bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online Presence System Design Based On Data Granted Validity
Authors: HIDAYAT M. Mahaputra , MUBARROK Achmad Alfan , UTOMO Bintang Prasetyo Budi , ZACHARIA Muhammad Ivan
Published: June 2023

The presence of employees in an agency is very important for recording attendance accurately and avoiding fraud in the manual attendance process. Therefore, designing an online presence system is the right solution to overcome this problem. A good online presence system must have high accuracy and be integrated with an efficient data management system. One way to improve the accuracy of the online attendance system is to use the data validation method provided. The manual attendance system used by the company suffers from inaccuracies and fraud. Therefore, this study aims to overcome this problem by designing and implementing an online presence system based on the validity of the data provided. Information system development methods are used to design online presence systems that use blockchain technology to ensure data validity and reduce the risk of fraud. In conclusion, an online attendance system based on the validity of the data provided can be an effective and efficient alternative solution for institutions that still use manual attendance systems.
Integrating Life Skills Learning and Teaching Support Materials into Teachers’ Teaching Strategies
Authors: Nqabeni Pelokazi , Cishe Elphina Nomabandla
Published: June 2023

This paper investigated the integration of Learning and Teaching Support Materials (LTSM) into teachers’ teaching strategies to mediate teaching and learning in Life Skills Grade 3 Foundation Phase classrooms. The aim was to understand teachers’ teaching strategies integrating LTSMs to mediate teaching and learning. The South African National Policy Guidelines for LTSMs require teachers to be mediators of teaching to improve the quality of results. This paper was informed by Engestrom’s Cultural Historical Activity Theory, whose strength lies in its ability to enable researchers to understand learning as the complex result of tool-mediated interactions. The study used a qualitative methodology with an interpretive perspective. In order to gather and analyse data, semi-structured interviews, structured observation, and documents were used. Three Life Skills teachers were chosen using a purposeful sample process, and they were interviewed and observed in action. Themes that were formed from the subsidiary questions and coded for convenience referencing served as the guide for the data analysis under the guidance of content analysis. Findings revealed that teachers demonstrate a lack of learning and teaching support materials and a lack of professional development to integrate strategies during lesson presentations. The researchers concluded that there is an imperative need for Life Skills teachers to integrate LTSMs in their teaching strategies to guarantee access and support to the delivery of quality education. The authors recommend that the Department of Education should develop and equip Life Skills teachers to integrate LTSMs into their teaching strategies.

Keywords: Learning and teaching support materials, Life Skills, Mediate, Teaching.
Fossil Carychiidae (Eupulmonata, Ellobioidea) from the Lower Pleistocene Nashua Formation of Florida, with the description of a new species
Authors: Jochum Adrienne , Bochud Estée , Haberthür David , Lee Harry G. , Hlushchuk Ruslan , Portell Roger W.
Published: June 2023

Recent fossil shell mining for a new rail line in the Orlando area of Orange County, Florida has uncovered two species of the ellobioid genus Carychium O. F. Müller, 1773 in a bed of freshwater marl from the Lower Pleistocene Nashua Formation. To taxonomically interpret these finds, the well-preserved shells were imaged via high-resolution X-ray tomography (micro-CT) to view significant internal diagnostic characters such as the columellar configuration and the degree of lamellar sinuosity and their relationship in context to the entire shell. The image data are compared to that of type material and extant and fossil Carychium species inhabiting the SE USA, Mexico, Central America, and Jamaica. Based on these results, the species Carychium floridanum G. H. Clapp, 1918 and Carychium nashuaensesp. nov. are identified from fossil shells dating from the Early Pleistocene. This work documents the first fossil members of C. floridanum and the first fossil Carychium from the SE USA.
Trauma Informed Educational Practices: An Educational Innovation for Graduate Nursing Students
Authors: Aktan Nadine , Kwong Jeffrey , Robinson Mamilda , Porter Sallie , Rawlins Latoya , Dorsen Caroline
Published: June 2023

The significance of trauma on the nursing workforce is of utmost importance in graduate nursing education. Competing roles of graduate nursing students, such as the demands of nursing practice and advanced education, can increase vulnerability to trauma and chronic stress. Stressors associated with graduate nursing education can significantly impact student and program outcomes. Incorporating a trauma-informed approach to graduate-level education can be an essential component to support the needs of this student population. Creating and sustaining a trauma-informed academic setting requires awareness, open-mindedness, empathy, and incorporating educational practices that promote healing and mitigate harm. Nurse faculty can play a pivotal role in restructuring curriculum design to include principles of a trauma-informed approach. This article reviews what is known about trauma informed care and considers strategies to apply a trauma-informed framework to graduate nursing education.
7. La représentation des agents économiques dans North and South (1855) d’Elizabeth Gaskell. Quel bonheur au milieu des heurts et des malheurs ?
Authors: Massei-Chamayou Marie-Laure
Published: June 2023

Cet article se propose d’analyser en quoi le bonheur peut consister dans North and South (1855), second roman industriel d’Elizabeth Gaskell, et quelles sont ses conditions (ou non) de possibilité pour les différentes classes sociales en présence. Si Margaret Hale incarne initialement les valeurs et les préjugés de la gentry foncière du Sud de l’Angleterre, elle gagne en agentivité, une fois installée dans le Nord industriel, et découvre à la fois sa force intérieure et une forme de bonheur auprès de la classe ouvrière, malgré les heurts et les malheurs. Devenue riche héritière et propriétaire, elle peut finalement épouser Mr. Thornton et investir dans sa filature, tout en œuvrant à la réconciliation entre le manufacturier et ses employés.
Lettres de Jean Jaurès à Camille Rabaud, pasteur protestant de Castres
Authors: Faury Jean
Published: June 2023

Quatre lettres inédites de Jaurès écrites en 1889 au pasteur protestant de Castres Camille Roubaud présentées par Jean Faury. Sociabilité, recommandation… et déjà intérêt pour la Révolution française.
De l’investissement dans les savoirs à la certification des compétences
Authors: Balas Stéphane
Published: June 2023

Si Pierre Caspar a pensé de manière originale et riche la formation des adultes, que nous reste-t-il de son héritage ? En 2023, la formation est confrontée à des questions inédites, en particulier au changement de repère entre durée de formation et certification qui habille d’un nouveau jour les contradictions entre champ éducatif et champ économique. Ce repère même est aujourd’hui requestionné par l’émergence de nouveaux outils de certification portés par les acteurs du numérique. Comment concilier enjeux de certification des compétences et agilité des dispositifs ?
Travail, formation, numérique : quels formateurs pour quels apprentissages ?
Authors: Gagneur Charles-Antoine
Published: June 2023

Cette contribution part d’une exploration de l’alternative information versus savoirs dans l’usage des outils numériques, et analyse la structure logique des outils numériques les plus habituels et de leur contribution potentielle à la formation pour dégager quelques pistes en vue de penser le travail des acteurs de la formation dans un écosystème numérique en train de mûrir. S’y posent notamment les questions de la conception et de l’usage d’environnements numériques centrés sur la progression de l’expérience plus que sur la découverte de savoirs de référence, mais aussi celle des enjeux de l’accompagnement formatif dans ces nouveaux contextes. Car c’est finalement la question de la prise en compte du travail réel et des particularités des situations dans l’ensemble des processus d’ingénierie et de conduite des formations qui vient poser quelques repères militant pour l’ouverture de nouveaux espaces de créativité pédagogique cohérents avec les principes et les enjeux de la formation professionnelle.
Apprentissage intergénérationnel et communautés de pratique dans un contexte de digitalisation des activités de travail : le cas d’une entreprise publique en mutation
Authors: Garcia Jean-François , Oiry Ewan
Published: June 2023

Cet article analyse la capacité des communautés de pratique à favoriser l’apprentissage intergénérationnel. À partir du cas de SNCF Réseau, cet article montre que, dans un contexte de déploiement des outils digitaux, des communautés de pratique intergénérationnelles permettent de développer un apprentissage multidirectionnel et différencié selon le profil du salarié qui modifie les manières de travailler des employés.
Neuropsychiatric sequelae of medication non-adherence in people living with HIV
Authors: Moreira Debora , Khan Rida , Sales Paulo Marcelo Gondim
Published: June 2023

Non-adherence to anti-retroviral therapy (cART) among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is complex, multifactorial, and leads to increases in viral load, immunosuppression, and HIV burden related to direct CNS virulence and cART re-initiation (i.e., immune reconstitution syndrome). Among behavioral disturbances, which may become long-lasting without proper treatment, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar spectrum disorders are frequent, as well as exacerbation of other premorbid underlying psychiatric conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use and related conditions, not to mention neurocognitive disorders that are encompassed under the umbrella term of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND). In this review, we summarized the neuropsychiatric sequelae of medication non-adherence in PLWHA by utilizing two clinical vignettes to illustrate how syndemic factors may interact and lead to unique presentations.
Transforming and Promoting Reference Services With Digital Technologies
Authors: Wu Miaorun , Lam Apple Hiu Ching , Chiu Dickson K. W.
Published: June 2023

In the current digital environment, academic library databases are growing large enough to meet the needs of most users. However, the increasing availability of information has also led to data overload, with many users unable to find what they need accurately and quickly. In addition, quality reference service is key to user satisfaction in the highly competitive digital environment. However, lack of funds, staffing, and operation complexity have become obstacles for many reference services. Taking Hong Kong Baptist University Library (HKBUL) as the case, this study uses the 5E Instructional Model (engage, explore, explain, elaborate, evaluate) and the AIDAS market communication model (attention, interest, desire, action, satisfaction) to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of existing reference services. Based on the findings, the authors propose how digital technologies (such as mobile, social media, and artificial intelligence) can improve reference, especially transforming toward contactless virtual reference services.
Telecommuting Practices and Trends in the Digital Transformation
Authors: Makori Elisha Ondieki , Mauti Norah Osebe
Published: June 2023

The chapter investigated insights of telecommuting practices and trends in the digital transformation. Critical objectives were to find out thinking priorities behind telecommuting developments, examine disruption technologies and trends to transform and advance virtual teleworking practices, determine sustainable strategies and programme for telecommuting arrangements, and explore lessons learned for future prospects from remote working practices. Teleworking practices have ushered in new phenomenal changes in working life where business opportunities and activities are driven through digital innovations. Frontier and emerging technologies to transform and advance virtual teleworking practices include internet of things, artificial intelligence, cloud, robotics, and blockchains. Strategies and programmes to sustain telecommuting depend upon government policies, management practices, digital infrastructure, job autonomy, as well as training and education.
Public Sector Financial Crime and Corruption
Authors: Gregory Kieran , Grant-Smith Deanna
Published: June 2023

This chapter draws from Australian case studies to explore experiences of, and responses to, financial crime and corruption in public sector organizations. The chapter commences with a discussion of the public sector crime and corruption landscape in Australia before moving on to explore the integrity frameworks that have been established as a bulwark against these activities. Covering criminal and corrupt acts across local, state, and national levels of government, each case study includes a detailed description of the organizational context, key incidents, and history before exploring the responses to and consequences of the criminal or corrupt activity under study. Key findings from each case are identified, compared, and contrasted to understand the enabling factors, commonalities between, responses to, and outcomes. The chapter concludes by distilling transferrable learning across jurisdictions and organizations.
Tools for the Diagnosis of Corruption Symptoms in Government Entities
Authors: Peralta Borray Diego Alejandro , Molina Roa Nelson Andrés , Rodriguez Monica Consuelo , Zapata Sebastian
Published: June 2023

This chapter describes, through a phenomenological analysis, the experiences of a group of 18 selected executives, advisors, and professionals from public organizations in Colombia, who have either participated in or observed corrupt practices up close. The purpose of this analysis is to design a diagnostic tool for identifying characteristics elements that serve as an indicator of corruption risks in public entities. To achieve this goal, in accordance with the phenomenological method, the interviewees were asked to narrate their experiences, which were reduced to eidetic categories using an inductive coding approach. Categories were then organized into a textural narration that exposed the noema. Finally, the results were interpreted by identifying 13 characteristic elements in 4 typical corrupt behaviors. From these, a Likert scale instrument was developed to diagnose symptoms of corruption to be applied in public entities as a complement to the traditional risk assessment systems within the audit and control processes.
Visual Localization for Autonomous eVTOL Based on Semantic Map
Authors:   Zhejiang Lab, Xiang Senwei ,   Yiwu Industrial and Commercial College, Yang Weimin , Wang Ting , Ye Minxiang , Zhang Yifei , Xie Anhuan
Published: June 2023

The emerging concept of urban air mobility (UAM) and advanced air mobility (AAM) has made autonomous electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft a focal point for both academic research and commercial application. Achieving localization without the use of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) is crucial to achieve full autonomy. In this paper, we present our exploration and progress on visual localization for autonomous eVTOL using semantic maps. By extracting semantic features from bottom-view images of the ground, we can create robust representations of flight routes that enable reliable and accurate localization even in dynamic environments. Taking inspiration from high-precision maps used in self-driving cars, we have designed a three-stage method that leverages massive flight data collected by eVTOLs during regular flights. Through on-board mapping and on-cloud merging, we can build up-to-date semantic maps of flight routes, which is further used for onboard localization. Real-world experiments conducted on an eVTOL prototype named ZJ-Copter show the localization accuracy is less than 2 meters over a flight distance of approximately 2.0 kilometers. We believe that our method has the potential to serve as an alternative localization solution for autonomous eVTOLs.
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the lip successfully treated with Rhenium-188 brachytherapy
Authors: Sabbadini Chiara , Patta Federico , Lorenzon Leda , Farsad Mohsen , Nobile Carla
Published: June 2023

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. In most cases, non-invasive SCC has a good prognosis and is curable by surgical resection. Nevertheless, a small percentage of patients pose specific management problems due to the technical difficulty of maintaining function and aesthetics because of the size or location of the tumor. An emerging therapeutic approach with high-dose brachytherapy using a nonsealed Rhenium-188 resin, commercially known as Rhenium-SCT®, has shown to be highly effective in non-invasive carcinoma, up to a thickness of 2-3 mm.
A case of cicatricial alopecia associated with pemphigus: a case report
Authors: D'Astolto Roberto , Zangrando Chiara , Feliciani Claudio
Published: June 2023

Pemphigus is a chronic autoimmune bullous disease, associated with the production of autoantibodies directed against desmosomal proteins, such as desmogleins 1 and 3 (DSG1 and DSG3). Herein we present the case of an 83-year-old woman who referred to us with suspicious cicatricial alopecia of the scalp and a small, eroded lesion of the forehead, previously labeled as atrophic actinic keratosis after a skin biopsy. In our clinic, after a careful examination of the case, we decided to undergo two new skin biopsies of the scalp, in the suspicion of an inflammatory disease.
Programmed intermittent epidural bolus as an ideal method for labor analgesia: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kim Doyeon , Kim Jeayoun , Choo Hyeonju , Choi Duck Hwan
Published: June 2023

Background: Although programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB) is effective for labor analgesia, an appropriate flow rate has not been established. Therefore, we investigated the analgesic effect based on different epidural injection flow rates.Methods: Nulliparous women scheduled for spontaneous labor were enrolled in this randomized trial. After injection of intrathecal 0.2% ropivacaine 3 mg with fentanyl 20 μg, participants were randomized to three study groups. Epidural analgesics, 10 ml during one hour, were administered with patient controlled epidural analgesia as follows (0.2% ropivacaine 60 ml, fentanyl 180 μg, and 0.9% saline 40 ml): continuous (n = 28, 10 ml/h for continuous infusion), PIEB (n = 29, 240 ml/h for bolus infusion of 10 ml), or manual (n = 28, 1200 ml/h for bolus injection of 10 ml). The primary outcome was hourly consumption of the epidural solution. The time interval between labor analgesia and the first breakthrough pain was investigated.Results: The median (Q1, Q3) hourly consumption of epidural anesthetics was significantly different among the groups (continuous: 14.3 [8.7, 16.9] ml, PIEB: 9.4 [6.2, 9.8] ml, manual: 8.6 [7.6, 9.9] ml; P < 0.001). The time to breakthrough pain for the PIEB group was longer than that for the other groups (continuous: 78.5 [35.8, 185.0] min, PIEB: 200.0 [88.5, 441.5] min, manual: 60.5 [37.3, 162.0] min, P = 0.027).Conclusions: PIEB, with a low-flow rate, provided more adequate labor analgesia than a continuous epidural infusion or manual injection with a high-flow rate.
Readiness of Medical Students for Self-Directed Learning under Competency based Medical Education – A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Anusha G , Nagaraj Chitra , Shobhitha D. , Anil R.
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

National Medical Commission (NMC) has introduced Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) for undergraduates (UG) of medical stream in India. Self-directed Learning (SDL) has become a vital part of CBME curriculum, such that NMC mentions some SDL hours can go beyond office hours if required. Therefore, assessing SDL becomes important among the UG medical students (MBBS).

Objectives:

To assess the readiness towards SDL method among the medical students under CBME curriculum and to find out the factors associated with their readiness towards SDL method.

Subjects and Methods:

It was a cross-sectional study conducted among the MBBS students under CBME curriculum studying at PESIMSR, Kuppam. All the 300 students were included with 241 participating in the study. Abridged Fisher’s 29 item SDL readiness scale was used. Data were compiled and analyzed using the SPSS (version 23.0; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results:

Among 241 students, the SDL readiness was found be below average, average and above average in 2%, 66% and 32% respectively. The above average category of SDL readiness was higher (36.07%) among the 1st CBME batch of students than compared to the 2nd batch (27.7%). SDL was found to be statistically significantly associated (P < 0.05) with age, mode of admission, parents’ involvement in the learning process, stress in life and self-confidence of the students.

Conclusion:

The readiness to undergo SDL varies from student to student. Therefore, understanding their readiness is necessary to sensitize them regarding SDL method. By this, the students can achieve the SDL-based competencies in a better way.
Decision-making in Herpes Simplex viral keratitis grafts
Authors: Natarajan Radhika , Mohan Madhuvanthi
Published: June 2023

Background:

Keratoplasty after healed herpes simplex viral keratitis is a challenge due to problems arising preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively.

Purpose:

In this video, we describe the necessary challenges and the steps, which can be taken to prevent and manage those cases of healed herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis that would require a keratoplasty.

Synopsis:

The video talks about both the typical and atypical features of HSV keratitis, clinical examination, the scenarios which would require a keratoplasty, problems arising intraoperatively and how to manage them, and finally how to approach these high-risk grafts postoperatively.

Highlights:

Our video highlights the diagnosis of HSV keratitis, which cases are ready for surgery, and preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative considerations before corneal transplantation in healed HSV keratitis. Decision-making before corneal transplant in HSV grafts can become more structured if these points are followed.

Video Link:
https://youtu.be/xMT7Ki8vuc4

Key words: HSV, keratitis, keratoplasty
Incremental innovations in operation theaters
Authors: Tagare Shivraj , Nair Megha , Venkatesh R
Published: June 2023

Background:

The field of ophthalmology has been built upon continuous innovations. COVID-19 pandemic has been an important driving force behind many innovations in ophthalmology and other branches of medicine. Innovations in ophthalmology has been a key to surgical progress. The process of promoting innovation in surgery is imperative in the evolving practice of ophthalmology.

Purpose:

In this video we demonstrate some incremental innovations in operation theaters which help in increasing the efficiency and improving the performance of a surgeon. These innovations also provide a more comfortable environment for the patient undergoing the surgery.

Synopsis:

A few incremental innovations that are described in our video also help in preventing the spread of COVID infection during surgery. This video also showcases a few wet lab innovations that help train residents in their surgical skills.

Highlights:

Use and reuse of simple materials make it cost effective and ecofriendly. These incremental innovations help in the smooth running of operation theaters. Thus, they are small improvements in the existing setup and help in creating a smooth and error free OT flow.

Video Link:
https://youtu.be/thFLvC-XykE

Key words: Cataract surgery, COVID pandemic, innovation, operation theatre
Nanocarriers for ocular drug delivery: Recent advances and future opportunities
Authors: Amrutkar Chetan S , Patil Sanjay B
Published: June 2023

Topical route of administration is very important and the most commonly used method of drug delivery for treatment of ocular diseases. However, due to unique anatomical and physiological barriers of eye, it is difficult to achieve the therapeutic concentration in the targeted tissue within the eye. To overcome the effect of these barriers in absorption and to provide targeted and sustained drug delivery, various advances have been made in developing safe and efficient drug delivery systems. Various formulation strategies for ocular drug delivery are used, like basic formulation techniques for improving availability of drugs, viscosity enhancers, and use of mucoadhesives for drug retention and penetration enhancers to promote drug transport to the eye. In this review, we present a summary of the current literature to understand the anatomical and physiological limitations in achieving adequate ocular bioavailability and targeted drug delivery of topically applied drugs and use of new techniques in formulating dosage forms in overcoming these limitations. The recent and future advances in nanocarrier-mediated drug delivery may have the potential to provide patient-friendly and noninvasive techniques for the treatment of diseases related to the anterior and posterior segments of the eye.
Age-related variations in corneal stress-strain index in the Indian population
Authors: Kenia Vaishal P , Kenia Raj V , Pirdankar Onkar H , Bendre Pradnya
Published: June 2023

Purpose:

To report age-related variations in corneal stress–strain index (SSI) in healthy Indians.

Methods:

It was a retrospective study where healthy Indian individuals aged between 11 and 70 years who had undergone corneal biomechanics assessment using Corvis ST between January 2017 and December 2021 were enrolled. Composite corneal biomechanical parameters and corneal SSI were abstracted from Corvis ST and compared across different age groups using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Also, Pearson’s correlation was used to evaluate the association between age and SSI.

Results:

Nine hundred and thirty-six eyes of 936 patients with ages between 11 and 77 years with mean ± SD intraocular pressure (IOP) and pachymetry of 16.52 ± 2.10 mmHg and 541.13 ± 26.39 μs, respectively. Composite corneal biomechanical parameters such as deformation amplitude ratio max at 1 mm (P< 0.001) and 2 mm (P< 0.001), biomechanically corrected IOP (P= 0.004), stiffness parameter at A1 (P< 0.001, Corvis biomechanical index (P< 0.018), and SSI (P< 0.001) were found to be significantly different as a function of age group. We noted a statistically significant positive association of SSI with age (P< 0.001), spherical equivalent refractive error (P< 0.001), and IOP (P< 0.001) and a significant negative association with anterior corneal astigmatism (P< 0.001) and Anterior chamber depth (ACD) (P< 0.001). Also, SSI was positively associated with SPA1 and bIOP, whereas negatively associated with integrated radius, max inverse radius, and Max Deformation amplitude (DA) ratio at 1 mm and 2 mm.

Conclusion:

We noted a positive association of corneal SSI with age in normal healthy Indian eyes. This information could be helpful for future corneal biomechanical research.
Association of sunlight exposure with visual impairment in an Indian fishing community
Authors: Puthran Shwetha V , Biswas Sayantan , Karthikeyan Siddharth K , Thomas Jyothi
Published: June 2023

Purpose:

Indian fishermen belong to a marginalized population and are continuously exposed to extreme occupational hazards and sunlight. A high prevalence of visual impairment (VI) is reported in the coastal fishing community. We aimed to investigate the association between VI and sunlight exposure measurement (SEM).

Methods:

In this cross-sectional observational study, 270 eyes of 135 participants were enrolled from a coastal fishing village. Participants underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, which included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and anterior and posterior segment examination. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and SEM questionnaire were administered to estimate the level of dry eye and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) exposure, respectively. VI was defined as presenting visual acuity worse than 6/12 (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR] > 0.3).

Results:

The mean age and spherical equivalent were 50.56 ± 11.72 years (range: 18–80 years) and 0.36 ± 1.68 diopters (D) (range: -7.0 to +3.0 D), respectively. Age, SEM, OSDI, fishing as an occupation, and cataract were significantly associated with higher odds of VI in univariate analysis. Refraction, gender, education level, smoking status, amblyopia, systematic, and other ocular diseases were not significantly associated with VI. In the multivariate analysis, age, SEM, and presence of cataract remained significantly associated with a higher risk for VI. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values for age and SEM scores demonstrate a fair index of discrimination for the detection of VI.

Conclusion:

SEM level is directly associated with a higher risk of VI among fishermen. The fishing community might benefit from regular eye examinations and awareness about the harmful effects of sunlight exposure and preventive measures.
Surgical management for treatment-resistant cases of inflammatory exudative retinal detachment: Mission impossible?
Authors: Ratra Dhanashree , Pradhana Divya , Dutta Majumder Parthopratim
Published: June 2023

Purpose:

To report the outcome of surgical intervention for inflammatory, exudative retinal detachment (ERD).

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of eyes with ERD that underwent vitrectomy.

Results:

Twelve eyes (10 patients) with ERD, non-responsive to medical therapy, underwent vitrectomy. The mean age was 35.7 ± 17.7 years. Five eyes (42%) had Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease, three (25%) had presumed tuberculosis (TB), two (17%) pars planitis, and one (8%) had sympathetic ophthalmia. The mean time of vitrectomy was 6.76 ± 4.1 months after onset. Six (50%) eyes had a recurrence, two settled with medical treatment, and four underwent re-surgery. The mean follow-up was 2.7 years. At the last visit, 10 (83.3%) eyes had attached retina; the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) had reduced to 1.6 ± 0.7 logarithms of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) from 1.3 ± 0.7 at baseline.

Conclusion:

Vitrectomy in ERD can act as an adjuvant to conventional medical therapy and help maintain structural integrity. Early vitrectomy may help preserve visual function.
Evaluating peripheral blood inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers as predictors in diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema
Authors: Bhutia Chewang U , Kaur Prempal , Singh Karamjit , Kaur Sukhraj
Published: June 2023

Purpose:

To determine the correlation between serum inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers of patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME).

Methods:

Serum samples were obtained from 100 diabetic patients. Patients were divided into three groups: group 1 (patients with no DR, n = 27), group 2 (DR with DME, n = 34), and group 3 (DR without DME, n = 39). Serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by quantitative turbidimetric immunoassay and sandwich chemiluminescence immunoassay, respectively. Metabolic parameters such as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG), serum creatinine, and blood urea were determined by automated analyzer om-360 after standardization.

Results:

The levels of IL-6 and CRP differed significantly in patients with DR and without DR (P < 0.001 and P = 0.045, respectively). We also found a positive correlation between IL-6 and CRP with the severity of DR. When DR patients with DME were compared to patients without DME, only IL-6 was observed to be significantly elevated (P < 0.001). None of the metabolic markers correlated significantly with DR and DME.

Conclusion:

Significantly raised levels of serum inflammatory biomarkers can be used to elucidate the significant role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of DR. Therefore, circulating biomarkers can serve as diagnostic and therapeutic predictors for monitoring the onset and progression of DR and DME.
The Correlation between Dose Homogeneity Index and Target Volume in Intracavitary Brachytherapy Treatment Plans of Cervical Cancer Patients
Authors: Kaur Gurpreet , Dangwal Vinod Kumar , Gaur Garima , Grover Romikant , Kang Manraj Singh , Sheetal  , Singh Simrandeep , Garg Pardeep
Published: June 2023

Aim:

The aim is to calculate and correlate dose homogeneity index (DHI) with the target volume of intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT) plans for cervical cancer patients.

Introduction:

In the case of brachytherapy, the dose distribution is heterogeneous as a very high radiation dose gradient is there in the vicinity of the radiation source. To assess the treatment plans, one of the objective tools is DHI which can give a choice for making a favorable plan with maximum homogeneous coverage of tumor and protects normal tissues at the same time. In this study, DHI was calculated and correlated with clinical target volume.

Materials and Methods:

Forty-five treatment plans of ICBT of cervical cancer patients were generated. DHI was calculated for all these treatment plans. These treatment plans were divided into six groups according to the volume of clinical targets, and data were analyzed to find out the correlation between DHI and clinical target volume.

Results:

The minimum, maximum, and mean values of DHI for all the treatment plans were 0.0045, 0.4998, and 0.2389, respectively. The minimum and maximum values of DHI was seen for clinical target volume of 19.99 cc and 37.32 cc, respectively. The volume of the clinical target varied from 15.41 cc to 44.32 cc, with an average value of 30.5 cc.

Discussion:

The lowest value of DHI was seen in the group having the lowest clinical target volume and the highest DHI was seen in the group having the largest clinical target volume. These observations suggest that homogeneity was worsening as the volume of tumor increases.

Conclusion:

DHI may be a good indicator to assess the quality of treatment plan during the planning.
Predictive Value of Cervical Length Measurement on Transvaginal Ultrasonography in Determination of Preterm Delivery in a Nigerian South Western Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Olaniyan Voke Regina , Akinmoladun Janet Adetinuke , Aina Ifeoluwasemilojo , Adeyinka Abiodun O
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

There has been an upsurge in the prevalence of preterm delivery globally and short cervix has been strongly associated with it. However, studies have shown that when it is detected early in mid-second trimester, preventive measures could be taken to forestall pregnancy loss.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective cohort study was conducted among pregnant women who presented for mid-trimester anomaly ultrasound scan between 18 and 24 weeks at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. The cervical length was measured with ultrasound machine through the transvaginal route and the patients were subsequently followed up till delivery.

Results:

One hundred and seventy-seven pregnant women with an age range between 21 and 44 years were recruited for the study. The incidence rate of mid-pregnancy short cervical length among the patients was 7.9%. The preterm delivery rate was 14.1%, and the association between it and short cervical length was statistically significant. The positive predictive value for preterm delivery when the <2.5 cm cervical length cut-off was used was 44%, the negative predictive value was 97.3%.

Conclusion:

The incidence of preterm delivery due to ultrasonographically detected short cervical length was significant among the women attending antenatal clinic in UCH, and there was a significant association with some of the risk factors such as previous preterm delivery and previous preterm premature rupture of membranes.
An Optimized Clustering Approach using Tree Seed Algorithm for the Brain MRI Images Segmentation
Authors: Boumediene ghaouti Ghazi , Meftah Boudjelal
Published: June 2023

Clustering algorithms are widely used to segment medical images. However, these techniques are difficult to perform, especially in brain magnetic resonance images (MRI), given the complexity of the anatomical structure of brain tissue, the in-homogeneity of pixel intensity in these images, and partial volume and noise effects. This will cause the algorithm to fall into the local minima problem; for this reason, it is recommended to improve such clustering algorithms using optimization techniques to obtain better results. In this study, we have proposed a developed clustering algorithm and we optimized it using a tree seed algorithm (TSA) to segment brain MRI image. Algorithms are tested on real brain image datasets. The experimental results on simulated and real brain MRI datasets show that our proposed method has satisfactory results regarding the Davies-Bouldin index (DBI) compared to the fuzzy c-mean (FCM) algorithm.
Automated Vehicles and Infrastructure Enablers:
Connectivity
Authors: Coyner Kelley , Bittner Jason
Published: June 2023

Do connected vehicle (CV) technologies encourage or dampen progress toward
widespread deployment of automated vehicles? Would digital infrastructure
components be a better investment for safety, mobility, and the environment? Can
CVs, coupled with smart infrastructure, provide an effective pathway to further
automation? Highly automated vehicles are being developed (albeit slower than
predicted) alongside varied, disruptive connected vehicle technology.

Automated Vehicles and Infrastructure Enablers: Connectivity looks at
the status of CV technology, examines the concerns of automated driving system
(ADS) developers and infrastructure owners and operators (IOOs) in relying on
connected infrastructure, and assesses lessons learned from the growth of CV
applications and improved vehicle-based technology. IOOs and ADS developers
agree that cost, communications, interoperability, cybersecurity, operation,
maintenance, and other issues undercut efforts to deploy a comprehensive
connected infrastructure.

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PWM HVAC Blower Controller and BLDC Motor Controller Efficiency Assessment
Authors:   Interior Climate Control MAC Supplier Committee
Published: June 2023

The intention of this standard is to establish a framework to measure the efficiency of PWM HVAC Blower Controllers and Brushless DC Motor Controllers and define a usage based overall efficiency. This result can then be used by vehicle OEMs to demonstrate compliance towards requirements or benchmarks established by regulatory agencies.
DESIGN OF THE INVENTORY APPLICATION OF CV DIVA KARYA MANDIRI USING RAD (RAPID APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT)
Authors: Sadiah Halimah Tus , Ishlah Muhamad Saad Nurul
Published: June 2023

CV. Diva Karya Mandiri is a CV that is engaged in the production of shoes and sandals for both women and men. In the CV, there are approximately 390 kinds of products, of which 1 product produces more than 10,000 products. There is a large number of production of shoes or sandals so that the number of products that have been produced, the number of products sold and the number of sandals and shoes stored in the warehouse cannot be controlled. At a time when product demand is high, it turns out that the number of products in the warehouse does not match the amount. This study aims to build an inventory application on the Diva Karya Mandiri. The method used in this research is the RAD method which consists of 4 stages: Planning Requirements, User Design, Construction, and Cutover. This study succeeded in building an inventory application that has 11 main menus, namely the dashboard menu which contains a summary of information on goods and user data, goods data menu, supplier menu, incoming goods menu, outgoing goods menu, lending menu, user menu, goods report menu, menu logout, account menu, logout menu. Out of the 11 menus, there are 49 inputs functions tested. The test results show that the average value of the percentage of black box testing using the boundary value analysis method is 95.92%.
The Ethnomathematical Concept of Sundanese Local Wisdom through Building Space for the Earth Alit Kabuyutan West Java Site as the Development of Mathematics Learning Media
Authors: Marlina Emas , Azis Fadli
Published: June 2023

This research is motivated by the preservation of Sundanese culture in West Java which must be instilled in students through learning mathematics and students' mathematical understanding abilities. Based on this problem, an ethnomathematical-oriented learning media device for Sundanese local wisdom was developed through the spatial construction of the Bumi Alit Kabuyutan Site. The purpose of this study was to find out what types of buildings can be used as learning media for mathematics in Geometri and produce valid, practical, and effective mathematics learning media tools for the preservation of Sundanese culture as well as students' mathematical understanding abilities. The research method used is a mixed, namely the Plomp development method and the experimental method. The subjects in this study were class VIII Junior High School Bakti Nusantara in Bandung, West Java, with the sample consisting of 3 classes, namely the limited trial class, the control class, and the experimental class. The research instruments used include validation sheets, student activity observation sheets, implementation sheets of learning media devices, and student response questionnaires, and data collection techniques used include observation, interviews, and questionnaires. The ability of students' mathematical understanding of the geometrical material was measured using a student's mathematical understanding ability test. Data were analyzed by normality, homogeneity, and One Way ANOVA using SPSS. The results showed that (1) the resulting learning tools were valid, practical and effective, (2) the results of the One Way ANOVA test obtained a p-value 0.003 (sig < 0.05) value which indicates that the implementation of the developed learning tools has a significant effect. significant to the preservation of Sundanese culture and the ability of students' mathematical understanding.
The Character Education Based on Local Wisdom with Flipbook Assisted Digital Literacy Media in Online Learning
Authors: Andriani Rina , Marlina Emas , Rahayu Nenden Sri
Published: June 2023

Attitudes and behaviors that are in accordance with the noble values of Pancasila are preserved by character education based on local wisdom. The character education program begins with providing knowledge of local wisdom values, exemplary, providing motivation, habituation and enforcement of rules. The aims of this study are to design, create and implement local wisdom-based character education by using flipbook-assisted digital literacy as learning media in online learning. The research method was carried out in three steps: initial, core and final stages. The study was conducted at SMPN 1 Arjasari class VII-D consisting of 30 students. The results show that the students have a high interest and curiosity towards the material presented in the learning activities. Furthermore, the students’ responses regarding the use of digital literacy media are 98% of them enjoy learning with the use of flipbook-assisted digital literacy media and 3% do not. In terms of the content in the material presented in the flipbook, 90% of them were very satisfied, 5% said they were satisfied and 5% were not satisfied. To conclude, the character education based on local wisdom with digital literacy media assisted by flipbooks is appropriate to be used during online learning, the characters that emerge from the learning process are curiosity, high motivation, obedient, discipline and care of the local culture.
SPATIAL CLUSTERING-BASED GAS STATION LOCATION DETERMINATION
Authors: Rahardian Ayasda , Tosida Eneng Tita , Kurnia Ema , Mahdin Hairulnizam
Published: June 2023

The absence of gas stations built in Cibeber Subdistrict is not balanced with the high level of transportation use for ease of mobility among residents. The purpose of this research is to cluster data using K-Means clustering and spatial modeling to provide a potential location for the construction of gas stations in Cibeber District. Based on the research process that has been carried out using RStudio, the potential villages for the construction of gas stations consist of four villages, namely Cikotok, Cibeber, Neglasari, and Wanasari. As for the results of spatial modeling, Cibeber District has a total of 862 potential location points, and within the scope of potential villages, namely four villages, there are 233 potential location points. Then, after being processed with weighted products for optimization and getting the best location results, 3 potential locations were obtained, namely Tegalumbu Village located in Wanasari Village, Nagrak Village located in Cikotok Village, and Cinangga Village located in Cibeber Village.
Differences between the service in the national police and military service of law and order
Authors: Ivanytsia Andrii , Yunin Oleksandr , Fomenko Andrii , Loshytskyi Mykhailo , Shevchenko Serhii
Published: June 2023

By combining the dialectical and systemic structural method, the purpose of the article was to determine the peculiarities in the differences between the service in the National Police of Ukraine and the Military Public Order Service. As for their practical significance, there are three main types of service: civilian, militarized and specialized. It is shown that the service of the National Police of Ukraine, like the Military Public Order Service, is a militarized state service, but the Military Public Order Service is purely military and the service of the National Police of Ukraine is "paramilitary"; although both institutions perform relatively similar law enforcement functions and tasks. The research assessed the international experience of police and military institutions. It is concluded that, among the ways to improve the current administrative and legal support for the regulation of social relations in the sphere of law enforcement service and, order in the army, in the territories where war hostilities are actively developing, the institute of civilian service should be realized on the issue of differentiation of types of service, namely: the division into civilian and militarized.
Corrosion Inhibition Properties of Lawsone Derivatives againts Mild Steel: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Hadisaputra Saprizal , Savalas Lalu Rudyat Telly
Published: June 2023

Theoretical studies have been carried out using DFT, ab initio MP2 and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations of corrosion inhibitors from lawsone derivatives against carbon steel. The research focuses on studying the effect of substituent groups in the lawsone structure on the efficiency of corrosion inhibition in mild steel. Quantum chemical parameters of lawstone inhibitors in neutral and protonated conditions have been calculated. Fukui’s function analysis predicts that the active side of the inhibitor will be adsorbed on the mild steel surface. MC simulation is used to understand the adsorption patterns of lawsone compounds on metal surfaces. The organic inhibitor L-NH2 has better performance as a corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in neutral or protonated conditions.