bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SQL Injection Attack Detection using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Aburashed Laila , AL Amoush Marah , Alrefai Wardeh
Published: November 2024

SQL Injection is one of the most common vulnerabilities exploited for both privacy breaches and financial damage. It remains the top vulnerability on the most recent OWASP Top 10 list, with the number of such attacks on the rise. The SQL Injection Detection Challenge is addressed using machine learning algorithms. By employing a classification method, communications are identified as either SQL Injection or plain text. This research proposes a machine learning framework to assess the feasibility of using a machine learning classifier to detect SQL Injection attacks. Classification algorithms such as Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, SVM, and ANN are utilized. As a result, ANN demonstrated superior performance and required less time to detect SQL Injection attacks.
Distinct Impacts of Clinicopathological and Mutational Profiles on Long-Term Survival and Recurrence in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Oh Moon Young , Jung Kyong Yeun , Choi Hoonsung , Chai Young Jun , Cho Sun Wook , Kim Su-jin , Lee Kyu Eun , Chung Eun-Jae , Park Do Joon , Park Young Joo , Yang Han-Kwang
Published: November 2024

Background: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) has a poorer prognosis than differentiated thyroid cancers; however, comprehensive data on the long-term outcomes of MTC remain scarce. This study investigated the extended clinical outcomes of MTC and aimed to identify prognostic factors.Methods: Patients diagnosed with MTC between 1980 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Their clinical characteristics, longterm clinical outcomes, and prognostic factors for recurrence and mortality were analyzed.Results: The study included 226 patients (144 women, 82 men). The disease-specific survival (DSS) rates for all MTC patients at 5-, 10-, 20-, and 30-year intervals were 92.7%, 89.4%, 74.3%, and 68.1%, respectively. The recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were 71.1%, 56.1%, 40.2%, and 32.1% at these intervals. DSS was comparable between the groups from 1980–2009 and 2010–2020 (P=0.995); however, the 1980–2009 group had significantly lower RFS rates (P=0.031). The 2010–2020 group exhibited greater extents of surgical and lymph node dissection (P=0.003) and smaller tumors (P=0.003). Multivariate analysis identified extrathyroidal extension as the strongest prognostic factor for both RFS and DSS. Age >55 years and tumor size of ≥2 cm were also significant prognostic factors for DSS, while hereditary disease and lymph node metastasis were significant for RFS. Survival analysis after propensity-score matching of rearranged during transfection (RET)-negative and non-screened RET-positive groups showed comparable DSS but longer RFS in the RET-negative group.Conclusion: Extrathyroidal extension was identified as the strongest prognostic factor for RFS and DSS. Older age and larger tumor size were associated with decreased DSS, while RET mutation and lymph node metastasis significantly impacted RFS.
Mekanisme Tata Kelola Perusahaan terhadap Pengungkapan Informasi Forward-Looking
Authors: Erdianti Erstine , Lindrawati Lindrawati , Susanto Adi
Published: November 2024

Laporan keuangan merupakan informasi penting sebagai bentuk pertanggungjawaban manajemen ke investor. Laporan keuangan bersifat historis dimana meskipun informasi yang ada dapat digunakan sebagai prediksi masa depan, namun manajemen sebagai pihak internal perusahaan yang lebih paham kondisi perusahaan akan lebih baik apabila juga mengungkapkan informasi forward-looking dalam rangka memenuhi kebutuhan investor untuk pengambilan keputusan dengan mempertimbangkan prospek perusahaan di masa mendatang. Penelitian ini bertujuan membuktikan secara empiris pengaruh mekanisme tata kelola perusahaan meliputi komisaris independen, kepemilikan manajerial, dan komite audit terhadap pengungkapan informasi forward-looking. Disain penelitian kuantitatif, menggunakan data laporan tahunan. Obyek penelitian digunakan perusahaan manufaktur di BEI. Teknis analisis data berupa analisis regresi linear berganda. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan mekanisme tata kelola perusahaan yang diwakili komisaris independen tidak memiliki pengaruh terhadap pengungkapan informasi forward-looking. Mekanisme tata kelola perusahaan diwakili kepemilikan manajerial dan komite audit berpengaruh positif terhadap pengungkapan informasi forward-looking, hal ini menunjukkan semakin besar kepemilikan saham oleh manajerial dan semakin rutin rapat komite audit mampu meningkatkan pengungkapan informasi forward-looking. Dari hasil penelitian, komisaris independen diharapkan dapat lebih memaksimalkan perannya sebagai pengawas dan mendorong manajemen mengungkapkan informasi selengkap mungkin, termasuk informasi forward-looking.
Moderasi Kepemilikan Manajerial Pada Pengaruh Modal Intelektual dan Ukuran Terhadap Kinerja Perbankan di Indonesia
Authors: Salasa Gama Agus Wahyudi , Suarjana I Wayan , Widnyani Ni Made
Published: November 2024

Dalam konteks industri perbankan, kepatuhan terhadap ketentuan bisnis telah diakui sebagai elemen kunci dalam mencapai kinerja keuangan yang stabil dan berkelanjutan. Peran modal intelektual juga perlu dipertimbangkan dalam membentuk fondasi keuangan yang kuat. Selain itu, terdapat bukti empiris yang menunjukkan bahwa lembaga keuangan dengan ukuran yang besar cenderung menghasilkan kinerja keuangan yang lebih baik. Penelitian ini selanjutnya mengembangkan variabel kepemilikan manajerial sebagai variabel moderasi pada pengaruh modal intelektual dan ukuran perusahaan pada kinerja keuangan. Penelitian ini menggunakan sampel sebanyak 18 perusahaan perbankan. Teknik analisis data menggunakan analisis regresi dengan data panel. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa modal intelektual tidak berdampak pada kinerja keuangan. Ukuran berdampak positif pada kinerja keuangan. Pengujian efek moderasi menunjukkan bahwa kepemilikan manajerial memperlemah pengaruh modal intelektual dan ukuran perusahaan pada kinerja keuangan perbankan.
Pengaruh Intellectual Capital dan Ukuran Perusahaan Terhadap Profitabilitas Perbankan di Bursa Efek Indonesia
Authors: Ishak Sucindah , Abdullah Julie , Saprudin Saprudin , Hasan Wahyudin
Published: November 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji pengaruh intelectual capital dan ukuran perusahaan terhadap profitabilitas pada perusahaan perbankan yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia. Perusahaan besar memiliki stabilitas kinerja yang lebih baik dan kemampuan menghasilkan profitabilitas yang tinggi, sementara intellectual capital berfungsi sebagai aset tak berwujud yang meningkatkan daya saing dan kinerja perusahaan. Data penelitian menunjukkan bahwa beberapa perusahaan mengalami penurunan laba bersih yang signifikan selama periode 2019-2022, terutama akibat pandemi Covid-19. Penelitian ini menggunakan model regresi untuk menguji pengaruh variabel independent terhadap variabel dependent. Berdasarkan analisis, ditemukan bahwa secara parsial intellectual capital dan ukuran perusahaan keduanya memiliki pengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap profitabilitas. Intellectual capital menjadi indikator objektif untuk menilai keberhasilan bisnis dan kemampuan perusahaan dalam menghasilkan profit, sementara perusahaan dengan ukuran lebih besar cenderung memiliki kinerja yang lebih baik dan profit lebih tinggi. Secara simultan, kedua variabel ini memberikan kontribusi signifikan terhadap profitabilitas, menunjukkan pentingnya intellectual capital dan ukuran perusahaan dalam meningkatkan kinerja finansial.
An Analysis of the Potential Benefits of Play-Based Methods for Improving Learning in Children with Autism
Authors: Macmbinji Vincent , Hussein Hussein
Published: November 2024

Social interaction, communication, and repetitive activities are among the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disease. Learning and academic accomplishment are frequently difficult for children with autism (CWA). The use of play-based methods in interventions has drawn interest as a way to improve learning outcomes for children with autism (CWA). The purpose of this study is to investigate how well play-based methods can support learning and growth in CWA. This study aims to provide light on the possible role that play may play in meeting the educational needs of CWA by examining the advantages and drawbacks of play-based therapies. Social Interaction Theory will serve as the study's compass (Bandura, 1977).Twenty peer-reviewed journals from 2015 to 2021 were found during the review. The review comprised seven papers in total. According to the review, play-based approaches give teachers and therapists the adaptability and flexibility to tailor lessons to the interests, skills, and sensory preferences of individual students. By recognizing the efficacy of play-based therapies, stakeholders can encourage their inclusion in educational policies and practices.The findings show how play-based therapies can benefit children on the autism spectrum not just in their academic growth but also in their social skills, communication abilities, and overall well being.
Genome Wide Association Analysis for Uniform Coleoptiles Emergence and Early Seedling Growth in Rice
Authors: Pani Bhagyarabi , Lal G.M. , C Parameswaran , Sabarinathan Selvaraj , Prusty Tejasmita , Prasad Dash Asit
Published: November 2024

Early seedling vigour (ESV) is a complex trait in rice. Detection of QTLs/genes controlling these traits can help us in enhancing the yield potential in rice varieties. Association mapping is a technique based on the principle of linkage disequilibrium that is used to find genes or quantitative trait loci (QTL) underlying the complex traits. In this study of haplotype breeding 281 rice genotypes were taken. ANOVA analysis showed P- value for traits and genotypes was found significant. Similarly, P-value for interaction between the traits and genotypes was also found to be highly significant (1.8663*10-208). Further, mean germination data positively correlated with mean shoot length, mean leaf number, mean culm diameter, mean shoot dry weight, and mean shoot area of 21st day among the 281 genotypes. Among the 281 number of genotypes, 111 genotypes are found to be in PCA1 and 170 genotypes are found to be in PCA2 based on the phenotypic analysis. PCA1 component constituted 29.93% and PCA2 constituted the 13.68% of total variation in the analysis. Besides, whole genome phylogenetic analysis showed three major groups of which Group 1 consists of 215 genotypes, group 2 consists of 38 genotypes and group 3 consists of 28 genotypes respectively. Especially, both the subgroups II and III comprised of the unique genotypes from the indica and aus subpopulations of rice. In this analysis, 16 significant associations (LOD Score >7) for different traits were identified using the three different models (MLM, farmCPU, and blink) for GWAS studies Especially, one major QTL was identified for the mean coleoptiles’ emergence for 10 DAS on 11th chromosome (18983591) which explained 49% of the phenotypic variance. Additionally, another major QTL contributing to the shoot length variation of 29.75% was identified in the Chr02 (32954393) for shoot length trait on 28 DAS. A candidate gene namely Os02g0778400 UMP/CMP kinase A/adenylate kinase (LOC_Os02g53790) was located in the significant SNP region of the GWAS analysis. Further characterization of this gene would assist in elucidation of the mechanism regulating the early seedling length in rice under direct seeded rice.
Spatial Analysis of Factors Influencing Potato Mechanization Suitability in Nyandarua County
Authors: M. Nanje Martin , N. Gitau Ayub , O. Mbuge Duncan
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the spatial factors influencing the suitability of mechanization for potato production in Nyandarua County, Kenya, a region known for its significant agricultural potential yet facing challenges in enhancing productivity through modern farming practices. Employing a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based approach, we identified and analyzed key variables that affect the adoption of mechanized techniques, including soil type, topography, climate, access to markets, and infrastructural development. A comprehensive suitability analysis was conducted using multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) techniques, which integrated qualitative and quantitative data to generate a suitability map for potato mechanization. Field surveys and interviews with local farmers provided primary data, supplemented by secondary sources such as soil maps, climate data, and agricultural reports. The results reveal distinct spatial variations in mechanization suitability across the county. Areas with favorable soil conditions, optimal elevation ranges, and adequate access to markets emerged as the most suitable for mechanized potato farming. Conversely, regions with steep topography and inadequate infrastructure were identified as less favorable for mechanization. This study highlights the critical role of spatial analysis in understanding agricultural practices and offers insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to promote mechanization in potato production. By identifying suitable zones for mechanization, the findings contribute to the development of targeted strategies that enhance agricultural productivity, improve livelihoods, and promote sustainable farming practices in Nyandarua County. Ultimately, this research underscores the importance of integrating spatial analysis into agricultural planning and decision-making, providing a framework for future studies on the mechanization of other crops in varying agricultural contexts.
A Simple Test Ratio APRI (AST to Platelet Ratio Index) as a Useful Tool for Cirrhosis: A Study from Bir Hospital, Nepal
Authors: Lama Ganesh , Sahani Bikash , Narayan Yadav Shree
Published: November 2024

Background Liver cirrhosis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, including Nepal. Liver biopsy, the gold standard for fibrosis assessment, is invasive and carries risks. The Aspartate Aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) offers a non-invasive, cost-effective alternative. However, data on its utility in Nepalese populations are limited.  Objective To evaluate the diagnostic performance of APRI as a non-invasive marker of cirrhosis in Nepalese patients, determining its sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values.  Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled 58 cirrhotic patients and 58 healthy controls at Bir Hospital from April 2019 to January 2020. Clinical examinations, laboratory tests, and ultrasonography were performed. APRI with a cut-off of 0.5 was evaluated using SPSS version 23, applying chi-square and ANOVA tests.  Results Among 116 participants, APRI at a 0.5 cut-off demonstrated 88.3% sensitivity, 82.5% specificity, 90.1% positive predictive value, and 70.2% negative predictive value (p = 0.002, 95% CI).  Conclusion APRI is a reliable non-invasive tool for diagnosing liver fibrosis in cirrhotic patients, offering high sensitivity and specificity. It is practical for bedside use, especially in resource-limited settings.
Novel Approaches to Existence and Uniquenessin Nonlinear Higher-Order Differential Equations
Authors: Uday Venkatachalapathi , Kumar Rajput Gautam
Published: November 2024

The study of nonlinear higher-order differential equations presents significant challenges in terms of existence and uniqueness of solutions. This paper explores novel approaches to addressing these challenges, focusing on recent advancements and methodologies that offer new perspectives on these classical problems. We investigate advanced techniques including topological methods, functional analysis, and computational approaches to enhance our understanding of existence and uniqueness in nonlinear higher-order differential equations. By reviewing the latest literature and integrating new findings, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current research trends and future directions in this area.
New sequence spaces derived from the Catalan–Motzkin matrix and related matrix transformations
Authors: Oktar Büşra Sarıgöz , Dağlı Muhammet Cihat
Published: November 2024

UDC 512.6
We consider the domain of a conservative matrix involving Catalan and Motzkin numbers in the sequence spaces

c

and

c
0

.

 Moreover, the

α

-,

β

-, and

γ

-duals are given and some matrix mappings are presented on the resulting spaces.
On some spectral properties of nonlocal boundary-value problems for nonlinear differential inclusion
Authors: Alama Hameda Mohamed
Published: November 2024

UDC 517.9
We study the solutions to the Sturm–Liouville boundary-value problem for a nonlinear differential inclusion with nonlocal conditions. The maximal and minimal solutions are demonstrated. The analysis of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions is performed. It is discussed whether multiple solutions may exist for the inhomogeneous Sturm–Liouville boundary-value problem for differential equation with nonlocal conditions.
Determining the Magnetic Field in the Galactic Plane from New Arecibo Pulsar Faraday Rotation Measurements
Authors: Curtin Alice P. , Weisberg Joel M. , Rankin Joanna M.
Published: November 2024

We develop a new method for studying the Galactic magnetic field along the spiral arms using pulsar Faraday rotation measures (RMs). Our new technique accounts for the dot-product nature of Faraday rotation and also splits the associated path integral into segments corresponding to particular zones along the line of sight. We apply this geometrically corrected, arm-by-arm technique to the low-latitude portion of a recently published set of Arecibo Faraday RMs for 313 pulsars, along with previously obtained RMs in the same regions. We find disparities >1σ between the magnitude of the field above and below the plane in the Local Arm, Sagittarius Arm, Sagittarius-to-Scutum Interarm, Scutum Arm, and Perseus Arm. We find evidence for a single field reversal near the Local Arm–Sagittarius Arm boundary. Interestingly, our results suggest that this field reversal is dependent on latitude, occurring inside the Sagittarius Arm at negative Galactic latitudes and at the Local Arm–Sagittarius Arm boundary at positive Galactic latitudes. We discuss all of our results in the context of different models and other observational Galactic magnetic field analyses.
A Model of the C iv
λ
λ1548, 1550 Doublet Line in T Tauri Stars
Authors: Thanathibodee Thanawuth , Robinson Connor E. , Calvet Nuria , Espaillat Catherine C. , Pittman Caeley V. , Arulanantham Nicole , France Kevin , Günther Hans Moritz , Chang Seok-Jun , Schneider P. Christian
Published: November 2024

The C iv doublet in the UV has long been associated with accretion in T Tauri stars. However, it is still unclear where and how the lines are formed. Here, we present a new C iv line model based on the currently available accretion shock and accretion flow models. We assume axisymmetric, dipolar accretion flows with different energy fluxes and calculate the properties of the accretion shock. We use Cloudy to obtain the carbon level populations and calculate the emerging line profiles assuming a plane-parallel geometry near the shock. Our model generally reproduces the intensities and shapes of the C iv emission lines observed from T Tauri stars. We find that the narrow component is optically thin and originates in the postshock, while the broad component is optically thick and emerges from the preshock. We apply our model to seven T Tauri stars from the Hubble Ultraviolet Legacy Library of Young Stars as Essential Standards Director’s Discretionary program (ULLYSES), for which the consistently determined accretion shock properties are available. We can reproduce the observations of four stars, finding that the accretion flows are carbon-depleted. We also find that the chromospheric emission accounts for less than 10% of the observed C iv line flux in accreting T Tauri stars. This work paves the way toward a better understanding of hot line formation and provides a potential probe of abundances in the inner disk.
Chasing the Neutrino Blazar Candidates
Authors: Zhu Jingtian , Cao Haitao , Xiao Hubing , Pei Zhiyuan , Fan JunHui , Bastieri Denis
Published: November 2024

In our study of the correlations between IceCube-detected neutrino events and γ-ray properties of blazars, we recognize the inherent challenges posed by the limited detection of neutrinos. In this paper, we explore few-shot learning to deal with the class imbalance and few-shot issues presented in the incremental version of the 12 yr Fermi-LAT γ-ray source catalog (4FGL_ DR3). Specifically, we train a triplet network to transform the blazars with neutrino emission (NBs) and nonblazar samples into an embedding space where their similarities can be measured. With two-way three-shot learning, 199 out of 3708 blazars without neutrino emission (non-NBs) are considered as the potential blazars emitting neutrinos (NB candidates, or NBCs for short), with a similarity score against NBs exceeding 98%. Moreover, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test supports our identification of NBCs.
The Thermal Emission in Short Gamma-Ray Bursts with Extended Emission Observed by Fermi/GBM
Authors: Chang Xue-Zhao , Lü Hou-Jun , Yang Xing , Chen Jia-Ming , Liang En-Wei
Published: November 2024

Short gamma-ray bursts (SGRBs) with extended emission (EE) are composed of initial main emission (ME) with a short hard spike, followed by a long-lasting EE. Whether the ME and EE originated from the same origin or not, as well as the jet composition, remains an open question. In this paper, we present a systematic analysis of 36 gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) in our sample, which are identified as the category of SGRBs with EE as observed by Fermi/Gamma-ray Burst Monitor. By extracting time-integrated spectra of ME and EE with cutoff power-law or Band models for our sample, we find that 20 out of 36 SGRBs have α values that exceed the death line (e.g., −2/3) of synchrotron emission within either ME or EE phases, and we suggest that the quasi-thermal component should exist in the prompt emission. Then, we extract the time-resolved spectra of our samples, but only four GRBs are bright enough to extract the time-resolved spectra. We find that both thermal and nonthermal emissions do exist in the prompt emission of those four bright GRBs, which suggests that a hybrid jet (e.g., matter and Poynting-flux outflow) in GRBs should exist. Moreover, strong positive correlations (e.g., F
tot–Γ and F
tot–kT) in the time-resolved spectra of ME and EE for those four GRBs have been discovered. This indicates that the spectral evolution of both ME and EE seem to share similar behavior, possibly from the same physical origin.
Energy supplier selection using Einstein aggregation operators in an interval-valued q-rung orthopair fuzzy hypersoft structure
Authors: Saqlain Muhammad , Xin Xiao Long , Zulqarnain Rana Muhammad , Siddique Imran , Askar Sameh , Alshamrani Ahmad M.
Published: November 2024

The selection of energy suppliers is important for sustainable energy management, as selecting the most appropriate suppliers reduces the environmental impact and improves resource optimization through sustainable practices. Our primary objective of this work was to develop a system for identifying energy suppliers by assessing various characteristics and their associated sub-attributes. Interval-valued q-rung orthopair fuzzy hypersoft sets (IVq-ROFHSS) originate by developing an association among interval-valued q-rung orthopair fuzzy sets and hypersoft sets. It is a crucial resource to handle unpredictable situations, mainly when presenting a component in a real-life scenario. IVq-ROFHSS is a new structure developed to manage the sub-parametric values of the alternatives. We developed the Einstein operational laws for IVq-ROFHSS and extended the Interval-valued q-rung ortho-pair fuzzy hypersoft Einstein weighted average (IVq-ROFHSEWA) and interval-valued q-rung ortho-pair fuzzy hypersoft Einstein weighted geometric (IVq-ROFHSEWG) operators. Moreover, we used the developed operators to formulate a multi-attribute group decision-making strategy to choose the ideal provider in sustainable energy management. The presented fuzzy robust approach reliably reiterated the challenged energy supplier selection in supply chain management to regular activities while alleviating overall expenses and promising stable reliability.
Study on the Mechanism of Bubble Defects in the PECVD Amorphous Silicon Films on Dielectric Substrate
Authors: Zhang Xin , Sun Jia Bao , Tian Chao , Liu Tielu , Zhao Chao
Published: November 2024

The amorphous silicon (a-Si) grown by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) has been widely applied in advanced semiconductor devices. However, it still suffers from the bubble defects when the deposition temperature goes above 450 °C. In this work, we have investigated the influence of underlying materials on the formation of bubbles of a-Si. The a-Si was deposited on different dielectric substrates, including silicon nitrides (SiN) and silicon dioxide (SiO2), using PECVD technique at a substrate temperature of 500 °C. A large number of bubbles of the a-Si has been observed on the thermal ALD deposited SiN underlayer, and some of them even burst. In contrast, no bubble defects were observed at the a-Si grown on PECVD SiN and PECVD SiO2 films. Such deviation may be attributed to the quality of the underlying material, which induces the H/H2 diffusion during the growth of a-Si and results in bubbles. A solution based on the model has been used to suppress the formation of such bubbles. An inserting layer of SiO2 was introduced in between SiN and a-Si to improve the density of the lower layer material and the adhesion between the two materials. As a result, there is no bubble defects at the surface of a-Si observed using optical microscope. Our work reveals the mechanism of the formation of bubble defects and paves a new method to eliminate the bubbles defects and to form high-quality a-Si, which shows potential in the manufacture of semiconductor devices.
Effect of Magnetorheological Fluid Pockets Energization on Dynamic Response of MR-Laminated Beams under Impulse Loading
Authors: Momeni Saman , Zabihollah Abolghassem
Published: November 2024

Laminated composite beams are being used for many applications due to their high strength to weight ratio. To enhance the performance of laminated composites under dynamic loading, Magnetorheological (MR) and Electrorheological (ER) fluids have been considered to be added as embedded layers/segments to the conventional laminated structures. The present work focuses on the dynamic behavior of laminated composite beams incorporating MR fluid pockets (referred to as MR-laminated beams) under impulse loadings. A modified layerwise displacement theory is employed to account for the varying fluidity of MR pockets along the thickness direction. Four configurations of MR-laminated beams featuring multiple MR pockets distributed through the thickness and along the length have been examined. A parametric analysis explores the impact of magnetic field strength, number and placement of MR pockets, and boundary conditions on the dynamic response of the MR-laminated beams. The changes in natural frequencies concerning the size and location of activated MR pockets have been explored. Time-response analysis is conducted for MR-laminated beams subjected to impulse loading, considering various sizes and locations of activated MR pockets. The investigation highlights the significant influence of the MR pocket's location and size on the vibration response of MR-laminated beams. It is realized that the total stiffness, mass, and activation energy can be optimized according to the desired dynamic response of the beams. The proposed configuration for MR-laminated beam, results in a beam with 7% reduction in total mass while exhibiting fivefold increase in the corresponding natural frequencies, 40% increase in damping and 40% reduction in maximum amplitude.
Investigation of Ductility and Damage Behavior of C/GFRP Composite Laminates under Bending Loads
Authors: Ullah Himayat , Silberschmidt Vadim V.
Published: November 2024

Carbon and glass fabric reinforced polymer (C/GFRP) composites are extensively used in aerospace and sports industry because of their exceptional properties. However, during service, static and dynamic bending loads can ensue damage in composites affecting their strength, stiffness and energy absorption. Carbon fiber composites, being inherently brittle, are prone to sudden catastrophic fracture without ductile-like behavior of metals. This study investigates mechanical behavior and damage mechanisms of woven C/GFRP composites in on- and off-axis orientations during bending. Initially, bending tests with quasi-static loading were performed, followed by dynamic ones using an Izod impact testing apparatus. Results showed distinct behavior in on-axis CFRP laminates with brittle fracture. Off-axis CFRP samples and both on- and off-axis GFRP laminates showed signs of damage and non-linear behavior, yet they retained their ability to bear loads. Significantly, off-axis specimens of both types and on-axis GFRP laminates exhibited enhanced energy absorption capabilities without experiencing fracture, undergoing pseudo-ductile deformation. CFRP specimens were analyzed with micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), provided insights into prevalent damage modes such as matrix mircocracking, debonding of tows, delamination and breakage of fabric. While on-axis CFRP laminates experienced brittle fracture, off-axis specimens exhibited a ductile-like response attributed to matrix plasticity, cracking and fiber trellising before eventual failure.
Comparative Analysis of FSW and SFSW Welded Joints of EN AW 1200 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Botila Lia-Nicoleta , Perianu Ion Aurel , Marin-Corciu Matei , Duma Iuliana , Popescu Radu Nicolae , Constantin Vlad-Ștefan
Published: November 2024

Friction stir welding is a research direction within ISIM Timisoara, with contributions and results obtained in several research projects carried out in this field. The paper presents results obtained by ISIM Timisoara regarding FSW welding in ambient environment and in liquid working environment (submerged friction stir welding SFSW) of EN AW 1200 aluminum alloy, using a welding tool made of steel, with threaded cylindrical pin. FSW welding in liquid working environment aims to avoid overheating of the welding tool and welding device during the joining process, as well as achieving better results compared to FSW welding in ambient environment. The evaluation of welded joints included structural analysis, hardness measurements, tensile and bending tests. A comparative analysis of the results obtained in the FSW / SFSW welding experiments carried out for the EN AW 1200 aluminum alloy is presented. The obtained results are useful for the outline of the future experimental research programs which will be carried out within the ongoing Nucleu project PN 23.37.01.02, regarding friction stir processing in ambient and in a liquid environment of this material.
Aspects of the Influence of the Taper Profile of the Welding Tool pin on the Dimensions of FSW and SFSW Welded Joints in EN AW 1200 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Dobrin Emilia , Botila Lia-Nicoleta , Mnerie Gabriela-Victoria , Perianu Ion Aurel , Binchiciu Emilia-Florina , Popescu Radu Nicolae
Published: November 2024

The joining of metallic materials by using the friction stir welding process is carried out with rotating welding tools having different geometries. The paper presents aspects that show the influence of the conical profile of the welding tool pin on the dimensions of friction stir welded joints FSW in air and SFSW in liquid environment for EN AW 1200 aluminum alloy. The tools analyzed in the experimental research have had smooth conical pin and conical pin with four flat chamfers respectively, macrostructural investigations being carried out to a comparatively analyze of the welded joint dimensions. The results are useful for experimental research on FSP processing in air and SFSP in liquid environment of aluminum alloys that will be carried out within the Nucleu PN 23 37 01 02 project underway at ISIM Timisoara.
Effect of Size Reduction Processes on Rice Flour Properties and the Quality of their Bakery Products
Authors: Rathnayake H. A. , Navaratne S. B. , Navaratne C. M.
Published: November 2024

Currently, there is an incremental demand for ricebased products among health-conscious consumers in the dynamic food market. The method and the machinery used in the size reduction processes have a crucial impact on the physicochemical properties of rice flour, thereby affecting the quality and consistency of the final products. Consequently, certain starch modification techniques can be implemented to eliminate some baker-unfriendly properties associated with rice flour. This brief review is focusing on literature pertaining to different rice milling techniques, certain physicochemical and functional flour properties, a comparison of rice flour properties relevant to different rice milling techniques, the relationship between different rice flour properties and their effect on the quality of bakery products, and finally the improvement of flour properties by different starch modification techniques.
Biological plausibility and implications of obesity associated valvular heart diseases
Authors: Fioretti Francesco , Lindman Brian R. , Butler Javed
Published: November 2024

Obesity contributes to the development and progression of cardiovascular risk factors and diseases, but so far not much attention has been given to obesity and valvular heart disease. Several observational and mendelian randomization studies have reported an association between body mass index with aortic valve stenosis, but also with secondary functional mitral regurgitation and tricuspid regurgitation in a more indirect manner. Several mechanisms can lead to the link between obesity and valvular heart diseases: left ventricular dilation, as obesity directly contributes to ischemic heart disease and ventricular remodeling, atrial myopathy as well as atrial remodeing and arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, that predispose to valvular regurgitation, but also pulmonary hypertension, which could be the consequence of obesity-related inflammation, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress, valvular calcification which is often associated with adiposity and as a direct effect of increased epicardial adipose tissue and pericardial restraint. Individuals with obesity associated valvular heart disease may experience worse symptoms, quality-of-life, exercise capacity, and risk for adverse outcomes. The effect of and the mechanism for various vavular heart diseases in relation to obesity has not been investigated in depth. Recently, incretin-based drugs and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors have been shown to reduce adiposity, and improve HF outcomes; however, the implications of these drugs on valvular heart diseases have not been evaluated. With innovations in therapies for obesity, several questions merit discussion. Considering the prevalence of obesity and its association with valvular heart diseases, not studying these common comorbid conditions represents a significant missed opportunity.
Predictors for vaccine hesitancy among nursing students in Namibia
Authors: Gabriel Rebekka N. , Kashiva Alfeus D. , Shikesho Ottilie N.
Published: November 2024

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are a priority group targeted for vaccination because they are greatly exposed to infectious agents.Aim: To determine the prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination and associated risk factors for vaccine hesitancy to recommend vaccine uptake strategies among student nurses.Setting: The study was carried out at the University of Namibia, main campus in Windhoek.Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken using a proportionate stratified sampling method. The total sample for the study was 509 students. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 29 was used to analyse data. Frequencies and proportions were calculated. Bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression were conducted to pronounce the predictors for vaccine hesitancy.Results: Only 31.40% students were vaccinated against COVID-19. Out of the vaccinated, 41.80% (p  0.001) were previously infected with COVID-19. Participants who were not HCWs before nursing school were most likely not to be vaccinated (p  0.001). Most unvaccinated students were hesitant because of a lack of information about the COVID-19 vaccine’s side effects (50.36%) and not knowing its effectiveness (38.13%). A total 60.80% of the participants believed a vaccine was needed to overcome the pandemic.Conclusion: We recommend the creation of targeted awareness campaigns that shed more light on the benefits of vaccination and vaccine side effects.Contribution: The study identifies key factors that can be targeted to change student nurses’ behaviour towards vaccination and offers valuable data that can inform preparedness and response strategies for future pandemics in Namibia and similar regions.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Interstitial Lung Disease Patients with Acute Respiratory Failure Admitted to the ICU
Authors: Pahuja Sourabh , Kuriakose Milta , Agarwal Satyam , Bajad Pradeep , Khanna Arjun , Talwar Deepak
Published: November 2024

Background:

Acute respiratory failure is a dreaded complication of interstitial lung disease (ILD) and is the most significant reason for mortality in most forms of ILDs. Knowledge of outcome predictors that can be assessed early after intensive care unit (ICU) admission would help guide the use of specific treatments. The present study attempts to identify the baseline characteristics of ILD patients admitted due to acute respiratory failure to ICU and to evaluate the cause of acute respiratory failure in these patients, management, and the outcomes.

Materials and Methods:

An observational cohort study was carried out in a tertiary care center in North India on 50 previously diagnosed patients of ILD hospitalized due to acute respiratory failure between January and December 2022. All relevant clinical, investigational, and treatment data were collected from the hospital information system.

Results:

The baseline mean FVC and 6-min walk distance were lower for non-survivors. The baseline mean DLCO was significantly lower among non-survivors. Comparatively, the radiology pattern of both groups showed that the usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern was associated with highest mortality. However, this difference was not statistically significant. Mortality was higher in those with lower PaO2/FiO2 ratio than among the survivors. Sputum culture positivity had a statistically significant impact on mortality. The mean hospital stay time was considerably higher in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and in patients with Type 2 respiratory failure.

Conclusion:

Baseline lung function tests, comorbidities, and exacerbating factors are invaluable in predicting the clinical outcomes. It is essential to perform all the diagnostic examinations at the earliest to ensure prompt initiation of the most appropriate therapy and lower hospital mortality. Distinguishing those patients who have a known cause for their ILD from those who do not was found to be crucial for deciding the most appropriate management.
Male Accessory Breast Cancer: A Review of Literature
Authors: Salati Sajad Ahmad , Al Sulaim Lamees Sulaiman
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Male accessory breast cancer is extremely rare, and only a few cases have been reported in the literature. It is often misdiagnosed, and there are no specific guidelines regarding its management. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the case reports of male accessory breast cancer (MABC) published in the recent peer-reviewed literature. Electronic databases such as PubMed, ResearchGate, Google Scholar and Scopus were searched for case reports on MABC published from 2014 to 2023. Data were extracted related to the variables, which included age of the patient, location of the affected accessory breast, clinical presentation, maximum dimension of the tumour, imaging modalities used for evaluation, pre-excision histopathology, stage, management, histopathology, immunochemistry, gene profiling and follow-up. Our results show that there were 21 cases with a mean age of 69.2 years, and the commonest presentation was a lump. Six cases (28.5%) had been misdiagnosed, and the cancers had been labelled as benign lesions. Overall, 74% of cancers were located in the axilla, and there were two cases of bilateral involvement. Wide excision of the accessory breast was the major treatment modality, followed by comprehensive treatment including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and endocrine therapy, either alone or in combination. The immunochemistry analysis of the retrieved specimen played an important role in diagnosis and treatment. Four (20%) cases developed metastasis during follow-up.
Diagnosing Autoimmune Bullous Diseases—An Indian Perspective
Authors: Bhandari Adhyatm , De Dipankar , Shah Shikha , Chatterjee Debajyoti , Kumar Vinod , Mahajan Rahul , Handa Sanjeev
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBDs) are a group of illnesses characterized by autoantibodies targeting adhesion molecules in the skin and mucosa. Accurate diagnosis of the specific subtype of AIBD is crucial for effective management and predicting prognosis, especially in cases with an increased risk of malignancy. However, differentiating between subtypes can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms.

Overview of diagnostic tests:

Direct immunofluorescence microscopy (DIF) detects in vivo bound antibodies in perilesional tissue biopsies and provides details about the probable site of autoantibody deposition within the skin/mucosae, immunoglobulin type, and pattern of antibody deposition. Indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) microscopy with organ substrate is a minimally invasive serological test that detects circulating autoantibodies. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) quantifies serum autoantibodies against specific autoantigens. Quantitative ELISA is useful for diagnosis, monitoring therapy, and assessing disease activity. Commercially available ELISA kits, including the multi-variant ones, can detect antibodies associated with AIBDs. BIOCHIP is a technique based on IIF that offers a sensitive and specific diagnostic alternative to ELISA. It uses microarrays with multiple antigenic substrates to simultaneously screen common AIBDs. The BIOCHIP slides contain different substrates, allowing the identification of multiple types of autoantibodies in a single test.

Indian context:

While these diagnostic tests offer valuable insights into target antigens, antibody patterns, and disease subtypes, it is important to note that the availability of these tests is limited in most centers across India. This limitation can be attributed to factors such as the relatively higher cost of these investigations, challenges related to the stability of immuno-reactants, and a shortage of trained personnel capable of performing such tests.

Conclusion:

This review discusses the diagnosis of AIBDs based on resources available in India, as of today. It also provides with practically applicable diagnostic algorithms for pragmatic diagnosis of AIBDs in Indian scenario.
Primitive Myxoid Mesenchymal Tumor of Infancy: A Lost Battle
Authors: Peters Nitin James , Reddy V Manasa , Bal Amanjit , Jain Arihant , Gupta Anjali , Madan Renu , Mahajan Jai Kumar
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Primitive myxoid mesenchymal tumor of infancy (PMMTI) is a low to intermediate-grade, poorly differentiated myofibroblastic tumor and is characterized by its tendency to recur locally. It commonly occurs in the 1st year of life and is predominantly seen in the axial skeleton and rarely in the retroperitoneum. We report one such case of PMMTI, which is the second case reported in English literature.
Measuring up: Ensuring Intra- and Interobserver Reliability in Stretched Penile Length with the SPLINT Technique
Authors: Goel Prabudh , Choudhury Prativa , Verma Vivek , Phugat Shivani , Kalaivani Mani , Singh Teg Rabab , Sharma Kanika , Jain Vishesh , Yadav Devendra Kumar , Dhua Anjan Kumar , Agarwala Sandeep
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

A discrepancy between the true and measured value of stretched penile length (SPL) may be a result of errors that can either be systematic or random. Hence, it becomes important to focus on the quality of measurements to prevent any iatrogenic harm to the patients.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to assess the magnitude of intra- and interobserver variations in the measurement of SPL with the SPLINT technique.

Materials and Methods:

SPL was measured prospectively in a cohort of 449 boys aged 0–14 years including 68 infants (substratified into Group I: >4 years, Group II: 4–8 years, and Group III: >8 years) with the SPLINT technique by expert (E: E1 and E2) and trainee (T: T1 and T2) surgeons after completing a three-tiered training module. Intra- and interobserver variability was assessed through descriptive statistics, intraclass correlation (ICC), relative technical error of measurement (rTEM), and reliability or R (%).

Results:

Intraobserver variability: the mean difference between the two readings (E1 and E2) is 0.08 cm (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.073–0.087), ICC was 0.998 (95% CI: 0.997–0.998), and intraobserver variability ≤0.1 cm in 85% of the participants (n = 370 of 433). The rTEM and reliability (%) were 1.82% and 98.1% (Group I), 1.65% and 98.9% (Group II), and 1.09% and 99.7% (Group III), respectively. The intraobserver variability was observed to be inversely proportional to the age of the participants (correlation coefficient = −0.56). Interobserver variability was calculated separately for expert versus trainee and trainee versus trainee (T-vs-T) measurements. For expert versus expert, ICC, rTEM, and reliability (%) were 0.984, 2.4%, and 96.8% (Group 1), 0.992, 2.07%, and 98.3% (Group 2), and 0.997, 1.38%, and 99.05% (Group 3), respectively. A similar pattern of variability was observed for T-vs-T measurements. The reliability (%) of the SPL by experts is consistently more than that of trainees across all age groups; however, the difference ameliorates with the age of participant.

Conclusions:

The study has validated the SPLINT technique by demonstrating a high level of intra- and interobserver reliability. The adequacy of the training modules for SPL measurements described in this study has also been established. Evidence that the SPL can be used as an objective marker of penile dimensions is herewith furnished.
Impact of Informative Videos on Proxy Consent by Parents for Pediatric Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Dudhani Shreyas , Kumar Bindey , Sinha Amit Kumar , Kumar Amit , Rashi Rashi , Shandilya Gaurav
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Consent is never truly exercised in children as parents act as their proxy and often do not understand the advantages, disadvantages, risks, and benefits of the procedure. Their high anxiety state is mirrored in the child, leading to slower recovery. Hence, this study was designed to understand if an intervention can impact the effect of consent on parents’ anxiety, satisfaction, and knowledge.

Methodology:

A two-arm, parallel design, randomized controlled trial was conducted from March 2020 to March 2022 to analyze the effect of an educational video in comparison to an informational leaflet in parents giving proxy consents for various listed pediatric surgical procedures.

Results:

Parents in the video group had a higher mean knowledge score (6.97 vs. 6.77, P = 0.40), comparable satisfaction scores (27.45 vs. 27.58, P = 0.88), and statistically insignificant difference between anxiety scores. We noted highest score of satisfaction (28.5/40) in the parents educated up to High School level or less. Knowledge scores were lowest in pelvic-ureteric junction obstruction (5.1/10) patients.

Conclusions:

Our study done over a period of 2 years included a variety of diagnoses, and the videos and information leaflets were self-designed. It showed comparable anxiety, knowledge, or satisfaction in parents. Studies with more participants would be needed to take this research forward.