constraints of Ecotourism and Proposed Remedies
Authors: Samin Tanzila , Kiran Faiqa , Hassan Waseem
Published: February 2024

The booming tourism sector encourages individuals to travel to experience new customs and celebrations, meet new people, learn about civilizations, and travel to discover nature, adventures, wonders, and societies. Tourism development aims to increase and maintain business by attracting tourists to a particular area. Ecotourism is tourism that supports local community benefit production, nature conservation, and tourism-related activities. It also enhances community safety and protection in protected areas. Few well-researched and synthesized accounts provide the most recent advancements and trends in ecotourism research regarding research gaps, geographic distributions, research approach applicability, research context, and subject themes. In the developing world, there are still unresolved issues concerning the economic and environmental implications of ecotourism, planning, development, management challenges, and residents' attitudes towards ecotourism.
Effect of Coupling Agent on the Properties of Pineapple Leaf Fiber/ Polypropylene Composite
Authors: Ghani Nurul Farah Qurratu Aini , Salim Nurjannah , Bakar Nurul Huda Abu , Bin Roslan Rasidi , Sutjipto Agus Geter Edy
Published: February 2024

Natural fibre matrix composites have been utilized in numerous industries, including the automotive, construction, and aerospace sectors. Maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) was used in this study to examine the effect of the coupling agent on the properties of a composite-produced using pineapple leaf fibre. The weight ratios of pineapple leaf fibre, polypropylene, and MAPP were 20g:180g, 15g:180g:5g, and 10g:180g:10g, respectively. The materials were mixed using a co-rotating twin-screw extruder machine at 170 °C and 50 rpm. The composite was then manufactured by injection molding at 185 °C. The mechanical and physical properties of PALF composite were examined by using a tensile test, impact test, and water absorption test. Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) was used to characterize the thermal properties of PALF/PP, and PALF/PP/MAPP composite. The surface morphology and fracture surface of the composite was characterized by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Compared to the composite containing 5 g of MAPP, the tensile strength composite containing 10 g of MAPP produced a stronger interfacial bond. According to the impact test, adding more MAPP increases the material's strength and stress transmission. The average percentage of water absorption indicates low water absorption after the addition of the coupling agent. It can be concluded that the addition of a coupling agent improved the composite's properties.
Evaluating the Accuracy of Finite Element Analysis in Predicting Mechanical Properties of Additively Manufactured Parts
Authors: Promaue Chanawee , Das Suchandrima , Nassehi Aydin
Published: February 2024

This study examines the Markforged simulation software's efficacy in predicting properties of Markforged 3D-printed parts. Material extrusion (MEX) is widely used across industries for its ability to create intricate shapes with diverse internal patterns. To evaluate mechanical properties, especially due to varying infill patterns, the Markforged simulation tool is employed. Tensile test specimens based on ASTM D-638 were 3D printed using a Markforged Mark Two printer and "Onyx" material, varying layer thickness, infill pattern, and density. Deformation is simulated under a 500 N tensile load and compares to physical tests on a tensile machine, considering different pulling speeds. Results show minimal variation between simulations of solid infill patterns and experiments, regardless of speed. However, porous infill patterns exhibited notable differences. Tensile testing also revealed the impact of pulling speed on deflection for "Onyx" specimens under a 500 N load.
Mechanical Properties of FDM Fabricated PLA Parts: Effect of 3D Printing Parameter Optimization Using Taguchi Method
Authors: Alviar Charles Edward , Basilia Blessie A.
Published: February 2024

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is a technique in constructing components from a CAD model to a finished product. This is done by depositing molten material at a specific coordinate and height. This is done continuously until the finished product has been produced. Both FDM and PLA are well-known technology and material in the AM field. Optimizing the parameters will surely provide a good reach for hobbyists, researchers, and academicians. Optimization is a process concerned with the identification of the best possible value/condition for a certain parameter. Most research papers optimize a response/factor at a time given that less than five parameters are being studied. This paper aims to optimize three mechanical properties such as strength, elongation, and modulus of elasticity. This response was optimized through seven (7) benchmark parameters conducted in mixed levels (a combination of two and three levels). This paper was able to identify the optimum level per parameter, provide insight into the significant contributors affecting the target responses, and lastly, provide a contour plot to serve as a reference of AM end-users.
Trypanosoma brucei Invariant Surface Glycoprotein 75 Is an Immunoglobulin Fc Receptor Inhibiting Complement Activation and Antibody-Mediated Cellular Phagocytosis
Authors: Mikkelsen Jakob Hauge , Stødkilde Kristian , Jensen Maria Pauladòttir , Hansen Annette Gudmann , Wu Qi , Lorentzen Josefine , Graversen Jonas Heilskov , Andersen Gregers Rom , Fenton Robert Andrew , Etzerodt Anders , Thiel Steffen , Andersen Christian Brix Folsted
Published: February 2024

Various subspecies of the unicellular parasite Trypanosoma brucei cause sleeping sickness, a neglected tropical disease affecting millions of individuals and domestic animals. Immune evasion mechanisms play a pivotal role in parasite survival within the host and enable the parasite to establish a chronic infection. In particular, the rapid switching of variant surface glycoproteins covering a large proportion of the parasite’s surface enables the parasite to avoid clearance by the adaptive immune system of the host. In this article, we present the crystal structure and discover an immune-evasive function of the extracellular region of the T. brucei invariant surface gp75 (ISG75). Structural analysis determined that the ISG75 ectodomain is organized as a globular head domain and a long slender coiled-coil domain. Subsequent ligand screening and binding analysis determined that the head domain of ISG75 confers interaction with the Fc region of all subclasses of human IgG. Importantly, the ISG75–IgG interaction strongly inhibits both activation of the classical complement pathway and Ab-dependent cellular phagocytosis by competing with C1q and host cell FcγR CD32. Our data reveal a novel immune evasion mechanism of T. brucei, with ISG75 able to inactivate the activities of Abs recognizing the parasite surface proteins.
Analytic Prediction of Rotor Broadband Noise with Serrated Trailing Edges with Applications to Urban Air Mobility Aircraft
Authors: Li Sicheng Kevin , Lee Seongkyu
Published: February 2024

Theoretical predictions for broadband noise generated by rotors with serrated trailing edges are presented. This study extends Lyu and Ayton’s model for serrated trailing-edge noise to account for factors such as finite span length, the accurate acoustic attenuation rate of trailing-edge
noise, modified spanwise wavenumber, and the proper scattering factor. This new model is implemented in the rotorcraft broadband noise tool, UCD‐QuietFly. The validation results demonstrate a satisfactory level of agreement with the experimental data for serrated trailing‐edge
noise of a wing section, a hovering rotor, and a forward‐flight rotor. Next, the effects of serration parameters, such as the number of serrations, serrations starting radial location, serration geometry, and serration height, on rotor broadband noise are investigated. For example,
it is observed that sine-wave, chopped peak, or sawtooth serration shapes provide the most significant noise reduction among the various shapes considered. Finally, broadband noise reduction through serrations is applied to two urban air mobility aircraft scenarios: a six‐passenger
quadrotor and a quiet helicopter. For the quadrotor, serrated trailing edges show a noise reduction potential of over 9 dB, with higher reductions observed at higher tip speeds and fewer blades. A quiet helicopter equipped with serrated blades in forward flight achieves a maximum noise reduction
of over 10 dB in the forward direction.
Knowledge, practice, and challenges of diabetes foot care among patients at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Osunde Rosemary Ngozi , Olorunfemi Olaolorunpo
Published: February 2024

Background:

Foot ulcer is a common complication of diabetes and the most devastating component of diabetes progression that is associated with high morbidity and mortality.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, practice, and challenges of diabetes foot care among patients with diabetes mellitus.

Materials and methods:

This descriptive cross-sectional study assessed knowledge and practice of foot care among type I and type II patients with diabetes attending the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire with a reliability of 0.880. SPSS version 22 was used to analyze the data.

Results:

The findings revealed that there is good knowledge of foot care, among 110 (50.0%) of the diabetic patients, while the practice of foot care was found to be poor among diabetic patients. It also shows the factor that statistically predicts the development of foot ulcers to include combined diet + oral medications + insulin treatment regimen (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.181, P = 0.016, confidence interval [CI] = 0.045–0.728), history of renal conditions (AOR = 0.115, P = 0.036, CI = 0.015–0.871), not receiving foot care education (AOR = 116.098, P < 0.001, CI = 12.497–1078.554), and receiving foot care education from nurses (AOR = 0.022, P = 0.001, CI = 0.002–0.216). Furthermore, 201 (91.4%) diabetes patients reported fatigue from completing the same task repeatedly, and 198 (90.0%) reported forgetfulness as obstacles to practicing foot care.

Conclusion:

When creating DM Patients future care plans, nurses and other health-care administrators must take into account the difficulties and predicting factors related to the practice of diabetes foot care.
Comparison of pupil expansion devices in small pupil phacoemulsification
Authors: Potti Sudhakar , Reddy Sodum Nivedita
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

To study the outcomes of phacoemulsification in small pupils (≤4 mm) using pupil expansion devices at a tertiary eye care center in South India.

Methods:

The study design is prospective, randomized, comparative, and interventional. Mechanical pupil dilatation with iris retractors (group I), B-HEX ring (group II), and Gupta ring (group III) was compared with respect to pupil size achieved (intraoperative), total surgical time, device addition time, complications, endothelial cell loss, and postoperative best corrected visual acuity.

Results:

Among 36 participants (12 in each group), the mean pupil size, total surgical time, and device addition time were maximum with iris retractors. Intraoperatively, sphincter tear was seen in two eyes in the iris retractors group and one eye in the Gupta ring group. In the B-HEX ring group, only two flanges of the ring could be engaged in two participants, one patient had iris bleeding (during stretching of the iris), and one patient had anterior lens capsular tear. Among all three groups, there was no statistically significant difference in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), endothelial cell count, and coefficient of variation obtained in the preoperative period, postoperative Day 7 and Day 30, respectively.

Conclusion:

In our study, in more than 50% of cases, the cause of small pupil was idiopathic/senile. Among nonidiopathic causes, PXF was the most common association. Although iris retractors are cost-effective and give maximum intraoperative dilatation, there is a need of four additional side ports to be made, thus increasing the total surgical time and device addition time. On the other hand, B-HEX and Gupta ring provide comparable intraoperative dilation and device addition time and also have comparable postoperative outcomes in terms of postoperative pupil size and complications.
A Narrative Review on Dengue and COVID-19 Co-infection: A Deadly Duo
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Mishra Ashutosh
Published: February 2024

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in dengue-endemic countries falls as a huge burden on healthcare infrastructure. Above everything, similar signs and symptoms of diseases caused by the two viruses make diagnosis and treatment more difficult. For this literature review, published articles from January 2020 to March 2023 available in the databases ‘PubMed’, ‘Google Scholar’ and ‘Embase’ have been explored to look at the similarities and differences between dengue and SARS-CoV-2 virus through the lens of genomics, epidemiology, clinical presentation and outcome of patients. The objectives of this study were to draw conclusions about the proposed pathophysiology of the viruses in case of a co-infection and to narrate evidence on outcome associated with the co-infection. Co-infection with dengue and COVID-19 virus can lead to moderate-to-severe morbid conditions; even the outcome could be fatal due to shock, multi-organ failure and stroke.
Uterovesical Migration of Copper-containing Intrauterine Device Complicated by Bladder Stone Formation
Authors: Adeyanju Ayodeji Sylvester , Ogunsola Jamiu Adelani , Obajimi Gbolahan Oladele
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Copper-containing intrauterine device (IUD) is a common method of contraception with a low failure rate and high acceptability. However, complications could follow its use including expulsion and migration of the device out of the uterus. When migration occurs, the device could pierce other structures in the pelvis such as the rectum, sigmoid colon, small bowel, or urinary bladder. The pattern of the patient’s complaints will guide the clinician on the possible organ involved and the manner of care. This case report presents a 44-year-old woman with IUD migration into the urinary bladder with resulting stone formation. She presented with pelvic pain and hematuria. Following ancillary investigations, she had laparotomy and removal of the IUD along with bladder stones. She had a satisfactory recovery after the surgery and had a complete resolution of all her preoperative symptoms.
Effectiveness of PD1/PD-L1 combined with anti-angiogenic drugs in patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Duan Xueyu , Liu Xiaobo , Chen Ruixiang , Pu Yanjiao
Published: February 2024

Background:

Protein-1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) therapy have become an important treatment approach for patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but primary or secondary resistance remains a challenge for some patients. PD-1/PD-L1 combined with anti-angiogenic drugs (AAs) in NSCLC patients have potential synergistic effects, and the survival benefit may vary based on a treatment order. To investigate the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 combined with AAs as the treatment for patients with advanced NSCLC.

Materials and Methods:

We comprehensively searched EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang databases from January 2017 to September 2022. The Cochrane risk bias tool evaluated the quality of included randomized clinical trials. Newcastle-Ottawa-Scale score was used to evaluate the quality of retrospective studies. Publication bias was evaluated by funnel plot, Begg’s test, and Egger’s test.

Results:

Seventeen articles were finally selected, involving 5182 patients. Meta-analysis results showed that PD1/PD-L1 combined with AAs therapy significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.50–0.75, P < 0.00001), overall survival (OS) (HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.71–0.88, P < 0.00001), and objective response rate (ORR) (risk ratio = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.81–0.96, P = 0.004), with the statistically significant difference. The sensitivity analysis demonstrated the robustness of the PFS, ORR, and OS.

Conclusion:

The combination of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors with AAs in treating advanced patients has exhibited notable therapeutic advantages when contrasted with monotherapy. Specifically, the administration of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in conjunction with AAs, or sequential treatment involving PD-1/PD-L1 followed by AAs, has shown enhanced therapeutic efficacy in this patient population.
Safety and efficacy of a polyherbal formulation from traditional Persian medicine in patients with calcium kidney stones: A randomized, double-blinded clinical trial
Authors: Ansari Ramin , Karimzade Iman , Nimrouzi Majid , Ezatzadegan Shahrokh , Hosseini Mohammad Mehdi , Zarshenas Mohammad Mehdi
Published: February 2024

Background:

10%–15% of the world’s population suffers from kidney stones. Nearly 50% increase was observed in diagnosing and treating nephrolithiasis in the last decades. Effective medical treatment for the disease is not yet well established. Moreover, there is an increasing global demand to manage diseases using complementary and alternative medicine. This study aimed to formulate and assess the safety and efficacy of a multi-ingredient formulation from traditional Persian medicine (TPM) known as Mofatet powder in patients suffering from calcium kidney stones.

Materials and Methods:

The aqueous extract of Mofatet powder was prepared, freeze-dried, and formulated as capsules. 26 patients in the drug group and 25 patients in the placebo group used 500 mg capsules of the drug/placebo twice daily for 5 weeks. Ultrasonography/kidney, ureter and bladder imaging, urine analysis, and biochemical parameters were evaluated before and after the intervention.

Results:

The imaging results showed a 60.73% decrease (P < 0.001) in stone size in the drug group. Moreover, the urinary calcium decreased (P = 0.02) and the urinary magnesium increased (P < 0.001) in the drug group. No remarkable changes were observed in the placebo group in these parameters. No significant effect was observed in aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels in none of the groups.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that Mofatet powder was effective in reducing calcium kidney stones size with no potential nephro/hepatotoxicity. After confirming these results in larger clinical trials with longer duration, this formulation can be considered a treatment for nephrolithiasis.
The Incidence, Risk, and Overall Survival of First and Second Primary Head and Neck Malignancies in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alghuneem Aishah Adnan , AlRusayyis Danah Fahad , Alabdulwahid Fatmah Abdullah , Saud Ijaz Ahmed , Al-Assiry Mansour Ahmed , Salam Abdul , Almuhaimid Turki Mohammed
Published: February 2024

Background:

The mean survival time of head and neck cancers (HNC) differs according to patient and tumor characteristics. Treatment with radiotherapy or chemotherapy, genetic susceptibility, and environmental factors can contribute to the risk of developing second primary malignancy (SPM).

Objective:

Our purpose is to determine the rate of first primary malignancy and SPM among HNC patients, identify risk factors that may lead to the development of SPM, and analyze predictors of overall survival.

Subjects and Methods:

This is a single-center, retrospective study that included patients who were diagnosed with a head and neck and nonhead and neck SPM and visited the head and neck clinic between 2010 and 2020. Patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer or head and neck lymphoma, treated outside the facility, or lost to follow-up were excluded from the study. Data about demographics, diagnosis-related information, therapeutic approach, tumor recurrence, and the status of the patient and the tumor after the latest hospital visit were collected.

Results:

Thirty-seven (6.13%) cases were diagnosed with SPM with a median age of 61 years and a median time to diagnosis of 30.1 months from the first malignancy. Nearly half of the SPM patients were males (54.05%), smokers (51.35%), and underwent radiotherapy to treat the first cancer (51.35%). Laryngeal cancer carries the highest risk of the development of SPM of all SPM cases, followed by oral cavity cancers. The overall survival in patients with metachronous SPM is better than synchronous malignancies, with a median survival time of 149 months.

Conclusion:

The development of an SPM in patients with HNC is associated with decreased overall survival. Male gender, hypertension, and primary cancer site were significant risk factors for SPM.